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A facile synthesis of hierarchical ZSM-5 with the three-dimensionally ordered mesoporosity (3DOm ZSM-5) was achieved by solid conversion (SC) of SiO2 colloidal crystals to high-crystalline ZSM-5. The products of 3DZ5_S/C and 3DZ5_S, which were severally transformed from the carbon-padded SiO2 colloidal crystals and the initial SiO2 colloidal crystals, exhibited not only a similar ordered structure and acidity but also higher crystallinity and more balanced meso-/micropore combination in comparison with 3DZ5_C obtained by the conventional confined space crystallization approach. All three synthesized 3DZ5 catalysts showed improved methanol-to-propylene performance than the commercially microporous ZSM-5 (CZ5), embodied in five times longer lifetime, higher propylene selectivity and Spropylene/Sethylene ratio (P/E), and superior coke toleration with lower formation rate of coke (Rcoke). Moreover, the 3DZ5_S catalyst in situ converted from SiO2 colloidal crystals presented the highest selectivities of propylene (42.51%) and light olefins (74.6%) among all three 3DZ5 catalysts. The high efficiency in synthesis and in situ utilization of SiO2 colloidal crystals demonstrate the proposed SC strategy to be more efficiently and eco-friendly for the high-yield production of not only 3DOm ZSM-5 but also other types of hierarchical zeolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millimeter wave operates within a wavelength range of 1mm to 10mm and can penetrate through various non-metallic materials, such as the paperboard and plastic films commonly used in cigarette packaging boxes. In comparison to X-ray devices, millimeter wave imagers have the added advantage of not emitting ionizing radiation and having lower electromagnetic radiation output than the standard limit for mobile phone. Given these characteristics, we believe that utilizing millimeter wave imaging technology for detecting missing carton in packaged cigarette boxes could be a viable solution. The paper presents the fundamental imaging theory and showcases some images of cigarette boxes. The results demonstrate that our millimeter wave imager can produce clear images of packaged cigarette boxes with missing carton. We anticipate that this system has significant potential for application in machine vision for tobacco and other similar industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hybrid electrode material of transition metal oxide/carbon has good potential for the remarkable performance of supercapacitors. Here pine sawdust derived carbons were prepared with highly dispersed Mn, Mn–Fe or Mn–Ni oxides and hierarchical porous structure by CO2 gasification. Effects of the CO2 gasification conditions (including the gasification temperature, gasification reaction time and the metal loading amount) were investigated on the surface metal species, pore structures and morphology of the hybrid materials. The as-prepared hybrid materials show the total metal content less than 6.5 wt% but display good electrochemical performance, along with the specific capacitance up to 369.5–750.6 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 in the three-electrode system. Those doped with Mn–Fe or Mn–Ni binary metal composite can be a better candidate than that doped with the unary metal. The assembled asymmetric supercapacitor presents a high energy density of 13.9 Wh kg−1 at 375.9 W kg−1 in a potential window of 0–1.5 V. Besides, excellent cycling performance can be achieved with the capacitance retention rate of 92.8% after 5000 charge-discharge cycles at 5 A g−1. The synergism of the introduced metal oxides and carbon skeleton with the hierarchical porous structure enables the hybrid materials to provide the desirable specific capacitance, outstanding rate capability and cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and nailfold microcirculation and explore the associations with severe ischemic events (SIEs) in Takayasu arteritis (TA) with supra-aortic involvement. Methods: Eighty-one patients with supra-aortic artery involvement who underwent nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) of their hands were enrolled from the East China TA (ECTA) cohort between August and December 2021. Clinical features and capillaroscopy variables associated with supra-aortic SIEs were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Results: Overall, 71 patients were female, and 42 experienced supra-aortic SIEs, among whom there was a higher prevalence of hypertension and the number of supra-aortic artery stenosis (P = 0.005, and 0.003, respectively). Furthermore, intergroup differences in capillary density (P < 0.001) and minor morphology abnormalities (P < 0.001) were significant. After adjustment for all confounders, multivariate logistic regression revealed hypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 7.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6–33.7, P = 0.011), the number of supra-aortic arteries stenosis (≥4, OR: 6.8, 95% CI: 1.4–34.6, P = 0.020), capillary density (≤7.2/mm, OR: 43.0, 95% CI: 7.0–264.6, P < 0.001) and minor abnormalities (OR: 34.2, 95% CI: 3.6–325.1; P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for supra-aortic SIEs. capillary density (≤7.2/mm) and minor abnormalities or combined with at least two of the three items in the matrix model showed the probability of supra-aortic SIEs was 61.2–87.6%. Conclusion: Decreased capillary density and morphologic abnormalities indicated that hypoperfusion was more likely to be observed in supra-aortic SIEs patients. Combined NVC indicators could be instrumental for early identification of supra-aortic SIEs. Key Points • Minor morphological abnormalities and hemorrhages were only observed in supra-aortic SIEs patients. • Capillaroscopic density and minor morphological abnormalities or combined with at least two of the three items in the matrix model showed the probability occurrence of supra-aortic SIEs was 61.2–87.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), encoded by the HMOX-1 gene, is the main heme oxygenase that catalyzes the degradation of heme into iron, carbon monoxide, and biliverdin. HMOX-1 gene expression is stimulated by oxidative stress and regulated at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. After translation, subcellular location and protein stability of HO-1 are also altered by different extracellular and intracellular stimuli. HO-1 plays a key role in regulating iron homeostasis and cell protection and has become a new target for disease treatment. Erythropoiesis is a tightly controlled, iron-dependent process that begins with hematopoietic stem cells and maturates to red blood cells. HO-1 is expressed in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, hematopoietic niche cells, erythroblasts, and especially erythroblastic island and phagocytic macrophages. HO-1 functions importantly in the entire erythroid development process by influencing hematopoietic stem cell proliferation, erythroid lineage engagement, terminal erythroid differentiation, and even senescent RBC erythrophagocytosis. HO-1 is also related to stress erythropoiesis and certain red blood cell diseases. Elucidation of HO-1 regulation and function in erythropoiesis will be of great significance for the treatment of related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Benzbromarone and febuxostat use different mechanisms to reduce serum urate. However, the effectiveness of benzbromarone versus febuxostat in reducing serum urate in gouty patients classified with different types of hyperuricaemia remains unclear. Method: In this retrospective study from January 1, 2018, to September 30, 2020, subjects were identified if they were newly treated with benzbromarone 25 mg daily or febuxostat 20 mg daily. The subjects were classified into four types according to their 24-h urinary uric acid and fractional excretion of uric acid. The baseline data and follow-up information after 28 ± 3 days of treatment were collected. Results: Seventy-three subjects with gout were finally enrolled. Among them, 50 were treated with benzbromarone. The percent changes in serum urate from the baseline were − 33.71 ± 13.59% and − 29.45 ± 10.62% in the benzbromarone and febuxostat group, respectively, without a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.188). No differences were found between the groups in subjects classified as the renal underexcretion type, combined type, or "normal" type. In patients with eGFR ≥ 70 mL/min/1.73 m2, the rate of serum urate lowering was higher in those treated with benzbromarone than in those treated with febuxostat. Febuxostat treatment significantly lowered serum creatinine from the baseline (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Benzbromarone 25 mg daily and febuxostat 20 mg daily may have comparable effectiveness in lowering the serum urate among different types of hyperuricaemia. Benzbromarone was more effective than febuxostat in lowering serum urate in subjects with eGFR ≥ 70 mL/min/1.73 m2, while febuxostat had a renal protective effect. Key Points • Benzbromarone 25 mg daily and febuxostat 20 mg daily may have comparable effectiveness in lowering the serum urate in patients with different types of hyperuricaemia. • Benzbromarone 25 mg daily was more effective than febuxostat 20 mg daily in lowering serum urate in subjects with eGFR ≥ 70 mL/min/1.73 m2. • Febuxostat had a renal protective effect after about 1 month treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B e antigen, and hepatitis B core antibody were positive. In this case, we localized massive HBsAg in the diseased vessel walls; furthermore, the subcutaneous nodules and finger ulcers were significantly improved after antiviral treatment, which suggests a close relationship between EGPA and HBV infection. [Extracted from the article]

Erythropoiesis involves complex interrelated molecular signals influencing cell survival, differentiation, and enucleation. Diseases associated with ineffective erythropoiesis, such as β-thalassemias, exhibit erythroid expansion and defective enucleation. Clear mechanistic determinants of what make erythropoiesis effective are lacking. We previously demonstrated that exogenous transferrin ameliorates ineffective erythropoiesis in β-thalassemic mice. In the current work, we utilize transferrin treatment to elucidate a molecular signature of ineffective erythropoiesis in β-thalassemia. We hypothesize that compensatory mechanisms are required in β-thalassemic erythropoiesis to prevent apoptosis and enhance enucleation. We identify pleckstrin-2—a STAT5-dependent lipid binding protein downstream of erythropoietin—as an important regulatory node. We demonstrate that partial loss of pleckstrin-2 leads to worsening ineffective erythropoiesis and pleckstrin-2 knockout leads to embryonic lethality in β-thalassemic mice. In addition, the membrane-associated active form of pleckstrin-2 occurs at an earlier stage during β-thalassemic erythropoiesis. Furthermore, membrane-associated activated pleckstrin-2 decreases cofilin mitochondrial localization in β-thalassemic erythroblasts and pleckstrin-2 knockdown in vitro induces cofilin-mediated apoptosis in β-thalassemic erythroblasts. Lastly, pleckstrin-2 enhances enucleation by interacting with and activating RacGTPases in β-thalassemic erythroblasts. This data elucidates the important compensatory role of pleckstrin-2 in β-thalassemia and provides support for the development of targeted therapeutics in diseases of ineffective erythropoiesis. Maria Feola et al., elucidate the compensatory role of pleckstrin-2 in ineffective erythropoiesis in β-thalassemic mice by reducing cofilin-mediated apoptosis and enhancing enucleation by activating RacGTPases. These findings could support future therapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the value of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in predicting long-term disease prognosis for Takayasu arteritis (TA). Methods: Sixty-seven TA patients, who had IL-6 levels detected at the first visit and had a regular follow-up of at least 2 years, were enrolled. Data recorded up to March 31, 2019, including clinical presentations, laboratory indices, treatments, and radiological images were collected and used for analysis. The value of IL-6 in predicting disease relapse and imaging progression was analyzed. Results: IL-6 levels were positively related with disease activity index, including Kerr scores, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Patients were divided into three groups according to baseline serum IL-6 levels: low group (< 5.4 pg/mL, n = 29), medium group (5.4–11.5 pg/mL, n = 20), and high group (> 11.5 ng/mL, n = 18). Patients in the medium and high group had higher disease activity than those in the low group (p < 0.01). Baseline IL-6 levels were correlated with luminal stenosis (p < 0.05), although no significant correlations with long-term imaging progression were observed. Patients with more than 2 episodes of disease relapses were most commonly seen in the medium group (p < 0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis indicated that medium and high IL-6 levels were positive predictors for disease relapse (HR 4.3, 95%CI 1.3–18.7 p = 0.07 for medium group; HR 2.1, 95% CI 0.7–48.9, p = 0.19 for high group) with disease status and treatment adjusted. Conclusions: IL-6 may be a valuable predictor of TA disease relapse during long-term follow-up. Treatments targeted at IL-6 pathways might reduce disease relapse and have better prognostic effects for TA. Key Points • Positive relationships between IL-6 levels and disease activity index, including Kerr scores, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, etc. were indicated. • Medium and high baseline IL-6 levels were valuable for predicting disease relapse during the 2-year follow-up. • Baseline IL-6 levels were positively correlated with luminal stenosis on imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical SAPO-34 zeolites with a special nanosheet-assembled morphology were hydrothermally synthesized under dynamic condition by using the commercial quaternary ammonium-type organosilane surfactant [3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] octadecyldimethyl-ammonium chloride (TPOAC) for the mesoscopic aggregation and tetraethylammonium hydroxide as the micropore structure-directing agent. The growth evolution during the crystallization process and governing factors including TPOAC content and dynamic hydrothermal condition in the synthesis were discussed in detail, and the possible nucleation and growth process were proposed as well. With a systematic structure characterization by XRD, FTIR, N2 adsorption-desorption, ICP, SEM, TEM, NH3-TPD and pyridine-adsorbed IR measurements, the nanosheet-assembled SAPO-34 (NA-SP34) prepared under the optimized synthesis condition presented the pure phase of CHA framework, high degree of crystallinity, interconnected hierarchical meso-/microporosity and relatively weak acidity comparing with the conventional microporous SAPO-34 (CM-SP34) with micron size and the nanosheet-like SAPO-34 (NL-SP34) synthesized in the absence of TPOAC. Moreover, the catalytic performances evaluated by the methanol-to-olefin reaction indicated that the optimal NA-SP34 catalyst presented remarkable improvements of not only much longer catalytic lifetime (300 min) and slower coke formation rate (0.24 mg g−1 min−1) but also higher ethylene and propylene selectivity (81.93%) comparing with those (95 min, 0.55 mg g−1 min−1 and 80.75%, respectively) of CM-SP34, which can be attributed to the integrated balance of well-remained microporosity, considerable mesoporosity and suitable weak acidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to investigate the long-term treatment effects and predictive factors for treatment response and disease relapse for Takayasu’s arteritis (TA). Eighty-one patients were recruited from the Department of Rheumatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, between January 2009 and January 2015. The follow-up duration ranged from 6 to 36 months. Patients were divided into three groups: clinical remission (CR; n = 59); treatment-resistant (TR; n = 11); and disease relapse (DR; n = 11). Signs/symptoms, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and imaging items were recorded at baseline and at each visit. Kerr’s criteria, physician’s global assessment, and Indian Takayasu Clinical Activity Score (ITAS2010) were used to evaluate disease activity. Incipient disease was more common in CR patients compared with DR cases (69.49 vs. 36.36%, p = 0.05). Fewer patients aged < 40 years were in the CR group in comparison with the DR group (57.63 vs. 90.91%, p = 0.04). In TR patients, high CRP levels (63.74 vs. 23.73%, p = 0.01) and aortic arch involvement (70.00 vs. 24.14%, p < 0.01) were more common in comparison with CR cases. Patients with high CRP levels (> 25 mg/L) (OR = 1.61, p = 0.03) carried a higher risk for treatment resistance. Age > 40 years (OR = − 2.82, p = 0.03), incipient disease (OR = − 2.47, p = 0.01), and treatment with cyclophosphamide (OR = − 2.07, p = 0.03) and hydroxychloroquine (OR = − 1.91, p = 0.05) could prevent disease relapse. Patients with high CRP levels carry a high risk of treatment resistance. In patients with incipient disease, aged > 40 years, treatment with cyclophosphamide and hydroxychloroquine protects against disease relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the effectiveness of cyclophosphamide (CYC) versus methotrexate (MTX) for active Takayasu's arteritis (TA). The current study was based on a cohort of TA at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. TA was diagnosed using the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria. Fifty-eight subjects receiving induction treatment with CYC ( n = 46) or MTX ( N = 12) were included in the analysis. Effectiveness and toxicity were assessed in all 58 cases. Clinical remission was defined as: Kerr score reduction to ≤ 1 and glucocorticoids (GC) treatment at a dose of ≤ 0.2 mg/kg/day (≤ 15 mg/day) at the end of the 6th month. At the baseline, the CYC group had higher Kerr scores (60.9% vs. 16.7% at ≥3, p = 0.044), higher ESR (55 ± 52 vs. 25 ± 22 mm/H, p = 0.048), ITAS_ESR (12.4 ± 1.7 vs. 9.1 ± 1.1 mg/L, p = 0.043). The 6-month clinical remission rate was 71.7% vs. 75% in the CYC and MTX group, respectively. In the CYC group, a significant decrease was observed in ESR (55 ± 52 vs. 25 ± 48 mm/H, p = 0.008), hs-CRP (27 ± 23 vs. 6.9 ± 6.6 mg/L, p = 0.007), ITAS (11.7 ± 2.2 vs. 7.0 ± 1.5, p = 0.048), and ITAS_ESR (7.1 ± 2.0 vs. 12.4 ± 1.7, p = 0.033). However, no significant reductions in these measures were demonstrated in the MTX group. Whole-body contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) revealed significant radiologic improvement (wall enhancement scores: 4.2 ± 2.3 vs. 10.3 ± 3.8, p = 0.032) in the CYC group, but not in the MTX group. No severe adverse events occurred in any subject. Cyclophosphamide could be a better choice than methotrexate as induction treatment for patients with more severe Takayasu's arteritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction of urate depositions in the joints, on dual-energy computed tomography (DECT), in patients with gout during urate-lowering therapy (ULT) was demonstrated in previous studies. The aim of this study was to further investigate the changes in distribution of urate deposits during ULT. This randomized controlled trial enrolled 46 patients diagnosed with gout from Zhongshan Hospital, China, between October 2013 and June 2014. Epidemiological data, serum uric acid level, and arthritis attacks were recorded at monthly follow-up visits. DECT of bilateral feet and ankles was performed at baseline and after 6 months of ULT. Overall, 163 areas of urate deposition were found in the 46 patients; of these, 133/163 (81.6%) areas were associated with former arthritis attacks. On DECT at 6 months, the number of urate deposits decreased to 126, with 68 areas disappearing and 31 new deposits areas. The mean volume of urate deposits at baseline was 1.3 ± 3.8 cm, decreasing to 0.6 ± 2.1 cm at the end of 6 months ( P = 0.01), with 3/46 (6.5%) patients showing complete disappearance of urate deposits. New urate depositions were found in 21/46 (45.7%) patients, while urate depositions in some joints disappeared in some joints in 31/46 (67.4%) patients. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was significantly lower in patients with new deposits (4.6 ± 9.3 vs. 7.1 ± 7.6 mg/dL; P = 0.01). There is dynamic redistribution of urate depositions in gout patients receiving ULT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the value of whole-body contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography(CE-MRI) with vessel wall imaging in quantitative assessments of Takayasu's arteritis (TA) disease activity and follow-up examinations. Whole-body CE-MRI with vessel wall imaging (dark blood sequences) was performed in 52 TA patients and repeated in 15 patients after 6 months. Images were analyzed using quantitative scores. The distribution of Lupi-Herrera types (type III, 48.1 %; I, 40.4 %; II, 9.6 %; IV, 1.9 %) did not differ between active and inactive TA. Active vessel inflammation was found in seven patients diagnosed with inactive disease as Kerr scores and mainly involved the aortic arch, abdominal aorta, and ascending aorta. Quantitative MR scores were significantly higher in active TA (luminal stenosis 16.7 ± 5.3 vs. 4.2 ± 3.7, p < 0.01; wall thickening 7.2 ± 3.4 vs. 2.9 ± 2.3, p = 0.02; wall enhancement 8.7 ± 4.1 vs. 3.6 ± 2.4, p = 0.04) and positively correlated with Kerr scores, ITAS 2010, erythrocyte-sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) levels. At 6 months, the clinical symptoms, CRP level, and ESR improved significantly ( p < 0.05) and wall enhancement decreased (6.7 ± 3.1 vs. 4.1 ± 2.1; p = 0.04), but the luminal stenosis (10.2 ± 4.3 vs. 8.8 ± 5.2; p = 0.12) and wall thickening (6.3 ± 3.8 vs. 5.8 ± 4.2; p = 0.27) remained unchanged. Whole-body CE-MRI with vessel wall imaging detected luminal changes and vessel wall inflammation in TA. Our MR scoring system enabled quantitative assessment of TA activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of urate-lowering therapies (ULTs) on renal uric acid excretion in gout patients. This prospective observational study involved 106 primary gout patients and 51 healthy controls. Gout patients received ULT with either xanthine oxidase inhibitors or the uricosuric agent benzbromarone. Parameters such as 24-h urinary uric acid, creatinine clearance, uric acid clearance, glomerular filtration load of uric acid, fractional excretion of uric acid, excretion of uric acid per volume of glomerular filtration, and urinary uric acid to urinary creatinine ratio were used to evaluate the pre- and post-treatment renal capacity for uric acid clearance in gout patients and were compared with the values in the healthy controls. Compared to healthy controls, gout patients had higher glomerular filtration load of uric acid and lower uric acid clearance, creatinine clearance, and fractional uric acid excretion. After ULT, both the xanthine oxidase inhibitor group and benzbromarone group patients showed reduction in glomerular filtration load of uric acid. Creatinine clearance was significantly improved in the xanthine oxidase inhibitor group. Excretion function was remarkably enhanced in patients who reached the treatment target (serum uric acid <6 mg/dl). Changes in glomerular uric acid filtration load were significantly correlated with changes in serum urate levels. Gout patients have impaired renal uric acid excretion. ULTs reduce renal urate load and enhance the renal capacity of uric acid clearance. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors showed superiority over benzbromarone in improving renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycorine, a natural alkaloid, has been widely reported to possess potential efficacy against cancer. However, the anti-multiple myeloma mechanism of lycorine is not fully understood. In this study, the results demonstrated that lycorine is effective against multiple myeloma cell line ARH-77 via inducing programmed necrosis. The mechanisms of lycorine on the multiple myeloma cell line ARH-77 are associated with G1 phase cell cycle arrest, mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, ATP depletion, and DNA damage. Our results elucidate the new mechanism of lycorine against multiple myeloma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confined synthesis of three-dimensionally ordered mesoporous-imprinted (3DOm-i) zeolites within three-dimensionally ordered mesoporous (3DOm) carbons prepared from silica colloidal crystals was achieved through multiple hydrothermal (MHT) synthesis and steam-assisted crystallization (SAC). The transition of ordered mesoporous structures, starting from silica colloidal crystal to resulting 3DOm-i zeolites including the intermediate 3DOm carbon templates, and the correlations among the confined synthesis methods, crystal growth nature of different zeolites, and the sintering of the templates were studied. An imperfect replication was found in 3DOm-i zeolite when it compared to silica colloidal crystals regardless the synthesis methods (MHT or SAC), which might be originated from combination effects of sintering of the silica colloidal crystals and partial filling of cavities of the 3DOm carbon template during the confined synthesis, and the degree of the structure replication was notably influenced by microstructures of zeolite as well. A thorough investigation of the growth development of 3DOm-i BEA zeolites with various Si/Al ratios ranging from 14 to 27 through the MHT method confirmed that the crystallization takes place in the carbon template by a cage-to-cage propagation growth process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) influences bone metabolism, but the relation of T2DM with bone mineral density (BMD) remains inconsistent across studies. The objective of this study was to perform a meta-analysis and meta-regression of the literature to estimate the difference in BMD (g/cm) between diabetic and non-diabetic populations, and to investigate potential underlying mechanisms. A literature search was performed in PubMed and Ovid extracting data from articles prior to May 2010. Eligible studies were those where the association between T2DM and BMD measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was evaluated using a cross-sectional, cohort or case-control design, including both healthy controls and subjects with T2DM. The analysis was done on 15 observational studies (3,437 diabetics and 19,139 controls). Meta-analysis showed that BMD in diabetics was significantly higher, with pooled mean differences of 0.04 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.05) at the femoral neck, 0.06 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.08) at the hip and 0.06 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.07) at the spine. The differences for forearm BMD were not significantly different between diabetics and non-diabetics. Sex-stratified analyses showed similar results in both genders. Substantial heterogeneity was found to originate from differences in study design and possibly diabetes definition. Also, by applying meta-regression we could establish that younger age, male gender, higher body mass index and higher HbA were positively associated with higher BMD levels in diabetic individuals. We conclude that individuals with T2DM from both genders have higher BMD levels, but that multiple factors influence BMD in individuals with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Chinese Holstein population with daughter design was analyzed using 14 microsatellites covering a map distance of 557 cM on chromosome 6 to fine map QTL for five milk production traits. 26 paternal half-sib families with 2356 daughters were involved. Two different approaches, linear regression approach and variance component approach, were employed, with a one-QTL model and two-QTL model fitted. With a one-QTL model, the linear regression approach revealed a QTL near BMS470 with effects on milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, and fat percentage, and another QTL near BMS2460 for protein percentage. The variance component approach confirmed the results of linear regression approach for the three yield traits, with the exception that the QTL for fat yield was mapped to a different position near BMS1242. The 95% confidence intervals resulted from linear regression, obtained by bootstrapping, were generally large, ranging from 31 to 53 cM, whereas the variance component approach revealed very small confidence intervals, calculated by LOD drop-off method, for the three yield traits, only 4-5 cM. With a two-QTL model, both approaches provided strong evidence for the existence of two QTLs for the three yield traits. Along with the QTLs identified in one-QTL model analyses, the linear regression approach revealed a second QTL near BP7 with effects on all the three yield traits, whereas the variance component approach located the second QTL near ILSS035, BMS470, and BP7 for the three traits, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that dysregulation of microRNA-150 (miR-150) is associated with aberrant proliferation of human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. However, whether miR-150 has a critical role in NSCLC cell metastasis is unknown. Here, we reveal that the critical pro-metastatic role of miR-150 in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) through down-regulation of FOXO4 in NSCLC. In vitro, miR-150 targets 3′UTR region of FOXO4 mRNA, thereby negatively regulating its expression. Clinically, the expression of miR-150 was frequently up-regulated in metastatic NSCLC cell lines and clinical specimens. Contrarily, FOXO4 was frequently down-regulated in NSCLC cell lines and clinical specimens. Functional studies show that ectopic expression of miR-150 enhanced tumor cell metastasis in vitro and in a mouse xenograft model, and triggered EMT-like changes in NSCLC cells (including E-cadherin repression, N-cadherin and Vimentin induction, and mesenchymal morphology). Correspondingly, FOXO4 knockdown exhibited pro-metastatic and molecular effects resembling the effect of miR-150 over-expression. Moreover, NF-κB/snail/YY1/RKIP circuitry regulated by FOXO4 were likely involved in miR-150-induced EMT event. Simultaneous knockdown of miR-150 and FOXO4 abolished the phenotypic and molecular effects caused by individual knockdown of miR-150. Therefore, our study provides previously unidentified pro-metastatic roles and mechanisms of miR-150 in NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]