Identification of Pseudomonas fluorescens using different biochemical tests

Pseudomonas fluorescens not only enhances the plant growth but also controls the fungal pathogens by production of anti fungal metabolites. The objective of this experiment was to identify P. fluorescens using different biochemical tests. This research was carried out in Plant Pathology Laboratory at Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. The result of this experiment indicated that P.  fluorescens gave positive result for Catalase test, Gelatin liquefaction, Fluorescent pigment and Oxidase test but negative result for starch hydrolysis test. The colony of P. fluorescens was maximum in maize seed than that of rice seed after two hours of inoculation, whereas higher number of colony was found in rice seed than that of maize seed after twenty four hours of seed inoculation. This findings is useful for identifying colony of P. fluorescens  per seed which is necessary for better seedling growth and effective biological control of pathogens

Bio-fertilizer activity of Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens as growth and yield promoter for maize

Saabunud / Received 01.06.2020 ; Aktsepteeritud / Accepted 16.09.2020 ; Avaldatud veebis / Published online 19.09.2020 ; Vastutav autor / Corresponding author: Bikram Nepali [email protected] bio-fertilizer potential of Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens on growth and yield performance of open-pollinated maize variety Rampur Composite was studied at the research farm of Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during the winter season of 2018/19. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with seven treatments (T1: recommended dose of NPK (120:60:40 kg NPK ha–1), T2: T. viride only, T3: P. fluorescens only, T4: T. viride + 50% NPK; T5: P. fluorescens + 50% NPK; T6: T. viride + P. fluorescens + 100 % NPK, T7: control) and replicated thrice. The package of agronomic practices was followed as per national recommendation. The result revealed that T. viride + 50% NPK enhanced most of the growth components like plant height (103%), leaf number (9.77%), stem diameter (73.98%), root length (40.57%), leaf area index (173.28%), leaf biomass (83.36%) and stem biomass (127.72%) of maize compared to the control. Similarly, the higher cob biomass (641 g), yield (5708 kg ha–1) and thousand kernel weight (295 g) were recorded in the plot applied to P. fluorescens + 50% NPK. The use of Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens with a half-dose of recommended fertilizers may increase the vegetative growth and yield of maize and may also help to reduce the rate of chemical fertilizers in maize

Effect of plastic mulches on growth and yield of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Dadeldhura, Nepal

A field experiment was conducted from February to June, 2020 at Bhatkanda, Dadeldhura, Nepal to assess the effectiveness of plastic mulches in potato production. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications comprising of five treatments viz: T1: white plastic mulch (white on black colored), T2: silver plastic mulch (silver on black colored), T3: perforated black plastic mulch, T4: black plastic mulch and T5: control (without mulch). Results revealed that the black plastic mulch significantly increased the rate of emergence while perforated black plastic exhibited highest values of all other studied growth parameters, yield components and quality parameters. The highest marketable tuber yield was obtained in perforated black plastic (6.05 kg/m2) followed by silver plastic (5.62 kg/m2), white plastic (5.46 kg/m2), black plastic (5.14 kg/m2) and lowest marketable tuber yield was obtained in control condition (4.07 kg/m2). Similarly, temperature difference between controlled and mulched condition at 15 cm depth of soil was observed up to 2.8°C with its highest value in black plastic mulch and lowest in control condition. The perforated black plastic mulch was found most economical with maximum value of net return (NRs. 1904.31 thousands/ha) and B: C ratio (5.83). This study concludes that the use of perforated black plastic mulch is most economical with optimum plant growth and yield, producing best quality potatoes under climatic condition of Dadeldhura, Nepal

Preparation of floral calendar of bee flora available in Lamjung district, Nepal

Between March and May 2022, researchers conducted a broad survey in the Lamjung district to ascertain the presence and accessibility of bee-friendly flora to compile a floral calendar. In the PMAMP Bee Zone, 62 respondents were chosen for the interview through a simple random sampling approach, from a pool of 382 registered beekeepers. Primary data collection involved using personal interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant surveys. Secondary data were gathered from publications related to the topic from various institutions. The collected data were then analyzed using IBM SPSS V.26 and Microsoft Excel. Nearly all farmers in the study area kept Apis cerana bees, but due to insufficient irrigation, the crop fields provided limited forage for the bees during certain periods. The lowest number of frames covers by bees was four during the dearth period. Farmers in the Lamjung district did not practice migratory foraging. The majority of the respondents reported an increase in productivity compared to the previous year. However, only 37.1 percent of them cultivated bee flora. The colony carrying capacity of the forage area was not estimated. Additionally, an increase in deforestation was identified as the major problem affecting bee foraging. To address these issues, it was recommended to plant and cultivate perennial trees such as butter trees (Vitellaria paradox), bottle brush (Callistemon speciosus), litchi (Litchi chinensis), sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo), and sunflower (Helianthus annus) with assured irrigation. This approach could ensure year-round forage availability and reduce the need for artificial feeding. The research aimed to explore the current status of honey bee flora and investigate major flora that could be introduced in the study area

Efficacy of Various Biopesticides against Red Ant (Dorylus orientalis Westwood) in Potato Field

Red ant (Dorylus orientalis Westwood) is the most destructive insect pest of potato tubers in the field in Nepal. A field experiment was conducted at Bhatkada, Dadeldhura district, Nepal in 2020 to determine the efficacy of various biopesticides and chemical insecticide on red ants. The plot size in this experiment was 106.7 m2. Five treatments viz. Chlorpyriphos 20% EC (2 mL L-1 water), Banmaara (2 kg plot-1), Cow urine (2 L 6 L-1water plot-1), Agave (25 g tuber-1) and Control (no treatment) were evaluated in randomized complete block design with four replications. The data on plant height and the number of leaves were taken at 45, 60, and 75 days after planting (DAP). The data on slightly and severely infested tubers were taken after harvesting of potato. The results showed that Chlorpyriphos treated plots gave the lowest values of traits viz numbers of slightly infested tuber (91,500 ha-1), severely infested tubers (12,500 ha-1), weights of slight infested tubers (7,700 kg ha-1) and severely infested tuber (1,130 kg ha-1). Among the botanical pesticides, Agave treated plots provided the second lowest values of numbers of slightly infested tuber (145,500 ha-1), severely infested tubers (37,400 ha-1), weights of slight infested tubers (13,400 kg ha-1) and severely infested tuber (3,110 kg ha-1). The results showed that the Agave treatment provided the highest marketable yield (50,900 kg ha-1). Thus, Chlorpyriphos and Agave could be used to efficiently protect potato tubers from red ant in potato field

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker initiation on organ support-free days in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

IMPORTANCE Overactivation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may contribute to poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Objective To determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) initiation improves outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In an ongoing, adaptive platform randomized clinical trial, 721 critically ill and 58 non–critically ill hospitalized adults were randomized to receive an RAS inhibitor or control between March 16, 2021, and February 25, 2022, at 69 sites in 7 countries (final follow-up on June 1, 2022). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive open-label initiation of an ACE inhibitor (n = 257), ARB (n = 248), ARB in combination with DMX-200 (a chemokine receptor-2 inhibitor; n = 10), or no RAS inhibitor (control; n = 264) for up to 10 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was organ support–free days, a composite of hospital survival and days alive without cardiovascular or respiratory organ support through 21 days. The primary analysis was a bayesian cumulative logistic model. Odds ratios (ORs) greater than 1 represent improved outcomes. RESULTS On February 25, 2022, enrollment was discontinued due to safety concerns. Among 679 critically ill patients with available primary outcome data, the median age was 56 years and 239 participants (35.2%) were women. Median (IQR) organ support–free days among critically ill patients was 10 (–1 to 16) in the ACE inhibitor group (n = 231), 8 (–1 to 17) in the ARB group (n = 217), and 12 (0 to 17) in the control group (n = 231) (median adjusted odds ratios of 0.77 [95% bayesian credible interval, 0.58-1.06] for improvement for ACE inhibitor and 0.76 [95% credible interval, 0.56-1.05] for ARB compared with control). The posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitors and ARBs worsened organ support–free days compared with control were 94.9% and 95.4%, respectively. Hospital survival occurred in 166 of 231 critically ill participants (71.9%) in the ACE inhibitor group, 152 of 217 (70.0%) in the ARB group, and 182 of 231 (78.8%) in the control group (posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitor and ARB worsened hospital survival compared with control were 95.3% and 98.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this trial, among critically ill adults with COVID-19, initiation of an ACE inhibitor or ARB did not improve, and likely worsened, clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0273570

Identification of Pseudomonas fluorescens using different biochemical tests

Pseudomonas fluorescens not only enhances the plant growth but also controls the fungal pathogens by production of anti fungal metabolites. The objective of this experiment was to identify P. fluorescens using different biochemical tests. This research was carried out in Plant Pathology Laboratory at Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal. The result of this experiment indicated that P.  fluorescens gave positive result for Catalase test, Gelatin liquefaction, Fluorescent pigment and Oxidase test but negative result for starch hydrolysis test. The colony of P. fluorescens was maximum in maize seed than that of rice seed after two hours of inoculation, whereas higher number of colony was found in rice seed than that of maize seed after twenty four hours of seed inoculation. This findings is useful for identifying colony of P. fluorescens  per seed which is necessary for better seedling growth and effective biological control of pathogens

Ondansetron and Granisetron for Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgeries are known to be associated with a higher incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Prophylaxis of PONV is usually achieved with a single-dose antiemetic drug administered during the surgical procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the antiemetic efficacy of two different 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonists, ondansetron and granisetron when given prophylactically to patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: It was a randomized, double blind study, conducted in 90 patients. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A and Group B with 45 patients in each group. Patients in groupA were given 100microgram/kg ondansetron intravenously (IV),and patients in Group B were given 40 microgram/kg granisetron. Both the drugs were diluted in 10 ml of 0.9% NaCl and were given at the end of surgery. The standard general anesthetic technique was administered to all the patients. Episodes of nausea, retching and vomiting were assessed during the first 24 hours after anesthesia. Results: There was no statistically significant difference for demographic data and duration of surgery among the two groups (P > 0.05). Evaluated nausea and vomiting scores in the first 3hours period revealed that each of the drugs had a similar antiemetic effect (P > 0.05). Between 4–12 hours also the episodes of nausea, retching as well as vomiting were statistically insignificant in both the groups. In the last 12 hours, episodes of nausea, retching and vomiting were significantly higher in ondansetron group. Conclusions: Granisetron, when given prophylactically, resulted in a significantly lower incidence of PONV than ondansetron in the first 24 hours. Keywords: Granisetron; Laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Ondansetron; postoperative nausea vomiting.

Leveraging error correction in voice-based text entry by Talk-and-Gaze

We present the design and evaluation of Talk-and-Gaze (TaG), a method for selecting and correcting errors with voice and gaze. TaG uses eye gaze to overcome the inability of voiceonly systems to provide spatial information. The user’s point of gaze is used to select an erroneous word either by dwelling on the word for 800 ms (D-TaG) or by uttering a “select” voice command (V-TaG). A user study with 12 participants compared D-TaG, V-TaG, and a voice-only method for selecting and correcting words. Corrections were performed more than 20% faster with D-TaG compared to the V-TaG or voice-only methods. As well, D-TaG was observed to require 24% less selection effort than V-TaG and 11% less selection effort than voice-only error correction. D-TaG was well received in a subjective assessment with 66% of users choosing it as their preferred choice for error correction in voice-based text entry

Analysis of Biodegradable Films of Starch from Potato Waste

Starch was extracted from potato wastes and its peels to prepare bio-degradable films using glycerol and sorbitol at various concentrations of 35%, 45% and 55 (w/w) of dry starch. The properties of films prepared with modification techniques (hydrothermal treatment (HTT) and acid-alcohol treatment (AAT)) were analyzed. Biodegradability test was done by incubating with amylolytic bacteria (Bacillus lichneformis and Streptococcus bovis) for 24 hours and fungi (Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus stolonifer) for 72 hours. All microbial species were isolated from soil except S. bovis which was from calf stool and identified by conventional methods. The properties of modified starches were significantly different from non-treated starches. Tensile strength (10 N/m2) and elongation (9.47%) were significantly (p<0.05) superior in HTT starch films whereas solubility (25.8%) was superior in AAT starch films.  Elongation (8.91%) and solubility (29.98%) were significantly (p<0.05) superior in 35% and 55% glycerol used films respectively but tensile strength (13.02 N/m2) was superior in 35% sorbitol used films. WVTR (999 g/m2/d) was higher at 91% RH in 55% glycerol used films. Micro-organisms used showed a significant effect (p<0.05) on biodegradation of starch based films. Highest degradation was observed by B. lichneformis i.e, 57.85% while A. niger had minimum of 25.13%. Films prepared with 35% glycerol was significantly (P<0.05) degraded by B. lichneformis i.e, 78.86%. Films prepared by using glycerol with acid alcohol treatment was significantly (P<0.05) degraded by S. bovis (55.57%). Although the starch of same variety of potato waste was not studied, results of the study suggest possibility of preparation of starch based bio degradable films potato waste and its peels by using glycerol and sorbitol