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The implication of aberrant NRF2 activation in management of female cancers
Kgatle, Mankgopo; Mbambara, Saidon; Fadebi, Olalekan; Kabunda, Joseph; Kaoma, Chimbabantu; Dlangalala, Thobeka Nomzamo; Nxele, Siphesihle Robin; Modipane, Ndimo; Serite, Thato; Mokoala, Kgomotso M.G.; Mashamba-Thompson, Tivani Phosa; Sathekge, Mike Machaba (Frontiers Media, 2025-11-17)
The overactivation of NRF2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) in female malignancies is an emerging field of study with significant implications for treatment efficacy. NRF2 plays a pivotal role in managing inflammation-induced oxidative stress, which is crucial components of the tumor microenvironment. Acting as a transcription factor and basic leucine zipper protein, it regulates the expression of various antioxidant genes that safeguard cells from oxidative stress and damage. While NRF2 activation is beneficial for the survival of normal cells, its overactivation in cancer cells can enhance tumor cell survival, proliferation, and resistance to treatments. Importantly, NRF2 has a dual context-dependent role, functioning as a tumor suppressor when transiently activated in normal cells to prevent carcinogenesis, but as an oncogene when persistently activated in established tumors. Understanding NRF2’s transcriptional alterations and developing targeted therapies could improve cancer management, prognosis and treatment outcomes, making it a promising target for precision oncology. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of NRF2 activation in female malignancies, including cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vaginal, vulvar and, breast cancers, and its association with chemoresistance, highlighting challenges and opportunities for developing more effective cancer treatments.
Editorial : Forest microbiome : dynamics and interactions in the anthropocene era
Chakraborty, Amrita; Roy, Amit; He, Shulin; Castellano-Hinojosa, Antonio; Asiegbu, Fred O.; Coutinho, Teresa A. (Frontiers Media, 2025-11-21)
Forests represent one of the most complex and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, with intricate networks linking trees, vegetation strata, insects, microbial communities, and soil processes. These networks, sustained by feedback loops and finely tuned ecological balances, form the foundation of global biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity conservation. At the core of these dynamics lies the forest microbiome, including a vast, often invisible consortium of bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses that mediates nutrient turnover, supports tree health, and shapes interactions across trophic levels (Baldrian, 2017; Asiegbu and Kovalchuk, 2021).
Editorial : Emerging antimicrobials : sources, mechanisms of action, spectrum of activity, combination antimicrobial therapy, and resistance mechanisms
Majewski, Piotr; Brown, Amanda Claire; Schneiders, Thamarai; Osei Sekyere, John (Frontiers Media, 2025-12-16)
No abstract available.
A qualitative analysis exploring barriers and enablers to distribution, delivery, and access to COVID-19 vaccines in Botswana
Tlhakanelo, John Thato; Ataguba, John Ele Ojo; Pagiwa, Vincent; Ramabu, Nankie; Kadimo, Khutsafalo; Muriithi, Grace Njeri; Achala, Daniel Malik; Adote, Elizabeth Naa Adukwei; Mbachu, Chinyere Ojiugo; Beshah, Senait Alemayehu; Masuka, Nyasha; Nwosu, Chijioke Osinachi; Akazili, James; Ifeanyi, Chikezie; Molosiwa, Dintle (Frontiers Media, 2025-11-18)
INTRODUCTION : The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted pre-existing weaknesses, revealing deep-rooted issues in infrastructure, access, and resource allocation that have long impeded African countries' ability to effectively meet population health needs. It also became evident during the pandemic that there were discrepancies in how vaccines were distributed, delivered and accessed in these countries. We aimed to identify vaccine distribution, service delivery processes and related barriers in Botswana to contextually explore practices that either enhance or hinder access and equity in vaccine distribution and delivery. METHODS : We conducted in-depth interviews, using a semi-structured interview guide, with a purposive sample of 18 key informants, including public health sector officials, non-state actors, policy makers, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted following a deductive approach according to the six-step analysis framework by Braun and Clarke: (i) familiarization with the data; (ii) generation of initial codes; (iii) searching for themes; (iv) reviewing themes; (v) refining and naming themes; and finally, (vi) producing the report. Steps i–iii were conducted by two researchers. Attention was given to aspects of credibility, dependability, and transferability of the findings through key strategies, including team data review, coding, consensus on themes and review of both secondary and grey literature on vaccine roll-out in the country. RESULTS : Seven primary themes emerged from the findings. COVID-19 vaccine distribution and delivery in Botswana followed the existing primary health care system structures for routine vaccine delivery. Traditional mechanisms such as static public health facilities, private facilities, outreach campaigns, and mobile stops, were augmented through different roles played by stakeholders in the private sector, civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations. Religious and cultural norms were reported to affect vaccine uptake centered around smaller population groups that are historically known to be anti-vaccines. There is no deliberate gender and the disabled population programming for vaccine distribution and delivery in Botswana. The private sector improved access to vaccines by supporting supply chain logistics with transportation, especially to hard-to-reach areas. DISCUSSIONS : Achieving equitable vaccine access involves not only logistical and infrastructural considerations, but also coordination and collaboration across several sectors, enhancing gender diversity and inclusivity in planning, coordination, and decision making and implementation of strategies tailored to the needs of a wide range of vulnerable population groups.
The role of the Committee on the Rights of the Child in strengthening accountability for attacks on education in armed conflict
Skelton, Ann, 1961- (Frontiers Media, 2025-12-19)
Education is increasingly under attack in situations of armed conflict, with increasing incidence of schools bombed, repurposed for military use, education politicized, and children denied access to learning. This1 opinion piece examines how the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC Committee) is responding to these violations by integrating international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights law (IHRL), international criminal law (ICL) and global accountability mechanisms into its recommendations. Drawing on recent concluding observations to the Russian Federation and Israel, the article highlights the Committee's evolving role in protecting children's right to education in conflict zones. It argues that the Committee is not only interpreting the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) as a living instrument but also asserting its relevance within a broader legal and political context. The analysis concludes that the Committee remains a vital actor in the global effort to strengthen accountability in responding to attacks on education.