Using machine learning to identify gene interaction networks associated with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide but its etiology remains unclear. Obesity is recognized as a risk factor for BC, and many obesity-related genes may be involved in its occurrence and development. Research assessing the complex genetic mechanisms of BC should not only consider the effect of a single gene on the disease, but also focus on the interaction between genes. This study sought to construct a gene interaction network to identify potential pathogenic BC genes. METHODS: The study included 953 BC patients and 963 control individuals. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the correlation between demographic characteristics and BC. The joint density-based non-parametric differential interaction network analysis and classification (JDINAC) was used to build a BC gene interaction network using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of hub gene SNPs were evaluated using a logistic regression model. To assess reliability, the hub genes were quantified by edgeR program using BC RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and identical edges were verified by logistic regression using UK Biobank datasets. Go and KEGG enrichment analysis were used to explore the biological functions of interactive genes. RESULTS: Body mass index (BMI) and menopause are important risk factors for BC. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the BC gene interaction network was identified using JDINAC. LEP, LEPR, XRCC6, and RETN were identified as hub genes and both hub genes and edges were verified. LEPR genetic polymorphisms (rs1137101 and rs4655555) were also significantly associated with BC. Enrichment analysis showed that the identified genes were mainly involved in energy regulation and fat-related signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: We explored the interaction network of genes derived from SNP data in BC progression. Gene interaction networks provide new insight into the underlying mechanisms of BC.

Epidemiological characteristics and factors affecting healing in unintentional pediatric wounds.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and wound healing conditions of common unintentional skin lacerations in children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 1,107 children, aged 0-12 years, with skin lacerations who received emergency treatment at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 1, 2019, to December 30, 2022. Data on age, injury site, time from injury to suturing, and wound healing conditions were statistically analyzed. Results: Among the 1,107 cases, 714 (64.5%) were male and 393 (35.5%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.8:1; median age was 5 years (IQR, 3-7). Infants and toddlers (0-3 years old) constituted the highest proportion, accounting for 36.3% (402 cases). The number of children aged over 3 years gradually decreased with increasing age. In younger children, the most common injuries were to the forehead, scalp, and lower jaw; in school-aged children, the proportion of limb and trunk injuries significantly increased. Age (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.23-1.46), outdoor injuries (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.18-4.16), lower limb injuries (OR, 5.35; 95% CI, 2.86-10.00), and wound length greater than 3 cm (OR, 10.65; 95% CI, 5.02-22.60) were significant risk factors for poor wound healing. The risk of poor wound healing increased by 34% for each additional year of age. Conclusion: In children, the common sites of unintentional skin lacerations show distinct age and gender distribution characteristics. Older age, outdoor injuries, longer wound lengths, and lower limb injuries are independent risk factors for poor wound healing.

Flame retardancy and wear resistance of epoxy composites modified by whisker-shaped nickel phyllosilicate and microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate.

Whisker-shaped nickel phyllosilicate (NiPS) was synthesized using rod-like nickel-based metal-organic frameworks as the hard templates, and highly efficient flame retardant and wear resistant EP composites were prepared by synergizing with microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (MFAPP). The research results indicated that at a total addition amount of 8 wt% and a mass ratio of 2 : 5 for NiPS to MFAPP, the limiting oxygen index of the EP composite was 28.2%, which achieved the V-0 rating in the UL-94 standard. Meanwhile, the peak of heat release rate and total heat release was reduced by 33.9% and 22%, respectively, compared with pure EP. The synergistic system of NiPS and MFAPP promoted the formation of high-quality char layer, preventing the diffusion of heat, oxygen, and combustible gases effectively during combustion of the EP composite. Dry friction test showed that the wear rate of the EP composite was 0.847 × 10-5 mm3 N-1 m-1, which was 87.9% lower than pure EP, indicating a significant improvement in wear resistance. This study provided a promising method for the preparation of high performance epoxy composites with excellent flame retardancy and wear resistance.