Streptomycin Solution Research Articles

Ceratocystis fimbriata Causing Postharvest Fruit Rot of Pear in Punjab, Pakistan.

Pear (Pyrus communis) is an important deciduous fruit cultivated on a worldwide scale including Pakistan. During August 2021, a postharvest fruit rot disease was observed on several pears at various farmers market in Okara- a district of Punjab Province, Pakistan. The incidence of the disease varied from 7 to 20% with 35% disease severity. Necrotic spots (10 to 20 mm diameter) were first observed on the infected pear fruit. The spots enlarged gradually and developed into a brown, water-soaked and rotted lesion. Eventually, the whole fruit became soft, rotted and covered with a gray-brown mycelium. The isolates were obtained from the symptomatic tissues (n = 18) incubated on carrot discs that had been surface sterilized in 100-ppm streptomycin solution. After consistent sporulation of a fungus on the carrot discs, the ascospore masses formed at the tip of perithecia were transferred to malt extract agar (MEA). Primary conidia were cylindrical and hyaline (7 to 11 × 4 to 7 μm) and secondary conidia were hyaline and barrel-shaped (7 to 12 × 5 to 8 μm). Endoconidiophores with primary conidia were (12 to 27 × 2.6 to 5.5 μm). Perithecia produced on carrot discs were dark brown to black, and the base was 157 to 278 μm in diameter. Ascomatal necks were 512 to 656 µm long, dark brown to black, lighter in color at apices, tapering from base (23 to 45 μm diameter) to apex (13 to 24 μm diameter). Ostiolar hyphae were 41 to 79 μm long. Ascospores were hyaline, hat shaped, 3 to 4 μm long, and accumulated in a sticky matrix at the tips of perithecial necks. Mycelium was initially hyaline but became dark greenish brown after 7 days. Dark brown, thick-walled aleuroconidia (13 to 19.5 × 9 to 14 μm) appeared on culture plates after 2 months. Based on morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Ceratocystis fimbriata (Engelbrecht, 2005; Suwandi et al. 2021). To further confirm species identification, genomic DNA of two representative isolates (UO-05 and UO-06) was obtained using an extraction kit. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified using ITS1/4 (White et al. 1990). A BLAST search with GenBank accession nos. OR185451 and OR185456 indicated 99 to 100% identity with several C. fimbriata including type species (MH856050.1; KC493160.1; MT560374.1). Pathogenicity tests were conducted by inoculating nine disease-free pear (cv. Concord) fruit after disinfesting in 75% ethanol. A prepared spore suspension (1.0 × 106 spores/ml) was dropped on the wounds (a depth of 1 mm diameter) on the pear surface, which were made by a sterilized needle. 10 μl of a prepared spore suspension was dropped onto nine pears. Sterile water (10 μl) was dropped on the wounded sites of nine pear fruits as negative controls and all fruits were incubated in a growth chamber at 30/26°C (day/night, 90% relative humidity). Symptoms similar to those on the naturally infected fruits began after 4 to 5 days of inoculation, while controls remained healthy. The fungal isolates recovered from inoculated pears were morphologically identical to the C. fimbriata isolates originally recovered from symptomatic fruits fulfilling Koch's postulates. The pathogen has been reported to cause postharvest fruit rot of passion fruit and cucumber (Firmino et al. 2016; Li et al. 2019). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. fimbriata causing fruit rot of pear in Punjab Province. The detection of this disease will help pear growers to take actions to monitor and prevent disease outbreak as well as develop an effective management practice when it occurs.

Antibiofilm Activity of Different Washing Solutions against Biofilms in Cystic Fibrosis Patients' Nasal Cavities

Abstract Objective Bacterial biofilm formation is a multistep process involving bacterial adhesion to inorganic or mucosal surfaces. We aimed to identify Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains colonizing the respiratory tracts of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and to gauge the antibiofilm potential of streptomycin and ozone solutions against them. Methods Bacteria were obtained from CF patients' sputum samples processed in our microbiology laboratory over 1 year (2021–2022). A total of 26 nonduplicate strains (13 S. aureus and 13 P. aeruginosa) were included in this study. Results Both ozone and streptomycin solutions showed significant inhibitory activity. However, when faced with mature biofilm, the streptomycin solution had a significantly more substantial impact than the ozone solution. Furthermore, the ozone solution had no inhibitory effect on mature P. aeruginosa biofilm. Conclusion Ozone and streptomycin solutions might be used as nasal irrigation to eliminate the biofilms in patients with CF in acute respiratory infections. However, our in vitro observations would need to be confirmed in vivo. In chronic inflammation, ozone solution cannot degrade the mature biofilm of P. aeruginosa, whereas streptomycin solution can degrade such biofilms. This result is promising in lessening the biofilms associated with these bacteria that colonize patients with CF.

PGEX2-T based β defensin primer designing and isolation of neutrophil, macrophage, bone marrow and mesenchymal stem cells

Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that act mainly by disrupting the structure of bacterial cell membranes and are found in many compartments of the body. Defensins play a central role in defense against pathogens and they are considered part of the innate immune response. Material and methods-Reagents: Animal cell culture media - Growth medium D-MEM, RPMI and alpha -MEM was purchased from gibco, CA, USA. Fetal bovine serum (FBS)was obtained from Invitrogen, CA, USA. DAPI, agarose was purchased from SRL, India. Penicillium streptomycin solution was obtained from himedia, Mumbai, India. Animal modal: In bred populations of Swiss albino mice of either sex and at 6-8 weeks of age were used. Mice obtained from the Animal House, All India Institute of Medical Science, NewDelhi-110029 and India Standardization, Isolation and purification and characterization of bone marrow from Swiss albino mice. Bone marrow is consisting of multiple type of stem cells such as -Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which are multipotent stem cells that have the potential to self-renew and differentiate into a variety of specialized cell types such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and neurons. Result: Cells were harvested by adherence purification, the adherence of cells which is a symbol of macrophage and acentric nucleus is visible in DAPI stain. The extended cytoplasmic surface and CD14 positive staining show the purified macrophage as 98% purity. BM-MSC were harvested by adherence purification, the adherence of cells to the plastic culture dish surface is a symbol of Mesenchymal stem cell and nucleusis visible in DAPI stain. Conclusion: This procedure is widely used to study macrophage biology since moderate numbers of resident, unstimulated macrophages can easily be obtained fromthe peritonealcavity.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of essential oil from round kumquat (Fortunella japonica) peel using supercritical CO2 extraction

In this study, the highest oil yield of kumquat peel essential oil extraction of 3.89±0.03% was achieved under the supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction condition including 250 bars, 50°C, fluid rate of 20 g/min and 120 min of extraction. Limonene comprising 39.25% was the main component of the oil. It showed 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) cation radical (ABTS•+) scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value of 25.29±0.17mM Trolox equivalent (mM TE)/g dry weight and 6.25±0.15 mM TE/g dry weight, 4565 and 4623 folds lower than those of vitamin C, respectively. Inhibition zone diameter (IZD) of pure oil equaled to that of (i) 9.2 µg/mL Ampicillin solution against Bacillus subtilis, (ii) 23.4 µg/mL Ampicillin solution against Staphylococcus aureus, (iii) 7.2 µg/mL Streptomycin solution against Klebsiella pneumoniae, (iv) 35.1 µg/mL Amikacin solution against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and (v) 37.7 µg/mL Amikacin solution against Proteus mirabilis. Meanwhile, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of the oil was 5 mg/mL for B. subtilis and 10 mg/mL for the rest bacteria.

Parasitology assays to assess Trichomonas vaginalis nucleoside ribohydrolase inhibitors

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted disease that affects an estimated 275 million people worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes trichomoniasis as a neglected parasitic infection, with an estimated 2.6 million prevalent infections in the United States in 2018. Clinical manifestations of infections are typically mild, but the immune system can be compromised resulting in higher susceptibility to more serious conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, HIV‐1, and other infections. Trichomonal infection has also been associated with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Traditionally, compounds such as metronidazole or tinidazole have been used to treat trichomoniasis, however, strains resistant to these drugs are becoming more widespread. T. vaginalis requires nucleoside salvage pathways for its survival. Nucleoside ribohydrolase inhibitors thus represent a possible target for the development of new treatments with different mechanisms of action compared to metronidazole. Toward this goal, fragment screening identified nucleoside ribohydrolase inhibitors as starting points for medicinal chemistry efforts. Newly synthesized compounds are routinely evaluated for potency against purified enzymes. However, a better test of potency is antitrichomonal activity. Metronidazole‐sensitive strain B7RC2 (ATCC 50167) of T. vaginalis was cultured anaerobically at 37 ℃ in TYM Diamond’s media supplemented with streptomycin, penicillin and iron solution. Compounds were prepared as 25 mM DMSO stock solutions and tested at 100 µM. DMSO and metronidazole were used as vehicle and positive controls respectively. Parasite cellular viability was measured after 24 hours of incubation with compounds or controls. Cells were counted using a hemocytometer. Active compounds were then tested in a dose‐dependent manner to determine antitrichomonal IC50 values. Compounds with the best combination of enzyme inhibition and T. vaginalis activity were then prioritized for guiding the design of compounds to be synthesized. It is expected that this process will simultaneously optimize enzyme inhibition and antitrichomonal activity resulting in compounds with nM activity in enzyme assays, against metronidazole‐sensitive T. vaginalis, and ultimately against metronidazole‐resistant T. vaginalis.

Dysbiosis and intestinal inflammation caused by Salmonella Typhimurium in mice can be alleviated by preadministration of a lytic phage

Many studies have shown the efficacy of phage therapy in reducing intestinal pathogens. However, phage-based probiotic treatment is poorly studied in view of effects on the gut microbiota and intestinal inflammation. In this study, a lytic or a temperate phage (each at 4 ×108 PFU per day) or a streptomycin solution (40 mg per day) were administered to mice via drinking water for 31 days. Subsequently, mice were challenged with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). S. Typhimurium does not serve as the host bacterium and is not lysed by both phages. For intestinal inflammation evaluation, mice were given one dose of streptomycin for 24 h before the S. Typhimurium challenge. High-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that the phylum Firmicutes became the most abundant in mice pretreated with phages. The alpha diversity of gut bacteria was higher in phage treated than in streptomycin treated mice. Moreover, pretreatment with the lytic and the temperate phage before the S. Typhimurium challenge increased two beneficial genera, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. According to the pathological analysis of ileum, cecum, and serum, temperate or lytic gut phage pretreatment of mice markedly reduced intestinal inflammation, concomitant with lower serum concentration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and diamine oxidase (DAO). The oral pretreatments of mice (ST, Lyt, Lys, SM) generally caused an increased expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 compared to the matching control. However, in mice pretreated with the lytic phage, the mRNA expression for the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α was not significantly higher than that of the control group. No significant differences were detected for peripheral blood B lymphocytes, CD3 +T cells, and the CD4 + /CD8 + ratio in mice pretreated with the lytic and lysogenic phage. This study demonstrated that even lytic phages not targeting the pathogenic serovar Salmonella Typhimurium alleviated intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation in challenged mice.

Effect of molecular weight of regenerated silk fibroin on silk-based spheres for drug delivery

Silk fibroin presents a good advantage as a drug carrier for drug delivery, due to the excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability and tunable drug loading and release properties. In this work, we constructed silk spheres by phase separation of the regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) solutions with different MW and polyvinyl alcohol; and it was revealed that MW of RSF can affect the structure, size, surface potential and drug loading and release efficiency of silk spheres. Silk spheres prepared from high MW of RSF were found to load more macromolecular drug with negative charge compared to middle and low MW of RSF. However, for the positive charge and low MW drug, the silk spheres prepared from low MW of RSF could present a high loading efficiency compared to other carriers. Finally, a positive drug with low MW, streptomycin was encapsulated in silk spheres prepared from low MW of RSF, and displayed a long bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect compared to bared streptomycin solution. The results obtained provide guidelines for the modification and options of drug transport vehicles for more efficient drug delivery and utilization through a simple, rapidly constructed, applicable and low-cost drug carrier.

EXTH-10. THE ACTIVATION AND SENSITIZATION OF GLIOBLASTOMA CELLS VIA COLD ATMOSPHERIC PLASMA TREATMENT

Abstract BACKGROUND Treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) continues to remain a challenge using conventional treatment. Through an in vitro study we assessed the efficacy of our novel cold atmospheric plasma technology (CAP) to sensitize GBM cells to temozolomide (TMZ). METHODS The CAP jet is formed through the discharge (Pk-Pk: 5.8 kV) between a ring grounded cathode and a central anode and with He flow through a glass tube. The discharge process is driven by an AC high voltage (3.16 kV) with a frequency of 12.5 kHz. Human glioblastoma (U87MG) cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented by 1% (v/v) penicillin and streptomycin solution and 10% (v/v) FBS. CAP was delivered to U87 cells in a 96-well plate for 1 min in combination with 10 and 15 μM H2O2. The cell viability was measured by using the MTT assay. We then tested TMZ concentrations of 10 and 50 uM. Cell viability was monitored with the Cell Titer Glo 2.0. luminescent assay. All experiments were performed in triplicate and were independently repeated at least 3 times. RESULTS We identified an activation state of U87MG cells after the plasma treatment. This activation state resulted in GBM cells sensitized to reactive species identified by decreased cell viability after treatment with H2O2 as compared to the H2O2 treatment alone (p< 0.005). In addition, the plasma-activated cells were sensitized to TMZ. Cells treated with CAP in combination with TMZ displayed decreased cell viability at TMZ concentrations of (10 uM) (p< 0.05) and (50 uM) (p< 0.005) as compared to TMZ alone. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the activation phenomenon on GBM cells via direct CAP treatment. Due to this activation, the GBM cells were sensitized to both H2O2 and TMZ identified via decreased cell viability. Future work looks to assess this effect of cell activation/sensitization with chemotherapy plus radiation treatment.

English

This research work was conducted to assess the potency of ethanolic and hot water extract of Azadirachta indica and Vernonia amygdalina against pathogenic Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404). Potato Dextrose Agar was the medium under which the antimicrobial sensitivity test was carried out. Streptomycin solution was also added to the medium to selectively inhibit the growth of bacterial cell. The results showed that, higher concentration of the extracts of the two plants species were efficient in stifling the growth of A. niger. This was evident as the inhibition zones increased with increasing concentration of the extracts. The results also showed that ethanolic extract of A. indica and V. amygdalina is a bit potent than the hot water extracts against the fungus species ATCC 16404. The results revealed that, the areas of inhibitions at the same concentrations were found to be slightly high in ethanolic extracts than that of hot water extracts. Key words: Antifungal, Azadirachta indica, Vernonia amygdalina, Aspergillus niger. &nbsp

EFFICACY OF BIOCHEMICAL PREPARATIONS AND EXTRACT FROM Hypericum perforatum AGAINST BACTERIAL DISEASES

The biotechnical preparations: Biosept Active (based on a grapefruit extract) and BioZell (based on thyme oil) as well as Hypericum perforatum extract, streptomycin solution and fungicide Champion 50WP (active ingredient substance – e.i. 50% copper hydroxide) were investigated for antimicrobial effects against plant pathogenic bacteria: Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and Xanthomonas ar- boricola pv. corylina. The screening was carried out in vitro on three media: Nutrient Agar (NA Difco), Pseudomonas Agar F (Merck) – analogue of King B and 523. In the experiments, the agar plate method was applied. There were no statistically significant differences in the effect of streptomycin and Champion 50WP on the growth inhibition of three bacteria strains for medium 523 and Nutrient Agar and of P. syringae pv. syringae and X. arboricola pv. corylina for medium King B. It was determined that the antibacterial activity of Biosept Active and BioZell biopreparations and H. perforatum extract against Agrobacterium tumefaciens (strain C58), Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (strain 760) and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina (strain RIPF-x13) were dependent on the strain of pathogen as well as the growth medium used. According to the research results obtained, the Biosept Active preparation and H. perforatum extract demonstrated high bacteriostatic activity against three bacterial strains grown on the Nutrient Agar medium.

Intralesional streptomycin: New, safe, and effective therapeutic option for cutaneous leishmaniasis

Background: Leishmaniasis encompasses a spectrum of chronic infections in humans in which organisms are found within phagolysosomes of mononuclear phagocytes. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is divided into Old World and New World cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica. Aminoglycosides as it antibacterial, were also tried as a new therapeutic option for parasitic infestation. Proliferation rate and protein synthesis in the promastigote stage of the parasite are inhibited by aminoglycoside such as streptomycin. Aim: The aim of this study is to estimate the effectiveness of intralesional streptomycin as a new antileishmanial agent. Settings and Design: This was a therapeutic trial with controls. Materials and Methods: Sixty three lesions (57.8%) from a total of 109 lesions were treated with intralesional injection of streptomycin after dilution with distilled water (20%) and 46 lesions (42.2%) were used as a control. Statistical Analysis: Statistical Analysis System program and Chi-square test were used. Results: In Group A, clinical cure was achieved in 40 lesions (83.3%). Moderate response was noticed in 8 lesions (16.7%). In Group B, none of the remaining 39 control lesions shows moderate, marked or total clearance degree of response. Only 3 lesions (7.7%) showed a slight degree of response and 1 lesion (2.7%) with mild degree. Conclusion: Intralesional streptomycin solution 20% can be considered as a new effective therapeutic option for cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Degradation of streptomycin in aquatic environment: kinetics, pathway, and antibacterial activity analysis.

Streptomycin used in human and veterinary medicine is released into the environment mainly through excretions. As such, its elimination in water should be investigated to control pollution. In this study, the degradation of streptomycin in water was studied, and the influence of variables, including light exposure, solution pH, temperature, ionic strength, dissolved organic matter (DOM), and coexisting surfactants, on degradation was investigated. Streptomycin degradation was consistent with the first-order model in aquatic environments. Its degradation rate under light exposure was 2.6-fold faster than that in the dark. Streptomycin was stable under neutral conditions, but it was easily decomposed in acidic and basic environments. Streptomycin degradation was enhanced by high temperature, and its half-life decreased from 103.4days at 15°C to 30.9days at 40°C. This process was also accelerated by the presence of Ca2+ and slightly improved by the addition of HA. Streptomycin degradation was suppressed by high levels of the cationic surfactant cetyltri- methylammonium bromide (CTAB), but was promoted by the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS). The main degradation intermediates/products were identified through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the possible degradation pathway was proposed. The antibacterial activity of streptomycin solution was also determined during degradation. Results showed that STR degradation generated intermediates/products with weaker antibacterial activity than the parent compound.

Очистка сточных вод от стрептомицина адсорбционным методом

Data on adsorption from aqueous streptomycin solution in static and dynamic conditions for the activated carbon obtained
 from plant waste of pharmaceutical production is provided. It is displayed that the calculation of the equilibrium values
 of adsorption and the duration of the process at a concentration of streptomycin less than 200 mg·dm–3 can be performed
 with sufficient accuracy using equations of, respectively, Dubinin — Radushkevich and Dubinin — Nikolaev.

Variation and stability in chloroplast behavior of green-gram genotypes through streptomycin-induced bleaching

Chloroplasts are the important plant cell organelles. To study the variation in chloroplast behavior through streptomycin induced bleaching, nine green-gram genotypes were treated with 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm of aqueous streptomycin (SM) solution. Variation in chloroplast behavior was measured in terms of bleaching index (BI). Green-gram genotypes differed in BI values indicating variation in their chloroplast behavior. BI value showed positive correlation (0.708) with yielding ability. The genotypes formed two clusters following the numerical taxonomic approach. The consistency in chloroplast behavior that indirectly indicates adaptation pattern of the genotypes was predicted using relative bleaching response index (RBRI).

Effects of aeration and antibiotics on short-term storage of Fowler's toad (Bufo fowleri) sperm

The importance of developing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for captive assurance colonies of threatened amphibians is increasing as ex situ management of amphibians has been challenged with low reproductive outputs for some species. One hurdle to developing ART in amphibians is the short-term storage of gametes for in vitro fertilization. This study tested the application of two common aquaculture techniques, aeration or the addition of antibacterial solutions, to spermic urine to determine if this would improve the longevity and quality of non-invasively collected sperm samples using hormone therapy. Spermic urine samples were collected non-invasively from Fowler's toads (Bufo fowleri) and either left alone, aerated for 30min a day, or treated with penicillin–streptomycin. All samples were kept refrigerated at 4°C. Sperm motility declined within each treatment group over time (P<0.01); however, aerated samples retained significantly greater motility (70%) during the first 24h after collection than samples in both the control (57%) and antibacterial group (51%). The addition of penicillin–streptomycin solution to spermic urine had a negative effect on viability; with significantly fewer sperm still alive 2–4days post collection (P≤0.032). Sperm viability was highly correlated with motility on all days and with forward progression 1–4days post collection (P≤0.002). Our results show that aerating amphibian spermic urine samples may provide a simple and low-cost method to improve sperm storage that could be used for in vitro fertilization and ex situ management of threatened amphibians. Antibiotics appeared to have a negative effect on sperm viability, suggesting that further research on bacterial contamination and antibiotic doses is necessary.

Mechanism of Evenness Interrupted (Evi)-Exosome Release at Synaptic Boutons

Wnt signaling plays critical roles during synaptic development and plasticity. However, the mechanisms by which Wnts are released and travel to target cells are unresolved. During synaptic development, the secretion of Drosophila Wnt1, Wingless, requires the function of Evenness Interrupted (Evi)/Wls, a Wingless-binding protein that is secreted along with Wingless at the neuromuscular junction. Given that Evi is a transmembrane protein, these studies suggested the presence of a novel vesicular mechanism of trans-synaptic communication, potentially in the form of exosomes. To establish the mechanisms for the release of Evi vesicles, we used a dsRNA assay in cultured cells to screen for genes that when down-regulated prevent the release of Evi vesicles. We identified two proteins, Rab11 and Syntaxin 1A (Syx1A), that were required for Evi vesicle release. To determine whether the same mechanisms were used in vivo at the neuromuscular junction, we altered the activity of Rab11 and Syx1A in motoneurons and determined the impact on Evi release. We found that Syx1A, Rab11, and its effector Myosin5 were required for proper Evi vesicle release. Furthermore, ultrastructural analysis of synaptic boutons demonstrated the presence of multivesicular bodies, organelles involved in the production and release of exosomes, and these multivesicular bodies contained Evi. We also used mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, and biochemical techniques to characterize the exosome fraction from cultured cells. Our studies revealed that secreted Evi vesicles show remarkable conservation with exosomes in other systems. In summary, our observations unravel some of the in vivo mechanisms required for Evi vesicle release.

Chemical Control of Wilt in Tomato (&lt;i&gt;Lycopersicon esculentum&lt;/i&gt; L.)

Tomato wilt is dread disease of vegetable in the warm humid subtropical and temperate regions in the world and thus causes heavy loss (10% ~ 90%) in yield. The effective control of wilt can be done by seed treatment with Thiram 75 WDP before sowing followed by 10 minute dipping of seedlings roots in 0.3% solution of Carbendazim 50 WP before transplanting and plant roots drenched with Copper oxychloride 50 WP @ 0.3 % solution+0.01 % Streptomycin solution one month after transplanting.

Characterization of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria strains pathogens of pepper in Serbia

During spring and summer of 2008, 101 bacterial strains was isolated from the diseased pepper leaves collected from different pepper growing areas in the Republic of Serbia. The aim of this research was to characterize the isolated strains and determine their taxonomic position according to the most recent nomenclature. Pathogenic, biochemical and physiological characteristics of isolated bacteria were tested using standard bacteriological tests. The pathogen races were determined according to the reaction of differential varieties of Early Calwonder (ECW), their isogenic lines (ECW-10R, ECW-20R, ECW-30R) and Capsicum pubescens. The sensitivity of strains to bactericides was studied in vitro by culturing bacteria on sucrose pepton agar (SPA) plates, amended with filter-sterilized aqueous solution of streptomycin and kasugamycin (50, 100, 200 ppm) or copper-sulphate (100, 200 ppm). Based on pathogenic, biochemical and physiological characteristics, the investigated strains belonged to Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. The reaction of pepper differential varieties indicated that these strains belonged to pepper races P1, P3, P7, P8. Streptomycin resistant strains were not detected, but 6 strains were resistant to kasugamycin (50 ppm) and 13 strains to copper-sulphate (200 ppm), indicating bacterial resistance development.

Micropropagation of Selected Genotype of Aloe vera L.—An Ancient Plant for Modern Industry

Aloe vera Linn. (Syn. Aloe barbadensis Mill; Gwar-patha in Hindi) belongs to family Liliaceae. The plant, for its medicinal properties, has commercial value. Some of the genotypes of Aloe vera are consumed as a vegetable and processed to make curry and other edible products. We report here on the development of an efficient method for rapid clonal propagation by shoot proliferation from axillary meristem(s) of selected germplasm of Aloe vera. Explants were pretreated with 0.1% aqueous solution of both streptomycin and bavistin separately, each for 15 min. These were surface sterilized with 0.1% aqueous solution of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) for 4–5 min and washed several times with autoclaved water. These were kept in a chilled, sterile antioxidant (200.0 mg L−1 of ascorbic acid, 50.0 mg L−1 of citric acid, and 25.0 mg L−1 of polyvinylpyrrolidone; PVP) solution and cultured on semi-solid Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium. The bud explants produced multiple (10.3 ± 0.675/explant) shoots on MS medium containing 13.32 μM of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 100.0 mg L−1 of ascorbic acid, 50.0 mg L−1 each of citric acid and PVP, with 25.0 mg L−1 each of arginine and adenine sulphate as additives. The shoots were further multiplied by (a) repeated transfer to fresh MS medium with additives + 13.32 μM BAP, and (b) subculturing on MS medium with a lower (4.44 μM) concentration of BAP. On MS medium containing 4.44 μM of BAP and additives, a maximum number (27.8 ± 0.63) of shoots were produced. In liquid MS medium with 4.44 μM of BAP, the rate of shoot multiplication increased and the vigor of the shoots improved. One hundred percent of the cloned shoots rooted under in vitro conditions on hormone-free half-strength MS salts containing 200.0 mg L−1 of activated charcoal at 32 ± 2°C. The cloned shoots treated with 2.46 mM of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or 2.473 mM of β-naphthoxyacetic acid (NOA) for 5 min rooted under ex vitro conditions in the greenhouse. The rooted plants were hardened in the greenhouse and stored under an agro-net house. The cloned plants were transferred under different field conditions at various sites in Western Rajasthan. These plants grew normally. The higher rate of shoot multiplication and easier approach of direct rooting and hardening make this method superior to the methods previously reported on cloning/tissue culture of Aloe species. From a single shoot bud, approximately 5000 plants can be produced within 180 days.

Effective, simple treatment for perichondritis and pinna haematoma

To describe a new treatment for perichondritis and haematoma of the pinna. At present, the existing treatment for these conditions is initially medical (which usually fails), followed by surgery (incision, drainage and compression to prevent recurrence) with accompanying medical management. However, the result is often a failure, resulting in partial or complete 'cauliflower ear' deformity. The described treatment involves draining the site of infection and irrigating with streptomycin solution. The cavity is then filled with a solution of streptomycin, hyaluronidase and triamcinolone. The described treatment avoids the conventional surgical procedure, which is cumbersome for surgeons and harrowingly painful for patients. The new treatment may be recommended for universal use.