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Jatropha curcas is a tropical species that has been recognized as a promising biodiesel plant. During 2018-2021, researchers at Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, elicited information on Jatropha's biochemical characteristics, growth performance, variability, and association studies for biometric variables using five backcross (BC4F1) hybrid clones of Jatropha with a control variety TNMC 7. In terms of seed yield, two hybrid clones, CJH 13 (1,218.60 g) and CJH 12 (1,034.40 g), outperformed the other hybrid clones. The seed oil content was higher in CJH 5 (34.19%). The seed oil content had moderate PCV (16.49%) and GCV (16.39%) values, as well as high heritability (99%) and genetic advance (33.56%) as a percentage of the mean. The number of fruits per bunch (0.845 and 0.850) and the number of bunches per branch (0.771 and 0.788) had significant positive phenotypic and genotypic correlations with seed yield, respectively. The iodine numbers, cetane numbers, and saponification values of all hybrid clones were acceptable and satisfactory and were in good compliance with Indian and international biodiesel standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten oxide hydrate nanoparticles (PW NPs) and nickel tungsten oxide nanocomposites (NW NCs), named NW1, NW2, NW3 and NW4 NCs, were successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The synthesized NCs were characterized using advanced techniques such as x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), UV–visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). XRD patterns show the formation of an orthorhombic phase for PWNPs and monoclinic phase for NW NCs, respectively. The nanoflake-like morphology for NW NCs was confirmed by SEM. Methylene blue dye (MB) was successfully degraded using NW4 NCs with a rate constant of 0.02266/min. The photovoltaic performance of the photoanodes with various weight percentages (wt.%) of Ni was measured by recording the photocurrent-photovoltaic curves. The result indicated that NW4 NCs exhibited the best power conversion efficiency with high short-circuit current density (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc). This enhanced photocatalytic and photovoltaic performance of NW NCs may be due to the visible light-harvesting, increased dye-loading capacity and reduced photoelectron recombination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early, accurate, detection and confirmation of neoplasm at the same time, avoidance of surgery is crucial. Endoscopic Ultra sound -EUS is considered as the most reliable and accurate test in the detection and diagnosis of Pancreatic Masses including Pancreatic Cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic spectrum of pancreatic lesions to analyze the cytology, and of EUS-FNA cytology for pancreatic solid and cystic lesions. Materials and methods: We had conducted a prospective study of EUS and FNA in patients with pancreatic malignancy for confirmation of lesions between October 2008 and January 2020 at Gandhi Hospital a tertiary government hospital in state of Telangana. Clinical data, laboratory tests, and cytopathological and imaging reports were collected. The final diagnosis was based on surgical findings, EUS-FNA or computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy. EUS performed under conscious sedation at the time of EUS. Size, echo characteristics of lesions, vascularity, lymph nodes were noted. FNA was done with linear echo endoscopic tip procore needles. Smears were prepared in endoscopy units. Then smears and sections of the cell block were evaluated by an expert pathologist for determining the adequacy of specimen. Results: We had analyzed 48 patients in this study out of 64 patients. Out of that, 46 (95%) were males and 2 (5%) were females with mean age group of 61 (58-76 years). The site of pancreatic M. Umadevi, Abdul Samad Peshimam, P Abhinay Rao M, Anirudh, Sriram, NSVM Krishna, Swapnika, Sai Krishna, Issac Abhilash, P. Shravan Kumar. Endoscopic Ultra Sound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Biopsy in Pancreatic Malignancy - Our Experience. IAIM, 2020; 7(11): 1-7. Page 2 adenocarcinoma was the head and neck in 78%, body 8% and tail in 6%, isthmus 8%. Most common symptom was pain abdomen noted in 100%, mass per abdomen - 8%, Jaundice - 34%, vomiting - 8%, hypoglycemic attacks - 8%. Of patients, majority of cases were Adenocarcinomas. Of 48 patients, FNA revealed Adenocarcinomas 37 (77.08%), NET in 3 (6%), serous Cystadenoma in 2 (4%), Mucinous Cystadenoma in 2 (4%), IPMN in 1 (2%), Atypical cells obtained in 3 (6%). Minor hemorrhage noted in 8%, abdominal pain in 12%, we had not encountered pancreatitis or mortality all cases with atypical cells were also subjected to surgery. Conclusion: EUS is safe, reliable method in diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy. It not only provides accurate cytological diagnosis but also allows exact location of small lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improved surgical techniques, as well as pre and postoperative care, have dramatically changed survival of children with esophageal atresia (EA) with trachea-esophageal fistula (TEF) over last decades. The increase in survival caused a number of young children with post-operative esophageal strictures referred for endoscopic management. Objective: To assess efficacy and safety of endoscopic dilatation of anastomotic strictures in patients with post-surgical repair of EA and TEF. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical endoscopic data of 52 patients with post-surgical anastomotic strictures from March 1994 to December 2019. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia with use of fluoroscopic guidance. Outcome parameters measured included the location of stricture, number of dilations, procedural success rates, and complications such as esophageal perforation. Results: Of 52 patients analyzed, 16 (31%) underwent dilatation with SG dilators used in initial part of the study i.e., from 1994 to 2004. With the availability of CRE balloons, further patients were dilated with CRE balloon 36/52 (69%). Strictures were located centrally in 46 patients (88.6%) and eccentrically in 6 patients (11.5%). Associated pseudodiverticula above the stricture noted in 14(26.9%). The number of dilatations varied from 2 to 16 sessions, mean being 6.3 sessions. Complications secondary to procedure were observed in 7 patients with fever in 4 (7.6%), minor bleed in 2(3.8%) and perforation in one (1.9%) and were treated conservatively. We have not encountered any mortality. No significant difference between SG dilators and CRE balloon group. Conclusions: Endoscopic dilatation of post-surgical esophageal strictures in patients with EA and TEF with SG dilators CRE balloon dilatation is safe and effective with less number of complications. Endoscopic dilatation under local lignocaine anesthesia is feasible, effective and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In patients with cirrhosis of liver, exact cause of lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is important for evaluation, management and prognosis. Lesions like portal hypertensive colopathy (PHC) and anorectal varices (ARVs) are thought to cause. In the present work, we studied the diagnostic yield of colonoscopy in cirrhotic patients and hematochezia. Materials and methods: The current study was conducted on 77 consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent colonoscopy at Gandhi Hospital Secunderabad, between October 2012 and December 2019. Following rapid evaluation and adequate resuscitation in emergency ward, a thorough history was obtained with complete physical examination including digital rectal examination and routine laboratory investigations. Colonoscopic evaluation was performed for the included patients by recording endoscopic abnormalities and obtaining biopsies from lesions. Results: There was no significant difference between the PHC-positive group when compared with the PHC-negative group regarding patients' age, sex, and severity of hematochezia, positive family history and the history of intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Significant difference was noted regarding the Child-Pugh class, prior history of endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) or endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) (p < prior history of upper gut bleeding, the presence of gastric varices (GVs), presence of portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG), presence of hemorrhoids and rectal varices. Regarding the laboratory parameters, the platelet count only was markedly reduced in the PHC-positive group. All the PHC-related sources of bleeding (7/32 cases (21.87%)) were successfully managed with argon plasma coagulation. Regarding the laboratory parameters, the platelet count only was markedly reduced in the PHC-positive group. All the PHC-related sources of bleeding (7/32 cases (21.87%)) were successfully managed with argon plasma coagulation. Conclusion: Our study showed early colonoscopy in cirrhosis patients reveal exact cause of bleeding to take appropriate intervention and correction of coagulation abnormalities helps in prompt early recovery and it is not only PHC which is involved in hematochezia in cirrhotic patients despite the significant association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tungsten oxide hydrate (WO3·H2O) nanoparticle and Iron tungstate/tungsten oxide (Fe2WO6/WO3) nanocomposite have been synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route. Structural, optical, morphological and electrical properties of the synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Field effect scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and DC electrical conductivity measurement respectively. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm the formation of Fe2WO6/WO3 nanocomposite. Variation in the electrical conductivity and activation energy was studied by DC electrical conductivity studies. Fe2WO6/WO3 nanocomposites show a significant enhancement in the degradation of methyl blue than WO3·H2O nanoplates. The significant enhancement was due to flower-like morphology and the narrowing of the optical band gap which reduces the electron-hole pair recombination rate. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was fabricated using WO3·H2O and Fe2WO6/WO3 films as photoanodes and it was observed that Fe2WO6/WO3 photoanode shows highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) i.e., 4.69% which can be achieved through high dye absorbing capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment on response of rice to nitrogen under aerobic and transplanted conditions was conducted in split-split -plot design with two methods of rice cultivation, seven rice varieties and five nitrogen levels. The grain yield was significantly higher in transplanted rice compared to aerobic rice. Significantly higher grain yield was observed with MTU 1001 and MTU 1010 as compared to IR 64, Tella hamsa and Rajendra and the grain yield in the former two varieities was comaparable with Naveen and Erramallelu. Increase in grain yield with every 100 kg of N ha-1 from 100 kg to 300 kg ha-1 was significant. Significant interaction effect on grain yield was observed due to method of crop establishment, varieties and nitrogen levels. Aerobic rice received 627 mm of irrigation water as compared to 1228 mm in transplanted rice and the mean water productivity was higher under aerobic rice (0.49 kg grain m-3) as compared to transplanted rice (0.31 kg grain m-3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at evaluating the genetic variability of different germplasms and comparative effectiveness of morphological descriptors, floral and reproductive biology of three CPTs of annatto viz.,Tamil Nadu (green fruited), Kerala (red fruited), Karnataka (dark red fruited) at department of Forest Biology and Tree improvement, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam during 2017-19. A record on sequence of flowering ascends along the latitudes. The sequence of flowering is top to bottom (basipetal) that is the development, maturation or opening from the apex towards the base in the sequence. It commenced from the southern side to the south eastern side. The colour of the flower is whitish pink in Tamil Nadu, moderate pink in Karnataka and dark pink in Kerala and this floral colour polymorphism suggests that pollinators (mainly bumble bees and ants) are the primary selective agents which influence flower colour. The stain I-KI showed 95 % pollen viability and it is found that the viability of the pollen grains decreased after four hours from pollen dehiscence and tricolporate pollen was observed in annatto. The observation on fruit set indicated that bixa plant can have both self- and cross-pollination. Fruit maturity takes place 80 -- 95 days counting from the day of pollination to fruit dehiscence. The shape of the fruit resembles rounded oblong pyriform. Maximum seed production was recorded in the red fruited (collected from Karnataka) (113.12 g) plant followed by the dark red fruited plant (Kerala) and the green fruited variant (TN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]