RESPONSE OF SUNFLOWER TO VARIOUS PRE-GERMINATION TECHNIQUES FOR BREAKING SEED DORMANCY

Abstract Seed dormancy is considered to be a serious constraint in sunflower seed production. Viable seeds sometimes do not germinate even in the presence of favorable environmental conditions. Such seeds are suspected to be dormant. The study was conducted under controlled/laboratory conditions during spring 2010 at National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad. The objective of the study was to evaluate some techniques to convert a seed from dormant to non-dormant germinable state. Dormant seeds of 21 sunflower hybrids were treated with three hot water treatments (100°/80°C) and four chemicals potassium nitrate, 0.2%, thiourea, 0.5%, ethanol, 25%, acetone, 25% for breaking seed dormancy .The untreated seed was taken as control. Soaking seeds in hot water (80°C) for 15 minutes followed by one day dry and seed treatment with acetone were found to be the most effective and successful techniques in converting the seed from dormant to nondormant state

Non-genetic factors in the craniofacial region contribute to the incidence of non-syndromic CLEFS

In addition to genetic and environmental influences, clefts have a complex origin. Many research has studies tried out to determine the genetic basis of the aetiology of clefts and the effect of maternal folic acid intake on the incidence of clefts in children and adults. In addition to genetics, there has been little research done on the environmental factors that contribute to clefts. Non-genetic variables related to the development of nonsyndromic clefts are the subject of the current investigation. Mother's folic acid intake during pregnancy, family history, parental age, socioeconomic position (including alcoholism and smoking), and parent's occupational exposure are among the variables examined in the research. 200 participants from the South Indian population were included in the study, 100 of whom had nonsyndromic clefts and 200 who were healthy controls. In a detailed questionnaire administered via direct interview, the information was gathered, and the information was analyzed using GraphPad Prism 9. The odds ratio (OR) for the independent variables was calculated using a logistic regression model, and the significance of the results was determined using a Chi-square test.The study group included 6 craniofacial clefts, 5 facial clefts and 64 cases of cleft lip and palate. Clefts occurred at a rate of 12 per cent in the craniofacial region and 26percent in the lip region. The case group (24.6%) had a lower maternal age than the control group (12%), with a p-value of 0.001. Paternal ages more significant than 40 years were detected in 8.0 per cent of cases and 0.5% of controls. However, parental medicine and smoking were shown to be insignificant in terms of pesticide exposure, whereas parental occupational exposure in terms of pesticide exposure was found to be significant.There should be no doubt about the importance of maternal folic acid and multivitamin consumption throughout the periconceptional stage for the prevention of mouth clefts. Clefts are more likely to occur in families where there is a history of clefts, and the risk is higher when clefts are present in the parents or siblings. Furthermore, maternal age greater than 35 years is revealed to be more significant than paternal age. The presence of consanguinity was associated with a fourfold increase in clefts. Apart from the family's financial position, the maternal diet is an important component since it is directly tied to folic acid and vitamin supplements

Angiographic analysis of morphometry pattern of human coronary arteries

Background: Coronary arteries play an important role in perfusion of the heart tissues. Variations or anomalies in coronary arteries may be asymptomatic while some can be symptomatic and even cause sudden death. Knowledge of coronary artery variations is important in diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Aim: To study the  angiographic analysis of morphometry pattern of human coronary arteries Materials and methods: We dissected and grossly examined a total of 78 human hearts to describe coronary artery variations in origin and course.  The study was carried out at Dr V.R.K Womens medical and Deccan College of Medical Sciences during the period from Jan 2018  to June 2019.Results and discussion: Diameter of LCA was 4.14 + 0.81, LAD was3.12 + 0.58, LCx was 2.28 + 0.48, and diameter of RCA was 3.10 + 0.38. Bifurcation of LCA was seen in 40 (80 %) males and 42 (84%) females. Trifurcation of LCA was seen in eight (16%) males and six (12%) females. two male (3.92 %) and two (3.92 %) females have quadrification of LCA. Length of LCA was significantly high in females (p < 0.00) and diameter was more in males (p < 0.01) when compared to females. However, there was no significant difference across gender in angle of division of LCA.Conclusion: Knowledge of the normal and variant anatomy of coronary arteries is indispensable and imperative both in diagnosis, treatment and implementation of interventional measure

Morphometry of The Orbital Region in Dry Skull and CT images

Introduction: The bony orbit is significant not only for anatomists, but also for ophthalmologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and forensic experts who study the human face. The purpose of this study was to determine how the orbital index varies with race, regions, within the same race, and different times in evolution. The present study's objectives are to offer the normal reference orbital parameters for the NorthIndian population, as well as to determine the normal reference orbital parameters. Materials and Method: Materials and Method: The experiment was carried out on thirty-eight dried skulls of different ages, genders, and races. Manual vernier calipers were used to measure the length and breadth of the orbital plane. The orbital index was determined by using the formula Length /Breadth x 100 to the length/breadth ratio. To avoid interobserver and intraobserver error, the parameters were measured independently by two individuals using specified protocols. Result: To analyze all of the data collected, descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and range were computed and used to summarize the findings statistically. There were no significant differences in maximum orbital length and breadth between the right and left sides, however, there were differences in maximum orbital length on the right side (33.7 1.8 mm) and 33. 8 2.1 mm on the left side (37. 22 09 mm). On the right and left sides, the maximum orbital length and breadth were determined to be 33.7 1.8 mm and 33. 8 2.1 mm, respectively, while the maximum orbital breadth was found to be 37. 4 2. 1 mm and 37. 22. 09 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The orbital index was determined based on the length and breadth of the orbital plane. which will be useful in plastic surgery, Ophthalmology, maxillary surgery, and reconstructive cosmetic surgery of the face all benefit from the use of orbital morphometry as a baseline measurement. A thorough understanding of anatomy and its variations will aid surgeons in avoiding surgical complications throughout the procedure as well as forensic research

Thoracic epidural anesthesia and interscalene block for a pneumonectomized patient posted for modified radical mastectomy

Thoracic epidural anesthesia with ipsilateral brachial plexus block is emerging as an alternative to general anesthesia for oncologic breast surgery.1. A 31 year old, pneumonectomised female with a past history of MDR TB was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma in left breast 2 months ago and was posted for MRM. She also had moderate Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Thoracic epidural anesthesia was induced with 12 ml of 0.5% Ropivacaine at T6-T7 level. Interscalene block was given with 10 ml 0.5% Ropivacaine using peripheral nerve locator. Patient was comfortable throughout the procedure and remained vitally stable. Post-operative analgesia was given with 10 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine and patient was discharged the following week. Thoracic epidural anesthesia provides the advantage of superior intra and post-operative analgesia without the adverse effects of general anesthesia like postoperative nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression and sedation.2 Coupled with interscalene block for axillary lymph node dissection, it can be successfully used as an alternative to GA for MRM

A study on thyroid disorders in type 1 diabetes mellitus - A cross sectional observational study

Introduction: Because of this high prevalence, lack of clinical features and the impact on morbidity, most investigators recommend screening children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes for autoimmune thyroid disease. Early detection has the potential to prevent significant morbidity related to unrecognized disease.Aim:Study to analyse the prevalence of thyroid disorders and thyroid autoimmunity among Type 1 Diabetes.Methodology: Cross sectional observational study, carried out at Ayaan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad. Patients were enrolled from the patient population who were admitted in the wards of general Medicine between January 2020 to December 2020. 64 patients among them satisfied criteria for inclusion into the study. Patient list did not include paediatric group since they were not attending our department.Results: our study confirms the association between autoimmune hypothyroidism and type 1 diabetes and suggests that all subjects with type 1 diabetes, particularly those with positive Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies, should undergo annual screening by serum Thyroid Simulating Hormone measurement to detect asymptomatic thyroid dysfunction.Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity in individuals with type 1 diabetes. A subset of patients develops thyroid dysfunction

Fungal infection in nail psoriasis: An existence to consider

Introduction: Onychomycosis is a common superficial fungal infection of nail in both developed and developing countries. It may involve any component of the nail unit, including the nail matrix, the nail bed, or the nail plate. It represents up to 20.0% of all nail disorders. Its prevalence is estimated at 2 to 18 percentage worldwide and up to 48-percentage incidence by age 70. Onychomycosis can be caused by dermatophyte mold, yeasts and non dermatophyte mold. We planned this study to determine the frequency of onychomycosis in psoriatic nails to establish the local perspective as the international studies shows wide variation. Objective: To find the presence of fungal elements in nails of patients affected by psoriasis. Setting: Dermatology (OPD), Baqai Medical University. Duration: 06 months from 15th July 2022 - 15th Dec 2022. Design: Descriptive Cross-sectional study. Results: In this study, out of 96 cases, 32.29% (n=31) of patients were between 18-40 years and 67.71% (n=65) were between 41-70 years of age, mean+SD: 47.32+11.94 years

Effect of combination of Withania somnifera Dunal and Tribulus terrestris Linn on letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in rats

Background: To investigate the effect of the combination of hydroalcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (WS) and Tribulus terrestris (TT) on letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in rat. Methods: Twenty four female Wistar rats of regular estrus cycle were divided into four groups of six animals each. The negative control group received 1 mL of 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose. The animals of the other groups were treated with letrozole (1 mg/kg) for 21 days for induction of PCOS. The animals of the positive control group were sacrificed on the 22nd day. In the test and standard groups, the treatment was started from the 22nd day and continued for a further 28 days. The test group was treated with hydroalcoholic extract of the combination of WS and TT (198 mg/kg) and the standard group with clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg). Throughout the study, vaginal smears were collected daily from each animal for the determination of different phases of the estrus cycle. After completion of the treatment schedule all the animals of each group were sacrificed; analysis of hormones, total cholesterol, blood glucose, ovarian and uterine weight, and histopathological study of the ovary were carried out. Results: The combination of the test drugs showed significant effects in normalizing the estrus cycle after being altered by letrozole. In the positive control group follicle-stimulating hormone level was decreased although luteinizing hormone, estradiole, and testosterone levels were increased (p < 0.05), however, after treatment the reverse effect was observed in the level of these hormones. Significant reduction in serum total cholesterol was also observed (p < 0.05). The test drugs decreased ovarian weight, and uterine weight was also returned to normalcy. Histopathology of the ovary showed almost normal ovary. Conclusion: The above findings indicate the effectiveness of the combination of hydroalcoholic extract of WS and TT against letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome in rat. This validates the usefulness of combination in PCOS and other related disorders as mentioned by Unani physicians

PCR-Based Detection of Leishmania DNA in Skin Samples of Post Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis Patients from an Endemic Area of Bangladesh

SUMMARY: Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a sequel of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and PKDL patients are an important reservoir for anthroponotic transmission of VL. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment of PKDL is important for the kala-azar elimination program in South Asia, including Bangladesh. While definitive diagnosis of PKDL is still based on microscopy, despite the low sensitivity of this method of diagnosis, PCR for identification of kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) from Leishmania parasites is expected to be a rapid and sensitive diagnostic method. We attempted PCR-based diagnosis from skin biopsy specimens and compared PCR to other available detection methods in order to determine the acceptability and feasibility of the PCR diagnostic method in an endemic area of VL in Bangladesh. Both skin biopsy specimens and blood samples were collected from 110 patients suspected to have PKDL from 6 subdistrict health complexes in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Using microscopy, we identified 32 samples (29.1z) that were positive for Leishmania. Immunochromatography tests indicated that 85 samples (77.3z) were positive for Leishmania. In contrast, a total of 104 (94.5z) samples tested positive using nested PCR, while unaffected portions of skin from PKDL patients tested negative. Sequencing analysis of the PCR products indicated that the amplified portion had more than 98z nucleotide sequence identity to the Leishmania donovani reference strain, D10. These findings indicate that the PCR method using a skin biopsy is highly sensitive and useful for confirmatory diagnosis of PKDL