The plant resistance activator acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (BTH), the signalling molecules salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were tested by seed treatment for their ability to protect melon seedlings from gummy stem blight and white mould disease caused by the soil‐borne fungal pathogens Didymella bryoniae and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, respectively. Didymella bryoniae infection on melon seedlings was completely suppressed by MeJA treatment. Necrotic lesions akin hypersensitive response occurred on all inoculated seedlings and prevented pathogen diffusion into healthy tissues. Didymella bryoniae infection was restricted following BTH seed treatment as well, although the percentage of necrotic lesions in comparison with the water soaked lesions was significantly lower than that from MeJA‐induced seedlings. BTH protected melon seedlings against S. sclerotiorum by the occurrence of a high percentage of necrotic lesions. A lower level of resistance was also achieved by MeJA seed treatment. The augmented level of resistance of tissues from BTH and MeJA‐treated seeds was associated with rapid increases in the activity of the pathogenesis‐related proteins chitinase and peroxidase. MeJA also determined a rapid and transient accumulation of lipoxygenase. Moreover, BTH and MeJA treatments determined the differential induction of particular de novo synthesized isoenzymes of these proteins. Results indicate that BTH and MeJA applied to melon seeds may activate on seedlings diverse metabolic pathways leading to the enhancement of resistance against distinct pathogens.

A trypsin inhibitor from wheat kernel (WTI) was found to have a strong antifungal activity against a number of pathogenic fungi and to inhibit fungal trypsin‐like activity. WTI inhibited in vitro spore germination and hyphal growth of pathogens, with protein concentration required for 50% growth inhibition (IC50) values ranging from 111.7 to above 500 μg/ml. As observed by electron microscopy, WTI determined morphological alterations represented by hyphal growth inhibition and branching. One of the fungal species tested, Botrytis cinerea produced a trypsin‐like protease, which was inhibited by the trypsin inhibitor. WTI, as well as other seed defence proteins, appear to be an important resistance factor in wheat kernels during rest and early germination when plants are particularly exposed to attack by potential soil‐borne pathogens.

Background Suppurative intracranial complications of sinusitis are rare events in children and can lead to harmful neurologic sequelae and significant morbidity. We sought to review the presentation and management of patients admitted at our hospital with these conditions. Methods This was a retrospective study of pediatric patients admitted to a quaternary children’s hospital from 2007 to 2019 for operative management of sinusitis with intracranial extension. Clinical characteristics, including surgical and microbiological data, were collected and analyzed. Results Fifty-four patients were included; the median age was 11.0 years, and there was a male predominance. Eighty-nine percent of patients had prior healthcare visits for the current episode of sinusitis; 46% of patients had an abnormal neurologic exam on admission. Epidural abscess and subdural empyema were the most common complications, and subdural empyema was associated with repeat surgical intervention. The dominant pathogens were Streptococcus anginosus group organisms (74%). The majority of patients completed treatment parenterally, with a median duration of therapy of 35 days. Neurological sequelae, including epilepsy or ongoing focal deficits, occurred in 22% of patients. History of seizure or an abnormal neurological exam at admission were associated with neurological sequelae. Conclusions Clinicians should consider intracranial complications of sinusitis in patients with symptoms of sinusitis for >1 week. Patients should undergo urgent neuroimaging, as neurosurgical intervention is essential for these patients. Subdural empyema was associated with repeat neurosurgical intervention. Neurological sequelae occurred in 22% of patients, and new onset seizure or an abnormal neurological exam at admission were associated with neurological sequelae.

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