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Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a high‐value halophytic crop, is a promising candidate to ensure food security in the scenario of increasing soil salinization due to climate change. In a 2‐year field study (during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020), 18 quinoa genotypes of different origins (Q‐4, Q‐6, Q‐9, Q‐7, Q11, Q‐15, Q‐22, Q‐24, Q‐27, Q‐45, Q‐50, Q‐51, Q‐52, Q‐76, Q‐81, Q82, Q‐124, and Q‐126) were grown at two different locations (salt‐affected and normal soil having electrical conductivity (EC) of 16.24 and 1.76 dS m−1, respectively). Morphological, physiological, and yield parameters were recorded to assess the impact of salinity on different genotypes of quinoa. All the tested genotypes performed better in normal soil (37% more yield) than salt‐affected soils. Under salt‐affected conditions, differential salt tolerance responses of quinoa genotypes were observed. Among tested genotypes, Q‐7 achieved the highest chlorophyll content index, biological mass (7905 kg ha−1), and seed yield (1916 kg ha−1) under salt‐affected conditions, it was followed by Q‐81. Salt stress caused up to 94% reduction of seed yield in the salt‐sensitive genotype (Q‐11), while the salt‐tolerant genotype (Q‐81) showed only 15% reduction in seed yield. Morphological characteristics of quinoa genotypes were differently influenced by salt stress. The salt‐tolerant accessions Q‐7 and Q‐81 exhibited similar morphological characteristics. Based on the findings of this study, salt‐tolerant quinoa genotypes can be successfully grown in salt‐degraded soils (with EC ≤ 16.24 dS m−1) in extreme winter seasons with arid climatic conditions. Core Ideas: Salt‐tolerant quinoa genotypes can be successfully grown in strongly salt‐degraded soils (electrical conductivity [EC] ≤ 16.24 dS m−1).Morphological characters (growth habit and main stem shape) of quinoa are associated with salt tolerance potential.Salt‐sensitive genotypes showed significantly higher yield losses (up to 94%) than salt‐tolerant genotypes (15%–45%).Quinoa genotypes show differential salt tolerance responses based on their origin and morphological characters. Plain Language Summary: Quinoa, a high‐value halophytic crop, emerges as a promising candidate to ensure food security amidst increasing soil salinization caused by climate change. In a 2‐year field study, 18 quinoa genotypes of diverse origins were cultivated in both normal and salt‐affected soils to evaluate the impact of salinity on different quinoa genotypes. Under salt‐affected conditions, distinct salt tolerance responses were observed among the quinoa genotypes. Morphological, physiological, and yield parameters of the quinoa genotypes were variably affected by salt stress. The salt‐tolerant accessions Q‐7 and Q‐81 exhibited robust responses, showing minimal yield reduction. Based on the findings of this study, salt‐tolerant quinoa genotypes can be successfully cultivated in salt‐degraded soils (with electrical conductivity ≤ 16.24 dS m−1) during extreme winter seasons characterized by arid climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The current study presents a novel mathematical model to analyze the peristaltic motion of a blood flow along a vertical tube with Williamson nano fluid; specifically, such geometry is more applicable for medical purposes like esophagus movement. The study includes the solar mimetic system, Rosseland’s estimations, inclined MHD effect, variable conductivity and viscosity. The numerical results of modelled equations were launched using the Bvp4c approach. Important velocity-related discoveries show that viscosity and the Williamson variable lower the blood flow. The temperature is upgraded by the inclusion of Brownian as well as thermophoresis factors and is retarded by the Prandtl number. Although the Brownian motion parameter results in a higher density of motile microorganisms and the activation energy follows the low concentration distribution. The inclined magnetic field decreases the velocity of blood. The consequences of pertinent parameters on the Nusselt number, local skin friction, and Sherwood number are elaborated through graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many dentists are not as knowledgable about oral cancer as they believe they are. A survey of 243 dentists found that many were not entirely knowledgable about oral cancer despite the fact that 75% believed their knowledge was current. Most knew that older patients have a higher risk of oral cancer, but 30% did not provide an oral cancer exam to this age group. Only 71% ask about tobacco use and only 36% ask about alcohol use. These are both risk factors for oral cancer, which strikes 30,000 American each year and causes 8,000 deaths annually.

Increased soil salinity under changing climate has complicated weed management. Rhynchosia capitata (Clustered-flower Snoutbean) has become problematic weed in summer crops, such as cotton, soybean, pearl millet and mungbean worldwide. Current study was conducted to evaluate the impact of four types of salts stresses (NaCl, Na2SO4, CaCl2 and NaHCO3) at six different levels (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM) on R. capitata seeds of different sizes including small, medium and large. Results revealed that R. capitata can germinate over a wide range of salt stress but as the salinity level was increased to 250 mM the germination percentage and seedling growth decreased significantly. Larger seeds have more potential to germinate and grow vigorously at an increased salt concentration as compared to medium and small seeds. Salt stress caused 40-73%, 59-96% and 40-100% inhibition in seed germination, seedling length and dry weight, respectively. Among various salt stresses CaCl2 showed less inhibition of R. capitata. The higher tolerance of this weed to wide range of salt stresses is alarming factor under current and anticipated increase in salinity, as it will disturb management plans by changing critical completion period and threshold level due to more adaptability of weed under stress than crop plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical weed control method may cause environmental hazards and residual effects in crops and soil. Alternate approach to control weeds is getting attentions in sustainable production system. Use of aqueous extracts of crops is getting scientific attention as eco-friendly alternative to synthetic herbicides especially under scenario of fast increasing herbicide resistance in weeds. To investigate the herbicidal potential of aqueous extract of winter crop Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower) on summer weed Oryza punctata L. (red rice) seed emergence and initial seedling growth, a study was planned. In this study, seeds of Oryza punctata were incubated in seven concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, 4, and 8%) of different parts i.e. leaves, stem and fruit of C. tinctorius. All the tested concentrations of various plant parts of C. tinctorius significantly inhibited the mean emergence time, emergence index, emergence percentage (%), time taken to 50% emergence as well as growth of O. punctata weed. However, maximum mean emergence time (4.73 days), time taken to 50% emergence (4.19 days) was noted at 8% concentration and emergence index of O. punctata was noted at 0.25% concentration when fruit extract was applied. Leaf aqueous extract at the concentration of 8% caused the lowest root length (1.53 cm), shoot length (4.51 cm) and fresh weight (54.72 g) of O. punctata. Results suggested leaf and flower extract of C. tinctorius at 8%concentration can be used potential bio-herbicide for the control of red rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under arid and semiarid climate conditions, application of muriate of potash (KCl) results in salinity problem due to its higher chloride (Cl-) contents. In order to combat this problem, KCl was blended with different sources of compost (fruits and vegetables, poultry, press mud and cow dung) in order to get a dilution effect of composts. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy of KCl blended composts and KCl or K2SO4 alone on growth, physiology and K nutrition of maize. Different composts applied @ 500 kg ha-1 were blended with KCl in such a way that each combination received the same amount of K as in case of recommended KCl and K2SO4 alone. Muriate of potash blended poultry compost significantly improved various growth parameters like plant height (19%), root length (60%), root (100%) and shoot fresh weight (64%), root (88%) and shoot dry weight (81%) and chlorophyll contents (29%) compared to KCl alone. However, the maximum physiological parameters were observed with KCl blended press mud compost. Similarly, KCl blended poultry compost significantly increased K concentration and uptake in shoot (26 and 122%) and root (39 and 133%) compared to KCl alone. Post-harvest soil analysis showed an increase of about 2 folds in K contents in KCl blended poultry compost compared to KCl alone. Based on the above results, KCl blended composts proved better in improving various growth, physiological and K nutrition of maize compared to the application of KCl and K2SO4 alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant released phytotoxins (allelochemicals) have important influence on agro-ecosystem through their inhibitory effect at higher doses and stimulatory (hormesis) effects at low doses on crop and weeds. A study to investigate the reaction of wheat and associated weeds to foliar application of sorghum and moringa water extracts was conducted. Foliar application of whole plant sorghum aqueous extract (sorgaab @ 18 L ha-1)and 3.33% moringa extract (14.9 L ha-1) alone and in combination, water spray were foliar applied at 60 or both at 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS). A control treatment without any foliar spray was used for comparison. Two sprays of sorgaab (18 L ha-1) at 60 and 90DAS suppressed total weed density and dry weight by 56.7-58.4% and 59.4-61% respectively while, lambsquarters and canary grass density, fresh and dry weights by 57.8, 43.2, 73.3% and 53.1, 60.1, 77.5% respectively at 60 and 90 DAS. The highest grain yield (3.38 t ha-1) with 35% increase as compared to control was observed where two foliar sprays of sorgaab at 18 L ha-1 was applied at 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS). Two sprays of sorgaab at 18 L ha-1 alone and in combination with moringa water extract at 14.9 L ha-1influenced the yield traits of wheat over control. Conclusion, sorghum and moringa extracts can help to control weeds in wheat that ultimately help to increase wheat yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of charged cylindrical stellar collapsing model filled with bulk viscous dissipative fluid in gravity. For this purpose, we formulate dynamical equations through Misner-Sharp technique and derive transport equation. Finally, we analyze the collapse rate by coupling the transport and dynamical equations. It is concluded that the collapse rate of charged cylindrical model slows down under the influence of dark source terms and matter variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hormetic response of the most frequently used herbicide, glyphosate can be used to enhance crop growth and yield. A pot study was conducted twice to assess the effect of glyphosate on wheat at different doses (0, 1.8, 3.6, 7.2, 18, 36, 72, 180, 360 and 720 g a.e. ha-1) sprayed at its 3-4 leaf stage. Observations recorded three weeks after spray and maturity to determine whether growth enhancement was sustained over time. Results revealed that glyphosate application enhanced wheat growth at low doses (up to 36 g a.e. ha-1) which was sustained over time; conversely, higher doses caused phytotoxicity. Three weeks after spray, the highest plant height and shoot dry weight of wheat was observed at glyphosate dose of 18 g a.e. ha-1 when compared with the control. While, maximum number of tillers was observed at 36 and 180 g a.e. ha-1. At maturity, a similar trend was observed on plant height, shoot dry weight and number of tillers. Glyphosate at the rate of 3.6 g a.e. ha-1 produced higher number of grains; while highest spike length, 1000-grain weight and grain weight plant-1 was observed with 18 g a.e. ha-1. It was concluded that application of ultralow doses of glyphosate up to 36 g a.e. ha-1 to wheat at 3-4 leaf stage can stimulate growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This research evaluated initial treatment of deep dental caries with caries con- trol (CC) procedure and the effect of other factors on the success of indirect pulp therapy (IPT) and formocresol pulpotomy (FP). Methods: Retrospective chart audits were performed on 226 primary molars with deep caries approaching the pulp that were treated using IPT and PP. Mean follow-up was 3.4 years. CC with glass ionomer cement (GIC) was performed on 50 of the 226 teeth 1 to 3 months before pulp therapy. Results: IPT therapy was successful 94% of the time, whereas PP was successful 70% of the time. The initial use of CC increased the IPT/FP success rate to 92% vs a 79% success rate in teeth without CC. Primary molar PP success on primary first molars was 61% vs 83% in second molars. IPT therapy was successful 92% of the time for first molars vs 98% of the time for second molars. Thirty-six percent of the PP-treated teeth exfoliated early vs 2% of the IPT-treated teeth. Primary first molars with reversible pulpitis had a higher success with IPT (85%) vs FP (53%). The type of final restoration did not affect IPT or FP success, except that FPs restored with an immediate IRM (Dentsply/Caulk, Milford, Del) restoration decreased success to 39%. Conclusions: IPT for the treatment of deep dental caries lesions produced greater long-term success than FP. FP success in primary first molars was lower compared to IPT success, especially in teeth with reversible pulpitis. Also FP-treated teeth showed significantly earlier exfoliation patterns. The prior treatment of deep dental caries lesions with CC procedures improved the subsequent IPT or FP success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]