Quality Control System Research Articles

Preferential Secretion of Oxidation-Sensitive Proteins by Unconventional Pathways: Why is This Important for Inflammation?

Significance: Fidelity of intercellular communication depends on unambiguous interactions between protein ligands and membrane receptors. Most proteins destined to the extracellular space adopt the required three-dimensional shape as they travel through the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi complex, and other organelles of the exocytic pathway. However, some proteins, many of which are involved in inflammation, avoid this classical secretory route and follow unconventional pathways to leave the cell. Recent Advances: Stringent quality control systems operate in the ER and cis-Golgi, restricting transport to native conformers, devoid of non-native disulfides and/or reactive thiols. However, some proteins released by living cells require reduced cysteines to exert their extracellular function(s). Remarkably, these proteins lack the secretory signal sequence normally required by secretory proteins for translocation into the ER lumen. Critical Issues: Why do interleukin-1β, high mobility group box 1, and other proinflammatory proteins avoid the ER-Golgi route to reach the intercellular space? These proteins require reactive cysteines for exerting their function. Therefore, eluding thiol-mediated quality control along the exocytic pathway is likely one of the main reasons why extracellular proteins that need to be reduced utilize unconventional pathways of secretion, where a quality control aimed at oxidating native cysteines is not present. Future Directions: Particularly under stress conditions, cells release redox-active enzymes and nonprotein thiol compounds that exert an extracellular control of redox-sensitive protein activity, shaping inflammatory responses. This post-secretion, redox-dependent editing of protein messages is still largely undefined. Understanding the underlying mechanistic events will hopefully provide new tools to control inflammation.

Key audit matter disclosure and stock mispricing: Evidence from China

Stock mispricing refers to the situation where the stock price of a firm diverges from its intrinsic value, which can impair market resource allocation efficiency and hinder the healthy development of the capital market. This study aims to investigate the influence of key audit matters (KAM) disclosure on stock mispricing. Using a firm-level panel dataset from 2017 to 2022, we demonstrate that KAM disclosure can significantly reduce stock mispricing. This effect is achieved by mitigating information inefficiency and discouraging market speculation. Heterogeneity analysis reveals a more pronounced impact in firms with poor audit quality and deficient internal control systems.

MAMs and Mitochondrial Quality Control: Overview and Their Role in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents the most widespread neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by a gradual onset and slow progression, presenting a substantial challenge to global public health. The mitochondrial-associated membrane (MAMs) functions as a crucial center for signal transduction and material transport between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, playing a pivotal role in various pathological mechanisms of AD. The dysregulation of mitochondrial quality control systems is considered a fundamental factor in the development of AD, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent neurodegenerative events. Recent studies have emphasized the role of MAMs in regulating mitochondrial quality control. This review will delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying the imbalance in mitochondrial quality control in AD and provide a comprehensive overview of the role of MAMs in regulating mitochondrial quality control.

Requirement of Rab5 GTPase during heat stress-induced endocytosis in yeast

The plasma membrane (PM) is constantly exposed to various stresses from the extracellular environment, such as heat and oxidative stress. These stresses often cause denaturation of membrane proteins and destabilize PM integrity, which is essential for normal cell viability and function. For maintenance of PM integrity, most eukaryotic cells have the PM quality control (PMQC) system, which removes damaged membrane proteins by endocytosis. Removal of damaged proteins from the PM by ubiquitin-mediated endocytosis is a key mechanism for maintenance of the PM integrity, but the importance of the early endosome in the PMQC system is still not well understood. Here we show that key proteins in early/sorting endosome function, Vps21p (yeast Rab5), Vps15p (phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase subunit), and Vps3p/8p (CORVET complex subunits), are involved in maintaining PM integrity. We found that Vps21p-enriched endosomes change the localization in the vicinity of the PM in response to heat stress and then rapidly fuse and form the enlarged compartments to efficiently transport Can1p to the vacuole. Additionally, we show that the deubiquitinating enzyme Doa4p is also involved in the PM integrity and its deletion causes mislocalization of Vps21p to the vacuolar lumen. Interestingly, in cells lacking Doa4p or Vps21p the amounts of free ubiquitin are decreased, and overexpression of ubiquitin restored defective cargo internalization in vps9Δ cells, suggesting that defective PM integrity in vps9Δ cells is caused by lack of free ubiquitin.

Research Progress on Quality Control Methods of Donkey-hide Gelatin Preparations

Donkey-hide Gelatin is a solid gum made by decoction and concentration of the dried skin or fresh skin of an equine donkey, which was first published in the The Holy Husbandman s Classic on Roots and Herbs, and listed as the top product. It has the effect of nourishing blood and nourishing yin, moisturizing and stopping bleeding. Through literature search, it was found that Donkey-hide Gelatin mainly used thermogravimetric analysis, gel electrophoresis, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichromatography [9], liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, DNA extraction and amplification in authenticity, chemical composition and content analysis. The foundation of the quality control method of Donkey-hide Gelatin preparation is relatively weak, therefore, by combing the quality control methods of Donkey-hide Gelatin preparation in the past ten years, the advantages and disadvantages of the quality control method are discussed and evaluated, which provides reference value for the establishment of a comprehensive multi-faceted quality control system for Donkey-hide Gelatin preparation.

O-293 Mastering consistency: a similar training allows to standardize embryo transfer performance, but experience does not involve further improvements

Abstract Study question Is there any variation in the live birth rate (LBR) per vitrified-warmed single euploid blastocyst transfer (SEBT) among clinicians trained at the same IVF center? Summary answer The LBR per SEBT (overall: 53%) remained consistent among equally trained transfer operators (range: 48%-60%) regardless of the number of prior procedures performed. What is known already The number of ART treatments and practitioners has increased over the years. To ensure high standards, an efficient quality control system should monitor and standardize operators’ performance by leveraging statistically-sound key-performance-indicators (KPIs). The embryo transfer procedure is a clinically relevant step, particularly susceptible to variations among clinicians, irrespective of their experience. However, the outcome of “LBR per transfer” is influenced by various confounders, such as embryo stage, morphology, reproductive history, uterine conditions, and others. Our objective was to assess potential differences among transfer practitioners who underwent the same training at a single IVF center in the least biased scenario possible. Study design, size, duration Retrospective single center study. Out of 8663 transfers performed by 4 operators (all trained by operator-1) between 2013 and 2021, we selected 421 first vitrified-warmed transfers with day5 euploid blastocysts whose morphology was >Gardner’s BB-grade in non-obese women, thereby excluding all main confounders on our primary outcome (= LBR per SEBT across different operators). The study was powered to exclude a 18%-decrease (β = 0.8, α = 0.05) in the LBR versus operator-1 (ratio comparator:control=1:2). Participants/materials, setting, methods We conducted ICSI, blastocyst biopsy without day3 zona-drilling, and aneuploidy testing to exclude full-chromosome uniform aneuploidies. All blastocysts were transferred ∼2 hours after warming. Uterine assessment was conducted to exclude putative conditions associated with lower LBR. Endometrial preparation protocol (modified-natural cycle versus hormone-replacement-therapy), maternal age at transfer, experience of prior implantation(s) (yes/no), the embryologists involved in the transfer procedure, were assessed as putative further confounders. All significant differences were confirmed through regression analyses. Main results and the role of chance The overall LBR per vitrified-warmed SEBT was 53.4% (N = 225/421). Operator-1 conducted 3960 transfer procedures during the study period, with 167 eligible for this study, achieving a 55.7% LBR (N = 93/167). Operator-2,-3, and -4 respectively conducted 2533, 1087, and 1083 procedures during the study period, with 134, 62, and 58 eligible for this study. Their LBRs were 50% (N = 67/134, p-value versus operator-1=0.2), 48.4% (N = 30/62, p-value=0.2), and 60.3% (N = 35/58, p-value=0.3). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for endometrial preparation protocol and embryologists involved in the transfer procedure, confirmed the absence of an association (Operator-2 vs. 1 multivariate-OR: 0.83, 95%CI 0.5-1.39, adjusted-p=0.49; Operator-3 vs. 1 multivariate-OR: 0.75, 95%CI 0.40-1.40, adjusted-p=0.37; Operator-4 vs. 1 multivariate-OR: 1.40, 95%CI 0.72-2.70, adjusted-p=0.32). Importantly, the number of prior transfer procedures conducted by each clinician during the study period also showed no association with the primary outcome (OR = 1.0, p-value=0.82). From an IVF center perspective, the LBR per SEBT remained stable across the 9-year study period, showing minimal non-significant fluctuations. These outcomes describe an IVF center where equally-trained clinicians adopt the same standard-operating-procedures to manage vitrified-warmed embryo transfers. In this context, the LBR per SEBT represents an ideal KPI to assess the learning curve of operators in training. Limitations, reasons for caution Over 2500 SEBTs are required to rule out a 5%-decrease in the LBR. Yet, such a substantial number is better suited for comparing centers’ rather than practitioners’ performance. It would be intriguing to investigate potential differences among operators who underwent different training regimens but operate within the same clinic. Wider implications of the findings No correlation exists between the number of prior embryo transfer procedures conducted and further improvements, therefore initial operators’ training is crucial for standardizing their performance. LBR per SEBT is a strong KPI, though poorly-actionable in the short-term. It’s better suited for center comparisons, prompting internal procedure reviews when differences arise. Trial registration number not applicable

Support System of Quality Control for XYZ Company using PHP Laravel and React Native

XYZ Company is a manufacturing company that makes diesel products. In the production process, there is a need for quality control so that the final product can meet the company's quality standards. The problem of the XYZ Company is the quality control process carried out by the company that still uses manual so that a lot of paper is wasted in the quality control process.The design and construction process carried out is using the waterfall method. The waterfall method consists of five steps is requirements, design, implementation, verification and maintenance. The framework for implementation process on the website is Laravel, and the CSS used is Tailwind CSS, and the framework for application is react native. The system that has been designed has succeeded in providing convenience in quality control.

Spatial selectivity of ATase inhibition in mouse models of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The endoplasmic reticulum acetylation machinery has emerged as a new branch of the larger endoplasmic reticulum quality control system. It regulates the selection of correctly folded polypeptides as well as reticulophagy-mediated removal of toxic protein aggregates with the former being a particularly important aspect of the proteostatic functions of endoplasmic reticulum acetylation. Essential to this function is the Nε-lysine acetyltransferase activity of acetyltransferase 1 and acetyltransferase 2, which regulates the induction of endoplasmic reticulum-specific autophagy through the acetylation of the autophagy-related protein 9A. Here, we used three mouse models of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, peripheral myelin protein 22/Tr-J, C3-peripheral myelin protein 22 and myelin protein zero/ttrr, to study spatial and translational selectivity of endoplasmic reticulum acetyltransferase inhibitors. The results show that inhibition of the endoplasmic reticulum acetyltransferases selectively targets misfolding/pro-aggregating events occurring in the lumen of the organelle. Therefore, they establish acetyltransferase 1 and acetyltransferase 2 as the first proven targets for disease-causing proteotoxic states that initiate within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum/secretory pathway.

The root-knot nematode effector MiEFF12 targets the host ER quality control system to suppress immune responses and allow parasitism.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are microscopic parasitic worms able to infest the roots of thousands of plant species, causing massive crop yield losses worldwide. They evade the plant's immune system and manipulate plant cell physiology and metabolism to transform a few root cells into giant cells, which serve as feeding sites for the nematode. RKN parasitism is facilitated by the secretion in planta of effector molecules, mostly proteins that hijack host cellular processes. We describe here a conserved RKN-specific effector, effector 12 (EFF12), that is synthesized exclusively in the oesophageal glands of the nematode, and we demonstrate its function in parasitism. In the plant, MiEFF12 localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). A combination of RNA-sequencing analysis and immunity-suppression bioassays revealed the contribution of MiEFF12 to the modulation of host immunity. Yeast two-hybrid, split luciferase and co-immunoprecipitation approaches identified an essential component of the ER quality control system, the Solanum lycopersicum plant bap-like (PBL), and basic leucine zipper 60 (BZIP60) proteins as host targets of MiEFF12. Finally, silencing the PBL genes in Nicotiana benthamiana decreased susceptibility to Meloidogyne incognita infection. Our results suggest that EFF12 manipulates PBL function to modify plant immune responses to allow parasitism.

A dataset of 1km-grid comprehensive indexes of land use degree density in China (2020)

The comprehensive index of land use degree quantitatively reflects the development and use degree of the ecological environment by human activities from the aspect of land use. The dataset is derived from the 30-meter land use raster data produced based on the 2020 national land change survey data. We used the land use comprehensive index model to quantitatively analyze the national land use degree evaluation by dividing the land use into four degrees: unused land, the land used for forestry, meadow and waters, agricultural land, and urban settlement land. We comprehensively calculated the degree of human intervention in regional land use. In order to ensure data correctness and accuracy, we adopted unified and standardized data processing methods, sample collection rules, and quality control systems to control the quality of the data results. This dataset can be used for a valuable reference for the research on territorial spatial planning, regional development and development evaluation, main body functional area evaluation, and coupling analysis of human-land relations.

Chemical and Microbiological Quality of Municipal Supply Water in Dhaka South Area, Bangladesh

This project aimed to find out the microbiological quality of municipal supply water in Dhaka South area and if the current regime of microbiological quality testing can determine the risk to public health from supply water satisfactorily. Water samples were collected from six different points of the water distribution network of Dhaka’s south locality, starting from the source (Shitalakhyariver, Narayanganj) to Jagannath University, Dhaka. The dominant taxonomic units were isolated using standard culture techniques, followed by biochemical identification, VITEK2 identification, and biofilm-forming potential of each isolate individually and co-cultured with other isolates. Presumptive identification of isolates from the Shitalakhya River revealed the presence of Citrobacter sp., Alcaligenes sp., and Pseudomonas putida. The sample from Saydabad Water Treatment Plant yielded Vibrio mimicus, Pseudomonas fluorescence, and Alcalimonas. The major aerobic bacteria in the water specimen from the community overhead tank included S aureus, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus sp., Enterococcus sp., Lactococcus sp. Tap water revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Lactococcus, Enterobacter, Shigella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as anaerobic bacteria. Biochemical tests and VITEK2 yielded different results. Potential biofilm formers such as Klebsiella, E. coli, Enterococcus, Aerococcus, Enterobacter, and Cronobacter indicated quality deterioration potential inside the piped water supply system. Alteration in the major taxonomic units throughout the municipal water distribution network and the presence of opportunistic pathogens and biofilm-formers indicate the necessity for an updated water treatment, quality control, and in-line maintenance system.

Cannabidiol and Beta-Caryophyllene Combination Attenuates Diabetic Neuropathy by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome/NFκB through the AMPK/sirT3/Nrf2 Axis.

In this study, we investigated in detail the role of cannabidiol (CBD), beta-caryophyllene (BC), or their combinations in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DN). The key factors that contribute to DN include mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Briefly, streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to induce DN in Sprague-Dawley rats, and we performed procedures involving Randall Sellito calipers, a Von Frey aesthesiometer, a hot plate, and cold plate methods to determine mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in vivo. The blood flow to the nerves was assessed using a laser Doppler device. Schwann cells were exposed to high glucose (HG) at a dose of 30 mM to induce hyperglycemia and DCFDA, and JC1 and Mitosox staining were performed to determine mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial superoxides in vitro. The rats were administered BC (30 mg/kg), CBD (15 mg/kg), or combination via i.p. injections, while Schwann cells were treated with 3.65 µM CBD, 75 µM BC, or combination to assess their role in DN amelioration. Our results revealed that exposure to BC and CBD diminished HG-induced hyperglycemia in Schwann cells, in part by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial superoxides. Furthermore, the BC and CBD combination treatment in vivo could prevent the deterioration of the mitochondrial quality control system by promoting autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis while improving blood flow. CBD and BC treatments also reduced pain hypersensitivity to hyperalgesia and allodynia, with increased antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action in diabetic rats. These in vivo effects were attributed to significant upregulation of AMPK, sirT3, Nrf2, PINK1, PARKIN, LC3B, Beclin1, and TFAM functions, while downregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome, NFκB, COX2, and p62 activity was noted using Western blotting. the present study demonstrated that STZ and HG-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. We find, for the first time, that a CBD and BC combination ameliorates DN by modulating the mitochondrial quality control system.

Zearalenone modulates the function of goat endometrial cells via the mitochondrial quality control system

AbstractZearalenone (ZEN) is a mycotoxin known for its estrogen‐like effects, which can disrupt the normal physiological function of endometrial cells and potentially lead to abortion in female animals. However, the precise mechanism by which ZEN regulates endometrial function remains unclear. In this study, we found that the binding receptor estrogen receptors for ZEN is extensively expressed across various segments of the uterus and within endometrial cells, and a certain concentration of ZEN treatment reduced the proliferation capacity of goat endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Meanwhile, cell cycle analysis revealed that ZEN treatment leaded to cell cycle arrest in goat EECs and ESCs. To explore the underlying mechanism, we investigated the mitochondrial quality control systems and observed that ZEN triggered excessive mitochondrial fission and disturbed the balance of mitochondrial fusion‐fission dynamics, impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, increased mitochondrial unfolded protein response and mitophagy in goat EECs and ESCs. Additionally, ZEN treatment reduced the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, heightened the production of hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxygen species, and caused cellular oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. These results suggest that ZEN has adverse effects on goat endometrium cells by disrupting the mitochondrial quality control system and affecting cell cycle and proliferation. Understanding the underlying molecular pathways involved in ZEN‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and its consequences on cell function will provide critical insights into the reproductive toxicity of ZEN and contribute to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of animals and humans exposed to this mycotoxin.

Analysis of enzyme activity and substrate specificity of dolichyl-phosphate β-glucosyltransferase

Protein folding and quality control processes primarily occur in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ER-resident molecular chaperones play a crucial role in guiding nascent polypeptides towards their correct tertiary structures. Some of these chaperones specifically recognize glucosylated N-glycan moieties on peptide. It is of great significance to study the N-glycan biosynthetic pathway and glycoprotein quality control system by analyzing the sugar donor of ER luminal glucosyltransferases, known as dolichol phosphate glucose (Dol-P-Glc), or its analogues in vitro. In this study, we investigated a range of dolichol analogues to synthesize lipid phosphate glucose, which served as substrates for dolichyl-phosphate β-glucosyltransferase E (Alg5E) derived from Trichomonas vaginalis. The results demonstrated that the recombinant Alg5E, expressed in Escherichia coli, exhibited strong catalytic activity and the ability to recognize lipid phosphate glucose with varying chain lengths. Interestingly, the enzyme's catalytic reaction was found to be faster with longer carbon chains in the substrate. Additionally, Alg5E showed a preference for branched chain methyl groups in the lipid structure. Furthermore, our study confirmed the importance of divalent metal ions in the binding of the crucial DXD motif, which is essential for the enzyme's catalytic function. These findings lay the groundwork for future research on glucosyltransferases Alg6, Alg8, and Alg10 in the synthesis pathway of dolichol-linked oligosaccharide (DLO).

Analysis of Chemical Changes during Maturation of Amomum tsao-ko Based on GC-MS, FT-NIR, and FT-MIR.

Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire (A. tsao-ko) is widely grown for its high nutritional and economic value. However, the lack of a scientific harvesting and quality control system has resulted in an uneven product quality. The present study was based on A. tsao-ko from four maturity stages from the same growing area, and its chemical trends and quality were evaluated using a combination of agronomic trait analysis, spectroscopy, chromatography, chemometrics, and network pharmacology. The results showed that A. tsao-ko was phenotypically dominant in October. Spectroscopy showed that the absorbance intensity at different maturity stages showed a trend of October > September > August > July. Further chemical differences between A. tsao-ko at different stages of maturity were found by chromatography to originate mainly from alcohol, aromatic, acids, esters, hydrocarbons, ketone, heterocyclic, and aldehydes. The network pharmacology results showed that the active ingredient for the treatment of obesity was present in A. tsao-ko and had high levels in A. tsao-ko in September and October. The results of this study provide a new idea for the comprehensive evaluation of A. tsao-ko and a theoretical basis for the harvesting and resource utilization of A. tsao-ko.

Three-dimensional reconstruction technology in the preoperative workup of complex hepatic resections. Our experience on 11 consecutive cases.

Three-dimensional liver modeling can be a useful tool when planning the preoperative strategy in liver surgery. The present study aims to review our case series of patients requiring complex hepatic resections for primary and secondary liver tumors, and for whom 3D models were built, to add further evidence in this direction. All consecutive patients undergoing complex liver resection were enrolled. Cross-sectional triphasic CT images were obtained for each patient. DICOM images were processed, and full virtual 3D models were generated. The additional details provided by 3D models were employed to better understand the anatomy, to define the most adequate surgical pathway, and, in case, to switch to a different surgical procedure. From January 2020 to September 2022, 11 complex hepatic resections requiring 3D reconstruction technology were performed. Eight 3D models scored ≥ 15 points in the quality control system. A detailed analysis of each case was reported. In three cases (27%) 3DVT helped to understand the anatomy and/or to detect vascular abnormalities. In six cases (54.5%) 3DVT led to a variation of the surgical planning. 3DVT may be helpful in planning preoperatively the most appropriate surgical procedure. Further large-scale, well-designed studies are needed to prove its true effectiveness in HPB surgical oncology.

Water Quality Monitoring and Control System for Fish Farmers Based on Internet of Things

Water Quality Monitoring and Control System for Fish Farmers Based on Internet of Things

Improving the Fuel Combustion Quality Control System in Medium Power Boilers

Improving the Fuel Combustion Quality Control System in Medium Power Boilers

Pyruvate kinase M2 sustains cardiac mitochondrial quality surveillance in septic cardiomyopathy by regulating prohibitin 2 abundance via S91 phosphorylation

The endogenous mitochondrial quality control (MQC) system serves to protect mitochondria against cellular stressors. Although mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to cardiac damage during many pathological conditions, the regulatory signals influencing MQC disruption during septic cardiomyopathy (SC) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and prohibitin 2 (PHB2) interaction followed by MQC impairment in the pathogenesis of SC. We utilized LPS-induced SC models in PKM2 transgenic (PKM2TG) mice, PHB2S91D-knockin mice, and PKM2-overexpressing HL-1 cardiomyocytes. After LPS-induced SC, cardiac PKM2 expression was significantly downregulated in wild-type mice, whereas PKM2 overexpression in vivo sustained heart function, suppressed myocardial inflammation, and attenuated cardiomyocyte death. PKM2 overexpression relieved sepsis-related mitochondrial damage via MQC normalization, evidenced by balanced mitochondrial fission/fusion, activated mitophagy, restored mitochondrial biogenesis, and inhibited mitochondrial unfolded protein response. Docking simulations, co-IP, and domain deletion mutant protein transfection experiments showed that PKM2 phosphorylates PHB2 at Ser91, preventing LPS-mediated PHB2 degradation. Additionally, the A domain of PKM2 and the PHB domain of PHB2 are required for PKM2-PHB2 binding and PHB2 phosphorylation. After LPS exposure, expression of a phosphorylation-defective PHB2S91A mutant negated the protective effects of PKM2 overexpression. Moreover, knockin mice expressing a phosphorylation-mimetic PHB2S91D mutant showed improved heart function, reduced inflammation, and preserved mitochondrial function following sepsis induction. Abundant PKM2 expression is a prerequisite to sustain PKM2-PHB2 interaction which is a key element for preservation of PHB2 phosphorylation and MQC, presenting novel interventive targets for the treatment of septic cardiomyopathy.

A systematic review of DDH screening practices in the UK

Background: The United Kingdom (UK) currently employs a selective screening system for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Despite this, late presentation rates remain high. The aim of this study was to systematically review the available literature to gain an understanding of screening practices throughout the UK. Methods: A systematic review was conducted. Studies reporting DDH screening methods from the UK were included. The primary outcome measure was the method of ultrasound and clinical screening. Secondary outcomes were the treatment rate and late presentation rate. A narrative analysis was undertaken, as meta-analysis was felt to be inappropriate due to the differences between included studies. Results: Nine studies were eligible and included. There was significant variability in practice, with a variety of ultrasound techniques being used and a variety of staff members performing clinical screening. Treatment rate ranged from 16.4/1,000 to 0.8/1,000. Late presentation rate ranged from 1.28/1,000 to 0.27/1,000. Discussion: In spite of a national consensus statement, there is no standardised approach to clinical or ultrasound screening in the UK. A variety of different methods are used, which may explain the persistently high late presentation rate. A national system of quality control and a standardised screening process is recommended, with specialised training in the Graf method of ultrasound.