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In this article, electrical and optical properties of PEDOT:PSS/Polyaniline: (PANI)bilayer thin films deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) are reported. Spin coater has been used for fabrication of thin films of 40–50 nm thickness at 5000 rpm. The deposited thin films have been characterized by using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV‐vis spectroscopy and Keithley electrometer. Layer‐by‐layer (LBL) technique has been shown to produce electroactive polymer films with low roughness, excellent uniformity, and high electrical conductivity for heterojunction solar cells. The electrical response of fabricated films showing ohmic behavior for PEDOT: PSS/PANI thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to develop a low-cost and efficient biocarrier for biodegradation of azo dye (i.e., Congo red (CR) dye). The potential bacterial species, i.e., Lysinibacillus fusiformis KLM1 and Lysinibacillus macrolides KLM2, were isolated from the dye-contaminated site. These bacterial species were immobilized onto the polypropylene-polyurethane foam (PP-PUF) and employed in a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) for the treatment of CR dye. The effectiveness of the MBBR was investigated by operating the bioreactor in a continuous mode at various initial CR dye concentrations (50–250 mg/L) for 113 days. The removal efficiency was found in the range of 88.4–64.6% when the initial dye concentration was varied from 50 to 250 mg/L. The maximum elimination capacity (EC) of 213.18 mg/L.d was found at 250 mg/L of CR dye concentration. In addition, the CR dye utilization rate in the MBBR was studied by using two kinetics, namely, first-order and second-order (Grau) models. The high regression coefficients (R2 > 0.97) and the satisfactory root mean square (RMSE) values (0.00096–0.02610) indicated the reasonable prediction of CR dye degradation rate by the Grau model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

4-Chlorophenol (4-CP) is a persistent organic pollutant commonly found in petrochemical effluents. It causes toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic effects on human beings and aquatic lives. Therefore, an environmentally benign and cost-effective approach is needed against such pollutants. In this direction, the chlorophenol degrading bacterial consortium consisting of Bacillus flexus GS1 IIT (BHU) and Bacillus cereus GS2 IIT (BHU) was isolated from a refinery site. A composite biocarrier namely polypropylene-polyurethane foam (PP-PUF) was developed for bacterial cells immobilization purpose. A lab-scale moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) packed with Bacillus sp. immobilized PP-PUF biocarrier was employed to analyse the effect of peptone on biodegradation of 4-CP. The statistical tool, i.e. response surface methodology (RSM), was used to optimize the process variables (4-CP concentration, peptone concentration and hydraulic retention time). The higher values of peptone concentration and hydraulic retention time were found to be favourable for maximum removal of 4-CP. At the optimized process conditions, the maximum removals of 4-CP and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were obtained to be 91.07 and 75.29%, respectively. In addition, three kinetic models, i.e. second-order, Monod and modified Stover-Kincannon models, were employed to investigate the behaviour of MBBR during 4-CP biodegradation. The high regression coefficients obtained by the second-order and modified Stover-Kincannon models showed better accuracy for estimating substrate degradation kinetics. The phytotoxicity study supported that the Vigna radiata seeds germinated in treated wastewater showed higher growth (i.e. radicle and plumule) than the untreated wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This correction notice addresses concerns raised about Figure 2 in an article titled "Bispidine-Amino Acid Conjugates Act as a Novel Scaffold for the Design of Antivirals That Block Japanese Encephalitis Virus Replication." Specifically, there was a duplication of the DAPI panels for the Mock and DMSO treatment conditions in Figure 2D. The authors provided the underlying images for all panels in Figure 2D and a replacement panel to correct the error. The authors apologize for the mistake and confirm that the underlying data is still available upon request. [Extracted from the article]

Recently there have been reports of finding a lower bound on the neutrino mass parameter (ÎŁ m ν ) when using the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) and SPTpol data; however, these bounds on the ÎŁ m ν are still weaker for most cases around the 1 σ level. In this context, here in this work, we study the consequences of using an enlarged four parameter dynamical dark energy equation of state on the neutrino mass parameter as well as on the Hubble and S8 tensions. The four parameter dark energy equation of state incorporates a generic nonlinear monotonic evolution of the dark energy equation of state, where the four parameters are the early and the present value of the equation of state, the transition scale factor, and the sharpness of the transition. We report that with lensing-marginalized Planck + BAO + Pantheon and prior on absolute magnitude M B , and KIDS/Viking S 8 prior, the model favors a nonzero value for the neutrino mass parameter at most at the 1 σ level ( ÎŁ m ν = 0.1847 âˆ' 0.165 + 0.0698 eV). In this case this model also brings down the Hubble tension to a 2.5 σ level and the S8 tension to a ∼1.5 σ level. This model also provides tighter constraints on the value of the dark energy equation of state at present epoch w 0 ( w 0 = âˆ' 0.9901 âˆ' 0.0766 + 0.0561 ) in comparison to the Chevalier-Polarski and Linder-like parameterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actuators are ubiquitous to generate controlled motion through the application of suitable excitation force or torque to perform various operations in manufacturing and industrial automation. The demands placed on faster, smaller, and efficient actuators drive innovation in actuator development. Shape memory alloy (SMA) based actuators have multiple advantages over conventional actuators, including high power-to-weight ratio. This paper integrates the advantages of pennate muscle of a biological system and the unique properties of SMA to develop SMA-based bipennate actuator. The present study explores and expands on the previous SMA actuators by developing the mathematical model of the new actuator based on the bipennate arrangement of the SMA wires and experimentally validating it. The new actuator is found to deliver at least five times higher actuation forces (up to 150 N) in comparison to the reported SMA-based actuators. The corresponding weight reduction is about 67%. The results from the sensitivity analysis of the mathematical model facilitates customization of the design parameters and understanding critical parameters. This study further introduces an Nth level hierarchical actuator that can be deployed for further amplification of actuation forces. The SMA-based bipennate muscle actuator has broad applications ranging from building automation controls to precise drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actuators are ubiquitous to generate controlled motion through the application of suitable excitation force or torque to perform various operations in manufacturing and industrial automation. The demands placed on faster, smaller, and efficient actuators drive innovation in actuator development. Shape memory alloy (SMA) based actuators have multiple advantages over conventional actuators, including high power-to-weight ratio. This paper integrates the advantages of pennate muscle of a biological system and the unique properties of SMA to develop SMA-based bipennate actuator. The present study explores and expands on the previous SMA actuators by developing the mathematical model of the new actuator based on the bipennate arrangement of the SMA wires and experimentally validating it. The new actuator is found to deliver at least five times higher actuation forces (up to 150 N) in comparison to the reported SMA-based actuators. The corresponding weight reduction is about 67%. The results from the sensitivity analysis of the mathematical model facilitates customization of the design parameters and understanding critical parameters. This study further introduces an Nth level hierarchical actuator that can be deployed for further amplification of actuation forces. The SMA-based bipennate muscle actuator has broad applications ranging from building automation controls to precise drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic hydrogen generation paves a promising way to mitigate the global energy crisis and deteriorative environmental issues. Among different materials, metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have recently emerged as a promising class of inexpensive and easy‐to‐make semiconductors for various photocatalytic applications such as organic contaminant degradation, CO2 reduction, H2 evolution, and N2 fixation. Although MHPs‐based standalone photocatalysts offer architectural simplicity, they provide restricted control over recombination processes and spatial separation of redox half‐reactions. Meanwhile, heterojunction systems are of growing interest due to their ability to control energy‐consuming redox processes and effectively suppress charge carrier recombination. In this review, the authors elaborately discuss perovskite‐based heterojunction photocatalysts for hydrogen generation both from a material chemistry point of view and band alignment perspective. They discuss the design principle of MHP heterostructures necessary for H2 evolution and the underlying photo‐physics behind process optimization. Moving forward, they conclude by meticulously outlining the ongoing challenges, opportunities, and future outlooks for MHP‐based heterojunction photocatalysts for H2 evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Hydroelectric cell (HEC) is a magnificent device that produces environment friendly, clean and green energy using water only. In this device, electrical power is generated by splitting water into hydronium and hydroxide ions at room temperature without applying any external energy. The water splitting is carried out by oxygen‐deficient and nanoporous nickel ferrite (NFO) via chemidissociation followed by physidissociation of water molecules wherein, the dissociated ions are collected by zinc anode and inert silver cathode of HEC. The surface energy of metal oxide/ferrite plays a crucial role in attracting and dissociating water molecules. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirms the role of sintering temperatures to create oxygen vacancies on the surface of NFO. Also, the presence of oxygen vacancies in the sintered samples has been confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements. A lower enthalpy of desorption 69.31 kJ/mol in NFO‐1 (950°C) has been calculated compared to 80.46 kJ/mol for NFO‐2 (1050°C). It confirms that more water is adsorbed on NFO‐1 which implies lesser energy is required for water chemidissociation. The V–I polarisation curve of NFO‐based HECs records a maximum current output of 15.3 mA for NFO‐1 and 9.28 mA for NFO‐2. In the present study, the role of oxygen vacancy‐induced surface energy has been found to be a key parameter in water chemidissociation to deliver higher current in HECs. Thus, the present work is a unique revolutionary work to produce green electricity by monitoring defects in NFO among the available other techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cabin pressure control system of an aircraft maintains cabin pressure in all flight modes as per the aircraft cabin pressurization characteristics by controlling the air flow from the cabin through the outflow valve of the cabin pressure control valve. The movement of outflow valve in turn depends on the air flow from the control chamber of cabin pressure control valve, which is controlled by the clapper and the poppet valves. These valves are actuated by absolute pressure and the differential pressure capsules, respectively depending upon the operating flight conditions. Mathematical models have been developed to simulate the air outflow rates from the cabin and the control chamber of cabin pressure control valve during steady-state and transient flight conditions. These mathematical models have then been translated into a MATLAB program to obtain plots of cabin pressures as a function of aircraft altitudes. The mathematical models are validated for standard cabin pressurization characteristics of a multirole light fighter/trainer aircraft. The model developed, thus can be used to produce a number of variants of cabin pressure control valve to suit different cabin pressurization characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, bio-polymeric gel beads were made from synthetic and laboratory-made CMC (bagasse). Calcium chloride cross-linked with sodium alginate (Na-Alg) added to CMC displayed great affinity for the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions present in an aqueous solution. Activated carbon obtained from bagasse was also used for adsorptive removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution. The effect of different adsorption parameters such as pH, contact time and adsorbent dosage was studied. Bio-polymeric gel beads and activated carbon were prepared and characterized by SEM, FTIR and XRD. The maximum percentage removal for synthetic and bagasse bio-polymeric gel beads reaches 94.56% and 98.42% values at a pH of 4.0 at 25 °C and for activated carbon 64.79% value at a pH of 6.0 at 25 °C. Higher degree of substitution results in an increase in the percentage removal of Cr(VI) ions due to the increase in the surface area and the binding sites of the adsorbent. Our study suggests that bio-polymeric gel beads made from laboratory-made CMC (bagasse) can be used in a more cost-effective and efficient way for the removal of harmful chromium ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Post-hemorrhoidectomy pain is significantly associated with a hypertonicity of the internal anal sphincter. We evaluated the effects of topical diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, in reducing pain after hemorrhoidectomy. Purpose of our study was to determine difference in extent of pain control by application of topical calcium channel blocker (diltiazem 2%) versus placebo ointment.Methods: This was a prospective randomized double-blind clinical study conducted at Sawai Man Singh Hospital, Jaipur, from May 2016 to May 2017. Sixty patients, who had undergone hemorrhoid, were randomly assigned to receive 2% diltiazem ointment (n = 30) or a placebo ointment (n = 30) postoperatively. Ointments were applied to the perianal region three times daily for 7 days. Pain scores were recorded using visual analog scale at 6, 24, and 48 h and seventh day postoperatively and number of analgesic doses consumed by patients in the first 3 days.Results: Patients using the diltiazem ointment had significantly less pain and greater benefit than those in the placebo group throughout the first postoperative week (p < 0.001) except for reading at 6 h. Also, there was significantly less number of analgesic doses consumed in the diltiazem group compared to the placebo group.Conclusion: Perianal application of 2% diltiazem ointment after hemorrhoidectomy significantly reduces postoperative pain and is perceived as beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective recognition of viral components and the subsequent stimulation of the production of type I interferons (IFNs) is crucial for the induction of host antiviral immunity. The failure of the host to efficiently produce type I IFNs in response to infection by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is linked with an increased probability for the disease to become lethal. JEV is a neurotropic virus of the Flaviviridae family that causes encephalitis in humans. JEV infection is regulated by several host factors, including microRNAs, which are conserved noncoding RNAs that participate in various physiological and pathological processes. We showed that the JEV-induced expression of miR-301α led to inhibition of the production of type I IFN by reducing the abundances of the transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) and the signaling protein suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5). Mechanistically, induction of miR-301α expression during JEV infection required the transcription factor nuclear factor κB. In mouse neurons, neutralization of miR-301α restored the host innate immune response by enabling IFN-ß production, thereby restricting viral propagation. Inhibition of miR-301α in mouse brain rescued the production of IRF1 and SOCS5, increased the generation of IFN-ß, and reduced the extent of JEV replication, thus improving mouse survival. Thus, our study suggests that the JEV-induced expression of miR-301α assists viral pathogenesis by suppressing IFN production, which might be targeted by antiviral therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the causative agent of Japanese encephalitis which is more prevalent in South and Southeast Asia. JEV is a neurotropic virus which infiltrates into the brain through vascular endothelial cells. JEV infects neurons and microglial cells which causes neuronal damage and inflammation. However, JEV also evades the cellular immune response to survive in host cells. Viruses are known to modulate the expression of microRNAs, which in turn modulate cellular immune response by targeting expression of antiviral genes. The aim of this study is to understand the anti-inflammatory role of miR-146a during JEV infection, which facilitates immune evasion. Methods: Human brain microglial cells (CHME3) were infected by JEV: JaOArS982 and P20778 strain, and expression of miR-146a were analyzed. Overexpression and knockdown studies of miR-146a were done to see the effect on NF-κB pathway and antiviral Jak-STAT pathway. Regulatory role of miR-146a on expression of interferon-stimulated genes was determined by real-time PCR and luciferase assays. Results: JEV infection elevated the expression of miR-146a in JaOArS982 strain which caused downregulation of TRAF6, IRAK1, IRAK2, and STAT1 genes. Exogenous overexpression of miR-146a led to suppression of NF-κB activation and abrogation of Jak-STAT pathway upon JEV infection which led to downregulation of interferon-stimulated genes (IFIT-1 and IFIT-2) and facilitated viral replication. JEV infection initially upregulated cytokine production and activated STAT1 activity but STAT1 levels reduced at later time point, which led to the downregulation of interferon-stimulated genes. Conclusion: Upregulation of miR-146a by JEV JaOArS982 strain leads to suppression of NF-κB activity and disruption of antiviral Jak-STAT signaling which helps the virus to evade the cellular immune response. This effect of JEV infection on miR-146a expression was found to be strain specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinel-perovskite magnetoelectric (ME) nanocomposites x MgFe2 O4-(1− x) BiFeO3, x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 were synthesized by sol-gel method and characterized by differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, dielectric and magnetic measurements. The samples were calcined at various temperatures and then the effect of annealing temperature on structural and magnetic properties was studied. From transmission electron microscopy, the average crystal size was found to be 30-50 nm. The magnetic behavior is found to be dependent on annealing temperature and magnesium ferrite content. The dielectric behavior with frequency and temperature has been modified with the induction of magnesium ferrite. The relative change of dielectric constant with magnetic field was observed in the nanocomposites. This relative change of magnetic field-induced dielectric constant can also be expressed by Δε ~ γ M2 (where γ is magnetoelectric coupling coefficient). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection leads to Japanese encephalitis (JE) in humans. JEV is transmitted through mosquitoes and maintained in a zoonotic cycle. This cycle involves pigs as the major reservoir, water birds as carriers and mosquitoes as vectors. JEV invasion into the central nervous system (CNS) may occur via antipodal transport of virions or through the vascular endothelial cells. Microglial cells get activated in response to pathogenic insults. JEV infection induces the innate immune response and triggers the production of type I interferons. The signaling pathway of type I interferon production is regulated by a number of molecules. TRIM proteins are known to regulate the expression of interferons; however, the involvement of TRIM genes and their underlying mechanism during JEV infection are not known. Methods Human microglial cells (CHME3) were infected with JEV to understand the role of TRIM21 in JEV infection and its effect on type I interferon (IFN-β) production. Cells were infected in presence and absence of exogenous TRIM21 as well as after knocking down the TRIM21 mRNA. Levels of activated IRF3 expression were measured through Western blot analyses of anti-p-IRF3 antibody, and IFN-β production was measured by using IFN-β real-time PCR and luciferase activity analyses. Results JEV infection increased expression of TRIM21 in CHME3 cells. JEV induced an innate immune response by increasing production of IFN-β via IRF3 activation and phosphorylation. Overexpression of TRIM21 resulted in downregulation of p-IRF3 and IFN- β, while silencing led to increased production of p-IRF3 and IFN-β in JEV-infected CHME3 cells. Conclusion This report demonstrates TRIM21 as a negative regulator of interferon-β (IFN- β) production mediated by IRF-3 during JEV infection in human microglial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, electrical behaviour of dual‐gate (DG) and single‐gate (SG) organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) is investigated using Atlas two‐dimensional (2D) numerical device simulation. Compared with the SG, DG organic transistor shows improved performance because of the presence of two channels formed in DG device by charge carrier modulation. Furthermore, this study introduces all‐p organic inverter circuits with diode‐load and zero‐Vgs‐load logic configurations using SG and DG structures. Static and dynamic behaviour of all‐p organic inverter circuits is compared with addressing the effect of both the devices. A maximum voltage gain (AV) of 16 is obtained in zero‐Vgs‐load logic using DG‐OTFT, whereas SG‐OTFT configuration produces a maximum AV of about 6.27. Significant improvements in propagation delay of 66% for diode‐load and 53% for zero‐Vgs‐load logic using DG‐OTFT are obtained as compared with SG‐OTFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a major cause of viral encephalitis in South and South-East Asia. Lack of antivirals and non-availability of affordable vaccines in these endemic areas are a major setback in combating JEV and other closely related viruses such as West Nile virus and dengue virus. Protein secondary structure mimetics are excellent candidates for inhibiting the protein-protein interactions and therefore serve as an attractive tool in drug development. We synthesized derivatives containing the backbone of naturally occurring lupin alkaloid, sparteine, which act as protein secondary structure mimetics and show that these compounds exhibit antiviral properties. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study we have identified 3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, commonly called bispidine, as a privileged scaffold to synthesize effective antiviral agents. We have synthesized derivatives of bispidine conjugated with amino acids and found that hydrophobic amino acid residues showed antiviral properties against JEV. We identified a tryptophan derivative, Bisp-W, which at 5 µM concentration inhibited JEV infection in neuroblastoma cells by more than 100-fold. Viral inhibition was at a stage post-entry and prior to viral protein translation possibly at viral RNA replication. We show that similar concentration of Bisp-W was capable of inhibiting viral infection of two other encephalitic viruses namely, West Nile virus and Chandipura virus. Conclusions/Significance: We have demonstrated that the amino-acid conjugates of 3,7-diazabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane can serve as a molecular scaffold for development of potent antivirals against encephalitic viruses. Our findings will provide a novel platform to develop effective inhibitors of JEV and perhaps other RNA viruses causing encephalitis. Author Summary: Japanese encephalitis virus is a mosquito-borne virus, which causes encephalitis primarily in children and is a major cause of encephalitis-related deaths in South and South-East Asian countries. Although new and safe vaccines are available for use, it is neither affordable nor readily available in endemic regions. Currently there are no antivirals for JEV treatment and developing new drugs against JEV is the need of the hour. In this study we used the backbone of the naturally occurring lupin alkaloid, sparteine to synthesize derivatives containing amino acid residues. We found that the conjugate consisting of the hydrophobic amino acid tryptophan, Bisp-W, inhibited virus replication in cell culture studies. We show that Bisp-W inhibits virus infection at a stage post-entry and at the level of viral RNA replication suggesting that this compound could serve as a potential therapeutic option for treating JEV infection. We believe that the chemical scaffold identified in this study could serve as a platform for synthesizing more potent antivirals that could be used to treat viral encephalitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) is a common cause of acute and epidemic viral encephalitis. JEV infection is associated with microglial activation resulting in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including Interleukin-1 b (IL- 1b) and Interleukin-18 (IL-18). The Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) and the underlying mechanism by which microglia identify the viral particle leading to the production of these cytokines is unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings: For our studies, we have used murine model of JEV infection as well as BV-2 mouse microglia cell line. In this study, we have identified a signalling pathway which leads to the activation of caspase-1 as the key enzyme responsible for the maturation of both IL-1b and IL-18 in NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein-3 (NLRP3) dependent manner. Depletion of NLRP3 results in the reduction of caspase-1 activity and subsequent production of these cytokines. Conclusion/Significance: Our results identify a mechanism mediated by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and potassium efflux as the two danger signals that link JEV infection to caspase-1 activation resulting in subsequent IL-1b and IL-18 maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) induces neuroinflammation with typical features of viral encephalitis, including inflammatory cell infiltration, activation of microglia, and neuronal degeneration. The detrimental effects of inflammation on neurogenesis have been reported in various models of acute and chronic inflammation. We investigated whether JEV-induced inflammation has similar adverse effects on neurogenesis and whether those effects can be reversed using an anti-inflammatory compound minocycline. Methodology/Principal Findings: Here, using in vitro studies and mouse models, we observed that an acute inflammatory milieu is created in the subventricular neurogenic niche following Japanese encephalitis (JE) and a resultant impairment in neurogenesis occurs, which can be reversed with minocycline treatment. Immunohistological studies showed that proliferating cells were replenished and the population of migrating neuroblasts was restored in the niche following minocycline treatment. In vitro, we checked for the efficacy of minocycline as an anti-inflammatory compound and cytokine bead array showed that production of cyto/chemokines decreased in JEV-activated BV2 cells. Furthermore, mouse neurospheres grown in the conditioned media from JEV-activated microglia exhibit arrest in both proliferation and differentiation of the spheres compared to conditioned media from control microglia. These effects were completely reversed when conditioned media from JEV-activated and minocycline treated microglia was used. Conclusion/Significance: This study provides conclusive evidence that JEV-activated microglia and the resultant inflammatory molecules are anti-proliferative and anti-neurogenic for NSPCs growth and development, and therefore contribute to the viral neuropathogenesis. The role of minocycline in restoring neurogenesis may implicate enhanced neuronal repair and attenuation of the neuropsychiatric sequelae in JE survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Astrocytes become activated in response to many CNS pathologies. The process of astrocyte activation remains rather enigmatic and results in so-called reactive gliosis, a reaction with specific structural and functional characteristics. Astrocytes play a vital role in regulating aspects of inflammation and in the homeostatic maintenance of the CNS. However, the responses of different human astroglial cell-lines in viral encephalitis mediated inflammation are not well documented. We have shown that Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection causes morphological and functional changes in astrocytic cell-lines. We have demonstrated that besides reactive oxygen species (ROS) JEV infection differentially regulated the induction pattern of IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8. IP-10, MCP-1, MIG and RANTES secretions in different astroglial cell-lines. The expression of different proteins such as astrocyte-specific glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the glutamate aspartate transporter/essential amino acid transporter-1 (GLAST/EAAT-1), glutamate transporter-1/essential amino acid transporter-2 (GLT-1/EAAT-2), Ceruloplasmin and Thioredoxin (TRX) expression level also differ in different human astrocyte cell-lines following infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fronto-temporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is a clinically and pathologically heterogeneous syndrome, characterized by progressive decline in behavior or language associated with degeneration of the frontal and anterior temporal lobes. Three distinct clinical variants of FTLD have been described. Despite the difficulties, accurate diagnosis is critical because the clinical management differs for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and FTLD. Positron emission tomography with fluro-deoxy-glucose (FDG-PET) typically shows sufficient abnormalities that can be used to improve the accuracy of distinguishing AD from FTLD in individual cases. Though temporo-parietal hypometabolism is sensitive in diagnosis of AD, it is less specific. The importance of evaluating the cingulate and anterior temporal cortices for arriving at a diagnosis of FTLD is stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yes, for a wide range of cosmological models (ΛCDM, non-interacting wzCDM, wzWDM, or a class of interacting DMDE). Recently there have been attempts to solve the tension between direct measurements of H0 and from respective low-redshift observables and indirect measurements of these quantities from observations of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). In this work we construct a quasi-model-independent framework that reduces to different classes of cosmological models under suitable choices of parameters. We test this parameterization against the latest Planck CMB data combined with recent measurements of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) and supernovae, and direct measurements of H0. Our analysis reveals that a strong positive correlation between H0 and σ8 is more or less generic for most of the cosmological models. The present data slightly prefer a phantom equation of state for dark energy and a slightly negative effective equation of state for dark matter (a direct signature of interacting models), with a relatively high H0 consistent with Planck+R16 data and simultaneously a consistent . Thus, even though the tensions cannot be fully resolved, a class of interacting models with phantom wDE get a slight edge over wzCDM for the present data. However, although they may resolve the tension between high-redshift CMB data and individual low-redshift data sets, these data sets have inconsistencies between them (e.g., between BAO and H0, supernovae and BAO, and cluster counts and H0). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaschisis is the inhibition of function produced by focal disturbances in a portion of the brain at a distance from original site of injury. Many studies using brain SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) have demonstrated crossed cerebellar diaschisis (CCD) in patients with cerebral cortical infarct. We report a case of cerebrovascular accident involving the left middle cerebral artery territory. PET/CT performed one month after stroke showed hypometabolism in the left cerebral hemisphere with hypometabolism of the contralateral cerebellum. The finding of diminished glucose metabolism in the contralateral cerebellum represents CCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection leads to Japanese encephalitis (JE) in humans. JEV is transmitted through mosquitoes and maintained in a zoonotic cycle. This cycle involves pigs as the major reservoir, water birds as carriers and mosquitoes as vectors. JEV invasion into the central nervous system (CNS) may occur via antipodal transport of virions or through the vascular endothelial cells. Microglial cells get activated in response to pathogenic insults. JEV infection induces the innate immune response and triggers the production of type I interferons. The signaling pathway of type I interferon production is regulated by a number of molecules. TRIM proteins are known to regulate the expression of interferons; however, the involvement of TRIM genes and their underlying mechanism during JEV infection are not known.Methods: Human microglial cells (CHME3) were infected with JEV to understand the role of TRIM21 in JEV infection and its effect on type I interferon (IFN-β) production. Cells were infected in presence and absence of exogenous TRIM21 as well as after knocking down the TRIM21 mRNA. Levels of activated IRF3 expression were measured through Western blot analyses of anti-p-IRF3 antibody, and IFN-β production was measured by using IFN-β real-time PCR and luciferase activity analyses.Results: JEV infection increased expression of TRIM21 in CHME3 cells. JEV induced an innate immune response by increasing production of IFN-β via IRF3 activation and phosphorylation. Overexpression of TRIM21 resulted in downregulation of p-IRF3 and IFN-β, while silencing led to increased production of p-IRF3 and IFN-β in JEV-infected CHME3 cells.Conclusion: This report demonstrates TRIM21 as a negative regulator of interferon-β (IFN-β) production mediated by IRF-3 during JEV infection in human microglial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neuroinflammation occurs as a result of microglial activation in response to invading micro-organisms or other inflammatory stimuli within the central nervous system. According to our earlier findings, Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf4), a zinc finger transcription factor, is involved in microglial activation and subsequent release of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-6 as well as proinflammatory enzymes, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in lipopolysaccharide-treated microglial cells. Our current study focuses on finding the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activities of honokiol in lipopolysaccharide-treated microglia with emphasis on the regulation of Klf4.Methods: For in vitro studies, mouse microglial BV-2 cell lines as well as primary microglia were treated with 500 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide as well as 1 μM and 10 μM of honokiol. We cloned full-length Klf4 cDNA in pcDNA3.1 expression vector and transfected BV-2 cells with this construct using lipofectamine for overexpression studies. For in vivo studies, brain tissues were isolated from BALB/c mice treated with 5 mg/kg body weight of lipopolysaccharide either with or without 2.5 or 5 mg/kg body weight of honokiol. Expression of Klf4, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase and phospho-nuclear factor-kappa B was measured using immunoblotting. We also measured the levels of cytokines, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide in different conditions.Results: Our findings suggest that honokiol can substantially downregulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory enzymes in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated microglia. In addition, honokiol downregulates lipopolysaccharide-induced upregulation of both Klf4 and phospho-nuclear factor-kappa B in these cells. We also found that overexpression of Klf4 in BV-2 cells suppresses the anti-inflammatory action of honokiol.Conclusions: Honokiol potentially reduces inflammation in activated microglia in a Klf4-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]