Macrophage-derived IL-1β/NF-κB signaling mediates parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis.

In infants intolerant of enteral feeding because of intestinal disease, parenteral nutrition may be associated with cholestasis, which can progress to end-stage liver disease. Here we show the function of hepatic macrophages and phytosterols in parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) pathogenesis using a mouse model that recapitulates the human pathophysiology and combines intestinal injury with parenteral nutrition. We combine genetic, molecular, and pharmacological approaches to identify an essential function of hepatic macrophages and IL-1β in PNAC. Pharmacological antagonism of IL-1 signaling or genetic deficiency in CCR2, caspase-1 and caspase-11, or IL-1 receptor (which binds both IL-1α and IL-1β) prevents PNAC in mice. IL-1β increases hepatocyte NF-κB signaling, which interferes with farnesoid X receptor and liver X receptor bonding to respective promoters of canalicular bile and sterol transporter genes (Abcc2, Abcb11, and Abcg5/8), resulting in transcriptional suppression and subsequent cholestasis. Thus, hepatic macrophages, IL-1β, or NF-κB may be targets for restoring bile and sterol transport to treat PNAC

Expanded Polystyrene-Based Geomaterial with Fly Ash

This paper reports the engineering behavior of proposed expanded polystyrene-based geomaterial (EPGM) with fly ash through a laboratory experimental study. The proposed geomaterial is prepared by blending fly ash with expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads and a binder such as cement. The effects of different compositions and different mix ratios between EPS beads and fly ash (0.5-2.5%), cement and fly ash (10-20%), and water and fly ash (50 and 60%) on density, compressive strength, and initial tangent modulus of the geomaterial formed are studied. The authors observe that the density of EPGM can be effectively controlled by the quantity of EPS beads added in making the material. With the inclusion of merely 0.5-2.5% of EPS beads to fly ash (by weight), the density of the geomaterial formed can be reduced from 1,320to725kg/m3. The compressive strength of EPGM increases considerably if cement-to-fly ash ratios of 10, 15, and 20% are used. Compared with EPS block geofoam, EPS beads mixed geomaterial has higher density but higher compressive strength and higher stiffness. Thus the geomaterial developed in the current study can be used as a substitute for EPS geofoam block when strong fill materials with high strengths are required

A Role of Avasthapak in pathogenesis of Grahani Vyadhi

Abstract – In Ayurveda digestion is divided in three stages. They are named as Avasthapaka of food. The Agni has occurs at different organ levels and leads to formation of digested material along with its byproduct .Grahani is one of the disease mentioned in Ayurveda and it is related to digestive system. As Avasthapakas are occurring due to Agni, vitiation in Agni can lead to vitiation of Avasthapaka also. Vitiated Agni is base of Grahani Vyadhi also. There can be relation in Avasthapaka and Grahani Vyadhi. Agni has only dwelling place in doing digestion, anabolism, catabolism and other biochemical processes of body. In this study an attempt has been made to focus on the relation between Avasthapaka and Grahani Vyadhi.&#x0D;  </jats:p