srubridges@gmail.com2June ’16

From the Editor’s Desk

Bridges - Connecting SRU

Bridges Committee

Patron:

Shri. V. R. VenkataachalamChancellor

Advisory Board:

Prof. J. S. N. MurthyVice-Chancellor

Prof. S. RangaswamiProfessor of Eminence inMedical Education

Prof. K.V. SomasundaramDean of Faculties

Editor-in-Chief:

Dr. Sheela Ravinder. S.

Editor:

Ms. Hemalatha C. R.

Co-Editor:

Prof. Antony Leo Aseer P.

Editorial Board:

Mr. Abhinand P. A.

Dr. Archana P. Kumar

Dr. Ganesh V.

Dr. Nithya Jagdish

Prof. Prakash Boominathan

Prof. Sandhya Sundaram

Dr. Sreelekha B.

Secretarial Assistance:

Ms. Stella Augustus

Ms. Geetha R.

Photography:

Mr. Anand Kumar A.

Art & Design:

Mr. Arunagiri S.

Printing:

Mr. Velayudam S.

Cover Photo Courtesy:

Mr. Anand Kumar A.Senior Photographer

Beloved Readers,

Let us stay connected…

rdThe 23 convocation at SRU was a remarkable moment that reflected the culmination of

a lot of hard work by many undergraduate & postgraduate students and research scholars

who were justifiably beaming with pride. Convocation is a unique time in the lives of

graduating students when they can delve deeply into their passions and explore paths of their

choice. We congratulate the new graduates and hope they step out with confidence, reach

beyond their comfort zone and share their knowledge & capabilities with others.

Happiness is reveals that sharing even critical feedback could become a different, better

experience than the painful one we are accustomed to. If given and received in the right spirit,

it can become a valued opportunity and even a positive, bonding experience. Let us focus on

our ability to change & grow and see feedback as an opportunity for our progress.

We would like to inform our readers that Bridges is going digital shortly. The web link

will be available in the next issue.

Sheela Ravinder. S. Editor-in-Chief

Dear Editor,

The May issue of Bridges is particularly commendable and awe-inspiring. The Chancellor's Summer Research Fellowship - 2016 projects have revealed the impressive and innovative ideas of students and faculty, which bears witness to the excellence of our institution. Also with complete coverage of Happenings and Reach Out programs conducted by various departments, Bridges connects and unites us into the pride of SRU family.

Thank you for this amazing Newsletter.

Dr. Teena Lal,Asst. Prof., Dept. of Physiology

Memories

Letters to the Editor

Faculty of AHS and the Alumni Association organized the Continuing Allied Healthcare thEducation (CARE) – 2003 on 17 March 2003. The chief guest was Dr. Mishra K. P.,

Cardiologist, Apollo Hospital, Chennai. Mr. M. V. Rajagopalan, Clinical Perfusionist, University of California Davis, USA was a special invitee. An e-journal was released during the event.

Happenings

srubridges@gmail.com3

Bridges - Connecting SRU

June ’16

Facu l t y o f Den t a l

Sciences observed

on st31 May. The interns

highlighted the harmful

effects of tobacco to the

out patients through a

skit using flash mobs.

World

No Tobacco Day

thThe was held on 16 Jun. Mr. S. Ramadorai, CBE, Former Vice-Chairman, Tata Consultancy Services, Adviser to the Prime Minister of India in the National Council on Skill Development, Government of India & Chairman, National Skill Development Agency, New Delhi was the chief guest.

rd23 Convocation

Dept. of Oral Medicine & Radiology organized to commemorate World No Tobacco Day

th stfrom 30 May to 1 Jun. 46 patients were screened of which two had oral cancer, 11 had precancer and five had tobacco related lesions.

Oral Cancer and Precancer Camp

Dept. of Psychiatry organized an awareness program to mark the

th on 24 May. The events included:

· Video presentation on ‘Symptoms and Management of Schizophrenia'

· Distribution of handouts on symptoms and management of schizophrenia to 2000 people

· Psychoeducation to patients and caregivers through interactive sessions with consultants. 130 patients benefited.

· Drawing competitions for patients

· Award distribution to best three caregivers

· CME program on 'Dignity in Mental Health: Empowering People with Schizophrenia' by Dr. M. Suresh Kumar, Consultant Psychiatrist, PSYMED Hospital, Chennai. 110 students, staff and faculty members participated

World Schizophrenia

Day

The Hospital Infection Control Committee, G-block observed the

th on 13 May. The events included quiz program and poster exhibition.

World Hand Hygiene

Day

Vidya Sudha organized a Special

Needs Activity Center for Kids (SNACK) for

ndchildren between 2 and th10 May. The camp

inc luded fun f i l led a c t i v i t i e s l i ke a r t , painting, drama, video gaming, storytelling, dance, puppet show, music, creative movement therapies, chart works, origami, simple science, sensorial & fine-motor skills, culinary and sports activities. Around 28 children participated.

Summer Camp

Bridges - Connecting SRU

srubridges@gmail.com4June ’16

Date Event09.05.’16 Talk by Dr. T. Sharguna Prabhu, Alumni (1998-99 batch), Director, Gandhiji Nature Cure Center,

Chennai on his experience in writing a book ‘How to Win Elections’07.05.’16 Guest lecture on ‘Over view of Quality Management Systems & ISO’ by Mr. Y. Dwarakanath, Founder,

Creative Management Consultants, Chennai30.04.’16 Dr. Sarath Kumar V., II yr., PG secured the II place in the Best Paper presentation held during the to Midterm Conference of TN & PASI and ASRI 2016 at Nagercoil 01.05.’16

st23.04.’16 Dr. Kapil R. and Dr. Viraj Sabu Ganesan, CRI won the 1 prize for e-poster presentation at the Comprehensive Prosthodontic Review 2016 held at Sri Venkateshwara Dental College, Chennai

29.03.’16 Madras Indian Dental Association – Students’ Fest 2016 for UG students organized by the Indian & Dental Association, Madras Branch held at Chettinad Health City, Kelambakkam30.03.’16 Quiz: III Place

Ms. Dhanusha Manoharan, Ms. Suresh Varsha, Ms. Shruthi Acharya - CRI & Ms. Anushka – III yr.Short Film: I Place - CRIMr. Vivek Raveenthiran, Mr. Mohammed Raza, Mr. Mohammed Zayd, Mr. Viraj Sabu Ganesan & Mr. Kapil R. Table Clinic: II Place - III yr., PedodonticsMs. Ahana S. Rajan, Ms. Mirunalini Dhananjayan, Ms. Preethi Sankar & Ms. Sembagalakshmi T. Paper PresentationI Place

· Ms. Rangeela R., III yr. - Oral Surgery· Mr. Sachin Gautaman, III yr. - Prosthodontics· Mr. Basim, III yr. – Prosthodontics· Ms. N. Sanjana Devi, CRI - Periodontics· Ms. Nithyashree G., CRI - Pedodontics

II Place· Ms. Jeyvarshini K., II yr. - Oral Pathology· Ms. Azmina Idaayath, III yr. - Oral Surgery· Ms. R. Bhargavi, IV yr. - Oral Medicine· Ms. Reshma P. K., CRI - Oral Surgery· Ms. Gowri S., CRI - Oral Surgery

III Place· Mr. Sabari Nathan Rajamoorthy, III yr. - Oral Pathology· Ms. U. Subhadra, CRI - Oral Surgery

Poster PresentationI Place

· Ms. Vedavalli S., Ms. Shruthi H. & Ms. Gopika V. - III yr. - Oral Pathology· Mr. Shrenik A. Jain Basim - III yr. - Oral Surgery· Ms. Nithyashree G. & Ms. Reshma P. K., CRI - Conservative Dentistry· Mr. Kapil R. & Mr. Viraj Sabu Ganesan, CRI - Orthodontics

II Place· Ms. Aishwarya G., Ms. Azmina Idaayath & Ms. Shiyamala R. - III yr. - Conservative Dentistry· Ms. Amrutha Vasudevan, Ms. W. Athulya Indrachapa Gunasekera &

Ms. Nandita Krishnaswamy, CRI - Oral Medicine· Ms. Jhaanu Suryaa Mohan & Ms. Gnanavi P., CRI - Oral Surgery

III Place· Ms. Sruthi R., Ms. Lavanya A. & Ms. Judith Shereen - II yr. - Pharmacology· Ms. Madhumitha S., Ms. Aishuwarya G. S. & Ms. Vrithi S. - III yr. - Public Health Dentistry· Mr. Abrar Ahmed T. A. & Mr. Naveen Bharatam, IV yr. - Periodontics· Ms. Anisha Mishra, Ms. Lokamithra R., Ms. Nathera Jabeen N. A. & Ms. Preetha K. - IV yr. -

Oral Surgery· Ms. Meenakshi Sundaram L., Mr. Manoj Paul Kevin & Ms. Anirutha G. - CRI - Prosthodontics

Department/FacultyAlumni Chapter, Dental SciencesManagement

General Surgery

Prosthodontics

Dental Sciences

SportsStudents of the Faculty of Dental Sciences secured I, II, III places in Sangamam 2k16 Inter Dental Tournament conducted by Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences, Maduranthagam

thfrom 28 to 30 Apr.th

Team Events Position Name

Men Discus I place Mr. Vishal R., I yr., BDS

Shot put II place

Women 100 mts I place Ms. Nivedha R., I yr., BDS

Long Jump III place Ms. Sai Dharshini R.Final yr., BDS

Javelin II place Dr. Cecilia Sweetha H.Throw CRI, BDS

Bridges - Connecting SRU

srubridges@gmail.com5June ’16

For the very first time in its history, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is actually growing wings as it

embarks this May on a never before space flight that would make history. The Indian space agency is all set to

undertake the maiden launch of its very own indigenous version of a 'space shuttle', a fully made-in-India effort.

A sleek winged body almost the weight and size of a Sports Utility Vehicle is being given final touches at Sriharikota awaiting the final

countdown. While, the big powers abandoned the idea of a winged reusable launch vehicle, India's frugal engineers believe that the solution to

reduce cost of launching satellites into orbit is to recycle the rocket or make it reusable.

Scientists at ISRO believe that they could reduce the cost of launching by10 times if this reusable technology succeeds, bringing it down to

$2,000 per kg. Very soon and possibly before the monsoon sets in, India's space port at Sriharikota on the coast of the Bay of Bengal will

witness the launch of the indigenously made Reusable Launch Vehicle – Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD).

This will be the first time ISRO will launch a space craft with delta wings that will be glided back onto a virtual runway in the Bay of Bengal.

The RLV-TD is unlikely to be recovered from sea during this experiment as it is expected that the vehicle will disintegrate on impact with water

since it is not designed to float. The purpose of the experiment is not to see it float but to glide and navigate from a velocity five times higher

than the speed of sound onto a designated virtual runway in the Bay of Bengal about 500 km from the coast.

The special booster or the first stage is powered using a solid fuel and it will hoist the RLV-TD prototype to about 70 km into the atmosphere

from where the descent will begin. During the descent phase, small thrusters will help the vehicle navigate itself to the landing area. The

making of the RLV-TD has taken five years and the government has invested Rs. 95 crores in the project.

Very similar in its looks to the American space shuttle, the RLV-TD being experimented is a scale model which is almost 6 times smaller than

the final version. K Sivan, Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, said, “These are just the first baby steps

towards the big Hanuman leap.” The final version will take at least 10-15 years.

Source: www.spacedaily.com

Global NewsMade in India

Giraffes' genes tell a not-so-tall tale about growing necks to great lengths. Tweaks to genes important for

development may account for both the giraffe's stature and turbocharged cardiovascular system, researchers report.

Researchers compiled the genetic instruction book, or genome, for the giraffe and the okapi, its short-necked closest living relative. Those two

species' most recent common ancestor lived about 11.5 million years ago, says Douglas Cavener, a geneticist at Penn State University. Overall,

giraffes and okapis still have very similar genes, with 19.4 percent that are identical. Further comparisons of those genes with DNA from other

animals revealed 70 genes in which giraffes had DNA differences from all other mammals. Those uniquely tweaked genes could be

responsible for giraffes' unusual height and physiology; the researchers reasoned. Among the giraffe's most distinctively altered genes are

some that are well known to regulate embryo development. For instance, the team found alterations in several genes that govern skeletal

development, including the gene FGFRL1.

FGFRL1 encodes a protein that helps regulate the size of body segments. Giraffes have the same number of vertebrae in their necks as okapi

and other animals do, but the bones are bigger. The giraffe version of the FGFRL1 protein contains seven amino acids that are different than

those found in other mammals. Those amino acid differences may change the way the protein works and allow giraffes' body parts to grow

larger than those of other animals. Some of the same genes that gave the giraffe its long neck — FGFRL1 included — may also be involved in

strengthening the cardiovascular system in order to pump blood all the way to the giraffe's lofty brain, the researchers found. Such

multifunctional genes would have allowed coordination of giraffes' adaptations, Cavener says.

Michael Hiller, an evolutionary genomicist at the Max Plank Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics says he doubts the researchers

have found all the genetic secrets to giraffes' many evolutionary innovations. Although giraffes have a unique appearance, the statuesque leaf

eaters didn't invent any new genetic tricks to change their hearts and necks, says Cavener. “Giraffes' novelties almost certainly weren't created

by new genes or pathways, but by modifications of genes and pathways universal to all mammals.”

Source: M. Agaba et al. Giraffe genome sequence reveals clues to its unique morphology and physiology. Nature Communications. Vol. 7, May 17, 2016.

10.1038/ncomms11519.

Believe it or NotGiraffe's long neck tale

srubridges@gmail.com6

Bridges - Connecting SRU

June ’16

Happiness is...... in giving feedback

Health GlanceSkin Care

One of the fundamental skills of life is being able to give and receive feedback and criticism. Feedback should be a

learning experience for the giver and the receiver. Judicious use of criticism and praise will bring out the best in an

individual.

We are unconscious victims of a mind that is conditioned towards fault finding and criticism. Negative feedbacks are only viewed by the

receiver as an attack on his character and self-image. As a definite mechanism, our minds will react violently to any form of criticism. We need

to honor the self image of others. Lowering the self image of the other is always counterproductive.

Whenever there is a legitimate need to criticize in order to correct the other person, we need not avoid it. But it has to be constructive criticism

without affecting the ego of the other. Communicating in a negative connotation will only de-motivate the recipient. Our feedback should be

specific and relevant to the situation stating the changes that are expected. It has to be clear and given in an interactive manner. The choice and

tone of words and body language are important without any sarcasm involved. It has to be a private affair, irrespective of whether it involves

an employee, spouse or children. If given in public, the memory will linger for a lifetime in some sensitive individuals.

Ensure that the time, place & frame of mind of the person receiving the feedback are appropriate. We need to criticize the action and not the

person. Inadequacy in one aspect does not imply that he or she is incompetent in all areas of life. Follow up on the feedback after a period of

time to check if it has had the desired effect.

Feedback has to be given at the earliest and not long after the event. The negative behavior then becomes a habit and is much more difficult to

correct later on. Feedback should be given directly to the person who should receive it. Do not delegate the responsibility to someone else or

talk behind the other person's back. Feedback when given well should not alienate the receiver but motivate them to do better.

The receiver needs to take criticism in the right spirit and not become defensive and emotional. Just like praise, giving and accepting criticism is

something we all need to master to become effective individuals. Good feedback is the key to improvement.

To maintain healthy skin

· Use protective clothing, broad-brim hat, sunscreen and UV protective sun glasses to maximize sun protection

· Consume 3-5 liters of water per day

· Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers

· Wash hair twice weekly with appropriate shampoo to avoid dandruff and lice

· Keep the body folds dry and trim the nails to avoid fungal infections

· Avoid greasy cosmetics

· Wear cotton clothing during hot and humid season

· Consume a diet rich in anti oxidants and probiotics to get a smooth and glowing skin

· Exercise regularly to improve circulation

· Avoid over-the-counter cosmetic products and self medication

Proper use of sunscreen to prevent tanning and premature skin ageing

Apply a sunscreen

· SPF 30 + with broad spectrum protection, 20 minutes prior to UV exposure

· 2.5 – 3gm for face & neck and 5 gm for hands & legs

· while staying indoors as UV rays pass through regular glass windows causing skin damage

· while staying outdoors as UV rays are reflected by snow, sand and water Courtesy: Department of Dermatology

Reach OutthIndian Dental Association organized the 'World No Tobacco Day' awareness program on 29 May at

Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar. Faculty members and interns from the Dept. of Public Health Dentistry

participated in the Mass Human Chain & a signature campaign creating awareness about harmful

effects of tobacco among the general public.

srubridges@gmail.com7

Bridges - Connecting SRU

June ’16

Let us now move back from the canvas of the Belgian artist to the magical settings of the snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas again; its panoramic valleys, rushing rivers and gleaming glaciers. Here, we see the ancient Rishis – eons ago – in deep meditation on their perennial search of truth and knowledge, on their exploration of the meaning of the cosmos, the universal Self and the relevance of the individual self. We see them elaborating and expounding on their techniques of meditation, we see them perfecting and fine-tuning their numinous insights into awesome spiritual compasses to guide us through the unchartered ranges of mystical landscapes they experienced. They were not interested in any theistic dogmas. Little did they care for the ritualistic doctrines of the Vedas – in fact, they questioned them in no uncertain terms. And, least of all were they interested in collecting followers or propagating their names as prophets or founders of religious ideologies.

Let us meet one such Rishi. He has led a life of ardent learning – searching for truth and dharma all his life – and is nearing the end of his worldly existence. We now see him praying to the effulgent sun God, addressing him as the 'Nourisher of the world.'

“By the lid of the golden orb is the face of truth hidden; Please remove it, O Thou, Nourisher of the world,

So that I may see Thee – I who am devoted to truth.”

The Rishi is not keen to dwell on the effulgence of the golden orb, however beautiful and attractive it is. In his life-long search he has learned that been seeking all along is concealed behind the visible golden orb. He is keen to transcend the perishable beauty of the perceptible external appearance of things and realize the imperishable beauty that lies in the depth of things. He considers the external beauty of the sun just a symbol of the spiritual beauty of its true form. He therefore prays to the sun to move the golden orb out of the way so that he can directly perceive the truth and beauty in its fullness.

We see here the similarity with the message of Magritte in his painting described earlier. In The Human Condition I, we saw the 'painting within the painting' concealing the true landscape viewed across the window. Magritte seems to say that a painting of a scene is not the same as the scene itself. Humans can rationalize situations but cannot comprehend the 'things-in-themselves'. However much the inner painting is made to represent what it conceals, we still feel it would be better if it were removed, so that we can perceive the true scenic beauty behind it.

the Truth he has

René

Prof. S. Rangaswami,Professor of Eminence in Medical Education, SRU.

(will be continued…)

Soul to Soul

rdGold Medals awarded by the Chancellor at the 23 Convocation S. Medal Criteria Awardee Impact FactorNo. of Journal

1. Dr. Paul Braunchweiger Best Research Best Research Publication in a Prof. Kalpana Balakrishnan 39.207Publication of SRU Gold Medal Journal of Highest Impact factor Dept. of EHE

2. Dr. Lalitha Kameswaran Best Research Best Research Publication Prof. T. Periyasamy, HOD, 3.631Publication Gold Medal for the Faculty of Dept. of Cardiothoracic SurgeryMedicine

3. Dr. Lakshmanan Best Research Publication Best Research Publication Prof. M. S. Muthu, HOD, 2.5Gold Medal for the Faculty of Dental Sciences Dept. of Pedodontics

Faculty of Dental Sciences

4. Shri. R. Dakshinamurthy and Best Research Publication Dr. Ganesh V., Assoc. Prof., 8.55Shrimathi. Adhilakshmiammal Dept. of Human GeneticsBest Research Publication Gold Medal in the Biomedical Sciences, Technology & Research (Instituted by Prof. S. P. Thyagarajan, Prof. of Eminence & Dean (Research))

5. Dr. Kirk Smith Best Research Publication Best Research Publication Prof. S. Sankar 39.207Gold Medal for the Faculty of Allied Health Dept. of EHE Sciences

6. Dr. Peter Fernandez Best Research Best Research Publication Dr. S. Gopinath, Assoc. Prof., 3.708Publication Gold Medal for the Faculty of Dept. of Pharmaceutical Pharmacy Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy

7. Dr. Sergio G. Litewka - Gold Medal for the Indian Patent Mr. P. Kumar, Lecturer, Patent No. Faculty Member securing an Indian Patent Dept. of Biotechnology 2117/CHE/2013

8. Shri. T. T. Srinivasan – Gold Medal for the Indian Patent Dr. Vasugi Suresh Patent No. Research Scholar securing an Indian Patent Research Scholar, SRU 5274/CHE/2013

8June ’16

Bridges - Connecting SRU

For internal circulation only

In a busy bazaar I walkOh, the noise and glitter aroundNo purpose, I am a window shopperSo many people and shops abound

Some shops I choose to venture intoThe bad ones, I stand out and smile I see people bargaining and compromisingGlittering dresses blinding me for a while

Sometimes I am tired, I sit downAn old acquaintance would come out of the crowdWalk along the bazaar with meUntil my spirit stands tall and proud

I meet new people milling aroundSome hold my hands and walk togetherAnd then leave, to look into a shopSometimes I meet them again somewhere

Some keep crossing me more frequentlyAnd others just totally disappearI keep walking along the busy bazaarI am just a window shopper here …Just a window shopper here …

Dr. Akshay Singh, II yr., M.D. Psychiatry

Your CornerWindow Shopper...

thThe 64 Monthly Book Review was held on 08.06.'16

Book : The Raj at War

Author : Yasmin Khan

Reviewed : Dr. J. Nimeshika, Medical Officer, SRH

Forthcoming Bridges Monthly Book Review

Jul. 2016 : Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Reviewer : Prof. H. Thamizhchelvan, Dept. of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dental Sciences

Bridges

ColorsBarbs & Blooms Twosome

Dr. C. N. Sai Shalini, Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Pathology

Dr. K. Srilatha, Demonstrator,Dept. of Biochemistry