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Plants, being sessile in nature have evolved to combat pathogenic invasion by judicious utilization of cellular events and re-orchestration of existing metabolic pathways. "Autophagy" is a self-elimination procedure for maintaining cellular equipoise as well as recycling of different cytosolic components. The lysosome is a cell organelle filled with the lytic enzyme that has the capability to destroy self and non-self-biological macromolecules. Cells perspicaciously utilize these suicidal enzymes for the perpetual cycling of materials in the cellular milieu. Autophagy not only degenerates inoperative macromolecules but it also can protect the cells from the deleterious effect of different misfolded proteins. Autophagy may be selective or non-selective. Different organelles e.g., mitochondria, peroxisome, chloroplast, etc. can be selectively atrophied by this process. In plants, autophagy has prodigious functions in cellular fitness to senescence. Recently, it has been demonstrated that biotic stress can also be outlasted by autophagy in plants. So, it has become a propitious mechanism in plants for biotic stress tolerance physiology. The present review intends to discuss the mechanism of plant autophagy with special reference to biotic stress regulation in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynein cytoplasmic 1 light intermediate chain 1 (LIC1, DYNC1LI1) is a core subunit of the dynein motor complex. The LIC1 subunit also interacts with various cargo adaptors to regulate Rab-mediated endosomal recycling and lysosomal degradation. Defects in this gene are predicted to alter dynein motor function, Rab binding capabilities, and cytoplasmic cargo trafficking. Here, we have identified a dync1li1 zebrafish mutant, harboring a premature stop codon at the exon 12/13 splice acceptor site, that displays increased angiogenesis. In vitro, LIC1-deficient human endothelial cells display increases in cell surface levels of the pro-angiogenic receptor VEGFR2, SRC phosphorylation, and Rab11-mediated endosomal recycling. In vivo, endothelial-specific expression of constitutively active Rab11a leads to excessive angiogenesis, similar to the dync1li1 mutants. Increased angiogenesis is also evident in zebrafish harboring mutations in rilpl1/2, the adaptor proteins that promote Rab docking to Lic1 to mediate lysosomal targeting. These findings suggest that LIC1 and the Rab-adaptor proteins RILPL1 and 2 restrict angiogenesis by promoting degradation of VEGFR2-containing recycling endosomes. Disruption of LIC1- and RILPL1/2-mediated lysosomal targeting increases Rab11-mediated recycling endosome activity, promoting excessive SRC signaling and angiogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several fungi act as parasites for crops causing huge annual crop losses at both pre- and post-harvest stages. For years, chemical fungicides were the solution; however, their wide use has caused environmental contamination and human health problems. For this reason, the use of biofungicides has been in practice as a green solution against fungal phytopathogens. In the context of a more sustainable agriculture, microbial biofungicides have the largest share among the commercial biocontrol products that are available in the market. Precisely, the genus Bacillus has been largely studied for the management of plant pathogenic fungi because they offer a chemically diverse arsenal of antifungal secondary metabolites, which have spawned a heightened industrial engrossment of it as a biopesticide. In this sense, it is indispensable to know the wide arsenal that Bacillus genus has to apply these products for sustainable agriculture. Having this idea in our minds, in this review, secondary metabolites from Bacillus having antifungal activity are chemically and structurally described giving details of their action against several phytopathogens. Knowing the current status of Bacillus secreted antifungals is the base for the goal to apply these in agriculture and it is addressed in depth in the second part of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Method: The aim of this study is to study on the efficacy of levobupivacaine with buprenorphine in comparision to levobupivacaine Alone in ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Eighty ASA Physical status grade 1 and grade 2 patients of either sex between 18 to 60 year of age and bmi 18.5 to 30 under going elective upper limb surgery in anesthesia department of Chirayu Medical College & Hospital Bhopal O.T. CMCH Tertiary Care Center Bhopal, M.P. Result: It was observed that addition of Buprenorphine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics for brachial plexus makes sensory (8.30±2.40 mins) and motor (12.30±4.02 mins) onset earlier than plain local anesthetic agent (sensory 12.30±2.80 mins and motor 14.50±4.04 mins) used. The duration of sensory (8.12±1.30 hrs. and 14.50±3.20 hrs) and motor (10.80±1.52 hrs. and 16.52±3.36 hrs) block was significantly longer in the Buprenorphine group than in the control group (p-value < 0.001). All patients in both groups remained hemodynamically stable with no significant difference in vital parameters at all times. The postoperative pain score and the number of patients who required rescue analgesics and mean number of supplemental analgesics required were also significantly lower in Buprenorphine group as an Adjuvant to local anesthetics. Conclusion: It was concluded that the addition of 150pg (0.5 ml.) of Buprenorphine to 0.5% Levobupivacaine effectively and safely shortens the onset of sensory and motor blockade, increases the duration of sensory and motor blockade and increases the duration of postoperative analgesia without any hemodynamic disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six Sigma is a widely practiced, systematic, and structured methodology embedded with statistical methods and managerial philosophies for quality improvement by large firms along with small firms in the industrialized economies. Application of Six Sigma in Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in developing economies is limited due to several barriers these firms face. In academic literature, there is unavailability of sufficient evidence of successful implementation of the practice in these firms to encourage and provide a roadmap for its implementation. Thus, there is a need for studies that presents frameworks with illustrative case studies demonstrating the implementation of Six Sigma in MSMEs. In the present times, MSME firms in developing economies are facing competition from world leaders, and thus it has become essential for them to focus on the quality of their manufacturing products and at the same time being productive and efficient. Moreover, in the literature, it is observed that the potential of operations research (OR) methods is not sufficiently explored in Six Sigma studies. OR-based methods and tools should be integrated into Six Sigma implementation frameworks as these methods expand the application portfolio and tackle some of the barriers that limit the application of Six Sigma in small-scale firms. In this paper, a Six Sigma implementation framework for an MSME organization is developed incorporating Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) tool Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory, apart from other conventional tools like cause and effect analysis, benefit effort analysis, Pareto analysis, control charts, etc. The proposed framework is illustrated in detail with the help of a real-life case study of an MSME in India. The results obtained after the implementation of this framework signify that the incorporation of MCDM in Six Sigma lead to a significant improvement in the sigma level of the firm despite of unavailability of sufficient resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retail sector around the world is going through a transition due to digitalization. Customers now demand convenience of online channel with instant fulfillment of offline channel. As a result, the concept of omnichannel retailing has come into existence. In omnichannel retailing, both the channels of a firm are fully or partially integrated. There are many strategies that may be developed by retailers for efficient functioning of the omnichannel retail chain. The choice of such a strategy depends upon the comparative benefits that can be derived from them. One such strategy gaining immense attention of retailers is the Buy Online Pickup in Store (BOPS) strategy. In order to understand this BOPS, we conducted a detail case study of an Indian multichannel retail chain who is considering the option of launching BOPS option in few of its retail stores. The focus is to evaluate and select a fixed number of operational retail stores to also act as pick-up points for online deliveries. K-means clustering is utilized for the formation of retail zones as per the number of retail stores to be selected. The retail stores in each zone are evaluated on the basis of a number of criteria such as demand, inventory carrying capacity, cost, and population characteristics using analytical hierarchy process and complex proportional assessment-grey. Based on these evaluations, the best suitable retail store is selected for expansion from each zone. The result implications drawn in the study can provide an understanding of the future strategies that can be developed by the decision makers of the firm for launching the BOPS option. This article can also be beneficial to other Indian retail firms who can derive meaningful insights from the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world is transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), the existing power grids are facing several challenges. In particular, the additional charging power demand may repeatedly overload the traditionally-sized distribution transformers and adversely impact their operational life. To address this challenge, this paper proposes an EV-based reactive power compensation strategy for transformer overloading mitigation. Specifically, a low-bandwidth centralized recursive controller is proposed to determine a set point for the EV's onboard charger's reactive power. Importantly, the proposed strategy is practically implementable in existing distribution grids as it does not rely on smart grid infrastructure and is stable under potential communication delays and partial failures. This paper discusses the controller's structure, design, and stability in detail. The proposed solution is tested with a realistic secondary distribution system considering four different EV charging scenarios with both Level 1 and Level 2 residential EV charging. Specifically, IEEE Standard C57.91-2011 is used to quantify the impact of EV charging on the transformer's life. It is shown that with the proposed method, transformer overloading is significantly reduced, and the transformer's life improves by an average of 47% over a year in all four scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cystic fibrosis (CF), reduced HCO3- secretion acidifies the airway surface liquid (ASL), and the acidic pH disrupts host defenses. Thus, understanding the control of ASL pH (pHASL) in CF may help identify novel targets and facilitate therapeutic development. In diverse epithelia, theWNK (with-no-lysine [K]) kinases coordinate HCO3-2 and Cl- transport, but their functions in airway epithelia are poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis thatWNK kinases regulate CF pHASL. In primary cultures of differentiated human airway epithelia, inhibitingWNK kinases acutely increased both CF and non-CF pHASL. This response was HCO3- dependent and involved downstream SPAK/OSR1 (Ste20/SPS1-related prolinealanine-rich protein kinase/oxidative stress responsive 1 kinase). Importantly, WNK inhibition enhanced key host defenses otherwise impaired in CF. Human airway epithelia expressed two WNK isoforms in secretory cells and ionocytes, and knockdown of either WNK1 or WNK2 increased CF pHASL.WNK inhibition decreased Cl- secretion and the response to bumetanide, an NKCC1 (sodiumpotassium-chloride cotransporter 1) inhibitor. Surprisingly, bumetanide alone or basolateral Cl- substitution also alkalinized CF pHASL. These data suggest thatWNK kinases influence the balance between transepithelial Cl- versus HCO3- secretion. Moreover, reducing basolateral Cl- entry may increase HCO3- secretion and raise pHASL, thereby improving CF host defenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A lot of surgeries are now performed to reduce a number of physical ailments. Although these surgeries are done to reduce the sufferings these inevitably lead to a lot of pain for the patient. Material and Methods: Our study comprises of 60 patients who had undergone elective upper limb surgery in a tertiary care centre of central India. Patients of both genders, in age group 18-60 years with American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) grade I or II were included in our study and divided in two groups of 30 each. Results: Data was entered into MS-Excel sheet and analysed by SPSS version 20. Quantitative data was compared by using student t-test and qualitative data by using chi-square test and Fisher exact test, as applicable. P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Both the groups were similar in demographic and surgical characteristics. However, we found that the group given bupivacaine and fentanyl had longer duration of sensory and motor block and post-operative analgesia than ropivacaine and fentanyl group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Combination of bupivacaine with fentanyl provides longer duration of sensory block, motor block and postoperative analgesia without any major side effects than combination of ropivacaine with fentanyl with comparable haemodynamic in both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional analgesia features a prime role within the multimodal analgesia approach for surgical pain management. currently each day it's common apply of using transverses abdominis plane block (TAP Block) with numerous sorts of native anaesthetics and adjuvants, as a multimodal pain relieving remedy used worldwide for intra and postoperative pain management in several surgeries. However, only a few studies are done wherever hemodyanamics effects when bupivacaine versus levobupivacaine have compared. Aim of this study to examine the consequences of bupivacaine vs levobupivacaine in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries and their effects on hemodynamics (the blood pressure, HR, and SpO2). Method: A randomised double-blind management study conducted when approval from IEC Ref. code-92nd IIB Thesis / P4. The study has fifty patients, with ASA I - II physical status, as well as each sex and 2-10 years cluster age and who set up for abdominal surgery notably lower abdominal. 25 patients set in every group and every which way allotted: cluster Bupiva and Levobupiva. All patients were well well-read regarding the procedure, drugs, and effects of drugs, and untoward complications. well-read written consent was taken from each patient before involving them within the study. primary objective is to examine the impact of those medicine on Blood pressure, HR, and SPO2 & Secondary objective was to check rescue physiological condition reduction within the surgical period. After the comparison between these 2 clusters, The mean SBP of group Bupiva was found below that of group Levobupiva. and located to be important at fifteen min, one hour, a pair of hr, and four hr and insignificant at baseline zero min, thirty min, half dozen hr (p=0.092), twelve hr, eighteen hr, and twenty four h.differences is insignificant in comparison the DBP at any purpose of your time from baseline to 24 hr. On comparing the center rate, variations were found insignificant from baseline (p = 0.897), 0 min (p = 0.651), 30 min (p = 0.096), 1hr (p = 0.192), 2 hr (p=0.390), four hour (p=0.525), half dozen hr (p=0.469), twelve hr (p=0.443), eighteen hr (p=0.288) to twenty four hr (p=0. 390) except at fifteen min (p=0.010) that was the mean pulse rate of cluster Bupiva is over that of group Levobupiva at one, 5 min. On comparison the SPO2differences were insignificant at baseline (p = 0.620), 15 min (p = 0.108), thirty min (p=0.353), 1 hr (p = 0.789), 2 hr (p = 0.364), 4 hr (p = 0.292) and 6 hr (p = 0. 198) however important at 0 min (p = 0.002), 12hr (p = 0.012), 18hr (p = 0.002) and24 hr (p = 0.028) wherever the mean SPO2 of cluster Bupiva was abundant below the group Levobupiva. Stable hemodynamics for a extended period were provided by Levobupivacaine as compared to Bupivacaine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Submucosal glands (SMGs) protect lungs but can also contribute to disease. For example, in cystic fibrosis (CF), SMGs produce abnormal mucus that disrupts mucociliary transport. CF is an ion transport disease, yet knowledge of the ion transporters expressed by SMG acini, which produce mucus, and SMG ducts that carry it to the airway lumen is limited. Therefore, we isolated SMGs from newborn pigs and used single-cell messenger RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization to identify cell types, gene expression, and spatial distribution. Cell types and transcript levels were the same in non-CF and CF SMGs, suggesting that loss of epithelial anion secretion rather than an intrinsic cell defect causes CF mucus abnormalities. Gene signatures of acinar mucous and acinar serous cells revealed specialized functions in producing mucins and antimicrobials, respectively. However, surprisingly, these two cell types expressed the same ion transporters and neurohumoral receptors, suggesting the importance of balancing mucin and liquid secretion to produce optimal mucus properties. SMG duct cell transcripts suggest that they secrete HCO3 - and Cl-, and thus have some similarity to pancreatic ducts that are also defective in CF. These and additional findings suggest the functions of the SMG acinus and duct and provide a baseline for understanding how environmental and genetic challenges impact their contribution to lung disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opsoclonus–myoclonus–ataxia syndrome (OMAS) is an inflammatory neurological disordercharacterized by chaotic uncontrolled movements of the eyes and involuntary jerk-like movements of the body. We report the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with fever without any seizures or focal deficits. On examination, he had opsoclonus in his eyes and cortical myoclonus in his hands and body. On evaluation, he tested positive for the dengue NS1 antigen. Furthermore, he had low platelets, normal metabolic workup, normal brain imaging, and normalcerebrospinal fluid analysis. He was managed conservatively and showed improvement in opsoclonus–myoclonus by day 7 of his illness and complete recovery in 2 weeks. Although dengue is primarily considered to be a hematotropic virus, it can involve the nervous system and manifest with OMAS. To the best of our knowledge, OMAS has been reported in only four cases of dengue infection in adults to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Rice plants primed with beneficial microbes Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Aspergillus spinulosporus with biocontrol potential against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, provided protection from disease by reprogramming host defence response under pathogen challenge. Plant–beneficial microbe interactions taking place in the rhizosphere are widely used for growth promotion and mitigation of biotic stresses in plants. The present study aims to evaluate the defense network induced by beneficial microorganisms in the rice rhizosphere, and the three-way interaction involved upon inoculation with dreadful bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Differential expression of defense-related enzymes, proteins, and genes in rice variety Swarna primed with a microbial consortium of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Aspergillus spinulosporus were quantified in the presence and absence of Xoo. The time-based expression profile alterations in leaves under the five distinct treatments “(unprimed unchallenged, unprimed Xoo challenged, B. amyloliquefaciens primed and challenged, A. spinulosporus primed and challenged, B. amyloliquefaciens and A. spinulosporus consortium primed and challenged)” revealed differential early upregulation of SOD, PAL, PO, PPO activities and TPC content in beneficial microbes primed plants in comparison to unprimed challenged plants. The enhanced defense response in all the rice plants recruited with beneficial microbe was also reflected by reduced plant mortality and an increased plant dry biomass and chlorophyll content. Also, more than 550 protein spots were observed per gel by PD Quest software, a total of 55 differentially expressed protein spots were analysed used MALDI-TOF MS, out of which 48 spots were recognized with a significant score with direct or supporting roles in stress alleviation and disease resistance. qRT-PCR was carried out to compare the biochemical and proteomic data to mRNA levels. We conclude that protein biogenesis and alleviated resistance response may contribute to improved biotic stress adaptation. These results might accelerate the functional regulation of the Xoo-receptive proteins in the presence of beneficial rhizospheric microbes and their computation as promising molecular markers for superior disease management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical care in the era of novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection has multiple challenges including management of the patient, underlying comorbidities, and the complications. With no end in sight to the pandemic, intensive care unit (ICU) practitioners and hospital administrators have to join hands to prepare for the long battle ahead. Critically ill COVID-19 patients need imaging or image-guided interventions in one form or the other including X-rays, ultrasonography (USG), echocardiography (ECHO), and CT scan. These patients often require renal replacement therapy (RRT) for either the preexisting chronic renal insufficiency or acutely developing kidney injury. Another important component of care is transfer of the patient to and fro from the ICU or to higher care centers. Most of the ICUs are equipped with modern facilities but with increasing number of patients a large number of makeshift arrangements are being made for managing these patients. This position paper outlines important tips to formulate protocols and procedures for critically ill patients, who are managed in the ICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of cases with novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection is increasing every day in the world, and India contributes a substantial proportion of this burden. Critical care specialists have accepted the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and are frontline warriors in this war. They have worked hard in streamlining workflow isolation of positive patients, clinical management of critically ill patients, and infection prevention practices. With no end in sight for this pandemic, intensive care unit (ICU) practitioners, hospital administrators, and policy makers have to join hands to prepare for the surge in critical care bed capacity. In this position article, we offer several suggestions on important interventions to the ICU practitioners for better management of critically ill patients. This position article highlights key interventions for COVID-19 treatment and covers several important issues such as endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy (surgical vs PCT), nebulization, bronchoscopy, and invasive procedures such as central venous catheters, arterial lines, and HD catheters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Suppression and activation of plant defense genes is comprehensively regulated by WRKY family transcription factors. Chickpea, the non-model crop legume suffers from wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri Race1 (Foc1), defense response mechanisms of which are poorly understood. Here, we attempted to show interaction between WRKY70 and several downstream signaling components involved in susceptibility/resistance response in chickpea upon challenge with Foc1. Results: In the present study, we found Cicer arietinum L. WRKY70 (CaWRKY70) negatively governs multiple defense responsive pathways, including Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) activation in chickpea upon Foc1 infection. CaWRKY70 is found to be significantly accumulated at shoot tissues of susceptible (JG62) chickpea under Foc1 stress and salicylic acid (SA) application. CaWRKY70 overexpression promotes susceptibility in resistant chickpea (WR315) plants to Foc1 infection. Transgenic plants upon Foc1 inoculation demonstrated suppression of not only endogenous SA concentrations but expression of genes involved in SA signaling. CaWRKY70 overexpressing chickpea roots exhibited higher ion-leakage and Foc1 biomass accumulation compared to control transgenic (VC) plants. CaWRKY70 overexpression suppresses H2O2 production and resultant reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced cell death in Foc1 infected chickpea roots, stem and leaves. Being the nuclear targeted protein, CaWRKY70 suppresses CaMPK9-CaWRKY40 signaling in chickpea through its direct and indirect negative regulatory activities. Protein-protein interaction study revealed CaWRKY70 and CaRPP2-like CC-NB-ARC-LRR protein suppresses hyper-immune signaling in chickpea. Together, our study provides novel insights into mechanisms of suppression of the multiple defense signaling components in chickpea by CaWRKY70 under Foc1 stress. Conclusion: CaWRKY70 mediated defense suppression unveils networking between several immune signaling events negatively affecting downstream resistance mechanisms in chickpea under Foc1 stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rhizosphere is the immediate area of soil encompassing plant roots that is inhabited by a large population of microorganisms and invertebrates, making its environment highly complex. Plants attract specific soil microorganisms using root exudates from large associations of soil microorganisms. The successful establishment of plant growth-promoting rhizospheric microorganisms is the first step in defending plants from soil-borne pathogenic organisms. Understanding rhizosphere's unique and dynamic ecology will help in improving nutrient absorption, water use efficiency, modifying soil properties, thereby, enhancing plant growth, yield and integrating disease management strategies. In recent years, in the field of plant–microbe interaction, root exudates have received considerable importance in mediating interactions with nearby plants and microorganisms. Novel discernment of key factors framing the microbial community in rhizosphere will be very crucial in achieving sustainable agriculture. This review discusses on how root exudates play a crucial role in facilitating nutrient, signal exchange in rhizosphere and modulating changes in architecture of microbial community. We focus in particular on the influence of root exudates on positive and negative plant–microbe interactions occurring in rhizosphere and point out implicit avenues for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we delineate the role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the development of cold chain in the Perishable Food Supply Chain (PFSC) in India. We have considered the case of the fruits and vegetables sector to understand the development of the cold chain to handle existing problems from the farm to fork stage. It is our aim to analyze the status quo of the cold chain, the challenges, that exist, the current and future policies which could be formulated to enhance the development of the cold chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report acute and late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities associated with post-prostatectomy proton therapy (PT). Methods: The first 100 consecutive patients from 2010 to 2016 were retrospectively assessed. Baseline characteristics, prospectively graded CTCAE v4.0 toxicities, and patient-reported outcomes were reported. Late outcomes were reported for 79 patients with 3 months minimum follow up. Toxicityfree survival Kaplan-Meier curves were estimated. Logistic regression assessed associations between toxicities and clinical and treatment characteristics (p<.05 significance). Results: Median age, months after surgery, and months of follow-up were respectively 64 years (range 42-77), 25 (5-216), and 25 (0-47). PT received was 70.2Gy (RBE) (89%), salvage (93%), prostate bed only (80%), pencil beam scanning (86%), with IMRT (31%), and with androgen deprivation (34%). Acute and late maximum toxicities, respectively were: GU grade 0 (14%; 18%), 1 (71%; 62%), 2 (15%; 20%), ≥3 (0), and GI: grade 0 (66%; 73%), 1 (34%; 27%), ≥2 (0). Toxicity-free survival at 24 months was GU grade 2 (83%) and GI grade 1 (74%). Mean (±std dev) baseline International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function, and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite bowel function and bother were 6.6 ± 6.1, 10.5 ± 7.3, 90.9 ± 10.8, 93.3 ± 11.2, respectively, and largely unchanged at 2 years: 6.3 ± 3.6, 11.1 ± 6.3, 92.8 ± 5.8, and 90.9 ± 10.3. On multivariate analysis, baseline IPSS (p=.009) associated with GU grade 2 acute toxicity. Bladderless-CTV median dose, V30, and V40 associated with GU grade 2 acute toxicity and maximum dose with late (Ps <0.05). For GI, on multivariate analysis, baseline bowel function (p=.033) associated with acute grade 1 toxicity. Rectal minimum and median dose, V10, and V20, and anterior rectal wall median dose and V10 through V65 associated with acute grade 1 GI toxicity (Ps<.05). Conclusions: Post-prostatectomy PT for prostate cancer is feasible with a favorable GU and GI toxicity profile acutely and through early follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent Pseudomonas are known for their plant growth promoting and disease protection abilities. In past years, a number of studies have focused on how these bacteria suppress disease and induce resistance. They are known to produce antibiotics and siderophores, promote growth, and induce systemic resistance in the host plant. This bacterium has come out as a model organism for ecological studies going on in rhizosphere and for studying plant-beneficial microbe interaction. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge on biocontrol potential of fluorescent Pseudomonas strains and the mechanisms adopted by them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The beneficial plant-microbe interactions play crucial roles in protection against large number of plant pathogens causing disease. The present study aims to investigate the growth promoting traits induced by beneficial microbes namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa PJHU15, Trichoderma harzianum TNHU27, and Bacillus subtilis BHHU100 treated singly and in combinations under greenhouse and field conditions to control Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Plants treated with three microbe consortium enhanced plant growth maximally both in the presence and absence of the pathogen. Increase in plant length, total biomass, number of leaves, nodules and secondary roots, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and yield were recorded in plants treated with microbial consortia. Also, a decrease in plant mortality was observed in plants treated with microbial consortia in comparison to untreated control plants challenged with S. sclerotiorum. Furthermore, the decrease in disease of all the treatments can be associated with differential improvement of growth induced in pea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxalic acid (OA) is an important pathogenic factor during early Sclerotinia sclerotiorum-host interaction and might work by reducing hydrogen peroxide production (H2O2). In the present investigation, oxalic acid-induced cell death in pea was studied. Pea plants treated with biocontrol agents (BCAs) viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa PJHU15, Bacillus subtilis BHHU100, and Trichoderma harzianum TNHU27 either singly and/or in consortium acted on S. sclerotiorum indirectly by enabling plants to inhibit the OA-mediated suppression of oxidative burst via induction of H2O2. Our results showed that BCA treated plants upon treatment with culture filtrate of the pathogen, conferred the resistance via. significantly decreasing relative cell death of pea against S. sclerotiorum compared to control plants without BCA treatment but treated with the culture filtrate of the pathogen. The results obtained from the present study indicate that the microbes especially in consortia play significant role in protection against S. sclerotiorum by modulating oxidative burst and partially enhancing tolerance by increasing the H2O2 generation, which is otherwise suppressed by OA produced by the pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability for rhizobacteria and fungus to act as bioprotectants via induced systemic resistance has been demonstrated, and considerable progress has been made in elucidating the mechanisms of plant-biocontrol agent-pathogen interactions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PJHU15, Trichoderma harzianum TNHU27, and Bacillus subtilis BHHU100 from rhizospheric soils were used singly and in consortium and assessed on the basis of their ability to provide disease protection by relating changes in ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide (HO) production, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes in pea under the challenge of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Increased production of HO 24 h after pathogen challenge was observed and was 254.4 and 231.7-287.7 % higher in the triple consortium and singly treated plants, respectively, when compared to untreated challenged control plants. A similar increase in ascorbic acid content and ascorbate peroxidase activity was observed 24 and 48 h after pathogen challenge, respectively, whereas increased activities of catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase were observed 72 h after pathogen challenge. Similarly, lipid peroxidation reached a maximum at 72 h of pathogen challenge and was 61.2 and 11.2-32.1 % less in the triple consortium and singly treated plants, respectively, when compared to untreated challenged control plants. These findings suggest that the interaction of microorganisms in the rhizosphere enhanced protection from oxidative stress generated by pathogen attack through induction of antioxidant enzymes and improved reactive oxygen species management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of fungal infections is increasing at an alarming rate, presenting an enormous challenge to healthcare professionals. This increase is directly related to the growing population of immunocompromised individuals especially children resulting from changes in medical practice such as the use of intensive chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs. Although healthy children have strong natural immunity against fungal infections, then also fungal infection among children are increasing very fast. Virtually not all fungi are pathogenic and their infection is opportunistic. Fungi can occur in the form of yeast, mould, and dimorph. In children fungi can cause superficial infection, i.e., on skin, nails, and hair like oral thrush, candida diaper rash, tinea infections, etc., are various types of superficial fungal infections, subcutaneous fungal infection in tissues under the skin and lastly it causes systemic infection in deeper tissues. Most superficial and subcutaneous fungal infections are easily diagnosed and readily amenable to treatment. Opportunistic fungal infections are those that cause diseases exclusively in immunocompromised individuals, e.g., aspergillosis, zygomycosis, etc. Systemic infections can be life-threatening and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Because diagnosis is difficult and the causative agent is often confirmed only at autopsy, the exact incidence of systemic infections is difficult to determine. The most frequently encountered pathogens are Candida albicans and Aspergillus spp. But other fungi such as non-albicans Candida spp. are increasingly important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]