Effectiveness of 6 weeks of vestibular exercises as adjunctive therapy in the management of depression, anxiety, and stress in gastric ulcer patients

Background: Vestibular stimulation was reported to inhibit the stress axis and brings individual stress to lower levels. This is very beneficial as the management of psychological factors is equivalently important in the management of peptic ulcers. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to observe the effectiveness of vestibular exercises in the management of depression, anxiety, and stress in gastric ulcer patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 gastric ulcer patients without severe complications were part of the study after obtaining written informed consent. After recruiting, the participants were randomly assigned into two groups with ten participants in each group. Standard vestibular exercises mentioned in the literature were adopted. Each session of exercises comprises 45 min. Two sessions per week were administered to the participants for a period of 1 month. Results: Depression, anxiety, and stress scores were not significantly different between the control and intervention groups before the intervention. There was a significant decrease in depression, anxiety, and stress in the intervention group followed by the intervention. Conclusion: The present study results showed the beneficial effects of vestibular exercises in the management of negative psychological emotions such as depression, anxiety, and stress in patients with gastric ulcers. There is a need for large-scale studies in this area to recommend the adoption of vestibular stimulation in the management of gastric ulcers.

Effectiveness of 12 weeks of practice of heartfulness meditation on depression, anxiety, stress, and cognitive functions in Type 2 diabetic patients

Background: Regular practice of heartfulness meditation causes a balanced mental state and releases stress. Due to this action, meditation can improve the cognitive functions of individuals. Aims and Objectives: The study determines the effectiveness of 12 weeks of practice of heartfulness meditation on depression, anxiety, stress, and cognitive functions in Type 2 diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: The study involved 40 patients with Type 2 diabetes including both males and females and age groups from 30 to 60 years. After recruiting, the participants were randomly divided into two groups with 20 participants in each group. All the participants of Group 1 were given training about practicing heartfulness meditation for initial 3 days. From then, they started practicing meditation under the supervision of experts from 6:30 to 7:30 am in the morning. Outcome measures were recorded by standard tools. Results: Significant decrease was observed in the depression, anxiety, and stress scores and significant improvement in spatial and verbal memory was observed. Conclusion: Heartfulness meditation practice has a positive impact on the management of psychological disorders and improving cognitive functions. There is a need for a detailed study.

Bilateral Groove Sign in Lepromatous Leprosy with Type 2 Lepra Reaction – An Uncommon Presentation

A 35-year-old male patient presented with tingling and numbness over both extremities, skin lesions and buboes in bilateral inguinal region with the classical “sign of groove”. Biopsy from the skin lesion as well as the lymph node aspirate was consistent with lepromatous leprosy with erythema nodosum leprosum (type 2 lepra reaction). This case report highlights the interesting observation of the “groove sign” with leprosy, as a result of lymph node involvement of inguino-femoral region

Role of Iron Uptake Systems in Coordinating Iron Homeostasis in NaCl-resistant Mutant of the Cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum

Aims: To investigate the effect of NaCl stress on parent Nostoc muscorum and its spontaneously occurring mutant clone showing resistance to growth inhibitory action of NaCl in terms of various physiological parameters. We have further analyzed the role of iron uptake systems in providing a resistant phenotype. Place and Duration of Study: Division of Microbiology, Department of Botany, Government Motilal Science College, Bhopal 462008 (M.P.) India. This work was carried out between August 2021 to May 2022. Methodology: We have examined the various physiological parameters viz. growth, specific growth rate, photosynthetic O2 evolution, and nitrogenase activity as per the prescribed protocol. Further, DNA microarray analysis was carried out using the Agilent platform. Results: NaCl stress adversely affected growth, photosynthetic O2 evolution, and nitrogenase activity of the wild-type Nostoc muscorum, while NaCl-resistant mutant remains unaffected under a given stress. Microarray data analysis identified 24 ORF related to the uptake of iron with fold regulation ?2 in the mutant strain. These ORFs belonging to the ABC-type ferric iron transporter that plays a significant role in the iron acquisition were identified in the mutant strain. Conclusion: The mechanism of iron homeostasis in the NaCl-resistant mutant has been explained. The results presented are essential to explain the regulatory role of the iron uptake system in stressed conditions.

Oral Microbiome and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: An Update.

From last decade of the 20th century, numerous epidemiological studies and intervention trials have attempted to prove the relationships between maternal oral diseases and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO). Several physiological, immunological and hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy ensures the woman’s body maintenance throughout the gestational period and the development of foetus. Studies have reported changes in the maternal microbiome in the gut, vagina, and oral cavity during pregnancy. Infections at the foetomaternal interface are known to upregulate the production of local proinflammatory cytokines, metalloproteinases and prostaglandins leading to membrane weakening, early rupture of membranes and uterine contractions. A clear understanding of the association between oral microorganisms and adverse birth outcomes conveys significant health implications. In this paper we reviewed the current literature regarding the link between oral microbiome and adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth, chorioamnionitis, neonatal sepsis, stillbirth, and preeclampsia.

Clinical and Etiopathological Correlation of Acute Infective Hepatitis and Fulminant Hepatic Failure in Pediatric Patients.

Introduction: In India, infectious Hepatitis is one of the major health care burdens, with viral hepatitis being the most common culprit, followed by dengue, typhoid, and malarial hepatitis. Fulminant hepatitis manifests as a sudden abnormality in liver function enzymes in a child with no prior hepatic pathology. Aims and Objects: This study was aimed at identifying the various etiological factors and correlating clinical features of viral hepatitis, and fulminant liver failure. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted in the paediatrics in-patient department of S.P. Medical College & P.B.M. Associated Group of Hospitals, Bikaner (Rajasthan) over a period of one year. A total of 125 children with a clinical and lab-confirmed diagnosis of acute infective hepatitis were included. Data including clinical signs, symptoms, and laboratory parameters were obtained and analyzed. Results: Most commonly affected age group was between 5-10 years with the mean age being 7.1±4.6 years. The most common etiology was hepatitis A (n=39), followed by hepatitis E (n=24) and mixed hepatitis A virus (HAV)/hepatitis E virus (HAE) infection (n=20). Other causative organisms were dengue virus (n=16), typhoid (n=13), malaria (n=9), and hepatitis B. The most common clinical symptoms were fever, jaundice, loss of appetite, and vomiting/nausea. There were some clinical features seen more commonly in case of infection with certain organisms. High frequency of diarrhoea, arthralgia, and thrombocytopenia was seen with HAV. Neurological, renal complications and high mortality were associated with HEV or HAV/HEV co-infection. While retroorbital pain and purpuric rash were exclusive with dengue, malarial hepatitis was strongly associated with pallor and altered sensorium. Conclusion: Acute infective hepatitis is most commonly caused by HAV and HEV in Western Rajasthan. It is imperative to educate the masses regarding the prevention of common infections transmissible by infected drinking water, poor hand hygiene, improper waste disposal, and open defecation.

Study Of Serum Magnesium Level In Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Tertiary Care Centre Of South Gujarat

Background:1) To estimate Serum Magnesium Level in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 2) To determine association between Serum Magnesium Level with micro vascular complications like retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 patients above the age of 18 years presenting with Type2 diabetes mellitus admitted in medicine department of Surat tertiary care center. Results:1)Mean FBS and HbA1C was high in patients of low serum magnesium level as compared to patients of normal serum magnesium level which is statistically significant 2)Statistically significant association observed between low serum magnesium level and diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy. Conclusion:There is an association between serum concentration of magnesium and type 2 DM as well as its micro vascular complication like diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy.There is a strong negative correlation between serum concentration of magnesium and duration of diabetes. No significant association exists between serum magnesium concentration and other factors like age, sex, mode of treatment, ischemic heart disease and hypertension. More the level of fasting blood sugar and HbA1c, lower is the serum magnesium level.

Utility Of Boswellia Serrata Q in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Boswellia Serrata Mother Tincture knownas Indian Frankincenses (gugle),is an herbal extract taken from the Boswellia Serrata tree.it is use in treatment of chronic Inflammatory changes as well as a number of other illness. Studies show that boswellia may reduce inflammation. Because boswellia is an effective anti-inflammatory, it can be an effective painkiller and may prevent the loss of cartilage. Here is an attempt made to determine the efficacy of Homeopathic Mother Tincture to bring about desired result in Rheumatoid Arthritis cases.

Isthmus agenesis with variant topography of levator glandulae thyroideae: A case report

The thyroid gland is an imperative endocrine gland present in the neck known commonly for its morphological variations. During routine dissection agenesis of the isthmus of the thyroid gland was observed with levator glandulae thyroidea extending from both the lateral lobes with stout stalks of pyramidal lobes bilaterally. The Levator glandulae thyroidea is a fibro-musculo-glandular band. usually, present unilaterally or extending from isthmus connecting the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland to the hyoid bone. The site of the isthmus is often associated with anastomosis of vessels supplying thyroid gland but strikingly no such anastomosis was observed. The presence of such variant of levator glandulae thyroidea with agenesis of the isthmus is a rare finding and knowledge of such topographical anatomical variations is crucial for understanding associated pathologies related to the thyroid gland and modus operandi in their management.

Influence of integrated crop management practices on yield, PAR interception, resource-use-efficiency and energetics in pigeonpea in North Indian Plains

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of different integrated crop management (ICM) practices on productivity, resource-use efficiency and energetics of pigeonpea crop so as to overcome various production- and climatic-vulnerabilities in Indo-Gangetic Plains Region (IGPR). Methodology: A study was conducted during Kharif 2017 in pigeonpea under pigeonpea–wheat cropping system at IARI, New Delhi, India to assess the influence of nine different ICM modules [Conventional tillage (CT) based: 04 (ICM1–ICM4); Conservation agriculture (CA) based: 04 (ICM5–ICM8); Organic agriculture based: 01 (ICM9)] on productivity, PAR interception, resource-use-efficiency and energetics in pigeonpea in randomized block design replicated thrice. Results: Pigeonpea seed yield was significantly higher in ICM7 (1.92 t ha-1) – a CA-based ICM module which was followed by ICM5, ICM8 and ICM6. In general, the CA based ICM modules showed an edge over CT based ICM modules with reference to growth, yield and PAR interception. The resource-use-efficiency indices like total water-use-efficiency (TWUE), irrigation water-use-efficiency (IWUE), economic water-productivity (WPE), partial factor productivity of applied nutrients (NPK) also exhibited same trend as that of seed yield with highest TWUE (2.96 kg ha-mm–1) and WPE (104.5 INR ha-mm–1) in ICM7 module. The energy output was highest in ICM7 (2, 23, 664 MJ ha-1) followed by ICM5, ICM8 and ICM6. The trend of energy-use-efficiency was ICM4>ICM2>ICM1>ICM3>ICM5>ICM7>ICM6>ICM8>ICM9, respectively. Interpretation: Conservation agriculture (CA) based modules like ICM7 can be recommended to the farmers for enhancing the plant growth, PAR interception, crop productivity, resource-use efficiency and energetics in pigeonpea alone or on pigeonpea-wheat cropping system basis in semi-arid Indo-Gangetic plains region (IGPR).

Effect of wool waste in combination with farm yard manure and fertilizer on soil properties in aridisol of Bikaner, Rajasthan, India

Aim: The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of conjunctive use of wool waste, farm yard manure and chemical fertilizer on soil properties of Aridisol of Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. Methodology: After harvest of cabbage crop, soil samples were collected from the respective experimental plot of crop field by adopting the standard procedure. Bulk density, particle density, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available N, P, K, S, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, microbial count and dehydrogenase activity were estimated following the standard protocol. Results: Application of wool waste @ 7.5 t ha-1 along with FYM @ 7.5 t ha-1 (W1) significantly increased organic carbon and plant available nutrients (N, P, K, S, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) over control and rest of the treatment. but W1 and W2 (Wool waste @ 5 t ha-1 along with FYM @ 10 t ha-1) treatment was found at par with respect to nitrogen. Treatment W1 also gave significant performance of microbial count and dehydrogenase activity during experimental season over rest of the treatment. Application of each increasing level of recommended dose of fertilizer significantly enhanced all chemical and biological properties of soil. Application of wool waste @7.5 t ha-1 along with FYM @7.5 t ha-1 increased available macronutrients and micronutrients over control. Interpretation: It can be concluded that conjunctive use of wool waste, farm yard manure and inorganic fertilizer proved better nutrient management option for improving soil properties.

Atmospheric Variability and Prevalence of Common Psychiatric Disorders in South Asia: A Meta-regressive Analysis

Background: The review of literature suggests that there is a dearth of meta-analytical study that examines the role of Atmospheric Variability on the prevalence of mental disorders in South Asia. Aims &Objectives: Therefore, the present study explores the moderating role of variability in temperature, air pressure, humidity, and rainfall on the prevalence of Common Psychiatric Disorders in South Asia. Material & Methods: Databases of several web sources, namely, EBSCOhost, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar were explored for the studies that had previously observed the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in South Asian countries. Further, articles were also examined manually. Initially, geographical locations (i.e. latitude, longitude, and altitude) of surveyed places were determined. Based on these locations, historical atmospheric data were retrieved. Meta-regression analysis was computed using R –software with ‘metafor’ package. Results: The present Meta-analysis included 32 epidemiological studies consisting of 110402 persons reported a total morbidity in 7935 persons across seven countries of South Asia. Yearly rainfall (z=2.8260, p<0.01), yearly variability in temperature (z=3.7160, p<0.001), yearly variability in humidity (z= -2.4031, p<0.05) appear to have a significant influence on the prevailing patterns of common psychiatric disorders. However, yearly variability in atmospheric pressure did not have a significant influence on the prevalence of mental disorders (z= 1.0364, p>0.300). Conclusion: Discomfort weather conditions such as yearly temperature variability, excessive rainfall, and yearly variability in humidity have a significant role in the occurrence and maintenance of different psychiatric disorders in South Asia.

A rare cause of progressive neuropathy: Arachnoiditis ossificans

Arachnoiditis ossificans (AO) is a rare type of chronic arachnoiditis characterized by the presence of calcification or ossification of the spinal arachnoid which is usually associated with progressive neurological deficits. It is usually followed by prior history of trauma, surgery, infection, or myelography. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are the characteristics that are helpful in the diagnosis of most cases. Prognosis and treatment depends on the site and clinical presentation of the patients. We present a case of a young female who presented with a long-standing history of neurological symptoms and a intradural lesion mimicking a tumor.

Hits and misses in diagnosis of thyroid lesions Cytohistological correlation

Background: Fine needle aspiration of thyroid neoplasm is cost effective procedure to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions in most of the cases. Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of FNAC in diagnosis of different thyroid lesions, particularly differentiation of malignant and non malignant lesions. Materials and methods: Study comprised of 220 cases of thyroid FNAC’s which were followed by excision biopsy. Their FNAC’s diagnosis was compared with histopathological diagnosis. Results: Among 220 cases of FNAC’s 151 was diagnosed as benign (68.63%), 58 cases as malignant (26.36%) and 11 case as follicular neoplasms (5.0%). Colloid goitre represented the majority of benign cases while papillary carcinoma was the most frequent malignant lesion. Cytological findings were compared with their corresponding histopathological findings. Conclusion: Benign and malignant thyroid lesions can be differentiate accurately by FNAC however certain pitfalls should be kept in mind.

Cytohistological diagnosis of soft tissue giant cell tumour of neck – A rare presentation

Giant cell tumors of soft tissue (GCT-ST) are rare primary soft tissue tumor with low malignant potential, considered as the soft tissue counterpart of giant cell tumor of bone. We reported a rare case of soft tissue giant cell tumor of neck in a 46 years old male with painless swelling in left side of neck after a history of trauma 3 months back. Computed tomography suggested a small soft tissue mass and or post biopsy hemorrhage, but the diagnosis of giant cell tumor was confirmed after cytohistological examination. Wide local excision of the tumor was done.

Heterologous osseous differentiation in Malignant Phyllodes tumour – A rare case report

Breast sarcomas are rare neoplasms accounting for less than 1% of breast malignancy. Phyllodes tumors have biphasic histological features with both epithelial and stromal component. Careful characterization of the stromal component is critical since it is the pathologic features of the stromal cells that determine its malignant potential. We reported a case of 57 years old female with right breast mass who underwent wide excision and on histological examination a diagnosis of malignant phyllodes tumour with heterogonous osseous differentiation was made. The rarity of the lesion was considered for reporting and on follow up the patient was free of metastasis.

Comparison of conventional, immunological and molecular techniques for the diagnosis of symptomatic congenital human cytomegalovirus infection in neonates and infants.

Purpose: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the commonest pathogen causing congenital infection globally. The diagnosis of congenital infection is based either on viral isolation (in cell culture) or demonstration of HCMV DNA from the urine. Saliva is also being used as an alternative sample to urine for the same. The objective of this study was to compare the following assays-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from urine, saliva and blood, serology (anti-HCMV IgM) and antigen detection (HCMV pp65 antigenaemia) for the diagnosis of congenital HCMV infection. Materials and Methods: Urine and blood samples were collected from 31 infants (median age: 13 weeks) with suspected HCMV infection. For 18 infants, additional saliva samples were collected and all the above assays were compared. Results: PCR for HCMV DNA from urine and anti-HCMV IgM were performed for all 31 infants. Of these, 22 (70.9%) were positive for both assays. In 18 (of the 22) infants positive by both assays, PCR for HCMV DNA from saliva was positive in all 18 (100%), PCR from blood in 7/18 (38.8%) and HCMV pp65 antigenaemia only in 1/18 (5.5%) of the infants. Conclusion: Detection of HCMV DNA in urine combined with anti-HCMV IgM are suitable assays to diagnose HCMV infection in infants. Both PCR from the blood and HCMV pp65 antigenaemia lack sensitivity in infants. Salivary PCR combines convenience with high sensitivity and can substitute PCR from urine, especially in the outpatient and fi eld settings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fi rst study from India to evaluate salivary PCR for the diagnosis of congenital HCMV infection.

Serological & molecular approaches for diagnosis of leptospirosis in a tertiary care hospital in north India: A 10-year study.

Background & objectives: Leptospirosis, a spirochetal zoonosis, is underreported from the northern States of India. This study reports results of a 10-year retrospective sero-epidemiological survey of leptospirosis conducted in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India. Method: A total of 1453 patients clinically suspected for leptospirosis were included and investigated initially by IgM ELISA. A proportion of these were subjected to culture, microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Of the 1453 patients, 391 (26.90%) were positive serologically by IgM ELISA. Seropositive and seronegative patients revealed no significant difference in clinical features and laboratory parameters. Amongst the IgM seropositive cases, culture for leptospires was positive in 5 of 192 (2.6%), MAT in 50 of 138 (36.23%), PCR from blood and urine in 10 of 115 (8.7%) and 10 of 38 (26.31%) cases, respectively. In Leptospira spp. positive patients co-infections with viral hepatitis E, malaria and dengue fever were diagnosed in 27 cases. Interpretation & conclusions: The overall seropositivity for leptospirosis was 26.9 per cent in our study. A decreasing trend in seropositivity was observed in recent years. Co-infections with malaria, dengue, hepatitis A and E were also seen. Since leptospirosis is a treatable disease, correct and rapid diagnosis may help in effective management of patients.