Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) is used in Ayurveda for dyspepsia (amlapitta) and as a galactogogue. It was hence compared with a modern drug, metoclopramide, which is used in dyspepsia to reduce gastric emptying time. Gastric emptying half- time (GE t1/2) was studied in 8 healthy male volunteers using a cross-over design. The basal GE t1/2 in volunteers was 159.9 +/- 45.9 min (mean +/- SD) which was reduced to 101 +/- 40.8 min by Shatavari (p less than 0.001) and to 85.3 +/- 21.9 by metoclopramide (p less than 0.001). Metoclopramide and Shatavari did not differ significantly in their effects.

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Impedance Plethysmography technique has been discussed with explanation of two compartment model and parallel conductor theory for the estimation of peripheral blood flow and stroke volume. Various methods for signal enhancement to facilitate computation of blood flow are briefly described. Source of error in the estimation of peripheral blood flow is identified and the correction has been suggested.

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Neuralgic amyotrophy or brachial plexus neuralgia is a condition of uncertain etiology. It needs to be differentiated from the usual brachial plexus injuries. Nerves outside the plexus especially the spinal accessory nerve are involved. Neuralgia is also a feature. Four cases were followed-up in detail over a period of two years. The condition usually resolves almost completely on its own.

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High-risk pregnancies were followed up with antepartum foetal heart testing, in terms of perinatal mortality, Apgar score and incidence of caesarian section for foetal distress to look for the significance of a nonreactive nonstress test in 143 cases. The mean sensitivity was 65.64%, mean positive predictive value was 23.12%, and mean false positive rate was 76.87% for the nonreactive test results.

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This paper describes the basic methods for measurement of body impedance, electrodes and their configuration, and the measuring instrument with its limitations. A microcomputer assisted impedance plethysmograph system, developed at BARC and different lead configurations for impedance plethysmographic investigation are also described. Typical impedance plethysmographic waveforms recorded from a normal subject and measurement of their amplitude and various time intervals are illustrated.

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A review of investigations into the origin of impedance plethysmographic waveform is presented in this article. Attempts made by several investigators in the comparison of impedance plethysmographic estimations of peripheral blood flow with that obtained by standard methods are briefly described. Investigations indicating the negligible contribution from contact impedance at body electrode interface are highlighted. Temporal correlation of impedance plethysmographic waveform recorded from thorax with various important events of the cardiac cycle is summarised and various hypotheses on the genesis of this waveform are presented.

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Thirty chronic schizophrenic patients completed 12 week treatment with a single weekly dose of 20 mg penfluridol, a new long acting oral neuroleptic. The patients were evaluated by using modified rating scale. Significant reduction in scores was demonstrated in 15 out of 26 symptom variables. Few side effects were reported which were easily controlled by conventional antiparkinson agents. Laboratory investigations remained within normal limits.

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A total of 150 patients with cutaneous candidiasis were studied. A detailed clinical history was taken. Scrapings were examined in 10% KOH, and the material cultured on Sabouraud's agar. Species were identified by the serum germ tube test, sugar fermentation and sugar assimilation tests. Of 150 patients 79 were females. The commonest presentation was intertrigo (75), vulvovaginitis (19) and paronychia (17). A history of chronic exposure to water was obtained in 94 cases, all had erosio interdigitalis blastomycetica and/or paronychia. Diabetes melltius as a predisposing factor was observed in 22 patients. The 10 cases of balanoposthitis had associated diabetes mellitus. Smear and culture were positive in all the patients. C. albicans was isolated in 136 cases, C. tropicalis in 12, and C. guillermondi in 2. The cultures of C. albicans had positive serum germ tube test. The 6 patients in the paediatric age group having perianal/genital involvement had a stools culture positive for C. albicans.

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Chandonium iodide, a synthetic non-depolarising neuromuscular blocking agent and pancuronium bromide were clinically compared as muscle relaxants in 62 patients undergoing elective surgery. Anaesthesia was induced by thiopentone sodium and maintained by oxygen and nitrous oxide. Assessment of efficacy of both the muscle relaxants was graded taking into consideration intubating condition and muscular relaxation during surgery. Tolerability was assessed by noting the changes in heart rate, blood pressure and biochemical estimations. Efficacy of chandonium iodide in the dose of 0.15 to 0.18 mg/kg was comparable to that of 0.08 to 0.1 mg/kg of pancuronium bromide. Both the drugs were well tolerated.

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A case of facial palsy with lagophthalmos with exposure keratitis was corrected surgically by a method of temporalis transfer. When the slings were tightened leaving 1 cm gap in the palpebral aperture, lagophthalmos persisted. A secondary tightening procedure causing overlap of the upper lid over the lower yielded good results.

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Impedance plethysmographic observations have been correlated with aortographic observations in 57 patients suspected of aortic occlusive diseases. Aortic occlusions have been characterised by marked decrease in blood flow index and significant increase in differential pulse arrival time at thigh level bilaterally. Atherosclerotic affection of the aorta has been featured by a bilateral decrease in the value of blood flow index as well as differential pulse arrival time at thigh level. Leriche's syndrome, however, has been found to decrease the blood flow index moderately at thigh in both the legs without any significant change in differential pulse arrival time. Aortography in all the patients has confirmed the diagnosis made by impedance plethysmography.

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Hashimoto's thyroiditis constituted 5.15% of total thyroid disorders examined from January 1983 to July 1987. Females were predominant sufferers. Average age of patients was 41.14 years. Functionally 10 patients were euthyroid, while hyperthyroidism was present in 4 cases. Its preoperative diagnosis was not possible in any of the case. All patients were subjected to surgery and postoperative thyroxine supplement.

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A case of endometriosis involving small bowel is reported here. It is the first case reported at our institution in the last 10 years period.

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