Body Parts Research Articles

Effects of attentional focus on spatial localization of distal body parts and touch in two-arm position matching.

This study investigated how the judgment of proximal joint position can be affected by touch alone, focused attention on the distal body part, or touch spatial localization. Participants completed a two-arm elbow joint position-matching task, in which they indicated the location of one forearm by the placement of the other. In four test conditions, matching was performed during (1) detection of touch (tactile stimulation of index finger pads), (2) spatial localization of fingers (attention focused on the position of index finger pads), (3) spatial localization of touch on fingers (attention focused on tactile stimulation of index finger pads), and (4) detection of touch but localization of fingers (tactile stimulation of index finger pads, but attention focusing on the spatial position of the pads). In the first experiment (n = 23), the sensitivity of muscle spindle receptors in both reference and indicator arms was reduced and equalized by both-slack conditioning. In the second experiment (n = 20), the illusion of excessive elbow flexion in the reference arm and excessive extension in the indicator arm was generated through extension-flexion conditioning. In the first experiment, the accuracy and precision of matching were unaffected in any test condition. In the second experiment, participants made amplified undershooting errors under attention-focused conditions. In conclusion, focused attention on the location of a distal body part and touch affects both the spatial localization of the limb and tactile remapping only when the perceived forearm position is misinterpreted due to imbalanced proprioceptive input from antagonistic arm muscles.

Pain can’t be carved at the joints: defining function-based pain profiles and their relevance to chronic disease management in healthcare delivery design

BackgroundPain is a complex problem that is triaged, diagnosed, treated, and billed based on which body part is painful, almost without exception. While the “body part framework” guides the organization and treatment of individual patients’ pain conditions, it remains unclear how to best conceptualize, study, and treat pain conditions at the population level. Here, we investigate (1) how the body part framework agrees with population-level, biologically derived pain profiles; (2) how do data-derived pain profiles interface with other symptom domains from a whole-body perspective; and (3) whether biologically derived pain profiles capture clinically salient differences in medical history.MethodsTo understand how pain conditions might be best organized, we applied a carefully designed a multi-variate pattern-learning approach to a subset of the UK Biobank (n = 34,337), the largest publicly available set of real-world pain experience data to define common population-level profiles. We performed a series of post hoc analyses to validate that each pain profile reflects real-world, clinically relevant differences in patient function by probing associations of each profile across 137 medication categories, 1425 clinician-assigned ICD codes, and 757 expert-curated phenotypes.ResultsWe report four unique, biologically based pain profiles that cut across medical specialties: pain interference, depression, medical pain, and anxiety, each representing different facets of functional impairment. Importantly, these profiles do not specifically align with variables believed to be important to the standard pain evaluation, namely painful body part, pain intensity, sex, or BMI. Correlations with individual-level clinical histories reveal that our pain profiles are largely associated with clinical variables and treatments of modifiable, chronic diseases, rather than with specific body parts. Across profiles, notable differences include opioids being associated only with the pain interference profile, while antidepressants linked to the three complimentary profiles. We further provide evidence that our pain profiles offer valuable, additional insights into patients’ wellbeing that are not captured by the body-part framework and make recommendations for how our pain profiles might sculpt the future design of healthcare delivery systems.ConclusionOverall, we provide evidence for a shift in pain medicine delivery systems from the conventional, body-part-based approach to one anchored in the pain experience and holistic profiles of patient function. This transition facilitates a more comprehensive management of chronic diseases, wherein pain treatment is integrated into broader health strategies. By focusing on holistic patient profiles, our approach not only addresses pain symptoms but also supports the management of underlying chronic conditions, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and improving quality of life. This model advocates for a seamless integration of pain management within the continuum of care for chronic diseases, emphasizing the importance of understanding and treating the interdependencies between chronic conditions and pain.

Trends in Pediatric Neck Injuries During Sporting Activities

Background: Although neck injuries secondary to sporting activities in the pediatric demographic presenting to the emergency department (ED) are common, predictors of needing higher-level care (HLC) outside immediate treatment and release are not clear. The aim of this study was to describe how these neck injuries present in the United States (US) and identify predictors of HLC. Methods: We interrogated the US National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database for presentations to the ED of pediatric patients (aged 6–18 years old) whose primary complaint was neck injury in the setting of sport between 2014 and 2023. Statistical analysis utilized weighted estimates to evaluate incidence and then univariate and multivariate regression analyses were carried out to identify parameters associated with HLC for these patients. Results: Overall, a national weighted total of 360,885 ED presentations were estimated to have occurred in the last decade without any statistical change over the years. The mean age was 12.7 years, with more males (60.0%) than females (40.0%). The most common race observed was Black (50.6%), and these injuries most commonly occurred at a sporting complex (62.9%). Neck strains (59.9%) were the most common diagnosis seen across all presentations, followed by neck pain (29.1%), neck contusions (including abrasion) (6.4%), neck fractures (1.7%) and neck lacerations (0.8%). Ultimately, the majority of presentations were treated and released from the ED (95.5%). There were 4.5% of presentations, however, that did require HLC. Older age (OR 1.07, p = 0.004), male gender (OR 1.51, p = 0.002), involvement of other body part(s) (OR 1.45, p = 0.007) and non-strain neck injuries (OR 11.8, p < 0.001) were all independent, statistically significant predictors of HLC. Football (18.6%) was the most common sport associated with these presentations overall, but this was driven mostly by male cases. For females, the most common sport associated with these presentations was cheerleading (12.3%). Conclusions: In the last decade, neck injuries secondary to sporting activities in the pediatric demographic presenting to the ED have remained consistent. We have identified a unique set of predictors for presentations requiring HLC. These findings can be used in tandem with the findings that there are a number of gender-specific sports that drive these presentations to develop more sensitive and specific protocols for both primary prevention and ED triaging.

Wearable Fabric System for Sarcopenia Detection

Sarcopenia has been a serious concern in the context of an increasingly aging global population. Existing detection methods for sarcopenia are severely constrained by cumbersome devices, the necessity for specialized personnel, and controlled experimental environments. In this study, we developed an innovative wearable fabric system based on conductive fabric and flexible sensor array. This fabric system demonstrates remarkable pressure-sensing capabilities, with a high sensitivity of 18.8 kPa−1 and extraordinary stability. It also exhibits excellent flexibility for wearable applications. By interacting with different parts of the human body, it facilitates the monitoring of various physiological activities, such as pulse dynamics, finger movements, speaking, and ambulation. Moreover, this fabric system can be seamlessly integrated into sole to track critical indicators of sarcopenia patients, such as walking speed and gait. Clinical evaluations have shown that this fabric system can effectively detect variations in indicators relevant to sarcopenia patients, proving that it offers a straightforward and promising approach for the diagnosis and assessment of sarcopenia.

Life expectancy in ants explains variation in helpfulness regardless of phylogenetic relatedness

Abstract Rescue behavior aims to free a relative from danger. Ants are particularly known for such helpfulness and, perhaps not coincidentally, also show the highest level of social organization in the animal kingdom, i.e., eusociality. However, even among social species such as ants, there is a huge variation in rescue proneness and little is understood about the underlying causes of this variation. In this study, we explore the relationship between helpfulness in the form of rescue and life expectancy, focusing on 14 ant species with diverse phylogenetic backgrounds. We posit that species with longer worker life expectancies are more prone to engaging in rescue actions. To test this, we assessed worker lifespan in each species and conducted behavioral tests simulating entrapment scenarios involving a nestmate ensnared by an artificial obstacle. Observed behaviors involved contact with the nestmate, digging around it, pulling at its body parts, and biting the entrapping obstacle. Our findings reveal that species with longer worker life expectancies exhibit higher proneness to rescue endangered nestmates, irrespective of phylogenetic relatedness. Furthermore, we found no trace of a phylogenetic signal in the life expectancies or helpfulness of workers belonging to different species. The results underscore the significance of life expectancy as a key factor influencing the likelihood of rescue behavior in ants. This phenomenon warrants further investigation, given the varied physiologies, life histories, and ecologies observed among species. Nevertheless, the impact of life expectancy on behavioral patterns in social insects suggests that this parameter is likely significant across diverse taxa.

The most beautiful part of your body is where it’s headed

This article analyses the performance and total installation Vanitas (the musical) (2022) by the Danish choreographer and visual artist Jules Fischer. Through a t4t methodology and anchored in my own embodied and affective experience as a trans person I argue that Vanitas offers a knowing trans togetherness we who are trans can experience and feel in different ways than those who do not have such experiences. Vanitas centers trans experience and togetherness not by explaining what transness is, but by offering a performative space filled with ambivalence, embodied practicing and an alongsided togetherness. A temporary t4t (trans-for-trans) togetherness shaped around the multiplicity of ways, we as trans people, together and alongside one another, move closer to each other and ourselves in an effort to heal, survive and even thrive. Denne artikel analyserer performancen og totalinstallationen Vanitas (the musical) (2022) af den danske koreograf og billedkunstner Jules Fischer. Gennem en t4t-metodologi og forankret i min egen kropslige og affektive oplevelse som transperson argumenterer jeg for, at Vanitas tilbyder et vidende transfællesskab, vi, der er transpersoner, kan opleve og mærke på andre måder end dem, der ikke har disse erfaringer. Vanitas centrerer transoplevelse og -fællesskab, ikke ved at forklare, hvad transhed er, men ved at tilbyde et performativt rum fyldt med kropslig gøren og ambivalente fællesskaber. Vanitas skaber et midlertidigt t4t (trans-for-trans) fællesskab omkring den mangfoldighed af måder, hvorpå vi som transpersoner, sammen og side-om-side, bevæger os tættere på hinanden og os selv i et forsøg på at overleve og hele.

RACISM AGAINST INDIGENOUS PEOPLE AND AFRO-DESCENDANTS IN SWEDEN, BRAZIL, AND MEXICO

This article explores how racism and stigmatizing discourses and practices are articulated and normalized in colonizer and colonized countries. The research compares the cases of Sweden, Brazil, and Mexico from a combination of frameworks -- the Critical Race Theory (Walton, 2019; Ansley, 1997), the neo-Marxist concept of institutional racism and racialization (Cole, 2016 and 2020), and a decolonial framework and methodology (Fanon, 1968; Tynan and Bishop, 2022). Racism has been structural and systemic in Latin American societies since colonization when religious and royal authorities legitimated Indigenous and African slavery in the colonies. After independence, modern free republics converted religious legitimation of racism in pseudoscientific Eugenics and the invention of human races and racism continue oppressing Indigenous and African descendants. Currently structural racism continues to be the normal behavior in Western societies, not an exception. The objective of this research is to identify and compare racism reveled in behaviors and the speeches behind them in two colonized societies – Brazil and Mexico – and Sweden, a colonizing society. The question orienting the comparative research is how and in which ways racism and stigmatizing discourses and practices are articulated and normalized in colonizer and colonized countries. Understanding the main persistent trends in these societies on eugenic somatic characteristics such as hair type, body part sizes (e.g. head), as well as other collective social and religious symbols, behaviors, attitudes and cultural customs, used as discriminatory markers. The qualitative methodology includes 69 interviews and six focus groups in the three countries. Results were analyzed form a critical reflexivity about how colonialism and eugenics impact the lived experiences and realities of both groups in colonized and colonizer countries, through historic and current practices. racism has the same routes of functioning, structuring unequal relationships, distortions in the perception of the other, marginalization and suffering.

RELEVANSI KEHARAMAN BERTATO DENGAN LARANGAN DONOR DARAH BAGI ORANG BERTATO

Tattooing is a part of art that many people do. However, Islamic law prohibits people with tattoos, on the other hand, medical science also prohibits people with tattoos from donating blood. This article tries to explain whether there is a match (relevance) between the prohibition of tattooing according to Islamic law and the prohibition of blood donation for people with tattoos according to medical science. To answer this question, the author collects data from various sources of scientific writings in the form of books or journals that describe the prohibition of tattooing according to Islamic law and also scientific writings related to the prohibition of blood donation for people with tattoos according to health. This disclosure is important to explore to uncover the maqasid al-syari' in prohibiting the act of tattooing according to Islamic law. The results obtained from the scientific data above show that the Prophet Muhammad forbade his people from getting tattoos. This prohibition is stated in several hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad with a clear prohibition expression, namely using the phrase "la'ana" (Allah/Rasulullah curses). The use of this phrase for a legal act, namely getting a tattoo, shows that the act is forbidden. Medical also prohibits blood donation for people with tattoos, this is because the behavior of sticking needles and alcohol into the pores of the body is an act of damaging body parts. The reason for the medical prohibition for people with tattoos to donate blood is also the concern of contracting various diseases in the blood cells of people with tattoos caused by the needle being inserted into the blood vessels through the skin, and the entry of other substances into the blood cells. The prohibition of tattoos by the Prophet Muhammad SAW turns out to be in accordance with medical science which prohibits people with tattoos from donating blood. This conformity can be seen in the principles of Islamic law which forbids harmful acts, and medical also positions the act of tattooing as having harm. Keywords: Relevance, islamic law, tattooed, blood donation

The effect of RSW technological parameters to the properties of aluminium/steel hybrid joints

To reduce fuel consumption and costs, the lightweight construction of car bodies is a very important aspect. This is achieved by using high-strength steel and aluminium alloy base materials. The latest car bodies contain both steel and aluminium alloy, so it is necessary to develop a reliable joining technology between them. Several joining technologies were investigated, such as mechanical joining, adhesive joining, and welding too. Resistance spot welding (RSW) is typically used to join car body parts and can be used for aluminium/steel hybrid joints. During welding, a very brittle intermetallic compound (IMC) is formed, which basically determines the properties of the joint, which is particularly influenced by the thickness and phases of the IMC. EN AW 5754 H22/ DP600 dissimilar joints were made with RSW, using different welding parameters. The joints were tested by shear-tensile tests and the effect of the IMC layer was determined.

Double Layer HMM Body Part Motion Recognition Based on Fuzzy Theory

Double Layer HMM Body Part Motion Recognition Based on Fuzzy Theory

Patient and physician exposure to X-rays at pediatric interventional cardiology - from world to Poland.

Ionizing radiation is considered as a harmful factor to health. However, X‑rays are widely used in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as those performed during cardiac interventions. Their use is particularly invaluable in saving life procedures when the risk of adverse effects of radiation is relatively low compared to the consequences of non-treated or treated with other invasive methods diseases. One branch of these types of medical procedures is interventional cardiology in pediatrics due to possible higher than in adults risks of developing cancer in exposed to ionizing radiation children. On the other hand, medical staff in particular physician, may be exposed to relatively high radiation levels during their work. Parallel with enlarging workload (growing number of procedures per year), high levels of cumulative doses to most exposed, and often not protected, parts of operator's body as eye lenses and brain may be achieved. Exposure to X‑rays in pediatric interventional cardiology is a worldwide point of scientific interest from around 65 years, however assessment and simulating low level doses is still developing. In this review found data presents various trials of evaluating doses or levels of exposure to both medical staff and patient as well as methods of optimization and protection against X‑rays in pediatric cardiac interventional procedures. The issue of establishing diagnostic reference levels was also taken into consideration during analysis. Thirty papers from period 2013 to 2023 were analyzed. The main assumption of this condensed review is to reveal radiation protection methods worldwide and in Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2024;37(6):569-80.

A REVIEW USING DEEP LEARNING FOR OCULAR DISEASE DETECTION

Sight is the most important compared to all other senses because it is connected directly from eye to brain and helps to identify and recognize objects with ease. One of the most sensitive parts of the human body, it is susceptible to diseases such as glaucoma and Age-related macular degeneration. Computer-aided diagnosis is a branch of artificial intelligence that can aid doctors in identifying abnormalities. A brief medical background on imaging used to detect retinal diseases is provided in this paper, as well as details about some retinal diseases (Age Related macular, Cataracts, and Glaucoma). This also addresses the existing work on recognizing ocular diseases.

Evaluation of a New Mobile Virtual Reality Setup to Alter Pain Perception: Pilot Development and Usability Study in Healthy Participants.

Chronic pain presents a significant treatment challenge, often leading to frustration for both patients and therapists due to the limitations of traditional methods. Research has shown that synchronous visuo-tactile stimulation, as used in the rubber hand experiment, can induce a sense of ownership over a fake body part and reduces pain perception when ownership of the fake body part is reported. The effect of the rubber hand experiment can be extended to the full body, for example, during the full-body illusion, using both visuo-tactile and cardiovisual signals. This study first aimed to evaluate the usability and accuracy of a novel, mobile virtual reality (VR) setup that displays participants' heartbeats as a flashing silhouette on a virtual avatar, a technique known as the cardiovisual full-body illusion. The second part of the study investigated the effects of synchronous cardiovisual stimulation on pain perception and ownership in 20 healthy participants as compared with asynchronous stimulation (control condition). The setup comprised a head-mounted display (HMD) and a heart rate measurement device. A smartphone-based HMD (Samsung Galaxy S8+) was selected for its mobility, and heart rates were measured using smartwatches with photoplethysmography (PPG). The accuracy of 2 smartwatch positions was compared with a 5-point electrocardiogram (ECG) standard in terms of their accuracy (number and percent of missed beats). Each participant underwent two 5-minute sessions of synchronous cardiovisual stimulation and two 5-minute sessions of asynchronous cardiovisual stimulation (total of 4 sessions), followed by pain assessments. Usability, symptoms of cybersickness, and ownership of the virtual body were measured using established questionnaires (System Usability Scale, Simulator Sickness Questionnaire, Ownership Questionnaire). Pain perception was assessed using advanced algometric methods (Algopeg and Somedic algometer). Results demonstrated high usability scores (mean 4.42, SD 0.56; out of 5), indicating ease of use and acceptance, with minimal side effects (mean 1.18, SD 0.46; out of a possible 4 points on the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire). The PPG device showed high heart rate measurement precision, which improved with optimized filtering and peak detection algorithms. However, compared with previous work, no significant effects on body ownership and pain perception were observed between the synchronous and asynchronous conditions. These findings are discussed in the context of existing literature on VR interventions for chronic pain. In conclusion, while the new VR setup showed high usability and minimal side effects, it did not significantly affect ownership or pain perception. This highlights the need for further research to refine VR-based interventions for chronic pain management, considering factors like visual realism and perspective.

Greek physician Asclepiades of Bithynia (124-40 BC) and his contribution to thinking about mental illness and its treatment.

To outline the life and work of Greek physician Asclepiades of Bithynia (124-40 BC), especially his contributions to thinking about mental illness. Review and discussion of relevant fragments of Asclepiades' work that survive and review of secondary literature, supplemented by relevant systematic literature searches (e.g. PubMed). Asclepiades challenged the long-standing Hippocratic doctrine of the four humours and developed an approach to physical and mental illness that was humane, reasoned, and a forerunner of later developments in psychiatry. Asclepiades argued that the human body, like everything in the universe, comprised tiny, imperceptible particles, which he called önkoi, seamless masses in perpetual motion. In consequence, Yapijakis describes Asclepiades as 'the father of molecular medicine'. Asclepiades held that good health was maintained by free, balanced motion of önkoi through theoretical pores, while disease resulted from blockage or impaction of önkoi passing through pores in various body parts (e.g. brain). Based on this idea, Asclepiades recommended releasing people with apparent mental illness from confinement and using judicious combinations of diet, exercise, massage, bathing, and music to treat 'phrenitis' (delirium) and melancholia. He suggested that the physician act 'safely, swiftly and pleasantly' ('cito, tutu, jucunde') for both physical and mental illness. Asclepiades belongs to the historical tradition of progressive medical approaches to mental illness, not least because he applied his principles for the treatment of physical illness to mental illness. His ideas about psychiatry set the scene for further evolution of attitudes to mental illness and its treatment over subsequent centuries.

The Battle for the Sexual Heritage of Our Children and Youth: The Slippery Slope from Transgenderism to Transhumanism

The transgender movement, better termed the transgender industry, is just the tip of the iceberg to a much bigger agenda where reproduction without copulation or gestation may be the norm as well as serving the political groundwork for the burgeoning rights discourse surrounding the transhumanism movement, which embraces that idea of self-directed human evolution using technology to transcend their current natural state and limitations, i.e. disease, ageing, and even death. The ideology behind the transgender movement can be traced to the objectives specified in the manifestos of the Humanist Association, which, according to this author, also provides the basis for transhumanism. Transgenderism, framed as a human rights movement, promotes the idea that children have the right to change their minds, try out new styles and express themselves. However, this is a cover-up by a vast new industry to win the battle of the minds of innocent children to select to change their sexual heritage using dangerous drugs and mutilate their bodies by removing body parts according to their ‘sexual’ whim. This movement is a prelude to the transhumanism movement as self-selecting to be sterilized through the mutilation of one’s biological sex opens society to ethically loaded issues like hiring mothers, artificial wombs and the selection of sperm and ovaries used to produce the next generation. Transgender individuals, therefore, also play into the hands of the eugenics movement aimed at selective breeding and restraining population growth. Among other issues, this article explores the history, problems, players, and implications of transgenderism. It also opens the debate between novelty as progressive and hereditary as congenital or inbred. Living according to our sexual orientation does not mean we have to mutilate our bodies or deconstruct our inherent biological identity; our gender preference can also change over time. In conclusion, I suggest that we must explore and discover our spiritual nature and the spiritual underpinning of reality to protect our children and create a society that lives in harmony with each other and Nature, including our given inherent nature.

Intracortical recordings reveal the neuronal selectivity for bodies and body parts in the human visual cortex

Body perception plays a fundamental role in social cognition. Yet, the neural mechanisms underlying this process in humans remain elusive given the spatiotemporal constraints of functional imaging. Here, we present intracortical recordings of single- and multiunit spiking activity in two epilepsy surgery patients in or near the extrastriate body area, a critical region for body perception. Our recordings revealed a strong preference for human bodies over a large range of control stimuli. Notably, body selectivity was driven by a distinct selectivity for body parts. The observed body selectivity generalized to nonphotographic depictions of bodies including silhouettes and stick figures. Overall, our study provides unique neural data that bridge the gap between human neuroimaging and macaque electrophysiology studies, laying a solid foundation for computational models of human body processing.

Nanostructured Gold Interlayer‐Enhanced Self‐Powered Photodetectors for Visible and Long‐Wave Infrared Dual‐Band Applications

AbstractSelf‐powered dual‐functional detectors comprising a p‐Si/nanostructured Au/CdS sandwiched structure, which respond to the visible and long‐wave infrared dual‐band, are developed for visible light communication and passive human recognition without Fresnel lenses. Various configurations of nanostructured Au interlayers are fabricated via solid‐state dewetting, significantly enhancing the optoelectronic and pyroelectric properties of the original p‐Si/CdS system. The p‐Si/Au nanoparticles/CdS detector achieves a responsivity of 0.47 A/W, a response time of 830 ns, a −3 dB bandwidth of 0.33 MHz, and human recognition distance of up to 2 m. The improvement in optoelectronic properties is attributed to enhanced light absorption resulting from multiple internal reflections and localized surface plasmon resonance, as well as an enhanced built‐in electric field within the Au/CdS Schottky junction. The improvement in pyroelectric properties is related to enhanced polarization of CdS resulting from the interface polar symmetry, which not only improves the visible photoresponse at high pulsed light frequencies but also enables effective detection of human radiation. Additionally, the effects of body parts, vertical distance, and moving velocity on pyroelectric human recognition are systematically investigated. This work expands the diversity of multifunctional photodetectors with great potential for visible and long‐wave infrared dual‐band applications.

An insight on Vicharchika and its management

The skin serves as the body's interface with the external environment, constantly interacting with physical, chemical, and biological agents. These interactions can lead to specific reaction patterns, resulting in characteristic skin lesions across various body parts. Environmental stimuli vary, and the body's innate resilience determines the occurrence of spontaneous remissions and relapses. In Ayurveda, skin diseases are categorized under Kustha, further divided into Mahakustha and Kshudra Kustha. Vicharchika falls under the latter category. It is characterized by symptoms such as itching (Kandu), eruptions (Pidaka), dark discoloration (Shyva Varna), and excessive discharge (Bahusrava). Charaka Samhita describes Vicharchika with predominance of Kapha, while Sushruta Samhita highlights symptoms indicating Pitta dominance. Vicharchika is regarded as a challenging condition to treat, categorized as a minor skin disorder (Kshudra-Kustha) yet considered a significant health issue. Ayurvedic texts outline various Sodhana (purification) and Shamana (palliative) treatments to balance the Doshas involved in Kustha. Shamana therapies include applications of medicated pastes (Lepa), internal medications (Pradeha), and herbal oils (Taila). Overall, addressing Vicharchika requires a comprehensive approach that integrates Ayurvedic principles with lifestyle modifications aimed at restoring balance and promoting skin health.

Role of Daruharidra Rasakriya Lepa in the management of Dushta Vrana w.s.r. to Chronic Non-Healing Ulcer : A Clinical Study

Background: Vrana is an interruption of continuity of body tissue or part by physical, microbial, chemical or immunological causes, typically associated with loss of function. Vrana can be correlated with wounds and ulcers. Normally, Vranas are healed by itself if kept clean. Wound factors delay wound healing. The presence of infection, insufficient blood supply, tissue tension, radiation, malnutrition, diabetes, consumption of steroids etc. are the important factors which delay the wound healing process. Dushta Vrana is one of the Vranas which needs time for its healing. Acharya Sushruta mentioned Rasakriya under Shasti Upakramas for management of Vrana. Any drug formulation should possess two qualities for proper wound healing i.e., Vrana Shodhana (Making free from undesirable wound factors) and Vrana Ropana (Closure of the wound). Many formulations are in use for centuries. One of them is Daruharidrarasakriya. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Daruharidraraskriya on the basis of relief in signs and symptoms of Dushta Vrana. Materials and Methods: In this study, Lepa of Daruharidrarasakriya was applied on affected part of 25 patients selected from Shalya OPD, GAMC&H, Akhnoor, for the management of Vrana. Results: The results observed based on the relief obtained on the subjective and objective parameters taken for consideration for this study viz. Pain, Size of ulcer, Discharge, Base (granulation tissue) and were found significant on all the above parameters. Conclusion: It showed that Daruharidraraskriya significantly helped in reduction of the signs and symptoms of the Dushta Vrana, enhancing wound healing process and reducing the morbidity of the patients.

Screening and identification of viruses in termites: behavior-regulating roles of RcBsV and RcBV.

Termites live underground in a social setting having continuous contact with microorganism. However, there is no comparative study on virus diversity and relative abundance between termites, castes and body parts in termites. To address this gap, pseudergates of Cryptotermes declivis, workers of the Odontotermes formosanus, and workers, soldiers and alates of the Reticulitermes chinensis were used as experimental materials to perform virome sequencing, virus annotations and their relative abundance analysis. It was found that three termites showed different virome taxonomic compositions, abundances and distributions. Small number of viruses were detected in the head, which indicated that the diversity of the virus in the thorax-abdomen is greater than that in the head. Notable differences in viruses between castes in R. chinensis were observed. Eight candidate viruses from the virome of R. chinensis were cloned and identified. To check the influences of viruses on termite behaviors, RNA interference of R. chinensis betsystermes virus (RcBsV) and R. chinensis bracovirus (RcBV) was successfully performed. The relative abundance of the two targeted viruses were significantly decreased in workers of R. chinensis fed on dsRcBsV and dsRcBV. The duration of aggressive behaviors significantly increased, while altruistic behaviors significantly decreased, suggesting that the reduced relative abundance of RcBsV and RcBV resulted in the disruption of normal social behaviors in termites. These findings enhance our understanding of viral diversity in different termites and castes and its behavioral impacts on termites, which can be used to control termites. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.