Conceptual And Applied Aspect Of Agnikarma In The Purview Of Cauterization

In Ayurveda, Shalyatantra is one of the eminent branches based on six major methods of management among which Agnikarma is boon for local Vata and Kaphaja Vyadhi. Its effect can be assessed as Sthanik Karma (local action), Saarvadaihik Karma (Action throughout the body) and Vishista Karma (Special actions). Based on amount of Agni needed, the condition and site of disease, Dahanupakarana are used to produce therapeutic burns during Agnikarma Chikitsa. It can be classified according to Dravya used, site, disease, Akritiand Dhatu to be cauterized. Based on the Dagdha (Burn), it is again of four type viz. scorched burn, blistered burn, superficial burn and deep burn. Its indication is in all seasons except in summer and autumn. Indications and contraindications are well expounded in classics with detail information on Purva Karma, Pradhana Karma and Paschat Karma during Agnikarma as it is superior to every other procedure used in Ayurveda Surgery. In modern medicine, there is no use of therapeutical burn i.e., Samyak Dagdha Chikitsa but its use is in other form eg., Cauterization is used for coagulation and tissue destruction. Agnikarma is considered as the best therapy to pacify Kaphanubandha Vata Dosha because Agni possesses Ushna, Tikshna, Sukshma, Aashukari Gunas, which have anti Vataja and anti Kaphaja properties. It is done by red hot Shalaka. It gives quick relief to the patient and hence is termed as best therapy.

Factors Influencing Intimate Partner Violence

The woman with intimate partner violence is facing more challenges and barriers in domestic circle and it terribly affects the healthy family life. This paper is based on issues and health consequences of family life of women with partner violence. Papers are collected from the online data base like Scopus, Sage, Pub Med, Google scholar, Elsevier and Springer, J-Stor since 2000. Specific search terms were domestic violence, marital partner violence, intimate partner violence, spousal abuse, gender-based violence. The articles were reviewed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria the reviews classified into demographic factors and personal factors and its health consequences. Comparisons in the prior review still the partner violence is prevalent. Recommendations for intervention and suitable techniques should be introduced to eradicate and gain an alert is protecting from all violence’s

Correlation among physiological and histological changes in soybean seeds during storage

Aim: The aim of the study was to correlate the histological changes in cotyledon and embryonic axis in aged seeds of soybean genotypes with the physiological changes and storability. Methodology: Ten genotypes with differing, storability as predicted by accelerated ageing test, were selected and various physiological parameters viz., germination per cent, seedling length and dry weight, seedling vigour, mobilization efficiency were studied over a period of ten months at bi-monthly interval. These were correlated with histological changes like cell arrangement and cell membrane integrity in cotyledon and embryonic axis of seed. The findings were further supported by electrical conductivity test. Results: Good storer/performer (DSB 21) maintained comparatively better cell membrane integrity in both cotyledon and embryonic axis at the end of ten months of storage when compared to poor storer/performer (MAUS 61). Interpretation: Maintenance of cell membrane integrity in good storer genotype, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy, as result of better tolerance mechanism for biochemical degradation, is the main reason for higher physiological performance of all the good storer/performers genotypes during storage.

Pulmonary nocardiosis: Report of two cases from a tertiary care hospital

Pulmonary nocardiosis is an uncommon bacterial infection that may lead to severe disease in immunocompromised patients. The disease is rare in immunocompetent patients. Reported cases are few, and the literature is limited because disease recognition is difficult. We present a case report of two patients of pulmonary nocardiosis, who had different clinicoradiological presentations and also responded differently to treatment. Given the rising incidence of cancer, organ transplantation, and use of parenteral steroids, Nocardia is likely to attain a higher place among the causes of pulmonary infections.

Occupational hazards and public health concerns of migrant construction workers: an epidemiological study in southern India

Background: Construction industry is one of the stable growing industries of the world and construction labour form 7.5% of the world labour force. In India, it is the largest economic activity after agriculture. Migrant construction workers are at a greater risk of developing certain health disorders and sickness than workers in many other industries. The objective was to study the socio demographic profile, morbidity profile among construction workers.Methods: A cross sectional study conducted at two construction sites in southern Bangalore and all workers were enrolled as study subjects. Data was collected using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis used: descriptive statistics like percentages and Chi square test for test of significance.Results: Majority of the study population belonged to 15-45 years age group (87.3%), class IV (40.3%) socioeconomic status, Hindu religion (85%). Around 40% of them were illiterates and 68% of them were unskilled workers, rest semiskilled workers. Around 50% were from Raichur district of North Karnataka. Prevalence of injury was 8%, musculo-skeletal problems were around 50% followed by respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections.Conclusions: The prevalence of musculoskeletal problems, respiratory problems and gastrointestinal infections was reported to be high among unskilled and semiskilled construction workers. There is need for health education and other prevention strategies for control of the same. Measures are needed to improve the work environment of construction workers by ensuring availability of personal protective equipments, good living conditions and sanitation facilities at the sites.

Chronic granulomatous disease presenting with small bone osteomyelitis in a young child: A case report

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a life threatening inherited disorder with varied clinical presentations often characterized by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections along with widespread granulomatous tissue response. The disease results from phagocytic defects characterized by deficiencies in oxidative burst of neutrophils. Nitroblue tetrazolium reduction test (NBT) and Dihydrorhodamine (DHR) with PMA stimulation by flow cytometry are quick, simple, sensitive and specific laboratory tests that help establish early and reliable diagnosis of CGD with an overall improvement in survival and disease prognosis. We report a case of 2-year old child who presented with small bone osteomyelitis involving bilateral feet and was later diagnosed to have autosomal recessive CGD due to mutation in NCF1 gene.

To Establish The Involvement Of Central Dopaminergic And Serotonergic Mechanism Of Ginger-Juice On Amphetamine And Lithium Treated Rat.

Background & Objective: To establish the involvement of central dopaminergic and serotonergic mechanismof ginger-juice (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSCOE) CNS parameters in rat. Methodology: (A) Albino rats (n=6-12) were administered G.J at two doses (2ml & 4 ml/rat, p.o) as single administration and chronic treatment over period of 30 days. Following this assessment was done. Effect of treatment with G.J acutely and chronically (30days) administered, was assessed. Parameters used during assessment were total acidity, gastric volume & pH and ulcer index ‘UI’(acute and chronic). Results & Conclusion: Ginger administered itself did not affect loco motor activity as well as amphetamine-induced enhancement of loco motor activity.Lithium induced head twitches were enhanced after chronic administration indicating enhanced serotonergic system in the central nervous system.

Sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Experience from single center study, efficacy and safety.

BACKGROUND: The 5‑year survival rate for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is estimated to be <10%. RCC is highly resistant to chemotherapy. Targeted agents are now first choice of therapy for metastatic RCC such as sunitinib and sorafenib. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of 15 patients having metastatic RCC treated with sunitinib. Apart from three patients, all had clear cell histology. Thirteen patients received dosage of 50 mg/d (4 weeks on/2 weeks off cycles). In 14 patients sunitinib was used as 1st line. The primary end point was objective response rate. Secondary end points were progression free survival (PFS) and safety. RESULTS: Until date of reporting, 3 out of 15 patients are currently on sunitinib. The most common Memorial Sloan = Kettering Cancer Centre poor prognostic factor was an interval of <1 year between diagnosis and starting of treatment (80%). The objective response rate was 13.66% (complete response [CR] + partial response [PR] = 0 + 2). Clinical benefit rate (CR + PR + stable disease) was 60% (n = 9). Median PFS in this study was 7.5 months, with a range of 2‑22 month. Median overall survival (OS) of patients in this study was 12 months with a range of 3‑24 month. An impact of the dose or/and number of cycles on response was seen in this study, with patients having average cycles >3 showing better response rates, PFS and OS. Major toxicities seen were fatigue ( n = 7), diarrhea (n = 3) and skin rash (n = 4) with majority patients experienced Grade 1‑2 toxicities. While Grade 3‑4 toxicities include fatigue (n = 1), mucositis (n = 1) and nausea (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm efficacy and safety profile of sunitinib in metastatic RCC, particularly as a first line. Sunitinib produced a 60% disease control rate for metastatic RCC in Indian patients, with acceptable rates of toxicity at a dose of 50 mg daily. Response rates were well matched to other studies confirming the efficacy of sunitinib.

Solitary Fibrous Tumor of Thigh: A Case Report.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an uncommon mesenchymal tumor and is classified as an Intermediate (rarely metastasizing) fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumor (WHO 2013). It occurs as slow growing masses at any location in deep soft tissue, abdomen/pelvis, pleura, the extremities and other sites. We present a case of a 60-year-old woman with a slow growing swelling of the right thigh. On magnetic resonance imaging, a large lobulated, heterogeneously enhancing septated lesion was noted. Wide excision of the lesion showed a well-circumscribed tumor with gray white and mucoid areas. Light microscopic examination showed a circumscribed, partially encapsulated tumor composed of hypercellular areas with intervening hypocellular, hyalinized areas were seen and tumor cells showed diffuse strong CD34 positivity. Based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC), a final diagnosis of SFT was offered. SFTs belong to a spectrum of neoplasms from benign to malignant which can occur at myriad sites in the body. IHC forms the basis for confirmatory diagnosis. To prevent mislabeling as sarcoma, a high degree of suspicion and radio-histological correlation is warranted to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis.

The Analgesic Effects Of Ginger-Juice (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) On Wistar Albino Rat.

Background: In the view of contradictory reporting concerning analgesic effect, it was planned to investigate the analgesic effect of ginger-juice (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSCOE) on wistar albino rat. Methodology: Wistar albino rats (n=6-12) were administered ginger juice (GJ) at doses (4ml/rat, p.o) as single administration (single dose) and repeated dose over a period of 7 days. Effect of treatment with G.J single and repeated (7days) dose was assessed. Parameter used during assessment was licking of paw after placing the rate on analgesiometer heated up to 50C. Results: The single and repeated administration of GJ (4ml/rat,p.o for 7 days) did not indicate analgesic effect on hot plate model. Conclusion: administered itself did not show analgesic effect on hot plate model.

Transesophageal echocardiography estimation of coronary sinus blood flow for the adequacy of revascularization in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft.

Aims and Objectives: Physiologically coronary sinus (CS) drains the left coronary artery (LCA) territory. Stenosis of the branches of LCA may decrease the coronary sinus blood flow (CSBF). Any intervention that aims at restoring the flow of the stenosed vessel increases coronary artery flow that should consequently increase the CSBF. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the CSBF before and after each branch of LCA to determine the adequacy of surgical revascularization in patients undergoing elective off pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Materials and Methods: Thirty consecutive patients scheduled for elective OPCAB were enrolled. CSBF was assessed before and after each branch of LCA revascularization using TEE. Left internal mammary artery (LIMA) Doppler was also obtained post LIMA to left anterior descending (LAD) grafting. Results: Hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables were compared by means of Student’s t-test for paired data before and after revascularization. The CSBF per beat (1.28 ± 0.71), CSBF per minute (92.59 ± 59.32) and total velocity time integral (VTI) (8.93 ± 4.29) before LAD grafting showed statistically significant increase to CSBF per beat (1.70 ± 0.89), CSBF per minute (130.72 ± 74.22) and total VTI (11.96 ± 5.68) after LAD revascularization. The CSBF per beat (1.67 ± 1.03), CSBF per minute (131.91 ± 86.59) and total VTI (11.00 ± 5.53) before obtuse marginal (OM) grafting showed statistically significant increase to CSBF per beat (1.91 ± 1.03), CSBF per min (155.20 ± 88.70) and total VTI (12.09 ± 5.43) after OM revascularization. In 9 patients, color flow Doppler of LIMA could be demonstrated which showed diastolic predominant blood flow after LIMA to LAD grafting. Conclusion: Demonstration of CSBF was simple and monitoring the trend of CSBF values before and after each graft of LCA territory will guide to determine the adequacy of surgical revascularization.

EFFECT OF NICORANDIL ON PENTYLENETETRAZOLE (PTZ) INDUCED CONVULSIONS IN MICE

Aims & Objectives: To evaluate or screen the anticonvulsant effect of Nicorandil a potassium channel opener in Pentylenetetrazole(PTZ) induced convusions in albino mice. Materials & Methods: Mice of either sex weighing 20-25gms were selected for the present study. The animals were divided into 6 groups with each group consisting of 6 albino mice. Group 1 mice received placebo (0.2ml of distilled water) intraperitoneally (i.p), group 2 received sodium valproate 200 mg/kg/i.p. as positive control, while groups 3,4, 5 and 6 were administered Nicorandil 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg i.p respectively. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was administered in the dose of 100mg/kg i.p, 30mins after Nicorandil/ control drug pre-treatment. Onset and duration of clonic convulsion were recorded. Results: Nicorandil pretreatment in the dose of 5mg/kg increased onset time and significantly decreased the duration of convulsions,while the doses of 10, 20, 40mg/kg prevented the convulsions. Conclusion: Nicorandil possesses significant anticonvulsant activity comparable to sodium valproate on PTZ induced seizure in albino mice.

To Evaluate the Effectiveness of Oral Tablet Clonidine as a Premedicant Drug: A Prospective Study of 100 Cases.

Introduction: Premedication is used to provide sedation and anxiolysis and to enhance the quality of induction; maintenance and recovery from anesthesia. The ideal premedicant should be orally effective, possess sedative; analgesic antianxiety, antisialogogue and antiemetic properties. It should maintain cardiovascular stability and normal respirations. No single drug has all the forementioned features. Hence search continues for an ideal premedicant. Recently emphasis has shifted to a2- adrenoceptor agonists, because of their properties, which are of potential benefit in anesthesia. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of oral clonidine as a preanesthetic medicant and as a drug to attenuate the hemodynamic responses associated with laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Material and methods: Study was performed on 100 patients of the age group 18-65 years in whom 4 μg/kg body weight of oral clonidine (max 0.2 mg) was administered 90 minutes prior to induction of anesthesia. Degree of sedation, anxiolysis, antisialagogue effect and changes in heart rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure and ECG changes before and after premedication with oral clonidine were evaluated. Statistical methods: Descriptive statistical analysis has been carried out in the present study. Results on continuous measurements are presented on mean ± SD (Min-Max) and results on categorical measurements are presented in number (%). Statistical software: The statistical software namely SPSS 15.0, Stata 8.0, MedCalc 9.0.1 and Systat 11.0 were used for the analysis of the data and Microsoft word and Excel have been used to generate graphs, tables, etc. Results: Clonidine produced significant sedation with a p value of <0.05, before premedication 61% of patients had anxiety score of 1 and 27% had a score of 2 and after premedication 77% had a score of zero and 19% had score 1, which is significant anxiolysis. The association that is observed between clonidine as antisialogogue is mildly significant statistically. Premedication with clonidine produced decrease in pulse rate, decrease in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure was highly significant statistically (p < 0.001). These values remained lower than the basal value after 1 minute up to 5 minutes after intubation. Conclusion: The premedication with oral clonidine produces significant sedation, anxiolysis, mild antisialagogue effect and hemodynamic stability during laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation with no adverse effects. Thus oral clonidine may be used as an ideal preanesthetic medication.

Efficacy of aspiration cytology in suspected metastatic neck lymph nodes.

Background: Fine needle aspiration of neck nodes is quick, safe and convenient method for the diagnosis of various lesions. The procedure is well tolerated by the patients, has minimal complications and repeatable. Because of its minimally invasive characteristic, this technique is now being used routinely for quick and accurate diagnosis. Enlarged lymph nodes are one of the most frequently sampled tissues. The diagnostic accuracy of FNAC in neck node malignancy is high. Aims & Objective: To study efficacy of aspiration cytology in suspected metastatic neck lymph nodes. Material and Methods: A prospective hospital based study was conducted among patients attending cytology lab in Department of Pathology, of a tertiary care centre in this region over a period of three years. All new patients having clinically suspected neck lymph nodes were included in the study. All previously treated patients and those with recurrence were excluded from the study. Cervical lymph nodes were aspirated, and smears were prepared & processed following standard techniques. Findings were correlated with previous studies. A total number of 225 cases were examined. Results: A total of 225 cases of lymph node aspirates were examined. Out of these, 190 cytologically diagnosed cases, as metastatic cervical lymph nodes were further evaluated. Most number of cases was seen in males, in the age group of 45-76 years. Higher number of patients had known primary sites, seen in oral cavity. Confirmatory cytological diagnosis could be made in maximum number of cases. Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a safe, rapid and highly accurate method for diagnosis of superficially palpable lymph nodes. It is now considered as a routine OPD procedure, and most convenient method for confirmation of suspected metastatic nodes.

A comparative biochemical study on the non diabetic obese and non obese subjects with cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is now a major public health problem in India and is emerging as a major killer. The non diabetic obese and non obese subjects with cardio vascular disease” were carried out with the objective of studying or investing the (effect) cause of cardiovascular diseases in obese and Non-obese subjects. The level of lipoprotein a of non obese subject showed a significant (P < 0.001) increase than in the obese subject. The level of lipid ratio (total cholesterol / HDL cholesterol) found to be significantly (P < 0.001) high in obese subjects than in non-obese subjects. The present study has been designed to evaluate or investigate the risk of cardiovascular disease due to obesity in both male and female middle age group.

Hair dye poisoning - Walking on a tight rope.

Hair dye poisoning which was uncommon is now raising an alarm in the field of toxicology. It leads to acute angioedema causing airway compromise, thus making it life threatening. It also leads to acute renal failure and multi organ damage. Failure in prompt recognition and timely management may lead to death. We report a 24 year old female who was brought to us six hours after consuming hair dye. She had difficulty in breathing and was unable to talk. Her tongue, submandibular region and neck were oedematous. Resuscitation measures were taken and she was intubated with great effort. Appropriate anaphylaxis treatment along with forced alkaline diuresis to prevent renal damage led to the betterment of her condition.

Isolated Nerve Sheath Tumor Of Jejunum Presenting As Acute Abdomen.

Nerve sheath tumors of gastrointestinal tract are rare and occurs more frequently as systemic manifestations of generalized neurofibromatosis type-1(NF-1).In neurofibromatosis-1 lesions may be scattered or solitary tumor. Occasionally ,such tumors may be the initial presenting feature of NF-1.Rarely ,cases of isolated nerve sheath tumor of small intestine presenting with bleeding and obstruction have been documented. We report a 19years male presenting with nerve sheath tumor of jejunum in acute abdomen. His investigations show no features of NF-1.