Adaptation and validation of the Bengali version of the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL)

Background: Chronic urticaria exerts a profound impact on quality of life. Recent guidelines recommend its evaluation in all chronic urticaria patients. Currently, the Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL) is the only validated tool to assess chronic urticaria-specific quality of life. Objective: To validate and adapt the CU-Q2oL to the Bengali language for its widespread use. Methods: The CU-Q2oL questionnaire was translated into Bengali. Its internal consistency and reliability were tested by asking 42 chronic urticaria patients to complete this version. They completed the validated Bengali Dermatology Life Quality Index and Urticaria Control test questionnaires, and their scores were correlated with CU-Q2oL score to assess the validity of our Bengali version. Results: The mean CU-Q2oL score of our patients (mean age 38.41 ± 13.4 years, male: female 29:13) was 48.8 ± 16.5. Domain 4 (sleep problems) was worst affected, followed by domain 1 (pruritus), while domain 2 (swelling) was least affected. We detected an excellent overall internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.93) of our version and nearly complete agreement (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.91) between the test-retest scores. We found a significant positive correlation between the overall CU-Q2oL and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores (rs = 0.53, P = 0.0002), thus implying the validity of our version. Additionally, we noted a significant negative correlation between the overall CU-Q2oL and Urticaria Control test scores (rs = -0.48, P = 0.0007), suggestive of a more severe impairment of quality of life with poorer disease control. Limitations: Small sample size, observational design and bias in test-retest reliability analysis due to the use of rescue therapy in-between assessment sessions were important limitations of our study. Conclusion: The Bengali version of CU-Q2oL questio

Estimation of stature from percutaneous length of tibia amongst Bengali population

Background: Stature of an individual can be estimated from long bones as these have a direct correlation to the height of an individual. The standing height is mostly contributed lower limb length. Hence regression equations which are best upon length of lower limb long bones are indicative very much. Secular differences of tibial length could be the reason for need of more accurate equation of stature estimation among Bengali population.Methods: In this present study the maximum percutaneous tibial length and the corresponding standing height of adult 260 male and 210 female Bengali subjects were taken. The data were analyzed by parametric statistics and the regression equations were derived.Results: The mean standing height of subjects was 159.15 cm in males and 157.12 cm. in females. It was determined that percutaneous tibial length and stature were positively correlated; the formulated regression equations were seen to be statistically significant (p <0.05) in both the sexes.Conclusions: The present study revealed that there is high degree of correlation between percutaneous tibial length and standing height of Bengali subjects. Hence applicability of the present equations is critically discussed as these will be very much useful for various practical aspects.

Determination of sex from fragment of hip bone in Indian Bengali.

The present study was designed to derive a model for determination of sex from fragment of adult hip bone (distal ischio-pubic portion) in a population specific sample using Discriminant function analysis. The following discriminant function was obtained: DF = .76*SYL +1.60*SYW + 4.36. *DOF – 24.88 Overall 90.0 % of the cases could be correctly classified in to the two sexes from the three predictors [maximum vertical length of symphyseal surface (SYL), maximum width of symphyseal surface of pubis (SYW) and maximum diameter of the obturator foramen (DOF).] in the model. Cross-validated results showed correct classification in 86.7% cases. The results of this preliminary study show that these three variables contribute to discrimination between the two sexes in the study population. This investigation also reiterates that discriminant functions are population specific. Sexing of the adult human hipbone is thus possible with reasonable accuracy using the discriminant function on a sample obtained from the Indian Bengali population. This metric analysis can be used for fragmentary remains of hipbones of the population under study.

Determination of sex by sciatic notch/acetabular ratio (Kelley’s Index) in Indian Bengali skeletal remains.

Kelley used the sciatic notch is to acetabular ratio as the osteometric method to differentiate between male and female hipbones. The present study was designed to examine the applicability of this index (sciatic notch /acetabular height ratio) and the rule of thumb (of Kelley) in Indian Bengali skeletal remains. A preliminary attempt was made to derive a sectioning point and propose a new ―rule of thumb‖ approach for determining sex from skeletal remains. The study showed that bones with sciatic notch /acetabular height index equal or greater than .93 (or 93 when expressed as a percentage) was definitely female and those with values less than .93 were male. The results of applying this new rule on the present series of Indian Bengali hipbones indicate that 93.3 % of the total sample could be correctly classified in to the proper sex. Of those 92.8% of the males and 93.75% of the females were correctly classified by the new rule. The present new rule of thumb approach is a valid, effective, reliable, population specific and easy method to differentiate between male and female pelvis in Indian Bengali skeletal remains.

Correlation between maximum femoral length and epicondylar breadth and its application in stature estimation: A population specific study in Indian Bengali Males.

Stature is an important data for identification. Stature of an individual can be estimated from measurement of long bones with the help of established formulae. This method is in practice since 1899. Estimation of stature from bones has anthropological and forensic importance. Changes in the pattern of crime and steady increase in the number of homicides have made these works important and valuable for the administration of law. Excavation of graves, mass casualties and cases where grossly mutilated skeletal remains are found, become difficult and challenging for both the forensic pathologist and physical anthropologist. In India, exposed and unidentified dead bodes are often mutilated by wild animals gnawing the skeletal remains. Bone fragments, often with ends destroyed, are brought for forensic examination. Further, those formulae for long bones are population specific, and also depend on the condition of the available bones. The present study makes an attempt to establish the correlation between epicondylar breadth and maximum femoral length and subsequently its application in stature estimation in Indian Bengali population.