4 research outputs found
Impact of cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) introduction on the detection of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis in Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Background: Compared to conventional microscopy, the cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT, Xpert MTB/RIF, Cepheid, USA) has the dual advantage of higher sensitivity to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), and the ability to detect rifampicin resistance. Aim: To evaluate the impact of the CBNAAT on the detection of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis from private and public healthcare facilities in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Materials and Methods: The study included specimens received between June 2015 to February 2017 from public and private health sectors for tuberculosis diagnosis at a national reference laboratory for tuberculosis in Bhubaneswar, where the CBNAAT was initiated in February 2016. We retrospectively collected the patients' socio-demographic characteristics from their test request form, CBNAAT results from the CBNAAT register and PMDT culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) register and validated the data by comparing the patient details and test results from the CBNAAT software. Results: From June 2015 to January 2016, 106 samples were received from Bhubaneswar at the reference laboratory, of which there were zero referrals from the private sector and zero referrals of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) samples. After initiation of the CBNAAT, from February 2016 to February 2017, 1262 specimens were received, of which 55.2% (696/1262), 17.8% (225/1262), 17.2% (217/1262), and 9.8% (124/1262) were from government hospitals and medical colleges, private hospitals, private practitioners, and district TB centers, respectively. Conclusion: The availability of TB diagnostics at public sector facilities to patients from private sectors and the rollout of the CBNAAT increased the referral of patients from private health facilities and the referral of paucibacillary non-sputum samples
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Not AvailableMangroves are one of the most productive coastal ecosystems, which act as natural barriers against
natural calamities such as cyclones, tide upsurges and tsunamis. Mangrove ecosystems provide natural
habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna, whilst the economic contribution by mangroves for
tourism, fisheries and other natural resources is also of paramount importance. This study focusses on
the biodiversity of four major regions of Indian mangroves, namely, Bhitarkanika (Odisha), Pichavaram
(Tamil Nadu), Chorao Islands (Goa) and Porlob Jig (Andaman and Nicobar Islands). The study aims to
monitor the present status of mangroves in Southern and Eastern coasts of India, with the synergistic
use of optical and SAR data. The aerial extents of all the Dominant vegetation spatial maps generated
revealed that the Bhitarkanika mangroves had the largest extent (14425 ha) among the four mangrove
regions. The second largest area recorded was by the Porlob Jig mangroves of the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands (9972 ha), followed by the Pichavaram mangroves (788 ha) and the mangroves of
Chorao Islands of Goa (603 ha). Decision makers, for taking the necessary conservation and management actions to protect these fragile, vital habitats can ultimately use this data.Not Availabl