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Objective: Chronological age (CAge), biological age (BAge), and accelerated age (AAge) are all important for aging‐related diseases. CAge is a known risk factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); However, the evidence of association of BAge and AAge with BPH is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association of CAge, Bage, and AAge with BPH in a large prospective cohort. Method: A total of 135,933 males without BPH at enrolment were extracted from the UK biobank. We calculated three BAge measures (Klemera–Doubal method, KDM; PhenoAge; homeostatic dysregulation, HD) based on 16 biomarkers. Additionally, we calculated KDM‐BAge and PhenoAge‐BAge measures based on the Levine method. The KDM‐AAge and PhenoAge‐AAge were assessed by the difference between CAge and BAge and were standardized (mean = 0 and standard deviation [SD] = 1). Cox proportional hazard models were applied to assess the associations of CAge, Bage, and AAge with incident BPH risk. Results: During a median follow‐up of 13.150 years, 11,811 (8.690%) incident BPH were identified. Advanced CAge and BAge measures were associated with an increased risk of BPH, showing threshold effects at a later age (all P for nonlinearity <0.001). Nonlinear relationships between AAge measures and risk of BPH were also found for KDM‐AAge (P = 0.041) and PhenoAge‐AAge (P = 0.020). Compared to the balance comparison group (−1 SD < AAge < 1 SD), the accelerated aging group (AAge > 2 SD) had a significantly elevated BPH risk with hazard ratio (HR) of 1.115 (95% CI, 1.000–1.223) for KDM‐AAge and 1.180 (95% CI, 1.068–1.303) for PhenoAge‐AAge, respectively. For PhenoAge‐AAge, subgroup analysis of the accelerated aging group showed an increased HR of 1.904 (95% CI, 1.374–2.639) in males with CAge <50 years and 1.233 (95% CI, 1.088–1.397) in those having testosterone levels <12 nmol/L. Moreover, AAge‐associated risk of BPH was independent of and additive to genetic risk. Conclusions: Biological aging is an independent and modifiable risk factor for BPH. We suggest performing active health interventions to slow biological aging, which will help mitigate the progression of prostate aging and further reduce the burden of BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the long-term and spatial patterns of incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates of severe periodontitis in Asia from 1990 to 2019, and to estimate the associations between disease burden and socioeconomic development using the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI).Methods: Data were obtained from the global burden of disease study 2019. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was calculated to reflect temporal trends, spatial autocorrelation analysis was conducted to estimate the spatial characteristics, and spatial panel models were used to investigate the association between SDI and severe periodontitis burden.Results: For Asia as a whole, the crude rates increased by 1.10% per year for incidence, 1.42% per year for prevalence, and 1.41% per year for DALY from 1990 to 2019. The age-standardized incidence, prevalence and DALY rates increased by 0.18%, 0.22%, and 0.23% per year, respectively. Spatially, the hot spots of age-standardized incidence, prevalence and DALY rates were located in Southern Asia, besides, these rates all showed increasing trends in most countries, and the increases were clustered in Southeastern Asia. Further, SDI showed a negative association with incidence (coef = -14.44; 95% CI: -24.63, -4.25) and prevalence (coef = -40.09; -51.81, -28.36), and a positive association with DALY rates (coef = 0.31; 0.23; 0.38).Conclusions: Severe periodontitis poses a serious public health challenge in Asian countries with increasing temporal trends and substantial spatial inequalities. Effective geographically targeted public health interventions and strategies are needed to address the growing burden associated with severe periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smoking and alcohol consumption are associated with bladder cancer risk in observational studies. We conducted a two‐sample univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine whether those associations are causal. We used 21, 126, 360, 39 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables for number of cigarettes per day, lifetime smoking index, smoking initiation, and drinks per week, respectively. A total of 1115 cases with bladder cancer and 174 006 noncases from FinnGen consortium and 2883 cases with bladder cancer and 417 955 noncases from UK Biobank study were obtained. Genetic predisposition to cigarettes per day, lifetime smoking index and smoking initiation were positively associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer in both the FinnGen and UK Biobank consortium. The summary odds ratio (OR) of bladder cancer was 1.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31‐2.45; P =.0002), 2.38 (95% CI, 1.45‐3.88; P =.0005) and 1.91 (95% CI, 1.46‐2.50; P = 1.59 × 10−06) for one SD increase in the number of cigarettes per day, lifetime smoking index and smoking initiation, respectively. The genetically instrumented number of drinks per week was not associated with bladder cancer (OR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.44‐1.10; P =.1237). Estimates were consistent in multivariable MR analyses by the adjustments of body mass index and education. Our study suggests a causal potential of the association of smoking but not alcohol consumption with bladder cancer according to current evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general, efficient and regioselective protocol has been developed for the synthesis of trifluoromethylated bis(carbazolyl)methanes. This metal‐free transformation proceeds smoothly under air atmosphere and features broad scope for both reaction partners. This method could also be extended to the synthesis of difluoromethylated and chlorodifluoromethylated bis(carbazolyl)methanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated morning blood pressure (BP) has a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events, so morning BP is of substantial clinical importance for the management of hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate early morning BP control and its determines among treated patients with controlled office BP. From May to October 2018, 600 treated patients with office BP < 140/90 mm Hg were recruited from hypertension clinics. Morning BP was measured at home for 7 days. Morning home systolic blood pressure (SBP) increased by an average of 11.5 mm Hg and that morning home diastolic blood pressure (DBP) increased by an average of 5.6 mm Hg compared with office BP. Morning home SBP, DBP, and their moving average were more likely to be lower among patients with a office SBP < 120 mm Hg than among patients with a office SBP ranging from 120 to 129 mm Hg and from 130 to 139 mm Hg (P < .001). A total of 45% of patients had early morning BP < 135/85 mm Hg. The following factors were significantly correlated with morning BP control: male sex, age of <65 years, absence of habitual snoring, no drinking, adequate physical activity, no habit of high salt intake, office BP < 120/80 mm Hg, and combination of a calcium channel blocker (CCB) and angiotensin receptor blocker or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ARB/ACEI). Less than half of patients with controlled office BP had controlled morning BP and that positive changes may be related to an office BP < 120/80 mm Hg, combination of a CCB and ACEI/ARB and a series of lifestyle adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited data on the characteristics of conventional risk factors (RFs) in young Chinese men hospitalized with a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Hypothesis: We analyzed the trends in and prevalence of cardiovascular RFs and subtypes of MI during the first AMI in young Chinese men. Methods: A total of 2739 men aged 18–44 years hospitalized for a first AMI were identified from 2007 to 2017. The overall prevalence of RFs and their respective temporal trends and subtypes of AMI were evaluated. Results: The most prevalent conditions were smoking, followed by hypertension and then obesity. Patients aged <35 years had a much higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and obesity. Compared with a similar reference population in the United States, young Chinese men had a higher prevalence of smoking and dyslipidemia, but a lower prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The prevalence of hypertension increased from 2007 through 2017 (p trend <.001), whereas smoking decreased gradually. AMI frequently presented as ST‐segment elevation MI (STEMI) (77.5%). Cluster of conventional RFs (3 RFs, odds ratio [OR]: 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.57; ≥4 RFs, OR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.55–4.03] and multivessel disease (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08–1.60) increased the risk of non‐STEMI (NSTEMI). Conclusions: Conventional RFs were highly prevalent in young Chinese men who were hospitalized for first AMI events, and the temporal trends varied different between China and US populations. Multivessel disease and cluster of conventional RFs are closely related to NSTEMI. Optimized preventive strategies among young adults are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate secular trends in severe periodontitis incidence, prevalence and disability‐adjusted life year (DALY) rates in China, India, Japan, South Korea and Thailand from 1990 to 2017. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the "Global Burden of Disease Study" 2017. The annual percentage change and average annual percentage change were calculated using Joinpoint regression analysis. The independent age, period and cohort effects were estimated by age–period–cohort analysis. Results: From 1990 to 2017, the overall age‐standardized incidence, prevalence and DALY rates increased in China, Japan and India, while decreasing in South Korea and Thailand. The highest incidence, prevalence and DALY rates were in India. By APC analysis, the age effect presented increase in 20–59 years in China, Japan and South Korea, 20–54 years in India and 20–64 years in Thailand; the period effect showed progressive increases in five countries, with the most significant increase shown in China; the cohort effect showed monotonic decreases with birth cohort in five countries. Conclusions: Severe periodontitis poses a serious burden in Asian countries, especially China and India. We suggest raising people's awareness of periodontal health and providing professional interventions in these countries, especially for high‐risk groups, such as younger people aged ≤65 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, human microbiome research is rapidly growing and emerging evidence has witnessed the critical role that oral microbiome plays in the process of human health and disease. Oral microbial dysbiosis has been confirmed as a contributory cause for diseases in multiple body systems, ranging from the oral cavity to the gastrointestinal, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, and even nervous system. As research progressing, oral microbiome‐based diagnosis and therapy are proposed and applied, which may represent potential drug targets in systemic diseases. Recent studies have uncovered the possible association between periodontal disease and prostatic disease, suggesting new prevention and therapeutic treatment for the disease by targeting periodontal pathogens. Thus, we performed this review to first explore the association between the oral microbiome and prostatic disease, according to current knowledge based on published articles, and then mainly focus on the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms and the potential prevention and treatment derived from these mechanistic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narrow bipolar events (NBEs) are occasionally reported to occur within a few ms after Terrestrial Gamma‐ray Flashes (TGFs), while the formation mechanism remains mysterious partially due to the lack of sufficient observations. Here, nine more TGFs of this scenario are reported with concurrent LF sferics and lightning location data. The gamma‐ray production in these TGFs preceded the occurrence of NBEs by a minimum of 60 µs up to 13.5 ms, and no other fast leader discharge was found within 20 ms before the TGF. The TGF‐preceded positive NBEs occurred at altitudes of 8.6–11 km in thunderstorms, likely in the high electric field (E‐field) region of lightning initiation. The analyses show that the NBE‐preceding TGFs bear harder energy spectrum with larger proportion of high‐energy photons than EIP‐related TGFs produced in association with lightning leader. Our findings support the relativistic feedback mechanism of gamma‐ray generation in the large‐scale thunderstorm E‐field. Plain Language Summary: Terrestrial Gamma‐ray Flashes (TGFs) are brief and intense emissions of hard X‐rays and gamma‐rays originating inside thunderstorms. Despite the considerable observations confirming the production of high‐energy photons during the ascending negative leader typically after the initiation of normal IC lightning (Category‐I), there remain some occasional observations indicating that there could be a different scenario for the TGF production, namely the gamma‐rays are produced several ms prior to a narrow bipolar event (NBE) (Category‐II), which in many cases mark the lightning initiation. In this paper, the TGFs related to NBEs were focused and nine new cases (<4%) were found out of over 230 TGFs with concurrent LF sferics. The comparison between LF sferics and light‐curve of gamma‐ray emissions corrected with the propagation delay showed that these TGFs clearly preceded the occurrence of NBEs by a minimum of 60 µs up to 13.5 ms. The NBE‐followed TGFs typically endured longer by containing more gamma‐ray photons and the energy spectrum was usually harder than Category‐I TGFs whose generation involves the progression of an energetic lightning leader. The TGFs observed preceding the lightning initiation in this study generally support the relativistic feedback mechanism for the generation of TGFs in the large‐scale thunderstorm E‐field. Key Points: Nine more TGFs detected by Fermi GBM or Insight‐HXMT are found to precede isolated NBEs by a time interval ranging from 60 μs to 13.5 msSeven of these TGFs preceding positive NBEs located at altitudes of 8.6–11 km had harder energy spectrum than EIP‐related TGFsRelativistic feedback mechanism is probably the mechanism that can explain the production of gamma‐ray photons prior to NBEs [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immunophenotype of bladder cancer plays a pivotal role in the prognosis of cancer, but the effect of different epigenetic factors on different immunophenotypes in bladder tumours remains unclear. This study used multi‐omics data analysis to provide molecular basis support for different immune phenotypes. Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed distinct subclusters with higher (subcluster B2) or lower cytotoxic immune phenotypes (subcluster A1) related to PD‐L1 and IFNG expression. Mutational landscape analyses showed that the mutation level of TP53 in subcluster B1 was highest than other subclusters, and subcluster B1 had a lower frequency of concurrent mutation than subcluster A2. A total of 2364 differentially expressed genes were identified between subclusters A2 and B1, and the main functions of the up‐regulated genes in subcluster B1 were enriched in the activation of T cells and other related pathways. We found that STAT1 was a key gene in a gene regulatory network related to immune phenotypes in bladder cancer. Finally, we constructed a prognostic prediction model by LASSO Cox regression which could distinguish high‐risk and low‐risk cases significantly. In conclusion, the present study addressed a field synopsis between genetic and epigenetic events in immune phenotypes of bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When reporting the results of clinical studies, some researchers may choose the five‐number summary (including the sample median, the first and third quartiles, and the minimum and maximum values) rather than the sample mean and standard deviation (SD), particularly for skewed data. For these studies, when included in a meta‐analysis, it is often desired to convert the five‐number summary back to the sample mean and SD. For this purpose, several methods have been proposed in the recent literature and they are increasingly used nowadays. In this article, we propose to further advance the literature by developing a smoothly weighted estimator for the sample SD that fully utilizes the sample size information. For ease of implementation, we also derive an approximation formula for the optimal weight, as well as a shortcut formula for the sample SD. Numerical results show that our new estimator provides a more accurate estimate for normal data and also performs favorably for non‐normal data. Together with the optimal sample mean estimator in Luo et al., our new methods have dramatically improved the existing methods for data transformation, and they are capable to serve as "rules of thumb" in meta‐analysis for studies reported with the five‐number summary. Finally for practical use, an Excel spreadsheet and an online calculator are also provided for implementing our optimal estimators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aircraft usually undergoes a low temperature during flight. It is crucial to understand the strain generation mechanism within lithium‐ion batteries in low temperature to prevent electrode rupture caused by uneven strain of the cell. As such, LFP pouch cell was chosen as experimental objects and the sensors were embedded inside the battery to get the internal parameters directly. Battery cycle experiments were conducted in a 2 m × 2 m × 2 m cabin in, respectively, 25°C, 10°C, −10°C, −20°C ambient temperatures with high C rates of 3C during the charge‐discharge process, which is to simulate the aircraft flying process in low temperatures at different altitudes. Parameters such as voltage, internal temperature, and strain were measured. The results revealed the significant impact on thermomechanical coupling characteristics of LFP battery caused by low temperature. As the ambient temperature decreases, the maximum strain increases. The strain is positively correlated with the temperature of the battery, and as the ambient temperature decreases, battery temperature would have more effects on strain. Besides, it was also found that in a low‐temperature environment, the heat generated by the battery itself is beneficial to its performance recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) that feature a high density of phenyl rings in their robust frameworks are attractive platforms for catalysis because of their extremely high stability, high surface area, and adjustable pore size. In this paper, two PAF‐supported ionic liquids were constructed by introducing ionic liquid units onto the framework of a PAF material PAF‐111 using a series of stepwise post‐synthetic modifications. The basic PAF‐supported ionic liquid with a hydroxy anion exhibited high catalytic activity and high stability, and could undergo at least 10 cycles without any activity loss when catalyzing Knoevenagel condensation reaction under aqueous conditions. It is expected that our study will further promote the development of designing and applying functional PAF materials for catalysis in aqueous systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric [4+5] annulation of ortho‐quinone methides (o‐QMs) with substituted vinylethylene carbonates (VECs) is described for the first time, giving a novel enantioselective approach to chiral nine‐membered benzoheterocycles. Based on this designed [4+5] annulation, an unprecedented silica gel‐promoted tandem rearrangement reaction featuring a unique asymmetric aromatic Claisen rearrangement is explored at room temperature, offering a new method for asymmetric construction of all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters embedded in chiral functionalized homoallylic alcohols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aim to compare and analyze the biomechanical repair and clinical efficacy of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) with the use of metal trabecular bone reconstruction system and free vascularized fibular graft. The study enrolled 66 adult patients from medical records of nontraumatic ARCO 2A–3B stage ONFH. A simple ONFH model without surgical treatment was established in 13 cases, 29 cases were treated with metal trabecular bone reconstruction system, and 24 cases were treated with free vascularized fibular graft. Computer‐recognized and extracted femur outlines were imported, and three‐dimensional reconstructions were performed. The stress concentration and stress peak value were analyzed, and the Harris score, visual analog scale pain score, and operation status of the above patients were compared. Finally, quality of life assessment was performed using SF‐36 scale. Metal trabecular bone reconstruction system provided less operation time, blood loss, and the total length of postoperative hospital stay than free vascularized fibular graft. Metal trabecular bone reconstruction system promoted bone reconstruction, increased bone mineral density and Harris score. The total clinical effective rate of young patients (20–40 years) was higher than that of older patients (41–60 years). Metal trabecular bone reconstruction system provided higher physical component summary, mental component summary, and role/social component summary than free vascularized fibular graft. This study demonstrates that both metal trabecular bone reconstruction system and free vascularized fibular graft can prevent or delay the progression of ONFH, while metal trabecular bone reconstruction system is a better choice because of better short‐term clinical efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periodontal disease is linked to a number of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Recent evidence has suggested periodontal disease might be associated with lung cancer. However, their precise relationship is yet to be explored. Hence, this study aims to investigate the association of periodontal disease and risk of incident lung cancer using a meta-analytic approach.Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were searched up to June 10, 2015. Cohort and nested case-control studies investigating risk of lung cancer in patients with periodontal disease were included. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated, as were their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a fixed-effect inverse-variance model. Statistical heterogeneity was explored using the Q test as well as the I(2) statistic. Publication bias was assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots symmetry and Egger's test.Results: Five cohort studies were included, involving 321,420 participants in this meta-analysis. Summary estimates based on adjusted data showed that periodontal disease was associated with a significant risk of lung cancer (HR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.13 to 1.36; I(2) = 30%). No publication bias was detected. Subgroup analysis indicated that the association of periodontal disease and lung cancer remained significant in the female population.Conclusion: Evidence from cohort studies suggests that patients with periodontal disease are at increased risk of developing lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bladder cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia have been two very common diseases among the elderly men, especially with the aging of the population in the world. We have designed a study to investigate the clinical effect of interventional therapy for plasmakinetic resection of the prostate and plasmakinetic resection of the bladder, which is called “BPSC” (The bladder cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia study in Chinese population). The BPSC is not only a specific study, it is made up of many studies. In this article, we introduced the research background, source, name, study framework, study management and further direction of BPSC project. We hope this process will contribute to the growth of the database through sharing data and enriching the evidence of bladder cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia in the Chinese population, thereby finally improving the accessibility of these important findings for doctors, researchers, and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Despite continually increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas, there has been a hiatus in rising global temperatures during the 21st century. In this study, changes in the tropopause layer (TL) thickness are studied during the pre-hiatus and the hiatus periods, based on radiosonde data from the Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive. Statistically significant thickening occurs in the Northern (Southern) Hemisphere extratropics, at 35 ± 15.6 (59.0 ± 27.6) m decade−1, and the Northern (Southern) Hemisphere high latitudes, at 104.8 ± 21.7 (132.6 ± 97.4) m decade−1, but not in the tropics during the pre-hiatus period (1960-1997). For the hiatus period (2002-2013), significant thickening of the TL occurs only in the Southern Hemisphere extratropics (133 ± 98 m decade−1). Moreover, this study captures distinct regional characteristics in the hiatus of the TL thickening, including thinning over Alaska, Hawaii, the Western Plateau of North America, and Northern Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSRACT A cloud cluster ( CC) dataset is presented using CloudSat Cloud Profile Radar ( CPR) observations from June to August, between 2006 and 2010. The CCs were defined by grouping contiguous cloud pixels using a defined criteria, including reflectivity, 'cloud mask', and topographic information. The characteristics of identified CCs were then analysed. Based on the complex topography of the southern Himalayas, four adjacent regions were selected, including the flat Gangetic Plains ( FGP), the foothills of the Himalayas ( FHH), the steep slope of the southern Himalayas ( SSSH), and the Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau ( HTPT). The characteristics of the CCs in the four regions were different, and the distribution of the cloud-top height gradually changed from bimodal (3 and 15 km) over the FGP and FHH, to unimodal (7-9 km) over the HTPT. From the plain to the Plateau, the average cloud-top height and cloud-base height increased after an initial decrease. The maximum reflectivity increased from −6 (plain) to 2 dBZ (slope areas), and then decreased to −2 dBZ (Plateau), which suggests that the CCs may produce precipitation on the slope. Maximum CCs occurred over the FHH. The characteristics of the CCs also showed semidiurnal variation, which may have been affected by the variation of the monsoon and the circulation over the mountain valley. According to the physical principles of the cloud-type definitions from ISCCP, high-level cirrus, deep convective CCs, and mid- to low-level CCs were categorized. As the elevation increased, the cloud-top height of the mid- to low-level CCs also significantly increased to 8 km, whereas the cloud-top height of the high-level cirrus clouds decreased. Our results suggest that the different characteristics of CCs may be caused by a strong upward motion interacting with the terrain of the Himalayas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Association between oral sex and oral cancer is a highlighted topic all the time; however, many published epidemiological studies remain failed to obtain a consistent conclusion. We performed this meta-analysis to ascertain whether oral sex is a risk factor or a risk marker for oral cancer. Method The PubMed database was searched up to 30 August 2013 (latest updated on 21 December 2014) for relevant observational studies that tested the association between oral sex and oral cancer risk. After data extraction from eligible studies, the meta-analysis was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results Finally we yielded six case-control studies and one cross-sectional study with 5553 individuals. The results based on random-effects model indicated that there was no significant association between oral sex and risk of oral cancer (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.54; P = 0.33). Sensitivity analysis showed that the result was robust and subgroups analyses also revealed similar results. Publication bias was not detected. Conclusion Current evidence suggests that oral sex is a risk marker rather than an independent risk factor for oral cancer. However, the practitioners should assure they are without sexually transmitted diseases and with good oral health, and at least cleaned carefully and thoroughly before oral sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many studies have been conducted to explore the association between interleukin (IL)-1β C-511T polymorphism and risk of chronic periodontitis (CP) but with different or even contradictory results. A meta-analysis was performed to further explore their association. Methods: PubMed, Chinese Mational Knowledge Infrastructure, and EMBASE were searched up to September 30, 2014 for relevant case-control studies. Two authors (DYL and L-YX) independently selected studies and extracted data from included studies. The meta-analysis was performed using comprehensive meta-analysis software. Results: Nineteen case-control studies involving 2,173 patients with CP and 3,900 healthy controls were included. Using a random-effects meta-analysis model, a non-significant association between IL-1β C-51 IT polymorphism and CP was identified (T versus C: odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [Cl] = 0.85 to 1.25; TT versus CC: OR = 1.03, 95% Cl = 0.72 to 1.46; CT versus CC: OR = 0.96, 95% Cl = 0.71 to 1.30; CT + TT versus CC: OR = 1.00, 95% Cl = 0.74 to 1.34; TT versus CT + CC: OR = 1.05, 95% Cl = 0.81 to 1.38), and sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were robust. Subgroup analyses also revealed a non-significant association. No publication bias was detected. Conclusions: Based on currently available evidence, IL-1β C-51 IT polymorphism is not associated with the risk of developing CP. Additional research is warranted to further explore and confirm the association of genetic polymorphism and CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unprecedented stereospecific substitution reaction of enantioenriched allylic alcohols with sodium sulfinates has been developed for the asymmetric synthesis of allylic sulfones with excellent ee. A range of highly enantioenriched allylic alcohols smoothly underwent palladium diacetate/racemic 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl-catalyzed substitution with sodium sulfinates to give structurally diverse α-chiral allylic sulfones in moderate to excellent yields with complete retention of configuration. This study paves the way for the direct stereospecific substitution of enantioenriched allylic alcohols with sulfur nucleophiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly regioselective halogenation reaction of symmetrical and unsymmetrical aromatic azo compounds has been developed at room temperature or at 50 °C. In the presence of 5 mol% palladium diacetate and 0.5 equiv. of p-toluenesulfonic acid, a range of symmetrical aromatic azo compounds smoothly undergo monobromination with N-bromosuccinimide to give the corresponding unsymmetrical aromatic azo compounds in good to excellent yields with >99:1 ortho-selectivity. This chemistry has been successfully extended to unsymmetrical aromatic azo compounds, whose electron-richer aryl groups prefer to be monobrominated. Moreover, replacing N-bromosuccinimide with N-iodosuccinimide in the reaction allows the synthesis of monoiodinated aromatic azo compounds with >99:1 regioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes dinuclear double-helical complex called bis[μ-N,N'-bis(quinolin-8-yl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamido]dizinc(II) dichloromethane disolvate. The research was part of the study on the design of double and triple helicates due to their structural and superstructural diversity. These helical compounds have potential applications also in medicinal chemistry, nonlinear optics, asymmetric catalysis and luminescence.

Porous rutile nanostructured TiO2 with different morphologies were prepared with 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid (bmimCl IL). The morphologies of the rutile nanostructures were tuned by changing the dosage ratio of TiCl4 aqueous solution to bmimCl IL. The as-prepared nanoporous TiO2 samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. It is believed that the porous nanostructures were induced by a reaction-limited aggregation. The synthesis method may also be applicable in other hydrolysis reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the chemical reaction of enantioenriched allylic alcohols by using sodium sulfinates.

Background: Several studies have investigated the association between interleukin (IL)-4 gene -590 C/T, -33 C/T, or 70-base pair (70-bp) polymorphisms and periodontitis susceptibility but with conflicting results. Hence, a meta-analysis was conducted to explore whether these polymorphisms are associated with periodontitis susceptibility.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science up to April 5, 2014. After the eligible studies were identified, data were extracted and quality-assessed before performing the meta-analysis.Results: The meta-analysis included 23 eligible case-control studies from 11 articles involving 12 studies of the -590 C/T polymorphism (1,220 cases and 2,039 controls), five of the -33 C/T polymorphism (715 cases and 967 controls), and four of the 70-bp polymorphism (426 cases and 506 controls). The meta-analysis showed that none of these IL-4 gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with periodontitis susceptibility in all study participants. However, subgroup analysis showed that the IL-4 -590 T allele (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02 to 1.42, P = 0.03) and TT genotype (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.05 to 2.67, P = 0.03) were associated with periodontitis in whites.Conclusions: Based on current evidence, the IL-4 -33 C/T and 70-bp polymorphisms were not associated with an increased risk of periodontitis. However, the IL-4 -590 T allele and TT genotype were associated with increased risk of periodontitis in whites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction is not applicable to α-chiral allylic alcohols with β-substituents due to their poor reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The allylation of phosphonium ylides with allylic amines in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 and B(OH)3 as a catalytic system followed by an one-pot Wittig olefination with formaldehyde leads to desired (E)-ketodienes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide range of different substituted diaryl-azo compounds can be brominated or iodinated with excellent ortho-selectivity under mild reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction tolerates a wide variety of functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) or, more accurately, chronic non-suppurative destructive cholangitis, is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that is considered to have an autoimmune basis. In most patients, PBC is characterized by the presence of M2 antibodies. The major autoantigens recognized by M2 antibodies are members of the 2-oxo-acid dehydro­genase complex, including pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E2 (PDC-E2), branched chain 2-oxo-acid dehydrogenase complex E2 (BCOADC-E2), 2-oxo-glutarate dehydrogenase complex E2 (OGDC-E2), E1 subunits of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and protein X of the PDC. The aim of this study was to express the immunodominant epitopes of BCOADC-E2, PDC-E2 and OGDC-E2 separately, to create a triple hybrid clone (designated as BPO) containing epitopes of three autoantigens, and to use BPO as a tool for the detection of M2 antibodies specific for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). METHODS: The cDNA fragments from human sources encoding the M2-reactive epitopes of BCOADC-E2, PDC-E2 and OGDC-E2 were amplified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with total RNA extracted from human peripheral mononuclear blood cells. The fragments were cloned into pQE-30 and then transferred into plasmid Escherichia coli M15. Transformants were induced by isopropylthio-β-d-galactoside and confirmed with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting. RESULTS: Four specific proteins produced from the transformants containing the fused plasmid were shown to have antigenic reactivity with PBC sera, but not with normal control sera. CONCLUSIONS: We succeeded in expressing three immunodominant epitopes and a hybrid clone, which can be used as a powerful and specific tool for the detection of M2-specific autoantibodies in the diagnosis of PBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]