Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in women due to indoor biomass burning: a meta analysis.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is attributable to household air pollution and is known to increase the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), morbidity and mortality and women are most susceptible groups for the exposure. In order to understand the global risk among women with COPD due to exposure of household air pollutants, an evidence-based systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Meta regression analysis was carried out to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. The summary estimates of the included studies showed higher prevalence of COPD due to biomass fuel exposure in women. Clinical diagnosis has shown more risk of COPD prevalence compared to diagnosis based on spirometer test alone. However, the data between included studies for both clinical and spirometry-based studies showed higher heterogeneity. The present meta-data analysis has shown that household air pollutants may be a factor associated with increased risk of COPD in women.

Indoor air pollution and its association with poor lung function, microalbuminuria and variations in blood pressure among kitchen workers in India: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The present study is an attempt to explore the association between kitchen indoor air pollutants and physiological profiles in kitchen workers with microalbuminuria (MAU) in north India (Lucknow) and south India (Coimbatore). METHODS: The subjects comprised 145 control subjects, 233 kitchen workers from north India and 186 kitchen workers from south India. Information related to the personal and occupational history and health of the subjects at both locations were collected using a custom-made questionnaire. Worker lung function was measured using a spirometer. Blood pressure was monitored using a sphygmomanometer. Urinary MAU was measured using a urine analyzer. Indoor air monitoring in kitchens for particulate matter (PM), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) was conducted using indoor air quality monitors. The size and shape of PM in indoor air was assessed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to detect organic or inorganic compounds in the air samples. RESULTS: Particulate matter concentrations (PM2.5 and PM1) were significantly higher in both north and south Indian kitchens than in non-kitchen areas. The concentrations of TVOC, CO and CO2 were higher in the kitchens of north and south India than in the control locations (non-kitchen areas). Coarse, fine and ultrafine particles and several elements were also detected in kitchens in both locations by SEM and elemental analysis. The FTIR spectra of kitchen indoor air at both locations show the presence of organic chemicals. Significant declines in systolic blood pressure and lung function were observed in the kitchen workers with MAU at both locations compared to those of the control subjects. A higher prevalence of obstruction cases with MAU was observed among the workers in the southern region than in the controls (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Kitchen workers in south India have lower lung capacities and a greater risk of obstructive and restrictive abnormalities than their north Indian counterparts. The study showed that occupational exposure to multiple kitchen indoor air pollutants (ultrafine particles, PM2.5, PM1, TVOC, CO, CO2) and FTIR-derived compounds can be associated with a decline in lung function (restrictive and obstructive patterns) in kitchen workers with microalbuminuria. Further studies in different geographical locations in India among kitchen workers on a wider scale are required to validate the present findings.

Impact of Institutionalisation of Births on Health Policies and Birth Registration in India.

Background: The Registration of Births and Deaths Act (RBD) of 1969 in India mandates continuous recording of vital events; however, after more than 50 years of its enactment, universality remains elusive. Birth registration, a fundamental right, is essential for demographic analysis and effective policy planning. Birth registration is closely linked to child development, access to healthcare, and other societal factors. Analysing its trends helps in designing targeted interventions and monitoring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Objectives: This paper aims to analyse the changes in birth registration across Indian states. This paper also examines the impact of institutionalization of births on registration and underscores its significance in policymaking. Methods: The study utilises data from the latest two rounds of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4 & NFHS-5) to analyse birth registration trends in India. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the impact of place of delivery on birth registration. Findings: The comparison of NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 data demonstrates varying birth registration rates across Indian states, with notable progress in some regions and persistent challenges in others. Multivariable logistic regression analysis highlights the significant influence of place of delivery on registration likelihood. The interaction between wealth and place of delivery suggests a mitigating effect, indicating that increasing institutional births has a positive impact on birth registration, with this effect being more pronounced at different levels of household wealth. It highlights that wealthier households were more likely to register births due to the higher rate of institutional deliveries. Conclusion: India's journey towards universal birth registration under the SDGs presents progress and challenges. NFHS data shows improvements in birth registration, but disparities still persist. Socio-economic status, place of delivery, and maternal education have strong influences on birth registration. Institutional deliveries significantly increase registration likelihood, facilitated by programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana. Integrating birth registration with health services enhances health data accuracy and service delivery. By prioritising targeted interventions, addressing social barriers, and leveraging existing programs, India can ensure that every child's birth is registered, advancing towards a healthier, more equitable future.

Evaluation of Indian Prediction Models for Lung Function Parameters: A Statistical Approach.

BACKGROUND: Interpretation of lung function test parameters is usually based on comparisons of data with reference (predicted) values based on healthy subjects. Predicted values are obtained from studies of "normal" or "healthy" subjects with similar anthropometric and ethnic characteristics. Regression models are generally used to obtain the reference values from measurements observed in a representative sample of healthy subjects. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to carry out a statistical evaluation of the Indian prediction models of lung function parameters and critically evaluate the reference values for the same in an Indian context. METHODS: The screening and inclusion of the articles for the study was done using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Evaluation of the prediction models has been done with respect to modeling approach, regression diagnostics and methodology protocol. The suitability of the models has also been evaluated using a checklist comprising of 8 criteria developed using the American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines. RESULTS: Using the PRISMA guidelines 32 articles with a total sample size of 25,289 subjects were included in the final synthesis. Multiple linear regression models were used in 27 articles, with one additionally using weighted least squares technique and 4 using step-wise regression method. Regression diagnostics as per the ATS guidelines were performed and reported by 22 articles. The prediction models were traditionally developed using ordinary least squares method (OLS) without examining the homoskedasticity of residuals. The quality assessment using the checklist developed revealed that only 5 articles satisfied more than 7 out of 8 criteria, and a further 8 articles satisfied less than 3 criteria of suitability of prediction models. CONCLUSIONS: Indian prediction models for lung function models are traditionally based on linear regression models, however with more advancement in computational power for sophisticated statistical techniques, more robust prediction models are required in the Indian context.

Association between PAHs biomarkers and kidney injury biomarkers among kitchen workers with microalbuminuria: A cross-sectional pilot study.

BACKGROUND: To study the association between kidney injury biomarkers and urinary OH-PAH metabolites in kitchen workers, with microalbuminuria. METHODS: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among 120 male kitchen workers in a mega kitchen located at Coimbatore, India. Personal and sub-clinical details of study subjects were collected using a questionnaire. Albumin, creatinine, and albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured using urine dipstick test for the determination of microalbuminuria. Urinary hydroxylated PAHs metabolites (1-NAP, 9-HF, 3-HF, 2-HF, 9-PHN, and 1-OHP) were measured using GC-MS/MS and urinary kidney biomarkers (uNGAL, uCyst-C, uKIM-1, uOPN, and uTIMP-1) were measured using Multiplex Reader. RESULTS: Concentrations of urinary PAHs metabolites (1-NAP, 3-HF, 2-HF, 9-PHN, and 1-OHP) and kidney biomarkers (uKIM-1, uTIMP-1, uCyst-C and uNGAL) were significantly higher among kitchen workers with MAU compared to non-kitchen workers with MAU. Urinary kidney biomarkers viz., uKIM-1, uTIMP-1, uCyst-C, uNGAL, and uOPN showed higher median concentration among the kitchen workers with MAU compared to kitchen workers without MAU. Significant positive correlation was observed for 9-HF with uKIM-1 and uTIMP-1 and 1-OHP with uKIM-1. ACR was also well correlated with urinary kidney biomarkers. ROC analysis showed higher sensitivity and specificity for uKIM-1, uCyst-C, and uNGAL as biomarkers for early prediction of acute kidney injury among kitchen workers. CONCLUSIONS: The PAHs exposure among kitchen workers can lead to kidney injury. This was evident from the association of OH-PAHs and kidney injury biomarkers in kitchen workers with microalbuminuria.

Diagnostic accuracy of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in patients with septic acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is the most common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI). Very few studies have investigated the predictive properties of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) as a marker of AKI in septic patients. The aim of this study is to examine uNGAL in septic patients with and without AKI and to evaluate its predictive value. METHODS: We prospectively studied 155 patients with sepsis over a period of 1 year. Urine was analyzed for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin at 12, 24, and 48 hours after admission. Patients with <24-hour stay and those with chronic kidney disease were excluded. AKI was classified according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network guidelines. RESULTS: The differences in mean change of uNGAL at 12, 24, and 48 hours were 80.00±7.00 ng/mL and 128.13±22.46 ng/mL, respectively in septic AKI, and 02.07±0.80 ng/mL and 26.13±15.12 ng/mL, respectively in septic non-AKI. At baseline or 12 hours, the cutoff value of 34.32 ng/mL had a sensitivity and specificity of 86.36 and 80.60, respectively and an area under curve of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73-0.89) for predicting AKI. At the cutoff value 199.99 ng/mL sensitivity and specificity of 90.0 and 64.66, respectively and an area under curve of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.75-0.88) for predicting AKI. CONCLUSION: The baseline or 12-hour uNGAL is highly sensitive but a less specific predictor of AKI in septic patients.

Association of Polymorphism of Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene with Risk to Parkinson's Disease.

Environmental factors are implicated in aging as well as genetic predisposition-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. Wrongdoers increase oxidative stress and nitrosative burden, which eventually degenerate the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Inhibition of the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), an enzyme responsible for nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis, prevents the demise of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Polymorphism of NOS is thus expected to alter PD susceptibility. The study therefore aimed to examine an association of neuronal NOS (nNOS) gene polymorphism with nitrite, an indicator of nitrosative load; lipid peroxidation, an index of oxidative stress and PD susceptibility. An age-matched case-control study was performed in the north Indian residents enrolled at the Neurology Department of the King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India. While nNOS exon 29 TT variant genotype [odds ratio (OR) = 2.20, 95 % CI = 1.08-5.34, P = 0.040], combined TT and CT variants [OR = 1.68, 95 % CI = 1.05-2.69, P = 0.031] and T allele [OR = 1.58, 95 % CI = 1.10-2.28, P = 0.014] were found to be significantly associated with PD susceptibility, no association between nNOS exon 18 [OR for TT carriers = 1.97, 95 % CI = 0.89-4.20, P = 0.09 and OR for T allele = 1.35, 95 % CI = 0.94-1.93, P = 0.098] and PD risk was observed. Lipid peroxidation was augmented in all patients irrespective of their genotype. While genotype independent increase in nitrite content was observed in PD patients of exon 29 polymorphic groups, only heterozygous variant genotype of exon 18 was associated with augmentation in nitrite level as compared with respective control. The results obtained thus demonstrate that selected nNOS polymorphisms do not significantly contribute to PD risk in north Indian population.

Heat and PAHs Emissions in Indoor Kitchen Air and Its Impact on Kidney Dysfunctions among Kitchen Workers in Lucknow, North India.

Indoor air quality and heat exposure have become an important occupational health and safety concern in several workplaces including kitchens of hotels. This study investigated the heat, particulate matter (PM), total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emissions in indoor air of commercial kitchen and its association with kidney dysfunctions among kitchen workers. A cross sectional study was conducted on 94 kitchen workers employed at commercial kitchen in Lucknow city, North India. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect the personal and occupational history of the kitchen workers. The urine analysis for specific gravity and microalbuminuria was conducted among the study subjects. Indoor air temperature, humidity, wet/ dry bulb temperature and humidex heat stress was monitored during cooking activities at the kitchen. Particulate matter (PM) for 1 and 2.5 microns were monitored in kitchen during working hours using Hazdust. PAHS in indoor air was analysed using UHPLC. Urinary hydroxy-PAHs in kitchen workers were measured using GC/MS-MS. Higher indoor air temperature, relative humidity, PM1 and PM2.5 (p<0.001) was observed in the kitchen due to cooking process. Indoor air PAHs identified are Napthalene, fluorine, acenaphthene, phenanthrene, pyrene, chrysene and indeno [1,2,3-cd) pyrene. Concentrations of all PAHs identified in kitchen were above the permissible OSHA norms for indoor air. Specific gravity of urine was significantly higher among the kitchen workers (p<0.001) as compared to the control group. Also, the prevalence of microalbuminuria was higher (p<0.001) among kitchen workers. Urinary PAH metabolites detected among kitchen workers were 1-NAP, 9-HF, 3-HF, 9-PHN and 1-OHP. Continuous heat exposure in kitchens due to cooking can alter kidney functions viz., high specific gravity of urine in kitchen workers. Exposure to PM, VOCs and PAHs in indoor air and presence of urinary PAHs metabolites may lead to inflammation, which can cause microalbuminuria in kitchen workers, as observed in the present study.

Assessing hazardous risks of indoor airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the kitchen and its association with lung functions and urinary PAH metabolites in kitchen workers.

BACKGROUND: Indoor air pollution is associated with decreased pulmonary function but the relative impact of pollution from kitchen sources on health risks in kitchen workers is not well-known or studied. A study was conducted to measure the kitchen indoor air quality including PAHs estimation and risk assessment based on reported PAHs in indoor air in a central kitchen at North India. METHODS: A cross sectional study was undertaken to assess the lung function status using spirometer and urinary PAH metabolite measurements using GC-MS/MS among 94 male kitchen workers and their corresponding controls. Assessment of the indoor air quality levels was evaluated using standard methods. RESULTS: All the indoor air pollutants were within the recommended guidelines except CO, TVOC and PAH emission in the kitchen. Incremental life time cancer risk (ICLR) based on indoor air PAH measurements indicates potential for carcinogenic risk. Significant lung function decline was observed among kitchen workers as compared to controls after adjusting for smoking habits. Urinary PAH metabolites were detected in kitchen workers and measured concentrations were comparatively higher than control subjects. CONCLUSION: The decline in lung functions after adjustment for confounders and detection of urinary PAH metabolites in kitchen workers can be associated with higher concentrations of PAHs, CO and TVOCs in kitchen indoor air.

Meta-analysis approach to study the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among current, former and non-smokers.

Comparative risk assessment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) among current, former and non-smokers categories remains controversial and not studied in detail. We conducted a meta-analysis to summarize all the relevant published studies on this topic and to update the association between smoking and prevalence of COPD in current, former and non-smokers. Identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion of articles for the study were conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Quality assessment of included studies was undertaken using a scoring sheet. Meta-analysis after the final synthesis of the selected studies was performed using the STATA and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Estimates from forty two independent studies reporting 547,391 individuals were identified. Twenty two studies were conducted in Europe, nine in America and ten in Asia and one from New Zealand. The meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of COPD was significantly higher in current smokers compared with former and non-smokers. However, owing to large heterogeneity among the estimates obtained from the studies, stratification was done with respect to continent, diagnostic criteria of COPD and study design which also showed similar results. The stratified analysis also revealed similar trend of results with prevalence of COPD being higher in current smokers as compared to former and non-smokers. The present meta-analysis highlights the positive association between smoking and COPD prevalence. There is an urgent need to implement more effective policies towards the restriction of tobacco use, to reduce the burden of COPD.

Impact of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness on Long-term Outcome in Hemodialysis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on hemodialysis are highly prone to cardiovascular disease, which accounts for roughly half of the mortality in these patients. Atherosclerosis begins many years before the development of clinical manifestations. Measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a noninvasive procedure to detect early atherosclerotic changes. AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between CIMT and cardiovascular risk factors and to investigate its prognostic significance in CKD patients on hemodialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study carried out over a period of 18 months. Total 88 patients on hemodialysis and 50 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Biochemical assay and CIMT was assessed using the high resolution 7.5 MHz sonography technique in all subjects. RESULTS: Significant positive correlation was found with age, blood urea, serum creatinine, serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, serum phosphorus, serum calcium-phosphorus product, serum uric acid, 24 h urine protein, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and body mass index. Negative correlation was found with estimated glomerular filtration rate. Adjusted hazards ratios of all cause and cardiovascular mortality for an increase of 0.1 mm in CIMT was 1.16 (95% confidence interval 0.15-9.09). Patients with CIMT value <0.97 mm had a renal survival rate of 73.4% while patients with value >0.97 mm had a renal survival rate of 16.5%. CONCLUSION: Uremia is an additive risk factors in those subjects who have raised CIMT despite of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Prognostic significance of urinary NGAL in chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. Recently urinary NGAL (uNGAL) has been proven to be a useful (potentially ideal) biomarker for early detection of CKD. The aim of the present study was to examine the correlation of uNGAL with severity of renal impairment in CKD and to evaluate its prognostic value in these subjects. METHODS: This was a prospective study carried out over a period of 24 months in subjects with CKD due to primary chronic glomerulonephritis. New cases of CKD stage II, III, IV aged between 18 and 65 years were enrolled as per KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) guidelines 2012. A total of 90 subjects completed the study up to the end-point. The primary follow-up end-point was 18 months, or decreased glomerular filtration rate of less than 15 mL/min. Secondary follow-up end-point was the number of subjects who expired during this period. RESULTS: Multiple regression model of estimated glomerular filtration rate showed significant associations with log uNGAL (ß=0.38, P<0.001), Ca×PO4 (ß=0.60, P<0.001), hemoglobin (ß=0.37, P<0.001), urine protein (ß=0.34, P<0.001), serum albumin (ß=0.48, P<0.001), and systolic blood pressure (ß=0.76, P<0.001). Receiver operator curve for uNGAL considering the progression of CKD showed area under the curve for uNGAL was 0.878 (95% confidence interval: 0.68-0.96). Cut-off value for uNGAL was log 3.5 unit with a sensitivity of 93.08% and specificity of 71.43% for predicting the progression of CKD. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that patients with log uNGAL levels <3.51 unit had a survival rate of 71.4% while patients with NGAL level >3.51 unit had a renal survival rate of 14.7%. CONCLUSION: Our study result showed that uNGAL has a positive correlation with disease severity which signifies the prognostic importance of uNGAL in CKD.

Alterations in Lung Functions Based on BMI and Body Fat % Among Obese Indian Population at National Capital Region.

BACKGROUND: In India, non-asthmatic hospital admission case study has been conducted to find out the relationship between obesity and lung functions. The main objective of the present study was to find out the alterations in lung functions due to obesity among Indian population living at National Capital Region (NCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 609 non obese and 211 obese subjects in a cross sectional study from National Capital Region, India with age group ranges between 18-70 years. BMI and body fat % was determined using body fat analyzer. Obese and non-obese subjects were classified based on criteria for BMI and Body fat %. Lung function test viz., FEV1 and PEFR were conducted using portable spirometer (PIKO-1). RESULTS: A significant correlation (p<0.05) was observed between BMI and PEFR among non-obese male and female subjects. Decline in PEFR and FEV1 values for corresponding increase in body fat % was observed among study subjects. A significant (p<0.01) decline in mean FEV1 and PEFR was observed among non-obese and obese subjects, compared to their Indian reference standards for lung functions. A significant negative correlation (p<0.01) was observed between body fat % and lung functions (FEV1, PEFR). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that obese subjects are at a risk of lung function impairment, based on the criteria followed for BMI and body fat %. The study also demonstrate that body fat% classification as a better index for determination of obese subjects compared to BMI classification, with respect to lung function impairments.

Gender Disparity in Lung Function Abnormalities among a Population Exposed to Particulate Matter Concentration in Ambient Air in the National Capital Region, India.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) global air quality study shows that 27 Indian cities, including New Delhi, are among the one hundred cities with the worst air quality globally. The scope of airway obstruction cases among residents in locations with critical air pollution levels like particulate matter (PM) pollutants PM2.5 and PM1 has not been addressed in the National Capital region, India. OBJECTIVES: The present cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted abnormalities among residents living in the National Capital Region, India with respect to their exposure to particulate matter pollutants (PM1, PM2.5) in ambient air. METHODS: Eight hundred and fifty-four residents, including 433 men and 421 women ranging in age from 18-70 years, living in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India participated in the study. Particulate matter concentrations in ambient air (PM2.5 and PM1) were monitored at 10 residential locations in the National Capital Region, India (New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) and Gurgaon). The lung function test (FEV1) was conducted using a spirometer. RESULTS: The Indian Air Quality Index showed either very poor or severe levels for PM2.5 at all study locations. A significant negative linear relationship was found between higher concentrations of PM1 and reduced FEV1% predicted values (r = -0.8, p < 0.05). The prevalence of airway obstruction cases (79.6%, odds ratio 1.96, confidence interval 1.42-2.71) was higher (p<0.001) among female subjects compared to their male counterparts. Even though there was a significant decline in FEV1% predicted among 80% of cases in women, only 19.24% cases were in the moderate category and 6.18% cases in the severe category. The severe category of FEV1% predicted cases showed greater respiratory symptoms than the other two categories, which denotes higher risk among those in the severe category. The present study shows that obstruction cases increased from 1.97 to 7.40% and 2.73 to 14.93% in women, with a corresponding increase in PM1 and PM2.5 from the minimum to maximum concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Since the women in this study were non-smokers, the PM in ambient air can be considered to be the major reason for the decline in lung function. The sources of PM pollutants in the study locations are large scale infrastructural development activities such as building and road construction activities. Narrowed lung airways can alter the airway caliber or resistance and flow rates proportional to the airway radius, especially in smaller airways. The present study suggests the need for policy makers and stake holders to take the necessary steps to identify PM sources and reduce the emissions of PM concentrations in ambient air.

Adverse respiratory health and hematological alterations among agricultural workers occupationally exposed to organophosphate pesticides: a cross-sectional study in North India.

BACKGROUND: Non-protective work practices followed by farm workers during spraying of pesticides lead to occupational exposure among them. OBJECTIVE: This study is designed to explore the respiratory health and hematological profile of agricultural workers occupationally exposed to OP pesticides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was undertaken among 166 pesticide sprayers working in mango orchards of Lucknow district in North India compared with 77 controls to assess the respiratory illness, lung functions, cholinesterase levels and hematological profile. A questionnaire based survey and clinical examination for respiratory health were conducted among study subjects. Lung function test was conducted among study subjects by using spirometer. Cholinesterase level as biomarker of OP pesticides and hematological profile of study subjects were investigated in the laboratory by following the standard protocols. RESULTS: Overall respiratory morbidity observed among exposed subjects was 36.75%. Symptoms for respiratory illness like dry cough, productive cough, wheezing, irritation of throat and blood stained sputum were found to be significantly more (p<0.05) among pesticide sprayers than controls. Lung function parameters viz. PEFR, FEV1, %PEFR predicted, %FEV1 predicted and FEV1/FVC were found to be significantly decreased (p<0.05) among pesticide sprayers as compared to controls. Exposure wise distribution of respiratory illness and lung functions among pesticide sprayers show that the exposure duration significantly elevates (p<0.05) the respiratory problems and significantly decreases (p<0.001) lung functions among pesticide sprayers. Activities of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase were found to be significantly depleted (p<0.001) among pesticide sprayers as compared to controls which show the exposure of OP pesticides among them. The hematological profile viz. RBC, WBC, monocytes, neutrophils, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet count were significantly altered (p<0.001) in pesticide sprayers than controls. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the unsafe occupational exposure of OP pesticides causes respiratory illness, decreased lung functions and hematological alterations among pesticide sprayers.

Mathematically derived body volume and risk of musculoskeletal pain among housewives in North India.

BACKGROUND: Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 demonstrates the impact of musculoskeletal diseases as the second greatest cause of disability globally in all regions of the world. The study was conducted to determine the role of mathematically derived body volume (BV), body volume index (BVI), body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA) and body fat % (BF %) on musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among housewives in National Capital Region (NCR). METHODS: A cross sectional study was undertaken among 495 housewives from Gurgaon and New Okhla Industrial Development Area (NOIDA) in National Capital Region (NCR), New Delhi, India. The study includes questionnaire survey, clinical examination and body composition monitoring among housewives. RESULTS: A significantly higher BMI, BVI, BV and BSA were observed in subjects with MSP as compared to those who had no MSP. This was also true for subjects with pain in knee for BMI category for overweight. Subjects with pain in limbs had significantly high BMI and BVI as compared to subjects with no MSP. A significant positive correlation of age with BMI, BVI, BV and BSA was observed among subjects having no MSP denoting a direct relationship of age and these body factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of MSP among housewives is associated with increasing age, BMI and BVI. This can possibly be used for formulating a strategy for prevention of MSP.