Current Knowledge Research Articles

Science Teachers’ Initial Use of NGSS Science Practices in Diverse Classrooms

ABSTRACT In the landscape of U.S. education, the widespread adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) offers a unique vantage point for researchers to better understand teacher-, school- and classroom-level factors that advance reform initiatives in science classrooms. Addressing a gap in current knowledge, our study probes how secondary science teachers implement one dimension of NGSS-the science practices (SPs). Our data collection encompasses teacher interviews and meticulous observations of science lessons, coded for NGSS science practices (SPs) and inquiry-based teaching. Embracing a methodologically rich approach, our study employs both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. Quantitatively, we analyzed 801 weeks of lessons taught by 56 secondary science teachers and found patterns in SP use. Selected high-quality science lessons were then spotlighted, providing examples of the quantitative findings, showcasing teachers use of SPs and inquiry-based teaching strategies. Through our analysis, we found that physical science subjects and participants from the Master of Arts in Science Teaching program demonstrated a higher average use of SPs compared to their life science and undergraduate program counterparts. When analyzing the use of specific SPs, we found that analyzing and interpreting data (SP4) and mathematical and computational thinking (SP5) emerged as noteworthy. This study’s findings carry implications for science teacher education and professional development programs, urging efforts to augment both the quantity of rigor of SP use in the secondary science classroom. Our research contributes insights that can inform strategies for the enhancement of science education alignment with the objectives set forth by NGSS

Knowledge and practices regarding leishmaniasis in Portugal – Comparison between blood donors and health students/professionals

ObjectiveTo compare the current knowledge and practices regarding leishmaniasis among blood donors and health students and professionals, in Portugal. Material and methodsData were collected through the application of two questionnaires (one online and one in paper) with similar questions in two distinct cross-sectional independent studies, each targeting one of the groups. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing were performed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics. ResultsIn total, 3763 blood donors, 254 students and 232 professionals were included in the comparative analysis. Over 95% of students and professionals, but only around 70% of blood donors had previously heard of leishmaniasis. Over 90% of participants in each group admitted leishmaniasis affected animals, but only in the professional group over 90% were aware of human leishmaniasis. ConclusionsEven though canine leishmaniasis is recognized by many blood donors and by most students and professionals, awareness of the disease in humans is less common, highlighting the importance of promoting an approach to this infection through a One Health lens.

Distributed Solar Generation: Current Knowledge and Future Trends

Distributed Solar Generation: Current Knowledge and Future Trends

Skin and mucosal manifestations of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in people living with HIV: a review.

Opportunistic infections have significantly decreased in individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus and receiving antiretroviral therapy. However, in approximately 10%-25% of patients, severe skin reactions during immune reconstruction are constantly increasing. This may manifest as either an exacerbation of a chronic disease or the development of a new disorder, referred to as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding the dermatological symptoms of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome observed in recent years. These symptoms encompass various pathogens, neoplasms, and certain autoimmune diseases. In addition to the most common skin reactions, attention is directed towards conditions not previously described in any review, such as psoriasis.

The expansion of the Atlantic–Mediterranean ghost crab Ocypode cursor (Linnaeus, 1758): Distribution, environmental niches and future perspectives

AbstractThe tufted ghost crab Ocypode cursor (Linnaeus, 1758) found in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean is currently a great example that elucidates concerns within scientific and conservation communities. This species, native to the subtropical Atlantic Ocean and the warmest southeastern Mediterranean Sea (Egypt), has been extending its distribution in both regions since the 1980s, likely due to the warming sea temperatures. These small nocturn crabs are typically found inhabiting sandy beaches and dune environments. This species is an opportunistic predator eating terrestrial and marine prey, especially on sea turtle eggs. Despite its status as a threatened species by two European conventions, there is a lack of knowledge of its ecology and biology. Sometimes considered as an indicator of good ecological status of beaches where it lives, this ghost crab could nevertheless benefit from climate change to extend its distribution range. This review aims to create a baseline on the current knowledge and gaps in the published scientific literature on the ghost crab. Additionally, through an analysis of the existing literature, we also offer insights into the potential risk of beach erosion associated with the expansion of this species.

Three cases of collared owlet depredation on the green-backed tit within nest boxes.

The main cause of the reproductive failure of cavity-nesting birds is nest predation, even though cavity nests protect from numerous predators. To study the breeding biology of the green-backed tit (Parus monticolus) and to promote the reproduction of some other avian cavity breeders, we placed 245 nest boxes in the Zixi Mountain, southwest China. We collected breeding data by regularly checking the artificial nest boxes, three cases of green-backed tits being predated by collared owlet (Glaucidium brodiei) were confirmed by the video recordings. Larger mammals, chipmunks, squirrels, sparrowhawks, jays, and snakes have been identified as common predators of cavity-nesting birds in high-latitude regions of the northern hemisphere. Limited research in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Asia, has demonstrated squirrels and snakes as common predators of cavity-nesting birds. A gap in avian predators to cavity-nesting birds exists in the current knowledge. Hence the three cases of collared owlet's depredation reveal a new danger to green-backed tits, broadening our knowledge of the dynamics of cavity-nesting birds. In all three cases, the artificial box's entrance hole was only 5 × 5 cm in size and has not been expanded or poked. These findings provided evidence that the collared owlet is the predator of nestlings and adult green-backed tit breeding in artificial boxes, which emphasized a reevaluation of predator-prey interactions. Therefore, for effective breeding of the green-backed tit, we suggest to choose a hole size of 3 × 3 cm that is appropriate for its body size.

Use of induction therapy post-heart transplantation: Clinical practice recommendations based on systematic review and network meta-analysis of evidence.

The use of induction therapy (IT) agents in the early post-heart transplant period remains controversial. The following recommendations aim to provide guidance on the use of IT agents, including Basiliximab and Thymoglobulin, as part of routine care in heart transplantation (HTx). We recruited an international, multidisciplinary panel of 15 stakeholders, including patient partners, transplant cardiologists and surgeons, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and methodologists. We commissioned a systematic review on benefits and harms of IT on patient-important outcomes, and another on patients' values and preferences to inform our recommendations. We used the GRADE framework to summarize our findings, rate certainty in the evidence, and develop recommendations. The panel considered the balance between benefits and harms, certainty in the evidence, and patient's values and preferences, to make recommendations for or against the routine post-operative use of Thymoglobulin or Basiliximab. The panel made recommendations on three major clinical problems in HTx: (1) We suggest against the routine post-operative use of Basiliximab compared to no IT, (2) we suggest against the routine use of Thymoglobulin compared to no IT, and (3) for those patients for whom IT is deemed desirable, we suggest for the use of Thymoglobulin as compared to Basiliximab. This report highlights gaps in current knowledge and provides directions for clinical research in the future to better understand the clinical utility of IT agents in the early post heart transplant period, leading to improved management and care.

Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Selected Mental Illnesses: Practical Approach and Overview of the Literature.

Although an increasing number of patients suffering from mental illnesses self-medicate with cannabis, current knowledge about the efficacy and safety of cannabis-based medicine in psychiatry is still extremely limited. So far, no cannabis-based finished product has been approved for the treatment of a mental illness. There is increasing evidence that cannabinoids may improve symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Tourette syndrome (TS), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to surveys, patients often use cannabinoids to improve mood, sleep, and symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is evidence suggesting that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and THC-containing cannabis extracts, such as nabiximols, can be used as substitutes in patients with cannabis use disorder.Preliminary evidence also suggests an involvement of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the pathophysiology of TS, ADHD, and PTSD. Since the ECS is the most important neuromodulatory system in the brain, it possibly induces beneficial effects of cannabinoids by alterations in other neurotransmitter systems. Finally, the ECS is an important stress management system. Thus, cannabinoids may improve symptoms in patients with mental illnesses by reducing stress.Practically, cannabis-based treatment in patients with psychiatric disorders does not differ from other indications. The starting dose of THC-containing products should be low (1-2.5 mg THC/day), and the dose should be up-titrated slowly (by 1-2.5 mg every 3-5 days). The average daily dose is 10-20 mg THC. In contrast, cannabidiol (CBD) is mainly used in high doses>400 mg/day.

Land Data Assimilation: Harmonizing Theory and Data in Land Surface Process Studies

AbstractData assimilation plays a dual role in advancing the “scientific” understanding and serving as an “engineering tool” for the Earth system sciences. Land data assimilation (LDA) has evolved into a distinct discipline within geophysics, facilitating the harmonization of theory and data and allowing land models and observations to complement and constrain each other. Over recent decades, substantial progress has been made in the theory, methodology, and application of LDA, necessitating a holistic and in‐depth exploration of its full spectrum. Here, we present a thorough review elucidating the theoretical and methodological developments in LDA and its distinctive features. This encompasses breakthroughs in addressing strong nonlinearities in land surface processes, exploring the potential of machine learning approaches in data assimilation, quantifying uncertainties arising from multiscale spatial correlation, and simultaneously estimating model states and parameters. LDA has proven successful in enhancing the understanding and prediction of various land surface processes (including soil moisture, snow, evapotranspiration, streamflow, groundwater, irrigation and land surface temperature), particularly within the realms of water and energy cycles. This review outlines the development of global, regional, and catchment‐scale LDA systems and software platforms, proposing grand challenges of generating land reanalysis and advancing coupled land‒atmosphere DA. We lastly highlight the opportunities to expand the applications of LDA from pure geophysical systems to coupled natural and human systems by ingesting a deluge of Earth observation and social sensing data. The paper synthesizes current LDA knowledge and provides a steppingstone for its future development, particularly in promoting dual driven theory‐data land processes studies.

The Potential and Challenges of Genomics Informed Precision Care for Substance Use Disorders.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are complex brain disorders with heritability rooted in the interplay of multiple genetic factors, alongside significant environmental influences. Gaining insights into the genetic mechanisms that heighten SUD risk can guide precision care, specifically in the development of targeted tools for prevention, early intervention, and the discovery of therapeutic targets. Nurses are ideally placed to advance genomics-informed precision care for individuals with SUDs. To fulfill this role, they must be adequately prepared to assess the value and utility of current genomics knowledge, its limitations, and ways to incorporate this understanding into clinical practice, education, research, and health care policy. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62(3), 11-14.].

Change as a Scientific Enterprise: Practical Suggestions about Using Change Theory.

Change theory has increasingly become an area of scholarship in STEM education. While this area has traditionally been a topic for organizational psychology, business management, communication studies, and higher education, STEM education researchers are increasingly aware of the need to use formal theories to guide change efforts and research. Formal change theory encompasses our current research-based knowledge about how and why change occurs, and therefore, can guide the selection and design of promising interventions. Yet learning about and using theory is challenging because many of us have no formal training in this area and relevant scholarship comes from many different disciplines. Inconsistent terminology creates an additional barrier. Thus, this essay aims to contribute to a common lexicon in STEM higher educational change efforts by clearly distinguishing between formalized change theory, which emerges from research, and a theory of change, which guides the logic of a specific project. We also briefly review the current state of the field regarding the use of formal change theory and provide examples of how change theory has been used in biology education. Lastly, we offer practical guidance for researchers and change agents who wish to more intentionally and effectively use change theory in their work.

Evaluation of Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness and Compliance Rates over the Age of 40: Single Center Data in Türkiye

The frequency of colorectal cancer is increasing under the age of 50, and new sights have emerged regarding the initiation of screening in the earlier age group. This study aims to measure the consciousness of patients over the age of 40 about colorectal cancer screening and to reveal the screening rates of individuals over the age of 50. 300 consecutive patients who applied to our center and were older than 40 years of age were included. The questionnaire was created based on current guidelines and literature knowledge by the investigators and done through face-to-face interviews. Patients over 50 years of age who did not undergo screening were analyzed by dividing them into groups according to their socio-demographic characteristics and colorectal cancer risk factors. While 64.7% of the participants stated that they knew about colorectal cancer screening, only 32.4% of the participants aged 50 and over had colorectal cancer screening. The vast majority of patients stated that they did not have enough knowledge about the subject. The rate of participants who stated that they were considering entering the cancer screening program after completing this questionnaire was 73.7%. Colorectal cancer screening rates of non-smokers, women, and married participants were higher than the other group (P=0.016, P=0.017, and P=0.033, respectively). This study shows low screening compliance of individuals over the age of 50. We think that it is important to encourage and inform all adults over the age of 40 about colorectal cancer screening for public health.

The Relevance, Predictability, and Utility of Annexin A5 for Human Physiopathology.

As an important functional protein molecule in the human body, human annexin A5 (hAnxA5) is widely found in human cells and body fluids. hAnxA5, the smallest type of annexin, performs a variety of biological functions by reversibly and specifically binding phosphatidylserine (PS) in a calcium-dependent manner and plays an important role in many human physiological and pathological processes. The free state hAnxA5 exists in the form of monomers and usually forms a polymer in a specific self-assembly manner when exerting biological activity. This review systematically discusses the current knowledge and understanding of hAnxA5 from three perspectives: physiopathological relevance, diagnostic value, and therapeutic utility. hAnxA5 affects the occurrence and development of many physiopathological processes. Moreover, hAnxA5 can be used independently or in combination as a biomarker of physiopathological phenomena for the diagnosis of certain diseases. Importantly, based on the properties of hAnxA5, many novel drug candidates have been designed and prepared for application in actual medical practice. However, there are also some gaps and shortcomings in hAnxA5 research. This in-depth study will not only expand the understanding of structural and functional relationships but also promote the application of hAnxA5 in the field of biomedicine.

Abstract A014: Role of stromal CD10 expression in progression of endometrial and endometriosis-associated cancers

Abstract Endometriosis-associated carcinomas (EACs) and endometrial malignancies have many commonalities yet their pathophysiology, particularly those with high-risk histology such as clear cell, is understudied. EACs are histologically and clinically distinct from other gynecological cancers due to their unique origin within endometriosis. The endometriotic microenvironment is uniquely hypoxic with high levels of iron due to recurrent menstrual cycling, and this iron-rich microenvironment has been linked to promoting carcinogenesis through iron-induced oxidative stress. However, the mechanism by which the endometriotic microenvironment contributes to EAC tumorigenesis and how this compares with endometrial cancer is unknown. Most of our current knowledge of EACs is built on either epidemiologic analyses or correlative studies. Additionally, most studies of the endometriotic microenvironment primarily focus on the epithelial component while the role of the stroma has been largely unexplored. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are a critical component of the stromal microenvironment. Recently, we identified a key role of endometriosis derived MSCs (enMSCs) in altering ovarian clear cell carcinoma iron regulation. Interestingly, enMSCs resemble the primary endometrium derived MSCs, which suggested their role in endometrial cancer. This stromal subset is characterized by the loss of surface CD10 expression. It is known that cancer cells, particularly clear cell carcinoma (CCC), have a unique requirement for high levels of iron. We hypothesize that CD10 negative enMSCs promote growth of EAC and endometrial cancer through iron regulation. MSCs were isolated from primary human benign endometriosis, benign endometrium, or endometrial cancer. Flow cytometry was used to measure surface CD10 expression. We investigated the role of CD10 negative enMSCs on CCC iron regulation. Our results showed that CD10 negative enMSCs promote CCC growth by exporting iron through the upregulation of Hephaestin (HEPH) and Ferroportin (FPO) which then led to increase labile iron pool (LIP) in CCC cells. However, increasing the LIP does not occur with iron supplementation alone, this indicates the critical role of CD10 negative enMSCs in regulating iron handling in CCC cells. Additionally, our data showed that CD10 negative enMSCs alter the balance of Ferritin L and Ferritin H- the main iron storage proteins- in CCC cells. Mechanistically, our preliminary data showed that CD10 negative enMSCs directly donate Ferritin L into CCC cells. Further, CD10 negative enMSCs enhance Ferritin H degradation through the upregulation of ferritinophagy in CCC cells. In conclusion, our results indicate there is a sub-population of enMSCs, marked by the loss of CD10 expression, that enhances EAC and endometrial cancer cell growth through iron regulation. This highlights the existence of a tumor-promoting stromal cell within both the endometrium and endometriosis which can be capitalized on as an “Achilles' heel” to uncover novel treatment targets for EAC and endometrial cancer. Citation Format: Huda I. Atiya, Lan G. Coffman. Role of stromal CD10 expression in progression of endometrial and endometriosis-associated cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Endometrial Cancer: Transforming Care through Science; 2023 Nov 16-18; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(5_Suppl):Abstract nr A014.

Aortic Elasticity and Cardiovascular Risk Stratification: A Narrative Review on the Current Understanding

Cardiovascular risk stratification is a cornerstone of preventive cardiology, aiming to identify individuals at a higher risk for adverse events. In line with this, aortic elastic properties have gained recognition as crucial indicators of vascular health and predictors of cardiovascular outcomes. This narrative review delves into the significance of aortic stiffness, compliance, and distensibility in risk assessment, shedding light on their associations with cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease. This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding aortic elastic properties and their role in cardiovascular risk stratification. The exploration of potential mechanisms and clinical implications outlines the need for further research to establish precise links between aortic elasticity and cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, the integration of advanced imaging, genetic factors, and personalized medicine is suggested to refine risk assessment strategies and enhance patient care. Ultimately, this review underscores the importance of aortic elastic properties in cardiovascular risk prediction, opening avenues for future research and clinical application.

Bacteria and viruses and their role in the preschool wheeze to asthma transition.

Wheezing is the cardinal symptom of asthma; its presence early in life, mostly caused by viral infections, is a major risk factor for the establishment of persistent or recurrent disease. Early-life wheezing and asthma exacerbations are triggered by common respiratory viruses, mainly rhinoviruses (RV), and to a lesser extent, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza, human metapneumovirus, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, influenza, and bocavirus. The excess presence of bacteria, several of which are part of the microbiome, has also been identified in association with wheezing and acute asthma exacerbations, including haemophilus influenza, streptococcus pneumoniae, moraxella catarrhalis, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and chlamydophila pneumonia. While it is not clear when asthma starts, its characteristics develop over time. Airway remodeling already appears between the ages of 1 and 3 years of age even prior to the presence of atopic inflammation or an asthma diagnosis. The role of genetic defect or variations hampering the airway epithelium in response to environmental stimuli and severe disease morbidity are now considered as major determinants for early structural changes. Repeated viral infections can induce and perpetuate airway hyperresponsiveness. Allergic sensitization, that often precedes infection-induced wheezing, shifts inflammation toward type-2, while common respiratory infections themselves promote type-2 inflammation. Nevertheless, most children who wheeze with viral infections during infancy and during preschool years do not develop persistent asthma. Multiple factors, including illness severity, viral etiology, allergic sensitization, and the exposome, are associated with disease persistence. Here, we summarize current knowledge and developments in infection epidemiology of asthma in children, describing the known impact of each individual agent and mechanisms of transition from recurrent wheeze to asthma.

Genetic Determinants of Response to Statins in Cardiovascular Diseases.

Despite extensive efforts to identify patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) who could most benefit from the treatment approach, patients vary in their benefit from therapy and propensity for adverse drug events. Genetic variability in individual responses to drugs (pharmacogenetics) is considered an essential determinant in responding to a drug. Thus, understanding these pharmacogenomic relationships has led to a substantial focus on mechanisms of disease and drug response. In turn, understanding the genomic and molecular bases of variables that might be involved in drug response is the main step in personalized medicine. There is a growing body of data evaluating drug-gene interactions in recent years, some of which have led to FDA recommendations and detection of markers to predict drug responses (e.g., genetic variant in VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes for prediction of drug response in warfarin treatment). Also, statins are widely prescribed drugs for the prevention of CVD. Atorvastatin, fluvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, and lovastatin are the most common statins used to manage dyslipidemia. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the pharmacogenetics of statins, which are being used to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Contribution of environmental determinants to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in a life-course perspective: a systematic review protocol

BackgroundPrevention policies against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) focus solely on individual healthy lifestyle behaviours, while an increasing body of research recognises the involvement of environmental determinants (ED) (cultural norms of land management and planning, local foodscape, built environment, pollution, and neighbourhood deprivation). Precise knowledge of this relationship is essential to proposing a prevention strategy integrating public health and spatial planning. Unfortunately, issues related to the consistency and synthesis of methods, and results in this field of research limit the development of preventive strategies. This systematic review aims to improve knowledge about the relationship between the risk of developing T2DM in adulthood and long-term exposure to its ED during childhood or teenage years.MethodsThis protocol is presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) tools. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, EBSCO, and grey literature from the Laval University Libraries databases will be used for data collection on main concepts such as ‘type 2 diabetes mellitus’, ‘zoning’ or ‘regional, urban, or rural areas land uses’, ‘local food landscape’, ‘built environment’, ‘pollution’, and ‘deprivation’. The Covidence application will store the collected data for selection and extraction based on the Population Exposure Comparator Outcome and Study design approach (PECOS). Studies published until December 31, 2023, in English or French, used quantitative data about individuals aged 18 and over that report on T2DM, ED (cultural norms of land management and planning, local foodscape, built environment, and neighbourhood deprivation), and their association (involving only risk estimators) will be included. Then, study quality and risk of bias will be conducted according to the combined criteria and ratings from the ROBINS-E (Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies—of Exposures) tools and the ‘Effective Public Health Practice Project’ (EPHPP). Finally, the analytical synthesis will be produced using the ‘Synthesis Without Meta-analysis’ (SWiM) guidelines.DiscussionThis systematic review will summarise available evidence on ED associated with T2DM. The results will contribute to improving current knowledge and developing more efficient cross-sectoral interventions in land management and public health in this field of research.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42023392073.

Cystic fibrosis and fat malabsorption: Pathophysiology of the cystic fibrosis gastrointestinal tract and the impact of highly effective CFTR modulator therapy.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive, genetic, multi-organ disease affecting the respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive systems. CF can affect any aspect of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, liver, and gall bladder. GI pathophysiology associated with CF results from CF membrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction. The majority of people with CF (pwCF) experience exocrine pancreatic insufficiency resulting in malabsorption of nutrients and malnutrition. Additionally, other factors can cause or worsen fat malabsorption, including the potential for short gut syndrome with a history of meconium ileus, hepatobiliary diseases, and disrupted intraluminal factors, such as inadequate bile salts, abnormal pH, intestinal microbiome changes, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Signs and symptoms associated with fat malabsorption, such as abdominal pain, bloating, malodorous flatus, gastroesophageal reflux, nausea, anorexia, steatorrhea, constipation, and distal intestinal obstruction syndrome, are seen in pwCF despite the use of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. Given the association of poor nutrition status with lung function decline and increased mortality, aggressive nutrition support is essential in CF care to optimize growth in children and to achieve and maintain a healthy body mass index in adults. The introduction of highly effective CFTR modulator therapy and other advances in CF care have profoundly changed the course of CF management. However, GI symptoms in some pwCF may persist. The use of current knowledge of the pathophysiology of the CF GI tract as well as appropriate, individualized management of GI symptoms continue to be integral components of care for pwCF.

Secreted ADAMTS-like proteins as regulators of connective tissue function.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) determines functional properties of connective tissues through structural components, such as collagens, elastic fibers, or proteoglycans. The ECM also instructs cell behavior through regulatory proteins, including proteases, growth factors, and matricellular proteins, which can be soluble or tethered to ECM scaffolds. The secreted a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 repeats/motifs-like (ADAMTSL) proteins constitute a family of regulatory ECM proteins that are related to ADAMTS proteases but lack their protease domains. In mammals, the ADAMTSL protein family comprises seven members, ADAMTSL1-6 and papilin. ADAMTSL orthologs are also present in the worm, Caenorhabditis elegans, and the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Like other matricellular proteins, ADAMTSL expression is characterized by tight spatiotemporal regulation during embryonic development and early postnatal growth and by cell type- and tissue-specific functional pleiotropy. Although largely quiescent during adult tissue homeostasis, reexpression of ADAMTSL proteins is frequently observed in the context of physiological and pathological tissue remodeling and during regeneration and repair after injury. The diverse functions of ADAMTSL proteins are further evident from disorders caused by mutations in individual ADAMTSL proteins, which can affect multiple organ systems. In addition, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have linked single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADAMTSL genes to complex traits, such as lung function, asthma, height, body mass, fibrosis, or schizophrenia. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about individual members of the ADAMTSL protein family and highlight recent mechanistic studies that began to elucidate their diverse functions.