Genome-wide analysis of NPR1-like genes in citrus species and expression analysis in response to citrus canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri).

Citrus fruits, revered for their nutritional value, face significant threats from diseases like citrus canker, particularly impacting global citrus cultivation, notably in Pakistan. This study delves into the critical role of NPR1-like genes, the true receptors for salicylic acid (SA), in the defense mechanisms of citrus against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xcc). By conducting a comprehensive genome-wide analysis and phylogenetic study, the evolutionary dynamics of Citrus limon genes across diverse citrus cultivars are elucidated. Structural predictions unveil conserved domains, such as the BTB domain and ankyrin repeat domains, crucial for the defense mechanism. Motif analysis reveals essential conserved patterns, while cis-regulatory elements indicate their involvement in transcription, growth, response to phytohormones, and stress. The predominantly cytoplasmic and nuclear localization of NPR1-like genes underscores their pivotal role in conferring resistance to various citrus species. Analysis of the Ks/Ka ratio indicates a purifying selection of NPR1-like genes, emphasizing their importance in different species. Synteny and chromosomal mapping provide insights into duplication events and orthologous links among citrus species. Notably, Xac infection stimulates the expression of NPR1-like genes, revealing their responsiveness to pathogenic challenges. Interestingly, qRT-PCR profiling post-Xac infection reveals cultivar-specific alterations in expression within susceptible and resistant citrus varieties. Beyond genetic factors, physiological parameters like peroxidase, total soluble protein, and secondary metabolites respond to SA-dependent PR genes, influencing plant characteristics. Examining the impact of defense genes (NPR1) and plant characteristics on disease resistance in citrus, this study marks the inaugural investigation into the correlation between NPR1-associated genes and various plant traits in both susceptible and resistant citrus varieties to citrus bacterial canker.

Outcomes of Intravascular Imaging in Orbital Atherectomy; Insight From the National Readmissions Database.

The impact of intravascular imaging guidance [intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)/optical coherence tomography (OCT)] on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing orbital atherectomy (OA) and percutaneous intervention (PCI) are not well characterized. The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2015 to 2019 was used to select all cases of OA. The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of in-hospital, 30-day, and 180-day hospitalization outcomes between patients who underwent PCI with OA vs without intravascular imaging were calculated using a propensity-matched analysis. A total of 15,681 patients undergoing PCI after OA (12,649 with no-imaging, 3032 with imaging) were identified. Due to a significant difference in the baseline characteristics, a matched sample of 3008 in the no-imaging group and 3032 in the imaging group was selected. On adjusted analysis, the odds of all-cause in-hospital mortality (aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54-0.86) were significantly lower in patients undergoing IVUS/OCT guided OA and PCI compared with those having PCI without imaging. There was no difference in the rate of in-hospital stroke (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.51-1.45) and major bleeding (aOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.65-1.16) between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the 30- and 180-day odds of readmission, major bleeding, coronary dissection, pericardial effusion, and AKI between the two groups. IVUS and OCT use during PCI with OA for patients with calcified coronary artery disease appear to be associated with reduced in-hospital mortality at index admission. Prospective trials are necessary to determine the long-term benefits of imaging with PCI.

Citrus Canker Pathogen, Its Mechanism of Infection, Eradication, and Impacts.

Citrus canker is a ravaging bacterial disease threatening citrus crops. Its major types are Asiatic Canker, Cancrosis B, and Cancrosis C, caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc), Xanthomonas citri pv. aurantifolii pathotype-B (XauB), and pathotype-C (XauC), respectively. The bacterium enters its host through stomata and wounds, from which it invades the intercellular spaces in the apoplast. It produces erumpent corky necrotic lesions often surrounded by a chlorotic halo on the leaves, young stems, and fruits, which causes dark spots, defoliation, reduced photosynthetic rate, rupture of leaf epidermis, dieback, and premature fruit drop in severe cases. Its main pathogenicity determinant gene is pthA, whose variants are present in all citrus canker-causing pathogens. Countries where citrus canker is not endemic adopt different methods to prevent the introduction of the pathogen into the region, eradicate the pathogen, and minimize its dissemination, whereas endemic regions require an integrated management program to control the disease. The main aim of the present manuscript is to shed light on the pathogen profile, its mechanism of infection, and fruitful strategies for disease management. Although an adequate method to completely eradicate citrus canker has not been introduced so far, many new methods are under research to abate the disease.