Effect of yoga practices on respiratory parameters in healthy young adults.

Background & Objectives: Besides spiritual achievements, the practice of yoga is accompanied by a number of beneficial physiological effects in the body. The regular practice of yoga integrates the mind and the body.It produces many systemic psycho-physical effects in the body, besides its specific effects on the respiratory functions.The aim of the present study was to assess the beneficial effects of yoga in the improvements in the pulmonary functions of young healthy adults. Methods: The study group consisted of 30 young adults (19 males and 11 females) who were students of first year M.B.B.S.,medical college Baroda.They were motivated to participate in yoga workshop for one hour daily for four weeks. The first phase of the recording of the pulmonary parameters (M.V.V,FVC,FEV1,PEFR) was done at the beginning of their course. The second phase of the recording was done after 4 weeks of the regular yoga practice. The data were analyzed using student’s Paired T – test. Results: Participants had a mean±SD age of 17.81 ± 0.48 years, height of 164.21±5.09 cm and weight of 54.34±5.63kg. The MVV(L/MIN) - before yoga practice showed a value of 97.4±24.4 and after , it showed a value of 119±28. The FVC(ml) - before yoga practice showed a value of 2575 ±631and after , it showed a value of 2768 ±618. The FEV1(ml)- before yoga practice showed a value of 2270± 636 and after , it showed a value of 2476 ±570. The PEFR(L/MIN) - before yoga practice showed a value of 479±103 and after , it showed a value of 585±120. For all the parameters, a P value of <0.01 was considered as statistically significant. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant increase in all the above lung parameters in the regular yoga practitioners.This study proposes that regular practice of yoga can improve health related aspects of physical fitness and general wellbeing.

Dexamethasone in bacterial meningitis: to use or not to use?

Permanent neurologic disabilities are seen in up to a quarter of survivors of bacterial meningitis despite major improvements in therapy. Experimental studies have demonstrated that most of the pathology in meningitis is mediated by inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), which are produced by host cells in response to bacterial invasion of the meninges. Dexamethasone has been used in a number of clinical trials to moderate the host response and to improve neurologic outcome of meningitis. Results of six randomized, placebo controlled trials are summarized in this review. Dexamethasone treatment did not lower mortality. Only a moderate, but not a significant reduction in the neurologic and audiologic sequelae was seen in dexamethasone recipients when Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was the causative agent of meningitis. Following routine use of Hib vaccine, meningitis caused by this agent has virtually disappeared in the USA. Hence, findings from these trials may no longer be applicable in countries with high rates of immunization against Hib. Presently, there is little or no evidence showing a benefit of dexamethasone therapy in meningitis caused by S. pneumoniae or N. meningitidis. Global emergence of penicillin and cephalosporin resistant S. pneumoniae has raised new concerns about the use of dexamethasone in pneumococcal meningitis. Since dexamethasone significantly decreases the penetration and concentration of vancomycin and ceftriaxone in the CSF and delays CSF sterilization, adjunctive dexamethasone therapy may increase the risk of treatment failure in meningitis caused by antibiotic resistant pneumococci. An antibiotic combination should be used in the treatment of meningitis caused by antibiotic resistant pneumococci, particularly if dexamethasone is also being administered concurrently.

Serum calcium, magnesium and inorganic phosphorous levels during various phases of menstrual cycle.

Serum Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Inorganic phosphorous (Pi) were investigated serially during menstrual, follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases of menstrual cycle in 25 healthy medical student volunteers. The result shows significant cyclic variations within physiological limits in all parameters. Ca level was highest during ovulation (P < 0.001) and lowest during luteal phase (P < 0.001) compared to other phases. Exactly opposite result was observed for Ca level. It is lowest during ovulation (P < 0.001) and highest during the luteal phase (P < 0.001). However, the highest level of Pi was seen during menstrual phase (P < 0.001) and lowest during the luteal phase (P < 0.001). These changes are probably brought about under the influence of cyclic variations of the ovarian hormones.

Hypnotizability and performance at examination. A correlative study.

Hypnotizability of 45 medical students was assessed by applying the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form: A (HGSHS:A) of Shor and Orne. Comparison of hypnotizability with performance of the students at a test examination evolved a significant positive correlation (r = 0.59). The prevalent misconception that only psychologically weak or sick people with poor intelligence are hypnotizable is disproved. Probable causes, responsible for such a relationship between hypnotizability and performance at examination are discussed.

Serum electrolytes during various phases of menstrual cycle.

The corollary follow up study carried presents variation in electrolyte content of serum during menstrual, follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases of menstrual cycle. Variation in sodium, potassium and chloride were found to be parallel with each other. Their level increase significantly from follicular to ovulatory phase and falls significantly during luteal phase. Bicarbonate levels are higher in follicular and luteal phases while they are lower in menstrual and ovulatory phases.