Comprehensive verification of the intricate dose distributions associated with advanced radiation treatments is now an immediate and substantial problem. The task is challenging using traditional dosimeters because of restrictions to point measurements (ion chambers, diodes, TLD, etc.) or planar measurements (film). In essence, rapid advances in the technology to deliver radiation treatments have not been paralleled by corresponding advances in the ability to verify these treatments. A potential solution has emerged in the form of water equivalent three dimensional (3D) gel‐dosimetry. In this paper we present basic characterization and performance studies of a prototype optical‐CT scanning system developed in our laboratory. An analysis of the potential role or scope of gel dosimetry, in relation to other dosimeters, and to verification across the spectrum of therapeutic techniques is also given. The characterization studies enabled the determination of nominal operating conditions for optical‐CT scanning. “Finger” phantoms are introduced as a powerful and flexible tool for the investigation of optical‐CT performance. The modulation‐transfer function (MTF) of the system is determined to be better than 10% out to 1 mm−1, confirming sub‐mm imaging ability. System performance is demonstrated by the acquisition of a 1×1×1 mm3 dataset through the dose distribution delivered by an x‐ray lens that focuses x rays in the energy range 40–80 KeV. This 3D measurement would be extremely difficult to achieve with other dosimetry techniques and highlights some of the strengths of gel dosimetry. Finally, an optical Monte Carlo model is introduced and shown to have potential to model light transport through gel‐dosimetry systems, and to provide a tool for the study and optimization of optical‐CT gel dosimetry. The model utilizes Mie scattering theory and requires knowledge of the variation of the particle size distribution with dose. The latter was determined here using the technique of dynamic‐light‐scattering.

Purpose:To document a clinically relevant position of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in complete dentate south Indian patients in the age group of 20–29 years using cone beam computerized tomograms.Materials and Methods:The investigators used a cross-sectional study design and a study sample of subjects who had a radiographically identifiable IAN canal with complete set of 28 permanent teeth excluding 3rd molars. Predictor variables were age, tooth position, and side. Outcome variables were the linear distances between the buccal and lingual aspect of the IAN canal, buccal and lingual cortical thickness, IAN canal diameter, and the superior aspect of the IAN canal from the periapex of first and second mandibular molar. Descriptive statistics and Mann–Whitney U test were performed. P value of ≤ 0.05 was taken as significant.Results:The study sample was composed of 10 male and 10 female patients with a mean age of 24.2 ± 3.00 years. On average, the lingual cortical thickness was 1.68 mm at 1st molar and 1.44 at 2nd molar level. Gender and side influenced the outcome with varying statistical significance.Conclusions:The range of linear dimension of mandibular canal, cortical bone thickness, and distance between tooth apex and IAN canal have been presented for the South Indian population in the age group of 20–29 years. The implications of the findings will influence on the course of surgery. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate the findings of this study.

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Context:Though common, depressive disorders often remain undetected in late life.Aim:To examine the usefulness of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) for identifying depression among older people.Settings and Design:Community resident older people (aged 65 years or more), were evaluated by clinicians trained in psychiatry, as part of a cross-sectional study of late-life depression. Assessments were done in the community.Methods and Material:The participants were assigned ICD-10 diagnoses and assessed using Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and CES-D. A short version of CES-D with 10 items, translated to the local language Malayalam, was used.Statistical Analysis:The sensitivity and specificity of CES-D was evaluated against ICD-10 clinical diagnosis of depression. The correlation of CES-D and MADRS was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient.Results:220 consenting adults from 3 wards of the Panchayath were assessed. On analysis of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve of CES-D scores in relation to clinical diagnosis, the large Area Under Curve (AUC) showed efficient screening and a cut off score of 4 in CES-D had a sensitivity of 97.7% and a specificity of 79.1% for depression. There was also good correlation between the MADRS and CES-D scores (0.838).Conclusion:CES-D is a short simple scale which can be used by health care professionals for detecting depression in older people in primary care settings.

Background:Depression is the most common mental health problem in late-life. We need more information about the incidence and prevalence of major and minor syndromes of depression in older people. This will help in service development.Aims:To estimate the prevalence of depressive disorders among community resident older people in Kerala, India and to identify factors associated with late-life depression.Materials and Methods:Two hundred and twenty community resident older subjects were assessed for depression by clinicians trained in psychiatry. They used a symptom checklist based on International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10) Diagnostic criteria for research for Depression and Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale for assessment of symptoms. A structured proforma was used to assess sociodemographic characteristics and medical history. The point prevalence of depression was estimated. Univariate analysis and subsequent binary logistic regression were carried out to identify factors associated with depression.Results:Prevalence of any ICD-10 (World Health Organization, 1992) depressive episode was 39.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.6–45.9). There was significant correlation between depression and female gender (odds ratio [OR] 2.33; 95% CI 1.07–5.06) and history of a significant life event in the previous year (OR 2.39; 95% CI 1.27–4.49).Conclusion:High prevalence rate of late-life depression is indicative of high burden due to depression among older people in the community. Better awareness among primary care clinicians can result in better detection and management of late-life depression.