Urban Delhi Research Articles

Establishing Apolipoprotein-B and non-high-density-lipoprotein-C goals in Indian population: A Cross-sectional study

BackgroundDefining lipid goals solely on low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in Indian population may cause misclassification due to high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia and small dense LDL-C particles. International guidelines now recommend Apoliporotein-B (Apo-B) and non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels as alternative targets. In this study, we used a cross-sectional representative population database to determine Apo-B and non-HDL-C cut-offs corresponding to identified LDL-C targets and compared them to international guidelines. MethodsA community-based survey carried out in urban Delhi and adjacent rural Ballabhgarh provided lipid values for 3047 individuals. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the degree of relationship between Apo-B and LDL-C and non-HDL-C. Cut-off values for Apo-B and non-HDL-C were established using receiver operator curve analysis correlating with guideline-recommended LDL-C targets. ResultsSpearman's rank correlations between Apo-B and LDL-C (0.82) and non-HDL-C and LDL-C (0.93) were significant (p < 0.05). Proposed corresponding cut-off values for LDL-C of 55, 70,100,130 and 160 mg/dl for Apo-B and non-HDL-C in our population were 75.3, 75.5, 91.3, 107.6, 119.4 mg/dL and 92.5,96.5, 123.5, 154.5, 179.5 mg/dL respectively. However, in those with triglycerides >150 mg/dl the corresponding Apo-B and non-HDL-C values were 85.1, 92.7, 103.5, 117.5 and 135 mg/dL and 124.5, 126.5, 147.5, 167.5 and 190.5 mg/L respectively. ConclusionBased on this study we provide Apo-B and non-HDL cut-offs corresponding to target LDL-C values in Indian patients with and without high triglycerides. It is noted that in individuals with triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl, the Apo-B levels are much higher than the values recommended by guidelines.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Cerebral Microbleeds in Community-Dwelling Adults in Urban Delhi.

Several observational studies have reported the prevalence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and their risk factors in an elderly population. Any information in this regard is currently lacking from India. Aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, risk factors of CMBs, and association with cognition in an Indian urban population aged 50 years and above. Household surveys were conducted as part of ongoing Longitudinal Cognition and Aging Research on Population of the National Capital Region (LoCARPoN) study in areas of urban Delhi. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed in 2599 participants. Using standard neuropsychological battery, mean Z-scores for each domain (memory, executive, information) were derived. Binary and stepwise logistic regression models were used to determine associated risk factors for the presence of CMB and its association with cognitive domains. The prevalence of CMBs was 14.42% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.06-15.73). Of these, 203 (7.81%) participants had single CMBs and 172 (6.61%) had multiple microbleeds (≥2). Higher prevalence was observed in older age (60-70 years: odds ratio [OR]: 1.25 [95% CI: 0.93-1.67]; 70-80 years: OR: 2.05 [95% CI: 1.48-2.84]; ≥80 years: OR: 3.27 [95% CI: 1.97-5.44]) compared to individuals in the age group 50-60 years. History of stroke (OR: 2.97 [95% CI: 1.56-5.66]), hypertension (OR: 1.36 [95% CI: 1.05-1.75]), and smoking (OR: 1.43 [95% CI: 1.11-1.85]) was associated with at least one CMB. Multiple CMBs were associated with worse scores in memory and executive domains. Older age, hypertension, history of stroke, and history of smoking emerged as important risk factors for the presence of multiple CMBs. Follow-up study is required to determine implications of CMBs.

Analyzing Air Pollution in Urban Delhi: A Quantitative Assessment of Particulate Matter (PM) Concentrations

Air pollution poses significant challenges to urban environments, with particulate matter (PM) concentrations being a major concern due to their adverse effects on public health and the environment. This research paper aims to quantitatively assess PM concentrations in urban Delhi, focusing on spatial, temporal, and seasonal variations across diverse urban microenvironments. The research design involved mobile air quality monitoring using real-time PM sensors mounted on a vehicle, coupled with Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis to map pollution hotspots and assess correlations with urban features. The key findings of the study reveal significant spatial variability in PM concentrations, with industrial zones and busy intersections emerging as hotspots for pollution. Seasonal variations in PM levels, with elevated concentrations during winter months and lower levels during the monsoon season, underscore the influence of meteorological factors on air quality dynamics. The study also identifies correlations between PM concentrations and respiratory disease cases, highlighting the adverse health effects of air pollution. The implications of these findings extend to air quality management strategies and public health interventions, emphasizing the need for targeted measures to mitigate pollution levels and protect public health in urban environments.

The burden of headache disorders in North India: methodology, and validation of a Hindi version of the HARDSHIP questionnaire, for a community-based survey in Delhi and national capital territory region

BackgroundKnowledge of the prevalence and attributable burden of headache disorders in India is sparse, with only two recent population-based studies from South and East India. These produced conflicting results. A study in North India is needed. We report the methodology of such a study using, and validating, a Hindi translation of the Headache-Attributed Restriction, Disability, Social Handicap, and Impaired Participation (HARDSHIP) questionnaire developed by Lifting The Burden (LTB). Almost half of the Indian population speak Hindi or one of its dialects.MethodsThe study adopted LTB’s standardized protocol for population-based studies in a cross-sectional survey using multistage random sampling conducted in urban Delhi and a surrounding rural area. Trained interviewers visited households unannounced, randomly selected one adult member from each and applied the Hindi version of HARDSHIP in face-to-face interviews. The most bothersome headache reported by participants was classified algorithmically into headache on ≥ 15 days/month (H15 +), migraine (including definite and probable) or tension-type headache (including definite and probable). These diagnoses were mutually exclusive. All participants diagnosed with H15 + and a 10% subsample of all others were additionally assessed by headache specialists and classified as above. We estimated the sensitivity and specificity of HARDSHIP diagnoses by comparison with the specialists’ diagnoses.ResultsFrom 3,040 eligible households, 2,066 participants were interviewed. The participating proportions were 98.3% in rural areas but 52.9% in urban Delhi. In the validation subsample of 291 participants (149 rural, 142 urban), 61 did not report any headache (seven of those assessed by HARDSHIP, eight by headache specialists and 46 by both) [kappa = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.74-0.91]. In the remaining 230 participants who reported headache in the preceding year, sensitivity, specificity and kappa with (95% CI) were 0.73 (0.65-0.79), 0.80 (0.67-0.90) and 0.43 (0.34-0.58) for migraine; 0.71 (0.56-0.83), 0.80 (0.730.85) and 0.43 (0.37-0.62) for TTH and 0.75 (0.47-0.94), 0.93 (0.89-0.96) and 0.46 (0.34-0.58) for H15 + respectively.ConclusionThis study validates the Hindi version of HARDSHIP, finding its performance similar to those of other versions. It can be used to conduct population surveys in other Hindi-speaking regions of India.

Spatial and temporal assessment of snake encounters in urban Delhi, India

Delhi, the capital city of India is, highly urbanized and surrounded by remnant forest, farms, ridges, and other green areas experience regular snake encounters in and around residential, institutional, and industrial areas. A total of 41 months of sampling from January 2019 to May 2022 was conducted wherein we, studied the snake assemblage in Delhi to determine the species composition, encounter frequency, seasonal activity patterns, and probable encounter sites in an urban setup. We documented 372 individuals belonging to 15 species from seven families out of 23 species found in Delhi. Snakes were found inside forests, public parks, homes, drain networks, streets, office buildings, and even in school-college buildings. The most recorded species being Ptyas mucosa (37.37%, n = 139), Naja naja (19.62%, n = 73), and Lycodon aulicus (13.44%, n = 50). The highest numbers of incidents were reported in the month of July (22.04%, n = 82) and August (19.89%, n = 74) during the peak monsoon season, for identifying high encounter sites, we used a geostatistical modeling tool, Ordinary kriging to identify places having more snake occurrences. We further used a statistical spatial method called average nearest neighbor distance to detect the pattern distribution of snake species. Spatial interpolation done through Ordinary kriging highlighted two areas having concentrated snake encounters. The results of the average nearest neighbor distance analysis showed three species having clustered and two species having dispersed distribution. The incidence of snake encounters was found to be highly seasonal and appeared to be associated mainly with monthly rainfall, temperature, and humidity. The findings of this study on snakes’ distribution patterns provide valuable insights into the conservation of these species. Understanding their habitat preferences and spatial distribution is crucial for the implementation of effective conservation strategies.

A Study of Clinical and Socio-Demographic Profile of Elderly Patients with Opioid Use Disorder on Agonist Treatment Attending a Tertiary Care Teaching Institute of India

Background: Opioid use is one among the major substance of use in Indian population which is not only seen in younger age group but rather is an upcoming concern in the elderly population as well. Opioid agonist treatment for opioid use disorder is a better way of management, among which buprenorphine is a safer option. Despite, being an important area of health concern, opioid use is poorly studied in the geriatric population. Objective: To study the clinical and socio-demographic profile of elderly patients with opioid use disorder on agonist treatment attending a tertiary care teaching institute of urban Delhi. Method: A retrospective study was done in an OPD based opioid treatment centre of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi to analyze the socio-demographic, clinical profile, pattern of opioid use disorder and opioid agonist treatment (Buprenorphine) in elderly Indian population over a year. The data collected was further analyzed for descriptive and analytic statistics using SPSS version 23.0. Results: A total of 32 subjects of age &gt; 60years, with predominant male population having mean age of 63.6years we seen. They had heroin use by inhalation route as a major opioid use. The main source of referral was by friends and self with significant medical and psychiatric comorbidities that was seen in the elderly group. An average dose of 2.34mg of Buprenorphine was found to effectively manage the geriatric opioid use disorder. Conclusion: Opioid Used Disorder is common in Geriatric population and is often associated with both psychiatric and medical co-morbidities. Opioid agonist treatment is an effective approach in management of elderly cases of opioid use disorder. Declaration of Interest : None

Unit costs for allopathic and AYUSH outpatient care in public facilities in Urban Delhi, India.

The National Health Policy, 2017, suggests pluralism in health care with the integrated delivery of AYUSH and allopathic care at public facilities. Information on unit cost of outpatient visits for both types of care at public facilities is useful to guide the policies on health-care delivery. The costs in 2019-20 were estimated for each type of care at allopathic urban primary health center (UPHC) and AYUSH facilities using top-down methodology and adding out-of-pocket expenditures (OOPE) incurred to reflect true costs. Data from national health survey, annual government budgets, and reports were used. The average cost of an outpatient visit for allopathic care was ₹325 at a UPHC and ₹189 in a homeopathic dispensary and ₹692 in an Ayurvedic dispensary. While OOPE per visit at UPHC was ₹177, no OOPE was incurred at AYUSH facilities. The government expenditure per visit for allopathic care at UPHC at ₹148 was the lowest compared to any type of AYUSH care. The cost per facility for allopathic UPHC was higher than both Ayurvedic and homeopathic dispensaries. Unani dispensaries were least cost-effective, both in terms of cost per visit and cost per facility. Costs per visit at a facility are impacted by footfalls. For Ayurveda, despite lower facility costs as compared to UPHC, per visit costs were higher due to low utilization. Improving evidence-based utilization of AYUSH care is critical for the success of the government policy of mainstreaming AYUSH care at low cost.

Seasonally optimized calibrations improve low-cost sensor performance: long-term field evaluation of PurpleAir sensors in urban and rural India

Abstract. Lower-cost air pollution sensors can fill critical air quality data gaps in India, which experiences very high fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution but has sparse regulatory air monitoring. Challenges for low-cost PM2.5 sensors in India include high-aerosol mass concentrations and pronounced regional and seasonal gradients in aerosol composition. Here, we report on a detailed long-time performance evaluation of a popular sensor, the Purple Air PA-II, at multiple sites in India. We established three distinct sites in India across land use categories and population density extremes (in urban Delhi and rural Hamirpur in north India and urban Bengaluru in south India), where we collocated the PA-II model with reference beta attenuation monitors. We evaluated the performance of uncalibrated sensor data, and then developed, optimized, and evaluated calibration models using a comprehensive feature selection process with a view to reproducibility in the Indian context. We assessed the seasonal and spatial transferability of sensor calibration schemes, which is especially important in India because of the paucity of reference instrumentation. Without calibration, the PA-II was moderately correlated with the reference signal (R2 = 0.55–0.74) but was inaccurate (NRMSE ≥ 40 %). Relative to uncalibrated data, parsimonious annual calibration models improved the PurpleAir (PA) model performance at all sites (cross-validated NRMSE 20 %–30 %; R2 = 0.82–0.95), and greatly reduced seasonal and diurnal biases. Because aerosol properties and meteorology vary regionally, the form of these long-term models differed among our sites, suggesting that local calibrations are desirable when possible. Using a moving-window calibration, we found that using seasonally specific information improves performance relative to a static annual calibration model, while a short-term calibration model generally does not transfer reliably to other seasons. Overall, we find that the PA-II model can provide reliable PM2.5 data with better than ±25 % precision and accuracy when paired with a rigorous calibration scheme that accounts for seasonality and local aerosol composition.

Development and evaluation of food photograph series software for portion size estimation among urban North Indian adults

BACKGROUND: Accurate population specific aids are needed for food portion size estimation in diet assessment. OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a food photograph series software for accurate portion size estimation among urban North Indian adults. METHODS: A preliminary food consumption survey was conducted on 60 adults (25–60 years, male = female = 30) selected purposively from urban Delhi. A range of portion sizes of commonly consumed food items were standardized and photographed at 45 degree angle. An online portion size estimation tool was developed comprising data on 368 recipes and photographs for 313 food items. Real time (part A) and recalled estimation after 24 hours (part B) was done for pre-weighed food portions by participants (n = 30, 25–60 years, male = female = 15) using the software. RESULTS: The % mean relative error in estimation of 24 pre-weighed food portions was –5±22.61% and 13.07±53.22% for parts A and B respectively. Significant correlation between actual and estimated food portions was observed (r &gt; 0.90, p &lt; 0.0001). Correct picture was selected by participants in≥60% estimations while correct or adjacent picture was selected in≥89% estimations. CONCLUSIONS: The software is a useful aid for dietitians and other nutrition professionals for accurate portion size estimation among urban North Indian adults.

The social world of drinkers: A study of waged workers drinking in urban Delhi

ABSTRACT This paper is an ethnographic study of waged workers drinking in public spaces in urban Delhi. It focused on drinking practices among waged workers in the parking space of a market. The distinguishable feature of drinking in public spaces among waged workers was the use of tactics to evade police or consume alcohol uncaught. Sustaining participation in such leisure activities in public spaces leads to a social world of drinkers among waged workers where professional bonds are forged, friendships are made, and networks of contacts are extended among the workers. This paper suggests that such legislation on drinking in public spaces could (re)consider the practice of drinking in moderation that maintains public propriety in the policymaking process rather than synonymizing it with impropriety.

Risk assessment of type 2 diabetes mellitus using Indian diabetes risk score among females aged 30 years and above in urban Delhi

Objectives: It is crucial to identify diabetes risk factors and screen young people for the disease to stop diabetes from developing. An effective and validated approach to assessing population diabetes risk is the Indian diabetes risk score (IDRS). Diabetic women are more vulnerable to many unfavorable outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among females aged 30 years and more using IDRS. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 626 self-declared non-diabetic females from July 2022 to January 2023 using a semi-structured interview schedule. IDRS was used to assess diabetes risk. Results: IDRS categorization revealed 15.8%, 44.6%, and 39.6% participants in low-, moderate-, and high-risk categories, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were 67.5 (60.6–74.4) and 41.6 (34.3–48.9), respectively, compared to the gold standard test (Fasting blood sugar). At a 95% confidence interval, the area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic was found to be 0.6 (0.47–0.68). Conclusion: Nearly two-fifths (39.6%) of the participants had a high risk of getting T2DM. Increments in age, family history of diabetes, lack of physical activity, and abdominal obesity were the most frequent factors associated with a high risk of developing T2DM.

The social world of drinkers: a study of waged workers drinking in urban Delhi

ABSTRACT This paper is an ethnographic study of waged workers drinking in public spaces in urban Delhi. It focused on drinking practices among waged workers in the parking space of a market. The distinguishable feature of drinking in public spaces among waged workers was the use of tactics to evade police or consume alcohol uncaught. Sustaining participation in such leisure activities in public spaces leads to a social world of drinkers among waged workers where professional bonds are forged, friendships are made, and networks of contacts are extended among the workers. This paper suggests that legislation on drinking in public spaces could (re)consider the practice of drinking in moderation that maintains public propriety in the policymaking process rather than synonymizing it with impropriety.

Sleep quality in patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory ailment with persistent airflow limitation associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in airways and lungs to noxious particles or gases. This study aims to observe the sleep quality in these cases as it is known that most of them suffer from disturbed sleep. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the sleep quality in stable patients of COPD and compare with healthy controls. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was approved by ICMR and IEC and conducted in the department of Physiology and the Department of TB and Chest Medicine, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi. In this study, 33 clinically stable COPD patients and 33 normal subjects as controls were included in the study. Then, a detailed history including the demographic characteristics was recorded. Then, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Questionnaire (Hindi version was obtained from MAPI organization) was recorded by direct interview before lung functions were assessed by Spirometry. Results: In his study, COPD was found predominantly in male subjects compared to females. Poor sleep was found in majority of COPD cases. The median global PSQI scores were much higher in COPD cases compared to controls and the difference between them was statistically highly significant (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that the prevalence of poor sleep quality among COPD patients of urban Delhi is very high. Limitations are small sample size and hospital-based subjects and lack of polysomnography.

Prevalence and causes of low vision in a population-based study on childhood visual impairment in North India (CHVI 4).

The present study was a population-based study to determine the prevalence and causes of low vision in children less than 16 years in North India. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 40 clusters of urban Delhi. Children aged less than 16 years underwent visual acuity screening using age-appropriate visual acuity charts. All children with visual acuity of <6/12 in any eye in the age group between 3 and 15 years and inability to follow the light in age less than 3 years were referred for detailed ophthalmic examination in a centrally based clinic. Cycloplegic examination and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed. They were examined by an ophthalmologist to determine the prevalence and causes of functional low vision (FLV). The prevalence of FLV was compared with other population-based studies across India and other parts of the world. Amongst 20,955 children examined for visual acuity, 789 children were referred to the central clinic for detailed ophthalmic examination. The overall prevalence of low vision was 0.62 per 1,000 children (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-1.90). The main anatomical cause of low vision was retinal abnormalities. Although the prevalence of children with low vision decreased as compared to previous population-based studies. There is an important need to create awareness among parents on appropriate and timely usage of low-vision devices (LVDs) at an affordable cost to improve the visual quality in children with low vision.

Milk-cereal mix supplementation during infancy and impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 12 and 24 months of age: a randomized controlled trial in India.

Inadequate protein intake and lack of micronutrients may affect neurodevelopment in infants. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to measure the effect of two milk-cereal mixes with modest and high amounts of protein and enriched with multiple micronutrients (MMN), given between 6-12 months, on cognitive, language, motor and behavioural scores at 12 and 24 months of age, compared to no-supplementation. The two supplements were also compared with each other. The study was conducted in urban Delhi, India and the infants were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to the three study groups. At 12 and 24 months of age, 1134 and 1214 children were available, respectively. At 12 months of age, compared to no supplement group, an increase in the motor scores (mean difference, MD 1.52, 95% CI: 0.28, 2.75) and a decrease in the infant temperament scores (mean difference, MD -2.76, 95% CI: -4.23, -1.29) in the modest protein group was observed. Those in the high protein group had lower socio-emotional scores (MD -1.40, 95% CI: -2.43, -0.37) and higher scores on infant temperament scale (MD 2.05, 95% CI: 0.62, 3.48) when compared to modest protein group. At 24 months, no significant differences in any of the neurodevelopment scores between the three study groups was found. In conclusion, supplementation with modest amount of protein and MMN may lead to short term small improvements in motor function and infant temperament. There appears no advantage of supplementing with high protein, rather negative effects on infant behaviour were observed.

Living waste, living on waste: A bioeconomy of urban cows in Delhi

AbstractThe economic implications of biopolitics – or the administration, regulation, and control of life – have received significant attention in recent geographical and cognate scholarship. An emerging theme of inquiry, largely focused on the Global North, makes contributions to specifying ‘lively capital’, defined here as bodily value in motion – predicated on accumulation from other‐than‐human life. In this paper, we argue that the biopolitical process of bringing life into the ambit of capital works in cultural, political, and economic registers and not just through singular logics of the economic, as extant accounts have implied. The rendition of life into capital through modes of biopower is not a universal process. It has diverging trajectories that, in postcolonial contexts, involve hybrids between biopolitical and vernacular practices. This argument is made through an account of bovine biopolitics in urban Delhi with specific reference to the city's ‘cattle problem’ involving ‘surplus’ animals. It unfolds in four distinct parts. First, drawing on archival work, we trace colonial histories of cattle improvement to reveal how the category of ‘surplus’ was invented. Second, we deploy more‐than‐human ethnographies of free‐ranging animals in Delhi to foreground how ‘surplus’ cattle – which we conceptualise as ‘living waste’ – are driven to feed on waste as a result of gentrification and the enclosure of erstwhile grazing grounds. Third, we turn to gaushalas (cow shelters) in Delhi to show how ‘surplus’ cattle from the city's streets are rehomed and managed. Fourth, we examine the uneven practices of care afforded to different bovines based on logics associated with right‐wing Hindutva nationalism. Our account provincialises lively capital by opening up more nuanced and situated understandings of the relations between biopolitics and capitalism, attentive to divergences from models situated in Western modernity.

Heavy metal pollution in groundwater of urban Delhi environs: Pollution indices and health risk assessment

The excess presence of heavy metals in water resources deteriorates the quality and has a high potential for bioaccumulation and environmental contamination. The study of heavy metals in water is essential because of their integration in the food chain and the potential for sublethal effects on aquatic and human life. To understand the extent of heavy metal pollution, a total of 64 groundwater samples (32 in each pre-and post-monsoon season) were collected around the Yamuna River's flood plains in the Delhi region. In this study, pollution indices and health risk assessment methodologies were used to estimate the significant threat to humans. In examined seasons, the sequence of heavy metal content in groundwater is Fe > Mn > Zn > B > As>Ni > Pb. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) revealed that in the pre-and post-monsoon seasons, 53% and 44% (HPI >100), of groundwater samples are at high-risk zone respectively. 53% of pre-monsoon and 56% of post-monsoon samples were found highly polluted, according to the degree of contamination (Cd). Moreover, health risk assessment shows that hazard index (HI) values for heavy metals were found significantly high (HI >1) in groundwater samples inferring increased non-cancerous risk to the local community. The results imply that continuous exposure can lead to chronic diseases in the population residing in the study region. In both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic assessments, children's hazard index and carcinogenic risk assessment (CR) scores were found higher. As a result, compared to adults in the study region, children are more vulnerable to potential health threats. The principal component analysis (PCA) method was used to figure out the origin of heavy metals, and it was found that As, Fe, Mn, and Zn come from non-anthropogenic sources, whereas mixed sources (natural and anthropogenic) may be responsible for B, Ni, and Pb presence. The results of the study will help to develop an effective strategy for environmental assessment and monitoring to control groundwater pollution of the Delhi urban environs.

A STUDY OF CLINICAL AND TREATMENT PROFILE OF TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS ATTENDING DOTS CENTRE AT PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an age-old disease killing significant number of humans over history and one of the major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. It killed 1.4 million people annually worldwide in the year 2019. India had 2.69 million cases in 2019, according to TB report 2020. Despite the presence of the programme for it's control, TB continues to threaten the population due to emergence of more and more resistance cases challenging it's elimination. This study reflects the annual burden of tuberculosis in an area served by a Primary Health Centre in Urban Delhi and the treatment outcomes. The records of the patients attendingMethods: the DOTS centre was obtained from the treatment register at Primary Health Centre, Palam, Delhi. The records of patients visiting between April 2020 to March 2021 were included. Data analysis was done on Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 and appropriate statistical tests were applied. The total number ofResults &amp; Conclusion: tuberculosis patients registered from April 2020 to March 2021 were 260. Out of these 260 patients, 155 (59.6%) were pulmonary and 105 (40.4%) were extra-pulmonary. A total of 175 (67.3%) were microscopically confirmed and 85 (32.7%) were clinically/radiologically diagnosed.

Phase-Resolved Lockdown Features of Pollution Parameters Over an Urban and Adjoining Rural Region During COVID-19

In this study, we investigate the temporal variations in columnar aerosol pollutants and their possible association with the simultaneously measured black carbon (BC) aerosol mass concentration and associated biomass burning (BB) over urban (Delhi) and rural (Panchgaon) sites during the lockdown phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also show the impact of lockdown measures on boundary layer ozone and its primary precursors, NO2, and water vapor (H2O), potent greenhouse gases that destroy protective ozone. For this purpose, we used multiple datasets, namely, black carbon (BC) aerosol mass concentration and biomass burning (BB) aerosols using an aethalometer at Amity University Haryana (AUH), Panchgaon, India, and satellite retrievals from NASA’s MODIS and OMI at both the stations. The analysis was conducted during the pre-lockdown period (1–25 March), lockdown 1st phase (25 March–14 April), lockdown 2nd phase (15 April–3 May), lockdown 3rd phase (4–17 May), lockdown 4th phase (18–31 May), and post-lockdown (1–30 June) period in 2020. Our diagnostic analysis shows a substantial reduction in AOD (Delhi: −20% to −80%, Panchgaon: −20% to −80%) and NO2 (Delhi: −10% to −42.03%, Panchgaon −10% to −46.54%) in comparison with climatology (2010–2019) during all four phases of lockdown. The reduction in AOD is attributed to lockdown measures and less transport of dust from west Asia than climatology. Despite a reduction in NO2, there is an increase in the ozone amount (Delhi: 1% to 8% and Panchgaon: 1% to 10%) during lockdown I, II, and III phases. The observed enhancement in ozone may be resultant from the complex photochemical processes that involve the presence of NO2, CO, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and water vapor. The reduction in AOD and NO2 and enhancement in ozone are stronger at the rural site, Panchgaon than that at the urban site, Delhi.

Smoothened percentiles for height, weight and body mass index of urban school going adolescents aged 11-17 years in national capital territory region of Delhi, India.

The aim of the study was to estimate centiles by using improved statistical smoothing procedure, the Box-Cox power-exponential (BCPE) method, in urban northern Indian adolescents aged 11-17 years. Data were collected cross-sectionally by measuring specific anthropometric features such as height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference in school-based adolescents aged 11-17 years including both boys (n = 838) and girls (n = 788) enrolled in government educational institutions in urban Delhi. We used a state-of-the-art statistical methodology (BCPE method) to establish centile curves. The model fitted before smoothing revealed that weight, height, and BMI did not follow a normal distribution; both skewness and kurtosis were observed in all three variables. After correcting both skewness and kurtosis, estimated empirical percentile values showed a gradual increase in weight, height, and BMI in both boys and girls. Girls had higher weight and height than boys in initial ages and observed a steep increase in boys in both weight and height in later ages. BMI was higher in girls than boys and visibly higher during 14-16 years of age. The 50th percentile value of BMI was smaller in all the ages in our study than that in other studies. Smoothened percentile values derived for BMI by using the state-of-the-art statistical methodology may help policymakers to promote better growth in urban adolescents.