In Silico Study of Interactions between the Methylene Blue Molecule and the (TiO2)20 Cluster by Means of DFT Calculations.

In this work, the (TiO2)20 cluster is proposed to adsorb the methylene blue (BM) dye; thus, the quantum parameters to explain the adsorption process are calculated by means of density functional theory calculations. Eight possible configurations are obtained and labeled from M1 to M8. According to the adsorption energy values, they reveal physisorption for at least two cases, and for the rest of the systems, they exhibit chemisorption. The preferential positions that lead to good adsorption for the BM dye are parallel to the semiconductor cluster; however, when one end of the BM dye formed by hydrogen atoms is interacting with the cluster, a weak chemical interaction is reached. The chemical interactions for M4 and M5 systems generate considerable increases of their electronic gap values (E g) with respect to the rest, and this effect is explained based on iso-surfaces of frontier orbitals and electronic charge transference. The chemical interactions between these chemical species are stable under vibrational and thermal criteria. This semiconductor cluster arises as a good candidate to adsorb some dyes like BM.

Unraveling new players in helminth pathology: extracellular vesicles from Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum exert different effects on hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes.

Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum are parasitic trematodes residing in the bile ducts of mammalian hosts, causing, in some cases, impairment of liver function and hepatic fibrosis. Previous studies have shown that extracellular vesicles released by F. hepatica (FhEVs) and D. dendriticum (DdEVs) induce a distinct phenotype in human macrophages, but there is limited information on the effect of parasitic EVs on liver cells, which interact directly with the worms in natural infections. In this study, we isolated FhEVs and DdEVs by size exclusion chromatography and labeled them with a lipophilic fluorescent dye to analyze their uptake by human hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and hepatocytes, important cell types in liver pathology, using synthetic liposomes as internal labeling and uptake control. We analyzed EV uptake and the proteome profiles after the treatment with EVs for both cell types. Our results reveal that EVs establish unique and specific interactions with stellate cells and hepatocytes, suggesting a different role of EVs derived from each parasite, depending on the migration route to reach their final niche. FhEVs have a cytostatic effect on HSCs, but induce the extracellular matrix secretion and elicit anti-inflammatory responses in hepatocytes. DdEVs have a more potent anti-proliferative effect than FhEVs and trigger a global inflammatory response, increasing the levels of NF-κB and other inflammatory mediators in both cell types. These interactions may have a major influence on the progression of the disease, serving to generate conditions that may favor the establishment of the helminths in the host.

Ensemble machine learning using hydrometeorological information to improve modeling of quality parameter of raw water supplying treatment plants.

Source and raw water quality may deteriorate due to rainfall and river flow events that occur in watersheds. The effects on raw water quality are normally detected in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) with a time-lag after these events in the watersheds. Early warning systems (EWSs) in DWTPs require models with high accuracy in order to anticipate changes in raw water quality parameters. Ensemble machine learning (EML) techniques have recently been used for water quality modeling to improve accuracy and decrease variance in the outcomes. We used three decision-tree-based EML models (random forest [RF], gradient boosting [GB], and eXtreme Gradient Boosting [XGB]) to predict two critical parameters for DWTPs, raw water Turbidity and UV absorbance (UV254), using rainfall and river flow time series as predictors. When modeling raw water turbidity, the three EML models (rRF-Tu2=0.87, rGB-Tu2=0.80 and rXGB-Tu2=0.81) showed very good performance metrics. For raw water UV254, the three models (rRF-UV2=0.89, rGB-UV2=0.85 and rXGB-UV2=0.88) again showed very good performance metrics. Results from this study suggest that EML approaches could be used in EWSs to anticipate changes in the quality parameters of raw water and enhance decision-making in DWTPs.

Leaf Endophytes Relationship with Host Metabolome Expression in Tropical Gymnosperms.

Plant-microbe interactions play a pivotal role in shaping host fitness, especially concerning chemical defense mechanisms. In cycads, establishing direct correlations between specific endophytic microbes and the synthesis of highly toxic defensive phytochemicals has been challenging. Our research delves into the intricate relationship between plant-microbe associations and the variation of secondary metabolite production in two closely related Zamia species that grow in distinct habitats; terrestrial and epiphytic. Employing an integrated approach, we combined microbial metabarcoding, which characterize the leaf endophytic bacterial and fungal communities, with untargeted metabolomics to test if the relative abundances of specific microbial taxa in these two Zamia species were associated with different metabolome profiles. The two species studied shared approximately 90% of the metabolites spanning diverse biosynthetic pathways: alkaloids, amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, polyketides, shikimates, phenylpropanoids, and terpenoids. Co-occurrence networks revealed positive associations among metabolites from different pathways, underscoring the complexity of their interactions. Our integrated analysis demonstrated to some degree that the intraspecific variation in metabolome profiles of the two host species was associated with the abundance of bacterial orders Acidobacteriales and Frankiales, as well as the fungal endophytes belonging to the orders Chaetothyriales, Glomerellales, Heliotiales, Hypocreales, and Sordariales. We further associate individual metabolic similarity with four specific fungal endophyte members of the core microbiota, but no specific bacterial taxa associations were identified. This study represents a pioneering investigation to characterize leaf endophytes and their association with metabolomes in tropical gymnosperms, laying the groundwork for deeper inquiries into this complex domain.

Adenosine increases PD-L1 expression in mesenchymal stromal cells derived from cervical cancer through its interaction with A2AR/A2BR and the production of TGF-ß1.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) together with malignant cells present in the tumor microenvironment (TME), participate in the suppression of the antitumor immune response through the production of immunosuppressive factors, such as transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1). In previous studies, we reported that adenosine (Ado), generated by the adenosinergic activity of cervical cancer (CeCa) cells, induces the production of TGF-ß1 by interacting with A2AR/A2BR. In the present study, we provide evidence that Ado induces the production of TGF-ß1 in MSCs derived from CeCa tumors (CeCa-MSCs) by interacting with both receptors and that TGF-ß1 acts in an autocrine manner to induce the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in CeCa-MSCs, resulting in an increase in their immunosuppressive capacity on activated CD8+ T lymphocytes. The addition of the antagonists ZM241385 and MRS1754, specific for A2AR and A2BR, respectively, or SB-505124, a selective TGF-ß1 receptor inhibitor, in CeCa-MSC cultures significantly inhibited the expression of PD-L1. Compared with CeCa-MSCs, MSCs derived from normal cervical tissue (NCx-MSCs), used as a control and induced with Ado to express PD-L1, showed a lower response to TGF-ß1 to increase PD-L1 expression. Those results strongly suggest the presence of a feedback mechanism among the adenosinergic pathway, the production of TGF-ß1, and the induction of PD-L1 in CeCa-MSCs to suppress the antitumor response of CD8+ T lymphocytes. The findings of this study suggest that this pathway may have clinical importance as a therapeutic target.

CaRE@ELLICSR: Effects of a clinically integrated, group-based, multidimensional cancer rehabilitation program.

BACKGROUND: Although oncology clinical practice guidelines recognize the need and benefits of exercise, the implementation of these services into cancer care delivery remains limited. We developed and evaluated the impact of a clinically integrated 8-week exercise and education program (CaRE@ELLICSR). METHODS: We conducted a mixed methods, prospective cohort study to examine the effects of the program. Each week, participants attended a 1-h exercise class, followed by a 1.5-h education session. Questionnaires, 6-min walk tests (6MWT), and grip strength were completed at baseline (T0), 8 weeks (T1), and 20 weeks (T2). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sub-sample of participants about their experience with the program. RESULTS: Between September 2017 and February 2020, 277 patients enrolled in the program and 210 consented to participate in the research study. The mean age of participants was 55 years. Participants were mostly female (78%), white/Caucasian (55%) and half had breast cancer (50%). Participants experienced statistical and clinically meaninful improvements from T0 to T1 in disability, 6MWT, grip strength, physical activity, and several cancer-related symptoms. These outcomes were maintained 3 months after program completion (T2). Qualitative interviews supported these findings and three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) empowerment and control, (2) supervision and internal program support, and (3) external program support. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the impact of overcoming common organizational barriers to deliver exercise and rehabilitation as part of routine care. CaRE@ELLICSR demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported and functional outcomes and was considered beneficial and important by participants for their recovery and wellbeing.

Well-being fluctuations and injuries during an entire season in male professional soccer players: an observational study.

This study aimed to describe and relate the well-being perception and injury incidence of soccer players in an entire soccer season. For 37 weeks, twenty-eight male professional soccer players (25.2 ± 4.3 years old; 22.8 ± 1.4 kg/m2) daily scored (from 1: bad; to 5: perfect) well-being perception (fatigue, sleep, muscle soreness, stress and mood and Hooper Index (HI) as general status). Injuries were also registered. Results showed that players had the lowest well-being perception during Preseason (in terms of HI, fatigue, muscle soreness and stress), being lower than EarlySeason (ps < 0.05, ds > 1.0) and/or InSeason (ps < 0.05, ds > 1.0). The injury incidence was 8.3 ± 9.2/1000 h, being always higher in training compared to competition (35.0 vs 11.1/1000 h). A lower stress perception (worse) correlated with a higher rate of new injuries during PreSeason (r = -0.84), while a greater muscle soreness and fatigue correlated with the new injuries occurring in the following week during the whole season (r = -0.38 and r = -0.39, respectively). As a conclusion, the well-being perception of professional soccer players was especially low during Preseason, with fatigue, muscle soreness and stress as the most affected items that correlated with injury incidence.

Hsp70 and Calcitonin Receptor Protein in Extracellular Vesicles from Glioblastoma Multiforme: Biomarkers with Putative Roles in Carcinogenesis and Potential for Differentiating Tumor Types.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignancy of bad prognosis, and advances in early detection and treatment are needed. GBM is heterogenous, with varieties differing in malignancy within a tumor of a patient and between patients. Means are needed to distinguish these GMB forms, so that specific strategies can be deployed for patient management. We study the participation of the chaperone system (CS) in carcinogenesis. The CS is dynamic, with its members moving around the body in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and interacting with components of other physiological systems in health and disease, including GBM. Here, we describe the finding of high amounts of Hsp70 (HSPA1A) and the calcitonin receptor protein (CTR) in EVs in patients with GBM. We present a standardized protocol for collecting, purifying, and characterizing EVs carrying Hsp70 and CTR in plasma-derived EVs from patients with GBM. EVs from GBM patients were obtained just before tumor ablative surgery (T0) and 7 days afterwards (T1); Hsp70 was highly elevated at T0 and less so at T1, and CTR was greatly increased at T0 and reduced to below normal values at T1. Our results encourage further research to assess Hsp70 and CTR as biomarkers for differentiating tumor forms and to determine their roles in GBM carcinogenesis.

Adenosine Increases the Immunosuppressive Capacity of Cervical Cancer Cells by Increasing PD-L1 Expression and TGF-ß Production through Its Interaction with A2AR/A2BR.

The present study provides evidence showing that adenosine (Ado) increases the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in cervical cancer (CeCa) cells by interacting with A2AR/A2BR and that TGF-ß1 acts in an autocrine manner to induce PD-L1 expression, enhancing the immunosuppressive effects of CeCa cells on activated T lymphocytes (ATLs) and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific for antigenic peptides derived from E6 and E7 proteins of HPV-16. Interestingly, the addition of the antagonists ZM241385 and MRS1754, which are specific for A2AR and A2BR, respectively, or SB-505124, which is a selective TGF-ß1 receptor inhibitor, to CeCa cell cultures significantly inhibited PD-L1 expression. In addition, supernatants from CeCa cells that were treated with Ado (CeCa-Ado Sup) increased the expression of PD-1, TGF-ß1, and IL-10 and decreased the expression of IFN-γ in ATLs. Interestingly, the addition of an anti-TGF-ß neutralizing antibody strongly reversed the effect of CeCa-Ado Sup on PD-1 expression in ATLs. These results strongly suggest the presence of a feedback mechanism that involves the adenosinergic pathway, the production of TGF-ß1, and the upregulation of PD-L1 expression in CeCa cells that suppresses the antitumor response of CTLs. The findings of this study suggest that this pathway may be clinically important and may be a therapeutic target.

A pre-implementation examination of barriers and facilitators of an electronic prospective surveillance model for cancer rehabilitation: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: An electronic Prospective Surveillance Model (ePSM) uses patient-reported outcomes to monitor symptoms along the cancer pathway for timely identification and treatment. Randomized controlled trials show that ePSMs can effectively manage treatment-related adverse effects. However, an understanding of optimal approaches for implementing these systems into routine cancer care is limited. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators prior to the implementation of an ePSM to inform the selection of implementation strategies. METHODS: A qualitative study using virtual focus groups and individual interviews was conducted with cancer survivors, oncology healthcare providers, and clinic leadership across four cancer centres in Canada. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided the interviews and analysis of barriers and facilitators based on five domains (intervention characteristics, individual characteristics, inner setting, outer setting, and process). RESULTS: We conducted 13 focus groups and nine individual interviews with 13 patient participants and 56 clinic staff. Of the 39 CFIR constructs, 18 were identified as relevant determinants to the implementation. The adaptability, relative advantage, and complexity of an ePSM emerged as key intervention-level factors that could influence implementation. Knowledge of the system was important at the individual level. Within the inner setting, major determinants were the potential fit of an ePSM with clinical workflows (compatibility) and the resources that could be dedicated to the implementation effort (readiness for implementation). In the outer setting, meeting the needs of patients and the availability of rehabilitation supports were key determinants. Engaging various stakeholders was critical at the process level. CONCLUSIONS: Improving the implementation of ePSMs in routine cancer care has the potential to facilitate early identification and management of treatment-related adverse effects, thereby improving quality of life. This study provides insight into important factors that may influence the implementation of an ePSM, which can be used to select appropriate implementation strategies to address these factors.

Top 100 Most Cited Papers on Multimodality Imaging for Complex Congenital Heart Disease. A Bibliometric Analysis.

Complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) is a group of heart defects present at birth. Some imaging methods can support the diagnosis of these pathologies, such as echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. This study aimed to perform a bibliometric analysis of the top 100 articles cited on CCHD. Articles from 2013 to 2023 found in Scopus were scanned using 15 CCHD topics titles crossed with echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Duplicated manuscripts were eliminated using Microsoft Excel software, and the publications were ranked according to their citation count. This study selected and analyzed the top 100 most cited English-language papers. The top 100 most cited publications accumulated 16,563 citations. The manuscript with the most citations obtained 1086, representing 6.55% of the total citations. The year 2014 had the highest number of publications, with 27 papers. The first authors had affiliations from 44 countries; the United States was the country that contributed the most, with 54 manuscripts. Boston Children's Hospital was the institution that provided more articles to the top 100. Finally, the Ebstein anomaly was the topic with the highest number of citations. This study identified the 100 most cited on CCHD, and the results obtained can provide practical guidance to clinicians and researchers to familiarize themselves with the most influential publications in this field.

Photoactivity of amorphous and crystalline TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNA) films in gas phase CO2 reduction to methane with simultaneous H2 production.

This study assessed the photoactivity of amorphous and crystalline TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNA) films in gas phase CO2 reduction. The TNA photocatalysts were fabricated by titanium anodization and submitted to an annealing treatment for crystallization and/or cathodic reduction to introduce Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies into the TiO2 structure. The cathodic reduction demonstrated a significant effect on the generated photocurrent. The photoactivity of the four TNA catalysts in CO2 reduction with water vapor was evaluated under UV irradiation for 3 h, where CH4 and H2 were detected as products. The annealed sample exhibited the best performance towards methane with a production rate of 78 µmol gcat-1 h-1, followed by the amorphous film, which also exhibited an impressive formation rate of 64 µmol gcat-1 h-1. The amorphous and reduced-amorphous films exhibited outstanding photoactivity regarding H2 production (142 and 144 µmol gcat-1 h-1, respectively). The annealed catalyst also revealed a good performance for H2 production (132 µmol gcat-1 h-1) and high stability up to five reaction cycles. Molecular dynamic simulations demonstrated the changes in the band structure by introducing oxygen vacancies. The topics covered in this study contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), involving affordable and clean energy (SDG#7) and industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG#9).

Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles from Phloem Sap by Size Exclusion Chromatography.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles that are released by cells and participate in the transfer of information. It is now known that EVs from mammalian cells are involved in different physiological and pathophysiological processes (antigen presentation, tissue regeneration, cancer, inflammation, diabetes, etc.). In the past few years, several studies on plants have demonstrated that EVs are also key tools for plant intercellular and cross-kingdom communications, suggesting that these nanostructures may contribute to distinct aspects of plant physiology such as development, defense, reproduction, symbiotic relationships, etc. These findings are challenging the traditional view of signaling in plants. EVs are probably involved in the phloem's transport system, since this vascular tissue plays a crucial role in translocating nutrients, defensive compounds, and informational signals throughout the plant. The collection of phloem is experimentally challenging because sap is under high turgor pressure inside the sieve elements, which have a small diameter and are hidden within the plant organs. The goals of this work are to develop new protocols that allow us to detect EVs for the first time in the phloem of the plants, and to isolate these nanovesicles for in-depth analysis and characterization. Our protocols describe two distinct methods to collect the phloem sap from rice and melon. The first method (Basic Protocol 1) involves 'Aphid stylectomy by radiofrequency microcautery' using rice plants and the aphid Sitobion avenae. This is considered the least invasive method for collecting phloem sap. The second method, 'Stem incision', involves cutting the stem of melon plants for collecting the exuded sap. Phloem sap EVs are then isolated by size exclusion chromatography. The results obtained in this study represent the first report on typical EVs isolated from in vivo-collected phloem sap. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of EVs from phloem sap: Aphid stylectomy by radiofrequency microcautery Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of EVs from phloem sap: Stem incision method.

Myogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cell insulin sensitivity is associated with infant adiposity at 1 and 6 months of age.

OBJECTIVE: In adults, skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity (SI ) and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) are linked with a predisposition to obesity. The current study aimed to determine the effects of maternal exercise on a model of infant skeletal muscle tissue (differentiated umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs]) SI and FAO and analyzed for associations with infant body composition. METHODS: Females <16 weeks' gestation were randomized to either 150 min/wk of moderate-intensity aerobic, resistance, or combination exercise or a nonexercising control. At delivery, MSCs were isolated from umbilical cords and myogenically differentiated, and SI and FAO were measured using radiolabeled substrates. Infant body fat percentage (BF%) and fat-free mass were calculated using standard equations at 1 and 6 months of age. RESULTS: MSCs from infants of all exercisers had significantly (p < 0.05) higher SI . MSC SI was inversely associated with infant BF% at 1 (r = -0.38, p < 0.05) and 6 (r = -0.65, p < 0.01) months of age. Infants with high SI had lower BF% at 1 (p = 0.06) and 6 (p < 0.01) months of age. MSCs in the high SI group had higher (p < 0.05) FAO. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to any type of exercise in utero improves offspring SI and could reduce adiposity in early infancy.

Low-load strength resistance training with blood flow restriction compared with high-load strength resistance training on performance of professional soccer players: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of low-load blood flow restriction strength resistance training (LL-BFR) compared to high load strength resistance training (HL) on performance of professional soccer players. METHODS: Eighteen male players from National Soccer Professional League were randomly allocated into two groups: LL-BFR, who performed a 6-weeks strength training program with low load (20-35% of one-repetition maximum-[1RM]), or HL, who performed a 6-week resistance training program with high load (70-85% 1RM). Before and after, thigh girth, vertical jump, lower limb strength, vertical force-velocity profile (F-v), and 30-m sprint were evaluated. RESULTS: After the training program, both LL-BFR and HL induced significant increases compared to baseline in thigh girth (+3.3% for LL-BFR and +3.1% for HL) and maximal velocity during sprinting (+6.0 and +6.2%, respectively), without between-group differences. In reference to FV, only HL players improved imbalance (-54.4%), maximal theoretical force production (+10.4%) and decreased extension velocity (-20.5%) compared to baseline, without between-group differences. Only LL-BFR induced increases in maximum voluntary contraction of left hamstring compared to baseline (+13.8%), without between-group differences. No differences were shown for the rest of variables (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although LL-BFR may increase muscle circumference and sprint ability, these results are similar to those induced with HL in male professional soccer. In terms of F-v, only HL induced improvements, but these changes were not greater than those observed after LL-BFR.

Greater reliance on glycolysis is associated with lower mitochondrial substrate oxidation and insulin sensitivity in infant myogenic MSCs.

Individuals with insulin resistance and obesity display higher skeletal muscle production of nonoxidized glycolytic products (i.e., lactate), and lower complete mitochondrial substrate oxidation to CO2. These findings have also been observed in individuals without obesity and are associated with an increased risk for metabolic disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if substrate preference is evident at the earliest stage of life (birth) and to provide a clinical blood marker (lactate) that could be indicative of a predisposition for metabolic disease later. We used radiolabeled tracers to assess substrate oxidation and insulin sensitivity of myogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a proxy of infant skeletal muscle tissue, derived from umbilical cords of full-term infants. We found that greater production of nonoxidized glycolytic products (lactate, pyruvate, alanine) is directly proportional to lower substrate oxidation and insulin sensitivity in MSCs. In addition, we found an inverse relationship between the ratio of complete glucose oxidation to CO2 and infant blood lactate at 1 mo of age. Collectively, considering that higher lactate was associated with lower MSC glucose oxidation and has been shown to be implicated with metabolic disease, it may be an early indicator of infant skeletal muscle phenotype.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In infant myogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells, greater production of nonoxidized glycolytic products was directly proportional to lower substrate oxidation and insulin resistance. Glucose oxidation was inversely correlated with infant blood lactate. This suggests that innate differences in infant substrate oxidation exist at birth and could be associated with the development of metabolic disease later in life. Clinical assessment of infant blood lactate could be used as an early indicator of skeletal muscle phenotype.

Blood Flow Restriction Is Not Useful as Soccer Competition Recovery in Youth Male National-Level Soccer Players: A Crossover Randomised Controlled Trial.

In soccer, blood flow restriction (BFR) is used to optimise between-match recovery. However, the benefits are unclear. This study evaluated the effects of BFR as a recovery strategy after a competition on countermovement jump (CMJ) height, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and the wellness of soccer players. Forty national-level soccer players were allocated into two conditions: BFR (an active recovery session wearing a BFR device, 24 h after a competition) or NoBFR (the same recovery without BFR). CMJ, RPE and wellness were evaluated the day (CMJ and RPE) or the morning (wellness) before the competition; just after the competition (CMJ and RPE); and 24, 48 (wellness) and 72 h later. After 4 weeks, the players changed conditions. All players showed impaired CMJ (p = 0.013), RPE (p < 0.001) and wellness (p < 0.001) after the match compared with the baseline. The CMJ returned to the baseline 24 h later and wellness returned 48 h later. Only in the BFR condition did the RPE remain impaired 24 h after the match, which was also the moment after finishing the BFR recovery session (p < 0.001). BFR during active recovery does not provide any additional benefits compared with traditional exercise modalities to recover CMJ, RPE and wellness in youth national-level soccer players. BFR could even induce an immediate higher RPE.

Implementation of electronic prospective surveillance models in cancer care: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Electronic prospective surveillance models (ePSMs) for cancer rehabilitation include routine monitoring of the development of treatment toxicities and impairments via electronic patient-reported outcomes. Implementing ePSMs to address the knowledge-to-practice gap between the high incidence of impairments and low uptake of rehabilitation services is a top priority in cancer care. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review to understand the state of the evidence concerning the implementation of ePSMs in oncology. Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to February 2021. All articles were screened and extracted by two independent reviewers. Data regarding the implementation strategies, outcomes, and determinants were extracted. The Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change taxonomy and the implementation outcomes taxonomy guided the synthesis of the implementation strategies and outcomes, respectively. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research guided the synthesis of determinants based on five domains (intervention characteristics, individual characteristics, inner setting, outer setting, and process). RESULTS: Of the 5122 records identified, 46 interventions met inclusion criteria. The common implementation strategies employed were "conduct educational meetings," "distribute educational materials," "change record systems," and "intervene with patients to enhance uptake and adherence." Feasibility and acceptability were the prominent outcomes used to assess implementation. The complexity, relative advantage, design quality, and packaging were major implementation determinants at the intervention level. Knowledge was key at the individual level. At the inner setting level, major determinants were the implementation climate and readiness for implementation. At the outer setting level, meeting the needs of patients was the primary determinant. Engaging various stakeholders was key at the process level. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides a comprehensive summary of what is known concerning the implementation of ePSMs. The results can inform future implementation and evaluation of ePSMs, including planning for key determinants, selecting implementation strategies, and considering outcomes alongside local contextual factors to guide the implementation process.

Differences in substrate metabolism between African American and Caucasian infants: evidence from mesenchymal stem cells.

Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in African American (AA) than Caucasian (C) adults. Furthermore, differential substrate utilization has been observed between AA and C adults, but data regarding metabolic differences between races at birth remains scarce. The purpose of the present study was to determine if there are racial differences in substrate metabolism evident at birth using a mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) collected from offspring umbilical cords. Using radio-labeled tracers, MSCs from offspring of AA and C mothers were tested for glucose and fatty acid metabolism in the undifferentiated state and while undergoing myogenesis in vitro. Undifferentiated MSCs from AA exhibited greater partitioning of glucose toward nonoxidized glucose metabolites. In the myogenic state, AA displayed higher glucose oxidation, but similar fatty acid oxidation rates. In the presence of both glucose and palmitate, but not palmitate only, AA exhibit a higher rate of incomplete fatty acid oxidation evident by a greater production of acid-soluble metabolites. Myogenic differentiation of MSCs elicits an increase in glucose oxidation in AA, but not in C. Together, these data suggest that metabolic differences between AA and C races exist at birth.NEW & NOTEWORTHY African Americans, when compared with Caucasians, display greater insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. Differences in substrate utilization have been proposed as a factor for this health disparity; however, it remains unknown how early these differences manifest. Using infant umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, we tested for in vitro glucose and fatty acid oxidation differences. Myogenically differentiated MSCs from African American offspring display higher rates of glucose oxidation and incomplete fatty acid oxidation.

Extracellular vesicles from the trematodes Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium dendriticum trigger different responses in human THP-1 macrophages.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by the helminths Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Fasciola hepatica are important modulators of the host immune response, contributing to the establishment of the infection. Monocytes and, in particular, macrophages are major regulators of the inflammatory response and are likely responsible for the phagocytosis of most of the parasite EVs. In this study, we isolated EVs from F. hepatica (FhEVs) and D. dendriticum (DdEVs) by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and characterized them by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and LC-MS/MS, and analyzed the cohort of proteins. The treatment of monocytes/macrophages with FhEVs, DdEVs or EV-depleted fractions from SEC, demonstrated species-specific effects of the EVs. In particular, FhEVs reduce the migratory capacity of monocytes and the analysis of the cytokine profile showed that they induce a mixed M1/M2 response, exerting anti-inflammatory properties in Lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages. In contrast, DdEVs do not affect monocyte migration and seem to have pro-inflammatory properties. These results correlate with the differences in the life cycle of both parasites, suggesting different host immune responses. Only F. hepatica migrates to the bile duct through the liver parenchyma, driving the host immune response to heal deep erosions. Furthermore, the proteomic analysis of the macrophages upon FhEV treatment identified several proteins that might be involved in FhEV-macrophage interactions.