Combining ability and heterosis for grain yield, fodder yield and other agronomic traits in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Forty five hybrids derived from a diallel mating design of ten parents and one standard check PUSA CHARI-121 were evaluated for general and specific combining ability effects and standard heterosis for grain yield/plant, dry fodder yield/plant, days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, leaf breadth and 100- seed weight of Sorghum bicolor. The mean square due to general and specific combining ability was significan for Days to 50% flowering, Days to maturity, Plant height (cm),No of Leaves/plant, Leaf length (cm), Leaf width (cm), seed yield/plant (g), Fodder yield/plant (q/ha) and 100-seed weight (g) for all the characters. Both additive and non additive genetic effects were present in the material under study. However the ratio of ?2gca/ ?2sca suggested that the preponderance of non additive gene action in expression of all the characters under study. Out of the nine parents PUSA CHARI-121, PANT CHARI-4, MP CHARI, PANT CHARI-6 and PANT CHARI-5 identified as good general combiner for grain yield/plant, dry fodder yield/plant and other agronomical traits. The hybrid HC-136 x PANT CHARI-4 and PANT CHARI-4 x PUSA CHARI-121 for grain yield/plant and hybrid MP CHARI x PANT CHARI-6, PANT CHARI-5 x SPV 1616 and HC-136 x PANT CHARI-4 for dry fodder yield/plant exhibited higher magnitude of positive significant specific combining ability effect with highest standard heterosis and per se performance. These hybrids were also found suitable for two or three yield contributing traits. In general, close association between specific combining ability effects and standard heterosis was observed among the best hybrids identified on the basis of specific combining ability effects for grain and dry fodder yield

Feeding Obturator in a Newly Born Child with Cleft Lip and Palate - A Case Report

Purpose: To understand the importance of feeding plate in infants with cleft palate and/or lip.Method: A feeding obturator was fabricated in an infant with cleft palate along with cleft lip.Result: A feeding obturator was fabricated and the infant was able to drink milk without regurgitation.Conclusion: The feeding obturator fabricated by this method was successfully used by the infant and it ledto better nutrition status of the infant

RNA Interference Technology — Applications and Limitations

RNA interference (RNAi), an evolutionarily conserved mechanism triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), causes gene silencing in a sequence-specific manner. RNAi evolved naturally to mediate protection from both endogenous and exogenous pathogenic nucleic acids and to modulate gene expression. Multiple technological advancements and precision in gene targeting have allowed a plethora of potential applications, ranging from targeting infections in crop plants to improving health in human patients, which have been reviewed in this chapter

Collarless metal ceramic restorations to obscure the umbrella effect

Esthetics with porcelain fused to metal restoration in the anterior region can be adversely affected due to the inadequate teeth preparations and design of the prosthesis. We presented here a case report where esthetics was compromised due to darkening of the interdental papilla and marginal gingival and overcontoured restorations in relation to porcelain fused to metal restorations. Good esthetic results were obtained by using basic principles of tooth preparation and using collarless metal ceramic restorations

Stress pattern generated by different post and core material combinations: A photoelastic study

Objective: To analyze the effect of different combinations of post and core materials on stress distribution in dentin of an endodontically treated tooth. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental stress analysis study. Models were made in photoelastic material, i.e., epoxy resin. Different combinations of post and core materials used were: Glass fiber post with composite core, stainless steel post with composite core, and cast metal post and core. Stresses generated were frozen, models were sliced and viewed under circular polariscope, and photographs were taken. Stress was calculated by counting the number of fringes. Results: For the combination of glass fiber post with composite core, the shear stresses calculated were 1.196, 1.196, and 2.898 MPa in the apical, mid-root, and cervical region, respectively. For the combination of stainless steel post with composite core, the apical, mid-root and cervical stresses were 1.534, 0.511, and 2.557 MPa, respectively. For cast metal post and core, the apical, mid-root, and cervical stresses were 0.852, 0.511, and 1.534 MPa, respectively. Conclusion: The cervical region of the teeth is subjected to the highest stresses irrespective of the material used. The stainless steel post with the composite core generated the highest stress concentration in different regions. A glass fiber post generated a uniform stress distribution. A cast metal post and core combination generated lesser stress than the other combinations. The vast difference in the elastic modulus of the restorative materials can lead to nonuniform stress distribution and concentration of stresses in different areas which can have deleterious effect on the survival of already compromised teeth and restoration. Such combinations should be avoided and the material which has an elastic modulus close to that of dentin should be preferred