Reducing brassinosteroid signalling enhances grain yield in semi-dwarf wheat.

Modern green revolution varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) confer semi-dwarf and lodging-resistant plant architecture owing to the Reduced height-B1b (Rht-B1b) and Rht-D1b alleles1. However, both Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b are gain-of-function mutant alleles encoding gibberellin signalling repressors that stably repress plant growth and negatively affect nitrogen-use efficiency and grain filling2-5. Therefore, the green revolution varieties of wheat harbouring Rht-B1b or Rht-D1b usually produce smaller grain and require higher nitrogen fertilizer inputs to maintain their grain yields. Here we describe a strategy to design semi-dwarf wheat varieties without the need for Rht-B1b or Rht-D1b alleles. We discovered that absence of Rht-B1 and ZnF-B (encoding a RING-type E3 ligase) through a natural deletion of a haploblock of about 500 kilobases shaped semi-dwarf plants with more compact plant architecture and substantially improved grain yield (up to 15.2%) in field trials. Further genetic analysis confirmed that the deletion of ZnF-B induced the semi-dwarf trait in the absence of the Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b alleles through attenuating brassinosteroid (BR) perception. ZnF acts as a BR signalling activator to facilitate proteasomal destruction of the BR signalling repressor BRI1 kinase inhibitor 1 (TaBKI1), and loss of ZnF stabilizes TaBKI1 to block BR signalling transduction. Our findings not only identified a pivotal BR signalling modulator but also provided a creative strategy to design high-yield semi-dwarf wheat varieties by manipulating the BR signal pathway to sustain wheat production.

Thermosensitive SUMOylation of TaHsfA1 defines a dynamic ON/OFF molecular switch for the heat stress response in wheat.

Dissecting genetic components in crop plants associated with heat stress (HS) sensing and adaptation will facilitate the design of modern crop varieties with improved thermotolerance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the ON/OFF switch controlling HS responses (HSRs) in wheat (Triticum aestivum) remain largely unknown. In this study, we focused on the molecular action of TaHsfA1, a class A heat shock transcription factor, in sensing dynamically changing HS signals and regulating HSRs. We show that the TaHsfA1 protein is modified by small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) and that this modification is essential for the full transcriptional activation activity of TaHsfA1 in triggering downstream gene expression. During sustained heat exposure, the SUMOylation of TaHsfA1 is suppressed, which partially reduces TaHsfA1 protein activity, thereby reducing the intensity of downstream HSRs. In addition, we demonstrate that TaHsfA1 interacts with the histone acetyltransferase TaHAG1 in a thermosensitive manner. Together, our findings emphasize the importance of TaHsfA1 in thermotolerance in wheat. In addition, they define a highly dynamic SUMOylation-dependent "ON/OFF" molecular switch that senses temperature signals and contributes to thermotolerance in crops.

Electrochemically actuated microelectrodes for minimally invasive peripheral nerve interfaces.

Electrode arrays that interface with peripheral nerves are used in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders; however, they require complex placement surgeries that carry a high risk of nerve injury. Here we leverage recent advances in soft robotic actuators and flexible electronics to develop highly conformable nerve cuffs that combine electrochemically driven conducting-polymer-based soft actuators with low-impedance microelectrodes. Driven with applied voltages as small as a few hundreds of millivolts, these cuffs allow active grasping or wrapping around delicate nerves. We validate this technology using in vivo rat models, showing that the cuffs form and maintain a self-closing and reliable bioelectronic interface with the sciatic nerve of rats without the use of surgical sutures or glues. This seamless integration of soft electrochemical actuators with neurotechnology offers a path towards minimally invasive intraoperative monitoring of nerve activity and high-quality bioelectronic interfaces.

SlSPX1-SlPHR complexes mediate the suppression of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis by phosphate repletion in tomato.

Forming mutualistic symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizae (AMs) improves the acquisition of mineral nutrients for most terrestrial plants. However, the formation of AM symbiosis usually occurs under phosphate (Pi)-deficient conditions. Here, we identify SlSPX1 (SYG1 (suppressor of yeast GPA1)/Pho81(phosphate 81)/XPR1 (xenotropic and polytropic retrovirus receptor 1) as the major repressor of the AM symbiosis in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under phosphate-replete conditions. Loss of SlSPX1 function promotes direct Pi uptake and enhances AM colonization under phosphate-replete conditions. We determine that SlSPX1 integrates Pi signaling and AM symbiosis by directly interacting with a set of arbuscule-induced SlPHR proteins (SlPHR1, SlPHR4, SlPHR10, SlPHR11, and SlPHR12). The association with SlSPX1 represses the ability of SlPHR proteins to activate AM marker genes required for the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. SlPHR proteins exhibit functional redundancy, and no defective AM symbiosis was detected in the single mutant of SlPHR proteins. However, silencing SlPHR4 in the Slphr1 mutant background led to reduced AM colonization. Therefore, our results support the conclusion that SlSPX1-SlPHRs form a Pi-sensing module to coordinate the AM symbiosis under different Pi-availability conditions.

Social support, family resilience and psychological resilience among maintenance hemodialysis patients: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Psychological distress is common in maintenance hemodialysis patients, and high psychological resilience can promote psychological well-being. The current research focuses on psychological resilience protective factors such as family resilience and social support. However, the trajectories of psychological resilience, family resilience, and social support over time and their longitudinal relationships in maintenance hemodialysis patients have not been fully explored yet. Therefore, this study aims to explore the longitudinal relationship between these factors. METHODS: Patients who received regular hemodialysis treatment for more than three months at dialysis centers of three tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang, China, were recruited from September to December 2020. A total of 252 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria completed three follow-up surveys, including social support, family resilience, and psychological resilience assessments. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to explore differences in their respective scores at different time points. The cross-lagged analysis was performed in AMOS using the maximum likelihood method to examine the the reciprocal predictive relationships between these factors. RESULTS: Social support and psychological resilience remained relatively stable over time, whereas family resilience indicated a little increasing trend. According to the cross-lagged analysis, higher T1 social support predicted higher family resilience at T2 [ß = 0.123, 95% CI (0.026-0.244)]. Further, the effects of T2 social support to T3 family resilience [ß = 0.194, 95%CI (0.039-0.335)] and psychological resilience [ß = 0.205, 95%CI (0.049-0.354)] were significant. Finally, the effects of T2 family resilience to T3 social support [ß = 0.122, 95%CI (0.010-0.225)] and psychological resilience [ß = 0.244, 95%CI (0.119-0.359)] were also significant. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the directionality of the relationship appears to be from social support or family resilience to patients' psychological resilience but not vice versa. This finding reminds healthcare professionals to emphasize the vital role of social and family resources in providing appropriate support and interventions for maintenance hemodialysis patients to promote psychological resilience and mental health development.

Discrepancies in perceived family resilience between adolescents with chronic illness and parents: using response surface analysis to examine the relationship with adolescents' psychological adjustment.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore discrepancies in adolescents with chronic illness and their parents' perceptions of family resilience, as well as the relationship between these differences and the psychological adjustment of adolescents with chronic illness. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 264 dyads of parents (77.7% mothers, mean age 41.60 years, SD = 6.17) and adolescents (48.5% girls, mean age 12.68 years, SD = 2.11) with chronic illness were recruited through convenience sampling from three children's hospitals in Wenzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, China between June 2022 and May 2023. The Chinese version of the Family Resilience Scale and the Psychological Adjustment Scale, which are commonly used measures with good reliability and validity, were employed to assess family resilience and psychological adaption, respectively. The data were analyzed using polynomial regression and response surface analysis. RESULTS: Adolescents with chronic illness reported higher family resilience than their parents (t=-2.80, p < 0.05). The correlations between family resilience and adolescents' psychological adjustment reported by the adolescents (r = 0.45-0.48) were higher than parents (r = 0.18-0.23). In the line of congruence, there were positive linear (a1 = 1.09-1.60, p < 0.001) and curvilinear (a2=-1.38∼-0.72, p < 0.05) associations between convergent family resilience and adolescents' psychological adjustment. In the line of incongruence, when adolescents reported lower family resilience than parents, adolescents had a lower level of psychological adjustment (a3=-1.02∼-0.45, p < 0.05). Adolescents' sociability decreased when the perceived family resilience of parent-adolescent dyads converged (a4 = 1.36, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings highlighted the importance of considering the discrepancies and congruence of family resilience in the parent-child dyads when developing interventions to improve the psychological adjustment of adolescents with chronic illness. Interventions aimed at strengthening family communication to foster the convergence of perceptions of family resilience in parent-adolescent dyads were warranted.

Resiliency process in the family after childhood leukaemia diagnosis: A longitudinal qualitative study.

AIMS: To construct a conceptual framework on the process of family resilience during the first year following childhood leukaemia diagnosis. DESIGN: A longitudinal qualitative interview study. METHODS: A longitudinal qualitative study following a grounded theory methodology was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children with leukaemia in a general hospital. The participants were recruited through purposive and theoretical sampling and longitudinal engagement was achieved by conducting interviews at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the leukaemia diagnosis. The core category and categories were saturated following the enrolment of parents of children with leukaemia. Data collection and analyses were performed simultaneously. RESULTS: Sixteen parents of children with leukaemia participated. The core category of 'families living with childhood leukaemia' refers to the process of family resilience during the first year following childhood leukaemia diagnosis, which includes three phases: (1) destruction and resiliency period; (2) adjustment and consolidation period; and (3) growth and planning period. CONCLUSION: This study explored the dynamic, complex and continuous processes of resilience among families coping with childhood leukaemia during the first year following diagnosis. Further research should design tailored family interventions that characterise the different phases of family resilience, aiming to support family well-being, integrity and functioning. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Both families and healthcare professionals must create an enabling environment that supports families coping with difficulties. Understanding the different phases of family resilience allows healthcare professionals to provide holistic care that meets the demands of families with childhood leukaemia. IMPACT: Unique knowledge emerged about the family's resiliency process when facing childhood leukaemia, suggesting a family-led revolution in understanding and managing childhood leukaemia. Therefore, the development of phased, resilience-based family interventions is imperative. REPORTING METHOD: This study was reported using the COREQ checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients contributed via study participation.

Development of a theory-based family resilience intervention program for parents of children with chronic diseases: A Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Long-term illness exposes children with chronic diseases to a high risk of deterioration of physical and mental health. Developing an effective family resilience intervention program is a critical concern. OBJECTIVE: To develop a theory-based family resilience intervention program for parents of children with chronic diseases and provide a reference for clinical intervention. METHODS: A two-phased research design, guided by the Walsh family resilience process model, was employed to develop the intervention program. In phase 1, a scoping literature review was conducted to identify the possible elements of family resilience interventions. In phase 2, a three-round Delphi survey was conducted with experts (n = 14) using an online electronic survey to obtain their consensus on the intervention content. RESULTS: Three main components were identified: (1) strengthening family beliefs, (2) adjusting the family organization pattern, and (3) improving the family communication process. And 8 modules were developed: "introducing adversity and family resilience", "finding and strengthening positive family beliefs, and building confidence to live with the disease", "analyzing and adjusting family structure", "assisting families to increase and utilizing internal and external resources", "optimizing communication skills", "strengthening collaborative problem-solving capacity", "enhancing the family narrative ability", and "enhancing emotional expression". After 3-round Delphi, the findings indicated that the intervention program is applicable and feasible for parents of children with chronic diseases in China. CONCLUSION: The principal merit of this study lies in the development of a family resilience intervention program for parents of children with chronic diseases. The intervention's usability and efficacy should be investigated in future studies. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: Developing a family resilience intervention program is a critical first step toward providing effective care for parents of children with chronic diseases, and evaluating the program's feasibility and suitability in the target population is warranted.

Exploring suicide resilience experiences in Chinese youth after self-poisoning: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: This inquiry probes the suicide resilience experiences in suicide attempts by self-poisoning among Chinese youth. The study's goal is to provide healthcare professionals with critical insights to develop effective interventions that enhance suicide prevention measures and diminish the likelihood of subsequent attempts. METHODS: Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 youths (Mean age = 21.1 ± 2.8 years; n = 7 females) who survived suicide attempts by self-poisoning. Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi's seven-step method, a rigorous method entailing iterative reading for the extraction of key statements and the distillation of thematic essence. RESULTS: Four primary themes with ten sub-themes were extracted: (1) New understanding of life (cherish life, and meaning of life), (2) Self-Reconciliation (self-acceptance, self-understanding, and self-openness), (3) Personal empowerment (increased self-reliance, increased responsibility, and increased emotional regulation), and (4) Life redesigning (faith in the future, and plan for the future). CONCLUSIONS: The findings reveal a potential for psychological growth and beneficial transformation in youth following suicide attempts by self-poisoning. These insights advocate for the integration of positive psychology principles in therapeutic interventions for this demographic.

Transcriptional networks regulating suberin and lignin in endodermis link development and ABA response.

Vascular tissues are surrounded by an apoplastic barrier formed by endodermis that is vital for selective absorption of water and nutrients. Lignification and suberization of endodermal cell walls are fundamental processes in establishing the apoplastic barrier. Endodermal suberization in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots is presumed to be the integration of developmental regulation and stress responses. In root endodermis, the suberization level is enhanced when the Casparian strip, the lignified structure, is defective. However, it is not entirely clear how lignification and suberization interplay and how they interact with stress signaling. Here, in Arabidopsis, we constructed a hierarchical network mediated by SHORT-ROOT (SHR), a master regulator of endodermal development, and identified 13 key MYB transcription factors (TFs) that form multiple sub-networks. Combined with functional analyses, we further uncovered MYB TFs that mediate feedback or feed-forward loops, thus balancing lignification and suberization in Arabidopsis roots. In addition, sub-networks comprising nine MYB TFs were identified that interact with abscisic acid signaling to integrate stress response and root development. Our data provide insights into the mechanisms that enhance plant adaptation to changing environments.

Prospective association between perceived stress and anxiety among nursing college students: the moderating roles of career adaptability and professional commitment.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety may stay with nursing students throughout their internship and even persist afterwards. Although many studies have explored the effects of perceived stress on anxiety, the relationship between pre-internship perceived stress and post-internship anxiety levels has not been clarified. In addition, none had focused on the moderating roles of career adaptability and professional commitment between perceived stress and anxiety. This study aims to investigate the influence of pre-internship perceived stress on the post-internship anxiety level of nursing college students, and to analyze the moderating effects of career adaptability and professional commitment on their relationships. METHODS: A longitudinal study design was employed. Full-time nursing college students from a Chinese medical university were recruited by convenient sampling. All surveys were conducted via Wen Juan Xing ( www.wjx.cn ), a widely used web-based survey platform in China. Two waves of surveys were collected in the pre-internship and post-internship periods, with an interval of one year. Among 823 nursing students recruited, 692 students completed all two waves of the survey (response rate: 84.08%). Participants completed a series of questionnaires examining general demographic characteristics, perceived stress, anxiety, career adaptability, and professional commitment both before and after the internship. The bias-corrected bootstrap technique of the Hayes PROCESS macro (Model 2) was used to test the moderation effect. RESULTS: Pre-internship perceived stress was positively associated with post-internship anxiety (ß = 0.474, p < 0.001). Career adaptability would mitigate the effect of perceived stress on anxiety (ß = -0.009, p < 0.01, 95% CI = [-0.013, -0.004]), and this influence became stronger for nursing college students with higher levels of career adaptability. Instead, the professional commitment would enhance the effect of perceived stress on anxiety (ß = 0.004, p < 0.05, 95% CI = [0.001, 0.009]). CONCLUSIONS: Adequate career adaptability was key to alleviating anxiety among nursing interns. Nursing educators and clinical nursing managers should pay attention to cultivating the career adaptability of nursing college students in order to help them successfully achieve identity transformation and career development. Meanwhile, it is crucial to guide them to develop appropriate professional commitment.

Finding family resilience in adversity: A grounded theory of families with children diagnosed with leukaemia.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To develop a conceptual framework that explores the process of building family resilience among Chinese families with children diagnosed with leukaemia. BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of childhood leukaemia has a devastating effect on the family. Nonetheless, some families were able to positively respond to the crisis. The process through which Chinese families bounce back has received little attention. DESIGN: Grounded theory. METHODS: This study used purposive and theoretical sampling to select 16 parents who agreed to participate in semistructured interviews after children were diagnosed with leukaemia. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously. Data were analysed through a process of open, axial and selective coding. The COREQ checklist was followed for reporting. RESULTS: A core category of 'finding family resilience in adversity' was generated. The core category was underpinned by a transition process between two fluid stages: (a) Disrupting the family system, informed by subcategories of negative emotional disturbances and challenges of the diagnosis and treatment journey; (b) Cultivating resilience in families, informed by subcategories of increasing positive attitudes; establishing new family routines; activating good support systems; and practising open family communication. CONCLUSIONS: The transition process from the disruption of the family system to the cultivation of family resilience is perceived as a complex family dynamic in response to childhood leukaemia. Our findings can form the basis for further research about resilience-based family interventions that promote family well-being during the early stages of a childhood leukaemia diagnosis. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is necessary for healthcare professionals to provide essential support for families to face the challenges of diagnosis and treatment to facilitate the successful transition to family resilience. By understanding the dynamic process of developing family resilience, healthcare professionals are able to focus on these families to provide holistic care that satisfies the specific demands of family members.

Influencing factors of two-way social support for the old adults in China: A cross-sectional study.

This study aims to investigate the status and influencing factors of two-way social support among old adults. A cross-sectional study of 408 convenient samples of old adults was conducted using socio-demographic questionnaire, Brief 2-Way Social Support Scale, Modified Barthel index, General Well-being Schedule, Family APGAR Index, and Lubben Social Network Scale 6. The two-way social support score for old adults in China was (43.74±7.86), with the receiving and giving social support scoring (22.80±4.06) and (20.94±4.52), respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that family care, residence place, socioeconomic status, and social network were associated with both receiving and giving social support. Chronic diseases and religious beliefs were related to receiving social support, while gender, general well-being, and residence form were related to giving social support. Tailored interventions based on the distinct influencing factors are needed to enhance old adults' social support both as recipients and providers.

A latent profile analysis of emotional expression among patients with unintentional injuries.

BACKGROUND: Emotional expression has been suggested to affect the well-being of individuals with unintentional injuries. However, few studies have investigated it as a heterogeneous phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to characterize the patterns of emotional expression among patients with unintentional injuries using latent profile analysis, and to examine the relationship among these latent profiles and cognitive processing, posttraumatic growth, and posttraumatic stress disorder. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out at two general hospitals in Wenzhou, China. In total, 352 patients with unintentional injuries completed the socio-demographic questionnaire, Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire, Ambivalence Over Emotional Expression Questionnaire, Event-Related Rumination Inventory, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version.  RESULTS: Three unique profiles were identified: high emotional expressivity (n = 238, 67.6%), moderate emotional expressivity (n = 45, 12.8%), and low emotional expressivity (n = 69, 19.6%). The ANOVA and chi-square tests demonstrated significant differences among the three groups concerning deliberate rumination and posttraumatic growth. Multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that monthly income and time since injury significantly predicted profile membership. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients showed high emotional expressivity after an unintentional injury. Emotional expression profiles were associated with deliberate rumination and posttraumatic growth. Emotional expression interventions tailored for different profiles are warranted after an unintentional injury.

The resilient process of the family after diagnosis of childhood chronic illness: a qualitative meta-synthesis.

PROBLEM: Childhood chronic illness has a serious effect on the whole family. As there is yet little known about how the families adjust to the diagnosis of childhood chronic illness, this qualitative meta-synthesis aims to further our knowledge regarding the resilient process. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: A meta-synthesis review was conducted to explore the resilient process of the family after diagnosis of childhood chronic illness using nine electronic databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Wan Fang, CBM, and CNKI from each database's inception to December 31,2020. Snowball sampling and manual search were performed to identify other relevant studies. SAMPLE: Seventeen qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed into meta-synthesis. RESULTS: Three key meta-themes were identified across the studies: (a) disintegration and vulnerability: emotional fluctuation and household chaos; (b) adjustment and adaptation: struggle with family needs; (c) recovery and reconstruction: growth and expectation. CONCLUSION: Family adjustment to childhood chronic illness presents a complex, multifaceted and dynamic process. Identifying characteristics of family processes provides some practical interventions for families with a chronically ill child. IMPLICATIONS: There is a need for all health professionals and social care services to be aware of the experience of family adjustment of children diagnosed with chronic illness. The specific intervention targeted at different periods of the family adjustment process is warranted to help families to recover from crises and deal better with challenges.

Post accidental injury: Mediating roles of emotional expressivity, rumination, and posttraumatic growth.

This study explored the relationship between rumination (deliberate or intrusive), emotional expressivity (positive or negative), and posttraumatic growth among patients within 1 month after an accidental injury. Using a cross-sectional design, 313 patients were investigated in two comprehensive hospitals. The results revealed that intrusive rumination had a significant positive effect on posttraumatic growth, partly through four different pathways: (i) the mediating role of deliberate rumination; (ii) the chain mediating role of deliberate rumination and negative emotional expressivity; (iii) the chain mediating role of negative emotional expressivity and positive emotional expressivity; and (iv) the chain mediating role of negative emotional expressivity, positive emotional expressivity, and deliberate rumination. Interventions to encourage emotional expressivity and facilitate the transition from intrusive rumination to deliberate rumination may promote posttraumatic growth soon after an accidental injury.

Self-neglect among older adults admitted to a Chinese comprehensive hospital in the COVID-19 pandemic era: a cross-sectional study.

This study aims to explore the prevalence of self-neglect and associated factors among older adults admitted to the hospital in the COVID-19 pandemic context. The cross-sectional study conducted at a Chinese comprehensive hospital between January and April 2021, 452 older adults were recruited to complete the Abrams Geriatric Self-Neglect Scale, Social Support Rate Scale, FRAIL scale, Barthel index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with elder self-neglect. The results showed that the prevalence of self-neglect among our sample was 30.3%. Factors that were associated with the risk of elder self-neglect included male, having multiple children (≥4), receiving infrequent visits from children, frailty, and depression. There is a need to screen for self-neglect among older adults admitted to the hospital in the COVID-19 pandemic context. Tailored interventions are warranted to improve the quality of life of older adults.

Family Resilience and Its Association with Psychosocial Adjustment of Children with Chronic Illness: A Latent Profile Analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of family resilience in a sample of Chinese families with children diagnosed with chronic illness using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA). In particular, we examined the association of family resilience profiles with the psychosocial adjustment of children, and identified the socio-demographic correlates of these latent profiles. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at comprehensive hospitals and children hospitals in three cities (Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wenzhou) of Zhejiang province, China. Parents (n = 277) of children diagnosed with a chronic illness completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Chinese version of the family resilience assessment scale, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS: A three-class solution was found to demonstrate the best fit [low family resilience (74.7%), moderate family resilience (14.1%), and high family resilience (11.2%)]. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences between the three groups with respect to peer relationship problems and pro-social behaviors of children. On multinomial logistic regression analysis, the type of childhood chronic disease, time since diagnosis, family monthly income, medical insurance, and parents employment status significantly predicted the profile membership. CONCLUSION: Inadequate family resilience was found to be a common phenomenon in families with children affected by chronic illness. Family resilience profiles were associated with psychological adjustment of children. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: Our findings may help inform tailored family-strength based interventions to promote better psychosocial adjustment of children with chronic illness.

Hmox1 promotes osteogenic differentiation at the expense of reduced adipogenic differentiation induced by BMP9 in C3H10T1/2 cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors that can differentiate into a variety of cell types under proper stimuli. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) is able to simultaneously induce both adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs although the regulatory molecules involved remain to be fully identified and characterized. Heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1) plays an essential role not only in fat metabolism, but also in bone development. In the present study, we investigated the functional role of Hmox1 in BMP9-induced osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation in MSCs line C3H10T1/2 and probed the possible mechanism involved. We found that BMP9 promoted the endogenous expression of Hmox1 in C3H10T1/2 cells. Overexpression of Hmox1 or cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP), an inducer of Hmox1, increased BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Subcutaneous stem cell implantation in nude mice further confirmed that Hmox1 potentiated BMP9-induced ectopic bone formation in vivo. In contrast, Hmox1 reduced BMP9-induced adipogenic differentiation in C3H10T1/2 cells. Although had no obvious effect on BMP9-induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation, Hmox1 enhanced phosphorylation of p38, and AKT, while decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Furthermore, Hmox1 increased total ß-catenin protein level, and promoted the nuclear translocation of ß-catenin in C3H10T1/2 cells. Taken together, our study strongly suggests that Hmox1 is likely to potentiate osteogenic differentiation and yet decrease adipogenic differentiation induced by BMP9 possibly through regulation of multiple signaling pathways.

Symptom Comparisons Between Asian American and White American Women With Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

There is little information on racial/ethnic characteristics of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. In this study, we determined whether the severity of symptoms (gastrointestinal, psychological distress), cognitive beliefs about irritable bowel syndrome, and life impacts (life interference, health-related quality of life) differ between Asian American and White American women with irritable bowel syndrome. We also look at the relationships among these variables. Asian American women (N = 21) and age- and design-matched White American women (N = 63) with irritable bowel syndrome were included. Data were collected from questionnaires and a 28-day daily diary (e.g., abdominal pain, depression). The percent of days with moderate/severe abdominal pain and psychological distress were significantly higher, and constipation- and diarrhea-dominant bowel pattern subtypes were prevalent in White Americans as compared with Asian Americans. Positive relationships of gastrointestinal symptoms with psychological distress, and of gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms with negative cognitive beliefs and negative life impact, were observed in White Americans. Further studies to evaluate contributing (e.g., cultural-environmental, pathophysiological, diet) factors of symptom characteristics in Asian Americans are suggested. Our study provides useful information for healthcare providers to understand symptoms and cultural factors and the potential for culturally tailored symptom management for this patient group.