CONFERENCE REPORTicidn-nepal.com/ICIDN2012OfficialReport.pdf · 1 CONFERENCE REPORT First International Conference on INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND NANOMEDICINE 2012 (ICIDN - 2012) Organized

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CONFERENCE REPORT

First International Conference on

INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND NANOMEDICINE 2012

(ICIDN - 2012)

Organized by Nepalese Association of Medical Microbiology (NAMM) and Nepal Polymer

Institute (NPI) in Association with Kathmandu University, Kavre

Dec. 15 - 18, 2012, Park Village Resort and Hotel

Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal

Report Composers

Rameshwar Adhikari (Convener), Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University,

Kirtipur, Kathmandu

President, Nepal Polymer Institute (NPI)

&

Santosh Thapa (Co-convener), Department of Microbiology, Tri-Chandra Campus, Tribhuvan

University, Ghantaghar, Kathmandu

General Secretary, Nepalese Association of Medical Microbiology (NAMM)

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PATRON Prof. Suresh Raj Sharma

Vice-Chancellor, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal

INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Raju Adhikari (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia),

Helmut Fickenscher (Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel and University Medical Center

Schleswig-Holstein, Germany), Yuan Kun Lee (National University of Singapore, Singapore),

Stephen A. Lerner (Wayne State University, USA), Eliora Z. Ron (Tel Aviv University, Israel),

Pierre Talbot (Université du Québec, Canada), Geoffrey L. Smith (University of Cambridge,

UK), Fusao Tomita (Hokkaido University, Japan).

NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD

Tribikram Bhattarai (Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu),

Mohan Bikram Gewali (Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu),

Prakash Ghimire (Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu),

Pramod K. Jha (Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu), Balman

Singh Karki (KIST Medical College, Lalitpur ), Bhavindra Karki (Kathmandu, Nepal), Ashok

Koirala (Department of Botany, Tri-Chandra Campus, Kathmandu), Madan Pd. Koiral (Central

Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu), Mangala Devi

Manandhar (Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu), Tulsi P.

Pathak (Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu), Kedar Rijal

(Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu), Rohit Saiju

(National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu), Ganesh Shah (Former

Minister, Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology), Bishnu Raj Tiwari (School of

Allied and Health Sciences, Pokhara University, Kaski, Pokhara), Nhuchhe Ratna Tuladhar

(Kathmandu University, Kavre), Bishan Nath Uprety (Tri-Chandra Campus, Kathmandu)

ORGANIZING MEMBERS

Dhurba Acharya, Radium Adhikari, Santosh Adhikari, Netra Lal Bhandari, Sulakshana Bista,

Kedar Nath Dhakal, Surendra Kumar Gautam, Jyoti Giri, Khagendra Prakash K.C., Eak Raj

Kadariya, Suresh Raj Kandel, Santosh Khanal, Bhuvan Khatri, Prayag Raj Kuinkel,Surendra

Kumar Madhup, Rajesh Pandit, Tarini Prasad Paneru, Chakravarty Paudel, Sharmila Pradhan,

Krishna Kumar Raut, Din Dayal Regmi

CO-CONVENER

Santosh Thapa (Department of Microbiology, Tri-Chandra Campus, Tribhuvan University,

Kathmandu)

CONVENER

Rameshwar Adhikari (Central Department of Chemistry, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu)

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1. Introduction and Overview

The First International Conference on Infectious Diseases and Nanomedicine (ICIDN-2012) was held at

Kathmandu, Nepal on December 15-18, 2012. This first edition of the new tri-annual conference was

organized by Nepalese Association of Medical Microbiology and Nepal Polymer Institute in association

with Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel to promote interdisciplinary scientific study for systemic

understanding of connections between major human diseases and their treatment regime by applying the

tools and techniques of nanotechnology. The conference was accompanied by a one day short Course -

Recent Trends in Nanomedicine and Infectious Diseases and has the motto: Interdisciplinary

Collaborative Education for Research & Innovation in Biomedical Sciences.

The ICIDN-2012 was attended by more than 180 delegates from 21 countries representing Australia,

Bangladesh, Canada, China, India, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Australia, Bangladesh,

Canada, China, Georgia, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Poland, Russia,

Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of

America. Overall, the participants comprised of microbiologists, immunologists, pathologists, clinicians,

chemists, pharmacists, nanotechnologists, polymer scientists, biomedical engineer and others. About 65%

of the participants were students and early career scientist.

The International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS) was well represented at this meeting as

evidenced by the active participation of five of its executive committee members including President

Prof. Geoffrey L Smith (University of Cambridge, UK), President-elect Prof. Yuan Kun Lee (National

University of Singapore, Singapore), Vice-presidents Prof. Stephen A. Lerner (Wayne State University,

USA) and Prof. Pierre J Talbot (University of Quebec, Canada; Organizing President, IUMS2014

Congresses- Montreal), and IUMS Ambassador to Asia Prof. Fusao Tomita (University of Hokkaido,

Japan).

This international conference aimed at strengthening network of scientists and young researchers from

South Asian Countries to the rest of the world. The objective has been to provide rigorous discussion

forum for the clinicians, microbiologists, pathologists, epidemiologists, biologists, chemists, pharmacists,

biomaterial scientists and nanotechnologists on pathogenesis of human infectious diseases, spectrum of

antimicrobial resistance and recent advancement for the diagnosis and treatment with emphasis on service

performance of the different drugs using nanotechnology. The conference is hoped to be a milestone in

promoting education and researches in the field of microbiology, drug delivery and nanomedicine in

Nepal in particular fostering our endeavours in applied Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

2. Program Highlights

2.1 Inauguration Ceremony: Dec. 15, 2012

The ICIDN 2012 has blessed with the magnificent patronage of Rt. Hon’ble President of Nepal Dr.

Ram Baran Yadav as the Chief Guest. Rt. Hon’ble President formally opened the ICIDN 2012

congress by lightning the Panas-Batthi. In his inaugural address, Dr. Yadav stressed on the role of young

scientists and students in development of nation through science, technology and innovations. He praised

the efforts of organizers to arrange such a huge global scientific meeting of enormous scientific and

practical significance in Nepal. The inauguration ceremony was further jointly celebrated by Prof.

Geoffrey L Smith (Head, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, UK; the President of

IUMS), Prof. Jamboor K. Vishwanatha (Dean of Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University

of North Texas Health Science Center, USA), Prof. Surendra Raj Kafle (Vice Chancellor of Nepal

Academy of Science and Technology, Lalitpur, Nepal), Prof. Ishwar Chandra Dutta (Chairman of

Tribhuvan University Service Commission, Kathmandu, Nepal), Dr. Rajendra Koju (CEO of School of

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Medical Sciences, Kathmandu University, the representative of Vice Chancellor of Kathmandu

University, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal), Er. Ganmesh Shah (former Minister, Ministry of Environment,

Science and Technology). During the ceremony, the welcome speech was delivered by Mr. Netra Lal

Bhandari (Conference Secretary) and Vote of Thanks was offered by Dr. Rameshwar Adhikari

(Convener of ICIDN-2012).

The 40 minutes long Inauguration Ceremony was brilliantly conducted by Mr. Santosh Thapa (Co-convener of ICIDN - 2012) welcoming all the distinguished guests and delegates of the conference.

2.2 Scientific Program

The scientific program of the conference comprised of tutorial lectures, opening lectures, keynote

lectures, invited lectures, oral presentations and poster sessions. The congress was accompanied by a one

day Tutorial Recent Trends in Nanomedicine and Infectious Diseases – 6 Tutorial Lectures (Dec. 15,

2012) and a Special Symposium on Antibiotic Resistance – 3 Lectures (arranged under the co-ordination

of Prof. Stephen A. Lerner, Prof. Kumud K. Kafle, Prof. Bharat Mani Pokharel on Dec. 17).

There were was a total of 48 oral presentation (including Tutorial lectures, special symposia lectures,

keynote and opening lectures) 44 poster presentations.

The tutorials targeted to students and young scientists also attracted the attention of many scientists from

the region. The following lectures were arranged providing the insight into recent trends in focus areas of

conference theme.

Introduction to Nanotechnology in Cancer Research Prof. Jamboor K. Vishwanatha (University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas, USA)

Implementation Research for Visceral Leishmaniasis Elimination in Nepal

Dr. Megh Raj Banjara (Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal)

Diagnostic of Respiratory Viruses Prof. Pierre J. Talbot (University of Quebec, Montreal, Canada)

Evaluation of Two New Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) for the Diagnosis of Malaria

Prof. Md. Majibur Rahman (University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh)

Eradication of Smallpox

Prof. Geoffrey L. Smith (University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK)

Recent Trends in Nanomedicine

Dr. Sanjeeb K. Sahoo (Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India)

The conference was carried out through various sessions, in which extensive discussions were

held on the following major scientific theme:

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Antimicrobial agents, Vaccines and Immunity

Drug Design, Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering

Nanomaterials and Bio-medical Materials

It is difficult to choose outstanding presentations from the 48 excellent oral presentations of the scientific

program. As pars pro toto the below mentioned contributions (without any ranking) will give an

impression about the width of the topics that were addressed:

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Opening Lectures: Diagnosis, Treatment and Future of Helicobacter pylori (Video Lecture)

Nobel Laureate Prof. Barry J. Marshal (The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia)

Introducing New Nanotechnologies to Infectious Diseases

Distinguished Prof. Lodewyk Kock (University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa)

Keynote Lectures: Intestinal Microbiota and Infectious Diseases

Prof. Yuan Kun Lee (National University of Singapore, Singapore)

Rapid Spread and Evasion of Host Immunity by Vaccinia Virus

Prof. Geoffrey L. Smith (University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK)

Respiratory Viruses: Lessons from the SARS Epidemic caused by an Emerging Coronavirus

Prof. Pierre J. Talbot (University of Quebec, Montreal, Canada)

Non-Covalent Surface Integration: A Novel Technique for Preparing Targeted Polymeric

Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapeutics

Prof. Jamboor K. Vishwanatha (University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, USA)

Invited Lectures: Current State of Infectious Diseases in Japan

Prof. Fusao Tomita (University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan)

Frequency of Opportunistic and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections in Patients Infected with

Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Bangladesh

Prof. Md. Majibur Rahman (University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh)

Present Status and Future Potentials of Functional Neurosurgery in Nepal Dr. Basant Pant (Annapurna Neuro Hospital and Research Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal)

Silver Nanoparticles Affect Signal Transduction in A549 and HepG2 Cells

Prof. Marcin Kruszewski (Institute of Rural Health, Warsaw, Poland)

Bacteriophages as Potential Treatment Option of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

Prof. Robert R. Bragg (University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa)

Taurine Containing Anti-Microbial Nano-Drugs and Beyond: Hope and Hype

Prof. Ramesh C. Gupta (Nagaland University, Nagaland, India)

Application of Nanomedicine: As an Emerging Platform for Cancer Therapy and Diagonostic

Dr. Sanjeeb K. Sahoo (Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India)

Single Cell Anti-biotic Susceptibility Analysis of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus

pseudintermedius

Dr. Suresh Neethirajan (University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada)

Other Oral Presentations: New Types of In Silico-Derived Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors

Prof. Manfred Philipp (New York)

Markers of Immunity Correlated with Protection Against Francisella Tularensis Infection

Dr. Victoria Firstova (State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology, Obolensk,

Russia)

Mutant Surface Protein Gene Expression of Hepatitis B Virus in Yeast Cells

Dr. Md. Yasir Zahoor (University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan)

Preparation of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles by using Natural Binder and their Bactericidal Activity

Nishigandh S. Pande (Symbiosis International University, Puhne, India)

New L-Arginine Containing Polycationic Polymers: Synthesis and Study of Complexes

Polymer/pDNA

Dr. Nino Zavradashvili (Agricultural University of Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia)

Appropriate Uses of Antibiotics in the Era of Rising Resistance

Dr. Asad A. Khan (Tawam Hospital, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates)

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Production of Phytochemicals by in vitro Culture of Medicinal Plants

Dr. Bijaya Pant (Tribbuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal)

Screening of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesis Capacity of Different Traditional Medicinal Plants of

Nepal

Dr. Bimala Subba (Tribbuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal)

Deorphanization of Novel Myxobacterial Cytochrome P450 for Biotechnological and Pharmaceutical

Application Dr. Yogan Khatri (Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany)

Current Hand Washing Status among Pathological Laboratory Workers in Karachi-Pakistan Dr. Sikandar Khan Sherwani (Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi,

Pakistan)

Special Symposium on Antibiotic Resistance: State of the Problem and Possible Strategies to

Control It Prof. Stephen A. Lerner (Wayne State University, Detroit, USA)

Prof Bharat Mani Pokhrel (Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal)

Prof Kumud K Kafle (Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal)

Poster Presentations:

Of the total 44 posters presented during ICIDN-2012, three students whose posters received the best

poster awards were “Intestinal parasitic diarrhea among children of Nepal” by Pramila Adhiakri (Department of

Microbiology, Kantipur College of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal), “Possible pathogens isolated from

catheters used in ICU & different wards & antibiotic susceptibility pattern” by Manisha Pradhan (Department of

Microbiology, St. Xavier College, Kathmandu, Nepal) and “Increasing level of drug resistance in Vibrio cholera in

Nepal” of Eak Dev Khanal (Central Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal).

2.3 Closing Ceremony: Dec. 17, 2012 The formal closing ceremony of the conference was organized on Dec. 17, 2012. During this ceremony,

we were honored with the presence of Mrs. Chirika Shova Tamrakar (Dean of Institute of Science and

Technology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal). As Chief Guest, she expressed her appreciation

to the organizer for convening the ICIDN meeting in Kathmandu and spoke of her firm support on such

activities from Tribhuvan University in future. She felicitated the best poster awardee, foreign delegates

and sponsors of the ICIDN-2012 with Token of Love. The closing ceremony was conducted by Mr.

Santosh Thapa (Co-convener of ICIDN-2012).

The foreign delegates of the congress as well as in particular the students and young scientists, praised the

organizing committee for perfect arrangement of the congress and warm hospitality. The early

organization of 2nd International Conference on Infectious Diseases and Nanomedicine has been a demand

of Nepalese students and young scientists.

ICIDN – 2012 Sponsors Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kavre

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Khumulatar, Lalitpur

University Grants Commission (UGC), Bhaktapur

National School of Sciences (NSS), Lainchour, Kathmandu

Kantipur College of Medical Sciences (KCMS), Sitapaila, Kathmandu

NRN Science Foundation Fund

Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN), Thapathali

Bottlers Nepal, Balaju

National Health Care Ltd. Kathmandu

Park Village Hotel & Resort, Budhanilkantha

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Some Photos of ICIDN-2012

Photograph-1: Delegates & participants of ICIDN-2012 during the Inauguration Ceremony (Dec.15, 2012, Kathmandu)

Photograph-2: Delegates, participants and organizers of ICIDN-2012 during the Inauguration Ceremony (Dec.15, 2012,

Kathmandu)

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Photograph -3: Chief Guest Rt. Hon’ble President of Nepal Dr. Ram Baran Yadav (in the middle) and Convener Dr.

Rameshwar Adhikair (left to the Chief Guest) with other distinguished guests in Dias at ICIDN-2012 Inauguration

Ceremony (Dec.15, 2012, Kathmandu)

Photograph-4: Chief Guest and distinguished guests in Dias at the inauguration ceremony of ICIDN-2012 (Dec.15, 2012)

[sitting From left: Prof. Geoffrey L Smith (President of IUMS; Uni. of Cambridge,UK), Dr. Rajendra Koju (Representative of

Kathmandu University), Prof. Surendra Raj Kafle (Vice Chancellor, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology), Chief Guest

Rt. Hon’ble President of Nepal Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, Dr. Rameshwar Adhikair (Convener, ICIDN2012), Prof. Jamboor K

Vishwanatha (Dean, University of North Texas Health Science Centre, TX, USA)]

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Photograph-5: Chief Guest Rt. Hon’ble President of Nepal Dr. Ram Baran Yadav addressing the Inauguration Ceremony of

ICIDN-2012 on Dec.15, 2012 in Kathmandu

Photograph-6: Chief Guest Rt. Hon’ble President of Nepal Dr. Ram Baran Yadav receiving ‘Token of love’ from Dr.

Rameshwar Adhikari (Convener, ICIDN-2012) on Dec.15, 2012 in Kathmandu

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Photograph-7: International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS) distinguished delegates, organizer and other

delegates during ICIDN-2012 in Kathmandu [From left: Prof. Pierre Talbot (Vice president of IUMS), Prof. Fusao Tomita

(IUMS Ambassador to Asia), Prof. Yuan Kun Lee (President elect of IUMS), Prof. Geoffrey L Smith (President of IUMS), Mr.

Santosh Thapa (Co-Convener, ICIDN-2012), Prof. Stephen A. Lerner (Vice President of IUMS) and Prof. Jamboor K

Vishwanatha (Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UNTHSC, Texas, USA) ]

Photograph-8: A glimpse of some of the posters presented during ICIDN-2012 in Kathmandu (Dec.16, 2012)

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Photograph -9: Chief Guest & distinguished guests on Dias at the closing ceremony (Dec.17, 2012)

[Sitting from left: Mr. Dhan Prasad Poudel (Registrar, Nepal Health Professional Council, Government of Nepal), Prof. Pierre

Talbot (Vice president of IUMS; IUMS2014 Organizing President; Uni. of Quebec, Canada), Prof. Stephen A. Lerner (Vice

President of IUMS; Wayne State University, USA), Prof. Geoffrey L Smith (President of IUMS; Uni.of Cambridge, UK), Chief

Guest Mrs Chirik Shova Tamrakar (Dean, Institute of Science & technology, Tribhuvan University,Nepal), Dr. Rameshwar

Adhikari (Convener-ICIND2012; Tribhuvan University, Nepal), Prof. Fusao Tomita (IUMS Ambassador to Asia; IUMS2011

Organizing President, Hokkaido, Japan), Prof. Jamboor K Vishwanatha (Dean, University of North Texas Health Science

Centre, USA), Prof. Lodewyck Kock (University of the Free States, South Africa), Mr. Kedarji Kandel (Chairman, Kantipur

College of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal) ]

Photograph -10: Chief Guest Mrs. Chirika Shova Tamrakar (Dean, Institute of Science and Technology, Tribhuvan University,

Kathmandu) distributing certificate to the best poster award winner at the Closing Ceremony of ICIDN-2012(Dec. 17, 2012)

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3. Outcomes of the conference

The conference brought together many eminent clinicians and scientists, from diverse fields of biomedical

sciences to material sciences, in a single platform in which several critical issues on infectious diseases,

antimicrobial resistance, and nanotechnology in fighting cancer and infectious diseases were discussed in

depth to provide updated information to the global audience. More importantly, this conference provided

a unique opportunity for the domestic students and researchers to communicate and obtain valuable

information from international experts which resulted to sensitize the young scientists and students of

Nepal and of the region in particular to understand the patterns of existing and emerging infectious

diseases and to apply the tools of nanotechnology to tackle them. This in turn promoted interdisciplinary

collaborative researches in the field of microbiology, drug delivery and material sciences in Nepal.

ICIDN-2012 has led a strong foundation for fruitful international collaboration to initiate and strengthen

the research activities in those areas among the universities and research institutes in Nepal. A nice

review of ICIDN-2012 published in Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy, a monthly peer-reviewed

medical journal with 2013 impact factor of 3.063, by Prof. Robert R. Bragg and Prof. Lodewyk Kock

(University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa) also provided a culture of collaboration. The

report quoted ICIDN-2012 as “The importance of this conference for the developing medical and

microbial research communities in Nepal was highlighted by the fact the President of Nepal, Ram Baran

Yadav, opened the conference. One of the main objectives of this congress was to get world leaders in the

fields of nanomedicine and infectious diseases to attend and address this congress. This then gave

numerous postgraduate students in Nepal the opportunity to gain valuable experience and first hand

information from these international delegates.” [Expert Rev. Anti Infect. Ther. 11(4), 359–361 (2013)].

You can freely access the report at http://informahealthcare.com/doi/full/10.1586/eri.13.13 .

Publications of the articles of high scientific values presented during the First International Conference

on Infectious Diseases and Nanomedicine (ICIDN-2012), along with contributions from some of the

world renowned scientists, in two volumes of the Springer book series- Advances in Experimental

Medicine and Biology (an internationally recognized and reputed scientific journal with 2013 impact

factor of 2.012) has provided a greater example of fruitful collaboration for scientific activities. Further

information about this publication is available at http://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-81-322-1774-9.

The success of the meeting is further evidenced by publication of Proceedings of ICIDN-2012 congress

with special attention to the papers by local and regional participants. The proceeding has envisioned as

compilations of the updated information on the status of infectious diseases and nanomedicine in Nepal

and the region and will provide an important reference material.

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4. Acknowledgements

We are thankful to Right Honorable President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav for his kind support through his

gracious presence during the inauguration ceremony of ICIDN-2012. We are equally thankful to the staffs

of office of the Right Honorable President for their kind cooperation. We are greatly indebted to

Kathmandu University, Kavre for kindly offering us the patronage of the congress and extending very

warm hands of collaboration. We are highly thankful to Prof. Ishwar Chandra Dutta (Chairman,

University Service Commission) and Prof. Chirika Shova Tamrakar (Dean, Institute of Science and

Technology) from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu for their overwhelming interest and support to the

conference. Thanks are due to Patron Prof. Suresh Raj Sharma Kathmandu University), members of

International Advisory Board as well as National Advisory Board and Organizing Committee members

and all our sponsors for making ICIDN-2012 a grand success.

We express our sincere thanks to all the contributors and persons associated with the Springer Publication

and Proceedings of ICIDN-2012, for their kind/generous support. Thanks to Prof. Robert R Bragg and

Prof. Lodewyk Kock for publishing a nice ICIDN-2012 meeting report. A deep sense of appreciation has

been tendered to Nobel Laureate Prof. Barry J Marshall (The University of Western Australia, Perth,

Australia), Distinguished Prof. Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty (University of Illinois College of Medicine,

Chicago, USA), Prof. Jianzhu Chen (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA) and Prof.

M. Morshed (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada) for their contributions despite not

being able to attend the conference in person. The kind cooperation offered by Ms. Elina Spina (Secretary

of Nobel Laureate Prof. Barry Marshall, The University of Western Australia) has been highly

appreciated. Thanks a lot to the Nanotechnology Now and Nanotechnology Industries Association for

continuously promoting our activities in the global media.

Last, but not the least, we are extremely grateful to all of you for your ever kind support, best wishes, and

cooperation to make a successful ICIDN-2012 meeting in Kathmandu.

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