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The acquisition of radioresistance by esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESC) cells during radiotherapy may lead to cancer recurrence and poor survival. Previous studies have demonstrated that ionizing radiation (IR) induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of ESC cells accompanied by increased migration, invasion, and radioresistance. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of IR-induced EMT and radioresistance are not well established, hampering the development of potential solutions. To address this issue, we investigated the role of the IL-6/STAT3/TWIST signaling pathway in IR-induced EMT. We found not only the pathway was activated during IR-induced EMT but also STAT3 inhibition or Twist depletion reversed the EMT process and attenuated radioresistance. These results improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in IR-induced EMT and suggest potential interventions to prevent EMT-induced acquisition of radioresistance.

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The mechanical and corrosion properties under various ageing treatment conditions were investigated in an Al-6.0Zn-2.3Mg-1.8Cu-0.1Zr (wt.%) alloy. The results showed that the retrogression and re-ageing (RRA) were capable of providing higher strength and improved corrosion resistance in comparison with the conventional T6 and T74 ageing. The optimised ageing process had been found to be 120°C/24 h + 180°C/60 min + 120°C/24 h for the experimental alloy. The results obtained from the high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) interface analysis revealed that a semi-coherent stress field between the η′ precipitate and the Al matrix was critical in controlling the strength of the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy heat-treated under different conditions. Furthermore, Transition Matrix calculation showed that the η′ phases had only two zone axes: [1 ̅ 21

Objective: To explore metabolic disturbances in nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with nonobese healthy controls. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Setting: Not applicable. Patient(s): Nonobese women with PCOS and nonobese healthy controls. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Prevalence of metabolic disturbances including hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance (IR), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose intolerance (IGT), prediabetes, dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low high-density lipoprotein (low-HDL), as well as other metabolic outcomes such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, metabolic syndrome (Mets), myocardial infarction, stroke, cerebrovascular accident, arterial occlusive disease, and coronary heart disease. Result(s): Compared to nonobese controls, nonobese women with PCOS showed a higher prevalence of hyperinsulinemia (odds ratio [

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