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Surface layers, referred simply as S-layers, are the two-dimensional crystalline arrays of protein or glycoprotein subunits on cell surface. They are one of the most common outermost envelope components observed in prokaryotic organisms ( Archaea and Bacteria ). Over the past decades, S-layers have become an issue of increasing interest due to their ubiquitousness, special features and functions. Substantial work in this field provides evidences of an enormous diversity in S-layers. This paper reviews and illustrates the diversity from several different aspects, involving the S-layer-carrying strains, the structure of S-layers, the S-layer proteins and genes, as well as the functions of S-layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The damage evolutions of fretting fatigue were observed by in-situ SEM. • The misorientation and GND density induced by fretting fatigue were quantified. • Correlation between crack behavior, slip trace and crystal orientation was revealed. • In-situ observation, EBSD and simulation results achieved good agreements. Fretting fatigue is an important cause of the failure of the turbine blade-disc dovetail joint in aero-engines. In this work in-situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) fretting fatigue experiments using dovetail shape specimens were conducted. The fretting fatigue damage process of Ni-based directionally solidified superalloys including slip trace evolution and crack initiation was captured. The misorientation and geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density induced by fretting fatigue were quantified by electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD). The significant correlation between crack path, slip trace, grain boundary microstructure and GND density was revealed. The EBSD analysis achieved good agreement with the in-situ SEM observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While searching for natural anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) components in Ailanthus altissima, we discovered that ailanthone had potent antineoplastic activity against HCC. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effect of ailanthone on HCC have not been examined. In this study, the antitumor activity and the underlying mechanisms of ailanthone were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies showed that ailanthone induced G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest, as indicated by decreased expression of cyclins and CDKs and increased expression of p21 and p27. Our results demonstrated that ailanthone triggered DNA damage characterized by activation of the ATM/ATR pathway. Moreover, ailanthone-induced cell death was associated with apoptosis, as evidenced by an increased ratio of cells in the subG1 phase and by PARP cleavage and caspase activation. Ailanthone-induced apoptosis was mitochondrion-mediated and involved the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in Huh7 cells. In vivo studies demonstrated that ailanthone inhibited the growth and angiogenesis of tumor xenografts without significant secondary adverse effects, indicating its safety for treating HCC. In conclusion, our study is the first to report the efficacy of ailanthone against Huh7 cells and to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings suggest that ailanthone is a potential agent for the treatment of liver cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between income and physical activity by using three measures to illustrate daily physical activity: the self-reported physical activity index for leisure-time physical activity, pedometer-based total steps for overall daily physical activity, and pedometer-based aerobic steps that reflect continuous steps for more than 10 min at a time. The study population consisted of 753 adults from Finland (mean age 41.7 years; 64% women) who participated in 2011 in the follow-up of the ongoing Young Finns study. Ordinary least squares models were used to evaluate the associations between income and physical activity. The consistency of the results was explored by using register-based income information from Statistics Finland, employing the instrumental variable approach, and dividing the pedometer-based physical activity according to weekdays and weekend days. The results indicated that higher income was associated with higher self-reported physical activity for both genders. The results were robust to the inclusion of the control variables and the use of register-based income information. However, the pedometer-based results were gender-specific and depended on the measurement day (weekday vs. weekend day). In more detail, the association was positive for women and negative or non-existing for men. According to the measurement day, among women, income was positively associated with aerobic steps despite the measurement day and with totals steps measured on the weekend. Among men, income was negatively associated with aerobic steps measured on weekdays. The results indicate that there is an association between income and physical activity, but the association is gender-specific and depends on the measurement type of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] We have demonstrated a protocol to generalize regioselective 1,2-difunctionalization of alkenes, which is a simple and efficient method for the preparation of haloethers, haloesters and halohydrins using alcohol as nucleophiles with inexpensive and commercially available N -halosuccinimide (NXS) as the halogenating reagent with low catalyst loading under mild reaction condition. The methodology is also applicable for the easy access of various alkenes such as terminal, internal, heterocyclic ones and cyclic endoene with the striking features of high product yields (up to 99%). Moreover, a bioactive molecule was employed as substrate to test this reaction, the corresponding products were successfully prepared with moderate to good yield without losing their ester functional group. The given protocol has the following advantages such as a direct difunctionalization of alkenes, operational simplicity, good functional group tolerance and a wide substrate scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stimulated effects of elevated CO 2 concentration decline over time in many C3 plants. However, the phenomenon is a rare occurrence on plants hosting some symbiosis bacteria. The photosynthesis acclimation associated with an extended period of high CO 2 concentration was therefore studied in cherry tomato that treated with a kind of photosynthetic bacteria. Bio-fertilization with photosynthetic bacteria, which can fix nitrogen for host crops and contains a variety of growth promoting factors, can play an important role in maintaining photosynthetic activity. In this research, we conducted a CO 2 elevation experiment combined different water regimes and inoculation with photosynthetic bacterium, to evaluate the improvement of photosynthesis acclimation by using photosynthesis bacteria, and to explore associated mechanisms for artificial chamber grown cherry tomatoes. As a result of these experiments, we found that elevated CO 2 had a positive effect on cherry tomato photosynthetic activity and yield of all treatment. After 55 days of CO 2 injection, photosynthetic acclimation was found in the plant of uninoculated photosynthetic bacteria, which were most pronounced in high water treatments. Reduced irrigation amounts decreased the magnitude of photosynthetic acclimation, but relative fruit yield gradually decreased after achieving a maximum. In contrast, the photosynthetic bacteria inoculated plants just showed a slightly down-regulation of photosynthesis under durative high CO 2 condition. Because inoculation of photosynthetic bacteria increased the photosynthetic pigment content, mesophyll conductance, maximum carboxylation rate and maximum electron transport rate. Furthermore, inoculation with the photosynthetic bacteria diminished the yield penalties caused by the reduced irrigation treatment through promoting nitrogen content and relieve starch accumulation in tomato leaves compared to those of the uninoculated control. And enhanced yield of inoculated plants grown under durative high CO 2 concentration were observed. The results suggest that photosynthesis bacteria application could be a potential means to further improve the CO 2 stimulation effect on cherry tomato production. • The process and mechanism of photosynthesis acclimation was investigated on cherry tomato under extended CO 2 enrichment. • A new strategy of photosynthesis bacteria for mitigation of photosynthesis acclimation was proved. • Photosynthesis bacteria possibly promoted leaf N content and decreased the accumulation of photosynthate in leaves. • Photosynthesis bacteria inoculation led to higher yield of cherry tomato under elevated CO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological stoichiometry is an emerging discipline started in China in recent years. It is the science of studying the balance of energy and elements (i.e. carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus) in ecological processes and ecological interaction, providing an integrative approach to investigate the stoichiometric relationships and rules in the biogeochemical cycling and ecological processes. It has been one of the hotly-discussed issues in ecological research. The contents of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus is a core issue in ecological stoichiometry studies. It is necessary to choose a method that can simulate and accurately predict the contents of plant carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in order to avoid destructive sampling. There is a complex nonlinear relationship between plant carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and soil physical and chemical properties. It is difficult to accurately predict plant carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus by using traditional methods and models such as linear regression and a BP neural network. As a new artificial neural network model, a RBF (radial basis function) neural network has some advantages of fast learning, getting in the local minimum, and approximating any arbitrary accuracy of the global nonlinear relationship. Therefore, a RBF neural network can show an ability to handle a complex nonlinear relationship. Currently, a RBF neural network is one of the most accepted prediction methods. Taking the prediction of 38 samples as a research sample, this paper established a prediction model based on a RBF Neural network from seven impact indexes including pH, the total soluble salt, total carton, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus. Taking the prediction of five samples as a test sample, the results indicated that the relative errors of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents were only 1.39%, 4.69%, and 7.65%, respectively, and the correlation coefficients were 0.5, 0.93, and 0.94 respectively. Therefore, a RBF neural network had higher prediction accuracy. The statistical results showed that the average contents of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in Leymus chinensis (103 samples) were 411.46, 18.25, and 1.11 mg/g, respectively. They are all lower than the global average contents of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in a terrestrial plant. The values of C/N, C/P, and N/P were 24.70, 429.24, and 17.92, respectively in Leymus chinensis. They were all higher than those in a global terrestrial plant. The N/P was 17.92 in Leymus chinensis. The growth of Leymus chinensis in the research area was limited by phosphorus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The paper was to confirm the best application period and frequency of 7 5% trifloxystrobin • tebuconazole WG against rice blast and rice sheath blight. [Method] Influences of different dosages and different application periods of 7 5% trifloxystrobin • tebuconazole WG on control effects against rice blast and rice sheath blight, as well as their effects on rice yields were studied in the paper. [Result] The control effects of three different fungicides application treatments against rice sheath blight were 80.24%, 83.0% and 67.99%, and the control effects against rice blast were 56.4%, 49.11% and 61.1%, respectively. Advanced application of fungicide for two times had good prevention effect against rice sheath blight; properly delayed application of fungicides for two times was conducive to improving the control effect against rice blast, and one time application of sufficient fungicide during middle booting stage had higher control effect than application for two times. Effective panicle number per unit area, total grain number, 1000-grain weight and moisture content of various fungicide application treatments did not have significant difference with those of the treatments without fungicide application, but grain number per panicle in treatments applied with fungicide was higher than the treatment without application. [Conclusion] 75% Trifloxystrobin • tebuconazole WG has better control effect on rice blast and sheath blight, which helps to promote the formation of rice grain and increases yield significantly. The fungicide application against rice sheath blight should be appropriately advanced , and application for one time against panicle blast after middle booting stage is helpful to improve the control effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circadian clocks control the physiological and behavioral rhythms to adapt to the environment with a period of ~24 h. However, the influences and mechanisms of the extreme light/dark cycles on the circadian clock remain unclear. We showed that, in Neurospora crassa, both the growth and the microconidia production contribute to adaptation in LD12:12 (12 h light/12 h dark, periodically). Mathematical modeling and experiments demonstrate that in short LD cycles, the expression of the core clock protein FREQUENCY was entrained to the LD cycles when LD > 3:3 while it free ran when T ≤ LD3:3. The conidial rhythmicity can resonate with a series of different LD conditions. Moreover, we demonstrate that the existence of unknown blue light photoreceptor(s) and the circadian clock might promote the conidiation rhythms that resonate with the environment. The ubiquitin E3 ligase FWD-1 and the previously described CRY-dependent oscillator system were implicated in regulating conidiation under short LD conditions. These findings shed new light on the resonance of Neurospora circadian clock and conidiation rhythms to short LD cycles, which may benefit the understandings of both the basic regulatory aspects of circadian clock and the adaptation of physiological rhythms to the extreme conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resistive random access memory (RRAM) crossbar array has been extensively studied as one of the most promising candidates for future high-density nonvolatile memory technology. However, some problems caused by circuit and device interaction, such as sneak leakage paths, result in limited array size and large power consumption, which degrade the array performance significantly. Thus, the analysis on circuit and device interaction issue is imperative. In this paper, a simulation method is developed to investigate the critical issues correlated with the interaction between devices and the circuit. The simulations show that a large off/on ratio of resistance states of RRAM is beneficial for large readout margin (i.e., array size). The existence of the selector connected in series with an RRAM device can eliminate the need for high Ron resistance, which is critical for the array consisted of only RRAM cells. The readout margin is more sensitive to the variation of Ron and is determined by the nonlinearity of the I–V characteristics of RRAM, whereas the nonlinear characteristics of the selector device are beneficial for a larger readout margin. An optimal design scheme for turn-on voltage and conductance of the selector is proposed based on the simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: A new liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method operated in the positive/negative electrospray ionization (ESI) switching mode has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of asperosaponin VI and its active metabolite hederagenin in rat plasma. After addition of internal standards diazepam (for asperosaponin VI) and glycyrrhetic acid (for hederagenin), the plasma sample was deproteinized with acetonitrile, and separated on a reversed phase C18 column with a mobile phase of methanol (solvent A)–0.05% glacial acetic acid containing 10mM ammonium acetate and 30μM sodium acetate (solvent B) using gradient elution. The detection of target compounds was done in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using a tandem mass spectrometry equipped with positive/negative ion-switching ESI source. At the first segment, the MRM detection was operated in the positive ESI mode using the transitions of m/z 951.5 ([M+Na]+)→347.1 for asperosaponin VI and m/z 285.1 ([M+H]+)→193.1 for diazepam for 4min, then switched to the negative ESI mode using the transitions of m/z 471.3 ([M−H]−)→471.3 for hederagenin and m/z 469.4 ([M−H]−)→425.4 for glycyrrhetic acid, respectively. The sodiated molecular ion [M+Na]+ at m/z 951.5 was selected as the precursor ion for asperosaponin VI, since it provided better sensitivity compared to the deprotonated and protonated molecular ions. Sodium acetate was added to the mobile phase to make sure that abundant amount of the sodiated molecular ion of asperosaponin VI could be produced, and more stable and intensive mass response of the product ion could be obtained. For the detection of hederagenin, since all of the mass responses of the fragment ions were very weak, the deprotonated molecular ion [M−H]− m/z 471.3 was employed as both the precursor ion and the product ion. But the collision energy was still used for the MRM, in order to eliminate the influences induced by the interference substances from the rat plasma. The validated method was successfully applied to study the pharmacokinetics of asperosaponin VI and its active metabolite hederagenin in rat plasma after oral administration of asperosaponin VI at a dose of 90mg/kg. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: DNA methylation provides a plausible link between the environment and alterations in gene expression that may lead to disease phenotypes. Lead exposure can change DNA methylation status. Here, we hypothesized that the methylation of the ALAD gene promoter may play an important role in lead toxicity. To determine whether the methylation level of the ALAD promoter is associated with the risk of lead poisoning, we conducted a case–control study of 103 workers from a battery plant and 103 healthy volunteers with matching age and gender distribution. We employed real-time PCR and methylation-specific PCR (MSP) in cell models to determine the relationship between ALAD methylation level and transcription level. We found lead exposure to increase the ALAD gene methylation level and down-regulate ALAD transcription. The difference in methylation frequencies between exposures and controls was statistically significant (p =0.002), and individuals with methylated ALAD gene showed an increased risk of lead poisoning (adjusted OR=3.57, 95% CI, 1.55–8.18). This study suggests that the lead-exposure-induced increases in ALAD methylation may be involved in the mechanism of lead toxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Combination therapy with multiple drugs is a common practice in the treatment of cancer. The promising clinical activity of docetaxel has promoted considerable interest in combining it with other antitumor agents. To determine whether cucurbitacin B can enhance chemosensitivity to docetaxel in laryngeal cancer, in the present study, we investigated the combined antitumor effect of cucurbitacin B with docetaxel on Hep-2, a human laryngeal cancer cell line. We treated Hep-2 cells with cucurbitacin B alone or in combination with docetaxel and evaluated cell growth, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis using MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay, flow cytometry, and fluorescent microscopy. Our results showed that, in comparison with single agent treatment, the combination of cucurbitacin B and docetaxel produced greater efficacy in growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, and apoptosis induction. Measuring the modulation of regulators in the cell cycle, apoptosis and signal transductions by Western blot analysis showed that the combination effect of cucurbitacin B and docetaxel was due to suppress the expression of p-STAT3 (signal transducers and activators of transcription 3), Bcl-2, and cyclin B1. Moreover, our in vivo studies were reproduced in a mouse xenograft model, where, the combination of cucurbitacin B with docetaxel synergestively inhibited tumor growth. Together, this investigation suggests that cucurbitacin B combined with docetaxel may be a feasible strategy to enhance the effects of chemotherapy in patients with laryngeal cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1) is a critical element in insulin-signaling pathways, and mutations in the IRS1 gene have been reported to have a role in determining susceptibility to traits related to type 2 diabetes. In gene expression studies of tissue biopsies from nondiabetic Pima Indians, IRS1 mRNA levels were reduced in adipocytes from obese subjects compared with lean subjects, and IRS1 mRNA levels were also reduced in skeletal muscle from insulin-resistant subjects compared with insulin-sensitive subjects (all P < 0.05). Based on these expression differences and the known physiologic role of IRS1, this gene was investigated as a candidate gene for susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in Pima Indians, a population with an extremely high incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Thirteen variants were identified, and among these variants, several were in complete linkage disequilibrium. Four genotypically unique variants were further genotyped in 937 DNA samples from full-heritage Pima Indians. Three of the variants were modestly associated with type 2 diabetes (P < 0.05), one of which was additionally associated with 2-h plasma insulin and glucose as well as insulin action at physiologic and maximally stimulating insulin concentrations (all P < 0.05). The association of variants in IRS1 with type 2 diabetes and type 2 diabetes-related phenotypes and the differential expression of IRS1 in adipocytes and skeletal muscle suggest a role of this gene in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes in Pima Indians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study that examined the clinical phenotype of individuals characterized by normal or low insulin receptor substrate-1 protein expression in fat cells as well as the potential molecular mechanisms related to the adipose tissue. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study.

• Microcrystalline graphite was enriched efficiently under scrubbing flotation. • Response surface methodology was used for the optimization of scrubbing flotation. • The most significant parameter of scrubbing flotation was scrubbing medium size. • Effect of scrubbing medium size on mineralogical characteristics was evaluated. Scrubbing is a suitable method for cleaning fine slime on the surface of microcrystalline graphite, improving its flotation performance. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of the scrubbing medium's particle size on enrichment efficiency of scrubbing flotation of microcrystalline graphite. In this work, scrubbing parameters (i.e., scrubbing medium's particle size, stirring speed, and solid concentration) were optimized via response surface methodology using Box-Behnken design to yield the maximum enrichment efficiency of graphite ore. The scrubbing medium's particle size was found to be the most important influencing factor. The optimal conditions for scrubbing process were obtained and tested to confirm the results predicted by the Design-Expert software. The enrichment efficiency of graphite treated with scrubbing media of different sizes was compared under optimal stirring speed and solid concentration conditions. The effect of the scrubbing medium's particle size on the scrubbing flotation of graphite was investigated by a comparison of the graphite particle size distribution before and after scrubbing, and field emission scanning electron microscopic examination of raw ore and flotation concentrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Quantified responses of various crop types' WUE under drought intensity. • Quantified natural and management factors of WUE variation under drought. • Crop selection according to drought resistance is effective to alleviate drought. • Soil and fertilizer are effective practices for drought mitigation besides irrigation. Agriculture's need to feed the growing population is challenged by the decline in available water resources especially in the context of global climate change. Improving crop water use efficiency (WUE) will help to safeguard the environmental sustainability of food production in dryland areas. However, the impact of drought on crop WUE varies—a comprehensive and quantitative understanding of relevant factors is needed to support evidence-based management decisions. Here, we used a meta-analysis of global drylands (81 studies with 836 paired observations) to evaluate the response of various crop WUEs to drought based on various natural and human induced factors. Our results showed that responses of crop types' WUE varied under drought intensity, which probably a reference for crop selection in drylands. Cotton could be one of crop selection reference in hyper-arid or arid regions, and legume is not recommended for drylands without irrigation. Cereal crop are suitable for growing in semi-arid or dry sub-humid areas. Moreover, soil improvement and fertilizer management are the effective methods to alleviate drought stress, in addition to irrigation. Soil with medium-texture, 1.3–1.4 g cm−3 bulk density and 15–20 g kg−1 organic matter is beneficial for improving WUE under drought. Fertilizer should be carefully considered and not exceed 200 kg ha−1 for wheat in drylands. Water deficit can improve crop WUE, but should not exceed 40% of the full irrigation amount. Field management practices, such as mulching and weed control, can help alleviate drought by regulating WUE to some extent. This study evaluated the responses of various crop WUEs to drought and highlighted the factors contributing to and/or decreasing crop WUE from natural factor and management practices, which provides a basis for agricultural drought mitigation strategies under future climate change in dryland areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing urbanization in China, many areas are facing a shortage of clean heat sources. To this end, numerous scholars have proposed the use of nuclear energy for heating. However, nuclear power plants are generally located far from urban areas. Some have proposed a combined heat and water (CHW) system that uses water from the water supply system as a heat carrier to provide heat to urban areas without the need for a return water pipeline. In this study, the Jiaodong Peninsula, which lacks freshwater and clean heat sources, is considered as a CHW system example, and the comparison with other traditional heating schemes, as well as the application prospects of the nuclear CHW system, are analyzed and discussed. The CHW transformation is planned using four AP1000 units of the Haiyang Nuclear Power (HYNP), which can supply 591 million tons of water and 74 million GJ of heat annually, satisfying 38% and 72% of the demand in the supply area, respectively. Compared with other traditional heating schemes, the HYNP CHW scheme in the Jiaodong Peninsula has social, environmental, and economic benefits. • Combined heat and water (CHW) system can alleviate water and heat shortages. • A CHW system is technically and economically feasible in the Jiaodong Peninsula. • A CHW system for nuclear district heating can realize emission reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of temperature and load on fretting fatigue induced geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) distribution in titanium alloy are studied by electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) in this paper. Fretting fatigue experiments under different temperature and load in TC11 titanium alloy are carried out and samples with small cracks are obtained. With Hough-based EBSD, the misorientation and GND densities induced by fretting fatigue are analyzed in both crack formation zone and crack tip. The results show that in the crack formation zone and crack tip, both temperature and load have obvious effects on the GND densities. With the increase of temperature and load, the GND densities rise significantly, which agrees with the decreasing tendency of fretting fatigue lives. The peak positions of GND density agree well with the crack formation locations, indicating the close relation between GND concentration and fretting fatigue crack formation. The relationship between GND density and distance from the crack path is studied. The results of individual GND densities on each slip system show that 'Pyramidal' and 'Screw' dislocations compose a majority of total GND density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, researchers have begun applying a trajectory approach to identify homogeneous subgroups of physical activity (PA) in heterogeneous populations. This study systematically reviewed the articles identifying longitudinal PA trajectory classes and the related factors (e.g., determinants, predictors, and outcomes) in the general population during different life phases.Methods: The included studies used finite mixture models for identifying trajectories of PA, exercise, or sport participation. Three electronic databases, PubMed (Medline), Web of Science, and CINAHL, were searched from the year 2000 to 13 February 2018. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA recommendations.Results: Twenty-seven articles were included and organized into three age group: youngest (eleven articles), middle (eight articles), and oldest (eight articles). The youngest group consisted mainly of youth, the middle group of adults and the oldest group of late middle-aged and older adults. Most commonly, three or four trajectory classes were reported. Several trajectories describing a decline in PA were reported, especially in the youngest group, whereas trajectories of consistently increasing PA were observed in the middle and oldest group. While the proportion of persistently physically inactive individuals increased with age, the proportion was relatively high at all ages. Generally, male gender, being Caucasian, non-smoking, having low television viewing time, higher socioeconomic status, no chronic illnesses, and family support for PA were associated either with persistent or increasing PA.Conclusions: The reviewed articles identified various PA subgroups, indicating that finite mixture modeling can yield new information on the complexity of PA behavior compared to studying population mean PA level only. The studies also provided novel information how different factors relate to changes in PA during life course. The recognition of the PA subgroups and their determinants is important for the more precise targeting of PA promotion and PA interventions.Trial Registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42018088120 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymph node metastasis is of major prognostic significance for breast cancer. Lymph node metastasis arises at a very early stage in some patients. Using the data downloaded from the TCGA database, we studied the differences between primary tumors with and without lymph node metastasis at the multi-omics level using bioinformatics approaches. Our study found that low mutation and neoantigen burdens correlated with lymph node metastazation of breast cancer. All three conserved domains in TP53 were mutated in lymph node-negative breast cancers, whereas only one domain was mutated in lymph node-positive samples. Mutations in microtubule-related proteins appear to help immune cells recognize tumors and inhibit their lymph node metastasis. Destroying microtubule-related proteins is a potential therapeutic strategy to inhibit lymph node metastasis of breast cancer. As the neoantigens specifically present in lymph node-positive breast cancers, MAPK10, BC9L, TRIM65, CD93, KITLG, CNPPD1, CPED1, CCDC146, TMEM185A, INO80D, and PSMD11 are potential targets for vaccine design. In the tumor microenvironment, reduced numbers of effector immune cells, especially activated memory CD4+ T cells and activated mast cells, facilitate breast cancer metastasis to the lymph nodes. According to transcriptome data, lymph node metastasis was mostly driven by gene mutation rather than by gene expression. Although differential gene expression analysis was based on lymph node metastasis status, many genes were shown to be differentially expressed based on estrogen receptor status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of lifestyle risk factors on the risk of hospitalization for sciatica and to determine whether overweight or obesity modifies the effect of leisure-time physical activity on hospitalization for sciatica.Methods: We included 4 Finnish prospective cohort studies (Health 2000 Survey, Mobile Clinic Survey, Helsinki Health Study, and Young Finns Study) consisting of 34,589 participants and 1259 hospitalizations for sciatica during 12 to 30 years of follow-up. Sciatica was based on hospital discharge register data. We conducted a random-effects individual participant data meta-analysis.Results: After adjustment for confounding factors, current smoking at baseline increased the risk of subsequent hospitalization for sciatica by 33% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13%-56%), whereas past smokers were no longer at increased risk. Obesity defined by body mass index increased the risk of hospitalization for sciatica by 36% (95% CI 7%-74%), and abdominal obesity defined by waist circumference increased the risk by 41% (95% CI 3%-93%). Walking or cycling to work reduced the risk of hospitalization for sciatica by 33% (95% CI 4%-53%), and the effect was independent of body weight and other leisure activities, while other types of leisure activities did not have a statistically significant effect.Conclusions: Smoking and obesity increase the risk of hospitalization for sciatica, whereas walking or cycling to work protects against hospitalization for sciatica. Walking and cycling can be recommended for the prevention of sciatica in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]