Genipin is a compound derived from gardenia fruit extract. Although Genipin has anti-tumor effects in various cancers, its effect and mechanism in gastric cancer remain unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between the anticancer effect of Genipin and signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat3)/myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) in human gastric cancers. MTT assays were performed to determine the cell viability of gastric cancer and gastric epithelial cell lines (AGS, MKN45, SNU638, MKN74, HFE-145). A TUNEL assay and Western blotting were carried out to investigate apoptosis. Stat3 activity was measured by proteome profiler phospho kinase array, immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. Mitochondria function was monitored with an XF24 analyzer and by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy using fluorescent probes for general mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Genipin induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, including AGS and MKN45 cells. Genipin also reduced Mcl-1 mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, we found that phosphorylation of Stat3 is regulated by Genipin. Additionally, the protein level of phospho Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) was decreased by Genipin treatment, indicating that the Stat3/JAK2/Mcl-1 pathway is suppressed by Genipin treatment in gastric cancer cells. Mcl-1 is closely related to mitochondrial function. These findings suggest that Genipin contributes to the collapse of mitochondrial functions like MMP. Genipin induced apoptosis by suppressing the Stat3/Mcl-1 pathway and led to mitochondrial dysfunction. Our results reveal a novel mechanism for the anti-cancer effect of Genipin in gastric cancer.

To end or curtail the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to incorporate mobile vaccination programs into the national vaccination strategy. Mobile COVID-19 vaccination programs play an important role in providing comprehensive vaccination from federally qualified institutions to underserved communities facing a higher risk for COVID-19 acquisition. The Meharry Medical College COVID-19 mobile vaccine program (MMC-MVP) has provided lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines, free of charge, to communities throughout Middle Tennessee. Mobile deployment is vital for those forced to travel long distances to get vaccinated and who have limited access to medical providers or vaccine clinics, lack access to public transportation, or may be homebound. The MMC-MVP, established on 13 April 2021, via funding from the Bloomberg Foundation, is sourced with infectious disease experts, nurse practitioners, and community engagement personnel to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and information in a culturally competent manner to diverse communities in Middle Tennessee. To provide broader access to COVID-19 vaccinations and vaccine-related information, the MMC-MVP partnered with the Tennessee Community Engagement Alliance, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing COVID-19 vaccine strike teams, non-academic, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations. During the September 2021 COVID-19 surge in Tennessee, the MMC-MVP provided nearly 5000 free COVID-19 vaccinations to targeted, underserved communities. The MMC-MVP has provided vaccine equity in communities with the highest risk for acquiring COVID-19 and with greatest need in this pandemic.

Gastric Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and colorectal polyps are more prevalent in African Americans than in the general population. We aimed to investigate whether gastric H. pylori infection is associated with colorectal polyps in African Americans.

The incidence of COVID-19 breakthrough infections—an infection that occurs after you have been vaccinated—has increased in frequency since the Delta and now Omicron variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus have become the dominant strains transmitted in the United States (US). Evidence suggests that individuals with breakthrough infections, though rare and expected, may readily transmit COVID-19 to unvaccinated populations, posing a continuing threat to the unvaccinated. Here, we examine factors contributing to breakthrough infections including a poor immune response to the vaccines due to the fact of advanced age and underlying comorbidities, the natural waning of immune protection from the vaccines over time, and viral variants that escape existing immune protection from the vaccines. The rise in breakthrough infections in the US and how they contribute to new infections, specifically among the unvaccinated and individuals with compromised immune systems, will create the need for additional booster vaccinations or development of modified vaccines that directly target current variants circulating among the general population. The need to expedite vaccination among the more than 49.8 million unvaccinated eligible people in the US is critical.

The JMJD10 gene and its encoded protein MYC-induced nuclear antigen (MINA53) are associated with multiple cancers. Besides having both an oncogenic and tumor suppressor function, the intricate role of JMJD10 in cancer is complex as it depends on the cancer type. In particular, the functional role of JMJD10/MINA53 in gastric cancer has been poorly understood. In this study, we have unraveled the molecular signatures and functional roles of JMJD10/MINA53 in gastric cancer by multiple approaches, i.e., multi-omics bioinformatics study, analysis of human gastric cancer tissues, and studies in vitro using knockdown or overexpression strategies in gastric cancer cell lines. The results indicated that the JMJD10 gene and MINA53 protein are commonly overexpressed in cancer patients. JMJD10/MINA53 is involved in the regulation of proliferation and survival of gastric cancer by controlling cell cycle gene expression. These processes are highly associated with MINA53 enzymatic activity in the regulation of H3K9me3 methylation status and controlling activation of AP-1 signaling pathways. This highlights the oncogenic role of JMJD10/MINA53 in gastric cancer and opens the opportunity to develop therapeutic targeting of JMJD10/MINA53 in gastric cancer.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOG) recommends the FDA-approved Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for all eligible pregnant women in the US. However, COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake among pregnant minority women have been poor. While the underlying reasons are unclear, they are likely to be associated with myths and misinformation about the vaccines. Direct and indirect factors that deter minority mothers in the US from receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines require further investigation. Here, we examine the historical perspectives on vaccinations during pregnancy. We will examine the following aspects: (1) the influenza and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccinations during pregnancy; (2) the exclusion of pregnant and lactating women from COVID-19 vaccine trials; (3) COVID-19 vaccine safety during pregnancy, obstetric complications associated with symptomatic COVID-19 during pregnancy, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among pregnant minority women, and racial disparities experienced by pregnant minority women due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as their potential impact on pregnancy care; and (4) strategies to improve COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake among pregnant minority women in the US. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among minority mothers can be mitigated by community engagement efforts that focus on COVID-19 vaccine education, awareness campaigns by trusted entities, and COVID-19-appropriate perinatal counseling aimed to improve COVID-19 vaccine confidence and uptake.