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A hydrophobic Ni‐PTFE modified electrode has been prepared by constant current and cathodic electroplating with a nickel sheet as substrate in a PTFE suspension. Then the Ni‐PTFE modified electrode was used for electroreduction from aromatic amide to diarylimide. The electrochemical characterizations such as cyclic voltammogram, EIS, polarization curves, and electrode stability have been carried out by electrochemical workstation. The structure of the electroreduction product diarylimide was characterized by 1H NMR, FT‐IR, MS(Mass Spectrum), and EA(Elemental Analyzer). Based on the hydrophobicity of the electrode, an approach suggested that the phenyl ketone radical may be formed by electroreductive deamination at the cathode. With the construction of C−N bond by the radical coupling, the electrocatalytic reduction may be comprised of a one‐electron process including an ECC (Electrochemical‐Chemical‐Chemical) process. The electroreduction of aromatic amide to diarylimide may be controlled by both charge migration and concentration polarization. Electrocatalytic reduction of aromatic amides on Ni‐PTFE modified electrodes is all well conversion ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose a novel strategy utilizing deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as both the extraction solvent and dispersing liquid, with nanometer zinc oxide (ZnO) serving as the adsorbent. This method incorporates ultrasound‐assisted matrix solid phase dispersion (UA‐MSPD) for the extraction of six active components (salidroside, echinacoside, acteoside, specnuezhenide, nuezhenoside G13, and oleanolic acid) from Ligustri Lucidi Fructus samples. The extracts were then analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with a diode array detector. The effects of various parameters such as dispersant dosage, DESs volume, grinding time, ultrasonication duration, and eluent volume on extraction recovery were investigated and optimized using a central composite design under response surface methodology. The optimized conditions yielded detection limits ranging from 0.003 to 0.01 mg/g and relative standard deviations of 8.7% or lower. Extraction recoveries varied between 93% and 98%. The method demonstrated excellent linearity for the analytes (R2 ≥ 0.9997). The simple, green, and efficient DESs/ZnO‐UA‐MSPD technique proved to be rapid, accurate, and reliable for extracting and analyzing the six active ingredients in Ligustri Lucidi Fructus samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) has an encouraging prospect for the energy‐saving hydrogen production, demanding the high‐performance bifunctional HER/HzOR electrocatalyst. Ruthenium phosphide/doped carbon composites have exhibited superior activity toward multiple electrocatalytic reactions. To explore the decent water‐soluble precursors containing both N and P elements is highly attractive to facilely prepare metal phosphide/doped carbon composites. Herein, as one kind ecofriendly biomolecules, adenine nucleotide was first employed to selectively fabricate the highly pure RuP nanoparticles embedded into porous N,P‐codoped carbons (RuP/PNPC) with a straightforward "mix‐and‐pyrolyze" approach. The newly prepared RuP/PNPC only requires 4.0 and −83.0 mV at 10 mA/cm2 separately in alkaline HER and HzOR, outperforming most of reported electrocatalysts, together with the outstanding neutral bifunctional performance. Furthermore, the two‐electrode alkaline and neutral overall hydrazine splitting both exhibit significant power‐efficiency superiority to the corresponding overall water splitting with the voltage difference of larger than 2 V, which can be also easily driven by the fuel cells and solar cells with considerable H2 generation. Our report innovates the N‐ and P‐bearing adenine nucleotide to effortlessly synthesize the high‐quality RuP/doped carbon composite catalysts, highly potential as a universal platform for metal phosphide‐related functional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trajectories of stratum corneum (SC) lipid subclasses and their associations with infant atopic dermatitis (AD) are unclear. This study aimed to quantify the trajectories of 15 SC subclasses and carbon chain lengths and their associations with AD within 12 months. Methods: In total, 213 newborns were enrolled at birth with nonlesional skin samples collected from the inner forearm at birth, 42 days, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Lesional skin samples were collected from 120 AD patients at clinic with the disease onset within the first year of life. Mass spectrometry was applied to assess relative contents of 12 ceramide (CER), three free fatty acid (FFA) subclasses, and average carbon chain length (CCL). AD incident within 1 year old was diagnosed by dermatologists according to UK criteria. Results: Sixty‐four (30.0%) cases of ADs occurred in the cohort. All SC lipid subclasses and CCLs, but EOP varied significantly during the first year. AD infants showed lower NP but higher NS, NH, AP, hydroxy FFA, and CCL of FFAs compared with nonaffected infants. After normalization by age, the differences remained and were more pronounced in lesional skin of clinical AD infants compared with non‐ADs. NS, NH, and CCL of FFAs in lesional skin of AD infants showed positive and significant correlations with the levels of transepidermal water loss at 3 month; some evidence supports a negative correlation for NP. Conclusions: We provide an overview of developmental trajectories of 15 CER and FFA subclasses across the first year of healthy infants and a link between the imbalance of some subclasses with the development of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an intermittent low‐carbohydrate diet (ILCD) versus calorie restriction (ICR) in young populations and potential mechanisms. Methods: Thirty‐four participants aged 9 to 30 years with cardiometabolic risk were randomized to receive a self‐administered 2‐week ILCD (carbohydrate intake ≤ 50 g/d on seven nonconsecutive days) or ICR (500–600 kcal/d for two consecutive days per week). Differences in changes in obesity measures, glycemic and lipid profiles, gut microbiota composition, and three serum biomarkers were compared. Results: The ILCD and ICR similarly reduced body weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, insulin, postprandial glucose variation, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, free fatty acid, and fibroblast growth factor 21, whereas ILCD produced significantly different alterations in the following outcomes compared with ICR: greater increases in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol (−0.36 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.68 to −0.04; −0.40 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.73 to −0.06) and greater decrease in triglyceride (0.20 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.37). Actinobacteria and Bifidobacterium reduced after ILCD but not ICR; and the reductions strongly correlated with changes in fasting glucose (both r = 0.84) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = −0.81 and −0.72). Conclusions: This study found no evidence of differences in changes from baseline in obesity measures, glucose regulation, and inflammation between ILCD and ICR, despite trends in reduction in those parameters. However, there seemed to be some differences in responses in lipids and gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an expected position‐attitude adjustment control method of coal mine roadway support robot (CMRSR) based on a real‐time position‐attitude detection system. Taking advantage of lateral adjustment mechanism and control method, the CMRSR has flexible maneuverability and high dynamic expected position‐attitude adjustment performance. It can guarantee stability and safety of the relative position‐attitude in time‐varying roadway environment in underground coal mines. First, the structural characteristics, hydraulic system characteristics, and kinematic characteristics of the CMRSR are considered, and the spatial mathematical relationship model on position‐attitude parameters and sensor data information, roadway environment dimensions, and CMRSR structural dimensions are established. In addition, the real‐time position‐attitude of the CMRSR with respect to the roadway is recognized by the position‐attitude detection system. Then, according to real‐time roadway environment and relative position‐attitude, the expected position‐attitude parameters are set, and the adjustment parameters and types of each lateral hydraulic cylinder are selected based on different deviated position‐attitude conditions. A position‐attitude adjustment controller is designed based on the sliding mode variable structure control algorithm to achieve precise position‐attitude adjustment of the CMRSR. In addition, the position‐attitude detection system is used to provide feedback control to maintain the relative position‐attitude of the CMRSR. Finally, the practical performance illustrates high effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control method. The average error of distance can be controlled within ±30 mm, the average error of angle can be controlled within ±0.5°, and the adjustment time can be controlled within 20 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the development of bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) has become a major trend in the biopharmaceutical industry. By simultaneously engaging two molecular targets, bsAbs have exhibited unique mechanisms of action that could lead to clinical benefits unattainable by conventional monoclonal antibodies. The type of structure used to construct a bsAb directly influences the distance, angle, degree of freedom, and affinity between the two antibody binding sites and the interaction between the two antigens or the cells where the antigens are located, which have been bound by the antibody. Consequently, the structure of the bsAb is one of the most vital factors affecting its function. Herein, we reported for the first time a novel basic module bsAb format, VFV (Variable domain‐Fab‐Variable domain). And then, the feasibility of the VFV format was demonstrated by constructing a series of engager‐like basic module bsAbs. Next, a series of VFV bsAbs containing Fc (VFV‐Ig), Fab (VFV‐Fab), or Hinge (VFV‐Hinge) were developed based on Hxb module, and all of them had adequate purity and activity. Finally, a T cell engager bsAb with the potential to overcome on‐target off‐tumor activity was constructed according to the structural characteristics of VFV, which validated that the VFV module can be used as a new brick for the construction of various bsAbs. In a word, the successful construction of this bsAb format for the first time not only enriches the arsenal of the bsAb format, but also provides inspiration for the construction of new bsAbs. Nevertheless, we are fully aware that as a proof‐of‐concept study, this paper has many shortcomings, and there is still a lot of work to be done to determine whether VFV can serve as a platform for drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In December 2019, many cases of COVID‐19 were reported in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. In the following 3 months, the disease out broke in China. Preisolation measures was used to screen out COVID‐19 patients in the pediatric respiratory ward of our hospital. Aims: To investigate the new measures for screening COVID‐19 patients and to analyze the clinical features of children with suspicious COVID‐19. Methods: A total of 50 preisolated children with suspicious COVID‐19 who were admitted to our hospital in Mianyang, China, between January 28 and March 5, 2020, were included. Patients presented with fever and cough or fever accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. A detailed epidemiological history screening was performed. A real‐time reverse‐transcriptase–polymerase‐chain‐reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to detect SARS‐COV‐2 nucleic acid. Low‐dose chest computed tomography (CT) was applied when pneumonia was suspicious. Routine blood tests were performed to rule out COVID‐19. Patients' data were collected, and the basic clinical features, epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination results, and outcomes were analyzed and summarized. Results: No definite cases were detected, while two patients were suspected of having COVID‐19. The pathogenic results of the 50 patients mainly included Mycoplasma pneumoniae, followed by Epstein–Barr virus, and rotavirus. Thirty‐five patients suffered from bronchopneumonia. The preisolated patients had similar clinical and epidemiological characteristics as patients with fever, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea. Conclusions: Preisolation measures combined with pathogen screening can minimize the risk of hospital‐acquired infections by preventing patients with suspicious COVID‐19 from contacting other patients before they are explicitly excluded. Clinical analysis of the patients was helpful for clinical nursing management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The salinity of groundwater in Qinzhou Bay has been increasing since 2013. This phenomenon affects livelihoods and the local agricultural economy, specifically in the Longmengang area. In this work, we investigate the causes of water salinization to provide evidence for effectively managing the local water resources and improving water quality. We collected 110 samples of water from spatially distributed local wells, rivers, reservoirs, and the sea, and conducted a hydrochemical study complemented by numerical modeling. We found that water pumping and mariculture practices are the principal contributors to seawater intrusion into the groundwater table, which leads to increased water salinization. Plain Language Summary: Groundwater salinity in Qinzhou Bay is increasing due to excessive well water extraction and mariculture practices, which promote seawater intrusion into the local groundwater table. Based on the hydrochemical analyses, the spatially distributed trend of ions content in groundwater shows low concentrations inland and increasing concentrations seaward. However, several localities of Qinzhou Bay are out of this scenario because of artificial activities requiring specific monitoring and regulation. Key Points: Field investigations and hydrochemical analyses show salinization of groundwater in Qinzhou BayHydrogeological modeling indicates that different processes contribute to water salinizationGroundwater salinization in Longmen Island is caused by excessive groundwater use and mariculture practices [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: As an important trait in crop breeding, plant height is associated with lodging resistance and yield. With the identification and cloning of several semi‐dwarfing genes, increasing numbers of semi‐dwarf cultivars have emerged, which has led to a 'green revolution' in rice (Oryza sativa) production. In this study, we identified a rice semi‐dwarf mutant, semi‐dwarf 38 (sd38), which showed significantly reduced cell length. SD38 encodes a fatty acid elongase, β‐ketoacyl‐CoA synthase, which is involved in the synthesis of very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs). Expression analysis showed that SD38 was localized on the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum, and was expressed in all analyzed tissues with differential abundance. The mutation of SD38 affected lipid metabolism in the sd38 mutant. A functional complementarity test in Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicated that SD38 was capable of complementing the deficiency of ELO3p activity in BY4741‐elo3 knockout yeast cells by participating in the synthesis of C24:0 VLCFA. Significant changes were observed in the expression of genes involved in ethylene synthesis, which resulted in reduced content of the ethylene precursor 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) in the sd38 mutant. Exogenously supplied VLCFA (C24:0) increased the expression levels of OsACS3, OsACS4, and OsACO7 and the plant height of sd38 mutant seedlings, similar to the effect of exogenous application of ACC and ethephon. These results reveal a relationship among VLCFAs, ethylene biosynthesis, and plant height and improve our understanding of plant height development in crops. Significance Statement: Here, we identified a semi‐dwarf rice (Oryza sativa) mutant caused by mutation of SD38, which encodes a β‐ketoacyl‐CoA synthase family member involved in the synthesis of C24:0 very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), thereby affecting ethylene biosynthesis by regulating the transcription of OsACS3, OsACS4, and OsACO7. This study sheds light on the relationship among VLCFAs, ethylene biosynthesis, and plant height and improves our understanding of plant height development in crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aneuploidy is the hallmark of malignancy. Our previous study successfully detected nonhematogenic circulating aneuploidy cells (CACs) in types of gliomas. The current prospective clinical study aims to further precisely subcategorize aneuploid CACs, including CD31− circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CD31+ circulating tumor endothelial cells, and thoroughly investigate the clinical utilities of these different subtypes of cells. Co‐detection and analysis of CTCs and circulating tumor‐derived endothelial cells (CTECs) expressing CD133, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), or epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFR vIII) were performed by integrated subtraction enrichment and immunostaining fluorescence in situ hybridization (SE‐iFISH) in 111 preoperative primary diffuse glioma patients. Aneuploid CACs could be detected in most de novo glioma patients. Among detected CACs, 45.6% were CD31−/CD45− aneuploid CTCs and the remaining 54.4% were CD31+/CD45− aneuploid CTECs. Positive detection of CTECs significantly correlated with disruption of the blood–brain barrier. The median number of large CTCs (LCTCs, >5 μm, 2) in low‐grade glioma (WHO grade 2) was less than high‐grade glioma (WHO grades 3 and 4) (3, p = 0.044), but this difference was not observed in small CTCs (SCTCs, ≤5 μm), CTECs or CACs (CTCs + CTECs). The numbers of CTCs, CTECs, or CACs in patients with contrast‐enhancing (CE) lesions considerably exceeded that of non‐CE lesions (p < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated that CD31+ CTECs, especially LCTECs, exhibited a close positive relationship with CE lesions. Survival analysis revealed that the high number of CD31− CTCs could be an adverse factor for compromised progression‐free survival and overall survival. Longitudinal surveillance of CD31− CTCs was suitable for evaluating the therapeutic response and for monitoring potential emerging treatment resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate whether the associations of maternal liver dysfunction and liver function biomarkers (LFBs) with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are independent of overweight. Design Prospective cohort study. Methods: A sub‐cohort of pregnant women with seven LFBs examined at 9–13 weeks of gestation and with complete GDM evaluation at mid‐gestation were extracted from the prospective Shanghai Preconception Cohort Study. Associations of liver dysfunction, defined as having any elevated LFB levels, and individual LFB levels with GDM incidence were assessed by adjusting body mass index and other covariates in the multivariable logistic regression model. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CI were reported. Main outcome measures: Incident GDM. Results: Among 6211 pregnant women, 975 (15.7%) developed GDM. Liver dysfunction was associated with increased odds of GDM (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.38–1.92). This association persisted after adjustment for BMI (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.37; 95% CI 1.15–1.63). Higher γ‐glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin levels were also linked with GDM (aOR per 1 SD: 1.15, 95% CI 1.08–1.23; 1.10, 1.03–1.17; 1.21, 1.13–1.29 and 1.19, 1.11–1.27, respectively). Similar magnitudes of associations were observed between normal weight and overweight pregnant women. Conclusion: Maternal liver dysfunction in early pregnancy predisposes women to subsequent GDM, and this association is independent of being overweight preconception. Our findings of an increased risk even in normal‐weight pregnant women adds new mechanistic insights about the pathophysiological role of liver function in GDM aetiology. Maternal liver dysfunction in early pregnancy is associated with GDM incidence independent of preconception overweight. Maternal liver dysfunction in early pregnancy is associated with GDM incidence independent of preconception overweight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoresistance is a major obstacle to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) chemotherapy. Our previous study found that long noncoding RNA lncARSR (lncRNA Activated in RCC with Sunitinib Resistance) activated Akt signaling via repressing phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) during doxorubicin resistance in HCC. The purpose of this study is to further explore lncARSR‐mediated mechanisms and roles during doxorubicin resistance in HCC. The expression of lncARSR was detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activity was detected by NF‐κB luciferase reporter assays, western blot, and NF‐κB transcription factor assays. The effects of NF‐κB on lncARSR were detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, promoter luciferase reporter assay, and real‐time qPCR. The effects of lncARSR/Akt/NF‐κB on doxorubicin resistance were detected by Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, capsase‐3 activity assay, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. lncARSR activated NF‐κB signaling through activation of Akt. NF‐κB transactivated lncARSR through directly binding lncARSR promoter and increasing lncARSR promoter activity. Akt transactivated lncARSR via activating NF‐κB signaling. Thus, lncARSR, Akt, and NF‐κB formed a positive feedback regulatory loop in HCC. Through this feedback loop, lncARSR auto‐regulated its transcription. Drug sensitivity assays showed that the lncARSR/Akt/NF‐κB feedback regulatory loop promoted doxorubicin resistance in HCC. These findings identified the lncARSR/Akt/NF‐κB feedback regulatory loop in HCC, which represent potential therapeutic targets for improving doxorubicin sensitivity in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about nocturnal blood pressure (BP) or night-to-day BP ratio, which is a more specific determinant of arterial stiffness in subjects with non-dipper hypertension? This study aims to investigate the correlation of nocturnal BP and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba PWV), an index of arterial stiffness in untreated young and middle-aged adults with non-dipper hypertension. A cross-sectional analysis of baseline parameters of the NARRAS trial was performed. Twenty-four hour ambulatory BP measurements, ba PWV and routine clinical data collection were performed in all patients. The relationship of 24-h ambulatory BP profiles, biochemical measures as well as demographic parameters and ba PWV were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and multiple stepwise regression analysis. A total of 77 patients (mean age 47.0 ± 11.7 years) with non-dipper hypertension were included. Age, height, weight and nocturnal systolic BP were related to ba PWV in Pearson's correlation analysis. In stepwise regression analysis, age (β = 10.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.099-15.042, p < 0.001) and weight (β = -3.835, 95% CI: -7.658--0.013, p = 0.049) are related to ba PWV. Nocturnal systolic BP (β = 8.662, 95% CI: 2.511-14.814, p = 0.006) was the independent predictors of ba PWV, even after night-to-day systolic BP ratio or 24-h ambulatory BP profile were taken into account. Nocturnal systolic BP rather than night-to-day systolic BP ratio appears to be a more specific determinant for arterial stiffness, as assessed by ba PWV in young and middle-aged adults with non-dipper hypertension. 24-h ambulatory BP measurements are essential for cardiovascular risk evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the determination of organic chlorides in hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles by gas chromatography coupled with ion mobility spectrometry was established. Organic chlorides were separated by a non‐polar gas chromatography column and detected in the negative ion mode of the ion mobility spectrometer. The effect of operating parameters of ion mobility spectrometer including drift gas flow rate and drift tube temperature on sensitivity and resolution were evaluated. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of seven organic chlorides were from 0.65 to 6.73 nmol/mol, which met the requirement of detection for the specification limit of 50 nmol/mol of total halogen impurities in hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles. Compared with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detector under the same gas chromatography conditions, gas chromatography coupled with ion mobility spectrometry method demonstrated higher sensitivity for detection of organic chlorides under study. Based on the portability of the device and its detection capabilities, gas chromatography coupled with ion mobility spectrometry has the potential to perform online detection of impurities in hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many viruses usurp the functions of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for virus‐encoded membrane proteins proper functional folding or assembly to promote virus spread. Southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV), a plant reovirus, exploits virus‐containing tubules composed of nonstructural membrane protein P7‐1 to spread in its planthopper vector Sogatella furcifera. Here, we report that two factors of the ER‐associated degradation (ERAD) machinery, the ER chaperone DNAJB12 and its cytosolic co‐chaperone Hsc70, are activated by SRBSDV to facilitate ER‐to‐cytosol export of P7‐1 tubules in S. furcifera. Both P7‐1 of SRBSDV and Hsc70 directly bind to the J‐domain of DNAJB12. DNAJB12 overexpression induces ER retention of P7‐1, but Hsc70 overexpression promotes the transport of P7‐1 from the ER to the cytosol to initiate tubule assembly. Thus, P7‐1 is initially retained in the ER by interaction with DNAJB12 and then delivered to Hsc70. Furthermore, the inhibitors of the ATPase activity of Hsc70 reduce P7‐1 tubule assembly, suggesting that the proper folding and assembly of P7‐1 tubules is dependent on the ATPase activity of Hsc70. The DNAJB12–Hsc70 chaperone complex is recruited to P7‐1 tubules in virus‐infected midgut epithelial cells in S. furcifera. The knockdown of DNAJB12 or Hsc70 strongly inhibits P7‐1 tubule assembly in vivo, finally suppressing effective viral spread in S. furcifera. Taken together, our results indicate that the DNAJB12–Hsc70 chaperone complex in the ERAD machinery facilitates the ER‐to‐cytosol transport of P7‐1 for proper assembly of tubules, enabling viral spread in insect vectors in a manner dependent on ATPase activity of Hsc70. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sentinel lymph node (LN) biopsy is currently the standard procedure for clinical LN‐negative breast cancer (BC) patients but it is prone to false‐negative results and complications. Thus, an accurate noninvasive approach for LN staging is urgently needed in clinical practice. Here, circulating exosomal microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in peripheral blood from BC patients and age‐matched healthy women were obtained and analyzed. We identified an exosomal miRNA, miR‐363‐5p, that was significantly downregulated in exosomes from plasma of BC patients with LN metastasis which exhibited a consistent decreasing trend in tissue samples from multiple independent datasets. Plasma exosomal miR‐363‐5p achieved high diagnostic performance in distinguishing LN‐positive patients from LN‐negative patients. The high miR‐363‐5p expression level was significantly correlated with improved overall survival. Functional assays demonstrated that exosomal miR‐363‐5p modulates platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling activity by targeting PDGFB to inhibit cell proliferation and migration. Our study revealed, for the first time, plasma exosomal miR‐363‐5p plays a tumor suppressor role in BC and has the potential for noninvasive LN staging and prognosis prediction of BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrosequencing (PSQ) represents the golden standard for MGMT promoter status determination. Binary interpretation of results based on the threshold from the average of several CpGs tested would neglect the existence of the "gray zone". How to define the gray zone and reclassify patients in this subgroup remains to be elucidated. A consecutive cohort of 312 primary glioblastoma patients were enrolled. CpGs 74‐81 in the promoter region of MGMT were tested by PSQ and the protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to calculate the area under the curves (AUC). Kaplan‐Meier plots were used to estimate the survival rate of patients compared by the log‐rank test. The optimal threshold of each individual CpG differed from 5% to 11%. Patients could be separated into the hypomethylated subgroup (all CpGs tested below the corresponding optimal thresholds, n = 126, 40.4%), hypermethylated subgroup (all CpGs tested above the corresponding optimal thresholds, n = 108, 34.6%), and the gray zone subgroup (remaining patients, n = 78, 25.0%). Patients in the gray zone harbored an intermediate prognosis. The IHC score instead of the average methylation levels could successfully predict the prognosis for the gray zone (AUC for overall survival, 0.653 and 0.519, respectively). Combining PSQ and IHC significantly improved the efficiency of survival prediction (AUC: 0.662, 0.648, and 0.720 for PSQ, IHC, and combined, respectively). Immunohistochemistry is a robust method to predict prognosis for patients in the gray zone defined by PSQ. Combining PSQ and IHC could significantly improve the predictive ability for clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the most prevalent chronic paediatric lung disease and is linked to the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. MicroRNA-based regulation of type II alveolar epithelial cell (T2AEC) proliferation and apoptosis is an important factor in the pathogenesis of BPD and warrants further investigation.Experimental Approach: Two murine models of hyperoxic lung injury (with or without miR-342-5p or Sprouty-related, EVH1 domain-containing protein 3 [Spred3] modulation) were employed: a hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury model (100% O2 on postnatal days 1-7) and the BPD model (100% O2 on postnatal days 1-4, followed by room air for 10 days). Tracheal aspirate pellets from healthy control and moderate/severe BPD neonates were randomly selected for clinical miR-342-5p analysis.Key Results: Hyperoxia decreased miR-342-5p levels in primary T2AECs, MLE12 cells and neonatal mouse lungs. Transgenic miR-342 overexpression in neonatal mice ameliorated survival rates and improved the BPD phenotype and BPD-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). T2AEC-specific miR-342 transgenic overexpression, as well as miR-342-5p mimic therapy, also ameliorated the BPD phenotype and associated PAH. miR-342-5p targets the 3'UTR of the Raf1 regulator Spred3, inhibiting Spred3 expression. Treatment with recombinant Spred3 exacerbated the BPD phenotype and associated PAH. Notably, miR-342-5p inhibition under room air conditions did not mimic the BPD phenotype. Moderate/severe BPD tracheal aspirate pellets exhibited decreased miR-342-5p levels relative to healthy control pellets.Conclusion and Implications: These findings suggest that miR-342-5p mimic therapy may show promise in the treatment or prevention of BPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals (RIs) provide valuable data for the nutritional status and clinical diagnosis of animals. However, the specific hematologic and biochemical RIs for specific‐pathogen‐free (SPF) Landrace pigs has not been determined. Objective: The present study was designed to establish the hematologic and biochemical RIs for SPF 1‐month‐old Landrace pigs. Methods: Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 105 SPF 1‐month‐old Landrace pigs (50 males and 55 females), and complete blood counts and biochemical examinations were performed. The mean, RI, and 90% confidence interval were calculated for each variable, and gender differences were analyzed. Results: Reference intervals for SPF 1‐month‐old Landrace pigs were generated. The results revealed that there was generally no significant difference between male and female hematologic and serum biochemical variables (P >.05). However, a significant difference was noted in serum triglyceride concentrations between male and female pigs (P <.05). Conclusions: This study provides hematologic and biochemical RIs for SPF 1‐month‐old Landrace pigs and provides basic data for the research and application of SPF Landrace pigs as a laboratory animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has resulted in a significantly large number of psychological consequences, including sleep health. The present study evaluated sleep patterns, sleep disturbances, and associated factors in Chinese preschoolers confined at home during the COVID‐19 outbreak. Caregivers of 1619 preschoolers (aged 4–6 years) recruited from 11 preschools in Zunyi, Guizhou province completed the Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ) between 17th and 19th February 2020. Data were compared to a sociodemographically similar sample of preschoolers (included in the 11 preschools) in 2018. Compared to the 2018 sample, the confined preschoolers demonstrated changes in sleep patterns characterized by later bedtimes and wake times, longer nocturnal and shorter nap sleep durations, comparable 24‐hr sleep duration, and fewer caregiver‐reported sleep disturbances. Moreover, behavioural practices (sleeping arrangement, reduced electronic device use, regular diet) and parenting practices (harmonious family atmosphere and increased parent‐child communication) were associated with less sleep disturbances in the confined sample. The present study provides the first description of the impact of prolonged home confinement during the COVID‐19 outbreak on sleep patterns and sleep disturbances in preschoolers, as well as highlighting the importance of the link between sleep health and family factors. Given that disrupted and insufficient sleep has been linked to immune system dysfunction, our findings also have potential implications for resilience to infection in young children during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Future studies should further explore deficient sleep as a risk factor for coronavirus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Vibegron is a new kind of β3‐adrenergic receptor agonist. We performed a systematic review and pooled analysis to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of Vibegron for treating overactive bladder (OAB). Methods: MEDLINE, the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register and EMBASE were used to pick out randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Vibegron in treating OAB. The reference lists of the retrieved articles were also studied. We used RevMan version 5.3.0. to analyze the data. Results: Three high‐quality RCTs involving a total of 2120 OAB patients were adopted in the systematic review and pooled analysis. The mean number of micturitions episodes/d (mean difference [MD] = −0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −1.0 to −0.55; P <.00001); the mean number of urgency episodes/d (MD = −0.77; 95% CI = −1.03 to −0.52; P <.00001); mean number of urgency incontinence episodes/d (MD = −0.50; 95% CI = −0.64 to −0.35; P <.00001); mean number of incontinence episodes/d (MD = −0.45; 95% CI = −0.66 to −0.25; P <.0001); and mean volume voided/micturition (MD = 22.22; 95% CI = 17.36 to 27.07, P <.00001) showed that Vibegron was more efficacy in treating OAB than placebo. Dry mouth, drug‐related treatment‐emergent adverse event (TEAE), serious adverse event (SAE), and discontinuations due to adverse event (AE) suggested that Vibegron was well tolerated. Conclusions: Our systematic review and pooled analysis demonstrate that Vibegron 75 mg or 100 mg/d statistically significant improved OAB symptoms. The treatment was well‐tolerated, with a favorable safety profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch–corncob cellulose‐cassia oil (SCC) composite films are fabricated by a solution casting technique, using corn starch as substrate, corncob cellulose fibers as the reinforcing material, and cassia oil added as the bacteriostatic agent. The morphology, transmittance, thermal properties, permeability, and mechanical properties of the SCC composite films are studied. The SCC composite film with 2% w/w corncob cellulose and 0.2% v/w cassia oil show good properties. The surface of the SCC composite film is smooth, and the components are evenly mixed as shown by scanning electron microscopy images. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis also show that both cassia oil and corncob cellulose molecules successfully enter the starch matrix, and a stable starch–corncob cellulose cassia oil composite film is formed. Thermogravimetric analysis of the SCC composite film shows that the film has good thermal stability and good heat resistance. In the SCC composite film with 2% w/w corncob cellulose, tensile strength decreases the content of cassia oil increases, but elongation at break shows the trend of increasing initially and then decreasing. The SCC composite films have good mechanical properties and can keep fruit fresh, indicating that the composite film can be used as a good food packing material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithospheric "de‐rooting" of the Sulu‐Dabie Orogen (SDO) is an important tectonic mechanism for post‐orogenic tectono‐magmatism, which influenced the sedimentation, evolution, and development of oil–gas accumulation in the Hefei Basin (HB). Combined with seismic, geological, and sedimentary data of the HB and the SDO, this paper studies the coupling of the HB and the SDO since the Late Mesozoic. While the North China Block (NCB) indented south‐eastwards under the Greater South China Block (GSCB) since the Mesozoic, the SDO underwent three intense tectonic stages, i.e., subduction, exhumation, and uplift. The upwelling of deep mantle material causes the exhumation of the ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic (UHPM) rocks to the upper crust or surface, forming the UHPM. Influenced by the indentation of the NCB, the "de‐rooting" of the SDO lithosphere, caused the delamination and thinning of the lithosphere, accompanied by the continuous flexural subsidence in the HB. The basin underwent at least four stages of tectonic evolution, involving sequentially: the flexural basin, the foreland basin, the strike‐slip‐related basin, and the faulted graben development periods. The tectonic evolution of the HB was closely coupled with the SDO orogeny. The "de‐rooting" of the SDO lithosphere resulted in a strong uplift and erosion of the orogen, providing abundant source of material for the HB and causing the successively northwards migration of basin depocenters at its early stage. Finally, influenced by the subduction retreat of the (Palaeo‐) Pacific Plate and the strike‐slip movement of the Tanlu Fault, the depocenters migrated to the east. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumors with poor prognosis. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) of glioma in populations with Western European ancestry were completed in the US and UK. However, our previous results strongly suggest the genetic heterogeneity could be important in glioma risk. To systematically investigate glioma risk–associated variants in Chinese population, we performed a multistage GWAS of glioma in the Han Chinese population, with a total of 3,097 glioma cases and 4,362 controls. In addition to confirming two associations reported in other ancestry groups, this study identified one new risk‐associated locus for glioma on chromosome 12p11.23 (rs10842893, pmeta = 2.33x10‐12, STK38L) as well as a promising association at 15q15‐21.1 (rs4774756, pmeta = 6.12x10‐8, RAB27A) in 3,097 glioma cases and 4,362 controls. Our findings demonstrate two novel association between the glioma risk region marked by variant rs10842893 and rs4774756) and glioma risk. These findings may advance the understanding of genetic susceptibility to glioma. What's new? While very few brain tumors are attributed to familial risk factors, the previous identification of inherited genetic variants linked to glioma has raised new questions about the impact of genetics on brain tumor risk. In this genome‐wide association study in a Han Chinese population, two independent genetic variants, one on chromosome 12p11.23 and the second on 15q15‐21.1, were found to be significantly associated with glioma risk. In addition, two risk‐associated variants previously reported in other ancestry groups were also associated with glioma risk in Han Chinese patients. The findings may help advance understanding of genetic susceptibility to glioma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) has been reported to regulate adipose development, but its role in preadipocyte proliferation has not been explored in vitro. Here, we investigated the effect of BMP4 on chicken preadipocyte proliferation using immortalized chicken preadipocytes (ICP1 cells) as a cell model. We report that BMP4 expression increases during preadipocyte proliferation. Overexpression and knockdown of BMP4 promotes and inhibits preadipocyte proliferation, respectively. In addition, overexpression of BMP4 decreased the number of preadipocytes at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, and increased the proportion of cells at S phase. In contrast, knockdown of BMP4 increased the number of preadipocytes at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, and decreased the proportion of cells at the S and G2 phases. Furthermore, overexpression of BMP4 promoted the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Id2, cyclin E, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), while knockdown of BMP4 inhibited the expression of Id2, cyclin E, and CDK2. Finally, neither BMP4 overexpression nor BMP4 knockdown affected cell apoptosis. Taken together, our results suggest that BMP4 may promote proliferation of ICP1 cells by driving cell cycle transition from G1 to S phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution correlation between the North China Craton (NCC) and the Indian Shield (IND) is very important for plate reconstruction. Recently, more and more research results show that the NCC and IND had been pieced together in the Paleoproterozoic. In order to analyse the correlation between the NCC and IND, we use the latest gravity and magnetic data to study deep geophysical characteristics of the NCC and IND respectively, and we also use a two‐dimensional discrete wavelet transform method to discuss the division scheme of the basement tectonic unit in the Paleoproterozoic at the point of gravity and magnetic field. On the basis of gravity and magnetic anomalies, the NCC is divided into the Eastern Block, Western Block, and the Trans‐North China Orogen, which are further divided into the secondary tectonic zones and blocks. The IND is divided into the Southern Block, the Northern Block, and the Central Indian Tectonic Zone, and they also are further divided into secondary tectonic zones and ancient cratons. On the basis of that, according to the four Paleoproterozoic plate assemblage schemes proposed by predecessors, we compared the geophysical characteristics and the correlation through the regional gravity and magnetic anomalies between the two continents. The results show that the faults and tectonic boundaries in the Trans‐North China Orogen of the NCC correspond well to those in the Central Indian Tectonic Zone of IND. Moreover, the gravitational and magnetic anomalies in the Eastern Block of the NCC are quite similar to those in the Southern Block of IND, which shows that the NCC and IND might have been pieced together during the Paleoproterozoic. The geophysical result that verifies the correlation between the NCC and IND based on gravity and magnetic fields provides the evidence for Paleoproterozoic plate reconstruction and constrains the assembling patterns between the NCC and the IND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practical performance of the electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) instrument largely relies on the accuracy and robustness of the image reconstruction algorithm. Varying from the common imaging methods, in this study, a regularisation‐based loss function is proposed to transform the ECT imaging task into an optimisation problem, in which the least trimmed squares method is employed to measure the data fidelity, and the ℓp‐norm of the variables is used as the regulariser. An efficient memetic algorithm (MA) that constitutes of the monkey king evolution algorithm and the Fletcher–Reeves conjugate gradient method is developed for solving the proposed loss function. The numerical simulations reveal that the feasibility and robustness of the proposed MA lead to a series of satisfactory results in the ECT field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that determined human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene polymorphisms in Han Chinese patients with leukaemia. Topics discussed include HLA allele frequencies in patients and controls and identification of differential HLA alleles that might affect the susceptibility to the development of leukaemia in Han Chinese patients.

Abstract: N‐doped mesoporous carbons (NMCs) have drawn a lot of interest as alternative electrocatalysts to replace noble metals. The maximized surface areas endow NMCs substantially increased active sites and thus greatly promote the catalytically apparent performance. Herein, polydopamine (PDA) is employed to derive NMCs by a facile hard‐templating method. The newly‐developed NMC‐900 shows highly catalytic efficiency in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), comparable to that of Pt/C and superb stability greatly surpassing Pt/C, attributed to its fascinating componential and structural merits. The componential‐favored graphitic N and pyridinic N afforded highly efficient and stable metal‐free active sites. The structurally large surface area (536 m2/g) and well‐aligned 3D mesoporous architecture provided sufficiently exposed active sites and unimpeded reaction channels for ORR. Both the good electrical conductivity and hydrophilic surface of NMC‐900 ensured an expedited ORR process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of the inclusion complexes between two phenylethanol isomers [1-phenylethanol (1-PE) and 2-PE)] and three cyclodextrins namely α-cyclodextrin ( α-CD), β-cyclodextrin ( β-CD) and HP- β-cyclodextrin (HP- β-CD) was studied. Phase-solubility studies showed the two isomers formed 1:1 stoichiometric inclusion complexes with these cyclodextrins and the aqueous solubility of 1-PE and 2-PE significantly increased with increasing the cyclodextrin concentration. In this study, β-CD was chosen as a host molecule, and solid inclusion complexes of β-CD with two phenylethanol isomers were prepared via the co-precipitation method for the enhancement of their thermal stability and sustained release. The presence of the two isomers in the inclusion complexes was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectra. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) results indicated new crystalline phases for the inclusion complexes. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies for the inclusion complexes have also shown the formation of supramolecular inclusion complexes between β-CD and the two isomers. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results demonstrated that the thermal stability of the two isomers was increased as a result of the formation of the inclusion complexation with β-CD. The release study suggested that β-CD provided protection for 1-PE and 2-PE against evaporation, and 1-PE in the inclusion complex had a lower release rate than that of 2-PE. The results have been confirmed with PM3 and B3LYP/6-31G(d) calculation. It indicates that β-CD is a proper wall material for increasing thermal stability and the controlled release of 1-PE and 2-PE. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silencing of transposable elements ( TEs) in the metazoan germline is critical for genome integrity and is primarily dependent on Piwi proteins and associated RNAs, which exert their function through both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. Here, we report that the evolutionarily conserved Pelo (Dom34)-Hbs1 mRNA surveillance complex is required for transposon silencing in the Drosophila germline. In pelo mutant gonads, mRNAs and proteins of some selective TEs are up-regulated. Pelo is not required for pi RNA biogenesis, and our studies suggest that Pelo may function at the translational level to silence TEs: This function requires interaction with Hbs1, and overexpression of RpS30a partially reverts TE-silencing defects in pelo mutants. Interestingly, TE silencing and spermatogenesis defects in pelo mutants can also effectively be rescued by expressing the mammalian ortholog of Pelo. We propose that the Pelo-Hbs1 surveillance complex provides another level of defense against the expression of TEs in the germline of Drosophila and possibly all metazoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small proline‐rich repeat protein 3 (SPRR3) has been linked with the altered chemoradiosensitivity, however the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we report that ectopic overexpression of SPRR3 enhanced the sensitivity of cells in response to DNA damage‐induced apoptosis via loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and increasing activation of caspase 3 in human esophageal cancer cell lines. Conversely, siRNA knockdown of SPRR3 reduced apoptosis. We found that SPRR3 was localized in mitochondria and interacted with Bcl‐2 in vivo, thus facilitating Bax mitochondrial translocation and the subsequent release of cytochrome c, and thereby enhancing cell sensitivity to DNA damage stimuli. In clinical samples, expression of SPRR3 was associated with the pathologic response (P = 0.007 in radiotherapy group, P = 0.035 in preoperative radiotherapy group) and good survival of patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC, P = 0.008). Taken together, our results implicate that SPRR3 might serve as a radiation‐sensitive predictor of ESCC. Highlights: SPRR3 expression was induced by DNA damage response.SPRR3 increased DNA damage‐induced apoptosis via mitochondrial death pathway.SPRR3 was localized in mitochondria and interacted with Bcl‐2 in vivo.SPRR3 expression was associated with sensitivity in preoperative radiotherapy of ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 5p15.33 ( TERT-CLPTM1L) as one of the susceptible regions for glioma in European background. A replication research of our group highlighted the association signals in the TERT gene of this region in a Chinese Han population. To comprehensively explore the region of glioma association at 5p15.33 and to refine the potential causal variants to a smaller critical region, we conducted a fine-mapping association study among 983 cases and 1,024 controls in a Chinese Han population. Using Hapmap3 datasets as a reference, we genotyped 16 tag SNPs across this 87.9-kb region encompassing TERT. Significant association with glioma risk was observed for rs2853677 [GG vs. GA: adjusted OR = 1.46, p = 5.51 × 10−6, GG vs. AA: adjusted OR = 1.72, p = 7.64 × 10−6, GG vs. GA and AA: adjusted OR = 1.96, p = 6.8 × 10−6] in TERT and an uncommon CLPTM1L haplotype G-T-A of rs4635969, rs6554759 and rs414965 (haplotype frequency = 0.07) was associated with higher glioma risk compared with the most common G-C-G haplotype (adjusted OR = 1.44, simulated p = 6.00 × 10−3 under additive model). Our results indicate that sequence variants in the region flanking rs2853677 may account for the GWAS and replication signals identified in 5p15.33 for glioma susceptibility in Chinese population; besides, haplotype G-T-A in CLPTM1L also confers a risk to glioma suggesting CLPTM1L is also involved in the etiology of glioma. Additional studies especially those taking advantage of sequencing platforms are warranted to further confirm the conclusions and go deeper with our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apoptosis is a distinct mode of cell death that is responsible for the deletion of cells in tumors and in normal tissues. We pursued a pathway-based approach to investigate the association of potentially functional genetic polymorphisms of the corresponding genes with the outcomes of platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer ( NSCLC). A MALDI- TOF mass spectrometer was used for genotyping 10 polymorphisms of eight apoptosis-related genes, including BCL2 rs1801018, rs1564483, rs2279115, BAX rs4645878, caspase ( CASP3) rs6948, CASP8 rs3834129, CASP10 rs13006529, rs3900115, tumor necrosis factor α ( TNFα) rs1800629, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor ( MIF) rs755622. The associations between these single nucleotide polymorphisms and the outcomes of 445 advanced NSCLC patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy were evaluated. The CASP3 rs6948 polymorphism was most significantly associated with hematologic toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The incidence of severe hematologic toxicity was significantly lower in C allele carriers ( P = 0.005; odds ratio = 0.524; 95% confidence interval = 0.333-0.824) and still significant after a Bonferroni correction. The function of this single nucleotide polymorphism in gene expression was also investigated. Quantitative PCR showed that individuals with the C allele had lower levels of CASP3 transcripts in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Luciferase reporter assays showed that the minor C allele significantly decreased the reporter gene expression level. In addition, the TNFα rs1800629 mutant allele significantly elevated gastrointestinal toxicity ( P = 0.020; odds ratio = 3.020; 95% confidence interval = 1.188-7.676), when compared to the wild-type homozygote. No other association was found. In conclusion, for the first time, our study suggests that CASP3 rs6948 might influence CASP3 expression and be associated with severe hematologic toxicity risk. ( Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1451-1459) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than 30 prostate cancer (PCa) risk-associated loci have been identified in populations of European descent by genome-wide association studies. We hypothesized that a subset of these loci might be associated with PCa risk in Chinese men. To test this hypothesis, 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), one each from the 33 independent PCa risk-associated loci reported in populations of European descent, were investigated for their associations with PCa risk in a case-control study of Chinese men (1108 cases and 1525 controls). We found that 11 of the 33 SNP were significantly associated with PCa risk in Chinese men ( P < 0.05). The reported risk alleles were associated with increased risk for PCa, with allelic odds ratios ranging from 1.12 to 1.44. The most significant locus was located on 8q24 region 2 (rs16901979, P = 5.14 × 10−9) with a genome-wide significance ( P < 10−8), and three loci reached the Bonferroni correction significance level ( P < 1.52 × 10−3), including 8q24 region 1 (rs1447295, P = 7.04 × 10−6), 8q24 region 5 (rs10086908, P = 9.24 × 10−4) and 8p21 (rs1512268, P = 9.39 × 10−4). Our results suggest that a subset of the PCa risk-associated SNP discovered by genome-wide association studies among men of European descent is also associated with PCa risk in Chinese men. This finding provides evidence of ethnic differences and similarity in genetic susceptibility to PCa. Genome-wide association studies in Chinese men are needed to identify Chinese-specific PCa risk-associated SNP. ( Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1916-1920) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UBE2C oncogene is overexpressed in many types of solid tumours including the lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The underlying mechanisms causing UBE2C gene overexpression in CRPC are not fully understood. Here, we show that CRPC-specific enhancers drive UBE2C overexpression in both AR-negative and -positive CRPC cells. We further show that co-activator MED1 recruitment to the UBE2C enhancers is required for long-range UBE2C enhancer/promoter interactions. Importantly, we find that the molecular mechanism underlying MED1-mediated chromatin looping involves PI3K/AKT phosphorylated MED1-mediated recruitment of FoxA1, RNA polymerase II and TATA binding protein and their subsequent interactions at the UBE2C locus. MED1 phosphorylation leads to UBE2C locus looping, UBE2C gene expression and cell growth. Our results not only define a causal role of a post-translational modification (phosphorylation) of a co-activator (MED1) in forming or sustaining an active chromatin structure, but also suggest that development of specific therapies for CRPC should take account of targeting phosphorylated MED1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), one of the most predominant mediators of pathologic angiogenesis, plays a critical role in glioma carcinogenesis and development via promoting tumor growth. We hypothesized that VEGFA polymorphisms may influence glioma risk. We recently genotyped 9 VEGFA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 766 glioma patients and 824 cancer-free controls selected from a Chinese population. We evaluated the glioma risk conferred by individual SNPs, haplotypes as well as cumulative SNP effect. In the single-locus analysis, we found that rs2010963 (G+405C, G-634C) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.58; GC/CC vs. GG] and rs3025030 (OR = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.18-4.14; CC vs. GG/GC) were associated with increased risk for glioma, and rs3024994 (OR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.47-0.94; CT/TT vs. CC) was associated with reduced glioma risk, albeit insignificant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. The haplotype-based analysis revealed that AGG in block 1 and ATT, ACT in block 2 were associated with 20-40% reductions in glioma risk. The inverse association of haplotype AGG containing rs2010963G remained significant after correction for multiple testing ( p = 0.002, p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel urchin‐like serried hydroxyapatite (USHA) is synthesized by homogeneous hydrothermal precipitation method through adjusting the pH value and temperature. The silanized USHA is thereby used as the reinforcing filler for dental resin composites. The structure and morphology of various HA nanostructures are characterized with X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and field‐emission scanning electron microscope. Thermogravimetric analysis is used to analyze the grafting ratio of 3‐methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane on the surface of USHA. Mechanical performance of dental resin composites reinforced with silanized USHA at different filler loadings are measured by a universal mechanical testing machine. The neat resin matrix is served as the control group. Results demonstrate that the optimization of USHA morphology gave a better understanding of the effect of the pH value and temperature on its structure transformation. After trials, USHA with the complete globular structure and the serried whiskers is synthesized at pH value of 12.5 under 105 °C. When the USHA loading is 30 wt%, the corresponding dental composite significantly improved the mechanical properties in comparison with the neat resin, especially for the compressive strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]