@article {77, title = {Comparison of Ultrasound Guided Technique with Conventional Landmark Technique for Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Nerve Block in Patients Undergoing Upper Limb Surgery}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {5}, year = {2016}, month = {March 2016}, pages = {1-4}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {1}, abstract = {

Background: Brachial plexus blockade is a time tested anesthetic technique for upper limb surgeries. Among the various approaches of brachial plexus block, supraclavicular block, once described as the {\textquotedblleft}spinal of the arm,{\textquotedblright} offers dense anesthesia of the brachial plexus for surgical procedures at or distal to the elbow. Landmark technique has been traditionally used for performing this block. But blind technique often requires multiple trial-and-error needle attempts, resulting in increase in procedure time, procedure-related pain and complications including pneumothorax, which is very risky. In developing countries like India, ultrasound is a relatively new technique and is increasingly being used for performing nerve blocks for acute as well as chronic pain procedures. Objective: We performed this study to evaluate safety and clinical usefulness of ultrasound technology for supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks. Methods: We included 60 adult patients of either sex undergoing surgeries for fracture of lower end of humerus or fracture of forearm bones. Patients were divided into two groups. In one group, surface landmark technique was used while in other group, supraclavicular nerve block was performed under ultrasound guidance by double injection technique. All patients received 10 ml each of 2\% lignocaine with adrenaline, 10 ml 0.5\% bupivacaine and 10 ml of saline. Surgery was started after confirming adequacy of block. Ineffective blocks were replaced with general anesthesia and insufficient pain control during surgery was supplemented with fentanyl. Results: There was no significant difference between patient groups with regard to demographic data. Supraclavicular plexus nerve block was placed in all 60 patients. Block failure was seen in 5 patients in landmark technique group and in one patient in USG group. The time of onset of sensory and motor block was shorter in USG group than landmark technique group. Intra-op analgesic was required in 5/30 patients in blind group and 3/30 patients in USG group. Post-op analgesia was for longer duration in USG guided group as compared to blind group. Conclusion: Ultrasound guidance is clinically very useful for supraclavicular brachial plexus block. It allows visualization of underlying structures, movement of needle and direct spread of local anesthetic and thus making the procedure safer and more effective.

}, keywords = {Landmark, Nerve block, Supraclavicular brachial plexus block, Ultrasound, Upper limb surgery}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.5.1.1}, author = {Punam Raghove and Karampal Singh and Susheela Taxak and Mangal Ahlawat and Sarla Hooda} } @article {128, title = {Comparison of In vitro Antioxidant Activity of Olmesartan and Amlodipine}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {Dec 2015}, pages = {90-93}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {90}, abstract = {

Introduction: Free radical oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathology of a wide variety of clinical disorders. Antioxidants are agents which scavenge the free radicals and prevent the damage caused by them. Angiotensin II receptor blockers used in the treatment of hypertension, have also been reported to protect organs such as kidney and heart. Althoug, the mechanisms of these protective effects are not fully understood, it is generally thought that their antioxidant effects likely play a role. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, seems to exert atheroprotective effects through its antioxidant properties related to its chemical structure and independent of its calcium channel-blocking effect. Though research has proved that olmesartan and amlodipine exhibit antioxidant activity independent of their antihypertensive effects, there are not many in vitro studies to analyse which drug is a better antioxidant. Objective: This in vitro study was done to compare the antioxidant activity of olmesartan and amlodipine. Materials and Methods: In this study, we demonstrated the antioxidant activities of 10 mg/ml stock solutions of olmesartan and amlodipine in vitro. DPPH (1,1 Diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazide) and Nitric oxide free radical scavenging assays were done. Results: Olmesartan showed significant (49.48\%) and consistent free radical scavenging activity by DPPH and Nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. Free radical scavenging activity of amlodipine was more significant (56.89\%) than olmesartan but was inconsistent and non-concentration dependent. Conclusion: Hence this in vitro study has proved that olmesartan has better antioxidant activity than amlodipine.

}, keywords = {Amlodipine, DPPH, Free radicals, Nitric Oxide, Olmesartan, Oxidative Stress}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.4.4.4}, author = {Rajathilagam Thiruvengadam and Seethalakshmi Sankar} } @article {100, title = {Ethno-veterinary Practices Adopted during an Epidemic Outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease among Cattle in Sirkazhi and Adjoining Villages of Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {4}, year = {2015}, month = {June 2015}, pages = {23-34}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {23}, abstract = {

Background: Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak occurs annually among cattle in Tamilnadu, however increased morbidity and mortality was reported in the year 2013 despite preventive measure by the Department of Animal husbandry. Siddha System of medicine is popular and extensively practiced in Tamilnadu. Objective: To understand the Ethno-veterinary practices adopted during an epidemic outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease among cattle in several villages of Nagapattinam district in the month of December 2013. Methodology: Cattle farmers were interviewed using a semi{\textendash}structured questionnaire to capture details on number of cows owned, number affected, presenting signs and symptoms, interventions done, details of person who treated, details of medicines administered including external medicines, dose and duration, outcome of treatment and economic impact during the second fortnight of December 2013 along with photo documentation wherever required. Results: Institutional Ethno-Veterinarian{\textquoteright}s herbal intervention had a marginal edge over the traditional healers intervention both in adult cattle and in calves. The time of commencement of treatment was critical, the failures mainly attributed to late intervention, especially when the cattle were severely affected. Average mortality rate due to the outbreak stood at around 9\% among adults and 27\% among calves and average loss in productivity stood at Rs. 690/- per cow. Ethno veterinary intervention was found to be significantly associated with good prognosis and survival (P value is 0.00001 significant at P\<0.05). Conclusion: Early intervention with herbal drugs may be preventive of mortality and may also be protective from development of disease.

}, keywords = {Cattle Farmers, Epidemic, Foot and Mouth Disease, Herbs, Morbidity, Mortality and Economic impact, Traditional Intervention}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.4.2.3}, author = {Srividya Visvesvaran and Thirunarayanan Thirumalaiswamy2} } @article {163, title = {Introduction of Integrated Lecture Module: Performance and Perception of II Year Medical Students}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {June 2013}, pages = {47-54}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {47}, abstract = {

Background: Integration of subjects, facilitates acquisition of knowledge, skills and attitudes to {\textquoteleft}theoretical{\textquoteright} subjects in a clinical context in comparison to traditional teaching. The utility of integrated lecture modules (ILM) was accordingly planned and the objective of the study was to evaluate the performance and to document the perception of year II MBBS students exposed to both the integrated and didactic lecture modules. Materials and Methods: The project was executed on 140 consented year II MBBS students who were randomly divided into 2 groups; group I (n=70) was exposed to didactic lecture (DLG), group II (n=70) to integrated lecture (ILG). The didactic lectures were taken by Pharmacology faculty, while integrated lectures by Pharmacology, Preventive and Social Medicine and Pediatrics faculty. Before the session, students appeared for a pretest consisting of 20 MCQs. Following the post test, the evaluation of the perception of students regarding this study was done by administering an 18 item feedback questionnaire. The agree and disagree comments from the respondents was expressed in percent-age and the pre and post test scores were analysed using the t test. Results: The mean pretest MCQ score in the DLG was 6.95 {\textpm} 1.38, which increased to 13.84 {\textpm} 3.79 in posttest. Similarly, the mean pre and post test scores of ILG were 6.17 {\textpm} 1.54 and 17.64 {\textpm} 2.68 respectively. In the feedback questionnaire 96\% students opined that ILM improved their understanding (versus 77\% for DLG) and 83\% students stated that the knowledge gained in ILM will help them in clinical practice (versus 73 \% in DLG). Conclusion: Implementation of vertical integration among pre, para and clinical subjects is beneficial as observed by the improved performance of students when exposed to ILM and as indicated by their response in the feedback.

}, keywords = {Didactic lecture, Student feedback, Vertical integration}, author = {Raakhi Tripathi and Pankaj Sarkate and Sharmila Jalgaonkar} } @article {173, title = {Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Among Doctors in a Tertiary Health Care Centre in South India}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {2}, year = {2013}, month = {September 2013}, pages = {82-88}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {82}, abstract = {

Background: A fundamental determinant to medical drug safety surveillance is voluntary adverse drug reaction [ADR] reporting ; but there exists substantial under-reporting which is the main drawback of the system. The objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of ADR reporting among doctors in a tertiary health care center. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire based study was conducted on doctors in a tertiary health care center. Participants were selected randomly and those not willing to participate were excluded from the study. Collected data was assessed by frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 13.0. Results: 75\% (45) of respondents were aware of the existence of ADR reporting system in India; on the contrary only (11.7\%) of respondents were aware of regional center for ADR reporting. All respondents (100\%) felt that seriousness of the ADR event, unusual reaction (95\%), reaction to new drug (98.33\%), and the certainty of ADR reaction (91.66\%) would encourage them to report an ADR event. However, only 15 out of 60 respondents (25\%) have reported ADRs. Conclusion: Though the level of knowledge about ADR reporting and the attitude towards ADR reporting were adequate, our study has shown that the actual practice of ADR reporting is unsatisfactory. This indicates that there is a need to create an awareness of the importance of ADR reporting through continuous medical education and training of ADR reporting among doctors.

}, keywords = {ADR reporting, Adverse drug reaction}, author = {Tanya Mary Thomas and Padmaja Udaykumar and Scandashree K} } @article {157, title = {Ethnobotanical Survey Regarding the Management of Liver Disorders by Traditional Healers of Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, India}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {April 2012}, pages = {24-31}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {24}, abstract = {

Background:\ The present study was based upon the ethnomedico-botanical survey on health practices by the tribal and non tribal vaidyas (healers).\ Objectives:\ Present paper reports inventory of health practices on liver disorders used by vaidyas of Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India.\ Materials and Methods:\ A structured interview was conducted for 64 vaidyas covering areas like understanding the disease, perception about cause, symptoms, classification of this disease, diagnostic and prognostic methods used, treatment given, sources of plant materials used, process methods adopted, dosage, dietary practices followed and referral for further treatment.\ Results:\ More than 60\% of village vaidyas had clear understanding regarding the various aspects of liver diseases. The study identified 47 species of medicinal plants, 30 formulations and various dietary practices used by the vaidyas in the management of liver disorders.\ Conclusion:\ This study documents treatment and practices followed by vaidyas. Scentific srudies done using these formulations/practices may help health practioners to practice evidence based medicine.

}, keywords = {Medicinal Plants, Siddha, Tamil Nadu/ Traditional Healers, Tribals, Vellore District}, author = {T. Thirunatayanan and S. Rajkumar} } @article {179, title = {Retigabine (Ezogabine) for Management of Partial onset Seizures: A Mini Review}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {Sep 2012}, pages = {85-90}, type = {New Drug Information}, chapter = {85}, abstract = {

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder is currently the target of many drug research companies who are constantly involved in the development of new therapies with novel mechanism of actions as the current plethora of anti epileptics have not been successful in achieving full control of the seizures. Retigabine (Ezogabine) is a new paradigm in the treatment of epilepsy, as it is first of its kind of a drug that targets neuronal voltage gated potassium channels (Kv7) and facili-tates them, thus decreasing the repetitive firing of neurons. It has been approved by European Medicine Agency and USA Food and Drug Administration as an add on therapy for use in patients 18 years and above suffering from partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalization.

}, keywords = {Ezogabine, Kv7 Channels, Partial onset Seizures, Retigabine}, author = {Deepika Tikoo and Meenakshi Gupta} } @article {205, title = {Survey of Tamil Siddha Manuscripts in Possession of Traditional Healers in Northern Tamil Nadu}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {1}, year = {2012}, month = {September 2012}, pages = {68-73}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {68}, abstract = {

Background: Traditional Medicine throughout the world has been passed on to the next generation mostly by oral tradition. The two codified medical traditions of India, Ayurveda and Siddha have also been similarly promoted and the medical literature is in the poetic form for continuity and easy memorization. Subsequently they were written down in palm leaves. Not all palm manuscripts, treasure of knowledge have been converted into books. Objective: To collect and digitize the traditional Siddha medical knowledge documented in the Siddha palm manuscripts in the possession of Traditional healers. Materials and Methods: The Centre for Traditional Medicine, Tamil Nadu, India, carried out survey among different practitioners of Traditional Medicine in northern Tamil Nadu, to locate and collect palm manuscripts and followed it with preservation, cataloging and digitization using digital scanners and photographic equipment. Results: Two hundred and fifty six works were analyzed and this paper presents the age, authorship, subject content and status of the palm manuscripts. Conclusion: The traditional knowledge present in the palm manuscripts are undergoing decay and the persons with knowledge to decipher are less. Hence there is an urgent need to decipher and publish the contents as books.

}, keywords = {Ayurveda, India, Palm manuscripts, Siddha, Survey, Tamil Nadu, Traditional knowledge}, author = {S Rajkumar and N Srinivasan and T Thirunarayanan and R Sangeetha} }