Physiological response and productivity of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) to iron fertilization in typic Ustifluvents soil

Aerobic rice is projected as a sustainable rice production technology for the immediate future to address water scarcity and environmental safety. Micronutrient deficiency, particularly iron is one of the main factors responsible for low productivity in aerobic rice. With this perspective, a field experiment was conducted at farmer’s field in 2022 at  Kuttalam,  Mayladuthurai district,  Tamilnadu, in sandy clay loam (Padugai Series – Typic Ustifluvents) to predict the response of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa) to iron nutrition. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with eleven treatments (Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) NPK only (control)(T1),  (RDF) + FeSO4  @ 25 kg ha-1 (SA) (T2),  RDF + FeSO4  37.5 kg ha-1 (SA)(T3),RDF+ FeSO4  @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA)(T4),  RDF+ FeSO4  @ 25 kg ha-1 (SA) + FeSO4 @ 1% (FS)(T5), RDF+ FeSO4  37.5 kg ha-1 (SA) + FeSO4 @ 1% (FS)(T6) , RDF+ FeSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA) + FeSO4 @ 1% (FS)(T7), RDF+ FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1(SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS)(T8), RDF+ FeSO4 37.5 kg  ha-1 (SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS)(T9), RDF+ FeSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS) (T10) and RDF + Seed priming 0.05M Fe-EDTA(T11)) and replicated thrice.  The results revealed that application of  FeSO4 @ 50 kg ha-1 (SA) + Fe-EDTA @ 0.5% (FS) with RDF recorded the highest growth and yield parameters and the highest grain (3438 kg ha-1) and straw yield (5078 kg ha-1) compared to other treatments including control. This study concluded that iron fertilization through the soil and foliar application could enhance aerobic rice productivity

Symmetry of computerised tomography of the brain in traumatic brain injury: a quality improvement audit

Abstract Background Non-contrast Computerised Tomography (NCCT) of brain is the gold standard investigation for diagnosis and management of Traumatic brain injury (TBI). Asymmetrical CT brain images as a result of improper head positioning in the CT gantry will compromise the diagnostic value. Therefore, this audit aimed to assess the degree of asymmetry in CT brain studies carried out in TBI patients. Methods This audit was carried out at a level one trauma centre and included CT scans of TBI patients with a Glasgow come scale (GCS) score ≤ 13, admitted to the Neurological intensive care unit (NICU). The first cycle involved a period of three months. The data collected included demographic data and variables such as GCS at the time of the scan and whether the patient was intubated or not. The visualisation of bilateral internal auditory meatuses was used as landmark to determine scan symmetry. If the internal auditory meatus on both sides were visible on the same slice of CT scan, it was considered symmetric. The degree of asymmetry was gauged based on the axial slice difference between bilateral meatuses. The data collected was tabulated and presented to Neurosurgery residents and a checklist was formulated which had to be followed while positioning the patient on CT table prior to imaging. Results The first cycle of the audit showed that 83.8% of scans were asymmetric and among them 44.1% revealed gross asymmetry affecting interpretation of the scan. Following, implementation of the checklist the percentage of gross asymmetry dropped to 21.86% in the second and to 22.22% in the third audit. Conclusion The use of checklist prior to CT brain studies showed sustainable improvement in reducing gross asymmetry and in acquisition of symmetrical CT brain images

Adherence to Head-of-Bed Elevation in Traumatic Brain Injury: An Audit

Background An important factor affecting the outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the early management of raised intracranial pressure (ICP). Head-of-bed elevation (HBE) is a simple and effective method to reduce ICP and prevent aspiration in head injury. Methods This audit was carried out in a level one trauma center. All adult TBI patients were included in the study except patients who had relative contraindication to HBE, managed in prone or Trendelenburg position or who were able to be seated themselves. Patients were observed twice daily, to check adherence to HBE. Adequate HBE angle was referred as an angle of 20 to 30 degrees. A digital protractor was used to measure the head-end angle. Following the first audit cycle, after discussion with nursing staff, a bedside checklist was formulated and two postintervention audit cycles were carried out. Results The first cycle showed that 40.35% of patients had inadequate HBE. Following implementation of the checklist, this percentage dropped to 11.27 and 7.5% in the second and third cycles, respectively. Agitation (p-value = 0.038) and Glasgow coma scale at admission (p-value = 0.028) were found to be confounders for adherence to HBE. Conclusion Agitation among mild and moderate TBI patients contributed to noncompliance for HBE. There was an increasing trend in adherence to maintaining adequate HBE following the use of a bedside checklist. Sustainability of improvement was confirmed with third audit cycle