Photoswitchable solvent-free DNA thermotropic liquid crystals toward self-erasable shape information recording biomaterials

Soft thermotropic liquid crystals (TLCs) have advantages on processability and shape memory compared to hard solids and fluids. The development of photoswitchable soft TLCs based on biomolecules would afford reworkable shape information recording biomaterials for the areas requiring biocompatibility and degradability. In recent years, anhydrous DNA TLCs composed of DNA and ammonium surfactants have been receiving continuous attention. However, the photoswitchable phase transition has not been realized for soft DNA TLCs at room temperature, owing to the absence of functional ammonium surfactant. Herein, a new type of azobenzene-containing surfactant would be applied to the fabrication of soft DNA TLCs with photoresponsive physical properties. The double-chain design of the used surfactant and the use of DOAB as a dopant guarantee the soft state of DNA TLCs at r.t., which also facilitates the azobenzene isomerization by reducing the packing density of surfactants. With the assistance of photoisomerization of azobenzene, the reported DNA TLCs achieve reversible liquid crystal-isotropic liquid transition at temperatures below clearing points even at room temperature. The repeatable shape information recording and self-erasing tests indicate these DNA TLCs would be good shape information recording biomaterials in the future. This work also provides a useful strategy for designing photoresponsive soft biomaterials based on rigid biomolecules like DNA.

Observation of D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} Enhancement in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the first measurement of charm-strange meson D_{s}^{±} production at midrapidity in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV from the STAR experiment. The yield ratio between strange (D_{s}^{±}) and nonstrange (D^{0}) open-charm mesons is presented and compared to model calculations. A significant enhancement, relative to a pythia simulation of p+p collisions, is observed in the D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} yield ratio in Au+Au collisions over a large range of collision centralities. Model calculations incorporating abundant strange-quark production in the quark-gluon plasma and coalescence hadronization qualitatively reproduce the data. The transverse-momentum integrated yield ratio of D_{s}^{±}/D^{0} at midrapidity is consistent with a prediction from a statistical hadronization model with the parameters constrained by the yields of light and strange hadrons measured at the same collision energy. These results suggest that the coalescence of charm quarks with strange quarks in the quark-gluon plasma plays an important role in D_{s}^{±}-meson production in heavy-ion collisions.

[Application value of three-dimensional reconstruction in preoperative evaluation of precise hepatectomy for complex primary liver cancer]

Objective: To explore the application value of three-dimensional reconstruction of liver based on computer software in preoperative evaluation of precise hepatectomy for complex primary liver cancer. Methods: The clinical data of patients in Peking University People's Hospital Hepatobiliary surgery with complicated primary liver cancer from September 17, 2019 to December 20, 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative enhanced CT/MR data of patients were collected, and 3D reconstruction of liver was performed in IQQA􀳏-3D Liver system. The liver volume of patients was calculated, the size and location of tumor were described, and the relationship between tumor and intrahepatic bile duct, portal vein, hepatic artery and inferior vena cava was described. Preoperative decision-making and treatment plan were made to compare the compliance of the actual operation plan with the planned operation plan under the guidance of three-dimensional reconstruction. Results: Among all 10 patients, there were 6 males and 4 females, aged 36 to 75 years. There were 6 cases of Child-Pugh grade A and 4 cases of B liver function. There were 5 cases of portal vein variation and 5 cases of hepatic artery variation. The range and M(Q₁,Q₃)of actual liver volume measured by 3D reconstruction in 10 patients was 895- 2 477 cm³ and [1 444(1 001, 1 854)] cm³;the nodule volume was 7-1 808 [133(50, 566)] cm³;the nodule volume in the liver was 0.8%-73.0% [11.0(3.3,32.7)]% and the number of suspected lesions was 1-7. In the end, 6 patients received surgical treatment;3 received chemotherapy, and 1 received conservative treatment. The preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction of liver anatomy and tumor location of the patients receiving surgical treatment were basically consistent with the intraoperative situation. There was no case of liver failure or death during perioperative period. Conclusion: In the preoperative evaluation of precise hepatectomy for complex primary liver cancer, 3D reconstruction can improve the rationality of treatment and the surgeon's understanding of the anatomical characteristics of the liver, so as to select the best treatment for patients, which has great application value.

Measurement of e^{+}e^{-} Momentum and Angular Distributions from Linearly Polarized Photon Collisions

The Breit-Wheeler process which produces matter and antimatter from photon collisions is experimentally investigated through the observation of 6085 exclusive electron-positron pairs in ultraperipheral Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements reveal a large fourth-order angular modulation of cos4Δϕ=(16.8±2.5)% and smooth invariant mass distribution absent of vector mesons (ϕ, ω, and ρ) at the experimental limit of ≤0.2% of the observed yields. The differential cross section as a function of e^{+}e^{-} pair transverse momentum P_{⊥} peaks at low value with sqrt[⟨P_{⊥}^{2}⟩]=38.1±0.9  MeV and displays a significant centrality dependence. These features are consistent with QED calculations for the collision of linearly polarized photons quantized from the extremely strong electromagnetic fields generated by the highly charged Au nuclei at ultrarelativistic speed. The experimental results have implications for vacuum birefringence and for mapping the magnetic field which is important for emergent QCD phenomena.

Psychological Responses of the Patients in Cabin Hospital to the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Comparative Epidemiologic Analysis

The building of cabin hospitals in Wuhan has been proven to be clinically successful in curing mild-symptom COVID-19 patients shortly after the outbreak of COVID-19 in late 2019. At the same time, the psychological effect of patients being treated in cabin hospitals and the features of the psychological status of the whole society remained ambiguous. This study adopted a self-administrated questionnaire to investigate the stress, depression, and anxiety status of patients in cabin hospitals (n = 212) and healthy participants outside of Hubei province (n = 221) in a population level from February 29 to March 01, 2020. The research measured participants' stress response, depression level, and anxiety level as well as their social support system and their resilience level. Results indicated that in this sudden outbreak of an unknown pandemic, all people (whether or not infected) showed a generally high level of stress, depression, and anxiety, regardless of age, gender, education level, and employment. It also showed that people with a lower level of psychological resilience and social support reported more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Moreover, the research also found a positive effect of cabin hospitals on the psychological recovery of COVID-19 patients. Stress response of patients increased after entering into cabin hospitals, while after 3-4 weeks' treatment, patients showed a decrease in their depression and anxiety levels. This research advances the understanding of COVID-19 and gives suggestions to optimize the design and the allocation of resources in cabin hospitals and better deal with the unknown pandemics in the future.

[Japan narrow-band imaging Expert Team type 2B colorectal cancer: consistency between endoscopic prediction and pathological diagnosis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the potential factors that affect the accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis for Japan narrow-band imaging (NBI) Expert Team (JNET) type 2B colorectal lesions.

OBJECTIVE

The clinical data were collected from 261 patients with JNET type 2B colorectal lesions diagnosed in Nanfang Hospital between July, 2018 and July, 2021. We analyzed the macroscopic type, size, location or pit pattern classification of the lesions for their potential influence of the diagnostic accuracy of JNET type 2B lesions.

OBJECTIVE

The 261 lesions included 91 low-grade intramucosal neoplasia lesions (34.9%), 132 high-grade intramucosal neoplasia lesions (50.6%), 13 submucosal invasive cancer lesions (5.0%), and 25 deep submucosal invasive cancer lesions (9.6%). The coincidence rate between endoscopic prediction and pathological diagnosis of these lesions was 55.6% (145/ 261). The macroscopic type and size of the lesions were significantly associated with the diagnostic accuracy of JNET type 2B lesions (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy among the lesions with different pit pattern types (P < 0.001).

OBJECTIVE

Both the macroscopic type and size affect the accuracy of endoscopic diagnosis of JNET type 2B colorectal lesions. JNET classification combined with pit pattern types can have better accuracy in predicting the pathological diagnosis of these lesions.

Allostatic Load Effects on Cortical and Cognitive Deficits in Essentially Normotensive, Normoweight Patients with Schizophrenia

Reduced cortical gray matter integrity and cognitive abilities are among core deficits in schizophrenia. We hypothesized that higher allostatic load (AL) that accounts for exposure to chronic stress is a contributor to structural and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. One hundred and sixty-seven schizophrenia patients who were on average with normal weight, normal systolic, and diastolic blood pressure and 72 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Group differences in subclinical cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, and neuroendocrine biological markers as indexed by AL and contribution of AL components to the structural and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia were explored. Compared with controls, schizophrenia patients who were normotensive, normoweight, and had low total cholesterol levels still had significantly higher AL mainly due to lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher heart rate, waist-hip ratio, hemoglobinA1c, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, and overnight-urine cortisol levels. Patients also had decreased whole-brain mean cortical thickness, and lower cognition assessed by the MATRICS consensus cognitive battery. AL was inversely correlated with mean cortical thickness and cognition in schizophrenia, while none of these relationships existed in controls. Mediation analyses showed the effect of AL on cognitive deficits in schizophrenia was significantly mediated by cortical thinning, and the most significant mediating cortical area was the left superior frontal gyrus. Cortical thickness may act as a mediator between AL and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Early intervention strategies to reduce cortical thinning and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia should target specific aspects of their high AL in addition to weight gain, hypertension and high cholesterol levels.

Kynurenine metabolism and metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia

Accumulating evidence indicates that a dysregulated kynurenine (KYN) pathway (KP) metabolism may play an important role in the pathogenesis of both schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we aimed to evaluate the potential roles of KP in the pathogenesis of MS in schizophrenia. A total of 160 schizophrenia patients and 70 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. KP metabolites were quantified, and MS scores were calculated, for comparisons between patients and controls. Associations among the indices were explored in both groups. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the effects of KP metabolites on MS factors. We observed a significantly higher MS score, lower levels of all KP metabolites, and higher nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)/quinolinic acid (QUNA) in patients than in controls (all p < 0.01). Partial correlation analyses revealed that, in the patient group, QUNA and QUNA/KYN correlated positively with MS score (r = 0.24 and 0.27, respectively, both p < 0.025), and NAD⁺/QUNA correlated negatively with MS score (r = -0.25, p = 0.002). Results of multiple regression analyses showed significant QUNA × group interactions in the model representing QUNA effects on MS score (β = 0.25) and a significant QUNA/KYN × group interaction in the model representing QUNA/KYN effects on MS score (β = 0.23) (both p < 0.001). Among all factors contributing to MS in schizophrenia, an interactive effect of schizophrenia itself and dysregulated KP plays a contributory role. Conceivably, modulation of the KP could theoretically lead to treating schizophrenia and MS simultaneously.

Cholinergic receptor nicotinic beta 3 subunit polymorphisms and smoking in male Chinese patients with schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine if cholinergic receptor nicotinic beta 3 subunit (CHRNB3) was a common genetic basis for both nicotine dependence and schizophrenia.

METHODS

Two CHRNB3 promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 773 patients with schizophrenia and 302 healthy volunteers. Associations between smoking, schizophrenia, smoking+schizophrenia and CHRNB3 were analyzed. The mRNA expression of CHRNB3 in human brains was examined, and the expression correlations between CHRNB3 and dopaminergic and GABAergic receptor genes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The association between CHRNB3 and smoking was significant in the total sample, less significant in the smoking with schizophrenia, and suggestive in the smoking without schizophrenia. CHRNB3 had significant mRNA expression that was correlated with dopaminergic or GABAergic receptor expression in human brains. The two CHRNB3 SNPs had significant cis-acting regulatory effects on CHRNB3 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk for smoking behavior was associated with CHRNB3. CHRNB3 mRNA is abundant in human brain and could play important role in the pathogenesis of smoking behavior.

SNP rs10420324 in the AMPA receptor auxiliary subunit TARP γ-8 regulates the susceptibility to antisocial personality disorder

In the brain, AMPA receptors mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission, the dysfunction of which leads to neuropsychiatric disorders. Synaptic function of AMPA receptors is tightly controlled by a protein group called transmembrane AMPAR regulatory proteins (TARPs). TARP γ-8 (also known as CACNG8) preferentially expresses in the hippocampus, cortex and subcortical regions that are critical for emotion generation indicating its association with psychiatric disorders. Here, we identified rs10420324 (T/G), a SNP located in the human CACNG8 gene, regulated reporter gene expression in vitro and TARP γ-8 expression in the human brain. A guanine at the locus (rs10420324G) suppressed transcription likely through modulation of a local G-quadruplex DNA structure. Consistent with these observations, the frequency of rs10420324G was higher in patients with anti-social personality disorder (ASPD) than in controls, indicating that rs10420324G in CACNG8 is more voluntary for ASPD. We then characterized the behavior of TARP γ-8 knockout and heterozygous mice and found that consistent with ASPD patients who often exhibit impulsivity, aggression, risk taking, irresponsibility and callousness, a decreased γ-8 expression in mice displayed similar behaviors. Furthermore, we found that a decrease in TARP γ-8 expression impaired synaptic AMPAR functions in layer 2-3 pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that inhibition leads to aggression, thus explaining, at least partially, the neuronal basis for the behavioral abnormality. Taken together, our study indicates that TARP γ-8 expression level is associated with ASPD, and that the TARP γ-8 knockout mouse is a valuable animal model for studying this psychiatric disease.

[Prognosis and related risk factors of acute respiratory distress syndrome in elder patients]

Objective: To study the risk factors associated with the hospital survival rate of elder patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Medical/Respiratory Intensive Care Units (MICUs/RICUs) by evaluating the prognosis, and therefore to provide insight into patient treatment strategy. Methods: Twenty MICUs/RICUs of 19 general hospitals in mainland China participated in the multicenter prospective cohort study carried out from Mar 1^st, 2016 to Feb 28^th, 2018. Patients who met the criteria of Berlin ARDS and older than 65 years were recruited. Baseline data, risk factors of ARDS, ventilator setup and prognosis data were collected from all patients. Univariant and multivariant regression analysis were conducted to analyze the factors associated with the prognosis. Results: 170 elder ARDS patients (age≥65 years) met the Berlin ARDS criteria, among whom 8.8% (15/170), 42.9% (73/170) and 48.2% (82/170) patients had mild, moderate and severe ARDS, respectively. The most common predisposing factor for elder ARDS was pneumonia, which was present in 134 patients (78.8%). 37.6% (64/170) patients were treated with noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV), but 43.8% (28/64) cases experienced treatment failure. 76.5% (130/170) patients were treated with invasive mechanical ventilation. All patients 80 years or older were given invasive mechanical ventilation. 51.8% (88/170) cases had complications of non-pulmonary organ failure. 61.8% (105/170) patients deceased during hospital stay. Multivariant logistic analysis showed that the independent risk factors for hospital survival rate in elder patients with ARDS were SOFA score (P=0.030, RR=0.725, 95% CI 0.543-0.969), oxygen index after 24 hours of ARDS diagnosis (P=0.030, RR=0.196, 95% CI 0.045-0.853), accumulated fluid balance within 7 days after diagnosis of ARDS (P=0.026, RR=1.000, 95% CI 1.000-1.000) and shock (P=0.034, RR=0.140, 95% CI 0.023-0.863). Conclusion: Among 20 ICUs, the high mortality rate of elder patients with ARDS was correlated with higher 24 hour SOFA score, lower 24 hour oxygen index after ARDS diagnosis, more positive fluid balance within 7 days and concomitant shock. The conservative fluid strategy within 7 days of ARDS diagnosis may benefit the elder ARDS patients.

The functional impairment of different subtypes and occupational states in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

The aim was to explore the associations between clinical symptoms, demographic variables, social and neurocognitive functioning in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder (BD) stratified by subgroups of DSM-IV BD (type I (BD-I) and type II (BD-II)) and occupational status (employed/unemployed), and to highlight the significance of occupational status when assessing social and neurocognitive functioning in euthymic BD patients.

METHODS

A total of 81 euthymic BD patients were participated in the study. The severity of the depressive and manic/hypomanic symptoms was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), respectively. Social functioning and neurocognitive functioning were evaluated by the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) and neurocognitive measures, respectively.

RESULTS

Employed BD patients displayed greater social functioning (autonomy, occupational functioning, interpersonal relationship domain) and better verbal learning performance and speed of processing than unemployed BD patients. The correlation between neurocognitive functioning and social functioning was stronger in the employed group than in the unemployed group. There were no significant differences in neurocognitive and social functioning between the BD-I and BD-II groups, and the correlation between neurocognitive functioning and social functioning was similar between the BD-I and BD-II groups.

CONCLUSION

Employed BD patients may present greater occupational functioning and interpersonal relationships, as well as better verbal learning performance and speed of processing.

Psychological responses among nurses caring for patients with COVID-19: a comparative study in China

Frontline healthcare nurses devoted themselves to deal with the outbreak of COVID-19, saving many lives. However, they are under incredible unknown psychological pressures with a considerable risk of infection. In this study, a self-administered questionnaire was used to survey 593 frontline nurses in Wuhan City and non-Hubei provinces for psychological responses from March 1 to March 10, 2020. Compared with nurses outside Hubei Province, those working in Wuhan were more likely to feel physically and mentally exhausted. Their probable depression and anxiety were significantly higher than those of nurses outside Hubei province (31.2%, 18.3% vs. 13.8%, 5.9%). Correspondingly, the depressive symptoms were more often reported in the Wuhan group (70.8% vs. 41.4%). Although Wuhan received wishes, concerns, and abundant psychological and material resources from all of the world, the survey-based study found that frontline nurses in Wuhan still had higher depression and anxiety with less social support compared with nurses from non-Hubei provinces. Unexpectedly, only 4.0% of nurses have sought psychological assistance. These findings suggested that the short-term psychological impact of frontline nurses in Wuhan during the COVID-19 outbreak was extremely high compared with nurses outside Hubei Province. This research enlightened the efficient integration of psychological resources, the optimization of the nurse emergency psychological assistance system, and the mental health care of medical staff during the outbreak of epidemics.

Does smoking cessation increase risk of knee replacement? a general population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Smoking represents a major issue for global public health. Owing to methodologic challenges, findings of an association between smoking and risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA) are inconsistent. We sought to assess the relation of onset of smoking cessation to the risk of OA sequelae, i.e., knee replacement, and to perform sub-cohort analysis according to weight change after smoking cessation.

DESIGN

Using The Health Improvement Network, we conducted a cohort study to examine the association between smoking cessation and risk of knee replacement among patients with knee OA. Participants who stopped smoking were further grouped into three sub-cohorts: weight gain (body mass index [BMI] increased>1.14 kg/m²), no substantial weight change (absolute value of BMI change<1.14 kg/m²), and weight loss (BMI loss>1.14 kg/m²) after smoking cessation.

RESULTS

We identified 108 cases of knee replacement among 1,054 recent quitters (26.7/1,000 person-years) and 1,108 cases among 15,765 current smokers (17.4/1,000 person-years). The rate difference of knee replacement in recent quitter cohort vs current smoker cohort was 10.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]:5.3-15.6)/1,000 person-years and the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 1.30 (95%CI:1.05-1.59). Compared with current smokers, risk of knee replacement was higher among quitters with weight gain (HR = 1.42,95%CI:1.01-1.98), but not among those with no substantial weight change (HR = 1.29,95%CI:0.90-1.83) or those with weight loss (HR = 1.11,95%CI:0.71-1.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Our large population-based cohort study provides the first evidence that smoking cessation was associated with a higher risk of knee replacement among individuals with knee OA, and such an association was due to weight gain after smoking cessation.

Global Polarization of Ξ and Ω Hyperons in Au+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Global polarization of Ξ and Ω hyperons has been measured for the first time in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements of the Ξ^{-} and Ξ[over ¯]^{+} hyperon polarization have been performed by two independent methods, via analysis of the angular distribution of the daughter particles in the parity violating weak decay Ξ→Λ+π, as well as by measuring the polarization of the daughter Λ hyperon, polarized via polarization transfer from its parent. The polarization, obtained by combining the results from the two methods and averaged over Ξ^{-} and Ξ[over ¯]^{+}, is measured to be ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩=0.47±0.10(stat)±0.23(syst)% for the collision centrality 20%-80%. The ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩ is found to be slightly larger than the inclusive Λ polarization and in reasonable agreement with a multiphase transport model. The ⟨P_{Ξ}⟩ is found to follow the centrality dependence of the vorticity predicted in the model, increasing toward more peripheral collisions. The global polarization of Ω, ⟨P_{Ω}⟩=1.11±0.87(stat)±1.97(syst)% was obtained by measuring the polarization of daughter Λ in the decay Ω→Λ+K, assuming the polarization transfer factor C_{ΩΛ}=1.

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

Effects of microRNA-181b-5p on cognitive deficits in first-episode patients with schizophrenia: Mediated by BCL-2

MicroRNA (miR)-181b-5p is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, and one of its regulatory target genes BCL-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) is suggested to associate with cognition of schizophrenia. Cognitive deficit is a core trait of schizophrenia. However, it remains unclear whether miR-181b-5p affects cognition and its possible pathway in schizophrenia. We hypothesized that miR-181b-5p affects cognition by targeting BCL-2 mRNA and downregulating BCL-2 protein expression in schizophrenia patients. In this study, first-episode patients with schizophrenia (FEPS, n = 123) and age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs, n = 50) were enrolled in Chinese populations. Expression levels of miR-181b-5p and BCL-2 mRNA in peripheral whole blood were measured with quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) and BCL-2 protein in plasma were measured with Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Psychopathology was assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), cognitive function was evaluated using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Peripheral blood miR-181b-5p expression level was significantly upregulated (p = 0.001) whereas BCL-2 mRNA and BCL-2 protein levels were significantly downregulated (p = 0.002, p = 0.023 respectively) in the FEPS compared with those in the HCs. The miR-181b-5p level was negatively (p = 0.005), whereas the BCL-2 mRNA level was positively (p < 0.001), correlated with working memory in FEPS. Mediating effect analysis showed that the effect of miR-181b-5p on working memory in the FEPS was exerted via targeting BCL-2 mRNA. MiR-181b-5p in combination with BCL-2 mRNA might be suggested as potential biomarker for schizophrenia in our discovery sample. In conclusion, overexpressed miR-181b-5p may affect cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia.

Nonmonotonic Energy Dependence of Net-Proton Number Fluctuations

Nonmonotonic variation with collision energy (sqrt[s_{NN}]) of the moments of the net-baryon number distribution in heavy-ion collisions, related to the correlation length and the susceptibilities of the system, is suggested as a signature for the quantum chromodynamics critical point. We report the first evidence of a nonmonotonic variation in the kurtosis times variance of the net-proton number (proxy for net-baryon number) distribution as a function of sqrt[s_{NN}] with 3.1  σ significance for head-on (central) gold-on-gold (Au+Au) collisions measured solenoidal tracker at Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. Data in noncentral Au+Au collisions and models of heavy-ion collisions without a critical point show a monotonic variation as a function of sqrt[s_{NN}].

ORAOV1-B Promotes OSCC Metastasis via the NF-κB-TNFα Loop

Metastasis, a powerful prognostic indicator of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is chiefly responsible for poor cancer outcomes. Despite an increasing number of studies examining the mechanisms underlying poor outcomes, the development of potent strategies is hindered by insufficient characterization of the crucial regulators. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been gaining interest as significant modulators of OSCC metastasis; however, the detailed mechanisms underlying lncRNA-mediated OSCC metastasis remain relatively uncharacterized. Here, we identified a novel alternative splice variant of oral cancer overexpressed 1 (ORAOV1), named as ORAOV1-B, which was subsequently validated as an lncRNA and correlated with OSCC lymph node metastasis; significantly increased invasion and migration were observed in ORAOV1-B-overexpressing OSCC cells. RNA pulldown and mass spectrometry identified Hsp90 as a direct target of ORAOV1-B, and cDNA microarrays suggested TNFα as a potential downstream target of ORAOV1-B. ORAOV1-B was shown to directly bind to and stabilize Hsp90, which maintains the function of client proteins, receptor-interaction protein, and IκB kinase beta, thus activating the NF-κB pathway and inducing TNFα. Additionally, TNFα reciprocally enhanced p-NF-κB-p65 and the downstream epithelial-mesenchymal transition. ORAOV1-B effects were reversed by a TNFα inhibitor, demonstrating that TNFα is essential for ORAOV1-B-regulated metastatic ability. Consistent epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the ORAOV1-B group was demonstrated via an orthotopic model. In the metastatic model, ORAOV1-B significantly contributed to OSCC-related lung metastasis. In summary, the novel splice variant ORAOV1-B is an lncRNA, which significantly potentiates OSCC invasion and metastasis by binding to Hsp90 and activating the NF-κB-TNFα loop. These findings demonstrate the versatile role of ORAOV1 family members and the significance of genes located within 11q13 in promoting OSCC. ORAOV1-B might serve as an attractive OSCC metastasis intervention target.

Traumatic Experiences and PTSD Symptoms in the Chinese Male Intrafamilial Physical Violence Perpetrators: A Comparative and Structural Equation Modeling Study

We aimed to compare traumatic experiences among the groups of perpetrators with or without violent pedigree, and establish a structural model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as mediators of traumatic experiences and severe intrafamilial physical violence among Chinese male perpetrators. A cross-sectional survey and a face-to-face interview were conducted to examine intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and violent pedigree, childhood maltreatment, other traumatic events, PTSD symptoms, and severe intrafamilial physical violence in a community sample of 229 abusive men and 303 controlled men in China. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques, the scores of the questionnaires were entered into the theoretical model and calculated. Findings demonstrated that the numbers of the traumatic events in four groups were significantly different with a declining trend, and the SEM data had an adequate fit. The loadings of pathways from childhood witness domestic violence (DV) to severe physical violence (SPV) were more salience than other pathways, and the indirect effect of every pathway, except for the childhood witness DV to PTSD symptoms, on severe intrafamilial physical violence in the model was significant. The results suggest that PTSD symptoms cluster as mediator of the intergenerational transmission of SPV perpetration in Chinese abusive men. Childhood witness IPV has effects on adulthood perpetration of IPV.

Significant, replicable, and functional associations between KTN1 variants and alcohol and drug codependence

The gray matter volume (GMV) of the putamen has been reported to be regulated by kinectin 1 gene (KTN1). As a hub of the dopaminergic circuit, the putamen is widely implicated in the etiological processes of substance use disorders (SUD). Here, we aimed to identify robust and reliable associations between KTN1 SNPs and SUD across multiple samples. We examined the associations between SUD and KTN1 SNPs in four independent population-based or family-based samples (n = 10,209). The potential regulatory effects of the risk alleles on the putamen GMVs, the effects of alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and cocaine on KTN1 mRNA expression, and the relationship between KTN1 mRNA expression and SUD were explored. We found that a total of 23 SNPs were associated with SUD across at least two independent samples (1.4 × 10-4 ≤ p ≤ 0.049), including one SNP (rs12895072) across three samples (8.8 × 10-3 ≤ p ≤ 0.049). Four other SNPs were significantly or suggestively associated with SUD only in European-Australians (4.8 × 10-4 ≤ p ≤ 0.058). All of the SUD-risk alleles of these 27 SNPs increased (β > 0) the putamen GMVs and represented major alleles (f > 0.5) in Europeans. Twenty-two SNPs were potentially biologically functional. Alcohol, nicotine and cocaine significantly affected the KTN1 mRNA expression, and the KTN1 mRNA was differentially expressed between nicotine or cocaine dependent and control subjects. We concluded that there was a replicable and robust relationship among the KTN1 variants, KTN1 mRNA expression, putamen GMVs, molecular effects of substances, and SUD, suggesting that some risk KTN1 alleles might increase kinectin 1 expression in the putamen, altering putamen structures and functions, and leading to SUD.

EXT1 methylation promotes proliferation and migration and predicts the clinical outcome of non-small cell lung carcinoma via WNT signalling pathway

DNA methylation is important for lung cancer prognosis. In this work, it is aimed to seek novel biomarkers with DNA methylation‐expression‐pathway pattern and explore its underlying mechanism. Prognostic DNA methylation sites and mRNAs were screened in NSCLC data set from TCGA, and further validated using the samples retrospectively collected, and EXT1 was identified as a potential target. Gene body methylation of three CpG sites (cg03276982, cg11592677, cg16286281) on EXT1 was significantly associated with clinical outcome, and the EXT1 gene expression also predicted prognosis. The expression level of EXT1 was also correlated with its DNA methylation level. This observation was further validated in a new data set consist of 170 samples. Knocking down of EXT1 resulted in decreased proliferation and migration. EXT1 targets were analysed using GSEA. It is found that the WNT signalling is the potential downstream target of EXT1. Further analyses revealed that the EXT1 targets the beta‐catenin and effect migration rate of NSCLC cell lines. The WNT signalling inhibitor, XAV‐939, effectively disrupted the migration promotion effect induced by EXT1. In summary, EXT1 methylation regulates the gene expression, effects the proliferation and migration via WNT pathway and predicted a poor prognosis for NSCLC.