Search Results (13)

Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to validate a new parent-reported scale for tracking Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). PANS is a condition characterized by a sudden and severe onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms. To meet diagnostic criteria, an individual must present with either obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) or severely restricted food intake, accompanied by at least two additional cognitive, behavioral, or emotional symptoms. These may include anxiety, emotional instability, depression, irritability, aggression, oppositional behaviors, developmental or behavioral regression, a decline in academic skills such as handwriting or math, sensory abnormalities, frequent urination, and enuresis. The onset of symptoms is usually triggered by an infection or an abnormal immune/inflammatory response. Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is a subtype of PANS specifically linked to strep infections. Methods: We developed a 101-item PANS/PANDAS and Related Inflammatory Brain Disorders Treatment Evaluation Checklist (PTEC) designed to assess changes to a patient’s symptoms over time along 10 subscales: Behavior/Mood, OCD, Anxiety, Food intake, Tics, Cognitive/Developmental, Sensory, Other, Sleep, and Health. The psychometric quality of PTEC was tested with 225 participants. Results: The internal reliability of the PTEC was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96). PTEC exhibited adequate test–retest reliability (r = 0.6) and excellent construct validity, supported by a strong correlation with the Health subscale of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (r = 0.8). Conclusions: We hope that PTEC will assist parents and clinicians in the monitoring and treatment of PANS. The PTEC questionnaire is freely available at neuroimmune.org/PTEC. Full article

In recent years, severe decline and mortality events have been observed in holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) ecosystems in different Italian regions, including Puglia (southern Italy). Given the landscape and ecological relevance of holm oak forests in Apulia, a study was conducted to identify the causal agents related to this complex disease syndrome. The surveys, conducted in winter 2024 in three different woodlands, revealed the widespread occurrence of mature holm oak trees showing sudden death, crown thinning, shoot and branch dieback, sunken cankers, and root rot symptoms. Isolations performed from symptomatic samples collected from both stem and small roots yielded fungal and fungal-like colonies representing two distinct families: Botryosphaeriaceae and Peronosporaceae. Analysis of morphological and DNA sequence data allowed us to identify six distinct species, including Diplodia corticola and D. quercivora (Botryosphaeriaceae), Phytophthora cinnamomi, P. multivora, P. psychrophila, and P. asparagi (Peronosporaceae). For P. asparagi and P. psychrophila, isolated for the first time from declining holm oak trees in Italy, Koch’s postulates were satisfied by inoculating 1-year-old seedlings at the collar in controlled conditions. Thirty days after inoculation, all plants showed the same symptoms observed in the field. Overall, the data obtained highlights the co-occurrence of multiple Botryosphaeriaceae and Phytophthora species on declining holm oak trees and the discovery of a new haplotype of Diplodia quercivora. Full article

Background: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) remains an important global health concern despite its decline in recent decades. This research assesses the global, regional, and national tendencies in SIDS mortality and DALYs from 1991 to 2021, highlighting the differences across various sociodemographic indexes (SDIs). Methods: Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021, SIDS mortality and DALYs were evaluated across different global regions, SDI categories, and age groups. The trends over the study period were determined by conducting estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) analyses. Results: Between 1991 and 2021, the global SIDS mortality rate reduced greatly from 74,782 deaths (58.72 per 100,000 infants) to 30,608 deaths (24.16 per 100,000 infants), showing an EAPC of −3.01%. Similarly, the global DALYs decreased from 6,710,608 to 2,746,174. The biggest decline (EAPC: −5.25%) occurred in the high-SDI regions, whereas the low-SDI regions displayed a minimal decline (EAPC: −2.74%). Infants who were 1–5 months old uniformly had the highest mortality and DALY rates. Gender differences persisted, with larger rates discovered among males. The regional differences remained prominent, with the low-SDI states experiencing a much higher burden. Conclusions: Although there have been remarkable global advancements, great differences in the SIDS burden persist, mainly boosted by socioeconomic unfairness and healthcare access. Improved targeted interventions mitigating these modifiable risks and enhancing healthcare infrastructure in low-SDI regions are the keys to further reducing the global SIDS burden. Full article

The decline of perennial plant species, including oak, olive, and kiwifruit, is a phenomenon currently observed in many areas of the world. In this review, such species are chosen precisely because, despite the differences in their botany, native distribution, and current utilization, they are all affected by significant global or local declines. An analysis of the main common causes involved could be useful for a better understanding of the phenomenon. Quercus species are impacted by “Chronic Oak Decline” (COD), “Sudden Oak Decline” (SOD), and “Acute Oak Decline” (AOD). In Italy, olive groves are severely damaged by “Olive Quick Decline Syndrome”, whereas kiwifruit orchards are struck by “Kiwifruit Vine Decline Syndrome” (KVDS). Among the abiotic inciting stressors, drought, warmer temperatures, and waterlogging, all within a climate change scenario, are involved in all declines described herein as well as in plant dysbiosis. The involvement of some aggressive phytopathogens is another common feature of all these declines. Oomycetes contribute to COD, SOD, and KVDS; Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca and Botryosphaeriaceae affect olive, and some enterobacteria are involved in AOD, all representing decisive contributing factors. These declines are quite complex, and a comprehensive approach is required to dissect all the facets involved. A better understanding of altered host–microbial community relationships can lead to a more tailored approach to understanding and managing declines. Maintaining tree resilience in a warmer Earth remains a primary goal to achieve for preserving both natural ecosystems and profitable crops. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI), a common complication in hospitalized patients, is a clinical syndrome with a sudden and reversible decline in kidney function. Within hospitalization, the average incidence rate is 2% to 5%, and 67% of patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) acquire acute kidney injury. There is a pressing need to identify biomarkers that provide early detection to enhance the diagnosis of acute kidney injury. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been identified as the most promising biomarker for predicting acute kidney injury due to upregulation as early as 2 h before kidney injury. Methods: Urine samples from 52 adult subjects were utilized to evaluate the accuracy of acute kidney injury diagnosis using the XpressCard for human NGAL. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to analyze the validity of the NGAL XpressCard’s ability to accurately distinguish between acute and non-acute kidney injury. Results: The positive and negative predictive values were calculated to determine the prevalence of NGAL and predict the likelihood of diagnosing AKI. Data show that the NGAL XpressCard has a sensitivity and specificity of 59.3% and 95.8% and a positive and negative predictive value of 92.9% and 71.9%, respectively. Conclusions: The human NGAL XpressCard is effective at predicting AKI in hospitalized patients and correlates with high levels of HbA1c, which is associated with diabetes mellitus. It delivers immediate test results, which can enhance patient care. Full article

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome marked by sudden liver function decline and multiorgan failure, predominantly acute kidney injury (AKY), in patients with chronic liver disease. Unregulated inflammation is a hallmark of ACLF; however, the key drivers of ACLF are not fully understood. This study explores the therapeutic properties of human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) secretome, particularly focusing on its enhanced anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative properties after the in vitro preconditioning of the cells. We evaluated the efficacy of the systemic administration of MSC secretome in preventing liver failure and AKI in a rat ACLF model where chronic liver disease was induced using by the administration of porcine serum, followed by D-galN/LPS administration to induce acute failure. After ACLF induction, animals were treated with saline (ACLF group) or MSC-derived secretome (ACLF-secretome group). The study revealed that MSC-secretome administration strongly reduced liver histological damage in the ACLF group, which was correlated with higher hepatocyte proliferation, increased hepatic and systemic anti-inflammatory molecule levels, and reduced neutrophil and macrophage infiltration. Additionally, renal examination revealed that MSC-secretome treatment mitigated tubular injuries, reduced apoptosis, and downregulated injury markers. These improvements were linked to increased survival rates in the ACLF-secretome group, endorsing MSC secretomes as a promising therapy for multiorgan failure in ACLF. Full article

In the last decade, a sporadic tree health syndrome affecting high-density apple plantings in North America has become known as Rapid Apple Decline (RAD) or Sudden Apple Decline (SAD). The affected apple trees were typically grafted on small dwarfing rootstocks, often displayed necrosis at the graft union, and suffered from sudden mortality that occurred over 2–3 weeks amid the growing season or a gradual decline. In 2019 and 2020, we conducted a multi-site investigation in the south Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada, to assess the stem hydraulic characteristics, stomatal conductance, leaf δ¹³C‰, and fruit dry matter accumulation of the declining trees during disease progression. In trees that died, mortality appeared to be associated with severe disruption in xylem water transport at the damaged graft union, followed by abrupt hydraulic failure. In contrast, symptomatic trees that did not die exhibited the moderately declined plant water relations and a reduction in fruit dry matter accumulation followed by either further deterioration or eventual recovery. This pattern indicates the risk of carbohydrate depletion over gradual hydraulic decline and the importance of timely horticultural remedies. In the present study, we discuss potential horticultural practices to mitigate hydraulic dysfunctions and enhance crop tolerance. Full article

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical syndrome characterized by a sudden decline in or loss of kidney function. AKI is not only associated with substantial morbidity and mortality but also with increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). AKI is classically defined and staged based on serum creatinine concentration and urine output rates. The etiology of AKI is conceptually classified into three general categories: prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal. Although this classification may be useful for establishing a differential diagnosis, AKI has mostly multifactorial, and pathophysiologic features that can be divided into different categories. Acute tubular necrosis, caused by either ischemia or nephrotoxicity, is common in the setting of AKI. The timely and accurate identification of AKI and a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause kidney dysfunction are essential. In this review, we consider various medical causes of AKI and summarize the most recent updates in the pathogenesis of AKI. Full article

Kiwifruit has, for a long time, been widely affected by a syndrome named “kiwifruit decline syndrome” (KiDS). Several environmental factors have already been investigated looking for the possible origin of this syndrome. Recently, a possible role of climate change has been proposed, highlighting the influence of high air and soil temperature. In this work, the role of rising vapor pressure deficit (VPD) was also investigated in an experimental orchard in which several agronomic practices were examined in order to find strategies to face KiDS occurrence in crops. Stomatal control in response to rising VPD showed to be lacking, and root xylem vessel size and number modifications were observed as an adaptation to water stress; then, a scarce prospect of success facing sudden and strong weather events related to climate change can be expected in this plant. None of the agronomic strategies tested, that were focused on the soil quality improvement and on prevention of desiccation, avoided the KiDS occurrence. Agronomic management should move to new practices focused on orchard climate control. Full article

Thirty-one endophytic streptomycete and non-streptomycete actinobacteria were isolated from healthy date palm root tissues. In vitro screening revealed that the antifungal action of isolate #16 was associated with the production of cell-wall degrading enzymes, whereas with diffusible antifungal metabolites in isolate #28, albeit their production of volatile antifungal compounds. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequencing, isolates #16 and #28 were identified as Streptomyces polychromogenes UAE2 (Sp; GenBank Accession #: OK560620) and Streptomyces coeruleoprunus UAE1 (Sc; OK560621), respectively. The two antagonists were recovered from root tissues until 12 weeks after inoculation, efficiently colonized root cortex and xylem vessels, indicating that the date palm roots are a suitable habitat for these endophytic isolates. At the end of the greenhouse experiments, the development of sudden decline syndrome (SDS) was markedly suppressed by 53% with the application of Sp and 86% with Sc, confirming their potential in disease management. Results showed that the estimated disease severity indices in diseased seedlings were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from 4.75 (scale of 5) to 2.25 or 0.67 by either Sp or Sc, respectively. In addition, conidial numbers of the pathogen significantly (p < 0.05) dropped by 38% and 76% with Sp and Sc, respectively, compared to infected seedlings with F. solani (control). Thus, the suppression of disease symptoms was superior in seedlings pre-inoculated with S. coeruleoprunus, indicating that the diffusible antifungal metabolites were responsible for F. solani retardation in these plants. This is the first report of actinobacteria naturally existing in date palm tissues acting as microbial antagonists against SDS on date palm. Full article

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has always been a regrettable issue for families. After sleeping in the supine position was proposed, the incidence of SIDS declined dramatically worldwide. However, SIDS still accounts for the top 10 causes of infant deaths in Taiwan. Recognizing the risk factors and attempting to minimize these cases are imperative. We obtained information on cases with SIDS from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan and interconnected it with the Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database to acquire infant–maternal basal characteristics between 2004 and 2017. The SIDS subjects were matched 1:10 considering gestational age to normal infants. After case selection, a total of 953 SIDS cases were included. Compared with healthy infants, SIDS infants had younger parents, lower birth weight, and lower Apgar scores. After adjusting for potential confounders, infants with mothers aged <20 years had 2.81 times higher risk of SIDS. Moreover, infants in the non-eastern region had a significantly lower risk of SIDS than those in the eastern region. We concluded that infants of young mothers (especially maternal age <20 years) and infants in the eastern region of Taiwan had a higher risk of SIDS than their counterparts. Full article

In 2017–2018, extensive symptoms of sudden decline and fruit rot were observed on date palms in southern Tunisia. Samples of diseased plants were randomly collected in six localities. Based on morphological identification, Fusarium was the most frequent fungal genus detected. A sequencing of translation elongation factor, calmodulin, and second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II genes was used to identify 63 representative Fusarium strains at species level and investigate their phylogenetic relationships. The main species detected was Fusarium proliferatum, and at a much lesser extent, Fusarium brachygibbosum, Fusarium caatingaense, Fusarium clavum, Fusarium incarnatum, and Fusarium solani. Pathogenicity on the Deglet Nour variety plantlets and the capability to produce mycotoxins were also assessed. All Fusarium species were pathogenic complying Koch’s postulates. Fusarium proliferatum strains produced mainly fumonisins (FBs), beauvericin (BEA), and, to a lesser extent, enniatins (ENNs) and moniliformin (MON). All F. brachygibbosum strains produced low levels of BEA, diacetoxyscirpenol, and neosolaniol; two strains produced also T-2 toxin, and a single strain produced HT-2 toxin. Fusarium caatingaense, F. clavum, F. incarnatum produced only BEA. Fusarium solani strains produced MON, BEA, and ENNs. This work reports for the first time a comprehensive multidisciplinary study of Fusarium species on date palms, concerning both phytopathological and food safety issues. Full article

Date palm orchards suffer from serious diseases, including sudden decline syndrome (SDS). External symptoms were characterized by whitening on one side of the rachis, progressing from the base to the apex of the leaf until the whole leaf dies; while the internal disease symptoms included reddish roots and highly colored vascular bundles causing wilting and death of the tree. Although three Fusarium spp. (F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum and F. solani) were isolated from diseased root samples, the fungal pathogen F. solani was associated with SDS on date palm in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Fusarium spp. were identified based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. The internal transcribed spacer regions and large subunit of the ribosomal RNA (ITS/LSU rRNA) gene complex of the pathogens was further sequenced. Pathogenicity assays and disease severity indices confirm the main causal agent of SDS on date palm in the UAE is F. solani. Application of Cidely^® Top (difenoconazole and cyflufenamid) significantly inhibited the fungal mycelial growth in vitro and reduced SDS development on date palm seedlings pre-inoculated with F. solani under greenhouse conditions. This is the first report confirming that the chemical fungicide Cidely^® Top is strongly effective against SDS on date palm. Full article