Objectives:To evaluate the pulmonary function in Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) patients in subacute phase and find clinical correlates of pulmonary dysfunction.Methods:This was a single-center, prospective, cross-sectional, hospital-based study in GBS patients performed in Department of Neurological Rehabilitation at a tertiary care institute. Clinical examination for pulmonary function was done by measuring chest expansion. The pulmonary function tests were carried out by Spirometry kit Microquark Cosmed, Italy. Fatigue was assessed by Fatigue Severity Scale, disability status by Hughes Disability Scale (HDS), and muscle weakness by Medical Research Council sum scores.Statistical Analysis:Statistical analysis was performed by Stata 11. The significance of P value was adjudged against an alpha of 0.05.Results:Twenty-eight patients were included with 17 (61%) men and mean age of 31 years. Median duration of symptoms was 16.5 days. There were 10 (36%) demyelinating and 18 (64%) axonal variants. Twenty-six (93%) patients scored more than 2 on HDS. All study participants reported fatigue. Twenty-two (78.6%) patients had chest expansion of <2.5 cm. Spirometry showed restrictive pulmonary dysfunction in 23 (79%) patients. Significant correlation was found between abnormal pulmonary function test and chest expansion (P = 0.003).Conclusion:Pulmonary dysfunction in GBS is common even during subacute phase. It needs to be identified and managed appropriately for better clinical outcome.

This study aims to investigate calf mortality pattern in Gir breed. Research data were collected from the records of Gir herd, maintained at Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, Dairy Farm Kasturbagram Khandwa Road, Indore M.P., covering a period of 16 years (from 1994 to 2009). The period-wise distribution of calf mortality showed that highest mortality rate (18.9%) was recorded in period P 4 (2006 to 2009) and the lowest (9.8%) in period P 2 (1998 to 2001). Age-wise distribution of calf mortality showed that it was highest (5.4%) in 0 to 1 month age group in both sex. The lowest mortality was observed in 3 to 6 months of age group, which might be due to better management practices given to this age group. The mortality rate from 1 to 3 months and 6 to 12 months age group was also calculated and the values of mortality rate as 3.6 and 4.4% respectively. Sex-wise distribution of calf mortality indicates that out of total 208 male calves, 34 calves (15.9%) died, whereas, out of 196 female calves, a total of 27 calves (14.3%) were reported to be dead. Season-wise distribution showed that the highest calf mortality (5.7%) was determined in those calves born in the winter season. The overall mortality rates due to parity of the dam were 7.2, 4.5, 1.4 and 2.8% respectively for first, second, third and fourth calving. The highest mortality in Gir calves was recorded due to gastroenteritis (6.2%) followed by pneumonia (3.2%), insufficient or delayed colostrums feeding, handling causes and worm infestation (3.6%). Gastroenteritis as the prime cause of mortality could be synchronized with the results of high mortality rate in Gir calves during winter season in this investigation.

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Aim:The aim of this study is to describe the method of Bohler iron plaster casting and a modification of the technique-the articulated Bohler iron walking cast. Background: Trophic ulcers are a common problem for clinicians managing foot disorders, especially with the increasing prevalence of diabetic foot disease. Management of trophic ulcers requires offloading. The gold standard of off-loading, total contact casting (TCC), has disadvantages which include incomplete offloading, variable expertise in the application, and lack of access for wound care. Bohler iron plaster casting is less commonly used and is efficacious in plantar ulcer management. A modified method of Bohler iron casting can be used to manage midfoot and hindfoot ulcers. Technique: Bohler iron plaster casting is done by attaching iron uprights with an elevated platform to a below-knee cast. A layer of casting material is applied over the uprights to secure the apparatus. A cut out is made at the site of the plantar wound to allow access for dressing. The disadvantage of the conventional method is that midfoot and hindfoot ulcers are less accessible for wound care. To facilitate hindfoot wound care, a joint with a drop lock mechanism is incorporated in the uprights. The hinge joint allows pivot of the uprights and drop lock allows for the stability of the apparatus during weight-bearing. Conclusion: Midfoot and hindfoot ulcers can be well managed with an articulated Bohler iron plaster cast. The method allows for off-loading of the ulcer, facilitating wound care and ambulation. Further studies are required to describe ulcer-healing efficacy and compare this technique with conventional offloading methods. Clinical significance: The described techniques can be useful tools in the management of plantar ulcers especially those involving the mid-and the hindfoot.