Effect of Yoga on pulmonary function tests

Background: Yoga is considered to be a very good exercise for maintaining proper health. The present work was planned to find effects of 10 weeks Yoga practice on some pulmonary function tests.Methods: The present study was conducted on 40 subjects, (30 males and 10 females) who came voluntarily as subjects for the project with written and informed consent. It was a prospective study on healthy volunteers from both sex of age between 20 to 65 years. Various Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) were measured.Results: Respiratory rate was decreased while Breath Holding Time (BHT) and Maximum Ventilatory Volume (MVV) were found to be increased in both male and female subjects.Conclusions: From this study we conclude that yoga practice can be advocated to improve respiratory efficiency for   healthy individuals as well as an alternative therapy or as adjunct to conventional therapy in respiratory diseases.

Comparative study of serum lipid profile between prehypertensive and normotensive

Background: Prehypertensive subjects have greater risk of developing hypertension than the normotensive subjects. Studies have shown that lipid profile is altered in hypertensive patients as compare to normotensive subjects. But not much is documented about lipid profile in prehypertensives. So the present study is done to compare the serum lipid profile among prehypertensive and normotensives and to correlate the blood pressure and lipid profile in prehypertensives.Methods: 50 prehypertensive and 50 normotensive subjects were recruited from the general population. Blood pressures were recorded and serum lipid profiles were measured and compare using student t test. Correlation of serum lipid profile and blood pressure was done using person correlation.Results: The study results showed significant increased in total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and serum triglyceride level in prehypertensives compare to normotensives. While there is no significant change in HDL level in prehypertensive compare to normotensive. And there is also a significant correlation between blood pressure and lipid profile in prehypertensive subjects.Conclusion: Lipid profile is altered in prehypertensives compare to normotensives. That’s why timely diagnoses and life style modification is required in prehypertensives.

Izdvajanje, identifikacija i molekularna karakterizacija izolata vrste Pasteurella multocida izdvojenih iz emua (Dromaius novaehollandiae) u državi Gujarat, Indija.

A total of 168 samples (bone marrow, lung tissue, liver and blood clot) were collected from 42 dead emus suspected to have died from fowl cholera. Samples were subjected for cultural isolation on blood agar. Of these, a total of 22 isolates of Pasteurella spp. were isolated and characterized biochemically and identified as P. multocida by PCR. Isolates were later tested for capsular type by multiplex PCR assay and all were found to be of capsular type A. This is the first report on the isolation, identification and molecular characterization of P. multocida from emu in the state of Gujarat, India. This study has revealed that emus are also susceptible to P. multocida (fowl cholera) and can act as a potential carrier of the organism.Ukupno je 168 uzoraka (koštane srži, tkiva plućiju, jetre i krvnih ugrušaka) bilo prikupljeno od 42 emua uginula pod sumnjom na koleru peradi. Uzorci su bili nacijepljeni na krvni agar. Ukupno su bila izdvojena 22 izolata Pasteurella spp. te su biokemijski i lančanom reakcijom polimerazom identificirani kao vrsta P. multocida. Izolati su zatim bili pretraženi na kapsulni tip višestrukom lančanom reakcijom polimerazom te je ustanovljeno da su svi pripadali kapsulnom tipu A. Ovo je prvo izvješće o izdvajanju, identifikaciji i molekularnoj karakterizaciji vrste P. multocida izdvojenoj iz emua u državi Gujarat u Indiji. Istraživanje je pokazalo da je i emu prijemljiv na infekciju vrstom P. multocida, uzročnikom kolere peradi te može biti njezin kliconoša

Izdvajanje, identifikacija i molekularna karakterizacija izolata vrste Pasteurella multocida izdvojenih iz emua (Dromaius novaehollandiae) u državi Gujarat, Indija.

A total of 168 samples (bone marrow, lung tissue, liver and blood clot) were collected from 42 dead emus suspected to have died from fowl cholera. Samples were subjected for cultural isolation on blood agar. Of these, a total of 22 isolates of Pasteurella spp. were isolated and characterized biochemically and identified as P. multocida by PCR. Isolates were later tested for capsular type by multiplex PCR assay and all were found to be of capsular type A. This is the first report on the isolation, identification and molecular characterization of P. multocida from emu in the state of Gujarat, India. This study has revealed that emus are also susceptible to P. multocida (fowl cholera) and can act as a potential carrier of the organism.Ukupno je 168 uzoraka (koštane srži, tkiva plućiju, jetre i krvnih ugrušaka) bilo prikupljeno od 42 emua uginula pod sumnjom na koleru peradi. Uzorci su bili nacijepljeni na krvni agar. Ukupno su bila izdvojena 22 izolata Pasteurella spp. te su biokemijski i lančanom reakcijom polimerazom identificirani kao vrsta P. multocida. Izolati su zatim bili pretraženi na kapsulni tip višestrukom lančanom reakcijom polimerazom te je ustanovljeno da su svi pripadali kapsulnom tipu A. Ovo je prvo izvješće o izdvajanju, identifikaciji i molekularnoj karakterizaciji vrste P. multocida izdvojenoj iz emua u državi Gujarat u Indiji. Istraživanje je pokazalo da je i emu prijemljiv na infekciju vrstom P. multocida, uzročnikom kolere peradi te može biti njezin kliconoša

Calibration of the charge and energy loss per unit length of the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber using muons and protons

We describe a method used to calibrate the position- and time-dependent response of the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber anode wires to ionization particle energy loss. The method makes use of crossing cosmic-ray muons to partially correct anode wire signals for multiple effects as a function of time and position, including cross-connected TPC wires, space charge effects, electron attachment to impurities, diffusion, and recombination. The overall energy scale is then determined using fully-contained beam-induced muons originating and stopping in the active region of the detector. Using this method, we obtain an absolute energy scale uncertainty of 2% in data. We use stopping protons to further refine the relation between the measured charge and the energy loss for highly-ionizing particles. This data-driven detector calibration improves both the measurement of total deposited energy and particle identification based on energy loss per unit length as a function of residual range. As an example, the proton selection efficiency is increased by 2% after detector calibration

Reconstruction and measurement of (100) MeV energy electromagnetic activity from π0 arrow γγ decays in the MicroBooNE LArTPC

We present results on the reconstruction of electromagnetic (EM) activity from photons produced in charged current νμ interactions with final state π0s. We employ a fully-automated reconstruction chain capable of identifying EM showers of (100) MeV energy, relying on a combination of traditional reconstruction techniques together with novel machine-learning approaches. These studies demonstrate good energy resolution, and good agreement between data and simulation, relying on the reconstructed invariant π0 mass and other photon distributions for validation. The reconstruction techniques developed are applied to a selection of νμ + Ar → μ + π0 + X candidate events to demonstrate the potential for calorimetric separation of photons from electrons and reconstruction of π0 kinematics

Spring cleaning as a safety risk: results of a population-based study in two consecutive years

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Spring cleaning is a popular tradition in Iran as well as in many other countries. The purpose of our study was to determine the pattern and compare the incidence of spring cleaning related injuries in Tehran, in the years 2007 and 2008.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In the year 2007, a household survey was performed in Tehran by random cluster sampling. The survey was repeated in May 2008 with the same clusters and starting points, but different households. The incidence of spring cleaning related injuries, the age and sex of injured person(s), the mechanism, type and cost of injuries were recorded through semi-structured interviews. The incidence rates of injuries and injuries leading to health visits (severe) according to sex and age groups were calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS and STATA statistical softwares.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The incidence of all and severe spring cleaning related injuries were 3.8 (3.0 - 4.8) and 1.6 (1.1-2.3) per 1000, respectively. The most common mechanisms of injuries were falls, followed by cutting and lifting heavy objects or overexertion. Falls were also the main mechanism of severe injuries. The most common injuries were open wounds, followed by superficial injuries (including contusions) and sprain and strain. Among severe injuries, the most frequent injuries were open wounds and contusions, followed by dislocations. The injuries were most common among women with an incidence of about 8.4 per 1000 in women older than 18 years of age (severe injuries: 3.4 per 1000 (2.2-5.1)).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The incidence of spring cleaning related injuries is high enough to raise concern in health system authorities. It could be estimated that about 23,927 to 38,283 persons get injured during the spring cleaning in Tehran at the beginning of every Persian new year. In addition, about 8,773-18,344 of these cases are expected to be severe enough to lead to medical attention (considering 7,975,679 as the population of Tehran at the time of study). Improving awareness of families, especially young women, regarding the scope and importance of spring cleaning safety can be suggested as the first population-based strategy to decrease the incidence of these injuries.</p

Identification of priority health conditions for field-based screening in urban slums in Bangalore, India

BACKGROUND: Urban slums are characterised by unique challenging living conditions, which increase their inhabitants' vulnerability to specific health conditions. The identification and prioritization of the key health issues occurring in these settings is essential for the development of programmes that aim to enhance the health of local slum communities effectively. As such, the present study sought to identify and prioritise the key health issues occurring in urban slums, with a focus on the perceptions of health professionals and community workers, in the rapidly growing city of Bangalore, India. METHODS: The study followed a two-phased mixed methods design. During Phase I of the study, a total of 60 health conditions belonging to four major categories: - 1) non-communicable diseases; 2) infectious diseases; 3) maternal and women's reproductive health; and 4) child health - were identified through a systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews conducted with health professionals and other relevant stakeholders with experience working with urban slum communities in Bangalore. In Phase II, the health issues were prioritised based on four criteria through a consensus workshop conducted in Bangalore. RESULTS: The top health issues prioritized during the workshop were: diabetes and hypertension (non-communicable diseases category), dengue fever (infectious diseases category), malnutrition and anaemia (child health, and maternal and women's reproductive health categories). Diarrhoea was also selected as a top priority in children. These health issues were in line with national and international reports that listed them as top causes of mortality and major contributors to the burden of diseases in India. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study will be used to inform the development of technologies and the design of interventions to improve the health outcomes of local communities. Identification of priority health issues in the slums of other regions of India, and in other low and lower middle-income countries, is recommended

Effect of Body Mass Index on work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational stress of computer workers in a developed ergonomic setup

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Work urgency, accuracy and demands compel the computer professionals to spend longer hours before computers without giving importance to their health, especially body weight. Increase of body weight leads to improper Body Mass Index (BMI) may aggravate work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational-psychosocial stress. The objective of the study was to find out the effect of BMI on work related musculoskeletal discomforts and occupational stress of computer workers in a developed ergonomic setup.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A descriptive inferential study has been taken to analyze the effect of BMI on work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational-psychosocial stress. A total of 100 computer workers, aged 25-35 years randomly selected on convenience from software and BPO companies in Bangalore city, India for the participation in this study. BMI was calculated by taking the ratio of the subject's height (in meter) and weight (in kilogram). Work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational stress of the subjects was assessed by Cornell University's musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire (CMDQ) and occupational stress index (OSI) respectively as well as a relationship was checked with their BMI.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A significant association (p < 0.001) was seen among high BMI subjects with their increase scores of musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational stress.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>From this study, it has been concluded that, there is a significant effect of BMI in increasing of work related musculoskeletal discomfort and occupational-psychosocial stress among computer workers in a developed ergonomic setup.</p