Browsing by Author "Ravi Shankar"

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A Comparative Study of Quality of Life, Social Support and Dysfunction in Alcohol Dependent Men Attending a De-Addiction Clinic in India
(Springer, 2016) O.P. Giri; Mona Srivastava; Ravi Shankar
The social consequences of alcohol users at the individual level significantly impacts personal life, work-related areas and family relationships. The idea of quality of life (QoL) incorporates these dimensions and can be defined as “an individual’s perception of their position in life, and in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live, and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns”. The present study brings out the various aspects of the quality of life and provides valuable information regarding the specific areas of deficit, which require greater attention by the clinician. The study was carried out at the Sir Sunder Lal Hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Convenience sampling with a cross-sectional assessment in one sitting was used for this study. The sample comprised of men aged 18–55 years under two groups: 86 subjects with alcohol dependence and 85 controls. Subjects were examined using a Sociodemographic Profile Sheet,Clinical Profile Sheet,General Health Questionnaire (Hindi), World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref, Social Support Questionnaire, Dysfunction Analysis Questionnaire (DAQ). Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16 was used for data analysis. The two groups had a similar demography. Significant positive correlation was seen between age at onset and psychological health (r = 0.213, p < 0.049) and social relationship domains (r = 0.223, p < 0.039) money spent on drug abuse and environment domain(r = 0.230, p < 0.033). These data suggest that the QoL of alcohol dependent patients was impaired across the whole spectrum of patients. Dysfunction (as assessed on DAQ) also did not show significant correlation with QoL, though almost all the variables on DAQ showed negative association (higher QoL meant lower dysfunction). Based on the results of this study, clinicians should monitor the impact of alcoholism on QoL and the treatment plan should be multidisciplinary, including medical, social, and psychiatric components. © 2016, Springer India Pvt. Ltd.
A low-cost screen printed glass electrode with silver nano-ink for electrochemical detection of H2O2
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2018) Archana Ghosale; Kamlesh Shrivas; Manas Kanti Deb; Vellaichamy Ganesan; Indrapal Karbhal; P.K. Bajpai; Ravi Shankar
Silver nanoparticles modified with poly(vinyl alcohol) (AgNP-PVA) were prepared by the reduction of silver ions with ascorbic acid. The concentrations of AgNPs, type of solvent and solvent ratio were optimized for the preparation of silver nano-ink to obtain a better conductive surface (low resistance). Different substrates such as glass, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were tested and the sintering process was optimized for the preparation of an efficient electrode for electrochemical application. The screen-printed glass electrode fabricated with silver nano-ink showed low resistance and therefore was used as a working electrode in cyclic voltammetry (CV) determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). A wide linear calibration range, 1.0 μM to 0.5 mM, was obtained for the determination of H2O2 with a limit of detection of 0.3 μM. The high recovery percentage (93.3-96.0%) has been obtained for the determination of H2O2 in a complex sample matrix (hospital and beauty parlor wastewater) and an interference study demonstrated the selectivity of the method. The screen-printed glass electrode is found to be simple, low cost and homemade compared to commercially available glass electrodes for monitoring H2O2 in environmental water samples. © 2018 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
An AcOH-mediated metal free approach towards the synthesis of bis-carbolines and imidazopyridoindole derivatives and assessment of their photophysical properties
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2019) Dharmender Singh; Shubham Sharma; Mukesh Kumar; Inderpreet Kaur; Ravi Shankar; Satyendra Kumar Pandey; Virender Singh
An AcOH-mediated concise, atom-economical and environmentally sustainable tandem strategy has been formulated to access highly fluorescent (Φ F up to 40%) N-fused bis-carbolines, imidazopyrido[3,4-b]indoles and imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines via the formation of three C-N bonds in a single operation. The multicomponent character of the reaction, easy to execute reaction conditions, simple purification procedure and excellent light emitting properties of the product afforded thereof provide a huge scope. © 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Double-fortified Salt in Improving Iron Biomarkers and Hemoglobin Concentration among Adolescent Girls in the Chandauli District, Uttar Pradesh, India
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2025) Ravi Shankar; Bhavna Sharma; Priyanshu Rastogi; Afreen Sultana; Hari Shankar; Manushi Srivastava; S. Dasaratha Kumar; Lalit Prashant Meena; Shantanu Sharma
Background: Double fortified salt (DFS) is an innovative new fortified food product that provides humans with small but critical amounts of iodine and iron through their diet. Objectives: The present study involved assessing the effectiveness of DFS in improving the status of iron biomarkers and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration among adolescent girls in Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 26 villages of the Chandauli district among 602 adolescent girls (15–19 years). Venous blood samples were collected from anemic adolescent girls, followed by a baseline survey. One group received DFS along with nutrition education, whereas the other group received iodized salt and nutrition education. An end line survey was conducted to compare the outcomes. The Wilcoxon signed–rank test was employed to evaluate the differences in median values of biochemical parameters, and a regression test was used to assess the association of DFS with the change in serum iron levels from baseline to end line. Results: The Hb levels among girls increased by 1.7 g% from baseline to end line (P < 0.001), and serum iron levels rose by 8.4 µg/dL (P < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates and confounders, the DFS was positively associated with a greater increase in serum iron levels compared to iodized salt (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study identified an easy and economical solution to mitigate iron deficiency without causing side effects such as toxicity or stomach upset as with iron tablets. DFS is shown to be an effective public health strategy for enhancing the nutritional status and overall health among adolescent girls. © 2025 Indian Journal of Public Health.
Burden of Chronic Nonhealing Wounds: An Overview of the Worldwide Humanistic and Economic Burden to the Healthcare System
(SAGE Publications Inc., 2024) Aditya Sharma; Ravi Shankar; Ashish Kumar Yadav; Arvind Pratap; Mumtaz Ahmad Ansari; Vivek Srivastava
Chronic wounds have long been a significant public health concern, but the true impact of these wounds is unknown since research designs and measuring techniques vary, leading to inconsistent estimates. The definition of a wound is a loss of epithelial continuity caused by damage to the tissue. The following conditions can cause chronic wounds: panniculitis, pyoderma gangrenosum, traumatic, neurological, metabolic, hematologic, neoplastic, or infection-related. The growing global incidence of diabetes and the aging population necessitate greater attention to chronic wounds. Regrettably, it is sad that significant healthcare institutions have overlooked wound research. The study of health-related illnesses and occurrences in particular populations, including their distribution, frequency, and determinants, and the application of this research to control health problems. © The Author(s) 2024.
Comparison of normal saline and balanced salt solution as a maintenance fluid on acids-base and electrolyte status in traumatic brain injury patients; a prospective randomized double-blind study
(Faculty of Anaesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care, AFMS, 2022) Shephali; Yashpal Singh; Manjaree Mishra; Sumit Sachan; Naman M. Pathak; Ravi Shankar
Background & objective: Normal saline is the most commonly used fluid in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients both in resuscitation and maintenance since long time but associated with hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis. Balanced salt solutions (BSS) are recently developed with favorable outcome in resuscitation and intraoperative as a maintenance fluid. We compared normal saline and BSS as maintenance fluids in TBI patients admitted to intensive care unit. Methodology: After institutional ethical committee approval and written informed consent from patients' relatives, 100 patients who meet inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two equal groups; Group NS: to receive normal saline as a maintenance fluids and Group BSS: to receive BSS as a maintenance fluid. Data of serum electrolyte and acid base status were collected on day 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14. Patient outcome was evaluated on day-8. Data was analyzed with appropriate statistical tests. The P < 0.05 indicated that the difference was significant. Results: In both groups pH gradually increased over time and was more alkaline in normal saline group. Base excess was comparable between two groups. In normal saline group, serum sodium and chloride increased gradually and reached on the higher side on day-14, while potassium level dropped to a lower side. Twenty-eight days mortality was more in Group NS than the Group BSS. Conclusion: Balanced salt solution causes lesser alterations in acid base and electrolyte status than the normal saline and is associated with more favorable outcome. © 2022 Faculty of Anaesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care, AFMS. All rights reserved.
Direct-Writing of Paper Based Conductive Track using Silver Nano-ink for Electroanalytical Application
(Elsevier Ltd, 2016) Archana Ghosale; Ravi Shankar; Vellaichamy Ganesan; Kamlesh Shrivas
We present a novel approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles capped with oleylamine (AgNPs/OLA) and its application in conductive ink for electroanalytical application. The synthesized OLA capped AgNPs was characterized with TEM, UV-Vis, EDX, FTIR and TGA to confirm the size, composition and surface modification of NPs. In this paper, we report conductive ink printing using a pen to achieve a best conductivity value of 0.11 × 105 Scm−1. A 10 wt% AgNPs nano-ink solution was used for printing conductive electrodes (counter, reference and working) on-to photo paper and sintered at 150 °C for 1 h to achieve metallization. We demonstrated successful application of printed conductive electrodes in cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurement. To ensure the continuity of conductive pattern, we demonstrated the lighting of LED when conductive track was connected to a 9 V battery. This report shows that paper-based flexible electrodes are user-friendly, cost effective and useful for multiple analyses in CV compared to other printed electrodes. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd
Five years' experience at a single centre of craniocerebral injury from winnowing fan blades
(2010) Apoorva Kumar; Ravi Shankar; Rajendra P. Pandey; Virendra Keshri; Kulwant Singh; Vivek Sharma
India, an agriculture-based country, relies heavily on indigenous farm machinery. In our study we present 31 patients with winnowing fan blade head injury, operated on at our centre between 2004 and 2008. The mechanism and nature of the injuries, operative methods, outcome and methods of prevention are discussed with special reference to the occurrence of this type of injury in the pediatric population. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Flexible printed paper electrode with silver nano-ink for electrochemical applications
(Elsevier Inc., 2020) Tushar Kant; Kamlesh Shrivas; Vellaichamy Ganesan; Yugal Kishor Mahipal; Rama Devi; Manas Kanti Deb; Ravi Shankar
Development of low-cost paper based disposable electrodes printed with silver nano-ink using desktop inkjet printer is reported in this work. A stable nano-ink was prepared by dissolving 3% silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in ethanol as a dispersing solvent. Highly stable silver nano-ink with surface tension of 21.1 mN/M and viscosity of 2.6 mPa.S was prepared for printing on photo paper that can be used as an electrode for electrochemical analyses. The fabricated paper electrode was exploited as a counter electrode in cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis of potassium ferricyanide with better stability and reproducibility (relative standard deviation (RSD) 1.6%) for multiple times of analyses (n = 60) and compared with the results of conventional electrodes. Further, the printed paper electrode was demonstrated to be used as a working electrode for analysis of nitrate by CV. The use of paper electrode is found to be simple, rapid, user-friendly and can be applied at the sample source for determination of nitrate from different samples. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.
GIS-based statistical analysis of rainfall-induced landslides: A case study of the 2018 Kerala event
(Springer, 2025) Nilesh Kumar Rai; P. K. Singh; Ravi Shankar; Kunal Kumar Singh; Digvijay Singh; Ashutosh Kainthola
This study presents a comprehensive spatial–statistical analysis of landslide occurrences in Kerala, India, focusing on the relationship between landslide frequency, size, and various predisposing factors. The analysis reveals a nonlinear correlation between slope angle and both landslide frequency and size: The highest frequency of events occurs on moderate slopes (20°–35°), whereas larger landslides are associated with steeper slopes (>40°). Although 44% of events occurred in regions receiving <440 mm of rainfall, these areas showed higher probability densities, indicating frequent, smaller landslides. In contrast, lower landslide frequencies but larger events were observed in zones exceeding 440 mm rainfall and at higher elevations. Western and southwestern slope aspects account for the majority of landslides, with probability density peaking on west-facing slopes. Additionally, convex and concave slope curvatures were most susceptible to frequent failures, though curvature exerted minimal influence on landslide size, while terrain ruggedness index (TRI) values between 0.4 and 0.58 are strongly correlated with both frequency and size. Proximity to roads demonstrates an inverse relationship with frequency and size; while most landslides occurred 2001–6000 m from roads, the largest events and highest probability densities were recorded beyond 6000 m. These findings highlight the intricate interplay between topographic, hydrological, and anthropogenic variables in controlling landslide behaviour and offer critical insights for probabilistic landslide susceptibility modelling and hazard mitigation strategies in Kerala. © Indian Academy of Sciences 2025.
Health & demographic surveillance system profile: The muzaffarpur-tmrc health and demographic surveillance system
(Oxford University Press, 2014) Paritosh Malaviya; Albert Picado; Epco Hasker; Bart Ostyn; Sangeeta Kansal; Rudra Pratap Singh; Ravi Shankar; Marleen Boelaert; Shyam Sundar
The Muzaffarpur-TMRC Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), established in 2007, was developed as an enlargement of the scope of a research collaboration on the project Visceral Leishmaniasis in Bihar, which had been ongoing since 2005. The HDSS is located in a visceral leishmaniasis (VL)-endemic area in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar state in India. It is the only HDSS conducting research on VL, which is a vectorborne infectious disease transmitted by female phlebotomine sandflies and is fatal if left untreated. Currently the HDSS serves a population of over 105 000 in 66 villages. The HDSS collects data on vital events including pregnancies, births, deaths, migration and marriages, as well as other socio-economic indicators, at regular intervals. Incident VL cases are identified. The HDSS team is experienced in conducting both qualitative and quantitative studies, sample collection and rapid diagnostic tests in the field. In each village, volunteers connect the HDSS team with the community members. The Muzaffarpur-TMRC HDSS provides opportunities for studies on VL and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and their interaction with demographic events such as migration. © The Author 2014; all rights reserved.
Investigation on Landslide Characteristics of 2018 Rainfall Triggered Landslide in Idukki District, Kerala
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Nilesh Kumar Rai; P. K. Singh; Ravi Shankar; Digvijay Singh; Aditya K. Yadav; Ashutosh Kainthola
Landslides are one of the most devastating mass wasting hazards. They are generally associated with a triggering event such as rainfall, snow melt, earthquake, and storm. Often the landslides are of different sizes which makes the analysis of the frequency area distribution of landslides very important for the characterization of landslides. In this study, rainfall-triggered landslide have been studied by taking a case from Idukki, Kerala. The 2018 rainfall event triggered thousands of landslides in Idukki district causing huge damage. Following this event, a landslide inventory, consisting of several parameters such as location, length, width, area affected, geology, causative factors, etc., was prepared by agencies such as the National Remote Sensing Centre, Geological Survey of India and was made available for public use. This study is an attempt to explore the statistical behavior of landslides by analyzing the frequency area of landslides and developing a correlation with the underlying mechanism, commonly known as causative factors of landslides. The results of the analysis show that the frequency area of landslides is characterized by a power law relationship with a rollover at the small landslide. The frequency area distribution obtained from this study is also well approximated by both double Pareto and inverse gamma functions. The scaling exponent for medium and large landslides noted from the study is around -2.4 with a rollover at 392 m2. The observation from this study matches with similar studies conducted on the frequency area of landslides. Further, the study also investigates the role of causative factors such as slope, aspect, elevation, etc. to understand the control of these parameters in controlling the size and location of landslides in the Idukki district. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.
Latent Infection with Leishmania donovani in Highly Endemic Villages in Bihar, India
(Public Library of Science, 2013) Epco Hasker; Sangeeta Kansal; Paritosh Malaviya; Kamlesh Gidwani; Albert Picado; Rudra Pratap Singh; Ankita Chourasia; Abhishek Kumar Singh; Ravi Shankar; Joris Menten; Mary Elizabeth Wilson; Marleen Boelaert; Shyam Sundar
Introduction: Asymptomatic persons infected with the parasites causing visceral leishmaniasis (VL) usually outnumber clinically apparent cases by a ratio of 4-10 to 1. We describe patterns of markers of Leishmania donovani infection and clinical VL in relation to age in Bihar, India. Methods: We selected eleven villages highly endemic for Leishmania donovani. During a 1-year interval we conducted two house to house surveys during which we collected blood samples on filter paper from all consenting individuals aged 2 years and above. Samples were tested for anti-leishmania serology by Direct Agglutination Test (DAT) and rK39 ELISA. Data collected during the surveys included information on episodes of clinical VL among study participants. Results: We enrolled 13,163 persons; 6.2% were reactive to DAT and 5.9% to rK39. Agreement between the tests was weak (kappa = 0.30). Among those who were negative on both tests at baseline, 3.6% had converted to sero-positive on either of the two tests one year later. Proportions of sero-positives and sero-converters increased steadily with age. Clinical VL occurred mainly among children and young adults (median age 19 years). Discussion: Although infection with L. donovani is assumed to be permanent, serological markers revert to negative. Most VL cases occur at younger ages, yet we observed a steady increase with age in the frequency of sero-positivity and sero-conversion. Our findings can be explained by a boosting effect upon repeated exposure to the parasite or by intermittent release of parasites in infected subjects from safe target cells. A certain proportion of sero-negative subjects could have been infected but below the threshold of antibody abundance for our serologic testing.
Low-Cost Paper Electrode Fabricated by Direct Writing with Silver Nanoparticle-Based Ink for Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide in Wastewater
(American Chemical Society, 2017) Archana Ghosale; Kamlesh Shrivas; Ravi Shankar; Vellaichamy Ganesan
A simple, low cost and user-friendly method for the fabrication of paper electrode (PE) using silver nanoparticles capped with octylamine (AgNPs-OA) is reported for detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in wastewater samples. The PE was prepared by direct writing onto the photo paper using a ball-point pen filled with nanoink (10 wt % of AgNPs-OA in chloroform). The prepared electrode was sintered at 100 °C for 1 h to make it conductive. The PE/AgNPs-OA was used as a working electrode in cyclic voltammetry (CV) for the detection of H2O2. The PE/AgNPs-OA exhibited a wide linear calibration range from 1.7 μM to 30 mM for the determination of H2O2 with a low limit of detection, 0.5 μM. The good recovery percentage (95.2-96.2%) and interference study for determination of H2O2 in wastewater samples demonstrated the selectivity of the method from the complex sample matrices. The PE/AgNPs-OA electrode is found to be economic, facile and user-friendly for multiple analyses (n = 60) of H2O2 in CV compared to other commercially available electrodes and custom-made modified electrodes. © 2016 American Chemical Society.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban Varanasi
(Hindawi Limited, 2017) Shikha Singh; Ravi Shankar; Gyan Prakash Singh
Hypertension is a major public health problem and important area of research due to its high prevalence and being major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and other complications. Objectives. (1) To assess the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors and (2) to estimate awareness, treatment, and adequacy of control of hypertension among study subjects. Methods and Materials. A community based cross-sectional study with multistage sampling design was conducted among urban population of Varanasi. A modified WHO STEPS interview schedule on 640 study subjects aged 25-64 years was used. Results. The prevalence of hypertension was 32.9% (male: 40.9%, female: 26.0%). Mean systolic and diastolic BP were 124.25 ± 15.05 mmHg and 83.45 ± 9.49 mmHg, respectively. Higher odds of being hypertensive were found in male subjects, eldest age group, married subjects, subjects of upper socioeconomic status, illiterate subjects, and retired subjects. Tobacco and alcohol consumption, overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity were also associated with hypertension. Out of the total hypertensive 211 subjects, only 81 (38.4%) were aware about their hypertension status; out of those, 57 (70.4%) were seeking treatment and 20 (35.08%) had their blood pressure adequately controlled. Conclusion. Around one-third of the subjects were hypertensive and half of the study subjects were prehypertensive in this area. The awareness, treatment, and control of high blood pressure were also very low. © 2017 Shikha Singh et al.
Quality of life and health of opioid-dependent subjects in India
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2014) Om Prakash Giri; Mona Srivastava; Ravi Shankar
Background and Objectives: The quality of life (QoL) of substance abusers is known to be severely impaired. This study was carried out to assess the impact of opioid dependence on the QoL of subjects and compared it with the normal subjects. Materials and Methods: Based on specified inclusion criteria a total of 47 subjects were recruited from a tertiary care center from India. The WHOQoL-BREF scale domain scores obtained at baseline were compared to that of normal subjects. An assessment of dysfunction and reasons for continuing and other parameters were assessed. Results: WHOQoL-BREF domains (Physical, Psychological, Social relationships and Environment) showed significantly lower scores and the difference was statistically significant. Interpretation and Conclusions: The results showed that QoL is an important parameter in assessment of substance abusers and can be used for long-term prognosis of these individuals. © 2014 Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice.
Spatial and temporal distribution of Large Igneous Provinces in the Indian Shield - Highlights of recent investigations
(Indian National Science Academy, 2020) Rajesh K. Srivastava; Amiya K. Samal; Richard E. Ernst; Ulf Söderlund; Ravi Shankar
This report highlights investigations since 2016 on the Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs), particularly based on their mafic dyke swarms (MDSs) and continental flood basalts (CFBs), from the Indian Shield. Recent research, particularly geochemistry, geochronology and paleomagnetism, allow identification and characterization of distinct generations of LIPs in space and time in the Indian Shield. This could be the basis for critical new tests of paleogeographic reconstructions of supercontinents and paleocontinents of the Earth's history and the position of India in different ancient supercontinent/supercratons. The high-quality data generated in recent years also helped significantly to understand the nature, composition and evolution of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle beneath the Indian Shield, which aims at resolving important geological aspects, such as the role of plume tectonics, ancient subduction events, extent of the LIPs paleo-supercontinent reconstructions, etc., and has received considerable national and international attention. © 2020 Indian National Science Academy. All rights reserved.
Strong Association between Serological Status and Probability of Progression to Clinical Visceral Leishmaniasis in Prospective Cohort Studies in India and Nepal
(Public Library of Science, 2014) Epco Hasker; Paritosh Malaviya; Kamlesh Gidwani; Albert Picado; Bart Ostyn; Sangeeta Kansal; Rudra Pratap Singh; Om Prakash Singh; Ankita Chourasia; Abhishek Kumar Singh; Ravi Shankar; Mary E. Wilson; Basudha Khanal; Suman Rijal; Marleen Boelaert; Shyam Sundar
Introduction:Asymptomatic persons infected with the parasites causing visceral leishmaniasis (VL) usually outnumber clinically apparent cases by a ratio of 4-10 to 1. We assessed the risk of progression from infection to disease as a function of DAT and rK39 serological titers.Methods:We used available data on four cohorts from villages in India and Nepal that are highly endemic for Leishmania donovani. In each cohort two serosurveys had been conducted. Based on results of initial surveys, subjects were classified as seronegative, moderately seropositive or strongly seropositive using both DAT and rK39. Based on the combination of first and second survey results we identified seroconvertors for both markers. Seroconvertors were subdivided in high and low titer convertors. Subjects were followed up for at least one year following the second survey. Incident VL cases were recorded and verified.Results:We assessed a total of 32,529 enrolled subjects, for a total follow-up time of 72,169 person years. Altogether 235 incident VL cases were documented. The probability of progression to disease was strongly associated with initial serostatus and with seroconversion; this was particularly the case for those with high titers and most prominently among seroconvertors. For high titer DAT convertors the hazard ratio reached as high as 97.4 when compared to non-convertors. The strengths of the associations varied between cohorts and between markers but similar trends were observed between the four cohorts and the two markers.Discussion:There is a strongly increased risk of progressing to disease among DAT and/or rK39 seropositives with high titers. The options for prophylactic treatment for this group merit further investigation, as it could be of clinical benefit if it prevents progression to disease. Prophylactic treatment might also have a public health benefit if it can be corroborated that these asymptomatically infected individuals are infectious for sand flies.
The physiochemical, biological quality and seasonal variability of river ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
(Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, 2018) Ravi Shankar; Sachin Nale; Pradyot Prakash; Gyan Prakash Singh; Shikha Singh
Background: The Ganga River is a life-line, a symbol of purity and virtue for countless people of India. Nearly all the sewage, industrial effluent, runoff from chemical fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture within the basin, and large quantities of solid waste, including thousands of animals carcasses and hundreds of human corpses are dumped in the river everyday which posed a considerable public health threat to the religious bathers and a large number of people living along the river who uses Ganges water for drinking and other household purposes. Objective: To assess the physiochemical and biological quality of river Ganges water and to study the seasonality pattern of pollution of River Ganges. Materials and Methods: Two points namely Samneghat and Rajghat (entry and exit point of Ganga into the city) were selected as the first and the last sampling stations, beside 8 other intermediate sampling stations to assess the physiochemical and biological quality of River Ganga water. The study was conducted from April 2013 to March 2014 and this period was crudely divided into three seasons viz Winter, Summer and Rainy season for the purpose of studying seasonality pattern of pollution. Results: As the river progress through city of Varanasi, Total dissolved solids (TDS), Chloride, Conductivity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Nitrate, Nitrite and Most Probable Number (MPN) increases, DO decreases progressively and Temperature and pH remain same. Conclusion: As far as quality of water with regard to recreational and industrial purposes are concerned, Ganges water may be considered useful but most of the parameters observed across different seasons indicates that it may not be used as potable water. © 2018, Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine. All rights reserved.
Transposition nasolabial flap: A versatile flap for sensate reconstruction of lip defects
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2022) Aseem Mishra; Ravi Shankar; Gautam Prakash; Sudeshna Banerjee; Dipti Daga; Krishna Gopal Birmiwal; Neelesh Tiwari; Monika Gupta; Guru Charan Sahu; Abhishek Das
Introduction: Lip reconstruction aims at maintaining the function and aesthetics of the facial subunits. Sensation in the reconstructed lip helps in bolus formation, tactile discrimination, and thermal sensation. In this study, we aim to describe random pattern nasolabial flap for lip reconstruction using various functional parameters. Methodology: This is a retrospective study of 22 patients with carcinoma lip who underwent surgical resection and reconstruction with sensate nasolabial flap. Several clinicopathological parameters were studied. Outcome parameters like oral competence, tactile sensation, thermal sensitivity of reconstructed lip and speech outcomes were evaluated. Result: A functional outcome with 2–4 mm of two-point discrimination was obtained in 19 patients. All patients had intelligible speech. A mean sulcus depth of 19.59 mm was achieved. One patient had partial flap loss owing to wound infection. Conclusion: Random pattern senate nasolabial flap offers a good functional outcome by maintaining the tactile and thermal sensitivity. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.