Deciphering environmental factors and defense response of rice genotypes against sheath blight disease.

Sheath blight (ShB) is one of the most serious diseases in rice, leading to severe yield losses globally. In our study, we evaluated a total of 63 rice genotypes for resistance against sheath blight disease by artificial inoculation over two seasons under field conditions and studied the weather parameters associated with disease incidence. Based on two years of testing, 23 genotypes were found moderately resistant, 38 were moderately susceptible, and 2 exhibited a susceptible reaction to sheath blight disease. Among the specific four genotypes (IC283139, IC283041, IC283038, and IC283023) of the moderately resistant group exhibited less disease reaction in comparison with check variety Tetep. Further, the correlation of percent disease index (PDI) with weather parameters revealed negative associations between PDI and maximum temperature, minimum temperature, low rainfall and the positive association with maximum relative humidity (RH) suggest that very low temperature or high precipitation might have a negative impact on pathogen establishment. In addition, the sheath blight-linked SSRs were assessed using distance and model-based approaches, results of both the models revealed that genotypes distinguished the resistant population from the susceptible one. From the output of two years of principal component analysis, two genotypes from each group of moderately resistant, moderately susceptible and susceptible were studied for their biochemical reaction against the sheath blight pathogen. The biochemical study revealed that the accumulation of defense and antioxidant enzymes, namely, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, total phenol, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase, were higher in moderately resistant genotypes, but was observed to be lower in moderately susceptible and susceptible genotypes. The statistical analysis revealed the enzyme activities (defense and antioxidant) exhibited a strong negative correlation with area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and influence of weather parameter RH. This demonstrates that the environment factor RH plays a major role in imparting the resistance mechanism by decreasing the enzymes activities and increasing PDI. This study found that the identified novel resistant genotype (IC283139) with purple stem base demonstrated improved resistance against sheath blight infection through a defense response and the use of antioxidant machinery.

Effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on sugarcane juice.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of PEF process using static treatment chamber on fresh sugarcane juice with and without addition of lemon and ginger with respect to microbial content, chemical properties, nutrient content and shelf life extention of the product. The fresh sugar cane juice without addition of lemon and ginger treated at different field strengths (30 kV cm-1 and 50 kV cm-1) and different pulse numbers (150, 300) was initially investigated by storage at room temperature (31 °C) and refrigeration temperature (4 °C) for 30 days. The PEF effect on fresh sugar cane juice at room temperature and refrigerated temperature was compared with untreated sample (31 °C). At the end of the storage period samples treated at field strength 30 kV cm-1, 150 pulses were found to be stable compared with untreated sample. The second experimental study of PEF process was done on fresh sugarcane juice with the addition of lemon and ginger for fourteen days at different electric field intensities (10 kV cm-1, 20 kV cm-1 and 30 kV cm-1) with the same pulse number (150 pulses) and stored 4 °C. Even better reduction of microbes was achieved with PEF treatment condition of field strength 20 kV cm-1, 150 pulses in the presence of lemon and ginger. The sensory attributes of untreated fresh sugarcane juice were maintained up to only two days, but for the PEF treated sample, shelf life was extened up to seven days. Further, addition of lemon and ginger in the PEF treated sugarcane juice doubled the shelf life up to fourteen days.

Novel biphenyl-substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole ferroelectric liquid crystals: synthesis and characterization.

Two novel series of unsymmetrically substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole viz., R.Ox.C(*)C n compounds are synthesized and characterized. An optically active, (S)-(+)-methyl 3-hydroxy-2-methylpropionate is used to introduce a chiral center in the molecule. A biphenyl moiety prepared by Suzuki coupling reaction is directly attached to the oxadiazole core at C-5 position. Investigations for the phase behavior revealed that the series with a benzyl group on one end of the oxadiazole core exhibits an 1D orthogonal smectic-A phase while the second series with dodecyl flexible end chain shows orthogonal smectic-A and tilted chiral smectic-C (SmC*) phases over a wide range of temperatures. The smectic-C phase exhibits ferroelectric (FE) polarization switching. The mesomorphic thermal stabilities of these compounds are discussed in the domain of the symmetry and the flexibility of the alkyloxy end chain length attached to the chiral center.

In vitro propagation of a rare medicinal fern of Western Ghats--Diplazium esculentum (Reytz.).

Present study aimed for in vitro culture of circinate part of young leaves of D. esculentum which is amongst the leafy vegetables consumed as vegetable by Paniya and Chetti tribes of Western Ghats. The circinate part of young leaves (crosiers), excised before the beginning of foliar expansion, was inoculated on half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with auxins indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or alpha-napthalene acetic acid (NAA) or 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and cytokinin 6- benzylaminopurine (BA) in a range 0.5 to 2.5 mg L(-1). Combinations of different concentrations of 2,4 D + BA, IBA + BA as well as of NAA+ BA were also tested in half strength MS medium with 3% sucrose and with pH 5.8. The best morphogenic response was obtained with half strength MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D 0.5 mg L(-1) and BA 2.5 mg L(-1), 3% sucrose, at pH 5.8. For rooting of the microshoots, half strength MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D ( 2 and 1 mg L(-1)) exhibited best results. Present study reports the successful in vitro culturing of D. esculentum.

Detection and characterization of metallo-beta-lactamases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by phenotypic and molecular methods from clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to detect and characterize the presence of metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) production in multidrug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa collected from clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 67 non-repetitive isolates of MDR P. aeruginosa recovered from various clinical specimens were screened for MBL production by IPM/MEM-EDTA combined disc test. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on all isolates using bla(IMP) and bla(VIM) consensus primers to characterize them genotypically. RESULTS: Among 67 P. aeruginosa isolates, 62.7% (42/67) and 70.1% (47/67) were resistant to imipenem and meropenem respectively and 47 (70.1%) were found to be MBL producers. Among this 47 MBL-producing isolates, 41 (61.1%) strains carried the bla(VIM) gene and 2 (3%) strains carried the bla(IMP) gene. Three strains were phenotypically negative but positive genotypically for bla(VIM) gene. One strain was resistant to both imipenem and meropenem but did not show phenotypic positivity. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the dissemination of bla(VIM) genes among MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and hence it is indispensible to identify and aptly control the threat of horizontal and vertical transfer.

From genomes to molecular dynamics - A bottom up approach in extrication of SARS CoV-2 main protease inhibitors.

The recent pandemic Coronavirus disease-19 outbreak had traumatized global countries since its origin in late December 2019. Though the virus originated in China, it has spread rapidly across the world due its firmly established community transmission. To successfully tackle the spread and further infection, there needs a clear multidimensional understanding of the molecular mechanisms. Henceforth, 942 viral genome sequences were analysed to predict the core genomes crucial in virus life cycle. Additionally, 35 small interfering RNA transcripts were predicted that can target specifically the viral core proteins and reduce pathogenesis. The crystal structure of Covid-19 main protease-6LU7 was chosen as an attractive target due to the factors that there were fewer mutations and whose structure had significant identity to the annotated protein sequence of the core genome. Drug repurposing of both recruiting and non recruiting drugs was carried out through molecular docking procedures to recognize bitolterol as a good inhibitor of Covid-19 protease. The study was extended further to screen antiviral phytocompounds through quantitative structure activity relationship and molecular docking to identify davidigenin, from licorice as the best novel lead with good interactions and binding energy. The docking of the best compounds in all three categories was validated with molecular dynamics simulations which implied stable binding of the drug and lead molecule. Though the studies need clinical evaluations, the results are suggestive of curbing the pandemic.

Structure-based drug designing towards the identification of potential anti-viral for COVID-19 by targeting endoribonuclease NSP15.

The world is facing health and economic havoc due to the Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Given the number of affected people and the mortality rate, the virus is undoubtedly a serious threat to humanity. By analogy with earlier reports about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) - viruses, the novel Coronavirus' replication mechanism is likely well understood. The structure of an endoribonuclease (NSP15) of SARS-CoV-2 was reported recently. This enzyme is expected to play a crucial role in replication. In this work, attempts were made to identify inhibitors of this enzyme. To achieve the goal, high throughput in silico screening and molecular docking procedures were performed. From an Enamine database of a billion compounds, 3978 compounds with potential antiviral activity were selected for screening and induced fit docking that funneled down to eight compounds with good docking score and docking energy. Detailed analysis of non-covalent interactions at the active site and the apparent match of the molecule with the shape of the binding pocket were assessed. All the compounds show significant interactions for tight binding. Since all the compounds are synthetic with favorable drug-like properties, these may be considered for immediate optimization and downstream applications.

Evaluation of salivary interleukin-6 in children with early childhood caries after treatment.

BACKGROUND: The role of cytokines as a marker in the oral inflammatory process in ECC has not been fully explored before and after full mouth rehabilitation. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the level of salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) in children with ECC and to compare its levels before and after comprehensive full mouth rehabilitation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Saliva samples were collected from children with ECC prior to dental treatment and 3-month post treatment. The salivary IL-6 levels were analyzed using the ELISA method. The gingival index was also timely recorded. Oral health awareness sessions were conducted for children and their parents at regular intervals during the 3-month study period. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Wilcoxon Signed Rank test compared the levels of salivary IL-6 while, the paired t test compared the values of gingival index before and after treatment. RESULTS: The mean level of salivary IL-6 before and 3 months after treatment had reduced and this reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.000). The gingival index scores had also reduced significantly 3-months post treatment (P < 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Children with ECC when completely rehabilitated and kept under frequent follow up, which includes reinforcement of oral hygiene measures and maintaining a low caries activity state, the level of inflammation (IL-6) can definitely be minimized and thereby improving the quality of life of affected children.

Somatic symptoms, perceived stress and perceived job satisfaction among nurses working in an Indian psychiatric hospital.

BACKGROUND: High stress perception by nurses caring for psychiatric patients can lead to somatic symptoms which impact on their job satisfaction perception. OBJECTIVE: To assess and correlate the level of somatic symptoms, perceived stress and perceived job satisfaction among the subjects. DESIGN: The authors used a descriptive correlation design to invite 150 nurses of both genders working for more than one year with psychiatric patients. The Scale for Assessment of Somatic Symptoms (Chaturvedi et al., 1987) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for stress and job satisfaction perception were used to collect data. RESULTS: The nurses (128) reported mainly pain related (4.87±2.97) somatic symptoms. Somatic symptoms positively correlated (r=0.302) with stress perception and negatively correlated (r=-0.231) with perceived job satisfaction, while perceived stress and perceived job satisfaction were negatively correlated (r=-0.460, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: The results indicate a need for stress management interventions.

Cytopathic effects of toxogenic strains of Helicobacter pylori on different cell lines.

PURPOSE: Many virulence factors are involved in the pathomechanism of infection caused by Helicobacter pylori. Toxins such as vacuolating cytotoxin, encoded by the vacA gene and the immunogenic protein cagA, encoded by the cagA gene (cytotoxin-associated gene) are major factors conferring the property of virulence. The current study is aimed at isolation of H. pylori and separation of its toxin from antral biopsies of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following cell lines were used to demonstrate the cytopathic effect (CPE) of the separated toxin: African green monkey kidney (Vero), baby hamster kidney, human lung carcinoma (LLC-MK2), and human epithelial. RESULTS: H. pylori was isolated from 27 out of 45 patients (60%) selected for the study. CPE of H. pylori toxin was highly significant on Vero cells than other cell lines used as it reached a high dilution titer of toxin (1/16) in 13 isolated strains (48.15%). No significant difference in CPE of toxin in different dilutions was detected among other cell lines used in different groups. H. pylori toxin could be detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis as a distinct band with a molecular weight ranging between 66 and 97 kDa and closely related to 87 kDa. CONCLUSION: H. pylori vacuolating cytotoxin plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal diseases (gastritis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and gastric cancer). The Vero cell lines were found to be the most suitable form of tissue culture when compared with other cell lines used in our study for demonstrating the activity of H. pylori toxin.

Lymphangioma circumscriptum in an adult: an unusual oral presentation.

Lymphangioma is a benign hamartomatous tumor of lymphatic vessels. This lymphatic malformation is characterized by an abnormal proliferation of lymphatic vessels. Extra-oral lymphangiomas occur more frequently in the neck region predominantly in the posterior triangle, while intra-oral lymphangiomas are commonly seen in the tongue mainly on the dorsum surface. Various imaging modalities such as ultrasound and color Doppler are very useful in viewing the extent of the lesion. In most of the cases, surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The prognosis is good for most patients, but recurrence has also been reported in some cases, presumably because the lesion is interwoven between muscle fibers, preventing complete removal. This case report discusses the clinical features, color Doppler imaging, histopathology, and treatment of lymphangioma.

Detection and characterization of metallo-β-lactamases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by phenotypic and molecular methods from clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital / Detección y caracterización de la metallo-betalactamasa en la Pseudomonas aeruginosa mediante métodos fenotípicos y moleculares a partir de muestras clínicas en un hospital de atención terciaria

AIMS: The aim of this study was to detect and characterize the presence of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) production in multidrug resistant (MDR) P aeruginosa collected from clinical samples in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 67 non-repetitive isolates of MDR P aeruginosa recovered from various clinical specimens were screened for MBL production by IPM/MEM-EDTA combined disc test. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on all isolates using blaIMP and blaVIM consensus primers to characterize them genotypically. RESULTS: Among 67 P aeruginosa isolates, 62.7% (42/67) and 70.1% (47/67) were resistant to imipenem and meropenem respectively and 47 (70.1%) were found to be MBL producers. Among this 47 MBL-producing isolates, 41 (61.1%) strains carried the blaVIM gene and 2 (3%) strains carried the blaIMP gene. Three strains were phenotypically negative but positive genotypically for blaVIM gene. One strain was resistant to both imipenem and meropenem but did not show phenotypic positivity. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the dissemination of blaVIM genes among MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and hence it is indispensible to identify and aptly control the threat of horizontal and vertical transfer.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es descubrir y caracterizar la presencia de producción de metallo-betalactamasa (MBL) en P aeruginosa resistente a los multifármacos (RMF), recogida de muestras clínicas de un hospital de atención terciaria. MÉTODO: Un total de 67 aislados no repetitivos de P aeruginosa RMF obtenidos de varios specímenes clínicos, fueron tamizados en busca de producción de MBL, mediante una prueba de disco combinado IPM/MEM-EDTA. Se efectuó una reacción en cadena de la polimerasa sobre todos los aislados, usando iniciadores de consenso blaIMP y blaVIM para la caracterización genotípica. RESULTADOS: Entre los aislados de P aeruginosa, 62.7% (42/67) y 70.1% (47/67) fueron resistentes al Imipenem y al Meropenem respectivamente, mientras que se halló que 47 (70.1%) eran productores de MBL. De los 47 aislados productores de MBL, 41 (61.1%) cepas eran portadoras del gen blaVIM en tanto que 2 (3%) cepas eran portadoras del gen blaIMP. Tres cepas fueron fenotípicamente negativas, pero genotípicamente positivas con respecto al gen blaVIM. Una cepa fue resistente tanto al Imipenem como al Meropenem, pero no mostró positividad fenotípicamente. CONCLUSIÓN: El presente estudio confirma la diseminación de los genes blaVIM entre las Pseudomonas aeruginosa RMF. Es importante identificar así como controlar adecuadamente la amenaza de la transferencia horizontal y vertical.