Reducing the Periplasmic Glutathione Content Makes Escherichia coli Resistant to Trimethoprim and Other Antimicrobial Drugs

After being used extensively for decades, trimethoprim still remains one of the key accessible antimicrobials recommended by the World Health Organization. A better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance would be beneficial for the future utilization of this drug.

Sweet sorghum for phytoremediation and bioethanol production

As an energy crop, sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) receives increasing attention for phytoremediation and biofuels production due to its good stress tolerance and high biomass with low input requirements. Sweet sorghum possesses wide adaptability, which also has high tolerances to poor soil conditions and drought. Its rapid growth with the large storage of fermentable saccharides in the stalks offers considerable scope for bioethanol production. Additionally, sweet sorghum has heavy metal tolerance and the ability to remove cadmium (Cd) in particular. Therefore, sweet sorghum has great potential to build a sustainable phytoremediation system for Cd-polluted soil remediation and simultaneous ethanol production. To implement this strategy, further efforts are in demand for sweet sorghum in terms of screening superior varieties, improving phytoremediation capacity, and efficient bioethanol production. In this review, current research advances of sweet sorghum including agronomic requirements, phytoremediation of Cd pollution, bioethanol production, and breeding are discussed. Furthermore, crucial problems for future utilization of sweet sorghum stalks after phytoremediation are combed. Graphical Abstract

Immunomodulation and Regenerative Capacity of MSCs for Long-COVID

The rapid mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is now a major concern with no effective drugs and treatments. The severity of the disease is linked to the induction of a cytokine storm that promotes extensive inflammation in the lung, leading to many acute lung injuries, pulmonary edema, and eventually death. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might prove to be a treatment option as they have immunomodulation and regenerative properties. Clinical trials utilizing MSCs in treating acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have provided a basis in treating post-COVID-19 patients. In this review, we discussed the effects of MSCs as an immunomodulator to reduce the severity and death in patients with COVID-19, including the usage of MSCs as an alternative regenerative therapy in post-COVID-19 patients. This review also includes the current clinical trials in utilizing MSCs and their potential future utilization for long-COVID treatments.

The Most Modern Mobile Epidemic Hospital of Europe Was Built in Kiskunhalas

The aim of my presentation is to demonstrate the protection tasks and good practices developed for an unknown situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic starting in December 2019, in the light of the measures taken by the Hungarian Prison Service. The construction of the Kiskunhalas Mobile Epidemic Hospital (hereinafter: Epidemic Hospital) and the increase in the prison service’s production capacity for health protection equipment, has become essential because of the pandemic. The well-equipped Epidemiological Hospital with 150 beds, and the means of protective equipment delivered to healthcare institutions within a short time have made a worthy contribution to the protection of the society and to the safety of its citizens. The production of face masks with employment of prisoners, as well as the production of other protective means, became parts of the state's self-sufficiency. The Epidemic Hospital closed on 31st May 2021, however, the institution may provide an opportunity for immediate future utilization in the case of a new wave, or a new pandemic.

Exploring the potential to capture variation in grain-straw yield and straw quality traits of tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] varieties.

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is an indigenous Ethiopian cereal which helps provide healthy and nutritious diets for people and a palatable straw for livestock feed. This study was conducted to determine the variation in grain-straw yield and straw quality traits of 35 tef varieties and a local check grown in two locations for two years. Straw crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and the yields of grain (GY) and straw (STY) were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by variety, environment and their interactions. GY, CP, ME and IVOMD were significantly higher in the Debre Zeit site compared to Holetta and, except for GY, in 2016 compared to 2015. About 150% and 25% higher mean CP content was recorded in Debre Zeit than in Holetta, and in 2016 than 2015, respectively. Positive and significant (P<0.01) associations were observed between GY and STY, among CP, ME and IVOMD, and among NDF, ADF and ADL. Among all studied varieties, Melko produced the highest grain-straw yield and best fodder quality traits. Based on the yields and qualities of both grain and straw, the production of Gimbichu, Quncho and Gola varieties conferred more than 40% economic advantage over the local check in the local markets. Our study generally identified varieties with high grain-straw yield and/or straw quality traits which provided economic advantages for tef production and an opportunity for future utilization in tef improvement programs.

Forest Structure of 26-Year-Old Planted Mangroves

The mangrove ecosystem in Bintuni Bay, West Papua, Indonesia has been sustainably managed for more than three decades for timber utilization. Since there are only few mangrove areas that utilized for logging in Indonesia, data on growth and forest structure of post-harvest mangrove forest could become valuable information as a reference for sustainable management on the ecosystem. This study conducted in a permanent plot (1.6 ha) which established and planted in 1994 using 5 dominant and commercial species in Bintuni Bay. Rhizophora apiculata has the best growth compared to other species, while Ceriops tagal experienced the poorest growth. From all trees individual, 24.27% were categorized as multi stem trees with maximum of 8 stems that could be occurred from one single tree and contributed to increase total volume of the stands up to 33%. Bruguiera gymnorhiza has the highest percentage of multi stem trees covering 65.87% of total trees individual. In general, forest structure was not significantly different in various spacing distance. Merchantable volume for 5 planted species at 26-year-old stand was estimated to be 310.99 m3 ha-1 with extractable biomass of 247.08 ton ha-1. Planted mangroves can provide sufficient standing stock for future utilization in managed mangrove forests.

Asymmetric hybridization origin of Rhododendron agastum (Ericaceae) in Guizhou, China

Rhododendron is one of the famous flowers in the world. Four wild Rhododendron species, namely, R. delavayi Franch., R. agastum Balf. f. et W. W. Smith., R. decorum Franch., and R. irroratum Franch., belong to subgenus Hymenanthes, which are sympatrically distributed in the Baili Rhododendron Nature Reserve of Guizhou Province, China. The intermediate morphology of R. agastum in the reserve, which is between R. delavayi and R irroratum or between R. delavayi and R. decorum, has been speculated that R. agastum is a hybrid of one of the two combinations. However, the exact parentage of R. agastum in the reserve remains controversial. In this study, the four Rhododendron species were investigated to identify the parental origin of R. agastum based on 13 morphological characteristics, 20 co-dominant inherited microsatellite markers, and two maternal inherited plastid DNA makers. Results of genetic structure and origin scenario clearly support that R. agastum is a natural hybrid between R. delavayi and R. irroratum rather than R. delavayi and R. decorum, which is consistent with their morphological characteristics. In addition, hybridization analysis indicates that R. agastum is dominated by F2 generation in the reserve. Furthermore, haplotype analysis suggests that natural hybridization between R. delavayi and R. irroratum is bidirectional but asymmetric with R. delavayi, the main maternal parent of R. agastum. Our results provide theoretical basis for future utilization and conservation of genetic resources of these Rhododendron species.

Hospitalization Expenditure of COVID-19 Patients at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) with PhilHealth Coverage

Objective. This research aimed to determine the in-patient expenditure of COVID-19 adult patient s and their out-of-pocket (OOP) payments at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) after the new PhilHealth case rate coverage was instituted last 15 April 2020. It also intended to present the preliminary data on the expenses incurred by COVID patients during the initial phase of the pandemic in the country. Methods. This study was a retrospective chart review of admitted COVID-19 patients aged 19 years old and above from 15 April to 14 August 2020 at UP-PGH that availed of PhilHealth COVID-19 case rate benefits package (C19C1-C4). Data were analyzed to extract overall expenses, out-of-pocket (OOP) charges, cost centers utilization, and other hospitalization expenditure sources. Results. Of the 691 COVID-19 patients included during the study period, 55.72% were male, mostly belonging to the 61-70 age range with a median age of 58. The average in-hospital stay was 14.20 days, and 76.99% were under charity services, with the moderate (42.84%) and mild (25.33%) pneumonia cases accounting for 68.17% of the admissions. Total hospital expenses clustered around Php51,000 to 200,000 (~USD 1,041 to 4,156), most spending between Php101,000 to 150,000 (~USD 2,078 to 3,118). The top three cost centers and expenditure sources were pharmacies, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and laboratory. The average OOP payment for patients less than 60 years old was higher, ranging from Php 25,899 to Php 44,428.63 (USD 538 to USD 924.44) compared to patients older than 60 (Php4,005.60 to Php 32,920.20 ~ USD 83.35 to 684.98). The most OOP charges were for the age group 19-30, amounting to Php 44,428.63 (USD 924.44). Conclusion. Preliminary findings of this study gave an actual representation of the expenses of COVID-19 patients, which can guide future utilization of the national health insurance during unexpected pandemics. Early price regulation of new therapeutic interventions, diagnostic tests, and medical supplies, e.g., PPEs, disinfectants, air filters, are measures that can be implemented.