Role of Magnesium Supplementation in Children with West Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract Objectives West syndrome is a severe epileptic encephalopathy of young age. It is characterized by a clinico-electrical triad of infantile epileptic spasms, regression or arrest of psychomotor development, and hypsarrhythmia. In the last two decades, the large progress in the development of newer antiepileptic drugs has allowed us to have a vast choice of treatment options to control spasms, although they often fail to do so. Thus, there is a need to explore other treatment options. Materials & Methods Subjects in this open-labelled randomized control trial were included newly diagnosed children of age between 3 months and 5 years of both genders. A total of 52 children were recruited and randomized into two groups: an intervention group (n=30) and a non-intervention group (n=22). Magnesium sulphate was provided for the intervention group but not for the non-intervention one. Both groups received the rest of the treatments, including adrenocorticotropic hormone and antiepileptic drugs. The follow-up period was three months, at the end of which a per-protocol analysis was performed. Results There was no significant difference in seizure control and neurodevelopmental outcome between both groups, but electroencephalogram significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control. Also, the clinical response was better in patients with normal initial serum magnesium levels in the intervention group (p=0.003) than in other patients. Conclusion Magnesium supplementation may be helpful in children with West syndrom

Comparative analysis of medical pharmacology books based on competency based undergraduate curriculum followed by MBBS student in Rani Durgavati Medical College, Banda

Background: National Medical Commission (NMC) has implemented competency based undergraduate curriculum for training of new M.B.B.S. students. As per these curriculum authors of Medical Pharmacology books also changed their book content to fulfill the subject requirement.Methods: A systematic comparison of books carried out in department of pharmacology Rani Durgawati Medical College, Banda, Uttar Pradesh. There was comparison of 5 books of medical pharmacology of Indian author belongs to edition after 2019. The books included were Essentials of Medical Pharmacology (Jaypee Publication, 8th Edition, 2021), Medical Pharmacology (CBS Publishers And Distributors Pvt Ltd, 7th Edition, 2021), Pharmacology and Pharmacotherepeutics (Elsvier Publication, 26th Edition, 2021), Pharmacology for MBBS (Avichal Publication Company, 2nd edition, 2021) and Pharmacology for Medical Graduates (Elsvier Publication, 4th Edition, 2020). All the books were examined for the competencies described in the pharmacology syllabus. The table was prepared for the availability of topics according to the competencies of different section of syllabus. The chapter/page numbers mentioned in competency table were looked upon for the respective competencies and presence or absence of the topic was noted down.Results: All the books mainly covered competency given in the knowledge section of the syllabus. Few competencies in skill and communication sections were also covered in the text books.Conclusions: When all the five books were evaluated according to pharmacology competency in syllabus, none of the books covered whole pharmacology syllabus. This may be because authors considered the competency topics in skill and communication section as a part of practical or because many practical books or manuals are available in the market which covered topics in these sections

Anxiolytic potential of astaxanthin on experimental animal model

Background: Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in nature primarily in marine organisms. Carotenoids are well known for their therapeutic benefits in the aging process and various diseases, because of their antioxidant properties. Additionally, astaxanthin has well-documented anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating effects. It is a known fact that oxidative stress is associated with depression, anxiety, and related psychiatric disorders. Astaxanthin may also reduce oxidative stress in the nervous system, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Although astaxanthin has the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier and has a beneficial effect on the CNS, the effects of astaxanthin on anxiety and depression have not been reported.Methods: In this study, to investigate the effects of astaxanthin on anxiety, we performed some behavioural tests including elevated plus maze test, hole-board test, light/dark exploration test.Results: In elevated plus maze test the time spent in the closed arm by astaxanthin treated rats was significantly (P <0.05) decreased as compared to control. The number of readings in both the arms was significantly (P <0.05) increased in astaxanthin treated rats as compared to control. In hole board apparatus, it showed anxiolytic response by significantly reduced the number of head poking. Increased number of entries in the bright side and decrease of time spent by the animal in dark side were observed in the light/dark exploration test.Conclusions: The present study indicates that Astaxanthin produces anxiolytic response at the dose of 3 mg/kg on experimental animal model

Breeding Strategies for Improving Fodder Security in Semi-Arid Tropics (SAT)

Semi-Arid Tropic region extends in 55 countries of the world mostly developing nations which extend from Asia to Africa and provides home for 38 % of total poor of the world (Thornton et al., 2000). South Asia holds maximum areas under SAT which is followed by the countries from African continent and South America. The region is under tremendous change and facing acute problem of water, land degradation and soil health and loss of biodiversity. Demand for livestock product in the region is growing much more rapidly than the demand for food grains. Livestock numbers have increased significantly in all SAT regions for all categories of livestock over the last three decades. Increasing population of livestock in the region has created huge pressure on the available fodder resources. To meet the deficit in all components of fodder, dry crop residues and feed has to be met from either increasing productivity, utilizing untapped feed resources or increasing land area under fodder crops. The region primarily depends on annual dual purpose fodder crops viz., sorghum, pearlmillet, maize, oats, cowpea, clovers and perennial crops like lucerne and range grasses and legumes. The present paper deals about the current status, recent research and development and opportunities which can be effectively utilized for ensuring feed and fodder security in the region

Knowledge about obstetric danger signs among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in a tertiary care hospital of Delhi: a cross sectional study

Background: According to UNICEF, globally 800 million women die due to preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth; 20% of which occur in India. It is therefore imperative to understand the level of knowledge about danger signs among pregnant women to augment timely redressal of preventive obstetric causes of mortality.Methods: A hospital based, cross sectional study was conducted at the ANC Clinic in Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi from 2nd July to 27th July 2018. Convenient sampling was used to identify and interview 354 pregnant women, using a semi structured questionnaire. Data was entered and analysed with SPSSv21. Results were presented as frequencies and proportions. Chi square was used to test for association between qualitative variables, and p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: 48.3%, 35.6%, and 40.1% of pregnant women had knowledge about danger signs during pregnancy, labour and postpartum respectively. Majority of the women had knowledge about abdominal pain (58.4%) and severe fatigue (80.7%) as danger signs of pregnancy, while bleeding (82.5%) was the most common response as danger sign of labour. More than half had knowledge about heavy bleeding (59.9%) as danger sign of postpartum. The women lacked awareness about Convulsions (92.9%) as danger signs of pregnancy and labour, as well as smelly vaginal discharge (79.6%) in postpartum.Conclusions: Knowledge of obstetric danger signs among pregnant women is still lower. It needs further awareness as it can help in early diagnosis and referral of patients thus reducing maternal mortality and morbidity

Pharmacoeconomic analysis of brimonidine/timolol and travoprost 0.004% in the treatment of primary open angle glaucoma in Indian settings

Background: As we know primary open angle glaucoma need lifelong treatment. It possess financial burden to patient. We have done this study to compare the monthly cost and cost effectiveness of brimonidine /timolol fixed combi-nation and Travoprost 0.004% eye drops in patients of primary open angle glaucoma.Methods: Drops were dispensed at room temperature from 2.5-mL bottles of Travoprost, and 5ml of Brimonidine/Timolol. Two determinations of drop count were taken, each made from bottles held vertically and at a 45-degree angle. The total volumes of medication dispensed from each bottle were measured. Drops in five new bottles were counted and averaged for each drug. Drugs given to patients and asked them to come back with empty bottles for follow up after 2, 4, 8, 12 wks. IOP was measured and another bottle of drug is given. Average retail price was determined by survey of different brands available in market. Drop count, average retail price, and IOP reduction data were used to compute annual cost and cost effectiveness (annual cost per mmHg of IOP reduction) of both of the drugs.Results: Drops per 2.5ml bottle averaged 83 for Travoprost 0.004% and 100 drops per 5ml bottle for Brimonidine/Timolol. Average retail cost per bottle was 498 for Travoprost 0.004% and 204 for Brimonidine/Timolol. Annual re-tail cost was 3545 for Brimonidine/Timolol and 4910 for Travoprost 0.004%. Cost effectiveness ranges were 328 to 361 for Brimoni-dine/Timolol and 629 to 637 for Travoprost 0.004%.Conclusions: Brimonidine/Timolol had the lower monthly cost and annual cost and it is more cost effective than Travoprost 0.004%

PERFORMANCE OF VARIOUS RICE (Oryza sativa L.) VARIETIES UNDER VARIABLE NITROGEN LEVELS IN THE EASTERN UTTAR PRADESH

A field experiment was conducted at the Indo Gangetic plain of Varanasi in 2017 during the rainy season. The study was conducted in a split-plot design with three main plots treatments viz. three rice varieties (V1- BPT-5204, V2- Rajendra Kasturi and V3- HUBR 2-1) and four subplots treatments viz. nitrogen levels (N1- 100, N2- 120, N3- 140 and N4- 160 kg ha-1). Each treatment was replicated three times. The results of the study revealed that the BPT-5204 variety had significantly higher growth attributes as compared to the other two varieties, including plant height (104.92 cm), leaf area index (5.26),&nbsp; tiller hill-1 (8.25), and dry matter production &nbsp;(46.59 g hill-1), similarly yield and yield parameters were highest in BPT- 5204 rice variety viz. the number of panicles m-2 (352.50), grains panicle-1 (177.08), panicles weight (3.51g), panicle length (23.67 cm), grain yield (50.73q ha-1), biological yield (112.90 q ha-1) and harvest index (0.45) but HUBR 2-1 variety gave significantly higher straw yields (62.17q ha-1) and test weight (20.91 g). For the subplots treatments, nitrogen (N) level 160 kg ha-1 gave the significantly highest growth parameters, yield and yield parameters

A questionnaire-based study on knowledge and attitude towards counterfeit medication among the doctors in tertiary care hospital

Background: Counterfeit drugs are a global problem and suffered almost all developing and developed countries worldwide. In India, it is a major problem which results life threatening issues as well as financial loss on health system. So, we conducted a cross sectional questionnaire-based study on knowledge and exposure to counterfeit drugs of doctors at SHKM Govt. Medical College, Nuh, Haryana, India.Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed to 100 registered doctors. The questionnaire was based on knowledge, attitude and its consequence on the heath system by the practices of counterfeit medication.Results: There were Twenty questionnaires excluded from the study due to incomplete information. Only 57.77% (46/80) subjects having the knowledge of questionnaire correct meaning of counterfeit drug. However, almost 90% (72/80) subjects were aware about its dangerous effects. More than 50% of the subjects have suggested that modern technology is capable to control counterfeiting of the medicine.Conclusions: Counterfeit drugs create a people health hazard and waste to consumer income. The proper knowledge, awareness and modern technological approaches are the devices may helpful in diminution of counterfeit medication practices.

Grasspea: A Potential Fodder and Feed Resources

Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a an important legume crop grown in India, Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Pakistan for human food, animal feed and soil health improvement. In India, grasspea is grown in about 521,100 ha, mainly in Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Orissa, Assam, West Bengal, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Grasspea cultivation is low-cost and easy. Inherently grasspea possesses resistance to drought, excess moisture, salinity, diseases, and insect pests. As grasspea has an ambivalent reputation due to ODAP content in its plant parts, efforts are on to develop low or ODAP-free grasspea varieties with high biomass for dual purpose for human food and animal feed. A number of such varieties are now available in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Ethiopia. Grasspea is known as excellent feed and fodder crop for centuries as a main concentrate for horses (Anonymous, 1894). Livestock is a key component of farming systems in South Asia and in Africa, and most particularly with small and marginal farmers, estimated about 678 million, and indicates importance of livestock to their livelihoods (ILRI, 2000)

CONSTRAINTS FACED BY RESPONDENTS ON KISAN CREDIT CARD SCHEME AND SEEK THEIR SUGGESTIONS FOR BETTER SERVICES

The scheme Kisan credit card was started in August 1998 in order to provide timely and hassle free credit for the production requirements of the farmers. The main purpose of the scheme was to meet the production as well as consumption needs of the farmers. The present study was conducted in Soraon block of Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh. Ex-post facto research design was followed for the analysis. There are 20 blocks in the selected district out of that Soraon block was selected purposively because the existence of Kisan Credit Card scheme is comparatively more as compared to other blocks. There are 71 villages in the selected block out of that number of 6 villages was selected based on maximum number of farmers involved in KCC scheme. Total number of 120 respondents were selected randomly from 6 villages for the present study The major constraints faced by the respondents are High rate of interest on loan followed by Purpose of availing loan not accepting, Timeliness of credit, Delay by bank side and Duration of loan was very short. It was suggested that Credit limit to be increased considering family expenses, Extent of validity of card up to 5 years, Lower the interest rate, Repayment only after harvest, Flexibility to draw cash and Limit to be fixed on the basis of operational land holding, which will be lead all round development in the research area. View Article DOI: 10.47856/ijaast.2021.v08i10.01