Increased electro-convulsive therapy stimulus intensity and cognitive functioning in manic patients

Background: Temporary changes in cognitive functions after electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) have been documented. The researchers are exploring if increasing the stimulus intensity of ECT produce better recovery from psychopathology also trying to map effects of increased stimulus intensity on side effects profile including cognitive functions. In the present study, we are reporting effects of increased stimulus intensity of ECT on cognitive functions in manic patients.Methods: The present study is a prospective analytical case control study conducted in the department of psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health and Hospital, Agra, after getting clearance from hospital ethical committee. The study included 60 patients with the diagnosis of manic psychopathologyfrom May 2018 to September 2019. Sample was divided into two groups: 1.5 times of threshold and 2.0 times of threshold. The ECT was delivered as per specified protocol of the study. The scores on Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were compared both within and between groups at baseline and follow up.Results: The results suggested that both level of stimulus intensity produced mild level of disruptions in cognitive functioning at follow ups and the higher stimulus intensity i.e. 2.0 times of threshold resulted in more impairment in cognitive functions.Conclusions: The impact of ECT by increasing its current intensity for two times, on cognitive functions as seen clinically, suggested no serious adverse effects on any of the patients included in the sample

New record of the stingless bee Tetragonula gressitti from India (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)

Tetragonula gressitti (Sakagami, 1978), currently known from southern Vietnam, is here reported for the first time from dense forests in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This new record is about 2000 km northwest of the type locality of T. gressitti in Vietnam and increases to seven the number of stingless bees known in India. Taxonomic comments on T. gressitti are also provided

Validated method for estimation of irbesartan in bulk and dosage form by high performance liquid chromatography technique

A simple, specific, accurate and precise new high performance liquid chromatographic method was developed for the estimation of irbesartan in bulk and its developed dosage form. The mobile phase containing acetonitrile: Phosphate buffer pH 3.5 in proportion of 50:50 v/v was employed with flow rate of1.0 ml/min and eluting medium was monitored at 240 nm. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification and robustness for irbesartan. A linear response was observed in the range of 5- 40μg/ml. Linear regression of absorbance on concentration gave equation y = 101.9x + 195.3 with a regression co-efficient r2 =0.993. The method was validated for different parameters as per the ICH guidelines. The degradation studies were carried out by using the developed method. Thus the method was found to be useful for the determination of irbesartan in bulk as well as for dosage forms

Student’s perceptions and feedback about teaching-learning pharmacology in Nepalgunj Medical College of Chisapani, Nepal

Background: Pharmacology, being both basic and applied science, forms the backbone of rational therapeutics in medical field. Understanding of current perceptions and opinions of medical students is important for the betterment of teaching-learning methodologies in pharmacology subject. This study done with the objective to determine the perception and feedback of teaching learning pharmacology.Methods: Descriptive cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted in Nepalgunj Medical College Chisapani, Banke Nepal, among second year MBBS students in September 2017. A questionnaire distributed in class and then collected. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).Results: Total 119 students, 78 male and 41 females participated in this study. The percentage average of agreed responses for 15 questions (58.92±19.53) was significant (p <0.05) when compared with the percentage average of the disagreed (5.42± 5.17). Seventy three (61.3%) students agreed that pharmacology is a favourite subject but the preferences for pharmacology as a subject in post-graduation was low (18.5%). High proportion of students wanted the faculty members to make more use of Audio-Visual aids 93.3%, case based learning 96.6%, more clinical pharmacology, 97.5%, group discussions, 88.2%, integration to clinical sciences 92.4% and 82.4% prefer MCQs to be introduced in the curriculum for effective learning.Conclusions: Introduction of integrated teaching, MCQs, case based, and group based discussion with clinical pharmacology and audio-visual aids was favoured by majority of the students. Regular reviewing perception and feedback of the students help teachers to plan the curriculum and improve the teaching methodologies

Resistance Status of the Malaria Vector Mosquitoes, Anopheles stephensi and Anopheles subpictus Towards Adulticides and Larvicides in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas of India

Susceptibility studies of malaria vectors Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae) and An. subpictus Grassi collected during 2004–2007 from various locations of Arid and Semi-Arid Zone of India were conducted by adulticide bioassay of DDT, malathion, deltamethrin and larvicide bioassay of fenthion, temephos, chlorpyriphos and malathion using diagnostic doses. Both species from all locations exhibited variable resistance to DDT and malathion from majority of location. Adults of both the species were susceptible to Deltamethrin. Larvae of both the Anopheline species showed some evidence of resistance to chlorpyriphos followed by fenthion whereas susceptible to temephos and malathion

The gender specific frequency of risk factor and CHD diagnoses prior to incident MI: A community study

BACKGROUND: CHD is a chronic disease often present years prior to incident AMI. Earlier recognition of CHD may be associated with higher levels of recognition and treatment of CHD risk factors that may delay incident AMI. To assess timing of CHD and CHD risk factor diagnoses prior to incident AMI. METHODS: This is a 10-year population based medical record review study that included all medical care providers in Olmsted County, Minnesota for all women and a sample of men residing in Olmsted County, MN with confirmed incident AMI between 1995 and 2000. RESULTS: All medical care for the 10 years prior to incident AMI was reviewed for 150 women and 148 men (38% sample) in Olmsted County, MN. On average, women were older than men at the time of incident AMI (74.7 versus 65.9 years, p < 0.0001). 30.4% of the men and 52.0% of the women received diagnoses of CHD prior to incident AMI (p = 0.0002). Unrecognized and untreated CHD risk factors were present in both men (45% of men 5 years prior to AMI) and women (22% of women 5 years prior to first AMI), more common in men and those without a diagnosis of CHD prior to incident AMI (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: A CHD diagnosis prior to incident AMI is associated with higher rates of recognition and treatment of CHD risk factors suggesting that diagnosing CHD prior to AMI enhances opportunities to lower the risk of future CHD events