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Introduction. Pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death in the elderly. Impaired respiratory defences are one of the causes for increased susceptibility of the elderly to such infections. Nasal mucociliary clearance, the mirror image of bronchial clearance, is crucial in respiratory defence and is affected by various factors. Little is known about the effect of ageing on nasal respiratory epithelium. Aim. To evaluate the effect of ageing on nasal mucociliary clearance (NMC) in women. Materials and Methods. NMC was measured in 91 apparently healthy women of ages ranging from 20 to 80 years. The time taken to experience sweet taste at nasopharynx following the placement of saccharin pellet in the nostril was recorded as NMC time. Results and Discussion. NMC time was 10 min 36 secs in elderly women and it was significantly prolonged when compared to younger women (8 min 39 secs). The prolonged clearance may be due to altered cilia, slowed ciliary beating, or changes in the properties of mucus. Conclusion. NMC time clearly shows an increase with age signifying decreasing respiratory epithelium function. This study highlights an important cause of impaired respiratory health in older individuals and emphasises the need for preventive measures to be put in place.

Background:Nasal mucociliary clearance (NMC) plays a crucial role in the defense of the airways against inhaled substances and is affected by various factors. The effect of particulate matter on NMC in women using biomass fuel has not been well studied.Aim:This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the NMC time in biomass fuel users and compare it with that of clean fuel users.Materials and Methods:NMC time and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were determined in women of age ranging from 18 to 45 years using biomass fuel (n=30) and clean fuel (n=30). The time taken to perceive the sweet taste, following placement of saccharin 1 cm behind the anterior end of inferior turbinate was recorded as NMC time. PEFR was measured using mini-Wright peak flow meter. Comparison between groups was analyzed using t-test and ANOVA in R statistical software.Results:NMC time was significantly prolonged in biomass fuel users (765.8 ± 378.16 s) in comparison to clean fuel users (545.4 ± 215.55 s). PEFR was significantly reduced (319.3 l/min) in biomass fuel users compared to clean fuel users (371.7 l/min). Women from lower socioeconomic status, lower literacy status, older undernourished women and women cooking for>15 years had prolonged Saccharin Transit Time (STT) and reduced PEFR.Conclusions:This study highlights the effects of indoor air pollution on respiratory defense mechanism. This simple noninvasive, inexpensive, screening test can be used as an early indicator of respiratory damage caused by exposure to air pollutants.

Background: Prescription writing is an essential and a basic skill to be acquired by medical students during their training. Specific training and supervision in writing a rational prescription should be emphasized during undergraduate teaching to minimize prescription errors. Aims and Objectives: The prime objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the second-year MBBS students to write a prescription and to assess the effectiveness of hands on training on appropriate prescription writing. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted among 117 second-year MBBS students. Students were asked to write prescriptions for three case scenarios. An educational interventional session and hands on training was conducted. Post session the students were asked to write prescriptions for three different case scenarios. All the prescriptions were analyzed and feedback was given to the students. Results: 350 prescriptions each were collected pre-and post-educational interventional sessions from the students. The completeness of the prescriptions were analyzed on the basis of the prescriber and drug-related components. A widespread lacunae was observed in the prescription writing skills of the medical students, which improved significantly (P < 0.05) after the educational interventional sessions and hands on training. Conclusion: This study shows that hands on training has improved the prescription writing skills of the medical students. This type of training should be included as a part of pharmacology practical curriculum.

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