Breeding and Territorial Behaviour of Indian Black Robin(Copsychus fulicata leucoptera)in Mihintale,Sri Lanka

Indian Black Robin(Copsychus fulicata leucoptera)(Lesson,1840)is one of the territorial birds often found in all climatic zones in Sri Lanka.Territory size of this birds species is vary according to the breeding season and habitats that they occupy.The present study was carried out to understand the breeding ecology and territorial behavior of Indian Black robin both in breeding and non-breeding periods.The study was carried out at the Mihintale sanctuary and the Faculty premises of Rajarata university of Sri Lanka.Eleven breeding pairs of Black robins were observed to collect using scan and focal animal sampling methods from 2014 to 2017.Territory mapping was done using ArcGIS 10.3 and%behavioral act was calculated using Microsoft excel.Two breeding seasons were identified during March to September.The average nest building period was13.25±0.96 days.Total of 10 nests were recorded,seven were successful nests but chicks were observed from only three of them while in other four of them were damaged due to several reasons.Three nests were abandon by the female bird with eggs which may considered as pseudo nests.The eggs were whitish in colour with small brownish blotches.The clutch size ranged from 2-4.The average incubation period was 11±3.4 days.The identified foraging sites are nearby roads,human settlements and live foliage.Fifteen territories were recorded during the study period in the open land areas,sparse grasslands or scrublands.The territory sizes of non-breeding season ranged from 617 to 5504 m^(2)while territories of breeding season ranged from 1335 to 8736 m^(2).

Role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in sustainable crop production and forestry in Sri Lanka-A review

Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between a soil-borne fungus and plant root.Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF)are the most common type of mycorrhizal associations occurring in plants.AMF can increase plant growth mainly by improving nutrient uptake and making plants resistant to several biotic and abiotic stresses.Thus,AMF could be referred to as an important biofertilizer for the crop production.However,in Sri Lankan context,seems the knowledge and use of AMF is limited,though there is a great potential of using AMF for sustainable crop production and forestry.This review provides an overview on the benefits of AMF for agriculture and forestry with the studies that have been carried out to attain them,in Sri Lanka.

Etiological agents causing leptospirosis in Sri Lanka:A review

Objective:To systematically review the etiological agent causing human leptospirosis in Sri Lanka.Methods:Published ailicles on leptospirosis and Leptospira in Sri Lanka were all reviewed to determine serovar,strain and species level indentification of Leptospira.After screening process.74 full text articles/reports were reviewed and among of them.12 published papers describing isolation of Leptospira from Sri Lankan patients/animals.5 molecular epidemiology papers on newer typing methods citing Sri Lanka isolates,with a descriptions of the isolates and 6 published papers reporting PCR based species level identification were identified.Results:Published literature showed that more than 40 strains classified under at least 20 serovars and 10 serogroups have been isolated from Sri Lanka.These isolates belong to four species,namely.Leptospira interrogans,Leptospira kirscluneri.Leptospira borgpetersenii,and Leptospira sanlarosai.In addition.recent studies on direct patient samples without culture and isolation showed Leptospira from Leptospira weilli is also circulating in Sri Lanka.Mulli locus sequence typing showed L3 genotypes of Leptospira from Sri Lankan isolates.Conclusions:This review shows the diversity of Leptospira in Sri Lanka,but culture isolation data has not been published in Sri Lanka during last 30 years.

Cascade Tank Water Quality Management: A Case Study in Thirappane Tank Cascade System, Sri Lanka

Tank cascade system(TCS)is a series of tanks located in a meso-catchment and has been accepted as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System found in Sri Lanka.Ecosystem components of the TCS play a major role in purifying water within the system.This study attempted to investigate the water quality status and the farmers’willingness to rehabilitate the ecosystem components of the Thirappane TCS.Drinking and irrigation water quality parameters were tested in 34 locations and drinking and irrigation water quality indexes were calculated.Participatory rural appraisal and a questioner survey were conducted to gather social data.Water of TCS was observed to be appropriate for irrigation but not for drinking during the Maha cropping season.Based on the results of the Nitrate(as NO_(3)^(-))and Total Phosphate(as PO_(4)^(3-)),water of TCS can be categorized as eutrophic.Presence of ecosystem features of tank cascade system,annual income of the respondents,satisfaction on the quality of water for drinking,and the awareness about the tank cascade system significantly influenced the participatory decisions of the community on the rehabilitation of TCS.This study shall be an example and an eye opener to formulate sustainable tank cascade management plan.

Risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infection in elective total hip and knee arthroplasty following eradication therapy

Re-screening following methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) decolonization will be helpful to minimize the development of prosthetic joint infection among MRSA colonizers.

Effect of an E-Educational Poster on Improving the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on the Proper Use of Face Masks among School Students

Introduction: Two spread methods of Covid-19, namely airborne and respiratory droplets, can be prevented by proper use of face masks. However, it has been reported an inadequate knowledge attitude and practice of proper use of face masks among school students. Therefore, the knowledge, attitude, and practice of school students should be improved. Different approaches are used to improve knowledge, attitude, and practice. However, e-posters are rare, and the effect of e-posters on improving the knowledge, attitude, and practice of school students on the proper use of face masks has not been studied. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of an e-educational poster on knowledge, attitude, and practice of the proper use of face masks among school students. Method: This study was conducted as a pre-test and post-test design. The sample was 364 grade 11 students of the Gampaha educational division, Sri Lanka. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires distributed pre and post to the interventional e-education poster. Data analyses were conducted by using SPSS Software. Results: Results show no significant demographic difference (p = 0.446) between the pre and post-test groups. A significant increase was observed between the pre and post-test mean scores of knowledge (p ≤ 0.05), attitude (p ≤ 0.05), and practice (p ≤ 0.05) on the proper use of face masks. In pre-group knowledge (p = 0.155), attitude (p = 0.258) and practice (p = 0.211) shows no significant difference due to gender. Also post group knowledge (p = 0.079), attitude (p = 0.835) and practice (p = 0.435) shows no significant difference due to gender. Conclusions: The results suggest that e-educational posters may be useful to improve the knowledge, attitude, and practice on the proper use of face masks among school students. The improvement of knowledge, attitude, and practice on the proper use of face masks by e-educational posters among school students occurs irrespective of gender.

Delineation of Near Surface Water Flow Path of Wahawa Geothermal Field by Using 2D Inversion of Resistivity Data

The Wahawa geothermal field which is located in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka has an average temperature of 60°C in its surface manifestations. Since the temperature is considerably high, it is important to explore the feasibility of direct utilization of the energy of this geothermal field. In the present study, electrical resistivity measurements were employed in a 20 km2 region in order to delineate the Wahawa geothermal system and to understand the near-surface fracture pattern. Electrical resistivity mapping of the region has been carried out using Schlumberger array measurements with nominal current array spacing (half spacing) of 150 m and it was observed that there was a path of low ( W) apparent resistivity. These results revealed that the hotsprings resting on a hard rock terrain are presumably composed of metamorphic rocks, suggesting lateral movement of hotwater towards the hotsprings instead of a deep-influx. The area of surface manifestations is not suitable for utilization application due to clustering of the main feeding path. The major hotwater feeding path which is extending in the west direction can be recommended as a possible drilling target for direct utilization applications.

Soil loss estimation using rusle model to prioritize erosion control in KELANI river basin in Sri Lanka

Soil erosion contributes negatively to agricultural production,quality of source water for drinking,ecosystem health in land and aquatic environments,and aesthetic value of landscapes.Approaches to understand the spatial variability of erosion severity are important for improving landuse management.This study uses the Kelani river basin in Sri Lanka as the study area to assess erosion severity using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model supported by a GIS system.Erosion severity across the river basin was estimated using RUSLE,a Digital Elevation Model (15 × 15 m),twenty years rainfall data at 14 rain gauge stations across the basin,landuse and land cover,and soil maps and cropping factors.The estimated average annual soil loss in Kelani river basin varied from zero to 103.7 t ha-1 yr-1,with a mean annual soil loss estimated at 10.9 t ha-1 yr-1.About 70% of the river basin area was identified with low to moderate erosion severity (< 12 t ha-1 yr-1) indicating that erosion control measures are urgently needed to ensure a sustainable ecosystem in the Kelani river basin,which in turn,is connected with the quality of life of over 5 million people.Use of this severity information developed with RUSLE along with its individual parameters can help to design landuse management practices.This effort can be further refined by analyzing RUSLE results along with Kelani river sub-basins level real time erosion estimations as a monitoring measure for conservation practices.

Association between functional abdominal pain disorders and asthma in adolescents: A cross-sectional study

AIM To find the association between asthma and different types of functional abdominal pain disorders(FAPDs) among teenagers. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted among 13 to 15-year-old children from six randomly selected schools in Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. Data were collected using translated and validated selfadministered questionnaires(Rome Ⅲ questionnaire, International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0) and administered under an examination setting after obtaining parental consent and assent.RESULTS Of the 1101 children included in the analysis, 157(14.3%) had asthma and 101(9.2%) had at least one FAPDs. Of children with asthma, 19.1% had at least one type of FAPDs. Prevalence rates of functional abdominal pain(FAP)(8.9% vs 3.3% in nonasthmatics), functional dyspepsia(FD)(2.5% vs 0.7%), and abdominal migraine(AM)(3.2% vs 0.4%) were higher in those with asthma(P < 0.05, multiple logistic regression analysis), but not in those with irritable bowel syndrome(4.5% vs 3.1%, P = 0.2). Severe abdominal pain(10.8% vs 4.6%), bloating(16.6% vs 9.6%), nausea(6.4% vs 2.9%), and anorexia(24.2% vs 16.2%) were more prevalent among asthmatics(P < 0.05). Lower gastrointestinal symptoms did not show a significant difference. Scores obtained for health related quality of life(HRQoL) were lower in those with asthma and FAPDs(P < 0.05, unpaired t-test).CONCLUSION Asthma is associated with three different types of FAPDs, namely, FD, AM, and FAP. HRQoL is significantly impaired in teenagers with asthma and FAPDs.

Exertional heat stroke in a young military trainee:is it preventable?

Background: Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition with exertional heat stroke occurring frequently among soldiers and athletes. Because of its common occurrence, many military trainees practice preventive measures prior to any activity requiring severe exertion. Although it is said to be common in practice, different presentations of heat stroke are scarcely described in literature.Case Presentation: We describe a case of an exertional heat stroke in a 23-year-old male Sinhalese soldier who developed early changes of renal failure, liver failure and rhabdomyolysis. The patient initially presented with convulsions, delirium and loss of consciousness to an outside health care facility before being transferred to our institution.Conclusion: It is clear that heat stroke does occur in military trainees while preventive strategies are being practiced. It is important for those who provide healthcare to soldiers to provide proper advice on how to identify impending heat stroke prior to any exercises resulting in severe physical exertion. Further, treating physicians should educate all military trainees about preventive strategies.

The 2013 measles outbreak in Sri Lanka: experience from a rural district and implications for measles elimination goals

Background:Sri Lanka was the first country in the Southeast Asian region to achieve its measles elimination goal in 2011.In 2012,the measles immunization schedule changed from a measles vaccine at 9 months to a measles,mumps and rubella vaccine at 12 months.However in 2013,Sri Lanka reported its worst recent outbreak of measles.This study investigated a part of this outbreak in order to describe its epidemiology.Methods:A prospective study was carried out at the university medical unit of the Teaching Hospital,Anuradhapura(THA),the third largest hospital in Sri Lanka,from October 2013 until March 2014.An epidemiological profile of patients was constructed,case confirmation was done on all suspected cases and the basic demographic details of these suspected cases were obtained from the available records.Results:From January 2013 to March 2014,101 measles suspects were admitted to the THA.Until June 2013,all suspected cases were aged below 12 months of age.During the study period(15 months),the total number of patients aged below 9 months,9 to 12 months,1 to 11 years,12–29 years and over 29 years were 10(9.9%),11(10.9%),6(5.9%),37(36.6%)and 36(35.6%),respectively(data missing-1).Out of the 33 patients clinically suspected,32 tested positive for measles.Common clinical features included:fever(n=33,100%),maculopapular rash(n=33),conjunctivitis(n=31),posterior cervical lymphadenopathy(n=23)and Koplik’s spots(n=8).Features suggestive of pneumonia were observed among 30(90.9%)patients and 26(78.8%)had diarrhoea.Two patients(6.1%)who developed severe pneumonia received care at an intensive care unit due to respiratory difficulties.Out of 33 patients,15(45.5%)had prior immunization for measles,two(6.1%)reported that they never had a measles immunization and 16(48.5%)were unsure about their immunization status.Out of those who reported they were previously immunized,11(73.3%)belonged to the age group of 12–29 years.Conclusion:Because the first cases of this outbreak were infants,an increase in susceptible infants due to the change in the vaccine schedule could partly explain the outbreak.

Naïve Bayes Algorithm for Large Scale Text Classification

This paper proposed an improved Naïve Bayes Classifier for sentimental analysis from a large-scale dataset such as in YouTube.YouTube contains large unstructured and unorganized comments and reactions,which carry important information.Organizing large amounts of data and extracting useful information is a challenging task.The extracted information can be considered as new knowledge and can be used for deci sion-making.We extract comments from YouTube on videos and categorized them in domain-specific,and then apply the Naïve Bayes classifier with improved techniques.Our method provided a decent 80%accuracy in classifying those comments.This experiment shows that the proposed method provides excellent adaptability for large-scale text classification.

Co-parasitism of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma japonicum in a rural community in the Philippines

Background:Co-parasitism is a frequent occurrence in impoverished communities in the tropics resulting in a considerable disease burden.While there are extensive reports of intestinal helminthiases,including schistosomiasis japonica,the occurrence and extent of diseases caused by intestinal protozoa(IP)have yet to be investigated in depth in the Philippines.We present a detailed analysis of polyparasitism in a rural community of Northern Samar,focusing on co-infections of IP with Schistosoma japonicum.Methods:A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in 2015 across 18 barangays(villages)endemic for S.japonicum in Northern Samar,the Philippines to assess the burden of human schistosomiasis and IP infections.Faecal samples collected from 412 participants from the 18 barangays were included in the final molecular analysis.A multiplex quantitative PCR assay was developed and used for the detection of Blastocystis spp.,Entamoeba histolytica,Cryptosporidium spp.and Giardia duodenalis in stool samples.The findings were combined with previous results of droplet digital PCR diagnosis of individuals from the same 18 barangays infected with S.japonicum determined using the same stool samples for analysis.Results:Mean age of the study participants was 40.3 years(95%CI:38.8-41.8)with 53%(n=218)being males.Prevalence of S.japonicum(74.5%)and Blastocystis spp.(58.7%)was significantly higher compared to other infections,with E.histolytica having the lowest prevalence(12.1%).A majority of individuals were infected with more than one parasite with two infections being most common(n=175,42.5%).The prevalence of individuals with two parasites was significantly higher than all others with 27.9%(n=115)subjects harbouring a single parasite species.Of individuals with two infections,S.japonicum and Blastocystis spp.were the most common combination(n=110,62.9%).Examining age within the population,58.5%(n=38)of school-aged children and 60.1%(n=14)of women of child bearing age harboured at least two parasite species.Conclusions:The study revealed that polyparasitism with IP infections and schistosomiasis japonica is highly prevalent in individuals in Northern Samar which likely contributes to the significant public health and socio-economic burden suffered by this population.More generally,the findings are of relevance when considering implementation of integrated control strategies for intestinal parasites.

Performance of the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen test in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica in a human cohort from Northern Samar, the Philippines

Background:Zoonotic schistosomiasis,caused by Schistosoma japonicum,remains a major public health problem in the Philippines.This study aimed to evaluate the commercially available rapid diagnostic point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen(POC-CCA)test in detecting individuals infected with S.japonicum in a human cohort from an endemic area for schistosomiasis japonica in the Philippines.Methods:Clinical samples were collectedin 18 barangays endemic for S.japonicum infection in Laoang and Palapag municipalities,Northern Samar,the Philippines,in 2015.The presence of CCA in flter-concentrated urine samples(n=412)was evaluated using the commercial kits and the results were converted to images,which were further analyzed by ImageJ software to calculate R values.The diagnostic performance of the immunochromatographic POCCCA test was compared using the Kato-Katz(KK)procedure,in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays(ELISAs)and droplet digital(dd)PCR assays as reference.Results:The POC-CCA test was able to detect S.japonicum-infected individuals in the cohort with an eggs per gram of faeces(EPG)more than or equal to 10 with sensitivity/specifcity values of 63.3%/93.3%.However,the assay showed an inability to diagnose schistosomiasis japonica infections in all cohort KK-positive individuals,of which the majority had an extremely low egg burden(EPG:1–9).The prevalence of S.japonicum infection in the total cohort determined by the POC-CCA test was 12.4%,only half of that determined by the KK method(26.2%).When compared with the ELISAs and ddPCR assays as a reference,the POC-CCA assay was further shown to be a test with low sensitivity.Nevertheless,the assay exhibited signifcant positive correlations with egg burden determined by the KK technique and the target gene copy number index values determined by the ddPCR assays within the entire cohort.Conclusions:By using in silico image analysis,the POC-CCA cassette test could be converted to a quantitative assay to avoid reader-variability.Because of its low sensitivity,the commercially available POC-CCA assay had limited potential for determining the status of a S.japonicum infection in the target cohort.The assay should be applied with caution in populations where schistosome parasites(especially S.japonicum)are present at low infection intensity.

Impact of land use and land cover changes on carbon storage in rubber dominated tropical Xishuangbanna,South West China

Land use and land cover(LULC)play a significant role in carbon regulation.South-China accounts for~65%of China’s carbon sink.In Xishuangbanna(South-China),rubber is expanding rapidly creating an urgent need to understand and monitor LULC change and how spatial variation affects carbon storage(CS).This is vital for the formation and implementation of better land use management practices.We studied LULC changes of 22-year period;addressing how these changes have affected the CS.We quantified LULC changes between1988 and 2010 using remote sensing methods and calculated CS changes using InvEST.Results showed that between 1988 and 2010,the rate of deforestation accelerated to 203.2 km^(2)y^(−1)and~23%of forest were lost.Conversion of natural forest to rubber was responsible for 78%of this deforestation.Rubber expansion rate was 153.4 km^(2)y^(−1).Changes to LULC drove a temporal CS reduction 0.223 Tg C/km^(2).Local stakeholders have strong economic interest in converting land to more profitable plantations.Government efforts is required to control land conversion through new policies and incentives to retain natural forest.Assessment of specific potential land use change will be required to avoid promoting the conversion of high carbon storage land uses to low carbon storage land uses.

Fungal diversity notes 1611-1716: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions on fungal genera and species emphasis in south China

This article is the 15th contribution in the Fungal Diversity Notes series,wherein 115 taxa from three phyla,nine classes,28 orders,48 families,and 64 genera are treated.Fungal taxa described and illustrated in the present study include a new family,five new genera,61 new species,five new combinations,one synonym,one new variety and 31 records on new hosts or new geographical distributions.Ageratinicolaceae fam.nov.is introduced and accommodated in Pleosporales.The new genera introduced in this study are Ageratinicola,Kevinia,Pseudomultiseptospora(Parabambusicolaceae),Marasmiellomycena,and Vizzinia(Porotheleaceae).Newly described species are Abrothallus altoandinus,Ageratinicola kunmingensis,Allocryptovalsa aceris,Allophoma yuccae,Apiospora cannae,A.elliptica,A.pallidesporae,Boeremia wisteriae,Calycina papaeana,Clypeo-coccum lichenostigmoides,Coniochaeta riskali-shoyakubovii,Cryphonectria kunmingensis,Diaporthe angustiapiculata,D.campylandrae,D.longipapillata,Diatrypella guangdongense,Dothiorella franceschinii,Endocalyx phoenicis,Epicoc-cum terminosporum,Fulvifomes karaiensis,F.pannaensis,Ganoderma ghatensis,Hysterobrevium baoshanense,Inocybe avellaneorosea,I.lucida,Jahnula oblonga,Kevinia lignicola,Kirschsteiniothelia guangdongensis,Laboulbenia caprina,L.clavulata,L.cobiae,L.cosmodisci,L.nilotica,L.omalii,L.robusta,L.similis,L.stigmatophora,Laccaria rubriporus,Lasiodiplodia morindae,Lyophyllum agnijum,Marasmiellomycena pseudoomphaliiformis,Melomastia beihaiensis,Nemania guangdongensis,Nigrograna thailandica,Nigrospora ficuum,Oxydothis chinensis,O.yunnanensis,Petriella thailandica,Phaeoacremonium chinensis,Phialocephala chinensis,Phytophthora debattistii,Polyplosphaeria nigrospora,Pronectria loweniae,Seriascoma acutispora,Setoseptoria bambusae,Stictis anomianthi,Tarzetta tibetensis,Tarzetta urceolata,Tetraploa obpyriformis,Trichoglossum beninense,and Tricoderma pyrrosiae.We provide an emendation for Urnula ailaoshanensis Agaricus duplocingulatoides var.brevisporus introduced as a new variety based on morphology and phylogeny.

西双版纳布龙自然保护区勐宋片区附生维管植物多样性与分布特征（英文）

利用地面观测和单绳上树法初次对布龙自然保护区勐宋片区开展的附生维管植物调查表明：1）在6个样地77株宿主上（共调查96株乔木，占地约0．2ha），共有1756株、丛个体，隶属14科47属103种；相比世界其他区域，物种丰富度处于旧世界热带水平区间，高于温带，但明显低于新世界热带水平；2）兰科植物为最丰富的类群（60％），其次为蕨类植物（24％），其他类群占16％；3）垂直分布特征研究表明，距地面10～15m的中等高度带为物种最丰富的区间，约有51％的物种；0～5m高度带为个体数量最多的区间，共有约24％个体，揭示了除中等高度带以外的另一个重要附生生境；4）常见的绞杀型榕属植物未见，而半附生植物密脉鹅掌柴（Schefflera elliptica）和多蕊木（Tupidanthus calrlgtratus）数量较多。

Defining a species in fungal plant pathology:beyond the species level

In plant pathology,the correct naming of a species is essential for determining the causal agents of disease.Species names not only serve the general purpose of concise communication,but also are critical for effective plant quarantine,prevent-ing the introduction of new pathogens into a territory.Many phytopathogenic genera have multiple species and,in several genera,disagreements between the multiple prevailing species concept definitions result in numerous cryptic species.Some of these species were previously called by various names;forma speciales(specialised forms),subspecies,or pathotypes.However,based on new molecular evidence they are being assigned into new species.The frequent name changes and lack of consistent criteria to delineate cryptic species,species,subspecies,forms,and races create increasing confusion,often making communication among biologists arduous.Furthermore,such ambiguous information can convey misleading evo-lutionary concepts and species boundaries.The aim of this paper is to review these concepts,clarify their use,and evaluate them by referring to existing examples.We specifically address the question,“Do plant pathogens require a different ranking system?”We conclude that it is necessary to identify phytopathogens to species level based on data from multiple approaches.Furthermore,this identification must go beyond species level to clearly classify hitherto known subspecies,forms and races.In addition,when naming phytopathogenic genera,plant pathologists should provide more information about geographic locations and host ranges as well as host specificities for individual species,cryptic species,forms or races.When describing a new phytopathogen,we suggest that authors provide at least three representative strains together with pathogenicity test results.If Koch’s postulates cannot be fulfilled,it is necessary to provide complementary data such as associated disease severity on the host plant.Moreover,more sequenced collections of species causing diseases should be published in order to stabilise the boundaries of cryptic species,species,subspecies,forms,and races.

Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Curcuma longa incorporated dairy yoghurts with hindered glycaemic properties for healthy people

This study mainly compare glycaemic responses of a control yoghurt(typical dairy yoghurt)against two novel yoghurt products with added spices oleoresins(Cinnamon yoghurt-Cinnamomum zeylanicum,turmeric yoghurt-Curcuma longa)using 16 healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study.Blood glucose concentrations were measured at fasting state and 30,45,60,90,120 min following the ingestion,using a Blood Glucose Monitoring System and blood glucose response curves were plotted.Nutritional and physicochemical properties were also compared and no significant differences(P>0.05)were observed between novel yoghurts and the control within the storage period.Significant reductions in peak blood glucose concentration and area under the curve(AUC)(P<0.05)for both novel products compared to standard dairy yoghurt was observed;revealing the reduction of glycaemic impact by spice ingredients.Peak reductions of glucose concentration for cinnamon yoghurt was 9.61%,for turmeric yoghurt was 9.26%;they were considerably lower compared to the control.Mean peak serum glucose concentration for control,cinnamon yoghurt and turmeric yoghurt were(113.38±6.39),(102.50±6.00),(102.88±5.38)mg/dL respectively and mean AUC were(11951±523),(11012±611),(10941±530)(mg/dL)·min respectively.Hence novel yoghurt products are proven to be excellent sources in reducing postprandial blood glucose responses.©2021 Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.yoghuart products sae proven to be excellent sources in reducing postprandial blood ghncose Tesponses.

Appressorial interactions with host and their evolution

Fungi have evolved diverse strategies to acquire nutrients as endophytes,saprobes,symbionts,or pathogens.Appressoria have been intensively studied due to their importance in attaching and breaching the host surface.These specialized infection structures have evolved into various morpho-types:proto-appressoria,hyaline appressoria,melanized(dark)appressoria,and compound appressoria.In this review,we discuss the differences in the formation,differentiation,and function of appres-soria among fungi with diverse life strategies.Using DNA sequence information,LSU,5.8S,SSU and rpb2 gene fragments,we reconstructed the ancestral states for appressorial types in the main phyla of fungi and fungus-like organisms and found that the hyaline appressoria was the most ancestral form.Our analysis estimated proto-appressoria diversification during the Mesozoic period(92-239 million years ago),however,its origin remains inconclusive.Our data suggest that these hyaline appressoria diversified into melanized or compound appressoria,with evidence of adaptive radiation.