Highly Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Performance of Heterostructured Ti3C2/TiO2/rGO Composites.

There has been a dire need for the exploration of renewable clean hydrogen energy recourses in recent years. In this work, we investigated the photocatalytic hydrogen production of heterostructured Ti3C2/TiO2/rGO composites. Ti3C2/TiO2/rGO heterojunction nanocomposites were synthesized using two-step calcination and hydrothermal methods, and the optimum in situ growth ratio of TiO2 of 71.8% (nTi-O/nTi) and rGO mass ratio (mRGO/mTiO2/mTi3C2) of 12% were obtained. The target photocatalyst presented an outperforming photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of 1671.85 µmol·g-1 hydrogen production capacity in 4 h, with the maximum hydrogen production rate of 808.11 µmol·g-1·h-1 in the first hour being 3.08 times the maximum hydrogen production rate of bare TiO2 (262.66 µmol·g-1·h-1). The excellent hydrogen production performance was due to the formed rutile TiO2 and the constructed heterojunction of Ti3C2/TiO2/rGO, where rGO provided different electron transport channels, and made charge transfer easier, and restrained the recombination efficiency of electrons and holes.

Optimization of PEC and photocathodic protection performance of TiO2/CuInS2heterojunction photoanodes.

The establishment of heterojunction is a powerful strategy to enhance the photoresponse performance of photoanode. Here, TiO2/CuInS2(T/CIS) composites were prepared via a two-step hydrothermal method, and their morphologies were controlled by adjusting the reaction time. The absorption spectra show that CuInS2can significantly improve the absorption of visible light. The T/CIS2 (2 h reaction time) photoanode exhibited the most outstanding photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance, with a photocurrent density of 168% that of the pure TiO2photoanode. Under simulated sunlight, this photoanode can supply a protective photocurrent of 0.49 mA cm-2and a protective voltage of 0.36 V to stainless steel (304ss), which are about 4 and 2 times those of the TiO2sample. The enhancement in the photocathodic protection performance is attributed to enlarged visible light absorbance and higher charge separation rate. This study demonstrates that the TiO2/CuInS2photoanode is a promising candidate for application in photoinduced cathodic protection of metallic materials.

Effect of low energy shock wave on testicular microenvironment homeostasis in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To further investigate whether two sets of low-energy extracorporeal shock waves (LESWs) impulse parameters, i.e., 0.02 mJ/mm2 for 500 impulses and 0.04 mJ/mm2 for 500 impulses, which have been shown to directly affect the testes, can promote testicular spermatogenesis or positively regulate homeostasis of the testicular microenvironment. METHODS: (1) Twenty-four experimental rats were randomly divided into a 0.02 mJ/mm2 500 impulses group (L1 group), a 0.04 mJ/mm2 500 impulses group (M1 group), a sham intervention group (S group) and a blank control group (N group). The experiment period was 8 weeks. (2) Apoptosis of the spermatogenic cells in the left testicle was detected by the TUNEL method, VEGF and eNOs protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, and histomorphological changes were observed in PAS-stained sections. Moreover, the morphologies of the spermatogenic tubules and testicular stroma were quantitatively analyzed by stereological analysis. The right testicle was used for Western blot detection of the protein expression levels of Bax, Cytochrome C, Caspase-3, Bcl-2, VEGF and eNOs. RESULTS: Compared with the other three groups, the rate of M1 testicular germ cell apoptosis induced by shock treatment was higher, the expression levels of proapoptotic proteins increased significantly while that of the antiapoptotic protein was lower, and the suppression of cell proliferation correlated with the protein expression levels. Additionally, with respect to the absolute volume of the seminiferous tubules, the absolute interstitial testicular volume notably increased, producing a series of biological effects working against testicular sperm production and function. However, there was no significant difference between the L1 group and the N and S groups. CONCLUSIONS: LESWs treatment with impulse parameters of 0.02 mJ/mm2 for 500 impulses showed a better protective effect on testicular spermatic function in rats and has a positive regulatory biological effect.

CircSERPINA3 regulates SERPINA3-mediated apoptosis, autophagy and aerobic glycolysis of prostate cancer cells by competitively binding to MiR-653-5p and recruiting BUD13.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) belongs to an epithelial malignancy that occurs in the prostate gland and is the most common malignancy of the male genitourinary system. Referring to related literature, circSERPINA3 has been reported to be up-regulated in PCa. However, its biological function remains unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to reveal the specific role and relevant molecular mechanism of circSERPINA3 in PCa. METHODS: RT-qPCR was used to examine gene expression and functional analyses were conducted to verify the effect of circSERPINA3 on cell apoptosis, autophagy and aerobic glycolysis in PCa cells. Mechanism assays were applied to evaluate the relationship among circSERPINA3/miR-653-5p/SERPINA3/BUD13. RESULTS: CircSERPINA3 was verified to be up-regulated in PCa cells and to inhibit cell apoptosis while promoting aerobic glycolysis and autophagy in PCa cells. CircSERPINA3 and SERPINA3 were also testified to bind to miR-653-5p through a line of mechanism experiments. Moreover, it was discovered that circSERPINA3 could stabilize SERPINA3 mRNA via recruiting BUD13. Additionally, SERPINA3 was verified to inhibit cell apoptosis, while promoting aerobic glycolysis and autophagy in PCa cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that circSERPINA3 regulated apoptosis, autophagy and aerobic glycolysis of PCa cells by competitively binding to miR-653-5p and recruiting BUD13.

[Exposure of the scrotum to 4G cellphone radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation affects the spermatogenesis and blood-testis barrier of adult male rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the direct impact of exposure of the scrotum to 4G cellphone radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on the testis of adult rats. METHODS: We equally randomized 30 adult male SD rats into a control and an exposure group, the latter exposed to 4G cellphone RF-EMR 6 hours a day for 150 days. Then, we analyzed the changes in semen quality and seminiferous epithelia, and measured the levels antioxidant enzyme-peroxide and the expressions of blood-testis barrier proteins in the testis of the rats. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, the rats in the exposure group showed significantly decreased sperm concentration (ï¼»6.39 ± 0.82ï¼½ vs ï¼»4.74 ± 0.87ï¼½ ×107/ml, P < 0.05), viability (ï¼»62.11 ± 8.82ï¼½% vs ï¼»41.44 ± 7.33ï¼½%, P < 0.05), motility (ï¼»55.71 ± 7.39ï¼½ vs ï¼»36.22 ± 6.36ï¼½%, P < 0.05), the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (ï¼»84.89 ± 5.11ï¼½% vs ï¼»70.78 ± 8.11ï¼½%, P < 0.05) and Johnsen's score (8.38 ± 0.98 vs 6.11 ± 1.56, P < 0.05), increased Coentino's score (1.36 ± 0.21 vs 1.81 ± 0.34, P < 0.05) and MDA level (P < 0.05), reduced levels of SOD, GSH and CAT (P < 0.05), and down-regulated expressions of occludin, ZO-1, CAR and N-Cadherin (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of the scrotum to 4G cellphone RF-EMR directly causes injury of the testis, disorder of the blood-testis barrier, reduction of semen quality and consequently decline in the fertility of male rats.

CTCF-induced upregulation of HOXA11-AS facilitates cell proliferation and migration by targeting miR-518b/ACTN4 axis in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Testified as crucial participators in different types of human malignancies, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been revealed to exert a significant effect on the complicated courses of tumor progression. Although existing literatures have revealed the oncogenic role of lncRNA homeobox A11 antisense RNA (HOXA11-AS) in multiple cancers, the underlying role of HOXA11-AS in prostate cancer (PCa) and its potential molecular mechanism remains poorly understood. AIM: To decipher the molecular performance of HOXA11-AS in PCa. METHODS: The expression of HOXA11-AS, miR-518b and actinin alpha 4 (ACTN4) was detected by a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Colony formation, EdU, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell assays were utilized to explore the biological role of HOXA11-AS in PCa. The interaction between RNAs (CCCTC-binding factor [CTCF], HOXA11-AS, miR-518b, and ACTN4) was tested via chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. RESULTS: HOXA11-AS in PCa cells was expressed at high levels. Silenced HOXA11-AS in PCa cells could lead to a significant elevation in the abilities of cell proliferation and migration whereas a remarkable declination in cell apoptosis capability. Subsequent molecular mechanism assays confirmed that HOXA11-AS bound with miR-518b and negatively regulates miR-518b expression. Besides, HOXA11-AS could regulate the expression of ACTN4 by sponging miR-518b. Moreover, rescued-function assays revealed that miR-518b inhibition or ACTN4 upregulation reversed the repressive effect of HOXA11-AS knockdown on PCa progression. Furthermore, CTCF was validated to activate HOXA11-AS transcription in PCa cells. CONCLUSIONS: CTCF-induced upregulation of HOXA11-AS facilitates PCa progression via miR-518b/ACTN4 axis, providing a new target for PCa treatment.

The status and characteristics of urinary stone composition in China.

OBJECTIVES: To explore characteristics of urinary stone composition in China, and determine the effects of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), stone location, and geographical region on stone composition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to analyse stones from consecutive patients presenting with new-onset urolithiasis at 46 hospitals in seven geographical areas of China, between 1 June 2010 and 31 May 2015. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between stone composition and gender, age, BMI, stone location, and geographical region. RESULTS: The most common stone constituents were: calcium oxalate (CaOx; 65.9%), carbapatite (15.6%), urate (12.4%), struvite (2.7%), and brushite (1.7%). CaOx and urate stones occurred more frequently in males, whereas carbapatite and struvite were more common in females (P < 0.01). CaOx and carbapatite were more common in those aged 30-50 and 20-40 years than in other groups. Brushite and struvite were most common amongst those aged <20 and >70 years. The detection rate of urate increased with age, whilst cystine decreased with age. Obese patients were more likely to have urate stones than carbapatite or brushite stones (P < 0.01). CaOx, carbapatite, brushite, and cystine stones were more frequently found in the kidney than other types, whereas urate and struvite were more frequent in the bladder (P < 0.01). Stone composition varied by geographical region. CONCLUSIONS: The most common stone composition was CaOx, followed by carbapatite, urate, struvite, and brushite. Stone composition differed significantly in patients grouped by gender, age, BMI, stone location, and geographical region.

Safety parameters of in vivo low-energy shock waves and their impact on adult rat testes.

Low-energy shock waves (LESWs) have been widely used in the intervention of a subset of diseased tissues and organs with good results. However, it is unclear whether they can be used directly to intervene in the testes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine a relatively safe energy density and impulse number for rat testes. A total of 176 male rats were randomly and equally assigned to different intervention groups. Among them, 144 rats were assigned to 18 shock subgroups with different energy densities (0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 mJ/mm2), different impulse numbers (500, 1000 and 1500 impulses) and different shock periods (2 and 8 weeks). The remaining 32 rats were divided into the sham intervention (S) groups and the blank control (N) groups with observation periods of 2 weeks and 8 weeks. One day after the last LESWs intervention, all the rats were weighed, and the concentrations of reproductive endocrine hormones were measured, the semen quality and testicular tissue oxidative stress levels were analyzed, and histomorphology and ultrastructures were observed. We found that there were no significant differences in the whole-body physiological state, testicular tissue morphology, oxidative stress state and sperm quality between the L1 shock group and the corresponding S group and N group (all p˃0.05, respectively). However, the other parameters of the shock groups caused different degrees of damage to the structure and function of rat testes, and the whole-body physiological state was also adversely affected. This study demonstrated that LESWs with an energy density of 0.02 mJ/mm2 and 500 impulses had no adverse effects on the rat testes.

The negative effect of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome on female sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To explore the effect of urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) on female sexual function. METHODS: Database searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for published literature using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) or reporting the prevalence of dyspareunia. Data extraction and quality evaluation were performed on the literature that met the inclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis was performed using STATA 12.0 and RevMan5.3 software to calculate the mean differences (MD) and odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: A total of nine case-control studies enrolling 4965 subjects were investigated. The present meta-analysis results demonstrated a strong correlation between UCPPS and dyspareunia (OR = 11.27, 95% CI: 5.15-24.67, P < 0.00001). The UCPPS group had significantly lower scores in each domain of the FSFI compared with the healthy control group: total score (MD = -11.35, 95% CI: -14.54- - 8.16, P < 0.00001); desire (MD = -1.04, 95% CI: -1.20- - 0.88, P < 0.00001); arousal (MD = -1.78, 95% CI: -2.36- - 1.20, P < 0.00001); lubrication (MD = -2.11, 95% CI: -2.49- - 1.73, P < 0.00001); orgasm (MD = -1.50, 95% CI: -1.72- - 1.28, P < 0.00001); satisfaction (MD = -1.54, 95% CI: -1.97- - 1.12, P < 0.00001); pain (MD = -2.89, 95% CI: -3.63- - 2.14, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: UCPPS had a significantly negative effect on female sexual function, particularly in the lubrication, pain, and total score domains. In addition, UCPPS patients had a significantly higher risk of dyspareunia. Psychosocial variables may be a potential pathogenesis of female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Future well-designed research is called for to develop a comprehensive estimate of the association between UCPPS and FSD.

Androgen receptor suppresses prostate cancer cell invasion via altering the miR-4496/ß-catenin signals.

Previous study found that AR in prostate may act as both a proliferator and a suppressor to promote or suppress the metastasis of prostate cancer (PCa). In current work, we demonstrated that AR could suppress PCa cell invasion through altering the miR-4496/ß-catenin signals. And mechanisms dissection found that AR could negatively regulate the expression of ß-catenin through enhancing the miR-4496 expression via directly binding to the AR-response-elements (AREs) of miR-4496 promoter, subsequently, the miRNA could directly target the 3' UTR of the ß-catenin-mRNA to reduce its expression. To conclude, our work suggests that AR might play an important role to suppress PCa cell invasion, targeting the newly identified AR/miR-4496/ß-catenin signaling with small molecules may help us to build up new therapeutic approaches to better suppress the metastasis of PCa.

Lead adsorption, anticoagulation and in vivo toxicity studies on the new magnetic nanomaterial Fe3O4@SiO2@DMSA as a hemoperfusion adsorbent.

This project aimed to develop and characterize a new nanoadsorbent for hemoperfusion. Fe3O4 nanoparticles synthesized by a facile solvothermal method were coated with SiO2 and further modified by DMSA. TEM, XRD, FTIR, XPS and SEM were performed before and after lead adsorption to reveal the general performance and adsorption mechanism. Rabbit lead poisoning models were established to study the adsorption rate; then, a pig hemoperfusion experiment was used for further validation. In addition, coagulation, liver, kidney and heart function, blood lipids, electrolytes and the immune inflammatory system were studied before and after hemoperfusion. The results indicated that the materials had a high adsorption rate and chemisorbed lead mainly in the plasma. No obvious coagulation-fibrinolysis, organ toxicity, electrolyte disturbances, inflammatory reactions or immunosuppression was observed. The excellent blood compatibility and high biosafety of this material demonstrate its potential as a new type of hemoperfusion adsorbent.

A Nanojunction Polymer Photoelectrode for Efficient Charge Transport and Separation.

A metal-free photoanode nanojunction architecture, composed of B-doped carbon nitride nanolayer and bulk carbon nitride, was fabricated by a one-step approach. This type of nanojunction (s-BCN) overcomes a few intrinsic drawbacks of carbon nitride film (severe bulk charge recombination and slow charge transfer). The top layer of the nanojunction has a depth of ca. 100 nm and the bottom layer is ca. 900 nm. The nanojunction photoanode results into a 10-fold higher photocurrent than bulk graphitic carbon nitride (G-CN) photoanode, with a record photocurrent density of 103.2 µA cm-2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE under one sun irradiation and an extremely high incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) of ca. 10 % at 400 nm. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Mott-Schottky plots, and intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy show that such enhancement is mainly due to the mitigated deep trap states, a more than 10 times faster charge transfer rate and nearly three times higher conductivity due to the nanojunction architecture.

Self-Powered Photoelectrochemical Biosensor Based on CdS/RGO/ZnO Nanowire Array Heterostructure.

A CdS/reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/ZnO nanowire array (NWAs) heterostructure is designed, which exhibits enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity compared to pure ZnO, RGO/ZnO, and CdS/ZnO. The enhancement can be attributed to the synergistic effect of the high electron mobility of ordered 1D ZnO NWAs, extended visible-light absorption of CdS nanocrystals, and the formed type II band alignment between them. Moreover, the incorporation of RGO further promotes the charge carrier separation and transfer process due to its excellent charge collection and shuttling characteristics. Subsequently, the CdS/RGO/ZnO heterostructure is successfully utilized for the PEC bioanalysis of glutathione at 0 V (vs Ag/AgCl). The self-powered device demonstrates satisfactory sensing performance with rapid response, a wide detection range from 0.05 mm to 1 mm, an acceptable detection limit of 10 µm, as well as certain selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. Therefore, the CdS/RGO/ZnO heterostructure has opened up a promising channel for the development of PEC biosensors.

[BM-MSCs from Wuzhishan mini-pigs delay the progress of renal fibrosis induced by chronic kidney disease through autocrine hepatocyte growth factor in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To isolate bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and establish the model of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of Wuzhishan (WZS) mini-pig, and to study the repairment effect of BM-MSCs on CKD-induced renal fibrosis in vitro.
 Methods: Density gradient method was used to isolate and culture BM-MSCs. The cells were verified by morphology, phenotype, differentiation and so on. The left partial ureteral obstruction (LPUUO) was used to establish the CKD model, which was evaluated by B-ultrasound, single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), HE and Masson staining. The cells were divided into 3 groups, the tissue plus BM-MSCs group, the tissue group, and the BM-MSCs group, respectively. Seven days later, the supernatants were collected to observe the changes of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) cumulative release. HE and Masson staining was used to observe the changes of renal tissue.
 Results: The isolated BM-MSCs possessed the features as follow: fibroblast-like adherent growth; positive in CD29 and CD90 expression while negative in CD45 expression; osteogenic induction and alizarin red staining were positive; alcian blue staining were positive after chondrogenic induction. Twelve weeks after the operation of LPUUO, B-ultrasound showed the thin renal cortical with pelvis effusion; SPETCT showed the left kidney delayed filling and renal impairment. The accumulation of HGF in the tissue plus BM-MSCs group was significantly higher than that in the tissue alone group at the 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th day, respectively (P<0.05). HE staining showed the different degree of renal lesions between the tissue plus BM-MSCs+CKD group and the tissue alone group, which was aggravated with the time going. Masson staining showed that the cumulative optical density of blue-stained collagen fibers in tissue plus BM-MSCs group was significantly lower than that in the tissue group at the 5th to 7th day (P<0.05).
 Conclusion: BM-MSCs from WZS mini-pig can inhibit or delay the progress of CKD-induced renal fibrosis through autocrine HGF in vitro.

[Separation culture and biological characteristics analysis for bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells from inbreed line miniature pig of Wuzhishan].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method to isolate, culture and identify bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) from inbreed line miniature pig of Wuzhishan (ILMW) in vitro, to compare the biological characteristics of BM-MSCs derived from different pigs, and to supply BM-MSCs for investigating the repair mechanisms of renal injury in ILMW aft er unilateral ureteral obstruction. METHODS: Four or 10-months old ILMW (n=4 per group) were selected and 5 mL of bone marrow fluid was extracted at 1 cm position from iliac wing edge. Mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient method, then were cultured in the complete medium containing 3 different kinds of fetal bovine serum (FBS) (10% FBS, 12% FBS or 15% FBS). The cells of Passage 1, Passage 3, Passage 5 or Passage 11 were collected to examine biological characteristics including morphology, phenotype, differentiation ability, growth curve and cell cycle. RESULTS: The BM-MSCs were attached to the culture dishes, which were fibroblast-like or whirlpoollike. Primary cultured cells began the adherence at 18 h and entered a logarithmic phase in the 6th day. Eighty percent of them were fused in the 9th day. There were no obvious anomalies in the subcultured cells. The expressions in cell surface antigens of CD29, CD44 and CD90 were positive, while the expressions of CD34 and CD45 were negative. There was no statistically significant difference between cells from different generations (all P>0.05). Under condition of osteogenic induction, alizarin red staining was positive at the 18th day, and alcian blue staining was positive at the 21th day. Cell cycle examination showed that the rate of G0/G1 was about 81.45%. CONCLUSION: BM-MSCs of ILMW has advantages of earlier adherent time, more active proliferation, shorter cell subculture cycle, and stable biological characteristics after subculture, which is one of the best kinds of BM-MSCs coming from swine in mainland of China.

Self-powered ultraviolet photodetectors based on selectively grown ZnO nanowire arrays with thermal tuning performance.

A self-powered Schottky-type ultraviolet photodetector with Al-Pt interdigitated electrodes has been fabricated based on selectively grown ZnO nanowire arrays. At zero bias, the fabricated photodetector exhibited high sensitivity and excellent selectivity to UV light illumination with a fast response time of 81 ms. By tuning the Schottky barrier height through the thermally induced variation of the interface chemisorbed oxygen, an ultrahigh sensitivity of 3.1 × 10(4) was achieved at 340 K without an external power source, which was 82% higher than that obtained at room temperature. According to the thermionic emission-diffusion theory and the solar cell theory, the changes in the photocurrent of the photodetector at zero bias with various system temperatures were calculated, which agreed well with the experimental data. This work demonstrates a promising approach to modulating the performance of a self-powered photodetector by heating and provides theoretical support for studying the thermal effect on the future photoelectric device.

[Expressions of Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43 in prostate cancer and their implications].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43 in prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and their roles in the development and progression of PCa in order to provide some novel evidence for the diagnosis and treatment of PCa. METHODS: We determined the expressions of Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43 in the paraffin samples from 31 cases of PCa and 23 cases of BPH by SABC immunohistochemical staining, and analyzed the relationship of their expressions with the clinical and pathological parameters of PCa and BPH using the semiquantitative method. RESULTS: The positive expressions of Cx26 in BPH and PCa were 82.6% and 74.2%, respectively (chi2 = 0.541, P > 0.05), those of Cx32 were 78.3% and 61.3% (chi2 = 1.763, P > 0.05), and those of Cx43 were 87.0% and 38.7% (chi2 = 12.730, P < 0.01). The staining intensities of Cx26 and Cx43 were negatively correlated with the malignant phenotype of PCa (rCx26 = -0.476, P < 0.01; rCx43 = -0.484, P < 0.01), but not the expression of Cx32 (r = -0.242, P > 0.05). The three Cxs exhibited no correlation with the age and serum PSA level of the patients (P > 0.05), nor among their expressions (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43 are expressed in different degrees in BPH and PCa tissues. Cx43 plays a role in the occurrence and progression of PCa, and may serve as a new marker of PCa besides PSA as well as a new target in the biotherapy of PCa. Cx26 may be partially involved in the progression of PCa, but its mechanisms need to be further studied.

[Methodology of BMSCs in repairing ureteral injury in mice via renal artery transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on ureteral injury repair via renal artery transplantation. METHODS: The left ureteral obstruction model was set up in 49 Balb/c mice by micro vascular clamp. The microscopic vascular clamp was taken out to lift the left ureteral obstruction after 10 days. The mice were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=25) and a control group (n=24). Balb/c mice BMSCs transfected by luciferase (Luc) were transplanted immediately through the renal artery after removing the microscopic vascular clamp from the experimental group; while mice in the control group was closed the incision after the microscopic vascular clamp was removed immediately and without BMSCs transplant. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to scan the experimental mice. By measuring the left renal pelvis volume of the experimental mice at different time points and comparing the left ureter recanalization rate after removing left ureteral obstruction of the experimental group and the control group, we evaluated the repair effect of BMSCs on ureteral injury. RESULTS: The volume of the left renal pelvis in experimental mice became bigger obviously after the left ureter was obstructed (P<0.01). The left renal pelvis volume of the experimental group and the control group had no statistical significance 10 days after the left ureteral obstruction was set up (P=0.693). In the experimental group, the left ureter recanalization rate was higher than that in the control group, after removing the left ureteral obstruction (P=0.012). CONCLUSION: Transplantation through the renal artery can promote the restoration of ureteral injury in mice.

A modified U-Net convolutional neural network for segmenting periprostatic adipose tissue based on contour feature learning.

Objective: This study trains a U-shaped fully convolutional neural network (U-Net) model based on peripheral contour measures to achieve rapid, accurate, automated identification and segmentation of periprostatic adipose tissue (PPAT). Methods: Currently, no studies are using deep learning methods to discriminate and segment periprostatic adipose tissue. This paper proposes a novel and modified, U-shaped convolutional neural network contour control points on a small number of datasets of MRI T2W images of PPAT combined with its gradient images as a feature learning method to reduce feature ambiguity caused by the differences in PPAT contours of different patients. This paper adopts a supervised learning method on the labeled dataset, combining the probability and spatial distribution of control points, and proposes a weighted loss function to optimize the neural network's convergence speed and detection performance. Based on high-precision detection of control points, this paper uses a convex curve fitting to obtain the final PPAT contour. The imaging segmentation results were compared with those of a fully convolutional network (FCN), U-Net, and semantic segmentation convolutional network (SegNet) on three evaluation metrics: Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), and intersection over union ratio (IoU). Results: Cropped images with a 270 × 270-pixel matrix had DSC, HD, and IoU values of 70.1%, 27 mm, and 56.1%, respectively; downscaled images with a 256 × 256-pixel matrix had 68.7%, 26.7 mm, and 54.1%. A U-Net network based on peripheral contour characteristics predicted the complete periprostatic adipose tissue contours on T2W images at different levels. FCN, U-Net, and SegNet could not completely predict them. Conclusion: This U-Net convolutional neural network based on peripheral contour features can identify and segment periprostatic adipose tissue quite well. Cropped images with a 270 × 270-pixel matrix are more appropriate for use with the U-Net convolutional neural network based on contour features; reducing the resolution of the original image will lower the accuracy of the U-Net convolutional neural network. FCN and SegNet are not appropriate for identifying PPAT on T2 sequence MR images. Our method can automatically segment PPAT rapidly and accurately, laying a foundation for PPAT image analysis.