Current perspective in research and industrial applications of microbial cellulases.

The natural interactions between various bacteria, fungi, and other cellulolytic microorganisms destroy lignocellulosic polymers. The efficacy of this process is determined by the combined action of three main enzymes: endoglucanases, exo-glucanases, and ß-glucosidase. The enzyme attacks the polymeric structure's ß-1,4-linkages during the cellulose breakdown reaction. This mechanism is crucial for the environment as it recycles cellulose in the biosphere. However, there are problems with enzymatic cellulose breakdown, including complex cellulase structure, insufficient degradation efficacy, high production costs, and post-translational alterations, many of which are closely related to certain unidentified cellulase properties. These issues impede the practical use of cellulases. A developing area of research is the application of this similar paradigm for industrial objectives. Cellulase enzyme exhibits greater promise in many critical industries, including biofuel manufacture, textile smoothing and finishing, paper and pulp manufacturing, and farming. However, the study on cellulolytic enzymes must move forward in various directions, including increasing the activity of cellulase as well as designing peptides to give biocatalysts their desired attributes. This manuscript includes an overview of current research on different sources of cellulases, their production, and biochemical characterization.

Differential impact of COVID-19 on mental health and burnout.

BACKGROUND: There may be differential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and burnout rates of healthcare professionals (HCPs) performing different roles. AIMS: To examine mental health and burnout rates, and possible drivers for any disparities between professional roles. METHODS: In this cohort study, online surveys were distributed to HCPs in July-September 2020 (baseline) and re-sent 4 months later (follow-up; December 2020) assessing for probable major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), insomnia, mental well-being and burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization). Separate logistic regression models (at both phases) compared the risk of outcomes between roles: healthcare assistants (HCAs), nurses and midwives (nurses), allied health professionals (AHPs) and doctors (reference group). Separate linear regression models were also developed relating the change in scores to professional role. RESULTS: At baseline (n = 1537), nurses had a 1.9-fold and 2.5-fold increased risk of MDD and insomnia, respectively. AHPs had a 1.7-fold and 1.4-fold increased risk of MDD and emotional exhaustion, respectively. At follow-up (n = 736), the disproportionate risk between doctors and others worsened: nurses and HCAs were at 3.7-fold and 3.6-fold increased risk of insomnia, respectively. Nurses also had a significantly increased risk of MDD, GAD, poor mental well-being and burnout. Nurses also had significantly worsened anxiety, mental well-being and burnout scores over time, relative to doctors. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses and AHPs had excess risk of adverse mental health and burnout during the pandemic, and this difference worsened over time (in nurses especially). Our findings support adoption of targeted strategies accounting for different HCP roles.

Real-world healthcare costs and resource utilization in patients with von Willebrand disease and angiodysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the economic burden among VWD patients with angiodysplasia compared to VWD patients without angiodysplasia and the general population. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis using the Merative MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Databases® (January 2011-September 2020). Selected patients had ≥1 medical claim for VWD or low VWF, ≥1 medical claim for AGD, and ≥3 GI-related bleeding episodes within a year. HCRU and all-cause costs were compared with the VWD (only) and the general cohorts. RESULTS: The mean total all-cause costs were $150,101 among patients with VWD and angiodysplasia (n = 34), higher compared to $48,249 among matched VWD patients without angiodysplasia (n = 136) and $31,029 among matched individuals of the general population [n = 136; p-value < 0.0001]. The differences in costs between groups were primarily due to inpatient care. During the 12-month follow-up, VWD patients with symptomatic (n = 35), asymptomatic (n = 81), and suspected (n = 378) angiodysplasia had an average of 4.1, 0.6, and 3.8 gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds, respectively. Desmopressin, VWF concentrates, and aminocaproic acid were the most frequent treatments used. The most frequent procedures to treat GI-related bleeding and underlying lesions were blood transfusion and laser therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Despite recent therapeutic advances, there is room for considerable reduction of the disease burden in patients with VWD and angiodysplasia.

Current trends in management of bacterial pathogens infecting plants.

Plants are continuously challenged by different pathogenic microbes that reduce the quality and quantity of produce and therefore pose a serious threat to food security. Among them bacterial pathogens are known to cause disease outbreaks with devastating economic losses in temperate, tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Bacteria are structurally simple prokaryotic microorganisms and are diverse from a metabolic standpoint. Bacterial infection process mainly involves successful attachment or penetration by using extracellular enzymes, type secretion systems, toxins, growth regulators and by exploiting different molecules that modulate plant defence resulting in successful colonization. Theses bacterial pathogens are extremely difficult to control as they develop resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, attempts are made to search for innovative methods of disease management by the targeting bacterial virulence and manipulating the genes in host plants by exploiting genome editing methods. Here, we review the recent developments in bacterial disease management including the bioactive antimicrobial compounds, bacteriophage therapy, quorum-quenching mediated control, nanoparticles and CRISPR/Cas based genome editing techniques for bacterial disease management. Future research should focus on implementation of smart delivery systems and consumer acceptance of these innovative methods for sustainable disease management.

Potential use of microwave technology in dermatology.

BACKGROUND: Microwaves are used in medicine for diagnostics, and treatment of cancer. Recently, novel microwave devices (Swift®, Emblation Ltd, UK and miraDry®, Miramar Labs Inc., CA) have been cleared by the FDA and Health Canada for various dermatological conditions. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: To review the dermatological use of microwave-based treatments (plantar warts, corns, actinic keratosis, dermatophytosis, axillary hyperhidrosis, osmidrosis, and hidradenitis suppurativa). Clinical trials, case reports, or in vitro studies for each condition are summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Microwaves are a promising alternative therapy for cutaneous warts, actinic keratosis, axillary hyperhidrosis, and osmidrosis, with favorable safety profiles. However, patients with hidradenitis suppurativa have had negative clinical outcomes. Limited treatment of corns showed good pain reduction but did not resolve hyperkeratosis. A preliminary in vitro study indicated that microwave treatment inhibits the growth of T. rubrum. We present the first case of toenail onychomycosis successfully treated with microwaves. Despite the advancements in the use of microwaves, the mechanism of action in non-ablative treatment is not well understood; further research is needed. More high-quality randomized clinical trials with larger groups and long follow-up periods are also required to evaluate the clinical benefits and possible adverse effects of microwaves in treating dermatological conditions.

Finasteride for hair loss: a review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Finasteride 1 mg/day is indicated for androgen-dependent conditions such as male androgenetic alopecia (AGA). METHODS: The literature is comprehensively summarized on the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and metabolism of finasteride. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed to assess the efficacy of finasteride reported in clinical trials. The adverse events profile is described along with the post-marketing reports. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Finasteride 1 mg/day significantly increased total hair count compared to placebo after 24 weeks (mean difference = 12.4 hairs/cm2, p < .05), and 48 weeks (mean difference = 16.4 hairs/cm2, p < .05). The efficacy of the two doses of finasteride (5 mg/day and 1 mg/day) and topical finasteride (1% solution) were not significantly different. The most commonly reported sexual events include erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. Increasing patient complaints and analysis of the FAERS database led to the inclusion of depression in the FDA label in 2011, as men were found to be at a risk of suicide due to the persistent sexual side effects, commonly termed as post-finasteride syndrome. Finasteride is shown to be reasonably tolerated in both men and women; however, patients need to be educated about the possible short- and long-term side-effects.

Minoxidil: a comprehensive review.

Topical minoxidil (5% foam, 5% solution, and 2% solution) is FDA-approved for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in men and women.Mechanism of action: Minoxidil acts through multiple pathways (vasodilator, anti-inflammatory agent, inducer of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, an antiandrogen), and may also affect the length of the anagen and telogen phases.Pharmacokinetics: Approximately 1.4% of topical minoxidil is absorbed through the skin. Minoxidil is a prodrug that is metabolized by follicular sulfotransferase to minoxidil sulfate (active form). Those with higher sulfotransferase activity may respond better than patients with lower sulfotransferase activity.Clinical efficacy (topical minoxidil): In a five-year study, 2% minoxidil exhibited peak hair growth in males at year one with a decline in subsequent years. Topical minoxidil causes hair regrowth in both frontotemporal and vertex areas. The 5% solution and foam were not significantly different in efficacy from the 2% solution.Oral and Sublingual minoxidil (not FDA approved; off-label): After 6 months of administration, minoxidil 5 mg/day was significantly more effective than topical 5% and 2% in male AGA. Low-dose 0.5-5 mg/day may also be safe and effective for female pattern hair loss and chronic telogen effluvium. Sublingual minoxidil may be safe and effective in male and female pattern hair loss.

COVID-19-associated psychosis in Indian settings: A retrospective descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected millions of people across the world since early 2020. Besides the large number of case fatalities, this virus has produced significant health-related sequelae involving multiple systems of the body. As with previous coronavirus infections, this was also found to be associated with various neuropsychiatric symptoms. Psychosis has been uncommon, and the few reported cases across the world have forwarded association with either raised inflammatory markers or the consequences of social isolation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study of 12 patients, who were admitted with COVID-19 infection and psychosis, between March 2020 and December 2020. Cases of head injury, any neurological or metabolic illnesses, and substance use disorders were excluded. RESULTS: Cases with psychosis formed only 0.19% of all cases of COVID-19 admissions. All of them were young male and employed. Most of them had abrupt onset of psychosis with confusion, delusions, hallucinations, agitation, and sleep disturbances. Investigations including inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein) and computerized tomography scans were largely normal. Medications used were mainly benzodiazepines and antipsychotics. Most of the cases resolved within the second week, and follow-up after a month did not elicit any residual symptoms in majority. Diagnosis was acute and transient psychotic disorder (about 75%), bipolar affective disorder (2 cases), and schizophrenia (one). CONCLUSIONS: The major findings included nonreactive inflammatory markers, quick resolution of symptoms, requirement of low doses of antipsychotic drugs, and no long-term sequelae.

The impact of tooth colour on the perceptions of age and social judgements.

OBJECTIVE: Psychological research has established that the presence of dental anomalies negatively impact social judgements. This study sought to determine the effects of tooth colour on the subjective ratings of social judgements in a group of Caucasian adults. METHODS: A cross sectional experimental analogue design comprised fifty Caucasian adults: 25 women and 25 men. A total of 54 digitally modified photographs of Caucasian males and females (darkened, natural, whitened teeth) were evaluated. All participants evaluated each of the images on 12 characteristics: popularity, friendliness, social life, success, graduation, happiness, intelligence, perceived age, introversion/extraversion, self-confidence, attractiveness and satisfaction with the tooth shade. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare ratings. RESULTS: Participants associated darkened teeth with poorer subjective ratings, with the highest ratings been given to whitened teeth, and natural teeth being intermediate. These trends were similar across all participant age groups and gender. Further, the gender and age groups of the images had a significant effect on the appraisals. Faces of younger models received higher ratings than the faces of older models and female images were rated higher than the males. CONCLUSION: In the absence of other information, tooth colour exerts an influence upon the appraisals made in social situations. It appears that whitened tooth appearance is preferred to natural tooth appearance, irrespective of age and gender of the judge. The faces with more whitened dentition are perceived to be younger across all age groups and gender of the judges. Participants dissatisfied with their own tooth shade drew out more stereotypic behaviour. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This research used standardised tooth colour as a basis to investigate perceived age and social functioning. As clinicians face daily challenges to achieve patient satisfaction with respect to dental aesthetics, standardizing the colour may enhance the patients' satisfaction. Further, participants dissatisfied with their own tooth shade drew out more stereotypic behaviour. The whitened dentition may impair the psychological well-being of the individuals and is probably a reason for the increasing demand for cosmetic dental procedures. These results may be instructive for the development of a psycho-educational intervention to prevent any unrealistic expectations.

Multifocal electroretinography-assisted anatomical and functional evaluation of subthreshold green laser in acute central serous chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To compare observation versus subthreshold green laser (STL) in acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in terms of anatomical and functional outcomes. METHODS: Prospective randomized interventional study. 30 eyes with the first episode of acute CSC underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, measurement of best-corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity (CS), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) at baseline. Patients were randomized equally to group A (observation) or group B (STL using 532 nm wavelength applied to the leakage point). Outcome measures included BCVA, CS, central foveal thickness (CFT), and mean macular thickness (MMT) on SD-OCT and P1 amplitude and implicit time (IT) on mfERG. Patients were followed up for 6 months. RESULTS: Mean BCVA was comparable between the two groups on follow up; however, mean CS was significantly higher in group B at 6 months (P = 0.032). CFT was significantly lower in group B at 1 month (P = 0.001) and 3 months (P = 0.049); however, this difference was not maintained at 6 months (P = 0.265). P1 amplitude and IT in all 5 rings were comparable between the two groups at baseline. On follow up, P1 amplitude of ring 1 became significantly higher in group B at 3 months (P = 0.036) and 6 months (P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Immediate treatment of acute CSC with STL, as compared to conservative management, leads to more rapid resolution on SD-OCT and superior functional outcomes as evidenced by CS and mfERG.

Data on vildagliptin and vildagliptin plus metformin combination in type-2 diabetes mellitus management.

It is of interest to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of vildagliptin as monotherapy and combination therapy of vildagliptin and metformin for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Indian settings. The study included patients with T2DM (aged >18 years) receiving vildagliptin monotherapy and vildagliptin in combination with metformin therapy of various strengths. Data related to demographics, risk factors, medical history, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and medical therapies were retrieved from medical records. Out of 9678 patients (median age, 52.0 years), 59.1% were men. A combination of vildagliptin and metformin (50/500 mg) was the most commonly used therapy (54.8%), and the median duration of therapy was 24.0 months. The predominant reason for selecting vildagliptin therapy was to improve HbA1c levels (87.8%). A total of 87.5% of patients required dosage up-titration. Vildagliptin therapy was used in patients with T2DM and associated complications (peripheral neuropathy, CAD, nephropathy, retinopathy, autonomous neuropathy, stroke/TIA, and peripheral artery disease). Among 5175 patients who experienced body weight changes, a majority of patients showed a loss of weight (68.6%). The target glycemic control was achieved in 95.3% of patients. The mean HbA1c levels were significantly decreased post-treatment (mean change: 1.34%; p<0.001). Adverse events were reported in 0.4% of patients. Physicians rated the majority of patients as good to excellent on the global evaluation of efficacy and tolerability scale (98.9%, each). Vildagliptin as monotherapy and combination therapy of vildagliptin and metformin was an effective therapy in reducing HbA1c helps in achieving target glycemic control, and was well tolerated in Indian patients with T2DM continuum.

Nondermatophyte mould onychomycosis.

Nondermatophyte moulds (NDMs) onychomycosis is often difficult to diagnose as NDMs have been considered contaminants of nails. There are several diagnostic methods used to identify NDMs, however, repeated laboratory isolation is recommended to validate pathogenicity. With NDM and mixed infection (dermatophytes plus NDM) onychomycosis on the rise, accurate clinical diagnosis along with mycological tests is recommended. Systemic antifungal agents such as itraconazole and terbinafine (e.g. pulse regimen: 1 pulse = every day for one week, followed by no treatment for three weeks) have shown efficacy in treating onychomycosis caused by various NDMs such as Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, and Onychocola canadensis. Studies investigating topical therapy and devices for NDM onychomycosis are limited. The emergence of antifungal resistance necessitates the incorporation of antifungal susceptibility testing into diagnosis when possible, for the management of recalcitrant infections. Case studies documented in the literature show newer azoles such as posaconazole and voriconazole as sometimes effective in treating resistant NDM onychomycosis. Treatment with broad-spectrum antifungal agents (e.g. itraconazole and efinaconazole) and other combination therapy (oral + oral and/or oral + topical) may be considerations in the management of NDM onychomycosis.

Five-year efficacy and safety of tildrakizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who respond at week 28: pooled analyses of two randomized phase III clinical trials (reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2).

BACKGROUND: The phase III reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2 (NCT01722331/NCT01729754) trials of the anti-interleukin-23p19 monoclonal antibody tildrakizumab (TIL) for psoriasis treatment are complete. OBJECTIVES: We present 5-year pooled data from reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2. METHODS: reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2 were double-blind, randomized, controlled studies with optional long-term extensions. Adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis were randomized 2 : 2 : 1 to TIL 100 mg (TIL 100) or 200 mg (TIL 200) or placebo at weeks 0 and 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter [reSURFACE 2 included an etanercept (ETN) arm]. Efficacy outcomes included proportions of patients achieving absolute and relative improvement from baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score through week 244 in TIL responders (≥ 75% improvement from baseline PASI; PASI 75 response) continuously receiving the same dose and ETN partial responders and nonresponders (PASI < 75 response) switched to TIL 200 at week 28. Safety was assessed from adverse events (AEs) in all patients as treated. RESULTS: Efficacy analyses included 329 and 227 week 28 responders to TIL 100 and TIL 200, respectively, and 121 ETN partial responders/nonresponders switched to TIL 200 at week 28. Of TIL 100 or TIL 200 responders and ETN partial responders/nonresponders entering the extensions, 235/302, 176/213 and 85/107, respectively, were evaluated at week 244, and 88·7%, 92·5% and 81·3%, respectively, achieved PASI 75 response. Exposure-adjusted rates of serious AEs were 6·3 and 6·0 patients with events per 100 patient-years of TIL 100 and TIL 200, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TIL treatment provided sustained disease control over 5 years in week 28 TIL responders and ETN partial responders/nonresponders, with a reassuring safety profile.

Meta-analysis of photobiomodulation for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

BACKGROUND: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a condition that affects most people at some point in their life, yet few treatments are available. Use of photobiomodulation is ideal due to the safety profile and lack of serious adverse effects. Therefore, the efficacy of photobiomodulation for AGA therapy was investigated. METHODS: A meta-analysis was used to elucidate treatment efficacy. Additionally, a sub-analysis was performed to determine if the type of device used or if use of lasers versus light emitting diodes (LEDs) significantly impacted results. RESULTS: Using hair density (hairs/cm2) as a measure of efficacy, the standardized mean difference (SMD) was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.68, 1.36) in favor of treatment over control (15 studies, pooled N = 795, p < .00001). Subgroup analysis comparing comb-style devices versus helmet/hat-style devices did not reveal a significant difference (p = .08). A second subgroup analysis suggested that laser treatment was significantly more effective (p = .009) than a combination of laser/LED treatment although the combination treatment was still significantly better than control treatment. DISCUSSION: Meta-analysis results suggest that photobiomodulation could be used to effectively treat AGA. Specific device recommendations should be based on use of lasers versus LEDs and not the style (comb/hat/helmet) of the device.

Meta-analysis of 308-nm excimer laser therapy for alopecia areata.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that can result in spontaneous hair loss. Currently, there is no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment, however new treatments are being investigated. Excimer laser and excimer lamp treatment have been suggested and have the benefit of mild/few adverse effects.Methods: A literature search and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the efficacy of the excimer laser and lamp for treatment of AA. Results: No controlled trials were found which utilized the 308-nm excimer lamp. Four controlled trials (N = 105) testing the efficacy of the 308-nm excimer laser were identified. When laser treatment was compared to control measured through the number of responders to treatment, the standardized mean difference was 18.37 (95% CI: 3.28, 102.77) in favor of treatment (p < .0009, I2 = 36%). Conclusion: Our results suggest that use of the 308-nm excimer laser can be effective in AA therapy however more studies are required observing both the 308-nm excimer laser and lamp.

Physical Frailty Phenotype and Depression are Associated with More Severe Disease in Older Subjects Presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to determine the occurrence of frailty in elderly patients presenting with the acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The secondary objective was to study the association between the deficits in health with the severity of ACS at presentation among them. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted in the Departments of Medicine, Community Medicine and Biochemistry in a tertiary care teaching hospital, Delhi, India between November 2014 and April 2016. Patients (≥60 years age) presenting with any one of the spectra of ACS (STEMI, UA, NSTEMI) and giving informed written consent were assessed for frailty and health deficits using questionnaires. ACS assessed by ECG within 24 h and other relevant investigations. Appropriate statistical tests of significance like the Chi-square test were used and correlation coefficients were analyzed. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Seven risk factors apart from old age were studied, in which smoking and dyslipidemia played a major role. 44% of the subjects were frail with the range of frailty scores between 3 and 5. Every one-unit increase in hemoglobin was associated with a reduction in the odds (OR 0.72) for being frail. No association was noted between the severity of ACS and established risk factors like smoking, hypertension, diabetes, family history of CAD, increased waist circumference, dyslipidemia, and male gender. On multivariable linear regression, presence of frailty and depression were associated with severe disease. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one in two patients presenting with ACS were found frail. Depression and frailty were associated with poorer ejection fraction and severe disease. Correction of anemia and improvement of low-normal hemoglobin levels could reduce frailty and in-turn improve outcomes in ACS.

Onychomycosis: a review.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail, causing discoloration and thickening of the affected nail plate, and is the most common nail infection worldwide. Onychomycosis was initially thought to be predominantly caused by dermatophytes; however, new research has revealed that mixed infections and those caused by non-dermatophyte moulds (NDMs) are more prevalent than previously thought, especially in warmer climates. Microscopy and fungal culture are the gold standard techniques for onychomycosis diagnosis, but high false-negative rates have pushed for more accurate methods, such as histology and PCR. As NDMs are skin and laboratory contaminants, their presence as an infectious agent requires multiple confirmations and repeated sampling. There are several treatment options available, including oral antifungals, topicals and devices. Oral antifungals have higher cure rates and shorter treatment periods than topical treatments, but have adverse side effects such as hepatotoxicity and drug interactions. Terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole are most commonly used, with new oral antifungals such as fosravuconazole being evaluated. Topical treatments, such as efinaconazole, tavaborole, ciclopirox and amorolfine have less serious side effects, but also have generally lower cure rates and much longer treatment regimens. New topical formulations are being investigated as faster-acting alternatives to the currently available topical treatments. Devices such as lasers have shown promise in improving the cosmetic appearance of the nail, but due to a high variation of study methods and definitions of cure, their effectiveness for onychomycosis has yet to be sufficiently proven. Recurrence rates for onychomycosis are high; once infected, patients should seek medical treatment as soon as possible and sanitize their shoes and socks. Prophylactic application of topicals and avoiding walking barefoot in public places may help prevent recurrence.

Rooting behaviour and soil properties in different bamboo species of Western Himalayan Foothills, India.

Due to extensive root system, connected rhizome bamboos are considered suitable for improving soil properties within a short period, though most of the claims are anecdotal and need to be supported with quantified data. The study evaluates seven bamboo species viz., Bambusa balcooa, Bambusa bambos, Bambusa vulgaris, Bambusa nutans, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Dendrocalamus stocksii and Dendrocalamus strictus for their rooting pattern and impact on soil health properties. Coarse and fine root intensity was maximum in B. vulgaris. Coarse root biomass ranged from 0.6 kg m-3 in B. nutans to 2.0 kg m-3 in B. vulgaris and B. bambos. Fine root biomass ranged from 1.1 kg m-3 in B. nutans to 4.5 kg m-3 in D. hamiltonii. Contribution of fine roots in terms of intensity and biomass was much higher than coarse roots. Fine root biomass showed declining trend with increase in soil depth in all the species. During sixth year, the litter fall ranged from 8.1 Mg ha-1 in D. stocksii to 12.4 Mg ha-1 in D. hamiltonii. Among soil physical properties significant improvement were recorded in hydraulic conductivity, water stable aggregates and mean weight diameter. Soil pH, organic carbon and available phosphorus under different species did not reveal any significant changes, while significant reduction was observed in total nitrogen and potassium. Significant positive correlation was observed between WSA and iron content. Soil microbial population and enzyme activities were higher in control plot. Considering root distribution, biomass, soil hydraulic conductivity and water stable aggregates, B. bambos, B. vulgaris and D. hamiltonii are recommended for rehabilitation of degraded lands prone to soil erosion.