Health Sciences
http://hdl.handle.net/10464/6016
2024-03-29T05:49:38ZProteomes Are of Proteoforms: Embracing the Complexity
http://hdl.handle.net/10464/16904
Proteomes Are of Proteoforms: Embracing the Complexity
Carbonara, Katrina; Andonovski, Martin; Coorssen, Jens R.
Proteomes are complex—much more so than genomes or transcriptomes. Thus, simplifying their analysis does not simplify the issue. Proteomes are of proteoforms, not canonical proteins. While having a catalogue of amino acid sequences provides invaluable information, this is the Proteome-lite. To dissect biological mechanisms and identify critical biomarkers/drug targets, we must assess the myriad of proteoforms that arise at any point before, after, and between translation and transcription (e.g., isoforms, splice variants, and post-translational modifications [PTM]), as well as newly defined species. There are numerous analytical methods currently used to address proteome depth and here we critically evaluate these in terms of the current ‘state-of-the-field’. We thus discuss both pros and cons of available approaches and where improvements or refinements are needed to quantitatively characterize proteomes. To enable a next-generation approach, we suggest that advances lie in transdisciplinarity via integration of current proteomic methods to yield a unified discipline that capitalizes on the strongest qualities of each. Such a necessary (if not revolutionary) shift cannot be accomplished by a continued primary focus on proteo-genomics/-transcriptomics. We must embrace the complexity. Yes, these are the hard questions, and this will not be easy…but where is the fun in easy?
2021-08-31T00:00:00ZProfit versus Quality: The Enigma of Scientific Wellness
http://hdl.handle.net/10464/16903
Profit versus Quality: The Enigma of Scientific Wellness
Carbonara, Katrina; MacNeil, Adam J.; O'Leary, Deborah D.; Coorssen, Jens R.
The “best of both worlds” is not often the case when it comes to implementing new health models, particularly in community settings. It is often a struggle between choosing or balancing between two components: depth of research or financial profit. This has become even more apparent with the recent shift to move away from a traditionally reactive model of medicine toward a predictive/preventative one. This has given rise to many new concepts and approaches with a variety of often overlapping aims. The purpose of this perspective is to highlight the pros and cons of the numerous ventures already implementing new concepts, to varying degrees, in community settings of quite differing scales—some successful and some falling short. Scientific wellness is a complex, multifaceted concept that requires integrated experimental/analytical designs that demand both high-quality research/healthcare and significant funding. We currently see the more likely long-term success of those ventures in which any profit is largely reinvested into research efforts and health/healthspan is the primary focus.
2022-01-03T00:00:00ZOxygen toxicity: cellular mechanisms in normobaric hyperoxia
http://hdl.handle.net/10464/16622
Oxygen toxicity: cellular mechanisms in normobaric hyperoxia
Alva, Ricardo; Baiton, Adam; Bobinski, Ava; Mirza, Maha; Lazaran, Lucas; Samokysh, Lyuda; Obioru, Dede; Stuart, Jeffrey A.; Al Makhoul, Tala
In clinical settings, oxygen therapy is administered to preterm neonates and to adults with acute and chronic conditions such as COVID-19, pulmonary fibrosis, sepsis, cardiac arrest, carbon monoxide poisoning, and acute heart failure. In non-clinical settings, divers and astronauts may also receive supplemental oxygen. In addition, under current standard cell culture practices, cells are maintained in atmospheric oxygen, which is several times higher than what most cells experience in vivo. In all the above scenarios, the elevated oxygen levels (hyperoxia) can lead to increased production of reactive oxygen species from mitochondria, NADPH oxidases, and other sources. This can cause cell dysfunction or death. Acute hyperoxia injury impairs various cellular functions, manifesting ultimately as physiological deficits. Chronic hyperoxia, particularly in the neonate, can disrupt development, leading to permanent deficiencies. In this review, we discuss the cellular activities and pathways affected by hyperoxia, as well as strategies that have been developed to ameliorate injury.
2022-01-01T00:00:00ZColorectal cancer screening behaviors among South Asian immigrants in Canada: a qualitative study
http://hdl.handle.net/10464/15109
Colorectal cancer screening behaviors among South Asian immigrants in Canada: a qualitative study
Crawford, Joanne; Ahmad, Farah; Beaton, Dorcas E.; Bierman, Arlene S.
The purpose of this paper is to gain an in-depth understanding of beliefs, attitudes, and reasons for decision making about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among South Asian (SA) immigrants. Design/methodology/approach – Six focus groups conducted in English, Punjabi, and Urdu were held with 42 SA immigrants, 50-74 years old and at average risk for CRC, from November 2012 to May 2013. All focus group discussions were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis used an inductive and systematic approach employing constant comparison techniques. Findings – Three dominant themes emerged. Beliefs and attitudes towards cancer and screening represented SA immigrant’s perceptions that early detection was beneficial; screening was not necessary in the absence of symptoms; cancer was scary; and the loss of previously established bowel practices upon immigration as potential risks for CRC. Knowledge and awareness focused on unscreened participants’ cancer stories; screened participants’ knowledge of CRC, risk factors, and screening; experiential learning from focus groups; and screened participants’ strategies to promote screening. Support and accessibility concentrated on physician support and responsibility to provide information, explanation, and recommend screening to facilitate access. Originality/value – Findings provide novel insights on socio-cultural context, beliefs, and barriers to CRC screening among SA immigrants. Culturally appropriate community-based strategies included story-telling, the use of social networks, and greater physician engagement. Enhancing collaborative partnerships with physicians and public health may minimize structural barriers and reduce health disparities. Future research could explore effectiveness of outreach strategies including these collaborations.
2015-01-01T00:00:00Z