Reduced Disease Severity Research Articles

Novel Magnesium-Copper Hybrid Nanomaterials for Management of Bacterial Spot of Tomato.

Bacterial spot of tomato (BST), predominantly caused by Xanthomonas perforans (Xp) in Florida, is one of the most devastating diseases in hot, humid environments. Bacterial resistance to copper-based bactericides and antibiotics makes disease management extremely challenging. This necessitates alternative new solutions to manage the disease. In this study, we used two novel hybrid copper and magnesium nanomaterials, noted as magnesium double-coated (Mg-Db) and magnesium-copper (Mg-Cu), to manage BST. In in vitro experiments, no viable cells were recovered following 4 h of exposure to 500 μg/ml of both Mg-Db and Mg-Cu, while 100 and 200 μg/ml required 24 h of exposure for complete inhibition. In a viability assay using the live/dead cell straining method and epifluorescence microscopy, copper-tolerant Xp cells were killed within 4 h by both Mg-Cu and Mg-Db nanomaterials at 500 μg/ml but not by copper hydroxide (Kocide 3000). In the greenhouse, Mg-Db and Mg-Cu at 100 to 500 μg/ml significantly reduced BST severity compared with micron-sized commercial copper bactericide Kocide 3000 and the growers' standard (copper hydroxide + mancozeb) (P < 0.05). In field studies, Mg-Db and Mg-Cu nanomaterials significantly reduced disease severity in two out four field trials. Mg-Db at 500 μg/ml reduced BST severity by 34% compared with the nontreated control without affecting yield in fall, 2020. The use of hybrid nanomaterials at the highest concentrations (500 μg/ml) evaluated in the field experiments can reduce copper use by 90% compared with the growers' standard. In addition, there was no phytotoxicity observed with the use of hybrid nanomaterials in the field. These results suggest the potential of novel magnesium-copper-based hybrid nanomaterials to manage copper-tolerant bacterial pathogens.

Divergence of variant antibodies following SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccines in myeloma and impact of hybrid immunity

Hematological malignancies are associated with an increased risk of complications during SARS-CoV-2 infections. Primary series or monovalent booster vaccines reduce disease severity, hospitalization, and death among multiple myeloma patients. We characterized virus-neutralizing and spike-binding antibody profiles following monovalent (WA1) or bivalent (WA1/BA.5) SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination in MM patients. Bivalent vaccination improved the breadth of binding antibodies but not neutralization activity against contemporary variants. Hybrid immunity and immune imprinting impact vaccine-elicited immunity.

Preliminary Insights into Sustainable Control of Solanum lycopersicum Early Blight: Harnessing Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Reducing Fungicide Dose

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production is constantly threatened by several fungal pathogens, such as Alternaria solani, the causal agent of early blight disease. In this study, a greenhouse experiment was set up to evaluate the biocontrol ability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) against A. solani in the presence of reduced doses of fungicides (i.e., captan and copper oxychloride). Disease severity, plant growth traits, chlorophyll and phosphorus content, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity were assessed. The effects of fungicide dose on AMF were investigated by root colonization, spore density, and mycorrhizal dependence evaluation. AMF-inoculated and fungicide-treated plants reduced disease severity compared to fungicide-treated and non-mycorrhizal plants, in most cases, regardless of the fungicide dose. AMF improved plant growth, especially when combined with copper oxychloride. However, plant fresh weight decreased in plants treated with the lowest dose of captan (25 g 100 L−1). Overall, AMF colonization decreased in plants with high fungicide doses, while the leaf color parameters did not show differences between treatments. The results suggest reducing the fungicide dose using AMF is possible, particularly for copper oxychloride. Further studies will be required to confirm these data. This integrated approach could offer a sustainable alternative to decrease the use of chemical control.

808nm diode laser in the treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: a retrospective study.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease characterized by painful lesions such as nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts, primarily affecting intertriginous areas. Traditional treatments range from antibiotics and hormonal therapies to biologics and surgical options. Recently, lasers and light-based treatments has gained attention as a non-systemic treatment for HS, targeting hair follicles to potentially alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. This study evaluated the efficacy of 808nm Diode laser therapy in managing HS by retrospectively reviewing data from 16 patients (13 men, 3 women) aged 23-61 who underwent between two and four sessions. Patients had not received systemic treatment in the three months preceding or during the therapy. Key outcome measures included the Modified Hidradenitis Suppurativa Score (MHSS), Hidradenitis Suppurativa Physician's Global Assessment (HS-PGA), Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results indicated a significant reduction in MHSS from a median of 20.0 before treatment to 9.0 at six months (p = 0.001). The HS-PGA score also significantly decreased from a median of 3.0 to 2.0 (p = 0.012). Of the 10 patients evaluated for HiSCR, 8 showed a positive response. DLQI scores improved from a median of 4.5 to 1.0 (p = 0.002). The treatment was well-tolerated, with only mild pain reported and no severe adverse effects. In conclusion, 808nm Diode laser therapy appears to be an effective modality for reducing disease severity and enhancing quality of life in HS patients, likely due to its anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that Diode laser therapy could be a valuable addition to current HS management strategies, with further research needed to explore its long-term efficacy.

Selenium, Immunity, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Dietary intervention is a subject of growing interest in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as new incident cases across the globe are rapidly rising, suggesting environmental factors as contributing elements. Dietary components and micronutrients have been associated with IBD pathogenesis or reductions in disease severity. Selenium, a diet-derived essential micronutrient that is important for proper immune system function, has received limited attention in the context of IBD. Selenium deficiency is a common finding in patients with IBD, but few clinical trials have been published to address the consequences of this deficiency. Here, we review the physiological and immunological roles of selenium and its putative role in IBD, and draw attention to knowledge gaps and unresolved issues, with the goal of stimulating more research on selenium in IBD.

Potential of Small Molecules Piperidine and Pyrrolidine Against Copper-Resistant Xanthomonas perforans, Causal Agent of Bacterial Spot of Tomato.

Bacterial spot of tomato (BST), caused by Xanthomonas perforans, is an economically important disease of tomatoes in Florida. Due to the heavy reliance on copper-based bactericides for control of BST, copper-resistant strains of X. perforans are widely distributed in Florida, leading to reduced efficacy of copper-based bactericides for disease control. There is a need for alternative chemical control strategies to effectively manage this disease in tomato production. In this study, two small molecules, piperidine and pyrrolidine, were evaluated for their efficacy against the copper-resistant X. perforans strain GEV 485 in laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments. In in vitro experiments, piperidine and pyrrolidine at concentrations as low as 2 mg/L and 16 mg/L, respectively, significantly (P<0.001) reduced bacterial populations within 4 h of incubation compared to the untreated control, while Kocide 3000, the grower copper-based bactericide standard, at 0.9 g/L and 2.1 g/L (full label rate) did not significantly reduce bacterial populations. When tested as foliar sprays in the greenhouse, pyrrolidine at 128 mg/L significantly (P <0.001) reduced disease severity compared to the untreated control, with an equivalent efficacy to Kocide 3000 (copper hydroxide at 2.1 g/L). Kocide 3000 at 1.0 g/L, in combination with piperidine at 64 mg/L and pyrrolidine at 64 and 128 mg/L significantly improved the efficacy in disease control compared to untreated controls and Kocide 3000 at 1.0 g/L alone. In field trials, both small molecules demonstrated equivalent or superior efficacy to ManKocide (copper hydroxide + mancozeb) against X. perforans compared to the untreated control. This study demonstrated for the first time the potential of piperidine and pyrrolidine for controlling bacterial spot of tomato.

The results of vaccination against novel coronavirus infection in adolescents with allergic diseases

Novel coronavirus infection requires analyzing its course in patients with allergic diseases. Patients with atopic allergic diseases remain insufficiently studied with regard to the peculiarities of the course of both the underlying allergic disease and infectious processes caused by viruses and bacteria. Epithelial cells in bronchial asthma do not respond sufficiently to interferons, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection may suppress spontaneous upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme expression, which ultimately reduces disease severity, but at the same time makes patients with allergic atopic diseases susceptible to other viral infections. The results obtained indicate statistically significant differences in the formation of anti-RBD IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 between the group of adolescents with bronchial asthma vaccinated against a new coronavirus infection and those not vaccinated against it. During the follow-up period after 6 months, a statistically significant increase in anti-RBD IgG titer to SARS-CoV-2 due to novel coronavirus infection was observed among the unimmunized children. Clinical parameters indicated a favorable course of atopic process and control of bronchial asthma exacerbations in adolescents who received vaccination against both new coronavirus infection and influenza, while those who did not receive vaccination against these viral infections had bronchial asthma exacerbations due to respiratory infection. Also among patients with bronchial asthma who received influenza vaccination, there were no cases of influenza A and bronchial asthma exacerbations due to respiratory infections. In this regard, influenza vaccination is an important intervention to maintain control of asthma exacerbations. It is noteworthy that no new coronavirus infection was reported among vaccinated adolescents within a year after immunization. At the same time, 6 months after vaccination against a new coronavirus infection, we observed a statistically significant increase in antibody levels in unvaccinated adolescents, indicating the presence of high viral neutralizing activity. Vaccination against novel coronavirus infection in patients with bronchial asthma may be considered a possibility.

Synergy between bio-control agents to trigger the defensive responses against Rhizoctonia root rot and enhance the growth, yield, and physiological and anatomical traits of pea plants

AbstractRhizoctonia solani (Rs) is the fungus that causes the primary and deadly disease that attacks pea plants throughout the cool growing season. It causes seed rot, damping off, and pea root rot diseases. The current study used arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; Rhizoglomus clarum, Gigaspora margarita, Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mosseae (AMF), Pseudomonas fluorescens HE21 (Pf), and Trichoderma harzianum HL9 (TH) singly or in combination to suppress Rhizoctonia root rot of pea in a greenhouse. Using the in vitro dual culture assay, TH and Pf inhibited the radial growth of the Rs by 73.3 and 60.0%, respectively. The results of greenhouse experiments showed that all treatments significantly decreased the percentages of pre- and post-emergence damping while significantly increasing the number of surviving plants, particularly in the dual and triple combination treatments. Furthermore, all treatments improved yield and seed quality in addition to plant growth, total phenol content and antioxidant enzyme activity. There were also noted modifications to the treated plants’ anatomical, physiological, and distinctive features. The synergistic triple treatment consisting of M, TH, and Pf achieved the maximum reduction of disease severity (78.5%) compared to the untreated control treatment. As a result of the synergistic triple treatment due to their effectiveness and eco-safety, we recommend using the synergistic triple by M + Pf + TH to manage the root rot disease in peas caused by Rs and to enhance the crop’s growth, yield, and seed quality.

Detection of novel pathogenic variants of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae in California

AbstractFusarium wilt, caused by the soilborne fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae (FOL), is an economically important disease of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) throughout the world. Four pathogenic races of FOL are reported, though only race 1 is known to exist in the United States. Recently, Californian lettuce growers have expressed increasing concern about Fusarium wilt, as some race 1‐resistant cultivars have exhibited susceptibility, and some susceptible cultivars have displayed reduced disease severity. To determine whether such changes in disease patterns are responses to potentially novel variants, we collected infected plants from commercial fields in the Salinas Valley and Santa Maria regions, isolated the fungus, and conducted a series of pathogenicity tests using a set of FOL race differential cultivars over 2 years (2022 and 2023) in controlled conditions. Pathogenicity tests revealed two new FOL variants that elicited novel disease reaction patterns on the set of differential cultivars that have not been previously described. Isolates Fol621 and Fol621s were less aggressive on race 1‐susceptible Banchu Red Fire, designated Variant‐1. Isolate VSP‐0916 incited severe Fusarium wilt on race 1‐resistant Costa Rica No. 4, designated Variant‐2. Moreover, VSP‐0916 exhibited high aggressiveness and the ability to induce disease in other race 1‐resistant cultivars. This study is the first documentation, to our knowledge, of the occurrence of FOL‐inciting Fusarium wilt on race 1‐resistant lettuce in the United States. Our work provides valuable information critical for the development of Fusarium wilt management strategies, including broad‐spectrum resistance breeding efforts against multiple FOL races.

Secukinumab efficacy in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa assessed by the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4): A post hoc analysis of the SUNSHINE and SUNRISE trials.

The International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4) is a validated tool that measures inflammatory lesions, including draining tunnels, in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). To evaluate secukinumab efficacy using IHS4 in patients with moderate to severe HS. Data from the SUNSHINE and SUNRISE trials, which assessed subcutaneous secukinumab 300 mg every 2 (SECQ2W) and 4 (SECQ4W) weeks in adults with moderate to severe HS, were analyzed. Assessments included changes from baseline in IHS4 and severity classification up to Week 52; IHS4-55, IHS4-75, IHS4-90 responses (55%, 75% and 90% reduction in IHS4) and concordance between IHS4-55 and HS clinical response (HiSCR), at Weeks 16 and 52. In total, 1084 patients (SECQ2W = 361; SECQ4W = 360; placebo = 363) were analyzed. At Week 16, SECQ2W and SECQ4W demonstrated a numerically higher reduction in IHS4 from baseline versus placebo (adjusted mean [95% CI]: -10.80 [-12.30 to -9.30] and -9.46 [-10.96 to -7.96] vs. -4.92 [-6.43 to -3.41]); the reduction was maintained until Week 52 in both dose regimens. A greater proportion of patients achieved IHS4-55 with SECQ2W (43.4%) and SECQ4W (39.5%) versus placebo (31.5%) at Week 16, with further improvement at Week 52. Similar trends were observed for IHS4-75 and IHS4-90 responses. While no patients had mild disease based on IHS4 (80.7% had severe and 19.3% had moderate HS) at baseline, a greater proportion of patients were categorized as having mild disease at Week 16 in the SECQ2W (25.9%) and SECQ4W (24.0%) groups versus placebo (16.4%); this trend continued up to Week 52 in both dose regimens. Strong concordance (>85%) was observed between IHS4-55 and HiSCR. Both SECQ2W and SECQ4W demonstrated efficacy in improving treatment response as measured by IHS4 and reducing disease severity versus placebo at Week 16 and these improvements were sustained through Week 52. These findings support that the dynamic and dichotomous IHS4 can efficiently detect treatment response changes in clinical trial settings.

Chitosan, Methyl Jasmonate, and Silicon Induce Resistance to Angular Leaf Spot in Common Bean, Caused by Pseudocercospora griseola, with Expression of Defense-Related Genes and Enzyme Activities

This study assessed the efficacy of chitosan, methyl jasmonate, and silicon in the reduction of disease severity and the induction of defense responses in common bean plants against angular leaf spot caused by Pseudocercospora griseola. The expression level of several pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, PR1, PR2 (β-1,3-glucanase), and PR3 (chitinase), and defense-related enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, peroxidase, and lipoxygenase, was analyzed at different time points in common bean plants after different treatments. Elicitor treatments significantly reduced disease severity 21 days after inoculation, with silicon at a 2 mM concentration proving most effective with 38.93% disease control, followed by 1 mM MeJA and 2% chitosan, respectively. Treatments with chitosan, methyl jasmonate, and silicon, regardless of pathogen infection, significantly elevated PR1, PR2, and PR3 gene expressions at 48 h after inoculation (hpi). PAL and POD activities were similarly increased following elicitor treatments and pathogen infection, especially at 48 hpi. Chemical elicitors applied post-inoculation induced PR proteins, PAL, and POD enzyme activities at 48 hpi, while LOX activity exhibited a variable fluctuation with treatments. These findings suggested that chemical elicitors, especially silicon, were effective in reducing ALS disease severity in common beans, with improved resistance associated with the expression of pathogen-responsive genes. This study is the first to analyze the expression profiles of defense-related genes in common beans treated with chemical elicitors prior to P. griseola infection.

Dimethyl trisulfide reduces postharvest anthracnose and enhances mango quality, and a potential molecular mechanism against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Mango anthracnose, mainly caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, is the major destructive postharvest disease of mango during storage and transport. Dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), an organic volatile found in some microorganisms or plants, inhibited growth of C. gloeosporioides in vitro, but its effects on mango anthracnose and its molecular mechanisms of action have not been well characterized. In this study, the EC50 of DMTS against Colletotrichum spp. from mango mainly ranged from 2.3 to 20.0 μL/L. In vivo, the fumigation rates of 20 μL/L of DMTS for 24 h, or 80 μL/L for 3 h or 6 h could effectively reduce severity of anthracnose (natural inoculum) on postharvest mangoes with inhibitory effects of 61.7 %, 65.7 %, and 69.4 %, respectively, as observed 10 days after treatment. Furthermore, there was no detectable DMTS residue in mango skin or flesh, and an overall improvement in the quality of the fruit with higher soluble solids, total sugars, vitamin c, and β-carotene, and lower titratable acidity than the non-treated control. In addition, DMTS could significantly reduce ergosterol content in mycelia of C. gloeosporioides, and gene expression analysis showed DMTS significantly suppressed expression of ergosterol biosynthesis-related genes Cgerg6 and Cgerg11 after mycelia were exposed to DMTS. Knock-out mutants for each of these two genes showed reduced sensitivity to DMTS. After gene complementation in situ, the sensitivity of complementary transformants to DMTS was restored to that of the parental strain. Therefore, we concluded that the genes Cgerg6 and Cgerg11 are involved in an interaction with the antifungal activity of DMTS. This is the first study to demonstrate a control effect of DMTS on mango postharvest anthracnose resulting in reduced disease severity and enhanced fruit quality. Transformant studies also revealed some potential molecular mechanisms of the antifungal activity of DMTS that may lead to improved management of mango postharvest anthracnose.

Biocontrol Efficacy of Pseudomonas Consortia Against Botrytis Blight in Petunias.

Botrytis cinerea, a fungal pathogen causing Botrytis blight, significantly impacts greenhouse crop management due to its broad host range and infection capabilities at various growth stages. Traditional control methods, primarily reliant on fungicides, are challenged by environmental concerns and the rise of fungicide-resistant strains. This study investigates the use of beneficial Pseudomonas bacteria as a sustainable alternative. We hypothesized that specific Pseudomonas consortia could provide more effective biocontrol of B. cinerea than individual strains. Our research investigated five Pseudomonas strains (14B11, AP54, 15H3, 94G2, and 89F1) known to reduce Botrytis blight in Petunia × hybrida. Compatibility for bacterial consortia was assessed through biofilm formation and direct bacterial inhibition assays. The biocontrol effects of the bacteria against B. cinerea were investigated in vitro using shared-air space dual culture assays and in planta by inoculating detached petunia flowers. We found strain 14B11 exhibited the highest biofilm formation, with consortia of 14B11 and 89F1 showing significant enhancement compared to individual cultures, while a slight, non-significant increase was observed in 14B11 and AP54 consortia. However, strain 14B11 efficacy was inhibited by strain 15H3. Genomic analyses identified antifungal compound-related gene clusters in 14B11 and AP54, contributing to their biocontrol potential. Trials with detached flowers of Petunia × hybrida 'Carpet Red Bright' confirmed significant disease severity reduction with 14B11, AP54, and their consortia. This research highlights strategic Pseudomonas consortia as promising, eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides, promoting sustainable agriculture by enhancing our understanding of how microbial interactions can be used to manage Botrytis blight.

Marker trait association and candidate gene identification for brown rust disease in sugarcane

AbstractBrown rust (caused by Puccinia melanocephala H. &amp; P. Sydow) is one of the most devastating diseases in commercial sugarcane production. It could reduce sugarcane yield by up to 50% depending on the susceptibility levels of cultivars. Breeding disease‐resistant cultivars is the most effective, economical, and environmentally friendly option to control brown rust. A genome‐wide association study was conducted on a field trial using 432 sugarcane clones following an augmented design with two replications. Brown rust was screened using the whorl inoculation method over two crop cycles. The genotype data were obtained through target enrichment sequencing technologies. The gene actions considering six different models and marker dosage effects were included during the marker‐trait analysis. A total of seven, nine, and seven nonredundant marker‐trait associations were identified for plant cane, first ratoon, and across two crop cycles, respectively. The most significant (p‐value 6.17E−20) marker (chr01p59833543) has the additive effect of −0.63 for the diplo‐additive model and reduced disease severity the most (41.35%) due to heterozygote (AG) over homozygote allele (AA) combination in the tested clones. Gene annotation of the monoploid sugarcane genome R570 suggested that six putative candidate genes were co‐located with significant markers associated with brown rust resistance in sugarcane. The putative candidate genes regulated the formation of a cell wall barrier that plays a crucial role in controlling brown rust pathogen infection. The results of this study will open the path to exploiting new resistance sources for brown rust resistance in commercial sugarcane.

Exploring the antifungal activity of clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) against wilt disease caused by Fusarium equiseti in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

This study investigates the isolation and characterization of Fusarium equiseti, a fungal pathogen causing wilt in bitter gourd. It explores the antifungal activity of essential oils, particularly clove oil, as a natural management approach. The pathogen was isolated from wilt-infected bitter gourd stems and it was confirmed as F. equiseti morphologically by the presence of three-septate falcate macroconidia and globose microconidia and also confirmed molecularly by PCR amplification of the ITS region (PP501044.1). Among the tested essential oils, clove oil demonstrated the highest mycelial growth inhibition (100%) at a concentration of 0.5%, followed by peppermint, wintergreen and tea tree oils. In comparison, neem oil exhibited the least inhibition (15.54%). GC-MS analysis of clove oil revealed 38 compounds, where eugenol is the predominant compound that played a crucial role in antifungal activity. Additionally, metabolic analysis revealed several enriched pathways in F. equiseti during its interaction with clove oil, particularly those involved in lipid metabolism and energy production. Pot culture experiments confirmed the efficacy of clove oil in reducing disease severity and incidence in bitter gourd, achieving a 66.99 % reduction when combined with soil application.Furthermore, clove oil-treated plants showed increased activity of defense-related enzymes, including peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), suggesting the induction of systemic resistance. This study highlights the potential of clove oil as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides for managing F. exquisite-induced wilt in bitter gourd. Future research should focus on optimizing clove oil application methods and understanding its interactions with fungal pathogens at the molecular level to enhance its efficacy in sustainable disease management.

Susceptibility of olive cultivars and selections to Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose in Spain.

Anthracnose, the most critical fruit disease affecting olive crops, necessitates the evaluation of the susceptibility of traditional and new varieties. In Spain and Portugal, Anthracnose is caused by several Colletotrichum species, with C. godetiae and C. nymphaeae being dominant and C. acutatum and C. fioriniae being secondary. This study explores the susceptibility of fruits from an F1 progeny resulting from a cross between 'Picual' (resistant) and 'Arbequina' (moderately susceptible) cultivars to C. godetiae. While most genotypes showed resistance levels comparable to their parents, seven showed a 50% reduction in disease severity compared to 'Picual.' The normal distribution of genotypes' response to the pathogen suggests a complex resistance mechanism. Furthermore, we assessed the susceptibility of four traditional cultivars, two new cultivars ('Sikitita-2' and 'Martina'), and five advanced selections (pre-commercial genotypes) to C. godetiae and C. nymphaeae. Despite the significant interaction between the olive genotype and Colletotrichum species in this experiment, the new cultivars and advanced selections were classified as susceptible or moderately susceptible against both species. A subsequent analysis of the interaction between 'Picual' (resistant) and 'Hojiblanca' (susceptible) fruits with the four mentioned Colletotrichum species revealed significant differences among cultivars but no interaction between genotype and pathogen species. Colletotrichum species were categorized as follows: i) C. godetiae and C. nymphaeae as highly virulent, ii) C. acutatum as moderately virulent, and iii) C. fioriniae as weakly virulent. Finally, C. nymphaeae exhibited an enhanced ability to infect and develop acervuli in olive leaves, potentially serving as an inoculum source for this species. The absence of a correlation between leaf and fruit susceptibilities to the pathogen suggests differences in resistance mechanisms. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between olive genotype and Colletotrichum species, essential for cultivar selection and understanding the disease cycle.

Enhancing apple postharvest protection: Efficacy of pectin coatings containing Cryptococcus laurentii against Penicillium expansum

The aim of this work is the application of pectin coatings containing Cryptococcus laurentii as a method of biocontrol of Penicillium expansum for postharvest protection of apples. For this purpose, the yeast was incorporated into a pectin matrix, and its viability and biocontrol activity in vitro and in vivo against P. expansum was evaluated over time. In addition, the influence of the sterilization process on coating thickness was studied. Results showed that pectin coating with C. laurentii enhanced mycelial growth inhibition in vitro studies, while no significant differences were observed in disease incidence and severity reduction in vivo studies. The sterilization process reduced the viscosity of the pectin solution, resulting in coating thicknesses ranging from 0.5 to 1 μm. As a general evaluation, in vitro and in vivo, biocontrol assays were useful in demonstrating better postharvest protection of the yeast at 7 °C concerning 25 °C.

An intensified trans-sectoral nutritional intervention in malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis improves diseases prognosis and identifies potential biomarkers of nutritional status.

Malnutrition is a common complication in chronic pancreatitis and associated with reduced quality of life and life expectancy. Nutritional support is considered mandatory in malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis but there is only scarce evidence on optimal treatment modalities and the efficacy of nutrition therapy. Here, we investigated the feasibility and efficacy of an intensified nutritional intervention in malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis and aimed to identify suitable indicators for monitoring nutritional status. We performed a single-arm feasibility study, in which malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis received an intensified trans-sectoral nutritional intervention for 6 months. Multimodal treatment comprised face-to-face dietary counseling, oral nutritional supplementation, and a complementary telephone-based nutrition and exercise coaching. Patients underwent follow-up examinations after 28, 90, and 180 days, when we assessed changes in anthropometric and body composition measures, muscle function, Chronic Pancreatitis Prognosis Score (COPPS), as well as blood parameters and intestinal microbiota composition. Eleven out of 73 patients initially screened for study participation were enrolled in the trial of which 9 subjects (age (mean ± SD): 56.2 (±14.8) years; male: 67%; alcoholic etiology: 44%) underwent the complete intervention. Patients gained a median of 5.3 kg (8.6%) body weight, including 1.6 kg skeletal muscle mass, and significantly increased gait speed (p < 0.001). Ameliorated nutritional status and muscle function were associated with increased blood levels of IGF-1 and cholinesterase as well as altered gut microbiota composition on the phyla and genera level. Moreover, significant improvements in COPPS indicated reduced disease severity after 90 and 180 days. Malnourished patients with chronic pancreatitis benefit from intensified nutritional therapy. Besides ameliorated nutritional status, a multimodal intervention can improve muscle function as well disease prognosis. Future studies are needed to prove superiority to standard-of-care and to validate potential biomarkers for prospective monitoring of nutritional status. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04476056, NCT04476056.

Viral genetics and transmission dynamics in the second wave of mpox outbreak in Portugal and forecasting public health scenarios

ABSTRACT In 2023, a second wave of the global mpox epidemic, which is mainly affecting men who have sex with men (MSM), was observed in some countries. Herein, we benefited from a large viral sequence sampling (76/121; 63%) and vast epidemiological data to characterise the re-emergence and circulation of the Monkeypox virus (MPXV) in Portugal during 2023. We also modelled transmission and forecasted public health scenarios through a compartmental susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) model. Our results suggest that the 2023 mpox wave in Portugal resulted from limited introduction(s) of MPXV belonging to C.1.1 sublineage, hypothetically from Asia, followed by sustained viral transmission and potential exportation to other countries. We estimated that the contribution of the MSM high sexual activity group to mpox transmission was 120 (95% CrI: 30–3553) times higher than that of the low sexual activity group. However, among the high sexual activity group, vaccinated individuals likely contributed approximately eight times less [0.123 (95% CrI: 0.068–0.208)] than the unvaccinated ones. Vaccination was also linked to potential reduced disease severity, with a Mpox Severity Score of 6.0 in the vaccinated group compared to 7.0 in unvaccinated individuals. Scenario analysis indicated that transmission is highly sensitive to sexual behaviour, projecting that a slight increase in the MSM sub-population with high sexual activity can trigger new mpox waves. This study strongly supports that continued vaccination, targeted awareness among risk groups and routine genomic epidemiology is needed to anticipate and respond to novel MPXV threats (e.g. global dissemination of clade I viruses).

Assessing Biofungicides and Host Resistance against Rhizoctonia Large Patch in Zoysiagrass.

Rhizoctonia large patch (Rhizoctonia solani AG2-2 LP) significantly reduces turfgrass quality, aesthetics, and playability. Synthetic fungicides are commonly used for managing this disease, but they present high costs, potential for fungicide resistance, and environmental concerns. We conducted in vitro assays to test the effectiveness of three biofungicides, seven synthetic fungicides, and ten combinations against R. solani. We then assessed seven spray programs that included Bacillus subtilis QST713 and propiconazole, either alone or tank-mixed, on zoysiagrass 'El Toro' in a growth chamber and in field trials. Biofungicide B. subtilis QST713 reduced pathogen growth by up to 100% in vitro. B. subtilis QST713 alone or combined with synthetic fungicides and/or in rotation was as effective as the standalone synthetic fungicide, reducing disease severity and AUDPC by 81 and 77% (growth chamber) and by 71 and 52% (field), respectively, while maintaining acceptable turfgrass quality. Additionally, we screened zoysiagrass genotypes and advanced breeding lines against three R. solani isolates in growth chamber studies. Five genotypes and two breeding lines demonstrated resistance to Rhizoctonia large patch across isolates, highlighting their potential for developing disease-resistant cultivars. Our findings suggest that integrating biofungicides, resistant cultivars with chemical controls offer sustainable and effective strategies for managing Rhizoctonia large patch.