Functional response of Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) at different temperatures.

Environmental factors like temperature have a great impact on the predation potential of biological control agents. In the present study, the functional response of the predatory mite Neoseiulus californicus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to the pest mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) at moderate to high temperatures under laboratory conditions was determined. The study aimed to understand the prey-predator interaction under different temperatures and prey densities. Five constant temperatures (24 °C, 27 °C, 30 °C, 33 °C, and 36 °C), and thirteen prey densities (4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 24, 25, 30, 32, and 40) of each stage (adult, nymph, larvae, and egg stage) were employed in the experiment. Observations were made 24 h after the start of each experiment. Results revealed that the predatory mites showed type II functional response to adult females of T. urticae, whereas type I to other stages (nymphs, larvae, and eggs) of T. urticae. The predation capability of adult predatory mites on T. urticae was significant at 24-36 °C. The instantaneous attack rate (a) of N. californicus increased and the handling time (Th) decreased with an increase in temperature. The maximum attack rate was recorded at 36 °C (1.28) for the egg stage. The longest handling time was (0.78) for the larval stage of T. urticae at 30 °C. Daily consumption increased with increasing prey density. Maximum daily consumption was observed at 33 °C (30.00) at the prey density of 40. Searching efficiency decreased with the increase in prey density but was found to increase with the rise in temperature. N. californicus was found to be voracious on the larval and egg stages. Conclusively, the incorporation of N. californicus at earlier stages (larvae and eggs) of T. urticae would be beneficial under warm conditions because managing a pest at its initial stage will save the crop from major losses. The results presented in this study at various temperatures will be helpful in different areas with different temperature extremes. The results of the functional response can also be applied to mass rearing, quality testing, and integrated pest management programmes.

Titanium Application Increases Phosphorus Uptake Through Changes in Auxin Content and Root Architecture in Soybean (Glycine Max L.).

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient needed for plant growth, development, and production. A deficiency of P causes a severe impact on plant development and productivity. Several P-based fertilizers are being used in agriculture but limited uptake of P by the plant is still a challenge to be solved. Titanium (Ti) application increases the nutrient uptake by affecting the root growth; however, the role of Ti in plant biology, specifically its application under low light and phosphorus stress, has never been reported. Therefore, a pot study was planned with foliar application of Ti (in a different concentration ranging from 0 to 1,000 mg L-1) under different light and P concentrations. The result indicated that under shade and low P conditions the foliar application of Ti in different concentrations significantly improves the plant growth parameters such as root length, root surface area, root dry matter, and shoot dry matters. The increase was observed to be more than 100% in shade and low P stressed soybean root parameter with 500 mg L-1 of Ti treatment. Ti was observed to improve the plant growth both in high P and low P exposed plants, but the improvement was more obvious in Low P exposed plants. Auxin concentration in stressed and healthy plant roots was observed to be slightly increased with Ti application. Ti application was also observed to decrease rhizosphere soil pH and boosted the antioxidant enzymatic activities with an enhancement in photosynthetic efficiency of soybean plants under shade and P stress. With 500 mg L-1 of Ti treatment, the photosynthetic rate was observed to improve by 45% under shade and P stressed soybean plants. Thus, this work for the first time indicates a good potential of Ti application in the low light and P deficient agricultural fields for the purpose to improve plant growth and development parameters.

Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Nasal Septal Defect with Magnet Retained Nasal Septal Prosthesis.

Nasal septal defects may present with no clinical symptoms to dryness, nasal obstruction, pain, mucosal injury, crusting, epistaxis, rhinorrhea, nasal twang in speech, hyposmia, and breathing difficulties. Prosthetic rehabilitation of these defects may lead to improvement in these conditions. This case report describes the construction of a custom-made two-piece, magnet-retained nasal prosthesis fabricated in heat-cured acrylic resin. Intra-nasal and extra-nasal alginate impressions were splinted with soft plaster. Sequential model pouring was done for convenient access to the complicated intra-nasal anatomy. Two individual nasal stent waxups, containing two magnets with opposing poles facing each other, were well adapted to their respective medial nasal walls and anterior retentive rounded tips. Waxups were processed in heat-cured acrylic resin and delivered after finishing and polishing. Patient's symptoms were relieved, while maintaining the nasal patency. Such inexpensive method with a tissue-friendly material may prove beneficial for rehabilitation of larger nasal septal defects. Key Words: Nasal septal defects, Rehabilitation, Acrylic resin, Prosthesis.

Comparing the Efficacy of Patelet-rich Plasma (PRP) versus Tranexamic Acid (4mg/mL) as Intradermal Treatments of Melasma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of intradermal platelet-rich-plasma vs. intradermal tranexamic acid in treatment of melasma. STUDY DESIGN: Non-randomised controlled trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan from 1st October 2019 to 30th April 2020. METHODOLOGY: Cases of melasma from either gender with age 20-40 years, were included. Diagnosis of melasma was made clinically on the basis of hyperpigmentation at sun-exposed areas and by Wood's lamp.  Severity was labelled on the basis of melasma area and severity index (MASI) score. Cases in group A were managed with 1 ml of intradermal platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and those in group B were offered intradermal tranexamic acid in a dose of 4 mg. The treatment was offered every 4th week and for a total period of 12 weeks; and final outcome was seen at 24th week. At every visit, the cases were noted for their mean MASI score. RESULTS: In this study, there were a total of 64 cases, 32 in each group. There were 19 (59.38%) males in group A and 16 (50%) in group B (p=0.61). Mean age in group A and B was 24.63 ± 9.87 vs. 23.94 ± 8.93 years (p= 0.76). Mean MASI score at baseline was 29.84 ± 5.14 vs. 29.56 ± 4.39, p=0.21. MASI was significantly better in group A at 4 weeks where score was 29.44 ± 5.35 vs. 28.69 ± 4.10, p=0.01. Mean MASI was 12.81 ± 1.78 vs. 18.38 ± 3.50, p=00001 at 12 weeks and 8.72 ± 3.40 vs. 14.97±4.33, p=0.02 at 24 weeks in group A and B, respectively. CONCLUSION: Intradermal PRP is significantly better than intradermal tranexamic acid in management of melasma. Key Words: Melasma, Tranexamic acid, PRP, MASI.

Comparing the Efficacy of Intra-dermal Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Versus 50% Trichloracetic Acid (TCA) using Cross Technique for Atrophic Acne Scars.

ABSTRACT       Objective: To compare the efficacy of intra-dermal platelet rich plasma (PRP) versus 50% trichloracetic acid (TCA) using chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) technique in the treatment of atrophic acne scars. STUDY DESIGN: Non-randomised controlled trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, from October 2019 to April 2020. METHODOLOGY: In this study, cases of either gender and age 20 to 40 years with atrophic acne scars were included. The severity of the scar was graded on the basis of global acne scarring grading system. The cases in group A were managed by monthly injections of 1 ml intra-dermal PRP every month; while those in Group B were given treatment with 50% TCA, which was applied by CROSS technique every month. Both treatments were offered for three months. They were assessed at every four weeks for initial three months. Then these cases were followed another three months and final outcome was seen at 6th month. RESULTS: In this study, there were 92 cases, 46 in each group. The mean age in group A and B was 27.72 ± 8.05 vs. 26.50 ± 8.20 years (p= 0.474). The mean global scar score at baseline was 36.07 ± 5.37 vs. 38.70 ± 4.80 (p= 0.015). The mean scar score at 4 weeks was 28.87 ± 5.27 vs. 29.00 ± 3.07 (p= 0.885), at 8 weeks 23.22 ± 4.10 vs. 23.11±2.49 (p=0.878), at 12 weeks 14.15 ± 3.05 vs. 17.57 ± 4.51 (p<0.001), and at 24 weeks it was 7.09 ± 1.46 vs. 10.09 ± 3.58 (p = <0.001). CONCLUSION: PRP is significantly better than 50% TCA in reducing post-acne atrophic scars. Key Words: Acne, Atrophic scar, Platelet rich plasma, 50% TCA.

Foliar application of silicon improves growth of soybean by enhancing carbon metabolism under shading conditions.

An experiment was set up to investigate physiological responses of soybeans to silicon (Si) under normal light and shade conditions. Two soybean varieties, Nandou 12 (shade resistant), and Nan 032-4 (shade susceptible), were tested. Our results revealed that under shading, the net assimilation rate and the plant growth were significantly reduced. However, foliar application of Si under normal light and shading significantly improved the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), and decreased intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci). The net photosynthetic rate of Nandou 12 under normal light and shading increased by 46.4% and 33.3% respectively with Si treatment (200 mg/kg) compared to controls. Si application also enhanced chlorophyll content, soluble sugars, fresh weight, root length, root surface area, root volume, root-shoot ratio, and root dry weight under both conditions. Si application significantly increased the accumulation of some carbohydrates such as soluble sugar and sucrose in stems and leaves ensuring better stem strength under both conditions. Si application significantly increased the yield by increasing the number of effective pods per plant, the number of beans per plant and the weight of beans per plant. After Si treatment, the yield increased 24.5% under mono-cropping, and 17.41% under intercropping. Thus, Si is very effective in alleviating the stress effects of shading in intercropped soybeans by increasing the photosynthetic efficiency and lodging resistance.

Foliar application of silicon improves stem strength under low light stress by regulating lignin biosynthesis genes in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.).

In order to improve soybean's resistance to lodging, silicon (Si) solutions at concentrations of 0,100, 200,300 mg kg-1 were applied during the seedling stage. The Si accumulation in different parts of the plants, the photosynthetic parameters of leaves and chlorophyll content, the stem bending resistance, the expression of genes of lignin biosynthesis and associated enzyme activity and sap flow rates were measured at early and late growth stages. The potential mechanisms for how Si improve growth and shade tolerance, enhances lodging resistance and improves photosynthesis were analyzed to provide a theoretical basis for the use of Si amendments in agriculture. After application of Si at 200 mg kg-1, the net photosynthetic rate of soybeans increased by 46.4 % in the light and 33.3 % under shade. The application of Si increased chlorophyll content, and fresh weight of leaves, reduced leaf area and enhanced photosynthesis by increasing stomatal conductance. The activity of peroxidase (POD), 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) increased during pre-and post-growth periods, whereas Si also increased lignin accumulation and inhibited lodging. We concluded that Si affects the composition of plant cell walls components, mostly by altering linkages of non-cellulosic polymers and lignin. The modifications of the cell wall network through Si application could be a useful strategy to reduce shading stress in intercropping.

Acclimation strategy and plasticity of different soybean genotypes in intercropping.

In response to shading, plant leaves acclimate through a range of morphological, physiological and biochemical changes. Plants produce a myriad of structurally and functionally diverse metabolites that play many important roles in plant response to continually changing environmental conditions as well as abiotic and biotic stresses. To develop a clearer understanding of the effects of shade on soybeans at different growth stages, a comprehensive, three-year, stage-wise study was conducted. Leaf area, leaf thickness, stem diameter, chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic characteristics and other morphological and physiological features were measured along with biochemical assays for antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and caralase and yield attributes of different soybean genotypes (Guixia 2, Nandou12, Nandong Kang-22, E61 and C103) under shading nets with 50% light transmittance. It was observed that early shading (VER1 and VER2) significantly decreased main stem length and main stem length/stem diameter. Later shading (R1R8 and R2R8) had significant effects on morphological characters such as branch number and pod height. In Nandou 12, the protein contents in plants shaded at R1R8, R2R8 and R5R8 were 9.20, 8.98 and 6.23% higher than in plants grown under normal light levels (CK), respectively, and the crude fat content was 9.31, 10.74 and 4.28% lower. The influence of shading in the later period on anatomy was greater than that in the earlier period. Shading reduced the light saturation point (LSP), the light compensation point (LCP) and the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pnmax), and increased the apparent quantum yield (AQ). Shading also increased the antioxidant enzyme activity in the plants, and this increase was greater with early shading than late. The variability in the chlorophyll (a + b) content and the chlorophyll a/b ratio in R2 stage plants was less than in R5 stage (VER5) plants. Similarly, the activity of antioxidant enzymes in R2 after returning the plants to normal light levels (VER2) was lower than in R5 after relighting (VER5). Compared with later shading, the early shading had a greater effect on the photosynthetic and related characteristics. The longer the shading time, the greater the adverse effects and the less able the plants' were to recover. The data collected in this study contribute to an understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying the early and late growth stage acclimation strategies in different soybean genotypes subjected to shade stress.

Effects of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, sucrose and monosaccharide carbohydrates on soybean physical stem strength and yield in intercropping.

Soybean (Glycine max L.) has been extensively cultivated in maize-soybean relay intercropping systems in southwest China. However, during the early co-growth period, soybean seedlings suffer from severe shading by maize resulting in lodging and significant yield reduction. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the reasons behind severe lodging and yield loss. Therefore, four different soybean genotypes (B3, B15, B23, and B24) having different agronomic characteristics were cultivated in intercropping and monocropping planting patterns. The results showed that under different planting patterns, the stem resistance varied among genotypes (P < 0.01). The lodging resistance index of B3, B15, B23, and B24 genotypes was 70.9%, 60.5%, 65.2%, and 57.4%, respectively, under intercropping, among which the B24 genotype was less affected by the shade environment as there was little decrease in the lodging resistance index of this genotype under intercropping. The lignin content of B23 and B24 was significantly higher than that of B3 and B15 under both planting patterns. Under intercropping, the hemicellulose content of B23 and B24 stems was significantly higher than that of B3 and B15. Compared to the monocropping, the content of mannose in the structural carbohydrate of soybean stems was decreased in all genotypes except B23, but the difference was not significant. The content of xylose in the structural carbohydrate of soybean stems was significantly higher than that in B3 and B15. Mannose content showed no significant difference among genotypes. The arabinose content of B24 was significantly higher than that of B3, B15, and B23. The effective pod number, seed number per plant, seed weight per plant and yield of soybean plants were significantly decreased under intercropping. Conclusively, manipulation of structural and nonstructural carbohydrate rich soybean genotypes in intercropping systems could alleviate the yield loss due to lodging.

Evaluation of Serum Circulating Levels of ICAM-1 as Tuberculosis Risk-assessment Factor in Type 2 Diabetes Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, due to its deteriorating effect on the immune system, makes a person susceptible to various other diseases, such as tuberculosis. The alarming increase in the number of diabetes mellitus cases in Pakistan may be a contributing factor to the increased tuberculosis incidence. The expression of cell adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is important in determining cell permeability, and the latter's altered expression may ease the entry of infectious agents into the cell. Therefore, the present study evaluated the role of ICAM-1 in type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis patients so that a potential link between these 2 epidemics could be found. METHODS: To explore this hypothesis, the expression of ICAM-1 was measured tested in 3 groups of subjects: group I consisted of 100 healthy individuals (control), group II consisted of 100 type 2 diabetics, and group III consisted of 100 individuals with both type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis. Demographic information was obtained from all the participants and compared by group and ICAM-1 levels in the blood were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: The results revealed that, in comparison to group I, the individuals of group II had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased levels of ICAM-1, making them more prone to infection (by promoting the increased invasion of mycobacterium) and hence at increased risk of contracting tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that elevated levels of ICAM-1 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are likely associated with the development of tuberculosis.