Cololejeunea microscopica var. exigua (A. Evans) Pócs: new to Asia

Cololejeunea microscopica var. exigua (A. Evans) Pócs has been discovered from Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, South India, which is a new record for the country as well as for Asia showing extended distribution of the taxon from Europe, America and Africa to Asia

Macromitrium hymenostomum Mont.- A New record for South India

Macromitrium hymenostomum Mont., a pleurocarpous moss (Orthotrichaceae) has been collected from South India and described here. The taxon was earlier known from western Himalaya only. Present report provides extended distribution of the taxon from North to South India. The plants are characterized by pleurocarpous habit, yellowish-green to dark-brown, pinnately branched plants, closely arranged ovate-lanceolate leaves with single costa, unipapillose leaf cells and disintegrated peristome.

Pattern of quantitative inheritance of yield and component traits in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.)

Generation mean analysis of cross NB-5x58/1 and its reciprocal cross was carried out to understand the nature of gene action in opium poppy. The significance of A, B, C and D scaling tests indicated presence of non-allelic interaction in the inheritance of traits except capsule size and husk yield/plant for reciprocal cross. Additive as well as dominance components of gene action were found in both the crosses. Most of the traits had greater non fixable dominance ‘h’ and dominance x dominance effects ‘l’ than fixable additive (d) and additive x additive effects (i) except leaves/plant, branches/plant, capsules/plant, stem diameter, capsule weight/plant, husk yield/plant, opium yield/plant, codeine and narcotine content which showed greater importance of additive (d) and additive x additive effects (i) effects. Inter-mating of the best parents, diallel selective mating or biparental mating in early segregating generations followed by recurrent selections were suggested for genetic improvement of opium poppy

Moss Flora of Palni Hills (Tamil Nadu), India- A Checklist

The current investigations provide the current status of mosses of Palni hills. The occurrence of 54 taxa of mosses has been recorded in Kodaikanal and neighbouring areas. Of which 12 taxa are new to the Palni hills which indicates the potential of this region in nourishing the bryo-diversit

Evaluation of efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus propofol for sedation in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging

Background: A deep level of sedation is required for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children to ensure optimum image quality. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine versus propofol for sedation in children undergoing MRI. Materials and Methods: A total of sixty children aged 2–10 years, having physical status 1 or 2 according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, undergoing MRI were included in the study. Group D: (n = 30) received injection dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg for 10 min followed by continuous infusion of 1.0 μg/kg/h. Group P (n = 30) received injection propofol 1 mg/kg bolus followed by continuous infusion of 100 μg/kg/min. Results: The mean time for onset of sedation in Group D was much longer than in Group P (P = 0.000). Mean duration of sedation was comparable in the two groups. The number of patients requiring increased infusion of study drug was significantly higher in Group D (30%) as compared to Group P (16.7%) (P < 0.05). The average recovery time in Group D was much longer than in Group P (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Propofol had an advantage of providing rapid onset of sedation and quicker recovery time. Dexmedetomidine resulted in a better preservation of respiratory rate and oxygen saturation, so it may be more suitable in children who are prone to respiratory depression. Hence, both the drugs could achieve required sedation in children posted for MRI

Effect of antibacterial intracanal medicaments mixed with different vehicle used in inter-appointment flare-up patients: An in vivo study

Background: Post-operative pain is a common finding after endodontic treatment, its incidence ranges from 3% to 58%. It may be due to microbial, mechanical or chemical injury to the periapical tissues. Calcium hydroxide has been recommended for use as an intracanal medicament based on its antibacterial, antiresorptive and tissue dissolving properties. The use of chlorhexidine gluconate as an intracanal medicament has been suggested either in the form of 2% gel or solution placed in a sustained release device or active points. Aim of the study: To evaluate and compare the effect of antibacterial intracanal medicaments mixed with different vehicle and used in inter-appointment flare-up patients. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontic of the dental institute. This study was conducted on 45 permanent single-rooted mandibular premolars with acute apical periodontitis. Results: It is evident that the preoperative pain in Group 1, 2 and 3 patients was 3.56, 3.88 and 3.41 respectively. The post-operative pain for Group 1, 2 and 3 patients decreased significantly from 6 to 48 hours. However, on comparing the pain intensity for Group 1, 2 and 3, results were non-significant.&nbsp