Hasil untuk "Miscellaneous systems and treatments"

Piyush Jain, Shashikant Chandrakar, Pushpa Prasad Gupta et al.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop and optimize a topical organogel formulation of Sertaconazole nitrate (SN) using Cinnamon oil (CO) to enhance antifungal activity and improve dermal drug delivery. Methods: A 33 Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the formulation by varying three factors- Cinnamon oil, Carbopol-934 (CP), and Polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG) at three levels. Key responses measured were viscosity (VS), spreadability (SP), and drug content (DC). The formulations underwent physicochemical evaluations including homogeneity, pH, swelling index, moisture content, and extrudability. Results: The organogels had a skin-friendly pH ranging from 6.11 to 6.99, VS between 0.39 and 0.49 Pa.s, and SP from 20.40 to 26.45 g.cm/s-1. DC was consistently high (91.66% to 99.33%). The optimized batch (C11) showed excellent in vitro and ex vivo drug release (97.98% and 86.14%, respectively). Zeta potential of -24.60 mV indicated good physical stability. Drug deposition studies confirmed efficient skin penetration, with 85.45% retained in skin layers. Antifungal tests demonstrated strong activity against Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum, outperforming plain organogels and marketed formulations. Skin irritation and histopathology studies confirmed the formulation’s safety for topical use. Conclusion: The optimized Sertaconazole nitrate organogel (SNO) with CO is a stable, safe, and effective topical delivery system that enhances drug penetration and antifungal efficacy, making it a promising option for dermal antifungal therapy.

Nuray Yaşar Soydan, Ahmet Acıduman

Amaç: Bu çalışmada, Homeros’un (MÖ VIII.yüzyıl) Ἰλιάς (Ilias)/İlyada ve Ὀδύσσεια/Odysseia adlı destanlarında geçen Δίκη (Dike)/hak kavramı üzerine odaklanılmıştır. Bu bağlamda, Homeros toplumu içinde yaşanmış hak kavramıyla ilgili söylem ve uygulamalar, yaşanan anlaşmazlıklar, hak arayışları, sözel çözüm yöntemleri ve uygulanan sözel cezalar irdelenerek hangi etik ve adalet kuramların ilk örneklerini oluşturduğu gösterilmeye çalışılmıştır. Hak kavramı, hukuki bir terim olsa da uygulanan kararların doğru-yanlış, iyi-kötü olması, kavramın erdem ve değerler yönüyle de ele alınmasının gerekliliğini ortaya koymaktadır. Destanlarda geçen ὕβρις (hubris)/küstahlık, aιδώs (aidos)/utanç, (τime)/onur, μέτρoν (metron)/ölçülü olma gibi kavramlar da etik açıdan ele alınmıştır.Yöntem: Çalışmada Homeros’un Ἰλιάς destanı için Azra Erhat ve A. Kadir, Ὀδύσσεια destanı için ise Azra Erhat/A. Kadir ve Ahmet Cevat Emre’nin Türkçeye kazandırdığı çalışmalar kaynak olarak kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada metin çözümlemesi yöntemine başvurularak, destanlarda geçen Δίκη kavramının anlamları incelenmiş ve bulgular kısmında sunulmuştur. Bulgular: Bu inceleme sonucunda; Δίκη kavramının hukuki anlamda haksız davranış, hüküm vermek, pay, hukuk, karar, iddia, dava; sıfat anlamı olan doğru-dürüst anlamının da etik anlamda kullanıldığı saptanmıştır. Temel etik ilkelerden olan erdem ve ödev etiği ile adaletin temel ilkelerinden olan dağıtıcı ve düzeltici adalet ilkesi göze çarpan bulgular arasındadır. Dağıtıcı adalet ilkelerinden yararcılık, liyakatçilik ve eşitlik temelli yaklaşımların da ilk örneklerine rastlanılmıştır.Sonuç: Homeros destanlarında Δίκη kavramına farklı anlamların ve değerlerin yüklendiği görülmüştür. Tek bir kavramın etik ve adalet olmak üzere iki farklı kurama kaynaklık ettiği fark edilmiştir. Homeros destanlarının, temel etik ve adalet kuramlarının ilk örneklerini içermesi bakımından özgün eserler olarak önemli bir yere sahip olduğu düşünülmektedir.

Maria do Rosário dos Santos Barboza, Mariana Santiago de Sant’Ana, Yasmin da Silva Bitencourt et al.

Introdução: O Brasil está entre os principais países produtores de alimentos no mundo e conta com o Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar que busca garantir a segurança alimentar e nutricional dos estudantes da rede pública de ensino, além de valorizar e fortalecer a agricultura familiar. Com esta grande produção, a discussão sobre perdas e desperdícios merece atenção. Dessa forma, ações como a produção de compotas e conservas, podem promover maior acesso a alimentos, como as hortaliças e frutas, mesmo fora da sazonalidade e com menor desperdício. Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de uma oficina de produção de compotas e conservas saudáveis e sustentáveis. Relato da experiência: A ação ocorreu no Centro de Ciências da Saúde da Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia no segundo semestre de 2024. Contou com a participação de 90 alunos do ensino fundamental, na faixa etária de 13 a 15 anos, de escolas públicas de São Felipe, Bahia, Brasil. Durante esta ação, os escolares foram divididos em três grupos, com 30 pessoas em cada grupo, que se revezaram para garantir uma participação mais efetiva de todos na produção das conservas e compotas. Os grupos foram acompanhados por duas mediadoras nutricionistas e quatro monitoras discentes do curso de Nutrição da UFRB. Os alimentos foram adquiridos da agricultura familiar do município. Os alunos demonstraram interesse na execução das atividades e avaliaram positivamente a oficina (94% gostaram muito e 77% informaram seu conteúdo foi muito útil). Conclusão: A oficina demonstrou a importância de atividades que estimulem os escolares a refletirem sobre sustentabilidade e consumo dos alimentos, proporcionando uma experiência teórico-prática com a temática, além de incentivar a adoção de escolhas alimentares mais saudáveis e conscientes.

Niranjan A. Kedar, Basavaraj R. Tubaki, G. Krishna Priya et al.

Background: Insomnia disorder is a common sleep disorder. Mamsyadi Ghana Capsule (Ayurveda medication) is assessed for its role in the management of Insomnia disorder. Objective: The study was planned to evaluate the efficacy of Mamsyadi Ghana Capsule in the management of Insomnia disorder Methods: 50 patients attending the OPD of the institute, meeting the diagnostic criteria of Insomnia Disorder (DSM 5) of age group 20–80 years of both sex participated in the study. They were randomly divided and Tagara Churna group (TC) received Tagara Churna (Valeriana wallichi DC) 4 gram and Mamsyadi Ghana group (MG) received Mamsyadi Ghana Capsule 500 mg respectively thrice a day for 30 days. Evaluations were done through Insomnia severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness scale (ESS), Sleep diary recordings of past 15 days and depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). Clinical assessments were on 15th and 30th day. Blood parameters like haemoglobin, liver function tests, serum creatinine were evaluated at baseline and post study. Results: Study showed that Mamsyadi Ghana Capsule produced significant improvement compared to Tagara Churna in ISI and ESS (p = 0.01) and effect size was large. Both interventions were comparable in PSQI, DASS, sleep diary variables. Both the interventions produced significant improvement in ISI, ESS, PSQI, DASS (p < 0.001) and sleep diary variables on within group comparison. Serum Creatinine and Liver function tests showed that both the interventions had good safety profile. Conclusion: Study showed that Mamsyadi Ghana Capsule is better than the Tagara Churna in Insomnia Disorder and both showed anxiolytic and antidepressant effect.

Maria Eduarda Pizani e Silva, Lais Vignati Ferreira, Aline Megumi Arakawa Belaunde et al.

Este estudo teve o objetivo de compreender a relação entre a Fonoaudiologia e a atenção psicossocial nos serviços de saúde mental, por meio de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura realizada entre fevereiro e abril de 2021, nas bases de dados SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), BIREME (Centro Latino-Americano e do Caribe de Informação em Ciências da Saúde), LILACS (Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde) e PubMed, por meio da combinação de descritores do Medical Subject Heading Terms e Descritores em Ciências da Saúde. Foram considerados artigos publicados nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, sem restrição de período de publicação, cujo questionamento direcionador foi ‘Qual a relação entre a fonoaudiologia e os serviços de atenção psicossocial?’. A coleta dos dados foi realizada por duas pesquisadoras independentes. Foram localizados 43 artigos, dos quais, cinco foram incluídos no presente estudo. Todos os artigos estavam em português e eram nacionais. Dois artigos utilizaram como metodologia o estudo de caso e três tratavam-se de relatos de experiência. A Fonoaudiologia possui relação intrínseca com a atenção psicossocial e a saúde mental é uma área que esta profissão tem potencial para contribuir. Constata-se, porém, uma insuficiência na quantidade de artigos que abordam a atuação fonoaudiológica nos serviços de saúde mental sendo necessário maiores investimentos na realização de pesquisas a fim de respaldar o crescimento da atividade profissional.

Andrea Sturm, Roswith Roth, Amanda Louise Ager

Abstract Background There is a lack of knowledge about the ways physiotherapists around the world learn about professional code of ethics and ethical decision-making frameworks. The profession has a gap in the understanding about physiotherapists’ views on factors that play a role in ethical decision-making and whether these views differ between World Physiotherapy regions. Methods An online survey study in English was conducted from October 2018 to October 2019. Participants included 559 physiotherapists located in 72 countries. The self-designed survey questionnaire contained 13 items asking about demographic information and means of learning about ethical codes and decision-making frameworks. A further 30 items were presented which included statements underpinned with individual, organisational, situational and societal factors influencing ethical decision-making. Participants were asked to express their level of agreement or disagreement using a 5-point-Likert-scale. Results Participants’ highest rated responses endorsed that the professional role of physiotherapists is linked to social expectations of ethical behaviour and that ethical decision-making requires more skills than simply following a code of ethics. A recognisable organisational ethical culture was rated as supporting good ethical decisions. Comparing responses by World Physiotherapy regions showed significant differences in factors such as culture, religion, emotions, organisational values, significant others, consequences of professional misconduct and professional obligations. Entry level education was not perceived to provide a solid base for ethical decision-making in every World Physiotherapy region. Participants reported multiple sources for learning about a professional code of ethics and ethical decision-making frameworks. What’s more, the number of sources differed between World Physiotherapy regions. Conclusions Multiple factors play a role in physiotherapists’ ethical decision-making internationally. Physiotherapists’ ethical knowledge is informed by, and acquired from, several learning sources, which differ in both quality and quantity amongst World Physiotherapy regions. Easily accessible knowledge and education about professional codes of ethics and ethical decision-making can foster continuing professional development for physiotherapists. The establishment of constructive ethical cultures in workplaces can improve ethical decision-making, and should acknowledge the influence of individual, organisational, situational and societal factors. The establishment of collaborative learning environments can support knowledge translation which acknowledges practice-based methods of knowing and learning.

Eucenir Fredini Rocha, Fernanda Mariano de Moura Macedo, Camila Cristina Bortolozzo Ximenes de Souza

No Brasil, crianças com deficiência têm comumente seus direitos à educação violados. Ao serem impedidas de frequentar a escola regular, lhes é negada a participação em espaços formativos no âmbito pessoal, cognitivo, relacional e político, o que reforça, inclusive para a própria criança, uma lógica segregacionista. Aqui apresentam-se resultados parciais de uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória analítica, que teve por campo uma escola regular do Município de São Paulo. Teve como objetivo compreender quais os impactos da entrada na escola regular de crianças com deficiência sobre o cotidiano destas crianças e sua família, detectando os sentidos do processo de escolarização. Os dados foram coletados utilizando-se: 1) entrevistas semiestruturadas com pais e educadores de duas crianças com deficiência escolhidos intencionalmente; 2) genogramas e ecomapas das crianças para compreender sua rede de relações. A análise dos dados ocorreu segundo método abordagem da estrutura. Apesar de existirem entraves à efetivação da inclusão escolar, como preconceitos e vivências de uma inclusão perversa, estar na escola regular trouxe ganhos relacionais às crianças com deficiência, organizou seus cotidianos, e possibilitou novos horizontes para as crianças e suas famílias.

Tatiana Lucia Caetano, Karina Passero, Elen Leticia Evelyn Paulino Linaltevich et al.

O Centro Regional Interprofissional Especializado Pós-Covid (CRIE), é um serviço oferecido pela Universidade Regional de Blumenau (FURB) JUNTO com o Consórcio Intermunicipal de Saúde do Médio Vale do Itajaí (CISAMVI) que atende usuários com “condição pós-Covid”. A criação do CRIE ocorreu, inicialmente, por professores e técnicos da Policlínica Universitária (PU) da FURB que recebiam usuários após a fase aguda da COVID19, e apontavam a necessidade da interdisciplinaridade para a reabilitação. Sob a ótica da integração ensino-serviço-comunidade, da indissociabilidade da gestão e atenção, da integralidade do cuidado e da participação, realizou-se duas oficinas para construção da proposta metodológica e operacional do CRIE com a presença de técnicos da PU, professores dos cursos de graduação e pós-Graduação do Centro de Ciências da Saúde (CCS), e representantes da Secretaria de Promoção em Saúde de Blumenau. O referencial teórico das competências de Barr foi utilizado para identificação de competências comuns, colaborativas e específicas, dando corpo e sentido às propostas com objetivo comum de inovar no atendimento especializado. Pesquisa e extensão, aplicadas às demandas do usuário desse serviço também representam uma inovação, somente possível em um serviço-escola. Apesar do “desconforto inicial”, percebeu-se que, através do fazer coletivo e do diálogo horizontal, as propostas de trabalho foram se integrando. Assim o CRIE foi criado: com participação, integração entre ensino e serviço, reafirmando o papel da Universidade com a comunidade, com a formação e com a inovação. Palavras-chave: COVID-19. Reabilitação. Práticas Interdisciplinares.

Asha Dagar, Saurabh Kumar, Raghuveer Raghumahanti et al.

Abstract Background Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common condition in the elderly population. It is characterized by confusion, disorientation, memory complaints, as well as restricted attention, learning, and language abilities. Objectives The objective of this study was to compare the effect of internal and external cognitive training in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Methods Twenty-six patients with mild cognitive impairment participated in this study. An equal number of participants (n=13) were allocated into two groups, i.e., the internal cognitive training group (group A) and external cognitive training (group B). Cognitive training session was administered 40 min per day, at a frequency of 2 sessions per week, for a period of 4 weeks for both groups, and aerobic exercise was also performed for 15 min per day, for a period of 4 weeks. Outcome measures were undertaken at baseline and at the end of the 4th week. Results The result shows a significant improvement on MoCA components in the internal cognitive training group than the external cognitive training group (P<0.05). Conclusion It was concluded that the internal cognitive training (ICT) shows significant improvement on mild cognitive impairment in elderly as compared to external cognitive training (ECT).

J. Haxby Abbott, Ross Wilson, Yana Pryymachenko et al.

Abstract Background Understanding what an economic evaluation is, how to interpret it, and what it means for making choices in a health delivery context is necessary to contribute to decisions about healthcare resource allocation. The aim of this paper to demystify the working parts of a health economic evaluation, and explain to clinicians and clinical researchers how to read and interpret cost-effectiveness research. Main body This primer distils key content and constructs of economic evaluation studies, and explains health economic evaluation in plain language. We use the PICOT (participant, intervention, comparison, outcome, timeframe) clinical trial framework familiar to clinicians, clinical decision-makers, and clinical researchers, who may be unfamiliar with economics, as an aide to reading and interpreting cost-effectiveness research. We provide examples, primarily of physiotherapy interventions for osteoarthritis. Conclusions Economic evaluation studies are essential to improve decisions about allocating resources, whether those resources be your time, the capacity of your service, or the available funding across the entire healthcare system. The PICOT framework can be used to understand and interpret cost-effectiveness research.

Yang Liu, Jing Sun, Linying Zhong et al.

Objective: To determine the in vitro and in vivo absorption properties of active ingredients of the Chinese medicine, baicalein, to enrich mechanistic understanding of oral drug absorption. Methods: The Biopharmaceutic Classification System (BCS) category was determined using equilibrium solubility, intrinsic dissolution rate, and intestinal permeability to evaluate intestinal absorption mechanisms of baicalein in rats in vitro. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model commercial software GastroPlus™ was used to predict oral absorption of baicalein in vivo. Results: Based on equilibrium solubility, intrinsic dissolution rate, and permeability values of main absorptive segments in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, baicalein was classified as a drug with low solubility and high permeability. Intestinal perfusion with venous sampling (IPVS) revealed that baicalein was extensively metabolized in the body, which corresponded to the low bioavailability predicted by the PBPK model. Further, the PBPK model predicted the key indicators of BCS, leading to reclassification as BCS-II. Predicted values of peak plasma concentration of the drug (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) fell within two times of the error of the measured results, highlighting the superior prediction of absorption of baicalein in rats, beagles, and humans. The PBPK model supported in vitro and in vivo evidence and provided excellent prediction for this BCS class II drug. Conclusion: BCS and PBPK are complementary methods that enable comprehensive research of BCS parameters, intestinal absorption rate, metabolism, prediction of human absorption fraction and bioavailability, simulation of PK, and drug absorption in various intestinal segments across species. This combined approach may facilitate a more comprehensive and accurate analysis of the absorption characteristics of active ingredients of Chinese medicine from in vitro and in vivo perspectives.

Jayaraj Krupa, Jeyalatchagan Sureshkumar, Rajendran Silambarasan et al.

Background: Ethnobotanical studies are recognized as effective methods of finding locally important plants for discovery of crude drugs. Siddha medicinal system is prevailed in south Indian states principally in Tamil Nadu and gaining recognition as alternative medicine among the indigenous communities for their primary healthcare needs. Objectives: The study was aimed to explore and document folk medicinal plant knowledge among the local people in Puliyankudi village of Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and methods: An ethnobotanical study was carried out during February 2016 to January 2017 among the local people in study area. Traditional healers, traders, local vendors and local people who are practicing herbal medicines were approached for documentation of folk medicinal uses. Acquired results were further analyzed with descriptive statistical methods such as use value (UV) and informant consensus factor (ICF). Results: During the survey, a total 116 plant species from 49 families and 103 genera were recorded to treat 73 types of ailments. Among the plant parts used for preparation of medicine, leaves (73 reports) are often used and predominant method of preparation of medicine is paste (56 reports). Limonia acidissima was reported by all the interviewed informants with an UV of 0.98 and kidney problems have highest ICF value of 0.91. Conclusion: Plants with highest use values in the study indicates possible occurrence of valuable metabolites and should be investigated for associated pharmacological activities which leads to development of potential new drugs to treat various ailments. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Folk medicine, Medicinal plants, Thiruvarur district, Traditional healers

Disha Kesharwani, Rishi Paliwal, Trilochan Satapathy et al.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a severe autoimmune disorder, related to joints. It is associated with serious cartilage destruction. This causes disability and reduces the excellence of life. Numerous treatments are existed to combat this disease, however, they are not very efficient and possess severe side effects, higher doses, and frequent administration. Therefore, newer therapies are developed to overcome all these limitations. These include different monoclonal antibodies, immunoglobulins, small molecules used for immunotherapy and transgenes for gene therapy. One of the main goals of these new generation therapeutics is to address the underlying distressing biological processes by specifically targeting the causative agents with fewer systemic side effects and greater patient console. It is very fortuitous that loads of progressive investigations are going on in this field and many of them have entered into the successful clinical trial. But till date, a limited molecule has got FDA clearance and entered the market for treating this devastating disease. This review highlights the overview of conventional therapy and advancements in newer therapeutics including immunotherapy and gene therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Further, different novel techniques for the delivery of these therapeutics of active and passive targeting are also described.

Hnin Ei Thu, Isa Naina Mohamed, Zahid Hussain et al.

Background: Among the numerous well-documented medicinal herbs, Eurycoma longifolia (EL) has gained remarkable recognition due to its promising efficacy of stimulating bone formation in androgen-deficient osteoporosis. Though numerous animal studies have explored the bone-forming capacity of EL, the exact mechanism was yet to be explored. Objective(s): The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of bone-forming capacity of EL using MC3T3-E1 as an in vitro osteoblastic model. Materials and methods: The cell differentiation capacity of EL was investigated by evaluating cell growth, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, collagen deposition and mineralization. Taken together, time-mannered expression of bone-related mediators which include bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2), ALP, runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx-2), osteocalcin (OCN), type I collagen, osteopontin (OPN), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and androgen receptor (AR) were measured to comprehend bone-forming mechanism of EL. Results: Results demonstrated a superior cell differentiation efficacy of EL (particularly at a dose of 25 μg/mL) that was evidenced by dramatically increased cell growth, higher ALP activity, collagen deposition and mineralization compared to the testosterone. Results analysis of the bone-related protein biomarkers indicated that the expression of these mediators was well-regulated in EL-treated cell cultures compared to the control groups. These findings revealed potential molecular mechanism of EL for the prevention and treatment of male osteoporosis. Conclusion: The resulting data suggested that EL exhibited superior efficacy in stimulating bone formation via up-regulating the expression of various mitogenic proteins and thus can be considered as a potential natural alternative therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis. Keywords: Eurycoma longifolia, Osteoporosis, Bone formation, Molecular mechanism

Tatiana Barbieri Bombarda, Mauricio de Souza Moreira, Daniel Ferreira Dahdah et al.

Este artigo busca tecer reflexões a partir dos fundamentos técnico-legais da resolução do Conselho Federal de Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional (COFFITO), número 415, sancionada em 2012, a qual regulamenta o procedimento do registro terapêutico ocupacional em prontuário. Apresentamos o estado da arte das pesquisas sobre registro em prontuário no Brasil, as relações entre o raciocínio clínico/terapêutico e seu registro e as diretrizes da resolução COFFITO-415 de modo a elucidar tensionamentos, fragilidades e dar destaque às potências do registro em prontuário. Além disso, o artigo busca trabalhar alguns aspectos práticos para ampliar a prática de registro em prontuário na área.

Katarina Lauruschkus, Inger Hallström, Lena Westbom et al.

Abstract Background Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are less physically active and more sedentary than other children which implies risk factors for their physical and mental health. Physical activity on prescription (PAP) is an effective intervention to promote a lifestyle change towards increased physical activity in adults in general. Knowledge is lacking about the use of PAP in children with CP. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of PAP for children with CP and its effectiveness on participation in physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Methods Eleven children with CP, aged 7-11 years, participated in PAP, consisting of a written agreement between each child, their parents and the physiotherapist and based on Motivational Interviewing (MI), Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS). Individual goals, gross motor function and physical activity were assessed at baseline, at 8 and/or 11 months using COPM, GAS, logbooks, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-66), physical activity questionnaires, physical activity and heart rate monitors and time-use diaries. At 8 and 11 months the feasibility of the intervention and costs and time spent for the families and the physiotherapist were evaluated by questionnaires. Results The intervention was feasible according to the feasibility questionnaire. Each child participated in 1-3 self-selected physical activities during 3-6 months with support from the physiotherapist, and clinically meaningful increases from baseline of COPM and GAS scores were recorded. Being physically active at moderate-vigorous levels varied between less than 30 and more than 240 minutes/day, and the median for the whole group was 84 minutes/day at baseline and 106 minutes/day at 8 months. Conclusions The intervention PAP seems to be feasible and effective for children with CP, involving both every day and organised physical activities to promote an active lifestyle through increased participation, motivation, and engagement in physical activities. Further research of PAP is needed, preferably in a long term randomised controlled trial and including health economic analysis to show costs and benefits. Trial Registration ISRCTN76366356 , retrospectively registered.

MI ER Alfaro Lara, S. Pozo, MD Desongles Corrales et al.

C V Sruthi, A Sindhu

Background :The five kashayams (kwaths - decoctions) Manjishtadi kashayam (MK), Rasna erandadi kashayam (REK), Sahacharadhi kashayam (SK), Maharasnadi (or Rasna dwiguna bhagam) kashayam (MRK) and Dhanwantharam kashayam (DK) are widely used in the management of diseases manifested due to vitiation of vata and vatarakta (mostly diseases of connective tissues, bones, joints and nervous system). Free radicals are generated subsequent to the inflammatory changes in such conditions, and these cytotoxic reactive oxygen species cause oxidative damage to the cells. Phenolic compounds are the most common water soluble antioxidant compounds in plants. Objective : The present study aims at evaluating the phenolic content and antioxidant properties of these five kashayams and their probable protective role in the management of vata vyadhis. Materials and Method : The total phenolic contents of these five Ayurvedic decoctions were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu method and the antioxidant properties were estimated by DPPH (2′2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazine) radical scavenging activity. Result : MK exhibited higher property (total phenolic content-15.61 ± 0.006 mg/g wt, EC50-7.2μg/ml) when compared to other kashayams. DK with phenolic content 12.056 ± 0.004 mg/g wt and 22 μg/ml effective concentration for 50% inhibition comes next in the present study. REK, SK and MRK show almost similar phenolic content and antioxidant property. Conclusion : From the observations, it is seen that the total phenolic content and the antioxidant property of the products justify the protective and corrective effects produced by the products in vata and vatarakta disorders.

Balakrishnan Vandana, Lakshmiammal Saraswathy, Gowrikutty Krishna Pillai Suseeladevi et al.

Background: Relaxation techniques like meditation have been found to be beneficial in reducing stress. Aim: The aim was to find out the effect of the Integrated Amrita Meditation (IAM) technique on the response to life changes. Materials and Methods: The IAM technique, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) technique, and the Life Changes Questionnaire (LCQ) were used. LCQ was culturally adapted to the Indian population. One hundred and fifty subjects were randomized into IAM, PMR, and Control groups. LCQ scores were documented in all groups at 0 h, 48 h, 2 months, and 8 months after the training. Statistics Analysis: Within groups, comparison was done by the paired t-test and between groups by ANCOVA. Results: The new LCQ was analyzed using split-half reliability and was found to be having a correlation coefficient 0.96. On within group analysis, the IAM group showed a significant decrease in LCQ scores (P = 0.004) in the second visit which was maintained in the third (P = 0.003) and fourth visits (P = 0.001). Within the PMR group, there was a significant decrease (P = 0.006) in the third visit and fourth visits (P = 0.001). No significant change was seen within the control group in any of the visits. The decrease in LCQ scores in the IAM group was significant at the end of 8 months when compared to the Control group (P < 0.05) whereas the decrease in the PMR group was not significant in comparison with the control group. Conclusion: The IAM technique is an efficient tool in reducing stress as measured by LCQ.

Yang Jin-hu