An easy method of spirometry.

Recording of forced expiration from tidal inspiratory level-referred to as Forced Expiratory Capacity (FEC) is a simple and more convenient technique than the conventional forced vital capacity (FVC) manouvre. From FEC tracing, volume expelled in one second (FEC1) and its percentage (FEC1%) can be measured. Such spirometric recording obtained from tidal breathing to Residual Volume (RV) may be referred to as Spirometric Recording at low lung volume.

Zinc counteracts experimentally-induced cirrhotic changes in rats.

In the present study, cirrhosis was induced in rats by administration of carbon tetra chloride for 8 weeks. In these animals ZnSo4 (equivalent to 100 and 200 micrograms of zinc) was administered orally and liver function tests and plasma zinc (Zn) estimations were carried out after 2 and 4 week intervals. The results revealed that Zn supplement counteracts cirrhotic changes in liver.

Inspiratory spirogram in emphysema.

Bronchodilator therapy on inspiratory indices has not been documented so far. Reduction in inspiratory airflow resistance following inhalation of bronchodilator giving the most consistent and significant changes in emphysematous patients has been demonstrated in the present study.

Pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications in children following scorpion envenoming.

Scorpion envenoming is known to produce serious complications in children, and the complications differ with different species seen in the world. Peripheral failure, hypotension, myocarditis and seizures are the serious complications related to scorpion envenoming. The pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications caused by the Buthotus (Buthus) tamulus species is likely to be related to the direct effect of the venom on the myocardium rather than to catecholamine-induced hypoxia, as reported earlier.

Correlation of blood groups with congenital disorders and gastro intestinal diseases.

Blood group studies were conducted in 330 patients suffering from gastro intestinal disorders and 180 patients with congenital malformations and compared with normal subjects. Statistical analysis has shown that (a) there is significant correlation between B group and thalassaemia, (b) congenital malformations show higher incidence in B and O groups. It would be pertinent to draw attention to the fact that B group was found to be significantly correlated to duodenal ulcer from the present study contrary to the early reports.