bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and ectoine (ECT) impacts with and without AMF on antioxidants, gas exchange attributes and nutrients of cotton cultivated in salt affected soil
Authors: Ma Yuhan , Huang Ping , Huang Shoucheng , Younis Uzma , Hussain Ghulam Sabir , Fahad Shah , Danish Subhan , Elshikh Mohamed Soliman , Rizwana Humaira
Published: October 2023

Salinity stress is one of the major hurdles in agriculture which adversely affects crop production. It can cause osmotic imbalance, ion toxicity that disrupts essential nutrient balance, impaired nutrient uptake, stunted growth, increased oxidative stress, altered metabolism, and diminished crop yield and quality. However, foliar application of osmoprotectant is becoming popular to resolve this issue in crops. These osmoprotectants regulate the cellular osmotic balance and protect plants from the detrimental effects of high salt concentrations. Furthermore, the role of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AMF) is also established in this regard. These AMF effectively reduce the salinity negative effects by improving the essential nutrient balance via the promotion of root growth. That’s why keeping in mind the effectiveness of osmoprotectants current study was conducted on cotton. Total of six levels of γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA = 0 mM, 0. 5 mM, and 1 mM) and ectoine (ECT = 0 mM, 0.25 mM, and 0.5 mM) were applied as treatments in 3 replications. Results showed that 0.5 mM γ-Aminobutyric acid and ectoine performed significantly best for the improvement in cotton growth attributes. It also caused significant enhancement in K and Ca contents of the leaf, stem, bur, and seeds compared to the control. Furthermore, 0.5 mM γ-Aminobutyric acid and ectoine also caused a significant decline in Cl and Na contents of leaf, stem, bur, and seeds of cotton compared to control under salinity stress. A significant enhancement in chlorophyll contents, gas exchange attributes, and decline in electrolyte leakage validated the effectiveness of 0.5 mM γ-Aminobutyric acid and ectoine over control. In conclusion, 0.5 mM γ-Aminobutyric acid and ectoine have the potential to mitigate the salinity stress in cotton.
Phytosulfokine contributes to suspension culture of Cunninghamia lanceolata through its impact on redox homeostasis
Authors: Hao Zhaodong , Shi Jinyu , Wu Hua , Yan Yiqing , Xing Kaifei , Zheng Renhua , Shi Jisen , Chen Jinhui
Published: October 2023

Background

Suspension culture is widely used in the establishment of efficient plant regeneration systems, as well as in the mass production of plant secondary metabolites. However, the establishment of a suspension culture system of Cunninghamia lanceolata is genotype-dependent given that proembryogenic masses (PEMs) are prone to browning during this process in recalcitrant genotypes. Previously, we reported that the plant peptide hormone phytosulfokine (PSK) can tremendously decrease the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) level and help to initiate somatic embryogenesis (SE) in recalcitrant C. lanceolata genotypes. However, to date, no studies have revealed whether or how PSK may contribute to the establishment of a suspension culture system in these recalcitrant genotypes.

Results

Here, we demonstrated that exogenous application of PSK effectively inhibited PEM browning during suspension culture in a recalcitrant genotype of C. lanceolata. Comparative time-series transcriptome profiling showed that redox homeostasis underwent drastic fluctuations when PEMs were cultured in liquid medium, while additional PSK treatment helped to maintain a relatively stable redox homeostasis. Interestingly, PSK seemed to have a dual effect on peroxidases (PRXs), with PSK simultaneously transcriptionally repressing ROS-producing PRXs and activating ROS-scavenging PRXs. Furthermore, determination of H2O2 and MDA content, as well as cell viability, showed that exogenous PSK treatment inhibited PEM browning and safeguarded PEM suspension culture by decreasing the H2O2 level and increasing PEM activity.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings provide a valuable tool for the future establishment of large-scale C. lanceolata PEM suspension culture without genotype limitations.
Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections among patients on maintenance haemodialysis: a cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital in Ghana
Authors: Opoku-Asare Bismark , Boima Vincent , Ganu Vincent Jessey , Aboagye Elvis , Asafu-Adjaye Olive , Asare Anita Ago , Kyeremateng Isaac , Kwakyi Edward , Agyei Adwoa , Sampane-Donkor Eric , Puplampu Peter
Published: October 2023

Background

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections (CRBSIs) are notable complications among patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis. However, data on the prevalence of CRBSIs is lacking. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with CRBSIs among patients receiving haemodialysis in the renal unit of the largest tertiary hospital in Ghana.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis via central venous catheters (CVC) between September 2021 and April 2022. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors that were predictive of CRBSI. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 and a p-value<0.05 was statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of CRBSI was 34.2% (52/152). Of these, more than half of them (53.9%(28/52)) had Possible CRBSI while 11.5% (6/52) had Definite CRBSI. Among the positive cultures, 62% (21/34) were from catheter sites whilst the rest were from peripheral blood. Gram-negative cultures made up 53% (18/34) of positive cultures with the rest being Gram positive cultures. Acinetobacter baumannii (33.3% (6/18)) was the commonest organism isolated among Gram-negative cultures whilst Coagulase negative Staphylococci (43.7% (7/16)) was the commonest organism isolated among Gram-positve cultures. Gram-negative bacilli were more predominant in this study making up 52.9% of the total bacteria cultured. Sex, duration of maintenance dialysis, underlying cause of End-stage kidney disease, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), neutrophil count and lymphocyte count were significantly predictive of CRBSI status (p<0.05).

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of CRBSI among patients undergoing haemodialysis. The commonest causative agent was Coagulase negative Staphylococci, however there was a predominance of Gram-negative bacilli as compared to Gram positive cocci. There is a need to set up infection surveillance unit in the renal unit to track CRBSI and put in place measures to reduce these CRBSI.
A hybrid model for tuberculosis forecasting based on empirical mode decomposition in China
Authors: Zhao Ruiqing , Liu Jing , Zhao Zhiyang , Zhai Mengmeng , Ren Hao , Wang Xuchun , Li Yiting , Cui Yu , Qiao Yuchao , Ren Jiahui , Chen Limin , Qiu Lixia
Published: October 2023

Background

Pulmonary Tuberculosis is a major public health problem endangering people's health, a scientifically accurate predictive model is of great practical significance for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods

The reported incidence data of pulmonary tuberculosis were from the National Public Health Science Data Center (https://www.phsciencedata.cn/). The ARIMA, LSTM, EMD-SARIMA, EMD-LSTM, EMD-ARMA-LSTM models were established using the reported monthly incidence of tuberculosis reported in China from January 2008 to December 2018. The MSE, MAE, RMSE and MAPE were used to evaluate the performance of the models to determine the best model.

Results

Comparing decomposition-based single model with undecomposed single model, it was found that: when predicting the incidence trend in the next year, compared with SARIMA model, the MSE, MAE, RMSE and MAPE of EMD-SARIMA decreased by 39.3%, 19.0%, 22.1% and 19.8%, respectively. The MSE, MAE, RMSE and MAPE of EMD-LSTM were reduced by 40.5%, 12.8%, 22.9% and 12.7%, respectively, compared with the LSTM model; Comparing the decomposition-based hybrid model with the decomposition-based single model, it was found that: when predicting the incidence trend in the next year, compared with EMD-SARIMA model, the MSE, MAE, RMSE and MAPE of EMD-ARMA-LSTM model decreased by 21.7%, 10.6%, 11.5% and 11.2%, respectively. The MSE, MAE, RMSE and MAPE of EMD-ARMA-LSTM were reduced by 16.7%, 9.6%, 8.7% and 12.3%, respectively, compared with EMD-LSTM model. Furthermore, the performance of the model were consistent when predicting the incidence trend in the next 3 months, 6 months and 9 months.

Conclusion

The prediction performance of the decomposition-based single model is better than that of the undecomposed single model, and the prediction performance of the combined model using the advantages of different models is better than that of the decomposition-based single model, so the EMD-ARMA-LSTM combination model can improve the prediction accuracy better than other models, which can provide a theoretical basis for predicting the epidemic trend of pulmonary tuberculosis and formulating prevention and control policies.
Physical activity and survival in chronic comorbidity among adult HIV patients in Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Tegene Yadessa , Mengesha Selamawit , Kassa Andargachew , Toma Alemayehu , Spigt Mark
Published: October 2023

Background

Antiretroviral therapy enables people living with HIV to live long lives, and these advances have transformed HIV infection from an acute to a chronic disease. Many non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, are influenced by physical inactivity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of physical activity and survival in chronic co-morbidity among adult people living with HIV in Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based prospective cohort study of adult people living with HIV was conducted between 2019 and 2021. We included 422 people living with HIV at baseline. After the baseline visit, 364 patients without hypertension or diabetes, were followed up for two years. Nine trained nurses used a pre-tested, structured questionnaire to collect data during routine care consultations in three hospitals in southern Ethiopia. STATA version 15 was used to analyze the data. To estimate the survival probability of developing chronic comorbidities, a Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used. A Cox proportional hazards model was fitted to identify the predictors of the development of chronic comorbidities.

Result

In the current study, 39% of the participants were found to have a low level of physical activity. Those who had self-management skills to maintain physical activity (p = 0.023), considered physical activity an important aspect of their HIV management (p = 0.003), and regularly attended social support groups (p = 0.002) had significantly higher levels of physical activity. The risk of chronic comorbidity increased over time, with a rate of 10.83 chronic comorbidities per 1000 persons per month. Lack of regular exercise [AHR: 2.04; 95% CI: (1.03, 5.13)], low physical activity [AHR: 2.01; 95% CI: (1.03, 7.89)], BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 [AHR: 2.74; 95% CI: (1.31, 5.12)] and low fruit and vegetable intake [AHR = 2.57; 95% CI: (1.28, 6.49)] were all associated with the development of chronic comorbidity.

Conclusion

The prevalence of physical inactivity is high in the study population. A physical activity program for people living with HIV should be considered, and the promotion of self-management skills should be integrated into HIV care programs.
Demographic, health, and prognostic characteristics of Australians with liver cancer: a cohort study of linked data in New South Wales for informing cancer control
Authors: Roder David , Banham David , George Jacob , Rushton Shelley , O’Brien Tracey
Published: October 2023

Background

Australian age-standardized incidence and death rates for liver cancer are lower than world averages, but increasing as in other economically advanced western countries. World Health Organization emphasizes the need to address sociodemographic disparities in cancer risk. A more detailed sociodemographic risk profiling was undertaken for liver cancer in New South Wales (NSW) by diagnostic stage, than possible with NSW Cancer Registry (NSWCR) alone, by incorporating linked data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The purpose was to inform targeting and monitoring of cancer services.

Methods

The ABS manages the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP) which includes a wide range of health, educational, welfare, census, and employment data. These data were linked at person level to NSWCR liver cancer registrations for the period post 2016 census to December 2018. De-identified data were analyzed. Sex-specific age-adjusted odds ratios (95%CIs) of liver cancer were derived using logistic regression by age, country of birth, residential remoteness, proficiency in spoken English, household income, employment status, occupation type, educational attainment, sole person household, joblessness, socioeconomic status, disability status, multimorbidity, and other health-related factors, including GP consultations. These data complement the less detailed sociodemographic data available from the NSWCR, with alignment of numerators and population denominators for accurate risk assessment.

Results

Results indicate liver cancer disproportionately affects population members already experiencing excess social and health disadvantage. Examples where 95% confidence intervals of odds ratios of liver cancer were elevated included having poor English-speaking proficiency, limited education, housing authority tenancy, living in sole-person households, having disabilities, multiple medicated conditions, and being carers of people with a disability. Also, odds of liver cancer were higher in more remote regions outside major cities, and in males, with higher odds of more advanced cancer stages (degrees of spread) at diagnosis in more remote regions.

Conclusions

Linked data enabled more detailed risk profiling than previously possible. This will support the targeting of cancer services and benchmarking.
Legalization of marijuana or not? Opinions from over 38,000 residents in Taiwan
Authors: Chao Kuo-Yu , Liu Shu-Hsiang , Chou Chih-Chiang , Chen Ching-I , Cheng Wei
Published: October 2023

Background

Marijuana is legal in many Western countries and Thailand. In Taiwan, Marijuana remains a category-2 narcotic; however, some legislative candidates recently advocated legalization of medical marijuana. This study surveyed a large sample of Taiwanese to gain a better understanding of the public’s knowledge and attitudes towards legalizing marijuana.

Methods

This cross-sectional mixed-methods study included demographic data and responses to a survey questionnaire, “Knowledge and Attitudes of Legalizing Marijuana” (KALM). The survey included 15 statements about four categories: public health, social impact, medical applications of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol), and legal and tax consequences; and two yes/no questions about medical use and legalization of marijuana. Knowledge was scored as disagree = 0, no knowledge = 2, or agree = 4; attitude was scored from 0 = very unimportant to 4 = very important. Responses to an open-ended question asking for additional comments/concerns were analysed with content analysis. The survey was conducted from February 15 to March 1, 2023.

Results

Data were analysed from 38,502 respondents, aged 15 to > 56 years. Most were female (67.1%) and parents (76.4%). Scores were higher for respondents who were parents, religious, ≥ 36 years of age, had a high-income status, no history of substance abuse, knowledge of medical marijuana, and did not support legalization of marijuana. Medical personnel had greater knowledge of marijuana, but their attitude indicated they viewed legalization as less important. In the open-ended question, many respondents requested more information about marijuana be provided to the public before considering legalization.

Conclusions

Taiwanese respondents considered legalization of marijuana a significant concern, especially as it relates to impacts on public health.
Digital oral health biomarkers for early detection of cognitive decline
Authors: Chung Ping-Chen , Chan Ta-Chien
Published: October 2023

Background

Oral health could influence cognitive function by stimulating brain activity and blood flow. The quantified oral status from oral inflammation, frailty and masticatory performance were rarely applied to the cognitive function screening. We aimed to adopt non-invasive digital biomarkers to quantify oral health and employ machine learning algorithms to detect cognitive decline in the community.

Methods

We conducted a prospective case-control study to recruit 196 participants between 50 and 80 years old from Puzi Hospital (Chiayi County, Taiwan) between December 01, 2021, and December 31, 2022, including 163 with normal cognitive function and 33 with cognitive decline. Demographics, daily interactions, electronically stored medical records, masticatory ability, plaque index, oral diadochokinesis (ODK), periodontal status, and digital oral health indicators were collected. Cognitive function was classified, and confirmed mild cognitive impairment diagnoses were used for sensitivity analysis.

Results

The cognitive decline group significantly differed in ODK rate (P = 0.003) and acidity from SILL-Ha (P = 0.04). Younger age, increased social interactions, fewer cariogenic bacteria, high leukocytes, and high buffering capacity led to lower risk of cognitive decline. Patients with slow ODK, high plaque index, variance of hue (VOH) from bicolor chewing gum, and acidity had increased risk of cognitive decline. The prediction model area under the curve was 0.86 and was 0.99 for the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

A digital oral health biomarker approach is feasible for tracing cognitive function. When maintaining oral hygiene and oral health, cognitive status can be assessed simultaneously and early monitoring of cognitive status can prevent disease burden in the future.
Is there hip muscle weakness in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Pizol Gustavo Zanotti , Ferro Moura Franco Katherinne , Cristiane Miyamoto Gisela , Maria Nunes Cabral Cristina
Published: October 2023

Background

Patients with chronic low back pain may present changes in hip muscles. However, there is still limited and controversial evidence of the association between hip muscle weakness and chronic low back pain and whether this weakness can be assessed with functional tests. The purpose of this study was to assess whether there is hip muscle weakness in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain and whether there is an association between the positive Trendelenburg and Step-Down tests and hip muscle strength.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 40 patients with chronic low back pain and 40 healthy participants, assessed in an outpatient clinic in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Muscle strength was measured for the hip abductors, adductors, extensors, internal rotators, and external rotators using isometric manual dynamometry and functional stability was measured by the Trendelenburg and Step-Down tests. Muscle strength was compared using the t test for independent samples and the chi-square test. The association between the tests and strength was performed using a binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

Healthy participants showed a statistically significant greater muscle strength for the right hip abductors (mean difference [MD]: 28.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.4 to 46.9), right adductors (MD: 18.7%, 95% CI: 6.2 to 31.2), right internal rotators (MD: 8.7%, 95% CI: 1.5 to 15.8), right extensors (MD: 21.1%, 95% CI: 6.2 to 31.2), left abductors (MD: 30.4%, 95% CI: 11.9 to 49), left adductors (MD: 18.4%, 95% CI: 3.7 to 33.2), and left extensors (MD: 21.6%, 95% CI: 6.6 to 36.5). There was no difference between groups for the positive functional tests, and there was no association between the tests and hip muscle strength.

Conclusion

Patients with chronic low back pain tend to have hip abductors, adductors, and extensors weakness. Furthermore, the functional tests should not be associated to hip muscle strength in patients with chronic low back pain.
Effect of silver diamine fluoride activation on bond strength to root dentin
Authors: Elmallah Sara , Abdou Ahmed , Rizk Amr , Kusumasari Citra , Ashraf Reem
Published: October 2023

Background

To investigate the effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application and activation on the bond strength of gutta-percha to dentin and resin bonded post to dentin.

Methods

Thirty-six human premolar teeth were used. The coronal part tooth was removed, and endodontic mechanical preparation was performed for all the teeth. The teeth were divided according to final rinse protocol (n = 9) as follows: Control group; no SDF application, SDF/NA; 38% SDF as a final rinse with no activation, SDF/MDA; 38% SDF as a final rinse with manual dynamic activation and SDF/US; 38% SDF as a final rinse with ultrasonic activation. Root canal obturation using lateral condensation technique followed by fiber post insertion after 48 h in the root canal after corresponding preparations. The roots were cut with a low-speed precision saw creating 2 mm thickness sections. A total of 4 sections were obtained from each tooth, 2 coronal specimens (with post) and 2 apical specimens (with Gutta percha). Each specimen was subjected to push-out bond strength test with a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA.

Results

The Push-out bond strength at the apical root section was significantly higher in SDF/MDA and SDF/US groups compared to control group. While for the coronal part, all SDF treated specimen showed reduced Push-out bond strength.

Conclusion

SDF application as final rinse may reduce the bonding performance between fiber post and dentine. Activation with manual and ultrasonic methods improved the bond strength at the apical root section.
Lessons learned from the experiences and perspectives of frontline healthcare workers on the COVID-19 response: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Orhierhor Marian , Pringle Wendy , Halperin Donna , Parsons Janet , Halperin Scott A. , Bettinger Julie A.
Published: October 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems and healthcare workers (HCWs) faced significant demands and unique challenges. In this qualitative study, we explore the effects of the COVID-19 public health policies on British Columbia’s frontline HCWs, describe what worked in the management of the pandemic, and elucidate the lessons learned that could be applied to future pandemic preparedness, recovery and response.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive study is part of a larger, national multi-case study on pandemic policy communication and uptake. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from November 2020- June 2021 with fourteen HCWs working in long-term care (LTC), acute care and public health settings. Data were inductively coded, and analyzed following a resilience framework for public health emergency preparedness, which emphasizes the essential elements of a public health system, vital to all phases of health emergency management, readiness, response and recovery.

Results

HCWs experienced confusion, frustration, uncertainty, anxiety, fatigue and stress, during the pandemic and detailed challenges that affected policy implementation. This included communication and coordination inconsistencies between the province and regional health authorities; lack of involvement of frontline staff in pandemic planning; inadequate training and support; inadequate personal protective equipment resource capacity and mobilization; and staffing shortages. HCWs recommended increased collaboration between frontline staff and policy makers, investment in preparing and practicing pandemic plans, and the need for training in emergency management and infection prevention and control.

Conclusions

Pandemic planning, response and recovery should include inputs from actors/key stakeholders at the provincial, regional and local levels, to facilitate better coordination, communication and outcomes. Also, given the critical roles of frontline HCWs in policy implementation, they should be adequately supported and consideration must be given to how they interpret and act on policies. Bi-directional communication channels should be incorporated between policymakers and frontline HCWs to verify the appropriate adoption of policies, reflective learning, and to ensure policy limitations are being communicated and acted upon by policy makers.
Identification and evaluation in-vitro of conserved peptides with high affinity to MHC-I as potential protective epitopes for Newcastle disease virus vaccines
Authors: Tataje-Lavanda Luis , Málaga Edith , Verastegui Manuela , Mayta Huatuco Egma , Icochea Eliana , Fernández-Díaz Manolo , Zimic Mirko
Published: October 2023

Background

Newcastle disease (ND) is a major threat to the poultry industry, leading to significant economic losses. The current ND vaccines, usually based on active or attenuated strains, are only partially effective and can cause adverse effects post-vaccination. Therefore, the development of safer and more efficient vaccines is necessary. Epitopes represent the antigenic portion of the pathogen and their identification and use for immunization could lead to safer and more effective vaccines. However, the prediction of protective epitopes for a pathogen is a major challenge, especially taking into account the immune system of the target species.

Results

In this study, we utilized an artificial intelligence algorithm to predict ND virus (NDV) peptides that exhibit high affinity to the chicken MHC-I complex. We selected the peptides that are conserved across different NDV genotypes and absent in the chicken proteome. From the filtered peptides, we synthesized the five peptides with the highest affinities for the L, HN, and F proteins of NDV. We evaluated these peptides in-vitro for their ability to elicit cell-mediated immunity, which was measured by the lymphocyte proliferation in spleen cells of chickens previously immunized with NDV.

Conclusions

Our study identified five peptides with high affinity to MHC-I that have the potential to serve as protective epitopes and could be utilized for the development of multi-epitope NDV vaccines. This approach can provide a safer and more efficient method for NDV immunization.
Extracellular release in the quality control of the mammalian mitochondria
Authors: Pan Kuei-Hsiang , Chang Hung , Yang Wei Yuan
Published: October 2023

Mammalian cells release a wealth of materials to their surroundings. Emerging data suggest these materials can even be mitochondria with perturbed morphology and aberrant function. These dysfunctional mitochondria are removed by migrating cells through membrane shedding. Neuronal cells, cardiomyocytes, and adipocytes send dysfunctional mitochondria into the extracellular space for nearby cells to degrade. Various studies also indicate that there is an interplay between intracellular mitochondrial degradation pathways and mitochondrial release in handling dysfunctional mitochondria. These observations, in aggregate, suggest that extracellular release plays a role in quality-controlling mammalian mitochondria. Future studies will help delineate the various types of molecular machinery mammalian cells use to release dysfunctional mitochondria. Through the studies, we will better understand how mammalian cells choose between intracellular degradation and extracellular release for the quality control of mitochondria.
Improvement of ethanol and 2,3-butanediol production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by ATP wasting
Authors: Yatabe Futa , Seike Taisuke , Okahashi Nobuyuki , Ishii Jun , Matsuda Fumio
Published: October 2023

Background

“ATP wasting” has been observed in 13C metabolic flux analyses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a yeast strain commonly used to produce ethanol. Some strains of S. cerevisiae, such as the sake strain Kyokai 7, consume approximately two-fold as much ATP as laboratory strains. Increased ATP consumption may be linked to the production of ethanol, which helps regenerate ATP.

Results

This study was conducted to enhance ethanol and 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO) production in the S. cerevisiae strains, ethanol-producing strain BY318 and 2,3-BDO-producing strain YHI030, by expressing the fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) and ATP synthase (ATPase) genes to induce ATP dissipation. The introduction of a futile cycle for ATP consumption in the pathway was achieved by expressing various FBPase and ATPase genes from Escherichia coli and S. cerevisiae in the yeast strains. The production of ethanol and 2,3-BDO was evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, and fermentation tests were performed on synthetic media under aerobic conditions in batch culture. The results showed that in the BY318-opt_ecoFBPase (expressing opt_ecoFBPase) and BY318-ATPase (expressing ATPase) strains, specific glucose consumption was increased by 30% and 42%, respectively, and the ethanol production rate was increased by 24% and 45%, respectively. In contrast, the YHI030-opt_ecoFBPase (expressing opt_ecoFBPase) and YHI030-ATPase (expressing ATPase) strains showed increased 2,3-BDO yields of 26% and 18%, respectively, and the specific production rate of 2,3-BDO was increased by 36%. Metabolomic analysis confirmed the introduction of the futile cycle.

Conclusion

ATP wasting may be an effective strategy for improving the fermentative biosynthetic capacity of S. cerevisiae, and increased ATP consumption may be a useful tool in some alcohol-producing strains.
Informing efforts beyond tailored promotional campaigns by understanding contextual factors shaping vaccine hesitancy among equity-deserving populations in Canada: an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Nascimento Lena G. , Dubé Ève , Burns Kathleen E. , Brown Patrick , Calnan Michael , Ward Paul R. , Filice Eric , Herati Hoda , Ike Nnenna A. U. , Rotolo Bobbi , Meyer Samantha B.
Published: October 2023

Background

Vaccine hesitancy exists on a continuum ranging between complete adherence and complete refusal due to doubts or concerns within a heterogeneous group of individuals. Despite widespread acknowledgement of the contextual factors influencing attitudes and beliefs shaping COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, qualitative research with equity-deserving groups, accounting for unique lived experiences, remains a gap in the literature. We aim to identify and begin to understand and document the unique contextual factors shaping hesitancy by equity-deserving groups as it relates to relationships with government and health authorities.

Methods

Participants were recruited and interviewed between Aug-Dec 2021. Semi-structured interviews using a convergent interviewing technique were conducted with individuals from the general population, as well as individuals who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit, members of the LGBT2SQ + community, low-income Canadians, Black Canadians, and newcomers. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed by a team of researchers. Memos were written following interviews and used to complement the thematic analysis of the interview data. Themes are presented in the results section.

Results

The rationale for hesitancy among equity-deserving groups is consistent with literature documenting hesitancy in the general population. Contextual factors surrounding equity-deserving groups’ attitudes and beliefs, however, are unique and relate to a history of oppression, discrimination, and genocide. We identified factors unique to subgroups; for example, religious or fatalistic beliefs among participant who identify as FNMI, fear associated with lack of testing and speed of vaccines’ production among participants who identify as FNMI, Black, and LGBT2SQ + , distrust of the healthcare system for LGBT2SQ + and Black Canadians, and distrust of the government and opposition to vaccine mandates for participating who identify as LGBT2SQ + , low-income, FNMI, or Black Canadian. Newcomers stood out as very trusting of the government and accepting of COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusions

While our data on vaccine hesitancy largely mirror concerns reported in the vast body of literature citing rationale for COVID-19 hesitancy in high-income countries, the contextual factors identified in our work point to the need for wider systemic change. Our results may be used to support efforts, beyond tailored promotion campaigns, to support the confident acceptance of vaccines for COVID-19 and the acceptance of novel vaccines as future infectious diseases emerge.
Multi-level strategies to improve equitable timely person-centred osteoarthritis care for diverse women: qualitative interviews with women and healthcare professionals
Authors: Gagliardi Anna R. , Abbaticchio Angelina , Theodorlis Madeline , Marshall Deborah , MacKay Crystal , Borkhoff Cornelia M. , Hazlewood Glen Stewart , Battistella Marisa , Lofters Aisha , Ahluwalia Vandana
Published: October 2023

Background

Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis (OA), and have greater OA pain and disability compared with men, but are less likely to receive guideline-recommended management, particularly racialized women. OA care of diverse women, and strategies to improve the quality of their OA care is understudied. The purpose of this study was to explore strategies to overcome barriers of access to OA care for diverse women.

Methods

We conducted qualitative interviews with key informants and used content analysis to identify themes regarding what constitutes person-centred OA care, barriers of OA care, and strategies to support equitable timely access to person-centred OA care.

Results

We interviewed 27 women who varied by ethno-cultural group (e.g. African or Caribbean Black, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Pakistani, Caucasian), age, region of Canada, level of education, location of OA and years with OA; and 31 healthcare professionals who varied by profession (e.g. family physician, nurse practitioner, community pharmacist, physio- and occupational therapists, chiropractors, healthcare executives, policy-makers), career stage, region of Canada and type of organization. Participants within and across groups largely agreed on approaches for person-centred OA care across six domains: foster a healing relationship, exchange information, address emotions, manage uncertainty, share decisions and enable self-management. Participants identified 22 barriers of access and 18 strategies to overcome barriers at the patient- (e.g. educational sessions and materials that accommodate cultural norms offered in different languages and formats for persons affected by OA), healthcare professional- (e.g. medical and continuing education on OA and on providing OA care tailored to intersectional factors) and system- (e.g. public health campaigns to raise awareness of OA, and how to prevent and manage it; self-referral to and public funding for therapy, greater number and ethno-cultural diversity of healthcare professionals, healthcare policies that address the needs of diverse women, dedicated inter-professional OA clinics, and a national strategy to coordinate OA care) levels.

Conclusions

This research contributes to a gap in knowledge of how to optimize OA care for disadvantaged groups including diverse women. Ongoing efforts are needed to examine how best to implement these strategies, which will require multi-sector collaboration and must engage diverse women.
Progressing nanotechnology to improve targeted cancer treatment: overcoming hurdles in its clinical implementation
Authors: Chehelgerdi Mohammad , Chehelgerdi Matin , Allela Omer Qutaiba B. , Pecho Renzon Daniel Cosme , Jayasankar Narayanan , Rao Devendra Pratap , Thamaraikani Tamilanban , Vasanthan Manimaran , Viktor Patrik , Lakshmaiya Natrayan , Saadh Mohamed J. , Amajd Ayesha , Abo-Zaid Mabrouk A. , Castillo-Acobo Roxana Yolanda , Ismail Ahmed H. , Amin Ali H. , Akhavan-Sigari Reza
Published: October 2023

The use of nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the detection and treatment of cancer. Developments in protein engineering and materials science have led to the emergence of new nanoscale targeting techniques, which offer renewed hope for cancer patients. While several nanocarriers for medicinal purposes have been approved for human trials, only a few have been authorized for clinical use in targeting cancer cells. In this review, we analyze some of the authorized formulations and discuss the challenges of translating findings from the lab to the clinic. This study highlights the various nanocarriers and compounds that can be used for selective tumor targeting and the inherent difficulties in cancer therapy. Nanotechnology provides a promising platform for improving cancer detection and treatment in the future, but further research is needed to overcome the current limitations in clinical translation.

Graphical Abstract
Exosome, the glass slipper for Cinderella of cancer—bladder cancer?
Authors: Yang Yuanyuan , Miao Lintao , Lu Yuchao , Sun Yi , Wang Shaogang
Published: October 2023

Exosomes are lipid bilayer vesicles with a diameter of 40–100 nm secreted by almost all cells. They have been found play crucial regulatory roles in various diseases. With the development of exosomes engineering technology, exosome-based drug delivery has also rapidly evolved. Bladder cancer is a worldwide disease with high morbidity and recurrence but lack of funding, so it is also called Cinderella. Some explorations have demonstrated that exosomes are important in the development, prognosis, diagnosis and drug delivery of bladder cancer. With the rapid development of Mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing, increasing numbers of differentially expressed molecules derived from exosomes have been found in bladder cancer. Exosomes and their contents are largely involved in bladder cancer progression, engineering of these exosomes with the targeted genes improves their potential for drug delivery of bladder cancer. Furthermore, exosomes and their contents are relate to many characteristics of bladder cancer. Herein, we briefly search 59 researches to explore the cargoes encapsuled in exosomes of bladder cancer patients. We also summarize the biogenesis, function, expression profiles, engineering approaches and biological mechanisms of exosomes and their contents for the diagnosis, prognosis and drug delivery for bladder cancer. We aim to make it clear whether exosomes are the glass slippers of Cinderella.

Graphical Abstract
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for stage II–III breast cancer: a single-center experience
Authors: Zaher Haidi Abd El , Fathy Hamada , Abozeid Mohamed , Faisal Mohammed
Published: October 2023

Introduction

We conducted this study to reflect a single-center experience with the use of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy (NAC) for the management of women with operable breast cancer.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review on all women presenting with operable, stage II–III, breast cancer and were scheduled for NAC at Suez Canal University Hospital. The primary outcome of this study was to estimate the proportion of patients with breast cancer who become eligible for breast-conserving surgery (BCS) after (NAC).

Results

A total of 147 patients were included. Before the initiation of chemotherapy, only 66 (44.9%) patients were indicated for (BCS). A total of 40 (49.4%) new patients, out of the 81 patients who were ineligible before chemotherapy, became eligible for BCS after NAC (95% CI 39.3–61.9%). On the other hand, 8 (12.1%) patients became ineligible for BCS after NAC, out of 66 patients who were initially eligible. Out of the 98 eligible patients for BCS after chemotherapy, 72 (73.5%) patients underwent the surgery, and the remaining 26 (26.5%) patients chose modified radical mastectomy (MRM). A total of 55 out of 72 (76.4%) patients achieved pathological complete response (pCR). One woman (0.1%) experienced relapse in the 3rd year of follow-up and three women (2%) experienced relapse in the 5th year of follow-up. We found a statistically significant relationship between patients who became eligible for breast-conserving surgery and both age and estrogen receptor negativity (p = 0.001 and 0.007, respectively).

Conclusion

NAC can play a crucial role in increasing the rate of eligibility for BCS among women with operable, stage II–III, breast cancer.
Tissue fibrosis induced by radiotherapy: current understanding of the molecular mechanisms, diagnosis and therapeutic advances
Authors: Yu Zuxiang , Xu Chaoyu , Song Bin , Zhang Shihao , Chen Chong , Li Changlong , Zhang Shuyu
Published: October 2023

Cancer remains the leading cause of death around the world. In cancer treatment, over 50% of cancer patients receive radiotherapy alone or in multimodal combinations with other therapies. One of the adverse consequences after radiation exposure is the occurrence of radiation-induced tissue fibrosis (RIF), which is characterized by the abnormal activation of myofibroblasts and the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix. This phenotype can manifest in multiple organs, such as lung, skin, liver and kidney. In-depth studies on the mechanisms of radiation-induced fibrosis have shown that a variety of extracellular signals such as immune cells and abnormal release of cytokines, and intracellular signals such as cGAS/STING, oxidative stress response, metabolic reprogramming and proteasome pathway activation are involved in the activation of myofibroblasts. Tissue fibrosis is extremely harmful to patients' health and requires early diagnosis. In addition to traditional serum markers, histologic and imaging tests, the diagnostic potential of nuclear medicine techniques is emerging. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapies are the traditional treatments for radiation-induced fibrosis. Recently, some promising therapeutic strategies have emerged, such as stem cell therapy and targeted therapies. However, incomplete knowledge of the mechanisms hinders the treatment of this disease. Here, we also highlight the potential mechanistic, diagnostic and therapeutic directions of radiation-induced fibrosis.
Causal relationships of circulating amino acids with cardiovascular disease: a trans-ancestry Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Hu Song , Lin Zhennan , Hu Meng-Jin , Tan Jiang-Shan , Guo Ting-Ting , Huang Xin , Hua Lu
Published: October 2023

Background

Epidemiological studies demonstrated that multiple amino acids (AAs) were associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but whether these associations were causal remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the causal relationships between circulating levels of 20 AAs and 10 CVDs in European and East Asian populations by Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

This MR study utilized single-nucleotide polymorphisms that were significantly associated with AAs as instrumental variables. Summary-level data for AAs and CVDs were obtained from public genome-wide association studies. The causal effects were primarily estimated by inverse variance weighting with multiplicative random effect method. Sensitivity analyses, including weighted median, weighted mode, and MR Egger regression, were used to test the robustness of our results.

Results

In the European population, alanine and serine were inversely associated with angina pectoris (AP) and chronic heart failure, respectively. With each unit increase of leucine, the risk of ischemic stroke increased by 10%. Moreover, tyrosine was positively associated with AP and deep vein thrombosis. In the East Asian population, each unit increase in glycine was associated with 4.1% and 9.0% decreased risks of coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI), respectively. A unit increase in serine was associated with 13.1%, 12.6% and 15.5% decreased risks of AP, CAD and MI, respectively. Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of our results.

Conclusions

This MR study demonstrated significant causal effects of circulating levels of AAs on CVDs, indicating the potential use of AAs as biomarkers or as therapeutic targets for CVD in clinical scenarios.

Graphical Abstract
Neuroplastin exerts antiepileptic effects through binding to the α1 subunit of GABA type A receptors to inhibit the internalization of the receptors
Authors: Li Sijun , Wei Xing , Huang Hongmi , Ye Lin , Ma Meigang , Sun Lanfeng , Lu Yuling , Wu Yuan
Published: October 2023

Background

Seizures are associated with a decrease in γ-aminobutyric type A acid receptors (GABAaRs) on the neuronal surface, which may be regulated by enhanced internalization of GABAaRs. When interactions between GABAaR subunit α-1 (GABRA1) and postsynaptic scaffold proteins are weakened, the α1-containing GABAaRs leave the postsynaptic membrane and are internalized. Previous evidence suggested that neuroplastin (NPTN) promotes the localization of GABRA1 on the postsynaptic membrane. However, the association between NPTN and GABRA1 in seizures and its effect on the internalization of α1-containing GABAaRs on the neuronal surface has not been studied before.

Methods

An in vitro seizure model was constructed using magnesium-free extracellular fluid, and an in vivo model of status epilepticus (SE) was constructed using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Additionally, in vitro and in vivo NPTN-overexpression models were constructed. Electrophysiological recordings and internalization assays were performed to evaluate the action potentials and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents of neurons, as well as the intracellular accumulation ratio of α1-containing GABAaRs in neurons. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of GABRA1 and NPTN both in vitro and in vivo. Immunofluorescence co-localization analysis and co-immunoprecipitation were performed to evaluate the interaction between GABRA1 and NPTN.

Results

The expression of GABRA1 was found to be decreased on the neuronal surface both in vivo and in vitro seizure models. In the in vitro seizure model, α1-containing GABAaRs showed increased internalization. NPTN expression was found to be positively correlated with GABRA1 expression on the neuronal surface both in vivo and in vitro seizure models. In addition, NPTN overexpression alleviated seizures and NPTN was shown to bind to GABRA1 to form protein complexes that can be disrupted during seizures in both in vivo and in vitro models. Furthermore, NPTN was found to inhibit the internalization of α1-containing GABAaRs in the in vitro seizure model.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence that NPTN may exert antiepileptic effects by binding to GABRA1 to inhibit the internalization of α1-containing GABAaRs.

Graphical Abstract