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K. Sivagnanam , S. Rajasekaran , V. Narayanan , S. Subramanian

Abstract

Objective : The present work was aimed to evaluate the curative properties of Aloe vera leaf gel on experimentally induced ulcer in rats. Methods : Ethanol was used for the induction of ulcer. An aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaf gel was administered orally to ulcer rats. Total number of lesions in the gastric area, total volume, acidity, levels of protein and glycoprotein components were determined in the gastric juice. Results and conclusions : The observed decrease in the number of gastric lesions in the treated rats suggested the cytoprotective and acid regulating properties of the leaf gel.

Keywords

Aloe vera, Ulcer, Herbal Treatment, Acid Secretion

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Madan Mohan ¹, P. Kumar ¹, V. Narayanan ¹

Affiliations
1 Institute of Petroleum Exploration, Oil and Natural Gas Commission, Dehradun, IN

Abstract

The authors favour the placement of Palaeocene-Eocene boundary at the Pseudohastigerina wilcoxensis datum. In the Cauvery basin subsurface, seemingly continuous late Palaeocene-Early Eocene successions are known only in the basinal depressions, which have been exemplified by the Chidambaram well data. Unless the sequences are well represented by cores, problems arise in delineation of Palaeocene-Eocene boundary in the flanks of ridges/highs in Cauvery basin as the index Palaeocene planktonic foraminifera are sometimes found reworked in the Eocene zones.

The occurrence of Nummulites, whose earliest occurrence is lately being attributed to the basal Eocene in the European basins, in the Cauvery basin Palaeocene corresponding to the Globorotalia velascoensis and Globorotalia pseudomenardii Zones - has been stressed. Further research is necessary in order to establish the evolutionary appearance level of these camerinids in the Indian subcontinent.

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V. Narayanan ¹

Affiliations
1 Institute of Petroleum Exploration, ONGC, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun, IN

Abstract

Twenty-five species of planktonic foraminifera are identified from the marine sedimentary formations of the Uttatur Group cropping out in Trichinopoly area of the Cauvery Basin. Five zonal subdivisions are proposed for the Uttatur Group on the basis of local planktonic forminiferal sequences. These zones range in age from Albian to Early Turonian. The proposed zones are: Hedbergella planispira assemblage zone and Planomalina buxtorfi Range zone for Albian; Rotalipora evoluta Range Zone and Rotalipora reicheli Range zone for Cenomanian and Marginotruncana helvetica - M. sigali Assemblage zone for Turonian. A correlation between the Uttatur Group and its coeval in Trinidad, North America, Southern Europe and North Africa is attempted in terms of the established planktonic foraminiferal zones.

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V. Narayanan ¹, S. Pawar ², P. Rege ³

Affiliations
1 Medical Affairs, Wockhardt Ltd, Mumbai, IN
2 Bharatiya Arogyanidhi Hospital, Mumbai, IN
3 Dr Rege’s Clinic, Mumbai, IN

Abstract

Objective: To find the profile and management pattern of cough in out patients visiting family physicians (general practitioners) in India.

Material and methods: The survey was done in two phases (monsoon and winter). Parameters captured included occupational exposure of infection or irritant, duration of cough, history of similar episodes, nature, intensity and frequency of cough, associated symptoms, co-morbid conditions, concomitant medications, self-medication and drugs used for treatment of cough.

Result: Of the 5115 enrolled patients (male 69%; female 31%),2404 (47%)had exposure to infection or irritants at work place. Duration of cough was five days in 3069 (60%) patients while 5064 (99%) had similar episodes in last 12 months. Nature of cough in 2916 (57%) patients was dry with no or minimal sputum. A total of 1995 (39%) patients had two to six bouts of cough per day whereas six to ten cough bouts were reported by 1739 (34%) patients. Common associated symptoms were headache 1330 (26%), hoarseness of voice 1228(24%), sore throat/throat pain 1125 (22%), nasal stuffiness 972 (19%), runny nose 921(18%), sleep disturbances 818(16%), sneezing 665 (13%), fatigue/body ache 614 (12%) and fever 614 (12%). Allergic rhinitis and asthma was present in 2506 (49%) and 512 (10%) patients respectively. History of self-medication was present in only 614 (12%) patients which included OTC/herbal cough syrups. Adverse events related to self medication included sleep pattern disturbances (excess and reduced) reported by 51% patients. Antitussives, decongestants, antibiotics and antihistamines were prescribed in 4245 (83%), 4552 (89%), 2609 (51%) and 2456 (48%) patients respectively.

Conclusion: Patients with recurrent cough may have exposure to infection or irritants at the place of job. Dry cough with up to 10 bouts per day and atleast one similar episode history is the most common type of cough presenting to family physicians (general practitioners). Majority of patients seek medical opinion within five days of starting of cough symptom and self medication rate was low. Allergic rhinitis is the most common (49%) comorbid condition with cough. Antitussives, decongestants, antibiotics and antihistamines are the common medicines used for management of cough.

Keywords

Cough, India, Management.

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