Study on Status of Serum Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in COVID-19 Positive Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents clinically a variety of pathological and clinical organ dysfunctions, ranging in severity from asymptomatic to fatal. The care and monitoring of COVID-19 patients may benefit from the use of biochemical and hematological markers. Objective To observe the alteration of serum biochemical and hematological parameters in COVID-19 positive patients, attending a Tertiary Care Hospital. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on all COVID-19 positive patients attending Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal from 15th December 2021 to 15th February 2022. The test results of different serum biochemical and hematological parameters done for these patients were recorded in clinical laboratory services and obtained retrospectively for the analysis. The data were entered in MS excel and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Result Out of 1537 COVID-11699 declared positive patients, 712 (46.32%) were male and 825 (53.68%) female. Mean age of COVID positive patients was 40.03±20.08 years. The level of serum SGOT, SGPT, ALP and GGT was significantly elevated in 39.9%, 42.8%, 32.3% and 47.2% of COVID positive patients respectively. Blood Urea, creatinine, uric acid and sugar level were significantly elevated in 63%, 56.1%, 33.1% and 47.6% patients respectively. The serum level of LDH, D-dimer, CRP and procalcitonin (PCT) were significantly increased in 52.1%, 75.9%, 71.6% and 61.2% of patients respectively. The serum value of total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL were significantly lowered in 52.2%, 43.8%, 70.1% and 60.3% of patients respectively. RBC concentration and level of hemoglobin was reduced in 56.6% and 53.6% of COVID positive patients respectively whereas total leukocyte count was elevated in 80.7% with increase in neutrophil in 87.9% and decrease in lymphocyte in 79.4%. Conclusion A portion of COVID-19 positive patients showed drastically altered test results for various serum biochemical and hematological markers, although many of them had normal findings.

Biochemical and functional attributes of raw and boiled potato flesh and peel powders for suitability in food applications.

Four different potato cultivars, namely, Kufri Chipsona 1 and Kufri Frysona (processing purpose), Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Bahar (table purpose) were converted into flesh and peel powder (raw and after boiling) and studied for their respective biochemical and functional attributes to get an idea of possible dynamics of their utilization in different food formulation as bioadditives. The 16 variants of powder obtained retained less than 10% moisture content and demonstrated 'very good' to 'fair' flowability. Peel powders recorded a higher total mineral, fiber, phenolic contents and total antioxidant activity than the flesh powders which were significantly affected by boiling. Among raw and boiled flesh powders, highest reducing and total sugars were recorded for Kufri Bahar while least was observed in Kufri Chipsona 1. Colour coordinate showed that boiling imparts brightness to flesh powder while peel powder got darkened. Boiling of the tubers resulted in an increase in the resistant starch (~ 29% maximum) and flavour (~ 180% maximum) component. Peel exhibited a total glycoalkaloid content in the range of 0.75 (Kufri Frysona) to 1.7 mg/100 g (Kufri Bahar) that is well within the acceptable limits. Rheological study of the flesh powders revealed a reduction of about 11-18 °C in pasting temperature and about 87-90% in peak viscosity, setback, breakdown value and final viscosity upon boiling. This study revealed that the traditional processing method such as boiling can significantly modify the techno-functional characteristics of potato flesh and peel powders which can further govern their end use in various food formulations.

Rapid prototyping technology for cranioplasty: A case series.

Cranial vault defects may be acquired or congenital in origin. Rehabilitation of these patients often poses challenge to the operating team and prosthodontist. Polymethylmethacrylate is a commonly used alloplastic graft material which is used for the fabrication of cranial prosthesis. Nowadays, with the advancement in the bioengineering, custom-made template and cranial prosthesis can be made by rapid prototyping technology (RPT) by patient three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) scan images. This series of two cases explained two different techniques for the rehabilitation of the patient with frontotemporoparietal cranial defect. Case 1 had a history of cerebrovascular accident, followed by decompression craniotomy which led to frontotemporoparietal defect of the left side. This defect area was associated with the cerebrospinal fluid accumulation which made delineation of underlying bony margins difficult and interfered with conventional impression procedures. Case 2 had a road traffic accident which led to intracerebral hemorrhage followed by decompression craniotomy which resulted in frontotemporoparietal defect of the right side. The patient had a poor neuromuscular control which impedes with the upright posture of the head during impression making of the defect area. Therefore, these cases were planned to rehabilitate by RPT. In these techniques, the prosthesis was made using custom-made skull template produced by RPT, using the data of 3D-CT scan images. This technique resulted in the prosthesis with good esthetics and better fit of the prosthesis. The contours of the prosthesis were replicated in the same manner as compared to the contralateral side. RPT is an additive manufacturing technology which is now used in the field of dentistry too. This technique is easy to use; fabricate prosthesis with high precision is less time-consuming and has fewer chances of error.

Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Microalbuminuria in Patients with Essential Hypertension - A Tertiary Care Center Cross Sectional Study.

Introduction: Albuminuria is predictor of target organ damage and worse cardiovascular outcomes. Microalbuminuria has been found in a large number of patients with essential hypertension. Aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency of microalbuminuria in essential hypertension and to study its correlation with severity of hypertension and target organ damage. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of General Medicine department of Pt. B D Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak. Hundred patients of essential hypertension (group A) in the age group of 18-65 years were included in the study. A control group (group B) consisting of hundred healthy normotensive, age and sex matched volunteers were also entered into the study. Arterial blood pressure was measured by digital sphygmomanometer after five minutes of rest; the values reported represented the average of three consecutive measurements taken over a 15-minute period. Urine albumin excretion (UAE) was estimated by an immunoturbidometry method. Microalbuminuria was defined as UAE between 30 and 300 mg/24 hours. Statistical analysis was performed by standard methods to measure rates and proportions; chi square test was used for analyzing the associations between the variables. Results: In this study it was observed that prevalence of microalbuminuria in essential hypertension was 47%. Risk factors for microalbuminuria included higher age, SBP and MAP. Microalbuminuria was associated with dyslipidemia, deranged renal parameters and end organ damage in form of LVH, ischemic changes, hypertensive retinopathy and renal dysfunction. In conclusion, this study confirmed that increased urinary albumin excretion is associated with a worse pattern of cardiovascular risk factors and is a marker of concomitant cardiovascular damage in essential hypertension. Conclusion: Microalbuminuria can therefore be regarded as a useful, relatively inexpensive, integrated marker to help identify patients at higher cardiovascular risk for whom more aggressive preventive strategies and additional treatment measures may be advisable.

Broad spectrum anti-infective properties of benzisothiazolones and the parallels in their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects.

Various mono- and bis-benzisothiazolone derivatives were synthesized and screened against different strains of bacteria and fungi in order to understand the effect of multiple electrophilic sulfur atoms and substitution pattern in the immediate vicinity of reactive sulfur. Staphyllococcus aureus-ATCC 7000699, MRSA and S. aureus-ATCC 29213 (Quality Control strain) were more susceptible to this class of compounds, and the most potent derivative 1.15 had MIC50 of 0.4µg/mL (cf. Gentamicin=0.78µg/mL). CLogP value, optimally in the range of 2.5-3.5, appeared to contribute more to the activity than the steric and electronic effects of groups attached at nitrogen. By and large, their anti-fungal activities also followed a similar trend with respect to the structure and CLogP values. The best potency of IC50=0.1µg/mL was shown by N-benzyl derivative (1.7) against Aspergillus fumigatus; it was also potent against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Sporothrix schenckii, and Candida parapsilosis with IC50 values ranging from 0.4 to 1.3µg/mL. Preliminary studies also showed that this class of compounds have the ability to target malaria parasite with IC50 values in low micromolar range, and improvement of selectivity is possible through structure optimization.

Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as fulminant lupus pneumonitis: a rare case report.

We report a case of 19 year-old female patient diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented with fever and diffuse cutaneous lesions. During the hospital stay she had acute pneumonia, pleural effusion and respiratory failure, which required intensive care unit (ICU) care and mechanical ventilator support. A fulminant course of the disease, decreased values of complement levels and positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in pleural fluid and repeated negative sputum for acid-fast bacillus, blood cultures enabled diagnosis of fulminant lupus pneumonitis. Fulminant lupus pneumonitis is a rare but potentially life threatening complication of SLE. Management requires involvement of multiple specialties and rigorous efforts in reviving the patient.

Antimicrobial activity and identification of potential antimicrobial compounds from aquatic pteridophyte, Azolla microphylla Kaulf.

Azolla microphylla Kaulf. is an aquatic nitrogen fixing pteridophyte commonly found in aquatic habitats including paddy fields. Methanolic extract of the fronds of A. microphylla was subjected to partial purification by solvent partitioning with diethyl ether and ethyl acetate followed by hydrolysis, and further partitioning with ethyl acetate. The two fractions, thus obtained were tested for antibacterial activity. It was observed that the ethyl acetate fraction inhibited the growth of the pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae. The GC-MS analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction showed several prominent peaks with retention time ranging from 8.83 to 45.54 min. A comparison of these peaks with the GC-MS libraries revealed that it could be eicosenes and heptadecanes with potential of antimicrobial activity.

Accumulation of Metals in Soils, Groundwater and Edible Parts of Crops Grown Under Long-Term Irrigation with Sewage Mixed Industrial Effluents.

Farmers in developing countries irrigate crops using raw urban and industrial effluents with consequent risks from metal contamination. Therefore, soils, crops and groundwater from an effluent irrigation use site were assessed for Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb. Total and available contents of metals in soil followed the order Pb>Ni>Cr>Cd. Crops accumulated more Pb, followed by Cd, Ni and Cr. Pb exceeded the permissible limit with wastewater irrigation only, but Cd exceeded the limit even with combined irrigations of wastewater and groundwater. Among crops, sugar beet assimilated highest Cd (3.14 µg g(-1)) and Pb (6.42 µg g(-1)) concentrations. Legumes accumulated more metals than cereals. Long-term use of wastewater and its conjunctive use with groundwater led to toxic accumulations of Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr. Cd with higher availability and mobility indices and lower toxicity limit, posed the maximum risk of food-chain contamination.

Predictive values and correlation of CRIB Score II and perfusion index in assessment of severity of illness in sick preterm neonates: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Perfusion index (PI) and CRIB (Clinical risk index of babies) Score II both are minimally invasive tools for prediction of mortality and morbidity in sick neonates. This study aims to know the predictive values of both PI and CRIB Score II in assessment of severity of illness in preterm neonates of 28 to 32 weeks and their correlation. METHODS: PI and CRIB II Score of 125 sick preterm neonates admitted in NICU were assessed within 12 hours of admission. Severity noted in form of outcome. Correlation between PI and CRIB Score II were observed. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were plotted for PI and CIRB Score II with outcome (discharged vs expired). Area under curve for perfusion index was 0.776 at 95% confidence interval. Optimum cutoff point based on ROC curve was 1.65 with sensitivity of 84%., specificity of 37.2% with positive predictive value of 70% and negative predictive value of 57%. Area under curve for CRIB Score II was 0.622 (p value < 0.028), optimum cut off point based on ROC curve for CRIB II score was 3.5 with sensitivity 79.10% of specificity of 40% positive predictive value is 43.03% and negative predictive value of 76.9%. Spearman's correlation coefficient between PI and CRIB II score was -0.272 and p value is 0.002. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that perfusion index (p < 0.001) is better for predicting the severity compared to CRIB II score (p < 0.028). A weak negative correlation exists between PI and CRIB II score (r = -0.272).

The food-energy-water-carbon nexus of the rice-wheat production system in the western Indo-Gangetic Plain of India: An impact of irrigation system, conservational tillage and residue management.

The conventional rice-wheat system in the western Indo-Gangetic plain of India is energy and water intensive with high carbon footprint. The transition towards resource-efficient eco-friendly production technologies with lower footprint is required for inclusive ecological sustenance. A five-year (2016-17 to 2020-21) field experiment was conducted in RWS with hypothesis that pressurized irrigation systems [drip (DRIP) and mini-sprinkler (MSIS)] in conservation tillage [reduced (RT)/zero (ZT)] and crop residue management [incorporation (RI)/mulch (RM)] might result in higher resource use efficiency with lesser carbon footprint compared to conventional system. Experiment consisted five treatments namely (1) puddled transplanted rice followed by conventionally tilled wheat (PTR/CTW), (2) DRIP irrigated reduced till direct seeded rice (RTDSR) followed by zero-till wheat with 100 % rice residue mulching (ZTW + RM) (DRIP-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), (3) surface irrigated RTDSR followed by ZTW + RM (SIS-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), (4) MSIS irrigated RTDSR followed by ZTW + RM (MSIS-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), and (5) MSIS irrigated RTDSR with 1/3rd wheat residue incorporation followed by ZTW + RM (MSIS-RTDSR + RI/ZTW + RM). The pressurized irrigation system in RWS established under conservational tillage and residue management (DRIP-RTDSR/ZTW + RM and MSIS-DSR + RI/ZTW + RM) produced at par system productivity compared to PTR/CTW. Substantial nitrogen (79-114 ka ha-1) and irrigation water (536-680 mm) savings under pressurized irrigation systems resulted in 41-64 % higher partial factor productivity of nitrogen with 48-61 % lower water footprint. These systems had lower energy consumption attaining 15-21 % higher net energy, 44-61 % higher energy use efficiency, and 31-38 % lower specific energy. Efficient utilization of farm inputs caused lower greenhouse gas emission (39-44 %) and enhanced carbon sequestration (35-62 %) resulting 63-76 % lower carbon footprint over PTR/CTW. The information generated here might useful in developing policies for resource and climate-smart food production system aiming livelihood security and ecological sustainability in the region. Further, trials are needed for wider adaptability under different climate, soil and agronomic practices to develop site-specific climate smart practices.

Renal Outcomes of Pregnancy-Related Acute Kidney Injury: a Single Centre Experience in India.

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) during pregnancy in Indian population. Materials and methods:A prospective observational study was conducted in pregnant patients admitted to Pt. B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India. Acute kidney injury was assessed using Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of function, and End-stage renal disease (RIFLE) criteria. Patients were analyzed on the basis of demographic data, detailed history, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations. The primary outcome was maternal renal outcome, including return to normal renal function and progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The secondary outcomes included the mode of delivery, complications of pregnancy, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and maternal death. Results:A total of 51 patients with an average age of 29.5 years were included in the present study. About 49.9% of subjects had severe anemia and 41.2% were primigravida. The main cause of AKI was pre-eclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage. There was a marked improvement in renal outcome with 33 patients having complete renal recovery and six patients developed CKD was observed during three months follow-up period. The peaked median value of blood urea was 62.0 mg% in patients with normal renal function, 178.5 mg% in those with CKD and 120.0 mg% in expired patients (P=0.001). A statistically significant change in serum potassium (P=0.010) and creatinine levels (P<0.001) was observed during the follow-up period. Liver enzymes, including serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, were high in all patients at the time of admission, but decreased to normal on follow-up. Conclusion:Our study indicates that pregnancy-related AKI patients present with multiorgan complications and many of them require mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy. Most of these patients have poor outcome. Hence, the management of pregnancy-related AKI presents a challenge that requires proper evaluation of causative factors to facilitate appropriate treatment.

Seed and seedling diversity delimitation and differentiation of Indian populations of Melia dubia cav.

Melia dubia is one of the most important industrial tree species in the South East Asia. In last few decades, the populations of M. dubia has rapidly expanded in the Indian sub-continents, leading to an increase in the genetic diversity of species. However, very less information is available on intra-specific variation in Melia under the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, a present investigation was undertaken, to assess the level of diversity in seed and saplings of the Melia populations (ecotypes) collected from three agro-ecological regions of India. Results revealed that the seed and saplings of all the ecotypes are significantly different for all the traits, except for number of branches per plant, and the maximum variability was recorded in germination percentage, seed weight, internodal length, and sapling height of the species. The high heritability for seed weight (0.99), length (0.99), and width (0.97), and germination percentage (0.99) indicated that selection and genetic gain for these traits would be effective during the commencement of improvement program. Trait association analysis explained that higher seed weight significantly reduced sapling height, collar diameter, number of leaves per plant, internodal length, petiole length, and germination percentage (r = -0.86; p  < 0.001) that ultimately reduced the seedling vigor in Melia dubia. Interestingly, the number of branches per plant were not associated with any of the morphological traits. The first principal component explained 50.09% of the entire variation and all the traits contributed greatly to the variation for this principal component, except for number of branches, leaf width and seed length. The clustering approach assorted geographic variation of M. dubia populations into three main sub-clusters i.e. South, North, and North East populations each consisting of five, seven and one populations (including cultivar), respectively. Among different ecotypes, Bahumukhi, Varsha and US Nagar seed sources outperformed all others in seedling vigour (sapling height) and rest of the growth parameters. Overall, findings explained that considerable scope exists for the development of superior planting material of M. dubia through exploration of seeds and selection at the early seedling stage.

Molecular diversity of native rhizobia trapped by five field pea genotypes in Indian soils.

Five pea cultivars; HFP 4, HVP 3-5, HFP 9426, Jayanti and Hariyal, being grown in CCS Haryana Agricultural University farm were used to isolate native rhizobia. Selected 54 rhizobia, from all cultivars, were authenticated as rhizobia by plant infectivity test. Along with nodulation, symbiotic effectiveness in terms of symbiotic ratios showed wide range of effectiveness of pea rhizobia from 1.11 to 5.0. DNA of all the 54 rhizobia was extracted and amplified by PCR, using ERIC and 16S rDNA primers. Dendrogram based on ERIC profiles of these 54 rhizobia showed the formation of 13 subclusters at 80% level of similarity. Dendrogram based on RFLP of 16S rDNA by three restriction endonucleases; Msp I, Csp 6I and Rsa I; also formed 13 subclusters at 80% level of similarity. However, positioning of subclusters was different from that of ERIC based dendrogram. Majority of the isolates i.e. 64.8% by ERIC profiles and 44.4% by RFLP of 16S rDNA formed one cluster. Isolates from same nodule were not 100% similar. Considering each cluster representing a rhizobial genotype, both techniques used to assess molecular diversity indicated the presence of 13 genotypes of field pea rhizobia in CCS Haryana Agricultural University farm soil. Two pea rhizobial genotypes were able to nodulate all the five pea cultivars. Furthermore, high strain richness index (0.43-0.5) of field pea rhizobia was observed by both the techniques.

Frequency of Osteoporosis among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients Attending Respiratory Medicine Out Patient Department, BSMMU.

Osteoporosis is an important systemic manifestation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Osteoporosis is a systemic disease of bone which may present as low bone mass and micro-architectural disarray that increases the risk of fracture. The World Health Organization defines osteoporosis as bone density ≥2.5 standard deviations below the bone density of a normal young adult. Osteopenia, a less severe form of bone loss, is defined as a bone density between 1 and 2.5 standard deviations below that reference point. The aetiology of osteoporosis in COPD patients remain unclear, but several factors significantly correspond to reduced bone density in COPD, including older age, female sex and body mass index (BMI). However, the relationship to other factors, such as FEV1, tobacco smoking, physical inactivity and corticosteroid therapy, are still an unresolved issue. This cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, BSMMU from March 2018 to March 2019. A total of 86 patients of which prevalence of osteoporosis is 29.1%, osteopenia 50% and normal BMD in 20.9%, majority of them was belonging to age group 51-60 years. Male were predominant with male-female ratio of 3.5:1. The frequency of osteoporosis was 32.0%, 64.0% and 4.0% in moderate, severe and in very severe COPD patients, respectively. The frequency of osteopenia was 14.0% in mild, 53.5% in moderate, 20.9% in severe and 11.6% were in very severe COPD patients. The p value (p=0.018) was significant for prevalence osteoporosis and osteopenia with increase in severity of COPD. The prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was high in COPD patients under study. The frequency of osteoporosis and osteopenia was more with severity of COPD.

Microwave observations reveal the deep extent and structure of Jupiter's atmospheric vortices.

Jupiter's atmosphere has a system of zones and belts punctuated by small and large vortices, the largest being the Great Red Spot. How these features change with depth is unknown, with theories of their structure ranging from shallow meteorological features to surface expressions of deep-seated convection. We present observations of atmospheric vortices using the Juno spacecraft's Microwave Radiometer. We found vortex roots that extend deeper than the altitude at which water is expected to condense, and we identified density inversion layers. Our results constrain the three-dimensional structure of Jupiter's vortices and their extension below the clouds.

Lipoprotein-A and carotid intima media thickness as cardiovascular risk factors in patients of chronic kidney disease.

Patients in all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are considered in the "high-risk group" for development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study was undertaken in 60 adult patients of chronic renal failure. The patients were divided into three groups: Group I had subjects with CKD (stages 1 and 2); Group II had subjects with CKD (stages 3 and 4) on conservative therapy for 3 months; and Group III had subjects with CKD (stage 5) on regular hemodialysis for at least 3-4 weeks. Carotid sonography was done in all patients at the time of inclusion in the study. The patients in all the groups were then followed for 6 months and the relevant investigations were carried out, initially at the time of presentation, and then at third- and sixth-month interval. The patients were monitored for various renal parameters along with serum lipoprotein-A [Lp (A)]. The value of carotid intima media thickness (CA-IMT) was increased in group II and III as compared to group I. The calcification of carotids was higher in patients of group III. The maximum number of patients having plaques and stenosis in the carotids were seen in group III (50%), followed by group II (20%). Patients in group III had 5-10 times higher levels of Lp (A) as compared to patients in group I. The comparison of Lp (A) levels between group I and group II was also highly statistically significant.

Contamination of ground water as a consequence of land disposal of dye waste mixed sewage effluents: a case study of Panipat district of Haryana, India.

Spatial samples of surface and ground water collected from land disposal site of dye waste mixed sewage effluents at Binjhole, in Haryana, India were analyzed to evaluate its effect on quality of pond, hand pumps and ground waters for human health and irrigation purposes. It was found that average COD and TDS of dye houses discharge (310 and 3,920 mg/L) and treated sewage (428 and 1,470 mg/L) on mixing acquired the values of 245 and 1,780 mg/L and only Pb (0.24 microg/L) was above the permissible limit for irrigation purpose. Disposal of this mixed water to village pond changes the COD and TDS to 428 and 1,470 mg/L, respectively. COD and TDS of hand pump water samples were 264 and 1,190 mg/L, where as in tube well water these values were 151 and 900 mg/L. Though the ground water contamination seemed to decrease with the increasing distance from the pond but COD, TDS and BOD values continued to be quite high in water samples drawn from the hand pumps up to a distance of 500 m from pond. However, the major cause of the concern in these waters was Pb (0.11-0.45 ppm). Crops grown with this water shows accumulation of heavy metals like Pb,Cd, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, and Zn but in few crops they (Zn, Pb and Cd) exceed the safe limits. Regular consumption of these crop products may lead heavy metal toxicity. It was concluded from this study that the deep seepage of effluents led to deterioration of ground water quality for drinking purposes and the well waters rendered unfit for irrigation purposes within a span of 2 years. This warrants appropriate disposal measures for sewage and dye industry effluents in order to prevent deterioration of ground water and health of human and animals.

Salicylic acid and thiourea mitigate the salinity and drought stress on physiological traits governing yield in pearl millet- wheat.

Plant growth is often affected with hampered physiological and cellular functioning due to salinity and drought stress. To assess the effectiveness of plant bioregulators (PBRs) in mitigating abiotic stresses, a double spilt plot field study was conducted with three replications at ICAR-CSSRI, research farm, Nain, Panipat. The study comprised of three deficit irrigation regimes viz., 100, 80 and 60% of crop evapo-transpiration (ETc) (I1, I2 and I3), four levels of irrigation water salinity i.e. 2, 4, 8, 12 dS m-1 (S0, S1, S2 and S3) and two PBRs salicylic acid (SA; G1) and thiourea (TU; G2). Irrigations, as per regimes and salinity, were applied at identified critical stages of wheat and if needed in pearl millet. PBRs were applied as seed priming and foliar sprays at two sensitive stages of respective crops. The trend of plant height, and physiological and biochemical traits was similar under different treatments at both stages, but differed significantly only at reproductive stage. Water deficit caused significant reduction in pearl millet (5.1%) and wheat (6.7%) grain yields. The reduction in grain yield under 8 and 12 dS m-1 was 12.90 and 22.43% in pearl millet and 7.68 and 32.93% in wheat, respectively compared to 2 dS m-1. Application of either SA (G1) or TU (G2) significantly enhanced plant height and grain yield, but magnitude of the increment was higher with SA in pearl millet and with TU in wheat. Application of SA and TU increased grain yield by 14.42 and 12.98 in pearl millet, and 12.90 and 17.36% in wheat, respectively. The plant height, RWC, TC, MI, LP, proline, Fv/Fm and Na/K ratio significantly reduced by salinity stress in pearl millet and both water and salinity stress in wheat. Application of both PBRs proved beneficial to mitigate adverse effect of water deficit and salt stress by significantly improving physiological traits, biochemical traits and ultimately grain yield in both crops.

Prosthetic Management of Microstomia with Customized Dynamic Splint.

Microstomia is a clinical condition of reduced mouth opening that can be acquired or congenital in origin. Problems associated with microstomia can be related to function, esthetics, or both. Management of microstomia due to facial burns is complex due to the presence of hypertrophic and contracture scars. Available treatment options can be broadly classified as surgical, nonsurgical, or both. Splints can be used to prevent the contraction of perioral musculature or to recuperate lost mouth opening. Various intraoral or extraoral, tooth-borne or tissue-borne, and static or dynamic appliances are in clinical use, but their designs are case specific. This case report explains the management of microstomia secondary to facial burns by using a dynamic splint in combination with intralesional injections of triamcinolone acetonide and hyaluronidase.

Marginal Accuracy of Castings Produced with Different Investment Systems.

BACKGROUND: The use of casting ring to produce accurate castings has been challenged with the introduction of a ringless casting technique. This study compared the marginal accuracy of all - metal complete coverage crowns fabricated with ringless, split plastic ring and metal ring investment systems. METHODS: A total of 40 all- metal complete coverage crowns were fabricated on a metal die. The crowns were divided in 4 groups (Group A, B, C and D) of 10 patterns each. A ringless system of investing and casting was used for group A whereas a split plastic ring system was used for group B. Groups C and D utilized metal ring with single and double layers of asbestos free cellulose acetate liner respectively for investing and casting procedures. The restorations were seated on the metal die and the vertical marginal discrepancy was evaluated by measuring the gap between the finish line on the die and the margins of the crown on four specific sites with an optical microscope. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA and multiple comparison "t" test. RESULT: The mean vertical marginal discrepancy for groups A, B, C and D was 95µm, 136µm, 128µm and 104µm respectively. Vertical marginal discrepancy on each surface was compared among the four groups. Difference of vertical marginal discrepancy on buccal surface (p<0.0001) as well as distal surface (p<0.005) was highly significant whereas it was non-significant on lingual and mesial surfaces (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Accurate castings with better marginal fit can be produced with ringless casting technique.