Diet and Yogic Practices: Ideal Ways to Kindle Agni and Prevent Lifestyle Disorders

The lifestyle disorders are increasing exponentially throughout the world with India as the capital city. Lifestyle modification is the only answer for the prevention and management of this epidemic. Diet or food is the most important component of life. It is responsible for the sustenance of Prana. Conducive food taken in proper amount at proper time helps in maintenance of Agni and enhancement of Ojas, consequently resulting in better health and longevity. Yogic practices undoubtedly help in reduction of stress, along with bringing about harmony of internal and external environment thus helping in physical, mental as well as spiritual wellbeing of an individual. Thus a holistic approach would result in efficient management and prevention of a variety of lifestyle disorders in a cost effective manner without any side effects

Effect of integrated nutrient management and spacing on seed quality parameters of black gram cv. Lbg-625 (rashmi)

A field experiment was conducted to assess the response of nutrient levels and spacing on seed quality attributes of black gram cv. LBG-625 (Rashmi). Experimental results revealed that fertilizer application of 50:100:100 + Black gram rhizobia (250 g ha-1) + PSB- Bacillus megaterium (250 g ha-1) recorded highest test weight (39.27 g), germination (90.60%), root length (15.77 cm), shoot length (13.43 cm), mean seedling length (29.20 cm), mean seedling dry weight (57.99 mg), seedling vigour index-I (2656), seedling vigour index-II (525), total dehydrogenase activity (0.998), protein content (23.16%), field emergence (86.56 %) lowest electrical conductivity (0.813 dSm-1) were superior over other fertilizer treatments. Among the planting geometry 60 x 10 cm recorded more germination per cent (90.48 %) compared to 45 x 10 cm (87.64 %) and 30 x 10 cm (86.91 %). Interaction of nutrient levels and spacing through the application of 50:100:100 + black gram rhizobia (250 g ha-1) + PSB- B. megaterium (250 g ha-1) with planting geometry 60 x 10 cm recorded more mean seedling length (34.40 cm), mean seedling dry weight (58.30 mg),and field emergence (90.24 %) lowest electrical conductivity (0.776 dSm-1) compared to control. The application of 50:100:100 + Black gram rhizobia (250 g ha-1) + PSB- B. megaterium (250 g ha-1) with planting geometry 60 x 10 cm were considered as seed quality improvement approach in blackgram, therefore conjunctive use of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizer may be suggested for higher seed quality parameters along with overall betterment of crop

EFFECTIVENESS OF VAGINAL CONE THERAPY ON URINARY INCONTINENCE AMONG WOMEN IN SAVEETHA MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL, THANDALAM, CHENNAI

 Objectives: The present aims to assess the level of urinary incontinence in experimental and control group, to assess the effectiveness of vaginal cone therapy on urinary incontinence in experimental group and control group and to associate the post-test level of urinary incontinence with the selected demographic variables among women in the experimental group. Methods: A quantitative quasi-experimental research design was conducted among 60 women with urinary incontinence. Convenience sampling technique was used. Semi-structured interview method was used to collect the demographical data and level of urinary incontinence among women was assessed by urinary incontinence diagnosis questionnaire. Results: Among 60 samples in experimental group 26 women had a moderate level of urinary incontinence, and 4 women had slight urinary incontinence whereas in control group 24 women had moderate level of urinary incontinence and 6 women had slight urinary incontinence. The study results show significant improvement in level of urinary incontinence among experimental group than the control group after the intervention at the level of p<0.05. This reveals that vaginal cone therapy is highly significant in the experimental group because pelvic muscle strength had improved and allows the patient to increase the physiological consciousness and promotes the muscle tone after the use of a vaginal cone. Conclusion: This study proves that vaginal cone therapy is the effective non-pharmacological method, cost-effective method and had no side effects which can be used to treat female urinary incontinence

Development and validation of self-recorded swasthya assessment scale

Background: The Self-Recorded Swasthya Assessment Scale (SRSAS) is intended to develop a comprehensive questionnaire to assess the health status of an individual. SRSAS has three sections, namely physical, mental, and social health. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire has been prepared based on physical, mental, and social health parameters. In section 1, the questions of the physical fitness component are derived from International Fitness Scale and the questions of physical ill-health component are prepared on the basis of Swastha criteria described in literature from Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Kashyapa Samhita. In section 2, the mental toughness questions are prepared based on Ayurveda parameters and MTQ-48 and mental ill-health questions are prepared from Ayurveda parameters and guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association (2013), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition. The health status will be assessed based on the self-recorded response of the subjects. The time frame for the questions is the PAST WEEK. The questionnaire is designed to assess subject's USUAL abilities in their routine environment. Results: The questionnaire was administrated on 117 individuals. The data collected were statistically analyzed for internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha and for sampling adequacy by Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test. The Cronbach's alpha for the fitness group of questions and ill-health group of questions were 0.832 and 0.799, respectively. The KMO value for the fitness group of questions and ill-health group of questions were 0.791 and 0.588, respectively. Conclusion: The Cronbach's alpha and KMO value showing the internal consistency and sampling adequacy are acceptable. It is concluded that the questionnaire is reliable and valid to use to assess the health status of an individual according to Ayurveda

Efficacy of Prakriti specific Herbal Tea in Diabetes A Randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Prakriti has an influential role in diagnosis and management of any disease. Increasing pandemic of diabetes leads to early mortality and decreased quality of life due to severe complications and side effect of contemporary medicines. The present study reveals Prakriti specific combination of herbs in form of tea with antidiabetic effect and no side effects. Materials and methods: 115 patients were enrolled which was randomly distributed in 2 group. Group A was Prakriti specific Herbal tea trial group and Group B was control. Both subjective and objective parameters were assessed. Results:Highly significant results with p value <0.0001 were seen in Polyuria (Prabhutmutrata), Laziness (Alasya), Excess Sleep (Nidraadhikya), Dryness in Mouth(Gala Talu Shosha), Excessive Thirst (Ati Pipasa), with maximum improvement in Polyuria (Prabhutmutrata).Significant results were seen in Burning Sensation in hands and legs (Karpaddaha),Numbness in palm and foot (Karpadasuptata), Cramps (Pindikodweshtana). Highly significant results were seen in Fasting, Postprandial Blood sugar, HbA1c and urine fasting glucose was seen  in Prakriti specific Herbal tea group with p value <0.0001. Maximum improvement were seen in Kapha Prakriti patients with p value < 0.0001 followed by Vata Prakriti patients. Vata and Kapha Herbal Tea found equally effective.Conclusion: Prakriti specific Herbal Tea is a better option of Diabetes Mellitus with high efficacy

Effect of Certain Dinacharya Measures and Dietary Practices on Quality of Life of Elderly: A Cross Sectional Survey Study

Old age is sensitive period of life that needs extra care, so as to manage many of age related disorders that affect the quality of life of an elderly. As per Ayurveda, Ageing is a natural phenomenon.  To achieve the goal of maintaining the health, Dinacharya (daily regimen), which includes certain measures like body massage, head and feet massage, incorporation of milk and ghee in diet due to their rejuvenating effect and many more simple and effective modes. Aims: To assess the effect of certain Dinacharya (daily regimen) and dietary practices on quality of life of elderly Methodology: Cross sectional survey of 100 elderly in age group 60-90yrs residing in and around Delhi NCR was conducted. The data was collected with the help of specially designed questionnaire about practices of daily regimens and EQ-5D-5L questionnaire to assess quality of life. Observations and Results: The study shows that 72 % subjects had poor to average score with respect to EQ 5D scale. Regular adoption of daily regimen in the form of exercise (36 % subjects), intake of milk (46 % subjects) Intake of ghee (13 % subjects), proper sleep (85 % subjects) and body massage with oil (39 % subjects) and head massage with oil (39 % subjects) is moderate. Conclusion: Old age being a vulnerable period of life, healthy regimen should be adopted as early as possible to experience less morbidity during old age. Extensive adaptation of daily regimen as mentioned in Ayurveda is needed to reduce the health care burden causes due to geriatric dependency.&nbsp

Evaluating Ayurvedic mouthwash and soda-salt mouthwash for oral mucositis in head and neck cancer: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) or concurrent chemo-radiation (CCRT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) often suffer from side effects such as mucositis, xerostomia, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and pain, which are being managed symptomatically by alcohol-based mouthwashes. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of Ayurvedic mouthwash “Draksha Guduchyadi Kashaya” in reducing the severity of oral side effects of chemo-radiation. Material and methods: This concurrent parallel randomized controlled study was conducted at Sir Sunderlal Hospital, BHU, on 70 HNSCC patients scheduled to undergo RT/CCRT. Patients who met the inclusion-exclusion criteria were enrolled, and 35 were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (Ayurveda) or the control group using a simple random technique (lottery method). Blinding was not implemented in this study. Patients in the intervention group (Ayurveda) were instructed to perform kavala with 50 ml of “Draksha Guduchyadi Kashaya” for 2 min, ten times daily, while the control group performed 2-min gargling with soda-salt mouthwash ten times daily. Results: Out of the 70 patients enrolled, data from 60 patients were analyzed, revealing statistically significant differences in the onset of mucositis (p = 0.049), pharyngitis (p = 0.034), laryngitis (p = 0.009) and intensity of variables such as mucositis (p = 0.000), xerostomia (p = 0.046), pharyngitis (p = 0.002), laryngitis (p = 0.035), and pain (p = 0.000). These findings indicate that Ayurvedic mouthwash may be beneficial in managing the oral side effects of chemo-radiation in HNSCC. Conclusion: This AYUSH financially supported trial (Reg No: CTRI/2020/04/024672) demonstrates promise as a safe and cost-effective alternative for managing oral complications of RT/CCRT, offering complementary treatment for comprehensive cancer care

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast self-examination is associated with general self-care and cultural factors: a study from Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract Aim Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women. One form of care related to early detection of breast cancer is breast self-examination (BSE). However, evidence on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of BSE and its determining factors are minuscule in an Indian context. Therefore, the present study primarily examined the prevalence of KAP of BSE. Further, its association with general self-care and cultural factors was determined. Methods This cross-sectional study obtained data from 412 women (Mn age = 26.63) from two rural localities of Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India. Self-reported questionnaires of KAP of BSE, self-care, and cultural factors were applied. Statistical analyses include independent sample t-test and binomial logistic regression. Results The majority of the sample had inadequate knowledge (58%), unfavourable attitudes (73.8%), and poor practice (89.6%) of BSE. The general self-care among the sample was moderate. Self-care was found to be a significant predictor of knowledge (b = 0.07, p < .05) and attitude (b = 0.092, p < .05) toward BSE. Shyness was identified as a negative predictor of KAP. Discouraged breast health discussions predicted inadequate knowledge, and not being educated by family/friends had a negative impact on knowledge and practice. A preference for same-gender physicians led to an unfavourable attitude toward BSE. Conclusion The observed negative trends in KAP of BSE are concerning. The results imply that girls and women should be educated and encouraged to practice BSE and promote self-care behaviours. At the same time, efforts to reduce cultural barriers may be helpful to promote the KAP of BSE

A Rare Cytogenetic Presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML-M2)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21)(q22;q22) generating the AML1/ETO fusion gene on 8q22 is a distinct type of AML t(8;21) category (WHO)/AML-M2 (FAB), generally associated with a favourable prognosis. Variant additional chromosomal abnormalities are frequently reported. We report three adult cases of this category with unusual karyotype. Bone marrow cytogenetics of case no. 1: 45,X,-Y, t(8;21)(q13;q22) with a novel breakpoint of chromosome 8 at (q13). Case no. 2: 46,X,t(X;2)(q22;q37),t(3;7)(q21;q36),t(5;14)(p15;q11),del(8)(q22) a complex rearrangement without the involvement of chromosome 21. Case no. 3: 49,XX,+5, t(8;21)(q22;q22), +16, +der(21)t(8;21)(q22;q22) with additional der(21). Endometrial in this case which was positive for myeloperoxidase (MPO) and CD117 conforming the AML infiltration. All are morphologically AML with t(8;21). Relevant literature in cytogenetic of AML-M2 is reviewed. The molecular mechanism involved in unusual rearrangements and clinical significance of them are subjected for further studie