Identification of cuproptosis and immune-related gene prognostic signature in lung adenocarcinoma

BackgroundCuproptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death that differs from other types such as pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy. It is a promising new target for cancer therapy. Additionally, immune-related genes play a crucial role in cancer progression and patient prognosis. Therefore, our study aimed to create a survival prediction model for lung adenocarcinoma patients based on cuproptosis and immune-related genes. This model can be utilized to enhance personalized treatment for patients.MethodsRNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The levels of immune cell infiltration in the GSE68465 cohort were determined using gene set variation analysis (GSVA), and immune-related genes (IRGs) were identified using weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Additionally, cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) were identified using unsupervised clustering. Univariate COX regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis were performed to develop a risk prognostic model for cuproptosis and immune-related genes (CIRGs), which was subsequently validated. Various algorithms were utilized to explore the relationship between risk scores and immune infiltration levels, and model genes were analyzed based on single-cell sequencing. Finally, the expression of signature genes was confirmed through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Western blotting (WB).ResultsWe have identified 5 Oncogenic Driver Genes namely CD79B, PEBP1, PTK2B, STXBP1, and ZNF671, and developed proportional hazards regression models. The results of the study indicate significantly reduced survival rates in both the training and validation sets among the high-risk group. Additionally, the high-risk group displayed lower levels of immune cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoint compared to the low-risk group

Throttling characteristics prediction methodology for combined grooves in directional spool valves under variable flow rates

There is a contradiction between the calculation accuracy and cost when computing the pressure and flow rate. A throttling characteristics prediction methodology for directional spool valve was proposed to balance the contradiction. The throttling characteristics were represented by the flow-number, defined as the product of the flow coefficient and the orifice area, to reveal simultaneously the mapping relationships of the two versus the spool geometry, stroke and flow rate. The pressure and flow rate characteristics at different strokes were obtained through the computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations that were validated through bench testing. The concept of saturated flow-number theory was introduced to describe the effects of the flow rate on the flow-number. Models for the saturated flow-number and critical flow rate were established using the U-shape groove, a typical throttling structure, as an example to illustrate the effects of groove structure and opening. The throttling characteristics of the directional spool valve could be predicted by the flow-numbers of the combined grooves. The simulated and experimental results demonstrate that the prediction methodology achieves high calculation accuracy while incurring minimal costs. This methodology holds significant implications for the forward design of valve spool throttling structures

Group B streptococcal colonization in mothers and infants in western China: prevalences and risk factors

Abstract Background The epidemiology of maternal and infant Group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization is poorly understood in China. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence and risk factors associated with maternal and infant GBS colonization in Western China. Methods From January 2017 to June 2017, a prospective study was conducted to estimate the maternal and infant GBS colonization rate by maternal rectovaginal and infant nasopharynx, ear canal and umbilical swab culture. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the risk factors associated with GBS colonization of mothers and infants. Results The GBS colonization rate in mothers and infants was 6.1 and 0.7%, respectively. The vertical transmission rate was 7.6%. The early onset GBS infection rate was 0.58 per 1000 live births and mortality was 0.29 per 1000 live births. Age younger than 40 years (p = 0.040) and minority ethnic status (p = 0.049) were associated with higher GBS colonization rate in pregnant women. Positive GBS status in the mother prior to delivery (p < 0.001) as well as longer duration of membrane rupture (≥12 h) (p < 0.001) and longer labor (≥4 h) (p < 0.001) were all significant risk factors for GBS colonization in infants. Compared to infants without GBS colonization, infants colonized with GBS were more likely to have had a temperature of ≥38 °C (p < 0.001), developed early onset infection (EOD) (p < 0.001), and been prescribed antibiotics (p < 0.001). Furthermore, infants with GBS were more likely to have been admitted to neonatal intensive unit (NICU) (p < 0.001) with a longer hospital length of stay (LOS) (p < 0.001). Conclusions Maternal GBS colonization, longer duration of membrane rupture and labor were all major risk factors associated with GBS colonization in Chinese infants. Infant GBS colonization was associated with increased risk of EOD and NICU admission as well as longer LOS

Maternal vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes in the Chinese population: A prospective cohort study

<div><p>Background</p><p>Although vitamin D (vitD) deficiency is a common problem in pregnant women, in China, few studies have focused on the relationship between maternal vitD deficiency throughout the three trimesters and subsequent neonatal outcomes in China.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Between 2015 and 2016, maternal serum and neonate cord blood samples were collected from 1978 mother-neonate pairs from Liuzhou city.</p><p>Results</p><p>The mean concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitD (25(OH)D) were 16.17±6.27 and 15.23±5.43 ng/ml in the mother and neonate groups, respectively, and the prevalence values of vitD deficiency in the two groups were 78.18% and 83.27%, respectively. Logistic regression showed that maternal vitD deficiency independently increased the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (adjust OR, aOR 1.08; <i>P</i> = 0.026). A relatively lower risk of vitD deficiency was observed in the third trimester than in the first and second trimester (aOR 0.80; <i>P</i> = 0.004). VitD-calcium cosupplementation during pregnancy improves the vitD deficiency in both the maternal and neonatal groups (aOR 0.56, 0.66; <i>P</i><0.001 and 0.021, respectively). Maternal vitD deficiency significantly increased the risk of neonatal low birth weight (LBW) (aOR 2.83; <i>P</i> = 0.005) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) (aOR 1.17; <i>P</i> = 0.015). There was a positive correlation between maternal and neonatal vitD deficiency (<i>r</i> = 0.879, <i>P</i><0.001). VitD supplementation during pregnancy significantly reduced the risk of giving birth to LBW infants (OR = 0.47, 95%CI = 0.33–0.68, <i>P</i><0.001).</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Further research focusing on the consumption of vitD with calcium during pregnancy and the consequential clinical outcomes in Chinese pregnant women is warranted.</p></div

Association between maternal 25(OH)D level during pregnancy and neonatal cord blood 25(OH)D level distributed by maternal blood drew season.

<p>Association between maternal 25(OH)D level during pregnancy and neonatal cord blood 25(OH)D level distributed by maternal blood drew season.</p

VitD level and the prevalence of vitD deficiency in maternity and neonates (n = 1978).

<p>VitD level and the prevalence of vitD deficiency in maternity and neonates (n = 1978).</p

Scatter plot of correlation between maternal 25(OH)D level during pregnancy and neonatal birth weight (<i>r</i> = 0.522, <i>P</i><0.001).

<p>Both the estimated regression line (red line) and a true curve line (blue line) demonstrate the inverse association between these two variables.</p

The correlations of independent factors with cord blood 25(OH)D in neonate by univariate analysis.

<p>The correlations of independent factors with cord blood 25(OH)D in neonate by univariate analysis.</p