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Wettability modification is an effective way in tailoring hotspots in surface Raman scattering (SERS) nowadays. However, due to the theoretical contradiction between hydrophobic and hydrophilic strategies, opposite views are usually put forward in building SERS structures. To realize the integration of hydrophobicity and hydrophilia in the same substrate, a wettability-switchable SERS architecture composed of heterostructured CuO@ZnO@Ag biomimetic nano Setaria (NS) has been designed and prepared in this paper. Experimentally, the structure shows impressive SERS performance under both hydrophobic and hydrophilic states. The limit of detection approaches even to single-molecule level and the lowest relative standard deviation is only ca 9.8%. Finite-different time-domain simulations and experimental analyses were systemically made to unearth the mechanism deep behind. Besides, owing to fine quantifiability, the CuO@ZnO@Ag NS shows promising potential in the detection of trace pesticide and deoxyribonucleic acid. This work provides a new idea for integrating the strategies of ‘concentration’ and ‘decentralization’, endowing SERS structure with wider application, and is also meaningful for other surface sciences.

Background: To analysed the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of patients who underwent surgical resection for non‐functioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NF‐PNETs) to gain insights into treatment approaches for this rare and heterogeneous entity. Methods: All patients who underwent surgical resection for NF‐PNETs at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, and West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from 2009 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The data of patients was including perioperative management, pathologic analysis and follow‐up. Results: A total of 119 cases with histologically or cytologically confirmed NF‐PNETs, The mean age of the patients was 52, and 56.3% were female. Twenty‐three patients received post‐operative adjuvant therapy, and five of nine (55.6%) patients with distant metastasis showed recurrence 14(60.9%) G2/G3 patients without distant metastasis received post‐operative therapy with octreotide. Of these 14 patients, 3 (21.4%) revealed recurrence. Univariate analysis indicated that symptoms (P = 0.03), tumour size >4 cm (P = 0.029), ENETS stages III–IV (P < 0.001), positive lymph nodes (P < 0.001), vascular/perineural invasion (P < 0.001), and pathology grade G2 were associated with significantly higher risks of recurrence; age, gender, surgery type, and tumour location were not. Multivariate analysis revealed that positive lymph nodes (P < 0.001), vascular/peripheral invasion (P < 0.001), and pathology grade G3 (P = 0.03) are significant prognostic factors of tumour recurrence. Conclusion: Positive lymph nodes, vascular/peripheral invasion and pathology grade G3 were related to recurrence of NF‐PNETs. Lymph node resection is recommend when FNA biopsy indicates pathology grade G3 for patients with NF‐PNETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The case-control study aimed to investigate the association between the -31G>C polymorphism in the promoter of survivin gene and the susceptibility to sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) in a Southern Chinese population.Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 711 healthy controls and 702 CRC cases of a Southern Chinese population. Survivin gene -31G>C genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The association between CRC risk and -31G>C genetic polymorphism was estimated using an unconditional logistic regression model.Results: The number of CC genotype carried in CRC patients was much higher than those of controls (P < 0.001). Compared with CC genotypes, GC, GG genotypes and -31G wild-type genotypes (i.e., GC + GG) had a significantly decreased risk of CRC (P < 0.001). In addition, survivin -31G wild-type genotypes were not associated with decreased risk of sporadic CRC patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥28.0 kg/m2, family cancer history, and premenopausal.Conclusion: Survivin -31G>C polymorphism is associated with sporadic CRC risk in the Southern Chinese population. The -31G wild-type genotypes and GC, GG genotypes are the independent protective factors against sporadic CRC excluding those with a BMI ≥28.0 kg/m2, family cancer history, and premenopausal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: The effects of circulating eosinophils and basophils on cancer survival are unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the impacts of eosinophils and basophils on prognosis of stage I–III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods: From February 2003 to March 2013, 569 stage I–III CRC patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The associations between pretreatment circulating eosinophils, basophils and CRC overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS) were investigated. Moreover, the prognostic value of combined eosinophils/basophils and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR)/platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was investigated. Results: Kaplan–Meier methods showed the associations of eosinophils < 0.095 × 109/L and shorter OS (P < 0.0001), eosinophils < 0.055 × 109/L and shorter DFS (P < 0.0001), basophils < 0.015 × 109/L and shorter OS (P = 0.001), basophils < 0.015 × 109/L and shorter DFS (P = 0.005). Cox regression model showed that eosinophils < 0.095 × 109/L (hazard ratio [HR], 1.723; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.177–2.523) and basophils < 0.015 × 109/L (HR, 1.714; 95% CI = 1.152–2.548) were independent prognostic factors for OS, and eosinophils < 0.055 × 109/L (HR, 2.309; 95% CI = 1.587–3.361) and basophils < 0.015 × 109/L (HR, 1.397; 95% CI = 1.003–1.945) were independent prognostic factors for DFS, respectively. The combined eosinophil‐PLR (HR, 2.611; 95% CI = 1.328–5.130) and basophil‐PLR (HR, 2.520; 95% CI = 1.240–5.123) were the independent prognostic factors for OS. The combined eosinophil‐NLR (HR, 2.770; 95% CI = 1.528–5.019) and eosinophil‐PLR (HR, 4.788; 95% CI = 2.458–9.329) were the independent prognostic factors for DFS. Conclusion: Pretreatment circulating eosinophils < 0.095 × 109/L/0.055 × 109/L and circulating basophils < 0.015 × 109/L have significant impacts on prognosis of stage I–III CRC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials engineering is generally regarded as one of the most effective methods in the construction of photocatalysts, but it still faces many challenges. In this context, we designed and prepared a three-dimensional (3D) heterostructure of nanowires (NWs) formed by C u 2 O core and an Au shell. The C u 2 O - A u NWs not only show fine photocatalytic ability but also proved to have Fenton-like chemical properties and can be used as a hydrogen peroxide sensor. Moreover, this heterostructure realizes an integration of catalytic efficiency, retrievability, and versatility. In further consideration of the facile preparation process and low-cost material source of the structure, the C u 2 O - A u NWs show a promising application prospect in the field of multifunctional photocatalysts.

Background: The case-control study aimed to investigate the association between the -31G>C polymorphism in the promoter of survivin gene and the susceptibility to sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) in a Southern Chinese population., Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 711 healthy controls and 702 CRC cases of a Southern Chinese population. Survivin gene -31G>C genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The association between CRC risk and -31G>C genetic polymorphism was estimated using an unconditional logistic regression model., Results: The number of CC genotype carried in CRC patients was much higher than those of controls (P < 0.001). Compared with CC genotypes, GC, GG genotypes and -31G wild-type genotypes (i.e., GC + GG) had a significantly decreased risk of CRC (P < 0.001). In addition, survivin -31G wild-type genotypes were not associated with decreased risk of sporadic CRC patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥28.0 kg/m 2 , family cancer history, and premenopausal., Conclusion: Survivin -31G>C polymorphism is associated with sporadic CRC risk in the Southern Chinese population. The -31G wild-type genotypes and GC, GG genotypes are the independent protective factors against sporadic CRC excluding those with a BMI ≥28.0 kg/m 2 , family cancer history, and premenopausal., Competing Interests: None

Objective: To examine the association between the genotype (LL, LS and SS) of serotonin transporter promoter gene polymorphism(5-HTTLPR) and clinicopathological factors, and to investigate the effect of 5-HTTLPR on the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients., Methods: Data of peripheral blood samples of 161 colorectal cancer patients at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from October 2009 to January 2014 were collected retrospectively. The genotyping of 5-HTTLPR was determined by PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. Coincidence Chi-square test was used to examine the 5-HTTLPR genotype with Hardy-Weinberg law. Chi-square test and Cox multifactor model were used to analyze the association of 5-HTTLPR genotype with clinicopathology and prognosis. All the patients were informed and agreed to participate in the study. This study was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee (2015056)., Results: Of 161 colorectal cancer patients, 89 were male and 72 were female; the median age was 64 (25-85) years; 86 (53.5%) cases were colon cancer and 75 (46.5%) were rectal cancer. Genotype was LL in 12 cases, LS in 59 cases and SS in 90 cases, which complied with the law of Hardy-Weinberg genetic balance (χ²=0.288, P=0.592). Univariate analysis showed that 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism was only associated with lymph node metastasis [lymph node metastasis rate: LL and LS genotype 21.1% (15/71);SS genotype 40.0% (36/90), χ²= 6.532, P=0.011]. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates of whole patients were 71% and 63% respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the SS genotype was an independent risk factor affecting the overall survival of colorectal cancer patients(HR=1.933, 95%CI:1.090-3.428, P=0.024)., Conclusion: Among genotypes of 5-HTTLPR gene, colorectal cancer patients with SS genotype have higher risk of lymph node metastasis and poorer prognosis.

Objective: To analyze the impact of platelet count on the prognosis of stage II-III colorectal cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy., Methods: Clinical and follow-up data of 286 patients with stage II-III colorectal cancer receiving adjuvant FOLFOX chemotherapy from March 2003 to October 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. Associations of baseline blood platelet count before chemotherapy and nadir blood platelet count during chemotherapy with relapse and death after adjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed by ROC curve and the optimal cutoff was selected. The association of the blood platelet count and the prognosis was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression model., Results: ROC curve showed the baseline blood platelet count was associated with recurrence (AUC=0.588, P=0.034). The optimal cutoff affecting recurrence was 276×10(9)/L. Kaplan-Meier showed those with baseline platelet count >276×10(9)/L receiving adjuvant chemotherapy had worse disease free survival (DFS) than those with baseline platelet count ≤276×10(9)/L, whose 5-year disease free survival(DFS) was 66% and 80% respectively (P=0.013). Cox regression analysis revealed baseline platelet count >276×10(9)/L was an independent unfavorable factor for DFS of adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer (HR=1.865, 95% CI: 1.108-3.141, P=0.019)., Conclusion: Colorectal cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy with baseline platelet count >276×10(9)/L have worse prognosis.

Objective: Evaluate the prognostic value of lymph node ratio (LNR) in patients undergoing resection of stage III colorectal cancer., Methods: The clinicopathological and follow-up data were collected from 174 surgical patients with stage III colorectal cancer. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier method. The impact of LNR and clinicopathological factors on DFS and OS were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis., Results: After a median follow-up of 62.5 months, the 5-year DFS and OS of the patients were 51.8% and 56.3%, respectively. The median number of lymph nodes harvested and the median number of positive lymph nodes examined were 10 and 3, respectively. The patients were stratified into 4 groups according to LNR quartiles (LNR1, LNR≤0.125; LNR2, 0.1250.500), whose 5-year DFS and OS were 64.2%, 53.5%, 41.8%, and 25.7% (P<0.05) and 68.1%, 60.8%, 49.2%, and 32.7% (P<0.05), respectively. Multivariate analysis identified age, T stage and LNR as the independent predictors of both DFS and OS. Subgroup analysis showed that LNR had an independent prognostic value on DFS and OS irrespective of the number of lymph nodes harvested., Conclusion: LNR is an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with stage III colorectal cancer and is superior to the pN category in TNM staging.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) is a critical mediator of stress-activated protein kinase signals that regulate apoptosis, inflammations and tumorigenesis. Several polymorphisms have been identified in the MKK4 gene. We hypothesized that genetic variants in the MKK4 promoter may alter its expression and thus cancer risk. In a case-control study of 1056 lung cancer cases and 1056 sex and age frequency-matched cancer-free controls, we genotyped two common polymorphisms in the MKK4 promoter region (-1304T>G and -1044A>T) with the Taqman assay, and we found that compared with the most common -1304TT genotype, carriers of -1304G variant genotypes had a decreased risk of lung cancer [odds ratio (OR) = 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.61-0.90 for TG, and OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.41-0.94 for GG] in an allele dose-response manner (adjusted P(trend) = 0.0005). Further stratification analysis showed that the protective role of the -1304G variant allele was more evident in low or normal body mass index (BMI) but restrained in the overweighters and that the -1304G variant genotypes interacted with BMI in reducing cancer risk (adjusted P(interaction) = 0.003). Moreover, the luciferase assay showed that the G allele in the promoter significantly increased the transcription activity of the MKK4 gene in vitro and that the MKK4 protein expression levels of the G variant carriers was significantly higher in tumor tissues than those of the -1304TT genotype. However, no significant association was observed between the -1044A>T polymorphism and risk of lung cancer. Our data suggest that the functional -1304G variant in the MKK4 promoter contributes to a decreased risk of lung cancer by increasing the promoter activity and that the G variant may be a marker for susceptibility to lung cancer.

MKK4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4, NM&#95;003010.2), which belongs to the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, possesses functions in tumorigenesis. We hypothesized the genetic variants in MKK4 gene may alter its functions and thus cancer risk. In current hospital-based case-control study of 706 patients with sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) and 723 sex-age-frequency-matched control subjects in a southern Chinese population, we genotyped two polymorphisms of MKK4 promoter (i.e., -1304T>G, rs3826392 and -1044A>T, rs3809728) and assessed their associations with the risk of sporadic CRC. Compared with -1304TT genotypes, -1304TG had a significantly decreased risk of CRC (adjusted odds ratios [OR] = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.44-0.72; p = 3.53 x 10(-6)), the -1304GG carriers had a further decreased risk of CRC (OR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.23-0.70; p = 1.32 x 10(-3)), and there was a significant trend for an allele dose effect on risk of CRC (p(trend) = 2.64 x 10(-7)). The decreased risk associated with -1304G variant genotypes (i.e., TG+GG) was more pronounced in the subjects older than 60 years (adjusted OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.29-0.57; p = 2.25 x 10(-7)), in ever drinkers (adjusted OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.28-0.59; p = 2.42 x 10(-6)). The age and alcohol drinking status interacted with -1304G variant genotypes on reducing cancer risk (p values for interaction were 0.015 and 0.043, respectively). Western blotting analysis showed that the levels of Mkk4 protein in sporadic CRC neoplastic tissues were significantly higher in the carriers of -1304G variant genotypes than that in those with -1304TT genotypes. However, no significant association was observed between -1044A>T polymorphism and risk of CRC. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of genetic variants in MKK4 and cancer susceptibility. Larger studies are needed to validate our findings.