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Understanding the seasonal variation of source-water utilization by trees is important to implement effective methods for forest water management. Here, we studied water-source variations of Larix principis-rupprechtii throughout the entire growing season in an alpine habitat, Luya Mountain (North-Central China). Approximately 2000 sample measurements of precipitation, snow water, soil water, and tree xylem water were collected at weekly/biweekly intervals from September 2013 to October 2014, and water isotopes ( δ D and δ 18 O) were analyzed. The contribution of soil water in different depths to trees was estimated by using a Bayesian mixing model. We simultaneously monitored leaf phenology and cambial activity throughout the growing season. The latter was observed by the micro-core method based on the characteristics of xylem cells, to identify the specific dates of onset and cessation of the tree’s growth. Our analysis showed several interesting results. First, before needle unfolding (May 16), xylem water loss occurred even in cold-moist alpine conditions. Second, around late May/early June, winter snowmelt water seemed to play an important role for growth onset. Finally, during the growing season (June to August), larch depended on waters from deep soil (below 10 cm), which could be explained by their deep root system, and the maximum soil water content being at a soil depth of 10–20 cm. The mixing water, in addition to summer rainfall, was predominantly recharged by previous-year autumn/winter precipitation (rainfall/snowmelt). This study clearly demonstrates the variation of source-water in different phases, and it emphasizes the contribution of previous-year precipitation for tree growth. Therefore, it is essential to distinguish the timing of tree leaf phenology and growing season when exploring the inter- and intra-seasonal changes in water-source use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (sn-1,2-DAG)-mediated activation of protein kinase Cε (PKCε) is a key pathway that is responsible for obesity-related lipid metabolism disorders, which induces hepatic insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. No small molecules have been previously reported to ameliorate these diseases through this pathway. Here, we screened and identified the phytochemical atractylenolide II (AT II) that reduces the hepatic sn-1,2-DAG levels, deactivates PKCε activity, and improves obesity-induced hyperlipidemia, hepatosteatosis, and insulin resistance. Furthermore, using the ABPP strategy, the diacylglycerol kinase family member DGKQ was identified as a direct target of AT II. AT II may act on a novel drug-binding pocket in the CRD and PH domains of DGKQ to thereby allosterically regulate its kinase activity. Moreover, AT II also increases weight loss by activating DGKQ-AMPK-PGC1α-UCP-1 signaling in adipose tissue. These findings suggest that AT II is a promising lead compound to improve obesity-induced insulin resistance. [Display omitted] • A screening system was developed to identify inhibitors of sn-1,2-DGK/PKCε pathway • AT II improve obesity-induced insulin resistance via sn-1,2-DGK/PKCε signaling axis • DGKQ was validated as a direct target of AT II and can be activated allosterically • AT II also increases weight loss by activating DGKQ/AMPK/PGC1α/UCP-1 in adipocytes Zheng et al. identify that AT II, a natural compound extracted from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. , inhibits the sn-1,2-DGK/PKCε pathway to improve obesity-induced insulin resistance. DGKQ was validated as a direct target of AT II using an ABPP strategy, and it is essential for AT II to improve obesity-induced insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains a major therapeutic challenge. Systemic drug administration is the current treatment of choice, but patients often do not respond beneficially to this approach. Intrathecal (IT) drug administration has several anatomic and pharmacodynamic advantages over conventional systemic treatment of cerebral vasospasm. We reviewed the most recent literature describing IT administration of several drugs to treat aneurysm-induced SAH and cerebral vasospasm, including 16 clinical trials using IT fibrinolytic agents and 10 trials using several IT vasodilators. We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of these trials but made no attempt to perform a meta-analysis using these data. IT drug administration of fibrinolytic agents and vasodilators caused lysis of the subarachnoid clot burden and diminished cerebral vasospasm, respectively. The studies reviewed reported a wide range of drug doses, intervals between aneurysm hemorrhage and initiation of treatment, success of clot dissolution, and degree of vasodilation of vessels in vasospasm. Treatment of vasospasm by IT drug administration is safe and largely effective after the aneurysm has been secured. Our findings indicate that IT treatment effectively delivers a higher drug concentration to vessels in vasospasm with minimal systemic effects. Drugs administered by this route are reported to lyse subarachnoid clots, attenuate cerebral vasospasm, improve clinical outcomes, and decrease the incidence of hydrocephalus. With greater understanding of drug pharmacodynamics, the IT route of drug administration may provide a rational, alternative approach to treating aneurysm-induced cerebral vasospasm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Reliable animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are essential to test novel hypotheses and therapeutic interventions. In this study, based on advantages of both the closed head injury (CHI) and controlled cortical impact (CCI) models, we developed a bilateral head injury model in mice. C57BL/6 mice were used in this study. A midline craniotomy (5mm diameter) was performed extending 2mm anteriorly and 3mm posteriorly from the bregma, centered over the sagittal suture. The skull flap was left in place. A cortical impact on the surface of the skull flap was performed using an electromagnetic impactor. Here we report that the injury significantly decreased the neuroscore and increased foot drops in a severity-dependent manner. Severity-related deficits in performance on a rotarod device were also found at both slow and fast accelerations. These findings suggest that our TBI model can produce graded motor deficits. In addition, Morris water maze testing showed increased latency to locate a hidden platform in a severity-dependent manner, suggesting that our model can also produce graded memory deficits. Furthermore, an adhesive removal test revealed significant increases in time-to-contact and time-to-remove the adhesive tape from the paw in a severity-dependent manner, indicating that our TBI model produced graded somatosensory and motor deficits. Histological analysis presented a clear gradation in brain tissue damage following graded brain injuries. These findings collectively suggest that the current model may offer a sensitive, reliable and clinically-relevant model for assessments of therapeutic strategies forTBI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Statement of problem: The creation of high bond strength between machined computer-manufactured pure titanium and porcelain remains a problem. However, machined titanium does not form the thick titanium oxide film found in cast titanium. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different preoxidation treatments on the bond strength of a machined pure titanium ceramic system. Material and methods: Specimens of commercially pure titanium (25 × 3 × 0.5 mm) were divided equally into 6 groups (n=8), which received different preoxidation treatments (3 hour natural oxidation; 600°C, 650°C, 700°C, 750°C, and 800°C for 3 minutes). Bond strengths were evaluated by using a 3-point bend test. The results were analyzed by using 1-way ANOVA and the least significant difference test. Twelve additional specimens of commercially pure titanium (15 × 3 × 0.5 mm) were cut for interface observation and divided equally into 6 groups that received the preoxidation treatments described previously. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrum were used to observe microscopic features of the interface between Ti and ceramic. Results: The bond strength values of the 6 groups ranged from 23.72 ±2.53 MPa to 36.99 ±3.92 MPa, with significant differences (P<.05). The specimen that received 750°C preoxidation had the highest bond strength. The main interface elements of the 6 groups were O, Si, Ti, Sn, Al, Na, and K. Ti showed a sigmoidal diffusion curve in each group, and Si showed a sigmoidal diffusion curve in most groups. Sn was enriched in each group''s interface. Conclusions: Preoxidation under vacuum before porcelain firing can effectively improve the bond strength of machined pure titanium-porcelain systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Old-growth forests are primarily found in mountain ranges that are less favorable or accessible for land use. Consequently, there are fewer scientific studies on old-growth forests. The eddy covariance method has been widely used as an alternative approach to studying an ecosystem’s carbon balance, but only a few eddy flux sites are located in old-growth forest. This fact will hinder our ability to test hypotheses such as whether or not old-growth forests are carbon neutral. The eddy covariance approach was used to examine the carbon balance of a 300-year-old subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest that is located in the center of the largest subtropical land area in the world. The post-QA/QC (quality assurance and control) eddy covariance based NEP was ∼ 9tC ha−1 yr−1, which suggested that this forest acts as a large carbon sink. The inventory data within the footprint of the eddy flux show that ∼6tC ha−1 yr−1 was contributed by biomass and necromass. The large-and-old trees sequestered carbon. Approximately 60% of the biomass increment is contributed by the growth of large trees (DBH>60cm). The high-altitude-induced low temperature and the high diffusion-irradiation ratio caused by cloudiness were suggested as two reasons for the large carbon sink in the forest we studied. To analyze the complex structure and terrain of this old-growth forest, this study suggested that biometric measurements carried out simultaneously with eddy flux measurements were necessary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Surface modification is an effective way to enhance adsorption of pollutants by soil. In this study, we investigated the individual adsorption of cadmium ion (Cd2+) and phenol and also in combination by the clay layer of a loessial soil treated with the amphoteric modifier, duodalkylbetaine (BS-12). Three levels of BS-12 modification were compared in this experiment: (1) unmodified soil (CK), (2) modification with an amount of BS-12 equivalent to 50% of the soil''s CEC (50BS) and (3) modification with an amount of BS-12 equivalent to 100% of the soil''s CEC (100BS). Cd2+ adsorption was 0.92–1.70 times higher in the amphoteric modified soil compared to unmodified soil. Adsorption isotherms for Cd2+ displayed a L1-type shape. Phenol adsorption was 1.25–4.35 times higher in the amphoteric modified soil compared to the unmodified control. The adsorption isotherms of phenol on amphoteric modified soils were generally linear, but changed to L1-type isotherms for modified soil in the Cd2+ +phenol treatment at 40°C. The results clearly showed that amphoteric modified soil had the ability to simultaneously adsorb Cd2+ and phenol. Cd2+ adsorption by the amphoteric modified soil was related to the initial concentration of Cd2+ in the supernatant. Cd2+ adsorption in the 100BS treatment exceeded adsorption in the 50BS treatment when Cd2+ initial concentrations were higher than approximate 200μgmL−1. Phenol adsorption by modified soils decreased in the order: 100BS>50BS>CK and was primarily determined by the surface hydrophobicity of the soil. For the unmodified soil, total adsorption in the Cd2+ +phenol treatment was slightly lower compared to treatments that contained only Cd2+ or phenol. This indicated an antagonistic effect between the adsorption of Cd2+ and phenol, which was reduced after amphoteric modification. A comparison of temperature effects on Cd2+ and phenol adsorption indicated that Cd2+ was both physically and chemically adsorbed by the amphoteric modified soil, but phenol was primarily adsorbed physically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans are up-regulated in the spinal cord after SCI, creating a molecular barrier inhibitory to axon growth. Chondroitinase ABC degrades CSPGs in vitro and in vivo. Methods: We studied whether IT ChABC promotes axonal regeneration in a laceration model of SCI. Three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were used: control and rats treated with low-dose and high-dose IT ChABC. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan breakdown products were measured by 2-B-6 expression, and intact CSPGs by CS-56 expression. Sensory axonal regeneration was traced after CTB injection into the median, ulnar, and sciatic nerves. Results: CS-56 expression was down-regulated and 2-B-6 expression was increased in the groups treated with IT ChABC but not in the control. Laminin and GFAP immunoreactivity was unaltered in the ChABC groups. The number of axons growing into the scar was 3.1 times greater (P < .01) in the high-dose ChABC group and 2.1 times greater (P < .01) in the low-dose group compared with the controls. The length of axonal growth after high- and low-dose ChABC was 9.9 (P < .01) and 8.3 (P < .01) times greater, respectively, than in the control group. Axons extended across the lesion gap and into the distal spinal cord stump in 2 of 8 (low dose) and in 3 of 9 (high dose) rats compared with none in the control group. Conclusions: Intrathecal ChABC administration caused a slight decrease in CSPGs in the scar after a laceration SCI with a minimal increase in sensory axonal regeneration into and across the laceration gap. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Assessment of locomotor function of rodents may be supplemented using electrophysiological tests which monitor the integrity of ascending and descending tracts as well as the focal circuitry of the spinal cord in non-sedated rodents. Magnetically induced SSEPs (M-SSEPs) were elicited in rats by activating the hindpaw using magnetic stimulation (MS). M-SSEP response latencies were slightly longer than those elicited by electrical stimulation. M-SSEPs were eliminated following selective dorsal column lacerations of the spinal cord, indicating that they were transmitted via this tract. Magnetically induced motor evoked potentials (M-MEPs) were elicited in mice following transcranial MS and recorded from the gastrocnemius muscles. M-MEPs performed on myelin deficient mice demonstrated longer onset latencies and smaller amplitudes than in wild-type mice. Magnetically induced H-reflexes (MH-reflexes) which assess local circuitry in the lumbosacral area of the spinal cord were performed in rats. This response disappeared following an L3 contusion spinal cord injury, however, kainic acid (KA) injection at L3, known to selectively destroy interneurons, caused a shorter latency and an increase in the amplitude of the MH-reflex. M-SSEPs and MH-reflexes in rats and M-MEPs in mice compliment locomotor evaluation in assessing the functional integrity of the spinal cord under normal and pathological conditions in the non-sedated animal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Useless hand syndrome (UHS) is often associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). • UHS is clumsiness of complex finger movements and loss of manual dexterity. • UHS is commonly due to lesions in the posterior columns of the upper cervical cord. • UHS may be the first demyelinating event in MS or may occur in pre-existing MS. • Normal EMG/NCV and central somatosensory pathway dysfunction may signal UHS and MS. Useless hand syndrome (UHS) refers to clumsiness of complex finger movements and loss of manual dexterity due to cervical cord lesions, often associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). This condition may represent the first demyelinating event in MS or may occur in a patient with pre-existing MS. We report 3 patients with UHS, 2 of whom had not been previously diagnosed with MS. The history and physical examinations, EMG/NCV studies of the arms, and radiological findings are presented. Presenting symptoms in all 3 cases included paresthesia and difficulty with manual dexterity which led the family physician to refer these patients to a hand surgeon. Pre-EMG neurological examination detected myriad abnormalities such as loss of position sense, two-point discrimination, stereognosis, graphesthesia, and difficulty performing rapid alternating movements. EMG/NCV findings were normal in 2 cases and, in the third case, showed abnormalities which did not explain the clinical picture and pointed to involvement of the central somatosensory pathways. Cervical MRIs revealed demyelinating lesions in all patients. Patients with acute onset of sensory disturbance and clumsy hands are often first referred for EMG/NCV studies. Absence of significant abnormalities may suggest central somatosensory pathway dysfunction and should alert to the possibility of UHS and underlying MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Land-use change altered mass proportion of aggregate- and density-size fractions. • TF soils had higher light fraction mass and associated C and N than RP soils. • RP soil δ13C was enriched whereas, δ15N depleted. • Bulk soil C and N loss in RP mainly driven by macroaggregate and heavy fraction loss. Land-use change (LUC) in the tropics, such as the exponential rate of conversion of natural habitats into intense monocultures focusing on cash-crop cultivation, is a major causal factor of global environmental change. To understand the effects of LUC on soil organic matter (SOM) stability and the dynamics of C and N within SOM fractions, we measured the C and N content and δ13C and δ15N in fractions of different aggregate- and density-size of acric ferralsols in tropical rainforests and rubber plantations. The proportion of macroaggregates, heavy and light fractions significantly decreased after LUC. The results showed that, in general, conversion of tropical rainforest to rubber plantation significantly decreased the C and N content in bulk soil and the aggregate- and density-size to 20 cm soil depth. The decrease in C and N content in bulk soil was mainly driven by decreasing C and N associated with macroaggregates and light fractions, which accounted for > 50%. We found significant correlations among mean weight diameter, aggregate-, and density-size fractions C, N, and C/N ratios. The conversion of tropical rainforest to rubber plantation significantly enriched soil δ13C while depleting δ15N. Enrichment of δ13C in rubber plantations could be explained by the mixing of old and fresh C. We conclude that, C and N dynamics within SOM fractions were greatly affected by LUC and the δ13C and δ15N signature confirms the changes in SOM stability after forest conversion. We suggest that planting intercrops within rubber monocultures may improve SOM accumulation, soil aggregation, and C and N sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

( S )- N -Boc-3-hydroxypiperidine (( S )-NBHP) is an important chiral intermediate for the synthesis of ibrutinib, an anticancer drug targeting B-cell malignancies. An NADPH-dependent reductase (YDR541C) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was isolated and found to show excellent catalytic activity in the production of ( S )-NBHP. The reductase YDR541C was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), purified to homogeneity, and its catalytic properties were studied. Furthermore, an ethyl caprylate-water (1:1, v/v) biphasic system was introduced to alleviate product inhibition. After optimization of the reaction, as much as 1200 mM N -Boc-piperidin-3-one (NBPO) (240 g/L) was asymmetrically reduced to ( S )-NBHP within 6 h, resulting in a yield of 99%, an enantioselectivity of >99.5% ee , and a total turnover number (TTN) of 8000. These results indicate great potential for industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed oil has long been recognized as an important source of food, industry and biodiesel. In biological aspect, seed oil fatty acid composition (FAC) affects lipid fluidity and cellular metabolism, depending on temperature. Hence, the variation of FAC in seeds may reflect adaptive strategies for seed survival and seedling establishment under contrasting climate conditions. In this study, we investigated the relative effects of phylogeny and climate on seed oil FAC, testing the hypothesis that the degree of fatty acid unsaturation increases in colder climates. A large seed oil FAC dataset representing 747 species from 207 sites across China was compiled and a general linear model was used to partition total variance in FAC into taxonomic ranks (family, genus and species) and environmental components. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the relative effects of mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP). Phylogenetically independent contrast (PIC) analysis was used to test the evolutionary association of FAC with climate at the family level. The results showed that seed oil FAC varied considerably across plant species, with phylogeny explaining a greater proportion of variance than environment; however, FAC showed obvious large-scale spatial patterns. Total unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) content increased with increasing latitude. The degree of fatty acid unsaturation, as indicated by the ratio of UFA to saturated fatty acids and iodine value, was negatively correlated with MAT and to a lesser extent with MAP. The PIC results indicated that at the family level, nearly all significant phenotypic correlations of FAC with spatial and climatic variables were evolutionarily convergent. These results indicate that despite strong phylogenetic constraints on FAC, fatty acid unsaturation in seed oil appears to evolve as an adaptive strategy in colder climates. The affiliation of phylogenetic and climate in seed oil FAC may assist in the search of potential oil plants with particular FAC for food and fuel needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissecting pseudoaneurysms of the craniocervical circulation are uncommon, accounting for only 3% of all cerebral aneurysms. These aneurysms pose a challenge due to their location and anatomic configuration. The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is a flow diversion technique that successfully treats aneurysms by diverting blood flow away from the aneurysm and reconstructing the diseased parent artery by altering its hemodynamics. We report 3 cases in which the PED was used to treat craniocervical carotid artery dissection with associated pseudoaneurysms. A single PED was used in the first case, 4 PEDs were used in the second case, and 3 PEDs and a PRECISE PRO RX carotid stent were placed in the third case. All 3 patients achieved full neurologic recovery postoperatively. Cerebral angiography performed postoperatively demonstrated revascularization, good laminar flow, and no in-stent or adjacent stenosis. PED placement offers a safe and effective method of treating spontaneous or traumatic craniocervical carotid artery dissections with excellent neurologic outcomes postoperatively and complete long-term aneurysmal occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is characterized by increased intracranial pressure. IIH causes significant morbidity marked by incapacitating headaches and visual disturbances. This study investigated the long-term outcomes of venous sinus stenting in a large group of patients with IIH. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all patients at our institution who underwent venous sinus stenting for IIH over 6 years (July 1, 2012–June 30, 2018). A particular focus was dedicated to collecting demographic, clinical, radiologic, and outcomes data. All patients had failed medical management. Results Of the 110 patients evaluated for IIH, 42 underwent venous sinus stenting, with a mean follow-up of 25.6 months (range, 8.7–60.7 months). The mean age was 32 years (range, 15–52 years), 38 (90%) were women, and the mean body mass index was 35.6 kg/m2 (range, 18.6–47.5 kg/m2). Prior to the stenting procedure, all patients had headaches, visual disturbances, and papilledema. Of the 39 patients who had an ophthalmologic evaluation poststenting, 29 (74%) had resolution of their papilledema. Eighteen patients (43%) had complete resolution of their headaches after the stenting procedure, whereas 22 patients (52%) remained under a neurologist's care for chronic migraine and other types of headaches. Two patients underwent a restenting procedure for disease progression, and 1 patient experienced an in-stent thrombosis. Conclusions A multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, radiologists, and neurologists is integral in the management of patients with IIH to prevent the complications of papilledema. Venous sinus stenting offers a safe and effective means of treating IIH. Highlights • IIH affects obese women of childbearing age. • IIH is marked by headaches, papilledema, visual loss, and pulsatile tinnitus. • Papilledema is the most concerning neurologic sign. • There is an overlap between patients with IIH and chronic migraine headaches. • Venous sinus stenting offers a safe means of treating papilledema linked to IIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study investigated factors associated with (i) the likelihood of receiving a gene aberration test and (ii) the choice of treatment between chemotherapy and targeted therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in China. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study analyzed data previously extracted from the medical charts of patients with unresectable Stage IIIB/IV nonsquamous NSCLC discharged from one of 12 tertiary hospitals in China between August 2015 and March 2016. Logistic regressions were applied to investigate factors associated with receiving a gene aberration test and the treatment decision. Results Data from 932 patients were analyzed. Patients were less likely to have a gene aberration test if they had a histologic subtype other than adenocarcinoma or a hospital waiting time for test results of >5 days. Patients were more likely to receive tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment than chemotherapy if they had a positive result for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) / anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene aberration testing. EGFR positive patients were more likely to receive TKI treatment than chemotherapy if they did not have insurance for TKI or pemetrexed treatment, and more likely to receive chemotherapy than TKI treatment if they had a waiting time for test results of >5 days. EGFR wild-type/unknown patients receiving chemotherapy were more likely to receive pemetrexed if they attended a hospital in a developed area or had insurance for pemetrexed. Conclusion In this real-world setting in China, the choice of first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC was appropriately guided by gene aberration testing for most patients. However, gene aberration testing and the treatment decision were influenced by practical factors such as hospital location, the waiting time for test results, and insurance coverage, which should be addressed to ensure optimal patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Limited understanding exists of epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR ) mutation frequency in less common subgroups of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) (e.g. squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]), and to what extent local practices exclude patients from EGFR testing based on their clinical characteristics. Materials and methods IGNITE (non-comparative/-interventional; NCT01788163) was conducted in 90 centres (Asia-Pacific/Russia). Eligible patients: local/metastatic aNSCLC; chemotherapy-naïve, newly-diagnosed/recurrent disease after resection; ineligible for curative treatment. Patients provided a tissue/cytology (all) and a blood plasma (China/Russia/South Korea/Taiwan) sample. Primary endpoint: EGFR mutation frequency in aNSCLC patients (adenocarcinoma [ADC]/non-ADC), as per local practices. Results 3382 patients were enrolled. EGFR mutation frequencies for evaluable tissue/cytology samples in Asia-Pacific and Russian patients: 49.3% (862/1749) and 18.0% (90/500) for ADC tumours; 14.1% (74/525) and 3.7% (15/402) for non-ADC; 9.9% (40/403) and 3.7% (13/349) for SCC. Of Russian patients with SCC tumours harbouring common, activating EGFR mutations, 6/9 were never-/former-smokers. Mutation status concordance between 2581 matched tissue/cytology and plasma samples: 80.5% (sensitivity 46.9%, specificity 95.6%). Conclusion EGFR mutation testing should be considered in all Asian aNSCLC patients. Also, as activating EGFR mutations were observed in a small number of Caucasian squamous NSCLC patients, testing here may be appropriate, particularly in those with no/remote smoking history. Circulating free tumour-derived DNA is feasible for mutation analysis employing well-validated and sensitive methods, when tumour samples are unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzing the approaches that climatic factors affect the spatial variation of annual gross primary productivity (GPP yr ) would improve our understanding on its spatial pattern. Based on network eddy covariance measurements and published data in literature, we separated GPP yr into radiation use efficiency (RUE) and annual absorbed photosynthesis active radiation (APAR yr ), where APAR yr can be regarded as the product of the fraction of absorbed annual photosynthesis active radiation (FPAR yr ) and annual PAR (PAR yr ). Given that PAR yr affects the spatial variation of GPP yr directly through itself, we investigated factors affecting the spatial variations of RUE and FPAR yr , to reveal how climatic factors affect the spatial variation of GPP yr . Results suggest that the spatial variation of RUE was directly affected by annual mean air temperature (MAT) and annual mean CO 2 mass concentration ( ρ cyr ). The increasing MAT and ρ cyr directly enhanced RUE. The increasing annual precipitation (MAP) directly prompted FPAR yr . Therefore, MAT and ρ cyr affected the spatial variation of GPP yr through altering RUE while the effect of MAP was achieved through altering FPAR yr . Our study could also provide an alternative way for regional GPP yr assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Each increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM 1 was associated with decreased eGFR by 0.64%. • Each increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM 2.5 was associated with decreased eGFR by 0.72%. • Associations between eGFR and PM were higher in females compared to males. • Association with PM 1 were weaker than that with other fractions included in PM 2.5. Limited studies have examined the impact of airborne particulate matter of 2.5 μm or less (PM 2.5) on renal function. No study has examined the effect of PM 1 , which is small enough to reach the blood circulation. We examined whether exposure to PM 1 or PM 2.5 affected renal function of young Han Chinese. We included 2,546,047 young adults who were aged 18 to 45 years, being Han ethnicity and had no chronic disease from a Chinese national birth cohort. Serum creatinine (Scr) of each participant was measured during the baseline examination. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated for each participant using the latest Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. One-year average exposure to PM 1 and PM 2.5 prior to the health examination for each participant were estimated using machine learning models with satellite remote sensing information. Generalized additive mixed models were used to estimate associations between PM 1 or PM 2.5 and renal function after adjusting for detailed individual variables. A 10 μg/m3 increment in PM 1 exposure was associated with −0.95% (95%CI: −1.04%, −0.87%) difference of eGFR in females and −0.37% (95%CI: −0.44%, −0.31%) in males. For PM 2.5 , the corresponding difference of eGFR was −0.99% (95%CI: −1.05%, −0.93%) in females and −0.48% (95%CI: −0.53%, −0.43%) in males, respectively. Associations between eGFR and PM were higher in females compared to males (p < 0.05 for interaction test). Association with PM 1 were weaker than that with other fractions included in PM 2.5. Participants who worked as farmers, were of normal weight, were not exposed to tobacco smoking, did not drink alcohol, had higher associations between eGFR and PM than their counterparts (p < 0.05 for interaction test). Exposure to PM 1 and PM 2.5 was associated with reduced renal function among Han Chinese at reproductive age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to relatively low or high temperatures during the entire pregnancy significantly increase the risk of preterm birth, with hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of 1.03 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.04) for relatively low (9.1 ℃, the 5th percentile) temperature and 1.55 (95%CI: 1.48, 1.61) for relatively high (23.0 ℃, the 95th percentile) temperature in comparison with the thresholds (12.0 ℃) Little is known about the effect of ambient temperature on preterm birth, especially for the trimester-specific effects. To evaluate whether exposure to relatively low or high temperature during pregnancy is associated with increasing risk of preterm birth or not. We analysed the data of a birth cohort with 1,281,859 singleton pregnancies during 2013–2014 and matched the home address of each pregnant women to the model based daily meteorological and air pollution data. Then we used the Cox proportional hazard regression models with random effect to estimate the non-linear associations between exposure to relatively low or high temperature at each trimester of pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth, after controlling for air pollution and individual-level covariates. The overall preterm birth rate was 8.1% (104,493 preterm births). Exposure to relatively low or high temperatures during the entire pregnancy significantly increase the risk of preterm birth, with hazard ratios (HRs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of 1.03 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.04) for relatively low (9.1 ℃, the 5th percentile) temperature and 1.55 (95%CI: 1.48, 1.61) for relatively high (23.0 ℃, the 95th percentile) temperature in comparison with the thresholds (12.0 ℃). Pregnant women at the early pregnancy (the 1st and 2nd trimester) are more susceptible to high temperatures while pregnant women at the late pregnancy (the 3rd trimester) are more susceptible to low temperatures. These findings provide new evidence that exposure to relatively low or high temperatures during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, which can serve as scientific evidence for prevention of preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]