High Energy Storage Performance in BiFeO3-Based Lead-Free High-Entropy Ferroelectrics.

Dielectric capacitors are widely used in advanced electrical and electronic systems due to the rapid charge/discharge rates and high power density. High comprehensive energy storage properties are the ultimate ambition in the field of application achievements. Here, the high-entropy strategy is proposed to design and fabricate single-phase homogeneous (Bi0.5Ba0.1Sr0.1Ca0.2Na0.1)(Fe0.5Ti0.3Zr0.1Nb0.1)O3 ceramic, the hierarchical heterostructure including rhombohedral-tetragonal multiphase nanoclusters and locally disordered oxygen octahedral tilt can lead to the increased dielectric relaxation, diffused phase transition, diverse local polarization configurations, grain refinement, ultrasmall polar nanoregions, large random field, delayed polarization saturation and improved breakdown field. Accordingly, a giant Wrec ≈13.3 J cm-3 and a high η ≈78% at 66.4 kV mm-1 can be simultaneously achieved in the lead-free high-entropy BiFeO3-based ceramic, showing an obvious advantage in overall energy-storage properties over BiFeO3-based lead-free ceramics. Moreover, an ultrafast discharge rate (t0.9 = 18 ns) can be achieved at room temperature, concomitant with favorable temperature stability in the range of 20-160 °C, due to the enhanced diffuse phase transition and fast polarization response. This work provides a feasible pathway to design and generate dielectric materials exhibiting high comprehensive energy-storage performance.

Marginal effects of public health measures and COVID-19 disease burden in China: A large-scale modelling study.

China had conducted some of the most stringent public health measures to control the spread of successive SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, the effectiveness of these measures and their impacts on the associated disease burden have rarely been quantitatively assessed at the national level. To address this gap, we developed a stochastic age-stratified metapopulation model that incorporates testing, contact tracing and isolation, based on 419 million travel movements among 366 Chinese cities. The study period for this model began from September 2022. The COVID-19 disease burden was evaluated, considering 8 types of underlying health conditions in the Chinese population. We identified the marginal effects between the testing speed and reduction in the epidemic duration. The findings suggest that assuming a vaccine coverage of 89%, the Omicron-like wave could be suppressed by 3-day interval population-level testing (PLT), while it would become endemic with 4-day interval PLT, and without testing, it would result in an epidemic. PLT conducted every 3 days would not only eliminate infections but also keep hospital bed occupancy at less than 29.46% (95% CI, 22.73-38.68%) of capacity for respiratory illness and ICU bed occupancy at less than 58.94% (95% CI, 45.70-76.90%) during an outbreak. Furthermore, the underlying health conditions would lead to an extra 2.35 (95% CI, 1.89-2.92) million hospital admissions and 0.16 (95% CI, 0.13-0.2) million ICU admissions. Our study provides insights into health preparedness to balance the disease burden and sustainability for a country with a population of billions.

N-terminal truncation of PhaCBP-M-CPF4 and its effect on PHA production.

BACKGROUND: Among the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate] [P(3HB-co-3HHx)] is reported to closely resemble polypropylene and low-density polyethylene. Studies have shown that PHA synthase (PhaC) from mangrove soil (PhaCBP-M-CPF4) is an efficient PhaC for P(3HB-co-3HHx) production and N-termini of PhaCs influence its substrate specificity, dimerization, granule morphology, and molecular weights of PHA produced. This study aims to further improve PhaCBP-M-CPF4 through N-terminal truncation. RESULTS: The N-terminal truncated mutants of PhaCBP-M-CPF4 were constructed based on the information of the predicted secondary and tertiary structures using PSIPRED server and AlphaFold2 program, respectively. The N-terminal truncated PhaCBP-M-CPF4 mutants were evaluated in C. necator mutant PHB-4 based on the cell dry weight, PHA content, 3HHx molar composition, molecular weights, and granule morphology of the PHA granules. The results showed that most transformants harbouring the N-terminal truncated PhaCBP-M-CPF4 showed a reduction in PHA content and cell dry weight except for PhaCBP-M-CPF4 G8. PhaCBP-M-CPF4 G8 and A27 showed an improved weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of PHA produced due to lower expression of the truncated PhaCBP-M-CPF4. Transformants harbouring PhaCBP-M-CPF4 G8, A27, and T74 showed a reduction in the number of granules. PhaCBP-M-CPF4 G8 produced higher Mw PHA in mostly single larger PHA granules with comparable production as the full-length PhaCBP-M-CPF4. CONCLUSION: This research showed that N-terminal truncation had effects on PHA accumulation, substrate specificity, Mw, and granule morphology. This study also showed that N-terminal truncation of the amino acids that did not adopt any secondary structure can be an alternative to improve PhaCs for the production of PHA with higher Mw in mostly single larger granules.

How spin state and oxidation number of transition metal atoms determine molecular adsorption: a first-principles case study for NH3.

Understanding how the electronic state of transition metal atoms can influence molecular adsorption on a substrate is of great importance for many applications. Choosing NH3 as a model molecule, its adsorption behavior on defected SnS2 monolayers is investigated. The number of valence electrons n is controlled by decorating the monolayer with different transition metal atoms, ranging from Sc to Zn. Density-Functional Theory based calculations show that the adsorption energy of NH3 molecules oscillates with n and shows a clear odd-even pattern. There is also a mirror symmetry of the adsorption energies for large and low electron numbers. This unique behavior is mainly governed by the oxidation state of the TM ions. We trace back the observed trends of the adsorption energy to the orbital symmetries and ligand effects which affect the interaction between the 3σ orbitals (NH3) and the 3d orbitals of the transition metals. This result unravels the role which the spin state of TM ions plays in different crystal fields for the adsorption behavior of molecules. This new understanding of the role of the electronic structure on molecular adsorption can be useful for the design of high efficiency nanodevices in areas such as sensing and photocatalysis.

FusionGDB 2.0: fusion gene annotation updates aided by deep learning.

A knowledgebase of the systematic functional annotation of fusion genes is critical for understanding genomic breakage context and developing therapeutic strategies. FusionGDB is a unique functional annotation database of human fusion genes and has been widely used for studies with diverse aims. In this study, we report fusion gene annotation updates aided by deep learning (FusionGDB 2.0) available at https://compbio.uth.edu/FusionGDB2/. FusionGDB 2.0 has substantial updates of contents such as up-to-date human fusion genes, fusion gene breakage tendency score with FusionAI deep learning model based on 20 kb DNA sequence around BP, investigation of overlapping between fusion breakpoints with 44 human genomic features across five cellular role's categories, transcribed chimeric sequence and following open reading frame analysis with coding potential based on deep learning approach with Ribo-seq read features, and rigorous investigation of the protein feature retention of individual fusion partner genes in the protein level. Among ∼102k fusion genes, about 15k kept their ORF as In-frames, which is two times compared to the previous version, FusionGDB. FusionGDB 2.0 will be used as the reference knowledgebase of fusion gene annotations. FusionGDB 2.0 provides eight categories of annotations and it will be helpful for diverse human genomic studies.

Electrochemical sensing platform for detection of heavy metal ions without electrochemical signal.

Heavy metal pollution has attracted global attention because of its high toxicity, non-biodegradability, and carcinogenicity. Electrochemical sensors are extensively employed for the detection of low concentrations of heavy metal ions (HMIs). However, their applicability is often limited to the detection of ions that exhibit electrochemical signals exclusively in aqueous solutions. In this study, we proposed a multi-responsive detection platform based on the modification of horseradish peroxidase@zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8/thionine/gold/ionic liquid-reduced graphene oxide (HRP@ZIF-8/THI/Au/IL-rGO). This platform demonstrated its capability to detect various metal ions, including those without conventional electrochemical signals. The Au/IL-rGO composite structure enhanced the specific surface area available for the reaction. Furthermore, the in situ growth of HRP@ZIF-8 not only shielded the THI signal prior to detection but also protected the electrode material. It was important to note that the introduced edetate disodium dihydrate (EDTA) had the ability to complex with various HMIs. When excess EDTA was present, it could cleave ZIF-8 and release HRP. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), HRP promoted the oxidation of THI previously reduced by the electrode and thus showed excellent sensitivity for HMIs detection. The proposed method overcame the limitation of traditional electrochemical sensors, which solely relied on electrochemical signals for detecting metal ions. This offers a novel approach to enhance electrochemical ion sensing detection.

Nonfused Ring Electron Acceptors for Ternary Polymer Solar Cells with Low Energy Loss and Efficiency Over 18.

Ternary polymer solar cells(PSCs) have been identified as an effective approach to improving power conversion efficiency (PCE) of binary PSCs. However, most of the third component, especially Y-series non-fullerene acceptors, is a fused ring acceptor which often requires a rather tedious synthesis and the use of hazardous organostannane reagents. In this work, two nonfused ring acceptors IOEH-4F and IOEH-N2F are synthesized by a green synthetic route and incorporated into PM6:Y6 blend. Encouragingly, the IOEH-4F and IOEH-N2F-based ternary PSCs exhibited more efficient charge transfer, exciton separation, and lower energy loss than PM6:Y6-based PSCs. And the IOEH-4F and IOEH-N2F-based ternary PSCs achieved an impressive PCE of 17.80% and 18.13%, respectively, which are higher than that of PM6:Y6 based PSCs (16.18%). Notably, these PCE values are also the highest PCEs for ternary PSCs including non-fused ring acceptors. Importantly, even when the IOEH-N2F:Y6 ratios increased from 0.05:1.2 to 0.50:1.2, the PCE of IOEH-N2F-based ternary PSCs (16.70%) are still higher than that of PM6:Y6 based PSCs, indicating the great potential for cost saving. It is believed that the findings will help the design of better nonfused ring acceptors and the optimization of corresponding ternary PSCs with cost-saving advantage.

miRactDB characterizes miRNA-gene relation switch between normal and cancer tissues across pan-cancer.

It has been increasingly accepted that microRNA (miRNA) can both activate and suppress gene expression, directly or indirectly, under particular circumstances. Yet, a systematic study on the switch in their interaction pattern between activation and suppression and between normal and cancer conditions based on multi-omics evidences is not available. We built miRactDB, a database for miRNA-gene interaction, at https://ccsm.uth.edu/miRactDB, to provide a versatile resource and platform for annotation and interpretation of miRNA-gene relations. We conducted a comprehensive investigation on miRNA-gene interactions and their biological implications across tissue types in both tumour and normal conditions, based on TCGA, CCLE and GTEx databases. We particularly explored the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms potentially contributing to the positive correlation, including identification of miRNA binding sites in the gene coding sequence (CDS) and promoter regions of partner genes. Integrative analysis based on this resource revealed that top-ranked genes derived from TCGA tumour and adjacent normal samples share an overwhelming part of biological processes, which are quite different than those from CCLE and GTEx. The most active miRNAs predicted to target CDS and promoter regions are largely overlapped. These findings corroborate that adjacent normal tissues might have undergone significant molecular transformations towards oncogenesis before phenotypic and histological change; and there probably exists a small yet critical set of miRNAs that profoundly influence various cancer hallmark processes. miRactDB provides a unique resource for the cancer and genomics communities to screen, prioritize and rationalize their candidates of miRNA-gene interactions, in both normal and cancer scenarios.

Characterization and clustering of kinase isoform expression in metastatic melanoma.

Mutations to the human kinome are known to play causal roles in cancer. The kinome regulates numerous cell processes including growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. In addition to aberrant expression, aberrant alternative splicing of cancer-driver genes is receiving increased attention as it could lead to loss or gain of functional domains, altering a kinase's downstream impact. The present study quantifies changes in gene expression and isoform ratios in the kinome of metastatic melanoma cells relative to primary tumors. We contrast 538 total kinases and 3,040 known kinase isoforms between 103 primary tumor and 367 metastatic samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We find strong evidence of differential expression (DE) at the gene level in 123 kinases (23%). Additionally, of the 468 kinases with alternative isoforms, 60 (13%) had significant difference in isoform ratios (DIR). Notably, DE and DIR have little correlation; for instance, although DE highlights enrichment in receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), DIR identifies altered splicing in non-receptor tyrosine kinases (nRTKs). Using exon junction mapping, we identify five examples of splicing events favored in metastatic samples. We demonstrate differential apoptosis and protein localization between SLK isoforms in metastatic melanoma. We cluster isoform expression data and identify subgroups that correlate with genomic subtypes and anatomic tumor locations. Notably, distinct DE and DIR patterns separate samples with BRAF hotspot mutations and (N/K/H)RAS hotspot mutations, the latter of which lacks effective kinase inhibitor treatments. DE in RAS mutants concentrates in CMGC kinases (a group including cell cycle and splicing regulators) rather than RTKs as in BRAF mutants. Furthermore, isoforms in the RAS kinase subgroup show enrichment for cancer-related processes such as angiogenesis and cell migration. Our results reveal a new approach to therapeutic target identification and demonstrate how different mutational subtypes may respond differently to treatments highlighting possible new driver events in cancer.

Predictors of successful endovascular recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute intracranial large artery occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute intracranial large artery occlusion (ILAO) has been reported to be feasible, but technically challenging. This study aimed to determine the predictors of successful endovascular recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute ILAO. METHODS: The outcomes of endovascular recanalization attempts performed in 70 consecutive patients showing symptomatic nonacute ILAO with hemodynamic cerebral ischemia between January 2016 to December 2022 were reviewed. Potential variables, including clinical and radiological characteristics related to technical success, were collected. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of successful recanalization for nonacute ILAO. RESULTS: Technically successful recanalization was achieved in 57 patients (81.4%). The periprocedural complication rate was 21.4% (15 of 70), and the overall 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 7.1% (5 of 70) and 2.9% (2 of 70), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that successful recanalization was associated with occlusion duration, stump morphology, occlusion length, slow distal antegrade flow sign, and the presence of bridging collateral vessels. Multivariate analysis showed that occlusion duration ≤ 3 months (odds ratio [OR]: 22.529; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.636-310.141), tapered stump (OR: 7.498; 95% CI: 1.533-36.671), and occlusion length < 10 mm (OR: 7.049; 95% CI: 1.402-35.441) were independent predictive factors for technical success of recanalization. CONCLUSIONS: Occlusion duration ≤ 3 months, tapered stump, and occlusion length < 10 mm were independent positive predictors of technical success of endovascular recanalization for symptomatic nonacute ILAO. These findings may help predict the likelihood of successful recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute ILAO and also provide a reference for the selection of appropriate patients. Further prospective and multicenter studies are required to validate our findings.

Novel 2-Amino-1,4-Naphthoquinone Derivatives Induce A549 Cell Death through Autophagy.

A series of 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives containing were synthesized as anti-cancer agents and the crystal structure of compound 5a was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. In addition, the inhibitory activities against four cancer cell lines (HepG2, A549, K562, and PC-3) were tested, respectively, and compound 5i showed significant cytotoxicity on the A549 cell line with the IC50 of 6.15 µM. Surprisingly, in the following preliminary biological experiments, we found that compound 5i induced autophagy by promoting the recycling of EGFR and signal transduction in the A549 cell, resulting in the activation of the EGFR signal pathway. The potential binding pattern between compound 5i and EGFR tyrosine kinase (PDB ID: 1M17) was also identified by molecular docking. Our research paves the way for further studies and the development of novel and powerful anti-cancer drugs.

Efficient Electrochemical Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide Based on Silver-Centered Preyssler-Type Polyoxometalate Hybrids.

Four polyoxometalate (POM)-based organic-inorganic hybrid compounds, namely, (H2bimb)6H8[((Mn(H2O)3(µ-bimb))0.5(Mn(H2O)4)(Mn(H2O)5)0.5(AgP5W30O110))2]·29H2O (1), [(Cu(Hbimb)(H2O)2(µ-bimb)Cu(Hbimb)(H2O))(Cu(H2O)2(µ-bimb)Cu(H2O)3)((Cu(H2O)2)0.5(µ-bimb)(Cu(H2O)3)0.5)H2(AgP5W30O110)]·12.5H2O (2), (H2bimb)2H[(Zn(Hbimb)(H2O)4(Zn(Hbimb)(H2O)2)0.5)2(AgP5W30O110)]·12H2O (3), and (H2bimb)3H2[(Ag(H2O)2)0.5(Ag(Hbimb)Ag(Hbimb)(µ-bimb)Ag)(Ag(H2O)2)0.5(AgP5W30O110)]·7H2O (4) (bimb = 1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene), were hydrothermally synthesized using a silver-centered Preyssler-type POM K14[AgP5W30O110]·18H2O (abbreviated as K-{AgP5W30}) as a precursor. In 1-4, {AgP5W30} clusters integrating the merits of Ag+ and {P5W30} units are modified by different transition metal (TM)-organic fragments to extend the structures into three-dimensional frameworks. As nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor materials, 1-4 show good electrocatalytic activity, high sensitivity, and a low detection limit for detecting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); 4 possesses the highest sensitivity of 195.47 µA·mM-1·cm-2 for H2O2 detection. Most importantly, the average level of H2O2 detection of these {AgP5W30}-based materials outperforms that of Na-centered Preyssler-type {NaP5W30} and most Keggin-type POM-based materials. The performances of such {AgP5W30} materials mainly stem from the unique advantage of high-negatively charged {AgP5W30} clusters together with the good synergistic effect between {AgP5W30} and TMs. This work expands on the research of high-efficiency POM-based nonenzymatic electrochemical H2O2 sensors using Ag-containing POMs with high negative charges, which is also of great theoretical and practical significance to carry out health monitoring and environmental analysis.

Efficacy of Topical Intervention for Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Background and objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of topical interventions used for recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Materials and Methods: This network meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. We searched four electronic databases, PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Embase, for randomized controlled trials reporting efficacy and safety data on topical interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis. We performed a quality evaluation using a methodology based on the Cochrane Handbook. Two authors independently extracted data on healing effect, size reduction effect, symptom reduction effect, recurrence and safety assessment. Network meta-analysis was then performed using ADDIS and RevMan. Results: A total of 72 trials (5272 subjects) involving 29 topical interventions were included. Honey, lnsulin liposome gel, laser, amlexanox, glycyrrhiza and triamcinolone had better efficacy performance. Probiotics and chlorhexidine helped to prolong ulcer intervals and reduce recurrence. Doxycycline and penicillin had a high risk of adverse events. Hematologic evaluation showed no preference. The rank possibility of size-reducing effect and symptom-reducing effect supported the short-term effect of laser and the long-term effect of probiotics. Conclusions: We recommend the use of laser as a short-term intervention during the exacerbation phase of RAS and probiotics as a long-term intervention during the exacerbation and remission phases of RAS.

The dissection of R genes and locus Pc5.1 in Phytophthora capsici infection provides a novel view of disease resistance in peppers.

BACKGROUND: Phytophthora capsici root rot (PRR) is a disastrous disease in peppers (Capsicum spp.) caused by soilborne oomycete with typical symptoms of necrosis and constriction at the basal stem and consequent plant wilting. Most studies on the QTL mapping of P. capsici resistance suggested a consensus broad-spectrum QTL on chromosome 5 named Pc.5.1 regardless of P. capsici isolates and resistant resources. In addition, all these reports proposed NBS-ARC domain genes as candidate genes controlling resistance. RESULTS: We screened out 10 PRR-resistant resources from 160 Capsicum germplasm and inspected the response of locus Pc.5.1 and NBS-ARC genes during P. capsici infection by comparing the root transcriptomes of resistant pepper 305R and susceptible pepper 372S. To dissect the structure of Pc.5.1, we anchored genetic markers onto pepper genomic sequence and made an extended Pc5.1 (Ext-Pc5.1) located at 8.35 Mb-38.13 Mb on chromosome 5 which covered all Pc5.1 reported in publications. A total of 571 NBS-ARC genes were mined from the genome of pepper CM334 and 34 genes were significantly affected by P. capsici infection in either 305R or 372S. Only 5 inducible NBS-ARC genes had LRR domains and none of them was positioned at Ext-Pc5.1. Ext-Pc5.1 did show strong response to P. capsici infection and there were a total of 44 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), but no candidate genes proposed by previous publications was included. Snakin-1 (SN1), a well-known antimicrobial peptide gene located at Pc5.1, was significantly decreased in 372S but not in 305R. Moreover, there was an impressive upregulation of sugar pathway genes in 305R, which was confirmed by metabolite analysis of roots. The biological processes of histone methylation, histone phosphorylation, DNA methylation, and nucleosome assembly were strongly activated in 305R but not in 372S, indicating an epigenetic-related defense mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Those NBS-ARC genes that were suggested to contribute to Pc5.1 in previous publications did not show any significant response in P. capsici infection and there were no significant differences of these genes in transcription levels between 305R and 372S. Other pathogen defense-related genes like SN1 might account for Pc5.1. Our study also proposed the important role of sugar and epigenetic regulation in the defense against P. capsici.

Weak value amplification for angular velocity measurements.

The weak-value-amplification technique has shown great importance in the measurement of tiny physical effects. Here we introduce a polarization-dependent angular velocity measurement system consisting of two Glan prisms and a true zero-order half-wave plate, where a non-Fourier-limited Gaussian pulse acts as the meter. The angular velocities measurements results agree well with theoretical predictions, and its uncertainties are bounded by the Cramér-Rao bound. We also investigate uncertainties of angular velocities for different numbers of detected photons and the smallest reliable postselection probability, which can reach ${3.42*10^{- 6}}$.

The Key Ingredient Acacetin in Weishu Decoction Alleviates Gastrointestinal Motility Disorder Based on Network Pharmacology Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal motility disorder is a common gastrointestinal disease, which seriously affects life quality. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used as an alternative therapy for gastrointestinal motility disorder. Acacetin is a natural flavonoid compound that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anticancer properties. However, the efficacy of Acacetin in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders has not been studied. Our aim was to investigate the mechanism of Acacetin-alleviated gastrointestinal motility disorder and its efficacy based on network pharmacology. METHODS: We performed network pharmacology to predict the active components, match Weishu decoction (WSD) targets in gastrointestinal motility disorders, and investigate its potential pharmacological mechanisms. We performed the GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. In vivo, we investigated the effects of Acacetin in the gastrointestinal motility disorder model. RESULTS: Based on network pharmacological method, the key active ingredient of WSD was identified as Acacetin, and the enrichment signaling pathway was the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Acacetin and Mosapride accelerated gastric emptying time, reduced gastric remnant rate, and increased small intestinal propulsion rate. The levels of GAS and MTL were increased after using Acacetin. These results indicated that Acacetin could improve gastrointestinal motility disorders. Among them, high-dose Acacetin showed a better effect. Acacetin could regulate protein and lipid metabolism in mice with gastrointestinal motility disorder. Furthermore, Acacetin could modulate gastrointestinal inflammation and apoptosis. The detection of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway-related proteins showed that Acacetin improved gastrointestinal motility disorder by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: The key ingredient Acacetin in WSD could alleviate gastrointestinal motility disorder by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway based on network pharmacology analysis. The efficacy and safety of Acacetin treatment provide strong experimental support for the clinical treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorder.

circRNA 001306 enhances hepatocellular carcinoma growth by up-regulating CDK16 expression via sponging miR-584-5p.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to play important roles in cancer progress. However, the roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still unclear. Here, we found has_circRNA_001306 (circ_1306) was up-regulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown the expression circ_1306 significantly suppressed HCC cell proliferation and induced the cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we identified circ_1306 could up-regulate the expression of CDK16 by sponging miR-584-5p. The expression of miR-584-5p was decreased, and the expression of CDK16 was increased in HCC tissues and cell lines. Meanwhile, either knockdown of miR-584-5p or overexpression of CDK16 could suppress the HCC cell proliferation. In vivo, overexpression of miR-584-5p or knockdown of circ_1306 could inhibit the expression of CDK16, and suppress tumour growth. Altogether, our findings suggested that circ_1306 could promoter HCC progress by miR-584-5p/CDK16 axis, which provided a novel marker for HCC diagnosis and treatment.

DNA methylation and gene expression profiles characterize epigenetic regulation of lncRNAs in colon adenocarcinoma.

The long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. While DNA methylation is a common epigenetic regulator of gene expression, the methylation of lncRNAs was rarely studied. To address this gap, we integrated DNA methylation and RNA-seq data to characterize the landscape of lncRNA methylation in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). We collected and analyzed the lncRNA expression and methylation data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia to identify the epigenetically regulated lncRNAs. We further investigated the biological and clinical relevance of the identified lncRNAs via bioinformatics analysis. We identified 20 epigenetically upregulated lncRNAs in COAD, including several well-studied lncRNAs whose methylation regulation were poorly investigated, such as PVT1 and UCA1. We also revealed several novel tumor-associated lncRNAs in COAD, including GATA2-As1 and CYTOR. Next, we explored their biology function using gene set enrichment analysis and competitive endogenous RNA analysis. We characterized the methylation landscape of lncRNA in COAD and identified 20 epigenetically upregulated lncRNAs. Our findings will shed new light on the epigenetic regulation of lncRNA expression by DNA methylation.

Transmission dynamics of re-emerging rabies in domestic dogs of rural China.

Despite ongoing efforts to control transmission, rabies prevention remains a challenge in many developing countries, especially in rural areas of China where re-emerging rabies is under-reported due to a lack of sustained animal surveillance. By taking advantage of detailed genomic and epidemiological data for the re-emerging rabies outbreak in Yunnan Province, China, collected between 1999 and 2015, we reconstruct the demographic and dispersal history of domestic dog rabies virus (RABV) as well as the dynamics of dog-to-dog and dog-to-human transmission. Phylogeographic analyses reveal a lower diffusion coefficient than previously estimated for dog RABV dissemination in northern Africa. Furthermore, epidemiological analyses reveal transmission rates between dogs, as well as between dogs and humans, lower than estimates for Africa. Finally, we show that reconstructed epidemic history of RABV among dogs and the dynamics of rabid dogs are consistent with the recorded human rabies cases. This work illustrates the benefits of combining phylogeographic and epidemic modelling approaches for uncovering the spatiotemporal dynamics of zoonotic diseases, with both approaches providing estimates of key epidemiological parameters.

Highly Selective Synthesis of 2-tert-Butoxy-1-Arylethanones via Copper(I)-Catalyzed Oxidation/tert-Butoxylation of Aryl Olefins with TBHP.

A practical and environmentally friendly protocol for the selective oxidation of aryl olefins to arylethanone derivatives by using a Cu(I) catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) has been developed. A series of 2-tert-butoxy-1-arylethanones were obtained in moderate to good yields under mild conditions with high selectivity. In this method, TBHP acts not only as an oxidant but also as the tert-butoxy and carbonyl oxygen sources. This enables one-step oxidation/tert-butoxylation. Various allyl peroxides were also synthesized from allyl substrates.