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Supplementary Figure 1 from RASSF1A Polymorphism A133S Is Associated with Early Onset Breast Cancer in BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers

The tumor suppressor gene RASSF1A regulates cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and microtubule stability and is inactivated by promoter methylation in ∼50% of breast cancers. It has been shown previously that the polymorphism A133S in RASSF1A reduces its ability to regulate cell cycle progression and this polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. We analyzed the frequency of RASSF1A A133S in 190 Caucasian women without breast cancer and 653 patients with breast cancer including 138 BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) mutation carriers, 395 non–BRCA1/2 mutations carriers, and 120 untested for BRCA1/2 mutations. Patients with breast cancer had a higher frequency of A133S than the controls [P = 0.017; odds ratios (OR), 1.71; 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), 1.10–2.66]. There is also a higher frequency of A133S in patients with higher familial breast cancer risk (P = 0.029; OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.06–2.92) and patients carrying BRCA1/2 mutations (P = 0.037, OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.04–3.18). Importantly, we found that the co-occurrence of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and A133S in RASSF1A was associated with earlier onset of breast cancer compared with those individuals with either a BRCA1/2 mutation or the A133S polymorphism alone (36.0 versus 42.0 years old, P = 0.002). Our data suggest that the presence of the RASSF1A A133S polymorphism is associated with breast cancer pathogenesis in general and modifies breast cancer age of onset in BRCA1/2 mutations carriers. Our results warrant a large-scale study to examine the effect of the A133S polymorphism in the development of breast and other types of cancers. [Cancer Res 2008;68(1):22–5]

Genetic variation in UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 gene (UGT1A1) is a lithogenic risk factor for gallstone formation. This study aimed to assess genotype and allele frequencies of common UGT1A1 variants in patients with gallstone and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatic failure. This study enrolled 113 healthy individuals (CTRL), 54 patients with HBV infection (HBV), 134 patients with gallstone-free hepatic failure and HBV infection, and 34 patients with gallstone-related hepatic failure and HBV infection (GRHF). Peripheral venous blood samples were collected for genomic DNA isolation. Polymerase chain reaction amplification was carried out for UGT1A1, followed by direct sequencing. Analysis for genotype and allele frequencies of UGT1A1 variants (UGT1A1*6, UGT1A1*27, UGT1A1*28, and UGT1A1*60) was performed. The allele distributions of the four groups did not deviate from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Allele (A) and genotype (CA) frequency distributions of UGT1A1*27 were significantly different between GRHF and CTRL, or between GRHF and HBV. GRHF and CTRL exhibited significant differences in allele (A) and genotype (CA) frequency distributions of UGT1A1*28. Linkage disequilibrium analysis suggested that haplotype G-G-[TA]7-T may be associated with gallstone in HBV-related hepatic failure. Our data reveal that UGT1A1*27 and UGT1A1*28 variants are significantly observed in patients with GRHF compared to healthy individuals.

A 69 years old Chinese female patient presented with independent HPV serous carcinoma uterine cervix. The genetic testing identified gene variants of PAX8 and TP53, microsatellite instability stable, TMB 7.33Muts/Mb. The patient had a good response to Docetaxel, carboplatin, and radiation with 18 months of free disease survival.

Background Radial artery occlusion is a common complication after coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention via the transradial access. In recent years, coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention via the distal transradial access has gradually emerged, but recanalization of the occluded radial artery through the distal transradial access has rarely been reported. Case presentation A 67-year-old female with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus was admitted to the hospital due to chest pain for three hours. She was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. After admission, the patient successfully underwent emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention through the right transradial access. Radial artery occlusion was found after the operation, and recanalization was successfully performed through the right distal transradial access before discharge. Immediately after the operation and one month later, vascular ultrasonography showed that the antegrade flow was normal. Conclusions This report presents a case of radial artery occlusion after emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention in which recanalization was successfully performed through the right distal transradial access. This case demonstrates that recanalization of a radial artery occlusion via the distal transradial access is safe and feasible.

The objective of this study was to compare the energy values of high-fiber dietary ingredients with different solubility (sugar beet pulp [SBP] and defatted rice bran [DFRB]) in growing pigs using the difference and the regression methods. A total of 21 barrows (initial BW, 40.5 ± 1.2 kg) were assigned to 3 blocks with BW as a blocking factor, and each block was assigned to a 7 × 2 incomplete Latin square design with 7 diets and two 13-d experimental periods. The 7 experimental diets consisted of a corn-soybean meal basal diet and 6 additional diets containing 10%, 20%, or 30% SBP or DFRB in the basal diet, respectively. Each of the experimental periods lasted 12 d, with a 7 d dietary adaptation period followed by 5-d total fecal and urine collection. Results showed that the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) of the SBP determined by the difference method with different inclusion levels (10%, 20%, or 30%) were 2,712 and 2,628 kcal/kg, 2,683 and 2,580 kcal/kg, and 2,643 and 2,554 kcal/kg DM basis, respectively. The DE and ME in the DFRB evaluated by the difference method with 3 different inclusion levels were 2,407 and 2,243 kcal/kg, 2,687 and 2,598 kcal/kg, and 2,630 and 2,544 kcal/kg DM basis, respectively. Different inclusion levels had no effects on the energy values of each test ingredient estimated by the difference method. The DE and ME of the SBP and the DFRB estimated by the regression method were 2,562 and 2,472 kcal/kg and 2,685 and 2,606 kcal/kg DM basis, respectively. The energy values of each ingredient determined by the regression method were similar to the values estimated by the difference method with the 20% or 30% inclusion level. However, the energy values of the SBP and DFRB estimated by the difference method with the 10% inclusion level were inconsistent with the values determined by the regression method (P

The objectives of this study were to test whether the time-based total fecal collection (TC) method or the index method (IM) using acid-insoluble ash could obtain similar energy values as the reference (RF) method (TC method with marker-to-marker collection procedure) for growing pigs fed fiber-rich ingredients with different solubility. A total of 24 barrows (initial body weight, 33.3 ± 3.4 kg) were assigned to 4 diets and each diet was fed to 6 pigs. Experimental diets included a corn-soybean meal basal diet and 3 fiber-rich diets which were formulated by replacing corn, soybean meal, and soybean oil in the basal diet with 200 g/kg defatted rice bran (DFRB), soybean hulls (SBH), and sugar beet pulp (SBP), respectively. All diets were formulated to contain 10 g/kg celite as a source of acid-insoluble ash to estimate the energy values by the IM method. Each group of pigs was adapted to diets and crates for 7 d, then followed by 5-d feces and urine collections using the time-based procedure and 5-d feces collection using the marker-to-marker procedure, then the same portion of fecal sample collected by the time-based TC method and the RF method for individual pigs were composited into a sample for the IM method. The results showed that the energy values and nutrients digestibility coefficients of each diet estimated by the time-based TC method agreed with the values estimated by the RF method; the IM method with acid-insoluble ash underestimated the energy values and nutrients digestibility coefficients of the SBH diet and the SBP diet compared with the RF method (P

BACKGROUND: BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the two principal tumour suppressor genes associated with inherited high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Genetic testing of BRCA1/2 will often reveal one or more sequence variants of uncertain clinical significance, some of which may affect normal splicing patterns and thereby disrupt gene function. mRNA analyses are therefore among the tests used to interpret the clinical significance of some genetic variants. However, these could be confounded by the appearance of naturally occurring alternative transcripts unrelated to germline sequence variation or defects in gene function. To understand which novel splicing events are associated with splicing mutations and which are part of the normal BRCA2 splicing repertoire, a study was undertaken by members of the Evidence-based Network for the Interpretation of Germline Mutant Alleles (ENIGMA) consortium to characterise the spectrum of naturally occurring BRCA2 mRNA alternate-splicing events.METHODS: mRNA was prepared from several blood and breast tissue-derived cells and cell lines by contributing ENIGMA laboratories. cDNA representing BRCA2 alternate splice sites was amplified and visualised using capillary or agarose gel electrophoresis, followed by sequencing.RESULTS: We demonstrate the existence of 24 different BRCA2 mRNA alternate-splicing events in lymphoblastoid cell lines and both breast cancer and non-cancerous breast cell lines.CONCLUSIONS: These naturally occurring alternate-splicing events contribute to the array of cDNA fragments that may be seen in assays for mutation-associated splicing defects. Caution must be observed in assigning alternate-splicing events to potential splicing mutations.

This study describes a proof-of-concept for a compact real-time surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-online sensing approach for detection of biofouling in drinking water membrane filtration. In this study we created a custom-designed flow-cell that mimics a cross-flow membrane filtration system. This enables one to measure changes in surface-foulants, such as Brevundimonas dimiuta (BD) bacteria and adenine, under conditions that are similar to conventional membrane filtration systems. For measurements we used a common portable Raman-spectrometer with a laboratory Raman-probe in combination with a specially developed gold nanoparticle (Au NP) SERS-sensing area on filter-membranes. This allowed real-time detection of low concentrations of surface-foulants immediately after inoculation into an ultra-pure water reservoir under pressure-driven filtration conditions. We compared these online results with static measurements from an offline, sample-taking approach, using a confocal Raman-laboratory-microscope. The developed Au NP SERS-sensing-area on the membranes proved to be stable over a long period of surface fouling investigations and to suppress the strong interfering Raman-signal originating from the composition layer of most filtration membranes.

Elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk has been renewed interested in recent years. However, the association between Lp(a) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) risk in patients with normal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels has yet to been established. A hospital-based observational study including 558 AMI patients and 1959 controls was conducted. Lp(a) level was significantly higher in AMI patients with normal LDL-C levels than that in non-CAD group (median: 134.5 mg/l vs 108 mg/l, P

The effect of current mismatch on IV performance of photovoltaic (PV) module is analyzed. Based on the current mismatch theory of solar cell and the series and parallel relation of each cell in the photovoltaic module, the influence analysis program of the current mismatch caused by the irradiance non-uniformity and the response difference of the solar cells in the PV module is established. The experimental and theoretical verification of the IV curve and the PV curve of a photovoltaic module under different shielding conditions have been carried out. It is found that the theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The influence of irradiance non-uniformity on the measurement of optoelectronic parameters of photovoltaic modules under the conditions of different position of reference solar cell is analyzed. Through theoretical calculation, it is found that in order to reduce the influence of the current mismatch of solar cells on the photoelectric performance test of the photovoltaic module, the difference of solar cells in the PV module and the irradiance non-uniformity of the sunlight simulator should both be reduced, and the irradiance intensity at the standard solar cell position should be consistent with the average irradiance intensity of the test area.

Various kinds of photo-detectors based on different materials have been successfully developed to expand the horizon of human eye. Spectral responsivity is the most important technical parameter for photo-detectors, which can mirror the converting ability of optical signal to electric current. Its measurement accuracy is critical for the development and research of photo-detecting field. In this paper, we will introduce the facility for photo-detector’s spectral responsivity calibration in the wavelength range of 300 nm to 1000 nm, built in National Institute of Metrology (NIM), China. Measurement uncertainty is analyzed at the wavelength 500 nm as an example. By adopting comparison method, choosing reference detectors with known standard value and traceable to SI units through upper level standards, we demonstrated a reliable measurement procedure for absolute spectral responsivity of photo-detectors.

The high efficiency solar cells usually have high capacitance characteristic, so the measurement of their photoelectric performance usually requires long pulse width and long sweep time. The effects of irradiance non-uniformity, probe shielding and spectral mismatch on the IV curve measurement are analyzed experimentally. A compensation method for irradiance loss caused by probe shielding is proposed, and the accurate measurement of the irradiance intensity in the IV curve measurement process of solar cell is realized. Based on the characteristics that the open circuit voltage of solar cell is sensitive to the junction temperature, an accurate measurement method of the temperature of solar cell under continuous irradiation condition is proposed. Finally, a measurement method with the characteristic of high accuracy and wide application range for high capacitance solar cell is presented.

Background Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) plays an important role in the pathogenesis and maintenance of essential hypertension (EH). It has been suggested that polymorphisms of PPARG are associated with the risk of EH. However, findings to date remain controversial. To elucidate the associations between the PPARG Pro12Ala and C161T polymorphisms and EH risk, a meta-analysis was carried out. Methods A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP and Wanfang databases was conducted. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to estimate the size of the effect using the random-effects model. At the same time, the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI was used for the meta-analysis of the PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism and blood pressure. Results Finally, Fifteen papers (seventeen studies) including 4,151 cases and 4,997 controls to evaluate the association of the PPARGPro12Ala polymorphism and EH risk, were included in this study. Overall, the results suggested that Ala allele was associated with the decreased EH risk (for allelic model, OR = 0.757, 95%CI: 0.624-0.918, P = 0.005; for dominant model, OR = 0.771, 95%CI: 0.627-0.946, P = 0.013). The subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity showed that the significant association between the PPARG Pro12Ala polymorphism and EH was only detected in the Asian subgroup. There was no difference in blood pressure values between Ala carriers and non-carriers. For the C161T polymorphism, only 5 studies comprising 1,118 cases and 1,357 controls met the inclusion criteria. The overall results showed that the PPARG C161T polymorphism was not associated with the risk of EH. But in the subgroup analysis, we found that the PPARG C161T polymorphism significantly associated with the risk of EH in the Asian subgroup (for allelic model, OR = 0.719, 95% CI: 0.537-0.963, P = 0.027; for dominant model, OR = 0.653, 95% CI: 0.439-0.972, P = 0.036). Conclusion Our meta-analysis suggested that the PPARG polymorphisms might be associated with the risk of EH.

Epidemiologic studies have been performed to explore the relationship between MCP-1 polymorphism and ischemic heart disease (IHD) and ischemic stroke (IS). But, the results are not consistent. Because of the poor effect of each individual study, we’ve performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis. A comprehensive search was carried out from PubMed, Embase, Foreign Medical Journal Service (FMJS), China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang Data. Odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the strength of associations between the MCP-1 A-2518G polymorphism (rs1024611) and IHD and IS susceptibilities. The pooled OR was calculated by the allelic model (G vs A), the additive model (GG vs AA), the dominant model (GG+GA vs AA) and the recessive model (GG vs AA+GA), respectively. The homogeneity among studies was checked using Cochrane Q statistic. The stability of results was checked by one-way sensitivity analysis. The publication bias between studies was examined by Begg’s funnel plots and Egger’s test. 28 eligible case–control studies met all the criteria and were involved in the present meta-analysis, including a total of 8,901 cases and 12,623 controls. Overall, the MCP-1 A-2518G polymorphism was significantly associated with the IHD susceptibility. The pooled OR was 1.27 (95 % CI 1.09–1.48, P = 0.002) in the dominant model, 1.20 (95 % CI 1.07–1.35, P = 0.001) in the allelic model, 1.25 (95 % CI 1.05–1.50, P = 0.015) in the recessive model and 1.39 (95 % CI 1.10–1.75, P = 0.005) in the additive model. At the same time, the MCP-1 A-2518G polymorphism was significantly associated with the IS susceptibility. The pooled OR was 1.72 (95 % CI 1.12–2.65, P = 0.013) in the dominant model, 1.39 (95 % CI 1.12–1.74, P = 0.003) in the allelic model, 1.59 (95 % CI 1.30–1.93, P = 0.000) in the recessive model, and 2.33 (95 % CI 1.76–3.08, P = 0.000) in the additive model, respectively. No significant publication bias was found in the present meta-analysis. The results of the present meta-analysis suggest that MCP-1 gene A-2518G polymorphism may be associated with the IHD and IS susceptibilities. But the positive result exists in relatively small sample size subgroup.

Spectral mismatch error should be carefully considered during the calibration of solar cells by means of solar simulator and calibrated reference cell. Even test and reference cells with the same type should be also considered spectral mismatch error to achieve good measurement results. Spectral mismatch error can be calculated with the relative spectral response of the test and reference cells, and the relative spectral irradiance of the simulator and reference solar. The reference solar spectral irradiance distribution was given according to IEC60904-3:2008. Experimental results, two cells, one test and one ref, with two different spectra solar simulators, were presented. The calculation method and experimental data presented could be positive reference to photovoltaic labs to obtain good calibration and test results of solar cells.

Background Endothelial lipase (EL) plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism by reducing the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and inducing the macrophages to take up native low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Our purpose was to investigate the impact of EL genetic polymorphisms on the lipid-lowering effects of rosuvastatin in Chinese coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Methods One hundred twenty-one unrelated CAD patients, who underwent the treatment with rosuvastatin (10mg/day) for four to eight weeks, were enrolled in this study. Before and after treatment, serum lipids levels were measured. Genotypes of EL 2037T/C and 2237 G/A polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Results Patients with EL 2037C allele (CC + CT) had significantly lower LDL-C levels than those with TT genotype (CC + CT: 2.60 ± 0.74 mmol/l; TT: 2.90 ± 0.87 mmol/l; P = 0.047), before rosuvastatin treatment. No significant differences between baseline lipid levels and the EL 2237G/A genotypes were observed. After treatment with rosuvastatin, total cholesterol (TC), high triglyceride (TG) and LDL-C levels decreased from baseline, on average, by 23.09 % (4.59 ± 0.96 mmol/l to 3.47 ± 0.83 mmol/l), 6.36 % (2.01 ± 1.18 mmol/l to 1.68 ± 1.16 mmol/l), 32.48 % (2.77 ± 0.83 mmol/l to 1.79 ± 0.62 mmol/l), respectively (all P

Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the association between the 2037T/C and 2237G/A polymorphisms in the EL gene and the risk of CAD and lipid levels in a Chinese population. Methods A case-control study including 706 patients with CAD and 315 controls was performed. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used to identify the genotypes. Results The EL 2037 T/C polymorphism was associated with CAD risk and HDL-C levels. No significant differences were found between the EL 2237 G/A genotypes and CAD risk and lipid levels in the whole population. However, carriers of the 2237 A allele had higher Apo A1 levels than those with the 2237 GG genotype and in the CAD subgroup (P = 0.044). The CAD cases have a significantly lower frequency of the C-G haplotypes than the controls, and the T-A haplotype was significantly more common in the CAD patients than in the controls. Conclusions Our study concluded that the EL 2037 T/C polymorphism was associated with CAD risk and HDL-C levels, and that the C allele might be a protective factor against CAD in the Chinese Han population. In addition, the EL 2237 A allele might be associated with an increased Apo A1 level in CAD subjects.

Bacterial antibiotic resistance poses a threat to global public health. Restricted usage of antibiotics does not necessarily prevent its continued emergence. Rapid and sensitive screening of triggers, in addition to antibiotic, and exploring the underlying mechanism are still major challenges. Herein, by developing a homogeneous vacuum filtration-based bacterial sample fabrication enabling high surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) reproducibility across multiple bacterial samples and negating interfering spectral variations from inhomogeneous sample geometry and SERS enhancement, SERS was employed to study heavy metal arsenic [As(V)]-mediated antibiotic resistance in a robust, sensitive, and rapid fashion. Independent and robust spectral changes representing phenotypic bacterial responses, combined with multivariate analysis, clearly identified that As(V) enhanced antibiotic resistance to tetracycline (Tet). Similar spectral alteration profile to As(V) and Tet indicated that cross-resistance, whereby As(V)-induced bacterial resistance simultaneously blocked Tet action, could account for the enhanced resistance. The sensitive, robust, and rich phenotypic profile provided by SERS, combined with additional advantages in imposing no need to cultivate bacteria and single-cell sensitivity, can be further exploited to evaluate resistance-intervening factors in real microbiota.

Comparison of lipid levels before and after treatment among the EL genotypes. (DOC 48 kb)

Periodic chemical cleaning is an essential step to maintain nanofiltration (NF) membrane performance and mitigate biofouling, a major impediment in high-quality water reclamation from wastewater effluent. To target the important issue of how to clean and control biofouling more efficiently, this study developed surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) as a layer-by-layer tool to interrogate the chemical variations during both biofouling and cleaning processes. The fact that SERS only reveals information on the surface composition of biofouling directly exposed to cleaning reagents makes it ideal for evaluating cleaning processes and efficiency. SERS features were highly distinct and consistent with different biofouling stages (bacterial adhesion, rapid growth, mature and aged biofilm). Cleaning was performed on two levels of biofouling after 18 h (rapid growth of biofilm) and 48 h (aged biofilm) development. An opposing profile of SERS bands between biofouling and cleaning was observed and this suggests a layer-by-layer cleaning mode. In addition, further dynamic biochemical and infrastructural changes were demonstrated to occur in the more severe 48-h biofouling, resulting in the easier removal of sessile cells from the NF membrane. Biofouling substance-dependent cleaning efficiency was also evaluated using the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). SDS appeared more efficient in cleaning lipid than polysaccharide and DNA. Protein and DNA were the predominant residual substances (irreversible fouling) on NF membrane leading to permanent flux loss. The chemical information revealed by layer-by-layer SERS will lend new insights into the optimization of cleaning reagents and protocols for practical membrane processes.

Objective To explore the associations between serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) level, and essential hypertension (EH) and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) in Chinese population. Methods Pertinent studies were independently searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), Wanfang databases and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). The standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% CIs was used to estimate the size of the effect. The subgroup analyses and meta-regression analysis were performed to identify the sources of heterogeneity among studies. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the stability of the results. The publication bias between studies was examined by using Begg's funnel plots and Egger's test. Results A total of 20 studies involving 1493 patients and 1839 controls were included in the current meta-analysis. The PAPP-A level was significantly higher in EH patients than in controls (SMD=1.960, 95% CI 1.305 to 2.615, p

Background Studies had investigated the associations between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) E670G polymorphism and coronary artery disease (CAD) and lipid levels, but the results were controversial. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to investigate the association between PCSK9 E670G polymorphism and lipid levels and the susceptibility to CAD. Methods All relevant articles according to the inclusion criteria were retrieved and included in the present meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) were used to analyze the strength of the association between PCSK9 E670G polymorphism and the susceptibility to CAD. At the same time, the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 % CI was used for the meta-analysis of PCSK9 E670G polymorphism and lipid levels. The publication bias was examined by using Begg’s funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results A total of seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. For CAD association, the pooled effects indicated that the G allele carriers had higher risk of CAD than non-carriers in dominant genetic model (OR:1.601, 95 % CI: 1.314–1.951, P

A primary standard measurement facility based on differential spectral responsivity (DSR) method for calibration of reference solar cells was realized at National Institute of Metrology (NIM), China. The primary calibration of the critical spectral parameters and short-circuit current of reference cells, not only with WPVS (World photovoltaic Scale) design but with non-regularly shaped, can be performed by this standard facility. The linearity measurement can be carried out by measuring DSR of the solar cells at different bias levels in the spectral range from 300nm to 1200nm. The characterization and performance of the facility were reported. An uncertainty of 0.9% (k=2) for short-circuit current of WPVS reference solar cells was able to be obtained. A more accurate and better calibration service for solar photovoltaic (PV) cells could be provided to local or international solar cell research community, testing labs and industry users and manufacturers.

The IL-4R Q576R polymorphism has been reported to increase susceptibility to asthma, but the results are controversial. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of the IL-4R Q576R polymorphism and asthma risk in the Chinese Han population. A total of sixteen eligible case-control studies that evaluated the relationship between the IL-4R Q576R polymorphism and asthma in the Chinese Han population were obtained by comprehensive literature search incorporating electronic databases, and included 2077 asthma cases and 1589 controls. Our analysis detected a significant association between the IL-4R Q576R polymorphism and the risk of asthma in the Chinese Han population (Allelic model: OR = 1.481, 95%CI = 1.134-1.935, P = 0.004; Dominant model: OR = 1.542, 95%CI = 1.194-1.990, P = 0.001; Recessive model: OR = 1.695, 95%CI = 1.170-2.456, P = 0.005, Additive model: OR = 1.897, 95%CI = 1.299-2.771, P = 0.005). The year of publication and size of total sample might be sources of between-study heterogeneity. Upon subgroup analysis by size of total sample of each study, the significant association only remained in a subgroup with a small sample size. In summary, our meta-analysis suggested that the IL-4R Q576R polymorphism is associated with asthma in the Chinese Han population.

Different from traditional silicon solar cells, new type non-silicon solar cells are composed of various kinds of materials, such as organic, perovskite, quantum dots and so on. They always show special performance in spectral responsivity, compatibility and stability, which brought great challenges for the accurate measurement of photoelectric conversion efficiency. We will illustrate a method for accurate efficiency measurement mainly in the view of metrology. Based on effective traceability and calibration of the standard value, a procedure for new type non-silicon solar cells' efficiency measurement would be proposed. Main influencing factors such as spectral mismatch will also be analysed. Hope to provide a reference method for the accurate characterization of the photo-electric properties of various new types of solar cells.

Checklist S1 PRISMA Checklist. (DOC 54 kb)

Chromogranin is a widespread family of proteins in the neurosystem, whose function is guiding the sorting and secretion of neuropeptides. Using functional and positional evidences, chromogranin B was selected as a candidate gene for schizophrenia. We systematically screened all the promoter and exon regions of the gene and detected 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), among which four SNPs (including two non-synonymous SNPs) were selected for association analysis. In a cohort of Chinese Han schizophrenia cases and controls, the results of both the individual SNPs and the haplotypes of SNPs were significantly positive (P

Background: Studies had investigated the relationships between endothelial lipase (EL) 584C/T polymorphism and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level and coronary heart disease (CHD), but the results were controversial. To investigate a more authentic associations between EL 584C/T polymorphism and HDL-C level, and the risk of CHD, we performed this meta-analysis. Methods: We searched electric databases for all articles on the associations between EL 584C/T polymorphism and HDL-C level, and CHD risk. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the strength of the association between the EL 584C/T polymorphism and the CHD susceptibility. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI was used for the meta-analysis of EL 584C/T polymorphism and HDL-C level. Begg’s funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to examine the publication bias. Results: For CHD association, the pooled OR was 0.829 (95% CI: 0.701-0.980, P = 0.028) for the dominant model and 0.882 (95% CI: 0.779-0.999, P = 0.049) for the allelic model. By meta-regression analysis, we found that only total sample size could influence the initial heterogeneity. When the subgroup analysis was carried out, we found that the protective effect only existed in the subgroups of relatively small sample size. Sensitivity analyses indicated that Tang’ ss tudy influenced the overall results significantly. We calculated the pooled ORs again after excluding Tang’ ss tudy and found the association between EL 584C/T polymorphism and the risk of CHD was not significant for any genetic model. For HDL-C level association, the carriers of 584 T allele had a higher HDL-C level than the non-carriers. The pooled SMD was 0.399 (95% CI: 0.094-0.704, P = 0.010). When the studies were stratified by ethnicity and total sample size, the positive effects existed in the Caucasians and in subgroups of larger sample size. No significant publication bias was found in the present meta-analysis. Conclusions: The results of the present meta-analysis suggest that the carriers of EL 584 T allele have a higher HDL-C level in Caucasian populations. Whereas, it might not be a protective factor for CHD.

Objective Epidemiological studies have shown that E-selectin gene polymorphisms (A561C and C1839T) may be associated with essential hypertension (EH), but the results are conflicting in different ethnic populations. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to investigate a more authentic association between E-selectin gene polymorphisms and the risk of EH. Methods We searched the relevant studies for the present meta-analysis from the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the strength of the association between E-selectin gene polymorphisms and EH susceptibility. The pooled ORs were performed for dominant model, allelic model and recessive model. The publication bias was examined by Begg’s funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results A total of eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies came from Asians. Ten studies (12 cohorts) evaluated the A561C polymorphism and EH risk, including 2,813 cases and 2,817 controls. The pooled OR was 2.280 (95%CI: 1.893–2.748, P

Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the strongest genetic predictors of breast cancer and are the primary causes of familial breast/ovarian cancer syndrome. The frequency, spectrum and penetrance of mutant BRCA1/BRCA2 alleles have been determined for several populations, but little information is available for populations of African ancestry, who suffer a disproportionate burden of early onset breast cancer. We have performed complete sequence analysis of all BRCA1 and BRCA2 exons and intron-exon boundaries for 434 Nigerian breast cancer patients from the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. In contrast to previous suggestions that BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation frequencies are low or undetectable in African American populations, we find that Nigerian breast cancer patients have an exceptionally high frequency of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations (7.1 and 3.9%, respectively). Sixteen different BRCA1 mutations were detected, seven of which have never been reported previously, while thirteen different BRCA2 mutations were seen, six of which were previously unreported. Thus, our data support enrichment for genetic risk factors in this relatively young cohort. To improve breast cancer outcomes, we suggest that family-based models of risk assessment and genetic counseling coupled with interventions to reduce breast cancer risk should be broadly disseminated in Nigeria and other underserved and understudied populations.