Analysis on the local structures for 3d1 impurities (Ti3+ and V4+ ) in KTiPO4

Making use of the perturbation formulae for 3d¹ ions (Ti³⁺ and V⁴⁺ ) under orthorhombically compressed octahedra, the spin Hamiltonian parameters (g factors: g_x , g_y , g_z and hyperfine structure constants: A_x , A_y , A_z ) and local structures of the 3d¹ impurity centres C₁ , C₂ , and C₃ in KTiOPO₄ crystals are theoretically analyzed in a consistent way. The remarkable local distortions (i.e., the relative axial compression ratios 11.2%, 7.0%, and 5.5% along Z axis and the relative planar bond length variation ratios 15.9%, 7.0%, and 6.0%) are obtained for the [Ti2O₆ ]^9- cluster on Ti2 site and [VO₆ ]^8- clusters on Ti1 and Ti2 sites, respectively, in view of the Jahn-Teller effect. The above local orthorhombic distortion parameters in the impurity centres are found to be more significant than the host Ti1 and Ti2 sites in pure KTiOPO₄ . The sequences (C₁  > C₂  > C₃ ) of the local orthorhombic distortion parameters ρ and τ are in accordance with those of the axial and perpendicular anisotropies Δg and δg of g factors, respectively.

Structural responses of metallic glasses under neutron irradiation

Seeking nuclear materials that possess a high resistance to particle irradiation damage is a long-standing issue. Permanent defects, induced by irradiation, are primary structural changes, the accumulation of which will lead to structural damage and performance degradation in crystalline materials served in nuclear plants. In this work, structural responses of neutron irradiation in metallic glasses (MGs) have been investigated by making a series of experimental measurements, coupled with simulations in ZrCu amorphous alloys. It is found that, compared with crystalline alloys, MGs have some specific structural responses to neutron irradiation. Although neutron irradiation can induce transient vacancy-like defects in MGs, they are fully annihilated after structural relaxation by rearrangement of free volumes. In addition, the rearrangement of free volumes depends strongly on constituent elements. In particular, the change in free volumes occurs around the Zr atoms, rather than the Cu centers. This implies that there is a feasible strategy for identifying glassy materials with high structural stability against neutron irradiation by tailoring the microstructures, the systems, or the compositions in alloys. This work will shed light on the development of materials with high irradiation resistance.

Investigating the association between diet and risk of head and neck cancer in Taiwan

Most studies reporting an inverse association between the consumption of vegetables and fruits and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk were conducted in Western populations and only a few included East Asians. The current case-control study investigated the association between diet and HNC risk using data of 838 HNC cases and 998 controls from a case-control study of HNC conducted in Taiwan. Each participant was asked about their consumption of fresh vegetables, pickled vegetables, fresh fruits, citrus fruits, meat, processed meat, fish, egg, and dairy products. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of HNC risk associated with each food category, adjusted for sex, age, education, and use of alcohol, betel quid and cigarette. An inverse association was observed between HNC risk and daily intake of fresh vegetables (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20-0.95, p-trend = 0.002) or fruits (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.43-0.72, p-trend = 0.00001). Individuals who did not consume fresh fruits and vegetables daily had more than double the risk of HNC compared to those with daily intake of vegetables and fruits (OR= 2.24, 95% CI: 1.54-3.25). The results of the current study supported an inverse association between the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits and HNC risk. In addition to cessation of cigarette smoking and betel quid chewing and reduction of alcohol drinking, a public health campaign for preventing the occurrence of HNC should promote a healthy diet that contains plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.

[Association between expression of plasma miRNA and the risk of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of distribution and expression profiles of plasma miRNA in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (cALL) patients; the association between cALL incidence risk and plasma miRNA levels; the feasibility of plasma miRNA serving as cALL diagnostic biomarker. Methods: A total of 111 pairs of newly diagnosed cALL patients and patients with fractures were collected from Shenzhen Children's Hospital, China, between January 2015 and November 2016. Age and sex of the cases and controls were 1∶ 1 matched and LNA(TM) miRNA microarray was performed using 4 pairs of cALL and controls selected from the sample population. The expression level of miRNA was validated by real time quantitative PCR. Conditional logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate the association between miRNA expression levels and the incidence risk of cALL. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and reclassification analysis were conducted to assess the feasibility of miRNAs serving as biomarkers for cALL. Results: A total of 204 differentially expressed miRNA were screened out and let-7f-5p, miR-5100, miR-25-3p and miR-3654 were selected for validation identified according to the inclusion criteria. The expression levels of let-7f-5p, miR-5100 and miR-25-3p in the cALL patients were significantly lower than those of the controls (P<0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors, 3 miRNAs remained significantly associated with the risk of cALL (OR and 95%CI were 0.84 (0.76-0.92), 0.81 (0.73-0.90) and 0.81 (0.74-0.89), respectively. Results from both the ROC analysis and reclassification analysis showed that introduction of one or more miRNA to traditional risk factors improved the area under the curve (P<0.05) and provided additional values to diagnosis (P<0.01). Conclusion: The expression levels of let-7f-5p, miR-5100 and miR-25-3p were significantly associated with the incidence rate of cALL, and these miRNAs might serve as promising biomarkers for cALL.

Investigating the Association between Alcohol and Risk of Head and Neck Cancer in Taiwan

Although alcohol is an established risk factor of head and neck cancer (HNC), insufficiencies exist in the literature in several aspects. We analyzed detailed alcohol consumption data (amount and type of alcoholic beverage) of 811 HNC patients and 940 controls to evaluate the association between alcohol and HNC by HNC sites and by genotypes of ADH1B and ALDH2. Alcohol was associated with an increased HNC risk in a dose-response relationship, with the highest risk observed for hypopharyngeal cancer, followed by oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers. Liquor showed a stronger positive association with HNC than beer and wine. The highest HNC risk occurred in individuals with the slow ADH1B and slow/non-functional ALDH2 genotype combination. In our study population, 21.8% of HNCs, 55.7% of oropharyngeal cancers, and 89.1% of hypopharyngeal cancers could be attributed to alcohol. Alcohol accounted for 47.3% of HNCs among individuals with the slow ADH1B and slow/non-functional ALDH2 genotype combination. The HNC risk associated with alcohol became comparable to that of never/occasional drinkers after ten or more years of cessation from regular alcohol drinking. In conclusion, alcohol use is associated with an increased HNC risk, particularly for individuals with slow ethanol metabolism. HNC incidence may be reduced by alcohol cessation.

[Association of exposure to environmental chemicals with risk of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between exposure to environmental chemicals and the risk of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia(cALL). Methods: A case-controlled study was conducted in Shenzhen Children's Hospital, China from January 2015 to January 2016. The cases were selected from the section of Hematology and Oncology, and the controls were selected from Orthopedics by 1∶2 matching of cases according to sex and age. A questionnaire including population data and chemical exposure characteristics was conducted on the children's parents, and urine and EDTA-blood were collected from the children. Then, we quantitatively measured the internal dose of formaldehyde(i.e., formaldehyde-human serum albumin)by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the doses of metabolites benzene, toluene, and xylene(i.e., trans-muconic acid, hippuric acid, and methylhippuric acid)by high-performance liquid chromatography. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationships between exposure factors measured from children and their parents and cALL. Results: In the study, 71 cases(average age: 6.08±3.61 years), and 142 controls(average age: 5.91±3.57 years)were assessed; there were no differences in general demographics between two groups. The self-reported results showed that living in a home that had been painted in the past 10 years(OR=4.39, 95% CI: 1.87-10.31), maternal chemical exposure during pregnancy(OR=11.78, 95% CI: 1.65-83.88), paternal diesel or gasoline exposure(OR=8.15, 95% CI: 2.68-24.83), paternal dye exposure(OR=7.77, 95% CI: 1.52-39.67)and trash burning near the child's residence(OR=6.08, 95% CI: 1.17-31.66)were associated with increased risk of cALL. The positive detection rates of only benzene metabolites were significantly higher in cases(40/44)than controls(81/111)(χ²=5.92, P=0.021). The median formaldehyde and benzene concentrations in cases(32.120 pg/ml, 2.505 μg/gCr)were significantly higher than those in controls(18.705 pg/ml, 0.672 μg/gCr; Z values:-1.98 and-3.95, P values: 0.047 and<0.001, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that benzene exposure(OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.00-1.19), home painting in the past 10 years(OR=3.56, 95% CI: 1.20-10.53)and paternal diesel or gasoline exposure(OR= 3.75, 95% CI: 1.06-13.22)were associated with increased risk of cALL. Conclusion: A variety of environmental chemistry factors, such as benzene exposure, increase the risk of cALL, and further studies are warranted to explore their specific roles.

Sample-to-answer on molecular diagnosis of bacterial infection using integrated lab--on--a--disc

Sepsis by bacterial infection causes high mortality in patients in intensive care unit (ICU). Rapid identification of bacterial infection is essential to ensure early appropriate administration of antibiotics to save lives of patients, yet the present benchtop molecular diagnosis is time-consuming and labor-intensive, which limits the treatment efficiency especially when the number of samples to be tested is extensive. Therefore, we hereby report a microfluidic platform lab-on-a-disc (LOAD) to provide a sample-to-answer solution. Our LOAD customized design of microfluidic channels allows automation to mimic sequential analytical steps in benchtop environment. It relies on a simple but controllable centrifugation force for the actuation of samples and reagents. Our LOAD system performs three major functions, namely DNA extraction, isothermal DNA amplification and real-time signal detection, in a predefined sequence. The disc is self-contained for conducting sample heating with chemical lysis buffer and silica microbeads are employed for DNA extraction from clinical specimens. Molecular diagnosis of specific target bacteria DNA sequences is then performed using a real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) with SYTO-9 as the signal reporter. Our LOAD system capable of bacterial identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) and Acinetobacter baumanii (Ab) with the detection limits 103cfu/mL TB in sputum and 102cfu/mL Ab in blood within 2h after sample loading. The reported LOAD based on an integrated approach should address the growing needs for rapid point-of-care medical diagnosis in ICU.

[Corneal astigmatism among 2 085 age-related cataract patients before surgery]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics and distribution of corneal astigmatism before surgery among age-related cataract patients in the Hubei area. Methods: Retrospective study. From January 1, 2012 to July 31, 2016, IOL Master measurements of all qualified cataract surgery candidates were retrospectively collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to assess the degree, distribution and type of corneal astigmatism. Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test was used to evaluate the normal distribution of variables. One-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied for the comparison of variance for normally and non-normally distributed quantitative data among different age groups. Spearman's rank test was used to assess the relationship between age and corneal astigmatism. Results: The mean age of the 2 085 patients (3 586 eyes) involved was (73.1±9.43) years old, with more women (58.3%) than men. The mean value of corneal curvature was 44.33 D (95%CI: 44.28-44.39), and the mean corneal astigmatism was 1.06 D (range, 0.05 D to 6.74 D). K-S test indicated the distribution of corneal curvature was normal (P=0.18), while corneal astigmatism did not obey the normal distribution (P<0.01). Corneal astigmatism was between 0.25 D and 1.25 D in 67.7% of the eyes, >1.25 D in 29.7%, and<0.25 D in 4.2%. Corneal astigmatism degree increased with the age increase (P<0.01). There was no statistical difference in corneal astigmatism between women and men (P=0.075). However, women had steeper corneal curvatures than men with statistical difference (P<0.01). Corneal astigmatism with the rule was observed in 29.0% of the eyes, while astigmatism against the rule was found in 53.0%. And astigmatism against the rule increased with age. Conclusion: Corneal astigmatism mostly distributes between 0.25 D and 1.25 D in age-related cataract patients who lived in Hubei. Corneal astigmatism degree increased with age, and the dominant type was astigmatism against the rule. There was no difference in astigmatism between men and women patients aged 50 years and above, but in 70- to 79-year-old patients, women had a higher astigmatism degree than men. The corneal curvature of women was steeper than men in general and in each age group. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 522-527).

Abstract 4103: IL-6 dynamics regulate neuroendocrine transformation in gefitinib acquired resistance EGFR mutant lung cancer cells

Transformation to small-cell lung cancer (SCLC, one of aggressive neuroendocrine [NE] tumor) is reported when activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant non-small-cell lung cancer acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI, such as gefitinib). IL-6 activation confers to acquire TKI resistance and associates with p53 and RB inactivation those are SCLC hallmark changes. Whether NE transformation could phenocopy in isogenic acquired resistance cell line and the role of IL-6 in this process remain unknown. We established 827GRs (including 827GR, 827GR+ and 827GR.M6) acquired resistance to gefitinib from HCC827 cells by long term stepwise treated with gefitinib and they still had EGFR exon 19 deletion without acquired T790M. 827GR was parental resistance line with unstable gefitinib resistance in drug-free medium by passage. We maintained 827GR in medium with or without 1μM gefitinib over 6 months to generate stable clones: 827GR+ and 827GR.M6. 827GRs had SCLC hallmark changes, i.e., inactivation of p53, RB and Notch by western blot and gene set enrichment analysis. Compared to HCC827, 827GRs were more sensitive to cisplatin and etoposide but not paclitaxel. IL-6 level was positive correlated with gefitinib resistance among 827GRs by cytokine array and ELISA. Interestingly, among 827GRs, 827GR.M6 harbored low IL-6 secretion had obviously NOTCH-ASCL1-DLL3 alteration, high NE marker expression and significant inter-rater agreement with selected Byers’ SCLC gene signature than high IL-6 secretion 827GR+, suggesting IL-6 dynamics might regulate NE marker expression. IL-6 genetic manipulation in HCC827 and 827GR+ also demonstrated this phenomenon. Moreover, IL-6 dynamics correlate with NE expression also showed in patient derived lung cancer cell line in published microarray dataset (GSE64322). In conclusion, our work demonstrated activating EGFR mutant lung cancer acquired resistance to TKI with NE transformation could phenocopy in isogenic cell line model and IL-6 dynamics might regulate this process.

Citation Format: Shang-Yin Wu, Hsuan-Heng Yeh, Chun-Hua Hung, Chien-Chung Lin, Wen-Pin Su, Wu-Chou Su. IL-6 dynamics regulate neuroendocrine transformation in gefitinib acquired resistance EGFR mutant lung cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4103. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4103

Abstract 5872: Stat3 feedback activation-induced PTGIS expression is associated with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI in lung cancer

Targeted cancer therapies can effectively promote tumor regression in clinical responses. Eventually, most tumors develop resistance to these drugs. Stat3 activation has been suggested as one of the mechanisms that cause acquired resistance to EGFR-tyrosin kinase inhibitor (TKI) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well studied. In this study, we found that treatment of gefitinib (EGFR-TKI) in NSCLC cell lines harboring EGFR-TKI sensitive mutation induced feedback activation of Stat3 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. High levels of IL-6 were detected in the conditioned medium of gefitinib-treated cells by cytokine array and were confirmed by ELISA. We demonstrated that IL-6 treatment could induce Stat3 activation and conditioned medium treatment-induced Stat3 activation was suppressed by IL-6 neutralizing antibody. We also demonstrated that gefitinib treatment-induced IL-6 secretion could be inhibited by knockdown of Stat3 expression. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition and genetic inhibition of Stat3 activation increased cell cytotoxicity of gefitinib in both PC9 and HCC827 cells that harboring EGFR-TKI sensitive mutation. Our data suggested that gefitinib treatment could induce activation of IL-6/Stat3 signaling loop and modulate cell cytotoxicity of gefitinib. Microarray and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) analysis revealed prostaglandin I2 synthase (PTGIS) as a downstream target gene of IL-6/Stat3 signaling and PTGIS was up-regulated by gefitinib treatment. The induction of PTGIS by gefitinib via Stat3 feedback activation was confirmed in vitro genetically and pharmacologically. Moreover, we showed that cotreatment with PTGIS inhibitor improves the efficacy of EGFR inhibition in PC9 and HCC827 cells. Importantly, high expression of PTGIS was found in gefitinib-resistant PC9 cells (PC9/gef) compared with gefitinib-sensitive PC9 cells. Targeting PTGIS was also effective in decreasing viability of cells with acquired resistance to gefitinib in PC9/gef cells. Taken together, our study indicated that Stat3 feedback activation-induced PTGIS expression participates in modulating gefitinib efficacy and Stat3/PTGIS inhibition could potentially overcome acquired resistance to gefitinib in NSCLC.

Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting.

Citation Format: Hsuan-Heng Yeh, Shang-Yin Wu, Chun-Hua Hung, Wu-Chou Su. Stat3 feedback activation-induced PTGIS expression is associated with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI in lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5872. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5872

A phase I dose escalation study of SCB01A, a micro-tubular inhibitor with vascular disrupting activity, in patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapy

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Background: SCB01A is a novel anti-microtubular agent with vascular disrupting activity. The Phase I study aimed to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of SCB01A in patients with advanced solid tumor. Methods: This was an open-label, phase I clinical trial with a rapid titration followed by a 3 x 3 study design. Eligible patients would receive a 3-hr intravenous infusion of SCB01A, every 21 days as one cycle. All adverse events were classified according to the CTCAE V4.0. DLT was defined as the occurrence of grade 3 with complications and grade 4 hematoloigcal, or ≥grade 3 non-hematological toxicities. Results: From June 2011 to November 2015, a total of 33 eligible patients were enrolled to eight dose levels: 2 mg/m2 (n = 1), 3 mg/m2 (n = 1), 4 mg/m2 (n = 6), 6.5 mg/m2 (n = 9, with 3 additional subjects were recruited for safety concern), 10 mg/m2 (n = 3), 16 mg/m2 (n = 3), 24 mg/m2 (n = 6) and 32 mg/m2 (n = 4). Six episodes of DLTs were observed in 5 patients (each one in dose levels of 4/6.5/24 mg/m2 and two in dose level of 32 mg/m2), including grade 4 blood creatine phosphokinase elevation (4 mg/m2), grade 3 gastric hemorrhage (6.5 mg/m2), grade 2 venous thrombosis (24 mg/m2), grade 3 peripheral neuropathy manifested as weakness of lower limbs, grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase elevation, and grade 3 hypertension (32 mg/m2). The MTD was determined to be 24 mg/m2. Pharmacokinetic profiles revealed a linear AUC-dose response with an average elimination half-life (t1/2) of 2.5 hours. Partial response was observed in one subject with buccal cancer. A total of 57.6% (19/33) subjects had stable disease for at least 2 cycles. Conclusions: SCB01A is safe and tolerable in patients with solid tumor. The MTD of SCB01A is 24 mg/m2 every 21 days, which deserves further development. Clinical trial information: NCT011159522.

Regular recreational physical activity and risk of head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Although substantial evidence supports a 20-30% risk reduction of colon cancer, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer by physical activity (PA), the evidence for head and neck cancer (HNC) is limited. Three published studies on the association between PA and HNC have generated inconsistent results. The current study examined the association between recreational PA (RPA) and HNC risk with a more detailed assessment on the intensity, frequency, duration, and total years of RPA.

METHODS

Data on RPA were collected from 623 HNC cases and 731 controls by in-person interview using a standardized questionnaire. The association between RPA and HNC risk was assessed using unconditional logistic regression, adjusted for sex, age, educational level, use of alcohol, betel quid, and cigarette, and consumption of vegetables and fruits.

RESULTS

A significant inverse association between RPA and HNC risk was observed in a logistic regression model that adjusted for sex, age, and education (odds ratio (OR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51-0.82). However, after further adjustment for the use of alcohol, betel quid, and cigarette, and consumption of vegetables and fruits, RPA was no longer associated with HNC risk (OR =0.97, 95% CI: 0.73-1.28). No significant inverse association between RPA and HNC risk was observed in the analysis stratified by HNC sites or by the use of alcohol, betel quid, or cigarette.

CONCLUSION

Results from our study did not support an inverse association between RPA and HNC risk. The major focus of HNC prevention should be on cessation of cigarette smoking and betel chewing, reduction of alcohol drinking, and promotion of healthy diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables.

[Association between hypertension and serum microRNA21 and microRNA133a in ocean seamen]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of hypertension in ocean seamen and major influencing factors, as well as the association between hypertension and serum microRNA21 and microRNA133a.

METHODS

Health examination and a questionnaire survey were performed for 780 ocean seamen who underwent physical examination in an international travel healthcare center in Fujian, China from January to June, 2014. TaqMan RT-qPCR was used to measure the serum levels of microRNA21 and microRNA133a in seamen with hypertension.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hypertension differed significantly between the ocean seamen with different ages, education levels, marital status, body mass index (BMI) values, drinking frequencies, and numbers of sailing years (P<0.05). The prevalence rate of hypertension in the ocean seamen increased with the increasing drinking frequency (χ(2)=9.02, P<0.05) , decreased with the increase in degree of education (χ(2)=11.578, P<0.05) , and increased with the increase in the number of sailing years (χ(2)=28.06, P<0.05). The hypertensive ocean seamen had significantly higher expression levels of microRNA21 and MicroRNA133a than the healthy ocean seamen (microRNA21: 7.87±5.46 vs 1.03±0.80, P<0.05; MicroRNA133a: 7.45±1.94 vs 4.52±1.15, P<0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that a high level of microRNA21 (OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.22~2.11) , a high level of microRNA133a (OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.24~1.87) , drinking (OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.08~2.50) , overweight based on BMI (OR=1.18, 95%CI: 1.07~1.30) , and many sailing years (OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.14~7.30) were risk factors for hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The prevention and treatment of hypertension in ocean seamen should be enhanced. Excessive drinking should be controlled, and sailing time should be arranged reasonably. The microRNA21 and microRNA133a may be associated with the development and progression of hypertension in ocean seamen.

[Physical activity level and its influence factors among residents in one suburb district of Beijing]

OBJECTIVE

To study the physical activity level and its influence factors among residents in one suburb of Beijing, so as to provide specific interventions for different people in different circumstances and to provide reference for health relevant policy-making in the future.

METHODS

In the study, 7 319 subjects aged 18 years or above were involved. The self-designed questionnaires based on Health Belief Model (HBM) had acceptable validity and reliability. The physical activity levels were calculated to classify sufficient or insufficient amount by a thousand-step equivalent greater than or equal to 6 or 10. Multiple variable Logistic regression was used to explore the influence factors of the physical activity among the residents.

RESULTS

The residents' median amount of physical activity in the suburb district of Beijing were 9.1 thousand-step equivalent with quartile of (3.8, 20.4). The percentages of the thousand-step equivalent greater than or equal to 6 or 10 were 63.7% and 47.7%, respectively. The median amounts of physical activity from work or household chores, transportation and recreation physical activities were 4.0, 1.0, 0.0 and the components of the total amount of physical activity from those were 61.7%, 18.3% and 20.1%, respectively. There were 8.6% residents whose life did notinvolve moderate or vigorous intensity activities. By using factor analysis, five factors were extracted from the scale based on the HBM; These factors together contributed to 63.7% of the sum of the squared loadings. The differences of physical activity levels on education level, age, gender, self-efficacy, cues, subjective and objective barriers were statistically significant (P<0.05).Those who were female, with older age, lower education level, higher self-efficacy, fewer cues, fewer subjective and objective barriers preferred to do more physical activities.

CONCLUSION

The physical activity levels among the residents in the suburb district of Beijing are moderate and high, and most amount of physical activities from work or household chores. Those who are male and whose ages are from 18 to 29 years and whose education levels are of university or above should be focused on intervention. Specific interventions should be developed for different people in different situations; More attention should be paid to improve the residents' self-efficacy and reduce the subjective and objective barriers of physical activity, and we also should actively advocate people to have more leisure exercise so as to improve the physical activity level among all residents.

Hypoxia-upregulated microRNA-630 targets Dicer, leading to increased tumor progression

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNA molecules that affect cellular processes by controlling gene expression. Recent studies have shown that hypoxia downregulates Drosha and Dicer, key enzymes in miRNA biogenesis, causing a decreased pool of miRNAs in cancer and resulting in increased tumor growth and metastasis. Here we demonstrate a previously unrecognized mechanism by which hypoxia downregulates Dicer. We found that miR-630, which is upregulated under hypoxic conditions, targets and downregulates Dicer expression. In an orthotopic mouse model of ovarian cancer, delivery of miR-630 using 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) nanoliposomes resulted in increased tumor growth and metastasis, and decreased Dicer expression. Treatment with the combination of anti-miR-630 and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody in mice resulted in rescue of Dicer expression and significantly decreased tumor growth and metastasis. These results indicate that targeting miR-630 is a promising approach to overcome Dicer deregulation in cancer. As demonstrated in the study, use of DOPC nanoliposomes for anti-miR delivery serves as a better alternative approach to cell line-based overexpression of sense or antisense miRNAs, while avoiding potential in vitro selection effects. Findings from this study provide a new understanding of miRNA biogenesis downregulation observed under hypoxia and suggest therapeutic avenues to target this dysregulation in cancer.

High levels of regulatory T cells in blood are a poor prognostic factor in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

OBJECTIVES

Host immunity likely plays a role in preventing progression of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Analysis of host immune cells may provide useful information for assessing prognosis or possibly clinical management.

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples from 77 patients with DLBCL and 30 healthy volunteers were analyzed using flow cytometry immunophenotyping. CBC counts, T-cell subsets, and dendritic cells (DCs) were detected, and the results were correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy volunteers, patients with DLBCL had significantly higher leukocyte and monocyte counts (P < .001); higher percentages of neutrophils (P < .001), "natural" regulatory T cells (Tregs; CD3+Foxp3+, P < .001), and immature DCs (CD83-CD1a+, P = .005); and lower percentages of lymphocytes (P < .001) and helper T cells (P = .038). In univariate analysis, high neutrophil counts (≥6,000/μL, P = .014) and "induced" Tregs (CD4+CD25+, P = .026) were poor survival factors along with high International Prognostic Index scores (P < .001) and other high-risk clinical parameters. In multivariate analysis, high Tregs retained significance. Suppression of lymphocytes correlated with poor clinical factors; higher natural Tregs correlated with a lower CD4+/CD8+ ratio (P = .035) and more immature DCs (P = .055).

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in blood immune cells occur in patients with DLBCL. The results also support a suppressive role of Tregs in adaptive immunity and correlate with poor-risk prognostic factors.

Low-dimensional boron structures based on icosahedron B₁₂

One-dimensional icosahedral boron chains and two-dimensional icosahedral boron sheets (icosahedral α, δ6, and δ4 sheets) that contain icosahedra B12 as their building units have been predicted in a computer simulation study using a state-of-the-art semi-empirical Hamiltonian. These novel low-dimensional icosahedral structures exhibit interesting bonding and electronic properties. Specifically, the three-center, two-electron bonding between icosahedra B12 of the boron bulk (rhombohedral boron) transforms into a two-center bonding in these new allotropes of boron sheets. In contrast to the previously reported stable buckled α and triangular boron monolayer sheets, these new allotropes of boron sheets form a planar network. Calculations of electronic density of states (DOS) reveal a semiconducting nature for both the icosahedral chain and the icosahedral δ6 and δ4 sheets, as well as a nearly gapless (or metallic-like) feature in the DOS for the icosahedral α sheet. The results for the energy barrier per atom between the icosahedral δ6 and α sheets (0.17 eV), the icosahedral δ6 and δ4 sheets (0.38 eV), and the icosahedral α and δ4 sheets (0.27 eV), as indicated in the respective parentheses, suggest that these new allotropes of boron sheets are relatively stable.

A non-PCR SPR platform using RNase H to detect MicroRNA 29a-3p from throat swabs of human subjects with influenza A virus H1N1 infection

As in all RNA viruses, influenza viruses change and mutate constantly because their RNA polymerase has no proofreading ability. This poses a serious threat to public health nowadays. In addition, traditional pathogen-based detection methods may not be able to report an infection from an unknown type or a subtype of virus if its nucleotide sequence is not known. Because of these factors, targeting host microRNA signatures may be an alternative to classify infections and distinguish types of pathogens as microRNAs are produced in humans shortly after infection. Although this approach is in its infant stage, there is an urgent need to develop a rapid reporter assay for microRNA for disease control and prevention. As a proof of concept, we report herein for the first time a non-PCR MARS (MicroRNA-RNase-SPR) assay to detect the microRNA miR-29a-3p from human subjects infected with influenza virus H1N1 by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). In our MARS assay, RNase H is employed to specifically hydrolyze the RNA probes immobilized on the gold surface where they hybridize with its cognate target cDNAs miR-29a-3p, where it was formed from reverse transcription with mature miR-29a-3p specific stem-looped primers. After the digestion of the RNA probe by RNase H, the intact cDNA was released from the RNA-DNA hybrid and bound to a new RNA probe for another enzymatic reaction cycle to amplify signals. With assay optimization, the detection limit of our MARS assay for miR-29a-3p was found to be 1 nM, and this new assay could be completed within 1 hour without thermal cycling. This non-PCR assay with high selectivity for mature microRNA provides a new platform for rapid disease diagnosis, quarantine and disease control.

Alcohol Drinking Obliterates the Inverse Association Between Serum Retinol and Risk of Head and Neck Cancer

This analysis evaluated the association between serum retinol levels and risk of head and neck cancer (HNC) and whether the association is modulated by the use of alcohol, betel quid, or cigarette. In addition, we also examined the association between HNC risk and 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms, TTR rs1667255 and RBP4 rs10882272, that have been associated with serum retinol levels. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between serum retinol levels and HNC risk among 160 HNC cases and 198 controls. The associations between TTR rs1667255 and RBP4 rs10882272 and serum retinol levels or HNC risk were evaluated by linear regression and unconditional logistic regression, respectively, for 418 HNC cases and 497 controls. The results showed that HNC cases had a lower mean serum retinol level compared with controls (845.3 μg/L vs 914.8 μg/L, P = 0.03). An inverse association between serum retinol levels and HNC risk occurred among never/occasional alcohol drinkers but not among regular drinkers. TTR rs1667255 was associated with serum retinol levels; however, neither TTR rs1667255 nor RBP4 rs10882272 was associated with HNC risk. In summary, this study showed an inverse association between serum retinol levels and HNC risk, specifically among never/occasional alcohol drinkers. More studies are needed to establish the underlying biologic mechanisms for the inverse association between serum retinol levels and HNC risk and the modulation of this relationship by alcohol drinking.

Next generation of the self-consistent and environment-dependent Hamiltonian: Applications to various boron allotropes from zero- to three-dimensional structures

An upgrade of the previous self-consistent and environment-dependent linear combination of atomic orbitals Hamiltonian (referred as SCED-LCAO) has been developed. This improved version of the semi-empirical SCED-LCAO Hamiltonian, in addition to the inclusion of self-consistent determination of charge redistribution, multi-center interactions, and modeling of electron-electron correlation, has taken into account the effect excited on the orbitals due to the atomic aggregation. This important upgrade has been subjected to a stringent test, the construction of the SCED-LCAO Hamiltonian for boron. It was shown that the Hamiltonian for boron has successfully characterized the electron deficiency of boron and captured the complex chemical bonding in various boron allotropes, including the planar and quasi-planar, the convex, the ring, the icosahedral, and the fullerene-like clusters, the two-dimensional monolayer sheets, and the bulk alpha boron, demonstrating its transferability, robustness, reliability, and predictive power. The molecular dynamics simulation scheme based on the Hamiltonian has been applied to explore the existence and the energetics of ∼230 compact boron clusters BN with N in the range from ∼100 to 768, including the random, the rhombohedral, and the spherical icosahedral structures. It was found that, energetically, clusters containing whole icosahedral B12 units are more stable for boron clusters of larger size (N > 200). The ease with which the simulations both at 0 K and finite temperatures were completed is a demonstration of the efficiency of the SCED-LCAO Hamiltonian.

Agronomically important thrips: development of species-specific primers in multiplex PCR and microarray assay using internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) sequences for identification

Thrips, the sole vector of plant Tospovirus, are major pests of many agricultural crops throughout the world. Molecular approaches have been applied in recent decades to identify these minute and morphologically difficult to distinguish insects. In this study, sequences of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of 15 agronomically important thrips, including several virus transmission species, have been analyzed in order to design species-specific primers for multiplex PCR and probes for microarray assay. That the ITS1 sequence distances within species were smaller than those among species suggests that the ITS1 fragment can be used for thrips species identification. The specificity and stability of these primers, combined with universal paired primers, were tested and verified in multiplex PCR. Using these specific primers as probes, microarray assay showed that PCR products of all thrips species hybridized consistently to their corresponding probes, though some signals were weak. We have demonstrated that multiplex PCR using specific primers based on ITS1 sequences is a simple, reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic tool for thrips species identification. Moreover, the DNA microarray assay is expected to extend into a reliable high-throughput screening tool for the vast numbers of thrips.

An Electronic Nursing Patient Care Plan Helps in Clinical Decision Support

Information technology can help to improve health care delivery. The utilisation of informatics principle enhances the quality of nursing practices through improved communication, documentation and efficiency. The Nursing Profession constitutes 34% of the total workforce in the Hong Kong Hospital Authority (HA) and includes 21,000 nurses in 2012. To enhance the quality of care and patient safety in both hospitals and community care setting, it is essential that an integrated electronic decision support system for nurses is designed to track documentation and support care or service including observations, decisions, actions and outcomes throughout the care process at each point-of-care. The Patient Care Plan project was set up to achieve these objectives. The Project adheres to strict documentation information architecture to ensure data sharing is freely available. Preliminary results showed very promising improvement in clinical care.