Abstract: In accordance with the present subject matter, there is provided a process for preparing a furan derivative, the process comprising the steps of contacting a sugar with a monophasic organic solvent to obtain a reaction mixture; and subjecting the reaction mixture to a temperature in the range from 100° C. to 180° C., in presence of an acid catalyst, for a time period in the range of 0.5 min to 4.0 h to obtain at least 70% conversion of the sugar to a single furan derivative, wherein the acid catalyst is selected from the group consisting of homogenous acid catalyst, heterogenous solid acid catalyst, and combinations thereof. There is also provided a process for preparation of a heterogenous solid acid catalyst.

Abstract: A collector for fecal discharge is provided comprising a self-expanding resilient collection component, a housing sheath and a transit component. The collection component has an open proximal and distal end and a lumen connecting them. The component comprises interconnected resilient arms circumscribing its contour, wherein adjacent arms are resiliently biased away from each other for exerting outwardly radial pressure for expanding and anchoring the component to rectal walls upon deployment. The housing sheath comprises a flexible and resilient material overlaying at least one of inner or outer contour of collection component without interfering with or blocking its ends or lumen. The transit component provides a conduit for fecal discharge to migrate from collection component to a receptacle and comprises a flexible, tubular sheath having a first open end connected to a second end by a lumen, wherein the first end engages with the proximal end of the collection component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing tuberculosis in a subject, said method comprising steps of: detecting anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb.) isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDs) antibody in the subject, and diagnosing tuberculosis in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a PPE family antigenic protein Rv2430c of SEQ ID No. 1; a set of three high antigenic index peptides of SEQ ID Nos. 2 to 4; an antigenic ORF Rv2430c of SEQ ID No. 5 and lastly a method of inducing immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising step of: introducing PPE antigenic protein Rv2430c of SEQ ID No. 1 into the subject and inducing immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract: A universal polymer support containing an organic aliphatic molecule of structure ##STR1## having at least a pair of cis-hydroxyl groups where one of the hydroxyl groups is attached to the polymer support through a covalent linkage and the other hydroxyl group is protected by an acid labile group.