Ecotine is a protein molecule that naturally occurs in bacteria that are extremely or moderately halophilic or salt-solving. They serve as a protective substance in bacterial cells. They help protect the microorganisms from extreme environmental conditions like high salinity, pressure, heat or aridity stress, and UV-radiation.

A team of scientists from NIOT, Port Blair, identified a halophilic bacteria, Bacillus clausii NIOT-DSB04 while analysing sediment samples collected from deep sea (at a depth of 1,840 metres) near Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar region during a cruise conducted by the Ministry’s Ocean Research Vessel `SagarManjusha’. They found it had ecotine molecules. They further developed a recombinant DNA technology method to optimise its production.

Ectoine has applications in dermo-pharmacy and the medical field.In the dermopharmacyindustry, ectoine and its derivatives are used as a major ingredient in moisturizers, UV protection creams, and as a freeze-stabilizing agent for enzymes. It accelerates the production of heat shock proteins by the skin and protects the skin cells from environmental effects such as dryness and UV radiation. Ectoine is mainly used in sun protection, moisture protection, and anti-aging creams.

In the medical field, it helps stabilize Langerhans’ cells of the skin, by preventing the entry of harmful microorganisms and allergens. It intensively assists the moisture retention of the skin by protecting the hydrolipid system. Further, it encourages the regeneration processes of the skin, maintains the vitality of the skin cells, supports the skin’s immune system, and protects the cell structures of the human skin and their genetic material.

The study team was led by Dr. L. Anburajan and Dr. B. Meena and included Dr. N. V. Vinithkumar, Dr. R. Kirubagaran and Dr. G. Dharani. They published a report on their work in Elsevier’s Microbial Pathogenesis journal.

The researchers noted, “So far, Ecotine has been imported. Now, with the development of our technology and its transfer for commercial production, it would be available to the domestic industry with greater ease”.

The research led by Dr. MuralidharanKesavan, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore has assessed the therapeutic effects of Yoga in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as well as its effect on associated neurobiological underpinnings. This work was supported under the ‘Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM)’Programme of the Department of Science and Technology, GoI and has been published in the ‘The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry’.

Earlier studies conducted at NIMHANS, have shown promising results of Yoga in reducing MDD symptoms, associated stress hormone levels and improving levels of inhibitory neurotransmitter called Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)in the brain as well as autonomic functioning of the brain. In this research, the team assessed the effectiveness of yoga therapy on clinical symptoms of depression and its mechanism of action through assessment of various biomarkers associated. They estimated biomarkers like GABA activity (Transcranial magnetic stimulation -TMS), Blood biomarkers (Immune system abnormalities via Interleukin system), emotional processing & brain activity – functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Autonomic functioning – Heart rate Variability (HRV) on 70 people through 3.5years.

They also found that early intervention of yoga can lead to good outcomes and better prognosisand also effective as monotherapy in mild to moderate depression.Due to the plausible therapeutic role of yoga in enhancing recovery of patients with depression, the same is being considered for routine recommendation in clinical practice for patients with depression in IP & OP services offered at NIMHANS.

Dr Renu Bhatia, Additional Professor, Department of Physiology, AIIMS, New Delhi conducted research to measure the impact of yoga on Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) along with Dr Raj Kumar Yadav (Professor, Department of Physiology, AIIMS, New Delhi), Dr Sri Kumar V (Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, AIIMS, New Delhi).

The study conducted on 100 Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) patients of 50 years with 3 years of history of the disease.  After systematic Yogic intervention of 4 weeks, Quantitative sensory testing (QST) showed increase in thresholds for cold pain and cold pain tolerance. Corticomotor excitability and flexibility improved significantly in the patients.

They recorded objective measures for pain (electrophysiology), sensory perception (quantitative computerized sensory testing) and cortical excitability parameters. (using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of motor cortex).They found significant changes between all the parameters in CLBP patients compared to healthy controls at baseline. Significant improvement in all parameters was found after yoga.

This research supported by the Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM) funded by the Department of Science and Technology, GoI has been recently published in the ‘Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Research’.

Assessment of pain and corticomotor excitability parameters shall help in establishing strong ground with scientific evidence for yoga to be prescribed as therapeutic intervention for chronic low back pain relief with or without standard therapy depending on the pathology. Also these parameters can be used for prognosis and follow-up of patients during recovery phase.

The team also developed yoga protocol for CLBP patients and for fibromyalgia patientsin Pain Research and TMS laboratory, AIIMS, New Delhi.

In patients with Chronic Low Back Pain, 4 weeks of yoga intervention improved pain status and pain-related functional disability, increased spinal flexibility and corticomotor excitability significantly more than standard care.

The study suggests that in long term Yoga can be performed at home, and hence is an inexpensive therapeutic intervention. It not only relieves pain but also improves overall quality of life and bestows other health benefits.

A Colder Winter

Let us see how the winter is unfolding this year. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) the present winter season from December 2020 to February 2021 will be colder than usual in several parts of India. It was predicted that minimum temperatures in north, north west, central and some areas in eastern India may be lower than the average. On the other hand temperatures in some of the same regions such as north, north west, eastern and some parts of central India may be higher than the average. In nutshell the gap between day and night temperatures will be wider.

This colder winter may lead to some common winter diseases as mentioned below in India that occur across all ages and especially among kids.

Colds and Flu

These symptoms may not be entirely because of the falling temperatures but due to a weakened immune system. Colds and Flu generally get transmitted through the air in the environment. Influenza commonly known as flu is a viral infection that affects your respiratory system- nose, throat and lungs.  Flu subsides on its own in many but sometimes, the consequences can be life threatening.

People at higher risk of developing flu complications include, under-fives (especially under 6 months), adults more than 65 years, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, pregnant women and women up to two weeks after giving birth, people with compromised immune systems, and people who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes and obesity.

Cough

Cough is a voluntary or involuntary act that clears the throat and breathing passage of foreign particles, microbes, irritants, fluids, and mucus; it is a rapid expulsion of air from the lungs. Coughing can be done deliberately or as part of a reflex. The dust, dryness and cold winds in the winter can trigger coughs. Cold beverages can also cause a throat infection. A cough that lasts for less than four weeks is called acute cough.. A persistent cough that lasts more than four weeks is a chronic cough.

Itchy skin

Itching is an uncomfortable, irritating sensation that creates an urge to scratch that can involve any part of the body. Cold and dry (low humidity) winter weather affects a lot of people with sensitive skin. Their skin becomes dry and  itchy during winter. The best way to take care of this is by applying coconut, olive or almond oil to skin and placing vaporisers or humidifiers at home every night.

Respiratory ailments

During winter, air molecules become thinner and more restricted, as a result, individuals suffering from respiratory conditions, like asthma or Chronic lung disease may find it very difficult to breathe. The cold and dry air leads to tightening of airways making the condition much worse.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection. Sinus problems occur in houses without proper ventilation.

Winter weather can also cause heart ailments. In lower temperatures the arteries become constricted making it difficult for the heart to pump the blood. Even though there is no scientific evidence of joint pains in the winter season, there are many people who do suffer from the pain in winter. Cold winds sometimes can cause severe headaches.

Common winter time health problems in children

Asthma

Change in the weather and cold air often triggers asthma attacks in children. Therefore it is important to have refills of asthma relief medicines ( also called blue inhalers- Salbutamol ) and the spacer device ready for the winter. An asthma management plan should be instituted in case the child starts coughing, wheezing, and complains of uneasy feeling or tightness in the chest. If your child’s asthma always gets worse during the winter, it might be a good idea to start a preventative medicine such as brown inhalers or some syrups or tablets too.

Chronic cough

Many kids could have a cough during cold and flu season when they get sick, however if the child typically develops a chronic cough that lasts more than 4 weeks, then get an assessment  with the paediatrician for possible asthma and start treatment.

Dry skin

Lack of humidity from cold, dry air outside and the warm, dry air inside the house when using dry heaters at home; often leads to itchy and dry skin during the winter in kids. This can be a problem on a child’s hands, which is made worse by frequent hand washing, and around his mouth (Perioral dermatitis).

Using a mild soap or soap substitute when your child bathes and then quickly applying a moisturiser within a few minutes can help to avoid and treat dry skin. One may have to reapply the moisturiser several times during the day.

Eczema

Kids with eczema often have red, itchy skin year-round, but it can be worse in the winter. Get an assessment from the paediatrician if your usual eczema regimen isn’t working during the winter. The child may need advice on the way the moisturisers and steroid creams are applied or a step up of treatment such as dry or wet wraps, immune modulator creams etc.

Nose bleeds

Dry winter air results in nosebleeds. Nose bleeds can be prevented by moisturising a child’s nose with saline or a nasal gel each day. Keep in mind that kids can also get nosebleeds when they have colds, sinus infections, or allergies.

Prevention is better than cure

In order to prevent children from various health issues due to winter, the following precautions are advised….

• Administer flu shot every year
• Avoid taking newborn and young children to crowded places
• Teach kids to avoid going around and contacting sick children or adults
• Teach children about techniques of hand washing
• Teach kids cough etiquette- cough or sneeze into their elbows or tissues
• Avoid school water fountain in order to avoid spread of germs
• Encourage using  reusable water bottles at school

Carrying out above general advice could help directly or indirectly in reducing symptoms of some specific health conditions as cold air could trigger or worsen above health conditions.

The article is prepared by Dr. T.Narender, Consultant General Pediatrician & Neonatologist, Aster Prime Hospital, Ameerpet, Hyderabad

With the onset of monsoon all over India, a lot of people are falling prey to water-borne diseases in the country. Of the total patients visiting the OPD of the pediatrics unit at the Women and Children Hospital, were found to be affected by diarrhoea, cholera, fever, vomiting, stomach infection and jaundice (hepatitis A and E).  During the monsoon, it is also observed, Dengue, Malaria, Typhoid and other viral fevers are also on rise.

Further Stomach flu or infection, medically known as viral gastroenteritis, is a contagious infection that affects the stomach and intestine, is also affecting people especially in monsoon. Especially the Stomach flu or Viral Gastroenteritis affected patients symptoms can be misconstrued as COVID symptoms.  The patient with Viral Gastroenteritis will display the following Signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis: Diarrhea, Vomiting, Nausea, Fever, Headache, Abdominal pain & Lack of appetite.

While viruses are behind the majority of gastrointestinal infections, bacterial infections are also normal. This infection is also called “food poisoning.”  The major Causes of stomach infection are Yersinia, found in pork; Staphylococcus, which is found in dairy products like meat and eggs; Shigella, found in water (especially swimming pools); Salmonella, which is found in meat, eggs, and dairy products; Campylobacter, which is found in poultry and meat; E.coli, which is found in salads and ground beef etc.

According to Dr. K S Soma Sekhar Rao, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kondapur opines that under normal circumstances the above mentioned diseases are considered to treatable and not life threatening ones. But unfortunately the symptoms of majority of above mentioned diseases are also considered to be symptoms of COVID fever thus creating another great hurdle in treating these patients during this pandemic thus complicating the situation, he says. Further he advises that rather than facing odd situation during the pandemic it is better to avoid getting infection or the above stated diseases. 

Dr. K S Soma Sekhar Rao, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kondapur suggests people to avoid intake of the following Food & Drinks:

• Certain foods should be avoided as it may aggravate nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

• Caffeinated beverages disturb the digestion process and worsen diarrhea.

• Fried Foods are hard to digest and may contribute to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

• Spicy foods may stimulate nausea and vomiting.

• Sugary foods and beverages may worsen diarrhea.

Dr. K S Soma Sekhar Rao, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kondapur also suggest various precautions as stated below:

Maintain Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is the most critical aspect when preventing yourself from a stomach infection.

Stay Away from Street Food

Street food is most likely to give you stomach infection. The primary reason for an increase in such instances is that most germs come directly in contact ith the food item sold in the open air.

Keep Away from Dirty Water

The best way to prevent this is by completely staying away from dirty water. However, if stepping in water is a necessity, make sure you’re well covered from head to toe.

Drink Safe Water

Drinking safe water is necessary, and this practice should be followed throughout the year. However, during the monsoon, this habit must be developed without fail. Boil water before drinking and use only RO water to be 100 percent sure.

Exercise

Exercise is associated with improved immunity and makes the body much more equipped to handle infections.

Experts added that during the rainy season, children are more vulnerable to various types of infections owing to consumption of contaminated water or food items prepared with it.  The World Health Organization which has already identified drinking water contamination as a critical public health issue in India has estimated that more than 98,000 children suffer from acute diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases every year.

Under the circumstances experts advise people to take extra precautions in order to avoid such diseases by taking all the necessary precautions to stay healthy while staying at home.

Article is prepared by Dr. K S Soma Sekhar Rao, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kondapur