Single-cell transcriptome landscape of ovarian cells during primordial follicle assembly in mice.

Primordial follicle assembly in the mouse occurs during perinatal ages and largely determines the ovarian reserve that will be available to support the reproductive life span. The development of primordial follicles is controlled by a complex network of interactions between oocytes and ovarian somatic cells that remain poorly understood. In the present research, using single-cell RNA sequencing performed over a time series on murine ovaries, coupled with several bioinformatics analyses, the complete dynamic genetic programs of germ and granulosa cells from E16.5 to postnatal day (PD) 3 were reported. Along with confirming the previously reported expression of genes by germ cells and granulosa cells, our analyses identified 5 distinct cell clusters associated with germ cells and 6 with granulosa cells. Consequently, several new genes expressed at significant levels at each investigated stage were assigned. By building single-cell pseudotemporal trajectories, 3 states and 1 branch point of fate transition for the germ cells were revealed, as well as for the granulosa cells. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment enabled identification of the biological process most represented in germ cells and granulosa cells or common to both cell types at each specific stage, and the interactions of germ cells and granulosa cells basing on known and novel pathway were presented. Finally, by using single-cell regulatory network inference and clustering (SCENIC) algorithm, we were able to establish a network of regulons that can be postulated as likely candidates for sustaining germ cell-specific transcription programs throughout the period of investigation. Above all, this study provides the whole transcriptome landscape of ovarian cells and unearths new insights during primordial follicle assembly in mice.

In Situ Photoisomerization of an Azobenzene-Based Triple Helicate with a Prolonged Thermal Relaxation Time.

The phosphate-coordination triple helicates A2 L3 (A=anion) with azobenzene-spaced bis-bis(urea) ligands (L) have proven to undergo a rare in situ photoisomerization (without disassembly of the structure) rather than the typically known, stepwise "disassembly-isomerization-reassembly" process. This is enabled by the structural self-adaptability of the "aniono" assembly arising from multiple relatively weak and flexible hydrogen bonds between the phosphate anion and bis(urea) units. Notably, the Z→E thermal relaxation rate of the isomerized azobenzene unit is significantly decreased (up to 20-fold) for the triple helicates compared to the free ligands. Moreover, the binding of chiral guest cations inside the cavity of the Z-isomerized triple helicate can induce optically pure diastereomers, thus demonstrating a new strategy for making light-activated chiroptical materials.

ROS-NLRP3 signaling pathway induces sterile inflammation after thulium laser resection of the prostate.

The sterile inflammation (SI) of the urinary tract is a common problem requiring serious consideration after prostatectomy. This study mainly focuses on the role of the reactive oxygen species-NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (ROS-NLRP3) signaling pathway in SI after thulium laser resection of the prostate (TmLRP). Urinary cytokines were determined in patients who received TmLRP, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) was detected in the resected tissues. The involvement of ROS signaling in HSP70-induced inflammation was explored in THP-1 cells with or without N-acetyl- l-cysteine (NAC) pretreatment. The function of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 was determined by Western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and polymerase chain reaction. These phenomena and mechanisms were verified by the beagle models that received TmLRP. Clinical urine samples after TmLRP showed high expression of inflammatory factors and peaked 3-5 days after surgery. The high expression of HSP70 in the resected tissues was observed. After HSP70 stimulation, the expression of ROS, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and interleukin-18 (IL-18) increased significantly and could be reduced by ROS inhibitor NAC. The expression of IL-1ß and IL-18 could be inhibited by NLRP3 or Caspase-1 inhibitors. In beagle models that received TmLRP, HSP70, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1ß, and IL-18 were highly expressed in the wound tissue or urine, and could also be reduced by NAC pretreatment. Activation of the ROS-NLRP3 signaling pathway induces SI in the wound after prostatectomy. Inhibition of this pathway may be effective for clinical prevention and treatment of SI and related complications after prostatectomy.

Transcriptional profiling of microglia in the injured brain reveals distinct molecular features underlying neurodegeneration.

Neurotrauma has been recognized as a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, and sex difference of the incidence and outcome of neurodegenerative diseases has long been recognized. Past studies suggest that microglia could play a versatile role in both health and disease. So far, the microglial mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and potentially lead to sex-specific therapies are still very open. Here we applied whole transcriptome analysis of microglia acutely isolated at different timepoints after a cortical stab wound injury to gain insight into genes that might be dysregulated and transcriptionally different between males and females after cortical injury. We found that microglia displayed distinct temporal and sexual molecular signatures of transcriptome after cortical injury. Hypotheses and gene candidates that we presented in the present study could be worthy to be examined to explore the roles of microglia in neurotrauma and in sex-biased neurodegenerative diseases.

CAFs-derived MFAP5 promotes bladder cancer malignant behavior through NOTCH2/HEY1 signaling.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an important component of the tumor microenvironment and contribute to tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Microfibrillar-associated protein 5 (MFAP5), a component of elastic microfibers and an oncogenic protein in several types of tumors, is secreted by CAFs. However, the role of MFAP5 in the bladder cancer remains unclear. Here, we report that MFAP5 is upregulated in bladder cancer and is associated with poor patient survival. Downregulation of MFAP5 in CAFs led to an impairment in proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer cells. Luciferase reporter assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) showed QKI directly downregulates MFAP5 in CAFs. In addition, CAFs-derived MFAP5 led to an activation of the NOTCH2/HEY1 signaling pathway through direct interaction with the NOTCH2 receptor, thereby stimulating the N2ICD release. RNA-sequencing revealed that MFAP5-mediated PI3K-AKT signaling activated the DLL4/NOTCH2 pathway axis in bladder cancer. Moreover, downregulation of NOTCH2 by short hairpin RNA or the inactivating anti-body NRR2Mab was able to reverse the adverse effects of MFAP5 stimulation in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results demonstrate CAFs-derived MFAP5 promotes the bladder cancer proliferation and metastasis and provides new insight for targeting CAFs as novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategy.

A simple pillar[5]arene assembled multi-functional material with ultrasensitive sensing, self-healing, conductivity and host-guest stimuli-responsive properties.

Multi-functional materials have received wide attention due to their potential applications in various fields; therefore, developing a simple and easy strategy for the preparation of multi-functional materials is an interesting issue. In this work, a novel supramolecular gel, TP-QG, has been successfully constructed via the assembly of a simple methoxyl-pillar[5]arene host (TP) and a tripodal (tri-pyridine-4-yl)-amido-benzene guest (Q). Interestingly, TP-QG could act as a multi-functional material and showed strong fluorescence, good self-healing, host-guest stimuli-responsiveness and conductive properties. Due to these properties, TP-QG shows a fascinating application prospect. For instance, TP-QG could exhibit ultrasensitive fluorescence response for Fe3+ and F- in water via the fluorescence "ON-OFF-ON" pathway; the lowest detection limit (LOD) of TP-QG for Fe3+ was 2.32 × 10-10 M and the LOD of TP-QG-Fe for F- was 4.30 × 10-8 M. These properties permit TP-QG to act as not only a Fe3+ and F- sensor, but also an "ON-OFF-ON" fluorescence display material and an efficient logic gate. Meanwhile, the xerogel of TP-QG could remove Fe3+ from water, and the adsorption ratio was 98.68%; the xerogel of TP-QG-Fe could also remove F- from water; the removal ratio was about 87.92%. This work provides a feasible way to construct multi-functional smart materials by host-guest assembly.

Metal-Free White Light-Emitting Fluorescent Material Based on Simple Pillar[5]arene-tripodal Amide System and Theoretical Insights on Its Assembly and Fluorescent Properties.

The booming of host-guest assembly-based supramolecular chemistry provides abundant ways to construct functional systems and materials. Attracted by the important application prospect of white light emission and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials, herein, we report an efficient way for fabricating metal-free white light-emitting AIE materials through the supramolecular assembly of simple organic compounds: methoxyl pillar[5]arene (MP5) and tri-(pyridine-4-ylamido)benzene (TAP). By host-guest assembly, MP5 and TAP formed a supramolecular polymer (MP5-T); meanwhile, the MP5-T xerogel powder emitted white light at CIE coordinates (0.29 and 0.29). The supramolecular assembly and white light-emitting mechanisms were carefully investigated by experiments as well as quantum chemical calculations including density functional theory (DFT), reduced density gradient, electrostatic surface potential, independent gradient model, and frontier molecular orbital (highest-occupied molecular orbital-lowest-unoccupied molecular orbital) analyses. Interestingly, according to the experiments and calculations, the supramolecular assembly is critical in the white light-emitting phenomenon. Moreover, in this work, the quantum chemical calculations could not only support experimental phenomena but also provide deep understanding and visualized presentation of the assembly and emission mechanism. In addition, the obtained MP5-T solid powder could serve as a novel and easy means to make material for white light-emitting devices.

Transparency and AIE tunable supramolecular polymer hydrogel acts as TEA-HCl vapor controlled smart optical material.

Stimuli-responsive optical materials attract lots of attention due to their broad applications. Herein, a novel smart stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymer was successfully constructed using a simple tripodal quaternary ammonium-based gelator (TH). The TH self-assembles into a supramolecular polymer hydrogel (TH-G) and shows aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties. Interestingly, the transparency and fluorescence of the TH-G xerogel film (TH-GF) could be reversibly regulated by use of triethylamine (TEA) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) vapor. When alternately fumed with TEA and HCl vapor, the optical transmittance of the TH-GF was changed from 8.9% to 92.7%. Meanwhile, the fluorescence of the TH-G shows an "ON/OFF" switch. The reversible switching of the transparency and the fluorescence of the TH-GF is attributed to the assembly and disassembly of the supramolecular polymer TH-G. Based on these stimuli-response properties, the TH-GF could act as an optical material and shows potential applications as smart windows or fluorescent display material controlled by TEA and HCl vapor.

Correction to: L_RNA_scaffolder: scaffolding genomes with transcripts.

Following the publication of this article [1], the authors reported that the link to the software described in the article is no longer valid.

A bi-component supramolecular gel for selective fluorescence detection and removal of Hg2+ in water.

A bi-component supramolecular gel (RQ) was successfully constructed by the assembly of the gelators 4-aminophenyl functionalized naphthalimide derivative (R) and tri-(pyridine-4-yl)-functionalized trimesic amide (Q) in DMSO-H2O (6.1 : 3.9, v/v) binary solution. The gel RQ exhibits excellent self-healing capacity. Interestingly, the RQ could fluorescently detect and reversibly remove Hg2+ from water through cation-π interactions with high selectivity, efficient adsorption and quick response. The limit of lowest detection (LOD) of the RQ for Hg2+ is 4.52 × 10-8 M and the separation ratio is 91.14%. Moreover, the RQ could be efficiently recycled and regenerated with little loss via a simple treatment by I-. Notably, thin films based on RQ and RQ + Hg2+ were prepared, which could serve as convenient and efficient test tools for the detection of Hg2+ and I-, respectively. This work provided an efficient method and novel supramolecular gel material for the separation and detection of Hg2+.

TRAF6 regulates proliferation of stromal cells in the transition and peripheral zones of benign prostatic hyperplasia via Akt/mTOR signaling.

BACKGROUND: Increased prostatic smooth muscle tone and hyperplastic growth contribute to urethral obstruction and voiding symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It has been suggested that different proliferative potential of stromal cells between transition zone (TZ) and adjoining regions of the prostate plays a significant role in the development of BPH. However, the molecular mechanisms of this hyperplastic process remain unclear. We found tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) highly expressed in TZ stromal cells compared to peripheral zone (PZ) stromal cells by gene array analyzes. Therefore, we aim to study the potential mechanisms of stromal TRAF6 in promoting BPH progression. METHODS: Stromal cells obtained from BPH-derived primary cultures. The TRAF6-siRNA vector were constructed and transfected into cultured human BPH primary TZ stromal cells, and TRAF6-overexpressing vector were constructed and transfected into cultured human BPH primary PZ stromal cells. Stromal cells were recombined with BPH-1 cells then subcutaneously inoculated into the kidney capsule of male nude mice. Cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Multiple proteins in the Akt/mTOR pathway were assessed using western blot. RESULTS: TRAF6 levels were increased in TZ stroma compared with PZ stroma of BPH. The in vitro cell culture and in vivo cell recombination revealed that selective downregulation of TRAF6 in TZ stromal cells led to suppression of the proliferation, while upregulation of TRAF6 in PZ stromal cells enhanced the proliferation. We found that the Phosphorylation and Ubiquitination of Akt as well as the Phosphorylation of mTOR, P70S6K were decreased when TRAF6 was downregulated in primary cultured TZ stromal cells of BPH. CONCLUSIONS: TRAF6 can promote the proliferation of stromal cells of BPH via Akt/mTOR signaling. Our results may make stromal TRAF6 responsible for zonal characteristic of BPH and as a promising therapeutic strategy for BPH treatment.

PEP_scaffolder: using (homologous) proteins to scaffold genomes.

MOTIVATION: Recovering the gene structures is one of the important goals of genome assembly. In low-quality assemblies, and even some high-quality assemblies, certain gene regions are still incomplete; thus, novel scaffolding approaches are required to complete gene regions. RESULTS: We developed an efficient and fast genome scaffolding method called PEP_scaffolder, using proteins to scaffold genomes. The pipeline aims to recover protein-coding gene structures. We tested the method on human contigs; using human UniProt proteins as guides, the improvement on N50 size was 17% increase with an accuracy of ∼97%. PEP_scaffolder improved the proportion of fully covered proteins among all proteins, which was close to the proportion in the finished genome. The method provided a high accuracy of 91% using orthologs of distant species. Tested on simulated fly contigs, PEP_scaffolder outperformed other scaffolders, with the shortest running time and the highest accuracy. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The software is freely available at http://www.fishbrowser.org/software/PEP_scaffolder/ CONTACT: lijt@cafs.ac.cnSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

[Huangjing Zanyu Capsule enhances sperm mitochondrial membrane potential in asthenozoospermia patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Huangjing Zanyu Capsule (HZC) on sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in asthenozoospermia patients. METHODS: We assigned 70 asthenozoospermia patients to a treatment group (n = 39) and a control group (n = 31), the former treated with oral HZC at the dose of 4 capsules tid for 3 months while the latter left untreated. We obtained semen parameters from the patients and detected their sperm mitochondrial membrane potentials (MMP) by JC-1 staining and flow cytometry before and after medication, followed by comparison between the two groups. RESULTS: The total effectiveness rate was 71.05% in the treatment group and natural pregnancy was achieved in 3 cases during the medication. A total of 35 patients in the treatment group and 30 controls completed all the laboratory examinations after a 3-month observation. Compared with the controls, the patients treated with HZC exhibited significant improvement after medication in MMP (variation value: ï¼»1.19 ± 10.36ï¼½% vs ï¼»20.28 ± 14.21ï¼½%, P <0.01), total sperm motility (variation value: ï¼»3.46 ± 8.67ï¼½% vs ï¼»20.68 ± 14.12ï¼½%, P <0.01), the percentage of progressively motile sperm (variation value: ï¼»2.26 ± 8.29ï¼½% vs ï¼»17.58 ± 12.73ï¼½%, P <0.01), and the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (variation value: ï¼»0.23 ± 3.48ï¼½% vs ï¼»3.37 ± 3.99ï¼½%, P <0.01). MMP was significantly correlated with total sperm motility (r = 0.69, P <0.01), progressive sperm motility (r = 0.75, P <0.01) and normal sperm morphology (r = 0.26, P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Huangjing Zanyu Capsule can enhance sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and sperm mitochondrial function, thus improving total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility and normal sperm morphology. It is safe and effective for the treatment of asthenospermia.

Comparison of the clinical efficacy and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy and ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy in the treatment of obstructive upper ureteral calculi with concurrent urinary tract infections.

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (RPLU) and ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy (UHLL) as two minimally invasive procedures in managing obstructive upper ureteral calculi with concurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). The retrospective study included 189 patients who underwent unilateral obstructive upper ureteral stones with concurrent UTI from January 2007 to November 2014 at our institution. Patients received RPLU (81 cases) or UHLL (108 cases). All patients received preoperative anti-infection treatment (indwelling ureteral stent and/or preoperative antibiotics). Collected data, including sex, age, stone size, success rate, operation duration, post-operation hospitalization time, and post-operation complications, were compared. All patients were followed up for more than 6 months after surgeries, and no ureterostenosis occurred. The study included 189 patients, 41 (21.7 %) females and 148 (78.3 %) males with a medium age of 52 years (range 22-81 years). All surgeries were successfully performed without conversion to open surgery. Stone size in the RPLU group was larger than that of the UHLL group (16.1 ± 1.4 vs. 10.4 ± 1.6 mm, P = 0.012). Operative duration (P = 0.009) and hospitalization time (P < 0.001) in the UHLL group were significantly shorter than those in the RPLU group, whereas stone clearance rate was significantly higher in the RPLU group (100 vs. 88.9 %, P = 0.002). Of note, postoperative fever was more common in patients treated with UHLL (15 cases) versus RPLU (4 cases) (13.9 vs. 4.9 %, P = 0.043). Moreover, in the UHLL group, three patients without a preoperative indwelling ureteral stent were complicated with sepsis, which was not seen in RPLU group. In our study, the safety and stone clearance rate of RPLU are better than those of UHLL in the treatment of unilateral upper ureteric calculi with concurrent UTI. Preoperative antibiotics and indwelling ureteral stent may reduce the risk of postoperative infections.

Gene Expression Variations of Red-White Skin Coloration in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Teleosts have more types of chromatophores than other vertebrates and the genetic basis for pigmentation is highly conserved among vertebrates. Therefore, teleosts are important models to study the mechanism of pigmentation. Although functional genes and genetic variations of pigmentation have been studied, the mechanisms of different skin coloration remains poorly understood. The koi strain of common carp has various colors and patterns, making it a good model for studying the genetic basis of pigmentation. We performed RNA-sequencing for red skin and white skin and identified 62 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Most of them were validated with RT-qPCR. The up-regulated DEGs in red skin were enriched in Kupffer's vesicle development while the up-regulated DEGs in white skin were involved in cytoskeletal protein binding, sarcomere organization and glycogen phosphorylase activity. The distinct enriched activity might be associated with different structures and functions in erythrophores and iridophores. The DNA methylation levels of two selected DEGs inversely correlated with gene expression, indicating the participation of DNA methylation in the coloration. This expression characterization of red-white skin along with the accompanying transcriptome-wide expression data will be a useful resource for further studies of pigment cell biology.

Evolution of the viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus: divergence, selection and origin.

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is an economically significant rhabdovirus that affects an increasing number of freshwater and marine fish species. Extensive studies have been conducted on the molecular epizootiology, genetic diversity, and phylogeny of VHSV. However, there are discrepancies between the reported estimates of the nucleotide substitution rate for the G gene and the divergence times for the genotypes. Herein, Bayesian coalescent analyses were conducted to the time-stamped entire coding sequences of the six VHSV genes. Rate estimates based on the G gene indicated that the marine genotypes/subtypes might not all evolve slower than their major European freshwater counterpart. Age calculations on the six genes revealed that the first bifurcation event of the analyzed isolates might have taken place within the last 300 years, which was much younger than previously thought. Selection analyses suggested that two codons of the G gene might be positively selected. Surveys of codon usage bias showed that the P, M and NV genes exhibited genotype-specific variations. Furthermore, we proposed that VHSV originated from the Pacific Northwest of North America.

Two-micron thulium laser resection of the distal ureter and bladder cuff during nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

The thulium laser (Tm-laser) technique has been used in the management of many urologic conditions. The present study aimed to evaluate the use of this technique for distal ureter and bladder cuff (DUBC) excision during nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUT-UC). Fifty-eight patients with UUT-UC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy were included in this retrospective study. DUBC was managed by open excision in 24 cases, by transurethral electrosurgery in 17 cases, and by transurethral Tm-laser in 17 cases. Perioperative measures and oncologic outcomes were compared among the three groups. Furthermore, 11 human ureteral segments were collected to measure the burst pressure and show physical pressure tolerance, and six ureteral segments were assessed histologically to investigate the sealing effect. Operative time and hospital stay were significantly longer, and intraoperative blood loss was significantly greater in the open excision group than in the electrosurgery and Tm-laser groups (P < 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in these parameters between the electrosurgery and Tm-laser groups. In addition, there were no significant differences in the incidences of bladder tumors and retroperitoneal recurrence of urothelial carcinoma among the three groups. The coagulation time and resection time were significantly shorter in the Tm-laser group than in the electrosurgery group. The mean burst pressure did not differ significantly between the tissues sealed by electrosurgery and by Tm-laser. Histopathological analyses showed that distal ureters were completely sealed by both electrosurgery and Tm-laser. The Tm-laser technique is superior to open excision and comparable to transurethral electrosurgery in the management of DUBC during nephroureterectomy for UUT-UC, offering an alternative treatment option for this condition.

Two-micrometer thulium laser resection of the prostate-tangerine technique for patients with acute urinary retention.

Two-micrometer thulium laser resection of the prostate-tangerine technique (TmLRP-TT) has been introduced as a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Acute urinary retention (AUR) is a common and serious complication of BPH. The study was undertaken to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of TmLRP-TT in the treatment of patients with AUR secondary to BPH. A prospective evaluation of 52 patients undergoing TmLRP-TT from December 2011 to November 2012 was carried out. Preoperative status, surgical details, and perioperative complications were recorded. The follow-up outcome was evaluated with subjective and objective tests at 1 and 6 months. Mean age was 70.3 ± 7.8 years old. Mean prostate volume was 69.6 ± 31.6 ml, and mean residual volume with retention was 274.5 ± 150.7 ml. Mean operative time was 64.1 ± 30.4 min. Mean catheterization duration was 5.4 ± 1.1 days. The mean International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score, and postvoid residual urine volume decreased significantly at 6-month follow-up (21.6 ± 6.8 vs. 6.8 ± 3.2, 4.4 ± 1.2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.8, 274.5 ± 150.7 vs. 40.6 ± 22.5 ml). The mean maximum urinary flow rate was 18.7 ± 6.9 ml/s postoperative. Two (3.8 %) of the patients required blood transfusion in operation. Five (9.6 %) of the patients had transient hematuria postoperative, and two (3.8 %) of them received 3 days recatheterization due to clot retention. The early clinical results suggest that the TmLRP-TT is a promising safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for patients with AUR secondary to BPH. The incidence of complications was low.

Safety and efficiency of thulium laser prostate resection for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in large prostates.

Thulium laser resection of the prostate-tangerine technique (TmLRP-TT) dissects whole prostatic lobes off the surgical capsule, similar to peeling a tangerine. The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TmLRP-TT for older symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with large prostates during 18 months of follow-up. A prospective analysis of 95 consecutive patients with large prostates (>80 ml) who underwent surgical treatment using TmLRP-TT was carried out. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months postoperatively by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Q max), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5), urine analysis, and urine culture. Perioperative complications were recorded and graded by the modified Clavien classification system (CCS). Mean preoperative prostate volume was 106.81 ± 24.79 ml. TmLRP-TT was successfully completed in all patients. The mean operative duration, catheterization time, and hospital stay were 95.36 ± 27.06 min, 2.25 ± 0.9 days, and 5.39 ± 1.18 days, respectively. The decrease in mean hemoglobin level was 1.23 ± 0.72 g/dl, and that in mean serum sodium level was 0.71 ± 2.56 mmol/l. Within the observation period of 18 months, the patients showed an improvement in IPSS (20.01 ± 7.08 vs. 4.96 ± 3.68), QoL (4.10 ± 1.16 vs. 1.23 ± 1.30), Q max (8.14 ± 3.81 ml/s vs. 18.33 ± 2.56 ml/s) and PVR (102.70 ± 70.64 ml vs. 20.28 ± 30.02 ml), compared with baseline values (P < 0.001). IIEF-5 remained stable. Minor complications occurred in 10 (10.52 %) of 95 patients (Clavien grade 1, 9.47 % and grade 2, 1.05 %). There were no severe complications requiring reintervention (Clavien grade 3, 0 % and grade 4, 0 %). TmLRP-TT is a safe and effective surgical endoscopic technique associated with a low complication rate in large prostates as assessed during an 18-month follow-up period. It is a promising technology, which may be considered as one of the alternatives to open simple prostatectomy (OP) for large prostates in the future.

The transcriptomes of the crucian carp complex (Carassius auratus) provide insights into the distinction between unisexual triploids and sexual diploids.

Both sexual reproduction and unisexual reproduction are adaptive strategies for species survival and evolution. Unisexual animals have originated largely by hybridization, which tends to elevate their heterozygosity. However, the extent of genetic diversity resulting from hybridization and the genomic differences that determine the type of reproduction are poorly understood. In Carassius auratus, sexual diploids and unisexual triploids coexist. These two forms are similar morphologically but differ markedly in their modes of reproduction. Investigation of their genomic differences will be useful to study genome diversity and the development of reproductive mode. We generated transcriptomes for the unisexual and sexual populations. Genes were identified using homology searches and an ab initio method. Estimation of the synonymous substitution rate in the orthologous pairs indicated that the hybridization of gibel carp occurred 2.2 million years ago. Microsatellite genotyping in each individual from the gibel carp population indicated that most gibel carp genes were not tri-allelic. Molecular function and pathway comparisons suggested few gene expansions between them, except for the progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation pathway, which is enriched in gibel carp. Differential expression analysis identified highly expressed genes in gibel carp. The transcriptomes provide information on genetic diversity and genomic differences, which should assist future studies in functional genomics.