The Aftermath of Corona Pandemic on the Psychosocial Life of Coimbatore South Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Coronavirus disease is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Since the new coronaviruscan spread unnoticed so easily, many governments have felt the best way to ensure people having minimal contact with eachother is to order total lockdowns. This study is performed a month after lockdown to evaluate the impact of corona pandemicon the psychosocial life of Coimbatore south population.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional randomized study was conducted at Coimbatore South, Tamil Nadu, India, betweenApril 26, 2020, and April 30, 2020. The sample size was 600. Pre-tested structured and self-structured e-questionnaire wassent to the study population and the answers were viewed using separate email id.Results: Of the 600 people, 59.5% were males and 40.5% were females. The majority (82.5%) of people felt that they weresafe during the pandemic majority of people (61%) felt that the modern lifestyle was the cause for the pandemic and 66.9% ofthe people increased the usage of traditional and natural remedies during the lockdown.Conclusion: We infer that the majority of the people (55%) enjoyed the break from their routine with an eye on their educationand career.

A Rare Case of VACTERL Association

Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare skeletal disorder primarily characterized by abnormal union or fusion of two or more cervicalvertebrae. It also includes multiple system anomalies. Herewith, we report a case of 22 years old male who presented withmultiple skeletal anomalies. On subsequent radiological investigations, patient was diagnosed to have Klippel-Feil syndromewith type IV club hand.

Observation Of Siddha Diagnostic Parameter Neikkuri (oil On Urine Sign) In Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Chronic renal disease is a common health problem in the world. In 2016, females are mostly affected by CKD than the males. There are many diagnostic methods in modern aspect of medicine like serum Creatinine, urea and etc., The Siddha system of medicine is a treasure dedicates to the world by Siddhars. In Siddha system of medicine, different diagnostic methods present for all diseases. As per Theraiyar, the eight methods of diagnosis ‘Envagaithervu’ are Naadi (pulse), Naa (Tongue), Niram (Color), Mozhi (Voice), Vizhi (Eyes), Malam (Feces), Neer (urine) and Sparisam (Touch). Among the eight diagnostic tools, Neikkuri is one of the important methods for urine analysis. This study was aimed to Observed the Neikkuri (oil on urine sign) in chronic kidney disease patients.40 patients were selected from NIS OPD by non randomised method. The study details were collected in the data collection form with the consent of the patients. Urine samples were collected in glass bowel. A small drop of black sesame oil was instilled on the center of the upper surface of the urine perpendicularly. The spreading nature of the oil has to be observed. Result of the study shows 30% of Neikkuri is Kabapitham nature. This study is helps to evaluate the siddha diagnostic method for Chronic Kidney Disease.

Yugi’s Concept Of Gunmam Patients Reporting At Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital, National Institute Of Siddha (nis) - A Cross Sectional Study

According to Siddha system of medicine disease are numbered as 4448. One among them is Gunmam. Severe pain in the abdomen occurs as one of the symptoms and this makes the patient to bend forward in order to get relief from pain and hence the name is mentioned as Gunmam. As per sage Yugi, Gunmam is further classified into 8 types. The human body runs on the basis of Vatham, Pitham, Kabam and due to changes in the equilibrium of tri-dosha mankind acquires disease. As per Theraiyar Gunmam occurs due to vitiation of Vali thathu. Common symptoms of Gunmam are indigestion, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, decrease body weight, loss of confidence. The signs and symptoms of Gunmam can be correlated to Acid Peptic Disease (APD). This study was undertaken to assess the incidence of different types of Gunmam patients reporting at OPD of Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital. This is hospital based cross sectional study conducted in Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital between months of May 2019 and July 2019. The study was given ethical approval by institutional Ethics Committee. The study included the completion of questionnaire which focuses on symptoms of eight types of Gunmam, thega ilakkanam, behavioural risk factors for Gunmam and physical measurements from randomly selected patients reporting to the OPD. Using Systematic random sampling method, 250 patients were selected from the OPD of Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Among 250 Gunmam patients, 33.2% of subjects are Pitha thegi, 32.8% of subjects are Eri gunmam.

An Assessment Of Quality Of Life In Swasakasam (bronchial Asthma) Patients Reporting At Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital – A Cross Sectional Study

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the small airways that affects all age groups. Asthma symptoms lead to impairment in the physical, emotional and social aspects of patient’s life. Bronchial asthma can be correlated to Swasakasam as per siddha text book Yugi vaithiya chinthamani 800. In Swasakasam patients, respiratory symptoms are important determinants of reduced health related quality of life. Evaluation of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is a primary outcome measure in patient with chronic disease. The objective of the study is to assess the HRQoL in Swasakasam patients and to evaluate the risk factors associated with it. It was a hospital based observational study of which 100 asthma patients were evaluated to quality of life who were reporting at OPD of Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital, National Institute of Siddha (NIS) through Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). In this study, asthma affects females more than males (63% and 32%) and with 2% of male children. For the total patient population, there was a maximum limitation in physical activity domain (2.22±0.41) of HRQoL compared to other 3 domains. In case of sub score of all domains the mean of emotional function domain is lesser in female patients than male. Bronchial asthma significantly affects QOL. To reduce the asthma severity yoga, Pranayamam may be used adjunctively with standard medication in bronchial asthma patients and awareness should be given to improve their quality of life and to reduce the number of asthma attacks per week.

Metabolic Syndrome In Madhumegam (type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) Patients Reporting At National Institute Of Siddha – A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Madhumegam is a clinical condition characterised by frequent and excessive urination which ultimately leads to deterioration of seven body constituents and three humours. Its signs and symptoms may be correlated with Diabetes mellitus in modern science. Since, metabolic syndrome has become major cause of morbidity and mortality, identifying its cause and prevention has gained immense importance. Aim: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Madhumegam (Type 2 Diabetes mellitus) patients and to identify the most critical predictive risk factors of metabolic syndrome. Methods: This hospital based cross sectional study involved 100 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and was conducted at Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital, National Institute of Siddha. This study used questionnaire to obtain information on diabetic condition, anthropometric measurements and lipid profile. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Results: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 53% in the study population. Elevated triglyceride was the commonest component (77.3%) followed by lowered HDL (51%). Female type 2 diabetic patients had a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (54.7%) than their male counterparts (45.3%). With respect to age, individual within the age group of 60-69 had highest prevalence of metabolic syndrome while age group of 30-39 has least prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Elevated triglyceride for men and lowered HDL for women were the strongest risk factors. Metabolic syndrome is a significant health problem and its preventive strategies should focus on early diagnoses and lifestyle modification.

Prevalence Of Paandu (anaemia) Amongst Patients Reporting At Outpatient Department Of National Institute Of Siddha

Anaemia is the most common nutritional problem in the world .In the outpatient department of National institute of Siddha the significant numbers of anaemia cases are reporting for treatment. As the part of partial completion of 1st year MD degree the investigator select the minor project to determine the data about prevalence of Paandu (Anaemia) in NIS OPD patients. This study includes 500 OPD patients. OPD patients in the age between 13-74 years were randomly selected daily (Systematic random sampling method). A pre-designed self-administrated questionnaire interview method is used for collecting data about the patients. Information on personal characteristics, socio economic status, diet, lab investigations, clinical profiles are obtained. The study results showed that the prevalence of anemia amongst patients reporting at NIS OPD were 45.6%. The mean haemoglobin concentration was 11.4g/dl in female and 12.8g/dl in male. Majority of female in reproductive age (15-49 years) had the highest prevalence of anemia. And the high proportion of microcytic hypochromic anaemia (22.2%) was founded in the selected samples which indicate that Iron deficiency was the main cause of anaemia. Effect of socio economic status on anemic patients reported in NIS also calculated according to ‘Modified Kuppusamy socio economic scale’ which results that patients belongs to the upper lower status (12.2%) are more prone to anemia. Therefore the results of this study can be used to design target interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of anemia in NIS OPD and to help conduct the interactive educational programs for improve disease awareness in female patients especially. And further studies are needed for clarify prevalence and etiology of anaemia in school going children (Below 13 years) at NIS OPD.

A Drug Review On Efficacy Of ‘pereechangai Nei’ A Classical Siddha Drug In The Management Of Madhumegam (type 2 Diabetes Mellitus)

In Siddha system of medicine, diseases are classified into 4448 types. According to Yugi Vaithiya Chinthaamani, a siddha classical text Meganoi is classified into 20 types based on three humors Vatha, Pitha, Kabha. Madhumegam is one among them, which comes under Pitha type called Thithippu Neer. The causes, signs and symptoms of Madhumegam could be correlated with Diabetes Mellitus in modern system. Mathumegam is a clinical condition characterized by frequent and excessive passage of urine with ‘sweetness’ eventually leading to deterioration of seven body constituents. Its deterioration causes Avathaigal which are described as complications of long term poorly controlled hyperglycemia. Diabetes mellitus is one of the major health problems in most developing countries. Being a lifestyle disorder its management is still a challenge for modern system of medicine. Increase in the number of diabetic patients, high cost for medical treatments, unsatisfactory treatment response are the major reasons for people to switch over to traditional medicinal systems. At current scenario, Siddha system among Indian systems of medicine is gaining more attention globally and it serves as a hope in controlling this dreadful disease and preventing its high risk complications. Siddha drugs include herbal, mineral and herbo-mineral drugs. Among which pure herbal medicines serve the purpose in the management of chronic diseases like Madhumegam for long term use. This review article focuses on one such polyherbal Siddha formulation ‘Pereechangai nei’ as mentioned in text Therayar Maha Karisal, specifically indicated for Madhumegam.

Efficacy of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation on parotid saliva flow rate in relation to age and gender

Statement of the Problem: Treatment with salivary substitutes and stimulation of salivary flow by either mechanical or pharmacologic methods has side effects and only provides symptomatic relief but no long-lasting results

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of extraoral transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation [TENS] as a mean of stimulating salivary function in healthy adult subjects; as well as to determine the gender and age-dependent changes in salivary flow rates of unstimulated and stimulated parotid saliva

Materials and Method: Hundred patients were divided into two groups; Group I aged 20-40 and Group II aged >/= 60 years. The TENS electrode pads were externally placed on the skin overlying the parotid glands. Unstimulated and stimulated parotid saliva was collected for 5 minutes each by using standardized collection techniques

Results: Eighty seven of 100 subjects demonstrated increased salivary flow when stimulated via the TENS unit. Ten experienced no increase and 3 experienced a decrease. The mean unstimulated salivary flow rate was 0.01872 ml/min in Group I and 0.0088 ml/min in Group II. The mean stimulated salivary flow rate was 0.03084 ml/min [SD= 0.01248] in Group I, and 0.01556 ml/min [SD 0.0101] in Group II. After stimulation, the amount of salivary flow increased significantly in both groups [p< 0.001]. Statistical comparison of the two groups revealed them to be significantly different [p< 0.001], with Group I producing more saliva. Genderwise, no statistically significant difference was seen among the subjects in Group I [p = 0.148], and those in Group II [p= 0.448]. Out of 12 subjects with 0 baseline flows, 7 continued to have no flow. Five subjects observed side effects, although minimal and transient

Conclusion: The TENS unit was effective in increasing parotid gland salivary flow in healthy subjects. There was age-related but no gender-related variability in parotid salivary flow rate

A novel assay method for calcium calmodulin dependent phosphatase from bovine brain extract.

Calcium calmodulin dependent protein ser/thr phosphatase, also referred to as protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B), is rich in neural tissue, and plays an important role in the overall function of the nervous system. Routinely phosphatase assay employs, para-Nitrophenlylphosphate (p-NPP), as a substrate, is also extended to assay PP2B. However, in the present study, the differential spectral characterstic property of tyrosine and phopshotyrosine has been exploited to employ the latter as a candidate substrate for the PP2B assay. The specific activity of PP2B using phosphortyrosine in bovine Bos Taurus indicus brain extract (Bos Taurus indicus), was measured in presence of different metal ions like Ca2+, Mn2+ and Mg2+. Further modulators like dithiothreitol (DTT), calmodulin (CaM) and metal chelators such as EGTA and EDTA were applied to confirm the role of divalent cations and to determine calcium calmodulin dependent phoshphatase activity. PP2B activity was higher with phosphotyrosine in presence of Ca2+ than with p-NPP. Further experiments, involving calmodulin as a modulator, confirmed phosphotyrosine as a better substrate over p-NPP. Calmodulin further enhanced the effect of phosphotyrosine as a potential substrate confirming calcium calmodulin dependent phosphatase activity. Phosphotyrosine is proposed as a better substrate in assaying calcium dependent phosphatase activity when compared to para-nitrophenylphosphate.

Effect of alcohols on filamentation, growth, viability and biofilm development in Candida albicans

In this study we report the potential of alcohols as morphogenetic regulators in Candida albicans. All the alcohols tested influenced various modes of growth like planktonic as well as biofilm forms. Viability was affected at high concentrations. Among the alcohols, the response of C. albicans to amyl alcohol (pentanol) was noteworthy. Amyl alcohol at a concentration 0.5% which was not inhibitory to growth and viability specifically inhibited morphogenetic switching from yeast to hyphal forms. It also inhibited normal biofilm development favoring yeast dominated biofilms. Based on this study we hypothesize that alcohols produced under anaerobic conditions may not favor biofilm development and support dissemination of yeast cells. Since anaerobic conditions are not found to favor production of quorum sensing molecules like farnesol, the alcohols may play a role in morphogenetic regulation.

Cancer drugs inhibit morphogenesis in the human fungal pathogen, Candida albicans

Candida infections are very common in cancer patients and it is a common practice to prescribe antifungal antibiotics along with anticancer drugs. Yeast to hyphal form switching is considered to be important in invasive candidiasis. Targeting morphogenetic switching may be useful against invasive candidiasis. In this study, we report the antimorphogenetic properties of thirty cancer drugs.

Genetic architecture of purple pigmentation and tagging of some loci to SSR markers in pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.

This report describes the construction of integrated genetic maps in pearl millet involving certain purple phenotype and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. These maps provide a direct means of implementing DNA marker-assisted selection and of facilitating "map-based cloning" for engineering novel traits. The purple pigmentation of leaf sheath, midrib and leaf margin was inherited together 'en bloc' under the control of a single dominant locus (the 'midrib complex') and was inseparably associated with the locus governing the purple coloration of the internode. The purple panicle was caused by a single dominant locus. Each of the three characters (purple lamina, purple stigma and purple seed) was governed by two complementary loci. One of the two loci governing purple seed was associated with the SSR locus Xpsmp2090 in linkage group 1, with a linkage value of 22 cM, while the other locus was associated with the SSR locus Xpsmp2270 in linkage group 6, with a linkage value of 23 cM. The locus for purple pigmentation of the midrib complex was either responsible for pigmentation of the panicle in a pleiotropic manner or was linked to it very closely and associated with the SSR locus Xpsmp2086 in linkage group 4, with a suggestive linkage value of 21 cM. A dominant allele at this locus seems to be a prerequisite for the development of purple pigmentation in the lamina, stigma and seed. These findings suggest that the locus for pigmentation of the midrib complex might regulate the basic steps in anthocyanin pigment development by acting as a structural gene while other loci regulate the formation of color in specific plant parts.

Positioning errors and quality assessment in panoramic radiography

PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine the relative frequency of positioning errors, to identify those errors directly responsible for diagnostically inadequate images, and to assess the quality of panoramic radiographs in a sample of records collected from a dental college. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consisted of 1,782 panoramic radiographs obtained from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. The positioning errors of the radiographs were assessed and categorized into nine groups: the chin tipped high, chin tipped low, a slumped position, the patient positioned forward, the patient positioned backward, failure to position the tongue against the palate, patient movement during exposure, the head tilted, and the head turned to one side. The quality of the radiographs was further judged as being 'excellent', 'diagnostically acceptable', or 'unacceptable'. RESULTS: Out of 1,782 radiographs, 196 (11%) were error free and 1,586 (89%) were present with positioning errors. The most common error observed was the failure to position the tongue against the palate (55.7%) and the least commonly experienced error was patient movement during exposure (1.6%). Only 11% of the radiographs were excellent, 64.1% were diagnostically acceptable, and 24.9% were unacceptable. CONCLUSION: The positioning errors found on panoramic radiographs were relatively common in our study. The quality of panoramic radiographs could be improved by careful attention to patient positioning.

Intraoral venous malformation with phleboliths

The most common type of vascular malformation is the venous malformation and these are occasionally associated with phleboliths. We report a case of a 45 year old woman with intraoral venous malformation with phleboliths

Antimicrobial activity of samanea saman [Jacq.] Merr,

Phytochemical investigation and antimicrobial activity studies for the aqueous and alcoholic leaf, fruit and seed extracts of Samanea saman [Jacq.] Merr, were carried out. The phytochemical tests of various extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins, sterols, proteins and triterpenoids. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested against selected gram positive, gram negative bacteria and fungi. Zone of inhibition produced by these extracts were compared with the standard antibiotic [Ofloxacin 10 micro g/disc] and antifungal [Clotrimazole 10 micro g/disc] under the similar conditions. The activity index of antimicrobial activity was calculated by comparing the effect of all the extracts with the effect induced by the standards. The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of leaf and seeds showed moderate antibacterial activity whereas fruit extracts were found ineffective against bacteria. All the extracts of Samanea saman [Jacq.] Merr., were found inactive against fungi

Handedness in skeletal remains.

Identification of a highly decomposed body and skeletal remains is of paramount importance in the investigation of a crime. While general characteristics of the skeletal remains like age, sex, stature, race etc. place the subject in a specific group, determination of any special characteristic can help identify the remains further. Handedness can be an important individual skeletal characteristic and an important criterion of identification in highly decomposed bodies and skeletal remains when used in corroboration with other findings. A case report of skeletal remains examination that was suggestive of handedness presented with review of relevant literature.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some mannich bases derived from isatin derivatives

We synthesized a series of Mannich bases isatin derivatives with ciprofloxacin and diethyl amine. The compounds showed potent antimicrobial activities

Clinicopathological study of thymomas--correlation of histologic subtype to myasthenia gravis and prognosis.

Thymoma is the most common primary tumor of anterior superior mediastinum. Sixty cases of thymomas over a 12 year period were analysed and the histologic subtype, according to Marino and Muller-Hermilink, classification was correlated with presence or absence of myasthenia gravis (MG) and capsular invasion. Thirty four patients had myasthenia gravis associated with thymoma and there was one case of pure red cell aplasia. There were 3 (1) predominantly cortical, 28 (20) cortical, 12 (9) mixed, 16 (4) medullary thymomas and 1 (0) thymic carcinoma (Figures in parenthesis indicate number of cases associated with MG). Capsular invasion was seen in 25 cases. Association with myasthenia gravis and capsular invasion were seen predominantly in cortical and mixed thymomas which were also associated with aggressive behaviour.