Genetics and genomics studies of rice disease resistance and development of alternative disease management methods for bacterial panicle blight and sheath blight

Bacterial panicle blight (BPB) and sheath blight (SB), caused by the bacteria Burkholderia glumae and B. gladioli, and the fungus Rhizoctonia solani, respectively, are two major rice diseases in southern rice growing regions of US. No completely resistant rice cultivars have been identified for these diseases. However, a medium-grain cultivar, Jupiter, showed partial resistance to BPB. In order to understand the mechanisms of rice resistance against BPB and SB, rice genetics and genomics studies have been conducted. Alternative methods to suppress BPB and SB were also studied. Broad-sense heritability and correlations were calculated for the traits, BPB and SB disease ratings, days to heading, and plant height, with recombinant inbred lines generated from a cross between Trenasse and Jupiter in replicated trials for two years. Days to heading and plant height had high heritability, and were negatively correlated with BPB and SB disease ratings. The traits with high heritability will not have environmental influence, and can be used as indirect selection tools. Study on genomic characteristics of five rice genotypes grown in Louisiana using their whole genome sequence data provides genome-wide DNA polymorphisms among them. These information will enable us to understand genetic elements for phenotypic variations among these genotypes, which will help to enhance the genetic studies of US rice cultivars. The sequence data were also used to develop microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphism markers, which can be used for genetic mapping studies. Previous microarray studies showed that the gene encoding a NAC4-like transcription factor, named bacterial panicle blight response gene 1 (BPR1), was highly up-regulated in Jupiter upon B. glumae inoculation. Expression of BPR1 in response to B. glumae was not detected in both Jupiter and Trenasse at seedling and tillering stages. However, rapid induction of BPR1 expression was observed in Jupiter, but not in Trenasse, when it was treated with B. glumae or chemicals, such as ascorbic acid and jasmonic acid, at its heading stage, suggesting that BPR1 expression is tissue-specific, and might be involved in rice defense response against B. gluame. Several rice-associated bacteria (RAB) isolated from healthy rice leaves were tested for their ability to suppress BPB and SB in rice. Those RAB were able to suppress bacterial cell growth and sclerotia germination in vitro, and were able to reduce the BPB and SB symptoms in rice in the field. Based on the 16S rDNA sequencing analysis, those RABs were identified as Bacillus and Lysinibacillus spp., and are potential candidates for biological control agents

Characterization and Utilization of Rice Defense Associated with Partial Resistance to Bacterial Panicle Blight: An Emerging Rice Disease Problem in the Southeastern United States

Rice is a staple food for much of the world’s growing population. Rice production is limited by a number of abiotic and biotic factors. These factors have direct effects on food security because less food is available to growing population. Bacterial panicle blight (BPB), caused by the bacterium Burkholderia glumae, is an emerging disease that causes grain rot, panicle discoloration, and unfilled grains in rice. Up to 70% of yield reduction has been reported in severely infected rice fields. No completely resistant rice cultivars have been identified, however, a medium-grain cultivar, Jupiter, showed a high level of partial resistance to this disease. A research was conducted to characterize and utilize the rice defense system associated with partial resistance to BPB. Various chemical compounds and biological agents were used to enhance the rice defense system and in vitro control of B. glumae, respectively. Microarray studies done by Dr. Nandakuar and Dr. Rush, showed that several defense related genes and transcriptional regulators were highly up-regulated in Jupiter and slightly up-regulated in Trenasse, a susceptible long-grained cultivar, when challenged with B. glumae. Induction of the expression of those genes in Jupiter and Trenasse were verified by reverse-transcription PCR. Genes encoding an NAC-like transcription factor (NTF) and a grain filling protein, prolamin, was highly induced in Jupiter but not in Trenasse under different treatments of B. glumae and its mutant derivatives. These genes may be involved in the partial resistance to BPB, and could be used as a genetic marker and breeding tools to develop BPB resistant rice cultivars. In an attempt to develop control measures for BPB in rice, several chemicals, including jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, 2, 6-dichloroisonicotinic acid, and ethylene, known to induce plant defense systems against various plant pathogens were tested for their ability to enhance rice defense systems and reduce BPB development. Results showed that pretreatment of rice with ascorbic acid significantly suppressed BPB development while only minimally reducing yield. In the meantime, several biological agents isolated from rice leaves showed antagonistic effect on B. glumae, and Rhizoctonia solani, the causal agent of sheath blight in rice

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF ASHMARI IN BRIHATTRAYI

From the study of ancient surgical text Sushruta samhita, it becomes evident that the urological problems form an important part of medical sciences. Among all the urinary problems described in Ayurvedic texts, there is one variety where both the medicinal and the surgical treatments are advised and agreed upon by all the Acharyas and this entity is the Mutrashmari.Ashmari is one of the most common and distressing disease among the group of urinary disorder. In the ancient period the diagnosis of Ashmari was done, based only on the Lakshanas. The sufficiency of clinical features alone to make diagnosis is difficult. In the current practice, the diagnosis is based only on imaging techniques, which has enhanced the diagnostic capability of the disease.This article reviews the various concept of Ashmari in Brihattrayi regarding its classification, symptomatology, etiological factors, pathology, complications and management have been dealt with both medico-surgical procedure.It is an attempt to compile the various concept of Ashmari disorders scattered in Brihattrayi and correlate them with modern urinary disorders

Perceptions of Ethics in Business: A Study of Business Students in Bangladesh

This paper uses a survey instrument to elicit business students’ perceptions of ethics in business in Bangladesh. Based on students’ opinions, the survey results show that ethical practices are not properly followed by companies in recruitment and managerial decision making. Also, most of the companies do not provide a safe and a harassment-free environment, especially for the female employees. Respondents further believe that the enactment of proper laws and regulations, religious values, and a well-defined code of conducts can play a significant role in improving ethical business practices in Bangladesh. Moreover, a good understanding of what constitutes ethical behavior by both managers and owners help promote ethical conducts. The paper suggests that a university should include different business courses on ethics in its academic curriculum to shape the ethical attitudes of the students properly

CONCEPT OF URINE IN BRIHATTRAYI

From the study of ancient surgical text Sushruta samhita, it becomes evident that the urological problems form an important part of medical sciences. This article reviews the various concept of Mutra in Brihattrayi regarding its characteristics, formation , examination, and use for the diagnosis of various aspects of disease and diseased person . Mutra pariksha as such in systematic way is not described in Brihatrayi. Scattered references are available in these texts related to physiological and pathological state. Based on the informations scattered in various texts pertaining to the abnormalities in respect of odour, colour, quantity etc. urine can be used as important diagnostic tool. The scattered references available in Ayurvedic texts are compiled below in following scheme of Sushrutas Sadhvidha pariksha. Sadhvidha Pariksha includes Panchendriya and Prashna Pariksha.Under this heading, temperature and consistency of urine can be taken into consideration. Thus on the basis of differences in touch only; one can diagnose the disease by observing the changes/abnormality in urine. It can be says that clinical diagnosis of certain diseases depends upon various characteristics of mutra. It is helpful in diagnosing a number of diseases and thus its importance should not be ignored. Urine, like any other substance has its own properties and qualities and can be used rationally for treatment of certain diseases. In Ayurveda properties and uses of human urine and the urine of eight different, animals have been described.Mutra pariksha , properties and uses of urine as such in systematic way is not described in Brihatrayi. It is an attempt to compile the various concept of urine and its properties regarding the diagnosis of various disease which are scattered in Brihattrayi

Antidepressant Activity of Methanolic Extract of Vitis vinifera

The present study was determined to evaluate the effect of methnolic extract of Vitis vinifera (MEVV) as well as its interaction with conventional antidepressant drug using tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) and to evaluate the possible mechanisms involved in its actions. The extract was found to reduce the explorative tendencies of the rats in the tail suspension test and forced swim test the extract caused a significant reduction in immobility time and increased swimming time. The leaf of the plant were collected and authenticated. The methnolic extract of Vitis vinifera (MEVV) showed the significant antidepressant activity comparable to the standard drug. The oral administration of methnolic extract of Vitis vinifera (MEVV) at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg respectively as compared to the control treated group showed an antidepressant activity comparable to that of standard drug. The antidepressant effects of methnolic extract of Vitis vinifera (MEVV) having a particular quality to be mainly associated with the activation of dopamineergic system and possess potential antidepressant activities

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF MUTRAGHATA IN AYURVEDA

From the study of ancient surgical text Sushruta samhita, it becomes evident that the urological problems form an important part of medical sciences. This article reviews the various concept of Mutraghata in Brihattrayi regarding its classification, symptomatology, etiological factors, pathology, and its complications. In present an attempt to made a sincere effort to acquaint the reader with the wealth of knowledge available in Ayurvedic literature on the important subject of Mutraghat. Mutraghata is one of the most common and distressing disease among the group of urinary disorder. The 12 types of Mutraghata are classified in to three categories for easier understanding of the subject and also to aid in approaching a patient of Mutraghata where in the principles of differential diagnosis has to be applied. The first category is based on the Neurogenic disturbances of the bladder and the types that can be included under this are – Vatakundalika, Vata Basti and Mutrajathara. The second category with the symptomatology of Obstructed flow of urine, Increased frequency of urination, Sense of incomplete voiding etc. has the Bastikundalika, Mutragranthi, Mutrotsarga and Ashteela types. The third category is termed as “Others”, where the types included are – Mutrakshaya (Anuria), Ushnavata (Haematuria), Mutoukasada (Abnormal colourisation of urine), Vidvighata (faecum passed per uretherum) & Mutrashukra (Retrograde flow of semen) can be interpreted as close to the conditions provided in the brackets. Mutraghata is a condition in consequence with some kind of Obstructive Uropathy either mechanical or functional; related either to upper or lower urinary tract resulting in to either partial or complete retention of urine as well as Oliguria or Anuria. For the easier understanding of the subject, it is an attempt to compile the various concept of Mutraghata scattered in Brihattrayi and correlate them with modern urinary disorders

Radial nerve palsy following plate osteosynthesis of shaft humerus in relation to posterior verses anterolateral approach

Background: Fracture shaft of humerus is a relatively common upper limb injury. Although it can be managed conservatively still surgical management is the recent trend worldwide. Open reduction and plate osteosynthesis is the gold standard and commonly practiced method of management. Iatrogenic radial nerve palsy following fracture fixation is a usual complication. Though most cases recover with time, but the incidence is variable in different approach. We compared two common approaches for fixation of middle 1/3rd of shaft of humerus fracture based on frequency of secondary radial nerve palsy and fracture healing.Methods: A prospective comparative study of management of all middle 1/3rd shaft humerus fracture was undertaken in our institute from Jan 2012 to Nov 2014. Total 42 patients were operated in this period of which six patients lost to follow up, so all total 36 cases were included in the study. Among these 36 patients 16 patients were operated by posterior approach and rest 20 were operated by Anterolateral approach. All patients were followed up at 2nd post-operative day, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 month and 1year. Frequency of radial nerve palsy with its outcome and fracture union was accessed in postoperative follow-ups.Results: There were total 3 cases of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy found in patients operated by posterior approach but all these patients recovered by average 5 month (3 to 6 months). There was not a single case of radial nerve palsy seen following humerus fixation by anterolateral approach. All 36 patients had good radiological union by 1 year, of which 2 patients of anterolateral approach and 1 patient from posterior approach required bone grafting to achieve union.Conclusions: Both the approaches had similar outcome in terms of fracture healing but there was significant difference in frequency of secondary radial nerve palsy, commonly seen in posterior approach.

Multiperiod Planning of Water Networks in Industrial Cities

Freshwater is an important natural resource which is required in various processes of several industries . With rapid industrialization around the globe, there has been a steady rise in demand of freshwater. As freshwater reserves are limited, there is a need to use them efficiently. Optimization of water networks in industries is a step in the direction of efficient utilization of water and for cutting down cost. Several works have been dedicated and implemented in industries for the conservation of freshwater resources. As industries grow in size with time, their water network should evolve accordingly. Current methodologies deal only with individual period optimization and do not consider the industrial city planning horizon. This is the first attempt to present a multi-period planning approach for synthesis of integrated water network within industrial cities. The formulations presented in this paper consider the cases of direct recycle and reuse (without treatment) and regeneration and reuse(with treatment). Source-sink mapping model has been implemented in both the cases The work presents optimization based models to determine the minimum freshwater usage and lowest cost design for direct recycle and reuse and lowest cost design for regeneration and reuse