Mitigation of water scarcity with sustained growth of Rice by plant growth promoting bacteria

Climate change augments the risk to food security by inducing drought stress and a drastic decline in global rice production. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have been known to improve plant growth under drought stress. Here in the present study, we isolated, identified, and well-characterized eight drought-tolerant bacteria from the rice rhizosphere that are tolerant to 20% PEG-8000. These strains exhibited multiple plant growth-promoting traits, i.e., 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activity, exopolysaccharide production, phosphate (P)-solubilizing activity (51–356 µg ml-1), indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) production (14.3–46.2 µg ml-1), and production of organic acids (72–178 µg ml-1). Inoculation of bacterial consortium (Bacillus subtilis NM-2, Brucella haematophilum NM-4, and Bacillus cereus NM-6) significantly improved seedling growth and vigor index (1009.2-1100) as compared to non-inoculated stressed plants (630-957). Through rhizoscanning, efficiency of the consortium was validated by improved root parameters such as root length (17%), diameter, and surface area (18%) of all tested genotypes as compared with respective non-inoculated stressed treatments. Furthermore, the response of consortium inoculation on three rice genotypes was positively correlated with improved plant growth and drought stress ameliorating traits by the accumulation of osmoprotectant, i.e., proline (85.8%–122%), relative water content (51%), membrane stability index (64%), and production of antioxidant enzymes to reduce oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species. A decrease in temperature and improved chlorophyll content of inoculated plants were found using infrared thermal imaging and soil plant analyzer development (SPAD), respectively. The key supporting role of inoculation toward stress responses was validated using robust techniques like infrared thermal imaging and an infrared gas analyzer. Furthermore, principal component analysis depicts the contribution of inoculation on stress responses and yield of tested rice genotypes under water stress. The integration of drought-tolerant rice genotype (NIBGE-DT02) and potential bacterial strains, i.e., NM-2, NM-4, and NM-6, can serve as an effective bioinoculant to cope with water scarcity under current alarming issues related to food security in fluctuating climate

The Burnout amongst doctors of obstetrics and gynecology department during covid-19 pandemic: Burnout amongst doctors of obstetrics & gynecology department

Abstract : Burnout is a state of physical and mental exhaustion that results from long term involvement in work situations that are emotionally demanding. Doctors in emergency fields like obstetrics & gynecology of a tertiary care hospital, have to work vigilantly at odd times under immense pressure during long duty hours, thus are more likely to burnout, especially in the tedious time of COVID-19 pandemic. This study measured the burnout in doctors of the department of OB/GYN at RMU allied hospitals by using Questionnaire based on Copenhagen Inventory with addition of questions about PPE, COVID testing facility and family burnout. Results showed inadequate provision of PPE & Covid testing, fear of transmission of infection to family and friends, effect on care of elderly at home, relationship with partner and increased mood irritability. Personal burnout was 54, work related burnout 49.6, and patient related burnout was 37 There is significant family and personal burnout but still patient burnout is not present, showing high professionalism in our doctors. Facilitation in the form of reduced working hours, safer working environment, appreciation of work, financial incentives, social support and care of psychological well-being by cognitive behavioral therapy & counselling must be offered to the doctors of the department of obstetrics and gynecology.   &nbsp