Identifying and Addressing the Spiritual Needs of Older Adults in Care Facilities: Administrators of Chinese Nursing Homes Relate Their Perspectives.

Addressing the spiritual needs of older adults is a central component of holistic service provision. Using a qualitative description design, this study identified: (1) common spiritual needs among Chinese nursing home residents, including the needs of residents with dementia, (2) the process staff use to identify these needs when residents are unable to verbalize them, and (3) the strategies staff implement to meet the identified needs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 nursing home administrators. Analysis produced five themes, including the need for older adults to express their faith, receive love and care, have contact with their children, interact with others, and participate in activities. For residents with dementia who are unable to verbalize their concerns, staff used two primary strategies to identify spiritual needs: careful observation and communication with family members. To address the identified spiritual needs, multiple strategies were offered including arranging clergy visits and personalizing care.

Incorporating art into a biology course: a student-curated art exhibition about COVID-19.

Incorporating art into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses can be an effective way to help students understand scientific concepts and think about those concepts more holistically. Additionally, art can be used to inform the public about scientific issues. To explore this topic more fully, we developed an assignment for an upper-level biology course in which students curated an art exhibition focused on the 2019 coronavirus disease, COVID-19. Working in pairs, students identified pieces of art in the College's permanent collection that they felt related to some aspect of the pandemic. Each pair wrote a short curator's statement and a more traditional academic essay. The works of art and the curator's statements were displayed on campus. Visitors to the exhibition were invited to complete a short survey about the exhibition and its relevance to COVID-19. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the students enjoyed and valued the assignment. Limited data from visitors to the exhibition show that they thought the art helped them think more deeply about the pandemic. Based on these results, we conclude that the development of art exhibitions in STEM courses can benefit the students and the public.

High-volume prostate biopsy core involvement is not associated with an increased risk of cancer recurrence following 5-fraction stereotactic body radiation therapy monotherapy.

PURPOSE: Percentage of positive cores involved on a systemic prostate biopsy has been established as a risk factor for adverse oncologic outcomes and is a National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) independent parameter for unfavorable intermediate-risk disease. Most data from a radiation standpoint was published in an era of conventional fractionation. We explore whether the higher biological dose delivered with SBRT can mitigate this risk factor. METHODS: A large single institutional database was interrogated to identify all patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer (PCa) treated with 5-fraction SBRT without ADT. Pathology results were reviewed to determine detailed core involvement as well as Gleason score (GS). High-volume biopsy core involvement was defined as ≥ 50%. Weighted Gleason core involvement was reviewed, giving higher weight to higher-grade cancer. The PSA kinetics and oncologic outcomes were analyzed for association with core involvement. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2018, 1590 patients were identified who underwent SBRT for localized PCa. High-volume core involvement was a relatively rare event observed in 19% of our cohort, which was observed more in patients with small prostates (p < 0.0001) and/or intermediate-risk disease (p = 0.005). Higher PSA nadir was observed in those patients with low-volume core involvement within the intermediate-risk cohort (p = 0.004), which was confirmed when core involvement was analyzed as a continuous variable weighted by Gleason score (p = 0.049). High-volume core involvement was not associated with biochemical progression (p = 0.234). CONCLUSIONS: With a median follow-up of over 4 years, biochemical progression was not associated with pretreatment high-volume core involvement for patients treated with 5-fraction SBRT alone. In the era of prostate SBRT and MRI-directed prostate biopsies, the use of high-volume core involvement as an independent predictor of unfavorable intermediate risk disease should be revisited.

Spirituality and people with psychosis: A content analysis of influential primetime television programs.

OBJECTIVE: This mixed methods study examined depictions of spirituality among people with psychosis in influential television programming. Spirituality is a central strength for many people with psychosis. Yet, despite the important role media plays in shaping perceptions, little research has examined the intersection between spirituality and psychosis in popular media. METHODS: To address this gap, we conducted a content analysis of the 50 most viewed primetime fictional television shows over a 10-year period as determined by the Nielsen rating organization. Characters with psychosis were identified via keyword searches of online sources (wikis, IMDb, etc.) and subsequently independently coded by two individuals. Characters were rated on 18 items in three domains related to demographics, life status, and character framing. Inter-rater reliability ranged from good to excellent across variables. RESULTS: Of 120 identified focal characters with psychosis, just 16 percent (n = 19) had a spiritual identity. Analysis revealed few differences between spiritual and secular characters on demographic and life status variables. Conversely, an examination of framing variables revealed spiritual characters were comparatively less attractive, exhibited a greater negative impact on society, and were more likely to be referred to pejoratively (as a psychopath) and engage in criminal activity. Trend analysis indicated portrayals of spiritual characters decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest media depictions of spirituality contribute to the stigmatization of spirituality among people with psychosis, potentially mitigating access to important coping resources and discouraging professional help-seeking. Primary care physicians should consider incorporating a spiritual assessment into care to operationalize spiritual coping assets.

Conditional Deletion of ß-Catenin in the Mediobasal Hypothalamus Impairs Adaptive Energy Expenditure in Response to High-Fat Diet and Exacerbates Diet-Induced Obesity.

ß-Catenin is a bifunctional molecule that is an effector of the wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling to control gene expression and contributes to the regulation of cytoskeleton and neurotransmitter vesicle trafficking. In its former role, ß-catenin binds transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2), which shows strong genetic associations with the pathogenesis of obesity and type-2 diabetes. Here, we sought to determine whether ß-catenin plays a role in the neuroendocrine regulation of body weight and glucose homeostasis. Bilateral injections of adeno-associated virus type-2 (AAV2)-mCherry-Cre were placed into the arcuate nucleus of adult male and female ß-catenin flox mice, to specifically delete ß-catenin expression in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH-ß-cat KO). Metabolic parameters were then monitored under conditions of low-fat (LFD) and high-fat diet (HFD). On LFD, MBH-ß-cat KO mice showed minimal metabolic disturbances, but on HFD, despite having only a small difference in weekly caloric intake, the MBH-ß-cat KO mice were significantly heavier than the control mice in both sexes (p < 0.05). This deficit seemed to be due to a failure to show an adaptive increase in energy expenditure seen in controls, which served to offset the increased calories by HFD. Both male and female MBH-ß-cat KO mice were highly glucose intolerant when on HFD and displayed a significant reduction in both leptin and insulin sensitivity compared with controls. This study highlights a critical role for ß-catenin in the hypothalamic circuits regulating body weight and glucose homeostasis and reveals potential mechanisms by which genetic variation in this pathway could impact on development of metabolic disease.

A novel method for tracking nitrogen kinetics in vivo under hyperbaric conditions using radioactive nitrogen-13 gas and positron emission tomography.

Decompression sickness (DCS) is caused by gaseous nitrogen dissolved in tissues forming bubbles during decompression. To date, no method exists to identify nitrogen within tissues, but with advances in positron-emission tomography (PET) technology, it may be possible to track gaseous radionuclides into tissues. We aimed to develop a method to track nitrogen movement in vivo and under hyperbaric pressure that could then be used to further our understanding of DCS using nitrogen-13 (13N2). A single anesthetized female Sprague-Dawley rat was exposed to 625 kPa, composed of air, isoflurane, and 13N2 for 10 min. The PET scanner recorded 13N2 during the hyperbaric exposure with energy windows of 250-750 keV. The PET showed an increase in 13N2 concentration in the lung, heart, and abdominal regions, which all reached a plateau after ∼4 min. This showed that it is possible to gain noninvasive in vivo measurements of nitrogen kinetics through the body while at hyperbaric pressures. Tissue samples showed radioactivity above background levels in the blood, brain, liver, femur, and thigh muscle when assessed using a γ counter. The method can be used to evaluate an array of challenges to our understanding of decompression physiology by quantifying nitrogen load through γ counts of 13N2, and signal intensity of the PET. Further development of the method will improve the specificity of the measured outcomes, and enable it to be used with larger mammals, including humans.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article describes a method for the in vivo quantification and tracking of nitrogen through the mammalian body whilst exposed to hyperbaric pressure. The method has the potential to further our understanding of decompression sickness, and quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of both the treatment and prevention of decompression sickness.

A Prospective Registry Study of 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT Incorporation Into Treatment Planning of Intracranial Meningiomas.

PURPOSE: The current standard for meningioma treatment planning involves magnetic resonance imaging-based guidance. Somatostatin receptor ligands such as 68Ga-DOTATATE are being explored for meningioma treatment planning due to near-universal expression of somatostatin receptors 1 and 2 in meningioma tissue. We hypothesized that 68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography (PET)-guided treatment management for patients with meningiomas is safe and effective and can identify which patients benefit most from adjuvant radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A single-institution prospective registry study was created for inclusion of patients with intracranial meningiomas who received a 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT to assist with radiation oncologist decision making. Patients who received a PET scan from January 1, 2018, to February 25, 2022, were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: Of the 60 patients included, 40%, 47%, and 5% had World Health Organization grades 1, 2, and 3 meningiomas, respectively, and 8% (5 patients) had no grade assigned. According to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0539 criteria, 22%, 72%, and 7% were categorized as high, intermediate, and low risk, respectively. After completing their PET scans, 48 patients, 11 patients, and 1 patient proceeded with radiation therapy, observation, and redo craniotomy, respectively. The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 19.5 months. Of the 3 patients (5%) who experienced local failure between 9.2 and 28.5 months after diagnosis, 2 had PET-avid disease in their postoperative cavity and elected for observation before recurrence, and 1 high-risk patient with multifocal disease experienced local failure 2 years after a second radiation course and multiple previous recurrences. Notably, 5 patients did not have any local PET uptake and were observed; none of these patients experienced recurrence. Only 1 grade 3 toxicity was attributed to PET-guided radiation. CONCLUSIONS: This study examined one of the largest known populations of patients with intracranial meningiomas followed by physicians who used 68Ga-DOTATATE PET-guided therapy. Incorporating 68Ga-DOTATATE PET into future trials may assist with clinician decision making and improve patient outcomes.

Patient experiences of the Long COVID-Optimal Health Programme: a qualitative interview study in community settings.

BACKGROUND: Long COVID (LC) symptoms persist 12 weeks or more beyond the acute infection. To date, no standardised diagnostic or treatment pathways exist. However, a holistic approach has been recommended. This study explored participants' experiences of a Long COVID-Optimal Health Programme (LC-OHP); a psychoeducational self-efficacy programme. AIM: To explore perceptions and experiences of people with LC regarding the LC-OHP and identify suggestions to further improve the programme. DESIGN & SETTING: Qualitative study with patients with LC recruited through community settings. METHOD: This study is part of a wider randomised controlled trial. Eligible participants were aged ≥18 years, have LC, and attended a minimum of five LC-OHP sessions plus a booster session. We interviewed those randomised to the intervention group. Interviews were conducted by an independent researcher and thematically analysed to identify common, emerging themes. RESULTS: Eleven participants were interviewed, mostly women from a White British ethnic group (n = 10). Four main themes were identified, reflecting programme benefits and suggestions for improvement. The programme demonstrated potential for assisting patients in managing their LC, including physical health and mental wellbeing. Participants found the programme to be flexible and provided suggestions to adapting it for future users. CONCLUSION: Findings support the acceptability of the LC-OHP to people living with LC. The programme has shown several benefits in supporting physical health and mental wellbeing. Suggestions made to further adapt the programme and improve its delivery will be considered for future trials.

Integration of Genetic Testing and Counseling in Patients With Breast Cancer in a Large, Multisite Community-Based Practice.

PURPOSE: Despite data-driven consensus recommendations, there remains significant nonadherence to genetic screening and testing. More than 300,000 patients are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, with one third of these estimated to be eligible for homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)/BRCA testing following National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Only 35% of eligible patients are referred for genetic counseling. METHODS: The goal of this project was to apply NCCN guidelines for germline genetic testing to all new patients with breast cancer within a large community oncology practice to improve HRD/BRCA testing. Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology was used, and cycles were built on a proven teaching infrastructure. In cycle 1, providers were educated and directed to use electronic health record (EHR) templates in the setting of an initial diagnosis visit and treatment planning. Discreet data fields were created in the EHR during cycle 2 to streamline and automate the process. Appropriate patients were referred to the genetics team for further evaluation, counseling, and testing. Adherence to the plan was maintained and measured using data analytic reports and chart audits. RESULTS: Of the 1,203 patients with breast cancer eligible for inclusion, 1,200 (99%) were screened according to NCCN guidelines. Of the screened patients, 631 (52.5%) met the referral/testing criteria. In total, 585 (92.7%) of the 631 were referred to a genetic specialist. Seven percent had previous referrals. A total of 449 (71%) patients were acceptable to genetics referral while 136 (21.5%) patients refused. CONCLUSION: The implemented methods of education, NCCN guidelines imbedded within provider notes, and discreet data fields in the EHR have proven to be highly effective in screening appropriate patients and ordering subsequent genetic referrals.

Relationships between water quality and mosquito presence and abundance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) are emerging in response to climate and land use changes. As mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) habitat selection is often contingent on water availability for egg and larval development, studies have recognized water quality also influences larval habitats. However, underlying species-, genera-, and mosquito level preferences for water quality conditions are varied. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify, characterize, appraise, and synthesize available global data on the relationships between water quality and mosquito presence and abundance (MPA); with the goal to further our understanding of the geographic expansion of MBD risks. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies investigating the relationships between water quality properties and MPA. Where appropriate, random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to provide pooled estimates for the association between the most reported water quality properties and MPA. The most reported water quality parameters were pH (87%), nitrogen concentrations (56%), turbidity (56%), electrical conductivity (54%), dissolved oxygen (43%), phosphorus concentrations (30%), and alkalinity (10%). Overall, pH (P = 0.05), turbidity (P < 0.0001), electrical conductivity (P = 0.005), dissolved oxygen (P < 0.0001), nitrogen (P < 0.0001), and phosphorus (P < 0.0001) showed significantly positive pooled correlations with MPA, while alkalinity showed a nonsignificant null pooled correlation (P = 0.85). We observed high heterogeneity in most meta-analyses, and climate zonation was shown to influence the pooled estimates. Linkages between MPA and water quality properties will enhance our capacity to predict MBD risks under changing environmental and land use changes.

Factores asociados con el consumo de plantas medicinales para la prevención de COVID-19 en población peruana: un estudio transversal / Factors associated with the consumption of medicinal plants for the prevention of COVID-19 in peruvian population: a cross-sectional study

RESUMEN Objetivos . Determinar los factores asociados al consumo de plantas medicinales como prevención de la COVID-19 en la población peruana. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluó población mayor de 18 años, residentes en Perú y sin antecedentes de enfermedad por COVID-19. Los factores asociados al consumo de plantas medicinales se evaluaron mediante un modelo de regresión de Poisson con varianzas robustas. Resultados. De 3231 participantes incluidos, el 84,6% eran jóvenes (18-29 años), el 62,7% eran mujeres y el 59,7% consumía alguna planta medicinal para prevenir la COVID-19. Los factores asociados al consumo de plantas medicinales para prevenir el contagio de COVID-19 fueron residir en la sierra peruana, haber tenido un familiar diagnosticado con COVID-19, haber tenido un familiar fallecido por COVID-19, considerar que su familia se encuentra en mayor riesgo de infección, haber usado medicamentos o dióxido de cloro para prevenir la COVID-19, tener información médica como principal fuente de información sobre la COVID-19, pensar que las plantas medicinales son efectivas para prevenir la enfermedad COVID-19 o no estar informado sobre su eficacia. Conclusión . El 60% de los participantes reportó haber consumido alguna planta medicinal para prevenir la COVID-19. Es importante que las autoridades apliquen estrategias de comunicación sobre lo que implica el consumo de plantas medicinales, priorizando los grupos poblacionales que tienen mayores patrones de consumo.

ABSTRACT Objectives. Determine the factors associated with the consumption of medicinal plants as a preventive measure against COVID-19 in the Peruvian population. Materials and methods. A population over 18 years of age, living in Peru and without a history of COVID-19 disease, was evaluated. The factors associated with the consumption of medicinal plants were evaluated using a Poisson regression model with robust variances. Results. Of the 3231 participants included, 84.6% were young adults (18-29 years old), 62.7% were women, and 59.7% consumed a medicinal plant to prevent COVID-19 infection. The factors associated with the consumption of medicinal plants to prevent COVID-19 infection were residing in the Peruvian highlands, having had a family member diagnosed with COVID-19, having had a family member die from COVID-19, considering their family to be at increased risk of infection, having used medications or chlorine dioxide to prevent COVID-19, having medical information as the main source of information about COVID-19, thinking that medicinal plants are effective in preventing COVID-19 disease, or not being informed about their effectiveness. Conclusion. Sixty percent of the participants reported having consumed a medicinal plant to prevent COVID-19. Authorities must apply communication strategies about the implications of consuming medicinal plants, prioritizing population groups with higher consumption patterns.

'Dark' CO2 fixation in succinate fermentations enabled by direct CO2 delivery via hollow fiber membrane carbonation.

Anaerobic succinate fermentations can achieve high-titer, high-yield performance while fixing CO2 through the reductive branch of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. To provide the needed CO2, conventional media is supplemented with significant (up to 60 g/L) bicarbonate (HCO3-), and/or carbonate (CO32-) salts. However, producing these salts from CO2 and natural ores is thermodynamically unfavorable and, thus, energetically costly, which reduces the overall sustainability of the process. Here, a series of composite hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) were first fabricated, after which comprehensive CO2 mass transfer measurements were performed under cell-free conditions using a novel, constant-pH method. Lumen pressure and total HFM surface area were found to be linearly correlated with the flux and volumetric rate of CO2 delivery, respectively. Novel HFM bioreactors were then constructed and used to comprehensively investigate the effects of modulating the CO2 delivery rate on succinate fermentations by engineered Escherichia coli. Through appropriate tuning of the design and operating conditions, it was ultimately possible to produce up to 64.5 g/L succinate at a glucose yield of 0.68 g/g; performance approaching that of control fermentations with directly added HCO3-/CO32- salts and on par with prior studies. HFMs were further found to demonstrate a high potential for repeated reuse. Overall, HFM-based CO2 delivery represents a viable alternative to the addition of HCO3-/CO32- salts to succinate fermentations, and likely other 'dark' CO2-fixing fermentations.

Metal-induced autoimmunity in neurological disorders: A review of current understanding and future directions.

Autoimmunity is a multifaceted disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, and metal exposure has been implicated as a potential catalyst, especially in autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system. Notably, metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum exhibit well-established neurotoxic effects, yet the precise mechanisms by which they elicit autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals remain unclear. Recent studies propose that metal-induced autoimmunity may arise from direct toxic effects on immune cells and tissues, coupled with indirect impacts on the gut microbiome and the blood-brain barrier. These effects can activate self-reactive T cells, prompting the production of autoantibodies, inflammatory responses, and tissue damage. Diagnosing metal-induced autoimmunity proves challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and a lack of reliable biomarkers. Treatment typically involves chelation therapy to eliminate excess metals and immunomodulatory agents to suppress autoimmune responses. Prevention strategies include lifestyle adjustments to reduce metal exposure and avoiding occupational and environmental risks. Prognosis is generally favorable with proper treatment; however, untreated cases may lead to autoimmune disorder progression and irreversible organ damage, particularly in the brain. Future research aims to identify genetic and environmental risk factors, enhance diagnostic precision, and explore novel treatment approaches for improved prevention and management of this intricate and debilitating disease.

The Relationships Between External and Internal Training Loads in Mixed Martial Arts.

PURPOSE: As a multidisciplined combat sport, relationships between external and internal training loads and intensities of mixed martial arts (MMA) have not been described. The aim of this study was to determine the external loads and intensities of MMA training categories and their relationship to internal loads and intensities. METHODS: Twenty MMA athletes (age = 23.3 [5.3] y, mass = 72.1 [7.2] kg, stature = 171.5 [8.4] cm) were observed for 2 consecutive weeks. Internal load and intensity (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE]) were calculated using the Foster RPE for the session overall (sRPE-training load [TL]) and segmented RPE (segRPE-TL) for each training category: warm-up, striking drills, wrestling drills, Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) drills, striking sparring, wrestling sparring, BJJ sparring, and MMA sparring. External load and intensity were measured via Catapult OptimEye S5 for the full duration of each session using accumulated Playerload (PLdACC) and PLdACC per minute (PLdACC·min-1). Differences in loads between categories and days were assessed via Bayesian analysis of variance (BF10 ≥ 3). Predictive relationships between internal and external variables were calculated using Bayesian regression. RESULTS: Session overall sRPE-TL = 448.6 (191.1) arbitrary units (AU); PLdACC = 310.6 (112) AU. Category segRPE-TL range = 33.8 (22.6) AU (warm-up) to 122.8 (54.6) AU (BJJ drills). Category PLdACC range = 44 (36.3) AU (warm-up) to 125 (58.8) AU (MMA sparring). Neither sRPE-TL nor PLdACC changed between days. PLdACC was different between categories. Evidence for regressions was strong-decisive except for BJJ drills (BF10 = 7, moderate). R2 range = .50 to .77, except for warm-up (R2 = .17), BJJ drills (R2 = .27), BJJ sparring (R2 = .49), and session overall (R2 = .13). CONCLUSIONS: While MMA training categories may be differentiated in terms of external load, overall session external load does not change within or between weeks. Resultant regression equations may be used to appropriately plan MMA technical/tactical training loads.

The exceptional form and function of the giant bacterium Ca. Epulopiscium viviparus revolves around its sodium motive force.

Epulopiscium spp. are the largest known heterotrophic bacteria; a large cigar-shaped individual is a million times the volume of Escherichia coli. To better understand the metabolic potential and relationship of Epulopiscium sp. type B with its host Naso tonganus, we generated a high-quality draft genome from a population of cells taken from a single fish. We propose the name Candidatus Epulopiscium viviparus to describe populations of this best-characterized Epulopiscium species. Metabolic reconstruction reveals more than 5% of the genome codes for carbohydrate active enzymes, which likely degrade recalcitrant host-diet algal polysaccharides into substrates that may be fermented to acetate, the most abundant short-chain fatty acid in the intestinal tract. Moreover, transcriptome analyses and the concentration of sodium ions in the host intestinal tract suggest that the use of a sodium motive force (SMF) to drive ATP synthesis and flagellar rotation is integral to symbiont metabolism and cellular biology. In natural populations, genes encoding both F-type and V-type ATPases and SMF generation via oxaloacetate decarboxylation are among the most highly expressed, suggesting that ATPases synthesize ATP and balance ion concentrations across the cell membrane. High expression of these and other integral membrane proteins may allow for the growth of its extensive intracellular membrane system. Further, complementary metabolism between microbe and host is implied with the potential provision of nitrogen and B vitamins to reinforce this nutritional symbiosis. The few features shared by all bacterial behemoths include extreme polyploidy, polyphosphate synthesis, and thus far, they have all resisted cultivation in the lab.

Multiomic screening of invasive GBM cells reveals targetable transsulfuration pathway alterations.

While the poor prognosis of glioblastoma arises from the invasion of a subset of tumor cells, little is known of the metabolic alterations within these cells that fuel invasion. We integrated spatially addressable hydrogel biomaterial platforms, patient site-directed biopsies, and multiomics analyses to define metabolic drivers of invasive glioblastoma cells. Metabolomics and lipidomics revealed elevations in the redox buffers cystathionine, hexosylceramides, and glucosyl ceramides in the invasive front of both hydrogel-cultured tumors and patient site-directed biopsies, with immunofluorescence indicating elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) markers in invasive cells. Transcriptomics confirmed upregulation of ROS-producing and response genes at the invasive front in both hydrogel models and patient tumors. Among oncologic ROS, H2O2 specifically promoted glioblastoma invasion in 3D hydrogel spheroid cultures. A CRISPR metabolic gene screen revealed cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH), which converts cystathionine to the nonessential amino acid cysteine in the transsulfuration pathway, to be essential for glioblastoma invasion. Correspondingly, supplementing CTH knockdown cells with exogenous cysteine rescued invasion. Pharmacologic CTH inhibition suppressed glioblastoma invasion, while CTH knockdown slowed glioblastoma invasion in vivo. Our studies highlight the importance of ROS metabolism in invasive glioblastoma cells and support further exploration of the transsulfuration pathway as a mechanistic and therapeutic target.

The Collagen Synthesis Response to an Acute Bout of Resistance Exercise Is Greater when Ingesting 30 g Hydrolyzed Collagen Compared with 15 g and 0 g in Resistance-Trained Young Men.

BACKGROUND: Resistance exercise (RE) stimulates collagen synthesis in skeletal muscle and tendon but there is limited and equivocal evidence regarding an effect of collagen supplementation and exercise on collagen synthesis. Furthermore, it is not known if a dose-response exists regarding the effect of hydrolyzed collagen (HC) ingestion and RE on collagen synthesis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the HC dose-response effect on collagen synthesis after high-intensity RE in resistance-trained young men. METHODS: Using a double-blind, randomized crossover design, 10 resistance-trained males (age: 26 ± 3 y; height: 1.77 ± 0.04 m; mass: 79.7 ± 7.0 kg) ingested 0 g, 15 g, or 30 g HC with 50 mg vitamin C 1 h before performing 4 sets' barbell back squat RE at 10-repetition maximum load, after which they rested for 6 h. Blood samples were collected throughout each of the 3 interventions to analyze procollagen type Ⅰ N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and ß-isomerized C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ß-CTX) concentration, and the concentration of 18 collagen amino acids. RESULTS: The serum PINP concentration × time area under the curve (AUC) was greater for 30 g (267 ± 79 µg·L-1·h) than for 15 g (235 ± 70 µg·L-1·h, P = 0.013) and 0 g HC (219 ± 88 µg·L-1·h, P = 0.002) but there was no difference between 0 and 15 g HC (P = 0.225). The AUCs of glycine and proline were greater for 30 g than for 15 and 0 g HC (P < 0.05). Plasma ß-CTX concentration decreased from -1 to +6 h (P < 0.05), with no differences between interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Ingesting 30 g HC before high-intensity RE augments whole-body collagen synthesis more than 15 g and 0 g HC in resistance-trained young males.

"Does Religious Service Attendance Modify the Relationship between Everyday Discrimination and Risk of Obesity? Results from the Study on Stress, Spirituality and Health".

This study examined the association of everyday discrimination with risk of obesity and the potential modifying effect of religious service attendance. Participants included Black, South Asian, and white women in three cohort studies that belong to the Study on Stress, Spirituality and Health. Logistic regression models estimated odds of obesity classification (BMI ≥ 30) relative to experiences of everyday discrimination. In initial pooled analyses, high levels of discrimination were related to increased odds of obesity. Race-specific analyses revealed marginal associations for white and South Asian women. Among Black women, high levels of discrimination and religious service attendance were both associated with higher odds of obesity. However, among women who attended religious services frequently, higher levels of everyday discrimination were associated with slightly lower odds of obesity. These findings underline the complex association between obesity and religion/spirituality, suggesting that higher levels of discrimination may uniquely activate religious resources or coping strategies. Findings highlight the need for additional studies to examine the impact of everyday discrimination on risk of obesity across racial/ethnic communities and how religious practices or coping strategies might affect these dynamics.

Primary care detection of cognitive impairment leveraging health and consumer technologies in underserved US communities: protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial of the MyCog paradigm.

INTRODUCTION: Early identification of cognitive impairment (CI), including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), is a top public health priority. Yet, CI/ADRD is often undetected and underdiagnosed within primary care settings, and in health disparate populations. The MyCog paradigm is an iPad-based, self-administered, validated cognitive assessment based on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox Cognition Battery and coupled with clinician decision-support tools that is specifically tailored for CI/ADRD detection within diverse, primary care settings. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a two-arm, primary care practice-randomised (N=24 practices; 45 257 active patients at the proposed practices), pragmatic trial among geographically diverse Oak Street Health sites to test the effectiveness of the MyCog paradigm to improve early detection CI/ADRD among low socioeconomic, black and Hispanic older adults compared with usual care. Participating practices randomised to the intervention arm will impart the MyCog paradigm as a new standard of care over a 3-year implementation period; as the cognitive component for Annual Wellness Visits and for any patient/informant-reported or healthcare provider-suspected cognitive concern. Rates of detected (cognitive test suggesting impairment) and/or diagnosed (relevant International Classification of Diseases-9/10 [ICD-9/10] code) cognitive deficits, impairments or dementias including ADRD will be our primary outcome of study compared between arms. Secondary outcomes will include ADRD severity (ie, mild or later stage), rates of cognitive-related referrals and rates of family member or caregiver involvement in ADRD care planning. We will use generalised linear mixed models to account for clustered study design. Secondary models will adjust for subject, clinic or visit-specific characteristics. We will use mixed-methods approaches to examine fidelity and cost-effectiveness of the MyCog paradigm. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Institutional Review Board at Advarra has approved the study protocol (Pro00064339). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and summaries will be provided to the funders of the study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05607732.

Extraction and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Diverse Marine Microalgae and Their Potential Antioxidant Activities.

This study compared free and bound phenolic compounds in various marine microalgae species. It assessed total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total condensed tannin content (TCT) and their antioxidant capacities using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS⋅+ ) radical cation-based assay and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assay. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was also employed to characterize the phenolic profiling. Results showed that free phenolic compounds ranged from 1.83-6.45 mg GAE/g d. w., while bound phenolic compounds ranged from 4.03-26.03 mg GAE/g d. w., indicating significant differences. These variations were consistent across assays, highlining unique profiles in different species. A total 10 phenolics were found in these seven microalgae, including 1 phenolic acid, 6 flavonoids, 1 other polyphenol and 2 lignans. 4'-O-methyl-(-)-epigallocatechin 7-O-glucuronide and chrysoeriol 7-O-glucoside in microalgae were firstly reported in microalgal samples. These findings have implications for future applications in industries.