EZH2-dependent myelination following sciatic nerve injury.

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202508000-00028/figure1/v/2024-09-30T120553Z/r/image-tiff Demyelination and remyelination have been major focal points in the study of peripheral nerve regeneration following peripheral nerve injury. Notably, the gene regulatory network of regenerated myelin differs from that of native myelin. Silencing of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) hinders the differentiation, maturation, and myelination of Schwann cells in vitro. To further determine the role of EZH2 in myelination and recovery post-peripheral nerve injury, conditional knockout mice lacking Ezh2 in Schwann cells (Ezh2fl/fl;Dhh-Cre and Ezh2fl/fl;Mpz-Cre) were generated. Our results show that a significant proportion of axons in the sciatic nerve of Ezh2-depleted mice remain unmyelinated. This highlights the crucial role of Ezh2 in initiating Schwann cell myelination. Furthermore, we observed that 21 days after inducing a sciatic nerve crush injury in these mice, most axons had remyelinated at the injury site in the control nerve, while Ezh2fl/fl;Mpz-Cre mice had significantly fewer remyelinated axons compared with their wild-type littermates. This suggests that the absence of Ezh2 in Schwann cells impairs myelin formation and remyelination. In conclusion, EZH2 has emerged as a pivotal regulatory factor in the process of demyelination and myelin regeneration following peripheral nerve injury. Modulating EZH2 activity during these processes may offer a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.

Loss-of-function in testis-specific serine/threonine protein kinase triggers male infertility in an invasive moth.

Genetic biocontrol technologies present promising and eco-friendly strategies for the management of pest and insect-transmitted diseases. Although considerable advancements achieve in gene drive applications targeting mosquitoes, endeavors to combat agricultural pests have been somewhat restricted. Here, we identify that the testis-specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) family is uniquely expressed in the testes of Cydia pomonella, a prominent global invasive species. We further generated male moths with disrupted the expression of TSSKs and those with TSSKs disrupted using RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9 genetic editing techniques, resulting in significant disruptions in spermiogenesis, decreased sperm motility, and hindered development of eggs. Further explorations into the underlying post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms reveales the involvement of lnc117962 as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-3960, thereby regulating TSSKs. Notably, orchard trials demonstrates that the release of male strains can effectively suppress population growth. Our findings indicate that targeting TSSKs could serve as a feasible avenue for managing C. pomonella populations, offering significant insights and potential strategies for controlling invasive pests through genetic sterile insect technique (gSIT) technology.

Crystal Structure and Photoluminescence of Two Terbium Compounds with Bromobenzoic Acid and Phenanthroline.

Two novel Tb(III) ternary complexes, [Tb2(Phen)2(p-BrBA)6] and [TbY(Phen)2(p-BrBA)6], have been synthesized with p-bromobenzoic acid(p-BrBA) as the primary ligand and 1,10-phenanthroline(Phen) as the secondary ligand. The structures of these complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TGA) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structures of the compounds are similar because of similar radii of Tb3+ ion and Y3+ ion. Both the homobimetallic single crystal and the heterobimetallic single crystal belong to the monoclinic system. The results show that both complexes have excellent luminescence properties, including luminescent intensity, luminescent lifetime and quantum yield. The two compounds have an excited state lifetime of milliseconds and the photoluminescence quantum efficiencies of the two terbium complexes can exceed 100% upon excitation to their 5d states in theory, which is attributed to luminescent lifetime and quantum cutting (QC). Furthermore, the luminescent properties of [TbY(Phen)2(p-BrBA)6] are actually superior to those of [Tb2(Phen)2(p-BrBA)6].

Age-related differences in progression patterns, follow-up strategies, and postoperative outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer: insights from a large-scale validated study.

Background: Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) presents significant treatment challenges, particularly as patient age may influence disease progression and treatment response. Understanding the differences in progression patterns and treatment outcomes between older patient (OP) and non-older patient (NOP) is essential for tailoring effective management strategies. Objectives: We aimed to explore the differences of progression pattern, postoperative treatment, and survival outcome between OP and NOP groups in LARC. Design/Methods: The random survival forest model was used to determine the probability of time-to-event occurrence every 3 months. Patients in the NOP and OP group were both categorized into three risk groups based on progression-free survival nomogram scores. We employed inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to verify our findings. Results: Our results revealed that Groups 1, 2, and 3 experienced peaks in progression within the first 24 months in NOP group. As for OP group, Group 4 reached a progression peak at the 18th month, Group 5 at the 12th month, and Group 6 at the 9th month. In NOP group, high-risk patients who underwent postoperative chemotherapy had significantly improved overall survival compared to those who did not. Additionally, postoperative chemotherapy did not significantly improve prognosis for patients in low-, moderate-, or high-risk groups of OP group. Finally, the validation results of IPTW analysis and SEER database showed compliance with our findings. Conclusion: For NOP group, we recommended close follow-up during the first 2 years. As for OP group, it was suggested to conduct close follow-up at the 18th, 12th, and 9th month for low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. Furthermore, postoperative chemotherapy can provide survival benefits for patients in high-risk group of NOP group. However, OP group patients should be informed that the potential benefits of postoperative chemotherapy may be minimal.

A Surface-Reconstructed Bilayer Heterojunction Enables Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells.

The efficiency of perovskite photovoltaics remains distant from their theoretical limits, primarily due to high photovoltage losses. Here a strategy is reported to minimize voltage losses by reconstructing the perovskite surface into a bilayer heterojunction (BLH) structure. Unlike conventional low-dimensional capping layers, typically constrained to a few nanometers to prevent low fill factors, this methodology facilitates a more comprehensive reaction with surface defects, allowing a more substantial capping layer (≈50 nanometers) without compromising charge transport integrity. Time-resolved microwave conductivity analysis indicates a significant reduction in trap density at the top region of the perovskite film, showing an order of magnitude lower than that of the pristine sample. Incorporating this BLH in inverted cells results in a remarkably low photovoltage deficit of 325 mV, leading to a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.1% (25.72% certified). The encapsulated device maintains 94% of its original efficiency after 1200 h of maximum power point tracking under one sun illumination at 65 °C.

Role of TRIP13 in human cancer development.

As an AAA + ATPase, thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein 13 (TRIP13) primarily functions in DNA double-strand break repair, chromosome recombination, and cell cycle checkpoint regulation; aberrant expression of TRIP13 can result in chromosomal instability (CIN). According to recent research, TRIP13 is aberrantly expressed in a variety of cancers, and a patient's poor prognosis and tumor stage are strongly correlated with high expression of TRIP13. Tumor cell and subcutaneous xenograft growth can be markedly inhibited by TRIP13 knockdown or TRIP13 inhibitor administration. In the initiation and advancement of human malignancies, TRIP13 seems to function as an oncogene. Based on available data, TRIP13 may function as a biological target and biomarker for cancer. The creation of inhibitors that specifically target TRIP13 may present novel approaches to treating cancer.

Comparative study on the efficacy of low-dose and full-dose BCG bladder perfusion therapy.

BACKGROUND: Full-dose BCG bladder perfusion therapy is effective, but there are serious side effects. Whether a low dose of BCG can reduce the side effects of treatment while maintaining its efficacy is still inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of low-dose and full-dose BCG bladder perfusion therapy and to provide reference for individual treatment of bladder cancer. METHODS: All relevant literature published in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embrase databases up to April 2024 was searched. The results and shortcomings of the existing literature are analyzed, the cognitive gaps between different studies are pointed out, and suggestions are made for future research. RESULTS: A total of 32 pieces of literature were included. Twelve studies found that the efficacy of full-dose BCG perfusion was significantly better than that of low-dose BCG perfusion, and 20 studies found no statistical difference between low-dose and full-dose BCG perfusion CONCLUSION: Although there is no significant difference in the efficacy of full-dose and low-dose BCG in bladder perfusion, the trend indicates that the efficacy of full-dose BCG is still the most accurate. In cases where BCG resources are scarce or patients are intolerant, low-dose BCG bladder perfusion therapy may be an alternative to full-dose BCG bladder perfusion therapy. High-quality, large-sample prospective cohort studies (or randomized controlled studies) are still needed in the future.

Progress in systematics and biogeography of Orchidaceae.

Orchidaceae are one of the largest families of angiosperms in terms of species richness. In the last decade, numerous studies have delved into reconstructing the phylogenetic framework of Orchidaceae, leveraging data from plastid, mitochondrial and nuclear sources. These studies have provided new insights into the systematics, diversification and biogeography of Orchidaceae, establishing a robust foundation for future research. Nevertheless, pronounced controversies persist regarding the precise placement of certain lineages within these phylogenetic frameworks. To address these discrepancies and deepen our understanding of the phylogenetic structure of Orchidaceae, we provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of phylogenetic studies focusing on contentious groups within Orchidaceae since 2015, delving into discussions on the underlying reasons for observed topological conflicts. We also provide a novel phylogenetic framework at the subtribal level. Furthermore, we examine the tempo and mode underlying orchid species diversity from the perspective of historical biogeography, highlighting factors contributing to extensive speciation. Ultimately, we delineate avenues for future research aimed at enhancing our understanding of Orchidaceae phylogeny and diversity.

FL118: A potential bladder cancer therapeutic compound targeting H2A.X identified through library screening.

The treatment of bladder cancer is limited by low drug efficacy and drug resistance. Hence, this study aimed to screen and identify potential drug precursors and investigate their mechanism of action. A set of camptothecin derivatives showing high anti-tumor potential was selected from early-stage research or literature and synthesized to construct a compound library. A total of 135 compounds were screened in T24 and J82 cells, revealing that FL118 significantly inhibited the proliferation of GC (gemcitabine + cisplatin)-sensitive/insensitive cells. FL118 exhibited excellent penetration and killing ability in organoids and three GC-insensitive patient-derived xenografts. Chemical proteomic and docking calculations were employed to identify binding proteins, indicating that FL118 can bind into H2A.X and its entwined DNA. The results of Cellular thermal shift assay and surface plasmon resonance (Kd = 3.77E-6) support the above findings. Fluorescence localization revealed widespread binding of FL118 within the cell nucleus. Furthermore, WB showed that FL118 increased cellular DNA damage, resulting in significant cell cycle inhibition. The binding of FL118 to H2A.X hindered the damage repair process, leading to apoptosis. Controllable adverse reactions were observed in mice treated with FL118. In conclusion, FL118 may be a superior anti-bladder cancer compound that acts as a molecular glue binding to both H2A.X and DNA. The resistance mediated by the DNA damage repair to DNA damage caused by GC regimen can be reversed by FL118. This distinct mechanism of FL118 has the potential to complement existing mainstream treatment approaches for bladder cancer.

Comprehensive analysis of the prognostic value of pre-treatment nutritional indicators in elderly rectal cancer patients.

Nutritional status assessment has been deemed essential in treating elderly cancer patients. This study aims to investigate and compare the prognostic value and clinical utility of pre-treatment nutritional indicators in elderly rectal cancer (RC) patients. We retrospectively collected data from 361 elderly rectal cancer patients. The optimal cut-off values for pre-treatment nutritional indicators were calculated using ROC curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were conducted to identify independent prognostic nutritional indicators. The predictive performance and clinical utility of these independent nutritional indicators was evaluated using time-dependent ROC. Multivariate analyses showed that body mass index (BMI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), geriatric nutrition risk index (GNRI), and platelet-albumin ratio (PAR) independently predicted overall survival and progression-free survival in elderly RC patients (all p < 0.05), except for advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI). According to the nomogram model, the pre-treatment nutritional prognosis score was calculated and the patients were risk stratified. The KM curve showed that the survival of the high-risk group was significantly worse than that of the low-moderate risk group. Time-dependent ROC indicated that novel nutritional prognostic indicator (NNPI) had the best predictive ability compared with the independent prognostic nutritional indicator. Subgroup analysis also showed that NNPI had prognostic value across different clinical factors and had significant clinical utility. In elderly RC patients, BMI, PNI, GNRI, PAR, and NNPI serve as objective assessment tools for nutrition-related mortality risk. Identifying elderly patients at higher nutritional risk can guide early clinical nutritional interventions and improve patient outcomes.

Mesenchymal stem cells in tumor microenvironment: drivers of bladder cancer progression through mitochondrial dynamics and energy production.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in tumor microenvironment (TME) are crucial for the initiation, development, and metastasis of cancer. The impact and mechanism of MSCs on bladder cancer are uncertain. Here we analyzed 205 patient samples to explore the relationships between tumor-stroma ratio and clinicopathological features. A co-culture model and nude mouse transplantation were used to explore the biological roles and molecular mechanisms of MSCs on bladder cancer cells. We found that a high tumor-stroma ratio was significantly associated with a larger tumor size and higher T stage, pathological grade, number of vascular invasions, and poor overall survival. MSCs in TME promoted the ability of bladder cancer cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade in vitro and in vivo. Next, we demonstrated that MSCs enhance mitochondrial autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis of bladder cancer cells, and increase energy production, thereby promoting bladder cancer cell progression. Kynurenine (Kyn) produced by MSCs could enhance mitochondrial function by activating the AMPK pathway. IDO1 inhibitor could reverse the tumor­promoting effects of MSCs in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrated that tryptophan metabolites Kyn of MSCs in TME could enhance mitochondrial function by activating the AMPK pathway, thereby promoting bladder cancer cell progression.

Effect of smoking on the recurrence and progression of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: It is well established that smoking is the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer, yet the impact of smoking on the recurrence and progression of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) remains a contentious issue. OBJECTIVE: To review all relevant literature published to date, providing a comprehensive assessment of the effects of smoking on the recurrence and progression of NMIBC, thereby offering a basis for smoking cessation management in NMIBC patients. METHODS: A search was conducted for all relevant literature published up to April 2024 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. The existing literature results and deficiencies were analyzed, and the gaps in understanding between different studies were highlighted, with recommendations for future research. RESULTS: A total of 24 studies were included in this work. Among them, 14 studies suggested that smoking promotes the recurrence and progression of NMIBC, while another 10 studies concluded that smoking has no effect on the recurrence and progression of NMIBC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our research indicates that smoking increases the risk of recurrence and progression in NMIBC patients, and quitting smoking can improve health-related quality of life. High-quality, large-sample prospective cohort studies (or randomized controlled studies) are still needed in the future.

Effects of oral carbohydrate loading in patients scheduled for painless bidirectional endoscopy: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Traditional fasting causes considerable discomfort without added assurance of security, whereas oral carbohydrate beverage offers an alternative to improve medical experience. This study aims to explore the impact of different types and dosages of oral fluids loading before painless bidirectional endoscopy on the gastric emptying and wellbeing. METHODS: 180 patients arranged for bidirectional endoscopy with intravenous anesthesia were randomized: patients in the control group (Group C) obeyed standard fasting; the 200 mL carbohydrate group (Group P1), 400 mL carbohydrate group (Group P2), 200 mL water group (Group W1) and 400 mL water group (Group W2) respectively consumed 200 mL or 400 mL corresponding clear liquids 2 h before the procedure. Gastric emptying metrics under ultrasound, subjective comfort indexes, periprocedural blood glucose and vital signs were contrasted among the groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were detected in the gastric emptying including CSA (cross-sectional area), GV (gastric volume), cGV (corrected gastric volume) and the three-point grading system among groups, and none had a cGV > 1.5 mL/kg before anesthesia. Participants in Group P2 experienced less preprocedural thirst and mouth dryness, so as the postprocedural thirst, mouth dryness and hunger. Periprocedural blood glucose and MAP had the similar trend in all groups. The occurrence of hypotension, bradycardia, hypoxia, and the required norepinephrine was comparable among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oral beverage loading with 200 mL or 400 mL can be safely applicated 2 h before painless bidirectional endoscopy without increasing the gastric volume. 400 mL carbohydrate solution effectively relieves the discomfort and could serve as a consideration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on December 5, 2023 (ChiCTR2300078319).

Efficacy and safety of preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infection by inhibiting catheter bacterial biofilm formation: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) remains the most significant challenge among hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), yet still unresolved. The present study aims to evaluate the preventive effectiveness of JUC Spray Dressing (name of U.S. FDA and CE certifications, while the medical device name in China is Long-acting Antimicrobial Material) alone for CAUTI without combining with antibiotics and to evaluate the impact of bacterial biofilm formation on CAUTI results on the inserted catheters of patients. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind study, we enrolled adults who suffered from acute urinary retention (AUR) and required catheterization in 6 hospitals in China. Participants were randomly allocated 1:1 according to a random number table to receive JUC Spray Dressing (JUC group) or normal saline (placebo group). The catheters were pretreated with JUC Spray Dressing or normal saline respectively before catheterization. Urine samples and catheter samples were collected after catheterization by trial staff for further investigation. RESULTS: From April 2012 to April 2020, we enrolled 264 patients and randomly assigned them to the JUC group (n = 132) and the placebo group (n = 132). Clinical symptoms and urine bacterial cultures showed the incidence of CAUTI of the JUC group was significantly lower than the placebo group (P < 0.01). In addition, another 30 patients were enrolled to evaluate the biofilm formation on catheters after catheter insertion in the patients' urethra (10 groups, 3 each). The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that bacterial biofilm formed on the 5th day in the placebo group, while no bacterial biofilm formed on the 5th day in the JUC group. In addition, no adverse reactions were reported using JUC Spray Dressing. CONCLUSION: Continued indwelling urinary catheters for 5 days resulted in bacterial biofilm formation, and pretreatment of urethral catheters with JUC Spray Dressing can prevent bacterial biofilm formation by forming a physical antimicrobial film, and significantly reduce the incidence of CAUTI. This is the first report of a study on inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation on the catheters in CAUTI patients.

N6-Methyladenosine RNA Modification Regulates Maize Resistance to Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus Infection.

Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) is one of the main viruses causing significant losses in maize. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification has been proven to play important regulatory roles in plant development and stress response. In this study, we found that MCMV infection significantly up-regulated the m6A level in maize, and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were performed to investigate the distribution of m6A modified peaks and gene expression patterns in MCMV-infected maize plants. The results showed that 1325 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and 47 differentially methylated and expressed genes (DMEGs) were identified and analyzed. Moreover, the results of virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assays showed that ZmECT18 and ZmGST31 were required for MCMV infection, while silencing of ZmMTC, ZmSCI1 or ZmTIP1 significantly promoted MCMV infection in maize. Our findings provided novel insights into the regulatory roles of m6A modification in maize response to MCMV infection.

Changes in gut microbiota and metabolites of mice with intravenous graphene oxide-induced embryo toxicity.

The expanding applications of graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterials have attracted interest in understanding their potential adverse effects on embryonic and fetal development. Numerous studies have revealed the importance of the maternal gut microbiota in pregnancy. In this study, we established a mouse GO exposure model to evaluate embryo toxicity induced by intravenous administration of GO during pregnancy. We also explored the roles of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites using a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) intervention model. We found that administration of GO at doses up to 1.25 mg/kg caused embryo toxicity, characterized by significantly increased incidences of fetal resorption, stillbirths, and decreased birth weight. In pregnant mice with embryo toxicity, the richness of the maternal gut microbiota was dramatically decreased, and components of the microbial community were disturbed. FMT alleviated the decrease in birth weight by remodeling the gut microbiota, especially via upregulation of the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. We subsequently used untargeted metabolomics to identify characteristic fecal metabolites associated with GO exposure. These metabolites were closely correlated with the phyla Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria. Our findings offer new insights into the embryo toxic effects of GO exposure during pregnancy; they emphasize the roles of gut microbiota-metabolite interactions in adverse pregnancy outcomes induced by GO or other external exposures, as demonstrated through FMT intervention. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-024-00242-3.

The role of gut microbiota involved in prostate microenvironment and symptoms improvement in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome patients treated with low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave.

BACKGROUND: Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) is emerging as a promising and safe treatment for Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of the gut microbiota involved in the prostate microenvironment and symptom improvement during the Li-ESWT for CP/CPPS patients. METHODS: CP/CPPS patients not taking antibiotics or other treatments were included. NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) were used to evaluate the effectiveness of Li-ESWT at the end of treatment. Visual analogue scale/score was used to evaluate the pain during procedure. Stool and semen samples were collected before and after Li-ESWT. Shotgun metagenomics analyzed gut microbiota, while ELISA and other diagnostic kits detected biochemical changes in seminal plasma. RESULT: Of the 60 enrolled patients, 52 completed treatment. Li-ESWT response rate was 78.8% (41/52) at end of treatment. Among responders, the subitems of the NIH-CPSI; IPSS; and IIEF-5 scores improved significantly, and the seminal plasma analysis showed decreased TNF-a and MDA levels and increased SOD and Zn2+ levels posttreatment. Gut microbiome analysis indicated that posttreatment, both α and ß diversity increased, and the abundance of certain specific species significantly increased. Fifty-eight pathways significantly enriched posttreatment, notably in branched-chain amino acid synthesis and butyrate synthesis. The abundance of several specific species was found to be significantly higher in non-responders than responders. Among responders, at the species level, some bacteria associated with NIH-CPSI and its subscales, IPSS, IIEF-5, and prostate microenvironment markers (TNF-a, MDA, Zn2+, and SOD) were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates for the first time that Li-ESWT improves the prostate microenvironment and gut microbiota in CP/CPPS patients. Treatment nonresponse may be associated with a high abundance of specific pathogens before treatment. The gut microbiota could have a significant impact on Li-ESWT response and the prostate microenvironment.

A large population-based and validated study on the follow-up management and supportive strategy of locally advanced rectal cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the predictive factors and metastatic time for liver and lung metastasis in locally advanced rectal cancer (RC) patients. METHODS: Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify risk factors and prognostic factors for liver metastasis and lung metastasis in RC. Survival probabilities were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier model and compared using the log-rank test between groups. The probability of time-to-event occurrence was calculated using the random survival forest model. Finally, the SEER database was used to verify our findings. RESULTS: Our results indicated that pathological T stage and pathological N stage were independent predictive factors for liver metastasis. Furthermore, CEA level, pathological T stage, and tumor deposit were independent predictive factors for lung metastasis. Based on the results of a multivariate Cox analysis, we categorized patients with liver and lung metastasis into three groups based on their scores. The results revealed that patients with higher scores had a higher probability of experiencing metastasis. For liver metastasis, Groups 1, 2, and 3 all exhibited higher occurrence rates within the first 24 months. However, for lung metastasis, Group 4 showed the highest occurrence rate at the 12th month, while Groups 5 and 6 exhibited the highest occurrence rates at the 15th month. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we developed predictive models to determine the likelihood of liver and lung metastasis in RC patients. It is crucial to implement a more intensive surveillance program for patients with unfavorable risk profiles in order to facilitate early detection of metastasis.

Mapping global research landscape and trend of nano-drug delivery system for urological cancers: a bibliometric analysis.

Aim: We conducted a bibliometric analysis to quantitatively study the development pathway, research hotspots and evolutionary trends of nano-drug delivery systems (NDDS) in treating urological tumors.Materials & methods: We used the Web of Science Core Collection to retrieve the literature related to NDDS in the urological tumors up to November 1, 2023. Bibliometric analysis and visualization were conducted using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and R-Bibliometrix. The major aspects of analysis included contributions from different countries/regions, authors' contributions, keywords identification, citation frequencies and overall research trends.Results: We included 3,220 articles. The analysis of annual publication trends revealed significant growth in this field since 2010, which has continued to the present day. The United States and China have far exceeded other countries/regions in the publication volume of papers in this field. The progression of the shell structure of NDDS in the urinary system has gradually transitioned from non-biological materials to biocompatible materials and ultimately to completely biocompatible materials. Mucoadhesive NDDS for intravesical drug delivery is a hotspot and a potential research material for bladder cancer.Conclusion: The field of NDDS in urological tumors has emerged as a research hotspot. Future research should focus on synergistic effects of NDDS with other treatment modalities.

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The association between preterm birth and the supplementation with vitamin D and calcium during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although vitamin D (VD) supplementation or calcium supplementation during pregnancy has become publicly accepted and part of health care behavior, the effect of co-supplementation on preterm birth remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To explore whether the supplementation with vitamin D and calcium during pregnancy is associated with preterm birth. METHODS: The study was the baseline survey from the birth cohort in Jinan, which was built at one month after the baby birth. Preterm birth and monthly VD and calcium supplementation during pregnancy were obtained by the questionnaire. The logistic model was conducted to exam the association. The distributed lag nonlinear model was applied to explore the critical window for the supplements. RESULTS: Preterm birth occurred in 4.4 % (285/6501) of the study subjects with single live births and the rates were 39.7% and 82.6% for single VD supplementation or calcium supplementation in pregnancy. The adjusted OR (95% CI) for preterm birth was 1.428 (1.115-1.829) related to VD and 0.883 (0.652-1.216) related to calcium. It is interesting to note that the increased risk of preterm birth with VD supplementation during pregnancy was only seen in pregnant women who supplemented with calcium (OR was 1.600) and had a significant increase in preterm birth weight (P = 0.040). Besides, supplementation VD with calcium during pregnancy from the 3rd to 6th month during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth (OR3rd = 1.216, 95% CI: 1.119-1.320; OR4th = 1.275, 95% CI: 1.152-1.411; OR5th = 1.279, 95% CI: 1.130-1.446; OR6th = 1.208, 95% CI: 1.076-1.356). Moreover, birth weight mediated 10.8% of the total effect of supplementation on preterm birth. CONCLUSION: Women who supplemented with VD among taking calcium during pregnancy were more likely to experience preterm birth, and birth weight partly mediates the effect. The critical window for association between supplements and preterm birth may be from the 3rd to 6th weeks of pregnancy.