Arsenic, in the form of inorganic arsenite, is toxic to the kidney and can cause acute kidney injury, manifesting as destruction of proximal tubule cells. Nephron repair is possible through the proliferation of resident tubular progenitor cells expressing CD133 and CD24 surface markers. We simulated regenerative repair in the continued presence of i-As (III) using a cell culture model of a renal progenitor cell line expressing CD133 (PROM1) and CD24. Continued exposure and subculturing of progenitor cells to i-As (III) led to a reduction in the expression of PROM1 and CD24, as well as a decrease in the ability to differentiate into tubule-like structures. Cessation of i-As (III) and recovery for up to three passages resulted in continued repression of PROM1 and reduced ability to differentiate. Chronically exposed cells exhibited an ability to form colonies in soft agar, suggesting neoplastic transformation. Chronically exposed cells also exhibited an induction of CD44, a cell surface marker commonly found in renal cell carcinoma, as well as in tubular repair in chronic renal injury such as chronic kidney disease. These results demonstrate potential adverse outcomes of renal progenitor cells chronically exposed to a nephrotoxicant, as well as in environmental exposure to arsenic.

Slope stability is an essential aspect of geotechnical engineering. Unstable slopes or stable slopes influenced by external factors may result in a catastrophic disaster called a landslide. In seismically active areas with steep terrain, landslides commonly occur and are regarded as one of the most severe threats. Bangladesh has not suffered any destructive earthquakes in recent years but has a considerable risk of facing such earthquakes owing to its geological conditions. Although slope failures occurring in the Rangamati Hill Tracts of Bangladesh are mainly rainfall-induced, due to the seismic risk in Bangladesh, it is essential to assess earthquake-induced slope failure in vulnerable areas. In this study, the authors analyzed the seismic slope stability at three locations in the Rangamati Hill Tracts using pseudostatic approaches. The pseudostatic approach with the variation in seismic force based on the seismic coefficient was utilized to determine the critical conditions. Using Newmark’s rigid block method, the permanent displacements for various slope conditions were calculated for the Kobe earthquake. The analysis provided crucial insight into the state of the locations. One location has a low factor of safety (FS) value at a slope angle of 30° or greater, whereas the others have a risk of slope failure at a slope angle of 50° or greater. Newmark’s displacement analysis also showed that the slopes at location 3 have the highest displacement at a lower slope angle, with location 1 and location 2 showing relatively better results than location 3. Structural and bioengineered preventive measures are needed in this area to reduce the vulnerability of possible slope failure.

Detecting landslides and unstable slopes is one of the most crucial responsibilities in the emergency response to resist landslides. Having a wide range of hilly terrines in the southeast region of Bangladesh, the risk of landslide disasters is becoming a critical issue. In Chittagong, especially in the Rangamati hill tracts, there have been several losses of life and property due to landslides in the recent past. This research attempts to evaluate the landslide risk in Rangamati hill tracts and provide suggestions to mitigate the landslide hazard by modifying the hill slope. Soil specimens from different hill locations were collected from three areas in the Rangamati district. Several laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the soil properties, and 2D slope stability analysis using Bishop's simplified method was used to evaluate the landslide potential. Different preventative measures, for example, soil nailing, anchors, and cutting slopes like stairs, are also implemented to mitigate the landslide potential by increasing the slope stability was assessed and suggested. Weighted Overlay Model (W.O.M.) was implemented for the Landslide Susceptibility Analysis in ArcGIS to confirm the potential hazard in the study areas, and hazard maps were suggested based on the slope stability results and current slopes in Rangamati. The slope stability analysis of the three spots showed that spot 3 is the most vulnerable spot, which had a low factor of safety value. Even with different mitigation techniques, spot 3 showed a lower factor of safety value, which was verified with the Weighted Overlay Method. It was also seen that among the mitigation techniques, anchoring the slopes is the most effective one that drastically increases the factor of safety value.

Studies have reported the presence of renal proximal tubule specific progenitor cells which co-express PROM1 and CD24 markers on the cell surface. The RPTEC/TERT cell line is a telomerase-immortalized proximal tubule cell line that expresses two populations of cells, one co-expressing PROM1 and CD24 and another expressing only CD24, identical to primary cultures of human proximal tubule cells (HPT). The RPTEC/TERT cell line was used by the authors to generate two new cell lines, HRTPT co-expressing PROM1 and CD24 and HREC24T expressing only CD24. The HRTPT cell line has been shown to express properties expected of renal progenitor cells while HREC24T expresses none of these properties. The HPT cells were used in a previous study to determine the effects of elevated glucose concentrations on global gene expression. This study showed the alteration of expression of lysosomal and mTOR associated genes. In the present study, this gene set was used to determine if pure populations of cells expressing both PROM1 and CD24 had different patterns of expression than those expressing only CD24 when exposed to elevated glucose concentrations. In addition, experiments were performed to determine whether cross-talk might occur between the two cell lines based on their expression of PROM1 and CD24. It was shown that the expression of the mTOR and lysosomal genes was altered in expression between the HRTPT and HREC24T cell lines based on their PROM1 and CD24 expression. Using metallothionein (MT) expression as a marker demonstrated that both cell lines produced condition media that could alter the expression of the MT genes. It was also determined that PROM1 and CD24 co-expression was limited in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines.

Rhizoctonia solani causes damping-off, as well as crown and root rot of sugar beet ( Beta vulgaris L). This pathogen overwinters as sclerotia or melanized mycelia. Traditionally, the resistance of cultivars to R. solani is evaluated by scoring disease reactions of the crowns and roots of older seedlings, instead of evaluating at seed germination. Most studies that have evaluated cultivar resistance to R. solani have used colonized whole barley grains as artificial inocula. Colonized grains are prone to contamination with other pathogens and are often lost to rodents/birds when applied in the field. Considering those limitations, a study was undertaken (1) to develop in vitro methods to generate natural sclerotia of R. solani on a large scale, (2) to compare pathogenic potentials of R. solani sclerotia, mycelia, and colonized barley grains for optimization of damping-off assays, and (3) to evaluate resistance of selected commercial cultivars to R. solani . Of the six-culture media, amended clarified V8 (ACV8) was the most suitable culture medium to grow and produce sclerotia on a large scale and 10% PDA was the least suitable. Three testing sizes of sclerotia were found to be equally effective in causing plant losses. Sclerotia inocula were comparable with mycelial discs and colonized barley grains in causing pre-emergence damping off under aseptic in vitro conditions. Sclerotia also were equally or more effective than mycelia plug or barley grain inocula in reducing seedling emergence, inducing damping off, and increased root rot under greenhouse in vivo conditions. To conclude, sclerotia can be prepared on a feasible scale and used as natural inocula to screen response to R. solani on sugar beet.

Rhizoctonia solani is a soil-borne plant pathogen that has been reported to cause damping-off in early growth stages, and crown and root rot in the late growth stages in all sugar beet growing regions. Therefore, we investigated the response of two cultivars against Rhizoctonia propagules under greenhouse conditions, the seeds of two cultivars were pre-treated with different doses of Kabina and Systiva, and the seeds were sown under two different temperature regimes (65° F and 75° F). Our study demonstrated that moderate doses of Kabina (14g) and Systiva (2.5g) protected above 50% of the plants compared to untreated inoculated checks. But these rates did not show a significant increase in the number of stands than other lower doses of seed treatment. Our preliminary study further demonstrated that the high doses of both Kabina and Systiva failed to protect the plants against R. solani up to 20 weeks of post-inoculation. In summary, our data illustrated that high doses of fungicides are not always the best solution in protecting plants from Rhizoctonia solani rather increasing phytotoxicity to sugar beet seedlings.

Sugar beet is commercially grown in Minnesota, Idaho, North Dakota, Michigan, Nebraska, Montana, California, Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington [3].The cultivars are relatively high-yielding and are moderately resistant to most of the common soil-borne and foliar pathogens. Most cultivars have a minimum level of resistance to root pathogens such as Rhizoctoniasolani, Aphanomyces cochlioides, Clonostachysrosea, Globisporangiumultimum, Rhizopus stolonifera, and Fusarium equiseti [1, 2, 3, 4].

Plant PCD differs genetically and morphologically from the mechanisms of fungi and animals. For instance, classical PCD typically features mitochondrial morphology transition (MMT), condensation of the cytoplasm and its shrinking, detachment of the plasma membrane from the cell wall (in case of fungi), and nuclear condensation.There is now compelling evidence that mitochondria integrate diverse cellular stress signals and initiate the death execution pathway in animals. On the flip-side involvement of mitochondria in regulating PCD in plants is not well known. This review article will help to answer the following questions; how PCD is required for resistance? How PCD and other resistant responses are dependent on each other?How PCD is regulated and is PCDs the same for all pathogens?

A. alternata is a weak and opportunistic pathogen, but recently this pathogen has been reported in major sugar beet growing regions in the US. Therefore, we were interested to investigate the in-vitro and in-vivo pathogenesis of A. alternata to sugar beet seed, seedlings, tissue slices, stecklings, and roots. The in-vitro study demonstrated that A. alternata reduces seed germination, causes damping-off of seedlings, and decomposes beet tissue. The in-vivo study showed the same inoculum responsible for Alternaria leaf spots, and black circular spots on beetroot. Furthermore, we did a preliminary study to determine in vitro sensitivities of some fungicides to determine the effective concentration that inhibited 50% of radial mycelial growth (EC50 values) of A. alternata . The results indicated that EC50 values ranged from 0.0023 to 0.0058 for PROLINE, from 0.0004 to 0.0021 for OMEGA, and from 0.0027 to 0.0053 for Super TIN. Among the potential fungicides, the efficiency of quinone outside inhibitors (QoI- PRIAXOR) was relatively higher to inhibit the radial growth of A. alternata , irrespective of concentrations.

Twenty hybrids along with five parents evaluated in the study were mainly contemplated to find out the best cross combinations and the best general and specific combiners as well as to estimate the nature and magnitude of the gene action for different qualitative traits. Using Griffin’s and Hayman’s approach through a 5 X 5 full diallel cross fashion, an investigation on heterosis and combining ability in pumpkin was undertaken following RCBD design with three replications at the experimental field. Both positive and negative significant GCA and SCA variances were obtained from few parents and hybrids. Predominance of additive-additive gene action was noted for most of the characters except hollowness and dry matter content, where additive-dominance gene action was predominant; flesh thickness and brix (%), where dominance- dominance gene action were predominant. A single parent was not found as good combiner for more than two characters. The best specific combiners were IBD 40 X IBD 47 for beta-carotene, total sugar and fruit yield; IBD23 X IBD40 for brix (%), hollowness and flesh thickness; IBD40 X IBD57 for fruit breadth; IBD47 X IBD50 for non-reducing sugar; and IBD47 X IBD57 for reducing sugar. The Vr- Wr graphs exhibited complete, partial and over dominance effect of genes for different characters. Complete dominance was observed only for beta-carotene whereas over dominance was noticed for hollowness and flesh thickness. Partial dominance was ensured for fruit breadth, dry matter, brix (%), reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, total sugar and fruit yield. Significant heterosis of some crosses against mid parent and better parents were observed for some characters.

Alternaria is a ubiquitous fungal genus which includes endophitic, saprophytic and pathogenic species. They can cause pre and post-harvest diseases in numerous crops and world-wide economic losses. Alternaria spp. with small conidia size, less than 60 μm, are categorized as small spore Alternaria. Alternaria alternata, Alternaria arborescens, and Alternaria tenuissima are among the most commonly reported small spore Alternaria spp. These species represent a disease complex on some hosts, often isolated from a single plant. Among the species, there remain overlapping morphological characteristics, and often it is not easy to differentiate the species microscopically. These pathogens usually appeared in anamorph, or asexual reproductive stage and the sexual reproduction is mostly known. There are very few studies on the genetic structure and evolutionary trajectory of the pathogen populations in the agroecosystems. The conidia are usually produced on leaf lesions, and often colonize in wounds. Asexual spores are larger than other anemophilous pollen and fungal spores, but they are found in high quantities in the air. The spores can disperse through air currents and rainfall. However, they are also known to be an allergenic fungus. A recent study in Europe has shown that Alternaria sp and its aerial asexual spores’ inhalation of patients escalated the allergy by 8.9%. And it has also been pronounced as a risk factor for the development, persistence, and severity of asthma. Hence, it is necessary to identify the indoor and outdoor Alternaria species that are particularly involved in allergenic or asthma reactions.

IntroductionTragia involucrata L. have been utilized as traditional medicine in Indian subcontinent for the treatment of numerous illnesses such as inflammation, pain and skin infection. In this current study we sought to assess the anxiolytic, sedative and analgesic activity of Tragia involucrata L. leaves extract.Materials and methodsWe first performed a phytochemical screening test of the leaves extracts following standard phytochemical screening protocols. We next examined the anxiolytic and sedative activity of crude methanol (TIME), ethyl acetate (TIEAE) and n-Hexane (TIHE) extract of Tragia involucrata L. leaves using mouse behavioral models such as elevated plus-maze test and pentobarbital-induced sleeping time test, respectively. Likewise, we evaluated the analgesic activity using acetic acid induced writhing test and formalin induced paw licking test. Additionally, we performed a quantitative analysis of heavy metals content of Tragia involucrata L. leaves by overnight digestion in concentrated nitric acid (HNO3).ResultsPhytochemical screening demonstrated that TIME, TIEAE and TIHE contain flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids and sterols. Administration of these extracts resulted in higher number of open arm entry, lower number of close arm entry and higher time spent in open arm compared to control treatment (p < 0.05). Moreover, these treatments decreased the onset of sleep time and increased the duration of sleep compared to control treated mice (all p < 0.05). Likewise, extracts treated mice exhibited decreased number of writhing as well as lower acute phase and late phase duration compared to control treatment (all p < 0.05). The average level of As and Fe in Tragia involucrata L. leaves was 5.16 ± 0.012 ppm and 2.76 ± 0.015 ppm, respectively.ConclusionResults from this study support that Tragia involucrata L. leaves extracts exhibit an anxiolytic, sedative and analgesic activity in mice.

Fungicide-coated seed protects sugar beet plants from soilborne diseases, but seedlings coming from coated seeds often encounter phytotoxicity under field conditions. To understand the phytotoxic impact, fungicide-coated seed and the uncoated seed of two cultivars were sown with holes or no holes in plastic trays in greenhouse conditions. Our study demonstrated without fungicide coat on sugar beet seed and holes in plastic trays resulted in just above 90% germination. While fungicide-coated seed and no hole's underneath trays- showed the lowest germination (>20%). Fungicide-coated seed, having holes in plastic trays showed 90% germination. No fungicide coat on seed, having no hole's underneath trays showed 70% germination. We further estimated the percentage of stunted seedlings in both cultivars. Fungicide-coated seed with holes underneath plastic trays showed above 5% stunted seedlings while fungicide-coated seed, having no hole's underneath trays- showed the highest percentage of stunted seedlings (>10%) in both cultivars. In summary, our data demonstrated that the phytotoxicity of fungicide-coated sugar beet seed depends on growth conditions.

Rhizoctonia solani is an economically important pathogen of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) causing seedling damping-off, and root and crown rot. Cultural practices, partially resistant cultivars, and fungicides are among the methods most used to manage R. solani. Penicillium pinophilum, a potential biocontrol agent for Rhizoctonia damping-off, was isolated from sugar beet. Our objective was to evaluate the biocontrol potential of P. pinophilum against R. solani AG 2–2 under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. In vitro co-culture of both fungi showed that R. solani growth was inhibited by P. pinophilum. A greenhouse inoculation study was done using sclerotia of R. solani and a conidia suspension of P. pinophilum to evaluate the response of a Rhizoctonia susceptible cultivar. Treatments included R. solani sclerotia, P. pinophilum conidia suspension, a combination of R. solani sclerotia with P. pinophilum conidia suspension, and a mock inoculation with water (control). One 2-cm deep furrow was made in the middle of peat filled trays into which 10 seeds were planted. Each treatment was applied adjacent to each seed and covered with peat. There were four replicates per treatment arranged in a completely randomized design. The sole sclerotia treatment caused 75% damping-off and severe root rot on surviving plants whereas the combination of sclerotia with P. pinophilum conidia suspension reduced damping-off by 50%. No damping-off incidences were observed with the P. pinophilum conidia suspension or the mock-inoculated control. It was concluded that P. pinophilum has the potential to reduce damping-off caused by R. solani but use of the most appropriate P. pinophilum concentration and its mitigation mechanisms need further studies.

Steel fibers and their aspect ratios are important parameters that have significant influence on the mechanical properties of ultrahigh-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). Steel fiber dosage also significantly contributes to the initial manufacturing cost of UHPFRC. This study presents a comprehensive literature review of the effects of steel fiber percentages and aspect ratios on the setting time, workability, and mechanical properties of UHPFRC. It was evident that (1) an increase in steel fiber dosage and aspect ratio negatively impacted workability, owing to the interlocking between fibers; (2) compressive strength was positively influenced by the steel fiber dosage and aspect ratio; and (3) a faster loading rate significantly improved the mechanical properties. There were also some shortcomings in the measurement method for setting time. Lastly, this research highlights current issues for future research. The findings of the study are useful for practicing engineers to understand the distinctive characteristics of UHPFRC.

Cucumber seeds were taken to assess the effect of temporal variation on the seed quality. Seeds were stored in three types of containers, such as metal (tin), polythene bag, and cloth bag. The containers were stored at room temperature and ambient relative humidity around three months. Seed quality factors viz., moisture content, germination percentage, vigor index, percentage of abnormal seedling, fresh seed, dead seed, hard seed, root-shoot ratio and amount of dry matter were recorded every 15 days interval. The initial moisture content of seed in tin, poly bag, and cloth bag were 10.66%, 10.13%, and 9.89%, respectively, but it was increased with increasing storage time after 60 days (11.08%, 10.67%, and 10.98%). The germination percentage was higher at 15 days after observation (DAO) for different containers like tin (90%), poly bag (86%), and cloth bag (85%) than after 60 DAO (86%, 84%, and 80%), respectively, on blotting paper substrate. The percentage of dead seed was increased from 2 to 10%, 5 to 12%, and 6 to 12% in tin container, poly bag, and cloth bag, respectively, from 15 DAO to 60 DAO. The vigor indexes of seedling were 14.58, 12.85, and 10.92 at 15 DAO in tin, poly bag, and cloth bag, respectively, which attained at 10.39, 10.26, and 10.08 at 60 DAO, respectively. The length of seedling was 25.85 cm, 25.15 cm, and 24.30 cm at 60 DAO in tin, poly bag, and cloth bag, respectively. Shoot-root ratio was found highest in tin container at 15 DAO (0.95) and lowest in cloth bag (0.70) at 60 DAO. Key Words: Seed quality, cucumber, temporal variation, biotic and abiotic factors. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i3.3972 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(3) : 457-463, September 2009