Publications by authors named "N G Knox"

Evidence suggests that the gut microbiome may play a role in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the majority of the studies have focused on gut bacterial communities; none have examined the fungal microbiota (mycobiota) in persons with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS). We examined the gut mycobiota in persons with and without POMS through a cross-sectional examination of the gut mycobiota from 46 participants' stool samples (three groups: 18 POMS, 13 acquired monophasic demyelinating syndromes [monoADS], and 15 unaffected controls).

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The incorporation of sequencing technologies in frontline and public health healthcare settings was vital in developing virus surveillance programs during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, increased data acquisition poses challenges for both rapid and accurate analyses. To overcome these hurdles, we developed the SARS-CoV-2 Illumina GeNome Assembly Line (SIGNAL) for quick bulk analyses of Illumina short-read sequencing data.

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Introduction: Unmet needs in the older population with cancer are complex due to aging-related health conditions. A review of unmet needs in older people with cancer showed that needs varied among different cancer types. In lung cancer, a higher incidence of geriatric syndromes and comorbidities exist compared to other cancer cohorts, impacting treatment tolerance and completion.

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  • - Menopause leads to reduced ovarian hormone production, increasing cisgender women's risks for obesity, cognitive decline, and mood disorders, particularly under chronic stress conditions.
  • - In a mouse study, researchers examined the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) alongside chronic stress after inducing menopause-like conditions using a chemical called VCD, which depletes ovarian function.
  • - Results showed that mice on HFD had higher body fat and glucose levels, coupled with worse cognitive and anxiety-related behaviors, indicating potential dietary influences on the negative effects of menopause-related estrogen deficiency.
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  • - Wastewater surveillance has proven effective in tracking the spread of SARS-CoV-2, including its variants, particularly at transportation hubs like Toronto Pearson International Airport.
  • - Canadian municipalities, including WWTPs in Ontario, use techniques like qPCR and whole genome sequencing to monitor the virus in wastewater.
  • - Findings from wastewater samples at the airport often identified new viral lineages 1-4 weeks before clinical cases were reported, highlighting the potential for early detection in pandemic response.
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