Mevo lectin specificity toward high-mannose structures with terminal αMan(1,2)αMan residues and its implication to inhibition of the entry of Mycobacterium tuberculosis into macrophages.

Mannose-binding lectins can specifically recognize and bind complex glycan structures on pathogens and have potential as antiviral and antibacterial agents. We previously reported the structure of a lectin from an archaeal species, Mevo lectin, which has specificity toward terminal α1,2 linked manno-oligosaccharides. Mycobacterium tuberculosis expresses mannosylated structures including lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM) on its surface and exploits C-type lectins to gain entry into the host cells.

Supported employment programme for persons with severe mental disorders in India: A feasibility study.

Background: A number of persons with severe mental illnesses are unable to prepare for, find or keep a job due to factors linked to their illness as well as psychosocial issues.

Aim: To test the feasibility of a supported employment programme to help persons with severe mental disorders obtain and sustain employment.

Methods: A supported employment programme was developed for persons with severe mental disorders with components of (a) assessment of vocational potential, (b) vocational counselling, (c) networking and liaison with prospective employers, (d) job-related training and placement and (e) continued support for 6 months.

Development of vocational potential assessment tool and counseling module for persons with severe mental disorders.

Objective: To develop and validate the vocational potential assessment tool and counselling module for persons with severe mental disorders (SMD).

Method: The tool and the module were developed through review of existing assessment tools, individual interviews and focused group discussions with key stake holders- persons with SMD, caregivers, expert mental health professionals and employers. The developed tool and module were validated by experts.

Case report on anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by excessive restriction on food intake and irrational fear of gaining weight, often accompanied by a distorted body self-perception. It is clinically diagnosed more frequently in females, with type and severity varying with each case. The current report is a case of a 25-year-old female, married for 5 years, educated up to 10(th) standard, a homemaker, hailing from an upper social class Hindu (Marvadi) family, living with husband's family in Urban Bangalore; presented to our tertiary care centre with complaints of gradual loss of weight, recurrent episodes of vomiting, from a period of two years, menstrual irregularities from 1 year and amenorrhea since 6 months, with a probable precipitating factor being husband's critical comment on her weight.