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Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) with sarcopenia often have a poor prognosis, and the timing of preoperative intervention to improve sarcopenia is unclear. Sarcopenia can affect the body’s overall inflammatory status. This study aimed to investigate whether sarcopenia exacerbates the inflammatory response in patients with CRC after surgical stimulation and its effect on the prognosis.

Background: It was reported that the cachexia index (CXI: \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\frac{{\rm{ALB}}* {\rm{SMI}}}{{\rm{NLR}}}$$\end{document}) was an essential index for predicting the prognosis of tumor patients. However, since for SMI needs to be measured by CT imaging methods and its calculation was inconvenient. Thus, we developed a modified cachexia index (mCXI: \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\frac{{\rm{ALB}}}{{\rm{NLR}}* {\rm{UCR}}}$$\end{document}). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between mCXI and prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. Methods: An analysis of 215 patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer was carried out retrospectively. An optimal cut-off value of mCXI was established by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for predicting prognosis. Prognostic implications of mCXI were investigated using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analysis. A comparative assessment of the predictive capacity between mCXI and the CXI was performed using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: Patients were classified into two groups based on the cut-off value of mCXI: the LOW mCXI group (n= 60) and the HIGH mCXI group (n= 155). The 3-year Overall survival (OS) (76.6% vs 96.7%, p< 0.01) and 3-year Recurrence-free survival (RFS) (68.3% vs 94.1%, p< 0.01) were significantly worse in the LOW mCXI group in contrast to that in the HIGH mCXI group. In Cox multivariate regression analysis, mCXI was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 8.951, 95%CI: 3.105–25.807, <0.01). Moreover, compared with CXI (AUC = 0.723), mCXI (AUC = 0.801) has better predictive efficacy, indicating that mCXI is more suitable for prognostic assessment. Conclusions: The mCXI significantly correlated with survival outcomes for colorectal cancer patients after radical surgery.

Schematic illustrations of ionic transport regulation process on TiO2−x@PP and application for lithium metal battery.

We describe a versatile electrophile addition/SPR sequence of readily available cyclopropyl carbinols that affords multi-substituted carbonylated cyclopropanes with high stereo-fidelity. This approach tolerates various heteroatom electrophiles, migration of carbon moiety of all possible hybridization states, facile ring reorganization and natural compound valorization. The examples represent an unprecedented version of SPR wherein migration to a non-benzylic bulky tertiary carbo-cation is realized with promising enantiocontrol.

To maintain the downscaling of microelectronic devices with footprints less than one square millimeter, next-generation microbatteries should occupy the same area and deliver adequate energy for running a new generation of multi-functional microautonomous systems. However, the current microbattery technology fails in accomplishing this task because the micrometer-sized electrodes are not compatible with on-chip integration protocols and technologies. To tackle this critical challenge, an on-chip Swiss-roll microelectrode architecture is employed that exploits the self-assembly of thin films into ultra-compact device architectures. A twin-Swiss-roll microelectrode on a chip occupies a footprint of 0.045 mm2and delivers an energy density up to 458 μW h cm−2. After packaging, the footprint of a full cell increases to 0.11 mm2with a high energy density of 181 μW h cm−2. The volumetric energy density excluding the chip thickness is 16.3 mW h cm−3. These results open opportunities for deploying microbatteries as energy and power sources to drive smart dust microelectronics and microautonomous systems.

We report the generation of multiple sets of 3D confined resonant modes in a single microtube cavity owing to nanogap induced resonant trajectory splits. The optical field largely overlaps in the split resonant trajectories, enabling strong optical coupling of 3D confined resonant light. The anticrossing feature and modes changing-over were demonstrated as direct evidence of strong coupling. In such an optical coupling system, the spatial optical field distribution of 3D coupling modes was experimentally mapped under the strong coupling regime, which allows direct observation of the energy transfer process between two hybrid states. Numerical calculations based on a quasi-potential model and the mode detuning process are in excellent agreement with the experimental results. The generation of multiple sets of 3D confined resonant modes and their efficient coupling in a single microcavity are of high interest for directional coupling with a higher degree of freedom to realize on-chip integration with elevated functionalities such as multiplexing, 3D lasing, and signal processing.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the TSHR, BRAF, and PIK3CAgene copy number variations (CNVs) and thyroid nodules by analyzing gene CNVs, and to explore the interaction between iodine status and the above genes CNVs in the occurrence of thyroid nodules. Methods: Three hundred and ninety-five subjects were selected from 3 regions with different iodine status in Shanxi Province of China, including 192 patients with thyroid nodules and 203 healthy controls. The basic information about subjects had been obtained through a questionnaire. B ultrasound was utilized to check thyroid nodules. Blood and urine samples were harvested to detect the thyroid function and urinary iodine concentration. Real-time quantitative polymerase chains reaction (RT-PCR) served to detect CNVs in DNA from human blood. Results: There was an association between TSHRgene CNV and thyroid nodules (χ2= 8.403, P= 0.004). The prevalence of BRAFand PIK3CAgene CNVs was not statistically significant between the case group and the control group. Differences in the TSHRgene CNV rates for cases of the 3 areas were statistically significant (χ2= 10.072, P= 0.007). No statistical difference in the prevalence rates of the 3 genes CNVs between diverse characteristics of thyroid nodules was observed. UIC > 300 μg/L (OR= 1.74, 95% CI: 1.02–2.96, P= 0.041) and TSHRgene CNV (OR= 3.53, 95% CI: 1.40–8.92, P= 0.008) were risk factors for thyroid nodules. There was no significant interaction between the UIC and the examined genes CNVs. Conclusions: TSHRgene CNV and high urinary iodine levels can increase the risk of thyroid nodules. But the interactions between the 3 above genes CNVs and iodine nutrition were not found in the occurrence of thyroid nodules.

With the rapid development of low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and onboard multibeam antennas, the low earth orbit multibeam satellite constellation network (LEO-MSCN) is developing rapidly. However, there exists a mount of overlap for some coverage as the satellites progress from the equator to polar regions, which may cause heavy inter-beam interference (IBI). To solve this problem, the beam shut off technique is needed to shut off the unnecessary beams to avoid IBI and save onboard power. In this letter, the dynamic beam shut off (DBSO) optimization problem of LEO-MSCN is formulated to minimize the number of active beams. The formulated optimization problem is equivalent to Set Cover Problem (SCP) which is known as NP-Complete. A heuristic beam shut off algorithm is adopted to achieve the sub-optimal solution with fast convergence, considering the time-varying characteristics of LEO-MSCN topology. The Oneweb constellation network is used as the simulation scenario. It turns out that average number of 7062 beams are required with 38.7% beam resource reduction.

Sluggish conversion reactions severely impair the rate capability for lithium storage, which is the main disadvantage of the conversion-type anode materials. Here, the microplatform based on a single microelectrode is designed and utilized for the fundamental understanding of the conversion reaction. The kinetic-favorable layered structure of the anode material is on-site synthesized in the microplatform. The in situcharacterization reveals that introducing an oxygen network distortion in the layered oxide anode effectively circumvents the severe passivation of the electrode material by lithium oxide, thus leading to highly reversible conversion reactions. As a result, the high-rate capability of the conversion-type anode materials is realized. The on-site synthesis strategy is further applied in the large-scale synthesis of nanomaterials for lithium-ion batteries. As such, oxide nanorods with the layered structure are synthesized by a facile chemical strategy, showing high rate performance (574 mAh g–1at 10 A g–1). This work unveils the beneficial effect of oxygen network distortion in the layered anode for conversion reactions over cycling, thus providing an alternative strategy to enhance the rate capability of conversion-type anodes for lithium storage.

Purpose: To explore the association between the thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) gene methylation and human papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), as well as PTC related clinicopathological indicators. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Web of Science databases through computer for articles published in English on association between methylation of TSHR gene and PTC. Articles published in Chinese were searched in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, China Biology Medicine (CBM) disc, and WeiPu databases. Database search took place in the 4th week of October. Results: Totally 914 samples from 14 case-control studies were included in our meta-analysis. The methylation rate of TSHR gene in PTC group was significantly greater than that in control group (OR = 6.45, 95% CI 3.03, 13.71, P< 0.001). The subgroup analysis results showed the incidence of TSHR gene methylation was higher in autologous controls (OR = 16.39, 95% CI 8.83, 30.42, P< 0.001), Asian races (OR = 8.26, 95% CI 3.54, 19.23, P< 0.001), and Chinese (OR = 11.40, 95% CI 5.56, 23.39, P< 0.001). Hierarchical analysis of PTC related clinicopathological indicators showed that TSHR gene methylation rate are higher in PTC patients over 45 years (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.07, 2.55, P< 0.05) and lymph node metastasis (OR = 5.36, 95% CI 1.54, 18.67, P< 0.01). In addition, the occurrence of TSHR gene methylation had also been shown to be related to the clinical stage (OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.07, 0.70, P< 0.05) and size (OR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.11, 0.32, P< 0.01) of tumors. The result of sensitivity analysis showed the combined results of the studies included in the meta-analysis were fairly stable. Begg’s and Egger’s tests also suggested that there was no significance publication bias (P> 0.1). Conclusions: The rate of TSHR gene methylation is higher in PTC and it may be associated with the pathogenesis of human PTC, suggesting that TSHR gene may be a candidate marker for PTC diagnosis. In addition, the occurrence of TSHR gene methylation in PTC patients is closely related to age, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, and tumor size, suggesting that TSHR gene may be used as an index to judge the severity of PTC.

ABSTRACTThe quality and nutritional value of beef is closely linked to its content of intramuscular fat (IMF). The differentiation of preadipocytes and the deposition of lipid droplets in the adipocytes are the key to regulate the IMF content. The differentiation of adipocytes is regulated by a series of transcription factors and genes. Acyl-CoA thioesterase 2 (Acot2) hydrolyzes the acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) into free fatty acids and CoA and has the potential to maintain the free fatty acids and acyl CoA at the cellular level. In this work, we detected the expression of the Acot2gene during the adipocyte differentiation in Chinese Red Steppe cattle, and then interfered and overexpressed the Acot2 gene in the preadipocytes to explore its regulatory role in the adipocyte differentiation. The results showed that the expression and regulation of Acot2 mainly occurred at the later stage of the adipocyte differentiation. The interference with the Acot2 gene significantly inhibited the lipid droplets accumulation and triglyceride content, while its overexpression significantly promoted both of them. The results of this study show that the Acot2 gene is a positive regulator of the adipocyte differentiation and may become a new target to improve the beef quality.

Germanium is a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries because of its high theoretical specific capacity and low operation voltage. However, a significant challenge in using Ge-based anodes is the large volume variation during cycling that causes pulverization and capacity fade. Despite intense studies in the past decade, unsatisfactory cycling stability of the Ge-based electrodes still impedes their widespread applications. In this study, we demonstrate a high-performance electrode through the synergistic combination of a high-capacity Ge film grown on a three-dimensional current collector and an in situ formed poly(vinylidene fluoride)–hexafluoropropene/SiO2protective layer. Specifically, the polymer matrix is in continuous contact with the surface of the Ge shell, which provides improved mechanical and ionic transport properties. As a highlight, we present impressive cycling stability over 3000 cycles at 1 C rate with a capacity retention as high as 95.7%. Furthermore, the LiCoO2–Ge full battery operates at an average voltage of 3.3 V at 0.5 C and maintains good electrochemical performance, suggesting great potential for applications in energy storage and conversion devices.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium butyrate (SB) infusion on rumen papillae growth and volatile fatty acid (VFA) uptake and metabolism in neonatal lambs. Seven pairs of newborn twin lambs were used. Within each pair, lambs were assigned to receive an oral infusion of SB at 0.36 g/kg body weight (BW) (SB, n = 7) or the same volume of saline (Con, n = 7). Treatments were administered from 10 to 49 d of age, when all lambs were slaughtered. Results showed that the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of starter, average daily gain (ADG), BW of lambs at ages of 5 and 6 wk in SB group were greater (P < 0.05) than those in Con group. Infusion of SB increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and total VFA in the rumen fluid and elevated (P < 0.05) the levels of β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and insulin in plasma. Infusion of SB promoted rumen papillae growth, depicted by higher emptied rumen weight, larger rumen papillae length, width, and surface area, and greater thickness of stratum corneum and total epithelium. Sodium butyrate infusion upregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of cyclin A2, cyclin D1, and cyclin-dependent kinases 6 (CDK6), and downregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the rumen epithelia. Moreover, SB infusion also upregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP-5), and downregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in the rumen epithelia. Sodium butyrate infusion also enhanced (P < 0.05) gene expressions of monocarboxylate transporter isoform 1 (MCT1), downregulated in adenoma (DRA), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase isoform 2 (HMGCS2), and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA lyase (HMGCL), while depressed (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of sodium/proton exchanger isoform 2 (NHE2) in the rumen epithelia. Our results suggest that the SB infusion can improve animal performance, promote the ruminal papillae growth, and enhance expression of genes related to ruminal epithelial VFA uptake and metabolism in preweaning twin lambs. These findings provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of SB promoting rumen epithelial development and function in preweaning lambs.

Among various one-dimensional (1D) materials, antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has the large visible to near-infrared (vis–NIR) absorption cross section and excellent stability; thus, it shows a huge potential to be applied as photodetectors. However, low electrical conductivity (10–6Ω–1·m–1in bulk state) largely limits the extensive applications of Sb2Se3. By a hot-injection-based Sn/Sb substitution strategy, we prepare 1D Sb2–xSnxSe3microrods to further improve photodetecting performances of Sb2Se3microrods. Phase and microstructural analysis revealed the formation of orthorhombic 1D Sb2–xSnxSe3microrods with the length of 20–30 μm. From Hall effect measurements and absorption spectra, the Sb2–xSnxSe3microrods were evidenced as a p-type semiconductor with a higher electrical conductivity (6.95 × 10–4Ω–1·m–1) and a smaller band gap (0.97 eV) compared with Sb2Se3microrods. Accordingly, the photodetector based on a single Sb2–xSnxSe3microrod exhibited a remarkable response to 980 nm light at 10 V with a high responsivity (1.84 × 104A·W–1), a fast response/recovery time (0.134 s/0.153 s), and a long-term durability. Because of the small band gap, the photodetector also exhibited a broadband photoresponse at vis–NIR spectral range. Given their high-responsivity and broadband response, the photodetector based on a single Sb2–xSnxSe3microrod is a promising candidate for applications in next-generation microdevices.

Nanostructured TiO2of different polymorphs, mostly prepared by hydro/solvothermal methods, have been extensively studied for more than a decade as anode materials in lithium ion batteries. Enormous efforts have been devoted to improving the electrical conductivity and lithium ion diffusivity in chemically synthesized TiO2nanostructures. In this work we demonstrate that 3D Ti3+-self-doped TiO2(TiO2−δ) nanomembranes, which are prepared by physical vapor deposition combined with strain-released rolled-up technology, have a great potential to address several of the long-standing challenges associated with TiO2anodes. The intrinsic electrical conductivity of the TiO2layer can be significantly improved by the in situgenerated Ti3+, and the amorphous, thin TiO2nanomembrane provides a shortened Li+diffusion pathway. The fabricated material shows a favorable electrochemical reaction mechanism for lithium storage. Further, post-treatments are employed to adjust the Ti3+concentration and crystallinity degree in TiO2nanomembranes, providing an opportunity to investigate the important influences of Ti3+self-doping and amorphous structures on the electrochemical processes. With these experiments, the pseudocapacitance contributions in TiO2nanomembranes with different crystallinity degree are quantified and verified by an in-depth kinetics analysis. Additionally, an ultrathin metallic Ti layer can be included, which further improves the lithium storage properties of the TiO2, giving rise to the state-of-the-art capacity (200 mAh g–1at 1 C), excellent rate capability (up to 50 C), and ultralong lifetime (for 5000 cycles at 10 C, with an extraordinary retention of 100%) of TiO2anodes.

LEO satellite networks, with moderate propagation delay and low terminal power requirement, are considered as a promising solution to providing global seamless access services for ubiquitous computing. In order to satisfy the requirement of accessing computing resource for users, end-to-end delays should be bounded for a continual and reliable connectivity. But given dynamic topology and non-uniform distribution of terrestrial users, end-to-end delays within LEO satellite networks are liable to fluctuate. Hence, to examine the delay constraint, an analytical model based on a tandem queue is established under a hot-spot traffic pattern, which is unfavorable for bounded delays. The departure interval moments of a target flow are calculated and fitted for the next link as input parameters, from which queuing delays under cross flows are iteratively obtained. The analytical results show that this model is able to depict the influence by the traffic pattern with satisfying accuracy, which is valuable for the design of routing schemes in satellite networks.

A major focus of research in alcohol-related disorders is to identify the genes and pathways that modulate alcohol- seeking behavior. In light of this, animal models have been established to study various aspects of alcohol dependence. The selectively bred alcohol-preferring (P) and -nonpreferring (NP) lines were developed from Wistar rats to model high and low voluntary alcohol consumption, respectively. Using inbred P and NP strains, a strong QTL (LOD-9.2) for alcohol consumption was identified on rat chromosome 4. To search for candidate genes that underlie this chromosomal region, complementary molecular-based strategies were implemented to identify genetic targets that likely contribute to the linkage signal. In an attempt to validate these genetic targets, corroborative studies have been utilized including pharmacological studies, knock-out/transgenic models as well as human association studies. Thus far, three candidate genes, neuropeptide Y (Npy), α-synuclein (Snca), and corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 2 (Crhr2), have been identified that may account for the linkage signal. With the recent advancements in bioinformatics and molecular biology, QTL analysis combined with molecular-based strategies provides a systematic approach to identify candidate genes that contribute to various aspects of addictive behavior.

Background: The high and low alcohol preferring (HAP1 and LAP1) mouse lines were selectively bred for differences in alcohol intake. The HAP1 and LAP1 mice are essentially noninbred lines that originated from the outbred colony of HS/Ibg mice, a heterogeneous stock developed from intercrossing 8 inbred strains of mice.

We report the monolithic fabrication of twin microtube cavities by a nanomembrane origami method for achieving collective coupling of 3D confined optical modes. Owing to the well-aligned twin geometries, two sets of 3D confined optical modes in twin microtubes are spectrally and spatially matched, by which both the fundamental and higher-order axial modes are respectively coupled with each other. Multiple groups of the coupling modes provide multiple effective channels for energy exchange between coupled microcavities illustrated by the measured spatial optical field distributions. The spectral anticrossing and changing-over features of each group of coupled modes are revealed in experiments and calculations, indicating the occurrence of strong coupling. In addition, the simulated 3D mode profiles of twin microcavities confirm the collective strong coupling behavior, which shows good agreement with experiments. The collective coupling of 3D confined resonant modes promises broad applications in multichannel optical signal processing, nanophotonics, and 3D non-Hermitian systems.

A set of organic-rich shales developed in the lower part of the Lower Silurian Gaojiabian Formation in the Lower Yangtze region, South China. The paleoenvironment and the organic matter (OM) accumulation mechanism in the Lower Yangtze region are rarely studied, restricting the in-depth understanding of the shale gas exploration prospects of this region. This study described the petrological, mineralogical characteristics and geochemical properties of the organic-rich shales of the Gaojiabian Formation in the Lower Yangtze region (Well TD2) using multidisciplinary approaches. The purpose is to study the palaeoenvironment evolution of organic rich shales, and reveal the controlling factors and accumulation mechanism of OM. Two shale sections with high TOC content developing in the lower part of the Gaojiabian Formation were identified through petrological observations and geochemical analysis, namely the lower shale section (LSS) and the upper shale section (USS) with TOC content of 0.79–4.62% and 0.65–2.92%, respectively. The two organic-rich shale sections were formed in a suboxic-anoxic environment. The Cd/Mo, Co × Mn, Mo/TOC values show that the USS and the LSS were formed in a strongly restricted water environment and were not affected by upwelling, and the environment of the USS was more restricted than that of the LSS. The paleoproductivity proxies indicate the two sections have a high-productivity background, and that the LSS has a higher paleoproductivity level than the USS. The terrigenous input shows a long-term growth trend. Compared with the LSS, the USS had more terrigenous input and was closer to the source area. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) indicates that the shale was formed in a warm and humid climate. The index of compositional variability (ICV) shows that the USS has a more mature composition than the LSS and was likely dominated by recycling. The relationships between TOC content and several geochemical proxies indicate that the OM accumulation was mainly controlled by redox condition, paleoproductivity and terrigenous input, whereas these three factors are determined by the combined impact of the sea level and regional tectonic movement. On this basis, this study reconstructed the paleoenvironment and the OM accumulation model. The OM accumulation of the LSS was mainly controlled by relatively high regional sea level affected by global transgression, the anoxic-suboxic water environment, the high paleoproductivity, and a small quantity of terrigenous input, while the OM accumulation of the USS was primarily controlled by the suboxic condition affected by decreased relative sea level resulting from the strengthened regional tectonic movement, the relatively weakened paleoproductivity, and the increased recycled terrigenous input. The above understanding provides important enlightenment for deepening the study of OM enrichment and shale gas exploration direction of the Gaojiabian Formation in the Lower Yangtze region.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the survival, differentiation, and outgrowth of select peripheral and central neurons throughout adulthood. Growing evidence suggests that BDNFis involved in the pathophysiology of mood disorders.

A genome‐wide genetic linkage analysis identified several chromosomal regions influencing bone strength and structure in F2 progeny of Fischer 344 x Lewis inbred rats.

A genome‐wide genetic linkage analysis identified several chromosomal regions influencing bone strength and structure in F2 progeny of Fischer 344 x Lewis inbred rats.Introduction: Inbred Fischer 344 (F344) and Lewis (LEW) rats are similar in body size, but the F344 rats have significantly lower BMD and biomechanical strength of the femur and spine compared with LEW rats. The goal of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to bone strength and structure in adult female F2 rats from F344 and LEW progenitors.Materials and Methods: The 595 F2 progeny from F344 x LEW rats were phenotyped for measures of bone strength (ultimate force {Fu}; energy to break {U}; stiffness {S}) of the femur and lumbar vertebra and structure (femur midshaft polar moment of inertia {Ip}; femur midshaft cortical area; vertebral area). A genome‐wide scan was completed in the F2 rats using 118 microsatellite markers at an average interval of 20 cM. Multipoint quantitative linkage analysis was performed to identify chromosomal regions that harbor QTL for bone strength and structure phenotypes.Results: Evidence of linkage for femur and lumbar strength was observed on chromosomes (Chrs) 1, 2, 5, 10, and 19. Significant linkage for femoral structure was detected on Chrs 2, 4, 5, 7, and 15. QTLs affecting femoral strength on Chrs 2 and 5 were also found to influence femur structure. Unique QTLs on Chrs 1, 10, and 19 were found that contributed to variability in bone strength but had no significant effect on structure. Also, unique QTLs were observed on Chrs 4, 7, and 15 that affected only bone structure without any effect on biomechanics.Conclusion: We showed multiple genetic loci influencing bone strength and structure in F344 x LEW F2 rats. Some of these loci are homologous to mouse and human chromosomes previously linked to related bone phenotypes.

Background: The high‐alcohol‐drinking (HAD1/HAD2) and low‐alcohol‐drinking (LAD1/LAD2) rat lines, derived from the N/NIH rat, were developed by using a within‐family selection and rotational breeding design for alcohol preference and alcohol consumption. Previously, a 20‐cM genome screen identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on chromosomes 5, 10, 12, and 16 by using F2 progeny from HAD1 and LAD1 animals.

Selective breeding has been employed to develop replicate high-alcohol-drinking (HAD1 and HAD2) and low-alcohol-drinking (LAD1 and LAD2) rat lines from the heterogeneous NNih rat. Within-family selection and a rotational breeding design were used to discourage inbreeding (Li et al., 1993). A genome screen was previously performed using 459 HAD1×LAD1 F2 progeny to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on rat chromosomes 5, 10, 12 and 16 that contribute to alcohol preference and consumption in these non-inbred rat models of alcoholism.

Amyloid precursor protein(APP) gene was increasingly expressed in solid tumors, promoted the proliferation of tumor cells and the overexpression of APP was a bad prognostic factor to oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, little has been known about the clinical significance and role of APP in acute myeloid leukemia(AML).The expressions of APP mRNA in 85 AML patients and 20 nonmalignant hematological diseases that worked as control were measured by real-time PCR and the expressions of APP in AML cell lines were examined by real-time PCR and western blot. Small interfering RNAs(siRNAs) targeting APP gene were synthesized and transfected into HL60 cell by lipofectamine2000, after RNAi 24h, 48h and 72h, cell growth of HL60 was measured by trypan blue dye exclusion method and MTT, differentiation was observed by Wright-Giemsa staining, cell cycle was examined by PI/RNase staining, apoptosis induction was analyzed by Annexin V/PI and Hoechst33342 staining; apoptosis-related proteins NF-κB, bcl-2 and Caspase-3 were detected by Western blot after RNAi 48h; sensitivity of HL60 to adrimycin was measured by MTT.The expression of APP mRNA among AML subtypes was significantly different(P=0.019), M2 with t(8;21) was the highest expression subtype and M5b was the lowest. APP expression had no significant effect on AML clinical characteristic excepting AML subtypes. kasumi-1 was the highest expression cell in AML cell lines and U937 was the lowest(P<0.05), and the expression of APP in HL60/ADM was significantly lower than HL60(P<0.05). The APP expressions in AML cell lines was in agreement with its expressions in primary AML subtypes. After RNAi 24h, 48h, and 72h, no significant differences in proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, cell cycle and sensitivity of HL60 to adriamycin were detected between interfering group and control groups.The APP mRNA expression in M2 with t(8;21) was high and M5b was low. Down-regulation of APP expression had no significant effect on biological behaviour of HL60 and APP was not tightly related to pathogenesis of AML.No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 4691