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99 chilli genotypes were screened for yellow mite and thrips incidence under field conditions at Vegetable Research Farm, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab during 2021. Based on damage score/LCI, mite and thrips population density per six apical leaves, and the percentage of leaf infestation, the genotypes were categorised. The categories included 6 genotypes as resistant, 13 as moderately resistant, 37 as moderately susceptible, 36 as susceptible, and 7 as highly susceptible. 25 chilli genotypes were selected from the field screening and evaluated at Entomological Research Farm under net house conditions in the following season in 2022. The combined results of field and artificial screening identified YB- 583, SL-696, and FLP-640 as resistant genotypes, while PP-418, PUP-661 and SN-721 were identified as highly susceptible. These results suggest that resistant and moderately susceptible genotypes may be used in the development of chilli varieties with resistance to yellow mite and chilli thrips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the short-season winter environment of India and Bangladesh, lentil growth and seed yield are significantly hindered by foliar blight caused by Stemphylium botryosum. As the international germplasm pool lacks a resistance source, the study aims to develop a mutant population to identify a high-yielding mutant resistance against the pathogen. A gamma-irradiated population was developed based on its GR50 dose of 248.8 Gy. The screening of almost 130,000 M2 plants identified a tolerant lentil mutant, MM216. The multi-location trials revealed that MM216 showed an impressive and robust resistance; the selected mutant line could be recommended as a donor in the lentil breeding program against the pathogen globally. A 100 g seed was exposed to a GR50 dose to develop the M1 population. At maturity, at least 100 M2 seeds of each 1300 M1 plant were harvested individually. So, almost 130,000 M2 plants were screened in the disease hot spot. The selected mutants were advanced to M7 by screening in the field and challenged in controlled conditions with the pure pathogen isolate. A resistance mutant, MM216, with a per cent disease index (PDI) of <10, was identified where the mean of the check varieties, WBL 77, was >55. The resistance ability was confirmed further in controlled conditions. The fungal and plant DNA ratio was almost negligible in the tolerant mutant, whereas it was 0.17 in WBL77 at 196 h post-inoculation. The selected mutant did not display any yield penalty, but there was a delay in flowering by a week compared to WBL77. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the anther culture (AC) efficiency of nine genotypes of winter bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The genotype dependency was assessed during the induction of the androgenic callus, i.e., embryo-like structures (ELSs), green-, albino- and acclimatizated plantlets. The highest level of callus formation were shown for samples 120/20 (114.39 ELS per 100 anthers—ELS/100A) and 132/20 (16.26 ELS/100A). The number of green plantlets per 100 anthers (GP/100A) varied from 0 to 3.05 GP/100A with a mean of 0.71 GP/100A. The acclimatized plantlets (ADPs) per 100 regenerated green plantlets ranged in each combination, from 32.00 to 62.50 ADP/100GP with an average value of 35.92. Between 12.50 and 60.00 doubled haploid (DH) plants per 100 acclimatized plantlets (DH/100ADP), depending on the combination, with a mean of 29.41% were recovered. Fertile plants in the anthers culture 5 out of 9 studied genotypes were obtained. Seventeen dihaploid lines with complex rust resistance and common bunt (8–9 points) were obtained. Two clusters of complex resistance genes were identified in the ten studied DH lines: Lr26/Sr31/Pm8/Yr9 and Lr34/Yr18/Sr58/Pm38. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is high incidence of nosocomial in developing countries and the bacteria responsible are becoming more resistant to commercially available antibiotics, hence, the need for this research. Methods: Isolation and identification of microorganisms from different wards of Ilara-Mokin health centers was done using standard methods. The bacteria isolated were identified and subjected to susceptibility test using four extracts and standard antibiotics for comparative study. Results: A high bacterial load of 52.00 ± 3.46 cfu/ml obtained was from the toilet in maternity ward, while the least bacterial load of 2.67 ± 0.67 cfu/ml was obtained from the floor of the male ward. A total of twelve (12) bacteria were isolated and identified, while nine (9) fungi were equally isolated and identified. The susceptibility of the bacteria isolates to ethanol extracts of castor, garlic, beniseed and bitter cola showed that garlic extract is most effective on the isolates having the highest diameter of zone of inhibition, Bacillus licheniformis with a diameter of 18.20±2.05 mm. Conclusion: The garlic ethanol extract was the most effective on the isolates while Pseudomonas was the most unsusceptible to all the extracts. The extracts tested in this work comparatively exceeded the potency of antibiotics, however, the Gram-negative bacteria are not very susceptible to the extracts. Therefore, these extracts can be used in development of novel antibiotics, especially to help curb resistance of pathogenic microorganisms implicated in nosocomial infections.

Inoculations of plant roots with arbuscular mycorrhizae can reduce Verticillium wilt severity. In present research, the effect of inoculation of Verticillium dahliae (Vd) and three species of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM), Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis and Claroideoglomus tunicate were studied on the activity of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in the root of Ahmad Aghaei and Badami Zarand pistachio rootstocks. The roots of the pistachio seedlings were inoculated with 100 propagules per gram of three species arbuscular mycorrhizae and two months later, Verticillium dahliae was inoculated. Measurement of enzyme activity was done after V. dahliae inoculation at 11 different times. The experiment was conducted as a factorial in a completely randomized design with 5 replications. The results showed that in Vd treatment, the specific activity of enzymes in Ahmad Aghaei decreased after an increasing period in days 8 to 12 after vd inoculation, then decreased less than AM inoculations, but in Badami Zarand, the activity of enzymes increased in a (days 8-16) and after that, despite the decreasing trend, it was still higher than AM treatment. In AM+Vd treatment, enzyme activity increased faster in both pistachio rootstocks compared to other treatments. In Badami Zarand, the time of the enzymes, peak activity was longer than in Ahmad Aghaei rootstocks. In general, the results of the present research indicated that increasing antioxidant enzyme activity can reduce the severity of Verticillium wilt in pistachio seedlings.

A consensus regarding subsequent therapeutic strategies for patients with platinum- and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi)-resistant ovarian cancer is lacking. These patients typically receive non-platinum-based chemotherapy; however, survival outcomes remain poor. Compared with chemotherapy alone, combination therapy with novel target agents can provide additional benefits to these patients. Oregovomab, an investigational murine monoclonal antibody against CA-125, has shown promising efficacy in a phase II study in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Herein, we described the rationale and design of OPERA/KGOG 3065/APGOT-OV6, a multicenter, investigator-initiated, two-cohort, single-arm phase II trial, aimed at examining the efficacy of oregovomab plus non-platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with PARPi/platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The primary end point was the objective response rate, according to RECIST 1.1. Clinical Trial Registration:NCT05407584 (ClinicalTrials.gov) Plain Language Summary OPERA/KGOG 3065/APGOT-OV6 is a promising phase II studies that test new drug (oregovomab) on the patients with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi)/platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer. PARPis have changed the treatment landscape of ovarian cancer in a relatively short time. PARPi/platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer refer to a subtype of recurrent epithelial cancer of ovarian, tubal or peritoneal origin who experienced disease progression despite treatment with a PARPi or platinum-based chemotherapy drugs. Although various new drugs have been tested to improve the treatment response in resistant patients, a consensus regarding the international standard of treatment is yet to be established, despite the poor survival outcomes of these patients. OPERA/KGOG 3065/APGOT-OV6 has been designed to add oregovomab, a murine monoclonal antibody to cancer antigen-125 (CA-125), to non-platinum chemotherapy (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin or paclitaxel) for patients with ovarian cancer determined as PARPi/platinum-resistant and ineligible for bevacizumab treatment. The results of this study will aid in developing effective treatment strategies for patients with PARPi/platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Tweetable Abstract OPERA/KGOG 3065/APGOT-OV6: a multicenter, investigator-initiated, two-cohort, single-arm phase II trial, aimed at examining the efficacy of oregovomab plus non-platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor/platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Article highlights Subsequent therapeutic strategies for patients with platinum- and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi)-resistant ovarian cancer are to be established. Oregovomab, a murine monoclonal antibody specifically targeting cancer antigen (CA)-125, has shown promising efficacy in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, achieving a median progression-free interval of 11 weeks and median overall survival of 70.4 weeks. The efficacy of oregovomab in combination with non-platinum chemotherapy for patients with PARPi/platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains unexplored. The OPERA/KGOG 3065/APGOT-OV6 is designed to investigate the efficacy of oregovomab plus non-platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with PARPi-resistant EOC unsuitable for platinum-based therapy. The findings of this trial will afford novel insights into the antitumor efficacy and safety profile of oregovomab plus non-platinum chemotherapy in patients with PARPi-resistant EOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The symptoms of herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV‐1) infections might be severe and persistent in immunocompromised patients in whom they reactivate at a high frequency. The development of Acyclovir (ACV) resistant strains due to long‐term treatment with antiviral agents in those patients is not uncommon. The aim of the present study was to assess the virucidal effect of commercially available mouthwashes against ACV‐resistant HSV‐1 strains. Materials and Methods: Two acyclovir‐resistant HSV‐1 strains were exposed for 30 s to essential oil‐based (Listerine Fresh Burst® and Listerine Zero®), chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% (Hexidyl®) and povidone‐iodine 7.5% (Betadine Gargle®) mouthwashes. Loss of virus infectivity was determined by means of plaque reduction assays in a cell culture system. Results: All 4 of the tested solutions significantly reduced virus infectivity, with the essential oil‐based and povidone‐iodine mouthwashes being slightly more efficacious, compared to chlorhexidine. Conclusion: The findings of this analysis revealed that the tested oral rinses demonstrated in‐vitro antiviral activity against ACV‐resistant HSV. Comparative clinical trials are required to establish the clinical effectiveness of daily use of oral rinses in reducing the appearance of oral HSV lesions in immunocompromised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici, also known as yellow rust, is one of the most destructive fungal pathogens in wheat-growing areas. Controlling this disease requires various techniques, such as chemical applications or developing resistant genotypes. The selection process of the lines is one of the most important steps in wheat breeding programs. Slow-rusting parameters are good indicators of resistance to rust and are useful in the selection of the genotypes with rust resistance. In this study, 787 durum and bread wheat genotypes were evaluated in the seedling stage and adult plant trials in the field during three growing seasons. They were evaluated through two slow rusting components: final rust severity (FRS), area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC).. Based on the seedling stage reactions, 575 genotypes were sown in the field to assess their adult plant reactions in 2021. Of these genotypes, 5.39% (31 genotype) were found to be very resistant, resistant, or moderately resistant. Thirty onegenotypes were screened under field conditions during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons for verification. Fifteen genotypes (48.38%) have shown a high slow yellow rusting rate in both seasons. Results from this study will help breeders in developing yellow rust-resistant genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the morphological characteristics of genetic material such as leaf, flower, yield, and fruit shape is crucial to genetic diversity assessment. Agronomic and morphological traits of 47 tomato plants in F2 generation were assessed, as well as their resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) and Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV). The highest average fruit weight of the tomato lines in F2 generation was measured in the plants of the line with pink beef fruit type (G300), while the lowest was measured in the plants of the lines with round (cocktail) (S15) and ovate (V30, V31 and V32) fruit types. The highest fruit flesh firmness was measured as 2.74 kg/cm2 in F2 plants of line S230 with single red fruit type. The highest SSC (soluble solids content) was measured in F2 plants of line V31 and S230 with 6.93% and 6.73%, respectively. The longest internode was determined in F2 plants of the line with single red (S230) fruit type, while the highest stem diameter was measured in plants of the line with pink (G300) fruit type. Despite the variation in leaf color, G300 and S230 plants have potato-shaped leaves, while the other lines have tomato-shaped leaves. There were 2 homozygote resistant plants and 8 heterozygote resistant plants among the F2 plants. Among the F2 plants, 2 plants were homozygote resistant and 8 plants were heterozygote resistant to TYLCV. Heterozygote resistance to TSWV was detected only in 6 plants of line V30 and no resistance to TSWV was detected in plants of other lines. The F3 lines obtained by selfing because of the study can be the material of the breeding programmes in the coming years and testing studies against biotic and abiotic factors should be carried out. The results obtained here should be reinforced with further studies such as the determination of post-harvest preservation storage and shelf-life potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinus, a conifer, dominates the world's forest ecosystems. But it is seriously infected with pine wood nematode (PWN). Transcription factors (TFs) are key regulators in regulating plant resistance. However, the molecular mechanism of TFs remains thus far unresolved in P. thunbergii inoculated with Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Here, we used RNA-seq technology to identify differentially expressed TFs in resistant and susceptible pines. The results show that a total of 186 differentially expressed transcription factors (DETFs), including 99 upregulated and 87 downregulated genes were identified. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment showed that the highly enriched differentially expressed TFs were responsible for secondary biosynthetic processes. According to KEGG pathway analysis, the differentially expressed TFs were related to chaperones and folding catalysts, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Many TFs such as NAC, LBD, MYB, bHLH, and WRKY were determined to be quite abundant in the DETFs. Moreover, the NAC transcription factor PtNAC9 was upregulated in PWN-resistant and susceptible P. thunbergii and especially distinctly upregulated in resistant pines. By purifying recombinant PtNAC9 protein in vitro, we found that overexpression of PtNAC9 at the early stage of B. xylophilus infection could reduce the degree of disease. We also demonstrated the content of salicylic acid (SA) and the related genes were increased in the PtNAC9 protein-treated plants. These results could be helpful in enhancing our understanding of the resistance mechanism underlying different resistant pine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gram-positive enterococciare opportunistic and resistant to many antibiotics. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Enterococcus spp. in our community and whether these isolates are resistant to the macrolides class of antibiotics. Fifty isolates from 112 clinical samples were recognized as Enterococcus spp. and confirmed using Vitek-2 system. The current study found that 50/112 (44.6%) represented the total isolates, 38/50 (76%) of which were Enterococcus faecalis, while 12/50 (24%) were Enterococcus faecium, twenty (40%) isolates from root canals and 30 (60%) isolates from urine were isolated. The sensitivity of the enterococcal isolates to various macrolides (erythromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin) antibiotics was determined by using the disk diffusion approach. Later, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for erythromycin and the most resistant drug among this group were investigated using the agar dilution technique. And then molecular detection for mef gene was done using two specific primers via PCR technique. The current findings revealed high resistance rates to macrolide antibiotics which were reported in 21/50 (42%) of total isolates and at significant levels of MIC values for most isolates (57%). And as for the PCR results, it was negative for mef gene in all tested isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The bacterial blight disease caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae (Xcp) poses a severe menace to pomegranate orchards. • Newly identified 126 expressed sequence tags from differential gene studies of resistant and highly susceptible genotypes associated with bacterial blight disease in pomegranate were deposited in the NCBI gen bank. • ROS changes were assessed during the course of pathogen infection and defence mechanisms were ascertained in comparison with gene expression studies. • The extent of damage due to disease was also assessed through histo-pathological studies. • Candidate genes associated with bacterial blight resistance in pomegranate were identified and qPCR validation of defence-related genes also confirmed the resistant reaction. The bacterial blight disease caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae (Xcp) poses a severe menace to pomegranate orchards. The control of disease incurs huge expenditures, increasing the cost of cultivation. Hence, developing resistant varieties is an alternative measure for ecological sustainability and is the need of the hour. In this study, Suppression Subtractive Hybridization (SSH) was employed to identify candidate genes associated with bacterial blight resistance in pomegranate. A comparison was made between two genotypes, IC318734 (resistant-R) and Ruby (highly susceptible-HS), for differential gene elucidation and expression against Xcp. Through SSH, a panel of bacterial blight-resistant candidate genes was identified, including MLP-like protein 423, transcription factor MYB114-like, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase ARI1, protein trichome birefringence-like 34, and serine/threonine-protein kinase. These genes play vital roles in energy and metabolism, transcription, signal transduction, intracellular traffic signaling, protein synthesis, defence, and stress responses. Validation through qRT-PCR revealed higher expression levels of these candidate genes in the R genotype compared to the HS one. Additionally, the levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in both genotypes aligned with the differential gene expression data. Notably, the study also highlighted the augmented production of 12-oxophytodienoate reductase, associated with ROS generation, in the resistant genotypes. A sustained release of ROS triggered defence responses in the R genotype. Thus, these findings unravel defence mechanisms underlying bacterial blight resistance in pomegranate and provide potential targets for future crop improvement programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article identifies resources of resistance from rice germplasm against sheath rot disease under artificial epiphytotic conditions. The study screens and records the susceptibility of advanced generation genotypes of several rice varieties to sheath rot disease, as well as the incidence and severity of sheath rot disease at an experimental farm in Haryana, India.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the anatomical and functional effectiveness of the treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen with intravitreal (IV) aflibercept treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients who responded anatomically poorly after three doses of IV bevacizumab injection. Methods: This observational, single-center, real-life study included adults aged at least 50 years with treatment-naïve nAMD and a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 25 and 75 Early Treatment of Diabetes Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter scores. Three loading doses of IV bevacizumab were administered to all patients, and patients with an anatomical poor response after three loading doses were included in the study. All patients received three doses of IV aflibercept and treatment was continued with the TAE regimen. The primary endpoint was the mean change in BCVA from baseline to week 52. Results: Thirty-six (48.6%) women and 38 (51.4%) men participated in this study, and the average age was 74.4±8.4 years. ETDRS letter gains were 5.5, 9.6, and 13.8 at weeks 12, 24, and 52, respectively. At week 52, a gain of 15 letters or more was detected in 34 of the patients (45.9%). The anatomical gains were 72.3 µm, 94.3 µm, and 116.7 µm at 12, 24, and 52 weeks, respectively. The mean number of injections performed was 8.2. The mean final interval was 8.8 weeks. The proportion of patients with 12 weeks or more between treatments was 16/74 (21.6%). Conclusion: In treatment-naïve nAMD patients refractory to bevacizumab, IV aflibercept administered using the TAE regimen improved and maintained functional and anatomical outcomes for 52 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is high incidence of nosocomial in developing countries and the bacteria responsible are becoming more resistant to commercially available antibiotics, hence, the need for this research. Methods: Isolation and identification of microorganisms from different wards of Ilara-Mokin health centers was done using standard methods. The bacteria isolated were identified and subjected to susceptibility test using four extracts and standard antibiotics for comparative study. Results: A high bacterial load of 52.00 ± 3.46 cfu/ml obtained was from the toilet in maternity ward, while the least bacterial load of 2.67 ± 0.67 cfu/ml was obtained from the floor of the male ward. A total of twelve (12) bacteria were isolated and identified, while nine (9) fungi were equally isolated and identified. The susceptibility of the bacteria isolates to ethanol extracts of castor, garlic, beniseed and bitter cola showed that garlic extract is most effective on the isolates having the highest diameter of zone of inhibition, Bacillus licheniformis with a diameter of 18.20±2.05 mm. Conclusion: The garlic ethanol extract was the most effective on the isolates while Pseudomonas was the most unsusceptible to all the extracts. The extracts tested in this work comparatively exceeded the potency of antibiotics, however, the Gram-negative bacteria are not very susceptible to the extracts. Therefore, these extracts can be used in development of novel antibiotics, especially to help curb resistance of pathogenic microorganisms implicated in nosocomial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background “Regeneration time” (RT) denotes the time required to obtain a stable mortality rate for mosquitoes exposed to insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) after three consecutive washes of a net in a day. The RT informs the wash interval used to artificially age ITNs to simulate their lifetime performance under user conditions (20 washes). RT was estimated following World Health Organization (WHO) longitudinal method (LM) procedures. Longitudinal evaluation may introduce heterogeneity due to mosquito batch variability, complicating RT determination. To overcome this, nets at each stage of regeneration (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days post wash) were prepared in advance and refrigerated; then, a complete regeneration series was tested with a single mosquito batch on 1 testing day, completing four series over 4 days. This study compared the complete series method (CSM) against the LM. Methods The overall heterogeneity in the methods for estimating RT of one incorporated alpha-cypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and one incorporated permethrin with PBO ITNs was determined using laboratory-reared resistant Anopheles arabiensis under standard laboratory conditions. LM methods and CSM were compared in two experiments with refrigerated nets acclimated for (i) 2 h (test 1) and (ii) 3 h (test 2). Four regeneration replicates per day were tested per ITN product with 50 mosquitoes exposed per replicate (equivalent sample size to LM). The heterogeneity from these methods was compared descriptively. Results The intra-method variability for unwashed pieces was minimal, with variance of 1.26 for CSM and 1.18 for LM. For unwashed nets, LM had substantially greater variance and ratio of LM:CSM was 2.66 in test 1 and 2.49 in test 2. The magnitude of mortality measured in bioassays depended on sample acclimation after refrigeration. Conclusions The CSM is a convenient method for determining the regeneration times. ITNs are prepared in advance, reducing pressure to prepare all samples to start on a single day. A complete regeneration series of samples is removed from the refrigerator, defrosted and evaluated on a single day with one mosquito batch reducing the influence of mosquito batch heterogeneity on results. Replicates can be conducted over several days but do not have to be conducted on consecutive days, allowing easy facility scheduling. Graphical Abstract

Objectives: To analyze the management strategies in the children who had treatment‐resistant dysfunctional voiding (DV). Methods: Among 75 children with DV who underwent pelvic floor biofeedback therapy (BF) between 2013 and 2020, 16 patients (14 girls, 87.5%) with a mean age of 9.81 ± 2.53 years that showed incomplete clinical response following urotherapy and initial BF sessions were retrospectively reviewed. The demographic and clinical characteristics, DVSS, and uroflowmetry parameters were recorded before and after the initial BF sessions. Subsequent treatments after initial BF and clinical responses of patients were noted. Results: Clinical success was observed in one patient by addition of an anticholinergic and in three patients with combination of salvage BF sessions and anticholinergics, whom had predominant overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. The success rate of TENS alone and in combination with other treatment modalities was 88.8% (8/9 patients). In addition, salvage BF sessions (range 2 to 3) enabled clinical success in five (50%) of 10 cases as a combination with anticholinergics or TENS. In case of incomplete emptying without OAB, adequate clinical response to Botulinum‐A was observed during an average follow‐up of 29 months in two boys who did not respond to alpha‐blockers, even though one required repeat injection after 10 months. The total clinical success rate was 87.5% (14/16 patients) after a median follow‐up of 24 months. VV‐EBC and Qmax increased by a mean of 30.89% and 7.13 mL/min, respectively, whereas DVSS decreased by a mean of 8.88 points and PVR‐EBC decreased by a median of 19.04%. Conclusions: Our findings showed that clinical success in resistant DV was achieved by various combination treatments in the majority of children. However, a small group may still have persistent, bothersome symptoms despite multiple treatment modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Avances is the property of Instituto de Informacion Cientifica y Tecnologica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rapeseed Brassica napus is one of the oilseed plants of interest to farmers in Iran. Cabbage waxy aphid Brevicoryne brassicae is one of the important pests of rapeseed all of the world and one of the main methods to protect plants against aphids is using resistant genotypes. In order to evaluate the resistance of twenty-one canola genotypes to cabbage waxy aphid, a study was conducted (at 27.5 ± 2ºC, 60 ± 10% RH, 14L: 10D) under greenhouse conditions. To evaluate canola genotypes antibiosis, the genotypes were planted in pots in 10 replications based on a completely random design. Net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic increase rate (rm), finite increase rate (λ), mean generation time (T), doubling time (D) of the cabbage waxy aphid, and pre-mature period length were calculated in greenhouse conditions. The results of the variance analysis of studied data showed statistically significant difference at least at the probability level of five percentage (P ≤0.05). The intrinsic increase rate of cabbage aphid population on Geronimo and Okapi genotypes had the highest and lowest values of 0.287 and 0.215 (female/female/day), respectively. Okapi and Geronimo genotypes had the lowest (16.5 female/female/generation) and the highest net reproductive rate of cabbage aphid (36.75 female/female/generation), respectively. In this experiment, Geronimo was observed as the most sensitive and Opera and Okapi as the most resistant genotypes in comparison with other experimental genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment options are limited, and the prognosis is poor for patients with platinum-resistant recurrent metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a paclitaxel and ifosfamide (TI) regimen in patients with R/M HNSCC whose disease had progressed following platinum-based therapy. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 53 patients with R/M HNSCC who underwent at least one cycle of TI-based therapy, post platinum failure, between February 2020 and August 2023. Some patients received the TI regimen in combination with immunotherapy and/or cetuximab. Key metrics assessed included the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate, and progression-free as well as overall survival. Results: The study observed an ORR of 15.8% and a disease control rate of 36.8%. The median progression-free survival for the entire cohort was 3.3 months, and the median overall survival was 9.6 months. Notably, the combination of TI with immunotherapy yielded a higher ORR of 30.8%, compared to 14.3% with TI alone. The most prevalent grade 1-2 adverse events were anemia (81%), weight loss (68%) and hypernatremia (55%). Conclusion: The TI-based regimen demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety profile in treating R/M HNSCC. Enhanced outcomes may be attainable when combining it with immunotherapy. This study suggests that TI-based therapy could serve as a potential salvage option for this specific patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agri: Journal of the Turkish Society of Algology / Türk Algoloji (Ağrı) Derneği'nin Yayın Organıdır is the property of KARE Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical, technological, and digestibility of three sorghum cultivars (Mucuvea, Otela, and Tocole) and compared them to a Local variety (criola) grown in Mozambique. Thousand‐grain weight, hectolitre weight, and colour were determined in the grains. Proximal composition, antinutritional factors, starch and protein digestibility, and antioxidant activity were analysed in flours; starch was isolated and characterised by its physical, chemical, morphological, and digestibility properties. The grain characterisation varied among the cultivars compared to the Local variety, but not between the cultivars. The cultivars showed lower amounts of protein, lipids, free phenolics, tannin, soluble protein, digestibility of starch flour and proteins, and higher flavonoids and antioxidant activity. A high content of amylose (~37%), glycaemic index (~82), Tp (64.83 °C), and resistant starch (57.73%) were verified in all cultivars. The peak viscosity of Local variety was higher (343.25 RVU) than the other cultivars, while the breakdown (less than 106.54 RVU) of the cultivars was significantly lower than Local (182.25 RVU). Such data suggest great potential use of Local variety in bakery products and the cultivars in products that require greater viscosity. These results will reinforce the research, production, and manufacture of new products in Africa, especially in sorghum‐producing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite an initial strong response in most dogs with multicentric lymphoma treated with chemotherapy, relapse remains common. There is no clearly superior first rescue protocol described either for resistant or relapsed canine multicentric lymphoma. The objectives of this study were to assess clinical response and outcomes for canine multicentric lymphoma treated with first rescue protocols. The secondary objective was to assess prognostic variables for dogs undergoing these protocols. This was a bi‐institutional retrospective cohort study. Two hundred and sixty‐five dogs were treated with first rescue chemotherapy, including anthracycline‐based combination chemotherapy (CHOP‐like, n = 50), nitrosourea alkylating agent‐rich chemotherapy (n = 45), anthracycline‐based or related compound chemotherapy (n = 34), or nitrosourea single‐agent chemotherapy (n = 136). The overall median progression free survival time of first rescue protocol was 56.0 days (0–455 days). Important prognostic factors identified for first rescue protocol included the attainment of a complete response to the first rescue chemotherapy (p <.001), the use of a CHOP‐like first rescue protocol (p =.009), duration of first remission (HR 0.997, p =.028), and if prednisolone was included in the first rescue protocol (HR 0.41, p =.003). Adverse events (AE) were common, with 81.1% of dogs experiencing at least one AE during first rescue chemotherapy. This study highlights the need for improved first rescue therapies to provide durable remission in canine resistant or relapsed lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cisplatin (CDDP), as a broad-spectrum anticancer drug, is able to bind to DNA and inhibit cell division. Despite the widespread use of cisplatin since its discovery, cisplatin resistance developed during prolonged chemotherapy, similar to other small molecule chemotherapeutic agents, severely limits its clinical application. Cisplatin resistance in cancer cells is mainly caused by three reasons: DNA repair, decreased cisplatin uptake/increased efflux, and cisplatin inactivation. In earlier combination therapies, the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells prevented the achievement of the desired therapeutic effect even with the accurate combination of two chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, combination therapy using nanocarriers for co-delivery of drugs is considered to be ideal for alleviating cisplatin resistance and reducing cisplatin-related toxicity in cancer cells. This article provides an overview of the design of cisplatin nano-drugs used to combat cancer cell resistance, elucidates the mechanisms of action of cisplatin and the pathways through which cancer cells develop resistance, and finally discusses the design of drugs and related carriers that can synergistically reduce cancer resistance when combined with cisplatin. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the potential of using the germination test as a model for screening imazamox resistance in sunflower plants . A standard germination test was performed by applying different doses of imazamox (control, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mM) to imidazoline-resistant (IMI-R) and susceptible (IMI-S) sunflower hybrids. Germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index, shoot length, root length, seedling fresh and dry weight, and phytotoxicity percentage for seedling growth parameters were investigated. The results showed that imazamox concentrations slightly affected the germination percentage of two sunflower hybrids at only 1.6 mM. Increasing doses of imazamox led to an increase in the mean germination time and a decrease in the germination index for both sunflower hybrids, following a similar trend. Seedling growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, and seedling fresh weight were significantly decreased by increasing imazamox doses. In addition, the differences between IMI-R and IMI-S sunflower hybrids were very evident for these parameters. The IMI-S sunflower hybrid showed sensitivity in the presence of imazamox, while no changes in the IMI-R hybrid were determined up to 0.4 mM. The inhibition percentage was higher in the IMI-S hybrid than in the IMI-R. It was concluded that the optimal dose of imazamox for the selection of resistant plants during the early growth stage was found to be 0.2 mM. The germination parameters were not good criteria for imazamox resistance, while root length, shoot length, and seedling fresh weight should be considered as selection criteria for resistance to imazamox in sunflower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-based nanoparticles offer sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional methods, promising antibacterial properties in the face of antibiotic resistance and addressing global health concerns. Five urine and stool samples were collected from the Benin Medical Centre in Benin City, Edo State, and sent to the Wellspring University Research Laboratory for microbiological analysis. Carica papaya and Bryophyllum pinnatum were used for fresh utilization by washing, weighing, and crushing their leaves, then mixing them with distilled water and heating at 85 °C and 60 °C for 60 minutes. Silver and copper nanoparticles (AgNPs and CuNPs) were synthesized using standard procedures. The NPs were preliminary validated by visual detection of color changes and characterized using a UV-visible spectrophotometer at 300 nm and Fourier transform infrared. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of plant-mediated NPs was investigated using five isolates: S. aureus, B. alvei, H. pylori, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of plant-mediated NPs was investigated using five clinical strains displaying multiple resistance to antibiotics: S. aureus, B. alvei, H. pylori, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The agar-well diffusion method showed inhibition of the isolates by plant-mediated NPs but no inhibition by the plant extract alone. The study indicates that plant-mediated NPs exhibit promising antimicrobial activity, promoting sustainability and eco-friendliness, but further research is needed to assess their safety and efficacy in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: "Regeneration time" (RT) denotes the time required to obtain a stable mortality rate for mosquitoes exposed to insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) after three consecutive washes of a net in a day. The RT informs the wash interval used to artificially age ITNs to simulate their lifetime performance under user conditions (20 washes). RT was estimated following World Health Organization (WHO) longitudinal method (LM) procedures. Longitudinal evaluation may introduce heterogeneity due to mosquito batch variability, complicating RT determination. To overcome this, nets at each stage of regeneration (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days post wash) were prepared in advance and refrigerated; then, a complete regeneration series was tested with a single mosquito batch on 1 testing day, completing four series over 4 days. This study compared the complete series method (CSM) against the LM. Methods: The overall heterogeneity in the methods for estimating RT of one incorporated alpha-cypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and one incorporated permethrin with PBO ITNs was determined using laboratory-reared resistant Anopheles arabiensis under standard laboratory conditions. LM methods and CSM were compared in two experiments with refrigerated nets acclimated for (i) 2 h (test 1) and (ii) 3 h (test 2). Four regeneration replicates per day were tested per ITN product with 50 mosquitoes exposed per replicate (equivalent sample size to LM). The heterogeneity from these methods was compared descriptively. Results: The intra-method variability for unwashed pieces was minimal, with variance of 1.26 for CSM and 1.18 for LM. For unwashed nets, LM had substantially greater variance and ratio of LM:CSM was 2.66 in test 1 and 2.49 in test 2. The magnitude of mortality measured in bioassays depended on sample acclimation after refrigeration. Conclusions: The CSM is a convenient method for determining the regeneration times. ITNs are prepared in advance, reducing pressure to prepare all samples to start on a single day. A complete regeneration series of samples is removed from the refrigerator, defrosted and evaluated on a single day with one mosquito batch reducing the influence of mosquito batch heterogeneity on results. Replicates can be conducted over several days but do not have to be conducted on consecutive days, allowing easy facility scheduling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to study the adaptive ability to drought of collection varieties of cotton of the species G.hirsutum L. and G.barbadense L. with subsequent assessment of the technological properties of the fiber. An analysis of stress-depression of seed germination in a sucrose solution was used as an indicator of plant resistance to drought. The technological properties of the fiber were analyzed using the HVI (High Volume Instrument) electronic system in accordance with the unified international classification. It was established that, with the same intensity of the extreme factor, varieties of the same type of cotton differed significantly in the amplitude of changes in the physiological indicator, which made it possible to identify drought-resistant samples. Varieties Agdash-3, Ganja-2, AF-16, Karabakh-11, Zafar, Akala 1517 of the species G.hirsutum L. and varieties S-6002, 5230-V, Aspero, S-6022, AP-154, Agdash-21, Termez-74 of the species G. barbadense L. were characterized by drought resistance. All drought-resistant varieties of the species G. barbadense L. are characterized by a complex of positive fiber quality indicators. The variety Zafar within the species G.hirsutum L. was superior to other genotypes in this indicator. These cotton varieties are recommended to breeders for use in various breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Antimicrobial resistance increasingly impacts paediatric mortality, particularly in resource-constrained settings. We aimed to evaluate the susceptibility profiles of bacteria causing infections in children from the Western Pacific region. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of bacteria responsible for common infections in children. We included studies published from January 2011 to December 2023 (PROSPERO CRD42021248722). Pooled susceptibilities were evaluated against empiric antibiotics recommended to treat common clinical syndromes. Findings: Fifty-one papers met inclusion criteria, incorporating 18,330 bacterial isolates. Of available published data, only six countries from the region were represented. Escherichia coli revealed a pooled susceptibility to ampicillin of 17% (95% CI 12–23%, n = 3292), gentamicin 63% (95% CI 59–67%, n = 3956), and third-generation cephalosporins 59% (95% CI 49–69%, n = 3585). Susceptibility of Klebsiella spp. to gentamicin was 71% (95% CI 61–80%, n = 2323), third-generation cephalosporins 35% (95% CI 22–49%, n = 2076), and carbapenems 89% (95% CI 78–97%, n = 2080). Pooled susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to flucloxacillin was 72% (95% CI 58–83%, n = 1666), and susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis isolates to ampicillin was 26% (95% CI 11–44%, n = 375), and 63% (95% CI 40–84%, n = 246) to third-generation cephalosporins. Interpretation: The burden of antimicrobial resistance among bacteria responsible for common infections in children across the Western Pacific region is significant, and the currently recommended World Health Organization antibiotics to treat these infections may be inefficacious. Strategies to improve the availability of high-quality data to understand the burden of antimicrobial resistance in the region are necessary. Funding: The study was supported by an Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grant. This research was funded in part by the Wellcome Trust [220211/Z/20/Z]. For the purpose of Open Access, the author has applied a CC BY public copyright licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising from this submission.

Edwardsiella tarda is frequently isolated from aquatic animals and environments. While human infections caused by E. tarda are rare, some extraintestinal infections can be severe. This case report describes a patient with cellulitis of the right upper extremity of unknown origin. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) indicated that the patient was infected with E. tarda. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the isolate was resistant to quinolones and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The isolate, positive for four virulence genes (fimA, gadB, mukF, and sodB), was confirmed to be virulent using the Galleria mellonella larvae model. Following early pus drainage and a 9-day course of imipenem, the patient ultimately recovered. This case report aimed to illustrate the presentation, diagnosis, and management of uncommon cellulitis caused by drug-resistant, virulent E. tarda.

Background and Objectives: The capability to cause invasive infection, multi-drug resistance, and health care-associated outbreaks of Candida auris have made it a pathogen of great concern. Estimating how many patients in our intensive care unit had C. auris colonization and what characteristics put patients at risk for having Candida spp. colonization were the primary goals of the study. Materials and Methods: Swabs from axilla and groin were collected from 229 patients getting admitted to the ICU. Samples were inoculated into CHROMagarTM Candida Plus medium. Colonies presumptively identified as C. auris by the presence of light blue with blue halo and were confirmed by VITEK-2. Results: Our study showed that only one patient was colonized with C. auris. A total of 47 (20.5%) patients were colonized with Candida spp., of which Candida parapislosis was the predominant organism. History of antibiotic use and cerebrovascular accident were independent risk factors in Candida colonization. Conclusion: Active screening for Candida auris in all patients is not required in our hospital as the prevalence was very low and not cost-effective. Therefore we plan to modify our screening strategy and use risk factors based surveillance strategy as it may serve as an ideal strategy.

The increasing use of antibiotics in food animal production systems has contributed to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant zoonotic bacteria that are transmissible to humans via the food chain. Infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria has a negative effect on public health due to the increasing frequency of treatment failure and severity of disease. The development of resistant bacteria in food animals can come through chromosomal changes, but is more frequently related with the horizontal transmission of resistance determinants carried by mobile genetic elements. Food may constitute a dynamic habitat for the continued transfer of antibiotic resistance determinants among bacteria.Existing food preservation strategies that rely on a combination of environmental factors to inhibit bacterial growth may exacerbate the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance among food-borne pathogens, resulting in treatment failure, increased mortality as well as increased treatment costs, decreased infection control efficacy, and the spread of resistant infections in the community.The rise of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has made the rising use of antibiotics a global concern. Food-producing animals are regarded reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and residual antibiotics that travel from the farm to the consumer's plate.Antibiotic resistance can develop in bacteria if leftover antibiotics are allowed to build up in the environment. Consequently, the possible impact of antibiotic usage in food-producing animals on food safety, as well as the risk of carrying and spreading antibiotic resistance through the food chain, is assessed in this review.This review also provides an in-depth analysis of possible antibiotic alternatives, including natural antibiotics, nano-antibiotics, lactic acid bacteria, bacteriocin, cyclopeptide, bacteriophage, synthetic biology, and predatory bacteria.

Abstract Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a widespread fungal pathogen responsible for significant crop losses across the globe. The challenge of breeding resistant varieties is exacerbated by the fungus's sophisticated pathogenic mechanisms. A pivotal factor in the host-pathogen interaction is the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within both the fungi and the host plants. However, there is currently no efficient strategy to leverage this interaction mechanism for developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Here, we introduce an engineered ROS scavenging system designated as syn-ROS for impairing ROS neutralization in S. sclerotiorum while concurrently fortifying it in the host. The syn-ROS system comprises gene silencing constructs targeting the S. sclerotiorum Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SsSOD) and its copper chaperone (SsCCS), alongside overexpression constructs for the Arabidopsis thaliana AtSOD1 and AtCCS. Transgenic plants carrying the syn-ROS system demonstrated a marked enhancement in resistance to S. sclerotiorum. Upon infection, the expression of SsSOD and SsCCS was reduced, while the expression of AtSOD1 and AtCCS was enhanced in syn-ROS transgenic plants. Moreover, the infected syn-ROS plants showed decreased Cu/Zn SOD enzyme activity and elevated ROS concentrations within the fungal cells. In contrast, the cells of A. thaliana manifested increased Cu/Zn SOD enzyme activity and lowered ROS levels. Collectively, these findings suggest a novel and promising approach for contriving plants with robust resistance by synthetically manipulating ROS scavenging activities in the interaction between the host and S. sclerotiorum.

The article describes the cases of two older adult patients who are reported to have unexpected improvement of resistant hypertension. Topics include definition of resistant hypertension, different mechanisms involved in two cases of patients, and possible implication of the sudden blood pressure (BP) normalization in older adult patients with longstanding, true resistant hypertension.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a widespread fungal pathogen responsible for significant crop losses across the globe. The challenge of breeding resistant varieties is exacerbated by the fungus's sophisticated pathogenic mechanisms. A pivotal factor in the host-pathogen interaction is the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within both the fungi and the host plants. However, there is currently no efficient strategy to leverage this interaction mechanism for developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Here, we introduce an engineered ROS scavenging system designated as syn-ROS for impairing ROS neutralization in S. sclerotiorum while concurrently fortifying it in the host. The syn-ROS system comprises gene silencing constructs targeting the S. sclerotiorum Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SsSOD) and its copper chaperone (SsCCS), alongside overexpression constructs for the Arabidopsis thaliana AtSOD1 and AtCCS. Transgenic plants carrying the syn-ROS system demonstrated a marked enhancement in resistance to S. sclerotiorum. Upon infection, the expression of SsSOD and SsCCS was reduced, while the expression of AtSOD1 and AtCCS was enhanced in syn-ROS transgenic plants. Moreover, the infected syn-ROS plants showed decreased Cu/Zn SOD enzyme activity and elevated ROS concentrations within the fungal cells. In contrast, the cells of A. thaliana manifested increased Cu/Zn SOD enzyme activity and lowered ROS levels. Collectively, these findings suggest a novel and promising approach for contriving plants with robust resistance by synthetically manipulating ROS scavenging activities in the interaction between the host and S. sclerotiorum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Combination of chidamide and anti‐PD‐L1 inhibitor produce synergistic anti‐tumor effect in advanced NSCLC patients resistant to anti‐PD‐1 treatment. However, the effect of chidamide plus envafolimab has not been reported. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chidamide plus envafolimab in advanced NSCLC patients resistant toanti‐PD‐1 treatment. Materials and Methods: Eligible advanced NSCLC patients after resistant to anti‐PD‐1 therapy received chidamide and envafolimab. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). The secondary end points included disease control rate (DCR), progression‐free survival (PFS), and safety. The expression of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), PD‐L1, and blood TMB (bTMB) was also analyzed. Results: After a median follow‐up of 8.1 (range: 7.6–9.2) months, only two patients achieved partial response. The ORR was 6.7% (2/30), DCR was 50% (15/30), and median PFS (mPFS) was 3.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.9–5.5) months. Biomarker analysis revealed that patients with high‐level HDAC2 expression had numerically superior ORR (4.3% vs. 0), DCR (52.2% vs. 0) and mPFS (3.7 vs. 1.4m). Patients with negative PD‐L1 had numerically superior DCR (52.2% vs. 33.3%) and mPFS (3.7m vs. 1.8m), so were those with low‐level bTMB (DCR: 59.1% vs. 16.7%, mPFS: 3.8 vs.1.9m). Overall safety was controllable. Discussion: High HDAC2patients showed better ORR, DCR, and PFS. In addition, patient with negative PD‐L1 and low‐level bTMB had better DCR and PFS. This may be related to the epigenetic function of chidamide. However, the sample size was not big enough, so it is necessary to increase sample size to confirm the conclusion. Conclusion: Combination of chidamide and envafolimab showed efficacy signals in certain NSCLC patients. But further identification of beneficial population is necessary for precision treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermatophyte infections are common in tropical areas with a humid climate. In recent times, it is getting extremely challenging to treat these infections because of resistance that has occurred to the conventional antifungals, which is attributed to changes in the fungal strains. Keeping in view this issue, more advanced drugs have come into being. Voriconazole is a potential such drug with promising results. Methods: A total of 76 patients participated in the study, they were divided into two groups, with 38 participants in each group. Group A was treated with voriconazole and group B was treated with itraconazole, for 2 weeks in patients who achieved a complete response, and 4 weeks for patients who achieved a partial response. Baseline complete blood count, Liver function tests, renal function tests, blood sugar levels, and KOH microscopy was done for every patient, and was repeated after completion of treatment. Clinical response was assessed on the basis of clearance of the lesion and negativity on KOH microscopy. Results: After completion of treatment with voriconazole, 32 (84.2)% of the patients achieved a complete clearance of the lesion, while 6(15.8%) of the participants achieved partial response to the treatment. Among the patients who received oral itraconazole, 6 (15.7%) showed a complete response, 16 (42.1%) participants achieved a partial cure, while 16 (42.2%) patients did not show any improvement after the treatment. Conclusion: It is safe to conclude, that voriconazole shows better efficacy and results in treating resistant dermatophyte infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT-1DS) is characterized by alterations in glucose translocation through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) due to mutation involving the GLUT-1 transporter. The fundamental therapy is ketogenic diet (KD) that provide an alternative energetic substrate — ketone bodies that across the BBB via MCT-1 — for the brain. Symptoms are various and include intractable seizure, acquired microcephalia, abnormal ocular movement, movement disorder, and neurodevelopment delay secondary to an energetic crisis for persistent neuroglycopenia. KD is extremely effective in controlling epileptic seizures and has a positive impact on movement disorders and cognitive impairment. Cases of KD resistance are rare, and only a few of them are reported in the literature, all regarding seizure. Our study describes a peculiar case of GLUT-1DS due to a new deletion involving the first codon of SLC2A1 gene determining a loss of function with a resistance to KD admitted to hospital due to intractable episodes of dystonia. This patient presented a worsening of symptomatology at higher ketonemia values but without hyperketosis and showed a complete resolution of symptomatology while maintaining low ketonemia values. Our study proposes an in-silico genomic and proteomic analysis aimed at explaining the atypical response to KD exhibited by our patient. In this way, we propose a new clinical and research approach based on precision medicine and molecular modelling to be applied to patients with GLUT-1DS resistant to first-line treatment with ketogenic diet by in silico study of genetic and altered protein product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The dramatic increase in in-vitro resistance of antimicrobial agents, particularly beta-lactams and macrolides, makes pneumococcal infections difficult to treat. The aim of this study was to describe the drug resistance rate, assess the prevalence of macrolide- resistant genes and review the clinical complications of pneumococcal infections among patients presented to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. All S. pneumoniae isolates collected from clinical specimens within a 1-year period were subjected to selected antimicrobial susceptibility testing using E-test strips. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was conducted to detect macrolide-resistant determinants. The patient's clinical data were obtained from clinical notes. Results: A total of 113 patients with a positive growth of S. pneumoniae were included in the study. The most common predisposing factors among them were bronchopulmonary diseases (15.9%). The penicillin-resistant rate was 7.1%, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging between 0.012 µg/mL and >32 µg/mL, and the erythromycin-resistant rate was 26.5%, with a MIC range of 0.03 µg/mL--> 256 µg/mL. Most of the erythromycin-resistant isolates were found to have the mef(A) gene (50.4%) and the erm(B) gene (20%); 16.7% had a combination of genes mef(A) and erm(B), and 13.3% had none of the two genes. Community-acquired pneumonia is the predominant type of pneumococcal infection. There was no significant association between the presence of macrolide resistance determinants and mortality (P = 0.837) or complications (P > 0.999 for empyema and cardiac complication; P = 0.135 for subdural abscess). Conclusion: The majority of erythromycin-resistant isolates were found to have the mef(A) gene, followed by the erm(B) gene and a combination of genes mef(A) and erm(B). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant parasitic nematodes cause severe damage to soybean crops, leading to substantial losses in yield and quality. However, more information is needed regarding the occurrence, distribution and damage status of soybean PPNs in Ethiopia. A total of 180 samples of rhizosphere and roots were collected randomly from three major soybean‐producing districts of Metekel Zone. Nematodes were extracted and identified at the genus level based on their morphological characteristics, except Meloidogyne javanica, the deadly species, which was identified using morphological and molecular techniques. Seven nematode genera were recovered: Meloidogyne, Scutellonema, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Rotylenchulus, Hemicycliophora and Criconema. The genera Meloidogyne, Scutellonema and Pratylenchus were dominant and had FO% of 98.3%, 97.5% and 81.8%, respectively. The host status of 10 soybean varieties to M. javanica infection was determined. Data on the shoot height, root length, fresh shoot and root weight, gall number and nematode density were estimated 3 months after inoculation. The results revealed that Jalele variety suppresses M. javanica multiplication while the other nine supported it. Comparatively, Pawe‐3, Awassa‐95 and Koreme varieties supported the highest nematode multiplication 24.4, 16.2 and 15.3 reproductive factors, respectively. Nova experienced the highest shoot and root relative biomass losses (84%) and roots (63%). In contrast, Jalele did not experience any loss in all parameters. However, Jalele variety resisted M. javanica, making it a promising approach towards soybean breeding programs for nematode management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of various potato cultivars in response to disease pressures from Meloidogyne incognita (MI) and Ralstonia solanacearum (RS) is believed to be different. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. A total of 13 potato cultivars during the main cropping season were assessed. The mean squares values from the analyses of variance for MI, RS, and plant parameters of potato cultivars at the two hot spot sites, 'Kersa' and 'Arbarakate' for the two pathogens showed highly significant (P < 0.01) differences among cultivars in terms of response to pathogens and plant parameters. At 'Kersa', all of the tested potato cultivars were classed as 'moderately resistant'. However, 'Gudenie' and 'Belete' were classed as 'resistant' to RS. At 'Arbarakate', 'Belete', and 'Bubu' were classed as 'resistant' to MI, while 'Gudenie', 'Belete', and 'Bubu' were classed as 'resistant' to RS. At 'Kersa', 'Gudenie' recorded the highest mean values (25.5 t ha−1) of marketable tuber yield (MY) and total yield (TY) (39.2 t ha−1). At 'Arbarakate', the highest mean value (49.6 t ha−1) of TY was registered from the cultivar 'Bubu'. TY had a negative phenotypic correlation with the pathogen's parameters but a positive with plant parameters. 'Gera' was the most distant from all tested cultivars with Euclidean distance = 30.8. These assessments provide information for breeders for further improvement through selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascochyta rabiei. (aka. Ascochyta blight of chickpea) is among the most devastating fungal pathogens in chickpea-growing areas. One of the main goals of the breeding programs is to improve the resistance of newly developed commercial cultivars to this pathogen. The resistance of 18 chickpea cultivars and 27 chickpea lines (developed under the chickpea breeding program in Turkey) was evaluated against Pathotype IV of Ascochyta rabiei, the most aggressive pathotype found in Turkey. All genotypes were tested under greenhouse conditions. Significant differences were found among the genotypes (α = 0.05). The response of the genotypes were grouped as resistant, moderately resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible with the percentage of 31.2%, 37.7%, 20% and 11.1%, respectively. The outputs of this study could be used for the development of new chickpea cultivars and varieties through breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]