N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, one of the common RNA modifications, has been determined to execute crucial functions in tumorigenesis and cancer development. The m6A “writers” including methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3), METTL14, and Wilms tumor 1‐associated protein (WTAP) contribute to the m6A modification process initiation. However, the coordination of m6A methyltransferase complex is not fully understood in endometrioid epithelial ovarian cancer (EEOC). In this study, mRNA and protein levels of METTL3, METTL14, and WTAP were detected in 33 EEOC cases using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunohistochemistry, and western blot analysis. The overall m6A methylation was detected by dot plot. The METTL3 expression and overall m6A level were elevated in EEOC tissues, while the expressions of METTL14 and WTAP have no significant difference in EEOC compared to the adjacent tissues. The expression of METTL3 was an independent factor that correlated with poor malignancy and survival of EEOC patients. Moreover, METTL3 knockdown in TOV‐112D and CRL‐11731D cells weakened the capability of cell proliferation and migration, and promoted cell apoptosis compared to negative control and cells with WTAP or METTL14 knockdown using CCK‐8 assay, transwell assay, wound healing assay, and TUNEL assay. Furthermore, METTL3 knockdown also reduced m6A enrichment of the genes associated with ovarian cancer including EIF3C, AXL, CSF‐1, FZD10 in TOV‐112D, and CRL‐11731D cells by RIP‐qPCR assay. Taken together, the high expressed METTL3 indicated poor malignancy and survival of EEOC via modulating the aberrant m6A RNA methylation. METTL3‐mediated m6A modification, independent of WTAP and METTL14, was considered as a novel mechanism underlying m6A modulation and a potential therapeutic target of EEOC.

Purpose This paper aims to investigate four successful Chinese ICT enterprises to determine what initiated their business-model innovations and the process they went through by exploring how they adapted and innovatively renewed four key elements of their business models. Design/methodology/approach This investigative and exploratory research adopted a multiple-case-study design exploring four purposively selected successful Chinese ICT enterprises which had all engaged in significant business model innovation since their inception. Data for the case studies were collected through in-depth interviews with the founders and analyses of the companies’ history to gain a detailed account of the evolution of the firms’ business models since their formation. Findings The research identified three key initiating factors to business model innovation in the firms studied, namely, constant and rapid product iteration, along with an emergent strategy, leading to business model innovations to take full advantage of the firms’ competitive advantages; a reaction to threats and environmental changes; and an opportunistic behaviour to extend the business model to new markets. The research found that networks were a key factor in the process, including the customer base, financial investors and network collaborators. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to four successful Chinese ICT firms; this in-depth approach means the information may have only limited transferability but provides depth on a burgeoning Chinese sector. Originality/value This research addresses the call for more research and a greater understanding of what initiates business model innovation and the process firms go through to develop the key elements of their business models by looking at a purposively selected sample of successful Chinese enterprises in a fast-moving and technologically driven market.

A novel method for the preparation of covalently linked capillary coatings of PVA was demonstrated using photosensitive diazoresin (DR) as coupling agents. Layer-by-layer self-assembly film of DR and PVA based on hydrogen bonding was first fabricated on the inner wall of capillary, then the hydrogen bonding was converted into covalent bonding after treatment with UV light through the unique photochemistry reaction of DR. The covalently bonded coatings suppressed basic protein adsorption on the inner surface of capillary, and thus a baseline separation of lysozyme, cytochrome c and BSA was achieved using CE. Compared with bare capillary or noncovalently bonded DR/PVA coatings, the covalently linked DR/PVA capillary coatings not only improved the CE separation performance for proteins, but also exhibited good stability and repeatability. Due to the replacement of highly toxic and moisture-sensitive silane coupling agent by DR in the covalent coating preparation, this method may provide a green and easy way to make the covalently coated capillaries for CE.

Purpose To investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on diabetic retinopathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (80 mg/kg) in male Wistar rats. Ginsenoside Rb1 (20, 40 mg/kg) was injected (i.p.) once a day for 4 weeks. Then, using fundus photography, the diameter and vascular permeability of retinal vessels were investigated. Retinal histopathology was undertaken. Contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in retinas were assayed. Levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), and glutathione cysteine ligase modulatory subunit (GCLM) were measured. Results Treatment with ginsenoside Rb1 attenuated the diabetes-induced increase in the diameter of retinal blood vessels. Ginsenoside Rb1 reduced extravasation of Evans Blue dye from retinal blood vessels. Ginsenoside Rb1 partially inhibited the increase in MDA content and decrease in GSH level in rat retinas. Nrf2 levels in the nuclei of retinal cells and expression of GCLC and GCLM were increased significantly in rats treated with ginsenoside Rb1. Conclusion These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rb1 can attenuate diabetic retinopathy by regulating the antioxidative function in rat retinas.

A novel method for the preparation of covalently linked capillary coatings of polyethylene glycol (PEG) was demonstrated using photosensitive diazoresin (DR) as the coupling agent. Layer by layer (LBL) selfassembly film of DR and PEG based on hydrogen bonding was first fabricated on the inner wall of capillary, then the hydrogen bonding was converted into covalent bonding after treatment with UV light through a unique photochemistry reaction of DR. The covalently bonded coatings suppressed protein adsorption on the inner surface of the capillary, and thus a baseline separation of lysozyme (Lys), cytochrome c (Cyt-c), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and ribonuclease A (RNase A) was achieved using capillary electrophoresis (CE). Compared with the bare capillary or non-covalently bonded DR/PEG coatings, the covalently linked DR/PEG capillary coatings not only improved the CE separation performance for proteins, but also exhibited good stability and repeatability. Due to the replacement of highly toxic and moisture sensitive silane coupling agents by DR in the covalent coating preparation, this method may provide a green and easy way to make the covalently coated capillaries for CE.