Molecular study of the KCNJ11 gene and its correlation with Prakriti to preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.

In Ayurveda, every individual is believed to possess a unique entity known as Prakriti, which distinguishes them from others physically, physiologically, and psychologically. This entity also determines an individual's response to a particular stimulus, and it is believed that such responses are not solely determined by genetics. The present research aims to validate the Ayurvedic concept of Prakriti from a modern molecular perspective to strengthen the personalized and precise treatment approach. A study was conducted to investigate the role of the KCNJ11gene in the susceptibility of individuals to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with their metabolic status. The research involved allele mining on three major Prakriti groups - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha - in 112 patients with T2DM and 112 healthy individuals. The KCNJ11 gene, responsible for insulin secretion membrane pore formation, was analyzed to determine the susceptibility of different Prakriti types to T2DM. The MutPred tool predicted the molecular cause of disease-related amino acid substitution. According to the study, only Pitta and Kapha Prakriti were diagnosed with diabetes, while all three Prakriti types were present in the control group of healthy individuals. A protein model was prepared, and the changes resulting from mutations were observed for each group in their protein sequence, both as synonymous and non-synonymous mutations. Ultimately, these changes contributed to the manifestation of T2DM. Based on the findings, it appears that Prakriti groups may experience changes in protein function due to nonsynonymous mutations and differences in amino acids at the protein level.

Modified SVPWM technique for CMV reduction in asymmetrical dual three phase induction machine drive.

Due to its advantages, the asymmetrical dual three-phase induction motor drive is a strong choice in high-power applications. However, the common-mode voltage produced by the voltage source inverters affects the winding insulation and damages the bearings. Common-mode voltage is also responsible for electromagnetic interference and leakage currents. This paper, therefore, analyses the common-mode voltage produced by the inverter supplying a dual three-phase induction motor drive and proposes a novel modified space vector decomposition-based Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) technique for common mode reduction. The vector space decomposition-based space vector modulation technique offers excellent flexibility as it reduces the common-mode voltage (CMV) by exploiting the additional degree of freedom in a dual three-phase system. The common-mode voltage (CMV) can be reduced to one-sixth of the DC link voltage compared to the highest CMV, i.e. half of the DC-link voltage produced in conventional space vector modulation. The proposed method is also validated experimentally to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in terms of the amplitude of CMV, pulsations, and total harmonic distortion(THD) in current.

Self reported benefits of participating in group prayer in a hospital outpatient setting: A cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: Prayer had long been used as a tool to bring hope among patients suffering with intractable diseases. Most clinical researches conducted so far on prayer were done upon indoor patients. Effects of prayer involving patients and health care providers in a hospital outpatient setting have never been explored. OBJECTIVES: This cross sectional study aimed to observe the self-perceived changes post prayer among patients and hospital staff involved in the health care delivery and who actually have participated in the prayer sessions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Survey was conducted with the help of a structured questionnaire on routine OP days at Ayurveda -Arthritis Treatment and Advanced Research Center, Lucknow. Patients visiting the center for OP based consultation and hospital staff who has participated in any prayer session were eligible to participate in the survey. RESULTS: 49 hospital staff and 85 patients have participated in the survey. Among most important self-reported attributes following the prayer sessions in patients were Positive Attitude (84.70%), Optimism about cure (92.90%), Feeling of well-being (95.30%), Optimism about future (95.30%) and Changes in energy level (89.40%). Among hospital staff the important attributes were related to change in energy level (93.90%), increased empathy (93.90%), feeling of universal good (96.00%), less fatigue post prayer (69.40%), sustained effects (81.60%) and healthier feeling (81.60%). CONCLUSION: This observational study suggests that a simple prayer session in outpatient department may be helpful in inculcating hope and building self-esteem among patients and can bring a better self-image, efficiency and connectedness in the hospital staff. Eventually, this may help in improving the outcomes and quality of care being provided at outpatient setting at any hospital.

Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on low back pain in patients with prolapsed intervertebral disc: A randomised controlled trial.

Background and Aims: Prolapsed intervertebral disc (IVDP) is a major cause of low back pain. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a viable option for these patients, with fewer adverse effects and long-term sustainability of pain relief. This double-blinded, randomised study aimed to evaluate the effect of autologous PRP on low back pain in patients with IVDP. Methods: A total of 42 patients with IVDP were randomised either to the autologous PRP (n = 21) group or control (epidural local anaesthetics with steroids; n = 21) group. Change in pain was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Impact of treatment was assessed using the Global Perceived Effect (GPE) scale. All the patients were followed up for six months. Data was compared using Chi-square, independent sample t, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: The two groups were similar in their demographic and clinical profile. The baseline mean NRS ± standard deviation (SD) was 6.91 ± 0.94 in the PRP group and 7.38 ± 1.16 in the control group (P = 0.099). At six months, the mean NRS ± SD was 1.43 ± 0.75 in the PRP group compared to 5.43 ± 0.75 in the control group (P < 0.001). The GPE score was also found to be significantly higher in the PRP group, compared to the control group in the final assessment (P < 0.001). During the course of the study, the PRP group showed a consistent decline in NRS, whereas the control group showed an initial decline followed by consistent increase in NRS. Conclusion: PRP provided sustained relief from low back pain due to IVDP and can be recommended as a safe and promising alternative to epidural local anaesthetics and steroids.

An effective ECG signal compression algorithm with self controlled reconstruction quality.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) signals are frequently used in the continuous monitoring of heart patients. These recordings generate huge data, which is difficult to store or transmit in telehealth applications. In the above context, this work proposes an efficient novel compression algorithm by integrating the tunable-Q wavelet transform (TQWT) with coronavirus herd immunity optimizer (CHIO). Additionally, this algorithm facilitates the self-adaptive nature to regulate the reconstruction quality by limiting the error parameter. CHIO is a human perception-based algorithm, used to select optimum TQWT parameters, where decomposition level of TQWT is optimized for the first time in the field of ECG compression. The obtained transform coefficients are then thresholded, quantized, and encoded to improve the compression further. The proposed work is tested on MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. The compression and optimization performance using CHIO is also compared with well-established optimization algorithms. The compression performance is measured in terms of compression ratio, signal-to-noise ratio, percent root mean square difference, quality score, and correlation coefficient.

Stellate Ganglion Blocks for Refractory Central Poststroke Pain: A Case Series.

Central poststroke pain (CPSP) is a neuropathic pain secondary to cerebrovascular accidents. This is characterized by pain and other sensory abnormalities, which correspond with the area of the injured brain. Despite advancements in therapeutic options, this clinical entity is still challenging to treat. We present 5 patients with CPSP, who were refractory to pharmacotherapy and were successfully managed with stellate ganglion blocks. A significant decrease in pain scores and improvement in functional disabilities were noted in all patients following the intervention.

Effects of two Ayurvedic formulations, Dhanwantaram Kashaya and Saraswatarishta on life history parameters and toxic aggregates in Drosophila models of Huntington's and Alzheimer's disease.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ayurveda, the traditional healthcare system native to India, employs dosage forms containing multiple herbs in treating various clinical conditions. Dhanwantaram Kashaya (DK) and Saraswatarishta (SA) are two such formulations containing multiple herbs in varied proportions. Kashaya is a liquid decoction while Arishta is fermented liquid with permissible quantity of self-generated alcohol in it. Both the formulations have been reported to have clinical efficacy in age-related memory impairment. Other mental disorders having clinical presentations similar to psychoses are the other indications for these tested formulations. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of two Rasayana formulations i.e., DK and SA, used by clinicians in different neurodegenerative conditions. We tested these formulations in Alzheimer's (AD) and Huntington's disease (HD) models of Drosophila melanogaster. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Initial experiments looking for life-history parameters in wild-type larvae were carried out in three sets with hundred larvae in each set. These parameters were also studied in diseased models in four sets with eighty larvae in each set. Aß plaques and polyQ aggregates were looked at with the help of immunostaining technique and images were captured using confocal microscopy. RESULTS: The results revealed that 0.25% concentration of both the formulations improve longevity in wild-type flies. Larval development and adult lifespan in Eye-GAL4>Aß42 (AD) and GMR-GAL4>127Q (HD) larvae/flies reared on 0.25% & 0.50% DK and 0.25% & 1.00% SA improved substantially. Reduced Aß plaques and polyQ aggregates indicate disease suppression. CONCLUSION: DK and SA enhanced longevity in Drosophila melanogaster. Suppression of disease aggregates suggests their potential utility in treating AD and HD. Further clinical and pharmaceutical studies are required to confirm these results, however, this is a workable model to test multi-herbal formulations of Ayurveda in the forms they are clinically used.

A survey of patients visiting an Ayurvedic teaching hospital for factors influencing the decision to choose ayurveda as a health care provider.

STUDY BACKGROUND: In a pluralistic health care delivery model, it is important to assess whether the individual's health care choices are based upon evidences of efficacy and safety. Since the essence of medical pluralism lies in the fact that all such systems are equally accessible to a seeker, in such situation, it is highly relevant to check what defines such choices in real life. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors influencing the health care choices in a subpopulation seeking Ayurveda health care in an Ayurvedic teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study was an all-inclusive cross sectional survey, done on randomly selected out patients visiting an Ayurveda teaching hospital. The data was collected using a 21 items questionnaire refined through pilot testing from 7.9.2017 to 30.9.2017. RESULTS: The data of 289 respondents who have given their consent were included in statistical analysis. Out of 21 variables studied for their agreement or disagreement in the study population 8 were found to have a significant proportion in favour of agreement. Among these relative safety (Item 9); disease eradicating potential (Item 14); belief (Item 3) and indirect evidences of efficacy (Item 4) were found to have high significance (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Participants chose Ayurveda treatment due to its perceived safety and probability of helping in a particular clinical condition. Contrary to the common perception, enabling factors like availability, accessibility and affordability were given less importance by the participants in making health care choices related to Ayurveda.

Efficacy of cryoneurolysis in the management of chronic non-cancer pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and Aims: Cryoneurolysis, a neuroablative technique, is used in the event of failure of conservative treatment in chronic pain conditions. To date, no systematic review has been published to demonstrate its effectiveness in managing chronic non-cancer pain. Therefore, this review was done to ascertain the efficacy of cryoneurolysis and describe its role in chronic non-cancer pain management. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for articles published between January 2011 and September 2021. Two independent reviewers extracted the data from the included studies. Assessment of risk of bias of included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was done using RevMan 5.4.1 software and Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for non-randomised studies. Results: Ten studies enroling a total of 425 patients were included in the qualitative analysis. Eight studies were assessed quantitatively. RCTs were found only for cervicogenic headache and knee osteoarthritis management. The rest of the included studies were prospective non-controlled and retrospective studies. A significant pain reduction was seen at seven-day [Standardised Mean Difference (SMD) 1.77 (1.07, 2.46)], P < 0.00001, I2 = 79%), one-month (SMD 3.26 [2.60, 3.92], P < 0.00001, I2 = 45%), three-month (SMD 2.58 [1.46, 3.70], P < 0.00001, I2 = 93%), six-month (SMD 2.38 [0.97, 3.79], P = 0.001, I2 = 86%) follow-ups. Improved disability and no serious complications were noted. Conclusion: Cryoneurolysis appeared to be effective in pain alleviation in refractory painful conditions for up to six months. It is safe and well-tolerated with an excellent safety profile but the quality of evidence is limited by substantial heterogeneity between trials. Therefore, more comparative clinical trials on a larger sample size are needed to provide more concrete evidence.

Mobile technology: A tool for healthcare and a boon in pandemic.

Healthcare systems deal with disease prevention, early detection, diagnosis, investigation, and timely, affordable, and safe treatment. For the delivery of services in the health sector, communication is the key to linking the service provider and the patients. Mobile technology in the recent past has rendered various platforms of communications for the healthcare system. Thus, in health, mobile technology has greatly contributed to time management and cost reduction for healthcare at every level including hospital visits to individual appointments with doctors, hence the convenience. With advancements in mobile technologies and the growing number of mobile users, newer opportunities have opened up for the use of mobiles for patient care. Emerging information and communication technologies with the help of the Internet of Things (IoT) have been instrumental in integrating different domains of the health sector with mobile technology. Thus, the technology may have the potential to become powerful medical tools to support the health sector at all levels of care. In this review, the concept, applications, and advantages of mobile technology for health and the present pandemic have been discussed. It also discusses mobile health technology, as a support system for convenient and safer healthcare for public health, and the opportunities to improve its applications for unseen future health crises.

Clinical Prediction of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) via Anthropometric and Biochemical Variations in Prakriti.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a complicated multifactorial illness involving hereditary and external environmental variables. The symptoms typically appear gradually over a number of years without realizing it. This viewpoint is further supported by the Ayurvedic constitution concept (Prakriti). Prakriti explains the biological variability that is observed in different individuals. This study was conducted a retrospective investigation to examine if there was a link between type 2 diabetes and an individual's constitution based on anthropometric and biochemical characteristics. Physical and mental characteristics and anthropometric and biochemical markers were used to determine reported cases' prevailing Dosha Prakriti (constitution). Based on biochemical and anthropometric data, significant differences in Prakriti were found between the case (T2DM patients) and control (person without diabetes) groups. The incidence of numerous secondary problems linked with T2DM patients was also evaluated according to their Prakriti types, which revealed a positive relationship. The three primary contributing parameters, such as waist-hip ratio, postprandial blood sugar, and serum creatinine, were correctly classified all person with or without diabetes subjects to 90.6% of the time, whereas the constitution-wise study classified person with diabetes and without diabetes individuals of Pitta and Kapha Prakriti to 94.3% and 90%, respectively. A discriminant function was created to predict a person with diabetes and without diabetes based on these three contributing factors. The primary contributing biochemical parameters discovered by Prakriti in the current study could be used as a biochemical disease diagnostic for predicting type 2 diabetes susceptibility.

Patterns of Physical Activity Among University Students and Their Perceptions About the Curricular Content Concerned With Health: Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: University students are at risk of losing their focus on maintaining healthy levels of physical activity because of their engagements with curricular and cocurricular activities. In India, the physical activity levels of the adult population have been reported to be declining in the recent years. However, studies focusing on university students pertaining to their physical activity are lacking in the Indian context. Moreover, a question that has not been properly addressed is the following: "do the curricula in higher education promote physical activity?" OBJECTIVE: Our paper aims at describing the physical activity levels of the students in a large public-funded central university located in northern India. The study also aims at capturing the student perceptions about the emphasis they receive on leading a physically active lifestyle during their routine curricular activities. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study and uses International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form to record physical activity among 4586 students. Stratified sampling method was used to enroll the students from each stream (faculty). Out of 30,667 students, about 15% were included from each faculty. The study was conducted between 2016 and 2019. To capture the student perceptions, we used a newly developed 5-item scale. RESULTS: From a total of 4586 participants in the study, 2828 (61.7%) were male and 1758 (38.3%) were female students. The mean age of our sample was 22.34 (SD 3.12) years. Our results indicate that about 14.5% (n=666) of all students in the study fall under the "Inactive" category. Furthermore, the perception about the curricular content pertaining to physical activity varied widely between the students of different streams. CONCLUSIONS: Our sample reported a better physical activity pattern in comparison to the reported overall physical activity levels of the adult population of India. Our results also suggest that health-related topics are inadequately represented in many of the streams of higher education in the university.

Flavonol morin targets host ACE2, IMP-α, PARP-1 and viral proteins of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV critical for infection and survival: a computational analysis.

A sudden outbreak of a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 has now emerged as a pandemic threatening to efface the existence of mankind. In absence of any valid and appropriate vaccines to combat this newly evolved agent, there is need of novel resource molecules for treatment and prophylaxis. To this effect, flavonol morin which is found in fruits, vegetables and various medicinal herbs has been evaluated for its antiviral potential in the present study. PASS analysis of morin versus reference antiviral drugs baricitinib, remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine revealed that morin displayed no violations of Lipinski's rule of five and other druglikeness filters. Morin also displayed no tumorigenic, reproductive or irritant effects and exhibited good absorption and permeation through GI (clogP <5). In principal component analysis, morin appeared closest to baricitinib in 3D space. Morin displayed potent binding to spike glycoprotein, main protease 3CLPro and papain-like protease PLPro of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV using molecular docking and significant binding to three viral-specific host proteins viz. human ACE2, importin-α and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1, further lending support to its antiviral efficacy. Additionally, morin displayed potent binding to pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, 8 and 10 also supporting its anti-inflammatory activity. MD simulation of morin with SARS-CoV-2 3CLPro and PLPro displayed strong stability at 300 K. Both complexes exhibited constant RMSDs of protein side chains and Cα atoms throughout the simulation run time. In conclusion, morin might hold considerable therapeutic potential for the treatment and management of not only COVID-19, but also SARS and MERS if studied further. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Pain management in COVID-19 pediatric patients-An evidence- based review.

Despite our growing knowledge about the COVID pandemic, not much concern has been focused upon the effective pain management in pediatric patients suffering from this SARS CoV2 virus. Symptoms with pain like myalgia (10%-40%), sore throat (5%-30%), headache (14%-40%) and abdominal pain (10%) are common in children suffering from COVID. (3-5) We conducted a systematic review regarding analgesia for COVID positive pediatric patients. Cochrane, PubMed, and Google scholar databases were searched for relevant literature. Owing to the novel status of COVID-19 with limited literature, we included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, case series and case reports in the descending order of consideration. Articles in languages other than English, abstract only articles and non-scientific commentaries were excluded. The Primary outcome was evaluation of pain related symptoms and best strategies for their management. Our review revealed that a multidisciplinary approach starting from non-pharmacological techniques like drinking plenty of water, removing triggers like inadequate sleep, specific foods and psychotherapy including distraction, comfort and cognitive behavioural strategies should be used. Pharmacological approaches like acetaminophen, NSAIDS, spasmolytics etc. can be used if non-pharmacological therapy is inadequate. As per the current strength of evidence, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be safely administered for pain management in children with COVID-19. Undertreated pain is a significant contributor to increased morbidity and poor prognosis. Integration of evidence based non-pharmacotherapies in the multidisciplinary pain management will contribute towards improved functioning, early recovery and better quality care for pediatric patients suffering from COVID.

Climatic variability at Gangtok and Tadong weather observatories in Sikkim, India, during 1961-2017.

The present study documents the long-term trends in the temperature and precipitation of a poorly represented region, the Sikkim, eastern Himalaya using the Mann-Kendall non-parametric test and the Sen's slope estimator. Additionally, the normal distribution curves and Cusum charts have been used to identify the shifts in extreme events and to detect the points of change in the climatic data series for robust analysis. The minimum temperatures recorded a positive trend in Gangtok (0.036 ˚C year-1 from 1961 to 2017) as well as in Tadong (0.065 ˚C year-1 from 1981 to 2010) stations, while the maximum temperatures showed no trend in Tadong station from 1981 to 2010 which is consistent with the trend in Gangtok station for the overlapped period. However, it was negative for the overall assessed period (- 0.027 ˚C year-1 from 1961 to 2017) in Gangtok. The average temperatures in Gangtok recorded no trend whereas a positive trend (0.035 ˚C year-1 from 1981 to 2010) was observed at Tadong station. A similar positive trend in the average temperatures has been detected at Gangtok also for the overlapped period. Accelerated warming was noticed during the last two decades with an increase in the probability of extreme events of temperatures (minimum, maximum, average) at the higher end. Precipitation was found to be more variable across the observed period and suggested no trend in the study area.

Introducing Hybrid Problem-Based Learning Modules in Ayurveda Education: Results of an Exploratory Study.

Objectives: Problem-based learning (PBL) is a well-known student-centered instructional approach that is known to enhance problem-solving skills among the learners. Because teaching/learning methods in most of the Ayurveda colleges in India are still didactic and teacher centric, the effects of introducing PBL have not yet been evaluated. The primary objective of this study was to develop PBL modules for Kriya Sharira (Ayurveda Physiology) and their implementation in a hybrid format. In this method, PBL is used as an add-on component along with didactic lectures. The secondary objective of the study was to compare the learning outcomes achieved through hybrid problem-based learning (HPBL) with those achieved through conventional teaching. Design: This is a prospectively planned post-test-only, controlled interventional design with nonequivalent groups. However, the results have been analyzed in a retrospective manner. Subjects: Students enrolled in the first professional Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery program during two consecutive academic sessions 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 at the Banaras Hindu University were included in the study. While the cohort from 2016 to 2017 session served as the control group, the one from 2017 to 2018 session served as the experimental group. Interventions: The instructional method commonly known as HPBL was introduced to the experimental group. Outcome measures: Five test papers containing mostly Multiple Choice Questions for five different topics were used as the tools for evaluating the learning outcomes in both the groups. Feedback forms regarding the experiences of undergoing HPBL were obtained from experimental group. Results: While the test results for three topics showed that the outcomes of HPBL were comparable with conventional teaching, the results on other two topics suggested that HPBL was slightly better. Feedback obtained showed that there is a considerable acceptance for HPBL over conventional method. Conclusions: The study shows that it is possible to implement HPBL method in a large classroom in the context of Ayurveda education. The findings also indicate that students find HPBL as an acceptable teaching method.

Management of Obstetric Analgesia in the Developing Countries during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic: A Narrative Review.

Coronavirus disease (COVID), also known as COVID-19, has brought the immense challenges for the health-care system globally. All the branches of medicine are equally involved in managing these patients. During this pandemic, care of obstetric patients in terms of obstetric analgesia becomes crucial. Hence, the purpose of this review was to draft a basic model of strategies related to the provision of safe obstetric analgesia during this coronavirus pandemic, which will assist the health-care providers across the developing countries to formulate their own protocols depending upon the resource availability. All research articles related to obstetric analgesia during the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 to December 01, 2020 available on PubMed, Cochrane, Google scholar, and Embase are included in this study. The keywords used for data search were "obstetric analgesia during COVID-19," "coronavirus pandemic," "Labor pain," "obstetric pain management guidelines," and "regional anesthesia during COVID-19." Eventually, our review yielded the most recentmodel for the provision of safe and effective obstetric analgesia practices during the COVID-19 pandemic across the developing countries.

A novel pectoral muscle segmentation from scanned mammograms using EMO algorithm.

Mammogram images are majorly used for detecting the breast cancer. The level of positivity of breast cancer is detected after excluding the pectoral muscle from mammogram images. Hence, it is very significant to identify and segment the pectoral muscle from the mammographic images. In this work, a new multilevel thresholding, on the basis of electro-magnetism optimization (EMO) technique, is proposed. The EMO works on the principle of attractive and repulsive forces among the charges to develop the members of a population. Here, both Kapur's and Otsu based cost functions are employed with EMO separately. These standard functions are executed over the EMO operator till the best solution is achieved. Thus, optimal threshold levels can be identified for the considered mammographic image. The proposed methodology is applied on all the three twenty-two mammogram images available in mammographic image analysis society dataset, and successful segmentation of the pectoral muscle is achieved for majority of the mammogram images. Hence, the proposed algorithm is found to be robust for variations in the pectoral muscle.

Feature extraction of ECG signal.

This paper deals with new approaches to analyse electrocardiogram (ECG) signals for extracting useful diagnostic features. Initially, elimination of different types of noise is carried out using maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) and universal thresholding. Next, R-peak fiducial points are detected from these noise free ECG signals using discrete wavelet transform along with thresholding. Then, extraction of other features, viz., Q waves, S waves, P waves, T waves, P wave onset and offset points, T wave onset and offset points, QRS onset and offset points are identified using some rule based algorithms. Eventually, other important features are computed using the above extracted features. The software developed for this purpose has been validated by extensive testing of ECG signals acquired from the MIT-BIH database. The resulting signals and tabular results illustrate the performance of the proposed method. The sensitivity, predictivity and error of beat detection are 99.98%, 99.97% and 0.05%, respectively. The performance of the proposed beat detection method is compared to other existing techniques, which shows that the proposed method is superior to other methods.