Latest news with #AparnaMohan
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Cy-TB test introduced by Kerala govt. for detecting and treating tuberculosis
The State health authorities in Kerala have introduced a new intradermal test called Cy-TB for detecting and treating tuberculosis (TB) infection following the prioritisation of latent TB infection treatment under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP). TB infection is different from active TB disease. A person with TB infection harbours the organism causing TB infection (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in the body, having probably acquired it through contact with someone with active disease. But the organism remains dormant or inactive in the body and the person neither has any TB symptoms nor is he contagious. However, if left untreated, 5-10% of them will progress to developing active TB disease when the body's immune system weakens, allowing the TB bacteria to flare up. This could happen within weeks of acquiring the infection or maybe years, depending on the immune system and other factors determining immune regulation. Study A community-based cross-sectional study among adults in Thiruvananthapuram district in 2023 had reported that roughly one-fifth of the adult population in the district – 20.5% of adults – have tuberculosis infection. The study, 'Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection among Adults of Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala as Measured by Interferon Gamma Release Assay – A Cross-Sectional Study,' tested whole blood samples of 396 adults in Thiruvananthapuram for TB infection and found that the prevalence of TB infection increased with age, ranging from 11.5% in the 18-35 age group to 30.3% in the 58-years-plus age group. 'Our studies show that about 22% of the State's general population has acquired TB infection from the community. While they pose no immediate threat to the community, once they go into an immuno-compromised state, the bacteria will multiply and produce symptoms of active disease. Given the morbidity profile of Kerala – high prevalence of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heavy alcohol use and a huge population on dialysis – it is important that we identify and treat these people to reduce the future burden of TB,' says Aparna Mohan, Government of India-WHO consultant for TB. Cy-TB is a third generation test approved by the Central TB Division. Blood test detection Since 2021, Kerala has been using the blood test Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) for detecting TB infection. However, this test required extensive laboratory support and it had a waiting period too. There were also systemic difficulties in rolling it out. Cy-TB is a highly specific, accurate and user-friendly skin test, wherein 0.1 ml dose of M. tuberculosis-specific antigens (ESAT-6 and CFP-10) are injected into the skin in the inner forearm. An induration (a raised area) of 5 mm or more which develops on the skin within 48-72 hours indicates TB infection (While a trained nurse can administer the injection, the person will have to return to the health centre for checking out the skin reaction.) If tested positive, active TB has to be ruled out before considering TB preventive therapy. TB preventive therapy is optional and not currently recommended for all those who are infected. Only high risk individuals recommended for preventive therapy under the NTEP alone need to take preventive therapy. Risk groups In Kerala, the identified risk groups include individuals on immunosuppressive therapy, those with silicosis (lung disease following the inhalation of silica dust), those on anti-TNF treatment, and those on dialysis and awaiting organ transplantation. Preventive therapy is also offered to health-care workers who test positive in the Cy-TB test. The preventive therapy is a short regimen with less number of drugs. This could be three-month weekly Isoniazid and Rifapentine (3HP) or six-months daily Isoniazid (6H). According to the State TB Division, Cy-TB will be offered in district TB centres, taluk hospitals, at the block level in some districts and in all dialysis centres too. The Health department also intends to use Cy-TB to test inmates in old age homes where pulmonary TB has been reported. The test is currently available in major private hospitals too.
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Aparna Mohan and her refreshing Bharatanatyam recital
Aparna Mohan's Bharatanatyam recital, though rooted in tradition, had a freshness to it. Hailing from Thrissurand trained under gurus, Shafiquddin and Shabana, Aparna presented a well-structured recital, which was a part of the Natyarangam monthly series. She began with a Ganapathy stuti in raga Tilang and Adi tala, a composition by Agathiyar titled 'Prabho Ganapathe'. This opening piece was performed with clarity in footwork and composed expressions, setting a devotional tone for the evening. The central piece of the evening was the varnam, 'Sakhiye indha velaiyil', in raga Ananda Bhairavi and Adi tala, composed by the Thanjavur Quartet. This composition depicts a nayika's yearning for her beloved Lord Rajagopala of Mannargudi. Aparna portrayed the conversation between the nayika and hersakhi with convincing expressions. Particularly notable was her subtle use of eyes, conveying love, longing and impatience. The sancharis (narrative sequences) were brought out with clarity, especially when she compares her sakhi to a peacock or when she is struck by the arrows of Manmatha. Her footwork was well-paced and confident, providing rhythmic depth without overwhelming the emotive aspect of the performance. Next came the padam, 'Theruvil varano', composed by Muthu Thandavar in raga Khamas and Rupaka tala. This evocative piece allowed the dancer to delve deeper into the realm of abhinaya. As a maiden longing for Lord Nataraja, her expressive storytelling stood out. The moment when she imagined the Lord standing at her doorstep whispering secrets was delicately portrayed. Her hand movements were soft and precise, and the subtle changes in expression effectively captured the transitions from hope to frustration and, finally, acceptance. Aparna concluded her recital with a vibrant thillana in raga Dhanashree and Adi tala, a composition of Swati Tirunal. This brisk piece provided a fitting end to the performance. The choreography showcased neat rhythmic patterns, while her costume and jewellery added to the visual appeal. The nattuvangam support kept the rhythm lively.
New Indian Express
25-04-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Nearly 82 lakh people in Kerala at high risk of tuberculosis, says health department
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state health department has mapped 81.6 lakh individuals at high risk of tuberculosis (TB) as it plans pro-active measures for early detection and treatment, as part of its aim to eliminate the disease. These individuals were surveyed from 18 vulnerable groups, including people with uncontrolled diabetes, kidney ailments, past or familial history of TB, and those living in overcrowded, socio-economically disadvantaged areas, such as tribal and coastal regions. Despite a decline in overall TB cases, the disease remains a leading cause of death in the state. According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, Kerala records six TB-related deaths every day — adding up to 2,123 fatalities annually. The state has intensified efforts for early detection of the disease. In 2023, over 21,500 new cases were identified by screening 5.44 lakh people. A recent 100-day campaign by the State TB Cell screened 53 lakh people and detected 5,588 cases. Health experts stress that detecting TB before symptoms appear is crucial to cutting transmission and reducing the disease burden. 'A patient with pulmonary TB becomes infectious once symptoms appear, particularly coughing. Unfortunately, many self-medicate or ignore symptoms, which facilitates spread. Men are more susceptible, but less likely to attend screening camps, partly due to the stigma surrounding the disease,' said Dr Aparna Mohan, WHO consultant. She warns that one symptomatic TB patient can infect up to 15 others a year. AI X-ray units In a decisive step aimed at eliminating the disease, the State TB Cell is set to deploy artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled hand-held X-ray units to screen vulnerable groups. These portable, battery-operated devices provide high-resolution imaging with low-dose radiation (6mA) and can be easily set up at local health centres, halls, or community settings — removing logistical barriers for hard-to-reach groups. 'The Central TB Division will provide two hand-held X-ray units to each district, and additional devices are being procured using CSR funds,' said state TB officer Dr K K Rajaram. Annual chest X-rays will be offered free of cost, especially targeting coastal communities whose work patterns often prevent them from attending regular camps. 'With portable X-ray machines, we can reach them on their own terms,' Dr Aparna added. If the AI analysis flags an abnormality, patients will undergo confirmatory molecular tests such as CBNAAT and TrueNAT. Those testing positive will be administered immediate treatment, in line with national guidelines. If a person is TB negative she or he may be referred to a physician to determine other cause of lung abnormality. According to the National TB Prevalence Survey, nearly 43% of cases would be missed without chest X-ray screening--underscoring the critical role of imaging in disease detection.
Hans India
22-04-2025
- Hans India
Pioneering Semiconductor Verification Excellence by Aparna Mohan
With over a decade of experience in pre-silicon verification, Aparna Mohan has emerged as a respected voice in the semiconductor industry. Based in Austin, Texas, she brings a rare combination of academic excellence and deep technical expertise to her work, ensuring the reliability of complex ASIC designs. 'Verification is where my analytical mindset thrives,' Aparna says. 'I've always been driven by the challenge of making sure a design behaves exactly as intended—even under the most unlikely conditions.' Her academic foundation is as solid as her professional credentials. After earning a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University, she built on her early success as a Third Rank Holder in her undergraduate program at the University of Kerala, India. Her first major role—contributing to satellite systems at the Indian Space Research Organization—sparked her fascination with technological integrity. That fascination soon evolved into a passion for semiconductor design verification. Aparna's verification expertise spans 14 successful ASIC product tape-outs. She applies a blend of formal and simulation-based methodologies to tackle today's complex verification demands. 'Formal verification allows me to rigorously prove that critical properties always hold, especially in security and control logic,' she explains. 'Meanwhile, simulation with UVM gives us the flexibility to explore vast functional spaces using randomized testing.' Security verification is one of the most complex challenges in modern semiconductor design. Aparna addresses this through a layered approach. 'Combining formal verification for security protocols with targeted simulation helps us catch both expected and unexpected vulnerabilities,' she says. She also integrates assertion-based and system-level verification techniques, ensuring robust coverage even as design requirements evolve. A data-driven mindset guides her approach. She closely monitors metrics like coverage, bug detection rates, and cycle efficiency. 'Tracking these indicators tells us where we stand and where we need to focus,' she notes. 'They are the feedback loop that keeps verification on track.' Her commitment to innovation is equally evident. Aparna has developed reusable verification components, improved debug efficiency, and contributed to multiple technical conferences. 'There's always a better way to solve a problem. Whether it's building smarter environments or adopting new tools, I'm constantly looking to improve how we verify chips.' Looking ahead, Aparna is optimistic about the role of AI in shaping the future. 'Machine learning will revolutionize how we generate tests, detect bugs, and even suggest strategies,' she predicts. 'As chips get more intelligent, our verification methods must be just as smart.' Aparna continues to share her insights with the broader verification community, staying actively involved in conferences and forums. 'It's not just about staying current—it's about pushing the field forward together.'
