Recently Published Articles
Assessing the Effects of Blessing (Biofield) Energy Treatment on Zea mays L. saccharata Productivity
Abstract:
Sweet corn ( This study aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of SBET on key morphological attributes, vegetative growth, and reproductive productivity parameters of Seeds and plots were assigned to two primary experimental groups: untreated/control sweet corn...
Use of a Novel Exogenous Allogeneic Multi-Growth Factor Concentrate in Bone Regeneration of the Mandible: A Case Report
Abstract:
Regeneration of new bone continues to be one of the most significant challenges in implant dentistry to correct osseous deficiencies in preparation for dental implant surgery. The need for effective bone regenerative strategies has fueled the development of many therapeutic methods, including the use of biologics such as bone morphogenetic proteins, bone marrow aspirates, mesenchymal stem cells, and platelet-derived growth factors. One therapeutic strategy that has not been investigated is the use of exogenous growth factors on bone regeneration of the jaws. The goal of this study is to evaluate if a novel exogenous allogeneic multi-growth factor concentrate, AlloSpark-GF has a positive effect on bone regeneration in the grafted mandible using histology and histomorphometry.
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. This study examined whether AR technology may reduce stress, enhance maternal satisfaction, and influence emotional and physiological experiences associated with breast pumping. This mixed-methods study examined whether an immersive AR environment influenced maternal experience, attentional focus, and physiological responses duri...
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...
Partial Substitution of Mineral Fertilizers with Organic Fertilizers to Increase Yield and Profitability of Irrigated Lowland Rice Cultivation
Abstract:
Uganda has the world's lowest fertilizer use rate at just 1-1.5 kg per hectare. This limited use is a key factor hindering rice productivity in the country. Farmers can use affordable organic fertilizers to partially replace expensive mineral fertilizers, increasing the profitability of rice cultivation. This study focused on identifying the optimal combinations and application rates of inorganic fertilizers and organic inputs to enhance the yield and profitability of irrigated rice, particularly by varying nitrogen levels, the most limiting nutrient. Using a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers improved paddy yields by enhancing nitrogen efficiency and increasing profitability, as demonstrated by the cost-benefit ratio. In contrast, mineral fertilizers produced the lowest yields and profits. The optimal fertilizer option identified was a combination of mineral and organic fertilizers, using a low nitrogen rate of 30 kg/ha. T...
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
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. Patients who underwent peroneal tendon repair between January 2022 to January 2024 by a single surgeon were included in this retrospective case series. Medical charts of the patients included in...
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. To propose a functional, longitudinal kinetic chain model in which anterior innominate rotation (AS) may contribute to the development of eversion ankle sprain injuries. This hypothesis-driven model is based on clinical observation and biomechanical reasoning. Anterior innominate rotation may lead to pelvic asymmetry, a functional long-leg pattern, internal femoral rotation, and toe-in mechanics.
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. Here is proposed a unifying theory of neurodegenerative disease, the Pr2 theory, describing the origin, pathophysiology, optimal evaluation and treatment of patients, explanation of observations not explained by previous theories, and implications for further research and translation. The theory proposes that neurodegenerative diseases represent network insufficiencies, networks jeopardized by antagonistic pleiotropy. Through repeated evolutionary selection for performance over durability, highly functional and finely tuned neural subnetworks s...