A smartphone dongle to diagnose HIV, syphilis

Sensitivity, specificity for both infections are comparable to ELISA

A palm-sized dongle connected to a smartphone will soon be able to diagnose HIV and syphilis with good accuracy. The device, which was recently field-tested on 96 patients in Rwanda, had high sensitivity and specificity for both HIV and syphilis. The results are published today (February 5) in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Sensitivity and specificity for both the infections are comparable to the lab-based ELISA. In the case of HIV, the sensitivity was 100 per cent and specificity was 87 per cent. For syphilis, the sensitivity was 92-100 per cent and specificity was 79-92 per cent. “Two types of syphilis antibodies are looked for to confirm infection and prevent over-treatment,” Dr. Tiffany W. Guo of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University said in an email to this Correspondent. He is one of the authors of the paper.

“By increasing detection of syphilis infections, we might be able to reduce deaths by 10-fold. And for large-scale screening where the dongle's high sensitivity with few false negatives is critical, we might be able to scale up HIV testing at the community level with immediate antiretroviral therapy that could nearly stop HIV transmissions and approach elimination of this devastating disease,” Dr. Tassaneewan Laksanasopin of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University and the corresponding author noted in a release.

The device has several highlights. For instance, both HIV and syphilis can be diagnosed in about 15 minutes and at a fraction of the cost of a lab-based ELISA test. The dongle cost under $34 compared with an astronomical $18,450 for ELISA equipment. Also, the material and reagent required for testing HIV and syphilis cost no more than $1.44; in the case of conventional lab-based equipment the cost for testing these infections is $8.50.

What makes the device particularly interesting is the very low power consumed to run it. This would be of immense value when the device is used in the field where power may not be available 24x7.

This became possible as the device does not use a power-consuming electrical pump to generate vacuum but a rubber bulb (as in the case of the manual blood pressure measuring instrument — sphygmomanometer) which when pressed creates a negative pressure. The negative pressure, in turn, moves a sequence of reagents that are already stored in a cassette. Other electrical components used consume very little power.

The total power consumed by the device for a test is 1.6 mW. By comparison, a smartphone uses 751 mW on a 3G network; even in a standby mode, a smartphone consumes as much as 17.5 mW.

The researchers came out with a second innovation to power the device using a smartphone. The audio jack of iPhone sends a 19-kHz audio signal that is converted into a stable DC 3 volt. This innovation made the use of a battery redundant. Since audio jacks are standardized among smartphones, the dongle can be attached to any compatible smart device.

“We designed our device to minimize power consumption (e.g. get rid of the electrical pump) and the only component that requires power (which is very little) is the optics. So the power converted from the audio signal is sufficient to run the device,”said Dr. Guo.

It is very easy to operate the dongle. Health workers needed all of 30 minutes of training before they started using the device.

Fingerprick whole-blood specimen was sufficient to diagnose both the infections. During the trial, the freshly collected whole-blood was diluted before testing the sample. “This field testing was a first time performance on freshly collected whole blood, which our cassettes [where the reagents are preloaded] were not best optimised for. Subsequent to the trial, we changed the amount of antigens coated on plastic cassettes which can detect undiluted whole blood,” Dr. Guo said.

There are five detection zones on the microfluidic cassette. Each zone is coated with antigens/antibodies specific to diseases plus internal negative and positive controls. Blood sample is flowed through the microfluidic channel, passing through each detection zone in sequence.

The dongle detects the presence of antibodies against HIV and syphilis from blood samples by capturing these antibodies using specific antigens in the microfluidic channel.

“The dongle is used as an analyser to quantify the amount of antibodies from blood samples and display results as positive or negative,” said Dr. Guo.

New findings on cellular functions of cancer-linked gene

New findings on cellular functions of Mixed Lineage Leukaemia (MLL) protein, which is closely associated with leukaemia in children and adults, could provide insight into what might be going wrong in the cancerous cell.

MLL or MLL1 protein was first identified for its involvement in chromosomal translocations associated with acute leukaemia in infants and adults. While most researchers focused on how the translocations might lead to cancer, there was hardly any investigation into other essential cellular functions of this protein, according to Dr. Shweta Tyagi of Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), who looked into the role of MLL in cell cycle regulation, a process intimately linked with cancer.

MLL also plays a critical role in proper regulation of Hox genes which give proper symmetry. “MLL gene is so vital for a living organism that if you remove it from mouse, the animal will die”, she added. Describing it as a huge protein of 400 kilodaltons, she said what has been intriguing was most of the focus was on its transcriptional activity. “The region which does transcription is a very small portion of the protein”.

Using RNAi-mediated knockdown, the team at CDFD led by Dr. Shweta showed that MLL was involved in regulating crucial functions like proper chromosome segregation and cytokinesis during mitosis. They found that absence of MLL causes errors in cell division and the process of cytokinesis does not occur. The absence of the protein could play a role in cancer, Dr. Shweta said.

Observing that she was excited about the finding, she said that by understanding what MLL does in mitosis might give a greater insight into what went wrong in MLL-linked leukaemia cell. Not only translocation of the protein, but even its absence could cause problems was a significant highlight of the finding.

The scientists at CDFD will now look in greater detail to find out what exactly went wrong in mitosis. Aamir Ali and Sailaja Naga Veeranki are the other members of the team.

Beneficial algal species discovered

Two new bloom-forming algal species were discovered recently off the west coast of India. These two species have excellent carbon capture properties — ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduce global warming — and are also promising candidates for use as bio fuels.

Currently, a number of research groups are working on using algae as a potential candidate for carbon sequestration because they grow at very high rates and can absorb atmospheric CO.

Both of the newly discovered species are endemic and bloom-forming.

As they are endemic, their cultivation is not going to cause any environmental harm; had it been a species of Atlantic or Mediterranean origin, it might overgrow local flora and might wreak havoc on the local habitats — the so-called bio invasion.

Bloom forming indicates spontaneous growth. There is no need for fertilizers/pesticides or any expensive cultivation systems such as photobioreactors for their cultivation. These can grow sporadically at shorelines and can sequester CO.

The algae species named Ulva paschima Bast, and Cladophora goensis Bast were discovered by Dr. Felix Bast and two research students working with him, Mr. Satej Bhushan and Mr. Aijaz Ahmad John, from the Central University of Punjab, Bhatinda. The findings were reported in the journals PLoS ONE and Indian Journal of Marine Sciences.

The main criteria used for determining these species as newly discovered is a mix of morphological as well as molecular characteristics. Molecular evidence is especially strong; as nearest match is less than 90 per cent sequence identity.

For example, Cladophora goensis Vs. Cladophora glomerata — its nearest match — is 17.7 per cent differences.

“Compare it with human Vs. chimp. Our sequence identity is 98 per cent and 2 per cent difference makes us what we are. These newly discovered algae have profound sequence differences from previously discovered algae. Morphology is not reliable; as algae can change its morphology to suit its environment. Ours is the first molecular study on Indian algae, and first algal species discovery for last 40 years,” notes Dr. Bast in an email to this correspondent.

Pharmaceutical products from algae are under the realms of another project by Dr. Bast.

A number of active substances are isolated from algae including some algae of genera Cladophora andUlva. Probably most famous is Kahalalide-F, which is now being used in clinical trials against prostate and breast cancers.

Kahalalide-F is isolated from Bryopsis — a closely related green algae to Cladophora as well as Ulvaand it is very probable that same or related chemical is present in newly discovered endemic algae.

He intends to work on this. Cladophora goensis and Ulva paschima — recently discovered species — have had no chemical/pharmaceutical studies conducted on them yet.

PM's interaction with economists at NITI Aayog

PM emphasizes need for cooperative federalism, favours healthy competition for development among states The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today interacted with eminent economists at NITI Aayog. This was the Prime Minister`s first visit to NITI Aayog. In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister noted that one of the objectives of NITI Aayog was to establish a dynamic institutional mechanism where eminent individuals outside the Government system could contribute to policy making. Setting the tone for the interaction, the Prime Minister emphasized on the need for cooperative federalism, and added that he favoured healthy competition for development among states. The Prime Minister said India must develop fast, taking advantage of current global environment, to meet the aspirations of the people. The Prime Minister spoke of the Government`s recent initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, direct cash transfer of LPG subsidy, and Swachh Bharat. The Prime Minister said he looked forward to the interaction and suggestions from the eminent gathering. The Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley and the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Shri Arvind Panagariya also made brief opening remarks. The economists present at the interaction were Shri Vijay Kelkar, Shri Nitin Desai, Shri Bimal Jalan, Shri Rajiv Lall, Shri R. Vaidyanathan, Shri Subir Gokarn, Shri Parthasarathi Shome, Shri P. Balakrishnan, Shri Rajiv Kumar, Shri Ashok Gulati, Shri Mukesh Butani and Shri G.N. Bajpai. The economists emphasized on the need for the Government to work towards high growth, predictable tax regime, fiscal prudence and rapid infrastructure development. A large number of other suggestions were also made on various sectors of the economy. Shri Bibek Debroy and Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Members and CEO, NITI Aayog attended the meeting. Cabinet Secretary, Secretaries of Ministry of Finance, Chief Economic Adviser and other senior officers of the PMO and NITI Aayog were also present.

India ranked second last in GIPC’s International Intellectual Property Index

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) has released its third annual international intellectual property (IP) index list.

In this list India is placed at 29th rank among the 30 countries. While, US has been placed at the top in the list and Thailand at last position.

Key facts

• In this edition of IP Index, India has scored a low 7.23 out of maximum 30 points. While, US topped with score of 28.53 among the 30 countries surveyed, making it the global leader in protecting IP.
• It should be noted that in 2012 and 2014 GIPC Index, India was ranked last in the list, due to deterioration of IP climate in country.
• But in 2015 GIPC Index, India has moved up by 1 position to 29th rank because of steps taken by the Union Government to address the concerns of international community related to the IP rights.

About GIPC’s Intellectual property (IP) index

It was started in 2012 and the first edition compared national IP environment in 11 economies. Now, this index is represented by 30 countries around the world which represents 80 per cent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP).

It is based upon 30 measurable criteria which includes patent, copyright and trademark protections, enforcement, and engagement in international treaties.

How to improve higher education

CU VCs must guide scholars and students achieve highest standards of academic brilliance, says President

A two-day Conference of Vice Chancellors (VCs) of Central Universities (CUs) concluded on February 5, 2015 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The VCs adopted a detailed set of recommendations on the five agenda items of the conference, namely (1) steps to create an eco-system for research and innovation; (2) capacity development of faculty, alumni participation and use of technology; (3) deepening engagement of Central Universities with community; (4) creating international and national networks for quality education and (5) adoption of Choice Based Credit System. The recommendation included: 1. Choice Based Credit System must be implemented from the academic year 2015-16 in all CUs. 2. Each CU will set up a Community Development Cell which will identify at least 5 villages in its vicinity for adoption as model villages by the university. 3. A blended Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) strategy must be adopted. 4. CUs must recommend amendment of statutes, to enable induction of alumni in governing bodies, to the Ministry of HRD within next 60 days. 5. Selection of teaching staff must be completed within six months of appointment of Visitor’s nominees. Ministry of HRD must take immediate action to fill up vacancies of Vice Chancellors. 6. All activities towards NAAC accreditation must be completed within 6 months. 7. Database of alumni must be established by CUs within the next 3 months. 8. Each CU must nominate a nodal officer to feed the university’s needs and activities and share good practices and experiences on to the CU VC’s Discussion Page on the University of Hyderabad website. 9. Nodal officers for international rankings must be appointed within next 30 days in each CU. 10. Proposals to UGC for creation of centres of excellence must be sent within next 60 days. 11. CUs who are yet to establish Innovation clubs must do so within 60 days. 12. CUs who are yet to set up Inspired Teachers’ Network, must do so within next 30 days. 13. Industry-interface cells in CUs must be completed within next 3 months. Addressing the concluding session, the President told Vice Chancellors that they must act as “gurus” and guide scholars and students to achieve the highest standards of academic brilliance. They should feel empowered and use the administrative and moral authority vested in them to make these universities “islands” radiating excellence in their spheres of influence. The President invited one Inspired Teacher from each Central University to experience and be part of the Rashtrapati Bhavan community for a week under a new programme on the model of the Artists In-Residence and Innovation Scholars In-Residence programme. He also requested Central Universities to send representatives to participate in the one week long “Festival of Innovation” (FOIN) proposed to be held in Rashtrapati Bhavan in March, 2015. The President called on MHRD, UGC and the VCs to implement the recommendations of the conference in a time bound manner and said the Minister of HRD will take a meeting in June, 2015 to review achievement of deliverables. The concluding session was attended by Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani.

Dr.M.O. Garg assumes charge as Director general of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)

Director, CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun, Dr. M.O. Garg, has assumed charge as the Director General of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR). Dr. Garg, an outstanding chemical engineer, has contributed significantly in bringing together CSIR and the petroleum industry with a focus on indigenization of core technologies in this area of strategic importance to the country. His recent success in spearheading commercialization of technology for recovery of pure benzene from FCC gasoline in a large private refinery in India against all odds including severe international competition is seen as an example for others to follow.             Born on 17th September, 1954, Dr Garg is gold medalist of Nagpur University in B.Tech (Chemical Engineering). He is M.Tech from IIT Kanpur. He completed his Ph.D. from University of Melbourne, Australia, in the area of solvent extraction. On returning to India, he joined Engineers India Limited where he used his expertise to develop and commercialize large number of technologies related to solvent extraction in the refining and petrochemical industry.