Proteinoids-Polyaniline Interaction with Stimulated Neurons on Living and Plastic Surfaces.

The integration of proteinoid-polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers with neuromorphic architectures shows potential for developing computer systems that are adaptable, energy-efficient, and have the capacity of tolerating faults. This work examines the capacity of proteinoid-PANI nanofibers to imitate different spiking patterns in stimulated Izhikevich neurons. The proteinoid-PANI nanofibers exhibit diverse spiking behaviors on different substrates, showcasing a broad range of control and programmability, as confirmed by experimental characterization and computational modeling.

Kombucha-Proteinoid Crystal Bioelectric Circuits.

We propose "kombucha-proteinoid crystal bioelectric circuits" as a sustainable bio-computing platform. These circuits are hybrid biological-inorganic devices that utilize crystal growth dynamics as the physical substrate to convert information. Microfluidic prototypes couple custom-synthesized thermal proteinoids within kombucha cellulose matrices and metastable calcium carbonate solutions.

Virtual Reality With Eye Tracking for Pediatric Ophthalmology: A Systematic Review.

Virtual reality presents an efficient and engaging approach to ophthalmological diagnosis and treatment in children. This systematic review investigates the current state of eye tracking technology integrated into virtual reality for the spectrum of pediatric ophthalmology. The search encompassed the MEDLINE database via PubMed, without imposing any time restrictions.

Electroactive composite biofilms integrating Kombucha, Chlorella and synthetic proteinoid Proto-Brains.

In this study, we present electroactive biofilms made from a combination of Kombucha zoogleal mats and thermal proteinoids. These biofilms have potential applications in unconventional computing and robotic skin. Proteinoids are synthesized by thermally polymerizing amino acids, resulting in the formation of synthetic protocells that display electrical signalling similar to neurons.

Functionalizing the Electrical Properties of Kombucha Zoogleal Mats for Biosensing Applications.

Kombucha is a type of tea that is fermented using yeast and bacteria. During this process, a film made of cellulose is produced. This film has unique properties such as biodegradability, flexibility, shape conformability, and ability to self-grow as well as be produced across customized scales.

Hypoglycemic Drugs in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure: A Narrative Review.

Over the last few years, given the increase in the incidence and prevalence of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF), it became crucial to develop guidelines for the optimal preventive and treatment strategies for individuals facing these coexisting conditions. In patients aged over 65, HF hospitalization stands out as the predominant reason for hospital admissions, with their prognosis being associated with the presence or absence of T2DM. Historically, certain classes of glucose-lowering drugs, such as thiazolidinediones (rosiglitazone), raised concerns due to an observed increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiovascular (CV)-related mortality.

On Transducing Properties of Kombucha-Proteinoid Complexes.

We investigate the information processing capacities of kombucha-proteinoid proto-brains, focusing on the transducing properties through accommodation spiking, tonic bursting spiking, and optical and acoustic stimulation. We explore self-organization, adaptability, and emergent phenomena in this unconventional proto-architecture. By constructing kombucha-proteinoid networks exposed to diverse audio stimuli, we analyze nonlinear dynamics using time series analysis.

The Effect of Phacoemulsification on the Intraocular Pressure of Patients With Open Angle Glaucoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Prcis: There is evidence that cataract surgery can reduce intraocular pressure in patients with primary open angle, normal tension, or exfoliative glaucoma. The complete effect of phacoemulsification is masked by topical intraocular pressure-lowering medications.

Purpose: To assess the impact of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation on intraocular pressure (IOP) level in individuals with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), exfoliative glaucoma (XFG), exfoliation syndrome (XFS), normal tension glaucoma (NTG), ocular hypertension (OH), or healthy controls 12 months after the surgery.

Correlation between color vision, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and photostress recovery in the visually impaired: a cross-sectional study.

Background: To investigate the correlation of colour vision, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and photostress recovery time test scores in visually impaired patients.

Materials And Methods: A total of 133 subjects were enroled and 133 eyes were examined. The pathological group consisted of 76 (57.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations associated with Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An overview focusing on early diagnosis.

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) is a chronic multisystem inflammatory disease that manifests before the age of 16 years, following a remitting - relapsing course. The clinical presentation in children is multifaceted, most commonly including constitutional, hematological, cutaneous, renal, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Neuropsychiatric manifestations range widely, affecting approximately 14-95 % of jSLE patients.

No ultrasounds detected from fungi when dehydrated.

Many organisms (including certain plant species) can be observed to emit sounds, potentially signifying threat alerts. Sensitivity to such sounds and vibrations may also play an important role in the lives of fungi. In this work, we explore the potential of ultrasound activity in dehydrating fungi, and discover that several species of fungi do not emit sounds (detectable with conventional instrumentation) in the frequency range of 10kHz to 210kHz upon dehydration.

Kombucha electronics: electronic circuits on kombucha mats.

A kombucha is a tea and sugar fermented by over sixty kinds of yeasts and bacteria. This symbiotic community produces kombucha mats, which are cellulose-based hydrogels. The kombucha mats can be used as an alternative to animal leather in industry and fashion once they have been dried and cured.

Responsive fungal insoles for pressure detection.

Mycelium bound composites are promising materials for a diverse range of applications including wearables and building elements. Their functionality surpasses some of the capabilities of traditionally passive materials, such as synthetic fibres, reconstituted cellulose fibres and natural fibres. Thereby, creating novel propositions including augmented functionality (sensory) and aesthetic (personal fashion).

Factors affecting public transport performance due to the COVID-19 outbreak: A worldwide analysis.

In this paper we investigate the public transport trip frequency variations, as well as the reasons that led to the shift away from public transport means, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We studied relevant data from the Moovit platform, and we compared operational and trip frequency characteristics of public transport systems before and after the outbreak of the pandemic in 87 cities worldwide. On average, waiting times at public transport stops/stations increased while trip distances decreased, apparently due to the mobility restriction and social distancing measures implemented in 2020.

Anti-nociceptive efficacy of essential oil-based extracts for the management of orofacial pain: a systematic review of available evidence.

Objective: Experimental studies have shown that essential oil (EO)-based extracts derived from medicinal plants exhibit antinociceptive activity. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the anti-nociceptive efficacy of EO-based extracts for the management of orofacial pain (OFP).

Materials And Methods: To address the focused question "Are EO-based formulations effective for the management of OFP disorders?", indexed databases were searched without time and language restrictions using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines.

Angiotensin-converting-enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism, ACE activity, and COVID-19: A rather controversial hypothesis. A case-control study.

Accumulating data has shown a contribution of the renin-angiotensin system in COVID-19 pathogenesis. The role of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism as a risk factor in developing COVID-19 disease comes from epidemiological data and is controversially discussed. We conducted a retrospective case-control study and assessed the impact of ACE I/D genotype in COVID-19 disease prevalence and severity.

MBL deficiency-causing B allele (rs1800450) as a risk factor for severe COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine. The disease is characterized by a variable clinical phenotype, ranging from asymptomatic carriage to severe and/or critical disease, which bears poor prognosis and outcome because of the development of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) requiring ICU hospitalization, multi-organ failure and death. Therefore, the determination of risk factors predisposing to disease phenotype is of outmost importance.

Teleophthalmology and Artificial Intelligence As Game Changers in Ophthalmic Care After the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has boosted a sudden demand for telemedicine due to quarantine and travel restrictions. The exponential increase in the use of telemedicine is expected to affect ophthalmology drastically. The aim of this review is to discuss the utility, effectiveness and challenges of teleophthalmological new tools for eyecare delivery as well as its implementation and possible facilitation with artificial intelligence.

Stimulating Fungi with Hydrocortisone.

Fungi cells can sense extracellular signals via reception, transduction, and response mechanisms, allowing them to communicate with their host and adapt to their environment. They feature effective regulatory protein expressions that enhance and regulate their response and adaptation to various triggers such as stress, hormones, physical stimuli such as light, and host factors. In our recent studies, we have shown that oyster fungi generate electrical potential impulses in the form of spike events in response to their exposure to environmental, mechanical, and chemical triggers, suggesting that the nature of stimuli may be deduced from the fungal electrical responses.

COVID-19 lockdown measures and travel behavior: The case of Thessaloniki, Greece.

In this paper, we investigate the travel behavior changes in Thessaloniki, Greece aiming to understand them and explore the factors that affect them under the COVID-19 mobility restriction measures. Socioeconomic and mobility data from two questionnaire surveys, one year before and during the COVID-19 lockdown of April 2020 (with 1462 and 196 responses respectively), were compared by utilizing a wide variety of inductive statistical tests. Ordinary Least-Squares regression models and Cox proportional hazards duration models were employed to explore any concurrent socioeconomic effect on travel behavior patterns.

Efficacy of polydimethylsiloxane against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae).

We evaluated, under controlled laboratory conditions, the insecticidal activity of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for the control of the house mosquito, Culex pipiens. In a first series of bioassays, we tested the residual effect of different PDMS doses to control 3rd instar larvae. The label dose caused high mortality rates (>80%) even after 50 days from the initial application.

Mapping travel behavior changes during the COVID-19 lock-down: a socioeconomic analysis in Greece.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge that the world had never encountered in the last 100 years. In order to mitigate its negative effects, governments worldwide took action by prohibiting at first certain activities and in some cases by a countrywide lockdown. Greece was among the countries that were struck by the pandemic.