Obuda University

We introduce the Anisotropic Self-Organizing Map (ASOM), a novel neural network-based approach for inferring hidden common drivers in nonlinear dynamical systems from observed time series. Grounded in topological theorems, our method integrates time-delay embedding, intrinsic dimension estimation, and a new anisotropic training scheme for Kohonen's self-organizing map, enabling the precise decomposition of attractor manifolds into autonomous and shared components of the dynamics. We validated ASOM through simulations involving chaotic maps, where two driven systems were influenced by a hidden nonlinear driver. The inferred time series showed a strong correlation with the actual hidden common driver, unlike the observed systems. We further compared our reconstruction performance against several established methods for identifying shared features in time series, including PCA, kernel PCA, ICA, dynamical component analysis, canonical correlation analysis, deep canonical correlation analysis, traditional self-organizing map, and recent recurrence-based approaches. Our results demonstrate ASOM's superior accuracy and robustness in recovering latent dynamics, providing a powerful tool for unsupervised learning of hidden causal structures in complex systems.

Lately, herbs have evolved into promising therapeutic modalities for preventing and treating Parkinson's disease (PD). Polygalae Radix, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has long been utilized in TCM practice for its effects of opening orifices, dislodging phlegm, detoxifying, reducing swelling and calm the heart and mind. PD is a highly prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, with depression being one of its cardinal clinical manifestations. Roughly 40-50 % of people with PD may experience depression. However, drugs that can alleviate depressive symptoms in PD patients may exacerbate motor symptoms of PD. Therefore, therapeutic agents with low toxicity that are capable of ameliorating PD and its comorbid depressive symptoms represent a current research priority.

Our study investigates the relieving effects and underlying mechanisms of Polygalae Radix extracts (PRE) on PD and its associated depressive symptoms.

1-methyl-4-phenyl-1-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was used to induce PD and its depressive symptoms in zebrafish. Alterations in dopamine (DA) neurons and cerebral vessels were visualized using transgenic zebrafish. The concentrations of DA were quantified by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Thigmotaxis tests and light-dark preference tests were utilized to investigate the depressive symptoms in PD zebrafish model. Glucose levels were measured to reflect the effect of PRE on glycolysis. In addition, multi-omics were used to reveal the underlying mechanism.

PRE reduced Parkinsonian symptoms, including DA neurons and cerebral vasculature deficits, movement disorders, decreased responsiveness, and aberrant expression of PD-associated genes in zebrafish larvae. PRE also restored DA levels and abnormal expression of dat and autophagy-related genes in adult zebrafish PD models. Furthermore, it also alleviated depressive symptoms in this model. It improved the exploratory abilities of both larval and adult zebrafish in thigmotaxis behavior analyses and the light/dark preference tests, along with reversed the abnormal expression of genes related to depression. Transcriptomics and real-time qPCR revealed that PRE reduced glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle disorders, which was further verified by metabolomics.

PRE alleviated PD and depression-like symptoms, possibly by down-regulating pck1 expression, inducing normalization of glucose levels, thereby modulating glycolysis and TCA cycle related to energy metabolism.

Radon gas (Rn-222) is a carcinogenic agent classified by the WHO as Group 1 and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Due to its natural origin in the Earth's crust, this gas is primarily transported by exhalation through cracks, with concentrations that vary depending on soil morphology and climatic seasons. This article studies the radiological impact of radon gas on health in homes in the city of Tunja, Boyacá. For this purpose, solid-state nuclear track detectors CR-39 (SSNTD) were used, exposed for an approximate period of 60 days. The results showed average concentrations of 218.11 Bq·m^-3, a value that falls within the reference limits recommended by the ICRP. This study highlights the importance of establishing public policies in developing countries like Colombia, where specific regulations for radon measurement and control do not yet exist. The results obtained can be used to identify risk areas and serve as a basis for implementing prevention measures and protecting public health.