Identification of hub genes in calcific aortic valve disease.

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a heart valve disorder characterized primarily by calcification of the aortic valve, resulting in stiffness and dysfunction of the valve. CAVD is prevalent among aging populations and is linked to factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, tobacco use, and genetic predisposition, and can result in becoming a growing economic and health burden. Once aortic valve calcification occurs, it will inevitably progress to aortic stenosis. At present, there are no medications available that have demonstrated effectiveness in managing or delaying the progression of the disease. In this study, we mined four publicly available microarray datasets (GSE12644 GSE51472, GSE77287, GSE233819) associated with CAVD from the GEO database with the aim of identifying hub genes associated with the occurrence of CAVD and searching for possible biological targets for the early prevention and diagnosis of CAVD. This study provides preliminary evidence for therapeutic and preventive targets for CAVD and may provide a solid foundation for subsequent biological studies.

Effects of Cervical Paravertebral Extensors in Patients with Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Grouped According to mK-Line.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to quantify the morphology, composition, and asymmetry of the paravertebral extensor muscles (PSEMs) in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) who had different modified K-line (mK-line) and the minimum interval between the mK-line and OPLL (INTmin ) values and to investigate the relationship between PSEMs and symptoms and outcomes following laminoplasty. These original findings elucidated that the atrophy of PSEMs could predict decompression outcomes and provided a theoretical basis for paraspinal muscle rehabilitation. METHODS: A total of 94 consecutive patients who underwent laminoplasty for OPLL between January 2020 and January 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. The relative cross-sectional areas (rCSA), functional cross-sectional areas (rFCSA), and FCSA/CSA ratio of the multifidus (MF), semispinalis cervicalis (SSCe), semispinalis capitis (SSCa), and splenius capitis (SpCa) were measured at the C3-C7 segments on cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study compared the differences between the mK-line (+) group and the mK-line (-) group, as well as between the INTmin <4 mm group and the INTmin ≥4 mm group, using the independent t-test or Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables and the χ2 -test for categorical variables. The correlations between the PSEMs and symptoms were analyzed using either the Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The relative total CSA (rTCSA) of the PSEMs, especially the MF, was significantly smaller in the mK-line (-) group. However, the FCSA/CSA of the right deep extensor muscle (DEM) was larger. The asymmetry of the MF TFCSA/TCSA showed a significant difference between the mK-line groups. In the INTmin <4 mm group, the PSEMs rCSA and rFCSA were significantly smaller, while the bilateral MF TFCSA/TCSA and right SSCe TFCSA/TCSA were larger. The asymmetry of the superficial extensor muscle rCSA was significantly lower in the group with INTmin <4 mm. The postoperative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (mJOA) and mJOA recovery rate were positively correlated with the INTmin and DEM rCSA and negatively correlated with the asymmetry of MF FCSA/CSA. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mK-line (-) or INTmin <4 mm, the PSEMs were smaller, and the DEM atrophy and composition changes were predominant. The MF asymmetry was higher in patients with mK-lines (-), whereas the SEM atrophy and asymmetry were more prevalent in patients with INTmin <4 mm. The DEM was related to the preoperative and postoperative mJOA scores. DEM-preserving surgery or DEM-specific rehabilitation exercises can improve the recovery of patients with OPLL during the perioperative period. In addition, attention should be paid to the evaluation of the SEM, especially the SpCa at the C3 and C5 levels.

Efficacy of Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation on the restoration of postpartum pelvic floor muscle function.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation on the restoration of postpartum pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. METHODS: Data of 120 parturients with full-term singleton pregnancy who delivered vaginally in the Guang'an People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and the study subjects were grouped into a Kegel exercise group (n=40, receiving Kegel exercise alone), an electrical stimulation group (n=40, receiving electrical stimulation alone) and a combined group (n=40, receiving Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation) according to the treatments received. All three groups received intervention for 3 months. The overall response rates (ORRs) at 3 months, changes in PFM strength and vaginal pressure during treatment, the scores of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), the incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL), and the incidence rates of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) were evaluated in the three groups. RESULTS: ORR in the combined group (100.00%) was higher than that of the Kegel exercises group (87.50%) and the electrical stimulation group (85.00%) (P < 0.05). At 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention, the combined group was superior to the Kegel exercises and the electrical stimulation groups in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of pelvic floor, and the continuous SBP of type I and II muscle fibers (P < 0.05). After 6 months of follow-up, the scores of ICIQ-UI SF and I-QOL in the combined group were higher than those in the Kegel exercises and electrical stimulation groups (P < 0.05). The score of satisfaction in the combined group was higher than in Kegel exercises and electrical stimulation groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Kegel exercises combined with electrical stimulation have a good therapeutic effect on postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, which can markedly improve PFM strength and vaginal pressure.

Description of a new Promastobranchus species (Annelida, Capitellidae) from Chinese coasts, with molecular evidence for intraspecific variation in the number of thoracic chaetigers.

Promastobranchus Gallardo, 1968 is a small genus in the polychaete family Capitellidae, and the available records are largely reported from the Indo-West Pacific region. Although Gallardo (1968) and Green (2002) noted that Promastobranchus species had intraspecific variation in the number of thoracic chaetigers when they described the two previously known species, this variation has not been corroborated using molecular evidence. In this study, a new Promastobranchus species, Promastobranchusvariabilissp. nov., is described based on 29 specimens collected from the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea. The new species is mainly characterized by having a tessellated epithelium in the anterior thorax, nine teeth in three rows above the main fang in the abdominal hooks, four pairs of genital pores located on the intersegmental grooves between chaetigers 9 and 13, and its unique methyl green staining pattern. Comparisons of multiple gene markers (16S, 18S, 28S, and H3) revealed no genetic divergence (K2P < 0.003) among these type specimens with 9-13 thoracic chaetigers. In other words, the new species exhibited morphological variability in the number of thoracic chaetigers during ontogeny, and this character was unsuitable to differentiate Promastobranchus species as the ranges overlap among Promastobranchus species. This is the third Promastobranchus species known in the world, and it is now recorded along the Fujian coast.

Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) gene polymorphism with susceptibility to prostate cancer: an updated meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to explore the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism and susceptibility to prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: We searched studies related to ACE I/D polymorphism and susceptibility to PCa through PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases from inception to June 1, 2022. Five gene models, including allelic, dominant, recessive, homozygote, and heterozygote models, were analyzed. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated using Stata 15.0 software. Publication bias was judged by the funnel plot and Egger's test, with the robustness of the findings verified by sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Eight published articles (including ten studies) were identified. The pooled results showed that ACE I/D locus polymorphism was significantly correlated with the risk of PCa under all gene models except for the heterozygous model (D vs. I: OR= 1.58, 95% CI: 1.14-2.21; DD vs. DI+II: OR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.11-2.54; DD+DI vs. II: OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.11-2.80; DI vs. II: OR= 1.44, 95% CI: 0.99-2.10; DD vs. II: OR= 2.12, 95% CI: 1.15-3.93). Subgroup analysis based on genotype frequencies in the control group meeting Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium showed statistically significant differences in all gene models. The funnel plot and Egger's test indicated no publication bias. The sensitivity analysis verified the robustness of the conclusions obtained in this meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: ACE I/D locus polymorphism correlates to PCa risk. Allele D, genotype DD+DI, and DD at the ACE I/D locus increase susceptibility to PCa and can therefore serve as a potential diagnostic and screening molecular marker for PCa patients.

Case Report: Upper Thoracic Purely Extradural Spinal Meningioma With Nerve Root Attachment: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction: We describe a case of purely extradural spinal meningioma (EDSMs) with nerve root attachment and present the clinical profiles, radiological findings, operative management, and follow-up data, along with a literature review. This case study is purely extradural spinal meningioma attached to the nerve root, and the available literature review discusses the diagnosis and treatment. Purely epidural spinal meningiomas are extremely rare, and only a few clinical reports are published on this disease. Although epidural meningioma is a benign tumor, the recurrence rate is higher when compared with ordinary meningioma. Case study: A 39-year-old male complained of chest and back pain with ring-shaped radiations to the precordial area and numbness in both the lower extremities. After a long walk, he felt disharmony in both his lower limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass located on the left posterolateral side of the T1-T3 spinal cord and exhibited a dumbbell-type growth outward at the level of the T2-T3 intervertebral foramen. On the left side of the thoracic, a hemilaminectomy procedure was performed. The tumor was found in the ventral side of the left nerve root of T1 and was surrounded by the left nerve root of T2. To obliterate the tumor, the T2 nerve root was severed. The patient was advised to come for the follow-up on the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months postoperatively, and there were no complaints or signs of recurrence. Conclusion: Purely extradural spinal meningioma with nerve root attachment is rare and has no clinical symptoms and image findings. To completely resect the lesion and avoid recurrence, the affected nerve root, epidural fat tissue, and nerve root sheath should be extensively resected and burned, coagulating the adjacent ventral posterior longitudinal ligament.

An empirical investigation of the utilitarian, social benefits in LBS information disclosure-The moderating effect of the gender based social role theory.

The prior studies on information disclosure in location-based services (LBS) suggested that the perceived benefits of information disclosure in LBS were manifested by three benefits, namely, locatability, personalization, and social benefits. The three benefits might affect information disclosure intention differently. As an extension, individual factors, such as gender, may affect the relationship. However, according to literature, little research has investigated on the combined influence of the three benefits on the information disclosure intention in LBS with the gender as a moderator. Based upon the self-determination and social role theories, this study intends to bridge the gap empirically. The hypotheses are largely supported by 215 respondents. Unexpectedly, the research findings show that for females, locatability and personalization are more important in predicting their information disclosure intention, whereas for males, the social benefit has more of an impact on information disclosure intention, which is opposite to the hypotheses and convention. Furthermore, the research findings indicate that the behaviors of males and females may conform to the roles distributed within a society of this information age rather than to the personalities of the individuals. Finally, the implications are presented.

Novel Insights into Energy Storage Mechanism of Aqueous Rechargeable Zn/MnO2 Batteries with Participation of Mn2.

Aqueous rechargeable Zn/MnO2 zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are reviving recently due to their low cost, non-toxicity, and natural abundance. However, their energy storage mechanism remains controversial due to their complicated electrochemical reactions. Meanwhile, to achieve satisfactory cyclic stability and rate performance of the Zn/MnO2 ZIBs, Mn2+ is introduced in the electrolyte (e.g., ZnSO4 solution), which leads to more complicated reactions inside the ZIBs systems. Herein, based on comprehensive analysis methods including electrochemical analysis and Pourbaix diagram, we provide novel insights into the energy storage mechanism of Zn/MnO2 batteries in the presence of Mn2+. A complex series of electrochemical reactions with the co-participation of Zn2+, H+, Mn2+, SO42-, and OH- were revealed. During the first discharge process, co-insertion of Zn2+ and H+ promotes the transformation of MnO2 into ZnxMnO4, MnOOH, and Mn2O3, accompanying with increased electrolyte pH and the formation of ZnSO4·3Zn(OH)2·5H2O. During the subsequent charge process, ZnxMnO4, MnOOH, and Mn2O3 revert to α-MnO2 with the extraction of Zn2+ and H+, while ZnSO4·3Zn(OH)2·5H2O reacts with Mn2+ to form ZnMn3O7·3H2O. In the following charge/discharge processes, besides aforementioned electrochemical reactions, Zn2+ reversibly insert into/extract from α-MnO2, ZnxMnO4, and ZnMn3O7·3H2O hosts; ZnSO4·3Zn(OH)2·5H2O, Zn2Mn3O8, and ZnMn2O4 convert mutually with the participation of Mn2+. This work is believed to provide theoretical guidance for further research on high-performance ZIBs.

Investigation of zinc ion storage of transition metal oxides, sulfides, and borides in zinc ion battery systems.

Zn-ion batteries have been widely investigated due to their low cost, high safety and eco-friendliness. We comprehensively evaluate the performance of oxides (MoO3, TiO2, and Fe3O4), sulfides (MoS2, WS2, and MnS) and borides (TiB2 and ZrB2) in zinc ion battery systems. It is found that MnS is a good alternative cathode material with a reversible capacity of 221 mA h g-1, while the other materials show different behaviours.

Analysis of Cervical Sagittal Balance Parameters in MRIs of Patients with Disc-Degenerative Disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to explore the correlations between the different parameters of the cervical sagittal balance in magnetic resonance images (MRI) and evaluate the criteria for their clinical application in disc-degenerative diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the MRIs of 125 adult outpatients with disc-degenerative diseases of the cervical spine; the images were obtained between May and July 2014 at our institute. The control group comprised 50 volunteers whose MRIs were also obtained. The parameters measured in the MRIs were: neck tilt (NT), T1 slope (T1S), thoracic inlet angle (TIA), and Cobb's angle (C2-7). The correlation between the various parameters was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The outpatients group showed moderate correlation between TIA and T1S, a significant correlation between TIA and NT, a weak correlation between T1S and Cobb's angle, and a weakly negative correlation between T1S and NT. Further, the TIA showed no significant difference between the outpatient group and the control group, as per the sample t test. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that TIA, T1S, and NT could be used as indices for the evaluation of cervical sagittal balance and that the TIA could be used as a reference to assess the cervical compensation. Restoration of the NT and T1S should be considered as a goal of surgical treatment during the preoperative planning in patients with disc-degenerative diseases.

[Inhibitor of apoptosis in lung cancer Livin perioperative clinical research].

AIM: To detect the inhibitor of apoptosis protein Livin in non-small cell lung cancer patients with perioperative serum levels were analyzed trends in perioperative period to explore the Livin in non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis, classification and prognosis of clinical significance. METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of 40 patients with non-small cell lung cancer patients before surgery, the serum levels of Livin expression and 20 cases of normal healthy human serum levels of Livin were detected. RESULTS: Non-small cell lung cancer patients was significantly higher than the level of serum Livin healthy control group. Before surgery (median 526.49 ng/L, quartile 357.93-825.57 ng/L), postoperative (median 286.49 ng/L, quartile 157.93-515.57 ng/L), there was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).Livin the average level of serum with non-small cell lung cancer the relationship between pathology: I, II period (median 326.49 ng/L, quartile 201.54-623.19 ng/L) and stage III (median 586.31 ng/L, quartile 411.79-965.34 ng/L) statistically significant difference between (P<0.05); tumor lymph node metastasis in 11 cases (median 562.03 ng/L, quartile 382.64-982.61 ng/L) and the 29 cases without lymph node metastasis (median 344.59 ng/L, quartile 167.27-646.20 ng/L) significant difference between (P<0.05); organization credits of: high, medium, poorly differentiated among the three groups without significant differences (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Livin as a new inhibitor of apoptosis protein in non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis, staging has some clinical value.