Isolation and characterisation of Sri Lankan yeast germplasm and its evaluation for alcohol production

Use of inferior yeast cultures represents one of the reasons for low fermentation efficiencies in Sri Lankan alcohol distilleries that use sugarcane molasses. The present study isolated and characterised yeast strains found in natural environments in Sri Lanka and evaluated their performance under laboratory conditions in an effort to select superior strains for industrial fermentations. Yeasts were characterised based on morphological and physiological features such as sugar fermentation and nitrate assimilation. Ethanol production, alcohol tolerance and growth rate of the most promising strains were monitored following laboratory fermentations of molasses. Over a thousand yeast cultures were collected and screened for fermentative activity and a total of 83 yeast isolates were characterised as higher ethanol producers. Most of these belonged to the genus Saccharomyces. Certain strains produced over 10% (v/v) alcohol in molasses media during 72 h laboratory fermentations. Only two strains, SL-SRI-C-102 and 111, showed an appreciable fermentation efficiency of about 90%. The latter strain produced the highest level of ethanol, 11% (v/v) within a 48 h fermentation and exhibited improved alcohol tolerance when compared with the baker's yeast strains currently used in Sri Lankan alcohol distilleries. This study highlights the benefits of exploiting indigenous yeasts for industrial fermentation processes

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antagonistic Effect of Some Native Trichoderma Strains Against Economically Important Foliar Pathogens of Rubber

Rubber plants are subjected to serious fungal diseases and among them, the losses caused byfoliar diseases play an important role. The frequent use of chemical fungicides to controlcausative pathogens leads to environmental pollution, hazardous to human and may lead tothe development of new chemical resist pathogenic strains. Trichoderma species areubiquitous soil-borne Ascomycetes noted for their biocontrol capabilities against manyeconomically important plant pathogens. Hence, an attempt was made to investigate theantagonistic effect of some native Trichoderma isolates on the plant pathogenic fungi;Colletotrichum sp., Corynespora cassiicola, Phytophthora sp. and Drechslera heveae. Foliarpathogens were isolated from Rubber Research Institute, Dartonfield, Agalawaththa andidentified based on the symptoms, cultural and reproductive characteristics. FiveTrichoderma isolates isolated from different habitats in Sri Lanka were tested in vitro fortheir antagonistic effects against the four foliar pathogens. The results obtained from dualculture tests showed that all the five Trichoderma isolates effectively checked the growth ofthe four foliar pathogens. The test antagonists grew faster than the pathogen limiting theirgrowth. Trichoderma isolate A was the best antagonist against Drechslera heveae,Corynespora cassiicola and Colletotrichum sp. showing inhibition of 75.63%, 51.34% and74.46% respectively. Isolate B showed the best inhibition (70.99%) against Phytophthora sp.All antagonists showed their lowest inhibition against D. heveae. In conclusion, all the testedTrichoderma isolates showed antagonistic effect on the four foliar pathogens underinvestigation. Therefore, the fungal isolates under investigation can be used for furthergreenhouse and field studies to confirm the feasibility of using for the management of rubberfoliar pathogens.Keywords: Trichoderma spp., Drechslera heveae, Corynespora cassiicola, Colletotrichumspp., Phytopthora spp, Bio-control agent

Effectiveness of a simple lymphoedema treatment regimen in podoconiosis management in southern Ethiopia: one year follow-up

Background: Podoconiosis is a non-filarial elephantiasis caused by long-term barefoot exposure to volcanic soils in endemic areas. Irritant silicate particles penetrate the skin, causing a progressive, debilitating lymphoedema of the lower leg, often starting in the second decade of life. A simple patient-led treatment approach appropriate for resource poor settings has been developed, comprising (1) education on aetiology and prevention of podoconiosis, (2) foot hygiene (daily washing with soap, water and an antiseptic), (3) the regular use of emollient, (4) elevation of the limb at night, and (5) emphasis on the consistent use of shoes and socks. Methodology/Principal Findings: We did a 12-month, non-comparative, longitudinal evaluation of 33 patients newly presenting to one clinic site of a non-government organization (the Mossy Foot Treatment & Prevention Association, MFTPA) in southern Ethiopia. Outcome measures used for the monitoring of disease progress were (1) the clinical staging system for podoconiosis, and (2) the Amharic Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), both of which have been recently validated for use in this setting. Digital photographs were also taken at each visit. Twenty-seven patients completed follow up. Characteristics of patients completing follow-up were not significantly different to those not. Mean clinical stage and lower leg circumference decreased significantly (mean difference -0.67 (95% CI -0.38 to -0.96) and -2.00 (95% CI -1.26 to -2.74), respectively, p<0.001 for both changes). Mean DLQI diminished from 21 (out of a maximum of 30) to 6 (p<0.001). There was a non-significant change in proportion of patients with mossy lesions (p = 0.375). Conclusions/Significance: This simple, resource-appropriate regimen has a considerable impact both on clinical progression and self-reported quality of life of affected individuals. The regimen appears ideal for scaling up to other endemic regions in Ethiopia and internationally. We recommend that further research in the area include analysis of cost-effectiveness of the regimen

THE ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTALISTS ON THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS, FROM AN AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER'S POINT OF VIEW

The unique biological diversity of Sri Lanka is vital for the long term welfare of her ownpeople. But her natural forest cover which harbours a rich species diversity is dwindlingrapidly due to various reasons. It is customary for the traditional Ayurvcdic physicians ofSri Lanka to use plants as the major original source of drugs used in the treatment ofdiseases. However, there has been drastic decline in the availability of medicinal plants inSri Lanka since recent past. Therefore, this issue should be dealt with a multidisciplinaryapproach.A model survey was conducted in the Moneragala district in order to assess the hardshipsfaced hy the traditional physicians due to the scarcity of required varieties of plantingredients. Another survey was conducted among traditional physicians among riverandomly selected districts and also in ayurvedic pharmacies with the objective ofevaluating the status of demand of medicinal plants used for specific diseases usingdiabetes as a model. All these surveys were carried out using structured questionnaires.The outcome of these surveys strongly recommend that there is a great necessity tointegrate reforestation programmes with medicinal plant cultivation in order to cater to thedemand. Therefore. Sri Lanka needs a comprehensive strategy for the development of itsmedicinal plants. In our opinion. it is the responsibility of the environmentalists to adviseand guide the authorities concerned in preserving the medicinal plants which is ourNational heritage as well

Evaluation of pigeonpea accessions and selected lines for reaction to Maruca

Maruca vitrata (Geyer) is a serious insect pest of tropical legumes. In Sri Lanka, yield losses due to Maruca damage in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] range up to 100%. The development of resistant cultivars and germplasm is one of the best means of control. The objectives of this study were to screen 271 accessions for resistance to M. vitrata and evaluate reaction of lines selected from the promising accessions. The high level of natural incidence of Maruca in Sri Lanka provided an opportunity for evaluation of germplasm at Field Crops Research and Development Institute, Maha Illuppallama. Screening of the germplasm accessions revealed large variation in Maruca damage to flowers and pods. On average, the Maruca damage in determinate accessions (66–75%) was higher than that of nondeterminate accessions (41–50%). Resistant plants from four determinate and 12 nondeterminate accessions were selected. Further selection for resistance to Maruca damage among and within lines derived from the resistant plants was exercised for six generations under nonsprayed field conditions. Under insecticide-free conditions, the selections from two accessions showed significant yield advantages over controls. Data on pod damage and larval counts indicated that the resistance was conditioned through yield compensation mechanisms. In pigeonpea, this is the first report of the selection of Maruca resistant lines. Further studies showed that by using the resistant genotypes it is possible to reduce the number of insecticide sprays for economic yields

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Basic Lymphedema Management in Leogane, Haiti, an Area Endemic for Bancroftian Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease that is spread by mosquitoes. In tropical countries where lymphatic filariasis occurs, approximately 14 million people suffer from chronic swelling of the leg, known as lymphedema. Repeated episodes of bacterial skin infection (acute attacks) cause lymphedema to progress to its disfiguring form, elephantiasis. To help achieve the goal of eliminating lymphatic filariasis globally, the World Health Organization recommends basic lymphedema management, which emphasizes hygiene, skin care, exercise, and leg elevation. Its effectiveness in reducing acute attack frequency, as well as the role of compressive bandaging, have not been adequately evaluated in filariasis-endemic areas. Between 1995 and 1998, we studied 175 people with lymphedema of the leg in Leogane, Haiti. During Phase I of the study, when compression bandaging was used to reduce leg volume, the average acute attack rate was 1.56 episodes per year; it was greater in people who were illiterate and those who used compression bandages. After March 1997, when hygiene and skin care were emphasized and bandaging discouraged, acute attack frequency significantly decreased to 0.48 episodes per year. This study highlights the effectiveness of hygiene and skin care, as well as limitations of compressive bandaging, in managing lymphedema in filariasis-endemic areas

The catatonic dilemma expanded

Catatonia is a common syndrome that was first described in the literature by Karl Kahlbaum in 1874. The literature is still developing and remains unclear on many issues, especially classification, diagnosis, and pathophysiology. Clinicians caring for psychiatric patients with catatonic syndromes continue to face many dilemmas in diagnosis and treatment. We discuss many of the common problems encountered in the care of a catatonic patient, and discuss each problem with a review of the literature. Focus is on practical aspects of classification, epidemiology, differential diagnosis, treatment, medical comorbidity, cognition, emotion, prognosis, and areas for future research in catatonic syndromes

Critical Invasion Science: Weeds, Pests, and Aliens

The study of invasive plants and animals calls strongly for a critical approach due to the deeply social nature of invasion landscapes, the power relations affecting the science of invasions, and the differential impacts of weed or pest control on lives and landscapes. I first explore what a “critical” invasion science means. Then I investigate several aspects of invasion science ripe for critical analysis: the history of the science (to understand what the science is doing and why), the terminology and categories of analysis, and the highly contested social, political, and ethical context within which invasion management takes place. I conclude with four proposals for further work in critical invasion science and examples of the types of questions it might ask