Characterization of cultural beneficial bacterial diversity for plant growth promoting attributes associated with rice rhizosphere

Aim: The study was undertaken to isolate, characterize and molecularly identify plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) associated with rice rhizosphere occurring in Gangetic plains of the country. Methodology: One hundred forty three plant growth promoting rhizobacteria were isolated on various culture media and characterized culturally and morphologically through Scanning Electron Microscope. These rhizobacterial isolates were further screened for plant growth promoting activities like HCN production, siderophore production and phosphate solubilisation. The 16S rDNA sequencing was done to decipher phylogenetic relationship among 19 selected PGPRs. Besides, these were also tested for anti-oxidative enzyme production to mitigate deleterious effects of various stresses on plant growth and metabolism. Results: Nineteen potential plant growth promoting rhizobacteria were characterized for plant growth promoting attributes and were indentified at molecular level. Rice is well colonized by bacteria mainly Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Burkholderia sp., and Acinetobactor spp., Rice seeds treated with microbial consortium of MAU 143 + MRT 84 recorded in increased antioxidant production–SOD activity (0.02 U mg−1 f.w.t.), POX activity (0.16 U mg−1 f.w.t.), POP activity (0.06 U mg−1 f.w.t.) and TPC assay (1.17 µg gallic acid mg-1 extract) which might have stimulated the growth of radical (2.2 cm) and plumule (1.6 cm) over control. These three PGPRs viz., MAU 143, MRT 84 and MRT 92 strain showed great potential to improve antioxidant and total polyphenol production and seed vigour of rice seedlings. The identified rhizobacterial strains may be used for plant growth promotion and improvement in nutrients mobilization and oxidative stresses in rice production. Interpretation: The study suggested that plant growth promoting rhizobacteria isolated from rice rhizosphere have greater potential to improve soil nutrients status while provide resistance against infection of pathogenic microbes due to production of anti-oxidative enzymes and phenolic compounds in rice seedlings.

18S rDNA PCR based detection of hymenopteran parasitoids in the Indian Lac insect, Kerria lacca [Kerr]

The Indian lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr) is an economically important insect yielding resin, dye and wax. Aprostocetus purpureus and Tachardiaephagus tachardiae are the two most important parasitoids of lac insect. Timely detection of the parasitoids infection is essential for their control. Host dissection and caging of adult lac insects are the existing methods for detection of parasitoids in lac culture. Host dissection is laborious, whereas caging helps to detect the presence of only adult but not immature stages of parasitoids. Hence in this study, a PCR based approach has been developed for detection of these two important parasitoids in lac insects. Primers were designed from the clustalW alignment of 18S rDNA sequences of parasitoids and lac insects. Subsequently, specificity of the primers was checked by PCR i.e., A. purpureus and T. tachardiae specific primers amplified only the respective parasitoid DNA but not lac insect and another parasitoid DNA. The PCR methods thus developed were also found to work with field collected infected lac insect samples and were able to differentiate infected lac insects from the uninfected ones.

Efficacy Of Virechana Karma In The Management Of Acne Vulgaris

A healthy and clear facial impression plays the important part for the development of the personality. Since ages, Acne vulgaris has always been one of the most burning problem of the adolescents. It affects the most prominent part of our body, the face. Among the multifactorial etiology of acne hormonal imbalance and infections are most important. Acne is a cutaneous pleomorphic disorder of the pilosebaceous unit involving abnormalities in sebum production and is characterized by both inflammatory (papules, pustules and nodules) and non-inflammatory (comedones, open and closed) lesions. Propionibacterium acnes is responsible for the development of acne vulgaris. Acne Vulgaris can be correlated with Mukhadushika or Yuvanpidika on the basis of similarity in the etiopathogenesis, symptoms, treatment and complication. In Ayurveda it is the Shalmali thorn like eruptions on the face of adolescent due to vitiation of Kapha, Vata and Shonita. Allopathic treatment includes treatment for all forms of acne as topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide, oral antibiotics, steroids etc. But these causes serious adverse effects. So it is necessary to find out effective and safe treatment for Acne Vulgaris. Ayurveda is for it which plays important role through its principles i.e. Shodhana, Shamana and Nidanparivarjana. As described by various Acharya the Shodhanachikitsa includes Vamana, Virechana and Shiravedha. Among Shodhana, Virechana process is the safe and effective treatment, providing long lasting result for better life of patient.

Role Of Pathya-apathya And Yogic Procedures In The Management Of Copd

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease that is often preventable and treatable. In Ayurvedic texts Shwasa Roga has been described having symptomatology close to COPD. COPD damages the airways in lungs and leads to shortness of breath, impacting patient`s work, exercise, sleep and other everyday activities. More than 11 million people in the U. S. suffer from COPD and its prevalence has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years. It causes serious long-term disability and early death. COPD includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Risk factor includes exposure to air pollution, second-hand smoke and occupational dusts and chemicals, smoking, cold weather etc. which are also mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. Identification, reduction and control of risk factors to prevent the onset of COPD are important steps towards developing strategies for prevention of COPD. The aims and objectives of Ayurveda are to maintain the health of a healthy person and to cure the diseases of the patients. It is signifies that “prevention is better than cure.” To maintain the health, Ayurveda laid many basic principles like Ritucharya (seasonal regime), Dincharya (diumal regime) etc. The Yogic procedures and the concept of Pathya (wholesome) and Apathya (unwholesome) is the peculiarity of Ayurveda for the management of COPD and the treatment module includes- Panchakarma (Vamana, Virechana, Dhumapana and Nasya), external therapies (Lepas, Dhara, Sthanika Abhayanga and Swedana) and internal medications are very effective in COPD.

Potassium channel openers exhibit cross-tolerance with morphine in two experimental models of pain / Los abridores de canales de potasio exhiben tolerancia cruzada con la morfina en dos modelos experimentales de dolor

OBJECTIVE: The study was performed to assess the effect of potassium channel openers on morphine tolerance and vice-versa. METHODS: Swiss albino mice of either gender weighing between 25-30 g were used for the study. The study assesses the effect of potassium channel openers (cromakalim, diazoxide and minoxidil) on morphine tolerance and vice-versa, using formalin and tail-flick tests. RESULTS: The antinociceptive effect of cromakalim and minoxidil was significantly reduced when administered to morphine-tolerant mice, in both the behavioural tests. However, reduced analgesic effect of diazoxide was observed on morphine-tolerance in the formalin test but not in the tail-flick test. Tolerance was observed when morphine was administered to animals chronically treated with any of the potassium channel openers. The same effect was observed when morphine was injected into a group treated with a combination of morphine and any of the potassium channel openers. CONCLUSIONS: This study, therefore, suggests that both morphine and potassium channel openers are cross-tolerant. However, such interaction occurs at the level of potassium channels rather than at the level of receptors.

OBJETIVO: El estudio fue realizado para evaluar el efecto de los abridores de canales de potasio en la tolerancia a la morfina, y viceversa. MÉTODOS: Para el estudio, se usaron ratones albinos suizos de ambos sexos que pesaban entre 25-30 g. El estudio evalúa el efecto de los abridores de canales de potasio (cromacalina, diazóxido y minoxidil) en la tolerancia a la morfina, y viceversa, usando la prueba de la sacudida de la cola y la prueba de la formalina. RESULTADOS: El efecto antinociceptivo de la cromacalina y el minoxidil fue significativamente reducido cuando se le administró a los ratones tolerantes a la morfina, en ambas pruebas conductuales. Sin embargo, se observó un efecto analgésico reducido de diazóxido sobre la tolerancia a la morfina en la prueba de la formalina, pero no en la prueba de la sacudida de la cola. Se observó tolerancia al administrar morfina a animales crónicamente tratados con cualquiera de los abridores de canales de potasio. El mismo efecto fue observado cuando se inyectó la morfina al grupo tratado con una combinación de morfina y cualquiera de los abridores de canales de potasio. CONCLUSIONES: Por consiguiente, este estudio sugiere que tanto la morfina como los abridores de canales de potasio son tolerantes cruzados. Sin embargo, tal interacción ocurre a nivel de los canales de potasio más bien que a nivel de los receptores.