P.E.S. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research

Background: Rotator cuff disease (RCD) affects over 60% of individuals above 80 years. Partial thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) cause persistent pain and functional limitation. Corticosteroid injections provide short-term relief but risk tendon degeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), enriched with TGF-β, VEGF, PDGF and EGF, promotes tendon regeneration and may offer durable benefit. Methods: Prospective comparative study over 20 months (June 2023–February 2025). Forty-four patients (22 per group) with USG/MRI-confirmed PTRCTs were assigned to Group A (corticosteroid: triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg) or Group B (autologous PRP via MyCells System). Outcomes assessed using VAS (pain), ASES score (function) and shoulder goniometry at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Chi-square test used; p<0.05 considered significant Results: Both groups had moderate pain at 4 weeks. At 8 weeks, 36.4% of PRP patients improved to mild pain; all corticosteroid patients retained moderate pain. At 12 weeks, 100% of PRP patients had mild pain versus 63.6% moderate and 36.4% severe in the corticosteroid group (p<0.001). ASES score was 'better' in 100% of PRP patients versus 'good' in corticosteroid patients (p<0.001). USG confirmed tendon regeneration in 100% of PRP patients; persistent tear was noted in 100% of corticosteroid patients. Conclusions: PRP is superior to corticosteroids for PTRCTs, offering better long-term pain relief, functional outcomes and sonographic tendon regeneration. PRP should be considered a preferred regenerative treatment for partial thickness rotator cuff tears.

Background: Pleural effusion is a prevelant complication of multiple pathologies leading to annual incidence of 3000 cases per million. The delay in diagnosing the cause of pleural effusion and treatement of the underlying cause is the major factor of mortality. Objectives: The study aims to establish the accuracy of pleural pro-Bnp in evaluating the cardiac causes of pleural effusion,. Methods: The study evaluates the level of pro-BNP measured in cardiac and non cardiac causes to identify its role in diagnosing the cause of effusion. Results: Pro-BNP levels are significantly lower in patients with pleural effusion due to hepatic hydrothorax which is 84% lower than the referral level of cardiac causes with a base value of >1714pg/ml, 94 % less in patients with tuberculosis related pleural effusion and 91% less in parapneumonic and 78% lower in effusion due to malignant causes of pleural effusion. hence showing the tests accuracy in distinguishing cardiac from non cardiac causes of pleural effusion Conclusion: Pro BNP levels can aid in distinguishing cardiac from non cardiac causes of pleural effusion. Early detection of cause with accuracy can help in early treatment and low mortality.

Background:Globalization and urbanization have brought about remarkable changes in society's lifestyle. Faster economic growth and developments in recent times, especially in India, have ensured greater accessibility to electronic screen devices (ESDs). Hence, the study intended to estimate the average screen time and its correlates among young adults in a rural community. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 700 young adults aged 18-25 years from a rural community in Andhra Pradesh, South India, over 2 months. A structured, validated, and pretested "Screen Time Questionnaire" was used to collect data on socio-demographic details and screen time activity. The data were entered into MS Excel 2019 and further analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Inferential statistics were performed using Chi-square and regression analysis. Results:In this study, 36.9% of 700 young adults had high screen time. The mean age of participants was 20.3 ± 1.3 years; 55.6% were male; 34.7% were working; 18.3% were overweight; and 32.7% reported disturbed sleep. Furthermore, 16.7% had never participated in any outdoor activity, and the majority (58.1%) used spectacles. Participants who reported both parents working, sleep disturbances, regular junk food consumption, and a lack of outdoor activities were more likely to engage in high screen use (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Screen time was high among young adults, and regular junk food consumption, lack of outdoor activity, and parental employment status were independently associated with higher screen use. These findings contribute to the limited evidence on screen-time correlates among young adults in rural India and highlight the clustering of screen use with other lifestyle-related behaviors.

PURPOSE:At some point in their life, almost everyone will experience disability temporarily or permanently. Currently 16% of the global population experience significant disability. It is necessary to know the needs of Person with Disabilities. It is necessary to know the needs of person with Disabilities, and this can be done by estimating the burden in the community. MATERIALS AND METHODS:A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 study participants in one of the rural field practice areas of J.N Medical College, KAHER, Belagavi, Karnataka by using population proportionate sampling from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023 (12 months), using a WHO Brief MDS Survey questionnaire. RESULTS:Out of 400 study participants, 84 (21%) participants had no disability, 139 (34.8%) participants had mild disability, 118 (29.4%) participants had moderate disability and 59 (14.8%) participants had severe disability as per the criteria. Increasing age (p = 0.000, χ2 = 117.819), being widowed (p = 0.001, χ2 = 23.206) and having elementary and secondary educational level (p = 0.000, χ2 = 27.592) were significantly associated with disability. Prevalence of use of assistive technology was 9.75%. Prevalence of partial unmet need and complete unmet need of assistive technology was 17.94% and 7.76% respectively. CONCLUSION:Eight out of ten rural adults had disability. More than one third of them had mild and moderate type of disability and less than one fifth of them had severe disability. Increasing age, widowhood and low educational level were associated with increasing disability.

ABSTRACT Background: Occupational stress is a significant public health concern among police personnel. They face unique challenges, including long working hours, crisis management, and public scrutiny, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. Aim: To assess occupational stress, its associated factors, and coping mechanisms among police personnel in this region. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 police personnel of Tirupathi and Chittoor districts using a cluster sampling method. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire comprising the PHQ-15, Operational Police Stress Questionnaire, and Brief COPE scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21, with Chi-square tests applied to determine associations ( P < 0.05 considered significant). Results: The study found that 55.19% of police personnel experienced high occupational stress. This stress was not uniform across the force, with significant associations observed between stress and various factors, including age, rank, years of service, job satisfaction, and physical health symptoms. Younger officers, those with less experience, and police constables exhibited higher stress levels. Problem-focused coping was the predominant strategy (37.41%), followed by emotional (32.93%) and avoidant coping (29.65%). Chronic health conditions were reported by 30.19% of participants, and substance use was noted in 25.47%. Conclusion: The high levels of occupational stress among police personnel underscore the urgent need for targeted stress management programs, improved workplace policies, and enhanced mental health support systems. These measures are crucial for fostering resilience and well-being among law enforcement professionals.