Assessing the current situation and the influencing factors affecting perceived stigma among older patients after leukemia diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Psychological problems are becoming increasingly prominent among older patients with leukemia, with patients potentially facing stigmatization after diagnosis. However, there is limited research on the stigma experienced by these patients and the factors that may contribute to it. AIM: To investigate the stigma faced by older patients after being diagnosed with leukemia and to analyze the potential influencing factors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted using clinical data obtained from questionnaire surveys, interviews, and the medical records of older patients with leukemia admitted to the Hengyang Medical School from June 2020 to June 2023. The data obtained included participants' basic demographic information, medical history, leukemia type, family history of leukemia, average monthly family income, pension, and tendency to conceal illness. The Chinese versions of the Social Impact Scale (SIS), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess indicators related to stigma, social support, and mental health status. We used Pearson's correlation coefficient to analyze the strength and direction of the relationship between the scores of each scale, and regression analysis to explore the factors related to the stigma of older patients with leukemia after diagnosis. RESULTS: Data from 120 patients with leukemia aged 65-80 years were analyzed. The total score on the SIS and PSSS was 43.60 ± 4.07 and 37.06 ± 2.87, respectively. The SAS score was 58.35 ± 8.32 and the SDS score was 60.58 ± 5.97. The stigma experienced by older leukemia patients was negatively correlated with social support (r = -0.691, P < 0.05) and positively correlated with anxiety and depression (r = 0.506, 0.382, P < 0.05). Age, education level, smoking status, average monthly family income, pension, and tendency to conceal illness were significantly associated with the participants' level of stigma (P < 0.05). Age, smoking status, social support, anxiety, and depression were predictive factors of stigmatization among older leukemia patients after diagnosis (all P < 0.05), with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.644 and an adjusted R2 of 0.607. CONCLUSION: Older patients commonly experience stigmatization after being diagnosed with leukemia. Factors such as age, smoking status, social support, and psychological well-being may influence older patients' reported experience of stigma.

[Metabolomics of quality formation of different cultivars of Peucedanum praeruptorum].

This study aims to reveal the quality formation of different cultivars of Peucedanum praeruptorum based on the metabolic differences and provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of this medicinal herb. The non-target metabonomics analysis based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS) was conducted for six cultivars(YS, H, LZ, LY, LX, and Z) of P. praeruptorum of the same origin and at the same development stage. The principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, and univariate statistical analysis were carried out to screen the differential metabolites of different cultivars. The potential biomarkers associated with quality formation were predicted based on the mass-to-charge ratio, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment, information of relevant literature, and correlation analysis. The results showed that metabolites differed significantly among the six cultivars, and 571 and 465 differential metabolites were obtained in the positive and negative ion modes, respectively. From the differential metabolites, 22 potential biomarkers related to quality formation were predicted, which involved 9 metabolic pathways, including phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, and biosynthesis of plant hormones. Compared with the YS cultivar, other cultivars showed decreased concentrations of psoralen, imperatorin, and luvangetin and increased concentrations of 7-hydroxycoumarine, esculetin, columbianetin, and jasmonic acid, which were involved in the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids. The concentrations of 2-succinylbenzoate, heraclenol, and L-tyrosine involved in other metabolic pathways decreased, especially in the Z and H cultivars. Therefore, regulating the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids is one of the key mechanisms for improving the cultivar quality of P. praeruptorum. The Z and H cultivars have better quality and metabolic processes than other cultivars and thus can be used for the screening and breeding of high-quality germplasm.

Combinatorial expression of γ-protocadherins regulates synaptic connectivity in the mouse neocortex.

In the process of synaptic formation, neurons must not only adhere to specific principles when selecting synaptic partners but also possess mechanisms to avoid undesirable connections. Yet, the strategies employed to prevent unwarranted associations have remained largely unknown. In our study, we have identified the pivotal role of combinatorial clustered protocadherin gamma (γ-PCDH) expression in orchestrating synaptic connectivity in the mouse neocortex. Through 5' end single-cell sequencing, we unveiled the intricate combinatorial expression patterns of γ-PCDH variable isoforms within neocortical neurons. Furthermore, our whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated that as the similarity in this combinatorial pattern among neurons increased, their synaptic connectivity decreased. Our findings elucidate a sophisticated molecular mechanism governing the construction of neural networks in the mouse neocortex.

Association between CD10 expression and phyllodes tumor: A retrospective case control study.

The present study aimed to explore the association between immunohistochemical markers and phyllodes tumor (PT). The retrospective case control study included biopsies from patients with PT who underwent surgical treatment, and patients with fibronenoma (FA), diagnosed in our hospital from October 2014 to May 2021. Differences in microscopic histopathological characteristics and expressions of common immunohistochemical markers (CD10, cluster of differentiation 117 marker, cluster of differentiation 34 marker, tumor protein P53, cell proliferation antigen) for different grades of PT and FA were analyzed. A total of 69 patients were enrolled, of them 34 with PT (12 with benign PT, 13 with borderline PT, and 9 with malignant PT) and 35 with FA. With the increase of tumor malignancy, significant enlargement trend was noted; for FA, most tumor boundaries were well-defined, the stromal distribution was homogeneous, the stromal cellularity was small. In contrast for PT, as the degree of malignancy increased, tumor boundary gradually became ill-defined and the stromal distribution was heterogeneous; stromal cellularity and stromal overgrowth had increased significantly (All P < .05). Multivariate analysis showed that among other markers only CD10 expression (OR = 0.67, 95%CI: -0.88, 2.22, P < .05) was independently associated with PT. The study showed that in addition to histological features, CD10 expression was independently associated with PT and has a potential to be used as a differentiation marker.

Identification and evaluation of cruciferous plant volatiles attractive to Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae).

BACKGROUND: The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, has developed resistance to almost all insecticides used for its control. The 'push-pull' method has been shown as an effective control strategy to address this resistance challenge of P. xylostella. The key focus of the strategy is the identification of attractive or repellent volatile components. The aim of this study was to identify attractive volatile compounds released from host plants. Identified compounds were applied in the biological control of this pest. RESULTS: Nine active compounds released into the headspace of seven cruciferous plant species were identified using gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Electroantennographic detection-active compounds included five green leaf volatiles (hexanal, trans-2-hexen-1-ol, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, and 1-penten-3-ol), three isothiocyanates (isopropyl isothiocyanate, allyl isothiocyanate, and butyl isothiocyanate), and nonanal. Except for nonanal, all the identified green leaf volatiles and isothiocyanates elicited strong electrophysiological and behavioral responses in P. xylostella. The strongest attractive compounds, trans-2-hexen-1-ol and isopropyl isothiocyanate, were further evaluated in oviposition and field-trapping assays. Results showed that they both lured female moths to lay eggs, and were highly attractive to P. xylostella adults in field, especially when used in combination with yellow and green sticky boards. However, a blend of the two compounds showed no synergistic effect, but rather an antagonistic effect. CONCLUSIONS: Green leaf volatiles and isothiocyanates were identified as key olfactory cues for host selection of P. xylostella. Trans-2- hexen-1-ol and isopropyl isothiocyanate were identified as candidate attractive compounds to serve in a 'push-pull' strategy for P. xylostella control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ecological risk evaluation and sensitivity analysis of heavy metals on soil organisms under human activities in the Tibet Plateau, China.

The Tibetan Plateau (TP), once considered a pristine environment, is now facing increased heavy metal pollution due to human activities, causing unprecedented ecological risks to soil organisms. However, little is known about the sensitivity and tolerance of different soil organisms to heavy metal toxicity in the high-altitude areas of the TP under the background of human activity intensity and future risk control priorities. In this study, we conducted an ecological risk assessment and threshold calculation for 10 heavy metals in soil for typical soil organisms, including Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mn, Sb, and Sn, using the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) method in the zone between Ranwu town and Renlongba glacier on the TP. The results revealed that most sampling sites had average levels of Cd, Sb and Ni exceeding their regional soil environmental background values and were the major contaminants. Impressively, the hitherto undeveloped Renlungba Glacier showed relatively high contamination levels of Sb and Ni. From the view of sensitivity differences, the toxicity risks of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb were higher for terrestrial plants than for soil invertebrates based on the fitted heavy metal SSD curve trends. In terms of the ecological risk level, the average potentially affected fraction values of Zn and Ni reached 18.5% and 17.0%, respectively, with significant ecological risk at a few sampling sites. In terms of ecological risk thresholds, the Cd concentration at the 5% hazard concentration (HC5) control level was 0.05 mg/kg, which was the heavy metal with the highest risk in this study. Comparing the HC5 values of each heavy metal with the limit values in the current Chinese soil environmental quality standards, the existing administrative policies as a whole lack a powerful prevention of the potential ecological risk posed by heavy metals to soil organisms.

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal inferior vena cava malformation using HDlive flow combined with spatiotemporal image correlation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the application value of high-definition live (HDlive) flow combined with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) in the diagnosis of fetal inferior vena cava malformation (IVCM). METHODS: Twenty cases of IVCMs were diagnosed using two-dimensional HDlive flow and HDlive flow combined with STIC and retrospectively analyzed to examine the impact of using HDlive flow combined with STIC in the diagnosis of IVCM. RESULTS: HDlive flow combined with STIC detected one case of duplicated IVC, four cases of left IVC (two cases with complex malformations), and 15 cases of interrupted IVC (two cases of isolated IVC disconnection, five cases with left atrial heterogeneous syndrome, and eight cases with other complex malformations). CONCLUSION: HDlive flow combined with STIC can help in the diagnosis of IVCM, and this technique has important clinical value.

Association between PPAR-γ2 gene polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy risk: a meta-analysis.

A close association between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 (PPAR-γ2) and the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been previously suggested. Herein, a meta-analysis was conducted to explore the association between PPAR-γ2 polymorphisms and DR risk by performing a systematic search and quantitative analysis. Overall, fourteen articles involving 10,527 subjects were included. The pooled results did not reveal an association between PPAR-γ2 rs1801282 C/G and DR susceptibility in the overall population (e.g., the dominant model: CG+GG vs. CC, OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.69-1.06, P=0.15, I2=62.9%). Furthermore, heterogeneity tests, cumulative analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias analyses were conducted and showed that the results were robust. Similarly, race-based subgroup analyses and other subgroup analyses did not reveal an association between the rs1801282 C/G and DR susceptibility. In addition, no significant association was observed between PPAR-γ2 rs3856806 C/T polymorphism and DR risk (e.g., the dominant model: CT+TT vs. CC, OR=1.12, 95%CI=0.91-1.37, P=0.28, I2=27.0%). Overall, based on the current sample size and the level of evidence presented in the study, the results suggest that PPAR-γ2 gene polymorphisms are not associated with DR risk.

Association between the pri-miR-26a-1 rs7372209 C>T polymorphism and cancer susceptibility: multivariate analysis and trial sequential analysis.

MiR-26 has been suggested to play a tumor-suppressive role in cancer development, which could be influenced by the mutate pri-miR-26ª-1. Molecular epidemiological studies have demonstrated some inconsistent associations between pri-miR-26ª-1 rs7372209 C>T polymorphism and cancer risk. We therefore performed this meta-analysis with multivariate statistic method to comprehensively evaluate the associations between rs7372209 C>T polymorphism and cancer risk. Eleven publications involving 6,709 patients and 6,514 controls were identified. Multivariate analysis indicated that the over-dominant genetic model was most likely. Pooled results indicated no significant association in the overall population (CC+TT vs. CT: OR=1.08, 95%CI=0.96-1.22, P=0.20, I2=54.4%), as well as the subgroup analysis according to ethnicity, control source, tumor locations, and HWE status of controls. In addition, heterogeneity, accumulative, sensitivity analysis, publication bias and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were conducted to test the statistical power. Overall, our results indicated that the pri-miR-26a-1 rs7372209 C>T polymorphism may not be a potential risk for cancer development.

Synthesis, structural characterization and antitumor activity of six rare earth metal complexes with 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives.

The rare earth metal Gd(III), Yb(III), Lu(III), Eu(III), Tb(III) and Ho(III) complexes 1-6 with 2-((2-(pyridin-2-yl)hydrazono)methyl)quinolin-8-ol (H-L) as ligands were synthesized. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay indicated that the cytotoxicity of 1 was equivalent to cisplatin and higher than that of H-L and other complexes towards T24 tumor cells. The mechanism study indicated that 1 caused significant up-regulation of the proteins p27, p21 and p53 in T24 cells and cell cycle arrest in G2 phase. In addition, 1 induced effective T24 cells apoptosis via mitochondrial dysfunction pathway, which was indicated by changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ), reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular Ca2+ and the mitochondria-related proteins (including cytochrome C (Cyt C), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated x (Bax) and apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1)). Moreover, 1 could activate caspase-3/8/9 in T24 cells. Therefore, complex 1 is a promising and potent anticancer drug candidate.

Synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity evaluation of copper(II) complexes with 5-pyridin-2-yl-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinoline derivatives.

Seven Cu(II) complexes with 5-pyridin-2-yl-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinoline derivatives as ligands: [Cu2(L1)2Cl4] (1), [Cu(L2)Cl2] (2), [Cu(L1)(NO3)2] (3), [Cu(L2)(NO3)2] (4), [Cu(L3)Cl2] (5), [Cu(L3)Br2] (6) and [Cu(L3)(NO3)2] (7){L1=9-nitro-5-pyridin-2-yl-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinoline, L2=4-nitro-5-pyridin-2-yl-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinoline, L3=9-bromo-5-pyridin-2-yl-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinoline}, were synthesized and characterized. Their in vitro anticancer activities against T-24, MGC-80-3, HeLa, Hep-G2, A549 and SK-OV-3 were evaluated. Compared with their corresponding ligands, most of these complexes exhibited enhanced anticancer activities in contrast to their corresponding ligands and copper salt. Among them, complexes 1 and 3 displayed selective cytotoxicity to HeLa cells comparing with normal liver cell HL-7702, with IC50 values of 5.03 ±â€¯1.20 µM and 10.05 ±â€¯0.52 µM, respectively. Complexes 1 and 3 inhibited telomerase activity by interacting with c-myc promoter elements, and therefore exerted their antitumor activity. Furthermore, complexes 1 and 3 could trigger cell apoptosis via disruption of mitochondrial pathway through notably increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), increase of the cytochrome c and apaf-1, decrease of bcl-2, and activation of caspases 3/9. Complexes 1 and 3 exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity, presenting synergetic effect after the ligands coordinated to copper(II) center.

Fabrication and sensing application of a silver nanoshell array structure by a micro-flow injection method.

A two-dimensional periodic metallic spherical shell array structure with controllable geometric parameters was fabricated on the target substrate by microsphere templating and magnetron sputtering. The micro-flow injection method was used to prepare a two-dimensional colloidal microsphere template, and reactive ion etching (RIE) was used to change the spherical spacing. The geometric parameters and spectral characteristics of the spherical shell array structure were analyzed with the simulation software FDTD solutions. The nanostructural morphology and optical properties of the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical spectral analysis (OSA). The refractive index sensing application based on the principle of the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and plasmonic interference was realized. The results show that the spherical shell arrays structure is sensitive to the surrounding environment, the refractive index sensitivity of spherical shell array structure is 527.07 nm per RIU and 922.25 nm per RIU, and the quality factor FOM is 16.5 and 15.3, respectively. The techniques demonstrated can produce large-area periodic nanostructure arrays with ultra-large production in cost-competitive ways. In addition, these properties make them applicable to multiple applications, such as surface plasmon sensors and various optical device.

A comparative study of three different forecasting methods for trial of labor after cesarean section.

AIM: This study aims to establish a convenient and practical predelivery scoring system for trial of labor after cesarean section (TOLAC). METHODS: The data of 498 patients undergoing TOLAC were retrospectively studied. Indices with statistically significant differences, including cervical score, fetal weight, fetal pelvic index, body mass index and age, were selected. Combined with the presence of vaginal delivery history and indications of the previous cesarean section in these patients, three prenatal forecast scales for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) were established. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn, and the best cut-off point was determined. Then, the areas under the curve of the three forecasting methods were compared. The scoring method with the largest area under the curve was considered the best method. RESULTS: The six indications of cesarean section used for the forecasting scale were as follows: cervical score, fetal weight, body mass index, age, presence of vaginal delivery history and the presence of previous obstructive dystocia. The scale that had the largest area under the curve was considered the best forecasting scale. CONCLUSION: The prenatal forecasting method for TOLAC was preliminarily investigated. It was determined that the scale with six indicators, such as the cervical score, could be used for the prenatal evaluation of TOLAC, providing a predictive basis for the possible success of the trial production for pregnant women. The method and process of VBAC section in our hospital was safe and effective.

Spatial distribution pattern of degree-day factors of glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Glaciers have a very obvious feedback effect on the global water cycle and environmental change. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, also known as the "Water Towers of Asia," provides an important source of freshwater resources derived from glacial meltwater. Changes in glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are the most important aspect of the research related to global climate change. Because only a few input parameters are available, the degree-day factor model of glacier mass balance has been widely used on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Study of the spatial distribution pattern of degree-day factors for glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the factors that influence glaciers is important scientifically. The study of degree-day factors is important to the calculation of the glacial grid mass balance on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, and this data can be used in the analysis of the response of glaciers experiencing climate change and for predicting future glacial trends. Through an analysis of the degree-day factors related to 24 glaciers on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, one can conclude that the mean value of glacial degree-day factors on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is 8.14 mm day-1 °C-1. The glacial degree-day factor shows a longitudinal zonality with values ranging from high to low from east to west, a latitudinal zonality with values ranging from high to low from south to north, and a vertical zonal regularity along with the change of elevation. The spatial distribution pattern of glacial degree-day factors in the Tibetan Plateau is related to the fact that the climate environment across the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is mainly affected by the Indian monsoon, the eastern monsoon, and the westerly winds. The climate gradually changes from cold-humid to warm-humid from northwest to southeast. The single-unit glacier of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau-the Renlongba Glacier-is located in the southeastern portion of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in a warm and humid climate; its degree-day factor is slightly large, averaging at 6.12 mm day-1 °C-1. Mountainous barriers exist in the eastern and western parts of the Renlongba Glacier. On the east side, the degree-day factor is small (5.63 mm day-1 °C-1) because of large mountains block weather systems. The glacial tongue is affected by valley wind, contributing to glacial ablation, so the degree-day factor is large on the tongue, averaging at 6.56 mm day-1 °C-1. The degree-day factor on the west side of the Renlongba Glacier increases gradually increasing radiation and elevation, presenting a vertical zonal feature. In general, the climate of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is mainly affected by the Indian and eastern monsoons and by westerly winds. In dry and cold climatic conditions, the glacial degree-day factor in the Tibetan Plateau is small, while at warm and humid climate conditions, it is large, with latitudinal, longitudinal, and vertical zonality. In addition, the degree-day factor is also affected by blocking, topography, and other local microclimatic conditions.

Prognostic Signature of Alternative Splicing Events in Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma Based on Spliceseq Data from 317 Cases.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Increasing evidences indicated the important roles of alternative splicing in the progression and prognosis of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA). However, most previous research has focused on one or several alternative splicing events, without a comprehensive evaluation of the prognostic value of splicing events in BLCA. In this study, we aimed to determine risk scores for predicting prognosis of BLCA patients based on splicing events. METHODS: RNA-sequencing data and clinical information of BLCA patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas, and data of splicing events were obtained from the SpliceSeq database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to identify survival-associated alternative spicing events (SASEs) and to calculate risk scores. Protein-protein interaction analysis of genes of the SASEs was performed using STRING, a database of known and predicted protein-protein interactions, and pathway enrichment analysis of the genes was implemented using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (version 6.8). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to evaluate the clinical significance of genes from the SASEs for building a risk score in BLCA. Correlation between splicing events of splicing factors and non-splicing factors were analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficient. A potential regulatory network was then built using Cytoscape 3.5. RESULTS: In total, 39,508 alternative splicing events in 317 patients with BLCA were analyzed, including 4,632 SASEs. The area under the curve of the ROC of risk score (all) was 0.748 for predicting survival status of BLCA patients. Low- and high-risk score groups classified using the median "risk score (all)" value displayed remarkably different survival time (Low vs. High = 3304.841±239.758 vs 1198.614±152.460 days). The potential regulatory network with SASEs of splicing factors and other genes was constructed, which might be part of the biological mechanisms associated with prognosis of BLCA patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, prognostic signatures constructed using splicing events could be used for predicting the prognosis of BLCA patients.

Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Antitumor Activities of Copper(II) and Nickel(II) Complexes with 2-((2-(Pyridin-2-yl)hydrazono)methyl)quinolin-8-ol.

Two transition metal complexes with 2-((2-(pyridin-2-yl)hydrazono)methyl)quinolin-8-ol (L), [Cu(L)Cl2]2 (1) and [Ni(L)Cl2]·CH2Cl2 (2), were synthesized and fully characterized. Complex 1 exhibited high in vitro antitumor activity against SK-OV-3, MGC80-3 and HeLa cells with IC50 values of 3.69 ± 0.16, 2.60 ± 0.17, and 3.62 ± 0.12 µM, respectively. In addition, complex 1 caused cell arrest in the S phase, which led to the down-regulation of Cdc25 A, Cyclin B, Cyclin A, and CDK2, and the up-regulation of p27, p21, and p53 proteins in MGC80-3 cells. Complex 1 induced MGC80-3 cell apoptosis via a mitochondrial dysfunction pathway, as shown by the significantly decreased level of bcl-2 protein and the loss of Δψ, as well as increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), intracellular Ca2+, cytochrome C, apaf-1, caspase-3, and caspase-9 proteins in MGC80-3 cells.

Spatiotemporal distribution and the characteristics of the air temperature of a river source region of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

As the backland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the river source region is highly sensitive to changes in global climate. Air temperature estimation using remote sensing satellite provides a new way of conducting studies in the field of climate change study. A geographically weighted regression model was applied to estimate synchronic air temperature from 2001 to 2015 using Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometry (MODIS) data. The results were R2 = 0.913 and RMSE = 2.47 °C, which confirmed the feasibility of the estimation. The spatial distribution and variation characteristics of the average annual and seasonal air temperature were analyzed. The findings are as follows: (1) the distribution of average annual air temperature has significant terrain characteristics. The reduction in average annual air temperature along the elevation of the region is 0.19 °C/km, whereas the reduction in the average annual air temperature along the latitude is 0.04 °C/degree. (2) The average annual air temperature increase in the region is 0.37 °C/decade. The average air temperature increase could be arranged in the following decreasing order: Yangtze River Basin > Mekong River Basin > Nujiang River Basin > Yarlung Zangbo River Basin > Yellow River Basin. The fastest, namely, Yangtze River Basin, is 0.47 °C/decade. (3) The average air temperature rise in spring, summer, and winter generally increases with higher altitude. The average annual air temperature in different types of lands following a decreasing order is as follows: wetland > construction land > bare land glacier > shrub grassland > arable land > forest land > water body and that of the fastest one, wetland, is 0.13 °C/year.

Tooth loss and cancer risk: a dose-response meta analysis of prospective cohort studies.

Conflicting results to identify the relationship between tooth loss and cancer risk. Therefore, a dose-response meta-analysis was performed to clarify and quantitative assessed the correlation between tooth loss and cancer risk. Up to March 2017, 25 observational epidemiological studies were included in current meta-analysis. Tooth loss was significantly associated with a higher risk of cancer. Additionally, tooth loss was associated with significantly a higher risk of esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreas cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer and hematopoietic cancer. Subgroup analysis showed consistent findings. Furthermore, a significant dose-response relationship was observed between tooth loss and cancer risk. Increasing per 10 of tooth loss was associated with a 9% increment of cancer risk, 14% increment of esophageal cancer risk, 9% increment of gastric cancer risk, 31% increment of head and neck cancer risk, 4% increment of colorectal cancer risk, 7% increment of pancreas cancer risk, 19% increment of lung cancer risk, 2% increment of bladder cancer risk and 3% increment of hematopoietic cancer risk. Considering these promising results, tooth loss might be harmful for health. Large sample size, different ethnic population and different cancer type are warranted to validate this association.

5-Bromo-oxoisoaporphine platinum(II) complexes exhibit tumor cell cytotoxcicity via inhibition of telomerase activity and disruption of c-myc G-quadruplex DNA and mitochondrial functions.

Two platinum(II) complexes [Pt(L)(DMSO)Cl] (1) and [Pt(L)(pn)]Cl (2) with 5-bromo-oxoisoaporphine (H-L) were synthesized. We found that the two new platinum(II) complexes were more selective for Hep-G2 tumor cells than for normal cells (HL-7702, WI-38 and L-o2 cell lines). 5-Bromine-oxoisoaporphine platinum(II) complex 2 was a telomerase inhibitor targeting c-myc G4, and it triggered Hep-G2 cell apoptosis more potently than complex 1. Moreover, they induced cell apoptosis via disruption of mitochondrial functions. Significantly increased ROS level, loss of Δψ, decrease of bcl-2 level, and increase of some of the mitochondria-initiated apoptosis protein levels (including bax, Cyt C, caspase-3, caspase-9, and apaf-1) were observed in Hep-G2 cells. In brief, complexes 1 and 2 triggered Hep-G2 cell apoptosis mainly through inhibiting telomerase activity by interacting with c-myc promoter elements and disruption of mitochondrial pathway. Our results also showed the effects of second ligands on the in vitro antitumor activity in the order of pn > Cl and DMSO.

Exogenous VEGF introduced by bioceramic composite materials promotes the restoration of bone defect in rabbits.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) introduced by bioceramic composite materials on jawbone defect. Rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control, sham, model, and stent. In the model group, holes of jawbone defect were created through surgery. In the stent group, rabbits with jawbone defect were treated with polyether ketone (PEK)/biphasic bioceramic ((PEK-BBC)) composite materials encapsulating VEGF. At 4, 8, and 16 weeks post-operation, HE and Van Gieson staining of jawbones were performed to characterize the repair status of the bone defect. For all time intervals, we found intact bone structures in the control and sham groups and there was no improvement in the bone defect position in the model group. However, in the stent group, we excitingly observed the growth of many osteocytes in the margin of stents at 8 and 16 weeks. RT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence analysis were conducted to investigate the VEGF expression at 4, 8, and 16 weeks post-operation. At 8 weeks, the level of VEGF in the model group was sharply downregulated as compared with the control group (P < .05) and interestingly, the stent group had a much higher level of VEGF than the model group (P < .05). At 16 weeks, the VEGF expression in the model group was further reduced comparing to the control group (P < .05), which was also elevated to a relative high level by the stent treatment (P < .05). As for the sham group, the VEGF level was stable without any difference from the control group at all time intervals. Therefore, exogenous VEGF introduced by bioceramic composite materials promoted the restoration of bone defect in rabbits.