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The Role of Oral Yeasts in the Development and Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Scoping Review
No full textThe role of oral yeasts in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has gained attention due to evidence linking fungal dysbiosis to carcinogenesis. While Candida albicans has been the primary focus, emerging studies highlight the importance of non-Candida species yeast genera. This scoping review synthesises the evidence on the role of oral yeasts, including Candida spp. and non-Candida species, in the development and progression of OSCC. A PRISMA-ScR-guided search was conducted in Medline, Embase, EBM Reviews, and CINAHL. Observational and experimental studies involving humans with OSCC, oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), or oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) were included. This review analysed 75 studies. Research on oral yeast in OSCC has progressed since the 1970s, with advancements in identification techniques—from conventional culture methods to metagenomic sequencing and multi-omics approaches—alongside improved animal and cellular models of OSCC. These methodological advancements have identified notable distinctions in the oral mycobiome between carcinomatous and healthy states. Clinical findings reinforce the hypothesis that oral yeasts, particularly Candida spp., actively contribute to the dysplasia–carcinoma sequence. Emerging evidence suggests that oral yeasts may significantly modulate events contributing to OSCC progression. However, further mechanistic studies and robust clinical evidence are essential to establish causality and clarify their role in OSCC
Kinesiology taping length and dynamic balance control in individuals with chronic ankle instability
No full textTo explore the effect of different lengths of kinesiology taping (KT) on dynamic balance control in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI). Thirty-one participants (16 CAI, 15 non-CAI) volunteered, and all of them were tested for dynamic balance with KT taping of varied strip lengths, in a random sequence, with taping conditions being: above-ankle taping (short taping), below-knee taping (mid taping), and above-knee taping (long taping). Dynamic balance was measured by the Y-Balance test (YBT) with three reaching directions; anterior (YBT-A), posteromedial (YBT-PM), posterolateral (YBT-PL), untaped at enrolment and immediately after each taping condition. Non-CAI participants consistently outperformed CAI all YBT measures made in the untaped condition (all p<0.05). Linear mixed model (LMM) analysis suggested there were significant KT-Group interactions reflecting reducing inter-group difference as tape length increased for YBT-C (F(3, 29) = 5.599, p = 0.016, ES = 0.104), YBT-PM (F (3, 29) = 3.53, p = 0.018, ES = 0.102) and YBT-PL (F (3, 29) = 2.72, p = 0.049, ES = 0.008), but not YBT-A (F (3, 29) = 1.44, p = 0.236). Paired t-tests suggested that in the CAI group, compared to the untaped condition, YBT-PM scores increased in all taping conditions, with mean difference (MD) from 3.5 to 7.0% (t = 2.17-5.17, p = 0.00-0.046, 95%CI = -9.83, -0.07), whereas YBT-C (MD = 4.2%, t = 1.03, p = 0.001, 95%CI = -6.36, -1.97) and YBT-PL scores (MD = 5.3%, t = 3.9, p = 0.001, 95%CI = -8.18, -2.41) increased only in the long-taping condition. KT taping can improve dynamic balance for individuals with CAI to a level of those without CAI. Longer KT taping seems to show superior effects. However, individuals without CAI may not benefit from KT taping when performing a dynamic balance task
Plasmid-driven strategies for clone success in Escherichia coli
No full textEscherichia coli is the most widely studied microbe in history, but the population structure and evolutionary trends of its extrachromosomal elements known as plasmids remain poorly delineated. Here we used long-read technology to high-resolution sequence the entire plasmidome and the corresponding host chromosomes from an unbiased longitudinal survey covering two decades and over 2000 E. coli isolates. We find that some plasmids have persisted in lineages even for centuries, demonstrating strong plasmid-lineage associations. Our analysis provides a detailed map of recent vertical and horizontal evolutionary events involving plasmids with key antibiotic resistance, competition and virulence determinants. We present genomic evidence of both chromosomal and plasmid-driven success strategies adopted by distant lineages by independently inheriting the same genomic elements. Further, we use in vitro experiments to verify the importance of key bacteriocin-producing plasmids for clone success. Our study has general implications for understanding plasmid biology and bacterial evolutionary strategies
A Rapid Molecular Detection Tool for Toxigenic M1UK Streptococcus pyogenes
No full textBACKGROUND: The gradual replacement of the Streptococcus pyogenes M1global genotype by a newly emergent M1UK variant is a global public health threat warranting increased surveillance. M1UK differs from progenitor M1global genotype by 27 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and is characterized by increased speA superantigen expression in vitro. METHODS: An allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was developed for the rapid detection of M1UK strains. The assay was used in combination with whole genome sequencing to determine emm (sub)type distribution for 51 invasive (n = 9) and noninvasive (n = 42) S pyogenes clinical isolates. RESULTS: Emm1 was the most prevalent S pyogenes emm serotype (n = 11) in this set of clinical isolates, with M1UK being the dominant emm1 genotype (4/5 invasive, 3/6 noninvasive isolates). The assay accurately detected M1UK strains. Whole genome sequencing revealed continued presence of Australian M1UK sublineages associated with epidemic scarlet fever-causing S pyogenes in Asia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study establishes a suitable target for detection of the toxigenic M1UK and confirms the maintenance of M1UK strains in Queensland, Australia. This assay can be deployed in laboratories and provides a valuable, cost-effective tool to enhance surveillance of the expanding M1UK clone
“It’s Still Exposure Just in a Slightly Different Way”—Understanding the Contribution of Simulation to Developing Physical Therapist Skills in Ireland: An Interpretive Description Study
No full textImportance: Simulation-based education (SBE) is increasingly used in physical therapist training to address growing student numbers and clinical placement shortages. However, clinical educators’ perspectives on the role of SBE in preparing students for practice remain unexplored. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore physical therapy clinical educators’ perspectives on academic-based SBE, particularly how it can equip students for clinical placement and whether it should contribute to practice education hours. Design: Qualitative interpretive description methodology using semi-structured interviews was used. Setting: Five hospital sites across the island of Ireland engaged in physical therapist practice education. Participants: This study involved 8 physical therapist practice educators and tutors with 6 to 15 years of experience, supervising 2 to 50 students annually. Intervention(s) or Exposure(s): Individual semistructured interviews were conducted exploring participants’ perspectives on SBE’s role in clinical education, lasting 40 to 60 minutes each. Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): Thematic analysis identified patterns in clinical educators’ perceptions of SBE’s educational value and contribution to practice preparation. Results: Simulation supported the transition to practice by: (1) priming for clinical environments, (2) enhancing feedback literacy in the workplace, and (3) tackling complexity of clinical practice. Specific clinical skills including documentation, basic safety, manual handling, subjective assessment, and understanding the multidisciplinary team’s role were recognized as appropriate for instruction through SBE. Participants reported activities spent in SBE should count toward clinical hours and highlighted that processing feedback during SBE established a foundation for feedback practices in the workplace. Engaging simulated patients in scenarios informed by real patient experiences was proposed as a way of managing complex patient encounters. Conclusions and Relevance: SBE provides a means to scaffold the learning of essential clinical skills before practice placement and contributes to clinical education, though more research is needed to determine the proportion. Future research should examine simulated interventions to boost feedback literacy and readiness for clinical settings. Involving patients and the public in the design of SBE curricula is crucial for relevant and beneficial learning outcomes
Robotic task specific training for upper limb neurorehabilitation: a mixed methods feasibility trial reporting achievable dose
No full textPURPOSE: Robotic devices for upper-limb neurorehabilitation allow an increase in intensity of practice, often relying on video game-based training strategies with limited capacity to individualise training and integrate functional training. This study shows the development of a robotic Task Specific Training (TST) protocol and evaluate the achieved dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mixed-method study. A 3D robotic device for the upper limb, was made available to therapists for use during neurorehabilitation sessions. A first phase allowed clinicians to define a dedicated session protocol for TST. In a second phase the protocol was applied and the achieved dose was measured. RESULTS: First phase (N = 5): a specific protocol, using deweighting for assessment, followed by customised passive movements and then active movement practice was developed. Second phase: the protocol was successfully applied with all participants (N = 10). Intervention duration: 4.5 ± 0.8 weeks, session frequency: 1.4 ± 0.2sessions/week, session length: 42 ± 9mins, session density: 39 ± 13%, intensity: 214 ± 84 movements/session, difficulty: dn = 0.77 ± 0.1 (normalised reaching distance) and Ɵ = 6.3 ± 23° (transverse reaching angle). Sessions' density and intensity were consistent across participants but clear differences of difficulty were observed. No changes in metrics were observed over the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic systems can support TST with high therapy intensity by modulating the practice difficulty to participants' needs and capabilities
Beyond Boundaries—Genetic Implications of Urbanisation and Isolation in Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)
No full textUnderstanding how urbanisation and habitat fragmentation influence wildlife is critical for biodiversity conservation. Fragmentation and population isolation can reduce genetic diversity, yet few studies have assessed these genetic impacts in urbanised environments. Eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), widespread across eastern Australia, often inhabit landscapes shaped by urbanisation. Using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from scat and tissue samples, we compared genetic characteristics of kangaroo populations in urban and non-urban areas across three regions. We assessed the influence of habitat isolation on genetic diversity and relatedness at 18 study sites. Overall, urban populations did not show significantly lower genetic diversity than those in less developed areas (p > 0.05; Urban mean HO = 0.196, Non-urban mean HO = 0.188). However, populations fully isolated by roads, buildings, and fences exhibited reduced genetic diversity and increased inbreeding. Additionally, significant genetic differences were observed among regions. These findings suggest that while urbanisation alone may not always reduce genetic diversity, complete physical isolation poses greater risks to population genetic health. This study highlights how urban landscape features can shape the genetics of large terrestrial mammals and underscores the need for spatially informed urban planning and management strategies that maintain or restore habitat connectivity
Near unity narrowband infrared thermal emitters on silicon with silicon carbide-germanium metasurfaces
No full textTraditional thermal emitters are characterized by an incoherent broadband emission spectrum. However, narrowband coherent thermal emission with a high-quality factor in thermally stable materials is highly desirable for applications such as sensing, thermal energy management, thermophotovoltaic systems, and other infrared technologies. Recent advances in engineered nanostructured polaritonic materials, particularly polar dielectric materials in the mid-infrared (MIR) regime, have enabled new approaches to tailoring narrowband coherent thermal emission. The use of low-loss phonon polaritons in thermally stable silicon carbide provides a promising route to MIR thermal emission. In this work, we demonstrate narrowband, near-unity MIR thermal emission by coupling coherent surface phonon polaritons in a SiC layer with a subwavelength germanium grating on a silicon substrate. The demonstrated polarization-dependent thermal emitter, compatible with silicon fabrication technologies for seamless on-chip photonic integration, exhibits narrowband high emissivity (&gt;90%) at a wavelength of ∼11 μm. Furthermore, we show that these emitters achieve experimental quality factors well above 100 while maintaining significant emission across a wide range of incident angles for MIR radiation
Development and Evaluation of a Virtual Privilege Walk Activity
No full textObjective: Privilege walks can encourage self-reflection about privilege but may cause discomfort among participants as they observe disparities between one another. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of a teaching activity that included an anonymous virtual privilege walk to encourage students to reflect on privilege as a concept in health care. Methods: A total of 30 privilege walk statements were developed and incorporated into a virtual privilege walk to allow students to confidentially view their results compared to the whole cohort. The virtual privilege walk and a reflective activity were undertaken by first-year student pharmacists. Students completed a 16-item inclusiveness and oppression survey before, immediately after, and 9 months following the activity. The survey was designed to measure 4 factors: (1) confidence in knowledge and understanding of inclusiveness; (2) awareness of inclusiveness and oppression; (3) opinions on pharmacy counseling and congruence between pharmacist and client; (4) opinions on pharmacists’ roles in promotion and support of inclusiveness. Results: When comparing paired data before and after the teaching activity, there was a significant increase in factors 1, 2, and 4, but a decrease in factor 3 postactivity compared to preactivity. Data from students who completed the survey again 9 months after the activity showed an increase in factor 1, no change in factors 2 and 4, and a continued decrease in factor 3. Conclusion: Confidence in knowledge and understanding of inclusiveness, awareness of inclusiveness, and opinions on the pharmacists’ role in supporting inclusiveness were all improved after students participated in and reflected on the privilege walk
Genomic correlates of prognosis in breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and PD-1 targeting therapy
No full text© 2025 Nima HemmatMetastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited treatment options and generally poor prognosis. While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with chemotherapy have shown some clinical benefit, only a small proportion of patients experience long-term survival. The biological features underlying this response remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated a cohort of mTNBC long-term responders (BrIOR) who survived significantly beyond the expected median overall survival following chemoimmunotherapy. We characterised their genomic and immune landscapes using whole-exome sequencing and integrated bioinformatics approaches and compared these findings with a control cohort of poor responders from the TCGA-TNBC dataset. The BrIOR cohort demonstrated higher tumour mutational burden (TMB), increased chromosomal instability (as measured by fraction of genome altered), and elevated tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) levels. Mutational signatures associated with homologous recombination deficiency (SBS3), mismatch repair deficiency (SBS26), and age-related processes (SBS5) were prominent in these patients. TMB, Neo-antigen burden and T cells infiltration, were positively correlated, suggesting an immunogenic tumour microenvironment. Comparison with the TCGA-TNBC cohort revealed distinct genomic features in BrIOR, including greater TMB, FGA, and TILs, more frequent focal loss of tumour suppressors, including PTEN and CDKN1C, and higher contribution of specific mutational processes. These observations may help to explain the prolonged survival in this group. While limited by sample size and lack of immune profiling in the TCGA cohort, the study highlights potential associations between genomic instability, neoantigen load, and immune visibility in long-term mTNBC responders. These findings may contribute to the broader understanding of durable ICI response in breast cancer and suggest areas for further investigation