VALIDATION OF SAMYAKVIRIKTALAKSHANA (IDEAL PURIFICATORY SYMPTOMS) WITH RESPECT TO GAMBHEERAVAATARAKTA (CHRONIC ARTHRITIS)

Samyaklakshana (ideal symptoms) is the goal in any type of Shodhanachikitsa (purificatory treatment) and the type of Shudhi (purification) will decide the Samsarjanakarma (dietary regimen after purification). Assessment of Samyakviriktalakshana (ideal purificatory symptoms) is a key element in making Virechana (purgation) a Samyakprayoga (ideal practice). An attempt was made to develop and validate a proforma to assess Samyakviriktalakshana (Ideal purificatory symptoms). Samyakviriktalakshana (ideal purificatory symptoms) from all texts were compiled and analyzed for root word, meaning and explanation. One representative Lakshana (symptom) was taken for those conveying the same meaning. Classical references for Vaigikee (urge), Maanikee (volume) and Aantikee (last output) of Shudhi (elimination) were taken and a preliminary proforma was prepared. The clinical study was carried out in 20 participants having Gambheeravatarakta (chronic Arthritis). Conclusions were drawn from statistical work and the pro forma was finalized which determines Shuddhi (purification) based on all four criteria for Samyakviriktalakshana (Ideal purificatory symptoms). Face validity of pro forma was checked in terms of spelling, grammar, layout, readability, transliteration, unambiguousness and overall appearance and was found to be 90%.Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was calculated as 0.44 on 32 experts. The pro forma had good Construct validity. Criterion validity was calculated by comparing the pro forma with the gold standard in 10 observations. The Lakshana found observable at the end of the pilot study, and classical references for Vaigikee (urge), Maanikee (volume) and Aantikee (last output) of Shuddhi (purification) were together taken as gold standard. Criterion validity was found as 80%. Kapha was significant and the confidence interval was moderate. The proforma can be used as a tool to determine Pravara, (finest) Madhyama (moderate) or Avara (least) Shudhi (purification) in a Virechana (purgation).

Unknowing the known:a heuristic study of J Krishnamurti’s notion of insight to explore the purpose of education from a nondual philosophical perspective

Abstract. This study explores J Krishnamurti’s notion of insight, based on his personal inquiry into the nature of the human mind. Since this conceptualization of insight was explored by the physicist David Bohm, this study includes Bohm’s inquiry into the system of thought to understand insight. Clark Moustakas’ heuristic inquiry to explore the phenomenon of insight was found to be an appropriate methodology for this study, as this methodology does not place the researcher outside of the process unfolding but rather as an integral part of the investigation. Through the course of the inquiry, the understanding of insight underwent gradual change until a connection was formed between what Krishnamurti referred to as total insight into the human mind and the notion of nonduality. Nonduality is a concept that has been mentioned in religious and spiritual texts but is also considered by both ancient and contemporary thinkers to be the fundamental essence of human existence. It considers all beings to be interconnected and part of a larger whole, further claiming that the boundaries between self and the world are illusory. It sees the divisive nature of thought to be that which makes the illusions appear to be real and is epistemologically rooted in direct experience in order to see reality for what it is. Finding this notion to be a reflection of Krishnamurti’s insight and seeing how this philosophical orientation could have an impact on one’s way of being and relating to what is experienced, this study focuses on understanding the implications of this worldview on educational practices. Bohmian Dialogue was employed as a means of data generation and dialogues with five teachers from the Krishnamurti schools were included for this study. The understanding of the notion of total insight was initially explored, followed by a further inquiry into how the coresearchers’ understanding of nonduality has influenced their views on the purpose of education. Five themes were identified from the dialogues and various other paradoxes were drawn out from the themes in order to explore what a curriculum based on nonduality as a philosophical orientation would entail

THE COMBINED EFFECT OF VARABHRIHATYADI KASHAYA AND SARAPUNKHA LEPA IN CHRONIC TONSILLITIS IN CHILDREN

Children with the clinical features of Chronic Tonsillitis coming under the age group 3-12 years were included in the study. The patients were randomly allocated in to the study group and control group using simple random sampling technique. In the study group the dose of Varabrihatyadi Kashaya was fixed as follows, in the age group 3-6 years: 10ml bd before food, in the age group 6-9 years: 20ml bd before food, in the age group 9-12 years: 30ml bd before food. Sarapunkha lepa was applied around the neck where enlarged lymph nodes were found. Frequency of paste was fixed as two times daily and at each time, it is kept until it becomes dry. At the same time those in the control group were subjected to external application of Sarapunkha lepa only. Both the groups were followed for a period of 1 month after the scheduled course of intervention. Routine blood investigations were also carried out before and after the study. The data were analyzed using the most appropriate statistical tests. Significant changes were obtained in the clinical parameters in the study group used for assessment such as recurrent attacks of sore throat, pain in the throat, pain on swallowing, difficulty in swallowing, halitosis, mouth breathing, hoarseness of voice, chocking spells at night, size of the tonsil, congestion of pillars, oedema of the uvula, deviation of the uvula and lymph node enlargement. There was a significant change in the routine blood investigations also. Moreover the trial drug sustained its potential action even during the follow up period. The effect of control drug was insignificant. The final evaluation proved that combination of Varabhrihathyadi Kashaya and Sarapunkha lepa was effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of Chronic Tonsillitis in children of 3-12 yrs age group

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY- A CASE STUDY

Infertility is a condition in which successful pregnancy has not occurred, despite normal intercourse over 12 months. The cause of female infertility is multifactorial. Ayurveda assures normal pregnancy by proper maintenance of Garbha Samgraha samagris and normalcy of mind. All the causes of female infertility come under the imbalance of Garbha Samgraha Samagri and mind factors. In this case report patient suffered from primary infertility since six years, after allopathic consultation came for ayurvedic treatment. From detailed history involvement of vitiated Vatha, Agnimandhya and stressful mind was noticed. She was treated with Chiruvilwadi kashayam, Dhanwantharam gulika, Jeerakarishtam, Kumaryasavam and Manasamithravatakam for one month.  Took follicular study on next cycle and revealed post ovulatory status on 16th day of cycle. Advised Phalasarpis, Dhanwantharam Gulika and Manasamithravatakam for two weeks. Patient came with positive urine pregnancy test after one week of missed period. The line of treatment followed in this case was to maintain Agni, normalize Vatha and assure proper health to mind. During the second half of the cycle Garbhasthapana medicines were administered. Patient took Dhanwantharam gulika and phalasarpis throughout the first trimester along with regular ante natal check up. Continued Dhanwantharam gulika up to 36 weeks and started Sukhaprasavagritham upto delivery from 36 weeks onwards. She delivered a female baby on 06.05.2018

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF TWO INDIGENOUS AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS ON LACTATION

A clinical trial was conducted to compare the lactogenic properties of two indigenous formulations, the trial drug mentioned in Arogyakalpadrumam and control drug- some selected drugs from Chikithsamanjari, the efficacy of which was already proved. The study was carried out in the outpatient section of the Department of Prasuthi and Sthreeroga, Govt. Ayurveda college Hospital for women and children, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram during 2013-2014. Lactating mothers, complaining of reduced breast milk even after 2 weeks from delivery were screened and grouped into two groups each containing of 15 patients. Data were collected by interviewing mothers using a pre-structured questionnaire with a scoring system. Study drug and control drug are given to each group, in a dose of 6gm powder with 24ml milk twice daily 1hr before food for three months. Evaluations of all the parameters were done at an interval of 30 days in each group. Differences in the score values were noted. Assessment of growth and development of children using Anthropometric parameters and CDC chart were recorded. The data were analyzed using the most appropriate statistical tests. Significant changes were obtained in the clinical parameters in the study group used for assessment such as number of feeds per day, interval between feeling of fullness of breasts, duration of feeds, sleep habits of the baby. There was no statistical significance in increasing number of feeds during night time in both groups. Both drugs have lactogenic properties. All children in both groups attained their natural growth and development. There was a small statistical significance in increasing birth weight in study group when compared with the control group. In the study group poor and moderate response was 0% while in control group they were 13.3%. Good response in the study group was 86.7% while it in the control group was 60.1%. There was a very good response in both groups which was 13.3%

Husbands' Participation in Housework and Child Care in India

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/106852/1/jomf12108.pd

OXYCAROTENOID LUTEIN REVERSES THE TOXICITY INDUCED BY CARBOFURAN IN WISTAR RATS

Objective: Elucidation of the protective effect of lutein against carbofuran induced toxicity in Wistar rats.Methods: Male Wistar rats were assigned into 5 groups of five animals. Group I normal received sunflower oil, Group 2 received carbofuran (5 mg/kg b. w.) alone. Group 3-5 received carbofuran plus lutein (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) respectively. Carbofuran and lutein administration were continued for 14 d. Neurobehavioural markers such as rotarod, grip strength test and pain threshold tests were carried out. After sacrifice, tissues were analysed for marker enzymes, antioxidant enzymes as well as oxidative stress markers.Results: Low dose of carbofuran was found to produce neurobehavioral problems as seen from the decreased retention time during rotarod test, endurance capacity in grip strength test and increased endurance capacity in pain threshold test. They were found to be significantly reversed by oral lutein administration. Administration of lutein restored the decreased acetylcholinesterase produced by carbofuran. Serum and tissue marker enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and gamma-glutamyltransferase, which were increased by carbofuran were decreased by lutein administration. Lutein administration also reduced oxidative stress parameters which were increased by carbofuran.Conclusion: The results showed that carbofuran induced toxicity in male Wistar rats was reversed by carotenoid lutein

Synthesis and Humidity Sensing Properties of Sn-Doped Nano- T

Nanostructured Sn-doped TiO2 have been prepared by ball milling using SnO2 and TiO2 as raw materials. The as-prepared powders are characterized by XRD, SEMs and EDAX to identify the structural phases, surface morphology, and composition of the materials. The materials are prepared with the addition of tin of different molar ratios (0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 1.0) to TiO2 and sintered at 800°C for 3 h. They are subjected to dc resistance measurements as a function of relative humidity (RH) in the range of 30%–97% in a self-designed humidity chamber, and the results revealed that the sensitivity factor increased with an increase in tin molar ratio. Among them, TiO2—20 wt% of SnO2 possessed the highest humidity sensitivity, while the pure TiO2 and SnO2 composite possessed a low sensitivity

Antibacterial Effectiveness and Cytotoxicity of Two Bioceramic Sealers: An Ex Vivo study

BACKGROUND: The main objective of root canal treatment is to eliminate bacteria from an infected root canal and also to prevent re-infection of the root canal. Bacteria that infect root canals may survive even after thorough chemo-mechanical preparation of the root canal system. The use of sealers with antibacterial properties may be advantageous, especially in clinical situations of persistent or recurrent infection. The choice of a biocompatible sealing material is crucial to the clinical success of endodontic therapy. This is an ex-vivo study which was conducted to test the antibacterial effectiveness of sealers by calculating the number of viable bacteria inside the root canal after application of sealers by Flow Cytometry and to measure cytotoxicity, the MTT reduction assay and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay is used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight extracted single rooted human mandibular premolar root segments were prepared. After smear removal, the specimens were infected with Enterococcus faecalis for 3 weeks. The specimens were then divided into four groups and coated with Neo MTA, MTA Fillapex and AH Plus root canal sealers and obturated with F3 Protaper Guttapercha. One group of specimen was left unfilled for control. Root canal filling were removed by Peeso Reamer and Gates Glidden drills before collecting the dentinal shavings. Dentinal shavings were collected by using H files. The no. of viable bacteria were determined for each specimen by Flow Cytometry. For cytotoxicity testing, Human Periodontal ligament Fibroblast, were submited to cell culture medium conditioned by sealers and the viability of the fibroblast was checked using the MTT reduction assay and LDH assay. Cells grown on fresh medium served as control. Statistical Analysis The data entry was done with Microsoft office Excel work sheet (2010). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software version 21(IBM Statistics). Descriptive statistics include mean and standard deviation (SD) for all the samples tested. The mean values were compared using One way Anova and Kruskal Wallis test. Intergroup comparison was done by Mann Whitney and Post hoc tests. The significance level was considered as less than 0.05. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that there is ststistically significant diference between each group for both antibacterial effectiveness and cytotoxicity. The antibacterial activity was highest for AH Plus sealer when compared to bioceramic sealers. Whereas among the bioceramic sealers, Neo MTA showed highest antibacterial activity than MTA Fillapex. While comparing cytotoxicity, bioceramic sealers showed less cytotoxicity, least with Neo MTA. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, 1. The results of this study shows that bioceramic sealers show less antibacterial effectiveness against E feacalis than resin based sealer (AH Plus). ◆ Among the bioceramic sealers, Neo MTA has better antibacterial effectiveness than MTA Fillapex. 2. In this study using both cytotoxicity tests, both bioceramic sealers, Neo MTA and MTA Fillapex showed less cytotoxicity when compared to resin based sealer, AH Plus. ◆ Among the bioceramic sealers, Neo MTA is least cytotoxic than MTA Fillapex

ANTITUMOUR ACTIVITY OF MESO-ZEAXANTHINE AND ITS MECHANISM OF ACTION

Objective: To evaluate the antitumour activity of meso-zeaxanthin and enumerate the mechanism of action.Methods: In vitro cytotoxicity was determined using transformed cells such as Dalton's lymphoma ascites tumour cells, Ehrlich ascites tumour cells, L929 cells as well as using normal cells. Tumour reduction was determined by ascites tumour formation and solid tumour reduction. Mechanism of tumour reduction was determined by inhibition of apoptosis as seen by morphology, DNA ladder fraction and induction of P53 and caspase gene and inhibition of BCl2 gene.Results: Carotenoid meso-zeaxanthin was found to be toxic to Dalton's Lymphoma ascites cells, Ehrlich ascites tumour cells and L929 cells (IC50, 46, 51 and 37 μg/ml respectively) and was not cytotoxic to normal cells. Meso-zeaxanthin increased the lifespan of animals bearing Ehrlich ascites tumour (69.9%) and decreased the solid tumour induced by Dalton's Lymphoma ascites tumour. Meso-zeaxanthin was found to induce apoptosis to DLA cells as seen from DNA Lymphoma ascites tumour. Meso-zeaxanthin was found to induce apoptosis to DLA cells as seen from DNA fragmentation, and DNA laddering and up regulation of P [53] and caspase 3 and 9 down regulation of BCl2 gene expression.Conclusion: Meso-zeaxanthin which is non-toxic was found to reduce animal tumours.Keywords: Meso-zeaxanthin, Antitumour activity, Apoptosis, P[53] gene-BCl2geneÂ