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Biomedical subjects

D C Jain

Publications and source records attributed to D C Jain.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Persistency of bioactive fractions of Indian plant, Polygonum hydropiper as an insect feeding deterrent.

An improved extraction procedure resulted into a six-fold yield of bioactive fraction than the usual extraction method with a high per cent of feeding deterrence against 3rd instar larvae of Spilarctia obliqua and Spodoptera litura. The effective concentration (EC50) of PH-2 was 4321 and 4155 ppm against the two insects. No loss in feeding deterrency was recorded when the bioactive ether fraction, PH-2 was exposed to sunlight for 6 h.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Diphtheria is declining but continues to kill many children: analysis of data from a sentinel centre in Delhi, 1997.

Although diphtheria is declining in Delhi, case fatality rates (CFRs) are rising. In 1997, of 143 clinically suspected cases admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital 45 (32%) died. We examined their records to understand the epidemiology and reasons for high CFRs. About 53% of cases were from Delhi; they were not limited to any particular area. All the deaths and 92% (131/143) of cases occurred in children below 10 years of age. Only 12% of cases had received one or more doses of DPT. Muslims contributed significantly more cases than Hindus. CFRs were significantly higher in young (P = 0.03) and unvaccinated (P = 0.01) children and in those who received antitoxin on the third day of illness or later (P = 0.03). The study highlights the importance of improved vaccine coverage and early diagnosis and prompt administration of antitoxin in reducing CFRs for diphtheria in Delhi.

Child↗
PubMed1999

RAPD profile based genetic characterization of chemotypic variants of Artemisia annua L.

The annual herbaceous plant, Artemisia annua L., belonging to family Asteraceae, is the natural source of the highly potent antimalarial compound, artemisinin, besides producing valuable essential oil. The plant is at present the sole commercial source for artemisinin production since all the chemical syntheses are non-viable. Therefore, economic and practical considerations dictate that plants with maximum content of artemisinin be found and/or ways to increase their artemisinin content be sought. The key to this selection and breeding is a comprehension of chemical and genetic variability and suitable selection(s) of elites from within the available population. In the present study, RAPD analyses of selected chemotypes from a decade old introduced population in India were carried out using arbitrary primers. The RAPD data clearly indicate the distinction amongst these plants. Further, the detection of highly polymorphic profiles (97 polymorphic markers out of a total of 101 markers) suggests the existence of very high levels of genetic variation in the Indian population despite geographical isolation and opens out a strong possibility of further genetic improvement for superior artemisinin content. UPGMA analyses of RAPD and phytochemical trait data indicate that the wide phytochemical diversity is included within the genetic diversity. These results further support the prospects for selection and breeding of superior artemisinin containing lines.

Antimalarials↗
PubMed1999

Widespread outbreaks of measles in rural Uttar Pradesh, India, 1996: high risk areas and groups.

OBJECTIVE: To describe outbreaks of measles which affected many districts in Uttar Pradesh (UP) during 1996. DESIGN: Outbreak investigations. SETTING: The state of Uttar Pradesh, India. METHODS: The reported data on measles morbidity, mortality and vaccine coverage from 1991 through 1996 were reviewed. Reported vaccine coverage levels were compared with the results of coverage surveys carried out in UP from 1992 through 1996. Line lists on measles cases were analyzed to ascertain the age, immunization status, geographical distribution, and age and sex-specific fatality ratios during the outbreaks. A community survey was organized in 7 affected villages to estimate vaccine effectiveness. RESULTS: Fifty one of 68 districts in UP reported 6922 measles cases and 281 deaths in 1996. The majority of cases and deaths occurred in June and July which are usually low transmission months. Overall cases fatality ratio (CFR) was 4.1%. CFRs were significantly higher in females and young children. The median age of cases was found to be below 5 years. There was heavy clustering of cases and deaths in rural areas. About 85% of the cases and virtually all the measles associated deaths occurred in unvaccinated children. Published documents on statewide coverage surveys revealed that the measles vaccine coverage levels ranged between 26% and 36% during 1992-96. Large gaps were found between reported coverage and survey results. Nevertheless, epidemiological studies indicated a vaccine effectiveness of more than 90%. CONCLUSIONS: The outbreaks occurred due to poor vaccine coverage levels and an inefficient surveillance system which failed to generate early warning signals. The study highlights the urgent need to raise the vaccine coverage levels rapidly in all districts to achieve measles control and prevent future outbreaks in UP.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1999

Epidemiological characteristics of poliomyelitis in Delhi, 1997.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of poliomyelitis in Delhi in 1997 after four consecutive statewide immunization campaigns with oral polio vaccine (OPV). METHODS: Stool samples were collected from 158 cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) along with their age, sex, residential address, immunization history and dates of onset of paralysis, reporting and investigation. The samples were processed for isolation of polioviruses. In addition, historical data on vaccination coverage surveys and OPV testing were reviewed. These data were analyzed to understand the epidemiological patterns of poliomyelitis in Delhi. RESULTS: Of 158 cases of AFP, about 23% were investigated within 2 days of onset of paralysis. Two samples each were collected from 97 (61%) cases, and one each from the remaining cases. Detection of 158 cases of AFP gave an incidence of 1.34 per 100,000 population. About 36% (57/158) of AFP cases excreted poliovirus, mostly (53/158) wild poliovirus. Of the wild poliovirus isolates, 72% (38/53) and 25% (13/53) were serotypes P1 and P3 respectively; 2 isolates were P2. Almost 95% (146/154) of AFP cases and all the laboratory confirmed cases (excreting wild poliovirus) occurred in children below 5 years of age. Only one-third of AFP (55/158) or laboratory confirmed cases (18/53) had received 3 or more doses of OPV before onset of paralysis. About one-fourth of cases in both the categories were totally unvaccinated. AFP cases occurred round the year but peaked in November-December. Peaks were always observed during July-August in the past. The cases were widely scattered without any obvious clustering in any locality. CONCLUSIONS: Poliomyelitis has declined substantially in Delhi. The study underscores the need for further efforts to improve vaccine coverage levels, AFP surveillance, and cold chain maintenance to achieve the complete interruption of transmission.

Child↗
PubMed1998

Epidemiologic consequences of moderate coverage levels of measles vaccine in a district headquarter town (Alwar) in India, 1996.

This paper describes the epidemiology of measles in a medium size town (population 240,000) in India where vaccine coverage levels have remained constant at around 70 per cent in the past 7 years. A retrospective community survey covering 4023 children under 10 years old detected 252 cases of measles in the previous year. This gave an annual incidence of 6.3 per cent (95 per cent CI 5.5-7). About half of the cases occurred in vaccinated children. Only 5 per cent of the cases occurred in children below 9 months of age. This age is appropriate for routine measles immunization. Despite modest coverage levels with only 54 per cent effective vaccine (estimated by a screening method), there was a modest upward shift in the age distribution of measles cases; the median age was more than 48 months.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1998

Transplacental transfer of measles antibody in Delhi.

OBJECTIVE: To find out the patterns of and the factors, if any, affecting the transplacental transfer of measles antibody. DESIGN: Comparison of measles antibody titres in mothers with titres in cord blood samples. METHODS: Maternal and cord blood samples from 174 full-term pregnant women of middle socio-economic status were tested for hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody against measles in Delhi during October 1993 to January 1995. None of the mothers had been immunized against measles. RESULTS: Antibody were undetectable in both maternal and cord samples in only 4 (2.3%) pairs. Mean maternal titre was found to be 2.94 Log2. Transplacental concentration and dilution were respectively observed in 34% and 26% of the samples. Cord titres were more often higher than the maternal values only if the maternal values were low. Overall, cord/maternal ratio of mean titre (Log2) was found to be 1.06. Although the age of the mother and parity had had no significant bearing on the transplacental transfer of measles antibody, cord titres were significantly more often higher than the maternal values as the birth weight increased (Chi-square for linear trend = 5.4; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The study failed to show appreciable concentration of measles antibodies across the placenta.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Outbreak of viral hepatitis B in a rural community in India linked to inadequately sterilized needles and syringes.

In India, virtually all outbreaks of viral hepatitis are considered to be due to faeco-orally transmitted hepatitis E virus. Recently, a cluster of 15 cases of viral hepatitis B was found in three villages in Gujarat State. The cases were epidemiologically linked to the use of inadequately sterilized needles and syringes by a local unqualified medical practitioner. The outbreak evolved slowly over a period of 3 months and was marked by a high case fatality rate (46.7%), probably because of concurrent infection with hepatitis D virus (HDV) or sexually transmitted infections. But for the many fatalities within 2-3 weeks of the onset of illness, the outbreak would have gone unnoticed. The findings emphasize the importance of inadequately sterilized needles and syringes in the transmission of viral hepatitis B in India, the need to strengthen the routine surveillance system, and to organize an education campaign targeting all health care workers including private practitioners, especially those working in rural areas, as well as the public at large, to take all possible measures to prevent this often fatal infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Acute sporadic viral hepatitis in urban population of a tribal district in Madhya Pradesh.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of acute sporadic viral hepatitis and describe its epidemiology in an urban population. DESIGN: A retrospective community survey for jaundice cases. SETTING: Headquarter town of a tribal district, Bastar, in Madhya Pradesh state, India. METHOD: Trained paramedics surveyed about 51,643 population to detect cases of jaundice which occurred in the past one year. Cases were examined to collect clinical and epidemiological data. blood samples were drawn from all cases who had jaundice in the past 3 months for testing them for markers of viral hepatitis. RESULTS: Study estimated the annual incidence of jaundice cases as 244 (95% CI 201-287) per 100,000 population. Almost 95% jaundice cases occurred in summer and monsoon months. People from all socio-economic strata were affected. The incidence of jaundice was found to be the highest in children below 15 years of age (3.7 per 1000) which declined significantly with the increase in age (p = 0.0000). The overall incidence in two sexes was not different statistically (p = 0.7). Of 57 cases who had jaundice in the past 3 months, 19 (33%) were confirmed as having viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A and E combined together contributed 68% (13/19) of acute sporadic cases of viral hepatitis, whereas hepatitis B, C and D accounted for the remaining 32% of the cases. CONCLUSION: The study found the annual incidence of laboratory supported cases of viral hepatitis to be 81 (95 CI 57-106) per 100,000 population, which suggests that it is an important public health problem in India. Hepatitis A was much more prevalent than hepatitis E. Etiology of almost two-thirds of jaundice cases could not be established which require further community studies.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1998

Endemic cholera in Delhi, 1995: analysis of data from a sentinel centre.

Data on cholera cases admitted to the Delhi Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) are presented to describe the pattern of occurrence of cholera in Delhi in 1995. Rectal swabs from 4082 cases of acute diarrhoea admitted to the IDH were examined for excretion of Vibrio cholerae. Of them, 2004(49%) and 4(0.1%) were positive for V. cholerae O1 biotype El Tor and V. cholerae O139 respectively. Most cholera cases occurred during May-September (summer and monsoon months). The period from January to March (winter) was completely free from cholera. The urban areas were not affected uniformly. Of the 80 PIN (Postal Index Number) code areas, 10 contributed to 57% of the cases. The early cases were scattered in PIN code areas distant from one another. The hospitalisation rates for cholera were the highest in children aged less than five years and declined significantly with increasing patients' age. Males had significantly higher rates than females aged up to 20 years, whereas the situation was reversed in the 20 to 39 year age group. Four per cent of the affected families had multiple cases. An estimated 1% of the household contacts of hospitalised cases of cholera were themselves hospitalised for cholera within 2 days of the first admission. Of the 260 V. cholerae O1 isolates tested, 4%, 7%, 8%, 89%, 91% and 95% were resistant to tetracycline, nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole, streptomycin, and furazolidone respectively. The study highlights the usefulness of surveillance data to identify groups, urban areas and seasons with increased risk for cholera and to allow control measures to be focussed on those in greatest need.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Theoretical studies using an ab initio and molecular modelling combination method on the binding of sequence recognition altered bis-benzimidazoles to the minor groove of DNA.

Ab initio calculations (Hartree-Fock) using the 3-21G and the STO-3G Gaussian basis sets were performed on synthetic analogues of the minor groove binding bis-benzimidazole Hoechst 33258 designed to exhibit altered sequence recognition. Geometry optimized conformations, energies and distribution of electrostatic charges within the molecule were derived. The binding of the optimized conformations of the drug to both alternating and non-alternating (AT)n and (GC)n sequences were studied.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed1997

V. cholerae 01 outbreak in remote villages of Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, 1994.

An outbreak of V. cholerae 01 occurred in remote villages of Rohru tehsil, district Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, during June-July 1994. Seven villages were affected. Overall attack rate was 16.4 per cent in surveyed villages. Attack rate in children < 5 was significantly high. Suspected source was spring water contaminated from open air defaecation. V. cholerae was resistant to co-trimoxazole and streptomycin.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Epidemiology of endemic viral hepatitis in an urban area of India: a retrospective community study in Alwar.

In a community study during a reference period of 1 year, 192 cases of jaundice were detected in an urban population of 69,440 in Alwar, Rajasthan. Detected by paramedics and confirmed by physicians, these cases gave an annual incidence of 2.76 (95% CI: 2.37-3.15) per 1000 population. At least one of these patients died, giving a case fatality ratio of 0.6%. The jaundice cases occurred in all areas investigated, and affected all socioeconomic strata. About 94% of the affected families had only single cases. Although cases occurred throughout the year, more than 59% occurred during June-September, which are the summer and monsoon months. The incidence was highest (5.23 per 1000) among under-5-year-olds and declined progressively and significantly thereafter. Males had a higher incidence than females at all ages; the differences were not significant. Blood samples from 56 cases who had jaundice in the last 3 months of the reference period were tested for markers of viral hepatitis. Of these, 18 (32.1%), 1 (1.8%), 0, 2 (3.6%), and 4 (7.1%) were found to have hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, respectively. The etiology of the remaining 31 cases (55%) could not be established; previously, they would have been included in the NANB (non-A, non-B) category, inflating its proportion. Hepatitis A (HA) was the predominant type; being comparatively mild, it is perhaps underrepresented in hospital-based data. Many HA cases were in adults, which may be the beginning of an age shift of HA to the right owing to improvements in living standards of the study population. Five cases were carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV), indicating the importance of HBV infection in India as well. Finally, the study found the annual incidence of laboratory-supported cases of viral hepatitis to be 1.24 (95% CI: 0.98-1.5) per 1000 population, which suggests that it is a major public health problem in India.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Visual Evoked Potential (VEP)--dependable marker for CNS affection in thyroid diseases.

The mean latency and amplitude of P100 component of VEP were studied in forty three controls and eighty nine cases of thyroid dysfunction [Hypothyroid-28; Hyperthyroid-32 and probable Thyroiditis-29 (inclusive of 21 cytology proved)]. The mean latency in hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and probable thyroiditis subjects were 110.69, 111.41 and 109 m.sec in comparison to 101.91, 102.0 and 101.08 m. sec. respectively in controls (p < 0.005). The mean amplitude being 1.34, 6.34 and 2.41 microvolts in hypothyroid, hyperthyroid and probable thyroiditis subjects in comparison to 4.79, 4.16 and 4.59 microvolts respectively in controls (p < 0.005).

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Evaluation of immunization coverage by lot quality assurance sampling compared with 30-cluster sampling in a primary health centre in India.

The immunization coverage of infants, children and women residing in a primary health centre (PHC) area in Rajasthan was evaluated both by lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) and by the 30-cluster sampling method recommended by WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). The LQAS survey was used to classify 27 mutually exclusive subunits of the population, defined as residents in health subcentre areas, on the basis of acceptable or unacceptable levels of immunization coverage among infants and their mothers. The LQAS results from the 27 subcentres were also combined to obtain an overall estimate of coverage for the entire population of the primary health centre, and these results were compared with the EPI cluster survey results. The LQAS survey did not identify any subcentre with a level of immunization among infants high enough to be classified as acceptable; only three subcentres were classified as having acceptable levels of tetanus toxoid (TT) coverage among women. The estimated overall coverage in the PHC population from the combined LQAS results showed that a quarter of the infants were immunized appropriately for their ages and that 46% of their mothers had been adequately immunized with TT. Although the age groups and the periods of time during which the children were immunized differed for the LQAS and EPI survey populations, the characteristics of the mothers were largely similar. About 57% (95% CI, 46-67) of them were found to be fully immunized with TT by 30-cluster sampling, compared with 46% (95% CI, 41-51) by stratified random sampling. The difference was not statistically significant. The field work to collect LQAS data took about three times longer, and cost 60% more than the EPI survey. The apparently homogeneous and low level of immunization coverage in the 27 subcentres makes this an impractical situation in which to apply LQAS, and the results obtained were therefore not particularly useful. However, if LQAS had been applied by local staff in an area with overall high coverage and population subunits with heterogeneous coverage, the method would have been less costly and should have produced useful results.

Adult↗