All Articles

An Integrated Systems Thinking-Artificial Intelligence Approach to Advancing Biology and Biomedicine

Abstract:

The complexity of living systems, ranging from cellular networks to organisms to ecosystems, poses a significant challenge to the progress of contemporary biology and biomedicine. Living organisms are complex adaptive systems that are characterized by nonlinear interactions, causal-dynamic feedback loops, and context-dependent behaviors that give rise to emergent properties that are not completely explainable or predictable from the properties of the individual components alone. Investigating and understanding systemic complexity is therefore essential for advancing biology and biomedicine. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has been developed for analyzing large-scale, high-dimensional datasets generated by experimental and clinical research. AI enables the identification of correlations, causal patterns, and predictive relationships, which are difficult to discern using traditional analytical approaches. However, without an overarching framework, it risks be...

Breastfeeding Reimagined: Examining Augmented Reality, Maternal Support, and Breast Pumping Experiences in a Randomized Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract:

Pump-dependent milk expression frequently occurs in environments that lack the sensory and emotional cues associated with direct breastfeeding, which may interfere with relaxation and milk let-down. Emerging digital technologies such as augmented reality (AR) may help recreate visual and emotional cues that support the physiological processes associated with milk expression.

Cyclic Peptides: Prominent Next Generation Targeted Therapies

Abstract:

Cyclic peptides are expected to play a significant role in the future of drug discovery and development. Their unique properties, such as enhanced target affinity, metabolic stability, and favorable pharmokinetic profiles, make them promising candidates for addressing complex therapeutic targets. Innovations in design and synthetic techniques, including phage display and genetic code expansion with noncanonical amino acids, are enabling the development of diverse cyclic peptide libraries. These advancements are expected to bridge the gap between traditional small molecules and biologics, offering significant promise in the treatment of complex diseases.

The therapeutic potential of cyclic peptides is broad, with applications in various pharmacological activities, including antibiotics, antifungals, anticancer, and immunosuppressants. The number of cyclic peptide drugs under research has reached hundreds, some have entered the late clinical stage. Wi...

Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Purine Modified 3′-deoxy-D-ribonucleosides and Evaluation of Their Antiproliferative Activity

Abstract:

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of a series of purine modified 3′ deoxyribonucleosides was studied from purine derivatives as acceptors and an excess of 3′-deoxyuridine as the donor, prepared by the chemical deamination of 3′-deoxycytidine, using recombinant uridine and purine nucleoside phosphorylases as biocatalysts in enzymatic reactions. Eight purine nucleosides were prepared in 24%-84% yields after column chromatography. Among the tested purine derivatives, 2,6-dichloropurine was found to be the best substrate in the enzymatic transglycosylation reaction catalyzed by the E. coli purine phosphorylase (PNP) via intermediate 1-phosphate-3-deoxy-D-ribofuranose, and dihalogenated purine 3'-deoxyriboside was prepared in 84% yield. The anticancer nucleoside, cordycepin, was synthesized by the enzymatic transglycosylation reaction of adenine in 70% yield from 3´-deoxyuridine. Two enzymatic approaches to 2-fluorocordycepin were tested from 2-flu...

Incidence and Management of Sural Neuritis Post-Peroneal Tendon Repair – Case Series

Abstract:

Sural neuritis is a recognized and common complication resulting from iatrogenic injury, postsurgical or posttraumatic fibrosis, traction injury, or chronic nerve compression. Previously in a case series by Stockton and Brodsky, sural neuritis was reported as a complication in 16.6% of the patients who underwent peroneal tendon repair. Patients with sural neuritis often report pain and tingling in the distribution of the sural nerve along the lateral posterior leg, lateral foot, and the fifth digit. Symptoms of sural neuritis could be intense and debilitating, necessitating prompt recognition and treatment.

From Pelvis to Foot, Part II: A Longitudinal Kinetic Chain Hypothesis for Eversion Ankle Sprains in Athletes

Abstract:

Eversion ankle sprains, although less common than inversion injuries, are often associated with greater severity and more complex recovery patterns. Their biomechanical origin remains less clearly understood.

A Unifying Theory of Alzheimer’s and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract:

The etiology and pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases are incompletely understood, and the treatments largely ineffective. A unifying theory that explains otherwise poorly understood observations may help to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity: Smallholder Farmer Perspectives on Fertilizer Adoption and Improved Crop Varieties in the Teso Sub-Region, Uganda

Abstract:

Smallholder farmers in Uganda's Teso Sub-Region are increasingly adopting fertilizers and improved crop varieties in response to declining soil fertility, climate variability, and the need to improve agricultural productivity. However, limited evidence exists on how farmers perceive and integrate these technologies into their farming systems. This study explored smallholder farmers' perspectives on fertilizer adoption and improved crop varieties within the context of resource constraints and changing agricultural conditions.

Contributory Factors to Malnutrition in Children under Five Years Received in Consultation at the Pediatric Service of Saint Martin of Papane Hospital in Northeast Benin

Abstract:

Malnutrition is a major global public health issue, especially in low-income regions. Identifying contributing factors is crucial for effective interventions. This study aims to determine the factors contributing to malnutrition among children under 5 years old at Papané Hospital in northeast Benin from April 6 to July 6, 2021. A descriptive and analytical study was conducted, involving structured questionnaires administered to 208 children aged 0 to 59 months and their parents or guardians. The study focused on socioeconomic characteristics and feeding practices. Predominantly male children (sex ratio 1.2) and mostly uneducated homemaker mothers were involved. Data were processed using Excel, WHO Anthro, and SPSS software. Statistical significance was assessed with SPSS, using a margin of error of 0.05. Results showed that 74.88% of the children experienced stunted growth, 90.34% suffered from wasting, and 79.43% were underweight. Exclusive breastfeeding was sig...

The Role of Spiritual Blessing Energy Treatment in Optimizing Radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Growth and Crop Yield

Abstract:

Enhancing crop productivity while minimizing chemical inputs remains a core objective of sustainable agriculture. This study investigated the efficacy of spiritual blessing energy treatments as a non-invasive biostimulant to optimize the growth dynamics and crop yield of radish (Raphanus sativus L.).