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We sought to describe the resolution time of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) after middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) and potential variables that may affect hematoma resolution. A retrospective analysis was performed on CSDH patients between December 2018 and December 2021. Patient characteristics, radiologic manifestations, and data of hematoma resolution were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify predictors of CSDH resolution time. A total of 53 patients were enrolled including 53 hematomas. Only 1 participant relapsed and did not require surgical evacuation. Hematoma resolution was observed in 27 (50.9%) at 4 months and 48 (90.6%) cases at the last radiologic follow-up. The median MMAE-to-resolution time was 19 weeks (interquartile range: 8–24). The burr-hole irrigation + MMAE group showed faster hematoma resolution than MMAE alone during early follow-up periods, but no significant difference was found at 6 months. Increased thickness of residual hematoma, excessive postoperative midline shift, high-density hematoma, mixed-density hematoma, separated hematoma, and anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents used were predictive of nonresolution at 4 months as determined by univariate analysis, whereas anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents used and high-density hematoma were not significant on multivariate analysis. No significant association was noted between hematoma resolution and comorbidities or other hematoma radiologic features. MMAE is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for CSDH with a lower recurrence rate. The median resolution time of CSDH following MMAE was 19 weeks (interquartile range: 8–24). Burr-hole irrigation contributed to early hematoma resolution but had no significant effect at 6 months. In addition, residual hematoma thickness, postoperative midline shift, and specific type of hematoma were associated with delayed hematoma resolution at 4 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study was conducted in Jul 2019 and Jan 2020 in two wildlife parks of the Nowshera district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, where the endangered Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) is successfully bred in captivity. We determined diversity of internal and external parasites that take advantage of the situation of congestion, resulting in massive mortalities of wild animals in captivity. Methods: Internal parasites of living urial were determined by direct wet smear and flotation methods, while dead urial was necropsied for any pertaining observation. Results: All examined fecal samples were found infected with gastrointestinal parasites, which had significant difference in the total abundance in winter and summer. S. papillosus and H.contortus, and a single protozoan, Eimeria spp. were the dominant parasites in fecal samples. Ticks collected from urial enclosures and dead animals were of single species H. anatolicum. Theileria spp. was observed in blood, while hydatid cysts were found in lungs and liver of necropsied urial. Conclusion: The study indicates that internal parasites such as Haemonchus contortus and Strongyloides papillosus, while external parasites as Hyalomma anatolicum ticks played major role in the population decline. Strict veterinary control of infectious diseases, provision of hygienic and supplementary diet, and proper maintenance of urial population are necessary measures for the control of mortalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Tobacco smoke and alcohol drinking are the major risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Smoking and drinking cause DNA damage leading to apoptosis, and insufficient apoptotic capacity may favour development of cancer because of the dysfunction of removing damaged cells. In the present study, we investigated the association between camptothecin (CPT)-induced apoptotic capacity and risk of SCCHN in a North American population. Methods In a case–control study of 708 SCCHN patients and 685 matched cancer-free controls, we measured apoptotic capacity in cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes in response to in vitro exposure to CPT by using the flow cytometry–based method. Results We found that the mean level of apoptotic capacity in the cases (45.9 ± 23.3%) was significantly lower than that in the controls (49.0 ± 23.1%) ( P = 0.002). When we used the median level of apoptotic capacity in the controls as the cutoff value for calculating adjusted odds ratios, subjects with a reduced apoptotic capacity had an increased risk (adjusted odds ratio = 1.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.13–1.78, P = 0.002), especially for those who were age ≥57 (1.73, 1.25–2.38, 0.0009), men (1.76, 1.36–2.27, <0.0001) and ever drinkers (1.67, 1.27–2.21, 0.0003), and these variables significantly interacted with apoptotic capacity ( P interaction = 0.015, 0.005 and 0.009, respectively). A further fitted prediction model suggested that the inclusion of apoptotic capacity significantly improved in the prediction of SCCHN risk. Conclusion Individuals with a reduced CPT-induced apoptotic capacity may be at an increased risk of developing SCCHN, and apoptotic capacity may be a biomarker for susceptibility to SCCHN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco smoke and alcohol use play important roles in the etiology of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Smoking causes DNA damage, including double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs), that leads to carcinogenesis. To test the hypothesis that suboptimal DSB repair capacity is associated with risk of SCCHN, we applied a flow cytometry-based method to detect the DSB repair phenotype first in four EBV-immortalized human lymphoblastoid cell lines and then in human peripheral blood T-lymphocytes (PBTLs). With this blood-based laboratory assay, we conducted a pilot case-control study of 100 patients with newly diagnosed, previously untreated SCCHN and 124 cancer-free controls of non-Hispanic whites. We found that the mean DSB repair capacity level was significantly lower in cases (42.1%) than that in controls (54.4%) ( P < 0.001). When we used the median DSB repair capacity level in the controls as the cutoff value for calculating the odds ratios (ORs) with adjustment for age, sex, smoking and drinking status, the cases were more likely than the controls to have a reduced DSB repair capacity (adjusted OR = 1.93; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.04–3.56, P = 0.037), especially for those subjects who were ever drinkers (adjusted OR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.17–6.35, P = 0.020) and had oropharyngeal tumors (adjusted OR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.06–4.45, P = 0.035). In conclusion, these findings suggest that individuals with a reduced DSB repair capacity may be at an increased risk of developing SCCHN. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique synthesis was developedto immobilize Pd nanoparticleson pristine graphene (PG) sheets via a facile supercritical carbondioxide route. Pristine graphene was obtained by sonication-assistedexfoliation of graphite in an organic solvent. Finely dispersed worm-likePd nanoparticles are homogeneously deposited on the hydrophobic graphenesurfaces. The combination of pristine graphene sheets and well-dispersedPd nanoparticles provided large electrochemically active surface areas (ECSA) for bothdirect formic acid fuel cell (DFAFC) and methanol fuel cell (DMFC).The ECSA values are more than twice as large as those of reduced grapheneoxide and carbon nanotube based counterparts or six times those ofconventional XC-72 carbon black. Significant enhancements were alsoobserved in the electrocatalytic activity and stability measurements.The excellent electrochemical property of Pd/PG is attributable tothe well-preserved graphene structure that ensures electrical conductivityand stability of the composite. Its large surface area also allowsfor the deposition of small size and high dispersion of the Pd nanoparticles.This straightforward synthesis offers a new pathway for developinghighly active electrocatalysts based on pristine graphene with fullyoptimized properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight functional SNPs in the NER pathway associated with shorter survival in 496 Japanese gastric cancer patients were replicated in 356 North-American gastric cancer patients.Functional genetic variants of DNA repair genes may alter the host DNA repair capacity, and thus influence efficiency of therapies. We genotyped eight potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes (i.e. ERCC1, XPA, XPC, XPD and XPG) involved in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway in 496 Japanese gastric cancer patients, and assessed overall survival and recurrence-free survival. The combined effects of risk genotypes of these eight SNPs in Japanese patients were further replicated in 356 North-American gastric cancer patients. In Japanese patients, we found that the XPC rs2228000 TT genotype was associated with shorter overall survival [hazards ratio (HR) = 1.75, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.07–2.86] and recurrence-free survival (HR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.19–3.95), compared with CC/CT genotypes, and the XPG rs17655 CC genotype was associated with shorter overall survival (HR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.08–2.36), compared with GG/CG genotypes. The number of observed risk genotypes in the combined analysis was associated with shorter overall survival and recurrence-free survival in a dose–response manner (Ptrend = 0.006 and Ptrend < 0.000) in Japanese patients; specifically, compared with those with ≤1 risk genotypes, those with ≥2 risk genotypes showed markedly shorter overall survival (HR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.18–2.70) and recurrence-free survival (HR = 2.80, 95% CI = 1.66–4.73). The association between ≥2 risk genotypes and shorter overall survival was not significant (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.82–1.94) in North-American patients, but the trends were similar in these two groups of patients. These data show that functional SNPs in NER core genes may impact survival in Japanese gastric cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Direct interactions of prohibitin (PHB) and/or prohibiton (PHB2) with the (TGYCC)15 motif was indicated in this study. [•] PHB and PHB2 associated with the (TGYCC)15 motif in vivo regardless of the p53 status and apoptotic stress. [•] PHB and PHB2 contribute to PIG3-mediated apoptosis by binding to the PIG3 promoter (TGYCC)15 motif. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: ERCC1 and ERCC2 play critical roles in the nucleotide excision repair pathway that effectively repairs DNA damage induced by chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes could have an impact on clinical outcomes in cancer patients who received chemotherapy. However, few studies have simultaneously investigated the roles of ERCC1 and ERCC2 SNPs in clinical outcomes in gastric cancer patients. Experimental Design: We genotyped by the TaqMan assay three common, potentially functional ERCC1 (rs3212986) and ERCC2 SNPs (rs13181 and rs1799793) in 360 gastric cancer patients. We used both Kaplan-Meier tests and Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the effects of ERCC1 and ERCC2 genotypes and haplotypes on clinical outcomes. Results: We found that, compared with ERCC2 rs1799793 GG+AG genotypes, the homozygous variant AA genotype was associated with significantly poorer overall survival (OS) (AA vs. GG+AG, log-rank P = 0.012) and significantly higher risk of death (AA vs. GG+AG, Adjusted hazards ratio [HR] 2.13; 95% CI, 1.28 to 3.56; P = 0.004). In combined analyses, patients with any one of the three unfavorable genotypes (i.e. ERCC1 rs3212986 TT, ERCC2 rs13181 GG and rs1799793 AA) had statistically significant hazards of poor prognosis (Adjusted HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.25; P = 0.025), compared with those without any unfavorable genotypes. Furthermore, the haplotype A-G-G (rs1799793/rs13181/rs3212986) had a significant impact on OS (Adjusted HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.11 to 2.21; P = 0.011), compared with the common haplotype G-T-G. Conclusion: ERCC1 and ERCC2 functional SNPs may jointly affect OS in Caucasian gastric cancer patients. Additional large prospective studies are essential to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a study of Asian badger ( Meles leucurus) habitat use between April and October 2008 in the Xiaoxing'anling Mountains, Heilongjiang Province, China. Compared with habitats available in spring, Asian badgers selected broad-leaved forest dominated by Mongolian oak ( Quercus mongolica) with low tree density and coverage but high shrub density. In summer, badgers selected areas dominated by trees such as Amur linden ( Tilia amurensis), with low tree density and coverage, low herbage coverage and high shrub density. In autumn, badgers selected habitats with relatively low tree coverage, low herbage coverage and high shrub density and plots on the upper slope when compared with available plots. Results from a Kruskal-Wallis H-test showed 15 variables that differed significantly by season. Discriminant analysis showed that, despite obvious overlaps in seasonal habitat use, habitat selection differed significantly by season. Knowledge of Asian badger habitat selection can influence wildlife habitat management and provide basic data to further guide ecological study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polymorphic pentanucleotide microsatellite sequence (TGYCC)n within the p53-inducible gene 3 (PIG3) promoter is correlated with the extent of transcriptional activation by p53 and thought to modulate susceptibility to cancer. Using a PCR–silver staining-based single-strand conformation assay, we visualized variant genotypes of the PIG3 promoter (TGYCC)n motif in a subset of 100 subjects for each of four ethnic groups: non-Hispanic whites, African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Chinese. We found that PIG3 (TGYCC)15 was the most common allele but less frequent in non-Hispanic whites (0.660) than in Chinese (0.785) (P = 0.016). In an additional study of 616 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and 623 cancer-free controls in a non-Hispanic white population, we found that compared with those who were PIG3 (TGYCC)15 homozygotes, subjects without the PIG3 (TGYCC)15 allele had a significantly increased SCCHN risk [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.04–1.73 for heterozygotes and OR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.18–2.44 for variant homozygotes] in an allele-dose response manner (P = 0.002). Consistently, subsequent luciferase reporter assay revealed that the wild-type (TGYCC)15 allele had the highest p53-mediated transcriptional activity, compared with the other (TGYCC)n motifs. Our data suggest that the PIG3 variant polymorphic repeats alleles other than (TGYCC)15 may affect p53 binding and thus may be a marker for susceptibility to SCCHN, but our findings need to be validated in larger studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the role of TNFAIP2 is still unclear, it is an important gene involved in apoptosis, and there are single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at its microRNA (miRNA)-binding sites that could modulate miRNA target gene function. In this study, we evaluated associations of four selected SNPs (rs8126 T > C, rs710100 G > A, rs1052912 G > A and rs1052823 G > T) in the miRNA-binding sites of the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) risk in 1077 patients with SCCHN and 1073 cancer-free controls in a non-Hispanic White population. We found that, compared with the rs8126 TT genotype, the variant C allele were associated with increased SCCHN risk in an allele dose–response manner (adjusted odds ratio = 1.48 and 95% confidence interval = 1.06–2.05 for CC, respectively; Ptrend = 0.009). No significant associations were seen for the other three SNPs (rs710100 G > A, rs1052912 G > A and rs1052823 G > T). Additionally, we identified that the rs8126 T > C SNP is within the miR-184 seed binding region in the 3′ UTR of TNFAIP2. Further functional analyses showed that the rs8126 variant C allele led to significantly lower luciferase activity, compared with the T allele. In the genotype–phenotype correlation analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 64 SCCHN patients, the rs8126 CC genotype was associated with reduced expression of TNFAIP2 messenger RNA. Taken together, these findings indicate that the miR-184 binding site SNP (rs8126 T > C) in the 3′ UTR of TNFAIP2 is functional by modulating TNFAIP2 expression and contributes to SCCHN susceptibility. Larger replication studies are needed to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: DNA-methyltransferase-3B (DNMT3B) may play an oncogenic role during tumorigenesis, and its genetic variants have been reportedly to be associated with risk of several cancers, but few studies have investigated their roles in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck cancer (SCCHN). Here we report a hospital-based case–control study with 832 SCCHN patients and 843 cancer-free controls of non-Hispanic whites that evaluated the association between two DNMT3B single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) DNMT3B −149C>T (rs2424913) and DNMT3B −579G>T (rs2424909) in the promoter region and risk of SCCHN. We found that compared with C-allele carriers, the DNMT3B −149 TT genotype was statistically significantly associated with increased risk of SCCHN (adjusted OR, 1.35, 95% CI, 1.01–1.80, P =0.043), whereas the DNMT3B −579 TT genotype showed only a non-statistically significant risk compared with G-allele carriers. Further analysis of the effects of combined genotypes suggested that subjects with either DNMT3B −149 TT or DNMT3B −579 TT homozygous genotypes had statistically significantly increased risk of SCCHN (adjusted OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.07–1.73, P =0.013). Stratification analysis showed a more profound risk in the subgroups of the young (⩽57 years, the median age of the controls), males, current smokers, current drinkers, and patients with primary tumor sites of pharynx and larynx. This large study provides reliable risk estimates for associations between DNMT3B variants and SCCHN risk in non-Hispanic whites, and our findings are consistent with that of previously reported cancer case–control studies of other cancers. Further mechanistic studies are needed to unravel the underlying molecular mechanisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The monitoring of animal populations is necessary to conserve and manage the rare or harvest species and to understand the population change over several years. We used distance sampling methods to estimate seasonal density of blue sheep in a 2,740 km2 area of Helan Mountain region by walking along 32 transect lines from winter 2003 to autumn 2005. In all, 367–780 blue sheep were observed in 91–143 groups in the surveys during the seasons. Observed mean group size ranged from 3.42 to 8.35 individuals; encounter rate, the number of groups detected per kilometre, varied from 0.19 to 0.30 during the seasons. A hazard rate key function with cosine series expansion and a half-normal key function with either cosine or simple polynomial series expansion were the best fitting models based on the lowest value of Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). Density estimates varied between 3.627 sheep per square kilometre in spring 2004 and 4.635 per square kilometre in summer 2005. There were no detectable differences in estimated density among seasons ( P = 0.887). The estimated density of blue sheep was negatively correlated with the total number of deaths ( P < 0.05), number of sub-adult males’ deaths ( P < 0.05), number of sub-adult females’ deaths ( P < 0.05), and number of male lambs’ deaths ( P < 0.05). We concluded that distance sampling surveys should be used to monitor long-term population trends to provide the best quantitative estimates of blue sheep populations in the Helan Mountains region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunlight causes DNA damage but also induces production of vitamin D whose metabolite 1,25-(OH)2D3 has antiproliferative and pro-differentiative effects in both melanocytes and cutaneous melanoma (CM) cells mediated through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). We hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms of VDR are associated with risk of CM. In a hospital-based case–control study of 602 non-Hispanic white CM patients and 603 cancer-free control subjects frequency matched by age and sex, we genotyped two VDR polymorphisms (TaqI and FokI) and assessed their association with CM risk. We found that a significantly decreased risk was associated with VDR-TaqI Tt (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54–0.90) and Tt+tt (OR=0.70; 95% CI, 0.55–0.89) genotypes, compared with the VDR-TaqI TT genotype, whereas an increased risk was associated with VDR-FokI Ff genotype (OR=1.32; 95% CI, 1.03–1.68), and a borderline significantly increased risk was associated with Ff+ff (OR=1.26; 95% CI, 1.00–1.59) genotypes, compared with the VDR-FokI FF genotype. In conclusion, genetic variants (i.e., TaqI t protective allele and FokI f risk allele) in VDR may alter risk of CM.Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2007) 127, 276–280. doi:10.1038/sj.jid.5700544; published online 21 September 2006 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D has potent anti-tumour properties. Calcitriol [1,25(OH)2D3], the hormonal derivative of vitamin D3, is an antiproliferative and prodifferentiation factor for several cell types, including human squamous cells of the head and neck. Several polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene have been described, including a FokI restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) in exon 2 and an adjacent TaqI RFLP in exon 9. We hypothesized that the VDR FokI and TaqI polymorphisms are associated with the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We conducted a hospital-based, case-control study of 719 SCCHN cases and 821 cancer-free controls (all non-Hispanic Whites) to assess the association between VDR polymorphisms and SCCHN risk. The cases and controls were frequency-matched on age, sex and ethnicity. Polymorphisms at the TaqI and FokI restriction sites were determined from genomic DNA by polymerase chain reaction-RFLP methods. Both homozygous variant genotypes (ff and tt) were associated with a decreased risk of SCCHN [odds ratio (OR)=0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.53-0.98 and OR=0.64, 95% CI=0.47-0.87, respectively] compared to the common FF and TT genotypes. The VDR variant genotypes were associated with a decreasing risk of SCCHN in a variant allele dose-dependent manner, and the decreasing trend in OR was statistically significant, particularly for the combined genotypes (Ptrend<0.001). These data suggest that the VDR f and t alleles and their genotypes may protect against SCCHN. However, further studies are warranted to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate warming poses a significant threat to species worldwide, particularly those inhabiting arid and semi‐arid regions where extreme temperatures are increasingly prevalent. However, empirical studies investigating how moderate heat events affect the physiological processes of arid and semi‐arid animals are largely scarce. To address this knowledge gap, we used an arid and semi‐arid lizard species (Phrynocephalus przewalskii) as a study system. We manipulated thermal environments to simulate moderate heat events (43.5 ± 0.3°C during the heating period) for lizards and examined physiological and biochemical traits related to survival, metabolism, locomotion, oxidative stress, and telomere length. We found that the body condition and survival of the lizards were not significantly affected by moderate heat events, despite an increase in body temperature and a decrease in locomotion at high test temperatures were detected. Mechanistically, we found that the lizards exhibited down‐regulated metabolic rates and enhanced activities of antioxidative enzymes, resulting in reduced oxidative damage and stable telomere length under moderate heat events. Based on these findings, which indicated a beneficial regulation of fitness by physiological and biochemical processes, we inferred that moderate heat events did not have a detrimental effect on the toad‐headed agama, P. przewalskii. Overall, our research contributes to understanding the impacts of moderate heat events on arid and semi‐arid species and highlights the adaptive responses and resilience exhibited by the toad‐headed agama in the face of climate warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need to reduce human–wildlife conflicts in the area around Liupanshan Nature Reserve in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. This study investigated the financial losses caused by wild boar and their causes. A questionnaire investigation (n = 135) and a field test were conducted, which included 108 sample lines and 97 infrared cameras. A principal component analysis and generalised linear model was used to analyse the importance of the effect of the factors on wild boar damage. Based on an estimate of 17,049 wild boars in the study area, we found that in the agricultural land owned by the residents, the boar density of each county and distance from the village to the nature reserve were the most significant factors that affected crop damage. Then, financial losses in spring, summer, and autumn had a moderate effect on financial loss, and the crop type had the lowest effect. We recommend reducing the wild boar population by increasing leisure hunting and the number of leopards. Additionally, a focus on farmland protection is a practical way to prevent wild boar invasions. Meanwhile, it is also necessary to conduct long-term monitoring of wild boar population status and manage the relationship between the government, research teams, and local people to more efficiently and comprehensively reduce conflicts between humans and wild boars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Helan Mountains, located at the interface between China's arid and semi-arid zones, form a natural dividing line in the heart of the desert. Often described as a "desert oasis", this region functions as an ecological island with a uniquely distinctive geographical setting, making it a focal point for contemporary ecological research. The Alashan wapiti (Cervus canadensis alashanicus), an isolated population in this area, has become a key conservation concern for the Chinese government. Our multi-scale habitat assessments identified bare land as the principal limiting factor for the availability of suitable habitats for the species. Consequently, the protection and restoration of Alashan wapiti habitats are of critical importance, particularly in enhancing the quality of existing habitats. Our findings provide valuable scientific insights to support future conservation and management efforts in the Helan Mountains. The Helan Mountains, situated in the heart of the desert, act as a dividing line between China's arid and semi-arid zones. Often referred to as a "desert oasis", they create an ecological island with a uniquely distinctive geographical location, making this area a focal point of contemporary research. Ungulates play a critical role in this ecosystem. The Alashan wapiti (Cervus canadensis alashanicus), an isolated population of China's smallest wapiti (Cervus canadensis) subspecies, is found exclusively within the Helan Mountains Nature Reserve. The conservation of this isolated population is fraught with challenges, particularly during winter, the harshest season for northern ungulates. Winter habitats are crucial for ensuring population stability. Therefore, we used certain methods, such as factor screening and model parameter optimization to assess habitat suitability using multi-scale species distribution models. The optimized results show that suitable habitats overlap with areas of high vegetation coverage in the Helan Mountains, covering just 588.32 km2, which is less than a quarter of the reserve's total area. The bare land area and winter NDVI are the two primary factors influencing habitat suitability, with other factors having minimal impact, underscoring the critical importance of food resources for the Alashan wapiti. The limited availability of these resources poses significant conservation challenges. Our findings provide a more precise foundation for targeted habitat protection and restoration efforts. We recommend enhancing the protection and restoration of food resources, effectively conserving vegetated areas, and preventing desertification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Current issues concerning animal welfare are receiving remarkable consideration among scientific communities and wildlife conservation organizations. In addition to the ethical and legal grounds of animal welfare, it is important to produce healthy and viable populations in captivity by ensuring optimum welfare. Wild species are reared in captivity but, unlike domestic animals, there is a lack of welfare assessment protocols for these wild species. In the current study, we developed and applied the first baseline welfare assessment protocol for Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis). While developing this protocol, we gathered all possible and existing information about the biology and ecology of this species in its natural habitat. Since no welfare assessment protocol and husbandry guidelines exist for this species, we used a welfare assessment protocol for domestic sheep as the base and reference in developing the current protocol for captive Punjab urial. Later, we applied this protocol to three different herds of Punjab urial at two different facilities. Based on the initial results obtained, some areas were found to have shortcomings and recommended for quick corrective measures and improvements. To ensure that captive breeding and other associated programs are more robust and sustainable, it is of utmost importance to ensure optimum welfare. Although it is well known that standard welfare is crucial for successful captive breeding, there is still a lack of welfare assessment protocols for wild species. The current study aimed to develop a leading baseline welfare assessment protocol for assessing welfare in captive Punjab urial. This protocol is based on the welfare protocol for domestic sheep from the Welfare Quality® project, coupled with all the information obtained from the published literature on the species' biology and ecology. This protocol consists of 4 principles, 12 criteria, and 31 animal- and resource-based indicators. The protocol was tested and applied to three different herds of Punjab urial at two different facilities. Initial results showed that some areas need to be improved for better captive breeding and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The daily activity rhythms of herbivores have significant ecological and conservation implications. Most studies have focused on predators and their prey, as well as sympatric carnivores or herbivores, with little attention given to ungulates in predator-free ecosystems. Using camera traps, we systematically studied the activity patterns and grouping characteristics of goitered gazelles in the Helan Mountains. Our findings reveal that goitered gazelles are crepuscular-like, with activity peaks occurring after dawn and before dusk. Their daily activity patterns and grouping characteristics vary across seasons, likely influenced by climatic conditions and resource availability. This research provides essential ecological insights for the restoration and conservation of goitered gazelle populations and underscores the importance of further behavioral studies on ecologically significant rare species in isolated habitats. Wildlife activity patterns, which reveal the daily allocation of time and energy, are crucial for understanding survival pressures, adaptive strategies, and behavioral characteristics in different environments. Among ungulates, grouping behavior is a prevalent adaptive trait that reflects the population structure, mating systems, and life history strategies formed over long-term evolutionary processes. This study aimed to elucidate the daily activity patterns and grouping characteristics of the rare goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) in the Helan Mountains of western China from 2022 to 2023 using camera trap monitoring. With a total of 3869 camera days of effective trapping, we recorded 442 independent detections of goitered gazelles. The results revealed the following: (1) Goitered gazelle is primarily active during the day, showing an activity pattern similar to crepuscular animals, with two activity peaks occurring after dawn and before dusk. (2) Daily activity patterns showed both seasonal and sex differences. In the warm season, morning activity peaks occurred earlier, and afternoon peaks occurred later compared to the cold season. The overlap in daily activity patterns between females and males in the warm season was lower than that in the cold season, and this trend persisted throughout the year. (3) The number of times different types of groups were observed varied significantly, with single males and single females accounting for a larger proportion of all observed groups. There was no significant difference in group size across seasons, with groups typically consisting of 1–2 individuals. Our study provides detailed insights into the temporal ecology and population structure of goitered gazelles in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. This information will guide the identification of future conservation priorities and the development of management plans for the reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Understanding the resource requirements, including the dietary needs, of threatened species is crucial for formulating effective conservation strategies, especially in ecologically sensitive arid and semi-arid regions. In recent years, there has been a significant decline in the population of goitered gazelles, a representative species in arid and semi-arid regions. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the components and seasonal variation in diet of the goitered gazelle. The primary foods of the goitered gazelles included Chenopodiaceae, Rosaceae, Gramineae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae. Furthermore, there was seasonal variation in the food composition and dietary preferences of the species. Based on these findings, we propose conservation recommendations for goitered gazelles and other herbivores living in arid and semi-arid regions. Global climate change, habitat fragmentation, and human interference have resulted in a significant, ongoing decline in the population of goitered gazelles. Effective conservation strategies require an understanding of resource requirements of threatened species, such as dietary needs. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the food composition and seasonal dietary changes of goitered gazelles through microhistological analyses of fresh feces. Fabaceae (11.5%), Gramineae (9.4%), Chenopodiaceae (20.2%), Asteraceae (10.1%), and Rosaceae (19.5%) formed the primary dietary components of goitered gazelle. Additionally, Krascheninnikovia arborescens (13.4%) and Prunus sibirica (16.3%) were identified as the key forage plants. Forbs (50.4%) were the predominant plants for grazing throughout the year, particularly in the spring (72.9%). The proportion of trees in the diet was highest in the autumn (36.7%) and comparatively lower in other seasons. Furthermore, the proportions of shrubs (22.0%) and graminoids (14.8%) both reached their peaks in the winter. Our findings indicate that goitered gazelles strategically forage seasonally to cope with resource bottlenecks, enhancing their adaptability to arid and semi-arid habitats. Our study provides essential ecological information for the conservation of goitered gazelles and emphasizes the importance of dietary studies of species of ecological significance in environmentally sensitive areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of a wild red deer from Helan Mountain, China was sequenced and annotated newly. The total length of the mitochondrial genome is 16,428 bp, with a base composition of 33.3% A, 28.8% T, 24.4% C and 13.5% G, and it contains 12S rRNA gene, 16S rRNA gene, 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes and 1 control region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental changes along an altitudinal gradient can facilitate the differentiation of life-history features in ectothermic species, but little attention has been devoted to the reciprocal influence of altitude and alpine slope directionality on life-history variation. According to life-history theory, increased environmental stress causes a change in reproductive allocation from number to quality of offspring, as well as a stronger trade-off between size and number of offspring. To clarify the influence of environmental pressures on the life-history features of the Qinghai toad-headed lizard Phrynocephalus vlangalii along an altitudinal cline, we surveyed late pregnant females from 3 populations of low (2,600 m), middle (3,400 m), and high (3,600 m) elevations in the Dangjin Mountain of Gansu, China from July to October 2019, and compared their inter-population differences in maternal body size, reproductive characteristics, offspring growth, and locomotor performance. Because of lower temperatures, higher humidity, and lower light intensity caused by slope aspect and altitude, the middle-altitude region experienced stronger environmental stress than the high- and low-altitude regions. Our results showed that females were larger at middle- and high-altitude sites and smaller at the low-altitude site, following Bergmann's rule. We also found that females from low-altitude population gave birth earlier than those from the middle and high altitudes. Our results showed a shift in the offspring size-number trade-off of P. vlangalii in response to colder and harsher environments, with lizards from the alpine steppe (i.e. the middle- and high-altitude habitats) producing fewer but larger offspring than those from the warm steppe (i.e. the low-altitude habitat). Low-altitude juveniles grew faster than high-altitude ones, but at the same rates as middle-altitude juveniles. This result demonstrates that the growth of P. vlangalii was associated with temperature and light intensity. Our findings contribute to enhancing our understanding of the altitudinal variation in life-history features of plateau ectotherms and their phenotypic plasticity or local adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human interventions have a great potential of spatially cornering and limiting species, therefore investigating the species distribution is one of the most crucial issues for managing wildlife populations and suggesting robust conservation strategies. Water deer (Hydropotes inermis) are widespread in China throughout history and are endemic to East Asia. However, they disappeared from Northeast China for years. We rediscovered the water deer in a previous study in Jilin Province, China. Then, we conducted further research in Northeast China to determine their distribution status, supplying fundamental data for the recovery and expansion of their population. An interview survey, line transect survey and infrared camera monitoring were carried out in some counties/cities in Northeast China from June to December 2021. The results showed that the water deer were distributed in Wuchang city of Heilongjiang Province, Changbai Korean Autonomous County, Baishan Municipal District, Ji'an city, Hunchun city, Huadian city, Antu County and Helong County of Jilin Province, Benxi Manchu Autonomous County, Huanren Manchu Autonomous County, Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County, Fengcheng city and Donggang city of Liaoning Province. The ensemble species distribution model constructed by sdm within the TSS of various models that were set as weight revealed that the potential distribution area of the water deer in the study area was 8764.66 km2 (28.77% of the study area). Combining recent studies concerning the distribution of water deer and the current study, we updated the distribution of wild water deer in Northeast China, which is vital for their conservation worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ruminants, as widely distributed herbivorous animals, have developed various adaptive nutrition strategies in response to environmental changes. As a typical mountain ruminant, blue sheep have a strong adaptability to the environment. In order to understand the changing patterns in the digestive tracts of blue sheep, the morphological characteristics and physiological indexes of the digestive tract structure were determined. Our conclusion is that blue sheep have adopted the nutritional strategy of roughage feeders. In order to adapt to environmental changes, blue sheep adopt fast feeding and fast excretion modes to allow feeding on large amounts of plants, mainly those with high cellulose content, low nutrient quality, and those that are easy to access. Our results can serve as a basis for studying the digestive system adaptation of other ruminants. Constant adaptation to environmental changes is required by ruminants to allow them to adapt to different ecological niches and feeding habits. In addition, the morphology and function of ruminant digestive systems reveal some adaptive evolutionary characteristics. Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) display a variety of morpho-physiological adaptations that are typical of grazers. In this study, we collected 64 adult blue sheep samples (whole animal carcasses) from the Helan Mountains, China, during different seasons. The external morphological parameters, digestive system morphological indexes, and rumen surface enlargement factors were determined. Our results reveal that the rumen and reticulum weights were positively correlated with the body weight (p = 0.004), while the food channel aperture, intestinal length, and weight of the blue sheep digestive tract presented no significant differences between different seasons (p > 0.05) and sexes (p > 0.05). There were significant differences (p < 0.001) in the density, length, and width of mastoids, and the rumen surface enlargement factor was 2.85 ± 1.37, which is typical of roughage feeders. The nutritional and ecological characteristics of blue sheep represent obvious morphological and physiological adaptations to an herbivorous diet. Adopting a quick foraging strategy allows blue sheep to rapidly consume and excrete large amounts of feed, thus obtaining the required energy for their activities and facilitating better adaption to environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gut microbiota play a significant role in the diet digestion and health of the host. Many zoos provide research sites for biological scientists to reintroduce animals, especially those facing extinction. Therefore, to prevent the extinction of wild animals, captive wild animals have become one of the ways to protect threatened taxa. Monitoring the structure and function of the gut microbiota of captive animals can help elucidate whether animals have adapted to their artificial environment, which is one of the key issues in wildlife conservation. This study investigated the gut microbiota of blue sheep and red deer at different growth stages and inter-species. The result shows gut microbiota of blue sheep and red deer will change to some extent in different growth stages, but the dominant flora remains stable. In blue sheep and red deer, the gut microbiota differ significantly between species. In addition, several potentially pathogenic microbial communities were identified based on the current findings. The study highlights key gut microbiota across species and ages. Blue sheep and red deer, second-class key protected animals in China, are sympatric species with a high degree of overlap of food resources in the Helan Mountains, China. Previous studies with blue sheep and red deer in nature have shown that their physiology is closely related to their gut microbiota. However, growth stages and changes occurring in these species in captivity are still unknown. Thus, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to explore diversity, composition and function of the gut microbiota in these two animal species. The diversity and structure of the gut microbiota in captive blue sheep and red deer changed at different growth stages, but the dominant microbiota phyla in the gut microbiota remained stable, which was composed of the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia. Moreover, gut microbiota diversity in juvenile blue sheep and red deer was low, with the potential for further colonization. Functional predictions showed differences such as red deer transcription being enriched in adults, and blue sheep adults having a higher cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis than juveniles. Microbial changes between blue sheep and red deer at different growth stages and between species mainly depend on the abundance of the microbiota, rather than the increase and absence of the bacterial taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: For minimizing "Human Wildlife Conflicts" (HWCs), it is important to understand the interactions of wildlife with human activities—especially in non-protected areas. The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is one of the most widely spread and highly adaptable ungulate species–referred to as a pest species. The increase in wild boar numbers and ranges is linked to the increasing economic and ecological impacts. In Pakistan, wild boar numbers are rapidly multiplying because, generally, it is hunted neither for meat nor for trophies by locals because of strict religious prohibitions. However, in some rural areas, wild boars are killed by the farmers—mostly using firearms—yet, the rate of these kills does not match this animal's overall reproductive rate. Moreover, a decline in the numbers of apex predators is also adding to the ever-increasing wild boar population. Being a pest species with huge numbers, the wild boar is one of the chief reasons for HWCs in Pakistan. In addition to the economic losses (crop damage and orchard damage) caused by wild boars, a hostile attitude in local communities has developed towards wildlife, in general. In the current study, we investigated the economic effects of the wild boar on pastoral communities' livelihoods and on locals' attitudes towards wild boars in northwestern Pakistan. The results revealed that the major crops raided by wild boars were maize, wheat, and vegetables. Most respondents considered the wild boar to be a very common species and wished for its complete elimination from the area. We believe that properly monitoring and controlling the wild boar population, coupled with compensation schemes, can be very promising for minimizing this kind of HWCs. Conservation goals can only be best achieved when there is firm support and cooperation from locals, especially in emerging economies where poor communities often bear most of the cost of human–wildlife conflicts (HWCs). In this study, we explored the economic losses caused by wild boars in two districts, i.e., the Peshawar district and the Nowshera district, in north-western Pakistan. Between May and June 2022, 589 respondents from 53 villages were interviewed. The results revealed that the wild boar was chiefly involved in crop raiding, causing an annual economic loss of USD 12,030 (USD 20.42/household). The highly raided crops included maize (40.24%), followed by wheat (24.95%), vegetables (22.65%), and sugarcane (6.29%). Wild boars were also held accountable for orchard damages. Most people consider the wild boar a common species in the area and want it completely eliminated. We believe that the increasing wild boar population is alarming and should be noticed. The government should collaborate with the local communities to use innovative methods to deter wild boars. Compensation schemes for crop damages should be launched. Moreover, the regular investigation of the wild boar population size and their carrying capacities should be enlisted as integral parts of wildlife management in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The pattern of biodiversity and biogeography is crucial to informing management and conservation strategy. But a lack of study across multiple ridge systems, especially for the Carlsberg Ridge, has hampered the conception of the overall picture for the Indian Ocean vents, a top target for deep‐sea exploration of massive sulphides. Here, we aim to characterize fauna from three new vent fields on the Carlsberg Ridge for the first time, and answer 1) what is the biogeographic pattern for vent fauna within the Indian Ocean and 2) how does this pattern guide the future environmental management on the Indian Ocean ridges. Location: Vents on the Carlsberg Ridge (CR), Central Indian Ridge (CIR), and Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR). Taxon: Macrofauna. Methods: Samples, still images and videos were collected from vent fields by either submersible or TV‐guided grab. A comprehensive dataset of 11 fields on Indian Ocean ridges were obtained based on taxa identification and compilation. Genetic connectivity was analysed for six species using COI sequences. A framework for identifying biogeographic regions based on beta diversity measurement βsim was employed to reveal species turnover along the Indian Ocean ridges. Results: Faunal assemblages at three new vents on the CR hosted a total of 34 species. Significant genetic differentiation was detected between southern SWIR and CIR (plus Tiancheng) for three species, and between CIR (plus Tiancheng) and CR for four species. Hierarchical clustering of βsim support division of the Indian Ocean vents into three clades. Main conclusions: Species turnover along the ridges supported the separation of Indian Ocean vents into three discrete biogeographic units, boundaries between which largely corresponded to genetic breaks for shared species with lower dispersal capabilities. The results clearly show that the conservation of Indian Ocean vents must target three provinces, simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) is an endangered migratory raptor species that migrates in winter to Pakistan and neighbouring countries. In Pakistan, the species migrate at the end of autumn and utilise different habitats across the country. Very little information is available about the species' population status, distribution, and factors affecting its distribution in Pakistan. In the present study, we predicted the distribution of steppe eagles in Pakistan associated with different environmental variables. We used 149 presence points of the species from an online source (GBIF), published literature, and wildlife photographers. The MaxEnt analysis showed that highly suitable habitats were mostly present in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), federally administered areas and surrounding areas, southern areas of Sindh Province, and some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province. In addition, some patches were also predicted by MaxEnt in Balochistan Province. Human population density (27.0%), chicken density (16.6%), temperature seasonality (11.1%), and rivers (10.3%) were identified as the main environmental factors that affect the habitat distribution of steppe eagle in Pakistan. Only a small percentage (2.62%) of the total Pakistan area was estimated to be a highly suitable area for steppe eagles, while 20.58% and 7.46% were identified as the least and moderately suitable areas, respectively. Conservation of identified habitats and mitigation of anthropogenic impacts to conserve this endangered eagle species are recommended for immediate and long-term conservation across Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs) are important pollutants in terrestrial ecosystems. In particular, the "island" landscape's weak resistance makes it vulnerable to pollution. However, there is a lack of research on MPs and HMs in island landscapes. Therefore, we used Helan Mountain as the research area. Assess the concentrations, spatial distribution, ecological risks, sources, and transport of MPs and HMs in the soil and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) feces. Variations in geographical distribution showed a connection between human activity and pollutants. Risk assessment indicated soil and wildlife were influenced by long-term pollutant polarization and multi-element inclusion (I geo , Class I; PHI, Class V; RI (MPs), 33 % Class II, and 17 % Class IV; HI = 452.08). Source apportionment showed that tourism and coal combustion were the primary sources of pollutants. Meanwhile, a new coupling model of PMF/Risk was applied to quantify the source contribution of various risk types indicated transportation roads and tourism sources were the main sources of ecological and health risks, respectively. Improve the traceability of pollution source risks. Furthermore, also developed a novel tracing model for pollutant transportation, revealing a unique "source-sink-source" cycle in pollutant transportation, which provides a new methodological framework for the division of pollution risk areas in nature reserves and the evaluation of spatial transport between sources and sinks. Overall, this study establishes a foundational framework for conducting comprehensive risk assessments and formulating strategies for pollution control and management. [Display omitted] • Soil was seriously polluted by MPs, wildlife had serious chronic exposure risk. • Intensive tourism and coal combustion were the main sources of pollution. • The traceability of risks was increased by PMF/RI and PMF/HI coupling models. • Observed a unique "source-sink-source" pollution transport cycle model. • Policy-making process of reducing risks and regional differences was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In developing countries, long-term conservation goals are hindered by the high economic costs of human–wildlife conflicts. The grey wolf is one of the prominent species indulged in these incidents. We investigated human–wolf conflicts (HWCs) by interviewing 104 respondents from five villages in Kumrat Valley, northern Pakistan. The respondents declared the grey wolf a common and highly dangerous carnivore. The grey wolf was found implicated in livestock predation, inflicting a yearly economic loss of USD 9225 (USD 88.70 per household (with monthly average income of 119 USD)). Our results confirmed that livestock predation was the main reason for the community's hostile attitude (65.38%) and perception of the grey wolf. Concerning occupation, farmers have the most significant negative attitude (p = 0.040) towards the grey wolf, yet employees (p = 0.025) and students (p = 0.030) showed a positive attitude. In addition, the other factors contributing to the negative attitude towards the grey wolf were the grey wolf sightings and livestock predation (p = 0.016 and p = 0.006), respectively. Based on the findings, we believe that predation compensation and livestock vaccination programs (as done in Gilgit-Baltistan Province of northern Pakistan as a measure of snow leopard conservation, to prevent mass mortalities of livestock due to diseases and in turn safeguarding the predator from retaliatory killing by locals in case of livestock predation) educating the populous can be very promising in minimizing the HWCs in the study area. We also recommend robust and continuous coordination between the local communities and the concerned departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been a great challenge to directly deposit uniform metal particles onto pristine graphene due to its low surface energy and chemical inertness. Without any surfactant or functionalization, we have developed a unique synthesis of high-quality PtRuNi trimetallic nanoparticles supported on pristine graphene via a simple but effective supercritical route. Due to excellent wettability between supercritical carbon dioxide and the carbon surface, ultrafine metal particles are uniformly and firmly anchored on the graphene sheets. While well retaining its intrinsic structure and outstanding electronic conductivity, the pristine graphene with well-dispersed PtRuNi trimetallic nanoparticles shows significantly improved catalytic activity towards methanol oxidation, which is at least ten times higher than those of the commercial Pt/C and homemade Pt/XC-72 catalysts. The resulting trimetallic hybrid also exhibits high stability as compared to Pt and PtRu/pristine graphene composites and the reduced graphene oxide counterparts. In principle, the supercritical method can be applied to other metal nanoparticles in fabrication of high-performance graphene-based nano-catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most lethal skin cancer. The Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway involved in DNA crosslink repair may affect CM susceptibility and prognosis. Using data derived from published genome-wide association study, we comprehensively analyzed the associations of 2,339 common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 14 autosomal FA genes with overall survival (OS) in 858 CM patients. By performing false-positive report probability corrections and stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression analyses, we identified significant associations between CM OS and four putatively functional SNPs: BRCA2 rs10492396 (AG vs. GG: adjusted hazard ratio (adjHR)=1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.16-2.95, P=0.010), rs206118 (CC vs. TT+TC: adjHR=2.44, 95% CI=1.27-4.67, P=0.007), rs3752447 (CC vs. TT+TC: adjHR=2.10, 95% CI=1.38-3.18, P=0.0005), and FANCA rs62068372 (TT vs. CC+CT: adjHR=1.85, 95% CI=1.27-2.69, P=0.001). Moreover, patients with an increasing number of unfavorable genotypes (NUG) of these loci had markedly reduced OS and melanoma-specific survival (MSS). The final model incorporating with NUG, tumor stage, and Breslow thickness showed an improved discriminatory ability to classify both 5-year OS and 5-year MSS. Additional investigations, preferably prospective studies, are needed to validate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Genome-wide association study identifies three loci associated with melanoma risk" by D.T. Bishop and colleagues in the 2009 issue.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have mainly focused on top significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), most of which did not have clear biological functions but were just surrogates for unknown causal variants. Studying SNPs with modest association and putative functions in biologically plausible pathways has become one complementary approach to GWASs. To unravel the key roles of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in cutaneous melanoma (CM) risk, we re-evaluated the associations between 47 818 SNPs in 280 MAPK genes and CM risk using our published GWAS dataset with 1804 CM cases and 1026 controls. We initially found 105 SNPs with P ≤ 0.001, more than expected by chance, 26 of which were predicted to be putatively functional SNPs. The risk associations with 16 SNPs around DUSP14 (rs1051849) and a previous reported melanoma locus MAFF/PLA2G6 (proxy SNP rs4608623) were replicated in the GenoMEL dataset (P < 0.01) but failed in the Australian dataset. Meta-analysis showed that rs1051849 in the 3ʹ untranslated regions of DUSP14 was associated with a reduced risk of melanoma (odds ratio = 0.89, 95% confidence interval: 0.82–0.96, P = 0.003, false discovery rate = 0.056). Further genotype–phenotype correlation analysis using the 90 HapMap lymphoblastoid cell lines from Caucasians showed significant correlations between two SNPs (rs1051849 and rs4608623) and messenger RNA expression levels of DUSP14 and MAFF (P = 0.025 and P = 0.010, respectively). Gene-based tests also revealed significant SNPs were over-represented in MAFF, PLA2G6, DUSP14 and other 16 genes. Our results suggest that functional SNPs in MAPK pathways may contribute to CM risk. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene mediates detection and repair of DNA damage. We investigated associations between ATM polymorphisms and severe radiation-induced pneumonitis (RP). Methods and Materials: We genotyped 3 potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ATM (rs1801516 [D1853N/5557G>A], rs189037 [-111G>A] and rs228590) in 362 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), who received definitive (chemo)radiation therapy. The cumulative severe RP probabilities by genotypes were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis. The associations between severe RP risk and genotypes were assessed by both logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazard model with time to event considered. Results: Of 362 patients (72.4% of non-Hispanic whites), 56 (15.5%) experienced grade ≥3 RP. Patients carrying ATM rs189037 AG/GG or rs228590 TT/CT genotypes or rs189037G/rs228590T/rs1801516G (G-T-G) haplotype had a lower risk of severe RP (rs189037: GG/AG vs AA, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-0.83, P=.009; rs228590: TT/CT vs CC, HR=0.57, 95% CI, 0.33-0.97, P=.036; haplotype: G-T-G vs A-C-G, HR=0.52, 95% CI, 0.35-0.79, P=.002). Such positive findings remained in non-Hispanic whites. Conclusions: ATM polymorphisms may serve as biomarkers for susceptibility to severe RP in non-Hispanic whites. Large prospective studies are required to confirm our findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: The p53 pathway plays a critical role in maintaining genomic stability and preventing tumor formation. Given the roles of both MDM4 and HPV16 E6 oncoproteins in inhibition of p53 activity, we tested the hypothesis that MDM4 polymorphisms are associated with the risk of HPV16-associated squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN). METHODS: Genotyping was conducted on 3 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs11801299 G>A, rs10900598 G>T, and rs1380576 C>G) in MDM4, and serology was used to determine HPV 16 exposure in 380 cases and 335 cancer-free controls that were frequency-matched by age, sex, smoking, and drinking status. RESULTS: None of 3 MDM4 polymorphisms alone was significantly associated with risk of overall SCCHN. With further analysis stratified by HPV16 serology and tumor site, we found that each polymorphism individually modified the risk of HPV16-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCOP), and such effect modification was particularly pronounced in never smokers and never drinkers. CONCLUSION: The risk of HPV16-associated SCCOP could be modified by MDM4 polymorphisms. Large and prospective studies are needed to validate our findings. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) is a pathway that repairs DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to maintain genomic stability in response to irradiation. The authors hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NHEJ repair genes may affect clinical outcomes in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who receive definitive radio(chemo)therapy. METHODS: The authors genotyped 5 potentially functional SNPs-x-ray repair complementing defective repair in Chinese hamster cells 4 ( XRCC4) reference SNP (rs) number rs6869366 (−1394 guanine to thymine [−1394G→T] change) and rs28360071 (intron 3, deletion/insertion), XRCC5 rs3835 (guanine to adenine [G→A] change at nucleotide 2408), XRCC6 rs2267437 (−1310 cytosine to guanine [C→G) change], and DNA ligase IV ( LIG4) rs1805388 (threonine-to-isoleucine change at codon 9 [T9I])-and estimated their associations with severe radiation pneumonitis (RP) (grade ≥3) in 195 patients with NSCLC. RESULTS: A predictive role in radiation pneumonitis (RP) development was observed for the LIG4 SNP rs1805388 (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.08; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-4.12; P = .037 for the CT/TT genotype vs the CC genotype). In addition, men with the TT genotype of the XRCC4 rs6869366 SNP and women with AG + AA genotypes of the XRCC5 rs3835 SNP also were at increased risk of developing severe RP. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that NHEJ genetic polymorphisms, particularly LIG4 rs1805388, may modulate the risk of RP in patients with NSCLC who receive definitive radio(chemo)therapy. Large studies will be needed to confirm these findings. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) protein is essential for the nucleotide excision repair system, and genetic variations in XPG/ERCC5 that affect DNA repair capacity may contribute to the risk of tobacco-induced cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We investigated the association between XPG/ERCC5 polymorphisms and risk of SCCHN.We genotyped 12 tagging and potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of XPG/ERCC5 in a case-control study of 1059 non-Hispanic white patients with SCCHN and 1066 cancer-free age- and sex-matched controls, and evaluated their associations with the risk of SCCHN.Multivariate logistic regression showed that only an intronic tagging SNP (rs4150351A/C) of XPG/ERCC5 was associated with a decreased risk of SCCHN (adjusted odds ratio=0.76, 95% confidence interval=0.62-0.92 for AC vs. AA; adjusted odds ratio=0.81, 95% confidence interval=0.67-0.98 for AC/CC vs. AA), but this association was nonsignificant after corrections by the permutation test (empirical P=0.105). In the genotype-phenotype correlation analysis using peripheral lymphocytes from 44 patients with SCCHN, we found that rs4150351 AC/CC was associated with a statistically significant increase in the XPG/ERCC5 mRNA expression.These findings suggest that genetic variation in XPG/ERCC5 may not affect the risk of SCCHN, although rs4150351 C variant genotypes were associated with an increased expression of XPG/ERCC5 mRNA and nonsignificantly decreased risk of SCCHN. Larger population-based and additional functional studies are warranted to validate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mouse double minute 4 (MDM4), a homolog of MDM2, is one of the key negative regulators of p53, and its amplification or overexpression contributes to carcinogenesis by inhibiting the p53 tumor suppressor activity. We investigated the association between MDM4 polymorphisms and the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).We genotyped three MDM4 tagging polymorphisms, two in the 3′ untranslated region (rs11801299G>A and rs10900598G>T) and one in intron 1 (rs1380576C>G), in a case-control study of 1075 non-Hispanic white SCCHN patients and 1079 cancer-free controls, and evaluated their associations with SCCHN risk.Although none of these three polymorphisms individually had a statistically significant effect on the risk of SCCHN, nor did their combined number of putative risk genotypes (i.e. rs11801299GG, rs1380576CG+GG, and rs10900598GG) [odds ratio (OR)=1.16; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) =0.93-1.45], we found that individuals with 1-3 risk genotypes had statistically significant increased risk of oropharyngeal cancer (OR=1.32; 95% CI=1.00-1.73), particularly for those with T1-2 stage (OR=1.40; 95% CI=1.02-1.94), those with regional lymph node metastases (N1-3) (OR=1.44; 95% CI=1.07-1.95), and those with late stages (III and IV) (OR=1.34; 95% CI=1.01-1.77).These results suggest that the joint effect of MDM4 variants may contribute to the risk of oropharyngeal cancer in non-Hispanic whites. Additional studies are warranted to unravel whether the particular stage distribution of oropharyngeal cancer with the strongest association (T1-2, N1-3, and III-IV) is a possible link with human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) functions mostly independent of the IGF signaling pathway and acts as a tumor suppressor in multiple cancers, but roles of IGFBP7 genetic variants in cancer remains unknown. In a hospital-based study of 1065 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) and 1112 cancer-free controls of non-Hispanic whites, we investigated associations between two putatively functional IGFBP7 promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (−702G>C, rs11573014 and −418G>A, rs4075349) and SCCHN risk. A significantly lower SCCHN risk was observed in those subjects carrying −418AG (adjusted OR=0.82, 95% CI=0.67–0.99) and −418AG+AA (adjusted OR=0.82, 95% CI=0.69–0.99) genotypes than those carrying the −418GG genotype, but not for the −702G>C SNP. However, those subjects carrying two common homozygous genotypes of these two SNPs (−418GG and −702GG) had an increased risk (adjusted OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.00–1.46) than did those carrying variant genotypes (−418AG+AA and −702CG+CC). This increased risk was more evident in subgroups of never smokers and subjects with oral cancer. Further functional analysis showed that the IGFBP7 −418A allele had significantly higher promoter and DNA-protein binding activities than did the G allele, suggesting a tumor suppressor role of this allelic change in the SCCHN etiology. We conclude that the functional variant −418G>C in the IGFBP7 promoter is associated with reduced risk of SCCHN, likely by enhancing the IGFBP7 promoter and DNA-protein binding activities. Larger studies are needed to validate our findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To study the relationship between DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair gene mutations and the risk of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Methods: One hundred patients with PTMC or benign thyroid nodules (BTNs) at Henan Cancer Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The DSB repair capacity of peripheral blood T lymphocytes in the two groups was assessed by flow cytometry. Data were compared using Student's t-test to evaluate the relationship between DSB repair capacity and the risk of PTMC. Factors influencing DSB repair capacity were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The relationship between PTMC and DSB repair capacity was analyzed by univariate analysis. Targeted next-generation DNA sequencing was applied to screen and analyze DSB repair genes related to PTMC. Results: The DSB repair capacity was 31.30% in the PTMC group and 44.40% in the BTN group, with that of the former being significantly lower (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis of age, sex, obesity status, radiation and other factors showed that radiation exposure was positively correlated with reduced DSB repair capacity(OR = 3.642; 95% CI 1.484–8.935, P = 0.020). Moreover, univariate analysis showed that a reduction in DSB repair capacity was a risk factor for PTMC(OR = 2.333; 95% CI 1.027–5.300, P = 0.043).Targeted next-generation DNA sequencing was performed on the DSB repair genes discovered, and those that were mutated in association with PTMC were Rad50 and FANCA; Rad51 mutations were related to BTN. Conclusion: Radiation exposure is positively associated with induced DSB repair gene mutations, which may cause a reduced capacity for DSB repair and eventually lead to PTMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four adult female worms of Trichuris were isolated from an individual of the wild blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) inhabiting the Helan Mountains, China, during an epidemiological survey of this wild ruminant. Although there were some differences among the worms in posterior end (rectum) morphology and egg shape, little information regarding species status could be inferred from their morphology. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on sequences of the ITS1 segment of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and the sequences of the four Trichuris specimens from wild blue sheep were divided into two distinct lineages (Clade A and Clade B). The two specimens in Clade A were named Genotype I, and had the closest relationship with Trichuris skrjabini; the two specimens in Clade B were named Genotype II and had the closest genetic relationship with a previously described Trichuris sp. In the two Trichuris genotypes identified in the present study, the 18S fragments (261 to 262 bp) of the newly obtained sequences were found to be highly conserved, with merely one insert mutation of a single nucleotide present. The genetic distance based on ITS1 between members of Clade A, composed of two T. skrjabini individuals and two Genotype I individuals, ranged from 0 to 0.0034. These distances are within the intraspecies variation of Trichuris (0–0.0272), suggesting that the Genotype I individuals infesting the wild blue sheep were T. skrjabini. In Clade B, the newly obtained sequences clustered with Trichuris sp. specimens isolated from ruminants (sheep and black goat) with strong support, and the genetic distance ranged from 0.0068 to 0.017, which is also within the intraspecies variation of Trichuris (0–0.0272). However, the genetic distances between the Clade A and Clade B were 0.0442 to 0.0578, which are higher than the intraspecies distances in Trichuris but lower than the interspecies distances (0.102–0.5078). These results implied that Clade A and Clade B most likely represent two subpopulations of T. skrjabini; however, the possibility that Clade A is T. skrjabini and Clade B is a Candidatus Trichuris could not be excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blue sheep is an endemic species to the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and surrounding regions. It has been regarded as having 2 subspecies: Pseudois nayaur nayaur and P. n. szechuanensis. However, such a classification remains controversial. Herein, we analyze 10 microsatellite loci and part of the mitochondrial control region for clarification in such taxonomic debates. We use samples from 168 individuals from 6 geographic populations covering almost all the distribution areas of the species in China to carry out comparisons. Phylogenetic trees derived from both the microsatellite and mitochondrial markers combined with the discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and the STRUCTURE analysis reveal that the individuals in the Helan Mountains are well grouped with a distinct evolutionary lineage and are significantly different from the other populations of P. n. szechuanensis according to Fst values, implying that this isolated population should be categorized as a valid subspecies; namely, Pseudois nayaur alashanicus. The isolation‐by‐distance (IBD) analysis shows a significant positive relationship between genetic and geographical distances among the populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five novel H5N6 influenza viruses, including four highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses and one low pathogenic avian influenza virus, were isolated from migratory birds in Ningxia, China, in November 2017. To understand the genetic origination of the novel H5N6 virus, and the infectivity and pathogenicity of the four highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in mammals, phylogeographic analyses and infection studies in mice were performed. The phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses showed that the H5N6 isolates, which are closely related to the viruses from Korea, Japan and the Netherlands, originated from reassortant virus between H5N8 and HxN6 viruses from western Russia. The animal study revealed that the SBD‐87 isolate presented moderate virulence in mice, suggesting a potential public risk to humans and a potential threat to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developed a nonlinear model of droop-controlled sources, established a system-level model of direct current microgrids. • Proposed a low-conservation constrained region of attraction-based stability analysis method. • Those new achievements are verified by case studies and have been proved to be effective in expanding the existing knowledge base. Large-signal stability of direct current (DC) microgrids (MGs) are required to be seriously considered when more power converters are penetrated. For DC MGs suffering from large disturbances, the power electronics at both source and load sides are operated within the voltage and current limits to ensure the stability and safety. However, no existing methods have been developed to address the non-conservative stability analysis of a DC MGs with physical variable constraints. To this end, a comprehensive is developed in this paper to analyze the large-signal stability of typical DC MGs with voltage/current and pulse-width modulation duty cycle constraints, with a low level of conservatism. First, the system-level model of a DC MG is established as the basis of stability analysis. Then, a workflow based on the Lyapunov theory and numerical integration is developed to evaluate the large signal stability with physical variable constraints. The developed stability analysis method has less conservatism than the existing methods with only one moderate computational cost. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is validated by case studies based on a single-bus direct current microgrid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because lymphocyte telomere length (LTL) plays critical roles in the maintenance of genomic stability and integrity, LTL thus may influence the etiology and prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCOP). However, given the association between LTL and risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated SCCOP and between LTL and tumor HPV status of SCCOP, we hypothesized that LTL is associated with SCCOP prognosis, particularly in HPV-positive patients after definitive radiotherapy. LTL and tumor HPV type 16 (HPV16) status were determined in 564 incident SCCOP patients before radiotherapy or chemoradiation. Both univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to estimate the association between LTL and prognosis. Eighty-five percent patients had HPV16-positive tumors. Patients with shorter telomeres had significantly better overall, disease-specific and disease-free survival than did those with longer telomeres (log-rank P < 0.001). Moreover, patients with shorter telomeres had significantly lower risk of death overall [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.1–0.4], death due to SCCOP (HR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.1–0.4) and SCCOP recurrence (HR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.2–0.5) after adjusting for other important prognostic confounders. Finally, we found more pronounced effects of LTL on survival in HPV16-positive SCCOP patients after stratified analysis according to tumor HPV status. These findings indicate that LTL plays a significant role in the survival of patients with SCCOP, especially HPV16-positive patients who undergo definitive radiotherapy. Therefore, pretreatment LTL may be an independent prognostic biomarker for HPV16-positive SCCOP. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) is an important section of the global mid-ocean ridge system providing a corridor for dispersion of vent fauna between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. However, very few studies focusing on the biodiversity and biogeography of this region have been performed. To better understand the biological baseline and biogeography of vent fields on SWIR, we have described the faunal assemblages at three hydrothermal fields on SWIR, the biogeographical relationships among the three fields and fields on neighboring ridges as well as community dynamics at Longqi on a short time-scale (3 years). Communities at two fields, Duanqiao and Tiancheng, were reported for the first time, and the Longqi community was characterized more comprehensively. Collected specimens, videos and images were examined and taxa identification was conducted by both morphological and molecular approaches (cytochrome oxidase I (COI) or 16 S ribosomal RNA gene). In total, 39 species were recorded, 18 of which were reported from SWIR for the first time. According to the multivariate analysis of occurrence of fauna from 16 vent fields on four ridge systems, the SWIR vent sites were generally more similar to Central Indian Ridge. Within Indian Ocean, Longqi and Duanqiao formed a subcluster, which appeared to be intermediate between the Central Indian Ridge, Mid-Atlantic Ridge and East Scotia Ridge. Distinct faunal zonation was described at Tiancheng and Longqi. Comparison of vent fauna discovered in 2011 and 2014/2015 revealed an interannual constancy in faunal zonation on most vents at Longqi, except DFF1 chimney, which displayed a successional change from an early stage featuring high-temperature venting and low species diversity, to a more mature stage characterized by diffuse fluid and more colonized taxa. Thus, the present study is the first interannual variation study on the ultra-slow spreading ridges, and will expand our understanding of biodiversity and biogeography of vent fields on SWIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phasianus colchicus alaschanicus, Phasianidae, Galliformes is known only from the Helan Mountains of Ningxia and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regions, China. Due to few studies on this subspecies, the taxonomic status of Phasianus colchicus alaschanicus in Galliformes is unclear. We sequenced the mitochondrial genome of one P. c. alaschanicus and downloaded 36 species of 22 genera from GeneBank to construct a phylogenetic tree based on the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method. The mitochondrial genome sequence length of P. c. alaschanicus was 16,688 bp with a base composition of 30.6% A, 25.3% T, 30.8% C, and 13.3% G, including two rRNA genes (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA), 22 tRNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and a control region. We confirmed the genetic classification status of P. c. alaschanicus in Galliformes. The Phasianidae formed a complex clade, which could be separated into eighteen lineages. P. c. alaschanicus was a sister group of the remaining taxa (posterior probabilities 100% in ML). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]