Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of APE1 associated with risk and prognosis of vitiligo in a Han Chinese population.

Background: The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of apurinic/apyrimidinicendonuclease 1 (APE1), which has been implicated in cancers and the DNA base excision repair (BER) process, have not been thoroughly investigated in association with the risks of oxidative stress-related vitiligo.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate associations between APE1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms 141T >G and 1349T >G and risk and prognosis of vitiligo.

Material And Methods: From June 2013 to June 2015, a total of 460 vitiligo patients were randomly recruited as a case group; 200 of these patients received narrow bound ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) treatment.

Gadd45a gene silencing by RNAi promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis and senescence in skin squamous cell carcinoma through the p53 signaling pathway.

Skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is generally considered as nonaggressive lesions and mainly caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Gadd45a is a key component protecting skin against UV-induced tumors. For that, the study aims to investigate the mechanism of Gadd45a gene silencing on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence in nude mice with skin SCC through the p53 signaling pathway.

Chikusetsu (CHI) triggers mitochondria-regulated apoptosis in human prostate cancer via reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

The prostate cancer prognosis is still not fully understood. Chikusetsu saponin Iva (CHI), isolated from Aralia taibaiensis, shows anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, in our study, we attempted to explore the efficiency and the possible molecular mechanism by which CHI may suppress prostate cancer.

Haptoglobin protein and mRNA expression in psoriasis and its clinical significance.

The present study aimed to explore the association between haptoglobin protein and mRNA expression and psoriasis. A total of 138 patients with psoriasis that were undergoing therapy at Linyi People's Hospital (Linyi, China) between January 2011 and January 2015 were enrolled in the present study. The mRNA expression levels of haptoglobin were detected by in situ hybridization; immunohistochemistry was used to detect haptoglobin protein expression; and double‑labeling immunofluorescence was used to count Langerhans cells; western blotting was also conducted to determine protein expression.

Donor-acceptor-type copolymers based on a naphtho[1,2-c:5,6-c]bis(1,2,5-thiadiazole) scaffold for high-efficiency polymer solar cells.

Four donor-acceptor-type low-bandgap conjugated polymers based on a naphtho[1,2-c:5,6-c]bis(1,2,5-thiadiazole) (NT) acceptor and different donors bridged by a bithiophene spacer have been synthesized through Suzuki or Stille polymerization reactions. Fluorene (F), carbazole (Cz), alkylidene fluorene (AF), and benzodithiophene (BDT) were selected as the donor units to produce a series of new conjugated polymers. Owing to the different electron-donating ability of the donor units, the energy levels, absorption spectra, bandgaps, and carrier mobilities of the resulting polymers were systematically tuned.

Expression of BK-type calcium-activated potassium channel splice variants during chick cochlear development.

The appearance of large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BK) current is a hallmark of functional maturation in auditory hair cells. Acquisition of this fast-activating current enables high-frequency, graded receptor potentials in all vertebrates and an electrical tuning mechanism in nonmammals. The gene encoding BK alpha subunits is highly alternatively spliced, and the resulting variations in channel isoforms may contribute to functional diversity at the onset of hearing.

Developmental expression of BK channels in chick cochlear hair cells.

Background: Cochlear hair cells are high-frequency sensory receptors. At the onset of hearing, hair cells acquire fast, calcium-activated potassium (BK) currents, turning immature spiking cells into functional receptors. In non-mammalian vertebrates, the number and kinetics of BK channels are varied systematically along the frequency-axis of the cochlea giving rise to an intrinsic electrical tuning mechanism.