BackgroundDNA‐Dependent Protein Kinase Catalytic Subunit (PRKDC), a key component of the DNA damage repair pathway, is associated with chemotherapy resistance and tumor progression.MethodsHere we analyzed transcriptome data of ~2,000 breast cancer patients and performed functional studies in vitro to investigate the function of PRKDC in breast cancer.ResultsOur results revealed overexpression of PRKDC in multiple breast cancer subtypes. Consistent with patients’ data, overexpression of PRKDC was also observed in breast cancer cell lines compared to normal breast epithelial cells. Knockdown of PRKDC in MCF‐7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines resulted in proliferation inhibition, reduced colony formation and G2/M cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, we showed that PRKDC knockdown induced proliferation inhibition through activation of p38 MAPK, but not ERK MAPK, signaling pathway in breast cancer cells. Blockage of p38 MAPK signaling could largely rescue proliferation inhibition and cell cycle arrest induced by PRKDC knockdown. Moreover, we analyzed gene expression and clinical data from six independent breast cancer cohorts containing ~1,000 patients. In all cohorts, our results consistently showed that high expression of PRKDC was significantly associated with poor survival in both treated and untreated breast cancer patients.ConclusionTogether, our results suggest that high expression of PRKDC facilitates breast cancer cell growth via regulation of p38 MAPK signaling, and is a prognostic marker for poor survival in breast cancer patients.

Summary Background Group B streptococcus (GBS), which asymptomatically colonises the vaginal and rectal areas of women, is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with GBS colonisation among pregnant women in Shenzhen, China. Methods A hospital‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted, using a multistage sampling method. Pregnant women at ≥28 weeks’ gestation completed a questionnaire and vaginal swabs were obtained for GBS analysis. Data were analysed by chi‐squared tests and logistic regression models. Results The colonisation rate of GBS among pregnant women was 4.9%. The influencing factors associated with GBS colonisation included body mass index before pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] = 3.79, 95% CI 1.28‐11.26), gestational age (OR = 5.81, 95% CI 1.20‐28.15), induced abortion (OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.40‐0.98) and lotion use before pregnancy (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.04‐2.44). Conclusions Our findings suggest that obesity, gestational age, induced abortion and lotion use were significantly associated with GBS colonisation. Further longitudinal research is needed to establish the causal relationship and its biological mechanisms.

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BackgroundIndividuals with autism put a heavy demand on medical services, and prevalence estimates are needed for the planning of such services. Screening for autism in children has important implications for individuals and policy makers. This study aimed to estimate prevalence of suspected autism in children in Longhua District, Shenzhen, and to investigate risk factors for autism.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Longhua District, Shenzhen in October 2014. A total of 141 kindergartens were approached and consented to participate in the current study. All children who met the inclusion criteria were screened for autism by using the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC).Results15,200 children in total completed the survey and were included in the final analysis. 2.6 % (95 % CI 2.3-2.9) respondents had a high probability of autism, while 4.0 % (95 % CI 3.7-4.3) respondents had questionable autism. Male children were more likely to develop autism when compared with their female counterparts (P < 0.001). Children of mothers with a lower education level and younger age tended to develop autism (P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study shows a high prevalence rate of suspected autism in children which suggests an urgent need of early detection of autism with ABC across the Shenzhen city, or even around China. Further studies with diagnostic procedure are warranted. Maternal age and education level, and gender of children are possible factors related to autism.