A novel method to prepare concentrated conidial biomass formulation of Trichoderma harzianum for seed application.

AIMS: To prepare concentrated formulation of Trichoderma harzianum MTCC-3841 (NBRI-1055) with high colony forming units (CFU), long shelf life and efficient in root colonization by a simple scrapping method. METHODS AND RESULTS: NBRI-1055 spores scrapped from potato dextrose agar plates were used to prepare a concentrated formulation after optimizing carrier material, moisture content and spore harvest time. The process provides an advantage of maintaining optimum moisture level by the addition of water rather than dehydration. The formulation had an initial 11-12 log(10) CFU g(-1). Its concentrated form reduces its application amount by 100 times (10 g 100 kg(-1) seed) and provides 3-4 log(10) CFU seed(-1). Shelf life of the product was experimentally determined at 30 and 40 °C and predicted at other temperatures following Arrhenius equation. The concentrated formulation as compared to similar products provides an extra advantage of smaller packaging for storage and transportation, cutting down product cost. Seed application of the formulation recorded significant increase in plant growth promotion. CONCLUSIONS: Stable and effective formulation of Trichoderma harzianum NBRI-1055 was obtained by a simple scrapping method. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: A new method for the production of concentrated, stable, effective and cost efficient formulation of T. harzianum has been validated for seed application.

Changes in the metabolome and histopathology of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. in response to Ageratum enation virus infection.

Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. infected with Ageratum enation virus (AEV) was investigated for identifying alteration in the anatomical structures, sap translocation and metabolomic variations using light microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS, respectively. Combination of GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy identified 68 polar and non-polar metabolites that were present in different levels in healthy and virus-infected A. hypochondriacus. Contrast of T1 and T2 weighted MR images showed significant differences in the spatial distribution of water, lipids and macromolecules indicating alterations in the cortical region and disruption of vascular bundles in virus-infected stem tissues. MRI observations are supported by light microscopic examination. Microscopic examination of AEV infected stem revealed severe hyperplasia with a considerable reduction in size of stem cells. The NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS analysis indicated that viral infection significantly affected the plant primary and secondary metabolism resulting in decreased glucose and sucrose content and increase in the concentration of ß-sitosterol and stigmasterol. Higher accumulation of TCA cycle intermediates such as citric acid and malic acid in AEV infected plants indicated enhanced rate of respiratory metabolism. The viral stress significantly increases the concentration of erythritol and myo-inositol as compared to healthy ones. Lower concentration of glucose and sucrose in viral-infected stem tissues suggests decreased translocation of photosynthates in the plants. The results demonstrated potential of MRI, NMR spectroscopy and GC-MS for studying anatomical and metabolic variations in virus-infected plants.

Production of O2 Herzberg states in the deep UV photodissociation of ozone.

High-resolution imaging experiments combined with new electronic structure and dynamics calculations strongly indicate that the O((3)P)+O(2) products with very low kinetic energy release (E(tr)<0.2 eV) formed in the deep UV (226 nm) photodissociation of ozone reflect excitation of the Herzberg states of O(2): A(')(3)Delta(u)(v=0,1,2) and A (3)Sigma(u)(+)(v=0,1). This interpretation contradicts the earlier assignment to very high (v> or =26) vibrational states of O(2)((3)Sigma(g)(-)).

Drugs for preventing red blood cell dehydration in people with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder of haemoglobin, which results in abnormal red blood cells. These can deform and cause blockages in blood vessels, leading to acute crises such as pain; stroke and splenic sequestration; and chronic organ and tissue damage. Recently research has begun to focus on therapies which prevent the red blood cells deforming by reducing the loss of water and ions from the cells. However, little is known about the effectiveness and safety of such drugs. OBJECTIVES: To assess the relative risks and benefits of drugs which aim to prevent sickle cell-related crises by reducing red blood cell dehydration. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register which comprises of references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. Date of the most recent search of the Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: November 2006. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of drugs which aim to prevent sickle cell crises by reducing red cell dehydration, compared to placebo or an alternative treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Both authors independently selected studies for inclusion, assessed study quality and extracted data from the included studies. MAIN RESULTS: Of the 39 studies identified, one met the inclusion criteria. This study tested the effectiveness of zinc sulphate to prevent sickle cell-related crises in a total of 145 participants and showed a significant reduction in the total number of pain, haemolytic, aplastic and sequestration crises over one and a half years, WMD -2.83 (95% CI -3.51 to -2.15). However, our analysis was limited by non-reporting of standard deviations for some data. Changes to red cell parameters and blood counts were inconsistent. No serious adverse events were noted in the study. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: While the results of zinc for reducing sickle-related crises are encouraging, larger and longer-term multicentre studies over a number of years are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy for people with sickle cell disease.

Incidence of leprosy in school-children and their family members in Berhampur.

A school survey, followed by a contact survey, was carried out in Berhampur, a city in southern Orissa. In a study of 8,870 school-children, leprosy was detected in 15, giving a prevalence rate of 16.91 per 10,000 with a male:female ratio of 8:7. Of these, 14 (93.99%) had paucibacillary leprosy. More cases [11 (73.33%)] were seen in the age-group of 10-15 years. Exposed parts, such as lower limbs, upper limbs and head and neck in that order, were the sites of predilection, accounting for 85.71% of total lesions. Nerve involvement was found in 2 (13.33%) girls with deformity (ulnar claw) in one of them (6.66%). BCG scar was present in 11 (73.33%) cases. Among the vaccinated cases, tuberculoid type was the most common, followed by indeterminate, pure neuritic and borderline, in that order. A contact survey detected 2 multibacillary cases in two families (13.33%). In each case, the father was the index source. The study revealed that a maximum number of students, 8 (53.3%), belonged to the middle socioeconomic class. Of the 15 affected, 60% were undernourished and the rest well nourished. No other systemic disease was found clinically associated with leprosy.

Pseudoepitheliomatous, keratotic and micaceous balanitis producing nail-like lesion on the glans penis.

A rare case of pseudoepitheliomatous, keratotic and micaceous balanitis (PEKMB) is described.

Itraconazole pulse therapy in onychomycosis.

A prospective study of 30 clinically and mycologically diagnosed cases of onychomycosis was carried out for a period of twelve months from May 1996 to April 1997. Itraconazole pulse therapy was given for the 1st week followed by 3 week drug-free period, for 1st 3 months for the finger nail cases and 4 monthes for finger nail + toe nail and toe nail cases. Patients were evaluated at baseline, week 4, week 12, week 16, week 24, up to 12 months and assessed as cleared or markedly improved with clinical and mycological success. The result of our study is very much encouraging. It suggests that the use of itraconazole pulse therapy will maintain the continuous treatment efficacy and is cost effective than continuous therapy.

Clinico-mycological profile of superficial mycoses.

Clinico-mycological study of 2743 clinically diagnosed cases of superficial mycoses attending skin and VD OPD of VSS Medical College during the year 1995 - 96 was conducted. Male predominance was observed. Highest incidence of tinea versicolor was found. T. rubrum was the commonest fungus isolated.

Pentoxifylline in reactions in leprosy.

A study was conducted to assess the response of reactions in leprosy to pentoxifylline therapy. Ten cases were studied; 8 cases had type 2 reaction and 2 cases had type 1 reaction. Pentoxifylline was given orally 400 mg three times daily. In patients with type 2 reaction, good response was observed within one week. There was near complete regression of ENL lesions within one month. Cases with type 1 reaction did not respond to pentoxifylline.

Vulval lichen planus leading to urethral stenosis.

An 8-year-old female child presented with difficulty in micturition preceded by some vulval lesions. She had itching around vulva associated with burning sensation and gradually developed a whitish patch. Histology was compatible with lichen planus.

Metronidazole in management of trophic ulcers in leprosy.

Efficacy of metronidazole was assessed in 20 leprosy cases with trophic ulcers with poor response to oral and topical antibiotic. Oral metronidazole 400 mg three times daily for one week and topical metronidazole gel 1% for three weeks were found to be very effective.