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Methylation of N6-adenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal RNA modification and is especially common among the messenger RNAs. These m6A modifications regulate splicing, translocation, stability and translation of RNA through dynamic and reversible interactions with m6A-binding proteins, namely the writers, erasers and readers. RNA methyltransferases catalyze the m6A modifications, while demethylases reverse this methylation. Deregulation of the m6A modification process has been implicated in human carcinogenesis, including melanoma—which carries one of the highest mutant rates. In this review, we provide an up-to-date summary of m6A regulation and its biological impacts on normal and cancer cells, with emphasis on the deregulation of m6A modification and m6A regulators in melanoma. In addition, we highlight the prospective potential of exploiting m6A modification in the treatment of melanoma and non-cancer diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Type 3 innate lymphocytes (ILC3s) are reported to be involved in lung cancer, possibly by producing interleukin-22 (IL-22). However, whether ILC3s and their secreted IL-22 molecules contribute to the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer (PC) remains unclear. To this end, in this study, we investigated the effects and possible mechanisms of ILC3s on PC pathogenesis. Method: The IL-22 and IL-2i2R levels and the ILC3s' frequency in cancer tissues from PC patients and in peripheral blood from PC patients and healthy controls were analyzed by flow cytometry, immunochemistry, or immunofluorescence. The effects of IL-22-induced AKT signaling on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of PC cells were examined by co-culturing PC cell lines with ILC3s isolated from PC tissues, with or without the addition of neutralizing IL-22 antibody, IL-22R antibody or AKT inhibitor. Results: Our results showed that IL-22 and ILC3s were significantly upregulated in the PBMCs and cancer tissues of PC patients, and the IL-22R level was increased in PC cells. The increased frequency of ILC3s was positively correlated with the clinical features of PC patients. Co-culture experiments indicated that ILC3s promoted the proliferation, invasion, and migration of PC cell lines by secreting IL-22 to activate AKT signaling because IL-22/IL-22R or AKT blockage markedly counteracted such effects on PC cells. Conclusion: Our data demonstrated that ILC3s may promote PC pathogenesis through IL-22/IL-22R-AKT signaling, suggesting a potential intervention target for PC treatment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an uncertainty propagation analysis method is developed based on an extended sparse grid technique and maximum entropy principle, aiming at improving the solving accuracy of the high-order moments and hence the fitting accuracy of the probability density function (PDF) of the system response. The proposed method incorporates the extended Gauss integration into the uncertainty propagation analysis. Moreover, assisted by the Rosenblatt transformation, the various types of extended integration points are transformed into the extended Gauss-Hermite integration points, which makes the method suitable for any type of continuous distribution. Subsequently, within the sparse grid numerical integration framework, the statistical moments of the system response are obtained based on the transformed points. Furthermore, based on the maximum entropy principle, the obtained first four-order statistical moments are used to fit the PDF of the system response. Finally, three numerical examples are investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which includes two mathematical problems with explicit expressions and an engineering application with a black-box model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The assembly of LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcriptional complex plays important roles in early neuronal development. The stability of LIM-HD is controlled by single-strand binding protein 3 (SSBP3) via a cascade mechanism protecting it from proteasomal degradation. The expression level of SSBP3 has to be precisely regulated. Although a decrease of SSBP3 level is associated with several diseases, the mechanism of SSBP3 downregulation and whether SSBP3 itself is subject to proteasomal degradation remain largely unknown. Two strongly conserved transcripts of the SSBP3 gene, SSBP3a and SSBP3c, were cloned from a human brain cDNA library. By RT-PCR, we show that Ssbp3c is continuously expressed in both embryonic and adult mouse brain, whereas Ssbp3a is restricted to embryonic brain tissue. By co-IP and GST pulldown assays, we identified SIVA1 as a novel SSBP3-binding factor. In a ubiquitination assay, we show that SIVA1 enhances the ubiquitination of SSBP3 and regulates its abundance. Our findings reveal the proteasomal degradation of SSBP3 for the first time and provide a rationale for an SIVA1-SSBP3-dependent mechanism for the disassembly of LIM-HD multiprotein complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the authors developed a non-random vibration analysis method for structural dynamic analysis under uncertain excitations. In non-random vibration analysis, the interval process model is employed to describe the uncertain dynamic load rather than the traditional stochastic process model, and the structural dynamic response is obtained in the form of upper and lower bounds, rather than its precise probability distribution. Since the probability distribution information is not required, the non-random vibration analysis generally could decrease the dependence on large experimental sample number; meanwhile, the bounds of dynamic response are easy to understand conceptually and convenient to use in practical structural reliability or safety design. On the basis of our previous work, this paper further proposes a Monte Carlo simulation method, aiming to provide a general way for non-random vibration analysis and also offer a reference solution for other non-random vibration analysis methods proposed in the future. Firstly, a sampling approach is presented to realize the precise sampling of the single interval process and the multi-dimensional interval process vector. Then, based on the sampling approach, a calculation procedure of non-random vibration analysis is constructed to obtain the structural dynamic response bounds under uncertain dynamic load. Finally, the proposed method is not only applied to single-degree-of-freedom and multi-degree-of-freedom linear vibration systems, but also to more complex vibration systems such as nonlinear systems and continuum structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have proposed and investigated a humidity sensor based on perfect metamaterial absorber. The sensor is composed of three layers, which are metallic particle array on the top, porous silicon in the middle layer and metallic film at the bottom. According to the effective medium approximation, the effective permittivity of porous silicon is mainly determined by the filling fraction of water condensation. It is shown that the resonant wavelength displays significant red-shift with the increasing effective permittivity of porous silicon. Furthermore, the simulation results indicate that the refractive index sensitivity of absorber is high to 249 nm/RIU, which makes our structure be an ideal candidate for evaluating the humidity of environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA (miRNA), a class of non-protein-coding RNAs, plays a critical role in many cellular processes, such as invasion, proliferation and migration, and also function in disease pathology. The transcription factor and proto-oncogene B cell CLL/lymphoma 6 (BCL6) is aberrantly expressed in various cancers. An increasing body of evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs and BCL6 can target one another and mutually adjust their expression which are of great importance in the pathogenesis of various cancers. In this report, we summarize the mutual interaction between miRNAs and BCL6, which have been studied in cancers, highlighting their mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an infrared plasmonic refractive index-sensitive nanosensor based on the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) of waveguide resonator systems. The structure consists of one tooth-shaped cavity as well as the bus and stub metal-insulator-metal waveguides. By adjusting the structural geometry, it is demonstrated that the controllable transmission of EIT response can be obtained with the coupled-mode theory and the finite-difference-time-domain simulations. It is found that the transmission spectra dip at the spectra can be strongly controlled by changing the refractive index filled in the stub waveguide. The calculated results show that the sensitivity, full width at half-maximum and figure of merit of plasmonic nanosensor are 733 nm/RIU, 24.11 nm and 695, respectively. With the compact structure, the nanosensor may have great potential to be used in the field of integrated optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish were selected as a common target sample for a collaborative study of FNCA(Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia)-NAA(neutron activation analysis) project in 2011. Six Asian countries took part in this work. Fish samples were purchased from commercial markets and prepared by following an agreed protocol. Toxic and essential elements in the prepared samples were determined by NAA. The concentration levels of As, Hg in many fish samples have higher values than the regulation ones. The fish contamination by heavy metals should be monitored continuously for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent analysis of satellite data obtained during the 9 October 2012 geomagnetic storm identified the development of peaks in electron phase space density, which are compelling evidence for local electron acceleration in the heart of the outer radiation belt, but are inconsistent with acceleration by inward radial diffusive transport. However, the precise physical mechanism responsible for the acceleration on 9 October was not identified. Previous modelling has indicated that a magnetospheric electromagnetic emission known as chorus could be a potential candidate for local electron acceleration, but a definitive resolution of the importance of chorus for radiation-belt acceleration was not possible because of limitations in the energy range and resolution of previous electron observations and the lack of a dynamic global wave model. Here we report high-resolution electron observations obtained during the 9 October storm and demonstrate, using a two-dimensional simulation performed with a recently developed time-varying data-driven model, that chorus scattering explains the temporal evolution of both the energy and angular distribution of the observed relativistic electron flux increase. Our detailed modelling demonstrates the remarkable efficiency of wave acceleration in the Earth's outer radiation belt, and the results presented have potential application to Jupiter, Saturn and other magnetized astrophysical objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-band polarization insensitive absorber has been proposed . Unlike the previous dual band absorber composed of composite structures, only one square metal ring with a slit at the middle of each side can be used to achieve the dual-band absorption. The calculated results show two distinct absorption peaks of 0.96 at 10 GHz and 0.99 at 20 GHz. In addition, the positions of the two peaks are strongly influenced by the width of the slit (g). More importantly, the absorptions of the two peaks keep higher than 0.9 while g changing. The dual-band absorber may have many potential applications in scientific and technological areas because of its excellent absorption characteristics and concise structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2000, collaborative studies for applying NAA have been performed through the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) sponsored by the Japanese Government. White rice is a main food for Asians and thus was selected as a common target sample for a collaborative study in 2008. Seven Asian countries including China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand, are greatly concerned about the composition of arsenic, heavy metals, and essential trace elements and took part in this study. Rice samples were purchased and prepared by following a protocol that had been proposed for this study. Samples were analyzed by their own NAA systems. In each country, more than 10 elements were examined and the results were compared. These data will be very useful in the monitoring of the levels of food contamination and to evaluate the nutritional status for people living in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air particulate matter (APM) samples (PM2.5 and PM10–2.5) were collected at 13 sampling points in 8 Asian countries and their chemical compositions were determined by using neutron activation analysis (NAA) with the k0-standardization method in addition to conventional comparative method of NAA. Analytical data showed that mass concentration and elemental composition of the APM collected are variable in terms of time and space, and are related to the characteristics of the sampling sites concerned. NAA was proved to be highly effective for the regional characterization of APM in chemical composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven Asian countries have been collaborating in collecting airborne particulate matter (APM) in their individual countries and analyzing them by neutron activation analysis as a common analytical tool. APM samples were collected into two fractions of fine and coarse grains (PM2 and PM2-10, respectively). Analytical data were compared from several viewpoints such as particulate sizes, locality of sampling sites (either urban or rural) and geographical location of participating countries. Chemical composition and their monthly variations as well as mass concentrations appear to be highly characteristic for individual sampling sites, suggesting that NAA data are suitable for evaluating the air quality in each site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second part of a paper which deals with the advantages and disadvantages of relative instrumental neutron activation analysis concerning traceability and uncertainty, and the current scope and possible future extensions of neutron activation analysis as a primary ratio method. The first part of this paper has been published in this Journal [1]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-six patients with lumbar spondylolysis and mild isthmic spondylolisthesis were managed with direct repair of the defect with or without facet joint fusion in the affected segment. There were 24 males and 22 females, ranging in age from 15 to 56 years (average, 38.2 years). These patients had experienced clinical symptoms due to spondylolysis for between 4 months and 20 years (average, 5.3 years). Of 46 patients, 28 had no spondylolisthesis, 11 had Meyerding grade I vertebral slippage and 7 had grade II. Direct repair of 98 defects was performed on these patients. Twenty-six patients, in whom the disc adjacent to the defect was determined as degenerative by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), simultaneously underwent facet joint fusion; 17 in one segment and 9 in two segments. The average period of follow-up was 50 months (24-92 months). Ninety-four defects achieved bony healing. As a result, 28 patients were graded as having an excellent outcome, 15 good, and 3 fair. Bone grafting in the defects achieves union between the loose lamina and the anterior element of lumbar vertebrae, and reconstructs the anatomic structure and physiologic functions of the lumbar vertebrae. There was no significant difference in outcome between the spondylolytic/spondylolisthetic patients with non-degenerative disc, who were treated with direct repair of defect only, and those with degenerative disc, who additionally underwent a fusion procedure (P > 0.05). The present series demonstrates a satisfactory result and a high rate of bony healing of the pars defect by this operative procedure in patients with lumbar spondylolysis and mild isthmic spondylolisthesis. Preoperative assessment of the disc degeneration with MRI is of great assistance in making the protocol choice of whether to opt for fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-seven consecutive patients treated surgically for nonunited fractures of the odontoid process were reviewed. All patients presented late, exhibiting neurological deficits subsequent to nonunion. Delay in presentation was between 6 and 120 months (mean 32 months) after the original injury, due to missed diagnosis or inappropriate management. Seven patients who were reduced in traction underwent a Gallie atlantoaxial fusion. In the remaining 50 patients who were unreducible, an occipitocervical arthrodesis was performed. They were followed up for a minimum of 2 years, except one who died from postoperative respiratory failure. All patients obtained a solid bony union, including two in whom nonunion occurred following atlantoaxial fusion, and occipitocervical fusion was added as a rescue. Thirty-eight patients achieved excellent neurological recovery, nine still had some disability, five retained their neurological deficits and two reported a deterioration. In two patients, a recurrence in a traumatic episode was experienced long after a resolution. Our findings demonstrate that occipitocervical arthrodesis is preferable for unreducible subluxation or instability of atlantoaxial articulation in nonunion of odontoid fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation are usually regarded as two pathogenetically different conditions, but in the literature lumbar disc herniation in patients with developmental spinal stenosis has been rarely documented. In a clinical retrospective study, 42 lumbar disc herniations with developmental spinal stenosis were reported and analyzed. Discectomy was performed after laminotomy. The patients were followed-up for an average of 4.4 years (range 2-7 years). The preoperative symptoms disappeared completely in 28 patients, in 13 patients some degree of backache remained although their nerve root pain had been relieved, and in 1 patient intermittent claudication reappeared after 6 years resolution of their preoperative pain. We conclude that when developmental spinal stenosis is combined with disc herniation, discectomy through laminotomy rather than laminectomy is usually sufficient for decompression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mal63p is a transcriptional activator for maltose fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have purified it to homogeneity from a yeast strain in which the MAL63 gene is under the control of the GAL1-GAL10 promoter. Purification included fractionation of a whole-cell extract by ion-exchange chromatography, chromatography using both non-specific DNA-affinity (calf thymus), and sequence-specific DNA-affinity chromatography. Mal63p activity was assayed by its binding to a fragment of the MAL61-MAL62 promoter, using both filter-binding and electrophoretic-mobility shift assays. DNase-I footprinting identified a new binding site (site 3) between the two previously known sites (sites 1 and 2). Mal63p is a dimer, and methylation-protection experiments identify the recognition motif as: c/a GC N c/a GC/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This retrospective study aims to investigate the effect of the type of atlantoaxial dislocation due to os odontoideum on the sagittal alignment and balance of the cervical spine after posterior atlantoaxial fusion., Methods: Data of 48 consecutive patients who underwent posterior C1-C2 fusion to treat atlantoaxial dislocation/instability due to os odontoideum were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic variables, namely the T1 slope (T1S), C1-C2 angle, C2-C7 angle, C1-C2 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), C2-C7 SVA, and modified atlas-dens interval (MADI), were measured preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, and at final follow-up. Patients were divided into three groups based on the preoperative MADI. Differences within and between groups in radiographic variables and relationships between the investigated variables were analyzed., Results: The MADI was correlated with the preoperative to postoperative changes in the C1-C2 angle (r = 0.776, P < 0.05) and C2-C7 angle (r = - 0.357, P < 0.05). In the group with anterior atlantoaxial dislocation, the C1-C2 angle and C2-C7 SVA were significantly enlarged at final follow-up (P < 0.05), while the C2-C7 angle was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The changes in C1-C2 angle and C2-C7 angle were opposite between the posterior group and the anterior dislocation group., Conclusion: The direction/type of atlantoaxial subluxation correlates with the changes in lower cervical curvature after atlantoaxial fusion. Patients with atlantoaxial posterior dislocation and atlantoaxial instability are less likely than those with atlantoaxial anterior dislocation to develop loss of lordosis after posterior atlantoaxial fusion., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Scoliosis Research Society.)