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Background Rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG) is frequently utilized as an induction therapy in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Full-dose rATG induction therapy (7-10 mg/kg) has been associated with increased morbidity. However, definitive data on the appropriate rATG dosage remains scarce. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of varying rATG doses in KTRs. Methodology A single-center, retrospective, observational study was conducted between 2009 and 2014 in a cohort of 208 KTRs who received rATG induction therapy. Patients included in the study had received two to three consecutive doses of rATG as part of their planned induction protocol. Participants were categorized into the following two groups based on the cumulative dosage of rATG received during induction therapy: group A received 2 or 2.5 mg/kg, while group B received ≥3 mg/kg. The five-year follow-up data were analyzed. Results A cumulative rATG dose of 2 or 2.5 mg/kg and ≥3 mg/kg was given to 122 and 86 patients, respectively. The incidence of delayed graft function (DGF), acute rejection episodes, total graft loss, death, and death-censored graft loss was 6.25%, 3.84%, 7.21%, 4.32%, and 2.88%, respectively. Two malignancies and 141 infectious complications were noted. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding DGF, total graft loss, death, death-censored graft loss, infectious complications, and incidence of acute rejection episodes. Deceased donor kidney transplantation was identified as a significant predictor of acute rejection episodes (odds ratio = 9.19, 95% confidence interval = 1.567-53.907; p = 0.014). Conclusions The dosage for rATG induction therapy for KTRs should be tailored based on immunological and other factors impacting graft survival, along with a comprehensive risk assessment for potential infectious complications. A cumulative dose of 2.0 or 2.5 mg/kg could be optimal, offering effective induction therapy in KTRs with excellent graft survival rates and potentially fewer infectious complications., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket issued approval BHR/RS/MSSH/MHIL/SKT-1/MHEC/NEPHRO/24-06. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Khullar et al.)

Given India's goal of eliminating malaria by 2030, this study aimed to investigate community perspectives on malaria in highly endemic areas of Odisha, a region historically prone to malaria. The research explores self-reported malaria events, community knowledge, attitudes, practices, health-seeking behaviors, and access to healthcare services. A community-based cross-sectional survey conducted among 387 households between November 2022 and May 2023 served as an extension of our recent project, monitoring malaria elimination efforts in remote and challenging-to-reach communities in Odisha. The participants, who had a mean (SD) age of 41.7 (13.17) years, were predominantly male (88.4%). Self-reported malaria in the last 12 months prior to the survey was 6.2%, with half of the patients opting for primary health centers for treatment, averaging a 5-day recovery per episode. The median cost per malaria treatment episode was U.S. dollars 20.17. A significant majority (79.8%) demonstrated a strong awareness of malaria symptoms and transmission, with 83.3% expressing a favorable attitude toward disease prevention. Notably, 65.1% reported consistent use of long-lasting insecticidal nets. However, nearly half of the participants reported inadequate larval source management and indoor residual spraying services. Although there were slight variations in knowledge, attitude, and practice scores among demographic groups, the overall understanding of and approach to malaria were consistent in the study population, with no statistically significant differences (P >0.05). The study findings offer hope, suggesting that with sustained dedication and focused surveillance, malaria could become a thing of the past.

An outbreak of dengue fever struck Tikarapada village, Rayagada district (April 2020). Among 117 fever cases, 49 tested positive for the dengue NS1 antigen. To identify mosquito-related factors in the outbreak, a survey of 101 houses found Aedes breeding sites in 11.6% of containers. Aedes aegypti (79%) and Aedes albopictus (21%) emerged from collected pupae. The village exhibited high (house index = 24.8), (container index = 11.6), (pupal index = 32.7), and (Breteau index = 40.6) indices. The findings confirmed the presence of Aedes and ample breeding sites, suggesting their role in the outbreak. A report recommending integrated vector control measures was submitted to district and state health authorities., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Public Health.)

Background & Objectives: After launching of NFME and NSP with wide scale implementation of effective intervention tools during 2017, Odisha State of India observed a drastic reduction of malaria cases (81%) in 2018 and 88.6% in 2019, compared to 2017. The current study analysed the different factors causative for malaria reduction in Koraput district of Odisha State, India., Methods: The vector density and malaria incidences were assessed from January 2016 to December 2019 and human blood index, bio-efficacy and use rate of LLINs were assessed after distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets., Results: The use rate of LLINs by the villagers ranged from 93.8% to 100% throughout the year. The mortality of Anopheles jeyporiensis remained 100.0% in both DuraNet and PermaNet LNs. The density of An. fluviatilis after distribution of LLINs reduced from 4.7 to 0.0 whereas, the density of An. culicifacies reduced from 12.2 to 9.3. The HBI of An. fluviatilis and An. culicifacies was 0.006 and 0.005, respectively after distribution of LLINs. The malaria incidences also drop from 14.2 to zero after distribution., Interpretation & Conclusion: A significant reduction in malaria incidences was validated and the possible reasons for the reduction are discussed., Competing Interests: None

Introduction: In diabetes mellitus (DM), the underlying pathophysiology of albuminuria and cognitive dysfunction is similar. So, we hypothesized that urinary albumin excretion (UAE) could be linked to cognitive dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus., Methods and Materials: It was a hospital-based observational study. Patient aged 40-60 years with type 2 DM were included in this study. Complete assessment with detailed history, physical examination, and necessary biochemical investigations including spot urine albumin creatinine ratio (uACR) was done. Cognitive status was determined in all the individuals with the application of Hindi translated version of the mini-mental status examination (MMSE) questionnaire., Results: In 80 patients, the mean MMSE score was 25.37 ± 3.34. Cognitive dysfunction (score <26) was present in 45% of individuals. Spot uACR, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), presence of retinopathy and dyslipidemia were significantly different between the normal and subnormal scoring groups. On multivariate analysis spot uACR was found to be independently predicting odds of developing cognitive dysfunction (OR 1.01, CI 1.004-1.022; P = 0.001). The mean MMSE scores in normo-albuminuric ( n = 15), moderately increased albuminuric ( n = 48) and severely albuminuric ( n = 17) patients were 28.00 ± 1.60, 25.54 ± 3.33 and 22.58 ± 2.31, respectively, which were significantly different among the three groups ( P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Spot uACR could be helpful in predicting cognitive decline in people with type 2 DM., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Indian Journal of Nephrology.)

Background: Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are the most favoured vector control tools worldwide. Timely monitoring and evaluation of LLINs is important to sustain the impact of this promising vector control method and for replacement of worn-out and those rendered ineffective. During the mid-2017, LLINs were distributed by the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) in high malaria endemic districts of the eastern coastal state of Odisha. The study was carried out to assess the field performance of the LLINs post 30 months of distribution in Koraput district of Odisha state., Methods: A total of 130 households were randomly selected from three villages of Laxmipur CHC in Koraput district, Odisha, India; one each from hilltop, foothill and plain terrain. The net users were interviewed to elicit information on usage, washing practices, physical integrity, bio-efficacy and survivorship of LLINs to confirm the claimed three-year life of the LLINs., Results: 74.8% of the LLINs were physically present after 30 months of distribution. The numbers (%) of LLINs used previous night varied from 30 to 61% between study villages. 74% respondents were using the LLINs throughout the year and 26% only seasonally. Of the total, 85% of the nets were reported to be washed and 95% nets were dried under shade as recommended. Altogether, 58% of the surveyed nets were found torn with holes. Of these, 74 (57%) nets were in good condition, 10 (8%) nets were in serviceable and 45 (35%) nets were badly torn and needed replacement. A total of 45 (93.75%), 68 (80%) and 71 (63.8%) LLINs were physically present in hilltop, foothill and plain villages, respectively. The LLINs did meet the efficacy criteria, given the 100% mortality to the exposed Anopheles jeyporiensis mosquitoes post 30 months distribution., Conclusions: The findings of this study were communicated to the programme officials of the state and LLINs were replenished soon after 31st month post-distribution of LLINs.