EPH - International Journal of Medical and Health Science

INTRICATE INTERPLAY OF BACTERIA, VIRUS & OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM.

2025-02-06T11:41:54+00:00

Over the past few years, the utilization of metagenomic sequencing techniques and analogous methodologies has significantly advanced our comprehension of the human virome's diversity and its implications for human health. The human organism is inhabited by a plethora of microbial communities, known collectively as the microbiome. Of comparable significance, yet seldom acknowledged, is the presence of a vast array of viruses, which are collectively termed the 'virome'. Viruses are widely regarded as the most prolific and diverse biological entities on Earth, with an estimation of 10^31 particles. The human virome harbours this vastness and intricacy, comprising approximately 10^13 particles per individual, exhibiting substantial variability among different body locations. This burgeoning field has elucidated the complex interplay between the virome and disease etiology, as well as the pivotal processes governing its establishment during early human life. It is now well established that the state of the viral community can correlate with deleterious consequences for the host, whereas certain states are indicative of a healthy individual. This Review aims to synthesize the current scientific discourse surrounding the human virome, focusing on the recent advancements in research that delve into the nuanced dynamics of virome assembly, its intricate composition, and the multifaceted interactions that unfold between the host and its viral counterpart.

These studies not only shed light on the mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of the human virome but also underscore the critical role that the virome may play in both the preservation and disruption of host homeostasis.

AIM: ADDRESSING MENSTRUATION RELATED CHALLENGES FACED BY SCHOOL-GOING GIRLS

2025-02-13T11:05:05+00:00

This project, titled “Addressing Menstruation related Challenges Faced by School-going Girls," focuses on the critical issue of menstrual health management (MHM) among adolescent girls and its impact on their education, well-being, and social participation. Menstruation, a natural biological process, remains surrounded by stigma, myths, and a lack of adequate resources, particularly in low- resource settings. These challenges often lead to significant barriers for school-going girls, including absenteeism, reduced academic performance, and diminished self-esteem.

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH STATUS OF CHILDREN IN SELECTED ANGANWADI CENTERS AT GWALIOR

2025-02-04T11:38:56+00:00

This study was conducted to evaluate the environmental health status of children between the ages of 2 to 6 years coming to Anganwadi centers in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh with particular reference to sanitation, water, and waste. A cross-sectional observational design was used, and 150 children and their corresponding Anganwadi centers were selected by the use of stratified random sampling. The investigators used self-developed structured questionnaires to obtain data from the caregiver and Anganwadi worker respondents, and checklists for the physical assessment of the environmental conditions of the centers. The correlations between environmental factors and child health outcomes were tested by descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that there were huge differences between the rural and urban areas with the urban areas having relatively better sanitation facilities, water quality, and waste disposal systems. Large-scale statistical analysis revealed that there is a significant association between environmental quality and childhood diseases with sanitation having the strongest relationship (r = 0.72), followed by water (r = 0.65) and waste disposal (r = 0.58). These findings underscore the need for enhancing the physical environment of Anganwadi centers, especially in rural settings to enhance the health of children. The findings of the study point to the direction that it is imperative to tailor the intervention to improve sanitation, water, and waste disposal in the Anganwadi centers. More future studies should be conducted on long-term outcomes of environmental changes on child health taking into consideration other determinants of child development such as nutrition and immunization.