Two corrections are made to the article by St John et al. (2026).

Soybean (Glycine max) lines JTN-5203, PI 404166, and 02011-126 support less root infection by reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis), but post-infection effects of these lines on the parasite have not been investigated. In this study, post-infection development and fecundity in these lines were compared with that of the susceptible control cultivar Braxton. The infection cycle was divided into early (up to 10 days after inoculation (DAI)) and late (15-30 DAI) phases, during which root-associated nematodes were classified as vermiform, swelling, reniform, or gravid. Repeated experiments were conducted in a growth chamber in containers filled with steam pasteurized soil mix. Seedlings were inoculated with 500 nematodes (mixed vermiform life stages). Containers were arranged in a completely randomized design. As early as 10 DAI, slightly delayed development was observed on resistant lines with half as many gravid nematodes as Braxton. Line 02011-126 had a higher proportion of swelling nematodes than the other resistant lines in late phases, suggesting different resistance mechanisms. All resistant lines inhibited fecundity, with an up to 98% reduction at 30 DAI. In summary, fewer infections, slower development, and reduced reproduction all contribute to resistance in these lines.

Aldicarb and fluazaindolizine were evaluated in-furrow for management of Meloidogyne incognita in two, multi-year field experiments near Kerr, Arkansas. Aldicarb was evaluated in 2017, 2019, and 2022 on the moderately resistant soybean cultivar, Delta Grow DG4940 GLY, as well as the susceptible cultivars, DG4870 RR or DG4880 GLY, depending on the year. Fluazaindolizine was evaluated in 2019, 2020, and 2022 on the susceptible cultivar DG4880 GLY. Aldicarb significantly reduced galling compared to the non-nematicide treated control (NTC) in 2 of 3 years, whereas fluazaindolizine did so in 1 of 3 years. The cultivar by treatment interaction on galling was significant in each year of the aldicarb experiments, but the effect of the nematicides differed by cultivar and year. Despite reductions in galling, only aldicarb + fluopyram protected grain yield compared to the NTC in the 2019 aldicarb experiment. Regardless of nematicide, the moderately resistant cultivar significantly reduced galling and protected yield compared to the susceptible cultivars. Overall, these data show that aldicarb and fluazaindolizine reduce galling by M. incognita; however, the nematicides were not as effective as a moderately resistant cultivar.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are root-colonizing endophytes present in most terrestrial ecosystems, including agricultural soils. AMF have been shown to provide a spectrum of benefits to their plant hosts. Their functional benefits can be both environmental-context dependent and fungus-plant-species dependent. How contextual controls govern AMF-mediated benefits is not well-understood, yet this knowledge is key to successful "real-world" application. The objective of this study was to assess contextual benefits of specific apple rootstock/AMF associations, including improved tolerance to water stress, nutrient access, and disease resistance. In conjunction, we sought to better understand how certain context-dependent factors, such as host genotype and soil microbial context influenced anticipated functional benefits. Specifically, in the first experiment, we tested the ability of Rhizophagus irregularis to improve water and inorganic nitrogen (15NH4NO3) uptake in G.11 rootstock with (and without) water stress in "live" (replant disease-conducive) vs. pasteurized (pathogen-free) orchard soil. While AMF inoculation did positively influence plant water and nitrogen uptake, these benefits were modulated by watering regime and dependent on soil microbial context. Under replant conditions, pre-colonization of G.11 rootstocks by R.irregularis led to significant increases in stomatal conductance in both well-watered and water-limited conditions. By notable comparison, soil pasteurization appeared to negate this benefit. At the same time (in live soil), AMF inoculation was associated with significantly greater total 15N isotope tracer recovery under well-watered (but not water-stressed) conditions. The second experiment focused on the role host genotype/AMF species identity plays in reducing pathogen infection in apple roots. The ability of the AMF Claroideoglomus etunicatum and Claroideoglomus claroideum to reduce infection by the fungal replant pathogen Rhizoctonia solani AG-5 in G.41 and G.890 was tested. Findings showed AMF directly limited pathogen establishment. The degree of protective effect varied, however, according to the particular host genotype/AMF species combination. Both experiments establish clear evidence of AMF species directly functioning in beneficial roles with commercially available apple rootstock genotypes and provide insight into specific AMF-rootstock relationships with the potential to promote more resilient and sustainable apple production. The context-dependency of these outcomes highlights the need to move beyond generalized strategies for enhancing mycorrhizal benefits in orchard systems.

Despite recent advances in technology and biological, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products designed to mitigate disease, bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains the leading cause of feedlot morbidity. The objectives were to (1) quantify the effects of BRD interventions that have been reported in the literature within the United States for the previous decade, and (2) to investigate seasonal effects on BRD incidence. A detailed literature search was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses methods. A total of 103 records (56 studies) met criteria by providing percentages of cattle treated at least once for BRD and reporting a control. Available data were extracted from each study for control groups and treatment groups and a logs risk ratio of both metrics (ai = controlBRD, bi = controlHealthy, ci = treatmentBRD, di = treatmentHealthy) was calculated for each record using the escalc function in the R package metafor (v4.8) in R (v4.5). A multi-level meta-analytical (MLMA) model was used to determine overall effects on BRD morbidity because data non-independence existed. The MLMA model yielded a pooled estimate for log ratios of 0.07 (P = 0.09) and indicated the presence of heterogeneity (Q = 336, P < 0.0001), suggesting that BRD incidence tended to decrease in treated cattle. When testing study-level characteristics, season (P = 0.02) and study location (P = 0.02) influenced overall BRD incidence. Metaphylactic programs (lnOR = 0.17; P = 0.05) and technological diagnostic tools (lnOR = 0.40; P = 0.06) modestly decreased overall BRD incidence. Metaphylactic experiments evaluating antimicrobial resistance reduced BRD incidence (lnOR = 1.28; P = 0.01), specifically studies including tulathromycin. Nutritional experiments testing additional vitamin E (lnOR = -0.32; P = 0.05) and pelleting feed (lnOR = 0.34; P = 0.08) had the greatest influence on BRD. The Egger's regression test for funnel plot asymmetry was performed which revealed significant asymmetry (P < 0.0001) suggesting evidence of publication bias. To conclude, BRD tended to decrease in cattle that were applied with treatments, but there was great variation among studies, therefore, the magnitude varied. The results support prioritizing management decisions based on environmental and regional conditions. Interventions for BRD in this analysis suggest that metaphylactic programs and technological diagnostics may be more effective in certain contexts.

Grapevine cold hardiness governs cultivar distribution and winter survival, and is a key constraint on viticulture in cold regions. We evaluated bud cold hardiness in a Vitis riparia × Vitis vinifera F1 population by differential thermal analysis across three environments (a California vineyard, an NDSU field, and an NDSU greenhouse), sampled nine times through the 2023-2024 dormant season. Mean low-temperature exotherms (LTEs) differed significantly among sampling times, and hierarchical clustering separated the genotypes into five hardiness classes defined by mean LTE, from very hardy (≤ -21.4 °C) to very susceptible (≥ -13.4 °C). Field vines reached a midwinter maximum of -22.7 °C, whereas greenhouse vines were most susceptible (-14.6 °C), and nine genotypes were hardier than the tender parent. Genotype accounted for only 7% of the phenotypic variance, giving a low single-observation heritability (H[2]i = 0.07) but a moderate entry-mean heritability (H[2]c = 0.49), which are distinct statistics reported separately. The seasonal trajectory was well described by logistic and response-surface models (R[2] = 0.99) and, on an accumulated-chilling axis, by a Weibull model (half-hardening at 184 chilling degree-days). A state-space model estimated the chilling contribution at ≈6.7 °C and identified three genotypes (536-078, 539-127, 536-142) that attained most of their hardiness under the short-day, moderate-cooling greenhouse regime without sub-zero exposure; because that regime combined shortening photoperiod with a 4 °C decline, these are described as short-day/low-temperature responsive rather than photoperiod-responsive. Mean hardiness and plasticity were uncorrelated, providing no evidence of a hardiness-stability trade-off. The December field and greenhouse samplings exposed the greatest among-genotype variance and are the most informative conditions for future QTL mapping; the nine genotypes hardier than the tender parent, and a hardy, stable subset, are identified as parents for cold-hardiness introgression.

Low serum zinc is associated with higher pneumonia incidence and illness duration compared to individuals with adequate serum zinc levels. However, the optimal and safe zinc supplementation dose to correct deficiency has not been established. This study aimed to determine the optimal and safe dose of elemental zinc supplementation to correct deficiency in older adults residing in nursing homes.

PurposeA Quality Improvement (QI) initiative was implemented to improve evidence-based pediatric obesity related clinical care. We evaluated changes in clinicians' knowledge and confidence and their perception of improvements and challenges in obesity-related clinical care post-QI implementation.ApproachThe study included pre and post-intervention self-report surveys, semi-structured qualitative interviews, and randomized chart reviews.SettingThe setting was two primary care centers in Washington, DC between March 2021-March 2022.ParticipantsOf the 42 clinicians offered multi-modal interventions, 33% completed both surveys. Of the 17 clinicians offered a qualitative interview, 15 were completed (88%).MethodQuantitative analysis was conducted using McNemar's exact test and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.ResultsData analysis demonstrated an overall positive and significant change in clinician confidence in diagnosing and managing pediatric obesity (Χ[2] = 12.0, P = 0.0005). The post-intervention thematic analysis of semi-structured clinician interviews identified three major themes: (1) improvement in clinical obesity management, (2) barriers to effective clinical obesity management, and (3) deeper self-reflection of obesity stigma on clinical weight management.ConclusionsWhile barriers exist in managing obesity within medical homes, the implementation of a targeted QI initiative may improve pediatric clinicians' confidence in providing evidence based culturally competent care.

Background and Objective: Chenopodium quinoa Willd. is a strategic crop for food security in salt-affected regions; however, genotype-specific physiological responses to salinity during early germination remain insufficiently characterized. Understanding variation among geographically distinct accessions is essential for identifying salt-tolerant genotypes. This study aimed to evaluate germination performance and antioxidant defense responses of three quinoa accessions of contrasting geographic origins under salinity stress. Materials and Methods: Three quinoa accessions 18GR (Ames 13724, USA), R-132 (PI 478418, Bolivia) and DE-1 (PI 674266, Ecuador) obtained from the USDA National Plant Germplasm System were evaluated under four NaCl concentrations (0, 100, 200 and 300 mM) under controlled laboratory conditions. Germination percentage, mean germination time (MGT), radicle length and germination kinetics were recorded. Reversibility assays were conducted to differentiate osmotic and ionic effects of salinity. Oxidative stress markers, including Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were quantified along with antioxidant enzyme activities such as peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Proline accumulation was also assessed as an indicator of osmotic adjustment. Results: Salinity significantly affected germination traits in an accession-dependent manner. At 300 mM NaCl, germination rates were 90, 60 and 33.33% for 18GR, R-132 and DE-1, respectively. Reversibility assays indicated osmotic stress predominance at 200 mM, while ionic toxicity dominated at higher concentrations. NaCl stress increased H2O2 and MDA accumulation in all accessions. POD activity increased consistently across treatments. CAT and APX activities in 18GR showed a biphasic response, being stimulated up to 200 mM and inhibited at 300 mM, indicating stress threshold regulation. Proline accumulation increased with salinity, with 18GR showing the highest osmotic adjustment capacity. Conclusion: Geographic origin significantly influences salt tolerance during germination in quinoa. Accession 18GR exhibited superior stress tolerance and antioxidant regulation, making it a promising candidate for saline agriculture. The contrasting biochemical responses provide a physiological basis for selecting salt-tolerant quinoa genotypes adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.

Cannabis sativa (Cannabis) is a high-value medicinal crop whose functional genomics and metabolic engineering remain constrained by limited genetic tools. The species is regarded as recalcitrant to stable transformation, and existing transient expression systems exhibit low efficiency or are restricted to hemp cultivars. Here, we report two Agrobacterium-mediated agroinfiltration protocols enabling rapid, robust, and reproducible transient gene expression in drug-type, high-THC Cannabis tissues. Using the RUBY betalain reporter system, we demonstrate transformation efficiencies of up to 100% in mature leaf disks and 81%-100% in whole seedlings. By independently comparing Agrobacterium strains and vector configurations, we demonstrate that transformation efficiency and transgene expression are influenced by distinct experimental variables, with EHA105 providing the highest transformation efficiency and p35S-based vectors producing the strongest reporter expression. Complementing these genetic tools, we developed a UPLC-PDA method enabling simultaneous detection and quantification of cannabinoids and cannflavins. While not intended to replace mass spectrometry-based analyses, the method provides an accessible and cost-effective platform for comparative metabolite profiling during functional genomics and metabolic engineering studies. Together, these advances establish an integrated workflow linking high-efficiency transient gene expression with streamlined biochemical analysis, providing a practical foundation for gene function studies, pathway interrogation, and biotechnology-driven trait engineering in Cannabis.

Edematous severe childhood malnutrition is distinct from the non-edematous form of malnutrition and remains a major cause of under-five mortality. Its etiology remains unclear, although aberrant one-carbon metabolism has emerged as a potential contributor. Here, we assess genetic variants at loci known to influence one-carbon metabolism, and determine their association with edematous malnutrition in Jamaica and Malawi. Six loci show evidence of association, including four related to homocysteine and folate metabolism - AHCYL1, PRICKLE2, GABBR2, and PLD2, with SNPs at the latter three also having direct effects on homocysteine-related metabolites in Mendelian Randomization. Collectively, one-carbon metabolism-related variants were significantly associated with edematous malnutrition (z = 3.2), with population differences linked to a shared East African genetic ancestry and distinct signatures of selection. These findings strengthen evidence implicating aberrant one-carbon metabolism in edematous malnutrition and highlight the utility of cell-free DNA, intra-continental admixture, and population genetics for mapping disease risk.

Dengue transmission is shaped by the population dynamics of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, making vector control a central strategy for disease mitigation. The impact of interventions such as larvicide, adulticide, and breeding-site reduction depends critically on their timing under fluctuating environmental conditions. We build on a high-fidelity, non-Markovian mechanistic model of the Aedes life cycle that captures stage-structured, temperature-dependent developmental delays, and mortality, and extend it to incorporate multiple vector control measures. Rather than using continuous abstract control amplitudes as in standard optimal control formulations, we introduce intervention-specific temporal profiles that better reflect operational practice. We then develop an adjoint-based gradient descent framework to compute the optimal timing of a sequence of interventions by minimizing the time-dependent dengue reproduction number, R0. Numerical simulations based on seasonal temperature data from Miami, Florida, show that appropriately timed combinations of interventions can substantially suppress transmission risk, with outcomes strongly influenced by seasonal temperature variation and intervention duration. We further propose embedding the resulting optimization framework within a Model Predictive Control architecture, yielding a closed-loop approach for real-time, surveillance-driven vector management under environmental and operational uncertainty.

Grasses in the Panicoideae, Aristidoideae, Chloridoideae, Micrairoideae, Arundinoideae, and Danthonioideae (PACMAD) clade independently colonized cold environments from warm-climate ancestors, but whether their molecular responses to freezing reflect shared evolutionary solutions or lineage-specific innovations remains poorly understood at the protein level. We used comparative proteomics to test whether protein-level cold responses show stronger cross-species conservation than previously observed at the transcript level. We quantified seasonal rhizome proteomes (winter vs summer) from five PACMAD species grown in a common-garden experiment exposed to sustained sub-zero temperatures, identified differentially abundant proteins, and compared fold-change magnitudes across species using orthogroup-based correlation analyses. We further examined LEA3 protein structure through hydropathy profiling and motif analysis. Shared cold-responsive proteins showed higher cross-species fold-change correlation (ρ = 0.80) than background proteins (ρ = 0.45), despite greater divergence in baseline abundance. This correlation advantage persisted (Δρ = 0.27) after controlling for effect-size selection by comparing shared cold-responsive proteins against magnitude-matched single-species responses. LEA3 was the only ortholog elevated across all five species, with cold-tolerant species containing more tandem 11-mer repeats than the cold-sensitive maize. Two species accumulated multiple LEA3 paralogs, increasing total LEA3 abundance. Independent evolution of freezing tolerance in PACMAD grasses is consistent with evolutionary constraints on protein-level response magnitude, reflecting the retention of an ancestral protective capacity. Structural divergence of LEA3 in maize suggests that transcriptional induction alone does not ensure freezing tolerance; functional protection likely requires intact motif architecture.