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Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) constitute a polyphyletic group within the Ascomycota, with global distribution and a wide range of host plant species. The present study evaluated the diversity of DSE in sugarcane roots of the varieties RB867515, RB966928, and RB92579, and four varieties of not commercialized energy cane. A total of 16 DSE strains were isolated, mostly from the varieties RB966928 and RB867515, with six and five isolates, respectively. Just one of the four energy cane varieties had fungi with DSE appearance. The analyses of the DNA sequences from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the large subunit (LSU), in association with the micromorphology of the isolates, allowed the differentiation of the 16 isolates in at least five species, within the families Periconiaceae, Pleosporaceae, Lentitheciaceae, Vibrisseaceae, and Apiosporaceae and the orders Pleosporales, Helotiales, and Xylariales. The order Pleosporales represented 80% of the isolates, and the species Periconia macrospinosa, with six isolates, accounted for the highest isolation frequency. The results confirm the natural occurrence of the DSE symbiosis in sugarcane varieties and the generalist character of these fungi as some of the detected species have already been reported associated with other host plants, ecosystems, and regions of the world.

Olive groves (Olea europaea L.) are highly susceptible to soil degradation, particularly water erosion, due to sparse canopy cover and wide inter-row spacing. This study evaluated the effect of different vegetation cover management practices on soil quality and erosion control in a tropical olive grove in southeastern Brazil. The experiment followed a randomized block design with five treatments: exposed soil (BS), olive trees on exposed soil (OB), olive trees with spontaneous vegetation managed with herbicide (OVH), with mowing (OVM), and with mowing + localized weeding (OVMC). Physical, chemical, and biological indicators and losses due to water erosion were analyzed. The OVM and OVMC treatments promoted an increase in soil organic matter (up to 39 g kg−1), microbial biomass carbon (40% higher than BS), enzymatic activity, and glomalin, improving aggregate stability (WMD of 4.9 mm) and reducing soil and water losses by more than 99% compared to exposed soil. The BS and OB treatments, on the other hand, showed higher acidity, lower microbial activity, and greater susceptibility to erosion. The study reinforces that maintaining vegetation cover improves soil quality, mitigates erosion, and promotes the sustainability of olive groves in tropical regions.

The present study aimed to select efficient arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for sugarcane growth and P nutrition in four soils that spontaneously contained dark septate endophytes (DSE). The effect of nine AMF isolates was evaluated individually in sugarcane presprouted seedlings (SP81-3250) grown under greenhouse conditions for a 120-day period. The isolates that stimulated plant growth in the soils with low P availability were Acaulospora colombiana (ACOL), Claroideoglomus etunicatum (CETU), Gigaspora margarita (GMAR), Rhizophagus clarus (RCLA) and Scutellospora calospora (SCAL). Compared to the Yellow Argisol, which had the highest P level, the Red-Yellow Argisol, with an intermediate P content, increased plant height. Compared to the other treatments, inoculation with ACOL, RCLA, and SCAL resulted in higher foliar P content in plants grown in soils with high to intermediate P levels. Root colonization by AMF and DSE was verified in the plants, with the coexistence of both fungal groups in the same plant and/or root fragment. However, AMF colonization was low compared to DSE colonization. The cooccurrence of DSE and AMF was higher in the plants inoculated with ACOL, RCLA, SCAL, and Dentiscutata heterogama. ACOL, CETU, GMAR, RCLA, and SCAL are AMF isolates that have the potential to establish a mycorrhizal inoculant for sugarcane that would be effective in several soils.

Background and aims Nickel affects a wide range of physiological processes in plants, which may result in higher growth and yield. Recent studies demonstrate that soybean genotypes show positive, but differential, responsiveness to Ni-fertilization. Thus, this study investigated the impact of supplying this micronutrient to a soybean genotype previously known to be responsive to Ni-fertilization, with the aim of identifying a suitable range of Ni for the adequate development of this crop plant. Methods We tested, under greenhouse conditions, the effect of applying six Ni doses (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 3.00, and 9.00 mg kg −1 ) via soil to a commonly-grown soybean genotype. Soybean plants were evaluated for nutrition, physiology, growth, N-urea metabolism, and efficiency of the N 2 fixation process. Results Nickel supply positively affected the physiology and growth of the genotype, indicating a deficiency of this micronutrient. Ni-application also led to an increased N metabolism; in particular, nodules had a higher nitrogenase activity associated with greater Ni-concentrations in areas of highest metabolic activity. By exploiting the data acquired in a growth response curve (grain yield x Ni concentration), the greatest beneficial effects were observed following an application of 3.35 mg of Ni kg −1 . A supply of more than 4.25 mg of Ni kg −1 was toxic to the plants. Conclusions Ni-fertilization improved the N-mineral and N-biological assimilation pathways of soybean, optimizing the overall development of the plants. Through this study, we defined a reliable and adequate Ni-range for both plants and soil, which can be used as a basis for agricultural practice. Moreover, supplying plants with Ni at the recommended doses was revealed to be safe for in natura human consumption of soybean grains; however, more studies are required to establish the appropriate safety limit standards for soybean-based food products.

Nickel (Ni)-a component of urease and hydrogenase-was the latest nutrient to be recognized as an essential element for plants. However, to date there are no records of Ni deficiency for annual species cultivated under field conditions, possibly because of the non-appearance of obvious and distinctive symptoms, i.e., a hidden (or latent) deficiency. Soybean, a crop cultivated on soils poor in extractable Ni, has a high dependence on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), in which Ni plays a key role. Thus, we hypothesized that Ni fertilization in soybean genotypes results in a better nitrogen physiological function and in higher grain production due to the hidden deficiency of this micronutrient. To verify this hypothesis, two simultaneous experiments were carried out, under greenhouse and field conditions, with Ni supply of 0.0 or 0.5 mg of Ni kg of soil. For this, we used 15 soybean genotypes and two soybean isogenic lines (urease positive, ; urease activity-null, , formerly ). Plants were evaluated for yield, Ni and N concentration, photosynthesis, and N metabolism. Nickel fertilization resulted in greater grain yield in some genotypes, indicating the hidden deficiency of Ni in both conditions. Yield gains of up to 2.9 g per plant in greenhouse and up to 1,502 kg ha in field conditions were associated with a promoted N metabolism, namely, leaf N concentration, ammonia, ureides, urea, and urease activity, which separated the genotypes into groups of Ni responsiveness. Nickel supply also positively affected photosynthesis in the genotypes, never causing detrimental effects, except for the mutant, which due to the absence of ureolytic activity accumulated excess urea in leaves and had reduced yield. In summary, the effect of Ni on the plants was positive and the extent of this effect was controlled by genotype-environment interaction. The application of 0.5 mg kg of Ni resulted in safe levels of this element in grains for human health consumption. Including Ni applications in fertilization programs may provide significant yield benefits in soybean production on low Ni soil. This might also be the case for other annual crops, especially legumes.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has been regarded as female-predominant without evidence of gender difference in survival. We aimed to compare the overall survival, incidence and prevalence of PBC in two well defined population-based studies over a recent decade, considering also sex ratios and mortality. We have taken advantage of population-wide records, during 2000–2009, in Lombardia, Northern Italy and Denmark. We focused on the incident cases of PBC, including gender and outcome, among 9.7 million inhabitants of Lombardia and 5.5 million of Denmark. In Lombardia there were 2,970 PBC cases with a female:male ratio of 2.3:1. The age/sex-adjusted annual incidence of PBC was 16.7 per million. Point prevalence was 160 per million on January 1 st 2009. In Denmark there were 722 cases of incident PBC, female:male ratio was 4.2:1 and the annual incidence was 11.4 per million, a point prevalence of 115 per million in 2009. Cox regression multivariate analysis identified male sex as an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in both Italian (HR 2.36) and Danish population (HR 3.04). Our data indicate for PBC a sex ratio significantly lower than previously cited, a reversal of the usual latitudinal difference in prevalence and a surprisingly higher overall mortality for male patients.

The objective of this research was to evaluate a soil recovery strategy in soils that were affected by iron mining tailing using herbaceous species inoculated with Acaulospora morrowiae (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF)). Tailings were collected on the banks of the Gualaxo do Norte river, one of the places impacted by the Fundão Dam rupture, where tailing layers that were more than one meter were deposited. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using 6 kg pots of non-sterile reject, in a randomized block design in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme, with four cropping systems (Urochloa ruziziensis single crop–RS; and intercropping cultivation: U. ruziziensis with Crotalaria spectabilis–R + C; U. ruziziensis with Guizotia abyssinica–R + G and U. ruziziensis with C. spectabilis and G. abyssinica–R + C + G), with two AMF inoculation conditions (with 200 A. morrowiae spores per pot, and no inoculation), with three replications and 100 days duration. The R + C and R + C + G systems presented the highest shoot dry matter (SDM) yields. Regarding root dry matter production (RDM), a variation of 9.2 g of pot−1 roots was observed between the R + C and R + G systems. Mycorrhizal colonization (MC) was higher in the cultivation system with the three herbaceous species, being the R + C + G system 52% higher than RS system. Spore density did not vary among treatments. Microbial carbon biomass was higher in the RS and R + G treatments when not inoculated. Basal respiration was also higher when not inoculated. Overall, the R + C + G system was more efficient than other systems in the accumulation of elements. The cultivation system with three herbaceous plants proved to be efficient in establishing itself initially in the iron mining tailings, being a viable alternative for the rehabilitation process.

Recently, an expert panel proposed diagnostic criteria for metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of MAFLD among US adolescents and to investigate whether the new MAFLD definition is able to identify individuals with more advanced liver disease. We analyzed data from participants 12–18 years old included in the 2017–2020 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a large survey aimed at including individuals representative of the non‐institutionalized general US population. Participants with a complete vibration‐controlled transient elastography exam were included. Steatosis was evaluated through the median controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and fibrosis through median liver stiffness measurement (LSM). Recently proposed criteria for the diagnosis of MAFLD were applied. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of the new MAFLD definition on the odds of significant liver fibrosis. We included a total of 1446 adolescents (mean age: 14.9 years; 52.0% male; 47.3% overweight or obese). No participant reported a previous history of viral hepatitis. Steatosis (CAP ≥ 248 dB/m) was present in 25.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.3–28.9) of individuals, and among these, 87.7% met the MAFLD criteria. Only 22.9% of patients with steatosis had elevated alanine aminotransferase levels. Among participants with steatosis, prevalence of significant liver fibrosis (LSM ≥ 7.4 kPa) did not differ significantly according to whether they met MAFLD criteria (9.7% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.276). In the multivariable model, odds of significant fibrosis did not differ significantly between these two groups. MAFLD criteria are met by most US adolescents with elastographic evidence of steatosis. Nonetheless, these criteria do not appear to improve detection of subjects with more advanced liver disease. Further longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate whether metabolic dysfunction is associated with faster progression toward inflammation, fibrosis, and liver‐related events. Recently, an expert panel proposed diagnostic criteria for metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in the pediatric population. We studied 1446 adolescents from the general US population and applied these new criteria. Steatosis was present in 25.9% of individuals and, among these, 87.7% met the MAFLD criteria. Prevalence of significant liver fibrosis did not differ significantly according to whether they met MAFLD criteria or not.

Background Respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia is associated with high mortality and may overwhelm health care systems, due to the surge of patients requiring advanced respiratory support. Shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds required many patients to be treated outside the ICU despite severe gas exchange impairment. Helmet is an effective interface to provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) noninvasively. We report data about the usefulness of helmet CPAP during pandemic, either as treatment, a bridge to intubation or a rescue therapy for patients with care limitations (DNI). Methods In this observational study we collected data regarding patients failing standard oxygen therapy (i.e., non-rebreathing mask) due to COVID-19 pneumonia treated with a free flow helmet CPAP system. Patients’ data were recorded before, at initiation of CPAP treatment and once a day, thereafter. CPAP failure was defined as a composite outcome of intubation or death. Results A total of 306 patients were included; 42% were deemed as DNI. Helmet CPAP treatment was successful in 69% of the full treatment and 28% of the DNI patients ( P  < 0.001). With helmet CPAP, PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio doubled from about 100 to 200 mmHg ( P  < 0.001); respiratory rate decreased from 28 [22–32] to 24 [20–29] breaths per minute, P  < 0.001). C-reactive protein, time to oxygen mask failure, age, PaO 2 /FiO 2 during CPAP, number of comorbidities were independently associated with CPAP failure. Helmet CPAP was maintained for 6 [3–9] days, almost continuously during the first two days. None of the full treatment patients died before intubation in the wards. Conclusions Helmet CPAP treatment is feasible for several days outside the ICU, despite persistent impairment in gas exchange. It was used, without escalating to intubation, in the majority of full treatment patients after standard oxygen therapy failed. DNI patients could benefit from helmet CPAP as rescue therapy to improve survival. Trial Registration : NCT04424992

Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) and autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs)-including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)-are chronic organ-specific immune-mediated disorders. While both conditions frequently co-occur with other autoimmune diseases, the prevalence, clinical overlap, and immunological associations between AIG and AILDs remain underexplored. To investigate the prevalence of AIG in patients with AILD and characterize the clinical, serological, and histopathological features of this overlap, to improve early detection and guide integrated management strategies. We conducted a prospective study on 104 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AILD. All participants were screened for anti-parietal cell antibodies (APCA); those testing positive underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and gastric biopsies. Histological assessment was based on the updated Sydney System, with evaluation of mucosal inflammation, glandular atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia. APCA positivity was observed in 22.1% of AILD patients, with a female predominance (78.3%). The median age of AIG diagnosis in APCA-positive patients was 58 years. Among APCA-positive individuals, histological confirmation of AIG was achieved in 91.3%, with a high rate of intestinal metaplasia (95.7%) and variable OLGA stages of gastric atrophy. Comorbid autoimmune conditions were common, with 43.5% of APCA-positive patients also presenting with autoimmune thyroiditis. Notably, PBC was disproportionately represented in the APCA-positive subgroup (47.8%) compared to the overall cohort (39.0%). This study highlights a clinically significant association between AIG and AILDs, particularly in patients with PBC and concurrent autoimmune conditions. Given the elevated risk of gastric mucosal atrophy and potential neoplastic transformation, targeted screening for AIG in AILD patients-especially those with APCA positivity or thyroid autoimmunity-should be considered. These findings underscore the importance of cross-specialty surveillance and open new avenues for research into shared immunopathogenic mechanisms. This study found that a significant number of patients with autoimmune liver diseases, especially those with primary biliary cholangitis, also show signs of autoimmune gastritis. These results support the consideration of targeted screening for gastric involvement in selected patients to improve early detection and clinical management of associated complications.