Manipal University

About: Manipal University is a education organization based out in Manipal, Karnataka, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 9525 authors who have published 11207 publications receiving 110687 citations.

Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Lead Poisoning in General Population

Abstract: Among the heavy metals, lead still remains the major toxic pollutant of the environment. Human exposure to lead can occur through numerous pathways including air, food, dust, soil, and water. In the present study 14 lead poisoned patients with non-occupational lead exposure were evaluated. They were followed up and compared against the controls with no history of lead exposure. The patients had high blood lead levels and symptoms of weakness, dizziness, abdominal pain, generalized body ache, loss of appetite, and anxiety. Repeated course of chelation therapy helped to bring down their body burden of lead. Alternative sources for lead exposure can cause severe lead poisoning in general population. Screening and medical management of such individuals is very important to identify and eliminate sources of lead. The treatment and management requires a thorough medical evaluation and environmental intervention.

Antiinflammatory activity of methionine, methionine sulfoxide and methionine sulfone.

Abstract: The oxidation of methionine in peptides is often associated with the loss of biological activity. Since methionine showed good antiinflammatory activity, its oxidized products methionine sulfoxide and methionine sulfone were tested. The sulfone was more active than the sulfoxide although methionine was most active indicating that the antiinflammatory activity is not correlated with the oxidation state of sulphur. their hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was measured. Methionine was most active and sulfone was least active. Here also no correlation with antiinflammatory activity was found.

A demographic profile of traumatic and non-traumatic spinal injury cases: a hospital-based study from India

Abstract: A demographic profile of traumatic and non-traumatic spinal injury cases: a hospital-based study from India

Starch/PVA hydrogels for oil/water separation

Abstract: PVA polymers have been well-known as water-absorbing materials but their brittle nature hinders their applicability. In this study, we enhanced the strength of hydrogel and its water-absorbing capabilities by glutaraldehyde-assisted crosslinking of starch with PVA and blending BMIM-BF4 to enhance the plasticity and generate porosity within the hydrogel multiplying the swelling capacity up to 300% and understand the kinetics and mechanism of water absorption based on the structure of the hydrogel. The ability of starch/PVA hydrogel to selectively adsorb water from oil-water emulsions was determined by establishing the underwater oleophobic nature (oil contact angle ~ 153.6°), subjecting the hydrogel to oil-water emulsion to determine the water absorbed. The hydrogels' biodegradable nature was tested by an efficient in-house biotic system and mechanisms for biodegradation have been discussed. The biodegradability (~ 90%) was determined for 50% starch in PVA sample in 28 days. These properties observed in the hydrogels will find applications in irrigating arid and semi-arid areas and also in developing superabsorbent hydrogels for hygiene-related product development etc. which can be biodegraded in an economic way. Graphical abstract.

Epidemiology and etiology of acute encephalitis syndrome in North India.

Abstract: Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is a major public health problem in eastern Uttar Pradesh, claiming thousands of lives every year. Here we report the common viral etiologic agents of AES and its epidemiology in the vicinity of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, North India. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from patients with AES, who were referred to a viral diagnostic laboratory from January 2011 to December 2012, were tested for IgM antibodies against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), dengue virus (DV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), measles virus, mumps virus, varicella zoster virus (VZV), and enterovirus using commercial enzyme immuno-assays. Of the 1,578 enrolled patients, JEV was the most commonly detected (16.2%), followed by DV (10.8%), HSV (9.3%), measles virus (8.9%), mumps virus (8.7%), VZV (4.4%), and enterovirus (0%). Co-positivity with more than 1 virus was observed in 12 patients. The demographic distribution of patients pertaining to age, sex, and geographic and seasonal variation is discussed. Maximum mortality was caused by JEV infection, while patients with HSV infection had maximum residual neuro-psychiatric disability. JEV and DV are the chief causative agents of AES in North India, although other viruses should also be considered in a differential diagnosis.