Category Archives: News

Venkaiah Naidu unveils ‘Live For A Legacy’, a book written by the city’s well-known Robotic Cancer Surgeon

Hyderabad, November 17, 2023: Former Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu unveiled a book titled  ‘Live For A Legacy’, a Perspective of a Cancer Surgeon,  Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli in a function held at Hotel Daspalla on Wednesday evening.  The book was written as narrated to, Mr Arun Tiwari

Early detection, daily exercise, and eating good food are important for a healthy body and mind.  He told doctors to take time out on weekends and travel to neighbourhoods and rural areas to create awareness about cancer and healthy lifestyles.  People will listen to doctors.

Cancer is not a death sentence anymore. With the latest technology, we need not worry. There are the latest technologies, competent doctors and hospitals available to treat cancer, he said.

He stressed healthy eating habits.  Nowadays kitchens have become inactive and people prefer instant food. If you eat instant food, you will get constant diseases, he said. He stressed eating indigenous food.

I am retired but not yet tired. I prefer going to meetings to get inspired, Venkaiah Naidu added.

We live to leave and what we leave behind will live on in the hearts of those whom we touch with our living. This is as exciting as fearful.   For India to have better cancer survival rates we all need to collectively work to prevent and detect early, said Dr. Chinnababu in his opening remarks.

Death by Cancer has reduced by 33% in Western countries due to early detection, awareness and good technologies and medication, Dr Chinnababu said.

Prof Arun Tiwari the co-author said Dr Abdul Kalam advised him to write a book every year, which I never thought I would do, but it is happening now. This is my 25^th book.  He advised people to follow my elders’ advice.  We become what we are because of our teachers.

The book provides the science behind the evolution of cancer over a hundred years and leaves hope and optimism. It talks about options available for treatment and ways to contain it.  The WHO set the Goal of Cervical Cancer Elimination by 2030 to vaccinate 90% of girls by 15 years of age against the HPV and 190 countries are signatories to the declaration.  One chapter in the book dealt with HPV Vaccine human papillomavirus).

 More than 190 countries are signatories to this declaration and have committed to the achievement of the Targets, set as follows: The first is for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) by the age of 15 years.

The book establishes the purpose of life as a legacy, introduces the science behind cancer in a conscious and easy-to-understand manner, oversees present and emerging treatment scenarios and takes away the fear of the dreaded malady of cancer.

Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli is a Robotic Cancer Surgeon, researcher and social entrepreneur. He has crafted a spectrum of legacy already from cutting-edge cancer treatment to emerging bio-pharmaceutical research to mobile cancer diagnostics units in rural areas.

Prof. Arun Tiwari is a former missile scientist, a pioneer of civilian spinoffs of defence technology in India, an earnest pupil of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India and the co-author of his autobiography Wings of Fire, celebrated as a modern classic. This is his 25th book.

The Foreword of the book is written by Bart S. Fisher, an International Attorney and Philanthropist.  He is working with Dr Chinnababu Sunkavalli and the Grace Cancer Foundation to establish a bone marrow transplant registry in India as a resource to treat marrow failure diseases such as leukaemia and thalassemia.  He writes Cancer which remains unconquered now is likely to turn in future into another chronic disease rather than a fatal one taking lives.

Dr Chinnababu has made developing an affordable HPV vaccine a part of his legacy.  I will be supporting it in due course, Bart S. Fisher wrote in the preface.

Bart writes that it is a must to read books, not only medical fraternity but everyone whom the cancer touched in some way or the other.   The book offers a positive outlook for the future of cancer treatment.

The message of the book is abundantly clear to make society get involved in the cancer treatment of the poor and their rehabilitation, he added

India has the tradition of taking care of the boor by the affluent, But there is some slippage and the book rightly highlights this issue.

What succeeds in India can become the template for the rest of the developing world, Bart stated.

It is difficult for medical professionals to write a book as time is scarce for them.  A book like this is only written occasionally writes Dr Rajendra Achyut Badwe, Director of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai in an introduction to the book.  Cancer is now conquered in terms of mortality and might become chronic in future.  It would be even curable, he writes.

The book published praises received from different walks of life. Notable among them is Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice President who said cancer is a societal disease that affects everyone and all must support patients to mitigate their pain.

Another noteworthy praise is from Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori, a noted Indo-American radiation oncologist said that the book will inspire the next generation of Cancer Surgeons.

Dr G. Surender Rao, Managing Director of Yashoda Hospitals heaped praise on Dr Chinnababu as a shining star of Yashoda’s galaxy.  He has a great mix of medical skills and team building. For us, our legacy is leading cancer treatment in India and this book points to the way ahead.

Dr Pavan Gorukanti, Director of Yashoda Hospitals, who was the guest of honour added that Hyderabad is the hub for the best of the best medical care and medical devices for cancer and Oncologists, the book is a great contribution to the profession, he added. 

Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, Founder-Chair of LV Prasad Eye Institute adds that the book candidly presents the science of cancer to dispel fear and create awareness that it is just another disease that can be tackled and defeated.

Another important message of the book is “Cancer is the most curable chronic disease.  But it is more often fatal as well”.

The book is divided into four sections—Becoming, Science, Treatment and Containing Cancer.  It has 24 chapters.

The 292-page, hardbound English book is published by Sakal Publications. It is written in easy-to-follow language.

 The launch was graced by over 200 who’s who of the medical fraternity of the city.

JioCinema announces major Kids entertainment foray

~ Dedicated Kids and family hub to be India’s single largest Kids’ entertainment destination
~ Over 3000 hours of top Indian and global content cutting across all Kid’s segments

17th November 2023, National: This Children’s Day, JioCinema, India’s ultimate destination for entertainment, announced its foray into Kids’ entertainment with a dedicated ‘Kids and Family’ offering. With a stellar content offering spanning over 3000 hours of some of the best-known franchises from across the world and the biggest Indian IPs, the platform will cater to young audiences across Tiny Tots, Kids, and Pre-teens and will also house content for the entire family to enjoy together.

Creating India’s single largest destination for Kids’ entertainment with over 100 top Toon franchises, 300+ Series and Movies spanning DIY, comedy, adventure, and action genres, JioCinema promises fun, thrill, and nostalgia, to every child across the country, with popular content available in 5+ Indian languages.

From Anime to superheroes, to mythos, spanning local and global favorites, JioCinema brings the largest offering of kids’ network content from Viacom18 including Motu Patlu, Shiva, Rudra, Chikoo aur Bunty, Pinaki and the Bhoot Bandhus, The Twisted Timelines of Sammy & Raj, Kanha – Morpankh Samrat, among others. Raising the bar with premium global series such as Harry Potter, Transformers, HBO Storybook musical, The Looney Tunes Show, Super Mario Bros, Justice League War World, Garfield, Tin Tin, Trollstopia, Zig & Shark, Peppa Pig, Pokémon, and movies like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, Teen Titans Go, Polar Express, Lego Ninjago, The Flintstones, Boss Baby, and a lot more, JioCinema promises to entertain kids and those young at heart with thousands of hours of magical content. Through strategic partnerships with leading local and global studios including Cartoon Network Studios, Dreamworks, EOne, The Pokémon Company & Animaccord, among others, the offering will add fresh content every week.

Further exemplifying its commitment to providing a safe and wholesome family entertainment experience, JioCinema is including a ‘Kids and Family’ profile in every account, granting children access to only age-appropriate content. Recognizing the significance of screen time among children, the ‘Kids and Family’ profile is combined with a unique ‘PIN’ based ‘Parental Control’ mechanism. With advanced algorithms and cutting-edge technology, the profile will allow parents to customize the content access based on their child’s life stage, giving them complete control.

On creating a wholesome entertainment ecosystem for kids and their families, a JioCinema spokesperson said, “At JioCinema, we are deeply committed to building a one-stop destination for all things entertainment. We are invested in understanding Indian audiences and their preferences and continue to evolve as the preferred source for all their entertainment needs. Our newly added Kids and Family category will unlock access to millions of families across India and enrich family consumption. With the best content from India and around the world, available in multiple languages, we aim to be inclusive and an enabler of wider consumption with fewer barriers’’.

Headlining the rollout of the kids and family slate is the enthralling Pokemania festival, marking an exciting chapter for fans of the beloved Japanese Pokémon franchise. As the exclusive home to over 1000 episodes and 21 movies, JioCinema will be celebrating the fervor surrounding the enchanting poke monsters with a brand-new season unveiled every Thursday, starting on 16th November, with
Season 12.

This Children’s Day, celebrate the world of toons and embark on a journey filled with laughter and adventure only on JioCinema!

Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur’s hosts Diwali Extravaganza with a Cause

Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur hosted its special Diwali event in collaboration with the esteemed NGO “Helpers of the Handicapped.” The event, held on 10th November, was a heartwarming celebration aimed at bringing joy and festive spirit to differently-abled children, making their Diwali a truly memorable experience.

The event, graced by Chief Guest Mr. Amitabh Sharma, General Manager of Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur, witnessed active participation from all Heads of Departments and dedicated staff members. Their enthusiasm and commitment underscored the hotel’s dedication to making a positive impact on the local community.

“It brings immense joy to have been a part of the heartwarming celebration with the children at Helpers of the Handicapped. Our Diwali event was a testament to the spirit of community and compassion that defines Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur. The enthusiasm and laughter shared during the activities reflect our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the realms of hospitality. Together with Helpers of the Handicapped, we strive to create moments of joy and inclusivity. This event reinforces our belief that small gestures can create significant ripples of happiness, and we remain dedicated to contributing meaningfully to the well-being of our community.” – Amitabh Sharma, General Manager, Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur.

The celebration was filled with an array of activities that left an indelible mark on the hearts of the children. Staff members of Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur engaged in various activities, including singing soulful songs, energetic dance performances, and a mesmerizing flute recital. The atmosphere was charged with positivity, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness.

The culinary team, led by executive chefs, played a crucial role in adding flavor to the celebration. Delicious snacks prepared with love were served to the children, creating not just a gastronomic delight but also moments of shared joy and connection.

As a symbol of love and goodwill, Diwali sweets were distributed to the children, further emphasizing the hotel’s commitment to spreading happiness and fostering a sense of community.

The success of this initiative highlights Sayaji Hotel Kolhapur’s unwavering commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. By partnering with “Helpers of the Handicapped,” the hotel continues to be a catalyst for positive change in the local community.

Website: https://sayajihotels.com/our-hotels/sayaji-kolhapur/

Cultivating Euglena in Tomato Juice

Scientists from Japan found a simple method for cultivating Euglena gracilis, an edible
microalgae with high nutritional and functional content

Euglena (Euglena gracilis) is a microalga containing chloroplasts and producing organic matter through photosynthesis in a well-lit environment while taking in organic matter from outside in an unlit environment. It is known to be rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA. Owing to the lack of cell walls, Euglena has a high digestion and absorption rate, making it attractive as a new source of nutritious and health-enhancing food.

Moreover, Euglena protein is rich in methionine, a characteristic of animal protein, and its nutritional value is comparable to casein found in milk. Therefore, it is expected to be one of the solutions to the shortage of animal protein due to the effects of climate change and population growth, as well as one of the production technologies for space exploration, which is flourishing these days. In addition, Euglena also contains a high percentage of a special type of beta-1,3-glucan called paramylon, known for its immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective effects. Paramylon may also be effective in reducing atopic dermatitis, influenza, and arthritis symptoms, as well as in preventing colon cancer. However, the existing methods for food-grade manufacturing of Euglena are quite complicated.

Currently, Euglena can be propagated using both autotrophic as well as heterotrophic culture mediums. Conventionally, the Koren–Hutner (KH) medium, a higher-yielding heterotrophic medium, is used for its culture. But it requires measuring and mixing 26 different chemicals. Moreover, after the microalgae have reproduced to high densities in large pools, they must be extracted, washed, concentrated, and dried to foods or nutritional supplements. The energy required for these processes accounts for about 30% of the total production cost, and other costs such as cultivation land and transportation costs are also incurred in the production of Euglena as a food ingredient.

Aimed at improving the efficiency of existing production processes, a team of researchers from Japan conducted experiments to find a promising method to grow Euglena in large quantities. As explained in their latest paper, the team examined several beverages to find a suitable growing medium for Euglena. This paper was made available online on August 14, 2023, and was published in Issue 5 of the journal Sustainable Food Technology on September  1st, 2023. The study was led by Assistant Professor Kyohei Yamashita from Tokyo University of Science (TUS) and co-authored by Dr. Kengo Suzuki and Dr. Koji Yamada from Euglena Co., Ltd. and Professor Eiji Tokunaga from TUS.

Interestingly, this study is a part of follow-up research for which a patent was filed by Dr. Yamashita during his doctoral course in 2017. Dr. Yamashita explains, “We had previously confirmed that E. gracilis can grow even when foods such as seaweed, dried sardines, and boiled rice are used as a source of essential vitamins.”

The researchers first cultured Euglena with an initial cell density of 4.2 x 10 3 cells/mL statically under aerobic conditions for about 10 days. For this, they used either Cramers–Monter (CM) medium, an independent nutrient medium, or KH medium, a heterotrophic medium. The cell density increased to 10 6 cells/mL and 10 7 cells/mL, respectively. Next, they incubated Euglena with an initial cell density of 1.6 x 10 4 cells/mL in 13 different beverages, including diluted grape juice (with a juice-to-water ratio of 3:7 or 7:3), pineapple juice, apple juice, sweet wine, diluted carrot juice (with a juice-to-water ratio of 3:7 or 7:3), tomato juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice, prune juice, coconut water, and maple water, and culture medium supplemented with essential vitamins B 1 and B 12 under aerobic conditions. The cells were cultured under ‘light’ (26 °C, white light irradiation) or ‘dark’ (23 °C, no light irradiation) conditions.

Interestingly, the researchers found that the cell density of Euglena cells reached a maximum when cultured in tomato juice, especially under light conditions, and increased to 10 7 cells/mL, the same level as in the KH medium. This also resulted in a change in the appearance of the culture medium from red to green after incubation (as shown in Image 1). The bright green chloroplasts in Euglena cultured in tomato juice were observed to be tightly packed inside the cells. On the other hand, in the non-tomato juice, the number of chloroplasts was low, and the green color was lighter. These findings suggest that tomato juice is more suitable for the growth of Euglena than other beverages.

Furthermore, on culturing Euglena under aerobic conditions using tomato juice diluted with water (in a ratio of 3:7, 4:6, or 5:5) and without essential vitamins, it grew to approximately 100 times its initial cell density to 10 6 cells/mL under all dilution conditions. This revealed that the nutrient composition of tomato juice itself is suitable for Euglena’s growth.

“During static incubation, tomato juice diluted with water separated into a solid sediment layer and an upper aqueous solution layer in the container, and Euglena proliferated actively near the boundary of these layers. Therefore, when cultured under aerobic conditions using ‘tomato (filtered) medium,’ in which solid components were removed from tomato juice, Euglena was distributed throughout the entire culture medium,” points out Dr. Yamashita. Notably, the cell density was greater than that in the unfiltered tomato juice medium. This indicates that the removal of solid components may mitigate the effects of density, including growth space, light and nutrient acquisition, and waste accumulation.

Finally, the team cultured Euglena in CM medium with glutamic acid, a nutrient characteristic of tomato juice. The cell density reached two to three times that of the CM medium, but only about half that of the tomato juice medium. These findings suggest that components other than glutamic acid contained in tomato juice also contribute to the good growth of Euglena.

“Euglena is rich in nutrients and functional ingredients, so it is possible to easily fortify foods by converting some of the nutrients in the food into Euglena. Being simple and economically feasible, we expect this method to be useful for carbon-neutral and sustainable food production. It could also contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals related to food and hunger and has the potential to contribute as a food production technology in space exploration,” concludes Dr. Yamashita, expressing his hopes for the future development of this research.