What are the effects of curcumin, whether alone or in conjunction with alternative therapy, on major depressive disorder?

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not curcumin, whether alone or in conjunction with alternative therapy, has an effect on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Study Design: Systematic review of 3 primary studies, published between 2013 and 2016. Data Sources: Three randomized control trials (RCT), two of which were double blind. These studies were found using Cochrane Systematic Reviews and PubMed. Outcomes Measured: Outcome for all three articles are symptomatic changes of MDD. The outcomes measured were Patient-Oriented Evidence that Matters (POEMS) and were assessed using various self-rated tools. Results: All three studies demonstrated an improvement in depressive symptoms compared to placebo or other control groups. In Lopresti, Maes et al., curcumin has a significant effect on symptoms compared to placebo (p=0.045).1 In Sanmukhani et al., an improvement was seen in the group receiving curcumin, although not statistically significant (p=0.58).2 Lastly, Lopresti, Drummond compared placebo to low-dose curcumin, high-dose curcumin, and low-dose curcumin combined with saffron. In this study, drug treatment with curcumin had a positive effect on patients with depression (p=0.012), although there was no difference between the differing curcumin doses or curcumin/saffron combination.3 Conclusions: Curcumin does appear to be safe and effective for adults suffering from MDD. Two out of the three trials included in this systematic review were able to show significant data in support of the positive effects of curcumin. The use of curcumin for symptomatic relief in MDD is promising, however, more RCT must be done to support this

Statistical approximation properties of Stancu type qq-Baskakov-Kantorovich operators

In the present paper, we consider Stancu type generalization of Baskakov-Kantorovich operators based on the q-integers and obtain statistical and weighted statistical approximation properties of these operators. Rates of statistical convergence by means of the modulus of continuity and the Lipschitz type function are also established for said operators. Finally, we construct a bivariate generalization of the operator and also obtain the statistical approximation properties.Comment: 16. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1508.0586

Aetiological analysis of primary amenorrhea: a retrospective study

Background: Primary amenorrhea is defined as the failure to reach menarche. Primary amenorrhea is the lack of menses by age 15 with secondary sex characteristics, or at 13 with absence of secondary sex characteristics. Objective was to determine various etiological factors of primary amenorrhea in Gynecological practice.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a Gynae clinic in Shivpuri and a Maternity hospital in Gwalior from January 2015 to December 2019.  Results: A total of 57 of the patients were evaluated in the study period. Most of the patients were unmarried adolescent girls (71.92%). The most common presenting symptom was, not attained menarche (36.84%). Based on the presence or absence of breast and uterus: group, I – breast present and uterus present 13 cases (22.77%), group II - breast present and uterus absent 26 cases (45.61%), group III - breast absent and uterus present 17cases (29.79%), group IV - breast absent and uterus absent 1 case (1.75%) were present. The most common etiological factors were Mullerian Agenesis 22 cases (38.60%) and Gonadal dysgenesis 7 cases (12.28%). (56.14 %) cases were normogonadotropic, followed by (15.78%) cases were of Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, (14.03%) hypogonotropic hypogonadism and (14.03%) were of hyperendrogenism and others causes. In cases of Mullerian abnormalities, in findings of renal ultrasound or IVP (72.72%) cases were normal.Conclusions: The most common etiological factors of primary amenorrhea were Mullerian Agenesis. Amenorrhea is a common problem encountered by the primary care physician. A thorough history and clinical examination are needed for differential diagnosis

Second law analysis of MHD Casson and Maxwell fluid flow over a permeable stretching sheet with homogenous heterogeneous reactions and variable heat source

Entropy generation analysis of MHD Casson and Maxwell fluid flow over a stretching sheet with space and temperature dependent non-uniform heat source/sink with porous media has been explored. Using appropriate similarity transformations, governing equations have been changed into ODE’s, and solved numerically using RK-fourth order method with shooting technique. The impact of pertinent parameters on velocity, temperature, entropy and Bejan number has been presented graphically. The skin friction and Nusselt number have been obtained and tabulated

The maternal and fetal outcome of repeat previous one caesarean section

Background: The rates of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes have increased significantly in the last decade. Patients with repeated caesarean deliveries also have a greater risk of placenta previa, placenta accrete, uterine rupture, bowel and bladder injury, and unplanned hysterectomy.Methods: This retrospective study was performed between 01 April 2017 to 31 March 2021, at a private hospital to know about the surgical difficulties and maternal and neonatal complications encountered in cases of repeated LSCS. The outcome of 1028 women admitted with a history of previous LSCS was studied.Results: The 613 patients were given a trial of labour. 40.07% of patients delivered normally. The most common indication for repeat LSCS was CPD in 20.94% and fetal distress 20.12%. The most common complication observed was adhesion in 37.65%. Scar dehiscence in 8.92 %, scar rupture in 0.64%, uterine atony in 4.8%, placenta previa in 3.57%, placenta accrete in 0.64%, injury to the bladder was seen in 0.97%, caesarean hysterectomy was done in only 2 cases and gaped wound was found in 1.13% of cases. 19.15% of neonates were admitted to NICU. Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes in 14.77%. premature neonates were 8.44% RDS was found in 7.62%, birth asphyxia was found in 2.92% cases and neonatal sepsis was found in 1.13%.Conclusions: The dramatic increase in caesarean section rates over the past three decades has been associated with a corresponding increase in maternal morbidity but there a continuous decrease in neonatal morbidity and mortality rates because of advances in neonatal medicine

Metabolic syndrome in patients with chronic plaque psoriatic disease: a case-control study from western Uttar Pradesh, India

Background: Various studies on psoriasis and metabolic syndrome have shown a large variation in their results. An increasing frequency is imposing a substantial burden on the overall health of psoriasis patients that needs to be appropriately foreseen and addressed. Aim of this study was to study various aspects of metabolic syndrome in patients with chronic plaque psoriatic disease in northern Indian region.Methods: A cohort of patients registering for treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis at Dermatology outpatients’ department formed the study population. Detailed history was captured. General physical examination was carried out. A thorough cutaneous examination was undertaken which captured details on type, distribution and arrangement of primary lesions and secondary changes in patients. After overnight fasting, venous blood samples were collected from the subjects and were analysed for serum glucose, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol. Results: Metabolic syndrome in psoriasis was associated with higher age. Gender wise male preponderance was observed. Among the psoriasis cases, 64% had metabolic syndrome whereas among the control subjects 48% had the condition (p-value 0.158). The mean for serum triglyceride level for psoriasis patients (159.42 mg/dL) was higher than controls (144.25 mg/dL). Forty six percent of cases fulfilled elevated triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl as a criterion of metabolic syndrome, compared to 40% of controls. Conclusions: We observed a higher frequency of metabolic syndrome among psoriasis cases in a northern Indian population. An association of dyslipidemia with psoriasis was also noted. Routine screening of the condition to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment should be undertaken

INHIBITION OF PYOCYANIN PRODUCTION IN PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA BY NATURAL ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOUNDS FROM HERBAL EXTRACTS

Objective: P. aeruginosa produces a range of metabolites including pyocyanin that enhance its ability to resist antibiotics and becomes capable of surviving adverse conditions.Method: In this report, eight plants (extracted with five solvents) were screened for antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa by microbroth dilution method. Afterward tested for inhibition of pyocyanin in presence and absence of plant extracts.Result: Among these D. muricata and S. quitoenes exhibited good antibacterial potential. Inhibition of pyocyanin is identified as a potential anti-virulence strategy. Therefore, acetone extract of six plants exhibited MIC ≤3.125mg/ml and methanol extract of three plants exhibited MIC ≤6.25mg/ml were used to check pyocyanin inhibition in P. aeruginosa. In acetone extracts, significant pyocyanin inhibition was found in I. pestigirdis and C. colocynthis. In methanol extracts, C. colocynthis and D. muricata showed considerable pyocyanin inhibition.Conclusion: Overall result indicates that the best antimicrobial compound (growth inhibitor) may not be best inhibitor of pyocyanin biosynthesis or vice-versa. Moreover, I. pestigirdis, C. colocynthis and D. muricata seems to contain compounds which inhibit the growth of bacteria as well as the biosynthesis of pyocyanin.Â

Assessment of Osteoporosis (Asthi-Majja Kshaya) w.s.r. to BMD with Dashmool Majja Siddha Sneha Basti

Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue consequentially leading to increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. According to principle of Ashraya-Asharayi Bhava, Asthi and Vata are inversely proportional to each other regarding to the Vriddhi and Kshaya. The symptoms of AsthiMajja Kshaya resembles to osteoporosis. Dashmool and Majjadravyas have direct affinity towards Asthi Dhatu, already diagnosed and non-operated case of osteoporosis with complaints of pain of bilateral hip joint and Lower back pain, restricted movements and limping gait approached the out-patient division of the hospital and was managed by Panchakarma therapy. The aim of the study is to find out the Probable efficacy and accepted activities of osteogenesis and ossification by the DMSSB (changes in T and Z score of BMD before and after intervention). Significant improvement was noticed after the treatment. Pain was reduced significantly with marked improvement in range of motion