Sumathi Publications (E-Journals)
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Physical and Mathematical Model of Heart and Cardiovascular System
The cardiovascular system is modelled as a fluid flow system consisting of networks of pumps and piping systems. A mathematical model relating different cardiovascular parameters was developed. The change in cardiovascular parameters with individuals’ physical activity level, habits and environmental factors was established. The models used to predict how an individual can control the cardiovascular parameters to be healthy and diagnosing problems in the system.Keywords: Blood Pressure; Circulatory system modelling; Heart Rate
Effect of Gayatri Mantra Chanting on Attention, Memory, Anxiety and Mental State in Young Athletes: A Prospective Study
Introduction: The Gayatri Mantra (GM) is one of the oldest available divine hymns in ancient vedic literature, a mantra of physical, emotional, mental healing and spiritual awakening or self-realization. GM is a standard, validated, empowerment tool aiding in effective behavioral changes leading to optimal and healthy lifestyle. Effect of vedic chanting on consciousness and mental state has been long researched and has been documented in ancient religious literatures. However, due to its religious connotations, its scientific scrutiny and validation has been not popularized. The present study tried to assess the effect of GM chanting on attention, memory, anxiety and mental state on healthy young athletes.
Methodology: The present study was a prospective one which included 45 athletes who were divided into three different study arms of 15 each – two arms were undertaking normal meditation with or without an add on GM Chanting while meditation, while one was control group. All subjects were evaluated (at baseline and 3 months) for attention (using 6 letter cancellation, digit letter substitution), memory [using digit span test (forward, backward), multiple choice apparatus], anxiety (using state trait anxiety inventory), and mental state using MMSE. Results were statistically analyzed.
Results: Subjects with GM chanting showed significant improvement in attention and memory domain. Less failed attempts and prompt response to audio and visual stimuli for multiple choice apparatus was noted for the GM group. Sustained visual attention, scanning without distraction and better concentration are required for the digit cancellation test. Marked improvements in both state and trait anxiety was noted for the GM chanters. Improved mental state was observed for both meditating group compared with the control.
Conclusion: GM chanting plays a significant role in the well being of the people. GM chanting has significant effects in attention, memory, anxiety and mental state. Regular chanting of GM shall improve learning power, concentration, prosperity, eternal power, peace and improves quality of life.
 
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ABOUT PERCEPTION OF MEDICAL STUDENTS REGARDING PUNISHMENT OF RAPE FOR ACCUSED
Background: Rape is a significant social and public health problem that has severe shattering effect on victims, including negative consequences on physical health, mental health, academic performance, and interpersonal and social relationships. It is important to know the perception and opinion of young people about the punishment of rape and increase transparency and one’s participation in the implementation of act.
Aim: To spread awareness and portray severity of crime by learning the perception of medical students towards the punishment given for rape accused and to examine dimensionality of rape attitudes and its law in youth.
Methods: Data was collected from 100 randomly selected medical students with the help of questionnaire and verbal discussion with them.
Results: All the students were in the age group of 18 to 24 years. Only 47% were aware about the exact punishment given for accused. Maximum (75%) participants feel that death should be the ideal punishment and it should be given immediately as soon as the accused is found guilty. Inadequate mentality and lack of sex education are considered as major causes that provoke a person to commit rape. Majority of the cases are not reported because of social stigma and family reputation.
Conclusion: Education is the most favored approach to sex related violence in the community. It is important to support every individual, as it plays a vital role in gaining media and government attention, which is a step forward for the betterment of the society, and soon towards the complete eradication of such social and public health issues like rape and sexual assault
ALTERATION IN SERUM ZINC AND COPPER CONCENTRATIONS AND EFFECT OF ORAL THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTATION OF ZINC ON TRANSFUSION DEPENDANT BETA THALASSEMIA MAJOR PATIENTS
Zinc is one of the essential micronutrients in human and act as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes and plays an essential role in human growth and development. It has been observed that there was low serum zinc and elevated copper level in β-thalassemia major compared with normal. Zinc deficiency is considered one of the main factors contributing to growth, cardiovascular diseases, and puberty disorders in β-thalassemic patients. Aim: The goal of the study was to scrutinize the impact of serum zinc and copper concentration in patients with beta-thalassemia major and also to observe the effect of zinc supplementation on transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia patients for six months. Method: 52 beta-thalassemia major patients were studied before and after supplementation of zinc for six months, and status was compared with 52 age and sex-matched healthy normal. Serum zinc and copper concentration were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) method. Result: There was a significant depleted activity of serum zinc level (p<0.001), and the copper level was increased significantly (p<0.001) in patients when compared with normal. After six months of supplementation of zinc, there was a significantly enhanced zinc concentration (p<0.001),and copper was marginally increased (p>0.05) when compared with normal and baselines. Conclusion: Beta Thalassemia major children are on numerous blood transfusions all the way through their life. Due to this thalassemic children are at risk of secondary iron burden. This further leads to the enhanced oxidative stress. One of the way to may overcome this situation to supply regular zinc supplementation along with treatment, which may be helpful to manage the situation.
 
BACTERIOLOGICAL STUDY OF POST-OPERATIVE WOUND INFECTIONS AND THEIR ANTIBIOGRAMS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL
Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) are frequently occurring in postoperative complications. The present study is undertaken to isolate and determine the frequency of distribution of pathogens in post-operative wound infections and the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the causative organisms. Methods: This cross-sectional, prospective study was carried out over a period of one year. 250 pus samples from cases of surgical site infections were processed for gram staining, culture, biochemical identification tests, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: Out of 250 patients of post-operative wound infections, 48 are cultured positive, among which 21 were gram-positive, and 27 were gram-negative. Staphylococcus aureus emerged as the commonest etiological agent 17 (35.42%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 14 (29.17%), E.coli 6 (12.5%). Amikacin (72.9%) was found to be the most effective antibiotic, and Multidrug resistance was observed with staphylococcus aureus (79.16%) and pseudomonas aeruginosa (83.3%). Conclusions: Staphylococcus aureus is the commonest etiological agent for Postoperative wound infections. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of various isolates helps in proper selection of antibiotics and in this study, it was found that Amikacin was the most effective antibiotic against postoperative wound infections.
 
Ecological features of the association between mortality and determinants or salient risk factors of cardiovascular disease
The multifactorial emergence of the association between mortality and major risk factors of cardiovascular disease is not clearly established. Diverse countries have been monitoring and evaluating mortality and risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease as the levels and trajectories undergo continuous changes. Understanding the combined impacts of these alterations are crucial in taking precautionary measures in counteracting and managing cardiovascular disease. Mortality and risk factor data have been applied expansively for the monitoring and evaluation of cardiovascular disease issues and the spatiotemporal variations across populations. There are extant inequitable distribution of resources in the disparate regions and populations around the world in the quantification and analysis of the mortality, morbidity, risk factors or determinants of cardiovascular disease. The diagnosis of cardiovascular disease tends to be devoid of diagnostic tests of high specificity and sensitivity in certain instances. Poor diet is a leading etiologic factor of suboptimal health in cardiovascular disease. Diet, nutrition and scientific policy measures have accelerated, resulting in ambiguities, and also creating opportunities to obviate the excruciating health and economic burden in cardiovascular disease and other cardiometabolic disorders in vulnerable populations. These indicate that expansive spatiotemporal variations in the incidence between populations are attributable to inter alia certain contradictions in the modalities of event ascertainment, culture, and economic burden. This paper enhances and introduces novel issues, challenges and opportunities in the ecological presentations of the association between mortality and determinants or risk factors of cardiovascular disease
Inter and Intra-rater Reliability and Validity of an instrument made in rural set up to measure Maximum Inspiratory Pressure termed as Dhiraj Maximum Inspiratory Pressure Device
Background: Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) measures inspiratory force generated by respiratory muscles. MIP is measured with non-invasive pressure transducer device which has mouthpiece, pressure gauge, and dial showing readings. Respiratory muscle weakness is a common sign depicted in conditions like neuromuscular disorders, cardiovascular disease, and other respiratory pathologies which affect the individual’s lung volume and capacity. The devices available in the market to measure the MIP are costly.
Aim: This study was undertaken to find out inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and validity of therapist made instrument in rural set up to measure maximum inspiratory pressure (DMIPD).
Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 40 normal healthy individuals without lung diseases were recruited as per inclusion criteria. MIP values were noted by two raters using the DMIPD and were then compared between two rater values to that of the gold standard values. Validity and reliability were calculated using interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and p-value.
Result: Statistical analysis for inter-rater reliability by Kappa using SPSS 1.000 showing almost perfect agreement as per Kappa interpretation also for intra-rater analysis an ICC value of 0.96 depicting excellent validity and Cronbach alpha value of 0.97 thereby proving it to have excellent reliability.
Conclusion: We conclude that DMIPD has excellent reliability and validity
Perceptions of Women about Breast Cancer in Rural Area of Wardha District
Background: The incidence of breast cancer is seen to be low in India as compared to western countries, however the mortality is low. The knowledge about breast cancer, breast awareness and self-breast examination is the need of the hour. Breast Cancer, if caught in the early stages, makes it curable by various modalities of treatment. Our study aims here to qualitatively explore the views and ideas of the women in rural area about breast cancer and the need of a better comprehensive program. Method: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample size of 672 with a pre-tested questionnaire with open-ended questions for qualitative exploration. It was done by door-to-door survey. Resident females of the village above 30 years were included and females with chronic illness and temporary residents were excluded. Results: The mean age of participants was 42.38 ±9.76 years with 48.2% educated till secondary school and 83.2% belonged to OBC category. The perceptions were assessed with qualitative findings where it was found that most of the females believed that they don\u27t have breast cancer even before getting screened and so they didn\u27t want to get mammography. However they affirmed that a doorstep approach of activities would be beneficial. They also said that doorstep activities help get good information of breast cancer signs and symptoms and program like this will be a good approach. Conclusion: Doorstep approach can be a welcome change in imparting awareness
Variations in Blood Pressures Amongst Day School Children and Boarding School Children in Western Maharashtra
Introduction: School children majorly face stress due to the pressure and expectations from their parents besides academics, athletics, etc. It is known that depression, stress increases blood pressure. Such wide variations in blood pressure at such a young age can increase the incidence of cerebrovascular accidents, ischemic heart diseases, renal failure and preterm death in the adulthood of such children. This survey will guide the parents and teachers to the various problems student face and how can they help the student cope with it. Method: The blood pressure of each student was taken three times to reduce them to minimise the possibility of errors and the blood pressures of all the students were compared according to their age (13-16 years) and the schooling type (boarders and day scholars). Results: On comparing the prehypertensive stage, the numbers of pre-hypertensives are found to be greater in the age group of 15 years in both day scholars and boarders i.e. 14% and 8% respectively. The on comparing the schooling type the day scholars have a greater number of prehypertensive i.e. 25% than boarders which is 17%. Though pre-hypertensives are higher in the age group of 15 years, but the numbers of hypertensives are more in 14 years of age which is 7% (6% in hypertension stage I and 1% in hypertension stage II) in day scholars and 4% (3% in hypertension stage I and 1% in hypertension stage II) in boarders. In schooling type, a similar trend as that of prehypertension is seen i.e. in day scholars 14% students are in hypertension stage I and 3% students are in hypertension stage II making a total of 17% of hypertensive in day scholars. Similarly, in boarders there are 6% in hypertension stage I and 1% in hypertension stage II making 7% hypertensive in boarders, thereby showing a higher percentage of hypertensive in day scholars. Conclusion: The study revealed Percentage of students in hypertension stage I and hypertension stage II were found more in day scholars (14% HT STAGE I and 3% HT STAGE II) than boarders (6%HT STAGE I and 1% HT STAGE II) respectively. Thus, it can be very well concluded that 17% of day school children and 7% boarders were found to be in hypertensive.
Keywords: Variations in blood pressures, Day school; Boarding school Children; Western Maharashtra.
 
Magnesium Status in Hospitalized ICCU and non ICCU Patients With Special Reference to Waterborne Magnesium
Introduction:
Low serum magnesium levels in hospitalized patients including those with cardiovascular ailments have been reported by many studies. On the other hand, magnesium therapy is advocated but has not yet been conclusively proved. In our earlier study, an association between waterborne magnesium and hypomagnesaemia in healthy subjects was reported. The present study was aimed at the contribution of waterborne magnesium among filtered and non-filtered water users in hospitalized patients.
Material and methods:
The present study was carried out at SMIMER, Surat. Ethical committee approval was taken. On informed consent, subjects from ICCU and general ward of Medicine unit were selected. Demographic and clinical information was collected. Serum magnesium, cardiac profile and renal profile were analyzed. Patients with conditions such as kidney, liver, brain and other critical illness were excluded. The results were expressed as Mean and SD and appropriate statistical tools were applied to arrive at conclusions.
Results:
Among total 557 subjects including 185 healthy subjects, 93 ICCU and 279 non-ICCU patients, the incidence of hypomagnesaemia (serum Mg < 1.7 mg/dl) was 18%, 36% and 42% was observed respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.01) in serum magnesium between filtered and non-filtered water users in healthy (1.77 ±0.36 vs 2.01 ±0.48), ICCU (1.35 ±0.44 vs 1.72±0.55), and in non-ICCU patients (1.51 ±0.59 vs 1.77±0.51) was found. No significant difference was observed in other parameters.
Conclusion:
Significant hypomagnesaemia was observed among users of filtered water as compared to nonfiltered water users in all groups (ICCU, non-ICCU and healthy), strongly suggestive of contribution of waterborne magnesium in maintaining normal status in the population and inadequate levels may be correlated to a higher incidence of myocardial infarction as evident from the present study wherein a 42% prevalence of hypomagnesaemia in ICCU patients was found.