Dendritic morphology of developing hippocampal neurons in Cyp11a1 null mice.

INTRODUCTION: Neurosteroids have a variety of neurological functions, such as neurite growth, neuroprotection, myelination, and neurogenesis. P450scc, encoded by CYP11A1 gene, is the cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme that catalyzes the first and rate limiting step in the steroidogenesis. In this study, we examine the dendritic morphology in developing hippocampal neurons of Cyp11a1 null mice at P15, a critical period for synapse formation and maturation. METHODS: Knockout mice were maintained until P15 with hormone administration. The Golgi-Cox method stained CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus to reveal dendritic morphology. RESULTS: We demonstrated that Cyp11a1 null mice usually die within 7 days after birth and thus collected brain samples at postnatal day 5 (P5) for examination. There were significant shrinkage of dendrite size and diminishment of dendritic branching in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus of Cyp11a1 null mice, suggesting a developmental delay. We wonder if this delay may catch up later in life. Since the age of P15 is a critical period for synapse formation and maturation, the Cyp11a1 null mice were rescued by receiving hormone administration until P15 that the dendritic morphology in the developing hippocampal neurons could be examined. The results indicated that the total dendritic length, number of dendritic branches, as well as dendritic arborization in the CA1 and CA3 pyramidal neurons are significantly decreased in P15 knockout mice when compared to the wild type. The spine densities were also significantly decreased. In addition, the western blot analysis revealed decrease PSD-95 expression levels in the knockout mice compared to the wild type at P15. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that Cyp11a1 deficiency impairs the dendritic structures in the developing hippocampal pyramidal neurons.

Performance of Microsoft Azure Kinect DK as a tool for estimating human body segment lengths.

The Microsoft Kinect depth sensor, with its built-in software that automatically captures joint coordinates without markers, could be a potential tool for ergonomic studies. This study investigates the performance of Kinect in limb segment lengths using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a reference. Healthy children and adults (n = 76) were recruited for limb length measurements by Kinect and DXA. The results showed consistent ratios of arm, forearm, thigh, and leg lengths to height, which were 0.16, 0.14, 0.23, and 0.22 respectively, for both age groups and methods. Kinect exhibited perfect correlation among all limb lengths, indicating fixed proportions assumed by its algorithm. Comparing the two methods, there was a strong correlation (R = 0.850-0.985) and good to excellent agreement (ICC = 0.829-0.977), except for the right leg in adults, where agreement was slightly lower but still moderate (ICC = 0.712). The measurement bias between the methods ranged from - 1.455 to 0.536 cm. In conclusion, Kinect yields outcomes similar to DXA, indicating its potential utility as a tool for ergonomic studies. However, the built-in algorithm of Kinect assumes fixed limb proportions for individuals, which may not be ideal for studies focusing on investigating limb discrepancies or anatomical differences.

Dealing With a Stressful Extra Duty: The Intrapersonal Conflict Experiences of Nurses Caring for Survivors of Suicide Attempts on Medical-Surgical Wards.

Nurses are the frontline professionals caring for patients who have attempted suicide. When clinical nurses learn from medical records or nursing handover, or are proactively informed by patients or family members, that the patients they are caring for have suicidal tendencies, they often experience pressure and face challenges. However, little attention has been given to the experiences of the nurses caring for patients with suicidal intent on medical and surgical wards. We aimed to address this knowledge gap. The purpose of this study was to explore medical and surgical nurses' experiences, especially the internal conflicts they might experience while caring for patients who have a history of attempted suicide. A qualitative descriptive design and semi-structured interviews were used in this study. Twenty-three nurses were recruited and interviewed individually. Data were analysed by qualitative content analysis. The focus of this paper is to examine the emergent theme of intrapersonal conflict experienced by the participants. Nurses' experiences can be clustered into two themes: (1) Pity and annoyance and (2) Hard work does not necessarily pay off. Intrapersonal conflict was identified by participants as considerable fear and anxiety about the possibility of a patient's suicide, as well as a mixture of pity for and annoyance with the patients. Nurses feel sorry for such patients, but they are also annoyed by the extra work required to prevent suicide attempts in the ward. Additionally, having limited time and ability, they see that their hard work does not necessarily pay off and may sometimes lead to punishment. Our findings raise serious concerns about the adequacy of the knowledge of the nurses, their competence and their difficulties in caring for such patients. In addition, there is a need to provide them with appropriate on-the-job education and immediate emotional support relevant to caring for survivors of suicide attempts.

Comparative analysis of gut microbiota in children with obstructive sleep apnea: assessing the efficacy of 16S rRNA gene sequencing in metabolic function prediction based on weight status.

Background: Analyzing bacterial microbiomes consistently using next-generation sequencing (NGS) is challenging due to the diversity of synthetic platforms for 16S rRNA genes and their analytical pipelines. This study compares the efficacy of full-length (V1-V9 hypervariable regions) and partial-length (V3-V4 hypervariable regions) sequencing of synthetic 16S rRNA genes from human gut microbiomes, with a focus on childhood obesity. Methods: In this observational and comparative study, we explored the differences between these two sequencing methods in taxonomic categorization and weight status prediction among twelve children with obstructive sleep apnea. Results: The full-length NGS method by Pacbio® identified 118 genera and 248 species in the V1-V9 regions, all with a 0% unclassified rate. In contrast, the partial-length NGS method by Illumina® detected 142 genera (with a 39% unclassified rate) and 6 species (with a 99% unclassified rate) in the V3-V4 regions. These approaches showed marked differences in gut microbiome composition and functional predictions. The full-length method distinguished between obese and non-obese children using the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, a known obesity marker (p = 0.046), whereas the partial-length method was less conclusive (p = 0.075). Additionally, out of 73 metabolic pathways identified through full-length sequencing, 35 (48%) were associated with level 1 metabolism, compared to 28 of 61 pathways (46%) identified through the partial-length method. The full-length NGS also highlighted complex associations between body mass index z-score, three bacterial species (Bacteroides ovatus, Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum, and Streptococcus parasanguinis ATCC 15912), and 17 metabolic pathways. Both sequencing techniques revealed relationships between gut microbiota composition and OSA-related parameters, with full-length sequencing offering more comprehensive insights into associated metabolic pathways than the V3-V4 technique. Conclusion: These findings highlight disparities in NGS-based assessments, emphasizing the value of full-length NGS with amplicon sequence variant analysis for clinical gut microbiome research. They underscore the importance of considering methodological differences in future meta-analyses.

Trajectory and Determinants of Quality of Life Among Postpartum Women.

BACKGROUND: The postpartum period is a critical phase in which postpartum women experience dynamic changes in their physiology, psychology, and family status. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the changes in women's quality of life (QoL) during the first, third, and sixth months of the postpartum period and their associated factors. METHODS: A single-group repeated-measure design was used to collect data from 282 postpartum women recruited from a regional hospital in Taiwan. We used the brief World Health Organization Quality of Life scale, Social Support Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to assess postpartum women's quality of life, social support, and postpartum depressive symptoms, respectively. The data were analyzed using trajectory analysis and generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: The trajectory analysis indicated that postpartum women could be categorized into low, medium, and high QoL groups. Although the medium and high QoL groups maintained stable QoL levels, the low QoL group experienced a linear decrease in QoL over time. Moreover, the determinants of postpartum women's QoL were immigrant status, employment status, family type, social support, and postpartum depression. CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers should assess these determinants of postpartum QoL in perinatal women to identify those at risk of low postpartum quality of life. Early assessment and intervention by health care providers could significantly improve the health status of women after childbirth.

Second victim experiences and impact among acute care nurses: An exploratory study.

AIM: To explore the experience of second victim symptoms and adverse outcomes among nurses working in public healthcare institutions; understand the preferred components of a structured support programme; and explore the barriers to accessing existing support strategies. BACKGROUND: The second victim phenomenon is experienced by nurses during patient-related adverse events, requiring further exploration. METHODS: A mixed-methods design. Second Victim Experience and Support Tool and semi-structured individual interviews were used among nurses involved in adverse events that occurred from January 2022 to April 2023. Descriptive statistics was used to describe sociodemographic characteristics and survey responses. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. RESULTS: Nurses (n = 12) experienced second victim-related physical, psychological and professional distress (58.3% to 83.3%) within one month after the event. Nurses continued to experience second victim-related distress (58.3%) three months after and turnover intentions (58.4%). Having a respected peer to discuss what happened was the most desired component of a support programme (75.0%). Five qualitative themes: (i) whirlwind of immediate emotions, (ii) lasting impact of adverse events, (iii) organisational barriers, (iv) coping resources at organisational level and (v) positive individual coping strategies. DISCUSSION: Nurses experienced immediate and profound distress, highlighting the pervasive and distressing nature of the second victim phenomenon. CONCLUSION: It is critical to recognise the second victim phenomenon and improve organisational climate to provide adequate support to affected nurses. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Organisations can establish a structured second victim support system, allowing nurses to seek emotional aid during the occurrence of adverse events. Establishing national policies as guidelines for organisations to refer to, raise awareness of the second victim phenomenon, and provide a standardised approach for identification and intervention for affected nurses.

Valuating the efficiency of social security and healthcare in OECD countries from a sustainable development.

Under the goal of sustainable development, coping with the increase in social security and healthcare expenses caused by population aging is becoming increasingly important, but it is rare in the literature to evaluate the impact of social security efficiency on healthcare efficiency. This research uses the dynamic SBM two-stage model to observe the efficiencies of social security and healthcare in OECD countries. There are two findings as follows. First, the higher social security efficiency is, the better is the healthcare efficiency of countries with lower per capita GDP. Second, higher social security efficiency of National Health Service (NHS) countries denote better healthcare efficiency. When the financial source of the social security system is taxation, then it is more likely to bring higher efficiency to healthcare.

Prognostic impact of elective tracheotomy in resected oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Elective tracheotomy is commonly performed in resected oral squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) to maintain airway patency. However, the indications for this procedure vary among surgeons. This nationwide study evaluated the impact of tracheotomy on both the duration of in-hospital stay and long-term survival outcomes in patients with OCSCC. METHODS: A total of 18,416 patients with OCSCC were included in the analysis, comprising 7981 patients who underwent elective tracheotomy and 10,435 who did not. The primary outcomes assessed were 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). To minimize potential confounding factors, a propensity score (PS)-matched analysis was performed on 4301 patients from each group. The duration of hospital stay was not included as a variable in the PS-matched analysis. RESULTS: Prior to PS matching, patients with tracheotomy had significantly lower 5-year DSS and OS rates compared to those without (71% vs. 82%, p < 0.0001; 62% vs. 75%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Multivariable analysis identified tracheotomy as an independent adverse prognostic factor for 5-year DSS (hazard ratio = 1.10 [1.03-1.18], p = 0.0063) and OS (hazard ratio = 1.10 [1.04-1.17], p = 0.0015). In the PS-matched cohort, the 5-year DSS was 75% for patients with tracheotomy and 76% for those without (p = 0.1488). Five-year OS rates were 66% and 67%, respectively (p = 0.0808). Prior to PS matching, patients with tracheotomy had a significantly longer mean hospital stay compared to those without (23.37 ± 10.56 days vs. 14.19 ± 8.34 days; p < 0.0001). Following PS matching, the difference in hospital stay duration between the two groups remained significant (22.34 ± 10.25 days vs. 17.59 ± 9.54 days; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: While elective tracheotomy in resected OCSCC patients may not significantly affect survival, it could be associated with prolonged hospital stays.

Comparing Human-Smartphone Interactions and Actigraphy Measurements for Circadian Rhythm Stability and Adiposity: Algorithm Development and Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between adiposity and circadian rhythm and compare the measurement of circadian rhythm using both actigraphy and a smartphone app that tracks human-smartphone interactions. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that the app-based measurement may provide more comprehensive information, including light-sensitive melatonin secretion and social rhythm, and have stronger correlations with adiposity indicators. METHODS: We enrolled a total of 78 participants (mean age 41.5, SD 9.9 years; 46/78, 59% women) from both an obesity outpatient clinic and a workplace health promotion program. All participants (n=29 with obesity, n=16 overweight, and n=33 controls) were required to wear a wrist actigraphy device and install the Rhythm app for a minimum of 4 weeks, contributing to a total of 2182 person-days of data collection. The Rhythm app estimates sleep and circadian rhythm indicators by tracking human-smartphone interactions, which correspond to actigraphy. We examined the correlations between adiposity indices and sleep and circadian rhythm indicators, including sleep time, chronotype, and regularity of circadian rhythm, while controlling for physical activity level, age, and gender. RESULTS: Sleep onset and wake time measurements did not differ significantly between the app and actigraphy; however, wake after sleep onset was longer (13.5, SD 19.5 minutes) with the app, resulting in a longer actigraphy-measured total sleep time (TST) of 20.2 (SD 66.7) minutes. The obesity group had a significantly longer TST with both methods. App-measured circadian rhythm indicators were significantly lower than their actigraphy-measured counterparts. The obesity group had significantly lower interdaily stability (IS) than the control group with both methods. The multivariable-adjusted model revealed a negative correlation between BMI and app-measured IS (P=.007). Body fat percentage (BF%) and visceral adipose tissue area (VAT) showed significant correlations with both app-measured IS and actigraphy-measured IS. The app-measured midpoint of sleep showed a positive correlation with both BF% and VAT. Actigraphy-measured TST exhibited a positive correlation with BMI, VAT, and BF%, while no significant correlation was found between app-measured TST and either BMI, VAT, or BF%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that IS is strongly correlated with various adiposity indicators. Further exploration of the role of circadian rhythm, particularly measured through human-smartphone interactions, in obesity prevention could be warranted.

Experience of Patients With Heroin Addiction Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment in Community Settings in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization has identified methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) as the most effective treatment for reducing patient dependence on heroin. In Taiwan, MMT has been used as a heroin harm reduction strategy since 2006. Although the effectiveness of MMT in reducing heroin addiction has been examined quantitatively in prison samples, little attention has been paid to the experiences and perspectives of patients with heroin addiction receiving MMT. This study was designed to address this gap in scientific knowledge. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of individuals struggling with heroin addiction who are receiving MMT in the community. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive research approach and semistructured interviews were used in this study. We interviewed 14 participants who had received MMT in a medical center in central Taiwan. All of the interview data were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: (a) a chance to change one's life, (b) the helpfulness of MMT, (c) a sense of being restricted and controlled, and (d) need for support. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This article fills a gap in current scholarly understanding of patient experiences and their perspectives on the helpfulness of MMT. Understanding patient experiences and perspectives is critical to informing and developing concrete strategies for clinical practice and MMT policy. Clinical professionals should assess patient needs and concerns to determine whether they are met by current treatment programs. Policymakers should design more flexible policies to facilitate easier access by patients to methadone to reduce the risk of relapse.

The mediating effect of pregnancy adaptation between family support and maternal-fetal bonding: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Establishing a nurturing bond with the unborn child is essential for expectant mothers throughout pregnancy. While the influence of family support and pregnancy adaptation on maternal-fetal bonding is evident, these factors remain unexplored in the early stages of pregnancy. This study aims to elucidate the dynamic interaction between family support, pregnancy adaptation, and maternal-fetal bonding during the first trimester, explicitly investigating the mediating role of pregnancy adaptation. METHOD: A cross-sectional design was conducted to recruit expectant mothers between 8 and 12 weeks of gestation without significant complications. RESULTS: Family support and pregnancy adaptation emerged as significant predictors of maternal-fetal bonding, and pregnancy adaptation mediated the relationship between family support and maternal-fetal bonding in the first trimester. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the critical role of family support and pregnancy adaptation in facilitating maternal-fetal bonding during early pregnancy, with pregnancy adaptation fully mediating this relationship. Healthcare providers are encouraged to involve family members in early interventions, focusing on assessing family support and engaging them in education and activities to strengthen the emotional bond between the mother and her unborn child.

The Expression of TP63 as a Biomarker of Early Recurrence in Resected Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.

Esophageal cancer ranks among the ten most common cancers worldwide. Despite the adoption of neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (nCCRT) followed by surgery as the standard treatment approach in recent years, the local recurrence rate remains high. In this study, we employed RNA-seq to investigate distinctive gene expression profiles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with or without recurrence following a standard treatment course. Our findings indicate that recurrent ESCC exhibits heightened keratinizing and epidermis development activity compared to non-recurrent ESCC. We identified TP63 as a potential candidate for distinguishing clinical outcomes. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry confirmed the trend of TP63 overexpression in ESCC recurrence. Patients with elevated TP63 expression had poorer overall survival and lower 3-year recurrence-free survival. This study underscores the potential of TP63 as a biomarker for detecting cancer recurrence and suggests its role in guiding future treatment options.

Comparing the clinical outcomes of initial surgery and primary definitive radiotherapy with a dosage of 6600 cGy or higher in cT1-2N0M0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To compare the clinical outcomes of two treatment modalities, initial surgery and primary definitive radiotherapy (RT), in Taiwanese patients diagnosed with cT1-2N0M0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). METHODS: Between 2011 and 2019, we analyzed data for 13,542 cT1-2N0M0 patients who underwent initial surgery (n = 13,542) or definitive RT with a dosage of at least 6600 cGy (n = 145) for the treatment of OCSCC. To account for baseline differences, we employed propensity score (PS) matching, resulting in two well-balanced study groups (initial surgery, n = 580; definitive RT, n = 145). RESULTS: Before PS matching, the 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were 88% for the surgery group and 58% for the RT group. After PS matching, the 5-year DSS rates of the two groups were 86% and 58%, respectively. Similarly, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates before PS matching were 80% for the surgery group and 36% for the RT group, whereas after PS matching, they were 73% and 36%, respectively. All these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). A multivariable analysis identified treatment with RT, older age, stage II tumors, and a higher burden of comorbidities as independent risk factors for both DSS and OS. We also examined the 5-year outcomes for various subgroups (margin ≥5 mm, margin <5 mm, positive margins, RT combined with chemotherapy, and RT alone) as follows: DSS, 89%/88%/79%/63%/51%, respectively, p < 0.0001; OS, 82%/79%/68%/39%/32%, respectively, p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: In Taiwanese patients with cT1-2N0M0 OCSCC, a remarkably low proportion (1.1%) completed definitive RT. A significant survival disparity of 30% was observed between patients who underwent initial surgery and those who received definitive RT. Interestingly, even patients from the surgical group with positive surgical margins exhibited a significantly superior survival compared to those in the definitive RT group.

Prodrug-conjugated tumor-seeking commensals for targeted cancer therapy.

Prodrugs have been explored as an alternative to conventional chemotherapy; however, their target specificity remains limited. The tumor microenvironment harbors a range of microorganisms that potentially serve as tumor-targeting vectors for delivering prodrugs. In this study, we harness bacteria-cancer interactions native to the tumor microbiome to achieve high target specificity for prodrug delivery. We identify an oral commensal strain of Lactobacillus plantarum with an intrinsic cancer-binding mechanism and engineer the strain to enable the surface loading of anticancer prodrugs, with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) as a model cancer. The engineered commensals show specific binding to NPC via OppA-mediated recognition of surface heparan sulfate, and the loaded prodrugs are activated by tumor-associated biosignals to release SN-38, a chemotherapy compound, near NPC. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the prodrug-loaded microbes significantly increase the potency of SN-38 against NPC cell lines, up to 10-fold. In a mouse xenograft model, intravenous injection of the engineered L. plantarum leads to bacterial colonization in NPC tumors and a 67% inhibition in tumor growth, enhancing the efficacy of SN-38 by 54%.

[Post-Cancer Treatment-Related Symptom Distress and Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Colorectal Cancer Survivors].

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a primary cause of cancer-related mortality, and, after treatment, cancer survivors often worry that disease recurrence may worsen their health. Nevertheless, limited research on fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) and treatment-related symptoms has been conducted on survivors of CRC. PURPOSE: This study was designed to explore (1) symptom distress severity and post-treatment FCR in CRC survivors and (2) the predictors of FCR. METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational research design and convenience sampling approach were used to recruit patients at the colorectal surgery outpatient department of a medical center in central Taiwan. Basic demographic data, the Symptom Distress Scale - Chinese Modified Form, and Fear of Progression Questionnaire - Short Form were used as monitoring tools. Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and stepwise linear regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: One hundred fourteen survivors of CRC with an average age of 63.44 were enrolled as participants. The top five symptoms of distress were numbness, bowel patterns, fatigue, insomnia, and dry mouth, and the average FCR score was 18.09. Gender, educational level, monthly disposable income, and symptom distress were identified as significant predictors of FCR, with an overall explanatory power of 41.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Level of post-treatment FCR in survivors of CRC is influenced by symptom distress severity. Early intervention by healthcare providers to control or alleviate physical symptoms can help prevent the emergence of negative emotions and improve quality of life in this patient group.

MRl and MRS hints for the differentiation of cerebellar multiple system atrophy from spinocerebellar ataxia type II.

Background and objectives: The differentiation of spinocerebellar ataxia type II (SCA 2) from idiopathic multiple systemic atrophy of the cerebellar type (MSA-C) is often difficult in patients with cerebellar ataxia when molecular testing is not available. Besides genetic testing, magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) prove to be beneficial. Nevertheless, the characteristics observed through radiology change as the disease advances. Different radiological criteria may be needed across different stages of the disease. This study aimed to assess the radiological characteristics of MSA-C or SCA 2 patients across various stages of the disease and to identify potential distinguishing factors. Methods: Between January 2000 and January 2020, a total of 390 patients, diagnosed with probable MSA-C according to the second consensus on MSA (317 cases) or with molecularly confirmed SCA 2 (73 cases), who had undergone at least one brain MRI and MRS targeting the cerebellar hemispheres, were enrolled in the study. The clinical parameters and neuroimaging features between these two diseases were compared and analyzed. Results: A greater occurrence of a pontine hot cross bun sign (HCBS), higher scores on the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia, and reduced levels of cerebellar N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr), and cerebellar choline (Cho)/Cr were found in MSA-C patients as compared with SCA 2 patients at similar disease durations. For the patients with an HCBS, a cerebellar Cho/Cr level of <0.53 was indicative of the potential presence of MSA-C, with significant level of specificity (85.96%). Discussion: Discerning SCA2 from MSA-C using MRI and MRS appears to be plausible at various disease stages.

Mature neurons from iPSCs unveil neurodegeneration-related pathways in mucopolysaccharidosis type II: GSK-3ß inhibition for therapeutic potential.

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II is caused by a deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase and is characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Without effective therapy, the severe form of MPS II causes progressive neurodegeneration and death. This study generated multiple clones of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their isogenic controls (ISO) from four patients with MPS II neurodegeneration. MPS II-iPSCs were successfully differentiated into cortical neurons with characteristic biochemical and cellular phenotypes, including axonal beadings positive for phosphorylated tau, and unique electrophysiological abnormalities, which were mostly rescued in ISO-iPSC-derived neurons. RNA sequencing analysis uncovered dysregulation in three major signaling pathways, including Wnt/ß-catenin, p38 MAP kinase, and calcium pathways, in mature MPS II neurons. Further mechanistic characterization indicated that the dysregulation in calcium signaling led to an elevated intracellular calcium level, which might be linked to compromised survival of neurons. Based on these dysregulated pathways, several related chemicals and drugs were tested using this mature MPS II neuron-based platform and a small-molecule glycogen synthase kinase-3ß inhibitor was found to significantly rescue neuronal survival, neurite morphology, and electrophysiological abnormalities in MPS II neurons. Our results underscore that the MPS II-iPSC-based platform significantly contributes to unraveling the mechanisms underlying the degeneration and death of MPS II neurons and assessing potential drug candidates. Furthermore, the study revealed that targeting the specific dysregulation of signaling pathways downstream of GAG accumulation in MPS II neurons with a well-characterized drug could potentially ameliorate neuronal degeneration.

"To do or not to do", male nurses' experiences of providing intimate care to female patients in China, a constructivist grounded theory study.

BACKGROUND: Some studies suggest that female patients have more concerns about receiving intimate care from male than female nurses. Thus, providing intimate care to female patients is a challenging experience for male nurses. The purpose of this study was to explore Chinese male nurses' experiences and process of providing intimate clinical care to female patients. METHODS: A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to develop a theoretical understanding of male nurses' experiences. This study included participants from 3 hospitals in different locations in China. Twenty-five male nurses were recruited using purposive and theoretical sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data analysis was completed using initial coding, focused coding, theoretical coding and memo writing to produce core concepts and categories, and theory development. RESULTS: Chinese male nurses' experiences of providing intimate care to female patients can be constructed as a three-stage process: (1) anticipation of the level of embarrassment, (2) deciding on the process: do it or not do it and (3) protecting both parties and dealing with embarrassment. Additionally, seven themes and associated categories were identified to represent the important factors in the process of male nurses providing intimate care to female patients in China. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese traditional culture may affect the embarrassment in Chinese male nurses providing intimate care to female patients. The embarrassing situation can be divided into three different stages, and male nurses have different main concerns in each stage. Hospital nursing administrators should consider the experiences and needs of male nurses in providing intimate care and provide them with psychological support, education and training.

Gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence responses of Camellia sinensis grown under various cultivations in different seasons.

Sod culture (SC) and conventional agriculture (CA) represent two distinct field management approaches utilized in the cultivation of tea plants in Taiwan. In this study, we employed gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence techniques to assess the impact of SC and CA methods on the photosynthetic machinery of Camellia sinensis cv. TTES No.12 (Jhinhsuan) in response to variable light intensities across different seasons. In spring, at photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) ranging from 800 to 2,000 µmol photon m-2 s-1, the net photosynthesis rate (Pn, 10.43 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1), stomatal conductance (Gs, 126.11 mmol H2O m-2 s-1), electron transport rate (ETR, 137.94), and ΔF/Fm' and Fv/Fm (50.37) values for plants grown using SC were comparatively higher than those cultivated under CA. Conversely, the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values for SC-grown plants were relatively lower (3.11) compared to those grown under CA at 800 to 2,000 PPFD in spring. Additionally, when tea plants were exposed to PPFD levels below 1,500 µmol photon m- 2 s- 1, there was a concurrent increase in Pn, Gs, ETR, and NPQ. These photosynthetic parameters are crucial for devising models that optimize cultivation practices across varying seasons and specific tillage requirements, and for predicting photosynthetic and respiratory responses of tea plants to seasonally or artificially altered light irradiances. The observed positive impacts of SC on maximum photosynthetic rate (Amax), Fv/Fm, Gs, water-use efficiency (WUE), and ETR suggest that SC is advantageous for enhancing the productivity of tea plants, thereby offering a more adaptable management model for tea gardens.

ROS-induced translational regulation-through spatiotemporal differences in codon recognition-is a key driver of brown adipogenesis.

The role of translational regulation in brown adipogenesis is relatively unknown. Localized translation of mRNAs encoding mitochondrial components enables swift mitochondrial responses, but whether this occurs during brown adipogenesis, which involves massive mitochondrial biogenesis, has not been explored. Here, we used ribosome profiling and RNA-Seq, coupled with cellular fractionation, to obtain spatiotemporal insights into translational regulation. During brown adipogenesis, a translation bias towards G/C-ending codons is triggered first in the mitochondrial vicinity by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which later spreads to the rest of the cell. This translation bias is induced through ROS modulating the activity of the tRNA modification enzyme, ELP3. Intriguingly, functionally relevant mRNAs, including those encoding ROS scavengers, benefit from this bias; in so doing, ROS-induced translation bias both fuels differentiation and concurrently minimizes oxidative damage. These ROS-induced changes could enable sustained mitochondrial biogenesis during brown adipogenesis, and explain in part, the molecular basis for ROS hormesis.