Tendon release reduced joint stiffness with unaltered leg stiffness during gait in spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.

Biomechanical deviations at individual joints are often identified by gait analysis of patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Analysis of the control of joint and leg stiffness of the locomotor system during gait in children with spastic diplegic CP has been used to reveal their control strategy, but the differences between before and after surgery remain unknown. The current study aimed to bridge the gap by comparing the leg stiffness-both skeletal and muscular components-and associated joint stiffness during gait in 12 healthy controls and 12 children with spastic diplegic CP before and after tendon release surgery (TRS).

PKC Regulates YAP Expression through Alternative Splicing of YAP 3'UTR Pre-mRNA by hnRNP F.

The Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a transcriptional co-activator that plays critical roles in organ development and tumorigenesis, and is verified to be inhibited by the Hippo signaling pathway. In the present study, we show that the YAP 3'UTR is alternatively spliced to generate a novel 950 bp 3'UTR mRNA from the full length 3'UTR region (3483 bp) in human cancer cells. The ratio of full length 3'UTR YAP mRNA to alternatively spliced 3'UTR YAP mRNA is up-regulated by exposure of the cells to PKC inhibitor chelerythrine chloride.

Topically instilled caffeine selectively alters emmetropizing responses in infant rhesus monkeys.

Oral administration of the adenosine receptor (ADOR) antagonist, 7-methylxanthine (7-MX), reduces both form-deprivation and lens-induced myopia in mammalian animal models. We investigated whether topically instilled caffeine, another non-selective ADOR antagonist, retards vision-induced axial elongation in monkeys. Beginning at 24 days of age, a 1.

Oncologic results and quality of life in patients with T3 glottic cancer after transoral laser microsurgery.

Purpose: CO transoral laser microsurgery (CO2 TOLMS) is an alternative approach to non-surgical organ preservation in selected T3 glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This study aimed to assess the oncologic results and quality of life (QOL) of patients with T3 glottic SCC after CO2 TOLMS.

Methods: Of the 44 patients who underwent CO2 TOLMS, 38 underwent QOL evaluations.

Basophil activation test shows high accuracy in the diagnosis of peanut and tree nut allergy: The Markers of Nut Allergy Study.

Background: Peanut and tree nut allergies are the most important causes of anaphylaxis. Co-reactivity to more than one nut is frequent, and co-sensitization in the absence of clinical data is often obtained. Confirmatory oral food challenges (OFCs) are inconsistently performed.

Stem cell characteristics promote aggressiveness of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) may present initially in bone marrow, liver and spleen without any lymphadenopathy (referred to as BLS-type DLBCL), which is aggressive and frequently associated with hemophagocytic syndrome. Its tumorigenesis and molecular mechanisms warrant clarification. By gene microarray profiling with bioinformatics analysis, we found higher expression of the stem cell markers HOXA9 and NANOG, as well as BMP8B, CCR6 and S100A8 in BLS-type than conventional DLBCL.

Creating a toolkit with stakeholders for leveraging tablet computers to support person-centred dementia care in hospitals.

Introduction: People with dementia may refuse care because they feel overwhelmed by an unfamiliar environment. Everyday technology such as tablets have the potential to support person-centred dementia care in hospitals.

Aims: We aimed to identify barriers and enabling factors in order to develop a toolkit to support the use of tablets in engaging individual and group activities, especially to play family videos, for hospitalized older people with dementia.

Comparing the effects of climate change labelling on reactions of the Taiwanese public.

Scientists and the media are increasingly using the terms 'climate emergency' or 'climate crisis' to urge timely responses from the public and private sectors to combat the irreversible consequences of climate change. However, whether the latest trend in climate change labelling can result in stronger climate change risk perceptions in the public is unclear. Here we used survey data collected from 1,892 individuals across Taiwan in 2019 to compare the public's reaction to a series of questions regarding climate change beliefs, communication, and behavioural intentions under two labels: 'climate change' and 'climate crisis.

Myeloid-Derived IL-33 Limits the Severity of Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis.

IL-33 is an IL-1 family cytokine that signals through its cognate receptor, ST2, to regulate inflammation. Whether IL-33 serves a pathogenic or protective role during inflammatory bowel disease is controversial. Herein, two different strains of cell-specific conditionally deficient mice were used to compare the role of myeloid- versus intestinal epithelial cell-derived IL-33 during dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis.

Design and application of circular RNAs with protein-sponge function.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs, generated from pre-mRNAs by circular splicing of exons and functionally largely uncharacterized. Here we report on the design, expression, and characterization of artificial circRNAs that act as protein sponges, specifically binding and functionally inactivating hnRNP (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein) L. HnRNP L regulates alternative splicing, depending on short CA-rich RNA elements.

Therapeutic Effect of Calcimimetics on Osteoclast-Osteoblast Crosslink in Chronic Kidney Disease and Mineral Bone Disease.

We have previously demonstrated calcimimetics optimize the balance between osteoclastic bone resorption and osteoblastic mineralization through upregulating Wingless and int-1 (Wnt) signaling pathways in the mouse and cell model. Nonetheless, definitive human data are unavailable concerning therapeutic effects of Cinacalcet on chronic kidney disease and mineral bone disease (CKD-MBD) and osteoclast-osteoblast interaction. We aim to investigate whether Cinacalcet therapy improves bone mineral density (BMD) through optimizing osteocytic homeostasis in a human model.

Efficacy of a decision support intervention for reducing decisional conflict in patients with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen: A randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: The study purpose is to test the efficacy of a decision support intervention for reducing decisional conflict, increasing prostate biopsy knowledge, and enhancing decision self-efficacy in patients with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen.

Method: The study is based on a randomized pre-post test design. A convenience sample of men with elevated prostate-specific antigen was recruited and 1:1 randomized to the intervention and control groups.

Posaconazole for the prophylaxis of invasive aspergillosis in acute myeloid leukemia: Is it still useful outside the clinical trial setting?

Background: Posaconazole prophylaxis during remission induction chemotherapy not only decreases the incidence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) but also improves the overall survival rate among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, it remains debatable whether this result applies to patients in a real-world setting.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed 208 adult patients with newly diagnosed AML who underwent remission induction therapy.

Cellular context of IL-33 expression dictates impact on anti-helminth immunity.

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a pleiotropic cytokine that can promote type 2 inflammation but also drives immunoregulation through Foxp3T expansion. How IL-33 is exported from cells to serve this dual role in immunosuppression and inflammation remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the biological consequences of IL-33 activity are dictated by its cellular source.

Integrated Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Analysis of Aquaporin 5-Expressing Mouse Lung Epithelial Cells Identifies GPRC5A as a Novel Validated Type I Cell Surface Marker.

Molecular and functional characterization of alveolar epithelial type I (AT1) cells has been challenging due to difficulty in isolating sufficient numbers of viable cells. Here we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of tdTomato cells from lungs of AT1 cell-specific Aqp5-Cre-IRES-DsRed (ACID);R26tdTomato reporter mice. Following enzymatic digestion, CD31CD45E-cadherintdTomato cells were subjected to fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) followed by scRNA-seq.

Using virtual care interventions to provide person-centred care to hospitalised older people with dementia.

Background: Being in an unfamiliar environment away from family can exacerbate emotional stress in hospitalised older people with dementia. Technology solutions can be used to address their mental and emotional health needs.

Aim: To generate greater understanding of technology adoption and to test strategies supporting virtual care interventions in hospitalised older people with dementia, such as the use of an iPad to connect them with their family members.

RESEARCH ON PASSIVE SOIL DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEMS: STATE OF THE ART AND LAB TEST ON-GOING.

There is strong evidence both internationally and in Ireland that the correct installation of passive prevention systems in new buildings is the most cost-effective way of protecting the population against radon. Previous work considering membranes, granular fill material in the aggregate layer beneath the slab and sump system has been conducted in Ireland to improve the protection of buildings from radon. The implications of research on passive sumps potential to reduce radon concentrations are significant, as if it can be shown that the installation of passive sumps in Irish building is effective; this could constitute a low-cost, passive, sustainable method for minimizing radon levels in buildings.

A multi centre randomized open label trial of chloroquine for the treatment of adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Vietnam.

: COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and causes substantial morbidity and mortality. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 or therapeutic agent to treat COVID-19. This clinical trial is designed to evaluate chloroquine as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of hospitalised people with COVID-19.

Skull Fracture Patterns and Morphologies Among Fatal Motorcycle Traffic Accident Victims in Vietnam.

We aim to describe morphological structures of skull fractures and relevant factors in motorcycle accident victims in Vietnam. This work represents a retrospective cross-sectional study based on forensic reports of fatal motorcycle accident victims. Between January 2013 and August 2019, a total of 226 fatal motorcycle accident patients with skull fracture diagnoses were enrolled.

Superspreading Event of SARS-CoV-2 Infection at a Bar, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

We report a superspreading event of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection initiated at a bar in Vietnam with evidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission, based on ministry of health reports, patient interviews, and whole-genome sequence analysis. Crowds in enclosed indoor settings with poor ventilation may be considered at high risk for transmission.

A Smart Sensing and Routing Mechanism for Wireless Sensor Networks.

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have long been used for many applications. The efficiency of a WSN is subject to its monitoring accuracy and limited energy capacity. Thus, accurate detection and limited energy are two crucial problems for WSNs.

Structure and anticancer activity of a new lectin from the cultivated red alga, Kappaphycus striatus.

The red alga Kappaphycus striatus is economically important food species and extensively cultivated throughout most tropical parts of the world as a source of carrageenan. In this note, the primary structure of a new lectin KSL from this alga was elucidated by the rapid amplification method of complementary DNA (cDNA) ends, which consists of 267 amino acid residues distributed in four tandem-repeated domains of about 67 amino acids and sharing 43% of identity. The calculated molecular mass from the deduced sequence was consistent with that of natural KSL (27,826 Da) determined by electron spray ionization-mass spectrometry.

Is Fidgety Philip's ground truth also ours? The creation and application of a machine learning algorithm.

Background: Behavioral observations support clinical in-depth phenotyping but phenotyping and pattern recognition are affected by training background. As Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Restless Legs syndrome/Willis Ekbom disease and medication induced activation syndromes (including increased irritability and/or akathisia), present with hyperactive-behaviors with hyper-arousability and/or hypermotor-restlessness (H-behaviors), we first developed a non-interpretative, neutral pictogram-guided phenotyping language (PG-PL) for describing body-segment movements during sitting.

Methodology & Results: The PG-PL was applied for annotating 12 1-min sitting-videos (inter-observer agreements >85%->97%) and these manual annotations were used as a ground truth to develop an automated algorithm using OpenPose, which locates skeletal landmarks in 2D video.

The direct-medical costs associated with interferon-based treatment for Hepatitis C in Vietnam.

Injectable interferon-based therapies have been used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection since 1991. International guidelines have now moved away from interferon-based therapy towards direct-acting antiviral (DAA) tablet regimens, because of their superior efficacy, excellent side-effect profiles, and ease of administration. Initially DAA drugs were prohibitively expensive for most healthcare systems.