Abstract: In small clinical studies, the application of transcranial photobiomodulation (PBM), which typically delivers low-intensity near-infrared (NIR) to treat the brain, has led to some remarkable results in the treatment of dementia and several neurodegenerative diseases. However, despite the extensive literature detailing the mechanisms of action underlying PBM outcomes, the specific mechanisms affecting neurodegenerative diseases are not entirely clear. While large clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings, evidence of the mechanisms can explain and thus provide credible support for PBM as a potential treatment for these diseases. Tubulin and its polymerized state of microtubules have been known to play important roles in the pathology of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, we investigated the effects of PBM on these cellular structures in the quest for insights into the underlying therapeutic mechanisms. In this study, we employed a Raman spectroscopic analysis of the amide I band of polymerized samples of tubulin exposed to pulsed low-intensity NIR radiation (810 nm, 10 Hz, 22.5 J/cm2 dose). Peaks in the Raman fingerprint region (300-1900 cm-1)-in particular, in the amide I band (1600-1700 cm-1)-were used to quantify the percentage of protein secondary structures. Under this band, hidden signals of C=O stretching, belonging to different structures, are superimposed, producing a complex signal as a result. An accurate decomposition of the amide I band is therefore required for the reliable analysis of the conformation of proteins, which we achieved through a straightforward method employing a Voigt profile. This approach was validated through secondary structure analyses of unexposed control samples, for which comparisons with other values available in the literature could be conducted. Subsequently, using this validated method, we present novel findings of statistically significant alterations in the secondary structures of polymerized NIR-exposed tubulin, characterized by a notable decrease in alpha-helix content and a concurrent increase in beta-sheets compared to the control samples. This PBM-induced alpha-helix to beta-sheet transition connects to reduced microtubule stability and the introduction of dynamism to allow for the remodeling and, consequently, refreshing of microtubule structures. This newly discovered mechanism could have implications for reducing the risks associated with brain aging, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, through the introduction of an intervention following this transition.

Abstract: This work focuses on the examination of a regular black hole within Verlinde's emergent gravity, specifically investigating the Hayward-like (modified) solution. The study reveals the existence of three horizons under certain conditions, i.e. an event horizon and two Cauchy horizons. Our results indicate regions which phase transitions occur based on the analysis of heat capacity and Hawking temperature. To compute the latter quantity, we utilize three distinct methods: the surface gravity approach, Hawking radiation, and the application of the first law of thermodynamics. In the case of the latter approach, it is imperative to introduce a correction to ensure the preservation of the Bekenstein-Hawking area law. Geodesic trajectories and critical orbits (photon spheres) are calculated, highlighting the presence of three light rings. Additionally, we investigate the black hole shadows. Furthermore, the quasinormal modes are explored using third- and sixth-order Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin approximations. In particular, we observe stable and unstable oscillations for certain frequencies. Finally, in order to comprehend the phenomena of time-dependent scattering in this scenario, we provide an investigation of the time-domain solution.