Significant Difference In Gain Research Articles

Enhancing Animal Nutrition and Sustainability: The Vital Role of Genetically Modified Crops in Animal Feeding

Agriculture and livestock are fundamental to the economies of developing countries. A substantial portion of crop harvests is allocated for animal feed. Thus, more technological advancements are necessary to enhance agricultural productivity and provide affordable feed. Future biotech crops are expected to play a crucial role in this area. The goal is often to introduce traits into plants that do not naturally occur in these species. These new traits may include resistance to pests, diseases, or environmental conditions, or the production of specific nutrients or pharmaceutical agents. GM crops have indirectly benefited the livestock sector by increasing the yield of feed ingredients and improving quality traits. These crops are primarily used in livestock feed rations as energy and/or protein sources. Numerous animal feeding studies have been conducted to demonstrate that genetically modified crops are as nutritious and wholesome as compared to their conventional counterparts. No biological relevant differences in animal performance, health, or animal product (meat and milk) composition had been observed in various studies conducted. Overall, no significant differences in gain, intake, and feed conversion have been reported. Since the GM crop’s composition is not different from its conventional counterpart [except for the introduced transgene(s) and expressed protein(s)] and the expressed transgenic protein is rapidly digested in the digestive system, one would not expect any unintended effects. The introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops into the market undergoes extensive testing and a rigorous approval process to ensure food, feed, and environmental safety. This process includes thorough analyses before GM crops are deemed safe for commercial use. GM livestock feed is assessed for its nutritional composition and digestibility by comparing it with conventional crops. Therefore, while GM crops have the potential to enhance the efficiency of animal agriculture by improving nutritional content, reducing pesticide use, and increasing crop yields, it is essential to approach their adoption with caution.

Active methods in electricity and magnetism courses: Influence of degree, academic level and gender on student performance

The performance of first-year students in electromagnetism (E&M) courses of different engineering degrees at a Spanish public university was measured using the Brief Electricity and Magnetism Assessment (BEMA), a standard research-based instrument to assess students' understanding after attending introductory courses in electricity and magnetism. In all cases, Flipped classroom (FC) built on information and communications technology was used. The objective of this paper is to analyse if the gain in the BEMA pre and post-test results is influenced by several factors such as the degree, the students' academic grade, and gender. Moreover, as some studies have shown that the students' retention of the concepts was significantly stronger in active learning than in traditional approaches, a third BEMA test was performed by the students to analyse the long-term retention gain dependence on the same factors. Students from different engineering degree programs were asked to complete two BEMA tests during the course and a third one after a few months. ANOVA tests were used to analyse the existence of significant differences in gain between student degree programs, student academic level and student gender. Results have shown no differences in the BEMA performance by degree program, but significant differences were found by academic level and gender. Retention did not depend on the degree course but on the academic level. Mean gain value by academic level, and gender was obtained and concluded that the best students presented the best gain results and that gain depends on the students' gender: males outperformed females in the BEMA tests, although there were no significant differences in the course grades. It is thus necessary to understand these differences and to implement measures in daily teaching work to improve women's performance.

Effectiveness of Personal versus Online Extension Methods in Disseminating Knowledge on Household Waste Management

The article highlights the effectiveness of personal and online extension methods for disseminating knowledge on household waste management. A pre-test, post-test experimental design was used for the study. Thirty women, each from five randomly selected urban localities of Ludhiana district of Punjab were selected for the study, making a total of 150 respondents as the sample size. Of the five urban localities, four localities were randomly chosen for the experiment and one locality was chosen as the control group. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule consisting of a self-designed knowledge test on household waste management. Findings revealed that all the selected extension methods were effective in disseminating knowledge to the respondents. The most effective extension method was personal contact + print material followed by video conferencing + ICT based messages, video conferencing, and personal contact method. One way ANOVA revealed significant differences in gain in knowledge by the respondents of the study groups’ p < 0.001. Post-hoc analysis further revealed that the effect of both personal and online extension methods when supplemented with educational materials and when used solo, had statistically similar effects on gain in knowledge.

221 Camelina Meal as an Alternative Ingredient in Growing-finishing Pig Diets

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine the most effective inclusion rate of camelina meal (CM) in growing-finishing pig diets. Pigs (n = 192; 11 wk old), balanced for sex and initial weight, were assigned to 4 dietary treatments (6 pens/treatment; 8 pig/pen). Treatments consisted of a non-GMO corn-soybean meal-based control diet (CON), and CON containing 5% CM (5%CM), 10% (10%CM), or 15% (15%CM) camelina meal. Feed deliveries and pigs were weighed every other week to calculate ADG, ADFI, and Gain:Feed on a pen basis. Focal pigs (5/treatment) were harvested at 23 wk of age at the University of Minnesota abattoir for meat quality analysis (drip loss, pH, fat depth, belly firmness, loin marbling score, shelf life) and the remaining pigs were harvested at a commercial abattoir. Before harvest, real-time ultrasonic measurements of back fat depth and loin eye area were collected on all pigs. Data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix with dietary treatment as a fixed effect and pen as the experimental unit with data collected over time considered as repeated measures. Pigs fed CON diet consumed more feed than pigs fed CM diets (P = 0.002; Table 1). Pigs fed CON diet exhibited higher (P = 0.002) ADG than pigs consuming 10%CM and 15%CM diets. These differences resulted in heavier (P = 0.003) CON-fed pigs at marketing than 10%CM or 15%CM-fed pigs. There were no significant differences in Gain:Feed, any carcass or meat quality traits analyzed (data not shown). These results suggest that supplementing 5% CM in corn-soybean meal-based diets will not negatively influence growth performance, carcass traits, or meat quality of growing-finishing pigs.

99 Evaluation of IFTA NBS Alone and in Combination with Zinc Oxide on Antibiotic Free Programs During Nursery

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the effect of IFTA NBS on productive performance in pigs from nursery until the end of 1st grow-finish phase. Total of 1,200 pigs (PIC 337 x 1050; PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were allotted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and assigned to blocks based on weight and sex, random allocated to pens with 25 pigs/pen. Diet changes occurred in 4 phases: N1 lasting 7 days, N2 14 days, N3 21 days and F1 21 days. Animals were random assigned to 4 treatments: T1) zinc oxide (ZnO) during N1 (3000 ppm) and N2 (2500 ppm) with no antibiotics; T2) carbadox at 50 g/ton in N1 and N2; T3) IFTA NBS at 500 g/ton during N1, N2 and N3; and T4) IFTA NBS at 500 g/ton during N1, N2 and N3 along with ZnO in N1 (3000 ppm) and N2 (2500 ppm). Treatments were fed a common diet during F1. Outcomes were analyzed as RCBD using SAS PROC GLIMMIX with pen as experimental unit, treatment as main effect and block as random effect. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in weights and average daily gain (ADG) between T2 and T3 during N2. Significant differences on average daily feed intake (ADFI) were observed between T1 and T2 vs. T3 during N2, and between T2 and T3 during N3. During nursery period (N1-N3), ADG and ADFI were different (P < 0.05) between T2 and T3. By the end of the trial, a significant difference in gain:feed between T2 and T3 was detected. Under the conditions of this study, IFTA NBS in combination with ZnO could replace carbadox as it obtained similar weight and FCR during nursery. In addition, the response on gain:feed during the first grow-finish phase deserves further investigation since suggests a beneficial residual effect of IFTA NBS.

School Readiness of Supplemental Fed Preschoolers in Maguindanao

Please Pass the Bread” (PPtB) feeding program is an international program that aims to reduce the number of malnurished children in the province of Maguindanao. Thus, this study sought to determine the School Readiness of Supplementally Fed Preschoolers in Maguindanao. Specifically, the study determined the significant improvement of the preschoolers’ scores after the intervention (“Please Pass the Bread” (PPtB) feeding program). The pretest-posttest design of research was used, with the School Readiness Year-end Assessment Checklist (SReYA). The Checklist was the main tool for data gathering. The mean and percentage counts were used to describe the pretest and posttest score of the preschoolers. The t-test was used to determine the significant difference between the pupils’ pretest and posttest scores. The t-value was set at 0.05 levels of significance. Findings show that there is a significant difference in gain between the control and experiment group. This implies that the scores of the pupils improved significant after the exposure to the Please Pass the Bread” (PPtB) feeding program intervention. This mean that “Please Pass the Bread” (PPtB) feeding program intervention really helped improved the pupils’ school readiness.Thus, it is concluded that the “Please Pass the Bread” (PPtB) feeding program intervention significantly improves the readiness of the preschooler children in Maguindanao.

The Effect of Combined Feed Additives on Growing Pigs’ Performance and Digestive Tract Parameters

Abstract The aim of the research was to determine the affectivity of 4 different eubiotic preparations on the growth performance of pigs, microbial status, the integrity of intestinal mucosa, and some blood parameters. The experiment was conducted for 28 days on 48 male piglets allocated to six dietary treatments. Group 1 was offered a diet without eubiotic; 2 – a diet with acids mixture; 3 – phytobiotic, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) and yeast; 4 – probiotic, MCFA, and yeast; 5 – phytobiotic, probiotic, acids mixture, and sodium butyrate; 6 – phytobiotic, probiotic, MCFA, and sodium butyrate. The average daily weight gains and feed intake were recorded. Blood samples, digesta samples, and ileal tissue samples were collected for studies. There was no significant difference in gain, feed intake, or FCR among the treatments as well as in the ileal and caecal pH value, microbial content, and total SCFA content in caecal digesta. Ammonia content in ileal digesta was significantly higher in comparison with other groups and in caecal digesta was significantly higher in group 6 in comparison with groups 1 and 2. Villi height was significantly higher (P<0.05) in groups 2, 3 and 6 compared to the control. Villi height to crypt depth ratio was significantly higher (P<0.05) in groups 5 and 2, but the most promising effects seem to be from combinations 3 and 4. In comparison with control: in groups 2, 3 and 5 higher ALT, glucose and triglyceride; in groups 3, 4 and 5 higher total protein and cholesterol; in group 4 higher albumin and in group 6 higher BUN, were found. Generally, used eubiotic preparations affected gut morphology and some blood parameters but did not affect microbiota, pig growth or feed utilization.

Effects of Exercise and Bioprocessed Soybean Meal Diets during Rainbow Trout Rearing

Background:Alternative protein sources to fishmeal in fish feeds are needed.Objectives:Evaluate rearing performance of adult rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (initial weight 139.0 ±1.5 g, length 232.9 ± 0.8 mm, mean ± SE) fed one of the two isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets (46% protein, 16% lipid) and reared at one of the two levels of exercise (water velocities of either 3.6 cm/s or 33.2 cm/s).Methods:Protein in the control diet was based on fishmeal. In the experimental diet, bioprocessed soybean meal replaced approximately 60% of the fishmeal. Fish were fed by hand once-per-day to near satiation, and the food was increased daily. The experiment lasted 90-days.Results:There were no significant differences in gain, percent gain, or specific growth rate between the dietary treatments. However, the amount of food fed and feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in the 60% bioprocessed soybean meal diet. Intestinal morphology, relative fin length, splenosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, and viscerosomatic index were not significantly different in the trout fed either diet. Fish reared at 3.6 cm/s had a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (1.02 ± 0.02) than fish reared at 33.2 cm/s (1.13 ± 0.02). However, there were no significant differences in gain, percent gain, specific growth rate, or percentage mortality in fish reared with or without exercise. No significant interactions were observed between diet and exercise (higher water velocity).Conclusion:Based on these results, at least 60% of the fishmeal in adult rainbow trout diets can be replaced by bioprocessed soybean meal, even if higher water velocities are used to exercise the fish.

Learning with Concept Maps versus Learning with Case Based Study in Neuroanatomy‐A comparison

IntroductionMeaningful learning skills are very important for medical students as they need to keep abreast of the rapid changes in science and the practice of medicine. Thus, in order to have competent doctors, there is a need to train medical students in ways that help them to become life‐long meaningful learners. Hence, one of the major goals of medical educators is fostering meaningful and self‐directed learning among medical students. Concept maps are educational tools that encourage meaningful learning. It helps in developing synthesis and analytical skills among students. Case based study in medical education is another tool to foster meaningful learning. It helps in developing analytical and decision making skills. It also facilitates learning by doing.Present study was undertaken to compare learning with concept maps and learning with case based study in neuroanatomy to achieve following objectives: Sensitize 1st year MBBS students to concept mapping and case base learning as teaching‐learning tools Compare learning with concept maps versus learning with case base learning. Obtain feedback from students in regards to learning with concept maps and case base study. Material and MethodA randomized cross sectional prospective study was conducted on 150 medical students of 1st year after due permission from IRB. Students were divided into two groups A and B. Group A studied “Internal capsule, basal ganglion and spinal cord” by developing “concept maps”. Group B leant through case base learning method. Pre and post‐tests were conducted for both groups with pre validated questionnaire. After posttest, group A was exposed to case based learning and group B was exposed to concept maps. Feedback was obtained from all students in regards to learning with concept maps and case based study through a 5 point Likert scale. Student's t test was applied for statistical analysis.ResultThere was significant improvement in knowledge of both group A and B students (p value was <0.0001). There was no significant difference in gain of knowledge between two groups (p value was 0.0010). 90% students found the case based learning was interesting and engaging. 60% students found that learning with case study helped them to understand topic better. 90% students found that development of concept maps was time consuming.Discussion and ConclusionCase based learning is a better learning tool to engage students in active learning process. It also facilitates better understanding of given topic in comparison to development of concept maps.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Comparison of Growth Pattern in Neonates on Breast Feed Versus Formula Feed

Background: Breast milk and colostrums are the first feeding sources for infant, providing nutrients, growth factors and immunological components. So we conducted this study to compare the growth pattern of neonates on breast feed versus formula feed.Methods: This study was done in the Department of Pediatrics, King Edward Medical University, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from 2015 July to 2016 July as cross sectional study. The Non Probability purposive sampling technique was used. Information on type of feeding was obtained from mothers. Subsequently neonates were divided in two groups on the basis of type of feeding (i.e. breast feeding or formula feeding).Results: In this study the mean age of the patients was 16.56±6.26 days and the mean gestational age of the patients was 8.52±0.97 months. The male to female ratio of the patients was 1.3:1. Statistically there was significant difference found between the weight gain in study groups at 10th, 14th week and 4th month follow up i.e. p-value<0.05.Conclusion: The prevalence of breastfeeding in infants in our study was 52.3%. Our results showed that the breast fed infants had better weight gain compared to formula fed infants; however there was no statistically significant difference in gain in length between breast fed and formula fed infants.Med Phoenix Vol.2(1) July 2017, 18-23

Comparisons in Outcome and Subject Comfort between Rotation Chair Systems

Background and ObjectivesA rotation chair test has been used to evaluate the function of the horizontal semicircular canals. Currently, two chair systems according to the presence of cylindrical darkroom are used in a clinic setting. However, it has not been thoroughly investigated whether one system is superior to the other system or not. In this study, we aimed to compare test outcomes and subject convenience between two systems.Subjects and MethodsTwenty subjects with no history of otologic disease were enrolled. Subjects were tested with two systems: system [A] with a cylindrical chamber and system [B] with no chamber. The results of sinusoidal harmonic acceleration (SHA), step velocity (SV), and visual fixation (VFX) tests were compared between the systems. Subject convenience was assessed with a questionnaire survey and results were compared between the systems.ResultsThere were no significant differences in gain or asymmetry in SHA test between the systems. However, the phase of system [A] was significantly lower than that of system [B] at 0.16 Hz. There was no significant difference between the systems in directional preponderance (DP) gain or DP time constant. Regarding the VFX test, gain was higher in system [A] than system [B]. Subjects reported less stuffiness and less anxiety with system [B] than system [A], while preferring the system [A] goggles.ConclusionsA rotation chair system without a darkroom can provide a more comfortable experience for subjects in terms of stuffiness and anxiety, while showing comparable results in SHA and SV tests with a darkroom system.

Human eyes do not need monochromatic aberrations for dynamic accommodation.

PurposeTo determine if human accommodation uses the eye's own monochromatic aberrations to track dynamic accommodative stimuli.MethodsWavefront aberrations were measured while subjects monocularly viewed a monochromatic Maltese cross moving sinusoidally around 2D of accommodative demand with 1D amplitude at 0.2 Hz. The amplitude and phase (delay) of the accommodation response were compared to the actual vergence of the stimulus to obtain gain and temporal phase, calculated from wavefront aberrations recorded over time during experimental trials. The tested conditions were as follows: Correction of all the subject's aberrations except defocus (C); Correction of all the subject's aberrations except defocus and habitual second‐order astigmatism (AS); Correction of all the subject's aberrations except defocus and odd higher‐order aberrations (HOAs); Correction of all the subject's aberrations except defocus and even HOAs (E); Natural aberrations of the subject's eye, i.e., the adaptive‐optics system only corrected the optical system's aberrations (N); Correction of all the subject's aberrations except defocus and fourth‐order spherical aberration (SA). The correction was performed at 20 Hz and each condition was repeated six times in randomised order.ResultsAverage gain (±2 standard errors of the mean) varied little across conditions; between 0.55 ± 0.06 (SA), and 0.62 ± 0.06 (AS). Average phase (±2 standard errors of the mean) also varied little; between 0.41 ± 0.02 s (E), and 0.47 ± 0.02 s (O). After Bonferroni correction, no statistically significant differences in gain or phase were found in the presence of specific monochromatic aberrations or in their absence.ConclusionsThese results show that the eye's monochromatic aberrations are not necessary for accommodation to track dynamic accommodative stimuli.

Comparison of Videonystagmography and Audiological Findings after Stapedotomy; CO2 Laser vs Perforator.

Various types of laser, microdrill, and perforator are effectively used in the surgical treatment of otosclerosis. However, they have certain disadvantages along with advantages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and perforator stapedotomy techniques on audiological outcomes and postoperative vestibular functions via videonystagmography (VNG). This prospective and randomized clinical study was conducted in an academic tertiary medical center. Sixty-nine patients diagnosed with otosclerosis who underwent stapedotomy were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the technique used in stapedotomy: CO2 laser and perforator. Postoperative hearing gain and VNG findings were the main outcome measures. Subsequently, the two study groups were compared for analysis. The preoperative air-bone gap was 32.7±8.9 decibel (dB) in the study population and it was improved to 12.9±8.4 dB after operation. There were no differences in VNG findings and vertigo symptoms between the laser and perforator groups at postoperative day 2. There was no significant gain difference regarding the air conduction, bone conduction, and air-bone gap between the two groups (p=0.294, p=0.57, and p=0.37, respectively). Both CO2 laser and perforator stapedotomy have successful audiological outcomes with no difference in postoperative vestibular disturbance.

Effects of Ecklonia cava as fucoidan-rich algae on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology and caecal microflora in weanling pigs.

ObjectiveIn the present study, role of increasing levels of Ecklonia cava (seaweed) supplementation in diets was investigated on growth performance, coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, serum immunoglobulins, cecal microflora and intestinal morphology of weanling pigs.MethodsA total of 200 weaned pigs (Landrace×Yorkshire×Duroc; initial body weight 7.08±0.15 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 treatments on the basis of body weight. There were 5 replicate pens in each treatment including 10 pigs of each. Treatments were divided by dietary Ecklonia cava supplementation levels (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, or 0.15%) in growing-finishing diets. There were 2 diet formulation phases throughout the experiment. The pigs were offered the diets ad libitum for the entire period of experiment in meal form.ResultsThe pigs fed with increasing dietary concentrations of Ecklonia cava had linear increase (p<0.05) in the overall average daily gain, however, there were no significant differences in gain to feed ratio, CTTAD of dry matter and crude protein at both phase I and phase II. Digestibility of gross energy was linearly improved (p<0.05) in phase II. At day 28, pigs fed Ecklonia cava had greater (linear, p<0.05) Lactobacillus spp., fewer Escherichia coli (E. coli) spp. (linear, p<0.05) and a tendency to have fewer cecal Clostridium spp. (p = 0.077). The total anaerobic bacteria were not affected with supplementation of Ecklonia cava in diets. Polynomial contrasts analysis revealed that villus height of the ileum exhibited a linear increase (p<0.05) in response with the increase in the level of dietary Ecklonia cava. However, villus height of duodenum and jejunum, crypt depth, villus height to crypt depth ratio of different segments of the intestine were not affected.ConclusionThe results suggest that Ecklonia cava had beneficial effects on the growth performance, cecal microflora, and intestinal morphology of weanling pigs.

Staining in Tympanoplasty: Is Methylene Blue Rational?

ABSTRACT Objective Is there any advantages of using methylene blue in myringoplasty? To compare the results of methylene blue stained temporalis fascia graft with unstained temporalis fascia graft in underlay myringoplasty. Materials and methods In this prospective study, 120 patients of either sex in age group of 15 to 50 years with non-cholesteatomatous chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) were recruited. Patients were initially managed medically to make the ear dry and after that they were operated upon. Sixty patients underwent underlay myringoplasty using methylene blue stained temporalis fascia graft and 60 patients underwent underlay myringoplasty using unstained temporalis fascia graft. Follow-up period was at least 6 months. Results Graft uptake and hearing improvement was comparable in both groups. Although there was 10% higher graft uptake using methylene blue stained temporalis fascia (95%) as compared to unstained temporalis fascia graft (85%), however the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.5). But there was statistically significant difference in gain in hearing threshold (gain in air-bone gap) in the myringoplasty using methylene blue stained temporalis fascia graft (18 dB ± 7.156) as compared to myringoplasty using unstained temporalis fascia graft (13.7 dB ± 5.70814) (p = 0.04). Conclusion Methylene blue use in myringoplasty allows improved identification of the graft, can be very helpful for trainee residents and reduce the time of a graft placement. Also, methylene blue as an antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, prevents degradation and lysis of fascia graft, improves the overall success rate of graft uptake with no adverse effects. How to cite this article Kathuria B, Dhingra H, Gulia J, Kakkar V, Yadav SPS, Hernot S, Bishnoi S. Staining in Tympanoplasty: Is Methylene Blue Rational? Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2015;7(3):125-131.

Plasticity of the human vestibulo-ocular reflex during off-vertical axis rotation

We investigated whether adaptive plasticity of the vestibulo-ocular reflex in humans occurs in response to visual-vestibular conflict stimulation during rotation about a 30° incline (off-vertical earth axis rotation, OVAR). Subjects were 26 healthy adults (17 males and 9 females), ranging in age from 22 to 33 years (mean: 24.4) with no history of neurotological symptoms. Each testing session consisted of a pre-test, an adaptation period, and a post-test. The pre-test and the post-test were performed in complete darkness with the subjects' eyes opened. Subjects were rotated sinusoidally at 0.16Hz under OVAR, with a maximum angular velocity of 60°/s for 30s. Subjects were divided into two groups depending on the kind of visual stimulation. One group of subjects was rotated sinusoidally at 0.16Hz and 60°/s peak velocity under OVAR for 20min while viewing optokinetic stripes, which moved at the same frequency and peak velocity as the rotational chair but in the opposite direction (X2 adaptation paradigm). The other group of subjects was rotated sinusoidally at 0.16Hz and 60°/s peak velocity under OVAR for 20min while viewing optokinetic stripes, which moved at the same frequency and peak velocity as the rotatory chair but in the same direction (X0 adaptation paradigm). There was no significant difference in gain before or after adaptation using the X2 adaptation paradigm. VOR gain decreased significantly after adaptation using the X0 adaptation paradigm. We hypothesize that attenuation of VOR gain increase after the X2 adaptation paradigm is caused by tilt suppression. In the X0 adaptation paradigm, the decrease in VOR gain was facilitated by tilt suppression in addition to the plastic change of the VOR gain caused by visual-vestibular conflict stimulation. Consequently, the VOR gain change ratio in the X0 adaptation paradigm increased significantly compared to that in the X2 adaptation paradigm.

To evaluate and compare the results of over-underlay graft technique with conventional underlay myringoplasty

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of over-underlay graft technique of myringoplasty and compare the results of over-underlay graft technique with conventional underlay myringoplasty. Methods: In this prospective study, 40 patients of either sex in the age group of 15–50 years with noncholesteatomatous chronic suppurative otitis media were recruited. The patients were initially managed medically to make the ear dry and after that they were operated upon. Twenty patients underwent conventional underlay myringoplasty and 20 patients underwent over-underlay myringoplasty. The follow-up period was 3 months. Results: Graft uptake and hearing improvement was comparable in both groups. Although the graft uptake was 5% lower in the group which underwent conventional underlay myringoplasty (90%) as compared to over-underlay myringoplasty (95%), however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.5). However, there was statistically significant difference in gain in hearing threshold (gain in A-B gap) in the conventional underlay myringoplasty (14.5 dB ± 7.236) as compared to over-underlay myringoplasty (18.75 dB ± 5.349) (P = 0.04). Conclusion: The over-underlay technique, which is a hybrid of both overlay and underlay technique, allows the advantages of both methods. It improves the graft uptake rate and hearing in subtotal and large perforations.

E-Readiness for Agricultural Development

Experiential acquisition of knowledge is the most proper form of information attainment. Information seeking is thus a natural and necessary mechanism of human existence. The present era is the era of information and knowledge revolution. Many electronic resources are available. The increase in information availability on the web has affected information seeking behavior. To provide empirical evidence to the concept, an attempt was made to understand the process of ‘m-learning’ of farmers in Shivarajpur block of Kanpur district. The respondents (75) were analysed using before after method of experimental design. The study revealed that there was significant difference in gain in knowledge in seeds and sowing, plant protection measures and harvesting and marketing aspects. Extension professionals were ready to provide services and at the same time farmers were ready to accept services which are of their need. All these aspects where the difference was significant in the areas which are directly related to market. The study indicates that farmers are becoming e-ready, the beginning is through mobile services. In due course of time they will be prepare themselves for e-mediated extension services. Hence, the study conceptualized e-readiness as “e-readiness is the degree to which an individual is able to afford information and communication technology tools and techniques, possess Skill of application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and techniques for his/her development and he/she can access the communication tools and has the necessary infrastructure and policy support to exploit the potentials of ICT”. The primary level of readiness includes the individual e-readiness, then the institutional, the state or the nation will automatically become in the “ready”.

Evaluation of the smooth pursuit tests in multiple sclerosis patients

In multiple sclerosis (MS), randomly located demyelination lesions may involve a large part of the central nervous system and disturb oculomotor activity, including impairment of saccadic and pursuit systems. The aim of the work was to determine the frequency of smooth pursuit disturbances in MS patients and assess the feasibility of various methods for smooth pursuit assessment: the clinical bedside examination and quantitative electrooculographic (EOG) recordings. In addition, we analyzed the effects of age on the results of smooth pursuit tests. Sixty MS patients and 50 volunteers underwent clinical bedside examination and EOG evaluation in a tertiary referral university hospital. EOG recordings of smooth pursuit tests with 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 15Hz amplitude and gain calculation were preformed. In clinical bedside examination, disorders were found in 25%, and with EOG in 76.6% of patients. In the MS patients and subgroups the mean gain for all frequencies were significantly lower compared with the control group. There were significant differences in gain between younger and older subjects in the control group but no significance in all MS patients their subgroups. Patients with abnormalities in clinical bedside examination had poorer results in EOG tests. There were correlations between gain values and Expanded Disability Status Scale score in MS patients. Smooth pursuit examination provides a valuable parameter of brain dysfunction in MS patients. The EOG test is more useful in detecting subclinical cases than clinical bedside examination, and is not affected by test paradigm or age in MS patients.

Two-year Follow-up of Treatment of Intrabony Periodontal Defect with Enamel Matrix Derivative

The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate 2-year follow-up results following regenerative periodontal surgery for intrabony defects using enamel matrix derivative (EMD). Thirteen patients (mean age: 53 years) with a clinical diagnosis of chronic periodontitis were subjected to data analysis. A total of 25 sites with intrabony defects received regenerative therapy with EMD. Follow-up continued for a minimum of 2 years. Treatment of intrabony defects with EMD yielded a statistically significant improvement in the mean values of probing depth and gains in clinical attachment level (CAL) at 2 years compared with those at baseline (p<0.001). Sites treated with EMD demonstrated a mean CAL gain of 3.4 mm and 3.2 mm at 6 months and 2 years, respectively. No statistically significant difference in gain in CAL was found between the 6-month and 2-year results. A gain in CAL of ≥3 mm from at baseline was found in 17 sites at 2 years. This gain was achieved with minimal recession of gingival margin and was sustained over a given period of time. A trend toward a progressive increase in radiopacity, suggestive of bone-fill, was observed. In summary, treatment of intrabony defects with EMD resulted in clinically favorable outcomes. The clinical improvements obtained with regenerative therapy with EMD were maintained over a period of 2 years.