Synthesis of Monodisperse Au, Ag, and Au–Ag Alloy Nanoparticles with Tunable Size and Surface Plasmon Resonance Frequency

Synthesis of Monodisperse Au, Ag, and Au–Ag Alloy Nanoparticles with Tunable Size and Surface Plasmon Resonance Frequenc

YEATS Domains as Novel Epigenetic Readers: Structures, Functions, and Inhibitor Development

Interpretation of the histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) by effector proteins, or readers, is an important epigenetic mechanism to regulate gene function. YEATS domains have been recently identified as novel readers of histone lysine acetylation and a variety of nonacetyl acylation marks. Accumulating evidence has revealed the association of dysregulated interactions between YEATS domains and histone PTMs with human diseases, suggesting the therapeutic potential of YEATS domain inhibition. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms adopted by YEATS domains in recognizing their preferred histone marks and the biological significance of such recognitions in normal cell physiology and pathogenesis of human diseases. Recent progress in the development of YEATS domain inhibitors is also discussed

Survivin −31G>C Polymorphism and Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Emerging evidence showed that common functional −31G>C polymorphism (rs9904341 G>C) in the promoter region of the survivin gene is involved in the regulation of survivin expression, thus increasing an individual’s susceptibility to gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancer; but individually published results are inconclusive. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to derive a more precise estimation of the association between survivin −31G>C polymorphism and GIT cancer risk.</p> <h3>Methods</h3><p>A literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CBM databases was conducted from inception through July 1st, 2012. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of association.</p> <h3>Results</h3><p>Nine case-control studies were included with a total of 2,231 GIT cancer cases and 2,287 healthy controls. The results indicated that survivin −31G>C polymorphism was associated with increased risk of GIT cancer. In the stratified analysis by cancer types, significant associations were observed between survivin −31G>C polymorphism and increased risk of colorectal and gastric cancers. However, the lack of association of survivin −31G>C polymorphism with esophageal cancer risk may be due to a lack of a sufficient number of eligible studies and the influence of different genetic and environmental factors.</p> <h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Results from the current meta-analysis suggests that survivin −31G>C polymorphism might increase the risk of GIT cancer, especially among gastric and colorectal cancers.</p> </div

Effects of cholesterol concentration on matrix calcification and osteoblastic differentiation.

<p>Matrix calcium (A), ALP activity (B) and intracellular cholesterol (C) increased in a dose-dependent manner in HUVSMCs treated with CM with the addition of cell-permeable cholesterol for 72 h. *<i>P</i> < 0.05, ^#<i>P</i> < 0.01, compared with cholesterol 0 μmol/L.</p

Additional file 1 of Identifying patient perceived values during outpatient encounters: an empirical study from Chinese public hospitals

Supplementary Material 1: Appendix. The initial PPV scale and literature sources in the questionnaire construction

Sulfur-Containing Carbon Nanospheres as Lubricant Additives for Antiwear and Friction Reduction

Herein, organic–inorganic hybrid sulfur-containing carbon nanospheres (SCNs) were successfully prepared by one-pot chemical oxidation polymerization of a thiophene monomer and then rigorous carbonization. On account of the good structural strength and organic phase derived from the precursor polythiophene, the as-prepared SCNs manifested remarkable oil-dispersing and tribological properties as lubricant nanoadditives. Subsequently, the friction mechanism of SCNs was deduced; the as-prepared SCNs had the capacity to take the shape of a strong protective film on the surface of friction pairs by intricate physical deposition and tribochemical reaction. So, the SCNs exhibited excellent tribological performance, including a high extreme pressure (950 N), an ultralow friction coefficient of less than 0.06, and a significant reduction in abrasion by 90%

Forest plot of ORs with a random-effects model for associations between survivin −31G>C polymorphism and gastrointestinal tract cancer risk under dominant model (CC+GC vs. GG).

<p>Forest plot of ORs with a random-effects model for associations between survivin −31G>C polymorphism and gastrointestinal tract cancer risk under dominant model (CC+GC vs. GG).</p

Effects of CM on matrix calcification, osteoblastic differentiation, intracellular cholesterol, UBIAD1 expression and MK-4 level.

<p>Increased matrix calcium (A), ALP activity (B), and intracellular cholesterol (C) levels, and reduced UBIAD1 expression (D), and MK-4 level (E) in HUVSMCs treated with CM for 3 d and 7 d, compared with levels in cells treated with GM.*<i>P</i> < 0.05, ^#<i>P</i> < 0.01.</p

UBIAD1 or MK-4 induced changes in the expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism.

Changes in the expression of LDLR, HMGCR, ABCA1 and SREBP-2 genes after transfection with pUBIAD1 (A) or addition of MK-4 (15 μmol /L) (B) in HUVSMCs treated with CM for 72 h. *P #P < 0.01.</p

Elevated expression of UBIAD1 reduced matrix calcification, ALP activity and intracellular cholesterol levels, and increased MK-4 level.

<p>(A) Endogenous levels of UBIAD1 and β-actin after transfection with pControl or pUBIAD1. (B–E) Differences in matrix calcium (B), ALP activity (C), intracellular cholesterol (D) and MK-4 level (E) after transfection with pControl or pUBIAD1 in HUVSMCs treated with CM for 72 h. *<i>P</i> < 0.05, ^#<i>P</i> < 0.01.</p