Exploring the Effect of Trataka (A Yogic Cleansing Technique) and Cold Eye Pack on Eye Strain During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Three-Arm Trial.

Objective: Computer vision syndrome is a major global public health concern affecting >60 million individuals globally. Yoga and naturopathy practices can reduce visual fatigue and strain. The present study attempted to explore the effect of trataka that is, a yogic cleansing technique and cold eye pack on visual strain and fatigue. Subjects: Three hundred volunteers from an IT company were recruited following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Intervention: The subjects were randomly distributed in three groups, that is, trataka, cold eye pack, and waitlist control group with an allocation ratio of 1:1:1. Outcome measure: Visual Fatigue Scale and Visual symptoms checklist (VSC) was administered at baseline and end of 2 weeks. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) with Bonferroni corrections was used to test the difference across the groups. Results: All the variables were similar at the baseline among the groups. Significant changes in the within-group analysis occurred in both the trataka and cold eye pack groups. The RM-ANOVA revealed significant differences in the VAS and VSC (p = 0.001) and the post hoc analysis suggested that there were significant differences in both the trataka and cold eye pack group when compared with the control group (p = 0.001); however, there was no differences between the trataka and cold eye pack group in both the scales (p = 1). Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that a trataka and cold eye pack for 14 days improves self-rated visual strain and fatigue among IT professionals with computer vision syndrome. Clinical Trial registration number: CTRI/2020/11/029003.

Development of Novel Eating Error Scoring Tool to Evaluate Adult Eating Behavior Anomalies Among the United Arab Emirates Population.

Introduction Maladaptive eating behaviors are emerging as the most significant determinants of obesity with a promising role in intervention. In the absence of a standardized tool to assess eating variations, an Eating Error Score (EES) tool was devised which comprised five zones for evaluating the severity of obesogenic behaviors as well as the specific area(s) with the highest susceptibility. This pilot study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the EES in quantitating the eating behavior errors associated with excess weight and identifying the most affected zones. Methods The EES questionnaire was designed to explore potential disturbances in five zones of eating behavior related to the impetus to eat (Munger), meal choices and attentiveness to cravings (Impulsive), consumption speed (Speed feeding), cues to stop ingestion (Indulgent) and the social aspect of eating (Relationship). The questionnaire was conducted on adults with varying body mass index (BMI) attending governmental outpatient clinics. The correlation between EES and BMI was determined through Pearson Coefficient. Results A total of 204 participants completed the EES questionnaire. There were 72 males and 132 females with a mean BMI of 27.63 ± 6.16 kg/m2 and with nearly equal distribution between normal weight (37.2%), overweight (32.4%), and obese (29.4%) individuals. Nearly 75% of our cohort had a moderate total EES, and the remainder was equally distributed between the mild and severe ranges. A weak but significant correlation was observed between total EES and BMI (r=0.275, p<0.001) suggesting increasing obesogenic styles in participants with excess weight. In addition, a similar weak but significant correlation was noted between Body Mass Index and the Munger and Impulsive zones (r=0.266 and 0.258 and p<0.001, respectively) suggesting more severe maladaptive eating behaviors in these areas. No correlation was found with the Speed feeding, Indulgent, and Relationship zones. Conclusion The EES may be a useful tool for assessing the extent of maladaptive eating behaviors, which predispose individuals to weight gain and sabotage their weight loss efforts. Undoubtedly, the utility of the tool needs to be corroborated in large population studies. Further, identifying the specific operant zones may show promise as many of these habits are potentially modifiable and can be targeted for weight control, most notably those associated with the Munger and Impulsive zones.

The role of trataka in ameliorating visual strain and promoting psychological well-being during prolonged use of digital displays: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The prolonged usage of digital displays leads to visual strain and, in turn, impairs psychological well-being. The practice of Yoga is said to enhance psychological functions and reduce visual strain. OBJECTIVE: The present study assessed the effect of the trataka (Yogic visual concentration) practice on the visual strain, mind-wandering, and mindfulness. METHODS: One hundred six volunteers equally distributed in the experimental and control groups completed the study. Visual Fatigue Scale (VFS), visual symptoms checklist (VSC), mind-wandering questionnaire (MWQ), and State Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (SMAAS) were administered at baseline and at the end of two weeks. RESULTS: All variables were similar at the baseline in both groups, and significant differences were noted at the end of two weeks between both groups. There was a significant reduction in VFS and VSC scores, MWQ, along with an increase in SMAAS scores in the experimental group. Although there were significant changes in VFS, MWQ, and SMAAS in the control group, the magnitude of change was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of trataka was found to reduce the visual strain, mind wandering while improving the state mindfulness. The practice can be implemented to mitigate visual strain and associated psychological implications due to prolonged exposure to digital displays, which has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adolescent eating behaviors in the UAE: Time to intervene.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is the single most burdensome lifestyle disease, which has reached epidemic proportions. This study aimed to examine the eating behavior patterns and beliefs in a group of adolescents living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). PROCEDURE: A questionnaire was administered to adolescents (aged 11 and 18 years) attending outpatients' clinics at governmental health facilities. Informed consent was obtained, and the questionnaire was available in English or Arabic languages. RESULTS: In all, 36 adolescent subjects participated in our study with 12 males and 24 females. UAE nationals constituted 72% of our participants and 28% were of other ethnic backgrounds; 75% were overweight to obese with 17% normal and 8% underweight. The majority of patients were healthy with only 6 patients suffering chronic medical diseases. We uncovered that in less than half of our cohort, the decision to eat came directly from the individuals themselves, but it was more influenced by their families. Food consumption was largely in response to physical hunger with the sensation perceived in the upper abdomen by one-third and the remainder localizing it to various other areas. Excessive caloric intake with frequent meals and snacks was also reported. Our study subjects decided what to consume mainly based on what appeared appetizing, followed by availability and cravings and to a lesser extent based on health recommendations. Excessive speed of food ingestion was self-reported in the majority of participants. Moreover, almost half of the adolescents were unable to turn down food offerings from their close family members and over one-fourth were unable to refuse food from other persons. Common symptoms reported included dysphoric mood, disordered sleep, decreased energy and concentration difficulties as well as low self-esteem. CONCLUSION: Our study uncovered certain eating behaviors in the cohort of adolescents, which may be important in promoting weight gain. These included misconceived hunger signals, excessive frequency, amount and speed of food consumption as well as more focus on food taste, inattentiveness to cravings and a strong social influence on food intake decisions. The findings of our study aim to shed some light on the eating patterns among adolescents and encourage research to investigate eating behaviors on an expanded scale evaluating ethnic, gender and age-related differences.

Effect of Trataka (Yogic Visual Concentration) on the Performance in the Corsi-Block Tapping Task: A Repeated Measures Study.

Background and Objective: Attention and memory are essential aspects of cognitive health. Yogasanas, pranayama, and meditation have shown to improve cognitive functions. There has been no assessment of Trataka (yogic visual concentration) on working or on spatial memory. The present study was planned to assess the immediate effects of Trataka and of eye exercise sessions on the Corsi-block tapping task (CBTT). Methods: A total of 41 healthy volunteers of both genders with age 23.21 ± 2.81 years were recruited. All participants underwent baseline assessment, followed by 2 weeks of training in Trataka (including eye exercise). Each training session lasted for 20 min/day for 6 days a week. After completion of the training period, a 1-week washout period was given. Each participant then was assessed in two sessions in Trataka and in eye exercise on two separate days, maintaining the same time of the day. Repeated measure analysis of variance with Holm's adjustment was performed to check the difference between the sessions. Results: Significant within-subjects effects were observed for forward Corsi span andforward total score (p < 0.001), and also for backward Corsi span (p < 0.05) and backward total score (p < 0.05). Post hoc analyses revealed Trataka session to be better than eye exercises and baseline. The eye exercise session did not show any significant changes in the CBTT. Conclusion: The result suggests that Trataka session improves working memory, spatial memory, and spatial attention.

Cutaneous angiosarcoma - a rare case report in Indian female!

Cutaneous angiosarcoma is a rare vascular tumour especially of elderly males. We present a rare case of elderly female who presented with scalp lesion, parotid swelling and posed a diagnostic challenge. Further work up including biopsy of the lesion revealed the diagnosis of cutaneous angiosarcoma. Rarity of the case due to presence of this rare tumour in a darkcolored female and wide spread presentation of the tumour prompted us to report the case. This case adds to the literature of few cases describing this rare tumour in Indian subcontinent. It attempts to alert the clinicians of this entity, as early diagnosis of the tumour may possibly improve the already known dismal prognosis!

The carotid intima media thickness: a predictor of the clincal coronary events.

BACKGROUND: The Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a simple and an inexpensive tool which can be used to assess the cumulative effect of atherosclerotic risk factors and it is also an independent predictor of the future cardiovascular risk. Nevertheless, criticism has been raised throughout the scientific community, based on the observations which indicated a weak correlation between CIMT and coronary atherosclerosis. It has been suggested by the International Atherosclerosis Project, that the atherosclerotic process occurs at the same time in the carotid, cerebral and the coronary arteries. Measurement of the Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) of the Common Carotid Artery (CCA) by B-mode ultrasound was found to be a suitable non-invasive method, to visualize the arterial walls and to monitor the early stages of the atherosclerotic process. AIM: This study sought to determine the usefulness of B-mode ultrasound as a non-invasive marker to examine the association between CIMT and the extent and the severity of coronary artery disease and its association with the cardiovascular risk factors, if any. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done among hundred cases and hundred age and sex matched controls who were in the age group of 30-65 years. The cases included those who had undergone coronary angiography. The controls included non-diabetic non-hypertensives with no cardiovascular risk factors. The CIMT was assessed by using a 7MHz linear array transducer. Fasting blood samples were collected for measuring the blood sugar and the lipid profiles. RESULTS: The statistical analysis was done by using the Student's t test and ANOVA and a p value of <0.001 was considered to be significant. The Average Carotid Intima Media Thickness (AVCIMT) was higher in the cases (0.90 vs 0.47 in controls, p<0.001, very highly significant). The AVCIMT was found to be higher in those with triple vessel disease (1.00mm)

HIV in Females: A Clinico-epidemiological Study.

BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency Virusinfected women account for almost half the number of cases of HIV worldwide. Despite reduction in HIV prevalence among the population, the percentage of Indian women contracting the disease seems to have increased. The social implications are also different in females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted from September 2009 to July 2011 at tertiary care hospitals attached to the Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, on a group of 200 HIV-positive patients. Patients above 18 years of age diagnosed with HIV as per National AIDS Control Organisation guidelines were included in the study. Clinical profile among women and men was compared with respect to clinical presentation, disease detection, CD4 count and response of family and society. RESULTS: Clinical presentation was similar among both men and women. Eighty-one percent men had promiscual sexual exposure, 19% of women had so. Males were identified to be HIV-positive earlier than their spouse (tested later), time lag being 27.6 weeks. After detection of positivity 77% of females felt being less cared for by the in-laws. CD4 count less than 50 was detected in more number of females as compared to men (11% females and 1% males). Death of spouse was seen more often in females (among 35% of women and 11% of men). CONCLUSION: Most of the females were likely to acquire infection from their spouse. Females tend to seek and get medical attention at the late stage of disease as compared to men. HIV in females has different social implications which includes discrimination within the family.

HIV-Tuberculosis: A Study of Chest X-Ray Patterns in Relation to CD4 Count.

BACKGROUND: Fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is incomplete without addressing problems associated with difficult diagnosis of tuberculosis in HIV-Tuberculosis coinfected patients. Chest X-ray is a primary tool to evaluate tuberculosis in HIV. AIM: To assess and compare various radiological patterns of pulmonary tuberculosis in HIV patients and compare these patterns in relation to CD4 counts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in South India from September 2009 to July 2011 with 200 HIV positive patients. WHO guidelines were used for diagnosis of HIV and tuberculosis. RESULTS: 27% of the patients had sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis, with higher incidence (33%) among CD4 less than 200 as compared to CD4 more than 200 (14%). Infiltration (39%) followed by consolidation (30%), cavity (11%), and lymphadenopathy (9%) seen with CD4 less than 200. Infiltration (37.5%) followed by cavity (25%) and miliary (25%) with CD4 above 200. Bilateral (68.5%) and mid and lower zones or all zone involvement more commonly seen. CONCLUSION: In patients with CD4 lower than 200 noncavitory infiltration and consolidation predominated. Involvement of lungs was atypical; diffuse or mid and lower zone involvement than classical upper lobe involvement. A high index of suspicion is necessary for the accurate and timely diagnosis of tuberculosis in HIV positive patients.