NIR responsive scaffold with multistep shape memory and photothermal-chemodynamic properties for complex tissue defects repair and antibacterial therapy.

Complex tissue damage accompanying with bacterial infection challenges healthcare systems globally. Conventional tissue engineering scaffolds normally generate secondary implantation trauma, mismatched regeneration and infection risks. Herein, we developed an easily implanted scaffold with multistep shape memory and photothermal-chemodynamic properties to exactly match repair requirements of each part from the tissue defect by adjusting its morphology as needed meanwhile inhibiting bacterial infection on demand. Specifically, a thermal-induced shape memory scaffold was prepared using hydroxyethyl methacrylate and polyethylene glycol diacrylate, which was further combined with the photothermal agent iron tannate (FeTA) to produce NIR light-induced shape memory property. By varying ingredients ratios in each segment, this scaffold could perform a stepwise recovery under different NIR periods. This process facilitated implantation after shape fixing to avoid trauma caused by conventional methods and gradually filled irregular defects under NIR to perform suitable tissue regeneration. Moreover, FeTA also catalyzed Fenton reaction at bacterial infections with abundant H2O2, which produced excess ROS for chemodynamic antibacterial therapy. As expected, bacteriostatic rate was further enhanced by additional photothermal therapy under NIR. The in vitro and vivo results showed that our scaffold was able to perform high efficacy in both antibiosis, inflammation reduction and wound healing acceleration, indicating a promising candidate for the regeneration of complex tissue damage with bacterial infection.

Recurrent Cystitis in Women-A Real-World Analysis of Bacteria Spectrum and Resistance Situation for Calculated Therapy.

Recurrent cystitis in women represents an everyday challenge; however, little to no data regarding this population are available. This study aimed to evaluate this collective with respect to a rational calculated antibiotic therapy. Urine cultures and antibiograms from a urological office were retrospectively evaluated from patient data collected between January 2017 and June 2019. The evaluation was conducted using SPSS ©. In total, 84 female patients, who were aged between 18 and 87 years old (median 60 years), suffered from recurrent cystitis. Escherichia coli was found in 53.9% of cases, Staphylococcus aureus and enterococci were each found in 6.7%, and Proteus spp. and Streptococcus agalactiae were each found in 5.6%. The resistance levels to ciprofloxacin (CIP), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TRS), nitrofurantoin (NIT), and nitroxoline (NOX) were 18.2%, 30.7%, 16.1%, and 12.5% in the tested cases, respectively. Regarding E. coli, resistance to CIP, TRS, and NIT was found in 17.8%, 25%, and 4.2% of the tested cases, and no resistance to NOX was found. The resistance level to CIP was in a tolerable range of <20% in the overall cohort and the E. coli subgroup. More than a quarter of the bacteria were resistant to TRS. The low resistance rates for NIT and NOX are remarkable, promoting the use of these substances if they are not yet used.

The decision for or against mycoparasitic attack by Trichoderma spp. is taken already at a distance in a prey-specific manner and benefits plant-beneficial interactions.

BACKGROUND: The application of plant-beneficial microorganisms as bio-fertilizer and biocontrol agents has gained traction in recent years, as both agriculture and forestry are facing the challenges of poor soils and climate change. Trichoderma spp. are gaining popularity in agriculture and forestry due to their multifaceted roles in promoting plant growth through e.g. nutrient translocation, hormone production, induction of plant systemic resistance, but also direct antagonism of other fungi. However, the mycotrophic nature of the genus bears the risk of possible interference with other native plant-beneficial fungi, such as ectomycorrhiza, in the rhizosphere. Such interference could yield unpredictable consequences for the host plants of these ecosystems. So far, it remains unclear, whether Trichoderma is able to differentiate between plant-beneficial and plant-pathogenic fungi during the process of plant colonization. RESULTS: We investigated whether Trichoderma spp. can differentiate between beneficial ectomycorrhizal fungi (represented by Laccaria bicolor and Hebeloma cylindrosporum) and pathogenic fungi (represented by Fusarium graminearum and Alternaria alternata) in different confrontation scenarios, including a newly developed olfactometer "race tube"-like system. Using two independent species, T. harzianum and T. atrobrunneum, with plant-growth-promoting and immune-stimulating properties towards Populus x canescens, our study revealed robustly accelerated growth towards phytopathogens, while showing a contrary response to ectomycorrhizal fungi. Transcriptomic analyses identified distinct genetic programs during interaction corresponding to the lifestyles, emphasizing the expression of mycoparasitism-related genes only in the presence of phytopathogens. CONCLUSION: The findings reveal a critical mode of fungal community interactions belowground and suggest that Trichoderma spp. can distinguish between fungal partners of different lifestyles already at a distance. This sheds light on the entangled interactions of fungi in the rhizosphere and emphasizes the potential benefits of using Trichoderma spp. as a biocontrol agent and bio-fertilizer in tree plantations.

Bacterial-responsive biodegradable silver nanoclusters composite hydrogel for infected wound therapy.

Skin wounds are susceptible to bacterial infections, which hinder healing and extend recovery. Herein, we designed a silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) composite hydrogel for infected wound treatment via bacterial enzymatic degradation and Ag release. Using biocompatible gelatine and polyethylene glycol as the main components, DNA-templated Ag NCs were covalently linked to a polymer network to obtain the final nanocomposite hydrogel. This hydrogel exhibited good compressive and tensile stiffness, bioadhesion and water absorption. The overexpressed bacterial enzymes protease and DNase in the infected wound were hydrolysed by the gel matrix, subsequently releasing antibacterial Ag ions. In vitro experimental results proved that the hydrogel demonstrated excellent bactericidal effect on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which are commonly implicated in clinical wound infections. Animal experiments revealed that the hydrogel considerably promoted cell proliferation and wound healing with less inflammatory responses. Thus, these results demonstrate strategies for bacterial enzyme-responsive Ag release for infected wound healing, facilitating further development of intelligent bandages.

Advancements in employing two-dimensional nanomaterials for enhancing skin wound healing: a review of current practice.

The two-dimensional nanomaterials are characterized by their ultra-thin structure, diverse chemical functional groups, and remarkable anisotropic properties. Since its discovery in 2004, graphene has attracted significant scientific interest due to its potential applications in various fields, including electronics, energy systems, and biomedicine. In medicine, graphene is used for designing smart drug delivery systems, especially for antibiotics, and biosensing. Skin trauma is a prevalent dermatological condition that increasingly contributes to morbidities and mortalities, thus representing a significant health burden. During tissue damage, rapid skin repair is crucial to prevent blood loss and infection. Therefore, drugs used for skin trauma must possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials possess remarkable physical, chemical, optical, and biological characteristics due to their uniform shape, increased surface area, and surface charge. Graphene and its derivatives, transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), black phosphorous (BP), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), MXene, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are among the commonly used 2D nanomaterials. Moreover, they exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the clinical approaches employed for wound healing treatment and explores the applications of commonly used 2D nanomaterials to enhance wound healing outcomes.

Broad-Spectrum Efficacy and Modes of Action of Two Bacillus Strains against Grapevine Black Rot and Downy Mildew.

Black rot (Guignardia bidwellii) and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) are two major grapevine diseases against which the development of efficient biocontrol solutions is required in a context of sustainable viticulture. This study aimed at evaluating and comparing the efficacy and modes of action of bacterial culture supernatants from Bacillus velezensis Buz14 and B. ginsengihumi S38. Both biocontrol agents (BCA) were previously demonstrated as highly effective against Botrytis cinerea in grapevines. In semi-controlled conditions, both supernatants provided significant protection against black rot and downy mildew. They exhibited antibiosis against the pathogens by significantly decreasing G. bidwellii mycelial growth, but also the release and motility of P. viticola zoospores. They also significantly induced grapevine defences, as stilbene production. The LB medium, used for the bacterial cultures, also showed partial effects against both pathogens and induced plant defences. This is discussed in terms of choice of experimental controls when studying the biological activity of BCA supernatants. Thus, we identified two bacterial culture supernatants as new potential biocontrol products exhibiting multi-spectrum antagonist activity against different grapevine key pathogens and having a dual mode of action.

In Situ Growth of Highly Compatible Cu2O-GO Hybrids Via Amino-Modification for Melt-Spun Efficient Antibacterial Polyamide 6 Fibers.

Polyamide 6 (PA6) fiber has the advantages of high strength and good wear resistance. However, it is still challenging to effectively load inorganic antibacterial agents into polymer substrates without antimicrobial activity. In this work, graphene oxide is used as a carrier, which is modified with an aminosilane coupling agent (AEAPTMS) to enhance the compatibility and antimicrobial properties of the inorganic material, as well as to improve its thermal stability in a high-temperature melting environment. Cuprous oxide-loaded aminated grapheme (Cu2O-GO-NH2) is constructed by in situ growth method, and further PA6/Cu2O-GO-NH2 fibers are prepared by in situ polymerization. The composite fiber has excellent washing resistance. After 50 times of washing, its bactericidal rates against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli are 98.85% and 99.99%, respectively. In addition, the enhanced compatibility of Cu2O-GO-NH2 with the PA6 matrix improves the orientation and crystallinity of the composite fibers. Compared with PA6/Cu2O-GO fibers, the fracture strength of PA6/Cu2O-GO-NH2 fibers increases from 3.0 to 4.2 cN/dtex when the addition of Cu2O-GO-NH2 is 0.2 wt%. Chemical modification and in situ concepts help to improve the compatibility of inorganic antimicrobial agents with organic polymers, which can be applied to the development of medical textiles.

Endophytic Fungi Inoculation Reduces Ramulosis Severity in Gossypium hirsutum Plants.

Biotic stress in cotton plants caused by the phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum gossypii var. cephalosporioides triggers symptoms of ramulosis, a disease characterized by necrotic spots on young leaves, followed by death of the affected branch's apical meristem, plant growth paralysis, and stimulation of lateral bud production. Severe cases of ramulosis can cause up to 85% yield losses in cotton plantations. Currently, this disease is controlled exclusively by using fungicides. However, few studies have focused on biological alternatives for mitigating the effects of contamination by C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides on cotton plants. Thus, the hypothesis raised is that endophytic fungi isolated from an Arecaceae species (Butia purpurascens), endemic to the Cerrado biome, have the potential to reduce physiological damage caused by ramulosis, decreasing its severity in these plants. This hypothesis was tested using plants grown from seeds contaminated with the pathogen and inoculated with strains of Gibberella moniliformis (BP10EF), Hamigera insecticola (BP33EF), Codinaeopsis sp. (BP328EF), G. moniliformis (BP335EF), and Aspergillus sp. (BP340EF). C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides is a leaf pathogen; thus, the evaluations were focused on leaf parameters: gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and oxidative metabolism. The hypothesis that inoculation with endophytic strains can mitigate physiological and photochemical damage caused by ramulosis in cotton was confirmed, as the fungi improved plant growth and stomatal index and density, increased net photosynthetic rate (A) and carboxylation efficiency (A/Ci), and decreased photochemical stress (ABS/RC and DI0/RC) and oxidative stress by reducing enzyme activity (CAT, SOD, and APX) and the synthesis of malondialdehyde (MDA). Control plants developed leaves with a low adaxial stomatal index and density to reduce colonization of leaf tissues by C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides due to the absence of fungal antagonism. The Codinaeopsis sp. strain BP328EF can efficiently inhibit C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides in vitro (81.11% relative inhibition), improve gas exchange parameters, reduce photochemical stress of chlorophyll-a, and decrease lipid peroxidation in attacked leaves. Thus, BP328EF should be further evaluated for its potential effect as a biological alternative for enhancing the resistance of G. hirsutum plants and minimizing yield losses caused by C. gossypii var. cephalosporioides.

Multifunctional Metal-Phenolic Composites Promote Efficient Periodontitis Treatment via Antibacterial and Osteogenic Properties.

Periodontitis, a complex inflammatory disease initiated by bacterial infections, presents a significant challenge in public health. The increased levels of reactive oxygen species and the subsequent exaggerated immune response associated with periodontitis often lead to alveolar bone resorption and tooth loss. Herein, we develop multifunctional metal-phenolic composites (i.e., Au@MPN-BMP2) to address the complex nature of periodontitis, where gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are coated by metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2). In this design, MPNs exhibit remarkable antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and AuNPs and BMP2 promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells under inflammatory conditions. In a rat model of periodontitis, treatment with Au@MPN-BMP2 leads to notable therapeutic outcomes, including mitigated oxidative stress, reduced progression of inflammation, and the significant prevention of inflammatory bone loss. These results highlight the multifunctionality of Au@MPN-BMP2 nanoparticles as a promising therapeutic approach for periodontitis, addressing both microbial causative factors and an overactivated immune response. We envision that the rational design of metal-phenolic composites will provide versatile nanoplatforms for tissue regeneration and potential clinical applications.

Biological control potential of worrisome wheat blast disease by the seed endophytic bacilli.

Crop production often faces challenges from plant diseases, and biological control emerges as an effective, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to chemical control. Wheat blast disease caused by fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum (MoT), is a potential catastrophic threat to global food security. This study aimed to identify potential bacterial isolates from rice and wheat seeds with inhibitory effects against MoT. In dual culture and seedling assays, three bacterial isolates (BTS-3, BTS-4, and BTLK6A) demonstrated effective suppression of MoT growth and reduced wheat blast severity when artificially inoculated at the seedling stage. Genome phylogeny identified these isolates as Bacillus subtilis (BTS-3) and B. velezensis (BTS-4 and BTLK6A). Whole-genome analysis revealed the presence of genes responsible for controlling MoT through antimicrobial defense, antioxidant defense, cell wall degradation, and induced systemic resistance (ISR). Taken together, our results suggest that the suppression of wheat blast disease by seed endophytic B. subtilis (BTS-3) and B. velezensis (BTS-4 and BTLK6A) is liked with antibiosis and induced systemic resistance to wheat plants. A further field validation is needed before recommending these endophytic bacteria for biological control of wheat blast.

Identification and genomic characterization of Pseudomonas spp. displaying biocontrol activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in lettuce.

Lettuce is an economically major leafy vegetable that is affected by numerous diseases. One of the most devastating diseases of lettuce is white mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Control methods for this fungus are limited due to the development of genetic resistance to commonly used fungicides, the large number of hosts and the long-term survival of sclerotia in soil. To elaborate a new and more sustainable approach to contain this pathogen, 1,210 Pseudomonas strains previously isolated from agricultural soils in Canada were screened for their antagonistic activity against S. sclerotiorum. Nine Pseudomonas strains showed strong in vitro inhibition in dual-culture confrontational assays. Whole genome sequencing of these strains revealed their affiliation with four phylogenomic subgroups within the Pseudomonas fluorescens group, namely Pseudomonas corrugata, Pseudomonas asplenii, Pseudomonas mandelii, and Pseudomonas protegens. The antagonistic strains harbor several genes and gene clusters involved in the production of secondary metabolites, including mycin-type and peptin-type lipopeptides, and antibiotics such as brabantamide, which may be involved in the inhibitory activity observed against S. sclerotiorum. Three strains also demonstrated significant in planta biocontrol abilities against the pathogen when either inoculated on lettuce leaves or in the growing substrate of lettuce plants grown in pots. They however did not impact S. sclerotiorum populations in the rhizosphere, suggesting that they protect lettuce plants by altering the fitness and the virulence of the pathogen rather than by directly impeding its growth. These results mark a step forward in the development of biocontrol products against S. sclerotiorum.

Resistance of dwarf Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) cultivars to Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae).

The red palm mite Raoiella indica Hirst, 1924 (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is an important pest of the coconut palm Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) and has caused problems in coconut production worldwide. Research has been carried out aiming at controlling the mite through chemical, biological, alternative, and host plant resistance methods. Identifying coconut palm cultivars resistant to R. indica is important to reduce the problems caused to plantations. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of R. indica in six dwarf coconut palm cultivars, to identify sources of resistance. The cultivars of the sub-varieties green, red, and yellow evaluated were Brazilian Green Dwarf-Jiqui (BGDJ), Brazilian Red Dwarf-Gramame (BRDG), Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD), Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD), Brazilian Yellow Dwarf-Gramame (BYDG), and Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD). Confinement and free choice tests of R. indica on the cultivars were performed, in which biological parameters and preference were evaluated. Mite performance was different in the cultivars evaluated. In the confinement bioassay, R. indica had the worst performance in the cultivar BGDJ, the best performance in CRD, MRD, and BRDG, and intermediate performance in BYDG and MYD. In the free choice test, the cultivars MRD and MYD were preferred in relation to BGDJ, and CRD was less preferred in relation to BGDJ. Therefore, we considered that the cultivar BGDJ is the most resistant to R. indica, by antibiosis and antixenosis; CRD has resistance by antixenosis; and MRD, BRDG, BYDG, and MYD are susceptible.

Biological Control Activities of Rhizosphere Fungus Trichoderma virens T1-02 in Suppressing Flower Blight of Flamingo Flower (Anthurium andraeanum Lind.).

Flower blight caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora is an emerging disease of flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum Lind.) that negatively impacts flower production. The use of rhizosphere fungi as biocontrol agents is an alternative way to control this disease instead of using synthetic fungicides. This research aimed to screen the potential of rhizosphere fungi, Trichoderma spp., with diverse antifungal abilities to control N. clavispora and to reduce flower blight in flamingo flowers. A total of ten isolates were tested against N. clavispora by dual culture assay, and T1-02 was found to be the most effective isolate against N. clavispora, with inhibition of 78.21%. Morphology and molecular phylogeny of multiple DNA sequences of the genes, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α), and RNA polymerase 2 (rpb2) identified isolate T1-02 as Trichoderma virens. Sealed plate method revealed T. virens T1-02 produced volatile antifungal compounds (VOCs) against N. clavispora, with inhibition of 51.28%. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was applied to trap volatiles, and GC/MS profiling showed VOCs emitted from T. virens T1-02 contained a sesquiterpene antifungal compound-germacrene D. The pre-colonized plate method showed that T. virens T1-02 aggressively colonized in tested plates with inhibition of 100% against N. clavispora, and microscopy revealed direct parasitism onto fungal hyphae. Furthermore, the application of T. virens T1-02 spore suspension reduced the disease severity index (DSI) of flower blight in flamingo flowers. Based on the results from this study, T. virens T1-02 displays multiple antagonistic mechanisms and has the potential ability to control flower blight of flamingo flowers caused by N. clavispora.

Optimization of Flavonoid Extraction from Eucommia ulmoides pollen using Respond Surface Methodology and its biological activities.

Flavonoids, known for their abundance in Eucommia ulmoides pollen, possess diverse biological functions, including antioxidants, antibacterial agents, and anti-tumor properties. This study aims to establish effective parameters for flavonoid extraction from Eucommia ulmoides pollen using a microwave-assisted method, characterize the flavonoid composition of the extracted material, and explore its biological activities. Building upon the initial results from single-factor experiments, response surface methodology was employed to optimize the extraction parameters. The inhibitory effect of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) was evaluated by CCK assay and Live/dead staining. Simultaneously, the extract's scavenging ability against DPPH free radicals and its antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were investigated. The results demonstrated that the flavonoid yield reached 3.28 g per 100 g of pollen, closely aligning with the predicted value. The IC50 for flavonoid-mediated DPPH radical scavenging was 0.04 mg/mL. The extract exhibited a robust inhibitory effect on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Concurrently, the extract displayed a significant inhibitory effect on the growth and proliferation of MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. In addition, six kinds of flavonoids have been identified by UPLC-TOF-MS/MS technology, providing further support to the study on the anti-oxidation and anti-tumor mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides pollen extracts.

Ethyl cellulose/gelatin/ß-cyclodextrin/curcumin nanofibrous membrane with antibacterial and formaldehyde adsorbable capabilities for lightweight and high-performance air filtration.

Functionalization of bio-based nanofibers is the development tendency of high-performance air filter. However, the conventional structural optimization strategy based on high solution conductivity greatly hinders the development of fully bio-based air filter, and not conducive to sustainable development. This work fabricated fully bio-based nanofibrous membrane with formaldehyde-adsorbable and antibacterial capabilities by electrospinning low-conductivity solution for high-performance air filtration and applied to lightweight mask. The "water-like" ethyl cellulose (EC) was selected as the base polymer to "nourish" functional materials of gelatin (GE), ß-cyclodextrin (ßCD), and curcumin (Cur), thus forming a solution system with high binding energy differences and electrospinning into ultrafine bimodal nanofibers. The filtration efficiency for 0.3 µm NaCl particles, pressure drop, and quality factor were 99.25 %, 53 Pa, and 0.092 Pa-1, respectively; the bacteriostatic rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 99.9 % and 99.4 %, respectively; the formaldehyde adsorption capacity was 442 µg/g. This is the first report on antibacterial and formaldehyde-adsorbable high-performance air filter entirely made from bio-based materials. This simple strategy will greatly broaden the selection of materials for preparing high-performance multifunctional air filter, and promote the development of bio-based air filter.

Hot-Pressing Metal Covalent Organic Frameworks as Personal Protection Films.

Effective personal protection is crucial for controlling infectious disease spread. However, commonly used personal protective materials such as disposable masks lack antibacterial/antiviral function and may lead to cross infection. Herein, a polyethylene glycol-assisted solvent-free strategy is proposed to rapidly synthesize a series of the donor-acceptor metal-covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs) (i.e., GZHMU-2, JNM-1, and JNM-2) under air atmosphere and henceforth extend it via in situ hot-pressing process to prepare MCOFs based films with photocatalytic disinfect ability. Best of them, the newly designed GZHMU-2 has a wide absorption spectrum (200 to 1500 nm) and can efficiently produce reactive oxygen species under sunlight irradiation, achieving excellent photocatalytic disinfection performance. After in situ hot-pressing as a film material, the obtained GZHMU-2/NMF can effectively kill E. coli (99.99%), S. aureus (99%), and H1N1 (92.5%), meanwhile possessing good reusability. Noteworthy, the long-term use of a GZHMU-2/NWF-based mask has verified no damage to the living body by measuring the expression of mouse blood routine, lung tissue, and inflammatory factors at the in-vivo level.

Resistance of Common Bean Genotypes to Chrysodeixis includens (Walker, 1858) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important leguminous crop providing low-cost protein in developing countries worldwide. Insect pests are the main threats to common bean production, and this article focuses on the soybean looper (SL) Chrysodeixis includens (Walker, 1858) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which feeds on leaves and pods. The recurrent use of synthetic chemicals may lead to pest resistance. Genetically resistant plants may diminish their use. Thus, the objective was to study common bean genotypes' resistance toward SL. The plants were grown in greenhouse conditions. The biology, fertility life table, oviposition preference and free-choice feeding preference were analyzed. Phenol and flavonoid content were assessed in leaves using a biology assay. Uirapuru genotype negatively affected C. includens biology and reproduction. Tangará genotype favored these parameters. Genotypes Quero-Quero, Nhambu, Corujinha, Andorinha, ANFC 9, Siriri, BRS Radiante and Verdão were more attractive for third-instar larvae. Negative correlations between phenolic and flavonoid compounds with survival rate (from egg to adult) rate were found. Common bean genotypes with dark leaves are less preferred for oviposition.

Counter-attack of biocontrol agents: Environmentally benign Approaches against Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) on Agricultural crops.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are obligate sedentary endoparasites, considered severe crop-damaging taxa among all plant-parasitic nematodes globally. Their attacks through parasitic proteins alter the physiology and machinery of the host cells to favour parasitism and reduction in crop yield. Currently, the use of excessive pesticides as a fast remedy to manage this pest is hazardous for both the environment and humans. Keeping this view in mind, there is an urgent need for developing efficient eco-friendly strategies. Bio-control as an eco-friendly is considered the best approach to manage nematodes without disturbing non-target microbes. In bio-control, living agents such as fungi and bacteria are the natural enemies of nematodes and the best substitute for pesticides. Fungi, including nematode-trapping fungi, can sense host signals and produce special trapping devices viz., constricting rings and adhesive knobs/loops, to capture nematodes and kill them. Whereas, endo-parasitic fungi kill nematodes by enzymatic secretions and spore adhesion through their hyphae. Bacteria can also control nematodes by producing antibiotic compounds, competing for nutrients and rhizosphere, production of hydrolytic enzymes viz., chitinases, proteases, lipases, and induction of systemic resistance (ISR) in host plants. Scientists throughout the world are trying to evolve environmentally benign methods that sustain agricultural production and keep nematodes below a threshold level. Whatever methods evolve, in the future the focus should be on important aspects like green approaches for managing nematodes without disturbing human health and the environment.

"Effect of total phenol on the control of leafminer (Phytomyza horticola) infestation in Pea plants".

To determine how vulnerable various pea genotypes are to leafminer infestation, a field experiment was conducted. On the basis of the presence of mines on five randomly selected leaflets from the upper, middle and lower parts of the plant, observations of larvae were made throughout the growing season. The total phenols were determined using the method described by Bray and Thorpe (1954, Analysis of phenolic compounds of interest in metabolism. Methods Biochem Anal. 52:1-27) and absorbance at 650 nm was measured using a spectrophotometer. There was a negative correlation between leafminer infestation and total phenol content. The UHF Pea-12 genotype, characterised by the lowest total phenol concentration (20.87 mg/100 g), exhibited the highest level of leaflet infestation (17.33%). Although UHF Pea-1 genotype had the lowest mean leaflet infestation (6.58%), it also had the highest phenol concentration (41.91 mg per 100 g). In context with this, the present study highlights the significance of host-plant resistance (HPR) in pest management.

Fluoride releasing photothermal responsive TiO2 matrices for antibiosis, biosealing and bone regeneration.

Peri-implantitis induced by infection leads to gingival recession, alveolar resorption and eventual dental implant failure. So, antibiosis and biosealing of abutments as well as osseointegration of roots need to be projected seriously during the whole service lifespan of dental implants. In this work, a multipurpose photothermal therapy strategy based on Si/P/F doped TiO2 matrix is proposed to address the above issues. This TiO2 matrix not only has outstanding photothermal response, but also triggers the release of F ions under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation. Local hyperthermia assisted with the released F ions reduces adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis of staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), increases bacterial membrane permeability, and induces abundant of reactive oxygen species, resulting in the oxidation of cellular components and eventual death of bacteria. Furthermore, the synergic action of mild photothermal stimulation and Si/P/F ions of TiO2 matrix up-regulates gingival epithelial cells behavior (e.g., hemidesmosome formation) and osteoblasts response in vitro. In an infected model, this TiO2 matrix obviously eliminates bacteria, reduces inflammatory response, improves epithelial sealing and osseointegration, and reduces alveolar resorption by regulating NIR irradiation.