Knockdown of NAA25 Suppresses Breast Cancer Progression by Regulating Apoptosis and Cell Cycle

NAA25 gene variants were reported as risk factors for type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and acute arterial stroke. But it’s unknown whether it could contribute to breast cancer. We identified rs11066150 in lncHSAT164, which contributes to breast cancer, in our earlier genome-wide long non-coding RNA association study on Han Chinese women. However, rs11066150 A/G variant is also located in NAA25 intron. Based on the public database, such as TCGA and Curtis dataset, NAA25 gene is highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and this result has also been proved in our samples and cell lines through RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. To better understand the function of NAA25 in breast cancer, we knocked down the expression of NAA25 in breast cancer cell lines, FACS was used to detect cell apoptosis and cell cycle and colony formation assay was used to detect cell proliferation. We found that NAA25-deficient cells could increase cell apoptosis, delay G2/M phase cell and decrease cell clone formation. RNA sequencing was then applied to analyze the molecular profiles of NAA25−deficient cells, and compared to the control group, NAA25 knockdown could activate apoptosis-related pathways, reduce the activation of tumor-associated signaling pathways and decrease immune response-associated pathways. Additionally, RT-qPCR was employed to validate these results. Taken together, our results revealed that NAA25 was highly expressed in breast cancer, and NAA25 knockdown might serve as a therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Trends of central obesity and associations with nutrients intake and daily behaviors among women of childbearing age in China

Background Obesity among women of childbearing age has becoming an important public health concern. We aimed to describe the trends of central obesity among Chinese women of childbearing age from 2004 to 2011 and to examine its associations with nutrients intake and daily behaviors. Methods Longitudinal data were derived from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Participants consisted of 2481 women aged 15–44 years old. WC (Waist circumference) and WHtR (Waist to height ratio) were adopted as indicators of central obesity. Generalized linear mixed model was performed to analyze the associations of nutrients intake and daily behaviors with central obesity. Results From 2004 to 2011, the prevalence of central obesity among Chinese women of childbearing age increased from 21.6 to 30.7% (WC as indice) or from 22.8 to 32.6% (WHtR as indice) (both p < 0.001). Protein intake above the AMDR (Acceptable macronutrient distribution range) (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.05–1.39, p < 0.01) and non-participation in LTPA (Leisure time physical activity) (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.17–1.80, p < 0.001) were risk factors for high WC, and the latter was also associated with high WHtR (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.10–1.67, p < 0.01). For those women who had high WC & high WHtR, the impacts of protein intake and LTPA became stronger, especial LTPA (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.21–1.94, p < 0.001). Age-stratified analyses found that non-participation in LTPA was key factor for central obesity in 15–34 age group, while protein intake above the AMDR was pronounced in the 35–44 age group. Conclusions Non-participation in LTPA and protein intake above the AMDR were significant contributors of central obesity, which could be intervention targets to deal with the growing trend of central obesity among women of childbearing age.

Equality of Access? Chinese Women Practicing Chan and Transnational Meditation in Contemporary China

This paper examines how the Buddhist revival, the Chan revival, and recent popularity of transnational meditation practices have facilitated Chinese women practicing Buddhist meditation in contemporary China. With the influence of the opening of China and growing transnational networks, there has been an increasing number of Han Chinese monastics and lay people practicing transnational meditation, such as samādhi, vipassanā and mindfulness, in the past two decades. Despite the restriction of accessing Chan halls at monasteries, some Chinese nuns and laywomen have traveled to learn meditation in different parts of China, and international meditation centers in Southeast Asia to study with yogis from all over the world. Surprisingly some returned female travelers have taken significant roles in organizing meditation retreats, and establishing meditation centers and meditation halls. Through examining some ethnographic cases of Chinese nuns and laywomen, this paper argues that the transnational meditation movement has an impact not only on gender equality, especially concerning Chinese women practicing meditation, but also on the development of contemporary Chinese Buddhism. The significant role of Chinese female meditators in promoting Buddhist meditation can reflect a trend of re-positioning the Chan School in contemporary China.

Emerging And Legacy PFAS And Cytokine Homeostasis In Women of Childbearing Age

The effect of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on cytokine homeostasis in human remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between legacy and emerging PFAS and cytokine profiles, and identify the main contributors to the disturbance of cytokine homeostasis. We quantified 21 PFAS in 198 Chinese women of childbearing age from 2015 to 2016. 13 cytokines were measured using the Meso Scale Discovery U-PLEX and V-PLEX platforms. The associations between PFAS exposure and cytokine levels were assessed using multiple linear regression (single-exposure), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models (PFAS mixture exposure). In single PFAS models, legacy and alternative PFAS were positively associated with Th1 and Treg cytokines, and negatively associated with Th2 and Th17 cytokines. For instance, each ln-unit increase in 6:2 chlorinated perfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was associated with a decrease in IL-10 by -0.228 (95% CI: -0.336, -0.120), -0.153 (95% CI: -0.277, -0.030), and -0.174 (95% CI: -0.339, -0.010), respectively. The BKMR model showed a significantly positive association of PFAS mixture with TGF-β and a negative association with IL-10. Overall, these results indicate that both legacy and emerging PFAS may affect the homeostasis of cytokines.

Meta-analysis of health state utility values measured by EuroQol 5-dimensions (EQ5D) questionnaire in Chinese women with breast cancer

Background To synthesise EQ5D health state utility values in Chinese women with breast cancer for parameterising a cost utility model. Methods Eligible studies had to report health state utility values measured by EQ-5D in Chinese women diagnosed with breast cancer. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). Data from single arm studies was pooled using meta-analysis of single proportions to provide overall point estimates and 95% confidence intervals for fixed and random effects models using the inverse variance and Der Simonian-Laird methods respectively. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic and sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were conducted. Results Five papers were included, when all studies were combined (n = 4,100) the mean utility (95% confidence interval) for random effects model was 0.83 (0.78, 0.89); for TNM 0-1 0.85 (0.75, 0.95); for TNM II 0.85 (0.78, 0.93); for TNM III 0.83 (0.77, 0.90) and for TNM IV 0.73 (0.63, 0.82).The utility of patients in State P (first year after primary breast cancer) 0.84 (0.80, 0.88); in State R (first year after recurrence) 0.73 (0.69, 0.76), in State S (second and following years after primary breast cancer or recurrence) 0.88 (0.83, 0.92); and in State M (metastatic disease) 0.78 (0.74, 0.82). Mean utility for duration since diagnosis 13 to 36 months was 0.88 (0.80, 0.96, I2 =95%); for 37 to 60 months 0.89 (0.82, 0.96, I2 =90%); for more than 60 months 0.86 (0.76, 0.96, I2 =90%). Mean utility for chemotherapy was 0.86 (0.79, 0.92, I2 =97%); for radiotherapy 0.83 (0.69, 0.96, I2 =97%); surgery 0.80 (0.69, 0.91, I2 =98%); concurrent chemo-radiation 0.70 (0.60, 0.81, I2 =86%) and endocrine therapy 0.90 (0.83, 0.97, I2 =91%). Conclusion: This study synthesises the evidence for health state utility values for Chinese women with breast cancer which is useful to inform cost utility models.

The STress-And-coping suppoRT Intervention (START) for Chinese Women Undergoing Abortion: a Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

Background:Undergoing an abortion is stressful. This protocol aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and primary effects of a complex intervention to promote positive coping behaviors and alleviating depression symptoms among Chinese women undergo abortion.Methods:A two-arm randomized controlled trial design will be used. Participants will be recruited at their first appointment with the abortion clinic, those who consent to participate will be randomly allocated to receive either the START intervention (in addition to standard abortion care) or standard care only. All participants will receive survey follow-up until six weeks post-abortion. Ethical has been granted by local and university ethics committees. This research was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship Discussion:Results will assist refinement and further evaluations of the START intervention, contribute to improved abortion care practices in China, and enrich the literature evidence on improving women’s psychological well-being following abortion in ChinaTrial registration: Registered at the Chinese Clinical Trials.gov: ChiCTR2100046101. Date of registration: May 4, 2021

Dreams of Flight

In Dreams of Flight, Fran Martin explores how young Chinese women negotiate competing pressures on their identity while studying abroad. On one hand, unmarried middle-class women in the single-child generations are encouraged to develop themselves as professional human capital through international education, molding themselves into independent, cosmopolitan, career-oriented individuals. On the other, strong neotraditionalist state, social, and familial pressures of the post-Mao era push them back toward marriage and family by age thirty. Martin examines these women’s motivations for studying in Australia and traces their embodied and emotional experiences of urban life, social media worlds, work in low-skilled and professional jobs, romantic relationships, religion, Chinese patriotism, and changed self-understanding after study abroad. Martin illustrates how emerging forms of gender, class, and mobility fundamentally transform the basis of identity for a whole generation of Chinese women.

Effects of Customer Experience Factors on Beauty Product Satisfaction in Beauty Live Commerce: -For women in their 20s and 30s in Zhejiang Province, China-

This study was conducted from March 29th to April 25th 2021 to investigate the effect of customer experience factors on beauty product satisfaction in beauty live commerce, focusing on women in their 20s and 30s who watched Chinese beauty live commerce broadcasts and purchased beauty products. By the 25th, WeChat and WenJuanXing program were used to analyze 323 copies investigated. For data analysis, we used t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe's multiple range test, Correlation Analysis, and Multiple Regression Analysis on the basis of SPSSWIN 21.0 program, and the results are as follows. The group is generally characterized as women in their 20-30's years old and unmarried. Their final educational background is a university degree, and the monthly income is less than 1 million to 2 million won. Occupation among them is highest as a profession. The average of all customer experience factors of beauty products was 3.64, and the average of the overall satisfaction with beauty products was 3.68, which was high. There are significant differences in customer experience factors and satisfaction with beauty products in different occupations. It is found that both the quantitative and qualitative services of beauty product satisfaction are significantly positively correlated with the customer experience factors of beauty products. The results confirmed that customer experience factors such as information provision services and personalized services in Beauty Live Commerce have a great impact on the satisfaction of beauty products. Proposed direction of the services provided, in order to make more effective use of Chinese women live beauty product marketing business in the future.

The Effects of Sociocultural Factors on the Appearance of Women in Their 20s in China on Beauty Interests

This study uses demographic methods to understand Chinese women in 20s’ beauty concerns. Mainly focus on the impact about five following 5 socio-cultural factors of beauty concerns includes media beauty interest, beauty consciousness, friend beauty tendency, cultural living standards, and dependence on others. In the survey, Chinese women in their 20s will be asked about the impact on sociocultural factors of beauty interests. The study conducted a total of 350 women in 30 cities across China, including large cities, metropolitan cities, secondary cities, small cities and prefectural cities. Excluding 41 unfaithful or missing responses, 301 surveys were used as final analysis. The survey results are categorized according to general characteristics and socio-cultural factors in appearance. In general characteristics, people in their 20s were divided into three groups (20-23 years old, 24-26 years old, 27-29 years old) to surveyed on their final educational background, direct, poor areas, and monthly living expenses. Also, the socio-cultural factors of appearance were divided into five categories including media appearance, beauty awareness, friend beauty tendency, cultural living standards and dependence on others. Their beauty concerns are mainly focused on hair beauty, face beauty, nail beauty, and skin care. Investigating the above content, “the difference between interest in beauty based on general characteristics”, “the relationship between social cultural factors of appearance and interest in beauty”, and “the influence of socio-cultural factors on appearance” were identified as research questions.