Incremental innovations in operation theaters

Background: The field of ophthalmology has been built upon continuous innovations. COVID?19 pandemic has been an important driving force behind many innovations in ophthalmology and other branches of medicine. Innovations in ophthalmology has been a key to surgical progress. The process of promoting innovation in surgery is imperative in the evolving practice of ophthalmology. Purpose: In this video we demonstrate some incremental innovations in operation theaters which help in increasing the efficiency and improving the performance of a surgeon. These innovations also provide a more comfortable environment for the patient undergoing the surgery. Synopsis: A few incremental innovations that are described in our video also help in preventing the spread of COVID infection during surgery. This video also showcases a few wet lab innovations that help train residents in their surgical skills. Highlights: Use and reuse of simple materials make it cost effective and ecofriendly. These incremental innovations help in the smooth running of operation theaters. Thus, they are small improvements in the existing setup and help in creating a smooth and error free OT flow

Effectiveness of educational interventions in improving knowledge and practice regarding infection prevention and control among healthcare workers.

Introduction: Rise of major Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) can be mitigated by inculcating good infection control practices which can only be possible by proper and timely educational training of healthcare workers. Aim: To reinforce infection prevention and control knowledge and practices of nursing staff through proper training program- To conduct the training in multiple sessions, to assess the immediate outcome of training program by conducting Pre and Post test (in written format only) Materials and Methods: This study was done in a tertiary care hospital in Davangere, Karnataka over a period of 2 years. Healthcare workers including 144 nurses and 12 doctors underwent training in four sessions where knowledge on how to identify, audit and conduct surveillance of major healthcare associated infections, management of needlestick injuries were imparted through interactive lectures and video demonstrations followed by hands on hand hygiene, proper use and disposal of personal protective equipments. Pre and Post test were given to know their basal knowledge and effect of our training intervention. Data was collected, analyzed and tabulated. Results: Out of four sessions covering a total of 144 nurses, 84 were trained before the onset of COVID-19 and remaining 60 were trained in the latter half of 2021, when the lockdown was relaxed in our region. The mean total Knowledge score in pre test and post test was 5.93 � 1.336 and 7.95 � 1.040. The mean difference was -2.021 and it was statistically significant by paired test. (p - 0.001). The mean total practice pretest and post test score was 3.57 � 1.48 and 4.56 � 1.114. Paired t test showed significant mean difference between the pretest and post test score. (p - 0.001). Conclusion: Our training intervention was effective in increasing their awareness on proper infection prevention and control practices. Repeated training and retraining of healthcare care workers have to be carried out to prevent and control healthcare associated infections.

Artificial intelligence in glaucoma

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that encompasses the creation of intelligent machines that work and react like humans. It deals with the development algorithms that seek to simulate human brain and also mimic cognitive functions typically associated with the human mind such as learning and problem solving. Purpose: Do we need artificial intelligence in Glaucoma? Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the world. Its prevalence was over 60 million in 2010 and over 80 million by 2020. It is so common, yet so easily overlooked. More importantly, about 50% of patients in developed countries and 90% in developing countries are unaware of having glaucoma. Early detection can delay the progression of glaucoma. Hence the time is ripe to advovate glaucoma screening. Synopsis: The application of AI in ophthalmology mainly concentrates on the diseases with a high incidence, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, age-related or congenital cataract etc AI involves mainly 1. machine learning that are algorithms with the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed and 2. deep learning in which artificial neural networks adapt and learn from vast amounts of data. But there are limitations to screening - such as disparity between ophthalmologist:patient ratio and also the availability of the specialty services. The large amount of data acquired from patients makes it nearly impossible for ophthalmologists to screen them with equal efficacy and consistency. Highlights: AI in glaucoma aims at including factors such as clinical data, genomic data, life style behaviors, risk factors, and medical history to predict the risk of developing glaucoma, help customise the most appropriate management protocol for a given patient, and estimate prognosis and surgical success.

Diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of bed side tests versus laboratory tests in the diagnosis of ocular myasthenia

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of forced eyelid closure test (FECT), ice pack test (IPT), repetitive nerve stimulation test (RNS), and acetylcholine receptor (AchR) antibody test in patients with suspected ocular myasthenia. To assess the clinical utility of AchR antibody test in predicting disease progression. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with ocular myasthenia at a South?Indian neuro?ophthalmology tertiary eye clinic. Baseline characteristics; ocular myasthenia symptoms; results of FECT, IPT, RNS, and AchR antibody test; and progression time to generalized myasthenia (GM) over 36 months from the time of diagnosis were recorded and analyzed using receiver operator curve analysis, multiple logistic regression, and Kaplan朚eier survival analysis. Results: FECT had a sensitivity of 96.7% (95% CI: 88.5�.6) and a specificity of 75% (95% CI: 34.9�.8). Combination of FECT and IPT, using the positivity of at least one test, increased the sensitivity to 98.3% (95% CI: 91�0), reducing the specificity to 50% (95% CI: 15.7�.3), whereas using the positivity of both tests, we obtained a sensitivity of 71.7% (95% CI: 58.6�.5) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 63.1�0). In the subset of patients with double negative RNS and AchR antibodies, the positive predictive value of combined FECT and IPT (double positive) was 100%. Patients who developed GM were more likely to have a positive AchR antibody test result (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Combined FECT and IPT (double positive) has high diagnostic accuracy even among patients with normal RNS and negative AchR antibodies. Despite low sensitivity, AchR?antibody test has a significant predictive value in disease progression.

EVALUATION OF CORNEAL TOPOGRAPHIC PATTERN & DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE WITH REFRACTIVE ERROR IN PAEDIATRIC AMETROPIA.

Aims- Evaluation of corneal topographic pattern & demographic pro?le with refractive error in paediatric ametropia. Material & Method- we conducted a prospective observational study in 644 eyes of 322 patients, who were presented with refractive error in tertiary centre in central India from a period of January 2018 to June 2019. They were included after taking consent from guardians. To rule out anterior segment pathology, slit lamp examination was carried out and best corrected visual acuity is recorded. Auto-refractometry and retinoscopy was performed to know refractive status of eye. Corneal topography was performed by CORNEAL TOPOGRAPHER Shin- Nippon's CT-1000 &fundus examination was rule out any posterior segment pathology. All procedures and investigation were done by the same surgeon. Result- Most common corneal topographic pattern with hypermetropia and myopia was symmetric and oval in majority of patients, whereas the pattern observed with astigmatism was symmetric and ABS-IS. Conclusion- Corneal topographic pattern might be related to the refractive status of the eye, it also helpful in observe early change and management of corneal disease

Evaluation of stress in three different fiber posts with two-dimensional finite element analysis

Introduction: The primary function of corono-radicular post is to provide retention for the core and to reinforce and to replace the remaining coronal tooth structure. There is considerable controversy regarding optimal choice of the material. An ideal post system should exhibit fracture resistance higher than the average masticatory forces. Finite elemental analysis (FEA) method facilitates precise analysis of the distribution and magnitude of stresses at any point of complex and irregular structures. Thus, this FEA study has been undertaken to evaluate the fracture stress distribution patterns in three fiber posts, viz., carbon, glass fiber, and everStick with an FEA. Materials and Methods: The FE stress analysis was performed with the FE software program (CATIA). Three two-dimensional FEA models of central incisor were simulated, and elastic moduli and Poisson's ratio of all the materials were fed to the software. For all the models, a 200 N vertical force was applied on the lingual surface of the tooth at an angle of 45°. Stress concentration and distribution were evaluated and noted down for all the models. To evaluate the stresses within the restored tooth, the modified von Mises failure criterion was used. The equivalent stresses found in the tested models were compared with the tensile strength of the respective materials. Contact stresses in the luting cement–dentin interface were calculated. Results: Finite element method revealed that maximum stress concentration was at the point of stress application. The stress value was highest in carbon fiber post followed by glass fiber post and least stresses found in everStick post. Maximum stress was observed at the labial surfaces of crown. However, the stress values and distribution were more homogenous in everStick post. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that everStick post has uniform stress distribution within tooth structure.

Efficacy of Injection Ketamine and Injection Dexmedetomidine for Relief of Shoulder Pain in Laparoscopic Appendectomy Under Spinal Anaesthesia

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy is preferred because of increasing popularity and certain benefits over open method. Laparoscopic surgeries are conventionally done under general anaesthesia with positive pressure ventilation to avoid shoulder pain, respiratory embarrassment and abdominal discomfort caused by pneumoperitoneum. The data regarding use of spinal anaesthesia for laparoscopic appendectomy is limited. This study was designed to evaluate laparoscopic appendectomy under spinal anaesthesia along with the use of intravenous injection ketamine and intravenous injection dexmedetomidine. Objectives of this study were to observe efficacy of both drugs in reducing shoulder pain, need of rescue analgesia, need of conversion to open method due patient discomfort, changes in hemodynamic parameters, postoperative nausea and vomiting. Methods: After approval of ethical committee of institute , 100 patients of age group between 18-60 years with ASA grade I or II undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy with written informed consent were included in this study .All patients were informed about standard spinal anaesthesia technique in detail and also about the risk of conversion to general anaesthesia.Spinal anaesthesia procedure was carried out with hyperbaric injection bupivacaine 0.5% . Patients were randomized in two groups. One is Group K (n=50) patients who received injection Ketamine and other is Group D (n=50) patients who received injection Dexmedetomidine intravenously.Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters,shoulder pain,abdominal discomfort,need of rescue analgesia ,postoperative recovery were monitored and recorded. Results: No patients during study required conversion to general anaesthesia or open method. VDS(verbal descriptive scale) score for referred shoulder pain was statistically lower in group K compared to group D.Group D was associated with statistically significant lower heart rate and blood pressure than Group K. Conclusion:Injection ketamine and injection dexmedetomidine, both drugs are efficacious for reduction of referred shoulder pain with more hemodynamic stability in ketamine group during laparoscopic appendectomy.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities of Eucalyptus globulus Labill.

Eucalyptus globulus L. is used in folk medicine throughout the world and its essential oils are widely used in modern pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. In this study, E. globulus leaves were extracted using three solvents (methanol, chloroform and hexane). The polyphenolics were quantified with HPLC and the volatiles analyzed by GC/MS with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. Results have shown a hierarchy of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity for three extracts as hexane > chloroform > methanol extracts with DPPH, FRAP, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, respectively. A similar order of results was observed for antitumor activity by potato disc and colorimetric assays. The GC/MS analysis led to the identification of 1, 8-cineole (eucalyptol) as a major constituent of methanol (48.2%), chloroform (35.5%), and hexane (5.8%) extracts. Different phenolic acids (gallic acid, ellagic acid, syringic acid, and vanillic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, and catechin) were highly abundant in methanol extract. The methanol extract of E. globulus exhibited the maximum antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. These results demonstrate E. globulus leaf extracts may be used as a potential source of bioactive compounds with remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities.

A study of clinical/biological markers of exacerbation/progression in a cohort of patients admitted with acute excerbation of COPD

Background:Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increases the morbidity, hospital admissions, mortality, and strongly influence health-related quality of life. The aims of this study to know the Clinical profile of COPD and acute exacerbation, Role of clinical markers in diagnosis and follow up of exacerbation.Methods: A prospective study of a cohort of 60 patients hospitalized for AECOPD was undertaken to identify markers for frequent exacerbation and progression of disease. Advised to fill the SGRQ questionnaire, At the time of discharge 6MWT done and analyzed. C Reactive protein levels at the time of admission done and analyzed. Sputum grams stain culture, total counts and differential counts done and analyzed. At the time of discharge spirometry done both pre and post bronchodilators by using asthalin inhaler with or without spacer, results were analyzed.Results:There was statistically significant drop in the SPO2 levels in frequent exacerbators over 6 months follow up time. There was statistically significant elevation of sputum Neutrophil counts in frequent exacerbators and Eosinophil counts in infrequent exacerbators, there was a drop in the CRP levels of from the time of initial exacerbation to 6 months follow up time. There was statistically significant drop in FEV1 in frequent exacerbators over 6 months follow up study. The drop of 6MWT was more in patients, who had frequent exacerbations.Conclusions:Patients with more frequent exacerbation have more symptoms, drop in the saturation level and have more sputum neutrophil counts. Patients with more frequent exacerbations will have more deterioration of lung functions (FEV1.6MWT).

Purification and characterization of buffalo liver L-arginase and its kinetic properties with dihydropyrimidine and metal ions.

Arginase (L-arginine amidinohydrolase, EC.3.5.3.1) from animal tissues such as, liver and kidney has been partially characterized by many researchers. In this study, we purified arginase to homogeneity from buffalo liver with about ~2857 purification fold and a 20% recovery by chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis were obtained. The molecular mass determined by gel filtration and SDS-PAGE was found to be 118 kDa and 47 kDa, respectively. The optimal pH and temperature of the arginase was 9.5 and 40°C, respectively. Kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) showed activation of arginase in the reaction medium with decrease in Km (7.14, 5.26, 4.0 and control 3.22 mM) and Vmax (0.05, 0.035, 0.027 and control 0.021 mg/mL/min), while co-factor activity of arginase was optimized using metal ions like Mn2+ and Mg2+ at 2 mM, which revealed an increase in Vmax values (0.011, 0.013, 0.015 and control 0.010 mg/mL/min) and a decrease in Km values (2.22, 2.12, 1.88 and control 1.66 mM). The kinetic data suggested that the arginase activity is enhanced in the presence of dihydropyrimidine derivative and metal ions, indicating essential mode of activation.

Screening of ferulic acid related compounds as inhibitors of xanthine oxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 with anti-inflammatory activity

Abstract The ferulic and gallic acid related compounds from natural origin were studied against xanthine oxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 along with their anti-inflammatory activity. The compounds gallic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid revealed promising anti-inflammatory activity (30–40% TNF-α and 60–75% IL-6 inhibitory activity at 10 µM). Bioavailability of compounds were checked by in vitro cytotoxicity using CCK-8 cell lines and confirmed to be nontoxic, but found toxic at higher concentration (50 µM). Gallic, ferulic, caffeic acid was demonstrated potential dual inhibition toward xanthine oxidase and cyclooxygenase-2 as calculated by IC50: 68, 70.2, and 65 µg/ml (xanthine oxidase) and 68.5, 65.2, and 62.5 µg/ml (cyclooxygenase-2), respectively. The structure activity relationship and in silico drug relevant properties (HBD, HBA, PSA, c Log P, ionization potential, molecular weight, EHOMO and ELUMO) further confirmed that the compounds were potential candidates for future drug discovery study, which was expected for further rational drug design against xanthine oxidase and cyclooxygenase.

Determination of polyphenols and antioxidant activity of Vitis labrusca cv. baile berries.

Grape juice and grape skin extracts are important commercial source of polyphenolic compounds which exert different functional properties such as color potential, antimicrobial, antioxidant activity, and health benefits. In this paper we describe a sensitive and specific assay for determination of bioactive polyphenolic compounds in Campbell Early (Vitis labrusca cv. baile). Five polyphenolic components were separated on an Agilent Zorbax Extend C18 Column (250 mm × 4.6 mm × 5 μm) and detected by a diode array detector. The mobile phase was composed of (a) aqueous phosphoric acid (0.2%, v/v); and (b) acetonitrile using a gradient elution. Analytes were performed at 25°C with a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min and UV detection at 280, 360, and 520 nm. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r2 ≥ 0.9999) within tested ranges. Overall intra- and inter-day variations were less than 1.90%, and the average recoveries were 95.5-105% for analytes. The antioxidant activity determined by DPPH radical assay, ranged from 86-105 for extracts, and 165-252 for studied standards (µM trolox/100 g dry wt.). The proposed method would be sensitive enough and reliable for quality control in functional food and modernization of Campbell Early (Vitis labrusca cv. baile) as potent antioxidant agent.

Phytase production through response surface methodology and molecular characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus NF191.

Phytase play an important role in phytic acid catalysis that act as a food inhibitor in cereals. Here, we isolated high phytase producing isolates NF191 closely related to Aspergillus fumigatus sp. from piggery soil. DNA was isolated from the fungal culture and amplified the ITS region using ITS1 and ITS4 primer using PCR. The 400-900 bp amplicon was gel eluted and subjected to sequencing. The sequencing results were assembled and compared with NCBI data base which showed the 99% identity of Aspergilllus fumigatus. Different carbon sources viz., fructose, galactose, lactose, dextrose, sucrose, maltose and different nitrogen sources (organic & inorganic) NH4Cl, NH4NO3, (NH4)2SO4, KNO3, NaNO3, urea, yeast extract, peptone, beef extract were tested for optimal production. The 0.3% dextrose, 0.5% NH4NO3 and 96 h incubation time showed the best production and enzyme activity at 45 ºC incubation temperature. The selected parameters, dextrose, ammonium sulphate and incubation time, when employed with statistical optimization approach involving response surface optimization using Box Behnken Design, gave a 1.3 fold increase in phytase production compared to unoptimized condition.

A study of correlation between iron deficiency anaemia and serum lipid profile in Indian adults in BRIMS, Bidar.

Both iron deficiency anemia and dyslipidaemia are widely prevalent public health problems, especially in the Indian population. Some link has been suggested between the two potentially morbid conditions but a sufficient Indian study could not be found in this regard. Methods: This study was planned to find the changes in serum lipid profile in adult Indian patients with iron deficiency anemia and the effect of oral iron therapy on them. 100 iron deficiency anemia and 70 age and sex matched healthy controls, in the age group 18-35 years were investigated for any possible changes in serum lipid profile i.e., triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol. The patients were followed up after 3 months of oral iron therapy. Results: The results are shown as mean± standard deviation. Triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were found to be significantly (P <0.001) elevated in the iron deficiency anemia group (151.87 ± 48.06 mg/dl and 30.40 ± 9.71 mg/dl) as compared to controls (109.99 ± 30.81 mg/dl and 21.96 ± 6.69 mg/dl), whereas level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol were found to be significantly (P = 0.02) lower in patients (90.96 ± 41.55 mg/dl) as compared to controls (105.24 ± 26.45 mg/dl). However, after treatment (in 43 patients) there was significant (P <0.001) reduction in the levels of triglycerides and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (111.56 ± 26.87 mg/dl and 22.30 ± 5.36 mg/dl) when compared to their pretreatment level (154.70 ± 53.89 mg/dl and 30.93 ± 10.84 mg/dl), whereas low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels did not show any significant change. Conclusion: These findings indicate that iron deficiency anemia in Indian adults is attended by abnormal serum lipid profile, which responds significantly to iron therapy.

Comparison between hyperbaric Bupivacaine and hyperbaric Bupivacaine plus Fentanyl intrathecally in major gynaecological surgeries.

Background: Subarachnoid block is commonest anaesthetic technique used for most gynaecological surgeries. Local anaesthetic agents have traditionally been used for this, but with the discovery of opioid receptors in spinal cord in substantia gelatinosa. Possibility of synergism between opioids & local anaesthetics co-administered intrathecally has been explored for various lower abdominal surgeries. Aims & Objective: To study was to compare effect of intrathecal bupivacaine with bupivacaine, fentanyl mixture to assess safety and efficacy, peri –operative hemodynamic stability postoperative pain relief in major gynecological surgeries. Materials and Methods: 60 female patients with American society of anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I OR II were divided in two groups after matching. Group BF received inj. Bupivacaine 15 mg (0.5%) 3 ml + inj. Fentanyl 25 mcg, (50 mcg/ml), 0.5 ml and Group B: (inj. Bupivacaine 15 mg (0.5%) 3 ml + Normal Saline (0.5 ml), total volume was 3.5 ml in each group. Spinal anaesthesia was given with conventional technique. Results: Duration of sensory block and effective analgesia was prolonged while there was no change in duration of motor block with intrathecally bupivacaine with fentanyl as compared to inj. Bupivacaine alone. Conclusion: Intrathecal Fentanyl as an adjuvant to bupivacaine improves quality of block with longer duration of sensory block & prolongs duration of effective analgesia.

HPTLC analysis, antioxidant and antigout activity of Indian plants

The HPTLC analysis, antioxidant. and antigout activity of Asparagus racemosus, Withania somnifera, Vitex negundo, Plumbago leylanica, Bute a monosperma and Tephrosia pur pure a extracts were investigated. The chemical fingerprinting were carried out by high performance thin layer chromatography [HPTLC]. antioxidant activity by ABTS, DPPH. FRAP radical scavenging assays, and antiogout activity by cow milk xanthine oxidase. The HPTLC fingerprint qualitatively revealed predominant amount of flavonoids. The TEAC values ranged from 45.80 to 140 microM trolox/100 g dry weight for ABTS, from 85 to 430 microM trolox/ 100 g dw DPPH, and 185 to 560 microM trolox/100 g dw for FRAP respectively. Plants used in this study was found to inhibit the toxicity. as seen from the decreased LPO and increased GSH. SOD and CAT levels. The total phenolic and flavonoid content ranged from 10.21 to 28.17 and 5.80 to 10.1 mg of gallic acid equivalents [GAE]/100 gdw respectively. The plant extracts demonstrated significant xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity at 100 g/mL and revealed an inhibition greater than 50% and IC-[50] values below the standard. This effect was almost similar to the activity of allopurinol [Standard drug] against xanthine oxidase [90.2 + 0.4%]. These plant root extract will be subjected for further extensive studies to isolate and identify their active constituents which are useful for against inflammation and gout

Evaluation of the health profile of school dropouts of Urban Slum Inhabitants in Maharashtra.

Background and Objective: The benefits that accrue to a country by having a literate population are multidimensional; it becomes imperative to study the determinants or reasons of school dropouts. Therefore the present study was undertaken to find out the magnitude of the health problems of school dropouts in an urban slum in a metropolitan city. Methods: This study uses a community based descriptive cross-sectional design to identify school dropouts, their health problems, and comparison of these factors with non-school dropouts conducted in an urban slum area after the informed consent from all the participants. Descriptive analysis for socio-demographic factors in dropouts was done using Univariate analysis. P value less than 0.05 was the level of significance. Result: It was evident that the nutritional status of respondents during health check up exhibited a significant difference (p<0.05) when compared to the normal comparison group. The comparison of history of recurrent illness in respondents did not show any significant difference between two groups. Conclusion: In order to minimize the school dropouts there should be a regular medical checkup of children so that the parents are satisfied that their child is being taken care of in the school. Keywords: Health profile, School dropouts, Urban.

ESBLs — A Challenge to the Clinicians.

Introduction: Treatment of extended spectrum betalactamase (ESBL) producing strains of Enterobacteriaceae has emerged as a major challenge in hospitalized critical as well as community based patients. Infections due to ESBL producers range from uncomplicated urinary tract infection to life threatening sepsis. Methods: We conducted a study to detect the presence of these enzymes in isolates in tertiary care hospital. A total 318 non-repetitive isolates were screened for resistance to any of five screening agents by CLSI (formerly NCCLS) disc diffusion method. Those with suspicious profile were checked for ESBL production by phenotypic confirmation test as recommended by CLSI Disc potentiation method. Various cephalosporin- b-lactamase inhibitor combinations were also tested. Results: Of the 269(84.59%) screen-positive isolates, only 219(81.41%) were identified as ESBL producers. From 219, only 136(62.10%) of Escherichia coli and 83(37.89%) Klebsiella pneumoniae were ESBL producers. Conclusion: Tests for the detection of ESBL producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae should be carried out in all diagnostic centres routinely because drug resistance patterns are constantly changing.

Assessment of cardiovascular endurance in swimmers and nonswimmers by comparing resting blood pressure.

Background and Objective: Swimming is often recommended by various authoritative groups as a mode of exercise for the prevention and treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Hence the current study compares the cardiovascular functional abilities with respect to Blood pressure in young freestyle swimmers practicing regularly and non-swimmers. Materials and Methods: The present Study was carried out at tertiary health centre of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai on medical students after the informed and written consent. Sixty male medical students of age group 18 – 25 years fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included. The study was carried out by forming 2 groups. One group was the study group, comprising of 30 students who are swimmers, practicing for at least 3 months regularly with one session of 30-60 minutes duration per day and minimum three days in a week were include in the study group. The control group comprised of 30 students who are non-swimmers. Their Blood pressure was measured using sphygmomanometer. The data was recorded and analysed for the statistical significance using student’s‘t’ test. P less than 0.05 were considered the level of significance. Result: The mean resting systolic blood pressure in swimmers is significantly lower than in non-swimmers and is statistically significant (p = 0.000). The mean resting diastolic blood pressure in swimmers is significantly lower than in non-swimmers and is statistically significant. (p = 0.000). Discussion and Conclusion: Finding ways to initiate and maintain a physically active lifestyle, particularly with older adults, is a challenge to the practitioner. Swimming has been recommended as an alternative to land-based activity, particularly for older individuals, those who are obese or those who have limited mobility. Our finding may have important implications for exercise prescription in Younger and Older subjects.

Effect of selected breathing techniques on respiratory rate and breath holding time in healthy adults.

Background and Objective: Rapid industrialization, environmental pollution and overcrowding gradually deteriorate the ventilatory ability or functions of human beings. This requires special and specific breathing techniques to transcend the limits of our physical and mental abilities experienced in everyday life. Hence, in the present study, the beneficial effect of pranayama with reference to respiratory rate and breath holding time was studied. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in the department of Physiology, Seth G.S. Medical College and K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai after the institutional ethical clearance and written consent from each participant. The participants were divided into control and study groups with 45 members each of both the sexes at the age group of 20±2 years. The study group was asked to perform Kapalbhati, Anulom Vilom, Bhramari and Udgeeth pranayama. The duration of the study was eight weeks. The respiratory rate and breath holding time in both the groups were recorded and analysed for statistical significance using students ‘t’ test and p<0.05 was considered the level of significance. Result: In study group, the respiratory rate was decreased significantltly (p=0.000) whereas the breath holding time was increased significantly (p=0.000) when compared to that of control group. Discussion and Conclusion: Pranayama increases the overall capacity of lungs and gradually improves the ventilatory functioning of lungs. Due to proper working of these organs, vital energy flows to maintain the normal homeostasis of the body and thus it helps for prevention, control and rehabilitation of many respiratory diseases.