Characterization ofantifungal properties of lipopeptide-producing Bacillus velezensis strains and their proteome-based response to the phytopathogens, Diaporthe spp.

Introduction: B. velezensis strains are of interest in agricultural applications due to their beneficial interactions with plants, notable through their antimicrobial activity. The biocontrol ability of two new lipopeptides-producing B. velezensis strains ES1-02 and EFSO2-04, against fungal phytopathogens of Diaporthe spp., was evaluated and compared with reference strains QST713 and FZB42. All strains were found to be effective against the plant pathogens, with the new strains showing comparable antifungal activity to QST713 and slightly lower activity than FZB42. Methods: Lipopeptides and their isoforms were identified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and mass spectrometric measurements. The associated antifungal influences were determined in direct in vitro antagonistic dual culture assays, and the inhibitory growth effects on Diaporthe spp. as representatives of phytopathogenic fungi were determined. The effects on bacterial physiology of selected B. velezensis strains were analyzed by mass spectrometric proteomic analyses using nano-LC-MS/MS. Results and Discussion: Lipopeptide production analysis revealed that all strains produced surfactin, and one lipopeptide of the iturin family, including bacillomycin L by ES1-02 and EFSO2-04, while QST713 and FZB42 produced iturin A and bacillomycin D, respectively. Fengycin production was however only detected in the reference strains. As a result of co-incubation of strain ES1-02 with the antagonistic phytopathogen D. longicolla, an increase in surfactin production of up to 10-fold was observed, making stress induction due to competitors an attractive strategy for surfactin bioproduction. An associated global proteome analysis showed a more detailed overview about the adaptation and response mechanisms of B. velezensis, including an increased abundance of proteins associated with the biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds. Furthermore, higher abundance was determined for proteins associated with oxidative, nitrosative, and general stress response. In contrast, proteins involved in phosphate uptake, amino acid transport, and translation were decreased in abundance. Altogether, this study provides new insights into the physiological adaptation of lipopeptide-producing B. velezensis strains, which show the potential for use as biocontrol agents with respect to phytopathogenic fungi.

[Survey of potential improvements during the course of the radiotherapy treatment--a patient questionnaire]. / Erfassung möglicher Verbesserungen im Ablauf der Strahlentherapie--eine Patientenbefragung.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: In the context of quality assurance, increasing demands are placed on the whole radiotherapy treatment process. The patients directly concerned generally do not realize most aspects of the quality assurance program (e.g., additional safety checks) during their daily therapy. It was the aim of this study to systematically ask patients about potential improvements during the course of radiotherapy treatment from their own perspective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the defined time span (1 month), 624 radiotherapy patients (600 questionnaires were returned, 96.2%) were interviewed using a questionnaire newly developed to inquire about several aspects of their treatment. Furthermore, they were asked for their specific needs and suggestions for improvements that could be made during the course of radiotherapy treatment. RESULTS: Overall, the patients were satisfied with the course of their radiotherapy treatment and with patient care. As an example, about 90% agreed with the statement: "My first contact with the radiation oncology unit proceeded with kindness and competence so that I was given the impression that I will be well cared for in this clinic." Considering the organization of the course of radiotherapy, a large majority of patients attached great value to set appointments for the therapy fractions. A main point of criticism was waiting times or delays caused by servicing or machine failures. Small, low cost improvements as music in the therapy room were considered as important as expensive measures (e.g., daylight in the therapy room). The patients emphasized the importance of staff friendliness. CONCLUSION: The situation of radiotherapy patients was, in general, satisfactory. Future improvements can be mainly expected from smooth organisation of both planning and treatment which can be achieved by electronic scheduling systems. Many results of the survey could be easily implemented in daily practice. In matters of organization radiation oncology with its complex procedures can be used as a model for other clinical departments.

Quality assurance for clinical studies in regional deep hyperthermia.

BACKGROUND: A guideline is provided for the implementation of regional deep hyperthermia treatments under strict rules of quality assurance. The objective is to guarantee a comparable and comprehensible method in the treatment and scientific analysis of hyperthermia. The guideline describes regional deep hyperthermia (RHT) and MR-controlled partial body hyperthermia (PBH) of children, young and adult patients. According to this guideline, hyperthermia treatment is always applied in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. METHODS: The guideline is based on practical experience from several hyperthermia centers. The procedure allows applying jointly coordinated standards and quality control in hyperthermia for studies. RESULTS: The guideline contains recommendations for hyperthermia treatments, including indication, preparation, treatment, and standardized analysis.

Xerostomia after radiotherapy in the head & neck area: long-term observations.

To investigate the development of xerostomia more than 5 years after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, a prospective longitudinal study was done. A xerostomia questionnaire was answered by 42 patients 41 and 90 months after radiotherapy: xerostomia at rest did not change significantly over time whereas the difficulties with speaking improved and the difficulties with eating worsened. Subjective xerostomia does not reach a steady state even more than 5 years after radiotherapy.