Antiretroviral Treatment-Induced Galectin-9 Might Impact HIV Viremia in Addition to Contributing to Inflammaging.

BACKGROUND: Galectin-9 induces HIV reactivation and also contributes to non-AIDS events through inflammaging. Hence, it is important to assess its levels in HIV-infected individuals to determine their association with HIV viremia and other comorbidities. METHODS: Plasma galectin-9 levels were estimated in viremic (n = 152) and aviremic (n = 395) individuals on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). They were assessed for correlation with HIV-1 viral load (VL), CD4 count, and ART duration, as well as for receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULT: Plasma galectin-9 levels correlated positively with VL (r = 0.507, p < 0.0001) and ART duration (r = 0.308, p = 0.002) and negatively with CD4 count (r = -0.186, p < 0.0001). Area under the curve for galectin-9/CD4 count ratio for identifying viremic individuals was 0.906. Sensitivity and specificity of the ratio at a cutoff of 14.47 were 90.13% and 70.05%, respectively, for detecting viremic individuals. Further, galectin-9 levels correlated with cystatin C (r = 0.239, p = 0.0183), IL-18 (r = 0.311, p = 0.006), and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.220, p = 0.0355). Galectin-9-induced HIV reactivation was significantly lower in individuals on long-term ART than those on short-term ART. CONCLUSION: The galectin-9-to-CD4 count ratio indicated the potential of galectin-9 as a cheaper monitoring tool to detect HIV viremia. Strategies for countering the effects of galectin-9 for controlling HIV viremia and non-AIDS events are urgently warranted.

A protocol for feasibility of plasma based GeneXpert platform and Dried Blood Spot (DBS) based Abbott platform for HIV-1 viral load testing among the people living with HIV attending ART centers in India.

BACKGROUND: HIV-1 Viral load (VL) measures efficiency of the antiretroviral therapy (ART) after treatment initiation and helps to diagnose virological failures at an early stage. Current VL assays require sophisticated laboratory facilities. As well as there are other challenges pertaining to insufficient laboratory access, cold-chain management and sample transportation. Hence the number of HIV-1 VL testing laboratories is inadequate in the resource limited settings. The revised national tuberculosis elimination programme (NTEP) in India has developed a vast network of point of care (PoC) testing facilities for diagnosis of tuberculosis and several GeneXpert platforms are functional under this programme. Both the GeneXpert HIV-1 assay and HIV-1 Abbott real time assay are comparable and GeneXpert HIV-1 assay can be used as PoC for HIV-1 Viral load testing. Also, the dried blood spot (DBS) as a sample type has been considered as a good option for HIV-1 VL testing in hard to reach areas. This protocol is therefore developed to assess the feasibility of integrating HIV-1 VL testing among people living with HIV (PLHIV) attending ART centres using the two public health models under the current programme: 1. HIV-1 VL testing using GeneXpert platform and plasma as a sample type, and 2. HIV-1 VL testing using Abbott m2000 platform and DBS as a sample type. METHODS: This ethically approved feasibility study will be implemented at two moderate to high burden ART centres where VL testing facility is not available in the town. Under Model-1, arrangements will be made to carry out VL testing on the adjacent GeneXpert facility and under Model-2, DBS will be prepared on site and couriered to identified viral load testing laboratories. In order to assess the feasibility, data will be collected on pretested questionnaire pertaining to number of samples tested for VL testing, number of samples tested for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and the turnaround time (TAT). In-depth interviews will be conducted among the service providers at ART centre and different laboratories for addressing any issues regarding the model implementation. RESULTS: The proportion of PLHIV tested for VL at ART centres, total TAT for both models including TAT for sample transportation, sample testing and receipt of results as well as proportion of sample rejections and reasons for the same, correlation coefficient between DBS based and plasma based VL testing will be estimated using various statistical tools. CONCLUSION: If found promising, these public health approaches will be helpful for the policy makers and program implementation in scaling up HIV-1 viral load testing within India.

Metabolic syndrome in people living with antiretroviral therapy: A cross-sectional investigation from Pune, India.

Background: Improved longevity of people living with HIV on highly active antiretroviral therapy and accelerated aging processes are considered contributory to Metabolic Syndrome. Objectives: The current study investigated metabolic syndrome (MetS) in people living with HIV (PLH) who were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) under the ongoing National AIDS Control Program. Methods: Clinic attendees (n = 3088) who were on ART for more than 6 months constituted the sampling frame, from which 378 study participants were randomly drawn and included in the analysis following the eligibility check. One hundred and fifty-nine clinic attendees, initiated on ART in ≤6 months, provided an opportunity to estimate the prevalence of MetS in them. Sixty-two PLH from this smaller group were enrolled. Results: MetS was found among 19% (73/378; 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.5%-23.7%) PLH who were on ART >6 months compared with 24% (15/62; 95% CI 14.2%-36.7%) in those who were on ART for ≤6 months based on harmonization criteria for the Asian population; the confidence intervals overlapped and apparently observed difference was not statistically significant. Adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), protease inhibitor (PI)-based ART regimen, duration of ART, insulin resistance (IR), reported family history of hypertension and residential setting, factors independently associated with MetS were PI containing ART regimen, IR, duration of ART intake and BMI. In the adjusted model, the odds of MetS were three times higher among PLH on PI containing ART regimen (95% CI of adjusted odds ratio; aOR 1.27-8.51) and those having IR (95% CI of aOR 1.48-5.07). The odds of MetS among PLH with BMI ≥23 kg/m2 was 4 (95% CI of aOR 2.08-6.81) times higher than those with lower BMI. Conclusions: MetS in PLH requires the attention of health-care workers in India. Appropriate screening would help initiate early management.

Association of Major Disease Outbreaks With Adolescent and Youth Mental Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Importance: Adolescents and young people have been historically understudied populations, and previous studies indicate that during epidemics, these populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are at high risk of developing mental disturbances. Objective: To identify the existing evidence regarding the association of mental health with outbreaks of the influenza A (H1N1), Zika, Ebola, and SARS-CoV-2 virus in exposed youth and adolescents in LMICs. Evidence Review: Across 6 databases (Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science), the mental health outcomes of adolescents and youth (aged 10-24 years) associated with 4 major pandemic outbreaks from January 2009 to January 2021 in LMICs were reviewed. A group of 3 authors at each stage carried out the screening, selection, and quality assessment using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. The social determinants of adolescent well-being framework was used as a guide to organizing the review. Findings: A total of 57 studies fulfilled the search criteria, 55 related to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic and 2 covered the H1N1 influenza epidemics. There were no studies associated with Zika or Ebola outbreaks that met screening criteria. The studies reported high rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among adolescents, including posttraumatic stress disorder, general stress, and health-related anxiety. Potential risk factors associated with poor mental health outcomes included female sex; home residence in areas with strict lockdown limitations on social and physical movement; reduced physical activity; poor parental, family, or social support; previous exposure to COVID-19 infection; or being part of an already vulnerable group (eg, previous psychiatric conditions, childhood trauma, or HIV infection). Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this systematic scoping review suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic and H1N1 epidemic were associated with adverse mental health among adolescents and youth from LMICs. Vulnerable youth and adolescents may be at higher risk of developing mental health-related complications, requiring more responsive interventions and further research. Geographically localized disease outbreaks such as Ebola, Zika, and H1N1 influenza are highly understudied and warrant future investigation.

Impact of major disease outbreaks in the third millennium on adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health and rights in low and/or middle-income countries: a systematic scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of young people continue to present a high burden and remain underinvested. This is more so in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), where empirical evidence reveals disruption of SRHR maintenance, need for enhancement of programmes, resources and services during pandemics. Despite the importance of the subject, there is no published review yet combining recent disease outbreaks such as (H1N1/09, Zika, Ebola and SARS-COV-2) to assess their impact on adolescents and youth SRHR in LMICs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will adopt a four-step search to reach the maximum possible number of studies. In the first step, we will carry out a limitedpreliminary search in databases for getting relevant keywords (appendix 1). Second, we will search in four databases: Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase and PsycINFO. The search would begin from the inception of the first major outbreak in 2009 (H1N1/09) up to the date of publication of the protocol in early 2022. We will search databases using related keywords, screen title & abstract and review full texts of the selected titles to arrive at the list of eligible studies. In the third stage, we will check their eligibility to the included article's reference list. In the fourth stage, we will check the citations of included papers in phase 2 to complete our study selection. We will include all types of original studies and without any language restriction in our final synthesis. Our review results will be charted for each pandemic separately and include details pertaining to authors, year, country, region of the study, study design, participants (disaggregated by age and gender), purpose and report associated SRHR outcomes. The review will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline (PRISMA-ScR). PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: Patients or public were not involved in this study. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical assessment is not required for this study. The results of the study will be presented in peer-reviewed publications and conferences on adolescent SRHR.

Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies among HIV Infected Individuals Attending ART Centre at Pune: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: We aimed to determine the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Pune, India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2021 and June 2021. Demographic and clinical information related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were recorded on structured questionnaires. Blood samples were collected and tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies using commercial ELISA. Results: Of the 405 HIV infected individuals enrolled in the study, 223(55.1%) were females. Mean age and CD4 count of participants were 42 years (SD: 10) and 626 cells/mm3 (SD: 284) respectively. A total of 382 (95%) PLHIV were virologically suppressed. The seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2 was found in 221 PLHIV (54.6%, 95% CI: 49.7-59.4). No significant association was found between demographic or clinical factors and seropositivity. Conclusion: A high prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was found among PLHIV attending ART centre indicating an exposure to the virus among them.

Ocular manifestations and refractive errors among people living with HIV in Pune, India: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the ocular manifestation and refractive error prevalences among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Pune, India. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included HIV-infected adults attending a National AIDS Research Institute clinic. Ophthalmologic examination included visual acuity estimation, refraction, orthoptic evaluation, slit lamp and fundus examination, and photography. RESULTS: In total, 441 HIV-infected individuals were enrolled. The participants' median age was 44 (interquartile range 38-49) years and 227 (51.5%) were men. Refractive errors occurred in 132 (29.9%) individuals. Ocular manifestations were present in 93 (21.1%) participants and the most frequent was cataract in 59 (13.4%) participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that participants who were illiterate (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.47-5.33) and those aged greater than 40 years (AOR 5.59, 95% CI 2.69-11.61) were more likely to have ocular manifestations. The odds of having ocular manifestations were greater in participants with treatment substitution or changes (AOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.16-3.82). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract and refractive errors were prevalent among PLHIV. PLHIV should be encouraged to have regular ophthalmic checkups. Individuals with lower education levels and older age should be counseled regarding eye care and timely reporting of ocular symptoms.

An Integrated Approach to Improve Maternal Mental Health and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Crisis.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruption of normal life across the globe, severely affecting the already vulnerable populations such as the pregnant women. Maternal mental health and well-being is a public health priority and the evidence about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health status of pregnant women is gradually emerging. The findings of the recently published studies suggest that increased risk perception about contracting COVID-19, reduced social support, increase in domestic violence, disruption of antenatal care, and economic consequences of COVID-19 mitigation strategies can lead to adverse mental health outcomes in antenatal period. There is a significant increase in antenatal depression and anxiety since the onset of COVID-19 and social determinants of health (e.g., younger age, lower education, lower income) are associated with these poor outcomes. In this paper, we propose an integrated approach to improve the mental health and well-being of pregnant women. Physical activity and/or mind-body interventions like yoga can be practiced as self-care interventions by pregnant women. Despite social distancing being the current norm, efforts should be made to strengthen social support. Evidence-based interventions for perinatal depression should be integrated within the health system and stepped, collaborative care using non-specialist health workers as key human resource be utilized to improve access to mental health services. Use of digital platforms and smartphone enabled delivery of services has huge potential to further improve the access to care. Most importantly, the COVID-19 related policy guidelines should categorically include maternal mental health and well-being as a priority area.

Association of gender disadvantage factors and gender preference with antenatal depression in women: a cross-sectional study from rural Maharashtra.

PURPOSE: Maternal depression is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries including India. Very few studies have assessed association of various risk factors with antenatal depression in rural Indian women, especially the effect of marital conflict, gender disadvantage and gender preference on antenatal depression. This paper describes the prevalence of probable antenatal depression in rural Maharashtra, a state in the western part of India and specifically assesses the association of marital and gender disadvantage factors and gender preference for a male child with antenatal depression. METHODS: Primary Health Centre-based cross-sectional survey of antenatal women in rural Maharashtra was carried out. The outcome of interest was a probable diagnosis of depression in antenatal women which was measured using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS). Data were analyzed using simple and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: 302 women in their antenatal period were included in this study. The outcome of antenatal depression (EPDS > 12) was found in 51 women (16.9%, 95% CI 12.6-21.1%). Feeling pressurized to deliver a male child was strongly associated with the outcome of antenatal depression (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 3.0; 95% CI 1.4-6.5). Unsatisfactory reaction of in-laws to dowry (adjusted OR 11.2; 95% CI 2.4-52.9) and difficult relationship with in-laws (adjusted OR 5.3; 95% CI 2.4-11.6) were also significantly associated with antenatal depression. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that antenatal depression in rural women of Western Maharashtra is associated with gender disadvantage factors, especially related to preference for a male child. The agenda to improve maternal mental health should be ultimately linked to address the broader social development goals and gender empowerment.

Study of knowledge and attitude regarding prenatal diagnostic techniques act among the pregnant women at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Mumbai.

BACKGROUND: Sex ratio, an important social indicator measuring extent of prevailing equity between males and females in society, is defined as number of females per 1000 males. Changes in sex ratio reflect underlying socioeconomic, cultural patterns of a society. As per 2011 census sex ratio in India is 914/1000 males, which continues to be significantly adverse towards women. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act among the pregnant women at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Mumbai. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the antenatal ward of Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai during the period of January to April 2008. A total of 143 women were included and a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to get information regarding socio-demographic details of the pregnant women. They were asked regarding the knowledge and attitude towards the PNDT Act. Data was analyzed by using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0. RESULTS: In the present study, out of 143 women, 105 (73.5%) knew about sex determination. Even out of those who had heard, the correct knowledge regarding PNDT act was very less. Sonography as a technique for sex determination done at private hospital was known to the majority of women. CONCLUSION: Education of women about gender equality and recommendations under PNDT act in order to improve declining sex ratio in our country must be done. Wide publicization in the media of the Act must be scaled up.

Pattern of growth faltering and recovery in under 5 children in India using WHO growth standards--a study on First and Third National Family Health Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the pattern of growth faltering in preschool children, using World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards 2006 from the available datasets of first and third National Family Health Survey (NFHS 1 and 3). DESIGN: Data-analysis of two large-scale cross-sectional surveys done at a gap of 15 years. SETTING: General community. SUBJECTS: Preschool children included in NFHS 1 (n = 37,768) and NFHS 3 (n = 41,306). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Weight for age Z-scores (WAZ), height for age Z scores (HAZ) and weight for height Z scores (WHZ) based on WHO growth standards for the first four years of life. RESULTS: Mean WAZ score at 0 month during first and third surveys were -1.15 (n=268) and -0.76 (n=184), respectively. Of the total growth faltering in weight for age Z (WAZ) score by the end of third year, 55% and 44% of the growth faltering was already present at birth for the first and third survey, respectively. There was no change in weight for height Z (WHZ) score for the first three years during both the surveys. CONCLUSIONS: A good part of the total growth faltering in India has already taken place at birth. Much of the growth faltering in early life can be attributed to faltering in HAZ scores or stunting. Understanding the causal role of stunting and its prevention as well as improving birth weight appears to be the key for better efficacy of public health programs in preventing under-5 malnutrition in India.