Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of healthcare professionals regarding child maltreatment in China

BACKGROUND

A new, recently issued national law and regulation in China conferred the responsibility of healthcare professionals in child maltreatment intervention. However, few studies have reported on the recognition and reporting of child maltreatment by healthcare professionals in China. The aim of this study was to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and self-perceived behaviour in terms of identifying, assessing, and reporting child maltreatment cases in China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 877 healthcare professionals from four provinces was conducted using a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

The respondents demonstrated insufficient knowledge on identifying potential child maltreatment cases. Over 30% of them were less than confident in the medical examination, evaluation, and treatment of child maltreatment cases, especially with regard to cases involving sexual abuse. Only 3.19% of respondents had ever received training on child maltreatment intervention, and as a result, lack of knowledge with regard to dealing with child maltreatment cases, referral procedures, and regulations was indicated to be the main cause of underreporting.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals in China have insufficient knowledge, skills, and confidence when it comes to dealing with all aspects of child maltreatment. Although participants reported a positive attitude towards their role in detecting and reporting child maltreatment cases, there are obstacles that hinder them from doing so. Appropriate training courses should be developed to empower professionals with knowledge and skills, as well as increase their confidence in dealing with suspected child maltreatment cases.

Determination of the Spin and Parity of the Z_{c}(3900)

The spin and parity of the Z_{c}(3900)^{±} state are determined to be J^{P}=1^{+} with a statistical significance larger than 7σ over other quantum numbers in a partial wave analysis of the process e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ. We use a data sample of 1.92  fb^{-1} accumulated at sqrt[s]=4.23 and 4.26 GeV with the BESIII experiment. When parametrizing the Z_{c}(3900)^{±} with a Flatté-like formula, we determine its pole mass M_{pole}=(3881.2±4.2_{stat}±52.7_{syst})  MeV/c^{2} and pole width Γ_{pole}=(51.8±4.6_{stat}±36.0_{syst})  MeV. We also measure cross sections for the process e^{+}e^{-}→Z_{c}(3900)^{+}π^{-}+c.c.→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-} and determine an upper limit at the 90% confidence level for the process e^{+}e^{-}→Z_{c}(4020)^{+}π^{-}+c.c.→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}.

Nonlinear modulation of interacting between COMT and depression on brain function

BACKGROUND

The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is related to dopamine degradation and has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, how this gene affects brain function properties in MDD is still unclear.

METHODS

Fifty patients with MDD and 35 cognitively normal participants underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. A voxelwise and data-drive global functional connectivity density (gFCD) analysis was used to investigate the main effects and the interactions of disease states and COMT rs4680 gene polymorphism on brain function.

RESULTS

We found significant group differences of the gFCD in bilateral fusiform area (FFA), post-central and pre-central cortex, left superior temporal gyrus (STG), rectal and superior temporal gyrus and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC); abnormal gFCDs in left STG were positively correlated with severity of depression in MDD group. Significant disease×COMT interaction effects were found in the bilateral calcarine gyrus, right vlPFC, hippocampus and thalamus, and left SFG and FFA. Further post-hoc tests showed a nonlinear modulation effect of COMT on gFCD in the development of MDD. Interestingly, an inverted U-shaped modulation was found in the prefrontal cortex (control system) but U-shaped modulations were found in the hippocampus, thalamus and occipital cortex (processing system).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated nonlinear modulation of the interaction between COMT and depression on brain function. These findings expand our understanding of the COMT effect underlying the pathophysiology of MDD.

Recent advances in management of tuberculosis in infants

The global tuberculosis (TB) incidence estimated by WHO is found to be 8.6 million people. Moreover, the highest TB burden worldwide is found in Asian and African countries. The disease is more prevalent in infants due to their immature immune systems. Despite this, the available diagnostic tools pose a challenge due to paucibacillary nature of the disease and difficulty in obtaining specimens. The present review article discusses the important and upcoming advancements in the management of above pathological state. The article will enlighten the new vaccinations for TB in the pipeline. Moreover, new upcoming approaches involving system biology and gene expression profiling for efficient supervision of the disease will also be highlighted.

Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) Guideline for Pharmacogenetics-Guided Warfarin Dosing: 2017 Update

This document is an update to the 2011 Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guideline for CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genotypes and warfarin dosing. Evidence from the published literature is presented for CYP2C9, VKORC1, CYP4F2, and rs12777823 genotype-guided warfarin dosing to achieve a target international normalized ratio of 2-3 when clinical genotype results are available. In addition, this updated guideline incorporates recommendations for adult and pediatric patients that are specific to continental ancestry.

Observation of Λ_{c}^{+}→nK_{S}^{0}π^{+}

We report the first direct measurement of decays of the Λ_{c}^{+} baryon involving the neutron. The analysis is performed using 567  pb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data collected at sqrt[s]=4.599  GeV with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider. We observe the decay Λ_{c}^{+}→nK_{S}^{0}π^{+} and measure the absolute branching fraction to be B(Λ_{c}^{+}→nK_{S}^{0}π^{+})=[1.82±0.23(stat)±0.11(syst)]%. A comparison to B[Λ_{c}^{+}→p(K[over ¯]π)^{0}] provides an important test of isospin symmetry and final state interactions.

Precise Measurement of the e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ Cross Section at Center-of-Mass Energies from 3.77 to 4.60 GeV

The cross section for the process e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ is measured precisely at center-of-mass energies from 3.77 to 4.60 GeV using 9  fb^{-1} of data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Two resonant structures are observed in a fit to the cross section. The first resonance has a mass of (4222.0±3.1±1.4)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (44.1±4.3±2.0)  MeV, while the second one has a mass of (4320.0±10.4±7.0)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (101.4_{-19.7}^{+25.3}±10.2)  MeV, where the first errors are statistical and second ones are systematic. The first resonance agrees with the Y(4260) resonance reported by previous experiments. The precision of its resonant parameters is improved significantly. The second resonance is observed in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ for the first time. The statistical significance of this resonance is estimated to be larger than 7.6σ. The mass and width of the second resonance agree with the Y(4360) resonance reported by the BABAR and Belle experiments within errors. Finally, the Y(4008) resonance previously observed by the Belle experiment is not confirmed in the description of the BESIII data.

Evidence of Two Resonant Structures in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}h_{c}

The cross sections of e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}h_{c} at center-of-mass energies from 3.896 to 4.600 GeV are measured using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The cross sections are found to be of the same order of magnitude as those of e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ and e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}ψ(2S), but the line shape is inconsistent with the Y states observed in the latter two modes. Two structures are observed in the e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}h_{c} cross sections around 4.22 and 4.39  GeV/c^{2}, which we call Y(4220) and Y(4390), respectively. A fit with a coherent sum of two Breit-Wigner functions results in a mass of (4218.4_{-4.5}^{+5.5}±0.9)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (66.0_{-8.3}^{+12.3}±0.4)  MeV for the Y(4220), and a mass of (4391.5_{-6.8}^{+6.3}±1.0)  MeV/c^{2} and a width of (139.5_{-20.6}^{+16.2}±0.6)  MeV for the Y(4390), where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second ones systematic. The statistical significance of Y(4220) and Y(4390) is 10σ over one structure assumption.

Genetic analysis of PITX3 variants in patients with essential tremor

BACKGROUND

A clinical overlap between essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson's disease (PD) has prompted investigation whether these disorders share common genetic factors. The paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3 gene (PITX3) has been shown to play an important role for the differentiation and survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The preferential degeneration of those dopaminergic neurons is the pathological hallmark in PD.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether PITX3 variants are related to susceptibility of ET in Chinese Han population.

METHODS

Genetic analysis of two variants rs3758549 and rs4919621 of the PITX3 gene was conducted in 200 Chinese Han patients with ET and 426 controls.

RESULTS

We did not identify any statistically significant difference in either genotypic or allelic frequencies of variants between the ET patients and control cohort (all P > 0.05). Haplotype analysis of two variants in the PITX3 gene showed no potential association between the haplotypes and risk of ET (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that PITX3 variants rs3758549 and rs4919621 are not associated with ET in Chinese Han population.

Amplitude Analysis of the Decays η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} and η^{'}→π^{0}π^{0}π^{0}

Based on a sample of 1.31×10^{9}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, an amplitude analysis of the isospin-violating decays η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0} and η^{'}→π^{0}π^{0}π^{0} is performed. A significant P-wave contribution from η^{'}→ρ^{±}π^{∓} is observed for the first time in η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0}. The branching fraction is determined to be B(η^{'}→ρ^{±}π^{∓})=(7.44±0.60±1.26±1.84)×10^{-4}, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second systematic, and the third model dependent. In addition to the nonresonant S-wave component, there is a significant σ meson component. The branching fractions of the combined S-wave components are determined to be B(η^{'}→π^{+}π^{-}π^{0})_{S}=(37.63±0.77±2.22±4.48)×10^{-4} and B(η^{'}→π^{0}π^{0}π^{0})=(35.22±0.82±2.54)×10^{-4}, respectively. The latter one is consistent with previous BESIII measurements.

Joint Association of Obesity and Hypertension with Disability in the Elderly-- A Community-Based Study of Residents in Shanghai, China

BACKGROUND

Although both obesity and hypertension are known risk factors for disability, the joint association of obesity and hypertension with risk of disability is unknown. This paper is aim to examine the joint association of obesity and hypertension with risk of disability.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study with 8060 elderly community-dwelling individuals participating in the survey initiated by Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission from March to September 2013. Obesity was measured using the body mass index (BMI) in World Health Organization (WHO) Asia criteria. Hypertension, based on the doctor's diagnosis, was obtained through face-to-face interview. Disability was measured using the self-reported physical self-maintenance scale (PSMS) and the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale developed by Lawton and Brody.

RESULTS

A total of 8.97% of participants reported ADL disability, and 15.18% for IADL disability. After adjusting social demographics and chronic conditions, the risk of ADL disability was progressively greater in obese persons with hypertension (OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.05-1.89), underweight persons without hypertension (OR=2.05, 95% CI=1.29-3.25), and underweight persons with hypertension (OR=2.14, 95% CI=1.36-3.36). For IADL disability, only underweight persons with hypertension were significantly associated (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.23-2.21).

CONCLUSIONS

Low or extremely high BMI, independent of its metabolic consequences, is a risk factor for disability among the elderly. Simple hypertension wasn't significantly associated with disability. In addition, having hypertension significantly increased the risk of ADL disability in obese individuals and IADL disability in underweight individuals.

[Effect of low-dose ionizing radiation on platelet and leukocytes of radiation workers]

Objective: To explore the effect of low-dose ionizing radiation on the platelets and leukocytes of the radiation workers. Methods: We collected data from a total number of 2 055 radiation related workers and with their cumulative doses. Data on platelets and leukocytes was gathered from physical examination of the staff members, from 2013 to 2015 in Chengdu. T test, variance analysis, χ² test, linear correlation, covariance analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Results from the covariance analysis showed that with the increase of cumulative doses, the quantity of platelet and leukocyte appeared a decreasing trend. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, with the increase of BMI levels and the medium cumulative dose and above (>4.333 mSv), the risk of thrombocytopenia became more obvious (trend test as P<0.05). In the group with high-dose exposure radiation (>15.639 mSv) and combined factor as smoking, the risk of developing thrombocytopenia would increase (OR=2.33, 95% CI: 1.23-4.44). Staff with cumulative dose of less than 4.332 mSv and exercised more than 1 time per week, the risk of developing low leukocyte would decrease (OR=0.26, 95% CI: 0.09-0.70). Conclusions: Along with the increase of cumulative doses on exposure to radiation related workers. The quantity of platelet and leukocyte showed a decreasing trend among them. When this high-dose exposure radiation combined with overweight/obesity or cigarette smoking, the risk of developing thrombocytopenia was high. However, physical exercise might have served as protective factor on leukopenia.

Measurement of Singly Cabibbo Suppressed Decays Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K^{-}

Using 567  pb^{-1} of data collected with the BESIII detector at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=4.599  GeV, near the Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} threshold, we study the singly Cabibbo-suppressed decays Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K^{-}. By normalizing with respect to the Cabibbo-favored decay Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+}, we obtain ratios of branching fractions: [B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-})/B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+})]=(6.70±0.48±0.25)%, [B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pϕ)/B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+})]=(1.81±0.33±0.13)%, and [B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K_{non-ϕ}^{-})/B(Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+})]=(9.36±2.22±0.71)×10^{-3}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The absolute branching fractions are also presented. Among these measurements, the decay Λ_{c}^{+}→pπ^{+}π^{-} is observed for the first time, and the precision of the branching fraction for Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{+}K_{non-ϕ}^{-} and Λ_{c}^{+}→pϕ is significantly improved.

Clinical effect of treating secondary asthma attacks of children Mycoplasma pneumoniae with combined therapy of montelukast and azithromycin

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the clinical effects of treating secondary asthma attacks of children Mycoplasma pneumoniae with combined therapy of montelukast and azithromycin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

96 children patients diagnosed with secondary asthma attacks of Mycoplasma pneumonia were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n=49) and the observation group (n=47). Patients in the control group received combined therapy using azithromycin and bronchodilators or glucocorticoid, and patients in the observation group received a combined therapy of montelukast, azithromycin and bronchodilators or glucocorticoid. The lung function indexes, T lymphocyte subpopulation, cytokines levels, positive rate of lgG and lgM, asthma control rate and recurrence rate were compared between groups before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The levels of V-T, t-PTEF/t-E, MTIF/MTEF and TEF25/PTEF in both groups increased after treatment, but we observed a more significant improvement in the observation group. The CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ levels in both groups also increased after the intervention, while the level of CD8+ decreased. The IL-10, IL-17 and TGF-β levels decreased more intensely in the observation group.

DISCUSSION

The positive rate of lgG and lgM in both groups decreased significantly after the intervention. In the observation group, the asthma control rate was higher while the recurrence rate was lower. Although montelukast had little effect on improving the immune function, it was certainly beneficial for controlling the symptoms of asthma and improving the prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Using combined therapy of montelukast and azithromycin for treating the secondary asthma attacks of children mycoplasma pneumonia can relieve immunological and inflammatory reactions and improve the lung function.

RNAi in the striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis, establishes a functional role for aminopeptidase N in Cry1Ab intoxication

The striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis, is a major target pest of transgenic rice expressing the Cry1Ab protein from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in China. Evolution of resistance in this pest is a major threat to the durability of Bt rice. Since Bt exerts its activity through binding to specific receptors in the midgut of target insects, identification of functional Cry1Ab receptors in the midgut of C. suppressalis larvae is crucial to evaluate potential resistance mechanisms and develop effective strategies for delaying insect resistance. In this work, we identified the putative Cry1Ab toxin-binding protein, aminopeptidase-N (APN), in the midgut of C. suppressalis by ligand blot and mass spectrometry. After cloning the full-length cDNAs encoding APN isoforms from the C. suppressalis larval midgut, we studied their spatiotemporal expression in different gut tissues and developmental stages. Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) against C. suppressalis aminopeptidases (CsAPNs) was employed to illustrate a functional role for CsAPNs in Cry1Ab toxicity to C. suppressalis larvae using injection and oral delivery of Stealth™ siRNA. Down-regulating the expression of CsAPNs by RNAi was closely associated with reduced susceptibility of C. suppressalis to Cry1Ab. These data provide the first direct evidence that CsAPNs participate in the mode of Cry1Ab action and may act as the functional receptor of Cry1A in C. suppressalis larvae.

[Therapeutic effect of IGF-1R-targeting inhibitor (TAE226) on malignant pleural effusion in nude mice]

OBJECTIVE

To study the therapeutic effect of IGF-1R inhibitor TAE226 on malignant pleural effusion (MPE) in nude mice.

METHODS

Human lung carcinoma A549 cells were injected into the pleural cavity of nude mice to establish MPE model. The mice were randomly divided into model group and treatment group, and were orally administered with distilled water and TAE226 (20 mg/kg) in the same volume, respectively. The volume of pleural effusion and tumor weight of the two groups were observed. HE staining was used to reveal the histological changes and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the IGF-1R protein expression. IGF-1R mRNA level in the tumor tissue was determined by RT-PCR. Microvessel density (MVD) and cell proliferation index (PI) were assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. The protein expression levels of IGF-1R, p-IGF-1R, PI3K and p-PI3K in the tumor tissue were determined by Western blotting.

RESULTS

The volumes of pleural effusion were (241.4±89.7) μl and (121.7±78.8) μl in the model and treatment groups, respectively (P<0.05). The tumor weight of treatment group was (316.7±186.3) mg, significantly lower than that of the model group (671.4±281.4) mg (P<0.05). RT-PCR analysis showed that IGF-1R mRNA level was 0.914±0.029 in the treatment group, significantly lower than that of the model group (1.152±0.037, P<0.01). The ELISA data revealed that IGF-1R protein expression level of the model group was significantly higher than that of the treatment group [(41.0±4.7) μg/L vs. (24.0±3.1) μg/L, P<0.01]. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that there were significant differences between MVD and PI in the model and treatment groups [MVD, 34.75±3.49 vs. 22.25±3.63; PI, (75.25±7.15)% vs. (45.75±5.12)%; P<0.01 for both). Western blot data showed that IGF-1R and PI3K protein expression levels were not significantly different between the model and treatment groups (1.03±0.33 vs. 0.98±0.37 and 1.05±0.28 vs. 0.98±0.19), respectively (P>0.05), but p-IGF-1R and p-PI3K protein expression levels had significant differences between the two groups (1.08±0.10 vs. 0.51±0.08 and 1.12±0.09 vs. 0.86±0.09), respectively (P<0.01 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

The IGF-1R inhibitor can effectively inhibit the formation of malignant pleural effusion. Its mechanism may be related to the suppression of tumor cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis through inhibition of PI3K signaling. TAE226 treatment may be a potential therapeutic regimen of treating malignant pleural effusion.

Novel Disease-Drug Database Demonstrating Applicability for Pharmacogenomic-Based Prescribing

Significant advances have been made in the clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics in recent years with tools for clinical decision support (CDS) being developed and integrated in the electronic health record (EHR). In this issue, the article by Hussain et al. describes the creation of a disease-drug association tool that enables providers to search by disease indications to receive a list of treatment options marked with pharmacogenomics annotations at the point of prescribing.

Hepatic Steatosis as a Predictive Factor of Antiviral Effect of Pegylated Interferon Therapy in Patients With Hepatitis B

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study sought to evaluate the impact of hepatic steatosis, a common hepatocyte change in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, upon response to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

METHODS

Eighty-nine consecutive CHB patients from the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University receiving 48 weeks of PEG-IFN therapy were enrolled in this study, and 56 patients were followed up for 48 weeks among subjects with completed therapy. Baseline characteristics, end-of-treatment response (ETR), and sustained viral response (SVR) to PEG-IFN therapy were evaluated. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were applied to find independent factors of hepatic steatosis and PEG-IFN treatment failure.

RESULTS

Steatosis was present in 34.5% (31 of 89) of liver biopsy samples. ETR to PEG-IFN therapy was 56.17% (50 of 89) at 48 weeks, and SVR to PEG-IFN therapy was 57.6% (32 of 56) at 96 weeks. There was no significant difference in ETR between the patients with hepatic steatosis and those without hepatic steatosis at 48 weeks (P > .05), whereas SVR was higher in patients without hepatic steatosis than in those with hepatic steatosis at 96 weeks (P < .05). Multivariate analysis showed that the sustained response rate was independently associated with steatosis, fibrosis, aspartate aminotransferase, C-reactive protein, and ferritin. Hepatic steatosis was a prediction factor with the sustained response.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic steatosis may be a predictive factor of response to PEG-IFN therapy in patients with CHB.

Observation of an Anomalous Line Shape of the η^{'}π^{+}π^{-} Mass Spectrum near the pp[over ¯] Mass Threshold in J/ψ→γη^{'}π^{+}π^{-}

Using 1.09×10^{9} J/ψ events collected by the BESIII experiment in 2012, we study the J/ψ→γη^{'}π^{+}π^{-} process and observe a significant abrupt change in the slope of the η^{'}π^{+}π^{-} invariant mass distribution at the proton-antiproton (pp[over ¯]) mass threshold. We use two models to characterize the η^{'}π^{+}π^{-} line shape around 1.85  GeV/c^{2}: one that explicitly incorporates the opening of a decay threshold in the mass spectrum (Flatté formula), and another that is the coherent sum of two resonant amplitudes. Both fits show almost equally good agreement with data, and suggest the existence of either a broad state around 1.85  GeV/c^{2} with strong couplings to the pp[over ¯] final states or a narrow state just below the pp[over ¯] mass threshold. Although we cannot distinguish between the fits, either one supports the existence of a pp[over ¯] moleculelike state or bound state with greater than 7σ significance.

Observation of h_{c} Radiative Decay h_{c}→γη^{'} and Evidence for h_{c}→γη

A search for radiative decays of the P-wave spin singlet charmonium resonance h_{c} is performed based on 4.48×10^{8} ψ^{'} events collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring. Events of the reaction channels h_{c}→γη^{'} and γη are observed with a statistical significance of 8.4σ and 4.0σ, respectively, for the first time. The branching fractions of h_{c}→γη^{'} and h_{c}→γη are measured to be B(h_{c}→γη^{'})=(1.52±0.27±0.29)×10^{-3} and B(h_{c}→γη)=(4.7±1.5±1.4)×10^{-4}, respectively, where the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic uncertainties.

Fracture Toughness of PP/EPDM/Nano-Ternary Composites: The Role of Distribution of Inorganic Particles

The influence of the distribution of the inorganic particles on the toughness of the PP/EPDM/nano-ternary composites was investigated. Four morphologies for PP/EPDM/nano-ternary composites were obtained by means of adjusting the surface tension of inorganic particles (nano-CaCO3, hydrophobic nano-SiO2 and hydrophilic nano-SiO2) and the compounding sequence (one-step extrusion and two-step extrusion). Morphological observation revealed that the segregated dispersion morphology was formed in the PP/EPDM/CaCO3 composite. For the PP/EPDM/R974 (hydrophobic nano-SiO2) composite, R974 particles were dispersed at the interface between the PP matrix and EPDM dispersed phase. A200 particles (hydrophilic nano-SiO2) continuously dispersed between PP and EPDM phase for PP/EPDM/A200 composites prepared by one-step, while were present in EPDM dispersed phase for the two-step PP/EPDM/A200 composites. The dependence of the toughness on the phase morphology of the components, especially the distribution of nanoparticles, was studied systematically. The impact strength of one-step PP/EPDM/A200 composites was pronouncedly enhanced, increasing 552 % compared to pure PP. Compared with the other three composites, the one-step PP/EPDM/A200 composites exhibits better effect of preventing crack propagation and far higher fracture energies. It is attributed to the A200 particles continuously dispersed between EPDM phase and matrix, which makes EPDM particles have better compatibility with the PP matrix and the overlapping of the stress field with A200 particles.

Vasculogenic mimicry and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma

In this study, the existence of vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in cervical squamous cell carcinoma was investigated. To this end, the relationship between hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and the development, infiltration, and metastasis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma was studied. Between January 2010 and December 2010, 67 human cervical squamous carcinoma tissue samples were collected and stained by CD34/periodic acid-Schiff double staining to detect the existence of VM. HIF-1α expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between VM and HIF-1α was also analyzed. Normal cervical tissues (20 cases) from patients who had uterine surgeries in the same period were collected as controls. In the cervical squamous carcinoma tissues, positive rates of VM and HIF-1α were 38.81% (26/67) and 64.18% (43/67), respectively. This was significantly higher than those in the normal cervical tissues [0 (0/20); P < 0.05]. VM rates in cervical squamous carcinoma tissues from patients with different pathological grades, Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages, and lymph node metastasis states were also significantly different (P < 0.05). In addition, significant differences in HIF-1α positivity rates were observed among patients with varying tumor sizes and lymph node metastasis states (P < 0.05). Positive correlation was found between VM and HIF-1α (r = 0.339, P < 0.05). To summarize, we found VM in cervical squamous carcinoma; high expression of HIF-1α may promote VM formation, as well as cervical squamous cell infiltration and metastasis.

Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells in metastatic breast cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains the main cause of cancer-related death, and the clinical significance and prognostic role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic breast cancer are still controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the correlation between CTCs and the clinicopathological features and prognosis of MBC.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive search of Pubmed and the ISI Web of Science through December 2014. Only articles that focused on MBC patients and detected CTCs using the CellSearch system were included. The associations between CTCs and survival rate and clinicopathological parameters, including molecular pattern, metastatic region and treatment response, were evaluated.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 24 studies (3701 MBC patients), 13 prospective studies and 11 retrospective studies. We found that CTCs were more frequently detected with HER2 + primary tumors (pooled RR = 0.73, 95 % CI = 0.63-0.84). Additionally, higher CTC numbers indicated a worse treatment response (RR = 0.56, 95 % CI = 0.40-0.79), poorer PFS (RR = 0.64, 95 % CI = 0.56-0.73) and poorer OS (RR = 0.69, 95 % CI = 0.64-0.75) in MBC patients.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, we propose that HER2 positivity could be a significant risk factor for the presence of CTCs. Additionally, CTCs have a significant prognostic value for MBC patients. Therefore, CTCs should be continually monitored to guide the treatment of MBC patients, especially those with HER2 + primary tumors.

Measurements of Absolute Hadronic Branching Fractions of the Λ_{c}^{+} Baryon

We report the first measurement of absolute hadronic branching fractions of Λ_{c}^{+} baryon at the Λ_{c}^{+}Λ[over ¯]_{c}^{-} production threshold, in the 30 years since the Λ_{c}^{+} discovery. In total, 12 Cabibbo-favored Λ_{c}^{+} hadronic decay modes are analyzed with a double-tag technique, based on a sample of 567  pb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collisions at sqrt[s]=4.599  GeV recorded with the BESIII detector. A global least-squares fitter is utilized to improve the measured precision. Among the measurements for twelve Λ_{c}^{+} decay modes, the branching fraction for Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+} is determined to be (5.84±0.27±0.23)%, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. In addition, the measurements of the branching fractions of the other 11 Cabibbo-favored hadronic decay modes are significantly improved.

Cloning, characterization, and expression of cadmium-induced metallothionein-2 gene from earthworm Pheretima aspergillum (E. Perrier)

Metallothioneins (MTs) are ubiquitous metal-binding, cysteine-rich proteins, associated with metal accumulation and thus providing protection against toxic heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd). To investigate the mechanisms of enrichment of Cd in the earthworm Pheretima aspergillum, we isolated and cloned metallothionein-2 (MT-2) cDNA (538 bp) from P. aspergillum, analyzed its sequence, and examined MT-2 transcription levels by relative quantitative real-time PCR under different concentrations of Cd. The sequence of P. aspergillum MT-2 cDNA and its putative amino acid sequence were highly similar to sequences from other earthworms. The induction with Cd increased the MT-2 gene transcription level in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, earthworm recombinant MT-2 exhibited high Cd bioaccumulation ability in vitro. These results suggested that MT-2 plays an important role in tolerance and accumulation of Cd in P. aspergillum.

MicroRNA-22 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in gastric cancer by directly targeting MMP14 and Snail

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) deregulation is frequent in human gastric cancers (GCs), but the role of specific miRNAs involved in this disease remains elusive. MiR-22 was previously reported to act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes in diverse cancers. However, their accurate expression, function and mechanism in GC are largely unclear. Here, we found that the expression of miR-22 was significantly reduced in clinical GC tissues compared with paired adjacent normal tissues, and was significantly correlated with a more aggressive phenotype of GC in patients, and miR-22 low expression correlated with poor overall survival. The introduction of miR-22 markedly suppressed GC cell growth, migration and invasion, and inhibition of miR-22 promoted GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. We further demonstrated that miR-22 acted as tumor suppressors through targeting extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling member matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducer Snail in GC. Moreover, ectopic expression of MMP14 or Snail restored inhibitory effects of miR-22 on cell migration and invasion in GC cells, and a negative relationship between the miR-22 expression and MMP14 or Snail mRNA levels was observed in GC. Finally, overexpression of miR-22 suppressed tumor growth, peritoneal dissemination and pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Taken together, we identified that miR-22 is a potent tumor suppressor in GC. MiR-22 downregulation promotes GC invasion and metastasis by upregulating MMP14 and Snail, and then inducing ECM remodeling and EMT. These findings provide a better understanding of the development and progression of GC and may be an important implication for future therapy of the GC.

[The complete mitochondrial genome of peacock sole Pardachirus pavoninus (Pleuronectiformes: Soleidae) and comparative analysis of the control region among 13 soles]

The complete mitogenome of the peacock sole Pardachirus pavoninus (Lacepède, 1802) was determined. The total length is 16 536 bp, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes and two rRNA genes, as well as one control region (CR). The L-strand replication origin (OL), which is typically located in the WANCY cluster, is lost in P. pavoninus. The gene arrangement is identical to that in most teleosts. Comparison of the CR sequences among 13 soles reveals that a 211-bp fragment at the 5'-end of the CR is lost in the P. pavoninus mitogenome, responsible for its short sequence with a length of 872 bp. All typical conservative blocks (TAS, CSB-F, E, D, C, B, A, CSB-1, 2, 3) are identified. Seven out of 13 soles contain tandem repeats in the CR and the possible mechanisms of their formation are discussed. These results may provide the consensus sequences of the conserved units in the sole CR as well as molecular data for phylogenetic studies on Soleidae and Pleuronectiformes.

The Role of αA-Crystallin in Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis

Uveitis refers to a group of ocular inflammatory diseases that can lead to blindness. For years, researchers have been trying to decipher the underlying mechanisms and develop therapeutic strategies using the model of experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU). Recently, αA-crystallin has been found to be upregulated in EAU and can even ameliorate its severity through different mechanisms, suggesting its use as a potent therapeutic factor against uveitis. Here we review the protective role of αA-crystallin and discuss its functional mechanisms in EAU.

Prediction of virological response by pretreatment hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase quasispecies heterogeneity: the advantage of using next-generation sequencing

Prediction of antiviral efficacy prior to treatment remains largely unavailable. We have previously demonstrated the clinical value of on-treatment hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse transcriptase (RT) quasispecies (QS) evolution patterns. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the relevance for prediction of pretreatment HBV RT QS characteristics by comparing the performance of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and clone-based Sanger sequencing (CBS). Thirty-six lamivudine-treated patients were retrospectively studied, including 18 responders and 18 non-responders. CBS and NGS data of pretreatment serum HBV were used to generate RT QS genetic complexity and diversity scores, according to our previous studies. The ability of both methods to predict responsiveness was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A cut-off value was generated on the basis of prediction ability. Responders had significantly higher pretreatment RT QS genetic complexity and diversity (in the first two parts, which overlapped with the S gene, at both the nucleotide and amino acid levels) than non-responders by NGS-based testing. NGS-based algorithms predicted response better than CBS in the ROC curve analysis. The mean distance of the second contig had the highest area under the curve (AUC) value. When the cut-off value was set to 0.007186, the difference between survival curves was significant (p 0.0090). Pretreatment HBV RT QS heterogeneity in the overlapping region of the RT and S genes could be a predictor of antiviral efficacy. NGS improves the predictions of virological outcomes relative to CBS algorithms. This may have important implications for the clinical management of subjects chronically infected with HBV.

Crystallization Kinetics for PP/EPDM/Nano-CaCO3 Composites – The Influence of Nanoparticles Distribution

The primary aim of this paper is to provide an insight on the effect of the distribution of calcium carbonate nanoparticles (nano-CaCO3) on the isothermal crystallization kinetics in Polypropylene (PP)/ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM)/nano-CaCO3 composites prepared by different compounding procedures. PP/EPDM/CaCO3 composites were prepared by two compounding procedures (direct compounding: mixed all three solid materials together; multistep compounding: the melted EPDM/CaCO3 master batch in a single screw extruder blended with melted PP in twin-screw extruder via injecting into the twin-screw extruder from a lateral port at the melting section of the twin-screw extruder). Morphological observation showed that abundant CaCO3 particles concentrated around EPDM dispersed phase in the multistep compounding composite, essentially different from the respectively dispersed morphology of CaCO3 particles and EPDM domains in the matrix for the direct compounding composite. Moreover, better dispersion of CaCO3 particles in the multistep compounding composite was observed comparing to the direct compounding composite. Futhermore, a pronounced improvement of the crystallization half time (t1/2), rate of crystallization (G) was achieved in the multistep compounding composite, which may originate from the better dispersion of CaCO3 particles providing larger nucleation density and the collaborative nucleation of EPDM and CaCO3 during the isothermal crystallization.

Relocation of a rust resistance gene R 2 and its marker-assisted gene pyramiding in confection sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The rust resistance gene R 2 was reassigned to linkage group 14 of the sunflower genome. DNA markers linked to R 2 were identified and used for marker-assisted gene pyramiding in a confection type genetic background. Due to the frequent evolution of new pathogen races, sunflower rust is a recurring threat to sunflower production worldwide. The inbred line Morden Cross 29 (MC29) carries the rust resistance gene, R 2 , conferring resistance to numerous races of rust fungus in the US, Canada, and Australia, and can be used as a broad-spectrum resistance resource. Based on phenotypic assessments and SSR marker analyses on the 117 F2 individuals derived from a cross of HA 89 with MC29 (USDA), R 2 was mapped to linkage group (LG) 14 of the sunflower, and not to the previously reported location on LG9. The closest SSR marker HT567 was located at 4.3 cM distal to R 2 . Furthermore, 36 selected SNP markers from LG14 were used to saturate the R 2 region. Two SNP markers, NSA_002316 and SFW01272, flanked R 2 at a genetic distance of 2.8 and 1.8 cM, respectively. Of the three closely linked markers, SFW00211 amplified an allele specific for the presence of R 2 in a marker validation set of 46 breeding lines, and SFW01272 was also shown to be diagnostic for R 2 . These newly developed markers, together with the previously identified markers linked to the gene R 13a , were used to screen 524 F2 individuals from a cross of a confection R 2 line and HA-R6 carrying R 13a . Eleven homozygous double-resistant F2 plants with the gene combination of R 2 and R 13a were obtained. This double-resistant line will be extremely useful in confection sunflower, where few rust R genes are available, risking evolution of new virulence phenotypes and further disease epidemics.

MicroRNA-141 inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in gastric cancer by directly targeting transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif, TAZ

Gastric cancer (GC) is a biologically heterogeneous disease accompanying various genetic and epigenetic alterations, and the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease are complex and not completely understood. Increasing evidence shows that abnormal microRNA (miRNA) expression is involved in GC tumorigenesis, but the role of specific miRNAs involved in this disease remains elusive. MiR-141 was previously reported to act as tumor suppressors or oncogenes in diverse cancers. However, their accurate expression, function and mechanism in GC are largely unclear. Here we found that the expression of miR-141 was significantly reduced in GC compared with paired adjacent normal tissues and was significantly correlated with a more aggressive phenotype of GC in patients. Ectopic expression of miR-141 mimics in GC cell lines resulted in reduced proliferation, invasion and migration, and inhibition of miR-141 in GC cell lines promoted cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. We further demonstrated that miR-141 acted as tumor suppressors through targeting transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in GC. Moreover, the inverse relationship between miR-141 and its target was verified in patients and xenograft mice. Finally, overexpression of miR-141 suppressed tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis in nude mice. Take together, we identified that miR-141 is a potent tumor suppressor in the stomach, and its growth inhibitory effects are, in part, mediated through its downstream target gene, TAZ. These findings implied that miR-141 might be employed as novel prognostic markers and therapeutic targets of GC.

Oxytocin-induced membrane hyperpolarization in pain-sensitive dorsal root ganglia neurons mediated by Ca(2+)/nNOS/NO/KATP pathway

Oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in pain modulation and antinociception in the central nervous system. However, little is known about its peripheral effects. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of OT on the electrical properties of neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the underlying mechanisms. DRG neurons from adult rats were acutely dissociated and cultured. Intracellular Ca(2+) was determined by fluorescent microscopy using an indicator dye. The electrical properties of DRG neurons were tested by patch-clamp recording. The oxytocin receptor (OTR) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) on DRG neurons were assessed with immunofluorescence assays. OTR co-localized with nNOS in most of Isolectin B4 (IB4)-binding cultured DRG neurons in rats. OT decreased the excitability, increased the outward current, and evoked the membrane hyperpolarization in cultured DRG neurons. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), the donor of nitric oxide (NO), exerted similar effects as OT on the membrane potential of cultured DRG neurons. OT increased the production of NO in DRGs and cultured DRG neurons. Pre-treatment of the OTR antagonist atosiban or the selective nNOS inhibitor N-Propyl-l-arginine (NPLA) significantly attenuated the hyperpolarization effect evoked by OT. OT produced a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular Ca(2+) in DRG neurons that responds to capsaicin, which can be attenuated by atosiban, but not by NPLA. OT-evoked membrane hyperpolarization and increase of outward current were distinctly attenuated by glibenclamide, a blocker of ATP-sensitive K(+) (KATP) channel. OT might be an endogenous antinociceptive agent and the peripheral antinociceptive effects of OT are mediated by activation of the Ca(2+)/nNOS/NO/KATP pathway in DRG neurons.

Ultraviolet photoconductivity of amorphous ZnAlSnO thin-film transistors

Responses of the ZATO TFTs towards 365 nm UV illumination.

Oxytocin down-regulates mesenteric afferent sensitivity via the enteric OTR/nNOS/NO/KATP pathway in rat

BACKGROUND

Oxytocin plays an analgesic role in modulation of nociception and pain. Most work to date has focused on the central mechanisms of oxytocin analgesia, but little is known about whether peripheral mechanisms are also involved.

METHODS

The mesenteric afferent discharge was recorded in vitro. The expressions of oxytocin receptor (OTR) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus (LMMP) was identified by immunofluorescence.

KEY RESULTS

Oxytocin per se had no effect on the jejunal mesenteric afferent discharge, however, it markedly attenuated the bradykinin- or distention-evoked increase of mesenteric afferent discharge, which was mimiced by the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Pretreatment of either NOS inhibitor L-NAME or NPLA largely reduced the inhibitory effect of oxytocin on bradykinin-evoked mesenteric afferent discharge. Such effect, to a large extent, was also alleviated by N-and P-type voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonists or KATP blocker glibenclamide. In addition, immunofluorescence studies show strong colocalization of OTR with nNOS in LMMP of the rat jejunum.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Oxytocin down-regulates the mesenteric afferent sensitivity through nNOS-NO-KATP pathway. Our findings may reveal a new peripheral mechanism for oxytocin analgesia.

The clinical pharmacogenetics implementation consortium guideline for SLCO1B1 and simvastatin-induced myopathy: 2014 update

Simvastatin is among the most commonly used prescription medications for cholesterol reduction. A single coding single-nucleotide polymorphism, rs4149056T>C, in SLCO1B1 increases systemic exposure to simvastatin and the risk of muscle toxicity. We summarize evidence from the literature supporting this association and provide therapeutic recommendations for simvastatin based on SLCO1B1 genotype. This article is an update to the 2012 Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium guideline for SLCO1B1 and simvastatin-induced myopathy.

Prediction and extraction of microRNA2target interactions associated with leukemia

MicroRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by suppressing mRNA translation or inducing mRNA degradation, and have been implicated in a growing number of diseases. To understand microRNAs' function, it is vital to identify microRNA2target interactions. This work explores the prediction and extraction of leukemia-associated microRNA2target interactions, based on text mining. We extracted 371 interactions of microRNA2targets that, from prior knowledge, could be related to leukemia. By measuring similarities between unknown and known targets, the study could also predict some interactions of microRNA2targets. To analyze the prioritized data, the proposed approach identified some microRNA2target interactions, 17 of which were validated by other evidences. The remaining unconfirmed interactions provide a resource for leukemia researchers. Experimental results show the work has promise for predicting and extracting interactions of microRNA2targets related to leukemia.