Impact of pesticides on plant growth promotion of Vigna radiata and non-target microbes: comparison between chemical- and bio-pesticides.

To compare the target and non-target effects of two chemical-pesticides (chlorpyrifos and endosulfan) with that of a bio-pesticide (azadirachtin), Vigna radiata (mung bean) was grown in a randomized pot experiment with recommended and higher application rates of pesticides. Colony counts enumerating specific microbial populations, viz. fungi, Pseudomonas, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, were performed. In addition, several plant growth parameters such as root and shoot lengths were also monitored. It was observed that the pesticides exerted a suppressive effect on different microbial communities under study in the initial 30 days period. The bacterial and fungal populations in chlorpyrifos treated plants increased thereafter. Endosulfan resulted in enhancement of fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, although phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms were suppressed at higher application rates. Azadirachtin, which is gaining popularity owing to its biological origin, did not result in enhancement of any microbial populations; on the other hand, it had a deleterious effect on phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. This study is the first to evaluate the non-target effects of pesticides with a comparison between chemical- and bio-pesticides, and also stresses the importance of critical investigation of bio-pesticides before their wide spread application in agriculture.

Impact of chemical- and bio-pesticides on bacterial diversity in rhizosphere of Vigna radiata.

To study the effects of two chemical pesticides (chlorpyrifos and endosulfan), and a bio-pesticide (azadirachtin) on bacterial diversity in rhizospheric soil, a randomized pot experiment was conducted on mung bean (Vigna radiata) with recommended and higher doses of pesticides. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to analyze such effects on both resident and active bacterial communities across two time points. It was observed that higher doses of azadirachtin mimicked the effects of chlorpyrifos on bacterial diversity. Both azadirachtin and chlorpyrifos showed a dose- and time-dependent effect, which was observable only at the RNA level. Endosulfan treatments showed dissimilar profiles compared to control. Most of the bands showed high sequence similarities to known bacterial groups, including many nitrogen-fixing, phosphate-solubilizing, and plant-growth-promoting bacteria. This study indicates that pesticides display non-target effects on active microbial populations that serve important ecosystem functions, thereby emphasizing the need to critically investigate and validate the use of bio-pesticides in agriculture before accepting them as safe alternatives to chemical pesticides.

Sex differences in patch-leaving foraging decisions in rats.

The ubiquity, importance, and sophistication of foraging behavior makes it an ideal platform for studying naturalistic decision making in animals. We developed a spatial patch-foraging task for rats, in which subjects chose how long to remain in one foraging patch as the rate of food earnings steadily decreased. The cost of seeking out a new location was varied across sessions. The behavioral task was designed to mimic the structure of natural foraging problems, where distinct spatial locations are associated with different reward statistics, and decisions require navigation and movement through space. Male and female Long-Evans rats generally followed the predictions of theoretical models of foraging, albeit with a consistent tendency to persist with patches for too long compared to behavioral strategies that maximize food intake rate. The tendency to choose overly-long patch residence times was stronger in male rats. We also observed sex differences in locomotion as rats performed the task, but these differences in movement only partially accounted for the differences in patch residence durations observed between male and female rats. Together, these results suggest a nuanced relationship between movement, sex, and foraging decisions.

Sex differences in patch-leaving foraging decisions in rats.

The ubiquity, importance, and sophistication of foraging behavior makes it an ideal platform for studying naturalistic decision making in animals. We developed a spatial patch-foraging task for rats, in which subjects chose how long to remain in one foraging patch as the rate of food earnings steadily decreased. The cost of seeking out a new location was varied across sessions. The behavioral task was designed to mimic the structure of natural foraging problems, where distinct spatial locations are associated with different reward statistics, and decisions require navigation and movement through space. Male and female Long-Evans rats generally followed the predictions of theoretical models of foraging, albeit with a consistent tendency to persist with patches for too long compared to behavioral strategies that maximize food intake rate. The tendency to choose overly-long patch residence times was stronger in male rats. We also observed sex differences in locomotion as rats performed the task, but these differences in movement only partially accounted for the differences in patch residence durations observed between male and female rats. Together, these results suggest a nuanced relationship between movement, sex, and foraging decisions.

A stitch in time saves nine: All about pediatric facial fracture.

Fractures of the pediatric craniofacial skeleton can be challenging to engage in. The initial injury and subsequent treatment can cause long-term growth disturbances yielding problematic secondary deformities. It is important that clinicians involved in the care of these patients understand the differences between children and adult fracture patterns and understand the potential long-term effects on the growth of the pediatric skeleton and how to manage these problems when they occur.

Effect of strength and balance training in children with Down's syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of exercise training on strength and balance in children with Down's syndrome. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation school for special children. SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTION: Twenty-three children were randomized to intervention and control group. The intervention group (n = 12) underwent progressive resistive exercises for lower limbs and balance training for six weeks. The control group continued their regular activities followed at school. OUTCOME MEASURE: A handheld dynamometer was used to measure the lower limb muscle strength. Balance was assessed by the balance subscale of Bruininks Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP). RESULTS: Following the training, the children in the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement (P < 0.05) in the lower limb strength of all the muscle groups assessed. The strength of knee extensors was 12.12 lbs in the control group versus 18.4 lbs in the experimental group; in hip flexors it was 12.34 lbs in the control group versus 16.66 lbs in the experimental group post-intervention. The balance of the children also improved significantly with an improvement in scores of the balance subscale of BOTMP (19.50 in the experimental group versus 9.00 in the control group, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a specific exercise training programme may improve the strength and balance in children with Down's syndrome.

Is Interferon α-2b 1 MillionIU/mL Truly Better Than Tacrolimus 0.03% for Steroid-Resistant VKC ?: Our 2-Year Experience at a Tertiary Health-Care Centre.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of eye-drop interferon (IFN) α-2b 1 millionIU/mL with eye-ointment tacrolimus 0.03% in refractory vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with VKC refractory to conventional treatment with topical corticosteroids and antihistamines after 4 weeks of regular use were selected retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they received eye-ointment tacrolimus 0.03% three times a day or eye-drop IFN alpha-2b 1 millionIU/mL three times a day and were followed up for 24 months. The main outcome measures were total subjective symptom score (TSSS) and total objective ocular score (TOSS). RESULTS: Mean baseline TSSS was 7.24±1.98 in Group A (tacrolimus group) and 7.84±1.82 in Group B (IFN group), and it reduced to 1.12±0.83 in Group A and 0.62±0.41 in Group B at 6 months, which was statistically significant compared to the baseline score (p<0.05) as well as between the two groups. Mean baseline TOSS was 6.72±2.07 in Group A and 6.56±2.04 in Group B, and it improved to 1 month onwards to 1.52±0.87 in Group A and 1.0±0.71 in Group B at 6 months, which was statistically significant compared to the baseline score (p<0.05) as well as between the two groups. Side effects like stinging and burning sensations were seen in the tacrolimus group only. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that while both eye-drop IFN α-2b 1 millionIU/mL and eye-ointment tacrolimus eye ointment 0.03% are both safe and effective steroid-sparing agents in steroid-resistant VKC. IFN α-2b results in greater improvement in subjective symptoms and objective signs, has fewer side effects in long term and is better tolerated as compared to tacrolimus.

Comparative Evaluation of Chemo-mechanical and Rotary-mechanical Methods in Removal of Caries with Respect to Time Consumption and Pain Perception in Pediatrc Dental Patients.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficiency in removal of caries by the two different methods of caries removal.To compare the treatment time between chemomechanical and rotary mechanical methods of caries removal.To compare the pain perception of the patient during the two different methods (chemomechanical and rotary mechanical) of dentin caries removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Carisolv system for caries removal, consisting of a solvent gel and a specially designed hand instrument, as compared to the conventional method of caries removal, i.e., Airotor. Sixty patients in the age-group of 6-14 years, having Black's class I dentinal caries with the cavity in the molars, were enrolled for the study. RESULTS: The time for caries removal with Carisolv and Airotor was, respectively, 7.17 ± 1.57 and 8.00 ± 1.56 minutes. Thus, the mean time taken was also significantly higher in group II as compared to group I (t = 4.805; p < 0.001). HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Katiyar A, Gupta S, Gupta K, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Chemo-mechanical and Rotary-mechanical Methods in Removal of Caries with Respect to Time Consumption and Pain Perception in Pediatrc Dental Patients. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(1):115-119.

Optic perineuritis.

Optic perineuritis (OPN) is a rare inflammatory disorder in which the inflammation is confined to optic nerve sheath. It can be idiopathic or secondary to underlying systemic autoimmune disorder. It usually presents with unilateral progressive diminution of vision with pain on eye movements and optic disc oedema. Hence, clinically OPN mimics optic neuritis resulting in delayed diagnosis and suboptimal treatment. In contrast to optic neuritis, patients with OPN are usually of older age group and more likely show sparing of central vision. MRI is an important tool for diagnosis of OPN apart from optic nerve sheath biopsy. Perineural enhancement on MRI is diagnostic of OPN. Oral corticosteroid therapy gives dramatic and rapid improvement in signs and symptoms. Rapid tapering of steroids increases the risk of relapse. Overall, prognosis of OPN is generally good if adequate treatment is given timely.

Preoperative COVID-19 Testing for Elective Ophthalmological Procedure in a Tertiary Health Care Centre: Our Experience During the Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: To study the prevalence of coronavirus infection among asymptomatic patients requiring eye surgery and the role of screening in prevention of spread of infection among the healthcare workers. DESIGN: The prospective observational study was conducted in the Ophthalmology department of a tertiary care center in Delhi from September 2020 to December 2020. SETTING: Patients requiring elective ophthalmological procedures in a tertiary care hospital were screened for coronavirus using the RT-PCR method. Testing methods and results were documented. RESULTS: Among the 218 asymptomatic patients posted for elective surgery in that period, 16 (7.3%) were found to be positive for COVID-19. Those who tested positive were advised home isolation and surgery was postponed for the next 14 days. No complications were reported in these patients. One health-care worker also tested positive for COVID-19 during our study period. CONCLUSION: In our study, 1 out of 14 asymptomatic patients were found to be carriers for the novel virus. Asymptomatic COVID-infected patients may lead to transmission of the virus inside the hospital among the visiting patients and hospital staff while they have no adverse effect on the surgery and its outcome.

Can We Corroborate Peripapillary RNFL Analysis with Macular GCIPL Analysis? Our 2-Year Experience at a Single-Centre Tertiary Healthcare Hospital Using Two OCT Machines and a Review of Literature.

PURPOSE: To determine whether macular volume and macular GCA measurements in patients are comparable to their RNFL thickness parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on 1380 eyes with 460 each, into three groups. Group I: patients with healthy eyes. Group II: patients diagnosed as pre-perimetric glaucoma. Group III: patients with diagnosed perimetric glaucoma. After patients were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria, baseline standard ophthalmic examination was done by the same operator under the same settings, including SD-OCT using both the Spectralis SD-OCT and the Cirrus SD-OCT as elaborated below. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were checked for normality before statistical analysis using Shapiro-Wilk test. Normally distributed continuous variables were compared using ANOVA. For all statistical tests, a p < 0.05 was taken to indicate a significant difference. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to define the ability RNFL and GCC parameters to distinguish perimetric and preperimetric glaucomatous eyes from control eyes. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the average, superior, inferior RNFL thickness and average, superior, inferior GCIPL thickness between Group I and Group II (p<0.001), between Group I and Group III (p<0.001) and also between Group II and Group III (p<0.001). The statistical significance was also reflected in their AUROCs. CONCLUSION: Mean, superior, inferior GCIPL thickness along with macular volume analysis can substantiate RNFL analysis for diagnosis, serial monitoring and follow-up of glaucoma patients and suspects.

Trauma to Tumor: A Hunt of Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor-A Rare Case Report.

Tumors and tumor-like growths arising from odontogenic tissues constitute a heterogeneous group of interesting lesions, as they display the various inductive interactions that normally occur among the embryologic components of the developing tooth germ. Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is a benign tumor, most common in the maxilla, characterized by slow, progressive, painless growth of firm consistency, the size of which usually does not reach large proportions. They are of three types: extrafollicular, follicular, and peripheral. It usually develops around or overlaps adjacent teeth. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Katiyar A, Gupta S, et al. Trauma to Tumor: A Hunt of Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor-A Rare Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(4):366-369.

Unraveling the Impact of High-Order Silk Structures on Molecular Drug Binding and Release Behaviors.

Silk continues to amaze: over the past decade, new research threads have emerged that include the use of silk fibroin for advanced pharmaceutics, including its suitability for drug delivery. Despite this ongoing interest, the details of silk fibroin structures and their subsequent drug interactions at the molecular level remain elusive, primarily because of the difficulties encountered in modeling the silk fibroin molecule. Here, we generated an atomistic silk model containing amorphous and crystalline regions. We then exploited advanced well-tempered metadynamics simulations to generate molecular conformations that we subsequently exposed to classical molecular dynamics simulations to monitor both drug binding and release. Overall, this study demonstrated the importance of the silk fibroin primary sequence, electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and higher-order conformation in the processes of drug binding and release.

A case of dental hamartoma associated with unerupted primary canine in maxillary region.

Odontomas are usually one of the most common odontogenic tumors of the jaw and are perhaps more accurately defined as a hamartoma than a true neoplasm. It is asymptomatic, nonaggressive, slow growing, and benign nature. They are considered to be the malformations of the dental tissue and can sometimes interfere with the eruption of the associated tooth leading to its impaction or delayed eruption. Complex odontomas in primary teeth are rare and unusually diagnosed before the second decade of life. This article aims to present the case of a child with complex odontoma and its effective treatment planning. The results indicate that early diagnosis and proper treatment planning can ensure a better prognosis and can prevent later craniofacial complications and other developmental problems.