(1) Background: The expansion that most cities have been showing for more than half a century has also brought with it an increase in the density of buildings, most of the time at the expense of ...green areas. This has led to negative effects, such as overpopulation of cities, rising urban temperatures, pollution of water, air, soil, and others, affecting daily urban life. As a result, specialists from different fields form multidisciplinary teams are looking for solutions to counteract these effects. The subject of visible facades has registered an increased interest among researchers in recent years because they can represent a viable solution that can contribute to increasing the degree of urban comfort. However, for such a system to be effective, it is necessary that the plants used grow and develop harmoniously and ensure the best possible coverage of the facade. The aim of this research is to find an adequate mathematical model that can predict, with a high degree of accuracy, the percentage of plant coverage of a green wall system, which is positioned in the city of Iasi, northeastern Romania. (2) Methods: The models used for this purpose were a multiple linear regression model (MLR) and a model based on a feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN). Four independent variables (soil temperature, soil moisture, week of the year, and cardinal wall orientation) and the interaction between two variables (soil temperature and week of the year) were used for the multiple linear regression model. Artificial neural networks were also trained to estimate the percentage of plant coverage in the analyzed system, and the network with the best mean squared error performance was chosen in doing predictions. For both MLR and ANN models, we constructed confidence intervals for the degree of plant coverage of the system (PCP) for a set of observed values. In the case of the ANN model, the confidence interval was derived via the bootstrap method, which is a resampling with replacement technique used to generate new samples from the original dataset. To the best of our knowledge, the derivation of confidence intervals using a combination of neural networks with the bootstrap method has not been used before, at least for predictions in horticulture. (3) Results: The ANN employed here consisted of one input layer with four neurons, one hidden layer with five neurons, and one output layer with one neuron. The comparison showed that the confidence interval obtained using ANN has a shorter length (and thus it is more accurate) than that obtained by the multiple linear regression model. The choice of the experimental module façade had a significant influence (of magnitude 1.9073) on the plant coverage percentage. An increase of one unit in soil humidity will determine an increase of almost 5.1% in plant coverage percentage, and an increase of 1 °C in soil temperature will determine a decrease of almost 1.21% in plant coverage percentage. The choice of the experimental module façade had a significant influence (of magnitude 1.9073) on the plant coverage percentage. (4) Conclusions: Although both methods showed to be useful in making predictions, the ANN method showed better predictive capabilities, at least when the performance is measured by the mean squared error. This fact may be useful when predicting the percentage of plant coverage of a green wall system with a higher degree of accuracy, in the case of organizing outdoor exhibitions or other similar projects.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of antiepileptic drugs on salience network regions in patients with epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone (EGTCSa). A retrospective ...observational case-control study was performed on 40 patients diagnosed with epilepsy with EGTCSa and 40 healthy age-matched controls. In LORETA, a voxel-by-voxel analysis between regions from the salience network was performed for both hemispheres, specifically between the anterior cingulate (BA 32 and BA 24) and the sublobar insula (BA 13). Subsequently, a Wilcoxon rank-sum test (the Mann-Whitney U test) was conducted for the equality of medians in the transformation matrix. A comparison was then made between each region of interest as defined by the salience network and the controls. Marked differences were found in the brain regions assessed in patients with EGTCSa treated with valproic acid and carbamazepine compared to the control group; few differences in patients treated with levetiracetam; and no difference was found in the group without treatment compared with those in the control group. These results suggest that ASMs can influence cognitive processes, which provide novel insights toward understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of ASMs administration.
This study examined the determinants of sustained physical activity. Eighty-four participants undertook a 7-weeks walking regime (i.e., a 1-h biometrically-monitored walk, at least 5 days/week), with ...bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and total cholesterol capillary blood measurements performed before and after programme. To investigate behavioural habit formation, 7 weeks after walking termination, all participants were interviewed and (health) re-tested. Data were modelled with an artificial neural network (ANN) cascading algorithm. Our results highlight the successful prediction of continued physical activity by considering one's physical fitness state, the environmental living context, and risk for cardiovascular disease. Importantly, those artificial neural network models also taking body mass index (BMI) and blood cholesterol as predictors excel at predicting walking continuation (i.e., predictions with 93% predictability). These results are first to highlight the type and importance of available physiological drivers in maintaining a sustained physical activity regime such as walking. They are discussed within the framework of habit formation and the nowadays health and/or wellbeing focus.
The present paper focuses on solid lipid particles (SLPs), described in the literature as the most effective lipid drug delivery systems that have been introduced in the last decades, as they ...actually combine the advantages of polymeric particles, hydrophilic/lipophilic emulsions and liposomes. In the current study, we present our most recent advances in the preparation of alendronate (AL)-loaded SLPs prepared by hot homogenization and ultrasonication using various ratios of a self-emulsifying lipidic mixture of Compritol 888, Gelucire 44/14, and Cremophor A 25. The prepared AL-loaded SLPs were investigated for their physicochemical, morphological and structural characteristics by dynamic light scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric and powder X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy, optical and scanning electron microscopy. Entrapment efficacy and actual drug content were assessed by a validated HPLC method. In vitro dissolution tests performed in simulated gastro-intestinal fluids and phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4 revealed a prolonged release of AL of 70 h. Additionally, release kinetics analysis showed that both in simulated gastrointestinal fluids and in phosphate buffer solution, AL is released from SLPs based on equal ratios of lipid excipients following zero-order kinetics, which characterizes prolonged-release drug systems.
The current studies entail quality by design (QbD)-enabled development of a simple, rapid, precise, accurate, and cost-effective high-performance liquid chromatographic method for estimation of ...metformin hydrochloride (M-HCl). Design of experiments (DoE) was applied for multivariate optimization of the experimental conditions of the HPLC method. Risk assessment was performed to identify the critical method parameters (CMPs) using Ishikawa diagram. The factor screening studies were performed using a two-factor three-levels design. Two independent factors, buffer pH and mobile phase composition, were used to design mathematical models. Central composite design (CCD) was used to study the response surface methodology and to study in depth the effects of these independent factors, thus evaluating the critical analytical attributes (CAAs), namely, retention time, peak area, and symmetry factor as the parameters of method robustness. Desirability function was used to simultaneously optimize the CAAs. The optimized and predicted data from contour diagram consisted of 0.02 M acetate buffer pH = 3/methanol in a ratio of 70/30 (v/v) as the mobile phase with a flow rate 1 mL/min. The separation was made on a Thermoscientific ODS HypersylTM chromatographic column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with oven temperature 35 °C and UV detection at 235 nm. The optimized assay conditions were validated according to ICH guidelines. Hence, the results clearly showed that QbD approach could be successfully applied to optimize HPLC method for estimation of M-HCl. The method was applied both for the evaluation of M-HCl content in tablets, and for in vitro dissolution studies of M-HCl from conventional and prolonged-release tablets.
The present study reports the first time use of MCM-41 mesoporous silica as highly efficient carrier for bexarotene - an antineoplastic agent specific for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma treatment. ...Bexarotene is highly toxic and poor-water soluble, having low bioavailability in the conventional pharmaceutical forms. Comparative uptake of bexarotene on amino-functionalized silica host at various functionalization degrees is discussed in details taking into account all structural features, of matrix as well as properties of the drug molecules. The obtained results proved a successful bexarotene loading on amino-functionalized MCM-41 silica. The bexarotene molecules are adsorbed on the active centers in non-crystalline state proving the major role of the silica amino-functionalization for the drug solubility and bioavailability enhancing. In vitro dissolution tests showed a prolonged release of bexarotene during 12 h, reaching 50% release of loaded active molecules. The prolonged release has been demonstrated to be a result of the presence of aminopropyl groups on the silica pore walls.
Our research has focused on in vitro and in vivo evaluations of a new Carmustine (BCNU)-loaded clinoptilolite-based delivery system. Two clinoptilolite ionic forms-hydrogen form (HCLI) and sodium ...form (NaCLI)-were prepared, allowing a loading degree of about 5-6 mg BCNU/g of zeolite matrix due to the dual porous feature of clinoptilolite. Clinoptilolite-based delivery systems released 35.23% of the load in 12 h for the BCNU@HCLI system and only 10.82% for the BCNU@NaCLI system. The BCNU@HCLI system was chosen to develop gel and cream semisolid dosage forms. The cream (C_BCNU@HCLI) released 29.6% of the loaded BCNU after 12 h in the Nylon synthetic membrane test and 31.6% in the collagen membrane test, higher by comparison to the gel. The new cream was evaluated in vivo in a chemically induced model of skin cancer in mice. Quantitative immunohistochemistry analysis showed stronger inhibition of B-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl-2) and cyclooxygenase 2 (cox-2) protein expression, known markers for cancer survival and aggressiveness, after the treatment with C_BCNU@HCLI by comparison to all the control treatment types, including an off-label magistral formula commercially available Carmustine cream as reference, bringing evidence that a clinoptilolite-based delivery systems could be used as a cancer drug carriers and controlled release systems (skin-targeted topical delivery systems).
The empirical administration of antibiotics for suspected bacterial meningitis denotes a poor bacterial stewardship. In this context, the use of biomarkers can distinguish between bacterial and viral ...infections before deciding treatment. Our study assesses how levels of heparin-binding protein (HBP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in blood can promptly confirm bacterial etiology and the need for antibiotic treatment. The CSF and blood levels of HBP, NGAL, S100B, and NSE of 81 patients with meningitis were measured and analyzed comparatively. Statistical sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were evaluated. CSF levels of HBP and NGAL and the blood level of S100B in the bacterial meningitis group were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The area under curve (AUC) for predicting bacterial meningitis was excellent for the CSF level of HBP (0.808 with 93.54% sensitivity and 80.64% specificity), good for the CSF level of NGAL (0.685 with 75.00% sensitivity and 65.62% specificity), and good for the blood level of S100B (0.652 with 65.90% sensitivity and 57.14% specificity). CSF levels of HBP and NGAL, as well as the blood level of S100B, could help discriminate between bacterial and viral meningitis before considering antibiotic treatment.
Magnolol (MG) is a small-molecule neolignan polyphenolic compound isolated from the genus Magnolia. The anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, anti-tumorgenic, anti-neurodegenerative, ...anti-depressant and anti-microbial properties of MG are well documented in recent literature. These fascinating multiple biological activities of MG encourage research about the development of new delivery and administration approaches able to maximize its potential benefits. This study describes the amino-functionalization of the SBA-15 (Santa Barbara Amorphous) mesoporous matrix by post-synthesis grafting using APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) and the characterization of amino-functionalized mesoporous silica SBA-15 loaded with MG in order to achieve modified drug delivery systems. The amino-functionalization of silica SBA-15 was carried out by grafting by refluxing in dry toluene. The powders obtained were characterized texturally by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis measurements and morphologically by scanning electron microscopy. MG loading degree in the nanoporous matrix was determined by the HPLC method at λ = 290 nm. Results showed that by grafting the amino groups in the silica SBA-15, we obtained amino-functionalized silica SBA-15 with an ordered structure, with specific surfaces and pore sizes that differ from the original matrix, which was reflected in the amount of MG immobilized and release kinetics profile.
Many recent studies have suggested that generalised epilepsy is associated with cortical epileptogenic focus, and therefore distinguishing between focal and generalised often becomes difficult.
We ...aimed to detect differences between default mode function in patients with idiopathic generalised epilepsy who have discharges on EEG, and healthy persons.
This was a case-control study; we performed EEG analysis with LORETA in 17 patients with a type of generalised epilepsy and a control group represented by 17 healthy age-matched persons. We performed statistical non- -parametric tests for current density electrical distribution for our two groups ('t-statistic on Log transformed data') and we defined regions of interest (ROIs) from the default mode network. In the second part, we compared the average activation for each ROI for each timeframe in the epoch for the group with epilepsy, and for controls (we performed a Wilcoxon rank-sum test for two means).
In the first part, we obtained that in the medial frontal gyrus (BA 9) delta oscillations significantly differed in patients with epilepsy who had electrical discharges on EEG in resting state conditions compared to healthy controls (medial frontal gyrus in this group had a greater number of synchronously oscillating neurons than did the controls). In the second part, we ran statistics on our localised activity from the default mode network (defined ROIs) and we obtained statistically significant differences in the left medial frontal gyrus (the values were higher for the group with epilepsy, p-value = 0.0066).
It may be possible to move from a 'generalised theory' about epilepsy to a 'focused theory' by understanding how various areas of interest are activated within default mode networks. Insights into the pathophysiology of generalised epilepsy may lead to new treatment options.
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