Effects of Nox4 upregulation on PECAM-1 expression in a mouse model of diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. The hallmark features of DR include vascular leakage, capillary loss, retinal ischemia, and aberrant neovascularization. Although the pathophysiology is not fully understood, accumulating evidence supports elevated reactive oxygen species associated with increased activity of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) as major drivers of disease progression. Previously, we have shown that Nox4 upregulation in retinal endothelial cells by diabetes leads to increased vascular leakage by an unknown mechanism. Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) is a cell surface molecule that is highly expressed in endothelial cells and regulates endothelial barrier function. In the present study, using endothelial cell-specific human Nox4 transgenic (TG) mice and endothelial cell-specific Nox4 conditional knockout (cKO) mice, we investigated the impact of Nox4 upregulation on PECAM-1 expression in mouse retinas and brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Additionally, cultured human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) transduced with adenovirus overexpressing human Nox4 were used in the study. We found that overexpression of Nox4 increases PECAM-1 mRNA but has no effect on its protein expression in the mouse retina, BMECs, or HRECs. Furthermore, PECAM-1 mRNA and protein expression was unchanged in BMECs isolated from cKO mice compared to wild type (WT) mice with or without 2 months of diabetes. Together, these findings do not support a significant role of Nox4 in the regulation of PECAM-1 expression in the diabetic retina and endothelial cells. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanism of Nox4-induced vascular leakage by investigating other intercellular junctional proteins in endothelial cells and their implications in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy.

Luminal breast epithelial cells from wildtype and BRCA mutation carriers harbor copy number alterations commonly associated with breast cancer.

Cancer-associated mutations have been documented in normal tissues, but the prevalence and nature of somatic copy number alterations and their role in tumor initiation and evolution is not well understood. Here, using single cell DNA sequencing, we describe the landscape of CNAs in >42,000 breast epithelial cells from women with normal or high risk of developing breast cancer. Accumulation of individual cells with one or two of a specific subset of CNAs (e.g. 1q gain and 16q, 22q, 7q, and 10q loss) is detectable in almost all breast tissues and, in those from BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations carriers, occurs prior to loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the wildtype alleles. These CNAs, which are among the most common associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and malignant breast tumors, are enriched almost exclusively in luminal cells not basal myoepithelial cells. Allele-specific analysis of the enriched CNAs reveals that each allele was independently altered, demonstrating convergent evolution of these CNAs in an individual breast. Tissues from BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers contain a small percentage of cells with extreme aneuploidy, featuring loss of TP53 , LOH of BRCA1 or BRCA2 , and multiple breast cancer-associated CNAs in addition to one or more of the common CNAs in 1q, 10q or 16q. Notably, cells with intermediate levels of CNAs are not detected, arguing against a stepwise gradual accumulation of CNAs. Overall, our findings demonstrate that chromosomal alterations in normal breast epithelium partially mirror those of established cancer genomes and are chromosome- and cell lineage-specific.

The highs and lows of lifting loads: SPM analysis of multi-segmental spine angles in healthy adults during manual handling with increased load.

Introduction: Manual handling personnel and those performing manual handling tasks in non-traditional manual handling industries continue to suffer debilitating and costly workplace injuries. Smart assistive devices are one solution to reducing musculoskeletal back injuries. Devices that provide targeted assistance need to be able to predict when and where to provide augmentation via predictive algorithms trained on functional datasets. The aim of this study was to describe how an increase in load impacts spine kinematics during a ground-to-platform manual handling task. Methods: Twenty-nine participants performed ground-to-platform lifts for six standardised loading conditions (50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% of maximum lift capacity). Six thoracic and lumbar spine segments were measured using inertial measurement units that were processed using an attitude-heading-reference filter and normalised to the duration of the lift. The lift was divided into four phases weight-acceptance, standing, lift-to-height and place-on-platform. Statistical significance of sagittal angles from the six spine segments were identified through statistical parametric mapping one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures and post hoc paired t-tests. Results: Two regions of interest were identified during a period of peak flexion and a period of peak extension. There was a significant increase in spine range of motion and peak extension angle for all spine segments when the load conditions were increased (p < 0.001). There was a decrease in spine angles (more flexion) during the weight acceptance to standing phase at the upper thoracic to upper lumbar spine segments for some condition comparisons. A significant increase in spine angles (more extension) during the place-on-platform phase was seen in all spine segments when comparing heavy loads (>80% maximum lift capacity, inclusive) to light loads (<80% maximum lift capacity) (p < 0.001). Discussion: The 50%-70% maximum lift capacity conditions being significantly different from heavier load conditions is representative that the kinematics of a lift do change consistently when a participant's load is increased. The understanding of how changes in loading are reflected in spine angles could inform the design of targeted assistance devices that can predict where and when in a task assistance may be needed, possibly reducing instances of back injuries in manual handling personnel.

Personal Competence or Environmental Characteristics? Factors Influencing Happiness among Ageing Adults in Hong Kong Around the Period of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Drawing upon person-environment fit perspective, this study examines the joint and interactive influences of personal competence and environmental characteristics on the happiness of ageing adults around the period of COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected in two rounds, before and during the pandemic, with 2,028 participants aged 55 years and older in Hong Kong. Personal competence encompassed financial status, physical health, and mental capital, while environmental characteristics included experiences of ageism, perceived social conditions, and age-friendly policies. Ordinary least squares regression was used to examine personal and environmental influences on happiness. Results indicated a significant decline in happiness following the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Mental capital was found to have the strongest positive influence on happiness, followed by physical health, financial status, and social conditions. Mental capital mitigated the negative relationship between experiences of ageism and happiness. Practical interventions are informed to improve the well-being of ageing adults during pandemic.

Circulating tumour mutation detection in triple-negative breast cancer as an adjunct to tissue response assessment.

Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) detection via liquid biopsy is an emerging alternative to tissue biopsy, but its potential in treatment response monitoring and prognosis in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is not yet well understood. Here we determined the prevalence of actionable mutations detectable in ctDNA using a clinically validated cancer gene panel assay in patients with TNBC, without recurrence at the time of study entry. Sequencing of plasma DNA and validation of variants from 130 TNBC patients collected within 7 months of primary treatment completion revealed that 7.7% had detectable residual disease with a hotspot panel. Among neoadjuvant treated patients, we observed a trend where patients with incomplete pathologic response and positive ctDNA within 7 months of treatment completion were at much higher risk of reduced progression free survival. We propose that a high risk subset of early TNBC patients treated in neoadjuvant therapy protocols may be identifiable by combining tissue response and sensitive ctDNA detection.

Staff Turnover Intention at Long-Term Care Facilities: Implications of Resident Aggression, Burnout, and Fatigue.

OBJECTIVES: Staff shortages and the high turnover rate of nursing assistants pose great challenges to long-term care. This study examined the effects of aggression from residents of long-term care facilities, burnout, and fatigue on staff turnover intention. The findings will help managers to devise effective measures to retain their staff. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study design. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 800 nursing assistants were recruited from 70 long-term care facilities using convenience sampling. METHODS: The participants were individually interviewed and provided information about their turnover intention, resident aggression witnessed and experienced, self-efficacy, neuroticism, burnout, fatigue, and personal and facility characteristics. RESULTS: Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that the size and organizational practices of long-term care facilities were not associated with staff turnover intention. Staff who spent less time in the industry reported witnessing resident-to-resident aggression, experienced resident-to-staff aggression, reported high levels of burnout, had acute or chronic fatigue, and had low levels of inter-shift recovery were more likely than others to report a high turnover intention. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Staff turnover poses great challenges to staff, residents, and organizations. This study identified important factors that may help support staff in long-term care facilities. Specific measures, such as person-centered care to diminish resident aggression by addressing residents' unmet needs, work-directed programs to mitigate burnout and improve staff mental health, and flexible schedules to prevent fatigue should also be advocated to prevent staff turnover.

Intimate networks of care: Perceptions of intergenerational family care and experiences of ageing among Chinese midlife and older lesbians and gay men.

This article examines how lesbians and gay men imagine and build their 'intimate networks of care' and negotiate moral expectations towards intergenerational family care as they age. To date, little is known about the strength and complexities of different intimate ties or the role of intergenerational dynamics in shaping ageing sexual minority people's care needs and choices. Based on narrative interviews with ageing Chinese lesbians and gay men, the findings reveal their experiences of constantly juggling their ties with families of origin, moral values around intergenerational care and the urge to receive support from and offer support to chosen networks of people. Participants exercised agency in expanding their networks of care by building friendship and (online and offline) community networks for mutual care and support in later life. Nevertheless, as evidenced by the centrality of ageing with(out) children, and the moral obligation of caring for parents in participants' narratives, participants experienced tensions between enacting what was considered morally right/wrong and developing networks of care that were perceived as emotionally intimate. Linking relational sociology with the sociology of morality, we discuss the conceptual utility of 'intimate networks of care' for sociological theorising of the linkages between sexuality, care and relational lives.

Social Capital and Mental Wellbeing of Older People Migrating along with Adult Children in Shenzhen, China.

The phenomenon of 'older people migrating along' (OPMA) with adult children is a unique outcome of social changes that have occurred in China. These individuals generally experience different challenges and needs associated with mental wellbeing. However, there is limited research on the relationship between the social capital and mental health of OPMA in China. This study aims to examine the mental health status of OPMA and the effects of bonding social capital and bridging social capital on their mental wellbeing in China by conducting a quantitative research survey among 399 OPMA participants. We found that bonding social capital correlated to only one indicator of mental wellbeing, subjective happiness. Bridging social capital had significant relationships with four mental health indicators, namely, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), subjective happiness, and life satisfaction. Through strengthening bridging social capital, these older adults can benefit from more opportunities for participation in formal or informal organizations in their communities and improve their mental wellbeing.

Exposure to Violence in Social Unrest, Resilience, and Mental Health of Older People in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE: Older adults are prone to the negative effects of exposure to violence on their mental health. This study aimed to examine the impact of exposure to violence during social unrest and the role of resilience in the mental health of older people. DESIGN: A total of 1,203 people aged 65 years or older were randomly selected for a telephone survey using the random digit dialing numbering method in Hong Kong. MEASUREMENTS: A 13-item scale was developed to measure exposure to violence. The Chinese versions of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and the Startle, Physiological Arousal, Anger, and Numbness scales for measuring mental health status were adopted in the survey. RESULTS: The results showed that the more frequently older people were exposed to information, the more negative mental health status they had. However, exposure to witnessing and experiencing violence was not significantly associated with mental health status. Older adults' level of resilience had a moderating effect between exposure to information and mental health, whereas the effect of exposure to information on mental health was stronger for respondents with lower resilience. CONCLUSION: This study showed that emotional problems caused by exposure to related information among older people should be properly addressed during massive social unrest and conflict. Their resilience capacity is an important moderating factor. Future interventions and support services should focus on enhancing the resilience of older people to better equip them with overcoming problems related to macro-social issues.

A Green Synthesis Route to Derive Carbon Quantum Dots for Bioimaging Cancer Cells.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are known for their biocompatibility and versatile applications in the biomedical sector. These CQDs retain high solubility, robust chemical inertness, facile modification, and good resistance to photobleaching, which makes them ideal for cell bioimaging. Many fabrication processes produce CQDs, but most require expensive equipment, toxic chemicals, and a long processing time. This study developed a facile and rapid toasting method to prepare CQDs using various slices of bread as precursors without any additional chemicals. This fast and cost-effective toasting method could produce CQDs within 2 h, compared with the 10 h process in the commonly used hydrothermal method. The CQDs derived from the toasting method could be used to bioimage two types of colon cancer cells, namely, CT-26 and HT-29, derived from mice and humans, respectively. Significantly, these CQDs from the rapid toasting method produced equally bright images as CQDs derived from the hydrothermal method.

Access to Information and Communication Technology, Digital Skills, and Perceived Well-Being among Older Adults in Hong Kong.

Population aging is a major concern worldwide. Active aging should be promoted by increasing the social participation of older adults and enabling them to remain involved in the community. Research has demonstrated the utility of digital resources for addressing the needs of older adults, which include networking, entertaining, and seeking health-related information. However, the digital divide among older adults (i.e., the "gray digital divide") is increasingly being recognized as a social problem that may be related to poor well-being. To obtain updated local data on the prevalence of Internet access and usage and their relationship with perceived well-being, we conducted telephone interviews with a random sample of 1018 older adults in Hong Kong from January to July 2021 (This research has received funding support from the Interdisciplinary Research Matching Scheme, Hong Kong Baptist University). We found that only 76.5% of the participants had Internet access at home, a mobile phone data plan, or both, whereas 36.3% had never used Internet services and 18.2% had no digital devices. A younger age, male gender, higher education level, living with others, and higher self-perceived social class were associated with material access to digital devices and everyday use of Internet services. Participants who accessed the Internet every day had higher levels of life satisfaction and self-rated physical and mental health than those who rarely or never used the Internet. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that digital skills were significantly associated with self-rated mental health even when controlling for demographic variables (including age, gender, education level, and self-perceived social class). This study contributes to the limited body of literature on the relationship between Internet use, digital skills, and perceived well-being. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing the digital divide even in cities with high penetration of information and communication technology, such as Hong Kong. We also discuss our insights into the use of timely interventions for older adults to address the gray digital divide.

Perspectives towards cultural competence and receptivity to cultural competence training: a qualitative study on healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: Cultural competence training plays an effective role in improving cultural competence for healthcare professionals, but cultural competence training was found to be insufficient in Hong Kong. AIM: This study aims to explore receptivity and readiness of Hong Kong healthcare professionals (nurses, occupational therapists (OTs), and physiotherapists (PTs)) towards cultural competence training. METHODS: Twenty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7 educators/trainers from tertiary institutions, 2 representatives of professional groups, and 14 managerial and frontline workers. Data were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Results show that nurses and PTs have lower levels of cultural competence than OTs owing to insufficient in-depth training and the nature of professional practice, and they expressed lower willingness to receive the training than OTs. However, the staff in these three professions encounter various challenges in serving ethnoculturally diverse groups. Therefore, barriers in receiving cultural competence training and best practice for providing cultural competence training were identified and discussed for these three professions.

Typology of family caregivers of older persons: A latent profile analysis using elder mistreatment risk and protective factors.

This study sought to identify subpopulations of caregivers of older persons based on their profiles of individual characteristics and caregiving contexts and aimed at examining the associations between caregiver profiles and elder mistreatment. A convenient sample of 600 adult caregivers of community-dwelling older people in Hong Kong participated. Results of latent profile analysis support a typology of 3 distinctive caregiver profiles: (a) non-vulnerable caregivers; (b) isolated, vulnerable caregivers; and (c) traumatized, vulnerable caregivers. Isolated and traumatized caregivers reported greater risk factors related to elder mistreatment: They had higher levels of caregiver stress and burden, lower levels of social support and resilience, greater neurotic personality orientation and problematic gambling behavior, and more severe childhood traumatic experiences. The two groups also display significantly higher level of abusive behaviors than non-vulnerable caregivers.

Trends in elder abuse and age discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong: Findings from a two-wave representative telephone survey study.

OBJECTIVES: Empirical evidence about the heightened risks of elder abuse and age discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic is scarce. This study aimed to track the changes in rates of both, and investigated their associated factors in the community-dwelling older population in Hong Kong. METHODS: In this two-wave, cross-sectional telephone survey, we interviewed a population-based sample of individuals (≥55 years), and captured the situation of elder abuse and age discrimination before the COVID-19 outbreak (n = 1209, Wave 1: October-December 2019) and during the pandemic (n = 891, Wave 2: December 2020-January 2021). Participants reported their experiences of different types of abuse and discrimination, financial health, subjective well-being, satisfaction with environment, health and social services, and resilience. RESULTS: Abuse was reported by 20.2% of the sample before the outbreak and 17.8% during the pandemic; while discrimination was reported by 24.6% and 29.8% at the two time points, respectively. A drop in physical abuse was observed, but it was accompanied by a rise in discrimination in the form of harassment or refusal of services. Findings of logistic regression analysis show that abuse during the pandemic was associated with younger age, poorer subjective well-being, and lower resilience; while discrimination was associated with female gender, being married, and poorer subjective well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Elder abuse and discrimination were prevalent across time points. The pandemic has highlighted the marginalization of older persons in our communities. There is an urgent need for development of effective interventions to end abuse and discrimination.

Predictors and moderators of COVID-19 pandemic fatigue in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND: Anti-pandemic fatigue has inevitably set in owing to the high intensity and prolonged presence of pandemic preventive measures. Globally, COVID-19 remains severe; however, pandemic fatigue may lead to less efficient viral control. METHODS: A total of 803 participants residing in Hong Kong interviewed via telephone using a structured questionnaire. Linear regression was employed to test the corelates of anti-pandemic fatigue and the moderators that could potentially impact the appearance of fatigue. RESULTS: When confounding effects of demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, educational attainment, and economic activity status) were avoided, daily hassles were found to be a core factor associated with anti-pandemic fatigue (B =0.369, SE =0.049, p = 0.000). For people with a higher level of pandemic-related knowledge and fewer obstacles brought about by preventive measures, the impact of daily hassles on pandemic fatigue weakened. Moreover, when pandemic-related knowledge was high, there was no positive association between adherence and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that daily hassles can lead to anti-pandemic fatigue, which can be mitigated by improving the general public's understanding of the virus and developing more convenient measures.

Experience of Chinese Recent Retirees on the Effects of Retirement on Healthy Ageing in Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

This study examined perspectives of recent retirees in Shenzhen and Hong Kong on how retirement influenced their healthy ageing. It investigated retirees' perceptions of healthy ageing and the ways in which healthy ageing connected with retirees' transition into retirement. A qualitative design with narrative interviews was used to interview twelve recent retirees in Shenzhen and thirteen in Hong Kong. The participants elaborated their perspectives on healthy ageing, which covered physical, mental, social, and financial domains. Retirees in both cities identified healthy ageing as maintaining an independent life and avoiding becoming a burden on family members. This study found that retirement declined physical health (in parallel with raised awareness of health promotion), posed both negative and positive influences on mental health, and shrank peripheral social networks of retirees. In addition, regional social welfare systems have different impacts on retirees' financial security and social participation. Retirees in Hong Kong reported higher stress of financial security and a strong desire for labor participation. Migrant-local welfare gaps were documented by retirees in Shenzhen. This study suggested that retirement planning, establishing a multi-pillar retirement-protection system, and narrowing the welfare gap between migrants and local residents should be implemented to reinforce healthy ageing.

Establishing community mental health facilities: a comparative review of Hong Kong and international jurisdictions.

BACKGROUND: The establishment of mental health facilities in the community has been hindered by opposition from local residents in Hong Kong. Through a comparative review, this study aimed to compare the issues related to the process of establishment of community-based mental health facilities between Hong Kong and selected overseas countries and regions. It will better inform the strategies and best practices that can be adopted for the establishment of mental health facilities in Hong Kong. METHODS: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO) were used to examine literature on nine jurisdictions in Asia and western societies from 2005 to 2019. In addition, we conducted a number of in-depth interviews with overseas experts to gain in-depth insights and clarify information that was unavailable or unclear. A total of 19,248 articles were identified through the initial search. 71 of them met the inclusion criteria. In addition, 20 articles about the establishment of other types of community facilities or sensitive facilities were identified from supplementary sources. RESULTS: Most Western countries and Singapore have adopted regulations or laws to reduce public discrimination against particular groups, giving them corresponding human rights and legislating to demarcate the use of land in the community. Regions close to Hong Kong emphasize communication with community leaders to obtain support for sensitive services or facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Hong Kong may consider strengthening the land zoning ordinance in relation to community sensitive facilities, as well as increasing communication with the community and considering the possibility of locating facilities in government buildings.

Dementia literacy of racially minoritized people in a Chinese society: a qualitative study among South Asian migrants in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVES: Research on dementia literacy in Chinese societies is still emerging, and this is especially the case among racially minoritized groups. The present study explored the knowledge, causal beliefs, and help-seeking behaviors of South Asian migrants in Hong Kong about dementia. It also investigated existing community barriers related to dementia knowledge and help-seeking. DESIGN: We conducted a qualitative study from a purposive sample of 38 older people and family caregivers from India, Pakistan, and Nepal who lived in Hong Kong. Focus groups and individual in-depth interviews were used to gather information, while thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: Five main themes were identified: normalization with stigmatization of dementia; spiritual and psychosocial attributions of dementia; familial responsibility despite potential caregiving burden; uncertainties versus openness to professional care; and barriers and opportunities in dementia literacy. Ethnic minorities recognized dementia as a disease of normal aging or a mental disorder. They also perceived spiritual and psychosocial factors as their main causes. While participants recognized the potential burden of dementia caregiving, families were their first point of help-seeking, as many of them expressed contrasting feelings of confidence or doubt toward professional services. Utilization of health education strategies, together with collaboration with community leaders, could address the barriers to dementia literacy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to explore how ethnic minorities in Asia perceive dementia and its related help-seeking behaviors in their communities. South Asian migrants in Hong Kong have a limited understanding of dementia and may experience delays in obtaining relevant community services. While culture influenced their knowledge, health education may address their misperceptions and help-seeking behaviors toward dementia. Culture- and language-specific programs could also improve dementia knowledge and health service access.

Social Workers' Involvement in Developing and Implementing Social Programs for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: A Concept Paper and Suggestions for Action Plans.

Social workers, especially in the Global North/developed countries such as the United States of America, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have been actively involved in implementing social programs to improve the psychosocial, health, and wellbeing of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this is not the case in the Global South/developing countries like Nigeria, Ghana, etc. This concept paper aims to describe the current state of Nigerian social workers' role in developing and implementing social programs for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify action plans for further strengthening their involvement. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify Nigerian social workers' role in developing and implementing social programs for older adults during COVID-19. Our review reflected that social workers are rarely involved in developing and implementing social programs; when involved, their involvement is on a consultation basis, which limits their active involvement in multidisciplinary team of COVID-19 prevention and vaccination ad hoc committees in Nigeria.