Search Results (520)

For photosynthesis, oxygenic phototrophic organisms necessarily contain not only chlorophylls but also carotenoids. Various carotenoids have been identified in algae and taxonomic studies of algae have been conducted. In this review, the relationship between the distribution of chlorophylls and carotenoids and the phylogeny of sea and freshwater oxygenic phototrophs, including cyanobacteria, red algae, brown algae, and green algae, is summarized. These phototrophs contain division- or class-specific chlorophylls and carotenoids, such as fucoxanthin, peridinin, diadinoxanthin, and siphonaxanthin. The distribution of β-carotene and its derivatives, including β-carotene, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, diadinoxanthin, fucoxanthin, and peridinin (β-branch carotenoids), are limited to divisions of a part of Rhodophyta, Cryptophyta, Heterokontophyta, Haptophyta, and Dinophyta. Meanwhile, the distribution of α-carotene and its derivatives, such as lutein, loroxanthin, and siphonaxanthin (α-branch carotenoids), are limited to divisions of a part of Rhodophyta (macrophytic type), Cryptophyta, Euglenophyta, Chlorarachniophyta, and Chlorophyta. In addition, carotenogenesis pathways are also discussed based on the chemical structures of carotenoids and the known characteristics of carotenogenesis enzymes in other organisms. The specific genes and enzymes for carotenogenesis in algae are not yet known. Most carotenoids bind to membrane-bound pigment-protein complexes, such as reaction centers and light-harvesting complexes. Some carotenoids function in photosynthesis and are briefly summarized. Water-soluble peridinin-chlorophyll a-protein (PCP) and orange carotenoid protein (OCP) have also been characterized. This review is a summary and update from the previous review on the distribution of major carotenoids, primary carotenogenesis pathways, and the characteristics of carotenogenesis enzymes and genes. Full article

Porous carbon particles (PCPs) prepared from sucrose via the hydrothermal method and its modified forms with polyethyleneimine (PEI) as PCP-PEI were used as templates as in situ metal nanoparticles as M@PCP and M@PCP-PEI (M:Co, Ni, or Cu), respectively. The prepared M@PCP and M@PCP-PEI composites were used as catalysts in the hydrolysis of NaBH₄ and NH₃BH₃ to produce hydrogen (H₂). The amount of Co nanoparticles within the Co@PCP-PEI structure was steadily increased via multiple loading/reducing cycles, e.g., from 29.8 ± 1.1 mg/g at the first loading/reducing cycles to 44.3 ± 4.9 mg/g after the third loading/reducing cycles. The Co@PCP-PEI catalyzed the hydrolysis of NaBH₄ within 120 min with 251 ± 1 mL H₂ production and a 100% conversion ratio with a 3.8 ± 0.3 mol H₂/(mmol cat·min) turn-over frequency (TOF) and a lower activation energy (Ea), 29.3 kJ/mol. In addition, the Co@PCP-PEI-catalyzed hydrolysis of NH₃BH₃ was completed in 28 min with 181 ± 1 mL H₂ production at 100% conversion with a 4.8 ± 0.3 mol H₂/(mmol cat·min) TOF value and an Ea value of 32.5 kJ/mol. Moreover, Co@PCP-PEI composite catalysts were afforded 100% activity up to 7 and 5 consecutive uses in NaBH₄ and NH₃B₃ hydrolysis reactions, respectively, with all displaying 100% conversions for both hydrolysis reactions in the 10 successive uses of the catalyst. Full article

Multimorbidity poses significant challenges for patients and healthcare systems, often exacerbated by fragmented care and insufficient collaboration across providers. Blended Collaborative Care (BCC) is a promising strategy to address care complexity by partnering care managers (CMs) with primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists. This study aimed to adapt and pilot a BCC intervention for patients aged 65+ with heart failure and physical–mental multimorbidity. Our objectives were to assess the feasibility of the study procedures, patient recruitment, participant satisfaction and acceptability, and to identify necessary adjustments for improving intervention delivery. We evaluated goal attainment and intervention fidelity through standardised electronic documentation by CMs, and patient acceptance and satisfaction through semi-structured interviews. A monocentric, one-arm pilot study involved nine patients with a mean of 6.7 contacts with their CM over three months. Patients’ health goals primarily focused on lifestyle changes and psychosocial support. The intervention was generally well-accepted, with no reported negative consequences. Difficulties in establishing working alliances with PCPs were a barrier to effective implementation. The analysis indicated the need for minor procedural adjustments. Next steps include launching the ESCAPE trial, a large randomised-controlled trial across different European healthcare systems and developing strategies to facilitate PCP involvement. Full article

Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii infection (PCP) is a potentially life-threatening illness, particularly affecting the immunocompromised. The past two decades have shown an increase in PCP incidence; however, the underlying factors that promote disease severity and fatality have yet to be fully elucidated. Recent evidence suggests that the microbiota of the respiratory tract may play a role in stimulating or repressing pulmonary inflammation, as well as the progression of both bacterial and viral pneumonia. Here, we employed 16S rRNA metataxonomic sequencing to profile the respiratory microbiota of patients with mild-moderate and severe PCP. Our results show that the upper and lower airways of PCP patients have bacterial profiles which have been associated with a pro-inflammatory response. Furthermore, we find that severe PCP is associated with lower bacterial diversity and an increase in Prevotella and a decrease in Neisseria. Functionally, severe PCP was associated with a decrease in metabolic pathways of molecules with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing an association of PCP severity with shifts in the respiratory microbiome and may provide some insight into which patients are more susceptible to the more severe manifestations of the disease. Full article

In neurons, the acquisition of a polarized morphology is achieved upon the outgrowth of a single axon from one of several neurites. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), such as exosomes, from diverse sources are known to promote neurite outgrowth and thus may have therapeutic potential. However, the effect of fibroblast-derived exosomes on axon elongation in neurons of the central nervous system under growth-permissive conditions remains unclear. Here, we show that fibroblast-derived sEVs promote axon outgrowth and a polarized neuronal morphology in mouse primary embryonic cortical neurons. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that the sEV-induced increase in axon outgrowth requires endogenous Wnts and core PCP components including Prickle, Vangl, Frizzled, and Dishevelled. We demonstrate that sEVs are internalized by neurons, colocalize with Wnt7b, and induce relocalization of Vangl2 to the distal axon during axon outgrowth. In contrast, sEVs derived from neurons or astrocytes do not promote axon outgrowth, while sEVs from activated astrocytes inhibit elongation. Thus, our data reveal that fibroblast-derived sEVs promote axon elongation through the Wnt-PCP pathway in a manner that is dependent on endogenous Wnts. Full article

Cissampelos pareira is a plant known for its edible and medicinal properties, with bioactive potential in various applications. This study aimed to isolate and characterize pectin from C. pareira (PCP) and assess its safety, as well as its efficacy in skin moisturizing and anti-aging effects on human volunteers. The highest yield of PCP extraction was achieved after a 45 min extraction period. Chemical composition analysis using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of a characteristic pectin structure. Optimized PCP samples revealed high methoxy pectin content, degree of esterification, and galacturonic acid concentration, along with consistent physicochemical properties. PCP exhibited antioxidant activity and showed no cytotoxicity at 1 mg/mL, and effectively reduced hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in NIH/3T3 cells. Stability assessment indicated that PCP maintains its physical appearance and total polysaccharide content after heating–cooling periods. None of the PCP formulations caused skin irritation among volunteers. In an 8-week clinical trial, subjects who used serum formulations containing 0.5% w/w and 1.0% w/w PCP showed significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity compared to the placebo serum group. While skin smoothness, scaliness, and wrinkling also improved, these anti-aging results were not statistically significant. The results indicated PCP is a promising candidate for skin care applications due to its safety, stability, antioxidant activity, and demonstrated efficacy in enhancing skin hydration and elasticity. Full article

Background/Objectives: High levels of emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience in primary care physicians (PCPs) can help them communicate better with patients, build stronger relationships with colleagues, and foster a positive and collaborative workplace. However, studies have indicated that primary care physicians (PCPs) often do not focus enough on developing these skills. Consequently, the purpose of this mixed methods study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an experiential online training (EOT) intervention in enhancing the EI and resilience of PCPs who treat patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). Methods: A total of 46 PCPs from Greece participated in a 25-hour EOT program, which focused on counseling skills for lifestyle change and breathing techniques for self-regulation. Quantitative data were collected using the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF) and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25) before, immediately after, and three months post-intervention. Additionally, qualitative data were obtained through written reflections from participants regarding their clinical practice. Results: The results revealed significant improvements in EI and resilience scores immediately after the intervention (ΕΙ: 5.13, SD: 0.65 vs. 5.3, SD: 0.57, p = 0.007; resilience: 76.6, SD: 11.75 vs. 79.83, SD: 10.24, p = 0.029), as well as at the three-month follow-up (ΕΙ: 5.3, SD: 0.57 vs. 5.36, SD: 0.48, p = 0.007; resilience: 79.83, SD: 10.24 vs. 81.03, SD: 7.86, p = 0.029). The thematic analysis of qualitative data identified improvements in five key themes: communication skills, stress management, emotional awareness, resilience, and patient care. Participants reported feeling more confident, empathetic, and effective when interacting with patients, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. The convergence of the quantitative and qualitative findings showed the efficacy of the EOT intervention in enhancing PCPs’ EI, resilience, well-being, and, ultimately, their practice. Full article

Deformities, body asymmetries, and muscle contractures are common consequences of atypical postural patterns in children with c ongenital Zika syndrome (CZS). This study aimed to evaluate the posture of children with CZS, considering their neurological and visual impairments. Ophthalmological assessment included binocular best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using Teller Acuity Cards II (TAC II) and an ocular motility evaluation. Postural alignment was measured using the PhysioCode Posture (PCP) app. Twenty-four children with CZS (12 [50.0%] female) were included, with a mean age of 6.8 ± 0.7 years (range, 4.0–7.0 years). The majority (79.2% [19/24]) had microcephaly at birth. Visual impairment was detected in 95.2% (20/21) of the children, with 85.0% (17/20) classified as moderate, severe, or blind. Shoulder asymmetry was observed in 95.8% (23/24) of participants, and 75.0% (18/24) presented abnormal postural alignment of the head and hips. Additionally, spinal deviations were found in 41.7% (10/24) of the children. All children with CZS exhibited asymmetries and improper postural patterns, which may result from a combination of neurological and visual impairments as well as environmental factors. Full article

The formation of the embryonic left–right axis is a fundamental process in animals, which subsequently conditions both the shape and the correct positioning of internal organs. During vertebrate early development, a transient structure, known as the left–right organizer, breaks the bilateral symmetry in a manner that is critically dependent on the activity of motile and immotile cilia or asymmetric cell migration. Extensive studies have partially elucidated the molecular pathways that initiate left–right asymmetric patterning and morphogenesis. Wnt/planar cell polarity signaling plays an important role in the biased orientation and rotational motion of motile cilia. The leftward fluid flow generated in the cavity of the left–right organizer is sensed by immotile cilia through complex mechanisms to trigger left-sided calcium signaling and lateralized gene expression pattern. Disrupted asymmetric positioning or impaired structure and function of cilia leads to randomized left–right axis determination, which is closely linked to laterality defects, particularly congenital heart disease. Despite of the formidable progress made in deciphering the critical contribution of cilia to establishing the left–right asymmetry, a strong challenge remains to understand how cilia generate and sense fluid flow to differentially activate gene expression across the left–right axis. This review analyzes mechanisms underlying the asymmetric morphogenesis and function of the left–right organizer in left–right axis formation. It also aims to identify important questions that are open for future investigations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cognitive deficits and negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia are poorly managed by current antipsychotics. In order to develop effective treatments, refining animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders is essential. Methods: To address their multifactorial etiology, we developed a new three-hit mouse model based on the hypoglutamatergic hypothesis of the pathology combined with early stress, offering strong construct validity. Thus, a genetic susceptibility (serine racemase deletion) was associated with an early environmental stress (24 h maternal separation at 9 days of age) and a further pharmacological treatment with phencyclidine (PCP, a glutamate receptor antagonist treatment, 10 mg/kg/day, from 8 to 10 weeks of age). The face validity of this model was assessed in female mice 1 and 6 weeks after the end of PCP treatment by a set of behavioral experiments investigating positive- and negative-like symptoms and cognitive deficits. Results: Our results showed that the three-hit mice displayed persistent hyperlocomotion (positive-like symptoms) and social behavior impairment deficits (negative-like symptoms) but non-persistent spatial working memory deficits (cognitive symptoms). Conclusions: Our work confirms the usefulness of a three-hit combination to model, particularly for negative-like symptoms associated with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. The model therefore gathers powerful construct and face validities and supports an involvement of glutamate dysfunction in behavioral symptoms. Full article

Introduction: Despite the well-documented benefits of smoking cessation interventions, the implementation and success of these programs in primary care settings often encounter significant barriers. A primary care provider’s personal smoking status has been identified as a potential barrier to tobacco treatment delivery. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences and perspectives of primary care providers regarding their role in delivering smoking cessation interventions to patients based on their personal smoking status. Specifically, the study seeks to examine providers’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors concerning their own smoking behavior and to understand their attitudes and actions when supporting patients who smoke and to explore their perspectives on the effectiveness of training programs designed to promote tobacco treatment. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 primary care providers from six public primary care units in the Central Macedonia Region, Greece. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Results: Healthcare providers who are current smokers may face unique challenges in effectively counseling patients on smoking cessation. On the contrast, non-smoking and especially previous smoking healthcare providers were noted to exhibit greater confidence and efficacy in delivering cessation support, often serving as role models for patients aiming to quit smoking. Participating in structured cessation training programs often led healthcare professionals to reflect and reevaluate their own smoking behaviors. Conclusions: Personal smoking status of primary care providers impacts the delivery of tobacco treatment, affecting their credibility and effectiveness in providing cessation support. Educational programs positively impact attitudes and behaviors, underscoring their importance in improving both PCPs’ professional effectiveness and personal health outcomes. These findings suggest that addressing PCPs’ smoking habits and enhancing training opportunities are critical for optimizing smoking cessation services. Full article

Background: The satellite DNA (satDNA) PcP190 has been identified in multiple frog species from seven phylogenetically distant families within Hyloidea, indicating its broad distribution. This satDNA consists of repeats of approximately 190 bp and exhibits a highly conserved region (CR) of 120 bp, which is similar to the transcribed region of 5S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), and a hypervariable region (HR) that varies in size and nucleotide composition among and within species. Here, to improve our understanding of PcP190 satDNA, we searched for evidence of its transcription in the available transcriptomes of Rhinella marina (Bufonidae) and Engystomops pustulosus (Leptodactylidae), two phylogenetically distantly related species. Methods: We first characterized the 5S rDNA and PcP190 sequences in these species by searching for them in available genome assemblies. Next, we used the PcP190 (CR and HR) and 5S rDNA sequences of each species as queries to search for these sequences in RNA-seq libraries. Results: We identified two types of 5S rDNA in each analyzed species, with a new type found in E. pustulosus. Our results also revealed a novel type of PcP190 sequence in R. marina and a new subtype of PcP-1 in E. pustulosus. Transcriptome analyses confirmed the expected transcription of the 5S rRNA gene and showed transcription of both the CR and HR of the PcP190 satDNA in both species and in different tissues. Conclusions: As the entire repeat of this satDNA is susceptible to transcription, the high variability observed in the HR cannot be attributed to transcriptional activity confined to the CR. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tobacco use remains a significant public health issue, particularly among individuals with low incomes, including Medicaid recipients who often face multiple barriers to quitting. This study aimed to identify barriers, from the perspective of Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs), influencing Medicaid recipient participation in tobacco cessation programs. Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted with Florida Medicaid MCOs to elicit processes for case identification, outreach, referral, program participation, and incentives. Answers were synthesized into themes. Results: Medicaid recipients were primarily identified through nicotine dependency claim codes or Health Risk Assessments (HRAs). Individuals were referred to state and local community tobacco cessation programs through text messaging and outreach by MCO case managers. The MCOs identified the following as barriers: primary care physicians (PCPs) with limited knowledge about cessation programs and pharmacologic treatments for nicotine dependence, low availability of health coaches, long wait times for entry into cessation programs, weak coordination between MCOs and cessation programs, and insufficient incentives for individuals for program participation. Suggested strategies to overcome barriers were continuing medical education (CME) for PCPs about tobacco cessation programs and prescription therapies, increasing the training of health coaches, more investment in quitlines, increasing data sharing between MCOs and cessation programs, and increasing incentives for individuals. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of engaging MCOs in discussions about policy and program improvements, as their insights can drive meaningful changes in how tobacco cessation and other preventive health programs are structured and implemented. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance tobacco cessation program participation among Medicaid recipients. Full article

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and the National Coordinating Center for the Regional Genetics Networks (NCC)-developed ACT sheets are a vital resource for state newborn screening (NBS) programs. They allow NBS programs to be able to provide up-to-date, just-in-time disorder information to primary care providers (PCPs). Their continued availability is necessary to ensure that all babies identified by newborn screening receive appropriate evaluation and care. Full article

There are several types of microvasculature supplying neoplasms: “newly formed blood vessels” (neoangiogenesis), which are a component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of invasive carcinoma with wound healing-like reaction; and “pre-existing blood vessels”, which are used as tumor-supplying vessels by neoplasms (co-option vessels) and are likely to develop in hypervascularized organs. We herein review the microvasculature of neoplasms of biliary tract with reference to pre-existing vessels and vessel co-options. In the hepatobiliary system, intrahepatic large and extrahepatic bile ducts (large bile ducts) and the gallbladder as well as hepatic lobules are highly vascularized regions. In large bile ducts, the biliary lining epithelia and underlining capillaries (peribiliary capillary plexus [PCP]) form the biliary epithelia–PCP alignment, whereas the hepatocyte–sinusoid alignment composes hepatic lobules. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) are the main biliary tract carcinomas. CCA is subdivided into distal (d/CCA), perihilar (pCCA), and intrahepatic (iCCA), and iCCA is subdivided into small duct type (SD-iCCA) and large duct type (LD-iCCA). High-grade biliary intraepithelial neoplasm (BilIN), intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB), pyloric gland adenoma (PGA), and intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN) have recently been proposed as the precursors of LD-iCCA, p/dCCA, and GBC. In the large bile ducts and gallbladder, all cases of high-grade BilIN and PGA, about half of IPNB, and one-third of ICPN with less-complicated structure were found to have hijacked the PCP as their supporting vessels (vessel co-option), while p/dCCA, LD-iCCA, and GBC were supplied by neo-angiogenetic vessels associated with fibrous stroma. The intraluminal components of the remaining cases of ICPN and IPNB with complicated structure presented sparse capillaries without fibrous stroma, a unique microvasculature different from that of co-option or neoangiogenesis. Regarding iCCA showing invasion into the hepatic lobules, some SD-iCCAs replaced hepatocytic cords and used pre-existing sinusoids as co-opted vessels. Visualization of pre-existing vessels could be a new pathological tool for the evaluation of malignant progression and of vascular supply in CCAs and its precursors. Full article