Introduction: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are important precursors of oral cancer and are strongly associated with tobacco use. Evidence on OPMDs among tribal populations in India remains limited. This study estimated the prevalence and clinical distribution of OPMDs among Malayali tribal tobacco users in Yelagiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, and examined associated tobacco-use characteristics. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 current tobacco users aged ≥18 years. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and tobacco-use behaviours were collected using a structured questionnaire. Clinical oral examinations were performed according to WHO criteria for OPMD diagnosis. Factors associated with OPMD were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The mean age was 45.7 ± 18.9 years and 92.9% were male. Smoking-only tobacco use was reported by 57.9%, smokeless-tobacco use by 38.8%, and dual use by 3.3%. Overall OPMD prevalence was 60.0% (95% CI: 53.7-66.0), with oral leukoplakia being the most common lesion (37.1%). Tobacco-use duration exceeding 10 years was independently associated with OPMD presence (aOR: 8.98; 95% CI: 3.75-21.48; p<0.001). Conclusion: A high burden of OPMDs was observed among Malayali tribal tobacco users and was associated with prolonged tobacco exposure. Community-based oral cancer screening and culturally appropriate tobacco-cessation interventions are urgently needed in tribal populations.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication among critically ill neonates and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: The objective of the study was to identify clinical and biochemical predictors of mortality among late preterm and term neonates with AKI using modified neonatal Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Methods: This prospective observational study included neonates ≥34 weeks of gestation admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Serial serum creatinine (SCr) measurements were performed after the second postnatal day and repeated after 48 h. Urine output (UOP) was monitored six-hourly throughout hospitalization. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality among neonates with AKI. Risk factors were analyzed using univariate analysis and parsimonious multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. Results: Among 756 screened neonates, 82 developed AKI. Mortality was 20.7%. Mechanical ventilation, hypotension, metabolic acidosis, oliguria, hyperkalemia, elevated SCr, and reduced UOP were significantly associated with mortality on univariate analysis. Regression identified oliguria (aOR 5.32, 95% CI: 1.46–19.33; P = 0.01), hyperkalemia (aOR 5.02, 95% CI: 1.33–18.97; P = 0.01), and mechanical ventilation (aOR 12.23, 95% CI: 1.33–112.30; P= 0.02) as independent predictors of mortality. Mortality was higher in stage III AKI (62.5%) compared to stage II (38.5%) and stage I (11.5%) (P = 0.002). Oliguric AKI had significantly higher mortality than nonoliguric AKI (45.8% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Oliguria, mechanical ventilation, and hyperkalemia were independent predictors of mortality, while advanced AKI stage, hypotension, and metabolic acidosis were significantly associated with poor outcomes.

BACKGROUND:Data regarding trends in Colorectal Cancer (CRC) incidence within Loei province are currently unavailable. Additionally, there is a scarcity of information from previous studies examining CRC time trends across Thailand. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to study the estimate the trend and incidence of CRC in Loei Province. METHODS:An analytical retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Loei population-based cancer registry, collected through the Thai cancer-based program of National Cancer Institute of Thailand. A total of 754 patients were diagnosed with CRC (IDC-O-3, C18.0, C18.1, C18.2, C18.3, C18.4, C18.5, C18.6, C18.7, C18.8, C18.9, C1.9, C2.0) in Loei during 2017 - 2022. Age-standardized rates (ASR) were estimated, and their 95% confidence interval were reported. Annual percent change (APC) was calculated to quantify the incidence rate trends using Join-point regression. Both APC and 95% confidence interval were reported. RESULT:We found that the overall ASR from 2017 to 2022 for all ages was 13.7 per 100 000 person-years for both sexes. (95% CI; 12.88, 14.56). Male ASR =15.54 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI; 14.70, 16.38). Female ASR = 12.07 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI; 11.23, 12.91). Additionally, the preliminary trends of overall CRC incidence increased between 2017 to 2022 by an APC of 3.72% (APC= 3.72; 95% CI; -6.62, 15.85). The percentage change for males increased by 5.49 % (APC= 5.49; 95% CI; -2.13, 14.26) per year. For females, the annual percentage change increased by 1.91 percent (APC= 1.91; 95% CI; -14.20, 22.53). CONCLUSION:Our preliminary findings show an increasing trend in CRC incidence among both men and women in Loei Province. To gain a more comprehensive understanding and identify clearer patterns, future studies should analyze these trends over extended periods, such as 10 years or more. Evaluating the coverage and completeness of the cancer registry data will also be crucial. This knowledge will provide a foundation for planning effective CRC prevention and control strategies in the region.

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide, yet regional incidence and survival trends in Thailand are under-documented. This study aimed to estimate the incidence and survival rates of CC in Loei Province, Thailand. Methodology: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 228 CC patients diagnosed between 2017-2022, from the Loei Population-Based Cancer Registry. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, while age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) and trends were evaluated using Joinpoint Regression. Results: The 5-year overall survival rate for CC was 51.1%. The overall age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) was 10.0 per 100,000 person-years. A statistically non-significant decreasing trend was observed during the study period Annual Percent Change (APC) = -0.97%. Conclusions: The 5-year overall survival for cervical cancer was 51.1%. The decreasing age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) suggests the positive impact of long-standing public health interventions, such as HPV vaccination and screening policies. Continued monitoring of incidence trends and strengthening cancer registry coverage are crucial for enhancing future cancer control programs in Thailand.

1. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Department of Health and Family Welfare: NOTIFICATION-G.S.R. 400(E). Published May 31, 2023. Accessed Jnauary 14, 2024. https://ntcp.mohfw.gov.in/asse... Google Scholar

The increasing smoking population in Africa necessitates intensified tobacco cessation services. Assessing nicotine dependence with tools such as the heaviness of smoking index (HSI) aids in cessation efforts. This study evaluated the association between HSI and quit attempts and quit intentions among African cigarette smokers. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) data from eight African countries collected between 2011 and 2018 were analysed. The time to first smoke (TTFS) and number of cigarettes per day (CPD) were used to estimate the HSI score and dependence level. The association between HSI dependence level and quit attempts and quit intentions was evaluated using likelihood ratios (LR). Among 2,399 daily cigarette users, 1,618 (67.5

Background: The detrimental effects of air pollution on human health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, have raised concerns globally. While prior research has explored the association between air pollution and cognitive impairments, it is poorly studied in the Indian population. Aim: This study aims to specifically profile the cognitive deficits experienced by children residing in areas with high ambient particulate matter air pollution (PM10 and PM2.5) in Odisha. Material and Methods: A total of 30 children aged 6–8 years from Kalinga Nagar, Odisha were sampled, and their cognitive functions covering domains such as memory, attention, IQ, executive function, verbal skills, vocabulary, visuospatial ability, and processing speed and accuracy were assessed using the Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC). Results: The mean full-scale IQ of the children was 84 as per MISIC, indicating that on average, the children’s IQ falls below the normal range. Specifically, the children showed lower performance in tests assessing attention, working memory, general knowledge acquisition, mathematical skills, vocabulary, and spatial reasoning. Conclusion: Six- to eight-year-old children residing in areas with high ambient particulate pollution exhibited lower cognitive abilities, including deficits in attention, working memory, mathematical skills, vocabulary, and visual-spatial processing.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare inborn error of immunity characterized by recurrent fungal and bacterial infections due to defective nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity. This case report describes an 11-month-old female who was initially diagnosed with tubercular lymphadenitis and presented with fever and bilateral neck swelling. Despite receiving anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) and intravenous antibiotics, the patient experienced recurrent infections and abscesses, prompting further investigation. Laboratory tests revealed normal immunoglobulin levels but abnormal nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and dihydrorhodamine (DHR) tests, indicating CGD. Genetic analysis (clinical exome by next-generation sequencing) confirmed a novel NCF2 gene mutation associated with autosomal recessive CGD. This patient was treated with prophylactic antibiotics and antifungals and subsequently underwent successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with CGD, particularly in tuberculosis-endemic regions such as India, emphasizing the importance of considering primary immunodeficiency disorders in patients with recurrent infections. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including HSCT, can significantly improve patient outcomes. The patient remained infection-free on prophylactic antimicrobials for 1.5 years post-discharge, demonstrating the potential for a favorable prognosis with timely intervention and comprehensive management.

Background Tobacco use remains a significant global public health concern, causing millions of preventable and premature deaths annually and imposing substantial economic burdens. India, the second-largest producer and consumer of tobacco products worldwide, bears a significant burden of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. Medical and dental students represent the future healthcare workforce and role models; hence, their tobacco consumption and attitude would play a vital role in tobacco control. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding tobacco use among medical and dental students in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the Global Health Professional Students Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire. The study included third-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students from two private medical and two dental colleges in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Data were collected from February to April 2019 through anonymous self-administered questionnaires, and descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. Results A total of 400 students were surveyed, with 16% reporting being current smokers (24.3% males, 8.7% females). Furthermore, 36.8% had tried cigarettes and other tobacco products. Nonsmokers demonstrated stronger support for comprehensive tobacco control policies, such as banning advertising and smoking in public places, compared to current smokers. Most students acknowledged the importance of recording tobacco use history and providing educational materials; however, only around 40% had received formal training on smoking cessation. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for targeted intervention among medical and dental students for tobacco cessation. It is vital to foster a positive attitude toward tobacco control among future healthcare professionals. Health professional institutions should take proactive steps to prevent tobacco use among students and develop initiatives to motivate successful cessation training. Investing in tobacco control education for healthcare professionals is crucial to empower them in tobacco cessation efforts and promote healthier societies.

INTRODUCTION:Loose or individual cigarettes sold without packaging pose a unique challenge for tobacco control, which is the leading cause of premature and preventable mortality worldwide. This study aims to assess the changes in smoking patterns following the ban on loose cigarettes in 2008 in Turkey. METHOD:Gender-stratified trend analysis of smoking patterns before and after the ban on loose cigarettes was done using the Global Tobacco Surveillance data (adults: Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2008, 2012, and 2016; youth: Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2003, 2005, 2009, 2012, and 2017) from Turkey. The trends in smoking patterns were triangulated with the introduction of the loose cigarette ban and other laws in Turkey. RESULT:From GATS 1 in 2008 to GATS 2 in 2012, there were initial declines in adult smoking patterns, including current smoking and daily smoking, with increased quit intentions. However, these trends were reversed by the time of the GATS 3 in 2016, when both current smoking and daily smoking measures were higher, especially among females. Monthly cigarette expenses consistently increased across all survey years. Among youths, the overall prevalence increased sharply from 6.9% in 2003 to 23% in 2005, then decreased to 8.4% in 2009, again increased to 10.4% in 2012, and finally returned to 7.7% in 2017. Triangulation of these trends against the implementation of the loose cigarette ban in 2008 produced no clear association between the ban and smoking patterns. CONCLUSION:The overall marginal decline in smoking behaviors over two decades in Turkey needs to be fast-tracked, specifically the rise of smoking among the female population, which needs to be addressed through evidence-based tobacco control interventions. The loose cigarette ban was implemented as part of a comprehensive tobacco control law, and the GATS or GYTS data is not sufficient to assess the effect of this provision. The tobacco control effort in Turkey should collect evidence for changes in smoking patterns following the implementation of tobacco interventions, which is also a mandate of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS).