Lung abscess as a complication of COVID-19 infection, a case report

To our knowledge, no previous studies have reported lung abscess as a complication of COVID-19 infection. It is essential to follow-up with the patients after discharge for such complications, especially if they are symptomatic. © 2021 The Authors. Clinical Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum extract-based product, Dalgin Active®, triggers defense mechanisms and confers protection in both bread and durum wheat against Zymoseptoria tritici

International audienceAlternative control strategies are increasingly encouraged to develop sustainable crop protection. In this aim, we assessed the ability of Dalgin Active ® , an Ascophyllum nodosum extract-based product, to induce resistance in bread wheat and durum wheat against Zymoseptoria tritici, a major fungal pathogen on these crops. Foliar application of the product provided a strong and significant reduction of disease intensity on both wheat species without any direct effect against the pathogen. Infection process monitoring revealed that Dalgin Active ® did not prevent fungal epiphytic growth and leaf colonization, but its application results in an inhibition of sporulation as well as fungal cell wall-degrading enzyme and protease activities. During the early stages of infection, Dalgin Active ® activated several plant defense markers on both wheat species, including PR protein, antioxidant metabolism, phenylpropanoid, and octadecanoid-based pathways. Although few differences were recorded, the induced defense reaction patterns were overall similar in both wheat species, suggesting that Dalgin Active ® could be used to biocontrol Z. tritici on both crops

Algae and Cyanobacteria as Biocontrol Agents of Fungal Plant Pathogens

none2noAbstract: Since long time, algae are used in agriculture as soil amendment for their beneficial effects on plant health and productivity. In fact, algae contain several molecules such as plant growth hormones (cytokinins, auxins, abscisic and gibberellic acid), polysaccharides, betaines and micronutrients. The research on algae, their compounds and their effects on plants have started in the middle 1950s and brought to the formulations of liquid products containing extracts with compounds readily available for plants. The algae extracts, besides having effects on plant growth, have demonstrated to improve plant resistance to both abiotic and biotic stresses. Among biotic stresses, algae showed antifungal activity against different pathogens especially of horticultural plants. From the middle of last century, plant management has always been dependent from the market demand that required growing quantity of ‘perfect’ fruits and vegetables over the year. In this scenario, the chemical industry of fertilizers and pesticides developed new products that have been used for years. In particular, pesticides have represented the base of the management of fungal plant pathogens. During the last decades, the use of both pesticides and chemical fertilizers has represented a serious risk for human health and brought disorder of ecosystem equilibrium. Consequently, algae for their biostimulant and antifungal effects may be considered useful tools to reduce the input of chemicals in integrated pest management strategies. In line with these strategies, the European Regulation EC 1107/2009, concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/ EEC and 91/414/EEC, recommends that priority should be given to non-chemical and natural alternatives wherever possible.mixedHillary Righini; Roberta RobertiHillary Righini; Roberta Robert