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In this paper, we investigate the non-confluence property of a class of stochastic differential equations with Markovian switching driven by fractional Brownian motion with Hurst parameter H ∈ (1 / 2 , 1) . By using the generalized Itô formula and stopping time techniques, we obtain some sufficient conditions ensuring the non-confluence property for the considered equations. Additionally, we present two important corollaries on the non-confluence property by the Poisson equation and M-matrix, respectively, which can verify the non-confluence property more effectively than the general condition. Finally, we provide an example to illustrate the practical usefulness of our theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of neddylation in macrophage polarization during sepsis. A mouse model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). ELISA and Flow cytometry were performed to analyze the generation of pro-inflammatory factors and M1/M2 macrophage polarization, respectively. Western blotting was applied to detect NEDD8-mediated neddylation and glycolysis-related proteins. ECAR method was used to analyze the glycolysis level. HE staining was applied to detect the lung injury. The bacterial load in peritoneal cavity and peripheral blood was determined by counting the colony-forming units. The results showed the upregulated neddylation, M1 polarization and glycolysis of macrophage in patients with sepsis and CLP-challenged mice. NEDD8-mediated Cullin1 neddylation promoted M1 polarization and glycolysis to accelerate inflammation via NF-κB p65 pathway in E.coli-treated Raw264.7 cells. MLN4924 treatment alleviated sepsis by inhibiting neddylation to prevent M1 polarization in CLP-challenged mice. In summary, this study demonstrated that upregulation of NEDD8-mediated Cullin1 neddylation promotes glycolysis and M1 polarization of macrophage via NF-κB p65 pathway, accelerating inflammation in sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conducting scientific drilling on subglacial lakes and obtaining samples of subglacial lake water holds great significance in unraveling the formation and evolution of Antarctic subglacial lakes and early Earth's life forms. Despite various approaches to access and directly sample subglacial water and sediments, clean access and exploration of subglacial lakes remain challenging. To address this concern, Jilin University has developed the RECoverable Autonomous Sonde (RECAS) prototype. This technology enables sampling and in-situ detection of subglacial lake water while being isolated from the surface, thus minimizing the risk of pollution. Laboratory tests, including downward and upward drilling, long-running, remote-control, and cold-environment assessments, were conducted to validate the sonde's principle and functionality. During the 38th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition, CHINARE (2021–2022 season), the RECAS prototype underwent testing on the flank region of Dålk glacier, 10 km from Zhongshan Station in Antarctica. Three boreholes with depths of 200.3, 183.2, and 133.5 m were successfully drilled, with the refrozen meltwater sealing the boreholes during the process. Approximately 600 mL of melted water samples were collected from each hole. Throughout the drilling tests, all systems of the RECAS prototype performed within the expected ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate a class of stochastic Riemann-Liouville type fractional differential equations driven by Lévy noise. By using Itô formula for the considered equation, we attempt to explore the non-confluence property of solution for the considered equation under some appropriate conditions. Our approach is to construct some suitable Lyapunov functions which is novel in exploring the non-confluence property of differential equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript focuses on a class of stochastic functional differential equations driven by time-changed Brownian motion. By utilizing the Lyapunov method, we capture some sufficient conditions to ensure that the solution for the considered equation is η-stable in the pth moment sense. Subsequently, we present some new criteria of the η-stability in mean square by using time-changed Itô formula and proof by contradiction. Finally, we provide some examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of our main results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate a class of stochastic differential equations driven by the time-changed Brownian motion and impulsive stochastic differential equations driven by the time-changed Brownian motion. By establishing some time-changed retarded Gronwall-like inequalities and using the Girsanov transformation argument, we establish the quadratic transportation inequalities for the law of the solution of those equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three kinds of Al-based amorphous coatings were prepared by low-temperature high-velocity oxygen-fuel (LT-HVOF) with high amorphous content (89, 86 and 87%) and low porosity (0.34, 0.43 and 0.35%). The average hardness values of the coatings were 320, 410 and 330 HV0.1, respectively, which were higher than those of 45 steel and general aluminum alloys. Among these coatings, the AlNiCoYLa coating had the highest hardness, which was about 7 times that of the traditional Al coating. In 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, the coatings were electrochemically tested, and the corrosion resistance of the coatings was arranged as: AlNiCoY coating > AlNiCoYLa coating > AlNiCoYLaGd coating. The corrosion resistance of the coating was much higher than that of 45 steel and similar to that of 2024 aluminum alloy. The corrosion resistances of the Al-based amorphous coatings prepared by LT-HVOF were similar to the counterpart prepared by HVAF, and better than that prepared by cold spraying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lectins are natural proteins in animals, plants, and microorganisms and can be divided into 12 families. These lectins play important roles in various environmental stresses. Some polyploid plants show tolerance to environmental stresses and to insect pests. However, the mechanism of stress tolerance is unclear. Tetraploid Robinia pseudoacacia (4×) under salt stress showed higher tolerance than diploid R. pseudoacacia (2×). As lectin can improve stress tolerance, it was questioned whether the stress resistance of polyploid plants was related to the lectin protein. In this study, salt resistance of lectin gene TRpL1 was verified by its over-expression in plants. In addition, salt resistance of lectin protein by E. coli strains was detected. The data revealed that the over-expression transgenic plants of TRpL1 showed better salt tolerance than control plants under salt stress, and the TRpL1-expressing strain also grew better in the medium with added NaCl. Therefore, tetraploid plants can resist salt stress through TRpL1 protein regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to investigate the role of nuclear factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in modification of circadian clock and their relevance to development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Both male wild-type (WT) and Pparα-null (KO) mice treated with high-fat diet (HFD) were used to explore the effect of PPARα and lipid diet on the circadian rhythm. WT, KO, and PPARα-humanized (hPPARα) mice were treated with PPARα agonist fenofibrate to reveal the hPPARα dependence of circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) down-regulation. The mouse model and hepatocyte experiments were designed to verify the action of PPARα in down-regulating CLOCK and lipid accumulation in vivo and in vitro. Strongest NAFLD developed in mice fed 45%HFD, and it was inhibited in WT mice. The activity rhythm of WT mice was found to be different from that of the KO mice on normal diet and HFD. The core circadian factor CLOCK was down-regulated by HFD in both WT and KO mice in the liver, not in the hypothalamus. More interestingly, hepatic CLOCK was down-regulated by basal PPARα and activated PPARα in dose dependence of fenofibrate. Accordingly, CLOCK down-regulation dependent of PPARα activity was involved in inhibition of lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. Down-regulation of hepatic CLOCK by basal PPARα contributes to tolerance against development of NAFLD. Inhibition of CLOCK by activated PPARα is involved in inhibition of NAFLD by PPARα agonists. Key messages: • PPARα inhibited NAFLD development induced by HFD. • PPARα mediated modifications of circadian rhythm and the hepatic circadian factor CLOCK in NAFLD models. • Down-regulation of hepatic CLOCK by basal PPARα contributed to tolerance against development of NAFLD. • Inhibition of CLOCK by activated PPARα was involved in therapeutic actions against fatty liver diseases by PPARα agonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is dedicated to the following Kirchhoff-type problem with Hartree-type nonlinearity: - (ε 2 a + ε b ∫ R 3 | ∇ u | 2 d x) ▵ u + V (x) u = ε μ - 3 K (x) (W μ (x) ∗ | u | p ) | u | p - 2 u , u ∈ H 1 (R 3) , where a , b ≥ 0 are constants, ε > 0 is a parameter, 0 < μ < 3 , p ∈ [ 2 , 6 - μ) , W μ (x) is convolution kernel, V(x) is nonnegative continuous external potential and K (x) ∈ C 1 (R 3) . Under some suitable assumptions on V(x) and K(x), we prove the existence and concentration of a positive ground state solution as ε → 0 via Poho z ˇ aev–Nehari manifold method. If K(x) is a positive constant, as its supplementary results, we also obtain the nonexistence of nontrivial solutions for p ≥ 6 - μ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calmodulin (CaM) plays an essential role in binding calcium ions and mediating the interpretation of Ca2+ signals in plants under various stresses. However, the evolutionary relationship of CaM family proteins in Saccharum has not been elucidated. Objective: To deduce and explore the evolution and function of Saccharum CaM family. Methods: A total of 104 typical CaMs were obtained from Saccharum spontaneum and other 18 plant species. The molecular characteristics and evolution of those CaM proteins were analyzed. A typical CaM gene, ScCaM1, was subsequently cloned from sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid). Its expression patterns in different tissues and under various abiotic stresses were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Then the green fluorescent protein was used to determine the subcellular localization of ScCaM1. Finally, the function of ScCaM1 was evaluated via heterologous yeast expression systems. Results: Three typical CaM members (SsCaM1, SsCaM2, and SsCaM3) were identified from the S. spontaneum genome database. CaMs were originated from the two last common ancestors before the origin of angiosperms. The number of CaM family members did not correlate to the genome size but correlated with allopolyploidization events. The ScCaM1 was more highly expressed in buds and roots than in other tissues. The expression patterns of ScCaM1 suggested that it was involved in responses to various abiotic stresses in sugarcane via different hormonal signaling pathways. Noteworthily, its expression levels appeared relatively stable during the cold exposure in the cold-tolerant variety but significantly suppressed in the cold-susceptible variety. Moreover, the recombinant yeast (Pichia pastoris) overexpressing ScCaM1 grew better than the wild-type yeast strain under cold and oxidative stresses. It was revealed that the ScCaM1 played a positive role in reactive oxygen species scavenging and conferred enhanced cold and oxidative stress tolerance to cells. Conclusion: This study provided comprehensive information on the CaM gene family in Saccharum and would facilitate further investigation of their functional characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CircRNAs are a group of endogenous small noncoding RNAs that are involved in multiple diseases including cancers. At present, the functions of circRNAs in breast cancer need to be further explored. In this study, 3 pairs of breast cancer and paracancer tissues with axillary lymph node metastasis were collected for circRNA high-throughput sequencing. We have identified 17,966 distinct circRNA candidates. Significant differential expressions were found in 136 circRNAs in breast cancer tissues relative to the matched paracancer tissues. We aslo identified differentially expressed 156 miRNAs and 1105 mRNAs in breast cancer tissues and normal breast tissues from public databases. Then we constructed a regulatory ceRNA network. 12 mRNAs were associated with prognosis of breast cancer. We also constructed a circRNAs-mediated subnetwork which might be related to prognosis of breast cancer. This article provides a better understanding of circRNAs-mediated ceRNA regulatory network by which circRNAs compete for endogenous RNAs in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we investigate the following nonlinear Chern–Simons–Schrödinger system - Δ u + V (| x |) u + λ ∫ | x | ∞ h (s) s u 2 (s) d s + h 2 (| x |) | x | 2 u = | u | p - 2 u in R 2 , u (x) = u (| x |) ∈ H 1 (R 2) , where λ > 0 , the Chern–Simons term h (s) = ∫ 0 s r 2 u 2 (r) d r = 1 4 π ∫ B s u 2 (x) d x and V(|x|) is an external potential. Under some suitable conditions on the external potential, we prove the existence of a positive ground state solution for p ∈ (6 , + ∞) via the Pohožaev–Nehari manifold method and the global compactness lemma. The novelty of this works with respect to some recent results is that we establish a key lemma which is analogous to the Br e ´ zis–Lieb convergence lemma. Furthermore, we also prove concentration of these ground state solutions. As its supplementary results, we give the several nonexistence results of nontrivial solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: An autopolyploid-suitable polyBSA-seq strategy was developed for screening candidate genetic markers linked to leaf blight resistance in sugarcane. Due to the complex genome architecture, the quantitative trait loci mappings and linkage marker selections for agronomic traits of autopolyploid crops were mainly limited to the time-consuming and cost intensive construction of genetic maps. To map resistance-linked markers for sugarcane leaf blight (SLB) caused by Stagonosporatainanensis, the autopolyploid-suitable bulk-segregant analysis based on the sequencing (polyBSA-seq) strategy was successfully applied for the first time. Resistant- and susceptible-bulks (R- and S-bulks) constructed from the extreme-phenotypic sugarcane F1 lines of YT93-159 × ROC22 were deep sequenced with 195.0 × for bulks and 74.4 × for parents. Informative single-dose variants (ISDVs) present as one copy in one parent and null in the other parent were detected based on the genome sequence of LA Purple, an autooctoploid Saccharumofficinarum, to screen candidate linkage markers (CLMs). The proportion of the number of short reads harboring ISDVs in the total short reads covering a given genomic position was defined as ISDV index and the ISDVs with indices met the threshold set in this study (0.04–0.14) were selected as CLMs. In total, three resistance- and one susceptibility-related CLMs for SLB resistance were identified by the polyBSA-seq. Among them, two markers on chromosome 10 were less than 300 Kb apart. Furthermore, the RNA-seq was used to calculate the expression level of genes within 1.0 Mb from the aforementioned four CLMs, which demonstrated that twelve genes were differentially expressed between resistant and susceptible clones, including a receptor-like kinase and an ethylene-responsive transcription factor. This is the first reported polyBSA-seq in autopolyploid sugarcane, which specifically tailored for the fast selection of the CLMs and causal genes associated with important agronomic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are concerned with a class of coupled multidimensional stochastic differential equations driven by fractional Brownian motion with Hurst parameter H ∈ (1 / 2 , 1) . Using pathwise approach and based on Perov's fixed point theorem, we prove that the existence and uniqueness of solution for the equations considered under some local Lipschitz conditions. Subsequently, by establishing some priori estimates, we obtain a viability result for the stochastic systems under investigation. The sufficient and necessary condition is also an alternative global existence result for the fractional differential equations with restrictions on the state. Finally, by direct and inverse images for fractional stochastic tangent sets, we establish the deterministic necessary and sufficient conditions which control that the solution for the coupled stochastic systems under investigation evolves in some particular sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach to the exponential stability in mean square of stochastic functional differential equations and neutral stochastic functional differential equations with infinite delay is presented. Consequently, some new criteria for the exponential stability in mean square of the considered equations are obtained. Lastly, some examples are investigated to illustrate the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of early-life adversity (ELA) on dendritic differentiation of striatal neurons were investigated in the dorsal striatum including the dorsomedial striatum and dorsolateral striatum (DMS and DLS, respectively). An animal model of ELA was created by changing the growth environment of newborn mouse pups by giving limited bedding and nesting materials from postnatal day 2 to day 9 (P2–P9). One week after the stress paradigm (P16), the dendritic branches and spines of striatal spiny neurons as well as the synapses represented by postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) in DMS and DLS were stereologically analyzed. Adverse experience in early life selectively affected the spiny neurons in DLS, leading to abundant proximal dendritic branches and an increased number of filopodia-like protrusions, but a reduced number of dendritic spines. The selective effects of stress on neurons in DLS were further identified by reduced expression of PSD-95, including a reduced optical density of PSD-95 immunoreactivity and fewer individual PSD-95 immunoreactive synapses in this region. Notably, stress in early life affected either D1 or D2 dopamine receptor-expressing DLS neurons. These findings suggest that adverse early-life experience delayed the maturation of dendritic spines on neurons in the dorsolateral striatum. Altered dendritic differentiation provoked by stress in early life may contribute critically to the formation of proper neuronal circuits in the dorsal striatum and, therefore, affect striatum-dependent habitual behavior and emotional function later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a set of in-situ Micro-Raman spectroscopy system for autoclave experimental apparatus because of the scientific significance of in-situ Micro-Raman spectroscopy system under the high-pressure hydrothermal condition. We used this system to measure the Raman spectrum of water-fluid and quartz crystal at the temperature ranging from 125 to 420 °C. The signal-to-noise ratio of the Raman signal is good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrasensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) refractive index detection scheme based on weak value amplification is presented. Extremely low refractive index change (9.8 × 10−7 RIU) of sodium chloride solution was readily measurable, with a resolution of 1.3 × 10−7 RIU, a nearly three orders of magnitude increase in sensitivity over conventional SPR index-sensors via intensity interrogation. Preliminary measurement of refractive index change of alcohol solution demonstrated a minimum of 4.0 × 10−6 RIU with a resolution of 3.7 × 10−7 RIU, better than those obtained through wavelength-modulated heterodyne interferometry (with a resolution of 1.5 × 10−6 RIU). The system is highly stable, having a simple and compact configuration, lending to easy and repeatable operation in standard ambient environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane variety regional test and integrated demonstration play an important role in identifying new varieties of high yield, disease resistance and wide adaptability. In this study, 15 SSR primer pairs were used to assess the genetic diversity among 68 sugarcane clones involved in three cycles of national regional tests and four cycles of integrated demonstrations in China. In total, 141 DNA fragments of 100 to 350 bp in length were identified, of which 139 fragments (98.58%) were polymorphic. Clustering analysis of UPGMA algorithm based on the Nei genetic similarity coefficient divided the 68 sugarcane clones into five groups. Group I only had one clone YT00-318 due to its high heterogeneity. Groups II, III, VI and V contained 4, 6, 5 and 52 sugarcane clones, respectively. A small subgroup A in group V was identified at the genetic similarity coefficient 0.890 that contained ROC22, FN07-3206, FN40, GT09-12 and LC07-150. ROC22 was a check variety with wide adaptability, high cane yield, high sugar and several other excellent characteristics; the other four clones might have a high potential of release by sharing the same excellent traits. Principal component analysis showed that the 68 sugarcane clones within quadrants I, II, III and IV showed a high homogeneity, and no series of clones obviously gathered together. The SSR fingerprint information of the 68 sugarcane clones has been drawn into a SSR fingerprint map for the identification of sugarcane clones in Chinese sugarcane breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glacier mass balance (GMB) is an important link between climate and water re-sources and has remarkable regulatory functions in river runoff. To simulate changes of the GMB and to analyze the recharge rates of glacier meltwater to runoff in the Manas River Basin (MRB) during 2000-2016, MOD11C3, TRMM 3B43 and other multi-source remote sensing data were used to drive the degree-day model. The results showed that: (1) the accuracy of the remote sensing meteorological data can be corrected effectively by constructing the temperature and precipitation inversion models, and the characteristics of glacial climate can be finely described through downscaling. The average annual temperature was −7.57 °C and the annual precipitation was 410.71 mm in the glacier area of the MRB. The zone at an altitude of about 4200 m was a severe climate change zone, and above and below that zone, the temperature drop rates were −0.03°C/100 m and −0.57°C/100 m, respectively, while precipitation gradients were −2.66 mm/100 m and 4.89 mm/100 m, respectively. (2) The overall GMB was negative with a cumulative GMB of up to −9811.19 mm w.e. and the average annual GMB fluctuated between −464.85 and −632.19 mm w.e. Besides, the glacier melted slowly during 2000–2002 and 2008-2010, but rapidly for 2002–2008 Sand 2010–2016, while the most serious loss of the glacier occurred in 2005-2009. Moreover, the vertical changes of the GMB increased at 244.83 mm w.e./100 m in the ablation zone but only at 18.77 mm w.e./100 m in the accumulation zone. (3) The intraannual runoff strongly responded to the change of the GMB especially in July and August when the loss of the GMB accounted for 75.4% of the annual loss, and when runoff accounted for 55.1% of the annual total. Due to differences in the annual precipitation and snow meltwater outside the glacier, the interannual glacier meltwater recharge rates fluctuated between 19% and 31%. The recharge rate of glacier meltwater to runoff in the MRB was close to that for other basins in the Tianshan Mountains, which may be used as a basis to confirm the reliability of the estimated GMB results. Furthermore, based on the present findings, it is recommended that the research community pursue studies on the GMB in other alpine river basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly uniform and monodisperse silica-encapsulated Au@Ag multilayered core-shell nanorods (~ 80 nm in length) has been prepared with excellent electrocatalytic properties. Using the Au@Ag@SiO2 nanoassemblies to substantially enhance the sensitivity and the sol-gel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) with imprinted cavities to present special molecular recognition sites, a novel electrochemical sensing platform was rationally designed, fabricated, and tested for efficient theobromine (THB) quantification. The formation of final Au@Ag@SiO2@MIP was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The performance of the Au@Ag@SiO2@MIP modified electrode was evaluated by differential pulse voltammetry with the changes in peak current of hexacyanoferrate redox probe measured at a working potential of 0.2 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode) as determination signal. Under optimal conditions, the quantitation of THB was attained in a broad linear range from 10 nM to 100 μM with a detection limit of 8.0 nM. The selectivity of Au@Ag@SiO2@MIP was examined according to its recognition to THB and the interferents. Finally, the sensing platform was successfully applied to extract and determine THB from food, biological, and environmental samples with acceptable recoveries (92.20–107.1%) and relative standard deviation < 4%. The propsed sensor provides a robust means for monitoring alkaloids in complex matrices and a promising opportunity to develop sensitive and selective electrode materials with good reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free calcium ions are common second messengers in plant cells. The calcineurin B-like protein (CBL) is a special calcium sensor that plays an important role in plant growth and stress response. In this study, we obtained three CBL genes (GenBank accession nos. KX013374, KX013375, and KX013376) from sugarcane variety ROC22. The open reading frames of ScCBL genes ranged from 642 to 678 base pairs in length and encoded polypeptides from 213 to 225 amino acids in length. ScCBL2-1, ScCBL3-1, and ScCBL4 were all located in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm. ScCBL2-1 and ScCBL3-1 expression was up-regulated by treatment with salicylic acid (SA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), polyethylene glycol (PEG), sodium chloride (NaCl), or copper chloride (CuCl2). ScCBL4 expression was down-regulated in response to all of these stresses (abscisic acid (ABA), SA, MeJA, and NaCl) except for H2O2, calcium chloride (CaCl2), PEG, and CuCl2. Expression in Escherichia coli BL21 cells showed that ScCBLs can enhance tolerance to NaCl or copper stress. Overexpression of ScCBLs in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves promoted their resistance to infection with the tobacco pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. The results from the present study facilitate further research regarding ScCBL genes, and in particular, their roles in the response to various stresses in sugarcane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant number of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) develop dementia in addition to cognitive dysfunction and are diagnosed as PD with dementia (PDD). This is characterized by cortical and limbic alpha synuclein (α-syn) accumulation, and high levels of diffuse amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in the striatum and neocortical areas. In this regard, we evaluated the effect of a brain-penetrant, novel multifunctional dopamine D2/D3 agonist, D-520 on the inhibition of Aβ aggregation and disintegration of α-syn and Aβ aggregates in vitro using purified proteins and in a cell culture model that produces intracellular Aβ-induced toxicity. We further evaluated the effect of D-520 in a Drosophila model of Aβ1-42 toxicity. We report that D-520 inhibits the formation of Aβ aggregates in vitro and promotes the disaggregation of both α-syn and Aβ aggregates. Finally, in an in vivo Drosophila model of Aβ1-42 dependent toxicity, D-520 exhibited efficacy by rescuing fly eyes from retinal degeneration caused by Aβ toxicity. Our data indicate the potential therapeutic applicability of D-520 in addressing motor dysfunction and neuroprotection in PD and PDD, as well as attenuating dementia in people with PDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: An Axiom Sugarcane100K SNP array has been designed and successfully utilized to construct the sugarcane genetic map and to identify the QTLs associated with SCYLV resistance. To accelerate genetic studies in sugarcane, an Axiom Sugarcane100K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array was designed and customized in this study. Target enrichment sequencing 300 sugarcane accessions selected from the world collection of sugarcane and related grass species yielded more than four million SNPs, from which a total of 31,449 single-dose (SD) SNPs and 68,648 low-dosage (33,277 SD and 35,371 double dose) SNPs from two datasets, respectively, were selected and tiled on Affymetrix Axiom SNP array. Most of selected SNPs (91.77%) were located within genic regions (12,935 genes), with an average of 7.1 SNPs/gene according to sorghum gene models. This array was used to genotype 469 sugarcane clones, including one F1 population derived from the cross between Green German and IND81-146, one selfing population derived from CP80-1827, and 11 diverse sugarcane accessions as controls. Results of genotyping revealed a high polymorphic SNP rate (77.04%) among the 469 samples. Three linkage maps were constructed by using SD SNP markers, including a genetic map for Green German with 3482 SD SNP markers spanning 3336 cM, a map for IND81-146 with 1513 SD SNP markers spanning 2615 cM, and a map for CP80-1827 with 536 SD SNP markers spanning 3651 cM. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis identified 18 QTLs controlling Sugarcane yellow leaf virus resistance segregating in the two mapping populations, harboring 27 disease-resistant genes. This study demonstrated the successful development and utilization of a SNP array as an efficient genetic tool for high-throughput genotyping in highly polyploid sugarcane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane mosaic disease poses a serious threat to the sugarcane industry. Many studies have aimed to unravel the molecular mechanism related to sugarcane and mosaic virus interaction. Quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR in combination with suitable internal reference genes has been widely used for gene expression analysis. In this study, the expression of 33 candidate reference genes and 12 candidate reference miRNAs was analyzed for first time in the leaf samples of three sugarcane genotype infected with Sorghum mosaic virus using the geNorm, NormFinder and deltaCt (deltaCq) algorithms. A comparison of the expression of eIF-4E and three virus-derived siRNA (vsiR9230S, vsiR9058A and miR16) with the normalized unstable and stable reference genes or miRNA indicated that PP2A and miR159 constituted the best single reference gene/miRNA under SrMV infection. We also suggested that both CUL + CAC and miR171+ miR1520 could serve as the most suitable reference gene/miRNA combination. The use of reliable reference genes and miRNAs should improve the accuracy of gene expression analysis in sugarcane leaves under SrMV stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are concerned with a class of neutral stochastic functional differential equations driven by fractional Brownian motion (fBm) in the Hilbert space. We obtain the global attracting sets of this kind of equations driven by fBm with Hurst parameter ћ ∈ (0, 1/2). Especially, some sufficient conditions which ensure the exponential decay in the p-th moment of the mild solution of the considered equations are obtained. In the end, one example is given to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of results obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosaic disease is a major viral disease that severely compromises sugar content and cane production. Among mosaic disease pathogens, Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV) is the most prevalent one. To better understand the interaction mechanism between sugarcane and SrMV, samples of SrMV-infected and virus-free leaves of sugarcane cultivar ROC22 were deep sequenced and the sequencing data was confirmed by qRT-PCR. In total, 89,338 unigenes, 481 differentially expressed unigenes and 51 homologous sequences of Potyvirus host interactor (PHI) genes were obtained. The RNA-seq data implied that, the increase of SrMV replication from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to chloroplast led to chloroplasts damage, following the initiation of differential expression of genes related to Ca2 +, ROS, cytokinin, auxin, and ethylene signaling, and also the transcription of some defense related genes. Among 51 PHIs, the upregulation of a calmodulin-related protein gene and an ethylene-inducible transcription factor gene in two SrMV-resistant and two SrMV-susceptible sugarcane cultivars under SrMV infection suggests that these two genes could be used as potential gene knockout targets for creating SrMV incompatible germplasm. Besides, based on its inverse expression pattern in the SrMV-resistant and -susceptible sugarcane cultivars, genes encoding heat shock protein 70, chloroplastic rieske Fe/S protein, reticulon homology domain protein and salicylic acid binding protein 3 might be used as the potential markers for identifying the resistance or susceptibility of sugarcane materials to SrMV. This study should help to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying SrMV-resistance of sugarcane cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ras-like nuclear GTP-binding protein (Ran) is known as a molecular switch and plays an important role in eukaryotic metabolism. In this study, a differentially expressed EST sequence from our previous suppression subtractive hybridization libraries of sugarcane under Sporisirium scitamineum infection was used as the probe, and an 836-bp-long sugarcane Ran gene (ScRan) was cloned from sugarcane smut-resistant genotype YC05-179. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the ScRan gene contained a 666-bp-long complete open-reading frame, encoding a stable 25-kDa acidic protein with four core domains GDGGTGKT (I), DTAG (II), NKVD (III), and EISAK (IV), and without the signal peptide. The inducing expression results of ScRan in Escherichia coli showed that the molecular weight of ScRan was about 20-35 kDa. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis indicated that ScRan protein was conservative in evolution. ScRan protein was located in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm and could interact with sugarcane Sc14-3-3 protein (GenBank Acc. No.: AY222859). qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression of ScRan was higher in root than all the other sugarcane tissues including bud, leaf sheath, stem pith, and epidermis. The upregulation of ScRan in case of abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), and methyl jasmonic acid (MeJA) stimuli indicated its positive involvement in sugarcane responses to phytohormone ABA, SA, and MeJA signaling. ScRan was positively responded to S. scitamineum infection in the early stage but was inhibited in the later stage. These results would facilitate understanding the important role of the ScRan gene in sugarcane defense against various hormone stresses and S. scitamineum stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the important scientific significance of the interaction between alkaline feldspar and high-temperature and high-pressure fluids. We have conducted a series of autoclave experiments of feldspar dissolution and secondary mineral precipitation in conditions of 250-500 °C, 8-50 MPa, and pH = 3.0 and 5.5. Based on the interaction experiments between alkaline feldspar and fluid of high-temperatures and high-pressures, we get the main results as follows: (1) The law that people have grasped below the critical point about the influence of temperature, pressure, and pH value on the alkaline feldspar dissolution behavior is still held above the critical point. (2) Due to the experimental techniques of autoclave flip 180°-sharp quenching and based on electron microprobe analysis of mineral new formed, theoretical analysis has determined that the new altered minerals distributed on the island dissolution surface of feldspar are products of precipitation on a feldspar surface after saturation of the relative ion concentration in water fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediator complex, is an essential component of the RNA polymerase II general transcriptional machinery in eukaryotes. Mediator subunit 7 (MED7), a key subunit in the central module of this complex, plays an important role in gene transcriptional regulation. The present study isolated the full-length cDNA of the MED7 gene of sugarcane, hereby designated as ScMED7, which was characterized to harbor a 525-bp open reading frame that is predicted to encode a 174-amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 19.9 kDa and was localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm. ScMED7 contains one typical conserved domain of MED7 proteins and shares 98% homology with that from Sorghum bicolor (XP_002447862.1). ScMED7 was constitutively expressed, yet significantly higher in bud tissues. ScMED7 transcription was obviously induced by heavy metal (CdCl), low temperature (4 °C), and hormone (SA and MeJA) treatments, while inhibited by osmotic stresses of NaCl and PEG. The role of ScMED7 in plant immunity was demonstrated by transient overexpression in tobacco, which in turn induces the expression of six out of nine defense-related marker genes, including all the three hypersensitive response genes. The responses of defense-related marker genes in the mock and in the ScMED7 transiently overexpressed leaves challenged by pathogenic Pseudomonas solanacearum and Fusarium solani var. coeruleum suggest that ScMED7 acts as a negative regulator during pathogen infections, whereas only fungal infection was clearly phenotypically expressed. In sum, ScMED7 plays an important role in modulating sugarcane responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and may have dual roles in hypersensitive responses and basal defense against pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: A pathogenesis-related gene, ScPR10 , was isolated from sugarcane and its bio-function was characterized, demonstrating that ScPR10 was involved in plant defense responses to Sporisorium scitamineum , SrMV, SA, and MeJA stresses. Abstract: Plant fungal and viral diseases are the major concerns in sugarcane industry. Many anti-fungal and antivirus components, including pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, have been identified. The pathogenesis-related protein 10 (PR10) is the dominant group in PR families, involved in the plant defense mechanism. In this study, ScPR10 (GenBank Acc. No. KT887884), a 701-bp-length PR10 gene with a 483 bp-length open reading frame, was isolated from sugarcane. Its transient expression in the leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana indicated that the function role of ScPR10 is likely in the nucleus, and it increased the level of HO accumulation in leaf cells. Moreover, ScPR10 could also enhance the resistance of N. benthamiana leaves to infection by Pseudomonas solanacearum and Fusarium solani var. coeruleum. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that ScPR10 was not constitutively expressed in sugarcane tissues due to its high expression in the buds and scant presence in root tips. In addition, the transcript of ScPR10 could be induced by a pathogenic fungus ( Sporisorium scitamineum) and a virus ( Sorghum mosaic virus, SrMV) in the resistant sugarcane cultivars, while it was down-regulated in the susceptible ones. After exposure to salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), ScPR10 peaked at 6 and 12 h, respectively. These results suggest that ScPR10 can play a positive role in sugarcane defense responses to S. scitamineum, SrMV, SA, and MeJA stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we are concerned with a class of second-order neutral stochastic functional differential equations driven by a fractional Brownian motion with Hurst parameter $1/2<\hbar <1$ on the Hilbert space. By combining some stochastic analysis theory and new integral inequality techniques, we identify the global attracting sets of the equations under investigation. Some sufficient conditions ensuring the exponential decay of mild solutions in the pth moment to the stochastic systems are obtained. Last, an example is presented to illustrate our theory in the work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is trying to examine the changes between rational and irrational charitable donation of Chinese listed corporations under the background that an increasing number of Chinese listed corporations register charity foundations in recent years. Considering corporate income tax ratio as a proxy for tax preference, whether products are exposed to consumers directly or indirectly, as well as gross profit margin, debt financing scale and debt maturity structure as proxies for the reputation effect and strategic advantage, the indicators of rational charitable donation consist of the five factors mentioned above; The indicator of irrational charitable donation is disposal accrued profits calculated by Extended Jones Model. By the regression of data of charitable donations from Chinese A listed corporations during the year from 2008 to 2013, findings show that the behavior of rational charitable donation is weakened gradually, while, in contrast, the irrational charitable donation is strengthened. The listed corporations have strong motivation to transfer profits through registering and establishing charity foundations, which is a new tendency of transferring interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (NsLTPs) are soluble, small, basic proteins in plant, which have been reported to be involved in plant physiological functions such as the catalyzing transfer of phospholipids and play an important role in plant defense and stress responses. In this study, a member of NsLTP family gene ( ScNsLTP, Acc. No. KR259657) was isolated from a full-length cDNA library of sugarcane stalk. The cDNA of ScNsLTP was 671 bp long and contained a 312 bp open reading frame (ORF), which can encode a protein of 103 amino acid residues with molecular weight of 10.66 kDa. The ScNsLTP transcript levels in sugarcane seedlings decreased in response to SA, whereas it increased under MeJA treatment, suggesting an antagonistic regulatory mechanism between the signaling molecules of SA and MeJA. The transcript levels of ScNsLTP were obviously up-regulated under chilling and PEG stresses, implying that the ScNsLTP gene was involved in response to abiotic stresses and playing a positive role in adaption to low temperature and drought stresses. These results provide important information for further functional studies of plant NsLTPs gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residence times and connectivity are computed for 12 subregions in an urban man-made lake in China using a high-resolution tracer-transport model. The renewal timescales are explicitly defined and computed for two groups of four freshwater inflow scenarios related to water diversion projects. First, the timescale values are computed and compared using different computational criteria for the upper limit of integration in the residence time equation. The sensitivity analysis suggests that a calculation time of 300 days is necessary to satisfy the relative error (0.001) and 5 % cutoff value criteria. Secondly, the residence times can range from 1.5 to 102 and 1.0 to 66 days under low and high flow conditions, respectively. Water in the inner lake would reside in the lake for less than 66 days prior to exiting the region of interest. The timescale values can be applied to impact studies that investigate the extent of sudden water pollution events that initially affect a subdomain of a lake. Finally, the lacustrine residence times are decomposed into the different subregion residence times, resulting in a connectivity matrix. This matrix can illustrate preferential connections among the individual subregions and reveal hidden patterns relating to local hydrodynamics in the lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the following Schrödinger-Kirchhoff-type equations: where $a, b,\mu>0$ are constants, $2^{*}=6$ is the critical Sobolev exponent in three spatial dimensions. Under appropriate assumptions on nonnegative functions $k(x)$ and $h(x)$, we establish the existence of positive and sign-changing solutions by variational methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) binds to group A Streptococcus (GAS) through Sc11 protein, and scavenger receptor CD36 of monocyte mediates the endocytosis of native or modified LDL. Therefore, we hypothesized that LDL might be an opsonin enhancing the phagocytosis of LDL-bound GAS by monocyte. The results showed that LDL could significantly promote U937 cell to phagocytose M28 (ATCC BAA1064) and M41 (ATCC 12373, AM41)-type GAS, and the phagocytosis rates were significantly increased, compared with LDL-free group. LDL, however, did not enhance the phagocytosis of M41 (CMCC 32198, CM41) or M6 (ATCC BAA946)-type GAS since these two strains did not bind to LDL. CD36 was the major scavenger receptor mediating the uptake of LDL-bound GAS by monocyte U937 cells since anti-CD36 antibody abolished the phagocytosis of LDL-opsonized GAS but anti-CD4 antibody did not. Most of AM41-type GAS cells were killed in human blood, whereas only a few CM41-type cells were phagocytosed. Moreover, recombinant Scl1 (rScl1) derived from M41-type GAS could significantly decrease the opsonophagocytosis of AM41 but not CM41-type GAS because the rScl1 competitively blocked the binding of AM41-type GAS to LDL. Therefore, our findings suggest that LDL may be an opsonin to enhance CD36-dependent opsonic phagocytosis of GAS by monocyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress has been strongly implicated in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Depletion of cytoplasmic glutathione levels is one of the indications of oxidative stress, which occur in the substantia nigra of PD patients at an early stage of the disease process. It has been shown that glutathione depletion causes the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, thus affecting mitochondrial function leading to oxidative stress via production of reactive oxygen species. Studies were carried out to investigate the role of D-512, a potent multifunctional neuroprotective D2/D3 receptor agonist, in protecting dopaminergic PC12 cells treated with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of key enzyme in glutathione synthesis and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a widely used neurotoxin. D-512 was able to restore level of glutathione against BSO/6-OHDA-mediated glutathione depletion. D-512 also showed significant neuroprotection in PC12 cells against toxicity induced by combined treatment of BSO and 6-OHDA. Furthermore, D-512 was able to restore both phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phospho-Jun N-terminal kinase levels upon treatment with 6-OHDA providing an evidence on the possible mechanism of action for neuroprotection by modulating mitogen-activated protein kinases. We have further demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of D-512 against oxidative insult produced by BSO and 6-OHDA in PC12 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the potential effects of climate change on water quality in a shallow reservoir in China, the field data analysis method is applied to data collected over a given monitoring period. Nine water quality parameters (water temperature, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand and dissolved oxygen) and three climate indicators for 20 years (1992-2011) are considered. The annual trends exhibit significant trends with respect to certain water quality and climate parameters. Five parameters exhibit significant seasonality differences in the monthly means between the two decades (1992-2001 and 2002-2011) of the monitoring period. Non-parametric regression of the statistical analyses is performed to explore potential key climate drivers of water quality in the reservoir. The results indicate that seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall may have positive impacts on water quality. However, an extremely cold spring and high wind speed are likely to affect the self-stabilising equilibrium states of the reservoir, which requires attention in the future. The results suggest that land use changes have important impact on nitrogen load. This study provides useful information regarding the potential effects of climate change on water quality in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: The structure of petals and volatile compounds from fresh Styrax tonkinensis cut flowers were investigated by using micro-techniques and a headspace solid-phase micro-extraction technique coupled with GC-MS. Abstract: Styrax tonkinensis is a fast-growing woody plant that is used for timber and as a medicinal plant. In the present study, the structures of the flower petals of S. tonkinensis were investigated and volatile compounds emitted from the petals were identified. Light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to describe petal structure. The volatile constituents were analyzed using a headspace GC-MS technique. Results indicated that glandular hairs and 8-9 layers of parenchyma cells in the cream-white petals play a key role in emitting the fragrance. An analysis of the volatile components emitted by the cut flowers of S. tonkinensis at two stages of flower development (prior to and at anthesis) indicated that monoterpenes, such as 1,3,6-octatriene, 3,7-dimethyl-( Z), and α-pinene, were the most abundant volatile components in all samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxia is a widespread phenomenon present in many human solid tumors and is associated with a poor prognosis and therapy resistance. Here, we tested the feasibility of melittin, a major component of bee venom, on radiosensitization of hypoxic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). CNE-2 and KB cells were treated with melittin and radiation response was determined. Cell viability, cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction were examined by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry. Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins were assessed using western blotting. Additionally, we also examined the effect of melittin on tumor growth and radiosensitivity in vivo using a xenograft model of HNSCC. Treatment with melittin resulted in cell growth inhibition, induction of cell apoptosis, and reduction of HIF-1α and VEGF expression, which has been linked to hypoxia cell radioresistance. In addition, intraperitoneal injection of melittin significantly reduced the growth of HNSCC tumors in CNE-2 tumor-bearing mice. These data suggest that melittin enhances radiosensitivity of HNSCC under hypoxia condition, and this is associated with the suppression of HIF-1α expression. Melittin appears to be a potential radiotherapy sensitization agent due to its significant antihypoxia activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy is the main therapy for inoperable and locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, radioresistance in ESCC remains a challenge. The aim of this study is to investigate the radiosensitizing effects of STAT3 inhibitor NSC74859 on ESCC and explore the underlying mechanisms. ECA109 and TE13 cells were exposed to hypoxia, and treated with NSC74859 or radiation, alone or in combination. Cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, and double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) were examined. Nude mice model of ECA109 xenograft was treated with radiation and/or NSC74859. The levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, HIF-1α, and VEGF were detected by Western blot analysis. NSC74859 efficiently radiosensitized ESCC cells and xenografts in nude mice, and inhibited hypoxia-/radiation-induced activation of STAT3 and upregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF expression. NSC74859 confers radiosensitivity in ESCC via the inhibition of STAT3 activation and the downregulation of HIF-1α and VEGF expression. NSC74859 may become a promising radiosensitizer for ESCC radiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is primarily treated by chemoradiotherapy. However, the outcome has not improved significantly because of radioresistance of cancer cells. This study aimed to determine the radiosensitizing effect of melittin, a novel component of bee venom, in ESCC. ESCC cell lines were irradiated with or without melittin. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit 8 assay. Radiosensitization was evaluated by clonogenic survival assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Results show that melittin potently sensitized ESCC cells to radiation with a sensitization enhancement ratio of 1.15-1.42. Radiosensitization was accompanied with enhanced apoptosis and regulated by apoptosis proteins. The results were confirmed by in vivo studies on tumor-bearing xenografts. In summary, these results provide support that melittin may be a potentially promising radiosensitizer in ESCC radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is primarily treated by chemoradiotherapy. However, the outcome has not improved significantly due to radioresistance of cancer cells. This study aimed to determine the radiosensitizing effect of LCL161, a novel second mitochondrial-derived activator of caspase (Smac) mimetic, in ESCC cells. ESCC cell lines were treated with LCL161 or radiation, alone or in combination. Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay. Radiosensitization was evaluated by clonogenic survival assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that LCL161 potently sensitized ESCC cells to radiation with a sensitization enhancement ratio of 1.4-2.0. LCL161 increased radiation-induced DNA double-stranded breaks and promoted the apoptosis of ESCC cells, which could be abrogated by a pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-FMK. Furthermore, LCL161 decreased the level of cIAP1 in ESCC cells in a dose-dependent manner and synthesized with irradiation to promote the activation of caspase 8 and the upregulation of TNFα expression in ESCC cells. In conclusion, LCL161 acts as a strong radiosensitizer in human esophageal cancer cells by inhibiting the expression of cIAP1 and promoting the activation of caspase 8, leading to enhanced apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A growing body of evidence has shown the possible relevance of survivin -31G>C (rs9904341) promoter polymorphism to the genetic susceptibility of cancer. Because of the lack of available conclusive data, we performed a meta-analysis of all relevant available studies to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of Medline electronic database was conducted to collect relevant studies until August 18, 2013. References of the retrieved articles were also screened. The extracted data were statistically analyzed, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the association strength using Stata version 11.2 software. Results: A total of 29 studies with 7,473 cancer cases and 9,086 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the pooled analysis revealed that suvivin -31G>C polymorphism was significantly associated with increased cancer risk under multiple genetic models (CC vs. GG: OR = 1.37, 95 % CI 1.06-1.76; CC vs. CG: OR = 1.27, 95 % CI = 1.10-1.46; CC vs. CG + GG: OR = 1.31, 95 % CI = 1.10-1.57). In subgroup analysis with different cancer types, the -31G>C polymorphism significantly increased the risk of colorectal, gastric, and urothelial cancers, while this SNP remarkably decreased the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma. Further stratification analysis by ethnicity showed an increasing cancer risk in the Asian population (CC vs. GG: OR = 1.61, 95 % CI 1.17-2.21; CC vs. CG: OR = 1.31, 95 % CI 1.12-1.53; CC vs. CG + GG: OR = 1.43, 95 % CI 1.16-1.77) but not in Europeans. Conclusions: The survivin -31G>C polymorphism is associated with elevated cancer risk, especially among colorectal, gastric, and urothelial cancers and Asian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]