Genetic resources and genes/QTLs for gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hübner) resistance in chickpea from the Western Himalayas.

Helicoverpa armigera (also known as gram pod borer) is a serious threat to chickpea production in the world. A set of 173 chickpea genotypes were evaluated for H. armigera resistance, including mean larval population (MLP), percentage pod damage (PPD), and pest resistance (PR) for 2 consecutive years (year 2020 and 2021). The same core set was also genotyped with 50K Axiom CicerSNP Array. The trait data and 50,000 single nucleotide polymorphism genotypic data were used together to work out marker-trait associations (MTAs) using different genome-wide association studies models. For MLP, a total of 53 MTAs were identified, including 25 MTAs in year 2020 and 28 MTAs in year 2021. A set of three MTAs was found common in both environments. For PPD, two MTAs in year 2020 and five MTAs in year 2021 were identified. A set of two MTAs were common in both environments. Similarly, for PR, only two MTAs common in both environments were identified. Interestingly, a common MTA (Affx_123255526) on chromosome 2 (Ca2) was found to be associated with all the three component traits (MLP, PPD, and PR) of pod borer resistance in chickpea. Further, we report key genes that encode SCAMPs (that facilitates the secretion of defense-related molecules), quinone oxidoreductase (enables the production of reactive oxygen species that promotes diapause of gram pod borer), and NB-LRR proteins that have been implicated in plant defense against H. armigera. The resistant chickpea genotypes, MTAs, and key genes reported in the present study may prove useful in the future for developing pod borer-resistant chickpea varieties.

Research on clinical aspects of bipolar disorder: A review of Indian studies.

Background: Bipolar disorder is one of the severe mental disorders that are associated with significant morbidity of the patients. Despite advancements in our understanding about the disorder, it remains a challenging proposition to treat bipolar disorder, largely since the prophylactic treatment of the disorder requires assessment of complex clinical algorithms. The revisions of the classificatory systems have also changed the conceptualization of the disorder. In this background, we conducted a review of the Indian studies conducted on the clinical aspects of bipolar disorder. Methods: A narrative review was conducted with focus on the literature published from India. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, and articles published over the last 15 years by Indian authors were included for this review. Results: In our review, we could access a substantial volume of research published from India. We could identify studies that catered to most of the relevant themes in bipolar disorder including epidemiology, etiology, comorbidities, stigma, disability, clinical course, cognitive profile, pathways to care, and recovery. Conclusion: The research trajectory was in line with the research conducted elsewhere in the world. However, certain dissimilarities in terms of focus could also be observed. The possible reason behind this deviation could be the difference in clinical need and unique challenges faced in the management and rehabilitation of patients in bipolar disorder in Indian scenario.

The Clinical Efficacy of Accelerated Deep Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Multi-centric Real-World Observational Data.

Background Of late, the interest in accelerated treatment protocols in repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been gaining momentum. Studies have already found that the patterned theta burst stimulation is non-inferior to the standard high-frequency stimulation in treating depression. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a customized accelerated combination TMS naturalistic setting. Methods Retrospective analysis of pre and post-deep repetitive TMS responses in depression and OCD patients was performed. About 391 Depression and 239 OCD patients' data was analyzed. Customized treatment protocols consisted of twice daily high-frequency stimulations intervened by one theta burst stimulation. The outcome measures were a day six score in depression and a day 10 score in OCD, compared to day one baseline scores. Results The overall response rate in depression was 60.86%, estimated as a >50% reduction in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) 21 items score, and 62.76% in OCD, estimated as a >35% reduction in the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score. The mean reduction of YBOCS and HAM-D was statistically significant at p<0.0001 (Mann-Whitney U test statistic=9442.5, z=12.66 for YBOCS and 16673.5, z=18.92 for HAM-D). Corresponding effect size estimations revealed Cohen's d value of 1.40 and 1.59, respectively. Conclusions The response rates achieved at day six and day 10 in depression and OCD, respectively, were comparable to previous studies employing standard treatment protocols. The accelerated protocol produced satisfactory short-term clinical outcomes that were effective in the early management of the illness without any serious adverse effects.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Neo-endo, Hyflex Re-treatment File Systems and H-Files for Removing Gutta-Percha From Root Canal Treated Tooth by Using Stereomicroscope-An In Vitro Study.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Neo-endo, Hyflextm retreatment file systems, and H-files for removing gutta-percha from root canal treated tooth. Materials and Methods: Thirty extracted single-rooted human teeth with a single canal were opted. The shaping of the root canals was done with pro-taper universal files and later obturated. The samples were grouped based on the file system chosen for removing the obturating material: Group I-H-files; Group II-Neo-endo retreatment files; Group III-Hyflex™ retreatment files. The quantity of remaining gutta-percha still present after the retreatment procedure was assessed under a stereomicroscope. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to statistically analyze the data. Results: Hyflex™ files left less remaining filling material than with Neo-endo and H-files. Conclusion: The Hyflex™ retreatment files were most efficient in removing the gutta-percha from the root canal.

Harnessing the power of native biocontrol agents against wilt disease of Pigeonpea incited by Fusarium udum.

Fusarium wilt, caused by (Fusarium udum Butler), is a significant threat to pigeonpea crops worldwide, leading to substantial yield losses. Traditional approaches like fungicides and resistant cultivars are not practical due to the persistent and evolving nature of the pathogen. Therefore, native biocontrol agents are considered to be more sustainable solution, as they adapt well to local soil and climatic conditions. In this study, five isolates of F. udum infecting pigeonpea were isolated from various cultivars and characterized morphologically and molecularly. The isolate from the ICP 8858 cultivar displayed the highest virulence of 90%. Besides, 100 endophytic bacteria, 100 rhizosphere bacteria and three Trichoderma spp. were isolated and tested against F. udum isolated from ICP 8858 under in vitro conditions. Out of the 200 bacteria tested, nine showed highest inhibition, including Rb-4 (Bacillus sp.), Rb-11 (B. subtilis), Rb-14 (B. megaterium), Rb-18 (B. subtilis), Rb-19 (B. velezensis), Eb-8 (Bacillus sp.), Eb-11 (B. subtilis), Eb-13 (P. aeruginosa), and Eb-21 (P. aeruginosa). Similarly, Trichoderma spp. were identified as T. harzianum, T. asperellum and Trichoderma sp. Notably, Rb-18 (B. subtilis) and Eb-21 (P. aeruginosa) exhibited promising characteristics such as the production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), cellulase, siderophores, ammonia and nutrient solubilization. Furthermore, treating pigeonpea seedlings with these beneficial microorganisms led to increased levels of key enzymes (POD, PPO, and PAL) associated with resistance to Fusarium wilt, compared to untreated controls. In field trials conducted for four seasons, the application of these potential biocontrol agents as seed treatments on the susceptible ICP2376 cultivar led to the lowest disease incidence. Specifically, treatments T2 (33.33) (P. aeruginosa) and T3 (35.41) (T. harzianium) exhibited the lowest disease incidence, followed by T6 (36.5) (Carbendizim), T1 (36.66) (B. subtilis), T4 (52.91) (T. asperellum) and T5 (53.33) (Trichoderma sp.). Results of this study revealed that, P. aeruginosa (Eb-21), B. subtilis (Rb-18) and T. harzianum can be used for plant growth promotion and management of Fusarium wilt of pigeonpea.

Comparative evaluation of efficacy of diclofenac and ketoprofen administered using transdermal drug delivery route in management of post endodontic pain: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used as a postoperative medication after endodontic treatment. The introduction of transdermal patches aided in reducing the discomfort caused by medication prescribed through the oral route. Aim: This study aims to compare the efficacy of transdermal patches of diclofenac and ketoprofen for postendodontic pain control. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in singlerooted teeth of either arch were endodontically treated by a single endodontist. Oral diclofenac for Group I and transdermal diclofenac patch for Group II and transdermal ketoprofen patch for Group III were administered as postendodontic analgesics. Visual Analog Scale chart was used to record pain intensity preoperatively and at intervals of 4, 8, and 24 h postoperatively. Paracetamol 500 mg tablets were provided as rescue medication. Statistical Analysis: Repeated Measure ANOVA. Results: There was a significant decrease in the postoperative pain intensity scores for both transdermal groups. The postoperative scores gradually decreased from day 1 to day 2. Six out of ten patients who had received diclofenac tablets complained of gastric discomfort. Conclusion: Both transdermal ketoprofen and diclofenac patches were effective than oral diclofenac tablet and can be used as an alternative and effective analgesic for postendodontic pain management, especially in patients with gastric discomfort.

Propensity score matched analysis and risk stratification of donors with G6PD deficiency in living donor liver transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (G6PDd) can trigger hemolysis following surgical stress. Differentiating G6PDd-related post-operative hemolytic episodes (PHE) and post-hepatectomy liver failure may be challenging especially in living donors where donor safety is paramount. We analysed outcomes of our cohort of G6PDd liver donors. METHODS: G6PDd individuals with no evidence of hemolysis were considered as living donors if there was no alternative family donor. Outcomes of G6PDd donors undergoing left lateral/left lobe donation (Group LL) and right lobe donation (Group RL) were compared with non-G6PDd donors matched in a 1:3 ratio using propensity score matching. RESULTS: 59 G6PDd donors (5.8% of 1011) underwent living donor hepatectomy (LiDH) during the study period. LL-G6PDd donors (22.37%) had higher post-operative peak bilirubin level compared to matched controls, but no difference in morbidity or need for post-operative blood transfusion.RL-G6PDd donors (37.63%) had higher peak bilirubin level, morbidity (16.2% vs. 3.6%, p = 0.017) and more post-operative blood transfusion (21.6% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.023) as compared to matched non-G6PDd cohort. Four RL-G6PDd donors (10.8%) developed PHE. Low G6PD activity (15% vs. 40%, p = 0.034) and lower future liver remnant (FLR) (34.3% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.05) were identified as risk factors for PHE. CONCLUSION: We report the largest to-date series of G6PDd individuals undergoing LiDH and confirm the safety of LL donation in G6PDd. Our analysis identifies specific risk factors for PHE and suggests that right lobe LiDH be avoided in individuals with less than 25% G6PD activity when the FLR is less than 36%.

Duration of Adjunctive Antidepressant Maintenance in Bipolar I Depression.

BACKGROUND: Antidepressants are used to treat acute depression in patients with bipolar I disorder, but their effect as maintenance treatment after the remission of depression has not been well studied. METHODS: We conducted a multisite, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of maintenance of treatment with adjunctive escitalopram or bupropion XL as compared with discontinuation of antidepressant therapy in patients with bipolar I disorder who had recently had remission of a depressive episode. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to continue treatment with antidepressants for 52 weeks after remission or to switch to placebo at 8 weeks. The primary outcome, assessed in a time-to-event analysis, was any mood episode, as defined by scores on scales measuring symptoms of hypomania or mania, depression, suicidality, and mood-episode severity; additional treatment or hospitalization for mood symptoms; or attempted or completed suicide. Key secondary outcomes included the time to an episode of mania or hypomania or depression. RESULTS: Of 209 patients with bipolar I disorder who participated in an open-label treatment phase, 150 who had remission of depression were enrolled in the double-blind phase in addition to 27 patients who were enrolled directly. A total of 90 patients were assigned to continue treatment with the prescribed antidepressant for 52 weeks (52-week group) and 87 were assigned to switch to placebo at 8 weeks (8-week group). The trial was stopped before full recruitment was reached owing to slow recruitment and funding limitations. At 52 weeks, 28 of the patients in the 52-week group (31%) and 40 in the 8-week group (46%) had a primary-outcome event. The hazard ratio for time to any mood episode in the 52-week group relative to the 8-week group was 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43 to 1.10; P = 0.12 by log-rank test). A total of 11 patients in the 52-week group (12%) as compared with 5 patients in the 8-week group (6%) had mania or hypomania (hazard ratio, 2.28; 95% CI, 0.86 to 6.08), and 15 patients (17%) as compared with 35 patients (40%) had recurrence of depression (hazard ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.75). The incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a trial involving patients with bipolar I disorder and a recently remitted depressive episode, adjunctive treatment with escitalopram or bupropion XL that continued for 52 weeks did not show a significant benefit as compared with treatment for 8 weeks in preventing relapse of any mood episode. The trial was stopped early owing to slow recruitment and funding limitations. (Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00958633.).

Comparative evaluation of working length determined using integrated apex locator and root ZX mini under various irrigating solutions: An in vivo study.

Background: Electronic apex locators (EALs) are frequently used as adjuvant to radiographs in working length (WL) determination. The introduction of integrated apex locators (IALs) further simplified the root canal treatment by continuous monitoring of the apex while root canal shaping. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radiographs, EAL, and IAL in determining the WL in the presence of various irrigants. Materials and Methods: The present in vivo study was carried out on 30 patients who were divided into 10 in each group, based on the type of irrigant used; 0.9% saline (Group 1), 0.2% chlorhexidine (Group 2), and 2.5% of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCL) (Group 3). In each group, WL is determined using conventional radiographs, Root ZX Mini (EAL), and CanalPro CL2i (IAL). Statistical Analysis: Kruskal-Wallis test and Friedman's two-way ANOVA test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean WL was comparably lower with Root ZX Mini, while the WL by CanalPro CL2i and the radiographic method were comparable. In all methods, the type of solutions used did not influence the WL, with a higher mean WL when NaOCL is used as an irrigant. Nevertheless, the above comparisons were not statistically significant. Conclusion: the irrigation solutions employed in this study had no impact on the performance of apex locators and radiographs.

Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Budd-Chiari Syndrome: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: There are unique technical and management challenges associated with living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS). The outcomes of LDLT for BCS in comparison to other indications remain unclear and warrant elucidation. METHODS: Data of 24 BCS patients who underwent LDLT between January 2012 and June 2019 were analyzed. There were 20 adults and 4 children. The early and long-term outcomes of adult LDLT BCS patients were compared to a control group of LDLT patients for other indications and matched using propensity scoring methodology. RESULTS: Primary BCS was observed in 18 (90%) patients. Caval replacement was performed in 7 (35%) patients. Early and late hepatic venous outflow tract (HVOT) complications were seen in 1 (5%) and 3 (15%) patients. Preoperative acute kidney injury was identified as a risk factor for mortality in the BCS cohort (p = 0.013). On comparison, BCS recipients were younger with fewer comorbidities, more large volume ascites and higher rates of PVT. They also had longer cold ischemia time, increased blood loss and transfusion requirements, increased hospital stay, and higher late outflow complications. The 1-year and 3-year survivals were similar to non-BCS cohort (84.2% vs. 94% and 71.3% vs. 91.9%, respectively, log rank test p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: LDLT is a good option for symptomatic BCS who have failed non-transplant interventions. The clinical and risk factor profile of BCS recipients is distinct from non-BCS recipients. By following an algorithmic management protocol, we show on propensity-score matched analysis that outcomes of LDLT for BCS are similar to non-BCS indications.

Direct and indirect stamp techniques for composite restorations - Sealing the uniqueness of a tooth: A case series.

Composite resin restorations using the incremental technique are time-consuming and technique sensitive requiring excellent hand dexterity of the clinician for achieving good contacts and contours. "Stamp technique" for posterior composite restoration is a novel method for duplicating occlusal anatomy with near perfection. This technique is indicated when the preoperative anatomy of the tooth is intact. An indirect technique can be used in cases where the occlusal surface is cavitated due to caries. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the direct and indirect technique of stamp fabrication and restoration using different materials, emphasizing the fact that it is reliable and predictable and, when performed correctly, helps the practitioner to a great extent.

Designing of pretreatment filter technique for reduction of phenolic constituents from olive-mill wastewater and testing its impact on wheat germination.

Olive oil extraction produces a great volume of olive mill wastewater (OMW), which is considered a serious ecological challenge. In this study, we have designed and tested a trickling filter consisting of seven different layers of natural material, including (coarse gravel, fine gravel, lime (Ca (OH)2), sand (SiO2), carbon char, sponge/mesh), to treat OMW. The filter process involved physical separation, filtration, coagulation and adsorption with the removal of COD (69.8%), BOD (40.2%), Phenolic contents (90%), pH (41%), EC (41.6%) and total suspended solids (TSS) (69%). Our results have shown that treated OMW has a high potential oxidant activity. T7, Untreated OMW at 1:6 dilutions, had the strongest correlation (i.e. 0.97), while untreated OMW had the lowest IC50 (7.62 g ml-1), which shown the best DPPH radical scavenging capabilities. While pure Untreated OMW has the maximum radical scavenging activity, 63%, treated (1:6) diluted OMW exhibits the lowest value i. e 9% when phosphomolybdate assay was done. HPLC analysis showed that the trickling filter removed the vanillic acid, caffeic acid and reduced the contents of phenolic components such as gallic acid, hydroxytyrosol, vanillin, quercetin and catechol. Filtered OMW was also tested for its germination efficacy at various dilutions (1:0, 1:2, 1:4, 1:6). A remarkable improvement in germination percentage, germination index, seedling length, seedling vigor index, promptness index, stress tolerance index (76.7%, 68.4%, 51.7%, 82.1%, 54.8%, and 66.7%, respectively) has shown the efficiency of treated OMW at 1:6 dilutions. The results from this study show the efficiency of our filter design which can be further used.

Two decades of association mapping: Insights on disease resistance in major crops.

Climate change across the globe has an impact on the occurrence, prevalence, and severity of plant diseases. About 30% of yield losses in major crops are due to plant diseases; emerging diseases are likely to worsen the sustainable production in the coming years. Plant diseases have led to increased hunger and mass migration of human populations in the past, thus a serious threat to global food security. Equipping the modern varieties/hybrids with enhanced genetic resistance is the most economic, sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. Plant geneticists have done tremendous work in identifying stable resistance in primary genepools and many times other than primary genepools to breed resistant varieties in different major crops. Over the last two decades, the availability of crop and pathogen genomes due to advances in next generation sequencing technologies improved our understanding of trait genetics using different approaches. Genome-wide association studies have been effectively used to identify candidate genes and map loci associated with different diseases in crop plants. In this review, we highlight successful examples for the discovery of resistance genes to many important diseases. In addition, major developments in association studies, statistical models and bioinformatic tools that improve the power, resolution and the efficiency of identifying marker-trait associations. Overall this review provides comprehensive insights into the two decades of advances in GWAS studies and discusses the challenges and opportunities this research area provides for breeding resistant varieties.

Evaluation of surface analysis of gutta-percha after disinfecting with sodium hypochlorite, silver nanoparticles, and chitosan nanoparticles by atomic force microscopy: An in vitro study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surface topography of gutta-percha (GP) after disinfecting with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (5.25%), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (70 µg/ml), and chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) (1.5 mg/ml) by atomic force microscopy (AFM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty GP cones were taken in this in vitro study. These samples were divided into four different groups such as Group I - control group (untreated GP Points) and Group II, III, and IV were treated with 5.25% NaOCl, 70 µg/ml AgNPs, and 1.5 mg/ml ChNPs, respectively. The surface topography analysis of the samples was performed using AFM. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Root mean square (RMS) and surface roughness parameters were used to compare the structure of GP points with contact mode imaging. These values were tested by IBM SPSS-20.0 version statistical software using one-way ANOVA and post hoc (Tukey's honestly significant difference) tests. They were considered statistically significant when P < 0.05. RESULTS: The RMS and surface roughness values are significantly higher for NaOCl group (5.25% NaOCl) when compared with AgNPs group (70 µg/ml AgNPs) and ChNPs group (1.5 mg/ml ChNPs). CONCLUSION: This study has shown more surface topography deterioration of GP treated with NaOCl and lesser deterioration with AgNPs and ChNPs which affects postoperative prognosis.

Evaluating the effect of subcrestal placement on platform switched short dental implants and von mises stress in D3 bone-A 3D FEM study.

AIM: To investigate the effect of platform switched short dental implants and subcrestal placement on von Mises stress in the maxillary anterior region (D3 bone) by using three-dimensional finite element model analyses (3D FEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biomechanical behaviour of von Mises stress in maxillary anterior region (D3) bone were stimulated with the help of 3D FEM with the help of ANSYS WORKBENCH version 17.5. The bone model had a cortical core of (1 mm) surrounding the inner cancellous core, which represents D3 bone. Two models were designed model 1 (6 x 4.6 mm), (7.5 x 4.6 mm) and model 2 (6 x 5.8 mm), (7.5 x 5.8 mm). Loads of 100, 200 N were applied at an angle of 0°, 15°, 30° along the long axis of the tooth model. RESULTS: In all model's cortical bone exhibited greater stress than cancellous bone. Greater stress was reported in axial direction at 30° then 15° and least at 0° irrespective of load applied. An increase in implant length (7.5 mm) did not exhibit any stress reduction in both the model but implant diameter (5.8 mm) led to reduction in von Mises stress in both the groups. Greater the force applied greater was stress in both bones irrespective of direction of force applied (200N). Lastly subcrestal (0.5 mm) placement has slight reduction in stress compared to equicrestal placement in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Numerical results from the current study suggest that, for short implants, implant diameter is considered more effective design parameter than implant length. Current findings state that platform switch short subcrestal implants results in conservation of marginal bone loss along with better stress distribution around peri-implant regions in D3 bone. However, all models analyzed in this study showed development of von Mesies stresses within physiological limits for human cortical bone.

Combined Use of PGPRs and Reduced Rates of Azoxystrobin to Improve Management of Sheath Blight of Rice.

Farmers rely heavily on the use of strobilurin fungicides to manage sheath blight (ShB) caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, the most important disease in rice in the southern United States. Greenhouse and field studies were conducted to evaluate the potential use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) in combination with a reduced rate of azoxystrobin application as a strategy to improve the current fungicide-reliant management. Of the nine antagonistic PGPR strains screened in the greenhouse, Bacillus subtilis strain MBI600 provided the most significant and consistent suppression of ShB. Efficacy of strain MBI600 was further evaluated at the concentrations of 0, 103, 106, 109, and 1011 CFU/ml alone or in combinations with 0, 17, 33, 50, 67, 83, and 100% of the recommended application rate (0.16 kg a.i./ha) of azoxystrobin. Strain MBI600 applied at 106,109, and 1011 CFU/ml alone was effective in reducing ShB severity. Combinations of this strain at these rates with ≥33% of the recommended application rate of azoxystrobin further reduced ShB severity. A dose-response model defining the relationships between strain MBI600, azoxystrobin, and ShB severity was established. Estimates of the effective concentrations (EC50 and EC90) of strain MBI600 when applied in combination with 50% of the recommended application rate of azoxystrobin were 104 and 109 CFU/ml, respectively. A field trial was conducted over 4 years to verify the efficacy of their combinations. Strain MBI600 alone, when applied at 109 CFU/ml at the boot stage, reduced ShB severity but did not significantly increase grain yields each year. Combination of strain MBI600 with azoxystrobin at half of the recommended application rate improved efficacy of strain MBI600, reducing ShB severity to a level comparable to that of azoxystrobin applied at the full rate in all 4 years. The combined treatment also increased grain yield by 14 to 19%, comparable to the fungicide applied at the full rate in 3 of 4 years. Combined use of PGPR strain MBI600 with a reduced rate of azoxystrobin application can be a viable management option for control of ShB while allowing producers to use less fungicide on rice.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Treatment Needs in Tibetan Monks and Nuns in Karnataka.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs among Tibetan monks and nuns in Bylakuppe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, stratified random sampling was used to obtain desired sample for the study. The clinical examination was carried out to obtain data regarding dental caries status and treatment needs using World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Pro forma 1997. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 20.0. The data were statistically analyzed by using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 345 Tibetan monks (men) and 35 Tibetan nuns (women). Prevalence of dental caries was 88.68% with mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) value of 6.06 ± 5.37. Assessment of dental treatment needs showed 82.3% of participants needed one surface filling, 11.9% of participants needed pulp care and restoration, and 9.3% of participants required extraction of teeth. CONCLUSION: The study population is characterized by high prevalence of dental caries and lack of awareness about treatment needs.

In-vitro bioactivity of silicate-phosphate glasses using agriculture biomass silica.

In the present work, silica extracted from the agricultural waste material; rice husk (RH) was utilized for the synthesis of biocompatible glass of general composition SiO2-P2O5-CaO-MgO-MoO3. In the synthesized glasses P2O5 (5%) and CaO (25%) was kept constant whereas MgO and MoO3 was varied from 10% to 20% and 0% to 5% respectively. The structural, morphological, elemental and functional properties of silica as well as the derived glasses were analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy techniques. The effect of MoO3 on the structural and thermal properties of silicate phosphate glasses has been studied in details. The bioactivity of as-synthesized glass samples were further evaluated after immersion in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) solution which shows bioactive properties thus enabling them to be used as scaffolds in implant materials.

Outcomes for high-risk hepatoblastoma in a resource-challenged setting.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of high-risk hepatoblastoma have been dismal, especially in resource-challenged countries where access to chemotherapy and paediatric liver transplantation is limited for the underprivileged. This study aimed to assess the results of treatment of high-risk hepatoblastoma in a tertiary centre, including patients who had non-transplant surgical procedures in the form of extended resection. METHODS: A review of patients with high-risk hepatoblastoma treated between January 2012 and May 2018 was carried out. Perioperative data and long-term outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Of 52 children with hepatoblastoma, 22 were considered to have high-risk hepatoblastoma (8 girls and 14 boys). The mean(s.d.) age at diagnosis was 35(20) months. Of these 22 children, five died without surgery. Of the remaining 17 who underwent surgery, six had a resection (4 right and 2 left trisectionectomies) and 11 underwent living-donor liver transplantation. Median follow-up was 48 (range 12-90) months. Thirteen of the 17 children were alive at last follow-up and four developed disseminated disease (3 had undergone liver transplantation and 1 liver resection). The overall survival rate at 1, 3 and 5 years was 77, 64 and 62 per cent for the whole cohort with high-risk hepatoblastoma. In children who had surgery, 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 91, 82 and 73 per cent for transplantation and 100, 83 and 83 per cent for resection. There was no difference in survival between the two surgical groups. CONCLUSION: Excellent results in the treatment of high-risk hepatoblastoma are possible, even in resource-challenged countries.

ANTECEDENTES: Los resultados del hepatoblastoma de alto riesgo (high risk hepatoblastoma, HRH) han sido pésimos, especialmente en países con recursos limitados, donde el acceso a la quimioterapia y al trasplante hepático pediátrico es limitado para los menos privilegiados. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar los resultados del HRH en un centro de tercer nivel, incluyendo a los pacientes que se sometieron a procedimientos quirúrgicos diferentes del trasplante en forma de resecciones extendidas. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión de los pacientes con HRH tratados entre enero del 2012 y mayo de 2018. Se analizaron los datos perioperatorios y los resultados a largo plazo. RESULTADOS: De 52 niños con hepatoblastomas, 22 fueron considerados HRH (8 pacientes del sexo femenino/14 del sexo masculino). La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 35 ± 20 meses. De estos 22 pacientes, cinco fallecieron sin haber sido intervenidos quirúrgicamente. De los 17 restantes que se sometieron a cirugía, en seis se realizaron resecciones (4 trisectorectomías derechas, 2 trisectorectomías izquierdas) y 11 se sometieron a un trasplante de hígado de donante vivo. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 48 meses (12-90 meses). Trece de 17 niños estaban vivos en el último seguimiento, y cuatro habían desarrollado enfermedad diseminada (3 habían sido sometidos a trasplante hepático y 1 a resección hepática). La supervivencia global a 1, 3 y 5 años fue del 77,3%, 63,6% y 62% para toda la cohorte de HRH. Entre los que se sometieron a cirugía, las supervivencias a 1, 3 y 5 años fueron del 90,9%, 81,8% y 72,7% para el trasplante y del 100%, 83,3% y 83,3% para la resección. No hubo diferencia en la supervivencia entre los dos grupos sometidos a cirugía. CONCLUSIÓN: En países con recursos limitados es posible obtener excelentes resultados en el tratamiento de HRH.