Impact of Demonstration of Nutrition Garden for Year-round Nutrition Security in Farm Families of Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Malnutrition is a nationwide issue that is quickly getting worse. Malnutrition hinders social and mental development in addition to slowing down a child's growth and development and also pregnant, lactating women, adolescent girls. It also increases the likelihood and length of illness.Long-term consequences of under nutrition include cognitive and development deficiencies as well as lowered infection resistance.With the purpose of evaluating the nutritional security of farm households, the current study seeks to comprehend the value of nutrition gardens. The current study was carried out in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, consecutively for two years.From the recipients of the KVK front line demonstration programme on nutrition security, 90 respondents (50 with nutrition gardens and 50 without) were chosen at random.The 200 m2 area wasfound appropriate for the medium family group of five members. Among the vegetables cultivated in nutria garden, highest benefit was obtained from the cultivation of okra (1: 2.38) followed by spinach (1: 1.48). There was increase of 90g of consumption of vegetables after nutri garden. After nutri garden the normal weight percentage of individuals was 51.1% and underweight individuals were 35.5%.The nutritional garden encouraged families to include freshly picked vegetables in their daily diets, which helped to improve their families' nutritional condition.

Mass Trapping –A Promising Technique for Integrated Management of Pink Bollworm, Pectinophora gossyipiella Saunders (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in Cotton

The management of Pink bollworm, a worldwide pest in cotton is mostly dependent on chemical insecticides which lead to several implications and warrant the exploration of other methods. Use of sex pheromones for management of insect pests is not a new-fangled one but need be studied extensively for effective pest management. Hence, a study was conducted at RARS, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh for two consecutive seasons to study the effectiveness of mass trapping in pink bollworm management. The experimental results showed that the mean moth catch was highest from sleeve traps when compared to funnel trap and delta traps with sticky liners irrespective of trap densities. The mean number of larvae and locule damage was significantly low coupled with high seed cotton yield from the plots with sleeve traps at trap densities of 50 and 20 traps/ha.

Evaluation and Performance of Integrated Crop Management in Chilli in Rainfed Tracts of Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Chilli is an important high value spice crop, its integrated crop management is an important area for the welfare andlivelihood security of farmers. Most of the farmers of Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh are growing wide varieties and cultivars of chilli but so far the research findings on chilli integrated crop management were less aware. To know the yield potential of integrated crop management and its economic impact, evaluation on integrated crop management was conducted at Chandhaluru and Nallaguntla Guedm villages. The adopted package of practices was seed rate @1kg/ha, spacing 60x45cm, FYM 15t/ha, Urea, single super and muriate of potash256:150:80 kg/acre. There was wide variation between integrated crop management and farmers practice in fruit yield and economic returns. The results on yield and economic returns indicated that chilli integrated crop management was found superior to farmers practice. Integrated crop management could obtain 124 fruits per plant and yield of 47.00q/ha, thirps incidence (24.3%), whitefly incidence (9.67 %) and fruit rot infestation (6.0%). Whereas,in farmers practicefruits obtained were99per plant and yield of 43.00q/ha, thripsincidence (44.67 %),whiteflyincidence (28.33) and fruit rot(18 %) with a net income of Rs220000/- and B:C ratio 1: 1.88 compared to farmers practice with a net income of Rs113333/-with B:C ratio 1:1.36. The integrated crop management percent yield increased over farmers practices8.5 per cent. It was concluded that integrated crop management could help to improve the economy of the farmers.

Gall bladder diseases: a study of histopathological spectrum of cholecystectomy specimens from rural tertiary hospital in Telangana state during COVID pandemic

Background: The debate of “is it worth spending the busy pathologist’s time on gall bladder specimens” has been there for decades. The selective approach may result in missing discrete pathologies such as premalignant lesions. We are presenting an interesting series of gall bladder histopathology diagnosed at our institute in the past two years. Methods: This is a retrospective study done at Bhaskar Medical College between 2020-2022 (specifically chosen as this is the period of COVID pandemic). This study included 43 patients who underwent cholecystectomy. All confirmed cases of acute abdomen operated for other reasons and trauma were excluded. Sections were taken from neck, fundus, body and cross section of cystic duct of each cholecystectomy specimen. The whole gallbladder was submitted and screened for the invasion in ICPN case. These sections were processed through routine paraffin embedding, microtome cutting and H&E staining for evaluation of spectrum of various gallbladder lesions. Results: In our study, 25 cases showed lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with fibrosis, 9 cases showed ulceration, congested blood vessels and neutrophilic infiltration. We encountered few rare cases like eosinophilic cholecystitis, xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis, and Intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN)”. Pyloric metaplasia was seen in 27.9% cases, which is also higher Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the need for the routine examination of these specimens, to have a detailed understanding of the etiology to prevent/predict the other associated medical conditions. We also could find 2% of the cases having pre-malignant lesions and 28% having metaplasia, which if missed shall progress to malignant conditions.

“Oral Manifestations of HIV in Accordance with CD4 Count” – A Cross-Sectional Study

Aims and Objectives: Mouth acts as a mirror for most of the underlying systemic diseases. Very few studies were done in south Indian population to observe the oral manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in relation to the cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count, and this study mainly highlights the presenting complaint of HIV patients during their dental visit. The study was aimed to determine the chief complaints of patients along with oral manifestations of HIV and correlate them to CD4 count. Materials and Methods: One hundred consecutive HIV?positive patients were considered for the study. All the oral manifestations and the chief complaints along with the calculated CD4 counts were noted and the results were correlated. Spearman correlation was used for CD4 count and other oral manifestations. Results: The mean CD4 counts were 421 cells/mm3 with a standard deviation (SD) of 404.34 for the most common oral manifestation of burning mouth and 176.5 cells/mm3 for the least common manifestation of malignancies. The CD4 count ranged from 120 to 1100 cells/mm3. The mean age and CD4 count were 38 years and 398.86, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation with candidiasis and gingivitis, and the rest of the conditions were insignificant. Conclusion: The study results suggest that the chief complaint of presentation of an HIV?positive patient is pain due to carious teeth/abscess followed by burning mouth, with candidiasis being the most common disease.

Chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of sugar cane silage enriched with detoxified castor bean meal / Composição químico-bromatológica e características fermentativas de cana-de-açúcar ensilada com farelo de mamona destoxificado

This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of detoxified castor bean meal (CM) content on the chemical-bromatological composition, as well as the fermentation characteristics and dry matter losses of sugarcane silage. The treatments consisted of four levels (0, 7, 14 and 21% natural matter) of addition of castor bean meal. The design was completely randomized, with five replicates. The material was ensiled in PVC silos of 50-cm in height and 10-cm in diameter, which were opened after 60 days. The density of fodder maintained in the silos was equal to 750kg of natural matter/m3. In order to quantify the gas and effluent losses, the silos were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. The addition of castor bean meal has increased the levels of DM and crude protein and reduced the levels of neutral detergent fiber, N-NH3, ethanol, and gas and effluent losses from silages, but did not affect pH values. During ensiling, alcoholic fermentation was controlled with the inclusion of the additive.

O experimento foi desenvolvido para avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de níveis de farelo de mamona destoxificado sobre a composição químico-bromatológica, as características fermentativas e as perdas de matéria seca da silagem de cana-de-açúcar. Os tratamentos consistiam em quatro níveis (0, 7, 14 e 21% da matéria natural) de inclusão do farelo de mamona. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco repetições. Foram usados silos de PVC, com 50cm de altura e 10cm de diâmetro, para a produção das silagens, que foram abertos após 60 dias. A densidade de forragem nos silos foi correspondente a 750kg de matéria natural/m3. Os silos foram pesados no início e ao final do período experimental para quantificar as perdas por gases e efluentes. A inclusão de farelo de mamona elevou os teores de MS e proteína bruta e reduziu os teores de fibra em detergente neutro, N-NH3, etanol e as perdas por gases e efluentes das silagens, não ocasionando efeito nos valores de pH. A fermentação alcoólica durante a ensilagem foi controlada com a inclusão do aditivo.

Prescribing pattern of antibiotics for post-tuberculous bronchiectasis treated in a tertiary care hospital.

The present study aimed at assessing the prescription pattern of antibiotics used for the treatment of patients diagnosed with post-tuberculous bronchiectasis in a tertiary care hospital. A prospective study was carried out at Government General Hospital located in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh during April 2011 to June 2011. A total of 120 in-patient prescriptions were analyzed and data was collected on a standard documentation form. Patients who are in the age group of 20 to 80 years were included in the study. The data collected was analyzed for the prescribing patterns of antibiotics based on the demographic profile of patients. The study results showed that among 120 patients, male patients were 92 (76.7 %) and female were 28 (23.3%), indicating higher incidence of the disease in male than female. Out of 120 prescriptions, 108 prescriptions contained double antibiotics, 12 were found with single antibiotic and 6 prescriptions with triple antibiotics. A total of seven different classes of antibiotics were prescribed either alone or in combination. Gentamicin was found in 90 (75.0%) prescriptions, ciprofloxacin in 76 (63.3%) and cefotaxime in 26 (21.7%) prescriptions. It was found that aminoglycosides, cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones were most commonly used in the hospital practice for the treatment as well as management of tuberculosis complications and associated post-TB bronchiectasis.

Comorbid conditions in patients with physician diagnosed COPD: Data from a tertiary centre in South India.

Background: COPD represents an increasing burden worldwide. COPD is a leading cause of hospitalizations in adults, particularly older adults. Comorbidities are a common cause, or a contributing cause, to many of these hospitalizations. Aims & Objective: To study the comorbid conditions in patients with physician diagnosed COPD in a tertiary centre in South India. Material and Methods: A random sample of 500 patients after taking verbal consent were selected from all COPD patients who attended Dr Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Chinnaavutapalli, Vijayawada, over a period of 1year in 2012. Personal interview was held to collect data including age, gender, literacy, occupation, comorbidities. Results: The mean age of 500 COPD patients was 61.2. Out of which 47.2% are below 60 years and 52.8% are above 60 years. Males constituted majority of the study population (80.8%). 77% of the total study population gave a history of smoking. Majority of the patients had 2 comorbid illnesses (30%). Among the co morbidities, depression was the commonest comorbid illness (50.4%), followed by anaemia (44%). Conclusion: Knowledge regarding associated comorbidities with COPD in a tertiary care center helps the physician to take the comprehensive management plan. We recommend screening of patients with COPD for possible comorbidities so that appropriate treatment can be initiated at the earliest so as to decrease the cost burden.

Cloning and expression of Bos indicus interleukin-4 in mammalian cells.

Dendritic cells (DC) which are located at the interface of innate and adaptive immunity are targets of infection by many RNA and DNA viruses. Advances in the ex vivo generation of monocyte derived non proliferating dendritic cells have been used for clinical application like immunotherapy. IL-4 cytokine plays essential role in the maturation and generation of DCs. Bos indicus interleukin 4 (boIL-4) 408 bp was amplified from PBMC’s and cloned in pBSIIKS+ vector. The sequence analysis showed N terminal 69 bp signal sequence and one N-glycosylation site. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that Bos indicus IL-4 is closely related to the ruminant IL-4 and least sharing of genetic line of human and mouse IL-4. The recombinant boIL-4 protein was expressed in CHO cells which secreted a 16 kDa protein which was confirmed by SDS PAGE and western blotting. The rec-boIL-4 protein proliferated the bovine PBMC’s, decreased production of nitric oxide in antigen stimulated macrophages, and phagocytosed the micro particles confirming its activity on dendritic cells.

The Study of Base Catalysed Synthesis of 2-Chloro- 4-Amino-5-Flouropyrimidine from a biologically active Compound 5-Flouro Pyrimidine.

The base catalyzed study of synthesis of 2-chloro-4-Amino-5-flouroPyrimidine to improve the yields and economically viable industrialization process from its biological active pyrimidine derivative of 5-flourouracil.

Transfer of moisture through the unsaturated zone in the tropical forest using the neutron probe

Knowledge of moisture content is crucial in assessing spatial and temporal movement of water through the unsaturated zone. Moisture storage is also important for monitoring the soil water balance and for validation of water balance models. The purpose of this work was to determine and analyse moisture content profiles at point locations in the unsaturated zone of a lateritic soil around Nsimi, south of Cameroon. Neutron probe has been connected to a set of tensiometers in an area of 60 ha. A comparative study between a site covered with vegetation and a site uncovered was conducted to assess the influence of vegetation in the process of moisture transfers. The results showed that the spatial distribution of moisture profiles varied according to the site and the texture of the soil, with in general increasing of moisture from the surface horizon toward the deeper layers. The mean values of moisture varied from theta m= 0,397 cm[3]/cm[3] on barren site, against theta m= 0,429 cm[3]/cm[3] in vegetation. Values of suction were generally strong in surface and at depth, but weak in the intermediate layers

Processing of multimer FMD virus VP1-2A protein expressed in E. coli into monomers.

Expressions of several genes in bacteria were carried out by independent promoter. However, in case of eukaryotes ribosome skipping and introduction of IRES are employed as alternative to multiple translation initiation. Foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) 2A peptide has been widely used for co-expression of multiple genes in eukaryotic, plant and mammalian systems. The 18 amino acid 2A peptide of FMDV facilitates efficient co-translational dissociation of the polyprotein into discrete protein products. To study the role of 2A in multimeric protein production a construct consisting of tandem repeat of 4 units of C- terminal VP1 linked through 2A sequence was made and expressed in E. coli. Along with tetramer protein, trimer, dimer and monomer proteins were produced. Stability studies showed that the tetramer protein was cleaved to smaller monomer on storage. The results provide scope for using FMDV 2A for expressing multiple genes under a single promoter in prokaryotes.

Cost effectiveness of colony lysis and colony PCR methods for screening of recombinant Escherichia coli colonies--a comparative study.

Economizing the research protocols by using low cost technologies is the need of laboratories of developing world. Screening of recombinant E. coli colonies is the crucial step in gene cloning and expression studies. In the present study, the cost effectiveness of colony lysis method and colony PCR method in the screening of recombinant E. coli colonies was compared. The colony lysis method was 20 two times more cost effective and less time consuming and can be used to screen the recombinant E. coli colonies in large scale instead of colony PCR method.

Comparison of antibacterial properties of two fluoride-releasing and a nonfluoride-releasing pit and fissure sealants.

Occlusal pits and fissures are the most susceptible sites for the development of dental caries and prevention is difficult in the areas of occurrence. Although only 12.5% of all the tooth surfaces are occlusal, these surfaces develop more than two-thirds of total caries experienced by children. The fate of the bacteria is of significance when they are inadvertently sealed by a dental sealant. This study aimed in examining the antibacterial properties of three commercially available sealants, viz., Teethmate-F, Helioseal-F and Helioseal. Antibacterial testing was done by disc diffusion method. Selective agars were used to grow Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Statistical analysis was carried out using student's t test. The study proved that Helioseal-F and Helioseal did not possess antibacterial properties and Teethmate-F was the only sealant that showed antibacterial properties.

Effect of antiasthmatic medication on dental disease: dental caries and periodontal disease.

The prevalence of asthma has been increasing since the 1980s. Asthma and tooth decay are the two major causes of school absenteeism. There are few studies present in the literature. The objectives of the present study were to know the severity of dental caries and periodontal problems in children before and after taking antiasthmatic medication. The present study was conducted on 105, six- to fourteen-year-old asthmatic children to determine the condition of their dental caries and their periodontal status before and after taking antiasthmatic medication, for a period of 1 year and these were matched with their controls. The results showed that salbutamol inhaler shows increased caries rate with high significance over other groups, which was followed by salbutamol tablets and beclamethasone inhaler respectively. It has been concluded that antiasthmatic medication has its effects on dental caries and periodontal disease and asthmatic patients are recommended to adopt more precautionary oral hygiene practices and keep their caries activity and periodontal health under constant check.

Knowledge and attitude of 2,000 parents (urban and rural - 1,000 each) with regard to avulsed permanent incisors and their emergency management, in and around Davangere.

It is well recognized today that for long-term success, the management of traumatized teeth optimally should be carried out as soon as possible. Since, majority of traumatic injuries occur at home, the ultimate prognosis of an avulsed tooth may depend on knowledge of the treatment procedure, possessed by his or her parents. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the parental knowledge and attitude regarding the emergency management of avulsed teeth in children (in Davangere--both urban and rural, 1,000 each).

Unusual presentation of inverted impacted premolars as a result of dentigerous cyst: a case report.

A case of dentigerous cyst associated with upper right lateral incisor that had resulted in displacement of the canine, inverted impaction of both the premolars and dilaceration of apical 1/3 of central incisor is reported here.

Laparoscopy vs inguinal exploration for nonpalpable undescended testis.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal initial surgical approach for nonpalpable undescended testis (UDT) is debated. The aim of the present study is to compare the results of initial laparoscopy and inguinal exploration in the management of unilateral nonpalpable undescended testes. METHODS: The results of 20 children with unilateral nonpalpable UDT managed by initial laparoscopy (group I) were compared with 20 age-matched children managed by inguinal exploration (group II). The location of testes and results of orchiopexy were compared in both groups. A single surgeon performed all the operative procedures. RESULTS: The majority of testes (16/20 group I, 17/20 group II) in both groups were canalicular or low abdominal. Vanishing testes accounted for one-third (13/40) of the testes, the majority (85%) of which were located in the inguinal canal. All children were discharged within 24 hours of the operation. The success of orchiopexy at 4-6 weeks post-operatively was 85% and 86% in the two groups respectively. Retrospectively, only 7/40 (18%) of the testes would benefit from laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Initial laparoscopic and inguinal approaches to nonpalpable UDT give comparable results. This report failed to demonstrate any specific advantage of initial laparoscopy in the majority of children with unilateral nonpalpable UDT.

Double facial and a lingual trace talon cusps: A case report.

Talon cusp is an uncommon odontogenic anomaly, presented as an accessory cusp like structure on the crown of an anterior tooth. Their presence may create diagnostic, esthetics, occlusal, pulpal and periodontal problems. This case report describes an unusual double facial talon cusp along with lingual trace talon on left maxillary central incisor.