Medically Speaking Team

The Central government has planned to conduct a ‘Chintan Shivir’ that would largely focus on strengthening the running of All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) across the nation, according to reports by ANI.

According to reports, professionals and stakeholders will examine standards of teaching, learning, research, and service delivery for patients at AIIMS during the next Chintan Shivir, which will be place on August 24-25.

Another focus will be on analysing “patient happiness” in AIIMS, such as improving institutional processes to make amenities available to patients “with ease,” according to sources.

The Chintan Shivir will have directors from various AIIMS, colleges in India and will focus on how AIIMS can become common platform for various clinical research purposes.

Earlier, on May 7 this year, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the concluding session of ‘Swasthya Chintan Shivir’, the 14th Conference of Central Council of Health and Family Welfare (CCHFW), at Kevadia, Gujarat from May 5-7, 2022. He was joined by Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog.

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State Health Ministers, Health Secretaries, State health representatives, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NITI Aayog, ICMR and scientists participated in the three-day long conference.

Dr Mandaviya had started his address by stating that “Siddhi (accomplishment) is the driving force behind any Sankalp (resolution).”

Appreciating the participation of around 25 Health and Medical Education Ministers in the 3-day “Swasthya Chintan Shivir”, he had said, “we have been enriched by deep insight of knowledge due to presentation of best practices by states. This provided us knowledge regarding effective implementation of government schemes in the health sector.”

He further stated that “all States have shared one best practice, so now we have more than 25 best practices to learn from and implement across the country. Goals of centre and States are complementary. It is the goal of states which would define policy making at the central level”.

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India has recorded 16,561 new Covid-19 cases in the previous 24 hours with 49 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfares.

India’s active caseload currently stands at 1,23,535 and accounts for 0.28 per cent of the total cases. The recovery rate is currently at 98.53 per cent.

As many as 18,053 recoveries from the infection were logged in the last 24 hours thereby increasing the total recoveries to 4,35,73,094.

India’s COVID-19 death toll has reached 5,26,928, the government data added.

Also Read: Omicron strains 20-30 % more infectious; INSACOG to review data of genomic surveillance of COVID variants

The daily positivity rate and weekly positivity rate stand at 5.44 per cent and 4.88 per cent, respectively.

As many as 3,04,189 COVID samples were tested during this period. 87.95 crore tests have been conducted in the country so far.

Covid vaccines

Under the nationwide vaccination drive, 17,72,441 doses of COVID vaccines were administered in the last 24 hours. The cumulative vaccine doses administered till date rose to 207.47 crore, of which 93.71 are second doses while 11.63 crore are precaution doses.

India has now administered over 100 million precaution doses of COVID-19 vaccines, the Union health ministry said.

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According to one study, SARS-COV-2 infects brain cells known as astrocytes, producing structural abnormalities in the brain. SARS-CoV-2 infection can produce brain changes and neurocognitive impairment, particularly in protracted COVID-19 syndrome, although the underlying processes remain unknown.

Daniel Martins-de-Souza and colleagues employed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine brain anatomy in 81 research participants recovering from a moderate COVID-19 infection versus 81 healthy people. The scientists discovered that the former group had lower cortical thickness, which was linked to cognitive deficits and symptoms like anxiety and sadness.

The authors analyzed brain samples from 26 people who had died of COVID-19, finding that samples from five of these individuals exhibited tissue damage.

Further analysis of damaged brain samples revealed that astrocytes, which are brain cells that sustain neuronal metabolism, were particularly likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and that the virus enters these cells through the NRP1 receptor.

Once infected, astrocytes exhibited altered levels of metabolites used to fuel neurons and neurotransmitter production, and the infected cells secreted neurotoxic molecules. According to the authors, the findings uncover structural changes observed in the brains of people with COVID-19.

The significance of the study denotes the neurological symptoms that are among the most prevalent of the extrapulmonary complications of COVID-19, affecting more than 30 per cent of patients. In this study, we provide evidence that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is found in the human brain, where it infects astrocytes and to a lesser extent, neurons.

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We also show that astrocytes are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection through a noncanonical mechanism that involves spike-NRP1 interaction and respond to the infection by remodeling energy metabolism, which in turn, alters the levels of metabolites used to fuel neurons and support neurotransmitter synthesis. The altered secretory phenotype of infected astrocytes then impairs neuronal viability. These features could explain the damage and structural changes observed in the brains of COVID-19 patients.

Although increasing evidence confirms neuropsychiatric manifestations associated mainly with severe COVID-19 infection, long-term neuropsychiatric dysfunction (recently characterized as part of “long COVID-19” syndrome) has been frequently observed after mild infection.

The study shows the spectrum of cerebral impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, ranging from long-term alterations in mildly infected individuals (orbitofrontal cortical atrophy, neurocognitive impairment, excessive fatigue and anxiety symptoms) to severe acute damage confirmed in brain tissue samples extracted from the orbitofrontal region (via endonasal transethmoidal access) from individuals who died of COVID-19.

In an independent cohort of 26 individuals who died of COVID-19, we used histopathological signs of brain damage as a guide for possible SARS-CoV-2 brain infection and found that among the 5 individuals who exhibited those signs, all of them had genetic material of the virus in the brain.

Brain tissue samples from these five patients also exhibited foci of SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication, particularly in astrocytes. Supporting the hypothesis of astrocyte infection, neural stem cell-derived human astrocytes in vitro are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection through a noncanonical mechanism that involves spike-NRP1 interaction.
SARS-CoV-2-infected astrocytes manifested changes in energy metabolism and in key proteins and metabolites used to fuel neurons, as well as in the biogenesis of neurotransmitters. Moreover, human astrocyte infection elicits a secretory phenotype that reduces neuronal viability.

The study results in cognitive Impairments and Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Convalescent COVID-19 Patients Correlate with Altered Cerebral Cortical Thickness. A cortical surface-based morphometry analysis (using a high-resolution 3T MRI) on 81 subjects diagnosed with mild COVID-19 infection (62 self-reported anosmias or dysgeusia) who did not require oxygen support.

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According to a recent study, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing health inequities among ethnic minorities with diabetes.

After exposing a rise in health inequities, academics from the University of Leicester are pushing care agencies to address the disproportionate impact of the epidemic on people from ethnic minority backgrounds. The team of researchers from the UK and the US analysed the bigger structural hurdles in society that placed ethnic minorities with diabetes at a higher risk of catastrophic COVID-19 outcomes in this study.

Structured imbalances in appropriate housing, food, education, career prospects, and neighbourhood services are among these hurdles.

These obstacles, according to this exhaustive analysis, are critical health factors for persons with diabetes or COVID-19, particularly those in high-risk communities like as ethnic minorities.

The researchers discovered that people from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to have severe coronavirus outcomes due to differences in comorbid conditions (the presence of one or more additional conditions that frequently co-occur with a primary condition), exposure risk, and access to treatment.

Previous academic research have neglected to address larger systemic concerns that might contribute to health disparities among people of colour.

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands and the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre funded the study.

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Professor Kamlesh Khunti CBE, Director of NIHR ARC East Midlands and the Real World Evidence Unit and Professor of Primary Care Diabetes and Vascular Medicine at the University of Leicester, lead author of the review, said: “Diabetes is a risk factor for severe COVID-19, and the combination of these ethnic disparities may have contributed to the inequality of coronavirus outcomes for those living with the condition.

“As we now plan for recovery, improved surveillance, and risk factor management, it will be imperative that primary and specialist care services urgently focus on the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on ethnic minority populations.”

“Only by taking a long-term, holistic view of health care will we, and particularly our most vulnerable populations, be able to cope better with future pandemics.”

NIHR ARC East Midlands finances critical work to address the region’s health and care concerns by accelerating research uptake on the frontlines of health and social care. The organisation implements evidence-based solutions in order to improve care standards while saving time and money.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust hosts NIHR ARC East Midlands, which collaborates with the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network. It has offices at the Universities of Leicester and Nottingham.

The study, titled ‘The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Ethnic Minority Diabetes Groups,’ was published in Diabetes Care.

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According to reports, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) will evaluate the results of genetic monitoring of COVID-19 variations on Friday, amid mounting COVID cases in the national capital and other States.

Different strains of Omicron are proliferating across the country, including the nation’s capital; these strains are 20-30% more infectious than the original Omicron virus.

“The current strains that are doing rounds all over are 20-30 per cent more infectious than Omicron sub-variants, but hospitalisation and deaths are still low,” said Dr NK Arora, Chairperson of COVID working group National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI).

Also Read: Pandemic might have led to health inequalities among ethnic groups, study finds

“These sub-variants are BA.4, BA.5, BA.2.75, BA.2.38, however, any surge in hospitalization or any disease severity has not been observed so far,” said Dr Arora.

According to the bulletin issued on July 11 by INSACOG, Omicron and its sub-lineages continue to be the dominant variant in India.

“BA.2.75 sub-variant has acquired more mutations in spike protein and other genes of the SARS-CoV-2 and it also mentioned that the variant is being closely monitored,” he said.

The Union Health Ministry of Health and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) launched INSACOG on Thursday, reporting 2,726 new COVID-19 cases and six fatalities in the previous 24 hours. The current positive rate is 14.38 percent.

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According to a recent study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine, American military veterans are the least likely to seek treatment for the most common health ailments in their communities, such as sleep and alcohol use issues.

The data also demonstrate a correlation between veterans of color’s desire to seek aid and the occurrence of prejudice. The survey comprised 334 veterans from 46 states, with 66% being men and more than 70% identifying as people of colour.

Insomnia, hazardous alcohol use, drug use, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression were among the 15 medical disorders screened for by participants. They also ranked the importance of each health condition’s therapy and their readiness to seek treatment.

“The majority of participants indicated they would be willing to seek treatment for both physical and mental health problems. However, they reported significantly greater willingness to seek treatment for physical than mental health conditions,” said principal investigator Mary Beth Miller, PhD, assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at the MU School of Medicine.

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The study found that people were most eager to seek therapy for chronic pain, chronic medical illnesses, and physical brain damage. Alcohol or drug usage and sleep difficulties elicited the least willingness.

“We speculate that because sleep and alcohol problems are common, they may be normalized or minimized to the extent that they are no longer viewed as problems – or at least problems that warrant treatment,” Miller said.

The study also examined the role discrimination plays in seeking treatment for physical or mental health problems. More frequent experiences of discrimination were associated with less willingness to seek treatment for physical or mental health problems.

“Among veterans of color, discriminatory experiences were associated with less willingness to seek treatment, but only among those who denied use of other strategies for coping with stress,” Miller said. “Empowering patients to utilize whatever healthy coping methods they have available may mitigate the negative impact of discriminatory experiences on treatment-seeking.”

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According to an official on Thursday, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has analysed 12 samples of probable Monkeypox cases thus far. The AIIMS Virology Lab is one of 15 labs in the country authorised by the Department of Health Research-Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Speaking to ANI, Dr Lalit Dar, Professor, Department of Microbiology, AIIMS said, “At the Virology Laboratory Department of Microbiology, we have received 12 samples from different states. We have also received samples from Delhi.”

AIIMS, Delhi received samples from Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana so far.
Pertinent to mention, two samples of Delhi tested positive for Monkeypox and both the patients are admitted at LNJP hospital.

“Out of these 12 samples, who have tested positive and they are both from Delhi,” Dr Dar said. He said some of the samples tested positive for chicken pox.

Also Read: India records two more monkeypox cases

Notably, the patients who tested positive for Monkeypox in the AIIMS lab do not have any recent travel history abroad.
On the capacity of conducting tests, Dr Lalit said, “Right now we are getting a couple of samples on daily basis, which is not a large number. During COVID, the government augmented the RTPCR testing capacity. For Monkeypox, RTPCR is done. We have the capacity of conducting 400 samples a day depending on requirement and number of patients.”

He further said, “So, far there is really more than enough capacity in the country to do the testing. 15 labs are already authorised by the Department of Health Research, ICMR for testing across the country.”

The laboratory staff in AIIMS, Delhi has received training from ICMR-NIV Pune for conducting real-time RTPCR, biosafety measures, storage and transportation of samples, Dr Lalit said.

The results of testing for Monkeypox come in 24 hours.

“We are giving the report within 24 hours. We usually try to give it on the same day. Even if a sample arrives late in the evening, we still give the report within 24 hours,” he said.

So far, India has documented nine cases of monkeypox, five from Kerala with a history of overseas travel and four from Delhi with no recent travel history.

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According to data published by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday, India registered 20,551 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours.

According to the Ministry, India’s active caseload is at 1,35,364. In the previous 24 hours, 21,595 persons recovered from COVID, bringing the overall number of recoveries to 4,34,45,624. The current recovery rate is 98.50 percent.

Also Read: US declares Monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency

Covid vaccines

A total of 4,00,110 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours taking the total number of tests to 87.71 crore. The daily positivity rate and weekly positivity rate stand at 5.14 per cent and 6.14 per cent, respectively.

More than 196.86 crore (1,96,86,41,625) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far by the Govt. of India, informed the Ministry.

India administered 36,95,835 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours.

Till now India has administered 205.59 crore vaccine doses, including 93.46 crore are second doses and 10.09 crore precaution dose.

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According to authorities, two of the 12 samples obtained by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi proved positive for monkeypox.

These patients were admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP) upon confirmation.

“Both the patients who tested positive for monkeypox here have no recent travel history. So, far there is really more than enough capacity in the country to do the testing. 15 labs are already authorised by ICMR for testing across the country,” said Dr Lalit Dar, Professor, Dept of Microbiology, AIIMS.

According to an official on Thursday, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi has analysed 12 samples of probable Monkeypox cases thus far.

Also Read: Covid case update: 20,551 cases recorded in India

The AIIMS Virology Lab is one of 15 labs in the country authorised by the Department of Health Research-Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Speaking to ANI, Dr Lalit Dar, Professor, Department of Microbiology, AIIMS said, “At the Virology Laboratory Department of Microbiology, we have received 12 samples from different states. We have also received samples from Delhi.”

So far, AIIMS in Delhi has received samples from Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana.

It is worth noting that two samples from Delhi tested positive for monkeypox, and both patients are being treated at LNJP hospital.

“Out of these 12 samples, who have tested positive and they are both from Delhi,” Dr Dar said. He said some of the samples tested positive for chicken pox.

Notably, the patients who tested positive for Monkeypox in the AIIMS lab do not have any recent travel history abroad.

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