Alleviation of banded leaf and sheath blight disease incidence in maize by bacterial volatile organic compounds and molecular docking of targeted inhibitors in Rhizoctonia solani.

Rhizoctonia solani (RS) is a pathogenic fungus that affects maize (Zea mays L.) plants and causes banded leaf and sheath blight (BLSB) with severe consequences leading to significant economic losses. Contrarily, rhizobacteria produce numerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that help in devising the environment-friendly mechanism for promoting plant growth and stress alleviation without having physical contact with plants. In the present study, 15 rhizobacterial strains were tested for their antagonism against RS. The antagonistic potential of VOCs of the tested plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains ranged from 50% to 80% as compared to the control (without PGPR). Among these 15 strains, the maximum (80%) antagonistic activity was exhibited by Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes SRM-16. Thus, the potential of VOCs produced by P. pseudoalcaligenes SRM-16 to alleviate the BLSB disease in maize was evaluated. A pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions to observe the effect of VOCs on disease resistance of BLSB-infected seedlings. Overall, maize seedlings exposed to VOCs showed a significant increase in disease resistance as indicated by a reduced disease score than that of unexposed infected plants. The VOCs-exposed maize exhibited lower (11.6%) disease incidence compared to the non-inoculated maize (14.1%). Moreover, plants exposed to VOCs displayed visible improvements in biomass, photosynthetic pigments, osmoregulation, and plant antioxidant and defense enzyme activities compared to the healthy but unexposed seedlings. Simultaneous application of RS and VOCs enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities by 96.7%, 266.6%, 313.7%, 246.6%, 307%, and 149.7%, respectively, in the roots and by 81.6%, 246.4%, 269.5%, 269.6%, 329%, and 137.6%, respectively, in the shoots, relative to those of the control plants. The binding affinity of the VOCs (2-pentylfuran, 2,3-butanediol, and dimethyl disulfide) with CRZ1 and S9 protein receptors of RS was assessed by deploying in silico methods. Overall, 2-pentylfuran exhibited a binding affinity with both the selected receptors of RS, while 2,3-butanediol and dimethyl disulfide were able to bind S9 protein only. Hence, it can be deduced that S9 protein receptors are more likely the target RS receptors of bacterial VOCs to inhibit the proliferation of RS.

Biocontrol of Rhizoctonia solani in basmati rice by the application of Lactobacillus and Weissella spp.

Rice is a staple food crop and is a major source of employment and income in the world. However, the attack of fungal disease poses a serious threat to the crop growth and productivity and leads toward yield loses. Therefore, current study was performed to evaluate the biocontrol potential of Lactobacillus and Weissella spp. on basmati rice against Rhizoctonia solani. Agar disc method was performed to evaluate the antifungal activity of both bacteria against R. solani. Petri plate and pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the growth promotion and biocontrol potential of both bacteria in Basmati rice under R. solani stress. Results indicated that maximum antifungal activity (82%) was recorded by Lactobacillus sp. Maximum phosphate solubilization and siderophore production was recorded by Weissella sp. In petri plate experiment, maximum root length, root fresh and dry weight (36%, 40% and 13%) was recorded by Weissella sp. and maximum shoot length and shoot fresh weight (99% and 107%) by Lactobacillus sp. In pot experiment, both bacteria enhanced the growth parameters of Basmati rice including root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight as well as no. of lateral roots. Application of Weissella sp. resulted in maximum increase (332% and 134%) in chlorophyll a and b content while Lactobacillus sp. + R. solani showed maximum (42%) carotenoid contents. Lactobacillus sp. + R. solani showed maximum increase in the proline (54%) and sugar contents (100%) while Lactobacillus sp. alone showed maximum (35%) soluble protein contents. Plant defense enzymes i-e SOD (400%), POD (25%), CAT (650%), PPO (14%) and PAL (124%) were notably increased by Weissella sp. + R. solani and Lactobacillus sp + R. solani. The Lactobacillus sp showed the best results in antifungal activity against R. solani and Weissella sp. showed the best results in production of defense enzymes in basmati rice against R. solani stress and can be suggested as the potent biocontrol agents for the rice crop.

Decompensated cirrhosis: targeted training of acute medical teams to improve quality of care in first 24 hours.

BACKGROUND: A quality improvement project in a secondary care centre was initiated to investigate and evaluate the impact of staff education and the use of the British Society of Gastroenterology/British Association for the Study of the Liver cirrhosis care bundle in improving care of patients admitted to hospital with decompensated liver cirrhosis. METHOD: A staff training programme was implemented, involving around 30 health professionals consisting of consultants, junior doctors, physician associates and nurses from the acute medical unit. A review of electronic documentation and analysis of key clinical parameters, pre- and post-intervention, was carried out. RESULTS: The data show that the intervention has led to an improvement in patient management and clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: This project illustrates that collaboration between hepatology and medical teams, with emphasis on education and training, benefits patients who present to hospital with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance and Respective Genes among Bacillus spp., a Versatile Bio-Fungicide.

The plant rhizosphere is not only a reservoir of microbes but also a hub of antimicrobial resistance genes. Rhizospheric Bacillus spp. are the potential bio-inoculants with a versatile application in agriculture as bio-fertilizer and bio-fungicide. In the current study, the potential bio-control agent that is the Bacillus species (n = 7) was screened for the antimicrobial resistance pattern to assess their risk before registering them as a bio-inoculant. All of the Bacillus spp. were categorized as multi-drug-resistant (MDR), bacteria but none of them was either pan-drug-resistant (PDR) or extensive-drug-resistant (XDR). The multiple antimicrobial resistance (MAR) index of Bacillus spp. was higher than the critical value (0.2). The Bacillus spp. showed resistance to antimicrobial classes such as ß lactam, macrolides, sulfonamides, tetracycline, aminoglycosides, and lincosamide. Various antimicrobial resistance genes, namely VmiR, ImrB, tetL, mphK, ant-6, penp, and bla OXA, associated with different mechanisms of resistance, were also detected in Bacillus spp. The Bacillus spp. also showed stress-tolerance traits such as ACC deaminase and EPS activity except the strains MAZ-117 and FZV-34, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between the PGPR and antimicrobial resistance, which shows that they may have adapted drug-resistance mechanisms to tolerate the environmental stress. These findings suggest that bio-fungicidal Bacillus spp. could be used very carefully on a commercial scale.

Heavy Metal-Resistant Plant Growth-Promoting Citrobacter werkmanii Strain WWN1 and Enterobacter cloacae Strain JWM6 Enhance Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Growth by Modulating Physiological Attributes and Some Key Antioxidants Under Multi-Metal Stress.

Due to wastewater irrigation, heavy metal (HM) exposure of agricultural soils is a major limiting factor for crop productivity. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) may lower the risk of HM toxicity and increase crop yield. In this context, we evaluated two HM-resistant PGPB strains, i.e., Citrobacter werkmanii strain WWN1 and Enterobacter cloacae strain JWM6 isolated from wastewater-irrigated agricultural soils, for their efficacy to mitigate HM (Cd, Ni, and Pb) stress in a pot experiment. Increasing concentrations (0, 50, 100, and 200 ppm) of each HM were used to challenge wheat plants. Heavy metal stress negatively affected wheat growth, biomass, and physiology. The plants under elevated HM concentration accumulated significantly higher amounts of heavy metals (HMs) in shoots and roots, resulting in increased oxidative stress, which was evident from increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content in roots and shoots. Moreover, alterations in antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) were observed in plants under HM stress. The severity of damage was more pronounced with rising HM concentration. However, inoculating wheat with Citrobacter werkmanii strain WWN1 and Enterobacter cloacae strain JWM6 (107 CFU ml-1) improved plant shoot length (11-42%), root length (19-125%), fresh weight (41-143%), dry weight (65-179%), and chlorophyll a (14%-24%) and chlorophyll b content (2-24%) under HM stress. Citrobacter werkmanii strain WWN1 and Enterobacter cloacae strain JWM6 either alone or in co-inoculation enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activity, which may lower oxidative stress in plants. However, seeds treated with the bacterial consortium showed an overall better outcome in altering oxidative stress and decreasing HM accumulation in wheat shoot and root tissues. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the changes induced by HMs in functional groups on the biomass surface that display effective removal of HMs from aqueous medium using PGPB. Thus, the studied bacterial strains may have adequate fertilization and remediation potential for wheat cultivated in wastewater-irrigated soils. However, molecular investigation of mechanisms adopted by these bacteria to alleviate HM stress in wheat is required to be conducted.

Alleviation of cadmium stress in rice by inoculation of Bacillus cereus.

Heavy metal resistant bacteria are of great importance because they play a crucial role in bioremediation. In the present study, 11 bacterial strains isolated from industrial waste were screened under different concentrations of cadmium (Cd) (100 µM and 200 µM). Among 11 strains, the Cd tolerant Bacillus cereus (S6D1-105) strain was selected for in vitro and in vivo studies. B. cereus was able to solubilize potassium, and phosphate as well as produce protease and siderophores during plate essays. Moreover, we observed the response of hydroponically grown rice plants, inoculated with B. cereus which was able to promote plant growth, by increasing plant biomass, chlorophyll contents, relative water content, different antioxidant enzymatic activity such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and reducing malondialdehyde content in both roots and leaves of rice plants under Cd stress. Our results showed that the B. cereus can be used as a biofertilizer which might be beneficial for rice cultivation in Cd contaminated soils.

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria enhanced growth, oil yield, antioxidant properties and biodiesel quality of Kasumbha.

Biodiesel is considered as a potential alternative energy source, but problem exists with the quantity and quality of feedstock used for it. To improve the feedstock quality of biodiesel, a field experiment was conducted under natural conditions. Cultivar Thori of kasumbha was used in the experiment. Commercialized biofertilizers were applied at the rate of 20 kg per acre and chemical fertilizer (diammonium phosphate) was applied as half dose (15 kg/ha). Results indicated that number of leaf plant-1, leaf area, number of seeds capitulum-1 was significantly increased by biofertilizer treatment alone (BF) and combine treatment of biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer (BFCF). Agronomic traits such as plant height, no. of branches of a plant, no. of capitulum/plant was improved significantly by BF treatment over the control. Maximum 1000 seed weight (41%) and seed yield (23%) were recorded in half dose of chemical fertilizers treatment (CFH). Seed oil content and seed phenolics were significantly improved by BF and CF treatments while maximum biodiesel yield was recorded by BF treatment. Maximum oleic acid was recorded by BF treatment while other fatty acids being maximum in control except linoleic acid in BFCF treatment. Results for specific gravity were non-significant while acid value and free fatty acid contents were substantially reduced by BF treatment as compared to other treatments. Maximum value of iodine number was recorded in BFCF treatment while tocopherol contents were improved by BF treatment. It is inferred that biofertilizer treatment alone perform better as compared to other treatments and 50% chemical fertilizer can be replaced using biofertilizer which is a good approach for sustainable environmental-friendly agriculture.

Drought-tolerant Bacillus megaterium isolated from semi-arid conditions induces systemic tolerance of wheat under drought conditions.

KEY MESSAGE: A detailed study of the response of wheat plants, inoculated with drought-tolerant PGPR is studied which would be beneficial to achieve genetic improvement of wheat for drought tolerance. Drought stress, a major challenge under current climatic conditions, adversely affects wheat productivity. In the current study, we observed the response of wheat plants, inoculated with drought-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus megaterium (MU2) and Bacillus licheniformis (MU8) under induced drought stress. In vitro study of 90 rhizobacteria exhibited 38 isolates showed one or more plant growth-promoting properties, such as solubilization of phosphorus, potassium, and exopolysaccharide production. Four strains revealing the best activities were tested for their drought-tolerance ability by growing them on varying water potentials (- 0.05 to - 0.73 MPa). Among them, two bacterial strains Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus licheniformis showed the best drought-tolerance potential, ACC deaminase activities, IAA production, and antagonistic activities against plant pathogens. Additionally, these strains when exposed to drought stress (- 0.73 MPa) revealed the induction of three new polypeptides (18 kDa, 35 kDa, 30 kDa) in Bacillus megaterium. We determined that 106 cells/mL of Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus licheniformis were enough to induce drought tolerance in wheat under drought stress. These drought-tolerant strains increased the germination index (11-46%), promptness index (16-50%), seedling vigor index (11-151%), fresh weight (35-192%), and dry weight (58-226%) of wheat under irrigated and drought stress. Moreover, these strains efficiently colonized the wheat roots and increased plant biomass, relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, and osmolytes. Upon exposure to drought stress, Bacillus megaterium inoculated wheat plants exhibited improved tolerance by enhancing 59% relative water content, 260, 174 and 70% chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid, 136% protein content, 117% proline content and 57% decline in MDA content. Further, activities of defense-related antioxidant enzymes were also upregulated. Our results revealed that drought tolerance was more evident in Bacillus megaterium as compared to Bacillus licheniformis. These strains could be effective bioenhancer and biofertilizer for wheat cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions. However, a detailed study at the molecular level to deduce the mechanism by which these strains alleviate drought stress in wheat plants needs to be explored.

Comparative analysis of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized from ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) to induce resistance in wheat against drought stress.

In the present study, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O2-NPs) synthesized from ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cumin seeds (Cuminum Cyminum L.) extracts were investigated to reveal their potential to enhance the growth and drought resistance of wheat plants under drought stress. In an In Vitro experiment, four different concentrations for Fe3O2-NPs (0.3 mM, 0.6 mM, 0.9 mM, and 1.2 mM) of ginger and cumin seeds were tested. Among all the concentrations tested, ginger Fe3O2-NPs (0.6 mM) and cumin seeds Fe3O2-NPs (1.2 mM) were more effective to enhance wheat germination, biomass, and survival percentage under drought stress and irrigated conditions than the non-treated control plant. In a pot experiment, wheat plants under induced water stress showed marked up-regulation in the biochemical resistance mechanisms when treated with ginger Fe3O2-NPs (0.6 mM) and cumin seeds Fe3O2-NPs (1.2 mM) than the non-treated control. Cumin seeds Fe3O2-NPs (1.2 mM) were more effective than ginger Fe3O2-NPs (0.6 mM) in ameliorating adverse effects of drought stress in wheat. Results demonstrated that cumin seeds Fe3O2-NPs (1.2 mM) exhibited a higher increase in chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids (72%, 265% and 96% respectively), proline (127%), superoxide dismutase (115%), peroxidase (43.8%), ascorbate peroxidase (44.6%). This also showed higher reduction in lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage and increased soluble sugars and total Fe content in the roots and shoots than non-treated plants under drought. Hence, nano-priming can be considered an effective strategy for sustainable food production in marginal soils.

Exogenous silicon and hydrogen sulfide alleviates the simultaneously occurring drought stress and leaf rust infection in wheat.

Silicon (Si) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are known to enhance plant defense against multiple stresses. Current study was conducted to investigate the application of Si and H2S alone as well as in combination, improved physiological resilience of wheat plants to drought stress (DS) and pathogen-Puccinia triticina (Pt) infection. We aimed to increase the wheat plant growth and to enhance the DS tolerance and Pt resistance with the concurrent applications of H2S and Si. In the first experiment, we selected the best growth enhancing concentration of H2S (0.3 mM) and Si (6 mM) to further investigate their tolerance and resistance potential in the pot experiment under DS and pathogen infection conditions. The obtained results reveal that DS has further increased the susceptibility of wheat plants to leaf rust pathogen infection while, the sole application of Si and the simultaneous exogenous treatments of H2S + Si enhanced the plant growth, decreased disease incidence, and significantly improved tolerance and defense mechanisms of wheat under individual and interactive stress conditions. The exogenous treatment of H2S + Si improved the growth criteria, photosynthetic pigments, osmoprotectants, and defense related enzyme activities. The same treatment also reinforced the endogenous H2S, Si, ABA and SA contents while decreased the disease incidence and oxidative stress indicators under individual and combined stress conditions. Overall, results from this study presents the influence of combined drought and P. triticina stress in wheat and reveal the beneficial impacts of concurrent exogenous treatment of H2S + Si to mitigate the drought and pathogen (P. triticina) induced adverse effects.

Sodium nitroprusside application improves morphological and physiological attributes of soybean (Glycine max L.) under salinity stress.

Salinity is among the major abiotic stresses negatively affecting the growth and productivity of crop plants. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) -an external nitric oxide (NO) donor- has been found effective to impart salinity tolerance to plants. Soybean (Glycine max L.) is widely cultivated around the world; however, salinity stress hampers its growth and productivity. Therefore, the current study evaluated the role of SNP in improving morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes of soybean under salinity stress. Data relating to biomass, chlorophyll and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, activities of various antioxidant enzymes, ion content and ultrastructural analysis were collected. The SNP application ameliorated the negative effects of salinity stress to significant extent by regulating antioxidant mechanism. Root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll contents, activities of various antioxidant enzymes, i.e., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were improved with SNP application under salinity stress compared to control treatment. Similarly, plants treated with SNP observed less damage to cell organelles of roots and leaves under salinity stress. The results revealed pivotal functions of SNP in salinity tolerance of soybean, including cell wall repair, sequestration of sodium ion in the vacuole and maintenance of normal chloroplasts with no swelling of thylakoids. Minor distortions of cell membrane and large number of starch grains indicates an increase in the photosynthetic activity. Therefore, SNP can be used as a regulator to improve the salinity tolerance of soybean in salt affected soils.

Prevalence of Wheat Associated Bacillus spp. and Their Bio-Control Efficacy Against Fusarium Root Rot.

Bacillus spp. are the most prevalent group of bacteria in nature. Their prevalence depends upon multiple factors, namely, sporulation, antagonism, and production of secondary metabolites. The development of an eco-friendly approach to cope with edible crops diseases is very substantial for humans. In the present study, 658 isolates were obtained from wheat grown in the wheat rice cropping system and tested for their antagonistic activity against four wheat root rot pathogens, namely, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium moniliforme, Macrophomina phaseolina, and Rhizoctonia solani. Out of 658, 106 isolates were found antagonistic to either single or multiple fungi. Out of 106 antagonistic bacteria, 62 (23%) were rhizospheric, 28 (14%) were root endospheric, and 16 (9%) were leaf endospheric. Based on mean inhibition against all fungi, the bacterial strains SM-39 and SM-93 showed maximum antagonistic activity. The 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that most of the antagonistic bacteria exhibiting ≥48% antagonism were Bacillus spp. (98%), except two were Klebsiella spp. (2%). The bacterial strains exhibited phylogenetic lineage with the type strains of the respective genus based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences. In the net house experiment, Bacillus velezensis (SM-39) and Bacillus cabrialesii (SM-93) significantly suppressed Fusarium root rot severity in wheat (42-62%). Plants treated with these strains had lower electrolytic leakage (29-36%), as compared to untreated (44%). Relative water content was much higher (46-58%) for plants inoculated with these strains. These antagonistic strains also considerably colonized the wheat rhizosphere with a cell population of 5.8-6.9.log CFU/g of soil. The rhizosphere of wheat grown in the wheat-rice cropping system could be the potential habitat of effective biocontrol agents.

Halotolerant rhizobacteria Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes and Bacillus subtilis mediate systemic tolerance in hydroponically grown soybean (Glycine max L.) against salinity stress.

Salt stress is one of the devastating factors that hampers growth and productivity of soybean. Use of Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes to improve salt tolerance in soybean has not been thoroughly explored yet. Therefore, we observed the response of hydroponically grown soybean plants, inoculated with halotolerant P. pseudoalcaligenes (SRM-16) and Bacillus subtilis (SRM-3) under salt stress. In vitro testing of 44 bacterial isolates revealed that four isolates showed high salt tolerance. Among them, B. subtilis and P. pseudoalcaligenes showed ACC deaminase activity, siderophore and indole acetic acid (IAA) production and were selected for the current study. We determined that 106 cells/mL of B. subtilis and P. pseudoalcaligenes was sufficient to induce tolerance in soybean against salinity stress (100 mM NaCl) in hydroponics by enhancing plant biomass, relative water content and osmolytes. Upon exposure of salinity stress, P. pseudoalcaligenes inoculated soybean plants showed tolerance by the increased activities of defense related system such as ion transport, antioxidant enzymes, proline and MDA content in shoots and roots. The Na+ concentration in the soybean plants was increased in the salt stress; while, bacterial priming significantly reduced the Na+ concentration in the salt stressed soybean plants. However, the antagonistic results were observed for K+ concentration. Additionally, soybean primed with P. pseudoalcaligenes and exposed to 100 mM NaCl showed a new protein band of 28 kDa suggesting that P. pseudoalcaligenes effectively reduced salt stress. Our results showed that salinity tolerance was more pronounced in P. pseudoalcaligenes as compared to B. subtilis. However, a detailed study at molecular level to interpret the mechanism by which P. pseudoalcaligenes alleviates salt stress in soybean plants need to be explored.

Distribution and Classification of Dehydrins in Selected Plant Species Using Bioinformatics Approach.

BACKGROUND: Plant growth, reproduction and yields are severely damaged under adverse environmental stresses. These stresses can be either biotic or abiotic, and many stress related proteins are expressed in response to these stresses. Among these proteins dehydrins are reported to have a role primarily in the abiotic stresses. Dehydrins are very diverse proteins and a uniform annotation system is needed for their functional characterization in the future research. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present work is to identify, classify and analyze the expression of dehydrin proteins under different biotic and abiotic stresses in the selected plant species by using different computational tools. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prosite database is used for dehydrin proteins identification, and to conform the location of conserved motifs in selected plant species. The dehydrins extracted from uniprot database were annotated, based on the ensemble plant gene id. Subcellular localization was predicted using PSI predictor tool. Dehydrin expression analyses were retrieved form the genevestigator tool. RESULTS: Dehydrins were annotated on the basis of dehydrin gene locus and conserved motifs available in different domain databases. Dehydrins were identified and annotated in Arabidopsis thaliana (13), Glycine max (12), Zea mays (05), Oryza sativa (11), Solanum tuberosum (05), Solanum lycopersicum (06), Triticum aestivum (32) and Vitis vinifera (06). It has been proposed that dehydrins are located primarily in cytosol and nucleus. Based on genevestigater expression analyses the plant species selected for this study contain all the classes of dehydrins, namely YnSKn, Kn, SKn, and YnKn; except class KnS. CONCLUSIONS: Dehydrins are diverse proteins and a uniform classification is introduced for their better characterization. The distribution of dehydrins in different tissues and developmental stages suggest an important function throughout plant growth cycle. It has also been concluded that dehydrins expressed particularly in drought, cold and salt stresses, and may have limited role in heat, anoxia, heavy-metal and biotic stresses as well.

Antibacterial activity of eco-friendly zinc nanoparticles prepared from leaf extract of Mentha piperita L.

The study aims to prepare reliable, ecofriendly and cost efficient zinc nanoparticles (Zn NPs) by Mentha piperita L. leaf extract and zinc sulfate heptahydrate, for four pathogenic bacteria. Synthesized NPs were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Zeta Potential. Disc diffusion method was used to check their antibacterial activity. For synthesizing Zn NPs leaf extract was used as a biological reducing agent. During reaction, appearance of cloudy white solution due to reduction in the number of zinc ions, indicated the Zn NPs formation. XRD determined the average NPs size i.e. 9.8 nm. FTIR confirmed the presence of functional groups in the leaf extract sample. Spherical shape of the NPs was confirmed by the SEM analysis. Antibacterial activity of the Zn NPs was measured by the inhibition zones against various bacteria (E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and S. pneumoniae). Inhibition zones were observed in the range of 2.9 to 12.9 mm.

Multitrait Pseudomonas spp. Isolated from Monocropped Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Suppress Fusarium Root and Crown Rot.

Fusarium root and crown rot is the most common disease of wheat, especially wheat grown in arid zones where drought is a common issue. The development of environmentally safe approaches to manage diseases of food crops is important for humans. The monocropping system recruits beneficial bacteria that promote plant growth through nutrient solubilization and pathogen suppression. In this study, a field where wheat was monocropped for 5 successive years under rainfed conditions was identified. A total of 29 bacterial isolates were obtained from the rhizosphere, endosphere, and phyllosphere of wheat at its harvesting stage. The Gram-negative bacteria were less prevalent (41%) but the majority (75%) exhibited plant growth-promoting traits. The ability of strains to solubilize nutrients (solubilization index = 2.3 to 4), inhibit pathogenic fungi (25 to 56%), and produce antifungal compounds was highly variable. The rhizobacteria significantly promoted the growth and disease resistance of wheat varieties such as Pirsbak-2015 and Galaxy-2013 by inducing antioxidant enzyme activity (0.2- to 2.1-fold). The bacterial strains were identified as Ochrobactrum spp., Acinetobacter spp., and Pseudomonas mediterranea by 16S rRNA and rpoD sequence analysis. The endophytic bacterium P. mediterranea HU-9 exhibited maximum biocontrol efficacy against wheat root and crown rot diseases with a disease score/disease index from 1.8 to 3.1. The monocropping systems of rainfed agriculture are an ideal source of beneficial bacteria to use as bioinoculants for different crops.

Patient Experience in the Transition of Home Parenteral Nutrition Services Between Centers: Evaluation of a Transition Model.

BACKGROUND: In 2014, Dudley Group of Hospitals (DGH) underwent an organizational change that necessitated closure of their Home Parenteral Nutrition (HPN) service. University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHBFT) transitioned 50 patients from DGH into their HPN service. The transition model included communication with patients, communication between centers (development of an HPN Patient Passport), and rapid follow-up on transition ensuring clinical care continued uninterrupted. AIM: Evaluate patient experience and their level of satisfaction with our HPN transition model. METHOD: A 19-point, mixed mode paper-based questionnaire was developed. Questionnaires were posted to 42 surviving patients still receiving HPN. RESULTS: Response rate: 67%. Communication with patients: The transition was discussed with them, and they had appropriate contact details during the process-94%. Patients informed of patient transition meetings-97%. Attendance at meetings: DGH 89%, UHBFT 55%. Ongoing care at UHBFT: 86% very satisfied and 11% satisfied. Overall rating of the transition process: 79% very satisfied and 14% satisfied. Friends and Family Test: 82% "extremely likely" and 18% "likely" to recommend our services. CONCLUSION: The transition model used was successful, with the majority of patients "very satisfied" with how the transition was managed and their ongoing care. Effective communication with patients and between the 2 centers was the key to success. To our knowledge, this is the first report of transition of care for HPN patients. It is proposed that this model may be used by other centers to plan for future HPN service transitions where necessary.

Prevalence of, and predictors of, bile acid diarrhea in outpatients with chronic diarrhea: A follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: 23-seleno-25-homo-tauro-cholic acid (SeHCAT) scanning to rule out bile acid diarrhea (BAD) in patients with chronic diarrhea has a high yield. Our previous study showed that patients with terminal ileal (TI) Crohn's disease, TI resection, or cholecystectomy were highly likely to have an abnormal scan. As a result, we encouraged clinicians to use a therapeutic trial of a bile acid sequestrant in these patients, instead of scanning. This may have reduced diagnostic yield of the test, so we examined this issue, as well as factors predicting an abnormal scan, in a large cohort of patients referred subsequently. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 1,071 consecutive patients with chronic diarrhea undergoing SeHCAT scanning at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust from 2012 to 2016. We reviewed electronic patient records to obtain information on presenting gastrointestinal symptoms and any proposed risk factors for BAD. BAD was categorized according to subtype and severity. KEY RESULTS: As expected, indications for scanning changed between 2012 and 2016, with a significant reduction in referrals with TI Crohn's disease or resection year-on-year (P < 0.001). Despite this, 457 (42.7%) patients had BAD and there was no downward trend in yield of SeHCAT during the 5 year period (P = 0.39). Overall, 51.6% had type II BAD, 36.1% type III, and 12.3% type I. BAD was mild in 31.7%, moderate in 34.4%, and severe in 33.9%. In total, 653 (61.0%) patients had no known risk factors, other than chronic diarrhea, but 233 (35.7%) of these individuals had BAD, and in 143 (61.4%), this was moderate or severe. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Despite reduced referrals for SeHCAT scanning in those with clear risk factors for BAD, the yield remained > 40%. One-third of those without known risk factors had BAD.

Antagonistic Bacillus spp. reduce blast incidence on rice and increase grain yield under field conditions.

Rice blast is a severe threat for agricultural production. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria could be suitable biocontrol agents to reduce the disease incidence. In this study, Bacillus spp. KFP-5, KFP-7, KFP-17 significantly reduced disease severity by 40-52% with grain yield of 3.2-3.9 t ha-1 in two rice varieties i.e., basmati super and basmati 385. Bacillus spp. significantly colonized the rice rhizosphere with a cell population of 2.40E+06-5.6E+07CFU. Rice plants treated with antagonistic bacterial suspension followed by challenge inoculation with P. oryzae were found to have higher activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (308-266 Ug-1 FW), peroxidase (change in absorbance (ΔA) = 0.20-0.71 min-1 g-1 FW), polyphenol oxidase (ΔA = 0.29-0.58 min-1 g-1 FW) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (ΔA = 0.32-0.59 min-1 g-1 FW). A consistency in the performance of strains was observed in the consecutive years 2013-2014. These findings suggest that indigenous Bacillus spp. could be a potential bio-inoculum for rice to control blast diseases and enhance yield.

The Paddington International Virtual Chromoendoscopy Score in ulcerative colitis exhibits very good inter-rater agreement after computerized module training: a multicenter study across academic and community practice (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Electronic virtual chromoendoscopy (EVC) can demonstrate ongoing disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC), even when Mayo subscores suggest healing. However, applicability of EVC technology outside the expert setting has yet to be determined. METHODS: Fifteen participants across 5 centers reviewed a computerized training module outlining high-definition and EVC (iScan) colonoscopy modes. Interobserver agreement was then tested (Mayo score, Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity [UCEIS], and the Paddington International Virtual Chromoendoscopy Score [PICaSSO] for UC), using a colonoscopy video library (30 cases reviewed pretraining and 30 post-training). Knowledge sustainability was retested in a second round (42 cases; 9/15 participants), 6 months after training provision. RESULTS: Pretraining intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were good for the Mayo endoscopic subscore (ICC, .775), UCEIS scoring erosions/ulcers (ICC, .770), and UCEIS overall (ICC, .786) and for mucosal (ICC, .754) and vascular components of PICaSSO (ICC, .622). For the vascular components of UCEIS, agreement was only moderate (ICC, .429) and did not enhance post-training (ICC, .417); conversely, use of PICaSSO improved post-training (mucosal ICC, .848; vascular, .746). Histologic correlation using the New York Mt. Sinai System was strong for both PICaSSO components (Spearman's ρ for mucosal: .925; vascular, .873; P < .001 for both). Moreover, accuracy in specifically discriminating quiescent from mild histologic strata was strongest for PICaSSO (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] for mucosal, .781; vascular, .715) compared with Mayo (AUROC, .708) and UCEIS (AUROC for UCEIS overall, .705; vascular, .562; bleeding, .645; erosions/ulcers, .696). Inter-rater reliability for PICaSSO was sustained by round 2 participants (round 1 and 2 ICC for mucosal, .873 and .869, respectively; vascular, .715 and .783, respectively), together with histologic correlation (ρ mucosal, .934; vascular, .938; P < .001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: PICaSSO demonstrates good interobserver agreement across all levels of experience, providing excellent correlation with histology. Given the ability to discriminate subtle endoscopic features, PICaSSO may be applied to refine stratified treatment paradigms for UC patients.