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Introduction: It has been suggested that isometric handgrip resistance exercise be used as the first line treatment for hypertension. This cross-sectional study sought to better understand the association between adult individual's systolic and diastolic blood pressures with hand grip strength. The present study is a cross-s Methods: ectional study done among 240 healthy participants aged 19-40 years. Clearance was obtained from Institutional Ethical Committee. Blood pressure was recorded following standard precautions. The average of the maximum handgrip strength from both hands were taken into consideration. General linear models were used to examine the association between handgrip strength and blood pressure. Data was analyzed by Independent t test and Pearson correlation test using software, SPSS version 26. Handgrip strength was significantly and positively associated Results: with systolic blood pressure (P<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (P<0.001) and body mass Index (P<0.05). There was an increase in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and body mass index with increase in handgrip strength. High systolic and diastolic blood pressures w Conclusion: ere associated with increased handgrip strength in both men and women. This aids in controlling blood pressure and might have implications for early prevention
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Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality. Chronic inflammation has been considered the potential pathogenesis responsible for the development of diabetic complications. The utility of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is being assessed and projected as novel, inexpensive, and reliable tools of disease progression and prognostication in various diseases. Aim and Objectives: In the present study, the association of NLR and PLR levels with microalbuminuria levels in diabetic patients is studied to find utility of NLR and PLR to predict disease progression. Materials and Methods: Patients were categorized into four different groups based on their HbA1c levels as Group I – Normal (with HbA1c in range 4%?5.6%), Group II – Pre-diabetic (with HbA1c in range 5.7%?6.4%), Group III – Diabetics (with HbA1c in range 6.5?7.0), and Group IV – Diabetics (with HbA1c > 7.0). The sensitivity and specificity of NLR and PLR values as a screening tool for early nephropathy in each category were analyzed. Utility of NLR and PLR as independent markers of glycemic control was evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis. Results: In this study, Group I patients showed significant relation between NLR, PLR with creatinine, urea, and microabluminuria while in Group II, NLR and microalbuminuria showed significant relationship. In Group III and IV, no such relation was seen. Conclusion: Our study found no significant correlation of NLR and PLR levels with microalbuminuria levels in diabetic patients and also that NLR and PLR are not much useful for assessing glycemic control.
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WHO estimates show chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] as a growing major global cause of morbidity as well as mortality. COPD associated mortality is projected to grow by 160% in the decades ahead. Much of this projection holds pansexual cigarette smoking, improved life expectancy, bulging ger-iatric population and high levels of small particle pollution, as major causes behind increase in COPD case burden.The aim of themeta-analysis was to investigate association between COPD and risk factors by pooled and subgroup analysis. The publications listed in the NCBI PubMed and Cochrane library were searched using the following combination of the key words “COPD”; “smokers”; “health”; “risk” or “fac-tors”; “diagnostic”; “burden”; “exposure”; “disease” or “prevalence” or “morbidity” or “mortality”; “tobac-co”; “smoking”; “smoke”, “India”. Random effects meta-analysis was applied to generate pooled SMD by using CMA software.Main risk factors for COPD were higher age [SMD=0.53, CI= (0.0018-1.05)], total pack years of Smoking [SMD=13.83, CI (10.060-17.616)], FEV1 [SMD=-13.15, CI= (-16.234 to -10.085) and FEV/FVC ratio [SMD=0.915.CI= (0.767-1.063)]. Higher age, smoking, low values of FEV1 and FEV/FVC ratio is directly associated with high risk of COPD. The finding of the study shows evidence of smoking history in terms of pack of years as a major risk factor for COPD prevalence.
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SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2) Seroprevalence studies are being conducted all over theworld to identify the level of exposure to the virus, in different groups of population. These include laboratory basedserological tests to detect the presence of antibodies in response to an exposure/infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The aimof the study was to know the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Health Care Workers (HCWs) of our hospital. Across-sectional serological study was conducted in a tertiary care center for Nephrourology in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. TheHCWs of the hospital, of age group 20 to 60 were included in the study and were tested for the presence ofSARS-CoV-2–specific IgG antibodies by Luminescence Immuo Assay method (CLIA). Prevalence was calculated,significance among the subgroups was analyzed using chi-square test and p value. 95 HCWs underwent testing, 6 werepositive for IgG antibodies, with a Sero-prevalence rate of 6.3%. There was no significant difference in prevalence ratebetween male and female, and also between different age groups. It was concluded that serological studies to detectSARS-CoV-2–specific antibodies in HCWs might be helpful to detect the immune status of HCWs. Routine application ofthese tests in HCWs would aid in work stratification of HCWs in managing the covid 19 pandemic.
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Introduction: Cryptococcal meningitis is one of the leadingopportunistic infections associated with high mortality. Thepresent study was carried out to determine the prevalence ofcryptococcal antigenemia in HIV-infected patients with CD4+T-cell count ≤ 200 cells/μl.Material and methods: A cross-sectional study includinga total of 100 blood samples of HIV-infected patients withCD4+ T-cell count ≤ 200 cells/μl was carried out in a tertiarycare hospital. The Cryptococcal Antigen Latex AgglutinationTest was performed on serum separated from blood samplesincluded in the study group. A positive cryptococcalantigenemia was diagnosed by positive latex agglutinationtest of cryptococcal polysaccharide antigen in serum. BMI ofall patients included in the study group was calculated andWHO clinical staging of all patients was noted.Results: Three cases out of 100 were positive for cryptococcalantigenemia. The positive cases showed correlation with lowBMI and WHO Clinical stage II and III of HIV disease. Inthe present study, 33.33% and 66.67% of positive cases hadCD4+ T-cell count within the range of 0-100cells/μl and101-200cells/μl respectively.Conclusion: It is important to implement routine screeningfor cryptococcal antigen among HIV-infected cases withCD4+ T-cell count ≤ 200 cells/μl for early detection ofcryptococcal antigenemia. It will help in identifying the riskof subsequent cryptococcal meningitis and initiation of preemptive antifungal treatment.
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Background: The word adolescent is derived from Latin word adolescence which means to grow into maturity. Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood. WHO has defined adolescence as the age group 10-19 years. These are formative years when maximum amount of physical, psychological, developmental and behavioral changes take place. In India adolescent girls accounts for a little more than one- fifth of the population. The onset on menstruation is one of the most important changes occurring among the girls during the adolescent years. The event of menarche may be associated with taboos and myths existing in our traditional society which has a negative implication for women’s health, particularly their menstrual hygiene. Women having better knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene and safe practices are less vulnerable to reproductive tract infections.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The sample size of 184 is obtained in each group and rounded off to 190 (urban and rural schools). The duration of the study was for 5 months among adolescent high school girls in randomly selected schools.Results: The mean age of urban girls was 12.87±0.94 years whereas rural girls it was 12.85±0.86 years. Among 380 study subjects 43.4% were aware about menstruation before attaining menarche, 62.4% were aware that menstruation is a natural process. Majority of study subjects (58.9%) were using sanitary pads during menstruation and 46.8% of study subject’s changes absorbents twice a day.Conclusion: Knowledge and practice regarding menstrual hygiene among adolescent high school girls is better in rural area as compared to urban adolescent high school girls.
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Background: Diabetes is one of the largest global health emergencies of the 21st century. As per International Federation of Diabetes some 425 million people worldwide are estimated to have diabetes. The prevalence is higher in urban versus rural (10.2% vs 6.9%). India had 72.9 million people living with diabetes of which, 57.9% remained undiagnosed as per the 2017 data. The objectives of the present study were to identify subjects who at risk of developing Diabetes by using Indian diabetes risk score (IDRS) in the Urban field practice area of Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital (RRMCH).Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using a Standard questionnaire of IDRS on 150 individuals aged ≥20 years residing in the Urban field practice area of RRMCH. The subjects with score <30, 30-50, >or =60 were categorized as having low risk, moderate risk and high risk for developing diabetes type-2 respectively.Results: Out of total 150 participants, 36 (24%) were in high-risk category (IDRS≥60), the majority of participants 61 (41%) were in the moderate-risk category (IDRS 30–50) and 53 (35%) participants were found to be at low-risk (<30) for diabetes. Statistical significant asssociation was found between IDRS and gender, literacy status, body mass index (p<0.0000l).Conclusions: It is essential to implement IDRS which is a simple tool for identifying subjects who are at risk for developing diabetes so that proper intervention can be carried out at the earliest to reduce the burden of diabetes.
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Background: Tuberculosis is among the most important causes of death from a single infectious agent and a major public health problem causing an enormous burden of disease and economic impact especially in the developing countries. Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common form of tuberculosis causing >85% of all tuberculosis cases. The smear conversion rate is an operational indicator for the directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) strategy of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in India.Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in DMC, RRMCH, in the first two quarters of the year 2013 i.e., from January 1st to June 31st of the year 2013. All 130 adult category I (new) sputum smear positive cases that attended DMC, and registered under RNTCP constituted the sample for the study. Data was collected by interview method by using pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.Results: Majority of the study subjects was >50 years, Hindus, illiterates, belonged to nuclear family from rural area belonged to upper lower socio-economic class. The overall sputum smear conversion rate is 92.4%. Lower sputum smear conversion rate was observed in the following risk factors like the male gender, smoking, diabetes, initial high pre-treatment smear grading and poor drug compliance.Conclusions: The overall sputum conversion rate at the end of two months of intensive phase under (DOTS) chemotherapy in 118 sputum smear positive (cat I) new pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Designated Microscopy and Treatment Centre (DMC) Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital was 92.4%.
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Background: Lower ureteric stones (LUS) comprises of 70% of ureteric stones. Spontaneous passage depends on stone size and location in ureter. Impacted calculi initiate smooth muscles contractions causing ureteric spasms. ?-1 blockers like tamsulosin and calcium channel blocker like nifedipine relaxes ureteric smooth muscle, facilitating spontaneous expulsion. Pain and discomfort associated with urolithiasis, hospitalization and surgical cost can be minimized by medical expulsive therapy. Many studies had compared efficacy of tamsulosin with nifedipine, only few have explored the combination. This study compared efficacy of nifedipine and tamsulosin versus tamsulosin alone.Methods: 64 patients with LUS (5-10 mm) were assigned into 2 groups. Group 1 received tamsulosin and nifedipine and group 2 only tamsulosin. Rate of expulsion, time to expulsion, analgesic frequency and pain VAS score were analyzed. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test to analyze categorical data, Mann Whitney U test or unpaired t test for differences between groups and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test for within group. A p<0.05 was statistically significant.Results: Rate of expulsion was 87.5% in group 1 and 65.6% in group 2 (p<0.05). Mean expulsion time was 6.68±1.89 days for group 1 and 8.52±2.62 in group 2 (p<0.05). Analgesic requirement was similar. Adverse effects were headache, dizziness and postural hypotension.Conclusions: Combination therapy yielded better rate of expulsion and reduction in stone expulsion time than tamsulosin alone. Thus, combination therapy can be considered for effective treatment outcomes.
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Background: Medical education in India traditionally emphasizes physician’s medical knowledge with less emphasis on interpersonal skills and ability to relate to the patients. Emotional intelligence is desirable among doctors to contribute towards patient centered practice, patient satisfaction as well as effective communication skills. This study was undertaken to assess the emotional quotient of postgraduate medical students and to investigate its relationship with various factors to act as baseline for future work in this area.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all postgraduate students of Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru over a period of two months. Emotional quotient (EQ) was assessed using a pretested, semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 21.0. All qualitative variables were presented as frequency and percentages.Results: Total respondents in the study were 173. Emotional Quotient was assessed based on four factors; self- awareness, self-management, social awareness and social skills, by plotting the results on a 1(lowest) to 10(high score) scale. Majority of respondents 79.76% (self awareness) and 71.79% (self management) had low scores (below 6). More females (74.73%) obtained low scores as compared to males (67.94%) in self management. In social awareness 61.53% males had low scores compared to 55.78% in females. Self management and social skills were better in postgraduates of surgical fields whereas postgraduates in medical fields had high scores in social awareness.Conclusions: Emotional quotient with its four main components is low among most of the postgraduates. This was more so in self awareness domain.
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Background: Common mental disorders are commonly encountered in community settings, especially in women. The somatic symptoms often lead to repeated visits to health care practitioners without resolution of the problem. The knowledge of magnitude of common mental disorders and their associated factors has proved useful in psychiatric epidemiological research.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 480 randomly selected women in the reproductive age group using self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20), a validated tool developed by World Health Organisation. A standard cut-off score of 7 was used to identify women with common mental disorder. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and suitable tests of significance in statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) v. 21.0.Results: The prevalence of common mental disorder was found to be 33.5% in the present study. Analysis showed that various socio-demographic characteristics of women like lower educational levels of women, widowed women, and women belonging to lower socio-economic class, belonging to joint family, lower body mass index had statistically significant association with common mental disorders.Conclusions: This study revealed that the prevalence of common mental disorders was high (33.5%) among the women of reproductive age group and there existed statistically significant association between common mental disorders and various socio demographic determinants.
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Background: Drugs, however safe and efficacious, are associated with risk of adverse reactions. Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. ADRs was rated as the fifth leading cause of death among all diseases. Consequences of ADRs range from diminished quality of life, increased physician visits, hospitalizations, and even death. The objectives of the study were to obtain information about drug induced cutaneous adverse reactions and to establish the causal relationship.Methods: Observational cross sectional study, a total of 76 patients were recruited for the study,conducted in dermatology outpatient department of K R Hospital Mysore Medical College And Research Institute Mysore for 3 months. The drug reactions were recorded in ADR form of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Causality was assessed using Naranjo algorithm and World Health Organization- Uppsala monitoring centre (WHO-UMC) criteria.Results: 76 patients with CADRs were included in the study during the 3 months study period. Most common age group with CADRs was 20-30 years; with 55.73% of females 20.26% male and the most common suspected drug group causing CADRs was antimicrobial 35.46%. And most common lesion is maculopapular rashes. According to Naranjos scale 67.30% of CADRs were probably caused by drugs.Conclusions: variety of drugs causes CADRs. Awareness among clinicians is required for active reporting of CADRs. Patients need to be educated for the cautious use of drugs causing ADRs to prevent the same.
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Background: Diabetes mellitus is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide and is one of the common co-morbid conditions associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The overall prevalence of CAD is 7.4% but the prevalence of CAD in diabetics is 9%. Hence treatment of hyperglycemia is a key goal of secondary preventive therapy with a target of reducing HbA1c to <7%. The risk of CAD has been reported to occur 2 to3 decades prior in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Hence discovery of drugs with potential role in both diabetes and CAD seems to be necessary. Ranolazine is a novel oral anti anginal drug known to reduce HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels in angina patients with diabetes. The objective of this study is to show the effect of ranolazine (antianginal drug) on HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic patients with chronic angina.Methods: Patients were divided into: Group 1 continued with previous antidiabetic drugs and antianginal drugs. Group 2 were prescribed Tab ranolazine 1000mg b.d (orally) as add on therapy along with previous antidiabetic drugs and antianginal drugs.Results: There was a significant reduction in HbA1c and FBS levels in Group 2 patients who were on ranolazine. Reduction of HbA1c in group1 and Group 2 was 0.21�65% and 1.30�16% respectively. Reduction of FBS in group1 and group2 was 10.66�.80mg/dl and 29.97�.49mg/dl respectively.Conclusions: From the present study we can conclude that ranolazine, an antianginal drug when given at a dose of 1000mg bd in diabetic patients with chronic angina reduces HbA1c and FBS levels.
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Acharya Sushruta stated 28 Nasagata rogas. Out of these 28 Nasagata rogas some features of Pootinashya, Dushtha Pratishyaya and Apeenasa are similar to the clinical features of Atrophic Rhinitis (AR). Apeenasa is a Nasagata Roga characterized by nasal obstruction, running nose, Dryness of nose, anosmia, and loss of taste. This condition can be co-related with Atrophic Rhinitis. Though there are many modalities described in modern ENT, still it is not possible to cease the Permanent Impairment. In Ayurved many modalities are being described for Urdhwajatrugata Rogas and for Nasagata Vikara. Among them Nasya (administered of drugs in to nasal cavity) is best. As it is a Kapha Pradhana Vikara, Katu Dhoomapana can also be added to this procedure. The Nashya procedure is explained by Brihatrayees. The complete procedure of Nashya includes Poorva Karma (Snehana and Swedana), mobilizes the Doshas to the site of elimination and causes vasodilatation which helps in elimination of Doshas and provides better channel for absorption of the Oushadhi. Pradhana Karma (Nashya) eliminates the Doshas. Kavala as Paschat Karma eliminates the remaining Doshas and causes better absorption of the Oushadhi which ultimately eliminates the symptoms of the disease. A clinical observation has shown effective result in the treatment of AR with Shadbindu Taila Nasya and Trikatu Dhoomapana. And here we are revalidating the statement of our Acharyas. A case report of a female, aged 38 years with complain of nasal obstruction, foul smell from nose, anosmia, headache, nasal discharge, sneezing and general weakness has been presented here.
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Background: The study was undertaken to evaluate the learning and memory effect of lipid lowering drugs atorvastatin and simvastatin in alprazolam induced amnesic mice.Methods: The study was carried out on albino mice, divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each (either sex, 3-4 months of age, weight 25-30g). Amnesia was induced by administering Alprazolam (2mg/kg for 14 days) in all 4 groups from 1st to 14th day. In addition, group 2, 3 and 4 received Piracetam (400mg/kg), Atorvastatin (5mg/kg) and Simvastatin (5mg/kg) from 8th to 14th day respectively. The learning and memory of the animals was assessed by employing Elevated plus maze (EPM) and Step-down type passive avoidance (SDA) model.Results: Results were compared among the different groups using one way-ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey’s test. The measured parameters were compared with standard drug Piracetam. In EPM model Atorvastatin (p<0.049) and Simvastatin (p<0.007) were comparable with standard drug Piracetam, whereas in SDA model only simvastatin group (p<0.001) showed significant result.Conclusions: In EPM model, both the statins showed significant improvement in learning and memory in alprazolam induced amnesic mice. However further studies are required to support these observations.
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Background: Anxiety has become a very important area of research interest in psychopharmacology as it affects one-eighth of the population worldwide. Benzodiazepines are still the most commonly used drugs for anxiety despite a number of side effects.There is a need for newer antianxiety drugs with increased safety and efficacy, hence this study was undertaken to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Nerium oleander flowers.Methods: Aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers (NA) was prepared using soxhalet apparatus. A total of 24 Albino rats aged 8-10 weeks of either sex weighing about 100-150g were obtained and divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group I: Normal saline 10mL/kg. Group II: Diazepam 2mg/kg Group III: NA at a dose of 200 mg/kg Group IV: NA at a dose of 400mg/kg. The anxiolytic activity of Aqueous extract of NA was tested by elevated plus maze and digital actophotometer models. Data was analysed using one way ANOVA followed by Posthoc Tukey’s test.Results: In EPM model, the NA at 200, 400mg/kg doses showed that the number of entries and time spent in the open arms were increased significantly as compared to the control animals. (p<0.001). In Actophoptometer model, two different doses of NA (200 and 400mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent decrease in the locomotor activity, when compared to the control animals (p<0.001).Conclusions: Both the doses of aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers (200mg and 400mg/kg) possess anxiolytic activity and could be used as a new approach to treat anxiety.
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The eye is a vital organ and an important component of facial expression. Loss of an eye has a crippling effect on the psychology of the patient. Enucleation of the eye is therefore normally followed by fabrication of an ocular prosthesis to improve esthetics. This article describes a technique of rehabilitation of a patient with missing the left eye with custom-made ocular prosthesis
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Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common non-communicable diseases associated with ‘atherogenic dyslipidemia’ The treatment of T2DM often is initiated with oral antidiabetic drugs, most of which not only decrease blood sugar levels effectively but also decrease the lipid levels. Hence the current study is aimed to determine the effectiveness of oral hypoglycemic agents in dealing with associated dyslipidemia.Methods: 150 T2DM patients were divided equally into five groups depending upon the oral antidiabetic drugs they received in solo or in combination for 24 weeks, with equal number of males and females in each group. After the written consent, a detail clinical history, clinical examination, Biochemical investigations including, glycosylated haemoglobin and lipid profile, chest X-ray and ECG were done.Results: After 24 weeks of study, the mean total cholesterol and mean triglycerides decreased significantly (p <0.05 to p <0.01) with monotherapy of metformin and teneligliptin as well as with combination of either metformin and glimepiride or metformin and teneligliptin. The decrease of LDL-C and VLDL-C was not statistically significant with any of the OAD drugs in solo or in combination. Similarly, HDL-C increased significantly (p <0.05) in Group I, III, IV and V; but was most effective with combination therapy. The atherogenic index of plasma also decreased (p <0.05) with metformin or its combination with either teneligliptin or glimepiride.Conclusions: Oral antidiabetic drugs are not only affordable and effective hypoglycemic agents but can also decrease serum lipids and thereby aids in the prevention and management of atherosclerosis and its complications in T2DM.
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Background: A number of foot ulcer classification systems have been devised in an attempt to categorize ulcers more effectively and allow effective comparison of the outcome of routine management. DUSS (Diabetic Ulcer Severity Score) is one of the latest wound based system of classification, which needs to be validated. Aims and Objectives: Our aim was validation of this diabetic ulcer severity score (DUSS), with patients outcome including healing and amputation. Methods: Total of 100 Diabetic patients attending surgical outpatient clinic or admitted into the hospital (BMCRI) with diabetic foot ulcers from September 2014 to September 2016 were included in the study. Necessary data was collected .DUSS score was calculated for each patient and analysis was done using SPSS package version16. Results: Most common age group affected with Diabetic foot was between 41 -60 years. Males were commonly affected by Diabetic foot ulcers accounting to 68% .Most commonly ulcers were of DUSS Score of 2 followed by Score 3. Overall 50 (50.0%) of 100 people had amputations in our study. Major Amputation was done for 25% of patients. Minor Amputation was done in 25% of patients in our study. The probability of healing with score 0 was 95%,91.6% with score 1,85.7% with score 2,52% with score 3, and 28.5% with score 4. Conclusion: DUSS scoring system provides an easy diagnostic tool for predicting probability of healing or amputation .This is a very simple and easy scoring system which needs no advanced investigation tool and can be easily followed even in busy OPDs.