GENETICS 10.21926/obm.genet.2602338
Authors: Nisa Ayu Thayalisha Hadi Agustini Utari Nydia Rena Benita Sihombing Tri Indah Winarni Nani Maharani
Noonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal dominant disorder with a wide spectrum of symptoms and clinical phenotypes, including short stature, congenital heart defects (CHD), and distinctive facial features. A pathogenic variant in the PTPN11 gene is the major cause of NS. This is a preliminary study in Indonesia involving 29 patients with clinical features of NS. Detailed clinical and echocardiography data were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from a peripheral blood sample. Exome sequencing or PCR followed by Sanger DNA sequencing was done. Variant pathogenicity was assessed using the ClinVar database, while the novel variant was analyzed in silico using PolyPhen, Rare Exome Variant Ensemble Learner (REVEL), SIFT, FATHMM Pred, and MutationTaster. Clinical findings in 18 patients showed a typical craniofacial feature of NS, including low-posteriorly rotated ear (83.3%), microcephaly, downslanted palpebral fissures, and a short-webbed neck in 50%, and hypertelorism and a depressed nasal bridge in 44.4%. Other clinical variabilities included CHD (83.3%), thoracic and musculoskeletal deformities (77.8%), short stature (72.2%), and intellectual disability (ID) (50%). A novel variant in exon 3 of PTPN11 was found in one patient: c.140G>A (p.Arg47Lys), which was predicted to be probably damaging. A variant in exon 8, the c.907G>A (p.Asp303Asn), was found in 11 patients. This variant is not in the ClinVar database yet; however, it was reported in a case report and predicted to be probably damaging. One patient has a variant c.184T>G (p.Tyr62Asp), 1 patient has c.854T>C (p.Phe285Ser), 1 patient has c.922A>G (p.Asn308Asp), 2 patients have c.1510A>G (p.Met504Val), and 1 patient has c.1517A>C (p.Gln506Pro), those variants have been previously reported. Sequencing on the remaining exons of PTPN11 is still ongoing. NS patients with PTPN11 variants demonstrate diverse clinical manifestations. Clinicians’ awareness of suspecting NS is essential for early diagnosis, particularly in children with short stature, ID, and CHD who have a distinctive facial dysmorphism at any age. ]]>Authors: Carolyn R. Ahlers-Schmidt Jessica Provines Marci Young Ashley Hervey
Perinatal mental health challenges are the number one complication of pregnancy and childbearing. Despite the growing need, substantial barriers to addressing perinatal mental health exist, including lack of infrastructure, policies, and workforce. Baby Talk, a free prenatal education program, sought to address this growing need through a brief intervention for those with a positive screening. Baby Talk partnered with a local suicide prevention program to develop a tool to enhance access to care and to support emotional regulation, safety, and connection during moments of crisis. The Growing Hope Kit is a tangible tool inspired by Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles. Content was curated to decrease symptoms related to depression, anxiety, substance use and suicidal ideation. Development focused on a social-ecological model to enhance individual abilities, promote social connection (interpersonal and community), and highlight societal resources (organizational and public policy). The kit was also developed with a positive psychology perspective addressing multiple sources of strength (e.g., physical health, mental health, spirituality), which have been shown to promote protective factors for mental health. Expert review identified gaps in kit content and suggestions for modification. Perinatal community health workers and prenatal education staff confirmed face validity of final kit content. Low-cost, effective interventions are needed to support those experiencing depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions during the perinatal period. The partnership to design the Growing Hope Kit was the first step in the development of a community-based intervention to expand access to care and enhance coping skills. Next steps include assessing perceptions of usability and acceptability of the Growing Hope Kit by birthing persons, followed by future effectiveness testing through a rigorously controlled trial. If successful, this intervention will promote perinatal mental health resource and provide those experiencing mental health challenges with tools and resources, especially in low-resourced areas. ]]>NEUROBIOLOGY 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2602334
Authors: Mehwish Qamar Asma Hayati Ahmad Sarina Sulong Ambreen Tauseef Khairunnuur Fairuz Azman
Stress is a multifaceted response involving physiological, psychological, and behavioural processes, with neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine playing key modulatory roles. This study aimed to map global research trends on stress and neurotransmitters, identify thematic clusters, and highlight emerging frontiers relevant to health and disease. A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 4,132 publications indexed in Scopus between 2000 and 2023. Data were retrieved and processed using Excel and Harzing’s Publish or Perish, and analyzed with VOSviewer to generate co-authorship, co-occurrence, and citation network visualizations. Publications on stress and neurotransmitters have shown a consistent upward trend over the past two decades. The United States, China, and Japan emerged as the leading contributors. Core keywords included stress, neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, depression, anxiety, and oxidative stress. Emerging terms such as antioxidants, neuroprotection, inflammation, BDNF, GABA, acetylcholinesterase, metabolism, and gene expression indicate growing interest in neurochemical pathways and their role in mental and neurodegenerative disorders. The network analysis revealed strong global collaboration and multidisciplinary research across neuroscience, psychology, and molecular biology. This study provides the first comprehensive bibliometric mapping of global research on the links between stress and neurotransmitters. By highlighting established themes and emerging areas such as BDNF-related signaling and metabolic-neurochemical interactions, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of stress modulation mechanisms. These insights may guide future translational research and inform the development of targeted strategies for managing stress-related physical and mental health disorders. ]]>Authors: Jignesh P. Sathvara Rajendrasinh N. Jadeja
A new series of bis-quadridentate ligands (L1-L3) and their corresponding zinc(II) complexes (Complex 1-3) were rationally designed, synthesized, and characterized. The ligand framework features multiple donor sites that enable stable coordination to zinc(II), yielding well-defined metal complexes. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed using a combination of analytical and spectroscopic techniques. Thermal gravimetric analysis revealed that all zinc complexes exhibit exceptional thermal stability, remaining stable up to 500°C, indicative of robust metal–ligand interactions. The in vitro anti-plasmodial activity of the ligands and their zinc complexes was evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum using a JSB staining-assisted microscopic method. The zinc complexes demonstrated enhanced activity relative to the free ligands, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.67 µg mL-1 (1), 0.53 µg mL-1 (2), and 0.59 µg mL-1 (3). In contrast, the free ligands exhibited IC50 values ranging from 0.69 to 0.84 µg mL-1. ]]>Authors: Jimoh Muktar Toyese Oyegoke
The growing concerns over fossil fuel dependency have motivated the exploration of sustainable biofuel alternatives. However, the practice of utilizing first-generation bioethanol production obtained majorly from food crops threat food supply market and poses threat to food security and land use. As a way forward, second-generation bioethanol from biomass, such as rice husk, an abundant agricultural residue, could potentially offer a promising pathway. Yet, its conversion remains energy-intensive and thermodynamically inefficient. This study aimed to evaluate the thermodynamic performance of the established process for producing fuel-grade bioethanol from rice husk. A comprehensive process model was developed in DWSIM using the Non-Random Two-Liquid (NRTL) thermodynamic framework, incorporating hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation stages. The simulation processed 10.00 Mg of pre-treated rice husk and yielded 2.80 Mg of 99.9% pure bioethanol per hour, corresponding to a mass yield of 28.02%. Second-law thermodynamic analysis revealed an overall exergy efficiency of 79.17%, with major irreversibility occurring in the distillation column (24.54%), pre-treatment (hydrolyzer (22.05%), and fermenter (22.03%)). Through heat integration, the analysis yields a considerable energy efficiency (66.26%), and the study identifies critical hotspots for further process improvement through advanced unit operations. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of converting rice husk from waste into a valuable energy carrier, providing insights for scaling up sustainable bioethanol production and supporting circular economy initiatives. ]]>NEUROBIOLOGY 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2602333
Authors: Mojtaba Ehsanifar Akram Gholami Reyhaneh Shenasi Nioosha Pahnavar Maryam Golmohammadi
The glymphatic system is a glia-dependent network surrounding blood vessels that facilitates the exchange of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid, playing a crucial role in clearing neuro-metabolites from the brain. This system’s efficiency in transporting waste significantly increases during non-rapid eye movement non-REM sleep. Recent findings suggests that malfunctioning of the glymphatic system might be linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia (SCZ), all of which often correlate with disturbed sleep patterns. Furthermore, various environmental toxicants have been shown to affect neurodevelopment negatively. Exposure to these toxicants early in life disrupts the sleep/Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)/Aquaporin-4 connections, impairs the glymphatic system’s ability to clear substances like amyloid-beta (Aβ), tau proteins, and inflammatory mediators, ultimately skewing neurodevelopment toward an increased risk of disorders. In summary, this narrative review consolidates existing evidence. It highlights key priorities for examining the relationship between the exposome, the glymphatic system, and neurodevelopmental pathways, aiming to pave the way for future research and therapeutic interventions. ]]>Authors: Aster Woldu Gebrearegay Melaku Tesfaye Alemu Gizaw
Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a carcinogenic pollutant commonly found in wastewater from tanning and electroplating industries. This study investigates the efficiency of raw Cordia africana sawdust as a biosorbent for Cr(VI) removal. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted by varying pH (3-8), contact time (10-120 min), and Cr(VI) concentration (21-47 mg/L) using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Box-Behnken design. Characterization was performed using FTIR, SEM, BET, pH, and PZC analysis before and after adsorption to confirm uptake mechanisms. Desorption studies were conducted using 0.1 M HCl and 0.1 M NaOH. FTIR confirmed the presence of hydroxyl (3330 cm-1) and carboxyl (1733 cm-1) groups, with peak shifts after adsorption, indicating their involvement. SEM revealed heterogeneous surface morphology, and the BET surface area was 10.332 m2/g with PZC at 6.8. Optimal Cr(VI) removal of 84.5% occurred at pH 5.5, 47 mg/L concentration, and 10 min contact time. HCl-mediated desorption achieved 66.5% Cr(VI) recovery of efficiency, while the regenerated adsorbent maintained 78.8% of its initial capacity across three cycles. Kinetic analysis showed that the pseudo-second-order model best described adsorption (R2 = 0.996) with qe,cal (1.99 mg/g) matching the experimental value, indicating chemisorption as the rate-controlling step. Isotherm studies using non-linear regression (OriginPro 2024) revealed the Langmuir model as the best fit (R2 = 0.993, RMSE = 0.042) with a maximum capacity of 2.06 mg/g, suggesting monolayer adsorption onto homogeneous sites. The dimensionless separation factor (RL = 0.10-0.21) confirmed favorable adsorption. The Dubinin-Radushkevich model gave a mean free energy of E = 8.42 kJ mol-1, indicating an ion-exchange contribution. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG° = -4.21 to -6.42 kJ mol-1, ΔH° = +18.7 kJ mol-1, ΔS° = +0.077 kJ mol-1 K-1) revealed spontaneous and endothermic adsorption. Comparative analysis with ten reported biosorbents shows Cordia africana sawdust performs favorably among unmodified materials (2.06 mg/g vs 1.58-1.94 mg/g range). However, raw sawdust cannot replace conventional methods like alkaline precipitation (which achieves >99% removal) due to capacity limitations and concerns about spent adsorbent disposal. The material shows potential as a low-cost supplementary treatment in resource-limited settings where waste biomass is abundant. ]]>Authors: José Carlos Jiménez-Sáez Sagrario Muñoz Pablo Palacios
Molecular dynamics is an essential tool for studying the formation of surface patterns in their early stages under low-energy bombardment. Recently, it has been shown that semiconductor surfaces such as Si can reorganize under ultra-low-energy conditions to form surface patterns. In this work, we investigate the formation of patterns on metal surfaces under these conditions. To accelerate the process, a longitudinal substrate model was employed, with clusters selected as projectiles. As is well known, pattern formation is influenced by two factors: atomic redistribution and sputtering. Both factors vary with the angle of incidence, though sputtering appears to be the determining factor at grazing angles. As energy decreases, both factors diminish significantly, with the reduction in sputtering being greater. Since pattern formation is not observed, this effect could be attributed to sputtering, given the net atom balance. ]]>Authors: G.-Fivos Sargentis Nikolaos Papadodimas Ioannis Benekos Nikolaos M. Katsoulakos Panayiotis Dimitriadis Nikos Tepetidis Romanos Ioannidis Ilias Arvanitidis Marios Athanasios Angelidis Danai Saperopoulou Georgios David Laoutaris Matthaios Maravelakis Orestis I. Amiralis David Markantonis Athanasia Alexandridou Nikos Mamassis Demetris Koutsoyiannis
The increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) in the energy mix, particularly solar photovoltaic and wind power, poses significant challenges to electricity grid reliability due to their inherent stochastic variability. This study develops a stochastic framework to assess the ability of RES to balance electricity demand, with a focus on storage requirements and reliability implications. Using North Euboea, Greece, as a representative case study, normalized hourly time series of electricity demand, solar irradiance, wind speed, and temperature are analyzed to match per-capita annual energy consumption. Stochastic properties are quantified through climacograms, autocorrelation functions, cross-correlations, and estimation of the Hurst–Kolmogorov exponent, revealing strong long-term persistence in both demand and renewable generation. Results show that, despite annual energy sufficiency, demand is met only 32% of the time for photovoltaics and 44% of the time for wind power in the absence of storage. Introducing moderate storage capacity equivalent to approximately half of the average daily demand (6 kWh per capita) increases reliability to about 70-71%, yet substantial unmet demand and curtailment persist. The weak correlation between wind generation and demand, compared to a moderate correlation identified for photovoltaics, further exacerbates system imbalance. The pronounced long-range dependence of the examined processes implies clustering of deficits and surpluses, significantly increasing reliability risks. The findings demonstrate that achieving high reliability in high-RES systems requires storage and backup capacities far exceeding those implied by average energy balances. Robust energy system planning must therefore explicitly account for stochastic variability, persistence, and demand–supply misalignment when evaluating renewable-dominated power systems. ]]>Authors: Gerhard Litscher
The International Exchange of Professionals – Thematic Event in Medicine 2026, held in Athens, was a high-level interdisciplinary forum for clinical medicine, biomedical research, and translational innovation. Conducted at the Radisson Blu Park Hotel, the congress brought together more than 300 international experts from over 40 countries. It was organized under the auspices of the World High Technology Society in cooperation with BIT Group Global and the Shenzhen International Talent Exchange Center. The program included an Opening Cocktail, Opening Ceremony, Keynote Forum, Welcome Banquet, and nine parallel thematic world congresses covering major medical disciplines, including oncology, cardiology, neuroscience, infectious diseases, orthopaedics, and drug discovery. The Opening Ceremony and Keynote Forum featured internationally leading experts presenting advances in artificial intelligence, epigenetics, gene editing, pharmacology, and personalized medicine, highlighting strong interdisciplinary and translational relevance. Structured networking formats and cultural exchange elements further strengthened international collaboration and scientific dialogue. The congress demonstrated the importance of integrating academic, clinical, and industrial perspectives to foster innovation in global healthcare. The event concluded with the announcement of the next congress in Bucharest, Romania, scheduled for June 16-18, 2027, where continued interdisciplinary collaboration will be further developed. ]]>Authors: Abdulrazak Akilu Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Auwal Jaji Aliyu
This study explores the use of plant extract to reduce corrosion on low-carbon steel reinforcement embedded in concrete. It is globally known that structures exposed to corrosive environments can collapse due to deterioration of the steel rods embedded in the concrete. The corrosion-inhibition potential of leaves, bark, and root extracts of Boswelia dalzelia (BD) on concrete reinforcement was investigated using a half-cell potentiometer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The half-cell potential readings are generally negative, and the higher the magnitude of the negative value, the higher the probability of corrosion occurrence. Measurement of corrosion potential with a half-cell potentiometer is highly effective in determining the inhibition potential of green inhibitors in concrete reinforcements. For the concrete prisms treated with BD plants in an acid medium, the samples containing leaves, bark, and root extracts have potential readings ranging from -150 mV to -200 mV, -300 mV to -350 mV, and -350 mV to -400 mV, respectively. On the other hand, the samples treated with leaves, bark, and root extracts in chloride medium have potential readings ranging from -50 mV to -150 mV, -50 mV to -100 mV, and -250 mV to -300 mV, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that all protected samples had low corrosion, whereas the unprotected or control samples showed severe corrosion attack. In general, all samples treated with plant extracts showed reduced corrosion risk compared to the control samples. ]]>GENETICS 10.21926/obm.genet.2602337
Authors: Taslim Uddin Fatema Tuz Zohora Tajmin Khanam Moumita Akter Lubaba Ibnul Himika Anika Tabassum Aziz Fariha Tabassum Syeda Marjia Kajol Tushy Salaha Aktar Maisha Maliha Misha Shaikh Nuzhat Nawshin Nimu Sadia Tasnim Shammi Akter Joya Israt Tasnim Mahisa Shahrin Akter Pinky
Changes in the environment driven by climate change are becoming significant stressors that impact brain function, but the connections between these changes and neural plasticity remain unclear. This review aims to offer a comprehensive synthesis of the impact of climate-related stressors on neural plasticity via genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. A structured literature search (2000-2025) was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, integrating evidence from in vitro, animal, and human studies. Findings indicate that stressors such as heat, pollution, psychosocial adversity, and hypoxia alter neural plasticity through interconnected pathways, such as oxidative stress responses, mitochondrial adaptation, neurotrophic signaling, and epigenetic regulation. The strength of evidence varies; mechanistic insights are primarily obtained from experimental models, whereas human data are mostly associative. We propose a framework for an adaptive-maladaptive continuum based on the intensity, duration, and timing of stressors in development. Overall, this review highlights key knowledge gaps and provides a structured roadmap to improve causal inference and translational relevance. ]]>TRANSPLANTATION 10.21926/obm.transplant.2602269
Authors: Douglas O. Sobel Keerat Parmar
Subcutaneous transplantation of islets into small-pore macroencapsulation devices that prevent immune cell passage can inhibit allorejection in rodents. However, there are no reports of euglycemia in humans using this technology. This report further develops these macroencapsulation devices. We compared the ability of macroencapsulation transplant devices containing transformed mouse islet cells (MIN-6) with varying polymer membranes, pore sizes, and hydrophilicity to inhibit allorejection and maintain glycemic control in diabetic mice. We found that 10 μm pore planar polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) devices do not inhibit allorejection; 1-2 μm pore devices allow only partial protection; and 0.4 μm devices prevent long-term allorejection. A more hydrophilic PTFE membrane (PTFE-HP) improves device function. Devices constructed with nylon and, secondly, PTFE-HP membranes serve as transplant devices better than those constructed with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), or polyethersulfone (PES), and result in a lower fibrotic response. Allo-presensitized mice are equally protected from allorejection with 0.4 μm pore PTFE-HP transplant devices as non-presensitized mice. Our layered membrane macroencapsulation device is as effective as a single planar device in inhibiting allorejection. Nylon and, secondly, hydrophilic PTFE macroencapsulation transplant devices with 0.4 μm pores robustly prevent allotransplant rejection compared with all membranes tested and induce the least fibrosis. Future studies with nylon membranes are warranted. A multilayered device is described that reduces the skin surface requirement and increases potential islet load. A transplant model using MIN-6 cells is feasible for studying such devices to prevent allorejection. ]]>GENETICS 10.21926/obm.genet.2602336
Authors: Elham Alimoradi Parham Nejati Fatemeh Molavi Setareh Isaee Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard Reza Alibakhshi
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) describes a diverse group of clinically and genetically distinct disorders of the auditory system. SNHL is associated with mutations in up to 150 genes. Among them is Cadherin 23 (CDH23), which is associated with both Usher syndrome and non-syndromic hearing loss. In the current study, we used WES to find the genetic cause of SNHL in an extended Iranian family. WES and subsequent Sanger sequencing confirmed the occurrence of a novel homozygote variant in the CDH23 gene (c.817T>C, p.Tyr273His) in affected individuals of this pedigree and its transmission from the parents. This novel variant in the CDH23 was suggested as the cause of the profound SNHL in this family. Further functional research is needed to confirm the results. ]]>GENETICS 10.21926/obm.genet.2602335
Authors: Anastasiia Kornutii Oleksandr Kornutii Ivanna Shymanska Maiia Bondarenko Natalia Prokopchuk
Craniosynostosis is a disorder characterized by premature closure of cranial sutures, resulting in restricted skull growth perpendicular to the affected suture and compensatory growth in other directions. Over 180 syndromes have been classified under craniosynostosis, of which eight are associated with mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene: isolated coronal synostosis, Pfeiffer syndrome, Crouzon syndrome, Apert syndrome, Beare–Stevens syndrome, Jackson–Weiss syndrome, Crouzon syndrome with acanthosis nigricans, and Muenke syndrome. Apert syndrome (acrocephalosyndactyly type I) accounts for approximately 4.5% of all craniosynostosis cases, with a prevalence ranging from 1 to 15 per 100,000-160,000 live births. In Ukraine, the prevalence of this syndrome has not been studied. Although the causative gene has been identified, the precise role of FGFR2 mutations in craniofacial dysmorphology and related anomalies remains under investigation. Much of the current understanding of this rare disorder has been facilitated through mouse models. In this report, we present a rare case of prenatally diagnosed Apert syndrome during the second trimester of pregnancy in a young couple with a history of primary infertility and two early pregnancy losses. Postmortem molecular analysis of placental chorionic cells identified a pathogenic FGFR2 mutation (c.755C>G; p.Ser252Trp), enabling precise confirmation of the diagnosis. ]]>NEUROBIOLOGY 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2602332
Authors: Mohammad Hossein Ekvan Ali Sahebi Maryam Kord Zahra Soltanali Amir Hossein Ahmadi Somayeh Mohamadi
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent challenges in social interactions and repetitive behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of autism and autism spectrum disorder(ASD) in normal and abnormal groups, such as premature infants or seizure patients, using an umbrella review and meta-analysis. This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Scientific sources included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, and searches were conducted without time limits until the end of September 2024. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and heterogeneity using an I2 index. Of the 799 articles identified, 30 were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of autism was 15.8 per 10,000 (CI = 10.5-21.0, P < 0.001) in normal samples and 600 per 10,000 (CI = 412-793, P = 0.77) in abnormal samples. The overall prevalence of autism was 18.1 per 10,000 (CI = 10.9-25.4, P < 0.001). The prevalence of ASD in normal samples was 48.9 per 10,000 (CI = 31.6-66.1, P < 0.001) and in abnormal samples 900 per 10,000 (CI = 680-1121, P < 0.001). The overall prevalence of ASD was estimated to be 153 per 10,000 (CI = 125-180, P < 0.001). Given the prevalence of ASD and its link to environmental and genetic factors, increased public awareness and better diagnostic tools are needed. In addition, timely and accurate screening is recommended to prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment. ]]>NEUROBIOLOGY 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2602331
Authors: William Winlow Andrew Simon Johnson
Comprehending the nature of nerve communication is fundamental to our understanding of the functioning of nervous systems in general. The ionic mechanisms underlying action potentials in the squid giant axon were first described by Hodgkin and Huxley in 1952, and their findings have formed our orthodox view of how the physiological action potential functions. However, substantial evidence has now accumulated to show that the action potential is accompanied by a synchronized coupled soliton pressure pulse in the cell membrane, the action potential pulse (APPulse), which we have recently shown to have an essential function in computation. Computational models of the action potential usually describe it as a binary event. Still, we have shown that it must be a quantum ternary event known as the computational action potential, whose temporal fixed point is the threshold of the soliton, rather than the plastic action potential peak used in other models to facilitate meaningful computation. Here we argue that for computation to occur in neurons, it must do so at the location of convergences of neurons by frequency modulated quantum interference. The timing of frequency changes indicates that the threshold must activate in less than 10-6 s, much faster than that of synapses. APPulse in a brain neural network collide according to the latencies of the neurons and the distinct frequency patterns. Here, we review the interactions between the soliton and the ionic mechanisms known to be associated with the action potential. Elsewhere, we have demonstrated this type of frequency computation for the retina, in detail, and also provided an extensive analysis for computation for other brain neural networks. However, while the physiological action potential is important for neural connectivity, it is irrelevant to computational processes as the soliton part of the APPulse always facilitates this for computational timing and effectiveness. ]]>Authors: Takwa Tabbassi Asma Abdedayem Zohra Sghaier Amor Hafiane Mustapha Hidouri
This study investigated the use of new bioadsorbent the Hydroxyfluorapatite (Ca10(PO4)6OH1.75F0.25, HFA) to eliminate Alizarin Red S (ARS), a harmful water pollutant. Initial batch tests were conducted to evaluate the adsorption process, focusing on both kinetics and equilibrium behavior. Various kinetic models were applied such as: pseudo first-order, pseudo second order, the intraparticular diffuision model and external diffusion model. The modeling results proved that the pseudo-second-order model best matched the experimental data. The data also suggested that both external and internal diffusion resistances significantly influenced the adsorption kinetics. Various isotherm models were also tested: Langmuir, Freundlich, Langmuir-Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Redlich-Peterson. The Langmuir-Freundlich model provided the closest fit to the experimental data. Thermodynamic evaluation showed that the adsorption of ARZ is favorable at low temperature; the process was non-spontaneous and exothermic. To optimize the removal process and develop a predictive model for ARS adsorption, the Box-Behnken response surface methodology (RSM) was employed. The results indicated that adsorption was most efficient at pH = 6, an adsorbent dose of 0.2, and an ARZ concentration of 195.83 at room temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity was determined to be 40.75 mg·g-1. The adsorption capacity of HAF was also proved to be effective for real wastewater treatment. Five regeneration cycles had a slight effect on HFA's adsorbent performance. Overall, the findings demonstrate that HFA is a promising material for treating wastewater containing complex pollutant mixtures, offering an effective and reliable solution for dye removal. ]]>NEUROBIOLOGY 10.21926/obm.neurobiol.2602330
Authors: Walter Milano Roberta Campanile Magda Marchese Maria Francesca Milano Ludovica Ragozino Bianca Maria Saetta Anna Capasso
This narrative review explores the pathophysiological consequences, neuroendocrine processes, and treatment approaches aimed at reducing the cardiometabolic adverse effects linked to antipsychotic medications; in particular, it highlights recent mechanistic advances in receptor-mediated metabolic dysregulation and emerging therapeutic implications. Schizophrenia, which is a long-term and debilitating disorder, correlates with a substantially shorter life expectancy (15-20 years less than that of the general populace) and elevated all-cause mortality rates. This underscores that psychotic disorders are systemic illnesses involving various physiological systems. Antipsychotics play a crucial role in the treatment of schizophrenia; however, their use can lead to serious side effects, including cardiometabolic dysfunction and metabolic syndrome (MetS). These complications elevate the risk of obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The underlying mechanisms contributing to these side effects are complex and multifaceted, involving interactions with various receptors, such as D2, H1, M3, and 5-HT2C, as well as influences from gut microbiota, neurohormonal pathways, and genetic predispositions. Furthermore, individual patient characteristics—including lifestyle choices and genetic factors—interact with specific medications, resulting in varied metabolic responses. Weight gain is a common concern for patients receiving treatment, often intensified by unhealthy lifestyle habits that frequently accompany schizophrenia. This rise in weight can adversely affect quality of life, increase the risk of premature mortality, and impede treatment adherence. This article discusses the importance of consistent clinical monitoring, comprehensive patient evaluations, and tailored interventions to effectively balance the therapeutic benefits of antipsychotics with the necessity of managing metabolic risks. It examines both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to improve treatment tolerability and mitigate cardiometabolic complications for individuals with psychotic disorders. ]]>GENETICS 10.21926/obm.genet.2602334
Authors: Thu-Thao Thi Huynh Thi Nga Nguyen Anh-Duy Hoang Nguyen Minh Trong Quang
Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. (1753) is an important medicinal species of Apocynaceae, widely used for its rich indole alkaloids and related bioactive compounds. We report the first complete chloroplast genome of R. tetraphylla. The genome exhibits a typical circular quadripartite structure of 155,667 bp, with an overall GC content of 37.8%. The genome comprises a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86,332 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,853 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,741 bp each. A total of 130 unique genes are identified, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis strongly supports the close relationships among Rauvolfia species and indicates that R. tetraphylla represents an early-diverging lineage within the genus. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the chloroplast genome characteristics and evolutionary history of R. tetraphylla and related taxa. ]]>