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• Respiratory sensor based on two segments of plastic optical fibers and a clamp based on the 3D printing technology is proposed. • The experiment demonstrates the scheme's capability to detect a broad range of stable respiratory frequencies and weak signals. • An automatic multi-scale peak detection algorithm is utilized to achieve real-time display of transient respiratory rate, which enables the timely feedback of apnea and abnormal signals. A respiratory signal sensing scheme based on plastic optical fiber and smartphone is proposed. Respiratory signals are achieved by detecting the changes in abdominal circumference caused by the inhalation and exhalation of air from the lungs during breathing. A flexible clamp is prepared based on the 3D printing technology and the changes in abdominal circumference are leading to the lateral distance variation between the end face of the two plastic optical fibers in the clamp. The experiment demonstrates the scheme's capability to detect a broad range of stable respiratory frequencies and weak signals. Finally, an automatic multi-scale peak detection algorithm is utilized to achieve real-time display of transient respiratory rate, which enables the timely feedback of apnea and abnormal signals. The proposed respiratory sensing system provides an efficient, accurate, convenient and low-cost solution for human physiological signal monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/aim of the study: Posterior circulation stroke (PCS) accounts for 20% of ischemic stroke, and vertebrobasilar stenosis is an important cause of PCS. Notably, not all patients with artery stenosis progress to ischemic stroke, and one of the important reason is that collateral circulation construction plays important protection role in this process. Clinical presentation: Here, we present the case of a 71-year-old male who presented with lightheadedness and three episodes of loss of consciousness after bilateral subclavian artery stenting. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrated severe stenosis of the left vertebral artery, and the bilateral subclavian artery was kept open. The patient was then given the left vertebral artery stenting in an effort to resolve the vascular stenosis. As expected, he achieved a complete remission after stenting. However, 6 months later the patient suffered from loss of consciousness again. Repeat DSA confirmed restenosis of the left vertebral artery, and revealed a collateral flow to the left vertebral artery which fed by external carotid collateral branches. Then DSA was performed after 12 months, and another collateral circulation involving thyrocervical trunk was also found supplying flow to the left vertebral artery. In this process, the frequency of loss of consciousness gradually decreased as the collateral circulation construction. Conclusion: Through this case, we observe the whole process of the collateral circulation construction. Moreover, this case serves as a testament to the variability and complexity of vertebrobasilar arteriopathies, suggesting promotion of collateral flow offers the opportunity for outcome improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: To use liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to identify endogenous differential metabolites in the urine of rats with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Materials and methods: Methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG) was used to produce a CAG model in Wistar rats, and HE staining was used to determine the pathological model. LC-MS was used to detect the differential metabolic profiles in rat urine. Diversified analysis was performed by the statistical method. Results: Compared with the control group, the model group had 68 differential metabolites, 25 that were upregulated and 43 that were downregulated. The main metabolic pathways were D-glutamine and D-glutamic acid metabolism, histidine metabolism and purine metabolism. Conclusion: By searching for differential metabolites and metabolic pathways in the urine of CAG rats, this study provides effective experimental data for the pathogenesis and clinical diagnosis of CAG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the time-dependent effects of acupuncture on the excitability and long-term potentiation- (LTP-) like plasticity induced by paired-associative stimulation (PAS) over the primary motor cortex (M1). The present examination is the first to report the influence of acupuncture on the motor-evoked potential (MEP) throughout the treatment process, including baseline (before acupuncture), the needle in situ, and the needle removal. Subsequently, the LTP-like plasticity induced by paired-associative stimulation (PAS) was explored, which consisted of 200 pairs of electrical stimulation of the ulnar nerve at the first dorsal interosseous (FDI), followed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the bilateral M1. TMS-MEP amplitudes over the bilateral M1 in resting conditions were measured throughout the whole treatment process. Finally, we confirmed the behavioral measurements. Significant changes were found in both the contralateral and ipsilateral acupuncture sizes as compared to the baseline values. Our results indicated that acupuncture modulated the excitability of M1, and the synaptic plasticity was time-dependent. We concluded that acupuncture should be combined with rehabilitation techniques to improve the motor function in stroke patients. Therefore, we put forward the combined application of the acupuncture timing and rehabilitation for higher therapeutic effectiveness. This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration no. ChiCTR-IPR-1900020515). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sarcopenic Obesity (SO) model was established and validated successfully through high-fat diet in older rats. • RNA-seq analysis of muscle show that differential expressed genes (DEG) and alternative splicing events (ASE) mainly focus on inflammatory, immune-response and antigen processing and presentation. • MEF2C, as a core transcription factors that regulates skeletal muscle differentiation and growth, is found with significant alternative 3′ splice sites (A3SS) and down-regulated expression in SO. Obesity has been suggested as a risk factor for sarcopenia. Sarcopenic obesity (SO), as a new category of obesity, is a high-risk geriatric syndrome in elderly individuals. However, knowledge about the molecular pathomechanisms of SO is still sparse. In the present study, starting at 13 months, male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and normal diet (ND) for 28 weeks to establish a rodent animal model of SO with an identical protocol, which was further assessed and verified as a successful SO model. Through RNA-seq analysis of gastrocnemius muscle in SO rats, we found that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and alternative splicing events (ASEs) focused mainly on inflammatory, immune-response, skeletal muscle cell differentiation, fat cell differentiation and antigen processing and presentation. Furthermore, as the core regulation factor of skeletal muscle, the mef2c (myocyte enhancer Factor 2C) gene also has a significant alternative 3′ splice site (A3SS) and down-regulated expression in HFD-induced SO. The alternative genes targeted by mef2c identified by GO analysis were enriched in transcript regulation of RNA polymerase II promoter. In conclusion, these explorative findings in aging high-fat-fed rats might serve as a firm starting point for understanding the pathway and mechanism of sarcopenic obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common skeletal disease, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients, particularly in the middle-aged and elderly individuals. We aimed to explore whether rs9340799 [estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) XbaI A/G] polymorphism was associated with OA using a meta-analysis. A literature search for eligible studies published before March 28, 2014 was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane database, Current Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, CBMdisc, CNKI, Google Scholar and Baidu Library. The association between the rs9340799 polymorphism and OA risk was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) together with their 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 663 articles were found. After article review and quality assessment, 10 articles involving 2,924 OA cases and 5,868 controls were included in the final meta-analysis. The combined evidence suggested that rs9340799 polymorphism contributed significantly to an increased risk of OA (for G allele vs. A allele: OR = 1.21, 95 % CI 1.03-1.43, p = 0.02; for G/G vs. A/A: OR = 1.30, 95 % CI 1.07-1.57, p = 0.009). In the subgroup analyses, significant associations were found between the rs9340799 polymorphism and the OA risk in the European group, Asian group, and knee osteoarthritis group, respectively. These results suggested that the rs9340799 polymorphism might be associated with the risk of OA. However, the results should be interpreted with caution because of the publication bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It remains controversial regarding the association between toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene Asp299Gly (+896 A/G) polymorphism and myocardial infarction (MI) risk. Thus, a large-scale meta-analysis evaluating the potential association between this gene variant and MI risk is required. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBMdisc, CNKI, and Google Scholar were searched until February 6, 2013. All the statistical tests were performed using Stata 11.0. Nine articles involving 10 studies were included in the final meta-analysis, covering a total of 8299 MI cases and 6849 controls. Overall, no significant association was found between the TLR4 gene Asp299Gly polymorphism and MI risk (G allele vs. A allele: OR=0.95, 95% CI=0.74–1.22, p =0.71; G/G vs. A/A: OR=1.03, 95% CI=0.54–1.98, p =0.93; G/G vs. A/G+A/A: OR=1.05, 95% CI=0.55–2.03, p =0.87; G/G+A/G vs. A/A: OR=0.92, 95% CI=0.75–1.13, p =0.42). In the subgroup analysis based on source of controls, there was also lack of evidence for significant association between the TLR4 gene Asp299Gly polymorphism and MI risk. In summary, the present meta-analysis indicated that the TLR4 gene Asp299Gly polymorphism was not associated with MI risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Several studies have investigated whether the polymorphism in the apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. However, those studies have produced inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the APOA5 -1131T/C polymorphism (rs662799) confers significant susceptibility to T2DM using a meta-analysis. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane database, CBMdisc, CNKI and Google Scholar were searched to get the genetic association studies. All statistical analyses were done with Stata 11.0. Results: A total of 19 studies included 4,767 T2DM cases and 10,370 controls (four studies involving 555 T2DM cases and 2958 controls were performed among Europeans and 15 studies involving 4212 T2DM cases and 7412 controls were performed among Asians) were combined showing significant association between the APOA5 -1131T/C polymorphism and T2DM risk (for C allele vs. T allele: OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.17–1.40, p<0.00001; for C/C vs. T/T: OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.35–1.83, p<0.00001; for C/C vs. T/C+T/T: OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.18–1.57, p<0.0001; for C/C+T/C vs. T/T: OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.16–1.51, p<0.0001). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant association was also found among Asians (for C allele vs. T allele: OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.22–1.40, p<0.00001; for C/C vs. T/T: OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.38–1.88, p<0.00001; for C/C vs. T/C+T/T: OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.20–1.61, p<0.0001; for C/C+T/C vs. T/T: OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.25–1.62, p<0.00001). However, no significant association was found between the APOA5 -1131T/C polymorphism and T2DM risk among Europeans. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggests that the APOA5 -1131T/C polymorphism is associated with an increased T2DM risk in Asian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene polymorphism and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk which developed inconsistent conclusions. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship in Chinese population, we performed this meta-analysis. Methods: Databases, including PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, CBMdisc and CNKI, were searched to get the genetic association studies. Additionally, hand searching of the references of identified articles were performed. All the statistical tests were performed using Review Manager 5.1.2 and Stata 11.0. Results: We identified a total of 40 studies, including 4,564 CAD cases and 3,985 controls. The results showed evidence for significant association between ApoE ε4 allele and CAD risk (for ε2/ε4 vs. ε3/ε3: OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.42–2.43, p<0.00001; for ε3/ε4 vs. ε3/ε3: OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 2.07–2.65, p<0.00001; for ε4/ε4 vs. ε3/ε3: OR = 2.89, 95% CI = 1.87–4.47, p<0.00001; for ε4 allele vs. ε3 allele: OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.91–2.35, p<0.00001). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggests an association between ApoE ε4 allele and increased risk of CAD in Chinese population. However, due to the small sample size in most of the included studies and the selection bias existed in some studies, the results should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between the interleukin-6 ( IL-6) gene −572 C/G (rs1800796) polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk remains controversial. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBMdisc and CNKI databases until January 30, 2012. In addition, hand searching of the references of identified articles was performed. A total of 10 case-control studies including 11,681 subjects were selected to evaluate the possible association. Our results showed evidence for significant association between the IL-6 gene −572 C/G polymorphism and T2DM risk (for G allele vs. C allele: odds ratio [OR] = 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-1.52, P = 0.002, P = 0.008 after Bonferroni testing; for G/G vs. C/C: OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.51-2.37, P < 0.00001, P < 0.00004 after Bonferroni testing; for GG vs. G/C + C/C: OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.20-2.56, P = 0.004, P = 0.016 after Bonferroni testing; for G/G + G/C vs. C/C: OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.11-1.57, P = 0.001, P = 0.004 after Bonferroni testing). In addition, similar results were obtained in the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity. In summary, the present meta-analysis suggests a significant association between the IL-6 gene −572 G allele and increased risk of T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene −174 G/C polymorphism and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) risk, but results of different studies have been inconsistent. The present meta-analysis was therefore designed to clarify these controversies. PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched from the first available year to March 25, 2012, as well as hand searching of the references of identified articles were performed. All studies investigating the association between IL-6 gene −174 G/C polymorphism and T1DM risk were included. Data analyses were carried out by Review Manager 5.1.2 and Stata 11.0. Seven studies were included in the final meta-analysis, covering a total of 9697 T1DM cases and 8455 controls. The results showed no evidence for significant association between IL-6 gene −174 G/C polymorphism and T1DM risk (for C/C+C/G vs. G/G: OR=1.30, 95% CI=0.84–2.00, p=0.24; for C/C vs. C/G+G/G: OR=1.10, 95% CI=0.75–1.60, p=0.63; for C/C vs. G/G: OR=1.34, 95% CI=0.75–2.42, p=0.33; for C allele vs. G allele: OR=1.16, 95% CI=0.88–1.53, p=0.30). In addition, the similar results were obtained in the subgroup analysis based on ethnicity. In summary, the present meta-analysis suggests that IL-6 gene −174 G/C polymorphism is not associated with T1DM risk. However, due to the small sample size in most of the included studies and the selection bias existed in some studies, the results should be interpreted with caution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Increasing evidence suggests that interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene −592 C/A polymorphism may be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To provide a quantitative assessment of the association between this variant and risk of T2DM, we performed this meta-analysis. Systematic searches of electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBMdisc and CNKI, as well as hand searching of the references of identified articles were performed. A total of 2698 T2DM cases and 2622 controls in seven case–control studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed no evidence for significant association between IL-10 gene −592 C/A polymorphism and T2DM risk (for A allele vs. C allele: OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.69–1.29, p =0.69; for A/A vs. C/C: OR=0.88, 95% CI=0.39–1.98, p =0.75; for A/A vs. A/C+C/C: OR=1.04, 95% CI=0.59–1.82, p =0.89; for A/A+A/C vs. C/C: OR=1.11, 95% CI=0.73–1.69, p =0.61). In addition, the similar results were obtained in the subgroup analysis based on the ethnicity. In summary, results from this meta-analysis suggest that the IL-10 gene −592 C/A polymorphism is not associated with T2DM risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Brachytherapy has been indicated as an alternative option for treating cystic craniopharyngiomas (CPs). The potential benefits of brachytherapy for CPs have not yet been clarified. The purpose of this work was to conduct a meta-analysis to analyze the long-term efficacy and adverse reactions profile of brachytherapy for CPs. Materials and methods: The relevant databases were searched to collect the clinical trials on brachytherapy in patients with CPs. Included studies were limited to publications in full manuscript form with at least 5-year median follow-up, and adequate reporting of treatment outcomes and adverse reactions data. Stata 12.0 was used for data analysis. Results: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 6 clinical trials involving 266 patients with CPs were included in this meta-analysis. The minimum average follow-up was 5 years. The results of the meta-analysis showed that 1-year, 2–3 years and 5 years progression free survival rates (PFS) are 75% (95%CI: 66-84%), 62% (95%CI: 52-72%) and 57% (95%CI: 22-92%), respectively. At the last follow-up, less than 16% of patients with visual outcomes worser than baseline in all included studies. While, for endocrine outcomes, less than 32% of patients worser than baseline level. Conclusion: In general, based on the above results, brachytherapy should be considered as a good choice for the treatment of CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2015 catastrophic landslide in a 110-m-high waste dump in Shenzhen is recognized as one of the largest landfill failure worldwide. An earlier comprehensive field investigation revealed that the dominant component of the fill was completely decomposed granite (CDG), and the dumping operation was accompanied by a rise of the groundwater level. In this paper, the complex stress paths for the initially unsaturated fill materials being subjected to both rapid filling and wetting were investigated. A simplified method was proposed for estimating the gain of undrained shear strength under the complex stress paths. Soil samples were taken from the site to a laboratory to measure the undrained shear strength and validate the estimation method. Total stress-based stability analyses were carried out to calculate the factor of safety of the dump at failure. The triggering mechanism of the landslide is clarified as follows: The gain of shear strength with the surcharge loading for the wet layer in the lower part of the waste dump was limited by a build-up of excess pore-water pressure. The gain of shear strength for the relatively dry fill material was attenuated with the rise of groundwater level. When the shear strength was not enough to resist the increasing slip force with the surcharge loading, a deep-seated translational failure took place in the lower wet layer of the waste dump. The proposed method for analyses of undrained strength and slope stability are proven to be applicable to the waste-dumping operation with rapid filling and rising groundwater level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Autophagy induces pancreatic β cell death. The purpose of the present study was to examine the hypothesis that the extent of pancreatic autophagy is associated with aging and age-related diabetes.Methods: Pancreatic tissue and blood samples were collected from Sprague Dawley rats receiving a normal diet at 2 (the young group), 6 (the adult group), 12 (the middle-age group) and 20-24 (the aged group) months of age. Body weight and fasting blood glucose, serum lipid levels and serum insulin levels were determined. Pancreatic cell structure and autophagy were determined using transmission electron microscopy of rats at 6, 12 and 24 months of age. Lamp2 and LC3b protein expression levels were determined by both immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses, and islet cell apoptosis was assessed using the TUNEL assay.Results: Fasting blood glucose, triglyceride and FFA levels increased significantly with age (p < 0.05). Compared with levels seen in two-month-old rats, insulin secretion of islet cells in vitro was significantly reduced at 6, 12, and 20 months of age (p < 0.05). Autophagosomes were only observed in islet cells of 24 month-old rats. Increased expression of the autophagic markers, Lamp2 and LC3b, was observed with age. A significant increase in apoptotic index was observed between young rats (two-months-old) and older rats (six-, 12- and 24-months-old), but no differences were observed between rats six, 12 and 24 months of age.Conclusion: Appearance of autophagosomes and increased Lamp2 and LC3b expression in pancreatic islet cells coincided with a significant decrease in insulin secretion and elevation of fasting blood glucose in aged rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The anti-coagulation protocol of patients with hemorrhage risk primary disease who need extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) supported is controversial. This study evaluated the feasibility of a new anti-coagulation strategy, that is heparin-free after 3000 IU heparin loaded in veno-venous ECMO (VV ECMO) supported acute respiratory failure patients with hemorrhage risk. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in a series of hemorrhage risk patients supported with VV ECMO at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, between June 2012 to Sept 2020. A total of 70 patients received a low heparin bolus of 3000 units for cannulation but without subsequent, ongoing heparin administration. Patients were divided into survival (n = 25) and non-survival group (n = 45). Data of coagulation, hemolysis and membrane lung function were calculated and analyzed. The complications of patients were recorded. Finally, the binary Logistic regression was conducted. Results: The longest heparin-free time was 216 h, and the mean heparin-free time was 102 h. Compared with survivors, the non-survivors were showed higher baseline SOFA score and lower platelet counts in 0.5 h, 24 h, 48 h and 96 h after ECMO applied. However, there was no significant differences between survivors and non-survivors in ACT, APTT, INR, D-dimer, fibrinogen, LDH, blood flow rate, Δp and Ppost-MLO2 (all p < 0.05) of all different time point. Moreover, only the baseline SOFA score was significantly associated with mortality (p < 0.001, OR(95%CI): 2.754 (1.486–5.103)) while the baseline levels of ACT, APTT, INR, platelet, D-dimer, fibrinogen and LDH have no association with mortality. The percentage of thrombosis complications was 54.3% (38/70) including 3 oxygenator changed but there was no significant difference of complications in survival and non-survival groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The anticoagulation protocol that no heparin after a 3000 units heparin bolus in VV ECMO supported acute respiratory failure patients with hemorrhage risk is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to explore whether interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene (−174 G/C and −572 C/G) polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to coronary artery disease (CAD) risk in Chinese population. All the statistical tests were performed using Stata version 11.0. Twelve articles involving 16 studies were included in this meta-analysis, covering a total of 2309 CAD cases and 2273 controls. For IL-6 gene −572 C/G polymorphism, the results showed evidence for significant association between IL-6 gene −572 C/G polymorphism and CAD risk (for G allele vs. C allele: OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.26–1.74, p < 0.001; for G/G vs. C/C: OR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.54–4.39, p < 0.001; for G/G vs. G/C + C/C: OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.35–3.42, p = 0.001; for G/G + G/C vs. C/C: OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.29–1.85, p < 0.001). However, for IL-6 gene −174 G/C polymorphism, no significant association was found between this variation and CAD risk. In summary, our meta-analysis showed evidence that IL-6 gene −572 C/G polymorphism may be a risk factor for CAD susceptibility. For IL-6 gene −174 G/C polymorphism, no significant association was found between this variation and CAD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Several lines of evidence suggest that estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) gene polymorphism may influence the development of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to explore using a meta-analysis whether rs2234693 (ER-α PvuII T/C) polymorphism confers significant susceptibility to OA.Methods and Results: A systematic search of all relevant studies published through 17 August 2014 was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane database, Current Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, CBMdisc, CNKI and Google Scholar. All statistical analyses were done with Review Manager 5.1.4. Twelve articles involving 15 studies were included in the final meta-analysis, which contained 6417 OA cases and 8605 controls. Overall, no significant association was found between the rs2234693 polymorphism and OA risk when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis (for C allele vs. T allele: OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.94-1.04, p = 0.63; for C/C vs. T/T: OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.87-1.08, p = 0.53; for C/C vs. T/C + T/T: OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.88-1.06, p = 0.43; for C/C + T/C vs. T/T: OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.89-1.14, p = 0.94). In the subgroup analysis, significant association was found between the rs2234693 polymorphism and the OA risk in the knee osteoarthritis (KOA) group (for C/C + T/C vs. T/T: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.02-1.29, p = 0.02).Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggests that the rs2234693 polymorphism is associated with an increased KOA risk. Additional well designed genome-wide association studies are required to confirm the result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Several lines of evidence suggest that estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) gene polymorphism may influence the development of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the results are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to explore using a meta-analysis whether rs2234693 (ER-a PvuII T/C) polymorphism confers significant susceptibility to OA. Methods and results: A systematic search of all relevant studies published through 17 August 2014 was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane database, Current Controlled Trials, Clinicaltrials.gov, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, CBMdisc, CNKI and Google Scholar. All statistical analyses were done with Review Manager 5.1.4. Twelve articles involving 15 studies were included in the final meta-analysis, which contained 6417 OA cases and 8605 controls. Overall, no significant association was found between the rs2234693 polymorphism and OA risk when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis (for C allele vs. T allele: OR=0.99, 95% CI=0.94-1.04, p=0.63; for C/C vs. T/T: OR=0.97, 95% CI=0.87-1.08, p=0.53; for C/C vs. T/C+T/T: OR=0.96, 95% CI=0.88-1.06, p=0.43; for C/C+T/C vs. T/T: OR=1.00, 95% CI=0.89-1.14, p=0.94). In the subgroup analysis, significant association was found between the rs2234693 polymorphism and the OA risk in the knee osteoarthritis (KOA) group (for C/C+T/C vs. T/T: OR=1.15, 95% CI=1.02-1.29, p=0.02). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis suggests that the rs2234693 polymorphism is associated with an increased KOA risk. Additional well designed genome-wide association studies are required to confirm the result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-[alpha]) gene (-238 G/A [rs361525] and -308 G/A [rs1800629]) polymorphisms have been extensively studied in relation to various diseases, several epidemiologic studies have been performed to investigate the associations of TNF-[alpha] gene polymorphisms with pneumoconiosis; however, the results of these studies were not entirely consistent. In an effort to clarify earlier inconclusive results, we performed this meta-analysis of case-control genetic association studies. Methods: We identified eligible studies by searching the relevant databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBMdisc, CNKI, and Google Scholar, until February 15, 2013. Additionally, hand searching of the references of identified articles were performed. Heterogeneity and publication bias across studies were determined and the meta-analysis was performed by Stata 11.0. Results: Fourteen articles involving 20 studies were included in the final meta-analysis, covering a total of 1935 pneumoconiosis cases and 3753 controls. The results showed evidence for significant association between TNF-[alpha] gene -308 G/A polymorphism and pneumoconiosis risk, suggesting that TNF-[alpha] gene -308 A allele may be a risk factor for pneumoconiosis (for A allele vs. G allele: OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.10-1.81, p = 0.01; for A/A + G/A vs. G/G: OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.21-1.91, p < 0.01). For TNF-[alpha] gene -238 G/A polymorphism, no significant association was found between this genetic variation and pneumoconiosis risk. Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicates that TNF-[alpha] gene -308 G/A polymorphism is associated with an increased pneumoconiosis risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Increasing evidence suggests that interleukin 10 (IL 10) gene -1082 A/G (rsl800896) polymorphism may be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the results are inconsistent. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between this variant and the T2DM risk by meta-analysis. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from January 1, 1989 to February 17, 2012, as well as hand searching of the references of identified articles were performed. All the statistical tests were performed using Stata 11.0. Seven case–control studies were identified, covering a total of 1879 T2DM cases and 2371 controls. The results showed evidence of significant association between IL 10 gene -1082 A/G polymorphism and T2DM risk (for G/G+G/A vs. A/A: OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.05–1.40, p =0.010, p =0.040 after Bonferroni testing). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no significant association was found between IL 10 gene -1082 A/G polymorphism and T2DM risk in Europeans. In summary, results from this meta-analysis provide evidence that IL 10 gene -1082 G allele is associated with increased risk of T2DM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: It remains controversial regarding the association between interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene −251 T/A polymorphism and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) risk. Thus, a large-scale meta-analysis evaluating the precise association between this gene variant and PUD risk is required. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar until April 25, 2012. Additionally, hand searching of the references of identified articles were performed. All the statistical tests were performed using Stata 11.0. A total of eight studies (3105 subjects) were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, no significant association was found between IL-8 gene −251 T/A polymorphism and PUD risk (for A allele vs. T allele: OR=1.17, 95% CI=0.97–1.41, p =0.094; for A/A vs. T/T: OR=1.33, 95% CI=0.94–1.90, p =0.108; for A/A vs. A/T+T/T: OR=1.22, 95% CI=0.97–1.52, p =0.083; for A/A+A/T vs. T/T: OR=1.26, 95% CI=0.95–1.67, p =0.113). However, in the subgroup analyses by ethnicity, H. pylori infection and the subtype of PUD, significant associations were found between IL-8 gene −251 T/A polymorphism and PUD risk in Asians, H. pylori+, duodenal ulcer disease (DUD) and gastric ulcer disease (GUD), respectively. In summary, the present meta-analysis suggests that IL-8 gene −251 T/A polymorphism is associated with increased PUD risk among Asians, and especially for the subgroups of H. pylori+, DUD and GUD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Epidemiologic studies have evaluated the association between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene -308A/G polymorphism and the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP), but the results are inconsistent. In order to derive a more precise estimation of the associations, a meta-analysis was performed. Materials and methods: Systematic searches of electronic databases PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, as well as hand searching of the references of identified articles, were performed. All case-control studies investigating the association between TNF-α gene -308A/G polymorphism and AP risk were included. The association was assessed by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Publication bias was analyzed by Begg''s funnel plot and Egger''s regression test. Results: The initial search revealed 818 potentially eligible studies. Having read the title, abstract, or full text, we included six relevant studies in the final meta-analysis, which contained 1,006 AP cases and 782 controls. Overall, no significant association was found between TNF-α gene -308A/G polymorphism and AP risk when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis (for A/A+A/G versus G/G: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.83-1.28, P = 0.79; for A/A versus A/G+G/G: OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.65-1.45, P = 0.87; for A/A versus G/G: OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.79-1.91, P = 0.37; for A allele versus G allele: OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.83-1.18, P = 0.90). In addition, the similar results were obtained in the subgroup analysis based on the ethnicity and subtype of AP. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis reveals that the TNF-α gene -308A/G polymorphism is not associated with AP risk. However, due to the small number of subjects included in analysis and the selection bias in some studies, the results should be interpreted with caution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between IL-1β −511 C/T polymorphism and duodenal ulcer (DU) risk. However, the results remain conflicting. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to investigate a more authentic association between IL-1β −511 C/T polymorphism and DU. Systematic searches of electronic databases Embase, PubMed and Web of Science as well as hand searching of the references of identified articles and the meeting abstracts were performed. Study selection, data abstraction and study quality evaluation were independently conducted in duplicate. Statistical analyses were performed using software Stata 11.0. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were performed. Publication bias was tested by Begg''s funnel plot and Egger''s regression test. A total of 14 studies including 1887 cases and 2780 controls were included in our final meta-analysis. There was no evidence of significant association between IL-1β −511 C/T polymorphism and DU (for T allele vs. C allele: OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.82–1.06; for T/T vs. C/C: OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.64–1.08; for dominant model: OR=0.93, 95% CI=0.80–1.07; and for recessive model: OR=0.87, 95% CI=0.69–1.11). Significant association was found in all genetic models for the PB subgroup and sensitivity analyses. In conclusion, our meta-analysis suggests that there was no evidence of a significant association between IL-1β −511 C/T polymorphism and DU with or without Helicobacter pylori infection, whereas a significant association was found by sensitivity analyses which showed a protective effect of the T allele against DU risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene −174 G/C polymorphism has been reported to be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), but the results remain inconclusive. The present meta-analysis was therefore designed to clarify these controversies. This meta-analysis was performed by searching PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases. A total of 20 studies including 9619 CHD cases and 10,919 controls were combined showing no evidence of association between IL-6 gene −174 G/C polymorphism and CHD risk (for C/C+C/G vs. G/G: OR=1.10, 95% CI=0.99–1.22, p =0.07; for C/C vs. C/G+G/G: OR=1.08, 95% CI=0.93–1.24, p =0.33; for C/C vs. G/G: OR=1.16, 95% CI=0.97–1.39, p =0.11; for C allele vs. G allele: OR=1.10, 95% CI=1.00–1.21, p =0.06). Moreover, we also did not find significant association between IL-6 gene −174 G/C polymorphism and myocardial infarction (MI) risk. However, in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant association was found among Asians (for C/C+C/G vs. G/G: OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.05–1.63, p =0.02). In summary, the present meta-analysis suggests that IL-6 gene −174 G/C polymorphism is associated with increased CHD risk among Asians. However, due to the small subjects included in the subgroup analysis of Asians, the results should be interpreted with caution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although previous studies have found that melatonin can promote seed germination, the mechanisms involved in perceiving and signaling melatonin remain poorly understood. In this study, it was found that melatonin was synthesized during cucumber seed germination with a peak in melatonin levels occurring 14 hr into germination. This is indicative of a correlation between melatonin synthesis and seed germination. Meanwhile, seeds pretreated with exogenous melatonin (1 μM) showed enhanced germination rates under 150 mM NaCl stress compared to water-pretreated seeds under salinity stress. There are two apparent mechanisms by which melatonin alleviated salinity-induced inhibition of seed germination. Exogenous melatonin decreased oxidative damage induced by NaCl stress by enhancing gene expression of antioxidants. Under NaCl stress, compared to untreated control, the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were significantly increased by approximately 1.3-5.0-fold, with a concomitant 1.4-2.0-fold increase of CsCu-ZnSOD, CsFe-ZnSOD, CsCAT, and CsPOD in melatoninpretreated seeds. Melatonin also alleviated salinity stress by affecting abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin acid (GA) biosynthesis and catabolism during seed germination. Compared to NaCl treatment, melatonin significantly upregulated ABA catabolism genes (e.g., CsCYP707A1 and CsCYP707A2, 3.5 and 105-fold higher than NaCl treatment at 16 hr, respectively) and downregulated ABA biosynthesis genes (e.g., CsNECD2, 0.29-fold of CK2 at 16 hr), resulting in a rapid decrease of ABA content during the early stage of germination. At the same time, melatonin positively up-regulated GA biosynthesis genes (e.g., GA20ox and GA3ox, 2.3 and 3.9-fold higher than NaCl treatment at 0 and 12 hr, respectively), contributing to a significant increase of GA (especially GA4) content. In this study, we provide new evidence suggesting that melatonin alleviates the inhibitory effects of NaCl stress on germination mainly by regulating the biosynthesis and catabolism of ABA and GA4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumber is a model cucurbitaceous plant with a known genome sequence which is important for studying molecular mechanisms of root development. In this study, RNA sequencing was employed to explore the mechanism of melatonin-induced lateral root formation in cucumber under salt stress. Three groups of seeds were examined, that is, seeds primed without melatonin ( CK), seeds primed in a solution containing 10 or 500 μmol/L melatonin (M10 and M500, respectively). These seeds were then germinated in NaCl solution. The RNA-seq analysis generated 16,866,670 sequence reads aligned with 17,920 genes, which provided abundant data for the analysis of lateral root formation. A total of 17,552, 17,450, and 17,393 genes were identified from roots of the three treatments ( CK, M10 and M500, respectively). The expression of 121 genes was significantly up-regulated, and 196 genes were significantly down-regulated in M500 which showed an obvious increase on the number of lateral roots. These genes were significantly enriched in 57 KEGG pathways and 16 GO terms (M500 versus CK). Based on their expression pattern, peroxidase-related genes were selected as the candidates to be involved in the melatonin response. Several transcription factor families might play important roles in lateral root formation processes. A number of genes related to cell wall formation, carbohydrate metabolic processes, oxidation/reduction processes, and catalytic activity also showed different expression patterns as a result of melatonin treatments. This RNA-sequencing study will enable the scientific community to better define the molecular processes that affect lateral root formation in response to melatonin treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological studies have evaluated the association between tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and duodenal ulcer (DU), but the results remain inconclusive. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to investigate a more authentic association between TNF-α SNPs and DU. Methods: We performed the meta-analysis by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from the first available year to Sep. 5, 2012. Additionally, checking reference lists from identified articles, reviews, and the abstracts presented at related scientific societies meetings were also performed. All case-control studies investigating the association between TNF-α SNPs and DU risk were included. The association was assessed by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Publication bias was analyzed by Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test. Results: A total of sixteen studies reporting TNF-α −308G/A, −1031T/C, −863C/A, −857C/T, and −238G/A polymorphism were included in our final meta-analysis. There was no statistically significant association between −308G/A polymorphism and DU in the overall study population, as well as subgroup analyses by ethnicity, study design, and H. pylori status. As for −1031T/C, −863C/A, −857C/T, and −238G/A, results of our meta-analyses showed no statistical evidence of significant association. Power calculation on the combined sample size showed that the statistical powers were all lower than 80% for all the meta-analyses. Conclusions: The data suggests that there is no statistical evidence of significant association between the studied TNF-α SNPs and DU. However, this conclusion should be interpreted with caution as low statistical powers were revealed by power calculations. In future, larger sample-size studies with homogeneous DU patients and well-matched controls are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dicyanamido-bridged polymeric complex formulated as [NaCu2(dca)2(salpn)2]n (1) (dca = dicyanamide anion, H2salpn = N, N'-bis (salicylaldehyde)propylenediimine Schiff base) has been synthesized and characterized systematically. The complex 1 forms the single end-to-end ([image omitted]-) dicyanamido-bridged one dimensional (1D) infinite chain, and the sodium cations ligated by the dca ion ligands display a 1D zigzag chain array, where the diverse coordination fashions of salpn ligand have been observed. The cyclic voltammogram of 1 demonstrates the Cu(II)/Cu(I) and Cu(I)/ Cu(0) reduction couples. The magnetic susceptibility investigation for 1 indicates the presence of very weak antiferromagnetic coupling between Cu(II) cations through the -O-Na-O- bridge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]