Exercise causes oxygen desaturation and hypercapnia in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Background: Assessment of severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the cornerstone of therapy. Spirometric measurements have traditionally remained as the popular diagnostic tool of choice. Oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal cannot be assessed by Spirometry alone, especially during exercise. Therefore, we studied whether desaturation and hypercapnea occur in response to exercise in COPD patients. Aims and Objectives: To know whether bicycle pedaling as an exercise can unravel the gas exchange abnormalities and airflow limitation that might be precipitated by physical activity. This is done by estimating the changes in Oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry, and by estimating the changes in Blood CO2 levels by capnography. Materials and Methods: Thirty stable COPD patients and controls were included for the study. Here we measured the change in oxygen saturation from rest to submaximal exercise (done using bicycle ergometry). Concomitantly, we measured the change in carbon dioxide levels of expired air from rest to submaximal exercise. Results: We found that COPD patients experience oxygen desaturation. ?SaO2 (difference between resting and exercise SaO2) was only 1% in controls whereas 8.86% in COPD. Hypercapnia occurred in response to a submaximal exercise in COPD patients (End tidal carbon dioxide of 48.87 mmHg). We also found that they become tachypneic and show greater degree of exhaustion. Conclusion: Our study points out that exercise-induced desaturation and hypercapnia are a definite occurrence in COPD patients. It is a marker of progressive disease. It can be used as a form of stress test for the pulmonary system.

A study on use of over-the-counter drugs among 2nd year medical students – A cross-sectional study

Background: Over-the-counter (OTC) drug is a medicine that is available without a prescription, and hence also referred to as “nonprescription drug.” The sale of OTC medicines from pharmacies can help individual’s self-manage symptoms. However, some OTC medicines may be abused, with addiction and harms being increasingly recognized and found to be more common in undergraduate medical students. Aim and Objective: Objective of this study to analyze the use of OTC drugs among 2nd year medical students. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, and questionnaire based study was conducted among 2nd year medical students of Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences Belagavi. Details and purpose of the study were explained to students and informed consent was taken. Questionnaires consist of 25 questions related to use of OTC drugs, their knowledge and attitude toward OTC drugs. Questionnaires are then collected back from students on the spot after 15 min. All the data pooled and results are analyzed in descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 88 respondents were analyzed, 87.5% participants knew the definition of OTC and 69.5% use medication without prescription. All the students practiced self-medication however only 37.5% students agree with practice. Fever, cold, and headache are the most common condition for using OTC drugs. Analgesic, antipyretics, and antihistamines are the highest among OTC stocked at home. About 61.3% students have knowledge of Adverse Drug Reactions associated with OTC drugs. Conclusion: Use of OTC drugs is common form of health care having potential benefits and health hazards. Awareness should be created among students to restrict the use of self-medication and pharmacists toward sale of drugs without prescription.

An Experimental Study On The Efficacy Of Vagbhatokta Jala Nirvishikarana Yoga On Polluted Water

Background: Increased suffering and death due to impure water consumption, along with the failure of the outreach of advanced techniques to the deprived people with middle socioeconomic status, has directed the evaluation of efficacy of the classical Ayurvedic formulations used in water purification. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Vagbhatokta Jala Nirvishikarana Yoga in terms of its physiochemical and antimicrobial qualities for the treatment of polluted river water. Materials and Methods: The Jala Nirvishikarana Yoga (JNY) was prepared according to the classical method, and analytical study was performed. Optimum dose and period for JNY was calculated, and the water sample was treated accordingly. The sample was analysed for various physical, chemical and microbiological parameters before and after treatment. Stability and efficacy of the formulation was determined after 3 months and 1 year. Results: JNY is a thick, alkaline and viscous liquid bearing a characteristic taste and pleasant odour. The optimum dose and period was found to be three drops per 100 mL for 30 min of contact time. No significant change in the physiochemical parameters was observed except pH. Apart from the variation in pH, JNY was observed to have antimicrobial activity. Reduction in the coliforms and inhibition of bacterial and fungal colonies in the sample were observed. JNY was observed to be stable for 1 year at room temperature. Conclusion: JNY showed efficient antimicrobial activity and was stable and effective for at least 1 year at room temperature. However, in larger doses, its administration resulted in increase of pH of water.

Social and Behavioural Factors Associated with Dental Caries Experience among Adolescent School Children in Bengaluru City, India.

Aim: To assess the influence of social and behavioural factors on dental caries experience among adolescent school children in Bengaluru city, India. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Primary schools of Bengaluru City, between November 2012 and March 2013. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted on 11 year old 814 adolescents attending upper primary schools of Bengaluru city and their parents. Separate interview for adolescent students and parents was conducted on behavioural and social factors respectively. Dental caries was recorded according to WHO criteria using mouth mirrors and CPI probes under natural light. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis using chi-square tests and t-tests. Later the variables were subjected to logistic regression analysis. Results: Dental caries experience of the children studied was associated with social factors such as occupation of the mother (OR=1.9; 95% CI=1.3-2.3), presence of social support for mother during adulthood (OR=2.1; 95% CI=1.4-2.0), possession of television (TV)/computer at home (OR= 1.6; 95%=0.9-3.0); and behavioral factors such as adolescents who consume at least one serving of dairy/legumes/eggs/meat or poultry per day (OR=1.8; 95% CI=0.14-1.32), those who consume sweet snacks >1times in a day (OR=1.42; 95% CI=0.82-1.83). Influence of parents and TV on snacking, tooth brushing frequency and fluoridated dentifrice were also shown to be significantly associated with dental caries experience. Conclusion: Social factors such as occupation of the mother and social support play an important role in shaping the more proximal behavioural habits such as snacking among 11 year old children. These interactions ultimately influenced dental caries experience in this age group.

Prevalence and Risk Correlates of Hypertension among Adults in Rural Field Practice Area of Tertiary Care Medical College at South India.

Background: In India, lifestyle diseases were considered in the urban setting; so the medical fraternity has concentrated more on the urban people. With epidemiological transition, a dramatic reduction in physical exercise has been observed in the rural areas with an increase in the stresses of life. According to World Health Report 2002, cardiovascular diseases will be the largest cause of death and disability by 2020 in India; the contributing factors are increasing hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, and using tobacco. Our study aims to determine prevalence of hypertension in an adult rural community and to identify the risk factors of Hypertension among adults in Rural Field Practice Area Singanodi of Navodaya Medical College, Raichur, Karnataka. Methods: The present study is a cross sectional study, carried out in village Singanodi, which is designated as rural field practice area of Community Medicine Department, Navodaya Medical College. It has population coverage of 14,200.The study population include all subjects who were aged 30 years and above. The present study was a population based study. Results: Out of total population, 240 (37.3%) were in age group of 30-39 years, 222 (34.5%) were in age group of 40-49 years. Males and females were 386 (60.03%) and 257 (39.97%) respectively. Our study revealed that hypertension was significantly associated with body mass index, maximum in obese patients when compared to normal and underweight (p<0.0001) There is significant association between smoking and hypertension 77 (29.9%). (p<0.015) There is significant association with physical activity; that is sedentary people were more prone for getting hypertension when compared to heavy worker. However, salt intake > 6 grams/day and family history of hypertension were found to be significantly associated. (p=0.009; p=0.003 respectively) The prevalence of hypertension among subjects on vegetarian diet vs. mixed diet was 23.9% vs. 22.2%, respectively but the difference was not statistically significant. (p= 0.09) Conclusion: From our study we conclude that there is a high prevalence of hypertension even in rural area and advocate to flourish awareness regarding modifiable risk factors of hypertension among the people.

Soil fertility status and fertilizer requirements of sugarcane field in Bijapur District.

Characterization of surface soil (0-20cm) for fertility status was studied by taking 28 representative samples from Bijapur district. Study revealed that soils are sandy loam to clay loam in texture. The available nitrogen content varied from 295,5 to 405 kg/acre. The data available indicates low phosphorus (120 to 477kg/acre). Potassium status was medium (109.96kg) to high of (471 kg/acre) with high index value and high fertility rating. In India, current fertilizer recommendations are very old and developed based on agroclimatic zones, current agro-climate zone and suitability of current fertilizer recommendations. Sugarcane in Bijapur district was studied as a test crop. The results indicate that, agroclimatic zone vary widely in soil and in their potentials, behavior and response to the management. It was also observed that fertilizer application efficiency varied which contributed to errors of both excess and insufficient application. All these suggest that soil based fertilizer recommendations should be preferred to achieve precision in farming and to minimize crop production, maintain soil health and minimize fertilizer misapplication.

The status of pesticide pollution in surface water (Lakes) of Bijapur.

The paper evaluates and summarizes the results of the pollution of surface waters (lakes) of Bijapur by pesticides. Pesticide classes mostly detected involve herbicides used extensively in cotton, vegetables and grape production, organophosphorus insecticides as well as organochlorines due to their persistence in aquatic environment. The compounds most frequently detected were Endosulphan, 4- bromro-2-chlorphenol, Captan, Chloripyrifosethyl, Fipronil, Oxyfluorfenand monochrotophos respectively. . Nationwide, in many cases the reported concentrations ranged in low levels. However, elevated concentrations were recorded in areas of high pesticide use and intense agricultural practices. Generally, similar trends and levels of pesticides were found in Bijapur lakes. Monitoring of the Bijapur water resources for pesticide residues must continue, especially in agricultural regions, because the nationwide patterns of pesticide use are constantly changing. All these were present above the permissible limits specified by the European Economic Community (EEC), which is the norm used all over the Europe. Moreover emphasis should be placed on degradation products not sufficiently studied so far. Information on pesticide pollution of surface waters in Bijapur is reported.

Multi-residue analysis of pesticides in grapes in Bijapur District.

Fruit samples of grapes were analyzed for pesticide residues, employing multi-residue analysis by gas- liquid chromatography-mass spectrography (GC-MS/ LCMS/ MS). All the fruit samples showed the presence of pesticide residues with one or other group of pesticides. Some of the grape samples contain more than the minimum residue limit. The increasing interest in the study of pesticides in grapes is justified from an enological point of view, since some pesticides can interfere with fermentative microflora used in wine production, as well as affect consumer safety. There were no significant differences between some pesticide levels found in the whole grape (skin and pulp) and in the grape skin. Chlorpyriphos, captan, dichlorovos, oxyfluorfen, fipronoil, 4- bromo-2-chlorophenol and indoxycarb were detected. Nevertheless, consumer intake of pesticides from grapes studied in this work should be decreased as a result of water washing of the grapes. In this paper, multiresidue determination of pesticides using GCMS/ LC-MS/MS are discussed

A comparative study of two mouthrinses on plaque and gingivitis in school children in the age group of 13-16 years in Bangalore city.

Research and clinical evidence indicate that most forms of plaque associated periodontal disease start as inflammatory lesions of the gingiva which if left untreated, may progress and eventually involve and compromise the entire periodontal attachment apparatus of the affected teeth. A study was conducted to assess the effect of a mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine and sodium fluoride on plaque accumulation and gingivitis in comparison with a chlorhexidine mouthrinse alone in a group of school children aged 13-16 years in Bangalore city. This combination along with the well established effect of fluoride in the prevention of caries presents an important contribution to dental public health. The results suggest that the chlorhexidine-sodium fluoride mouthrinse potentially possesses a significant effect on inhibition of plaque accumulation and gingivitis. This combination along with the well-established effect of fluoride in the prevention of caries, presents an important contribution to dental public health.

Oral health status and treatment requirments of confectionery workers in Bangalore city. A comparative study.

The present study was undertaken to assess the oral health status and treatment requirement of cofectionery workers and also to assess the influence of confectionery environment ion their oral health. A total of 502 confectioners were examined and studied under 4 groups, Biscuits gp[107], chocolate gp[160], sweets gp[144] and Bakery gp[91]. Age and sex matched 294 wheat flour workers served as controls. 60.36% of confectioners exhibited caries experience with significantly higher DMFT compared to controls. Among confectioners sweets and chocolate groups had higher caries experience. Increase in caries experience with increase in duration of employment among confectioners were observed. Also confectioners consuming confectionery products more than 6 times/day had significantly higher caries experience than those consuming 0 to 3 and 4 to 6 times/day. Periodontal diseases was significantly higher among confectioners than controls more so in sweets and biscuit groups. Further extensive unmet treatment needs like oral prophylaxis, periodontal therapy, extractions, prosthetic rehabilitations were observed among confectioners.

Oral health status and treatment requirements of hospitalized psychiatric patients in Bangalore city: a comparative study.

The purpose of the present study was to describe the oral health status and treatment requirements and to study the association between dental caries and mental illness in a group of hospitalized psychiatric patients.A total of 326 psychiatric patients were examined and compared with 156 normal persons of comparable age and sex. 75.5% of the psychiatric patients exhibited caries experience with significantly higher DMFT and DMFS compared to the 66% in controls. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that DMFT was related to age, type of the ward and duration of mental illness. Periodontal diseases were significantly higher among psychiatric patients than controls. Higher proportion of psychiatric patients were suffering from TMJ disorders. Further, extensive dental treatment requirements were observed among these patients.

Does left ventricular function improve with L-carnitine after acute myocardial infarction?

A double blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial was carried out to assess the efficacy and safety of L-carnitine in patients suffering from acute anterior wall myocardial infarction with respect to left ventricular function. Sixty patients (34 men, 26 women, mean age 56+11 yr.) with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction were randomized to placebo and L-carnitine. All the patients were given intravenous L-carnitine / placebo in the dose of 6gm/day for the first seven days followed by oral L-carnitine / placebo 3 gm/day in three divided doses for a period of three months. Echocardiography was performed for regional wall motion abnormality, left ventricular end systolic volume (ESV), end diastolic volume (EDV) and ejection fraction (EF) on admission, after seven days and after three months of the infarction. Forty-four patients completed the study. There were three deaths, two in the placebo and one in the L-carnitine group (p>0.05). Thirteen patients were lost to follow up. Echo parameters in both groups were comparable (p>0.05). The duration of chest pain prior to initiation of the I.V. L-carnitine was 7.5 + 5.2 hrs in the L-carnitine group and 7 + 4 hrs in the placebo group (p>0.05). There was no statistical difference in the EF, ESV and EDV on admission, at discharge and after three months in the L-carnitine and the placebo groups (p>0.05). No significant adverse effects were noted. L-carnitine, though a safe drug, does not affect the left ventricular function in patients with myocardial infarction.

The anti-inflammatory activity of some sulphonamides in albino rats.

Clinically equivalent doses of dapsone, sulphasalasine and sulphamethizole in albino rats showed significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan and cotton pellet induced inflammation. Their activity was comparable to that of aspirin (200 mg/kg) and was confirmed by granuloma histology. Further, these compounds also showed significant (P < 0.01) analgesic activity which was comparable to that of aspirin. The ulcer index for sulphamethizole was comparable to that of control animals, whereas dapsone and sulphasalazine showed significant ulcerogenicity (P < 0.01). Other sulphonamides like sulphadiazine, sulphanilamide, sulphamoxole and cotrimoxazole did not show significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.

Influence of handedness on the visual and auditory reaction time.

Visual Reaction Time (VRT) and Auditory Reaction Time (ART) were measured in right-handed and left-handed human volunteers, using an Electronic Response Timer Unit. The study demonstrated that a group of left-handed women reacted faster (P < 0.05) with their left hand to an auditory stimulus than their counterpart using their right hand. VRT did not show any significant change within, and between, the groups and was not influenced by sex or age. The observed differences in ART may be due to central phenomenon.

Meningeal carcinomatosis complicating ovarian malignancy.

A case of meningeal carcinomatosis following ovarian carcinoma is reported. The rarity of this occurrence is highlighted.

Antifertility activity of striga lutea--Part I.

The petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of the whole plant striga lutea have been found to possess significant antifertility activity in mice. Both these extract exhibited complete and partial resorption of implants at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Histological studies of the uterus and ovary were carried out to confirm the antifertility activity of these extracts.