University of Madras

About: University of Madras is a education organization based out in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Ring (chemistry) & Lipid peroxidation. The organization has 8496 authors who have published 11369 publications receiving 211152 citations. The organization is also known as: Madras University & University of Chennai.

High HIV prevalence and incidence among MSM across 12 cities in India.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To characterize prevalence incidence and associated correlates of HIV infection among MSM in 12 cities across India. DESIGN: Cross-sectional sample using respondent-driven sampling from September 2012 to June 2013. METHODS: A total 12022 MSM (~1000/city) were recruited. Participants had to be at least 18 years self-identify as male and report oral/anal intercourse with a man in the prior year. HIV infection was diagnosed using three rapid tests. Cross-sectional HIV incidence was estimated using a multiassay algorithm. All estimates incorporate respondent-driven sampling-II weights. RESULTS: Median age was 25 years 45% self-identified as panthi (predominantly penetrative anal intercourse) and 30.6% reported being married to a woman. Weighted HIV prevalence was 7.0% (range: 1.7-13.1%). In multivariate analysis significantly higher odds of HIV infection was observed among those who were older had lower educational attainment were practicing purely receptive anal sex or both receptive and penetrative sex and those who were herpes simplex virus-2 positive. Of 1147 MSM who tested HIV positive 53 were identified as recent HIV infections (annualized incidence = 0.87%; range = 0-2.2%). In multivariate analysis injecting drugs in the prior 6 months syphilis and higher number of male partners and fewer female partners were significantly associated with recent HIV infection. CONCLUSION: We observed a high burden of HIV among MSM in India with tremendous diversity in prevalence incidence and risk behaviors. In particular we observed high incidence in areas with relatively low prevalence suggesting emerging epidemics in areas not previously recognized to have high HIV burden.

Heavy metals in two fish species (Carangoidel malabaricus and Belone stronglurus) from Pulicat Lake, North of Chennai, Southeast Coast of India.

Abstract: We present the results from a detailed study based on five metals (Cr, Cd, Zn, Pb and Fe) measured in four organs (gills, liver, intestine and muscle) of two fish species (Carangoidel malabaricus and Belone stronglurus) from Pulicat Lake in southeast coast of India. The results show marked differences between the two species and organs as well as significant variations within the five analyzed metals. Although the metal concentrations measured in fish muscle are low, high levels of Pb and Fe were observed in the liver and gills of the two fish species. The concentrations of heavy metals in edible parts (muscle) of fish were within the permissible levels and are safe for the human consumption.

Protective role of ascorbic acid and a-tocopherol on arsenic-induced microsomal dysfunctions

Abstract: Arsenic, a naturally occurring element, is present in food, soil, air and water. All human populations are exposed to arsenic and its compounds through occupational or environmental processes. Since arsenic compounds have been shown to exert their toxicity chiefly by generating reactive oxygen species, we have evaluated the effect of ascorbic acid and a-tocopherol on oxidative damage, antioxidant status and on xenobiotic metabolizing systems in arsenic-exposed rat liver and kidney microsomes. Arsenic exposure increases oxidative damage to lipids and proteins and decreases the levels of antioxidants and the activities of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. Coadministration of ascorbic acid and a-tocopherol to arsenic-exposed rats resulted in a reduction in the levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls and hydrogen peroxide and an elevation in the levels of reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid and a-tocopherol. Ascorbic acid and a-tocopherol treatment decreases the activity of haem oxygenase, whereas it in...