ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Renal stone disease is a common disorder of the urinary tract and also a significant problem because of incidence, recurrence, and severe consequences. The complex pathogenetic mechanisms of renal stone formation involve both biologic and environmental risk factors. The present study was performed to identify the role of these parameters among renal stone patients and normal individuals from a coastal union territory region in South India. METHODS: The authors conducted a case-control study of renal stone disease among outpatient department patients more than 30 years of age using systematic random sampling procedure with 100 study participants (50 subjects for each group). A questionnaire to explore some relevant history as well as to note general examination findings was used along with a house visit to collect a sample of water. Analysis was undertaken using appropriate statistical techniques. RESULTS: The study showed statistically significant association for renal stones with female sex, illiteracy, body mass index (BMI) (>25 kg/m2), sodium (>50 mg/L), water consumption (<1.5 L/day), water source being borewell, consuming soft drink, sedentary work, and family history of renal stones. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were significantly higher for consuming soft drink (OR: 8.19; 95% confidence interval: 1.99-33.69), sedentary work (10.01; 1.27-78.91), and water consumption < 1.5 L/day (7.73; 2.24-26.69). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in this part of India, female gender, illiteracy, high BMI, high sodium in drinking water, inadequate water consumption, borewell drinking water, soft-drink consumption, sedentary work, and family history of renal stones can lead to a significant increase in the risk of renal stone disease.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Injuries are assuming epidemic proportions globally; and in India. Also, previous decade witnessed carnage on Indian roads, with nearly 12 lakh people killed and 55 lakhs disabled in road crashes. The trend in Armed Forces is reflective of the aforesaid patterns. Behaviour and socio-demographic background of the victims are significant determinants of injuries and road accidents. Community-based epidemiological information on these aspects is envisaged to contribute in their preventive strategy. Towards this direction, the present study was conducted with aim to generate socio-behavioural profile of injuries and Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) amongst service personnel in a large defence station; and to evaluate their determinants. METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among 796 Naval personnel onboard warships in large Naval station. Data on socio-behavioural aspects and determinants of injuries and road accidents was collected using a pre-validated questionnaire; and by scrutiny of relevant records. Data was analysed using MSExcel, Epi-info and SPSS 17. RESULTS: Young and middle-aged persons were predominantly involved in injuries and road accidents. Two-wheeler users sustained maximum road accidents. Human factor was a significant determinant in RTAs and injuries. A majority of victims admitted that human factors were the predominant cause of road accidents; and opined that the events were preventable. CONCLUSIONS: Age-specific Behavioural Change Communication strategies aimed at refining user outlook are imperative; tailored to sociodemographic milieu of user/victim. Incorporation of a dynamic feedback/reporting mechanism, creation of 'armed forces-specific road safety and injury prevention policy' and safety audits on injuries and road crashes are measures in this direction.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A healthy habitable environment onboard warships is vital to operational fleet efficiency and fit sea-warrier force. Unique man-machine-armament interface issues and consequent constraints on habitability necessitate a multi-disciplinary approach toward optimizing habitability standards. Study of the basic 'human factor', including crew awareness on what determines shipboard habitability, and its association with habitation specifications is an essential step in such an approach. The aim of this study was to assess crew awareness on shipboard habitability and the association between awareness and maintenance of optimal habitability as per specifications. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 552 naval personnel onboard warships in Mumbai. Data on crew awareness on habitability was collected using a standardized questionnaire, and correlated with basic habitability requirement specifications. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, Epi-info, and SPSS version 17. RESULTS: Awareness level on basic habitability aspects was very good in 65.3% of crew. Area-specific awareness was maximum with respect to living area (95.3%). Knowledge levels on waste management were among the lowest (65.2%) in the category of aspect-wise awareness. Statistically significant association was found between awareness levels and habitability standards (OR = 7.27). CONCLUSION: The new benchmarks set in the form of high crew awareness levels on basic shipboard habitability specifications and its significant association with standards needs to be sustained. It entails re-iteration of healthy habitation essentials into training; and holds the key to a fit fighting force.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Treatment of patients with head and neck cancers includes surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy due to which the complex anatomy in this region is further complicated by post surgical or radiation changes making the distinction between post therapy changes and recurrence or residual tumor challenging. We decided to compare the diagnostic performance of FDG-PET/CT and MRI scans in the response assessment of patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCC). METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with carcinoma of the head and neck region undergoing treatment at our center were enrolled in the study and evaluated with both MRI scan and PET-CT scan at presentation, at 12 weeks after treatment and at 24 weeks post-treatment. RESULTS: Post treatment evaluation at 24 weeks revealed a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of 95.83%, 82.37%, 78.91%, 96.3% for MRI respectively while corresponding values for PET-CT scans were 95.83%, 91.97%, 85.45% and 96.3%. Evaluation by treatment modality showed a concurrence rate of positive biopsies of 71.33% and 74.54% respectively for MRI and PET-CT scans in surgical patients, 93.33% and 91.25% respectively for the chemo-radiotherapy and 71.43% and 85.71% respectively for patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: In our study, both modalities were useful for evaluation at 12 weeks, however by 24 weeks PET-CT was superior. Both the modalities suffer from high negative predictive values and relatively low positive predictive values. These persisted irrespective of the treatment modality with MRI being slightly better for patients on chemo-radiotherapy while PET-CT scans were better if surgery was one of the modalities of treatment.
