Indian J Med Res
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There is a growing burden of lung cancer cases in India, incidence projected to increase from 63,708 cases (2015) to 81,219 cases (2025). The increasing numbers are attributed to smoking (India currently has nearly 100 million adult smokers) and environmental pollution. Most patients present with advanced disease (80-85% are incurable), causing nearly 60,000 annual deaths from lung cancer. ⋯ Developing this model over the next several years will facilitate a structured cancer screening programme for populations at the highest risk of lung cancer. In this paper, we discuss the demographics of lung cancer in India and its relation to smoking patterns. Further, we elaborate on the potential applications and challenges of bringing a smart approach to LCS in high-risk populations in India.
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Background & objectives Cervical cancer (CC) has been documented as the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Persistent infections with high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) have been suggested in the development of CC. Although prophylactic vaccines are available for the prevention of prevalent hr-HPV types, intra-type variations exist within a particular HPV type that has varying oncogenic potential as well as the mechanism of pathogenicity and varying neutralization by antibodies. ⋯ Interpretation & conclusions The distribution of lineages varied with the different genomic regions sequenced. Additionally, there were certain unique and common variations in the HPV genome with respect to geographical regions. Hence, we suggest the identification of region-specific variations for the development of diagnostic and prognostic interventions.
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Background & objectives The global impact of COVID-19, with over 45 million cases and 533,300 deaths in India alone, necessitates effective surveillance methods. Traditional approaches face challenges in detecting pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, prompting the exploration of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). This study focuses on Mumbai's vulnerable slums, aiming to assess the potential of WBE as an alternative surveillance method. ⋯ Interpretation & conclusions Wastewater-based epidemiology emerges as a cost-effective and rapid early warning system, providing crucial insights into virus behaviour and evolution. Particularly significant for countries like India, WBE aids in outbreak monitoring and targeted interventions. The global integration of wastewater surveillance emphasizes its importance in comprehensive pandemic monitoring, establishing it as an integral component of public health strategies worldwide.
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Background & objectives Core Outcome Sets (COS) are consensus-derived standardized outcomes that improve the transparency, consistency, homogeneity, and usefulness of outcomes. While COS are being increasingly developed, not much is known about their awareness, use, knowledge, and attitudes among trialists and systematic reviewers. This study aimed to examine the use, knowledge, and attitudes about COS among clinical trialists and systematic reviewers in India. ⋯ Interpretation & conclusions As per our knowledge, this study is the largest survey on this domain globally. Through this study several barriers for enhancing COS awareness and uptake were identified indicating the need for resources and systematic efforts to address these barriers in India and globally. We also identify COS which need to be developed or updated to be relevant to Indian context.
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Background & objectives Internet shutdowns, although rare can be imposed by governments or affiliated entities and can intentionally disrupt online information and communication systems. While justified for maintaining public order, these shutdowns cause substantial economic losses, public suffering, and reputational damage. The internet shutdown in Manipur, initiated on May 3, 2023, due to civil unrest, has affected various sectors. ⋯ The study also found some positive impacts, such as less screen time leading to better sleep and increased physical activities. Interpretation & conclusions The findings of this study suggest that the internet shutdown significantly affected both the professional and personal aspects of postgraduate trainees' lives in Manipur. The implementation of a targeted ban on social media platforms and the establishment of designated internet access points are proposed as potential alternatives.