Pathogenicity and population dynamics of foliar nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi infecting tuberose in West Bengal, India

Aim: The pathogenic potential of foliar nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi inducing floral malady symptoms and fluctuation of nematode populations in tuberose were determined under field conditions. Methodology: Pathogenicity of A. besseyi on tuberose cv. Calcutta single was carried out with eight treatments and three replications. The freshly collected A. besseyi was inoculated into tuberose. Observations on plant growth parameters, disease severity and nematode populations were taken and analysed. The population of A. besseyi in tuberose cv. Bidhan Rajani-3 was monitored from the plots of a different set of experiment. Nematode population from flower samples collected from fixed plots at monthly interval during the crop growing period were extracted and estimated. Results: Inoculation of nematodes at higher levels progressively decreased plant growth parameters as compared to uninoculated ones. The inoculated plants displayed typical symptoms of foliar nematode infestation; the outer surface of flower stalk appeared rough, growth stunted, flower stalks distorted, stalk bearing a few florets even failed to bloom. An initial inoculum density of 100 nematodes per plant was found to be pathogenic in tuberose causing significant reduction in yield and quality of flower. Monitoring nematode population during the plant growth period (cv. Bidhan Rajani-3) revealed that A. besseyi maintained maximum population during rainy season coinciding with the start of heavy flush of tuberose and minimum during December to February. Interpretation: An initial inoculum density of 100 A. besseyi per plant was considered pathogenic to tuberose. The nematode population attained peak density during July when the air temperature, relative humidity and total rainfall remained fairly high and lowest during February to December.

Heat and drought stress responses alter grain characteristics by impeding starch precursors of wheat

In semi-tropical regions, particularly in Punjab (India), drought and high temperature stress are serious constraints for wheat production. Understanding the key metabolic steps may help the breeders and biotechnologist to develop heat and drought tolerant genotypes. Six wheat cultivars, namely PBW 343, PBW 550, PBW 621, PBW 175, C 306 and HD 2967 were extensively characterized for transformation of sugars to starch under heat and drought stress conditions. Significant reduction in enzyme activities of ADP-Glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase and phosphofructokinase (PFK) in conjunction with reduced starch content under heat and drought stress conditions was apparent. However, contents of reducing sugars and fructans were increased while amylose and amylopectin content decreased. Correlation analysis revealed positive correlation of amylose with alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase and starch with AGPase and PFK. Role of PFK was evident from correlation between AGPase and PFK indicating its predominant role in providing substrate for AGPase activity. Significant effects of stress treatments (T), genotype (G) and genotype-by-treatment (G×T) interaction were observed for AGPase, alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase and PFK, amylose, amylopectin, starch, total sugars, fructans, 1000 grain weight and plant height. Thousand grain weights decreased more under heat stress as compared to drought stress indicating higher severity of the former stress.

Validity And Reliability Of Physical Activity Scale For Elderly In Malay Language (PASE-M)

@#Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) is a simple, valid and reliable questionnaire that can be administered to quantify older adults’ physical activity levels during daily living. However, PASE in Malay language for use among older population is not available. The objective of our current study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Malay translated Physical Activity Scale for Elderly (PASE-M) for the use among older adults. Objective results of physical activity were obtained by wearing continuously an accelerometer for one week among a population of older adults in Malaysia who speak Malay language. Participants completed PASE-M twice, on day-8 (PASE-M1) and day-15 (PASE-M2). Concurrent validity between PASE-M1 and accelerometer results was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Test-retest reliability for one week interval of PASE-M was tested using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). Forty-four community-dwelling older adults (12 men and 32 women; mean age ± SD= 66.95 ± 5.34) participated in this study. However, only 33 participants (8 men and 25 women; mean age ± SD= 66.64 ± 5.51) were able to achieve the minimum accelerometer wearing time and filled up the PASE-M questionnaire for two times with one weeks interval. The results showed the PASE-M score was significantly correlated with vector magnitude (VM) counts (r=0.54, p<0.01), time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (r =0.55, p<0.01), energy expenditure (r =0.53, p<0.01) and walking steps (r=0.39, p<0.05). A high reliability (ICC = 0.96) was demonstrated between first and the subsequent administration of PASE-M (p<0.01, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98). The PASE-M is a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess physical activity level for Malaysian community-dwelling older adults.

Gender Differences in Spinal Morphological Attributes among Young Adults: A Preliminary Study / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

There is limited information regarding gender differences in spinal morphological attributes among healthy young adultsalthough alterations have been reported to influence postural changes, mainly with forward-bending and extensionpostures. The aim of this preliminary study was to examine gender differences in spinal morphological attributes oflumbar extensor muscles that includes its muscle fibre angles, thickness, endurance and thoracolumbar curvature amongyoung adults. Nineteen male and 26 female healthy young adults (aged 21-24 years) matched for age, body mass indexand physical activity levels participated in this preliminary study. Fibre angles and thickness of lumbar extensor muscleswere examined using ultrasonography. Lumbar extensor muscle endurance and thoracolumbar curvatures were assessedusing Sorenson’s test and a flexible ruler respectively. Paired t-test showed a significant mean difference (p < 0.01)between the right and left fibre angles. However, no significant mean difference (p = 0.50) was found between the rightand left muscle thickness. Results of independent t-test showed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in muscle thicknessbetween males and females. No significant differences were shown in right fibre angle (p = 0.12), left fibre angle (p =0.89), muscle endurance (p = 0.46), thoracic curvature (p = 0.76) and lumbar curvature (p = 0.06) between genders.There were no gender differences in spinal morphological attributes except for lumbar extensor muscle thickness inyoung adults age between 21 to 24. This study data may be useful as an initial reference norm of spinal morphologicalattributes among young adults. Further studies may be required to examine the factors that may influence changes inspinal morphological attributes among healthy adults.

Internal Oblique and Transversus Abdominis Muscle Fatigue Induced by Slumped Sitting Posture after 1 Hour of Sitting in Office Workers

BACKGROUND: Prolonged sitting leads to low back discomfort and lumbopelvic muscle fatigue. This study examined the characteristics of body perceived discomfort and trunk muscle fatigue during 1 hour of sitting in three postures in office workers. METHODS: Thirty workers sat for 1 hour in one of three sitting postures (i.e., upright, slumped, and forward leaning postures). Body discomfort was assessed using the Body Perceived Discomfort scale at the beginning and after 1 hour of sitting. Electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from superficial lumbar multifidus, iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis, internal oblique (IO)/transversus abdominis (TrA), and rectus abdominis muscles during 1 hour of sitting. The median frequency (MDF) of the EMG power spectrum was calculated. RESULTS: Regardless of the sitting posture, the Body Perceived Discomfort scores in the neck, shoulder, upper back, low back, and buttock significantly increased after 1 hour of sitting compared with baseline values (t(9) = -11.97 to -2.69, p < 0.05). The MDF value of the EMG signal of rectus abdominis, iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis, and multifidus muscles was unchanged over time in all three sitting postures. Only the right and left IO/TrA in the slumped sitting posture was significantly associated with decreased MDF over time (p = 0.019 to 0.041). CONCLUSION: Prolonged sitting led to increased body discomfort in the neck, shoulder, upper back, low back, and buttock. No sign of trunk muscle fatigue was detected over 1 hour of sitting in the upright and forward leaning postures. Prolonged slumped sitting may relate to IO/TrA muscle fatigue, which may compromise the stability of the spine, making it susceptible to injury.

a comparative study between early enteral feeding (within 24 hours) versus conventional enteral feeding after enteric anastomosis.

Background: Traditionally, enteric feeds are withheld for a period of 48-72 hrs, sometimes even more following enteric anastomosis depending upon return of full peristaltic sounds. This results in a period of nonstimulation of gut –‘Gut Rest’, which was supposed to result in better anastomotic healing. But this same also deprives the intestinal mucosa of surface nutrients as well as prolongs parenteral fluid therapy, thereby depriving the patients of adequate nutrition. Along with it, prolonged parenteral therapy also keeps the patients bound to bed with its resultant complications like, prolonged hospital stay and increased cost of therapy. Objectives: To compare the benefits of early enteral feeding over conventional enteric feeding following enteric anastomosis with special regards to patients recovery and complications. Methods and materials: The selection of patients into group A (60) and group B (60) was done after having fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed consent was obtained. The patients of group A were fed via enteral route within 24 hrs of enteric anastomosis. The patients of group B were fed via enteral route after 48-72 hrs or appearance of full peristaltic sounds following enteric anastomosis. These patients were followed in post operative period for their drain output, any nausea, vomiting or significant abdominal distension, prolonged ileus, post operative duration of shospital stay, post operative infective complications (e.g. wound infection, UTI, RTI), and different haematological and biochemical examinations. Results: This study shows that post operative nausea-vomiting, anastomotic leakage rate, re-exploration , wound infection and RTI rates are higher in group A than those of group B. In this study, the incidence of UTI in post operative period is higher in group B. But the differences in above mentioned variables are not statistically significant. Whereas appearance of intestinal peristaltic sound is earlier in group A (42.8 ± 10.68 hours) compare to that of group B (52.6 ± 13.46 hours). Here, the difference is statistically significant (p value = 0.000022) The duration of post operative hospital stay is shorter in group A (8.45 ± 5.143 days) than that of group B (10.533 ± 4.952 days). The difference of duration post operative hospital stay is statistically significant (p value = 0.0257). Removal of nasogastric tube, resumption of oral feeding, and passage of first flatus and/or defecation were earlier in the group A than that of the group B; the differences were statistically significant. The post operative day-5 albumin level is better in group A (3.147 ± 0.4409 gm/dl) than that of group B (2.935 ± 0.3124 gm/dl). This difference is also statistically significant (p value = 0.0029). There are three mortalities in group Awhereas one mortality in group B. This difference in mortality in two groups is not statistically significant.

A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of Interactive Virtual Reality Sports on Balance Performance among Older Women / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

This randomized control pilot study quantified the efficacy of interactive virtual reality golf training on balance performance among community mobile older person. Eight older women were assigned randomly to a conventional mat exercises program group (n = 4, mean age = 51 ± 1.6 years old) or an experimental group that participated in interactive virtual reality golf (n = 4, mean age = 53.5 ± 1.4 years old). Balance assessments of all participants included Multi-Directional Reach Test (MDRT), Step Up Test (SUT), Double Leg Static Balance (DLSB) with eyes open and closed and excursion of centre of pressure (COP) sway quantified with a force plate. One subject dropped out from the experimental group and three subjects from the conventional mat exercise group due to work commitments to complete the once a week study for four weeks. No significant differences in base-line balance abilities were found between groups. The experiment group did not have significant improvements in balance capability compared with control subjects (MDRT p = 0.16-0.66; SUT p = 0.05; COP during DLSB p = 0.18-0.66). However, virtual reality golf intervention improved medial-lateral sway by 57.24% during DLSB compared to 14.99% after floor-mat exercises. The improvement in COP during DLSB after interactive virtual reality golf hints towards improved postural control. Further studies with a larger population should explore using off-the shelf interactive virtual reality sports for balance training. This novel technology can complement rehabilitation programs.

role of the Hospital Environment During Rehabilitaion

Early rehabilitation after stroke aims to maximize motor recovery. Research indicates that recovery can be significantly influenced by a challenging and movement oriented hospital environment. This review paper evaluates strategies to stimulate early, active and intensive patient participation in functional activities of daily living during non-therapy times. For example, rearranging the ward routine can reduce the time the patient spends inactively during the day, while physical restructuring and design of the ward can encourage weight bearing activities and upper limb function. Regular activity will also prevent secondary complications such as muscle contractures. Families can be better utilized to reinforce self-practice sessions and technological devices can remind the patient to move regularly. Hospital staff and rehabilitation therapists should review the practice of no rehabilitation during weekends and public holidays as 7 days per week therapy has been shown to reduce length of stay in other conditions. The challenge would be to create a cohesive team of health care professionals who can structure the hospital environment to motivate the patient to perform functional activities during non-therapy times

Giant cell tumour of the lower end of the radius--a new treatment modality.

Excision of the lower end of the radius with centralisation of ulna was done in 3 patients with histology proved diagnosis of giant cell tumour, as secondary procedure in 2 cases following recurrence of tumour in the fibular graft, and as a primary procedure in one, where the segment of fibula required was more than 15.2 cm. After an average follow-up of 2.3 years, the results were assessed both subjectively and objectively. The patients were happy with their hand functions and were able to have more than 80% of the grip strength. They could return to their former occupation. There was no recurrence of tumour and no pain at the wrist.

Antimutagenic activity of Terminalia chebula (myroblan) in Salmonella typhimurium.

Antimutagenicity of water and chloroform extracts of dried myroblan Terminalia chebula was determined against two direct acting mutagens, sodium azide and 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine (NPD) in strains TA100 and TA1535, and TA97a and TA98 of Salmonella typhimurium respectively and S9-dependent mutagen 2-aminofluorene (2-AF) in TA97a, TA98 and TA100 strains. Water extract reduced NPD as well as 2-AF induced his+ revertants significantly but did not have any perceptible effect against sodium azide included his+ revertants in TA100 and TA1535 strains of S. typhimurium. The pre-incubation studies, where the extract was incubated at 37 degrees C for 30 min with the said mutagen prior to plating, enhanced the inhibitory effect. Autoclaving the water extract reduced the inhibitory effect but the reduction in the effect was not significant. No inhibitory effect was observed in any of the strains and against any of the test mutagens with chloroform extract.

Histidine-15 and lytic activity of lysozyme.

The literature data on the activity of histidine-15 modified hen egg white lysozyme are conflicting: the modified enzyme is reported to have more activity, similar activity or less activity by different authors. Amino acid analysis had shown modification of the single His-15. Detailed activity studies on His-15-modified (by iodoacetic acid or diethyl pyrocarbonate) lysozyme have shown that the contradicting reports are due to the specific choices of ionic strengths and cell wall substrate concentrations and can be attributed to the substrate being negatively charged. Our analysis suggests that even though histidine-15 is far removed from the active site of lysozyme, its chemical modification or binding of the negatively-charged substrate near it, changes the conformation around the active site. However, the change in the optimum activity on chemically modifying His-15 is small.

Effect of glucagon on arrhythmias induced by coronary artery occlusion and ouabain in dogs.

The effect of glucagon in arrhythmias induced by coronary artery occlusion and ouabain was studied in dogs. Intravenous administration of glucagon (50 microgram/kg) to 6 dogs with more than 70% ectopic activity after coronary artery occlusion, resulted in significant (P less than 0.01) decrease in ectopics and increase in heart rate. Infusion of glucagon (2.5 microgram/kg/min) for 30 min caused complete elimination of ectopic activity during infusion period. In another series of 7 experiments, glucagon failed to abolish the ouabain-induced ectopic beats. In fact the hormone itself caused a significant (P less tha 0.01) increase in ectopic activity and heart rate. However, in 7 dogs with complete heart block produced after ouabain conversion to normal sinus rhythm was observed after glucagon.