Search

Background: Exposure to light from viewing devices at night disturbs the circadian rhythm, especially sleep. The study aimed to assess (a) extent to which smart phones are used by medical undergraduate students during bedtime and to find their quality of sleep (b) the association of quality of sleep and cell phone variables. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted among 450 medical undergraduate students. The participants completed Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and a validated semi structured questionnaire consisting of demographic details and cell phone variables. Results: By dividing the subjects into three groups according to their usage (Group I <1 hour, Group II 1 to 2 hours, Group III >2 hours), Group III respondents had significant prolonged sleep latency, reduced sleep duration, sleep inefficiency and daytime sleep disturbances (P < 0.05). Lack of awareness about night shift mode, lying posture use while using phone during bedtime correlated with poor quality sleep (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Awareness about the negative impact of evening exposure to viewing devices on sleep and health should be emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present study was designed to evaluate the physiological responses to noninvasive cardiovascular autonomic function tests in normal pregnancy and compare them with non- pregnant controls. All types of behavioral and hormonal changes occur in women especially during reproductive life. Therefore, it is worth, while to assess autonomic functions during various phases of woman's reproductive life. These would also help to predict any existing autonomic dysfunction during various phases of woman's life. The present study was designed to the physiological responses of parasympathetic activity tests of pregnant women 2nd &3rd trimester and non pregnant women in rural area. Materials and Methods: Variations in parasympathetic activity study was carried out in the Department of Physiology in Rural Medical College, Loni, Maharashtra during the period of Feb2012 to may 2015. Study population was 390 pregnant and non-pregnant women, pregnant and non-pregnant women are equally divided in to three groups during study period. Hence the total 390 women were interviewed and examined. Data were analysed statistically using ANOVA and Multiple Comparison analysis Results: In the present study, For parasympathetic activity, it was observed that heart rate response, E:I ratio and valsalva ratio were significant (p < 0.05) in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Conclusion: The study showed significant increase in heart rate response, E:I ratio and valsalva ratio in the 2nd &3rd trimester of pregnancy, reflecting parasympathetic activity as compared to non pregnant group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

VO2 was studied in 102 subjects in the 17-19 year age group consisting of two groups as 47 anemic (male-21, females-26) and 55 non anemic (males = 26, females-29) respectively. The hemoglobin concentration in anemic and nonanemic females was 9.21 ± 1.21 gm/dl and 11.68± 0.98 gm/dl and in males it was 11.12± 037 gm/dl and 12.86± 0.8.gm/dl VO2 max was determined by recording pulse rate and mechanical work done on bicycle ergo graph for 5 minutes. The mean value of VO in anemic and non-anemic males was 2.28± 0.44 (U min) and 3.98 ± 1.12 (L/min) and in females, it was 2.78 ± 1.06 (L/min) and 3.24± 1.13 (L/min) respectively. VO2 value was found to be less in anemic females as compared to anemic males. However VG2 max value showed significant difference between anemic and non-anemic subjects in both sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smoking is a common habit prevalent in both the urban and rural areas in India. Smoking is a well-known risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Pulmonary-function tests provide objective, quantifiable measures of lung function. The objective of the present study was to study and compare the pulmonary function tests among smokers and non-smokers in a rural area, to study the role of possible associated factors and relation of type, quantity and duration of smoking on the pulmonary function tests in Rural Maharashtra. The pulmonary function tests were assessed on computerized spirometer in 400 male subjects comprising of 200 smokers and 200 non smokers. Almost all the pulmonary function parameters were significantly reduced in smokers, more commonly in those aged 50 years and above. Obstructive pulmonary impairment was commonest among smokers. Thus by spirometry a spectrum of lung disorders may be detected at an early stage and subsequent morbidity can be minimized.