Prostate cancer risk and aggressiveness associated with the CYPIB1 4326C/G （Leu432Val） polymorphism： a meta-analysis of 2788 cases and 2968 controls

To derive a precise estimation of the associations between the cytochrome P450 1B 1 （CYPIB1） 4326C/G variants and prostate cancer （PCa） risk or aggressiveness, a meta-analysis was performed using all eligible published studies. Odds ratios （ORs） with 95% confidence intervals （CIs） were estimated to assess the association in seven literature studies with 2788 cases and 2968 controls. In the overall analysis, no significant association was found between the CYPIB1 4326C/G polymorphism and PCa risk, but ethnicity subgroup analyses and a case-source analysis revealed significant associations. The 4326G allele showed a significant association with increased PCa risk in Asians （OR= 1.52, 95% Ch 1.20-1.92）, and significant associations were also observed in a heterozygote comparison （OR= 1.40, 95% Ch 1.03-1.89）, a homozygote comparison （0R=2.38, 95% Ch 1.31-4.33） and in a dominant genetic model （OR = 1.52, 95% Ch 1.14-2.01）. Moreover, the 4326G allele was also significantly correlated with an increased risk of sporadic PCa （OR= 1.13, 95% Ch 1.04-1.24）, and significant associations were observed in a heterozygote comparison （OR= 1.16, 95% Ch 1.02-1.33）, a homozygote comparison （OR= 1.24, 95% Ch 1.03-1.49） and a dominant genetic model （OR= 1.19, 95% Ch 1.05- 1.34）. The overall analyses and all subgroup analyses showed no significant association between the 4326C/G polymorphism and PCa aggressiveness. Our meta-analysis showed that CYPIB1 4326G allele is significantly associated with an increased PCa risk in Asians and in sporadic PCa cases.

An Exploration of the Relation between Hunting and Aggressiveness: Using Inmates Networks at Prison Secondary School as an Illustration

Aim of this research is to explore the relation of hunting with aggressiveness. For this purpose, two samples of prison inmates (who were students of the prison secondary school) were collected (class A = 23, class B = 12). The network indicators for superficial, idiosyncratic and strategic behavior (particularly, aggressiveness), applied in Bekiari and Hasanagas (2016), which were based on the primary network variables (outdegree, indegree, Katz status, pagerank, authority) were used. Non-network variables were also used for the criminal profile of the inmates. The data were sampled with questionnaire. Spearman test was conducted for detecting correlation between aggressiveness and hunting and Principal Component Analysis was used for formulating a typology. The following results were produced: The criminal profile seems hardly to be related with hunting experience or attitude. The relation of hunting experience and attitude with the superficial, idiosyncratic and strategic aggressiveness was examined. These three occasions of aggressiveness are expected to describe the incidental reaction, impulsive and adaptive reaction, respectively. The hunting is quite irrelevant to the incidental reaction. The impulsiveness seems to be more strongly correlated with hunting. In case of adaptiveness, there are many similarities with impulsiveness. The typology which is based on the existence (or not) of hunting experience seems to be more insightful, as it reveals a gradual involvement of aggressiveness dimensions, from incidentality to impulsiveness and further to adaptiveness. The following behavioral patterns of gradually enhanced aggressiveness appear: incidentally just provoking, impulsively being aggressive but without harming, and adaptively being aggressive and harming.

Effects of thymidine phosphorylase on tumor aggressiveness and 5-fluorouracil sensitivity in cholangiocarcinoma

AIM: To evaluate the role of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) in cholangiocarcinoma using small interfering RNA (siRNA). METHODS: A human cholangiocarcinoma-derived cell line KKU-M139, which has a naturally high level of endogenous TP, had TP expression transiently knocked down using siRNA. Cell growth, migration, in vitro angiogenesis, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity were assayed in TP knockdown and wild-type cell lines. RESULTS: TP mRNA and protein expression were decreased by 87.1% ± 0.49% and 72.5% ± 3.2%, respectively, compared with control cells. Inhibition of TP significantly decreased migration of KKU-M139, and suppressed migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. siRNA also reduced the ability of TP to resist hypoxia-induced apoptosis, while suppression of TP reduced the sensitivity of KKU-M139 to 5-fluorouracil. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of TP may be beneficial in decreasing angiogenesis-dependent growth and migration of cholangiocarcinoma but may diminish the response to 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy.

Analysis of aggressiveness factors in hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization

AIM To investigate novel predictors of survival in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients following transarterial chemoembolization(TACE).METHODS One hundred sixty seven patients with un-resectable HCC were retrospectively analyzed to identify factors that might contribute to their HCC biology and aggressiveness. We correlated routine laboratory results(total bilirubin, AST, ALKP, GGTP, albumin etc.) to maximum tumor diameter, number of tumor nodules, portal vein thrombosis and blood alpha-fetoprotein levels. These 4 parameters were previously combined to form an aggressiveness index(AgI). We used The Wilcoxon ranksum(Mann-Whitney), to test the correlation between the AgI categories and liver function parameters. The Cox proportional hazards model was applied to evaluate the categories of AgI associated with overall survival. RESULTS The AgI was strongly correlated with survival in this novel patient population. Three year survival probability for AgI > or < 4 was 42.4% vs 61.8%; P < 0.0863 respectively. Several factors independently correlated with AgI using univariate multiple logistic regression of AgI with 8 laboratory parameters. Lower albumin levels had an OR of 2.56(95%CI: 1.120-5.863 P < 0.026), elevated Alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase(GGTP) had ORs of 1.01(95%CI: 1.003-1.026, P < 0.017) and 0.99(95%CI: 0.99-1.00, P < 0.053) respectively. In a Cox proportional hazard model combining mortality for AgI score and liver function parameters, only GGTP levels and the AgI were independently associated with survival. An AgI > 4 had HR for mortality of 2.18(95%CI: 1.108-4.310, P < 0.024). GGTP's single unit change had a HR for mortality of 1.003(95%CI: 1.001-1.006, P < 0.016). These were considered in the final multivariate model with the total cohort. An AgI > 4 had a HR for mortality of 2.26(95%CI: 1.184-4.327, P < 0.016). GGTP had a HR of 1.003(95%CI: 1.001-1.004, P < 0.001).CONCLUSION Our study validates the AgI in a new population with un-resectable HCC patients undergoing TACE. The analysis establishes a correlation between GGTP and the AgI.

Tim-3 promotes cell aggressiveness and paclitaxel resistance through NF-κB/STAT3 signalling pathway in breast cancer cells

Objective:Although T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing molecule-3(Tim-3)has been recognized as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy,its exact role in breast cancer has not been fully elucidated.Methods:Tim-3 gene expression in breast cancer and its prognostic significance were analyzed.Associated mechanisms were then explored in vitro by establishing Tim-3-overexpressing breast cancer cells.Results:In a pooled analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database,Tim-3 gene expression levels were significantly higher(P<0.001)in breast cancer tissue,compared with normal tissues.Tim-3 was a prognosis indicator in breast cancer patients[relapse-free survival(RFS),P=0.004;overall survival(OS),P=0.099].Tim-3 overexpression in Tim-3 low breast cancer cells promoted aggressiveness of breast cancer cells,as evidenced by enhanced proliferation,migration,invasion,tight junction deterioration and tumor-associated tubal formation.Tim-3 also enhanced cellular resistance to paclitaxel.Furthermore,Tim-3 exerted its function by activating the NF-κB/STAT3 signalling pathway and by regulating gene expression[cyclin D1(CCND1),C-Myc,matrix metalloproteinase-1(MMP1),TWIST,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)upregulation,concomitant with Ecadherin downregulation).Lastly,Tim-3 downregulated tight junction-associated molecules zona occludens(ZO)-2,ZO-1 and occludin,which may further facilitate tumor progression.Conclusions:Tim-3 plays an oncogenic role in breast cancer and may represent a potential target for antitumor therapy.

ABC transporters and the hallmarks of cancer:roles in cancer aggressiveness beyond multidrug resistance

The ATP-binding cassette transporters(ABC transporters)have been intensely studied over the past 50 years for their involvement in the multidrug resistance(MDR)phenotype,especially in cancer.They are frequently overexpressed in both naive and post-treatment tumors,and hinder effective chemotherapy by reducing drug accumulation in cancer cells.In the last decade however,several studies have established that ABC transporters have additional,fundamental roles in tumor biology;there is strong evidence that these proteins are involved in transporting tumor-enhancing molecules and/or in protein-protein interactions that impact cancer aggressiveness,progression,and patient prognosis.This review highlights these studies in relation to some well-described cancer hallmarks,in an effort to re-emphasize the need for further investigation into the physiological functions of ABC transporters that are critical for tum or development.Unraveling these new roles offers an opportunity to define new strategies and targets for therapy,which would include endogenous substrates or signaling pathways that regulate these proteins.

Applying Social Network Indicators in the Analysis of Verbal Aggressiveness at the School

The purpose of this study is to detect structures of verbal aggressiveness using multiple indicators of social networks analysis (out- and in-degree, pagerank, Katz, authority, incremental and proportional behavior). Standardized questionnaires have been distributed to 151 students and 45 teachers at primary and secondary schools. We performed complete analysis of social networks and further processing by applying principal component analysis. According to the results, a complex structure of verbal aggressiveness occurred in the classes (networks) and the structure was necessary to be explored with several network indicators (Katz, pagerank, incremental and proportional behavior etc.). Prejudices about the role of the gender in the aggressiveness (e.g. that female are more peaceful than male) are deconstructed. As for the typology of the incremental and proportional behavior two types were proposed: 1) the “personal attack” that the verbal aggressor aims the victim’s personality and 2) “social exclusion” that the strategy is to exclude the victim from the social surrounding.

Friendliness to Animals and Verbal Aggressiveness to People: Using Prison Inmates Education Networks as an Illustration

Goal of this research is to detect possible relations between animal-related attitudes and verbal aggressiveness as well as types combining such parameters. The sample collected in 2015 contains two adult education classes equivalent to secondary school level (class A = 23 inmates and B = 12 inmates, all male) at a correctional facility. Questionnaires were used. Network analysis software (Visone) and conventional statistics (SPSS) are used for calculating network variables (indegree, outdegree, katz, pageranketc) and implementing Spearman test and Principal Component Analysis. Inmates who have adopted an animal-friendly value system and are too coward to react against torture of animals, maintain a repressed emotion. If they do not intervene and provoke, then they are also not targeted by others. No reaction against torture is also connected with a deep-rooted aggressiveness. Concerning superficial aggressiveness, a profile, whose characterize is multiple verbal aggressiveness, can be attributed to repressed emotions. A type is torturing and indifferently restricts his aggressiveness, as he can satisfy his need of dominance by being aggressive towards animals. A type of inmate who loves animals and reacts against their torture, presents the most restricted and relatively smooth aggressiveness, as he discharges his repressed emotions to this reaction. Under condition of indifference, keeping pets is not evidence of loving but of a need of companionship. As for the deep-rooted aggressiveness (over-extroversion), it does not seem to be triggered by any repression.

Spontaneous Mammary Carcinomas in Female Dogs: Association between Immunohistochemical Degrees of Neoplasia Aggressiveness and Residual Pyrethroids

Of the tumors diagnosed in the female dogs have the highest mammary neoplasias incidence. These neoplasias can be influenced by environmental contaminants. Despite evidence of pyrethroid toxicity, carcinogenic potential has not yet been sufficiently elucidated, there is a need to investigate their involvement in mammary tumor. In previous studies, pyrethroid residues were detected in female dogs with mammary neoplasia, however was not investigate the influence of this insecticide in the genesis and aggressiveness of mammary cancer. This study aimed to investigate possible relations between pyrethroid residues and aggressiveness of mammary carcinoma in female dogs. Fifty selected female dogs were divided into five groups of 10 animals each: the Control group, female dogs without mammary neoplasia;the groups Luminal A, Luminal B, HER-2 Superexpression and Basal were constituted by female dogs that presented inguinal mammary carcinoma classified immunohistochemically. The aggressiveness of carcinomas was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (HER-2, p63, estrogen receptor). Residual concentrations of the pyrethroids from the mammary gland and fat tissue adjacent to it were determined by HPLC. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square test. Of the all animals, six presented residues of pyrethroids in mammary samples and 10 presented it in fat tissue samples. There was no statistical evidence that pyrethroids are involved in mammary carcinoma aggressiveness in female dogs.

Insights into Bullying and Verbal Aggressiveness through Social Network Analysis

Aim of this research is to reveal social structures, typologies and determinants of verbal aggressiveness and bullying. Five students’ networks from various Higher Education departments in Thessaly, Greece (Physical Education, Veterinary, Business Administration) (total nodes N = 245) have been examined by Social Network Analysis and conventional statistics in 2017. Main results: Rudeness relations are denser at the Physical Education department due to the intensity and pressure of corporal exercise. Social exclusion seems to be much more common practice. Hurting necessitates particularly intensive conditions while deriding, rudeness and threatening are compatible with any action of bullying. The offenders tend to practice simultaneously bullying and verbal aggressiveness but often against different targets. Various levels of victimization are diagnosed through selectiveness in strategies of offense. Obesity often constitutes a reason of depreciation. Education values stimulate respectfulness rather than aggressive jealousness. Ambitiousness, travelling experience, social selectiveness based on criteria of intellectual, encyclopedic qualifications or politeness also prevent verbal aggressiveness. Female students seem to be more invulnerable. Bullying seems to be reciprocal and diachronic. Verbal aggressiveness seems to conceal a presumption of corporal aggressiveness. Especially, ambitiousness in the scientific arena or the high education level of father seems to encourage practicing verbal aggressiveness.

The Relationship between Aggressiveness and Gender in Patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Purpose: To examine the impact of gender and social gender on the level and typology of interictal aggressiveness in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Material and Methods: 40 adult patients with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) and 86 healthy individuals were included. The qualitative and quantitative aggressiveness assess- ment was made with Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory. The gender role behavior was measured with Bem Sex Role Inventory. Results: Patients with TLE didn’t differ from healthy subjects on the total scores of motor and attitudinal hostility components, but scored higher on subscales “resentment” and “guilt”. The comparative gender analysis showed there were no phenomenological differences in people with TLE. Assault dominated in healthy male subjects, resentment—in healthy female subjects. The prevalence of feminine social gender type was significantly higher in people with TLE in comparison to healthy people (55% vs. 26%, p 0.01). In patients with TLE, the number of masculine traits positively correlated with indirect hostility subscale and attitudinal hostility component scores. In healthy subjects, the masculine traits positively correlated with assault.

Effects of Activation and Blockade of Serotonin 5-HT1A Receptors on the Immune Response in Rats Selected for Different Levels of Aggressiveness

The present study examines the effects of serotonin (5-HT) 1A receptor ligands on humoral im-mune response in two rat lines selected for over 75 generations for the enhancement or elimination of aggression. Activation of presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors with a low dose of the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg/kg) or the blockade of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors with the antagonist WAY-100635 (1.0 mg/kg) did not affect the numbers of IgM-antibody forming cells (IgM-AFC) in the spleen of highly aggressive rats, which were characterized by higher immune responsiveness compared to nonaggressive line. On the other hand, the same doses of 8-OH-DPAT and WAY-100635, as well as a higher dose of 8-OH-DPAT (1.0 mg/kg), which is known to activate postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, produce immunostimulation in nonaggressive rats. However, only the highest dose of 8-OH-DPAT (5.0 mg/kg) was able to cause immunosuppression in nonaggressive rats that was mainly dependent on stimulation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors. In contrast to nonaggressive rats, the dose of 1.0 mg/kg 8-OH-DPAT was sufficient to produce a decrease in the numbers of IgM-AFC in highly aggressive rats. Thus, pharmacological activation of pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, as well as the blockade of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, produced different effects on the immune response in two lines of rats selected for high level of aggression or its absence. These data may have implications for more efficient treatments of a number of mental disorders associated with abnormal aggression.

Investigation of Soil Aggressiveness towards Underground Fuel Storage Tanks and Water Pipelines in Parts of Bayelsa State, Southern Nigeria

Structural failure of buried cast/ductile iron water mains and tanks due to corrosion attacks manifests in leaks and is common in most cities throughout Nigeria. The appropriate corrective action, which aims to restore pipe/tank integrity is usually based on proper understanding of the degree of corrosiveness of the soil. In an attempt to determine the potential corrosiveness of the soil to buried metallic structures in Bayelsa State, surface geoelectrical sounding was carried out. Twenty-five Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) was carried out in the freshwater and meander belt geomorphic zone and the salt water mangrove swamp and estuary complex of the state using a maximum current electrode separation ranging from 200 - 400 m. The data obtained was interpreted by computer iterative modeling using a 1D inversion technique software (1X1D, Interpex, USA). The results show a high degree of heterogeneity, both laterally and vertically, which is typical of a complex depositional environment. Generally, the sub-soil condition within the expected depth of installation of water mains and storage tanks (0 - 10 m) is slightly or moderately aggressive (effective aggressivity) in the freshwater and meander belt geomorphic zone but is very strongly aggressive in the salt water mangrove swamp and estuary complex. Corrosion cells which may lead to significant corrosion failures may occur in the vicinities of strongly aggressive stations. This poses a significant corrosion risk to metallic water pipes and storage tanks. Current day design should therefore either mandate the use of a non-metallic piping product (water mains) or cathodic protection system. Prediction of potential corrosiveness of a soil and thus the application of proper corrosion control measures will not only protect the environment from spillages but will also avert cost of repair, clean-up and replacement.

Differences in Aggressiveness and Morphology of Mycosphaerella graminicola Isolates Causal Agent of Septoria Tritici Blotch on Wheat

Reactions 13 wheat cultivars to 18 Mycosphaerella graminicola isolates, collected from three distinct localities, were in average different but differences among individual cultivars were small. All cultivars were susceptible to septoria tritici blotch. Reactions of wheat cultivars to M. graminicola isolates varied from 31% to 41%. Some cultivars had low differences but the other high in reactions to used isolates in average. Variance of individual cultivars to all isolates in reactions of maximal and minimal values fluctuated between 44-80%. More differences were in reactions between individual isolates to single cultivars. Aggressiveness individual isolates to all tested cultivars oscillated in average from 9% to 66% of necrotic leaf area covered by pycnidia. Three isolates had very low, whereas five isolates had high aggressiveness in average to all cultivars. Difference in maximal and minimal aggressiveness of individual isolates to all cultivars was between 13 and 60%. Avirulent reaction was ascertained in the cultivar Rexia to one isolate. Isolates showed wide differences in colored and morphological characteristics. Dissimilarity and similarity was in border shape, cultivation types, surface and coloration of isolate colony also.

Regional Dialect Diversity and Corporate Strategic Aggressiveness

As an important role of the regional culture,dialects have a significant influence on the corporate strategy.Diversity of dialects appears to move firms towards strategic radicalization by weakening the“hometown effect”,enhancing innovation awareness,and increasing the diversification of business.Using A-share listed companies from 2006 to 2018 as sample,based on information from the annual financial statements,this paper argues that higher dialect diversity in the city where enterprise is located leads the corporate strategy to be more aggressive;and the mismatch between strategy and dialectal environment will have a negative effect on corporate performance.After a series of robustness tests and using instrumental variables to solve endogenous problems,the conclusions remain consistent.Further study indicates that the influence of dialect diversity on strategy is enhanced as managers’awareness of the dialectal environment increases,but is weaken if the enterprise is a state-owned enterprise or has larger scale.This research reveals the connection between dialect culture and corporate behavior form a strategic level,provides empirical evidence and enriches the literature for the traditional view of“culture influences strategy”,and has significance on promoting the corporate strategic management practices.

A Tiny Mark on RNA Promotes Tumor Growth and Aggressiveness

Sometimes a slight difference may produce huge impact on the outcome.This is particularly true for the tiny chemical widgets added to the RNA.Recently,CAS scientists discovered that certain chemical marks on mRNA,acting as a hidden layer of gene regulation,are able to promote tumor growth and invasiveness.The findings about these chemical marks-including the nature,location and biological significance to the RNA or the cell-are valuable not only in a better understanding of the critical function of RNA modifications,but also in promising to develop new therapeutic drugs to treat human disease and even cancer.

Aggressive fibromatosis of the sigmoid colon:A case report

BACKGROUND Aggressive fibromatosis(AF),also known as desmoid tumor or desmoid-type fibromatosis,is a rare soft tissue neoplasm that can occur in almost any part of the body.Although it is a benign disease,AF is aggressive and infiltrative and has a high recurrence rate after surgery.Common sites for intra-abdominal AF are the small bowel mesentery,retroperitoneum,and pelvis.AF in the colon is extremely rare.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report the first case of sigmoid colon AF,which was accidentally discovered in a 27-year-old woman during laparoscopic myomectomy.Computed tomography confirmed a slightly enhanced mass in the sigmoid colon.Subsequent colonoscopy did not reveal a mass in the colonic lumen,but a suspected external compress was found in the sigmoid colon.Surgical disease involving a gastrointestinal stromal tumor was suspected.The patient underwent laparoscopic exploration,and sigmoidectomy with a negative margin was performed to excise the mass.Postoperative immunohistochemistry revealed that the mass was an AF.The patient recovered well and was recurrence-free at the 30-month follow-up without adjuvant therapy.CONCLUSION AF should be considered in the differential diagnosis of subepithelial colon masses.Radical resection alone can achieve good outcomes.

Impact of social isolation and resident intruder stress on aggressive behavior in the male rat

Stress studies frequently utilize physical stressors to establish animal models of stress. In the majority of cases, these models are not consistent with human circumstances. The present study simulated a social isolation plus resident intruder stress model in the rat. The rats were subjected to daily social isolation and resident intruder stress for 2 weeks. Behaviors were then tested. Rats subjected to social stress exhibited different aggressive behavior styles; some rats had greater scores on composite aggression behaviors, as well as locomotor and exploratory activity, but lower scores on latency than others. The high-aggressive group exhibited predominantly anger-out, while the low-aggressive group exhibited anger-in. Results suggest that social isolation plus resident intruder may serve as an appropriate model for anger-in and anger-out emotion modeling in the rat.