Assessing the Efficacy of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) Extracts in Combating Black Pod Disease: Sustainable Solutions for Controlling Phytophthora megakarya in Cameroon’s Cocoa Plantations

The use of plant extracts as antifungal agents is gaining increasing attention, particularly for the control of black pod disease in cocoa. Despite extensive research, current strategies haven’t been entirely effective. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Cymbopogon citratus and Blumea balsamifora leaf extracts, both individually and in combination, against Phytophthora megakarya. We assessed the efficacy of the most promising combination (75% B. balsamifera, 25% C. citratus) after storage at room temperature for up to 9 days. Agar microdilution and in vivo bioassays were conducted to determine antifungal susceptibility and effectiveness. Blumea extract exhibited the highest overall inhibitory activity, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (117 µl mL−1) while C. citratus had a narrower range of MIC (146 to 233 µl mL−1). The combination of C. citratus and B. balsamifera demonstrated a synergistic effect against P. megakarya, achieving growth inhibition on V8 media (92.72 ± 4.20% to 100%) and on artificially infected detached pod cortex (92.24 ± 4.53% to 98.75 ± 1.25%), which was not significantly different from the positive control (Ridomil). Furthermore, this combination maintained its effectiveness for up to 9 days at room temperature. These findings suggest that combining plant extracts can enhance their antifungal properties.

Cloning and Sequencing Characteristics of rDNA ITS Region of the Pathogen Causing Black Spot Disease on Tumorous Stem Mustard

Taking tumorous stem mustard infected by black spot disease as the research material, the ribosomal 5.8S rDNA and its flanking ITS region were cloned, sequenced and aligned in the study. The results showed that the base sequence of pathogens collected from five different sites was almost identical with that of Alternaria brassicae, and the similarity degree reached 99.68%, without base difference greater than 3 bp. It had obvious differences with the sequences of A. brassicicola and A. japonica, and the base difference was greater than 3 bp with a lot of fragment deletions. It was preliminarily determined that the pathogen cau- sing black spot disease on tumorous stem mustard was A. brassicae.

Disease Analysis and Pathogen Identification of Black Spot Disease of Chinese Cabbage [Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sace.] in Bijie City

[Objective] Disease analysis and pathogen identification of black spot disease of Chinese cabbage [Alternaria brassicae（Berk.） Sace.] in Bijie City of Guizhou Province was carried out,so as to raise the corresponding prevention measures.[Method] Pathogen was isolated from diseased leaves using tissue surface separation method for cultivation,microscopic examination,spore size determination and pathogen identification.[Result] Microscopic examination showed that the disease was caused by Alternaria sp.,the size of its spores was（15.0-38.5） μm×（7.5-13.5） μm.Combining with the characteristics of host and pathogen,the pathogen caused black spot disease of Chinese cabbage was identified to be Alternaria brassicicola.[Conclusion] A.brassicicola was the pathogenic fungi of black spot disease of Chinese cabbage in Bijie City of Guizhou Province,and damage caused by the disease could be reduced through agricultural measures and chemical control.

Black tea in chemo-prevention of cancer and other human diseases

Tea is the most popular functional beverage in the world and has been gaining more and more attention for its health beneficial properties.Among common teas,black tea is consumed more than green tea and oolong tea worldwide.Numerous studies have shown the biological activities of black tea and its polyphenols that include anti-oxidant,anti-tumor,anti-inflammation and metabolic regulation.Tea polyphenols such as theaflavins and catechins are considered to be multifunctional compounds that could be effective in the prevention or treatment of various cancers,cardiovascular disease,chronic inflammation,obesity,metabolic syndrome,and neurodegenerative diseases.In this review,we summarized the up-to-date research and underlying molecular mechanisms of black tea and its polyphenols.©2013 Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Plantain Bananas PIF Seedlings Treatment with Liquid Extracts of <i>Tithonia diversifolia</i>Induces Resistance to Black Sigatoka Disease

Plantain bananas culture encounters the problems of seedlings quantity and quality unavailability. Black Sigatoka Disease (BSD) is one of the main pathological constraints of banana that can severely reduce the photosynthetic leaf area, leading to the losses of production of about 50% in banana plantation. The use of liquid extracts of Tithonia diversifolia could potentially induced the resistance of the PIF seedlings to BSD during the vegetative stages in the nursery. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of Tithonia diversifolia liquid extracts against the development of BSD on the PIF plantain bananas seedlings. The explants in the greenhouse and the seedlings in the shade were watered with liquid extracts of T. diversifolia during the process of PIF seedling production in sterile and non-sterile conditions. The treated seedlings show a more effective enhancement of seedlings quality parameters and also induce resistance against BSD. The vegetative stages parameters (the number of shoots, the diameter and the height of shoots, the foliar area, the length and weight roots) were improved in treated seedlings compared to controls ones. The treated seedlings showed maximum protection against BSD of up to 87% compared to controls. They also exhibited an increase in the accumulation of total proteins and total phenolics, as well as the activity of defense-related enzymes (peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and glucanase). The treatment seems to acts as a vital stimulator and could therefore be a useful tool for small holder farmers favouring an eco-friendly agriculture using fewer synthetic inputs.

Detection,Occurrence,and Survey of Rice Stripe and BlackStreaked Dwarf Diseases in Zhejiang Province,China

The major viral diseases that occur on rice plants in Zhejiang Province, eastern China, are stripe and rice black-streaked dwarf diseases. Rice stripe disease is only caused by rice stripe tenuivirus （RSV）, while rice black-streaked dwarf disease can be caused by rice black-streaked dwarf fijivirus （RBSDV） and/or southem rice black-streaked dwarf fijivirus （SRBSDV）. Here we review the characterization of these viruses, methods for their detection, and extensive surveys showing their occurrence and spread in the province.

16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis on changes in the intestinal flora of Procambarus clarkii with“Black May”disease

The morbidity and mortality peak of farmed Procambarus clarkii occurs around May every year,a phenomenon known as"Black May"disease(BMD).Increasing evidence shows that the intestinal flora is closely related to host health.We analyzed and compared the microbiota of healthy and BMDaffected P.clarkii intestines.The results show that there was no significant difference in bacterial a-diversity(richness P=0.59;evenness P=0.43;and diversity P=0.052)between the diseased group and the control group.Four dominant phyla in the intestines of crayfish in the control group,namely Tenericutes(30.86%),Bacteroidetes(29.99%),Firmicutes(22.23%),and Proteobacteria(15.23%),were identified.However,a striking shift in the microbial compo sition were found in the intestines of P.clarkii with BMD.Bacteroidetes was a dominant phylum in healthy P.clarkii,whereas the prevalence was low in diseased P.clarkii(1.87%).By contrast,the prevalence of Proteobacteria was significantly higher(P<0.05)in P.clarkii with BMD than in P.clarkii without BMD.Candidatus Bacilloplasma,Bacteroides,Vibrio,and Aeromonas showed significant differences(P<0.05)at the genus level.Tax4 Fun function prediction indicated that the relative abundance of genes involved in energy metabolism in the intestinal flora of P.clarkii with BMD was significantly reduced(P<0.05).Therefore,BMD can change the composition of the intestinal microbiota of P.clarkii.This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between intestinal flora and host especially in aquatic animals.

Screening and Identification of Biocontrol Strains against Potato Black Shank Disease,Pectobacterium atrosepticum

[Objective]The paper was to screen and identify biocontrol strains against potato black shank disease in Inner Mongolia.[Method]Totally 58 strains of Bacillus spp.preserved in the laboratory were used to screen and identify biocontrol agents against potato black shank disease,and the antagonistic activities of strains were determined by plate confrontation culture method.[Result]A total of 17 strains showed antagonistic activity against Pectobacterium atrosepticum in potato,accounting for 29.31%of the tested strains.Five strains with better antagonistic effect were obtained by further screening,namely Chi8-7,Genyun4-4,Gen7-4,Jing6-7,and S-7.Genyun4-4 had the most obvious bacteriostatic effect,and the average inhibition zone diameter reached 20.7 mm,significantly higher than those of other tested strains.Results of bioactivity determination also demonstrated that the strain had better bacteriostatic effect.Through morphological observation,molecular identification and physiological and biochemical characteristics determination,the strain Chi8-7 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens;the strain Genyun4-4 was identified as B.subtilis;and strains Gen7-4,Jing6-7 and S-7 were identified as B.methylotrophicus.[Conclusion]The results will lay a theoretical basis for biological control against potato black shank disease in Inner Mongolia.

Determining the environmental and atmospheric effects of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)quarantining by studying the total aerosol optical depth,black carbon,organic matter,and sulfate in Blida City of Algeria

Background:To study,estimate and discuss the variations of the aerosol optical depth(AOD),black carbon,sulfate and organic matter,in the atmosphere in Blida City of Algeria,which was greatly affected by COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:We analyzed the effects of changes in the total AOD,black carbon,sulfate,and organic matter in the atmosphere(λ=550 nm)in the same period of 2019 and 2020,following the COVID-19 epidemic in Blida City,which was the most-affected city in Algeria.Results:The quarantine that was enacted to limit the spread of COVID-19 resulted in side effects that were identifiable in the total AOD and in some of its atmospheric components.Comparing these variables in 2019 and 2020(in the months during the quarantine)revealed that in April,the BCAOD values were much lower in 2020than in 2019.Conclusion:Based on the effects of the emerging COVID-19,the research listed the changes received from the AOD,and is considered as a comparative study and represents a significant side effect of the quarantine that was mainly designed to limit COVID-19.

Identification and Control of Radish Alternaria Leaf Spot, Black Rot, Soft Rot, Virus Disease and Hollowness

The damage characteristics and occurrence regularity of radish alternaria leaf spot, black rot, soft rot, virus disease and hollowness are introduced in the paper, and the corresponding control method is proposed from two aspects of agricultural control and chemical control.

Potential Biostimulant Effect of Clam Shells on Growth Promotion of Plantain PIF Seedlings (<i>var</i>. Big Ebanga &Batard) and Relation to Black Sigatoka Disease Susceptibility

Plantain contributes significantly to income generation and food security for millions of people in the world. However, it faces problems of seedlings quantity, quality and availability. The innovation of the “plants issus de fragments de tiges” (PIF) technique could be a solution to these problems for small holders’ farmers. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of clam shells through amendment of Batard and Big Ebanga PIF substrate, on the growth promotion of seedlings and their protection against black Sigatoka disease (BSD). Plantain PIF seedlings of the two varieties were grown in a substrate amended with 1% concentration of the clam shells powder in the presence of negative control in the sterile and non-sterile conditions. Agromorphological characteristics, susceptibility level to BSD, total proteins and polyphenols content were assessed. Because of the presence of clam shells in the substrates, explants germinated quickly, generated high number of shoots, grew taller by 32%, with a diameter of pseudo stems of 30%, and area of leaves of 18% compared to control. In addition, the seedlings were less susceptible to BSD by 73% compared to those of controls. The treatment seems to allow the accumulation of larger amounts of total proteins and polyphenols before inoculation and after inoculation that could participate in the growth promotion and the reduction of plant’s susceptibility level. Clam shells treatment acts as a biofertilizer/biopesticide and could be helpful to boost production of plantain seedlings, the use of the by-products of fishing in agriculture and helps alleviate poverty of small holders’ farmers.

Field Efficacy of a Biopesticide Based on <i>Tithonia diversifolia</i>against Black Sigatoka Disease of Plantain (<i>Musa</i>spp., AAB)

Black Sigatoka disease (BSD) is a foliar disease caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis, responsible of reduction of the photosynthetic area of banana plant and yield at harvest since it has an influence on fruit physiology. The control of BSD relies on the use of chemicals which are not affordable for the small holder farmers and increase the cost of production. Moreover, this chemical control is ineffective, negatively impacting the environment and human health, and is at the origin of strain resistance. Tithonia diversifolia is known as rich in many compounds such as mineral elements, defense metabolites, some phytochemicals;and it is increasingly used in agriculture. Recently, the protective effect of Tithonia diversifolia liquid extract against BSD development on plantain vivoplants in the nursery was highlighted. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of a biopesticide base on Tithonia diversifolia on the BSD development in a plantain field under high disease pressure. The effect of Tithonia diversifolia biopesticide on Mycosphaerella fijiensis mycelial growth in vitro was evaluated. An experimental field at the flowering stage was selected and treated with the biopesticide base on Tithonia diversifolia at three different concentrations: undiluted (100%), diluted at 1/2 (50%) and diluted at 1/4 (25%) for 17 weeks. The disease severity, the number of functional leaves, the youngest spotted leaf (YSL) and the youngest necrotic leaf (YNL) were evaluated in course of time. The biopesticide treatments significantly (P < 0.001) reduce the BSD severity in course of time, but it is more effective for the most diluted concentration (25%). The number of leaves increases in course of time as well as the rank of the YSL and the YNL confirming the efficiency of BSD control. The efficacy of this biopesticide base on Tithonia diversifolia could be a hopeful ecoresponsible solution for the plantain sector in general and in particular for poor small farmers.

Pathogenesis, Prevention and Control of Coffee Black Fruit Disease ( Fusarium solani )

Coffee black fruit disease causes great harm to the yield and quality of coffee. Multiple factors, such as climate factors, insect pests, pathogen infection, physiological disorders, improper planting density, etc. , can cause coffee black fruit disease, which can be categorized into three types: pathogen infection type, physiological disorder type and insect pest type. Through the analysis of pathogenesis, the prevention and control methods and techniques of the disease corresponding to different types are put forward.

Sickle Cell Trait, Hemoglobin Levels and Anemia among Black Patients with Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis

Objective: To assess the relationship between SCT, hemoglobin levels and anemia in CKD black patients. Method: A post-hoc analysis of data from 188 patients, enrolled in a cross-sectional study of sickle cell trait (SCT) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), was performed to assess the relationship between SCT, hemoglobin (Hb) levels and anemia defined as Hb < 12 g/dl in men and <11 g/dl in women. Student t test, Mann Whitney and Chi square test were used as appropriate for different comparisons. P < 0.05 defined the level of statistical significance. Results: SCT (HbAS) and normal hemoglobin (HbAA) were present in 39 (21%) and 149 (79%) CKD patients, respectively. Despite similar estimated GFR (eGFR) and age, HbAS patients had significantly lower Hb levels (8.8 ± 1.8 vs 10 ± 2.2 g/dl;p = 0.001) and a higher proportion of anemia (95% vs 72%, p = 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, eGFR, BMI, SBP and SCT emerged as independent determinants of Hb levels. The presence of SCT was associated with 1.185 g/dl decrease in Hb levels. Conclusion: In the present case series, SCT was associated with lower Hb levels suggesting its potential contribution to the pathogenesis of CKD-associated anemia.

A review of inherent beneficial effects of black seeds(Nigella sativa)in Marburg virus disease management

Background:In the management of patients with MARV infection,this review article focuses on the potential protective effects of black seeds(Nigella sativa).Methods:To find studies that evaluated various effects of black seeds(N.sativa)related to signs and symptoms of MARV infection,reference lists and databases such as Medline/Pubmed/PMC,Google Scholar,Science Direct,Ebsco,Scopus,Web of Science,and Embase were searched.Results:In numerous clinical,animal,in-vitro,in-vivo,and in-ovo studies,black seeds(N.sativa)have demonstrated potential antiviral,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,immunomodulatory,and hepatoprotective properties that may aid in the treatment of MARV-infected patients.Conclusion:In the initial generalization phase of MARV infection,patients may use black seeds(N.sativa)as an adjunctive therapy in addition to symptomatic treatment and supportive care.Future randomized controlled clinical trials would confirm N.sativa’s efficacy and safety in MARV-infected patients.

Re-analysis on Heidan Disease (Black Jaundice) in Synopsis of Golden Chamber (Jin Gui Yao Lue)

Heidan disease(black jaundice)is a kind of jaundice,which is caused by lingering and chronic jaundice,often with blood stasis and damp-heat,etc.The clinical symptoms of Heidan disease(black jaundice)are similar to those of cirrhosis caused by multiple chronic liver diseases in Western medicine.Heidan disease(black jaundice)generally belongs to yin jaundice type,and the pathogenesis is mostly related to blood stasis and dampness stagnation,often with damp-heat residue.According to Zhongjing Zhang,the prescription Xiaoshi Fanshi powder for the treatment of Heidan disease(black jaundice)is based on the understanding that the nature of Heidan disease(black jaundice)is inseparable from the two key pathological factors of dampness and blood stasis.The treatment of jaundice should be based on removing blood stasis and dampness,supplemented by soothing the liver and promoting the transportation function of spleen,removing blood stasis and harmonizing the collaterals,and promoting diuresis and reducing jaundice.In the treatment of jaundice,removing blood stasis and purging turbidity should be stressed,and powerful tonification should be used with caution.Since blood stasis and turbidity are always intermingling and often complicated with damp heat,the method of warm drying should be used with caution.For promoting blood circulation,removing blood stasis,and dredging the liver-biliarycollaterals,drasticmedicine shouldbeused withcaution.

Timing and Spectral Analysis of the Black Hole X-Ray Binary MAXI J1803-298 with Insight-HXMT Data

We present a comprehensive analysis of the 2021 outburst of MAXI J1803–298 utilizing observations of the Insight-Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope(Insight-HXMT)spanning from the low hard state to the high soft state.Within the Insight-HXMT data set,compared to the previous work,we identify a more prolonged presence of typeC quasi-periodic oscillations(QPOs)with centroid frequencies ranging from~0.16 to 6.3 Hz,which present correlations with the hardness ratio and the photon index of the Comptonized component.For QPO frequencies less than~2 Hz,the QPO phase lags are hard(photons of 10–19 keV arrive later than those of 1–4 keV),while at higher frequencies,the lags become soft at and above~4 Hz.Furthermore,the spectra in all Insight-HXMT observations consist of a multi-color blackbody component and a Comptonized component,as commonly observed in classical black hole X-ray binaries.We analyze state transitions and the evolution of accretion geometry in this work.The fitted inner disk radius increases abnormally during the low hard state,hypothesized to result from the corona condensing onto the inner disk.Additionally,two significant drops in flux are observed during the soft intermediate state,maybe implying changes in the corona/jet and the disk,respectively.

Constraining the Earth-mass Primordial Black Hole Mergers Model of the Non-repeating FRBs Using the First CHIME/FRB Catalog

In this paper,we upgrade the constraints for the Earth-mass primordial black hole mergers model based on the first Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment(CHIME)/fast radio burst(FRB)catalog.Assuming the null hypothesis that the observed non-repeating FRBs originate from Earth-mass primordial black hole mergers,we find that how the charges were distributed in the primordial black hole population is well described by a double powerlaw function with typical charge value of law function with typical charge value of q_(c)/10^(-5)=1.60_(-0.28)^(+0.28),where the power-law index α_(1)=2.33_(-0.18)^(+0.15) for q<q_(c) and α_(2)=4.56_(-0.26)^(+0.30)for q≥q_(c).Here,q represents the charge of the black hole in units of√GM,where M is the mass of the black hole.Furthermore,we infer the local event rate of the bursts is 8.8_(-2.1)^(+5.7)×10^(4)Gpc^(-3) yr^(-1),which indicates that an abundance of the primordial black hole population f■10^(-4) is needed to account for the observed FRBs by CHIME.The results of this paper lay the basis for further research on the electromagnetic radiation background generated by the merger of primordial black hole mergers.

Charged Particles Capture Cross-section by a Weakly Charged Schwarzschild Black Hole

We study the capture cross-section of charged particles by a weakly charged Schwarzschild black hole.The dependence of the maximum impact parameter for capture on the particle’s energy is investigated numerically for different values of the electromagnetic coupling strength between the particle and the black hole.The capture cross-section is then calculated.We show that the capture cross-section is independent of the electromagnetic coupling for ultra-relativistic particles.The astrophysical implications of our results are discussed.

Light-Activated Virtual Sensor Array with Machine Learning for Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Coronary Heart Disease

Early non-invasive diagnosis of coronary heart disease(CHD)is critical.However,it is challenging to achieve accurate CHD diagnosis via detecting breath.In this work,heterostructured complexes of black phosphorus(BP)and two-dimensional carbide and nitride(MXene)with high gas sensitivity and photo responsiveness were formulated using a self-assembly strategy.A light-activated virtual sensor array(LAVSA)based on BP/Ti_(3)C_(2)Tx was prepared under photomodulation and further assembled into an instant gas sensing platform(IGSP).In addition,a machine learning(ML)algorithm was introduced to help the IGSP detect and recognize the signals of breath samples to diagnose CHD.Due to the synergistic effect of BP and Ti_(3)C_(2)Tx as well as photo excitation,the synthesized heterostructured complexes exhibited higher performance than pristine Ti_(3)C_(2)Tx,with a response value 26%higher than that of pristine Ti_(3)C_(2)Tx.In addition,with the help of a pattern recognition algorithm,LAVSA successfully detected and identified 15 odor molecules affiliated with alcohols,ketones,aldehydes,esters,and acids.Meanwhile,with the assistance of ML,the IGSP achieved 69.2%accuracy in detecting the breath odor of 45 volunteers from healthy people and CHD patients.In conclusion,an immediate,low-cost,and accurate prototype was designed and fabricated for the noninvasive diagnosis of CHD,which provided a generalized solution for diagnosing other diseases and other more complex application scenarios.