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Identifying globally relevant learnings from Africa’s challenges and solutions to climate change and air pollution-related health impacts: a data science scoping review protocol
No full textIntroduction Leveraging data science could significantly advance the understanding of the health impacts of climate change and air pollution to meet health systems’ needs and improve public health in Africa. This scoping review will aim to identify and synthesise evidence on the use of data science as an intervention to address climate change and air pollution-related health challenges in Africa.Methods and analysis The search strategy will be developed, and the search will be conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases. We will also search the reference lists of eligible articles for additional records. We will screen titles, technical reports, abstracts and full texts and select studies reporting the use of data science in relation to the health effects and interventions associated with climate change and air pollution in Africa.Ethics and dissemination There are no formal ethics requirements as we are not collecting primary data. Results, once published, will be disseminated via conferences and shared with policy-makers and public health, air pollution and climate change key stakeholders in Africa
Impact of aromatase inhibitor therapy on plasma phospholipid profiles in women with breast cancer
No full textBreast cancer represents about 30% of all new cancer cases in women annually, making it the second
most common cancer globally and a key priority for public health and treatment efforts. Aromatase
inhibitors (AIs) are considered the standard of care for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women
with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (HR+), after surgery and chemotherapy. There is
evidence that both tumor cells and AIs significantly affect lipid metabolism. We investigated how AI
therapy affects plasma phospholipid (PL) profiles in postmenopausal women with HR+ breast cancer
history. The targeted PL profiles of 30 women who had been on AI treatment for at least two years
(AI group) were compared with those of 30 post-surgery breast cancer patients before initiating AI
therapy (BI group). Using targeted high-throughput LC/MS lipidomic analysis, 79 PLs were analysed,
including phosphatidylcholines (PC), phosphatidylserines (PS), phosphatidylethanolamines (PE)
phosphatidylinositols (PI) and glycerophospholipids (PG). Significant differences were observed in
32 PLs, all with higher level in the AI group. Most upregulated PLs contained palmitic, stearic, oleic,
and linoleic acids, with increased concentrations found in these PLs: PG 16:0/18:1, PG 16:0/18:2,
PG 18:0/18:2, PG 18:2/18:2, PI 16:0/16:0, PI 16:0/16:1, PI 16:0/18:0, PI 16:0/18:1, PI 18:0/16:1,
PI 16:0/18:2, PI 18:1/16:1, PI 18:0/18:1, PI 16:0/20:3, PI 18:0/20:2, PI 18:0/20:3, PI 16:0/20:4,
PI 18:0/20:2, PI 18:1/20:3 and PI 18:0/22:4. The remaining upregulated PLs were not detected as
distinct molecules with two specific fatty acid chains but as their sum. These findings suggest that
AI therapy is associated with significant alterations in plasma PL metabolism, particularly involving
these four fatty acids, in women with breast cancer hystory. Additional research is needed to explore
the clinical implications of these lipid metabolism changes and their potential impact on treatment
outcomes
SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody response after an mRNA vaccine as the third dose: Homologous versus heterologous boost
No full textThe aim of this study was to evaluate immunogenicity and longevity of the humoral immune response within six months after the homologous (BNT162b2/BNT162b2) or heterologous (BBIBP-CorV/BNT162b2) third dose, and to assess breakthrough infections among vaccinees during the Omicron wave in Serbia. Serum samples were analyzed at four timepoints: five months after the primary series; three weeks, three months, and six months after the boost. IgG antibodies against the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein were detected using enzyme-linked fluorescence assay. Both homologous (n = 55) and heterologous group (n = 36) showed a highly significant increase in antibody concentrations (p < 0.001) three weeks after the boost. A moderate inverse correlation between the age of recipients and the antibody levels at three weeks post-boost was observed in the homologous group (p = 0.02, r = −0.37), while the same correlation was not significant for heterologous group (p = 0.55, r = −0.15). Heterologous group had significantly higher antibody concentrations than homologous group at three weeks (Median 851.4(IQR 766.6–894.1); 784.3(676.9–847.4); p = 0.03) and three months post-boost (766.6(534.8–798.9); 496.8(361.6–664.0); p < 0.001). However, a significant decline in antibody response over time was noted for both strategies. The overall incidence of breakthrough cases was estimated at 36.36% (20/55) for homologous, and 16.67% (6/36) for heterologous group, but none of them required hospitalization. Although observed incidence in the homologous group was more than double when compared to the heterologous group, this difference was not statistically significant, most likely due to the small sample size. In conclusion, waning immunity after inactivated vaccine can be recovered by BNT162b2 heterologous boost regardless of the age of recipients, and both boost strategies induced potent humoral immune response and protection against severe COVID-19 during the Omicron wave. However, as the observed incidence of breakthrough infections was higher in the homologous group, although non-significant, this finding could indicate an advantage of heterologous approach
Evolutionary dynamics and geographical dispersal of Borrelia lusitaniae
Get PDFBackground: Borrelia lusitaniae is a species within the complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, associated with lizards as reservoirs and Ixodes ricinus as its main vector. Borrelia lusitaniae is predominantly distributed in Central and Southeast Europe, and in countries of the Mediterranean basin, such as Portugal, Morocco, Tunisia, and Italy where this spirochete appears to infect vector ticks more frequently than other genospecies. Evolution of this zoonotic tick-borne microparasite is shaped by different environmental factors. Comprehensive phylogenetic analysis may give insight into how B. lusitaniae spreads to new geographic locations. Aim: We applied Bayesian statistical methods to B. lusitaniae multilocus sequence typing (MLST) data to study the migration routes of B. lusitaniae and its potential for further spread. Results: The discrete phylogeographic analysis placed origins of B. lusitaniae in Southeast Europe and identified at least two introductions of B. lusitaniae from Europe to North Africa. Estimated effective reproductive potential (Re), as a key indicator for a pathogen spread, suggested potential for further spread. Conclusion: The results of this study can provide beneficial information about the potential for further spread of B. lusitaniae in Europe and North Africa and estimation of necessity for the development of strategies to monitor and control Lyme borreliosis
Eating behaviors and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: Experiences of breast cancer patients on adjuvant hormonal therapy
Get PDFBackground/Aim. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a strict lockdown in Serbia, the population has experienced drastic lifestyle changes. Physical distancing, self-isolation, limited availability of essential food products, and the stress related to the availability of therapy during the pandemic particularly affected the lives of vulnerable groups, such as breast cancer (BrC) patients. The aim of this study was to examine the changes in eating behaviors and physical activity of postmenopausal BrC patients on adjuvant hormonal therapy under the COVID-19 lockdown conditions. Methods. This observational retrospective pre-post cohort study included 32 women treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) who responded to telephone interviews using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire aims to collect data on eating habits (intake of certain foods on a daily/weekly basis, as well as changes in the usual choice of food), intake of supplements, changes in weight, and physical activity before and during the lockdown. Results. The results showed that, due to problems in obtaining groceries, the patients cooked and consumed homemade sweets and fruit more often (47% of the respondents), while fewer (31%) consumed fresh fish. Nearly 41% of patients reported increased food intake, and 88% reported decreased physical activity, which led to an increase in body weight in as many as 47% of subjects. The intake of supplements was doubled. Conclusion. The COVID-19 lockdown with home confinement exacerbated health risks and affected dietary patterns and physical activity, which may have had a negative impact on the long-term health of BrC patients treated with AIs
Adaptacije eritrocita izazvane fizičkim vežbanjem
No full textExercise significantly increases blood flow and perfusion in active muscles to enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery. These enhanced demands affect blood rheology and red blood cell (RBC) characteristics, leading to specific adaptations. These adaptations are influenced by exercise type, intensity, frequency, duration, and individual characteristics of subject population (gender, age, nutritional status etc.). This review aims to comprehensively summarize the different adaptations of erythrocytes to short-term and long-term exercise, as well as the mechanisms of their occurrence, considering the influence of various factors. The results from the previous research indicate that regular exercise enhances the metabolic, structural, and functional capabilities of RBCs. These adaptations include improved energy balance, increased cell turnover rate, improved membrane stability, as well as better antioxidative defense. Despite potential risks such as "sports anemia", exercise also affects the dynamics of hemoglobin and iron concentrations, as well as the appearance of extracellular hemoglobin. Overall , the literature highlights the critical role of exercise in maintaining optimal erythrocyte function, improving circulation, and overall health, offering potential therapeutic benefits. Through a critical review of literature data on the influence of exercise on the characteristics and functions of erythrocytes, this paper can be a useful guideline for the interpretation of clinically significant results in physically active individuals .Vežbanje značajno povećava protok krvi i perfuziju u aktivnim mišićima kako bi se poboljšalo dopremanje kiseonika i hranljivih materija. Ovakve povišene potrebe za kiseonikom i hranljivim materijama utiču na reološke karakteristike krvi što dovodi do specifičnih adaptacija eritrocita. Na ove adaptacije utiču mnogi faktori kao što su tip, intenzitet, učestalost, trajanje fizičke aktivnosti, kao i individualne karakteristike ispitanika (pol, starost, nutritivni status...). Ovaj pregledni rad ima za cilj da sveobuhvatno sumira različite adaptacije eritro- cita na kratkoročno i dugoročno vežbanje, kao i mehanizme njihovog nastanka, uzimajuć i u obzir uticaj različitih faktora. Rezultati istraživanja ukazuju da redovno vežbanje poboljšava metaboličke, strukturne i funkcionalne karakteristike eritrocita. Ove adaptacije pozitivno utiču na energetsku homeostazu, obnavljanje (engl. cell turnover) i životni vek eritro- cita u cirkulaciji, poveć anu stabilnost, fluidnost i deformabilnost membrane, kao i bolje antioksidativne karakteristike eritrocita. Uprkos potencijalnim rizicima poput „sportske anemije“, vežbanje takođe utiče na dinamiku koncentracije hemoglobina i gvožđa, kao i pojavu ekstracelularnog hemoglobina. Generalno, literaturni podaci naglašavaju kritičnu ulogu vežbanja u održavanju optimalne funkcije eritrocita, poboljšanju cirkulacije i sveopšteg zdravlja, nudeć i potencijal- ne terapeutske prednosti. Kroz kritički prikaz literaturnih podataka o uticaju vežbanja na karakteristike i funkcije eritrocita, ovaj pregledni rad može i biti korisna smernica za tumačenje klinički značajnih rezultata kod fizički aktivnih pojedinaca
Human amniotic membrane homogenate: A novel biomaterial-based strategy to impede migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells
No full textINTRODUCTION: Bladder cancer ranks among the top ten most frequently diagnosed cancers globally, with
approximately 25% of diagnosed cases presenting as initially aggressive muscle-invasive tumours, marked by poor
prognosis and frequent metastasis [1]. Human amniotic membrane (hAM) is an extraembryonic membrane with antiinflammatory,
antifibrotic and antimicrobial properties [2], however, despite the growing number of studies, the cellular
mechanisms underpinning its anticancer activity remain poorly elucidated. In our investigation, we delved into the
mechanisms by which hAM homogenate influences bladder cancer and normal urothelial cells.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hAM homogenate was prepared from placentas collected from healthy donors after
elective caesarean section according to the protocol described in [3]. Wound healing assay [4] was used to evaluate the
influence of hAM homogenate on migration of normal porcine urothelial NPU cells, human papillary cancer urothelial
RT4 cells and human muscle-invasive bladder cancer T24 cells. For the invasion of cancer cells, invasion assay [4] was
performed using transwell chambers with membranes of 8 μm pore size coated with diluted Matrigel matrix. The effect
of hAM homogenate on the migration pattern of T24 cells stably transfected with enhanced green fluorescent protein
(eGFP) was examined using time-lapse confocal microscopy. Protein expression levels of molecules involved in cell
migration were measured by Western blot analysis, while gene expression was quantified by RT-qPCR [3, 4]. To compare
statistical differences between at two experimental groups, parametric unpaired two-tailed Student’s t-test or the nonparametric
Mann–Whitney test was used.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Our study revealed that hAM homogenate impedes the migration rate of bladder cancer
RT4 and T24 cells, but not of normal NPU cells. In addition to cell migration, hAM homogenate significantly decreased
the invasion rate of muscle-invasive bladder cancer T24 cells. Furthermore, this antimigratory effect was associated
with the downregulation of FAK and Rho GTPases expression—crucial proteins in actin cytoskeleton reorganization.
CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the findings highlight the significant potential of hAM homogenate as a valuable
biomaterial in the field of medicine, particularly as a complementary component in the treatment of bladder cancer.Supplementary Issue, ExcellMater Conference 2024 Abstract
Advancing 3D bioprinting for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction: the potential of placenta tissue as a bioink
No full textINTRODUCTION
Breast cancer (BC) is, according to the
data from 2020, the cancer with the highest
estimated incidence rates among
women, and current surgical procedures
for breast cancer patients involve mastectomy
and breast conserving surgeries.
Despite their safety and feasibility for
patients, existing breast reconstruction
techniques post mastectomy carry the
risk of potential complications, and do
not significantly alter the likelihood of
disease recurrence compared to mastectomy
alone. Hence, these factors
must be considered when evaluating the
available breast reconstruction options
post-mastectomy. The field of tissue engineering
has been intensively growing
primarily focusing on crafting diverse
scaffolds as templates for tissue regeneration.
With great progress in this area
various materials are on our disposal
for possible scaffold fabrication, including
natural and synthetic polymers,
and composite materials. The choice of
material depends on the specific tissue
being engineered, as well as the desired
mechanical and biochemical properties.
Human amniotic membrane (hAM), the
innermost layer of the placenta has
been utilized in skin and cornea regeneration,
and numerous studies have
demonstrated its antitumor, antifibrotic,
anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory
properties. In this study, we aim to
develop soft tissue-like scaffold biomaterial
for 3D bioprinting using human AM
homogenate (hAM-h) that will preserve
and exhibit its regenerative and antitumor
effects over an extended period
when applied. By establishing advanced
3D bioprinting techniques for this scaffold
fabrication, we will enable more accessible
and personalized regenerative medicine
practices in breast reconstruction
Estimated Dietary Intakes of Vitamin A5
No full textBackground: A new vitamin concept, termed vitamin A5, an umbrella term for vitamin A derivatives being direct nutritional precursors for 9-cis-13,14-dihydroretinoic acid and further induction of RXR-signaling, was recently identified with global importance for mental health and healthy brain and nerve functions. Dietary recommendations in the range of 1.1 (0.5–1.8) mg vitamin A5 / day were suggested by an international expert consortium. The ensuing question arises as to the current daily dietary intake amounts in Western civilization. Methods: Addressing this answer included calculating the intake based on known amounts of vitamin A5 in frequently consumed food items of the human diet that are high in this vitamin, as well as the known daily dietary intake amounts of those selected food components in Westernized countries. Results: Regarding food items, amounts of vitamin A5 in the form of provitamin A5 (i.e., 9-cis-beta-carotene (9CBC)), the predominant form in the diet, were found to range from 0.1 to 39 µg 9CBC / g for individual fruits and vegetables, with the highest concentrations being in leafy vegetables. The average intake amounts of vitamin A5 in adults of the general population following a Western lifestyle in Europe averaged 0.9, with a range from 0.5 (for Austria) to 1.3 (for Italy) mg 9CBC/day. Furthermore, based on our calculations, large parts, i.e., approximately two-thirds, of the population are low, even too low (<1.1 mg/day), in daily vitamin A5 intake. Conclusion: In addition to the importance of nudging the population toward a regrettably non-well-accepted higher intake of fruits and vegetables, an additional fortification and supplementation of vitamin A5 could be considered, similar to other micronutrients that are low in a Westernized diet
Plant Dominant Low-Protein Diet, Nutritional Status (Phase Angle) and Progression of Renal Failure: Case-Report Study
No full textBackground and Objectives: High dietary protein intake can cause intraglomerular hypertension, which may result in kidney hyperfiltration, glomerular injury, and proteinuria. The quality of dietary protein may also play a role in kidney health. Several observational studies have shown that compared with protein from plant sources, animal protein is associated with an increased risk of end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). A plant dominant low-protein diet composed of ≥50% plant-based sources may lead to favorable changes in the gut microbiome, which can modulate uremic toxin generation and slow CKD progression, along with a reduction in cardiovascular risk. Phase angle (PhA) as a nutritional evaluation parameter is a reliable marker for estimating muscle health and quality of life scale in CKD patients. We evaluated the effect of a calorie restrictive plant dominant low-protein diet (PLADO) on the progression of renal failure and nutrition status in the patient case report. Methods: A 68-year-old female, obese (BMI 31.9 kg/m2) with CKD grades 3 presented to her primary care physicians in October 2022, changed her diet from an unhealthy Western diet to a personalized PLADO (protein 0.6–0.8 g/kg/day), caloric-restricted diet rich in fiber, according to basal metabolic rate (energy intake 1400 kcal/day) prescribed by a dietitian doctor. Liver and thyroid function and ferritin and potassium levels were within normal limits. Habitual dietary intake was estimated with a food frequency questionnaire and their body composition, and PhA was measured using a bioimpedance analysis (InBody 770; Seoul, Republic of Korea). The optimal PhA cut-off value was identified as ≤4.4 for non-dialysis patients. Results: After 3 months, serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, and glucose levels were significantly reduced, and hematological parameters and potassium levels were not significantly different. BMI, visceral fat, and total body fat % decreased, while PhA and skeletal muscle mass were stable. Conclusions: We confirmed that the PLADO diet with ≥50% plant protein can be safely recommended to patients with stage 3 CKD, as it slows down the progression of renal failure, and does not lead to a reduction in PhA. Therefore, there is a need for nephrology to include nutritional management of kidney disease in addition to the pharmacological axis.Proceedings of 14th European Nutrition Conference FENS 2023, Belgrade, Serbia, 14–17 November 2023