Notes

Within the awareness associated with public security: rapid reaction to the particular COVID-19 pandemic within Vietnam.
To translate circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) into the clinic, a deeper understanding of the factors affecting their expression is needed. In this study, we explored the features affecting the expression of miRNAs and their genetic regulation using the expression data of 103 miRNAs obtained by qPCR in the platelet-poor plasma of 104 subjects. The principal components (PCs) of the expression of the miRNAs were associated with technical and biological features (e.g., synthetic controls or sex) and with blood cell counts. Also, the associations with proximal genetics variants were analysed. We found that haemolysis marker (dCt hsa-miR-23a-3p-hsa-miR-451a) was correlated strongly (β = 0.84, p = 2.07x10-29) with the second PC, which explained 10.1% of the overall variability. Thus, we identified haemolysis as a source of variability for miRNA expression even in mild hemolyzed samples (haemolysis marker dCt less then 5). In addition to hsa-miR-23a-3p and hsa-miR-451a, the miRNAs most stable and most susceptible to haemolysis were identified. Then, we discovered that the expression of miRNAs in platelet-poor plasma was not biased by any blood cell count, and thus, our results supported their role as biomarkers of tissue-specific conditions. Finally, we identified 1,323 genetic variants that corresponded to 158 miRNA expression quantitative trait loci for 14 miRNAs (FDR less then 0.2), which were enriched in promoter regions (p = 0.03). This enrichment corresponded to a range of specific tissues (e.g., breast or fat) although not to blood tissue, supporting the concept that the expression of circulating miRNAs is under the genetic control of different tissues.Introduction To tackle challenges associated with traditional drug carriers, investigators have explored cells, cellular membrane, and macromolecular components including proteins and exosomes for the fabrication of delivery vehicles, owing to their excellent biocompatibility, lower toxicity, lower immunogenicity and similarities with the host. Biomacromolecule- and biomimetic nanoparticle (NP)-based drug/gene carriers are drawing immense attention, and biomimetic drug delivery systems (BDDSs) have been conceived and constructed. Areas covered This review focuses on BDDS based on mammalian cells, including blood cells, cancer cells, adult stem cells, endogenous proteins, pathogens and extracellular vesicles (EVs). Expert opinion Compared with traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs), BDDSs are based on biological nanocarriers, exhibiting superior biocompatibility, fewer side effects, natural targeting, and diverse modifications. In addition to directly employing natural biomaterials such as cells, proteins, pathogens and EVs as carriers, BDDSs offer these advantages by mimicking the structure of natural nanocarriers through bioengineering technologies. Furthermore, BDDSs demonstrate fewer limitations and irregularities than natural materials and can overcome several shortcomings associated with natural carriers. Although research remains ongoing to resolve these limitations, it is anticipated that BDDSs possess the potential to overcome challenges associated with traditional DDS, with a promising future in the treatment of human diseases.Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be an effective and advantageous way to accomplish extension and outreach objectives in plant pathology. The greatest opportunities for extension-focused PPPs may be in response to large-scale or emerging disease management concerns or in addressing complex issues that impact agriculture, such as climate change, digital technology, and public perception of science. The most fertile ground for forming PPPs is where the needs and strengths of the public and private sectors are complementary. Developing PPPs depends as much on professional relationships as on technical skills or contracts. Defining and making room for the success of all partners, identifying and addressing barriers to success, and earning and maintaining trust are components that contribute to the effectiveness of PPPs. Case studies in plant pathology demonstrate the positive impact PPPs can have on partners and stakeholders and provide guidance on the formation of PPPs in the future. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Phytopathology, Volume 58 is August 25, 2020. Please see http//www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.Introduction Subcutaneous defibrillator (S-ICD) is the latest development in the clinically available devices for sudden cardiac death prevention. Experience from pivotal trials and post-marketing studies has proven the feasibility and safety of S-ICD. Extra-cardiac location of S-ICD obviates the need for transvenous leads which translates into lower incidence of lead-related complications and systemic infections. This is a review on peri-procedural interventions to minimize complications associated with S-ICD during implant and follow-up. Areas covered This paper will highlight the results of pertinent studies related to perioperative management of S-ICD and review the approaches to minimize the risk of complications such as hematoma at the pulse generator location, unsuccessful defibrillation due to suboptimal S-ICD lead and generator position, postoperative pain, inappropriate shocks due to T wave oversensing and interaction with concomitant cardiac implantable devices. An extensive literature search was performed to identify the relevant articles. Expert commentary The use of S-ICD is expanding, and the published results suggest a preferential use of such devices for younger patients and those with a potential risk of infection from intravascular devices. The perioperative management of S-ICD has significantly evolved during a decade of experience. Contemporary experience suggests that these procedures are associated with minimal complications.Introduction Macrophages are involved in the normal defense of the body; however, the varying phenotypes of macrophages and imbalance in their ratio lead to the impairment of immune response initiating the production of inflammation. As the role of macrophages in immunological disorders and their surface receptors modulation has already been manifested; hence, macrophages can be exploited to make them a viable candidate for targeted delivery, which was not possible with previously designed conventional therapies for the immune disorders. Areas covered Nanotechnology is a promising, clear cut, efficient, and adequate approach for targeting macrophages. Literature addresses the receptors available for targeting and the novel small dimensional therapeutic delivery vehicles to target them along with a brief overview of the role of macrophages in these diseases. Furthermore, the patents based on this idea are also listed. Expert opinion Targeted drug delivery to macrophages should take into consideration the plasticity of macrophages and their modulation over time in the diseases. A cost-effective scale-up method of development will further facilitate the clinical trials. Besides, the implementation of safety guidelines to target macrophages and the studies of long-term effects of targeted approaches in humans would highly encourage the clinical outcomes.Introduction A substantial number of patients with PD experience relapse after the discontinuation of effective pharmacotherapy, leading to detrimental effects on the individuals and considerable societal costs. This suggests the need to optimize pharmacotherapy to minimize relapse risk. Area covered The present systematic review examines randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled relapse prevention studies published over the last 20 years involving recommended medications. The authors aim to provide an overview of this topic and evaluate whether recent advances were achieved. Only seven studies were included, providing limited results. One-year maintenance pharmacotherapy with constant doses had protective effects against relapse in patients who had previously exhibited satisfactory responses to the same medication at the same doses. The duration of maintenance treatment did not influence relapse risk. No data were available concerning the use of lower doses or the predictors of relapse. Expert opinion Relapse prevention in PD has received limited attention. Recent progress and conclusive indications are lacking. Rethinking pharmacological research in PD may be productive. Collecting a wide range of clinical and individual features/biomarkers in large-scale, multicenter long-term naturalistic studies, and implementing recent technological innovations (e.g., electronic medical records/'big data' platforms, wearable devices, and machine learning techniques) may help identify reliable predictive models.Despite great advances in treatment, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Diet can greatly impact health, while caloric restriction and fasting have putative benefits for disease prevention and longevity. Strong epidemiological associations exist between obesity and cancer, whereas healthy diets can reduce cancer risk. However, less is known about how diet might impact cancer once it has been diagnosed and particularly how diet can impact cancer treatment. In the present review, we discuss the links between obesity, diet, and cancer. We explore potential mechanisms by which diet can improve cancer outcomes, including through hormonal, metabolic, and immune/inflammatory effects, and present the limited clinical research that has been published in this arena. Though data are sparse, diet intervention may reduce toxicity, improve chemotherapy efficacy, and lower the risk of long-term complications in cancer patients. Thus, it is important that we understand and expand the science of this important but complex adjunctive cancer treatment strategy. Please see http//www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 40. 2020.White adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) are involved in whole-body energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation. Changes to mass and function of these tissues impact glucose homeostasis and whole-body energy balance during development of obesity, weight loss, and subsequent weight regain. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), which have known hypotriglyceridemic and cardioprotective effects, can also impact WAT and BAT function. In rodent models, these fatty acids alleviate obesity-associated WAT inflammation, improve energy metabolism, and increase thermogenic markers in BAT. Emerging evidence suggests that ω-3 PUFAs can also modulate gut microbiota impacting WAT function and adiposity. This review discusses molecular mechanisms, implications of these findings, translation to humans, and future work, especially with reference to the potential of these fatty acids in weight loss maintenance. Please see http//www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 40. 2020.Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the consistency of therapy radiographers performing image registration using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-CT, magnetic resonance (MR)-CT, and MR-MR image guidance for cervix cancer radiotherapy and to assess that MR-based image guidance is not inferior to CBCT standard practice. Methods 10 patients receiving cervix radiation therapy underwent daily CBCT guidance and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging weekly during treatment. Offline registration of each MR image, and corresponding CBCT, to planning CT was performed by five radiographers. MR images were also registered to the earliest MR interobserver variation was assessed using modified Bland-Altman analysis with clinically acceptable 95% limits of agreement (LoA) defined as ±5.0 mm. Results 30 CBCT-CT, 30 MR-CT and 20 MR-MR registrations were performed by each observer. Registration variations between CBCT-CT and MR-CT were minor and both strategies resulted in 95% LoA over the clinical threshold in the anteroposterior direction (CBCT-CT ±5.
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