Peer-assisted telemedicine for hepatitis C in people who use drugs: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination requires treating people who use drugs (PWUD), yet fewer than 10% of PWUD in the United States access HCV treatment and access is especially limited in rural communities.

Methods: We randomized PWUD with HCV viremia and past 90-day injection drug or non-prescribed opioid use in seven rural Oregon counties to peer-assisted telemedicine HCV treatment (TeleHCV) versus peer-assisted referral to local providers (enhanced usual care; EUC). Peers supported screening and pre-treatment laboratory evaluation for all participants and facilitated telemedicine visits, medication delivery, and adherence for TeleHCV participants.

1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated adult zebrafish as a model for Parkinson's Disease.

Dopamine (DA) is a catecholamine neurotransmitter that works to regulate cognitive functions. Patients affected by Parkinson's Disease (PD) experience a loss of dopaminergic neurons and downregulated neural DA production. This leads to cognitive and physical decline that is the hallmark of PD for which no cure currently exists.

A review of MPTP-induced parkinsonism in adult zebrafish to explore pharmacological interventions for human Parkinson's disease.

Novel work in adult zebrafish, to recapitulate human neurodegenerative disease has proven useful in both pharmaceutical development and research on genetic disease. Due to high genetic homology to humans, affordable husbandry, relatively quick life cycle breeding times, and robust embryo production, zebrafish offer a promising model to test pharmaceutical performance in a high throughput, setting. Currently, most research in zebrafish models of Parkinson's disease induces the disease in larval or embryonic stage organisms due to ease of administration, with advancement through developmental stages taking only a matter of days.

Therapeutic developments for neurodegenerative GM1 gangliosidosis.

GM1 gangliosidosis (GM1) is a rare but fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by dysfunction or lack of production of lysosomal enzyme, β-galactosidase, leading to accumulation of substrates. The most promising treatments for GM1, include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), substrate reduction therapy (SRT), stem cell therapy and gene editing. However, effectiveness is limited for neuropathic GM1 due to the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Bridging clinical radiotherapy and space radiation therapeutics through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-triggered delivery.

This review explores the convergence of clinical radiotherapy and space radiation therapeutics, focusing on ionizing radiation (IR)-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). IR, with high-energy particles, induces precise cellular damage, particularly in cancer treatments. The paper discusses parallels between clinical and space IR, highlighting unique characteristics of high-charge and energy particles in space and potential health risks for astronauts.

Optimizing enzyme-responsive polymersomes for protein-based therapies.

Stimuli-responsive polymersomes are promising tools for protein-based therapies, but require deeper understanding and optimization of their pathology-responsive behavior. Hyaluronic acid (HA)-poly(b-lactic acid) (PLA) polymersomes self-assembled from block copolymers of varying molecular weights of HA were compared for their physical properties, degradation and intracellular behavior. Major results showed increasing enzyme-responsivity associated with decreasing molecular weight.

Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of non-viral gene editing technology to the brain.

Neurological disorders pose a significant burden on individuals and society, affecting millions worldwide. These disorders, including but not limited to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, often have limited treatment options and can lead to progressive degeneration and disability. Gene editing technologies, including Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFN), Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALEN), and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-associated Protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9), offer a promising avenue for potential cures by targeting and correcting the underlying genetic mutations responsible for neurologic disorders.

Complex Coacervates as a Promising Vehicle for mRNA Delivery: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances and Challenges.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies have gained significant attention, following the successful deployment of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. Compared with traditional methods of genetic modification, mRNA-based therapies offer several advantages, including a lower risk of genetic mutations, temporary and controlled therapeutic gene expression, and a shorter production time, which facilitates rapid responses to emerging health challenges. Moreover, mRNA-based therapies have shown immense potential in treating a wide range of diseases including cancers, immune diseases, and neurological disorders.

The Impact of MiR-33a-5p Inhibition in Pro-Inflammatory Endothelial Cells.

Evidence suggests cholesterol accumulation in pro-inflammatory endothelial cells (EC) contributes to triggering atherogenesis and driving atherosclerosis progression. Therefore, inhibiting miR-33a-5p within inflamed endothelium may prevent and treat atherosclerosis by enhancing apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux by upregulating ABCA1. However, it is not entirely elucidated whether inhibition of miR-33a-5p in pro-inflammatory EC is capable of increasing ABCA1-dependent cholesterol efflux.

A randomized controlled trial for a peer-facilitated telemedicine hepatitis c treatment intervention for people who use drugs in rural communities: study protocol for the "peer tele-HCV" study.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission is primarily driven by injection drug use, and acute HCV infection rates are increased in rural communities with substantial barriers to care. Treatment of HCV in persons who use drugs (PWUD) is cost effective, decreases high risk behaviors and HCV transmission, and achieves high rates of treatment completion and sustained viral response. Adapting HCV care delivery to utilize peer support specialists, telemedicine technology, and streamlined testing and treatment strategies can better reach rural populations living with HCV.

Polymeric Metal Contrast Agents for T-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain.

Imaging plays an integral role in diagnostics and treatment monitoring for conditions affecting the brain; enhanced brain imaging capabilities will improve upon both while increasing the general understanding of how the brain works. T-weighted magnetic resonance imaging is the preferred modality for brain imaging. Commercially available contrast agents, which are often required to render readable brain images, have considerable toxicity concerns.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to the fentanyl-adulterated drug supply among people who use drugs in Oregon.

Introduction: Nonpharmaceutical fentanyl has reconfigured the U.S. illicit drug market, contributing to a drastic increase in overdose drug deaths.

"It wasn't here, and now it is. It's everywhere": fentanyl's rising presence in Oregon's drug supply.

Background: Illicit fentanyl has contributed to a drastic increase in overdose drug deaths. While fentanyl has subsumed the drug supply in the Northeastern and Midwestern USA, it has more recently reached the Western USA. For this study, we explored perspectives of people who use drugs (PWUD) on the changing drug supply in Oregon, experiences of and response to fentanyl-involved overdose, and recommendations from PWUD to reduce overdose risk within the context of illicit fentanyl's dramatic increase in the recreational drug supply over the past decade.

COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Concerns Among People Who Use Drugs in Oregon.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine COVID-19 vaccination acceptance and explore reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people who use drugs (PWUDs), a population with increased COVID-19 transmission and morbidity.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with PWUDs in 7 Oregon counties from May 11 to June 25, 2021. Participants (n = 34) were recruited in partnership with syringe service programs and local community organizations staff, participant-referrals, and flyer advertising.

Current Advances Toward the Encapsulation of Cas9.

Genetic diseases present formidable hurdles in maintaining a good quality of life for those suffering from these ailments. Often, patients look to inadequate treatments to manage symptoms, which can result in harmful effects on the body. Through genetic engineering, scientists utilize the clustered regularly short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein, known as Cas9, to treat the root of the problem.

Combining Nanoparticle Shape Modulation and Polymersome Technology in Drug Delivery.

This paper highlights the potential benefits of using self-assembled polymeric nanoparticles of various shapes to enhance drug uptake. First, we highlight the growth and development of the polymersome, using a liposome as a blueprint for amphiphilic codelivery. Then, we focus on the advantages of nanoparticle elongation, drawing from the field of solid nanoparticles, as opposed to self-assembled vesicles which have not yet been extensively explored in shape-modulated drug delivery applications.

Toward enzyme-responsive polymersome drug delivery.

In drug delivery, enzyme-responsive drug carriers are becoming increasingly relevant because of the growing association of disease pathology with enzyme overexpression. Polymersomes are of interest to such applications because of their tunable properties. While polymersomes open up a wide range of chemical and physical properties to explore, they also present a challenge in developing generalized rules for the synthesis of novel systems.

Prenatal maternal posttraumatic stress disorder as a risk factor for adverse birth weight and gestational age outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Although not routinely assessed, prenatal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with poor maternal mental health and mother-infant bonding. Prenatal PTSD may also be associated with birth weight and gestational age outcomes, but this remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association of prenatal PTSD with risk of low birth weight (LBW) or preterm birth (PTB) (dichotomous medically-defined cut-offs) or with birth weight (BW) or gestational age (GA) (continuous variables).

Modulating Shape of Polyester Based Polymersomes using Osmotic Pressure.

Polymersomes are membrane-bound, bilayer vesicles created from amphiphilic block copolymers that can encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic payloads for drug delivery applications. Despite their promise, polymersomes are limited in application due to their spherical shape, which is not readily taken up by cells, as demonstrated by solid nanoparticle scientists. This article describes a salt-based method for increasing the aspect ratios of spherical poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)- based polymersomes.

Harm Reduction and Adaptations Among PWUD in Rural Oregon During COVID-19.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may influence HIV/HCV transmission risk behaviors in rural communities. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with people who use drugs (PWUD) in five rural Oregon counties and asked about COVID-19 impact on substance use and harm reduction practices and their advice for improving public health responses. Participants (n = 36) reported using only methamphetamine (52.

Intact or in Pieces? A Look at How Clinically Approved, Biodegradable Block Co-Polymers Affect Blood Components.

Polyethylene glycol--polylactic acid (PEG-PLA) and polyethylene glycol--poly(lactic--glycolic) acid) (PEG-PLGA) are two copolymers made up of three currently FDA approved polymers, used as drug delivery systems for specific indications. Here, the two were investigated to determine how they affected individual blood components and how they affected whole blood. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy imaging for each blood component and whole blood was completed with each amphiphilic copolymer for comparison.

The Impacts of COVID-19 on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Overdose Concerns of People Who Use Drugs in Rural Communities.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health, substance use, and overdose concerns among people who use drugs (PWUDs) in rural communities to explore reasons for changes and ways to mitigate COVID-19 impact in the future.

Methods: We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with PWUDs in 5 rural Oregon counties with high overdose rates. Participants were identified through participant-driven sampling along with flyer and text advertising (n = 36).

Reducing overdose after release from incarceration (ROAR): study protocol for an intervention to reduce risk of fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose among women after release from prison.

Background: Drug overdose is the leading cause of death after release from prison, and this risk is significantly higher among women compared to men. Within the first 2 weeks after release, the risk of death from drug overdose is 12.7 times higher than the general population, with risk of death further elevated among females.

Extreme climate after massive eruption of Alaska's Okmok volcano in 43 BCE and effects on the late Roman Republic and Ptolemaic Kingdom.

The assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE triggered a power struggle that ultimately ended the Roman Republic and, eventually, the Ptolemaic Kingdom, leading to the rise of the Roman Empire. Climate proxies and written documents indicate that this struggle occurred during a period of unusually inclement weather, famine, and disease in the Mediterranean region; historians have previously speculated that a large volcanic eruption of unknown origin was the most likely cause. Here we show using well-dated volcanic fallout records in six Arctic ice cores that one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the past 2,500 y occurred in early 43 BCE, with distinct geochemistry of tephra deposited during the event identifying the Okmok volcano in Alaska as the source.