ESAT-6 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis downregulates cofilin1, leads to filamentous actin enrichment and reduces the phagosome acidification in infected macrophages, which are partially reversed by a single methionine mutation.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) persists within macrophages by evading phagosome maturation. In this study, we considered the role of actin dynamics in this process.

A Retrospective Study on the Association of the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index in Predicting the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder characterized by intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, assessed using the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). Systemic inflammation is central to OSA progression, and the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) has emerged as a potential biomarker for inflammatory diseases. This study investigates the relationship between SIRI and OSA severity while comparing other inflammatory markers.

Rationale and methodology of a multicentric prospective cohort study on 'Longitudinal Effects of Air Pollution Exposure on Adolescent Lungs (APEAL)' in urban India: APEAL protocol.

Introduction: Air pollution is a significant global health concern, with studies from the USA and Europe linking long-term exposure to respiratory issues and poor school attendance in children. While Indian cities experience much higher pollution levels, the impact on lung development in Indian children remains unclear. This study aims to assess the burden of impaired lung function in Indian children and identify key factors contributing to pollution-induced lung injury.

Influenza vaccination uptake of health care workers in a tertiary hospital: Findings from qualitative research in Mysuru, India.

Vaccinating health care workers (HCWs) is a common way to prevent influenza-related infection, transmission to patients and absenteeism of HCWs. In India, influenza contributes to 130,000 deaths per year, yet vaccination uptake of HCWs is low. Fifteen percent of the HCWs received one or more vaccinations in 5 years.

Perceptions of respiratory tract infections and their implications for disease prevention practices among older adults in Mysuru, India.

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) remain an important cause of mortality and morbidity, particularly among older adults. Annual influenza epidemics cause around 127,000 deaths in India of which 65% are among adults of 65 years and older. Because of India's rapidly growing older adult population, RTIs are likely to become an even greater public health issue and implementing effective preventive strategies will be crucial.