Rab21-Targeted Nano Drug Delivery System-Based FFPG for Efficient Paclitaxel Delivery to Inhibit Lung Cancer Progression.

: (PG) has been widely researched as a conductant drug for the treatment of lung diseases by ancient and modern traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners. Inspired by the mechanism and our previous finding about fructans and fructooligosaccharides from (FFPG), we developed a nano drug delivery system (NDDS) targeting lung cancer. The aim was to improve the efficiency of the liposomal delivery of Paclitaxel (PTX) and enhance the anti-tumor efficacy.

High-Density Polyethylene-Polypropylene Blends: Examining the Relationship Between Nano/Microscale Phase Separation and Thermomechanical Properties.

The phase separation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-polypropylene (PP) blends was studied using atomic force microscopy in tapping mode to obtain height and phase images. The results are compared with those from scanning electron microscopy imaging and are connected to the thermomechanical properties of the blends, characterised through differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile testing. Pure PP, as well as 10:90 and 20:80 weight ratio HDPE-PP blends, showed a homogeneous morphology, but the 25:75 HDPE-PP blends exhibited a sub-micrometre droplet-matrix structure, and the 50:50 HDPE-PP blends displayed a more complex co-continuous nano/microphase-separated structure.

Use of Tick Cell Lines in Co-Infection Studies with a Preliminary Study of Co-Culture of and .

is an important vector of infectious human and livestock diseases in Europe. Co-infections of pathogens in ticks and hosts have been reported. Tick cell lines offer a useful model system for study of co-infections.

Cytomegalovirus Genetic Diversity and Evolution: Insights into Genotypes and Their Role in Viral Pathogenesis.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous virus that infects most of the human population and causes significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Understanding CMV's genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics is crucial for elucidating its pathogenesis and developing effective therapeutic interventions. This review provides a comprehensive examination of CMV's genetic diversity and evolution, focussing on the role of different genotypes in viral pathogenesis.

Comparative Performance of Ante-Mortem Diagnostic Assays for the Identification of -Infected Domestic Dogs ().

The domestic dog () is a competent host for () infection but no ante mortem diagnostic tests have been fully validated for this species. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of ante mortem diagnostic tests across samples collected from dogs considered to be at a high or low risk of sub-clinical infection. We previously tested a total of 164 dogs at a high risk of infection and here test 42 dogs at a low risk of infection and 77 presumed uninfected dogs with a combination of cell-based and/or serological diagnostic assays previously described for use in non-canid species.

Cytokine and Chemokine Responses of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Dogs Infected with .

Mycobacterial infections are an important emerging zoonosis in companion animals for which diagnostic options remain imperfect, and the canine immunological response to these infections has been poorly investigated. We sought to further define the cellular response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from dogs infected with , as determined using a commercial interferon-gamma response assay (IGRA). To this end, PBMCs from healthy or infected dogs were collected.

Repeatability of Pentacam HR in Keratoconus According to Two Different Scan Protocols: 25-3D Scan and 50-Cornea Fine.

This study aims to evaluate the repeatability of the Pentacam HR, comparing two different measurement modes (50-cornea fine and 25-3D scan) in patients affected by keratoconus. Multicenter retrospective study, conducted at Eye Clinic of the ASST-Spedali Civili-University of Brescia, Italy, and St. Paul's Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, United Kingdom.

An Update on Deaths in the United Kingdom from 'Poppers' (Alkyl Nitrites), with a Particular Focus on 'Swallowing' Fatalities.

Alkyl nitrites are a class of inhalant, commonly known as 'poppers'. Although having medical uses, some other effects include a 'rush', 'high', 'euphoria', or feeling of excitement. This has led to their recreational use, in different scenarios, since the mid-1960s.

Identification of Gene Family and Expression Analysis of Salt Tolerance in .

is one of the typical ecological grass species, characterized by its strong salt tolerance. Hexokinase (HXK) plays a crucial role in plant growth, development, and resistance to abiotic stresses. To understand the function of in the salt tolerance of , this study identified and analyzed the gene family members using the whole-genome data of .

Structure-Based Discovery of MolPort-137: A Novel Autotaxin Inhibitor That Improves Paclitaxel Efficacy.

The autotaxin-lysophosphatidic acid receptor (ATX-LPAR) signaling axis is pivotal in various clinical conditions, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. This axis promotes tumorigenicity by interacting with the tumor microenvironment, facilitating metastasis, and conceding antitumor immunity, thereby fostering resistance to conventional cancer therapies. Recent studies highlight the promise of ATX/LPAR inhibitors in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs to overcome some forms of this resistance, representing a novel therapeutic strategy.

OAS1: A Protective Mechanism for Alzheimer's Disease? An Exploration of Data and Possible Mechanisms.

The immune system and neuroinflammation are now well established in the aetiology of neurodegeneration. Previous studies of transcriptomic and gene association studies have highlighted the potential of the 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) to play a role in Alzheimer's disease. OAS1 is a viral response gene, interferon-induced, dsRNA activated enzyme, which binds RNase L to degrade dsRNA, and has been associated with COVID-19 response.

Investigation of Intestinal Microbes of Five Zokor Species Based on 16S rRNA Sequences.

Zokor is a group of subterranean rodents that are adapted to underground life and feed on plant roots. Here, we investigated the intestinal microbes of five zokor species (, , , , and ) using 16S amplicon technology combined with bioinformatics. Microbial composition analysis showed similar intestinal microbes but different proportions among five zokor species, and their dominant bacteria corresponded to those of herbivores.

Development of a Polygenic Risk Score for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Prediction in UK Biobank.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Although the invasive liver biopsy remains the golden standard for MASLD diagnosis, Magnetic Resonance Imaging-derived Proton Density Fat Fraction (MRI-PDFF) is an accurate, non-invasive method for the assessment of treatment response. This study aimed at developing a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) to improve MRI-PDFF prediction using UK Biobank data to assess an individual's genetic liability to MASLD.

Targeting the MDM2-p53 Interaction with Siremadlin: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Treating Wild-Type Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment has transitioned from traditional chemotherapy to more targeted therapies, but challenges such as resistance and suboptimal responses persist. This study aimed to evaluate HDM201, a second-generation MDM2-p53 binding antagonist, as a novel therapeutic strategy for CLL, with a focus on its effectiveness across different genetic contexts. We utilized a panel of B cell leukemia-derived cell lines with varying statuses, including -knockout (KO) derivatives of the human B cell line Nalm-6, and assessed the impact of HDM201 on primary CLL samples with both wild-type and mutant backgrounds.

Total Fat and Fatty Acid Content in Meals Served by Independent Takeaway Outlets Participating in the Healthier Catering Commitment Initiative in London, UK.

Out-of-home meals are characterized by poor nutritional quality, and their intake has been linked to adverse health outcomes. Therefore, national and local government initiatives have been implemented in the UK to promote healthier out-of-home meals. However, there is limited evidence of their effectiveness.

Building Connections and Striving to Build Better Futures: A Qualitative Interview Study of Alcohol Recovery Navigators' Practice in the North East of England, UK.

To address the holistic and continuity of care needs of people who attend North East hospitals frequently for alcohol-related reasons, Recovery Navigator (Navigator) roles were introduced into Alcohol Care Teams in six hospitals in the North East of England, UK, in 2022. The Navigators aimed to provide dedicated holistic support to patients experiencing alcohol harms, starting whilst in the hospital with the potential to continue this beyond discharge. This qualitative study explores the contributions that the Navigators make towards integrated alcohol care.

Workplace Health and Wellbeing in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs): A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Provision and Support Uptake.

Today's challenging times highlight the need for workplaces to support employee wellbeing. Workplaces can offer a means to improve employee wellbeing and promote health initiatives. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are less likely than larger organizations to engage with workplace wellbeing initiatives or offer wellbeing provision.

Mobilising Cross-Sectoral Collaboration in Creating Age-Friendly Cities: Case Studies from Akita and Manchester.

Developing Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCCs) is an increasingly popular policy response to supporting ageing populations. AFCC programmes rely on cross-sectoral collaboration, involving partnerships among diverse stakeholders working across sectors to address shared goals. However, there remains a limited understanding of what mechanisms and strategies drive collaboration among diverse actors within age-friendly cities.

Persuasiveness of Public Health Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Message Framing, Threat Appraisal, and Source Credibility Effects.

This study examines the relative effectiveness of the UK government's public health messages used during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We focus on the use of a loss versus gain frame. We look at the effect of framing on behavioural inclination to follow COVID-19 guidance, as well as affective mechanisms and individual characteristic moderators that might explain said willingness.

Health Outcomes of Construction Workers Building Infrastructure for Mega-Sporting Events: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Migrant construction workers involved in building infrastructure for mega-sporting events face elevated risks of illness and death. However, specific health outcomes for these workers have not been systematically reviewed, limiting opportunities to identify and address their challenges.

Methods: This study systematically reviewed health outcomes among migrant construction workers involved in mega-sporting events.

Supporting a Family Member with Dementia to Live at Home: The Experiences of Caregivers.

Background: In the United Kingdom, specialist teams managing crises in dementia make efforts to reduce inpatient admissions by supporting people to live for longer in their own homes. However, fluctuations in the health and social circumstances of both the person with dementia and/or their family caregiver can lead to 'crisis': a breakdown in home care often leading to inpatient admissions. At this point, a team managing crises in dementia (TMCD) might become involved.

Obesity-induced mesenteric PVAT remodelling is sexually dimorphic, but not driven by ovarian hormones : Short title: Obesity induces sex-specific responses in mesenteric PVAT.

Background: Obesity, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), is associated with hypertension and vascular dysfunction. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), a metabolically active tissue surrounding blood vessels, plays a key role in regulating vascular tone. In obesity, PVAT becomes dysregulated which may contribute to vascular dysfunction; how sex impacts the remodelling of PVAT and thus the altered vascular contractility during obesity is unclear.

Evaluation of the effect of dental caries, oral hygiene, and treatment need on oral health-related quality of life among Turkish orphan children and adolescents.

Background: The oral and dental health and related quality of life of orphan children and adolescents-who are considered a vulnerable population-are critical for both individual and public health.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the status of the dental caries, oral hygiene, and dental treatment needs among a group of Turkish male orphan children and adolescents, as well as their impact on oral health-related quality of life.

Methods: A total of 112 orphan children and adolescents aged between 9 and 17 years living in a residential care facility in Istanbul, Türkiye, were involved in this cross-sectional study.

The association of activity patterns on female reproductive diseases: a prospective cohort study of UK biobank.

Objective: Little is known about the role of timing of physical activity in female reproductive disorders. These disorders include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), endometriosis, infertility, and pregnancy-related disorders. This study aims to investigate the associations of activity patterns with female reproductive diseases.