Mitochondrial DNA copy number in peripheral blood and melanoma risk.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in peripheral blood has been suggested as risk modifier in various types of cancer. However, its influence on melanoma risk is unclear. We evaluated the association between mtDNA copy number in peripheral blood and melanoma risk in 500 melanoma cases and 500 healthy controls from an ongoing melanoma study. The mtDNA copy number was measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Overall, mean mtDNA copy number was significantly higher in cases than in controls (1.15 vs 0.99, P<0.001). Increased mtDNA copy number was associated with a 1.45-fold increased risk of melanoma (95% confidence interval: 1.12-1.97). Significant joint effects between mtDNA copy number and variables related to pigmentation and history of sunlight exposure were observed. This study supports an association between increased mtDNA copy number and melanoma risk that is independent on the known melanoma risk factors (pigmentation and history of sunlight exposure)

Long working hours and all-cause mortality in China: A 26-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between long working hours and the risk of mortality has been debated in various countries. This study aimed to investigate the association between long working hours and all-cause mortality in a large population-based cohort in China.METHODS: This retrospective cohort study (N=10 269) used a large, nationally representative data set [the China Health and Nutrition Surveys (CHNS)] from 1989 to 2015. Long working hours (≥55 hours per week) were compared to standard working hours (35–40 hours per week). The outcome measure was all-cause mortality. Hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was calculated from Cox proportional hazards regression models, with stratified analyses to assess differences in mortality risk among subgroups.RESULTS: Among the participants, 411 deaths (3.52 per 1000 person-years) occurred during a median follow-up of 11.0 (range 4.0–18.0) years. After adjusting for covariates, long working hours were associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality [HR 1.49, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.02–2.18]. Stratified analyses revealed that this association was present only among men (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.15–2.75) and smoking participants (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.05–2.57).CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of an association between long working hours and all-cause mortality, which is specifically observed among men and smokers. Targeted interventions should be implemented to reduce excessive working hours and identify individuals at elevated risk, with support from labor organizations, policymakers, and employers

Risk of melanoma as estimated by mtDNA copy number.

<p>*ORs were adjusted by age.</p><p>Risk of melanoma as estimated by mtDNA copy number.</p

Joint effects between mtDNA copy number and pigmentation.

<p>Joint effects between mtDNA copy number and pigmentation.</p

Appraisal of carbon-coated Li4Ti5O12 acanthospheres from optimized two-step hydrothermal synthesis as a superior anode for sodium-ion batteries

In this study, carbon-coated nanostructured Li4Ti5O12 acanthospheres with a highly porous and open structure, are prepared by a two-step hydrothermal synthesis, and are investigated as the anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The impact of the amount of glucose on the spinel-phase formation, the secondary morphological structure, carbon content and graphitization of the as-prepared C/Li4Ti5O12 microspheres is studied. Additionally, the subsequent electrode performance, including capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability, particularly at elevated temperatures, is emphasized. By optimizing the amount of the glucose organic carbon precursor, attractive capacities of 186 mAh g-1 at 0.2 C, 141 mAh g-1 at 2.0 C, and 68 mAh g-1 at 10 C are achieved for the as-synthesized C/Li4Ti5O12, better than most reports on similar Li4Ti5O12 electrodes, suggesting the beneficial effect of morphology and carbon coating on the electrode performance. In addition, an outstanding cycling stability is demonstrated, with capacity retention of 93% after continuous cycling for 400 cycles at 1.0 C. At elevated temperatures, the important role of carbon in suppressing SEI formation and thus improving the cycling stability is highlighted. This suggests that the hierarchical carbon-modified Li4Ti5O12 acanthosphere from the optimized two-step hydrothermal synthesis is a promising anode material for SIBs with superior electrode performance

Physics with Positron Beams at Jefferson Lab 12 GeV

Positron beams, both polarized and unpolarized, are identified as essential ingredients for the experimental program at the next generation of lepton accelerators. In the context of the Hadronic Physics program at the Jefferson Laboratory (JLab), positron beams are complementary, even essential, tools for a precise understanding of the electromagnetic structure of the nucleon, in both the elastic and the deep-inelastic regimes. For instance, elastic scattering of (un)polarized electrons and positrons off the nucleon allows for a model independent determination of the electromagnetic form factors of the nucleon. Also, the deeply virtual Compton scattering of (un)polarized electrons and positrons allows us to separate unambiguously the different contributions to the cross section of the lepto-production of photons, enabling an accurate determination of the nucleon Generalized Parton Distributions (GPDs), and providing an access to its Gravitational Form Factors. Furthermore, positron beams offer the possibility of alternative tests of the Standard Model through the search of a dark photon or the precise measurement of electroweak couplings. This letter proposes to develop an experimental positron program at JLab to perform unique high impact measurements with respect to the two-photon exchange problem, the determination of the proton and the neutron GPDs, and the search for the $A^{\prime}$ dark photon