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Western Ghats are designated as world heritage sites and global biodiversity hotspots. Microbial diversity in this forest area has been largely neglected and is getting attention since the end of the last millennium. In this review, we have studied and organized various microorganisms from Western Ghats and their diversity, important characteristics and potential biotechnological applications. Microorganisms from Western Ghats have been explored individually for potential bioactive molecules. While most of the microorganisms were analyzed for antimicrobial activities, there have been studies on microbial promotion of plant growth. The microbes analyzed included from aquatics, soil, rhizosphere, phyllosphere and even as endophytes. There have been microorganisms which have shown antioxidant and anti-cancerous activities. There are microorganisms capable of degrading plant wastes and also xenobiotics. Microorganisms capable of producing industrially important enzymes have also been reported. The present review explores largely neglected microbial diversity with respect to their ability to produce potential bioactive biomolecules.

Background and Objectives: Dermatoglyphics deals with the study of the epidermal ridges and their congurations on the ngers, palms and soles. Epidermal ridge patterns form early in fetal development and remain unchanged throughout life and play a signicant role in the diagnosis of many disorders with genetic background. As the primary palate, lip and dermal ridges develop during the same period of intrauterine life, the genetic message contained in the genome - normal or abnormal, is deciphered during this period and is also reected by dermatoglyphics. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the different dermatoglyphic patterns and their correlation with skeletal malocclusions. The study was conducted on 90 individuals divided into 3 equal groups- skeletal Methods: class I, II and III. Dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using ink method following rolling impression technique. The dermatoglyphic data was assessed for different nger ridge patterns and total ridge count (TRC). On compar Results: ison skeletal class I group showed markedly decreased number of loops and increased total ridge count (TRC). Skeletal class II showed markedly increased number of loops and markedly decreased TRC. Skeletal class III showed markedly decreased number of arches and increased TRC. Loops were found to be the most predominant pattern in skeletal class II and III groups. The mean TRC was found to be increased in skeletal class III group and markedly decreased in skeletal class II group which was statistically signicant. Dermatoglyphics can be used as a screening tool and for early prediction of skeletal mal Conclusion: occlusion at a younger age group. Dermatoglyphics have important practical and clinical implications which can be applied for preventive and interceptive orthodontics among paediatric patients and also for parent counseling.

Katigraha is one among the Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi which simulates with the signs and symptoms of Low Back pain. It continues to be the most common health concern for which patients seek primary care therapy. Our Acharyas explains Katigraha as a Lakshana in various Vatavyadhi and in other diseases. Here, Katigraha indicates a disease condition of the back associated with pain and stiff movements. As Gada Nigraha clearly states pain is produced due to stiffness produced by Saama or Niraama Vayu movement in to Kati hence this suggests of presence of Dhatu Kshayatmaka and Marga Avarodhaka type of Samprapti. Hence in this context Katigraha denotes a group of symptoms characterized by the restriction of movements of Kati region in which pain would be a main feature as Graha alternatively means pain as restriction is said to produce pain in the particular region. The backache or lumbago is one of conditions which results from violation of bio mechanics of spine as it results when the physical and mental strain and faulty postures alter anthropometrical precision. The 70-80% of world population suffers from backache at some point of their life. As the back pain is very subjective in nature, there are very few objectives finding in history, clinical examination and even on extensive radiological or laboratory investigation.

Advanced life style and changing food habits affects the activities of individual which leads to many diseases and Peripheral Vascular Diseases are one among them. They are characterized by reduction of blood flow and oxygen supply through peripheral vascular vessels. This can happen in arteries or veins. The incidence of Varicose vein is more common with age and high prevalence is after 30 years of life. PAD occurs in patients over 40 years old; the highest incidence occurs in the sixth and seventh decades of life and it affects 10-15% of the general population. The symptoms of Uttana Vatarakta owing to the Margavarana pathology simulate with the symptoms of Peripheral vascular diseases and some of the etiological factors of Uttana Vatarakta in the writing are specific in inclining Peripheral Vascular Diseases. Ayurveda emphasise the importance of study on etiopathogenesis of disease before the planning of treatment protocol. In this study an effort is done to identify the Nidanas and pattern of Samprapti in relation with Peripheral vascular diseases for the better understanding of different clinical presentations of Uttana Vatarakta.

Background: Hypothyroidism is the most common functional disorder of the thyroid gland. It is a hypometabolic clinical state resulting from inadequate production of thyroid hormones for prolonged periods. The prevalence of this disease in India is 6% and more than 10 million cases per year are reported. It is a multisystemic disorder which has a wide range of clinical symptoms. This condition is not mentioned in Ayurveda classics by any specified name. In Ayurveda, determining the elements that contribute to Samprapti is essential in developing a treatment plan. Hence, the current study attempts to evaluate the Samprapti Ghatakas and as a result, formulate probable Samprapti. Objectives: To study and explore the Samprapti Ghatakas of hypothyroidism and to propose possible Samprapti. Methods: The study was conducted in 100 cases of hypothyroidism between the age of 16 to 70 years. A case proforma was prepared which includes history taking, physical signs and symptoms and required examination. The calculations were done in Microsoft excel and the values obtained were assessed on the basis of percentage of individual parameters in relation with Samprapti Ghatakas of hypothyroidism. Results: Kapha and Vata are the main Doshas involved in the Samprapti. Important Dooshyas are Rasa, Meda. Agni involved is Dhatwagni and the disease is caused primarily due to Dhatwagnimandya. Udakavaha, Annavaha, Medovaha, Swedavaha, Purishavaha, Rasavaha are the main Srotas involved with Sanga type of Srotodushti. Udbhava Sthana can be considered as Amashaya; Sanchara Sthana, Vyakta Sthana and Adhishtana is Sarva Shareera. All the three Rogamarga are involved.

Hridroga (cardiovascular diseases) are the major causes of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. In view of increasing incidence of cardiac disorders in the present era, there is a need to understand the disease more elaborately. Ayurveda has a unique approach towards understanding and diagnosing diseases. Diag- nosis must be done by proper analysis of presenting symptoms of a disease. By the thorough knowledge regarding these signs and symptoms, right diagnosis can be done before planning any treatment. Ayurveda has given utmost importance for diagnosis with due consideration of Lakshanas. Hritshoola (chest pain), Vaivarnya (cyanosis), Moorcha (syncope), Shwasa (dyspnea), Kasa (cough) are the cardinal features of Hridroga. By knowing the whole concept of Lakshanas, diagnosis can be done at an earlier stage. Keywords: Hridroga, Cardiovascular diseases, Samanya Lakshanas

“Hridorogo Hridrogaha" means the impairment in the function of the heart is known as Hridroga. Cardiovascular diseases are the most common diseases which affect the circulatory system including the heart and its vasculature. Darshana, Sparshana and Prashna Pariksha holds relevance in the current clinical methods like history taking, general examination and systemic examination. Trividha pariksha helps to attain an appropriate knowledge regard- ing the Roga and Rogavastha more accurately in Hridroga. The prevailing diagnostic techniques like haematolog- ical, biochemical, invasive, and non-invasive methods aids up in the early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. The diagnostic approach in a cardiac patient assists to improve the effectiveness of treatment and avoiding long term complications. These examinations help to obtain knowledge regarding life span, the intensity of morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Hridroga, Cardiovascular diseases, Trividha Pariksha, Diagnostic techniques

Ayurveda is the oldest medical science of human civilization which helps in preventing diseases and promoting health and longevity. Cardiovascular diseases are chronic disease pathology with acute manifestation and is a major cause of death in both the elderly and middle-aged. Nidana is the foremost component of Nidana Panchaka, which not only gives knowledge about causative factors of diseases but also helps in planning treatment protocol. Cardi- ovascular disorders as per Ayurveda can be studied under the spectrum of Hridroga. Over nourishment accompa- nied with physical inactivity leading to Santarpana state is well known to cause plethora of diseases like Hridroga. Consumption of food having mutual contradictory qualities results in morbid accumulation of Kapha and Meda in Raktamarga heralding Margavarana. It is said that the best treatment is Nidanaparivarjana i.e, to abstain from the causative factors. This paper deals with all the Nidanas of Hridroga and the importance of Nidanaparivarjana in preventing them. Keywords: Hridroga, Cardiovascular diseases, Nidana, Nidanaparivarjana

Microrobots are motile microsystems constructed using physical, chemical and biological components for operations with respect to definite application. In the present review, we have discussed the various aspects of bio-microrobots, their history and design. While designing a microrobot, two important parameters (and their varities)- actuation and sensing affect the different micromanipulation techniques to be employed (Magnetic, Optical, Electric, fluidic or acoustic). The controlling and actuation system (Vision-based or Force-sensing) selected for the specific application can dictate the fabrication type to be used for manufacture of the microrobot to be used. The controlling parameters are further influenced by the type of propulsion systems, Powering system, and mobility in complex environment and applicability of the microrobot. Presently, the microrobotics has applications in biomedical and environmental engineering. In this review, we have analyzed various aspects of bio-microrobot design, fabrication and applications which can help the future works in nanosciences and bio-based microrobotics.