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Background High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation treatment for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis has been long developed. The aim of this study is to investigate miRNA profile changes in vaginal secretions after HIFU treatment and their clinical relevance.Methods We prospectively collected vaginal secretions samples from 8 patients (1 with adenomyosis and 7 with fibroids) before and after HIFU treatment. RNA was isolated and miRNA profiles were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) sequencing.Results Our study showed miRNA profile change in vaginal secretion samples after HIFU treatment for uterine fibroids/adenomyosis, with 33 miRNAs upregulated and 6 downregulated overall. In fibroid cases, 31 miRNAs were upregulated and 7 downregulated, while in adenomyosis case, 41 miRNAs were upregulated and 71 downregulated. Four miRNAs (hsa-miR-7977, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-191-5p, hsa-miR-223-3p) showed significant differences after HIFU treatment in fibroid cases, except in case 5 with the lowest treatment sonications (425 sonications) and energy input (170000 J). hsa-miR-7977 consistently showed downregulation after HIFU treatment. hsa-miR-155-5p were downregulated in case 4 with lowest treatment efficiency (2439.64 J/cm3), while they were upregulated in other cases. hsa-miR-191-5p and hsa-miR-223-3p were downregulated in cases 4 and 7, with case 7 influenced by high sonication and energy due to multiple fibroids.Conclusions HIFU treatment altered miRNA profiles in fibroids/adenomyosis patients. Notably, hsa-miR-7977, hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-191-5p, and hsa-miR-223-3p showed significant changes in fibroid cases, except in low-energy treatments. hsa-miR-7977 consistently decreased post-treatment, while hsa-miR-155-5p decreased in the least efficient cases. Further research is needed for validation.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is an imperative pediatric inflammatory condition closely linked to COVID-19, which garners substantial attention since the onset of the pandemic. Like Kawasaki illness, this condition is characterized by an overactive immune response, leading to symptoms including pyrexia, cardiac and renal complications. To elucidate the pathogenesis of MIS-C and identify potential biomarkers, we conducted an extensive examination of specific cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-6R, IL-10, and TNF-α) and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles at various intervals (ranging from 3 to 20 days) in the peripheral blood sample of a severely affected MIS-C patient. Our investigation revealed a gradual decline in circulating levels of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α following intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) therapy. Notably, IL-6 exhibited a significant reduction from 74.30 to 1.49 pg./mL, while IL-6R levels remained consistently stable throughout the disease course. Furthermore, we observed an inverse correlation between the expression of hsa-miR-596 and hsa-miR-224-5p and the aforementioned cytokines. Our findings underscore a robust association between blood cytokine and miRNA concentrations and the severity of MIS-C. These insights enhance our understanding of the genetic regulatory mechanisms implicated in MIS-C pathogenesis, offering potential avenues for early biomarker detection and therapy monitoring through miRNA analysis.

Abstract Purpose Tension pneumomediastinum is a rare and dangerous complication in children that can be fatal, and timely detection and treatment are critical. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of computed tomography (CT) imaging-guided parasternal approach drainage for tension pneumomediastinum in children. Methods From June 2018 to February 2023, we consecutively enrolled 19 children with tension pneumomediastinum in our institution. A pigtail catheter was inserted into the anterior mediastinum by a CT imaging-guided parasternal approach. The catheter was connected to a negative-pressure water seal bottle to drain the pneumomediastinum. Clinical data and outcomes were summarized. Results The mean age was 3.1 ± 3.4 years, the mean weight was 15 ± 9.1 kg, the mean procedure time was 11.8 ± 2.4 min, and the drainage time was 6.7 ± 3.4 days. No major complications were identified, such as haemothorax, catheter displacement, or mediastinal infection. Effective drainage was obtained in all patients as assessed by comparing images and ventilatory parameters, and no additional surgical treatment was needed. There was no recurrence during the follow-up, which was more than 2 months. In our data, two children with COVID-19 were discharged from the hospital after effective drainage and other clinical treatment. Conclusion CT-guided parasternal approach drainage is safe, minimally invasive, and effective for children with tension pneumomediastinum.

Background: The impact of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on the immunological profiles of pregnant women remains a crucial area of study. This research aims to explore the specific immunological changes triggered by these vaccines in this demographic. Methods: In a focused investigation, we examined the effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination on microRNA expression in pregnant women. Key microRNAs, including miR-451a, miR-23a-3p, and miR-21-5p, were analyzed for expression changes post-vaccination. Additionally, we assessed variations in S1RBD IgG levels and specific cytokines to gauge the broader immunological response. Results: Post-vaccination, significant expression shifts in the targeted microRNAs were observed. Alongside these changes, we noted alterations in S1RBD IgG and various cytokines, indicating an adapted inflammatory response. Notably, these immunological markers displayed no direct correlation with S1RBD IgG concentrations, suggesting a complex interaction between the vaccine and the immune system in pregnant women. Conclusions: Our pilot study provides valuable insights into the nuanced effects of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on immune dynamics in pregnant women, particularly emphasizing the role of microRNAs. The findings illuminate the intricate interplay between vaccines, microRNAs, and immune responses, enhancing our understanding of these relationships in the context of pregnancy. This research contributes significantly to the growing body of knowledge regarding mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and their specific impact on maternal immunology, offering a foundation for further studies in this vital area.

Abstract Background Thoracoscopic lobectomy is a common treatment for congenital lung malformation. Single-direction thoracoscopic lobectomy may be an effective and safe approach without the need to flip the lung over repeatedly, thus minimizing tissue trauma, but its use has not been reported in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-direction thoracoscopic lobectomy in children. Methods A total of 91 patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2020 were retrospectively analysed. According to the inclusion criteria, 21 children were identified as the single-direction group. The details of the single-direction thoracoscopic lobectomy technique are described. Another 21 patients who underwent conventional thoracoscopic lobectomy in the same period were matched using the propensity score matching and set as the control group, the clinical outcomes between the two groups were compared. Results The median age of the patients was 4.72 months (4.72 ± 0.90) with a mean body weight of 7.43 kg (7.43 ± 1.14). There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.549), operation time (P = 0.859), length of chest tube drainage (P = 0.102) and length of hospital stay (P = 0.636) between the 2 groups. No patients experienced bronchopleural fistula and conversion to thoracotomy in either group. All patients recovered well without respiratory symptoms or other complications after follow-up of more than 1 year. Conclusions Our preliminary experience presented a series of single-direction video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for children with satisfactory perioperative results.

Despite serum progesterone being a widely accepted method for luteal phase support during embryo transfer cycles, debates persist regarding the optimal strategy for guiding clinical decisions on progesterone dosages to maximize reproductive outcomes. This retrospective study explored the utility of microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers in guiding personalized progesterone dosage adjustments for frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles in 22 in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Utilizing MIRA, an miRNA-based endometrial receptivity test, we analyzed patients’ miRNA expression profiles before and after progesterone dosage adjustments to determine suitable dosages and assess endometrial status. Despite patients receiving identical progesterone dosages, variations in miRNA profiles were observed in the initial cycle, and all patients presented a displaced window of implantation. Following dosage adjustments based on their miRNA profiles, 91% of patients successfully transitioned their endometrium towards the receptive stages. However, two patients continued to exhibit persistent displaced receptivity despite the adjustments. Given the evident variation in endometrial status and serum progesterone levels among individuals, analyzing miRNA expression profiles may address the challenge of inter-personal variation in serum progesterone levels, to deliver more personalized dosage adjustments and facilitate personalized luteal phase support in IVF.

IntroductionCongenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a structural defect caused by inadequate fusion of the pleuroperitoneal membrane that forms the diaphragm, allowing peritoneal viscera to protrude into the pleural cavity. Up to 30% of newborns with CDH require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. As with all interventions, the risks and benefits of ECMO must be carefully considered in these patients. Cardiopulmonary function has been shown to worsen rather than improve after surgical CDH repair. Even after a detailed perioperative assessment, sudden cardiopulmonary failure after surgery is dangerous and requires timely and effective treatments.MethodThree cases of cardiopulmonary failure after surgical CDH treatment in newborns have been reported. ECMO support was needed for these three patients and was successfully discontinued. We report our treatment experience.ConclusionECMO is feasible for the treatment of postoperative cardiopulmonary failure in newborns with CDH.

This pilot study explores alterations in miRNA profiles among pregnant women and their neonates upon receiving different doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Blood samples, including maternal blood (MB) and neonatal cord blood (CB), collected from five pregnant women were scrutinized using the miRNA PanelChip Analysis System, identifying nine distinct miRNAs, including miR-451a and miR-1972, which exhibited significant downregulation with two vaccine doses in both MB and CB. When compared with women vaccinated with four doses, miR-486-5p, miR-451a, and miR-1972 in the two-dose group also showed notable downregulation. Evaluating recipients of three and four doses, miR-423-5p and miR-1972 expression were significantly reduced in both MB and CB. Further comparative analysis highlighted a decline in miR-223-3p expression with increasing vaccine doses, while miR15a-5p, miR-16-5p, and miR-423-5p showed an upward trend. Notably, miR-451a, miR-1972, and miR-423-5p levels varied across doses and were associated with pathways such as “PI3K-Akt”, “neurotrophin signaling”, and “cortisol synthesis”, suggesting the profound influence of vaccination on diverse molecular mechanisms. Our research has uncovered that escalating vaccine dosages impact miRNA profiles, which may be associated with the immunological response mechanisms in both the mother and fetus, thus indicating a substantial impact of vaccination on various molecular processes.

Abstract We performed a single-centre retrospective analysis using data from databases that were prospectively maintained in our centre between January 2019 and September 2021. Patients were divided into two groups based on the degree of pulmonary fissure completeness (PFC), using the fissure development scoring system. Patients with grades 2 or 3 PFC were considered to have incomplete pulmonary fissures and were included in Group A, and patients with grades 0 and 1 were considered to have complete pulmonary fissures and were included in Group B. The differences in demographics, perioperative characteristics and clinic outcomes between the two groups were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. A total of 213 patients with congenital lung malformation (CLM) underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. There were 30 patients in Group A and 183 patients in Group B. Our data showed that compared with Group B, Group A had a higher incidence of complications, especially Clavien-Dindo grade II and grade III complications. The degree of PFC was significantly correlated with the length of chest tube drainage and postoperative hospital stay. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the degree of PFC could be used to predict the incidence of postoperative complications. Conclusions The degree of PFC is a predictor of the incidence of complications after thoracoscopic lobectomy in children with CLM.

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to determine a predictive index for the risk of anastomotic leak following esophageal atresia anastomosis, Methods This article reviewed the clinical data of 74 children with esophageal atresia in Fujian Children's hospital. The risk factors for anastomotic leak were analysed, and a new predictive index was proposed. Results The incidence of anastomotic leak was 29.7% after anastomosis in 74 children with esophageal atresia. Birth weight and gap length were risk factors for anastomotic leak. Logistic regression analysis showed that birth weight (Wald 2 = 4.528, P = 0.033, OR = 0.273) was a protective factor for anastomotic leak, whereas gap length (Wald 2 = 7.057, P = 0.008, OR = 2.388) was a risk factor for anastomotic leak. The ratio of gap length to birth weight had a positive predictive effect on the occurrence of anastomotic leak (AUC = 0.732, P = 0.002). Conclusion Birth weight and gap length are important predictors of anastomotic leak in esophageal atresia. Measurement of the ratio of gap length to birth weight is a helpful predictive index for anastomotic leak following the anastomosis of esophageal atresia.

Abstract Background In infants with congenital oesophageal atresia, anastomotic stenosis easily occurs after one-stage oesophageal anastomosis, leading to dysphagia. In severe cases, oesophageal dilatation is required. In this paper, the timing of oesophageal dilatation in infants with anastomotic stenosis was investigated through retrospective data analysis. Methods The clinical data of 107 infants with oesophageal atresia who underwent one-stage anastomosis in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Data such as the timing and frequency of oesophageal dilatation under gastroscopy after surgery were collected to analyse the timing of oesophageal dilatation in infants with different risk factors. Results For infants with refractory stenosis, the average number of dilatations in the early dilatation group (the first dilatation was performed within 6 months after the surgery) was 5.75 ± 0.5, which was higher than the average of 7.40 ± 1.35 times in the normal dilatation group (the first dilatation was performed 6 months after the surgery), P = 0.038. For the infants with anastomotic fistula and anastomotic stenosis, the number of oesophageal dilatations in the early dilatation group was 2.58 ± 2.02 times, which was less than the 6.38 ± 2.06 times in the normal dilatation group, P = 0.001. For infants with non-anastomotic fistula stenosis, early oesophageal dilatation could not reduce the total number of oesophageal dilatations. Conclusion Starting to perform oesophageal dilatation within 6 months after one-stage anastomosis for congenital oesophageal atresia can reduce the required number of dilatations in infants with postoperative anastomotic fistula and refractory anastomotic stenosis.

This study investigated miRNA and cytokine expression changes in peritoneal fluid samples of patients with advanced ovarian cancer (OVCA) after receiving hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) during cytoreduction surgery (CRS). We collected samples prior to HIPEC, immediately after HIPEC, and 24/48/72 h after CRS from a total of 6 patients. Cytokine levels were assessed using a multiplex cytokine array, and a miRNA PanelChip Analysis System was used for miRNA detection. Following HIPEC, miR-320a-3p, and miR-663-a were found to be immediately down-regulated but increased after 24 h. Further, significant upregulation post-HIPEC and sustained increases in expression were detected in six other miRNAs, including miR-1290, miR-1972, miR-1254, miR-483-5p, miR-574-3p, and miR-574-5p. We also found significantly increased expression of cytokines, including MCP-1, IL-6, IL-6sR, TIMP-1, RANTES, and G-CSF. The changing expression pattern throughout the study duration included a negative correlation in miR-320a-3p and miR-663-a to cytokines including RANTES, TIMP-1, and IL-6 but a positive correlation in miRNAs to cytokines including MCP-1, IL-6sR, and G-CSF. Our study found miRNAs and cytokines in the peritoneal fluid of OVCA patients demonstrated different expression characteristics following CRS and HIPEC. Both changes in expression demonstrated correlations, but the role of HIPEC remains unknown, prompting the need for research in the future.

Abstract Background Oesophageal atresia is a congenital malformation of the oesophagus and a serious malformation of the digestive system, postoperative complications include acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, anastomotic fistula, anastomotic stenosis, tracheal stenosis, gastroesophageal reflux and eosinophilic oesophagitis, anastomotic fistula is one of the important causes of postoperative death. The objective of this study is to identify the risk factors for anastomotic complications after one-stage anastomosis for oesophageal atresia. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 107 children with congenital oesophageal atresia who underwent one-stage anastomosis in our hospital from January 2013 to December 2018. Single-factor and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for anastomotic fistula and anastomotic stenosis. Results A total of 107 children with oesophageal atresia underwent one-stage anastomosis, and the incidence of anastomotic fistula was 26.2%. The probability of anastomotic stenosis in the long term was 52.3%, and the incidence of refractory stenosis (dilation ≥5 times) was 13.1%. Analysis of the clinical count data in the anastomotic fistula group and non-anastomotic fistula group showed that preoperative albumin (F = 4.199, P = 0.043), low birth weight (F = 7.668, P = 0.007) and long gap defects (F = 6.107, P = 0.015) were risk factors for postoperative anastomotic fistula. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low birth weight (Wald2 = 4.499, P = 0.034, OR = 2.775) and long gap defects (Wald2 = 6.769, P = 0.009, OR = 4.939) were independent risk factors for postoperative anastomotic fistula. Premature delivery (F = 5.338, P = 0.023), anastomotic fistula (F = 11.381, P = 0.001), endoscopic surgery (F = 6.343, P = 0.013), preoperative neutrophil count (F = 8.602, P = 0.004), preoperative low albumin (F = 8.410, P = 0.005), and a preoperative prognostic nutritional index

Abstract Background Clinical management decisions on prostate cancer (PCa) are often based on a determination of risk. 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-11-positron emission tomography (PET)/computer tomography (CT) is an attractive modality to assess biochemical recurrence of PCa, detect metastatic disease and stage of primary PCa, making it a promising strategy for risk stratification. However, due to some limitation of 68Ga-PSMA-11 the development of alternative tracers is of high interest. In this study, we aimed to investigate the value of 18F-PSMA-1007 in identifying non-metastatic high-risk PCa. Methods A total of 101 patients with primary non-metastatic PCa who underwent 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT were retrospectively analyzed. According to the European Association of Urology guidelines on PCa, patients were classified into intermediate-risk (IR) group or high-risk (HR) group. The maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) of the primary prostate tumor were measured on PET/CT images. The diagnostic performance of PET/CT for IR and HR PCa was calculated, and the relationship between the SUVmax of primary prostate tumor, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and Gleason score (GS) was analyzed. Results Of all 101 patients, 49 patients were classified into IR group and 52 patients were classified into HR group. There was a significant positive correlation between PSA level/GS and SUVmax (r = 0.561, r = 0.496, P

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) for infants with pulmonary sequestration (PS).Methods: From January 2019 to July 2020, 19 infants with PS were admitted to a provincial hospital in the Fujian Province of China. A 1.5-cm utility port was created in the fifth intercostal space at the anterior axillary line. A rigid 30° 5-mm optic thoracoscope was used for vision, and two or three instruments were utilized through the port. Surgical options include standard lobectomy, wedge resection, and resection of the extralobar sequestration. Only one intercostal space was entered, and a chest tube was inserted through the same skin incision if necessary.Results: The procedure was successful in all patients with an average operation duration of 58.3 ± 31.5 min. The length of post-operative hospital stay was 5.4 ± 1.5 days, and no post-operative deaths or serious complications were observed. The mean post-operative drainage volume was 164.6 ± 45.9 mL, and the mean post-operative thoracic tube indwelling duration was 5.5 ± 1.0 days. No intraoperative conversion, surgical mortality, or major complications were identified among the patients.Conclusion: Our preliminary experience presented a series of U-VATS lobectomy, wedge resection, and resection of the PS for infants with satisfactory perioperative results.

Purpose: The effectiveness of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), even uniportal VATS (U-VATS), in the treatment of pleural empyema has recently been demonstrated. However, few works have evaluated its safety and feasibility for children. We review our experience with U-VATS in the treatment of pleural empyema for children under 11 years old.Methods: From January 2019 to December 2020, we consecutively enrolled 21 children with stage II and stage III pleural empyema in our institution. A 1.0 cm utility port was created in the 5th intercostal space at the anterior axillary line. A rigid 30°5 mm optic thoracoscope was used for vision, and two or three instruments were used through the port. Surgery was based on three therapeutic columns: removal of pleural fluid, debridement, and decortication. A chest tube was inserted through the same skin incision. Perioperative data and outcomes were summarized.Results: The procedures were successful, and satisfactory debridement of the pleural cavity was achieved in all cases. The mean age was 4.1 years (range: 6 months to 11 years old). The mean operating time was 65.7 ± 23.2 min. No intraoperative conversion or major complications were identified among the patients. The mean hospital stay was 5.0 ± 0.6 days. At a follow-up of more than 4 months after operating, all patients had recovered well without recurrence.Conclusion: According to our experience, U-VATS debridement is feasible for the surgical management of stage II and III empyema in the pediatric population. Indeed, U-VATS permits easier performance and complete debridement and decortication, with a very low risk for conversion.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the outcomes and pulmonary function test (PFT) of thoracoscopic segmentectomy and lobectomy in infants with congenital lung malformation and study the result of PFT on a medium-term basis.Methods: The clinical data of 19 infants with congenital lung malformation who underwent thoracoscopic surgery in our hospital from January 2018 to March 2019 were retrospectively studied; these infants were paired with another 19 infants who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy during the same period using propensity score matching. Age-matched healthy individuals with similar body sizes were recruited for PFT as the control group. Patient characteristics, postoperative PFT, and outcomes were extracted for statistical analysis.Results: The average length of hospital stay did not significantly differ between segmentectomy and lobectomy groups. The segmentectomy group had more chest tube drainage than the lobectomy group. PFT 1 month after the operation showed that the tidal volume of the lobectomy group was lower than that of the segmentectomy group. Time to peak expiratory flow/time of expiration and peak flow/terminal airway velocity (V25%) indicated small airway dysfunction in the lobectomy group, and no obvious abnormalities were found in “time of inspiratory/time of expiration” in either group. Reexamination of pulmonary function 2 years after the operation showed that the small airway function of the segmentectomy group returned to normal, and no significant difference in pulmonary function was noted among the three groups.Conclusion: The short-term pulmonary function recovery was better after segmentectomy than after lobectomy. Patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy and segmentectomy have normal lung function 2 years after the operation.

The internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) functions as cap-independent translation initiation sites in eukaryotic cells. IRES elements have been applied as useful tools for bi-cistronic expression vectors. Current RNA structure prediction programs are unable to predict precisely the potential IRES element. We have designed a viral IRES prediction system (VIPS) to perform the IRES secondary structure prediction. In order to obtain better results for the IRES prediction, the VIPS can evaluate and predict for all four different groups of IRESs with a higher accuracy. RNA secondary structure prediction, comparison, and pseudoknot prediction programs were implemented to form the three-stage procedure for the VIPS. The backbone of VIPS includes: the RNAL fold program, aimed to predict local RNA secondary structures by minimum free energy method; the RNA Align program, intended to compare predicted structures; and pknotsRG program, used to calculate the pseudoknot structure. VIPS was evaluated by using UTR database, IRES database and Virus database, and the accuracy rate of VIPS was assessed as 98.53%, 90.80%, 82.36% and 80.41% for IRES groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. This advance useful search approach for IRES structures will facilitate IRES related studies. The VIPS on-line website service is available at http://140.135.61.250/vips/.

Compared to the traditional steam catapult systems, the electromagnetic launch (EML) system with the permanent magnetic linear synchronous motor (PMLSM) has the features such as high efficiency, high power density and controllability, thus PMLSM is used in the EML system. In this paper, the long primary short secondary PMLSM used in electromagnetic launch system is designed, whose winding in the primary is divided into two sections. The control system employs two inverters and two current trackers, and the latter are adopted to track the 3-phase currents in the other section when the mover is in the cross section, so as to make the magnetic traveling field excited by the two windings move forward smoothly, and the thrust stable. With regard to the system nonlinearity and model variation, the fuzzy PI regulator is designed to adjust the mover velocity. In contrast to the conventional PI regulator, the simulation results show that the thrust is stable at section transition and the velocity reaction is quick without overshoot. The scheme proposed here is validated by the simulation results. Index Terms--Fuzzy PI regulator, section control.

Pulsed power linear motor is the basic power device in electromagnetic launching (EML) technology. When this technology combines with permanent magnetic linear synchronous motor (PMLSM), a pulsed power permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PP-PMLSM) is generated. In this paper, the analysis of cogging force and thrust characteristic of this type of motor are presented, and the scheme comparison of bilateral magnet arranged by N face S with N face N direction is made, at last, the digital control system of the PP-PMLSM is designed and realized. The system design is simple, and it improves the control effect. Index Terms--Linear motor, pulsed power, synchronous motor.

Background: Internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESs) provide alternative, cap-independent translation initiation sites in eukaryotic cells. IRES elements are important factors in viral genomes and are also useful tools for bi-cistronic expression vectors. Most existing RNA structure prediction programs are unable to deal with IRES elements. Results: We designed an IRES search system, named IRSS, to obtain better results for IRES prediction. RNA secondary structure prediction and comparison software programs were implemented to construct our two-stage strategy for the IRSS. Two software programs formed the backbone of IRSS: the RNAL fold program, used to predict local RNA secondary structures by minimum free energy method; and the RNA Align program, used to compare predicted structures. After complete viral genome database search, the IRSS have low error rate and up to 72.3% sensitivity in appropriated parameters. Conclusion: IRSS is freely available at this website http://140.135.61.9/ires/. In addition, all source codes, precompiled binaries, examples and documentations are downloadable for local execution. This new search approach for IRES elements will provide a useful research tool on IRES related studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: To date, more than 2,500 micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have been discovered and some of which are considered to play important roles in window of implantation (WOI). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a miRNA-based endometrial receptivity analysis (MIRA) in IVF patients. Method: Patients who were planning for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (ET) cycles with a good quality single-blastocyst after at least 1 previous implantation failure history were recruited for the study. Endometrial tissue samples were collected at the mock ET cycle of hormone replacement therapy on day 5 (120 hours) of progesterone administration. Embryo transfer was conducted at the consecutive or the next cycle by reference to the MIRA result. Results: 38 patient samples were collected along with their clinical information such as age, BMI, and implantation failure history. Out of the 38 samples analyzed, MIRA found 84.2% (32/38) to be receptive, 13.2% (5/38) to be pre-receptive, and 2.6% (1/38) to be post-receptive. A total of 33 patients underwent personalized-ET at the time of statistical analysis. The overall clinical pregnancy rate was 81.8% (27/33), and for each endometrial stages were 81.5% (22/27) for receptive, 80.0% (4/5) for pre-receptive, and 100% (1/1) for post-receptive. Higher rates of non-receptivity were seen in patients with higher BMI and patients who were 36 years old or older. Conclusion: Patients who utilized MIRA, have shown good pregnancy rates of 81.8%. Patients with an abnormal BMI have a higher likelihood of experiencing a displaced window of implantation. BMI could also be an additional factor to consider when recommending patients to undergo endometrial receptivity testing in the future, aside from implantation failure history.