Siddha management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Addictive use of Alcohol has been a considerable health problem, not only having impact on individual and families, but creates a lasting social burden on the society. One third of the Indian population is using alcohol in an unhealthy manner, the complications are wide and varied among which, the Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is the dominant factor. AWS is a set of symptoms that can occur when a heavy drinker suddenly stops or significantly reduces their alcohol intake. The presentation varies from mild sleep loss or anxiety to the life threatening situation like delirium (confusion). The excessive intake of unwholesome alcohol leads to Mathathiyam (Kudiveri Noi in the Siddha - Indian Tamil language) and it degrades knowledge and health according to Siddha medicine and practise. Manifestation occur as per the aggravated/ vitiated three biological forces (Vali, Azhal, Iyyam - Indian Tamil language) leads to cause impair the quality or efficiency of life, and which may even leads to death. Hence, there is a need for AWS management at an early stage. The aim is to minimize the withdrawal symptoms which prevents complications and reduces the intense use for alcohol using the siddha system of medicines. The efficacy of Inji rasayanam (Rejuvenator), Brahmi nei (Medicated ghee), and Ammukkara chooranam (Medicated powder) for AWS is well known. Therefore, it is of interest to describe the case of a 35 years old male patient presented with AWS and treated with Siddha drugs for 48 days. The condition was assessed before and after treatment using the clinical institute withdrawal assessment for alcohol scale revised (CIWA-Ar). Data shows effective management of AWS using the Siddha medicines.

Spectral investigations on undoped and Cu²âº doped ZnO-CdS composite nanopowders.

Undoped and Cu(2+) doped ZnO-CdS composite nanopowders were synthesized by simple chemical precipitation method. Structural and spectroscopic properties of the prepared samples have been characterized by XRD, SEM with EDS, TEM, FT-IR, UV-Vis, EPR and Photoluminescence studies. X-ray diffraction pattern contains a series of peaks corresponds to hexagonal phase of ZnO and CdS. The average crystallite sizes of undoped and Cu(2+) doped samples are determined and are in the range of 25-30 nm. SEM and TEM micrographs reveal that the samples show spherical like structures with little agglomeration. FT-IR spectra show the fundamental mode of vibrations of ZnO at 515 cm(-1), CdS at 621 cm(-1) and other functional groups. Optical absorption spectrum of Cu(2+) doped sample consists of three bands at 665, 823 and 1192 nm attributed to the transitions (2)B1g→(2)Eg, (2)B2g and (2)A1g respectively. Crystal field and tetragonal field parameters are evaluated as Dq=1214, Ds=1610 and Dt=389 cm(-1). From EPR, spin-Hamiltonian and hyperfine splitting parameters are evaluated for Cu(2+) doped sample as g‖=2.3391, g⊥=2.0550 and A‖=130×10(-4) cm(-1), A⊥=36×10(-4) cm(-1). The optical and EPR data suggests that Cu(2+) entered into host lattice as tetragonally distorted octahedral site symmetry. PL spectra consists two emission bands at 367, 380 nm in UV region. A sharp blue emission peak at 425 nm and a broad green emission peak in the range of 450-570 nm are observed. The enhanced visible emission is observed after doping.

Synthesis and spectral investigations of Cu(II) ion-doped NaCaAlPO4 F3 phosphor.

Cu(II) ion-doped NaCaAlPO(4)F(3) phosphor has been synthesized using a solid state reaction method. The prepared sample is characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, optical absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance photoluminescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. The crystallite size evaluated from x-ray diffraction data is in nanometers. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed the presence of several irregular shaped particles. From optical absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance spectral data the doped Cu(II) ions are ascribed to distorted octahedral site symmetry. The synthesized phosphor exhibits emission bands in ultraviolet, blue and green regions under the excitation wavelength of 335 nm. The CIE chromaticity coordinates (x = 0.159, y = 0.204) also calculated for the prepared sample from the emission spectrum. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum revealed the characteristic vibrational bands of the prepared phosphor material.

Synthesis and spectral characterizations of trivalent ions (Cr3+, Fe3+) doped CdO nanopowders.

Trivalent transition metal ions (Cr(3+), Fe(3+)) doped CdO nanopowders via sonication in the presence of Sodium lauryl sulfate as stabilizing agent were synthesized and characterized. Powder XRD studies indicate that the obtained CdO has a cubic phase and concluded that the trivalent ions doping induced the lattice constants to change some extent. Optical absorption spectra exhibited the characteristic bands of Cr(3+) and Fe(3+) ions in octahedral site symmetry. Crystal field (Dq) and inter-electronic repulsion (B and C) parameters are evaluated for Cr(3+) doped CdO nanopowders as Dq=1540, B=619 and C=3327 cm(-1) and for Fe(3+) doped CdO nanopowders Dq=920, B=690, C=2750 cm(-1). EPR spectra of the Cr(3+) and Fe(3+) doped CdO nanopowders exhibited resonances at g=1.973 and g=2 respectively which indicate distorted octahedral site for both ions with the host. Photoluminescence spectra shows the emission bands in violet and bluish green regions for Cr(3+) doped CdO, ultraviolet and blue emissions for Fe(3+) doped CdO nanopowders. The CIE chromaticity coordinates were also evaluated from the emission spectrum. FT-IR spectra indicate the presence of various functional groups of host lattice.

Synthesis and structural characterization of Co2+ ions doped ZnO nanopowders by solid state reaction through sonication.

Cobalt ions doped zinc oxide nanopowder was prepared at room temperature by a novel and simple one step solid-state reaction method through sonication in the presence of a suitable surfactant Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS). The prepared powder was characterized by various spectroscopic techniques. Powder XRD data revealed that the crystal structure belongs to hexagonal and its average crystallite size was evaluated. From optical absorption data, crystal fields (Dq), inter-electronic repulsion parameters (B, C) were evaluated. By correlating optical and EPR spectral data, the site symmetry of Co(2+) ion in the host lattice was determined as octahedral. Photoluminescence spectra exhibited the emission bands in ultraviolet and blue regions. The CIE chromaticity coordinates are also evaluated from the emission spectrum. FT-IR spectra showed the characteristic vibrational bands of Zn-O.

Mixed alkali effect in Mn2+ doped 20ZnO+xLi2O+(30-x)K2O+50B2O3(5≤x≤25) glasses.

Divalent Mn2+ ions containing 20ZnO+xLi2O+(30-x)K2O+50B2O3(5≤x≤25) mol% glasses are prepared by using melt quench technique and are characterized by several spectroscopic techniques. Various physical parameters are evaluated from the measured values of density and refractive index for the observation of mixed alkali effect. Structural changes of Mn2+ doped ZLKB glasses are investigated by Powder XRD, UV-VIS absorption, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and FT-IR spectroscopic studies. The XRD pattern indicates the amorphous nature of prepared glasses. FT-IR measurements of all glasses revealed that the network structure of glass system are mainly based on BO3 and BO4 units placed in different structural groups in which the BO3 units being dominant. The EPR spectra of Mn2+ ions doped glasses exhibited a characteristic hyperfine sextet around g=2.0. The spectroscopic analyses of the obtained results confirmed near octahedral site symmetry for the Mn2+ impurity ions. Crystal field and Racah parameters are evaluated from optical absorption spectra. The optical band gap and Urbach energies are determined which exhibited the mixed alkali effect.

Oxidant stress, anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids in South Indian vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Vegetarians are known to have a low incidence of cardiovascular diseases and lower blood pressure compared to non-vegetarians. The exact cause for this is not known. In the present study, it was found that, in general, vegetarians (female > males) have a higher concentrations of anti-oxidant enzymes: catalase and superoxide dismutase in their RBC membranes and lower levels of plasma lipid peroxides compared to non-vegetarians. Both male and female non-vegetarians were found to have a higher n-3/n-6 ratio compared to vegetarians. These results suggest that vegetarians have a higher anti-oxidant status and low levels of n-3 fatty acids. It remains to be seen whether this alterations in the oxidant and anti-oxidant status and n-3 concentrations explains the lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases and lower blood pressure in vegetarians.

Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on dexamethasone-induced gastric mucosal damage.

BACKGROUND: Increased dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is known to be associated with a decrease in the incidence of peptic ulcer disease possibly due to increase in the synthesis of prostaglandins. But, it is also likely that conversion of PUFAs to PGs may not always be required for gastric mucosal protection. Present study was designed to study the role of PUFAs in pathobiology of steroid induce gastric damage in rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were treated with 5 mg/kg bodyweight of dexamethasone to induce gastric mucosal ulcers. Effects of PUFAs was studied by supplementation of Fish oil (rich in n-3 EPA and DHA) and AA rich oil. Famotidine was used as a positive control. Generation of lipid peroxides, nitric oxide and the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes were also studied. RESULTS: Dexamethasone induced ulceration was associated with changes in the phospholipid fatty acid profile, levels of lipid peroxidation products, nitric oxide and activity of anti-oxidant enzymes. The fatty acid profile showed an increase in LA and a decrease in other PUFAs like GLA, AA, EPA and DHA. When PUFAs were supplemented in the form of Fish oil and AA rich oil or when the animals were treated with H2-blocker, famotidine, there was a decrease in the incidence of ulceration in the animals associated with near normalization of changes in the phospholipid fatty acid profile. The levels of lipid peroxides, nitric oxide, and anti-oxidant activity also reverted to control values. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone induced gastric ulceration was prevented by PUFAs. This is supported by the results of our earlier study where in it was noted that in patients with DU plasma lipid peroxides, nitric oxide and phospholipid fatty acid pattern and red cell antioxidant activity were altered similar to those seen in dexamethasone treated group of the present study. These abnormalities, similar to the PUFA treated groups of the present study, reverted to normalcy following treatment of the patients with lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor. Further, PUFAs are known to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori in vitro. Hence, it is concluded that PUFAs, free radicals, nitric oxide and anti-oxidants play a significant role in the pathobiology of peptic ulcer.

Oxidant stress, antioxidants and nitric oxide in traffic police of Hyderabad, India.

Exposure to environmental pollutants is known to be harmful to health, in general, and to lungs in particular. In this respect, traffic police are at particular risk due to the nature of their job, since they are exposed to emissions from the vehicles. Here, we show that in the traffic police of Hyderabad city, India, the plasma levels of lipid peroxides are high, whereas the concentrations of the nitric oxide are low. In addition, the levels of various antioxidants in the RBC lysate such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were found to be low with no significant alteration in plasma ceruloplasmin levels. These results suggest that exposure to air pollutants, a major portion of which is due to emissions from the vehicles, can increase oxidant stress, decrease the levels of antioxidants and nitric oxide. This imbalance in the oxidant/antioxidant system may lead to lung damage and is likely to cause respiratory problems in individuals exposed to air pollution.

Oxidant stress, anti-oxidants, nitric oxide and essential fatty acids in peptic ulcer disease.

In patients with duodenal ulcer (DU), the plasma levels of nitrite and lipid peroxides, the anti-oxidant content of red cells and plasma phospholipid fatty acid analysis were performed both before and after healing of the ulcer following treatment with lansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor. These results showed that during the phase of active DU, the concentrations of antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, SOD, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) in red cells were low where as those of lipid peroxides and nitric oxide were high. Of the fatty acids measured, the concentration of palmitic acid (16:0) was increased during the active ulcer phase whereas those of arachidonic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were low. These biochemical abnormalities reverted to normal following healing of the ulcer with lansoprazole. These results coupled with the observation that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can inhibit the growth of Helicobacterpylori and heal the ulcer suggest that free radicals, anti-oxidants, nitric oxide and PUFAs may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of DU. If this is true, it suggests that PUFAs can be exploited as potential anti-peptic ulcer drugs.