ROLE OF MATRA BASTI (ENEMA) OVER ABHYANGA (MASSAGE) AND SWEDA (SUDATION) IN REDUCING SPASTICITY IN CEREBRAL PALSY WITH SUDDHA BALA TAILA-A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY

Objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of Matra basti (enema) over Abhyanga (massage) and Sweda (sudation) in reducing spasticity in cerebral palsy. Study was carried out in IPD, Department of Kaumarbhritya, KLEs Shri BMK Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Shahapur, Belgaum, Karnataka; India.30 children fulfilling diagnostic criteria between the age group of 2-12 years were included and enrolled as per computer generated block randomization into 2 groups of 15 children in each group. Group A was administered with Matra basti (enema) after local Abhyanga (massage) with Suddha bala taila and local Swedana (sudation) with Nadi sweda (type of sudation) method for a duration of 15 days. In group B spastic children were treated with Sarvanga Abhyanga (massage all over body) followed by plain Nadi sweda with Suddha bala taila. Follow up was done on 30th and 45th day of treatment. Both the procedures were helpful in reducing spasticity. Matra basti (enema) is more effective in treating the spasticity of cerebral palsy as compared to Abhyanga (massage) and Sweda, whereas Abhyanga (massage) and Sweda (sudation) is effective in treating fine motor functions. Suddha Bala taila is effective in treating Ekanga vata (monoplegia), Pakshaghata (diplegia) and other related Vata Vyadhi (neurological disorders) as attributed to its Rogaghnata (disease). Thus the procedures are effecting in reducing spasticity

Mechanism of water-logging tolerance in pigeonpea

A study was undertaken to identify the morphophysiological traits associated with water-logging tolerance in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan L. (Millsp.)].The formation of aerenchyma cells, lenticels, and adventitious roots in the tolerant genotypes were found to be associated with waterlogging tolerance in pigeonpea. The tolerant genotypes, namely, ICP 5028, ICPH 2431, ICPL 87119, ICPH 2740, ICPL 149, ICPL 20241, and MAL15, exhibited varying responses to hypoxic conditions. Formation of aerenchymatous cells was common in all the water-logging tolerant genotypes. Besides this, five tolerant genotypes (ICP 5028, ICPH 2431, ICPL 87119, ICPH 2740 and MAL 15) developed lenticels, while ICPL 149 and ICPL 20241 formed prominent adventitious roots. None of these traits was present in the susceptible genotypes. These traits developed only when exposed to water-logging stress and facilitated oxygen supply from stem to roots helping in respiration of the suffering plants. Potential breeding strategies to develop pigeonpea genotypes with enhanced levels of waterlogging tolerance are discussed

Experimental study of the wake interaction between two vertical axis wind turbines

Wakes and wake interactions in wind turbine arrays diminish energy output and raise the risk of structural fatigue; hence, comprehending the features of rotor–wake interactions is of practical relevance. Previous studies suggest that vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) can facilitate a quicker wake recovery. This study experimentally investigates the rotor–wake and wake–wake interaction of VAWTs; different pitch angles of the blades of the upwind VAWT are considered to assess the interactions for different wake deflections. With stereoscopic particle image velocimetry, the wake interactions of two VAWTs are analysed in nine distinct wake deflection and rotor location configurations. The time-average velocity fields at several planes upwind and downwind from the rotors are measured. Additionally, time-average loads on the VAWTs are measured via force balances. The results validate the rapid wake recovery and the efficacy of wake deflection, which increases the available power in the second rotor.Wind EnergyAerodynamic

<i>Mentha arvensis</i> essential oil suppressed airway changes induced by histamine and ovalbumin in experimental animals

<p>The present investigation aimed to evaluate the activity of the essential oil of <i>Mentha arvensis</i> L. on exogenously induced bronchoconstriction in experimental animals. The anti-asthmatic effect of <i>M. arvensis</i> essential oil (MAEO) was studied using histamine aerosol-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs and ovalbumin (OVA) sensitised albino mice. Treatment with <i>M. arvensis</i> oil significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.001) increased the time of preconvulsive dyspnoea in histamine-induced guinea pigs. Oral treatment of MAEO significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.001) decreased absolute eosinophil count, serum level of IgE and the number of eosinophils, neutrophils in BALF. Histopathological examination of lungs showed that essential oil rescinded bronchial asthma. The present investigation provides evidence that MAEO relaxes bronchial smooth muscles and suppressed immunological response to OVA.</p

Hybrid ICPH 2740 assures quantum jump in pigeonpea productivity in peninsular India

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is an important pulse crop of peninsular India and of the 4 m ha grown, this region contributes >70% both in area and production. The productivity of pigeonpea in this region is at around 650 kg/ha, and to smash this low yield plateau, a hybrid technology, based on cytoplasmic nuclear male-sterility (CMS) and natural cross-pollination was evolved at ICRISAT. Among several location-specific hybrids were bred, ICPH 2740 gave out-standing performance in farmers’ fields and later released in Telangana for cultivation in 2015 as “Mannem Konda Kandi”. This wilt and sterility mosaic resistant hybrid was tested in 31 locations over five years exhibited 40.7% superiority over the ruling variety “Asha”. In the on-farm trials also, this hybrid recorded yield advantage of 36.2% in four provinces. This paper discusses salient features, performance, and seed technology of the hybrid ICPH 2740

Electrochemical properties of anodized copper hydroxide nanostructures

Here, we report room temperature growth of one-dimensional copper hydroxide, Cu(OH)2 nanostructures viz., nanoneedles (NNs), nanoleafs (NLs) and nanorods (NRs) from NaOH, LiOH and NaOH+ LiOH aqueous electrolyte solutions, respectively, employing a simple and cost-effective chemical anodization process. Structural elucidation and morphological evolution studies are elaborated thoroughly. Morphology inspired evolution of specific capacitance is estimated using cyclic-voltammogram and discharge measurements wherein, due to a relatively higher total charges and the least charge transfer resistance, in electrode with NRs morphology paved remarkable electrochemical performance compared to electrodes of NNs and NLs morphologies