Temporal Trends in SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Levels Among COVID-19 Patients in Kerala During the First Wave and Pre-vaccination Period.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 virus interacts with host cells through the S1 domain of its spike protein. This study measures the IgG immune response to this domain in COVID-19 patients from Kerala, India, and explores its association with various health factors.

Methods: A cohort of 258 COVID-19 patients was analyzed for IgG antibodies targeting the S1 spike protein domain.

Performance & clinical utility of oropharyngeal versus nasopharyngeal swabs in COVID-19.

Background & Objectives: The oropharyngeal (OP) and nasopharyngeal (NP) swab samples are the most recommended clinical specimens for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in an individual through the quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) method. The primary objective of this study was to compare the performance of NP and OP swabs for the diagnosis of COVID-19 among 2250 concomitant samples (1125 NP + 1125 OP) using rRT-PCR test.

Methods: This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in southern India.

In-hospital mortality of intermittent vs daily antitubercular regimen in patients with meningeal tuberculosis--a retrospective study.

Introduction: The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), the State-run Tuberculosis Control Initiative of the Government of India, recommends intermittent thrice a week Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) both during intensive phase and continuation phase for a total of nine months for tubercular meningitis. However, most recent guidelines recommend daily regimen.

Objective: Assessment of the in-hospital mortality in patients with meningeal tuberculosis.

Impact of antiretroviral therapy on vocational rehabilitation.

This study evaluates the impact of a free antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme on the employment status of people living with HIV/AIDS. Patients on ART were interviewed regarding the employment status before and after ten months of enrollment into therapy. We included patients who were started on the free ART program of Kerala state at the Medical College, Thrissur.

Usefulness of the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment scale in South India.

Background: The number of older people with cognitive impairment being seen in out patient settings is increasing. A brief screening test, which is culturally and educationally fair, would be very useful for clinicians for identifying dementia in these settings.

Objectives: To examine the new cognitive screening test, the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS), and to compare it with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).