Posted by admin on May 31, 2026 in |
Introduction: 1st year M.B.B.S. students are exposed to Formaldehyde, used as a component of embalming mixture for Anatomy Dissection classes and to preserve organ specimen. Formaldehyde is known to cause irritation of respiratory tract and causes inflammation, mediators released like histamine, serotonin cause contraction of smooth muscle of bronchi. Lung Function Tests such as FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC % are used to analyze respiratory health since they are reliable indices that aid in early detection of pulmonary disorders. Materials and Methods: The effect of formaldehyde (due to exposure to formalin) with respect to 3 parameters (FVC, FEV1 & FEV1/FVC%) of Pulmonary Function Tests among 150 healthy first year M.B.B.S. students aged 17 to 23 years (72 Females, 78 Males) was studied in the Physiology Department of Government Medical College, Patiala from December 2022 to December 2023. Spirometry was performed at the beginning of the session (before the start of anatomy dissection or classes on preserved organ specimen) to get the pre-exposure (0 month) values of FVC, FEV1 & FEV1/FVC%...
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Posted by admin on May 31, 2026 in |
Nanotechnology has revolutionized multiple scientific domains, especially biomedical sciences. Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) due to their unique properties find a wide application in biomedicine, food, agriculture, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, textile, rubber and electronic industries. Green synthesis of ZnO NPs employing plant-based extracts is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional chemical synthesis. Present study explores the potential of Indian Spices viz. Brassica hirta (Yellow Mustard), Piper cubeba (Kabab Chini), and Amomum subulatum (Black Cardamom) as reducing and stabilizing agents in green synthesis of ZnO NPs and its detailed characterization with respect to UV-Visible Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). The UV-Visible spectra of the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles revealed the absorption maxima in the range between 290-350 nm which confirms the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. The XRD pattern confirmed the crystalline nature and hexagonal wurtzite structure of the ZnO NPs. The FESEM analysis revealed the cylindrical shape in case of Brassica hirta ZnO NPs, hexagonal shape in case of Piper cubeba ZnO NPs and irregular...
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Posted by admin on May 31, 2026 in |
Background: Currency notes are frequently exchanged during daily transactions and can act as potential vehicles for the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. In developing countries, especially in street food settings, poor hygiene practices further increase the risk of microbial contamination and disease transmission. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess microbial contamination of Indian currency notes collected from street food vendors in Central India. A total of 130 currency notes of different denominations (₹10, ₹20, ₹50, ₹100, and ₹500) were aseptically collected and processed using standard microbiological techniques. Isolation and identification of microorganisms were performed through culture, Gram staining, and biochemical tests. Results: The study out of 130 currency notes examined, 112 (86.4%) showed microbial contamination, yielding 121 bacterial isolates. The highest contamination was observed in lower denomination notes, particularly ₹10 (93.5%) and ₹20 (89.5%), while the least contamination was observed in ₹500 notes (71.4%). The predominant bacterial isolates were Klebsiella spp. (28.9%), followed by Bacillus spp. (18.2%), Escherichia coli (17.4%), Pseudomonas spp. (14.9%), Micrococcus spp. (12.4%),...
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Posted by admin on May 31, 2026 in |
Background: Anticholinergic effects of drugs, particularly those prescribed to geriatric patients, have garnered significant attention due to their potential to induce a range of adverse outcomes, including cognitive decline, urinary retention, and increased risk of falls. Anticholinergic medications function by blocking the action of acetylcholine, neurotransmitter crucial for numerous involuntary bodily functions, and their use is prevalent in treating conditions – depression, anxiety & respiratory disorders among older adults. The clinical implications of these medications are profound, as older individuals often possess heightened vulnerability to their side effects, exacerbated by polypharmacy, age-related physiological changes. Evidence increasingly suggests, long-term use of these may lead to increased anticholinergic burden, associated with severe cognitive impairment and potentially contributing to the development of dementia. Objectives: Assess the anticholinergic burden in geriatric patients attending the medicine OPD. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted during the period of mid-September to mid-November 2024, after approval from IEC(H) of the institute. Prescriptions of all geriatric patients above 60 years assessed after taking consent from prescribing physicians...
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Posted by admin on May 31, 2026 in |
Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major global cause of mortality and long-term disability, primarily due to thrombotic or embolic occlusion of intracranial arteries. Neuroprotective agents such as citicoline and piracetam have been shown to limit acute neuronal injury and enhance functional recovery. However, there remains no universally proven pharmacological therapy for the acute phase of AIS. Methods: This randomized, open-label study included patients with moderate-to-severe AIS admitted to Bangalore Medical College. Sixty patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either citicoline monotherapy or a combination of citicoline and piracetam, initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset. Functional recovery at 90 days was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRs). Safety was evaluated by monitoring adverse drug reactions. Results: At baseline, mean NIHSS and mRs scores were 15.6 ± 4.74 and 4.13 ± 0.68 in the citicoline group, and 16.93 ± 4.99 and 4.1 ± 0.63 in the combination group, respectively. After 12 weeks, NIHSS scores improved...
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