A new achievement at CMC for Punjab

Now Stem Cell Cryopreservation & Transplant in CMC

First center in Punjab to have this facility

Stem cell harvest

Ludhiana: 19 year old boy (Mr AKW) was diagnosed to have acute myeloid leukemia (a type of blood cancer) which required stem cell transplant for curing the disease. As he was the only son and parents were not HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) identical, (HLA matching is important when bone marrow stem cell transplants are done between 2 individuals), it was decided to perform autologous stem cell transplant.' 

However, as there is a delay between the chemotherapy and stem cell infusion, it was important to freeze these stem cells under special facility.  So after the initial chemotherapy, Mr AKW’s stem cells were collected by a stem cell apharesis machine and they were cryopreserved (a process by which stem cells are mixed with a chemical called DMSO and frozen at minus 80 degree celcius) under strict aseptic conditions. 

Stem cells and the cryoprotecant

These stem cells were later infused after many days into the patient.  Now patient has completed 4 months after the procedure and doing well.  Since then stem cells have been collected and stored in a patient with relapsed lymphoma. 

When doing stem cell cryopreservation, it is important to follow strict protocols in preventing infection and to maintian the stem cell viability. 

Stem cell cryopreservation and autologous stem cell transplant is basically offered to patients with relapsed lymphoma and certain patients with acute myeloid leukemia.  

CMC Ludhiana established its transplant programme in October 2008 and since then the team has performed 20 transplants (15 allogeneic and 5 autologous) for patients with 1 ½ years to 62 years.  The spectrum of diseases for which transplants have been done were thalassaemia, aplastic anemia, multiple myeloma, Philadephia positive ALL, Acute myeloid leukemia, CML in blast crisis and Wiskott Aldrich syndrome). 

Stem cells with the
cryoprotectant before
dump freezing-Copy

A comprehensive team of doctors, nurses, physician assistants and office staff are behind this endeavor and CMC Ludhiana is one of the centers taking part in the CIBMTR (Center of International Blood and Marrow Transplant Registry) apart from the ISCTR (Indian Stem Cell Transplant Registry). 

Giving more information regarding this, Dr M Joseph John, head of Clinical Haematology, Haemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow (Stem cell) Transplant Unit, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana said that it is the first time this facility is established in Punjab and North of Delhi.  Dr Abraham G Thomas, Director added that with a new 5 bedded ‘state of the art’ transplant unit coming up, the team is would be able to perform more transplants with improved facility. He also added that in future, the team would be venturing into matched unrelated and cord blood transplantation.  

Dr M Joseph John, MD, DM

Associate Professor, Clinical Haematology, Haemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant Unit
Christian Medical College
(M): 08054959525, (O): Direct: 0161-5037957 or 0161-2600270 Ext 4823/5022
Fax:0161-2600270

U.S., African Militaries Share Problems, Solutions

By Lisa Daniel  American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 21, 2011 - Senior leaders representing 17 African national militaries came together with their American counterparts here this week to better understand U.S. Africa Command and to help in developing the noncommissioned officers corps in their nations. Senior military leaders from 17 African nations gathered at National Defense University in Washington, D.C., for a week-long Warrant Officer and Sergeants Major Symposium, co-hosted by U.S. Africa Command and the African Center for Strategic Studies, May 17, 2011. U.S. Africa Command photo by Army Lt. Col. Steven Lamb  Speaking through interpreters and wearing the uniforms of their home countries -- Liberia, Rawanda, Botswana, Kenya, Gabon, and Senegal, to name a few -- the officers shared their militaries' distinct experiences and offered support and advice for others, said U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson, Africom's senior enlisted leader, who led the group. "I was absolutely taken back by their level of wisdom," Johnson told American Forces Press Service yesterday. "These are not young soldiers. These are people who have seen conflict. They've seen a lot." The second annual, week-long Warrant Officer and Sergeants Major Symposium, co-hosted by Africom and the African Center for Strategic Studies at National Defense University, employs subject-matter experts with experience in Africa to lead discussions on topics such as terrorism and transnational threats, security and health challenges, civil-military partnerships, and U.S. policy in Africa. The symposium also included tours of the Pentagon, U.S. Marine Base Quantico, Va., and the U.S. Capitol. While it may have been tempting for U.S. military leaders to offer solutions through American experiences, Johnson said, that is exactly what the American sponsors avoided. "We want the Africans to find African solutions," he explained. "There are many things the Africans do as well as us. We don't feel that we are superior. We believe that we can all learn from each other." The symposium also provided the participants a forum for discussing regional issues such as malaria, and politically sensitive topics such as allowing women to serve in the military and managing HIV and AIDS among service members, Johnson said. "There was tremendous bonding in the amount of time that we spent together," he said, adding that the participants showed much courage in the frankness of their discussions. Sgt. Maj. Gilbert Seretse of the Botswana Defense Forces said he was not unusual among the group in that he had trained abroad – for him, at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas – but had never met anyone from some of Botswana's neighboring countries. "Most of us didn't even know what our African peers were doing," Seretse said, noting vast regional differences on the continent. "I never thought that one day I would be sitting around a table with my brothers from Africa," he said. "This has opened our minds and our eyes and our ears to each other." Seretse said he left the symposium with a better understanding of Africom and he looks forward to sharing what he learned with his troops. "Botswana is a major beneficiary in terms of what the United States gives," he said. "Every week, I have some [U.S.] military guys training" Botswana's forces. The symposium is important not just for the benefit of the individual participants and their militaries, Johnson noted, but also to the United States. "The world is connected," he said. "The success of our African partners leads to the success of our own national security interests, and vice versa."

Biographies: Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson Related Sites: http://www.africom.mil/

Sgt. Maj. Gilbert Seretse of the Botswana Defense Forces was among 17 senior military leaders from 17 African countries who gathered in Washington, D.C., for the week-long Warrant Officer and Sergeants Major Symposium co-hosted by U.S. Africa Command and the African Center for Strategic Studies, May 17, 2011, at National Defense University. U.S. Africa Command photo by Army Lt. Col. Steven Lamb  Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Jack Johnson, U.S. Africa Command's senior enlisted leader, speaks to participants of the Joint Warrant Officer and Sergeants Major Symposium at National Defense University, Washington, D.C., May 17, 2011. U.S. Africa Command photo by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steven Lamb  Download screen-resolution Download high-resolution

Gates Keeps Promise for Families at Fort Riley

By John D. Banusiewicz  American Forces Press Service FORT RILEY, Kan., May 20, 2011 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates returned here yesterday to deliver on a promise he made last year. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates gives coins to the four-year-old children who will be starting kindergarten at the new Forsyth Neighborhood Center during a ground breaking ceremony for the center at Fort Riley, Kan., May 19, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen  The secretary participated in a symbolic groundbreaking for a new elementary school, a project he promised to shepherd through the government maze when he met with military spouses here in May 2010 and they told him about run-down conditions and overcrowding that plagued the public schools on post. Gates told the spouses that he was aware of the situation and had identified Defense Department money that could help. He promised to secure the required congressional approval to transfer the money to the Education Department for action. "Today, we mark a major step forward in solving school overcrowding here at Fort Riley, a problem that had become a major retention issue for the [1st Infantry Division], which is on its fourth deployment since 2003," he said. Defense Department officials indentified the facilities here as being the most in need of rehabilitation of any across the armed services, the secretary said, so the need to act was clear. The problem, though, is not unique to Fort Riley, the secretary said. "It is clear that such on-installation public school facility problems are pervasive," Gates said. "The department has more than 150 public schools on military installations across America, and a recent assessment showed that many other school districts have similar difficulties raising the revenue required to meet capacity requirements and rehabilitate aging facilities." All stakeholders – including local, state and federal governments – must address the problem, Gates said, and he noted that, as a first step, Congress has appropriated $250 million for the Defense Department to directly assist school districts in revitalizing the public schools on military installations that have the greatest need. "That funding will pay for this new elementary school, and also provide the resources this year toward resolving the capacity issue at Fort Riley Middle School," he said. Local school districts should and will remain ultimately responsible for public school facilities on military bases, the secretary said. But the Defense Department, he added, always will be ready to intervene when it has the ability to improve military children's educational opportunities. "We owe nothing less to our men and women in uniform and their families, who have sacrificed so much in order to serve our country," he said. Future kindergarten students – each wearing a construction worker's hard hat – manned the shovels for the ceremonial groundbreaking for what will be their new school. Geary County Unified School District 475 operates five elementary schools and a middle school here. Five of the six schools are more than 50 years old, and recent growth at the installation has contributed to the posts' schools being 35 percent over capacity. Temporary fixes have included converting available usable space into classrooms, which has led to a lack of other educational activity space. Before the groundbreaking ceremony, Gates met privately with several dozen military spouses to seek their input on family-related issues. (Shandi Dix of the 1st Infantry Division Post contributed to this article.)

Biographies: Robert M. Gates

First Lady Visits Military Youth Center

By Senior Airman Susan Moreno Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs WASHINGTON, May 20, 2011 - First lady Michelle Obama visited Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling youth center here yesterday to complete a congressional spouses service project with 40 of the installation's youth. First Lady Michelle Obama helps paint a bench with children as part of a community service activity at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, May 19, 2011. The first lady has invited congressional spouses for the past three years to participate in painting a mural in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Corcoran College of Art and Design students and more than 40 of the base's children helped paint the mural. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton  For three years, the first lady has invited congressional spouses to join her in a community service activity in the D.C. area on the day following the annual Congressional Club First Lady Luncheon. This year, the project was geared toward military families. The first lady and congressional spouses painted a mural at the base's youth center, which provides care for more than 300 children of military families. They also painted several benches to be placed around the base. "Thank you so much to everyone for coming out today," Obama said to the crowd of families gathered. "You guys are making sacrifices that most Americans don't even understand. It means so much to the communities we work with. It's priceless for them, and it's priceless for us." The youth center supports several community youth programs such as the home school community, Tiny Tots Play Group, Boy Scouts, the National Jr. ROTC Knowledge Bowl, and youth town hall meetings." Congressional spouses also expressed their pleasure and enthusiasm to have a part in the project. "As the wife of a former lieutenant commander in the Navy, working with military families is near and dear to my heart," said Colleen Peters, wife of U.S. Rep. Gary Peters of Michigan. "When military members serve, their families serve too." Peters was a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He served in the Persian Gulf supporting Operation Southern Watch and overseas during increased military activity following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. "Mrs. Obama's call to service is so meaningful," said Mary Sorteberg, who is married to U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon. "That's why people serve in Congress and on the Hill. I wish we had three times as many people here today!" "Only one percent of the country's population defends the entire nation," said Leighton Oshima, spouse of U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii. "This is the least we can do. I am happy to have this opportunity to help some of our service members." Student teaching artists from the Corcoran Gallery of Art's ArtReach Program and the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities helped design and carry out the project. "I want to thank Mrs. Obama and all the congressional spouses who are here today," said Darrilyn Young, the base's child and youth programs director. "I am so excited, because the recipients of this honor are benefitting on so many different levels. This is living proof of why we have dreams and visions."

Biographies: First Lady Michelle Obama

Release or Charge Teenage Protester

Thu, May 19, 2011 at 10:04 PM                                                                           Thursday, May 19, 2011
Amnesty International Calls on Jammu and Kashmir Authorities to Release or Charge Teenage Protester

Washington, D.C.: The Jammu and Kashmir authorities must immediately release or charge a teenage anti-government protester who was rearrested this week after spending three months in administrative detention, Amnesty International said. 

Murtaza Manzoor, 17, was briefly released from prison on Wednesday after the High Court found that his administrative detention was unlawful. He was immediately rearrested by police. 

Amnesty International said it is likely that a repeat administrative detention order for Murtaza Manzoor will be passed, allowing police to detain him without charge or trial for up to two years. 

"The police in Jammu and Kashmir are playing a game with the judiciary. Courts order a person's release only for the police to wait outside prison to re-arrest them. This farce should stop," said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific director. 

"Murtaza Manzoor must be released immediately, unless he is charged with a recognizable criminal offense," said Zarifi. "If so, he should be remanded in custody by an independent court and his rights as a child should be recognized. The authorities must not order his repeat administrative detention." 

Although he is 17 years old Murtaza Manzoor is being treated as an adult because the laws of Jammu and Kashmir define boys above the age of 16 as adults. This contravenes both Indian law and the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has said that the laws will be amended to make them consistent with international law and standards. 

"We can clearly see the need to amend the law in Jammu and Kashmir because teenage boys are held in jails with no special facilities for juveniles," said Zarifi. 

Police arrested Murtaza Manzoor on January 21 in the state capital Srinagar. He was accused of attempted murder, assault and rioting, based on allegations that he led a June 2010 protest against the Indian government that turned violent and resulted in protesters rioting and pelting police with stones. 

On February 8, fearing that Manzoor would be released on bail, police placed him in administrative detention under the highly problematic Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA), which allows for up to two years’ detention without charge or trial. 

On May 13 the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir found Murtaza Manzoor's detention to be unlawful and ordered his release. 

On May 18, instead of being released to his father who was waiting outside the Kot Bhalwal Jail, Murtaza Manzoor was escorted from the prison by four policemen of a specialist counter-insurgency team and taken to the Joint Interrogation Center at Jammu. 

Police told his father that Murtaza Manzoor would be kept at the interrogation center for a few days before being handed over to a police station in Srinagar. 

"Murtaza’s case illustrates the 'revolving door' nature of detentions widespread in PSA cases, as documented in Amnesty International’s recent report, A Lawless Law,” said Zarifi.   

Murtaza Manzoor's family was not given any information on the alleged offenses for which he is being held. Amnesty International said it believes his detention may be unlawful. 

At least 322 people are reported to have been detained without trial under the provisions of the Public Safety Act in Jammu and Kashmir from January to September 2010 alone. 

A number of them, including children, have been detained on similar grounds of stone pelting and rioting during various protests against the Indian government throughout the summer of 2010. 

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 3 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. 

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Mullen Honors Past, Present VMI Graduates

By Lisa Daniel  American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 16, 2011 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today paid tribute to past and present graduates of Virginia Military Institute, telling the Class of 2011 that a grateful nation is cheering them on for all they will accomplish. Navy. Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, congratulates Cadet W. Wayne Cunningham during commencement exercises at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Va., May 16, 2011. DOD photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley  At VMI's commencement in Lexington, Va., Navy Adm. Mike Mullen told the Class of 2011 that the "ghosts of greatness" of the storied institute will live on in them through their moral courage and selflessness. The chairman spoke of Gen. George C. Marshall, VMI Class of 1901, who was Army chief of staff during World War II and received the Nobel Peace Prize for his post-war work in restoring Europe. Mullen told the graduates to be ambitious, as Marshall was, but not to put their personal desires above the greater good. "If there is ever a choice between personal advancement and what is best for the institution," the admiral said, "you are expected to – you must – choose against your own self-interest." Though the Army was facing its most austere times in modern history, Mullen said, Marshall kept faith in it, even as his own advancement through the ranks was slow. Marshall knew he was in line to lead the allied effort against Nazi Germany, the chairman noted. But knowing he was most needed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's side, Mullen said, he allowed the younger Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower to have that opportunity. "By giving up what he most desired, General Marshall served where his nation benefitted most," Mullen said. He quoted then-Defense Secretary Charles Stimson as telling Marshall after the war, "No one who is thinking of himself can rise to true heights. You have never thought of yourself." The chairman said he believes Marshall would be proud of the service of so many Americans today who "worked silently and selflessly to support our operations." "They embody a culture of persistence, of working together, and remembering that when it comes to serving our nation, it can't be about you," he said. Mullen reflected on the 1,500 VMI graduates who already have given of themselves in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, including 13 who "rendered the ultimate sacrifice." Just two weeks ago, the chairman said, and his wife, Deborah, witnessed the return of Air Force Capt. Charles Ransom, VMI Class of 2001, who was one of nine Americans killed in a shooting at Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan, he said. "His story reminds us that this generation has been profoundly tested, and that VMI has risen to the challenge," the chairman said. Despite the risks, he added, 150 VMI graduates – the highest rate in 20 years – were commissioned in the military services yesterday. In the image of Marshall, Mullen said, young leaders should have the moral courage to offer and welcome loyal dissent. In World War I, he noted, Marshall was the only major who would stand up to Army Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing. "Few things are more vital to an organization than a leader who has the moral courage to question the direction in which the organization is headed, and the strength of character to support whatever final decisions are made," he said. "That's real loyalty. And it only gets more important the higher you rise in the ranks." Mullen also told the graduates it is important for the United States to stay engaged around the world, no matter how difficult that may be. "As challenging as engaging others with different views may be, the alternative of abandoning these partners and these regions is far worse," he said, noting that he has been to Pakistan 24 times as the top U.S. military leader. "We've gone down that road before, and it is one that leads to isolation and resentment, ultimately making our nation less secure as we deceive ourselves into believing that ignoring these challenges will somehow make them go away." Mullen encouraged the graduates to carry on in the spirit of those VMI graduates who have come before them. "The ghosts of greatness, so ever-present here in Lexington, now look down upon you, the Class of 2011, and all of us are counting on you, cheering you on, and eternally grateful for who you are, and all that you will do in service to our nation," he said.

Biographies: Navy Adm. Mike Mullen Related Sites: Virginia Military Institute

There is no AGE bar for wellness & fitness

Ludhiana:The Wellness International was inaugurated in Model Town Ext…  by M C H.S.Danb, Dr Sanjay k Pandey, M.S.,M.CH., Senior Consultant, Cardiac Surgeon of Ludhiana Medicity Inauguration Ceremony was started with the opening prayer. Speaking on the occasion Dr Sanjay k Pandey said Reebok core Pilate, PILATE and YOGA on the BALL is now playing a major therapeutic role in the treatment of various diseases. Heart diseases, Sugar, B.P, and Obesity etc are lifestyle disorders which can be tackled at an early stage.

Director Mr. Devender Pal Singh, Yoga and Wellness Expert said our mission is to provide the most accurate and up to date center, where you get all the facilities under one roof.

Mr. Singh is certified international yoga teacher by SIVANANDA INTERNATIONAL VALMORIN CANADA, Certified cardio and muscular strength expert by REEBOK, Certified in REEBOK core PILATE and PILATE and YOGA on the BALL by LISA J HEMLIN (USA) MASTER TRAINER, Have 10 years work experience in this field.

The Wellness International is running with a great concept of all over health along with fitness and weight loss programme. Here you can achieve the goal of your actual health with loosing weight and keeping yourself fit and active. There is no AGE bar. It has the limited seats for every age group but have great attention and care for everyone.

You can feel the experience of practical knowledge of the field. Mr. Singh personally works with all the members and have regular checkout of the exercise session. You get regular DIET assessment and lifestyle guidance. Here you get the workout according to your physical strength level.

The Wellness InternationalHave All The Equipments from VIVA USA. All the machines are highly recommended and scientifically proved for all age groups. Here the CARDIO area is very spacious, ventilated and cool. Special wooden floor for Aerobics, Yoga, Pilate and Many more Variations of exercises. Special workout for fat burning of lower body parts. Its interior is very cool and calming. Here you get the new workout every day. Aerobics , Step Aerobics, Yoga ,Power Yoga ,Pilate , Swiss Ball Workout , Medicine Ball Workout, Tubing Exercise, Body Pump Exercise, Functional Training, Fat burning , Strength Training ,and many more. The main motto of this center is to provide HEALTH, HAPPINESS and SUCCESS. RECOMENDEDED BY HIGH PROFILE SOCIETY DELHI. --Photos and Report by Shalu Arora