Tract Ailments Research Articles

Causes and therapeutic management of infertility in abandoned cows of Himachal Pradesh

The present study was carried out with an objective of examining the reproductive status of abandoned cows kept in 18 goshalas of Himachal Pradesh. Overall 321 abandoned cows were diagnosed with 402 reproductive ailments (few of them with multifactor etiology). Amongst the genital tract ailments in abandoned cows, a very high incidence, i.e. 50%, of reproductive disorders was associated with injuries/ technical errors (endometritis, cervical disorders, affections of fallopian tubes and adnexa) of which only 12.75% were treatable. However, 38.80% incidence of managemental/ functional problems (true anestrus and silent estrus) was found and a higher post treatment recovery rate was recorded. This can be attributed to the faulty AI technique, inefficient inseminators or inadequate training on AI. Overall, 22.86% abandoned cows having various reproductive ailments conceived following different therapeutic regimes.

A possible link between recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and lower cytokine production in patients with Q fever fatigue syndrome.

Besides fatigue, many Q fever fatigue syndrome (QFS) patients also complain of frequently recurring upper respiratory tract infections with severe symptoms. We investigated whether immunologic dysregulation contributes to these complaints. Cytokine and chemokine production was measured after stimulating monocytes of QFS patients and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls with LPS and several viral ligands. The H3K4me3 mark of open chromatin was measured at the promoter regions of cytokines and chemokines that differed significantly from healthy controls. Monocytes of QFS patients produced significantly less TNF‐α (p = 0.032), IL‐1β (0.004, 0.024, and 0.008), IL‐6 (0.043), RANTES (0.033), IP‐10 (0.049), MCP‐1 (0.022), IL‐ 13 (0.029), and IL‐10 (0.026) than healthy controls when stimulated with various ligands. H3K4me3 expression was significantly lower in QFS patients than in healthy controls on the promoter regions of IL‐1β (p = 0.004), MCP‐1 (<0.001 and <0.001), IP‐10 (<0.001), IL‐10 (0.041), and IL‐13 (<0.001, <0.001, and 0.001). QFS patients showed diminished cytokine responses to various stimuli compared to age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls, likely due to epigenetic remodeling and long‐term memory as a result from the acute Q fever infection. This might explain the upper respiratory tract ailments in QFS.

An epidemiological study on effect of occupational exposure of cement

Background: Construction industry chiefly depends on the cement. The constituents in the cement have various health effects in the exposed group. The present study focused to realize the health effects of cement exposure and duration of exposure.Methods: The sample size was 831 male workers. The labourers included were construction workers (masons, helpers and concrete mixers) and cement loading and unloading workers. They were categorized in to five groups which were 5-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24 and 25+ years based on the duration of exposure to cement. Health hazards among these labourers were categorized in to lung function impairment symptoms, cutaneous symptoms and other symptoms.Results: High frequency of respiratory tract ailments (persistent cough 54%, breathlessness 47%) was observed among loading workers as they were handling cement dust. Burning was the most observed one in concrete mixer (70%), hair loss and change in hair colour was observed in 60% of all categories of workers. Skin related ailments were more prevalent among masons, helpers and concrete mixers.Conclusions: The frequency symptoms had correlation with their nature of work in the construction industry. Prolonged exposure to hazardous substances will decline the efficiency of labourers by malfunctioning their physiological functions. Proper awareness about the hazardous substances and well taken precautions among these labours can enhance their efficacy and wellbeing.

Health seeking behavior of farming community in rural area of Titabor block in Jorhat district

Background: Numerous factors are associated with the access and utilization of health care services. These factors along with the preferences of the farmers are responsible for the health seeking behavior of farming community. This study aims to understand the health seeking behavior of the farmers and the factors influencing their behaviour in a rural block of Assam. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was done in a rural block of Jorhat district, Assam among a sample of 400 farmers. A pre designed pretested proforma was used to collect the data. Information was obtained on the demographic variables, health seeking behavior and the factors that may affect health seeking behavior. Results were analyzed using percentage and proportions. Results: The study revealed that respiratory tract infection (54.25%) was the most common cause of morbidity among farmers followed by musculoskeletal problems (23.25%) and gastrointestinal tract ailments (11.75%). Majority of the farmers preferred the government health facilities (62%) than the private practitioners (17%) for seeking treatment. Around 64% respondents sought health care only when their health conditions were severely affected. Financial constraints (43.25%) and lack of time (29.25%) was observed to be major impediment in utilization of health care services. Children were given most priority in seeking treatment at the time of illness (68.75%). Conclusions: Government health care facilities were preferred by most respondents due to low cost of services. Behavior seeking healthcare was mostly influenced by financial constraints.

Zaburzenia motoryki przewodu pokarmowego u chorych na jadłowstręt psychiczny – przegląd piśmiennictwa

Anorexia nervosa is a disease carrying havoc on many levels of the body functioning. The presence of numerous somatic complications as a consequence of starvation is an important part of the clinical picture of this disease. Symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract are one of the most common complaints reported by patients, especially in the initial period of realimentation. Most common symptoms are associated with gastrointestinal motility disorders. The available data show that as many as half of patients suffering from anorexia nervosa manifest significant gastrointestinal motility disorders (incomplete relaxation of the upper and lower oesophageal sphincter, impaired compliance of the stomach, delayed gastric emptying, intestinal transit extension, decreased motility of the rectum and anus). These disorders along with gastrointestinal tract ailments may impede the restoration of proper diet, if not detected early and treated. There are relatively few studies on gastrointestinal motility disorders in patients suffering from anorexia nervosa, which do not clearly answer the question whether these disorders are genetic, or result from cachexia and whether they disappear along with the restoration of the normal body weight. No reference of research results to the clinical practice, and the lack of standard procedures for diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in patients with anorexia nervosa are significant problems for specialists in the field of psychiatry and gastroenterology.

Preparation and biological activity of nanocapsulated Glycyrrhiza glabra L. var. glabra

ABSTRACTGlycyrrhiza glabra is a medicinal plant found in Asia, the Mediterranean and parts of southern Europe. It used for the treatment of upper respiratory tract ailments including coughs, hoarseness, sore throat and bronchitis. In this study, natural polymers, chitosan and alginate were used for preparing nanocapsules containing turmeric oil and a methanol extract of G. glabra. The antimicrobial activity of G. glabra as an extract and in a nanocapsule was investigated. In the preparation of nanocapsules, a three‐step procedure involving emulsification, cross‐linking with calcium chloride and solvent removal was used. Morphological characteristics of the nanocapsules were investigated by particle size using transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that turmeric oil‐to‐extract ratio, surfactant and molecular weight of chitosan all affect the size of the nanocapsule produced. An oil‐to‐extract ratio of 10:10 mg/ml, Tween 80 and low molecular weight chitosan resulted in the optimal (smallest) nanoparticle size. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Antibacterial activities of plants from Central Africa used traditionally by the Bakola pygmies for treating respiratory and tuberculosis-related symptoms

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe antibacterial activities of 18 plants from 10 different families were investigated for their antimicrobial efficacy, based on the traditional uses of these species by Bakola pygmies living in Central Africa, especially along the Ngoyang area in Cameroon for the treatment of respiratory and tuberculosis-related symptoms. The aim of the study is to test the antimicrobial efficacy of these plants against some pathogens associated with respiratory disease and to determine if there is any validation for the traditional use against Mycobacterium species. Materials and methodsMedium polar extracts were prepared in MeOH/DCM (1:1, v/v) from the plant parts of each species used traditionally and were assayed against pathogens associated with respiratory tract ailments [Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13883) and Morexella cattarhalis (ATCC 14468)] using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Two additional faster growing Mycobacterium strains [Mycobacterium smegmatis (ATCC 23246) and Mycobacterium aurum (NCTC 10437)] were included in the assay as predictive test organisms for the more pathogenic strain Mycobacterium tuberculosis. ResultsSome plant species, such as Alchornea floribunda, Musanga cecropioides (both leaves and stem bark), Tetracera potatoria and Xylopia aethiopica (stem bark), were effective in inhibiting Morexella cattarhalis, having MIC values between 65 and 250μg/mL. Some noteworthy antimycobacterial inhibition (MIC≤200μg/mL and as low as MIC 6.5µg/mL) for 54% of the extracts were observed. ConclusionWhile moderate activity was shown for pathogens causing respiratory tract infections, these plant species seems to be selectively targeting Mycobacteria spp. suggesting that the traditional use for treating tuberculosis related symptoms may be indeed be accurate.

Morphological differentiation of non-glandular and glandular trichomes on Marrubium vulgare L.

Marrubium vulgare L., commonly known as a white horehound or common horehound, belongs to the plant family Lamiaceae. It is a perennial aromatic herb which grows naturally in Europe, Asia, and America. Since ancient Egypt, this species has been known as a remedy for upper respiratory tract ailments. Nowadays, horehound is used in herbal medicine for treatment of liver diseases, biliary tract disorders, and for increasing the appetite and supporting the function of the stomach. The main biologically active substances in M. vulgare organs are: marrubiin, tannins, essential oils, and ursolic acid. The paper presents micromorphological analyses of non-glandular and glandular trichomes of M. vulgare. The research material was sampled from the plant collection in the Botanical Garden of the Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin (51°14′ N, 22°34′ E). The above-ground parts of horehound were collected during the flowering period in July 2013. Using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the types and sizes of trichomes from the stem, leaf, calyx, and corolla were investigated. The results of the microscopic observations show that the surfaces of M. vulgare vegetative and reproductive organs are densely clothed with glandular and non-glandular trichomes. The glandular trichomes are of two main types: peltate and capitate. Peltate trichomes consist of a short stalk cell and a large head with secretory cells arranged in a circle. The height of a mature trichome is about 31.33 µm and the diameter of the head is 31.47 µm. The substance produced by secretory cells passes through the apical walls and accumulates within a space between the cuticle and the cell wall layer. Capitate long trichomes with a basal cell, long stalk, neck cell, and a unicellular head are 36.65 µm long and the diameter of the head is about 15.6 µm. There are two types of short capitate trichomes: with a bicellular head and a unicellular stalk and with four-celled head and a unicellular stalk. The length of these trichomes is on average 26.32 µm and the diameter of the head is 20.32 µm. Moreover, we observed two types of non-glandular trichomes: multicellular uniserrate and multicellular branched. The length of the non-glandular trichomes is between 60.69 µm and 1130.3 µm.

Renal and vascular studies of aqueous extract of Urtica dioica in rats and rabbits

Urtica dioica has a variety of uses in traditional medicine for genitourinary ailments kidney disorders, allergies, diabetes, anemia, gastrointestinal tract ailments, musculoskeletal aches and alopecia. However, only a few of these uses have scientific bases that support their clinical uses. This study was done to evaluate some of the in vivo and in vitro pharmacological actions of this plant. Eighteen local domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used for in vitro studies (effect of the plant extract on isolated pulmonary arteries and isolated urinary bladder smooth muscle) and in vivo studies (effect of the extract on renal function). Six male albino rats were used for studying the effects of the plant extract on blood pressure and heart rate. Urtica dioica extract produced a significant increase in urine volume and urinary Na + excretion without significant changes in K

Antibiotic dispensing in Egyptian community pharmacies: An observational study

Antibiotics are commonly dispensed medications from community pharmacies, and they are frequently prescribed for inappropriate indications. In many countries, they are easily accessible without prescriptions. The inappropriate use of antibiotics results in the emergence of resistant bacterial strains, which represents a considerable public health problem, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to describe the pattern of antibiotics dispensing from Egyptian community pharmacies and to collect baseline descriptive data on the antibiotics dispensed and their appropriateness. A cross-sectional, observational study of antibiotic dispensing encounters was conducted at 36 randomly selected pharmacies in Greater Cairo, Egypt. Data were collected during one shift at each pharmacy. Structured questionnaires recording patient demographics, antibiotics dispensed and reasons for dispensing were completed for each antibiotic dispensing encounter. The data were descriptively analysed. Overall, 1158 antibiotics were dispensed during the study period with a total cost of L.E. 24,487 (approximately 3,673 $USD). While self-medication and purchasing without medical prescriptions were common, representing around 23.3% of the antibiotics (n=270), most antibiotics were prescribed by a doctor or dentist (n=736, 63.6%). Pharmacist recommendations accounted for the remainder (n= 152, 13.1%). The main reasons for antibiotic use were respiratory tract ailments and gastroenteritis symptoms. The antibiotics most commonly dispensed were: penicillins, erythromycin, metronidazole, neomycin, clotrimoxazole and tetracyclines. Approximately 70% of the antibiotics dispensed on prescriptions were judged to be appropriate for the indications while this percentage was around 61% for antibiotics dispensed on pharmacist recommendation and patient's request. The results of this study show that antibiotics are frequently dispensed from community pharmacies in Egypt without appropriate prescriptions and for inappropriate indications. These findings support the need for strict enforcement of pharmacy laws through improved inspection processes. They highlight the need for evidence-based guidelines and educational interventions to improve antibiotic prescribing and dispensing practices.

Treating lower respiratory tract ailments in children and infants

Treating lower respiratory tract ailments in children and infants

Endoscopic Ultrasound for Non-Gastroenterologists: What You Need to Know

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) combines the use of flexible fiberoptic endoscopes with high-resolution ultrasound technology. It is increasingly used for the evaluation, staging, and diagnosis of many luminal and extraluminal gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, as well as non-GI tract ailments, including the staging of lung cancer. In the past decade, EUS has become available on a wide scale, with an increasing number of indications. The technology has been shown to be comparable with and often more sensitive than computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging in staging many malignancies. The use of fine-needle aspiration and ultrasound-guided injection also allows for accurate tissue diagnosis and therapy of GI ailments. Despite increasing availability and indications for EUS over the past decade, general internists may not be aware of EUS technology, when to order an EUS, and how to integrate the results of an EUS into their management decisions. This article will review the general indications for EUS referral, limitations, and role of EUS in the practice of general medicine.

Hydrophobic constituents and their potential anticancer activities from Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus Miq.)

Devil's Club (Oplopanax horridus) is one of the most important spiritual and medicinal plants to many indigenous peoples of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. It is widely used for external and internal infections as well as arthritis, respiratory ailments, digestive tract ailments, broken bones, fever, headaches, and cancer. To investigate hydrophobic constituents and their potential anticancer activity from Devil's Club, Oplopanax horridus. The root bark extract of Oplopanax horridus was isolated by chromatographic techniques. Structures of isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopic methods and comparison with published data. The anti-proliferation of isolated hydrophobic constituents in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, human colon cancer SW-480 and HCT-116 cells were tested. The potential mechanism of anti-proliferation was also investigated using cell cycle and apoptosis assays. Six compounds were isolated and structurally identified as 9,17-octadecadiene-12,14-diyne-1,11,16-triol, 1-acetate (1), oplopandiol acetate (2), falcarindiol (3), oplopandiol (4), trans-nerolidol (5) and t-cadinol (6). These compounds showed potential anticancer activities on human breast cancer and colon cancer cells, of which compound 3 possesses the strongest activity. Further cell cycle and apoptosis tests by flow cytometry showed the polyacetylenes 1-4 induced HCT-116 cell arresting in G2/M phase and inhibited proliferation by the induction of apoptosis at both earlier and later stages. These results provide promising baseline information for the potential use of Oplopanax horridus, as well as some of the isolated compounds in the treatment of cancer.

Traditional medicine in the pristine village of ProkoÅko Lake on Vranica Mountain, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The results of an ethnobotanical study conducted in the pristine village of Prokoško Lake (Vranica Mountain, Bosnia and Herzegovina) in summer 2007 is presented. Informal interviews involving 12 informants known as “traditional healers” provided data from 43 plants used in 82 prescriptions. The applied plants were used for a broad spectrum of indications. The most frequent were gastro-intestinal tract ailments, blood system disorders, skin ailments, respiratory tract ailments and urinary-genital tract ailments. The most frequent preparation was an infusion. Other often used preparations were ointments or balms and decocts. The special Bosnian balms known as “mehlems” were prepared from freshly chopped or freshly pressed herbal parts of various plant species. Warmed resins from Abies or Picea species, raw cow or pig lard, olive oil and honey served as basis. The traditional doctors, who usually worked as a team, enjoyed such a good reputation that people from all over the country were visiting in search of alternative ways to cure their ailments and diseases. The practical techniques applied by the healers and some of their attitudes and values are reported.

Melamine food contamination: Relevance to Canadian children

Melamine came to public attention in 2007, following reports of acute renal failure in cats and dogs through consumption of contaminated pet food (1). In 2008, reports from China began to emerge of at least 150 cases of renal failure and six confirmed deaths in young children among more than 300,000 with urinary tract ailments as a result of melamine contamination in Chinese infant formula. Fortunately, no related cases in Canadian children have been reported thus far, and no evidence of intentional melamine contamination has occurred in any other country. Infant formula manufactured in China is not approved in Canada, and formula companies do not use milk ingredients from China in the manufacture of Canadian formula (2). There has, however, been a recall of imported Chinese food products including candies, cookies and coffee drinks because the Canadian Food Inspection Agency found concentrations of melamine in them that were above the established tolerance concentration of 2.5 parts per million (ppm) (2).

Micropropogation and Organogenesis inAdhatoda vasikaFor The Estimation Of Vascine

Adhatoda vasika (Family: Acanthaceae) commonly known as vasaka has been used in traditional system of medicine for several respiratory tract ailments. Vasicine and vasicinone are the important alkaloids of vasaka having bronchodilatory and expectorant effect. In the present study we have tried to develop callus cultures of vasaka from leaf, petiole and nodes by using different plant growth regulator (PGR) combinations. The best PGR combination in terms of growth index, bioactive secondary metabolite content and repeatability to induce callus was determined. Secondary metabolite recovered from callus was identified using a standard sample of vasicine by chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. MS medium prepared with 10.7µM NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid) and 2 .2µM 6BA (6 benzylaminopurine) showed 90% repeatability to induce callus with 7th day callus induction and secondary metabolite concentration of 3.2 % on gram dry weight basis. An attempt to increase secondary metabolite concentration using cell suspension culture was tried and a rise in alkaloidal content was obtained during a period of one month study. Organogenesis was established using nodes as an explant and shoots were observed after 18 days. The results of the present study revealed that the developed callus, shoot and root invitro cultures can be used as alternative source for production of vasaka alkaloids of pharmaceutical interest.

Plantas medicinais usadas nos distúrbios do trato gastrintestinal no povoado Colônia Treze, Lagarto, SE, Brasil

Os modelos de desenvolvimento sócio-econômicos adotados pela sociedade humana refletem diferentes formas de relacionamento com a natureza, as quais no paradigma vigente têm levado à grande perda de recursos naturais. Na esfera dessa relação, a conservação e preservação da biodiversidade da flora medicinal torna-se fundamental, pela importância que as plantas medicinais assumem como potencial genético para o desenvolvimento de novas drogas, e como acesso primário à saúde para muitas comunidades. Utilizando a abordagem etnofarmacológica na pesquisa de plantas medicinais, este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar as plantas medicinais utilizadas popularmente contra distúrbios do trato gastrintestinal no povoado Colônia Treze em Lagarto, SE, comunidade que tem o uso popular das plantas medicinais inserido em sua cultura. Sua metodologia abrangeu trabalho de campo na comunidade, adotando o método etnográfico qualitativo rápido. A amostra foi composta por líderes da comunidade, usuários de plantas e praticantes da medicina popular. Baseando-se nas indicações populares sobre o uso das plantas medicinais, selecionaram-se oito plantas que foram submetidas aos experimentos farmacológicos. As plantas testadas no Modelo de Trânsito Intestinal não produziram alteração na motilidade. Já as submetidas ao Modelo de Indução de Lesão Gástrica aguda, mostraram-se efetivas na atividade antiulcerogênica. A partir destes resultados propõem-se estratégias de desenvolvimento local para esta comunidade, que aliem a conservação da flora medicinal à melhoria de sua qualidade de vida.

Antiasthmatic potential of aqueous extract of Cassia occidentalis

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by the fibrosis of the airways, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of smooth muscle cells and mucus secretary cells due to infiltration of activated eosinophils and activation of mast cells and lymphocytes. Various traditional medicinal plants have been used in folk medicine to treat a wide range of physical ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. Cassia occidentalis L. (Caesalpiniaceae) leaf juice is traditionally used for the treatment of the respiratory tract ailments and is well-known drug in Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine. This plant is abundant in the region of North Maharashtra commonly known as Kasmardan. Since no scientific studies have been carried out on the leaf the present study evaluates the antiasthmatic activity an aqueous extract of C. occidentalis (COAE) on in vitro and in vivo animal models. In vitro studies carried out on histamine- induced contraction in isolated goat tracheal chain and in vivo studies on milk- induced eosinophilia, mast cell degranulation and capillary permeability in mice (n=5). The results showed that aqueous extract of C. occidentalis inhibited the contractile effect of histamine (P<0.05). A dose dependent contraction of goat tracheal chain is observed. Treatment with COAE (200mg/ kg, i.p.) decreased eosinophilia by 71% while mast cells were protected 66% from degranulation as compared to control group. Also, COAE decreased capillary permeability by 69% in mice was evident from its effect on optical density of the dye. Thus, COAE showed antihistaminic, mast cell stabilizing and decreasing capillary permeability effect and hence possesses potential role in the treatment of asthma.

Pregnancy outcome following gestational exposure to Azithromycin: a prospective controlled study

Introduction Azithromycin is an azalide antibiotic with an extensive range of indications including upper/lower respiratory tract ailments, skin, genitourinary infections etc. It is a popular treatment option due to its convenient dosing regimen and therapeutic advantages. Available human studies addressing gestational use of azithromycin have primarily focused on efficacy, rather than fetal safety. Objective: To evaluate pregnancy outcome following gestational exposure to azithromycin. Methods: This prospective controlled study consists of an azithromycin-exposed group compared to: 1) women receiving non-teratogenic antibiotics for similar indications and 2) exposed to non-teratogenic agents. The three groups were matched for gestational age at time of call, maternal age, smoking/alcohol status. Rates of major anomalies and secondary endpoints of interest were compared. Results: Pregnancy outcome was ascertained from a total of 123 women enrolled in each group. In the exposed group, 88 pregnancies occurred in the first trimester. Statistical analysis did not show any significant differences between the three groups in the rates of major malformations; 3.4% versus 2.3% and 3.4% (P=0.9) or any other endpoints that were examined. Conclusion: To date, results do not appear suggest an increased risk above baseline with gestational azithromycin exposure, providing an evidence-based option for health professionals caring for non-compliant populations with Chlamydia. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P75–P75; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.283

The Carbolic Smoke Ball

The Carbolic Smoke Ball was an early purpose-made dry powder inhalation device whose promotion led to a landmark court case which established an important principle of English law. The Carbolic Smoke Ball was patented in England in 1889 by a Frederick Augustus Roe, as a ‘device to facilitate the distribution, inhalation, and application of medicated powders’ [1], although in some of its promotional literature it was described as ‘a new American remedy’ (Figure 1). The original patent describes ‘a composite hollow ball or receptacle of india rubber ... having an orifice provided with a porous or perforated disc or diaphragm ... through which when the ball or receptacle is compressed, the powder will be forced in a cloud of infinitesimally small particles resembling smoke’. It appears from trade catalogues that two different forms were marketed. The author has in his possession a version which is a rounded ball-shaped vessel with a flattened bottom and short neck, black in appearance, but actually made from very dark green glass. The smoke ball’s contents were composed of a mixture of glycyrrhiza and white hellebore (Veratrum vide) together with a tarry residue that provided the odour of carbolic acid [2]; carbolic inhalations had become fashionable for the treatment of various chest ailments, including tuberculosis, since Lister’s development of a carbolic acid spray to prevent sepsis following surgery [3]. It was promoted by the Carbolic Smoke Ball Company of Hanover Square, London, as a positive cure for a variety of respiratory tract ailments including colds, hay fever, catarrh, asthma, bronchitis, and influenza – as well as neuralgia and headache. The cost of each device was 10 shillings (£0.50); it could be refilled for a further 5 shillings. It was stated to be used by a wide section of the titled classes, as well as the actors Henry Irving and Ellen Terry. It was an advertisement in the Pall Mall Gazette in 1891 which led to the Carbolic Smoke Ball Company’s appearance in court [4]. The advertisement in question differed from that illustrated here, in offering a reward of £100 to any person contracting influenza or a cold after having used the Carbolic Smoke Ball according to the printed directions. Mrs Carlill (often misprinted Carhill or Cahill) purchased and used a smoke ball as directed, but contracted influenza nonetheless. Her husband (a solicitor by training) requested the advertised compensation of £100 on her behalf, but was ignored by the manufacturers, so sued them. The case (Carlill vs The Carbolic Smoke Ball Company) came to court in 1892, in which year advertisements containing the £100 offer were still appearing in the national press (for example, The Graphic) [2]. The defence argued variously that the claim was a bet within the meaning of the Gaming Act; that the offer was merely