Bio-data of

Activities under completed projects

1. Development, scientific evaluation and ToT of SUDHIKA, a skin decontamination kit for use as external decontamination agent

A skin decontamination kit has been made as a part of our initiative to achieve the target of converting the tacit knowledge related to medical management of radiation disasters into explicit knowledge and to convert the same into ready-to use-techniques. The kit named “Shudhika” has been made in accordance to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines issued from time to time for skin decontamination. Its efficacy has been successfully evaluated on skin equivalent material. The technology has been transferred to M/s Raksha Polycoats, MIDC, Bhosari, Pune on 26^th October 2004. The first installment of the ToT fee was received in the gracious presence of CC R&D (LS & HR) on 18^th January 2005 at Sena Bhawan.

2. Development, scientific evaluation and ToT of Protective Clothing for Quick reaction medical team (Medical First Responders)

An integrated suit with built-in hood and legging (including one pair detachable gloves) has been designed using a specially developed breathable synthetic polymer coated material. The water proof breathable fabric is impervious to wind, rain, sleet and snow and yet allows condensation and water vapour out. Belt is provided for adjustment at waist. A non-metallic, anti-corrosive zipper is attached at front. Velcro is fitted to adjust the bottom part of the legging. Two pockets (protected with flaps) are provided below the waist part. Breathability is just as important as waterproofness. Without it, liquid can accumulate and cause dampness. Wet clothing loses heat 32 times faster than dry clothing. Its efficacy has been successfully evaluated by carrying out tests like Water proofness at 60 cm for 30 minutes, water repellency and determination of Moisture vapour transmission rate. The technology has been transferred to M/s Bengal Waterproof Ltd., Kolkata (27^th September 2005).

Further attempts are being made to coat it with an antimicrobial agent to make it useable even in case of biological attacks.

5. Activities in association with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

Since the very inception of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), I am actively involved in framing of 8 National Guidelines on CBRN Disasters and related subjects. I am Co-ordinator of the Core Groups on Chemical (Industrial) Disaster Management, Chemical (Terrorism) Disaster, and a Member of Core Group on Radiological & Nuclear Disaster Management appointed by National Disaster Management Authority, Govt. of India, New Delhi since 2006. I am also a member, extended group of National Disaster Management Guidelines – Biological Disaster Management, Medical Preparedness and Mass Casualty Management and Psychosocial Support and Mental Health Services. All these National Disaster Management Guidelines have already been accepted by the Government of India.

Presently, I have been working as Member, Steering Committee for preparing National  Guidelines on Minimum Standards of Food, Drinking Water, Medical Cover and Sanitation for Disaster Relief by National Disaster Management Authority, Govt. of India (Report being compiled for submission to the Govt. of India) and as a Member of Empowerment Committee of NDMA. I am also working out guidelines for medical management of Major Nuclear Disaster as a secret assignment of NDMA and MHA.

f). Memorandum of Understanding with BARC

A MoU signed with BARC is being revised to establish an Emergency Medical Response Centre at INMAS after incorporating the modifications regarding expansion of scope as suggested by NDMA.

2. EVALUATION OF PROMISING AGENTS / THERAPEUTIC MODALITIES (INCLUDING FROM HERBAL / MICROBIAL ORIGIN) FOR MODIFICATION OF RADIATION RESPONSE

During October 2003- February 2006, I was assigned the leadership role in developing a team for evaluation of promising agents / therapeutic modalities (including those from herbal/microbial origin) for modification of radiation response and to investigate their mode of action. My specific contribution is as follows:

1. Synthesis, upscaling and metabolic modulation of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), an adjuvant to radiotherapy and ToT of the patented technology for production

A laboratory scale synthetic procedure for production of 2-DG, a promising differential radiomodifier, was standardized in collaboration with Centre for Biotechnology, Delhi, which was later upscaled for pilot plant production with inputs from DRDE, Gwalior. A patent was awarded for the pilot plant synthetic procedure.

A quick, non-destructive and reliable method was developed for rapid evaluation of promising agents / therapeutic modalities. MR Spectroscopy (MRS) of perfused cells was used to compare and evaluate the metabolic effects of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a promising energy-linked radiomodifier administered as a single agent and in combination with agents that could modify the pharmacokinetics of 2-DG in the desired direction. Amongst a number of potential metabolic modulators evaluated as adjuvant to 2-DG in increasing the extent and duration of its effects on tumor cell bioenergetics, 6-aminonicotinamide and haematoporphyrin derivative (Hpd) appear promising. Energy deficiency induced by these combinations was more pronounced and sustained (irreversible). Energy status did not recover implying that the combinations could be more useful as adjuvant to radiotherapy. The effects of these combinations were more prominent in studies carried out under simulated hypoxic conditions of tumors.
For this work and other work on 2-DG, we were awarded the Technology Group Award of Rs, 20,000/- on 13th Feb’2005. The work was also presented in International symposium on “Application of 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose in the Management of Cancer”.
ToT of the patented procedure has been done with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Hyderabad.

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