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Noise generated by rolling stock in High-Speed Rail (HSR) is of paramount importance from environment point of view. A lot of developments and improvements have happened in rolling stock design to reduce noise during running. There exists different standards and methodology for measurement of noise emanating from running of rolling stock at a high-speeds. This paper first discusses the basic concept of noise and then analyses various standards being followed mainly in Europe and Japan; compares them and draws inference in Indian context where the first HSR line, MAHSR (Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail) is under construction and several others are in planning stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common parasitic disease affecting the human brain, and the leading infectious cause of seizures/epilepsy in India. It is often a diagnostic challenge due to varying clinical and imaging presentations. Aim: To describe the clinical profile, serological testing, imaging features and treatment outcomes of NCC, in an Indian population. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study with a case control design was carried out over a period from June 2015 to June 2019, at two Tertiary care hospitals in Mumbai and Bangalore. Seventy four (74) cases who had evidence of parenchymal/extra-parenchymal NCC lesions based on Contrast MRI Brain (1.5 Tesla), were included in the study. Fifty matched controls with Idiopathic epilepsy were also recruited in the study, so as to establish the sensitivity and specificity of the commonly used ELISA test (IgG antibody) for NCC. All patients with viable parenchymal NCC lesions were given standard cysticidal therapy (Albendazole), along with anti-epileptic drugs, as per clinician discretion. Disability at six months follow-up was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Pearson's Chi-square test was used to compare dependent variables. The p-values <0.05 were accepted as statistically significant. Results: Of the 74 cases with NCC enrolled in the study, 81% (60) were males and the mean age of the population was 36.4 years. Total 91% cases (68) presented with seizures. Neuro-imaging revealed majority of lesions were vesicular (28%). Total 42% (31/74) had Solitary Cystisercal Granuloma (SCG), only 26% (19/74) cases and 8% (4/50) controls were positive for the IgG anti-cysticercal antibody by ELISA. This gave the antibody test a sensitivity of 26%, and a specificity of 92%. This translated into a Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 83%, Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 45%, and a positive likelihood ratio of 3.21. In patients who had single or multiple viable parenchymal NCC lesions (57/74), cysticidal therapy with Albendazole (under steroid cover) was safe and effective in 88% (50/57) cases. Conclusion: NCC commonly presents with seizures, and is best diagnosed with contrast MR imaging of the brain. The commercially available ELISA based antibody test do not add significantly in the management of this tropical infection. Cysticidal therapy is safe and effective in a majority of the patients, however treatment of extra-parenchymal NCC remains a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Emergency head computed tomography (CT) is rising exponentially during off working hours due to evidence-based medicine, patient's expectation and desires, easy availability and apprehension of medico-legal cases, thereby raising health-care cost. There is huge gap in demand and supply of radiologist, especially during off working hours. There is need to know the pattern of emergency head findings. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all emergent noncontrast CT head during off working hours in the Department of Radiodiagnosis of a Tertiary Care Hospital, Mumbai, India, which were performed from June 2017 to May 2018. CT findings of 308 patients were analyzed. Results: About 63.6% of total head CT showed no significant abnormality. The most common abnormality was intracranial hemorrhage which was just 9.1% followed by acute infarct which was 6.2%. Extradural hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage was only 1% each of total head CT findings. No significant abnormality was detected in 74.65%, 70.21%, 89.13%, 31.37%, 100%, and 69.09% in cases of head injury, seizure, giddiness/dizziness/syncope, cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack, and altered sensorium, respectively. Conclusion: Pattern analysis of emergent head CT reveals that most of the emergent CT head shows no significant abnormality. There is a need for stringent guidelines for emergent head CT, training of emergency physician as well as CT technician for common findings to bridge the radiologist demand-supply gap for providing effective health care in peripheral hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]