Targeting Apicomplexan Parasites: Structural and Functional Characterization of Thioredoxin Reductase as a Novel Drug Target.

Cryptosporidiosis poses a significant health threat to young children and immunocompromised individuals due to the lack of effective therapies. Here, we demonstrate that the redox system is fundamentally different from their human host. Humans possess independent glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (Trx) pathways.

Real-world data of immune-related adverse events in lung cancer patients receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitors.

Background: Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized lung cancer (LC) treatment; however, immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) may occur. The risk factors of irAEs and the impact of irAEs on patient outcomes in LC remain uncertain.

Materials And Methods: irAEs within 12 months of ICI initiation in LC patients who initiated ICIs 2018-2021 were identified.

Easy ensemble classifier-group and intersectional fairness and threshold (EEC-GIFT): a fairness-aware machine learning framework for lung cancer screening eligibility using real-world data.

Background: We use real-world data to develop a lung cancer screening (LCS) eligibility mechanism that is both accurate and free from racial bias.

Methods: Our data came from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial. We built a systematic fairness-aware machine learning framework by integrating a Group and Intersectional Fairness and Threshold (GIFT) strategy with an easy ensemble classifier-(EEC-) or logistic regression-(LR-) based model.

Global meta-analysis shows action is needed to halt genetic diversity loss.

Mitigating loss of genetic diversity is a major global biodiversity challenge. To meet recent international commitments to maintain genetic diversity within species, we need to understand relationships between threats, conservation management and genetic diversity change. Here we conduct a global analysis of genetic diversity change via meta-analysis of all available temporal measures of genetic diversity from more than three decades of research.

Using augmented reality to deliver cue exposure treatment for smoking cessation: App usability findings and protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Augmented Reality (AR) is a rapidly developing technology with potential utility for treating addictive behaviors, including tobacco smoking. AR inserts digital images into a natural real-time scene as viewed on a smartphone or other video devices. With respect to smoking cessation, AR can place virtual smoking cues (i.

Supporting community translation of lung cancer screening: A web-based decision aid to support informed decision making.

Background: Results of the National Lung Screening Trial create the potential to reduce lung cancer mortality, but community translation of lung cancer screening (LCS) has been challenging. Subsequent policies have endorsed informed and shared decision-making and using decision support tools to support person-centered choices about screening to facilitate implementation. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of LuCaS CHOICES, a web-based decision aid to support delivery of accurate information, facilitate communication skill development, and clarify personal preferences regarding LCS-a key component of high-quality LCS implementation.

HIV interventions across the care continuum for adolescents in high-burden countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Adolescents (10-19 years old) have poor outcomes across the prevention-to-treatment HIV care continuum, leading to significant mortality and morbidity. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions that documented HIV outcomes among adolescents in HIV high-burden countries.

Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between January 2015 and September 2024, assessing at least one HIV outcome along the prevention-to-care cascade, including PrEP uptake, HIV testing, awareness of HIV infections, ARV adherence, retention, and virological suppression.

Recreational Travel of Patients with Brain Tumor and Their Caregivers: Context, Preparation, and Impact.

Caregivers are engaging in recreational travel with the neuro-oncology patients they care for, yet there is little scientific research on this phenomenon. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of recreational travel among caregiver-patient with brain cancer dyads from the perspective of the caregivers. Specifically, we examined (1) context (i.

Sociodemographic characteristics, community engagement and stigma among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) who attend MSM-led versus public sexual health clinics: A cross-sectional survey in China.

Community-based sexual health services are recommended to increase sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing among men who have sex with men (MSM). Pilot study data from multiple sites found that MSM in Guangzhou who use public STD clinics were found to have different sociodemographic characteristics, lower community engagement, and increased social cohesion, compared to MSM who use MSM-led clinics.

Phase II study of nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine for relapsed/refractory small cell lung cancer.

Background: Patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) often respond to first-line chemoimmunotherapy. However, relapse is inevitable and is associated with a poor prognosis. Treatments for relapsed SCLC, such as lurbinectedin and topotecan, are limited by modest efficacy and significant hematologic adverse events, leaving a need for newer therapeutic agents or regimens.

Genomic determinants, architecture, and constraints in drought-related traits in Corymbia calophylla.

Background: Drought adaptation is critical to many tree species persisting under climate change, however our knowledge of the genetic basis for trees to adapt to drought is limited. This knowledge gap impedes our fundamental understanding of drought response and application to forest production and conservation. To improve our understanding of the genomic determinants, architecture, and trait constraints, we assembled a reference genome and detected ~ 6.

Support Through Remote Observation and Nutrition Guidance (STRONG), a digital health intervention to reduce malnutrition among pancreatic cancer patients: A study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background: Malnutrition is a common and distressing condition among pancreatic cancer patients. Fewer than a quarter of pancreatic cancer patients receive medical nutrition therapy (MNT), important for improving nutritional status, weight maintenance, quality of life and survival. System, provider, and patient level barriers limit access to MNT.

Prosocial Interventions and Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Importance: Prosocial interventions encourage voluntary actions that benefit others. Community solidarity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding mutual aid programs, and health workforce issues have accelerated prosocial health interventions.

Objective: To investigate the association of prosocial interventions with health outcomes in clinical trials and observational studies.

Genomics and conservation: Guidance from training to analyses and applications.

Environmental change is intensifying the biodiversity crisis and threatening species across the tree of life. Conservation genomics can help inform conservation actions and slow biodiversity loss. However, more training, appropriate use of novel genomic methods and communication with managers are needed.

Mapping Online Community Spaces Through Online Focus Group Discussions Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Guangdong, China: Implications for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention Services.

Background: Chinese gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) face discrimination in many facility-based health services, thus increasing the importance of online engagement. The purpose of this study was to examine online GBMSM community spaces and implications for HIV/sexually transmitted disease prevention services.

Methods: We conducted a total of 6 online focus group discussions with Chinese GBMSM from Guangdong province on the chat-based platform WeChat in 2021.

Population genomic diversity and structure in the golden bandicoot: a history of isolation, extirpation, and conservation.

Using genetic information to develop and implement conservation programs is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Evaluation of the genetic variability within and among remnant populations can inform management of both natural and translocated populations to maximise species' adaptive potential, mitigate negative impacts of inbreeding, and subsequently minimise risk of extinction. Here we use reduced representation sequencing to undertake a genetic assessment of the golden bandicoot (Isoodon auratus), a threatened marsupial endemic to Australia.

Genetic mixing in conservation translocations increases diversity of a keystone threatened species, Bettongia lesueur.

Translocation programmes are increasingly being informed by genetic data to monitor and enhance conservation outcomes for both natural and established populations. These data provide a window into contemporary patterns of genetic diversity, structure and relatedness that can guide managers in how to best source animals for their translocation programmes. The inclusion of historical samples, where possible, strengthens monitoring by allowing assessment of changes in genetic diversity over time and by providing a benchmark for future improvements in diversity via management practices.

Germination temperature sensitivity differs between co-occurring tree species and climate origins resulting in contrasting vulnerability to global warming.

Climate change is shifting temperatures from historical patterns, globally impacting forest composition and resilience. Seed germination is temperature-sensitive, making the persistence of populations and colonization of available habitats vulnerable to warming. This study assessed germination response to temperature in foundation trees in south-western Australia's Mediterranean-type climate forests ( (jarrah) and (marri)) to estimate the thermal niche and vulnerability among populations.

Non-covalent inhibitors of thioredoxin glutathione reductase with schistosomicidal activity in vivo.

Only praziquantel is available for treating schistosomiasis, a disease affecting more than 200 million people. Praziquantel-resistant worms have been selected for in the lab and low cure rates from mass drug administration programs suggest that resistance is evolving in the field. Thioredoxin glutathione reductase (TGR) is essential for schistosome survival and a validated drug target.

The Protein Composition and In Vitro Digestive Characteristics of Animal- versus Plant-Based Infant Nutritional Products.

The protein composition and digestive characteristics of four commercially available infant formulae (IF) manufactured using bovine (B-IF), caprine (C-IF), soy (S-IF), and rice (R-IF) as a protein source were examined in this study. Plant-based formulae had significantly higher crude protein and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) concentrations. Static in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of these formulae, and subsequent analysis of their digestates, revealed significantly higher proteolysis of B-IF at the end of gastrointestinal digestion compared to the other formulae, as indicated by the significantly higher concentration of free amine groups.

Cost Effectiveness of Treatment Sequences in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background: The treatment landscape for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has significantly evolved in recent years. Without direct comparator trials, factors such as cost effectiveness (CE) are important to guide decision-making.

Objective: To assess the CE of guideline-recommended approved first- and second-line treatment regimens.

Inflammation as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer Cachexia.

Cachexia is a common complication of cancer and is associated with poor quality of life and a decrease in survival. Many patients with cancer cachexia suffer from inflammation associated with elevated cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Single-agent trials to treat cancer cachexia have not led to substantial benefit as the type of cytokine which is elevated has rarely been specified and targeted.