Biocontrol of cantaloupe damping-off disease caused by Fusarium semitectum by using formulations of antagonistic fungi

oai:ojs.ppmj.net:article/2Antagonistic capability of 19 isolates of fungi isolated from rizosphere of cantaloupe plants was tested in vitro against growth of Fusarium semitectum isolate the causal pathogen of damping- off of cantaloupe. Trichoderma viride (isolate no. 17), T. harzianum (isolate no. 19) and Fusarium concolar  (isolate no.4) showed  significant  percentage of inhibition  against  to  F. semitectum. The effect of carrier formulations of antagonistic fungi (talc based powder and rice bran) on damping-off of cantaloupe were tested under greenhouse and field conditions.  In greenhouse experiments, application of antagonistic fungi with rice bran formulation two weeks before planting caused the highest percentage of survival plants in pre and post damping-off (83.33 and 75%, respectively), whereas application of talc based powder formulation significantly increased percentage of plant survival at the time of planting in pre and post damping-off (91.67 and 75%, respectively). In field experiments, application of tested formulations of antagonistic fungi to infested soil with F. semitectum two weeks before planting resulted in higher percentage of plant survival in pre and post damping-off in both teste

Challenges in the Implementation of the NeoOBS Study, a Global Pragmatic Observational Cohort Study, to Investigate the Aetiology and Management of Neonatal Sepsis in the Hospital Setting.

Neonatal sepsis is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries. To deliver high-quality data studies and inform future trials, it is crucial to understand the challenges encountered when managing global multi-centre research studies and to identify solutions that can feasibly be implemented in these settings. This paper provides an overview of the complexities faced by diverse research teams in different countries and regions, together with actions implemented to achieve pragmatic study management of a large multi-centre observational study of neonatal sepsis. We discuss specific considerations for enrolling sites with different approval processes and varied research experience, structures, and training. Implementing a flexible recruitment strategy and providing ongoing training were necessary to overcome these challenges. We emphasize the attention that must be given to designing the database and monitoring plans. Extensive data collection tools, complex databases, tight timelines, and stringent monitoring arrangements can be problematic and might put the study at risk. Finally, we discuss the complexities added when collecting and shipping isolates and the importance of having a robust central management team and interdisciplinary collaborators able to adapt easily and make swift decisions to deliver the study on time and to target. With pragmatic approaches, appropriate training, and good communication, these challenges can be overcome to deliver high-quality data from a complex study in challenging settings through a collaborative research network

A critical analysis of the hepatotoxicity cases described in the literature related to Herbalife (r) products

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the hepatotoxicity cases described in the literature, attributed to the consumption of Herbalife(r) products, and to determine whether a causal relationship exists between the reported cases of liver injury and the use of these products. A literature search was performed on the PubMed, LILACS and PAHO databases. Seven publications reporting a total of 53 cases of hepatotoxicity linked to the use of Herbalife(r) products were retrieved. All of the studies lacked sufficient information to some degree, whether related to patients' history, concomitant use of medication and/or other compounds (including alcohol), observations on interrupted use (dechallenge), results found with markers, viral serology and autoantibodies or observations concerning re-exposure to the products. In addition to these items, the lack of clear information on the type of products evaluated and their respective composition is an important factor to be considered. Furthermore, data quality was also questionable due to the presence of confounding factors, absence of proper exclusion of alternative explanations, and the use of questionable methods for attributing causality. Hence, an association between hepatotoxicity and consumption of these products cannot be proven based on the data collected and rigorous scientific analysis