RESUMEN

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) exert antagonistic activity against root-knot nematodes, mainly by producing organic acids via carbohydrate fermentation. However, they have not yet been used for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) control owing to a lack of economic feasibility and effectiveness. In this study, we aimed to isolate organic acid-producing LAB from kimchi (Korean traditional fermented cabbage) and evaluated their nematicidal activity. Among the 234 strains isolated, those showing the highest nematicidal activity were selected and identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WiKim0090. Nematicidal activity and egg hatch inhibitory activity of WiKim0090 culture filtrate were dose dependent. Nematode mortality 3 days after treatment with 2.5% of the culture filtrate was 100%, with a 50% lethal concentration of 1.41%. In pot tests, the inhibitory activity of an L. plantarum WiKim0090-copper sulfate mixture on gall formation increased. Compared to abamectin application, which is a commercial nematicide, a higher control value was observed using the WiKim0090-copper sulfate mixture, indicating that this combination can be effective in controlling the root-knot nematode.

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RESUMEN

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are among the most destructive plant-parasites worldwide, and RKN control has been attempted mainly using chemical nematicides. However, these chemical nematicides have negative effects on humans and the environment, thus necessitating the search for eco-friendly alternative RKN control methods. Here, we screened nematicidal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from kimchi and evaluated their efficacy as biocontrol agents against RKNs. Of 237 bacterial strains, Lactobacillus brevis WiKim0069 showed the strongest nematicidal activity against the second-stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne incognita, M. arenaria, and M. hapla and inhibited the egg hatch of M. incognita. The culture filtrate of WiKim0069 had a pH of 4.2 and contained acetic acid (11,190 µg/ml), lactic acid (7,790 µg/ml), malic acid (470 µg/ml), and succinic acid (660 µg/ml). An artificial mixture of the four organic acids produced by WiKim0069 also induced 98% M. incognita J2 mortality at a concentration of 1.25%, indicating that its nematicidal activity was derived mainly from the four organic acids. Application of WiKim0069 culture filtrate suppressed the formation of galls and egg masses on tomato roots by M. incognita in a dose-dependent manner in a pot experiment. The fermentation broth of WiKim0069 also reduced gall formation on melon under field conditions, with a higher efficacy (62.8%) than that of fosthiazate (32.8%). This study is the first report to identify the effectiveness of kimchi LAB against RKNs and to demonstrate that the organic acids produced by LAB can be used for the RKN management.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of non-neurologic complications following surgery for scoliosis and to identify factors that can increase this risk. METHODS: The demographic data, medical and surgical histories, and prevalence of non-neurologic complications were reviewed in a retrospective cohort of 602 patients, who had undergone corrective surgery for scoliosis between January 2001 and June 2011. RESULTS: There were 450 patients under 20 years old (U20) and 152 of patients above 20 years old (A20) enrolled in this study. Forty-nine patients in U20 (10.9%) and 18 patients in A20 (11.8%) had post-operative complications. Respiratory complications were most common in U20 (4%) and gastrointestinal complications were most common in A20 (7%). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the prevalence of complications. Logistic regression revealed that factors that correlated with an increased odds for complications were Cobb angle (P = 0.001/P = 0.013, respectively), length of operation time (P = 0.003/P = 0.006, respectively), duration of anesthesia (P < 0.001/P = 0.005, respectively) and transfusion (P = 0.003/P = 0.015, respectively) in U20 and A20. Also, comorbidities (P = 0.021) in U20, and decreased body mass index (P = 0.030), pre-operative forced vital capacity (P = 0.001), forced expired volume in 1s (P = 0.001), increased numbers of vertebrae fused (P = 0.004), blood loss (P = 0.001) in A20 were associated with increased odds for complications. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the prevalence of complication in scoliosis patients by age. The prevalence of complication was dependent on Cobb angle, length of operation time, duration of anesthesia and transfusion of PRBC. Deterioration of preoperative pulmonary function significantly increased risk of post-operative complications in adult patients.

RESUMEN

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is recommended for patients with psychotic disorders that do not respond to medication. Usually, many psychotropic medications have teratogenic effects on the fetus. ECT seems to be a relatively safe and effective treatment during pregnancy. We report here on a 33-year-old primigravida patient in her third trimester receiving ECT.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Propofol and remifentanil are used for tracheal intubation in the absence of neuromuscular blocking agents. We hypothesized that the addition of sevoflurane to propofol and remifentanil would improve intubation conditions and provide hemodynamic stability. METHODS: Seventy-six patients scheduled for elective surgery were randomly allocated to be ventilated with either 4% (group I) or 7% sevoflurane (group II) after propofol injection (2 mg/kg). All patients received remifentanil (1 microg/kg) 30 seconds after administration of propofol. Ninety seconds after remifentanil was given, laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation were performed. Intubation conditions and hemodynamic changes were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall incidence of clinically acceptable intubation conditions was significantly higher in group II (92%) than group I (58%) (P = 0.001). Scores for vocal cord position, coughing, and limb movement were significantly better in group II (P < 0.05). Mean blood pressure remained significantly lower than the pre-induction level throughout the investigation in both groups (P < 0.001), but there was no incidence of bradycardia or hypotension requiring treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheal intubation without neuromuscular blocking agents can be achieved safely and reliably by adding 7% sevoflurane to propofol (2 mg/kg) and remifentanil (1 microg/kg).