ABSTRACT
A community-based, longitudinal interventional study was conducted in a slum in north-east (NE) Mumbai, using a pretested, semi-structured proforma and a pre- and follow-up interview schedule to assess the male health clinic (MHC) strategy as an approach for the control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in males. The focus groups that emerged for behavior change communication (BCC) activities were clients in second and third decades of life, unmarried and married but not staying with wife, clients with no permanent place of occupation, clients with habit of alcohol, and illiterate clients. Postintervention, there was an overall increase in STI knowledge score, alcohol habit score, and high-risk sexual activity score. Less than 50% of the clients received advice on substance abuse and information on consequences of STI/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The study concluded that MHC strategy is an effective approach for control of STIs in males and recommended strengthening of the weaker components of the strategy with focus on the important client groups.
Subject(s)
Ambulatory Care Facilities/organization & administration , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adult , Chi-Square Distribution , Child , Demography , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Humans , India/epidemiology , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Program Evaluation , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Statistics, Nonparametric , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
In mammals, Mannose 6-phosphate receptor proteins (MPR 300 and MPR46) mediate transport of lysosomal enzymes to lysosomes. Both receptors have been found in non-mammalian vertebrates including fish. To investigate the presence of MPRs in invertebrates, MPR 300 protein was isolated from the mollusc unio by affinity chromatography. It was shown to exhibit biochemical and immunological properties similar to mammalian MPR 300.
