Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences
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Viable Staining for Detecting Mycobacterium Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Vulnerable Population
Get PDFBackground: Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is the major concern of proper diagnosis and for effective treatment of PTB. Despite the recent advancement in diagnostic methods, the smear microscopy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of PTB in high burden countries. Design: This study, therefore, aimed at assessing the diagnostic performance of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining techniques in the diagnosis of PTB for vulnerable group of population HIV, smoker, health care workers, and malnutrition people and confirmed with Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) liquid culture to check the viability. Samples were collected from Intermediate Reference Laboratory, Karnataka, from November 2019 to March 2020. A total of 350 samples were collected and these were stained using ZN method as per National Tuberculosis Elimination Program norms and FDA method followed by liquid culture using the MGIT 960 to check for the viability of the bacilli and correlate with the results of the FDA viability staining method. Results: The study demonstrates that the sensitivity and specificity of FDA viable fluorescent staining to that of liquid MGIT culture were 98.6% and 100%, respectively, while those of ZN staining were 55.8% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: Hence, we concluded that the FDA staining technique is a more sensitive test for checking the viability of AFB among PTB suspect, as compared to the conventional ZN-stained smear observation
Retinopathy with renal failure
Get PDFAbout 1% of people with hypertension develops hypertensive crisis over some point of life period. Report a case on malignant hypertension with grade II retinopathy and renal failure. A patient with a known case of hypertension for past 5 years was admitted with complaints of headache, orthopnoea, difficulty in breathing and an elevated BP of 220/110 mm Hg and was diagnosed to have malignant hypertension. The patient was referred to ophthalmologist on the second day. The fundus examination showed grade II hypertensive retinopathy. On laboratory investigation serum creatinine and urea level was elevated, urine analysis showed moderate albuminuria, with decreased Glomerular filtration rate and patient was diagnosed to have stage 3 Chronic kidney disease. The patient was treated with a triple combination of Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) + Calcium channel blocker (CCB) + β blocker, diuretics, centrally acting antihypertensive, statin and antiplatelet agent. Blood pressure was subsided followed by gradual improvement in visual acuity
Meal Pattern of Urban Adolescents of Different Socio-economic Status Groups in Delhi
Get PDFIntroduction and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out on urban adolescents (n = 545, 11–18 years, 62.0% girls) residing in Delhi. Information pertaining to their detailed meal pattern was collected. Results: Approximately 75% adolescents from urban slums (US), low income group (LIG), and middle income group (MIG) were non-vegetarian. Highest percentage of vegetarians (27.4%) and ovo-vegetarians (19.9%) belonged to high income group (HIG). Adolescents from HIG reported the highest mean number of meals (weekdays - 5.16 ± 0.887 and weekends - 4.85 ± 1.026) and adolescents from LIG reported the lowest mean number of meals (weekdays - 4.31 ± 0.777 and weekends - 4.26 ± 0.846). Dinner was the main meal consumed by ≥99% adolescents from all four SES both on weekdays and weekends. Highest proportions of adolescents from LIG were consuming other main meals such as breakfast (97.8%) and lunch (97.0%) on weekdays and weekends. Adolescents from HIG reported the lowest daily breakfast consumption (68.5%) in comparison to other groups. Fixed times for main meals were reported by 62.6% and 54.5% adolescents on weekdays and weekends, respectively. Majority of adolescents having fixed times for main meals on weekdays and weekends belonged to HIG (74.0%) and MIG (61.5%), respectively. Majority of adolescents commonly skipping main meals on weekdays and weekends belonged to MIG (53.1%) and US (37.3%), respectively. It is found that the adolescents from LIG, who reported consuming the lowest mean total number of meals on weekends, also reported the lowest percentage of skipping main meals on weekends (21.5%)
Comparative Pharmacognostical Evaluation of Ashodhita and Gomutra Shodhita Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn.) Seed
Get PDFBackground: Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn.) has immense therapeutic attributes and widely prescribed drug in skin disorders especially Shvitra (vitiligo). Its medicinal usage is found depict in Indian pharmaceutical codex, the Chinese, British and the American pharmacopoeias and in different traditional system of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. Classic emphasized the Shodhana of Bakuchi seed as pre-treatment before its therapeutic use. Considering this, study was planned for pharmacognostical evaluation of Shodhita and Ashodhita Bakuchi seeds. Materials and Methods: Pharmacognostical study, physicochemical analysis, and psoralen chemical test were performed for the Ashodhita and Gomutra Shodhita Bakuchi seeds powder. Results and Conclusion: Endosperm cells, palisade cells, and trichomes were found disturbed from their normal structure in Ashodhita sample. Oil globules are released from their site. Crystalline structure was observed in Shodhita sample. These changes were found due to the process of alkaline hydrolysis during Shodhana procedure. Alkaline pH (7.4) is found in suspension of Shodhita Bakuchi powder due to employed Shodhana process. Results of ash value, acid insoluble Ash, water-soluble extractives, and alcohol soluble extractives are found within normal limit as described in Ayurveda pharmacopoeia of India. These observations can be of use in future studies
The Role of Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anuloma Viloma) Technique in Regulation of Blood Pressure
Get PDFAs the world population and pollution are increasing day by day we are embracing to sickness. From ancient times to till 18th century we were following the yoga and naturopathy practices in everyday life. When the industrial revolution started from 18th century we have drastically changed our lifestyle, exercise, and diet practices. We have somehow forgotten this true health treasure given by our ancestors. Recent COVID-19 pandemic situation gave us a lesson about how taking care of health is so important. In yoga and naturopathy, there are numerous practices to make ourselves healthy both internally as well as externally. One of which is the alternate breathing technique popularly known as Anuloma Viloma. It is the yoga technique based on alternate inhaling/exhaling the air via both the nostrils. Different breathing technique are being practiced which shows good benefits to our health but the alternate nostril breathing technique shows the best result in health improvement especially in controlling the blood pressure. The disorders related with breathing are managed well by basic breathing training. The Anuloma Viloma systemizes the breathing pattern and aids in the regulation of blood pressure. In this article, we will look in brief about Anuloma Viloma techniques, different methods and its health benefits. More focus is given on how the Anuloma Viloma practices help in controlling the blood pressure along with other health benefits
Antioxidant Status in Serum of Long-term Areca Nut chewers and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas Patients
Get PDFAim: This study was carried out to investigate implications of serum antioxidant status in people with long-term areca nut chewers and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were collected from areca nut chewers, OSCC patients, and control of both genders between the ages of 15 and 60 years. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), uric Acid, and protein were estimated using ELISA reader, semi-automatic biochemical analyzer, and spectrophotometer. Results: SOD level in OSCC patients was decrease when compared to control and areca nut chewers indicate a low antioxidant profile. Yet, a decrease in SOD level in areca nut chewers when compared to control suggests that areca nut chewers are also prone to oxidative stress. TAC a known cancer biomarkers are known to increase in tobacco and areca quid’s consumers. Increase serum TAC level in OSCC and areca nut chewers when compared to healthy control could further justify that areca nut chewers population are prone to OSCC. Our studies also showed that decrease uric acid level in areca nut chewers corresponds to decrease in free radical scavenging activity which relates to our SOD level in our earlier finding. Increase protein level was also observed in OSCC patients when compared to areca nut chewers and controls. Although, there was no significant change between areca nut chewers and controls, increase protein level in areca nut chewers indicates violation to the integrity of capillary bed or mucosal lining as occurs in oral neoplasia which can cause increase protein synthesis. Conclusion: Areca nut chewers can alter serum antioxidant enzymes and increase OSCC cancer biomarker. Hence, maintaining the antioxidants status can help limit the progression of precancerous condition toward malignancy
Interval Training’s Influence on Changes in Selected Strength Parameters among College Kabaddi Players
Get PDFThe purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of interval training on changes in selected strength parameters among college kabaddi players. It was hypothesized that there would be significant differences on selected strength parameters due to the effect of interval training among college kabaddi players. For the present study, 30 male college kabaddi players from Affiliated Colleges of Bharathidasan University in Tiruchirappalli jurisdiction, Tamilnadu, were selected at random and their age ranged from 18 to 25 years. For the present study, pre-test–post-test random group design which consists of control group and experimental group was used. The subjects were randomly assigned to two equal groups of fifteen each and named as Group “A” and Group “B”. Group “A” underwent interval training and Group “B” has not undergone any training. Explosive strength was assessed by standing long jump and muscular strength was assessed by push-up test. The data were collected before and after 12 weeks of training. The data were analyzed by applying analysis of covariance. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Interval training has a positive impact on college kabaddi players’ explosive strength and muscular strength
Evaluation of Phytochemical Profile and In Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-bacterial and Anti-inflammatory activity of Piper schmidtii Hook. fil. A Wild Edible Fruit
Get PDFAim: The present study aims at screening the phytochemical components and evaluates the antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity of fruit of Piper schmidtii, an endemic plant species from The Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. Materials and Method: The different polar solvents such as petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water were used and extraction was carried out using the soxhlet apparatus. The extracts were screened for qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis. The extracts of P. schmidtii were also subjected to in vitro-antioxidant activity by DPPH assay, Phosphomolybdenum assay, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), superoxide radical scavenging activity, and reducing power assay. Results: Among all the extracts, methanol extract exhibited the maximum amount of phenolics (731.91 mg GAE/g extract), tannin (726.6 milligrams of Gallic acid equivalent/g extract), and ethyl acetate extract depicted the maximum quantity of flavonoids (698.17 mg QE/g extract). Methanol extract of P. schmidtii revealed the higher antioxidant activity in all the assays with IC50 values of 15.19 μg/ml (DPPH), 135.67 mg AAE/g (Phosphomolybdenum assay), 380.98 mM Fe/mg (FRAP), 60.94% (Superoxide) and higher reducing power was depicted in the ethyl acetate extract, respectively. Further anti-bacterial activity revealed that the methanol extract shows highest inhibitory activity against the tested bacterial pathogens. The methanol extract showed high degree of inhibition (71.24%) in anti-inflammatory assay. Conclusion: Thus, the result support that P. schmidtii is a potential source of natural antioxidant that can inhibit bacterial growth and subside inflammation
Comparison of Hematological Profile of Athletes in Various Phases of Menstrual Cycle
Get PDFThe purpose of the study was to compare the hematological parameters during the different phases of the menstrual cycle viz Menstrual, Follicular, Ovulation, and Luteal Phase. Thirty athletes were selected as subjects for the study who were involved in speed-endurance dominated sports. Blood samples were taken in each phase and analyzed for the following hematological variables - Red blood cells (RBCs), White blood cells (WBCs), Hemoglobin (Hb), and platelets. The results of the study showed variations in hematological parameters throughout the menstrual cycle. RBC and Hb levels significantly increased during the follicular phase (FP) but remain unchanged in the ovulation and luteal phase. WBC levels also increased during the FP, were almost similar in ovulation phase, and slightly decreased in the luteal phase. Platelet count followed a similar pattern as WBC. Platelet count increased in the FP but decreased in the luteal phase. Menstrual phase is characterized by hemorrhage which results in blood loss and decreased levels of hematological parameters. FP is seen as compensatory phase in which the hematological variables significantly increase. WBC and Platelet count decrease in the luteal phase in attributed to the decrease in the estrogen levels. The study concluded that variations in hematological parameters is observed during the different phases of the menstrual cycle
A Culture-antibiogram of Sterile Body Fluids in a Tertiary Care Hospital at Central Delhi in Emergency Settings
Get PDFInfection of sterile body fluids could be life-threatening. Monitoring of prevailing infectious agents and their resistance pattern through antibiogram helps in appropriate selection of antibiotics and strengthens antibiotic stewardship. The aim of this study is to isolate infective bacteria from sterile body fluids and to determine antibiotic resistant pattern of these isolates. This retrospective observational study was conducted through January 2018–December 2018 in a tertiary care hospital at central Delhi. Sterile body fluids were processed as per the standard laboratory procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined by Kirby Bauer’s disk diffusion method and interpreted as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. A total of 3,703 fluid samples were studied. Out of them 49.9% were ascitic fluid, 39.4% were pleural fluid, and 10.7% were others such as pericardial fluid, synovial fluid, bile, peritoneal dialysis fluid, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Bacterial isolation rate was 12.93%. Predominant organisms were Escherichia coli (31%), Acinetobacter spp. (20%), Klebsiella spp. (16%), Staphylococcus aureus (11%), and Enterococcus spp. (10%). Isolation of vancomycin resistant enterococcus was 9.5% and Methicillin resistant S. aureus was 15.6%. Gram-negative isolates were 100% sensitive to colistin, followed by imipenem and gentamicin. Increased resistance shown toward third generation cephalosporins, amoxicillin + clavulinic acid, and piperacillin + tazobactum. Klebsiella spp. was the most resistant isolate, while Enterococcus spp. was the most resistant among gram positive isolates. Changing antimicrobial pattern poses challenge in treating infective agents. This culture antibiogram helps in appropriate selection of antibiotics in our setting and eventually decrease antibiotic resistant and patient’s morbidity and mortality