Assessment of soil microbial diversity and soil enzyme activities under inorganic input sources on maize and rice ecosystems.

Background: To increase crop productivity, modern agricultural practices comprises fertilizers, algaecides, herbicides and fungicides. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil microbial population and soil enzyme activity by the use of fertilizer in maize and inorganic input in the rice ecosystem. Methods: A field experiment (2021 to 2023) was carried out using synthetic fertilizer doses with maize crops followed by rice crops using inorganic inputs. Soil microbial population and enzyme activities were examined. Results: Maize field experiment revealed that the plots treated with 75 % Standardized Dose of Fertilizer (SDF) of NPK had the highest populations of diazotrophs (124 × 105cfu / g), Phosphobacteria (66.33 × 105cfu / g), and Azospirillum (0.409 × 105 MPN / g) than 100 % and 150 % SDF of NPK. The soil enzyme activity was higher in the unfertilized control plot than fertilized plot. These experimental results revealed that a low amount of fertilizer and no fertilizers favour the growth of soil microorganisms and soil enzyme activities, respectively. Followed by the rice field experiment, revealed that the soil microbial population was decreased by the application of inorganic inputs viz., fertilizer, algaecide, herbicide and fungicide. However, the maximum soil microbial population was found in algaecide application followed by herbicide and fungicide. Conclusion: The field experiment concluded that soil microbial population and enzyme activity were affected by inorganic amendments. Less inorganic fertilizers and no fertilizers improve soil microbial activities and soil enzyme activities.

Clinical evaluation of instrumentation time and quality of obturation using paediatric hand and rotary file systems with conventional hand K-files for pulpectomy in primary mandibular molars: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The present study aims to comparatively evaluate the instrumentation time and obturation quality using paediatric manual (Kedo-SH) and rotary (Kedo-S and Kedo-SG Blue) with conventional manual (Hand K-files) instrumentation technique for pulpectomy in primary mandibular molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was designed, recruiting participants with pulpally involved primary mandibular molars requiring pulpectomy in the age group of 6-9 years old. Sixty primary mandibular molars were randomly allocated to either of the four intervention groups: Group I: 15 teeth were instrumented using hand K-files (control group); Group II: 15 teeth were instrumented with paediatric rotary files (Kedo-S); Group III: 15 teeth were instrumented with paediatric hand files Kedo-SH (experimental group) and Group IV: 15 teeth were instrumented with paediatric rotary file system Kedo-SG Blue. Instrumentation time was recorded during root canal preparation and post-operative quality of obturation in each group was also assessed. Extracted data was subjected to statistical analysis using Chi-square, One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: Mean instrumentation time was significantly reduced for Kedo-SG Blue (2.7840 ± 0.34217) min-s followed by Kedo-S (3.4827 ± 0.48657), Kedo-SH (5.8800 ± 0.48345) min-s and hand K-files (6.2167 ± 0.30978) min-s (p = 0.0005). A statistically significant difference was found in the obturation quality (p = 0.001) between the four groups with higher percentage of optimal fillings observed with rotary Kedo-SG Blue (80%) followed by Kedo-SH (46.7%); Kedo-S (40.0%) and hand K-files (20%). CONCLUSIONS: On comparative evaluation, a marked reduction in instrumentation time and superior quality of obturation was found with rotary Kedo-SG Blue file system followed by Kedo-SH, Kedo-S and hand K-files.

Survival rate of different fixed posterior space maintainers used in Paediatric Dentistry - A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Space Maintainers have long been used for the management of space loss in primary and mixed dentition, but there is a need to have an evidence based approach when selecting the most appropriate space maintainer for space management in children. This systematic review aimed to assess the survival rate of space maintainers in children. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted until October 2017 using PubMed, Scopus, and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases to identify peer- reviewed papers published in English. Search keywords and MeSH headings include "primary dentition" and "Fixed Space maintainers". The inclusion criteria were clinical studies conducted in children less than 12 years of age, who required unilateral or bilateral fixed space maintainer. Retrieved papers were evaluated by four reviewers independently to assess suitability for inclusion in the systematic review and the final decision was made by consensus. Qualities of the included studies were assessed using Quality of Reporting of Observational Longitudinal Research by Oxford Academics and data were extracted for analysis. RESULTS: The search identified a total of 39 papers for screening after removal of duplicate articles. Among the retrieved studies, 23 papers did not satisfy the study inclusion criteria. Consequently, 16 full text articles were retrieved and reviewed. Finally, those 11 papers which fulfilled all the inclusion criteria were selected and reviewed systematically. Most of the clinical trials were assessed as having moderate and low risk of bias. CONCLUSION: There is a wide variation in the survival rate of metal based and resin based space maintainers and also within the metal based space maintainers. There is an inadequate evidence to recommend one best fixed space maintainer due to lack of properly designed studies. Hence, clinical trial comparing different types of metal based space maintainer and resin based space maintainer with longer duration of follow-up must be performed to evaluate its survival rate.

Comparison of post-operative pain after root canal instrumentation with hand K-files, H-files and rotary Kedo-S files in primary teeth: a randomised clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the post-operative pain after root canal instrumentation with hand K-files, H-files and rotary Kedo-S in primary teeth. METHOD: All 4-6-year-old children were invited and 69 agreed to participate. The participants were randomly divided and distributed for instrumentation with K-file (Group 1), H-file (Group 2) and rotary Kedo-S files (Group 3). After completion of root canal procedure, the post-operative pain was evaluated at intervals of 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h using modified Wong-Baker pain scale and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Post-operative pain between three groups at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h was compared using Chi square test. There was decreased post-operative pain with Kedo-S rotary files as compared to other two groups (P value < 0.001). The post-operative pain decreased after 12 h for all the groups with no pain at 24, 48 and 72 h intervals. CONCLUSION: Paediatric rotary files Kedo-S showed significantly less post-operative pain as compared to K-file and H-file at 6 h and 12 h intervals. However, follow-up interval of 24, 48 and 72 h showed no significant difference between the rotary and hand file groups.

Comparative Evaluation of Extrusion of Apical Debris in Primary Anterior Teeth using Two Different Rotary Systems and Hand Files: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: The success of endodontic treatment depends on the chemomechanical preparation of the tooth. However, the debris produced during canal preparation may extrude through the apical foramen causing postoperative complications. AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the apical debris extrusion during root canal preparation in primary anterior teeth using hand files, rotary ProTaper files, and rotary Kedo-S files. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five freshly extracted primary canine with mature apices and a single canal were randomly divided into three groups for instrumentation as follows (n = 15): Group 1: hand files; Group 2: rotary ProTaper files; and Group 3: rotary Kedo-S files. Myers and Montgomery experimental model was used for this study. Apically extruded debris collected in a preweighed Eppendorf tubes was placed in the incubator at 70°C for 5 days. The weight of the debris collected was determined by subtracting the pre- and post-instrumentation weight of the Eppendorf tubes. The data collected were analyzed using the analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc tests. RESULTS: Hand files produced more apical debris extrusion than ProTaper and Kedo-S files (P < 0.05) while Kedo-S produced the least (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: All instrumentation systems cause apical debris extrusion. Kedo-S produced less apical debris extrusion when compared to the hand files and ProTaper files.

Comparison of quality of obturation and post-operative pain using manual vs rotary files in primary teeth - A randomised clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Cleaning and shaping plays a very important role in success of root canal procedures. There are various instrumentation techniques available for root canal preparation. Recently, an exclusive rotary file for root canal preparation of primary teeth has been introduced. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this in vivo study was to compare the quality of obturation and intensity, and duration of post-operative pain between two rotary file systems with manual files during the pulpectomy of primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty five primary mandibular molars were included in this study, which was randomly allocated into one of the three experimental groups (n = 15). Group A: Instrumentation was done using Hand K-file; Group B: Instrumentation was done using Kedo-S rotary file system; and Group C: Instrumentation was done using K3 rotary file system. The quality of obturation was recorded as optimal, underfilled, or overfilled using standardized intraoral periapical radiographs. This study also evaluated the intensity and duration of postoperative pain at different time intervals: 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours following the pulpectomy. RESULTS: With respect to quality of obturation, less underfilling was noticed in Kedo-S rotary files (16.7%) followed by using K3 rotary files (33.3%) and hand K files (43.3%). Kedo-S file showed the least underfilled canals (16.7%) and comparatively more overfilled canals (26.6%) and it was statistically significant (P value of 0.001 and 0.002 respectively). On comparing the intensity and duration of postoperative pain among the three groups, there was no statistically significant difference between these groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Kedo-S pediatric rotary file system shows considerably better quality of obturation when compared to that of K3 rotary and hand K file systems without much of any significant difference in relevance to the post-operative pain.

ABO blood grouping: A potential risk factor for early childhood caries - A cross-sectional study.

AIM: The paradigm of etiology of early childhood caries (ECC) is shifting toward genetics. Of various inherited factors, blood group of an individual is genetically determined. The aim of the study is to determine if blood group of an individual will serve as a potential risk factor in the development of ECC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Chennai. Blood samples were collected from a total of 500 children <71 months of age for determination of the blood group. Of which 96 children (24 per blood group) were randomly selected and were included in the study. Oral screening of the selected children was done by a pediatric dentist who was blinded to the blood group of the children. Decayed, extracted, and filling index was noted. Details on other associated factors for the development of ECC such as the socioeconomic status, oral hygiene measures, diet, and feeding practices were collected by directly interviewing the parents through a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc Tukey test with significance level set at 0.05. RESULTS: Intergroup analysis of the associated factors showed no significant differences between the children of different blood groups. A statistically significant relation was noted between the blood groups and development of ECC (P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Blood group is a potential risk indicator for the development of ECC.

Evaluation of occlusal groove morphology of primary mandibular second molar in an Indian population.

BACKGROUND: The study of morphology of dentition can provide information on the phylogenetic relationship between species and diversities among population. There is a difference in opinions regarding influence of ethnicity on dental morphology. Using quantitative methods, few studies have shown the associations between these dental features and crown traits in humans. The present study is to find the correlation between the occlusal morphology and forensic anthropological research. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of different types of primary mandibular second molars in South Indian which can be used in forensic anthropological research. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted among 276 children in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. Screening for the number of cusps and groove patterns of primary mandibular second molars was done by direct intraoral examination. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: It was done with the help of IBM. SPSS statistics software 23.0 version. To find the significance in categorical data, Chi-square test was used. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Primary mandibular second molars with 5 cusps were observed in 96.4% of population, 4 cusps in 1.8%, and 6 cusps in 1.8% which were noted in the study. Mandibular second molars with "+" groove pattern in 33% of population and "Y" groove pattern in 67% of population were recorded. 5Y pattern was the most frequently observed occlusal pattern in these population, which is a primitive type of occlusal groove pattern. CONCLUSION: The study of dental morphology and odontometry is important in the field of forensic and anthropological research. It helps to understand the phylogenetic relationships among species and also to study the diversities within a population. This study revealed a primitive type of occlusal morphology in the population studied.

Comparison of quality of obturation and instrumentation time using hand files and two rotary file systems in primary molars: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: In permanent dentition, different rotary systems are used for canal cleaning and shaping. Rotary instrumentation in pediatric dentistry is an emerging concept. A very few studies have compared the efficiency of rotary instrumentation for canal preparation in primary teeth. Hence, this study was performed to compare the obturation quality and instrumentation time of two rotary files systems - Protaper, Mtwo with hand files in primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five primary mandibular molars were randomly allotted to one of the three groups. Instrumentation was done using K-files in Group 1; Protaper in Group 2; and Mtwo in Group 3. Instrumentation time was recorded. The canal filling quality was assessed as underfill, optimal fill, and overfill. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square, ANOVA, and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the quality of obturation among three groups. Intergroup comparison of the instrumentation time showed a statistically significant difference between the three groups. CONCLUSION: The use of rotary instrumentation in primary teeth results in marked reduction in the instrumentation time and improves the quality of obturation.

Evaluation of knowledge among general dentists in treatment of traumatic injuries in primary teeth: A cross-sectional questionnaire study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to assess the knowledge of General dentist regarding the management of dental traumatic injuries of primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 general dentists were selected and a validated questionnaire was distributed among the dentist to assess their knowledge on treatment strategies regarding traumatized primary teeth. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were entered into SPSS version 20.0 for percentages. The correct answers were tested in relation to the dentists' years of experience using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Analyzing the questionnaire for knowledge, 49% of dentists answered accurately regarding avulsed primary teeth, 36% of dentists answered appropriately regarding crown and root fractures, and 55% of dentists gave appropriate answers regarding luxation injuries. Chi-square test showed a statistically significant difference only for 2 questions in relation to the dentist's years of experience (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a lack of consistency in the knowledge among general dentist regarding traumatic dental injuries of primary teeth. There is a need to create awareness and education regarding traumatic injuries of primary teeth.

Studies on defluoridation of water by tamarind seed, an unconventional biosorbent.

Tamarind seed, a household waste from the kitchen is used for the sorptive removal of fluoride from synthetic aqueous solution as well as from field water samples. Batch sorptive defluoridation was conducted under variable experimental conditions such as pH, agitation time, initial fluoride concentration, particle size and sorbent dose. Maximum defluoridation was achieved at pH 7.0. Defluoridation capacity decreases with increase in temperature and particle size. Further, defluoridation follows first order kinetics and Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Desorption was carried out with 0.1 N HCl and is 90 per cent. The surface and sorption characteristics were analysed using FTIR and SEM techniques. All these results indicate the involvement of energetic forces such as coulombic interaction in sorption. For domestic and industrial applications, defluoridation with 100% achievement and subsequent regeneration of adsorbent was performed with a household water filter and fixed bed column respectively.

Heterologous expression of proteins from Plasmodium falciparum: results from 1000 genes.

As part of a structural genomics initiative, 1000 open reading frames from Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of the most deadly form of malaria, were tested in an E. coli protein expression system. Three hundred and thirty-seven of these targets were observed to express, although typically the protein was insoluble. Sixty-three of the targets provided soluble protein in yields ranging from 0.9 to 406.6 mg from one liter of rich media. Higher molecular weight, greater protein disorder (segmental analysis, SEG), more basic isoelectric point (pI), and a lack of homology to E. coli proteins were all highly and independently correlated with difficulties in expression. Surprisingly, codon usage and the percentage of adenosines and thymidines (%AT) did not appear to play a significant role. Of those proteins which expressed, high pI and a hypothetical annotation were both strongly and independently correlated with insolubility. The overwhelmingly important role of pI in both expression and solubility appears to be a surprising and fundamental issue in the heterologous expression of P. falciparum proteins in E. coli. Twelve targets which did not express in E. coli from the native gene sequence were codon-optimized through whole gene synthesis, resulting in the (insoluble) expression of three of these proteins. Seventeen targets which were expressed insolubly in E. coli were moved into a baculovirus/Sf-21 system, resulting in the soluble expression of one protein at a high level and six others at a low level. A variety of factors conspire to make the heterologous expression of P. falciparum proteins challenging, and these observations lay the groundwork for a rational approach to prioritizing and, ultimately, eliminating these impediments.

Neglected child with substance abuse leading to child abuse: a case report.

Child abuse and neglect is any interaction or lack of interaction between a caregiver and a child resulting in nonaccidental harm to the child's physical and developmental state. Substance abuse is ingestion of any drug, which is capable of altering the mental functioning eventually leading to addiction. This paper presents a case report of a 12-year-old neglected girl with substance abuse for which she was physically abused by her mother.

Evidence for an involvement of nitric oxide and gamma aminobutyric acid in the anticonvulsant action of L-arginine on picrotoxin-induced convulsions in rats.

Five, 30, and 60 min pretreatment of 1000 mg/kg and not 500 mg/kg of L-arginine inhibited convulsions induced by picrotoxin. The concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) were increased in the brain 5, 30, and 60 min after administration of 1000 mg/kg and not 500 mg/kg of L-arginine. A much higher dose of L-arginine (2000 mg/kg), 30 min after administration, produced a lesser anticonvulsant and NO and GABA increasing actions as compared to that produced by 1000 mg/kg of L-arginine. The same dose of L-arginine, 60 min after administration, decreased the concentrations of both NO and GABA and increased the convulsion frequency of picrotoxin. An NO decreasing dose of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) decreased brain GABA concentration and increased the convulsant action of picrotoxin. Further, L-NAME pretreatment prevented L-arginine (1000 mg/kg) from producing anticonvulsant and NO and GABA increasing effects. An interpretation of these results suggests that NO synthesized from systemically administered L-arginine inhibits convulsions by increasing the concentration of GABA in the brain. However, the effects of L-arginine are reversible, if it is administered at a higher dose (2000 mg/kg) 60 min prior to the test. It is concluded that L-arginine produces anticonvulsant or proconvulsant action depending upon the dose and time of its administration-related changes in the concentrations of NO and GABA in the brain.

Evidence that nitric oxide production increases gamma-amino butyric acid permeability of blood-brain barrier.

Blood-brain barrier permeability (BBB) to the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) was studied in rats following intraperitoneal (i.p) injections of GABA alone and in combination with L-Arginine (L-Arg). Administration of GABA (600 mg/kg body weight [b. wt.]) alone increased brain GABA concentration (33%, p < 0.01), when compared to untreated rats and administration of L-Arg (2000 mg/kg b. wt.) alone also increased GABA concentration (65%, p < 0.01) in the brain. Moreover, GABA + L-Arg treated brains showed a fourfold increase in GABA level (383.3%, p < 0.01) when compared to controls. Dose-dependent increase in nitric oxide production was observed 10 min after i.p injections of L-Arg (400, 800, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg b. wt.) and a peak nitric oxide (NO) production was observed at the dose level of 2000 mg/kg b. wt. On the other hand, administration of GABA failed to increase NO production in the brain. Rats pretreated (10 min) with a nonspecific nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-Arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 50 mg/kg b. wt.) completely blocked the production of NO induced by L-Arg. In addition, L-NAME attenuated GABA entry into the brain after the administration of GABA alone or in combination with L-Arg. We conclude that high NO concentrations in the brain following L-Arg administration may increase the permeability of BBB to peripheral GABA.

Pharmacological evidence for a role of gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor mechanism in modulating nitric oxide synthase activity in rat brain.

The role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mechanism on the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) has been investigated by measuring the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and the concentration of NO in rat brain 15 min after administration of anticonvulsant doses of diazepam (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) which is known to activate GABA A receptor for its anticonvulsant action. Diazepam enhanced both NOS activity and the concentration of NO in a dose-dependent manner. A reversal has been observed in animals treated with a convulsant dose of picrotoxin (5 mg/kg) which is known to produce convulsions by blocking GABA A receptor mechanism. These results suggest that a functional interaction occurs between GABA A receptor activity and NO synthesis in the brain.

Observation of a sterically unfavorable side-chain conformation in a leucyl residue: crystal and molecular structure of L-leucyl-L-leucine.DMSO solvate.

The crystal structure of a dipeptide L-leucyl-L-leucine (C12H24N2O3) has been determined. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2(1), with a = 5.434(4) A, b = 15.712(7) A, c = 11.275(2) A, beta = 100.41(1) degrees, and Z = 2. The crystals contain one molecule of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as solvent of crystallization for each dipeptide molecule. The structure has been solved by direct methods and refined to a final R index of 0.059 for 920 reflections (sin theta/lambda < or = 0.60 A-1) with I > or = 2 sigma (I). The trans peptide unit shows substantial degree of non-planarity (delta omega = 14 degrees). The peptide backbone adopts an extended conformation with torsion angles of psi 1 = 138(1) degrees, omega 1 = 166(1) degrees, phi 2 = -149.3(7) degrees, psi 21 = 164.2(7) degrees, and psi 22 = -15(1) degrees. For the first leucyl residue, the side-chain conformation is specified by the torsion angles 1 chi 1 = 176.7(7) degrees, 1 chi 21 = 62(1) degrees, 1 chi 22 = -177.4(8) degrees; the second leucyl residue adopts a sterically unfavorable conformation with 2 chi 1 = 61(1) degrees, 2 chi 21 = 97(1) degrees, and 2 chi 22 = -151(1) degrees. The packing involves head-to-tail interaction of peptide molecules and segregation of polar and nonpolar regions. The DMSO molecule is strongly hydrogen bonded to the terminal NH3+ group.

Coexistence of folded and extended conformations of a tripeptide containing alpha, alpha -di-n-propylglycine in crystals.

The crystal structure of the tripeptide Boc-Leu-Dpg-Val-OMe (Dpg, alpha, alpha -di-n-propylglycine) reveals the coexistence of two distinct backbone conformations. In molecule A the Dpg residue adopts a fully extended conformation (phi = 76.0 degrees, psi = 180.0 degrees) while in molecule B a left handed helical conformation (phi = 62.8 degrees, psi = 39.6 degrees) is observed. Molecule B adopts a folded structure corresponding to a highly distorted Type II beta-turn conformation, which lacks an intramolecular 4 -> 1 hydrogen bond. In contrast, molecule A has an open, extended conformation. The results demonstrate that both fully extended and helical conformations are energetically accessible to the Dpg residue.