Efficacy of Modified Bleach Concentration Method for Demonstration of Acid-fast Bacilli in Fine Needle Aspiration of Lymph Nodes with Clinical Suspicion of Tuberculosis

Background: Tuberculous lymphadenitis is the most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of lymph node for its diagnosis is simple and safe. Conventional Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) method for acid-fast bacilli plays a key role in the diagnosis; however, it has variable sensitivity due to low bacterial load. We evaluated the role of bleach concentration method before performing ZN method for the detection of mycobacterium in clinically suspected cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis. Method: A total of 103 samples of fine-needle aspirates were collected from clinically suspected cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis as part of routine diagnosis. All the samples were processed for cytology, conventional ZN staining, bleach concentration followed by ZN staining. Results: As per cytomorphological diagnosis of aspirates, 50.50% cases were categorized as reactive hyperplasia, 43.68% cases as tubercular lymphadenopathy and 5.82% cases of suppurative lymphadenitis. The detection rates of conventional ZN method and bleach concentrated ZN method were 28.15% and 33%, respectively. The bleach method has 100% sensitivity and specificity while conventional ZN method showed 85.29% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: Bleach concentrated method can be done before conventional ZN staining for detection of tubercle bacilli, as it has a higher case detection rate than that of the conventional ZN method

Innovative gasification technology for future power generation

Ever tightening environmental regulations have changed the way utility and non-utility electric generation providers currently view their fuels choices. While coal is still, by far, the major fuel utilized in power production, the general trend over the past 20 years has been to switch to low-sulfur coal and/or make costly modifications to existing coal-fired facilities to reach environmental compliance. Unfortunately, this approach has led to fragmented solutions to balance our energy and environmental needs. To date, few integrated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) suppliers have been able to compete with the cost of other more conventional technologies or fuels. One need only look at the complexity of many IGCC approaches to understand that unless a view toward IEC is adopted, the widespread application of such otherwise potentially attractive technologies will be unlikely in our lifetime. Jacobs-Sirrine Engineers and Riley Stoker Corporation are working in partnership with the Department of Energy`s Morgantown Energy Technology Center to help demonstrate an innovative coal gasification technology called {open_quotes}PyGas{trademark},{close_quotes} for {open_quotes}pyrolysis-gasification{close_quotes}. This hybrid variation of fluidized-bed and fixed-bed gasification technologies is being developed with the goal to efficiently produce clean gas at costs competitive with more conventional systems by incorporating many of the principles of IEC within the confines of a single-gasifier vessel. Our project is currently in the detailed design stage of a 4 ton-per-hour gasification facility to be built at the Fort Martin Station of Allegheny Power Services. By locating the test facility at an existing coal-fired plant, much of the facility infrastructure can be utilized saving significant costs. Successful demonstration of this technology at this new facility is a prerequisite to its commercialization

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Not AvailableVL Soya 89 (VLS 89) a soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) variety developed by the ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, Uttarakhand. It is derived from the cross VLS 47/EC 361364. It has been recommended for release by the VIC held on June 15th March, 2018 at IGKV, Raipur Chhattisgarh subsequently released and notified by the Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards and Release of Varieties vide notification number S.O. 1498(E) dated 1st April, 2019. The specific area of adaptation of this variety is the timely sown rainfed condition of Northern Hill Zone (NHZ) comprising of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.ICA