Assessing the burden of Covid-19 in the slums of Bangalore city: Results of Rapid Community Survey

Background: Karnataka, more so Bangalore, reported an increase in number of COVID-19 cases in early April 2021. Objective: To assess the burden of COVID-19 in the slums of Bengaluru city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional multi centre community-based study was done in the 2nd and 3rd week of April 2021 in 24 different slums in Bangalore city. WHO cluster random sampling technique was followed. Swabs for RTPCR test and 4 ml of venous blood was collected from 728 subjects more than 18 years of age. Results: A total of 51 (7%) subjects were positive for COVID-19 through RT-PCR. Majority 33 (56.9%) were in the age group of 18-44 years. 148 (20.3%) subjects were sero-positive on blood examination and 18-44 years was the (59.4%) preponderant age group. Overall seropositivity was 20.3% (95%CI; 17.4-23.2) and RT-PCR positivity is 7% (95%CI; 5.2-8.8%) among the subjects surveyed. In the inner core area of Bangalore, seropositivity was 24.2% (95%CI; 21.0 – 27.3) and RT-PCR positivity was 8% (95%CI; 6.1-9.9). Two doses of COVID-19 vaccine were taken only by 1.55% subjects during the study period. Conclusion: The study showed that one in 5 subjects were sero-positive to SARS-CoV-2 and one in 15 individuals had active COVID-19 infection

Serological responses to prednisolone treatment in leprosy reactions: study of TNF-α, antibodies to phenolic glycolipid-1, lipoarabinomanan, ceramide and S100-B.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroids have been extensively used in the treatment of immunological reactions and neuritis in leprosy. The present study evaluates the serological response to steroid treatment in leprosy reactions and neuritis. METHODS: Seven serological markers [TNF-α, antibodies to Phenolic glycolipid-1 (PGL-1 IgM and IgG), Lipoarabinomannan (LAM IgG1 and IgG3), C2-Ceramide and S100 B] were analyzed longitudinally in 72 leprosy patients before, during and after the reaction. At the onset of reaction these patients received a standard course of prednisolone. The levels of the above markers were measured by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared with the individuals own value in the month prior to the reaction and presented as percentage increase. RESULTS: One month before the reaction individuals showed a varying increase in the level of different markers such as TNF-α (53%) and antibodies to Ceramide (53%), followed by to PGL-1 (51%), S100B (50%) and LAM (26%). The increase was significantly associated with clinical finding of nerve pain, tenderness and new nerve function impairment. After one month prednisolone therapy, there was a fall in the levels [TNF-α (60%), C2-Ceramide (54%), S100B (67%), PGL-1(47%) and LAM (52%)] with each marker responding differently to steroid. CONCLUSION: Reactions in leprosy are inflammatory processes wherein a rise in set of serological markers can be detected a month before the clinical onset of reaction, some of which remain elevated during their action and steroid treatment induces a variable fall in the levels, and this forms the basis for a variable individual response to steroid therapy

Analysis of Antibody and Cytokine Markers for Leprosy Nerve Damage and Reactions in the INFIR Cohort in India

Leprosy is one of the oldest known diseases. In spite of the established fact that it is least infectious and a completely curable disease, the social stigma associated with it still lingers in many countries and remains a major obstacle to self reporting and early treatment. The nerve damage that occurs in leprosy is the most serious aspect of this disease as nerve damage leads to progressive impairment and disability. It is important to identify markers of nerve damage so that preventive measures can be taken. This prospective cohort study was designed to look at the potential association of some serological markers with reactions and nerve function impairment. Three hundred and three newly diagnosed patients from north India were recruited for this study. The study attempts to reflect a model of nerve damage initiated by mycobacterial antigens and maintained by ongoing inflammation through cytokines such as Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha and perhaps extended by antibodies against nerve components

Information technology in morbidity management of human lymphatic filariasis—A promising tool in global programme for elimination of lymphatic filariasis

Background & objectives: India is a signatory to the 1997 World Health Assembly resolutions on lymphatic fila- riasis, and other neglected tropical diseases, and supports global elimination of lymphatic filariasis by 2020. The global programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (GPELF) has two main components, viz. interrupting transmission of LF through mass drug administration; and managing morbidity and preventing disability. Consorted efforts by the Public Health Department in Tamil Nadu state (India) for elimination of LF was launched in the year 1997 concentrating on both the components of the programme. The data on the prevalence of filarial morbidity and its entire management at present is based on manual reports and registers maintained by the field functionaries. To overcome the constraints in the manual reporting, an attempt was made to develop a web-based reporting system with different modules and user-friendly interface. Methods: The Vellore and Thiruvannamalai districts were selected as a study area. The study was conducted between 2011 and 2014, which revealed that the entire morbidity management was based on the manual formats. Constraints in the present manual reporting were analysed. PHP and MySQL tools were used to generate user friendly modules. Feedback was collected from field functionaries at different health centre levels, on the adequacy in the modules and effectiveness of the web-based reporting system. Results: The online reporting modules facilitated data entry at the health subcentre level itself. Analysis and retrieval of data was facilitated at all other levels in the public health system. The modules also covered details of surgical interventions, ex-gratia payments and other benefits extended to the lymphoedema patients by the Government. Interpretation & conclusion: The usage and feedback of the web-based reporting system appeared very encouraging and reliable, indicating that it can be implemented in health programmes for disease management. This web-based user-friendly online reporting system can contribute largely to achieve the goals of the GPELF; specially after MDA is withdrawn

Effect of Rutin and Telmisartam on Metabolic Syndrome X

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of rutin and telmisartan on parameters related with insulin sensitivity, glucose and fat metabolism in the high fructose consumed animal model of the ovariectomized female Sprague dawley rats. Female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats of 180-230 g body weight were grouped and fed with either standard chow diet (NPD) or high fructose diet (HFD30% w/v). Rutin and Telmisartan were administered orally in a dose of 100 mg/kg & 5 mg/kg p.o. Daily for the entire study period. Normal parameters (Food intake & Body weight), Biochemical parameters (Blood glucose by GOD/POD method, Total Cholesterol by CHOD/PAP method, Triglyceride level, LDL, HDL) Metabolic Indicators (Aspartate transminase (AST), Alanine transminase (ALT)), Swimming test, Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, & Body weight were measured in all the groups. The unpaired t- test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis. Telmisartan and Rutin significantly improved abnormal metabolic profile and glucose intolerance. Rutin reduces the body weight, plasma triglycerides, and total cholesterol .in addition rutin reduces the elevated serum glutamate pyruvate transminase levels. Improved abnormal metabolic profile and glucose intolerance indicates that rutin and telmisartan provides a scientific rationale for the use in metabolic syndrome.

HYDROCHEMICAL APPRAISAL OF GROUNDWATER IN CHINTAMANI TALUK -A CASE STUDY

. Out of eight ground water samples six samples were found to have nitrate level above the permissible limit (45mg\L), all the fluoride levels close to the permissible limit (1.5 mg\L). Six samples were found to have Pb level greater than the permissible limit (0.01 mg\L). The above mentioned water quality variables are hazardous to the biological system which emphasises the need for improvising the water quality. Keywords: Groundwater, Chintamani Taluk, Nitrate, Fluoride, APHA (1998) I. INTRODUCTION Abiogenesis was theorised mainly by Miller, Uray and Alexander Oparin. Their theories have indicated the origin of the first life forms in water, from inorganic molecules through polymerization. Water became the primary medium for the birth of life on earth three million years ago. When we look at the present scenario, we must realize that the water quality is deteriorating due to several factors such as urbanization, industrialization, etc. As our earth is a closed system, the quantity of water has remained the same over billions of years but most of the fresh water is in the form of glaciers and only about 1% of it is available as potable water which is largely stored beneath the surface in Aquifers. As agriculture is the backbone of our nation, groundwater is the major source of irrigation in many parts of Indi

leprosy

phosphorylation pattern in the immune cells o

Protein phosphorylation pattern in the immune cells of leprosy affected individuals

Background: Leprosy is an infectious disease in which the susceptibility to the pathogen Mycobacterium leprae and the clinical manifestations are attributed to host immune cell response. Receptor mediated events and signalling in the immune cells are mediated by protein phosphorylation. The main signalling pathways and protein kinases known to be involved in the regulation of immune cells are cAMP dependent kinases, calcium/calmodulin dependent kinases, protein kinase C and mitogen activatedprotein kinases. The cumulative consequence of alterations in signalling pathways can be evaluated by intrinsic cellular protein phosphorylation by ã-P32 ATP. The present study was designed to assess the protein phosphorylation in the immune cells of leprosy patients as compared with normal individuals.Methodology: Lymphocyte protein phosphorylation was conducted in 15 leprosy patients and 9 normal individuals. Protein phosphorylation of lymphocytes was carried out in the presence/absence of protein kinase modulators. The phosphorylation patterns were documented and analysed consequent to SDS-PAGE, staining, destaining, drying and autoradiography.Results: The major phosphorylated proteins in lymphocytes were of molecular weights 20-22, 24-29, 30-35, 43, 46-50 and 66- 68 kDa. In general, the major phosphorylated proteins were similar in the controls and in the patients. The phosphorylatability of these proteins varied with different modulators. Variations in the phosphorylation pattern were observed in 25% of the leprosy patients where there was a decrease of the 66kDa protein and a decrease of 20-22kDa protein phosphorylation.Conclusion: The observed alterations in the protein phosphorylation pattern could be due to alteration in kinases and/or their substrates or due to the effect of M. leprae on immune cells