Efficacy of different fungicides against dry rot pathogen of potato caused by Fusarium sp. under in vitro condition

Potato crop is affected by numerous diseases in field, as well as in storage conditions, particularly in cold storage. Dry rot of potato is caused by Fusarium sp. Dry rot of seed tubers can reduce crop establishment by killing developing potato sprouts, and crop losses can be up to 25%, while more than 60% of tubers can be infected in storage. It is a rich source of energy, which supplement food source of a country. In this experiment, four systemic and four non-systemic fungicides were tested at different concentrations in vitro for their comparative efficacy against inhibition of the growth of Fusarium sp. through poisoned food technique. To manage these diseases effectively, different concentrations of fungicides were tested. Results revealed against Fusarium sp. that carbendazim and benomyl significantly inhibited the fungal growth even at its lower concentration (100 ppm) and proved statistically superior over the rest of the fungicides tested at different concentrations and among non-systemic fungicides, MEMC significantly inhibited the fungal growth even at its lower concentration (1000 ppm)

What can medical educators learn from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games?

Medical Educators face an ongoing challenge in optimising preparedness for practice for newly qualified doctors. Junior doctors have highlighted specific areas in which they do not feel adequately equipped to undertake their duties, including managing the acutely unwell patient. In these highly stressful, time-critical scenarios it might be assumed that a lack of knowledge underpins these feelings of apprehension from junior medics; however, having studied, trained and passed examinations to demonstrate such knowledge, perhaps other factors should be considered. The recent Olympic Games in Rio demonstrated the impact of sport psychology techniques in allowing athletes to achieve their optimum performance in the face of adversity. The use of mental and behavioural strategies to control feelings of anxiety and low self-efficacy are pivotal for athletes to deliver their best performance under extreme pressure. We consider whether such techniques could improve the preparedness of the newest recruits to the healthcare system, and the impact this could have on patient care. Finally, suggestions for potential research directions within this area are offered to stimulate interest amongst the research community

Solidification of Al-Sn-Cu based immiscible alloys under intense shearing

The official published version of the Article can be accessed from the link below - Copyright @ 2009 The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM InternationalThe growing importance of Al-Sn based alloys as materials for engineering applications necessitates the development of uniform microstructures with improved performance. Guided by the recently thermodynamically assessed Al-Sn-Cu system, two model immiscible alloys, Al-45Sn-10Cu and Al-20Sn-10Cu, were selected to investigate the effects of intensive melt shearing provided by the novel melt conditioning by advanced shear technology (MCAST) unit on the uniform dispersion of the soft Sn phase in a hard Al matrix. Our experimental results have confirmed that intensive melt shearing is an effective way to achieve fine and uniform dispersion of the soft phase without macro-demixing, and that such dispersed microstructure can be further refined in alloys with precipitation of the primary Al phase prior to the demixing reaction. In addition, it was found that melt shearing at 200 rpm and 60 seconds will be adequate to produce fine and uniform dispersion of the Sn phase, and that higher shearing speed and prolonged shearing time can only achieve minor further refinement.This work is funded by the EPSRC and DT

Effects of Cynodon dactylon on Stress-Induced Infertility in Male Rats

Cynodon dactylon (Family: Poaceae) is known to be a tackler in Indian mythology and is offered to Lord Ganesha. It is found everywhere, even on waste land, road side, dry places, and spreads vigorously on cultivated ground. This study was carried out with an objective to test if the constituents of this plant are useful in coping stress-induced sexual In this study, we considered immobilization stress to induce male infertility and the effect of C. dactylon in restoration of the dysfunction was evaluated by considering sexual behavioral observations, sexual performance, fructose content of the seminal vesicles, epididymal sperm concentration and histopathological examinations as parameters. Treatment of rats under stress with methanolic extract of C. dactylon has shown a promising effect in overcoming stress-induced sexual dysfunction, sexual performance, fructose content, sperm concentration and its effect on accessory sexual organs and body weight. We conclude that active constituents of C. dactylon present in methanolic extract have a potent aphrodisiac and male fertility activity

Enhanced recovery after surgery: are we ready, and can we afford not to implement these pathways for patients undergoing radical cystectomy?

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for radical cystectomy seems logical, but our study has shown a paucity in the level of clinical evidence. As part of the ERAS Society, we welcome global collaboration to collect evidence that will improve patient outcomes

Effect of melt conditioning on heat treatment and mechanical properties of AZ31 alloy strips produced by twin roll casting

In the present investigation, magnesium strips were produced by twin roll casting (TRC) and melt conditioned twin roll casting (MC-TRC) processes. Detailed optical microscopy studies were carried out on as-cast and homogenized TRC and MC-TRC strips. The results showed uniform, fine and equiaxed grain structure was observed for MC-TRC samples in as-cast condition. Whereas, coarse columnar grains with centreline segregation were observed in the case of as-cast TRC samples. The solidification mechanisms for TRC and MC-TRC have been found completely divergent. The homogenized TRC and MC-TRC samples were subjected to tensile test at elevated temperature (250-400 °C). At 250 °C, MC-TRC sample showed significant improvement in strength and ductility. However, at higher temperatures the tensile properties were almost comparable, despite of TRC samples having larger grains compared to MC-TRC samples. The mechanism of deformation has been explained by detailed fractures surface and sub-surface analysis carried out by scanning electron and optical microscopy. Homogenized MC-TRC samples were formed (hot stamping) into engineering component without any trace of crack on its surface. Whereas, TRC samples cracked in several places during hot stamping process.EPSRC – LiME, UK and Towards Affordable, Closed-Loop Recyclable Future Low Carbon Vehicle Structures – TARF-LCV(EP/I038616/1), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, UK, Mr. Steve Cook, Mr. Peter Lloyd, Mr. Graham Mitchell and Mr. Carmelo and BCAST, Brunel University London

Fracture rate after conventional external beam radiation therapy to the spine in multiple myeloma patients

Background Context: Conventional external beam radiation therapy (cEBRT) is used in multiple myeloma (MM) to treat severe pain, spinal cord compression, and disease-related bone disease. However, radiation may be associated with an increased risk of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), which could substantially impair survival and quality of life. Additionally, the use of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) in MM is debated in MM. Purpose: To determine the incidence of VCFs after cEBRT in patients with MM and to assess the applicability of the SINS score in the prediction of VCFs in MM. Study Design: Retrospective multicenter cohort study. Patient Sample: MM patients with spinal myeloma lesions who underwent cEBRT between January 2010 and December 2021. Outcome Measures: Frequency of new or progressed VCFs and subdistribution hazard ratios for potentially associated factors. Methods: Patient and treatment characteristics were manually collected from the patients’ electronic medical records. Computed tomography (CT) scans from before and up to 3 years after the start of radiation were used to score radiographic variables at baseline and at follow-up. Multivariable Fine and Gray competing risk analyses were performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the SINS score to predict the post-radiation VCF rate. Results: A total of 127 patients with 427 eligible radiated vertebrae were included in this study. The mean age at radiation was 64 years, and 66.1% of them were male. At the start of radiation, 57 patients (44.9%) had at least one VCF. There were 89 pre-existing VCFs (18.4% of 483 vertebrae). Overall, 39 of 127 patients (30.7%) reported new fractures (number of vertebrae (n)=12) or showed progression of existing fractures (n=36). This number represented 11.2% of all radiated vertebrae. Five of the 39 (12.8%) patients with new or worsened VCFs received an unplanned secondary treatment (augmentation [n=2] or open surgery [n=3]) within 3 years. Both the total SINS score (SHR 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54–2.03; p<.001) and categorical SINS score (SHR 10.83; 95% CI 4.20–27.94; p<.001) showed an independent association with higher rates of new or progressed VCFs in adjusted analyses. The use of bisphosphonates was independently associated with a lower rate of new or progressed VCFs (SHR 0.47 [95% CI 0.24–0.92; p=.027]). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that new or progressed VCFs occurred in 30.7% of patients within 3 years, in a total of 11.2% of vertebrae. The SINS score was found to be independently associated with the development or progression of VCFs and could thus be applied in MM for fracture prediction and possibly prevention

Atoms interacting with intense, high-frequency laser pulses: Effect of the magnetic-field component on atomic stabilization

Published versio

Cyclic AMP signalling controls key components of malaria parasite host cell invasion machinery

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is an important signalling molecule across evolution, but its role in malaria parasites is poorly understood. We have investigated the role of cAMP in asexual blood stage development of Plasmodium falciparum through conditional disruption of adenylyl cyclase beta (ACβ) and its downstream effector, cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). We show that both production of cAMP and activity of PKA are critical for erythrocyte invasion, whilst key developmental steps that precede invasion still take place in the absence of cAMP-dependent signalling. We also show that another parasite protein with putative cyclic nucleotide binding sites, Plasmodium falciparum EPAC (PfEpac), does not play an essential role in blood stages. We identify and quantify numerous sites, phosphorylation of which is dependent on cAMP signalling, and we provide mechanistic insight as to how cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain of the essential invasion adhesin apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) regulates erythrocyte invasion

Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group 2.0: Back to Business

In December 2019, the Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group (ARLG) was awarded funding for another 7-year cycle to support a clinical research network on antibacterial resistance. ARLG 2.0 has 3 overarching research priorities: infections caused by antibiotic-resistant (AR) gram-negative bacteria, infections caused by AR gram-positive bacteria, and diagnostic tests to optimize use of antibiotics. To support the next generation of AR researchers, the ARLG offers 3 mentoring opportunities: the ARLG Fellowship, Early Stage Investigator seed grants, and the Trialists in Training Program. The purpose of this article is to update the scientific community on the progress made in the original funding period and to encourage submission of clinical research that addresses 1 or more of the research priority areas of ARLG 2.0