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To compare prenatal and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies in which one twin the nuchal translucency (NT) was above the 95th percentile in dichorionic twins (DCT) and monochorionic twins (MCT).In this retrospective study, 93 twin pregnancies (186 fetuses) in which one twin the NT was above the 95th percentile and the co-twin had normal NT were analyzed. Results of of G-banding and Chromosomal microarray (CMA), ultrasound findings and pregnancy outcomes were reviewed.Totally, 57 pregnancies (114 fetuses) were DCT and 36 pregnancies (72 fetuses) were MCT. Karyotyping and CMA results shown that clinically significant chromosomal abnormalities were found in 16 fetuses, including 13 aneuploidies, 2 chromosomal mosaic and 1 pathological Copy number variations (CNVs) (14 were DCT and 2 were MCT). Overall, the incidence of fetal chromosomal abnormalities was 12.3% (14/114) in DCT and 2.8%(2/72) in MCT (χCompared to MCT, the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in DCT discordant for one fetus with NT above the 95th percentile was higher. The risk of structural abnormalities and the rate of fetal survival for both MCT and DCT was similar.

A divergent synthetic approach to biogenetically related diterpenoids such as ent-kauranes, ent-trachylobanes, ent-beyerane, and ent-atisane has been developed. The unified synthetic route involves the De Mayo reaction to rapidly generate the bicyclo[3.2.1]-octane moiety of ent-kaurane. The key reactions also include bioinspired nucleophilic cyclopropanation generating the [3.2.1.02,7 ]-tricyclic core of ent-trachylobane and regioselective cyclopropane fragmentation furnishing ent-beyerane and ent-atisane through the nucleophilic attack and protonation of the cyclopropane ring. This strategy enables the asymmetric total syntheses of six diterpenoids from the commercially available geraniol.

Background Long control region (LCR) of human papillomavirus (HPV) has shown multiple functions on regulating viral transcription. The variations of LCR related to different lineages/sub-lineages have been found to affect viral persistence and cervical cancer progression differently. In this study, we focused on gene polymorphism of HPV16/18/58 LCR to assess the effect variations caused on transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) and provided more data for further study of LCR in Southwest China. Methods LCR of HPV16/18/58 were amplified and sequenced to do polymorphic and phylogenetic anlysis. Sequences of each type were aligned with the reference sequence by MEGA 6.0 to identify SNPs. Neighbor-joining phylogenetic trees were constructed using MEGA 6.0. Transcription factor binding sites were predicted by JASPAR database. Results The prevalence of these three HPVs ranked as HPV16 (12.8%) > HPV58 (12.6%) > HPV18 (3.5%) in Chengdu, Southwest China. 59 SNPs were identified in HPV16-LCR, 18 of them were novel mutations. 30 SNP were found in HPV18-LCR, 8 of them were novel. 55 SNPs were detected in HPV58-LCR, 18 of them were novel. Also, an insertion (CTTGTCAGTTTC) was detected in HPV58-LCR between position 7279 and 7280. As shown in the neighbor-joining phylogenetic trees, most isolates of HPV16/18/58 were clustered into lineage A. In addition, one isolate of HPV16 was classified into lineage C and 3 isolates of HPV58 were classified as lineage B. JASPAR results suggested that TFBS were potentially influenced by 7/6 mutations on LCR of HPV16/18. The insertion and 5 mutations were shown effects in LCR of HPV58. Conclusion This study provides more data for understanding the relation among LCR mutations, lineages and carcinogenesis. It also helps performing further study to demonstrate biological function of LCR and find potential marker for diagnosis and therapy.

The tropical instability waves (TIWs) in the eastern tropical Pacific have generally been considered as surface-intensified structures resembling the first baroclinic mode. Here, we report on the existence of subsurface-intensified TIWs on the equator. These TIWs are primarily manifested in zonal velocities, inducing maximum velocity oscillations at 70-90 m depth with amplitudes of 0.1-0.2 m/s and periods of 5-20 days. They account for similar to 20% of the variance at 5- to 30-day periods, with another similar to 50% being contributed by the surface-intensified TIWs. These waves are most significant during the TIW seasons; they are energized in part by barotropic instabilities and usually last for 3-7 months. Via interacting with the mean flow, they can induce strong out-of-phase shear changes between similar to 50-m depth and just above the Equatorial Undercurrent core and may lead to complex diapycnal mixing structures. Their horizontal structures, generation mechanism(s), and large-scale impacts remain to be disclosed.

In current large-scale distributed key–value stores, the tail latency of the key–value accesses generated by end-user requests is crucial to the response time of these requests. To cut the tail latency, the replica selection algorithm, which selects a replica server for each key by a client and thus determines the latency of each key–value access, is crucial. Naturally, all of current replica selection algorithms send keys out immediately to reduce the tail latencies of key–value accesses. In this paper, we find that sending out keys in haste makes waste of the chance to select a better replica server certain time later, and suggest to await for a better replica server available when all current replica servers are bad. To realize this idea, we develop the On–Off algorithm, which recognizes bad replica servers according to the feedback information and put them into the OFF state. Special attention is paid on the time interval replica servers stay at the OFF state. Obviously, the On–Off algorithm adds awaiting time at clients, but can greatly reduce the dominated queuing delays at replica servers. In total, the On–Off algorithm improves the 9 9 t h latency by about 29% under the default simulation configuration and outperforms the C3 algorithm proposed recently under kinds of scenarios.

Background We describe 2 unusual haemoglobin (Hb) Bart’s hydrops cases that could not be explained by traditional factors. Case presentation: Two families with a diagnosis or history of foetal hydrops were enrolled. A suspension-array system was used to detect the 23 most frequent mutations in southern China. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to screen for possible deletions. Precise characterisation of the breakpoints of the novel variants and uniparental disomy analysis were performed using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Quantitative fluorescence PCR was used to eliminate maternal cell contamination and nonpaternity. In case 1, the suspension-array system indicated a maternal heterozygous (–SEA/) deletion, and the paternal sample was negative. The foetal hydrops was caused by the maternal (–SEA/) deletion and a de novo α-globin gene deletion (–193). In case 2, the paternal sample had a heterozygous (–SEA/) deletion, and MLPA and SNP array analysis revealed a large maternal deletion (–227) that encompassed the α-globin gene, which explained the history of Hb Bart’s foetal hydrops. Conclusions Our cases describe 2 new α0-thalassaemia deletions and illustrate the importance of using a combination of methods to detect rare types of α-thalassaemia.

Birthweight percentile chart for different gestational age was served as an essential tool in the appropriate evaluation of neonates. Such percentile chart for twins based on different chrionicity were less reported. The aim of this study was to construct up-to-data sex specific twin neonates birth weight references by gestational ages based on different chorionicity in South of China. We retrospectively analysis 3431 twins birthweight born between 25 weeks and 40 weeks gestational age based on sex and chrionicity between 2015 to 2020 in local hospital. The smoothed birthweight percentile curves were conducted through the method, Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) .The mean birth weight of monochorionic twins were significantly lower than that of dichorionic twins , and the gestational week of delivery were earlier. The calculated 50th percentile birthweight values of twin boys were higher than those for girls based on the same chorionicity, except male monochorionic twins who were born before 31 weeks gestational age. Neonates birthweight percentile chart based on sex and chrionicity provide a tool for assessing the well being of twin infants. Use twin growth charts based on chrionicity is likely to prevent the over-diagnosis of SGA in normal growth twins.

Doppler radar is the main remote sensing equipment to monitor severe convective weather which has significant threats to social and economic activities. It is important to accurately predict the time and location of severe weather events. In this study, we use a deep learning technique to predict severe weather events based on radar images. Firstly, we transform the prediction problem into a binary classification problem and use Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to construct a classifier. Then Doppler radar images are used to train the model. The critical success index, probability of detection, and false alarm ratio are used to evaluate the prediction results. The experimental results show that the GANs model provides satisfactory results.

Additional file 6: Table S11. Predicted linear B cell epitopes of HPV-52 E6. Table S12. Predicted linear B cell epitopes of HPV-52 E7.

Additional file 3: Table S5. Prediction results for HPV-52 E7 reference sequence HLA-I epitope peptides. Table S6. Prediction results for HPV-52 E7 variant sequence HLA-I epitope peptides.

Additional file 5: Table S9. Prediction results for HPV-52 E7 reference sequence HLA-II epitope peptides. Table S10. Prediction results for HPV-52 E7 variant sequence HLA-II epitope peptides.

Additional file 1: Table S1. HLA-I alleles and lengths selected for prediction. Table S2. HLA-II alleles and lengths selected for prediction.

Additional file 2: Table S3. Prediction results for HPV52 E6 reference sequence HLA-I epitope peptides. Table S4. Prediction results for HPV52 E6 variant sequence HLA-I epitope peptides.

Additional file 4: Table S7. Prediction results for HPV-52 E6 reference sequence HLA-II epitope peptides. Table S8. Prediction results for HPV-52 E6 variant sequence HLA-II epitope peptides.

Background Congenital ventricular diverticulum is a rare abnormality that may occur as an isolated malformation. Most cases are accompanied by pericardial effusion. Prenatal counseling can be difficult because the prognosis is uncertain and there is no consensus approach to prenatal management. Case presentation: We describe a case of congenital cardiac diverticulum complicated by large pericardial effusion in one of monochorionic diamniotic twins. The case was diagnosed by ultrasonography at 21 weeks of gestation. Therapeutic pericardiocentesis at 22 weeks resulted in complete resolution of the effusion and led to a favorable fetal outcome. We summarize the interventions and pregnancy outcomes in cases of cardiac diverticula reported in the literature. Conclusions Better awareness of clinical features, in utero therapies, and pregnancy outcomes could help define and improve prenatal management of congenital ventricular diverticula.

Background Variations in human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 have been shown to be closely related to the persistence of the virus and the occurrence and development of cervical cancer. Long control region (LCR) of HPV has been shown multiple functions on regulating viral transcription. In recent years, there have been reports on E6/E7/LCR of HPV-16 and HPV-58, but there are few studies on HPV-52, especially for LCR. In this study, we focused on gene polymorphism of the HPV-52 E6/E7/LCR sequences, assessed the effects of variations on the immune recognition of viral E6 and E7 antigens, predicted the effect of LCR variations on transcription factor binding sites and provided more basic date for further study of E6/E7/LCR in Chengdu, China. Methods LCR/E6/E7 of the HPV-52 were amplified and sequenced to do polymorphic and phylogenetic analysis. Sequences were aligned with the reference sequence by MEGA 7.0 to identify SNP. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was constructed by MEGA 7.0, followed by the secondary structure prediction of the related proteins using PSIPRED 4.0. The selection pressure of E6 and E7 coding regions were estimated by Bayes empirical Bayes analysis of PAML 4.9. The HLA class-I and II binding peptides were predicted by the Immune Epitope Database server. The B cell epitopes were predicted by ABCpred server. Transcription factor binding sites in LCR were predicted by JASPAR database. Results 50 SNP sites (6 in E6, 10 in E7, 34 in LCR) were found. From the most variable to the least variable, the nucleotide variations were LCR > E7 > E6. Two deletions were found between the nucleotide sites 7387–7391 (TTATG) and 7698–7700 (CTT) in all samples. A deletion was found between the nucleotide sites 7287–7288 (TG) in 97.56% (40/41) of the samples. The combinations of all the SNP sites and deletions resulted in 12 unique sequences. As shown in the neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree, except for one belonging to sub-lineage C2, others sequences clustered into sub-lineage B2. No positive selection was observed in E6 and E7. 8 non-synonymous amino acid substitutions (including E3Q and K93R in the E6, and T37I, S52D, Y59D, H61Y, D64N and L99R in the E7) were potential affecting multiple putative epitopes for both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells and B-cells. A7168G was the most variable site (100%) and the binding sites for transcription factor VAX1 in LCR. In addition, the prediction results showed that LCR had the high probability binding sites for transcription factors SOX9, FOS, RAX, HOXA5, VAX1 and SRY. Conclusion This study provides basic data for understanding the relation among E6/E7/LCR mutations, lineages and carcinogenesis. Furthermore, it provides an insight into the intrinsic geographical relatedness and biological differences of the HPV-52 variants, and contributes to further research on the HPV-52 therapeutic vaccine development.

To identify the amino acid (AA) and acylcarnitines (ACs) profiles in dry blood spot (DBS) of small, appropriate and large for gestational age neonates, and to investigate the difference AA and AC profiles in groups.Eight thousand nine hundred and fourteen healthy singleton newborns were divided into three groups: small for gestational age (SGA) (Compared with the AGA neonates, except propionylcarnitine, the concentrations of SGA neonatal most AAs and AC in the newborn were higher, while those of the newborns in the LGA group were lower.Different concentrations of AAs and ACs in the three groups suggest that SGA may be associated with under anabolic metabolism, while LGA may be associated with over anabolic metabolism.

Objective To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of neonatal Crohn’s disease (CD), improve recognition of neonatal CD, and reduce the number of patients that are missed or misdiagnosed. Methods A 10-day-old Chinese girl with oral ulcers was admitted to the Department of Neonatology. She later developed a rash and perianal disease, but without diarrhea and stool abnormalities. The patient and her parents underwent next-generation sequencing. Results The results showed that the patient carries a compound heterozygous mutation in the interleukin-10 receptor A (IL-10RA) (NM_001558.3) gene. One heterozygous mutation was c.301 c > T, P. (Arg 101 Trp) in exon 3 of IL-10RA (a missense mutation), and the other was c. 537G > A, P. (Thr 179 =) in exon 4 of IL 10RA (a synonymous mutation). The patient’s father also carries the c.301 c > T, P. (Arg 101 Trp) heterozygous mutation in exon 3 of IL-10RA, whereas her mother carries the c.537G > A, P. (Thr 179 =) heterozygous mutation in exon 4 of IL-10RA. Conclusions The results show that a compound heterozygous mutation in IL-10RA is associated with neonatal CD. Oral ulcers with a rash and perianal disease may be an early symptom of neonatal CD; therefore, such patients should undergo genetic identification as soon as possible.

From a value chain perspective, the paper aims to examine county level e-commerce service facing the problem of a lack of value co-creation. Based on multiple case studies, we examine how to maintain the value transformation. Using the data from a randomly sampled questionnaire survey in rural China, the paper has addressed the value co-creation process within E-commerce ecosystem in particular with county-level internet service corporations. The presented findings have significant meanings towards the newly emerged service industry and important practical implications for companies and manager to formulate business strategies.

The current study investigated nucleotide variability and phylogeny in high-risk HPV45 collected from Chinese women. Fifty-one samples positive for single infections of HPV45 were collected for DNA extraction and HPV typing. The E6 and E7 genes of HPV45 were sequenced, and then the phylogenetic tree was reconstructed by the maximum likelihood method implemented in IQ-TREE under the HKY nucleotide substitution model. The selection pressures of the E6 and E7 genes were estimated using PAML software. Eleven nucleotide polymorphism sites were observed in the HPV45 E6 sequences, with 6 synonymous (C134T, T163C, A284C, T341C, T482C, A497G) and 5 non-synonymous (A124C, C157T, T162A, G259T, G487A) mutations. Six nucleotide polymorphism sites were observed in the E7 sequences, with 5 non-synonymous (G600A, A603C, A769C, G808T, G832T) and 1 synonymous (A718C) mutation. Our investigation suggests that B2 was the most frequent HPV45 sublineage in Southwest China, followed by A2; no A1 or A3 variants were detected. Selective pressure analysis showed that these mutations could reflect positive selection in HPV45 E6 and E7 genes.

In current large-scale distributed key-value stores, a single end-user request may lead to key-value access across tens or hundreds of servers. The tail latency of these key-value accesses is crucial to the user experience and greatly impacts the revenue. To cut the tail latency, it is crucial for clients to choose the fastest replica server as much as possible for the service of each key-value access. Aware of the challenges on the time varying performance across servers and the herd behaviors, an adaptive replica selection scheme C3 is proposed recently. In C3, feedback from individual servers is brought into replica ranking to reflect the time-varying performance of servers, and the distributed rate control and backpressure mechanism is invented. Despite of C3's good performance, we reveal the timeliness issue of C3, which has large impacts on both the replica ranking and the rate control, and propose the Tars (timeliness-aware adaptive replica selection) scheme. Following the same framework as C3, Tars improves the replica ranking by taking the timeliness of the feedback information into consideration, as well as revises the rate control of C3. Simulation results confirm that Tars outperforms C3., Comment: 10pages,submitted to ICDCS 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) promoter methylation and protein expression in recurrent spontaneous abortion and to elucidate the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA).We assessed a total of 56 URSA patients with a normal embryo, 24 recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients with an abnormal embryo (as control group 1), and 39 normal pregnant women (as control group 2). The expression of FOXP3 protein in deciduas was assessed through Western blot, and the level of FOXP3 promoter methylation was detected using bisulfite-assisted genomic sequencing polymerase chain reaction.The expressing quantity of FOXP3 protein in the URSA group was significantly lower than that in control groups 1 and 2, both with a P-value 0.05. By contrast, no statistical difference was observed in the expressing quantity of FOXP3 protein of the two control groups (P = 0.212). The FOXP3 promoter methylation level in the URSA group was significantly higher than that in the two control groups, both of which exhibited a statistical difference of P-values 0.05. Meanwhile, no statistical difference was observed in the FOXP3 promoter methylation level of the two control groups (P = 0.141). A negative correlation was found between the FOXP3 promoter methylation level and the expressing quantity of FOXP3 protein (r = -0.861, P 0.05).Increasing FOXP3 promoter methylation levels may cause abnormal immune tolerance through the downregulation expression of the FOXP3 protein, which in turn leads to URSA.

In this contribution, a resonance light-scattering (RLS) detection method is proposed for the measurements of oscillating reaction with H2O2–KSCN–CuSO4–NaOH close system as an example. The seasonal...