Background The use of ultrasound in supraclavicular brachial plexus block has improved the success rate of block with excellent localization and improved safety margin. Reports of toxicity with levobupivacaine are scarce, yet it has not entirely replaced bupivacaine in clinical practice. Aims/Objectives We investigated the anesthetic potency with onset of sensory block as primary objective between bupivacaine with buprenorphine and levobupivacaine with buprenorphine for supraclavicular block in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries. Methods This randomized prospective double-blind study was conducted on sixty patients 18 to 60 years of age. Twenty ml of either inj bupivacaine 0.5% (Group A) or inj levobupivacaine 0.5% (Group B) with 2mcg/kg of inj buprenorphine was injected using a portable ultrasound machine with a linear ultrasound transducer (8–13 MHz). Distension of the brachial plexus sheath was considered as an indication of correct needle placement. The time of onset and duration of sensory and motor block were noted. RESULTS Mean onset of sensory block was comparable between the two groups. However, mean onset of motor block was faster in group A compared to group B which was statistically significant. Conclusion The anaesthetic efficacy of levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block was similar to bupivacaine in the onset of sensory block, however onset of motor block was faster with racemic bupivacaine
For years, success in Indian health research meant papers, citations, and patents. However, this rarely meant better outcomes for patients. India's Draft National Health Research Policy, 2026, proposes a fundamental shift in how research success is defined and attempts to close this gap. In this editorial, the main elements of the policy, such as proposing the ICMR Impact of Research and Innovation Scale (ICMR-IRIS), reformed research infrastructure, and a National Health Research Agenda shaped by real population needs rather than publishing convenience, are discussed. These components are placed in the context of a broader global shift towards responsible research evaluation. The policy's foundational philosophy is solid and perhaps long-awaited, but its true worth will depend on the realistic integration of multidimensional assessment into promotion, funding, and institutional decision-making processes. The policy raises an appropriate question, but it is yet to be determined whether India will respond to it in practice.
Pottery and statue-making are physically demanding crafts involving prolonged sitting postures, repetitive movements, and exposure to environmental conditions. These craftsmen tend to suffer from musculoskeletal disorders because of poor workspace ergonomics. This study aims to evaluate the ergonomic and anthropometric problems encountered by the potters' community of Pottery Town, Bengaluru. The research used qualitative and quantitative methods, focusing on observation, survey, and documentation of artisan activities. Data was collected from field visits, ergonomic examination, and interviews involving stakeholders, which included potters, statue makers, and physiotherapists. Observation of the posture recording, patterns of work, and the use of space in the pottery workshops in Pottery Town. A subjective questionnaire survey was conducted for twenty potters, fifteen statue makers, and five physiotherapists. The questions addressed discomfort areas, work duration, and workspace adequacy. Documentation was made with photographic and sketch-based mapping of existing workspaces. The study confirms that both potters and statuemakers experience significant discomfort, especially in the lower back (72%), neck and shoulders (58%), and wrists, due to awkward postures and repetitive strain. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scores averaged between 5–9, indicating medium to high risk. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and ergonomic standards, RULA scores of 5–6 require prompt changes, while 7+ indicates urgent intervention. REBA scores of 5–7 suggest medium risk, and 8-10 denote high risk, needing immediate redesign. Inadequate lighting (65%) and poor seating (80%) further contribute to fatigue and reduced precision, highlighting the need for urgent ergonomic intervention.
Background: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) frequently coexists with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and early diabetic kidney disease, and the combination accelerates both hepatic and renal risk. Conventional care is centred on glycaemic and lipid control and renin–angiotensin blockade, but residual symptom burden and incomplete biomarker control are common, prompting interest in adjunctive whole-system approaches.Case presentation: An elderly woman aged 70 years with recently detected T2DM, long-standing nephrolithiasis and dyslipidaemia presented to an Ayurvedic hospital with anorexia, bilateral hypochondrial pain after meals, acidity and headache. Baseline evaluation (July 2025) showed HbA1c 7.5%, LDL-cholesterol 184 mg/dL, total cholesterol 263 mg/dL, urine albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR) 47.27 mg/g (category A2), preserved eGFR (94 mL/min/1.73 m2), and ultrasonographic grade-II hepatic steatosis with bilateral medical renal disease, non-obstructive calculi and nephrocalcinosis.Intervention: Alongside continuation of metformin and an oral hypoglycaemic/lipid regimen prescribed elsewhere, the patient received individualised classical Ayurvedic formulations (including Varunadi and Vasaguluchyadi kvatha, Gokshuradi guggulu, Avipattikara churna, Arogyavardhini vati, and proprietary hepato-renal preparations M-Liv and Neeri-KFT) over approximately five months, with dietary and hydration advice.Outcome: By December 2025 the patient reported symptomatic improvement, and repeat urine ACR had fallen from 47.27 to 20.62 mg/g (re-classification from A2 to A1). Serum creatinine remained normal. No adverse event was documented. Causality cannot be inferred from a single uncontrolled case.Conclusion: In this individual patient, integrative Ayurvedic care administered as an adjunct to conventional therapy was associated with symptomatic improvement and a measured reduction in albuminuria over five months. Controlled prospective studies are required before any therapeutic claim can be made.
