A comparative study of effects of pranayama and aerobic exercise on spirometric indices in the age group of 30–50 years

Background: Increasing awareness to lifestyle disease has led to more participation of people in taking up various forms of exercise to avail more health benefits. The ability to perform physical exercise is related to cardiovascular systems capacity to supply oxygen to muscles and pulmonary systems ability to clear carbon di oxide from blood via lungs. Spirometry is a physiological test that measures the volume and flow of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Aim and Objectives: The purpose of this study is not only to assess the beneficial effects of pranayama and aerobic exercises but to compare the improvements in the lung functions among these two modalities of exercises. Materials and Methods: It is a non-randomized cross-sectional comparative study. Total 150 participants of both sexes aged 30–50 years were selected and divided equally into three groups: Pranayama group, aerobic exercise group, and control group who were doing pranayama and aerobic exercise and no exercise respectively from the past 3 months were included in the study. The participants were assessed by their anthropometric parameters, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Results: Among Pranayama groups, there was significantly higher level of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, and PEFR as compared to aerobic exercise group and control group. Conclusion: Both pranayama and aerobic exercise play an important role in improving the pulmonary functions but effects were more pronounced with pranayama.

A Randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of group-based Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program on glycemic control and self-care activities among type-2 diabetics in South-East Delhi

Introduction: India has the second-largest population of diabetes globally. The long-term complications due to poor glycemic control are concerning. Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is a fundamental component in managing diabetes better. Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of group-based DSME in achieving glycemic control and improving self-care practices among people with type-2 diabetes as against the usual care. Methods: A nonblinded parallel-arm RCT among adults (? 30 years) diagnosed with Type-2 DM. Written informed consent was taken from each patient before enrollment. The sample size is estimated to be 85 in each arm according to the formula for equivalence design for an RCT. Randomization was done using a computer-generated random number table. The control arm received usual care, while the intervention group received group-based DSME in addition to usual care. At the end of 6 months, the change in glycemic control and self-care activity scores were compared between the two arms. Results: A total of 139 individuals (intervention =69; control =70) were analyzed. The proportion of females (62.1%) was higher than males (37.9%). There was no statistically significant difference at baseline. At end line, HbA1c showed a reduction from 9.3% to 6.9% in the intervention arm (P<0.001), which was greater than that in the control arm (p=0.017). All the self-care components showed a statistically significant improvement, except the medication score. Conclusions: Group-based DSME effectively increases self-care practices among people with diabetes, resulting in better glycemic control.

A Mixed Method Study to Assess Notification of Tuberculosis Patients by Private Practitioners in New Delhi, India

Background: A staggering one million tuberculosis (TB) cases are missing from notification, most of them being diagnosed and treated in the private sector. To curb this issue, the Government of India declared TB as a notifiable disease and NIKSHAY was launched in 2012. However, even after years of implementation, as per the report published by TB India 2020, the proportion of private case notification of total TB cases is very low. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the current practices related to TB Notification being followed by private practitioners of Delhi and to explore the enablers and barriers to TB notification among private‑sector treatment providers. Methods: This cross‑sectional study was done from January 2019 to January 2020. Six hundred doctors were line listed under the chosen TB unit, 375 gave consent and in depth interview was conducted among them. Data were collected on the reporting status and facilitators and barrier toward NIKSHAY reporting were assessed. For the qualitative component, focused group discussions were done. Results: Out of 375 private practitioners, over two‑third (68%) practitioners reported that they were not treating TB patients. Out of 108 doctors treating patients only 50% were reporting the cases. Major reason cited for not reporting was “don’t know how to” and major barrier considered was “lack of training.” Conclusion: Strategies such as training and retraining, and one‑to‑one sensitization of private practitioners to address barriers may enhance TB notification.

Characterization of a novel antifungal protein from Acacia senegal seeds

Aim: The aim of the present study was to isolate antifungal protein from seeds of Acacia senegal in order to develop a new, effective and environmental friendly biofungicide.Methodology: Antifungal protein from A. senegal seeds was extracted and purified through ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis, ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The novel antifungal was characterized employing SDS-PAGE, chitinase activity and antifungal efficacy. The purified protein was also characterized through MALDI-TOF MS/MS. Results: The yield of purified antifungal protein was estimated to be 0.96 mg 25 g-1 seeds and its molecular mass determined by SDS PAGE was 52.9 kDa. The purified protein exhibited antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi viz., Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium oxysporum also possessed chitinase activity. The purified protein was characterized through MALDI-TOF MS/MS and its spectra revealed 14 peptides with their specific amino acid sequences. Interpretation: The antifungal protein isolated from A. senegal seeds has broad-spectrum antifungal activity with chitinase activity against pathogenic fungi that can be exploited for management of fungal disease as biopesticide to promote sustainable agriculture

Genetic diversity in henna based on gene targeted SCoT, arbitrarily amplified ISSR and nuclear rDNA multiplicity

Aim: The present study was undertaken to analyze the extent of genetic variability existing among twenty accessions of Lawsonia inermis, collected from Rajasthan and Gujarat states of India, using gene targeted SCoT, arbitrarily amplified ISSR and nuclear rDNA markers. Methodology: Twenty henna accessions, vegetatively established at the Institute were collected from Rajasthan (7) and Gujarat (13). Twenty-six SCoT and twenty ISSR markers generating distinct, unambiguous and scorable fragments were selected, after preliminary screening for assessment of genetic diversity. Data analysis was performed using NTSYS-pc, GenAlEx 6 and POPGENE version 1.31 programs, and dendrograms were generated using unweighted pair group method for arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA was amplified using universal primers followed by sequencing and dendrogram generation. Results: SCoT markers revealed lower values of similarity coefficients ranging from 0.87 - 0.93 compared to 0.93 - 0.98 for ISSR. SCoT markers delineated the L. inermis cultivars into three distinct clusters while ISSR markers demarcated them into five clusters. Interpretation: The Gujarat population of L. inermis was richer in genetic diversity than that of Rajasthan. SCoT markers proved better than the ISSR markers for genetic diversity analysis. Substantial variation in ITS-1 region due to SNPs, INDELS and ITS length polymorphism the nucleotide sequences signified its phylogenetic utility in assessing genetic diversity in of L. inermis.

The Analgesic Effects Of Ginger-Juice (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) On Wistar Albino Rat.

Background: In the view of contradictory reporting concerning analgesic effect, it was planned to investigate the analgesic effect of ginger-juice (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSCOE) on wistar albino rat. Methodology: Wistar albino rats (n=6-12) were administered ginger juice (GJ) at doses (4ml/rat, p.o) as single administration (single dose) and repeated dose over a period of 7 days. Effect of treatment with G.J single and repeated (7days) dose was assessed. Parameter used during assessment was licking of paw after placing the rate on analgesiometer heated up to 50C. Results: The single and repeated administration of GJ (4ml/rat,p.o for 7 days) did not indicate analgesic effect on hot plate model. Conclusion: administered itself did not show analgesic effect on hot plate model.

Iodine Deficiency Disorder in Children Aged 6-12 Years of Ambala, Haryana.

We conducted this study to assess the prevalence of goitre among 2700 children (6-12 yr) of district Ambala in Haryana. Children were examined as per standards laid by National iodine deficiency disorder control programme (NIDDCP). Multi stage cluster sampling method was used. Urine and salt samples were also studied for iodine concentration. The overall prevalence of goitre in the studied subjects was 12.6%. The median urinary iodine excretion in the study sample was more than 100μg/L Iodine content was found to be adequate in 88% of salt samples. We conclude that there was a high prevalence of goitre in young children despite iodine repletion. This calls for identification of factors to strengthen NIDDCP and the need to emphasize use of iodized salt in Haryana.

Attenuation of phosphamidon-induced oxidative stress and immune dysfunction in rats treated with N-acetylcysteine

The effect of N-acetylcysteine, a thiolic antioxidant, on attenuation of phosphamidon-induced oxidative stress and immune dysfunction was evaluated in adult male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g. Rats were divided into four groups, 8 animals/group, and treated with phosphamidon, N-acetylcysteine or the combination of both for 28 days. Oral administration of phosphamidon (1.74 mg/kg), an organophosphate insecticide, increased serum malondialdehyde (3.83 ± 0.18 vs 2.91 ± 0.24 nmol/mL; P < 0.05) and decreased erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (567.8 ± 24.36 vs 749.16 ± 102.61 U/gHb; P < 0.05), catalase activity (1.86 ± 0.18 vs 2.43 ± 0.08 U/gHb; P < 0.05) and whole blood glutathione levels (1.25 ± 0.21 vs 2.28 ± 0.08 mg/gHb; P < 0.05) showing phosphamidon-induced oxidative stress. Phosphamidon exposure markedly suppressed humoral immune response as assessed by antibody titer to ovalbumin (4.71 ± 0.51 vs 8.00 ± 0.12 -log2; P < 0.05), and cell-mediated immune response as assessed by leukocyte migration inhibition (25.24 ± 1.04 vs 70.8 ± 1.09%; P < 0.05) and macrophage migration inhibition (20.38 ± 0.99 vs 67.16 ± 5.30%; P < 0.05) response. Phosphamidon exposure decreased IFN-у levels (40.7 ± 3.21 vs 55.84 ± 3.02 pg/mL; P < 0.05) suggesting a profound effect of phosphamidon on cell-mediated immune response. A phosphamidon-induced increase in TNF-α level (64.19 ± 6.0 vs 23.16 ± 4.0 pg/mL; P < 0.05) suggests a contributory role of immunocytes in oxidative stress. Co-administration of N-acetylcysteine (3.5 mmol/kg, orally) with phosphamidon attenuated the adverse effects of phosphamidon. These findings suggest that oral N-acetylcysteine treatment exerts protective effect and attenuates free radical injury and immune dysfunction caused by subchronic phosphamidon exposure.

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome: case report.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare acquired disorder in which acute angulation of SMA causes compression of the third part of the duodenum between the SMA and the aorta, leading to obstruction. Loss of fatty tissue as a result of a variety of debilitating conditions is believed to be the etiologic factor causing the acute angulation. We report a case of 30 years old lady who presented with postprandial abdominal pain at the epigastric region, colic type without radiation accompanied by nausea, postprandial vomiting and weight loss. Esophageal gastric series revealed an abrupt interruption in the contrast medium flow at the level of the junction of third portion (midpart) of the duodenum in barium studies. Adiverticula is noted just proximal to the site of obstruction. High resolution ultrasound and color Doppler sonography showed narrowing of the aortomesenteric angle to 220. Duodenojejunostomy was performed in the patient. Unfortunately the patient later was admitted in the hospital for refractory gastroparesis associated with superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Although open and laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy have been described as the best surgical treatment options for Wilkie's syndrome, but further attention is needed to the management of patients with refractory symptoms of gastroparesis after corrective surgery.

Rare causes of voice hoarseness: a case report.

We report two contrasting and rare cases of voice hoarseness in young patients of tubercular aetiology. First case report is of isolated tubercular recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in a patient who presented with hoarseness of voice. Chest radiograph showed a left hilar prominence and bronchial washings isolated acid-fast bacilli. Hoarseness of voice as an initial symptom due to isolated vocal cord palsy with no morphological lesions in the larynx and without obvious parenchymal infiltration often poses a diagnostic dilemma. Second case report highlights the possibilities of tuberculosis of the vocal cords mimicking tumour of the larynx. This patient had an ulcerative growth involving the vocal cord which was initially mistaken for malignancy. Patient also had concomitant miliary shadowing in the lungs and laryngoscopic biopsy revealed the growth to be tuberculosis. Early diagnosis and intervention with antitubercular treatment is vital as it results in complete recovery with reversal of vocal hoarseness.

Status of cold-chain maintenance in Chandigarh.

An effective cold chain maintenance system is the backbone of success of any immunization program. This study compares the state of cold chain maintenance during intensive pulse polio immunization campaign in union territory of Chandigarh in the year 2001 with that of 2006. The study was conducted during pulse polio rounds of December 2001 and January 2002 and another in April and May 2006 by Department of Community Medicine, Govt. Medical College, Chandigarh. Data was collected from different levels of cold chain maintenance; OPV vials were also collected and sent for potency testing at Central Research Institute, Kasauli in all the rounds. Cold chain sickness rate has decreased from 9.8% in year 2001 to 6% in year 2006. Icepacks were neatly stacked in all the deep freezers (DF) and ice-lined refrigerators (ILR). 94.71% DF's & ILR's were defrosted periodically, 95.36% temperature charts were up-to-date and signed by supervisors and no day carriers were being used in 2006 round. Whereas in 2001, the periodicity of defrosting ILR & DFs was 76.9%, vaccines were stacked neatly in only 38.46% and day carriers were being used. All the randomly selected vaccine samples were reported potent.

Influence of zinc on the status of hepatic trace elements and biokinetics of 65Zn in ethanol treated rats.

Whole body counting studies of 65Zn indicated that the Tb1 (the faster component) was significantly decreased while the slower component (Tb2) was increased significantly following ethanol treatment. Interestingly, following zinc treatment to ethanol treated rats, slower component (Tb2) of 65Zn came back to within normal limits while the faster component (Tb1) got significantly elevated in comparison to ethanol treatment. Percent uptake values of 65Zn were found to be increased in liver, intestine, muscle, brain and kidney, and decreased in bone under alcoholic conditions. Interestingly, the uptake values of 65Zn in all the organs except muscle were reverted back to within normal limits upon zinc supplementation to these ethanol intoxicated animals. A significant decrease in zinc contents was noticed in ethanol treated rats, which, however, were raised to normal levels upon zinc supplementation: Copper levels, on the other hand, were significantly enhanced in both ethanol fed and combined ethanol + zinc treated rats. Calcium levels were significantly decreased in both ethanol and zinc treated rats, which however were further reduced upon zinc supplementation to ethanol fed rats. However, no significant change was observed in the concentrations of sodium and potassium in any of the treatment groups. In conclusion, zinc appears to play a protective role by normalizing the turnover of 65Zn in whole body as well as in its uptake in different organs under alcoholic conditions.

Influence of cultural conditions on lipid production by mutant strain of Rhodotorula glutinis MTCC 1151.

Mutant of Rhodotorula glutinis MTCC 1151 was found to produce high level of lipid (63.6% of biomass) as compared to parent strain (56.7% biomass). The lipid synthesizing capacity of mutant of R. glutinis was evaluated with different glucose concentrations, nitrogen sources, incubation time, and aeration-agitation. Maximum lipid yield (63.6% of biomass) was found with 5% glucose using ammonium sulfate (0.2%) as a nitrogen source under shake-flask conditions (50 ml broth in 250 ml conical flask at 125 rpm) after 4 days of incubation at 28 degrees C. The ability of ammonium sulfate to replace comparatively very costly yeast extract is highly appreciable.

Irreducible dislocation of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb.

Two cases of posttraumatic irreducible compound dislocation of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb are presented. This rare injury requires surgical intervention with anatomic repositioning of the structures responsible for the irreducibility viz. the long Flexor tendon and the volar plate.

A study of the role of osteotomy in unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

Osteotomy has been used in treatment of unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures in an attempt to increase the stability of the fracture fragments. We have assessed this stability in a randomised prospective study on 138 patients, all having been fixed by dynamic hip screen, comparing anatomical reduction with medialisation osteotomy. The groups were similar in terms of age, gender and fracture configuration. There was no difference in final results in both groups except that operation time was longer in osteotomy group and the blood loss was more. We found no clear benefit from osteotomy and therefore recommend anatomical reduction and fixation by a sliding hip screw in most cases. Rarely, a fracture configuration which does not allow anatomical reduction may benefit from an osteotomy.

Study of serum zinc in neonates and their mothers in Shimla hills (Himachal Pradesh).

Serum zinc level in cord blood of 159 neonates was estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The cases were classified according to birth weight and gestation of babies as Term appropriate for date (TAFD), Term small for date (TSFD), Term large for date (TLFD), Preterm appropriate for date (PAFD), Preterm small for date (PSFD) and Preterm large for date (PLFD). The zinc level were also estimated in mothers of these groups at the time of delivery, and compared with cord blood levels of those in non-pregnant mothers. Mean serum zinc level in infant born full term AFD, full term SFD, full term LFD, preterm AFD, preterm SFD and preterm LFD were 79.6 +/- 17.8 micrograms/dl, 58.2 +/- 13.4 micrograms/dl, 84.1 +/- 21.1 micrograms/dl, 81 +/- 25.2 micrograms/dl, 51.2 +/- 51.7 micrograms/dl and 76 +/- 14.7 micrograms/dl respectively. The maternal zinc levels in respective groups were 67 +/- 9.6 micrograms/dl, 56.5 +/- 7.5 micrograms/dl, 63.6 +/- 14.4 micrograms/dl, 62.7 +/- 21.1 micrograms/dl, 54.5 +/- 5.4 micrograms/dl, and 58.2 +/- 2.7 micrograms/dl. The mean serum zinc values in mothers and babies in birth weight group ranging from 1500-2000 gm were 55.3 +/- 4.3 micrograms/dl and 60 +/- 23.1 micrograms/dl, 2001-2500 gm were 59.5 +/- 11.3 and 65.8 +/- 17 micrograms/dl, 2501-3000 gm were 69.2 +/- 9.5 and 84.7 +/- 14 micrograms/dl, 3001-3500 gm were 65.8 +/- 12.7 micrograms/dl, 82.2 +/- 20.8 micrograms/dl and 3501 and above were 70.5 +/- 8.2 micrograms/dl and 85 +/- 14.3 micrograms/dl respectively. Statistically significant low zinc levels were observed in SFD babies and their mothers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)