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Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most prevalent and fatal cancers. Studying the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma may lead to new therapeutic strategies. We checked whether there were correlations between The Cancer Genome Atlas expression profiles of the differentially expressed lncRNAs and their DNA methylation status or the copy number variations for hepatocellular carcinoma. We obtained 41 lncRNAs that were differentially expressed between tumor and normal samples, and their DNA methylation status was negatively correlated with the expression levels. We identified five lncRNAs that were recurrently amplified or deleted in tumor samples, but none of them were associated with the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels. To obtain the biological function of these lncRNAs, the coexpressed mRNAs in the hepatocellular carcinoma were figured out. A total of 10 lncRNAs were highly correlated with at least one gene. Six out of the ten lncRNAs were already known to be related with cancer previously. LINC01615 had 72 coexpressed genes, and we carried out the gene ontology (GO) term enrichment for these protein‐coding genes. The results suggested that these lncRNAs were associated with extracellular matrix organization. To summarize, we identified 41 potentially cancer‐related lncRNAs. In particular, we proposed that LINC01615 potentially affected the extracellular matrix and had further impacts on the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular mechanism of liver fibrosis caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not clear. The aim of this study is to understand the molecular mechanism of liver fibrosis induced by HCV and to identify potential therapeutic targets for hepatic fibrosis. We analyzed gene expression patterns between high liver fibrosis and low liver fibrosis samples, and identified genes related to liver fibrosis. We identified TAF1, HNF4A, and CALM2 were related to the development of liver fibrosis. HNF4A is important for hepatic fibrogenesis, and upregulation of HNF4A is an ideal choice for treating liver fibrosis. The gene expression of CALM2 is significantly lower in liver fibrosis samples than nonfibrotic samples. TAF1 may serve as a biomarker for liver fibrosis. The results were further validated by an independent data set GSE84044. In summary, our study described changes in the gene expression during the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. The TAF1, HNF4A, and CALM2 may serve as novel targets for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In summary, our study described changes in the gene expression during the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. The TAF1, HNF4A, and CALM2 may serve as novel targets for the treatment of liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and long-term outcomes of microwave ablation (MWA) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in a single stage for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a maximum diameter of 5.0-10.0 cm. Methods: From January 2013 to December 2016, 84 consecutive HCC patients with cirrhosis from two medical centers who underwent MWA-TACE as a first-line treatment for up to three HCCs with maximum diameters of 5.0-10.0 cm were included. Feasibility, safety and effectiveness were evaluated. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression models were used to identify the prognostic factors. Results: The technique was successfully performed in all the patients. Grade 3 complications consisted of two cases of hemoperitoneum requiring blood transfusions and embolization. The cumulative incidence of local tumor progression was 25.8% at 3 years, with tumor size found to be the only significant predictive factor (p = .007). The cumulative incidence of OS was 81%, 68% and 49% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. According to the Cox proportional hazards model analysis, serum AFP level, Child-Pugh class and tumor number were significant prognostic factors for OS. Conclusion: MWA-TACE is a safe, feasible and effective therapy for the treatment of 5.0- to 10.0-cm HCC lesions in patients with cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel fluorescent probes ( C1, C2), comprising a coumarin moiety as fluorophore and a pair of dithiocarbamates as recognition sites, were designed and synthesized as fluorescent probes for Ag. The probes exhibited high selectivity for Ag with fluorescence enhancement (FE) in CHCN/4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) (1:9, v/v, pH 7.38); the selectivity was not affected by other metal ions. The binding ratio of C2-Ag complex was determined to be 1:1 according to the Job plot and mass spectroscopy (MS) data. The association constant K of Ag with C2 was 1.6 × 10 M. These probes could be applied for monitoring of Ag in aqueous solution in the pH range of 5.0-8.0, with calculated detection limit of 0.27 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the registration of the first effective nucleoside analogue against the hepatitis B virus almost two decades ago, major progress has been made in the management of chronic hepatitis B infection. However, hepatitis B-related morbidity and mortality remain a major global health threat. This is partly due to the escalating costs and the decrease in compliance related to the need for prolonged therapy for most patients who cannot be 'cured'. New biomarkers such as quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen might help to determine if hepatitis B e antigen negative patients can be taken off nucleos(t)ide analogues. On the other hand, novel compounds that target the viral life cycle or modulate host immune response are in the pipeline. In the next few years, one should expect breakthrough advancement to be made leading to a 'cure' for patients with chronic hepatitis B infection by inducing hepatitis surface antigen loss with or without the development of the hepatitis B surface antibody. In addition, attention and necessary actions should also be taken in patients with hepatitis B infection who are being treated with immunosuppressive therapy and direct anti-viral ( DAAs) agents for hepatitis C infection to prevent hepatitis from hepatitis B reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known on the cost-effectiveness of novel regimens for hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared with standard-of-care with pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) therapy in developing countries. We evaluated cost-effectiveness of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir for 12 weeks compared with a 48-week pegIFN-RBV regimen in Chinese patients with genotype 1b HCV infection by economic regions. Methods: A decision analytic Markov model was developed to estimate quality-adjusted-life-years, lifetime cost of HCV infection and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). SVR rates and direct medical costs were obtained from real-world data. Parameter uncertainty was assessed by one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Threshold analysis was conducted to estimate the price which can make the regimen cost-effective and affordable. Results: Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir was cost-effective in treatment-experienced patients with an ICER of US$21,612. It varied by economic regions. The probability of cost-effectiveness was 18% and 47% for treatment-naive and experienced patients, and it ranged from 15% in treatment-naïve patients in Central-China to 64% in treatment-experienced patients in Eastern-China. The price of 12-week sofosbuvir/ledipasvir treatment needs to be reduced by at least 81% to US$18,185 to make the regimen cost-effective in all patients at WTP of one time GDP per capita. The price has to be US$105 to make the regimen affordable in average patients in China. Conclusion: Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir regimen is not cost-effective in most Chinese patients with genotype 1b HCV infection. The results vary by economic regions. Drug price of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir needs to be substantially reduced when entering the market in China to ensure the widest accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient one-pot synthesis process for preparing 2-imidazolines from aldehydes and ethylenediamine using molecular iodine and potassium carbonate in absolute ethanol at 25-30°C under ultrasound irradiation is described. The synthetic strategy has the following advantages: mild conditions and low costs requirements, readily available catalyst, short reaction times, simplicity of operation, and good-to-excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study on the use of Moringa oleifera's (Moringaceae) cytotoxicity and chemical constituents against doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 adenocarcinoma (MCF-7/ADR) or breast cancer cell lines. The study extracted air-dried and powdered root barks of the plant through methanol extraction, wherein the extracts were purified through conventional chromatographic techniques. The study identifies compounds such as N-benzylcarbamic acid and 4-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzalehyde.

A Pd(II)-catalyzed C-H phosphorylation reaction has been developed using heterocycle-directed ortho-palladation. Both H-phosphonates and diaryl phosphine oxides are suitable coupling partners for this reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 2-Substituted benzothiazoles have been synthesized via one-pot reaction from aromatic aldehydes and o-aminothiophenol in the presence of FeCl3/Montmorillonite K-10 in absolute methanol at 25–30°C under ultrasound irradiation. The remarkable advantages are an inexpensive and easily available reagent, a simple procedure, mild conditions, short reaction times and moderate to good yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This account summarizes our efforts on the design, synthesis, and application of two classes of chiral diene ligands bearing bicyclo[3.3.0]octadiene or dicyclopentadiene skeletons. These chiral diene ligands can be readily prepared from inexpensive commercial materials with enzymatic resolution as the key synthetic step. The ligands have been successfully applied in some rhodiumcatalyzed reactions, including 1,4-addition to a,b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, arylation of imines, and conjugate addition to nitroalkenes. In addition, they have been used in the first successful palladium-diene-catalyzed asymmetric reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first Rh−diene-catalyzed aqueous asymmetric 1,4-addition of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with arylboronic acids has been realized. By using a hydrophilic bicyclo[3.3.0] diene ligand, the reactions can be performed successfully in neat water at room temperature to afford the corresponding products in good yields and with very high enantioselectivities for both cyclic and linear substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of 2-aroyl-1,3,5-triaryl-4-carbethoxy-4-cyanocyclohexanols from chalcones with ethyl cyanoacetate is carried out in excellent yields with KF/basic alumina as catalyst under ultrasound irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Michael reaction of chalcones as acceptors with various active methylene compounds such as diethyl malonate, nitromethane, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetoacetate and acetylacetone as donors catalyzed by KF/basic alumina results in adducts in high yield within a shorter time under ultrasound irradiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the crystallization of the compound (2S,3S)-3-hydroxy-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-piperidine-2-carboxamide. The crystal structure involves intermolecular hydrogen bonds. In the compound the piperidine ring is in the chair conformation. In the experiment (2R,3S)-3-Hydroxy-1-(4-methoxybenzyl)piperidine-2-carbonitrile was dissolved in HCl solution. Crystals of the compound were obtained by recrystallization from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether.

A palladium-catalyzed disilylation reaction applicable for a variety of non-, α-, or β-substituted and α,β-disubstituted ortho-halophenylethylenes has been developed. This reaction proceeds with high yields and very low catalyst loadings. The two C–Si bonds of the disilylated products could be well-differentiated chemoselectively in the reaction with various electrophiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the development of C2-symmetric tetrahydropentalenes as new chiral diene ligands for highly enantioselective Rh-catalyzed arylation of N-tosylarylimines with arylboronic acids. The application of this new ligand led the researchers to prove that 4a is efficient for asymmetric arylation of N-tosylarylimines with the use of arylboronic acids. Through this, researchers suggest that the broad range of enantiomerically diarylmethylamines could be easily prepared.

Chemical formulas showing one-pot synthesis of 2-substituted benzoxazoles promoted by copper acetate monohydrate are presented.

The article presents information on a chemical synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles.

A simple, environmentally friendly procedure for the synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles by the one-pot condensation of o-phenylenediamines with aromatic aldehydes using continuous bubbling of air in absolute ethanol at room temperature is described. The simplicity of the system, mild conditions, involvement of a non-toxic and practically inexhaustible oxidant, easy and quick isolation of the products, and moderate to good yields are the main advantages of this procedure. A simple, environmentally friendly procedure for the synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles by the one-pot condensation of o-phenylenediamines with aromatic aldehydes using continuous bubbling of air in absolute ethanol at room temperature is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliphatic aldehydes only give traces of the corresponding product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after distal gastrectomy impacts patients' nutritional status and quality of life. The current treatments of DGE seem unsatisfactory or need invasive interventions. It is unknown whether transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) is effective in treating DGE. Methods: A total of 90 eligible participants who underwent distal gastrectomy will be randomly allocated to either the TEA group (n = 60) or the sham transcutaneous electroacupuncture (sham-TEA) group (n = 30). Each participant will receive TEA on the bilateral acupoints of Zusanli (ST36) and Neiguan (PC6) for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes will be the residual rates of radioactivity in the stomach by gastric scintigraphy and total response rates. The secondary outcomes will be endoscopic features, autonomic function, nutritional and psychological status, serum examination, and quality of life (QoL). The adverse events will also be reported. The patients will be followed up 1 year after the treatment. Discussion: The findings of this randomized trial will provide high-quality evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of long-term TEA for treating DGE after distal gastrectomy. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000033965. Registered on 20 June 2020 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1 H )-one derivatives catalyzed by dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid was carried out in 80–92% yields at 40–42 °C within 1–2 h in aqueous media via one-pot three-component condensation of isatoic anhydride, aromatic aldehyde and amine under ultrasound irradiation. Convenient work-up procedures, mild reaction conditions, avoiding the use of organic solvents, and friendly to environment are the salient features of this protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoselective γ-C-H olefination and carbonylation of aliphatic acids has been accomplished by using a combination of a quinoline-based ligand and a weakly coordinating amide directing group. The reaction provides a new route for constructing richly functionalized all-carbon quaternary carbon centers at the β-position of aliphatic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A H2O2/NaI/(NH4)6Mo7O24 system was first reported for synthesis of 2-benzimidazole. [•] Ultrasound was demonstrated to be benefit for accelerating this reaction. [•] The amounts of oxidant and catalyst are markedly reduced while keeping good yields. [•] The reaction was performed efficiently in green conditions with high yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide, in which angiogenesis is highly required for lung cancer cell growth and metastasis. Genetic regulation of this multistep process is being studied extensively, however, relatively less is known about the epigenetic regulation of angiogenesis in lung cancer. Several epigenetic alterations contribute to regulating angiogenesis, such as epimodifications of DNA, posttranslational modification of histones, and expression of noncoding RNAs. Here, we review the current knowledge of the epigenetic regulation of angiogenesis and discuss the potential clinical applications of epigenetic‐based anticancer therapy in lung cancer. Overall, epigenetic‐based therapy will likely emerge as a prominent approach to treat lung cancer in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 45-year-old man with Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Hypersplenic Thrombocytopenia and Situs Inversus Totalis. It mentions that he is admitted with epigastric pain and has no history of diabetes, hypertension, or abdominal surgery. It states that magnetic resonance imaging presented a distinct liver tumour as well as an enlarged spleen.

Chlorotoluron is a phenylurea herbicide that is widely used for controlling grass weeds in the land of cereal, cotton and fruit production. However, extensive use of this herbicide may lead to its accumulation in ecosystems, thus inducing the toxicity to crops and vegetables. To assess chlorotoluron-induced toxicity in plants, we performed the experiment focusing on the metabolic adaptation of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum) to the chlorotoluron-induced oxidative stress. The wheat plants were cultured in the soils with chlorotoluron at concentrations of 0–25mg/kg. Chlorotoluron accumulation in plants was positively correlated with the external chlorotoluron concentrations, but negatively with the plant growth. Treatment with chlorotoluron induced the accumulation of and H2O2 in leaves and resulted in the peroxidation of plasma membrane lipids in the plant. We measured the endogenous proline level and found that it accumulated significantly in chlorotoluron-exposed roots and leaves. To understand the biochemical responses to the herbicide, activities of the antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were assayed. Analysis of SOD activity by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) revealed that there were three isoforms in the roots and leaves, but the isoforms in the tissues showed different patterns. Also, using the native PAGE, 6 isoforms of root POD and 10 in leaves were detected. The total activity of POD in roots was significantly enhanced. Activities of APX in roots and leaves showed a similar pattern. The CAT activities were generally suppressed under the chlorotoluron exposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 1,1-Disubstituted-2,6-diarylcyclohexane-4-ones have been synthesized via double Michael addition of 1,5-diaryl-1,4-pentadien-3-one with various active methylene compounds such as dimethyl malonate, diethyl malonate, methyl cyanoacetate and ethyl cyanoacetate catalyzed by KF/basic alumina under ultrasound irradiation to give good yields within a short time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The condensation of the cyclopentanone or cyclohexanone with aromatic aldehydes catalyzed by KF/Al2O3 in MeOH under ultrasound irradiation, result the corresponding 2,5-bis(substituted benzylidene) cyclopentanones or 2,6-bis(substituted benzylidene) cyclohexanones in good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Michael addition of chalcone with active methylene compound such as diethyl malonate, nitromethane and ethyl acetoacetate catalyzed by potassium hydroxide in anhydrous ethanol results Michael adducts in 75–98% yield under ultrasound irradiation in 25–90 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the characteristics and prognostic significance of genetic mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we screened the gene mutation profile of 171 previously untreated AML patients using a next‐generation sequencing technique targeting 127 genes with potential prognostic significance. A total of 390 genetic alterations were identified in 149 patients with a frequency of 87.1%. Younger age and high sensitivity to induction chemotherapy were associated with a lower number of mutations. NPM1 mutation was closely related to DNMT3A and FLT3‐internal tandem duplication (FLT3‐ITD) mutations, but mutually exclusive with ASXL1 mutation and CEBPAdouble mutation. In univariate analysis, ASXL1 or TET2 mutation predicted shorter overall survival (OS) or relapse‐free survival (RFS), DNMT3A, FLT3‐ITD, or RUNX1 mutation predicted a higher likelihood of remission‐induction failure, whereas NRAS mutation or CEBPAdouble mutation predicted longer OS. Concurrent DNMT3A, FLT3‐ITD, and NPM1 mutations predicted shorter OS. Hypomethylation agents could improve the OS in patients with DNA methylation‐related mutations. According to multivariate analysis, TET2 mutation was recognized as an independent prognostic factors for RFS. In summary, our study provided a detailed pattern of gene mutations and their prognostic relevance in Chinese AML patients based on targeted next‐generation sequencing screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decay rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected cells during therapy has been used to determine the duration of treatment needed to attain a sustained virologic response, but with direct‐acting anti‐virals (DAA), this rate has been difficult to estimate. Here, we show that it is possible to estimate it, by simultaneously analysing the viral load and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) kinetics during combination DAA therapy. We modelled the HCV RNA and ALT serum kinetics in 26 patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection, under four different sofosbuvir‐based combination treatments. In all patients, ALT decayed exponentially to a set point in the normal range by 1‐3 weeks after initiation of therapy. The model indicates that the ALT decay rate during the first few weeks after initiation of therapy reflects the death rate of infected cells, with an estimated median half‐life of 2.5 days in this patient population. This information allows independent estimation of the rate of loss of intracellular replication complexes during therapy. Our model also predicts that the final ALT set point is not related to the release of ALT by dying HCV‐infected cells. Using ALT data, one can separately obtain information about the rate of 'cure' of HCV‐infected cells versus their rate of death, something not possible when analysing only HCV RNA data. This information can be used to compare the effects of different DAA combinations and to rationally evaluate their anti‐viral effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: One-pot synthesis of 3-aza-6,10-diaryl-2-oxa-spiro[4.5]decane-1,4,8-trione from 1,5-diaryl-1,4-pentadien-3-one can be carried out in good yields at 50°C under ultrasound irradiation. This method provided several advantages such as simple work-up procedure, shorter reaction time and higher yield. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

2,3-Dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives have been synthesized via one-pot reaction of isatoic anhydride, aromatic aldehyde, and ammonium acetate catalyzed by FeCl3/neutral Al2O3 in tert-butanol under reflux conditions. Inexpensive and easily available reagents, convenient work-up procedure, reusable catalyst, and moderate to good yield are the salient features of this protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient, enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed addition of potassium alkenyltrifluoroborates to N-nosyl aliphatic imines has been realized. Good reaction yields and excellent enantioselectivities (94-99% ee) were obtained for a variety of aliphatic imines and nucleophilic alkenyltrifluoroborates. An active rhodium-diene catalyst and the precise reaction condition control proved to be pivotal for success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aryl to vinyl palladium 1,4-migration was realized for the first time. The generated alkenyl palladium species was trapped by diboron reagents under Miyaura borylation conditions, providing a new method to synthesize ββ-disubstituted vinylboronates. The excellent regioselectivity and broad substrate scope were observed for this novel transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

miRNA-20b has been shown to be aberrantly expressed in several tumor types. However, the clinical significance of miRNA-20b in the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood, and the exact role of miRNA-20b in HCC remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of the expression of miR-20b with clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival of HCC patients analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Meanwhile, the HIF-1α and VEGF targets of miR-20b have been confirmed. We found not only miR-20b regulation of HIF-1α and VEGF in normal but also regulation of miR-20b in hypoxia. This mechanism would help the tumor cells adapt to the different environments thus promoting the tumor invasion and development. The whole study suggests that miR-20b, HIF-1α, and VEGF serve as a potential therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims Controlled attenuation parameter ( CAP) is a non-invasive method for evaluating hepatic steatosis. However, larger skin capsular distance ( SCD) can affect the accuracy. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of SCD on the diagnostic performance of CAP and liver stiffness measurement ( LSM). Methods Of 101 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD) and 280 patients with chronic hepatitis B ( CHB) who underwent liver biopsy were prospectively recruited. CAP, LSM and SCD were performed using FibroScan with M probe. The areas under receiver operating characteristics curves ( AUROCs) were calculated to determine the diagnostic efficacy. The optimal thresholds were defined by the maximum Youden index. Results SCD (B 30.34, P < 0.001) and hepatic steatosis (B 23.04, P < 0.001) were independently associated with CAP by multivariate analysis. The AUROCs were slightly higher for SCD <25 mm compared to those for SCD ≥25 mm for steatosis ≥5% (0.88 vs. 0.81), >33% (0.90 vs. 0.85) and >66% (0.84 vs. 0.72). For SCD <25 mm, the optimal CAP cut-offs for differentiating steatosis ≥5%, >33% and >66% were 255.0 dB/m, 283.5 dB/m and 293.5 dB/m. However, cut-offs were elevated by approximately 60-70 dB/m for SCD ≥25 mm. When stratified by fibrosis grade, LSM was significantly affected by SCD ≥25 mm for advanced fibrosis (≥F3) in NAFLD, but not in CHB. Conclusion CAP is a promising tool for detecting and quantifying hepatic steatosis. SCD ≥25 mm may cause overestimation of steatosis. Similarly, SCD ≥25 mm affects the detection of advanced fibrosis by LSM in NAFLD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether interferon ( IFN) therapy could improve clinical effects of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus ( HBV)or hepatitis C virus ( HCV) infection-related primary hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC) after surgery. Methods An electronic search from January 1998 to December 2012 was conducted to identify comparative studies evaluating IFN therapy on recurrence and survival after surgical treatment of HCC. Results The estimated odds ratios ( OR) for the 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rates of HBV-related HCC were 3.37 (95% confidence interval [ CI], 1.18-6.27), 2.36 (95% CI, 1.45-3.83), 1.81 (95% CI, 1.21-2.72) and 1.93 (95% CI, 1.35-2.75), respectively; and the OR for the 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year recurrence rates were 0.63 (95% CI, 0.44-0.91), 0.84 (95% CI, 0.60-1.18), 0.88 (95% CI, 0.63-1.22) and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.56-1.07), respectively. The overall survival rates of HCV-related HCC were significantly higher in IFN groups than in control groups at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years ( OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 0.96-4.55; OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.01-2.89; OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.09-2.83; and OR, 3.03; 95% CI, 1.97-4.65, respectively); and the recurrence rates of IFN groups were lower than control groups at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years ( OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38-0.92; OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41-0.81; OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.41-0.80; and OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.36-0.75, respectively). Conclusion In conclusion, IFN therapy in this meta-analysis shows a significant clinical effect in postoperative patients of HCC, particularly in HCV-related HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NBS1 plays important roles in maintaining genomic stability as a key DNA repair protein in the homologous recombination repair pathway and as a signal modifier in the intra-S phase checkpoint. We hypothesized that polymorphisms of NBS1 are associated with hepatic cancer (HCC) risk. The NBS1 rs1805794 C/G polymorphism has been frequently studied in some cancers with discordant results, but its association with HCC has not been investigated. Moreover, studies of the 3′UTR variant rs2735383 have not touched upon HCC. This study examined the contribution of these two polymorphisms to the risk of developing HCC in a Chinese population. NBS1 genotypes were determined in 865 HCC patients and 900 controls and the associations with risk of HCC were estimated by logistic regression. Compared with the rs1805794 GG genotype, the GC genotype had a significantly increased risk of HCC (adjusted odds ratios [OR]=1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.11-1.80), the CC carriers had a further increased risk of HCC (OR=2.27; 95% CI=1.68-3.14), and there was a trend for an allele dose effect on risk of HCC ( p<0.001). Also, we found that the risk effect of rs1805794 CC+CG was more pronounced in HCC patients that drank (OR=2.28, 95% CI=1.55-3.29 for drinkers; OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.00-1.77 for nondrinkers). However, there was no significant difference in genotype frequencies of rs2735383 G/C site between cases and controls. These findings suggest that rs1805794 C/G polymorphism in NBS1 may be a genetic modifier for developing HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: It remains unclear whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse-transcriptase (RT) rtL229 substitutions influence HBV drug resistance. Objective: The study was to investigate the association of HBV rtL229 substitutions with viral resistance to lamivudine (LAM). Study design: Entire HBV RT genes were amplified by nested PCR and sequenced from sera of 6000 nucleos(t)ide analog-experienced patients with chronic HBV infection. The incidence and clinic relevance of rtL229 substitutions were analyzed. Replication-competent viral amplicons which harbored HBV genomes of wild-type, rtM204I, or rtM204I in conjunction with various rtL229 substitutions (rtL229F/W/M/V) were constructed. The amplicons were transfected into HepG2 cells for phenotyping of replication capacity and susceptibility to nucleos(t)ide analogs. Results: The rtL229 substitutions were detected in 6.57% (394/6000) of patients. Individual substitution incidences were 2.77%, 0.97%, 0.83% and 0.55% for rtL229V, rtL229F, rtL229M and rtL229W, respectively. The incidence of rtL229 substitutions was significantly higher in LAM-experienced patients (341/4220, 8.1%) than in LAM-naïve patients (53/1780, 3.0%), and were independently associated with genotypic LAM resistance (77.9% vs. 21.2%, OR 8.806, 95%CI 6.345–12.223) and low viral replication (HBV DNA <1000IU/mL) (4.60% vs. 24.2%, OR 0.478, 95%CI 0.254–0.898). Representative cases follow-up showed that rtL229F developed subsequent to rtM204I emergence during LAM treatment and regressed with rtM204I after LAM withdrawal. Functionally, rtL229F did not confer reduced susceptibility to LAM, but could restore replication capacity of rtM204I strain. Conclusion: The rtL229 substitutions were potentially associated with LAM resistance in Chinese patients and rtL229F had characteristics of a compensatory mutation of rtM204I mutant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Synthesis of 2,2′-arylmethylene bis(3-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one) derivatives catalyzed by urea via the condensation of aromatic aldehydes and 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione was carried out in 80–98% yields at 50°C in aqueous media under ultrasound. This method provides several advantages such as environment friendliness, high yields and simple work-up procedure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A highly enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed arylation of aliphatic N-tosylaldimines has been developed. The combination of chiral bicyclo[3.3.0]octadiene ligands, an active rhodium hydroxide complex, and neutral reaction conditions is the key to achieving high yield and enantioselectivity. The application of this method is demonstrated by the enantioselective synthesis of chiral 2-aryl pyrrolidines and piperidines in a one-pot procedure. Furthermore, excellent results are also obtained for the imine substrates with the more readily cleavable N-nosyl protecting group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Various mutations in reverse-transcriptase domain (RT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase may develop during antiviral therapy. The influence of these mutational patterns on HBV replication capacity remains to be fully clarified. Methods: Nine clones containing complete HBV genomes were isolated from 5 patients with chronic hepatitis B who had received antiviral treatment. Viral replication capacity was measured by quantitation of HBV replicative intermediates using vector-free transfer of paired mutant and wild-type HBV genomes into human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and Huh7. HBV pgRNA was quantitated by real-time PCR and Southern blot analysis. Results: A real-time PCR assay with high sensitivity and small variation was developed for quantitation of HBV replicative intermediates. Compared to wild-type counterpart, mutant rtL217P produced 1.98-fold higher replicative intermediate level, and mutant rtM204I+rtL217P increased the replicative intermediate level to 1.20 fold. Other mutational patterns (rtV173M, rtA181S/V, rtM204I, rtQ215H, rtL229M, rtN238H, rtV84M+rtA181S+rtM204I, rtV84M+rtM204I, rtA181S+rtM204I, rtA181V+rtL229M, rtQ215H+rtN238H) reduced viral replication capacity to different extents. Conclusions: The study offers a practical measurement assay and novel information for replication features of mutant strains; especially, rtL217P substitution likely represents an energetic replication-compensatory mutation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Monosubstituted C1-symmetric dicyclopentadienes as a new class of diene ligands have been developed for asymmetric arylation of N-tosylarylimines in excellent yields (98−99%) with high enantioselectivities (90−96%). The preparation of these diene ligands relied on an efficient lipase-catalyzed resolution as the key step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monosubstituted C1-symmetric dicyclopentadienes as a new class of diene ligands have been developed for asymmetric arylation of N-tosylarylimines in excellent yields (98−99%) with high enantioselectivities (90−96%). The preparation of these diene ligands relied on an efficient lipase-catalyzed resolution as the key step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalyst can be reused several times with only a slight loss of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health burden. Functional exhaustion and numerical reduction of HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in the liver and peripheral blood limit anti-HBV CTL activity in patients with chronic HBV infection (CHB). However, the ongoing anti-HBV CD8+ T cell responses in the lymphoid organs are largely unknown due to the infeasibility of obtaining lymphoid organs from CHB patients. Here we demonstrate that the percentage of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells is higher in the spleen of CHB patients than that from peripheral blood and liver. Although they do respond to TCR stimulation and produce IFNγ, the cells proliferate poorly. Furthermore, miR-720 expression is upregulated in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. Overexpression of miR-720 in primary human CD8+ T cells inhibits TCR stimulation-induced proliferation. We also demonstrate that TGFβ sustains miR-720 upregulation after TCR stimulation, and blood TGFβ levels are associated with the outcome of type I interferon treatment of CHB patients. Thus, therapies targeting miR-720 may help restore impaired immunity in CHB patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compounds (IV) are obtained by convenient and efficient one-pot condensation of 1,3-dione (I) with various aromatic aldehydes (II) and thiourea (III) under mild reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]