Problem statement: Patients with active pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) are malnourished as indicated by reductions in lean mass, anthropometric indices and micronutrient status. Supplementation with vitamins may prove to be beneficial. Limited information is available on the supplementation of vitamin C and E in pulmonary TB patients. Hence, the present study was undertaken to address the question whether any benefit could be demonstrated with supplementation of antioxidant vitamins C and E and in combination in pulmonary TB patients. Approach: A five arm study was carried out for a period of 6 months in which the normal healthy volunteers served as control group and the sputum positive category I pulmonary TB patients served as the treatment group. Three out of the four patient groups received the antioxidant vitamin supplementation of either vitamin C, vitamin E or in combination along with ATT, whereas fourth group received ATT alone. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and E were analyzed pre, during and post Anti-Tuberculosis Therapy (ATT) to establish the role of oral supplementation of these vitamins. Sputum culture was also done at all the three times points for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. To study the possible interaction and influence of the supplemented vitamins on LDL-C and HDL-C and other lipid parameters a lipid profile was carried out. Results: (1) All the patients in the treatment groups turned sputum at the end of 2 months of treatment. (2) There was a significant improvement in the body weights of the patients upon supplementation with antioxidant vitamins. (3) There was a significant increase in the of plasma ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol levels after 6 months of treatment in the vitamin C and vitamin E supplemented groups. (4) The HDL-C levels increased significantly in the antioxidant vitamin supplemented groups. (5) Lower levels of LDL-C were observed in the antioxidant vitamin supplemented groups when compared to the un-supplemented group. Conclusion: The plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol increased significantly after their dietary supplementation. The increase could also be due to the synergy exhibited by both the vitamins. Vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation influenced the lipid profile by increasing the serum HDL-C, improving the total cholesterol levels and decreasing the LDL-C concentration in the antioxidant vitamin supplemented groups.

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Multifunctional magnetic composite nanoparticles (NPs) with antibiotics have demonstrated symbiotic effects because of their promising antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial agent reduces side effects and dosage, and increases drug delivery efficiency. In this study, SiO2 coated over Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared by a solvothermal method. The MNPs were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antimicrobial tests were carried out using the disk diffusion method. The electrochemical sensing was investigated by cyclic voltammetry with varying As(III) concentrations from 1–10 ppb. The microstructural results showed the formation of spherical-shaped Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs with 15–30 nm diameters. UV-vis results showed that Fe3O4 NPs promote visible light absorption of Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs because of well-structured and unvarying shell thickness which is beneficial for the absorption of organic dyes. With an increase in the concentration of As(III), there was a shift in potential and an increase in oxidation peak current, showing the electrocatalytic capacity of the modified electrode. The SiO2 deposited on Fe3O4 displayed an admirable microbial operation. These Fe3O4@SiO2 MNPs are easily absorbed by cells and have the potential to influence bacterial cells both within and outside of the cell membrane, making them an intriguing candidate for use in a variety of biological applications in the future.

Bells palsy an acute paresis of facial mimetic muscles is most common in the third decade of life with an incidence of about 20 cases per 1,00,000 population. The complete recovery rates within 3 months vary from 80-85%. Major complications of the condition include chronic loss of taste, chronic facial spasm, facial pain, corneal infections making early intervention essential. Ardita clinically correlates to Bells palsy. Its cause is mainly vitiated Vata due to Avarana or Dhatukshaya and management is primarily based on Vatahara and Urdhva Sharira Chikitsa. Methods: The current report is based on a case of Bells palsy that presented as left sided facial paresis with deviated angle of mouth to the right, diagnosed as Ardita due to Vata and Kapha Anubandha. Treatment included Nasya Karma, Shiro Pichu, Mukhabhyanga followed by Panasa Patra Sweda and internal medications. Result: Improvement in motor functioning was noticed from day 3 of treatment. Speech enhancement and sensory perception was also noted. Discussion: Ayurvedic management with Ardita Chikitsa provided brisk results in this case.

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