QTL analyses of seed weight during the development of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)

At harvest traits such as seed weight are the sum of development and responses to stresses over the growing season and particularly during the reproductive phase of growth. The aim here was to measure quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying the seed weight from early development to drying post harvest. One hundred forty-three F(5) derived recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from the cross of soybean cultivars 'Charleston' and 'Dongnong 594' were used for the analysis of QTL underlying mean 100-seed weight at six different developmental stages. QTL x Environment interactions (QE) were analyzed by a mixed genetic mode based on 3 years' data. At an experiment-wise threshold of a=0.05 and by single-point analysis 94 QTL unaffected by QE underlay the mean seed weight at different developmental stages. Sixty-eight QTL affected by QE that also underlay mean seed weight were identified. From the 162 QTL 42 could be located on 12 linkage groups by composite interval mapping (LOD>2.0). The numbers, locations and types of the QTL and the genetic effects were different at each developmental stage. On linkage group C2 the distantly linked QTL swC2-1, swC2-2 and swC2-3 each affected mean seed weight throughout the different developmental stages. The DNA markers linked to the QTL possessed potential for use in marker-assisted selection for soybean seed size. The identification of QTL with genetic main effects and QE interaction effects suggested that such interactions might significantly alter seed weight during seed development.

RNA interference-mediated silencing of the polo-like kinase 1 gene enhances chemosensitivity to gemcitabine in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells

Gemcitabine is the first-line chemotherapeutic agent for advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas; however, chemoresistance to gemcitabine remains a major cause of failure for the clinical treatment of this disease. Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk-1) is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer cell lines and pancreatic tumour tissues, and is involved in a wide variety of cell cycle processes. Nevertheless, its biological role and implication for gemcitabine resistance are not clearly defined. In this study, we used RNA-interference (RNAi)-mediated depletion of Plk-1 to determine its potential for sensitizing pancreatic tumour cells to gemcitabine. We showed that the level of Plk-1 protein was correlated significantly with gemcitabine resistance in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and that overexpression of Plk-1 reduced sensitivity to gemcitabine in these cells. In addition, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of Plk-1 caused cell cycle arrest at G2/M and the reduction of cellular proliferation. More importantly, the treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with Plk-1 siRNA followed by exposure to gemcitabine dramatically decreased cell viability and increased cellular apoptosis, as compared with treatment with either agent alone. These observations indicate that down-regulation of Plk-1 expression by RNAi enhances gemcitabine sensitivity and increases gemcitabine cytotoxicity in pancreatic tumour cells. This is the first demonstration that the combination of Plk-1 gene therapy and gemcitabine chemotherapy has synergistic anti-tumour activity against pancreatic carcinoma in vitro. This combination treatment warrants further investigation as an effective therapeutic regimen for patients with resistant pancreatic cancer and other tumours.

A statistical analysis on the removal of organic matter in subsurface flow constructed wetlands in the U.K

The performances of 98 subsurface flow constructed wetlands in the U.K. are analysed for the rates of organic matter removal from various wastewaters. The analyses of 78 subsurface horizontal flow wetlands are focused on deriving the value of rate constant K(BOD) in the Kickuth equation and evaluating the probability of meeting the target when the equation is used in design. The analyses of 20 vertical flow wetlands are focused on establishing the correlations between BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) removal rate and organic loading; an empirical relation has been developed to estimate the surface areas of the wetlands.

Thin-trimming of the scrotal reconstruction flap: long-term follow-up shows reversal of spermatogenesis arrest

OBJECTIVE

To explore a method to decrease the arrest of spermatogenesis in patients undergoing scrotum reconstruction with a flap.

METHODS

A follow-up study on a patient whose scrotum had been reconstructed with a flap revealed the arrest of spermatogenesis. The flap was trimmed thin on two occasions, and the composition of the seminal fluid was followed up.

RESULTS

The follow-up showed a decrease in the arrest of spermatogenesis after the flap was thin-trimmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Thin-trimming the reconstruction flap can decrease the degree of spermatogenesis arrest in patients who have received scrotum reconstruction by thick flap.

Interaction of folliculin (Birt-Hogg-Dubé gene product) with a novel Fnip1-like (FnipL/Fnip2) protein

Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is characterized by the development of pneumothorax, hair folliculomas and renal tumors and the responsible BHD gene is thought to be a tumor suppressor. The function of folliculin (Flcn), encoded by BHD, is totally unknown, although its interaction with Fnip1 has been reported. In this study, we identified a novel protein binding to Flcn, which is highly homologous to Fnip1, and which we named FnipL (recently reported in an independent study as Fnip2). The interaction between FnipL/Fnip2 and Flcn may be mediated mainly by the C-terminal domains of each protein as is the case for the Flcn-Fnip1 interaction. FnipL/Fnip2 and Flcn were located together in the cytoplasm in a reticular pattern, although solely expressed Flcn was found mainly in the nucleus. Cytoplasmic retention of Flcn was canceled with C-terminal truncation of FnipL/Fnip2, suggesting that FnipL/Fnip2 regulates Flcn distribution through their complex formation. By the employment of siRNA, we observed a decrease in S6K1 phosphorylation in the BHD-suppressed cell. We also observed a decrease in S6K1 phosphorylation in FNIP1- and, to a lesser extent, in FNIPL/FNIP2-suppressed cells. These results suggest that Flcn-FnipL/Fnip2 and Flcn-Fnip1 complexes positively regulate S6K1 phosphorylation and that FnipL/Fnip2 provides an important clue to elucidating the function of Flcn and the pathogenesis of BHD.

A whole genome linkage scan identifies multiple chromosomal regions influencing adiposity-related traits among Samoans

We conducted a genome-wide scan in 46 pedigrees, with 671 phenotyped adults, from the independent nation of Samoa to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for adiposity-related phenotypes, including body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (ABDCIR), percent body fat (%BFAT), and fasting serum leptin and adiponectin. A set of 378 autosomal and 14 X chromosomal microsatellite markers were genotyped in 572 of the adults. Significant genetic correlations (0.82-0.96) were detected between pairs of BMI, ABDCIR, %BFAT and leptin. Suggestive linkages were found on 13q31 (LOD = 2.30 for leptin, LOD = 2.48 for %BFAT, LOD = 2.04 for ABDCIR, and LOD = 2.09 for BMI) and on 9p22 (LOD = 3.08 for ABDCIR and LOD = 2.53 for %BFAT). Furthermore, bivariate linkage analyses indicated that the genetic regions on 9p22 (bivariate LOD 2.35-3.10, LOD(eq) (1df) 1.88-2.59) and 13q31 (bivariate LOD 1.96-2.64, LOD(eq) 1.52-2.21) might harbor common major genes with pleiotropic effects. Other regions showing suggestive linkage included 4q22 (LOD = 2.95) and 7p14 (LOD = 2.64) for %BFAT, 2q13 for adiponectin (LOD = 2.05) and 19q12 for BMI-adjusted leptin (LOD = 2.03). Further fine mapping of these regions may help identify the genetic variants contributing to the development of obesity in Samoan adults.

Chiari malformation caused by craniometaphyseal dysplasia: case report and review of literature

Chiari malformation is commonly considered a congenital condition. To our knowledge, reports of progressively symptomatic Chiari Iota malformation with craniometaphyseal dysplasia are rare. The authors present a case of progressively symptomatic Chiari Iota malformation occurring in an 11-month-old infant with craniometaphyseal dysplasia. The patient presented with a typical facial appearance and radiological skeletal survey. Posterior fossa decompression was performed. In the meantime, the patient was given Rocaltrol (calcitriol) and adopted a low calcium diet. His neurological symptoms were markedly improved after surgery. The clinical presentations, radiographical features and prognosis of the patient are discussed with reference to the literature.

A guanylyl cyclase-like gene is associated with Gibberella ear rot resistance in maize (Zea mays L.)

Gibberella ear rot, caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, is a serious disease of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in northern climates. The infected maize grain contains toxins that are very harmful to livestock and humans. A maize gene that encodes a putative 267-amino acid guanylyl cyclase-like protein (ZmGC1) was characterized and shown to be associated with resistance to this disease. The putative ZmGC1 amino acid sequence is 53% identical and 65% similar to AtGC1, an Arabidopsis guanylyl cyclase. The Zmgc1 coding sequence is nearly identical in a Gibberella ear rot-resistant line (CO387) and a susceptible line (CG62) but several nucleotide sequence differences were observed in the UTRs and introns of the two alleles. Using a 463 bp probe derived from the CG62 allele of Zmgc1 and a recombinant inbred (RI) mapping population developed from a CG62 x CO387 cross, six Zmgc1 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) fragments (ER1_1, ER1_2, ER1_3, ER1_4, ER1_5, and ER5_1) were mapped on maize chromosomes 2, 3, 7, and 8. Markers ER1_1 and ER5_1 on chromosomes 7 and 8, respectively, were significantly associated with Gibberella ear rot resistance, each in three different environments. The amount of Zmgc1 transcript in ear tissues increased more quickly and to a greater extent in the resistant genotype compared to the susceptible genotype after inoculation with F. graminearum. Zmgc1 is the first guanylyl cyclase gene characterized in maize and the first gene found to be associated with Gibberella ear rot resistance in this plant.

First Report of Five Sooty Blotch and Flyspeck Fungi on Prunus americana in the United States

The sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBFS) complex includes more than 30 fungi that blemish the cuticle of apple fruit, causing economic losses in humid regions worldwide (1). In August 2005, we sampled SBFS-infested wild plum (Prunus americana) fruit growing in hedgerows in Iowa. Colonies were categorized according to mycelial type (1), and isolates were made from representative colonies onto acidified water agar (AWA). Plum skins with SBFS signs were excised, pressed, and photographed. DNA was obtained from purified isolates and also from mycelium and fruiting bodies scraped directly from plum fruit skins. Extracted DNA was amplified using primer pair ITS1-F/Myc1-R (ACTCGTCGAAGGAGCTACG) and PCR products were sequenced using primer pair ITS-1F/ITS4. Six sequences were obtained from pure cultures and seven from colonies on plum fruit skin. BLAST analysis of the 470-bp sequences showed 100% homology to five known species in the SBFS complex: Zygophiala cryptogama, Zygophiala wisconsinensis, Pseudocercosporella sp. RH1, and Stomiopeltis spp. RS1 and RS2 (GenBank Accession Nos. AY598854, AY598853, AY5988645, AY598882, and AY598883, respectively). Observations of colony and fruiting structure morphology from cultures on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and colonies on plums confirmed species identity. A modified version of Koch's postulates was conducted to verify that these fungi caused the signs observed on plum and could also infest apple fruit. In June 2006, 1-month-old cultures on PDA were pulverized in a blender with sterile distilled water, passed through four layers of sterile cheesecloth, and transferred to sterile jars. Each isolate was inoculated onto 20 fruit on plum trees (P. americana) on the Iowa State University (ISU) campus and 20 fruit on cv. Golden Delicious apple trees at the ISU Research Station, Gilbert, IA. Each fruit was disinfested with 70% ethanol, air dried, swabbed with inoculum, and covered with a Fuji bag. At harvest, fungal colonies on fruit were reisolated onto AWA. DNA was extracted from pure cultures; when isolations on agar were unsuccessful, DNA was extracted directly from colonies on fruit. PCR was conducted using ITS1-F/Myc1-R, and PCR products were sequenced using ITS1-F/ITS4. All five species were reisolated and sequenced from apple. Pseudocercosporella sp. RH1 and Stomiopeltis sp. RS1 were sequenced from inoculated plums. Although flyspeck, presumably caused by Schizothyrium pomi, was reported on Japanese plum (P. salicina) in Japan (2) and black cherry (P. serotina) in the United States (3), to our knowledge this is the first report of SBFS fungi on plum in the United States and the first confirmation that fungi from plum can produce SBFS signs on apple fruit. Wild plum may therefore act as a reservoir host, providing inoculum for SBFS infestations on apple. References: (1) J. Batzer et al. Mycologia 97:1268, 2005. (2) H. Nasu and H. Kunoh. Plant Dis. 71:361, 1987. (3) T. B. Sutton. Plant Dis. 72:801, 1988.

Genome-wide scan for adiposity-related phenotypes in adults from American Samoa

OBJECTIVE

To detect quantitative trait loci influencing adiposity-related phenotypes assessed by body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (ABDCIR), percent body fat (%BFAT) and fasting serum leptin and adiponectin using a whole genome linkage scan of families from American Samoa.

DESIGN

Family-based linkage analysis, the probands and family members were unselected for obesity.

SUBJECTS

A total of 583 phenotyped American Samoan adults, of which 578 were genotyped in 34 pedigrees.

MEASUREMENTS

A total of 377 autosomal and 18 X chromosome microsatellite markers were typed at an approximate average spacing of 10 cM spanning the genome. Multipoint LOD (logarithm of the odds) scores were calculated using variance-components approaches and SOLAR/LOKI software. The covariates simultaneously evaluated were age, sex, education, farm work and cigarette smoking, with a significance level of 0.1. Due to the stochastic nature of LOKI, we report the average of maximum LOD scores from 10 runs.

RESULTS

Significant linkage to leptin was found at 6q32.2 with LOD of 3.83. Suggestive linkage to leptin was found at 16q21:LOD=2.98, 1q42.2:LOD=1.97, 5q11.2:LOD=2.08, 12q24.23:LOD=2.00, 19p13.3:LOD=2.05; adiponectin was linked to 13q33.1-q22.1:LOD=2.41; %BFAT was linked to 16q12.2-q21, LOD=2.24; ABDCIR was linked to 16q23.1:LOD=1.95; %BFAT-adjusted leptin to 14q12, LOD=2.01; %BFAT-adjusted ABDCIR to 1q31.1, LOD=2.36, to 3q27.3-q28, LOD=2.10 and to 12p12.3, LOD=2.04.

CONCLUSION

We found strong evidence for a major locus on 6q23.2 influencing serum leptin levels in American Samoans. The 16q21 region appears to harbor a susceptibility locus that has significant pleiotrophic effects on phenotypes BMI, %BFAT, leptin and ABDCIR as shown by bivariate linkage analyses. Several other loci of varying significance were detected across the genome.

Density-driven segregation in vertically vibrated binary granular mixtures

Segregation in vertically vibrated binary granular mixtures with the same size is studied experimentally. The partially segregated state occurring in this system is observed carefully. We find that the characteristic of the partially segregated state is that the lighter particles tend to rise and form a pure layer on the top of the system while the heavier particles and some of the lighter ones stay at the bottom and form a mixed layer. The ratio of the thickness of the pure top layer to that of the whole system can be taken as an order parameter, which describes the degree of the segregation quantitatively and is useful in the investigation of the system. By use of it, we find that the segregation state is only dependent on the density ratio of the two kinds of particles. The dependent of the segregation on the vibration frequency is also studied by use of this order parameter, and finally, two typical phase diagrams are given.

Monomethylarsonous acid induced cytotoxicity and endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation in endothelial cells

Chronic arsenic poisoning is reported to be associated with peripheral and cardiovascular disease, arteriosclerosis, Raynaud's syndrome, hypertension, and Blackfoot disease. Monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III)) is a reactive metabolite of inorganic arsenic and a potent inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Arsenic is also reported to phosphorylate eNOS in cultured keratinocyte and Human T cell leukemia Jurkat cells, respectively. In the present study, we examined the cytotoxicity and eNOS phosphorylation by MMA(III) exposure in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Results showed that MMA(III) is more toxic than arsenite in BAEC cells. The IC(50) values for MMA(III) and arsenite were determined to be approximately 1.7 and 24.1 micromol/L, respectively. Exposure of BAEC to MMA(III) (0.75 micromol/L) caused a significant eNOS phosphorylation 15 min after MMA(III) exposure. However, a complex of MMA(III) with dithiothreitol (DTT) that lacks the reactivity with vicinal thiols unaffected eNOS phosphorylation. The present study shows that MMA(III )generated during biomethylation of arsenic is highly toxic in BAEC. Our study also suggests that MMA(III) could induce the eNOS phosphorylation through modification to cellular thiols of the eNOS enzyme. And the initial up-regulation of eNOS phosphorylation by MMA(III )seems to be an adaptive response against disruption of eNOS bioactivity during arsenic exposure.

Induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes in rat liver by two conazoles, myclobutanil and triadimefon

This study was undertaken to examine the inductive effects of two triazole antifungal agents, myclobutanil and triadimefon, on the expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes and on the activities of CYP enzymes in male Sprague Dawley rats. Rats were dosed with the conazoles at three dose levels by gavage for 14 days: myclobutanil (150, 75, and 10mgkg(-1) body weight day(-1); triadimefon (115, 50, and 10 mg kg(-1) body weight day-'), which included their maximum tolerated dose levels (MTD). Both myclobutanil and triadimefon significantly induced pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase activities at their MTD levels: myclobutanil, 8.1-fold at 150mgkg(-1) body weight day- ; and triadimefon, 18.5-fold at 115mgkg(-1) body weight day-'. Benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylase activities were similarly increased: myclobutanil, 13.3-fold; triadimefon, 27.7-fold. Quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assays were used to characterize the mRNA expression of specific CYP genes induced by these two conazoles. Myclobutanil and triadimefon treatment at their MTD levels significantly increased rat hepatic mRNA expression of CYP2B1 (14.3- and 54.6-fold), CYP3A23/3A1 (2.2- and 7.3-fold), and CYP3A2 (1.5- and 1.7-fold). Western immunoblots of rat hepatic microsomal proteins identified significantly increased levels of CYP isoforms after myclobutanil or triadimefon treatment at their MTD levels: CYP2BI/2 (4.8- and 5.3-fold), and CYP3A1 (2.2- and 2.9-fold). Triadimefon also increased CYP3A2 immunoreactive protein levels 1.8-fold. These results indicate that triadimefon and myclobutanil, like other triazole-containing conazoles, induced CYP2B and CYP3A families of cytochromes in rat liver.

Juvenile ossifying fibroma of the maxilla

Juvenile ossifying fibroma is a rare fibro-osseous neoplasm in young children. This lesion is locally aggressive and spreads quickly, and because it has a very high recurrence rate complete excision is essential. Reported here is a case of a massive juvenile ossifying fibroma of the maxilla in an 11-year-old male child. A titanium mesh was used to reconstruct the facial contour after a left total maxillectomy, achieving a satisfactory facial appearance.

Interactive effects of ozone and climate on tree growth and water use in a southern Appalachian forest in the USA

* A lack of data on responses of mature tree growth and water use to ambient ozone (O(3)) concentrations has been a major limitation in efforts to understand and model responses of forests to current and future changes in climate. * Here, hourly to seasonal patterns of stem growth and sap flow velocity were examined in mature trees from a mixed deciduous forest in eastern Tennessee (USA) to evaluate the effects of variations in ambient O(3) exposure and climate on patterns of stem growth and water use. * Ambient O(3) caused a periodic slowdown in seasonal growth patterns that was attributable in part to amplification of diurnal patterns of water loss in tree stems. This response was mediated by statistically significant increases in O(3)-induced daily sap flow and led to seasonal losses in stem growth of 30-50% for most species in a high-O(3) year. * Decreased growth and increased water use of mature forest trees under episodically high ambient O(3) concentrations suggest that O(3) will amplify the adverse effects of increasing temperatures on forest growth and forest hydrology.

A mass balance study on nitrification and deammonification in vertical flow constructed wetlands treating landfill leachate

A laboratory-scale, mass-balance study was carried out on the transformation of nitrogenous pollutants in four vertical flow wetland columns. Landfill leachate containing low organic matter, but a high concentration of ammoniacal-nitrogen, was treated under dissolved oxygen concentrations close to saturation. Influent total nitrogen (TN) comprised ammoniacal-nitrogen with less than 1% nitrate and nitrite, negligible organic nitrogen, and very low BOD. Nitrification occurred in three of the four columns. There was a substantial loss of total nitrogen (52%) in one column, whereas other columns exhibited zero to minor losses (< 12%). Nitrogen loss under study conditions was unexpected. Two hypotheses are proposed to account for it: (1) either the loss of TN is attributed to nitrogen transformation into a form (provisionally termed alpha-nitrogen) that is undetectable by the analytical methods used; or (2) the loss is caused by microbial denitrification or deammonification. By elimination and stoichiometric mass balance calculations, completely autotrophic nitrogen-removal over nitrite (CANON) deammonification is confirmed as responsible for nitrogen loss in one column. This result reveals that CANON can be native to aerobic engineered wetland systems treating high ammonia, low organic content wastewater.

Interactive effects of ozone and climate on water use, soil moisture content and streamflow in a southern Appalachian forest in the USA

* Documentation of the degree and direction of effects of ozone on transpiration of canopies of mature forest trees is critically needed to model ozone effects on forest water use and growth in a warmer future climate. * Patterns of sap flow in stems and soil moisture in the rooting zones of mature trees, coupled with late-season streamflow in three forested watersheds in east Tennessee, USA, were analyzed to determine relative influences of ozone and other climatic variables on canopy physiology and streamflow patterns. * Statistically significant increases in whole-tree canopy conductance, depletion of soil moisture in the rooting zone, and reduced late-season streamflow in forested watersheds were detected in response to increasing ambient ozone levels. * Short-term changes in canopy water use and empirically modeled streamflow patterns over a 23-yr observation period suggest that current ambient ozone exposures may exacerbate the frequency and level of negative effects of drought on forest growth and stream health.

Thymidine-phosphorothioate oligonucleotides induce activation and apoptosis of CLL cells independently of CpG motifs or BCL-2 gene interference

We compared antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotides (PS-ODN) that target BCL-2 such as Genasense (G3139-PS), with other PS-ODN or phosphodiester-ODN (PO-ODN) in their relative capacity to induce apoptosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells in vitro. Surprisingly, we found that thymidine-containing PS-ODN, but not PO-ODN, induced activation and apoptosis of CLL cells independent of BCL-2 antisense sequence or CpG motifs. All tested thimidine-containing PS-ODN, irrespective of their primary sequences, reduced the expression of Bcl-2 protein and increased the levels of the proapoptotic molecules p53, Bid, Bax in CLL cells. Apoptosis induced by thymidine-containing PS-ODN was preceded by cellular activation, could be blocked by the tyrosine-kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate (Gleevec), and was dependent on ABL kinase. We conclude that thymidine-containing PS-ODN can activate CLL cells and induce apoptosis via a mechanism that is independent of BCL-2 gene interference or CpG motifs.

Performance of tPSA and f/tPSA for prostate cancer in Chinese. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Performing a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) tests for diagnosis of prostate cancer among Chinese. Literatures related to diagnosis of prostate cancer by tPSA and the ratio of free to total PSA (f/tPSA) being retrieved in five electronic databases. Sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were pooled using random effects models. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves (SROC) used to summarize overall test performance. In total 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, 2256 patients were included. Among them 423 were patients of prostate cancer compared to 1833 were patients of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The pooled sensitivity and specificity of tPSA>4.0 ng/ml, tPSA>10.0 ng/ml and f/tPSA<0.15 as threshold for the diagnosis of prostate cancer were heterogeneity. The areas under SROC (AUC) were 80, 85 and 87%, respectively (P<0.05). The pooled DOR were 8.44(95%CI: 4.45 approximately 16.00), 9.94(95%CI: 4.15 approximately 23.77) and 13.75(95%CI: 6.35 approximately 29.76), respectively (P<0.05). chi(2) test used for testing the heterogeneity. tPSA and f/tPSA made an important performance for diagnosis of prostate cancer in decade among Chinese. The use of f/tPSA<0.15 as threshold maintain a high prognostic accuracy for prostate cancer.