EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CHIKUNGUNYA IN INDIA- A SHORT REVIEW

ABSTRACT  
Chikungunya is a viral infection triggered by CHIKV, which belongs to the alphavirus family and is transferred by the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes both  A. aegypti and A.albopictus to humans. During the post-storm season, the transmission of the infection increases due to the increase in the population of the mosquito. It demonstrates the same pathogenicity as dengue fever. The symptoms initiate within 4 and 7 days of the patient being chomped by the CHIKV- infected vector. Symptoms include high fever (40°C/104°F), chills, cerebral pain, regurgitation, joint agony (lower back, lower leg, ankles, wrists, or phalanges), muscle torment, nausea, fatigue rash, and arthralgia. It is thought that the important source, or stockpile, of mosquito Chikungunya infection, is Homo sapiens. In researching the data sets from 1948 to 2017 (69 years), we noted that more cases were recorded for Chikungunya especially from the eastern and western parts of India during the period 1982-2017 in contrast to 1948 -1981 when there was an unremitting increase in the standard temperature. Chikungunya instances began to spike during 1982-2016 when ordinary temperatures had risen to just 29°C. At the temperature (27- 34°C), A. aegypti and A. albopictus, the basic bearers, indicated a greater gnawing frequency, and the most amazing pervasive rodent of chikungunya instances (83.6 per million population) was accounted for in 2006-2017. This review was intended to determine the chikungunya’s status in India and to comprehend the risk factors associated with the growing incidence of chikungunya.
Keywords: Chikungunya, CHIKV, Epidemiology, Makonde plateau, Aedes aegyti, Aedes albopictus

DERMATOGLYPHIC PATTERNS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF COLLEGE STUDENTS: A RELATIONSHIP?

ABSTRACT  
Dermatoglyphics is the study of patterns of epidermal ridges and these patterns do not change through entire life and thus are unique features of identification. This study aimed at finding a relation between the dermatoglyphic patterns and the academic performance among the physiotherapy students of Teerthanker Mahaveer University with the sole intent of using these patterns for categorising students into above average, below average and average performance. A total of 100 physiotherapy students of 3rd and 4th year were included in the study (31 male and 69 female). The students were categorised as average, above average and below average performers on the basis of cumulative percentage of end term exams of last 2 years. The dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using the flat-bed scanner method. Students with above average academic performance had prevalence of loop pattern (Whorls 37 %, loops 58 %, arches 4 %) while students with below average academic performance had prevalence of whorl pattern (Whorls 58 %, loops 39 %, arches 2 %) and a negative correlation of ‘atd’ angle to the academic performance was observed. Thus, these patterns may be used as adjunct tool for identifying and differentiate individuals on the basis of academic performance so that different methods and educational strategies may be made a part of the curriculum for enhancing the performance of low scoring individuals.
Keywords: Dermatoglyphics, fingerprint, atd angle, academic performance

EFFECTIVENESS OF ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES IN FROZEN SHOULDER -A REVIEW ARTICLE

ABSTRACT  
Frozen Shoulder (FS) is also known as adhesive capsulitis with unknown aetiology, which are specified by the limitation of both active, passive ROM is in the shoulder. It is most general cause of shoulder pain which effects between 2% to 5% of the common population and 10% to 20 % population with diabetes. FS is most generally looked at in women’s than in males between 40-60 years of age; in 20-30% of cases, it can be both sides. The Active release technique is a non-invasive soft tissue method that simultaneously finds and separates scar tissue. In our review article, mostly all studies reported the effectiveness of the active release technique in orthopaedic conditions, but more research is needed.
Keywords: Active Release Technique, Frozen Shoulder, Adhesive Capsulitis, Musculoskeletal Disorders

EFFECT OF TETRA-ATAXIOMETRIC POSTUROGRAPHY PROGRAMS (TETRAX) ON STROKE PATIENTS WITH IMPAIRED STANDING BALANCE

ABSTRACT  
Patients are suffering from stroke experience balance dysfunction leading to poor weight shifts and reduced weight bearing on the affected lower limb. The Tetrax biofeedback system is a Centre of Pressure-controlled, video game-based exercise system designed for patients with balance dysfunction. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of using Tetrax balance games and conventional rehabilitation on the balance and mobility of subjects with impaired standing balance due to stroke. Design: Pretest-posttest Randomized Clinical Trial Method: A total of thirty patients (including male and female) who have suffered a stroke at least six months back, diagnosed with hemiplegia within the age group of 35-65 years with MMSE Score = 24 were recruited. Six subjects did not give their consent. Subjects were assigned to Group 1 (test group) and Group 2 (control group), using Convenience sampling. Group 1 (test group) consisted of 12 subjects (both male and female) and received conventional therapy and tetrax sessions. Group 2 (control group) consisted of 12 subjects (both male and female) and received only conventional therapy. All participants received conventional outpatient rehabilitation therapy (which accounted for an average of 60 minutes of physiotherapy for the control group and 40 minutes for the test group per day) three days a week in an outpatient setting. The test group received additional Tetrax biofeedback balance training three days per week (20 minutes per day) for four weeks in the same outpatient setting. The Tetrax system was equipped with four independent force plates under the toes and heels. The outcome measures of the study were BBs and FIMS. All outcome measures were evaluated pretest and posttest. Result: The means standard deviations of Improvement in BBS in test and control groups are 3.83 4.64 and 1.25 1.28, respectively. On applying the t-Test, we found the mean difference of 0.077 of Improvement in BBS in the test and control group is not significant. The means standard deviations of Improvement in FIMS in test and control groups are 2.83 2.24 and 1.75 1.21, respectively. On applying the t-Test, we found the mean difference of 0.156 of Improvement in FIMS in the test and control group is not significant. Conclusion: The current study found that both groups—those receiving only conventional therapy and those receiving a combination of tetrax and conventional therapy—improved their balance significantly, although there was no significant difference between them.
Keywords: Stroke, Tetrax, Balance, Weight shift in lower limbs, Postural Balance.

APPLICATION OF INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION IN FROZEN SHOULDER – A REVIEW ARTICLE

ABSTRACT  
Physical therapy is the basic treatment for frozen shoulder, a frequent disease in the middle-aged population. Several traditional therapy approaches have been shown effective in this situation. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM) is a relatively new therapy widely used for the speedier recovery of numerous sports-related injuries. IASTM also mobilises scar tissue and myofascial adhesions. This paper presents a brief review of IASTM in shoulder disorders and the use of IASTM to treat patients with shoulder injuries and disorders.
Keywords: Frozen shoulder, Adhesive capsulitis, IASTM, Soft tissue mobilization.

DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF A MICRONUTRIENT RICH TRADITIONAL INDIAN PRODUCT BY UTILIZATION OF LOCALLY AVAILABLE FOOD RESOURCES

ABSTRACT  
Malnutrition is a severe matter of concern among various countries due to modern lifestyles, especially the consumption of rapidly processed fast food. In 2018, a WHO and UNICEF study concluded that the SDG objective of eradicating all forms of malnutrition by 2030 was aspirational but unattainable and set targets for malnutrition indicators up to 2030 based on current trends. The present situation demands products rich in micronutrients, meet growth and development requirements, and are readily acceptable. A critical reason for such use of rice flour is its nonallergenic nature. A small proportion of the population is allergic to wheat gluten. Rice is widely used in baking for such wheat-intolerant people, i.e., those suffering from the coeliac disorder. Its nonallergenic property also makes rice one of the first cereals to be used in infant feeding. In this scenario, rice flour is preferred as the foremost choice for required sensory acceptability and a low-cost diet. Food-based approaches are recognised as an essential part of an urgently needed, more comprehensive strategy for improving nutrition by increasing the availability and consumption to combat calcium, iron, phosphorus and other micronutrient deficiencies. The combination of rice flour, beaten rice, banana, jaggery contains a high amount of energy protein with calcium and iron content. Such a combination of foods can enhance the nutritive value of homemade products, which can be beneficial for the malnourished population. The present study was undertaken to develop anarsa by combining banana, jaggery and rice flour using the air frying method. The developed product was evaluated for sensory attributes by a panel of 10 judges on 9 points hedonic rating scale. The calculated nutritive value from Indian Food Composition Tables (2017) showed that the product (100g) was not only had a high level of macronutrients, i.e. energy (3123.6 Kcal), carbohydrate (172.5g), protein (12.24g), fat (4.52g) but also rich in micronutrients like calcium (262.8mg), phosphorus (294.4mg) and iron (6.52mg). The product was packed and stored for 15 days at ambient temperature in an airtight container. At pre-evaluation, all the sensory parameters at the 9-point hedonic rating scale were found to be highly acceptable between ‘liked moderately’ (rating 8) to ‘liked very much. After 15 days of storage, all sensory parameters changed and were lying in-between ‘liked slightly’ (rating 6) to ‘liked moderately’ (rating 7). The changes in sensory parameters may be due to the darkening of jaggery and changes in the flavour of the product. Thus, it can be concluded that the development and consumption of novel foods from rice flour in combination with other foods like may banana, jaggery and poppy seeds may provide cost-effective and acceptable options for combating macro and micronutrient deficiencies.
Keywords: Rice flour, jaggery, banana, energy dense, mineral profile, sensory evaluation, malnutrition

PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE ROLE OF ADVANCEMENTS IN LABORATORY

ABSTRACT
Disease surveillance and diagnosis are essential aspects of public health management, and the role of laboratories contributes to this. Progress in the laboratory plays an essential role in public health through efficient and effective diagnosis, leading to better public health management. In this article, we have discussed how advancements in laboratories have contributed to public health by being efficient to diagnose and cost-effective, available to all economic strata.
Keywords: Public health, Diagnosis, Laboratories.

DEVELOPMENT OF IMMUNITY BOOSTING RELISH WITH ADDED HERBS

ABSTRACT
The leading challenge across the globe currently is COVID 19 pandemic. In the current situation, the only approach to survive is to strengthen the immune system. Traditional spices and herbs have been used as immunity enhancers in Indian cuisine since the dawn of time. Herbs and spices like holy basil, ashwagandha, chamomile, Indian long pepper, giloy, ginger, garlic, thyme, thuja, and turmeric have a plethora of beneficial properties and have several health benefits. The use of these herbs helps cure symptoms, improve immunity, and reduce the risk of infections to a great extent. Purpose: In this context, a relish that included immunity boosters like lemon, ginger, and herbs like chamomile and Indian long pepper was developed with three variations using honey, sugar, and jaggery as sweetening agents, respectively. Vitamin C in lemon helps boost health and fight disease. Gingerol, the bioactive compound in ginger, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helps in treating colds and soothing a sore throat. Piperine in long pepper helps fight infections. Chamomile is an ancient medicinal herb and has a quintessential role in treating the common cold, sore throat, cough, and flu symptoms because of bioactive compounds like chamazulene, quercetin, luteolin, and patuletin. Method: All three variations were standardized and tested for sensory evaluation on a nine-point Hedonic rating scale by a panel of ten judges. The products were stored in clean sterilized bottles for one month of study. The products developed are calorie dense and are rich in vitamin C content (17.69mg/100g). The recipe using honey and jaggery as a sweetening agent scored eight on the overall acceptability, while the product with sugar scored seven on the Hedonic rating scale. The same procedure was followed to prepare all except the fact that the recipe which had honey was not given the heat treatment before bottling. Probably, due to this reason, the presence of moisture was responsible for fungal growth on the sample with honey after 14 days. The other two variations (with jaggery and sugar) showed no spoilage signs and had the same acceptability even after one month. Conclusion: A wide variety of these medicinal herbs can be implemented in diet and supplementation to support the immune system. The products developed can be used for treating sore throat and dry cough. It can be enjoyed as a spread, chutney, or relish. A slight inclusion of these herbs and spices in the everyday diet in the form of these spreads will gradually improve immunity.
Keywords: lemon, ginger, chamomile, Indian long pepper, relish

MANUFACTURING INTERNAL CONTROL (AFB) SMEARS BY PHAS AND BAS TREATED SPUTUM SAMPLES

ABSTRACT  
Objective: Internal control smears were prepared using phenol ammonium sulfate (PhAS) and bleach ammonium sulfate (BAS) methods. Methods: A complete of 150 smears were prepared, 80 smears were stained, and two different technologists validated 60 smears. Results: Consistency was found to be true when compared with the quality consistency table for all grades in both methods, and M±2SD was within the boundaries. Conclusion: This study suggests that PhAS and BAS are alternate concentration methods for the preparation of internal control smears.
Keywords: Internal control, PhAS, BAS, sedimentation, grade suspension

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF CUPPNG THERAPY IN FROZEN SHOULDER: A REVIEW ARTICLE

ABSTRACT  
Frozen shoulder is a chronic aseptic inflammation caused by injury and degeneration of shoulder capsule and periarthritic soft tissue (including ligaments, muscles, tendons, synovial sacs, etc.). Cupping is gaining popularity in physical medicine due to its ease of use, lack of side effects, and pain relief. This study looked at the efficacy of cupping therapy for treating shoulder pain. However, because very little literature on the efficacy of cupping therapy in the frozen shoulder is available, further research is needed in this field.
Keywords: Cupping therapy, frozen shoulder, adhesive capsulitis, wet cupping therapy, dry cupping.