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Background Residents of the Bronx suffer marked health disparities due to socioeconomic and other factors. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic worsened these health outcome disparities and health care access disparities, especially with the abrupt transition to online care. Objectives This study classified electronic health literacy (EHL) among patients at an urban, academic hospital in the Bronx, and assessed for associations between EHL levels and various demographic characteristics. Methods We designed a cross-sectional, observational study in adults 18 years or older presenting to the Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care (MECCC) Department of Radiation Oncology or the Montefiore Department of Medicine in the Bronx. We assessed EHL using the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) survey, a previously validated tool, and our newly developed eHealth Literacy Objective Scale-Scenario Based (eHeLiOS-SB) tool. Results A total of 97 patients recruited from the MECCC and Department of Medicine participated in this study. There was a statistically significant association between age and EHL as assessed by both eHEALS and eHeLiOS-SB, with older adults having lower EHL scores. Additionally, a question designed to assess general attitudes toward digital health technologies found that most participants had a positive attitude toward such applications. Conclusion Many patients, especially older adults, may require additional support to effectively navigate telehealth. Further research is warranted to optimize telemedicine strategies in this potentially-marginalized population and ultimately to create telehealth practices accessible to patients of all ages and demographics.

Liver cirrhosis is a major health problem with multiple associated complications. The presently available drug delivery systems showed moderate site-specific delivery of antifibrotic molecules to the diseased liver; therefore, research on more effective and selective delivery systems in the context of liver cirrhosis remains a necessity in clinical investigation. The aim of the present study was to develop a peptide-based targeted nanocarrier to deliver an oligonucleotide to the hepatic sinusoidal and perivascular regions of the cirrhotic liver. We have synthesized and characterized a conformationally restricted targeted pentapeptide (RΔFRGD), which contains an unnatural amino acid, α,β-dehydrophenylalanine (ΔF). The RΔFRGD self-assembled into spherical nanoparticles (NPs) and was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Next, we investigated the delivery potential of the pentapeptide-based NPs to make a stable complex with a well-established small interference RNA and studied its site-specific delivery in experimental liver cirrhosis. We used siNR4A1 of the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1), a well-known regulatory checkpoint for controlling liver fibrosis. Peptide NPs and their complex with siNR4A1 showed high biocompatibility against various mammalian cell lines. Hepatic tissue biodistribution analysis illustrated that targeted NPs predominantly accumulated in the cirrhotic liver compared to normal rats, specifically in sinusoidal and perivascular areas. A significant downregulation of the NR4A1 mRNA expression (-70%) andlower levels of the NR4A1/GAPDH ratio (-55%) were observed in the RΔFRGD-siNR4A1 nanocomplex-treated group in comparison to the RΔFRGD-vehicle group (RΔFRGD-Veh) at the gene and protein levels, respectively. In addition

Biometric system is a technique used to identify a person using its personal identification methods. The main concept of biometric systems is to provide confidentiality and security to the user. A number of biometric systems are introduced but some systems are widely used and are famous because of their usage and security they provide. Physiological and Behavioral biometrics are the two types of biometric systems. Biometric systems include physiological biometrics like face recognition, fingerprint recognition, iris recognition and behavioral biometrics like signature recognition and voice recognition. All these recognition systems are discussed in this research paper. Biometric systems work on three levels: Enrollment, Verification, and Identification. Enrollment is the process in which patterns are captured from the user and stored in the database. Verification means to confirm that the sample entered by the user belongs to him or not. When the user wants to access the data then the user must use his/her biometrics so that the system checks that the person who wants to access the data is the real owner of the data or not. This process is identification. All three levels are the working levels of the Biometric System. In earlier years, biometrics were used only at ground levels to provide basic security to data but now the tables have turned. It is playing a major role in providing security to our data. Biometrics are not only used in day-to-day life in phone unlocking, phone assistants, attendance systems but also used at advanced levels like in airports, border security, cloud computing etc. In this research paper, we will discuss the future scope of biometric systems and how it could even change the future.

Introduction The burden of asthma morbidity with co-existing atopy among the racial/ethnic minorities in the socio-economically disadvantaged NYC borough of the Bronx is unusually high. The multidisciplinary Montefiore Asthma Center (MAC) provides guideline-based treatment to this high-risk population through the joint efforts of Allergists/Immunologists, Pulmonologists, and on-site health educators. Methods The objective of this prospective, observational study was to define the demographic and clinical characteristics of severe asthma, evaluate improvement in asthma severity and lung function through the course of treatment at the MAC, and describe the asthma phenotypes of the patients managed at the MAC. Adults with severe asthma receiving treatment at the MAC were followed from their first to their last visit at the MAC. Patient demographics, along with asthma severity and co-existing allergies, were assessed. Possible phenotypes were defined (based on presence or absence of atopy, age at asthma onset, and blood eosinophil counts). Results 227 patients were included in the final analysis, of which 55.5% were Hispanic and 33.9% identified as non-Hispanic Black. Ninety-one percent (91%) of our cohort was found to be atopic and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) was the most commonly identified co-existing allergic condition (86.3%). Mean Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores improved from 11.1 (± 4.9) at the initial visit to 14.8 (± 6.1) at the last visit. The spirometric values did not improve despite treatment at MAC. Conclusion A multidisciplinary severe asthma center is an ideal setting to phenotype patients and offer personalized guideline-based management and education to adults with severe asthma.

Vision is said to be the strongest of all the five senses in humans (1). We perceive light as the visible range of colours in the electromagnetic spectrum which ranges from 400nm to 700nm. We rely the most on our sight to visualise different colours in our environment. Colours have qualities that can cause certain emotions in people. Colour choices may differ depending on age, gender, and culture. This study included 471 respondents which included 183 responses from males and 288 responses from females.The results were analysed accordingly between different genders and age groups and it was found that light colours are preferred in bedrooms and living rooms. The colour choice of the clothes differ throughout the seasons. In summer, light and cool colours and in winter, dark and warm colours are preferred by the people.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic disease of worldwide impact. The disease process begins with steatosis, i.e., fat accumulation in the liver, and proceeds to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Liver biopsy is the gold standard for NASH diagnosis, but the procedure is invasive, expensive, error prone and poses considerable risk. Unfortunately, there are currently no precise FDA-approved therapies for NAFLD, the only options being lifestyle change and symptomatic treatment. Recently, much research has focused on the identification of molecular mechanisms that could be translated into novel diagnostics and therapeutics. With the advent of high throughput genomics and transcriptomics, noncoding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as key players of NAFLD pathogenesis and have accordingly attracted much attention as potential diagnostics and therapeutics. In this chapter, we reviewed various lncRNAs and their functions at different stages of NAFLD. We also highlighted how these unique molecules can be developed as stage-specific non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for NAFLD.

Liver regeneration is an orchestrated process that mainly comprises of the proliferation of the major liver cell types, that is, the hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, after liver injury (physical or chemical) in vivo. Although having a remarkable capacity to regenerate in vivo, hepatocytes are difficult to grow and maintain in culture as their viability and functions decline with time. The lack of a sufficient source of viable hepatocytes limits their clinical use for therapeutic applications. In the current review, we have summarized the role of bile acids and their subsequent signaling pathways in liver regeneration in terms of both hepatocyte and cholangiocyte proliferation. We have also reviewed bile acid–based therapies in liver diseases. The expression of two major bile acid receptors, the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the Takeda G protein–coupled receptor (TGR5) in both the liver and the intestine immensely contribute to hepatocyte proliferation through varied mechanisms. Selective potent agonists of these two pathways are being synthesized for use as new therapies in several liver diseases. FXR/TGR5 agonists hold immense potential to facilitate liver regeneration and ameliorate hepatic insufficiency in chronic liver diseases.

We developed hybrid liver-specific three-dimensional (3D) printed scaffolds using a solubilized native decellularized liver (DCL) matrix and silk fibroin (SF) and investigated their ability to support functional cultures of hepatic cells. Rat livers were decellularized by perfusing detergents via the portal vein, solubilized using pepsin to form DCL, and characterized. SF blended with gelatin (8% w/v) was optimized with varying percentages of DCL to obtain silk gelatin-DCL bioink (SG-DCL). Different compositions of SG-DCL were studied by rheology for optimum versatility and print fidelity. 3D printed six-layered scaffolds were fabricated using a sophisticated direct-write 3D bioprinter. Huh7 cells were cultured on the 3D printed scaffolds for 3 weeks. 3D printed SG scaffolds without DCL along with 2D films (SG and SG-DCL) and 2D culture on tissue culture Petri dish control were used for comparative studies. The DCL matrix showed the absence of cells in histology and SEM. The combined SG-DCL ink at all of the studied DCL percentages (1-10%) revealed shear-thinning behavior in the printable range. The storage modulus value for the SG-DCL ink at all DCL percentages was higher than the loss modulus. In comparison to 2D controls, hepatic cells cultured on 3D SG-DCL revealed increased proliferation until 2 weeks and an upregulated expression of hepatocyte markers, including asialoglycoprotein receptor 1 (ASGR1). The Wnt pathway gene β-catenin was upregulated by more than 4-fold in 3D SG-DCL on day 3, while it showed a decline on day 7 as compared to 3D SG and also 2D controls. The expression of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) was however lower in both 2D SG-DCL (2-fold) and 3D SG-DCL (2.5-fold) as compared to that in 2D controls. Immunofluorescence studies validated the protein expression of ASGR1 in 3D SG-DCL. Albumin (ALB) was not identified on SG scaffolds but prominently expressed in 3D SG-DCL constructs. In comparison to 2D SG, both ALB (1.8-fold) and urea (5-fold) were enhanced in cells cultured on 3D SG-DCL on day 7 of culture. Hence, the SG-DCL 3D printed scaffolds provide a conducive microenvironment for elevating differentiation and functions of hepatic cells possibly through an involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

RationaleCOVID-19 is an acute infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Human surfactant protein D (SP-D) is known to interact with spike protein of SARS-CoV, but its immune-surveillance against SARS-CoV-2 is not known.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the potential of a recombinant fragment of human SP-D (rfhSP-D) as an inhibitor of replication and infection of SARS-CoV-2.MethodsrfhSP-D interaction with spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and hACE-2 receptor was predicted via docking analysis. The inhibition of interaction between spike protein and ACE-2 by rfhSP-D was confirmed using direct and indirect ELISA. The effect of rfhSP-D on replication and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 from clinical samples was studied by measuring the expression of RdRp gene of the virus using qPCR.Measurements and Main ResultsIn-silico interaction studies indicated that three amino acid residues in the RBD of spike of SARS-CoV-2 were commonly involved in interacting with rfhSP-D and ACE-2. Studies using clinical samples of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases (asymptomatic, n=7 and symptomatic, n=8 and negative controls n=15) demonstrated that treatment with 5μM rfhSP-D inhibited viral replication by ~5.5 fold and was more efficient than Remdesivir (100 μM). Approximately, a 2-fold reduction in viral infectivity was also observed after treatment with 5μM rfhSP-D.ConclusionsThese results conclusively demonstrate that the calcium independent rfhSP-D mediated inhibition of binding between the receptor binding domain of the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE-2, its host cell receptor, and a significant reduction in SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication in-vitro.

Organoids are three-dimensional cell cultures mostly from tissue-resident or embryonic stem cells (one or multiple) on hydrogels along with defined growth factors. Currently, matrigel is the most commonly employed matrix for 3D organoid cultures. However, certain undesirable attributes of matrigel have paved the way for several other natural and synthetic hydrogel scaffolds for organoid cultures. In this review, we discuss the constraints of matrigel and describe other alternative scaffolds that have been used for organoid cultures. Given the potential of organoids in a plethora of therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications, it is indeed imperative to develop defined and customized hydrogels other than the matrigel.

Gut lymphatic vessels (LVs) are crucial for maintaining gut immunity and abdominal fluid homeostasis. In experimental liver cirrhosis with ascites, gut LVs are dilated and dysfunctional with impaired gut immune response. Therapy with pro-lymphangiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) promotes functional LVs growth and attenuates inflammation. However, therapeutic role of VEGF-C in cirrhosis has not been explored. Here we developed a nanoformulation comprising of recombinant human VEGF-C loaded reverse micelles (E-VEGF-C) and delivered it orally in rat models of liver cirrhosis to specifically target mesenteric LVs (mLVs). E-VEGF-C treated cirrhotic rats displayed an increased density of gut LVs, improved functional drainage and reduced abdominal fluid/ascites and portal pressures without any adverse events. E-VEGF-C also enhanced the proliferation of LVs in the mesenteric lymph nodes, triggering active immune responses, which helped to contain the spreading of bacteria to other organs preventing systemic infection. At molecular level, E- VEGF-C treatment upregulated the expression of cell adhesion and permeability markers, VE-cadherin and VCAM1 in the mesenteric lymphatic endothelial cells. Collectively, oral delivery of E-VEGF-C in cirrhotic rats ameliorates drainage of gut LVs, ascites formation and immunity and thus represents a potential treatment to manage ascites and immune dysfunction in cirrhosis.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscopic packages that are heterogeneous and bona fide players in hepatic physiology and pathology as they are involved in intercellular communication. EVs carrying bioactive cargoes rich in lipids, proteins or nucleic acids are implicated in the onset and progression of liver diseases. Liver pathology using liver biopsy has been assessed for several intricate conditions such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatic malignancies and drug-induced liver injury. The lacunae, however, lie in early diagnosis and timely treatment of the above conditions, underscoring the need for non-invasive, accurate diagnostic tools that could replace the gold standard method of tissue biopsy. In this regard, EVs have emerged as promising candidates that could serve as potential biomarkers. In the last two decades, EVs, owing to their multifaceted charm in bringing out cell-free therapeutic responses and the ability of their cargoes to be applied to novel biomarkers, have drawn the great attention of researchers with the advancement and clinical application of liquid biopsy. In this review, we recapitulate the role of EVs and provide insights into the promising role of these small packages as biomarkers in liver pathology.

In vitro models of liver (patho)physiology, new technologies, and experimental approaches are progressing rapidly. Based on cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells or primary cells derived from mouse or human liver as well as whole tissue (slices), such in vitro single- and multicellular models, including complex microfluidic organ-on-a-chip systems, provide tools to functionally understand mechanisms of liver health and disease. The International Society of Hepatic Sinusoidal Research commissioned this working group to review the currently available in vitro liver models and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each in the context of evaluating their use for the study of liver functionality, disease modeling, therapeutic discovery, and clinical applicability.

Introduction: Racial and ethnic minorities have a higher burden of type 2 diabetes in part due to limited access to health-promoting resources and self-management tools. We developed and implemented a patient-centric mobile application, DiabetesXcel, to provide guideline-based education (via animated videos) and adherence support via goal setting and tailored push notifications. Methods: Patients provided verbal or e-consent via REDCap generated e-mail links virtually (in-light of COVID-19) and completed baseline sociodemographic and e-health literacy (EHL) surveys (eHEALs) ; and DQoL (Diabetes quality of life) , DSMQ (Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire) and DKQ-24 (Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire) . Participants were guided on downloading the app and its functionality was explained in detail. Laboratory data were obtained by chart review from the Epic EHR. Results: Of the 50 patients, mean age was 46.9 (± 9.2) years, 70% were female, and 82% identified as Blacks and Hispanics. Overall, the cohort, with an average 13.1 ± 8.3 years since diagnosis, had high prevalence of complications (60%) , and poor glycemic control (HbA1C > 7.5, 58%) . At baseline, scores of satisfaction (22.6 ± 6.9) , worry (10.9 ± 8.4) , impact (15.5 ± 5.2) and total DQoL scores (48.9 ± 15.6) indicated low quality of life (QoL) . DSMQ (21.8 ± 6.9) and DKQ (18.4 ± 3) were low across patients with and without complications (p= 0.5 and 0.8, respectively) . Interestingly, 88% had moderate-good EHL scores. Conclusion: Most patients in our cohort demonstrated good e-health literacy scores. We expect that our mobile health application will promote diabetes education and self-management skills in our underserved minority community and favorably impact clinical outcomes. We eventually plan to disseminate the app and promote its uptake across marginalized populations on the national level. Disclosure S.Kaur: None. L.Mahali: None. E.Cosar: None. S.Jariwala: None. Funding New York Regional Center for Diabetes Translation Research

HSP27, also known as HSPB1, was first discovered with a molecular weight 27kDa belonging to the four member gene family. Elevated levels of HSP27 are seen when different unfavorable conditions prevail such as increase in temperature and oxidative stress or exposure to heavy metals or organic solvents. They possess ATP-independent chaperone like activity which helps in maintaining protein homeostasis. It can also form large oligomers (300-600 kDa) containing different numbers of subunits. It is composed of total 205 amino acids. HSP27 undergoes post-translational modifications i.e. phosphorylation thereby converting large oligomers into dimers. It can act as an anti-apoptotic and antioxidant molecule during oxidative stress. The elevated form of HSP27 is also seen in some cancer belongs to breast, ovary, prostate, brain, colorectal, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung, liver, and cervical regions. Keeping in view of molecular roles of HSP27 signaling in various pathways, we have proposed their translational values in different diseases. In addition, we have also reported the existing scientific data on the HSP27 as the potential cancer biomarker and their therapeutic targets for improved prognosis and treatment in different diseases.

AIM: An impaired hepatocyte proliferation during severe liver injury causes the proliferation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), also called as the ductular reaction (DR). In the present study, we studied the role of key angiogenic factors in HPC-mediated DR in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS: Liver biopsies from patients with NASH (n = 14) were included in the study. Patients with NASH were divided in two groups, early and late fibrosis (based on fibrosis staging). Biopsies were used to analyze the gene expression by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for two markers of DR, viz, CK19 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Cocultures were performed between steatotic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and LX2 and Huh7 cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to measure levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in coculture studies. Next, Huh7 cells were treated with VEGF, and proliferation was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) assays. The number of EpCAM-positive cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Of all the angiogenic factors, the gene expression of VEGF and angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) was significantly different between patients with NASH in the early and late fibrosis groups (P

Liver/hepatocyte regeneration effectively occurs after an in vivo physiological insult and is guided by stimuli from the extracellular matrix (ECM) and signals from neighbouring cells. However, in spite of its ability to regenerate in vivo, long-term propagation of liver cells in culture has been a formidable task. This is largely because we still do not have ideal biomaterials that can recapitulate all the essential properties of a native liver ECM ex vivo. Nonetheless, many biomaterials based on natural and synthetic polymers and their blends have been developed in recent years for supporting hepatocyte cultures. Use of decellularized native liver ECM represents one vital step towards liver tissue engineering; however, native ECM has to be appropriately amended with other biomaterials. This critical review presents succinct details about the multitude of biomaterials that have been investigated over the past few years and also propose advanced options for future endeavours in hepatic tissue engineering.

Background and Aims: Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) play a key role in pathogenesis of HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we hypothesized that inhibition of HBx is an effective strategy to combat HCC. Methodology and Results: We designed and synthesized novel HBx gene specific single guide RNA (sgRNA) with CRISPR/Cas9 system and studied its in vitro effects on tumor properties of HepG2-2.15. Full length HBx gene was excised using HBx-CRISPR that resulted in significant knockdown of HBx expression in hepatoma cells. HBx-CRISPR also decreased levels of HBsAg and HBV cccDNA expression. A decreased expression of mesenchymal markers, proliferation and tumorigenic properties was observed in HBx-CRISPR treated cells as compared to controls in both 2D and 3D tumor models. Transcriptomics data showed that out of 1159 differentially expressed genes in HBx-CRISPR transfected cells as compared to controls, 70 genes were upregulated while 1089 genes associated with cell proliferation and EMT pathways were downregulated. Conclusion: Thus, targeting HBx by CRISPR/Cas9 system effectively downregulates HBx gene expression, HBsAg production and mesenchymal characteristics of HBV-HCC cells and holds potential as a therapeutic approach for HBV-HCC.

The lymphatic vascular system runs parallel to the blood vascular system, comprising a network of lymphatic vessels and secondary lymphoid organs. The intestinal lymphatic capillaries (lacteals) and the associated collecting vessels in the mesentery form the gut lymphatic system. The gut lymphatic vasculature comprises the longest-studied lymphatic vessel bed and plays a significant role in the uptake and transport of dietary fat, abdominal fluid balance, and gut immunosurveillance. Gut is closely connected to liver through the portal circulation. In several experimental and clinical studies, the “gut-liver-axis” has been demonstrated to contribute to the pathogenesis of portal hypertension, liver cirrhosis, and its complications. Given a significant impact of gut health on the liver, in the current review, we highlight “gut-liver axis” in context to the circulatory physiology of gut lymphatic vessels. Despite their paramount importance in maintaining fluid and immune homeostasis in the gut, gut lymphatic vessels remain one of the most understudied physiological systems in liver disease pathology. In the current review, we delineate the connections of gut lymphatics with abdominal fluid homeostasis and bacterial translocation in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. We describe mechanisms and factors that drive gut lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vessel dysfunction during inflammation. The review also underscores the role of gut lymphatic endothelial cells in regulating gut and liver immunity. We finally discuss the prognostic and therapeutic prospects of studying gut lymphatic vessels in advanced liver cirrhosis.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on tumorigenic properties in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures of hepatoma cells. The proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells was assessed using wound healing, chemotaxis Transwell, invasion, tube-forming and hanging drop assays in both 2D and 3D cultures. The expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness markers were analysed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) for mRNA expression and immunofluorescence assay for protein expression. To validate the role of VEGF in tumour growth, a VEGF receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor (sorafenib) was used. The results demonstrated that the hepatoma cells formed 3D spheroids that differed in size and density in the absence and presence of the growth factor, VEGF. In all spheroids, invasion and angiogenesis were more aggressive in 3D cultures in comparison to 2D conditions following treatment with VEGF. Mechanistically, the VEGF-mediated increase in the levels of EMT markers, including Vimentin, N-cadherin 2 (Cadherin 2) and Thy-1 Cell Surface Antigen was observed in the 2D and 3D cultures. Sorafenib treatment for 24 h culminated in a marked reduction in cell migration, cell-cell adhesion, spheroid compaction and EMT gene expression in 3D models as compared to the 2D models. On the whole, the findings of the present study suggested that as compared to the 2D cell cultures, 3D cell cultures model may be used as a more realistic model for the study of tumour growth and invasion in the presence of angiogenic factors, as well as for tumour inhibitor screening.

Background: Runt-related transcription factor (RUNX1) regulates inflammation in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods: We performed in vivo targeted silencing of the RUNX1 gene in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) by using vegfr3 antibody tagged immunonano-lipocarriers encapsulated RUNX1 siRNA (RUNX1 siRNA) in murine models of methionine choline deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH. MCD mice given nanolipocarriers-encapsulated negative siRNA were vehicle, and mice with standard diet were controls. Results: Liver RUNX1 expression was increased in the LSECs of MCD mice in comparison to controls. RUNX1 protein expression was decreased by 40% in CD31-positive LSECs of RUNX1 siRNA mice in comparison to vehicle, resulting in the downregulation of adhesion molecules, ICAM1 expression, and VCAM1 expression in LSECs. There was a marked decrease in infiltrated T cells and myeloid cells along with reduced inflammatory cytokines in the liver of RUNX1 siRNA mice as compared to that observed in the vehicle. Conclusions: In vivo LSEC-specific silencing of RUNX1 using immunonano-lipocarriers encapsulated siRNA effectively reduces its expression of adhesion molecules, infiltrate on of immune cells in liver, and inflammation in NASH.

Internet of things is a technology to connect the physical objects around us by the use of Internet. The technology will put the traditional desktop realm to a new milestone where there can be miracles like machine-to-machine communication, automation, control, efficiency, time saving, etc. To get all these benefits in hand needs avoidance of pitfalls that comes with it, the major one being the security. With the enhancement and advancement in technology, the security of Internet of things becomes the field of ample interest. Confidentiality, authentication, access control, and integrity have become the essential features of IoT that need to be fulfilled and taken care of. In this paper, we are going to address this issue by using the already available techniques for computer networks. We have provided a survey of how research is going on to address the security issue and carried out some experiments on the IoT devices to check how efficiently the already available ciphers will be for the implementation in IoT field.

International audience; Modeling the microstructural evolution of metal and alloys, specifically under irradiation, is essential to predict the aging properties of materials. Many models are based on a transition rate matrix describing the jump frequencies of defects and involve a master equation governing the time evolution of a state probability vector. Here, we present non-stochastic numerical techniques to characterize the motion of individual defects migrating over long distances prior to recombining or being absorbed by another defect, resorting to the theory of absorbing Markov chains. These important events are fully determined by their first-passage time distribution to distant locations, no-passage distribution ,and walker fluxes to the sinks. We show that these functions can be efficiently computed using a method combining Krylov subspace projection and eigenvalue deflation. For a model system describing the absorption of a vacancy by a cavity in aluminum, the use of a small Krylov subspace deflated by the unique eigenmode corresponding to the quasi-stationary distribution is sufficient to capture the kinetics of the defect absorption faithfully. This method can be used in kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to perform stochastic non-local moves or in cluster dynamics simulations to compute sink strengths.