A Clinical Study on Vrana Shodhana Action of Gomutra Arka in Dushtavrana w.s.r. to Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Context: The diabetic foot ulcer, being chronic in nature involves various tissues, it can be considered as Dushtavrana in Ayurveda. Proper Care for diabetic foot with medication and procedures that has hastened the healing process with less complication is the need of the hour. Aim: To evaluate the Vrana Shodhana action of Gomutra Arka in Dushtavrana w.s.r. to diabetic foot ulcers. Settings and Design: It is a clinical study with pre-test and post-test design. Total number of patient’s taken for the study was 40 excluding dropouts. The patients selected for the study were divided in to 2 groups, Group-A and Group-B, consisting of 20 patients each. Materials and Methods: The wound is examined, exudates, debris, slough were removed, the surrounding area was cleaned and pad soaked in Gomutra Arka was placed and wound dressing was done once in a day. Duration of study was 45 days or till the formation of granulation tissue whichever is earlier, assessment was done every 7 days. For healing Jatyadi Taila was applied after the Shodhana Kriya with Gomutra Arka. Conclusion: Gomutra Arka was having good results in reducing burning sensation, itching, smell, size, depth, discharge, edge, floor and presence of granulation tissues compared to Betadine. Both drugs have equal effect in reducing pain. Both drugs have Shodhana, Lekhana properties, hastens the wound healing process which helps in reduction of wound size. It can be concluded that Gomutra Arka application is effective in all types of Diabetic foot ulcer by their faster, effective Shodhana, Lekhana, Vedana Shamaka, Kandu Shamaka, Daha Shamaka properties compared to Betadine

Mapping giant magnetic fields around dense solid plasmas by high resolution magneto-optical microscopy

We investigate distribution of magnetic fields around dense solid plasmas generated by intense p-polarized laser (~10^{16} W.cm^{-2}, 100 fs) irradiation of magnetic tapes, using high sensitivity magneto optical microscopy. We present evidence for giant axial magnetic fields and map out for the first time the spatial distribution of these fields. By using the axial magnetic field distribution as a diagnostic tool we uncover evidence for angular momentum associated with the plasma. We believe this study holds significance for investigating the process under which a magnetic material magnetizes or demagnetizes under the influence of ultrashort intense laser pulses.Comment: 17 pages of text with 4 figure

TSLP signaling pathway map: a platform for analysis of TSLP-mediated signaling

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a four-helix bundle cytokine that plays a critical role in the regulation of immune responses and in the differentiation of hematopoietic cells. TSLP signals through a heterodimeric receptor complex consisting of an interleukin-7 receptor α chain and a unique TSLP receptor (TSLPR) [also known as cytokine receptor-like factor 2 (CRLF2)]. Cellular targets of TSLP include dendritic cells, B cells, mast cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The TSLP/TSLPR axis can activate multiple signaling transduction pathways including the JAK/STAT pathway and the PI-3 kinase pathway. Aberrant TSLP/TSLPR signaling has been associated with a variety of human diseases including asthma, atopic dermatitis, nasal polyposis, inflammatory bowel disease, eosinophilic eosophagitis and, most recently, acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A centralized resource of the TSLP signaling pathway cataloging signaling events is not yet available. In this study, we present a literature-annotated resource of reactions in the TSLP signaling pathway. This pathway map is publicly available through NetPath (http://www.netpath.org/), an open access signal transduction pathway resource developed previously by our group. This map includes 236 molecules and 252 reactions that are involved in TSLP/TSLPR signaling pathway. We expect that the TSLP signaling pathway map will provide a rich resource to study the biology of this important cytokine as well as to identify novel therapeutic targets for diseases associated with dysregulated TSLP/TSLPR signaling. Database URL: http://www.netpath.org/pathways?path_id=NetPath_2

Low-temperature Synthesis of FeTe0.5Se0.5 Polycrystals with a High Transport Critical Current Density

We have prepared high-quality polycrystalline FeTe0.5Se0.5 at temperature as low as 550{\deg}C. The transport critical current density evaluated by the current-voltage characteristics is over 700 A/cm2 at 4.2 K under zero field, which is several times larger than FeTe0.5Se0.5 superconducting wires. The critical current density estimated from magneto-optical images of flux penetration is also similar to this value. The upper critical field of the polycrystalline FeTe0.5Se0.5 at T = 0 K estimated by Werthamer-Helfand-Hohenberg theory is 585 kOe, which is comparable to that of single crystals. This study gives some insight into how to improve the performance of FeTe0.5Se0.5 superconducting wires.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figure

A comprehensive curated resource for follicle stimulating hormone signaling

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is an important hormone responsible for growth, maturation and function of the human reproductive system. FSH regulates the synthesis of steroid hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, proliferation and maturation of follicles in the ovary and spermatogenesis in the testes. FSH is a glycoprotein heterodimer that binds and acts through the FSH receptor, a G-protein coupled receptor. Although online pathway repositories provide information about G-protein coupled receptor mediated signal transduction, the signaling events initiated specifically by FSH are not cataloged in any public database in a detailed fashion.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>We performed comprehensive curation of the published literature to identify the components of FSH signaling pathway and the molecular interactions that occur upon FSH receptor activation. Our effort yielded 64 reactions comprising 35 enzyme-substrate reactions, 11 molecular association events, 11 activation events and 7 protein translocation events that occur in response to FSH receptor activation. We also cataloged 265 genes, which were differentially expressed upon FSH stimulation in normal human reproductive tissues.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We anticipate that the information provided in this resource will provide better insights into the physiological role of FSH in reproductive biology, its signaling mediators and aid in further research in this area. The curated FSH pathway data is freely available through NetPath (<url>http://www.netpath.org</url>), a pathway resource developed previously by our group.</p

Knowledge and perceptions of diabetes in a semi-urban Omani population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem in the Sultanate of Oman. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perception of diabetes in a sample of the Omani general population, and the associations between the elements of knowledge and perception, and socio-demographic factors.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study was carried out in two semi-urban localities. A total of 563 adult residents were interviewed, using a questionnaire specifically designed for the present study. In addition to demographic information, the questionnaire contained questions on knowledge related to diabetes definition, symptoms, risk factors, complications and preventative measures, as well as risk perception for diabetes.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Knowledge of diabetes was suboptimal. The percentages of correct responses to questions on diabetes definition, classical symptoms, and complications were 46.5%, 57.0%, and 55.1%, respectively. Only 29.5%, 20.8% and 16.9% identified obesity, physical inactivity and a positive family history, respectively, as risk factors for diabetes. A higher level of education, a higher household income, and the presence of a family history of diabetes were found to be positively associated with more knowledge.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This study demonstrated that there is lack of awareness of major risk factors for diabetes mellitus. Level of education is the most significant predictor of knowledge regarding risk factors, complications and the prevention of diabetes. Given that the prevalence of diabetes has increased drastically in Oman over the last decade, health promotion seems essential, along with other means to prevent and control this emerging health problem.</p