Pestalotioid Species Associated with Medicinal Plants in Southwest China and Thailand.

In this paper, a total of 26 pestalotioid isolates associated with different medicinal plants from southwest China and Thailand were studied. Based on morphological examinations and multigene analyses of three gene loci (ITS, tef1-α, and tub2), these 26 isolates represent 17 species distributed in three genera, including seven new species and eight new records. The concatenated three loci tree was used to infer the occurrence of sexual recombination within each pestalotioid genus through the pairwise homoplasy index (PHI) test implemented in SplitsTree. Further, simplifying the description of pestalotioid species is discussed, and a checklist for pestalotioid species associated with medicinal plants worldwide is provided. IMPORTANCE Pestalotioid species are an important fungal group, occurring commonly as plant pathogens, endophytes, and saprophytes. The study of pestalotioid species associated with medicinal plants is significant for agriculture, industry, and pharmaceutical industry but remains poorly studied. In this study, we report 17 pestalotioid species related to medicinal plants based on morphology and molecular analyses. Our study significantly enriches the species richness of pestalotioids and provides a basis for follow-up studies.

Fusarium and allied fusarioid taxa (FUSA). 1.

Seven Fusarium species complexes are treated, namely F. aywerte species complex (FASC) (two species), F. buharicum species complex (FBSC) (five species), F. burgessii species complex (FBURSC) (three species), F. camptoceras species complex (FCAMSC) (three species), F. chlamydosporum species complex (FCSC) (eight species), F. citricola species complex (FCCSC) (five species) and the F. concolor species complex (FCOSC) (four species). New species include Fusicolla elongata from soil (Zimbabwe), and Neocosmospora geoasparagicola from soil associated with Asparagus officinalis (Netherlands). New combinations include Neocosmospora akasia, N. awan, N. drepaniformis, N. duplosperma, N. geoasparagicola, N. mekan, N. papillata, N. variasi and N. warna. Newly validated taxa include Longinectria gen. nov., L. lagenoides, L. verticilliforme, Fusicolla gigas and Fusicolla guangxiensis. Furthermore, Fusarium rosicola is reduced to synonymy under N. brevis. Finally, the genome assemblies of Fusarium secorum (CBS 175.32), Microcera coccophila (CBS 310.34), Rectifusarium robinianum (CBS 430.91), Rugonectria rugulosa (CBS 126565), and Thelonectria blattea (CBS 952.68) are also announced here. Citation: Crous PW, Sandoval-Denis M, Costa MM, Groenewald JZ, van Iperen AL, Starink-Willemse M, Hernández-Restrepo M, Kandemir H, Ulaszewski B, de Boer W, Abdel-Azeem AM, Abdollahzadeh J, Akulov A, Bakhshi M, Bezerra JDP, Bhunjun CS, Câmara MPS, Chaverri P, Vieira WAS, Decock CA, Gaya E, Gené J, Guarro J, Gramaje D, Grube M, Gupta VK, Guarnaccia V, Hill R, Hirooka Y, Hyde KD, Jayawardena RS, Jeewon R, Jurjevic Z, Korsten L, Lamprecht SC, Lombard L, Maharachchikumbura SSN, Polizzi G, Rajeshkumar KC, Salgado-Salazar C, Shang Q-J, Shivas RG, Summerbell RC, Sun GY, Swart WJ, Tan YP, Vizzini A, Xia JW, Zare R, González CD, Iturriaga T, Savary O, Coton M, Coton E, Jany J-L, Liu C, Zeng Z-Q, Zhuang W-Y, Yu Z-H, Thines M (2022). Fusarium and allied fusarioid taxa (FUSA). 1. Fungal Systematics and Evolution 9: 161-200. doi: 10.3114/fuse.2022.09.08.

Assessment of body composition in Sri Lankan adults: development and validation of bioelectrical impedance prediction equation.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a simple and quick method used for assessment of body composition (BC). Present study aims to develop and validate a BIA prediction equation for Sri Lankan adults. Healthy adults (≥18 years) were randomly selected for development and validation of the equation. BIA was performed using the Inbody 230 multifrequency analyzer. BC analysis was also evaluated by deuterium oxide (D2O) dilution. Prediction equations for TBW/FFM were derived by linear-regression analysis. Study population included 170 adults, of which 32.9% were males. Mean age and BMI were 43.2 ± 12.6 years and 24.1 ± 4.5 kg/m2, respectively. Final equation for TBW (r = 0.915, p < 0.001) and FFM (r = 0.906, p < 0.001) correlated significantly with values obtained by D2O dilution. Therefore, this equation is suitable for estimation of BC parameters, such as TBW, FM, FFM, and %BF in Sri Lankan adults, and is possibly appropriate for use in other South Asian populations, including those living in Western countries.

Translation and Validation of the Sinhalese Version of the Brief Medication Questionnaire in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Adherence to long-term therapy for diabetes remains low. Accurately measuring adherence is the primary step in improving adherence. We translated and validated the Sinhalese version of the Brief Medication Questionnaire (BMQ) in patients with diabetes. METHODS: The study was conducted at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka between April and December 2017, including 165 patients with diabetes. BMQ was translated into Sinhalese using the translation-back translation method. The translated questionnaire validation included evaluation of internal consistency, temporal stability, and performance in regard to a gold standard (HbA1c). RESULTS: Mean age (±SD) was 60.6 ± 11.1 years, and 46.1% were males. Mean duration of diabetes in the participants was 13.4 ± 7.8 years. Mean HbA1c was 8.3 ± 1.7%, with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8.5%) identified in 41.8%. Medication adherence measured by the BMQ regimen, belief, and recall screens were 39.4%, 75.8%, and 18.8%, respectively. In the analysis of temporal stability, the overall BMQ and the regimen, belief, and recall screens demonstrated good concordance between test and retest with significant gamma correlation coefficients of r = 0.85 (p < 0.001), r = 0.81 (p < 0.001), r = 0.84 (p < 0.001), and r = 0.91 (p < 0.001), respectively. The overall BMQ had a Cronbach α coefficient of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.61-0.70). The questionnaire performance with regards to the gold standards for the overall BMQ AUC was 0.73 (95% CI 0.65-0.80), while the BMQ regimen screen AUC was 0.61 (95% CI 0.53-0.70). The overall BMQ score with a cutoff value of 2 presented better equilibrium between sensitivity and specificity for the gold standard. Those with low adherence had a significantly higher percentage of poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8.5%). CONCLUSION: The translated questionnaire demonstrated good reliability (internal consistency), temporal stability (test-retest reliability), and validity when assessed using a gold standard for disease control. Using culturally validated tools to evaluate adherence may help clinicians to identify low adherence and institute corrective measures.

Genera of phytopathogenic fungi: GOPHY 1.

Genera of Phytopathogenic Fungi (GOPHY) is introduced as a new series of publications in order to provide a stable platform for the taxonomy of phytopathogenic fungi. This first paper focuses on 21 genera of phytopathogenic fungi: Bipolaris, Boeremia, Calonectria, Ceratocystis, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Coniella, Curvularia, Monilinia, Neofabraea, Neofusicoccum, Pilidium, Pleiochaeta, Plenodomus, Protostegia, Pseudopyricularia, Puccinia, Saccharata, Thyrostroma, Venturia and Wilsonomyces. For each genus, a morphological description and information about its pathology, distribution, hosts and disease symptoms are provided. In addition, this information is linked to primary and secondary DNA barcodes of the presently accepted species, and relevant literature. Moreover, several novelties are introduced, i.e. new genera, species and combinations, and neo-, lecto- and epitypes designated to provide a stable taxonomy. This first paper includes one new genus, 26 new species, ten new combinations, and four typifications of older names.

Prevalence and trends of metabolic syndrome among adults in the asia-pacific region: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The Asia-Pacific region is home to nearly half of the world's population. The region has seen a recent rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity, type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The present systematic review summarizes the recent prevalence and trends of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among adults in countries of the Asia-Pacific Region. METHODS: Data on MetS in Asia-Pacific countries were obtained using a stepwise process by searching the online Medline database using MeSH terms 'Metabolic Syndrome X' and 'Epidemiology/EP'. For the purpose of describing prevalence data for the individual countries, studies that were most recent, nationally representative or with the largest sample size were included. When evaluating secular trends in prevalence in a country we only considered studies that evaluated the temporal change in prevalence between similar populations, prospective studies based on the same population or National surveys conducted during different time periods. RESULTS: This literature search yielded a total of 757 articles, and five additional article were identified by screening of reference lists. From this total, 18 studies were eligible to be included in the final analysis. Of the 51 Asia-Pacific countries (WHO) we only located data for 15. There was wide between country variation in prevalence of MetS. A national survey from Philippines conducted in 2003 revealed the lowest reported prevalence of 11.9% according to NCEP ATP III criteria. In contrast, the highest recorded prevalence in the region (49.0%) came from a study conducted in urban Pakistan (Karachchi, 2004). Most studies reported a higher prevalence of MetS in females and urban residents. Data on secular trends were available for China, South Korea and Taiwan. An increase in the prevalence of MetS was observed in all three countries. CONCLUSION: Despite differences in methodology, diagnostic criteria and age of subjects studied, the Asia-Pacific region is facing a significant epidemic of MetS. In most countries nearly 1/5th of the adult population or more were affected by MetS with a secular increase in prevalence. Strategies aimed at primary prevention are required to ameliorate a further increase in the epidemic and for the reduction of the morbidity and mortality associated with MetS.

Knowledge and perceptions about diet and physical activity among Sri Lankan adults with diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rapidly growing health concern in Sri Lanka. Diet and physical activity are important modifiable risk factors affecting the incidence, severity and management of DM. The present study aims to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions about dietary patterns and physical activity among a group of adults with DM in Sri Lanka using qualitative research methods. METHODS: Fifty adults from a cohort of diabetic patients attending the medical clinics at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka were invited for the study. Data were collected via 10 Focus Group Discussions. Verbatim recording and documenting emotional responses were conducted by two independent observers. Directed content analysis of qualitative data was done with the help of NVIVO v10.0. RESULTS: Mean age was 61.2 ± 9.9 years and 46 % were males. Mean duration of diabetes was 10.4 ± 7.5 years. All were aware of the importance of diet in the management of DM. But most had difficulty in incorporating this knowledge into their lives mostly due to social circumstances. The majority described a list of 'good foods' and 'bad foods' for DM. They believed that 'good' foods can be consumed at all times, irrespective of quantity and 'bad' foods should be completely avoided. Many believed that fruits were bad for diabetes, while vegetables were considered as a healthy food choice. The majority thought that there were 'special' foods that help to control blood glucose, the most common being curry leaves and bitter-gourd. Most study participants were aware of the importance of being physical active. However, there was lack of consensus and clarity with regards to type, duration, timing and frequency of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Despite understanding the importance of dietary control and physical activity in the management of diabetes, adherence to practices were poor, mainly due to lack of clarity of information provided. There were many myths with regards to diet, some of which have originated from health care professionals. More evidence is needed to support or refute the claims about 'special' foods that the participants believe as being good for diabetes.

Translational research for Diabetes Self-Management in Sri Lanka: A randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: The study tested the hypothesis that a theory driven Diabetes Self-Management (DSM) intervention delivered by trained nurses would result in a clinically significant improvement in glycaemic control. METHODS: Patients with an HbA1c >7.5% (58mmol/mol) and free of diabetes complications were enrolled into a randomized controlled trial (n=85). Intervention consisted of four sessions and monthly follow up for 6 months. Biochemical tests, and diet and physical activity assessments were done in both groups. Analysis of covariance was used to test the effectiveness of the intervention. RESULTS: At 6 months, there was a significant difference (P=0.001) in HbA1c between the groups controlling for baseline values and other variables. Based on the primary outcome, 28% in the intervention group achieved the target value of 6.5% HbA1c, compared to 8% in the "usual care" group (P<0.001; η(2)=0.65). The reduction in total energy intake and increase in physical activity was significant in the intervention group between baseline and follow up. CONCLUSIONS: The DSM intervention has resulted in a clinically significant impact on glycaemia, change in diet and physical activity, and has demonstrated the feasibility of using it within existing care arrangements in a developing country setting.

The influence of family history of diabetes on disease prevalence and associated metabolic risk factors among Sri Lankan adults.

AIMS: To describe the influence of family history on diabetes prevalence and associated metabolic risk factors in a nationally representative sample from Sri Lanka. METHODS: A cross sectional national survey was conducted among 5000 adults in Sri Lanka. Family history was evaluated at three levels: (1) parents, (2) grandparents (paternal and maternal) and (3) siblings. A binary-logistic regression analysis controlling for confounders (age, gender, BMI and physical activity) was performed in all patients with 'presence of diabetes' as the dichotomous dependent variable and using family history in father, mother, maternal grandmother/grandfather, paternal grandmother/grandfather, siblings and children as binary independent variables. RESULTS: The sample size was 4485, mean age was 46.1 ± 15.1 years and 39.5% were males. In all adults, the prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher in patients with a family history (23.0%) than those without (8.2%) (P < 0.001). When family history was present in both parents, the prevalence of diabetes was 32.9%. Presence of a family history significantly increased the risk of diabetes [odds ratio (OR): 3.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.78-4.03], obesity (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.99-2.99), hypertension (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08-1.45) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.97-2.63). In all adults, the presence of a family history of diabetes in a father (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.02-1.63), mother (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.11-1.36), paternal grandfather (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.14-1.41), siblings (OR: 4.18, 95% CI: 3.34-5.22) and children (OR: 5.47, 95% CI: 2.93-10.19) was associated with a significantly increased risk of developing diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Family history and diabetes had a graded association in the Sri Lankan population, because the prevalence increased with the increasing number of generations affected. Family history of diabetes was also associated with the prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome and hypertension. Individuals with a family history of diabetes form an easily identifiable group who may benefit from targeted interventions.

Diabetes in South Asians.

Economic, dietary and other lifestyle transitions have been occurring rapidly in most South Asian countries, making their populations more vulnerable to developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Recent data show an increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in urban areas as well as in semi-urban and rural areas, inclusive of people belonging to middle and low socio-economic strata. Prime determinants for Type 2 diabetes in South Asians include physical inactivity, imbalanced diets, abdominal obesity, excess hepatic fat and, possibly, adverse perinatal and early life nutrition and intra-country migration. It is reported that Type 2 diabetes affects South Asians a decade earlier and some complications, for example nephropathy, are more prevalent and progressive than in other races. Further, prevalence of pre-diabetes is high, and so is conversion to diabetes, while more than 50% of those who are affected remain undiagnosed. Attitudes, cultural differences and religious and social beliefs pose barriers in effective prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes in South Asians. Inadequate resources, insufficient healthcare budgets, lack of medical reimbursement and socio-economic factors contribute to the cost of diabetes management. The challenge is to develop new translational strategies, which are pragmatic, cost-effective and scalable and can be adopted by the South Asian countries with limited resources. The key areas that need focus are: generation of awareness, prioritizing health care for vulnerable subgroups (children, women, pregnant women and the underprivileged), screening of high-risk groups, maximum coverage of the population with essential medicines, and strengthening primary care. An effective national diabetes control programme in each South Asian country should be formulated, with these issues in mind.

Effects of zinc supplementation on diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The number of people with diabetes and pre-diabetes are exponentially increasing. Studies on humans have shown the beneficial effects of Zinc supplementation in patients with diabetes. The present study aims to systematically evaluate the literature and meta-analyze the effects of Zinc supplementation on diabetes. A systematic review of published studies reporting the effects of Zinc supplementations on diabetes mellitus was undertaken. The literature search was conducted in the following databases; PubMed, Web of Science and SciVerse Scopus. A meta-analysis of studies examining the effects of Zinc supplementation on clinical and biochemical parameters in patients with diabetes was performed. The total number of articles included in the present review is 25, which included 3 studies on type-1 diabetes and 22 studies on type-2 diabetes. There were 12 studies comparing the effects of Zinc supplementation on fasting blood glucose in patients with type-2 diabetes. The pooled mean difference in fasting blood glucose between Zinc supplemented and placebo groups was 18.13mg/dl (95%CI:33.85,2.41; p<0.05). 2-h post-prandial blood sugar also shows a similar distinct reduction in (34.87mg/dl [95%CI:75.44; 5.69]) the Zinc treated group. The reduction in HbA1c was 0.54% (95%CI:0.86;0.21) in the Zinc treated group. There were 8 studies comparing the effects of Zinc supplementation on lipid parameters in patients with type-2 diabetes. The pooled mean difference for total cholesterol between Zinc supplemented and placebo groups was 32.37mg/dl (95%CI:57.39,7.35; p<0.05). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol also showed a similar distinct reduction in the Zinc treated group, the pooled mean difference from random effects analysis was 11.19mg/dl (95%CI:21.14,1.25; p<0.05). Studies have also shown a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressures after Zinc supplementation. This first comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of Zinc supplementation in patients with diabetes demonstrates that Zinc supplementation has beneficial effects on glycaemic control and promotes healthy lipid parameters. Further studies are required to identify the exact biological mechanisms responsible for these results.