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Magill E, Demartis S, Gavini E, Permana AD, Thakur RRS, Adrianto MF, Waite D, Glover K, Picco CJ, Korelidou A, Detamornrat U, Vora LK, Li L, Anjani QK, Donnelly RF, Domínguez-Robles J, Larrañeta E. Solid implantable devices for sustained drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114950. [PMID: 37295560 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Implantable drug delivery systems (IDDS) are an attractive alternative to conventional drug administration routes. Oral and injectable drug administration are the most common routes for drug delivery providing peaks of drug concentrations in blood after administration followed by concentration decay after a few hours. Therefore, constant drug administration is required to keep drug levels within the therapeutic window of the drug. Moreover, oral drug delivery presents alternative challenges due to drug degradation within the gastrointestinal tract or first pass metabolism. IDDS can be used to provide sustained drug delivery for prolonged periods of time. The use of this type of systems is especially interesting for the treatment of chronic conditions where patient adherence to conventional treatments can be challenging. These systems are normally used for systemic drug delivery. However, IDDS can be used for localised administration to maximise the amount of drug delivered within the active site while reducing systemic exposure. This review will cover current applications of IDDS focusing on the materials used to prepare this type of systems and the main therapeutic areas of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Magill
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Sara Demartis
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, 07100, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Gavini
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, 07100, Italy
| | - Andi Dian Permana
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar 90245, Indonesia
| | - Raghu Raj Singh Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; Re-Vana Therapeutics, McClay Research Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Muhammad Faris Adrianto
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; Re-Vana Therapeutics, McClay Research Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya, East Java 60115, Indonesia
| | - David Waite
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; Re-Vana Therapeutics, McClay Research Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Katie Glover
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Camila J Picco
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Anna Korelidou
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Usanee Detamornrat
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Lalitkumar K Vora
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Linlin Li
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Qonita Kurnia Anjani
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; Fakultas Farmasi, Universitas Megarezky, Jl. Antang Raya No. 43, Makassar 90234, Indonesia
| | - Ryan F Donnelly
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Juan Domínguez-Robles
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Eneko Larrañeta
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
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2
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Silva ABP, Carreiró F, Ramos F, Sanches-Silva A. The role of endocrine disruptors in female infertility. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:7069-7088. [PMID: 37402067 PMCID: PMC10374778 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION According to the World Health Organization, infertility is a public health problem that affects around 48 million couples and 186 million individuals worldwide. Endocrine disruptors are one of the causes that raise more concern, given that it is a problem that has evolved with the progress of society. Many chemicals are used by food industry, entering food chain, and directly affecting human health. Endocrine disruptors have the capacity of interfering with the normal hormonal action, metabolism, and biosynthesis, which can lead to a variation of the normal hormonal homeostasis. Some of these endocrine disruptors are highly associated with diseases that are positively correlated with female infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycle and also disturbances on processes as steroidogenesis and development of the ovarian follicles. RESULTS The present literature review covers various aspects of the possible relationship between endocrine disruptors and female infertility. Bisphenol A and its metabolites, phthalates, dioxins, organochlorine, and organophosphate compounds are groups of chemicals considered to have the capacity to disrupt endocrine activity and herein addressed. The results reported in in vivo studies and in clinical trials addressing endocrine disruptors and female infertility were discussed as well as their possible mechanism of action. CONCLUSIONS Large, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials are needed to better understand the mechanisms of action of endocrine disruptors in female infertility, as well as the doses and frequency of exposure responsible for it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Beatriz P Silva
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filipa Carreiró
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV), Rua dos Lagidos, Lugar da Madalena, Vairão, 4485-655, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Fernando Ramos
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Sanches-Silva
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Pharmacy, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
- National Institute of Agrarian and Veterinary Research (INIAV), Rua dos Lagidos, Lugar da Madalena, Vairão, 4485-655, Vila do Conde, Portugal.
- Center for Study in Animal Science (CECA)-ICETA, University of Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, 14 Apartado, 55142-401, Porto, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (Al4AnimalS), 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Vuong NB, Quang HV, Linh Trang BN, Duong DH, Toan NL, Tong HV. Association of PKLR gene copy number, expression levels and enzyme activity with 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposure in individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin in Vietnam. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 329:138677. [PMID: 37060958 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) is the most toxic congener of dioxin and has serious long-term effects on the environment and human health. Pyruvate Kinase L/R (PKLR) gene expression levels and gene variants are associated with pyruvate kinase enzyme deficiency, which has been identified as the cause of several diseases linked to dioxin exposure. In this study, we estimated PKLR gene copy number and gene expression levels using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays, genotyped PKLR SNP rs3020781 by Sanger sequencing, and quantified plasma pyruvate kinase enzyme activity in 100 individuals exposed to Agent Orange/Dioxin near Bien Hoa and Da Nang airfields in Vietnam and 100 healthy controls. The means of PKLR copy numbers and PKLR gene expression levels were significantly higher, while pyruvate kinase enzyme activity was significantly decreased in Agent Orange/Dioxin-exposed individuals compared to healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Positive correlations of PKLR gene copy number and gene expression with 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations were observed (r = 0.2, P = 0.045 and r = 0.54, P < 0.0001, respectively). In contrast, pyruvate kinase enzyme activity was inversely correlated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations (r = -0.52, P < 0.0001). PKLR gene copy number and gene expression levels were also inversely correlated with pyruvate kinase enzyme activity. Additionally, PKLR SNP rs3020781 was found to be associated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations and PKLR gene expression. In conclusion, PKLR copy number, gene expression levels, and pyruvate kinase enzyme activity are associated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposure in individuals living in Agent Orange/Dioxin-contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Ba Vuong
- Department of Haematology, Toxicology, Radiation, and Occupation, 103 Military Hospital, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Ha Van Quang
- The Center of Toxicological and Radiological Training and Research, Vietnam Military Medical University, Viet Nam
| | - Bui Ngoc Linh Trang
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Dao Hong Duong
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen Linh Toan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Hoang Van Tong
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
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Zheng Y, Chen C, Wang M, Moawad AS, Wang X, Song C. SINE Insertion in the Pig Carbonic Anhydrase 5B (CA5B) Gene Is Associated with Changes in Gene Expression and Phenotypic Variation. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1942. [PMID: 37370452 DOI: 10.3390/ani13121942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Transposons are genetic elements that are present in mammalian genomes and occupy a large proportion of the pig genome, with retrotransposons being the most abundant. In a previous study, it was found that a SINE retrotransposon was inserted in the 1st intron of the CA5B gene in pigs, and the present study aimed to investigate the SINE insertion polymorphism in this gene in different pig breeds. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm the polymorphism in 11 pig breeds and wild boars), and it was found that there was moderate polymorphism information content in 9 of the breeds. Further investigation in cell experiments revealed that the 330 bp SINE insertion in the RIP-CA5B site promoted expression activity in the weak promoter region of this site. Additionally, an enhancer verification vector experiment showed that the 330 bp SINE sequence acted as an enhancer on the core promoter region upstream of the CA5B gene region. The expression of CA5B in adipose tissue (back fat and leaf fat) in individuals with the (SINE+/+) genotype was significantly higher than those with (SINE+/-) and (SINE-/-) genotypes. The association analysis revealed that the (SINE+/+) genotype was significantly associated with a higher back fat thickness than the (SINE-/-) genotype. Moreover, it was observed that the insertion of SINE at the RIP-CA5B site carried ATTT repeats, and three types of (ATTT) repeats were identified among different individuals/breeds (i.e., (ATTT)4, (ATTT)6 and (ATTT)9). Overall, the study provides insights into the genetic basis of adipose tissue development in pigs and highlights the role of a SINE insertion in the CA5B gene in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Cai Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory, Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Mengli Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ali Shoaib Moawad
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Chengyi Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
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5
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Bondarenko AL. Clinical case of imported tropical malaria in a teenager. CHILDREN INFECTIONS 2023. [DOI: 10.22627/2072-8107-2023-22-1-66-69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
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6
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Frohlich J, Bayne T, Crone JS, DallaVecchia A, Kirkeby-Hinrup A, Mediano PA, Moser J, Talar K, Gharabaghi A, Preissl H. Not with a “zap” but with a “beep”: measuring the origins of perinatal experience. Neuroimage 2023; 273:120057. [PMID: 37001834 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
When does the mind begin? Infant psychology is mysterious in part because we cannot remember our first months of life, nor can we directly communicate with infants. Even more speculative is the possibility of mental life prior to birth. The question of when consciousness, or subjective experience, begins in human development thus remains incompletely answered, though boundaries can be set using current knowledge from developmental neurobiology and recent investigations of the perinatal brain. Here, we offer our perspective on how the development of a sensory perturbational complexity index (sPCI) based on auditory ("beep-and-zip"), visual ("flash-and-zip"), or even olfactory ("sniff-and-zip") cortical perturbations in place of electromagnetic perturbations ("zap-and-zip") might be used to address this question. First, we discuss recent studies of perinatal cognition and consciousness using techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and, in particular, magnetoencephalography (MEG). While newborn infants are the archetypal subjects for studying early human development, researchers may also benefit from fetal studies, as the womb is, in many respects, a more controlled environment than the cradle. The earliest possible timepoint when subjective experience might begin is likely the establishment of thalamocortical connectivity at 26 weeks gestation, as the thalamocortical system is necessary for consciousness according to most theoretical frameworks. To infer at what age and in which behavioral states consciousness might emerge following the initiation of thalamocortical pathways, we advocate for the development of the sPCI and similar techniques, based on EEG, MEG, and fMRI, to estimate the perinatal brain's state of consciousness.
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7
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Vijeyakumaran M, Jawhri MA, Fortunato J, Solomon L, Shrestha Palikhe N, Vliagoftis H, Cameron L. Dual activation of estrogen receptor alpha and glucocorticoid receptor upregulate CRTh2-mediated type 2 inflammation; mechanism driving asthma severity in women? Allergy 2023; 78:767-779. [PMID: 36207765 DOI: 10.1111/all.15543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2-high asthma is characterized by elevated levels of circulating Th2 cells and eosinophils, cells that express chemoattractant-homologous receptor expressed on Th2 cells (CRTh2). Severe asthma is more common in women than men; however, the underlying mechanism(s) remain elusive. Here we examined whether the relationship between severe asthma and type 2 inflammation differs by sex and if estrogen influences Th2 cell response to glucocorticoid (GC). METHODS Type 2 inflammation and the proportion of blood Th2 cells (CD4+ CRTh2+ ) were assessed in whole blood from subjects with asthma (n = 66). The effects of GC and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) agonist on in vitro differentiated Th2 cells were examined. Expression of CRTh2, type 2 cytokines and degree of apoptosis (Annexin V+ , 7-AAD) were determined by flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, western blot and ELISA. RESULTS In severe asthma, the proportion of circulating Th2 cells and hospitalizations were higher in women than men. Women with severe asthma also had more Th2 cells and serum IL-13 than women with mild/moderate asthma. Th2 cells, eosinophils and CRTh2 mRNA correlated with clinical characteristics associated with asthma control in women but not men. In vitro, GC and ERα agonist treated Th2 cells exhibited less apoptosis, more CRTh2 as well as IL-5 and IL-13 following CRTh2 activation than Th2 cells treated with GC alone. CONCLUSION Women with severe asthma had higher levels of circulating Th2 cells than men, which may be due to estrogen modifying the effects of GC, enhancing Th2 cell survival and type 2 cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meerah Vijeyakumaran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - MohdWessam Al Jawhri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jenna Fortunato
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Solomon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nami Shrestha Palikhe
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Alberta Respiratory Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Harissios Vliagoftis
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine and Alberta Respiratory Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lisa Cameron
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Himel MH, Sikder B, Ahmed T, Choudhury SM. Biomimicry in nanotechnology: a comprehensive review. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:596-614. [PMID: 36756510 PMCID: PMC9890514 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00571a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Biomimicry has been utilized in many branches of science and engineering to develop devices for enhanced and better performance. The application of nanotechnology has made life easier in modern times. It has offered a way to manipulate matter and systems at the atomic level. As a result, the miniaturization of numerous devices has been possible. Of late, the integration of biomimicry with nanotechnology has shown promising results in the fields of medicine, robotics, sensors, photonics, etc. Biomimicry in nanotechnology has provided eco-friendly and green solutions to the energy problem and in textiles. This is a new research area that needs to be explored more thoroughly. This review illustrates the progress and innovations made in the field of nanotechnology with the integration of biomimicry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan Himel
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Brac University 66 Mohakhali Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh
| | - Bejoy Sikder
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
| | - Tanvir Ahmed
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Brac University 66 Mohakhali Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh
| | - Sajid Muhaimin Choudhury
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dhaka 1205 Bangladesh
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Assessment of PCDD/Fs Emission during Industrial-Organic-Solid-Waste Incineration Process in a Fluidized-Bed Incinerator. Processes (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11010251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted in a fluidized-bed incineration plant, evaluating the formation, emission and flux of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) from industrial-organic-solid-waste (IW) incineration. The results revealed that both the total (or I-TEQ) concentrations of toxic and 136 total PCDD/Fs in flue gas (FG), fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA)were ramped up to a higher level than those during municipal-solid-waste (MSW) incineration. A possible explanation was the chlorine (Cl) content of IW. However, the emitted PCDD/Fs in FG (FA/BA) still fulfilled the criteria. Subsequently, similar distribution patterns of PCDD/F isomers were observed in subsystems, indicating a unified formation-pathway. De novo synthesis was detected as the dominant formation-pathway of PCDD/Fs, while high-temperature and precursor syntheses were excluded. DD/DF chlorination formed PCDD/Fs to some extent. Furthermore, the mass flow chart indicated that PCDD/Fs output in primary FG was significantly strengthened (>1000 times) by de novo synthesis, from 1.25 μg I-TEQ/h to 1.67 mg I-TEQ/h. With effective cleaning by APCS, 99.6% of PCDD/Fs in FG were purified. PCDD/Fs in the gas phase were finally emitted at a discharge rate of 7.25 μg I-TEQ/h. However, accumulated FA took most PCDD/Fs into the environment (>99%), reaching 3.56 mg I-TEQ/h.
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Pender E, Kostak L, Sutton K, Naccarato C, Tsai A, Chung T, Daughters S. Resources for the Assessment and Treatment of Substance Use Disorder in Adolescents. WIKIJOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.15347/wjm/2023.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is understood as the persistent use of substances to the detriment of the individual's livelihood and wellness. SUD can have serious mental, physical, and social ramifications if not properly addressed. Though SUD can develop at any age, it is especially important to address in adolescents, given rising prevalence of certain substances (e.g. cannabis) in that age group and poor prognosis associated with early-onset SUD.[1][2] Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show the lifetime use of illicit drugs in people ages 12-17 is 20.9%.[3] The same survey found the rate of Substance Use Disorder in the past year for people ages 12-17 who used illicit drugs or alcohol to be 6.3% in 2020.[3] This paper is intended for clinicians and lay people to gain a deeper understanding of SUD in adolescents, particularly relating to alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and opioids. Though alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine are the substances most commonly used by this age demographic nationally,[4] opioid use – and resulting deaths – have been on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids were connected to about 75% of the nearly 92,000 drug deaths in 2020.[5] Beyond significant death rates in the general population, recent spikes in adolescent death rate tied to the synthetic opioid fentanyl – which held a relatively stable death rate from 2010 to 2019 until seeing a 94% increase from 2019 to 2020 and additional 20% increase to 2021 - warrants inquiry into opioids for this population.[6] Each of these substances can have adverse, long-lasting effects on health if not managed properly, resulting in seriously compromised lifelong wellbeing.[7] This article explores SUD prevalence and reviews diagnostic criteria in relation to adolescence, including a synopsis of changes in SUD classification between the DSM-IV and DSM-5 and discussion of ICD-11 and the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) as a basis for research related to substance use. Effective assessment and consideration of co-occurring disorders are covered as well. Although the prognosis of SUD varies by an individual's environment and circumstances, a modal developmental course for SUD is discussed. Finally, a curated list of nationally recognized resources including hotlines, treatment locators, informational sites, and support groups is provided, along with tools to compile local resources. By addressing these aspects of adolescent SUD, the research team offers a broader view of its prevalence in the United States, key warning signs and comorbidities, and possible assessments and treatments for adolescents with SUD.
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11
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Zhang S, Xu T, Ren Y, Song L, Liu Z, Kang X, Li Y. The NAC transcription factor family in Eucommia ulmoides: Genome-wide identification, characterization, and network analysis in relation to the rubber biosynthetic genes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1030298. [PMID: 37077635 PMCID: PMC10106570 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1030298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The NAC transcription factor family is a large plant gene family, participating in plant growth and development, secondary metabolite synthesis, biotic and abiotic stresses responses, and hormone signaling. Eucommia ulmoides is a widely planted economic tree species in China that can produce trans-polyisoprene: Eucommia rubber (Eu-rubber). However, genome-wide identification of the NAC gene family has not been reported in E. ulmoides. In this study, 71 NAC proteins were identified based on genomic database of E. ulmoides. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the EuNAC proteins were distributed in 17 subgroups based on homology with NAC proteins in Arabidopsis, including the E. ulmoides-specific subgroup Eu_NAC. Gene structure analysis suggested that the number of exons varied from 1 to 7, and multitudinous EuNAC genes contained two or three exons. Chromosomal location analysis revealed that the EuNAC genes were unevenly distributed on 16 chromosomes. Three pairs of genes of tandem duplicates genes and 12 segmental duplications were detected, which indicated that segmental duplications may provide the primary driving force of expansion of EuNAC. Prediction of cis-regulatory elements indicated that the EuNAC genes were involved in development, light response, stress response and hormone response. For the gene expression analysis, the expression levels of EuNAC genes in various tissues were quite different. To explore the effect of EuNAC genes on Eu-rubber biosynthesis, a co-expression regulatory network between Eu-rubber biosynthesis genes and EuNAC genes was constructed, which indicated that six EuNAC genes may play an important role in the regulation of Eu-rubber biosynthesis. In addition, this six EuNAC genes expression profiles in E. ulmoides different tissues were consistent with the trend in Eu-rubber content. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that EuNAC genes were responsive to different hormone treatment. These results will provide a useful reference for further studies addressing the functional characteristics of the NAC genes and its potential role in Eu-rubber biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongyu Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Lianjun Song
- Weixian Eucommia National Forest Tree Germplasm Repository, Weixian Forestry Cultivation Base of Superior Species, Hebei, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Tree Breeding and Ecological Restoration, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding in Forest Trees and Ornamental Plants, Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Laboratory of Urban and Rural Ecological Environment, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yun Li,
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Kurt F, Leventhal GE, Spalinger MR, Anthamatten L, Rogalla von Bieberstein P, Menzi C, Reichlin M, Meola M, Rosenthal F, Rogler G, Lacroix C, de Wouters T. Co-cultivation is a powerful approach to produce a robust functionally designed synthetic consortium as a live biotherapeutic product (LBP). Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2177486. [PMID: 36794804 PMCID: PMC9980632 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2177486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The success of fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) has provided the necessary proof-of-concept for microbiome therapeutics. Yet, feces-based therapies have many associated risks and uncertainties, and hence defined microbial consortia that modify the microbiome in a targeted manner have emerged as a promising safer alternative to FMT. The development of such live biotherapeutic products has important challenges, including the selection of appropriate strains and the controlled production of the consortia at scale. Here, we report on an ecology- and biotechnology-based approach to microbial consortium construction that overcomes these issues. We selected nine strains that form a consortium to emulate the central metabolic pathways of carbohydrate fermentation in the healthy human gut microbiota. Continuous co-culturing of the bacteria produces a stable and reproducible consortium whose growth and metabolic activity are distinct from an equivalent mix of individually cultured strains. Further, we showed that our function-based consortium is as effective as FMT in counteracting dysbiosis in a dextran sodium sulfate mouse model of acute colitis, while an equivalent mix of strains failed to match FMT. Finally, we showed robustness and general applicability of our approach by designing and producing additional stable consortia of controlled composition. We propose that combining a bottom-up functional design with continuous co-cultivation is a powerful strategy to produce robust functionally designed synthetic consortia for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Kurt
- PharmaBiome AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marianne Rebecca Spalinger
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Anthamatten
- PharmaBiome AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gerhard Rogler
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Lacroix
- Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Stefana A, Fusar-Poli P, Gnisci C, Vieta E, Youngstrom EA. Clinicians' Emotional Reactions toward Patients with Depressive Symptoms in Mood Disorders: A Narrative Scoping Review of Empirical Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15403. [PMID: 36430122 PMCID: PMC9692756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to narratively review the empirical literature on clinicians' emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses (i.e., countertransference) to depressive and other symptoms of patients with mood disorders. Therapist subjective responses (countertransference) can negatively affect both diagnostic and therapeutic processes, especially when they are not recognized and managed promptly. However, at the same time, countertransference recognition, processing, and management can help inform the diagnostic process and improve the therapy process and outcome. In the last couple of decades, the number of studies that empirically explore countertransference toward mood disordered patients, as well as its relationship with various characteristics of both patients and treatment, has increased. Current evidence suggests that patients with depression tend to elicit more positive feelings among clinicians than patients with other severe mental disorders such as borderline personality disorder or schizophrenia. Furthermore, it documents the existence of associations between patients' severity of depressive symptoms and clinicians' subjective reactions, although the results regarding which specific countertransference patterns are evoked in relation to the different phases of the treatment are not entirely consistent. Lastly, growing evidence suggests the presence of clinicians' specific emotional reactions towards patients with suicidal ideation and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Stefana
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- OASIS Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-Detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - Cristina Gnisci
- Riabilmente—Centro di Riabilitazione Monterotondo, Monterotondo, 00015 Roma, Italy
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, University of Barcelona Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBER-SAM, 08007 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eric A. Youngstrom
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Helping Give Away Psychological Science (HGAPS.org), Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Allegrini S, Garcia-Gil M, Pesi R, Camici M, Tozzi MG. The Good, the Bad and the New about Uric Acid in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194959. [PMID: 36230882 PMCID: PMC9561999 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The concentration of uric acid in blood is sex-, age- and diet-dependent and is maintained close to its maximal solubility, indicating that it plays some important role. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that, at physiological concentrations, uric acid is a powerful antioxidant and is a scavenger of singlet oxygen and radicals. At high intracellular concentration, uric acid has been demonstrated to act as a pro-oxidant molecule. Recently, uric acid has been reported to affect the properties of several proteins involved in metabolic regulation and signaling, and the relationship between uric acid and cancer has been extensively investigated. In this review, we present the most recent results on the positive and negative effects played by uric acid in cancer and some new findings and hypotheses about the implication of this metabolite in the pathogenesis of several diseases such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and inflammation, thus favoring the development of cancer. Abstract Uric acid is the final product of purine catabolism in man and apes. The serum concentration of uric acid is sex-, age- and diet-dependent and is maintained close to its maximal solubility, indicating that it plays some important role. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that, at physiological concentrations, uric acid is a powerful antioxidant, while at high intracellular concentrations, it is a pro-oxidant molecule. In this review, we describe the possible causes of uric acid accumulation or depletion and some of the metabolic and regulatory pathways it may impact. Particular attention has been given to fructose, which, because of the complex correlation between carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolism, causes uric acid accumulation. We also present recent results on the positive and negative effects played by uric acid in cancer and some new findings and hypotheses about the implication of this metabolite in a variety of signaling pathways, which can play a role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and inflammation, thus favoring the development of cancer. The loss of uricase in Homo sapiens and great apes, although exposing these species to the potentially adverse effects of uric acid, appears to be associated with evolutionary advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Allegrini
- Unità di Biochimica, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via San Zeno 51, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- CISUP, Centro per L’Integrazione della Strumentazione dell’Università di Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Mercedes Garcia-Gil
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- CISUP, Centro per L’Integrazione della Strumentazione dell’Università di Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Unità di Fisiologia Generale, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via San Zeno 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Rossana Pesi
- Unità di Biochimica, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via San Zeno 51, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marcella Camici
- Unità di Biochimica, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via San Zeno 51, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Tozzi
- Unità di Biochimica, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Via San Zeno 51, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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15
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Oladipo HJ. Dengue virus and SARS-CoV-2 Co-infection dynamics: An emerging threat among African countries. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 82:104398. [PMID: 36035770 PMCID: PMC9394095 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising circulation of the vector borne disease such as dengue fever amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in African countries is on the rise, which pose a significant public health threat. In this article, we discussed the co-infection of dengue virus (DENV) (the causative agent of dengue fever) and SARS-CoV-2 (the causative agents of COVID-19) as well as the associated risk factors involved. Our review highlights that the continuous increase in the incidence and disease mortality from the co-infection of dengue Virus and SARS-CoV-2 is as result of inadequate surveillance and limited testing centers. Second, the overlapping clinical features and indistinguishable symptoms from both infections is a major challenge. Third, lack of scientific prudence among stakeholders has played a significant impact on how to contain these diseases. Therefore, there is a need to reassess research priorities in understanding the risk factors involved from the coinfection. Also, the development of accurate point-of-care diagnostics for COVID-19 and dengue fever coupled with community-based health intervention programs is highly essential for control. In Africa, the incidence and disease mortality rate from the co-infection of dengue fever and COVID- 19 is on the rise due to inadequate surveillance and limited testing centers. Overlapping clinical features and lack of scientific prudence among stakeholders have played a significant impact on how to contain these infectious diseases. Research priorities need to be reassessed with focus on understanding risk factors involved. Development of accurate point-of-care diagnostics and community-based health intervention programs for both infection is highly essential for control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habeebullah Jayeola Oladipo
- Corresponding author. Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, 240003, Nigeria.
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16
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Stefana A, D’Imperio D, Dakanalis A, Vieta E, Fusar-Poli P, Youngstrom E. Probing the impact of psychoanalytic therapy for bipolar disorders: A scoping review. INTERNATIONAL FORUM OF PSYCHOANALYSIS 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/0803706x.2022.2097307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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17
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Ciftci Kavaklioglu B, Erdman L, Goldenberg A, Kavaklioglu C, Alexander C, Oppermann HM, Patel A, Hossain S, Berenbaum T, Yau O, Yea C, Ly M, Costello F, Mah JK, Reginald A, Banwell B, Longoni G, Ann Yeh E. Machine learning classification of multiple sclerosis in children using optical coherence tomography. Mult Scler 2022; 28:2253-2262. [PMID: 35946086 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221112605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In children, multiple sclerosis (MS) is the ultimate diagnosis in only 1/5 to 1/3 of cases after a first episode of central nervous system (CNS) demyelination. As the visual pathway is frequently affected in MS and other CNS demyelinating disorders (DDs), structural retinal imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to differentiate MS. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the utility of machine learning (ML) based on OCT features to identify distinct structural retinal features in children with DDs. METHODS This study included 512 eyes from 187 (neyes = 374) children with demyelinating diseases and 69 (neyes = 138) controls. Input features of the analysis comprised of 24 auto-segmented OCT features. RESULTS Random Forest classifier with recursive feature elimination yielded the highest predictive values and identified DDs with 75% and MS with 80% accuracy, while multiclass distinction between MS and monophasic DD was performed with 64% accuracy. A set of eight retinal features were identified as the most important features in this classification. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that ML based on OCT features can be used to support a diagnosis of MS in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beyza Ciftci Kavaklioglu
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada/Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Lauren Erdman
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Vector Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Goldenberg
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Vector Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada/Temerty Centre for AI Research and Education in Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Can Kavaklioglu
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cara Alexander
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hannah M Oppermann
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada/Department of Information and Computing Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amish Patel
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Soaad Hossain
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada/Temerty Centre for AI Research and Education in Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada/Environics Analytics, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Berenbaum
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Olivia Yau
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carmen Yea
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mina Ly
- Division of Neurology, Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fiona Costello
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada/Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jean K Mah
- Department Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Arun Reginald
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada/Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brenda Banwell
- Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Giulia Longoni
- SickKids Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada/Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada/Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - E Ann Yeh
- SickKids Research Institute, Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada/Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada/Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
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18
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Akuamoa F, Hoogenboom RLAP, Weide Y, van der Weg G, Rietjens IMCM, Bovee TFH. Presence and risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in dietary plant supplements as elucidated by a combined DR CALUX ® bioassay and GC-HRMS based approach. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess 2022; 39:1576-1590. [PMID: 35904509 DOI: 10.1080/19440049.2022.2094473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Plant-based dietary supplements may contain undesirable contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) due to the sources of raw materials or processing methods used. The presence of these contaminants in a series of herbal supplements sold on the Ghanaian market for improving sexual performance was examined using the DR CALUX® bioassay in combination with GC-HRMS analysis. Overall, cell responses at 4 and 48 h exposure to extracts prepared without an acid-silica clean-up were relatively higher than the responses obtained from extracts prepared with an acid-silica clean-up. This indicated that the 40 supplements contained only low levels of stable aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists like polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dl-PCBs, while some contained substantial amounts of less stable AhR-agonists. Ten supplements selected for confirmation with GC-HRMS analysis contained PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs at levels ranging from 0.01 to 0.19 pg toxic equivalent (TEQ)/g only, while the level of the sum of 4 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Σ4PAHs) representing less stable AhR agonists, ranged from not detected (ND) to 25.5 ng/g. These concentrations were in line with the responses observed in the DR CALUX® bioassay. The concentration of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs corresponded to estimated daily intakes (EDIs) ranging from 0.01 to 1.20 pg TEQ/day, or 0.001 to 0.12 pg TEQ/kg bw/week for a 70 kg bw consumer, which was below the established tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 2 pg TEQ/kg bw/week, thus indicating low concern for consumers' health. Similarly, the EDIs based on the detected Σ4PAHs in supplements ranged from 7.2 to 111 ng/day, or 0.1 to 1.6 ng/kg bw/day, which corresponded to MOE values above 10,000, indicating a low health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Akuamoa
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Applied Radiation Biology Centre, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Yoran Weide
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ivonne M C M Rietjens
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Toine F H Bovee
- Wageningen Food Safety Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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19
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Joshi A, Patel K, Mohamed A, Oak S, Zhang MH, Hsiung H, Zhang A, Patel UK. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Comprehensive Guidelines for Clinical Evaluation and Treatment. Cureus 2022; 14:e27053. [PMID: 36000134 PMCID: PMC9389835 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the median nerve is compressed at the level of the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This entrapment manifests as unpleasant symptoms, such as burning, tingling, or numbness in the palm that extends to the fingers. As the disease progresses, afflicted individuals also report decreased grip strength accompanied by hand weakness and restricted movement. The first half of this review elaborates on CTS pathology by providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the etiology, relevant anatomy, and disease mechanism. CTS is considered the most common entrapment neuropathy, affecting around 3-6% of the adult population. Further, CTS prevalence has seen a dramatic increase in the last few decades paralleling the growth of everyday technology usage. Despite how common it is to have CTS, it can be quite challenging for physicians to make a definite diagnosis due to differentials that present with overlapping symptoms. Even more difficult can be deciding on a course of treatment that is the most effective and considerate of patient needs. Thus arises the need for clear clinical direction, and hence we end with a discussion around such guidelines that serve as a starting point toward effective diagnoses and patient treatment.
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20
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Rehman S, Likupe G, McFarland A, Watson R. Evaluating a brief intervention for mealtime difficulty on older adults with dementia. Nurs Open 2022; 10:182-194. [PMID: 35856469 PMCID: PMC9748048 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVE To test a spaced retrieval intervention using spaced retrieval to alleviate mealtime difficulties in older people with dementia. DESIGN A single-case study design. SETTING Nursing Homes in North Central England, United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS Older people with Alzheimer's disease. METHODS A single-case study using an ABA design was used. Data were collected using the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment, and Body Mass Index before intervention, postintervention and following 3 months of postintervention. Realist evaluation was used to identify for which participants the intervention was effective, and an economic evaluation was also carried out. FINDING Of 15 participants who entered the study, eight completed all phases of the study. A mean 104.4 h were needed to deliver the intervention. The number of sessions required ranged from 90-222. The length of time each participant retained information (for all sessions) ranged from 13-28 min. Participants had most difficulty with: "putting food into mouth and chewing it"; "realizing it was mealtime"; and "eating a whole meal continuously." A reduction in the difficulty with mealtimes occurred between phase A1-A2 for most participants. Six participants maintained this in phase A3. Similar patterns were evident for nutritional scores. For most participants, the effect size of the intervention was moderate or large. CONCLUSIONS Spaced retrieval is useful in reducing mealtime difficulties in older participants with dementia. While the results of this study are promising, further large and multicentre trials are needed to explore the effectiveness of the intervention in diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salma Rehman
- Faculty of Health and Social WorkUniversity of HullHullUK
| | - Gloria Likupe
- Faculty of Health and Social WorkUniversity of HullHullUK
| | - Agi McFarland
- Department of Nursing and Community HealthGlasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK
| | - Roger Watson
- Faculty of Health and Social WorkUniversity of HullHullUK
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21
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Nunn JS, Shafee T, Chang S, Stephens R, Elliott J, Oliver S, John D, Smith M, Orr N, Preston J, Borthwick J, van Vlijmen T, Ansell J, Houyez F, de Sousa MSA, Plotz RD, Oliver JL, Golumbic Y, Macniven R, Wines S, Borda A, da Silva Hyldmo H, Hsing PY, Denis L, Thompson C. Standardised data on initiatives-STARDIT: Beta version. RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT 2022; 8:31. [PMID: 35854364 PMCID: PMC9294764 DOI: 10.1186/s40900-022-00363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE There is currently no standardised way to share information across disciplines about initiatives, including fields such as health, environment, basic science, manufacturing, media and international development. All problems, including complex global problems such as air pollution and pandemics require reliable data sharing between disciplines in order to respond effectively. Current reporting methods also lack information about the ways in which different people and organisations are involved in initiatives, making it difficult to collate and appraise data about the most effective ways to involve different people. The objective of STARDIT (Standardised Data on Initiatives) is to address current limitations and inconsistencies in sharing data about initiatives. The STARDIT system features standardised data reporting about initiatives, including who has been involved, what tasks they did, and any impacts observed. STARDIT was created to help everyone in the world find and understand information about collective human actions, which are referred to as 'initiatives'. STARDIT enables multiple categories of data to be reported in a standardised way across disciplines, facilitating appraisal of initiatives and aiding synthesis of evidence for the most effective ways for people to be involved in initiatives. This article outlines progress to date on STARDIT; current usage; information about submitting reports; planned next steps and how anyone can become involved. METHOD STARDIT development is guided by participatory action research paradigms, and has been co-created with people from multiple disciplines and countries. Co-authors include cancer patients, people affected by rare diseases, health researchers, environmental researchers, economists, librarians and academic publishers. The co-authors also worked with Indigenous peoples from multiple countries and in partnership with an organisation working with Indigenous Australians. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Over 100 people from multiple disciplines and countries have been involved in co-designing STARDIT since 2019. STARDIT is the first open access web-based data-sharing system which standardises the way that information about initiatives is reported across diverse fields and disciplines, including information about which tasks were done by which stakeholders. STARDIT is designed to work with existing data standards. STARDIT data will be released into the public domain (CC0) and integrated into Wikidata; it works across multiple languages and is both human and machine readable. Reports can be updated throughout the lifetime of an initiative, from planning to evaluation, allowing anyone to be involved in reporting impacts and outcomes. STARDIT is the first system that enables sharing of standardised data about initiatives across disciplines. A working Beta version was publicly released in February 2021 (ScienceforAll.World/STARDIT). Subsequently, STARDIT reports have been created for peer-reviewed research in multiple journals and multiple research projects, demonstrating the usability. In addition, organisations including Cochrane and Australian Genomics have created prospective reports outlining planned initiatives. CONCLUSIONS STARDIT can help create high-quality standardised information on initiatives trying to solve complex multidisciplinary global problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack S Nunn
- Director of Science for All (Education Charity Registered in Australia), Melbourne, Australia.
- School of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Thomas Shafee
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Richard Stephens
- Patient Advocate, Co-Editor-in-Chief, 'Research Involvement and Engagement', London, UK
| | - Jim Elliott
- Public Involvement Lead at Health Research Authority (England), London, UK
| | - Sandy Oliver
- Professor of Public Policy at UCL Social Research Institute, London, UK
- University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Denny John
- Adjunct Professor, Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru, India
- Chair, Campbell and Cochrane Economic Methods Group, London, UK
| | | | - Neil Orr
- Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Poche Centre Indigenous Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer Preston
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Alder Hey Clinical Research Facility, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | - James Ansell
- Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Deakin, Australia
| | | | - Maria Sharmila Alina de Sousa
- Independent Impact Intelligence Design & Strategy Consultant, Research Impact Academy Brazil Ambassador, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roan D Plotz
- Applied Ecology and Environmental Change Research Group, Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Rona Macniven
- The Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Sydney, 2052, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | | | - Ann Borda
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- University College London, London, UK
| | - Håkon da Silva Hyldmo
- Department of Geography, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Pen-Yuan Hsing
- University of Bath, Bath, UK
- MammalWeb Project, London, UK
| | - Lena Denis
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Carolyn Thompson
- University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
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22
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Statache G, Brown S. Vitamin D in Lupus Patients of Childbearing Age: Are We Doing Enough? FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:936810. [PMID: 36303678 PMCID: PMC9580657 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.936810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus patients have long been observed to suffer from vitamin D deficiency. This can be related to either environmental factors, medication, or other comorbidities like renal disease. Moreover, lupus patients have reported conception issues including ovarian failure or recurrent miscarriages. There are vast data regarding vitamin D's ability to support the development of a healthy pregnancy and prevent complications, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, likely through its ability to regulate both innate and adaptive immune systems. Although there is an agreement in the medical world that pregnant lupus patients should be screened and receive vitamin D supplements, there are no official guidelines on screening and often the recommended doses are suboptimal. Further research is needed to look at the potential of vitamin supplementation in pregnant lupus patients.
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23
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Drapal M, Enfissi EMA, Fraser PD. The chemotype core collection of genus Nicotiana. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 110:1516-1528. [PMID: 35322494 PMCID: PMC9321557 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable production of chemicals and improving these biosources by engineering metabolic pathways to create efficient plant-based biofactories relies on the knowledge of available chemical/biosynthetic diversity present in the plant. Nicotiana species are well known for their amenability towards transformation and other new plant breeding techniques. The genus Nicotiana is primarily known through Nicotiana tabacum L., the source of tobacco leaves and all respective tobacco products. Due to the prevalence of the latter, N. tabacum and related Nicotiana species are one of the most extensively studied plants. The majority of studies focused solely on N. tabacum or other individual species for chemotyping. The present study analysed a diversity panel including 17 Nicotiana species and six accessions of Nicotiana benthamiana and created a data set that effectively represents the chemotype core collection of the genus Nicotiana. The utilisation of several analytical platforms and previously published libraries/databases enabled the identification and measurement of over 360 metabolites of a wide range of chemical classes as well as thousands of unknowns with dedicated spectral and chromatographic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Drapal
- Department of Biological SciencesRoyal Holloway University of LondonEghamUK
| | | | - Paul D. Fraser
- Department of Biological SciencesRoyal Holloway University of LondonEghamUK
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24
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α-Tocopherol Prevents Sperm Apoptosis and Necrosis in Rats Exposed to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Vet Med Int 2022; 2022:3685686. [PMID: 35237404 PMCID: PMC8885270 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3685686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a persistent organic pollutant that induces overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Studies on avoiding the adverse effects of dioxin pollution exposure are needed in all aspects, including reproductive health. This study aimed to determine the effect of α-tocopherol on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, live spermatozoa, apoptosis, and necrosis in male rats exposed to dioxin as a model. Thirty healthy 12-week-old male rats were randomly divided into five groups. Rats in the control group were given corn oil twice daily at 4-hour intervals. The remaining rats were given TCDD 700 mg/kg BW daily, followed by administration of corn oil and α-tocopherol at doses of 77, 140, and 259 mg/kg BW/d for T0, T1, T2, and T3 groups, respectively. The treatments were conducted for 45 days; all rats were euthanized to collect blood and testicular samples on day 46. The results showed that exposure of TCDD resulted in a decrease in SOD activity and live spermatozoa and increased MDA level and death, apoptosis, and necrosis of spermatozoa (T0) compared to the control (C) group (p < 0.05). The administration of α-tocopherol, starting from the doses of 77 (T1), 149 (T2), and 259 mg (T3) per kg BW, was sequentially followed by returning MDA levels, recovering SOD activities, and restoration in the percentage of living, dead, apoptotic, and necrotic spermatozoa, similar (p > 0.05) to those of the control group. It could be concluded that the administration of α-tocopherol resolves the harmful effects of TCDD on the viability of spermatozoa in rats as a model.
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25
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Park J, Wu Z, Steiner PR, Zhu B, Zhang JXJ. Heart-on-Chip for Combined Cellular Dynamics Measurements and Computational Modeling Towards Clinical Applications. Ann Biomed Eng 2022; 50:111-137. [PMID: 35039976 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-02902-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Organ-on-chip or micro-engineered three-dimensional cellular or tissue models are increasingly implemented in the study of cardiovascular pathophysiology as alternatives to traditional in vitro cell culture. Drug induced cardiotoxicity is a key issue in drug development pipelines, but the current in vitro and in vivo studies suffer from inter-species differences, high costs, and lack of reliability and accuracy in predicting cardiotoxicity. Microfluidic heart-on-chip devices can impose a paradigm shift to the current tools. They can not only recapitulate cardiac tissue level functionality and the communication between cells and extracellular matrices but also allow higher throughput studies conducive to drug screening especially with their added functionalities or sensors that extract disease-specific phenotypic, genotypic, and electrophysiological information in real-time. Such electrical and mechanical components can tailor the electrophysiology and mechanobiology of the experiment to better mimic the in vivo condition as well. Recent advancements and challenges are reviewed in the fabrication, functionalization and sensor assisted mechanical and electrophysiological measurements, numerical and computational modeling of cardiomyocytes' behavior, and the clinical applications in drug screening and disease modeling. This review concludes with the current challenges and perspectives on the future of such organ-on-chip platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoon Park
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Ziqian Wu
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Paul R Steiner
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA
| | - Bo Zhu
- Computer Science Department, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - John X J Zhang
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA. .,Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA.
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26
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Al-Naemi A. Establishing a Reference Interval for an Estimate of Peripheral Insulin Resistance in a Group of Iraqi People. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.7928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Insulin resistance (IR) is the cornerstone in pathophysiology of T2DM. Identifying people with IR can slow the progress to diabetes. Triglyceride and glucose index (TyG index) is a simple tool to assess IR without insulin measurement. This study aims at establishing the reference interval for TyG index in apparently healthy Iraqis. Material and method: This study involved (77) apparently healthy adults (41 men and 36 women) in Mosul, Iraq. Fasting Serum lipids, glucose and insulin were measured and BMI was calculated. The modified TyG index was calculated and compared to other surrogate measures of IR and its reference interval was calculated. Results: TyG index values were normally distributed and significantly correlated with HOMA-IR, Mc-Auley index, QUICKI, and triglycerides/ HDL-c index (r= 0.322, p= 0.004; r=-0.68, p<0001; r= -0.29, p=0.01; r=0.84, p<0.0001respectively). ANOVA and PostHoc Duncan’s analyses revealed significant differences in mean TyG between (lean people) and (overweight and obese subjects), (p=0.02). BMI- based TyG reference intervals were calculated as (4.11- 4.91) and (4.25- 5.05) respectively. This is the first study in Iraq to set a reference interval for TyG index. Values should be interpreted according to BMI.
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27
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Thiruvenkatarajan V, Meyer EJ, Jesudason D. Comment on Hamblin et al. Capillary Ketone Concentrations at the Time of Colonoscopy: A Cross-Sectional Study With Implications for SGLT2 Inhibitor-Treated Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2021;44:e124-e126. Diabetes Care 2022; 45:e15-e16. [PMID: 34986260 DOI: 10.2337/dc21-1413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesan Thiruvenkatarajan
- 1Department of Anaesthesia, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,2Discipline of Acute Care Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Emily J Meyer
- 3Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,4Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,5Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David Jesudason
- 3Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,4Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,5Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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28
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Jayasena T, Bustamante S, Poljak A, Sachdev P. Assay of Fatty Acids and Their Role in the Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2511:213-234. [PMID: 35838963 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2395-4_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Since the emergence of COVID-19, concerted worldwide efforts have taken place to minimize global spread of the contagion. Its widespread effects have also facilitated evolution of new strains, such as the delta and omicron variants, which emerged toward the end of 2020 and 2021, respectively. While these variants appear to be no more deadly than the previous alpha, beta, and gamma strains, and widespread population vaccinations notwithstanding, greater virulence makes the challenge of minimizing spread even greater. One of the peculiarities of this virus is the extreme heath impacts, with the great majority of individuals minimally affected, even sometimes unaware of infection, while for a small minority, it is deadly or produces diverse long-term effects. Apart from vaccination, another approach has been an attempt to identify treatments, for those individuals for whom the virus represents a threat of particularly severe health impact(s). These treatments include anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies, anticoagulant therapies, interleukin inhibitors, and anti-viral agents such as remdesivir. Nutritional factors are also under consideration, and a variety of clinical trials are showing promise for the use of specific fatty acids, or related compounds such as fat-soluble steroid vitamin D, to mitigate the more lethal aspects of COVID-19 by modulating inflammation and by anti-viral effects. Here we explore the potential protective role of fatty acids as a potential prophylactic as well as remedial treatment during viral infections, particularly COVID-19. We present a multiplexed method for the analysis of free and phospholipid bound fatty acids, which may facilitate research into the role of fatty acids as plasma biomarkers and therapeutic agents in minimizing pre- and post-infection health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharusha Jayasena
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sonia Bustamante
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Poljak
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Perminder Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, Euroa Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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29
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Combined Transcriptome and Proteome Profiling for Role of pfEMP1 in Antimalarial Mechanism of Action of Dihydroartemisinin. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0127821. [PMID: 34908430 PMCID: PMC8672878 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01278-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasites induce morphological and biochemical changes in the membranes of parasite-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) for propagation. Artemisinin combination therapies are the first-line antiplasmodials in countries of endemicity. However, the mechanism of action of artemisinin is unclear, and drug resistance decreases long-term efficacy. To understand whether artemisinin targets or interacts with iRBC membrane proteins, this study investigated the molecular changes caused by dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an artemisinin derivative, in Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 using a combined transcriptomic and membrane proteomic profiling approach. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that DHA can cause morphological variation in the iRBC membrane. We identified 125 differentially expressed membrane proteins, and functional analysis indicated structural molecule activity and protein export as key biological functions of the two omics studies. DHA treatment decreased the expression of var gene variants PF3D7_0415700 and PF3D7_0900100 dose-dependently. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis showed that DHA treatment downregulates the var gene encoding P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein-1 (pfEMP1). pfEMP1 knockout significantly increased artemisinin sensitivity. Results showed that pfEMP1 might be involved in the antimalarial mechanism of action of DHA and pfEMP1 or its regulated factors may be further exploited in antiparasitic drug design. The findings are beneficial for elucidating the potential effects of DHA on iRBC membrane proteins and developing new drugs targeting iRBC membrane. IMPORTANCE Malaria parasites induce morphological and biochemical changes in the membranes of parasite-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) for propagation, with artemisinin combination therapies as the first-line treatments. To understand whether artemisinin targets or interacts with iRBC membrane proteins, this study investigated the molecular changes caused by dihydroartemisinin (DHA), an artemisinin derivative, in Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 using a combined transcriptomic and membrane proteomic profiling approach. We found that DHA can cause morphological changes of iRBC membrane. Structural molecule activity and protein export are considered to be the key biological functions based on the two omics studies. pfEMP1 might be involved in the DHA mechanism of action. pfEMP1 or its regulated factors may be further exploited in antiparasitic drug design. The findings are beneficial for elucidating the potential effects of DHA on iRBC membrane proteins and developing new antimalarial drugs targeting iRBC membrane.
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30
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Corti A, Colombo M, Migliavacca F, Rodriguez Matas JF, Casarin S, Chiastra C. Multiscale Computational Modeling of Vascular Adaptation: A Systems Biology Approach Using Agent-Based Models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:744560. [PMID: 34796166 PMCID: PMC8593007 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.744560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The widespread incidence of cardiovascular diseases and associated mortality and morbidity, along with the advent of powerful computational resources, have fostered an extensive research in computational modeling of vascular pathophysiology field and promoted in-silico models as a support for biomedical research. Given the multiscale nature of biological systems, the integration of phenomena at different spatial and temporal scales has emerged to be essential in capturing mechanobiological mechanisms underlying vascular adaptation processes. In this regard, agent-based models have demonstrated to successfully embed the systems biology principles and capture the emergent behavior of cellular systems under different pathophysiological conditions. Furthermore, through their modular structure, agent-based models are suitable to be integrated with continuum-based models within a multiscale framework that can link the molecular pathways to the cell and tissue levels. This can allow improving existing therapies and/or developing new therapeutic strategies. The present review examines the multiscale computational frameworks of vascular adaptation with an emphasis on the integration of agent-based approaches with continuum models to describe vascular pathophysiology in a systems biology perspective. The state-of-the-art highlights the current gaps and limitations in the field, thus shedding light on new areas to be explored that may become the future research focus. The inclusion of molecular intracellular pathways (e.g., genomics or proteomics) within the multiscale agent-based modeling frameworks will certainly provide a great contribution to the promising personalized medicine. Efforts will be also needed to address the challenges encountered for the verification, uncertainty quantification, calibration and validation of these multiscale frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Corti
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS), Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Monika Colombo
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS), Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Migliavacca
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS), Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jose Felix Rodriguez Matas
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS), Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Casarin
- Department of Surgery, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Computational Surgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States.,Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Claudio Chiastra
- Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics (LaBS), Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.,PoliToMed Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Turin, Italy
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31
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Irving H, Turek I, Kettle C, Yaakob N. Tapping into 5-HT 3 Receptors to Modify Metabolic and Immune Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111910. [PMID: 34769340 PMCID: PMC8584345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 (5-HT3) receptors are ligand gated ion channels, which clearly distinguish their mode of action from the other G-protein coupled 5-HT or serotonin receptors. 5-HT3 receptors are well established targets for emesis and gastrointestinal mobility and are used as adjunct targets in treating schizophrenia. However, the distribution of these receptors is wider than the nervous system and there is potential that these additional sites can be targeted to modulate inflammatory and/or metabolic conditions. Recent progress in structural biology and pharmacology of 5-HT3 receptors have provided profound insights into mechanisms of their action. These advances, combined with insights into clinical relevance of mutations in genes encoding 5-HT3 subunits and increasing understanding of their implications in patient's predisposition to diseases and response to the treatment, open new avenues for personalized precision medicine. In this review, we recap on the current status of 5-HT3 receptor-based therapies using a biochemical and physiological perspective. We assess the potential for targeting 5-HT3 receptors in conditions involving metabolic or inflammatory disorders based on recent findings, underscoring the challenges and limitations of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Irving
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia; (I.T.); (C.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ilona Turek
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia; (I.T.); (C.K.)
| | - Christine Kettle
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC 3550, Australia; (I.T.); (C.K.)
| | - Nor Yaakob
- Drug and Herbal Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia;
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32
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Payne JAE, Tailhades J, Ellett F, Kostoulias X, Fulcher AJ, Fu T, Leung R, Louch S, Tran A, Weber SA, Schittenhelm RB, Lieschke GJ, Qin CH, Irima D, Peleg AY, Cryle MJ. Antibiotic-chemoattractants enhance neutrophil clearance of Staphylococcus aureus. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6157. [PMID: 34697316 PMCID: PMC8546149 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26244-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogen Staphylococcus aureus can readily develop antibiotic resistance and evade the human immune system, which is associated with reduced levels of neutrophil recruitment. Here, we present a class of antibacterial peptides with potential to act both as antibiotics and as neutrophil chemoattractants. The compounds, which we term 'antibiotic-chemoattractants', consist of a formylated peptide (known to act as chemoattractant for neutrophil recruitment) that is covalently linked to the antibiotic vancomycin (known to bind to the bacterial cell wall). We use a combination of in vitro assays, cellular assays, infection-on-a-chip and in vivo mouse models to show that the compounds improve the recruitment, engulfment and killing of S. aureus by neutrophils. Furthermore, optimizing the formyl peptide sequence can enhance neutrophil activity through differential activation of formyl peptide receptors. Thus, we propose antibiotic-chemoattractants as an alternate approach for antibiotic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A E Payne
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
- EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| | - Julien Tailhades
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Felix Ellett
- BioMEMS Resource Center, Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Xenia Kostoulias
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Alex J Fulcher
- Monash Micro Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Ting Fu
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Ryan Leung
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Stephanie Louch
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Amy Tran
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Severin A Weber
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Ralf B Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Graham J Lieschke
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Chengxue Helena Qin
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Daniel Irima
- BioMEMS Resource Center, Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Hospital for Children, and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Anton Y Peleg
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Max J Cryle
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
- EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
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33
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Vivalya BM, Ayodeji OA, Bafwa YT, Muyisa LK, Piripiri AL, Mbeva JBK. Analysis of the management of the tenth Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo: developing a multidisciplinary response model to strengthen the healthcare system during disease outbreaks. Global Health 2021; 17:121. [PMID: 34663370 PMCID: PMC8521269 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00775-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The declaration of any public health emergency in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is usually followed by the provision of technical and organizational support from international organizations, which build a parallel and short-time healthcare emergency response centered on preventing the extension of health emergencies across the countries and over the world. Previous Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreaks have highlighted the need to reinforce the healthcare sector in different countries.Based on the difficulty to implement the International Health Regulations (2005) to the local level of affected countries including the DRC, this paper proposes a multidisciplinary model based on the health zones through the strengthening of preparedness and response structures to public health emergencies vis-à-vis the existing weak health systems existing in DRC. A commitment to integrating the emergency response in the existing health system should work to reduce the tension that exists between local recruitment and its impact on the quality of daily healthcare in the region affected by EVD outbreak on one hand, and the involvement of international recruitment and its impact on the trust of the population on the emergency response on the other. This paper highlights the provision of a local healthcare workforce skilled to treat infectious diseases, the compulsory implementation of training programs focused on the emergency response in countries commonly affected by EVD outbreaks including the DRC. These innovations should reduce the burden of health problems prior to and in the aftermath of any public health emergency in DRC hence increasing the wellbeing of the community, especially the vulnerable people as well as the availability of trained healthcare providers able to early recognize and treat EVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bives Mutume Vivalya
- Department of Psychiatry, Kampala International University Western campus, Bushenyi, Uganda.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Masereka Referral General Hospital, North- Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| | - Okesina Akeem Ayodeji
- Department of Human Anatomy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Yves Tibamwenda Bafwa
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Bunia, Ituri, Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Louis Kasereka Muyisa
- Department of Pediatrics, Musienene Referral General Hospital, North-Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Astride Lina Piripiri
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Bosco Kahindo Mbeva
- Department of Public Health, Official University of Ruwenzori, North-Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Dhar S, Kaeley DK, Kanan MJ, Yildirim-Ayan E. Mechano-Immunomodulation in Space: Mechanisms Involving Microgravity-Induced Changes in T Cells. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101043. [PMID: 34685414 PMCID: PMC8537592 DOI: 10.3390/life11101043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the most prevalent issues surrounding long-term spaceflight, the sustainability of human life and the maintenance of homeostasis in an extreme environment are of utmost concern. It has been observed that the human immune system is dysregulated in space as a result of gravitational unloading at the cellular level, leading to potential complications in astronaut health. A plethora of studies demonstrate intracellular changes that occur due to microgravity; however, these ultimately fall short of identifying the underlying mechanisms and dysfunctions that cause such changes. This comprehensive review covers the changes in human adaptive immunity due to microgravity. Specifically, there is a focus on uncovering the gravisensitive steps in T cell signaling pathways. Changes in gravitational force may lead to interrupted immune signaling cascades at specific junctions, particularly membrane and surface receptor-proximal molecules. Holistically studying the interplay of signaling with morphological changes in cytoskeleton and other cell components may yield answers to what in the T cell specifically experiences the consequences of microgravity. Fully understanding the nature of this problem is essential in order to develop proper countermeasures before long-term space flight is conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarit Dhar
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA; (S.D.); (D.K.K.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Dilpreet Kaur Kaeley
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA; (S.D.); (D.K.K.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Mohamad Jalal Kanan
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA; (S.D.); (D.K.K.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Eda Yildirim-Ayan
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA; (S.D.); (D.K.K.); (M.J.K.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-419-530-8257; Fax: +1-419-530-8030
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Ryan CP, Bettelani GC, Ciotti S, Parise C, Moscatelli A, Bianchi M. The interaction between motion and texture in the sense of touch. J Neurophysiol 2021; 126:1375-1390. [PMID: 34495782 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00583.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides providing information on elementary properties of objects, like texture, roughness, and softness, the sense of touch is also important in building a representation of object movement and the movement of our hands. Neural and behavioral studies shed light on the mechanisms and limits of our sense of touch in the perception of texture and motion, and of its role in the control of movement of our hands. The interplay between the geometrical and mechanical properties of the touched objects, such as shape and texture, the movement of the hand exploring the object, and the motion felt by touch, will be discussed in this article. Interestingly, the interaction between motion and textures can generate perceptual illusions in touch. For example, the orientation and the spacing of the texture elements on a static surface induces the illusion of surface motion when we move our hand on it or can elicit the perception of a curved trajectory during sliding, straight hand movements. In this work we present a multiperspective view that encompasses both the perceptual and the motor aspects, as well as the response of peripheral and central nerve structures, to analyze and better understand the complex mechanisms underpinning the tactile representation of texture and motion. Such a better understanding of the spatiotemporal features of the tactile stimulus can reveal novel transdisciplinary applications in neuroscience and haptics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen P Ryan
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuromotor Physiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma C Bettelani
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Ciotti
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuromotor Physiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Moscatelli
- Department of Systems Medicine and Centre of Space Bio-Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuromotor Physiology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Bianchi
- Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Information Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Akinola LK, Uzairu A, Shallangwa GA, Abechi SE. In silico prediction of nuclear receptor binding to polychlorinated dibenzofurans and its implication on endocrine disruption in humans and wildlife. Curr Res Toxicol 2021; 2:357-365. [PMID: 34693345 PMCID: PMC8515090 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are known to cause endocrine disruption in humans and wildlife but the mechanisms underlying this disruption have not been adequately investigated. In this paper, the susceptibility of the endocrine system to disruption by PCDF congeners via nuclear receptor binding was studied using molecular docking simulation. Findings revealed that some PCDF congeners exhibit high probabilities of binding to androgen receptor in its agonistic and antagonistic conformations. In depth molecular docking analysis of the receptor-ligand complexes formed by PCDFs with androgen receptor in its agonistic and antagonistic conformations showed that, these complexes were stabilized by electrostatic, van der Waals, pi-effect and hydrophobic interactions. It was also observed that PCDF molecules mimic the modes of interaction observed in androgen-testosterone and androgen-bicalutamide complexes, utilizing between 65 and 83% of the amino acid residues used by the co-crystallized ligands for binding. This computational study suggests that some PCDF congeners may act as agonists and antagonists of androgen receptor in humans and wildlife via inapproprate binding to the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukman K. Akinola
- Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, Bauchi State University, Gadau, Nigeria
| | - Adamu Uzairu
- Department of Chemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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Locatelli L, Maier JAM. Cytoskeletal Remodeling Mimics Endothelial Response to Microgravity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:733573. [PMID: 34568340 PMCID: PMC8458731 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.733573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical cues contribute to the maintenance of a healthy endothelium, which is essential for vascular integrity. Indeed endothelial cells are mechanosensors that integrate the forces in the form of biochemical signals. The cytoskeleton is fundamental in sensing mechanical stimuli and activating specific signaling pathways. Because the cytoskeleton is very rapidly remodeled in endothelial cells exposed to microgravity, we investigated whether the disruption of actin polymerization by cytochalasin D in 1g condition triggers and orchestrates responses similar to those occurring in micro- and macro-vascular endothelial cells upon gravitational unloading. We focused our attention on the effect of simulated microgravity on stress proteins and transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), a cation channel that acts as a mechanosensor and modulates endothelial cell proliferation and stress response. Simulated microgravity downregulates TRPM7 in both cell types. However, 24 h of treatment with cytochalasin D decreases the amounts of TRPM7 only in macrovascular endothelial cells, suggesting that the regulation and the role of TRPM7 in microvascular cells are more complex than expected. The 24 h culture in the presence of cytochalasin D mimics the effect of simulated microgravity in modulating stress response in micro- and macro-vascular endothelial cells. We conclude that cytoskeletal disruption might mediate some effects of microgravity in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Locatelli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Jeanette A M Maier
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences L. Sacco, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Centre for Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
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The psychological effects of stillbirth on parents: A qualitative evidence synthesis of psychoanalytic literature. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOSOMATISCHE MEDIZIN UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2021; 67:329-350. [PMID: 34524058 DOI: 10.13109/zptm.2021.67.3.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To review and synthesize existing psychoanalytic literature on the psychological impact of stillbirth on mothers and fathers. Method: This qualitative systematic review followed, as far as possible, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Psychoanalytic Electronic Publishing Archive, the Single Case Archive, and PsycINFO (1999-2019) were searched to identify relevant articles published between 1999-2019 that report clinical material or theoretical considerations concerning the psychological effects of stillbirth on parents, as emerging during classical analytic or psychoanalytic therapy session/journey. A thematic synthesis was performed. Results: 46 articles were identified, providing data on the parents' experiences of grief and gender differences, the detrimental effects on the parental couple's relationship, the mother's identification with the dead baby, the importance for mothers to meet and care the stillborn baby, the mothers' drive for another pregnancy and the fear of further loss, the mothers' ambivalence toward subsequent pregnancy and child, the potential negative effects of unresolved bereavement on subsequent baby, and the replacement of a stillborn child. Conclusion: Our findings reveal there is some psychoanalytic literature providing insight into the psychological dynamics of parents after a stillbirth, with observations that could be used to improve psychological health care practices. One of the main therapeutic tasks was to facilitate parents to create a psychic space where they can bring to life, psychically, their lost and never- really-known stillborn baby, and to let him or her to be part of the on-going family narrative.
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Yao J, Huang X, Wei M, Han W, Xu X, Wang R, Chen J, Sun L. High-Efficiency Classification of White Blood Cells Based on Object Detection. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2021; 2021:1615192. [PMID: 34552705 PMCID: PMC8452424 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1615192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
White blood cells (WBCs) play a significant role in the human immune system, and the content of various subtypes of WBCs is usually maintained within a certain range in the human body, while deviant levels are important warning signs for diseases. Hence, the detection and classification of WBCs is an essential diagnostic technique. However, traditional WBC classification technologies based on image processing usually need to segment the collected target cell images from the background. This preprocessing operation not only increases the workload but also heavily affects the classification quality and efficiency. Therefore, we proposed one high-efficiency object detection technology that combines the segmentation and recognition of targets into one step to realize the detection and classification of WBCs in an image at the same time. Two state-of-the-art object detection models, Faster RCNN and Yolov4, were employed and comparatively studied to classify neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes on a balanced and enhanced Blood Cell Count Dataset (BCCD). Our experimental results showed that the Faster RCNN and Yolov4 based deep transfer learning models achieved classification accuracy rates of 96.25% and 95.75%, respectively. For the one-stage model, Yolov4, while ensuring more than 95% accuracy, its detection speed could reach 60 FPS, which showed better performance compared with the two-stage model, Faster RCNN. The high-efficiency object detection network that does not require cell presegmentation can remove the difficulty of image preprocessing and greatly improve the efficiency of the entire classification task, which provides a potential solution for future real-time point-of-care diagnostic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangfan Yao
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xiwei Huang
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Maoyu Wei
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Wentao Han
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xuefeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Renjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Lingling Sun
- Key Laboratory of RF Circuits and Systems, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Zeng DY, Li JM, Lin S, Dong X, You J, Xing QQ, Ren YD, Chen WM, Cai YY, Fang K, Hong MZ, Zhu Y, Pan JS. Global burden of acute viral hepatitis and its association with socioeconomic development status, 1990-2019. J Hepatol 2021; 75:547-556. [PMID: 33961940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) represents an important global health problem; however, the progress in understanding AVH is limited because of the priority of combating persistent HBV and HCV infections. Therefore, an improved understanding of the burden of AVH is required to help design strategies for global intervention. METHODS Data on 4 major AVH types, including acute hepatitis A, B, C, and E, excluding D, were collected by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database. Age-standardized incidence rates and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates for AVH were extracted from GBD 2019 and stratified by sex, level of socio-demographic index (SDI), country, and territory. The association between the burden of AVH and socioeconomic development status, as represented by the SDI, was described. RESULTS In 2019, there was an age-standardized incidence rate of 3,615.9 (95% CI 3,360.5-3,888.3) and an age-standardized DALY rate of 58.0 (47.3-70.0) per 100,000 person-years for the 4 major types of AVH. Among the major AVH types, acute hepatitis A caused the heaviest burden. There was a significant downward trend in age-standardized DALY rates caused by major incidences of AVH between 1990 and 2019. In 2019, regions or countries located in West and East Africa exhibited the highest age-standardized incidence rates of the 4 major AVH types. These rates were stratified by SDI: high SDI and high-middle SDI locations recorded the lowest incidence and DALY rates of AVH, whereas the low-middle SDI and low SDI locations showed the highest burden of AVH. CONCLUSIONS The socioeconomic development status and burden of AVH are associated. Therefore, the GBD 2019 data should be used by policymakers to guide cost-effective interventions for AVH. LAY SUMMARY We identified a negative association between socioeconomic development status and the burden of acute viral hepatitis. The lowest burden of acute viral hepatitis was noted for rich countries, whereas the highest burden of acute viral hepatitis was noted for poor countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Yi Zeng
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Hepatology Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jing-Mao Li
- Department of Statistics, School of Economics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Su Lin
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Hepatology Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xuan Dong
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Hepatology Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jia You
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Hepatology Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qing-Qing Xing
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Hepatology Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yan-Dan Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wei-Ming Chen
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yan-Yan Cai
- School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kuangnan Fang
- Department of Statistics, School of Economics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Mei-Zhu Hong
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Yueyong Zhu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Hepatology Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Jin-Shui Pan
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Hepatology Research Institute, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Smith DA. Wikipedia: an unexplored resource for understanding consumer health information behaviour in library and information science scholarship. JOURNAL OF DOCUMENTATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jd-03-2021-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeTo date, health information behaviour (HIB) models have not been applied to an exploration of Wikipedia as a consumer health information resource. Wikipedia has been situated and is well established as a valuable resource for the general layperson wishing to learn more about their health or the health of a loved one. This paper aims to identify an approach to exploring the role of Wikipedia in consumer health information behaviour (CHIB) that is grounded in a conceptual framework from the library and information science (LIS) discipline.Design/methodology/approachThe author draws on current HIB models and relevant theories from existing LIS literature and applies them to propose a new definition of CHIB. The author uses this definition to frame Wikipedia as an unexplored consumer health information resource in the LIS scholarship and suggests future directions for placing such investigations within a conceptual framework from LIS.FindingsThe paper finds that Longo's expanded conceptual model of health information-seeking behaviour (ECMHISB) could be valuable and useful for the exploration of CHIB in relation to Wikipedia's health and medical content. Due to Wikipedia's online nature, research framed by these models must acknowledge and take under consideration the digital divide phenomenon and various factors that influence an individual's place within it.Research limitations/implicationsThis work builds a foundation upon which future research into the role of Wikipedia's health and medical content in CHIB can be grounded. Using Longo's model, future research might provide insight into who Wikipedia is helping and who it has left behind. LIS scholars, practicing health librarians and perhaps health workers stand to gain a deeper understanding of the potential influence of Wikipedia's health information on its consumers.Originality/valueFor LIS scholars, this paper is novel in the fact that a HIB model has not yet been applied to the study of Wikipedia's health content. This paper provides a foundation for this research.
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Asghari R, Shokri-Asl V, Rezaei H, Tavallaie M, Khafaei M, Abdolmaleki A, Majdi Seghinsara A. Alteration of TGFB1, GDF9, and BMPR2 gene expression in preantral follicles of an estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovary mouse model can lead to anovulation, polycystic morphology, obesity, and absence of hyperandrogenism. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2021; 48:245-254. [PMID: 34370943 PMCID: PMC8421654 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2020.04112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In humans, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an androgen-dependent ovarian disorder. Aberrant gene expression in folliculogenesis can arrest the transition of preantral to antral follicles, leading to PCOS. We explored the possible role of altered gene expression in preantral follicles of estradiol valerate (EV) induced polycystic ovaries (PCO) in a mouse model. Methods Twenty female balb/c mice (8 weeks, 20.0±1.5 g) were grouped into control and PCO groups. PCO was induced by intramuscular EV injection. After 8 weeks, the animals were killed by cervical dislocation. Blood serum (for hormonal assessments using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique) was aspirated, and ovaries (the right ovary for histological examinations and the left for quantitative real-time polymerase) were dissected. Results Compared to the control group, the PCO group showed significantly lower values for the mean body weight, number of preantral and antral follicles, serum levels of estradiol, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, and gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9 and BMPR2 (p<0.05). Serum progesterone levels were significantly higher in the PCO animals than in the control group (p<0.05). No significant between-group differences (p>0.05) were found in BMP6 or BMP15 expression. Conclusion In animals with EV-induced PCO, the preantral follicles did not develop into antral follicles. In this mouse model, the gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9, and BMPR2 was lower in preantral follicles, which is probably related to the pathologic conditions of PCO. Hypoandrogenism was also detected in this EV-induced murine PCO model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Asghari
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Shokri-Asl
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hanieh Rezaei
- Member of Research Committee, Medical School, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Mahmood Tavallaie
- Human Genetic Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Khafaei
- Human Genetic Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Abdolmaleki
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Medical School, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Abbas Majdi Seghinsara
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Wei J, Li H, Liu J. Phase distribution of PCDD/Fs in flue gas from municipal solid waste incinerator with ultra-low emission control in China. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 276:130166. [PMID: 33714149 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) are the key pollutants of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI). In this study, the characteristics of 17 toxic 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners in flue gas along six air pollution control devices (APCDs) were investigated in a 400 t/d moving grate furnace located in a typical megacity of Shenzhen, China. The phase distribution and removal efficiency of the different APCDs were analyzed, especially the effect of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device. The results showed that PCDD/F TEQs were 59.5%, 67.1%, and 72.5% partitioned into the gas phase (XAD-2 and condensed water) at the economizer outlet, fabric filter outlet, and stack, respectively. Furthermore, the three-year-old catalyst in the SCR tended to remove PCDDs, especially those in the solid phase (filter thimble). More importantly, the PCDF TEQs at the SCR inlet and outlet were 1.045 × 10-3 and 1.568 × 10-3 ng I-TEQ/Nm3, respectively, which meant that the SCR might be ineffective for PCDF TEQ removal. A continuous chlorination of lower chlorinated PCDD/Fs increased the ratio of PCDFs and PCDDs from 0.73 at the SCR inlet to 1.76 at the SCR outlet. This work indicated the asynchronized inefficient removal of PCDD/Fs and nitrogen oxide for this three-year-old catalyst. The obtained results provide suggestions for the entire process of curbing PCDD/F emissions and obtaining ultra-low emission from MSWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiao Wei
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Huan Li
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China; School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Veloso PM, Machado R, Nobre C. Mesalazine and inflammatory bowel disease - From well-established therapies to progress beyond the state of the art. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2021; 167:89-103. [PMID: 34329709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease incidence has been constantly rising for the past few decades. Current therapies attempt to mitigate its symptoms since no cure is established. The most commonly prescribed drug for these patients is 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA). Due to the low rate and seriousness of side effects compared to other therapies, 5-ASA is still largely prescribed in many stages of inflammatory bowel disease, including scenarios where evidence suggests low effectiveness. Although commercialized formulations have come a long way in improving pharmacokinetics, it is still necessary to design and develop novel delivery systems capable of increasing effectiveness at different stages of the disease. In particular, micro- and nano-sized particles might be the key to its success in Crohn's disease and in more serious disease stages. This review provides an overview on the clinical significance of 5-ASA formulations, its limitations, challenges, and the most recent micro- and nanoparticle delivery systems being designed for its controlled release. Emergent alternatives for 5-ASA are also discussed, as well as the future prospects for its application in inflammatory bowel disease therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Veloso
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Raul Machado
- CBMA - Centre of Molecular and Environmental Biology, Department of Biology, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; IB-S - Institute of Science and Innovation for Sustainability, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Clarisse Nobre
- Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
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45
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Cena L, Rota M, Calza S, Massardi B, Trainini A, Stefana A. Estimating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Maternal and Perinatal Health Care Services in Italy: Results of a Self-Administered Survey. Front Public Health 2021; 9:701638. [PMID: 34336776 PMCID: PMC8323996 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.701638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is strongly changing the way most people live their lives, and disrupting specialist healthcare systems. Such public health disruptions have resulted in significant collateral damage with particular implications for vulnerable populations, including the perinatal population. This Study aims to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian maternal and perinatal health care services. A questionnaire was designed to evaluate the COVID-19 impact on Italian maternal and perinatal healthcare facilities and their activities and provision of services from March to May 2020. The survey was completed by hospital-based and community-based Italian maternal and perinatal healthcare facilities. Most of these were located in Lombardy or Veneto (the most affected Italian regions). 70% of all facilities reported that the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced the functioning of one or more aspects of the perinatal service; only 28.4% of facilities all over the country continued to provide outpatient routine visits and examinations as usual; 23.4% of facilities became understaffed during the index period due to various reasons such as ward transfer and sick leave. This is the first Italian study, and among very few international studies that describe the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on antenatal and postnatal healthcare facilities and their provision of activities and services. Our findings confirm that healthcare systems even in high-income countries were not entirely prepared to handle such a global health emergency; indeed, specialized maternal and perinatal healthcare services have been disrupted by this global health emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Cena
- Observatory of Perinatal Clinical Psychology, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Matteo Rota
- Units of Biostatistics and Biomathematics and Bioinformatics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Calza
- Units of Biostatistics and Biomathematics and Bioinformatics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Massardi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Trainini
- Observatory of Perinatal Clinical Psychology, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Stefana
- Observatory of Perinatal Clinical Psychology, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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46
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Vielreicher M, Bozec A, Schett G, Friedrich O. Murine Metatarsus Bone and Joint Collagen-I Fiber Morphologies and Networks Studied With SHG Multiphoton Imaging. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:608383. [PMID: 34178952 PMCID: PMC8226188 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.608383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory disease of bones and joints (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc.), but also acute bone injury and healing, or degenerative resorptive processes inducing osteoporosis, are associated with structural remodeling that ultimately have impact on function. For instance, bone stability is predominantly orchestrated by the structural arrangement of extracellular matrix fibrillar networks, i.e., collagen-I, -IV, elastin, and other proteins. These components may undergo distinct network density and orientation alterations that may be causative for decreased toughness, resilience and load bearing capacity or even increased brittleness. Diagnostic approaches are usually confined to coarse imaging modalities of X-ray or computer tomography that only provide limited optical resolution and lack specificity to visualize the fibrillary collagen network. However, studying collagen structure at the microscopic scale is of considerable interest to understand the mechanisms of tissue pathologies. Multiphoton Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) microscopy, is able to visualize the sterical topology of the collagen-I fibrillar network in 3D, in a minimally invasive and label-free manner. Penetration depths exceed those of conventional visible light imaging and can be further optimized through employing decalcification or optical clearing processing ex vivo. The goal of this proof-of-concept study was to use SHG and two-photon excited fluorescence (2-PEF) imaging to mainly characterize the fibrillary collagen organization within ex vivo decalcified normal mouse metatarsus bone and joint. The results show that the technique resolved the fibrillar collagen network of complete bones and joints with almost no artifacts and enabled to study the complex collagen-I networks with various fiber types (straight, crimped) and network arrangements of mature and woven bone with high degree of detail. Our imaging approach enabled to identify cavities within both cortical and trabecular bone architecture as well as interfaces with sharply changing fiber morphology and network structure both within bone, in tendon and ligament and within joint areas. These possibilities are highly advantageous since the technology can easily be applied to animal models, e.g., of rheumatoid arthritis to study structural effects of chronic joint inflammation, and to many others and to compare to the structure of human bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Vielreicher
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aline Bozec
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, University Clinic, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, University Clinic, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Oliver Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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47
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Pavlidi P, Kokras N, Dalla C. Antidepressants' effects on testosterone and estrogens: What do we know? Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 899:173998. [PMID: 33676942 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Various antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, and sex differences have been identified in their efficacy and side effects. Steroids, such as estrogens and testosterone, both in the periphery and locally in the brain, are regarded as important modulators of these sex differences. This review presents published data from preclinical and clinical studies that measure testosterone and estrogen level changes during and/or after acute or chronic administration of different antidepressants. The majority of studies show an interaction between sex hormones and antidepressants on sexual function and behavior, or in depressive symptom alleviation. However, most of the studies omit to investigate antidepressants' effects on circulating levels of gonadal hormones. From data reviewed herein, it is evident that most antidepressants can influence testosterone and estrogen levels. Still, the evidence is conflicting with some studies showing an increase, others decrease or no effect. Most studies are conducted in male animals or humans, underscoring the importance of considering sex as an important variable in such investigations, especially as depression and anxiety disorders are more common in women than men. Therefore, research is needed to elucidate the extent to which antidepressants can influence both peripheral and brain levels of testosterone and estrogens, in males and females, and whether this impacts the effectiveness or side effects of antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Pavlidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Sze-To A, Riasatian A, Tizhoosh HR. Searching for pneumothorax in x-ray images using autoencoded deep features. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9817. [PMID: 33972606 PMCID: PMC8111019 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89194-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast diagnosis and treatment of pneumothorax, a collapsed or dropped lung, is crucial to avoid fatalities. Pneumothorax is typically detected on a chest X-ray image through visual inspection by experienced radiologists. However, the detection rate is quite low due to the complexity of visual inspection for small lung collapses. Therefore, there is an urgent need for automated detection systems to assist radiologists. Although deep learning classifiers generally deliver high accuracy levels in many applications, they may not be useful in clinical practice due to the lack of high-quality and representative labeled image sets. Alternatively, searching in the archive of past cases to find matching images may serve as a "virtual second opinion" through accessing the metadata of matched evidently diagnosed cases. To use image search as a triaging or diagnosis assistant, we must first tag all chest X-ray images with expressive identifiers, i.e., deep features. Then, given a query chest X-ray image, the majority vote among the top k retrieved images can provide a more explainable output. In this study, we searched in a repository with more than 550,000 chest X-ray images. We developed the Autoencoding Thorax Net (short AutoThorax -Net) for image search in chest radiographs. Experimental results show that image search based on AutoThorax -Net features can achieve high identification performance providing a path towards real-world deployment. We achieved 92% AUC accuracy for a semi-automated search in 194,608 images (pneumothorax and normal) and 82% AUC accuracy for fully automated search in 551,383 images (normal, pneumothorax and many other chest diseases).
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Sze-To
- Kimia Lab, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Abtin Riasatian
- Kimia Lab, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - H R Tizhoosh
- Kimia Lab, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
- Vector Institute, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada.
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Sezer E, Köşger F, Altınöz AE, Yiğitaslan S. Relationship Between Gonadal Hormone Levels and Symptom Severity in Female Patients With Schizophrenia. ALPHA PSYCHIATRY 2021; 22:130-135. [PMID: 36425447 PMCID: PMC9590640 DOI: 10.5455/apd.119468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is thought that sex-specific differences in schizophrenia may be associated with gonadal hormones, especially estrogen. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone serum levels and symptom severity during the menstrual cycle in female patients with schizophrenia. METHODS Serum samples were taken in the follicular and periovulatory phases from 32 female patients with schizophrenia; and FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone levels were performed. Simultaneously, the patients were administered positive and negative symptom scale (PANSS), Calgary depression scale for schizophrenia (CDSS), and Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAM-A). RESULTS PANSS (z = -2.52, P < .001), HAM-A (z = -3.60, P < .001), and CDSS (z = -2.52, P = .012) scores were lower in the periovulatory phase than in the follicular phase. Negative correlations between FSH and PANSS positive symptom subscale (r = -0.393, P = .035), and between prolactin and PANSS total score (r = -0.406, P = .029) were detected. CONCLUSION Hypoestrogenism should be studied more in patients with schizophrenia. Studies with large samples evaluating FSH, LH, prolactin, and progesterone together with estrogen are needed to be able to safely use gonadal hormones, which may be related to schizophrenia symptom severity, especially in patients who do not respond adequately to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erdi Sezer
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Health Sciences University İzmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital,
İzmir,
Turkey
| | - Ferdi Köşger
- Department of Psychiatry, Eskişehir Osmangazi University School of Medicine,
Eskişehir,
Turkey
| | - Ali Ercan Altınöz
- Department of Psychiatry, Eskişehir Osmangazi University School of Medicine,
Eskişehir,
Turkey
| | - Semra Yiğitaslan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Eskişehir Osmangazi University School of Medicine,
Eskişehir,
Turkey
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50
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Kadivnik M, Debeljak Ž, Mandić D, Wagner J, Kralik K, Šijanović S, Muller A, Šerić V. Requirement for oxytocin augmentation in spontaneous parturition is associated with the maternal serum steroid hormones assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:2347-2355. [PMID: 33855759 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of research was to evaluate the maternal serum concentration of selected endogenous steroid hormones during spontaneous parturition at term and to determinate their association with the need for oxytocin augmentation. METHODS Blood of 108 healthy pregnant women whose parturition started with the regular spontaneous uterine contractions was drawn at the beginning of the labor. Liquid chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry device was utilized for measurement of sex hormone binding globulin, aldosterone, androstenedione, cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosteron sulphate, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, progesterone, and testosterone. Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used for the data analysis. RESULTS Reference ranges of the selected hormones assessed by liquid chromatography coupled to the tandem mass spectrometry in maternal serum were established. Statistically significant differences in the serum concentration of corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and androstenedione between mothers requiring oxytocin augmentation and the rest of women having spontaneous parturition were found (p = 0.002, p = 0.008, and p = 0.04, respectively). Concentrations were lower in the group of mothers who required oxytocin infusion for progression of labor. ROC analysis showed that all the mothers with dehydroepiandrosterone serum concentration above 21.6 nmol/L have lower chance to use oxytocin infusion for the labor progression ( area under the curve (AUC) = 0.649, sensitivity = 71.7%, specificity = 59.6%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION This research provided reference ranges for the selected maternal serum steroid hormones at the beginning of parturition. Association of corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and androstenedione with the need for the oxytocin infusion usage has been established. Dehydroepiandrosterone could be potential predictor of oxytocin infusion augmentation for progression of the parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirta Kadivnik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical faculty, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Željko Debeljak
- Clinical Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Pharmacology, Medical faculty, J.J.Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dario Mandić
- Clinical Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Medical faculty, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Jasenka Wagner
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Medical faculty, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Kristina Kralik
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Medical faculty, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Siniša Šijanović
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical faculty, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Andrijana Muller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical faculty, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Vatroslav Šerić
- Clinical Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.,Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Medical faculty, J.J. Strossmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
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