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This paper presents the application of an linear quadratic gaussian (LQG) control strategy for concrete caisson deployment for marine structures. Currently these maneuvers are carried out manually with the risk that this entails. Control systems for these operations with classical regulators have begun to be implemented. They try to reduce risks, but they still need to be optimized due to the complexity of the dynamics involved during the sinking process and the contact with the sea bed. A linear approximation of the dynamic model of the caisson is obtained and an LQG control strategy is implemented based on the Kalman filter (KF). The results of the proposed LQG control strategy are compared to the ones given by a classic controller. It is noted that the proposed system is positioned with greater precision and accuracy, as shown in the different simulations and in the Monte Carlo study. Furthermore, the control efforts are less than with classical regulators. For all the reasons cited above, it is concluded that there is a clear improvement in performance with the control system proposed.

Allergies are an increasing global public health concern, especially for children and people living in urban environments. Allergies impair the quality of life of those who suffer from them, and for this reason, alternatives for the treatment of allergic diseases or reduction in their symptoms are being sought. The main objective of this study was to compile the studies carried out on probiotics as a possible therapy for allergies. The most studied allergies on which probiotics have been shown to have a beneficial effect are rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Most studies have studied the administration of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. in children and have shown beneficial effects, such as a reduction in hyperreactivity and inflammation caused by allergens and a decrease in cytokine release, among other beneficial effects. In the case of children, no clear beneficial effects were found in several studies, and the potential risk from the use of some opportunistic bacteria, such as probiotics, seems controversial. In the studies that reported beneficial results, these effects were found to make allergy symptoms less aggressive, thus reducing morbidity in allergy sufferers. The different effects of the same probiotic bacteria on different patients seem to reinforce the idea that the efficacy of probiotics is dependent on the microbial species or strain, its derived metabolites and byproducts, and the gut microbiota eubiosis of the patient. This study is relevant in the context of allergic diseases, as it provides a broader understanding of new alternatives for the treatment of allergies, both in children, who are the main sufferers, and adults, showing that probiotics, in some cases, reduce the symptoms and severity of such diseases.

Encouraging older and newer mobility alternatives to standard privately owned cars, such as cycling and autonomous vehicles, is necessary to reduce pollution, enhance safety, increase transportation efficiency, and create a more sustainable urban environment. Implementing mobility plans that identify the use of different transport modes in their confidence intervals can lead to the development of smarter and more efficient cities, where all citizens can benefit from safe and environmentally friendly streets. This research aims to provide insights into designing urban streets that seamlessly integrate autonomous vehicles and cyclists, promoting sustainable mobility while ensuring urban transport efficiency. With this aim, the research identifies and prioritizes the factors that are relevant to street design as well as the appropriate strategies to address them. Our methodology combines Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) with Game theory to identify and realize the most convenient conditions for this integration. Initially, the basic factors were identified using the value-interval fuzzy Delphi method. Following this, the factors were weighted with the interval-fuzzy Analytic Network Process (ANP), and the cause-and-effect variables were evaluated using the interval-fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory ANP (DANP). Finally, Game theory was employed to determine the optimal model for addressing these challenges. The results indicate that safety emerged as the most significant factor and two optimal strategies were identified; the integration of green infrastructure and smart technology.

The static magnetic fields (SMFs) impact on biological systems, induce a variety of biological responses, and have been applied to the clinical treatment of diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this report, by using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a model, we investigated the biological effect of SMFs at a molecular and cellular level. We showed that SMF exposure promotes MSC proliferation and activates the expression of transcriptional factors such as FOS (Fos Proto-Oncogene, AP-1 Transcription Factor Subunit) and EGR1 (Early Growth Response 1). In addition, the expression of signal-transduction proteins p-ERK1/2 and p-JNK oscillate periodically with SMF exposure time. Furthermore, we found that the inhibition of the T-type calcium ion channels negates the biological effects of SMFs on MSCs. Together, we revealed that the SMFs regulate T-type calcium ion channels and mediate MSC proliferation via the MAPK signaling pathways.

Helicobacter pylori is the main pathogen responsible for gastric ulcers and a predisposing factor of stomach cancer. Although current treatment is usually successful, it requires high doses and frequent administration. An innovative mucoadhesive system (Mucolast®) loaded with amoxicillin and clarithromycin is proposed to improve the efficacy of treatment against H. pylori. The drug product was optimized based on its viscoelastic properties to obtain long-term stability of the vehicle. The drug release mechanisms were different for both antibiotics based on their solubilization status. A systemic and stomach pharmacokinetic profile was obtained after three different doses were administered to mice, obtaining similar systemic exposure levels but an increase in drug concentration in the stomach. The efficacy results in mice infected with H. pylori also demonstrated the superiority of the antibiotics when administered in Mucolast®, as shown by the bacterial count in stomach tissue and under histopathological and biochemical evaluation. The proposed treatment was efficacious and safe and is presented as a realistic alternative to current treatment options to improve patient compliance and to reduce bacterial resistance.

Sindbis virus (SINV) contains an RNA genome of positive polarity with two open reading frames (ORFs). The first ORF is translated from the genomic RNA (gRNA), rendering the viral non-structural proteins, whereas the second ORF is translated from a subgenomic mRNA (sgRNA), which directs the synthesis of viral structural proteins. SINV infection strongly inhibits host cell translation through a variety of different mechanisms, including the phosphorylation of the eukaryotic initiation factor eIF2α and the redistribution of cellular proteins from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. A number of motifs have been identified in SINV sgRNA, including a hairpin downstream of the AUG initiation codon, which is involved in the translatability of the viral sgRNA when eIF2 is inactivated. Moreover, a 3′-UTR motif containing three stem-loop structures is involved in the enhancement of translation in insect cells, but not in mammalian cells. Accordingly, SINV sgRNA has evolved several structures to efficiently compete for the cellular translational machinery. Mechanistically, sgRNA translation involves scanning of the 5′-UTR following a non-canonical mode and without the requirement for several initiation factors. Indeed, sgRNA-directed polypeptide synthesis occurs even after eIF4G cleavage or inactivation of eIF4A by selective inhibitors. Remarkably, eIF2α phosphorylation does not hamper sgRNA translation during the late phase of SINV infection. SINV sgRNA thus constitutes a unique model of a capped viral mRNA that is efficiently translated in the absence of several canonical initiation factors. The present review will mainly focus in the non-canonical mechanism of translation of SINV sgRNA.