Search

Summary: With the rapid expansion of transcriptome studies in many fishes, a great number of RNA-seq data have been published, allowing for a more systematic understanding of the general profiles and details of gene expression in fish. FishGET is dedicated to gathering and curating fish RNA-seq data to discover more new RNAs, including mRNA and lncRNA, thereby getting a more complete reference transcriptome and providing more comprehensive and accurate transcriptome annotations. We obtained a total of 1362 RNA-seq paired-end data of 8 fishes from 97 different studies, and then we performed transcript assembly, meta-assembly, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), functional annotations, neighbor location annotation, lncRNA type annotation, homology annotation. To promote research into fish genes at the transcriptional level, we developed a user-friendly web interface that allows users to view all information and makes use of multiple types of dynamic interactive visualization services.

A spin valve MRAM with flux-closed structure is discussed. The flux-closed structure can prevent the disruption to magnetization of the recording layer and increase the thermal stability.

OBJECTIVE: Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 518 (LINC00518) was reported to be implicated and aberrantly expressed in multiple cancers. However, the pathogenic implications of LINC00518 in cervical cancer (CC) are still unclear. In this study, we focused on LINC00518 and investigated its expression pattern, clinical significance, and biological function in CC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression levels of LINC00518 in CC tissues and cell lines were determined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), and its clinical significance was assessed by statistical analysis. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay and colony forming assay, and the migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing assays and transwell assay. Western blot was used to detect the expression of relative proteins, including EMT markers and the JAK/STAT3 signaling markers. RESULTS: We found that LINC00518 was upregulated in CC tissues and associated with International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, lymph node metastasis, depth of cervical invasion and poor survival of CC patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that LINC00518 played a significant role of independent prognostic markers in overall survival rates. Furthermore, knocking down LINC00518 expression significantly suppressed CC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced apoptosis in vitro. Mechanistically, the downregulation of LINC00518 suppressed JAK/STAT3 activation and subsequently decreased N-Cadherin and Vimentin. CONCLUSIONS: The present work first suggests that LINC00518 acts as an oncogene in CC via regulation of the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway. In the future, LINC00518 may serve as a predictive biomarker and potential therapeutic target for CC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Quantifying economic losses of civil infrastructures subjected to various hazards under a life-cycle context is of vital importance for risk assessment and management. In previous studies, the expected long-term loss has been widely applied as a standard decision criterion during the life-cycle analysis. However, the expectation may not be informative enough to illustrate uncertainties associated with the long-term loss. Therefore, the higher-order moments and the probability distribution should be investigated. In this paper, a probabilistic analysis framework is proposed to construct the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of long-term loss by assessing the analytical statistical moments. The stochastic renewal process is utilized to assess the long-term loss by considering uncertainties associated with stochastic occurrence and frequency of the hazards. Based on the maximum entropy method, the proposed approach shows superior efficiency to assess the probability distribution of long-term loss than crude Monte Carlo simulation. The probability distribution can be essential information for decision-making process of risk management. An illustrative example is investigated to show the probability density function of long-term loss of civil infrastructure subjected to hurricane hazards. A good agreement of results obtained by the proposed approach and Monte Carlo simulation has verified the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method.

After the promulgation and implementation of the Vaccine Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China， the compensation of suspected adverse reactions in China is to be reformed and innovated. There have been attempts at compensation through government finance and insurance， but there has been no precedent for a fund of vaccine-related compensation in China， which means that this could be a new method of solving disputes of compensation for vaccine-related incidences and enhancing public confidence in vaccination. It is suggested that under the current system， we can select a province as a pilot to explore the fund compensation mechanism. The fund comes from special financial allocation， special taxation of vaccine enterprises， fund investment income， charitable donation and other channels. Through a special fund management organization， the independent identification and compensation process can be realized， so as to shorten the current compensation procedure， improve the amount of compensation， ultimately protect the interests of all parties， and promote the steady development of vaccination.

Our aim was to ascertain whether the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), could predict the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) undergoing corrective surgery. We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients diagnosed with ADS between January 2013 and June 2021. Three nutritional parameters were employed for analysis (PNI, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia). We utilized the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire to assess clinical outcomes. Following the epidemiology guidelines, we presented results from three different models: the crude model, minimally adjusted model, and fully adjusted model. A total of 316 ADS patients were included in the statistical analysis. There was no significant difference in sagittal plane radiographic parameters between the two groups. After adjusting for important confounding factors, PNI was an independent predictor of postoperative HRQOL. Specifically, for each one-unit increase in PNI, there was an approximately 20% higher likelihood of patients achieving a better HRQOL. Furthermore, we did not observe an association between hemoglobin levels or albumin levels and HRQOL. In this study, PNI has been demonstrated to be correlated with the postoperative HRQOL in patients with ADS undergoing corrective surgery.

Since late 2019, the beginning of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, transmission dynamics models have achieved great development and were widely used in predicting and policy making. Here, we provided an introduction to the history of disease transmission, summarized transmission dynamics models into three main types: compartment extension, parameter extension and population-stratified extension models, highlight the key contribution of transmission dynamics models in COVID-19 pandemic: estimating epidemiological parameters, predicting the future trend, evaluating the effectiveness of control measures and exploring different possibilities/scenarios. Finally, we pointed out the limitations and challenges lie ahead of transmission dynamics models.

Abstract Background Contradictory opinions about whether early correction and fusion surgeries should be performed for congenital scoliosis (CS) patients at a young age exist. The objectives of this study were to analyze the association between patient characteristics and fusion-surgery outcomes in CS patients treated with spinal correction and fusion surgeries and to report risk factors for extended length of stay (LOS), more estimated blood loss (EBL), longer fused segments and higher medical costs. Methods We analyzed data of 1,207 CS inpatients treated with fusion surgeries in our institute from January 2010 - December 2019. All patients underwent spinal X-ray, CT, MRI, echocardiogram and urogenital ultrasound. We analyzed demographic and clinical information and outcome measures, including LOS, EBL, fused segments and medical costs. Results Age at fusion (OR = 1.053; p

Objective To introduce surgical strategies to restore coronal balance during limited fusion for early lumbar hemivertebra resection in patients with severe sacral tilt. Methods Sacral tilt was defined as a sacral tilt angle ≥ 5, and severe sacral tilt was defined as a sacral tilt angle > 10. From July 2004 to December 2017, 73 consecutive patients treated with posterior hemivertebra resection and short fusion in our institution were evaluated. Severe sacral tilt was noted in 26 patients (14 boys and 12 girls), and all were enrolled in this study. Undercorrection of the primary lumbar curve as compensation for the sacral tilt and short fusion was performed in these patients. The medical charts and imaging data of the patients were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the outcomes. Results All patients were followed for at least 2 years. The mean age at the time of surgery was 3.7 (2–9) years old, with a total of 31 lumbar hemivertebra excised. On average, 2.8 (2–5) segments were fused for each patient. Sacral tilt minimally improved from 14.5° preoperatively to 13.6° postoperatively (p=0.15) and remained stable at the follow-up. The overall lumbar curve was 41.9° preoperatively, 11.7° immediately postoperatively, and 14.6° at the final follow-up. The segmental scoliosis curve was 39.1° preoperatively, 9.7° immediately postoperatively, and 11.2° at the final follow-up. Segmental kyphosis was corrected from 27.2° to 6.5° after the surgery and was 7.1° at the latest follow-up. Conclusion Sacral tilt is seen in patients with congenital scoliosis in lumbar hemivertebra. Undercorrection of the lumbar curve and segmental scoliosis to compensate for sacral tilt and short fusion after hemivertebra resection may be helpful to restore coronal balance and preserve mobility in segments in patients with pronounced severe sacral tilt.

We have studied the spin-reorientation transition of Cu/Ni/Cu (001) system by measuring the strain, coercive field, and magnetic anisotropy of epitaxial Cu/Ni/Cu (001) films. We found that the critical thickness (t[SUBc]) of Ni for the coherent growth of Ni on Cu is below 25 Å and does not occur at the peak in the effective magnetic anisotropy constant (K[SUPeff]) versus 1/t curve, where t is the Ni thickness. The 60-Å Ni film, which is highly strained and shows out-of-plane magnetization, has been irradiated by 1-MeV C ions. After irradiation, the magnetization lies in the plane and the strain in the Ni film is almost released. This shows the close relationship between strain and out-of-plane magnetization in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epitaxial [Co/Cu] grown on Si (001) has been irradiated by 1 MeV C+ with a dose of 1 10/cm. The intrinsic characteristics of epitaxy, such as crystal structure and fourfold magnetic anisotropy, are conserved after ion irradiation. However, the extrinsic magnetic properties are changed such that the coercivity decreases and the squareness of the hysteresis loop is noticeably improved. The intensity of the Cu (200) peak in the x-ray diffraction pattern increases about three times and its half-width decreases after irradiation. It is concluded that the changes of magnetic properties induced by ion irradiation result from the grain growth and the improved crystalline quality. c 2001 American Institute of Physics. [DOI: 10.1063/1.1384483]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Previous reports confirmed early spinal fusion may compromise pulmonary function and thoracic development in skeletal immature patients with scoliosis. However, the different effects in patients with various Risser signs remain unknown. This study aimed to compare the influence of early thoracic fusion on pulmonary function and thoracic growth in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) with closed triangular cartilage (TRC) and different Risser signs. Methods Thirty-six patients with IS and a closed TRC were retrospectively selected and divided into the low Risser (LR, Risser sign ≤2, 22 patients) and high Risser (HR, 280% before and after surgery. The T1-T12 and anteroposterior thoracic diameter significantly increased after surgery in both groups, while the maximum inner chest diameter only increased in the LR group at the final follow-up. However, there were no significant differences in respiratory function and thoracic data between both groups. Conclusion For patients with IS, early fusion did not deteriorate pulmonary function or thoracic development in TRC-closed patients whose Risser sign was ≤2 compared with those with a Risser sign >2.

Abstract Background Although intravenous tranexamic acid administration (ivTXA) has prevailed in clinical antifibrinolytic treatment, whether it increases thromboembolic risks has remained controversial. As a potent alternative to ivTXA, topical use of TXA (tTXA) has been successfully applied to attenuate blood loss in various surgical fields while minimizing systemic exposure to TXA. This meta-analysis was conducted to gather scientific evidence for tTXA efficacy on reducing postoperative drainage, blood loss, and the length of hospital stay in spine surgeries. Objectives To examine whether topical use of TXA (tTXA) reduces postoperative drainage output and duration, hidden blood loss, hemoglobin level drop, hospital stay, and adverse event rate, we reviewed both randomized and non-randomized controlled trials that assessed the aforementioned efficacies of tTXA compared with placebo in patients undergoing cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spinal surgeries. Methods An exhaustive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from January 2000 through March 2020. Measurable outcomes were pooled using Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.0 in a meta-analysis. Results Significantly reduced postoperative drainage output (weighted mean difference [WMD]= − 160.62 ml, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) [− 203.41, − 117.83]; p < .00001) and duration (WMD= − 0.75 days, 95% CI [− 1.09, − 0.40]; p < .0001), perioperative hidden blood loss (WMD= − 91.18ml, 95% CI [− 121.42, − 60.94]; p < .00001), and length of hospital stay (WMD= − 1.32 days, 95% CI [− 1.90, − 0.74]; p < .00001) were observed in tTXA group. Pooled effect for Hb level drop with tTXA vs placebo crossed the equivalent line by a mere 0.05 g/dL, with the predominant distribution of 95% confidence interval (CI) favoring tTXA use. Conclusions With the most comprehensive literature inclusion up to the present, this meta-analysis suggests that tTXA use in spinal surgeries significantly reduces postoperative drainage, hidden blood loss, and hospital stay duration. The pooled effect also suggests that tTXA appears more effective than placebo in preserving postoperative Hb level, which needs further validation by future studies.

Background & Objective: Although data on the effects of liraglutide and semaglutide in patients with diabetes have been reviewed, their therapeutic outcomes in obese/overweight individuals without diabetes have not been summarized. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate their effects on the latter population. Methods: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wanfang databases. Studies regarding obese/overweight adults without diabetes treated with liraglutide/semaglutide compared with other active agents or placebos were accessed. The primary outcomes were the proportions of adults with at least 5% and 10% weight reduction. The secondary outcomes included metabolic indicators and adverse events. Results: Eighteen studies with 10,938 obese/overweight adults without diabetes were included. When stratified by the categories of at least 5% and 10% weight loss, the pooled data showed medians 27.7% and 10.3% of control groups versus 65.3% and 30.7% of liraglutide 3 mg once daily, respectively; whereas medians 47.6% and 20.4% of control groups vs 86.6% and 75.3% of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly were found in the two categories, respectively. Both agents either improved or had no impact on lipid or glycemia. Liraglutide or semaglutide therapy had discontinuation rates of 2.4%–11.4% which overlapped with 0.7%–8.6% in control groups. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between the treatment groups and the control groups (66.5%–95.8% vs 46.9%–96.1%), which were mild to moderate graded by studies. Conclusion: Liraglutide and semaglutide therapy led to a clinically relevant (⩾5%) weight loss of 48.2%–88.7% among obese/overweight adults without diabetes. Both liraglutide and semaglutide are associated with weight loss and are well-tolerated.

Structured light beams such as optical vortices can carry the orbital angular momentum (OAM) with an unbounded quantum number. Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in the rotational Doppler effect with vortex light. Here we present an overview on the technical progress in measuring the rotational Doppler effect associated with OAM. This includes how a high-order OAM light beam is crucial for realizing high-sensitivity remote sensing of rotating objects. The basic physical mechanism of rotational Doppler effect is manifested from both perspectives of the wave property and the conservation law of energy. Besides, we summarize the extension of the rotational Doppler effect from linear optics to nonlinear optics, and to quantum realms. Also, we discuss the main challenges and opportunities of angular remote sensing in a realistic scenario for future applications.