Identification of biomarkers in laryngeal cancer by weighted gene co-expression network analysis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Laryngeal cancer (LC) is a globally prevalent and highly lethal tumor. Despite extensive efforts, the underlying mechanisms of LC remain inadequately understood. This study aims to conduct an innovative bioinformatic analysis to identify hub genes that could potentially serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets in LC.@*METHODS@#We acquired a dataset consisting of 117 LC patient samples, 16 746 LC gene RNA sequencing data points, and 9 clinical features from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database in the United States. We employed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to construct multiple co-expression gene modules. Subsequently, we assessed the correlations between these co-expression modules and clinical features to validate their associations. We also explored the interplay between modules to identify pivotal genes within disease pathways. Finally, we used the Kaplan-Meier plotter to validate the correlation between enriched genes and LC prognosis.@*RESULTS@#WGCNA analysis led to the creation of a total of 16 co-expression gene modules related to LC. Four of these modules (designated as the yellow, magenta, black, and brown modules) exhibited significant correlations with 3 clinical features: The age of initial pathological diagnosis, cancer status, and pathological N stage. Specifically, the yellow and magenta gene modules displayed negative correlations with the age of pathological diagnosis (r=-0.23, P<0.05; r=-0.33, P<0.05), while the black and brown gene modules demonstrated negative associations with cancer status (r=-0.39, P<0.05; r=-0.50, P<0.05). The brown gene module displayed a positive correlation with pathological N stage. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis identified 77 items, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis identified 30 related signaling pathways, including the calcium signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, neuro active ligand-receptor interaction, and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, etc. Consequently, central genes within these modules that were significantly linked to the overall survival rate of LC patients were identified. Central genes included CHRNB4, FOXL2, KCNG1, LOC440173, ADAMTS15, BMP2, FAP, and KIAA1644.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study, utilizing WGCNA and subsequent validation, pinpointed 8 genes with potential as gene biomarkers for LC. These findings offer valuable references for the clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of LC.

Commentary: polymer binding modules accelerate enzymatic degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) / 生物工程学报

The large scale production and indiscriminate use of plastics led to serious environmental pollution. To reduce the negative effects of plastics waste on the environment, an approach of enzymatic degradation was put forward to catalyze plastics degradation. Protein engineering strategies have been applied to improve the plastics degrading enzyme properties such as activity and thermal stability. In addition, polymer binding modules were found to accelerate the enzymatic degradation of plastics. In this article, we introduced a recent work published in Chem Catalysis, which studied the role of binding modules in enzymatic hydrolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) at high-solids loadings. Graham et al. found that binding modules accelerated PET enzymatic degradation at low PET loading (< 10 wt%) and the enhanced degradation cannot be observed at high PET loading (10 wt%-20 wt%). This work is beneficial for the industrial application of polymer binding modules in plastics degradation.

Effects of Different Storage Temperatures on the Properties of Nonlatex Orthodontic Modules

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effect of variation in storage temperatures and duration on a tensile load at failure of elastomeric modules. Methods: In total, 140 modules were used in the study, 20 of which were tested on day 0 as received from a company using a Universal testing machine for baseline estimation of tensile load at failure. The rest 120 modules were divided into 6 groups. Groups I, II, and III modules were stored at low (T1 = 1–5°C), moderate (T2 = 20–25°C) and high (T3 = 35–40°C) temperatures, respectively, for 6 months. Groups IV, V and VI modules were stored at temperatures T1, T2 and T3 for 1 year, respectively, and were tested for tensile load at failure. Results: The tensile load at failure for the control group was 21.588 ± 1.082 N and for 6?month interval at temperatures T1, T2 and T3 was 18.818 N ± 1.121 N, 17.841 N ± 1.334 N and 17.149 N ± 1.074 N, respectively, and for 1 year, it was 17.205 N ± 1.043 N, 16.836 N ± 0.487 N and 14.788 N ± 0.781 N, respectively. The tensile load at failure decreased significantly from 6 months to 1 year among each temperature group. Conclusions: Maximum force degradation was seen in modules at high temperature followed by medium temperature and low temperature at both 6 months and 1 year intervals, and tensile load at failure decreased significantly from 6 months to 1 year storage duration. These results conclude that the temperature and duration at which the samples were exposed during storage produce a significant change in the forces exerted by the modules.

SEMICONDUCTOR SHORTAGE AND INDIAN AUTOMOBILE SECTOR: EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

The semiconductor shortage has had a signi?cant impact on the automobile sector in India. Semiconductors are a vital component in the production of vehicles, and the shortage has resulted in production delays and reduced output for many automobile manufacturers in India. This research paper examines the impact of the current semiconductor shortage on the automotive industry. The research paper begins by exploring the causes of the shortage, including the global shift towards digitalization, the pandemic-induced surge in demand for technology products, and the limited production capacity of semiconductor manufacturers. The paper then examines the economic effects of the shortage, including reduced revenues, increased costs, and reduced supply. It further explores the strategies adopted by automotive manufacturers to mitigate the impact of the shortage, such as increasing production and increasing their investments in semiconductor manufacturers. Finally, the paper discusses the implications of the shortage and suggests effective solutions to address the crisis. A simulation is carried out to forecast the strength of manufacturing in India. The ?ndings of this research indicate that the current semiconductor shortage is having a signi?cant impact on the automotive industry, and that appropriate strategies should be adopted to address the crisis.

Application of Interprofessional Education Model to University Pre-Licensure Health Students in the Management of Chronic Care Conditions in Zambia

Background:Thereisevidencethatmultidisciplinary healthcare teams can provide better quality of care and treatment outcomes compared to that delivered by individuals from a single health discipline. The project on which this article isbased applied the interprofessional education model to university pre-licensure health students in the management of chronic care conditions in Zambia. Methods:Four distinct but interrelated approaches, name ly desk review; module development workshops; review and validation of modules by experts; piloting and review of the training modules were employed. Results: Severalmodelsofinterprofessionaleducationcurrentlyinexistenceandusedsuccessfully by higher education institutions in other settings were identified. While several models of Interprofessional Education were identified, our project adapted the "didactic program, community-based experience, and interprofessional-simulation experience" models. To apply the models, modules of seven chronic care conditions were developed and piloted. The extent to which the module activities promoted interprofessional education were rated between 74 - 87% (agree or strongly agree) by the students. Conclusion: Three models of Interprofessional Education were identified and adapted in the project and seven modules were developed and administered to the students. The process was effective for putting forth an interprofessional training program at the undergraduate level, with the potential to improve quality of care for patients.

Identifying challenges to quality in preconception health care among women of reproductive age in Lipa City, Batangas

Background@#Preconception care is a set of interventions that aim to identify and modify biomedical, behavioral, and social risks to a woman’s health or pregnancy outcome through prevention and management. These interventions emphasize factors that must be addressed before conception or early in pregnancy in order to have maximal impact. Preconception health care is a key intervention in improving maternal and neonatal health care. Identification of specific needs of population-at-risk remains crucial in developing quality preconception health care programs in the Philippines. @*Objectives@#This paper: 1) described the preconception health status of women of reproductive age in selected communities in Lipa City Batangas; 2) identified the perceived preconception needs of women of reproductive age in selected communities; 3) determined the significant challenges to the provision of appropriate preconception health care; and 4) provided recommendations to address the gaps and challenges. @*Methods@#A total of 4,357 women of reproductive age were interviewed using a preconception checklist tool previously developed by researchers from Peking University (China), American University of Beirut (Lebanon), and University of the Philippines Manila (Philippines). Eleven Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) on various aspects of preconception health care were conducted among women of reproductive age from communities and workplaces (industries/factories, government offices, schools, entertainment centers, health centers). Thematic analyses of the data from the FGDs were performed. Recommendations for overcoming identified challenges to quality services were presented. @*Results@#There are salient gaps in preconception health care, particularly in micronutrient intake, immunization status, family planning and infectious diseases screening in both urban and rural communities. The study also showed major gaps in medical and educational services, particularly for adolescents. @*Conclusion@#Health and social challenges in the preconception health care delivery system for women of reproductive age in Lipa City Batangas were identified, including the prioritization of at-risk groups and development of strategies to address preconception health care gaps in both urban and rural settings. The alarming increasing rate of teenage pregnancy must be given highest priority with integration of safe and healthy pregnancy in the curriculum. The development of programs for men and women recognizes that parenthood is a partnership. To guarantee a successful program on preconception health care services, government must utilize an inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary approach with the participation of various stakeholders and sectors, both government and private. The engagement of women of reproductive age in planning provides a dynamic feedback for the relevance of the planned programs.

Presence of carbohydrate binding modules in extracellular region of class C G-protein coupled receptors (C GPCR): An in silico investigation on sweet taste receptor

Sweet taste receptor (STR) is a C GPCR family member and a suggested drug target for metabolic disorders such asdiabetes. Detailed characteristics of the molecule as well as its ligand interactions mode are yet considerably unclear due toexperimental study limitations of transmembrane proteins. An in silico study was designed to find the putative carbohydratebinding sites on STR. To this end, a-D-glucose and its a-1,4-oligomers (degree of polymerization up to 14) were chosen asprobes and docked into an ensemble of different conformations of the extracellular region of STR monomers (T1R2 andT1R3), using AutoDock Vina. Ensembles had been sampled from an MD simulation experiment. Best poses were furtherenergy-minimized in the presence of water molecules with Amber14 forcefield. For each monomer, four distinct bindingregions consisting of one or two binding pockets could be distinguished. These regions were further investigated withregard to hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of the residues, as well as residue compositions and non-covalent interactionswith ligands. Popular binding regions showed similar characteristics to carbohydrate binding modules (CBM). Observationof several conserved or semi-conserved residues in these binding regions suggests a possibility to extrapolate the results toother C GPCR family members. In conclusion, presence of CBM in STR and, by extrapolation, in other C GPCR familymembers is suggested, similar to previously proposed sites in gut fungal C GPCRs, through transcriptome analyses. STRmodes of interaction with carbohydrates are also discussed and characteristics of non-covalent interactions in C GPCRfamily are highlighted.

Mechanical Characteristics of (TiO2-ZnO)/PMMA Nanocomposites for Dentures

Mechanical properties (impact strength, compressive strength and flexural strength) have been studied for (Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA)) polymer reinforced with nano (TiO2+ZnO) (0 v%, 1 v%, 2 v%, 3 v%, 4 v% and 5 v%). Ultrasonic dispersion technique was used to prepare the nanocomposites samples, follow with cold casting technique using Teflon molds standard conditions. Charpy impact instrument was used to measure the impact strength, the compressive strength of each sample which was tested in newton units using digital compression tester (TinusOlsen: H50KT, England), while flexural strength can be found from mathematical formulas which depend on the impact strength, compressive strength and flexural strength. Results show that values increase in 1 v%, then decrease alternately by (2 v%, 3 v%, 4 v%, and 5 v%), while 0 v% is the less value of volume fraction of fillers. Young modules values increase alternately by the volume fraction of fillers until 2 v%, while if it is higher and lower than 2 v% it decreases the modulus of elasticity.

Comparison Of The Force Deterioration Of Different Orthodontic Elastomeric Materials In Artificial Saliva: An In Vitro Study

The orthodontist must be able to choose an elastic band with force-extension characteristics that are most suitable for the particular tooth movement required. From a clinician view it would be mandatory not only to know the clinical aspect of these elastics but also their basic properties, in order to extract the most out of these polymers. Stretching of elastics are thought to be the primary cause of force degradation of orthodontic elastics but there is evidence of in-creased force degradation of elastics when exposed to various types of substances like artificial saliva, phosphoric acid and citric acid. Orthodontic elastics have received mixed reactions of practitioners as reported by the vendors of ortho-dontic supplies. The present study is designed to compare the force deterioration of different orthodontic elastomeric materials in artificial saliva medium. There was a force deterioration over time in all materials, being greatest on the seventh day of the experiment, especially more in the chains; From the third to the fourth week there was no noticea-ble force degradation in either group; By the end of the experiment, modules showed less deterioration of the force compared to the chains and threads.

Introduction of web based e-learning in pharmacology: an innovative way

Background: In current scenario, poor attendances in classes and poor performances of students are a stimulus to think beyond the conventional teaching approach. Being current digital generation, students may show their affection to e-learning. Aim of this study was to introduce the e-learning in Pharmacology with objectives to evaluate its acceptability by students and faculties and learning gain of studentsMethods: Four inter-related e- modules for a topic “drugs used in treatment of bronchial asthma” were prepared and provided to the students. Pre-test was conducted before giving E-modules. Students were instructed to complete the e-modules in seven days and post-test was conducted on last day. Feedbacks from students and faculties were collected. Learning gain of students was evaluated along with their acceptability for e-modules.Results: Total of 147 students participated in the study but, 130 students completed pre-test and post-test, both. The absolute learning gain (% post-test score - % pre-test score) was found 23.3±19.2%. The class average normalized learning gain was found 0.32 (32%) that was significant, as per Hake’s criteria for the effectiveness of educational interventions. Slow speed of internet, background noise in modules, and size of e-modules were some technical problem faced by students. The most of students perceived the modules positively and demanded the e-modules for other topics. The faculties also perceived it positively and suggested to use e-modules additionally to classroom lectures.Conclusions: E-learning modules were taken positively by students and faculties and resulted in significant learning gain.

Anti-inflammatory mechanism of Dahuang Lidan Pian by network pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

Dahuang Lidan Pian contains Rheum palmatum, Gymnadenia conopsea and Phyllanthus emblica, which has a significant effect in the treatment of alcoholic fatty liver, cholestasis and cholecystitis. The efficacy of the formula in traditional Chinese medicine was clearing heat and promoting diuresis, removing dampness, detoxifying and relieving jaundice. These three herbs are widely used in the traditional Chinese medicine, Mongolian medicine and Tibetan medicine. Therefore, the formula was a representative subject in the researches for ethno-drugs. In this research, computer aided drug design methods were used to predict the action targets of the formula. Protein interaction network (PIN) was then constructed, and molecular complex detection (MCODE) clustering algorithm was used to obtain the modules of the formula, so as to analyze the potential action mechanism. The results showed that Rh. palmatum and P. emblica may have a synergistic protective effect on liver function by acting on analogous targets and pathways. G. conopsea regulated metabolic balance of nutrients to strengthen physical fitness. The research explained the liver-protecting mechanism of Dahuang Lidan Pian based on the PIN analysis on molecular network, which provides an reference for the further study of Dahuang Lidan Pian.

Design and implementation of capacity-oriented curriculum modules of / 中国针灸

In order to improve the teaching quality of -, the author valued the students' ability as guidance and purpose, analyzed the characteristics of the curriculum design and the selection of teaching materials, and proposed 3 teaching modules consisted of theory, practical training and application of acupuncture- moxibustion. Hereafter, it was constantly summarized and improved to realize the goal of curriculum knowledge, ability and quality. The reform method of the curriculum design, teaching content and method of - in traditional Chinese medicine was preliminarily explored.

Protection of Grid Connected Photovoltaic Systems (GCPVS)

ABSTRACT Installations of photovoltaic systems connected or not to the electrical network have become increasingly popular, but it is often carried out by unqualified people using low quality components. The present study aims to describe the methodology adopted for the protection of grid connected photovoltaic systems (GCPVS) and the implications caused by their lack. Photovoltaic modules are typically installed in galvanized, painted, stainless aluminum or steel structures, which must be connected to a common ground, as these structures and any other components of the system could be energized by the photovoltaic array and may cause serious injuries or even death during routine maintenance, these fatalities can still result in ramifications for the entire industry, with millions of dollars in liability (for death or injury), negative publicity for GCPVS, and increased complications in obtaining licenses. Also, its components must be of good quality and the systems of protection must be well dimensioned and correctly installed, in order to avoid fire and electric damages, with reduction of possible damages in cases of short circuits.

The modular nature of bradykinin-potentiating peptides isolated from snake venoms

Abstract Bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs) are molecules discovered by Sergio Ferreira who found them in the venom of Bothrops jararaca in the 1960s that literally potentiate the action of bradykinin in vivo by, allegedly, inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzymes. After administration, the global physiological effect of BPP is the decrease of the blood pressure. Due to this interesting effect, one of these peptides was used by David Cushman and Miguel Ondetti to develop a hypotensive drug, the widely known captopril, vastly employed on hypertension treatment. From that time on, many studies on BPPs have been conducted, basically describing new peptides and assaying their pharmacological effects, mostly in comparison to captopryl. After compiling most of these data, we are proposing that snake BPPs are modular peptidic molecules, in which the combination of given amino acid blocks results in the different existing peptides (BPPs), commonly found in snake venom. We have observed that there would be mandatory modules (present in all snake BPPs), such as the N-terminal pyroglutamic acid and C-terminal QIPP, and optionalmodules (amino acid blocks present in some of them), such as AP or WAQ. Scattered between these modules, there might be other amino acids that would complete the peptide, without disrupting the signature of the classical BPP. This modular arrangement would represent an important evolutionary advantage in terms of biological diversity that might have its origins either at the genomic or at the post-translational modification levels. Regardless of the modules origin, the increase in the diversity of peptides has definitely been essential for snakes success on nature.

The modular nature of bradykinin-potentiating peptides isolated from snake venoms

Bradykinin-potentiating peptides (BPPs) are molecules discovered by Sergio Ferreira - who found them in the venom of Bothrops jararaca in the 1960s - that literally potentiate the action of bradykinin in vivo by, allegedly, inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzymes. After administration, the global physiological effect of BPP is the decrease of the blood pressure. Due to this interesting effect, one of these peptides was used by David Cushman and Miguel Ondetti to develop a hypotensive drug, the widely known captopril, vastly employed on hypertension treatment. From that time on, many studies on BPPs have been conducted, basically describing new peptides and assaying their pharmacological effects, mostly in comparison to captopryl. After compiling most of these data, we are proposing that snake BPPs are 'modular' peptidic molecules, in which the combination of given amino acid 'blocks' results in the different existing peptides (BPPs), commonly found in snake venom. We have observed that there would be mandatory modules (present in all snake BPPs), such as the N-terminal pyroglutamic acid and C-terminal QIPP, and optionalmodules (amino acid blocks present in some of them), such as AP or WAQ. Scattered between these modules, there might be other amino acids that would 'complete' the peptide, without disrupting the signature of the classical BPP. This modular arrangement would represent an important evolutionary advantage in terms of biological diversity that might have its origins either at the genomic or at the post-translational modification levels. Regardless of the modules' origin, the increase in the diversity of peptides has definitely been essential for snakes' success on nature.(AU)

Anti-inflammatory mechanism analysis of antirheumatic Chinese medicinal herb Aconiti Radix based on protein interaction network / 中国中药杂志

Inflammation is one of the important risk factors of rheumatic diseases. Aconiti Radix is widely used for the treatment of rheumatism, which has significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, its anti-inflammatory mechanism on molecular level is still not clear. The purpose of this study is to illuminate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Aconiti Radix based on the protein interaction network (PIN) analysis on molecular network level. The main anti-inflammatory components (aconitine, hypaconitine and mesaconitine) were chosen in this study to obtain the targets of the components and protein-protein information though databases retrieval and construct the PIN of Aconiti Radix. By a graph theoretic clustering algorithm molecular complex detection(MCODE), 13 modules were identified and analyzed by gene ontology(GO) enrichment. The results showed that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Aconiti Radix was mainly associated with prostanoid metabolic process and leukocyte chemotaxis mediated by chemokines. In this study, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Aconiti Radix was elucidated systematically from molecular network level, which provided the scientific basis for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Investigating ego modules and pathways in osteosarcoma by integrating the EgoNet algorithm and pathway analysis

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy, but current therapies are far from effective for all patients. A better understanding of the pathological mechanism of OS may help to achieve new treatments for this tumor. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate ego modules and pathways in OS utilizing EgoNet algorithm and pathway-related analysis, and reveal pathological mechanisms underlying OS. The EgoNet algorithm comprises four steps: constructing background protein-protein interaction (PPI) network (PPIN) based on gene expression data and PPI data; extracting differential expression network (DEN) from the background PPIN; identifying ego genes according to topological features of genes in reweighted DEN; and collecting ego modules using module search by ego gene expansion. Consequently, we obtained 5 ego modules (Modules 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) in total. After applying the permutation test, all presented statistical significance between OS and normal controls. Finally, pathway enrichment analysis combined with Reactome pathway database was performed to investigate pathways, and Fisher's exact test was conducted to capture ego pathways for OS. The ego pathway for Module 2 was CLEC7A/inflammasome pathway, while for Module 3 a tetrasaccharide linker sequence was required for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, and for Module 6 was the Rho GTPase cycle. Interestingly, genes in Modules 4 and 5 were enriched in the same pathway, the 2-LTR circle formation. In conclusion, the ego modules and pathways might be potential biomarkers for OS therapeutic index, and give great insight of the molecular mechanism underlying this tumor.

Application and Analysis of Electronic Pharmacy Consultation System in Our Hospital / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To improve the quality of pharmacist consultation,provide real-time,precise and whole-process medi-cine guidance and to promote rational drug use. METHODS:The functions of electronic pharmacy consultation system(EPCS)in our hospital were introduced,and its effects were evaluated. RESULTS:The system had several modules as multiple dimensional knowledge assistant system,real-time prescription checking engine,electronic consultation record method,pharmacist workload and quality statistical analysis. EPCS provided convenient information access,prescription auditing,consultation record and statisti-cal analysis so as to improve consultation efficiency and accuracy. Compared with before using EPCS,EPCS had enhanced speed of inquiring information by 3.75 times,prescription auditing by 4 times,consultation record by 6 times and statistical analysis by 20 times;return visit rate to potients increased from 0.03% to 0.34%. The number of consulting questions increased month by month. The type of consultation question,the identity of the consultant and others could be classified statistically based on the sys-tem. CONCLUSIONS:EPCS helps pharmacist to build a more scientific and effective consultation platform,and promotes rational drug use in the hospital.

Exploration on the experiment teaching reform of microbiology examination based on MES mode / 中华医学教育探索杂志

According to the course character and training objective, we analyzed the necessity of the experiment teaching reform of microbiology examination . The modules of employable Skills (MES) was applied to the experiment teaching of microbiology examination tentatively. On the basis of the needs of microbiology laboratory jobs, the contents of experimental course were integrated and optimized to skills module , comprehensive training module and application module , which include fourteen study units such as basic techniques of identification of bacteria,the separation and identifi-cation of pathogenic bacteria, microbiology examination of clinical specimen etc. Intensive teaching and multiplex teaching methods were applied to each module according to the module's characteristic, teaching objectives and cognitive rules of students. This teaching reform has achieved initial results.

FUMET: A fuzzy network module extraction technique for gene expression data.

Construction of co-expression network and extraction of network modules have been an appealing area of bioinformatics research. This article presents a co-expression network construction and a biologically relevant network module extraction technique based on fuzzy set theoretic approach. The technique is able to handle both positive and negative correlations among genes. The constructed network for some benchmark gene expression datasets have been validated using topological internal and external measures. The effectiveness of network module extraction technique has been established in terms of well-known p-value, Q-value and topological statistics.