GrB-Fc-KS49, an anti-EMP2 granzyme B fusion protein therapeutic alters immune cell infiltration and suppresses breast cancer growth.

Background: Granzyme B (GrB) is a key effector molecule, delivered by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells during immune surveillance to induce cell death. Fusion proteins and immunoconjugates represent an innovative therapeutic approach to specifically deliver a deadly payload to target cells. Epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2) is highly expressed in invasive breast cancer (BC), including triple-negative BC (TNBC), and represents an attractive therapeutic target.

EMP2 Serves as a Functional Biomarker for Chemotherapy-Resistant Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer (BC) remains among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women worldwide. Triple-negative BC (TNBC) is a subset of BC characterized by aggressive behavior, a high risk of distant recurrence, and poor overall survival rates. Chemotherapy is the backbone for treatment in patients with TNBC, but outcomes remain poor compared to other BC subtypes, in part due to the lack of recognized functional targets.

Epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) regulates hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in the adult retinal pigment epithelial cell lines.

Pathologic retinal neovascularization is a potentially blinding consequence seen in many common diseases including diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and retinal vaso-occlusive diseases. This study investigates epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) and its role as a possible modulator of angiogenesis in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) under hypoxic conditions. To study its effects, the RPE cell line ARPE-19 was genetically modified to either overexpress EMP2 or knock down its levels, and RNA sequencing and western blot analysis was performed to confirm the changes in expression at the RNA and protein level, respectively.

Adolescent Mental Health Problems in Hong Kong: A Critical Review on Prevalence, Psychosocial Correlates, and Prevention.

Purpose: Adolescent mental health problems are a public health issue in Hong Kong and a review of the situation can have implications for intervention and prevention. This paper aims to review the available prevalence rates of mental health problems among adolescents in Hong Kong and examines the correlates of these conditions through a positive youth development (PYD) framework.

Methods: Local studies published in English between January 1995 and September 2017 were searched in ERIC, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, and PubMed.

Harnessing Social Media to Explore Youth Social Withdrawal in Three Major Cities in China: Cross-Sectional Web Survey.

Background: Socially withdrawn youth belong to an emerging subgroup of youth who are not in employment, education, or training and who have limited social interaction intention and opportunities. The use of the internet and social media is expected to be an alternative and feasible way to reach this group of young people because of their reclusive nature.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of using various social media platforms to investigate the existence of the phenomenon of youth social withdrawal in 3 major cities in China.

A one-year longitudinal qualitative study of peer support services in a non-Western context: The perspectives of peer support workers, service users, and co-workers.

This study explored the changing views of key stakeholders (peer support workers, their co-workers, and service users) about peer support services in a non-Western community, using a longitudinal qualitative approach. Five trainee peer support workers (PSWs), 15 service users, and 14 co-workers were interviewed over a 12-month period, under the auspices of the Peer Support Workers Project (also known as the Mindset project) in Hong Kong. A total of 77 interviews were transcribed and thematic analyses were conducted across the participant groups at three different time points (training, work placements, and employment).

Beyond Recovery.

It is a worldwide trend that more households are having pets or companion animals. Hence, there has been an increasing number of animal lovers experience companion animal loss bereavement. This form of bereavement has not been explored in Chinese societies.

Culturally Relevant Protective and Risk Factors of Youth Risk Behaviors Among Pakistani and Indian Students in Hong Kong: A Focus Group Study.

Purpose: The risk behaviors of Hong Kong ethnic minority students are understudied. This exploratory qualitative study aimed to explore culturally nuanced factors for the development and prevention of risk behaviors among Pakistani and Indian students in Hong Kong.

Method: Twenty-three students participated in four focus groups.

The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions implemented after the Indian Ocean Tsunami: A systematic review.

Background: Currently, the number of natural disasters has increased sixfold when compared to the 1960s. The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami offered provided an opportunity for scientifically investigating the effectiveness of post-disaster programs across countries with diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of psychological interventions focused on the prevention or reduction in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and/or enhancement of psychological well-being implemented after the 2004 Tsunami.

Economic impacts of the Pueblo Smoke-Free Air Act.

Background: On July 1, 2003, the city of Pueblo CO enacted a smokefree ordinance (Pueblo Smoke-Free Air Act [PSFAA]) that prohibited smoking in public places and workplaces, including taverns and restaurants. Opponents to this ordinance argued that it would have a negative impact on tavern and restaurant sales.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the PSFAA had a negative economic impact on tavern and restaurant sales tax revenues.