Indian J Med Res
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Sandflies are implicated as vectors of Chandipura virus (CHPV) (Vesiculovirus: Rhabdoviridae). The virus is prevalent in central India including Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. CHPV causes encephalitis in children below 15 yr of age with case fatality rates ranging from 56 to 78 per cent. The present study was undertaken to determine the sandfly fauna in the CHPV endemic Vidharba region. ⋯ The present study showed influence of higher temperature and relative humidity on sandfly population dynamics. An important observation during the study was the absence or decline in the population of Ph. papatasi and Ph. argentipes in the study area. Surge in Sergentomyia population and their breeding/resting in close vicinity to humans pose a concern as they are known to harbour CHPV and other viruses of public health importance.
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Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which entails the formation of a thrombus (blood clot) in a vein, has a significant disease burden worldwide. While VTE has traditionally been considered to predominantly affect Caucasian populations, recent studies have indicated a gradual shift in the disease burden towards Asian populations, with added significance of it being a key driver of post-operative mortality. It is imperative to develop a sound understanding of the various factors that affect VTE in stratified local populations. ⋯ This review aims to throw light on the disease burden, epidemiology, risk factors, environmental factors, food and nutrition that plays a key role in VTE. We also explored the association of VTE with coronavirus disease 2019 to grasp the interplay between the two most significant public health crises of our time. It is vital to place a special emphasis on future research on VTE in India to plug the gaps, which exist in our current knowledge of the disease, particularly with respect to Indian population.
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Information and communications technology (ICT) has often been endorsed as an effective tool to improve primary healthcare. However, evidence on the cost of ICT-enabled primary health centre (PHC) is lacking. The present study aimed at estimating the costs for customization and implementation of an integrated health information system for primary healthcare at a public sector urban primary healthcare facility in Chandigarh. ⋯ Implementing a model of information technology-PHC in a state of India would require an augmentation of cost by about six per cent, which seems fiscally sustainable. However, contextual factors related to the availability of infrastructure, human resources and medical supplies for delivering quality PHC services will also need to be considered.
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There is a paucity of data regarding immunogenicity of recently introduced measles-rubella (MR) vaccine in Indian children, in which the first dose is administered below one year of age. This study was undertaken to assess the immunogenicity against rubella and measles 4-6 wk after one and two doses of MR vaccine administered under India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). ⋯ MR vaccine administered below one year of age under the UIP resulted in seroprotection against rubella and measles in a large majority of children. Furthermore, its second dose resulted in seroprotection of all children. The current MR vaccination strategy of two doses, out of which the first is to be given to infants below one year of age, appears robust and justifiable among Indian children.