Dielectric investigations of pure and carbon nanotube-doped deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystals

The doping of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into liquid crystals enhances their parameters for use in various applications. Here, an attempt is made to study the effect of CNTs on the dielectric properties of the deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystals mixture FLC-6304, in different liquid crystal phases. The inclusion of CNTs significantly affect the dielectric parameters in the chiral smectic C phase with an inversion of the effect near the transition to, and in, the chiral smectic A phase

Dielectric and Electrical Investigations in Pure and Dyed Short Pitch High Spontaneous Polarization Liquid Crystals

The dielectric and electrical properties of a short pitch and high spontaneous polarization ferroelectric liquid crystal mixture and its guest–host derivatives with different wt=wt ratio of anthraquinone blue dichroic dye are studied. The increase in dye concentration results in the decrease of the permittivity as well as polarization of the material in the SmC* phase. However, an opposite effect is observed in permittivity, in the SmA* phase, and in polarization near the Tc. The response time of pure material is found to be less than the dyed samples with no appreciable change in viscosity

In response to the article "CT of hepatic sarcoidosis : small nodular lesions simulating metastatic disease" : Pol J Radiol, 2015; 80: 178-180

The article by Ufuk F. et al. on CT features of hepatic sarcoidosis was quite informative and made an interesting reading

Breast Radiotherapy after Oncoplastic Surgery—A Multidisciplinary Approach

Oncoplastic breast surgery encompasses a range of techniques used to provide equitable oncological outcomes compared with standard breast surgery while, simultaneously, prioritizing aesthetic outcomes. While the outcomes of oncoplastic breast surgery are promising, it can add an extra complexity to the treatment paradigm of breast cancer and impact on decision-making surrounding adjuvant therapies, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. As such, early discussions at the multidisciplinary team meeting with surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists present, should be encouraged to facilitate best patient care

Synchronous operable pancreatic and breast cancer without genetic mutation: A literature review and discussion

Background: Synchronous cancers are rarely detected when working-up a patient for a primary cancer. Neoadjuvant management of synchronous breast and pancreatic cancers, without a germline mutation, has yet to be discussed. Two patients were diagnosed with synchronous breast and pancreatic cancers at our institution over the last decade. A literature review was performed to evaluate the current evidence stance. Results: The first patient was 61-years old and diagnosed with a HER2+ breast cancer. The second patient was 77-years old and diagnosed with a Luminal B breast cancer. The inability to provide concurrent breast and pancreatic neoadjuvant therapy for the HER2+ patient, resulted in upfront surgery. The second patient was able to have both cancers treated simultaneously - neoadjuvant chemotherapy to the pancreas, and neoadjuvant endocrine therapy to the breast. Discuss: There is no single neoadjuvant regimen that treats both pancreatic and breast cancer. The differences in breast cancer sub-types impacted our neoadjuvant options. Our recent experience led us to the hypothesis that breast cancer care dictates treatment, while pancreatic cancer determines survival. There is a significant paucity in the literature regarding synchronous breast and pancreatic cancer

A review of modern and Vedic practices on use of umbilical cord

Stromal cells possess unique properties to regenerate themselves and cure various chronic illnesses. An easily available and ethical source for procurement of stromal cells is umbilical cord blood which is now being stored for future use. Vedic texts also describe the cord blood as a source of life. However, Indian traditions seem to preserve one more alternative for storage and procurement of stromal cells. Traditionally, in many parts of India, the umbilical cord stump is dried and stored for future use. It is used as a medicine for some illness and to treat infertility. Since Indian traditions are an excerpt of Vedic science, it points towards the possible emergence of dried stump as an easy and cost-effective means for stromal cell procurement and storage. The present review compiles the literature available on these traditional practices and stresses upon the need of rigorous experimental and theoretical research in the area