Article
Immunology
Mariam F. Farid, Yara S. Abouelela, Noha A. E. Yasin, Mohamed R. Mousa, Marwa A. Ibrahim, Abdelbary Prince, Hamdy Rizk
Summary: The study revealed that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) had significant therapeutic effects on multiple sclerosis (MS) in cats, improving motor function and reducing lesions. This method was proven to be effective, safe, and promising for MS treatment.
INFLAMMATION AND REGENERATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
M. N. Uddin, Q. Wang, Hsi Hsien Wei, Hung Lin Chi, Meng Ni
Summary: This study introduces a new framework for automatic assessment of occupants' comfort and building indoor performance using BIM and the SD-ABM platform. The framework is able to predict occupant presence, comfort level, temperatures, and CO2 concentration in office spaces. Further research is needed to assess the efficiency of the framework.
AIN SHAMS ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Baharak Hosseinkhani, Gayel Duran, Cindy Hoeks, Doryssa Hermans, Melissa Schepers, Paulien Baeten, Joren Poelmans, Britt Coenen, Kuebra Bekar, Isabel Pintelon, Jean-Pierre Timmermans, Tim Vanmierlo, Luc Michiels, Niels Hellings, Bieke Broux
Summary: Our study reveals that BBB endothelial cells release two distinct size-based EV subpopulations, sEV and lEV, with increased secretion of sEV during inflammation. These subpopulations have different functions in regulating T cell migration and BBB integrity. Our in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that lEV play a major role in BBB integrity loss and enhanced migration of pro-inflammatory cells, while sEV protect BBB function by inducing an anti-inflammatory phenotype.
FLUIDS AND BARRIERS OF THE CNS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Naliang Guo, Chenchen Shi, Meng Yan, Xing Gao, Feng Wu
Summary: This paper presents an agent-based model to simulate the behavior of farmers in Miyun Reservoir watershed, China, under changing physical and institutional environments. The results show that a subsidy policy can reduce agricultural water consumption but also leads to a decrease in household agricultural income. The policy requires administrative intervention and financial subsidies to shape household behavior in the long run.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gustavo Gastao Davanzo, Gisele Castro, Lauar de Brito Monteiro, Bianca Gazieri Castelucci, Vitor Hugo Jaccomo, Felipe Correa da Silva, Ana Maria Marques, Carolina Francelin, Bruna Bueno de Campos, Cristhiane Favero de Aguiar, Paulo Pinto Joazeiro, Silvio Roberto Consonni, Alessandro dos Santos Farias, Pedro M. Moraes-Vieira
Summary: Obesity-induced insulin resistance (OIR) is linked to higher prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Obesity increases blood-brain barrier permeability in hypothalamic regions controlling caloric intake. The study finds that obese mice are more susceptible to EAE, exhibiting worse clinical symptoms and spinal cord pathology compared to control mice.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND RELATED DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yu-Xin Guo, Yuan Zhang, Yu-Han Gao, Si-Ying Deng, Li-Mei Wang, Cui-Qin Li, Xing Li
Summary: This review explores natural products that have the potential to effectively treat Multiple Sclerosis (MS), focusing on flavonoids, glycosides, and triterpenoids. Additionally, novel technologies such as network pharmacology, molecular docking, and high-throughput screening are gradually being applied in the development of natural products. The information provided can improve targeting and timeliness for determining specific mechanisms involved in natural medicine treatment.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sanaz Mehdi-Alamdarlou, Fatemeh Ahmadi, Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi, Amir Azadi, Hajar Ashrafi
Summary: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive inflammatory autoimmune disease that often occurs in young individuals. Current drug delivery systems for MS have limited efficacy due to the low concentration of drugs in the central nervous system (CNS) caused by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, innovative active targeted drug delivery methods are critical for effective treatment.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Paul Layie, Vivient Corneille Kamla, Jean Claude Kamgang, Yves Emvudu Wono
Summary: The study proposes an agent-based model to control malaria incidence by destroying aquatic habitats around houses. Results show that as the habitats are reduced, the incidence and prevalence of malaria tend towards 0.
Article
Neurosciences
Rafaela Vieira Silva, Anna S. Morr, Susanne Mueller, Stefan Paul Koch, Philipp Boehm-Sturm, Yasmina Rodriguez-Sillke, Desiree Kunkel, Heiko Tzschaetzsch, Anja A. Kuehl, Joerg Schnorr, Matthias Taupitz, Ingolf Sack, Carmen Infante-Duarte
Summary: Neuroinflammatory processes in multiple sclerosis lead to brain tissue softening, but the mechanical integrity changes remain unclear. This study used MRE and MRI contrast agents to investigate inflammation spread and local elasticity changes in EAE brains, providing a promising non-invasive tool for clinical assessment of neuroinflammation.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Mengmeng Zhang, Honghui Chen, Kalle Lyytinen
Summary: This paper explores the application of agent-based models to address coevolutionary business-IS alignment, providing three principles for organizations to control the alignment trajectory using coevolutionary principles.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Nader Amir, Amanda Holbrook, Alex Kallen, Nicholas Santopetro, Julia Klawohn, Shaan Mcghie, Alec Bruchnak, Magen Lowe, William Taboas, C. J. Brush, Greg Hajcak
Summary: This study examined the impact of two home-delivered attentional-bias-modification programs on a biomarker of anxiety. The results suggest that attention training can modify the error-related negativity (ERN) and normative anxiety.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rina Aharoni, Raya Eilam, Ruth Arnon
Summary: This review summarizes the roles of astrocytes in multiple sclerosis, including recruiting immune cells, engendering the inflammatory loop, inflicting tissue damage, suppressing excessive inflammation, and promoting neuroprotection and repair processes. Understanding and regulating the diverse functions of astrocytes could lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches targeting these cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Chanwoo Ko, Wonhee Cho, Byungmook Hwang, Byungwoo Chang, Wanmo Kang, Dongwook W. Ko
Summary: This study developed an agent-based modeling approach to simulate management strategies for the effective control of African swine fever (ASF). The results showed that the higher the hunting intensity, the smaller the ASF expansion area, and an annual hunting intensity of 70% is needed to effectively control ASF.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Gibeom Kim, Gyunyoung Heo
Summary: In this study, an integrated radiological emergency modeling framework named PRISM, based on agent-based modeling (ABM), is presented. The framework systematically models the elements and their interactions involved in a radiological emergency through a mathematical abstraction process. A case study simulation of emergency evacuation considering radioactive material release and mitigation infrastructures was conducted to demonstrate the modeling and simulation process using PRISM. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis of model parameters was conducted for verification purposes.
RELIABILITY ENGINEERING & SYSTEM SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Syaribah N. Brice, Paul R. Harper, Daniel Gartner, Doris A. Behrens
Summary: This paper presents a hybrid simulation modeling framework that captures both disease progression and related care pathways for depression. The framework quantifies demand, service capacities, and costs, and provides solutions for various scenarios.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Giulia Russo, Valentina Di Salvatore, Giuseppe Sgroi, Giuseppe Alessandro Parasiliti Palumbo, Pedro A. Reche, Francesco Pappalardo
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of using bioinformatics software to quickly develop intervention solutions. Advances in computer modeling and simulation have improved the discovery, development, assessment, and monitoring of therapeutic strategies. The combined use of molecular prediction tools and computer simulation plays a crucial role in predicting the efficacy and safety of new vaccines.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
G. Catanuto, N. Rocco, A. Maglia, P. Barry, A. Karakatsanis, G. Sgroi, G. Russo, F. Pappalardo, M. B. Nava
Summary: This study used Delphi survey to investigate key factors in the decision making process of surgical oncology on the breast. The results, validated by text mining and natural language processing techniques, indicated that there are specific decision drivers and outcomes recognized by experts in breast cancer surgery decision making.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Cristina Curreli, Valentina Di Salvatore, Giulia Russo, Francesco Pappalardo, Marco Viceconti
Summary: This study develops a computer simulation environment that can predict the dose-response of new therapeutic vaccines against tuberculosis, supporting the optimal design of clinical trials. Before using this in silico methodology, it is important to assess the credibility of the predictive model and a risk-informed credibility assessment plan is presented.
ANNALS OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Giuseppe Sgroi, Giulia Russo, Anna Maglia, Giuseppe Catanuto, Peter Barry, Andreas Karakatsanis, Nicola Rocco, Francesco Pappalardo
Summary: This study applies natural language processing and machine learning to predict the context related to Delphi surveys in surgical decision-making, enhancing the usefulness of Delphi surveys and suggesting keywords for evaluation.
BMC BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Medical Informatics
Fianne L. P. Sips, Francesco Pappalardo, Giulia Russo, Roberta Bursi
Summary: The past few decades have witnessed significant advancements in the treatment options and diagnostic methodology for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). These developments have improved the available treatment options for RRMS patients, but also pose challenges in clinical trial design due to decreasing relapse rates and the need for more effective control arms. In order to address these challenges, researchers have developed MS TreatSim, a simulator that can simulate different patient responses to common RRMS treatment options.
BMC MEDICAL INFORMATICS AND DECISION MAKING
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Flora T. Musuamba, S. Y. Amy Cheung, Pieter Colin, Elin H. Davies, Jeffrey S. Barret, Francesco Pappalardo, Michael Chappell, Jean-Michel Dogne, Adriana Ceci, Oscar Della Pasqua, Ine S. Rusten
Summary: The benefit/risk balance is the most important question when considering market access for medicinal products. This assessment involves evaluating efficacy, safety, dose selection, pharmacology, and drug quality. However, there is currently no systematic approach to assess and establish the acceptability of alternative methods and data sources, leading to regulatory skepticism toward new data types and methods. To mitigate uncertainties in efficacy and safety characterization, a data-knowledge backbone is needed. This white paper proposes an ecosystem based on a repository, high-quality standards, and credibility assessment for better regulatory decision making.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Francesco Pappalardo, John Wilkinson, Francois Busquet, Antoine Bril, Mark Palmer, Barry Walker, Cristina Curreli, Giulia Russo, Thierry Marchal, Elena Toschi, Rossana Alessandrello, Vincenzo Costignola, Ingrid Klingmann, Martina Contin, Bernard Staumont, Matthias Woiczinski, Christian Kaddick, Valentina Di Salvatore, Alessandra Aldieri, Liesbet Geris, Marco Viceconti
Summary: In Silico Trials methodologies will have a significant impact on the development and risk reduction of medical devices in the future. The regulatory pathway for Digital Patient and Personal Health Forecasting solutions is clear, but more complex for In Silico Trials solutions. It is suggested that the European regulatory system should start an innovation process to avoid companies focusing on other markets like the USA.
IEEE JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Alessia Rondinella, Elena Crispino, Francesco Guarnera, Oliver Giudice, Alessandro Ortis, Giulia Russo, Clara Di Lorenzo, Davide Maimone, Francesco Pappalardo, Sebastiano Battiato
Summary: This paper proposes a framework that exploits an augmented U-Net architecture with a convolutional long short-term memory layer and attention mechanism to segment and quantify multiple sclerosis lesions detected in magnetic resonance images. Quantitative and qualitative evaluation demonstrate that the method outperforms previous state-of-the-art approaches, reporting an overall Dice score of 89% and showing robustness and generalization ability on never seen new test samples of a new dedicated dataset under construction.
COMPUTERS IN BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Computer Science, Information Systems
Alessio Bottrighi, Marzio Pennisi
Summary: Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning and deep learning, has become increasingly important in the medical field, with the Italian scientific community playing a key role. Italian researchers have extensively utilized ML and DL techniques in medicine over the past five years, addressing a wide range of medical problems and contributing to advancements in the field.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Avisa Maleki, Elena Crispino, Serena Anna Italia, Valentina Di Salvatore, Maria Assunta Chiacchio, Fianne Sips, Roberta Bursi, Giulia Russo, Davide Maimone, Francesco Pappalardo
Summary: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. Universal Immune System Simulator can be potentially used to predict the effects of treatments against multiple sclerosis. The retrospective validation of UISS-MS with clinical data confirms its ability to simulate the mechanisms and outcomes of treatments.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Giulia Russo, Giuseppe Alessandro Parasiliti Palumbo, Marzio Pennisi, Francesco Pappalardo
Summary: This article introduces an automatic tool for the verification assessment of mechanistic Agent-Based Models and demonstrates its application through a case study of an Agent-Based Model in silico trial. The described workflow allows researchers and practitioners to easily perform verification steps and provide strong evidence for further regulatory requirements.
BMC BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Pappalardo, Giulia Russo, Emanuela Corsini, Alicia Paini, Andrew Worth
Summary: The identification of immunotoxicity hazard aims to assess the unintended effects of chemical exposure on the immune system. Perfluorinated alkylate substances (PFAS) have been found to be immunotoxic and associated with lower antibody responses and increased susceptibility to diseases. Mathematical modeling and simulation platforms can be utilized to evaluate the adverse effects of immunotoxicants. The Universal Immune System Simulator demonstrates the potential for assessing immunotoxicity through computational models.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2022)
