Phyllosphere bacteria plays important role in mitigating biotic and abiotic stress. This study aimed to use phyllosphere bacterium of rice to enhance drought tolerance. Bacterial isolates obtained from rice phyllosphere were investigated for their plant growth promoting activities and role in alleviation of drought stress in rice. The isolates were identified as Bacillus altitudinis FD48, Bacillus pumilus FS20 and Bacillus aquimaris MD02 based on 16S rRNA gene sequence. B. altitudinis FD48 was found to produce indole acetic acid (IAA) (2.82 µg/ml) compared to other two isolates even under PEG induced drought conditions. However, under normal conditions, B. altitudinis FD48 produced 8.0 µg/ml. Quantitative estimation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity was found to be 192 n moles -ketobutyrate mg -1 h -1 and positive for accD gene. B. altitudinis FD48 increased the root and shoot length of rice under in vitro conditions and also improved the germination percentage of rice seeds at different concentration of PEG 6000. Inoculation of rice with plant growth promoting, drought tolerant B. altitudinis FD48 increased relative water content, chlorophyll stability index and membrane stability index compared to control (uninoculated plants) when the plants were subjected to drought by discontinuing water for 8 days after 30 days of germination. Similarly, rice treated with B. altitudinis increased proline content, phenolics content, catalase activity and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content in plants. Ethylene emission was significantly reduced by B. altitudinis FD48 inoculation under drought condition when compared with control. This study suggests that the isolate B. altitudinis FD48 may be used at field level to mitigate drought stress in rice.

Background: The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus is growing at a dreadful rate across the globe. India is considered to have the highest population of diabetics in the world and this is a growing concern. Aim: To assess the adherence in diabetic patients towards treatment. Methodology: A Cross sectional study was conducted in tertiary care hospital, Tamil Nadu- during May 2017. Convenient method of sampling was adopted. All type 2 diabetic patients having age above 35year was recruited. Data was collected through face to face interview method by using structured questionnaire. A total of 200 diabetic patients from Tamil Nadu were included in this questionnaire-based study. Participants who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were approached in person and the necessary study specific data was collected. We used questionnaire namely Morisky Medication Adherence Scale to assess the subjects. The scores were calculated and examined. Results: About 71.5% of the total population had poor medication adherence scores 24% with medium medication adherence scores and 4.5% of them had high medication adherence. We were able to find four factors that influenced a patient’s level of adherence which were Forgetfulness (70%), Dietary restriction was difficult to maintain (72.5%). Not aware of the consequences of missing the dose (67.5%), Fear to becoming dependent on treatment (42.5%), Fear of side effect (42%). Conclusion: The fact that knowledge and self-awareness about one’s medical condition is vital to medication adherence. Healthcare professionals as well as patient need to be made aware of the relationship between knowledge and medication adherence. Continuous patient education is needed to improve patient adherence and attitude towards treatment.