Long-term organic and N fertilization influence the quality and productivity of pearl millet under pearl millet-wheat sequence in north India.

The present investigation reported that FYM application in different seasons influenced root, shoot, and seedling length, straw K, vigour index-I, nutrient uptake, grain, and stover yield of pearl millet significantly (P < 0.05) and followed the order: both seasons > kharif > rabi. Applying FYM in both seasons resulted in higher N, P, and K content in pearl millet grain (1.99%, 0.17%, and 0.37%, respectively) followed by kharif season application (1.93, 0.16, and 0.35%, respectively). Applying 15 t FYM ha-1 significantly increased the grain N (13.19%), P (63.16%), K (22.29%), protein (13.56%), stover N (32.76%), P (46.66%) and root length (29.83%) over FYM0. After 50 cropping cycles, continuous application of FYM15, FYM10, and FYM5 significantly improved vigour index-I by 52.85, 39.26, and 23.63% over no FYM, respectively. Applying 120 kg N ha-1 significantly increased N (6.38%), P (15.89%), and protein (6.03%) content, germination (5.91%), and vigour indexes (24.52 to 30.91%) of pearl millet grain over no fertilizer N. The treatment FYM15 × N120 increased the seedling length of pearl millet by 30.54 over N120 and 11.08% over FYM15 alone, respectively. Adding FYM either during both seasons or in the kharif season along with fertilizer N proved superior in improving the quality and yield of pearl millet.

Prognostic Significance of Pre-Treatment Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio in Head and Neck Malignancies.

Introduction: Carcinoma is the second most common cause of death worldwide. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are essential markers of inflammation and tumorigenesis in various cancers including head and neck cancers. Pretreatment platelet- lymphocytic ratio can be used as an independent predictor of mortality whereas neutrophil- lymphocytic ratio is an independent predictor of recurrence. The main aim of this study is to compare the pre-treatment neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio in the patients of head and neck malignancies with those of the control group. Material and Method: 100 patients with histologically diagnosed cases of head and neck malignancies. Age and sex matched healthy subjects attending Otorhinolaryngology out-patient department for any other complaints (100 control subjects). Complete blood count had been done to calculate absolute neutrophil count and absolute lymphocyte count. Results: The mean age of the subjects in the study group was 55.73 ± 11.56 years. In control group, the mean age group was 54.11 ± 10.46 years. NLR and PLR significantly increased in cases than controls. NLR associated with T stage, histological type and histological grade but not with site and nodal involvement. PLR associated with T stage, metastasis but not with the histological grade, histological type, site and nodal involvement. Conclusion: From this study, we conclude that pre-treatment NLR and PLR were closely associated both with the size of primary tumor and also with the stage of malignant disease in patients of head and neck malignancies.

Formate dehydrogenase activity by a Cu(II)-based molecular catalyst and deciphering the mechanism using DFT studies.

Due to the requirement to establish renewable energy sources, formic acid (FA), one of the most probable liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), has received great attention. Catalytic formic acid dehydrogenation in an effective and environmentally friendly manner is still a challenge. The N3Q3 ligand (N3Q3 = N,N-bis(quinolin-8-ylmethyl)quinolin-8-amine) and the square pyramidal [Cu(N3Q3)Cl]Cl complex have been synthesised in this work and characterised using several techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, EPR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction and DFT calculations. This work investigates the dehydrogenation of formic acid using a molecular and homogeneous catalyst [Cu(N3Q3)Cl]Cl in the presence of HCOONa. The mononuclear copper complex exhibits catalytic activity towards the dehydrogenation of formic acid in H2O with the evolution of a 1 : 1 CO2 and H2 mixture. The activation energy of formic acid dehydrogenation was calculated to be Ea = 86 kJ mol-1, based on experiments carried out at various temperatures. The Gibbs free energy was found to be 82 kJ at 298 K for the decomposition of HCOOH. The DFT studies reveal that [Cu(N3Q3)(HCOO-)]+ undergoes an uphill process of rearrangement followed by decarboxylation to generate [Cu(N3Q3)(H-)]+. The initial uphill step for forming a transition state is the rate-determining step. The [Cu(N3Q3)(H-)]+ follows an activated state in the presence of HCOOH to liberate H2 and generate the [Cu(N3Q3)(OH2)]2+.

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution by a dinuclear copper complex and mechanistic elucidation through DFT studies.

A novel dinuclear copper complex, [CuII2(L1)2] (L1 = 2-{[2-(8-hydroxyquinolin-2-yl)-1H-benzimidazol-1-yl]methyl}quinolin-8-ol) was synthesised and characterised through various spectroscopic techniques. This dinuclear complex (as an electrocatalyst) was employed to examine the catalytic ability towards an electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Redox studies in 95/5 (v/v) DMF/H2O with the addition of 30-equivalent AcOH (acid source) led to higher catalytic activities for the HER. The evolved H2, as the resultant product, was detected and confirmed from gas chromatography to afford a faradaic efficiency of 93% at an applied potential of -1.9 V vs. SCE. Based upon measurements of open-circuit potential and electrocatalytic responses, the mechanistic route for the reduction process using [CuII2(L1)2] was elucidated. Density functional theory studies reveal that through a concerted proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) path, the HER proceeded via the formation of a Cu-H bond with a low activation energy for the dehydrogenation reaction.

Relationship Between Lipid Profile and Sensorineural Hearing Loss: An Institution Based Study.

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most frequent problem worldwide and is the most neglected condition. Thus, it is essential to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of SNHL. The main objective of the study is to find whether serum lipid parameters have any correlation with SNHL. 68 patients within the age group of 20-60 years with clinically diagnosed sensorineural hearing loss were included in this study. Informed written consent, otoscopy, pure tone audiometry were done on all patients. The subjects were subjected to Serum lipid profile. The mean age of subjects in this study was 53.25 ± 13.78 years and male to female ratio was found to be 1.125:1. The serum total cholesterol and serum triglyceride also showed significant relationship with the degree of hearing loss (p value < 0.001). With an increase in the serum LDL there was increase in the severity of hearing loss which was statistically significant (p value < 0.001) where as serum HDL level showed statistically insignificant and negative correlation with severity of hearing loss. Serum lipid profile can be used as important biomarker for assessing the severity of hearing loss. Subjects with deranged lipid parameters had higher degress of hearing impairement.

A Comparative Study of Sodium Bicarbonate and Hyaluronidase on Pain Perception, Anesthesia, and Akinesia during Peribulbar Anesthesia for Cataract Surgery.

Background: An ideal anesthetic solution should provide good anesthesia and akinesia with minimal pain on injection. Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the effect on pain perception and efficacy of sodium bicarbonate over hyaluronidase in the local anesthetic mixture during peribulbar anesthesia. Settings and Design: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Materials and Methods: An independent observer labeled two injections as A (hyaluronidase 1500 IU in 30 mL of lignocaine) and B (7.5% sodium bicarbonate 1 mL in 30 mL of lignocaine). Group 1 was injected with injection A while Group 2 was injected with injection B. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to determine the intensity of pain. Onset and degree of anesthesia and akinesia were recorded. Statistical Analysis: Computer software Microsoft Excel SPSS version 26 (Chicago Inc) for windows was used. The qualitative data and quantitative data were reported as proportions and mean ± (standard deviation), respectively. Chi-square test for proportions was used for the comparison of qualitative variables and unpaired Student's t-test was used to test the significance between quantitative variables. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All P were two-tailed. Results: Out of 123 patients, 23 were excluded from the study. Hundred patients were divided into Group 1 and Group 2. The mean age in Group 1 was 64.92 ± 10.77 years while in Group 2 was 62.86 ± 11.17 years. The mean heart rate and mean systolic blood pressure in both groups were statistically insignificant. Group 2 experienced very less pain (mean pain score VAS = 5.12 ± 1.17) as compared to Group 1 (mean pain score was 7.16 ± 1.09) and the difference between both the groups was found to be statistically significant. There was a significant difference in the onset of anesthesia in both groups (P = 0.001). In the sodium bicarbonate group, the onset was faster. The onset of akinesia was better in Group 1 (4.76 ± 2.06 min). Grading of akinesia was better in Group 1. Conclusion: Sodium bicarbonate reduces pain on injection in peribulbar anesthesia and also results in a quicker onset of anesthesia.

Comparison of Outcomes of Open Mastoid Cavity- with or Without Obliteration.

For a chronically discharging ear open mastoidectomy is the mainstay of treatment, however it can cause high morbidity due a large cavity and complications like discharge, vertigo and difficulty with hearing aids. To avoid such problem, obliteration of mastoid cavity is done. The objective of our study was to compare the post-operative complains, the hearing results and outcomes of open and closed mastoid cavity. The present prospective study was conducted on 40 patients having attico-antral disease in middle ear cleft. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each. Out of 40 patients, in 20 patients (Group A) mastoid obliteration was done using conchal cartilage, whereas in other 20 patients (Group B) canal wall down mastoidectomy without mastoid obliteration was done i.e.an open cavity. The patients were followed up post-operatively at 6th week, 3rd month and 6th month. Study Design: comparative study. On Pure Tone Audiometry, 13 (65%) patients with closed mastoid cavity had Air-bone Gap < 30 dB, 7 (35%) were in the range 30-60 dB as compared to open mastoid cavity where 10 (20%), 8 (40%), 2(10%) patients had ABG < 30db, 30-60 dB, and > 60 dB respectively, showing better hearing results in obliterated cavities, healing was also better. In obliterated mastoid cavities, there were very few complications of pain, discharge, and giddiness compared to open cavities. Healing as shown by epithelisation was earlier and better in obliterated cavities. Hearing results were better in mastoid cavities with obliteration compared to open cavities. Patients with obliterated mastoid cavity need less cavity care and doctor dependence.

A Study to Grade the Severity of Tinnitus and its Psychological Impact Using Tinnitus Functional Index (tfi).

Background: Chronic tinnitus has a lot impact on the quality of life of person by affecting his/ her physical health, occupational health and social relations. It can lead to sleep interference, cognitive difficulties, lack of concentration, anxiety, frustration, anger and depression. The present study showed the severity and impact of tinnitus on quality of life of subjects with or without hearing loss using tinnitus functional index (TFI). Methods: Subjects with history of tinnitus with or without hearing loss including informed consent, otoscopy, pure tone audiometry (PTA) were done. Grading of tinnitus was done by using tinnitus functional index score. Results: The mean age of participants were 50.20 ± 4.2 years and male to female ratio were found to be 1.05:1. On PTA, 122 participants had hearing loss and 28 had no hearing loss. 49 patients had mild TFI score, 85 had moderate TFI score and 16 had severe hearing loss. The difference in the severity of tinnitus using TFI between normal hearing and sensorineural hearing loss individual was statistically significant. On the other hand, the severity of tinnitus and degree of hearing loss were also found to be statistically significant with p value < 0.0001 chi. Sq = 77.39. This shows that with increase in increase in hearing loss there is increase in TFI sore. Conclusion: Tinnitus has a negative impact on the quality of life like pshycological, emotional and physical effects. The effects of tinnitus is more in those with co-existing hearing loss.

Studies on Osmo-air dehydration of different Indian apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars.

Suitability of seven cultivars of apricot viz. New Castle, Kaisha, Royal, Suffaida, Nari, Kullu (Local) and Chulli (wild apricot) was evaluated for dehydration. Osmotic dehydration of fruits consisting of dipping prepared fruits in 70° Brix sucrose syrup containing 2,000 ppm potassium metabisulphite (KMS) for 24 h followed by cabinet air drying (55 °C) to desired moisture (20 ± 0.5 %) gave better dried product with good colour and appeal. Dried whole or halved fruits after removal of stones were preferred over whole fruits with stones with respect to appearance, texture and overall acceptability. Among different cultivars of apricot; cv. Kaisha followed by New Castle were found better with respect to yield as well as quality of dried product. Further, the quality of the osmo-air dried wild apricot fruits was found statistically at par with the quality of the osmo-air dried product obtained from cultivated apricots. Therefore, wild apricot fruits can also be utilized for preparation of acceptable quality of dried product.

Evaluation of maturity and stability parameters of composts prepared from agro-industrial wastes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in physical, chemical and biological parameters to assess the maturity and stability of composts prepared from mixture of different farm and agro-industrial wastes over a period of 150 days. All the composts appeared granular, dark grey in color without foul odor and attained an ambient temperature at 120 days of composting indicating the stable nature of composts. Correlation analysis showed that the optimal values of the selected parameters for our experimental conditions are as follows: organic matter loss >42%, C:N ratio <15, water soluble organic carbon (C(w)):organic N (N(org)) ratio <0.55, humic acid (HA):fulvic acid (FA) ratio >1.9, humification index (HI) >30%, cation exchange capacity (CEC):total organic carbon (TOC) ratio >1.7 and germination index (GI) >70%. Compost enriched with sewage sludge, pressmud and poultry waste matured earlier compared to composts either enriched with distillery effluent or un-enriched.

Effect of blending and storage on quality characteristics of blended sand pear-apple juice beverage.

Juice from sand pear and apple was extracted by grating the fruits following extraction using hydraulic press. The juice after extraction was filtered, heat pasteurized and packed in glass bottles followed by processing. Suitability of blending sand pear juice with apple juice was evaluated. Blending of sand pear juice (SPJ) with apple juice (AJ) in the proportion of 50:50 to 60:40 gave better quality with higher sensory score. With the increase in the level of SPJ in the AJ mix there was gradual increase in the level of polyphenols. Brix to acid ratio of the beverage was optimum when SPJ and AJ were blended in the ratio of 50:50 to 60:40. Storage of blended beverage containing 50-60% SPJ was found more shelf stable during 6 months storage.

Alcohol delamination of the corneal epithelium for recalcitrant recurrent corneal erosion syndrome: a prospective study of efficacy and safety.

AIM: To investigate the safety and efficacy of alcohol delamination of the corneal epithelium for recalcitrant recurrent corneal erosion syndrome (RCE) in a prospective non-comparative interventional case series. METHODS: Patients with RCE who remained symptomatic despite topical lubrication and 3-month use of an extended wear (bandage) contact lens were included. The intensity of pain on a scale of 1 to 10, and duration and frequency of attacks were recorded. Patients were treated with alcohol delamination and followed up at 1 week, 1 month and then at 12 months, which was the minimum follow up time. Success was defined as a resolution of symptoms after 1 month of treatment, and partial success as a significant reduction in symptoms manageable with topical lubricants, and failure where symptoms were unchanged or worsened. RESULTS: 20 eyes of 20 patients with RCE caused by trauma (n = 14), anterior basement membrane dystrophy (n = 5) or idiopathic (1) were studied. The mean age of patients was 44 years and mean follow-up 24 months. Two eyes were lost to follow-up. 15 (83%) eyes were qualified as successes, 3 as partial successes and no failures were seen. No intraoperative complications were observed. 1 patient developed transient subepithelial haze that resolved with topical steroid, 1 had a change in refraction and 1 developed herpetic stromal keratitis 2 months postoperatively, which was successfully treated. No loss of vision was observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Alcohol delamination of the corneal epithelium is a safe and effective method for treating patients with recalcitrant RCE.

Alcohol delamination of the corneal epithelium: an alternative in the management of recurrent corneal erosions.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of alcohol delamination in the management of recurrent corneal erosions (RCEs). DESIGN: Prospective single-center consecutive descriptive case series. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve patients with RCEs who did not respond to conservative management were treated with alcohol delamination. METHODS: A consecutive case series of 12 patients with RCEs who did not respond to conservative management were treated by alcohol delamination. A pain score was generated based on a visual analog scale of pain intensity. The duration of pain and frequency were also recorded. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year and then at yearly intervals and monitored for recurrence of symptoms and corneal morphology. The removed epithelial sheet was examined by electron microscopy in 4 patients. INTERVENTION: The affected area of epithelium was peeled off after an application of 20% alcohol for 40 seconds under topical anesthesia. Eyes of patients were treated with an antibiotic and preservative-free artificial tear medication, and a bandage contact lens was inserted until epithelial healing was complete. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of recurrence of erosions and duration and intensity of symptoms after alcohol delamination were studied. RESULTS: Eleven of the 12 eyes of patients had dramatic relief of symptoms over the follow-up period, ranging from 6 to 40 months. Eight patients were symptom free, and 1 patient had 2 mild symptom episodes in the first posttreatment month before becoming symptom free. The average follow-up period was 23.5 months. There were no residual effects from the application of alcohol noted in any patient. Electron microscopy of removed epithelium showed features of the underlying pathology. The separation of the epithelium occurred at the interface of the subepithelial abnormal deposit and the surface of Bowman's zone. CONCLUSION: Alcohol delamination appears to be a novel, simple, inexpensive treatment for RCEs. Unlike other methods, the removed epithelium is available as a sheet that may be subjected to further examination, though some of the changes observed may reflect the effect of alcohol on the epithelium.

Infliximab in the treatment of refractory posterior uveitis.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and safety of infliximab in the treatment of refractory posterior uveitis. DESIGN: Noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Five patients with posterior uveitis were treated: 3 had Behçet's syndrome, and 2 had idiopathic posterior uveitis. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with sight-threatening uveitis refractory to other immunosuppressive agents were treated with infliximab. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular inflammation, by using binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy score, retinal vasculitis, and visual acuity. Adverse effects of infliximab were documented. RESULTS: Within 2 weeks of the first infusion of infliximab, 4 of 5 patients showed marked improvement in vitreous haze and visual acuity. By the 6-month follow-up, the same four patients had achieved remission of posterior uveitis and had successfully withdrawn all other immunosuppressive therapy. Further infusions of infliximab were required in 3 patients. One patient developed ocular and systemic tuberculosis, which responded to antituberculous treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab is effective in the treatment of sight-threatening refractory posterior uveitis. However, patients should be thoroughly screened for tuberculosis before treatment and followed up closely during and after therapy with infliximab.