Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in tumour and stroma compartments in cervical cancer: clinical implications

This study aims at investigating the relationship between cyclooxygenase-2 expression in tumour vs stroma inflammatory compartment and its possible clinical role. The study included 99 stage IB-IV cervical cancer patients: immunostaining of tumour tissue sections was performed with rabbit antiserum against cyclooxygenase-2. CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, Mast Cell Tryptase monoclonal antibodies were used to characterise stroma inflammatory cells in nine cervical tumours. An inverse relation was found between cyclooxygenase-2 levels (cyclooxygenase-2 IDV) of tumour vs stroma compartment (r=−0.44, P<0.0001). The percentage of cases showing high tumour/stromal cyclooxygenase-2 IDV ratio was significantly higher in patients who did not respond to treatment (93.3%) with respect to patients with partial (60.5%), and complete (43.7%) response (P= 0.009). Cases with a high tumour/stroma cyclooxygenase-2 IDV ratio had a shorter overall survival rate than cases with a low tumour/stroma cyclooxygenase-2 IDV (P<0.0001). In the multivariate analysis advanced stage and the status of tumour/stroma cyclooxygenase-2 IDV ratio retained an independent negative prognostic role. The proportion of CD3+, CD4+, and CD25+ cells was significantly lower in tumours with high tumour/stroma cyclooxygenase-2 IDV ratio, while a higher percentage of mast cells was detected in tumours showing high tumour/stroma cyclooxygenase-2 IDV ratio. Our study showed the usefulness of assessing cyclooxygenase-2 status both in tumour and stroma compartment in order to identify cervical cancer patients endowed with a very poor chance of response to neoadjuvant therapy and unfavourable prognosis

TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway, Reactive Oxygen Species, Potassium Efflux Activates NLRP3/ASC Inflammasome during Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) constitute highly pathogenic virus that cause severe respiratory diseases in newborn, children, elderly and immuno-compromised individuals. Airway inflammation is a critical regulator of disease outcome in RSV infected hosts. Although “controlled” inflammation is required for virus clearance, aberrant and exaggerated inflammation during RSV infection results in development of inflammatory diseases like pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) plays an important role in inflammation by orchestrating the pro-inflammatory response. IL-1β is synthesized as an immature pro-IL-1β form. It is cleaved by activated caspase-1 to yield mature IL-1β that is secreted extracellularly. Activation of caspase-1 is mediated by a multi-protein complex known as the inflammasome. Although RSV infection results in IL-1β release, the mechanism is unknown. Here in, we have characterized the mechanism of IL-1β secretion following RSV infection. Our study revealed that NLRP3/ASC inflammasome activation is crucial for IL-1β production during RSV infection. Further studies illustrated that prior to inflammasome formation; the “first signal” constitutes activation of toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2)/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB signaling is required for pro-IL-1β and NLRP3 gene expression during RSV infection. Following expression of these genes, two “second signals” are essential for triggering inflammasome activation. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and potassium (K+) efflux due to stimulation of ATP-sensitive ion channel promote inflammasome activation following RSV infection. Thus, our studies have underscored the requirement of TLR2/MyD88/NF-κB pathway (first signal) and ROS/potassium efflux (second signal) for NLRP3/ASC inflammasome formation, leading to caspase-1 activation and subsequent IL-1β release during RSV infection

Proteomic Changes of Alveolar Lining Fluid in Illnesses Associated with Exposure to Inhaled Non-Infectious Microbial Particles

Peer reviewe

Leakage-free porous cellulose-based phase change cryogels for sound and thermal insulation

Funding Information: This research received funding from the Academy of Finland ( 343192 ), Business Finland ( 7428/31/2022 , PCMI project) the Canada Excellence Research Chair Program ( CERC-2018-00006 ) and Canada Foundation for Innovation (Project number 38623 ). The authors thank Monireh Imani for the preparation of lignin containing cellulose, Jose M. Cucharero (Lumir OY) for impedance measurements, Ayako Takagi for graphics, and Ari Seppälä for thermal conductivity measurement. This research utilized OtaNano Nanomicroscopy Center (NMC) and Bioeconomy and RawMatters research infrastructures. Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The AuthorsLeakage-free phase change materials (PCM) are used as passive energy storage systems that thermoregulate indoor environments. In this research, we synthesized highly porous hybrid materials based on non-covalent physical interactions between (poly)ethylene glycol (PEG) and modified cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), namely lignin-containing CNF (LCNF) or acetylated CNF (ACNF). The PEG/CNF hybrid, termed phase change nanohybrids (PCN), were ultra-lightweight (0.022–0.043 g/cm3), mechanically resilient, and displayed a high latent energy storage, up to 204 J/g. The PCN systems (specific heat capacity as high as 2.24 J/g K) were effective in thermal regulating 2.23 °C with a 1 mm thickness coverage while maintaining thermal stability. The PCN also demonstrated favorable thermal management under excess solar heating, providing 33.5 °C of insulative protection with a 1.5 cm thick system. The PCNs have exceptional acoustic absorbance (100% absorbance for 1600 Hz and 50% at lower frequencies, 500 Hz). Trace metal oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles improved the PCN thermoregulating abilities, revealing desirable opportunities in multi-functional applications. Our biobased PCN is a promising insulation and passive energy storage alternative for thermal protection in smart building, electronic, packaging, energy storage system and aerospace sectors.Peer reviewe

Adherence to treatment of female patients with coronary heart disease after a percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Background: Adherence to treatment is a cornerstone regarding progression of coronary heart disease, which is the most common cause of death among females. Coronary heart disease in women has special characteristics: the conventional risk factors are more harmful to females than males, accumulation of risk factors is common, and the female gender is related to nontraditional risk factors such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Additionally, worse outcomes, higher incidence of death, and complications after percutaneous coronary intervention have been reported more often among females than among male patients. Objective: To test a model of adherence to treatment among female patients with coronary heart disease after a percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and explanatory survey was conducted in 2013 with 416 CHD patients, of which 102 female patients were included in this sub-study. Self-reported instruments were used to assess female patient adherence to treatment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a structural equation model. Results: Motivation was the strongest predictor for female patients’ perceived adherence to treatment. Informational support, physician support, perceived health, and physical activity were indirectly, but significantly, associated with perceived adherence to treatment via motivation. Furthermore, physical activity was positively associated with perceived health, while anxiety and depression were negatively associated with it. Conlusions: Secondary prevention programs and patient education have to take into account individual or unique differences. It is important to pay attention to issues that are known to contribute to motivation rather than to reply on education alone to improve adherence

Support from next of kin and nurses are significant predictors of long-term adherence to treatment in post-PCI patients

Abstract Background: Adherence to treatment is a crucial factor in preventing the progression of coronary heart disease. More evidence of the predictors of long-term adherence is needed. Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify the predictive factors of adherence to treatment six years after percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: Baseline data (n=416) was collected in 2013 and follow-up data in 2019 (n=169) at two university hospitals and three central hospitals in Finland. The self-reported Adherence of Patients with Chronic Disease Instrument was used. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The respondents reported higher adherence to a healthy lifestyle six years after percutaneous coronary intervention in comparison to four months post-percutaneous coronary intervention; adherence was seen in their healthy behaviour, such as decreased smoking and reduced alcohol consumption. Participating in regular follow-up control predicted adherence. Support from next of kin predicted physical activity and normal cholesterol levels; this outcome was associated with close relationships, which also predicted willingness to be responsible for treatment adherence. Women perceived lower support from nurses and physicians, and they had more fear of complications. Fear was more common among respondents with a longer duration of coronary heart disease. Physical activity and male gender were associated with perceived results of care. Conclusion: Support from next of kin, nurses and physicians, results of care, responsibility, fear of complication and continuum of care predicted adherence to treatment in long term. These issues should be emphasised among women, patients without a close relationship, physically inactive and those with a longer duration of coronary heart disease