Utilizing Sparse Optimal Linear Feedback Control to Design Targeted Therapeutic Strategies for Enhancing Gut Microbiome Stability
According to the 2024 American Cancer Risk Survey, one in 24 individuals is at high risk of developing colon cancer. This condition is linked to gut microbiome instability. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a more effective and precise approach to maintaining gut microbiome stability, which this research aims to solve by finding the most crucial bacteria species in maintaining the stability of the gut microbiome through the application of Optimal Linear Feedback Control. Two of its variants being applied in this research are Sparsity Promoting Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQRSP) with a variety range of (0.05, 44.58, and 49.84) and Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) ( = 0) along with other supporting methods; Controllability Gramian and Network Theory (graph analysis). The finding in this research shows that bacteria species Bacteroides hydrogenotrophica, Bacteroides uniformis, Bacteroides vulgaris, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Escherichia lenta, and Dorea formicigenerans have an important role for preventing and medicating a variety of gut-related diseases. This conclusion is reinforced by the analysis conducted using the Controllability Gramian, displaying five of the chosen bacteria with the highest controllability index, which demonstrates that the system can be effectively controlled. This finding suggests a potential for enhancing therapeutic strategies, rendering them more precise and systematic. To gain deeper insights into the relationship between each bacteria and the rationale behind the selection of these bacteria by LQRSP, this study also employs network theory, which successfully elucidates the choice of Bacteroides uniformis despite its low controllability index. Additionally, to further validate the efficacy of these bacteria, the research develops a simulation that compares the controlled system with the uncontrolled system, utilizing two types of disturbances. The results indicate a significant difference in robustness against disturbances between the controlled and uncontrolled systems. The findings from this research can be used as a foundation for a more efficient and systematic intervention strategy findings. By researching gut microbiome composition regulation using a mathematical approach, it opens new opportunities for new method discoveries aiming to increase the health of the gut microbiome which is beneficial for the medical field and prevention of gut related diseases.
Wetting Tracing Paper—Fiber Porous Media Curling Behavior and Mechanisms
This research presents a novel approach to understanding the curling and uncurling behavior of tracing paper when exposed to water, identifying limitations in traditional diffusion-based models like Fick’s second law. While Fick's model adequately represents the uncurling phase, where water content is stable, it falls short during the curling phase due to its inability to account for dynamic changes in diffusivity. Our study identifies capillary action, modeled through Richards' equation, as the primary mechanism in the curling phase, where diffusivity varies with water content due to capillary-driven water movement through the paper's porous structure. Experimental data align well with the Richards' equation model, highlighting a saturation point where curvature peaks, governed by evaporation's impact on moisture balance. To simulate this phenomenon, we developed a finite difference approximation scheme based on Richards' equation, discretizing the spatial domain for detailed control over moisture dynamics and incorporating the Robin boundary condition with virtual points. This approach, combined with evaporation considerations, produces simulation results consistent with observed data, emphasizing evaporation’s role in steady-state moisture gradients and the subsequent deformation mechanics. Our findings further reveal that factors like paper thickness, temperature, and salt concentration significantly influence curling behavior. We established linear correlations between peak time and thickness reciprocal, as well as between peak curvature and thickness squared, supporting theoretical models. Temperature affects both peak curvature and curling rate due to changes in viscosity and surface tension, and higher temperatures prevent full uncurling due to sustained evaporation effects. Increased salt concentration heightens peak curvature without altering expansion ratio, suggesting additional variables in play.
Utilizing Flavonoids From the Invasive Species Pilea Melastomoides and Daucus Carota as Well as the Protein PTK-2 to Create a Skin Gel Aimed for Burn Wound Healing.
Burns are a major global health concern especially in developing countries like 印尼, where southeast asian women experience the highest burn incidents globally. Burns can cause severe physical and psychological impacts, with treatments that are critical to reduce complications. This study focuses on the development of organic, cost-effective burn gels using flavonoid compounds which are Quercetin and Myrecetin which are taken from pilea melastomoides leaves, a wild 印尼n plant and carrot (Daucus Carota). These skin extracts aim to accelerate wound healing, minimize pain and prevent infection. The gel formation involves extracting active compounds using 96% ethanol as it has been effectively used for extracting a wide range of bioactive compounds to preserve their quality by preventing microbial contamination, and ensures a high yield of active ingredients suitable for topical applications. Then it goes through a process of Phytochemical screening to confirm the presence of flavonoids by using the Shinoda test. The formulation process included dissolving the HPC-m (Hydroxypropyl Cellulose) as a gelling agent, then adding plant extracts (pilea melastomoides leaves and carrot), as well as combining other ingredients such as propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, sodium metabisulfite, and disodium EDTA. The gel was stirred thoroughly to ensure uniformity and left at room temperature for 48 hours to attain the required consistency. The gel that was formatted went under various quality assessments, first being organoleptic testing. This test is used to evaluate its physical characteristics which includes color aroma, and consistency which confirms a stable dark green appearance and a natural strong scent from the plant extracts. The homogeneity test is used to verify the uniformity distribution of active compounds across the gel, to ensure a consistent efficacy. The pH test showed the gel’s acidity level which remained the safe range for skin application. Additionally, the spreading ability test demonstrated the gel’s excellent application properties, with consistent results across trials. Subsequently, the in silico analysis was conducted to predict the behaviour of specific flavonoid compounds used which is the myricetin and quercetin, highlighting their potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Further bacterial contamination tests confirmed the gel’s antimicrobial efficacy, reducing the risk of infection in wounds. This study demonstrates that the gel, formulated with pilea melastomoides leaves and carrot skin extracts, effectively utilizes flavonoids and other phytochemicals to reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration and retain moisture, which fosters an optimal condition for wound healing. This organic and sustainable burn treatment utilizes locally sourced ingredients, providing a natural solution that speeds up recovery, reduces pain and prevents infections. The results highlight its significant potential for wider healthcare use, especially in resource-limited environments.