Native bio-control agents from the rice fields of Telangana, India: characterization and unveiling the potential against stem rot and false smut diseases of rice.

The stem rot caused by Sclerotium hydrophilum and false smut caused by Ustilaginoidea virens are two of the major production constraints in rice cultivation in India and other countries. Stem rot and false smut can be effectively controlled with synthetic fungicides. However, the indiscriminate use of chemical fungicides may cause development of resistance among the pathogens. In addition to this, synthetic fungicides also exhibit harmful impacts on the environment. Exploiting microbe-based alternatives for managing plant diseases diminishes public concerns about the ill effects of pesticide usage in crops. In this regard, the present study was designed to investigate the potential of native microbial biocontrol agents (BCAs) from rice rhizosphere for the sustainable management of stem rot and false smut diseases in rice. Potential BCAs and pathogens were identified and characterized through morphological, biochemical, and sanger sequencing techniques. Bio-efficacy tests of potential BCAs against stem rot and false smut diseases on rice under glasshouse conditions indicated higher seed vigour index of the treated seeds, significant improvement in the growth of the seedling, increased dry weight, reduction in percentage disease index viz., 70.03% (stem rot) and 69.24% (false smut) over the control plants. Phytohormones indole acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA), salicylic acid (SA), and zeatin (tZ) were detected and quantified in the four potential BCAs using liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies revealed the endophytic nature of the strains in rice. The study indicated a positive correlation between the diversity and concentration of phytohormones released by the bioagents and enhanced plant growth promotion and disease suppression in rice.

Evolution of pathogenicity-associated genes in Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA by genome duplication and transposon-mediated gene function alterations.

BACKGROUND: Rhizoctonia solani is a polyphagous fungal pathogen that causes diseases in crops. The fungal strains are classified into anastomosis groups (AGs); however, genomic complexity, diversification into the AGs and the evolution of pathogenicity-associated genes remain poorly understood. RESULTS: We report a recent whole-genome duplication and sequential segmental duplications in AG1-IA strains of R. solani. Transposable element (TE) clusters have caused loss of synteny in the duplicated blocks and introduced differential structural alterations in the functional domains of several pathogenicity-associated paralogous gene pairs. We demonstrate that the TE-mediated structural variations in a glycosyl hydrolase domain and a GMC oxidoreductase domain in two paralogous pairs affect the pathogenicity of R. solani. Furthermore, to investigate the association of TEs with the natural selection and evolution of pathogenicity, we sequenced the genomes of forty-two rice field isolates of R. solani AG1-IA. The genomic regions with high population mutation rates and with the lowest nucleotide diversity are enriched with TEs. Genetic diversity analysis predicted the genes that are most likely under diversifying and purifying selections. We present evidence that a smaller variant of a glucosamine phosphate N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) protein, predicted to be under purifying selection, and an LPMP_AA9 domain-containing protein, predicted to be under diversifying selection, are important for the successful pathogenesis of R. solani in rice as well as tomato. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has unravelled whole-genome duplication, TE-mediated neofunctionalization of genes and evolution of pathogenicity traits in R. solani AG1-IA. The pathogenicity-associated genes identified during the study can serve as novel targets for disease control.

Whole genome sequencing data of native isolates of Bacillus and Trichoderma having potential biocontrol and plant growth promotion activities in rice.

Six native isolates of Trichoderma and Bacillus having potential for biocontrol and plant growth-promoting activities in rice were isolated from different rice growing regions of India. These isolates were screened for their efficiency in both in vitro and in vivo conditions for three years. The identity of the isolates was confirmed both by morphological and molecular characterization. Three Bacillus spp. viz., Bacillus velenzensis strain BIK2, Bacillus cabrialesii strain BIK3 and Bacillus paralicheniformis strain BIK4 and Trichoderma spp. viz., Trichoderma asperellum strain TAIK1, and T. asperellum strain TAIK5, native to the Telangana state, in Southern India except for strain TAIK4 (Rewa district in the state of Madhya Pradesh in Central India). These promising isolates were subjected for whole genome sequencing using the Illumina platform and data was presented. The data was emanated for Trichoderma asperellum (TAIK1), Trichoderma asperellum (TAIK4), Trichoderma asperellum (TAIK5), Bacillus velezensis (BIK2), Bacillus cabrialesii (BIK3) and Bacillus paralicheniformis (BIK4) isolates had an average 100X coverage of 109X, 150X and 116X; 1447X, 905X and 585X respectively. Further studies on the annotation of the data obtained in correlation with the lab and field performance of these microbes would enable them to be used in metagenomics studies to compare their performance under natural conditions with different microbiota and popular rice varieties. Bioformulation of these strains would be more appropriate with the availability of this genomic data.

Comparative study on the mechanical and microstructural characterisation of AA 7075 nano and hybrid nanocomposites produced by stir and squeeze casting.

In this research work, a comparative evaluation on the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of aluminium based single and hybrid reinforced nanocomposites was carried out. The manufacture of a single reinforced nanocomposite was conducted with the distribution of 2 wt.% nano alumina particles (avg. particle size 30-50 nm) in the molten aluminium alloy of grade AA 7075; while the hybrid reinforced nanocomposites were produced with of 4 wt.% silicon carbide (avg. particle size 5-10 µm) and 2 wt.%, 4 wt.% nano alumina particles. Three numbers of single reinforced nanocomposites were manufactured through stir casting with reinforcements preheated to different temperatures viz. 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C. The stir cast procedure was extended to fabricate two hybrid reinforced nanocomposites with reinforcements preheated to 500 °C prior to their inclusion. A single reinforced nanocomposite was also developed by squeeze casting with a pressure of 101 MPa. Mechanical and physical properties such as density, hardness, ultimate tensile strength, and impact strength were evaluated on all the developed composites. The microstructural observation was carried out using optical and scanning electron microscopy. On comparison with base alloy, an improvement of 63.7% and 81.1% in brinell hardness was observed for single and hybrid reinforced nanocomposites respectively. About 16% higher ultimate tensile strength was noticed with the squeeze cast single reinforced nanocomposite over the stir cast.

Visual-perceptual-kinesthetic inputs on influencing writing performances in children with handwriting difficulties.

This study investigated the role of visual-perceptual input in writing Chinese characters among senior school-aged children who had handwriting difficulties (CHD). The participants were 27 CHD (9-11 years old) and 61 normally developed control. There were three writing conditions: copying, and dictations with or without visual feedback. The motor-free subtests of the Developmental Test of Visual Perception (DTVP-2) were conducted. The CHD group showed significantly slower mean speeds of character production and less legibility of produced characters than the control group in all writing conditions (ps<0.001). There were significant deteriorations in legibility from copying to dictation without visual feedback. Nevertheless, the Group by Condition interaction effect was not statistically significant. Only position in space of DTVP-2 was significantly correlated with the legibility among CHD (r=-0.62, p=0.001). Poor legibility seems to be related to the less-intact spatial representation of the characters in working memory, which can be rectified by viewing the characters during writing. Visual feedback regarding one's own actions in writing can also improve legibility of characters among these children.

Adsorption of cationic and anionic organic dyes from aqueous solution using silica.

The adsorption of cationic crystal violet (CV) and anionic indigo carmine (IC) has been studied on silica to identify the soil polluting nature of organic dyes. The adsorption parameters like contact time, concentration, temperature and adsorbent dosage were optimized for maximum adsorption. The adsorptions of CV and IC on silica followed Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo second order kinetics. The deltaS degrees, deltaH degrees and deltaG degrees of adsorption on silica are calculated by using Vant Hoff's plot. The adsorption isotherms and thermodynamic studies proved that the CV was adsorbed more than IC on silica. The dyes recovery has been studied from dyes adsorbed silica in water. Very poor recovery of CV and high recovery of IC were observed. The adsorption mechanism, high adsorption and very poor recovery of CV on silica proved that the CV is polluting the soil more than IC. The poor adsorption and high recovery of IC on silica is a supportive evidence for very less soil polluting nature of the IC.

Hormone replacement therapy is associated with less coronary atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women.

Most observational studies indicate that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) protects women from cardiovascular disease. Two recent randomized trials, however, showed no reduction in coronary events with HRT in postmenopausal women. A randomized study evaluating subclinical atherosclerosis showed a beneficial effect of estrogen. In the current study we evaluated the association between HRT and coronary artery atherosclerosis, as quantified by coronary artery calcium score. Current users of HRT were significantly more likely to have a coronary artery calcium score less than 100 and were less likely to have a score greater than 400 than non-HRT users. After adjustment for cardiac risk factors, current use of HRT was associated with a significant reduction of coronary artery calcium score (-28; 95% confidence interval, -48 to -10). The average age of users was 59 yr, the mean duration of use was 9 yr, and the duration of HRT use was significantly associated with a reduction in coronary artery calcium. These results suggest that HRT suppresses atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries. The failure to modify the cardiovascular event rate in clinical trials could result from the adverse effect of HRT on complicated lesions. Additional mechanistic studies may help identify therapeutic strategies that could maximize a potential benefit of HRT on early atherogenesis while minimizing adverse proinflammatory and procoagulant effects on complicated plaque lesions.

Effect of thyroid hormone on plasma apolipoproteins and apoA- and apoB-containing lipoprotein particles.

METHODS: Apolipoprotein and apoB- and apoA-containing lipoprotein particle concentrations were determined in 10 athyreotic patients 4 weeks after withdrawal of Synthroid replacement therapy [T4, 0.96 +/- 0.66 microgram mL-1; thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), 62.7 +/- 22.8 muIU mL-1] and again 4 weeks after reinstitution of treatment. RESULTS: Thyroid hormone replacement was associated with significant decreases in plasma cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein C-III (P < 0.01). Both the cholesterol ester-rich LP-B particles and triglyceride-rich LP-Bc particles declined significantly in response to thyroid hormone (LP-B withdrawal 81.6 +/- 24.0 vs. replacement 65.1 +/- 22.0; LP-Bc withdrawal 14.3 +/- 6.0 vs. replacement 10.9 +/- 4.8 mg%, P < 0.01). ApoC-III also decreased in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (apoC-III-HS), and in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) + low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (apoC-III-HP), but this reduction was proportionate so that the apo-C-III-HS/apoC-III-HP ratio, an indirect estimate of the efficiency of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), was unchanged. Apolipoprotein A-I concentrations also decreased significantly (withdrawal 140.7 +/- 27.0 vs. replacement 127.1 +/- 30.0 mg%, P < 0.01) in parallel with the changes in LP-A-I and LP-A-I:A-II particles (LP-A-I withdrawal 35.8 +/- 7.7 vs. replacement 31.5 +/- 6.3; LP-A-I:AII withdrawal 104.9 +/- 20.0 vs. replacement 95.5 +/- 26.0; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that thyroid hormone influences the transport not only of both TG-rich and cholesterol-rich apoB-containing lipoprotein particles but also of those that contain apoAI.

Thyrotoxicosis.

Thyrotoxicosis is a clinical syndrome caused by circulation of excess thyroid hormones. Classic hyperkinetic thyrotoxicosis is readily recognizable. Atypical presentations, however, can lead to diagnostic dilemmas. The sensitive thyroid-stimulating hormone assay has become an invaluable tool in the diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis. Causes of thyrotoxicosis include Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goiter, toxic adenoma, thyroiditis, inappropriate secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone, trophoblastic tumor, exposure to iodine, and use of drugs. Increased uptake of radioidine by the thyroid gland differentiates true hyperthyroidism from other causes of thyrotoxicosis. Graves' disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It is caused by antibodies to the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor that are stimulatory in nature. Extrathyroidal manifestations of Graves' disease include orbitopathy, dermopathy, and acropachy. Therapy includes thionamides, radioactive iodine, surgical intervention, and other adjunctive modalities. Thyroid storm is a medical emergency that necessitates prompt and aggressive therapy.

The effects of hypothyroidism and replacement therapy on cholesteryl ester transfer.

To characterize further the impact of thyroid dysfunction on the transport of cholesterol in plasma, we studied plasma lipids and cholesteryl ester transfer (CET) in 10 hypothyroid women before and 3 months after thyroid replacement therapy. CET, estimated as the net mass transfer of CE from HDL to the apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins (very low density and low density lipoproteins) was significantly decreased at 4 h (P < 0.05) and 6 h (P < 0.001) when the patients were hypothyroid (T4, 2.01 +/- 1.4; TSH, 55.5 +/- 39.9 microIU/mL) and increased to normal levels after hormone replacement and restoration of eumetabolism. Plasma lipid levels in the hypothyroid state closely resembled those in a female reference group, although total plasma cholesterol fell significantly [pretreatment, 218 +/- 36 vs. posttreatment, 192 +/- 49 (P < 0.025); control, 218 +/- 28 mg/dL (mean +/- SD)] after treatment. Concentrations of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) were unchanged (pretreatment, 2.35 +/- 0.83 vs. posttreatment, 2.30 +/- 1.19 mg/dL). The results of recombination studies using different lipoprotein fractions suggest that decreases in CET during hypothyroidism may be secondary to acceptor lipoprotein (low density and very low density lipoprotein) changes in the hypothyroid state and not to changes in the concentration of CETP itself.

Diseases of the adrenal cortex.

The adrenal cortex is functionally a three-dimensional gland that secretes glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex steroids. Of these three classes of steroids only the gluco- and mineralocorticoid hormones are necessary to sustain life. The availability of sensitive and specific radioimmunoassays has permitted accurate measurement of practically every steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. As in other endocrinopathies, suppression studies are employed when hyperfunction is suspected, while provocative tests are used to detect hypofunction. These dynamic studies enable the clinician to evaluate the functional status of the adrenal cortex. The anatomic configuration of the adrenal cortices is delineated by high-resolution computed tomography (and magnetic resonance imaging), obviating the need for invasive procedures such as venography or arteriography. The disorders of the adrenal cortex can be viewed from the dual perspectives of hyperfunction and hypofunction. Clinical expressions of hyperfunctional adrenocortical syndromes include Cushing's syndrome, primary hyperaldosteronism, and the adrenogenital syndrome. The expressions of hypofunctional syndromes include Addison's disease and selective hypoaldosteronism. The diagnosis and treatment of these disorders are outlined in this issue.

Glucose homeostasis during anesthesia and surgery in infants.

Baseline, preinduction, postinduction, and postsurgical plasma samples were collected for glucose, insulin, and cortisol in 16 neonates and infants. Glucose infusion rate was maintained constant (mean +/- SD 4.1 +/- 1.2 mg/kg/min) prior to and during surgery; additional fluid losses during surgery were replaced by fluids without dextrose. The weight at the time of surgery was 3,038 +/- 1,397 g. Postnatal age at the time of study ranged from one day to 40 weeks and the duration of surgery was 83 +/- 35 minutes. Plasma glucose values were higher than baseline values soon after induction of anesthesia (88 +/- 11 v 130 +/- 36 mg/dL; P less than .05); postsurgical glucose values were significantly higher than postinduction values (210 +/- 109 mg/dL v 130 +/- 36 mg/dL, P less than .01). Postsurgical plasma glucose had a negative correlation with weight of infants at the time of study (P less than .01; r = .61). Insulin changes were minimal and variable. Cortisol values did not change significantly from baseline values until the end of surgery (11.9 +/- 8.3 v 22.2 +/- 10.6 micrograms/dL; P less than .05). Hyperglycemia (greater than 150 mg/dL) was noted in 10/16 infants. This study indicates that glucose levels should be monitored and that additional fluid losses should be replaced by fluids without dextrose in neonates undergoing surgical procedures since hyperglycemia is a common occurrence.

Dissociation between TSH and prolactin dynamics in treated thyrotoxicosis.

TSH and prolactin secretory patterns in thyroid disease have generally been reported as concordant. We studied TSH and prolactin responses to TRH infusion (500 mug) in euthyroid individuals previously treated for thyrotoxicosis with 131I or antithyroid drugs. The 131I-treated group (seven men, twenty women) had been clinically and biochemically euthyroid (normal serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels) for 6 months to 4-5 years (kappa +/- SD = 17-1 +/- 4-1 months). Based on maximal TSH increment (deltaTSH), three patient groups were identified: Group 1 [normal deltaTSH, n = 6]: delta prolactin was normal in two, blunted in one and exaggerated in three. Group 2 (exaggerated TSH response, n = 8): delta prolactin was normal in two, blunted in one and exaggerated in five. Group 3 (TSH nonresponders, n = 13): delta prolactin was normal in five, blunted in three, and exaggerated in five. Eleven patients (three men, eight women) were studied after 6 months antithyroid-drug treatment. All were clinically and biochemically euthyroid. All but one showed a blunted TRH-TSH response. All three men showed an exaggerated delta prolactin as did four of eight women. Three women showed a blunted delta prolactin and in one, delta prolactin was normal. Thus, TRH-induced TSH and prolactin response patterns in treated thyrotoxicosis are not uniformly concordant, and, while a blunted or absent TSH response commonly persists long after euthyroidism has been restored, this is most frequently accompanied by a normal or exaggerated prolactin response.

The clinical utility of a heterologous radioimmunoassay for human prolactin.

A specific and sensitive double antibody radioimmunoassay for human prolactin has been developed utilizing anti-human prolactin and purified ovine prolactin for radioiodination. Employing this radioimmunoassay, as little as 1.5 ng of prolactin can be quantified in a ml of human serum. The prolactin in serum detected by the radioimmunoassay behaved in a similar manner to purified human 125-I-labled prolactin on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Exogenous prolactin could be completely recovered when varying amounts were added to a constant volume of serum. In normal control and primary hypothyroid subjects, intravenous administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone elicited a peak prolactin response 30 min post-injection. Hyperthyroid and hypopituitary subjects did not manifest a significant increase in serum prolactin concentration after the injection. Subjects with functional galactorrhea had high resting prolactin levels and exhibited peak increase in serum prolactin concentration at 60 min following the administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone.