Differences in hypericin synthesis between experimentally induced seedling shoot cultures of Hypericum hookerianum Wight & Arn.

Varghese, Reji Joseph,Sooriamuthu, Seeni 한국식물생명공학회 2013 Plant biotechnology reports Vol.7 No.4

During seed germination trials of Hypericum hookerianum, seedlings of Lake View accession from Palni hills of Southern India segregated into green- (97.44 %) and red-pigmented (2.56 %) types. Seedlings cultured in Murashige and Skoog (1962) basal medium developed into fast growing green and slow growing red plant types in 6 weeks, the latter showing increased concentrations of total phenols, anthocyanins and flavonoids and 19-fold higher concentration of hypericin. Hypocotyls/cotyledons of red seedlings cultured using $2.325{\mu}M$ kinetin (KIN) produced hypericin-rich ($4.38{\pm}0.18$ mg/g DW), stunted (0.5-1.2 cm) shoots which ceased to grow in 8 weeks. Segments (4-6 mm) of these shoots sub-cultured in the dark for 4 weeks followed by 2-week light exposure and repeated subculture enabled mass multiplication of productive ($3.93{\pm}0.06$ mg hypericin/g DW) shoots. Green hypocotyls and cotyledons subjected to 4+2 weak dark-light treatment also produced $9.18{\pm}2.44$ and $4.25{\pm}0.96$ comparable hypericin-rich ($3.73{\pm}0.21$ mg/g DW) shoots. Red and green seedling explants cultured in basal medium in the dark produced $6.82{\pm}0.75$ cm etiolated shoots with reduced leaves which synthesized $2.27{\pm}0.15$ mg hypericin/g DW on illumination. Green cotyledons cultured in the dark using $2.45{\mu}M$ indole-3 butyric acid (IBA) formed calluses which on illumination formed $12.64{\pm}3.8$ productive ($3.86{\pm}0.31$ mg hypericin/g DW) 0.5- to 1.5-cmlong shoot clusters. Phenotypic segregation of seedlings, the ability of both red and green seedling explants to multiply in the dark and produce hypericin on illumination, and IBA-induced indirect shoots producing significant amounts of metabolite compared to wild plants ($0.35{\pm}0.09$ mg/g DW) and green shoot cultures ($0.91{\pm}0.03$ mg/g DW) are new to Hypericum.

Incidentally Detected Adenocarcinoma Prostate in Transurethral Resection of Prostate Specimens: a Hospital Based Study from India

Varghese, Jophy,Kuruvilla, Priya Mariam,Mehta, Nisarg,Rathore, Ranjeet Singh,Babu, Manas,Bansal, Devesh,Pillai, Biju,Sam, Mohan P,Krishnamorthy, H Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.4

Background: Awareness about prostate cancer has increased in the community, and prostate cancer screening examinations, including prostate specific antigen (PSA) assays, are now widely available. Prior to the PSA era, up to 27% of prostate cancers were detected incidentally at the time of transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). After PSA testing became widely available, the incidence of incidentally detected carcinoma prostate in TURP specimens without prior diagnosis reduced to 5-13%. However, the incidence of incidentally detected carcinoma prostate has been reported to vary across the globe since various factors can influence the identification of this malignancy in TURP specimens. In this paper, we focus on rates of incidentally detected prostate cancer in TURP specimens in our hospital and correlate it with various parameters. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study of histopathological findings of biopsy specimens was conducted for patients undergoing TURP during a period of 5 years from April 2010. The inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (digital rectal examination (DRE) not showing any abnormally hard areas and normal age adjusted PSA values). Patients with elevated PSA, abnormal DRE, documented urinary tract infection and proved adenocarcinoma prostate (CaP) were excluded from the study. The total weight of prostatectomy specimen, occurrence of carcinoma prostate in the chips, percentage of total tissue resected showing malignancy and Gleason's scores were recorded. Results: A total of 597 patients belonging to the inclusion criteria were studied. The incidence of occult CaP in the study group was 5.2 % (31/597). Out of these, 8 belonged to T1a and 23 belonged to T1b stages. The age group 70 - 79 years had the maximum incidence of occult CaP. It was observed that the clinical grading of prostate did not have a bearing on the incidence of occult CaP whereas the weight of resected specimen correlated with the incidence of CaP. The incidence of occult CaP was greater with low volume prostates (<20 g). (P=0.15). Conclusions: The rate of incidentally detected adenocarcinoma prostate in patients undergoing TURP for clinically diagnosed BPH was found to be only 5.2 % in our study which is low when compared with similar studies done elsewhere. The age of the patient and weight of the resected specimen correlated with incidence of occult prostate cancer. The clinical grading of prostate by DRE however, demonstrated no correlation.

Cocos nucifera L.-derived porous carbon nanospheres/ZnO composites for energy harvesting and antibacterial applications

Varghese Meera,Ninan Gisa Grace,Jayaram Saranya,Sarojini Suma,Balachandran Manoj 한국탄소학회 2024 Carbon Letters Vol.34 No.5

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have been the subject of extensive research for their potential applications in various fields, including photovoltaics and medicine. In recent years, researchers have focused their attention on CNMs as their high electrical conductivity, low cost, and large surface area are promising in replacing traditional platinum-based counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). In addition to their electrical properties, CNMs have also displayed antibacterial activity, making them an attractive option for medical applications. The combination of CNMs with metal oxides to form composite materials represents a promising approach with significant potential in various fields, including energy and biology. Here, we introduce porous carbon nanospheres (PCNS) derived from Cocos nucifera L. and its ZnO composite (PCNS/ZnO) as an alternative material, which opens up new research insights for platinum-free counter electrodes. Bifacial DSSCs produced using PCNS-based counter electrodes achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 3.98% and 2.02% for front and rear illumination, respectively. However, with PCNS/ZnO composite-based counter electrodes, the efficiency of the device increased significantly, producing approximately 5.18% and 4.26% for front and rear illumination, respectively. Moreover, these CNMs have shown potential as antibacterial agents. Compared to PCNS, PCNS/ZnO composites exhibited slightly superior antibacterial activity against tested bacterial strains, including gram-positive Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and gram-negative Vibrio harveyi (V. harveyi) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) with MIC values of 125, 250, 125, and 62.5 µg/ml, respectively. It is plausible that the outcomes observed were influenced by the synergistic effects of the composite material.

Burning velocities of DME(dimethyl ether)-air premixed flames at elevated temperatures

Varghese, R.J.,Kishore, V.R.,Akram, M.,Yoon, Y.,Kumar, S. Pergamon Press 2017 Energy Vol.126 No.-

This paper reports the measurement of laminar burning velocities of DME (dimethyl ether)-air mixtures at higher mixture temperatures using planar flames stabilized in a controlled temperature mesoscale diverging channel. The reliability of this technique for flame speed measurement at high mixture temperatures has been established through various numerical studies using detailed 3-D computational model for DME-air mixtures. The distribution of fuel-air mass flux, reaction zone, and flame shape indicate that a planar flame is indeed formed in both transverse and depth directions of the channel. The stabilized flame is independent of any stretch effects except mild hydrodynamic strain due to channel divergence (30-50 s<SUP>-1</SUP>), and measured values of laminar burning velocities are within +/-5% of the actual value. The experiments were carried out at various equivalence ratios (φ = 0.7-1.4) and elevated mixture temperatures (350-640 K). The burning velocities and temperature exponents were determined using the planar flames stabilized at different mixture inlet velocities and temperatures. Slightly rich mixtures (φ = 1.1) point to the maximum burning velocity, in good agreement with recent literature at ambient conditions. Temperature exponents for different equivalence ratios increase to both sides of φ = 1.1. Numerically calculated laminar burning velocities with different chemical kinetic schemes compared well with the measured burning velocities at higher mixture temperatures.

Modified Transseptal Approach: An Adjunct to Prelacrimal Recess Approach for Extensive Inverted Papilloma of Maxillary Sinus, How We Do It

Varghese George,Thomas Roshan Marie 대한비과학회 2022 Journal of rhinology Vol.29 No.1

The transseptal approach to the maxillary sinus has been described for resection of extensive tumours of the nose and paranasal sinuses. We describe a modification of this method in a patient diagnosed with inverted papilloma for which he had undergone two previous operations. This method provides complete access to the maxillary sinus, particularly the anterior wall, to provide adequate reach and ensure complete removal of tumours. We describe a technique modifying the existing transseptal approach used as an adjunct to prelacrimal recess approach, wherein a hemitransfixation incision placed in the contralateral nasal cavity along the septum provides access to the maxillary sinus with angled instruments. This modified transseptal approach provided better reach and access to the maxillary sinus. Postoperatively, there was no evidence of septal scarring or perforation and no evidence of lesion recurrence. Our technique is an easy modification to the transseptal approach that is a useful tool to access hidden areas of the maxillary sinus without associated morbidity. The transseptal approach to the maxillary sinus has been described for resection of extensive tumours of the nose and paranasal sinuses. We describe a modification of this method in a patient diagnosed with inverted papilloma for which he had undergone two previous operations. This method provides complete access to the maxillary sinus, particularly the anterior wall, to provide adequate reach and ensure complete removal of tumours. We describe a technique modifying the existing transseptal approach used as an adjunct to prelacrimal recess approach, wherein a hemitransfixation incision placed in the contralateral nasal cavity along the septum provides access to the maxillary sinus with angled instruments. This modified transseptal approach provided better reach and access to the maxillary sinus. Postoperatively, there was no evidence of septal scarring or perforation and no evidence of lesion recurrence. Our technique is an easy modification to the transseptal approach that is a useful tool to access hidden areas of the maxillary sinus without associated morbidity.

Solar PV and Wind Energy Based Reconfigurable Microgrid for Optimal Load Dispatch

Varghese Lijo Jacob,Arun Kumar U.,Sunitha D. 대한전기학회 2023 Journal of Electrical Engineering & Technology Vol.18 No.4

Distribution generation (DG), energy storage systems (ESS), distributed reactive sources (DRS), and resilient loads that may operate in both linked and isolated modes form the microgrid (MG). Unpredictable and variable DGs, like as renewable energy sources like wind and photovoltaic systems, are especially difficult for MG planners to make judgments on (PVES). This work provides a rigorous hybrid optimization approach for designing reconfigurable MGs to tackle technological and economic uncertainty. The suggested technique leverages the moth flame optimization (MFO) algorithm paired with a heuristic fuzzy for optimum DG positioning and reconfiguration, manufacturing costs, and loss avoidance. This hybrid algorithm improves electricity quality, increases customer savings, and benefits the distributed system operators (DSO). The MFO algorithm is used to optimize and reorganize DG sites, and the fuzzy technique is utilized to deal with multi-objective problems, all to reduce microgrid expenses like emission costs and the supply of reliable energy. Using the supplied technique to address three distinct situations helps DSO choose the appropriate structures. For testing, a 33-bus IEEE RDS microgrid is employed. Validation is done utilizing a 24-h daily load pattern and 24-h typical load dispatching behavior for both WES and PVES to ensure reliability. Studies show micro grids outperform present structures.

An Efficient Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation Protocol for Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Using Embryogenic Mass as Explant

Varghese, Jiby Mary,Bhat, Alangar Ishwara 한국작물학회 2011 Journal of crop science and biotechnology Vol.14 No.4

A protocol was developed for an efficient Agrobactertium-mediated transformation of black pepper plants through somatic embryogenesis. Embryogenic mass derived from primary somatic embryos that were obtained from the micropylar region of mature germinating seeds of black pepper was found to be the ideal target tissue for transformation. Genetic fidelity test of embryogenic mass-derived plantlets by RAPD using 23 random primers revealed no genetic variation among the progenies and the parent plant. Among the antibiotics used for selection of transformants, cefotaxime at 100 ${\mu}g\;mL^{-1}$ was found to be optimum to control Agrobacterium besides its ability to promote somatic embryo proliferation. In the case of kanamycin, a step-wise increase in concentration from 25 to 50 and then to 100 ${\mu}g\;mL^{-1}$ were found to be optimum. Embryogenic mass co-cultivated with Agrobacterium carrying the ${\beta}$-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene were cultured on plant growth regulator-free Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) medium and transformants were selected in selection medium containing cefotaxime and step-wise increase in kanamycin concentration. The transient GUS gene expression was determined histochemically. Transformants that survived in the selection medium were hardened in the greenhouse. An average of nine hardened putative plantlets was obtained per gram of embryogenic mass. The presence of transgene in these plantlets was assayed by PCR, dot blot, and Southern blot hybridization. Results presented demonstrated for the first time an efficient transformation and regeneration of black pepper without the use of growth regulators. This simple efficient procedure would allow transformation of black pepper with genes of desirable characters.

Overexpression of Rb and E2F-1 in Ataxia-Telangiectasia Lymphocytes

Varghese, Susan,Jung, Mi-Ra The Pharmaceutical Society of Korea 1998 Archives of Pharmacal Research Vol.21 No.6

AT cells exhibit defective cell cycle regulation following DNA damage. Previous studies have shown that induction of p53 and p2i proteins are delayed in response to ionizing rad iation, resulting in the failure of G1/S checkpoint in AT cells. In this study, further investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying G1/S phase progression in AT cells was conducted. Exponentially growing normal and AT cells were exposed to 2 Gly of ionizing radiation and the expression levels and functional activities of Rb and E2F-1 proteins were determined. We observed overexpression of hyperphosphorylated Rb and E2F-1 proteins in AT cells, which was unaffected post-irradiation. Furthermore, gel shift assays showed that E2F-1-DNA binding was constitutive in AT cells, whereas it was inhibited in control cells following exposure to ionizing radiation. The data suggests that abnormalities in the function of Rb and E2F-1 proteins may also be responsible for the failure of AT cells to arrest in the G1/S checkpoint in response to DNA damage.

Evaluation of Surface Temperature Simulated by EC-Earth Global Model for the European Region in Different Climate Change Scenarios

Saji Varghese,Tido Semmler 건국대학교 기후연구소 2011 기후연구 Vol.6 No.3

The coupled global climate model EC-Earth has been used to create an ensemble of climate simulations for 1850 to 2100. For 1850 to 2005 observed greenhouse gas and aerosol concentrations including observed volcanic eruptions have been prescribed while for 2006 to 2100 two different scenarios, the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios developed for CMIP5, the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5, have been applied. Global and European mean temperature as well as extreme cold and hot events for Europe have been compared to a range of observation data and analyzed for the future. The global and European mean temperature development for 1850 to 2005 is well captured in the EC-Earth simulations. The intensity of extreme cold and extreme hot events, defined as 1% percentile of daily minimum temperature for winter and 99% percentile of daily maximum temperature for summer, is generally fairly well captured for continental regions while underestimated by up to 5°C in maritime regions. For the future, a decrease in the intensity of extreme cold events and an increase in the intensity of extreme hot events is simulated. According to the stronger RCP 8.5 scenario the 1% percentile of daily minimum temperature for winter increases by up to 25°C in the Barents Sea region by the end of this century while the 99% percentile of daily maximum temperature for summer increases by up to 8°C over Southern Europe.

Burning behavior and thermal hazards of binary blended n-propanol-diesel pool fires

Sivi Varghese,V. R. Renjith 대한기계학회 2023 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.37 No.7

The consumption of alternative fuels accelerated in recent years because of the depletion of petroleum fuel sources, and, nowadays, the blended fuel demand is increasing worldwide. Blended fuel structure and burning characteristics are significantly different from pure fuels. The combustion behavior of pool fire of n-propanol, diesel, and their blends was experimentally studied under quiescent ambient air conditions. The fuels were burned in a circular pan of three sizes (D = 0.20, 0.10, and 0.05 m) to explore the burning properties. Blends of diesel with n-propanol were tested with an n-propanol concentration of 10 and 30 % by volume. The mass burning rate (MBR), fuel temperature, and total heat flux from flames were recorded. The combustion parameters of diesel, n-propanol, and blends with different pans were comparable. The propanol fraction enhances the burning rate of diesel, and soot formation is less visible in blended fuels. The average MBR recorded for pure propanol in 0.20 m pan diameter is 0.01548 kg/m 2 .s. The mean fuel temperature difference between thermocouples in diesel is 40 °C, and n-propanol is 20 °C, and for P10, the temperature difference is closer to the diesel. Thermal heat flux is estimated by using a low-cost thin-film heat flux sensor. The total heat flux profile of 0.20 m diameter P10 and P30 blends develops a V-shaped curve between the burning time range of 300 to 650 seconds and 400 to 750 seconds. These characteristics of pool fire combustion aid in the safe storage and handling of blended fuel.