The biotoxin BMAA promotes mesenchymal transition in neuroblastoma cells.

Mesenchymal-like cancer cells are an indicator of malignant tumors as they exhibit tumorigenic properties including downregulation of differentiation markers, and increased colony-forming potential, motility, and chemoresistance. We have previously demonstrated that the cyanobacterial biotoxin beta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is capable of influencing neural cell differentiation state through mechanisms involving the Wnt signaling pathway, suggesting the possibility that BMAA may play a role in influencing other Wnt related differentiation processes including mesenchymal transition. In this study we present evidence characterizing the effects of BMAA on mesenchymal transition in a human neuroblastoma cell line and provide support for the hypothesis that the biotoxin can promote this process in these cells by altering differentiation state, inducing changes in gene expression, and changing cellular function in manners consistent with cellular mesenchymal transition.

Chronic and acute thermal stressors have non-additive effects on fertility.

Climate change is driving both higher mean temperatures and a greater likelihood of heatwaves, which are becoming longer and more intense. Previous work has looked at these two types of thermal stressors in isolation, focusing on the effects of either a small, long-term increase in temperature or a large, short-term increase in temperature. Yet, a fundamental gap in our understanding is the combined effect of chronic and acute thermal stressors and, in particular, its impact on vital processes such as reproduction.

Initial evaluation of a technologyenabled change in delivery of the dementia service during COVID-19 in North Warwickshire.

Background: Remote monitoring technologies show potential to help health professionals deliver preventative interventions which can avoid hospital admissions and allow patients to remain in a home setting.

Aims: To assess whether an Internet of Things (IoT) driven remote monitoring technology, used in the care pathway of community dementia patients in North Warwickshire improved access to care for patients and cost effectiveness.

Method: Patient level changes to anonymised retrospective healthcare utilisation data were analysed alongside costs.

Correction: The biotoxin BMAA promotes dysfunction via distinct mechanisms in neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

The biotoxin BMAA promotes dysfunction via distinct mechanisms in neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells.

Chronic exposure to the Cyanobacteria biotoxin Beta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has been associated with development of a sporadic form of ALS called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC), as observed within certain Indigenous populations of Guam and Japan. Studies in primate models and cell culture have supported the association of BMAA with ALS/PDC, yet the pathological mechanisms at play remain incompletely characterized, effectively stalling the development of rationally-designed therapeutics or application of preventative measures for this disease. In this study we demonstrate for the first time that sub-excitotoxic doses of BMAA modulate the canonical Wnt signaling pathway to drive cellular defects in human neuroblastoma cells, suggesting a potential mechanism by which BMAA may promote neurological disease.

Self-management programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples with chronic conditions: A rapid review.

Objectives: Review the evidence for the effectiveness of chronic condition self-management programs applied to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Methods: A rapid review methodology was followed to develop an evidence summary from peer-reviewed and grey literature.

Results: Only seven peer-reviewed studies were identified.