Search Results (2,579)

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, is a devastating wheat disease leading to significant yield loss and mycotoxin contamination. This study elucidated the biocontrol mechanism of Bacillus velezensis 20507 fermentation broth against FHB during wheat infection. The broth exhibited strong, time-dependent antifungal activity in vitro, with optimal growth suppression (inhibition rates up to 75%) achieved using broth fermented for 3–7 days. In planta experiments confirmed its efficacy in alleviating disease symptoms. Employing a dual RNA-seq strategy, we analyzed the tripartite interaction between the biocontrol agent, pathogen, and wheat host. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the broth directly suppressed the pathogen, causing 1510 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, predominantly down-regulated) and disrupting pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism and cell wall integrity. In wheat, the fermentation broth of B. velezensis 20507 counteracted F. graminearum infection by reprogramming the host transcriptome. KEGG analysis during co-inoculation showed that the broth up-regulated defense-related pathways involved in energy, hormone signaling, and cellular maintenance, while down-regulating primary metabolic pathways, indicating a resource reallocation strategy. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed that the broth alone primed the wheat defense system, and this primed state significantly enhanced the defense response upon pathogen challenge. Untargeted metabolomics identified key antimicrobial compounds, including lipopeptides and the macrolide Macrolactin A. Bioassay-guided fractionation isolated two active fractions (Fr A and Fr B) with potent antifungal activity. This integrated multi-omics study demonstrates that B. velezensis 20507 combats FHB through a coordinated dual mechanism: direct inhibition of the fungus via specific metabolites like Macrolactin A, and simultaneous reprogramming of the host defense and metabolic landscape. These findings provide a scientific foundation for developing this strain as an effective biocontrol agent. Full article

Chocolate spot, caused by the ascomycete fungus Botrytis fabae, is a devastating foliar disease and a major constraint on the quality and yield of faba beans (Vicia faba). Monoterpenes, such as carvone, cineole, and linalool, are often considered natural-identical alternatives to synthetic chemicals. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the antifungal activity of some eco-friendly control agents (carvone, cineole, and linalool) against B. fabae, the causative agent of chocolate spot disease in faba beans, through growth inhibition assays in vitro. Furthermore, the efficacy of the tested monoterpenes for reducing the severity of chocolate spot disease in faba beans was evaluated under field conditions. Moreover, these eco-friendly control agents activate plant defense enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase) as a self-defense mechanism against pathogen attacks of faba bean plants were investigated. Moreover, the impact of the tested monoterpenes on growth and yield characters of faba bean was evaluated. The results indicated a significant decrease in B. fabae growth following a treatment with the tested compounds compared to untreated controls. In field trials, treated faba bean plants exhibited a notable reduction in disease severity. Additionally, the application of monoterpenes enhanced the activity of defense enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase), which are integral to plant defense mechanisms. Treatments also resulted in significant improvement growth and yield characters of faba bean. These findings suggest that the tested monoterpenes could serve as a control strategy for managing B. fabae, offering an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides. Full article

Pyrolysis liquid (PL) derived from biomass pyrolysis exhibits biopesticidal properties and represents a promising value-added product within the sustainable circular economy framework. However, knowledge about the antimicrobial potential of PLs produced from walnut residue at different pyrolysis temperatures remains limited. We investigated the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of PLs obtained from agricultural walnut residue (Juglans regia L.) against selected plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi. PLs were produced at four temperature ranges: 200–300 °C (W-1), 300–400 °C (W-2), 400–500 °C (W-3), and 500–600 °C (W-4). Chemical characterization was performed using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), with determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Pyrolysis temperature significantly influenced the chemical profile and bioactive compound content of the PLs, with W-4 showing the highest total phenolic and flavonoid levels. Heavy metal analysis indicated minimal contamination in all samples. Antibacterial activity was observed in stock solutions, whereas diluted applications showed limited effects. The W-4 fraction showed the strongest antibacterial activity and exhibited MIC values of 12.50 µL/mL against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, and 25.00 µL/mL against Erwinia amylovora. Antifungal activity differed markedly across temperature ranges, with W-3 and W-4 displaying superior activity against Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium dahliae, achieving complete mycelial growth inhibition at 5%, compared to 10% for W-2 and 20% for W-1. Positive controls confirmed assay validity (ciprofloxacin for antibacterial assays and cycloheximide for antifungal assays), whereas negative controls showed no inhibitory effect. Overall, higher pyrolysis temperatures, particularly 400–600 °C, enhanced the antimicrobial potential of walnut residue-derived PLs, supporting their possible use as bio-based antifungal agents for sustainable crop protection. Full article

Otitis externa in dogs is primarily caused by Malassezia pachydermatis. Treatment involves antifungal and antiseptic agents; however, resistance among causative organisms has been noted. Pomelo (Citrus maxima) is a source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity. Its extract mainly includes essential oils, which are mostly applied for alternative treatment for M. pachydermatis. The study aimed to investigate the anti-M. pachydermatis effects of pomelo peel extracts and their potential use in topical solutions for canine infections. M. pachydermatis was isolated from dogs and confirmed with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS). Antifungal susceptibility of M. pachydermatis to itraconazole was evaluated. Phytochemicals of essential oil and crude extract from C. maxima peel were determined using Gas Chromatograph–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). In addition, the antifungal activity of the extracts was assessed using an agar plate dilution assay. The essential oil was formulated into a prototypic topical solution, and its effects on M. pachydermatis were observed in vitro. The prevalence of M. pachydermatis was 42%, with 53% having yeast on both ear sides. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of itraconazole, essential oil, and crude extract to M. pachydermatis were 0.03–0.25 µg/mL, 1.0% v/v, and >200 mg/mL, respectively. The prominent phytochemicals in peel extracts were meranzin hydrate and D-limonene, identified in the crude extract and essential oil, respectively. Moreover, a topical solution containing essential oils inhibited M. pachydermatis growth and showed destructive effects on the yeast cell wall at higher concentrations. The essential oil exhibits antifungal activity against M. pachydermatis, primarily due to the high concentration of D-limonene. The growth was inhibited completely at MIC, observed over a 5-day period. Furthermore, the prototypic topical solution demonstrated an anti-M. pachydermatis effect. These findings suggest potential veterinary applications for pomelo peel extract, though further studies are necessary to assess stability, mechanism of action, and industrial suitability. Full article

Background: Antifungal resistance among Candida species represents a growing clinical challenge, particularly in the context of increasing prevalence of non-albicans species. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 747 fungal isolates collected between 2021 and 2026, evaluating species distribution, antifungal susceptibility profiles, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) patterns, and temporal trends in resistance. Results: Non-albicans Candida species accounted for 67.5% of isolates, exceeding the proportion of Candida albicans. Fluconazole and flucytosine exhibited the highest resistance rates (16.1% and 17.4%, respectively), while amphotericin B showed the highest susceptibility rate (82.1%). MIC analysis revealed elevated MIC90 values for azoles in Candida glabrata and Candida krusei, consistent with reduced susceptibility. A significant association between antifungal agent and susceptibility profile was observed (χ² = 33.81, p < 0.001; Cramér’s V = 0.205). Temporal analysis demonstrated fluctuating resistance patterns rather than a consistent increase over time. Multidrug resistance was uncommon (2.5%), although non-susceptibility to multiple agents was more frequent (20.3%). Conclusions: The study highlights substantial variability in antifungal susceptibility across Candida species and antifungal agents, emphasizing the importance of continuous surveillance and species-specific treatment strategies. Full article

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are natural bioactive peptides produced by all organisms—from plants to insects, microbes and animals—and constitute a first line of defense. As they exhibit a broad spectrum of activity (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, anticancer), strong efforts are being made to integrate AMPs into clinical use. AMPs are also being investigated as anticancer agents to overcome the side effects and/or resistance associated with current chemotherapies. In this context, we identified the natural AMP chionodracine from a new biological source: an Antarctic fish. Starting from the fragmentation of a chionodracine mutant peptide, a rational modular design approach was applied to develop three very short peptides (Pep-A, Pep-B and Pep-C), which were further modified with an N-terminal myristic acid lipid tail. The anticancer activity of the three N-myristoylated short peptides (Myr-A, Myr-B and Myr-C) was explored against the human cervical cancer HeLa cell line. The rationale behind this study is based on the previously reported antifungal activity of these myr peptides and on their ability to interact selectively with biological membrane-mimicking synthetic phospholipids without being particularly hemolytic or cytotoxic towards normal cells. We first demonstrated that myr peptides had cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells (IC₅₀ from 32 to 47 μM) but spared healthy primary human fibroblasts, whereas the corresponding non-myr peptides failed to kill cancer cells. The peptide with no hemolytic activity and a low IC₅₀, labeled Myr-B, was selected for subsequent analyses. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed membrane damage and predominantly necrotic cell death in HeLa cells exposed to IC₅₀ doses of the Myr-B peptide, compared with cells treated with Pep-B. To thoroughly investigate the molecular effects of Myr-B in HeLa cells, we employed high-resolution label-free shotgun quantitative proteomics coupled with bioinformatics. Our results showed that exposing HeLa cells to Myr-B led to the under-expression of proteins belonging to the “apoptosis- and splicing-associated protein complex”, potentially influencing the alternative splicing process and consequently leading to a possible susceptibility to programmed cell death. These findings indicate that modifying natural AMPs may be a promising strategy for developing selective anticancer drugs and pinpoint Myr-B as an interesting target for future studies. Full article

Background: Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune peripheral neuropathy that can lead to paralysis and respiratory failure. In addition to infections, several drugs have been suggested as potential triggers of GBS. This study investigated drug-associated GBS using a spontaneous adverse event reporting database through disproportionality analysis for signal detection and time-to-onset analysis. Methods: The Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database was analyzed to assess more than 4000 drugs for potential associations with GBS. Signal detection was performed using reporting odds ratios, Fisher’s exact test, and total report counts. For vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors, time-to-onset patterns were further evaluated using Weibull distribution analysis. Results: Disproportionality signals suggesting potential associations with GBS were identified for 45 drugs, including vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, other anticancer drugs, antifungal agents, and interferons. Reports following vaccination were most frequently observed within 1–3 weeks after administration of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), influenza, and pneumococcal vaccines, and within 1–3 months after human papillomavirus 2-valent vaccination, with a gradual decrease thereafter. Reports following immune checkpoint inhibitor use were most frequently observed 1–3 months after nivolumab, ipilimumab, and pembrolizumab administration, whereas atezolizumab showed a peak in reporting within 1–3 weeks. In contrast to vaccine-related reports, no clear temporal trend in reporting was observed. Conclusions: Drugs that modulate immune function, including vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors, may be associated with reported GBS events. Vaccine-related reports showed an early concentration in time to onset, whereas immune checkpoint inhibitor-related reports did not demonstrate a clear temporal pattern. These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and warrant further investigation. Full article

Kiwifruit soft rot is a major cause of postharvest loss owing to rapid fruit decay during storage. This study focused on kiwifruit soft rot during the postharvest storage stage, when fungal development may be promoted by room temperature and high humidity. Soft rot symptoms were observed in the pericarp and fruit flesh. In this study, carvacrol-loaded nanoliposomes (CAR@NL) were prepared by an O/W emulsification–solvent evaporation method to control kiwifruit soft rot. The physicochemical properties of CAR@NL were characterized by laser particle size analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their antifungal activity and preservation efficacy were evaluated by in vitro antifungal assays and fruit storage experiments. The prepared CAR@NL showed an average particle size of approximately 280 nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 85.75%, and a drug loading capacity of 20.14%, along with favorable sustained-release properties. CAR@NL exhibited strong antifungal activity, with an EC₅₀ value of 41.76 mg/L. DAPI staining indicated no obvious effect on fungal DNA, whereas propidium iodide (PI) staining revealed increased fluorescence intensity with increasing concentration and treatment time, indicating disruption of hyphal membrane integrity and severe structural damage. Flow cytometric analysis further showed that, at 50 mg/L, the total apoptosis rate was 2.96% in the untreated control group, 5.22% in the CAR@NL-treated group, and 33.6% in the carbendazim-treated group, demonstrating the lower cytotoxicity of CAR@NL toward mammalian cells. In addition, CAR@NL showed good stability and preservation performance during fruit storage. Overall, CAR@NL may serve as a safe and effective postharvest agent for the control of kiwifruit soft rot. Full article

Sargassum filipendula is a widely distributed, edible brown alga that possesses a rich nutritional profile. Several studies have demonstrated that the components/extracts of S. filipendula (SFE) possess diverse pharmacological potential against both infectious and non-infectious diseases. These include antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-osteoporosis, antiviral, antiprotozoal, and immunomodulatory effects. Furthermore, SFE has shown significant anticancer activity across various malignant cell lines. The unique phytochemical profile of this species, characterized by the presence of sulfated polysaccharides (primarily fucoidan), carotenoids, phenols, glycolipids, and phlorotannins, serves as the foundation for these wide-ranging pharmacological activities. Studies have demonstrated that SFE can modulate key molecular targets, such as glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta, and activate the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis pathway, providing a robust mechanistic basis for the observed pharmacological activities. Recent evaluations of nutritional parameters and techno-functional properties confirm the rich nutritional profile of S. filipendula, supporting its application in a diverse range of food products. Despite its diverse bioactive phytochemicals and broad efficacy against infectious and non-infectious diseases, research on S. filipendula remains largely restricted to in vitro preclinical studies. The lack of a comprehensive compilation of its pharmacological activities, phytochemical profiles, and molecular targets hinders its development as a therapeutic agent. This review aims to bridge this gap by compiling the existing knowledge, identifying research deficiencies, particularly the lack of in vivo data and safety assessments for high-dose therapeutic applications, while proposing suggestions for transitioning S. filipendula into a viable therapeutic or functional supplement. Full article

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common gynecological infection, with Pichia kudriavzevii emerging as a significant pathogen due to its intrinsic fluconazole resistance and biofilm-forming capacity. This study investigates the antifungal efficacy and mechanisms of tannic acid (TA) against P. kudriavzevii, as well as its potential to reverse azole resistance across multiple Candida species with distinct resistance profiles. TA significantly inhibited P. kudriavzevii growth, surface colonization, and virulence gene expression at 3 μg/mL. Mechanistically, TA protected the human vaginal epithelial cell line VK2/E6E7 by reducing ROS levels, restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, and suppressing IL-1β and IL-18 release through modulation of the NLRP3-Caspase1-ASC axis. Furthermore, TA demonstrated synergistic activity when combined with azoles against five clinically azole-resistant Candida isolates spanning three Candida species with distinct resistance mechanisms: P. kudriavzevii (intrinsic), C. albicans (acquired), and N. glabrata (FKS-mediated). This study highlights TA as a promising natural therapeutic agent for P. kudriavzevii infections and offers a novel strategy for combating multidrug-resistant Candida through combination therapy. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable plant protection products has intensified interest in microbial biocontrol agents (BCAs). This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of selected Streptomyces, Bacillus, and Trichoderma asperellum strains against phytopathogenic fungi and to assess their potential as BCAs under in vitro conditions. The antifungal activity of ten Streptomyces strains was first evaluated against Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum salicis, Fusarium oxysporum, and F. graminearum using a dual-culture assay. All isolates exhibited antifungal activity, with Streptomyces venezuelae MSCL 350 showing the strongest inhibition. In addition, the antifungal activity of T. asperellum MSCL 309 and three Bacillus strains was assessed against twelve Fusarium spp. isolates obtained from oats. T. asperellum demonstrated broad-spectrum inhibition, with growth inhibition ranging from 44.6% to 78.4%, primarily due to soluble metabolites, while volatile compounds showed no significant effect. Among the other tested Bacillus strains, only Bacillus subtilis MSCL 1441 exhibited antifungal activity, inhibiting all tested isolates. These results demonstrate strong strain-dependent antifungal activity and highlight T. asperellum MSCL 309, S. venezuelae MSCL 350, and B. subtilis MSCL 1441 as promising candidates for the development of environmentally friendly biocontrol agents. Full article

In this paper, we utilized sodium titanate as a substrate to fabricate a supported antifungal repair agent capable of inhibiting fungi through the release of silver ions, and applied it to the preservation and restoration of wooden materials. The structural and material properties of sodium titanate were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and adsorption kinetic modeling. Furthermore, its effectiveness in wood restoration as well as its antifungal performance were evaluated. Results indicate that the synthesized sodium titanate exhibits a distinctive tubular structure, with a diameter of approximately 12 nm, a pore size of 7 nm, and a specific surface area as high as 310.91 m²/g. The abundant ion exchange active sites on the material surface provide conditions for the loading of silver ions. At 25 °C, the maximum adsorption capacity for silver ions reaches 515.5 mg/g, with an adsorption amount accounting for 34.0 wt.%. When combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for reinforcing wooden materials, it significantly increases the packing density of the reinforcing agent, ultimately enhancing the compressive strength of wood from 155.0 MPa to 412.2 MPa. Furthermore, owing to the antifungal effect of silver ions, the treated wood demonstrates effective resistance against the growth of Aspergillus niger. Full article

Botrytis cinerea and Plasmopara viticola, the causal agents of grey mold and downy mildew, respectively, are two major grapevine pathogens whose control largely relies on synthetic fungicides, raising environmental and health concerns. Plant-derived secondary metabolites, particularly flavonoids involved in plant defense, represent promising sustainable alternatives. Among them, sakuranetin, a flavanone aglycone known for its antifungal activity in rice, remains poorly explored for grapevine protection. In this study, sakuranetin was purified from cherry branches (48 mg) and structurally characterized using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and NMR analyses. Its antifungal activity against B. cinerea and P. viticola was evaluated through in vitro, in vivo and in planta assays. For B. cinerea, our results showed a significant in vitro inhibition of mycelium growth, with EC₅₀ values of 16.43 mg·L⁻¹, while no protection of detached berries was observed. Against P. viticola, sakuranetin has no effect on the release of zoospores, but there is a total inhibition of spore germination at 1 mg·L⁻¹ in vitro, confirmed in vivo on a foliar disc. In planta, no significant protection is observed at 25 mg·L⁻¹, even if some targeted defense genes are induced. Further studies are needed to determine the best concentration of sakuranetin to use to manage B. cinerea and P. viticola in planta. Full article

Background: Disseminated coccidioidomycosis (DCM) often requires prolonged antifungal therapy (AFT). Real-world data on AFT duration in DCM are limited. We evaluated time to AFT discontinuation among patients with DCM in the United States clinical practice. Methods: This retrospective, longitudinal study used STATinMED data (2016–2024). Patients had ≥1 International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code for DCM (B38.3, B38.4, B38.7, B38.81) during January 2017–December 2023, ≥1 claim for a triazole or amphotericin B within 21 days of the DCM diagnosis (index date), and continuous medical/pharmacy coverage during the 6-month baseline period. Discontinuation was defined as a ≥21-day gap without AFT. Antifungal agent/formulation switches were not considered discontinuations unless accompanied by a qualifying gap. The Kaplan–Meier methods were used to estimate time to discontinuation. Results: We identified 991 patients with DCM. Median age was 52 years (IQR 36, 65); 60.0% were men. Most resided in California (42.8%) or Arizona (33.6%). Initial AFT consisted predominantly of triazoles (96.8%), primarily fluconazole (83.2%). Discontinuation occurred in 27.6%, 40.0%, 54.2%, and 68.0% of patients by 3, 6, 12, and 36 months. Median AFT duration was 9.9 months. Conclusions: In a large US claims cohort, there was substantial variability in AFT duration in routine practice. Many patients had AFT durations under the lower limit of guideline recommendations for DCM, suggesting potential under-treatment, though appropriate clinical justifications may have existed. Full article

Bacillus species are extensively studied, utilized, and commercialized biocontrol agents, demonstrating significant effectiveness in managing a variety of plant diseases. Bacillus possesses a robust intrinsic biosynthetic ability, capable of producing a diverse array of antimicrobial metabolites, including dipicolinic acid (DPA; 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid), which exhibits antifungal properties and serves as a principal structural component of Bacillus spores. This study revealed that DPA exhibits significant antibacterial activity against the hazardous soybean pathogen Xanthomonas citri pv. glycines (Xcg), with an EC₅₀ value of 53.2 μg/mL. DPA inhibited Xcg swimming motility, extracellular protease activity, and biofilm formation, while inducing significant membrane irregularities in Xcg cells. DPA treatment downregulated the expression of several Xcg membrane integrity-related genes, including cirA, czcA, czcB, emrE, and tolC. The preventive and curative application of 500 μg/mL DPA reduced Xcg symptoms by 82.7% and 83.8%, respectively, and induced the accumulation of the isoflavone genistin in soybean leaves. DPA exhibited only weak toxicity in the zebrafish model, suggesting its potential suitability for agricultural commercialization. Overall, this study provides the first detailed characterization of the antibacterial mechanism of DPA against a phytopathogenic bacterium, Xcg, and identifies DPA as a previously underexplored antibacterial metabolite from Bacillus and Paecilomyces with potential for disease management. Full article