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This paper investigates the impact of macroprudential policies, capital controls, and their joint effect on income inequality. Using a panel dataset covering 60 countries from 2000 to 2019, we find that macroprudential policies and capital controls can mitigate income inequality, which are robust to various subsets of policy indexes. However, the effectiveness of macroprudential policies on income inequality depends on the tightness of capital controls. We verify that macroprudential policies affect income inequality through private sector leverage, and both capital controls and macroprudential policies have significant influences on gross capital flows and net capital flows to affect income inequality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past years, the application potential of ferroelectric nanomaterials with unique physical properties for modern electronics is highlighted to a large extent. However, it is relatively challenging to fabricate inorganic ferroelectric nanomaterials, which is a process depending on a vacuum atmosphere at high temperatures. As significant complements to inorganic ferroelectric nanomaterials, the nanomaterials of molecular ferroelectrics are rarely reported. Here a low‐cost room‐temperature antisolvent method is used to synthesize free‐standing 2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (OIHP) ferroelectric nanosheets (NSs), that is, (CHA)2PbBr4 NSs (CHA = cyclohexylammonium), with an average lateral size of 357.59 nm and a thickness ranging from 10 to 70 nm. This method shows high repeatability and produces NSs with excellent crystallinity. Moreover, ferroelectric domains in single NSs can be clearly visualized and manipulated using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The domain switching and PFM‐switching spectroscopy indicate the robust in‐plane ferroelectricity of the NSs. This work not only introduces a feasible, low‐cost, and scalable method for preparing molecular ferroelectric NSs but also promotes the research on molecular ferroelectric nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern radar systems often face various interference signals in complex and rapidly changing electronic environments. The task of suppressing this interference in the radar echo signal to extract vital information is challenging. A radar interference suppression method is proposed based on a generative adversarial network (GAN). This method effectively recovers the target signal from the echo signal, which contains interference and noise, by leveraging the powerful fitting ability of GAN. Specifically, this method was tested using coherent suppression interference, smart noise interference, and noise frequency modulation suppression interference. We compared the proposed GAN method with recurrent neural network, short‐time Fourier transform time‐varying filtering, short‐time fractional Fourier transform time‐varying filtering algorithms and RNN approach. The results show that the interference suppression algorithm based on GAN is superior to the other three algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D ferroelectric materials with out‐of‐plane polarization are crucial for future nanoscale logic devices due to the increasing demand for energy‐efficient architectures in artificial intelligence. However, only a few 2D out‐of‐plane ferroelectrics are confirmed experimentally. As an important branch of ferroelectrics, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite ferroelectrics show flexible structures, making them eligible for constructing multifunctional materials. Here, a 2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite ferroelectric (6‐BHA)2CdBr4 (6‐BHA is 6‐bromohexylamine) is designed, which crystallizes in polar point group Cc. It experiences the reversal phase transition at 317.8 K and possesses multiaxial ferroelectric properties. More interestingly, it exhibits a large spontaneous polarization value of 3.26 µC cm−2 in out‐of‐plane direction of the film compared with typical 2D ferroelectrics. Moreover, an inverter based on (6‐BHA)2CdBr4 is fabricated, which serves as a proof of concept for the feasibility for logic‐in‐memory devices. This work not only enriches the family of molecular ferroelectrics but also shows the potential to create the next generation of in‐memory computing devices, nanoelectronics devices, and ultra‐high‐density memories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With outstanding advantages of chemical synthesis, structural diversity, and mechanical flexibility, molecular ferroelectrics have attracted increasing attention, demonstrating themselves as promising candidates for next‐generation wearable electronics and flexible devices in the film form. However, it remains a challenge to grow high‐quality thin films of molecular ferroelectrics. To address the above issue, a volume‐confined method is utilized to achieve ultrasmooth single‐crystal molecular ferroelectric thin films at the sub‐centimeter scale, with the thickness controlled in the range of 100–1000 nm. More importantly, the preparation method is applicable to most molecular ferroelectrics and has no dependency on substrates, showing excellent reproducibility and universality. To demonstrate the application potential, two‐dimensional (2D) transitional metal dichalcogenide semiconductor/molecular ferroelectric heterostructures are prepared and investigated by optical spectroscopic method, proving the possibility of integrating molecular ferroelectrics with 2D layered materials. These results may unlock the potential for preparing and developing high‐performance devices based on molecular ferroelectric thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zidovudine/lamivudine tablets are nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors that are used to treat human immunodeficiency virus. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioequivalence and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of test and reference preparations of zidovudine/lamivudine tablets in healthy Chinese subjects. We designed a randomized, open, single‐center, single‐dose, 2‐crossover experiment with a 7‐day washout period involving 20 healthy subjects. The subjects were given a single dose of the test or reference preparation after fasting overnight for 10 hours. Blood samples were subsequently collected at scheduled time points from 0 hour (preadministration) up to 24 hours postadministration. The plasma concentrations of zidovudine and lamivudine were determined by a validated ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare differences in the mean values of key PK parameters between the 2 preparations. Bioequivalence was evaluated by 2 one‐sided t‐tests and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratio (GMR). In total, 19 of the 20 subjects completed the trial. Based on the analysis of PK parameters, the relative bioavailability of zidovudine and lamivudine was 101.1% ± 2.0% and 100.3% ± 1.5%, respectively. ANOVA found no significant difference in primary PK parameters when compared between the 2 formulations, and the 90% CIs of the GMR of the 2 formulations were within the bioequivalence margins of 80%–125%. No serious adverse events occurred. Thus, we confirmed that the 2 preparations were bioequivalent in healthy Chinese volunteers. Our analysis demonstrated that both products showed good tolerance in all subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein‐protein interactions (PPIs) play critical roles in almost all cellular signal transduction events. Characterization of PPIs without interfering with the functions of intact cells is very important for basic biology study and drug developments. However, the ability to profile PPIs especially those weak/transient interactions in their native states remains quite challenging. To this end, many endeavors are being made in developing new methods with high efficiency and strong operability. By coupling with advanced fluorescent microscopy and mass spectroscopy techniques, these strategies not only allow us to visualize the subcellular locations and monitor the functions of protein of interest (POI) in real time, but also enable the profiling and identification of potential unknown interacting partners in high‐throughput manner, which greatly facilitates the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying numerous pathophysiological processes. In this review, we will summarize the typical methods for PPIs identification in living cells and their principles, advantages and limitations will also be discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut microbiota plays an integral role in the metabolism and immunity of animal hosts, and provides insights into the health and habitat assessment of threatened animals. The skywalker hoolock gibbon (Hoolock tianxing) is a newly described gibbon species, and is considered an endangered species. Here, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to describe the fecal bacterial community of skywalker hoolock gibbons from different habitats and in captivity. Fecal samples (n = 5) from two captive gibbons were compared with wild populations (N = 6 gibbons, n = 33 samples). At the phylum level, Spirochetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes dominated in captive gibbons, while Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Tenericutes dominated in wild gibbons. At the genus level, captive gibbons were dominated by Treponema‐2, followed by Succinivibrio and Cerasicoccus, while wild gibbons were dominated by Anaeroplasma, Prevotellaceae UCG‐001, and Erysipelotrichaceae UCG‐004. Captive rearing was significantly associated with lower taxonomic alpha‐diversity, and different relative abundance of some dominant bacteria compared to wild gibbons. Predicted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses showed that captive gibbons have significantly lower total pathway diversity and higher relative abundance of bacterial functions involved in "drug resistance: antimicrobial" and "carbohydrate metabolism" than wild gibbons. This study reveals the potential influence of captivity and habitat on the gut bacterial community of gibbons and provides a basis for guiding the conservation management of captive populations. Research Highlight: Captive and wild hoolock skywalker gibbons have different gut microbial structures.Captive rearing was significantly associated with lower taxonomic alpha‐diversity, different relative abundance of some dominant bacteria and the number of pathways compared to wild gibbons.Predicted Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway showed that captive gibbons have significant more abundant functional gene pathways of "drug resistance: antimicrobial" and "carbohydrate metabolism" than wild gibbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunoassays are currently not available in commercial kits for the quantification of valproic acid, vigabatrin, pregabalin, and gabapentin, which also cannot suffer the limitations of interferences of substances with similar structures. Chromatography is a good alternative to immunoassay. In this study, a simple and robust non‐derivatization gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of the above four drugs in human plasma was developed and validated for therapeutic drug monitoring purposes. This method employed benzoic acid as the internal standard with hydrochloric acid for plasma acidification and ACN for precipitate protein. The supernatant was directly injected into gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry for analysis. Good linearity was obtained with linear correlation coefficients of the four analytes of 0.9988–0.9996. Extraction recoveries of valproic acid, vigabatrin, pregabalin, and gabapentin were respectively in the ranges of 91.3%–94.5%, 90.0%–90.9%, 90.0%–92.1%, and 88.0%–92.2% with the relative standard deviation values less than 12.6%. Intra‐ and inter‐batch precision and accuracy, and stability assays were all acceptable. Taken together, the novel method developed in this study provided easy plasma pretreatment, good extraction yield, and high chromatographic resolution, which has been successfully validated through the quantification of valproic acid in the plasma of 46 patients with epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid rare‐earth double perovskite (HREDP) system provides great convenience for the construction of multifunctional materials. However, suffering from the high symmetry of their intrinsic structure, HREDPs face the challenges in the realization and optimization of ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. For the first time, after a systematic investigation of the chirality transformation principle, it is found that the introduction of chirality is an efficient strategy for the targeted construction of multifunctionality, which simultaneously increases the possibility of obtaining multiaxial ferroelectricity and ferroelasticity, and effectively realizes a large piezoelectric response. Moreover, chirality induced ferroelasticity will also achieve excellent magnetic or optical response driven by pressure‐sensitive. To verify the feasibility of the above ideas, by using rare‐earth ions (Ce3+) and suitable chiral organic cations, a new HREDP, (R‐N‐methyl‐3‐hydroxylquinuclidinium)2 RbCe(NO3)6(R1) is successfully designed, in which ferroelasticity, multiaxial ferroelectricity, satisfactory piezoelectric response, and the pressure‐driven single‐ion magnetics switch are simultaneously achieved for the first time. This work shows that the induction of chirality and the HREDP system provide an effective strategy and ideal platform for the expansion and optimization of the functions in perovskite ferroelectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most challenging neoplasm to treat in clinical practice. Ankyrin repeat domain 49 protein (ANKRD49) is highly expressed in several carcinomas; however, its pattern of expression and role in LUAD are not known. Tissue microarrays, immunohistochemistry, χ2 test, Spearman correlation analysis, Kaplan–Meier, log‐rank test, and Cox's proportional hazard model were used to analyse the clinical cases. The effect of ANKRD49 on the LUAD was investigated using CCK‐8, clonal formation, would healing, transwell assays, and nude mice experiment. Expressions of ANKRD49 and its associated downstream protein molecules were verified by real‐time PCR, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and/or immunofluorescence analyses. ANKRD49 expression was highly elevated in LUAD. The survival rate and Cox's modelling analysis indicated that there may be an independent prognostic indicator for LUAD patients. We also found that ANKRD49 promoted the invasion and migration in both in in vitro and in vivo assays, through upregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 activities via the P38/ATF‐2 signalling pathway Our findings suggest that ANKRD49 is a latent biomarker for evaluating LUAD prognosis and promotes the metastasis of A549 cells via upregulation of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 in a P38/ATF‐2 pathway‐dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid and accurate detection of ammonia is very important for manufacture and environmental monitoring, which needs to be developed urgently. Herein, a thin film‐based fluorescence sensor is fabricated by using a ternary europium (III) complex probe for ammonia. The new complex Eu(TPM)3(2‐PBO) (1) was designed and synthesized by utilizing a trifluoromethyl substituted β‐diketone ligand TPM and a diimine ligand 2‐PBO (TPM = 1,1,1‐trifluoro‐5,5‐dimethyl‐2,4‐hexanedione, 2‐PBO = 2‐(2′‐pyridyl)‐benzoxazole). This complex probe was synthetically characterized by elemental analysis, crystallographic and spectroscopic analysis, and photoluminescence (PL) study. The crystallographic analysis revealed complex 1 as a neutral complex structure with the Eu(III) center in a distorted square antiprism EuO6N2 coordination polyhedron. Based on this complex probe, a thin film fluorescence sensor with highly sensitive and selective response to ammonia was developed by polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA): complex composite and cellulose paper support. When the paper‐based sensor was exposed to ammonia, its PL emission showed a sensing behavior of rapid quenching. Surprisingly, this new method can achieve excellent limit of detection as low as 2.740 × 10−6 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity, which has unknown pathogenesis, can increase the frequency and seriousness of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study evaluated effect of Huayu Qutan Recipe (HQR) pretreatment on myocardial apoptosis induced by AMI by regulating mitochondrial function via PI3K/Akt/Bad pathway in rats with obesity. For in vivo experiments, 60 male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: sham group, AMI group, AMI (obese) group, 4.5, 9.0 and 18.0 g/kg/d HQR groups. The models fed on HQR with different concentrations for 2 weeks before AMI. For in vitro experiments, the cardiomyocytes line (H9c2) was used. Cells were pretreated with palmitic acid (PA) for 24 h, then to build hypoxia model followed by HQR-containing serum for 24 h. Related indicators were also detected. In vivo, HQR can lessen pathohistological damage and apoptosis after AMI. In addition, HQR improves blood fat levels, cardiac function, inflammatory factor, the balance of oxidation and antioxidation, as well as lessen infarction in rats with obesity after AMI. Meanwhile, HQR can diminish myocardial cell death by improving mitochondrial function via PI3K/Akt/Bad pathway activation. In vitro, HQR inhibited H9c2 cells apoptosis, improved mitochondrial function and activated the PI3K/Akt/Bad pathway, but effects can be peripeteiad by LY294002. Myocardial mitochondrial dysfunction occurs following AMI and can lead to myocardial apoptosis, which can be aggravated by obesity. HQR can relieve myocardial apoptosis by improving mitochondrial function via the PI3K/Akt/Bad pathway in rats with obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate information contained in the term structure of interest rate futures contracts in the United States, Eurozone, UK, and Switzerland. We find that current forward‐spot differentials often predict return premiums and, especially, future spot rates. This predictability follows time‐series patterns common to all four markets, except around crises. Macroeconomic indicators are important determinants of predictability within and between markets. One common factor captures a significant portion of variation in predictability. No single market has a dominant share of macroeconomic indicators linked with the common predictability factor. Inflation and exchange rates arise as the most important determinants of the common factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota influences nutrient metabolism and immunity of animal hosts. Better understanding of the composition and diversity of gut microbiota contributes to conservation and management of threatened animals both in situ and ex situ. In this study, we applied 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to evaluate the composition and diversity of the fecal bacterial community of four gibbon genera (Family Hylobatidae) at four Chinese zoos. The results showed that the dominant bacterial phyla were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria and dominant families were Prevotellaceae (Bacteroidetes), Spirochaetaceae (Spirochaetes) and Ruminococcaceae (Firmicutes) in the gut of all gibbons. Both captive site and host genus had significant effects on the relative abundance of dominant bacteria and structure of gut bacterial community. We found that captive site and host genus did not solely impact gut bacterial diversity, but the interaction between them did. This study provides basic knowledge for gut microbiota of all four gibbon genera and contributes to management and conservation of captive gibbons. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The results showed that the dominant bacterial phyla were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria and dominant families were Prevotellaceae (Bacteroidetes), Spirochaetaceae (Spirochaetes) and Ruminococcaceae (Firmicutes) in the gut of all gibbons. Both captive site and host genus had significant effects on the relative abundance of dominant bacteria and structure of gut bacterial community. Captive site and host genus did not solely impact gut bacterial diversity, but the interaction between them did. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Previous studies have shown that silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) expression is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, whether gene polymorphisms in SIRT1 gene associated with RA in a Chinese Han population remains to be discussed. Method: In this case‐control study, 529 RA patients and 700 healthy controls were selected, and association of 11 SIRT1 gene polymorphisms (rs12415800, rs3740051, rs932658, rs3740053, rs7895833, rs10509291, rs33957861, rs7069102, rs2273773, rs3818292, rs1467568) with RA susceptibility was evaluated. Results: Frequency of GA+GG genotype of rs3740051 in RA patients was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (P =.037). Frequencies of GC and GC+GG genotypes of rs7069102 were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (P =.036, P =.047). Frequencies of GA and GA+GG genotypes of rs1467568 were lower in RA patients as compared to those in healthy controls (P =.011, P =.013). For rs2273773, RA patients who carried the T allele had higher number of tender joints than patients who carried the C allele (P =.033). Other polymorphisms did not associate with RA risk. Conclusion: The findings suggest that rs3740051, rs7069102 and rs1467568 variants in SIRT1 gene are related to RA susceptibility in a Chinese Han population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides are good chelating agents for metal ions, which are often used to synthesize polysaccharide metal ion complexes. With carboxymethyl pachymaran (CMP) as the substrate, carboxymethyl pachymaran iron (CMPF), carboxymethyl pachymaran selenium (CMPS), and carboxymethyl pachymaran zinc (CMPZ) were synthesized by response surface methodology, and their biological characteristics were studied. The results showed that the CMP was a β‐polysaccharide, and the degree of carboxymethylation was 0.6352. The polysaccharide metal ion complexes were characterized by physicochemical methods, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All the polysaccharides and complexes possessed antioxidant activity in vitro with scavenging activities to ABTS, superoxide anions, and ferrous ions. CMPF, CMPS, and CMPZ caused significant inhibition of A2780 cell proliferation, promoted the production of reactive oxygen species, and induced apoptosis in a human ovarian cancer cell line (A2780 cells). These results suggest that the CMP complex may be an effective candidate drug for cancer treatment in the field of functional food and pharmacology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent cuprous complexes are important coordination compounds due to their relative abundance, low cost and ability to display excellent luminescence. The structures of two CuIP2S‐type cuprous complexes, namely, iodido(thiourea‐κS)bis(triphenylphosphane‐κP)copper(I), [CuI(CH4N2S)(C18H15P)2] or [CuI(TU)(TPP)2] (I), and (2,3‐dihydrobenzimidazole‐2‐thione‐κS)iodidobis(triphenylphosphane‐κP)copper(I), [CuI(C7H6N2S)(C18H15P)2] or [CuI(DHBIT)(TPP)2] (II), are described. In these two structures, the complex molecules of both are constructed by one copper(I) centre, one iodide ion, two TPP ligands and one thione ligand (TU for I and DHBIT for II). The copper(I) centres of I and II are both located in a distorted CuIP2S tetrahedron and are coordinated by two P atoms from two TPP ligands, one S atom from the thione ligand and the I atom. The UV–Vis absorption and photoluminescence properties of these CuIP2S‐type cuprous complexes have been studied using crystalline powder samples. Detailed time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations and wavefunction analysis reveal that the pale‐blue–green phosphorescence emission should originate from intra‐ligand (TPP for I and DHBIT for II) charge transfer, with a small component of the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer 3(IL+ML)CT excited state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quasi-27-day wave (Q27DW) caused by the rotational period of solar radiation is commonly observed in the atmospheric dynamics. In the present study, we report an enhancement of a Q27DW during recurrent geomagnetic storms in the autumn of 2018 based on the zonal wind observations in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region over Beijing (BJ, 40.3°N, 116.2°E). According to our analysis, the solar radiation and the seasonal variation are not important in exciting the observed Q27DW. A 27-day oscillation exists in both solar wind data and Kp index during the recurrent geomagnetic storms. The Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) temperature and ozone data also reveal a Q27DW signature at 97 km. Using the long-term observation of BJ meteor radar, two more cases are found during springtime in 2010 and 2018 under the solar quiet condition. Our results indicate that the recurrent geomagnetic storms due to high-speed solar winds can modulate the temperature and ozone in the MLT region, which is responsible for generating a Q27DW in the MLT zonal winds over BJ. This study suggests that the variation of planetary waves in the MLT neutral winds at mid-latitude is likely associated with the recurrent geomagnetic storms and high-speed solar winds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer who fail to respond to anti‐HER2 treatments have poor prognoses. Most trastuzumab‐resistant breast cancer cell lines available from biobanks feature either phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase, catalytic, alpha (PIK3CA) mutation or the loss of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). However, PIK3CA mutations and/or PTEN loss do not account for most trastuzumab‐resistant tumors in humans. Methods: Breast cancer cells were collected from one patient's malignant ascites. These cells were cultured and maintained to develop a stable cell line, which we named CK‐MB‐1. We used western blotting to evaluate protein expression. The PIK3CA status of CK‐MB‐1 cells was analyzed using Sanger sequencing and validated using next‐generation sequencing. In vivo, CK‐MB‐1 xenograft tumor models were developed in zebrafish and immunodeficient mice. Results: CK‐MB‐1 cells maintained the major characteristics of the parental tumor including HER2 positivity and estrogen receptor negativity. The HER2 gene amplification of CK‐MB‐1 cells was detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The integrity of PTEN was confirmed by its positive protein expression and the absence of gene mutations. No common PIK3CA mutation was detected. Compared with the findings in two other HER2‐positive trastuzumab‐resistant cell lines, CK‐MB‐1 cells exhibited greater resistance to trastuzumab, chemotherapeutics, and small‐molecule drugs. Trastuzumab resistance in CK‐MB‐1 cells was confirmed in vivo using the NOD SCID mouse model. Conclusions: CK‐MB‐1 cells represent a stable HER2‐positive trastuzumab‐resistant breast cancer cell line. The resistance of CK‐MB‐1 cells does not originate from the PTEN or phosphoinositide 3‐kinase signaling pathway, which can provide an alternative approach for potential drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a study of the quasi 10-day waves (Q10DWs) in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) during a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event in February 2018 based on three meteor radars located at Mohe (MH, 53.5°N, 122.3°E), Beijing (BJ, 40.3°N, 116.2°E), and Wuhan (WH, 30.5°N, 116.6°E). The enhanced Q10DWs are observed in the meridional component at MH and in the zonal component at BJ and WH. In the meridional component, the monthly mean Q10DW amplitudes in February 2018 are greater than 10 m/s at MH but weaker than ∼7 m/s at BJ and WH. In the zonal component, monthly mean Q10DWs amplitudes are ∼15 m/s at BJ and WH but only 9 m/s at MH. These latitudinal differences of the Q10DWs in the MLT region are very likely due to the Q10DW activity in the lower atmosphere and the mean background winds. The strong southward winds might bring the wave energy to MH in the meridional component during the occurrence of SSW, while the enhanced Q10DWs in the zonal component at BJ and WH are likely associated with the strong Q10DWs in the lower atmosphere and weakening eastward winds after the central date of the SSW. The significance test indicates that the enhanced Q10DWs in the meridional wind of MH and in the zonal wind of WH are very likely affected by the SSW. In addition, nonlinear interactions between the Q10DWs and other planetary waves also modulate the variations in the MLT region at BJ during the SSW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Mannose binding lectin (MBL) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk with inconsistent results. This study aimed to explore whether MBL2 A\B, A\C, A\D, A\O, L\H and Y\X polymorphisms affected SLE susceptibility. Methods: A meta‐analysis was performed on 20 studies, containing allelic contrast, additive, dominant and recessive models. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated to reflect the effect of association. Results: A total of 64 pooled comparisons were conducted, including 7194 SLE patients and 7401 healthy controls. The meta‐analysis inducted a significant association between allele B and SLE (OR = 0.766, 95% CI = 0.681‐0.862, P <.001). The genotype BB in the additive model and AB + BB in the recessive model both reduced the risk of SLE (OR = 0.611, 95% CI = 0.422‐0.882, P =.009; OR = 0.806, 95% CI = 0.688‐0.944, P =.008). Regarding A\O polymorphisms, results revealed statistical differences in allelic contrast, additive model and recessive models (OR = 0.826, 95% CI = 0.732‐0.931, P =.002; OR = 0.737, 95% CI = 0.557‐0.977, P =.034 and OR = 0.793, 95% CI = 0.683‐0.921, P =.002, respectively). As for L\H, meta‐analysis revealed that allele H and genotype HH both decreased SLE susceptibility in allelic contrast and dominant models (OR = 1.463, 95% CI = 1.097‐2.007, P =.018; OR = 1.383, 95% CI = 1.124‐1.701, P =.002). Stratification by ethnicity indicated that allele H related to SLE in European populations (OR = 0.736, 95% CI = 0.617‐0.879, P =.001), and the recessive model correlated with SLE in Asians (OR = 0.808, 95% CI = 0.667‐0.979, P =.03). Conclusion: The present study suggests that A\B and A\O polymorphisms were associated with SLE susceptibility, and the allele H may be a protective factor in SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The westward quasi-6-day wave (Q6DW) with zonal wavenumber 1 is a prominent and recurrent phenomenon in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) and has a significant impact on day-to-day ionospheric variability. Geopotential height measurements from Aura Microwave Limb Sounder and Specified Dynamics Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model eXtended Version simulations during 2005-2019 are utilized to study the climatological variations of Q6DW. The spectral analysis clearly indicates that four typical Q6DW events occur in the MLT region before and after the two equinoxes in 1 year. The wave amplitudes in the summer hemisphere are considerably larger than the amplitudes in the winter hemisphere. The Eliassen-Palm flux diagnostics show that the wave source of the post-September equinox event is located in both hemispheres, while the sources of the other three Q6DW events are in the winter hemisphere. The diagnostic analysis results show that the climatological features of Q6DW are primarily due to the seasonal variations of the mean flow, which can determine the Q6DW critical layers, baroclinic/barotropic instability, and waveguides. Specifically, the Q6DW can be amplified in the summer hemisphere mesosphere at high latitudes during pre- and postequinox periods when the critical layers penetrate the unstable region. At the two equinoxes, the Q6DW can also propagate into the MLT region with similar amplitudes in both hemispheres due to the weak zonal mean flow but without additional amplification. At the two solstices, the Q6DW is suppressed because the critical layers envelop the whole unstable region, which prevents its amplification through wave-mean flow interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Codonopsis pilosula is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine used to treat weak spleens, stomach problems, anemia, and fatigue. Polysaccharide is one of main components of Codonopsis pilosula. In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction parameters of Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharides (CPP) by fermentation. The exaction temperature (°C), yeast liquid volume (2 mg/ml, ml), and time (h) were employed effects. Results indicated that the best extraction conditions were the following: extraction temperature 24.75°C, yeast liquid volume 2.96 ml (5.92 mg), and a fermentation time of 21.03 hr. After purification with DE52 and Sephadex G‐100, the molecular structure was determined by ultraviolet–visible (UV) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1H and 13C). The monosaccharide composition of CPP1 was determined to be mannose (1.76%), glucose (97.38%), and arabinose (0.76%). CPP1 exhibited high antioxidant activities in scavenging ABTS radicals, ferreous ions, and superoxide ion radicals. Thus, CPP1 could be used as an antioxidant or functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new heteroleptic [Cu(NN)P2]+‐type cuprous complexes—1‐TPP, 2‐POP, 3‐Xantphos, and 4‐DPPF—were designed and synthesized using a diimine ligand 2‐(2′‐pyridyl)benzoxazole (2‐PBO) and different phosphine ligands (TPP, triphenylphosphine; POP, bis[2‐(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether; Xantphos, 4,5‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐9,9‐dimethylxanthene; DPPF, 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐ferrocene). All complexes were characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, spectroscopic analysis (infrared, UV–Vis.), elemental analysis, and photoluminescence (PL). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed complexes 1–4 as isolated cation complex structures with a tetrahedral CuN2P2 coordination geometry and diverse P–Cu–P angles. Their UV–Vis. absorption spectra exhibited a blue‐shift sequence in wavelength with an enlarged P–Cu–P angle from 4 to 2 then to 3 and then to 1. The PL emission peaks of 1–3 also exhibited a similar blue‐shift sequence (2 → 3 → 1). Their PL lifetime in microseconds (~7.5, 5.1, and 4.7 μs for 1, 2, and 3, respectively) indicated that their PL behavior represents phosphorescence. Time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculation and wavefunction analysis revealed that S1 and T1 states of 1–3 should be assigned as metal–ligand and ligand–ligand charge‐transfer (ML + L'L)CT states. Their UV–Vis. absorption and phosphorescence should be attributed to the charge transfer from the P–Cu–P segment to the 2‐PBO ligand. Therefore, as the P–Cu–P angle increased (lower HOMO), the energy of S1 and T1 states also increased, following the change of PL color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate whether second‐look endoscopy (SLE)‐guided therapy could be used to prevent post‐endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) early bleeding. Methods: Consecutive cirrhotic patients with large esophageal varices (EV) receiving successful EVL for acute variceal bleeding (AVB) or secondary prophylaxis were enrolled. The patients were randomized into a SLE group and a non‐SLE group (NSLE) 10 days after EVL. Additional endoscopic interventions as well as proton pump inhibitors and octreotide administration were applied based on the SLE findings. The post‐EVL early rebleeding and mortality rates were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 252 patients were included in the final analysis. Post‐EVL early rebleeding (13.5% vs 4.8%, P = 0.016) and bleeding‐caused mortality (4.8% vs 0%, P = 0.013) were more frequently observed in the NSLE group than in the SLE group. However, post‐EVL early rebleeding and mortality rates were reduced by SLE in patients receiving EVL for AVB only but not in those receiving secondary prophylaxis. Patients with Child‐Pugh classification B to C at randomization (hazard ratio [HR] 8.77, P = 0.034), AVB at index EVL (HR 3.62, P = 0.003), discontinuation of non‐selective β‐blocker after randomization (HR 4.68, P = 0.001) and non‐SLE (HR 2.63, P = 0.046) were more likely to have post‐EVL early rebleeding. No serious adverse events occurred during SLE. Conclusion: SLE‐guided therapy reduces post‐EVL early rebleeding and mortality rates in cirrhotic patients with large EV receiving EVL for AVB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular ferroelectrics have attracted considerable interests because of their easy and environmentally friendly processing, low acoustical impedance and mechanical flexibility. Herein, a molecular thermochromic ferroelectric, N,N′‐dimethyl‐1,4‐diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octonium tetrachlorocuprate(II) ([DMe‐DABCO]CuCl4) is reported, which shows both excellent ferroelectricity and intriguing thermochromism. [DMe‐DABCO]CuCl4 undergoes a ferroelectric phase transition from Pca21 to Pbcm at a significantly high Curie temperature of 413 K, accompanied by a color change from yellow to red that is due to the remarkable deformation of [CuCl4]2− tetrahedron, where the ferroelectric and paraelectric phases correspond to yellow and red, respectively. Combined with multiple bistable physical properties, [DMe‐DABCO]CuCl4 would be a promising candidate for next‐generation smart devices, and should inspire further exploration of multifunctional molecular ferroelectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent cuprous complexes are an important class of coordination compounds due to their relative abundance, low cost and ability to display excellent luminescence. The heteroleptic cuprous complex solvate rac‐(acetonitrile‐κN)(3‐aminopyridine‐κN)[2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐κ2P,P′]copper(I) hexafluoridophosphate dichloromethane monosolvate, [Cu(C5H6N2)(C2H3N)(C44H32P2)]PF6·CH2Cl2, conventionally abbreviated as [Cu(3‐PyNH2)(CH3CN)(BINAP)]PF6·CH2Cl2, (I), where BINAP and 3‐PyNH2 represent 2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphanyl)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl and 3‐aminopyridine, respectively, is described. In this complex solvate, the asymmetric unit consists of a cocrystallized dichloromethane molecule, a hexafluoridophosphate anion and a complete racemic heteroleptic cuprous complex cation in which the cuprous centre, in a tetrahedral CuP2N2 coordination, is coordinated by two P atoms from the BINAP ligand, one N atom from the 3‐PyNH2 ligand and another N atom from a coordinated acetonitrile molecule. The UV–Vis absorption and photoluminescence properties of this heteroleptic cuprous complex have been studied on polycrystalline powder samples, which had been verified by powder X‐ray diffraction before recording the spectra. Time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations and a wavefunction analysis reveal that the orange–yellow phosphorescence emission should originate from intra‐ligand (BINAP) charge transfer mixed with a little of the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer 3(IL+ML)CT excited state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can, in severe cases, lead to disability. CC chemokine receptor (CCR), an integral membrane protein, has been suggested to play a key role in the RA developmentThis study is to explore the role of CCR5 silencing in inflammatory response, viability, and apoptosis of synovial cells in RA rats by inactivating the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Microarray analysis was conducted to screen out differentially expressed genes from RA‐related chips. The rat model was established by injection of siRNA‐CCR5 and PD98059 (inhibitor of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1) to evaluate the role of CCR5 silencing in RA, with the involvement of inflammatory response, synovial cell viability, apoptosis, and cycle. CCR5 was predicted to participate in RA by regulating the MARK pathway. In animal experiments, reduction was identified in arthritis index (AI), CCR5 positive expression rate, levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, and MMP‐3 in serum of RA rats after CCR5 siRNA and PD98059 injections. RA rats treated with CCR5 siRNA, and PD98059 presented with inhibition in cell viability, promotion of apoptosis, increase in cell proportion in G0/G1 phase, and shortened the S phase. In addition, the treatment of CCR5 siRNA, and PD98059 resulted in downregulated JNK1, ERK1, p38, Cyclin D1, Cyclin E1, Cyclin B1, and Bcl‐2 and upregulated Bax and Cas3. These findings reveal that CCR5 silencing suppresses inflammatory response, inhibits viability, and promotes apoptosis of synovial cells in RA rats by inhibiting MAPK pathway. Therefore, CCR5 silencing may provide a novel therapeutic target for RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclin‐D1 (CCND1) belongs to the highly conserved cyclin family whose members are characterized by abundant expression during the cell cycle. As an oncogene, high level of CCND1 was observed and related to poor prognosis and tumor recurrence in many cancers. In this study, we focused on the role of CCND1 in the clinical outcome of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Gene Expression Omnibus database, The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and immunohistochemical staining were used. The mRNA and protein levels of CCND1 were significantly enhanced in ccRCC tumor tissues. However, the low level of CCND1, but not high level of CCND1, was related to poor prognosis and tumor recurrence in ccRCC. Further analysis showed that CCND1 mRNA level decreased with increasing ccRCC tumor grades and the rate of recurrence in ccRCC patients. In a nomogram model, the CCND1 mRNA level was shown to help predict ccRCC patient recurrence. CCND1 is a strong determinant for prediction of recurrence. The patients with high CCND1 level appear to have a more favorable prognosis together with more frequent low‐grade tumors and low rate of recurrence. This is the first study to investigate the prognostic roles of CCND1 in ccRCC and discovered that CCND1 had an unconventional positive impact on the clinical outcome of ccRCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The X‐site ion in organic–inorganic hybrid ABX3 perovskites (OHPs) varies from halide ion to bridging linkers like HCOO−, N3−, NO2−, and CN−. However, no nitrite‐based OHP ferroelectrics have been reported so far. Now, based on non‐ferroelectric [(CH3)4N][Ni(NO2)3], through the combined methodologies of quasi‐spherical shape, hydrogen bonding functionality, and H/F substitution, we have successfully synthesized an OHP ferroelectric, [FMeTP][Ni(NO2)3] (FMeTP=N‐fluoromethyl tropine). As an unprecedented nitrite‐based OHP ferroelectric, the well‐designed [FMeTP][Ni(NO2)3] undergoes the ferroelectric phase transition at 400 K with an Aizu notation of 6/mmmFm, showing multiaxial ferroelectric characteristics. This work is a great step towards not only enriching the molecular ferroelectric families but also accelerating the potential practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a conceptual and empirical framework for evaluating the effect of capital controls on long‐term economic growth. In a small open economy which relies on successful investment projects to provide capital goods, taking out short‐term loans has two contradictory impacts: (i) it reduces the interest costs of financing investment projects; and (ii) it also leads to larger asset losses in the scenario of short‐term debt run. In this work, we hypothesise that private financing decisions made by domestic investors are distorted towards excessive risk‐taking, leading to ineffective capital formation. Thus, capital control policies, particularly regulations on short‐term loans, can be socially beneficial as they alter the debt composition, promote capital formation and achieve a higher output level. Using a panel data set covering 77 countries from 1995 to 2009, we employ a system generalised method of moments (GMM) estimator to sequentially test three hypotheses and find strong empirical evidence that supports our theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein-protein interactions, living cells, fluorescence, proximity labeling, enzyme, photoactivation Keywords: protein-protein interactions; living cells; fluorescence; proximity labeling; enzyme; photoactivation EN protein-protein interactions living cells fluorescence proximity labeling enzyme photoactivation 1 1 1 07/19/23 20230717 NES 230717 B Elucidation of Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) b in living cells/animals is very important for the study of basic biology and the development of novel therapeutics. Front Cover: Chemical and Biological Strategies for Profiling Protein-Protein Interactions in Living Cells (Chem. [Extracted from the article]

Tfcp2l1 is a transcription factor critical for mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) maintenance. However, its role in human ESCs (hESCs) remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Tfcp2l1 in controlling hESC activity and showed that Tfcp2l1 is functionally important in the maintenance of hESC identity. Tfcp2l1 expression is highly enriched in hESCs and dramatically decreases upon differentiation. Forced expression of Tfcp2l1 promoted hESC self-renewal. Functional analysis of the mutant forms of Tfcp2l1 revealed that both the CP2- and SAM-like domains are indispensable for Tfcp2l1 to maintain the undifferentiated state of hESCs. Notably, the CP2-like domain is closely related to the suppression of definitive endoderm and mesoderm commitment. Accordingly, knockdown of Tfcp2l1 significantly induced differentiation preferentially into definitive endoderm and mesoderm. Further studies found that inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by IWR1 is able to eliminate the differentiation caused by Tfcp2l1 downregulation. Taken together, these findings reveal the unique and crucial role of Tfcp2l1 in the determination of hESC fate and will expand our understanding of the self-renewal and differentiation circuitry in hESCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: Macrophages play critical roles in inflammation and wound healing and can be divided into two subtypes: classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. Macrophages also play important roles in regulating iron homeostasis, and intracellular iron accumulation induces M1‐type macrophage polarization which provides a potential approach to tumor immunotherapy through M2 tumor‐associated macrophage repolarization. However, the mechanisms underlying iron‐induced M1 polarization remain unclear. Methods: Western blotting, qRT‐PCR, and flow cytometry were used to detect the polarization indexes in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages treated with iron, and Western bloting and qRT‐PCR were used to detect p21 expression. The compound 2,7‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate was used to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in macrophages after iron or N‐acetyl‐ l‐cysteine (NAC) treatment. The p300/CREB‐binding protein (CBP) inhibitor C646 was used to inhibit p53 acetylation, and Western bloting, qRT‐PCR, and immunofluorescence were used to detect p53 expression and acetylation. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously injected with H22 hepatoma cells, and macrophage polarization status was investigated after tail intravenous injection of iron. Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate the protein expression of cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86) and EGF‐like module‐containing mucin‐like hormone receptor‐like 1 (F4/80) in the subcutaneous tumors. Results: Iron overload induced M1 polarization by increasing ROS production and inducing p53 acetylation in RAW cells, and reduction in ROS levels by NAC repressed M1 polarization and p53 acetylation. Inhibition of acetyl‐p53 by a p300/CBP inhibitor prevented M1 polarization and inhibited p21 expression. These results showed that high ROS levels induced by iron overload polarized macrophages to the M1 subtype by enhancing p300/CBP acetyltransferase activity and promoting p53 acetylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A confirmatory method for the simultaneous detection of 29 pharmaceuticals in fish muscle and plasma was developed by using solid‐phase extraction combined with ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Fish samples were extracted with methanol and enriched using Oasis HLB solid‐phase extraction columns in one step. Twenty‐nine target pharmaceuticals were quantified by the internal standard method and the calibration curves showed good linearity in a wide range with determination coefficients of greater than 0.913. The detection limits of the pharmaceuticals ranged from 0.01 to 2.00 μg/kg (μg/L). The applicability of the method was checked by precision and recovery experiments. The average recoveries of the 29 pharmaceuticals were between 61 and 111%, and all the relative standard deviations were below 25%. Our reported method has been demonstrated to be sensitive, convenient, rapid, and reliable for the simultaneous determination of 29 pharmaceuticals in fish muscle and plasma. Real sample determination showed that 25 and 9 of the 29 compounds were detected in fish muscle and plasma, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fluorescent probe was developed by integrating chlorinated coumarin and benzothiazolylacetonitrile and exploited for simultaneous detection of cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH). Featuring four binding sites and different reaction mechanisms for different biothiols, this probe exhibited rapid fluorescence turn-on for distinguishing Cys, Hcy, and GSH with 108-, 128-, 30-fold fluorescence increases at 457, 559, 529 nm, respectively, across different excitation wavelengths. Furthermore, the probe was successfully applied to the fluorescence imaging of endogenous Cys and GSH and exogenous Cys, Hcy, and GSH in living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few-layered MoSe2 nanosheets have great promise as a low-cost alternative to noble Pt-based electrocatalysts for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, arrays of ZnSe/MoSe2 nanotubes on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates are synthesized and employed as an efficient binder-free HER electrocatalyst for the first time. The hybrid ZnSe/MoSe2 nanotubes have thicknesses of 3-20 nm. The growth of ZnSe layer is attributed to ion exchange with ZnO nanorods while the formation of MoSe2 layer is resulted from chemical bath deposition. Compared with the bare MoSe2 electrocatalyst, the hybrid ZnSe/MoSe2 nanotube electrocatalyst exhibits striking kinetic metrics with a small Tafel slope (73 mV per decade) and a low onset potential (68 mV). Beside benefits from the nanoarray structure as binder-free electrode as well as interlayer expansion of layered MoSe2, electron transfer from n-type ZnSe to MoSe2 induced by alignment of energy levels at heterointerface contributes to fast electron transport and active electrocatalytic behavior of MoSe2 at the electrocatalyst-electrolyte interface, which is responsible for the significant improvement in HER performance. This work opens up a new door for developing high-performance HER electrocatalysts by designing semiconductor heterojunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A family history of liver cancer increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by 2-fold to 10-fold among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). Previous genome-wide association studies have identified many possible susceptible loci associated with sporadic HBV-related HCC. However, despite family history being a well-known risk factor for HBV-related HCC, to the authors' knowledge its genetic mechanisms and associating loci remain largely unknown or unexplored, most likely due to the relative rarity of familial HCC and the difficulty of sample collection.Methods: The authors conducted a genome-wide association study with 139 male cases with familial HBV-related HCC and 139 non-HCC male controls with chronic HBV. The results were corroborated further with an independent cohort of 101 patients with familial HBV-related HCC and comparison with both the 1000 Genomes Project and the Taiwan Biobank.Results: A total of 51 risk single-nucleotide polymorphisms (P≤1E-04) were identified in the association analyses, which included 2 clusters of associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes at 1q25.3 (glutamate-ammonia ligase [GLUL]/transmembrane epididymal protein 1 [TEDDM1]/long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 272 [LINC00272]/regulator of G-protein signaling-like 1 [RGSL1]) and 17q11.2 (solute carrier family 13 member 2 [SLC13A2]/forkhead box N1 [FOXN1]). Both the GLUL and SLC13A2/FOXN1 haplotypes have large effect sizes and were found to be different from those found from genome-wide association studies of sporadic HCCs.Conclusions: To the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first genome-wide association study to identify genetic factors for familial HBV-related HCC. The results identified 2 large effect susceptible haplotypes located at GLUL and SLC13A2/FOXN1. The current study findings also suggest different genetic susceptibility between familial and sporadic HBV-related HCC. Cancer 2017;123:3966-76. © 2017 American Cancer Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is mounting evidence that T helper (Th)17 cells and regulatory T cells (Treg) play parts in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Hence, levels of these T-cell subsets in patients with alopecia areata ( AA) merit investigation. Our goal was to assess Th17 and Treg levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMC) and scalp lesions of patients with AA, correlating the findings with clinical characteristics. PBMC of 177 patients with AA (test group) and 42 healthy controls and scalp tissues of 33 patients and 15 healthy controls were collected. Levels of Th17 and Treg subsets were then determined via flow cytometry and immunohistochemical staining, correlating results in test subjects with clinical features of AA. Th17 levels were significantly higher in patients, whereas Treg levels were lower by comparison. Furthermore, Th17 levels in patients with disease of short duration or in the active phase were significantly higher, relative to their respective counterparts. Th17 levels also negatively correlated with disease duration. While Treg levels were higher in severe AA than in mild AA. Results of lesions were parallel to findings of PBMC. Our data indicates an imbalance in the immune state of patients with AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]