Comparative study of the effect of N95 facemask and Powered Air-purifying Respirator (2 fans, N95 filter) on cardiovascular parameters of healthy individuals during exercise.

N95 masks filter 95% of the small particles and respiratory droplets (>0.3 µm diameter). Therefore, they are widely used both by general public and health workers during pandemic. When physical activity or exercise is performed wearing N95 mask, it induces hypercapnic environment. The heat burden is also increased leading to discomfort and reduced compliance. This study was done to compare physiological effects and subjective perceptions while wearing N95 mask and powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) (2 fans, N95 filter) during incremental exercise. ECG, respiratory movement, SpO2, temperature inside the mask were recorded and perception of discomfort was also assessed. Heart rate variability (HRV) values during baseline were within normal limits in both the mask conditions signifying that cardiac autonomic tone is comparable. During incremental exercise, fall in SpO2 was significantly lesser in PAPR as compared to N95 mask at 60-70% and 70-80% of maximum achievable heart rate. The temperatures inside both the mask conditions were significantly higher than ambient temperature. The scores of humid, hot, breath resistance and fatigue were significantly lower in PAPR than N95 mask. In conditions where prolonged use of mask is required with strenuous physical exertion or exercise, PAPR could be preferred over N95 mask.

Multisectoral prioritization of zoonotic diseases in Haryana (India) using one health approach.

Zoonotic diseases have huge livestock and public health burden worldwide, including India. Prioritizing zoonotic diseases is one of the important tasks under 'One Health' as it facilitates effective policy making, proper allocation of resources and promotion of multisectoral collaboration. Although some efforts have been made to prioritizing zoonotic diseases at national level in India, it is important to identify priority diseases in regional settings due to wide variation in climate and demography of different states. Therefore, the present study aims to prioritize zoonotic diseases for the state of Haryana (India). One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization (OHZDP) tool was used in this study to prioritize zoonotic diseases. Based on literature review of the past 23 years (2000-2022) on prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of zoonotic diseases, twenty-three high-scoring zoonotic diseases in Haryana and neighboring states of India were initially shortlisted for prioritization. A three-day participatory workshop was conducted involving 17 experts representing the Health, Animal Husbandry and Wildlife departments of Haryana. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to rank the criteria, which were used to score the selected diseases using the decision tree analysis. The participants selected the following 7 criteria along with their relative weights to score the diseases: (1) Severity of disease in humans, (2) Severity of disease in animals, (3) Presence of disease in the region, (4) Transmission and outbreak potential, (5) Socio-economic impact, (6) Availability of interventions, and (7) Existing inter-sectoral collaboration for surveillance and reporting. The top scoring eight diseases selected as priority zoonotic diseases for Haryana were rabies, Japanese encephalitis, bovine tuberculosis, leptospirosis, avian influenza (H5N1), brucellosis, glanders and Influenza A (H1N1). Sensitivity analysis did not reveal any significant variation in prioritization results by varying criteria weights. This is the first systemic attempt to prioritize zoonotic diseases in the state and this will help in formulating effective monitoring, prevention, and control strategies for zoonotic diseases in the regional settings.

Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of host-range (E3L, K3L, and C7L) and structural protein (B5R) genes of buffalopox virus isolates from buffalo, cattle, and human in India.

Buffalopox virus (BPXV), a close variant of vaccinia virus (VACV) has emerged as a zoonotic pathogen. The host tropism of poxviruses is governed by host-range genes. Among the host-range genes: E3L, K3L, and C7L are essential for virus replication by preventing interferon resistance, whereas B5R is essential for spread of the virus and evasion from the host's immune response as in VACV. We report sequence analysis of host-range genes: E3L, K3L, C7L, and membrane protein gene (B5R) of BPXVs from buffalo, cattle, and human from recent outbreaks in India-their phylogenetic relationship with reference strain (BP4) and other Orthopoxviruses. BPXVs revealed a sequence homology with VACVs including zoonotic Brazilian VACV-like viruses. The aa sequences of E3L and K3L genes were 100 % similar in buffalo, cattle, and human isolates. However, four significant point mutations (I11K; N12K and S36F in C7L gene and D249G in B5R gene) were observed specific to buffalo isolate only. This signifies that different strains of BPXV were circulated during the outbreak. The mutations in C7L and B5R could play an important role in adaptation of BPXV in human and cattle which needs further functional studies. The strain of BPXV isolated from buffalo may not be adopted in human and cow. Various point mutations were observed in the host-range genes of reference strain (BPXV-BP4) which may be due to several passages of virus in cell culture. The phylogeny constructed based on concatenated gene sequences revealed that BPXVs are not as closely related to vaccine strain (Lister and Lister-derived strain-LC16m8), as hypothesized earlier, rather they are more closely related to reference strain (BPXV-BP4) and other vaccinia and vaccinia-like viruses such as Passatempo and Aracatuba viruses. The availability of information regarding host tropism determinants would allow us to understand molecular mechanism of species tropism of poxviruses which would be useful in unveiling new strategies to control zoonotic poxviral infections.

Aflatoxin B1-induced DNA damage in Labeo rohita: protective effect of an antioxidant supplement, Amrita Bindu.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of potent hepatocarcinogen aflatoxin B1 in adduct formation and DNA damage in Labeo rohita. Also, the salubrious efficacy of an antioxidant supplement Amrita Bindu (based on Indian system of Medicine) was investigated. Fish weighing 175-250 g were administered intraperitoneally a single dose of 100 microg aflatoxin B1/100 g body wt. and another group was given 20% solution of Amrita Bindu along with aflatoxin B1 at 100 microg/100 g body wt. On the 3rd and 6th day, the liver tissue was analyzed for aflatoxin concentration, aflatoxin-DNA adduct formation and DNA damage measured in terms of single strand breaks. The fishes administered with aflatoxin B1 showed elevated concentration of aflatoxin along with a parallel increase in the DNA adduct when compared with the controls. While the fish co-administered with Amrita Bindu showed 34% and 24% reduction in aflatoxin deposition (accumulation) and aflatoxin-DNA adduct formation respectively on the 3rd day, a further reduction by around 41% and 33% in aflatoxin deposition and DNA adduct formation respectively was observed on the 6th day. Furthermore, the increased single strand breaks (measured by alkaline single cell gel assay) and fragmentation observed in agarose gel electrophoresis in aflatoxin B1 administered fish were significantly reduced by Amrita Bindu co-administration. In conclusion, this is the first report to show aflatoxin B1-induced DNA adduct formation and DNA damage in one of the major Indian culturable fish, Labeo rohita. Also, our observations show that the antioxidant supplement, Amrita Bindu, has a potential role in ameliorating the aflatoxin B1-induced DNA damage thus suggesting its applicability in preventing the vital macromolecule DNA.

Antioxidant activity of a salt-spice-herbal mixture against free radical induction.

A combination of spices (Piper nigrum, Piper longum and Zingiber officinale), herbs (Cyperus rotundus and Plumbago zeylanica) and salts make up Amrita Bindu. The study was focused to evaluate the antioxidant property of individual ingredients in Amrita Bindu against the free radical 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS). The analysis revealed the antioxidant potential of the ingredients in the following order: Piper nigrum>Piper longum>Cyperus rotundus>Plumbago zeylanca>Zingiber officinale. Two different experiments were designed. In experiment I, rats were fed with normal diet whereas in experiment II rats were given feed mixed with Amrita Bindu for 3 weeks (4 g/kg of feed). Rats from both experimental groups were challenged against a single intraperitonial injection of phenylhydrazine (PHZ) (7.5 mg/kg body weight). At the end of 24 and 72 h, blood was analysed for free radicals and antioxidant levels. It was interesting to note that rats with Amrita Bindu pretreatment showed significantly lower levels of free radicals, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls along with significantly higher levels of antioxidants when compared with rats without Amrita Bindu pretreatment on PHZ administration. These results reveal that Amrita Bindu, a salt-spice-herbal mixture exerts a promising antioxidant potential against free radical induced oxidative damage.

Genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of host-range genes of Camelpox virus isolates from India.

Camelpox virus (CMLV), a close variant of variola virus (VARV) infects camels worldwide. The zoonotic infections reported from India signify the need to study the host-range genes-responsible for host tropism. We report sequence and phylogenetic analysis of five host-range genes: cytokine response modifier B (crmB), chemokine binding protein (ckbp), viral schlafen-like (v-slfn), myxomavirus T4-like (M-T4-like) and b5r of CMLVs isolated from outbreaks in India. Comparative analysis revealed that these genes are conserved among CMLVs and shared 94.5-100 % identity at both nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) levels. All genes showed identity (59.3-98.4 %) with cowpox virus (CPXV) while three genes-crmB, ckbp and b5r showed similarity (92-96.5 %) with VARVs at both nt and aa levels. Interestingly, three consecutive serine residue insertions were observed in CKBP protein of CMLV-Delhi09 isolate which was similar to CPXV-BR and VACVs, besides five point mutations (K53Q, N67I, F84S, A127T and E182G) were also similar to zoonotic OPXVs. Further, few inconsistent point mutation(s) were also observed in other gene(s) among Indian CMLVs. These indicate that different strains of CMLVs are circulating in India and these mutations could play an important role in adaptation of CMLVs in humans. The phylogeny revealed clustering of all CMLVs together except CMLV-Delhi09 which grouped separately due to the presence of specific point mutations. However, the topology of the concatenated phylogeny showed close evolutionary relationship of CMLV with VARV and TATV followed by CPXV-RatGer09/1 from Germany. The availability of this genetic information will be useful in unveiling new strategies to control emerging zoonotic poxvirus infections.

Effect of high-fat diet on cholesterol distribution in plasma lipoproteins, cholesterol esterifying activity in leucocytes, and erythrocyte membrane components studied: importance of body weight.

Effects of isocaloric changes in dietary fat on plasma lipoproteins and lipids and enzymes of erythrocytes and leucocytes were assessed. Subjects with a higher Brocca index showed increase in total and LDL cholesterol, significant reduction in HDL cholesterol, and increased total cholesterol:HDL cholesterol ratio after high-fat diet consumption. Due to high-fat diet feeding, erythrocyte membrane and leucocyte cholesterol and phospholipid contents were increased, cholesterol:phospholipid molar ratio was elevated, and erythrocyte enzymes (G6PD and 6PGD) and leucocyte enzymes (CEH and CES) were elevated. Erythrocyte membrane glycoprotein components showed marked increase, indicating possible alterations of membrane surfaces. The metabolic alterations were reversed slowly after resumption of the normal (low-fat) diet. Body weight plays an important role in the alterations in major lipoprotein cholesterol contents in response to changes in dietary fat composition. Cellular changes indicate alterations in structure and function of blood cells due to high-fat diet feeding.

Effect of Anna Pavala Sindhooram on plasma and aortic lipids in experimental atherosclerosis.

The effect of orally administered Anna Pavala Sindhooram (APS), a herbo-mineral Sidha formulation was investigated on experimental atherosclerosis. Rabbits were fed a cholesterol rich (0.5%) diet for 6 months to induce atherosclerosis. These animals were then divided into six groups and given 50 mg of APS powder/day/animal for a further 6 months. At the end of the experimental period the animals were killed, and their plasma and aortic lipid components estimated. Atherosclerotic lesions of the aorta were quantified and examined histologically. Synthesis of lipids using [14C]acetate as a precursor was studied after i.v. injection. APS was found to be hypolipidemic and induced partial regression of rabbit atheroma and decreased lipogenesis. The results indicate that APS may play an anti-atherogenic role if used in larger doses.

Plasma lipoprotein cholesterol in India in healthy persons and those with coronary heart disease.

The plasma total cholesterol and lipoprotein cholesterol levels are presented for 186 healthy Indian subjects and 213 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations vary with age. Higher total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were noted in men compared with women. HDL cholesterol is highest in women in the age group 20-49 years. HDL cholesterol levels (negatively associated with CHD) are significantly higher in India compared with western countries. It is suggested that the high level of HDL cholesterol may be responsible for the relatively low incidence of CHD in India.

Excessive free radical generation in the blood of children suffering from asthma.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the biochemical parameters in blood relevant to oxygen free radicals and antioxidant defenses in children with asthma. A total of 210 asthmatic children, aged 5-18 years, were studied at two different times, once during a severe episode of wheeze (during episode category) and the other after recovery (resting condition). A total of 180 healthy children participated in the study as age and sex matched healthy controls. Superoxide and hydroxyl radical assays were used as a measure of free radical formation. Antioxidant enzymes and free radical scavengers in blood were also assayed. Lipid peroxidation products were assayed in plasma and erythrocytes to evaluate the imbalance (if any) between oxidant (radical) formation and their inactivation. Serum IgE concentrations and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were used as measures of allergic reactions and residual lung capacity, respectively. Excessive production of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were noted in the blood cells in asthmatics and were correlated to the severity of disease measured as PEFR. Superoxide dismutase and free radical scavengers in blood were significantly lower in asthma, even during resting condition. The present observations endorse the correlation between disease severity and oxygen radical production in asthma subjects. Oxygen metabolites may play a direct or indirect role in the modulation of airway inflammation. Excessive superoxide and hydroxyl radical production may be used as a marker for susceptibility to asthma and for monitoring therapeutic measures.

Ferric acetate-uranium acetate reagent in cholesterol estimations in plasma and high density lipoprotein fractions: comparison with existing methods.

The use of ferric acetate-uranium acetate colour reaction for the estimation of cholesterol in the supernatants of plasma samples after precipitation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol by heparin-MnCl2 was assessed and compared with the conventional method using the FeCl3 colour reaction and also with the method using o-phthalaldehyde as the colouring reagent. All three methods gave comparable values when total cholesterol in plasma samples was determined and also when high density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions were separated by ultracentrifugation and the cholesterol contents determined. But when heparin-MnCl2 precipitation was used for HDL separation, and the cholesterol content determined, the FeCl3 method gave significantly lower values. This could be due to interference of the cholesterol colour reaction with FeCl3, due to Mn2+ ions present in the supernatant. Addition of Mn2+ to cholesterol standards and subsequent colour development with ferric acetate-uranium acetate and FeCl3 reagents showed that Mn2+ decreased the absorbancy of the coloured complex at 560 nm only when FeCl3 was used. Percentage recovery of added cholesterol was also lower when the heparin-MnCl2 supernatant was treated with FeCl3 reagent for colour development. Use of ferric acetate-uranium acetate reagent provides a simpler and quicker method. It does not suffer from interference due to the presence of Mn2+ ions and gives results comparable to the o-phthalaldehyde method and those using ultracentrifugation as the separation procedure.

Amrita Bindu--an antioxidant inducer therapy in asthma children.

Studies all over the world on the therapeutic use of antioxidants as supplements has revealed their capacity to control inflammatory processes. Amrita Bindu an Ayurvedic health food supplement has already shown to be an antioxidant inducer and to combat free radical-mediated tissue damage studied in rats. Amrita Bindu is a salt-spice herbal mixture designed for positive health. It was tested as a supplement to therapy for a period of 12 months in 36 children suffering from asthma. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease with excessive free radical generation in lungs and blood cells. The patients were followed up by monitoring their clinical conditions, therapeutic doses of anti-asthmatic drugs, free radical generation, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidants in blood. At the end of 3 months of Amrita Bindu supplementation, the patients had stopped all anti-asthmatic medications and were free from attacks of asthma.

An Indian herbal formula (SKV) for controlling voluntary ethanol intake in rats with chronic alcoholism.

Chronic ethanol ingestion in rats showed metabolic and physiological changes similar to alterations reported in human alcoholics. There was a lowering of blood glucose concentration, urea and plasma proteins and elevated concentrations of serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. Administration of SKV, an Ayurvedic formula produced by fermentation of cane sugar with raisins and 12 herbal ingredients brought down voluntary ethanol ingestion in the rats and increased food intake. ECG and EEG studies in alcoholic rats showed cardiac depression, augmentation of frequency and amplitude of the alpha, delta and theta waves and weakness in the beta waves. These changes were reversed during SKV-induced voluntary alcohol restriction. The involvement in the ECG and EEG wave patterns was associated with improvement in blood glucose, plasma protein levels and reduction in gamma glutamyl transpeptidase activities. SKV appeared to have no adverse reaction with ethanol (it contains 1-2% ethanol) and appears to be a promising way to combat alcoholism.

Lipids and cholesterol esterifying enzyme changes by Anna Pavala Sindhooram therapy in experimental rat hyperlipaemia.

The effect of Anna Pavala Sindhooram (APS), an indigenous drug showing lipid lowering action was tested in experimental rat atherosclerosis induced by feeding an atherogenic diet. APS was found to decrease the levels of serum cholesterol and phospholipids while triglycerides remained unaffected in atherogenic diet fed rats. Lipid levels in the aorta, liver and intestine were also increased by atherogenic diet feeding, and APS administration with diet restriction reversed this trend. Cholesterol ester was lowered. Both cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH) and synthetase (CES) activities in the tissues were elevated while the CEH/CES ratio was lowered in atherosclerosis. APS administration led to a decrease in enzyme activities and an increase in the CEH/CES ratio. APS in vitro inhibited both enzyme activities. NMR spectroscopic studies showed that the soluble components of APS bind or modify cholesterol. Iron, copper, magnesium and calcium present in APS may play a role in the removal of cholesterol ester from the aorta and its disposal.

Amrita Bindu--a salt-spice-herbal health food supplement for the prevention of nitrosamine induced depletion of antioxidants.

Ayurveda, practised in India, identified a large number of plant components to be used in the diet for the prevention or the delayed development of degenerative disorders. They include some of the commonly used spices, namely pepper and ginger. The Materia Medica includes both naturally occurring and artificially produced salts, as a partial substitute for common salt. Health promoting herbs and spices which are classified pharmacologically as rejuvenating, nourishing, invigorating, cleansing, wound-healing, etc., are used as food additives. Amrita Bindu is a salt-spice-herbal mixture based on these principles and was tested for its effect in maintaining antioxidant defense systems in blood and liver when exposed to a carcinogenic nitrosamine, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Amrita Bindu supplementation prevented MNNG induced depletion of the antioxidant enzymes and the scavenger antioxidants glutathione and vitamins A, C and E. Amrita Bindu provides protection against free radical and reactive oxygen species induced tissue lipid peroxidation and the resultant tissue degeneration.

Brahmighritham, an Ayurvedic herbal formula for the control of epilepsy.

Brahmighritham is an Ayurvedic herbal recommended for the control of epilepsy. The preparation of the drug is described. It was tested for its oral effectiveness in controlling pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in male albino rats and was compared with benzdiazepam. Alterations in the EEG pattern and gross neurological function were measured or rated 60 min after pentylenetetrazole administration. Thirty-day pretreatment with both Brahmighritham and benzdiazepam served to make the rats more insensitive to epileptogenic events.

Studies on brain structure and neurological function in alcoholic rats controlled by an Indian medicinal formula (SKV).

An Indian herbal brew known in Ayurvedic pharmacy as asavam (SKV) was tested for its effectiveness in controlling addiction to ethanol in rats. Rats on SKV therapy with free access to 15% ethanol showed a marked reduction in voluntary ethanol intake. Their performance in simple neurological tests improved and a reversal of ethanol-induced changes in the electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram were also recorded. SKV treatment appeared to correct the fatty changes in liver and the signs of haemorrhage, demyelination and spongiosis seen in the brain of ethanol-fed rats.

Enzyme changes and glucose utilisation in diabetic rabbits: the effect of Gymnema sylvestre, R.Br.

The administration of the dried leaf powder of Gymnema sylvestre regulates the blood sugar levels in alloxan diabetic rabbits. G. sylvestre therapy not only produced blood glucose homeostasis but also increased the activities of the enzymes affording the utilisation of glucose by insulin dependent pathways: it controlled phosphorylase levels, gluconeogenic enzymes and sorbitol dehydrogenase. The uptake and incorporation of [14C] glucose into the glycogen and protein are increased in the liver, kidney and muscle in G. sylvestre administered diabetic animals when compared to the untreated diabetic animals. Pathological changes initiated in the liver during the hyperglycemic phase are reversed by controlling hyperglycemia by G. sylvestre. G. sylvestre, a herb used for the control of diabetes mellitus in several parts of India, appears to correct the metabolic derangements in diabetic rabbit liver, kidney and muscle.

Anna Pavala Sindhooram--an antiatherosclerotic Indian drug.

The procedure for the preparation of Anna Pavala Sindhooram (APS), a drug based on the concepts of Indian medicine for the prevention and reversal of the atherosclerotic disease process is described in detail. The uniformity in the composition of samples of the drug obtained in 10 batches, prepared over a period of 5 years is evident from the chemical analysis of the mineral constituents. The possibility of iodine, copper, iron, calcium and magnesium present in the Anna Pavala Sindhooram, acting metabolically to reduce hypercholesterolemia is discussed. The ingredients used are green vitriol (Annabedi or ferrous sulphate), coral reef (Corallium rubrum or Pavalam), leaves of Acalypha indica (Kuppaimeni), Lippia nodiflora (Poduthalai), Vinca rosea (Nityakalyani), Lawsonia alba (maruthondri) and Cynodon dactylon (Arugampul) and the flowers of Hibiscus rosasinensis (Chemparathampoo) and the ripe fruits of Phyllanthus emblica (nellikkai). Sindhooram is the chief therapeutic form of herbo-mineral preparations used in the Sidha system of Indian medicine.

Antidiabetic effect of a leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients.

The effectiveness of GS4, an extract from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre, in controlling hyperglycaemia was investigated in 22 Type 2 diabetic patients on conventional oral anti-hyperglycaemic agents. GS4 (400 mg/day) was administered for 18-20 months as a supplement to the conventional oral drugs. During GS4 supplementation, the patients showed a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and glycosylated plasma proteins, and conventional drug dosage could be decreased. Five of the 22 diabetic patients were able to discontinue their conventional drug and maintain their blood glucose homeostasis with GS4 alone. These data suggest that the beta cells may be regenerated/repaired in Type 2 diabetic patients on GS4 supplementation. This is supported by the appearance of raised insulin levels in the serum of patients after GS4 supplementation.