The Study of Correlation Between Bronchiectasis Severity Index and FACED Score for Assessment of Severity of Bronchiectasis

Introduction: Two different validated scores are currently used to assess the severity of bronchiectasis: the FACED score and the Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI). The study was conducted to evaluate clini-cal etiology in bronchiectasis patients. And to compare the results of the assessment of bronchiectasis severity obtained via FACED and BSI scores. Methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in the outpatients of the department of respiratory medicine. Detailed clinical history and necessary investigations were done. BSI and the FACED score were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS package. Results: According to the FACED score, we found 28 patients with mild bronchiectasis, 17 with moder-ate, and 5 with severe bronchiectasis. The frequency of patients with low, intermediate, and high BSI was 24, 21, and 5, respectively. Moreover, we observed a weak but statistically significant association of 43% agreement between FACED and BSI scores: Fisher’s exact test(p=0.399), tau-b de Kendall (-0.123; p = 0.337) and kappa test (0.032; p = 0.878). Conclusions: There is a small but significant correlation between the two scales (BSI and FACED). a ten-dency is observed for patients to be classified with a higher BSI compared to the FACED score.

Correlation Of Spirometry And Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) In Patients Of Stable COPD

Background: Spirometryis the GOLD standard for the diagnosis of COPD. This test also grades the severity of the disease which helps in the management of patients.Many times Spirometry is not available in remote areas. In these situations 6MWT can be done. 6 minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple test to assess patient’s functional capacity (ability for day to day activities).Material And Methods:A prospective study was conducted in the department of Respiratory Medicine, AMC MET MEDICAL COLLEGE, L.G. HOSPITAL, AHMEDABAD for 6 months from date of Confirmation of IRB.The patient who was a confirmed and stable case of COPD and who gave consent was taken for the study.Conclusion:The 6MWT plays a major role in measuring the functional status and disease tolerance of COPD patients.Also, it is observed that as severity of FEV1 increses 6MWD decreses.This suggests that in the absence of spirometry 6MWT is a reasonable tool for the assessment of disease severity and functional status in COPD Patients.

Influence of aging on nerve conduction properties in healthy individuals: A cross-sectional study

Background: Nerve conduction study (NCS) is the most sensitive test to measure electrical activity in peripheral nerve. The conduction velocity of the nerve depends on physiological factors such as age, gender, temperature, and height. Aging is accompanied by reduction in nerve conduction velocity, rate decrease in muscle contractility, and alteration in muscle metabolism and neuromuscular junction. Aim and Objective: The main objective of the present study was to access the effect of aging on nerve conduction velocity. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at the assure electrodiagnostic center, Ahmedabad, among healthy individuals of age group 21–80 years. The motor NCS was performed for median, peroneal, tibial, and ulnar nerves. Analyzation of the data of distal motor latency, motor nerve conduction velocity, and compound muscle action potentials from the distal stimulation was done for all subjects. Results: Males had significantly taller height (162.3 ± 3.6 cm) and more weight (69.2 ± 5.8 kg) than females (height: 154.5 ± 10.2 cm, P < 0.05; weight: 53.5 ± 5.8 kg, P < 0.05). Amplitude of lower limb nerves was also significantly decreased with increasing age (P < 0.05). With increasing in age, significant slowing of conduction velocity was observed in median and ulnar nerve, common peroneal and tibial nerve. Conclusions: Age can affect amplitude and conduction velocity of motor nerve. With increasing an age, there is declining trend of conduction velocity and amplitude of motor nerve. Further researches are needed to clarify the trend of latency with increasing age.

Clinical Trial Of Homoeopathic Genus Epidemicus 'Arsenic Alba' As A Prophylactic During Pandemic Of Covid 19 In India At Dr. V. H. Dave Homoeopathic Medical Collage

Background:The objective was to assessthe usefulness of Homoeopathic genus epidemics (Arsenic alba30C) for the prevention of Covid 19 during its pandemic outbreak in the state of Gujrat District Anand, City Anand, India.Materials and Methods:A non-randomized, clinical trial was conducted in Anand city for prevention of Covid 19 during the pandemic outbreak in June 2020 to December 2020.Arsenic alba30C was randomly administered to 1133 participants. Healthy participants (absence of fever, runny nose, cough etc., but comorbidity like DM & HTN included) were eligible for the study (Arsenic alba30 Cn=1133). Monthly follow-up was done for 6 months. Infection rate in the study groups was analyzed and compared by use of cluster analysis.Results:The findings showed that only 4 persons out of1133 persons ofArsenic alba30 C group suffered from Covid 19. Cluster analysis showed significant prevention during Pandemic without any vaccine or other medications. [Incidence rate = 0.35%].Conclusion:Arsenic alba30C as genus epidemics is much better in decreasing the incidence of Covid 19 in cluster in Anand. The efficacy ofgenus epidemicusneeds to be replicated in different areas.

Study Of Maternal And Perinatal Outcome In Patients With Abruption Placenta

Background:Abruptionplacenta is one of a serious obstetrics emergency. It is defined as partial or complete separation of normally implanted placenta after 28 weeks of gestation, prior to delivery of the fetus. Placental abruption complicates about 1% of pregnancies and is aleading cause of vaginal bleeding in the latter half of pregnancy.1 AIMS:To study maternal outcome in patients with abruption placenta. To study perinatal out come in patients with abruption placenta. Material And Methods:A prospective observational study was carried out at tertiary hospital for 6 months from September 2019 to February 2020. 30 cases of abruption placenta were enrolled in this study. Results:Maximum patients (56.6%) were from 26 –30 year age group. (63.3%) were having second gravida. Maximum (56.6%) patients admitted were between 33 –36 week gestational age group. Most of (60%) patients were having revealed type of bleeding. (52.3%) patients were having grade 2. Major maternal morbidities were PPH (36.6%), severe shock (23.3%) and DIC (6.6).(26.6%) babies had birth asphyxia, (16.6%) developed ARDS. Sepsis and ICH was seen in (10%) each whereas necrotizing enterocolitis and stillbirth was found in (13.3%). Perinatal death was seen in (6.6%). Conclusion:Abruption placenta is associatedwith poor maternal and fetal outcome. Early diagnosis and prompt resuscitative measures are essential to prevent both perinal and maternal morbidity and mortality.

Social media, purpose, and use of it: A community-based cross-sectional study in a rural area of a developing nation (India)

Background: Over the past two decades, the world has witnessed drastic progress in the field of communication. Social media are the collective of online communications channels dedicated to community-based input, interaction, content-sharing, and collaboration. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of social media use, pattern, and purpose of use and usefulness for conveying health education. Materials and Methods: The current study was undertaken; in a rural community of Punjab province of India from September 2018 to February 2019. Participants were interviewed using a pre-designed, pre-tested structured interview schedule. Results: The total number of participants in the study was 4000. Six hundred eighteen (15.5%) had a smartphone and among them, nearly 90% were using internet. The proportion of male participants (22.9%) using smartphone was significantly higher than female. Seven hundred and forty-two (18.5%) had heard of any form of social media, in which WhatsApp (13.1%) was the most common. The prevalence of the use of social media among the participants was 13.5% (n = 542). Friendship and entertainment were the major purposes for using of social media. Nearly 80% of the social media users think that it should be used more for health education, but only 11.8% of the users thought that the government was using this platform very successfully. Young, male, educated, employed, and business class was using significantly more social media for communication. Conclusions: Media is changing as well as health care and medicine, so time has come to consider one of the cost-effective and popular media to solve complex and diverse problems of health and disease.

Physico-Chemical Evaluation of Guduchyadi Kwatha for Instant Use: An Ayurvedic Herbal Formulation.

Introduction: Kwatha (decoction) preparations are one among commonest practiced Ayurvedic dosage forms, which are highly effective, but they are to be used when freshly prepared due to short shelf life (i.e. 1/2- 1 day), and they are often overlooked due to the preparation method and palatability. In present study, Guduchyadi Kwatha, a known Ayurvedic formulation used in Jwara (~pyrexia), was converted into a different dosage form for instant use by Rasakriya method (to convert into semi solid state), to make it easy to dispense, increase the shelf life, make it palatable, for dose fixation, etc. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate physico-chemical profile of fresh Guduchyadi Kwatha (GKF) and Guduchyadi Kwatha for instant use (GKI). Materials and Methods: Five batches of GKI and GKF were prepared and findings were systematically recorded. Organoleptic evaluation (Hedonic scale method) Physicochemical parameters (Loss on drying, Ash value, Acid insoluble ash, pH, Total solid content, Specific gravity, Water and Methanol soluble extractive, solubility and dissolution rate tests), High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) profile, and microbial over load were carried out. Results and Conclusion: Comparative organoleptic screening of GKF and GKI showed no major differences in color and smell. In GKF, pH value, total solid content, specific gravity, and surface tension were found as 6.0, 95.14%, 1.009 w/w and 27.19 dynes/cm respectively. In finished product (GKI), pH value, loss on drying, Ash value, water soluble and alcohol soluble extractives were obtained as 6.16, 1.93% w/w, 7.90% w/w, 63.69% w/w and 37.29% w/w respectively. No microbial overload was detected in the sample.

Seasonal variations in physicochemical profi les of Guduchi Satva (starchy substance from Tinospora cordifolia [Willd.] Miers).

Guduchi Satva (GS), the starchy material extracted from the Guduchi stem is well-known Ayurvedic single drug formulation having a wide range of therapeutic utility. Species of the plant, stem size, collection time, season and maturity of the plant may affect the yield and physico-chemical profi le of GS. However, published data on such variations is lacking. Considering this, present study is planned to screen seasonal variations in physico-chemical profi le of GS. 18 batches of GS were prepared in six different seasons (3 batches in each season) and fi ndings were systematically recorded. The obtained Satva was further subjected to relevant physico-chemical parameters. Principal component analysis method was adopted to analyze variations. Maximum yield of Satva was obtained in Shishira Ritu (January-February) while the minimum in Grishma (May-June). Variation in taste and color was found in Satva prepared in Varsha Ritu. All functional groups were found to be same in each season. Total alkaloidal contents found bit higher in Varsha and Vasanta. More residual x-variance in alcohol soluble extract and more leverage were observed in water soluble extract due to impact of seasonal spells.

Immunomodulatory activity of guduchi ghana (aqueous extract of tinospora cordifolia miers).

In the present work, Guduchi Ghana (concentrated form of aqueous extract of Guduchi) was prepared according to the method described in classical text – Sidhdha Yoga Samgraha and the other sample of aqueous extract was purchased from the market for the assessment of the immunomodulatory activity. It was done by haemagglutination antibody titre method for humoral immunity and footpad swelling method for cell mediated immunity on wistar albino rats. Results of present studies suggest that Guduchi Ghana prepared by classically was found to possess significant immunostimulatory action on immune system but market sample of it exhibited significant immunosuppression effect in dose dependent manner when compare with control group at a dose of 50 mg/kg orally.

Comparitive Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Brihat and Laghu Gokshur.

Laghu Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) and Brihat Gokshur (Pedalium murex) are well known drugs used in Ayurveda as diuretics. These are classified under mishrak varga as ‘Dashmoola’ in Ayurveda and in chemotaxonomy as Saponin glycosides. The objective of the work is to find out the diagnostic tool to identify the two varieties of Gokshur. The powder was studied for macroscopic, microscopic and physicochemical parameters. For HPTLC Stationary phase was Pre-coated silica gel GF 254 and mobile phase was Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid (7:2:1 v/v/v). The plate was scanned and quantified at 254 nm for Diosgenin.Results shows that microscopic characters like trichomes, stomata and crystals show some difference in the two varieties while physicochemical parameters show difference in extractive values. Phytochemical screening also shows similar findings. HPTLC analysis carried out using Diosgenin as reference standard revealed the presence of steroidal Saponin “Diosgenin”. Quantitative estimation for Saponins found marked variation in the two varieties, where Laghu gokshur had 16% of Saponins while Brihat gokshur had 13% Saponins. The study can be used as a diagnostic tool for identification of these two varieties of Gokshur.

Critical review on the pharmaceutical vistas of Lauha Kalpas (Iron formulations).

Iron is one among the major metals present in the earth’s crust and is essential for sound sustenance of human body. Its defi ciency leads to various health ailments. Contemporary medicine advises iron supplements in iron defi ciency anemia. Ayurvedic classics also quote signifi cant information about administration of iron. Lauha Kalpas are the unique compound herbo-mineral formulations where iron (Lauha) is used as a major ingredient. Relevant literature (Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Charaka Samhita, Rasendra Sara Samgraha etc.) reviewed to gather information about Lauha Kalpas. Critical analysis of these Lauha Kalpas reveals that ancient seers administered iron in a better acceptable form. Unlike popular understanding these are not only Khalviya preparations; but Churna (powders), Avaleha (confectionaries), Rasakriya (solidifi ed decoctions), and Putapaka (incinerated) form of preparations are also found. Apart from solid dosage forms, semisolid dosage forms mentioned in classics are very much useful. Unfortunately most of the formulations are not found in the market. Hence Pharmaceutical fi rms may bring these unique dosage forms in to the market to supply the healthcare needs of the community. It is interesting that iron preparations are used in Ayurveda in different medical conditions apart from anemia (Pandu). This leaves a scope for further researches on different dosage forms of iron and their indications.

Evaluation of immunomodulatory activity of “Shirishavaleha”–An Ayurvedic compound formulation in albino rats.

The immunomodulatory activity of Shirishavaleha prepared from two different parts of Shirisha (Albizia lebbeck Benth), i.e., Twak (Bark) and Sara (Heartwood) as main ingredients was evaluated for humoral antibody formation and cell-mediated immunity in established experimental models. The study used Wistar rats of either sex weighing 200 ± 40 g, while the test drug was administered orally at a dose of 1.8 g/kg. Hemagglutination titer and body weight were recorded to assess effects on humoral immunity; immunological paw edema was assessed for cell-mediated immunity. Shirishavaleha prepared from heartwood shows significant enhancement in antibody formation, attenuation of body weight changes, and suppression of immunological paw edema, while Shirishavaleha prepared from bark shows weak immunomodulatory activity. The study therefore concludes that Shirishavaleha prepared from heartwood has significant immunomodulatory activity.

Therapeutic potentials of metals in ancient India: A review through Charaka Samhita.

The Ayurvedic system of medicine has stood the test of time for four millennia or more. The ancient seers found that drugs of different origin (herbal, metal or animal) in addition to codes of conduct and dietary regulations are suitable tools to maintain health in healthy and eradicating diseases in diseased. Use of metallic preparations in healthcare is a unique feature in this system. Processed metals including Mercury, Gold, Silver, Lead, Zinc, Copper etc. were used very frequently by seers of the Indian tradition in different disease conditions with great authority. It is generally claimed, that these metals are detoxified during the highly complex manufacturing processes described in Ayurvedic, especially Rasashastra texts. Charaka Samhita, one of the scheduled books of Ayurveda also holds ample of references regarding the use of metals for different purposes, which are summarized in the current paper.