Monte Carlo simulation of enriched uranium in the lungs of thorax voxel phantom for assessment of enrichment and its effect on dose.

In-vivo lung monitoring is an important technique for the assessment of internal dose of radiation workers handling actinides. At BARC, counting efficiencies (CEs) of detection systems used for estimation of natural uranium in the lungs are evaluated using realistic thorax physical phantoms or computational voxel phantoms. The quantification of 238U and 235U in lungs is done using CEs determined at 63.3 keV and 185.7 keV photon energies respectively. These CEs can also be used for assessment of enriched uranium in the lungs of the workers. In this study, spectra are generated for HPGe array detectors using Monte Carlo simulations of various enriched uranium compositions distributed in the lungs of thorax voxel phantom. A methodology is developed to predict the 235U enrichment from lung spectrum analysis using the ratio of net counts in 185.7 keV and 63.3 keV energy regions. It is possible to estimate enrichments in the range of 2%-30% using the developed method with less than ±9% error. Finally, effect of 235U enrichment on dose assessment using lung monitoring method is studied.

In vitro macrophage activation: A technique for screening anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticancer activity of phytomolecules.

Macrophage activation plays a significant role in homeostasis of organisms. Various internal and external stress factors may affect their function, leading to adverse effects on the body. 'In vitro macrophage activation techniques provide us with a window to understand the mechanisms of inflammation and response of macrophages to the modulating interventions. Apart from infectious diseases, inflammation is also the major culprit in pathogenesis of many noncommunicable diseases such as arthritis, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease etc. In vitro macrophage activation allows us to study the role of polarized macrophages in the process of pathogenesis. This emerging technique leads to newer diagnostics, understanding pathophysiological mechanism/s, drug development and management of chronic inflammatory diseases. We, at MRC-KHS, use this technique for screening of medicinal plant-derived phytomolecules for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities. This review briefly outlines the different experimental models of in vitro macrophage activation and their applications for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of underlying chronic inflammation and screening of therapeutic activity of plant-based phytomolecules.

Neuroprotective Role of a Novel Copper Chelator against Aß 42 Induced Neurotoxicity.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and associated with the extracellular deposits of amyloid- ß peptide in hippocampus region. Metal ions like Cu, Fe and Zn are known to associate with the amyloid beta (A ß ) at high concentration and interaction of these ions with soluble and aggregated forms of A ß peptide help in development of AD. Here we showed Cu mediated neurotoxicity in the eye tissues of transgenic Drosophila expressing human amyloid ß and its rescue through a novel Cu chelator. In this context, we have synthesised and characterized the compound L 2,6-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-bis[2-[(4-carboxyphenyl) methylene] hydrazide] by Mass spectra (MS) and Elemental analysis (EA). The Cu chelation potential of the compound L is tested in vivo in Drosophila. Oral administration of Copper to the transgenic larvae resulted in severe degeneration in eye tissues, which was rescued by the supplementation of compound L. The levels of anti-oxidant markers like SOD and MDA were measured in compound L treated flies and found a significant rescue (P < 0.001). Further rescue of the eye degeneration phenotypes as revealed by SEM affirm the role of copper in A ß toxicity. Hence, use of compound L, an amidoamine derivative, could be a possible therapeutic measure for A ß induced neurotoxicity.

Effect of herbal hypoglycemic agents on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in diabetic rats.

In the present study the antioxidative potential ofMomordica charantia, Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum andOcimum sanctum was assessed in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Lipid peroxide levels were also measured in normal, diabetic and treated animals. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly higher and antioxidant activity was found low in diabetic groups as compared to the control groups, and significant alteration in both the MDA levels and antioxidant activity was also observed when the above herbal hypoglycemic agents were given to diabetic rats. On the basis of our results we conclude thatM. charantia, A. indica, A. sativum andO. sanctum are not only useful in controlling the lipid peroxide levels but are also helpful in further strengthening the antioxidant potential.

Ayurveda: a historical perspective and principles of the traditional healthcare system in India.

Ayurveda, the science of life, is a comprehensive medical system that has been the traditional system of healthcare in India for more than 5000 years. This medical system was well established around 2500 to 600 BC, when it evolved into 2 schools: the School of Physicians and the School of Surgeons, similar to allopathy. Charak Samhita, Susrut Samhita, and Ashtang Hridaya Samhita are the Senior Triad texts, and Madhav Nidan Samhita, Sarangdhar Samhita, and Bhavprakash Samhita are the Junior Triad texts. Around 600 BC. Ayurveda was branched into internal medicine; pediatrics; psychiatry; surgery; eye, ear, nose, and throat; toxicology; geriatrics; and eugenics/aphrodisiacs. The body is composed of 3 body doshas, 3 mental doshas, 7 dhatus, and malas. The harmony among the body doshas of vata (nervous system), pitta (enzymes), and kapha (mucus) and the gunas, or mental doshas (which are human attributes: satogun [godly], rajas [kingly], and tamas [evil]), constitutes health, and their disharmony constitutes disease. The management of illness requires balancing the doshas back into a harmonious state through lifestyle interventions, spiritual nurturing, and treatment with herbo-mineral formulas based on one's mental and bodily constitution.

Healthcare and disease management in Ayurveda.

Because the disharmony of mental doshas (satogun, rajogun, and tamogun) and body doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) are the major cause of illness, the goal of illness management in Ayurveda is to bring back harmony among the doshas. The management includes clinical examination, diagnosis, and dietary and lifestyle interventions and treatment. The clinical examination consists of Astha Sthana Pariksha (8-point diagnosis: pulse-diagnosis, urine, stool, tongue, voice and body sound, eye, skin, and total body appearance examinations) and examination of the digestive system and the patient's physical strength. The treatment consists of cleansing (Panchkarma), palliation (improve digestion, remove toxic waste, fasting, observe thirst, exercise, sunbathing, and meditation), mental nurturing, and spiritual healing depending on the disturbed doshas and the patient's constitution. The preferred use of bhasms and herbal formulas over the respective metallic salts or the single herbs is discussed. This review suggests a great potential for integration of Ayurvedic therapies into the healthcare system in the United States.

Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to review the literature regarding Withania somnifera (ashwagandha, WS) a commonly used herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Specifically, the literature was reviewed for articles pertaining to chemical properties, therapeutic benefits, and toxicity. DESIGN: This review is in a narrative format and consists of all publications relevant to ashwagandha that were identified by the authors through a systematic search of major computerized medical databases; no statistical pooling of results or evaluation of the quality of the studies was performed due to the widely different methods employed by each study. RESULTS: Studies indicate ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antistress, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, and rejuvenating properties. It also appears to exert a positive influence on the endocrine, cardiopulmonary, and central nervous systems. The mechanisms of action for these properties are not fully understood. Toxicity studies reveal that ashwagandha appears to be a safe compound. CONCLUSION: Preliminary studies have found various constituents of ashwagandha exhibit a variety of therapeutic effects with little or no associated toxicity. These results are very encouraging and indicate this herb should be studied more extensively to confirm these results and reveal other potential therapeutic effects. Clinical trials using ashwagandha for a variety of conditions should also be conducted.