Carbon sequestration and credit potential of gamhar (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) based agroforestry system for zero carbon emission of India

The agroforestry system is the best option to achieve the net zero carbon emissions target for India. Keeping this view, carbon sequestration and credit potential of gamhar based agroforestry system has been assessed. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design in seven different treatments with five replications. Gamhar tree biomass accumulation was higher in gamhar based agroforestry system compared to sole gamhar. Among different tree components, stem contributed a maximum to total gamhar tree biomass followed by roots, leaves and branches. The average contributions of stems, roots, leaves and branches in total tree biomass in two annual cycles (2016-17 and 2017-18) varied between 50 and 60, 19.8 and 20, 19.2 and 20, and 10.7 and 12.7 percent, respectively. In case of crops, above ground, below ground and total biomass was significantly higher in sole intercrops than gamhar based agroforestry system. Total (Tree + interrops + Soil) carbon stock, carbon sequestration, carbon credit and carbon price were significantly affected by treatments, and was maximum in Sole Greengram-Mustard. Net carbon emission was also recorded lowest in Sole Greengram-Mustard for which the values were 811.55% and 725.24% and 760.69% lower than Sole Gamhar in 2016-17, 2017-18 and in pooled data, respectively.

Thermo-neutrophilic cellulases and chitinases characterized from a novel putative antifungal biocontrol agent: Bacillus subtilis TD11

Cellulose and chitin are the most abundant naturally occurring biopolymers synthesized in plants and animals and are used for synthesis of different organic compounds and acids in the industry. Therefore, cellulases and chitinases are important for their multiple uses in industry and biotechnology. Moreover, chitinases have a role in the biological control of phytopathogens. A bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis TD11 was previously isolated and characterized as a putative biocontrol agent owing to its significant antifungal potential. In this study, cellulase and chitinase produced by the strain B. subtilis TD11 were purified and characterized. The activity of the cellulases and chitinases were optimized at different pH (2 to 10) and temperatures (20 to 90°C). The substrate specificity of cellulases was evaluated using different substances including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), and crystalline substrates. The cellulase produced by B. subtilis TD11 had a molecular mass of 45 kDa while that of chitinase was 55 kDa. The optimal activities of the enzymes were found at neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). The optimum temperature for the purified cellulases was in the range of 50 to 70°C while, purified chitinases were optimally active at 50°C. The highest substrate specificity of the purified cellulase was found for CMC (100%) followed by HEC (>50% activity) while no hydrolysis was observed against the crystalline substrates. Moreover, it was observed that the purified chitinase was inhibitory against the fungi containing chitin in their hyphal walls i.e., Rhizoctonia, Colletotrichum, Aspergillus and Fusarium having a dose-effect relationship.

Biological control of fungal pathogens of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) by chitinolytic bacterial strains

The need to increase food production and to reduce the pollution caused by synthetic chemicals has led to a search for biocontrol agents against plant pathogens. In the present study, a total of 37 chitinolytic bacteria were isolated from the rhizospheric soil of tomatoes using a chitin agar medium. In vitro bacterial isolates, that is, TD9, TD11, TD15, and TD24 showed strong antagonistic and enzymatic activities against Rhizoctonia (8%-55%), Fusarium (31%-48%), Colletotrichum (24%-49%), and Aspergillus on a dual culture plate and enzyme assay. Furthermore, these putative antagonistic bacterial isolates were identified as Pantoea agglomerans (TD9), Bacillus subtilis (TD11), Bacillus cereus (TD15 and TD24) using 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Additionally, in culture filtrate in vivo assay, the isolates TD11 and TD15 inhibited the growth of Rhizoctonia solani about 40% and Fusarium oxysporum about 80%. However, in the pot trials, these two bacterial isolates (TD11 and TD15) considerably suppressed the disease rate in tomatoes caused by Fusarium and Rhizoctonia fungal species. Moreover, it was concluded that B. subtilis (TD11) was found to be the most promising putative biocontrol agent, inhibiting the fungal diseases of tomatoes by 50% and showing versatile antagonistic potential.

Role of halotolerant and chitinolytic bacteria in phytoremediation of saline soil using spinach plant

Novel technologies are required for rapid reclamation of saline soils. The halotrophic and chitinolytic bacterial strains were used for phytoremediation of saline soils using spinach plants (Spinacia oleracea L.). The previously isolated chitinolytic bacteria showed high antifungal potential against Fusarium oxysporum, and Alternaria spp. The halotolerant bacterial strains were previously isolated showing a salt tolerance of up to 20% in culture media. Specially designed microcosms were used here to investigate the reclamation of saline soil by bacteria. The soil salinity was reduced by both types of bacteria (from 6.5 to 2 dS/m). A decline in Na contents from 22-24 to 9-12 meq/L and in sodium adsorption ratio from 10-11 to 7-8 was also observed in saline soils. The Ca/Mg contents increased from 24 to 30-33 meq/L. The bioassays were performed to evaluate the effect of the bacteria on the phytoremediation. The shoot, root weights (both fresh (1.927 g, 0.244 g) and dry (0.387 g, 0.104 g)) increased by bacterial inoculation as compared to control in saline soils. The Na/K ratio decreased in plant tissues. Here we report the increased efficacy of phytoremediation by combined inoculation of chitinolytic and halotolerant bacterial strains in soil which has never been reported before.

The effects of bariatric surgery on psychological aspects of eating behaviour and food intake in humans

Bariatric surgery has emerged as an increasingly popular weight loss intervention, with larger and more endurable weight loss compared to pharmacological and behavioural interventions. The degree of weight loss patients experience varies, between individuals, surgeries and over time. An explanation as to why differing weight loss trajectories exist post-surgery could be due to the complex interplay of individual differences in relation to eating behaviours and appetite. Thus the aim of this narrative review is to explore literature between 2008 and 2018, to assess the impact of impact of bariatric surgery on food selection and nutrient status, on eating behaviour traits and on disturbed and disordered eating behaviour, to determine their impact of weight loss success and weight loss trajectories. Immediately post-surgery, up until 1-2 years post-surgery, there is a reliance upon the surgery's alteration of the gastrointestinal tract to control food intake and subsequently lose weight. Energy intake is reduced, dietary adherence is higher, supplement intake is higher, appetite ratings are lower, there is a reduction in psychopathology, and an increase in wellbeing. After this point, patients become more susceptible to weight regain, as this is the point where passive observation of the weight reducing action of surgery, moves into more cognitive effort, on the part of the individual, to control energy intake. There are various factors which influence an individual's ability to successfully regulate their energy intake post-surgery, such as their level of Disinhibition, Restraint, Hunger, Emotional Eating, Uncontrolled Eating, psychopathology and wellbeing. The need for continued psychological and nutritional support post-surgery is necessary to reduce weight regain susceptibility.

Diabetic neuroarthropathy

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to assess the incidence of diabetic neuroarthropathy and its related morbidity.

METHODS

The medical records of 296 diabetic patients were analyzed retrospectively between June of 1998 and July of 1999. The patients with long standing, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy were evaluated clinically and radiographically for the presence of arthropathic changes in the feet. Clinically, neuropathy was considered if there was absence of ankle jerk or glove and stocking sensory loss, or both. Radiographically, the presence of stress fractures, dislocation/subluxation, lytic or arthritic lesions of the bone and joints were taken as indicative of the disease. They were treated conservatively by total contact casting or surgically in the form of ray excision, amputation and skin grafting. They were followed up for an average period of 13 months. Results were evaluated clinically and radiographically.

RESULTS

The maximum incidence of diabetes mellitus was in the age group of 41-80 years. Diabetic neuropathy was present in 37 patients (12.5%). Male to female ratio was 23:14 with an average age of 70.42 years. The mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 14.2 years. Seventeen feet in 11 patients (4%) were found to have diabetic neuroarthropathy. The joints involved were tarsometatarsal (76%), metatarsophalangeal (59%), subtalar (47%) and interphalangeal joints (41%). Two patients underwent foot amputations. Patients treated with total contact casting resulted in satisfactory progress.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic neuroarthropathy, a less recognized complication of diabetes mellitus needs greater attention in Saudi Arabia. High-risk feet should be subjected to routine radiographs or preferably a computerized tomography examination. The timely detection of this problem can save many patients from disastrous complications.

Diabetic neuroarthropathy

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to assess the incidence of diabetic neuroarthropathy and its related morbidity.

METHODS

The medical records of 296 diabetic patients were analyzed retrospectively between June of 1998 and July of 1999. The patients with long standing, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and associated peripheral neuropathy were evaluated clinically and radiographically for the presence of arthropathic changes in the feet. Clinically, neuropathy was considered if there was absence of ankle jerk or glove and stocking sensory loss, or both. Radiographically, the presence of stress fractures, dislocation/subluxation, lytic or arthritic lesions of the bone and joints were taken as indicative of the disease. They were treated conservatively by total contact casting or surgically in the form of ray excision, amputation and skin grafting. They were followed up for an average period of 13 months. Results were evaluated clinically and radiographically.

RESULTS

The maximum incidence of diabetes mellitus was in the age group of 41-80 years. Diabetic neuropathy was present in 37 patients (12.5%). Male to female ratio was 23:14 with an average age of 70.42 years. The mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 14.2 years. Seventeen feet in 11 patients (4%) were found to have diabetic neuroarthropathy. The joints involved were tarsometatarsal (76%), metatarsophalangeal (59%), subtalar (47%) and interphalangeal joints (41%). Two patients underwent foot amputations. Patients treated with total contact casting resulted in satisfactory progress.

CONCLUSION

Diabetic neuroarthropathy, a less recognized complication of diabetes mellitus needs greater attention in Saudi Arabia. High-risk feet should be subjected to routine radiographs or preferably a computerized tomography examination. The timely detection of this problem can save many patients from disastrous complications.

A comparative study of cefixime and chloramphenicol in children with typhoid fever

We compared cefixime with chloramphenicol in a trial for treatment of children with culture positive typhoid fever. Twenty children were given cefixime 10 mg/kg/day orally for 14 days and twenty received chloramphenicol 50 mg/kg/day orally for 14 days. On entry the clinical characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Clinical cure was observed in 18 (90%) patients treated with cefixime and 9 (45%) treated with chloramphenicol. Of 11 patients who did not respond to chloramphenicol, 10 were switched over to cefixime and all were cured. Overall 28 out of 30 cases (93.3%) were cured by cefixime.

A comparative study of cefixime and chloramphenicol in children with typhoid fever

We compared cefixime with chloramphenicol in a randomized trial for treatment of children with culture positive typhoid fever. Twenty children were given cefixime 10 mg/kg/day orally and twenty received chloramphenicol 50 mg/kg/day orally. On entry in the study, the clinical characteristics of the two groups were comparable. Duration of therapy was 14 days. Clinical cure was observed in 18 (90%) patients treated with cefixime and 9 (45%) treated with chloramphenical. Out of the 11 patients who did not respond to chloramphenicol, 10 were switched over to cefixime and all of them were cured. Over all 28 cases out of 30 (93.3%) P = 0.0049 were cured by cefixime.

The molecular genetics of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The study of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been at the vanguard of molecular genetic investigation into inherited diseases of the cardiovascular system for the greater part of the last decade. These studies have shown it to be a disease of sarcomeric contractile proteins and have highlighted its genetic heterogeneity. There are now seven known genetic loci and six disease genes associated with the condition. The biology of the mutant polypeptides has been studied in vitro, and animal models are being developed. Increased understanding gained from these studies has clarified features of the condition at the clinical level and has had an impact on management of patients. It is hoped that this work will lead to the development of novel therapies for both hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and acquired forms of left ventricular hypertrophy.

Synthesis, characterization, and microbiocidal activity of alpha-methyl-(2-thiophenomethylene) aryloxyacetic acid hydrazides and their metal complexes

Complexes of alpha-methyl-(2-thiophenomethylene) aryloxyacetic acid hydrazides with Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal salts were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weight determination, molar conductance, and magnetic moment and spectroscopic techniques. In these complexes, the ligands form a conjugate O-N-S tridenate system, thus coordinating with metal through oxygen of the carbonyl group, nitrogen of azomethine, and sulphur of thiophenemoiety. Octahedral geometry is proposed for all the complexes. Antifungal activity of the ligands and their Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes was determined against plant pathogenic fungi viz. Alternaria alternata, Rhizoctonia solani, Colletotrichum capsicum, and Glomeralla cingulata at 28 degrees C. Antibacterial activity of ligands and their metal complexes was determined on gram positive Bacillus subtilis and gram negative Escherichia coli bacteria at 37 degrees C by the serial dilution method. In some cases an increase in biocidal activity of the ligands on coordination with metal ions was observed in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values.