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To investigate the effects of the endophytic fungus Setophoma terrestris (isolated from Panax notoginseng roots) on the growth and rhizosphere microbiota of understory-cultivated P. notoginseng, we prepared liquid and solid fermentates of the fungus and applied them separately via irrigation. Rhizosphere soil of P. notoginseng was subjected to non-targeted metabolomics and microbiome sequencing for detection and analysis. Relative to the control, P. notoginseng treated with liquid and solid fermentates exhibited increases in plant height (3.5% and 0.7%), chlorophyll content (23.4% and 20.4%), and total saponin content (14.6% and 17.0%), respectively. Non-targeted metabolomics identified 3855 metabolites across 23 classes, with amino acids and their derivatives (21.54%) and benzene derivatives (14.21%) as the primary components. The significantly altered metabolic pathways shared by the two treatment groups included ABC transporters, purine metabolism, and the biosynthesis of various other secondary metabolites. Exogenous addition of S. terrestris significantly affected the composition of the rhizosphere soil microbial community of P. notoginseng and increased the relative abundance of genera such as Bradyrhizobium. In conclusion, the endophytic fungus S. terrestris enhances P. notoginseng growth and modulates both rhizosphere soil metabolites and microbial abundance. This study can provide certain data support for research on endophytic fungi of P. notoginseng.

Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major public health challenge worldwide. However, the aetiological and disease severity-related pathogens associated with CAP in adults in China are not well established based on the detection of both viral and bacterial agents. Methods A multicentre, prospective study was conducted involving 10 hospitals located in nine geographical regions in China from 2014 to 2019. Sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected from each recruited CAP patient. Multiplex real-time PCR and bacteria culture methods were used to detect respiratory pathogens. The association between detected pathogens and CAP severity was evaluated. Results Among the 3,403 recruited eligible patients, 462 (13.58%) had severe CAP, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 1.94% (66/3,403). At least one pathogen was detected in 2,054 (60.36%) patients, with two or more pathogens were co-detected in 725 patients. The ten major pathogens detected were Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.05%), Haemophilus influenzae (10.67%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.43%), influenza A virus (9.49%), human rhinovirus (9.02%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (7.43%), Staphylococcus aureus (4.50%), adenovirus (2.94%), respiratory syncytial viruses (2.35%), and Legionella pneumophila (1.03%), which accounted for 76.06–92.52% of all positive detection results across sampling sites. Klebsiella pneumoniae ( p  < 0.001) and influenza viruses ( p  = 0.005) were more frequently detected in older patients, whereas Mycoplasma pneumoniae was more frequently detected in younger patients ( p  < 0.001). Infections with Klebsiella pneumoniae , Staphylococcus aureus , influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial viruses were risk factors for severe CAP. Conclusions The major respiratory pathogens causing CAP in adults in China were different from those in USA and European countries, which were consistent across different geographical regions over study years. Given the detection rate of pathogens and their association with severe CAP, we propose to include the ten major pathogens as priorities for clinical pathogen screening in China.

To explore superior biocontrol resources for Rhododendron brown spot disease, five antagonistic fungal strains exhibiting significant inhibitory activity against the pathogen responsible for RBS were isolated from healthy Rhododendron hybridum Ker Gawl leaves. Among them, strain DJW5-2-1 demonstrated the highest inhibition rate, reaching 63.88% against the pathogenic fungus. Based on morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analysis (ITS, β-tubulin, and tef1-α), DJW5-2-1 was identified as Diaporthe phoenicicola (Traverso & Spessa) Udayanga, Crous & K.D. Hyde. Dual culture assays further confirmed its broad-spectrum antifungal activity, with inhibition rates ranging from 39.15% to 72.54% against various phytopathogenic fungi. Biochemical analyses revealed that DJW5-2-1 secretes multiple extracellular enzymes and exhibits plant growth-promoting traits. In both in vitro and potted plant efficacy assays, the biocontrol efficacy of strain DJW5-2-1 against RBS was 49.67% and 50.61%, respectively, indicating that strain DJW5-2-1 exhibits a certain level of control efficacy against RBS. Through pot experiments, we found that strain DJW5-2-1 could promote the growth of rhododendron seedlings and significantly increase growth indicators. Among these indicators, the growth-promoting rates of plant height and stem diameter were 15.27% and 41.27%, respectively. Moreover, DJW5-2-1 contributed to improved host resistance by elevating the activities of key defense-related enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO). Taken together, these findings suggest that strain DJW5-2-1 represents a promising microbial agent for the integrated control of RBS and the development of fungal-based biofertilizers. Further investigation is warranted to assess its performance under field conditions and elucidate its underlying mechanisms of action.

Clonostachys rosea, an entomopathogenic fungus that infects Cephalcia chuxiongica, is highly pathogenic and has significant potential for controlling the damage this pest causes to pine forests. To investigate the role of C. rosea secondary metabolites in fungal pathogenicity, we conducted toxicity assays using crude metabolite extracts. These assays evaluated the effects of different concentrations, larval developmental stages, and exposure methods on larval mortality. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was subsequently employed to identify the chemical constituents of the crude extracts, and the toxicity of the identified compounds was assessed. The results showed that the crude extract at a concentration of 7.5 μg/mL exhibited the highest toxicity. Two hours post-treatment, the mortality rate of non-diapause larvae reached 65%, which was significantly higher than that of the diapause group. Moreover, contact toxicity was more lethal to C. chuxiongica larvae than oral exposure. A total of 23 compounds were identified from the crude extract, of which nine exhibited toxicity: 2-piperidone, hydrocinnamic acid, phenethyl alcohol, oleic acid, tryptophol, stearic acid methyl ester, myristic acid, dodecanoic acid, and benzeneacetic acid. Except for 2-piperidone, which showed low toxicity, the other eight compounds demonstrated notable contact toxicity against C. chuxiongica larvae. These findings confirm the insecticidal potential of C. rosea secondary metabolites and provide a valuable reference for the biological control of C. chuxiongica and other chewing insect pests.

Cephalcia chuxiongica has caused significant damage to pine forests, becoming a major biological disaster that hinders the sustainable development of forestry in China. To investigate the efficacy of biological control measures, entomopathogenic fungi were isolated and purified from the larvae of Ce. chuxiongica that had succumbed to diseases. The pathogenic capacity of strains was assessed using bioassay methods, and their infection process was observed using scanning electron microscopy. ITS, LSU, and TEF analysis disclosed Clonostachys rogersoniana as the highly virulent strain responsible for the death of Ce. chuxiongica. The optimal medium for its mycelial growth and sporulation was found to be PPDA. In addition, the bioassay revealed that the median lethal time (LT50) for Ce. chuxiongica was 24.34 h and median lethal concentration (LC50) was 2.35 × 105 conidia/mL, indicating that C. rogersoniana possesses potent virulence and demonstrates rapid pathogenicity. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that C. rogersoniana initially entered the body of Ce. chuxiongica through the spiracle and progressively made its way into the body wall, resulting in the insect’s death. The mode of infection for C. rogersoniana is exceedingly rare. As a consequence, the results of this study can serve as a reference for the management of chewing insects, such as Ce. chuxiongica.

Rhododendron hybridum Ker Gawl, a widely cultivated horticultural species in China, is highly valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties. However, with the expansion of its cultivation, leaf spot disease has become more prevalent, significantly affecting the ornamental value of R. hybridum Ker Gawl. In this study, R. hybridum Ker Gawl from the Kunming area was selected as the experimental material. The tissue isolation method was employed in this study to isolate pathogenic strains. The biological characteristics of the pathogens were determined using the mycelial growth rate method. The pathogens’ influence on the host plant’s ultrastructure was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Colletotrichum nymphaeae was identified as the pathogen implicated in the development of leaf spot disease in R. hybridum Ker Gawl across three regions in Kunming City through the integration of morphological traits and phylogenetic analyses of multiple genes (ITS, ACT, GAPDH, HIS3, CHS1, and TUB2). Its mycelial growth is most effective at a temperature of 25 °C. pH and light have relatively minor effects on the growth of mycelium. The preferred carbon and nitrogen sources were identified as mannitol and yeast extract, respectively. Additionally, TEM observations revealed significant damage to the cell structure of R. hybridum Ker Gawl leaves infected by the pathogen. The cell walls were dissolved, the number of chloroplasts decreased markedly, starch granules within chloroplasts were largely absent, and the number of osmiophilic granules increased. This is the first report of leaf spot disease in R. hybridum Ker Gawl caused by C. nymphaeae. The results of this study provide valuable insights for future research on the prevention and control of this disease.

Impatiens hawkeri W. Bull (I. hawkeri) is popular among consumers due to its diverse flower colors and year-round blooming. However, changes in ecological conditions, cultivation methods, and planting scale have led to increased disease incidence and diversity, particularly the widespread and destructive leaf spot disease. Currently, studies addressing the pathogen species and its biological characteristics remain limited. In this study, a highly pathogenic strain (IH-4) was selected from previously isolated fungi associated with leaf spot in I. hawkeri. Its taxonomic status was confirmed using upright fluorescence microscope analysis, internal transcribed spacer (ITS)/large subunit (LSU)/RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2)/β-tubulin (tub2) rRNA gene sequencing, and phylogenetic tree construction. Additionally, the biological characteristics of the pathogen and its sensitivity to 8 chemical fungicides were assessed. Strain IH-4 was identified as Ectophoma multirostrata (E. multirostrata) through combined morphological and molecular approaches. Optimal growth conditions included a temperature of 25 °C, a pH of 7, Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium, fructose as the optimal carbon source, and urea as the optimal nitrogen source, with the fastest growth observed under a semi-light photoperiod (12 h light/12 h dark). Fungicide sensitivity assays indicated that 25% azoxystrobin exhibited the lowest half-maximal effective concentration (EC50, 0.0724 μg/mL) and the steepest virulence regression slope (1.7), demonstrating the strongest inhibitory activity and highest sensitivity. Microscopic observations revealed that IH-4 hyphae penetrate I. hawkeri leaf tissues via stomata, colonize internally, and consequently cause host damage. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the timely and effective management of leaf spot disease in I. hawkeri.

Background Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. MiRNAs are recognized as important molecules in cancer biology. The aim of the study was to identify a novel biomarker miR‐148b and its mechanism in the modulation of NSCLC progression. Methods The expressional level of miR‐148b was analyzed by RT‐PCR. The effect of miR‐4317 on proliferation was evaluated through 3‐(4,5‐Dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2Htetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effect of miR‐148b on the metastasis of NSCLC was detected through transwell assays. The verification of the target of miR‐148b was assessed by TargetScan and dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The related proteins in this study were analyzed by western blot. Results Our findings confirmed that miR‐148b was decreased in NSCLC and NSCLC patients with lower expression exhibited poorer overall survival (OS). Increasing miR‐148b significantly repressed proliferation, invasion and migration. More importantly, activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) was determined as the direct target of miR‐148b, and reintroduction of ALCAM attenuated miR‐148b effect on the progress of NSCLC. In addition, NF‐κB signaling pathway was modulated by miR‐148b/ALCAM axis. Conclusions Our results indicated that miR‐148b is able to suppress NSCLC growth and metastasis via targeting ALCAM through the NF‐κB pathway. These findings provided new evidence that miR‐148b serves as a potential biomarker and novel target for NSCLC treatment.

In order to identify the pathogen responsible for Hedera nepalensis leaf blight and investigate effective biocontrol strategies, samples were collected from 10 significantly infected areas at Southwest Forestry University; four to six infected leaves were gathered from each area, followed by the isolation and purification of strains from the infected plant leaves using tissue isolation and hyphae-purification techniques. We conducted an examination of the biological characteristics and compared the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of Phomopsis sp. (50%, 25%, 16.7%, 12.5%, and 10%) with 20 µg/mL of synthetic fungicides (Mancozeb, Carbendazim, Polyoxin, and Hymexazol) on the pathogen, while also assessing the control efficacy of Phomopsis sp. against the pathogen in the greenhouse. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, β-tubulin (TUB), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF) analysis revealed that the highly virulent strain causing H. nepalensis leaf blight was Apiospora intestini. Additionally, it was found that 25% Phomopsis sp. significantly inhibited Apiospora intestini when compared to synthetic fungicides, and Phomopsis sp. supernatant possesses both protective and curative effects against the plant diseases caused by Apiospora intestini. The results of this study serve as a reference for the prevention and treatment of H. nepalensis leaf blight.

In order to identify the pathogen responsible for Hedera nepalensis leaf blight and investigate effective biocontrol strategies, samples were collected from 10 significantly infected areas at Southwest Forestry University; four to six infected leaves were gathered from each area, followed by the isolation and purification of strains from the infected plant leaves using tissue isolation and hyphae-purification techniques. We conducted an examination of the biological characteristics and compared the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of Phomopsis sp. (50%, 25%, 16.7%, 12.5%, and 10%) with 20 µg/mL of synthetic fungicides (Mancozeb, Carbendazim, Polyoxin, and Hymexazol) on the pathogen, while also assessing the control efficacy of Phomopsis sp. against the pathogen in the greenhouse. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, β -tubulin (TUB), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF) analysis revealed that the highly virulent strain causing H. nepalensis leaf blight was Apiospora intestini . Additionally, it was found that 25% Phomopsis sp. significantly inhibited Apiospora intestini when compared to synthetic fungicides, and Phomopsis sp. supernatant possesses both protective and curative effects against the plant diseases caused by Apiospora intestini . The results of this study serve as a reference for the prevention and treatment of H. nepalensis leaf blight.