Review of the Lycoceruspallidulus group (Coleoptera, Cantharidae), with descriptions of six new species from China.

The Lycoceruspallidulus subgroup, originally placed in the L.maculicollis group, is suggested as an independent species group herein and its diagnosis is redefined. Ten previously known species of Lycocerus are attributed to this group, including L.centrochinensis (Svihla, 2004), L.genaemaculatus (Wittmer, 1951), L.hubeiensis (Svihla, 2004), L.kubani (Svihla, 2004), L.zdeneki (Svihla, 2004), L.bilineatus (Wittmer, 1995), L.jelineki (Svihla, 2004), L.putzi Svihla, 2011, L.pictipennis (Wittmer, 1995), and L.curvatus (Wittmer, 1995). Additionally, six new species of this group are described from China, including L.laterophysussp. nov., L.flavipennissp. nov., L.putzimimussp. nov., L.maoershanensissp. nov., L.chongqingensissp. nov., and L.bispermathecussp. nov. These species are illustrated with photographs of habitus, aedeagi, abdominal sternites VIII, and reproductive systems of female. In addition, an identification key and a distribution map of the L.pallidulus group are provided.

Spatial Origin and Diversification of the Lycocerus fainanus Species Group (Coleoptera, Cantharidae), with Descriptions of Four New Species from China and Vietnam.

Five previously known species were attributed to the Lycocerus fainanus species group, including L. inopaciceps (Pic 1926), L. oberthueri (Gorham 1889), L. oudai (Svihla 2004), L. metallipennis (Fairmaire 1887), and L. nigripes (Wittmer, 1995). Four new species of this group were discovered from China and Vietnam, L. binotatus sp. nov., L. testacicollis sp. nov., L. daliensis sp. nov., and L. vietnamensis sp. nov. An updated key to all species was provided. A geographical distribution map is presented, which shows that all the members were located between 18.69041-33.93441° N, and between 98.61413-121.77102° E. The ancestral geographical range was reconstructed based on a phylogeny of morphological data by the Bayesian Binary MCMC method. The result showed that the spatial origin of L. fainanus species group was probably located in northern Vietnam and southwest China. The divergence of the species in southwest China and Taiwan was caused by vicariance about 24 Ma ago, when the latter was separated in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the remaining species of mainland China all originated from Taiwan after traveling around Southeast Asia and back to China. Nevertheless, this conclusion should be verified when fossil evidence and molecular data are available.

New species and taxonomic notes on Lycocerus hickeri species-group (Coleoptera, Cantharidae).

We present further information on the very diverse Chinese fauna of soldier beetles. Four new species of Lycocerus hickeri species-group are described, L. mainriensis sp. nov., L. guangxiensis sp. nov., L. rufipennis sp. nov. and L. acutiapicis sp. nov., and L. nigrobilineatus Pic, 1916 is transferred to this group and redescribed. All species are illustrated with habitus photos of both sexes, aedeagi of males, abdominal sternites VIII and reproductive systems of females. Two secondary homonyms are replaced. L. hickerimimus nom. nov. is proposed as a replacement name for L. sichuanus Y. Yang et X. Yang, 2014, which is preoccupied by L. sichuanus (Wittmer, 1995), and L. parahickeri nom. nov. for L. hubeiensis Y. Yang et X. Yang, 2014, not L. hubeiensis (Svihla, 2004). Distribution data are provided for the previously known species, and a map is presented for this species group. A key for identification of the species of this species-group is updated.

Genetic polymorphisms of Cathepsin B are associated with gastric cancer risk and prognosis in a Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Genetic polymorphisms are believed to represent a key aspect of predisposition to gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, considering the important role of Cathepsin B (CTSB) in promoting cancer onset and development, it could be very worthful to explore the function of CTSB-related genetic polymorphisms in GC. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the correlation of CTSB-related polymorphisms (rs9009A>T, rs6731T>C, rs1293303G>C, rs1874547C>T, rs3779659C>T, rs17814426C>T and rs148669985C>T) with GC risk and prognosis in a case-control study of 994 cases and 1000 controls. METHODS: All tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) sequencing technology. RESULTS: The results indicated rs9009, rs6731 and rs17814426 correlated with decreased risks of GC (HR = 0.97, p< 0.001; HR = 0.86, P= 0.019; HR = 0.85, P= 0.017; respectively). Stratification analysis further showed rs17814426 variant genotypes correlated with earlier T stage (p= 0.044). In addition, GC patients carrying the C allele of rs6371 had better overall prognosis (HR = 0.62, 95%CI = 0.44-0.88). CONCLUSION: Our results firstly suggested the importance of CTSB-related polymorphisms on GC which could predict GC risk and prognosis.

Functional Genetic Variants in SPHK1 Affect Susceptibility to Gastric Cancer in a Chinese Population.

BACKGROUND: An escalating number of studies have provided identified evidence that sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) plays an essential role in carcinogenesis. This present study was devised to seek the possible correlation of two tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SPHK1 (rs3744037 T>C, rs346801 C>T) with the susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: This present case-control study was comprised of 710 patients with GC and 710 gender- and age-matched cancer-free individuals. The genotypes of the individuals were acquired by the TaqMan-MGB method. SPHK1 mRNA level was examined in 60 paired cancerous and noncancerous tissues using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Our results suggested that the variant genotype T allele of SPHK1 rs346801 increased the GC risk in the study population [CT vs. CC, odds ratio (OR) = 1.385, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.096 - 1.751; TT vs. CC, OR = 2.502, 95% CI = 1.078 - 5.806; CT+TT vs. CC, OR = 1.434, 95% CI = 1.140 - 1.804]. Furthermore, in stratified analyses, rs346801 variant genotypes were associated with a conspicuous risk of GC in younger individuals (< 62 years), females, non-smokers, and individuals from rural areas. In addition, the carriers with variant genotype CT, TT, and CT+TT were observed to possess the higher SPHK1 messenger RNA levels than those with CC genotype in GC specimens. CONCLUSIONS: These results strongly demonstrated that the SPHK1 rs346801 C>T polymorphism may contribute to the susceptibility to gastric cancer in Chinese population and affect the expression of SPHK1 and, therefore, may act as a novel biomarker for predicting gastric cancer.

Association between pet ownership and coronary artery disease in a Chinese population.

A number of studies have suggested the benefits of pet ownership to human health, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there are few findings regarding pet ownership and coronary artery disease (CAD). The objective of this study is to investigate the association between pet ownership and CAD in a Chinese population. From October 2015 to May 2016, a survey consisting of 561 consecutive patients was done in Nanjing, China. Based on the results of coronary arteriography for the first time, participants were divided into 2 groups (non-CAD and CAD groups). Pet ownership information was collected by using a questionnaire. After multivariate adjustments, pet ownership was associated with a decreased CAD risk (odds ratios [OR]: 0.504, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.310-0.819). There was a reduced CAD risk among dog owners (OR: 0.420, 95% CI: 0.242-0.728) when compared with the cat group (OR: 0.738, 95% CI: 0.240-2.266) and the cat and dog group (OR: 1.052, 95% CI: 0.330-3.355). With the increase of pet ownership duration, there was a decreased tendency of CAD risk, including years of keeping pets (P for trend = 0.008) and time of playing with pets per day (P for trend = 0.001). In addition, similar dose-response relationship was observed for starting age of keeping pets (P for trend = 0.002). Pet ownership, especially dog ownership, can be a protective factor for CAD in Chinese patients.

Identification of a synonymous variant in TRIM59 gene for gastric cancer risk in a Chinese population.

Tripartite motif 59 (TRIM59) is a novel oncogenic driver in gastric cancer (GC) that is implicated in disease progression as well as dismal survival. Genetic variants in peculiar gene are likely candidates for conferring hereditary susceptibility. The role of TRIM59 polymorphism in predicting the risk of malignant diseases and its relevance to TRIM59 expression have not been discussed. Using a HapMap tagSNPs approach, we screened three tag TRIM59 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1141023G>A, rs7629A>G, rs11706810T>C) which were genotyped in 602 GC patients and 868 healthy controls. Our study provided convincing result that carries of variant rs1141023A allele markedly increased GC risk (P=0.006). In comparison with the GG homozygotes, the variant GA heterozygotes demonstrated 1.50-fold elevated risk of GC (p=0.014, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-2.08). Subjects who carried the (GA+AA) genotypes of rs1141023 were associated with remarkable increased GC risk compared with the common genotype (P = 0.013, adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.09-2.05). Further stratified analyses displayed that the relationship between mutant genotype of rs1141023 and GC risk was more profound in male individuals. Intriguingly, there is no significant distinction of TRIM59 mRNA expression between rs1141023GA genotype and GG genotype in 44 normal gastric tissues. Taken together, our results suggest that rs1141023 polymorphism contributes to increased predisposition to GC and thus may be responsible for predicting early GC.

Tag SNPs of long non-coding RNA TINCR affect the genetic susceptibility to gastric cancer in a Chinese population.

Tissue differentiation-inducing non-protein coding RNA (TINCR) is required for normal epidermal differentiation. TINCR is also strongly overexpressed in human gastric cancer (GC) and contributes to carcinogenesis and tumor progression. However, the association between TINCR polymorphisms and the risk of any diseases, such as GC, remains unknown. In the present study, the tag single nucleotide polymorphisms rs8113645, rs2288947, rs8105637, and rs12610531 were analyzed in 602 patients with GC and 602 age- and sex-matched controls. Polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan technology. Carriers of variant rs8113645 and rs2288947 alleles indicated reduced risks of GC (p = 0.003 and 0.037, respectively). A allele genotypes of rs8113645 and G allele genotypes of rs2288947 (rs8113645 GA and AA; rs2288947 AG and GG) were also significantly associated with decreased GC risk (p < 0.05). Stratification analysis displayed that the correlations between GC risk and variant genotypes of both rs8113645 and rs2288947were more evident in younger individuals, men, nonsmokers, and individuals from rural areas. We also demonstrated that rs8113645 GA+AA genotype carriers had lower TINCR mRNA expression levels compared with common genotype in both normal and GC tissues (p < 0.05). These results suggest that long non-coding RNA TINCR polymorphisms may be implicated in GC development.

Association analysis of DACT1 genetic variants and gastric cancer risk in a Chinese Han population: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: Disheveled-binding antagonist of beta-catenin 1 (DACT1) is involved in tumorigenesis through influencing cell apoptosis and proliferation. We aimed to investigate the effect of three tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DACT1 (rs863091 C>T, rs17832998 C>T, and rs167481 C>T) on the occurrence of gastric cancer (GC), their association with specific clinical characteristics, and consideration of the functional relevance of GC-related SNPs. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this hospital-based case-control study, the genotypes were acquired using the TaqMan-MGB method consisting of 602 cases and 602 controls. DACT1 messenger RNA level was evaluated in 76 paired tumoral and normal tissues using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations among the DACT1 SNPs and GC. RESULTS: We found a significant association between the variant genotypes of rs863091 and decreased risk of GC (TT vs CC: P=0.009, adjusted odds ratio =0.34, 95% confidence interval =0.15-0.77; CT + TT vs CC: P=0.030, adjusted odds ratio =0.74, 95% confidence interval =0.57-0.97). In further stratified analyses, rs863091 variant genotypes were associated with a reduced risk of GC in younger individuals (<60 years) and males. No overall significant association with GC risk was observed in SNP rs17832998 or rs167481. Additionally, we assessed DACT1 messenger RNA levels in GC and found that DACT1 expressions of individuals carrying CT and TT genotypes were much higher than those with CC genotype. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the DACT1 rs863091 C>T polymorphism may be associated with a decreased risk of GC in the Chinese Han population and influence DACT1 expression.

Low-dose green tea intake reduces incidence of atrial fibrillation in a Chinese population.

The aim of the present study was to assessthe association between green tea intake and incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in a Chinese population. A total of 801 (mean age: 62 years; 56% male) subjects were enrolled: 401 AF patients and 400 controls. All subjects completed a questionnaire and the associations between their green tea drinking habits and incidence of AF were assessed using the odds ratio (OR) and binary logistic regression. After multivariate adjustment, green tea intake presented as a protective factor against the incidence of AF (OR: 0.349, 95% CI: 0.253-0.483, P < 0.001). The green tea protection showed downward trend with increasing green tea intake (P for the trend= 0.001). Low frequency, low concentration, short-term tea consumption was classified as low-dose green tea intake. Green tea intake decreased the incidence of both paroxysmal AF (OR: 0.307, 95% CI: 0.216-0.436, P < 0.001) and persistent AF (OR: 0.355, 95% CI: 0.261-0.482, P < 0.001) and may be associated with a decreased incidence of AF. This study suggests that low-dose green tea intake strongly protects against AF.

MiR-let-7a inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by down-regulating PKM2 in gastric cancer.

In contrast to normal differentiated cells that depend on aerobicoxidation for energy production, cancer cells use aerobic glycolysis as the main source (Warburg's effect). The M2 splice isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) is the key regulator for the aerobic glycolysis, high expression of PKM2 contributes to the aerobic glycolysis, promotes the growth of tumors. In the present study, we found that PKM2 was highly expressed in gastric cancer (GC) tissues and had a strongly inverse correlation with the expression of microRNA-let-7a (miR-let-7a). Furthermore, we found that the overexpression of miR-let-7a markedly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells by down-regulating the expression of PKM2. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators play key roles in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Although previous reports showed that let-7 family members act as tumor suppressors in many cancers. The specific regulatory mechanism of miR-let-7a to PKM2 in gastric cancer is still unclear. In this study, we revealed that miR-let-7a function as the antitumor and gene regulatory effects of PKM2 in GC cells.

Association between LMP2 and LMP7 gene polymorphisms and the risk of gastric cancer: A case-control study.

The integrality of low molecular weight protein (LMP)2/LMP7 function plays an important role in the processing of GC cell antigens. The purpose of the present hospital-based case-control study was to estimate the effect of polymorphisms in the LMP2 and LMP7 genes on the risk of GC. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used to distinguish the Arg to His substitution at codon 60 of LMP2 (LMP2-60) and the Gln to Lys substitution at codon 145 of LMP7 (LMP7-145) in 502 gastric cancer patients and 502 age and gender-matched cancer-free control individuals. The Lys allele of the LMP7-145 variant was more frequent in GC patients compared with control individuals [P=0.004; adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-1.74]. The Gln/Lys and Lys/Lys genotypes increased the risk of GC compared with the Gln/Gln genotype (P=0.049 and P=0.041, respectively; adjusted OR, 1.32 and 2.13, respectively; 95% CI, 1.00-1.73 and 1.03-4.39, respectively). Compared with the Gln/Gln genotype, the LMP7-145 Gln/Lys and Lys/Lys variants of the LMP7 gene were also associated with increased susceptibility to GC (P=0.017; adjusted OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.06-1.80). Haplotype analysis revealed that the LMP2 (Arg)-LMP7 (Lys) haplotype was associated with increased risk of GC (P=0.013, adjusted OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.06-1.70). Stratified analysis revealed that the association between the risk of GC and the variant genotypes of LMP7-145 was stronger in older individuals (>59 years), males and non-smokers. However, no association between the LMP2-60 polymorphism and the risk of GC was observed. The present results suggest that the LMP7-145 genetic variant contributes to increased susceptibility to GC, and the Lys allele is an independent risk factor for GC.

Tag SNPs in long non-coding RNA H19 contribute to susceptibility to gastric cancer in the Chinese Han population.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is involved in tumor development, progression, and metastasis. This case-control study assessed the association between H19 genetic variants and susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC) in a Chinese Han population. We genotyped four lncRNA H19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs217727 C > T, rs2839698 C > T, rs3741216 A > T, rs3741219 T > C) in 500 GC patients and 500 healthy controls. Carriers of variant rs217727T and rs2839698T alleles showed increased GC risk (P = 0.008 and 0.011, respectively). Compared with the common genotype, CT + TT rs217727 and CT + TT rs2839698 genotypes were associated with significantly increased GC risk (P = 0.040, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.71; P = 0.033, adjusted OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.02-1.69, respectively). Further stratified analyses revealed that the association between GC risk and variant genotypes of rs217727 was more profound in younger individuals (≤59 years) and non-smokers, while the association between risk and the rare rs2839698 genotype persisted in men and rural subjects. rs2839698 CT and TT genotypes were also associated with higher serum H19 mRNA levels compared with the CC genotype. These findings suggest that lncRNA H19 SNPs may contribute to susceptibility to GC.

Promoter polymorphisms of miR-34b/c are associated with risk of gastric cancer in a Chinese population.

More and more evidence reveals that noncoding RNA miR-34b/c and tumor suppressor gene TP-53 independently, and/or jointly, play crucial roles in carcinogenesis. The purpose of the present hospital-based case-control study was to investigate the association between the miR-34b/c rs4938723 and TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphisms and the risk of gastric cancer. Two polymorphisms were genotyped in 419 gastric cancer patients and 402 age- and sex-matched cancer-free controls using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The CC genotype and C allele of the miR-34b/c rs4938723 were associated with a significantly decreased risk of gastric cancer compared with the TT genotype and T allele (CC vs. TT: P = 0.006, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.53, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) = 0.34-0.83; C vs. T: P = 0.005, adjusted OR = 0.75, 95 % CI = 0.61-0.92). Compared with individuals with the wild-type TT genotype, subjects with the variant genotypes (CT + CC) had a significantly decreased risk of gastric cancer (P = 0.047, adjusted OR = 0.75, 95 % CI = 0.57-0.99). Stratified analysis showed that the association between the risk of gastric cancer and the variant genotypes of miR-34b/c was more profound among men. However, no overall association was found between the TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism and gastric cancer risk. In the combined analysis, no effects of the interaction of miR-34b/c rs4938723 and TP53Arg72Pro on gastric cancer risk were observed. Our findings indicate that the miR-34b/c rs4938723 CT/CC genotypes may be associated with a decreased risk of gastric cancer and the C allele may be a protective factor in gastric cancer.