China's landscape in oncology drug research:perspectives from research collaboration networks

Objective： Better understanding of China＇s landscape in oncology drug research is of great significance for discovering anti-cancer drugs in future. This article differs from previous studies by focusing on Chinese oncology drug research communities in co-publication networks at the institutional level. Moreover, this research aims to explore structures and behaviors of relevant research units by thematic community analysis and to address policy recommendations. Methods： This research used social network analysis to define an institutions network and to identify a community network which is characterized by thematic content. Results： A total of 675 sample articles from 2008 through 2012 were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded （SCIE） database of Web of Science, and top institutions and institutional pairs are highlighted for further discussion. Meanwhile, this study revealed that institutions based in the Chinese mainland are located in a relatively central position, Taiwan＇s institutions are closely assembled on the side, and Hong Kong＇s units located in the middle of the Chinese mainland＇s and Taiwan＇s. Spatial division and institutional hierarchy are still critical barriers to research collaboration in the field of anti-cancer drugs in China. In addition, the communities focusing on hot research areas show the higher nodal degree, whereas communities giving more attention to rare research subjects are relatively marginalized to the periphery of network. Conclusions= This paper offers policy recommendations to accelerate cross-regional cooperation, such as through developing information technology and increasing investment. The brokers should focus more on outreach to other institutions. Finally, participation in topics of common interest is conducive to improved efficiency in research and development （R＆D） resource allocation.

DNA Methylation and SNPs in VCX are Correlated with Sex Differences in the Response to Chronic Hepatitis B

The study was conducted to explore the mechanisms of sex differences in the response to chronic hepatitis B(CHB)in terms of DNA methylation,SNP genotype,and gene expression.Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)of CHB patients and healthy controls and evaluated using the Human Methylation 450 K Assay.The DNA methylation level at hg37 chromosome(CHR)X:7810800 was further validated using pyrosequencing.SNP genotypes,VCX mRNA expression of PBMCs,and plasma VCX protein concentration were further examined using SNaPshot,RT-qPCR,and Western blot,respectively.Results showed that a total of 5529 CpG loci were differentially methylated between male and female CHB patients.DNA methylation level and CC+CT frequency at CHR X:7810800,VCX mRNA expression of PBMCs,and plasma VCX protein concentration were higher in female than in male CHB patients.The CHR X:7810800 locus was hypermethylated in CHB patients with CC+CT genotypes in comparison with those with the TT genotype.In cases of CC-f CT genotypes,VCX mRNA expression was negatively correlated with the DNA methylation level.CHB patients with higher levels of HBV DNA,AST,and GGT or higher GPRI scores exhibited lower VCX expression.In conclusion,SNPs and DNA methylation at the CHR X:7810800 locus cooperatively regulate VCX expression in CHB.The upregulated VCX expression in female CHB patients might represent a mechanism of protection from more severe liver dysfunction and extensive fibrosis,as observed in male CHB patients.