Insights into the regulatory role of RNA methylation modifications in glioma.

Epitranscriptomic abnormalities, which are highly prevalent in primary central nervous system malignancies, have been identified as crucial contributors to the development and progression of gliomas. RNA epitranscriptomic modifications, particularly the reversible modification methylation, have been observed throughout the RNA cycle. Epitranscriptomic modifications, which regulate RNA transcription and translation, have profound biological implications. These modifications are associated with the development of several cancer types. Notably, three main protein types-writers, erasers, and readers, in conjunction with other related proteins, mediate these epitranscriptomic changes. This review primarily focuses on the role of recently identified RNA methylation modifications in gliomas, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), and N1-methyladenosine (m1A). We delved into their corresponding writers, erasers, readers, and related binding proteins to propose new approaches and prognostic indicators for patients with glioma.

[Efficacy and tolerability of dapoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and adverse effects of dapoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation. METHODS: We randomly assigned outpatients with premature ejaculation in the proportion of 2:1 to receive 30 mg dapoxetine on demand (n =78) or 50 mg sertraline qd for one month (n = 39). Follow-up was accomplished in 95 cases, 63 in the dapoxetine group and 32 in the sertraline group. We recorded the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), clinical global impression of change (CGIC) score, and adverse reactions of the patients and compared them between the two groups. RESULTS: IELT was significantly increased in both the dapoxetine (from [0.87 ± 0.31] to [2.84 ± 0.68] min, P < 0.05) and the sertraline group (from [0.84 ± 0.28] to [2.71 ± 0.92] min, P < 0.05) after medication. Based on the CGIC scores in premature ejaculation, the rate of excellence or effectiveness was 36.5% in the dapoxetine and 37. 5% in the sertraline group, and the rate of improvement was 63.5% in the former and 71.9% in the latter. The incidence rates of dizziness, nausea, headache, and diarrhea were slightly higher (P > 0.05) while those of fatigue, somnolence, and dry mouth significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the sertraline than in the dapoxetine group. CONCLUSION: On-demand oral medication of dapoxetine is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Imbalance between matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) contributes to bladder compliance changes in rabbits with partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO).

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and what does the study add?: A decrease in bladder compliance is known to be correlated with deterioration of renal function after bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Increased deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the detrusor layer is the primary reason for decreased compliance. In the bladder, as in other organs, ECM deposition is dependent on the balanced activity of proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). The imbalance between MMPs and TIMPs is a key regulator in ECM turnover. It has been shown that an altered proteolytic balance between MMP-1 and TIMP-1 favours accumulation of ECM and decreases tissue compliance in an ovine fetal BOO model. Also, MMP-1 was significantly down-regulated, while TIMP-1 levels were increased, in a time- and pressure-dependent manner in a smooth muscle cell (SMC) mechanical strain model. In the present study we measured the bladder compliance of control, sham-operated and partial BOO (PBOO) rabbits using a UDS-600 urodynamic testing machine. Collagen deposition between and within the detrusor SM bundles was evaluated using Masson's Trichrome stain and transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were evaluated by Western blot. We found that the imbalance between MMP-1 and TIMP-1 favours accumulation of extracellular collagen, the structural components associated with decreased bladder compliance after PBOO. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the underlying mechanisms of bladder compliance after partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO) and the role of the collagen degradation enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and its endogenous inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) during this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bladder compliance of control, sham-operated and PBOO rabbits was measured using a UDS-600 urodynamic testing machine. Collagen deposition between and within the detrusor smooth muscle bundles was evaluated using Masson's Trichrome stain and transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: Bladder compliance decreased after PBOO. Collagen deposition increased both between and within the detrusor smooth muscle bundles, and had an inverse relationship with bladder compliance. MMP-1 and TIMP-1 expression negatively correlated with bladder compliance. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the imbalance between MMP-1 and TIMP-1 favours accumulation of extracellular collagen, the structural components associated with decreased bladder compliance after PBOO.

Tetrandrine induces apoptosis and triggers caspase cascade in human bladder cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Tetrandrine is known to exert anti-tumor effects, however, little is known about its effect on human bladder carcinoma. In this study, employing two different human bladder cancer cell lines, 5637 and T24, which represent high-risk superficial bladder cancer (5637) and high-grade bladder cancer (T24), we tested tetrandrine-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition in bladder carcinoma cell lines and investigated the possible mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Growth inhibition and apoptosis induction was determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Activation of caspases were analyzed by Western blotting and caspase colorimetric assay. The collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) and subcellular distribution of cytochrome c was determined by JC-1 staining and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Tetrandrine treatment showed strong growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects on human bladder cancer 5637 and T24 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, induction of apoptosis by tetrandrine was associated with a very strong and prominent caspase-9, caspase-8, and caspase-3 activation as well as PARP cleavage. Flow cytometric studies revealed that tetrandrine induced a dose-dependent loss of ΔΨ(m), which was accompanied by the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to the cytosol. CONCLUSION: Taken together, this study provided the first evidence that tetrandrine imparted inhibitory and apoptotic activity in human bladder cancer cells. The tetrandrine-induced apoptosis might be related to the activation of the caspase cascade and mitochondrial pathway. Our results suggest that tetrandrine merits further in vivo investigation as a novel bladder cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent in the clinical setting.

Versatile Cascade Esterification Route to MQ Resins.

We describe a versatile cascade route for manufacturing MQ resins using alkoxysilanes (e.g., tetraethoxysilane (TEOS)) or equivalent oligomers (e.g., ethyl polysilicate (polyTEOS)), a carboxylic acid (typically acetic acid), and hexamethyldisiloxane (MM) as starting materials; a strong acid catalyst is also employed in the one-pot reaction. The siloxane resin synthesis is accompanied by esterification of the carboxylic acid to give ethyl acetate, which acts as an important solvent, making the process more controllable. Contrary to traditional sol-gel methods, no water is introduced in the experiments, but is generated in situ. The strategy offers several advantages, including reproducibility, high yields of siloxane resins with excellent batch-to-batch consistency and without gel formation, narrow dispersity, low Si-hydroxyl residues in the final products, and the ability of increasing the molecular weight by thermal treatment. The process utilizes the green chemistry concepts of lower pollutant formation and higher atom efficiency.

[Etiology and treatment of bladder spasm associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology and treatment of bladder spasm associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Urodynamic tests were performed in 102 cases of BPH before operation. The correlation of bladder spasm with aging, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life, prostatic volume, operation methods and urodynamic indexes was studied by t and chi2 tests. RESULTS: The incidences of bladder spasm in the lower compliant bladder and unstable bladder were 32.1% (9/28) and 42.5% (13/20), and those after suprapubic prostatectomy and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) were 50.9% (26/51) and 23.3% (12/51). There was significant difference between operation methods (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bladder spasm easily develops in the lower compliant bladder and unstable bladder, especially after suprapubic prostatectomy. TURP might decrease the incidence of bladder spasm after BPH operation.

Photoselective Vaporesection of the Prostate with a Front-firing Lithium Triborate Laser: Surgical Technique and Experience After 215 Procedures.

BACKGROUD: Although photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is considered one of the most promising alternatives to transurethral radical prostatectomy, a longer operative time, an unsatisfactory tissue removal rate, and the absence of postoperative pathology samples remain the main criticisms for this procedure. OBJECTIVE: To describe the novel technique of photoselective vaporesection of the prostate (PVRP) with a front-firing lithium triborate (LBO) laser and to report our initial experience. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a prospective study of 215 patients undergoing PVRP between November 2011 and March 2013. Their average age, prostate size, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were 70.3 ± 7.3 yr, 70.4 ± 34.0 ml, and 24.9 ± 5.0, respectively. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: The operative technique is detailed in the accompanying video. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Perioperative data were collected. The patients were followed up at 3, 6, 12 mo after PVRP, and functional outcomes and complications were assessed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The mean operation time was 44.1 ± 22.6 min. The mean hemoglobin decrease was 0.37 ± 0.21 g/dl. The catheterization time was 23.9 ± 15.2 h and the postoperative hospital stay was 1.8 ± 0.8 d. Significant improvements were observed in maximum flow, IPSS, and postvoid residual urine at each follow-up time point. Compared to preoperative values, prostate volume and serum prostate-specific antigen fell by 67% and 63%, respectively, at 3 mo after PVRP. No major complications were noted. Application of a hemostat for a front-firing LBO laser makes it easy to handle intractable intraoperative bleeding. The main limitation of this study is the short follow-up period. The influence of PVRP on sexual function and the learning curve remain to be evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: PVRP is a novel technique that is effective and safe for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. This technique retains the excellent hemostatic property of LBO lasers and has a short operation time and a high tissue removal rate. The problem of the lack of postoperative tissue samples for PVP is also overcome in PVRP. PATIENT SUMMARY: We have developed a novel technique named photoselective vaporesection of the prostate (PVRP) with a front-firing green laser. Our results show that PVRP retains the excellent hemostatic property of a green laser, but has a much shorter operation time and a higher rate of tissue removal than photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP). This technique also solves the problem of the lack of postoperative tissue specimens and the difficulty of handling intractable intraoperative bleeding. According to our initial results, PVRP is a novel technique superior to PVP in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Malignant epithelioid angiomyolipoma invading the inferior vena cava: Using a temporary vena cava filter to prevent tumour emboli during nephrectomy.

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is generally considered to be benign and malignant angiomyolipoma is rare. This paper presents an extremely rare case of epithelioid AML with tumour thrombus invading inferior vena cava (IVC). We present the case of a 36-year-old woman with epithelioid AML with tumour thrombus invading inferior vena cava who underwent radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy. As an adjunctive procedure, a temporary IVC filter was placed in suprarenal position before operation. One week after surgery, the temporary IVC filter was retrieved by femoral approach. Three months postoperatively, a computed tomography scan and abdominal ultrasonogaphy showed no evidence of thrombus in IVC or renal vein and no sign of tumour recurrence. Epithelioid AML is extremely rare and can be malignant, with invasion of the IVC or renal vein. Implanting temporary filter can prevent fatal pulmonary complication and avoid potential the side effects of permanent filter.