With the increase in world population, the demography of humans is estimated to be exceeded and it has become a major challenge to provide an adequate amount of food, feed, and agricultural products ...majorly in developing countries. The use of chemical fertilizers causes the plant to grow efficiently and rapidly to meet the food demand. The drawbacks of using a higher quantity of chemical or synthetic fertilizers are environmental pollution, persistent changes in the soil ecology, physiochemical composition, decreasing agricultural productivity and cause several health hazards. Climatic factors are responsible for enhancing abiotic stress on crops, resulting in reduced agricultural productivity. There are various types of abiotic and biotic stress factors like soil salinity, drought, wind, improper temperature, heavy metals, waterlogging, and different weeds and phytopathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and nematodes which attack plants, reducing crop productivity and quality. There is a shift toward the use of biofertilizers due to all these facts, which provide nutrition through natural processes like zinc, potassium and phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, production of hormones, siderophore, various hydrolytic enzymes and protect the plant from different plant pathogens and stress conditions. They provide the nutrition in adequate amount that is sufficient for healthy crop development to fulfill the demand of the increasing population worldwide, eco-friendly and economically convenient. This review will focus on biofertilizers and their mechanisms of action, role in crop productivity and in biotic/abiotic stress tolerance.
In the present study we examined the effect of nanogypsum and Pseudomonas taiwanensis strain BCRC 17751on plant and soil health using conventional and metagenomics approaches. Soil physicochemical ...properties and agronomical parameters of maize plants were reported to be better when applied with nanogypsum and bacterial inoculum together. When compared to control a significant increase in total bacterial counts, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) solubilizing bacterial population and soil enzyme activities (fluorescein diacetate, alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, arylesterase and amylase) was reported in treatments. The metagenomics studies revealed dominance of beneficial bacteria such as Proteobacteria, Bacteriodetes, Planctomycetes, Acidobacteria and Nitrospirae in treated soil. On the other hand some novel bacterial diversity was also reported in treated soil which was evident from presence of taxonomically unclassified sequences. Hence, it can be concluded that combined application of nanogypsum and Pseudomonas taiwanensis in maize help in improving the structure and function of soil which affects the plant health without causing any toxic effect. However, in situ validation of the prescribed treatment is required under field conditions on different crops in order to give maximum benefits to the farmers and the environment.
A potential pesticide degrading bacterial isolate (2D), showing maximum tolerance (450 mgâL.sup.-1) for cypermethrin, fipronil, imidacloprid and sulfosulfuron was recovered from a pesticide ...contaminated agricultural field. The isolate degraded cypermethrin, imidacloprid, fipronil and sulfosulfuron in minimal salt medium with 94, 91, 89 and 86% respectively as revealed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) analysis after 15 days of incubation. Presence of cyclobutane, pyrrolidine, chloroacetic acid, formic acid and decyl ester as major intermediate metabolites of cypermethrin biodegradation was observed in gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Results based on 16S rDNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis showed maximum similarity of 2D with Bacillus cereus (Accession ID: MH341691). Stress responsive and catabolic/pesticide degrading proteins were over expressed in the presence of cypermethrin in bacteria. Enzymatic kinetics of laccase was deduced in the test isolate under normal and pesticide stress conditions which suggested that the production of enzyme was induced significantly in pesticide stress (163 mug.muL.sup.-1) as compare to normal conditions(29 mug.muL.sup.-1) while the K.sub.m value was decreased in pesticides stress condition (K.sub.m = 10.57 mM) and increases in normal condition (K.sub.m = 14.33 mM).Amplification of laccase gene showed a major band of 1200bp. The present study highlights on the potential of 2D bacterial strain i.e., high tolerance level of pesticide, effective biodegradation rate, and presence of laccase gene in bacterial strain 2D, could become a potential biological agent for large-scale treatment of mixture of pesticide (cypermethrin, fipronil, imidacloprid and sulfosulfuron) in natural environment (soil and water).
We previously reported that Vitamin C (Vit C) protects against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress, p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) and p53 activation and ...rescuing cell death in isolated adult cardiomyocytes. The pattern of activation and the role of oxidative stress as well as down-stream mechanisms for such protection remain elusive. Therefore the present study aims to analyze time-dependant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activation of stress induced signalling pathways in cardiomyocytes treated with Dox and Vit C. The data provides further understanding of heart pathophysiology in response to Dox at the cellular level, and may help to optimize the timing of various therapeutic approaches. Cardiomyocytes isolated from adult Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to Dox (10 μM), Vit C (25 μM), and Dox + Vit C for different time intervals up to 24 h. p38-JNK (SB203580) and p53 (pifithrin-α) inhibitors were used to determine the role of each respective signalling protein. Dox administration to cardiomyocytes increased the levels of ROS in a time-dependent manner that followed the activation of stress-induced proteins p53, p38 and JNK MAPKs, culminating in an increase in autophagy and apoptosis markers. Dox-induced increase in ROS was alleviated by Vit C adjuvant treatment at all time-points and this was also correlated with blunting of the activation of the studied signaling pathways leading to the prevention of apoptosis and preservation of cell viability. Protective effect of Vit C against the activation of stress induced proteins, autophagy and apoptosis was mainly attributed to its antioxidant properties even though blockage of p38, JNK and p53 by pharmacological inhibitors also suppressed Dox-induced apoptosis. ROS is defined as a key inducer of cardiomyocyte damage under Dox exposure; Vit C could effectively counteract all Dox-induced changes in cardiomyocytes and may potentially be used as an antioxidant adjuvant therapy to protect against Dox-induced cardiomyopathy.
Since the World's population is increasing, it's critical to boost agricultural productivity to meet the rising demand for food and reduce poverty. Fertilizers are widely used in traditional ...agricultural methods to improve crop yield, but they have a number of negative environmental consequences such as nutrient losses, decrease fertility and polluted water and air. Researchers have been focusing on alternative crop fertilizers mechanisms to address these issues in recent years and nanobiofertilizers have frequently been suggested. "Nanophos" is a biofertilizer and contains phosphate-solubilising bacteria that solubilises insoluble phosphate and makes it available to the plants for improved growth and productivity as well as maintain soil health. This study evaluated the impact of nanophos on the growth and development of maize plants and its rhizospheric microbial community such as NPK solubilising microbes, soil enzyme activities and soil protein under field condition after 20, 40 and 60 days in randomized block design.
Maize seeds treated with nanophos showed improvement in germination of seeds, plant height, number of leaves, photosynthetic pigments, total sugar and protein level over control. A higher activity of phenol, flavonoid, antioxidant activities and yield were noticed in nanophos treated plants over control. Positive shift in total bacterial count, nitrogen fixing bacteria, phosphate and potassium solubilizers were observed in the presence of nanophos as compared to control. Soil enzyme activities were significantly (P < 0.05) improved in treated soil and showed moderately correlation between treatments estimated using Spearman rank correlation test. Real time PCR and total soil protein content analysis showed enhanced microbial population in nanophos treated soil. Obtained results showed that nanophos improved the soil microbial population and thus improved the plant growth and productivity.
The study concluded a stimulating effect of nanophos on Zea mays health and productivity and indicates good response towards total bacterial, NPK solubilising bacteria, soil enzymes, soil protein which equally showed positive response towards soil nutrient status. It can be a potential way to boost soil nutrient use efficiency and can be a better alternative to fertilizers used in the agriculture.
Cypermethrin is popularly used as an insecticide in households and agricultural fields, resulting in serious environmental contamination. Rapid and effective techniques that minimize or remove ...insecticidal residues from the environment are urgently required. However, the currently available cypermethrin-degrading bacterial strains are suboptimal. We aimed to characterize the kinetics and metabolic pathway of highly efficient cypermethrin-degrading
strain SG4. Strain SG4 effectively degraded cypermethrin under different conditions. The maximum degradation was observed at 32 °C, pH 7.0, and a shaking speed of 110 rpm, and about 80% of the initial dose of cypermethrin (50 mg·L
) was degraded in minimal salt medium within 15 days. SG4 cells immobilized with sodium alginate provided a higher degradation rate (85.0%) and lower half-life (
) of 5.3 days compared to the 52.9 days of the control. Bioaugmentation of cypermethrin-contaminated soil slurry with strain SG4 significantly enhanced its biodegradation (83.3%). Analysis of the degradation products led to identification of nine metabolites of cypermethrin, which revealed that cypermethrin could be degraded first by cleavage of its ester bond, followed by degradation of the benzene ring, and subsequent metabolism. A new degradation pathway for cypermethrin was proposed based on analysis of the metabolites. We investigated the active role of
.
strain SG4 in cypermethrin degradation under various conditions that could be applied in large-scale pollutant treatment.
Phosphorus (P) limitation in soil is a major concern for crop productivity. However, the use of chemical fertilizer is hazardous to the environment and costly. Therefore, the use of ...phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is an eco-friendly approach for a sustainable agricultural system. In the present study, a field trial was conducted for two consecutive years to study the effects of three PSB strains isolated, Bacillus licheniformis, Pantoea dispersa, and Staphylococcus sp., with different P fertilizer rates on P uptake, P use efficiency (PUE), and grain yield of rice. The activities of soil enzymes were also studied in relation to PSB treatments. Comparative analysis of the yield and biochemical parameters revealed that inoculation of PSB consortium could reduce almost 50% of the recommended P dose in rice cultivation. Three PSB strains in combination with 50% P dose was most effective and showed the highest increases in P uptake and PUE as compared to the uninoculated control. Moreover, the PSB consortium combined with 50% P dose contributed to 50.58% and 35.64% yield increases compared to the uninoculated control for 2018 and 2019, respectively. Significant increases in the activities of soil dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and acid phosphatase were also recorded under PSB treatment.
In the present study, the essential oil (EO) of Hyptis suaveolens has been explored for the first time for its phytotoxic and cytotoxic activities. The phytotoxic activity was assessed against rice ...(Oryza sativa) and its major troublesome weed, Echinochloa crus-galli, under laboratory and screenhouse conditions. GC-MS analysis revealed EO to be monoterpenoid (~ 79% monoterpenes) in nature with α-phellandrene (22.8%), α-pinene (10.1%) and limonene (8.5%) as the major chemical constituents. The laboratory bioassay showed a complete growth inhibitory effect of EO (≥ 2 mg mL−1) towards the germination and seedling growth of E. crus-galli. However, the inhibitory effect on rice was much less (~40% inhibition). EO caused visible injury, reduction in chlorophyll content, cell viability and ultimately led to complete wilting of E. crus-galli plants. In addition, EO altered the cell division in the meristematic cells of Allium cepa as depicted by ~63% decrease in mitotic index. EO exposure induced several aberrations at chromosomal (c-mitosis, anaphase bridges, chromosomal breakage, vagrant chromosomes, and sticky chromosomes) and cytological level (cytoplasm destruction, peripheral nuclei, and bi-nucleate cells). The present study concludes that H. suaveolens EO possesses phytotoxic activity due to its mito-depressive activity, and could serve as a natural herbicide under sustainable agricultural practices.
•Essential oil (EO) of H. suaveolens was phytotoxic towards the germination, and seedling growth.•Inhibitory effect was more pronounced on the root growth than on shoot growth.•Post-emergent application of EO caused visible injury, chlorosis and necrotic patches, leading to wilting.•EO altered the cell division and induced several cytological and chromosomal aberrations in root meristems.•EO could be utilized as a natural herbicide.
We have already reported that TNF-α increases cardiomyocyte apoptosis and IL-10 treatment prevented these effects of TNF-α. Present study investigates the role of Akt and Jak/Stat pathway in the ...IL-10 modulation of TNF-α induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
Cardiomyocytes isolated from adult Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to TNF-α (10 ng/ml), IL-10 (10 ng/ml) and TNF-α+IL-10 (ratio 1) for 4 h. Exposure to TNF-α resulted in an increase in cardiomyocyte apoptosis as measured by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. IL-10 by itself had no effect, but it prevented TNF-α induced apoptosis. IL-10 treatment increased Akt levels within cardiomyocytes and this change was associated with an increase in Jak1 and Stat3 phosphorylation. Pre-exposure of cells to Akt inhibitor prevented IL-10 induced Stat3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, in the presence of Akt or Stat3 inhibitor, IL-10 treatment was unable to block TNF-α induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
It is suggested that IL-10 modulation of TNF-α induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis is mediated by Akt via Stat3 activation.
Background: Vaccination against COVID-19 is necessary to reach herd immunity and essential for mitigating the spread. To establish herd immunity, the immunity generated by natural infection or ...vaccination must prevent onward transmission, not just clinical disease. However, several studies have shown that achieving herd immunity through natural infection might be difficult.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to enquire about parental acceptability for COVID-19 vaccination for their children, factors affecting acceptability, perceptions for pediatric COVID-19 vaccines.
Materials and Methods: We conducted an online questionnaire survey in mode of Google form which was distributed through social media platforms to parents/guardians of children below 17 years of age in months of November and December 2021. The questionnaire had various sections: Socio demographic characteristics, family members and medical history, COVID-19-related history, attitudes toward COVID-19, attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination for their children.
Results: The most of the parents (71.77%) were ready to vaccinate their child. Graduated parents were showing maximum acceptance. Variables related to maximum vaccine acceptance include English medium of education, higher income, COVID-19-positive member in family, vaccinated parents/guardians, and vigilant parents/guardians about child COVID vaccination. In case of side effects, 68.05% of responders agreed to follow the professional advice of personal doctor/vaccinator. About 35% of respondents want government to roll out vaccination in a phased manner. About 69% responders are in favor of making hospitals and schools as COVID-19 vaccination center for children.
Conclusion: The study found high multifactorial acceptability for pediatric COVID-19 vaccination which should be rolled out in phased manner.
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