Evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of Surana Modaka in Arshas

Arshas (haemorrhoids) is the commonest condition among the anorectal diseases in our day-to-day practice in terms of incidence. It is a very disagreeable condition for the patient and often creates restlessness. This disease has no particular sectorial affinity and is equally distributed throughout the world. Modern Science has very little to offer in terms of medicinal treatments of haemorrhoids. Prevalent modern para-surgical measures have been enumerated. Surgical techniques of performing haemorrhoidectomy are many and their complications such as pain, anal incontinence, stricture etc. are well known. Management of Arshas only on Ayurvedic lines seems to be more appropriate. Sushruta, basically a surgeon described four principal therapeutic measures in the management of Arshas, viz. medicinal, chemical cauterization, thermal cauterization and surgical excision. It may be pointed out here that enumeration of these measures in a definite order is suggestive of similar methods to be preferred first. By keeping all these principles in mind, a herbal formulation by name Surana Modaka is prepared to see its efficacy in Arshas

Comparative pharmaceutical study of Apamarga Kshara prepared by Jala and Gomutra

Kshara Kalpana is one amongst the various preparations used in Ayurvedic clinical practice. It is most widely used in surgical and para-surgical procedures. Aacharya Sushruta has included it under the heading of Anushashtra, Upayantra, Agropaharneeya and one among the Upakrama for Vrana. Its internal use has also been advocated by various classical texts. Many plants are mentioned for the preparation of Kshara by different classical texts. One of them is Apamarga. Its latin name is Achyranthes Aspera which is a herb about 0.33 to 1 meter in height with branched or unbranched stem. It is found all over India in dry lands. A typical processing technique is involved in the preparation of Kshara. We find references depicting different opinions for the preparation of Kshara in various classical texts. For the present study reference mentioned in Sushruta Samhita was followed. Here two solvents are mentioned for the preparation viz. Jala and Gomutra. To evaluate the difference between the pharmaceutical preparation of the two samples the present study was undertaken

An appraisal of Kshara Kalpana

Ayurveda describes various dosage forms for the administration of the medicament in human body. These dosage forms are denoted by the term Kalpana. Many Kalpana have been described in the classical texts along with five basic Kalpana. One such Kalpana is Kshara Kalpana. The utility of Kshara is mainly seen in the field of Shalya Tantra where it is used in the management of the cases of Arsha, Bhagandara, Nadi Vrana etc. but at the same instance it also provides fruitful results in the cases of Shwasa, Mootrakrichha etc. Kshara proves its utility in the processing of Parada whereby it acts as a Vida and makes the processing of Parada easy. Due importance has been given to Kshara preparation in most of the classics but at the same moment, we find differences in the various methods mentioned for the preparation. Hence an attempt has been made to compile the various references available in the classical texts and to justify their probable use in the present paper

A Critical Review on Go-Ghrita, Shata Dhouta Ghrita and Sahasra Dhouta Ghrita

Traditional medical system has always played an important role in the maintenance of health of mankind. Modern medicine has been drawing inputs from these traditional systems since their very beginning. Samskara in Ayurveda, is a process of transformation of inherent attributes of a substance. This is created by dilution, application of heat, cleansing, churning, storing in a specific place, maturing, flavoring, impregnation, preservation, container etc. Ancient scholars considered that Ghrita is able to perform multiple actions if processed accordingly. On the base of this, many Samskaras are employed for Ghrita and subsequently various pharmacological actions are observed. Shatadhouta Ghrita and Sahsradhouta Ghrita are also an outcome of that keen observation. Shatadhouta Ghrita and Sahasradhouta Ghrita are two Ayurvedic preparations, which are prepared by washing cow ghee for hundred and thousand times respectively. They are considered as best alleviators of Pitta Dosha and burning sensation, in the treatments of wound healing. On the basis of detailed literary review, it was understood that, Shatadhouta Ghrita and Sahasradhouta Ghrita should be prepared by pressure washing of Ghrita with water. These preparations are indicated for Dahashamana action. Both of them have the properties as that of oil in water kind of emulsion

Pharmaceutical fortification of Rasoushadhies for their better clinical utility

Ayurveda is known to be the oldest system of medicine whose virtue of holistic approach towards life attracts the attention of people worldwide. Ayurvedic formulations are conjuncture of herbal, mineral/metal and animal origin drugs. To effectuate therapeutic properties in these raw drugs, they are subjected to different pharmaceutical procedures (Samskaras). The fate of the drugs is predominantly decided by these procedures only. In the case of medical emergencies as well as in the management of critical diseases drug which brings about hastened relief in subordinate dose and dosage is endorsed. In Rasashastra, metals and minerals are subjected to different Samskara like Shodhana etc. to beget the properties like ‘Alpa Matra Upyogitvad’ and ‘Kshipram Aarogyam Daayitvad’ in them. The concept of incineration or Marana is the process which brings the particle size into nanometre range which makes the metal into absorbable and assimilable form. The present paper deals with the different pharmaceutical procedures which impregnate these properties in the rasa dravyas and make them suitable for use in various clinical manifestations

Experimental evaluation of Deepana and Pachana Activity of Chitraka Kwatha w.s.r. to different Reduction Criteria

Kashaya Kalpana, also called as Kwatha Kalpana is the third one among the Kashaya Kalpana. It is prepared by boiling the drug in water and reducing it to specific quantity. Different authors have explained different ratio for drug and water and the quantity of reduction also differs according to the purpose used. Acharya Harita and Bhoja have explained Kwatha according to the ratio of reduction and attributed different therapeutic properties according to the ratio of reduction. As per Harita, although the drug and quantity of water used are same for the preparation of Kwatha, if the reduction is different, each reduction will have different therapeutic actions and can be used for different disease conditions. Among the seven types of Kwatha 1/10th reduction and ½ reduction are said to be having Deepana and Pachana action respectively. The Deepana and Pachana action was assesed experimentally in albino rats by adopting some modern parameters. These parameters were logically selected by keeping the modern explaination of digestion and metabolism in mind. When the data obtained by above study is analysed, suggestive of moderate to good effect of Pachana and mild to moderate Deepana action is noted

Pharmaceutico – Analytical Study of Chitraka Kwatha w.s.r. to different reduction criteria

Harita has explained seven types of Kwatha. Among the seven types of Kwatha 1/10th reduction and ½ reduction are said to be having Deepana and Pachana action respectively. The study is planned to study the concept of Deepana and Pachana Kwatha as explained by Harita. For this study, a well known Deepana- Pachana drug i.e. Chitraka is selected and the Kwatha is prepared. In the present study, the Deepana Kwatha (1/10th reduction), Pachana Kwatha(1/2 reduction) are compared with that of the Kwatha prepared by the 3/4th reduction in terms of analytical parameters and the findings were analysed

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Background: Estimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 provides new demographic estimates for 204 countries and territories and 811 additional subnational locations from 1950 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: 22 223 data sources from vital registration, sample registration, surveys, censuses, and other sources were used to estimate mortality, with a subset of these sources used exclusively to estimate excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026 data sources were used for population estimation. Additional sources were used to estimate migration; the effects of the HIV epidemic; and demographic discontinuities due to conflicts, famines, natural disasters, and pandemics, which are used as inputs for estimating mortality and population. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate under-5 mortality rates, which synthesised 30 763 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 1365 surveys and censuses, and 80 other sources. ST-GPR was also used to estimate adult mortality (between ages 15 and 59 years) based on information from 31 642 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 355 surveys and censuses, and 24 other sources. Estimates of child and adult mortality rates were then used to generate life tables with a relational model life table system. For countries with large HIV epidemics, life tables were adjusted using independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated via an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys, antenatal clinic serosurveillance, and other data sources. Excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 was determined by subtracting observed all-cause mortality (adjusted for late registration and mortality anomalies) from the mortality expected in the absence of the pandemic. Expected mortality was calculated based on historical trends using an ensemble of models. In location-years where all-cause mortality data were unavailable, we estimated excess mortality rates using a regression model with covariates pertaining to the pandemic. Population size was computed using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model. Life expectancy was calculated using age-specific mortality rates and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered values from a 1000-draw posterior distribution. Findings: Global all-cause mortality followed two distinct patterns over the study period: age-standardised mortality rates declined between 1950 and 2019 (a 62·8% [95% UI 60·5–65·1] decline), and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–21; 5·1% [0·9–9·6] increase). In contrast with the overall reverse in mortality trends during the pandemic period, child mortality continued to decline, with 4·66 million (3·98–5·50) global deaths in children younger than 5 years in 2021 compared with 5·21 million (4·50–6·01) in 2019. An estimated 131 million (126–137) people died globally from all causes in 2020 and 2021 combined, of which 15·9 million (14·7–17·2) were due to the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by excess mortality, which includes deaths directly due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and those indirectly due to other social, economic, or behavioural changes associated with the pandemic). Excess mortality rates exceeded 150 deaths per 100 000 population during at least one year of the pandemic in 80 countries and territories, whereas 20 nations had a negative excess mortality rate in 2020 or 2021, indicating that all-cause mortality in these countries was lower during the pandemic than expected based on historical trends. Between 1950 and 2021, global life expectancy at birth increased by 22·7 years (20·8–24·8), from 49·0 years (46·7–51·3) to 71·7 years (70·9–72·5). Global life expectancy at birth declined by 1·6 years (1·0–2·2) between 2019 and 2021, reversing historical trends. An increase in life expectancy was only observed in 32 (15·7%) of 204 countries and territories between 2019 and 2021. The global population reached 7·89 billion (7·67–8·13) people in 2021, by which time 56 of 204 countries and territories had peaked and subsequently populations have declined. The largest proportion of population growth between 2020 and 2021 was in sub-Saharan Africa (39·5% [28·4–52·7]) and south Asia (26·3% [9·0–44·7]). From 2000 to 2021, the ratio of the population aged 65 years and older to the population aged younger than 15 years increased in 188 (92·2%) of 204 nations. Interpretation: Global adult mortality rates markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, reversing past decreasing trends, while child mortality rates continued to decline, albeit more slowly than in earlier years. Although COVID-19 had a substantial impact on many demographic indicators during the first 2 years of the pandemic, overall global health progress over the 72 years evaluated has been profound, with considerable improvements in mortality and life expectancy. Additionally, we observed a deceleration of global population growth since 2017, despite steady or increasing growth in lower-income countries, combined with a continued global shift of population age structures towards older ages. These demographic changes will likely present future challenges to health systems, economies, and societies. The comprehensive demographic estimates reported here will enable researchers, policy makers, health practitioners, and other key stakeholders to better understand and address the profound changes that have occurred in the global health landscape following the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term trends beyond the pandemic

Abstracts of National Conference on Research and Developments in Material Processing, Modelling and Characterization 2020

This book presents the abstracts of the papers presented to the Online National Conference on Research and Developments in Material Processing, Modelling and Characterization 2020 (RDMPMC-2020) held on 26th and 27th August 2020 organized by the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Science in Association with the Department of Production and Industrial Engineering, National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India. Conference Title: National Conference on Research and Developments in Material Processing, Modelling and Characterization 2020Conference Acronym: RDMPMC-2020Conference Date: 26–27 August 2020Conference Location: Online (Virtual Mode)Conference Organizer: Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, National Institute of Technology JamshedpurCo-organizer: Department of Production and Industrial Engineering, National Institute of Technology Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, IndiaConference Sponsor: TEQIP-

Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BackgroundEstimates of demographic metrics are crucial to assess levels and trends of population health outcomes. The profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations worldwide has underscored the need for timely estimates to understand this unprecedented event within the context of long-term population health trends. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 provides new demographic estimates for 204 countries and territories and 811 additional subnational locations from 1950 to 2021, with a particular emphasis on changes in mortality and life expectancy that occurred during the 2020–21 COVID-19 pandemic period.Methods22 223 data sources from vital registration, sample registration, surveys, censuses, and other sources were used to estimate mortality, with a subset of these sources used exclusively to estimate excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2026 data sources were used for population estimation. Additional sources were used to estimate migration; the effects of the HIV epidemic; and demographic discontinuities due to conflicts, famines, natural disasters, and pandemics, which are used as inputs for estimating mortality and population. Spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression (ST-GPR) was used to generate under-5 mortality rates, which synthesised 30 763 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 1365 surveys and censuses, and 80 other sources. ST-GPR was also used to estimate adult mortality (between ages 15 and 59 years) based on information from 31 642 location-years of vital registration and sample registration data, 355 surveys and censuses, and 24 other sources. Estimates of child and adult mortality rates were then used to generate life tables with a relational model life table system. For countries with large HIV epidemics, life tables were adjusted using independent estimates of HIV-specific mortality generated via an epidemiological analysis of HIV prevalence surveys, antenatal clinic serosurveillance, and other data sources. Excess mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 was determined by subtracting observed all-cause mortality (adjusted for late registration and mortality anomalies) from the mortality expected in the absence of the pandemic. Expected mortality was calculated based on historical trends using an ensemble of models. In location-years where all-cause mortality data were unavailable, we estimated excess mortality rates using a regression model with covariates pertaining to the pandemic. Population size was computed using a Bayesian hierarchical cohort component model. Life expectancy was calculated using age-specific mortality rates and standard demographic methods. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) were calculated for every metric using the 25th and 975th ordered values from a 1000-draw posterior distribution.FindingsGlobal all-cause mortality followed two distinct patterns over the study period: age-standardised mortality rates declined between 1950 and 2019 (a 62·8% [95% UI 60·5–65·1] decline), and increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–21; 5·1% [0·9–9·6] increase). In contrast with the overall reverse in mortality trends during the pandemic period, child mortality continued to decline, with 4·66 million (3·98–5·50) global deaths in children younger than 5 years in 2021 compared with 5·21 million (4·50–6·01) in 2019. An estimated 131 million (126–137) people died globally from all causes in 2020 and 2021 combined, of which 15·9 million (14·7–17·2) were due to the COVID-19 pandemic (measured by excess mortality, which includes deaths directly due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and those indirectly due to other social, economic, or behavioural changes associated with the pandemic). Excess mortality rates exceeded 150 deaths per 100 000 population during at least one year of the pandemic in 80 countries and territories, whereas 20 nations had a negative excess mortality rate in 2020 or 2021, indicating that all-cause mortality in these countries was lower during the pandemic than expected based on historical trends. Between 1950 and 2021, global life expectancy at birth increased by 22·7 years (20·8–24·8), from 49·0 years (46·7–51·3) to 71·7 years (70·9–72·5). Global life expectancy at birth declined by 1·6 years (1·0–2·2) between 2019 and 2021, reversing historical trends. An increase in life expectancy was only observed in 32 (15·7%) of 204 countries and territories between 2019 and 2021. The global population reached 7·89 billion (7·67–8·13) people in 2021, by which time 56 of 204 countries and territories had peaked and subsequently populations have declined. The largest proportion of population growth between 2020 and 2021 was in sub-Saharan Africa (39·5% [28·4–52·7]) and south Asia (26·3% [9·0–44·7]). From 2000 to 2021, the ratio of the population aged 65 years and older to the population aged younger than 15 years increased in 188 (92·2%) of 204 nations.InterpretationGlobal adult mortality rates markedly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, reversing past decreasing trends, while child mortality rates continued to decline, albeit more slowly than in earlier years. Although COVID-19 had a substantial impact on many demographic indicators during the first 2 years of the pandemic, overall global health progress over the 72 years evaluated has been profound, with considerable improvements in mortality and life expectancy. Additionally, we observed a deceleration of global population growth since 2017, despite steady or increasing growth in lower-income countries, combined with a continued global shift of population age structures towards older ages. These demographic changes will likely present future challenges to health systems, economies, and societies. The comprehensive demographic estimates reported here will enable researchers, policy makers, health practitioners, and other key stakeholders to better understand and address the profound changes that have occurred in the global health landscape following the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and longer-term trends beyond the pandemic