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India is home to many different cultures, traditions and customs articulated and represented by different ethnic groups, communities and castes. The cultures have emerged in India through the development of indigenous civilizations and the arrival of different cultural groups from different parts of the world at different times. Kapala is a distinct community living in Kodagu district in the state of Karnataka. They look like the mixed descendants of the Ethiopian Siddis (Siddhis) of the South African continent. Kunhi Boltu is a folk deity and immortal personality of the community who has attained god-like status. The Kapalas worshipped their ancestors and respected the forces of nature that governed their lives. The aim of the ethnographic study is to get to know the Kapala community and their way of life, beliefs and practises. To learn more about the Kapala society and their culture, anthropological research tools and techniques such as holistic, ethnographic, comparative and historical methods were used. Participant observation and in-depth interviews were used in the study. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. The primary data required for the study was collected in the field while the secondary data was obtained from the existing literature on the Kapala community. The research paper is organised as follows: The first part deals with detailed information about the Kapala community. The second part deals with the Kapala society and their way of life, beliefs and practises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Insulin Resistance is a major cause of Atherosclerosis (AS) and Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). These lipid alterations in blood vessels and liver may progress to cardiovascular abnormalities and cirrhosis respectively. Drugs like pioglitazone (PIO) and metformin (MET) are effective insulin sensitizers used in T2DM. But their efficacy and tolerability needs to be compared in IR associated abnormalities. Aim: To compare the efficacy of PIO and MET in glucocorticoid induced AS, Hepatic Steatosis (HS) and IR in albino rats. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were randomized into four groups (n=6). Group 1 (Normal control) rats consumed 2% gum acacia orally for 12 days. Group 2 {dexamethasone (DEX) control} rats were administered 2% gum acacia orally for 12 days and DEX (8 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.) from 7th to 12th day during the study period. Group 3 and 4 (PIO and MET control) rats received oral administration of PIO (45 mg/kg) and MET (1000 mg/kg) for 12 days respectively. Both groups were treated with DEX (8 mg/kg/i.p.) from 7th to 12th day during the study period. On last day, fasting blood was collected and rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation; aorta and liver tissues were isolated for the histopathological examination. Body weight, liver weight and liver volume were measured. Blood samples were processed for biochemical parameters. The data were analysed by One-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Scheffe’s multiple comparison post-hoc test. The statistical significance was assumed at p

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the syndecan‑1 expression in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) according to grades of epithelial dysplasia. Materials and Methods: Twenty samples of OSF were divided into three groups: Group 1 (OSF with mild epithelial dysplasia, n = 15), Group 2 (OSF with moderate epithelial dysplasia, n = 3), and Group 3 (OSF with severe epithelial dysplasia, n = 2). Results: A statistically nonsignificant (P > 0.05) difference was noted when staining intensity of syndecan‑1 in stratum basale were compared between OSF with mild dysplasia (O1) and OSF with moderate dysplasia (O2) (P = 0.141), O1 and OSF with severe dysplasia (O3) (P = 0.222) also between O2 and O3 (P = 1.00). A statistically significant (P < 0.05) difference was noted when staining intensity of syndecan‑1 in stratum spinosum were compared between O1 and O2 (P = 0.010), O1 and O3 (P = 0.038), between O2 and O3 the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.414). A statistically nonsignificant difference was noted when intensity of syndecan‑1 expression in superficial layers of the epithelium was compared between O1 and O2 (P = 0.655), O1 and O3 (P = 0.715), also when O2 and O3 were compared, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 1.00). Conclusion: Downregulation of syndecan‑1 antigen in OSF according to increased grades of epithelial dysplasia correlates to some extent with the disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background of the Study: As many as 10 million people have died from cancer globally in 2020, making it the top cause of mortality in the globe. Cancer develops as a result of the multi-stage process by which normal cells convert into tumor cells, progressing from a precancerous lesion to a malignant tumor. By avoiding risk factors and applying existing evidence-based preventative techniques, 30%-50% of malignancies may be averted. In order to avoid cancer, it is essential to know the specific causes of the disease. Nidanas, or etiologies, are well-described in Ayurvedic science. Here, the causes of cancer have been outlined so that the knowledge may be used effectively to avoid the disease. Aims: Identification of cancer etiologies that have been described in classics. Evidence-based understanding of these etiologies and to comprehend the significance of etiologies in cancer prevention. Materials and methods: A thorough evaluation of literature, including ancient Ayurvedic classics, modern medical texts, and articles published in reputable journals, was conducted to meet the study's goals and objectives. Results: According to Ayurveda, there are three distinct phases of tumorigenesis: chronic inflammation, precancerous development, Granthi (a benign glandular swelli ng), and Arbuda (a precancerous tumor) (definite malignancy). A growing body of evidence suggests that the tumor microenvironment, which is predominantly controlled by inflammatory cells, is an essential player in the neoplastic process. Conclusion: Although inflammation is coming into the picture just now in the contemporary world, Ayurveda has described this as a leading cause 5000 years back. It is evident that diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in the etiology of Shoth (inflammation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endobronchial hamartoma is a rare benign tumor of lung that may present with symptoms of airway obstruction with wheezing, stridor, recurrent pneumonia or atelectasis. We report a case of a patient with endobronchial hamartoma, recurrent pneumonia, who presented to us with sputum smear and culture positive pulmonary tuberculosis. He was treated with antitubercular treatment and endobronchial hamartoma was resected completely by diode laser through fiberoptic bronchoscope.

Education is a powerful weapon and an essential component of the social sector. Education can change the social stigmas attached to society through the process of learning. It has an ancient tradition in India, and the ancient roots of education in India can be traced back to the times of the Vedas, from 1500 to 500 BC. Education expenditure has been regarded as an asset because it acts as an investment in human capital. The increasing demand for education in India, coupled with a lack of public expenditure on education, has been resulting in increasing private expenditure on education, which in turn has far-reaching consequences for access and affordability to education. In developing countries like India, since its independence, the government of India has given more importance to education and educational sectors to uplift its people. The future of the budding generations around the world is dependent on education and educational bits of knowledge. In the present study, an attempt is made to analyze the government's expenditure on education in different states of India. In the state of Karnataka, it is found that the per capita expenditure on education gradually increased, but after some years, the expenditure pace changed and increased rapidly. The per capita expenditure on education in states like Sikkim, Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, and NCT Delhi has been higher compared to the lowest expenditure states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh. The study found a noticeable regional imbalance among the Indian states in per capita expenditure on education has been found, but the trend remains the same over the years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world has faced numerous severe harmful and deadly disasters for several decades. These are hazardous and destructive chemical substances that resulted in severe complications and damage to humans, animals, and the environment. Before the ban on it by the Supreme Court of India, Endosulfan was extensively used as a major pesticide in the agricultural and allied sectors as an insecticide to control the harmful insects and mites in agricultural fields. Endosulfan has been extensively sprayed in the government-owned cashew plantations of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Karwar districts by Karnataka Cashew Development Corporation Ltd., Karnataka for almost two decades. In April 2011 the Stockholm Convention recommended the global ban on the manufacture and use of Endosulfan. WHO categorizes Endosulfan as a moderately hazardous chemical substance and it was banned due to adverse impacts and complications triggered on the health of humans, animals, and the environment. All over the world, several studies have established a connection between aerial spraying of Endosulfan pesticides and the growing health complications and disorders in human populations from toxic exposure. The present study aims to know the nature and prevalence of disabilities and health complications among the Endosulfan affected victims in the selected villages of Karnataka state, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The isolation and characterization of four new alkaloids, batzelladines F-I, from the sponge Batzellia sp. are described. The compounds were isolated by a bioassay-directed fractionation technique. The alkaloids have been found to induce dissociation of the p56llkc-CDK complex at micromolar concentrations.

An ELISA-based assay reveals that two guanidine alkaloids, batzelladines A and B, of the Caribbean sponge Batzella sp. inhibit the HIV gp120-human CD4 binding. Extraction procedures enable the separation of five novel alkaloids, batzelladines A to E. Spectral analysis and chemical degradation studies help determine the structures of these alkaloids.

Lymphomas are the group of neoplasms originating from lymphoreticular system mainly from lymph nodes, among them up to 40% of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas present extra nodally. In oral cavity, lymphomas are least common and account for 3-5% of all malignancies, presenting mainly in older age groups with male predominance. According to Revised European-American Lymphoma classification, among B-cell and T-cell subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common, characterized by diffuse proliferation of large neoplastic B lymphoid cells. Here we present a case report of DLBCL affecting oral cavity involving left buccal vestibule and extending onto the palate, along with its clinical, histopathologic and immunohistochemical features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial stromal sarcoma is rare, comprising 10% of the uterine mesenchymal tumors, and one-half of women affected are postmenopausal. They are classified into endometrial stromal nodule and endometrial stromal sarcoma that are low-grade malignant tumors of uterus. They are indolent tumors with local recurrences and distant metastasis occurring even 20 years after initial diagnosis. Most endometrial stromal sarcomas stained positively for CD10, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and bcl-2, mostly in a diffuse pattern. The present case is of a 45 years female patient presented with abdominal pain and irregular menstruation, white discharge, bleeding per vagina for last six months. She had undergone tubectomy 6 years ago. Per abdominal examination revealed distended abdomen with aversion of umbilicus. There was no evidence of free fluid in the abdomen. Ultrasonography was carried out which revealed a bulky uterus with solid lesion in the myometrium showing heterogenous echo texture. Total vaginal hysterectomy was carried out and the specimen was sent to department of pathology. Grossly, the uterus was large, globular and firm. The cut-section shows bulky tumour, greywhite-to-yellow nodular mass in colour, with infiltrating margins, measuring about 5.0 X 5.0 X 4.0 cms. The endometrium is distorted by the tumour. Microscopically, the uterus showed tumour composed of small-to-medium sized cells, roundto- oval & spindle shaped cells with large hyperchromatic nuclei and occasional mitosis, small amount of cytoplasm. These tumour cells are showing infiltrating margins, focal necrosis, hemorrhage, local invasion and lymphatic emboli. Immunohistochemistry showed CD 10, Estrogen, and Progesterone receptors positive. It was confirmed that as endometrial stromal sarcomas which is presented here for its rarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyembryoma of the testis is a very rare, distinct form of mixed germ cell tumor. We report a case of polyembryoma of testis in a 22-year-old male who presented with right sided scrotal swelling since 4 months associated with loss of appetite and weight. It was a hard painless scrotal swelling. There was no history of administration of testosterone. No gynaecomastia or cryptorchidism was noticed clinically. Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) and beta-HCG values were found to be abnormal. USG of the scrotum revealed a right sided testicular mass. The CT scan of abdomen and pelvis was normal. The patient underwent right-sided high orchidectomy. Grossly, grey black to yellow enlarged testicular mass measuring 6X4X3 cm, firm to hard in consistency was found. Cut-section revealed a variegated mass of solid and cystic areas with haemorrhage and necrosis. Microscopically, a mixed germ cell tumor with embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor and polyemryoma components was diagnosed. Immunohistochemistry showed immuno-positvity for CD 30, Alfa feto-protein (AFP) and cytokeratin cocktail and negativity for placental alkaline phosphatase (PAP), confirming the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]