Ultrathin nickel sulfide nano-flames as an electrode for high performance supercapacitor; comparison of symmetric FSS-SCs and electrochemical SCs device

(a) The schematic for fabrication of the symmetric FSS-SCs device, (b) demonstration of FSS-SCs device with the glow of a red LED and (c) the performance comparison of symmetric FSS-SCs and electrochemical SCs device.

Molecular mapping of genomic regions harbouring QTLs for root and yield traits in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Root system is a vital part of plants for absorbing soil moisture and nutrients and it influences the drought tolerance. Identification of the genomic regions harbouring quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for root and yield traits, and the linked markers can facilitate sorghum improvement through marker-assisted selection (MAS) besides the deeper understanding of the plant response to drought stress. A population of 184 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derived from E36-1 × SPV570, along with parents were phenotyped for component traits of yield in field and root traits in an above ground rhizotron. High estimates of heritability and genetic advance for all the root traits and for most of the yield traits, presents high scope for improvement of these traits by simple selection. A linkage map constructed with 104 marker loci comprising 50 EST-SSRs, 34 non-genic nuclear SSRs and 20 SNPs, and QTL analysis was performed using composite interval mapping (CIM) approach. A total of eight and 20 QTLs were mapped for root and yield related traits respectively. The QTLs for root volume, root fresh weight and root dry weight were found co-localized on SBI-04, supported by a positive correlation among these traits. Hence, these traits can be improved using the same linked markers. The lack of overlap between the QTLs of component traits of root and yield suggested that these two sets of parameters are independent in their influence and the possibility of combining these two traits might enhance productivity of sorghum under receding moisture condition.

Stretching the Limits of Laparoscopy in Gynecological Oncology: Technical Feasibility of doing a Laparoscopic Total Pelvic Exenteration for Palliation in advanced Cervical Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Improving quality of life and supportive care are of paramount importance in helping patients of advanced cervical cancer. Pelvic exenteration has both palliative and curative role in the management of cervical cancer. We aim to demonstrate the feasibility of performing laparoscopic total pelvic exenteration in advanced carcinoma of the cervix and to evaluate the immediate morbidity associated with it.

METHODS

We performed laparoscopic total pelvic exenteration in 7 patients of advanced cervical cancer at Galaxy Laparoscopy Institute from August 2005 to December 2007. All patients underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy for assessment of resectibility of the tumor followed by pelvic exenteration in the same operative procedure. The purpose of this procedure was palliation.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 230 +/- 15 min and mean blood loss was 250 +/- 50 ml. Five patients received intra-operative blood transfusions. All patients tolerated the procedure well. No patients required conversion to open surgery. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 8 (7-21) days. The mean follow up was 11 (4-24) months and mean symptom free period was 8 (3-24) months. There was no major and unanticipated post-operative morbidity. There was no immediate post-operative mortality in the present study.

DISCUSSION

Laparoscopic total pelvic exenteration is technically feasible and can be offered to carefully selected patients with advanced carcinoma of the cervix. The feasibility of this procedure defines newer limits for the use of laparoscopy in gynecological cancers.

A novel technique of total laparoscopic hysterectomy for routine use: evaluation of 140 cases

Hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed gynecological procedures. Although the first laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed in 1989, this technique accounts for only a few of all hysterectomies performed today. To assess the safety of total laparoscopic hysterectomy through a novel technique that we have evolved, a retrospective analysis of 140 patients with benign uterine pathologies operated at our institute between 2004 and 2007 was performed. All patients underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) using a simple technique. The highlight of this technique was the omission of any vaginal manipulator. The mean operation time was 88.75 ± 52.72 minutes, the mean blood loss 53.80 ± 35.94 ml and the mean hospital stay 2.21 ± 1.12 days. No conversion to open surgery was necessary. Iatrogenic complications were bowel injury (n=1) and vaginal tears (n=3) and were managed laparoscopically. The new method of TLH proved to be reproducible and safe with decreased morbidity and operation time. This can be attributed to the performance of the same standardized steps each time. Our technique provides a safe procedure suitable for routine use in gynecological surgery.