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Background: Original inventions in developing countries, in terms of number of patents filed, granted and that are taken to useful applications as well as in terms of publications of high impact remain relatively lower [1,2] compared to that of developed nations. The reasons could be attributed to lack of importance given to basic research in funding, the number of institutes involved, limited technical support or expertise available etc [1]. Though such initiatives may take a long time to yield fruits, one of the parallel steps we considered worth was to take the original inventions from Japan, born out of basic research in one field, taken through an application-oriented inter disciplinary interactive research in healthcare, thereby paving way for novel solutions. Thus was conceived, the Inventions- Inter-Disciplinary Interactions and Solutions (IIDIAS), an academic session as a part of the one-day International stem cell meet organized every year in the month of October by Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM), an academic Institute based in Chennai, India. In the IIDIAS session, based on original invention(s) presented as a prelude in brief, original interdisciplinary interactive research work based on the original invention by NCRM and/or its collaborators are presented by the faculty of the relevant institute. That will be followed by an interactive session in which the potential solutions based on the above accomplishments would be discussed. The IIDIAS session 2014 was based on the following two inventions: A bio-film-based biosimilar invented by an electro-physicist A unique polymer invented by a chemical engineer Inventions and Interdisciplinary Interactions: Invention –I: The bio-film-based biosimilar invented by an electro-physicist: An electro physicist with the Kyoto University, Japan, Dr Nobuyuki Yamaji observed during his experiments that plants and mammalian tissues secrete a layer of fluid after getting hit by lightning or electric current [3]. The significance of the secretion was unknown to him. Later when he met his friend, Dr. Sunao Kubota, who was a physician and professor of General Surgery in St. Marianna University, he shared his work and Dr. Kubota began analyzing the nature of the secretions. Dr. Kubota hypothesized that the secretion's role may be to provide a temporary barrier to the entry of pathogens through the area of skin dehiscence caused by the electrical damage, until healing process helps to cover the dehiscence. Then for the next decade Yamaji and Kubota worked to isolate the ingredients of the secretion and they together developed a citric acid-based biosimilar capable of killing a wide range of pathogens which are known to cause common as well as severe infections including nosocomial infections such as MRSA, VRE etc [4] without having to use alcohol-based disinfectants. This biosimilar named as Clinister, had the ability to kill even H5N1 influenza virus and is used in Japan as a spray disinfectant in public places [3]. Inter-Disciplinary-Interaction based on the Invention-I: Evaluation of citric acid-based granules in controlling Chickungunya Virus‏: Clinister has not only been proven as a disinfectant but is also a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent that strongly restricts the recurrence of the microbes for a long term. In the present study, Clinister was evaluated for its virostatic efficacy against Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in vitro for the first time. It showed expressive effect on virus grown in BHK cell cultures by inhibiting the development of virus induced cytopathic effect at an effective concentration of 1.5mg/ml in comparison to 70% ethanol, a common disinfectant. The effects on the virus were further checked by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) at different regular post infective intervals from 0 to 72 hrs. The observations suggested that, other than the anti-microbial activity, Clinister also have specific effect on viruses that may cater the need to prevent the spreading of contagious viruses during epidemics which may occur in the future. However it is essential to study the specific targets of Clinister in viruses at a molecular level, and the same is under progress. Invention – II : A unique polymer invented by a chemical engineer A chemical engineer Prof. Yuichi Mori jointly with polymer scientist Dr Hiroshi Yoshioka developed a thermoreversible polymer (TGP) hydrogel composed of thermoresponsive polymer block [poly (Nisopropylacrylamide- co-n-butyl methacrylate) (poly NIPAAm-co-BMA)] and the hydrophilic polymer block [polyethylene glycol (PEG)] (commercial name :Mebiol gel) [5]. This Mebiol gel provides a suitable in vitro environment enabling culture expansion of cells in the lab without the use of biological components such as amniotic membrane or feeder layers. TGP has been earlier employed for the three-dimensional culture of many cell types like corneal limbal stem cells [6], chondrocytes [7], embryonic stem cells [8], hepatocytes [9], induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells [8] and bone marrow mononuclear cells [10]. TGP has been used for transportation of corneal endothelial precursor cells over long distances without cool preservation [11], for micro-encapsulation of islet cells [12] and as a wound dressing [13]. TGP has been intralesionally applied along with stem cells in an animal model of spinal cord in injury [10]. TGP is a unique polymer capable of maintaining stem cells in an undifferentiated manner for a longer period of time [14]. It does not affect the gene expression profile [15] and the karyotype of the cells is maintained even after long term culture [16]. The safety and efficacy of TGP as a valuable scaffold material has been established in the various in vitro and translational studies [5]. Inter-Disciplinary-Interaction based on the Invention-II: Mebiol Gel as a 3D scaffold for hepatocytes and viral replication Mebiol Gel was used as a 3D scaffold for growing hepatocyte cell line. Mebiol Gel based hepatocytes had better differentiation and the cells were susceptible to hepatitis C virus replication. The Mebiol Gel based 3D culture system can be used as a better cell culture system for viral studies. Potential Solutions: The works presented in the IIDIAS session have portrayed that original invention in any field when subjected to multi-disciplinary interaction after carefully evaluating the potentials can lead to novel solutions. Though the experts in various disciplines in the reported work have got to interact by chance or due to geographical proximity to each other, when a networking platform to throw such ideas to a forum with mutually rewarding opportunities given for discussion and planning of interactive researches is made possible, novel solutions may not be impossible, if the target platform is well understood within the limitations of each stake holder. Creation of a niche or a suitable environment for such multi disciplinary interaction may prevail and work to its best in a physical state of interaction but advances in information technology has broken the need for such physical interaction among peers to bring out novel solutions. Interactions across specialties in the IIDIAS session help in identifying roles for the invention in other fields which may not be directly related to healthcare. The probable solutions and advantages by combining the electro-physical activity-derived biosimilar and the chemically synthesized polymer described in the study include: A novel platform for in vitro culture of HCV having been described, similar platforms for not so easily cultivable viruses can also be developed. The 3D viral culture technology can be exploited to study the replication process and other intricacies of the virus in in vitro culture. When in vitro expansion of viruses in an appropriate manner becomes feasible, anti-viral agents, either virostatic or virucidal, herbal or synthetic biosimilars can be analysed to come out with effective anti viral agents. A biosimilar-based compound having been proven against Chickungunya virus, the same could be tried against life threatening viruses in appropriate and safe environments. Clinister being a food additive-based material, is considered to be safe to human beings [4] and hence its inclusion as an additive to cell culture medium could be studied further in order to check whether the use of common antibiotics and anti-fungals which may be detrimental to cell growth can be avoided yielding safer anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents for cell culture. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary interaction within and across various domains of science has several potentials in bringing out novel solutions and this has been proven by this study of interaction among physicists, chemists and biologists. The authors recommend that establishment of barrier-free interaction platforms within and among institutes and various specialties at varied stages of research activities as portrayed here like the IIDIAS session to bring about novel solutions such as the ones described in this article. References Sumathipala A, Siribaddana S, Patel V. Under-representation of developing countries in the research literature: ethical issues arising from a survey of five leading medical journals. BMC Med Ethics. 2004;5: E5. The World Bank (2008). Global Economic Prospects 2008: Technology Diffusion in the Developing World. Washington, DC: The World Bank. Retrieved February 18, 2008 from http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTGEP2008/Resources/complete-report.pdf Abraham S. The "Electric Biology" Duo. Trade Secrets- Nature Biotechnology Blog 2011. Full text can be accessed at http://blogs.nature.com/tradesecrets/2011/12/06/the-electric-biology-duo. Kubota S, Matsuzawa K, Wada M, Yamaji N. Bactericidal Effect of a Disinfectant (Bio Io Nurse) Prepared by Adding Citric Acid and Low Concentration Alcohol to Strongly Acidic Electrolyzed Water. New Food Industry 2008; 50:9. Dedeepiya VD, William JB, Parthiban JKBC, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Kuroda S, Iwasaki M, Preethy S, Abraham SJK. Scaffolds for Cell Transplantation in Neurology: The Suitability of a Thermoreversible Gelation Polymer—Our Perspectives. Journal of Spinal Surgery 2014;1(1). Sitalakshmi G, Sudha B, Madhavan HN, Vinay S, Krishnakumar S, Mori Y, Yoshioka H, Abraham S. Ex Vivo Cultivation of Corneal Limbal Epithelial Cells in a Thermoreversible Polymer (Mebiol Gel) and Their Transplantation in Rabbits: An Animal Model. Tissue Eng Part A. 2009;15(2):407-15. Yasuda A, Kojima K, Tinsley KW, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Vacanti CA. In vitro culture of chondrocytes in a novel thermoreversible gelation polymer scaffold containing growth factors. Tissue Eng. 2006;12(5):1237-45. Kataoka K, Huh N. Application of a Thermo-Reversible Gelation Polymer, Mebiol Gel, for Stem Cell Culture and Regenerative Medicine. J Stem Cells Regen Med. 2010 ;6(1); 10-14. Parveen N, Khan AA, Baskar S, Habeeb MA, Babu R, Abraham S, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Mohammed HC. Intraperitoneal Transplantation of Hepatocytes Embedded in Thermoreversible Gelation Polymer (Mebiol Gel) in Acute Liver Failure Rat Model. Hepatitis Monthly 2008; 8(4): 275-280. William BJ, Prabakaran R, Ayyappan S, Puskhinraj H, Rao D, Manjunath S, Thamaraikannan P, Dedeepiya VD, Kuroda S, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Preethy, Abraham S. Functional Recovery of Spinal Cord Injury Following Application of Intralesional Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Embedded in Polymer Scaffold - Two Year Follow-up in a Canine. J Stem Cell Res Ther.2011; 1:110. Rao SK, Sudhakar J, Parikumar P, Natarajan S, Insaan A, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Tsukahara S, Baskar S, Manjunath SR, Senthilkumar R, Thamaraikannan P, Srinivasan T, Preethy S, Abraham SJ. Successful transportation of human corneal endothelial tissues without cool preservation in varying Indian tropical climatic conditions and in vitro cell expansion using a novel polymer. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2014;62(2):130-5. Shimizu S, Yamazaki M, Kubota S, Ozasa T, Moriya H, Kobayashi K, Mikami M, Mori Y, Yamaguchi S. In vitro studies on a new method for islet microencapsulation using a thermoreversible gelation polymer, N-isopropylacrylamide-based copolymer. Artif Organs. 1996;20(11):1232-7. Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Kubota S. Wound dressing of newly developed thermogelling thermoreversible hydrogel. Jpn J Artif Organs. 1998; 27: 503-506. Arumugam S, Manjunath S , Senthilkumar R, Srinivasan V, Rajendiran S, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Abraham S. In vitro expansion and characterization of human chondrocytes using a novel Thermoreversible Gelation Polymer (TGP). Journal of orthopaedics. 2011; 8(3); 1-10. Hishikawa K, Miura S, Marumo T, Yoshioka H, Mori Y, Takato T, Fujita T. Gene expression profile of human mesenchymal stem cells during osteogenesis in three-dimensional thermoreversible gelation polymer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004;317(4):1103-7. Lei Y, Schaffer DV. A fully defined and scalable 3D culture system for human pluripotent stem cell expansion and differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013;110(52):E5039-48.

We describe the preparation and preservation of human amniotic membrane required for transplantation in the management of ocular surface diseases. Informed consent is obtained and the donor is screened to exclude risk of transmissible infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and Treponema pallidum infections. Ideally, the media and washing solutions needed for the preparation of amniotic membrane are prepared only a week to 10 days prior to use and not stored in the freezer weeks ahead. The AM obtained under sterile conditions after elective caesarian section is washed free of blood clots and chorion. With the epithelial surface up, amniotic membrane is spread uniformly without folds or tears on individually sterilized 0.22 μm nitrocellulose membranes of the required sizes. The prepared filter membrane with the adherent amniotic membrane is placed in the preservative medium and stored at -80°C. The membranes are released when the repeat serology for HIV after the window period has excluded virus infection in the donor. Depending on consumption they may be used up to 6 months after preparation, though many have recommended storage for an indefinite period. Since the amniotic membrane has only incomplete expression of HLA antigens and amniotic epithelial cells do not express them, it is not rejected after transplantation. The presence of several cytokines in the amniotic membrane promotes epithelialization with reduction of fibrosis during healing.

We are reporting a case of bilateral Fuchs′ heterochromic iridocyclitis with chikungunya virus infection in the left eye. A 20-year-old female was presented with a past history of fever suggestive of chikungunya with bilateral Fuchs′ heterochromic iridocyclitis and complicated cataract. She had a tripod dendritic pattern of keratic precipitates by confocal microscopy in the left eye with a stippled pattern of keratic precipitates in both eyes. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay in the aqueous humor detected 98 copies/ml of chikungunya virus RNA. The patient underwent clear corneal phacoemulsification with in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation in the left eye with a good visual outcome. This is the first report where the presence of chikungunya virus RNA has been associated with a case of bilateral Fuchs′ heterochromic iridocyclitis.

Keywords: Nuclear power plant; Indoor gamma dose; Radon and thoron 384 Case StudySeasonal Variation of Indoor Gamma Dose and Radon, Thoron Measurement in the Dwellings around Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant [...]

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of blood transfusion practices among nurses working in a tertiary care hospital. The objective was to make use of the results to decide the necessity of targeted teaching using lectures and simulated ward scenes. This was a cross sectional study in which a questionnaire comprising of 25 single best-response type multiple choice questions related to blood products and blood transfusion was distributed to nurses who were selected randomly. Questions were both knowledge and practice based. Five hundred and forty-six nurses consented and were assessed. The data was collected, entered and statistically assessed. The number of 'Correct', 'Incorrect' and 'Don't Know' answers were noted. Each correct answer was awarded 1 point, whereas a wrong answer and a 'Don't Know' answer received no points. The individual scores were noted and then multiplied by 4 to get a percentage value. Nurses with 1–5 years of experience scored statistically better than nurses with < 1 year and > 5 years of experience. Nurses working in the haematology–oncology ward scored the most number of correct responses, followed by nurses working in ICU. Only 9.9% of nurses answered > 80% questions correctly. Nurses who had 1–5 years of experience scored better. All nurses were trained in blood transfusion at induction. Though there were occasional non-compulsory lectures as ongoing programs, they had no specific impact on knowledge and awareness. The authors suggest that targeted and regular simulated training is essential at all levels of nursing experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sputum smear microscopy (SSM), though regarded as an inexpensive and popular method for detecting tuberculosis (TB), lacks adequate sensitivity, specifically in adult people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Urine lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is a promising diagnostic tool among PLHIV with CD4 cell count < 200 cells/μl. We attempted to review all the studies undertaken in identifying the utility of urine LAM in diagnosing TB, especially among PLHIV. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE databases for studies reporting diagnostic utility of urine LAM status in PLHIV, published in the last 20 years till December 2019. The keywords used for searching were “Tuberculosis,” “HIV/AIDS,” “Diagnosis,” “Screening” “Lipoarabinomannan,” and “Urine.” Our search resulted in 137 shortlisted citations, of which 67 related manuscripts were identified for detailed study. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 37 studies were reviewed in detail. Average sample size of these studies was 464 (range = 81–2528; SD = 427). Crude average sensitivity of urine LAM in culture-confirmed TB cases was 44.1% (range = 8.3–93) while that of SSM was 38.6% (range = 14–65). However, sensitivity of urine LAM + SSM was 60.4% (range = 38.3–92.7), demonstrating the utility of SSM + urine LAM combination for detecting TB. Specificity was similar between urine LAM and SSM with 92.7% (range = 76–100) and 97.9% (range = 93.9–100), respectively. Majority of the studies demonstrated higher sensitivity of urine LAM in those with lesser the CD4 count, with immunocompromised and with debilitation who cannot produce self-expectorated sputum. We conclude that urine LAM is a potential diagnostic test in the algorithms involving immunocompromised, debilitated patients and specifically in PLHIV whose CD4 count is ≤100 cells/μl.

The focus of this study was to evaluate the growth of the cells on a scaffold based on novel polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) (Polyhydroxy propionate copoly hydroxy ocatadecanoate copolymer), derived from a mutant strain of Pseudomonas sp. Naive PHA was also blended with several biodegradable polymeric materials (PEG, PLA, and MMT) to improve the scaffold properties. Protein adsorption study was done to evaluate the capability of scaffolds for cellular interaction. PHA:PEG blended scaffold showed better adsorption than others. 3T3 fibroblast cultures on various polymers were equally viable when compared with control culture except for the blend PHA:MMT by CCK 8 kit. MTT assay, performed with the continuous cultures HeLa, HEp-2, Vero, and McCoy on the polymer blends, supported the above finding. Among the blends PHA:PEG showed increased viability and was selected for further studies. Cell proliferation assay with colorimetric BrdU ELISA kit showed increase in cell proliferation over the matrix PHA:PEG than that of control. There were no observable morphological changes of continuous cells grown over matrix PHA:PEG when observed by phase contrast microscopy. HEp-2 cells were enclosed within the matrix when analyzed by SEM. The current study states that the scaffold prepared by using the indigenous PHA in combination with PEG supports cell growth better than the conventional plastic surface. PHA:PEG would be a promising material for tissue engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3470-3476, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed transplant recipients. Isolation of HCMV from peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) is considered a reliable marker of disseminated HCMV infection. HCMV pp65 antigenemia is widely used for monitoring CMV infection and guiding preemptive therapy. The aim of this study was to compare pp65 antigenemia with culture technique for detection of HCMV in PBLs among kidney transplant patients and also to determine the threshold value of significant pp65 antigenemiat. Fifty-one peripheral blood samples from post-renal transplant patients collected during August 2009 to March 2011 were processed for pp65 antigenemia assay. These were also tested for isolation of the virus by inoculation into human corneal fibroblast cells. The results of pp65 antigenemia and culture were compared to determine the clinical significance of pp65 antigenemia. HCMV was isolated in 21 cases. On comparing the pp65 antigenemia results with that of the viral isolation, a mean of 23 cells was determined to yield a positive isolation of HCMV. The values of pp65 antigenemia and isolation results were correlated (paired t-test, P = 0.0029). A pp65 count of 23 and above was considered significant in our clinical settings since we found that these clinical specimens yield positive culture result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work deals with the use of Syzygium cumini bark powder as a biosorbent for Ni (II) removal from aqueous solution. The biosorption characteristics of Ni(II) onto S. cumini bark powder was investigated as a function of pH, contact time, biosorbent dosage, and initial Ni(II) ion concentration. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to fit the experimental data. The best interpretation for the equilibrium data was given by the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum biosorption capacity was found to be 294.1 mg/g for Ni(II) at pH 5.0 and at room temperature. The biosorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy analyses. The equilibrium biosorption data were well fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. The chi-square (χ²) and sum of the square error tests were also carried out to find the best-fit biosorption isotherm and kinetic model. The FTIR results revealed that carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amine groups are responsible for Ni(II) biosorption onto S. cumini bark powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Though several viruses are responsible for conjunctivitis, but human adenovirus (HAdV) is by far the most common cause. Epidemic conjunctivitis causes morbidity and early detection of aetiological agent is essential in preventing spread of disease as some of serotypes of adenoviruses cause a severe form of conjunctivitis. This study was undertaken to identify the causative agent of conjunctivitis outbreak in Chennai in 2010. Methods: Conjunctival samples collected from 17 patients with conjunctivitis were subjected to virological investigations. Culture and PCR for detection of adenovirus and enterovirus were carried out. PCR positive products were further subjected for DNA sequencing. The nucleotide sequences of the hexons of isolates were analyzed by comparison with all 51 human adenovirus strains. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using DAMBE software. Results: Among 17 patients, seven were positive for adenovirus by PCR on the direct specimen, none was positive for enterovirus. Eleven of 30 conjunctival swabs showed cytopathic effect in HEp-2 cell line and were confirmed as HAdV by PCR. The DNA sequence data of the 11 isolates had equal percentage of homology with HAdV 6 and 2 on blast analysis. On phylogenetic analysis with GeneBank data of 51 adenovirus strains, 11 isolates from patients during the outbreak of conjunctivitis formed a separate clade indicating a new variant strain. Interpretation & conclusions: Based on phylogenetic analysis it was concluded that the recent conjunctivitis outbreak that occurred in Chennai was caused by a variant adenovirus strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in detecting gene of leptospira interrogans on uveitic patients. The study conducted various methods such developing of LruA and LruB genes using the software PrimeGens, the applications of PCR on 90 aqueous humor samples of patients with uveitis. The study found out the similarities of both gene's PCR in leptospiral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA,) and the confirmation of Leptospira interroganson on the PCRs.

Abstract: The development of polymeric systems with high ionic conductivity is one of the main objectives in Li rechargeable battery. In the present study, the different composition of PVA–LiCF3SO3 polymer electrolyte has been prepared by solution cast technique using DMSO as solvent. The FTIR study confirms the polymer–salt complex formation. The amorphous nature of the polymer has been confirmed by XRD analysis. DSC measurements show decrease in Tg with increasing salt concentration. The temperature dependent conductivity obeys Arrhenius relationship. The maximum conductivity has been observed in the order of 7×10−4 Scm−1 for 25mol% of LiCF3SO3. The activation energy has been found to be 0.16eV. The two peaks have been observed in the dielectric loss spectrum which shows two types of relaxation α and β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 46-year-old male developed painful decrease in vision in the left eye which progressed to only perception of light over a period of 2 days. A fundus examination revealed optic disc oedema and multiple white-centred haemorrhages in the left eye. The patient had no fever nor any abnormal neurological signs. Magnetic resonance imaging showed thickening of the left intraorbital and intracanalicular optic nerve with extensive perioptic enhancement. Microscopic examination of cerebrospinal fluid showed the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for human immunodeficiency virus was negative and the patient had no history of immunosuppression. A course of amphotericin B and fluconazole resolved the lesion, which was noted after imaging on subsequent visits. The authors report a hitherto undocumented entity of isolated infiltrative cryptococcal optic neuropathy in an immunocompetent individual. A fungal aetiology may be the cause of drastic loss of vision due to infiltrative optic neuropathy even in immunocompetent patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Early detection of methicillin resistant staphylococci (MRS) from clinical specimens enables institution of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Limited information is available on speciation of MRS. This study was undertaken to compare results of conventional and molecular methods in detection of methicillin resistance (MR) and application of PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and DNA sequencing for speciation of ocular isolates of MRS. Methods: A total of 110 consecutive ocular staphylococcal isolates were screened for MR. MRS was speciated by PCR-RFLP of gap gene and results were confirmed by DNA sequencing. All isolates were processed within 48 h of isolation. A single colony of bacterium, stocked as stab cultures in Hyer's and Johnson agar, was stored at 4°C and sub-cultured at every 15 days interval. Results: Seventy (63.6%) of 110 isolates were identified as MRS and 40 (36.4%) were MSS by conventional and molecular method (100% correlation). Of the 70 MRS, 18 (25.7%) were Staphylococcus aureus, remaining 52 (74.3%) were CNS by conventional and molecular method (100% correlation). PCR-RFLP of gap gene identified 18 (25.71%) MRS as S. aureus, 11 (15.71%) S. epidermidis, 27 (38.57%) S. haemolyticus, 6 (8.57%) S. cohnii subsp, urealyticum, 6 (8.57%) S. equorum, l (1.42%) S.xrylosus and l (1.42%) S. hominis. Interpretation & conclusions: Overall rate of isolation MRS was 63.6 per cent and were predominantly isolated from conjunctival swab (23.6%) and donor corneal scleral rim (23.6%) of non hospitalized patients indicating their community origin. Detection of MR by mecA gene was easier and less time consuming compared to conventional methods. Speciation of MRS was possible by gap gene PCR - RFLP and the predominant MRS in our study was S. haemolyticus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thoron concentration levels have been measured in the high background radiation area located around Kudankulam nuclear power plant i.e. in the Agastheeswaram, thovalai taluks (sub-district) of the Kanyakumari district using solid-state nuclear track detectors. Measurements have been carried out on quarterly cycles making four measurements at each location throughout a year. Totally 100 dwellings have been selected for the study. Thoron concentration has been found to vary between 4.6 and 143.5Bqm−3 with the geometric mean value being 25.1Bqm−3. Results have been analyzed for different categories of dwellings with respect to their construction type. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents an investigation on the gamma dose rate in 159 dwellings around the proposed Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Radhapuram and Nanguneri taluks. To measure the environmental gamma radiation, the researchers employed CaSO4:Dy. The geometric mean value of indoor gamma dose rate in Radhapuram was 305 ± 48nGy h―1 and 273 ± 50 nGy h―1 for Nanguneri taluk. The study revealed that the annual effective dose of indoor gamma radiation to the population was 1.5 mSv and 1.36 mSv in Radhapuram and Nanguneri taluks, respectively. From the data gathered, it was concluded that the sand used for the construction and the soil beneath the dwellings are the main influencing factors in indoor gamma dose rate.

Background: Perinatal viral infections of fetus are among the leading causes of congenital cataract and identifying the viral etiology is important. Objectives: To detect the presence of Rubella virus (RV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in lens aspirate specimens obtained from patients with congenital cataract and relate the results with serology. Setting and Design: Prospective study carried out in tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Fifty lens aspirates from 50 infants with congenital cataract were subjected to HSV, RV isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of HSV and CMV. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied for RV detection. Peripheral blood specimens were screened for anti-HSV, RV and CMV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Results: Rubella virus was detected in nine (18%) lens aspirates, by nRT-PCR which includes six positive by culture. HSV-2 DNA was detected in nine other lens aspirates, while CMV was not detected by PCR. Serological results did not correlate with the presence of viruses in the lens aspirates. This is the first report of detection of HSV-2 DNA in cases of congenital cataract. Conclusions: Cytomegalovirus may not be playing a significant role in causation of congenital cataract. The role of serology in identifying causative viral infection for congenital cataract needs to be re-evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Perinatal viral infections of fetus are among the leading causes of congenital cataract and identifying the viral etiology is important. Objectives: To detect the presence of Rubella virus (RV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in lens aspirate specimens obtained from patients with congenital cataract and relate the results with serology. Setting and Design: Prospective study carried out in tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: Fifty lens aspirates from 50 infants with congenital cataract were subjected to HSV, RV isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of HSV and CMV. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied for RV detection. Peripheral blood specimens were screened for anti-HSV, RV and CMV antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Results: Rubella virus was detected in nine (18%) lens aspirates, by nRT-PCR which includes six positive by culture. HSV-2 DNA was detected in nine other lens aspirates, while CMV was not detected by PCR. Serological results did not correlate with the presence of viruses in the lens aspirates. This is the first report of detection of HSV-2 DNA in cases of congenital cataract. Conclusions: Cytomegalovirus may not be playing a significant role in causation of congenital cataract. The role of serology in identifying causative viral infection for congenital cataract needs to be re-evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure and Pb 2+ -doped CsI crystals have been grown by the Bridgemann technique. Optical absorption, thermoluminescence (TL) and photoluminescence (PL) measurements have been performed. In undoped and Pb 2+ -doped cesium iodide crystals, F-centers and V-centers have been produced at 770 nm and 350 nm, respectively. In Pb 2+ -doped crystals, additional centers at 373 nm, 290 nm and 258 nm bands have been produced. In undoped samples, only two glow peaks at 343 K and 373 K have been produced, and in Pb 2+ -doped samples additional glow peaks at 383 K and 423 K have been produced. For all the samples, TL emission, PL and excitation measurements have been performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity concentration of primordial radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K have been measured in the sand samples of Agastheeswaram taluk of Kanyakumari district using gamma-ray spectrometer. The average activity of 232Th, 238U and 40K are found to be 5787.1, 1082.9 Bq kg-1 and BDL, respectively. The total average absorbed dose rate owing to the presence of 232Th, 238U and 40K is found to be 3900.4 nGy h-1. The annual effective dose is 4.7 mSv y-1 and the results are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Multi drug-resistant and mycobacterial infections are a major public health challenge, leading to high mortality and socioeconomic burdens through worldwide. Novel therapeutics are necessary to treat the drug resistant strains, since no new chemical entities are emerged in the last four decades for the treatment of TB. Findings A series of novel 2-heterostyrylbenzimidazole derivatives were synthesised by cyclisation of (3,4-diaminophenyl)(phenyl)methanone, cinnamic acid using glycerol in high yield. The molecular structures of target compounds (5a–5n) were confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Newly synthesized compounds were screened for anti-tubercular activity and the MIC was determined against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv by broth microdilution method using Lowenstein Jensen medium (LJ). These compounds docked into the active site of “Crystal structure of pantothenate synthetase in complex with 2-(2-(benzofuran-2-ylsulfonylcarbamoyl)-5-methoxy-1H-indol-1-yl)acetic acid” (PDB code, 3IVX). Auto dock 4.2 software was used for docking studies. Results 5d, 5e, 5f, 5g, 5i, and 5l show better activity and the most active inhibitor of tuberculosis 5f showed a promising inhibition of M. tuberculosis with MIC value of 16 μg/mL. The molecules functionalized with electron-donating groups (Cl, O, S, etc.) on different aromatic aldehydes (5a–5n) were found to be more active in inhibiting M. tuberculosis. Conclusions On the basis of docking studies, 5f has shown good affinity for the enzyme. Comparison was made with the binding energies of the standard drugs amoxicillin (−34.28 kcal/mol) and ciprofloxacin (−28.20 kcal/mol). Among all the designed compounds, the compound 5f shows highest binding energy with two amino acid interactions Lys160, Val187 (−9.80 kcal/mol).

To describe the incidence, risk factors, clinical presentation, causative organisms, and outcomes in patients with endophthalmitis following pars plana vitrectomy (20G and minimally invasive vitrectomy surgery (MIVS).Of 111,876 vitrectomies (70,585 20-G 41,291 MIVS) performed, 45 cases developed acute-onset, postoperative endophthalmitis.The rate of culture positive and culture negative endophthalmitis was 0.021% (2.1/10,000 surgeries) and 0.019% (1.9/10,000 surgeries) overall, 0.031% (3.1/10,000 surgeries) and 0.025% (2.5/10,000 surgeries) in 20G, and 0.005% (0.5/10,000 surgeries) and 0.007% (0.7/10,000 surgeries) in the MIVS group respectively. Potential predisposing factors were as follows: diabetes, 46.7%; vitrectomy for vascular retinopathies, 44.4%; and vitrectomy combined with anterior segment surgeries, 35.5%. The culture proven rates were 53.3% overall, 55.0% for 20G and 40.0% for MIVS. The most common organism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa for 20G. Klebsiella and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in the two culture positive cases in MIVS group. The follow-up period for the patients with endophthalmitis was 586.14 ± 825.15 days. Seven were lost to follow up beyond one week. Of the remaining 38, 13 (34.2%) cases had a favorable visual outcome (i.e., best-corrected visual acuity [BCVA] > 5/200) and 24 (63.2%) had unfavorable visual outcome (BCVA < 5/200). Group with culture test results negative had significantly better outcomes (P < 0.05) as compared to those with positive.MIVS does not increase the risk of endophthalmitis. Outcomes are poor despite appropriate treatment, particularly in cases with culture results positive.

PurposeTo profile the etiology, clinical outcomes and drug sensitivity patterns in endophthalmitis caused by Acinetobacter baumanni.MethodsRetrospective analysis of all the cases of Acinetobacter baumanni endophthalmitis presenting to tertiary referral care ophthalmic hospital in Eastern India from January 2009 to December 2011 were done.ResultsA total of four cases were included in the study. Out of the four cases one was post traumatic and the rest were post cataract surgery. All the cases underwent vitreoretinal surgical intervention followed by intravitreal antibiotics. A. Baumanni was isolated from vitreous in all the cases. Among all the drugs tested bacteria were found sensitive to ciprofloxacin (100 %) whereas all tested resistant to ceftazidime. Out of the four cases one had to be eviscerated, another developed retinal detachment post vitrectomy, one was phthisical at final followup, and only one patient achieved a vision of 20/200 with clear media and attached retina at final visit.ConclusionA. Baumanni is a very rare cause of endophthalmitis with poor visual and anatomical outcomes. Ciprofloxacin should be considered as first the line intravitreal antibiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is to report a case of bacteremia caused by Salmonella typhi in a treated unilateral fungal endogenous endophthalmitis in an 18-year-old male from one of the South Asian countries. Microbiological and molecular investigations were carried out on the eviscerated material and routine blood culture was carried out. Direct examination of eviscerated material revealed the presence of fungal filaments. However, Salmonella typhi was isolated fromboth specimens, which was confirmed by Polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16SrRNA gene, sequencing, and random amplification of polymorphic DNA showed that they belonged to the same clone. The presence of Salmonella bacteremia in a treated unilateral fungal endophthalmitis, among young adult patients is rare and systemic symptoms should be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Indoor gamma radiation measurement using TLD has been performed in the Coimbatore City. The indoor gamma radiation dose of Coimbatore City is in the range from 115 to 190.6 nGy/h with the geomentric mean value of 157.3 nGy/h. The gamma dose in Coimbatore City has been found to be lesser than that observed at beach side houses (276.25 nGy/h) and higher than that in inland houses (142.68 nGy/h) at Kalpakkam. The indoor gamma radiation in Coimbatore City is more or less equal to that observed along east coast of Tamil Nadu (153.31 nGy/h). The annual effective dose has been calculated as 772.3 μSv/year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The activity concentrations of the three primordial radionuclides have been measured in the sand samples of Agastheeswaram taluk using NaI(Tl) gamma ray spectrometer. The average activities of 232Th, 238U and 40K have been found to be 5787.15, 1082.90 and &#60;13.85 Bq kg−1 (BDL), respectively. The calculated annual effective dose is 4.78 mSv year−1 and the results are discussed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Southern coastal region of Kanyakumari district, Tamilnadu state, India is one of the high natural background radiation areas. A total of 41 soil samples have been collected in Agastheeswaram taluk of Kanyakumari district. By γ-ray spectrometry using NaI(Tl) detector, average activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th have been measured for soil samples and are found to be in the range between Below-Detectable-Level (BDL) to 613.24 Bq kg−1, BDL to 229.86, and 32.03 to 567.76 Bq kg−1 , respectively. The total absorbed dose rate due to the distribution of these elements is 112.97 nGy/h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A systematic study on the natural radionuclides such as 210Po and 210Pb in the environmental matrices of Point Calimere ecosystem has been undertaken to establish a baseline data on the radiation profile of Point Calimere environment. The environmental samples such as water, sediment and biota (seaweeds, crustaceans, molluscs and fish) have been subjected to analyses. It has been observed that the concentration of 210Po and 210Pb in the water samples of Point Calimere to be 0.5mBq/l and 1.3mBq/l, respectively. The soft tissues of the organisms accumulated higher 210Po content while shells and bones contained more 210Pb. The bivalve molluscs Meretrix casta have been identified to accumulate higher concentration of 210Po suggesting that they could serve as bio-indicator of radionuclides like 210Po in the Point Calimere ecosystem. The concentration factor of 210Po for the biotic components ranged from ∼103 to 106 while for 210Pb it ranged from ∼103 to 105. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pollachi is one of the nine taluks in Coimbatore district, India. Totally 100 soil samples have been collected from different places of Pollachi taluk. It is found, from the gamma-ray spectra, that activity concentrations of 232Th, 238U and 40K are varying from 3.63 to 263.39, 4.31 to 32.27 and 36.68 to 1821.76 Bq kg−1, respectively. The effective dose rates of 232Th, 238U and 40K, estimated from soil samples, are ranging from 2.77 to 201.38, 2.19 to 16.46 and 1.93 to 96.12 μSv year−1, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]