Contribution of an alveolar cell of origin to the high-grade malignant phenotype of pregnancy-associated breast cancer.

Pregnancy-associated breast cancers (PABCs) are tumors diagnosed during pregnancy or up to 5 years following parturition, and are usually high-grade, connective tissue-rich, and estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor-negative. Little is known about the cellular origin of PABCs or the mechanisms by which PABCs are initiated. Using the RCAS retrovirus to deliver the ErbB2 oncogene into the mammary epithelium of our previously reported MMTV-tva transgenic mice, we detected high-grade, poorly differentiated, stroma-rich and ER-negative tumors during pregnancy and lactation. These high-grade and stroma-rich tumors were less frequent in involuted mice or in age-matched nulliparous mice. More importantly, by generating a WAP-tva transgenic line for expression of ErbB2 selectively in WAP(+) mammary alveolar cells, we found that tumors had similar morphological phenotypes (high grade, poorly differentiated, stroma-rich and ER-negative), irrespective of the time since pregnancy and even in the absence of pregnancy. These data suggest that PABCs arise preferentially from an alveolar cell population that expands during pregnancy and lactation. This somatic mouse model may also be useful for preclinical testing of new prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against PABC

The effect of Asthapada Panchaloha Shalaka Agnikarma in the pain management of Gridhrasi w.s.r. to Sciatica

Gridhrasi is a disease explained by Brihatrayees in the context of Vatavyadhi Adhyaya. The earliest reference about the details of Gridhrasi is available from Sushruta Samhita (1500 BC). Gridhrasi is included in Vatajna Natmaja Vyadhi and also considered as Mahagada by Acharya Charaka. In all Ayurvedic literature, there is no direct reference regarding Nidana, but it is included in Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi, general Vata Prakopaka Hetus are to be considered. On the basis of symptoms, Gridhrasi can be correlated with the disease Sciatica in the modern parlance, which occurs because of spinal nerve irritation and characterized by its distinct nature of pain in distribution of sciatic nerve and often it is associated with lumbago. The Gridhrasi is commonly seen in society as a major problem which incapacitates patient to perform his daily routine activities because of severe pain from Kati Pradesha to Padanguli. In modern medicine in reference to sciatica treatment, there is no definite curative treatment other than symptomatic management. Objectives of the study was to evaluate the effect of Asthapada Panchaloha Shalaka Agnikarma in the pain management of Gridhrasi w.s.r. to Sciatica and to compare the effect of Bindu Panchaloha Shalaka Agnikarma in the pain management of Gridhrasi. In present study 40 patients with confirmed clinical diagnosis of Gridhrasi/Sciatica were selected randomly and divided into two groups of each 20 patients. Group A patients were treated with Asthapada Panchaloha Shalaka Agnikarma and Group B patients were treated with Bindu Panchaloha Shalaka Agnikarma. After the treatment it was observed that there was statistically significant results in the main signs and symptoms i.e. pain in lumbar region, numbness, SLR test. The study shows that the treatment is statistically significant in Group A when compared to Group B. Group A overall result is 87.29% and Group B overall result is 84.64%

Ayurvedic management of Dusta Vrana w.s.r. Decubitus Ulcer : A Case Study

The wound heals by natural process but if the wound gets infected it delays the healing, converts it into Dusta Vrana (chronic ulcer). Bed sore or pressure sore are commonly seen in Non ambulatory patients like Paraplegia (Pakshagatha), Quadriplegia. Most common sites are Sacrococcygeal, Shoulder, Occipital regions due to continuous Pressure, immobilization and Malnutrition. Wound healing will be delayed and turns in to Dustavrana (chronic wound); If decubitus ulcer is not treated it may lead to Sepsis and even Osteomylitis which may end in fatal complication. In such condition Vrana Shodana (Purification) and Vranaropana (Healing) Chikitsa is better choice of treatment. In present study a case of non healing decubitus ulcer with sinus at Right hip joint was treated with mixture of Kapardika Bhasma, Yashada Bhasma along with Jathyadi Gritha plugging into the sinus showed effective in treating pressure sores as it possess the properties of Vrana Shodhana and Ropana. Hence this treatment is effective in the management of decubitus ulcer

A clinical trial combining donor bone marrow infusion and heart transplantation: intermediate-term results.

BACKGROUND: Donor chimerism (the presence of donor cells of bone marrow origin) is present for years after transplantation in recipients of solid organs. In lung recipients, chimerism is associated with a lower incidence of chronic rejection. To augment donor chimerism with the aim to enhance graft acceptance and to reduce immunosuppression, we initiated a trial combining infusion of donor bone marrow with heart transplantation. Reported herein are the intermediate-term results of this ongoing trial. METHODS: Between September 1993 and August 1998, 28 patients received concurrent heart transplantation and infusion of donor bone marrow at 3.0 x 10(8) cells/kg (study group). Twenty-four contemporaneous heart recipients who did not receive bone marrow served as controls. All patients received an immunosuppressive regimen consisting of tacrolimus and steroids. RESULTS: Patient survival was similar between the study and control groups (86% and 87% at 3 years, respectively). However, the proportion of patients free from grade 3A rejection was higher in the study group (64% at 6 months) than in the control group (40%; P =.03). The prevalence of coronary artery disease was similar between the two groups (freedom from disease at 3 years was 78% in study patients and 69% in controls). Similar proportions of study (18%) and control (15%) patients exhibited in vitro evidence of donor-specific hyporesponsiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The infusion of donor bone marrow reduces the rate of acute rejection in heart recipients. Donor bone marrow may play an important role in strategies aiming to enhance the graft acceptance

Surface barriers as dominant mechanism to transport limitations in hierarchically structured catalysts – Application to the zeolite-catalyzed alkylation of benzene with ethylene

The meso-macropore network of a hierarchically structured zeolite catalyst is numerically optimized to maximize the volume-integrated reaction yield in the ethylation of benzene to produce ethylbenzene over zeolite H-ZSM-5. A hierarchical approach is used at multiple length scales to determine the optimal pore network properties. The maximum volume-integrated reaction yield of the hierarchically structured zeolite catalyst containing meso- and macropores is nearly twice the yield of a zeolite pellet containing only macropores, at the same macroporosity. To bridge the gap between modeling and experiments, a series of physical mixtures of ZSM-5 crystals and mesoporous silica, containing different weight fractions of zeolite is synthesized and used in fixed bed reactor experiments to determine the optimal pellet structure to maximize the conversion of ethylene. Comparison with reactor simulations of the zeolite composites shows that the performance of the zeolite composites might be limited by surface barriers at the external surface of the zeolite crystals, rather than by diffusion limitations within the meso-macropore network of the pellets

A Case Report on Siraja Granthi

Siraja Granthi is one among the Granthi Roga described in various Ayurvedic classics. It denotes a pathological condition characterised by an elevated, quickly developing and round swelling of veins, which are non pulsating and painless. Symptomatologies of Siraja Granthi indicate the correlation towards the varicose veins. Ayurvedic management has multiple time tested modalities of treatment such as external application of Sahacharadi Taila, internal Basti and Para surgical procedure such as Raktamokshana,for the management of Siraja Granthi. A hypothesis was made that, whether Raktamokshana by Siravyadha method which is comparatively safe, has extended systemic action quoted to be Ardha Chikitsa and can be employed in patients with Siraja Granthi / varicose veins. Case Presentation: A 39 year old male patient visited OPD of Shalya Tantra, GAMC, Bengaluru, who had presented with complaint of dull aching pain which aggravates specially by the end of the day and dilated, engorged veins over right lower limb for about 2 years associated with gradual onset of mild edema around the right ankle, discoloration and itching for last 4 months. It was planned to treat the patient with Raktamokshana by Siravyadha 4 sittings at an interval of 7 days and Sahacharadi Kashaya 15 ml Bid given internally for 28 days. Conclusion: Raktamokshana (Siravyadha) line of treatment was found to be beneficial in relieving pain, swelling, itching and discoloration around the affected regions of varicose veins

A conceptual study on the effect of Tilwaka Prathisaraneeya Kshara in Internal Haemorrhoids

Arshas is one of the most common ano-rectal disorder affecting mankind for thousands of years, which is evident from references available in Vedas. Because of its severity it is considered as one among the Astamahagadas. Arshas can be clinically correlated with Haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids are dilated veins with in the anal canal in the subepithelial region formed by radicles of the superior, middle and inferior rectal veins. It is divided into two categories - internal and external Haemorrhoids. The causes are straining during defecation, sitting for a long period, chronic diarrhea or constipation, being obese, being pregnant, eating low fiber diet, regular heavy lifting etc. Haemorrhoids are very common and affect up to 5% of general population particularly people above 50 yrs of age. Sushruta explains four modalities of treatment for Arshoroga as Bheshaja, Kshara, Agni and Shastra Karma. Kshara Pratisarana is mentioned in case of Arshas which is having features like Mrudu (soft), Prasruta (extensive), Avagadha (deep) and Ucchrita (raised). The effect of Kshara is to replace Shastra Karma, as it does the functions of Chedana, Bhedana and Lekhana Karma. It also does the functions like Dahana, Dharana, Pachana, Vilayana, Shodana, Ropana, Shoshana, Stambana, Krimighna, Kaphaghna, Kustaghna, Vishaghna, and Medhaghna. Hence Kshara Karma is considered to be superior among Shastra and Anushastra Karma. It is a para surgical procedure which requires minimum hospital stay. Here is an attempt is made to conduct a study regarding the effect of Tilwaka Prathisaraneeya Kshara in Internal Haemorrhoids

Design of ROVAC Air-Conditioning System for a Car

This study investigates the air compression air conditioning system which utilizes a rotary vane compressor that replaces the conventional mechanical compressor in automotives. The awareness for pollution, transportation contributing the major part has lead to measures taken by the Nation, demanding reduction of global warming refrigerants used in mobile air conditioning systems. Much of effort was to refurbish the system to safe operating condition and to evaluate its performance. The result of this study provides the basis for design of improved refrigeration systems for automotives and space conditioning applications.The queer system which is based on the works of Dr. Thomas C. Edwards, has been developed in which an oval shaped housing acts as a compressor and natural substance like air as refrigerant which offers a number of environmental and practical advantages.

Normal Induction but Attenuated Progression of Germinal Center Responses in BAFF and BAFF-R Signaling–Deficient Mice

The factors regulating germinal center (GC) B cell fate are poorly understood. Recent studies have defined a crucial role for the B cell–activating factor belonging to TNF family (BAFF; also called BLyS) in promoting primary B cell survival and development. A role for this cytokine in antigen-driven B cell responses has been suggested but current data in this regard are limited. A BAFF receptor expressed by B cells (BAFF-R/BR3) is defective in A/WySnJ mice which exhibit a phenotype similar to BAFF-deficient (BAFF−/−) animals. Here, we show that although GC responses can be efficiently induced in both A/WySnJ and BAFF−/− mice, these responses are not sustained. In BAFF−/− mice, this response is rapidly attenuated and accompanied by perturbed follicular dendritic cell development and immune complex trapping. In contrast, analysis of the A/WySnJ GC response revealed a B cell autonomous proliferative defect associated with reduced or undetectable Ki67 nuclear proliferation antigen expression by GC B cells at all stages of the response. These data demonstrate a multifaceted role for the BAFF pathway in regulating GC progression

Augmentation of chimerism in whole organ recipients by simultaneous infusion of donor bone marrow cells

We had previously demonstrated the persistence of donor leukocytes in the peripheral blood and tissues of long-surviving kidneyl and live2-4 recipients who had stable graft function many years after transplantation.1-6 Donor cell chimerism has since been noted by other investigators in recipients of heart,7 liver,8 kidney,9 and lungl0 transplants. In an attempt to augment chimerism, and thereby facilitate graft function, we initiated a prospective trial to enhance this phenomenon by infusing 3 × l0(8)/kg unaltered donor bone marrow cells perioperatively into an unmodified recipient of whole organ from the same donor. Additionally, 53 recipients of whole organ alone were monitored as controls. Reported herein are the first 20 of 64 study patients and 33 of 53 control patients who are more than 120 days posttransplantation