Nux Vomica 200 CH reduced acute hypnotic effect of alcohol in young toads

Potentized Nux Vomica has been reported to produce antialcoholic effect in mice, rats and toads. The effect relates to consumption of alcohol and alcohol-induced loss of righting reflex (RR). RR’s maintain normal erect posture of an animal and are centrally controlled in the midbrain. In the present study young toads, Duttaphrynus melanostictus were first treated with Nux vomica 200 CH and then partially immersed in 209 mM ethanol solution in such a way that their head remained above the level of ethanol solution. Toadlets were removed from the ethanol solution every 10 min, tested for the loss of RR and returned to the ethanol solution. Toadlets were placed in a supine position on a dry flat surface. Failure to right within 60 sec was considered as the loss of RR. The experiment was repeated 10 times. Control toadlets were pretreated with 90% ethanol instead of Nux Vomica 200 CH. The percentages of toadlets showing loss of RR, both in the control as well as in the Nux-treated groups, were shown in graphs against the duration of exposure to ethanol solution. Differences in the percentage distribution between the control and the treatment groups losing RR were tested by χ2 test. All the experiments were conducted at room temperature. The percentage of toadlets losing RR increased with time of exposure to ethanol solution. The increase was significantly higher with the control than with the Nux-treated group. Nux Vomica 200 CH might have influenced the mid-brain of toadlets thereby countering the hypnotic effect of ethanol in the toadlets.

AN AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY (SMA) – A CASE STUDY

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is the second leading genetic disorder inherited in the autosomal recessive pattern due to the absence of the SMN1 gene characterized by loss of motor neurons and progressive muscle wasting, often leading to dependent life and decreased life span. In Ayurveda, this condition can be considered as Kulaja Vyadhi wherein the patient’s Mamsa and Snayu is affected by Vata. This can be regarded as Mamsa-Snayugata Sarvanga Vata. It is said that Prakruta Vata dosha is the life, it is the strength, it is the sustainer of the body, it holds the body and life together. If it is Vikruta it produces Sankocha, Khanja, Kubjatva, Pangutva, Khalli and Soshana of Anga. So, in this disease aggravated Vata does the vitiation of Mamsa and Snayu thus leading to Soshana of both, resulting in Stambha, Nischalikarana of Avayava. A 21years female patient was admitted to our I.P.D with c/o of reduced strength in all four limbs leading to the inability to walk and to maintain erect posture during standing and sitting positions. Based on Ayurvedic principles the patient was initially subjected to Avaranahara Chikitsa followed by Brimhana line of management. Keywords: Mamsagata vata, Snayugata vata, Sarvanga vata, Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

Diurnal variation in aviation significant gravity-dependent and gravity-independent anthropometric parameters

Introduction: Anthropometric parameters need to be accurately measured because of their direct implications in selection of aircrew, aircrew-cockpit compatibility, and cockpit workspace design. Some of these parameters have significant diurnal variation, hence, measurement of these parameters in particular time of day becomes important. Quantification of these diurnal variations among some of the aviation significant parameters was the desired objective of the study. Material and Methods: In a prospective repeated measure design, anthropometric parameters of a total of 35 volunteers were measured in the standard defined protocol from 0800h to 1600h, at an interval of every 2h, using Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) Anthropometry Platform. The data were analyzed to observe and quantify changes in diurnal variations in both gravity-dependent and gravity-independent parameters. A maximum value of 0.4 cm was taken as intraobserver variations based on the results of a pilot study. Results: There was a statistically significant decrement in the values of gravity-dependent anthropometric parameters from morning to evening; the difference being more after 1200h. Most of the gravity-independent parameters did not show any significant changes from 0800h to 1600h, except leg length, which showed a decrement overtime, the difference being statistically significant after 1200h. Conclusion: The study revealed a statistically significant variation of gravity-dependent anthropometric parameters from the baseline which could be because of the effect of erect posture on the intervertebral disc height and axial compressive loads on the spine. This became practically significant after 1200h. However, most of the gravity-independent parameters did not show any significant variations. Based on the results of this study, anthropometric measurements should be done in the morning hours preferably before 1200h.

Finite Element Method for the Evaluation of the Human Spine: A Literature Overview

The finite element method (FEM) represents a computer simulation method, originally used in civil engineering, which dates back to the early 1940s. Applications of FEM have also been used in numerous medical areas and in orthopedic surgery. Computing technology has improved over the years and as a result, more complex problems, such as those involving the spine, can be analyzed. The spine is a complex anatomical structure that maintains the erect posture and supports considerable loads. Applications of FEM in the spine have contributed to the understanding of bone biomechanics, both in healthy and abnormal conditions, such as scoliosis, fractures (trauma), degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis. However, since FEM is only a digital simulation of the real condition, it will never exactly simulate in vivo results. In particular, when it concerns biomechanics, there are many features that are difficult to represent in a FEM. More FEM studies and spine research are required in order to examine interpersonal spine stiffness, young spine biomechanics and model accuracy. In the future, patient-specific models will be used for better patient evaluations as well as for better pre- and inter-operative planning.

THE UTILITY OF SERUM BILIRUBIN AS A MARKER IN ACUTE ABDOMEN

BACKGROUND: Delay in diagnosis leads to various complications like perforation, abscess formation. Evaluation of serum bilirubin helps in diagnosis of complications, like perforation, morbidity, wound infection, prognosis associated with acute abdomen. The aim of the study is to evaluate serum bilirubin levels to predict complications prior to surgery. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study which includes 164 study subjects diagnosed with acute abdomen such as appendicitis, peritonitis, cholecystitis. All study subjects were subjected to clinical evaluation, Laboratory investigations such as liver function tests, ultrasound and x ray abdomen in erect posture. The data was compiled and analysed. The Fisher's exact, Pearson's χ2, ANOVA, and Kruskal–Wallis tests while logistic regression for multivariate analysis was performed. p < 0.05 was accepted as statistically signicant Results: In our study patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis 35 cases showed elevated WBC count mean 9.81 ±SD 3.254. 7 cases showed raised TDB 0.50 SD± 0.526. In acute appendicitis with perforation 25 cases had raised WBC counts mean 12.13±SD 3.764. 3 cases had increased levels of TDB mean 1.32±SD 0.9333. WBC, TDB levels are increased among patients with acute appendicitis with perforation compared to patients with acute appendicitis which is statistically signicant (p₌0.002 and 0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Hyperbilirubinemia, especially with elevated direct bilirubin levels, may be considered as an important marker for the prediction of appendiceal gangrene/perforation which is cost effective in a rural set up where CTscan cannot be performed.

A novel species of Ischaemum (Poaceae, Andropogoneae) from the northern Western Ghats, India, based on morphological and molecular data

Ischaemum amboliense (Poaceae, Andropogoneae), a new species of Muraina grass, is described and illustrated here. The new species is closely allied to I. travancorense but differs from it in having annual habit and erect posture, culm with sparsely hairy nodes, well-exerted racemes, lower glumes of sessile spikelets with 3–4 side nodules without ridges, upper glume of sessile spikelets with bicuspidate apex and margins with a membranous wing on one side of apical region and lower lemma of sessile spikelets winged on both sides towards the apex. A strict consensus tree obtained from the Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analyses of trnLC–trnLD and ETS datasets supported the novelty of the species. Here, we provide a detailed morphological description, molecular phylogenetic analysis, distribution map, and photo-plates of the novel and allied species.

Femoral mechanical performance of precocial and altricial birds: a simulation study

BackgroundAs the major load-bearing structures, bones exhibit various properties related to mechanical performance to adapt to different locomotor intensities. The habits and ontogenetic changes of locomotion in animals can, thus, be explored by assessing skeletal mechanical performance.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the growing femoral mechanical performance in an ontogenetic series of Cabot’s Tragopans (Tragopan caboti) and Pigeons (Columba livia domestica). Micro-computed tomography-based finite element analysis was conducted to evaluate the stress, strain, and strain energy density (SED) of femora under axial and radial loading.ResultsFemora deflected medio-laterally and dorso-ventrally under axial and radial loading, respectively. Femora deformed and tensed more severely under radial loading than axial loading. In adult individuals, Cabot’s Tragopans had lower strain and SED than pigeons. During ontogeny, the strain and SED of pigeons decreased sharply, while Cabot’s Tragopans showed moderately change. The structural properties of hatchling pigeons are more robust than those of hatchling Cabot’s Tragopans.ConclusionsLimb postures have dominant effect on skeletal deformation. The erect posture is preferred by large mammals and birds to achieve a high safety factor of bones during locomotion. Adult Cabot’s Tragopans have stronger femora than pigeons, reflecting a better bone adaption to the terrestrial locomotion of the studied pheasant species. Changes in strain and SED during growth reflect the marked difference in locomotor ability between precocial and altricial hatchlings. The femora of hatchling Cabot’s Tragopans were built with better energy efficiency than deformation resistance, enabling optimized mechanical performance. In contrast, although weak in mechanical function at the time of hatching, pigeon femora were suggested to be established with a more mature structural design as a prerequisite for rapid growth. These results will be helpful for studies regarding developmental patterns of fossil avian species.

A Clinical Study to Assess the Efficacy of Agastimodakain the Management of Abhyantara Arshaw.s.r. to 1st and 2nd Degree Internal Haemorrhoids.

ARSHA, one of the Ashta-Mahagadasappears at the Gudaregion, which is a kind of Sadhyapranahar Marma. In Humans, the erect posture results in very high pressure on the valve less rectal venous plexus which makes them prone to this disease. It is a problem related to old age, sedentary lifestyle & dietary factors.Vega Vidharan, ati ushna-tikshana and mamsaaharaleads to Vitiation of Apana vayu, that primarily causes Agni Mandata & Mala avashtamba in the affected individulas. The fourfold treatment protocol given in Ayurvedic context gives more emphasis to start with a Conservative Management -BHESHAJAYA KARMAin Arsha.The present case study includes 45 patients diagnosed with Abhyantra Arshawith chief complaints as Per Rectal Bleeding (Raktasrava), Constipation (Mala bandhta) and Pile Mass (Arsha ankura). An attempt is made to prepare an easily accessible,standard & cost effective palliative mode in terms of AGASTIMODAKA to treat the cases of 1st& 2ndDegree Internal Haemorrhoid. All the ingredients of Agastimodakaare Katu, Tikta, Kashaya Rasatmaka, Madhura Vipaki. It presents as a good Aam Pachaka, shool prashamaka, mala shodhakaand rakta stambhaka. Owing to its Deepana-Pachana property, it regulates Agniwhich improves the digestion and relieves constipation by lowering the pressure on anal varices. A significant relief was observed in all the three study included parameters.Bheshajya Karmahas no fear of complications like infection, gangrene and bleeding in comparison to the Allopathic Surgical procedures.

Dynamic Postural Stability of High-Level Athletes Specializing in Team Sports

The production of manifold and rapidly varying movements in team sports requires maintaining an erect posture. This paper aimed to study dynamic postural stability in athletes engaged in team sports. Among the participants were high-level basketball players (n = 15), rugby players (n = 15) and football players (n = 12), as well as 30 young people not professionally involved in sports, all aged 18–21 years. Postural stability was evaluated using stability analyser Stabilan-01 (OKB Ritm, Taganrog). We utilized the Evolventa test, which simulates the real situation of tracking movements in the games, allowing us to quickly assess not only the quality of the athlete’s tracking movement, but also the reserves of maintaining the stability of erect posture. Classical and vector stabilographic characteristics of upright posture stability were analysed. To assess the quality of tracking, special game indicators were used. Athletes demonstrated a significant superiority in the accuracy of performing motor tasks and at the same time in maintaining postural stability over young men not playing sports (p ≤ 0.05). Noteworthy, basketball players had the highest tracking accuracy in the frontal and, especially, in the sagittal plane (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, basketball players kept their balance much better, surpassing rugby players and, above all, football players in most indicators in both planes (p ≤ 0.05). Thus, the effectiveness, accuracy and speed of completing tasks, as well as fewer errors in high-level athletes were combined with an automated ability, due to the stereotype formed over many years of training, to confidently maintain an upright position even in the most difficult game situations. However, when analysing postural stability, one must take into account the specifics of the sports under study, where a wide variety of ball-handling techniques is combined with competitive activity of the hands or feet.