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TSI NEWSLETTER
TSI NEWSLETTER
Newsletter Staff:
Editor-in-chief: Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028 E-mail: [email protected]
Associate Editors: Dr. Archita Biswas, Kolkata, E-mail: [email protected] Dr. Robin Doley, Tezpur, E-mail: [email protected]
Published by: Toxinological Society of India, K.P.C. Medical College & Hospital, Department of Biochemistry, 1F, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700 032 For permission to reprint or reproduce any portion of the newsletter, please write to the Editor-in-chief
Printed by: Creative Data Centre, 58/32, Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata-700 045 E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright: Toxinological Society of India ALL THE RIGHTS RESERVED
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TSI Newsletter
Contents Editorial TSI Governing Body Presidents Note Secretarys Note Treasurers Note Messages & Good wishes Formation of Toxinological Society of India (TSI) A Brief History TSI Constitution & By-laws TSI Orations List of Life & Corporate Members AMPTOX2010: Notes & News AMPTOX2010: Photo Gallery Credits (2010-2011) Announcements Acknowledgements Membership Application Form Advertisements
Page No. 5 6 7 8 9 10 18 20 28 29 31 35 37 38 40 41 43
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EDITORIALWelcome to the inaugural issue of the Official Newsletter of the Toxinological Society of India. I am glad to take over as the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Newsletter and delighted to present this inaugural issue to all our esteemed readers. There have definitely been challenges along the way, but its been enjoyable too. The formation of Toxinological Society of India is culmination of effort of many scientists, clinicians, NGOs, environmentalists and many other people from India and abroad who have been strongly inclined for the toxinological research and believe that this challenging field must get a proper recognition and exposure. The formation of this society came to the reality in a national symposium on snake venom toxin Organized by the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University in the year 2009. The symposium proposed a Coordination Committee and a National Level Advisory Committee for the formation of this society. Prof. A. K. Mukherjee from Tezpur, Dr. J. Menon from Cochin and Dr. D. Bhattacharyya from Kolkata were nominated as the members of the Coordination Committee. The very idea of publication of a research Newsletter and an official journal of the society was also unanimously supported in that meeting. The final shape of the TSI took place in AMPTOX2010 Organized at Kolkata. Throughout the Newsletter readers will see range of interesting articles on the varied aspects relating to toxinological research, guest column, book review, announcement of toxinological symposium and conferences in India and abroad etc. The importance of student involvement in research activities cannot be overlooked and I trust that this Newsletter will create a platform particularly for the young researchers. I expect more and more articles and updated information from our young colleagues in future editions of this Newsletter. I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has helped out with the Newsletter, contributed articles and share some of your knowledge and passion with the rest of us. I would also like to thank the members of the editorial board for their assistance, and other office bearers and members of the TSI who have extended themselves to make this Newsletter possible. I hope you will enjoy reading this inaugural issue of Newsletter and welcome any article you would like to submit for future publication. Not the least, your feedback on any aspects of the Newsletter will be highly appreciated. With best regards
Prof. Ashis K Mukherjee5
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Toxinological Society of IndiaGoverning BodyPatron-in-Chief Dr. K. P. Chaudhuri Chairman KPC Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata
President Prof. C. R. Maity Department of Biochemistry KPC Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata
Advisor Mrs. Krishna Das Secretary KPC Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata
Secretary Prof. Antony Gomes Department of Physiology University of Calcutta Kolkata
Treasurer Dr. Jaideep C. Menon MAGJ Hospital Kochi
Editor-in-chief Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Tezpur University Tezpur
President Elect Prof. D. Velmurugan University of Madras Chennai
You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else
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TOXINOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA(Under West Bengal Society Registration Act, 1961)Registration No. S/1L/77216 of 2010 2011, dated: 19.01.2011 K.P.C. Medical College & Hospital, Department of Biochemistry 1F, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700 032, India Website : www.tsi-web.org Email : [email protected]
Patron-in-Chief Dr. K.P. Chaudhuri KPCMC & Hospital Kolkata Advisor Mrs. Krishna Das KPCMC & Hospital Kolkata President Prof. (Dr.) C.R. Maity KPCMC & Hospital Kolkata President Elect Prof. D. Velmurugan University of Madras Chennai Secretary Prof. Antony Gomes University of Calcutta Kolkata Treasurer Dr. J.C. Menon MAGJ Hospital Kochi Editor-in-Chief Prof. A.K. Mukherjee Tezpur University Asam Members Dr. S. Hazra Prof. B.S. Viswanath Dr. Aparna Gomes Dr. D. Bhattacharya Dr. Keya Chaudhuri Dr. J.K. Joseph Prof. S.C. Dasgupta Dr. D.P.Punde Dr. D.B. Majumdar Dr. D. Chakraborty Dr. Archita Saha Dr. B. Giri Dr. Anindita Debnath Mr. S. Ghosh Dr. M.V. Khadilkar
Message from President , TSIIt gives me an immense pleasure to note that Toxinological Society of India is going to publish its first Newsletter in June 2011. The TSI is just born and needs rigorous care for the proper grooming. The newsletter will contain the recent news of different activities of the society as well as it will help us update scientific knowledge in toxin research not only nationally but also globally. The word toxin creates a awful situation but recent advancement in the field of toxin research can prevent and cure many diseases. The society will grow immensely under the dynamic leadership of Professor Gomes and his team. I must congratulate the Editor-in-chief, Prof. Ashis Mukherjee of Tezpur University and his team who has taken care of the publications. I hope in future the society will bring out a journal of international standard with the untiring effort of the members of the society. I feel honoured and greatly privileged to be the President of the society. I wish every success of the news letter and long live our society. Sd./ Prof. (Dr.) C. R. Maity President
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TOXINOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA(Under West Bengal Society Registration Act, 1961)Registration No. S/1L/77216 of 2010 2011, dated: 19.01.2011 K.P.C. Medical College & Hospital, Department of Biochemistry 1F, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700 032, India Website : www.tsi-web.org Email : [email protected]
Patron-in-Chief Dr. K.P. Chaudhuri KPCMC & Hospital Kolkata Advisor Mrs. Krishna Das KPCMC & Hospital Kolkata President Prof. (Dr.) C.R. Maity KPCMC & Hospital Kolkata President Elect Prof. D. Velmurugan University of Madras Chennai Secretary Prof. Antony Gomes University of Calcutta Kolkata Treasurer Dr. J.C. Menon MAGJ Hospital Kochi Editor-in-Chief Prof. A.K. Mukherjee Tezpur University Asam Members Dr. S. Hazra Prof. B.S. Viswanath Dr. Aparna Gomes Dr. D. Bhattacharya Dr. Keya Chaudhuri Dr. J.K. Joseph Prof. S.C. Dasgupta Dr. D.P.Punde Dr. D.B. Majumdar Dr. D. Chakraborty Dr. Archita Saha Dr. B. Giri Dr. Anindita Debnath Mr. S. Ghosh Dr. M.V. Khadilkar
Message from the Secretary, TSII am extremely happy that Toxinological Society of India (TSI), a budding society (Estd.2011) is going to publish its 1st newsletter in June 2011, the first of its kind in the exchange and expansion of scientific knowledge in the world of Toxinology at the national and international level. To promote the science of toxins for the welfare of the society, this newsletter will definitely provide a platform especially for the younger scientists/students of our country. I firmly believe that updated information provided in the newsletter will enrich the members of TSI, active participants for the advancement of research throughout India. I sincerely wish that this newsletter will not only help to exchange scientific knowledge among scientists but also will extend to the different levels of the society (NGOs, serum industrial house, etc.) for better health. I extend my heartiest congratulations to the Editor-in-chief Prof Ashis K Mukherjee, Tezpur University and his team (Dr Archita Biswas, Kolkata & Dr Robin Doley, Tezpur), who has taken care for the publication. I hope that in the near future they will also extend their untiring efforts for this publication. I wish the present and future newsletters of TSI every success. Long live TSI.
Prof Antony Gomes Secretary, TSI
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TOXINOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA(Under West Bengal Society Registration Act, 1961)Registration No. S/1L/77216 of 2010 2011, dated: 19.01.2011 K.P.C. Medical College & Hospital, Department of Biochemistry 1F, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700 032, India Website : www.tsi-web.org Email : [email protected]
Patron-in-Chief Dr. K.P. Chaudhuri KPCMC & Hospital Kolkata Advisor Mrs. Krishna Das KPCMC & Hospital Kolkata President Prof. (Dr.) C.R. Maity KPCMC & Hospital Kolkata President Elect Prof. D. Velmurugan University of Madras Chennai Secretary Prof. Antony Gomes University of Calcutta Kolkata Treasurer Dr. J.C. Menon MAGJ Hospital Kochi Editor-in-Chief Prof. A.K. Mukherjee Tezpur University Asam Members Dr. S. Hazra Prof. B.S. Viswanath Dr. Aparna Gomes Dr. D. Bhattacharya Dr. Keya Chaudhuri Dr. J.K. Joseph Prof. S.C. Dasgupta Dr. D.P.Punde Dr. D.B. Majumdar Dr. D. Chakraborty Dr. Archita Saha Dr. B. Giri Dr. Anindita Debnath Mr. S. Ghosh Dr. M.V. Khadilkar
Message from Treasurer, TSIWe are finally on our way on the course charted out at the Kochi conference in September 2008. The Kochi conference was the first of its kind which brought herpetologists, venom researchers and clinicians from both the Allopathy and Ayurveda streams under one roof. The bonds cemented were further strengthened in Tezpur, December 2009 where the foundation for mutually inclusive research was laid down. The NTS was constituted in Kolkata and the preliminary meetings held and the office bearers were appointed. The immediate aims are on a membership drive from among toxin researchers, clinicians and herpetologist. The idea is to include other toxins other than snake venom alone and make it a multi pronged strategy towards identifying newer toxins, identifying the different mammalian and reptilian species in the region as also their behavioral patterns and also to make the treatment against venom or toxin related disease as effective and uniform as possible. The Society intends to have members from the industry as well. This ensures a direct feedback from the scientists and would help the industry to address remedy the possible shortcomings of their products. The society could voice the concerns of the industry regarding the quality and the insufficiency of available venoms at the national policy forming level. The immediate goals of the society include - Interesting young scientist towards further research in the field of toxinology for which the society hopes to be able to institute a best paper award in the annual conferences. - Consensus in the management of venomous bite - Epidemiological studies in the different zones of our country - Standardization of the available venom/ anti venom products for their quality A bank account in the societies name has been opened with the Canara Bank, Kolkata branch. The fee towards enrollment would be intimated. This is the first edition of the news letter and I take this opportunity to wish Dr Ashish Mukherjee and his editorial team my best wishes. I am sure that through our sustained efforts we would be able to make the region a better place for both the oppressor and the oppressed, the human race on one side and the other mammalian and reptilian species on the other. The question really is as who is the oppressor? Jaideep C Menon Cardiologist MAGJ Hospital, Mookkannoor, KOCHI9
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INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY ON TOXINOLOGYPresident: Prof. P. Gopalakrishnakone, MBBS, PhD, FAMS, DSc - Department of Anatomy Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine - National University of Singapore Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 117597 Phone: +65-6516 3207 Fax: +65-6778 7643 Email:[email protected] Prof. Julian White, MBBS, MD, FACTM - Department of Toxinology Womens & Childrens Hospital, North Adelaide SA 5006 Australia Phone: +61-8-81617000 Fax: +61-8-81618024 Email: [email protected]
Secretary:
It is with great pleasure that I learnt about the official news letter of the Toxinological Society of India to be published in June 2011. It is a great news to the toxinology community and mainly for India and the Asian region. There have been many activities and conferences in India in the recent past on Toxinology. There were meetings in Kerala, Assam and Kolkata with remarkable achievements. I.S.T. is very proud and happy to see the proliferation of research and education in basic and clinical toxinology and Indian scientists are taking a leading role and developing national programmes. We wish them well and hope to see more activities relating to toxinology Gopal(sgd) Prof. P. Gopalakrishnakone
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The OFFICE OF RESEARCH CORE ADMINISTRATIONJAY W. FOX, PH.D., ASSOC. DEAN FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE
May 2, 2011
Professor Antony Gomes Laboratory of Toxinology & Experimental Pharmacodynamics Department of Physiology University of Calcutta 92, A.P.C. Road Calcutta-700 009, India
Dear Professor Gomes: Greetings! I am delighted to learn that the Toxinological Society of India will be publishing a newsletter in June. This represents a great step forward for the society and also, indirectly, for the International Society of Toxinology. My best wishes for the organization and I sincerely hope that the society becomes a leading force in Indian science.
Sincerely,
Jay W. Fox, Ph.D. Professor of Microbiology Assoc. Dean for Research InfrastructureP.O. Box 800734 Jordan Hall 1300 Jefferson Park Avenue Charlottesville, VA 22908-0734 434-924-2356 Fax: 434-982-2514
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Centre for HerpetologyMadras Crocodile Bank Trust
To: Professor Antony Gomes, Secretary, Toxinological Society of India Laboratory of Toxinology University of Calcutta 92, A.P.C. Road, Calcutta-700 009, India
Dear Colleagues, It is a great pleasure to see the first Newsletter of the Toxinological Society of India (TSI) in June, 2011. A country so richly endowed with venomous snakes, arthropods, molluscs and poisonous plants as India has long needed a means of communicating the latest research and findings in the field of toxinology. Im sure that the TSI will grow from strength to strength and in particular act as a source of inspiration and encouragement to the younger generation of scholars fascinated by biotoxins, both in the laboratory and in the field.
With all good wishes!
Romulus Whitaker Centre for Herpetology/Madras Crocodile Bank Trust June, 1st, 2011Centre for Herpetology, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, Post bag 4, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu-603 104, India Tel:0091 44 27472447, Fax: 27472958 . Email: [email protected] . Website: www.madrascrocodilebank.org http://madrascrocbank.blogspot.com13
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Dear Indian colleagues, The last December AMPTOX2010 conference, perfectly organized by Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), CSIR, and KPC Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, was impressive by several reasons. It revealed a high quality of scientific work of toxinologists from India and great endeavour of practicists in medical management of envenomations. I was especially delighted about the participating very enthusiastic scholars. Prof. Antony Gomes and all others organizers deserve sincere congratulations, and I am sure that the event will have beneficial impact on awareness of public and governing authorities on necessity to foster all aspects of toxinological education and research in India. There are still too many casualties and deseases caused by toxic and venomous creatures in India. To tackle all these, creation of a new Toxinological Society of India is a good way. I am sure that there is a great potential in India and that the seen enthusiasm guarantees success. I feel honoured to be with Indian collegues in this important moment. I wish the society successful work in favour of people of India and the globe. Prof. Peter Macek, Slovenia May 18, 2011
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May 6, 2011 Professor Antony Gomes, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, West Bengal, India Dear Professor Gomes, I am extremely pleased to know that Toxicological Society of India has come to fruition and that a new website has been created and also the first news letter of the society will be published shortly. As we all know how important the study of toxicants is in todays environment where one is continuously exposed to variety of pollutants/toxicants that can adversely affect health leading a variety of ailments. Therefore, a news letter such as the one that is being published by the Toxicological Society of India will have an enormous impact on awareness of the current condition. I congratulate you and other members of the society in completing the task of establishing this news letter and wish you every success in your future endeavors. Sincerely, Adhip P. N. Majumdar, Ph.D., D.Sc. Professor and Senior Research Career Scientist VA Medical Center/Karmanos Cancer Institute And Department of Internal Medicine Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan 48201, U.S.A.
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Good Wishes from Well Wishers
Dear Prof. Gomes, I was delighted to attend the 2010 AMPTOX meeting in Kolkata and hear about the establishment of the Toxinological Society of India. This is a wonderful development that will help to promote and highlight the excellent toxinological research being undertaken in India. I am looking forward to attending the first official annual conference of the TSI later this year in Chennai. With warmest regards to all my toxinological friends in India, Glenn King. Prof. G. F. King Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Australia
That is good news Antony. I look forward to hearing of progress with the TSI. Perhaps we could reproduce your Newsletter within the ISTnewsletter? Regards, Julian White Prof. J. White Toxinology Dept., Womens & Children Hospital North Adelaide, Australia
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Formation Of Toxinological Society Of India (TSI) A Brief HistoryThe Toxinological Society of India (TSI), is a society composed of scientists/persons (clinicians, nonclinicians, NGOs, environmentalist, etc.) having interests in all aspects of natural toxins (animal, plant, microbial, marine etc). The registration number of the society is S/1L/77216 of 2010 2011, dated: 19th January 2011, under the West Bengal Society Registration Act, 1961. The Society headquarter is situated at Department of Biochemistry, K.P.C. Medical College & Hospital, Department of Biochemistry 1F, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700 032. The website of this society is www.tsiindiaorg. The need for such a society was felt for a long time (since 1980). Unfortunately, it took nearly thirty years to form the society. The concept of formation of this society initiated from Calcutta (now Kolkata) and gradually several small groups of scientists working in the different states of India came forward and finally the first step towards formation of the society was taken at Tezpur conference 2009. With this platform, we the toxinologists of India, would like to share our scientific knowledge through collaboration, cooperation, friendship for our mutual benefit and for the welfare of our society. We have intensions to organize conference, workshop, seminar, orations, popular lectures at the school, college, and university level, environmental awareness programme to make the world a better place to live. The society shall have its own newsletter, website, etc. and hopes to have a journal in the near future. All these efforts will enrich the advancement of knowledge and learning of one of Indias richest natural resources the toxins. Milestones of the formation of National Toxinology Society, India (1980 2010) The proposal and idea for the formation of a society for the scientists/persons devoted to the study of natural toxins of animal, plant, microbial and marine resources originated from late Prof Sites Chandra Lahiri at the department of Pharmacology, School of tropical medicine, Calcutta, in the year 1979-80. On several occasions Prof. Lahiri discussed how to initiate the idea into reality. With his sole efforts, Prof. Lahiri formed the task-force group on venoms-toxins of the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi. In 1990, Prof. Lahiri organized a two-day workshop cum seminar on venoms-toxins at Haffkine Institute, Bombay (now Mumbai) with sponsorship from ICMR, New Delhi. This was the first seminar on venomstoxins in India, where more than seventy scientists participated. The second seminar was organized by the ASC Medical Sciences & Hospital, Jammu By Dr Iqbal Alam and Dr D. Chakrabarty in the year 2002, where more that 180 participants were present. The third seminar was organized by the dept of Biochemistry, Mysore University by Dr B. S. Viswanath in the year 2003. The fourth seminar was organized by the Little Flower Hospital, Cochi, Kerala by Dr. J. C. Menon and Dr. Joseph K. Joseph in the year 2008. The concept of forming the long awaited society of the toxinologists of India came into reality from the fifth seminar, which was organized by the biotechnology department, Tezpur University by Prof Ashis Kumar Mukherjee in the year 2009. Many national and international toxinologists joined this conference and helped in the formation of the society. Finally, in a post conference meeting at the Tezpur (10 December 2009) the following resolutions were adopted: (1) we are going to form the society of Toxinology, India; (2) initially there were a few suggestions on the naming of the society such as TSI, INTA, NTSI etc. Among these, NTSI (national toxinology society, India) was approved unanimously; (3) registration of the society may be done from Kolkata/Tezpur/Cochi as per convenience; (4) A core committee of three members (Prof Ashis Mukherjee,Tezpur; Dr J C Menon, Cochi, Kerala; Dr D Bhattacharya, Kolkata) were nominated to frame the constitution/bylaws of the NTSI. The final version of the NTSI constitution/bylaws was to be approved through a meeting to be held at Calcutta. From January to September 2010, several amendments of the constitution were done with the suggestions and consultation with the scientists/clinicians. The final version was submitted for its registration to the society registration office, Kolkata. However, the name of the Society has been changed to Toxinological Society of India (TSI) as per the advice of the Registrar. West Bengal Society Registration office, after formal approval by the council. The formal inauguration of the society took place at Kolkata AMPTOX201018
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conference on 11 December 2010. It is worth mentioning that a postgraduate student of the dept of Physiology, Calcutta University, has designed the logo of the society. In the logo, the name of the society with the year of establishment 2011 has been placed in the outer circle, the inner five segments showing the snake, scorpion, jellyfish, fungus, bacteria and the inner circle the abbreviation of the society ie. TSI (Fig. 1). One should not forget few names from the international arena, whose presence and initiatives helped us to form this society Prof. GopalaKrishnakone (Singapore), Prof S. Mackessy (USA), Prof. R. M. Kini (Singapore). From the national arena the scientists both clinical and non-clinical, came forward to help in the formation of the society Prof. C. R. Maity, Dr. Aparna Gomes, Dr. D. Bhattacharyya, Dr. S. C. Dasgupta, Dr. J. C. Menon, Dr. J. K. Joseph, Dr. D. Chakrabarty, Dr. Archita Biswas, Dr. R. Doley, Dr. B. Giri, Dr Anindita Debnath, Dr. S. Das Gupta, D. A. Ghosh, Prof. B. S. Viswanath, Prof. T. V. Gowda, Dr. D. P. Punde, Dr. M. V. Khadilkar, Dr. D. B. Majumdar and many more.
Fig. 1. Logo of Toxinological Society of India. Conclusion This society (TSI) will provide a platform to the younger toxinologist of India, to carryout toxin research (individual and collaborative), exchange knowledge for the benefit of the scientific world and the society. In the coming years ahead, this young seedling (TSI) will grow like a banyan tree such as the Great Indian Banyan Tree of Shibpur, Howrah, India. Long live TSI! Acknowledgement The society is thankful to Mr Animesh Roy, Nalikul, Hoogly, West Bengal for assistance in the registration process of the society. This article was published in the proceedings of the 1st National Conferencerence on Animal, Microbial, Plant Toxins & Snakebite Management (AMPTOX2010) held at Department of Biochemistry, KPC Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata. Originally written by Prof. A. Gomes, University of Calcutta, Kolkata and amended for the 1st Newsletter of TSI by Dr. Archita Biswas, IICB, Kolkata.
Dream as if youll live forever, live as if youll die today
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TSI CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWSARTICLE I NAME Section I. Name. The name of this organization shall be Toxicology Society, India (TSI). It is a non-profit organization. ARTICLE II PURPOSE The mandate of the Society is to advance knowledge on the properties and application of poisons (venoms), toxins and antitoxins derived from natural resources (animals, plants and microorganisms). The society will also be involved in understanding and management of snakebite, scorpion bite and other poisonous bites problems in our country, and to bring together those scholars/researchers interested in these substances through a common Society. The society will function as a professional body for formulating policies/advise on all aspects of snake bites/other poisonous bites/microbial toxins to not only Govt. agencies but also to people working in this area throughout our country. The society shall serve as a medium for the coordination of the activities of toxinologists, clinicians, herpetologists, social workers, NGO working in the above mentioned areas and shall for this purpose,(a) arrange scientific meetings/seminars/symposium/popular lectures either under the exclusive auspices of the Society or jointly with others (b) Publish reviews, journal, newsletters, monographs, abstracts of the scientific meetings of the Society. (c) Support young researchers and other scientists attending and presenting paper in any of its annual meeting subject to the availability of fund. (d) Formulating policies/advice on all aspects of natural toxins (animal, plant, microbial), including snakebite and other poisonous bites in the country. (e) To formulate some strategies for the conservational management these venomous animals, plants, micro organisms etc, for deriving the drugs /pharmaceuticals from their venoms. ARTICLE III MEMBERS Section 1. The Society shall consist of Honorary Members, Life Members, Annual Members, Student Member, Corporate Members, Patron member and advisor. Section 2. Persons who have conducted and published meritorious original investigations in toxinology, or interested in the field of toxinology shall be eligible for membership to the Society. (i) The Committee may recommend to the General Body, the election of scientists of eminence in India and abroad as Honorary Members of the Society. Such Honorary members when elected by
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the General Body shall exercise all the rights of the Ordinary members. The number of Honorary members shall not exceed 15-20 and not more than two shall be elected in any one year. (ii) By paying a lump sum amount of membership, as determined by the society from time to time, a person may become otherwise eligible to become the Life Member. (iii) By paying the annual subscription, a person is eligible to become the annual member. An annual member needs to renew the membership in every year within a specified period of time, as decided by the society. Any member who is in default of subscription for two consecutive years shall forfeit his/ her membership. However, he/she may again apply for the new membership by paying the due amount. (iv) Bonafide students of Colleges, Universities and Research Institutes working towards a degree (Certified by the supervisor/ Head of the Department/ Principal of the College) shall be eligible to be admitted as Student Members of the Society. (v) Organizations interested in furthering knowledge in toxinology are eligible for Corporate and Patron members. Section 3. Applications for membership shall be submitted by the applicant on forms provided by the Secretary. Nomination by a Member of the Society is not mandatory. Section 4. The Secretary will examine details of such applications and place the same to the council for approval. The committee/ council may approve or reject a membership application. Section 7. Dues. Each Member shall pay annual dues as be prescribed by the Council, and as approved by the membership at the general meeting. Honorary members need not to pay any dues. Section 8. Privileges of the members: (a) all the members are eligible to vote in the General Body meeting (b) at a meeting of the Society when an open invitation for abstracts is notified, every member is eligible to submit one abstract. (c) all members are eligible to receive the Proceedings of the Society (d) the members and life members of the society would get a discount in the registration fee during the annual meeting/conference of the society. ARTICLE IV ANNUAL MEETING There shall be an annual meeting of the Society which, whenever possible, shall include a meeting of the Executive Council. The meeting will be held at a time and place finalized as per procedure prescribed in the By Laws, or by notice mailed to each Member at least 30 days before the date of the meeting; the notice shall state the time, place, and agenda for the meeting. The Council has the right to postpone or cancel the annual meeting for one year if deemed necessary. ARTICLE V EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Section 1. The Council shall consist of the elected officers, the immediate past President, and the current President and six EC members elected from the membership. The President shall act as Chairman of the Council.
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Section 2. The Council shall meet at least once each year at a time and place designated by the President and shall recommend the dues of the membership. The Council is authorized to accept any donations of cash or property, voluntarily made to further the purpose of the Society. Two thirds of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. Section 3. The members of the Council, excluding the officers, shall serve for a term of three years and may be eligible for re-election for the second term. However, no member shall be eligible to stand for reelection for the two years immediately following their second term of office. Section 4. In the event of a vacancy arising in the Committee between two meetings of the General Body, the President in consultation with the Committee shall have powers to fill the vacancy from amongst the members of the Society till the next meeting of the General Body. ARTICLE VI OFFICERS No person shall be eligible to be an office bearer of the Society unless he has been a Life Member or member during the two preceding years except in the first term. However, honorary members, student members and Corporate members are not eligible for election as office bearers of the society. Section 1. Number. The officers of the Society shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Section 2. Election. The officers of the Society shall be elected by a majority vote of the Members in a mail ballot, and will serve for a term of three years. Their term of office will begin immediately after their election. The Vice-President shall assume the office of the President at the end of the former regular term of office or at any time the office of the President becomes vacant. The Secretary-Treasurer may be reelected for a second term. Section 3. Vacancies. Any vacant office of the Society, other than that of the President, may be filled by a Member elected at the next Society meeting. During the intervals between the meetings of the Society, the Council may elect an officer to fill a vacancy, and the officer so elected shall serve until the next meeting of the Society. ARTICLE VII COMMITTEES Section 1. Nomination Committee. The Nomination Committee appointed by the President shall consist of three Members of the Society, including one member of the Council who is not an officer, and shall serve for a term of two year. The Nomination Committee shall present their recommendations for officers and members of the Executive Council of the Society to the President. Any nine Members of the Society may file a nominating petition with the President recommending other nominees. Such petitions shall be filed not less than 90 days before the annual meeting at which elections are to be held. Section 2. Credentials Committee. The Credentials Committee shall be appointed by the Executive Council of the Charter Membership, and shall hold office for a period of five years. Thereafter the Committee shall be elected by the Council and shall serve for a term of five years. Section 3. Other Committees. Other Committees of the Society may be constituted for the promotion of the objectives of the Society, and shall consist of a limited number of Members, with their number, jurisdiction, and tenure determined by the President.
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ARTICLE VIII AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION This Constitution may be amended at any meeting of the Society by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Members present in person or represented by proxy provided that notice of the proposed amendment is given to the membership at least 30 days before the meeting at which the amendment is offered. ARTICLE IX ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS By-Laws may be adopted, amended or rescinded at any meeting of the Society by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Members present or represented by proxy provided that notice of the proposed actions is given to the membership at least 90 days before the meeting where such action is to be considered. ARTICLE X THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE CONSTITUTION This Constitution shall take effect immediately upon its registration. BY-LAWS-ARTICLE I MEMBERS AND MEETINGS OF MEMBERS Section 1. General meeting. The general meeting shall be held at a time and place approved by the Society during a previous general meeting, regularly at the annual meeting of the society to be held every year. If a time or place for the meeting has not been prescribed, it will be determined by the Executive Council. The Council shall have power to change the time or place of a meeting when circumstances so require. Section 2. Special meetings. Special meetings of the Society may be called at any time by the President at the request of the EC, or on receipt of a written request of not less than one-third of the Members. Section 3. Notice of meetings. Notice of the time, place, and purpose or purposes of meetings of the Society shall be given to the Members by mail at least 30 days before the meeting. Section 4. Quorum. At any general or special meeting of the Society, 30 % of total members must be present or represented by proxy to constitute a quorum. A meeting may be adjourned by vote of a majority of the members present Section 5. Voting. At every meeting of the Society each Member (including annual member but excluding student member and honorary members ) shall be entitled to one vote in person or by ballot paper. However, under some exceptional circumstances, for example under any constitutional crisis, where an immediate and urgent decision has to be taken, honorary member may exercise the voting. Section 6. Business of the general meeting. The business of the general meeting of the Society shall be: (a) to elect officers and members of the Executive Council as prescribed by the Constitution; (b) to determine the time and place for the next general meeting; (c) to fix the annual dues; (d) to consider the annual financial statement and balance sheet presented by the Executive Council and to arrange for any action therewith as seems appropriate; (e) to consider reports of the Executive Council and Committees, and motions relating to the adoption of such reports, either in whole or in part, and to arrange for such action to be taken thereon, if appropriate and
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(f) to consider any resolutions that can properly be considered to affect the purpose of the Society and its membership. Section 7. The Committee shall have full powers to transact business in case of emergency not provided for in these bye-laws in a manner considered by them conducive to the good of the Society. Any such action taken or regulation formed shall be placed before the next General Body Meeting for consideration. BY-LAWS-ARTICLE II COUNCIL Section 1. Meetings. The Executive Council shall meet at each general meeting for the purpose of transaction of business, and if a majority of the EC memebers be present, no prior notice of such meeting need be given. Special meetings may be held at the call of the President, or upon the written request of four members of the Council, and shall be called by the Secretary/Treasurer. Section 2. Notice of meetings. Notice of all meetings of the Executive Council shall be given by mail at least 30 days before the meeting. Section 3. Chairman. At all meetings of the EC the President, or in his absence the President-Elect, shall preside. Section 4. Quorum. At all meetings of the EC the act of a majority of those Members present shall be the act of the Council. In the absence of a quorum of the EC at a regular meeting of the Society and when it becomes apparent that decisions vital to the Society are necessary, a special meeting of the EC, shall make the necessary decisions. BY-LAWS-ARTICLE III ANNUAL AND FINANCIAL REPORTS Section 1. The Executive Council shall submit annually to the Society for adoption and approval a report on the general state and proceedings of the Society for the past year, a balance sheet and financial statement for the past year. Section 2. In cases of urgent necessity the Committee shall have powers to authorize any reasonable expenditure beyond the budgeted amount and report it to the General Body at its next meeting. Section 3. A bank account for the Societys shall be opened and operated jointly by the President, Treasurer and Secretary. Any two of these may have the authority to sign the bank cheque for the transaction business. BY-LAWS-ARTICLE IV CUSTODY OF PAPERS, ADDRESSES AND REPORTS All papers, addresses and reports read before the Society, or accepted by the Society, shall be lodged with the President and become the property of the Society. Publications of these reports in the official Journal of the Society, or in any other way, may be urged by the direction of the Executive Council or appropriate Committee.
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BY-LAWS-ARTICLE V OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY Section 1. Duties. The officers of the Society shall perform the duties usually performed by such officers, together with such duties as shall be prescribed by the Constitution of By Laws or by the Society or Executive Council. Section 2. The President. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society and meetings of the Executive Council. The President shall be an ex officio member of all committees, except the Nomination Committee. The President shall have general charge and supervision of the business and affairs of the Society. Section 3. The Vice-Presidentt. At the request of the President, or in the event of his absence or disability, the Vice-President at any time and from time to time may perform any or all duties of the President. Section 4. The General Secretary shall: 1) attend to the giving of all notices of the Society;2) have custody of the seal of the Society and all of its funds and securities, subject to such regulations as may be imposed by the Council; 3) make such payments in behalf of the Society, subject to the control of the Council; 4) enter regularly into the books of the Society full and accurate account of all money received and paid, or obligations incurred in behalf of the Society, and shall exhibit such books at all reasonable times to any Member of the Society on written request to the office of the Society. Section 5. The Treasurer shall: 1) provide a report on the financial situation of the Society at each general meeting; 2) take care of all the aspects of financial matter in consultation with General Secretary and/or President. BY-LAWS-ARTICLE VI LIABILITY OF COUNCIL MEMBERS AND OFFICERS Each Executive Council member or officer, or former Executive Council member or officer of the Society, shall be indemnified by the Society against expenses actually and necessarily incurred by him in connection with the defense of any action, suit or proceeding in which he is made a party by reason of his being or having been a Executive Council member or an officer of the Society, except in relation to matters as to which he shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duties as such Executive Council member or officer. BY-LAWS-ARTICLE VII CONTRACTS The Executive Council, except as provided in the By-Laws may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Society, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances; and unless so authorized by the Executive Council, no officer, agent or employee shall have power or authority. to bind the Society by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or render it liable peculiarly for any purpose or amount.
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BY-LAWS-ARTICLE VIII FISCAL YEAR The fiscal year of the Society shall begin on the first day of April in each year and shall end on the thirtyfirst day of the following March. BY-LAWS-ARTICLE IX PUBLICATIONS The Society may publish official News letter and Journal. The Editor-in-Chief and Editors and other positions as deem fit, shall be elected by the Executive Council for a specified time period, but not exceeding 3 years. The terms of Editorial board may be renewed by the Executive body. The Newsletter will be edited by the Assistant Editor(s) of the Society in order to inform the members on current Society affairs and other relevant topics. BY-LAWS-ARTICLE X The society will constitute different orations/awards/prizes, as approved by the Executive Council, to recognize to contribution of distinguish toxinologists/researchers, clinicians, and social workers and NGO in the field of natural toxins and antitoxins. Prof S C Lahiri Oration Award : In recognition of distinguished work in the field of toxinology the TSI confers the Prof . S. C. Lahiri memorial Oration Award in each year at annual meetings. The recipient of this award will deliver a talk of 30 minutes duration during the annual session of the society. Prof A K Nag Choudhury memorial oration award : In recognition of distinguished work in the field of toxinology the TSI confers the Prof A K. Nag Choudhury memorial Oration Award in each year at annual meetings. The recipient of this award will deliver a talk of 30 minutes duration during the annual session of the society. TSI-Young Scientist award: Under process; subject to availability of fund. TSI-Travel Grant: Under process; subject to availability of fund. BY-LAWS-ARTICLE XI Symposium and seminar Section 1. Any member of the Society may suggest organization of symposium / seminar in a particular place. Moreover under some special considerations, a non-member may propose for organizing a symposium/conference. However he/she will obtain membership of TSI at least 60 days prior to the date of holding the symposium/conference. The proposal shall be scrutinized by the Secretary and placed before the Committee for approval. The Committee shall have the authority to approve the holding of the Symposium. It may be suggested that the proposal for organization of the symposium may be placed 12 months in advance. Section 2. For each Symposium, there will be a Convener or Conveners or Organizing Secretary and he/she should be a member of the TSI. Section 3. The first announcement of the Symposium/Conference shall be made as early as possible (normally 6 months prior to the meeting).
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Section 4. The Convener is empowered to co-opt any member of the Society to help in the organization of the symposium. Section 5. The duration of the Symposium shall not be ordinarily more than three days. For workshop, it may be for longer duration, if necessary. Section 6. The Convener shall have the freedom to obtain financial and other assistance from any institution, organization or Government. The Convener can charge a registration fee in consultation with the President of the Society for attending the Symposium/Conference and he/she should attempt to give a concessional rate to the members of the Society. Further, the convener may waive the registration fee of the invited speakers and any other participant, if the Organizing Committee feels so. Section 7. The Convener shall inform periodically the progress in the organization of the symposium to the General Secretary, TSI. Section 8. The Convener shall have the discretion to invite the speakers to the Symposium/Seminar/Conference. However, it will be appreciated if the list of invited speakers is prepared in consultation with the office bearers of the TSI. Section 9. The Convener shall furnish audited statement of account to the TSI preferably within three months but not more than six months of holding the Symposium/ Seminar/Conference. BY-LAWS-ARTICLE XII Amendments in the Rules Section 1. Proposals for additions to the alterations in existing rules by any member of the Society shall be sent to the Committee so as to reach them 30 days before the Annual General Body Meeting. These proposals shall be placed before the General Body by the Committee. Section 2. The Rules are subject to alteration at the General Body Meeting when approved by not less than two-thirds of the members present and a simple majority of all the members of the Society. The General Secretary/President shall be authorized to obtain this approval by post, if necessary.
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TSI ORATIONS
Prof. S C Lahiri OrationProf. Sites Chandra Lahiri was born on 4th Jan 1928 at Calcutta, the only child of Sisir and Suprava. He did his MBBS from Calcutta Medical College, MD from King George Medical College, Lucknow and Ph.D. from University of Edinburgh. He was in the West Bengal Government Medical Service and retired as Director of Health Service, Government of West Bengal. He was a member of P.S.C. Government of India and ICMR Emeritus Scientist at IICB, Kolkata. Research in Pharmacology, especially in venoms and toxins was his passion. Twelve students earned their Ph.D. under his guidance. He had received several awards such as B C Roy Award, R N Chopra Award, Coats Award, etc. He was member of British Pharmacological Society, Indian Pharmacological Society and many more. He died at the age of 72 years (12 November 1999) due to heart attack at USA. The students of Prof. Lahiri, put in efforts to make his contribution memorable in the development of Venom-Toxin research in India, through this Oration.
Prof. A. K. Nag Chaudhury OrationProf. Asis Kumar Nag Chaudhury was born on 7th July 1949. He obtained his M.Sc. in Physiology in 1970 and Ph.D. in 1977 from Calcutta University working under the supervision of the renowned Profr. S. C. Lahiri. Beginning his career as a Lecturer in Pharmacology at the Jadavpur University in 1976, by dint of dedicated work, he steadily rose to become professor in 1999. He was also nominated as the Director of the School of Natural Product Studies of the University. During his tenure, he guided more than 10 Ph.D. scholars and acted as dissertation guide for more than 30 M. Pharm. students. Over 20 papers in international and national journals bear testimony to his work and he was an active member of many scientific bodies, including the Indian Pharmacological Society. Prof. Nag Chaudhury visited Germany, England and Italy many times, presented papers and also chaired sessions in various national and international conferences. As a person, Prof. Nag Chaudhury endeared himself to pharmacologists, pharmacists and physiologists all over the country. He was ready to help all students and many outside his University sought his assistance and were never disappointed. Work consumed him to the last day. He died at the age of 54 due to heart attack. His life is a rare example of courage, determination and dedication, which will inspire us all.28
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LIST OF MEMBERS (PROVISIONAL) Life Members1. Prof. C.R. Maity Dept. of Biochemistry,KPC Medical College & Hospital, Jadavpur, Kolkata-700032 2. Prof. A .Gomes Dept. of Physiology, Calcutta University A.P.C. Road, Kolkata-700009 3. Dr. J.C. Menon Cardiologist, MAGJ Hospital, Mookkannor-683577, Dist.- Ernakulum, Kerala 4. Prof. A. Mukherjee Dept. of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology,Tezpur University , Napaam, Sonitpur, Assam-784 028 5. Prof. B.S. Viswanath Dept. of Biochemistry, Mysore University, Crawford Hall, Mysore 6 6. Dr. D. Bhattacharyya, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata-700032 7. Dr. Aparna Gomes 8. Prof. S.C. Dasgupta Maulana Azad College, Kolkata 700013 9 Dr. D. Chakraborty Dept. of Physiology BITS , Pillani ,Goa Campus, Zuari nagar, Goa - 403726 10. Dr. Archita Biswas, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata-700032 11. Dr. S. Dasgupta Santha Biotech, Hyderabad 12. Mr. S. Bhattacharya Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata-700032 13. Dr. Babli Halder Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata-700032 14. Ms. Tanaya Das Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata-700032 15. Dr. B. Giri Dept. of Physiology, West Bengal State University, Berunanpukuria, P.O. Malikapur, North 24 Parganas, Pin 700126
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16. Dr. A. Debnath Dept. of Laboratory Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine, C.R. Avenue, Kolkata-700073 17. Ms. Sanghamitra Mukherjee Dept. of Zoology, Maulana Azad College, 8, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road, Kolkata 700013 18. Dr. R. Doley Tezpur University, Tezpur University, Napaam, Sonitpur, Assam-784 028 19. Mr. V. Santra Simultala Conservationists, Nalikul, Hooghly 20. Dr. S. Halder Bose Institute, 93/1, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road Kolkata- 700009 21. Dr. D P Punde Punde Hospital, Nanded, Maharashtra, Pin 431715 22. Dr. J. K. Joseph MAGJ Hospital, Kochi, Dist.- Ernakulum, Kerala, Pin- 683577 23. Prof. D. Velmurugan University of Madras, Chennai 24. Dr. Aftab Alam Dept. of Physiology, Calcutta University A.P.C. Road, Kolkata-700009 25. Ms. Poulami Dutta Dept. of Physiology, Calcutta University A.P.C. Road, Kolkata-700009 26 Ms. Jayeeta Sengupta Dept. of Physiology, Calcutta University A.P.C. Road, Kolkata-700009 27. Ms. Amrita Sarkar Dept. of Physiology, Calcutta University A.P.C. Road, Kolkata-700009 28. Ms. Rupamoni Thakur Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Tezpur-784028
Corporate Members1. VINS Bioproducts Limited 806 Essjay House, Road No. 3, Hyderabad 500034
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AMPTOX2010 : Notes & NewsThe 1st National Conference on Animal, Microbial, Plant Toxins & Snakebite Management (AMPTOX2010) was held on 11th and 12th December 2010 at Department of Biochemistry, KPC Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata. Indian Institute of Chemical Biology & KPC Medical College & Hospital organized it jointly. 211 delegates participated in the conference including scientists and clinicians from different countries namely UK, USA, Russia, Slovenia, Australia, Singapore, Malayasia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and India. The scientific programme was enriched by an inaugural lecture, two special invited lectures, three orations and forty invited lectures of which fourteen were by foreign delegates. There were two Oral sessions comprising of 17 speakers and 34 poster presentations. Five Best Posters from students/Ph.D. scholars were selected for Oral presentations from which Students best paper was selected. In addition there was a Snake Awareness Programme coordinated and chaired by Mr. Romulus Whitaker, where the documentary titled Secrets of King Cobra was shown. Antiserum Production houses like Bharat Serums, VINS Bioproducts, Premium Serums & Vaccines were active participants from the corporate section. The conference was inaugurated on 11th December 2010. Dignitaries on the dias were Guest-in-chief Prof. P. Gopalakrishnakone, International guest Prof. Alan L. Harvey, Director IICB and Chairman of AMPTOX2010 Prof. Siddhartha Roy, Principal KPC Medical College & Hospital Prof. F. U. Ahmed, Secretary KPC Medical College & Hospital Mrs. Krishna Das, President AMPTOX2010 Prof. C. R. Maity, Organizing Secretary AMPTOX2010 Dr. Aparna Gomes and Jt. Organizing Secretary Prof. S. Bandyopadhyay. During the inauguration, Dr. Aparna Gomes, Scientist IICB, delivered the welcome address. She stated that the theme of the conference was Biotoxins in Health & Disease whose objective is to provide a common platform to researchers, clinicians, environmentalist, and the Antiserum industry to exchange their views. She hoped that AMPTOX 2010 would open collaborative research ventures to strengthen venom-toxin research in India in the near future. She also announced the inauguration of National Toxinology Society India (NTSI)*. Prof. P. Gopalakrishnakone, President of the International Society of Toxinology, lit the lamp to mark the inauguration of the conference. Following this, Prof. C. R. Maity delivered his keynote address as the President of the Organizing Committee. Prof. S. Roy, Chairman AMPTOX2010 recollected the landmark work by Prof. S. N. De in Kolkata, regarding the discovery of the cholera toxin. He also mentioned the roles of toxins not only in understanding the pathogenesis of diseases but also in therapeutics. Mrs. Krishna Das, on behalf of chairman of KPC Group, congratulated scientists, budding researchers, students and medical practitioners who joined this conference and wished the conference a great success. Prof. Faroque Uddin Ahmed then put forward his note, hoping that the conference will result in partnership between research laboratories and hospitals that would bring up competency and skill for applications in health and diseases. Prof. Alan Harvey, Editor-in Chief of Toxicon, hoped that this would be a very positive meeting. He encouraged the formation of the National Toxinology Society India (NTSI) and advised that it works together along with the International Society of Toxinology. During the inaugural session a Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon Mr. Romulus Whitaker, the renowned herpetologist and environmentalist from India. Mr. Whitaker felt extremely honoured and said that working with the Irula tribes is something that is most close to his heart. He expressed concern about the antivenom production, which is distraught with great problems and mentioned the necessity to convince at the government level and also emphasized on the need to collect venom from different species for research at different labs. Guest-in-chief Prof. Gopalakrishnakone inaugurated the National Toxinology Society India (NTSI). On behalf of International Society of Toxinology, he extended its collaboration to all toxinologists. IST hoped to work closely with NTSI and be by its side as an equal partner to take NTSI to the international stage.
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At the end of this session Prof. V. V. Pillay, Editor of the Indian Journal of Toxicology announced two awards on behalf of the Indian Society of Toxicology for Best Paper Presentation. He also put forward the message sent by Dr. David Williams of Australia regarding research grants (5 per year) by the Global Snakebite Initiative. The inaugural session was followed by photo session of the delegates. The conference comprised of 10 sessions including the inauguration and valediction. Dr. G. B. Nair of NICED Kolkata delivered the inaugural lecture Cholera toxin: From De to today. He discussed the findings of Prof. S. N. De who established the presence of a toxin in the cell-free culture filtrates of Vibrio cholerae using rabbit ileal loop model. Then the purification and structural identification were elaborated. The different immunologic forms of cholera toxin and their different binding subunit were discussed. Inaugural lecture was followed by two special invited lectures. One was by Scientist Dr. R. Nagaraj of CCMB, Hyderabad whose topic was Delta-Lysin, a cytolytic peptide secreted by Staphylococcus aureus: transforming a foe to friend. He reported the cytolytic activity of delta-lysin against eukaryotic cells and elaborated on the changes and substitution in amino acids that can attenuate or completely abolish the toxins hemolytic activity. He also demonstrated that the properties of the toxin could be suitably changed so that it can exhibit selective antibacterial activity. The second special invited lecture was by Environmentalist/Herpetologist Mr. Gerry Martin who spoke on the scoio-economic perspective of snakes. This presentation was an attempt to bring in a different perspective to snake conservation. There were three orations. The Prof. S. C. Lahiri memorial oration was delivered by Prof. P. Gopalakrishnakone from National University of Singapore. His lecture was Designed Peptides from sPLA2 inhibitors as drug leads for treating inflammation with special reference to rheumatoid arthritis. Prof. T. V. Gowda of Mysore University delivered the Prof. A. K. Nag Chaudhury memorial oration where he reflected on Phospholipase A2 of Russels Viper venom are tissue targeting toxins. Prof. Antony Gomes of University of Calcutta delivered the Aleena Alam oration instituted by the Alam family in memory of the precious daughter of Prof. Iqbal Alam who lost her life fighting against neuroblastoma. Prof. Gomes lectured on Anticancer drug clues from venoms-toxins. He gave brief overview on the history of snake venom research in India and gradually came to ongoing research and findings of his laboratory. Participants got the opportunity to listen to 40 invited lectures by scientists and clinicians, of which 14 were by foreign delegates. Prof. Alan Harvey from University of Strathclyde related the pharmacological actions of the mamba venoms/venom components to the symptoms observed. Prof. J. W. Fox spoke on mechanistic insights into snake venom/toxin/antivenom action via wound exudates proteomics. In the absence of Prof. N. H. Tan, Dr. G. Ponnudurai discussed the toxinological properties of Hypnale hypnale and its neutralization by commercial antivenoms. Prof. Yuri Utkin from Russia discussed the purification of various neuroactive polypeptides from viper venom. The heterodimeric phospholipases A2 were separated to monomers my RP-HPLC and the amino acid sequences were determined. Dr. Manas Mandal from USA discussed about a pore-forming hemolytic toxin listeriolysin O from a facultative intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, whose natural pore-forming ability could be harnessed to engineer an efficient cytosolic vaccine delivery system that may prime T cell-mediated protective immune response. Prof. A. P. N. Majumdar from USA spoke on the implications in carcinogenesis and development of therapeutic strategies. He also reported the combination of curcumin with an Indian toad skin purified toxin BM-ANF1 could be an effective therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer. Prof. G. F. King from University of Queensland presented different approache towards insect control by spider venom. The peptides from spider venom are being commercially produced as potent bioinsecticides. Also transgenes encoding the venom peptides can be engineered into plants and fungal entomopathogens for control of crop pests and disease vectors such as mosquitoes. Prof. Peter
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Macek from Slovenia discussed the potential of pore-forming toxins to be used as tools for labeling membrane sphingomyelin and cholesterol rich microdomains. Prof. R. Manjunatha Kini (University of Singapore) discussed the prothrombin activators present in the snake venom and also their cognate proteins. He also elaborated on these venom proteins to be paralogs of blood coagulation factors and contemplated on the possibility of their being recruited by gene duplication and recruitment events. Eminent scientists from all over India also shared their research findings and views regarding toxins from natural sources starting from venoms of snakes to marine and microbial toxins. Dr. Robin Doley of Tezpur University discussed the transcriptomic analysis of snake venom gland, which is important in understanding venom composition, gene structure of toxins and their diversity. Prof. A. K. Mukherjee deliberated on the therapeutic application of direct-acting fibrinolytic enzymes from snake venom and bacteria. Dr. Dibakar Chakrabarty spoke about an anticoagulant purified from Naja kaouthia venom. Prof. B. S. Vishwanath discussed the myonecrotic activity of a 45.76 kD metalloproteinase Malabarin purified from the venom of a non-letha snake Trimeresurus malabaricus. Prof. S. B. Deshpande from BHU spoke on the cardiopulmonary reflex augmentation by Indian red scorpion venom and elaborated on the mechanism of action. Dr. Jimut Kanti Ghosh from CDRI, Lucknow reported the synthesis of various analogs of Hemolysin E from E. coli, which were studied to understand the structure function relationship of the pore forming toxin. Prof. Shyamal Das Gupta gave an overview of plant and marine toxins that have defense application. Dr. Jayant Kumar Mishra discussed some of the bioactive compounds from marine organisms that may have promising pharmaceutical applications like antimicrobial, antiviral, immunmodulatory, anticoagulant, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory in the future. Clinician Dr. J. White discussed on the growing international awareness of the importance of venom-induced diseases and elaborated on WHOs announcement of snakebite as a Neglected Tropical Disease. He discussed the various training and practical protocols on clinical toxinology. Dr. Whites other invited lecture was on Envenoming as a travellers disease. Other clinicians from Bangladesh, Srilanka, Nepal also elaborated on the snakebite problems of their countries and the plan of action for proper management of poisoning. Dr. M. A. Faiz from Bangladesh discussed the poisoning in Bangladesh due to animal, marine and plant toxins. Clinicians from India like Dr. D. P. Punde and Dr. J. K. Joseph snakebite cases in India and their clinical manifestations and management. Prof. V. V. Pillay spoke on the need for clinical trials on snake antivenom dose regimen in India. Dr. J. C. Menon discussed the study on antihyperlipidemic potential of snake venom in mice. From the Corporate section, Dr. M. V. Khadilkar of Premium Serums & Vaccines delivered a lecture entitled, Good quality snake venom: Key to produce safe and effective anti snake venom serum. In addition there was a Snake Awareness Programme coordinated and chaired by Mr. Romulus Whitaker. There were two Oral sessions comprising of 17 speakers and 34 poster presentations. Five Best Posters from students/Ph.D. scholars were selected for Oral presentations from which Students paper was selected. Judges for the poster session were Prof. P. Gopalakrishnakone from Singapore and Prof. Glenn King from Australia. The oral session for best students presentation was judged by Prof. Yuri Utkin from Russia and Prof. Peter Maek from Slovenia. VINS Bioproducts declared an award for the Best Students Presentation. The valediction of the conference was held at 5:15 PM on 12th December 2010 in the S. C. Lahiri Hall. Prof. C. R. Maity chaired the Valedictory session. Dignitaries on the dais were Prof. J. W. Fox from USA, Prof. P. Gopalakrishnakone from Singapore, Dr. J. C. Menon from Kochi, Dr. J. K. Joseph from Kochi, Prof. B. S. Vishwanath from Mysore, Mr. R. Whitaker from Chennai and Dr. D. Bhattacharya from IICB Kolkata. Praises and congratulations were showered by distinguished delegates. The resolutions taken were
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There is a need for such conferences on natural toxins in India, which will provide a common platform to scientists and clinicians. The message carried away from this conference should get translated to the patients. Exchange of views and ideas from the conference is likely to lead to successful research collaborations. Awards were announced during this session. Dr. Archita Biswas (IICB, Kolkata) and Dr. Md. Abu Reza (Rajshahi University, Bangladesh) were awarded by Indian Society of Toxicology for Best Paper Presentation. Among the posters, five were selected for Oral Presentation. The students awarded to Md. Aftab Alam, Ms. Sanghamitra Mukherjee, Ms. Payel Bhattacharjee, Mr. Prasanta Ghosh and Mr. Shamik Bhattacharya. Mr. Shamik Bhattacharya received Students Best Paper award and Ms. Payel Bhattacharjee was declared Runner-up. VINS Bioproducts presented a laptop to the winner of the Students best poster cum oral presentation to Mr. Shamik Bhattacharya. The Venue for the next conference in 2011 was unanimously decided by the house to be Chennai as proposed by Prof. D. Velmurugan, University of Madras. At the end of the valedictory session, Prof. C. R. Maity on behalf of the Organizing Committee, specially mentioned the name of Prof. Antony Gomes and congratulated him for being the brain behind this conference, without his efforts a conference of this magnitude would not be possible. Finally Dr. Debasish Bhattacharyya, Scientist IICB, expressed the vote of thanks. The conference concluded with the National Anthem.
Report by Dr. Aparna Gomes, Organizing Secretary, AMPTOX2010 & Published in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology ,May, 2011, 387 389.(NISCAIR, New Delhi, website : www.niscair.res.in))
Little strokes fell great oaks
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ANNOUNCEMENTSUPCOMING MEETINGS/ Events /Activities (a) Forthcoming activities of TSI (2011 - 2012) 1 2 3 TSI Membership drive (life/ordinary/corporate) on and from 10 June 2011 1st TSI Newsletter will be published in June, 2011 TSI is going to schools/colleges in Kolkata to motivate students/research student, in science/research, September October 2011. 1st National Conference on Toxinology 2011 & 1st Annual conference of Toxinological Society of India 2011" to be held at University of Madras, Chennai on 17-18 December 2011 (Organising Secretary : Prof. D. Velmurugan). 2nd TSI Newsletter will be published in December 2011
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(b) International Society of Toxinology (IST) The meeting of the Asia-Pacific Section of the IST will be in Vladivostock, Russia, in September 4-8, 2011, at the Conference Hall of the Primorsky Region Administration. Organising Committee Chairmen are; Prof. Eugene Grishin and Prof. Valentin Stonik. For details please visit http://www.ap-ist.org/index.html. (c) European Section IST September 11-15, 2011, Valencia, Spain. A web site detailing the Congress is now online at http://istmeetingvlc2011.ibv.csic.es/. For details contact [email protected] (d) Call for nomination for Orations of TSI (1) Prof. S. C. Lahiri Oration and (2) Prof. A. K. Nag Chaudhury Oration, 2011. Please send your nominations to E-mail [email protected]. (Any nomination form?)
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CIRCULAR1st NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TOXINOLOGY 2011 & st ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF TOXINOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA 1 December 17-18, 2011 (Theme: Toxins: Discovery & Design)
I am pleased to inform you that the 1st National Conference on Toxinology 2011 (Theme: Toxins: Discovery & Designs) and 1st Annual Conference of Toxinological Society of India will be convened by CAS in Crystallography & Biophysics, University of Madras during December 1718, 2011. Many eminent Scientists from India and abroad will be participating and delivering their scientific presentations. I will mail you soon the scientific programme. Anticipating your participation, D. VELMURUGAN Toxinology 2011
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AcknowledgementsThe Toxinological Society of India (TSI) is thankful to : 1. KPC Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, India 2. B D Biosciences, India 3. Technolab Scientific Company, Kolkata 4. Vins Bioproducts Limited, Hyderabad, India 5. Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata
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Toxinological Society of India(Registered under West Bengal Society Act : No. S/1L/77216 ) MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION To The Secretary Toxinological Society of India Department of Biochemistry KPC Medical College & Hospital 1F, Raja S.C. Mallick Road, Jadavpur Kolkata 700 032 Dear Sir, I wish to be Annual Member / Life Member / Corporate Member of the Toxinological Society of India. I am furnishing the required particulars below, and request you to kindly allow me to be a member of the Society. The fee* for Annual Membership / Life Membership / Corporate Membership is enclosed as a Demand Draft (No. __________ Dt _______), in the name of Toxinological Society of India payable at Kolkata. I am also enclosing a copy of my Curriculum Vitae and two recent Passport size photographs for your record. Yours sincerely,
Place : Date :
(Signature of the Applicant)
(Signature of the Nominating member of TSI)
Particulars of applicant Full Name (in Block Letters) : _____________________________________________________________________ Date of Birth : ____________ Qualifications ( Name of University, Year ) ___________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Present Designation/ Department/ Institute/ Place : ____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Permanent Address : ____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Address for Correspondence (With Phone No., & Email ID) : ____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ For Official Use Only Membership No. [ ] Approved [ ] Disapproved
Secretary, TSI Note : Duly filled application form along with the Bank Draft should be forwarded to : Prof. Antony Gomes Secretary, Toxinological society of India Lab. Of Toxinology & Exp. Pharmacodynamics, Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta 92, A. P. C. Road, Kolkata 700 009 E-mail : [email protected] Mobile : +91-9433139031 Fax : 91-033-23519755 *Rs.1000 /4000 / 20,000 for Annual / Life / Corporate Membership respectively (May be paid in two installment in