Toward Interdisciplinary Synergies in Molecular Communications: Perspectives from Synthetic Biology, Nanotechnology, Communications Engineering and Philosophy of Science.

Within many chemical and biological systems, both synthetic and natural, communication via chemical messengers is widely viewed as a key feature. Often known as such communication has been a concern in the fields of synthetic biologists, nanotechnologists, communications engineers, and philosophers of science. However, interactions between these fields are currently limited.

Objective Supervised Machine Learning-Based Classification and Inference of Biological Neuronal Networks.

The classification of biological neuron types and networks poses challenges to the full understanding of the human brain's organisation and functioning. In this paper, we develop a novel objective classification model of biological neuronal morphology and electrical types and their networks, based on the attributes of neuronal communication using supervised machine learning solutions. This presents advantages compared to the existing approaches in neuroinformatics since the data related to mutual information or delay between neurons obtained from spike trains are more abundant than conventional morphological data.

Biocomputing Model Using Tripartite Synapses Provides Reliable Neuronal Logic Gating With Spike Pattern Diversity.

Biocomputing technologies exploit biological communication mechanisms involving cell-cell signal propagation to perform computations. Researchers recently worked toward realising logic gates made by neurons to develop novel devices such as organic neuroprostheses or brain implants made by cells, herein termed living implants. Several challenges arise from this approach, mainly associated with the stochastic nature and noise of neuronal communication.

Analysis of the Information Capacity of Neuronal Molecular Communications Under Demyelination and Remyelination.

Demyelination of neurons can compromise the communication performance between the cells as the absence of myelin attenuates the action potential propagated through the axonal pathway. In this work, we propose a hybrid experimental and simulation model for analyzing the demyelination effects on neuron communication. The experiment involves locally induced demyelination using Lysolecithin and from this, a myelination index is empirically estimated from analysis of cell images.

Astrocytes Exhibit a Protective Role in Neuronal Firing Patterns under Chemically Induced Seizures in Neuron-Astrocyte Co-Cultures.

Astrocytes and neurons respond to each other by releasing transmitters, such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, that modulate the synaptic transmission and electrochemical behavior of both cell types. Astrocytes also maintain neuronal homeostasis by clearing neurotransmitters from the extracellular space. These astrocytic actions are altered in diseases involving malfunction of neurons, e.

Good Literacy to Enhance Response in Diabetes Mellitus (GLITTER-DM).

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of individualized communication strategies and self-management action plans to improve A1c control at 3 months in patients with low health literacy.

Methods: A prospective, open-labeled, pilot study was conducted on 23 patients with diabetes mellitus in a pharmacist-led ambulatory care clinic. Patients who had a Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine- Revised (REALM-R) score of 6 or less and an A1c greater than 7% upon study entry were included.

Molecular Communications in Viral Infections Research: Modeling, Experimental Data, and Future Directions.

Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are affected by viral infections each year, and yet, several of them neither have vaccines nor effective treatment during and post-infection. This challenge has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, showing how viruses can quickly spread and impact society as a whole. Novel interdisciplinary techniques must emerge to provide forward-looking strategies to combat viral infections, as well as possible future pandemics.

Engineering calcium signaling of astrocytes for neural-molecular computing logic gates.

This paper proposes the use of astrocytes to realize Boolean logic gates, through manipulation of the threshold of [Formula: see text] ion flows between the cells based on the input signals. Through wet-lab experiments that engineer the astrocytes cells with pcDNA3.1-hGPR17 genes as well as chemical compounds, we show that both AND and OR gates can be implemented by controlling [Formula: see text] signals that flow through the population.

Reconfigurable Filtering of Neuro-Spike Communications Using Synthetically Engineered Logic Circuits.

High-frequency firing activity can be induced either naturally in a healthy brain as a result of the processing of sensory stimuli or as an uncontrolled synchronous activity characterizing epileptic seizures. As part of this work, we investigate how logic circuits that are engineered in neurons can be used to design spike filters, attenuating high-frequency activity in a neuronal network that can be used to minimize the effects of neurodegenerative disorders such as epilepsy. We propose a reconfigurable filter design built from small neuronal networks that behave as digital logic circuits.

Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus and Long-Term Effect on Glycemic Control.

Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been linked to worsening glycemic control in patients with diabetes due to insulin resistance. Studies have shown that treating HCV improves glycemic control in this patient population. Most studies assess glycemic control until the patient's sustained viral response at 12 weeks (SVR12).

Modeling of Modulated Exosome Release From Differentiated Induced Neural Stem Cells for Targeted Drug Delivery.

A novel implantable and externally controllable stem-cell-based platform for the treatment of Glioblastoma brain cancer has been proposed to bring hope to patients who suffer from this devastating cancer type. Induced Neural Stem Cells (iNSCs), known to have potent therapeutic effects through exosomes-based molecular communication, play a pivotal role in this platform. Transplanted iNSCs demonstrate long-term survival and differentiation into neurons and glia which then fully functionally integrate with the existing neural network.

Student pharmacist perceptions of community advanced pharmacy practice experiences and the impact on professional development.

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the clinical experience that student pharmacists are exposed to during their core community Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) and how this affects their professional development.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting And Participants: A national survey of student pharmacists in their APPE year was conducted using the American Pharmacists Association broadcast e-mail system.

Utilizing Neurons for Digital Logic Circuits: A Molecular Communications Analysis.

With the advancement of synthetic biology, several new tools have been conceptualized over the years as alternative treatments for current medical procedures. As part of this work, we investigate how synthetically engineered neurons can operate as digital logic gates that can be used towards bio-computing inside the brain and its impact on epileptic seizure-like behaviour. We quantify the accuracy of logic gates under high firing rates amid a network of neurons and by how much it can smooth out uncontrolled neuronal firings.

Quality and Capacity Analysis of Molecular Communications in Bacterial Synthetic Logic Circuits.

Synthetic logic circuits have been proposed as potential solutions for theranostics of biotechnological problems. One proposed model is the engineering of bacteria cells to create logic gates, and the communication between the bacteria populations will enable the circuit operation. In this paper, we analyze the quality of bacteria-based synthetic logic circuit through molecular communications that represent communication along a bus between three gates.

Feed-Forward and Feedback Control in Astrocytes for Ca -Based Molecular Communications Nanonetworks.

Synaptic plasticity depends on the gliotransmitters' concentration in the synaptic channel. And, an abnormal concentration of gliotransmitters is linked to neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and epilepsy. In this paper, a theoretical investigation of the cause of the abnormal concentration of gliotransmitters and how to achieve its control is presented through a Ca -signalling-based molecular communications framework.

Molecular Communications Pulse-Based Jamming Model for Bacterial Biofilm Suppression.

Studies have recently shown that the bacteria survivability within biofilms is responsible for the emergence of superbugs. The combat of bacterial infections, without enhancing its resistance to antibiotics, includes the use of nanoparticles to quench the quorum sensing of these biofilm-forming bacteria. Several sequential and parallel multi-stage communication processes are involved in the formation of biofilms.

Computational Models for Trapping Ebola Virus Using Engineered Bacteria.

The outbreak of the Ebola virus in recent years has resulted in numerous research initiatives to seek new solutions to contain the virus. A number of approaches that have been investigated include new vaccines to boost the immune system. An alternative post-exposure treatment is presented in this paper.

Wireless Optogenetic Nanonetworks for Brain Stimulation: Device Model and Charging Protocols.

In recent years, numerous research efforts have been dedicated toward developing efficient implantable devices for brain stimulation. However, there are limitations and challenges with the current technologies. They include neuron population stimulation instead of single neuron level, the size, the biocompatibility, and the device lifetime reliability in the patient's brain.

Using information metrics and molecular communication to detect cellular tissue deformation.

Calcium-signaling-based molecular communication has been proposed as one form of communication for short range transmission between nanomachines. This form of communication is naturally found within cellular tissues, where Ca(2+) ions propagate and diffuse between cells. However, the naturally flexible structure of cells usually leads to the cells dynamically changing shape under strain.