A resume of the proceedings of the International SFRR –Satellite Symposium 2009 at AMU Aligarh

A resume of the proceedings of the International SFRR –Satellite Symposium, 2009 held in the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, A.M.U., Aligarh on 17-18, March, 2009

Highlights of 17.03.09

The introductory remarks came from none other than the organizing secretary of the satellite symposium Prof. Masood Ahmad who introduced the Department of Biochemistry; the host organization of the event. Prof. Ahmad traced the association of this department with the mission with which the Aligarh Muslim University was founded i.e. academic excellence. He informed the gathering about the achievements of this department in achieving great heights in terms of academics and research which was supported by the fact that more than 50% alumni of this department are placed in North America and various parts of Europe. He also mentioned that graduate students of this department find excellent opportunities in various premier institutes of the country like NII, CDFD, IISc, etc. After this mementoes were presented to the chief guest the Vice Chancellor Prof. Abdul Azis, Guest of Honors and other guests by the Chairman of the department Prof S.M. Hadi. The Dean faculty of life sciences, Prof. Absar M. Khan was particular in drawing the attention of the gathering about the importance of the department of biochemistry as the backbone of the faculty of life sciences. Dr. Adhikari (Mumbai) the secretary of SFRR India and Dr. Devasagyam (Mumbai) Vice President SFRR India introduced the society of free radical research, stating its mission and goals of exploring the roles of free radicals as causative agents of various disorders and designing various treatment strategies for the same. Both these office bearer of SFRR India expressed their satisfaction and thankfulness to the organizing committee for organizing a very attractive meeting. The guest of honor, Prof. H.S. Sharma, The Netherlands spoke about his association with this department as a student. He also thanked his colleagues from Netherlands and USA for accompanying him and contributing towards the success of this event. The presidential address was delivered by the Vice Chancellor Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis who was happy to learn about the presence of the international experts in the meet and hoped that the opportunity will be used by the young students of the University for developing their ideas and shaping their future. Further he also emphasized about the need to reposition the department of biochemistry with the state of the art facilities. The inaugural talk was delivered by Prof. Elizabeth Deindle, Munich University, Germany. She focused on the major determinants in patho-physiology in blood vessels in various heart diseases. She also expressed her enthusiasm for getting an opportunity to visit the Aligarh Muslim University. The vote of thanks was delivered by Chairman Prof. S.M.Hadi and the inaguaral session ended with university tarana and National Anthem.

Scientific session started with the keynote lecture by Prof. P. Devsagayam from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Mumbai who emphasized on the role of dietary antioxidants from vegetables and fruits in prevention of cancer and diabetes in which free radical play a important role. Another keynote speaker was Dr. Michael Moorhouse, Erasmus University Medical Centre, The Netherlands who spoke about the use of bioinformatic tools in the discovery of therapeutic targets in various diseases. He focused on the potential of DNA as a genetic blueprint that does not change with time and its use in various techniques like microarray technology for diagnostic purposes.

Session I was based on the theme free radical in heart diseases. It included the talk of Prof. Kuppasamay, Ohio State University, USA, on the stem cell therapy in the treatment of cardiac infarction and non-invasive diagnostic techniques like echo-cardiography and vector-cardiography. Second talk was delivered by Prof. M. Fahim of V.P. Patel Chest Institute, New Delhi. His talk was centered on the correlation of disorders like hypertension and other cardio vascular diseases due to impaired signaling of peripheral sensors-receptor reflex. The last talk was given by the invited speaker from USA Prof. S.C. Tyagi, University of Louisville School of Medicine, USA, on the chemo preventive role of sodium thiosulphate in cardiovascular diseases.

Session II, which started after the lunch break, was based on the theme-mechanism and therapy of vascular diseases. First talk of the session was given by Prof. Shyam Sharma NIPER, Punjab, on the targeting of oxidative stress pathways to avoid functional abnormalities in heart tissues. Second talk was by Prof. H.S. Sharma, Vrei University Medical Center, Netherlands, which focused on the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis in heart and lungs. The last talk of the session was from Prof. B.S. Srivastava CDRI, Lucknow, who talked about the pathogenesis of tuberculosis a common disease in India.

Session III was based on the role of free radicals and antioxidants in common diseases. Prof. Tariq M. Haqqi from university of South Carolina, USA presented his views about the usefulness of dietary antioxidants of herbal origin in arthritis a common inflammatory disease of the joints. Dr. Devendra Parmar from IITR Lucknow presented his work on the useful biomarkers of alcohols induced diseases. The last talk of the session was delivered by Prof. Akhtar Mahmood from Punjab University, Chandigarh, who talked about the role of free radical mediated peroxidation processes in intestinal tissues.

The poster session included posters displayed by the participants from all across the country presenting their research work to the gathering of national and international delegates.

The last session of the day included oral presentations on various aspects of free radical induced health problems and remedies by various young scientists.

Highlights of 18.03.09

On the second day of the symposium, the scientific session started with the talk delivered by the secretary of SFRR-India Dr. S. Adhikari, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (Mumbai). He evaluated various spectroscopic techniques for the measurement of the antioxidant capacity of bioactive compounds present in herbs. Dr. Adhikari also informed the gathering about various state of the art facilities at BARC which could be availed by the researchers. Dr. SK Goel from Indian Institute of Toxicology, Lucknow, presented his work on the metal-induced oxidative stress as potential hazard leading to various diseases. He also emphasized on the urgent need of preventing environmental pollution as a mean to reduce health risks associated with them. Prof. Qamar Rahman from Integral University, Lucknow, gave the last talk of the session on ROS mediated toxicity of asbestos. She also focused on the toxicity of nanoparticles, which are increasingly being used in various cosmetic products, household items and biomedical research.

The poster Session-II showcased presentations from research students who displayed their work and shared their ideas with the experts and delegates.

The symposium came to an end with the valedictory session adding a new chapter in the field of free radical research.

Prof. Masood Ahmad

Organising Secretary

The International SFRR –Satellite Symposium, 2009,

AMU Aligarh

Athar Habib Siddiqui, Ph.D.
Houston Texas, US

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AMU MBA Student (Faraz) awarded by TCS

Dear Aligs ASAK

It is a matter for pride for all of us that Mr. Faraz, MBA FIRST YEAR, has bagged the TCS SMART MANAGER AWARD along with a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 and one year subscription. TCS had advertised a case contest. It was on a retail organization facing terrorist attack. Faraz had send an analysis a month back and has been awarded now.


Prof. Javaid Akhter
Dean, F/O Management Studies and Research
Chairman Dept of Business Administration
AMU Aligarh 202 002 (India)


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Departt of Business Administration Islamic Finance Conference

ALIGARH, March 25: The Department of Business Administration, Faculty of Management Studies and Research is organizing a one day conference on Islamic Finance on 29^th March 2009 at AMU. This will be attended by eminent personalities from Industry and academics. The prominent speakers who are expected to attend the conference include Prof. Nejatullah Siddiqui, one of the pioneers of the concept of Islamic Banking. The industry will be represented by Mr. Vijay Mahajan, Chairman. Basix, a leading Microfinance organization, Mr. Shashi Krishnan, CIO, Bajaj Alianz, Mr. Yusuf Panchmariawalla, VP, Tata AIG, Mr. MH Khatkhatay, Senior Advisor, TASIS and Mr. Ashraf Mohamedy, MD, Idafa Investments and Dr. Shariq Nisar, CEO, Bearys Amanah.

Prof. Javed Akhtar, Dean, Faculty of Management Studies said that Islamic finance is emerging as one of the fastest growing areas of international finance. Islamic Finance forbids investment in interest bearing instruments/products and involving excessive uncertainty. It also prohibits investment in businesses that involve gambling, alcohol, pornography, tobacco etc. At present Islamic banking and finance practices have spread to about 75 countries of the world. The Raghuram Rajan committee set up by the government has recommended Islamic banking for financial inclusion of Muslim. The government of India is seriously considering various options for allowing Islamic Finance practices. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has permitted India's first Shariah compliant mutual fund scheme.

Well-documented researches have shown that India provides one of the best oppol1unities for Shariah compliant investment, i.e., investment that meets Islamic criteria. In 2008, the number of companies listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) was 1331.0ut of which, 405 were found to be Shariah compliant. India has the largest Muslim population after Indonesia; therefore. Islamic finance can help channelize vast amount of untapped saving of Muslim population. This will provide Indian economy much needed capital for growth.

(Dr. Rahat Abrar)

Public Relations' Officer

Minto Circle is looking for its alumni

Dear All

Minto Circle is going to organise a centennial. We are in the process of collecting the names of all those minto alumni who have made a mark in deifferent walks of life.

Please email us your details (if you are a minto alumnus) and as many names as you can on the following email address:

mintocircle@gmail.com

Thanks

Malik Mohd. Arshad
MA English 1998
English Teacher at Minto Circle
AMU, Aligarh

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Sir Ziauddin Hall Honours Toppers of Each Faculty

Dear Aligs ASAK

It must be a matter of pleasure for every body that Sir
Ziauddin Hall honoured meritorious students amongst its residents. Hon'ble
Vice Chancellor Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis while presiding over the validectory
funtion of Annual literary & Cultural Fest "ECLAT'09 gave away the momentos
to the students. Guest Of Honour on this occasion Prof. Tariq Haqqi from
USA gave away the prizes to the winners of different events held during
the three days function. He asked residents of Sir Ziauddin Hall to excel
in every field of studies. He remembered his days of stay in this great
institution. He was of the view that students of this University are
second to none and provided they get opportunities they can deliver even
in the best institutions of the world. Prof.Haqqi is presently a Professor
Of Pathology in school of Medicine at South Carolina University
Columbia, USA. Prof. Shah Mohd Waseem of Commerce asked the students to
learn the life sketch of the great Sir Ziauddin and get inspiration from
it. The guests were welcomed by the Provost of the hall Prof. Zafar Ahmad
Siddiqui and vote of thanks was proposed by the undersigned. Programme was
conducted by Mr. Anjum Husain Literary Secretary.

Dr. Suhail Sabir
President Literary & Cultural Society
Sir Ziauddin Hall
AMU, Aligarh

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Symposium on Management of Breast Cancer at AMU

Aligarh March 23: A day-long symposium on 'Management of Breast Cancer' was organized by the Department of General Surgery at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University. After briefing the importance of CME, Prof. Tariq Mansoor, Chairman Department of Surgery, informed that the incidence of breast cancer has been risen than before amongst the young female. There is a need to discuss controversial aspects in management of breast cancer. The management of breast cancer is dependent on multi modalities. Prof. Tariq Mansoor said that there are three main modes of treatment viz. chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. He also informed that the current CME programme is being organized for the benefit of PG students, young surgeons and private practitioners who are also member of Association of Surgeons of India (ASI, Aligarh Branch).

Prof. M. Amanullah Khan, former Chairman of the Surgery Department, welcomed the guest speakers and participants. He said that the symposium is organized to discuss the emerging problems related to breast cancer. Prof. A K Verma, Acting Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Prof M Ashraf Malik, Principal and CMS of J N Medical College & Hospital also spoke on the importance of CME. Prof. Malik expressed concern over the mammography which is done routinely is not an exact and appropriate method of cancer detection.

Dr. Harit Chaturvedi, an eminent surgical oncologist from Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, New Delhi, presented his very informative talk on surgical treatment of operable breast cancer. After giving the brief epidemiology of breast cancer in India and abroad, he discussed the important signs and symptoms of breast cancer such as mastalgia, lump and nipple discharge along with their features, diagnosis and treatment. He also told that mammography can miss 20% of cancers while FNAC may give false assurance. He also told about the procedure of Trucut biopsy and then diagnosis and staging of breast cancer. Dr. Chaturvedi enlightened the audience about the the ongoing studies like BCS – MILAN Study, EBC TRIALLIST's Collaborative Group and Oncoplastic Breast Surgery in UK.

In the second lecture, Prof Sandeep Kumar from King George Medical Science University, spoke on feasible national protocol for treatment of breast cancer in India. He talked about NCCN guideline, writing treatment protocol, breast cancer guidelines and evidence based management for breast cancer.

The third lecture was delivered by Dr. D C Duval, another eminent management therapist from Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, New Delhi. Dr. Duval spoke on treatment of systemic disease, the primary aim of local and systemic therapy. He urged for discussion on various modes of chemotherapy drugs including some ongoing drug trials.

'Interactive Session' was convened by Dr. Afzal Anees, who presented some clinical situations based on controversial and burning scenarios, which was solved and discussed by the above panel of speakers.

Prof. Tariq Mansoor thanked the speakers and audience. All the faculty members, residents and interns attended the symposium. Faculty members from other departments such as Prof. Rashid M. Khan, Prof. L M Bariar, Prof. Kamlesh Chandra, Prof. Iqbal Aziz, Dr. Haris M Khan, Dr. Seema Rashid, Dr. Najam Khalique, Dr. Syed Ziaur Rahman etc. also participated in the symposium.

(Zeeshan Ahmad)

Assistant Public Relations' Officer

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Maulana Azad Library: the first University Library in India to have CCTV

In the inaugural function of the Digital Resource Centre, Closed Circuit TV and Campus Wide Online Catalogue at Maulana Azad Library on 16th March 2009, the chief guest Prof. N. Laxman Rao (Ex Chairman, Deptt. of Library & Information Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad) told that the Maulana Azad Library is the first University Library in India where the Closed Circuit TV system has been installed. He said that the efforts of Prof. Shabahat Husain and the staff members of Maulana Azad Library should be praised who performed their duties much more devotion and concentration.

The Vice Chancellor Prof. P.K. Abdul Azis specially thanked Prof. Shabahat Husain and said that the Library has done such commendable works without any additional staff and additional budget. And this is an example for other dignitaries who once asked me that they do not have fine black boards in the class room.

The carpeting done in the Central Hall of the Library along with the chairs surrounding it provide a very calm and cool atmosphere for the visitors coming in the Library.

Maintenance of the Cultural Hall has provided a new space for the Library as well as other departments to organize National & International Seminars and Lectures.

All these works have been done only in six months time. And these constructive works have increased the self confidence of the library staff for which all the staff members of Maulana Azad Library thank to Prof Shabahat Husain

Dr. Ata Khursheed
Asstt. Librarian
Maulana Azad Library
A.M.U., Aligarh


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