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Programmed cell death 6 (PDCD6) has recently been found dysregulated in tumors of various origin. The aim of this study is to explore the association between PDCD6 genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to bladder cancer and survival of patients with bladder cancer. Two tag SNPs of PDCD6, rs3756712 and rs4957014, were genotyped in 332 patients with bladder cancer and 509 controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and correlated with patients' survival. The frequencies of G allele and GG genotype of rs3756712 in patients were significantly lower than that of controls ( P = 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 0.68 for G allele; P = 0.024, OR = 0.53 for GG genotype in the recessive genetic model, respectively). The GT genotype of rs4957014 was associated with decreased susceptibility to bladder cancer in the overdominant genetic model ( P = 0.023, OR = 0.72). Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a significant higher risk for death in superficial bladder cancer patients harboring GG homozygous of rs3756712 ( P < 0.001), and an increased risk for recurrence in invasive bladder cancer patients carrying GT heterozygous of rs4957014 ( P = 0.04). Multiple Cox regression analysis identified rs3756712 GG genotype as an independent prognostic factor for death in superficial bladder cancer patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.11, P = 0.01), and rs4957014 GT genotype as an independent prognostic factor for recurrence in invasive bladder cancer patients (HR = 1.93, P = 0.03). PDCD6 may represent a biomarker candidate gene that could help to identify a group of patients at high risk for recurrence and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antenatal care (ANC) has been shown to influence infant and maternal outcomes. WHO recommends 4 ANC visits for uncomplicated pregnancies. However, pregnant women in Ghana are required to attend 8-13 antenatal visits. We investigated the association of ANC attendance with adverse pregnancy outcomes (defined as low infant birth weight, stillbirth, preterm delivery or small for gestational age). A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 629 women, age 19-48 years who presented for delivery at two selected public hospitals and 16 traditional birth attendants from July to November 2011. Socio-demographic and antenatal information were collected using a structured questionnaire. ANC attendance, medical and obstetric/gynecological history were abstracted from maternal antenatal records. Data were analyzed using Chi square and logistic regression. Twenty-two percent of the women experienced an adverse outcome. Eleven percent of the women attended <4 ANC visits. In an unadjusted model, these women had an increased likelihood of experiencing an adverse outcome (OR 2.27; 95 % CI 1.30-3.94; p = 0.0038). High parity (>5 children) was also associated with adverse birth outcomes. Women screened for syphilis or use of insecticide-treated bed nets had a 40 and 36 % ( p = 0.0447 and p = 0.0293) reduced likelihood of experiencing an adverse pregnancy outcome respectively. After adjusting for confounders, attending <4 antenatal visits was associated with adverse pregnancy outcome compared with ≥4 ANC visits (Adjusted OR 2.55; 95 % CI 1.16-5.63; p = 0.0202). Attending <4 antenatal visits and high parity were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes for uncomplicated pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) was served as a useful biomarker for tumorigenesis and for the prediction of cancer survival. In the present study, we analyzed the SNPs of the NAMPT gene and their impact on the susceptibility and prognosis for patients with bladder cancer (BC). The rs61330082, rs2505568 and rs9034 were selected and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method in 407 patients with bladder cancer and 316 ethnicity-matched healthy control subjects. The genotyping method was confirmed by the DNA sequencing analysis. Statistically significant increased bladder cancer risk was found to be associated with the C allele and CC genotype of rs61330082; nevertheless, decreased bladder cancer risk was revealed to be associated with A allele and AT genotype of rs2505568. Stratified analyses revealed the rs61330082 to be statistically associated with increased bladder cancer risk in smokers and increased invasiveness of bladder cancer. The AT heterozygote of rs2505568 may prevent the recurrence of bladder cancer. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a statistically significant association of rs2505568 with recurrence-free survival for total bladder cancer patients and non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients, and a statistically significant association of rs9034 with recurrence-free survival for muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients. Multiple Cox regression analysis identified the rs2505568 as a possible independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival in total bladder cancer patients. Our results suggested an important role for NAMPT in the pathogenesis of bladder cancer and SNPs of NAMPT gene might be a novel genetic biomarker for the prognosis of bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel fast sol-gel method, using polyethylene glycol and polyacrylamide as bi-templates, to prepare the pure, Fe-doped, N-doped, and Fe-N co-doped mesoporous TiO samples has been developed. The reaction time is reduced to a few hours for the present work. The IR spectrum has been used to investigate the reaction mechanism of the fast sol-gel method. The results indicate that the fast sol-gel process has been achieved due to the polymerization crosslink between hydrolysates of Ti alkoxides and templates by the intermolecular hydrogen bond. The prepared samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N adsorption-desorption, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The results show that the samples have a typical ordered mesoporous structure. The crystallite size, pore size, and surface area of Fe-N co-doped TiO are about 13.6, 18.4 nm, and 172.08 mg, respectively. The iron species as the Fe oxidation state are substitutionally doped into the TiO lattice, and the doped nitrogen atom is incorporated into the TiO lattice as the interstitial N. The co-doping of nitrogen and iron can enhance the absorption of visible region and inhibit the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, leading to higher photocatalytic activity for the co-doped sample than pure TiO and solely doped with iron or nitrogen for degradation of methyl orange under visible light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the association between IL-27 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to epithelial ovarian cancer in a Chinese population and discusses the risk factors associated with survival time. We collected data on 229 patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer, from 15 to 77 years of age with a long clinical follow-up period. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to determine the genotype of IL-27 gene polymorphisms. Ovarian cancer-specific survival (OCSS) according to genotype of IL-27 gene polymorphisms was explored by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling. Significant differences for genotype frequencies of both SNP sites were found between cases and controls. Both allele G frequencies were significantly greater among the cases (rs153109: 0.404 vs. 0.303, P = 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 1.333, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.133-1.567; rs17855750: 0.146 vs. 0.083, P = 0.001, OR = 1.766, 95% CI = 1.258-2.481). Haplotype analysis showed haplotypes AG, GT and GG were associated with increased ovarian cancer susceptibility while AT was a protective haplotype. Advanced FIGO stage (stages III + IV) and non-optimal cytoreductive surgery (residual tumor ≥1 cm) were poor prognostic factors in the univariate analysis ( P = 0.003, P = 0.049). However, FIGO stage was found to be the only independent significant prognostic factor by Cox proportional hazards analysis ( P = 0.042). IL-27p28 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in ovarian cancer patients ( P < 0.0001), while no significant relationship was found between IL-27p28 mRNA expression and polymorphism of rs153109 and rs17855750 ( P = 0.193 and P = 0.146, respectively). Our study suggests that IL-27 gene polymorphisms may be involved in the susceptibility to epithelial ovarian cancer, but not in survival in a clinic-based Chinese population. Haplotype analysis of these two SNPs seems to be an important mark to predict the disease susceptibility. Advanced FIGO stage, as the only significant, independent risk factor, predicts poor clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. The decreased expression of IL-27p28 mRNA in ovarian cancer might indicate the antitumor activities of this novel cytokine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate factors that influence antenatal care utilization and their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes (defined as low birth weight, stillbirth, preterm delivery or small for gestational age) among pregnant women in Kumasi. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted of 643 women aged 19–48 years who presented for delivery at selected public hospitals and private traditional birth attendants from July–November 2011. Participants’ information and factors influencing antenatal attendance were collected using a structured questionnaire and antenatal records. Associations between these factors and adverse pregnancy outcomes were assessed using chi-square and logistic regression. Nineteen percent of the women experienced an adverse pregnancy outcome. For 49% of the women, cost influenced their antenatal attendance. Cost was associated with increased likelihood of a woman experiencing an adverse outcome (adjusted OR=2.15; 95% CI=1.16–3.99; p =0.016). Also, women with >5 births had an increased likelihood of an adverse outcome compared with women with single deliveries (adjusted OR=3.77; 95% CI=1.50–9.53; p =0.005). The prevalence of adverse outcomes was lower than previously reported (44.6 versus 19%). Cost and distance were associated with adverse outcomes after adjusting for confounders. Cost and distance could be minimized through a wider application of the Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The prognostic significance of O-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation on Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains controversial. A meta-analysis of published studies investigating the effects of MGMT promoter methylation on both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) among GBM patients was performed. A total of 2,986 patients from 30 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In all, the frequency of MGMT promoter methylation was 44.27 %. Five studies undertook univariate analyses and nine undertook multivariate analyses of MGMT promoter methylation on PFS. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) estimate for PFS was 0.72 (95 % CI 0.55-0.95) by univariate analysis and 0.51 (95 % CI 0.38-0.69) by multivariate analysis. The effect of MGMT promoter methylation on OS was evaluated in 15 studies by univariate analysis and 14 studies by multivariate analysis. The combined HR was 0.67 (95 % CI 0.58-0.78) and 0.49 (95 % CI 0.38-0.64), respectively. For GBM patients treated with Alkylating agent, the meta-risk remained highly significant by both univariate (HR = 0.58; 95 % CI 0.42-0.79) and multivariate analysis (HR = 0.42; 95 % CI 0.29-0.60). This study showed that MGMT promoter methylation was associated with better PFS and OS in patients with GBM regardless of therapeutic intervention, and associated with longer OS in GBM patients treated with alkylating agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA variants in the tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF) and linked lymphotoxin-α genes, and specific alleles of the highly polymorphic human leukocyte antigen B ( HLA- B) gene have been implicated in a plethora of immune and infectious diseases. However, the tight linkage disequilibrium characterizing the central region of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) containing these gene loci has made difficult the unequivocal interpretation of genetic association data. To alleviate these difficulties and facilitate the design of more focused follow-up studies, we investigated the structure and distribution of HLA- B-specific MHC haplotypes reconstructed in a European population from unphased genotypes at a set of 25 single nucleotide polymorphism sites spanning a 66-kilobase long region across TNF. Consistent with the published data, we found limited genetic diversity across the so-called TNF block, with the emergence of seven common MHC haplotypes, termed TNF block super-haplotypes. We also found that the ancestral haplotype 8.1 shares a TNF block haplotype with HLA-B*4402. HLA-B*5701, a known protective allele in HIV-1 pathogenesis, occurred in a unique TNF block haplotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

North China Plain (Huabei Plain) is one of the most densely populated regions on earth. Due to excessive underground water extraction, the North China Plain has been experiencing severe ground deformation over the last three decades. Therefore, for the purpose of hazard mitigation, it is necessary to monitor the ground displacement occurred in this region. As an extension of the differential radar interferometry (DInSAR) technique, advanced DInSAR techniques involving multiple images have demonstrated the potential to effectively map ground displacement. Such techniques are able to measure the temporal evolution of ground deformation with millimetre-level accuracy by using a stack of differential interferograms. In this study, the ALOS PALSAR data acquired over the North China Plain, which cover an area of approximately 16,000 km $$^2$$, were processed based on the concept of advanced DInSAR techniques. Because of the large size of the PALSAR images, a targeted processing strategy was designed. This strategy is able to reduce required disk storage space and I/O operations, leading to the improvement of the computational efficiency. The resulting mean deformation velocity map demonstrates that a large portion of the area covered by the data was affected by various degrees of ground deformation between January 2007 and April 2010. The ground deformation is mostly distributed in rural areas, while the downtown areas are generally stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aberrant expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) may play an important role in lung carcinogenesis. Whether IL-6 promoter haplotypes are associated with lung cancer risk and their functions have not yet been studied. We tested the hypothesis that single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and/or haplotypes of IL-6 promoter are associated with risk of lung cancer. Methods: Two functional IL-6 promoter SNPs (-6331T>C and -572C>G) were genotyped in the discovery group including 622 patients and 614 controls, and the results were replicated in an independent validation group including 615 patients and 638 controls. Luciferase reporter gene assays were conducted to examine the function of IL-6 promoter haplotypes. Results: None of the functional IL-6 promoter SNPs were associated with lung cancer risk in either study. However, a two-SNP CC (-6331C and -572C) IL-6 promoter haplotype was significantly more common among cases than among controls in both groups ( P = 0.031 and P = 0.035, respectively), indicating that this haplotype is associated with increased lung cancer risk {adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.56 [95 % confidence interval (95 % CI), 1.04-2.34] and 1.51 [95 % CI, 1.03-2.22], respectively}. Combined analysis of both studies showed a strong association of this two-SNP haplotype with increased lung cancer risk (adjusted OR, 1.53; 95 % CI, 1.16-2.03; P = 0.003). Comparably, luciferase reporter assays of A549 lung cancer cell lines transfected with the CC haplotype revealed that the two-SNP haplotype had significantly higher IL-6 transcriptional activity compared with cells transfected with the common haplotype. Conclusions: This is the first evidence of identifying an IL-6 promoter haplotype (CC) associated with increased risk of lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) plays a key role in immunosuppressive and anti-angiogenic process, suggesting its possible involvement in carcinogenesis. A haplotype formed by polymorphisms at positions -1082 G/A (rs1800896), -819 T/C (rs1800871), and -592 A/C (rs1800872) from the transcriptional start site in the promoter region of the IL- 10 gene is a strong determinant for IL- 10 production. We systematically reviewed the evidence of association between IL- 10 promoter haplotype and cancer risk. Up to November 2011, databases including PubMed, and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched to access the relevant genetic association studies. Summary odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for this haplotype and cancer risk were estimated by using fixed or random-effect models when appropriate. Finally, 12 case-control studies with 2,090 cases and 4,224 controls were available for this study. The summary OR for cancer risk associated with the GCC haplotype was 1.47 (95 % CIs = 1.25-1.72) when compared with ATA haplotype by random effects model. Similarly, significantly increased risks were observed both in Caucasian and in Non Caucasian. Our results suggested that haplotype in IL- 10 promoter was involved in the development of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the long term ground deformation in Beijing, China, using persistent/permanent scatterer interferometry (PSI) techniques. GEOS-PSI (Geodesy and Earth Observing Systems-PSI), an in-house software developed at UNSW for PSI, has been applied to 41 ENVISAT ASAR images acquired over the metropolitan area of Beijing City between June 2003 and March 2009 and 24 ALOS PALSAR images (two Paths: 10 acquisitions from January 2007 to October 2008 and 14 acquisitions from February 2007 to September 2009). The results generated using these datasets from the two satellites were cross-validated. Correlations between the results of ENVISAT ASAR and ALOS PALSAR agreed very well. The horizontal and vertical displacement rate maps over Beijing City were obtained from the results generated with data acquired by both satellites over the period from 1st February 2007 to 1st November 2008. The results indicate that the displacements in Beijing City were mainly in the vertical direction. The majority of the easting displacement rates were in the range of −10 mm/year to 10 mm/year, while the vertical rates were in the range of −115 mm/year to 6 mm/year. The possible cause for the ground deformation is groundwater extraction based on our research as well as earlier published studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulated evidence suggests a major role for the activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway in the development of neural crest stem cells that give rise to the sympathetic nervous system. We therefore investigated the involvement of SHH signaling in the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma (NB), a common childhood malignant tumor of the sympathetic nervous system. Inhibition of SHH signaling by cyclopamine induced apoptosis and blocked proliferation in all major types of NB cells, and abrogated the tumorigenicity of NB cells. Our study has revealed a molecular mechanism for the persistent activation of the SHH pathway which promotes the development of NB, and suggests a new approach for the treatment of this childhood malignant tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-catalyzed fluorescent reaction, and oxalate chemiluminescence analysis have been combined to develop a highly sensitive, simple, and rapid method for analysis of bovine serum albumin (BSA) based on a pair of specific monoclonal antibodies in vaccines. A typical 'sandwich type' immunoassay was used. Reaction of 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl propionate) (PHPPA) with hydrogen peroxide-urea, catalyzed by HRP, produced fluorescence of 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl propionate) dimer, which was detected by chemiluminescence analysis with the bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)oxalate (TCPO)-HO-glyoxaline-PHPPA dimer chemiluminescent system. This method exhibited high performance with a linear correlation between response and amount of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the range 0.1 to 100.0 ng mL ( r = 0.9988), and the detection limit was 0.03 ng mL ( S/ N = 3). Intra- and interassay coefficient variations were all lower than 9.0% at three concentrations (1.0, 20.0, and 80.0 ng mL). The proposed method has been used for successful analysis of the amount of residual BSA in vaccines. The results obtained compared well with those obtained by conventional colorimetric ELISA and luminol chemiluminescent ELISA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intervertebral disc (IVD) cell apoptosis has been suggested to play an important role in promoting the degeneration process. It has been demonstrated that IVD cell apoptosis occurs through either death receptor, mitochondrial or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) pathway. Our study aimed to explore the relationship among these three pathways and grade of IVD degeneration (IVDD). IVDs were collected from patients with lumbar fracture, vertebral tumor, disc herniation or spondylolisthesis. IVDs were distinguished by MRI and histomorphological examination, cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. Biomarkers of these three apoptosis pathways were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. Furthermore, the correlation between apoptosis pathways biomarkers and disc pathology were analyzed. Nucleus pulposus cell density decreased with degeneration process, and increased apoptotic ratio. ER pathway was predominant in mild stage of IVDD (GRP78, GADD153 upregulation and caspase-4 activation), death receptor pathway was predominant in mild and moderate stages (Fas, FasL up-regulation and caspase-8 activation) and mitochondrial pathway was predominant in moderate and severe stages (Bcl-2 down-regulation, Bax up-regulation, cytochrome-c accumulation in cytoplasm and caspase-9 activation). There were significant differences in the expressions of Fas, FasL, Bax, GADD153, cytochrome-c and cleaved caspase-8/9/3 between contained and non-contained discs. In conclusion, apoptosis occurs via these three apoptosis pathways together in IVDD. ER pathway plays a more critical role in the mild compared to moderate and severe stages, death receptor pathway in mild and moderate, and mitochondrial pathway in moderate and severe stages of IVDD. Disc cells apoptosis may progress rapidly after herniation, and may depend on the type of herniation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide that plays an important role in inflammation, respiration, pain, aggression, anxiety, and learning and memory mainly through its high affinity neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R). The marginal division (MrD) is a pan-shaped subdivision in the caudomedial margin of the neostriatum in the mammalian brain and is known to be involved in learning and memory. We studied the expression of SP, NK1R and NK1R mRNA in the rat striatum by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization, and found that the levels of SP, NK1R protein and NK1R mRNA were high in the cell bodies, fibers and terminals of neurons in the neostriatum, especially in the MrD. Knocking down NK1R activity in the MrD by using an antisense oligonucleotide against NK1R mRNA inhibited learning and memory in a Y-maze behavioral test. Our results show that NK1R mediates the role of SP in the MrD in learning and memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Mg-5Y-5Gd- xNd-0.5Zr magnesium alloys at different states were studied. The results reveal that island compounds at the grain boundaries of the as-cast alloys mainly were Mg24Y5, Mg41Nd5, and Mg5Gd phases. After homogenization at 808 K for 24 h, the distribution of the island compounds became discrete and Mg5Gd phases mostly decomposed and dissolved. With hot extrusion, the grain size was refined to about 20 μm on average, and both the strength and elongation were greatly improved. After ageing at 523 K for 5 h, the strength of different extruded alloys largely increased but the elongation decreased. With the increase of neodymium content, the strength of the alloys at different states increased. The content of neodymium element had an obvious effect on the elongation of the designed alloys. In the designed alloys, the Mg-5Y-5Gd-2.2Nd-0.5Zr alloy exhibited the best combination properties and its ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation could reach 380 MPa, 285 MPa, and 9.0%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetotactic bacteria are a diverse group of motile prokaryotes that are ubiquitous in aquatic habitats and cosmopolitan in distribution. In this study, we collected magnetotactic bacteria from the Mediterranean Sea. A remarkable diversity of morphotypes was observed, including multicellular types that seemed to differ from those previously found in North and South America. Another interesting organism was one with magnetosomes arranged in a six-stranded bundle which occupied one third of the cell width. The magnetosome bundle was evident even under optic microscopy. These cells were connected together and swam as a linear entire unit. Magnetosomes did not always align up to form a straight linear chain. A chain composed of rectangle magnetosomes bent at a position with an oval crystal. High resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis of the crystal at the pivotal position suggested uncompleted formation of the crystal. This is the first report of Mediterranean magnetotactic bacteria, which should be useful for studies of biogeochemical cycling and geohistory of the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A non-thermal, atmospheric pressure plasma with a titanium dioxide catalyst were combined to destroy difluorochloromethane, CCl2F2, (CFC-12) in gas streams of nitrogen and air using two configurations; one where the catalyst was incorporated directly into the plasma and the other where the catalyst was downstream of the plasma. The single stage reactor, in both gas streams, gave significant enhancement of the CFC-12 destruction with high energy efficiency. Both configurations decreased NOx production when processing in air. No loss in catalyst surface area or activity was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolite HM has a potential application in phenol alkylation with tert-butyl alcohol to produce p-TBP and 2,4-DTBP with high activity and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: This paper presents a new three-stage verification system which is based on three types of features: global features; local features of the corner points; and function features that contain information of each point of the signatures. The first verification stage implements a parameter-based method, in which the Mahalanobis distance is used as a dissimilarity measure between the signatures. The second verification stage involves corner extraction and corner matching. It also performs signature segmentation. The third verification stage implements a function-based method, which is based on an elastic matching algorithm establishing a point-to-point correspondence between the compared signatures. By combining the three different types of verification, a high security level can be reached. According to our experiments, the rates of false rejection and false acceptance are, respectively, 5.8% and 0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of microarray technologies has raised many challenging problems in experiment design and data analysis. Although many numerical algorithms have been successfully applied to analyze gene expression data, the effects of variations and uncertainties in measured gene expression levels across samples and experiments have been largely ignored in the literature. In this article, in the context of hierarchical clustering algorithms, we introduce a statistical resampling method to assess the reliability of gene clusters identified from any hierarchical clustering method. Using the clustering trees constructed from the resampled data, we can evaluate the confidence value for each node in the observed clustering tree. A majority-rule consensus tree can be obtained, showing clusters that only occur in a majority of the resampled trees. We illustrate our proposed methods with applications to two published data sets. Although the methods are discussed in the context of hierarchical clustering methods, they can be applied with other cluster-identification methods for gene expression data to assess the reliability of any gene cluster of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on several methods of measuring corneal astigmatism. Comparison of computer-assisted corneal topographic system, keratometer and cycloplegic retinoscopy in measuring corneal curvature; Axes and diopters of astigmatism.

Dental hypersensitivity is a commonly seen complaint in dental clinics. It is caused by thermal, chemical or mechanical stimulation of exposed dentine, and may be so severe that it affects mastication. Conservative treatments using topically applied medicines have not achieved good results. Over a period of more than one year, 105 patients suffering from dental hypersensitivity were treated using the Nd-YAG laser. Whilst the effectiveness of this treatment was rated as 90%, the incidence of associated thermal damage to dental pulp was not studied. Other experimental investigations have shown that the thermal effect of the laser can cause damage to dental pulp (1). In this study, histopathological changes to molars of rats and humans have been investigated following irradiation with the Nd-YAG laser. The irradiation dose used was based upon data from a study on changes of pulp after laser irradiation for caries prevention in our hospital (2, 3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the treatment of port-wine stains in 321 patients, by using the argon laser. A power of 1.0-1.5 W on a spot of 1.2-2.0 mm diameter was used freehand, and with continuous exposure the lesions were 'painted' until blanching was achieved. In all cases test patches were done, and were assessed after three months. Fair to excellent results, in which the colour of the lesion was reduced without scar formation, were achieved in 79% of patients. A poor result was achieved in the remainder, in whom there was either scar formation or no significant reduction in colour of the birthmark. Scarring occurred in 29 patients, pigmentation in eight and skin atrophy in six. Immediate and delayed histological effects were also observed. As reported in published work, the best results were obtained in older patients with darker marks. The need for better prediction of results and improved techniques is stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of 104 patients with premalignant or malignant disease of the oral cavity and maxillofacial regions. The tumours in 10 patients were submitted to detailed histological examination following resection 24 hours after PDT. In all patients the photosensitizer was haematoporphyrin derivative given in a dose of 2.5-5.0 mg/kg body weight, 48-72h before photoirradiation. Einghteen patients were treated with the helium-neon laser, with a power density of 120-200 mW/cm and a total energy dose of 200-500 J/cm, but in this group a complete response was obtained in only 39% of patients. However, when the argon-pumped dye laser was used in the remaining cases, with a power density of 400-800 mW/cm and a total energy dose of 720-1440 J/cm, the complete response rate rose to 72%. In the latter group, 15 patients were treated by fibre-optic implantation between the tumour and underlying normal tissues. From the histological study it would appear that PDT acts both on the blood vessels of the stroma and also at a cellular level, with some possible enhancement of immune function. Indications for PDT, based on this study, are defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of radiotherapy prior to surgery for the treatment of maxillofacial tumours is compared with and without sensitization with haematoporphyrin derivative (HPD). Residual tumour was found in the resected tissue in 92% of unsensitized but only 52% of sensitized cases, suggesting considerable enhancement of tumour destruction by use of the HPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our meta-analysis [[1]] assessed the effect of bariatric surgery on overall cancer risk by comparing cancer risk in patients who had undergone bariatric surgery and cancer risk in patients with obesity who had not undergone weight reduction surgery. References 1 Zhang K, Luo Y, Dai H, Deng Z. Effects of bariatric surgery on cancer risk: evidence from meta-analysis. [Extracted from the article]

ZIFs of different morphologies were synthesized by different solvents. Three types of ZIFs with different morphologies, ZIF-M, ZIF-P, and ZIF-L, were prepared using anhydrous methanol, polyethylene glycol-400, and water as solvents, respectively. The morphologies of ZIF-M and ZIF-L are rhombic dodecahedron and blade-like, respectively. Wherein the ZIF-M sample using methanol as solvent has an unusual morphology of high internal specific surface and pore volume. The ZIFs were characterized by XRD, SEM, AAS, N2 adsorption isotherms, pore size distribution, and evaluated with S. aureus and E. coli to gain antibacterial activity. Using the determination of growth curves, plate counting method and circle of inhibition method, the results showed that ZIF-M like has high antibacterial properties for ZIF-L and ZIF-P. Folding and rupture of the cell walls of dead bacteria was found by measuring the SEM of the bacteria. ZIF-M has the largest specific surface area, better potential properties and highest Zn2+ release, which leads to the high antibacterial effect of ZIF-M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the synthesis of fluorescent copper nanoclusters (CuNC) with a fluorescence quantum yield as high as 2.3% after modification with cysteamine. The modified CuNC are shown to be viable probes for the determination of picric acid (PA). Fluorescence drops with increasing concentration of PA which can be detected fluorometrically with a 0.14 μM limit of detection. This is much lower than required by the People’s Republic of China Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard (2.2 μM). The probe was successfully applied to the determination of PA in spiked tap water, lake water and river water.Copper nanoclusters (CuNC) have weak fluorescence but after the modification with cysteamine, the fluorescence of CuNC is strongly enhanced. The fluorescence of such cysteamine-coated copper nanoclusters (CuNC-CA) is reduced upon the addition of picric acid (PA) through an inner filter effect (IFE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ratiometric probe is described for the fluorometric determination of Cu(II) ions based on their quenching effect on the luminescence of dually-emitting quantum dots (QDs). ZnS QDs were doped with Mn(II) and subsequently modified with mercaptopropionic acid to give the QD probe which consists of a  sole fluorophore but has two emission peaks (at 430 and 590 nm under 310 nm excitation, respectively). On addition of Cu(II) ions, the 590 nm band is quenched while the 430 nm band exhibits a little change. The changes in the intensity ratios of the yellow and the purple bands increases linearly in the 0 to 3.0 μM Cu(II) concentration range, and the detection limit reached 14 nM. The QD probe was validated and successfully applied to the determination of Cu(II) in spiked real water samples.Mn-doped ZnS (ZnS:Mn(II)) quantum dots were synthesized with yellow fluorescence. After the modification of 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), ZnS:Mn(II) was transferred to aqueous phase and became MPA modified Mn-doped ZnS (MPA- ZnS:Mn(II)). The fluorescence was changed to purple upon the addition of copper ions because the yellow band was largely quenched while the purple band only changed a little. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in the Results section. The correct equation from the cubic regression analysis for male is: Age = 14.408 + 0.475X-0.064X + 0.005X, and for the female is: 18.196-1.637X + 0.204X-0.005X. The error doesn't affect the main conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel-rich layered oxide cathodes promise ultrahigh energy density but is plagued by the mechanical failure of the secondary particle upon (de)lithiation. Existing approaches for alleviating the structural degradation could retard pulverization, yet fail to tune the stress distribution and root out the formation of cracks. Herein, we report a unique strategy to uniformize the stress distribution in secondary particle via Kirkendall effect to stabilize the core region during electrochemical cycling. Exotic metal/metalloid oxides (such as Al2O3 or SiO2) is introduced as the heterogeneous nucleation seeds for the preferential growth of the precursor. The calcination treatment afterwards generates a dopant-rich interior structure with central Kirkendall void, due to the different diffusivity between the exotic element and nickel atom. The resulting cathode material exhibits superior structural and electrochemical reversibility, thus contributing to a high specific energy density (based on cathode) of 660 Wh kg−1 after 500 cycles with a retention rate of 86%. This study suggests that uniformizing stress distribution represents a promising pathway to tackle the structural instability facing nickel-rich layered oxide cathodes. Nickel-rich layered oxide cathodes offer high energy density yet suffer from mechanical degradation during (de)lithiation. Here, the authors present a strategy that leverages the Kirkendall effect to equalize stress within the cathode particles, thereby stabilizing their structure and enhancing the cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify methylation-driven genes and explore their prognostic value in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to acquire collated COAD transcriptome gene expression matrix (containing 59,427 transcripts), transcriptome gene methylation level matrix (containing 29,602 methylated modified genes), which included 517 samples containing 41 samples of normal tissue (NT) & 476 samples of COAD, and patient clinical information files (including patient survival time, survival status, age, gender and tumor stage, etc.), for all COAD samples. A total of 9807 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by DEG analysis of the COAD transcriptional expression matrix, of which 5874 were up-regulated and 3933 were down-regulated. And 46 methylation-driven DEGs (MD-DEGs) in COAD were obtained by DEG analysis, differential analysis of gene methylation levels, and correlation analysis between them. Next, three prognostic associated MD-DEGs (PMD-DEGs) (IDUA, ZBTB18 and C5orf38) were identified by Cox regression analysis, and a prognostic model composed of the three PMD-DEGs was constructed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and cross-validation analysis. In addition, survival analysis, the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and independent prognostic analysis were used to evaluate and verify that the prognostic model we constructed could accurately and independently predict the prognosis of COAD patients. Finally, we constructed a nomogram based on the prognosis model to accurately and personalized predict the survival prognosis of COAD patients. In conclusion, we identified the methylation driver gene of COAD and constructed a prognostic model and nomogram to personalized predict the prognosis of patients, which opened a new prospect for accurate diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease with a strong hereditary component. Here, we report a genome-wide association study that included 1,122 PBC cases and 4,036 controls of Han Chinese descent, with subsequent replication in a separate cohort of 907 PBC cases and 2,127 controls. Our results show genome-wide association of 14 PBC risk loci including previously identified 6p21 (HLA-DRA and DPB1), 17q12 (ORMDL3), 3q13.33 (CD80), 2q32.3 (STAT1/STAT4), 3q25.33 (IL12A), 4q24 (NF-κB) and 22q13.1 (RPL3/SYNGR1). We also identified variants in IL21, IL21R, CD28/CTLA4/ICOS, CD58, ARID3A and IL16 as novel PBC risk loci. These new findings and histochemical studies showing enhanced expression of IL21 and IL21R in PBC livers (particularly in the hepatic portal tracks) support a disease mechanism in which the deregulation of the IL21 signalling pathway, in addition to CD4 T-cell activation and T-cell co-stimulation are critical components in the development of PBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-speed maskless nanolithography is experimentally achieved on AgInSbTe thin films. The lithography was carried out in air at room temperature, with a GaN diode laser (λ = 405 nm), and on a large sample disk of diameter 120 mm. The normal width of the written features measures 46 ± 5 nm, about 1/12 of the diffraction allowed smallest light spot, and the lithography speed reaches 6 ~ 8 m/s, tens of times faster than traditional laser writing methods. The writing resolution is instantaneously tunable by adjusting the laser power. The reason behind the significant breakthrough in terms of writing resolution and speed is found as the concentration of light induced heat. Therefore, the heat spot is far smaller than the light spot, so does the size of the written features. Such a sharp focus of heat occurs only on the selected writing material, and the phenomenon is referred as the photothermal localization response. The physics behind the effect is explained and supported with numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcogenide Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films have been widely exploited as binary bit recording materials in optical and non-volatile electronic information storage, where the crystalline and amorphous states are marked as the information bits '0' and '1', respectively. In this work, we demonstrate the use of Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films as multi-level grayscale image recording materials. High-resolution grayscale images are recorded on Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films through taking advantage of laser-induced structural evolution characteristic. Experimental results indicate that the change of laser energy results in the structural evolution of Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films. The structural evolution induces the difference of electronic polarizability and reflectivity, and high-resolution grayscale images are recorded on Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films through direct laser writing method, accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)-positive regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a pivotal role in the preservation of self-tolerance, and Treg dysfunction has been implicated in many autoimmune diseases. Whether and how Tregs participate in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated Treg function and found that Tregs in peripheral blood (PB) from patients with active AS had lower FoxP3 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) than those from healthy controls and could not fully suppress naïve T cell (Tn) proliferation. We also studied the mechanisms underlying PB Treg dysfunction in this context and found that PB Tregs failed to effectively utilize IL-2 and had relatively little STAT5 phosphorylation in active AS. Moreover, PB Tregs from patients with active AS exhibited greater CpG island methylation in the CNS2 region of the FOXP3 gene. Therefore, our findings indicate that functional defects in Tregs are present in AS. Abnormal IL-2 signalling and aberrant CNS2 epigenetic control induced functional defects in PB Tregs and represents a potential new mechanism for AS pathogenesis. These findings may aid the design of new treatment approaches for AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the study related to high resolution genome halotyping using limited seed data. It states that study was aimed to investigate chromosomal-range accuracy of experimental haplotyping with the efficiency of computational approaches. It further highlights the usage of haplotype imputation from incomplete data (HiFi) software to improve the resolution of single chromosome approach.

Recently, there is increasing interest to detect associations between rare variants and complex traits. Rare variant association studies usually need large sample sizes due to the rarity of the variants, and large sample sizes typically require combining information from different geographic locations within and across countries. Although several statistical methods have been developed to control for population stratification in common variant association studies, these methods are not necessarily controlling for population stratification in rare variant association studies. Thus, new statistical methods that can control for population stratification in rare variant association studies are needed. In this article, we propose a principal component based nonparametric regression (PC-nonp) approach to control for population stratification in rare variant association studies. Our simulations show that the proposed PC-nonp can control for population stratification well in all scenarios, while existing methods cannot control for population stratification at least in some scenarios. Simulations also show that PC-nonp's robustness to population stratification will not reduce power. Furthermore, we illustrate our proposed method by using whole genome sequencing data from genetic analysis workshop 18 (GAW18). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released along with soil disturbance during the remediation of abandoned industrial sites have attracted great attention due to their possible toxicity and odour. However, the real-time emission characteristics of these VOCs and their subsequent effects on health and olfaction are less understood. In this study, the gaseous VOCs released from soil disturbance by excavators and drilling rigs at an abandoned chemical pesticide plant were monitored online with a laboratory-built single photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (SPI-TOFMS). Twelve main VOCs with total mean concentrations ranging from 2350 to 3410 μg m−3 were observed, with dichloromethane (DCM) having a significant contribution. The total concentrations of the remaining 11 VOCs increased substantially during soil disturbance, with the total mean concentrations increasing from 18.65–39.05 to 37.95–297.94 μg m−3 and those of peak concentrations increasing from 28.46–58.97 to 88.38–839.13 μg m−3. This increase in VOC concentrations during soil disturbance leads to an enhanced heath risk for on-site workers. The distinctive difference between the mean and peak concentrations of VOCs indicates the importance of using mean and peak concentrations, respectively, for risk and olfactory evaluation due to the rapid response of the human nose to odours. As a result, the cumulative noncarcinogenic risk at the relatively high pollutant plot was higher than the occupational safety limit, while the total carcinogenic risks at all monitored scenarios exceeded the acceptable limit. Among the VOCs investigated, DCM and trichloroethylene (TCE) were determined to be crucial pollutants for both noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of VOCs. With regard to olfactory effects, organic sulphides, including dimethyl disulphide (DMDS), dimethyl sulphide (DMS), and dimethyl trisulphide (DMTS) were identified as dominant odour contributors (78.28–92.11%) during soil disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-related energy is an inexhaustible and renewable energy resource in our environment, which has huge amount of energy and is not largely dictated by daytime and sunlight. The transparent characteristic plays a key role in practical applications for some devices designed for harvesting water-related energy. In this paper, a highly transparent triboelectric nanogenerator (T-TENG) was designed to harvest the electrostatic energy from flowing water. The instantaneous output power density of the T-TENG is 11.56 mW/m2. Moreover, with the PTFE film acting as an antireflection coating, the maximum transmittance of the fabricated T-TENG is 87.4%, which is larger than that of individual glass substrate. The T-TENG can be integrated with silicon-based solar cell, building glass and car glass, which demonstrates its potential applications for harvesting waste water energy in our living environment and on smart home system and smart car system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: We analyzed clinical features and the representative HE-stained pathologic images to predict 5-year overall survival via the deep-learning approach in cervical cancer patients in order to assist oncologists in designing the optimal treatment strategies. Methods: The research retrospectively collected 238 non-surgical cervical cancer patients treated with radiochemotherapy from 2014 to 2017. These patients were randomly divided into the training set (n = 165) and test set (n = 73). Then, we extract deep features after segmenting the HE-stained image into patches of size 224 × 224. A Lasso–Cox model was constructed with clinical data to predict 5-year OS. C-index evaluated this model performance with 95% CI, calibration curve, and ROC. Results: Based on multivariate analysis, 2 of 11 clinical characteristics (C-index 0.68) and 2 of 2048 pathomic features (C-index 0.74) and clinical–pathomic model (C-index 0.83) of nomograms predict 5-year survival in the training set, respectively. In test set, compared with the pathomic and clinical characteristics used alone, the clinical–pathomic model had an AUC of 0.750 (95% CI 0.540–0.959), the clinical predictor model had an AUC of 0.729 (95% CI 0.551–0.909), and the pathomic model AUC was 0.703 (95% CI 0.487–0.919). Based on appropriate nomogram scores, we divided patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, and Kaplan–Meier survival probability curves for both groups showed statistical differences. Conclusion: We built a clinical–pathomic model to predict 5-year OS in non-surgical cervical cancer patients, which may be a promising method to improve the precision of personalized therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction to: I Nature Communications i https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-34062-6, published online 25 October 2022 In this article the affiliation 'Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore'. for Jie Yin should be removed. The affiliation 'Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore' for Kui Yao should read "Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138634, Singapore". [Extracted from the article]