Antidepressant activity of Trigonella foenum leaves in Wistar albino rats

Background: To evaluate antidepressant activity of ethanolic extract of Trigonella foenum in animal models.Methods: A total of 60 healthy male Wistar albino rats weighing 220-250 grams were used and they were divided into 10 groups of 6 rats in each. First five groups (1st -5th) were evaluated by Forced Swim Test (FST) and remaining by Tail Suspension Test (TST). 1st group (control) received normal saline 10 mg/kg, 2nd group (standard) Imipramine 10 mg/kg and 3rd, 4th and 5th groups (test) respectively received Trigonella foenum leaf ethanolic extract [TFEE] in different doses 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg/kg per orally for 14 days. They were evaluated for antidepressant activity using FST after 60 minutes of drug administration on 14th day. Similarly, remaining five groups (6th to 10th) received the same drugs and evaluated using TST after 60 minutes of drug administration. Duration of immobility was noted for six minutes for each rat.Results: One way ANOVA and Tukey Krammer test were used for statistical analysis. The immobility periods were expressed in mean±SD. The immobility period in FST were 207.16±28.7, 50.08±2.9, 46.14±1.2, 40.5±3.4 and 40.0±3.6 seconds respectively for control, standard and three test groups of TFEE (100/200/400 mg/kg). Similarly, immobility periods of 163.11±31.9, 125.03±11.2, 138.81±16.44, 138.16±12.65, 127.58±4.3 seconds were noted for TST for remaining six groups. It was found that TFEE possess statistically significant (p<0.05) antidepressant activity, as evidenced by decrease in the immobility time in both the tests when compared to control group.Conclusions: Present study results demonstrated that TFEE possess antidepressant property in experimental models of depression

Preclinical evaluation of Boswellia serrata for anxiolytic activity

Background: Boswellia serrata (BS)has been described in the ancient Ayurvedic texts Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita. It possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-arthritic and antioxidant properties. It is found that BShelps in surging of GABA levels in mice brain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible anxiolytic activity of BSin Swiss albino mice by light and dark arena (LDA) and elevated plus maze (EPM) models.Methods: In this study, BS(50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg; p.o) was evaluated for anxiolytic action and compared with standard drug (diazepam) and control (normal saline) in mice by LDA and EPM models. In LDA, number of entries and time spent in light and dark boxes were noted for individual mouse. Similarly, number of entries and time spent in open and closed arms were recorded for EPM model.Results: One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s post-hoc test was used to analyze the data. BSin a dose of 50 mg/kg has shown significant increase in time spent in light box (p<0.05) and decrease in time spent in dark box (p<0.05) when compared to control group in LDA model. Similarly, in EPM model 200 mg/kg of BS significantly increased time spent in open arm (p<0.001) and decrease in time spent in closed arm (p<0.001) when compared to control group.Conclusion: BS in dose of 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg has significant anxiolytic action in animal models

A retrospective study on the clinical picture of COVID-19 patients associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in India

Background: The clinical characterization of COVID varies from mild to severe. In the initial phases of the disease, symptoms like fever, cough, and dyspnea can occur. The severity and outcome of COVID vary with preexisting conditions, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Objective of current study was to assess the clinical presentation and laboratory derangements of COVID-19 patients associated with T2DM.Methods: The present retrospective study was started after the approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee. Various clinical (Sp02, final diagnosis, co-morbidity, and outcome) and biochemical parameters (CBC, LFT, RFT, LDH, Trop I, CK-MB D-dimer, CRP, ferritin levels, RBS, HbA1c) of Covid-19 patients were collected from Central Laboratory and & Medical Record Department of our institution. Patient names were anonymized and data were analyzed. The results are expressed in percentages.Results: A total of 24 COVID-19 patients (with T2DM) details were collected from the medical record department and central laboratory. Out of 24 patients, 16 (66.6%) were male, and the remaining 08 (33.3%) were female. Out of 24, 05 patients had mild covid, 02 were moderate and the remaining 17 suffered from severe COVID. The mean values of oxygen saturation, LDH, D-dimer, Troponin-I, CRP, Ferritin, Procalcitonin, and CK-MB were 76%, 797.3 U/l, 1614.2 ng/ml, 6.93 ng/ml, 72.6 mg/dl, 521.2 µg/l, 2.33 µg/l and 40.59 ng/ml respectively. The average random blood sugar level and glycosylated hemoglobin were 308.8 mg/dl and HbA1c 10.22%. Mean values of 42.5 mg/dl and 1.54 mg/dl were recorded for blood urea and S. creatinine. Regarding liver function test, mean values of 0.87 mg/dl, 0.37 mg/dl, 0.49mg/dl, 344.8U/l, 115.6U/l,108U/l respectively noted for total bilirubin, direct, indirect, SGOT, SGPT and ALP. Regarding patient outcome, 09 (37.5%) patients recovered and 15 (62.5%) died due to COVID. The values of glycosylated Hb and random blood sugar among the 15 patients who died due to covid infection suggested uncontrolled diabetes Mellitus in 7 of them with associated hypertension and died due to septic shock. Conclusions: Though the laboratory mean values of the liver function test and renal function test shows moderate variations the mean values of CRP, LDH, Procalcitonin, and Ferritin which are the acute inflammatory markers are highly disrupted when compared to normal ranges. 

Analysis of lead and arsenic in cosmetics and assessment of students awareness about cosmetic toxicity

Background: Many people believe that all cosmetics are safe but there are number of studies proving that majority of the cosmetics contains heavy metals or other chemicals. In this study we selected two heavy metals arsenic and lead because as per the Indian scenario is concerned most of the Hindu and Muslim females uses lead/arsenic based cosmetics.Methods: For the qualitative/quantitative estimation to detect heavy metals such as arsenic and lead in cosmetics, 20 different types of cosmetics were purchased from local market, labelled and analysed by qualitative test for heavy metals method and ICP-AES Analysis of cosmetics method.Results: A questionnaire was framed out in English and analysis showed that students had an adverse effect while using cosmetic products. Preliminary analysis of some samples gave positive results and for confirmation these samples were sent to IIT Bombay for ICP-AES analysis. Some of the samples showed variable level of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. Highest concentration of lead and arsenic was found in Surma followed by Sindoor, lip balm and Kajal.Conclusions: Heavy metals are one of the major contaminant in our eco system. Apart from this a number of cosmetic products also contain the same. Chronic use of this kind of cosmetic products will leads heavy metal toxicity

WRIGHTIA TINCTORIA: AN OVERVIEW

Since from ancient times plants have always been used as a source of medicine since from olden days and play a very important component of the health care system in India. Wrightia tinctoria is also known as the jaundice curative tree which is useful for various diseases especially in south India. In this review, we have tried to discuss its general description and distribution, microscopy, chemical constituents, traditional uses, and their pharmacological action on the body, the morphological and anatomical aspects. Wrightia tinctoria has been assigned to have good analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antiulcer, antidysentric, antidiabetic, anticancer, antipyretic activities and also effective in the treatment of psoriasis. We hope that this review will help all the people dealing with Wrightia tinctoria to know its proper usage and their therapeutic uses, as this herb seems to be highly valuable. It will also create interest in development of new formulations with more therapeutic and economic value in future. Keywords: Jaundice curative tree, Wrightia tinctori

Blackboard versus PowerPoint presentation: Students opinion in medical education

Aim: The aim was to get the students opinion regarding blackboard and PowerPoint (PPT) presentation in 1st year medical students and to determine the advantages and disadvantages of both the methods. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire-based study was conducted in 1st year medical students. A total of 49 (n = 49) 1st year medical students were participated in the study. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire in English was used to collect data. A questionnaire containing 15 questions was used to assess views of students regarding blackboard and PPT teaching methods. Questionnaire forms were given after blackboard and PPT presentation on Biochemistry topic. Students were requested to fill the questionnaire forms and opine. Results: The results were analyzed by statistical analysis software version 16.0 (U.S.A) and expressed in percentages and displayed with the help of bar diagram and pie chart. In this study, blackboard teaching was the most preferred teaching aid (60.43%) compared to PPT teaching method (39.56%). However, more subject coverage (69.3%) and demonstrations of clinical conditions (69.3%) were better in PPT teaching when compared to blackboard teaching method. Conclusions: Blackboard teaching remains the best preferred teaching aid, which can be supplemented by PPT presentation for better understanding

Assessment and Correlation of Adverse Events Following Coronavirus Disease Vaccination with Blood Group and Dietary Style

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess and correlate adverse drug events following coronavirus disease (COVID) vaccination with blood group and dietary style. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study carried out from May 2021 to July 2021. A prevalidated Google questionnaire containing demographic details, dietary style, blood group, preexisting diseases, and adverse events of the COVID vaccine was circulated to all health-care professionals of our institution through mail/WhatsApp. Informed consent was obtained (in Google Forms) from all the participants after describing the purpose of the study and the assurance to maintain anonymity and confidentiality. A total of 102 responses were collected, out of which 100 (n = 100) responses were analyzed and interpreted (two responses were excluded since participants are not vaccinated). The descriptive statistical method is applied for the assessment of adverse events. The Chi-square test is applied to assess the correlation between adverse events with blood group and dietary style. P 0.05). Conclusion: The present study concludes that study participants experienced minor adverse events following Covishield and Covaxin; pain at the injection site, myalgia, and fever are more frequent. Moreover, there is a higher incidence of injection site pain in nonvegetarians compared to vegetarians. However, there is no significant association between other adverse events with blood group and dietary style of the participants

The Role of Clinical Pharmacist in Enhancement of Medication Adherence and Quality of Life in Bronchial Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are two of the leading causes of morbidity, mortality and economic burden worldwide. The burden of chronic respiratory disease has major adverse effects on the quality of life and ability of affected individuals. A variety of effective treatment options exist for patients with Asthma and COPD but long-term adherence to medications is required for treatment success. Aim of the study was to assess the adherence to medication and quality of life in Asthma and COPD patients using questionnaires, and to enhance adherence and quality of life using the strategies of counselling and education. The observational study was conducted for a period of 6 months, assessed medication adherence by Morisky self-reported questionnaires and quality of life by St. George’s Respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and 36 item short form health survey (SF-36). The study shows there was statistically significant improvement in medication adherence score (p&lt;0.05) and quality of life (p&lt;0.05) after pharmacist’s counselling regarding disease, medication and lifestyle. Comparison between various demographic factors like age, gender, co-morbidities, smoking index showed equal impact of pharmacist’s counselling on improvement of overall medication adherence and quality of life in Asthma and COPD patients. Overall medication adherence and quality of life improvement was found to be statistically significant in Asthma and COPD patients after counselling by clinical pharmacists. Clinical pharmacists must be considered as an integral element of healthcare system. Patient counselling is effective to resolve the problems associated with medication non-adherence and quality of life. Keywords: Asthma, COPD, Medication adherence, Quality of lif