An easy method of spirometry.

Recording of forced expiration from tidal inspiratory level-referred to as Forced Expiratory Capacity (FEC) is a simple and more convenient technique than the conventional forced vital capacity (FVC) manouvre. From FEC tracing, volume expelled in one second (FEC1) and its percentage (FEC1%) can be measured. Such spirometric recording obtained from tidal breathing to Residual Volume (RV) may be referred to as Spirometric Recording at low lung volume. Asthmatics as well as old subjects find this manouvre easier to perform than the conventional FVC technique. FEC recording becomes a simple, reliable and sensitive test for evaluation of early airway obstruction in asymptomatic smokers and therefore may be utilised in clinical and epidemiologic surveys.

Zinc counteracts experimentally-induced cirrhotic changes in rats.

In the present study, cirrhosis was induced in rats by administration of carbon tetra chloride for 8 weeks. In these animals ZnSo4 (equivalent to 100 and 200 micrograms of zinc) was administered orally and liver function tests and plasma zinc (Zn) estimations were carried out after 2 and 4 week intervals. The results revealed that Zn supplement counteracts cirrhotic changes in liver.

Inspiratory spirogram in emphysema.

Bronchodilator therapy on inspiratory indices has not been documented so far. Reduction in inspiratory airflow resistance following inhalation of bronchodilator giving the most consistent and significant changes in emphysematous patients has been demonstrated in the present study.

Correlation of blood groups with congenital disorders and gastro intestinal diseases.

Blood group studies were conducted in 330 patients suffering from gastro intestinal disorders and 180 patients with congenital malformations and compared with normal subjects. Statistical analysis has shown that (a) there is significant correlation between B group and thalassaemia, (b) congenital malformations show higher incidence in B and O groups. It would be pertinent to draw attention to the fact that B group was found to be significantly correlated to duodenal ulcer from the present study contrary to the early reports. In addition, these observations show that blood groups are linked with diseases.

Certain observations in electrocardiogram and enzyme variation in dogs, following scorpion venom injection.

The effect of scorpion venom of Buthus Tamulus species on blood pressure, ECG, enzyme and electrolytes were studied in dogs. Venom was given in doses of 2 and 4 mg/kg body weight. Hypotension and tachycardia were observed with low dose and bradycardia was significant with high dose. ST segment depression, T wave changes, shortening of PR interval were the important ECG changes apart from ventricular extrasystoles. With high dose, QRS amplitude was reduced and duration prolonged. QTC interval was also significantly prolonged. Significant increase in SGOT, SGPT and LDH levels were observed but no change in serum electolytes was seen.

Parasympathomimetic effects of mono sodium glutamate.

The effects of Mono sodium glutamate on smooth muscles were studied using the guinea-pig isolated ileum. Mono sodium glutamate produced spasmogenic effect. Atropine blocked the contractile response elicited by Mono sodium glutamate whereas mepyramine and hexamethonium failed to do so. These findings suggest a cholinergic involvement at post ganglionic site of action.