Energy and carbon budgeting of traditional land use change with groundnut based cropping system for environmental quality, resilient soil health and farmers income in eastern Indian Himalayas.

Energy intensive traditional cereals based monoculture often lead to high greenhouse gas emissions and degradation of land and environmental quality. Present study aimed at evaluating the energy and carbon budget of diversified groundnut (Arachis hypogea L) based cropping system with over existing traditional practice towards the development of a sustainable production technology through restoration of soil and environmental quality and enhancement of farming resiliency by stabilizing farmers' income. The trials comprised of three introduced groundnut based systems viz. groundnut- pea (Pisum sativum), groundnut-lentil (Lens esculenta) and groundnut-toria (Brasssica campestris var. Toria) replacing three existing systems viz. maize (Zea mays L) - fallow, maize - toria, and rice (Oryza sativa L)-fallow systems. Four years study revealed that adoption of groundnut based systems reduced non-renewable energy input use (fertilizers, chemical, machinery and fossil fuels) by 25.5%, consequently that reduced the cost of production. Repeated analysis of variance measurement also affirmed that groundnut based systems (groundnut-pea>groundnut-lentil> groundnut-toria) increased the energy use efficiency, energy productivity, carbon use efficiency, net returns and decreased the specific energy and energy intensiveness. Groundnut based systems increased the mean system productivity and water productivity in terms of groundnut equivalent yield by 3.7 and 3.1 folds over existing practice. The savings of fossil fuel reduced greenhouse gas emissions owing to reduced use of farm machinery and synthetic fertilizers. Groundnut based systems significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the soil carbon concentration (8.7-18.1%) and enzymatic activities (27.1-51.8%) over existing practice. Consequently, estimated soil quality index values were 35.9-77.3% higher under groundnut based systems than existing practice. Thus, the study indicated the resilient nature of groundnut based systems as an environmentally safe and sustainable production technology for enhancing resource use efficiency, reduce carbon emission, energy intensiveness and cost of production in the Eastern Himalaya region of India and similar ecosystems.

Harmonia sedecimnotata (F.): Predatory potential, biology, life table, molecular characterization, and field evaluation against Aphis gossypii Glover.

The ladybird beetle, Harmonia sedecimnotata (F.) was studied in biology, life table, consumption rates, molecular characterization, and field evaluation. The net reproductive rate (R0), based on the age-stage and two-sex life table, was 43.2 eggs/individual. The female adults lived longer (68.1 d) than the male adults (62.9 d). The rate of consumption increased with progress in each stage of development. Compared to the other larval stages of the predator, the fourth stadium consumed most quantities of Aphis gossypii Glover nymphs (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (200.4). Both female (2214.6) and male (1792.4) consumed more prey (nymphs) than larvae. The net rate of consumption was 1458.92 nymphs of melon aphids. There was no variation in the sequences of the two nucleotides out of 583 bp, H sedecimnotata China (EU392410) and India (MG720024). Our investigations demonstrated that inoculative release of 30 or 40 or 50 adults per 100 m2 attained high reduction of aphids (>90%). Thus, it may be recommended the release rate of 40 adults per 100 m2 to suppress the eggplant aphid population. H. sedecimnotata is therefore one of the most promising biological control agents for cotton aphids that can be achieved for instant control through an inoculative release of adults.

Relationship between severe early childhood caries and body mass index.

AIM: This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) and Body Mass Index (BMI) in the absence of any underlying medical condition for the school going (3 to 6 years old) children of Mathura city, India. METHOD: One hundred caries free children (50 boys and 50 girls) and one hundred children (50 boys and 50 girls) affected with S-ECC in the age range of 3-6 years without any contributing medical history were included in the study. Measurements of the weight (kg) and height (m) were done using a standard balanced beam scale and stadiometer. The BMI (kg/m2) was determined and the body weight status was evaluated using CDC based classification for each child. Independent t-test was used to evaluate whether the weight, height and BMI of S-ECC children is significantly different from caries free children. RESULT: Although the weight of the S-ECC children is more when compared to the normal children, the difference is not statistically significant. However, the mean BMI of S-ECC children is more when compared to the caries free children which was found to be statistically significant at p < 0.05. The body weight status of the Normal and S-ECC affected children based on the CDC classification revealed that 48% have been classified in underweight category and 43% in normal weight category and very few children are found to be at risk of overweight and overweight. CONCLUSIONS: A positive correlation between the BMI and S-ECC was observed in this study. 51% of caries free children and 45% of S-ECC children were classified in underweight category based on CDC classification.

Multielemental analyses of isomorphous Indian garnet gemstones by XRD and external pixe techniques.

Garnet gemstones were collected from parts of Eastern Ghats geological formations of Andhra Pradesh, India and their gemological studies were carried out. Their study of chemistry is not possible as they represent mixtures of isomorphism nature, and none of the individual specimens indicate independent chemistry. Hence, non-destructive instrumental methodology of external PIXE technique was employed to understand their chemistry and identity. A 3 MeV proton beam was employed to excite the samples. In the present study geochemical characteristics of garnet gemstones were studied by proton induced X-ray emission. Almandine variety of garnet is found to be abundant in the present study by means of their chemical contents. The crystal structure and the lattice parameters were estimated using X-Ray Diffraction studies. The trace and minor elements are estimated using PIXE technique and major compositional elements are confirmed by XRD studies. The technique is found very useful in characterizing the garnet gemstones. The present work, thus establishes usefulness and versatility of the PIXE technique with external beam for research in Geo-scientific methodology.

Post-surgical dentofacial deformities and dental treatment needs in cleft-lip-palate children: a clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Cleft lip and palate is a common congenital defect. It is one of the most common facial deformities occurring in major racial and ethnic groups. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to record the post-surgical dentofacial deformities in operated cleft lip and palate children, as well as to assess the multitude and magnitude of their dental and other related problems so as to formulate an appropriate treatment plan for complete oral rehabilitation of these children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present in vivo study was conducted on 50 operated cleft lip and palate children (23 males and 27 females) ranging from 3 to 14 years of age in an attempt to evaluate the post-surgical dentofacial abnormalities in these children. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that the distribution of cleft deformity is shown out of 23 male children, 11 children with unilateral cleft lip, 9 children with bilateral cleft lip palate, and remaining 3 children were with cleft palate. Out of 27 female children, 19 children with unilateral cleft lip palate, 3 children with bilateral cleft lip palate, and 5 children with cleft palate. This study showed a wide range of surgical, dental, and functional problems in all operated cleft lip and palate patients. Hence, the study concluded that the effect of timing of the cleft repair on the overall development of facio skeletal-dental structures showed insignificant differences among the various operated cleft-lip-palate children.

Enamel deproteinization before acid etching and its effect on the shear bond strength--an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess the effect of enamel deproteinization with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) before phosphoric acid (H3PO4) etching on the shear bond strength ofAdperTM Single Bond 2 adhesive and Filtek Z-350 XT composite resin. STUDY DESIGN: Forty human sound permanent molars which were extracted for periodontal reasons were used in the experimental protocol as under: Group-A (20 teeth):-A 5X4 mm window of the enamel surface was etched with 37% H3PO4 gel for 15 seconds, washed with distilled water and air dried. A single coat of Adper Single Bond 2 adhesive was applied and photo polymerized for 20 seconds and Filtek Z-350 XT composite resin block of length 5 mm, width 4 mm and height 5mm respectively was built and photo polymerized in increments for 20 seconds each. Group-B (20 teeth):--Similarly the enamel surface was treated with 5.25% NaOCl for 60 seconds, washed with distilled water and then etched with 37% H3PO4 gel for 15 seconds, washed with distilled water and air dried. A single coat of Adper Single Bond 2 adhesive was applied and photo polymerized for 20 seconds and Filtek Z-350 XT composite resin block of length 5 mm, width 4 mm and height 5 mm respectively was built and photo polymerized in increments for 20 seconds each. The shear bond strength of all the samples were measured (in MPa) on Instron Mechanical Testing Machine. RESULTS: The mean shear bond strength value for Group-A was 13.51 +/- 5.726 MPa and for Group-B being 15.06 +/- 6.220 MPa. No statistically significant difference in the shear bond strengths was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: No significant effect of sodium hypochlorite enamel deproteinization on the shear bond strength of Adper Single Bond 2 adhesive and Filtek Z-350 XT composite resin before acid etching was observed in this study.

Decreasing cariogenic bacteria with a natural, alternative prevention therapy utilizing phytochemistry (plant extracts).

The association between the oral microbiota and oral diseases is well established. Various antimicrobial agents including antibiotics are commercially available against oral pathogenic bacteria. For the reasons of antibiotic resistance, their adverse effects and financial considerations in the developing countries, there is a need for alternate preventive and curative treatment options that are also safe, effective and economical. Traditional medicines have been used since ancient times for the treatment of oral diseases including dental caries, periodontal diseases that affect the majority of the population and can affect a person's overall health. Natural phytochemicals are certain organic components isolated from plants and some of these extracts are considered to be beneficial to health. They serve as antioxidants, enhance immune response, provide protection against oral cancer and other diseases and also repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposure, and detoxify carcinogens. The natural products derived from medicinal plants have proven to be an abundant source of biologically active compounds, many of which have been the basis for the development of new lead chemicals for pharmaceuticals. They are considered to be good alternatives to synthetic chemicals. This article presents a review of natural alternatives derived from plants and plant products that can serve as a prevention and treatment option against cariogenic bacteria.

Post-traumatic epidermoid inclusion cyst in the chin region.

Epidermoid cysts of traumatic origin are found mainly on palms, fingers and soles. They are believed to originate through implantation of epithelium by either surgical or accidental trauma into deeper mesenchymal tissue. A case of traumatic epidermoid inclusion cyst of the chin region is described.

Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with oral mucosal lesions--a case report.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease, principally affecting women during child bearing years and is characterized by the presence of auto antibodies against a variety of auto antigens such as double-stranded DNA, intracellular ribonuclear proteins and membrane phospholipids. The presentation of lupus erythematosus ranges from a skin rash unaccompanied by extracutaneous stigmata to a rapidly progressive lethal multiorgan disease. A wide spectrum of oral mucosal lesions is found in the cutaneous and systemic forms of lupus erythematosus. We report a 11-year-old female child with classical features of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus associated with oral mucosal lesions.

Dental considerations in the management of children suffering from sickle cell disease: a case report.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetically derived disorder characterized by the presence of an abnormal hemoglobin molecule, designated as hemoglobin S (HbS). It is one of the most common genetic disorder worldwide, with an estimated 70 million people carrying the sickle gene. This article describes the dental considerations in managing a 6-year-old child suffering from SCD (SS type).

Evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of various root canal filling materials used in primary teeth: a microbiological study.

The primary goal of endodontic treatment in primary teeth is to eliminate infection, and to retain the tooth in a functional state until their nornal exfoliation time without endangering the permanent dentition or the general health of the child. The complexity of the pulp canal system in primary teeth presents a discerning problem for chemo-mechanical preparation. One of the factors determining the success of endodontic treatment in infected primary teeth is the sealing material that should encompass among other factors a potent bactericidal effect and the capacity to resorb along with the roots of primary teeth. This study evaluated the antimicrobial effectiveness of 5 root canal filing materials and a negative control agent against 23 strains of bacteria isolated from infected root canals of primary molar teeth and 3 non standard bacterial strains using agar diffusion assay. The materials were Zinc oxide and Eugenol (ZOE), Zinc oxide-Eugenol and Formocresol (ZOE+FC), Calcium hydroxide and sterile water (CAOH+H2O), Zinc oxide and Camphorated phenol (ZO+CP), Calcium hydroxide and Iodoform (Metapex) and Vaseline (Control). All the materials except Vaseline showed varied antimicrobial activity against the test bacteria. The zones of inhibition were ranked into 4 inhibition categories based on the proportional distribution of the data. All the 26 bacterial isolates were classified under 4 groups based on Aerobic/Anaerobic and Gram positive/Gram negative. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the antimicrobial effectiveness between materials tested with each of the bacterial groupings. ZOE+FC produced strong inhibtion against most bacteria when compared to ZOE, ZO+CP and CAOH+H2O. Metapex and Vaseline were found to be non inhibitory

Radicular cyst associated with a deciduous molar: A case report with unusual clinical presentation.

This article presents case report of a patient with radicular cyst associated with a primary molar with an unusual clinical presentation. The management comprised of enucleation of the cystic sac under general anesthesia.

Lack of relationship between sorghum consumption, mycotoxin contamination and pellagra in a traditionally sorghum eating population.

Traditionally, the disease pellagra has been associated with corn consumption and niacin deficiency, and has presently been recognised as a multiple factor nutritional syndrome. In the recent past, it has been suggested that consumption of mycotoxin contaminated sorghum/corn may be involved in the development of pellagra in a sorghum/corn eating population. The present study relates to the assessment of levels of mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1 and T-2 toxin) in sorghum collected from a traditionally sorghum eating population. Despite 25% fungal contamination in the sorghum samples collected, the levels of mycotoxins were minimal (1.4%) and there was no incidence of pellagra in the survey area. The absence of pellagra in the survey areas may be attributed to the changing dietary pattern.

Minicolumn chromatography for the detection of sterigmatocystin in agricultural commodities.

A simple method for detecting sterigmatocystin in agricultural commodities by minicolumn chromatography was developed. Clean-up as well as semi-quantitative estimation could be done on the same column. The method is suitable for the analysis of samples of rice, wheat, maize and sorghum contaminated with sterigmatocystin and could be used as an effective preliminary screening technique in public health laboratories.

Production of deoxynivalenol by Fusarium isolates from samples of wheat associated with a human mycotoxicosis outbreak and from sorghum cultivars.

Fusarium isolates from specific diseased sorghum plants and rain-soaked wheat and wheat flour associated with human mycotoxicosis in India have been screened for their toxigenic potential. Of the 322 isolates screened, 11 isolates were found to produce deoxynivalenol in concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 186 micrograms g-1. The occurrence of deoxynivalenol-producing fusaria in a nontemperate region and deoxynivalenol production in low concentrations by Fusarium moniliforme are reported for the first time.

Outbreak of trichothecene mycotoxicosis associated with consumption of mould-damaged wheat production in Kashmir Valley, India.

During June to September, 1987, there were reports that a considerable segment of the population of Kashmir Valley, India, were affected by a gastrointestinal disorder. Epidemiological investigations and laboratory based studies indicated that the outbreak was associated with the consumption of bread made from mould-damaged wheat. The disease was not age or sex specific. Evidence of mould damage of wheat consisted of the presence of moulds (such as Fusarium sp, Aspergillus sp), and varying quantities of trichothecene mycotoxins (such as deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, acetyldeoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin) in samples tested. The symptoms were reproduced in dogs fed extracts of contaminated samples. The finding that trichothecene mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol trichothecene, cause symptoms in man emphasizes the need for a reappraisal of its safety limits in food.

Synovial chondromatosis of the shoulder.

Articular synovial chondromatosis is a rare disease commonly affecting the knee, hip or elbow, and characterized by the formation of metaplastic cartilaginous foci in the synovium. A case of cynovial chondromatosis affecting the shoulder joint is now reported because of the extreme rarity of the disease in this situation.