BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. The chronic inflammation causes an associated increase in airway hyperresponsiveness that leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing at night or in the early morning. Most of the studies have reported, as the effects of yoga on bronchial asthma, significant improvements in pulmonary functions, quality of life, and decrease in medication use, but none of the studies has attempted to show the effect of yoga on biochemical changes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of yoga on biochemical profile of asthmatics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, 276 patients of mild to moderate asthma (FEV 1> 60%) aged between 12 to 60 years were recruited from the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, King George's Medical University, U.P., Lucknow, India. They were randomly divided into two groups: Yoga group (with standard medical treatment and yogic intervention) and control group as standard medical treatment (without yogic intervention). At completion of 6 months of the study period, 35 subjects were dropped out, so out of 276 subjects, only 241 subjects completed the whole study (121 subjects from yoga group and 120 subjects from control group). Biochemical assessment was carried out at baseline and after 6 months of the study period. RESULTS: In yoga group, there was significant improvement found in the proportion of hemoglobin and antioxidant superoxide dismutase in comparison to control group and significant decrease was found in total leukocyte count (TLC) and differential leukocytes count in comparison to control group. There was no significant change found in TLC, polymorphs, and monocytes in between group comparison. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga group got significantly better improvement in biochemical variables than control group. Result shows that yoga can be practiced as adjuvant therapy with standard inhalation therapy for better outcome of asthma.
The Indian medical education system has been able to pull through a major turnaround and has been successfully able to double the numbers of MBBS graduate (modern medicine training) positions during recent decades. With more than 479 medical schools, India has reached the capacity of an annual intake of 67,218 MBBS students at medical colleges regulated by the Medical Council of India. Additionally, India produces medical graduates in the “traditional Indian system of medicine,” regulated through Central Council for Indian Medicine. Considering the number of registered medical practitioners of both modern medicine (MBBS) and traditional medicine (AYUSH), India has already achieved the World Health Organization recommended doctor to population ratio of 1:1,000 the “Golden Finishing Line” in the year 2018 by most conservative estimates. It is indeed a matter of jubilation and celebration! Now, the time has come to critically analyze the whole premise of doctor–population ratio and its value. Public health experts and policy makers now need to move forward from the fixation and excuse of scarcity of doctors. There is an urgent need to focus on augmenting the fiscal capacity as well as development of infrastructure both in public and private health sectors toward addressing pressing healthcare needs of the growing population. It is also an opportunity to call for change in the public health discourse in India in the background of aspirations of attaining sustainable development goals by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
On the sāṅkhya and yoga systems of Indian philosophy as interpreted by Vijñānabhikṣu, fl. 1545-1550, in his Sāṅkhyapravac̣anabhāṣya and Yogavārttika.
BACKGROUND: Chronic illness is commonly associated with anxiety and depression. Both anxiety and depression respond to yoga. However, there is no report on the association between the intensity and duration of yoga practice with the benefits seen. AIM: The present study was intended to determine whether the daily duration of yoga practice and the duration of experience in months would predict anxiety and depression, associated with chronic illness. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seven hundred and sixty-three volunteers with ages between 14 and 86 years (group mean age standard deviation, 50.2 [14.2]) who attended a 7 day residential yoga camp in the north of India were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants had chronic illnesses, which were under control with treatment, and which were categorized and are detailed. Participants were assessed for state anxiety scores using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and for anxiety with hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS-A), and depression was assessed using HADS-D scores of the HADS. Linear multiple regression analyses were performed using PASW SPSS version 18.0 (Armonk, New York, U.S.) to determine how the daily and monthly duration of yoga practice could influence state anxiety, hospital anxiety and depression of the participants. RESULTS: Yoga practice in months and the time spent practicing yoga each day significantly predict the level of state anxiety (P < 0.001, P = 0.03) and HAD-A (P < 0.01, P < 0.01). The duration of yoga practice in months alone was a significant predictor of the HAD-D (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the duration of yoga practice in months and daily practice in minutes predict anxiety associated with chronic illness. In contrast the duration of yoga practice in months alone, predicted depression scores.
BACKGROUND: Chronic illness is commonly associated with anxiety and depression. Both anxiety and depression respond to yoga. However, there is no report on the association between the intensity and duration of yoga practice with the benefits seen. AIM: The present study was intended to determine whether the daily duration of yoga practice and the duration of experience in months would predict anxiety and depression, associated with chronic illness. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seven hundred and sixty-three volunteers with ages between 14 and 86 years (group mean age standard deviation, 50.2 [14.2]) who attended a 7 day residential yoga camp in the north of India were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants had chronic illnesses, which were under control with treatment, and which were categorized and are detailed. Participants were assessed for state anxiety scores using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and for anxiety with hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS-A), and depression was assessed using HADS-D scores of the HADS. Linear multiple regression analyses were performed using PASW SPSS version 18.0 (Armonk, New York, U.S.) to determine how the daily and monthly duration of yoga practice could influence state anxiety, hospital anxiety and depression of the participants. RESULTS: Yoga practice in months and the time spent practicing yoga each day significantly predict the level of state anxiety (P < 0.001, P = 0.03) and HAD-A (P < 0.01, P < 0.01). The duration of yoga practice in months alone was a significant predictor of the HAD-D (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the duration of yoga practice in months and daily practice in minutes predict anxiety associated with chronic illness. In contrast the duration of yoga practice in months alone, predicted depression scores.
This little book Sivasvarodya, herein presented for the first time, with an English Translation together with Roman version of the text, is an ancient Sanskrit Text of great importance and the only one extant which elucidates the Science of Predicting auspicious and inauspicious results based on the flow the breathing through one or the other nostril. It was initially revealed by Lord to His Divine Consort Parvati with specific instructions to keep it a closely guarded secret, revealed only to those who deserved. And in keeping with this spirit the science really remained so guarded a secret as to become almost extinct today. However, its importance and utility would atonce become evident to anyone as soon as he starts actions specified in it. Often the results start showing even within a week of its adoption. If one considers all the aspects of the Science, such as, the breathing nostril, reigning element, the planetary combinations and the signs of the zodiac, he can make scrupulously precise predictions about the success or failure in any walk of life and for any purpose, both for one's own self and for others. Although practice of this science is now becoming extinct, yet stray persons of older generation still observe some of the conditions laid down by the science, although without, knowing precisely either about this book or its major details, mainly because of the secrecy maintained about it. The taboo is still not lifted from its free revelation, but I have taken courage to place it with an English translation, together with Roman version of the Sanskrit text, before a wider circle of Readers, quite in defiance of the Tradition, simply to enable scientists to design research and validate or nullify its generalizations. Personally, however, I can say with my own experience that many of its precepts, if Practised with faith, do give positive results even within a few days of its adoption.
As is the case with most of the Sanskrit works, this Text also is at places either obscure or very difficult. Therefore, a mere translation of it might not have been sufficient. Hence I have made my translation explanatory rather than literal. Besides, a comprehensive Introduction has been given in the beginning, which contains a detailed summary of the Science with an explanation of all the Technical Terms used in it. Going through this Introduction before reading the Text or its translation, would considerably help is understanding the work in general and some of its obscurer passages in paticular.
If read with faith and dedication, I have firm belief that the work would prove beneficial in making the life prosperous and also help in the avoidance of many unforeseen adversities.
<p>The article focuses on the close relation between language and politics. Language is a voluntary vocal system of communication between individuals and between individuals and groups. Socio-cultural phenomena, politics being part of the entire social system, does not remain unaffected by the linguistic environment. Language is a powerful tool by which polticians transmit political conception and symbols of political power, ideologies and values. The article comes to the conclusion that as the awareness among people of a common linguistic community identity springing from their shared experience becomes a building bloc of national integration, it is important for the government to accord due place to each language and culture so that linguistic diversity in the nation attempts to foster the purposes of the politics of nation building. It is equally important to overcome a sense of alienation, seclusion, and discrimination and form a broader identity. The article includes a table containing the total population by mother tongue for Nepal in 1991. (Rajeev Ranjan Singh 2006-10-20)</p>
A rapid analytical method has been developed to determine xanthone and secoiridoid glycoside in <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo Swertia chirayita</i> extracts. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS) was applied and validated for the analysis of xanthone and secoiridoid glycoside a potential active component isolated from methanolic extracts of <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo Swertia chirayita</i> plantlets. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a RP-C18 column using gradient elution. Mangiferin (Xanthone), Amarogentin and Swertiamarin (Secoiridoid glycosides) were identified in both the extracts. In the LC/ESI-MS spectra, major [M + H] <sup>+</sup> and [M + Na] <sup>+</sup> ions were observed in positive ion mode and provided molecular mass information. An ultra-performance liquid-chromatography in combination with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry involving metal cationisation was successfully utilized for the rapid identification of xanthone and secoiridoid glycosides. This method is suitable for the routine analysis, as well as for the separation and identification of known and novel secoiridoid glycoside and xanthone.
<p>The article discusses Maithili consonants. Consonants can be defined in terms of both phonetics and phonology. This article looks into all types of phonologically distinctive consonant sounds in a variety of the 'standard' dialect of Maithili, and puts forward a description, classification, and phonemic analysis of the consonants of this Maithili language. The articulation of chief Maithili consonants is presented in a full page figure. (Rajeev Ranjan Singh 2007-02-21)</p>
<p>The article presents a description, classification, and phonemic analysis of the vowels and diphthongs of a dialect of Maithili. It also includes brief discussions on the vowel clusters in Maithili. (Rajeev Ranjan Singh 2007-02-16)</p>
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.
Do you find yourself ruminating about things you can't control? Worrying about those yet-to-complete goals and projects? What about just feeling like you're not the person you want to be?People who worry and ruminate find it difficult to stop anxiously anticipating future events and regretting or rethinking past actions. Left unchecked, this tendency can lead to mental health problems such as depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The Mindful Path Through Worry and Rumination offers powerful mindfulness strategies derived from Buddhist spiritual practices and proven psychological techniques to help you stop overthinking what you can't control-the future and the past-and learn how to find contentment in the present moment.
Do you find yourself ruminating about things you can't control? Worrying about those yet-to-complete goals and projects? What about just feeling like you're not the person you want to be?People who worry and ruminate find it difficult to stop anxiously anticipating future events and regretting or rethinking past actions. Left unchecked, this tendency can lead to mental health problems such as depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The Mindful Path Through Worry and Rumination offers powerful mindfulness strategies derived from Buddhist spiritual practices and proven psychological techniques to help you stop overthinking what you can't control-the future and the past-and learn how to find contentment in the present moment.
Do you find yourself ruminating about things you can't control? Worrying about those yet-to-complete goals and projects? What about just feeling like you're not the person you want to be?People who worry and ruminate find it difficult to stop anxiously anticipating future events and regretting or rethinking past actions. Left unchecked, this tendency can lead to mental health problems such as depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The Mindful Path Through Worry and Rumination offers powerful mindfulness strategies derived from Buddhist spiritual practices and proven psychological techniques to help you stop overthinking what you can't control-the future and the past-and learn how to find contentment in the present moment.
BACKGROUND: Yukyung karne (YK) is a traditional Tibetan formulation used for many centuries for the treatment of ovarian cancer. However, the pharmacological basis of its anticancer property is not well understood. In the present study, the anticancer property of YK was investigated in cell culture.METHODS: The growth inhibitory property of YK was evaluated in SKOV6, IHH, HepG2 and HEK293 cell lines using MTT assay. The pro-apoptotic activity of drug was analyzed by terminal deoxynuleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and DNA fragmentation assays. Confocal microscopy was used to show the release of cytochrome c and its co-localization with mitochondria with the help of dsRed mitotracker in SKOV6 cells. The inhibition in cell proliferation was also visualized by confocal microscopy after BrDU incorporation. The activation of tumor suppressor p53 was evaluated by Western blotting while VEGF levels in culture supernatant were measured by a colorimetric method.
RESULTS: YK specifically and efficiently induced apoptotic killing of the human ovarian cancer SKOV6 cells as indicated by increased DNA fragmentation and nick end DNA labeling. Confocal microscopy suggested inhibition of cell proliferation and increase in cytochrome c release via perturbation in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Further, YK up-regulated the expression of tumor suppressor p53 and key cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, and inhibited VEGF secretion by cells. Interestingly, YK also exhibited a synergy with paclitaxel which is a well-known anti-cancer therapeutic drug.
CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacological properties of YK to impose growth arrest and trigger pro-apoptotic death in cells amply justify its usage in primary as well as adjunct therapy for ovarian cancer.
BACKGROUND: Yukyung karne (YK) is a traditional Tibetan formulation used for many centuries for the treatment of ovarian cancer. However, the pharmacological basis of its anticancer property is not well understood. In the present study, the anticancer property of YK was investigated in cell culture. METHODS: The growth inhibitory property of YK was evaluated in SKOV6, IHH, HepG2 and HEK293 cell lines using MTT assay. The pro-apoptotic activity of drug was analyzed by terminal deoxynuleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and DNA fragmentation assays. Confocal microscopy was used to show the release of cytochrome c and its co-localization with mitochondria with the help of dsRed mitotracker in SKOV6 cells. The inhibition in cell proliferation was also visualized by confocal microscopy after BrDU incorporation. The activation of tumor suppressor p53 was evaluated by Western blotting while VEGF levels in culture supernatant were measured by a colorimetric method. RESULTS: YK specifically and efficiently induced apoptotic killing of the human ovarian cancer SKOV6 cells as indicated by increased DNA fragmentation and nick end DNA labeling. Confocal microscopy suggested inhibition of cell proliferation and increase in cytochrome c release via perturbation in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Further, YK up-regulated the expression of tumor suppressor p53 and key cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, and inhibited VEGF secretion by cells. Interestingly, YK also exhibited a synergy with paclitaxel which is a well-known anti-cancer therapeutic drug. CONCLUSIONS: The pharmacological properties of YK to impose growth arrest and trigger pro-apoptotic death in cells amply justify its usage in primary as well as adjunct therapy for ovarian cancer.
<p>The article is a study on the elision of the stops in Maithili. It discusses the morpho-phonology of the Maithili verbs. Among three areas which form a natural explanation - logical, psychological and phonetic -, here the concern is with the 'phonetic' plausibility of an analysis. (Rajeev Ranjan Singh 2007-03-04)</p>
<p>The article analyzes the main acoustic realizations of nasal vowels in Maithili. Maithili has phonologically distinctive nasal vowels. A list of test utterances containing the Maithili nasal vowels keeping the vowels both in isolation and in word contexts is included in a table. (Rajeev Ranjan Singh 2007-02-02)</p>
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