Infant with a foreign body bronchus: A fishy situation!

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a common cause of respiratory compromise in early childhood. Numerous unique foreign bodies in the tracheobronchial tree have been reported in the literature. FBA can result in a spectrum of presentations ranging from incidental to acutely life threatening. Described here is a case of inhalation of a live fish caught from a household aquarium by a 10-month-old infant. The infant presented to us with worsening respiratory distress, and an emergency diagnostic rigid bronchoscopy retrieved the fish and the baby survived. This instance highlights the importance of actively investigating pediatric patients with  bronchoscopy when suspicion of FBA is high. This case report of a live fish aspiration in an infant that was successfully removed is a first of its kind.Keywords: bronchoscopy, foreign body aspiration, respiratory distres

Assessment of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in cattle infected with Theileria orientalis

Oriental theileriosis is a major haemoprotozoan disease of cattle and causes huge economic losses to the farmers. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of anaemia and subsequent complications associated with theileriosis. The present study was conducted to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant status of cattle infected with Theileria orientalis. In the present study, 16 animals which were positive for theileriosis by blood smear examination were selected. Confirmation of oriental theileriosis was done with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Assessment of oxidative stress and antioxidant status were done by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced glutathione activity respectively. Both MDA levels and reduced glutathione activity did not indicate any significant difference in animals infected with T. orientalis from control animals

Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated Herpes Virus (KSHV) Induced COX-2: A Key Factor in Latency, Inflammation, Angiogenesis, Cell Survival and Invasion

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), an enigmatic endothelial cell vascular neoplasm, is characterized by the proliferation of spindle shaped endothelial cells, inflammatory cytokines (ICs), growth factors (GFs) and angiogenic factors. KSHV is etiologically linked to KS and expresses its latent genes in KS lesion endothelial cells. Primary infection of human micro vascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-d) results in the establishment of latent infection and reprogramming of host genes, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is one of the highly up-regulated genes. Our previous study suggested a role for COX-2 in the establishment and maintenance of KSHV latency. Here, we examined the role of COX-2 in the induction of ICs, GFs, angiogenesis and invasive events occurring during KSHV de novo infection of endothelial cells. A significant amount of COX-2 was detected in KS tissue sections. Telomerase-immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cells supporting KSHV stable latency (TIVE-LTC) expressed elevated levels of functional COX-2 and microsomal PGE2 synthase (m-PGES), and secreted the predominant eicosanoid inflammatory metabolite PGE2. Infected HMVEC-d and TIVE-LTC cells secreted a variety of ICs, GFs, angiogenic factors and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which were significantly abrogated by COX-2 inhibition either by chemical inhibitors or by siRNA. The ability of these factors to induce tube formation of uninfected endothelial cells was also inhibited. PGE2, secreted early during KSHV infection, profoundly increased the adhesion of uninfected endothelial cells to fibronectin by activating the small G protein Rac1. COX-2 inhibition considerably reduced KSHV latent ORF73 gene expression and survival of TIVE-LTC cells. Collectively, these studies underscore the pivotal role of KSHV induced COX-2/PGE2 in creating KS lesion like microenvironment during de novo infection. Since COX-2 plays multiple roles in KSHV latent gene expression, which themselves are powerful mediators of cytokine induction, anti-apoptosis, cell survival and viral genome maintainence, effective inhibition of COX-2 via well-characterized clinically approved COX-2 inhibitors could potentially be used in treatment to control latent KSHV infection and ameliorate KS

Physicochemical Analysis and Chromatographic Profiling Using LC-MS of Kanjika During Fermentation

Kanjika is a traditional Ayurvedic fermentation product prepares using 11 herbal ingredients in an aqueous media without the addition of any sweetening agents. The aim of the study was to analyse the biochemical changes happening throughout the process of fermentation in Kanjika and to identify the bioactive molecules formed during the fermentation process. Two batches of Kanjika were prepared. One batch was kept undisturbed throughout the fermentation process, while samples were drawn out at regular intervals from the other batch. A comparative evaluation of physicochemical parameters was done between the various samples drawn from the second batch of the formulation and the sample from the first batch after completion of fermentation. Further detailed analysis of the product before initiation of fermentation and after completion of fermentation was done using LC-MS. The two batches of Kanjika showed significant changes with regard to basic physicochemical parameters. It was found that in both the batches the pH was found to be highly acidic without any significant variations among the samples. Brix value was significantly high at the end of fermentation, in the sample from the undisturbed batch when compared to the sample from the disturbed batch

A COMPARATIVE PHYSICO CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF AMṚTOTTARA KVATHA AND IT’S PRAVAHI KVATHA

Objective: Herbal decoctions are commonly used pharmaceutical dosage form in Ayurveda. The major drawback of decction is short shelf life. To increase the shelf-life preservatives are used. The effectiveness of decoctions added with preservative is not evaluated yet. Pravāhi kvātha is fermented decoctions prepared to increase the shelf life as well as the palatability of decoctions. In the present study, an attempt has been made compare the efficacy of freshly prepared herbal decoction, decoction added with preservative and fermented decoction. Methods: To compare the efficacy, the three samples were subjected to analytical study through organoleptic, physicochemical and other advanced chromatographic and instrumental analysis. For scientifically validating the effectiveness the samples were analysed for Physico chemical parameters, HPTLC, Gallic acid estimation, HR LC-MS and DPPH assay. Results: After the physico chemical analysis it was found that the parameters of three samples was within permissible limit. The anti-oxidant potential of three samples were proved by the DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The I50 value of three samples shows only less variation and all the sample possess good anti-oxidant potential. Phyto chemical evaluation of the three samples were compared wit HPTLC, Gallic acid estimation and HR LCMS analysis. Conclusion: The study shows that the modification of Kaṣāya to Pravāhi Kvātha will not affect its therapeutic efficacy rather it adds more therapeutic value due to the presence of newly synthesized compounds. Addition of Sodium benzoate preservative doesn’t alter the therapeutic efficacy of Amṛtottara Kaṣāya and it won’t produce any toxic chemicals by the interaction with drugs

An in vivo study to evaluate the antipyretic activity of Suryaprabha Gulika in brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia in wistar albino rats

Introduction: Suryaprabha Gulika is one of the Rasayoga, mentioned in Sahasrayogam Gulika Prakarana, prepared by Khalviya method of preparation. The formulation is widely practiced clinically and prescribed in conditions of fever associated with Svasa and Kasa. In the present scenario, validation of any classical concept has emerged to be essential for acceptance by the scientific community. Since antipyretic activity could be elicited in animal models, the present study aims at eliciting the antipyretic activity of Suryaprabha Gulika in wistar albino rats using brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia method. Materials and methods: Suryaprabha Gulika was prepared as per the classical reference text, Sahasrayogam. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of the prepared drug was carried out. The experimental study to evaluate the antipyretic activity of the formulation was screened using brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia method. Statistical test used for evaluation was one way ANOVA followed by Dunett’s multiple comparison ‘t’ test as post- Hoc test, if p<0.05 was considered significant, using graphpad instat software. Results: When compared to the control group, Suryaprabha Gulika was found to be effective in bringing about antipyretic action. It also had almost similar efficacy as that of standard drug in bringing about antipyretic action in experimental models. Discussion: The antipyretic study of Suryaprabha Gulika in wistar albino rats brought out that the drug possesses highly significant antipyretic action

Radiofrequency ablation of premature ventricular contractions originating from uncommon sites of right ventricle

Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)/ventricular tachycardia (VT) with left bundle branch block (LBBB) morphology and inferior axis has been described classically to originate from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Some uncommon sites of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmia (VA) origins have been revealed including tricuspid annulus (TA) and right ventricular (RV) inflow free wall region. We present a series of two cases who have undergone electrophysiological study and successful radiofrequency ablation of frequent monomorphic PVCs with LBBB pattern originating from relatively uncommon sites of RV – TA and RV inflow free wall region. Keywords: Premature ventricular contractions, Left bundle branch block, Radiofrequency ablation, Tricuspid annulu

Review of Ayurvedic Health Drinks and Liquid Nutrition Explained in Kshemakutuhala

Kshemakutuhala is a remarkable text by Kshema Sharma, the Royal physician of King Vikrama during the 16th century A.D., based on culinary science. This text is a compilation of varieties of foods and drinks, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, and their characteristics and nutritional value. This work is divided into 12 chapters, and each chapter is named an Utsava. The author has also given importance to liquid nutrition and dedicated two separate Utsava to that. The 11th Utsava describes various appetiser preparations. Different types of appetisers are prepared with main ingredients such as orange, lemon, citron, sesame paste, mango and lotus fibre. The explanation had been given where all of these ingredients have been proven to be a good carmin ative. In the 12th chapter, he mentioned various milk preparations, cool drinks, beverages, buttermilk etc. Different types of Panaka (sweet drinks) were prepared out of the main ingredients like raw mango, ripened mango, lemon, tamarind, and the fruits of Syzygium cumini, which balance taste and health, were included in it. He mentioned the natural colouring agents like saffron, red sandalwood, and sprinkling spices like cardamom, clove, camphor, Indian bay leaf, black pepper so on, which are used to add flavours to food and drinks. This review helps to explore the scientific aspect of Ayurvedic health drinks and their indication to the modern world. Unhealthy drinks are common in the present time, and it is necessary to trace back to the ancient classical Ayurvedic text, which explains healthy, nutritious drinks. By adopting these healthy drinks and liquid preparation, we can maintain and enhance human health. However, further research is needed to confirm this

PHARMACOLOGY OF TRIPHALA WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON THEIR CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

Introduction Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine which has been practiced for 3000 years. It gives various single and combinations of herbal and mineral drugs for various conditions. Novel technologies and scientific approaches can make use of such traditional knowledge and help develop new drugs and/or therapeutic uses as well as give evidence to certain traditional practices. Objective This review is based on Ayurvedic texts and scientific online databases like PubMed, GoogleScholar, ScienceDirect to study use of scientific research methods in ayurvedic formulation Triphala. Methodology The following keywords were used: Triphala, terminalia chebula, terminalia bellerica, Phyllanthus embilica, chemical constituents, gallic acid, chebulinic acid, molecular docking. Studies about Triphala and their individual drugs as well as their active compounds were concentrated upon. There are many research works being conducted on Triphala and its therapeutic effect. Yet, the need to develop these works to a fully utilisable form for medical community is not achieved. Conclusion This review concludes that Triphala is a treasure that needs to be further evaluated for betterment of health globally

Ayurvedic Milk Powder as a Health Drink—An Innovative Approach in Antenatal Health Care—A Research Proposal

Ayurvedic preceptors place much emphasis on nutrition, especially during antenatal and postnatal periods, which may reduce the likelihood of medical complications both during and after pregnancy. Classic Ayurvedic texts mention medicated milk as an important part of prenatal care for pregnant women. By evaluating the effects of the herbal drugs contained in these formulations, one can understand the pharmacodynamics of these products. The medicated milk, when converted into milk powder, represents a healthier alternative to malted milk powder