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Abstract Fibrosis and organ failure is a common endpoint for many chronic liver diseases. Much is known about the upstream inflammatory mechanisms provoking fibrosis and downstream potential for tissue remodeling. However, less is known about the transcriptional regulation in vivo governing fibrotic matrix deposition by liver myofibroblasts. This gap in understanding has hampered molecular predictions of disease severity and clinical progression and restricted targets for antifibrotic drug development. In this study, we show the prevalence of SOX9 in biopsies from patients with chronic liver disease correlated with fibrosis severity and accurately predicted disease progression toward cirrhosis. Inactivation of Sox9 in mice protected against both parenchymal and biliary fibrosis, and improved liver function and ameliorated chronic inflammation. SOX9 was downstream of mechanosignaling factor, YAP1. These data demonstrate a role for SOX9 in liver fibrosis and open the way for the transcription factor and its dependent pathways as new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic targets in patients with liver fibrosis.

This paper deals with the design of multiple inlet- multiple outlet piezoelectric valveless micropump intending for applications in the medical field such as drug delivery, lab-on-chip devices, smart surgical tools, blood pressure sensor and glucose sensors. An extensive analysis is carried out using benchmark FEM tool COMSOL multiphysics to predict the accurate behavior of the micropump under different condition. The comparative analysis among different types of configuration has been performed and the best one among these is listed and explained with the help of parameters such as outlet flow velocity, flow rate and back pressure. It is evident from the results that 2-inlet 1-outlet piezoelectric valveless micropump seems to efficient as its maximum flow rate is reported as 35.85 μ l / min which is greater as compared to 2-inlet 2-outlet micropump whose maximum flow rate is 11.6 μ l / min. The flow is considered as laminar flow owing to Reynolds number is less than 2000. Different studies are conducted by changing the parameters which reveals that the flow rate is affected with the change in average inlet flow velocity of working fluid, diameter of the micropump, length of diffuser/nozzle. The study will help researches, scientists and medical personnel to establish a precise and controlled drug delivery using micropump in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) is increasingly used to measure metabolite concentrations in sets of biological samples for top‐down systems biology and molecular epidemiology. For such purposes, knowledge of the sources of human variation in metabolite concentrations is valuable, but currently sparse. We conducted and analysed a study to create such a resource. In our unique design, identical and non‐identical twin pairs donated plasma and urine samples longitudinally. We acquired 1H NMR spectra on the samples, and statistically decomposed variation in metabolite concentration into familial (genetic and common‐environmental), individual‐environmental, and longitudinally unstable components. We estimate that stable variation, comprising familial and individual‐environmental factors, accounts on average for 60% (plasma) and 47% (urine) of biological variation in 1H NMR‐detectable metabolite concentrations. Clinically predictive metabolic variation is likely nested within this stable component, so our results have implications for the effective design of biomarker‐discovery studies. We provide a power‐calculation method which reveals that sample sizes of a few thousand should offer sufficient statistical precision to detect 1H NMR‐based biomarkers quantifying predisposition to disease.

Quantum transduction is an important area of quantum information processing and looks at the conversion of quantum signals across disparate physical systems. In this review paper, the underlying principles of optoelectromechanical transduction as well as specific ways to realise it are discussed. Optical-to-microwave transduction has been realised using atomic ensembles, optical whispering gallery mode microresonators, collective magnetostatic spin excitations, organic dye molecules in a phononic waveguide and optoelectromechanic approach using piezoelectricity or electrostatic nanomembranes. While approaches such as those using Rydberg atomic ensembles, rare earth ensembles and magnons look at mediation between classical fields, it is primarily with optoelectromechanical methods that we have been able to harness the quantum transduction regime, with recent experiments having shown photon conversions to upto 48%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study optical metrics via null geodesics as a central force system, deduce the related Binet equation and apply the analysis to certain solutions of Einstein's equations with and without spherical symmetry. A general formula for the deflection angle in the weak lensing regime for the Schwarzschild-Tangherlini (ST) metric is derived. In addition, we obtain a new weak lensing formula for the deflection angle on the equatorial plane of a Kerr black hole (BH). We also explore the bending of light by considering the gravitational objects described by the Tomimatsu–Sato (TS) metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Handful studies report the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among medical students from India and none from the eastern part of the country. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of risk factors of CVD and their correlation with CVD risk ratio among the MBBS students from eastern India. Methods: 433 students were studied. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long form was used for assessment of physical activity and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to elicit psychological stress levels. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated. Total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio was calculated as the CVD risk ratio. Results: 39.3% were women and 68.6% of the subjects were in junior classes. 22.4% subjects had high PSS while 30% performed low physical activity. Tobacco and alcohol intake was prevalent in 29.3% and 21.0% respectively. High CVD risk ratio was found in 14.3%. Most risk factors were more prevalent among juniors except diabetes. Among the non-overweight and non-obese subjects there was a significant positive correlation between WHtR and CVD risk score (R = 0.33, p < 0.001). 82.7% of the variance in CVD risk ratio could be explained by WHtR, Body mass index, Triglycerides and Low-density lipoprotein (F(7, 425) = 296.085), of which LDL (β = 0.755) contributed the most. Conclusions: High prevalence of different modifiable CVD risk factors revealed among the subjects in this study is concerning. WHtR appears promising as an independent early predictor of CVD risk in Indian population. A dedicated CVD risk assessment tool for the young population is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study was conducted to assess the characterization, differentiation, and in vitro cell regeneration potential of canine mesenteric white adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs). The tissue was harvested through surgical incision and digested with collagenase to obtain a stromal vascular fraction. Mesenchymal stem cells isolated from the stromal vascular fraction were characterized through flow cytometry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Assessment of cell viability, in vitro cell regeneration, and cell senescence were carried out through MTT assay, wound healing assay, and β-galactosidase assay, respectively. To ascertain the trilineage differentiation potential, MSCs were stained with alizarin red for osteocytes, alcian blue for chondrocytes, and oil o red for adipocytes. In addition, differentiated cells were characterized through a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: We observed the elongated, spindle-shaped, and fibroblast-like appearance of cells after 72 h of initial culture. Flow cytometry results showed positive expression for CD44, CD90, and negative expression for CD45 surface markers. Population doubling time was found 18–24 h for up to the fourth passage and 30±0.5 h for the fifth passage. A wound-healing assay was used to determine cell migration rate which was found 136.9 ± 4.7 μm/h. We observed long-term in vitro cell proliferation resulted in MSC senescence. Furthermore, we also found that the isolated cells were capable of differentiating into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Conclusions: Mesenteric white adipose tissue was found to be a potential source for isolation, characterization, and differentiation of MSCs. This study might be helpful for resolving the problems regarding the paucity of information concerning the basic biology of stem cells. The large-scale use of AD-MSCs might be a remedial measure in regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving satisfactory fracture fixation in osteoporotic patients with unstable proximal humerus fractures remains a major clinical challenge. Varus collapse is one of the more prominent complications that may lead to screw cutout. This aim of this study was to compare the fixation provided by conventional locking plates with novel design concepts that are only feasible through additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. In addition to reversed engineered implants, two novel implant designs with integrated struts were included in the study to provide medial support to humeral head. The medial strut was either solid or included a porous lattice structure intended to promote bone ingrowth. Biomechanical tests were performed using low density synthetic bones with simulated 3-part comminuted fractures. Nondestructive torsion and compression were performed, followed by increasing cyclic loading. The relative displacements between the bone fragments were determined using a 3D motion capture system. The AM manufactured implants with medial strut showed significant reduction of varus displacement during the increasing cyclic loading when compared to conventional designs. AM reversed-engineered locking plates showed similar mechanical behavior to conventional plates with identical geometry. This study demonstrates the feasibility and potential of employing alternative design via AM for fixation of unstable comminuted proximal humerus fractures to reduce fragment displacement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, metal oxide nanoparticles and their composites with graphene have received significant research attention in toxic gas sensor applications. Herein, we demonstrate a novel approach to develop a sensor by combining SnO2 nanoparticles and Ni-decorated natural cellulosic graphene (Ni-NCG) derived from lotus petals to form SnO2/Ni-NCG nanohybrid. The morphology, microstructure and elemental composition of the nanohybrids were investigated by a number of techniques which confirmed presence of nanometer sized SnO2 particles having large surface area on sheets of few layered Ni-decorated NCG. Upto 15% response was observed when exposed to 40 ppm of NO with high reproducibility at temperature as low as 60 °C which is remarkable when compared to previously reported SnO2 based NO sensors operating at high temperatures (~ 200 °C or more). Further, the nanohybrid showed excellent selectivity to NO when tested against other gases. A mechanism have been proposed for the improved sensitivity at low temperature based on the improved surface area of SnO2 nanoparticles leading to larger adsorption of gas molecules combined with an improved conduction of charges provided by the Ni-decorated NCG network. The results show enormous potential for the SnO2/Ni-NCG nanohybrid film as near room temperature NO sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Toll-like receptors are the mediators of the innate immune response to pathogens. In human, this gene family regulates the inflammatory pathways and is associated with the susceptibility to infection. Subjects and methods The distribution and the diversity patterns of TLR genes in Rajbanshi population ( n = 85) who are the inhabitants of the Northern part of West Bengal, have been investigated in the present study. PCR-SSP was done for all the ten TLR genes. We have also constructed the phylogenetic tree principal component analysis and genetic distance for all the four populations. Results It has been observed that in Rajbanshi population, the frequency of TLR8 (0.894) is higher and the frequency of TLR2 (0.176) is very low. Dendrogram based analysis, as well as the PCA plot, documented the closeness of Rajbanshi and Gurkha population. However, Rabha is distantly related to Rajbanshi population though evidences suggest their emergence from the same East-Asian lineage. Genetic distances between Rajbanshi–Gurkha and Rajbanshi–Muslim are very much smaller than that of Rajbanshi–Rabha populations. Interpretations & conclusions Therefore, it may be concluded that Rajbanshi, Gurkha and Muslims are very much mixed populations and have genetic closeness due to exposure to similar environmental conditions. On the other hand, the Rabhas strictly follow the endogamy and are restricted to a particular region and therefore maintain considerable distances with the other three populations. The data showed some interesting observations which deviate the contemporary thought in respect to the population genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the sensitivity improvement of an air filled cavity based thermal accelerometer. The accelerometer does not contain any solid proof mass and it is realizable in CMOS technology. The sensitivity has been improved by a new square ring shaped heater structure. The sensitivity of accelerometer performance is compared with other different heater shapes. It is found that, heater design having higher heat dissipation in the suspended beam gives higher sensitivity. The simulation is carried out using commercial FEM simulator COMSOL Multiphysics. For the peak heater temperature of 609 K, the proposed square ring shaped heater provides a sensitivity of 0.335 K/g. Under same conditions, sensitivity of an accelerometer with a meander shaped heater structure is only 0.098 K/g and diamond shaped structure is 0.229 K/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]