No abstract

ABSTRACT:Biofouling is the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae and animals on submerged structures especially ship hulls. Biofouling also occurs on the surface of living marine organisms. It is also found on membrane systems such as membrane bioreactors and reverse osmosis spiral wound membranes. In the same manner, it is found in cooling water cycles of large industrial equipments and power stations. In the present study, totally 11 isolates were obtained from three ships from Royapuram harbour, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Among the 11 isolates only DR4 showed maximum biofouling activity in the microtiter plate assay with a significant optical density of 0.596. Also an attempt was made to characterize the different biofouling bacterial isolates analyzing their morphological, biochemical and molecular characteristics. The results of the present study based on the above characteristics revealed that the isolate DR4 was similar to Bacillus sp. This study also highlights the need for a safe and natural antifouling agent to control the biofouling bacteria in the marine environment.

The present paper describes the strategy to mitigate and control epidemic contingencies in the backdrop of Kerala’s Covid-19 containment plan. I have purposefully selected Kerala, the southernmost state of India, because of its globally acclaimed experience in efficiently managing the cases of coronavirus that were reported. Even tackling the Nipah and Zika virus cases in the pasts, makes it an exemplary unit of study. Moreover, the past experience of the state points to the fact that the containment strategy adopted is the result of an evolved practical approach. I came across certain innovative strategies implicating community mobilization like community kitchens, social surveillance, large scale production of face masks etc. by utilizing the hidden productive capacity of communities that extended from women self-help groups, youth clubs and even prison inmates. Moreover, the state’s controlling and containing measures were mentioned by international media and agencies like the BBC and the World Health Organization (WHO).

CONTEXT: Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) infections are an important cause of mortality in young children. There are a number of problems associated with establishing the microbial etiology by conventional methods, thus highlighting the need for a rapid, improved and accurate test method. A rapid immunochromatographic assay has been developed for detecting a pneumococcal cell wall antigen common to all 92 serotypes. AIM: The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the Binax NOW test when performed on Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and pleural fluid can give any additional information vis a vis the culture and other methods of identification of S. pneumoniae. MATERIAL & METHODS: CSF and pleural fluid samples were collected from suspected cases of both meningitis and/or pneumonia with or without synpneumonic effusions in the age group of 28 days to 60 months. The samples were subjected to Gram's stain, culture and sensitivity, CRP, cell count, cell type, protein and sugar tests. In addition, the immunochromatographic test (ICT) (Binax NOW, Scarborough, ME) was performed on all samples to detect S. pneumoniae polysaccharide antigen. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done in patients who had a positive ICT in the pleural fluid. RESULTS: A total of 104 children were recruited, of whom 90 were cases of suspected meningitis and 14 of pneumonia with synpneumonic effusions. The ICT result was positive in 19 patients, in 10 of 90 CSF and 9 of 14 pleural fluid samples. Culture for S. pneumoniae was positive in 6 cases (9 specimens). When ICT was compared to culture, the sensitivity of ICT was 100% (6/6) and the specificity was 85.97 (85/95). Streptococcus mitis (one), Staphylococcus epidermidis (one), Pseudomonas (one) isolated in culture gave false positive ICT results. Previous antibiotic exposure did not seem to alter the sensitivity of the test. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge this is the first Indian study on Binax NOW test on CSF and pleural fluid. The ICT test performed on CSF and pleural fluid samples not only augments the standard diagnostic methods of blood and fluid cultures, but is useful even in patients with prior antibiotic therapy.

The Kudumbashree project from Kerala (a state in the southern part of India) has been a much discussed case for the community of practitioners, policy makers, researchers working on technology, empowerment and development. It is built around three pillars of economic, social and womens empowerment. Its formation was the culmination of a process of community mobilization taken up by the State Government. But this article is focusing on the inclusion of gender in policies relating to information and communication technology with the aim of empowering women as users and producers of this technology. The prominent part of this investigation is the case study of Kudumbashree ICT enterprises in the State of Kerala to understand the factors that resulted in the working of these enterprises. Data were collected from Northern part of Kerala. Focus group discussions and interviews were the method employed to gather information.