Health Research Articles

Impact of a Physical Exercise and Health Education Program on Metabolic Syndrome and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Women Undergoing Adjuvant Treatment with Aromatase Inhibitors

Background and Objectives: Adjuvant treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in breast cancer (BC) survivors can cause adverse effects such as metabolic syndrome (MS) (insulin resistance, central obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and hypertension) associated with morbidity and premature mortality. We evaluate the effect of a multimodal program based on physical exercise and health education on MS and health-related quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women with BC under AIs. Methods: A total of 56 postmenopausal women, diagnosed with BC, aged 60 years or older (mean age 67.2 years) and on hormonal treatment with AIs, were included in the multimodal physical exercise and health education program, and evaluated before and after their participation. The assessment of the five criteria of the MS included the following: waist circumference, high blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Two main instruments were used to evaluate the impact of the intervention on QoL: the EORTC QLQ C30 (questionnaire for cancers in general) and the EORTC QLQ BR23 (specifically for breast cancer patients). The EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) was also used to compare these results. Results: The percentage of women meeting the MS criteria was 37.7% at baseline and fell to 15.1% at 3 months after the intervention (p = 0.02). The intervention significantly reduced hypertension (p < 0.001), central obesity (p < 0.001), and the concentration of triglycerides (p = 0.016). No significant changes were observed in fasting glucose and HDL concentration. A statistically significant improvement was found in QoL (on both the QLQ30 and BR23 scales). A multivariate regression model analysis identified marital status (being married) (95% CI: 1.728–131.615, p = 0.014), and percentage of attendance at health education sessions (95% CI: 1.010–1.211, p = 0.029) as positive predictive variables of improvement in MS. Conclusions: The implementation of multimodal, community-based programs of physical exercise and health education improve the prevalence of MS and specific criteria of MS and QoL in postmenopausal women with breast cancer receiving AI treatment.

Membraneless organelles in health and disease: exploring the molecular basis, physiological roles and pathological implications

AbstractOnce considered unconventional cellular structures, membraneless organelles (MLOs), cellular substructures involved in biological processes or pathways under physiological conditions, have emerged as central players in cellular dynamics and function. MLOs can be formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), resulting in the creation of condensates. From neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, aging, and metabolism to cancer, the influence of MLOs on human health and disease extends widely. This review discusses the underlying mechanisms of LLPS, the biophysical properties that drive MLO formation, and their implications for cellular function. We highlight recent advances in understanding how the physicochemical environment, molecular interactions, and post-translational modifications regulate LLPS and MLO dynamics. This review offers an overview of the discovery and current understanding of MLOs and biomolecular condensate in physiological conditions and diseases. This article aims to deliver the latest insights on MLOs and LLPS by analyzing current research, highlighting their critical role in cellular organization. The discussion also covers the role of membrane-associated condensates in cell signaling, including those involving T-cell receptors, stress granules linked to lysosomes, and biomolecular condensates within the Golgi apparatus. Additionally, the potential of targeting LLPS in clinical settings is explored, highlighting promising avenues for future research and therapeutic interventions.

Transcriptional profiles of Microcystis reveal gene expression shifts that promote bloom persistence in in situ mesocosms

ABSTRACT Harmful algal blooms caused by cyanobacteria threaten aquatic ecosystems, the economy, and human health. Previous work has tried to identify the mechanisms that allow blooms to form, focusing on the role of nutrients. However, little is known about how introduced nutrients influence gene expression in situ . To address this knowledge gap, we used in situ mesocosms initiated with water experiencing a Microcystis bloom. We added pulses of nutrients that are commonly associated with anthropogenic sources to the mesocosms for 72 hours and collected samples for metatranscriptomics to examine how the physiological function of Microcystis and bloom status changed. The addition of nitrogen (N) as urea, but not the addition of PO 4 , resulted in conspicuous bloom persistence for at least 9 days after the final introduction of nutrients. The addition of urea initially resulted in the upregulation of photosynthesis machinery, as well as phosphate, carbon, and N transport and metabolism. Once Microcystis presumably became N-replete, upregulation of amino acid metabolism, microcystin biosynthesis, and other processes associated with biomass generation occurred. These capacities coincided with the upregulation of toxin-antitoxin systems, CRISPR- cas genes, and transposases suggesting that phage defense and genome rearrangement are critical in bloom persistence. Overall, our results show the stepwise transcriptional response of a Microcystis bloom to the introduction of nutrients, specifically urea, as it is sustained in a natural setting. The transcriptomic shifts observed herein may serve as markers of the longevity of blooms while providing insight into why Microcystis blooms over other cyanobacteria. IMPORTANCE Harmful algal blooms represent a threat to human health and ecosystems. Understanding why blooms persist may help us develop warning indicators of bloom persistence and create novel mitigation strategies. Using mesocosm experiments initiated with water with an active bloom, we measured the stepwise transcription changes of the toxin-producing cyanobacterium Microcystis in response to the addition of nutrients that are important in causing blooms. We found that nitrogen (N), but not phosphorus, promoted bloom longevity. The initial introduction of N resulted in the upregulation of genes involved in photosynthesis and N import. At later times in the bloom, upregulation of genes involved in biomass generation, phage protection, genomic rearrangement, and toxin production was observed. Our results suggest that Microcystis first fulfills nutritional requirements before investing energy in pathways associated with growth and protection against competitors, which allowed bloom persistence more than a week after the final addition of nutrients.

The Impact of Domestic Violence on the experience of being a mother: a systematic review of the subjective accounts of survivors

Abstract Domestic violence (DV) is still a silent public health pandemic globally, more so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Domestic abuse has a well-documented impact on women and its potential transgenerational consequences for their children. However, the influence of DV on a survivor's experience as a parent is rarely studied, especially in developing nations. Through a systematic review, this study aimed to examine and synthesise current global research on DV survivors' experiences regarding their parenting capacities. The objective was to understand how DV survivors perceive how their parenting capacities were impacted by the experience of DV. Five databases were searched between the periods 2010 to 2020. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Through a thematic analysis of the included articles, three core themes emerged: first, the mothers’ state of psychosocial and physical health, exacerbated or associated with the DV experience, holds association with their perceived capacity within a parental role. Second, the influence of DV on motherhood is not necessarily predictive of negative parenting practices but somewhat contingent on the mothers’ ability to mobilise supportive internal and external resources, which are often restricted and disrupted by the abusive partner. Last, decisions to leave the abusive partner are complex and subjectively reasoned by the mothers, with a common intention to protect the family. These findings suggest that more comprehensive support and preventative interventions are needed in local communities to create supportive environments that are accessible to mothers who parent in the context of DV.

Perceived work-related stress and associated factors among the surgical workforce in a Nigerian tertiary health facility: A cross-sectional study

Healthcare workers continue to experience high levels of work-related stress which continue to negatively affect their psychological, physical, and emotional well-being. This is even more prevalent among healthcare workers who work in surgical specialities, with the surgical operation room becoming a known stressor at hospitals. This study aims to assess work-related stress among surgical team members at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria between January 2021–2022. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistical approaches using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.0. The study found an overall high prevalence of work-related stress, with 65% of participants reporting moderate levels of stress. The majority of the participants have a mean age of 39.4 ± 7.8 years, most of them being physicians (66.3%), being males (59.9%), and identified with a Hausa ethnic tribe. Notably, the multiple regression analysis found that tribe (p = 0.008), professional cadres (p = 0.001) and age/years of experience (p = 0.0035) emerged as significant predictors of work-related stress. Key determinants of work-related stress among surgical team members include workload, complexity of work, and conflicting cognitive job demands that continue to subject professionals to increasing workloads and constant decision-making about their job. Organizational factors, such as job policy and procedure, communication problems, and the nature of facilities, were identified as the highest contributors to work-related stress in organizational, interpersonal, and physical/environmental dimensions. The findings lead to the conclusion that a considerable proportion of surgical team members experience a relatively high level of work-related stress, primarily attributed to workload and cognitive demands. In light of these results, urgent efforts are recommended to improve the working conditions and environment for surgical team members. Furthermore, the integration of stress management measures into the educational programs for the surgical team is emphasized to effectively address and mitigate the impact of work-related stress.

Sleep & Nutrition for Athletes

Abstract Sleep is vital for the maintenance of physical and mental health, recovery and performance in athletes. Sleep also has a restorative effect on the immune system and the endocrine system. Sleep must be of adequate duration, timing, and quality to promote recovery following training and competition. Inadequate sleep adversely impacts carbohydrate metabolism, appetite, energy intake and protein synthesis affecting recovery from the energy demands of daily living and training/competition related fatigue. Sleep’s role in overall health and wellbeing has been established. Athletes have high sleep needs and are particularly vulnerable to sleep difficulties due to high training and competition demands, as such the implementation of the potential nutritional interventions to improve sleep duration and quality is commonplace. The use of certain nutrition strategies and supplements has an evidence base i.e. carbohydrate, caffeine, creatine, kiwifruit, magnesium, meal make-up and timing, protein and tart cherry. However, further research involving both foods and supplements is necessary to clarify the interactions between nutrition and the circadian system as there is potential to improve sleep and recovery. Additional research is necessary to clarify guidelines and develop products and protocols for foods and supplements to benefit athlete health, performance and/or recovery. The purpose of this review is to highlight the potential interaction between sleep and nutrition for athletes, and how these interactions might benefit sleep and/or recovery.

Integrating Islamic Values and Modern Medical Practices to Enhance Public Health in Muslim Communities

This study aims to explore the integration of Islamic spiritual values with modern medical practices as a holistic approach to improving public health, particularly in Muslim-majority regions. The approach seeks to bridge the gap between physical and spiritual health through a framework that accommodates religious, cultural, and socio-economic aspects. The method employed is qualitative literature review, utilizing content analysis and interpretative analysis of relevant scholarly sources. The main findings reveal that Islamic values can play a strategic role in creating more inclusive and effective healthcare services, through community-based policies and synergy between traditional and modern medicine. The study also identifies barriers such as inadequate regulations, limited access, and misconceptions about traditional and modern medicine, which can be addressed through stricter regulations and public education. This research contributes to developing a new paradigm in health policy by integrating religion and science, offering a multidisciplinary and contextual perspective. It highlights the importance of collaboration among governments, medical practitioners, and local communities in creating a holistic healthcare system. In conclusion, the integration of Islamic spiritual values with modern medical practices holds significant potential for enhancing public health outcomes while fostering harmonious dialogue between religion and science for the future.

Factors affecting women’s mental health in Nigeria in the past and present: A systematic review

This study conducted a systematic review to explore the contemporary and historical determinants influencing women's mental health in Nigeria. Utilizing databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Sage, Medline, and BioMed Central, a comprehensive search was performed to identify relevant literature. After carefully applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 published research papers were selected for the review. The study examines various factors impacting women's mental health in Nigeria, including socio-economic, health-related and cultural determinants. Specifically, socio-economic factors such as poverty were analyzed in 21 studies while health-related issues such as postpartum depression were addressed in 8 studies. In addition, cultural elements, including psychological traumas leading to conditions like psychosis, sadness, and stigma, were explored in 10 studies. The findings highlight the need to prioritize women's mental health in Nigeria, emphasizing the interconnectedness of societal well-being, which includes both physical and mental health. Based on these findings, it is essential for policymakers in Nigeria to implement comprehensive mental health initiatives that target the socio-economic, health-related and cultural factors highlighted in the research. The delivery of accessible and affordable mental health services customized to the specific needs of Nigerian women should be prioritized.

3D Printing‐Based Hydrogel Dressings for Wound Healing

AbstractSkin wounds have become an important issue that affects human health and burdens global medical care. Hydrogel materials similar to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) are one of the best candidates for ideal wound dressings and the most feasible choices for printing inks. Distinct from hydrogels made by traditional technologies, which lack bionic and mechanical properties, 3D printing can promptly and accurately create hydrogels with complex bioactive structures and the potential to promote tissue regeneration and wound healing. Herein, a comprehensive review of multi‐functional 3D printing‐based hydrogel dressings for wound healing is presented. The review first summarizes the 3D printing techniques for wound hydrogel dressings, including photo‐curing, extrusion, inkjet, and laser‐assisted 3D printing. Then, the properties and design approaches of a series of bioinks composed of natural, synthetic, and composite polymers for 3D printing wound hydrogel dressings are described. Thereafter, the application of multi‐functional 3D printing‐based hydrogel dressings in a variety of wound environments is discussed in depth, including hemostasis, anti‐inflammation, antibacterial, skin appendage regeneration, intelligent monitoring, and machine learning‐assisted therapy. Finally, the challenges and prospects of 3D printing‐based hydrogel dressings for wound healing are presented.

Hidden allies: how extracellular vesicles drive biofilm formation, stress adaptation, and host–immune interactions in human fungal pathogens

ABSTRACT Pathogenic fungi pose a significant threat to human health, especially given the rising incidence of invasive fungal infections and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This requires the development of vaccines and the advancement of antifungal strategies. Recent studies have focused on the roles of fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) in intercellular communication and host-pathogen interactions. EVs are nanosized, lipid membrane-bound particles that facilitate the transfer of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Here, we review the multifaceted functions of EVs produced by different human fungal pathogens, highlighting their importance in the response of fungal cells to different environmental cues and their interactions with host immune cells. We summarize the current state of research on EVs and how leveraging this knowledge can lead to innovative approaches in vaccine development and antifungal treatment.

Niche-specific metabolic phenotypes can be used to identify antimicrobial targets in pathogens

Bacterial pathogens pose a major risk to human health, leading to tens of millions of deaths annually and significant global economic losses. While bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotic regimens, there has been a rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacterial strains due to antibiotic overuse. Because of this, treatment of infections with traditional antimicrobials has become increasingly difficult, necessitating the development of innovative approaches for deeply understanding pathogen function. To combat issues presented by broad- spectrum antibiotics, the idea of narrow-spectrum antibiotics has been previously proposed and explored. Rather than interrupting universal bacterial cellular processes, narrow-spectrum antibiotics work by targeting specific functions or essential genes in certain species or subgroups of bacteria. Here, we generate a collection of genome-scale metabolic network reconstructions (GENREs) of pathogens through an automated computational pipeline. We used these GENREs to identify subgroups of pathogens that share unique metabolic phenotypes and determined that pathogen physiological niche plays a role in the development of unique metabolic function. For example, we identified several unique metabolic phenotypes specific to stomach pathogens. We identified essential genes unique to stomach pathogens in silico and a corresponding inhibitory compound for a uniquely essential gene. We then validated our in silico predictions with an in vitro microbial growth assay. We demonstrated that the inhibition of a uniquely essential gene, thyX, inhibited growth of stomach-specific pathogens exclusively, indicating possible physiological location-specific targeting. This pioneering computational approach could lead to the identification of unique metabolic signatures to inform future targeted, physiological location-specific, antimicrobial therapies, reducing the need for broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Melatonin Ameliorates Cadmium‐Induced Liver Fibrosis Via Modulating Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism

ABSTRACTCadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental contaminant with high toxicity to human health. Melatonin has been shown to improve Cd‐induced liver damage. However, its mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin on Cd‐induced liver damage and fibrosis. A combination of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics was adopted to investigate changes in the gut microbiome and its metabolites on the regulation of melatonin in Cd‐induced liver injury and fibrosis of mice. Further, nonabsorbable antibiotics, a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) program and intestine‐specific farnesoid X receptor (FXR) knockout mice were employed to explore the mechanism of melatonin (MT) on liver injury and fibrosis in Cd treated mice. MT significantly improved hepatic inflammation, bile duct hyperplasia, liver damage, and liver fibrosis, with a notable decrease in liver bile acid levels in Cd‐exposed mice. MT treatment remodeled the gut microbiota, improved gut barrier function, and reduced the production of gut‐derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MT significantly decreased the intestinal tauro‐β‐muricholic acid levels, which are known as FXR antagonists. Notably, MT prominently activated the intestinal FXR signaling, subsequently inhibiting liver bile acid synthesis and decreasing hepatic inflammation in Cd‐exposed mice. However, MT could not ameliorate Cd‐induced liver damage and fibrosis in Abx‐treated mice. Conversely, MT still exerted a protective effect on Cd‐induced liver damage and fibrosis in FMT mice. Interestingly, MT failed to reverse liver damage and fibrosis in Cd‐exposed intestinal epithelial cell‐specific FXR gene knockout mice, indicating that intestinal FXR signaling mediated the protective effect of MT treatment. MT improves Cd‐induced liver damage and fibrosis through reshaping the intestinal flora, activating the intestinal FXR‐mediated suppression of liver bile acid synthesis and reducing LPS leakage in mice.

Progress in the Identification and Design of Novel Antimicrobial Peptides Against Pathogenic Microorganisms

Abstract The occurrence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pose a looming threat to human health around the world. Novel antibiotics are urgently needed to address the AMR crisis. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained increasing attention as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics due to their abundant sources, structural diversity, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and ease of production. Given its significance, there has been a tremendous advancement in the research and development of AMPs. Numerous AMPs have been identified from various natural sources (e.g., plant, animal, human, microorganism) based on either well-established isolation or bioinformatic pipelines. Moreover, computer-assisted strategies (e.g., machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL)) have emerged as a powerful and promising technology for the accurate prediction and design of new AMPs. It may overcome some of the shortcomings of traditional antibiotic discovery and contribute to the rapid development and translation of AMPs. In these cases, this review aims to appraise the latest advances in identifying and designing AMPs and their significant antimicrobial activities against a wide range of bacterial pathogens. The review also highlights the critical challenges in discovering and applying AMPs.

Dynamic Changes of Air Particle Pollutants and Scale Regulation of Forest Landscape in a Typical High-Latitude City

Particulate pollutants, particularly PM2.5 and PM10, pose serious threats to human health and environmental quality. Therefore, effectively mitigating and reducing the concentrations of these pollutants is crucial for human survival and development. In this study, we analyzed the distribution characteristics of air particulate pollutants in a typical high-latitude city, extracted urban forest areas from high-resolution remote sensing images, and examined the changing characteristics of PM concentration and the relationship between landscape pattern indexes and PM at different scales. The results showed that the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 were highest in winter and lowest in summer. At the small scales of 0.5 km × 0.5 km to 1.5 km × 1.5 km, PM concentration decreased with the decrease in PARA (Perimeter–Area Ratio). At the mesoscales of 2 km × 2 km to 2.5 km × 2.5 km, both PARA and CIRCLE (Related Circumscribing Circle) were highly significant (p < 0.001) correlated with PM concentration. At the large scales of 3 km × 3 km to 4 km × 4 km, PARA and PAFRAC (Perimeter–Area Fractal Dimension) were positively correlated with PM concentration. Our study indicates that reducing the complexity of forest patches in small-scale planning can help mitigate particulate air pollution. In the medium scale of urban forest planning, the more regular the forest patch shape and the more similar the patch shape to the strip, the better PM can be alleviated, while in large-scale planning, increasing the forest area and making the patches more normalized and simplified can reduce PM concentration. Moreover, reducing the complexity of forest patches can significantly mitigate PM pollution at all scales. The results of this research provide theoretical support and guidance for improving air quality in urban forest planning at different scales.

Risk factors for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: a comparative study between acute hospital care and mental health inpatient settings for older people

Purpose This study aims to establish if risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in older hospitalized psychiatric patients differ from geriatric inpatients and if the current risk assessment tools being used are suitable. Design/methodology/approach The authors undertook a single centre retrospective review of 75 records for presence of predetermined risk factors. In total, 55 discharged patients with thrombotic events within geriatric settings were compared with 20 from mental health settings. Differences in risk factors were determined using t-test and Fisher’s exact test. Findings VTE patients in geriatric units were older and had reduced mobility. Psychiatric patients were more likely to be dehydrated and treated with psychotropics. Whilst rates of VTE screening were comparable in both settings, geriatric inpatients were more frequently prescribed thromboprophylaxis. Research limitations/implications Older psychiatric inpatients differ from those in medical/surgical settings in their profiles and risk factors for VTE. Approaches for VTE risk management also differed. Practical implications The study suggests the need for VTE screening tools and treatment protocols specific to older psychiatric settings. Social implications Targeted approaches may improve outcomes specific to each group. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt in comparing VTE risk factors across acute physical health care and mental health settings.

The Influence of Artificial Light Exposure on Indigenous Populations: Exploring Its Impact on Menarcheal Age and Reproductive Function

The impact of artificial light exposure on human health has garnered significant attention in recent years. In particular, its effects on reproductive health have raised concerns. Given that the onset of menarche serves as a crucial indicator of reproductive maturity, understanding the implications of artificial light exposure becomes paramount. Age of menarche onset occurs relatively earlier in urban females than females raised in rural areas. Besides the decline in age of menarche onset, exposure to artificial light may contribute to impairment in reproductive hormones, particularly gonadotropins, by disrupting rhythms of reproductive hormones, modulating stress hormones and kisspeptin productions, and causing body weight changes. This drastic environmentally induced change may increase the proportion of teenage pregnancies, unfulfilled childhood dreams, depression, and ill-prepared marriages, thus creating a potential need for public health intervention. Due to limited studies and often lack of longitudinal data, a significant knowledge gap exists in unraveling the potential mechanism involved in alteration of these physiologic processes. The purpose of the current review was to elucidate the intricate interplay between environmental factors, cultural practices, and biological processes within indigenous communities. By meticulously examining the multifaceted influences of artificial light, including its prevalence and varying intensity based on geographical locations and light pollution levels, this study aimed to provide scholarly insights in-to the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the observed changes. The findings of this inquiry will also inform evidence-based strategies and interventions aimed at safeguarding the reproductive well-being of indigenous populations amidst the escalating challenges posed by artificial light exposure.

Cadmium (Cd) Tolerance and Phytoremediation Potential in Fiber Crops: Research Updates and Future Breeding Efforts

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most devastating abiotic factors, significantly damaging crops and human health. One of the serious problems it causes is a rise in cadmium (Cd) toxicity. Cd is a highly toxic metal with a negative biological role, and it enters plants via the soil–plant system. Cd stress induces a series of disorders in plants’ morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes and initiates the inhibition of seed germination, ultimately resulting in reduced growth. Fiber crops such as kenaf, jute, hemp, cotton, and flax have high industrial importance and often face the issue of Cd toxicity. Various techniques have been introduced to counter the rising threats of Cd toxicity, including reducing Cd content in the soil, mitigating the effects of Cd stress, and genetic improvements in plant tolerance against this stress. For decades, plant breeders have been trying to develop Cd-tolerant fiber crops through the identification and transformation of novel genes. Still, the complex mechanism of Cd tolerance has hindered the progress of genetic breeding. These crops are ideal candidates for the phytoremediation of heavy metals in contaminated soils. Hence, increased Cd uptake, accumulation, and translocation in below-ground parts (roots) and above-ground parts (shoots, leaves, and stems) can help clean agricultural lands for safe use for food crops. Earlier studies indicated that reducing Cd uptake, detoxification, reducing the effects of Cd stress, and developing plant tolerance to these stresses through the identification of novel genes are fruitful approaches. This review aims to highlight the role of some conventional and molecular techniques in reducing the threats of Cd stress in some key fiber crops. Molecular techniques mainly involve QTL mapping and GWAS. However, more focus has been given to the use of transcriptome and TFs analysis to explore the potential genomic regions involved in Cd tolerance in these crops. This review will serve as a source of valuable genetic information on key fiber crops, allowing for further in-depth analyses of Cd tolerance to identify the critical genes for molecular breeding, like genetic engineering and CRISPR/Cas9.

Characterization, source profiles and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban dust of 14 Chinese cities

ABSTRACT Data for 16 USEPA priority PAHs were collected in urban dust from 14 cities in China between 2008 and 2022, and concentration, profile composition, and human health risk were investigated. The mean concentration of PAHs was 6.60 mg kg−1, ranging from 2.88 mg kg−1 to 13.88 mg kg−1, and it was higher than other important cities in neighboring countries of China. Among different individual PAHs, mean fluoranthene (Flr) was dominant, accounting for 15.04%, and low molecular weight PAH (LMW) was almost a third of high molecular weight PAH (HMW). The results of PAH composition profiles suggested that the proportion of different rings of PAHs increased in order: 2-ring PAHs (4.40%)< 6-ring PAHs (15.73%)< 3-ring PAHs (17.77%)< 5-ring PAHs (22.54%)< 4-ring PAHs (39.56%). The results of the source appointment suggested that pyrogenic sources and mixed sources, particularly wood, grass, coal, and diesel combustion, were the main sources of PAHs in urban dust. The results of the health risk assessment illustrated that children were more vulnerable to PAHs, and ingestion was the dominant exposure pathway to PAHs (78.152%, 67.519%, 73.206%, and 72.957% of children, adolescents, adults, and the total lifetime cancer risk (TLCR)). PAH pollution in urban dust from different cities in China was a commonly existing phenomenon, but the mean and maximum of TLCR were acceptable according to the standard established by USEPA (10−4). Based on Monte Carlo simulations, body weight (BW) was the most important uncertain input in three age groups (60.75%-91.22% contribution).

Streptomyces hygroscopicus and rapamycinicus Evaluated from a U.S. Marine Sanctuary: Biosynthetic Gene Clusters Encode Antibiotic and Chemotherapeutic Secondary Metabolites

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Also threatening the public is the emergence of antibiotic resistance to existing medicines. Despite the challenge to produce viable natural products to market, there continues to be a need within public health to provide new chemotherapeutic drugs such as those exhibiting cytotoxicity and tumor cell growth-inhibitory properties. As marine genomic research advances, it is apparent that marine-derived sediment harbors uniquely potent bioactive compounds compared to their terrestrial counterparts. The Streptomyces genus in particular produces more than 30% of all secondary metabolites currently approved for human health, thus harboring unexplored reservoirs of chemotherapeutic and antibiotic agents to combat emerging disease. The present study identifies the presence of Streptomyces hygroscopicus and rapamycinicus in environmental sediment at locations within the U.S. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS) from 2017 to 2022. Sequencing and bioinformatics methods catalogued biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that drive cytotoxic and antibiotic biochemical processes in samples collected from sites permittable and protected to fishing activity. Poisson regression models confirmed that Sites 1 and 3 had significantly higher occurrences of rapamycinicus than other sites (p &lt; 0.01). Poisson regression models confirmed that Sites 1, 2 and 3 had significantly higher occurrence for Streptomyces hygroscopicus across sites (p &lt; 0.05). Interestingly, permitted fishing sites showed a greater prevalence of both species. Statistical analyses showed a significant difference in aligned hits with polyketide synthases (PKSs) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) by site and between species with hygroscopicus showing a greater quantity than rapamycinicus among Streptomyces spp. (p &lt; 0.05; F = 4.7 &gt; F crit).

Combined laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with transurethral approach to the ureter in renal tuberculosis treatment

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis of the genitourinary system is a common cause of organ removal surgeries. Despite the improvement of medical technologies, kidney and urinary tract surgeries for urogenital tuberculosis are traditionally performed using the open method. AIM: To assess the findings of laparoscopic and open combined nephroureterectomy with transurethral resection of the distal ureter in patients with renal tuberculosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The findings of 61 nephroureterectomies with transurethral resection of the distal ureter performed for destructive renal tuberculosis were analyzed. Open nephroureterectomy was performed in 31 patients, and laparoscopic approach was used in 30 patients. Patients in both groups were comparable by gender and age. RESULTS: The surgery duration, volume of intraoperative blood loss, rate and severity of postoperative complications were lower in patients who had laparoscopic interventions. When examined 1 month after surgery, patients in both groups showed the improvement of clinical parameters. The following changes were reported: a significant decrease in the nighttime urination rate, a decrease in IPSS scores, and an increase in the functional bladder capacity without significant differences depending on the surgical approach. After the surgery, a significant improvement in the quality of patients’ life was observed. In patients who had laparoscopic surgery, improvements were detected in all the SF-36 questionnaire domains. However, in patients after open surgery with a positive effect on most of assessed parameters no significant improvement of parameters in section “General Physical Health” was found. CONCLUSIONS: Irrespective of the selected approach, combined nephroureterectomy with transurethral resection of the distal ureter is an effective method of surgical treatment of patients with destructive renal tuberculosis. Moreover, the laparoscopic technique has shown a number of significant advantages over open surgery.