Cell-cycle-linked growth reprogramming encodes developmental time into leaf morphogenesis.

How is time encoded into organ growth and morphogenesis? We address this question by investigating heteroblasty, where leaf development and form are modified with progressing plant age. By combining morphometric analyses, fate-mapping through live-imaging, computational analyses, and genetics, we identify age-dependent changes in cell-cycle-associated growth and histogenesis that underpin leaf heteroblasty. We show that in juvenile leaves, cell proliferation competence is rapidly released in a "proliferation burst" coupled with fast growth, whereas in adult leaves, proliferative growth is sustained for longer and at a slower rate. These effects are mediated by the SPL9 transcription factor in response to inputs from both shoot age and individual leaf maturation along the proximodistal axis. SPL9 acts by activating CyclinD3 family genes, which are sufficient to bypass the requirement for SPL9 in the control of leaf shape and in heteroblastic reprogramming of cellular growth. In conclusion, we have identified a mechanism that bridges across cell, tissue, and whole-organism scales by linking cell-cycle-associated growth control to age-dependent changes in organ geometry.

Salvirrane A-F, six undescribed nordrimane sesquiterpene derivatives from Salvia castanea Diels f. tomentosa Stib and their cytotoxic activities.

Six undescribed nordrimane sesquiterpene derivatives, salvirrane A-F (1-6), were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Salvia castanea Diels f. tomentosa Stib. Comprehensive spectral analysis and a quantum chemical calculation strategy were employed to determine their structures. These compounds represent four previously unreported nordrimane carbon skeletal types in Salvia genus, including 15-nor-drimane, 11,15-di-nor-drimane, 14,15-di-nor-drimane, and 11,14,15-tri-nor-drimane sesquiterpenes. All compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against several human cancer cell lines (A549, H460, Hep3B, MCF7, PC3, and HeLa). The results showed that 3 exhibited low activity against MCF7 cells (IC50,72.72 ± 6.95 µM) and moderate activity against HeLa cells (IC50, 9.80 ± 0.64 µM). Moreover, the EdU (5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine) assay demonstrates that 3 displays dose-dependent efficacy in suppressing the proliferation of HeLa cells. Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology implied that 3 may potentially bind to Src (proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase) to exert anti-proliferative activity.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances neurite growth in serum-starved human neuroblastoma cells.

Introduction: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a recognized tool for promoting nerve regeneration and repair; however, the intracellular mechanisms of LIPUS stimulation remain underexplored. Method: The present study delves into the effects of varying LIPUS parameters, namely duty cycle, spatial average-temporal average (SATA) intensity, and ultrasound amplitude, on the therapeutic efficacy using SK-N-SH cells cultured in serum-starved conditions. Four distinct LIPUS settings were employed: (A) 50 mW/cm2, 40%, (B) 25 mW/cm2, 10%, (C) 50 mW/cm2, 20%, and (D) 25 mW/cm2, 10%. Results: Immunochemistry analysis exhibited neurite outgrowth promotion in all LIPUS-treated groups except for Group D. Further, LIPUS treatment was found to successfully promote brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and enhance the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, as evidenced by western blot analysis. Discussion: The study suggests that the parameter combination of LIPUS determines the therapeutic efficacy of LIPUS. Future investigations should aim to optimize these parameters for different cell types and settings and delve deeper into the cellular response mechanism to LIPUS treatment. Such advancements may aid in tailoring LIPUS treatment strategies to specific therapeutic needs.

HNEAP Regulates Necroptosis of Cardiomyocytes by Suppressing the m5 C Methylation of Atf7 mRNA.

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are highly expressed in various cardiovascular diseases. However, their role in cardiomyocyte death caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, especially necroptosis, remains elusive. In this study, a heart necroptosis-associated piRNA (HNEAP) is found that regulates cardiomyocyte necroptosis by targeting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)-mediated 5-methylcytosine (m5 C) methylation of the activating transcription factor 7 (Atf7) mRNA transcript. HNEAP expression level is significantly elevated in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-exposed cardiomyocytes and I/R-injured mouse hearts. Loss of HNEAP inhibited cardiomyocyte necroptosis and ameliorated cardiac function in mice. Mechanistically, HNEAP directly interacts with DNMT1 and attenuates m5 C methylation of the Atf7 mRNA transcript, which increases Atf7 expression level. ATF7 can further downregulate the transcription of Chmp2a, an inhibitor of necroptosis, resulting in the reduction of Chmp2a level and the progression of cardiomyocyte necroptosis. The findings reveal that piRNA-mediated m5 C methylation is involved in the regulation of cardiomyocyte necroptosis. Thus, the HNEAP-DNMT1-ATF7-CHMP2A axis may be a potential target for attenuating cardiac injury caused by necroptosis in ischemic heart disease.

Qingfei Formula Protects against Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus-induced Lung Inflammatory Injury by Regulating the MAPK Signaling Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Qingfei formula (QF) is an empirical formula that shows good clinical efficacy in treating human respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia (RSVP). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study explores the possible pharmacological actions of QF in RSVP treatment. METHODS: We used a network pharmacology approach to identify the active ingredients of QF, forecast possible therapeutic targets, and analyze biological processes and pathways. Molecular docking simulation was used to evaluate the binding capability of active ingredients and therapeutic targets. Finally, in vivo experiments confirmed the reliability of network pharmacology-based prediction of underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: The study identified 92 potential therapeutic targets and corresponding 131 active ingredients. Enrichment analysis showed that QF downregulated the MAPK signaling pathway and suppressed the inflammatory injury to the lungs induced by the RSV virus. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated that the core active ingredients of QF could stably bind to genes associated with the MAPK signaling pathway. QF had a protective effect against pneumonia in RSV-infected mice. The QF group exhibited a significant reduction in the levels of inflammatory mediators, interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (CXCL8, IL-8), and P-STAT3, compared to the RSV-induced group. The QF group showed remarkably inhibited MAPK1+3(P-ERK1+2) and MAPK8(P-JNK) protein expression. CONCLUSION: The current study showed that QF downregulated the MAPK signaling pathway, which inhibited pulmonary inflammation triggered by RSV infection. This study recommends the appropriate use of QF in the clinical management of RSVP.

Clinicopathological characteristics and postoperative prognosis of patients with nuclear pedigree of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

The aim of this work is to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of patients with nuclear pedigree of esophageal cancer. The clinicopathological data and follow-up information of 3,260 patients from different nuclear pedigree of esophageal cancer who underwent radical resection of esophageal cancer were collected, and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of the patients were analyzed. The male to female ratio of 3,260 patients with esophageal cancer was 1.7:1. The diagnosis age was ranged from 32 to 85 (60.2 ± 8.1) years old. About 53.8% of the patients were ≥ 60 years old; About 88.8% of the patients came from the high incidence area of esophageal cancer; About 82.5% of the tumors were located in the middle and lower segments of esophagus; Poor, moderate and well differentiation accounted for 26.6%, 61.9% and 11.5% respectively; The surgical margin accounted for 94.3%; 47.6% of the tumors were shorter than 4 cm in length; Clinicopathological TNM stage (0+I) accounted for 15.2%, and stage II, III and IV accounted for 54.5%, 29.9% and 0.4%, respectively. Cox analysis showed that male, diagnosed age ≥ 60 years, tumor located in neck and upper esophageal segments, poor differentiation, tumor length ≥ 4 cm, and advanced TNM were independent risk factors for the prognosis of patients in nuclear pedigree with esophageal cancer. Gender, diagnosis age, tumor location, degree of differentiation, tumor length and TNM stage are the influencing factors for the prognosis of patients with nuclear pedigree of esophageal cancer, which will provide important data for the future study of esophageal cancer family aggregation.

Treating maternal depression: understanding barriers and facilitators to repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment in Canada-a protocol.

Background: Peripartum depression (PPD) is a serious public health issue associated with severe and potentially long-term adverse maternal and child developmental outcomes. Suicide and overdose, for example, accounts for up to a third of maternal deaths. A current depression diagnosis with no active treatment is a common risk factor for maternal suicide. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-pharmacological treatment that has recently shown some promise as an effective treatment with limited side effects for PPD, but more research is required. This study aims to identify current barriers and potential facilitators for women with PPD accessing treatment in general, and rTMS specifically. Methods: This study will consist of two anonymous, self-administered surveys, focus groups, and interviews. A descriptive interpretative approach will be employed, and thematic analysis will be completed for the focus groups and interviews. Participants who are currently, or have previously experienced depressive symptoms, as well as health providers will be recruited. Our study will follow an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) perspective on sex, gender, and ethnicity and the gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) analytic tool will be used. Both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data will be conducted. Discussion: We expect to find education and accessibility to be primary treatment barriers for persons with PPD. Identifying and addressing barriers is a critical first step towards the devolvement of initiatives that can work towards improving mental health in this population.

Wistar-Kyoto rats and chronically stressed Wistar rats present similar depression- and anxiety-like behaviors but different corticosterone and endocannabinoid system modulation.

The interplay of social, psychological, and biological stresses can trigger mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), adjustment disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The endocannabinoid system (ECS), comprising endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors, is the critical pathway that mediates responses to stress stimuli. This study aimed to investigate the ECS's impact on responding to chronic social instability stress (SIS). Wistar (WIS) rats and an endogenously depressed rat model, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY), were used to evaluate depression- and anxiety-like behavioral responses, cognitive function, hormone levels, and ECS function. The animals in the stress group (WIS-STS and WKY-STS) were exposed to TMT (predator odor) for 10 mins (two exposures in total: one in light cycle and one in dark cycle) and daily roommate changes (30 days in total), while the control group (CTL) rats were exposed to a sham odor stimulus (distilled water) and did not undergo roommate changes. The results in the open field test suggest that WKY rats had significantly lower locomotor activity than WIS rats. In contrast, WKY rats and chronically stressed WIS rats presented similar depression- and anxiety-like behaviors and impaired cognitive function in the elevated plus maze, forced swimming test, and novel objective recognition test. However, chronic SIS did not exacerbate these behavioral changes in WKY rats. ELISA and Western blot analysis indicated that chronic SIS did not induce further upregulation of endocannabinoids and CB1R downregulation in WKY rats compared to WIS rats. In addition, the Luminex assay revealed that WKY rats showed a higher resilience on the HPA-axis modulation towards chronic SIS, distinguished by the hyperactivity of the HPA-axis modulation in WIS rats. Overall, the study revealed that the chronic SIS animal model (stressed WIS rats) and an animal model of endogenous depression (WKY rats) can generate similar behavioral changes in anxious behavior, behavioral despair, and cognitive impairment. Both animal models present hyperactivity of the ACTH modulation and ECS activity, while WKY rats are more resilient on CORT modulation towards chronic SIS.

Advances in Point-of-Care Testing of microRNAs Based on Portable Instruments and Visual Detection.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that are approximately 22 nt in length and regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. miRNAs play a vital role in both physiological and pathological processes and are regarded as promising biomarkers for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and so on. Accurate detection of miRNA expression level in clinical samples is important for miRNA-guided diagnostics. However, the common miRNA detection approaches like RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, and miRNA microarray are performed in a professional laboratory with complex intermediate steps and are time-consuming and costly, challenging the miRNA-guided diagnostics. Hence, sensitive, highly specific, rapid, and easy-to-use detection of miRNAs is crucial for clinical diagnosis based on miRNAs. With the advantages of being specific, sensitive, efficient, cost-saving, and easy to operate, point-of-care testing (POCT) has been widely used in the detection of miRNAs. For the first time, we mainly focus on summarizing the research progress in POCT of miRNAs based on portable instruments and visual readout methods. As widely available pocket-size portable instruments and visual detection play important roles in POCT, we provide an all-sided discussion of the principles of these methods and their main limitations and challenges, in order to provide a guide for the development of more accurate, specific, and sensitive POCT methods for miRNA detection.

TMEM11 regulates cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac repair via METTL1-mediated m7G methylation of ATF5 mRNA.

The mitochondrial transmembrane (TMEM) protein family has several essential physiological functions. However, its roles in cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac regeneration remain unclear. Here, we detected that TMEM11 inhibits cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac regeneration in vitro. TMEM11 deletion enhanced cardiomyocyte proliferation and restored heart function after myocardial injury. In contrast, TMEM11-overexpression inhibited neonatal cardiomyocyte proliferation and regeneration in mouse hearts. TMEM11 directly interacted with METTL1 and enhanced m7G methylation of Atf5 mRNA, thereby increasing ATF5 expression. A TMEM11-dependent increase in ATF5 promoted the transcription of Inca1, an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase interacting with cyclin A1, which suppressed cardiomyocyte proliferation. Hence, our findings revealed that TMEM11-mediated m7G methylation is involved in the regulation of cardiomyocyte proliferation, and targeting the TMEM11-METTL1-ATF5-INCA1 axis may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for promoting cardiac repair and regeneration.

Prediction of depression onset risk among middle-aged and elderly adults using machine learning and Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging cohort.

BACKGROUND: Early identification of the middle-aged and elderly people with high risk of developing depression disorder in the future and the full characterization of the associated risk factors are crucial for early interventions to prevent depression among the aging population. METHODS: Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) has collected comprehensive information, including psychological scales and other non-psychological measures, i.e., socioeconomic, environmental, health, lifestyle, cognitive function, personality, about its participants (30,097 subjects aged from 45 to 85) at baseline phase in 2012-2015. We applied machine learning models for the prediction of these participants' risk of depression onset approximately three years later using information collected at baseline phase. RESULTS: Individual-level risk for future depression onset among CLSA participants can be accurately predicted, with an area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.791 ± 0.016, using all baseline information. We also found the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale coupled with age and sex information could achieve similar performance (AUC 0.764 ± 0.016). Furthermore, we identified existing subthreshold depression symptoms, emotional instability, low levels of life satisfaction, perceived health, and social support, and nutrition risk as the most important predictors for depression onset independent from psychological scales. LIMITATIONS: Depression was based on self-reported doctor diagnosis and depression screening tool. CONCLUSIONS: The identified risk factors will further improve our understanding of the depression onset among middle-aged and elderly population and the early identification of high-risk subjects is the first step for successful early interventions.

Circular RNA FEACR inhibits ferroptosis and alleviates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by interacting with NAMPT.

BACKGROUND: Emerging research has reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in cardiac cell death after myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R). Ferroptosis, a new form of cell death discovered in recent years, has been proven to participate in the regulation of myocardial I/R. This study used circRNA sequencing to explore the key circRNA in the regulation of cardiac ferroptosis after I/R and study the mechanisms of potential circRNA function. METHODS: We performed circRNA sequencing to explore circRNAs differentially expressed after myocardial I/R. We used quantitative polymerase chain reactions to determine the circRNA expression in different tissues and detect the circRNA subcellular localization in the cardiomyocyte. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were aimed to examine the function of circRNAs in cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and cardiac tissue damage after myocardial I/R. RNA pull-down was applied to explore proteins interacting with circRNA. RESULTS: Here, we identified a ferroptosis-associated circRNA (FEACR) that has an underlying regulatory role in cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. FEACR overexpression suppressed I/R-induced myocardial infarction and ameliorated cardiac function. FEACR inhibition induces ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes and FEACR overexpression inhibits hypoxia and reoxygenation-induced ferroptosis. Mechanistically, FEACR directly bound to nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and enhanced the protein stability of NAMPT, which increased NAMPT-dependent Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) expression, which promoted the transcriptional activity of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) by reducing FOXO1 acetylation levels. FOXO1 further upregulated the transcription of ferritin heavy chain 1 (Fth1), a ferroptosis suppressor, which resulted in the inhibition of cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding reveals that the circRNA FEACR-mediated NAMPT-Sirt1-FOXO1-FTH1 signaling axis participates in the regulation of cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and protects the heart function against I/R injury. Thus, FEACR and its downstream factors could be novel targets for alleviating ferroptosis-related myocardial injury in ischemic heart diseases.

Integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology to assess the effects of quercetin on lung inflammatory injury induced by human respiratory syncytial virus.

Quercetin (QR) has significant anti-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) effects. However, its therapeutic mechanism has not been thoroughly explored. In this study, a lung inflammatory injury model caused by RSV was established in mice. Untargeted lung tissue metabolomics was used to identify differential metabolites and metabolic pathways. Network pharmacology was used to predict potential therapeutic targets of QR and analyze biological functions and pathways modulated by QR. By overlapping the results of the metabolomics and the network pharmacology analyses, the common targets of QR that were likely to be involved in the amelioration of RSV-induced lung inflammatory injury by QR were identified. Metabolomics analysis identified 52 differential metabolites and 244 corresponding targets, while network pharmacology analysis identified 126 potential targets of QR. By intersecting these 244 targets with the 126 targets, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT1), thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP), lactoperoxidase (LPO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1) were identified as the common targets. The key targets, HPRT1, TYMP, LPO, and MPO, were components of purine metabolic pathways. The present study demonstrated that QR effectively ameliorated RSV-induced lung inflammatory injury in the established mouse model. Combining metabolomics and network pharmacology showed that the anti-RSV effect of QR was closely associated with purine metabolism pathways.

Preexisting mental health disorders and risk of opioid use disorder in young people: A case-control study.

AIM: Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a leading cause of preventable mortality amongst young people worldwide. Early identification and intervention of modifiable risk factors may reduce future OUD risk. The aim of this study was to explore whether the onset of OUD is associated with preexisting mental health conditions such as anxiety and depressive disorders in young people. METHODS: A retrospective, population-based case-control study was conducted from 31 March 2018 until 01 January 2002. Provincial administrative health data were collected from Alberta, Canada. CASES: Individuals 18-25 years on 01 April 2018, with a previous record of OUD. CONTROLS: Individuals without OUD were matched to cases, on age/sex/index date. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to control for additional covariates (e.g., alcohol-related disorders, psychotropic medications, opioid analgesics, and social/material deprivation). RESULTS: We identified N = 1848 cases and N = 7392 matched controls. After adjustment, OUD was associated with the following preexisting mental health conditions: Anxiety disorders, aOR = 2.53 (95% CI = 2.16-2.96); depressive disorders, aOR = 2.20 (95% CI = 1.80-2.70); alcohol-related disorders, aOR = 6.08 (95% CI, 4.86-7.61); anxiety and depressive disorders, aOR = 1.94 (95% CI = 1.56-2.40); anxiety and alcohol-related disorders, aOR = 5.22 (95% CI = 4.03-6.77); depressive and alcohol-related disorders, aOR = 6.47 (95% CI = 4.73-8.84); anxiety, depressive and alcohol-related disorders, aOR = 6.09 (95% CI = 4.41-8.42). DISCUSSION: Preexisting mental health conditions such as anxiety and depressive disorders are risk factors for future OUD in young people. Preexisting alcohol-related disorders showed the strongest association with future OUD and demonstrated an additive risk when concurrent with anxiety/depression. As not all plausible risk factors could be examined, more research is still needed.

ABRO1 arrests cardiomyocyte proliferation and myocardial repair by suppressing PSPH.

The role of Abraxas 2 (ABRO1 or KIAA0157), a component of the lysine63-linked deubiquitinating system, in the cardiomyocyte proliferation and myocardial regeneration is unknown. Here, we found that ABRO1 regulates cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac regeneration in the postnatal heart by targeting METTL3-mediated m6A methylation of Psph mRNA. The deletion of ABRO1 increased cardiomyocyte proliferation in hearts and restored the heart function after myocardial injury. On the contrary, ABRO1 overexpression significantly inhibited the neonatal cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac regeneration in mouse hearts. The mechanism by which ABRO1 regulates cardiomyocyte proliferation mainly involved METTL3-mediated Psph mRNA methylation and CDK2 phosphorylation. In the early postnatal period, METTL3-dependent m6A methylation promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation by hypermethylation of Psph mRNA and upregulating PSPH expression. PSPH dephosphorylates cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), a positive regulator of cell cycle, at Thr14/Tyr15 and increases its activity. Upregulation of ABRO1 restricts METTL3 activity and halts the cardiomyocyte proliferation in the postnatal hearts. Thus, our study reveals that ABRO1 is an essential contributor in the cell cycle withdrawal and attenuation of proliferative response in the postnatal cardiomyocytes and could act as a potential target to accelerate cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac repair in the adult heart.

Individualized Prospective Prediction of Opioid Use Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder with a problematic pattern of opioid use, affecting nearly 27 million people worldwide. Machine learning (ML)-based prediction of OUD may lead to early detection and intervention. However, most ML prediction studies were not based on representative data sources and prospective validations, limiting their potential to predict future new cases. In the current study, we aimed to develop and prospectively validate an ML model that could predict individual OUD cases based on representative large-scale health data. METHOD: We present an ensemble machine-learning model trained on a cross-linked Canadian administrative health data set from 2014 to 2018 (n = 699,164), with validation of model-predicted OUD cases on a hold-out sample from 2014 to 2018 (n = 174,791) and prospective prediction of OUD cases on a non-overlapping sample from 2019 (n = 316,039). We used administrative records of OUD diagnosis for each subject based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. RESULTS: With 6409 OUD cases in 2019 (mean [SD], 45.34 [14.28], 3400 males), our model prospectively predicted OUD cases at a high accuracy (balanced accuracy, 86%, sensitivity, 93%; specificity 79%). In accord with prior findings, the top risk factors for OUD in this model were opioid use indicators and a history of other substance use disorders. CONCLUSION: Our study presents an individualized prospective prediction of OUD cases by applying ML to large administrative health datasets. Such prospective predictions based on ML would be essential for potential future clinical applications in the early detection of OUD.

Sensitive naked-eye detection of telomerase activity based on exponential amplification reaction and lateral flow assay.

Telomerase is a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for cancers. Sensitive, simple, and reliable telomerase activity detection is vital for cancer diagnosis. Herein, we developed an ultrasensitive visualized assay for telomerase activity that combined the exponential amplification reaction (EXPAR) and lateral flow assay for easy and quick signal readout, which we termed as a lateral flow readout-EXPAR (LFR-EXPAR) assay. In the LFR-EXPAR assay, telomerase elongation products initiate the exponential amplification reaction, the generated trigger hybridizes with the reporter to form the recognition site of the nicking enzyme, and the nicking enzyme cuts the reporter strand. The degradation of the reporter can be detected with a universal lateral flow dipstick and read out with the naked eye. After conducting a series of proof-of-concept investigations, the LFR-EXPAR assay was found to achieve a sensitivity comparable to that of a TRAP (telomere repeat amplification protocol) assay. The LFR-EXPAR assay can be used to realize ultrasensitive and point-of-care detection of telomerase without requiring specialized instruments, holding great promise for early cancer diagnosis.

An E-Mental Health Solution to Prevent and Manage Posttraumatic Stress Injuries Among First Responders in Alberta: Protocol for the Implementation and Evaluation of Text Messaging Services (Text4PTSI and Text4Wellbeing).

BACKGROUND: First responders are confronted with traumatic events in their work that has a substantial toll on their psychological health and may contribute to or result in posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSIs) for many responders. Persons with a PTSI usually seek management therapies. Evidence indicates that digital delivery of these therapies is an innovative, efficient, and effective way to improve PTSI symptoms as an adjunct to in-person delivery. OBJECTIVE: This project aims to implement and provide accessible, convenient, and economical SMS text messaging services, known as Text4PTSI and Text4Wellbeing, to first responders in Alberta, Canada; to prevent and improve the symptoms of PTSI among first responders; and to improve their overall quality of life. We will evaluate posttraumatic symptoms and the impact of Text4PTSI and Text4Wellbeing on stress, anxiety, and depression in relation to the correspondents' demographic backgrounds. METHODS: First responders who subscribe to Text4PTSI or Text4Wellbeing receive daily supportive and psychoeducational SMS text messages for 6 months. The SMS text messages are preprogrammed into an online software program that delivers messages to subscribers. Baseline and follow-up data are collected through online questionnaires using validated scales at enrollment, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks (end point). In-depth interviews will be conducted to assess satisfaction with the text-based intervention. RESULTS: We hypothesize that participants who enroll in this program will have improved PTSI symptoms; increased or improved quality of life; and significant reduction in associated stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms, among other psychological concerns. Improvement will be determined in comparison to established baseline parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This research will be beneficial for practitioners and will inform policy-making and decision-making regarding psychological interventions for PTSI. Lessons from this study will inform the scale-up of the intervention, a cost-effective, zero contact therapeutic option to manage PTSI. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/30680.

Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Measures for Patients Discharged from Acute Psychiatric Care: Four-Arm Peer and Text Messaging Support Controlled Observational Study.

Background: Peer support workers (PSW) and text messaging services (TxM) are supportive health services that are frequently examined in the field of mental health. Both interventions have positive outcomes, with TxM demonstrating clinical and economic effectiveness and PSW showing its utility within the recovery-oriented model. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of PSW and TxM in reducing psychological distress of recently discharged patients receiving psychiatric care. Methods: This is a prospective, rater-blinded, pilot-controlled observational study consisting of 181 patients discharged from acute psychiatric care. Patients were randomized into one of four conditions: daily supportive text messages only, peer support only, peer support plus daily text messages, or treatment as usual. Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation­Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), a standardized measure of mental distress, was administered at four time points: baseline, six weeks, three months, and six months. MANCOVA was used to assess the impact of the interventions on participants' scores on four CORE-OM subscales across the three follow-up time points. Recovery, clinical change, and reliable change in CORE-OM all-item analysis were examined across the four groups, and the prevalence of risk symptoms was measured. Results: A total of 63 patients completed assessments at each time point. The interaction between PSW and TxM was predictive of differences in scores on the CORE-OM functioning subscale with a medium effect size (F1,63 = 4.19; p = 0.045; ηp2 = 0.07). The PSW + TxM group consistently achieved higher rates of recovery and clinical and reliable improvement compared to the other study groups. Additionally, the text message group and the PSW + TxM group significantly reduced the prevalence of risk of self/other harm symptoms after six months of intervention, with 27.59% (χ2(1) = 4.42, p = 0.04) and 50% (χ2(1) = 9.03, p < 0.01) prevalence reduction, respectively. Conclusions: The combination of peer support and supportive text messaging is an impactful intervention with positive clinical outcomes for acute care patients. Adding the two interventions into routine psychiatric care for patients after discharge is highly recommended.