169 research outputs found
The Neuropeptide VGF is Reduced in Human Bipolar Postmortem Brain and Contributes to Some of the Behavioral and Molecular Effects of Lithium
No full textRecent studies demonstrate that the neuropeptide VGF (non-acronymic) is regulated in the hippocampus by antidepressant therapies and animal models of depression and that acute VGF treatment has antidepressant-like activity in animal paradigms. However, the role of VGF in human psychiatric disorders is unknown. We now demonstrate using in situ hybridization that VGF is downregulated in bipolar disorder in the CA region of the hippocampus and Brodmann’s Area 9 (BA9) of the prefrontal cortex. The mechanism of VGF in relation to LiCl was explored. Both LiCl intraperitoneally (IP) and VGF intracerebroventricularly (ICV) reduced latency to drink in novelty-induced hypophagia and LiCl was not effective in VGF+/- mice suggesting that VGF may contribute to the effects of LiCl in this behavioral procedure that responds to chronic antidepressant treatment. VGF by intrahippocampal injection also had novel activity in an amphetamineinduced hyperlocomotion assay thus mimicking the actions of LiCl injected IP in a system that phenocopies manic-like behavior. Moreover, VGF+/- mice exhibited increased locomotion following amphetamine and did not respond to LiCl, suggesting that VGF is required for the effects of LiCl in curbing the response to amphetamine. Finally, VGF by ICV in vivo activated the same signaling pathways as LiCl and is necessary for the induction of MAPK and AKT by LiCl thus lending insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of VGF. The dysregulation of VGF in bipolar disorder as well as the behavioral effects of the neuropeptide similar to LiCl suggests that VGF may underlie the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.Peer reviewe
Special Application of Bioactive Glass as Active Ingredient in Woundcare and Hemostasis
No full textRecently, bioactive glass (BG) has emerged as a promising solution for treating injuries such as diabetic and venous ulcers. BG release the therapeutic ions that helps in fibrin clot formation by aid in platelet aggregation, supporting the coagulation cascade and helping in the regeneration of
soft tissue. In the Part A of this thesis, we synthesized a binary glass composition (named, AgBG)containing varying mol% of SiO2, CaO, B2O3, and Ag2O using the sol-gel technique, followed by electrospinning with an FDA-approved polymer to fabricate a fibrous matrix named ABGmnf based wound care matrix. We then conducted various material characterization techniques including XRD, FTIR, TG-DSC, FESEM, BET, angle of repose, zeta potential, solubility assessment, and mechanical property testing. Biological studies included in vitro
cytocompatibility, immunofluorescence staining for cellular proliferation and morphology, 2D wound healing assays, and antibacterial experiments to estimate zone of inhibition (ZOI) and determines minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using gram positive and gram negative strains. The in vitro material characterizations and biological studies confirmed the successful fabrication of ABGmnf based wound care matrix, its cytocompatibility, and antibacterial activity. Subsequently, in vivo pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies along with
biocompatibility study by assessing IL-6 and TNF-α confirmed its safety profile. This was followed by in vivo wound healing assay, which exhibited fast closure of wound, and histological
assessment of various vital organs. These findings suggest that compositions like AgBG as ABGmnf based wound care matrix have great potential in the wound care market and could pave
the way for new directions in tissue engineering.
In the Part B of the thesis, we report a unique composition of bioactive glass, 70 SiO2: (30-x-y) CaO: x.Al2O3: y.ZnO, where x=10-18 mole% and y= 0-8 mole%, exhibiting haemostatic property as well as antibacterial activity. The as-prepared glass was characterized using XRD,SEM-EDX, FTIR, BET and TG-DSC along with in vitro degradation study and biological studies e.g., cytocompatibility, haemocompatibility, in vitro thrombus formation, in vitro blood absorption capacity, blood coagulation assays (PT, aPTT), erythrocyte adhesion assay,
measuring blood clotting index (BCI), in vitro antibacterial assay against S. aureus as well as invivo acute dermal toxicity followed by histopathological analysis) and in vivo hemostasis efficacy were undertaken. The novel bioactive glass composition exhibits promises to be an efficient haemostatic agent with antibacterial activity
Accelerating the execution of green hydrogen value chains with the use of programme management
No full textClimate change, driven primarily by carbon dioxide emissions, necessitates urgent action to decarbonize the energy sector. This urgency is highlighted by initiatives such as the European Green Deal aiming for a carbon-neutral European Union by 2050. The transition to green hydrogen contributes to reducing CO2 emissions, particularly in the Netherlands, where initiatives have been outlined but face challenges in execution. This research explores the application of programme management theory to accelerate the execution of green hydrogen value chains. Through literature study and semi-structured interviews, challenges in execution, such as cost, uncertainties, regulation, and lack of integration, are identified. Potential solutions include clarity on costs and regulations, long-term collaboration, improved communication and most importantly connection in the green hydrogen value chain. The application of program management, characterized by grouping projects, aligning objectives, and coordinating resources, emerges as a viable strategy. All the actors in the entire chain need to collaborate and work as one instead of working in isolation. A model is developed to guide the setup of programme management for a green hydrogen value chain, emphasizing clear goals, roles, and communication. This research contributes to filling gaps in the literature and offers practical insights for industry stakeholders to expedite the transition to green hydrogen. Recommendations include collaboration among sectors, regulatory clarity, and utilization of the developed model. Future research could focus on contract formation, broader application of the model, and addressing regulatory challenges at a policy level.Civil Engineering | Construction Management and Engineerin
Anchorage Capacity of Headed Bars in Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete
No full textHeaded bars (HB) with different head shapes (Square, Circular, and Rectangular) and bar diameters (db: 16, 20, and 25 mm) embedded in steel fiber reinforced concrete have been subjected to pull-out test. The influence of head shapes, concrete compressive strength (M20 and M40), db, and steel fibers (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5%) on the anchorage capacity of HB have been evaluated. Numerical model for improving the anchorage capacity of HB has also been proposed. Results have revealed that the anchorage capacity of HB increases with the increase in concrete compressive strength, db, and steel fibers, which have been validated by non-linear regression analysis using dummy variables. Two failure modes namely, steel and concrete-blowout have been observed and the prevailing mode of failure is steel failure. Based on load-deflection curves and derived descriptive equations, it is observed that the circular HB has displayed the highest peak load.The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the pdf file of the accepted manuscript may differ slightly from what is displayed on the item page. The information in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript reflects the original submission by the author
Digital gods: The making of a medical fact for rural diagnostic software
No full textThe chronic shortage of doctors in rural India seriously impacts the quality of health care available to villagers. In recent years, there has been considerable excitement in digital diagnostics as a possible answer to this situation by allowing non-doctors to diagnose and treat patients. In this article, the author focuses on one such diagnostic tool that has gained serious traction among transnational health foundations and state governments alike. The focus is on the customization and localization of this software through a pilot study in central Himalayas. A baseline survey and extensive interviews are conducted for categorization and population of health data content. This entailed analyzing the segmentation and transfer of health information on disease history and symptoms from the patient to the software as well as situating this study in the larger understanding of the healthcare system in this community. In doing so, the author argues that much of such health information is difficult to categorize and sufficiently vague to not provide for a confident diagnosis. Further, the data population of the treatment segment is deeply political and sociocultural. This article thereby problematizes the innate assumption underlying the design of such software, that it is possible to diagnose and treat patients based on pure information
Studies on Bioconjugation of Quantum Dots (nano particles)
No full textThis Dissertation / Report is the outcome of investigation carried out by the creator(s) / author(s) at the department/division of Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore mentioned below in this page
Application of Gold Nanoparticles and Quantum dots in Food Analysis
No full textThis Dissertation / Report is the outcome of investigation carried out by the creator(s) / author(s) at the department/division of Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore mentioned below in this page
Podcast with Chris Messina (inventor of the hashtag) and Clive Thompson (Author of Coders) on ‘Love the Problem’ with Alex Feldman
No full textPodcast with Chris Messina (inventor of the hashtag) and Clive Thompson (Author of Coders) on ‘Love the Problem’ with Alex Feldman
No full textOrganoids and 3D In Vitro Models as a Platform for Precision Medicine (PM): An Update
No full textGlobally, a number of diseases impact us and while treatment options exist, it is often found that similar treatments have variable effects on different patients with the same disease. Particularly in the case of conditions that are closely associated with genetics (like cancer), the intensity and results of a treatment vary between patients. Even for diseases like arthritis it is not uncommon for only a fraction of patients to achieve remission with the same therapeutic approach. With millions suffering from diseases like cancer and arthritis, precision medicine (PM) has been at the forefront of biomedical and pharmaceutical research since 2015. PM focusses on understanding the genetic and environmental factors affecting the patients and has several platforms. One of the platforms is the use of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models, especially those derived from the patient themselves. These models, like organ-on-chip (OOC), organoid and spheroid models, 3D biomaterial scaffolds and others, have several advantages over traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture approaches. In this opinion paper, the author briefly discusses the different platforms used for PM. Then, the advantages that 3D in vitro models have over traditional 2D models and in vivo models are considered and an overview of their applications is provided. Finally, the author outlines the challenges and future directions and shares their opinion about using 3D in vitro models as a tool for PM towards enhanced patient outcomes
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