PNET of the kidneys are rare peripheral neuroectodermal tumors with an aggressive clinical course. These tumors carry a very poor prognosis. An aggressive treatment approach using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is recommended for a reasonable survival in these tumors.

Background: Empyema thoracis (ET) is a life-threatening disease often encountered in pediatric patients. In spite of all modern sophistication of medical sciences, this disease is chargeable for a high proportion of hospital admission and continues to require an important tool against them. Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the age-sex profile, predisposing factors, etiology, seasonal variation, and clinical manifestations of ET in children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of pediatrics in Western Odisha. A total of 80 children, aged 0–14 years and diagnosed as ET, were enrolled in the study. After inclusion, a detailed history including demographical data, clinical examinations, and thorough investigations (hematological, biochemical, and radiological) was done as per pro forma prepared for the study. Pleural fluid was collected by thoracocentesis and examined for cultural sensitivity. Results: Most of the cases belonged to the age group of 0–5 years (60%), and male-female ratio was 3:2. Of 80, 50 (72.5%) patients were malnourished. The most common symptoms in all patients were fever (100%) and cough (90%). Intercostal tenderness (100%) was the most common clinical sign. Staphylococcus aureus (60%) was the predominant causative organism. Conclusions: The prognosis of childhood empyema depends on the age, nutritional status of the child, and bacterial agent causing empyema. Earlier diagnosis and adequate treatment of potential predisposing factors favor the good prognosis.

Small bowel volvulus is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction. Primary small bowel volvulus occurs without any predisposing cause. It is rare in Western countries but common in Africa and Asia. It is the most common cause of bowel obstruction in Nepal (excluding incarcerated external hernias). Early diagnosis and management is essential to avoid infarction of bowel. Persistent central abdominal pain is characteristic. There is no single specific diagnostic clinical sign or abnormality in laboratory or radiological findings. There is no role of conservative management and, in suspected cases, early laparotomy should be done to avoid bowel infarction. In follow-up patients may present with stricture formation or recurrence of bowel volvulus.

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Mineral drugs play an important role in Ayurvedic therapeutics. Looking to the superiority of the metals and minerals to that of herbal and animal drugs, the Rasavaidyas went on experimenting clinical trials over lot of metals and minerals and systematically separated some of them which were exclusively active therapeutically. Swarnamakshika is one such mineral which after proper purification and incineration become highly potent and utilised for diseases like Jwara, Pandu, Prameha, Shwasa, Kasa, Kushtha, Anidra, Apasmar etc.