The completed genome sequence of Pestalotiopsis versicolor, a pathogenic ascomycete fungus with implications for bayberry production.

The pathogenic fungus Pestalotiopsis versicolor is a major etiological agent of fungal twig blight disease affecting bayberry trees. However, the lack of complete genome sequence information for this crucial pathogenic fungus hinders the molecular and genetic investigation of its pathogenic mechanism. To address this knowledge gap, we have generated the complete genome sequence of P. versicolor strain XJ27, employing a combination of Illumina, PacBio, and Hi-C sequencing technologies. This comprehensive genome sequence, comprising 7 chromosomes with an N50 contig size of 7,275,017 bp, a GC content ratio of 50.16%, and a total size of 50.80 Mb, encompasses 13,971 predicted coding genes. By performing comparative genomic analysis between P. versicolor and the genomes of eleven plant-pathogenic fungi, as well as three closely related fungi within the same group, we have gained initial insights into its evolutionary trajectory, particularly through gene family analysis. These findings shed light on the distinctive characteristics and evolutionary history of P. versicolor. Importantly, the availability of this high-quality genetic resource will serve as a foundational tool for investigating the biology, molecular pathogenesis, and virulence of P. versicolor. Furthermore, it will facilitate the development of more potent antifungal medications by uncovering potential vulnerabilities in its genetic makeup.

Identification of Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling Root Morphological Traits in an Interspecific Soybean Population Using 2D Imagery Data.

Roots are the hidden and most important part of plants. They serve as stabilizers and channels for uptaking water and nutrients and play a crucial role in the growth and development of plants. Here, two-dimensional image data were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling root traits in an interspecific mapping population derived from a cross between wild soybean 'PI366121' and cultivar 'Williams 82'. A total of 2830 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were used for genotyping, constructing genetic linkage maps, and analyzing QTLs. Forty-two QTLs were identified on twelve chromosomes, twelve of which were identified as major QTLs, with a phenotypic variation range of 36.12% to 39.11% and a logarithm of odds value range of 12.01 to 17.35. Two significant QTL regions for the average diameter, root volume, and link average diameter root traits were detected on chromosomes 3 and 13, and both wild and cultivated soybeans contributed positive alleles. Six candidate genes, Glyma.03G027500 (transketolase/glycoaldehyde transferase), Glyma.03G014500 (dehydrogenases), Glyma.13G341500 (leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase), Glyma.13G341400 (AGC kinase family protein), Glyma.13G331900 (60S ribosomal protein), and Glyma.13G333100 (aquaporin transporter) showed higher expression in root tissues based on publicly available transcriptome data. These results will help breeders improve soybean genetic components and enhance soybean root morphological traits using desirable alleles from wild soybeans.

Chitosan-GSNO nanoparticles: a positive modulator of drought stress tolerance in soybean.

BACKGROUND: Chitosan biopolymer is an emerging non-toxic and biodegradable plant elicitor or bio-stimulant. Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) have been used for the enhancement of plant growth and development. On the other hand, NO is an important signaling molecule that regulates several aspects of plant physiology under normal and stress conditions. Here we report the synthesis, characterization, and use of chitosan-GSNO nanoparticles for improving drought stress tolerance in soybean. RESULTS: The CSGSNONPs released NO gas for a significantly longer period and at a much lower rate as compared to free GSNO indicating that incorporation of GSNO in CSNPs can protect the NO-donor from rapid decomposition and ensure optimal NO release. CS-GSNONPs improved drought tolerance in soybean plants reflected by a significant increase in plant height, biomass, root length, root volume, root surface area, number of root tips, forks, and nodules. Further analyses indicated significantly lower electrolyte leakage, higher proline content, higher catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activity, and reduction in MDA and H2O2 contents after treatment with 50 µM CS-GSNONPs under drought stress conditions. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that CS-GSNONPs protected against drought-induced stress by regulating the expression of drought stress-related marker genes such as GmDREB1a, GmP5CS, GmDEFENSIN, and NO-related genes GmGSNOR1 and GmNOX1. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential of nano-technology-based delivery systems for nitric oxide donors to improve plant growth, and development and protect against stresses.

S-Nitrosoglutathione (GSNO)-Mediated Lead Detoxification in Soybean through the Regulation of ROS and Metal-Related Transcripts.

Heavy metal toxicity, including lead (Pb) toxicity, is increasing in soils, and heavy metals are considered to be toxic in small amounts. Pb contamination is mainly caused by industrialization (e.g., smelting and mining), agricultural practices (e.g., sewage sludge and pests), and urban practices (e.g., lead paint). An excessive concentration of Pb can seriously damage and threaten crop growth. Furthermore, Pb adversely affects plant growth and development by affecting the photosystem, cell membrane integrity, and excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide (O2-). Nitric oxide (NO) is produced via enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants to scavenge ROS and lipid peroxidation substrates to protect cells from oxidative damage. Thus, NO improves ion homeostasis and confers resistance to metal stress. In the present study, we investigated the effect of exogenously applied NO and S-nitrosoglutathione in soybean plants Our results demonstrated that exogenously applied NO aids in better growth under lead stress due to its ability in sensing, signaling, and stress tolerance in plants under heavy metal stress along with lead stress. In addition, our results showed that S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) has a positive effect on soybean seedling growth under lead-induced toxicity and that NO supplementation helps to reduce chlorophyll maturation and relative water content in leaves and roots following strong bursts under lead stress. GSNO supplementation (200 µM and 100 µM) reduced compaction and approximated the oxidative damage of MDA, proline, and H2O2. Moreover, under plant stress, GSNO application was found to relieve the oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Additionally, modulation of NO and phytochelatins (PCS) after prolonged metal reversing GSNO application confirmed detoxification of ROS induced by the toxic metal lead in soybean. In summary, the detoxification of ROS caused by toxic metal concentrations in soybean is confirmed by using NO, PCS, and traditionally sustained concentrations of metal reversing GSNO application.

Effect of Humic Acid on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties, Microbial Community Structure, and Metabolites of Decline Diseased Bayberry.

In recent years, bayberry decline disease has caused significant damage to the bayberry industry. In order to evaluate whether humic acid can be used to effectively control the disease, this research examined the nutritional growth and fruit quality of bayberry, soil physical and chemical properties, soil microbial community structure, and metabolites. Results indicated that the application of humic acid not only improved the vigor and fruit quality of diseased trees, but also increased the diversity of microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil. A great increase was observed in the relative abundance of bacterial genus Mycobacterium and Crossiella; fungal genus Fusarium and Coniosporium. In contrast, a significant decrease was observed in the relative abundance of bacterial genus Acidothermus, Bryobacter, Acidibacter, fungal genus of Geminibasidium and Mycena. Analysis of redundancies (RDA) for microbial communities and soil characteristics showed that the main four variables, including available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium, had a great effect on the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in bayberry rhizosphere soil at the genus level. The main four variables had a greater effect on bacterial communities than on fungal communities. In addition, ABC transporter, arginine and proline metabolism, galactose metabolism, and glutathione metabolism were significantly affected by humic acid, which changed the content of 81 metabolites including 58 significantly down-regulated metabolites such as isohexonic acid and carinitine, and 23 significantly up-regulated metabolites such as acidic acid, guaninosuccinate, lyxose, 2-monoolein, epicatechin, and pentonolactone. These metabolites also significantly correlated with rhizosphere soil microbiota at the phylum, order, and genus levels. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the role of humic acid on plant growth and fruit quality, as well as rhizosphere soil characteristics, microbiota, and secondary metabolites, which provides novel insights into the control of bayberry decline disease.

Risk factors and in-hospital outcome of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in young Bangladeshi adults.

BACKGROUND: South Asians have a higher overall incidence rate and younger age of onset for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared to Western populations. However, limited information is available on the association of preventable risk factors and outcomes of AMI among young individuals in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors and in-hospital outcome of AMI among young (age ≤40 years) adults in Bangladesh. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study among consecutive 50 patients aged ≤40 years and 50 patients aged >40 years with acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and followed-up in-hospital at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). Clinical characteristics, biochemical findings, diet, echocardiography and in-hospital outcomes were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the association between risk factors and in-hospital outcome in young patients adjusting for other confounding variables. RESULTS: The mean age of the young and older patient groups was 36.5 ± 4.6 years and 57.0 ± 9.1 years respectively. Male sex (OR 3.4, 95 % CI 1.2 - 9.75), smoking (OR 2.4, 95 % CI 1.04 - 5,62), family history of MI (OR 2.4, 95 % CI 1.11 - 5,54), homocysteine (OR 1.2, 95 % CI 1.08 - 1.36), eating rice ≥2 times daily (OR 3.5, 95 % CI 1.15 - 10.6) and eating beef (OR 4.5, 95 % CI 1.83 - 11.3) were significantly associated with the risk of AMI in the young group compared to older group. In multivariate analysis, older patients had significantly greater chance of developing heart failure (OR 7.5, 95 % CI 1.51 to 37.31), re-infarction (OR 7.0, 95 % CI 1.08 - 45.72), arrhythmia (OR 15.3, 95 % CI 2.69 - 87.77) and cardiogenic shock (OR 69.0, 95 % CI 5.81 - 85.52) than the younger group. CONCLUSION: Younger AMI patients have a different risk profile and better in-hospital outcomes compared to the older patients. Control of preventable risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, obesity and dyslipidemia should be reinforced at an early age in Bangladesh.

Introducing modern technology to promote transparency in health services.

PURPOSE: Quantitative indicators show that Bangladeshi maternal and child healthcare is progressing satisfactorily. However, healthcare quality is still inadequate. It is hypothesised that modern technology enhances healthcare quality. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how modern technology such as electronic record keeping and the internet can contribute to enhancing Bangladeshi healthcare quality. This study also explores how socio-economic and political factors affect the healthcare quality. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This paper is based on a qualitative case study involving 68 in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals, elected representatives, local informants and five focus group discussions with healthcare service users to understand technology's effect on health service quality. The study has been conducted in one rural and one urban service organisations to understand how various factors contribute differently to healthcare quality. FINDINGS: The findings show that modern technology, such as the internet and electronic devices for record keeping, contribute significantly to enhancing health service transparency, which in turn leads to quality health and family planning services. The findings also show that information and communication technology (ICT) is an effective mechanism for reducing corruption and promoting transparency. However, resource constraints impact adversely on the introduction of technology, which leads to less transparent healthcare. Progress in education and general socio-economic conditions makes it suitable to enhance ICT usage, which could lead to healthcare transparency, but political and bureaucratic factors pose a major challenge to ensure transparency. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This paper can be a useful guide for promoting governance and healthcare quality in developing countries including Bangladesh. It analyses the ICT challenges that healthcare staff face when promoting transparent healthcare. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper provides a deeper understanding of transparency and healthcare quality in an ICT context using empirical data, which has not been explored in Bangladesh. This critical thinking is useful for policy makers and healthcare practitioners for promoting health service quality.

Chitosan-GSNO Nanoparticles and Silicon Priming Enhance the Germination and Seedling Growth of Soybean (Glycine max L.).

Soybean, a major legume crop, has seen a decline in its production owing to challenges in seed germination and the development of seedlings. Thus, in this study, we systematically investigated the influence of various chitosan-S-nitrosoglutathione (chitosan-GSNO) nanoparticle (0, 25, 50, and 100 µM) and Si (0, 0.5, and 1 mM) priming concentrations on soybean seed germination and seedling growth over five different priming durations (range: 1-5 h at each concentration). Significant differences were observed in all parameters, except seedling diameter, with both treatments. Seed germination was significantly enhanced after 3 h of priming in both treatments. The final germination percentage (FGP), peak germination percentage (PGP), vigor index (VI), seedling biomass (SB), hypocotyl length (HL), and radical length (RL) of 100 µM chitosan-GSNO-nanoparticle-primed seeds increased by 20.3%, 41.3%, 78.9%, 25.2%, 15.7%, and 65.9%, respectively, compared with those of the control; however, the mean germination time (MGT) decreased by 18.43%. Si priming at 0.5 mM increased the FGP, PGP, VI, SB, HL, and RL by 13.9%, 55.17%, 39.2%, 6.5%, 22.5%, and 25.1%, respectively, but reduced the MGT by 12.29% compared with the control treatment. Chitosan-GSNO and Si treatment up-regulated the relative expression of gibberellic acid (GA)-related genes (GmGA3ox3 and GmGA2ox1) and down-regulated that of abscisic acid (ABA)-related genes (GmABA2, GmAAO3, and GmNCED5). Chitosan-GSNO and Si application increased bioactive GA4 levels and simultaneously reduced ABA content. Hence, the use of exogenous chitosan-GSNO nanoparticles and Si as priming agents had a beneficial effect on seed germination and seedling growth because of the up-regulation in the expression of GA and down-regulation in the expression of ABA. Additional research is needed to understand the combined impact of Si and chitosan-GSNO nanoparticles, including their effects on the expression levels of other hormones and genes even in the later growth stage of the crop.

Hygiene intervention reduces contamination of weaning food in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to measure the impact of a hygiene intervention on the contamination of weaning food in Bangladesh. METHODS: Sixty households were selected: 30 study and 30 control households. Samples of weaning food were collected from all the 60 households at baseline and examined for faecal coliforms (FC), faecal streptococci (FS) and Clostridium perfringens (CP) following standard procedures. After cooking, food samples were collected on three occasions before feeding. Following Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) procedures, critical control points were determined. The mothers in the 30 study households were then trained for 4 weeks in how to attain the control point conditions. Then, again the food samples were collected and analysed. RESULTS: At baseline, weaning foods from study and control households were heavily contaminated with FC and FS. The FC and FS counts were 1.84 log(10) and 1.92 log(10) colony-forming unit (cfu)/g, respectively, in the study households, and 0.86 log(10) and 1.33 log(10)  cfu/g, respectively, in the control households in the first feeding. After the intervention, the FC and FS counts in study households had dropped to 0.10 log(10) and 0.09 log(10)  cfu/g, respectively, a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.001). Monitoring the sustainability of the behaviour change after 3 months showed that the mothers were maintaining food hygiene. CONCLUSIONS: A hygiene intervention following the HACCP approach reduced the weaning food contamination significantly. Awareness building among mothers about weaning food hygiene could be an important intervention for preventing weaning food-related diarrhoea in Bangladesh.

Automatic Evaluation of Soybean Seed Traits Using RGB Image Data and a Python Algorithm.

Soybean (Glycine max) is a crucial legume crop known for its nutritional value, as its seeds provide large amounts of plant protein and oil. To ensure maximum productivity in soybean farming, it is essential to carefully choose high-quality seeds that possess desirable characteristics, such as the appropriate size, shape, color, and absence of any damage. By studying the relationship between seed shape and other traits, we can effectively identify different genotypes and improve breeding strategies to develop high-yielding soybean seeds. This study focused on the analysis of seed traits using a Python algorithm. The seed length, width, projected area, and aspect ratio were measured, and the total number of seeds was calculated. The OpenCV library along with the contour detection function were used to measure the seed traits. The seed traits obtained through the algorithm were compared with the values obtained manually and from two software applications (SmartGrain and WinDIAS). The algorithm-derived measurements for the seed length, width, and projected area showed a strong correlation with the measurements obtained using various methods, with R-square values greater than 0.95 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the error metrics, including the residual standard error, root mean square error, and mean absolute error, were all below 0.5% when comparing the seed length, width, and aspect ratio across different measurement methods. For the projected area, the error was less than 4% when compared with different measurement methods. Furthermore, the algorithm used to count the number of seeds present in the acquired images was highly accurate, and only a few errors were observed. This was a preliminary study that investigated only some morphological traits, and further research is needed to explore more seed attributes.

Brain Abscess: A Comparison of Surgical Outcomes between Conventional Burr Hole Aspiration and Endoscope-Assisted Evacuation.

BACKGROUND: Brain abscesses are a major health problem with significant morbidity and mortality rates. The objective of this study was to compare the surgical efficacy of endoscope-assisted evacuation of a brain abscess with that of single burr hole aspiration in a tertiary health care center. METHODS: This single-center nonrandomized clinical study was conducted during the period from July 2020 to December 2021. Male and female patients younger than 30 years who presented with brain abscess were enrolled in this study. They were divided into two groups and treated with two different techniques: conventional burr hole aspiration group and endoscope-assisted evacuation group. RESULTS: Thirty patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age was 13.0 ± 6.3 years in the burr hole group and 13.1 ± 6.4 years in the endoscope-assisted group. There was ≥75.0% evacuation of brain abscess on postoperative day 1 in 13 (92.9%) patients in the endoscope-assisted group and in 5 (33.3%) patients in the burr hole group. The mortality rate was 6.7% in both groups. The mean residual volume on postoperative day 30 was 0.75 mL in the endoscope-assisted group and 1.75 mL in the burr hole aspiration group. No patients treated with endoscope-assisted evacuation required a repeat surgery, whereas five patients (33.3%) treated with the conventional burr hole method required a repeat surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the endoscope-assisted procedure has a better rate of abscess evacuation, lower residual risk, and less chance of repeat surgeries than the conventional burr hole procedure.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Calcium Silicate in Enhancing Soybean Growth and Yield.

The application of silicon (Si) fertilizer positively impacts crop health, yield, and seed quality worldwide. Si is a "quasi-essential" element that is crucial for plant nutrition and stress response but is less associated with growth. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Si on the yield of cultivated soybean (Glycine max L). Two locations, Gyeongsan and Gunwi, in the Republic of Korea were selected, and a land suitability analysis was performed using QGIS version 3.28.1. The experiments at both locations consisted of three treatments: the control, Si fertilizer application at 2.3 kg per plot (9 m × 9 m) (T1), and Si fertilizer application at 4.6 kg per plot (9 m × 9 m) (T2). The agronomic, root, and yield traits, as well as vegetative indices, were analyzed to evaluate the overall impact of Si. The results demonstrated that Si had consistently significant effects on most root and shoot parameters in the two experimental fields, which led to significantly increased crop yield when compared with the control, with T2 (22.8% and 25.6%, representing an output of 2.19 and 2.24 t ha-1 at Gyeongsan and Gunwi, respectively) showing a higher yield than T1 (11% and 14.2%, representing 1.98 and 2.04 t ha-1 at Gyeongsan and Gunwi, respectively). These results demonstrate the positive impact of exogenous Si application on the overall growth, morphological and physiological traits, and yield output of soybeans. However, the application of the optimal concentration of Si according to the crop requirement, soil status, and environmental conditions requires further studies.

Biofilm acts as a microenvironment for plankton-associated Vibrio cholerae in the aquatic environment of Bangladesh.

The role of biofilm as a microenvironment of plankton-associated Vibrio cholerae was investigated using plexiglass as a bait. A total of 72 biofilm samples were tested using culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) and molecular techniques following standard procedures. Culturable V. cholerae (smooth and rugose variants) were isolated from 33% of the samples. V. cholerae O1 were detected by FA technique throughout the year except April and June. All V. cholerae O1 isolates were positive for tcpA, ctxA and ace genes while V. cholerae non-O1, non-O139 isolates lacked these genes. V. cholerae O1 (both Inaba and Ogawa) strains had identical ribotype pattern (R1), but V. cholerae non-O1, non-O139 had different ribotype patterns. All V. cholerae O1 strains were resistant to vibrio-static compound (O/129). All V. cholerae O1 except one were resistant to trimethoprime-sulphamethoxazole, streptomycin, nalidixic acid and furazolidone but sensitive to ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline. This study indicates that plexiglass can act as a bait to form biofilm, a microenvironment that provides shelter for plankton containing V. cholerae in the aquatic environment of Bangladesh.