A Review on Ayurvedic Medicinal Herbs as Remedial Perspective for COVID-19

Introduction: Recent outbreaks in a new type of coronavirus, novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease causing respiratory infection have significantly hampered the public health. Medicinal plants used in traditional practices provide enormous scope to bring out viable alternatives against viral diseases, considering non-availability of suitable drug and increasing resistance to existing drug as well as re-emerging viral diseases. The present review on use of plants and related phytochemicals for the treatment of viral diseases particularly COVID-19, preclinical and clinical information is increased concern Methods: The methodological activities involved during a literature review were; (1) designing the review concept, (2) conducting the review on review papers, research papers, bulletins, official websites, (3) analysis of previous publications and (4) writing up the review paper. The integrative literature review and paper preparation process was done from our own practical experience and influenced by various standards and guidelines suggested in the publications. Results: Herbal medicines and their active phytochemicals against some viral pathogens including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) the virus that causes COVID-19 pandemic, middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS-COV), rhinovirus, human herpes virus (HSV-I & II), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), coxsackievirus (CV), enterovirus 71 (EV71), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), herpes simplex virus, influenza A/H1N1 virus, coronavirus (CoV) etc were extensively reviewed. Ayurvedic herbal products could be useful to select as an alternative and integrated approach to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with coronavirus infection and enhance host immunity against viral attack in the context of treatment vaccine of COVID-19 could be years away. Conclusion: The traditional practices and scientific evidence of several medicinal herbs and their phytochemicals against lethal viral infections in-vivo and in-vitro studies could be useful for the future as a novel source of natural products in particular focus on COVID-19

Frugal Innovation and Digital Effectuation

Evidence of human ingenuity to solve complex everyday problems with elegant solutions in adverse conditions can be seen across the globe. The study of frugal innovation attempts to theorize such problem-solving efforts in constrained environments. Ubiquitous digital technologies influence the way these problems are perceived, and the way solutions are conceived, developed, deployed, and consumed. This dissertation explores how entrepreneurs can exploit modern-day digital technologies and platforms to develop frugal solutions that have the potential to transform the lives of millions living at the bottom of the economic pyramid. In the last decades, the lens of effectuation theory has provided many insights about the entrepreneurial journey of such innovators, by articulating the logic that drives their mindset, actions, decisions, and resourcefulness. In this dissertation, we extend the theory of effectuation into ‘digital effectuation’ and use this lens to explore and develop models of IT-enabled frugal innovation processes and outcomes.The empirical context of this dissertation about digital effectuation involves two studies of entrepreneurs in four countries that span a range of frugal contexts. The first is a comparative, theory development case study of seven entrepreneurs in Japan, Nepal, and New Zealand which empirically examines how the use and functionalities of digital technology aid effectuation action in frugal innovation endeavors. Our findings show that both conventional and unconventional usage of digital technologies extend effectual actions in unique ways that enhance both process and outcome of venture creation. The second is a single case study of an Indian entrepreneur which explores the macroeconomic and cultural development outcomes of frugal innovation that is enabled by digital effectuation. This study illustrates how grassroots entrepreneurs enacting digital effectuation in a frugal innovation endeavor can create ripple effects of social (cultural) and economic development that benefits a wider community of contributors and consumers. The dissertation extends entrepreneurship and information systems theories of frugal entrepreneurship by linking digital technologies and entrepreneurial effectuation actions. It also contributes to the literature on ICT for development (ICT4D) by illustrating how digital entrepreneurship has the potential not only to bring about economic benefits, but also to stimulate local culture production, an impact of digital entrepreneurship often overlooked in the literature.</p

Pattern of Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Its Relationship with Components of Metabolic Syndrome

BackgroundThyroid dysfunction (TD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are known risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). TD is risk factor for ASCVD mediated by the effects of thyroid hormones on lipid metabolism and blood pressure hence the components of MetS. It is possible that coexistence of these two disease entities and unrecognized TD in patients with MetS might substantially increase ASCVD risk. Moreover, little is known about the relationship between TD and the components of MetS. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern of TD in patients with MetS and its relationship with components of the MetS.MethodsA total of 358 previously diagnosed patients with MetS were recruited in the study. The thyroid function test parameters were measured to classify TD at Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16.0 to evaluate pattern and relationship.ResultsThe overall prevalence of TD in patients with MetS was 31.84% with high prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (29.32%). We found no evidence of a relationship between TD and components of MetS, although there was significant difference in waist circumference between four groups of TD.ConclusionPatients with MetS had subclinical hypothyroidism greatly. Although there was no evidence of any relationship between thyroid status and all components of MetS, TD should be taken into account when evaluating and treating patients with MetS to reduce the impending risk

Rapidly Progressive Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis in a Diabetic Individual

We present a case of rapidly progressive granulomatous amoebic encephalitis caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris in an individual with diabetes mellitus. Our patient presented with occipital headache, blurry vision, confusion, and gait imbalance of one week\u27s duration. Brain imaging revealed numerous peripheral ring-enhancing lesions concerning malignancy. Brain biopsy was consistent with Balamuthia mandrillaris infection. He passed away 45 days after presentation despite being treated with a five-drug regimen. This case highlights the importance of considering amoebic brain infections, especially with ring-enhancing lesions on imaging. There are opportunities to design modalities for rapid diagnosis and better treatment