Biocontrol of Fusarium wilt disease in pepper plant by plant growth promoting Penicillium expansum and Trichoderma harzianum

Plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) were employed in the present study to biocontrol Fusarium wilt disease in pepper plants. Two of the five fungal isolates were chosen based on biochemical characteristics such as their production of hydrocyanic acid, siderophores, and IAA, phosphate solubilization, and in vitro antifungal activities. The most potent fungal isolates were identified as Penicillium expansum (P. expansum) and Trichoderma harzianum (T. harzianum). Using GC-MS, it was found that PGPF extracts contain compounds with antifungal activity, antioxidants, and plant growth stimulators. The combined effect of T. harzianum and P. expansum increased the protection against fusarial wilt by (76.74%), followed by T. harzianum by (50%), then P. expansum by (17.64%). Significant improvement because of using the mixture (T. harzianum and P. expansum) showed an increase in shoot length (59.4%), root length (129%), and number of leaves (52.6%). Chlorophyll A and B levels in infected plants were consistently raised by 28.71% and 67.58%, respectively; as a result of application the mixture (T. harzianum and P. expansum). Also, there was an increase in soluble proteins and carbohydrates in infected plants treated with (T. harzianum) by 25.42% and 31.78% over untreated infected plants, respectively. It could be recommended that the use of targeted PGPF strains, especially a mixture of T. harzianum and P. expansum could be commercially used as therapeutic nutrients against Fusarium wilt of pepper plants

Role of calcium and magnesium on dramatic physiological and anatomical responses in tomato plants

Minerals are the fundamental source of nutrients for plant functions such as photosynthesis, ATP currency, cellular respiration, metabolic activities, defense mechanisms, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stressors. Minerals are the most significant component of plant nutrition and applying these minerals supplements can increase fruit output. The study’s main aim was to make agricultural farming easier by foliar applying newly created nutrients like Lebosol-calcium and Magnesium. The four treatments: To (Control), T1 (Lebosol-Mg-Plus, 3 ml/L), T2 (Lebosol-Ca-Forte, 3 ml/L), and T3 (Lebosol-Mg-Plus and Lebosol-Ca-Forte, 3 ml/L) was applied as foliar spray to the seedlings of tomato. It was found that T3 substantially enhanced tomato’s morphological features and yield. The treatment T3 significantly increased total soluble protein, chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, the foliar application of T3 considerably improved phenolic and ascorbic acid contents. The general anatomical features of the leaf, stem, and roots of tomato were qualitatively affected by the treatments. Application of Lebosol-Ca provided the highest total thickness of lamina, number of vessel elements, total phloem area, chlorenchyma layer, total area of vessel elements, xylem ratio, and increased palisade layer thickness, vessel diameter. Furthermore, T3 treatment showed a diverse impact on the internal structure of tomato organs, with palisade and spongy parenchyma growing to maximum values and vessel diameters expanding. T3 had also posed remarkable alterations in morpho-physiological, biochemical, and anatomical aspects in tested plants

Eco-friendly preparation of thyme essential oil nano emulsion: Characterization, antifungal activity and resistance of Fusarium wilt disease of Foeniculum vulgare

Essential oil nanoemulsions have received much attention in the last period for controlling of fungal plant pathogens. In this study, thyme oil nanoemulsion (TONE) was successfully prepared from thyme oil which extracted from Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris). The prepared TONE was characterized using DLS, Zeta potential, and TEM analyses. Results revealed that, TONE has spherical shape with size 32.7 nm. Moreover, results illustrated that TONE exhibited promising antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum) with minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) 5 mg/ml. Additionally, TONE concentrations 1, 2, 3 and 4 mg/ml reduced the growth of F. oxysporum with percentages 7.78, 31.1, 52.2 and 67.8 % respectively. Disease index (DI) of Fusarium wilt reached the maximum rate by (85 %) in the Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) plant infected with F. oxysporum. Application of TONE treatment on infected plants led to a decrease in DI to (17.5%) and an increase in the percentage of protection to (79.4%). Furthermore, DI was decrease to 42.5% with protection percentage 50% in the case of infected plant with TOE.  Moreover, TOE, TONE played an important role in improving plant immunity by increasing phenol, proline, and antioxidant enzymes (POD&PPO) activities, as well as reducing oxidative stress by reducing (MDA & H2O2). Results revealed that TONE led to significant increase in free proline in compared to TOE. We can conclude that TOE, TONE are considered eco-friendly safe strong inducers of F. vulgare plant immunity alternatives to difenoconazole against fusarial wilt disease to preserve plant, soil, and human health

Survey and molecular detection of Melissococcus plutonius, the causative agent of European Foulbrood in honeybees in Saudi Arabia

AbstractA large-scale field survey was conducted to screen major Saudi Arabian beekeeping locations for infection by Melissococcus plutonius. M. plutonius is one of the major bacterial pathogens of honeybee broods and is the causative agent of European Foulbrood disease (EFB). Larvae from samples suspected of infection were collected from different apiaries and homogenized in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Bacteria were isolated on MYPGP agar medium. Two bacterial isolates, ksuMP7 and ksuMP9 (16S rRNA GenBank accession numbers, KX417565 and KX417566, respectively), were subjected to molecular identification using M. plutonius -specific primers, a BLAST sequence analysis revealed that the two isolates were M. plutonius with more than 98% sequence identity. The molecular detection of M. plutonius from honeybee is the first recorded incidence of this pathogen in Saudi Arabia. This study emphasizes the need for official authorities to take immediate steps toward treating and limiting the spread of this disease throughout the country

Optimization of a Patient-Specific External Fixation Device for Lower Limb Injuries

From MDPI via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2021-08-02, pub-electronic 2021-08-10Publication status: PublishedFunder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; Grant(s): EP/R01513/1Funder: King Saud University; Grant(s): RSP-2021/299The use of external fixation devices is considered a valuable approach for the treatment of bone fractures, providing proper alignment to fractured fragments and maintaining fracture stability during the healing process. The need for external fixation devices has increased due to an aging population and increased trauma incidents. The design and fabrication of external fixations are major challenges since the shape and size of the defect vary, as well as the geometry of the human limb. This requires fully personalized external fixators to improve its fit and functionality. This paper presents a methodology to design personalized lightweight external fixator devices for additive manufacturing. This methodology comprises data acquisition, Computer tomography (CT) imaging analysis and processing, Computer Aided Design (CAD) modelling and two methods (imposed predefined patterns and topology optimization) to reduce the weight of the device. Finite element analysis with full factorial design of experiments were used to determine the optimal combination of designs (topology optimization and predefined patterns), materials (polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and polyamide) and thickness (3, 4, 5 and 6 mm) to maximize the strength and stiffness of the fixator, while minimizing its weight. The optimal parameters were found to correspond to an external fixator device optimized by topology optimization, made in polylactic acid with 4 mm thickness

A Retrospective Study of Non-Communicable Diseases amongst Blue-Collar Migrant Workers in Qatar

BACKGROUND: South Asian workers have a greater predisposition to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that is exacerbated by migration and length of residence in host countries. Aims: To examine the association between length of residence in Qatar with diagnosis of NCDs in male blue-collar workers. METHODS: A retrospective investigation of the electronic health records (EHRs) of 119,581 clinical visits by 58,342 patients was conducted. Data included age, nationality and confirmed ICD-10 diagnosis. Based on duration of residence, the population was divided into groups: ≤6 months, 6–12 months, 1–≤2 years, 2–≤5 years, 5–≤6 years, >6 years. It was assumed that the group that had been resident in Qatar for ≤6 months represented diseases that had been acquired in their countries of origin. Results: South Asian (90%) patients presented with NCDs at a younger (mean ± SD age of 34.8 ± 9.0 years) age. Diabetes and hypertension were higher in those who had just arrived (<6 months’ group), compared to the other durations of residence groups. Conversely, acute respiratory infections, as well as dermatitis and eczema, all increased, perhaps a consequence of shared living/working facilities. Only patients with diabetes and hypertension visited the clinic multiple times, and the cost of medication for these NCDs was affordable, relative to earnings. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Blue-collar workers were predominantly South Asian, from lower socioeconomic classes, with early onset chronic NCDs. Notably, residence in Qatar gave them better access to affordable, significantly subsidized healthcare, leading to effective management of these chronic conditions

The Effectiveness of Levosimendan on Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Management and Outcome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objectives: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) provides a temporary support system for patients with cardiogenic shock refractory to conventional medical therapies. It has been reported that levosimendan may facilitate VA-ECMO weaning and improve survival. The primary objective of this review was to examine the effect of levosimendan use on VA-ECMO weaning and mortality in critically ill patients on VA-ECMO. Design: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched. A pair of reviewers identified eligible clinical trials. Two reviewers extracted data and independently assessed the risk of bias. A random-effect model was used to combine data. The primary outcome was the success of weaning from VA-ECMO. Measurements and Main Results: Seven studies of observational design, including a total of 630 patients, were selected in the final analysis. The sample size ranged from ten-to-240 patients, with a mean age between 53 and 65 years, and more than half of them underwent cardiac surgeries. The VA-ECMO durations varied between four and 11.6 days. Overall, levosimendan use was significantly associated with successful weaning compared with control (odds ratio [OR] 2.89, 95% CI, 1.53-5.46; poverall effect = 0.001); I2 = 49%). For survival, six studies (n = 617) were included in the meta-analysis involving 326 patients in the levosimendan group and 291 in the comparator group. Pooled results showed a significantly higher survival rate in the levosimendan group (OR 0.46, 95% CI, 0.30-0.71; poverall effect = 0.0004; I2 = 20%). Conclusions: Levosimendan therapy was significantly associated with successful weaning and survival benefit in patients with cardiogenic or postcardiotomy shock needing VA-ECMO support for severe cardiocirculatory compromise. To date, there is limited literature and absence of evidence from randomized trials addressing the use of levosimendan in VA-ECMO weaning. This study may be considered a hypothesis-generating research for randomized controlled trials to confirm its findings

Influence of premolar extraction or non-extraction orthodontic therapy on the angular changes of mandibular third molars

Abstract Aim: To compare the angular changes of the third molars relative to the occlusal planeand to the second molar long axis in extraction group and compare these changes with a non extractiongroup.Materials and methods: The study included pre and post treatment panoramic radiographrecords of 90 subjects treated by first premolar extractions and 90 subjects who had been treatedwith non extraction orthodontic therapy (n=90). Two angular variables were measured. Firstly,the angle between the long axis of the third molar and the occlusal plane (M3–OP) and secondly,the angle between the long axis of the third molar and the long axis of the second molar (M3–M2).Data were analyzed by paired and student’s t-test.Result: The analyzed data to assess the changes in the third molar angulation from pretreatmentto post treatment did not vary significantly in both the groups (pdecreased angular values. The M3–OP angular difference was (7.3± 2.45) in extraction group ascompared to (5.85 ± 1.77) in non extraction group. The M3–M2 angular difference of (4.26±3.11) in extraction group and (2.98 ±1.74) in non-extraction group was observedConclusion: Extraction of premolars did not demonstrate considerable changes on the angulationof the third molars. The factors other than premolar extractions may influence the angulationof the third molars.</p

Burnout and quality of life among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Background and Objectives. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) have had to deal with large numbers of confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 and were at a high risk of burnout and dissatisfaction regarding their work-life integration. This article aims to assess burnout, the work-life balance (WLB), and quality of life (QoL) among healthcare workers and the relationship between these aspects in Saudi Arabia. Methods. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 491 HCPs from five secondary hospitals in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Three standardized questionnaires were used to gather data, including WLB, burnout, and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF. Results. Healthcare professionals struggled to balance their work and personal lives during COVID-19 and reported many burnout symptoms and a low level of QoL. Two-thirds (68.8%) of HCPs arrived home late from work and (56.6%) skipped a meal. HCPs who worked through a shift without any breaks were found in 57.8%. It was reported that 39.3% of HCPs felt frustrated by technology while being exhausted from their work (60.5%). The correlation coefficients between the WLB and health-related QoL (HRQoL) showed a significant negative correlation for all items, which ranged from (-.099 to -.403, P<0.05). The WLB and burnout scores were successful predictors of low levels of HRQoL (P<0.001 for both explanatory variables). Conclusions. Work-life imbalances, high levels of burnout, and low QoL levels are common among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19. Hospital administration should address the WLB and reduce burnout symptoms among HCPs to increase satisfaction and improve the quality of care

Population status, habitat preferences and predictive current and future distributions of three endangered Silene species under changing climate

One of the most crucial steps in the practical conservation of endangered endemic mountain plants is to address their population size status and habitat requirements concurrently with understanding their response to future global warming. Three endangered Silene species—Silene leucophylla Boiss., S. schimperiana Boiss., and S. oreosinaica Chowdhuri—in Egypt were the focus of the current study. These species were examined for population status change, habitat quality variables (topography, soil features, and threats), and predictive current and future distributions. To find population size changes, recent field surveys and historical records were compared. Using Random Forest (RF) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), habitat preferences were assessed. To forecast present-day distribution and climate change response, an ensemble model was used. The results reported a continuous decline in the population size of the three species. Both RF and CCA addressed that elevation, soil texture (silt, sand, and clay fractions), soil moisture, habitat-type, chlorides, electric conductivity, and slope were among the important variables associated with habitat quality. The central northern sector of the Saint Catherine area is the hotspot location for the predictive current distribution of three species with suitable areas of 291.40, 293.10, and 58.29 km2 for S. leucophylla, S. schimperiana, and S. oreosinaica, respectively. Precipitation-related variables and elevation were the key predictors for the current distribution of three Silene species. In response to climate change scenarios, the three Silene species exhibited a gradual contraction in the predictive suitable areas with upward shifts by 2050 and 2070. The protection of these species and reintroduction to the predicted current and future climatically suitable areas are urgent priorities. Ex-situ conservation and raised surveillance, as well as fenced enclosures may catapult as promising and effective approaches to conserving such threatened species