p16 Expression as a Surrogate Marker for HPV Infection in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma can Predict Response to Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Kumar, Rajeev,Ghosh, Sankar Kumar,Verma, Akalesh Kumar,Talukdar, Anuradha,Deka, Monoj Kumar,Wagh, Mira,Bahar, H.M. Iqbal,Tapkire, Ritesh,Chakraborty, Kali Pankaj,Kannan, R. Ravi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.16

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common cancer in the north east of India. The present study concerned the prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) in the ESCC in north eastern India and its impact on response to chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: p16 expression, a surrogate marker for HPV infection was assessed in 101 pre-treatment biopsies of locally advanced ESCC, reported from a comprehensive cancer centre in north east India, using immunohistochemistry. All patients received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Response was assessed clinically and histopathologically with attention to p16 expression. Results: p16 was expressed in 22% of ESCC (22 out of 101) and was more prevalent in patients who were more than 45 years of age (P=0.048). p16 positive tumors appeared more commonly in the upper 2/3 of the thoracic esophagus (18 in 22). Nine of the 22 (41%) p16 positive tumors achieved pathologic complete response following neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.008). There was a trend towards reduced mortality in this group (P=0.048). Some 9 of the 20 (45%) patients who achieved pathologic complete response were p16 positive. Conclusions: Expression of p16 in ESCC correlates with higher rate of pathologic complete remission in patients undergoing neo adjuvant chemotherapy and could be a predictive marker for response assessment.

Design, Synthesis, In Silico Screening, and Antiproliferative Activity of Novel 1,2,3-Triazole Tethered Dibenzosuberane Conjugates

Ravi Kant,Keshav Kumar Saini,Ravindra Kumar Upadhyay,Yogender Singh,Y. Veera Manohara Reddy,Shishu Pal Singh,M. Abdul Kareem,K. R. Dasegowda,H. Prabhavati,Rakesh Kumar,박종필,Lalita S. Kumar 한국생물공학회 2023 Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering Vol.28 No.5

To explore novel and potent compounds with anticancer activity, two series of 1H-1,2,3-triazole tethered dibenzosuberane conjugates (5a-i and 5j-n) were synthesized using a linear and convergent approach. The synthesized novel compounds were screened for their in vitro antiproliferative activity against HepG2 cell lines using the MTT assay to explore their binding interactions with the 5EQG protein. IC50 values revealed that the most active combination against HepG2 cell lines was triazole tethered with an ortho chloro-substituted aryl ring (5g) (IC50: 99.64 μg/mL). The other compounds in the series exhibited comparable cytotoxic activities against HepG2 cell lines. The results were substantiated by molecular docking studies. The majority of the compounds demonstrated high binding affinity for the active site of the targeted protein. In addition, in silico drug-likeness prediction by the ADMET method has been explored with these compounds. All synthesized novel derivatives were characterized by mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy.

Influence of Blanching and Drying Air Temperature on Drying Kinetics of Banana Slices

Kumar Ravi,Pandey Om Prakash,Dhiman Sushil Kumar,Kumar Prashant 한국농업기계학회 2021 바이오시스템공학 Vol.46 No.4

Purpose Drying of agro products, analternative approach to truncate the post harvesting losses which is about 40%in case of banana as reported in literatures, is conducted for banana slicesusing tray dryer. The objective was to investigate the effect of blanching and dryingtemperature on drying kinetics of banana slices for which a comparative studyof the drying kinetics of the bananaslices under blanching and without blanching conditions was conducted. Methods The samples were made circularin shape with average diameter of 30mm and 2mm thickness. Drying was done atair velocity of 3ms-1 maintained at three different temperatures of60oC, 70oC and 80oC. Blanching of banana sliceswas done in an aqueous solution of citricacid for 1 minute. Results Comprison of blanching andwithout blancing samples was done based on drying kinetics, color, energy analysis, andcost analysis to optimize the drying conditions and reduce the process cost.Two thin layer drying models werefitted to the experimental data using nonlinear regression analysis and theresults were evaluated using statistical parameter. The significant effects ofdrying temperature, drying time and blanching on moisture content of bananaslices were analyzed by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). Conclusions The blanchingtechnique was found as cost-effective dryingprocess as compared to the without blanching technique.

Electronic structure and electrical transport properties of LaCo_1−xNi_xO₃(0 ≤ x ≤0.5)

Kumar, Vinod,Kumar, Rajesh,Shukla, D. K.,Gautam, Sanjeev,Hwa Chae, Keun,Kumar, Ravi American Institute of Physics 2013 JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS - Vol.114 No.7

Submental intubation: alternative short-term airway management in maxillofacial trauma

Ravi Raja Kumar,Suresh Vyloppilli,Shermil Sayd,Annamala Thangavelu,Benny Joseph,Auswaf Ahsan 대한구강악안면외과학회 2016 대한구강악안면외과학회지 Vol.42 No.3

Objectives: To assess submental route intubation as an alternative technique to a tracheostomy in the management of the airway in cranio-maxillofacial trauma, along with an assessment of its morbidity and complications. Materials and Methods: Submental intubation was performed in 17 patients who had maxillofacial panfacial trauma and management was done under general anesthesia during a period of one year from 2013 to 2014 at Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kochi, India. Results: In all 17 cases, the technique of submental intubation was found to be simple and reliable. Hypertrophic scars were noted in three cases, orocutaneous fistula and mucocele in one case each. All these complications were managed comfortably without significant morbidity to the patient. Conclusion: Submental intubation is a good technique that can be used regularly in the management of the airway in cranio-maxillofacial trauma, but with some manageable complications.

Structural and magnetic properties of bulk and thin films of Mg_0.95Mn_0.05Fe₂O₄

Kumar, Shalendra,Sharma, S.K.,Alimuddin, S.K.,Knobel, M.,Choudhary, R.J.,Lee, Chan Gyu,Koo, B.H.,Kumar, Ravi Elsevier 2009 Current Applied Physics Vol.9 No.5

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>We present here a comparative study on structural and magnetic properties of bulk and thin films of Mg<SUB>0.95</SUB>Mn<SUB>0.05</SUB>Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB> ferrite deposited on two different substrates using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dc magnetization measurements. XRD pattern indicates that the bulk sample and their thin films exhibit a polycrystalline single phase cubic spinel structure. It is found that the film deposited on indium tin oxide coated glass (ITO) substrate has smaller grain size than the film deposited on platinum coated silicon (Pt–Si) substrate. Study of magnetization hysteresis loop measurements infer that the bulk sample of Mg<SUB>0.95</SUB>Mn<SUB>0.05</SUB>Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>4</SUB> and its thin film deposited on Pt–Si substrate shows a well-defined hysteresis loop at room temperature, which reflects its ferrimagnetic behavior. However, the film deposited on ITO does not show any hysteresis, which reflects its superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature.</P>

Bridging Research and Extension Gaps of Paddy Yield in Andhra Pradesh, India

Kumar, K. Nirmal Ravi Korean Society of Food and Agricultural Informatio 2018 Agribusiness and Information Management Vol.10 No.1

Many paddy cultivating farmers in the country are forced to use their limited resources to produce adequate food for their family, leading to the degradation and reduction in potential of these resources. The yield levels of paddy at the farmers' level and in the Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) conducted in the farmers' fields is not at par with potential yield of the paddy variety. The gap between potential yield of crop variety and yield realized in FLDs refers to Research gap and the yield gap between FLDs and due to farmers' practice refers to Extension gap. The earlier studies conducted in India in general and in Andhra Pradesh in particular highlighted the existence of both research and extension gaps with reference to paddy. It is essential that, the narrowing of both research and extension gaps is not static, but dynamic considering the influence of technological interventions in boosting paddy yields at FLDs level and at farmers' level and also with the improvement of the yield potential of paddy varieties. This calls for integrated and holistic approaches to address these two gaps and with this background, the researcher aimed at this in depth study. The findings revealed that, research gaps are high with reference to weed management and pest management and extension gaps are high with reference to farm mechanization followed by fertilizer management. Reliable source of seed, capital use and frequency of meetings with Scientists or Agricultural Officers significantly influence the extension gaps in paddy. Farmers also prioritized socio-economic and technical constraints and the analysis infers that, it is high time now for the farmers to adopt the planned technological interventions on scientific scale to minimize the extension gaps to the extent possible. As the enabling environment in the State of Andhra Pradesh is highly encouraging for the farmers with relevant policy instruments in the form of subsidized inputs, free power, credit at concessional rates of interest, constructing irrigation projects etc., the adoption of the proposed technological interventions significantly contribute to minimizing both research and extension gaps in paddy cultivation in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.

Efficient Utilisation of Credit by the Farmer - Borrowers in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh, India - Data Envelopment Analysis Approach

Kumar, K. Nirmal Ravi Korean Society of Food and Agricultural Informatio 2016 Agribusiness and Information Management Vol.8 No.2

The present study has aimed at analyzing the technical and scale efficiencies of credit utilization by the farmer-borrowers in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, India. DEA approach was followed to analyze the credit utilization efficiency and to analyze the factors influencing the credit utilization efficiency, log-linear regression analysis was attempted. DEA analysis revealed that, the number of farmers operating at CRS are more in number in marginal farms (40%) followed by other (35%) and small (17.5%) farms. Regarding the number of farmers operating at VRS, small farmers dominate the scenario with 72.5 per cent followed by other (67.5%) and marginal (42.5%) farmers. With reference to scale efficiency, marginal farmers are in majority (52.5%) followed by other (47.5%) and small (25%) farmers. At the pooled level, 26.7 per cent of the farmers are being operated at CRS, 63 per cent at VRS and 32.5 per cent of the farmers are either performed at the optimum scale or were close to the optimum scale (farms having scale efficiency values equal to or more than 0.90). Nearly 58, 15 and 28 percents of the farmers in the marginal farms category were found operating in the region of increasing, decreasing and constant returns respectively. Compared to marginal farmers category, there are less number of farmers operating at CRS both in small farmers category (15%) and other farmers category (22.5%). At the pooled level, only 5 per cent of the farmers are operating at DRS, majority of the farmers (73%) are operating at IRS and only 22 per cent of the farmers are operating at CRS indicating efficient utilization of credit. The log-linear regression model fitted to analyze the major determinants of credit utilization (technical) efficiency of farmer-borrowers revealed that, the three variables viz., cost of cultivation and family expenditure (both negatively influencing at 1% significant level) and family income (positively influencing at 1% significant level) are the major determinants of credit utilization efficiency across all the selected farmers categories and at pooled level. The analysis further indicate that, escalation in the cost of cultivation of crop enterprises in the region, rise in family expenditure and prior indebtedness of the farmers are showing adverse influence on the credit utilization efficiency of the farmer-borrowers.

Stable SiO2–TiO2 composite-based nanofluid of improved rheological behaviour for high-temperature oilfield applications

Ravi Shankar Kumar,Tushar Sharma 한국자원공학회 2020 Geosystem engineering Vol.23 No.1

Nanofluid synthesis in pure water is associated with premature settlement resulting in least dispersion stability. Therefore, in this study, polyacrylamide (PAM) is used as viscosity enhancer to improve dispersion stability of nanofluid stabilized by composites of silica and titania. Different techniques such as dynamic light scattering measurements, electrical conductivity, scanning electron microscopy, and rheological studies are used to support the analysis. The use of silica and titania nanoparticles together with PAM has additional advantage over particle agglomeration, and thus, the dispersion stability improved. Further, nanofluid stabilized by composites of silica and titania was tested for rheological measurements at 90°C to find nanotechnology applicability in high-temperature applications. The shear-thinning behaviour of nanofluids at high temperature (90°C) was least affected by shear deformation and reduced to 0.48 mPa.s at higher shear rate (4200 s−1), while shear thinning of PAM solution seriously varied with increasing shear deformation and takes the edge of 0.0005 mPa.s at higher shear rate (4200 s−1). In addition, the thermal stability of nanofluids was better due to slight decrease in viscosity with increasing temperature, which makes them suitable to be utilized at high-temperature applications in widespread industrial areas including oilfield where the temperature becomes a major factor

Opportunities for Agricultural Water Management Interventions in the Krishna Western Delta - A case from Andhra Pradesh, India

Kumar, K. Nirmal Ravi Korean Society of Food and Agricultural Informatio 2017 Agribusiness and Information Management Vol.9 No.1

Agricultural water management has gained enormous attention in the developing world to alleviate poverty, reduce hunger and conserve ecosystems in small-scale production systems of resource-poor farmers. The story of food security in the $21^{st}$ century in India is likely t o be closely linked to the story of water security. Today, the water resource is under severe threat. The past experiences in India in general and in Andhra Pradesh in particular, indicated inappropriate management of irrigation has led to severe problems like excessive water depletion, reduction in water quality, water logging, salinization, marked reduction in the annual discharge of some of the rivers, lowering of ground water tables due to pumping at unsustainable rates, intrusion of salt water in some coastal areas etc. Considering the importance of irrigation water resource efficiency, Krishna Western Delta (KWD) of Andhra Pradesh was purposively selected for this in depth study, as the farming community in this area are severely affected due to severe soil salinity and water logging problems and hence, adoption of different water saving crop production technologies deserve special mention. It is quite disappointing that, canals, tube wells and filter points and other wells could not contribute much to the irrigated area in KWD. Due to less contribution from these sources, the net area irrigated also showed declining growth at a rate of -6.15 per cent. Regarding paddy production, both SRI and semi-dry cultivation technologies involves less irrigation cost (Rs. 2475.21/ha and Rs. 3248.15/ha respectively) when compared to transplanted technology (Rs. 4321.58/ha). The share of irrigation cost in Total Operational Cost (TOC) was highest for transplanted technology of paddy (11.06%) followed by semi-dry technology (10.85%) and SRI technology (6.21%). The increased yield and declined cost of cultivation of paddy in SRI and semi-dry production technologies respectively were mainly responsible for the low cost of production of paddy in SRI (Rs. 495.22/qtl) and semi-dry (Rs. 532.81/qtl) technologies over transplanted technology (Rs. 574.93/qtl). This clearly indicates that, by less water usage, paddy returns can be boosted by adopting SRI and semi-dry production technologies. Both the system-level and field-level interventions should be addressed to solve the issues/problems of water management. The enabling environment, institutional roles and functions and management instruments are posing favourable picture for executing the water management interventions in the State of Andhra Pradesh in general and in KWD in particular. This facilitates the farming community to harvest good crop per unit of water resource used in the production programme. To achieve better results, the Farmers' Organizations, Water Users Associations, Department of Irrigation etc., will have to aim at improving productivity per unit of water drop used and this must be supported through system-wide enhancement of water delivery systems and decision support tools to assist farmers in optimizing the allocation of limited water among crops, selection of crops based on farming situations, and adoption of appropriate alternative crops in drought years.