A comparative study of effects of pranayama and aerobic exercise on spirometric indices in the age group of 30–50 years

Background: Increasing awareness to lifestyle disease has led to more participation of people in taking up various forms of exercise to avail more health benefits. The ability to perform physical exercise is related to cardiovascular systems capacity to supply oxygen to muscles and pulmonary systems ability to clear carbon di oxide from blood via lungs. Spirometry is a physiological test that measures the volume and flow of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Aim and Objectives: The purpose of this study is not only to assess the beneficial effects of pranayama and aerobic exercises but to compare the improvements in the lung functions among these two modalities of exercises. Materials and Methods: It is a non-randomized cross-sectional comparative study. Total 150 participants of both sexes aged 30–50 years were selected and divided equally into three groups: Pranayama group, aerobic exercise group, and control group who were doing pranayama and aerobic exercise and no exercise respectively from the past 3 months were included in the study. The participants were assessed by their anthropometric parameters, pulse rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Results: Among Pranayama groups, there was significantly higher level of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, and PEFR as compared to aerobic exercise group and control group. Conclusion: Both pranayama and aerobic exercise play an important role in improving the pulmonary functions but effects were more pronounced with pranayama.

Repercussions of COVID-19 Pandemic on prenatal and antenatal care in Bahadarbad block of Dist Haridwar Uttarakhand, India

Background: The incidence of maternal morbidity and mortality gets reduced if antenatal care (ANC) is provided since it focuses on providing birth preparedness, good health maintenance measures, and awareness regarding pregnancy complications as well as danger signs. Methodology: The present study was conducted in the selected 10 villages in the Bahadarbad block of Haridwar (Uttarakhand). 479 out of 580 pregnant women (who had visited Antenatal Health Camps), responded to the questionnaire thus, leading to a response rate of 82.8%. Most respondents, i.e. 96% (n=461), were 21–30 years old. Result: Out of 461 pregnant women, only 45% visited Antenatal Health Camps and 58% were found anemic. The study also indicated that of the pregnant women who visited Antenatal Health Camps during this period, more than 72% of women gave their previous birth in less than two years. Only 15% of women obtained complete ANC (4 Visits) during the study period, just half of the previous year’s coverage (31%) for the same duration. The study found that home deliveries increased significantly during the lockdown period. From April to June 2020, the percentage of home deliveries was 41% while from July to December 2020 it was 24%. Conclusion: The study suggested reduced utilization of ANC services during the pandemic and significant factors were women’s age, residence, educational status, repurposing of maternity healthcare services, fear of COVID-19 transmission, and transportation disruptions. Thus, efforts should be taken to enhance maternal health services.

Prevalence and risk factors of anemia and zinc deficiency among 4�year-old children of Allahabad District, Uttar Pradesh

Anemia and zinc deficiency are two of the most daunting nutritional problems afflicting the young children among developing countries like India. Thus, in view of this the following study was designed to investigate the status of undernutrition and micronutrient status (iron and zinc) of children aged between 4 and 6 years of Allahabad district. The anthropometric measurements (height and weight); biochemical parameters (hemoglobin and serum zinc), and general information of the children were recorded. Out of the total 365 children studied, 92.9% were anemic out of which 90.6% (n = 307) were moderately anemic having and 2.3% belonged to mild anemic group. Serum zinc deficiency was 65.3%. Anemia was more commonly observed among undernourished children. In case of zinc deficiency poor nutritional status, the age of 60� months and rural settlement projected out to be the potent risk factors.

Smokeless tobacco control: Litigation & judicial measures from Southeast Asia

Recourse to litigation and positive judicial interventions is one of the most effective tools to meet public health objectives. The present review envisions compiling litigation and judicial measures in Southeast Asia Region (SEAR) while assessing their role in advancing smokeless tobacco (SLT) control, and equally highlighting, how tobacco industry has used litigation to undermine tobacco control efforts in the Region. The litigation, especially from the SEAR, up to 2017, that have facilitated SLT control or have been used by the tobacco industry to challenge an SLT control policy decision were reviewed. Most of the litigation related to SLT control from the Region are on pictorial health warnings. Bhutan has imposed a complete prohibition on sale, manufacture and import of all kinds of tobacco products and the litigation there relates to the prosecution of offenders for violating the ban. Judiciary in the Region is well informed about the ill-effects of tobacco use and remains positive to tobacco control initiatives in the interest of public health. In India, several SLT-specific litigation helped in better regulation of SLT products in the country. Litigation has compelled governments for effective enforcement of the domestic tobacco control laws and the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Parties to the WHO FCTC must now use Treaty Article 19 to strengthen their legal procedures and make the tobacco industry liable, for both criminal and civil wrongs.

Protective role of diet supplements Spirulina and Tamarind fruit pulp on kidney in sodium fluoride exposed Swiss albino mice: Histological and biochemical indices.

Fluoride toxicity through potable water, particularly ground water, is not uncommon in countries such as India, China, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, parts of Africa and Afghanistan. Kidney being the main organ involved in fluoride removal, it accumulates considerable amount of fluoride. Here, we report toxic effects of oral exposure of Swiss albino mice to fluoride (sub-acute: 190 mg/kg body wt. for 7days; and sub-chronic: 94 mg/kg body wt. for 90 days) and recovery of sub-chronic fluoride exposed mice after 90 days of sodium fluoride (NaF) withdrawal. The role of diet supplements (Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp @ 230 mg/kg body wt. independently as well as in combination) in amelioration of fluoride toxicity has also been screened. Compared with controls, feed intake decreased from 3-43%, body wt. 4-18%, and kidney wt. 5-12% in treated mice (except diet supplement groups of sub-chronic exposure) while their water intake increased from 4-43%. Histopathological changes in the cortical region of kidney in fluoride treated mice were as follows: dilation of bowman’s capsule and thickening of its parietal and visceral layer; alterations in glomeruli size and their sclerotization; increase in bowman’s space; proliferation of mesangial cells; reduction in podocyte counts; and dilation of proximal and distal tubules. Fluoride exposure altered tissue biochemistry (protein, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase content) and increased urea (23-58%) and creatinine content (14-127%) in the serum. Sub-acute exposure was found more toxic. The diet modulation not only reduced fluoride toxicity but also led to better recovery of treated mice after withdrawal, especially in combination.

Unique roles of nanotechnology in medicine and cancer‑II.

Applications of nanotechnology in medicine and cancer are becoming increasingly popular. Common nanomaterials and devices applicable in cancer medicine are classifiable as liposomes, polymeric‑micelles, dendrimers, nano‑cantilevers, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, magnetic‑nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and certain miscellaneous nanoparticles. Here, we present review of the structure, function and utilities of the various approved, under trial and pretrial nanodevices applicable in the cancer care and medicine. The liposomes are phospholipid‑vesicles made use in carrying drugs to the target site minimizing the bio‑distribution toxicity and a number of such theranostics have been approved for clinical practice. Newly worked out liposomes and polymeric micelles are under the trail phases for nano‑therapeutic utility. A multifunctional dendrimer conjugate with imaging, targeting and drug molecules of paclitaxel has been recently synthesized for cancer theranostic applications. Nano‑cantilever based assays are likely going to replace the conventions methods of chemical pathological investigations. Carbon nanotubes are emerging for utility in regenerative and cancer medicine. Quantum dots hold great promise for the micro‑metastasis and intra‑operative tumor imaging. Important applications of magnetic nanoparticles are in the cardiac stents, photodynamic therapy and liver metastasis imaging. The AuNPs have been employed for cell imaging, computed tomography and cancer therapy. Besides these categories, miscellaneous other nanoparticles are being discovered for utility in the cancer diagnosis and disease management. However, the use of nanoparticles should be cautious since the toxic effects of nanoparticles are not well‑known. The use of nanoparticles in the clinical practice and their toxicity profile require further extensive research.

Unique roles of nanotechnology in medicine and cancer.

Here we review the scope of nanotechnology in Medicine and human cancer. The imaging and therapy agents can be co‑delivered by same nanoparticle for integrated molecular diagnosis, therapy, and follow‑up of cancer or ‘cancer theranostics’ is implying multimodal use of nanoparticles in cancer care. Nanoparticles are used for passive targeting and in conjugation with ligands for active targeting, to have optimum concentrations of imaging and therapeutic agents in the tumor cells specifically, sparing normal tissue from unwanted side effects. Potential utility of nanoparticles in the nano biosensors, nano fluorescent tag imaging, nano tumor mapping, nano gene profiling, nano molecular delivery, nano chemo‑radio therapy, nano thermotherapy, nano photodynamic therapy, etc., is tending to revolutionize medicine particularly personalized cancer care and laboratory. Nanoparticle induced oxidative stress based inflammation reported by few studies; in lung, liver and brain required further investigations.

Immature Teratoma with Somatic Tumor-Type Sarcoma: A Case Report.

Teratoma is a germ cell tumor seen mainly in neonates and young adults; it contains elements derived from all three germinal layers, with its usual site of occurrence being the ovary and testis and less common sites being several extragonadal locations. This case is of a 10-year-old boy who presented with an asymptomatic mass, heterogenous on ultrasonography and showing enhanced solid areas along with nonenhancing cystic areas on contrast enhanced computed tomography. Cytological diagnosis of malignant mesenchymal tumor was made; however, exact categorization could not be done. After surgical excision, histological and immunohistochemical studies yielded the diagnosis of immature teratoma with somatic malignancy – sarcoma. Teratomas with malignant transformation refer to a form of germ cell tumor in which a somatic teratomatous component becomes morphologically malignant and develops aggressively. These are associated with chromosomal abnormalities i (12p) reflecting germ cell tumor clonality. The occurrence of an identifiable sarcomatous component is a well recognized but distinctly uncommon phenomenon.

Assessment of Thyroid Disorder in FarWestern Part of Nepal: A Hospital Based Study.

Objectives: This study was conducted to know the status of thyroid disorder in people of far western region of Nepal. Methods: A total of 808 cases, out of which 133 male and 675 female were included and study was carried out using data retrieved from the register maintained in the Department of Biochemistry of the Nepalgunj Teaching Hospital, Kohalpur, Banke, Nepal, between 1st January, 2011 and 28th February, 2012. The variables collected were age, sex, and thyroid function profile including free T3, free T4 and TSH. The data was analyzed using Excel 2003, R 2.8.0 Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows Version 16.0 (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL, USA) and the EPI Info 3.5.1 Windows Version. Results: The percentage of thyroid disorders was 33.66% in people of far western region of Nepal. The people were highly affected by overt hyperthyroidism (14.9%) followed by subclinical hyperthyroidism (9.9%). The subclinical hypothyroidism was 7.9% while 1% overt hypothyroidism only. Serum fT3, fT4 and TSH level were significantly different in male and females. Similarly, fT3, fT4 and TSH levels show statistically significant differences in different thyroid disorders. The fT3 and fT4 level in overt hyperthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism showed statistically significant differences when compared with euthyroidism group. Likewise, TSH level also shows statistically significant in all the thyroid disorders when compared with euthyroidism group. The fT3 and fT4 levels were statistically insignificant in all the age groups whereas TSH level showed statistically significant different in all the age groups. The fT3 and fT4 level in 21-40 years showed statistically significant when compared with serum level of fT3 and fT4 of 0-20 years. Similarly, serum level of TSH in 21-40 and 41-60 years also showed statistically significant when compared with serum level of TSH of 0-20 years. Conclusion: The people residing in far western region have risk for thyroid disorders. They were suffering with thyroid disorder, especially overt hyperthyroidism (14.9%) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (9.9%). Further studies are required to characterize the reasons for this high prevalence of overt hyperthyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor - A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing.

Keratocystic odontogenic tumor or Odontogenic keratocyst is a benign but one of the most locally aggressive type of developmental odontogenic cyst. Due to its invasive abilities in the bone and its high recurrence rate, it shares features of a cyst or a neoplasm and continues to riddle clinicians and researchers. Clinical and radiological expertise lies in diagnosing such lesions which present themselves as a coincidental finding in a routine out patient department. We report an unusual occurrence of a Collateral Odontogenic Keratocyst between the roots of two mandibular molars.

Dentigerous cyst as mid palatal swelling : a case report.

Dentigerous cyst is a developmental odontogenic cyst which originates through alterations of the reduced enamel epithelium in an unerupted tooth after the crown has been fully formed. Dentigerous cysts associated with supernumerary teeth are rare and constitute 5–6% of all dentigerous cysts. Supernumerary teeth should be examined very carefully to prevent possible effects on adjacent regular teeth and possible cystic development. We report a rare case of mid palatal swelling due to a dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted supernumerary in an elderly patient.

Thoracic epidural for post-thoracotomy pain: a comparison of three concentrations of sufentanil in bupivacaine

ABSTRACT. Background:The aim of this prospective, double blind, randomised trial was to compare the analgesic and adverse effectsof three concentrations of the thoracic epidural sufentanil with bupivacaine in patients undergoing thoracotomy.Methods:We studied 60 (randomised) patients who were to receive a 10 ml bolus dose of sufentanil, 1µg/ml, 2 µg/ml and3 µg/ml, in bupivacaine 0.125%, via thoracic epidural. Postoperatively, pain at rest, on coughing and with ambulation wasassessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and observer verbal ranking score (OVRS) at 2, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Adverseeffects were simultaneously assessed.Results:There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the three groups. The number of patientswith episodes of unsatisfactory pain, i.e. a VAS scores ≥ 40 and OVRS ≥ 2, at each of the four assessments postoperatively,was significantly higher with sufentanil 1 g/ml than with sufentanil 2 µg/ml or µ3 g/ml (p < 0.05). In the 3 µg/ml sufentanilgroup, four patients (20%) had a sedation score ≥ 3 compared with one (5%) and no (0%) patients in the 2 µg/ml and1 µg/ml sufentanil groups, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, 30% patients experienced pruritus in the 3 µg/ml sufentanilgroup compared with 10% and 5%, respectively, in the 2 µg/ml and 1 µg/ml sufentanil groups. In the sufentanil 3 µg/ml,2 µg/ml and 1 µg/ml groups, 30%, 20% and 5% patients, respectively, had emetics symptoms (p < 0.05).Conclusions:We conclude that a thoracic epidural bolus of 10 ml sufentanil 2 µg/ml with bupivacaine 0.125% provides theoptimal balance between pain relief and side-effects following thoracotomy

Genetic analysis of Karnal bunt (Neovossia indica) resistance in wheat.

Embryos excised from seeds of six generations (P1, P2, F1, BC1, BC2 and F2) of a cross WH 283 WH 533 were cultured on modified MS medium already inoculated with secondary sporidia of Neovossia indica. Significant variations for callusing response (CR) (54 55-75 55%) were observed among generations but the presence or absence of N. indicia did not affect callusing response. A clear inhibition zone (IZ) was formed around each embryo showing callusing. The diameter of IZ varied significantly among generations and was maximum in the resistant genotype, WH 283 (3 60 cm). Fresh weight and dry weight of calli, initiated from embryo cultured and inoculated with N. indica, varied significantly among generations. Coefficient of infection as well as percentage of infection reflected the overdominance of susceptibility. Generation mean analysis showed that the three parameter model was adequate for diameter of IZ only. Six-parameter model showed that additive (in presence of N. indica), additive and additive dominance (in absence of N. indica) effects were also significant. Complementary type of epistasis for fresh weight of calli and dominance, and dominance dominance effects for dry weight of calli were observed in the presence of N. indica. Magnitude of additive effects was higher for diameter of IZ in three parameter model. Therefore, selection might assist in improving this trait and thus indirectly help in attaining the resistance towards N. indica.

Influence of cultural conditions on lipid production by mutant strain of Rhodotorula glutinis MTCC 1151.

Mutant of Rhodotorula glutinis MTCC 1151 was found to produce high level of lipid (63.6% of biomass) as compared to parent strain (56.7% biomass). The lipid synthesizing capacity of mutant of R. glutinis was evaluated with different glucose concentrations, nitrogen sources, incubation time, and aeration-agitation. Maximum lipid yield (63.6% of biomass) was found with 5% glucose using ammonium sulfate (0.2%) as a nitrogen source under shake-flask conditions (50 ml broth in 250 ml conical flask at 125 rpm) after 4 days of incubation at 28 degrees C. The ability of ammonium sulfate to replace comparatively very costly yeast extract is highly appreciable.

Lipid production by Candida Y-1.

Ten oleaginous yeasts were isolated from sources like fruits, flowers, curd whey and soil samples. Lipid production varied from 24 to 71.2% of dry weight of cell biomass. Strain Y-1, which was isolated from curd whey, produced the highest amount of lipid. It was identified belonging to the genus Candida. The optimal cultural conditions for lipid production by Candida Y-1 were found to be glucose (5%) as carbon source, ammonium sulfate (1%) as nitrogen source, pH 4.5, and temperature 28 degrees C under shake-flask conditions (125 rpm).

Correlation of exercise induced hypotension and development of complications during treadmill stress test.

Exercise induced hypotension was observed in 41 of 354 patients studied. Fourteen of 41 as against 3 out of the remaining 313 developed complications, like atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, heart block, severe angina and left ventricular failure. Close monitoring of BP during exercise testing is mandatory.