TB prevalence is higher among smokers.

Population-based surveys are crucial for understanding smoking and TB epidemiology.A sub-national cross-sectional survey was conducted among individuals aged ≥15 years in 180 clusters in Southern India.Among 130,914 participants included for analysis, 117,091 were non-smokers, 5,410 were past smokers, and 8,413 were current smokers.

Programmatic implications of a sub-national TB prevalence survey in India.

Subnational TB estimates are crucial for making informed decisions to tailor TB control activities to local TB epidemiology.A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 143,005 individuals in Tamil Nadu, India. Participants were screened for symptoms and underwent chest X-ray (CXR).

Active case-finding for tuberculosis in India.

Early identification of presumptive tuberculosis (TB) cases through active case-finding (ACF) would be an important complementary strategy to meet the national urgency in accelerating case detection to achieve the goals of 'End TB' strategy. ACF activities have yielded additional cases in different vulnerable groups in India. The yield of cases depends on the screening tool available, the characteristics of the high-risk population being screened, and most importantly, the linkage between effective diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Effect of rifampin with bio-enhancer in the treatment of newly diagnosed sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients: A double-center study.

Objective: To compare a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of Rifampicin 450 mg, Isoniazid 300 mg, Pyrazinamide 1500 mg and Ethambutol 800 mg (usual care group) and regimen of Rifampicin 200 mg, Isoniazid 300 mg and piperine 10 mg along with Pyrazinamide 1500 mg and Ethambutol 800 mg (intervention care group).

Methods: A randomized, prospective, parallel group study was conducted on newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients. The drugs were given during intensive and continuous phase of treatment to newly diagnosed sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis.

Effectiveness of vitamin D3 in severe persistent asthmatic patients: A double blind, randomized, clinical study.

Objective: To assess the pulmonary function and quality of life in asthma patients receiving vitamin D3 supplementation with inhaled budesonide and formoterol.

Materials And Methods: This was a double blinded, randomized, comparative study. Patients were recruited as per the study criteria and randomized into two groups: usual care group (n = 69) patients received budesonide (800 μg) with formoterol (24 μg) and intervention care group (n = 72) patients received vitamin D3 (1000 IU) supplementation along with budesonide (800 μg) plus formoterol (24 μg) for a period of 6 months.