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The molecular landscape of neurological disorders: insights from single-cell RNA sequencing in neurology and neurosurgery

Awuah WA, Ahluwalia A, Ghosh S, Roy S, Tan JK, Adebusoye FT, et al.

Eur J Med Res, 2023 Nov 16;28(1):529.
PMID: 37974227 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01504-w

Single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a transformative technology in neurological and neurosurgical research, revolutionising our comprehension of complex neurological disorders. In brain tumours, scRNA-seq has provided valuable insights into cancer heterogeneity, the tumour microenvironment, treatment resistance, and invasion patterns. It has also elucidated the brain tri-lineage cancer hierarchy and addressed limitations of current models. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been molecularly subtyped, dysregulated pathways have been identified, and potential therapeutic targets have been revealed using scRNA-seq. In epilepsy, scRNA-seq has explored the cellular and molecular heterogeneity underlying the condition, uncovering unique glial subpopulations and dysregulation of the immune system. ScRNA-seq has characterised distinct cellular constituents and responses to spinal cord injury in spinal cord diseases, as well as provided molecular signatures of various cell types and identified interactions involved in vascular remodelling. Furthermore, scRNA-seq has shed light on the molecular complexities of cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke, providing insights into specific genes, cell-specific expression patterns, and potential therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the potential of scRNA-seq in guiding precision medicine approaches, identifying clinical biomarkers, and facilitating therapeutic discovery. However, challenges related to data analysis, standardisation, sample acquisition, scalability, and cost-effectiveness need to be addressed. Despite these challenges, scRNA-seq has the potential to transform clinical practice in neurological and neurosurgical research by providing personalised insights and improving patient outcomes.
Fulltext Marvels of Bacilli in soil amendment for plant-growth promotion toward sustainable development having futuristic socio-economic implications

Mukhopadhyay M, Mukherjee A, Ganguli S, Chakraborti A, Roy S, Choudhury SS, et al.

Front Microbiol, 2023;14:1293302.
PMID: 38156003 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1293302

Microorganisms are integral components of ecosystems, exerting profound impacts on various facets of human life. The recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Science Summit emphasized the critical importance of comprehending the microbial world to address global challenges, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In agriculture, microbes are pivotal contributors to food production, sustainable energy, and environmental bioremediation. However, decades of agricultural intensification have boosted crop yields at the expense of soil health and microbial diversity, jeopardizing global food security. To address this issue, a study in West Bengal, India, explored the potential of a novel multi-strain consortium of plant growth promoting (PGP) Bacillus spp. for soil bioaugmentation. These strains were sourced from the soil's native microbial flora, offering a sustainable approach. In this work, a composite inoculum of Bacillus zhangzhouensis MMAM, Bacillus cereus MMAM3), and Bacillus subtilis MMAM2 were introduced into an over-exploited agricultural soil and implications on the improvement of vegetative growth and yield related traits of Gylcine max (L) Meril. plants were evaluated, growing them as model plant, in pot trial condition. The study's findings demonstrated significant improvements in plant growth and soil microbial diversity when using the bacterial consortium in conjunction with vermicompost. Metagenomic analyses revealed increased abundance of many functional genera and metabolic pathways in consortium-inoculated soil, indicating enhanced soil biological health. This innovative bioaugmentation strategy to upgrade the over-used agricultural soil through introduction of residual PGP bacterial members as consortia, presents a promising path forward for sustainable agriculture. The rejuvenated patches of over-used land can be used by the small and marginal farmers for cultivation of resilient crops like soybean. Recognizing the significance of multi-strain PGP bacterial consortia as potential bioinoculants, such technology can bolster food security, enhance agricultural productivity, and mitigate the adverse effects of past agricultural activities.
Fulltext Autophagy and mitophagy as potential therapeutic targets in diabetic heart condition: Harnessing the power of nanotheranostics

Nag S, Mitra O, Maturi B, Kaur SP, Saini A, Nama M, et al.

Asian J Pharm Sci, 2024 Jun;19(3):100927.
PMID: 38948399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2024.100927

Autophagy and mitophagy pose unresolved challenges in understanding the pathology of diabetic heart condition (DHC), which encompasses a complex range of cardiovascular issues linked to diabetes and associated cardiomyopathies. Despite significant progress in reducing mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), heart failure remains a major cause of increased morbidity among diabetic patients. These cellular processes are essential for maintaining cellular balance and removing damaged or dysfunctional components, and their involvement in the development of diabetic heart disease makes them attractive targets for diagnosis and treatment. While a variety of conventional diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are available, DHC continues to present a significant challenge. Point-of-care diagnostics, supported by nanobiosensing techniques, offer a promising alternative for these complex scenarios. Although conventional medications have been widely used in DHC patients, they raise several concerns regarding various physiological aspects. Modern medicine places great emphasis on the application of nanotechnology to target autophagy and mitophagy in DHC, offering a promising approach to deliver drugs beyond the limitations of traditional therapies. This article aims to explore the potential connections between autophagy, mitophagy and DHC, while also discussing the promise of nanotechnology-based theranostic interventions that specifically target these molecular pathways.
Fulltext Exploring the current landscape of single-cell RNA sequencing applications in gastric cancer research

Awuah WA, Roy S, Tan JK, Adebusoye FT, Qiang Z, Ferreira T, et al.

J Cell Mol Med, 2024 Apr;28(7):e18159.
PMID: 38494861 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18159

Gastric cancer (GC) represents a major global health burden and is responsible for a significant number of cancer-related fatalities. Its complex nature, characterized by heterogeneity and aggressive behaviour, poses considerable challenges for effective diagnosis and treatment. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as an important technique, offering unprecedented precision and depth in gene expression profiling at the cellular level. By facilitating the identification of distinct cell populations, rare cells and dynamic transcriptional changes within GC, scRNA-seq has yielded valuable insights into tumour progression and potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, this technology has significantly improved our comprehension of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and its intricate interplay with immune cells, thereby opening avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies. Nonetheless, certain obstacles, including tumour heterogeneity and technical limitations, persist in the field. Current endeavours are dedicated to refining protocols and computational tools to surmount these challenges. In this narrative review, we explore the significance of scRNA-seq in GC, emphasizing its advantages, challenges and potential applications in unravelling tumour heterogeneity and identifying promising therapeutic targets. Additionally, we discuss recent developments, ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges, and future prospects. Although further enhancements are required, scRNA-seq has already provided valuable insights into GC and holds promise for advancing biomedical research and clinical practice.
Fulltext Train-the-Trainers in hand hygiene: a standardized approach to guide education in infection prevention and control

Tartari E, Fankhauser C, Masson-Roy S, Márquez-Villarreal H, Fernández Moreno I, Rodriguez Navas ML, et al.

Antimicrob Resist Infect Control, 2019;8:206.
PMID: 31893040 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-019-0666-4

Background: Harmonization in hand hygiene training for infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals is lacking. We describe a standardized approach to training, using a "Train-the-Trainers" (TTT) concept for IPC professionals and assess its impact on hand hygiene knowledge in six countries.
Methods: We developed a three-day simulation-based TTT course based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Multimodal Hand Hygiene Improvement Strategy. To evaluate its impact, we have performed a pre-and post-course knowledge questionnaire. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the results before and after training.
Results: Between June 2016 and January 2018 we conducted seven TTT courses in six countries: Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Spain and Thailand. A total of 305 IPC professionals completed the programme. Participants included nurses (n = 196; 64.2%), physicians (n = 53; 17.3%) and other health professionals (n = 56; 18.3%). In total, participants from more than 20 countries were trained. A significant (p
Fulltext Circadian rhythm in systemic autoimmune conditions: Potential of chrono-immunology in clinical practice: A narrative review

Awuah WA, Huang H, Kalmanovich J, Mehta A, Mikhailova T, Ng JC, et al.

Medicine (Baltimore), 2023 Aug 11;102(32):e34614.
PMID: 37565922 DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034614

The circadian rhythm (CR) is a fundamental biological process regulated by the Earth's rotation and solar cycles. It plays a critical role in various bodily functions, and its dysregulation can have systemic effects. These effects impact metabolism, redox homeostasis, cell cycle regulation, gut microbiota, cognition, and immune response. Immune mediators, cycle proteins, and hormones exhibit circadian oscillations, supporting optimal immune function and defence against pathogens. Sleep deprivation and disruptions challenge the regulatory mechanisms, making immune responses vulnerable. Altered CR pathways have been implicated in diseases such as diabetes, neurological conditions, and systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs). SADs involve abnormal immune responses to self-antigens, with genetic and environmental factors disrupting self-tolerance and contributing to conditions like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Inflammatory Myositis. Dysregulated CR may lead to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to the systemic responses observed in SADs. Sleep disturbances significantly impact the quality of life of patients with SADs; however, they are often overlooked. The relationship between sleep and autoimmune conditions, whether causal or consequential to CR dysregulation, remains unclear. Chrono-immunology investigates the role of CR in immunity, offering potential for targeted therapies in autoimmune conditions. This paper provides an overview of the connections between sleep and autoimmune conditions, highlighting the importance of recognizing sleep disturbances in SADs and the need for further research into the complex relationship between the CR and autoimmune diseases.
Fulltext Research Priorities of Applying Low-Cost PM2.5 Sensors in Southeast Asian Countries

Lung SC, Thi Hien T, Cambaliza MOL, Hlaing OMT, Oanh NTK, Latif MT, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Jan 28;19(3).
PMID: 35162543 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031522

The low-cost and easy-to-use nature of rapidly developed PM2.5 sensors provide an opportunity to bring breakthroughs in PM2.5 research to resource-limited countries in Southeast Asia (SEA). This review provides an evaluation of the currently available literature and identifies research priorities in applying low-cost sensors (LCS) in PM2.5 environmental and health research in SEA. The research priority is an outcome of a series of participatory workshops under the umbrella of the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Project-Monsoon Asia and Oceania Networking Group (IGAC-MANGO). A literature review and research prioritization are conducted with a transdisciplinary perspective of providing useful scientific evidence in assisting authorities in formulating targeted strategies to reduce severe PM2.5 pollution and health risks in this region. The PM2.5 research gaps that could be filled by LCS application are identified in five categories: source evaluation, especially for the distinctive sources in the SEA countries; hot spot investigation; peak exposure assessment; exposure-health evaluation on acute health impacts; and short-term standards. The affordability of LCS, methodology transferability, international collaboration, and stakeholder engagement are keys to success in such transdisciplinary PM2.5 research. Unique contributions to the international science community and challenges with LCS application in PM2.5 research in SEA are also discussed.
Fulltext Setting research priorities for global respiratory medicine within the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Unit in Respiratory Health (RESPIRE)

Rudan I, Agrawal D, Hussein N, Cheong AT, Cunningham S, Dockerell D, et al.

J Glob Health, 2018 Dec;8(2):0201314.
PMID: 30603076 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.08.020314