Reference range of random urinary calcium creatinine ratio in North Indian children and adolescents

PURPOSE: Urinary calcium creatinine ratio (UCaCrR) is a reliable indicator for monitoring hypercalciuria following vitamin D supplementation. However, the reference range varies from region to region. Previous studies did not take vitamin D and parathyroid hormone status into account while evaluating UCaCrR. Hence, we undertook this study to establish the 95th percentile of UCaCrR as an indicator of hypercalciuria in North Indian children and adolescents. METHODS: Four hundred seventy-three participants (boys 62.2%, girls 37.8%) with adequate dietary calcium intake, normal serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (>20 ng/mL), and without secondary hyperparathyroidism following supplementation were selected for evaluation of UCaCrR. RESULTS: The mean age and body mass index of subjects were 11.2±2.6 years and 18.0±3.6 kg/m2, respectively. The 95th percentile of UCaCrR in the study population was 0.126. The mean, median, and 95th percentile of UCaCrR was significantly higher in prepubertal children (age ≤10 years) (0.0586±0.0374, median=0.0548, 95th percentile=0.136) compared to those >10 years old (0.0503±0.0363, median=0.0407, 95th percentile=0.123, P=0.02). No significant difference in UCaCrR was observed between genders and different weight categories. CONCLUSIONS: UCaCrR of 0.13 defines the cutoff value for hypercalciuria in North Indian children and adolescents with adequate dietary intake of calcium and sufficient serum vitamin D levels.

Effects of homeopathic medicine on physical properties of matter - a classical and QED perspective

Homeopathic medicines affect physical properties of matter which depend on the characteristic and the potency of the medicine1. These effects can be explained from two aspects: (a) classical and (b) quantum electrodynamical. Using three different sets of experiments where homeopathic medicines have affected the physical properties of matter, we have shown how the results can be interpreted from both these points of view. (AU)

Derivation of an empirical relation between the size of the nanoparticle and the potency of homeopathic medicines

Homeopathic medicines are often prescribed at very high dilutions and it is a clinically observed fact that the medicinal effect of the drug remains even at these high dilutions. The increase in potency of a medicine due to potentization is still debatable from physico-chemical point of view. Out of various hypotheses to explain this phenomenon, a recent hypothesis, advanced by us and supported by others, is that the size of the constituent particles decreases and eventually achieves nano dimension due to potentization. From the experiments performed by our group, the size of nanoparticles (NPs) of Cuprum metallicum, Zincum oxydatum, Aurum metallicum, Ferrum metallicum and Aconitum napellus (6cH, 30cH and 200cH) have been estimated. A general mathematical expression of the form y = a x-n has been derived which relates the size of NPs (y) with the corresponding potencies (x). There is no method to calculate the accurate potency of the homeopathic medicine, as the potency of a medicine depends to some extent on the method of preparation, for which a standardized procedure is warranted. Also, while handling a medicine, the solvent might evaporate causing a change in the potency. Thus by measuring the size of the NPs and using our proposed standard curve, the potency may be estimated...

Public-private partnerships in the provision of homeopathic services in the city of Delhi, India / Parcerias entre os setores público e privado na prestação de serviços homeopáticos na cidade de Delhi, Índia / Asociación de los sectores público y privado para atención homeopática en la ciudad de Delhi, Índia

Homeopathy is one among the popular medical systems in India. Over the years, the government has been attempting to mainstream homeopathy in the public health system, nevertheless, most service providers are in the private sector. Therefore, increase of quality and availability to all population classes by means of public-private partnerships is seen as a viable policy option. In Delhi, 90% of homeopathic services providers belong to the private sector, including charity trusts. Most of them provide services to the low-income population in urban slams. In 2003, Delhi government launched a program involving the private sector to provide homeopathic services in underserved city areas. This project funded private agencies to run homeopathic clinics. This paper provides an overview on this program, addressing in particular the lessons taught by six case studies represented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It also discusses expectations of private providers and concludes with specific recommendations for wider participation of the private sector.

La homeopatía es uno de los sistemas médicos populares en India. El gobierno intenta hace varios años difundir la homeopatía en el sistema público de salud, sin embargo, la mayoría de los prestadores de servicios pertenece al sector privado. Por ese motivo, se considera que la formación de sociedades público-privadas podría representar una política viable para mejorar la calidad y el acceso de todas las clases de la población. En Delhi, 90% de los prestadores de servicios homeopáticos pertenecen al sector privado, incluyendo fundaciones filantrópicas. La mayoría atiende a la población de bajos recursos en villas miseria urbanas. En 2003, el gobierno de Delhi lanzó un programa involucrando al sector privado en la prestación de servicios homeopáticos en áreas asistencialmente poco cubiertas. Este proyecto financió entidades privadas que operasen consultorios homeopáticos. Este artículo presenta un panorama de este programa, con atención especial para las lecciones aprendidas a partir de seis estudios de caso representados por organizaciones no gubernamentales (ONGs). También discute las expectativas de los prestadores privados y concluye con recomendaciones específicas para la participación más amplia del sector privado.

A homeopatia é um dos sistemas médicos populares na Índia. Ao longo do tempo, o governo tem tentado difundir a homeopatia no sistema público de saúde, no entanto, a maioria dos prestadores do serviço pertence ao setor privado. Portanto, considera-se que uma política viável para melhorar a qualidade e a disponibilidade para todas as classes da população consistiria em parcerias entre os setores público e privado. Em Delhi, 90% dos prestadores de serviços homeopáticos pertencem ao setor privado, incluindo fundações filantrópicas. A maioria deles atende a população de baixa renda em favelas urbanas. Em 2003, o governo de Delhi lançou um programa envolvendo o setor privado na prestação de serviços homeopáticos em áreas urbanas pouco cobertas por assistência médica. Esse projetou financiou entidades privadas para desenvolverem ambulatórios homeopáticos. Este artigo apresenta um panorama desse programa, focando em particular as lições que ensinam seis casos de estudo representados por organizações não governamentais (ONGs). Também discute as expectativas dos prestadores privados e conclui com recomendações específicas para uma participação mais ampla do setor privado.