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The aim of the current study was to isolate endophytes from the roots of Rhazya stricta and assess their potential to improve the growth of drought-stressed sunflower seedlings. The potential role of the isolated endophytic fungus was initially screened by using two rice varieties (mutant rice cultivar Waito-C: Gibberellins deficient; and Dongji byeo: Gibberellins-producing normal cultivar). A significant (p < 0.05) increase in various growth attributes of both rice varieties associated with one of the isolates i.e., N4 was noticed. Furthermore, the N4 isolate was tested for its role in improving the agronomic attributes of sunflowers under drought stress. The symbiotic association significantly (p < 0.05) improved the host growth and protection from PEG-induced drought stress. The drought mitigation in N4-associated sunflower seedlings can be linked with the regulation of phytohormones, stress-related metabolites, low-molecular-weight proteins and sugars, and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Microscopic analysis revealed that the potent endophytic fungal strain consisted of thin and hyaline hyphae, forming dense olive-green mycelia (4–5 cm in dm) with black flask-shaped fruiting bodies. Based on the ITS sequence homology and phylogeny, the strain was identified as Fusarium proliferatum (MG251448). The results of this study concluded that this phytohormone-secreting endophyte can improve crop productivity in dry areas where drought stress is the main challenge faced by crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi from the Chilli were used to help okra plants exposed to cadmium (Cd) or chromium (Cr) stress. Initially, the strain Ch06 produced higher amounts of indole acetic acid (IAA) (230.5 μg/mL), sugar (130.7 μg/mL), proteins (128.2 μg/mL), phenolics (525.6 μg/mL) and flavonoids (98.4 μg/mL) in Czapek broth supplemented with Cd or Cr. The production of IAA and other metabolites in such a higher concentration suggested that Ch06 might improve plant growth under heavy metal stress. For this reason, an experiment was designed, in which biomass of Ch06 (at 2g/100g of sand) were applied to the okra plants exposed to Cd or Cr stress (at 100 or 500 μg/g). The results exhibited that Ch06 improved the total chlorophyll (36.4±0.2 SPAD), shoot length (22.6±0.2 cm), root length (9.1±0.6 cm), fresh weight (5±0.6 g), dry weight (1.25±0.01 g), sugars (151.6 μg/g), proteins (114.8 μg/g), proline (6.7 μg/g), flavonoids (37.9 μg/g), phenolics (70.7 μg/g), IAA (106.7 μg/g), catalase (0.75 enzyme units/g tissue) and ascorbic acid oxidaze (2.2 enzyme units/g tissue) of the associated okra plants. Similar observations have been recorded in Ch06 associated okra plants under Cd and Cr stress. Also, Ch06 association reduced translocation of Cd (35% and 45%) and Cr (47% and 53%) to the upper parts of the okra plants and thus reduced their toxicity. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region amplification of 18S rDNA (ribosomal deoxyribo nucleic acid) exhibited that the potent strain Ch06 was Aspergillus violaceofuscus. The results implied that A. violaceofuscus has the ability to promote host species growth exposed to Cd and Cr. Moreover, it helped the host plants to recover in Cd and Cr polluted soils, hence can be used as biofertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal endophytes are not widely known for their role in bioactive metabolite production and salinity stress alleviation in different crop plants. Presently, we investigated the salt stress (NaCl, KCl, and H2SO4) mitigation capabilities of fungal endophyte Candida membranifaciens (FH15) isolated from Euphorbia milii L. The pure culture filtrate (CF) of C. membranifaciens revealed siderophore production and solubilization of phosphate, with high levels of indoleacetic acid (IAA: 35.8µg/mL), phenolics (70 µg/mL), and flavonoids (50 µg/mL) by using a UV spectrophotometer. The LC/MS analysis of the CF showed different phenols and flavonoids that were identified as Salicylic acid, Baicalein, Aconitic acid, Feruloylquinic acid, Coniferyl aldehyde hexoside, Pentose, Chlorogenic acid, Myricetin, Propoxyphene, and Amino-flunitrazepam. Inoculation of maize seedlings with C. membranifaciens significantly (p = 0.05) enhanced the fresh and dry biomass, carotenoid, and chlorophyll contents under 100 mM salt stress conditions. Similarly, the catalase, peroxidase activity, phenols, proline flavonoids and relative water contents (RWC) of the maize plants were enhanced. More interestingly, the inoculation of C. membranifaciens on maize revealed a higher endogenous IAA level as compared to non-inoculated control plants. Endophyte C. membranifaciens inoculation on maize seedlings under salt stress revealed a 20.87% and 16.60% increase in fresh and dry biomass, as well as significantly enhanced root shoot length and allied growth attributes, in addition to an alleviation of the adverse effects of salinity stress. Conclusively, endophytic C. membranifaciens significantly enhanced the growth attributes of maize and mitigated the adverse effects of salinity stress. Such endophytic fungal strain could be used for further field trails to enhance agricultural productivity and facilitate sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 pandemic has been around for a long time in Pakistan and it has resulted in the shutting down of education sector over a long period of time. Despite this hurdle, government has implemented Online Education System in universities throughout Pakistan. But this online education system comes with its own caveats and problems. The many gaps and oversights in Pakistan's online education system as well problems of being developing country have all contributed to deterioration of students' mental health. This article focuses on negative effects this lockdown and online education has caused on student's studies, how their mental health has deteriorated over the time span of online classes. The questionnaires were designed to assess online education pressure, psychological distress and fear of failing in students. Findings shows that online education pressure has caused a severe and significant increase in student's Psychological Distress, especially in context of Fear of Failure. This study will help policy makers in solving the issue of psychological distress in students by taking appropriate steps and adopting better strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-' 9 pandemic has been around for a long time in Pakistan and it has resulted in the shutting down of education sector over a long period of time. Despite this hurdle, government has implemented Online Education System in universities throughout Pakistan. But this online education system comes with its own caveats and problems. The many gaps and oversights in Pakistan's online education system as well problems of being developing country have all contributed to deterioration of students' mental health. This article focuses on negative effects this lockdown and online education has caused on student's studies, how their mental health has deteriorated over the time span of online classes. The questionnaires were designed to assess online education pressure, psychological distress and fear of failing in students. Findings shows that online education pressure has caused a severe and significant increase in student's Psychological Distress, especially in context of Fear of Failure. This study will help policy makers in solving the issue of psychological distress in students by taking appropriate steps and adopting better strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the plant species are susceptible to various ecological constraints, including high temperature stress. Endophytic fungi can defend the host crops from the extreme effects of thermal stress. We isolated fungal endophytes from a wild plant species Sonchus asper L. to study its effect on the physicochemical characteristics of Helianthus annuus L. and Glycine max L. exposed to high temperature stress. Biochemical and physiological parameters, such as chlorophyll contents, total biomass and height of the Helianthus annuus and Glycine max were promoted, whereas the production of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) and lipid peroxidation were inhibited in the fungal inoculated plants. Furthermore, higher amounts of ROS-degrading antioxidants [CAT (catalase), SOD (superoxide dismutase), POD (peroxidase), GR (glutathione-reductase) and AAO (ascorbic acid oxidase)], sugars, proteins, lipids and phenolics were noted in host crops. Lower concentration of proline and ABA on the other hand was observed in plants inoculated with fungal strain and exposed to heat stress. The potent strain was found to be Stemphylium solani after amplification of the ITS region of 18 S rDNA. The results concluded that S. solani can be handy in mitigating heat stress in food crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was carried out to highlights the antibacterial and antifungal activity of Hedera helix L. by using its different fractions. Both activities were carried out under agar well diffusion method, while for fractions obtaining the cold maceration method was followed which were tested against four fungal species including Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillusflavors, P. pallidum and Alternaria alternate and four bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Serratia marcescens and Methicillin resistance, Staphylococcus aureus. The fractions which were extracted from the Hedera helix shown different zone of inhibition (ZOI) against both the fungal and bacterial strains. Chloroform and n-hexane extracted samples showed the highest antifungal activity against Polyspondyliumpallidum with complete inhibition zone and the least activity was shown by an aqueous fraction. In the antibacterial activity, the crude methanolic extracts have shown the highest inhibition zone (46-57%) against the selected bacterial strains, while the lowest activity was reported from aqueous fractions (21-26%). The other fractions moderately inhibit the growth of the selected strains but were significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) in agricultural soils is becoming a serious threat in tomato. The complete removal of these heavy metals (HMs) from contaminated soil is challenging. However, the use of plant endophytes might be beneficial. The pragmatic role of endophytic fungi Aspergillus flavus (Ch-01) in tomato under Cd and Cr stress was, therefore, investigated. A. flavus enhanced growth attributes in tomato seedlings under Cd and Cr stress. Besides, it remediated Cd and Cr toxicity by reducing their translocation from the roots to the upper part of the tomato plants. In fact, A. flavus associated plants developed tolerance against Cd and Cr toxicity via the expression of SlGSH1 and SlPCS1 genes. Both genes helped in metal chelation and mitigation of Cd and Cr toxicity. From the results, it is concluded that A. flavus is a plant growth promoting and HMs alleviating endophyte, hence it might be used as a biofertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the depletion in the ozone layer, solar UV radiation at the earth's surface is increasing, impacting economically important plants. The current study assesses the effects of UV radiation on germination, growth, chlorophyll content and fresh and dry weight of Brassica rapa L. and Eruca sativa L. Some seeds of Brassica rapa L. and Eruca sativa L. were placed in petri plates, and were exposed to UV light for 30, 60 and 120 mins daily. The source of UV light was a UV box having a UV Tube. The UV exposure on the seeds reduced the germination percentage in both species. The germination percentage in control was recorded as 19.35%, while it was 18.65% in 30min and 19.00% in 120min exposures. Root and shoot growth of the seedlings was markedly reduced by increasing UV radiation. The shoot length was 2.40mm in control, 2.75mm in 30min, 1.50mm in 60min and 1.60mm in 120min of exposure to the UV light. The root length in control was 1.38mm, 0.90mm in 30min, 1.00mm in 60min and 1.17mm in 120min exposure. The UV irradiations affected the chlorophyll contents positively, and therefore, the total quantity of chlorophyll content increased, compared to the control. The chlorophyll content in the control was 6.90 (µmol m-2) of leaf area while treatment showed 8.08 (µmol m-2) in 30min, 8.01 (µmol m-2) in 60min and 10.01 (µmol m-2) in 120min exposure. In both species, fresh and dry weights were decreased, as compared to the control set. The fresh weight of the control was 0.85g, 0.65g in 30min, 0.78g in 60min and 0.61g in 120min exposure. The dry weight of the control was recorded to be 0.70g, 0.60g in 30min, 0.62g in 60min and 0.50g in 120min exposure. It was concluded that ultraviolet radiation decreased the radicle and plumule lengths in Brassica rapa and Eruca sativa while increasing their chlorophyll content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the depletion in the ozone layer, solar UV radiation at the earth's surface is increasing, impacting economically important plants. The current study assesses the effects of UV radiation on germination, growth, chlorophyll content and fresh and dry weight of Brassica rapa L. and Eruca sativa L. Some seeds of Brassica rapa L. and Eruca sativa L. were placed in petri plates, and were exposed to UV light for 30, 60 and 120 mins daily. The source of UV light was a UV box having a UV Tube. The UV exposure on the seeds reduced the germination percentage in both species. The germination percentage in control was recorded as 19.35%, while it was 18.65% in 30min and 19.00% in 120min exposures. Root and shoot growth of the seedlings was markedly reduced by increasing UV radiation. The shoot length was 2.40mm in control, 2.75mm in 30min, 1.50mm in 60min and 1.60mm in 120min of exposure to the UV light. The root length in control was 1.38mm, 0.90mm in 30min, 1.00mm in 60min and 1.17mm in 120min exposure. The UV irradiations affected the chlorophyll contents positively, and therefore, the total quantity of chlorophyll content increased, compared to the control. The chlorophyll content in the control was 6.90 (µmol m-2) of leaf area while treatment showed 8.08 (µmol m-2) in 30min, 8.01 (µmol m-2) in 60min and 10.01 (µmol m-2) in 120min exposure. In both species, fresh and dry weights were decreased, as compared to the control set. The fresh weight of the control was 0.85g, 0.65g in 30min, 0.78g in 60min and 0.61g in 120min exposure. The dry weight of the control was recorded to be 0.70g, 0.60g in 30min, 0.62g in 60min and 0.50g in 120min exposure. It was concluded that ultraviolet radiation decreased the radicle and plumule lengths in Brassica rapa and Eruca sativa while increasing their chlorophyll content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperature is one of the compelling ecological stresses faced by the plants owing to anthropogenic activities of mankind. Recently, endophytic fungi are considered to be a novel tool to counteract the consequences of thermal stress in crops. Owing to the problem, we isolated fungal endophytes from Dryopteris blanfordii and their growth favoring potential in rice seedlings. Endophytic fungi have the proficiency to secrete plant growth stimulating secondary metabolites that help the host plants to restore growth under harsh environments. The isolated Penicillium glabrum (DryR-30) helped the host plant species, i.e. Glycine max L. and Helianthus annuus L. under thermal stress. P. glabrum associated with G. max and H. annuus exposed to 40°C not only boosted their host growth attributes (total biomass, plant height and chlorophyll contents), but also significantly curtailed the synthesis of reactive oxygen species and lipids peroxidation. Moreover, the abscisic acid (ABA) and proline concentrations were significantly reduced, while the accumulation of ROS-degrading enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO), glutathione reductase (GR) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were increased in P. glabrum-associated crops. Additionally, the protein, lipid and sugar contents in tested plants were also improved. These stirring findings suggest that P. glabrum can be applied to food crops as a thermal stress alleviation tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we have isolated endophytic fungi Gliocladium cibotii from Verbena officinalis L. and tested against Oryza sativa L. seedlings for growth promotion. The strain was used to help Glycine max L. and Helianthus annuus L. under thermal stress. Association of G. cibotii with G. max and H. annuus enhanced chlorophyll contents, total biomass and plant height. Also, G. cibotii significantly curtailed lipids peroxidation and ROS (reactive oxygen species) in host species exposed to heat stress (40ºC). Furthermore, the concentration of ROS-degrading enzymes, like ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were boosted in test crops, while concentration of proline and ABA were inhibited. The phenolics and nutritional value (total lipids, proteins and sugars) of experimental plants were also enhanced. The results conclude that G. cibotii can be used as a heat stress mitigating weapon for food crops in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants can be severely affected by heat stress due to rapid environmental changes. Use of endophytic fungi is a new tool to protect crops from the environmental stresses. Here we claim a potent endophyte isolated from Sonchus asper L. The aim was to explore the stress adaptive mechanism of sunflower and soybean mediated by Aspergillus niger (SonchL-7) under high temperature. Inoculation with A. niger boosted plant height, biomass and chlorophyl contents, while significantly curtailed the concentration of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) under thermal stress at 40°C. Moreover, the ROS-scavenging activities, like ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) were augmented. Also, proline and phenolics were enhanced in the tested crops, while ABA concentration was significantly reduced. These positive results suggested that A. niger can be used as a heat-stress ameliorative tool for crops in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal endophytes are known to secrete a large array of secondary metabolites (phenols, flavonoids, indole acetic acid (IAA) etc.) that facilitate crops under stress conditions. Considering this, a potent plant growth promoting endophyte (SXSp1) from the spines and leaves of Solanum xanthocarpum L. has been isolated. The isolated strain ably secreted high quantities of indole-3-acetic acid, phenols and flavonoids. Also, it exhibited phosphate solubilization, siderophore and had 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. The SXSp1 also resisted the salinity stress up to 150 mM. LC/MS analysis of SXSp1 culture filtrate (CF) revealed the presence of p-hydroxyl benzoic acid, diadzein, genistien, myricetin and caffeoyl-D-glucose. Moreover, the inoculation of maize plants with SXSp1 significantly (P=0.05) promoted the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, root and shoot lengths, plant fresh and dry weights, catalase and peroxidase activities, proline, phenolics, flavonoids and relative water contents (RWCs) under salinity. More interestingly, SXSp1-associated plants showed lower endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and higher endogenous IAA contents that helped the plants to resist salinity stress up to 100 mM. After sequencing, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions (ITS1 and ITS4) and phylogenetic analysis, the SXSp1 was identified as Meyerozyma caribbica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study combines methylcyclohexane dehydrogenation and toluene hydrogenation systems to produce steam for power generation. Methylcyclohexane dehydrogenation requires heat input, which has been accomplished using heat, released from toluene hydrogenation system, and heat exchange with steam, produced from the steam generator. The integration of these systems results in the generation of 5 MW electricity, which is used to run the electrolysis unit. The overall process does not require an extra source of energy, decreasing the external utility requirement. Both the systems have been investigated against various catalysts for the selection of best catalyst, thus enhancing overall process efficiency. The study has been carried out using Aspen HYSYS v 9. Aspen Energy Analyzer v 9 has been used to do the energy analysis of the system. Overall plant costing has been carried out using Aspen Economic Analyzer v 9. • Integration of MCH dehydrogenation and toluene hydrogenation systems. • Modeling and simulation have been carried out using Aspen Hysys v9. • 5 MW electricity has been produced as a result of integration. • 1 wt% Pt/γ-Al 2 O 3 found to be best catalyst for both integrated processes. • Overall plant costing has been carried out using Aspen Economic Analyzer v9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current climate changes in the form of global warming are one of the leading threats to agricultural crops (including soybean and sunflower). To enable the crops to cope with the heat stress, innovative steps are needed to be taken as soon as possible. Fungal endophytes are known to secrete secondary metabolites that promote the growth of host plants under stress conditions. Therefore, we have isolated endophytic fungus from Euphorbia indica (a wild desert plant) and tested it for plant growth promoting activities. The culture filtrate of the fungal strains exhibited the presence of secondary metabolites. Higher amounts of indole acetic acid (IAA), salicylic acid (SA), flavonoids, and phenolics have been found in the culture filtrate. The 18S rDNA sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate is Aspergillus flavus. Soybean and sunflower seedlings were inoculated with the identified A. flavus. The A. flavus-associated seedlings along with the control (without A. flavus) were monitored for thermal stress resistance in a growth chamber, operated at 25°C and 40°C. Control seedlings exposed to high temperature stress had higher levels of abscisic acid (ABA), proline, and lower levels of phenols, flavonoids, catalase, and ascorbic acid oxidase. Similarly, a higher reduction in chlorophyll, root-shoot length, and dry weight has been noticed in the control seedlings. The results suggested the usefulness of A. flavus in host plant growth promotion under heat stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi cooperate more meticulously with their host plants and may be more capable to solubilize nutrients from soil and provide it to their hosts. In current study, endophytic fungi inoculation significantly affected the soil properties such as soil texture, organic matters, EC and pH with or without 8% PEG induced drought stress. Upon inoculation of different endophytic fungi with or without drought stress, the trend in pH values of soil remain variable (7.61~7.96) compared with the pH value before experiment. The 8% PEG induced drought stress elevated the EC value, however, the inoculation of all types of endophytic fungi lowered the EC to provide smooth medium for plant growth. Interestingly, the inoculation did enhance the extent of usage of organic compounds by the plants available in the soil and hence lowered the contents. During drought stress, ammonium ion concentration was increased in all endophytic treated soil except that of A. niger. Similarly, inoculation of endophytic fungi did also increased the value of soil nitrate ions in the range of 26.86±1.34~39.39±1.97 mg kg-1 with or without drought stress. Inoculation of endophytic fungi increased the amount of extractable P and K in growth media compared to soil samples before experiment and after experiment in control samples. In case of micronutrients, only copper was decreased in endophytic treated soil, whereas iron, zinc and manganese did not follow any specific trend with or without drought stress. Hence, it is suggested that all these endophytic fungi should be evaluated under open field drought stress conditions before final recommendation for agronomic purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi cooperate more meticulously with their host plants and may be more capable to solubilize nutrients from soil and provide it to their hosts. In current study, endophytic fungi inoculation significantly affected the soil properties such as soil texture, organic matters, EC and pH with or without 8% PEG induced drought stress. Upon inoculation of different endophytic fungi with or without drought stress, the trend in pH values of soil remain variable (7.61~7.96) compared with the pH value before experiment. The 8% PEG induced drought stress elevated the EC value, however, the inoculation of all types of endophytic fungi lowered the EC to provide smooth medium for plant growth. Interestingly, the inoculation did enhance the extent of usage of organic compounds by the plants available in the soil and hence lowered the contents. During drought stress, ammonium ion concentration was increased in all endophytic treated soil except that of A. niger. Similarly, inoculation of endophytic fungi did also increased the value of soil nitrate ions in the range of 26.86±1.34~39.39±1.97 mg kg-1 with or without drought stress. Inoculation of endophytic fungi increased the amount of extractable P and K in growth media compared to soil samples before experiment and after experiment in control samples. In case of micronutrients, only copper was decreased in endophytic treated soil, whereas iron, zinc and manganese did not follow any specific trend with or without drought stress. Hence, it is suggested that all these endophytic fungi should be evaluated under open field drought stress conditions before final recommendation for agronomic purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have isolated an endophytic fungus with heat stress alleviation potential from wild plant Euphorbia indica L. The phylogenetic analysis and 18S rDNA sequence homology revealed that the designated isolate was Aspergillus japonicus EuR-26. Analysis of A. japonicus culture filtrate displayed higher concentrations of salicylic acid (SA), indoleacetic acid (IAA), flavonoids, and phenolics. Furthermore, A. japonicus association with soybean and sunflower had improved plant biomass and other growth features under high temperature stress (40°C) in comparison to endophyte-free plants. In fact, endophytic association mitigated heat stress by negotiating the activities of abscisic acid, catalase, and ascorbic acid oxidase in both soybean and sunflower. The nutritional quality (phenolic, flavonoids, soluble sugars, proteins, and lipids) of the A. japonicus-associated seedlings has also improved under heat stress in comparison to endophyte-free plants. From the results, it is concluded that A. japonicus can modulate host plants growth under heat stress and can be used as thermal stress alleviator in arid and semiarid regions of the globe (where mean summer temperature exceeds 40°C) to sustain agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding is an abiotic stress that creates hypoxic conditions triggered by redox potential leading to restricted growth and grain yield in plants. In the current study, we have investigated the effect of exogenous gibberellins (GA4+7) on soybean under flooding stress. A regulatory role of GAs on biochemical changes in soybean plants [including chlorophyll contents, endogenous bioactive GA1 and GA4, endogenous jasmonic acid ( JA) and abscisic acid (ABA)] has been elucidated after 3 and 6 h of flooding stress. The modulation of stress-related bio-chemicals and their genetic determinants [for instance, ABA (Timing of CAB expression1-TOC1, ABA-receptor-ABAR) and NO (S-nitrosoglutathione reductase-GSNOR1, NO overproducer1-NOX, and nitrite reductase-NR)] in response to short-term flooding stress were also explored. The current study showed that exogenous GAs rescued chlorophyll contents, enhanced endogenous bioactive GA1 and GA4 levels, endogenous jasmonic acid ( JA) and checked the rate of ABA biosynthesis under short-term flooding. The exo-GAs induced the glutathione activity and reduced the resulting superoxide anion contents during short-term flooding in Pungsannamul soybean. Exo-GAs also triggered the endogenous S-nitrosothiols (precursor for increased NO production) that have been decreased over the time. Moreover, the exo-GAs could impinge a variety of biochemical and transcriptional programs that are ameliorative to plant growth during short-term flooding stress. The presence of GA1 and GA4 also confirms the presence of both C13-hydroxylation pathway and non-C13-hydroxylation pathway in soybean, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-three compounds in two series of ferrocene-based anilides, with the general formula C5H5-Fe-C5H4-C6H4-NH-CO-C6H4-R (where R = H, F, Cl, CH3 and OCH3), have been successfully synthesized. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Two compounds (M07 and P09) were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Solid state studies indicate that ferrocene derivatives with the conformation of meta amide substituents engage in intermolecular H-bonding, which stabilizes the meta derivatives over their para analogues. The H-bonding takes place when the conformation of the ferrocene changes by rotation around the C–N bond, favoring interactions between two molecules in adjacent layers in the solid state. The potential importance of this H-bonding to the biological effects of these molecules was investigated using both experimental and computational studies. All the compounds were found to inhibit butyrylcholinesterase. The most active compound shows 50% inhibition at a concentration of 9 ± 0.2 μM, similar to the known drug galantamine (with an IC50 of 8 μM). Compounds with the ferrocene moiety meta to the amide linkage were consistently found to be slightly more active than the other structural isomers, suggesting that the H-bonding may only slightly increase the overall affinity for the protein. Computational studies confirmed the limited effects of the H-bonding in the presence and absence of water in the active site of butyrylcholinesterase, supporting the importance of hydrophobicity for inhibitors of this enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradation of hazardous pollutants is of immense importance for maintaining a clean environment. However, the concentration of such contaminants/pollutants can be minimized with the help of microorganisms that has the ability to degrade the toxic pollutants into non-toxic metabolites. In the current study, 23 bacterial isolates were purified from the rhizospheric soil of Sysimbrium irio, growing as a wild plant in the vicinity of gas filling stations in Peshawar city. The isolated strains were initially screened on solid nutrient agar and further purified by culturing it on anthracene amended mineral media (PNR). The bacterial growth and anthracene disappearance were observed by calculating optical density (OD). The isolates showed a concentration-dependent growth on anthracene amended PNR media at 30°C and pH7. Also, an increase in bacterial OD from 0.351 to 1.80 with increased shaking speed was noticed. On the contrary, alternate carbon sources (glucose, fructose, sucrose) or nitrogen sources (KNO3, NaNO3, NH4NO3 and CaNO3) posed inhibitory effect on bacterial growth during anthracene degradation. The recorded efficiency of anthracene degradation by the selected bacterial isolate (1.4×1023 CFUmL-1 and 1.80 OD) was 82.29%, after 120 h of incubation. The anthracene was degraded to 9, 10, dihydroxy-anthracene and anthraquinone, detected through GC-MS. The efficient bacterial isolate was identified as S13, a new strain of Bacillus cereus, using 16S rRNA analysis, showing 98% homology. The isolated bacterial strain S13 may be used as a potential tool for bioremediation of toxic hydrocarbons and to keep the environment free from PAH pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the synthesis of molybdenum based manganese oxide nanomaterials named as (CH1‐CH5) via a facile hydrothermal approach. Nanomaterials were characterized through Powder XRD, SEM, BET, UV‐Vis, Photoluminescence, and FTIR analysis. Structural characterization revealed triclinic crystal structure of nanomaterials having particle sizes in the range of 23.08–52.7 nm with very low levels of microstrain levels (<0.05) and dislocation densities. Surface areas were found to be in the range of 42.37–52.32 m2/g with mesoporous structures and solid bar and cross surface morphology. Optical band gaps (Eg) calculated from absorption data was found to be in the range of 4.65–4.75 eV for direct transitions whereas 4.60–4.74 eV for indirect transitions. The Eg calculated from emission data was found to be in the range of 2.42–2.67 eV. Absorption edge broadening was investigated by urbach energy (EU) calculated to be in the range of 1.23–1.51 eV whereas fermi energy (Ef) were obtained as 4.66–4.72 eV. Refractive index (n) was calculated to be in the range of 0.13–0.21 whereas high values obtained for real and imaginary parts of dielectric constants (ϵ) indicating polarization relaxation in synthesized materials. The calculated structural and optical characteristics indicates that these materials can be potential candidates for optoelectronic and catalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of Cassia nemophila pod (EECNP) was evaluated by three in vitro assays, including yeast glucose uptake assay, glucose adsorption assay, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The result revealed that the extracts have enhanced the uptake of glucose through the plasma membrane of yeast cells. A linear increase in glucose uptake by yeast cells was noticed with gradual increase in the concentration of the test samples. Moreover, the adsorption capacity of the EECNP was directly proportional to the molar concentration of glucose. Also, the DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the extract was increased to a maximum value of 43.3% at 80 μg/ml, which was then decreased to 41.9% at 100 μg/ml. From the results, it was concluded that EECNP possess good antidiabetic and antioxidant properties as shown by in vitro assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various abiotic stresses affect plants in the environment, and the impact may be impaired by global climate change soon. Plants produce ethylene in response to almost all environmental stresses, which is detrimental to the viability of the plant. Thus, controlling the production of stress ethylene in plants is emerging as an intriguing approach to boost crop production and mitigate the unwanted effects of abiotic stressors. Plants use 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) as a precursor to produce ethylene. It is well known that rhizobacteria that promote plant growth and have ACC deaminase activity can regulate plant growth in extreme conditions by lowering the levels of stress ethylene in plants. Researchers suggest that rhizobacteria that produce ACC deaminase can help plant development under varying environmental conditions, and bacteria with ACC deaminase could play a pivotal role in conferring tolerance and adaptation in plants to various abiotic stressors, indicating their great potential in addition to microbial plant biostimulants. In the present study, we aimed to describe the mechanism of ACC deaminase-producing rhizobacteria in plant growth promotion and tolerance to abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal (HM) contamination in the soil and accumulation in plants poses a serious threat to crops and human health. HMs such as cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic are widely acknowledged for their adverse effects on plants such as chlorosis, necrosis, low food quality and crop yields. Endophytic fungi secrete secondary metabolites and enhance the plant's ability to tolerate stressful conditions. However, the role of most fungal endophytes in their host plant growth or production of metabolites under HM stress conditions needs further understanding. In the present study, we studied the HM stress alleviation capability of the endophytic fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus (MRF), isolated from the roots of Justicia adathoda. We studied two heavy metals, namely lead and cobalt. The culture filtrate (CF) of P. lilacinus revealed IAA (68.17 µg/mL), phenols (43.31 µg/mL), flavonoids (40.59 µg/mL), sugar content (97.83 µg/mL) and proline (17 µg/mL). Additionally, DPPH-free radical scavenging activity and the antibacterial potential against Salmonella typhi and Shigella sonnei of the CF demonstrated positive results. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of the CF manifested different constituents, including (1) Trichloromethane, (2) 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, (3) phytol, (4) 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, (5) bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester, (6) squalene and (7) Cyclotrisiloxane Hexamethyl. Moreover, the plant growth-promoting activity of the P. lilacinus (MRF) strain revealed a robust increase in root and shoot growth, and the fresh and dry weight of S. lycoprsicum. Further, the IAA, phenols, flavonoids, sugar, proline, relative water content and protein contents also increased in the S. lycoprsicum inoculated with P. lilacinus as compared to the control plants. The present study revealed that the inoculation of P. lilacinus alleviates the damages of HM stress and improves the physicochemical characteristics of S. lycoprsicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nostoc, a nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium, has great potential to make symbiotic associations with a wide range of plants and benefit its hosts with nitrogen in the form of nitrates. It may also use phytohormones as a tool to promote plant growth. Phytohormones [cytokinin (Ck) and IAA] were determined in the culture of an endophytic Nostoc isolated from rice roots. The strain was able to accumulate as well as release phytohormones to the culture media. Optimum growth conditions for the production of zeatin and IAA were a temperature of 25 °C and a pH of 8.0. Time-dependent increase in the accumulation and release of phytohormones was recorded. To evaluate the impact of cytokinins, an ipt knockout mutant in the background of Nostoc was generated by homologous recombination method. A sharp decline (up to 80 %) in the zeatin content was observed in the culture of mutant strain Nostoc AHM-12. Association of the mutant and wild type strain with rice and wheat roots was studied under axenic conditions. The efficacy of Nostoc to colonize plant root was significantly reduced ( P < 0.05) as a result of ipt inactivation as evident by low chlorophyll a concentration in the roots. In contrast to the mutant strain, wild type strain showed good association with the roots and enhanced several growth parameters, such as fresh weight, dry weight, shoot length, and root length of the crop plants. The study clearly demonstrated that Ck is a tool of endophytic Nostoc to colonize plant root and promote its growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gibberellins (GAs) are well known for plant growth promotion. GAs production by fungi has received little attention, although substantial work has been carried out on other aspects of plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF). We investigated GAs production and plant growth-promoting capacity of an endophytic fungus isolated from the roots of soil grown soybean plants. The endophytic fungus is reported as GAs producer and as PGPF for the first time in this study. Nine endophytic isolates were collected from the roots of soybean, and culture filtrates (CFs) obtained from their pure cultures were screened on Waito-C, a dwarf rice cultivar, for the presence of GAs. Of these, seven fungal isolates promoted shoot length as compared to control (distilled water), while one inhibited it. Three fungal isolates were selected on the basis of higher shoot elongation as compared to wild type Gibberella fujikuroi, which was used as positive control. The growth-prompting capacity of selected fungal isolates SB5-1, SB3-2, and SB3-3 was bio-assayed on soybean cv. Hwangkeumkong. Fungal isolate SB5-1 provided maximum plant height (31.6 cm), shoot length (21.1 cm), whole plant fresh biomass (2.41 g), shoot fresh biomass (1.99 g), and leaf area (24.37 cm2). The CF of isolate SB5-1 was analyzed for the presence of GAs, and it was found that all physiologically active GAs were present (GA1, 0.15 ng/ml, GA3, 1.2 ng/ml, GA4, 7.37 ng/ml, and GA7, 3.18 ng/ml) in conjunction with physiologically inactive GA5, GA9, GA15, GA19, GA20, and GA24. The fungal isolate SB5-1 was identified as a new strain of Cephalotheca sulfurea through molecular and phylogenetic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant species are known to harbor large number of endophytes, which stays in plant tissues as symbionts. These endophytes secrete large array of bioactive compounds that have potency against certain diseases with no side effects. We have collected leaf samples of the Moringa oleifera plant from the Pakistan Forest Institute, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan for the isolation of beneficial endophytes. The strains isolated from the leaves of M. oleifera were coded with MOL and tested for antimicrobial, antifungal, germicidal, phytotoxic, insecticidal, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities. The isolates, MOL1, MOL16, MOL19, and MOL21, possessed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas MOL7 inhibited 55% of the growth of Escherichia coli. MOL3 inhibited the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The strains, MOL1 and MOL7, showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, while the strains, MOL11 and MOL17, showed activity against Verticillium chlamydosporium. The isolates, MOL3, MOL7, MOL9, MOL15, MOL17, MOL18, and MOL19, inhibited the growth of Lemna minor (duckweed) at 100 μg/ml. MOL2 exhibited strong activity in the brine shrimp assay, while MOL1, MOL2, MOL5, MOL6, MOL12, MOL17, MOL19, and MOL20 showed insecticidal, and MOL3 demonstrated larvicidal and antileishmanial activity. The isolated potent endophytes were identified as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Tricoderma, Rhizoctonia, Mucor, Alternaria, Pestalotiopsis, Acremonium, and Cladosporium through morphological and microscopic characteristics of the colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abiotic stresses lead to excessive crop yield losses and are a major threat to agriculture. It is essential to equip crops with multi-stress tolerance to mitigate the adverse effects of abiotic stressors and meet the demands of the increasing global population. The association between plants and symbiotic microorganisms is involved in key functions at the ecosystem and plant levels, and the application of microbial plant biostimulants (MPBs) is a sustainable strategy to augment plant growth and productivity, even under abiotic stress conditions. Several different microorganisms can be used as MPBs to enhance plant growth and produce progressive and reproducible effects on crops. In the present review, we assessed the current knowledge on the use of MPBs, discuss the diversity and characteristics of MPBs, and provide a meticulous assessment of the possible applications of MPBs in abiotic stress relief in crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gibberellins are considered to play an important role in modulating plant–pathogen interactions. In order to find this, we studied the effect of GA4 on the interactions of Bipolaris sorokiniana (Scc.) (BIPOL) with Triticum aestivum. After inoculating the roots of hydroponically grown T. avestivum with BIPOL, the GA4 level shot up by 26%. The increased level of GA4 elicited a hypersensitive response (HR) in the T. aestivum seedlings. The elicitation in HR was confirmed through measurement of HR-inducing signaling compounds (i.e. c-di-GMP, cAMP, phosphatidic acid, pure and esterified oxo-phytodeinoic acid, and jasmonic acid). The concentration of HR-inducing signaling compounds in the treated T. aestivum seedlings was 31% higher compared to the control seedlings. Moreover, the induced HR response lowered the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) level by 15% and the transzeatin (TZn) level by 22%. However, the application of 10 mM uniconazole through aerial spray inhibited GA4 biosynthesis in T. aestivum seedlings. Also, BIPOL colonized the roots of T. aestivum seedlings after uniconazole treatment and promoted seedling growth through increased relative growth rate (14%) and net assimilation rate (27%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the types of abiotic stresses, drought is one of the most serious growth limiting factors for crop plants. In recent years, various strategies have been employed to alleviate the adverse effects of drought stress in crops, but the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is among the standout techniques. Currently, we have isolated 55 strains of bacteria from the rhizosphere of Achyranthes aspera L. and Calotropis procera (Aiton). However, AGH3, AGH5, and AGH9 produced significant (p = 0.05) amounts of plant hormones and exhibited siderophore and phosphate solubilization activities. Bioassay experiments on Waito-C rice demonstrated an enhanced growth in the presence of the isolate AGH3. Moreover, the isolate AGH3 promoted the growth of Solynum lycopersicum L. under drought stress. The results revealed that AGH3-associated S. lycopersicum plants showed significantly (p = 0.05) reduced production of abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) as compared with the AGH3-free plants under polyethylene glycol (PEG) stress. In addition, high expressions of SlmiR 159 (from 6- to 10-fold), SlHsfA1a (from 1- to 4-fold), and SlHAKT1 (from 0.26- to 1-fold) genes were noticed in AGH3-associated S. lycopersicum plants under drought stress. From the results, it is concluded that rhizobacteria (AGH3) can be used as a pragmatic biofertilizer to ensure organic farming under normal as well as drought conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exophiala sp. LHL08, a gibberellin-producing strain, was investigated to assess its effects on cucumber plant growth and heat (40°C) stress tolerance. The results reveal that Exophiala sp . associated plants had significantly higher plant growth attributes (shoot length, plant biomass, chlorophyll contents, and leaf area) than control under heat stress. Endophytic association helped the plants to obtain adequate water to reduce the leaf electrolytic leakage under stress. High-temperature-induced oxidative stress was less pronounced in Exophiala sp. associated plants as shown by enhanced levels of total polyphenol and reduced activities of glutathione, superoxide anion, and lipid peroxidation. To tolerate heat stress and rescue plant growth, the endophyte association significantly increased catalase and peroxidase activities of the host plants as compared to control plants. Contents of palmitic, stearic, oleic, and α-linolenic were significantly decreased in the Exophiala sp. -inoculated plants than control plants under heat stress. Contents of flavonoids like genistein and daidzein were produced in higher quantities, while glycitein content was almost same in endophyte-associated plants under heat stress than control plants. Contrarily, stress-responsive endogenous abscisic acid and jasmonic acid were significantly activated in non-inoculated control treatments as compared to endophyte-inoculated plants under heat stress. The findings of the study reveal that association of Exophiala sp. with cucumber host plants can modulate heat stress by influencing physiological and biochemical contents of plants under heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the role of endophytic fungi against abiotic stresses and isoflavonoids (IF) contents of soybean. In current study, we investigated the role of fungal endophytes on the growth of soybean under salt stress conditions. Pure cultures of nine endophytic fungi were isolated from the roots of field-grown soybean plants, and their culture filtrates were screened on Waito- C and Dongjin-byeo rice cultivars; for identification of plant growth promoting fungal strains. It was observed that fungal isolate GMC-2B significantly promoted the growth of both Waito- C and Dongjin-byeo. GMC-2B was later identified as a new strain of Metarhizium anisopliae LHL07 on the basis of 18S rDNA sequences and phylogenetic analysis. Metarhizium anisopliae LHL07 inoculated soybean plants recorded significantly higher shoot length, shoot fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll contents, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate and leaf area; under sodium chloride induced salt stress as compared to non-inoculated control plants. An elevated proline and reduced superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde contents in M. anisopliae LHL07 inoculated soybean plants demonstrated mitigation of salt induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, reduced abscisic acid and elevated jasmonic acid contents in soybean plants confirmed that lesser stress was convened to M. anisopliae inoculated-plants under salinity stress. We also assessed the role of M. anisopliae interaction on IF biosynthesis of soybean, and found significantly higher IF contents in M. anisopliae inoculated soybean plants. In conclusion, endophytic fungal interactions with soybean can be beneficial to improve soybean quality and quantity under salt affected agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have isolated five endophytic fungi from the roots of Capsicum annuum, Cucumis sativus and Glycine max. The culture filtrates (CF) of these endophytes were screened on dwarf mutant rice (Waito-C) and normal rice (Dongjin-byeo). Endophyte CAC-1A significantly inhibited the growth of Waito-C and Dongjin-byeo. Endophyte CAC-1A was identified as Paraconiothyrium sp. by sequencing the ITS rDNA region and phylogenetic analysis. The ethyl acetate fraction of Paraconiothyrium sp. suppressed the germination of Lactuca sativa and Echinochloa crus-galli seeds. The ethyl acetate fraction of the endophyte was subjected to bioassay-guided isolation and we obtained the phytotoxic compound ascotoxin (1) which was characterized through NMR and GC/MS techniques. Ascotoxin revealed 100% inhibitory effects on seed germination of Echinochloa crus-galli. Compound (1) was isolated for the first time from Paraconiothyrium sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endophytic fungi are little known for exogenous secretion of phytohormones and mitigation of salinity stress, which is a major limiting factor for agriculture production worldwide. Current study was designed to isolate phytohormone producing endophytic fungus from the roots of cucumber plant and identify its role in plant growth and stress tolerance under saline conditions. Results: We isolated nine endophytic fungi from the roots of cucumber plant and screened their culture filtrates (CF) on gibberellins (GAs) deficient mutant rice cultivar Waito-C and normal GAs biosynthesis rice cultivar Dongjinbyeo. The CF of a fungal isolate CSH-6H significantly increased the growth of Waito-C and Dongjin-byeo seedlings as compared to control. Analysis of the CF showed presence of GAs (GA1, GA3, GA4, GA8, GA9, GA12, GA20 and GA24) and indole acetic acid. The endophyte CSH-6H was identified as a strain of Paecilomyces formosus LHL10 on the basis of phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequence similarity. Under salinity stress, P. formosus inoculation significantly enhanced cucumber shoot length and allied growth characteristics as compared to non-inoculated control plants. The hypha of P. formosus was also observed in the cortical and pericycle regions of the host-plant roots and was successfully re-isolated using PCR techniques. P. formosus association counteracted the adverse effects of salinity by accumulating proline and antioxidants and maintaining plant water potential. Thus the electrolytic leakage and membrane damage to the cucumber plants was reduced in the association of endophyte. Reduced content of stress responsive abscisic acid suggest lesser stress convened to endophyte-associated plants. On contrary, elevated endogenous GAs (GA3, GA4, GA12 and GA20) contents in endophyte-associated cucumber plants evidenced salinity stress modulation. Conclusion: The results reveal that mutualistic interactions of phytohormones secreting endophytic fungi can ameliorate host plant growth and alleviate adverse effects of salt stress. Such fungal strain could be used for further field trials to improve agricultural productivity under saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi are potential sources of secondary metabolites; however, they are little known for phytohormones secretion and amelioration of plant growth under abiotic stresses. We isolated a novel endophyte from the roots of Cucumis sativus and identified it as a strain of Exophiala sp. by sequencing internal transcribed spacer/large subunit rDNA and phylogenetic analysis. Prior to identification, culture filtrate (CF) of Exophiala sp. has shown significant growth promotion of Waito-C [a gibberellins (GAs)-deficient mutant cultivar] and Dongjin-byeo (normal GAs biosynthesis cultivar) rice seedlings. CF analysis of Exophiala sp. showed the presence of physiologically active GAs (GA1, GA3, GA4 and GA7) and inactive GAs (GA5, GA8, GA9, GA12 and GA20). Exophiala sp. had higher GAs in its CF than wild-type strain of Gibberella fujikuroi except GA3. Influence of Exophiala sp. was assessed on cucumber plant's growth and endogenous abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA) and bioactive GAs under salinity and drought stresses. Exophiala sp.-treated plants have shown significantly higher growth and rescued the host plants from stress promulgated water deficit, osmotic and cellular damage. The altered levels of stress-responsive ABA showed low level of stress confined to endophyte-applied plants than control. Elevated levels of SA and bioactive GAs (GA3 and GA4) in endophyte-associated plants suggest stress-modulating response toward salinity and drought. In conclusion, symbiotic relations between Exophiala and cucumber have reprogrammed the host plant growth under abiotic stresses, thus indicating a possible threshold role of endophytic fungi in stress alleviation. This study could be extended for improving agricultural productivity under extreme environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Experiments were conducted to investigate the role of a newly isolated endophytic fungus GMC-2A on physiology of host plant (Glycine max. L cv. Hwangkeum-kong) growing under salinity stress. GMC-2A was identified as a new strain of Penicillium funiculosum on the basis of sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis of D1/D2 regions of 28S rDNA. Preliminary screening experiment showed that the culture filtrate (CF) of GMC-2A promoted the growth of Waito-C, a dwarf gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis mutant rice cultivar. Analysis of fungal CF revealed the presence of GAs (GA1 1.53ng/ml; GA4 9.34ng/ml; GA8 1.21ng/ml; GA9 37.87ng/ml) and indole acetic acid (14.85μg/ml). GMC-2A also showed high phosphate solubilization of tricalcium phosphate. Besides that, GMC-2A application enhanced soybean seed germination as compared to control. Under salinity stress (70 and 140mM), GMC-2A significantly promoted the soybean growth attributes (shoot length, shoot fresh/dry biomass, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate and leaf area) in comparison to control treatments. We also observed low endogenous abscisic acid and elevated jasmonic acid contents in GMC-2A treated plants under salt stress. GMC-2A treatment significantly enhanced levels of isoflavones (34.22% and 75.37%) under salinity stress as compared to control. In conclusion, P. funiculosum LHL06 has significantly ameliorated the adverse effects of salinity induced abiotic stress, and re-programmed soybean to higher growth and isoflavone biosynthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gibberellins production by soil fungi received little attention, although substantial work has been carried out on other growth promoting aspects of soil borne fungi. We investigated gibberellins production and growth promoting capacity of a novel fungal strain of Neosartorya, which was isolated from the roots of Chinese cabbage (Bassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). Fungal culture filtrates (CF) obtained from pure cultures of 16 endophytic fungi were bioassayed on Waito-C, in order to investigate plant growth promoting capacity of these fungi. The fungal isolate CC-8 induced maximum shoot length of Waito-C (13.0cm) as compared to control treatments. In a separate experiment, the CF of fungus CC-8 significantly promoted plant length and biomass of Chinese cabbage. The fungal CF also increased endogenous bioactive GA1 and GA4 contents of Chinese cabbage. Gibberellin analysis of CF of CC-8 showed presence of both physiologically active and non active gibberellins in higher concentrations (GA1, 1.42ng/ml; GA3, 5.93ng/ml; GA4, 11.36ng/ml; GA7, 3.25ng/ml; GA9, 0.79ng/ml; GA15, 1.18ng/ml). The culture filtrate of CC-8 produced higher amounts of GA3, GA4, GA7 and GA9 than wild type Fusarium fujikuroi, a well known gibberellins producing fungus. The fungal isolate CC-8 was later identified as a new strain of Neosartorya species on the basis of traditional and advance molecular techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Endophytic fungi are little known for exogenous gibberellins (GAs) production and plant growth promotion under salt stress conditions. We isolated 13 endophytic fungi from soybean roots, which were screened on Waito-C rice for plant growth promoting capacity. Endophytic strain, GMH-1a exhibited maximum growth during screening and thus was investigated for GAs production and host plant interaction. GMH-1a was identified as a new strain of Aspergillus fumigatus sp. LH02 through phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA sequence. Analysis of GMH-1a culture filtrate showed presence of GA4 (24.8ng/ml), GA9 (1.2ng/ml) and GA12 (9.8ng/ml). Soybean plants inoculated with GMH-1a significantly increased shoot length, shoot fresh and dry biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll contents and photosynthetic rate under salt stress (70 and 140mM) as compared to non-inoculated plants. GMH-1a inoculated plants had contained significantly lower endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) and elevated free proline, salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) contents in comparison to their respective control treatments. Isoflavones, quantified through excessive HPLC analysis, showed that GMH-1a inoculated plants with/without salt stress contained higher isoflavones than non-inoculated plants and with/without NaCl stress. This novel endophytic fungus has reprogrammed soybean metabolism to improve plant growth and increase isoflavone contents under salt stress. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been a focus of research for its potential as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers in the agriculture industry. In current study, the effect of culture suspension (CS) of a novel gibberellins (GAs) producing bacterial strain Burkholderia sp. KCTC 11096BP, was observed on shoot length, shoot fresh and dry biomass, root fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll contents, endogenous bioactive GAs (GA1 and GA4) and their immediate precursors, abscisic acid (ABA), soluble sugar contents and crude protein contents of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). We found that growth attributes of cucumber were significantly promoted by the application of CS of Burkholderia sp. KCTC 11096BP. The quantity of GA1 and GA4 and their immediate precursors GA20 and GA9 respectively, were also significantly promoted as compared to their respective controls. Contrary to GAs, the quantity of endogenous free ABA in cucumber leaves was much lower in bacterial CS treated plants. Soluble sugar contents and crude protein contents of cucumber leaves were also significantly higher in bacterial CS treatments as compared to control. It was concluded that Burkholderia sp. KCTC 11096BP can be used as an eco-friendly bio-fertilizer in our farming systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The beneficial effects of plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) on plant growth and development are well documented. However, limited information is available on gibberellin (GA) production capacity of PGPF of endophytic origin. In current study, 11 fungal endophytes were isolated from cucumber roots and then screened on Waito-C rice, in order to identify plant growth promoting fungal strains. The fungal isolate GAH7 provided the maximum shoot length (11.3 cm) in comparison to control treatment (7.8 cm). In a separate experiment, bioassay of GAH7 significantly promoted growth attributes of cucumber. The GAH7 culture filtrate (CF) was found to contain physiologically active gibberellins in higher concentrations (GA1, 0.81 ng/ml; GA3, 4.34 ng/ml and GA4, 9.31 ng/ml) in conjunction with physiologically inactive GA9 (0.74 ng/ml), GA15 (0.97 ng/ml), GA19 (1.67 ng/ml) and GA20 (0.46 ng/ml). Isolate GAH7 produced higher amounts of GA3, GA4, GA9 and GA19 than wild type Fusarium fujikuroi, which was used as control for GA production. Gibberellins were analyzed through gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) with selected ion monitoring (SIM). The fungal isolate GAH7 was later identified as a new strain of Phoma on the basis of sequence homology (99%) and phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comments of Variny et al. [[1]] are summarized in the following: Model assumptions as formulated in Hamayun et al. [[2]] are incomplete. Pressure Drop in Heat Exchangers The assumption of no pressure drop or fixed pressure drop in heat exchangers is already reported in the literature for air separation processes [[3], [5]]. The pressure drop in heat exchangers assuming a constant value of 10 kPa, regardless of the position in the process scheme is unjustified, similarly to assuming zero pressure losses. If we used more rigorous equations for pressure drop calculations in heat exchangers, e.g., those proposed by Variny et al. [[1]], the pressure drop would indeed be different for different exchangers in different configurations. [Extracted from the article]

Medicinal herbs provide prime source of primary health care in the northern mountainous parts of Pakistan in the Himalayas, Hindu-Kush and Karakorum mountain ranges. However, with the introduction of allopathic drags, the use of crude drugs from medicinal plants is on the decline and subsequently, the pertinent traditional knowledge may be lost in the near future. During the present study traditional knowledge of 126 medicinal herbs was documented from Swat Kohistan. Most of these herbs are used locally while some are sold to other parts of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aromatic compounds and their substituted forms are hazardous to the environment. Biodegradation by microorganisms can be used to remove these pollutants from soil and water. During the present investigations, Pseudomonas sp. strain ST-4 was used for the degradation of 4-aminophenol. The strain was able to use 4-aminophenol as growth substrate showing growth up to 400ppm on mineral salt media plates. In broth, degradation up to 84% was observed. Induction with 4-aminophenol proved to be effective as it increased the degradation rate more than by the uninduced cell. Biodegradation was found to be more effective than autoxidation of 4-aminophenol, indicating bioremediation as main process to eliminate aromatic amines. In order to locate the responsible genes for degradation, curing and then isolation of plasmid showed the involvement of plasmid encoded genes in this mechanism since the cured strains do not grow with 4-aminophenol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A research project was carried out at Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (IRNUM) Peshawar, in order to investigate the prevalence of different types of leukemias in North West Frontier Province of Pakistan, during 2001. During this study 60 leukemia patients admitted at IRNUM were investigated. It was found that acute leukemia was more prevalent than chronic leukemia as 90% of total investigations were of acute type. Male patients were 76.6% compared to 23.3% female patients, while most of the patients were below the age of 20. Subtypes study of acute leukemia revealed that ALL-L1 (13 times) was more prevalent than ALL-L2 while no case was registered for ALL-L3. In AML subtypes, M1 and M2 subtypes were more frequent in patients than its other subtypes. AML-M1 was twice more prevalent than AML-M2 . No case was registered for AML-M6 while AML-M1, AML-M4 and AML-M5 were found to be less prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cd and Cr in agricultural soils are becoming a serious threat in S. lycopersicum. • A. niger enhanced growth attributes in host seedlings under Cd and Cr stress. • A. niger helped in compartmentalization of HMs in tomato roots. • A. niger helped in upregulation of SlGSH1 and SlPCS1 genes in tomato. • Expression of SlGSH1 and SlPCS1 genes induced resistance in tomato vs HMs stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of endophytic fungi isolated from Cucurbita roots on growth, physiological, biochemical and molecular attributes of Solanum lycopersicum L. under Cd and Cr stress. The initial screening experiments on Oryza sativa L. seedlings revealed a plant growth promoting endophyte (Cu-17) out of the 17 isolated strains. The strain was identified as Aspergillus niger by amplifying ITS region of 18 S rDNA. A pot experiment was set to evaluate the effect of A. niger on S. lycopersicum exposed to two different concentrations (100 μg/g and 500 μg/g) of Cd and Cr. A. niger alleviated Cd and Cr stress in S. lycopersicum by reducing its translocation to the aerial parts of the host plant. A. niger also enabled the S. lycopersicum to produce significant amounts of IAA, proline, flavonoids, phenols, catalase (CAT) and ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO), in addition to sugar and proteins. Moreover, A. niger facilitated the S. lycopersicum to induce stress responsive genes (SlGSH1 and SlPCS1) in order to develop tolerance against the Cd and Cr stress. Both SlGSH1 and SlPCS1 genes helped the S. lycopersicum to chelate Cd and Cr and thus mitigate their toxicity. The results, therefore, conclude that A. niger might be used as biofertilizer for healthy and safe crop production in Cd and Cr contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress is one of the leading growth-retarding factors among all the abiotic stresses that affect 30% of worldwide-irrigated land. Researchers are employing different strategies and approaches to manage this problem. However, some of the strategies are costly while others are time consuming. On the other hand, the use of endophytes is pragmatic, cheap and eco-friendly. This work investigated the potential role of endophytic Aspergillus oryzae CM1 in the mitigation of salinity-induced stress in Abelmoschus esculentus. NaCl stress altered the morphological and physio-biochemical attributes as well as phytohormones in okra plants. The inoculation of endophytic A. oryzae CM1 significantly increased growth attribute (shoot/root length), biomass (fresh/dry weight), chlorophyll (a, b) and carotenoids contents, IAA, total soluble sugar and relative water content (RWC) in okra. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline content in the okra seedlings increased by 91.21% and 38.83%, respectively. Increase in phenolic and flavonoid contents were witnessed in NaCl stressed okra plants inoculated with isolate CM1. NaCl stress (100 mM) decreased IAA content in leaves (32.57%), stem (22.01%) and roots (19.65%) of the control okra seedlings. However, an increase in IAA contents in leaves (143.04%), stem (115.32%), and roots (60.28%) were observed in okra plants inoculated with isolate CM1. By investigating the chemical profile of A. oryzae CM1 crude extract, we found sinapiic acid, 3,4-dimethyl-caffeic-acid, feruloylquinic-acid, coniferylaldehyde hexoside, cycloolivil, glucaric-acid, moracenin, kuwanon, sinapyl aldehyde, sophocarpine, propoxyphene and myricetin. Thus, NaCl stress causes an adverse effect on okra, however, the colonization of endophytic A. oryzae improves NaCl tolerance by ameliorating the physio-biochemical attributes and phytohormones production in host plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For endoscopic visualization of the peritoneal cavity, pneumoperitoneum has to be created. This study was conducted to compare the mean time consumption for creation of pneumoperitonium from open (transumblical) and closed (Veress needle) method in laproscopic surgery. Material & Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted at Department of Surgery, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, from March 1, 2014 to August 30, 2014. One hundred and thirty patients were selected using consecutive sampling. The patients enrolled in the study were admitted patients of both genders requiring laparoscopic surgery. Females with third trimester pregnancy, and patients with midline laparotomy scar were excluded. Informed consent was taken from every patient before surgery. They were divided in two equal groups selected using random number table; Group A= Closed (VN) and Group B= Open (Transumblical). Time for the creation of pneumoperitoneum was calculated. It started from the incision until creation of 14 mmHg intra-abdominal pressure. Qualitative variables like gender, diagnosis, complications were presented as percentages. Continuous variables like age and time for creating pneumoperitoneum were presented as Mean ± Standard Deviation. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 10. The significance of difference between time taken by either procedure was measured by Independent sample 't' test. P ≤0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Time required to insert laparoscope was significantly different in both groups; 125.56±6.2 seconds for Veress needle group and 90.6±2.02 seconds for open (transublical) group. Conclusion: Open (transumbilical) method of creation of pneumoperitoneum is much less time consuming than closed (Veress Needle) technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To determine the frequency of inflammed appendices and other pathologies by histopahtological examination of appendectomy specimens. Material & Methods: All patients presenting with pain right iliac fossa, diagnosed as acute appendicitis on history and clinical examination were selected. Patient age, sex, operative findings and histopathology reports were noted. Histopathology reports were analysed according to diagnosis. Results: Out of 114 patients who were diagnosed as an acute appendicitis and underwent appendectomy, 85% reports revealed acute inflammation, 8.7% were normal while 1.7% had Meckel's diverticulitis, 2.6% showed tuberculosis, one each case was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma and carcinoid. Lymphoid hyperplasia was predominant finding in acute appendicitis. Conclusion: Beside acute inflammation, histopathlogical examination of appendicitis specimens yield important clinical information like benign and malignant pathologies. All specimens of appendectomy should be sent for histopathological examination, so as not to miss any unusual or coexisting pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]