Construction and identification of lncRNA/circRNA-coregulated ceRNA networks in gemcitabine-resistant bladder carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the regulatory networks that underlie the development of chemoresistance in bladder cancer. METHODS: We analyzed profiles of differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNA (mRNAs) in gemcitabine-resistant/sensitive bladder cancer cells using next-generation sequencing data. RESULTS: Hundreds of differentially expressed lncRNAs and miRNAs and thousands of circRNAs and mRNAs were identified. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the chromosomal localizations, classification and coexpression of mRNAs, as well as candidates for cis and trans regulation by lncRNAs. Furthermore, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs and circRNAs indicated important functional roles of coregulated RNAs, thus establishing competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) and protein-protein interactions networks that may underlie chemoresistance in bladder cancer. We demonstrated that lncRNA LINP1 can act as a ceRNA by inhibiting miR-193a-5p to increase TP73 expression; and that lncRNA ESRG and hsa_circ_0075881 can simultaneously bind miR-324-3p to increase ST6GAL1 expression. Modulation of ceRNA network components using ablation and overexpression approaches contributed to gemcitabine resistance in bladder cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results elucidate mechanisms by which lncRNAs and circRNAs coregulate the development of bladder cancer cell resistance to gemcitabine, thus laying the foundation for future research to identify biomarkers and disease targets.

CHFR-mediated degradation of RNF126 confers sensitivity to PARP inhibitors in triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Ring-finger protein 126 (RNF126), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, plays crucial roles in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, DNA damage repair, and intracellular vesicle trafficking. Whether RNF126 is modulated by posttranslational modifications is poorly understood. Here, we show that PARP1 interacts with and poly(ADP)ribosylates RNF126, which then recruits the PAR-binding E3 ubiquitin ligase CHFR to promote ubiquitination and degradation of RNF126. Moreover, RNF126 is required for the activation of ATR-Chk1 signaling induced by either irradiation (IR) or a PARP inhibitor (PARPi), and depletion of RNF126 increases the sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to PARPi treatment. Our findings suggest that PARPi-mediated upregulation of RNF126 protein stability contributes to TNBC cell resistance to PARPi. Therefore, targeting the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF126 may be a novel treatment for overcoming the resistance of TNBC cells to PARPi in clinical trials.

First case of COVID-19 complicated with fulminant myocarditis: a case report and insights.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been demonstrated to be the cause of pneumonia. Nevertheless, it has not been reported as the cause of acute myocarditis or fulminant myocarditis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old male was admitted with pneumonia and cardiac symptoms. He was genetically confirmed as having COVID-19 according to sputum testing on the day of admission. He also had elevated troponin I (Trop I) level (up to 11.37 g/L) and diffuse myocardial dyskinesia along with a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on echocardiography. The highest level of interleukin-6 was 272.40 pg/ml. Bedside chest radiographs showed typical ground-glass changes indicative of viral pneumonia. Laboratory test results for viruses that cause myocarditis were all negative. The patient conformed to the diagnostic criteria of the Chinese expert consensus statement for fulminant myocarditis. After receiving antiviral therapy and mechanical life support, Trop I was reduced to 0.10 g/L, and interleukin-6 was reduced to 7.63 pg/mL. Moreover, the LVEF of the patient gradually recovered to 68%. The patient died of aggravation of secondary infection on the 33rd day of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 patients may develop severe cardiac complications such as myocarditis and heart failure. This is the first report of COVID-19 complicated with fulminant myocarditis. The mechanism of cardiac pathology caused by COVID-19 needs further study.

Ag-Catalyzed minisci C-H difluoromethylarylation of N-heteroarenes.

A mild silver-catalyzed decarboxylative difluoromethylarylation of electron-deficient N-heteroarenes has been developed by using aryldifluoro acetic acid as difluoromethyl sources. This protocol provides an efficient and straightforward access to difluoromethylated heteroarenes in moderate to excellent yields with good selectivities. Furthermore, this reaction was applicable to bioactive heteroarenes, providing a straightforward approach for the late-stage C-H difluoromethylation of pharmacophores.

Sevoflurane-induced inflammation development: involvement of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the mechanisms underpinning the development of anesthesia-induced cognitive dysfunction. However, less is known about how anesthesia causes inflammation. One possibility is that the inflammation is related to alteration of the activity of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. This study analyzed the effect of sevoflurane administration on the cognitive function by using a novel object recognition test and Y-maze test, and on acetylcholinesterase activity and expression in hippocampal tissue by using an acetylcholinesterase assay kit and quantitative real-time PCR. This study also evaluated the effect of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist PNU-282987 and antagonist methyllycaconitine on cognitive function and the level of hippocampal tumor necrosis factor-α in aged rats exposed to sevoflurane anesthesia. We found that 3% sevoflurane significantly impaired cognitive function and increased acetylcholinesterase activity by upregulating its expression in hippocampal tissue. Sevoflurane-induced impairment of cognitive function was significantly rescued by PNU-282987 but aggravated by methyllycaconitine. In addition to impairment of cognitive function, sevoflurane also significantly increased tumor necrosis factor-α level in plasma and hippocampal tissue. Similarly, this sevoflurane-induced change of tumor necrosis factor-α level in rats was antagonized by PNU-282987 but amplified by methyllycaconitine. In conclusion, our data show that the development of inflammation in sevoflurane-induced cognitive decline is associated with the downregulation of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in aged rats.

Sevoflurane induces liver injury by modulating the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 via miR-214.

This study aimed to detect the effect of sevoflurane anesthesia on liver injury through modulating IGF-1. The expression of IGF-1 and IGF-1R in liver tissues of sevoflurane-exposed rats was examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The expression levels of miR-214 in liver cells treated with different concentration of sevoflurane at different time points were detected by qRT-PCR. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay was used to analyze serum IGF-1 concentration in cell culture media. After pre-treatment with 100 nM miR-214 inhibitor followed by exposure to sevoflurane, the expression level of miR-214 and IGF-1 protein in liver cells was examined. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and TUNEL assay was performed to analyze liver tissue necrosis and apoptosis. The expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins (caspase 3 and Bcl-xL) were examined using Western blot. The mRNA and protein expression level of IGF-1 and IGF-1R in rats was significantly down-regulated after 90 min exposure to sevoflurane. QRT-PCR results suggested that exposure to sevoflurane upregulated the expression level of miR-214 and decreased the concentration of IGF-1 in a dose and time dependent manner. Sevoflurane inhibited the expression of IGF-1 through up-regulating miR-214. IGF-1 inhibited the positive effect of sevoflurane on cell necrosis and apoptosis. Sevoflurane could induce liver injury by modulating IGF-1 expression via miR-214.

Effects of microRNA-223 on morphine analgesic tolerance by targeting NLRP3 in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

Objective To investigate the effects of microRNA-223 on morphine analgesic tolerance by targeting NLRP3 in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Methods Our study selected 100 clean grade healthy Sprague-Dawley adult male rats weighing 200 to 250 g. After establishment of a rat model of chronic constriction injury, these rats were divided into 10 groups (10 rats in each group): the normal control, sham operation, chronic constriction injury, normal saline, morphine, miR-223, NLRP3, miR-223 + morphine, NLRP3 + morphine, and miR-223 + NLRP3 + morphine groups. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used for detecting the mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, Caspase-1, Interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-18 in sections of lumbar spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry was applied for detecting the positive rates of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, Caspase-1, IL-1ß, and IL-18. Results The paw withdrawal threshold and percentage maximum possible effect (%MPE) were higher in chronic constriction injury group when compared with the normal control and sham operation groups. Behavioral tests showed that compared with the chronic constriction injury and normal saline groups, the morphine and miR-223 + morphine groups showed obvious analgesic effects. Expressions of miR-223 in the miR-223, miR-223 + morphine, and miR-223 + NLRP3 + morphine were significantly higher than those in the chronic constriction injury, normal saline, and morphine groups. Compared with chronic constriction injury, normal saline and morphine groups, the mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, Caspase-1, IL-1ß, and IL-18 were significantly decreased in the miR-223 and miR-223 + morphine groups, while mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, Caspase-1, IL-1ß, and IL-18 were significantly increased in the NLRP3 and NLRP3 + morphine group. Conclusion Our study provides strong evidence that miR-223 could suppress the activities of NLRP3 inflammasomes ( NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, and Caspase-1) to relieve morphine analgesic tolerance in rats by down-regulating NLRP3.

MicroRNA-183 Suppresses Neuropathic Pain and Expression of AMPA Receptors by Targeting mTOR/VEGF Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain is a type of chronic pain that results from dysfunctions of the somatosensory nerve system. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of mTOR/VEGF signaling pathway on neuropathic pain and the regulation mechanisms of miR-183 on AMPA Receptors through mTOR/VEGF signaling pathway. METHODS: Chronic compress injury (CCI) model was constructed in the current study, we used paw withdrawal mechanic threshold (PWMT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) to observe mTOR and VEGF receptors. Dual luciferase analysis, western blot and qRT-PCR were also applied to complete this experiment. RESULTS: It was observed that the inhibition of mTOR and VEGF receptors could significantly relieve neuropathic pain in the CCI model. Moreover mTOR was confirmed as the direct target of miR-183. Furthermore, miR-183 could modulate VEGF through regulating mTOR expressions. We also found the expressions of AMPA receptors (i.e. GluR1 and GluR2), located in the downstream of mTOR/VEGF signaling pathway, were significantly upregulated when miR-183 was downregulated or when the mTOR/VEGF signaling pathway was activated. CONCLUSION: The inhibition of mTOR or VEGF receptors can significantly relieve neuropathic pain, and the upregulation of miR-183 can suppress AMPA receptors by inhibiting mTOR/VEGF pathway.

Enantioseparation of pheniramine enantiomers by high-speed countercurrent chromatography using ß-cyclodextrin derivatives as a chiral selector.

The enantioselective separation of pheniramine was studied by a high-speed countercurrent chromatography method using ß-cyclodextrin derivatives as a chiral selector. Several key variables, for instance, type of organic solvent and chiral selector, concentration of chiral selector, pH value of aqueous phase, and temperature on the enantioselectivity, were investigated systematically by liquid-liquid extraction experiments. Combining the results of extraction experiments and high-speed countercurrent chromatography, the most suitable conditions for separation of pheniramine enantiomers were obtained with the two-phase system that consisted of isobutyl acetate/aqueous phase, containing 0.02 mol/L carboxymethyl-ß-cyclodextrin, pH 8.50 at 278.15 K. Under the optimal conditions, pheniramine enantiomer was successfully resolved after four cycles of high-speed countercurrent chromatography. By using high-performance liquid chromatography to analyze the fractions, the purities of both (+)-pheniramine and (-)-pheniramine were over 99% and the recovery of this method was up to 85-90%.

Chiral separation of brompheniramine enantiomers by recycling high-speed countercurrent chromatography using carboxymethyl-ß-cyclodextrin as a chiral selector.

A recycling high-speed countercurrent chromatography protocol was proposed for the enantioseparation of brompheniramine by employing ß-cyclodextrin derivatives as a chiral selector. The two-phase solvent system of n-hexane/isobutyl acetate/0.10 mol/L phosphate buffer solution with a volume ratio of 2:4:6 was selected by a series of extraction experiments. Factors that affected the distribution of the enantiomers over the two-phase system (e.g., the type and concentration of ß-cyclodextrin derivatives = pH value of the aqueous solution, and the separation temperature) were also investigated. In addition, the theory of thermodynamics is applied to verify the feasibility of the enantioseparation process and the corresponding results demonstrate that this separation process is feasible. The optimized conditions include carboxymethyl-ß-cyclodextrin concentration of 0.010 mol/L, pH of 7.5, and temperature of 5°C. Under the optimal conditions, the purities of both monomer molecules were over 99%, and the recovery yields were 88% for (+)-brompheniramine and 85% for (-)-brompheniramine, respectively.

Long non-coding RNA UCA1 promotes glutamine metabolism by targeting miR-16 in human bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Long non-coding ribonucleic acid urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 has been found to be a participant in cancer development and glucose metabolism in bladder cancer. However, the role of urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 in metabolic reprogramming in cancer remains to be clarified. In this study, we aim to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of glutamine metabolism by urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 in bladder cancer. METHODS: The RNA levels of urothelial carcinoma-associated 1, GLS2 and miR-16 in bladder tissues and cell lines were examined by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of GLS2 were detected by western blot analysis. Reactive oxygen species generation was examined by the fluorescein isothiocyanate mean value and fluorescence microscope. Glutamine consumption was analyzed using the glutamine assay kit. Additionally, we performed luciferase reporter assays to validate urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 sequence whether contains miR-16 binding site and the interaction between the 3'UTR sequence of GLS2 and mature miR-16. RESULTS: Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the RNA level of urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 and GLS2 was positively correlated in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. The expression of GLS2 mRNA and protein increased in cells which overexpression of urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 and decreased in cells which knocked-down of urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 cell lines. urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 reduced ROS production, and promoted mitochondrial glutaminolysis in human bladder cancer cells. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays indicated that there was a miR-16 binding site in urothelial carcinoma-associated 1, and it showed appreciable levels of sponge effects on miR-16 as readouts in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the 'seed region' of miR-16 directly bound to the 3'UTR of GLS2 mRNA and regulated GLS2 expression level. CONCLUSIONS: Together, our results revealed that urothelial carcinoma-associated 1 regulated the expression of GLS2 through interfering with miR-16, and repressed ROS formation in bladder cancer cells.

Investigation on uniaxial compression and fracture damage mode of prefabricated parallel double-jointed red sandstone.

As a special type of joint fracture, the fracture evolution characteristics of parallel double joints have important engineering significance for the stability analysis of fractured rock mass. In this work, a new method for calculating stress intensity factor of parallel double-jointed fractures was importantly proposed. Physical uniaxial compression tests were carried out on parallel double jointed red sandstone filled with cement mortar under different geometric parameters, and the macroscopic mechanical properties and failure characteristics of red sandstone are deeply analyzed. The results show that the larger the connectivity rate is, the smaller the peak stress and strain are. The increase of connectivity rate will affect the change rate of transverse strain in the center of rock bridge. The closer the dip angle of the joint is, the lower the peak stress is and the shorter the failure time is. The damage mode of joint tip encroachment affects the lateral displacement of the rock bridge center, and the displacement is always close to the first damage section. The closer the joint tip is to the load, the easier the end-face penetrating cracks occur. The research content can provide basic support for guaranteeing the stability of underground engineering rock mass.

The Pharyngeal Packs for Dental and Otolaryngological Surgery: A Meta-Analysis of High-Quality Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Pharyngeal packs are employed to mitigate postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and have become prevalent in dental and otolaryngological surgeries. However, their clinical efficacy continues to be a topic of debate. The objective of the present study was to conduct a quantitative assessment of the impact of pharyngeal packing in dental and otolaryngological surgeries through meta-analysis. Methods: We identified relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through systematic searches of online databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central. Potential eligible studies were evaluated using the Jadad scoring system (range 0-5 points), with only high-quality RCTs (3 points or more) being included. The incidence of PONV, morbidity, and the level of throat pain were aggregated and estimated. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plot symmetry and the Egger test. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was utilized to rate the evidence. Results: Ten high-quality RCTs comprising 1026 participants were ultimately included. Subsequent quantitative pooled estimation unveiled that the utilization of pharyngeal packing did not lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of nausea (P = .272), vomiting (P = .775), overall PONV (P = .118), or throat pain (P = .149). By contrast, the application of pharyngeal packs was found to significantly increase the level of throat pain (P = .003). No obvious publication bias was detected, and the majority of evidence was rated high or moderate. Conclusion: Based on the existing evidence, we conclude that pharyngeal packing lacks clinical benefit and is not advised for dental and otolaryngological surgeries.

The efficacy of gastric aspiration in reducing postoperative vomiting after oral and maxillofacial surgery: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric aspiration is applied in oral and maxillofacial procedures to reduce postoperative vomiting (POV), yet its clinical benefit remains largely uncertain. Our study aimed to determine the role of gastric aspiration in the amelioration of POV by a meta-analysis. METHODS: With adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, global recognized databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central, were searched to obtain randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of gastric aspiration in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The incidence and the number of episodes of POV and the frequency of rescue antiemetic use were extracted as parametric data for pooled estimation. Funnel plots and Egger's test were utilized to assess bias. The recommendation of evidence was rated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: After detailed evaluation, 5 RCTs containing 274 participants were eventually included. The results of pooled estimation indicated that gastric aspiration could not reduce the incidence of POV (risk ratio [95% CI] = 0.94 [0.73, 1.21], P = .621), the number of episodes of POV (standard mean difference [95% CI] = -0.13 [-0.45, 0.19], P = .431) or the frequency of rescue antiemetic use (RR [95% CI] = 0.86 [0.49, 1.52], P = .609). No publication bias was detected by the funnel plot and Egger test. The overall recommendation of evidence was rated low regarding each outcome. CONCLUSION: Based on current evidence, gastric aspiration is not recommended for oral and maxillofacial surgery. Meanwhile, more large-scale high-quality RCTs are needed.

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on patients with heatstroke complicated by multiple organ dysfunction:A retrospective study.

Background: The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in treating animals with heat stroke (HS) have been established. This study aims to retrospectively analyze the effect of HBO on multiple organ dysfunction following HS in humans. Methods: Retrospective data were collected from patients with HS admitted to our hospital in the past 7 years. Patients were categorized into groups based on whether they received HBO therapy. The study compared various factors, including sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation-Ⅱ (APACHE-Ⅱ) scores, mortality rates, neurological function scores, serum myocardial enzyme levels, liver, kidney, and coagulation function indicators, blood routine results, electrolyte levels, and modified Barthel index (MBI) score for standard daily living ability before treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Results: The mortality rates in the HBO and control group were 0% and 8.49%, respectively. Upon admission, the HBO group had higher SOFA and APACHE-Ⅱ scores and lower neurological, coagulation, and liver functions than those of the control group. HBO treatment significantly improved SOFA, APACHE-Ⅱ, and neurological scores while relieving levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and myocardial enzymes. Additionally, it mitigating lymphocyte and platelet count decline caused by HS. The MBI score was significantly enhanced after treatment in the HBO group. Conclusions: Clinical practice advocates administering HBO therapy to patients with severe illness, organ damage, and nerve impairment. Compared with conventional treatment, combined HBO therapy demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating multiple organ dysfunction and improving daily living ability in patients with HS.

Prenatal LPS leads to increases in RAS expression within the PVN and overactivation of sympathetic outflow in offspring rats.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) are two major blood pressure-regulating systems. The link between the renal and cerebral RAS axes was provided by reflex activation of renal afferents and efferent sympathetic nerves. There is a self-sustaining enhancement of the brain and the intrarenal RAS. In this study, prenatal exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) led to increased RAS activity in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and overactivation of sympathetic outflow, accompanied by increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disturbances between inhibitory and excitatory neurons in PVN. The AT1 receptor blocker losartan and α2 adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine in the PVN significantly decreased renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) and synchronously reduced systolic blood pressure. Prenatal LPS stimulation caused H3 acetylation at H3K9 and H3K14 in the PVN, which suggested that epigenetic changes are involved in transmitting the prenatal adverse stimulative information to the next generation. Additionally, melatonin treatment during pregnancy reduced RAS activity and ROS levels in the PVN; balanced the activity of inhibitory and excitatory neurons in the PVN; increased urine sodium secretion; reduced RSNA and blood pressure. In conclusion, prenatal LPS leads to increased RAS expression within the PVN and overactivation of the sympathetic outflow, thereby contributing to hypertension in offspring rats. Melatonin is expected to be a promising agent for preventing prenatal LPS exposure-induced hypertension.

Case report: A rare case of synchronous mucinous neoplasms of the renal pelvis and the appendix.

Background: Mucinous neoplasms are tumors arising in the epithelial tissue, characterized by excessive mucin secretion. They mainly emerge in the digestive system and rarely in the urinary system. They also seldom develop in the renal pelvis and the appendix asynchronously or simultaneously. The concurrence of this disease in these two regions has not yet been reported. In this case report, we discuss the diagnosis and treatment of synchronous mucinous neoplasms of the right renal pelvis and the appendix. The mucinous neoplasm of the renal pelvis was preoperatively misdiagnosed as pyonephrosis caused by renal stones, and the patient underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy. Herein, we summarize our experience with this rare case in combination with related literature. Case presentation: In this case, A 64-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with persistent pain in the right lower back for over a year. Computer tomography urography (CTU) showed that the patient was confirmed as right kidney stone with large hydronephrosis or pyonephrosis, and appendiceal mucinous neoplasm (AMN). Subsequently, the patient was transferred to the gastrointestinal surgery department. Simultaneously, electronic colonoscopy with biopsy suggested AMN. Open appendectomy plus abdominal exploration was performed after obtaining informed consent. Postoperative pathology indicated low-grade AMN (LAMN) and the incisal margin of the appendix was negative. The patient was re-admitted to the urology department, and underwent laparoscopic right nephrectomy because she was misdiagnosed with calculi and pyonephrosis of the right kidney according to the indistinctive clinical symptoms, standard examination of the gelatinous material, and imaging findings. Postoperative pathology suggested a high-grade mucinous neoplasm of the renal pelvis and mucin residing partly in the interstitium of the cyst walls. Good follow-up results were obtained for 14 months. Conclusion: Synchronous mucinous neoplasms of the renal pelvis and the appendix are indeed uncommon and have not yet been reported. Primary renal mucinous adenocarcinoma is very rare, metastasis from other organs should be first considered, especially in patients with long-term chronic inflammation, hydronephrosis, pyonephrosis, and renal stones, otherwise, misdiagnosis and treatment delay may occur. Hence, for patients with rare diseases, strict adherence to treatment principles and close follow-up are necessary to achieve favorable outcomes.

Quantitative detection of purine from food products with different water activities using needle-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensors.

Typically, for accurate quantitative tests of molecules, considering the actual solute concentration in the environment with different water activities (Aws) is essential. Accordingly, for effective detection of food substances, this paper proposes a non-destructive pluggable sensor to capture and monitor four free purines based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering characteristics such as sensitivity, uniformity, repeatability, and stability. In particular, we investigate the impact of Aw on the evaluation of purine detection and its deviation corrections. Furthermore, the recoveries of purine from three food products, including fish (Aw: 0.99), ham (Aw: 0.91), and bacon (Aw: 0.73), are subsequently explored to validate the reliability of the proposed method. The results indicate that the proposed non-destructive pluggable sensor performs better when the Aw is considered. Therefore, this strategy for achieving more reliable quantitative detection by rectifying deviations based on the Aw can significantly help monitor food quality.

Case report: Robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma in a patient with situs inversus totalis and abdominal cocoon.

Background: Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a congenital condition wherein organs in abdominal or thoracic cavity are mirrored from their normal positions. Abdominal cocoon, is a rare disease of unknown aetiology that is characterised by total or partial small intestine encapsulation by a compact fibrocollagenous membrane. Aside from having two extremely rare conditions (SIT and Abdominal cocoon), our patient developed renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which makes this case even more uncommon. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 64-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with an extremely rare case of localized RCC in the left kidney complicated with SIT and abdominal cocoon. Computer tomography urography (CTU) and angiography (CTA) showed that the patient was confirmed as having SIT, for the space-occupying lesion in the left kidney, clear cell RCC (ccRCC) was considered, the lesion in the right kidney was probably cystic. We diagnosed our patient as having a cT1aN0M0 left RCC, and the RENAL score was 7x. With partial nephrectomy (PN) being the preferred treatment approach, robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) was performed after obtaining informed consent. After insertion of the laparoscope, adhesions were observed between the entire colon and the anterior abdominal wall. Then, abdominal cocoon was diagnosed. The surgery was uneventful, and the tumour was resected successfully while preserving the tumour capsule. No intestinal injury or any other complication occurred in the intraoperative or postoperative, and the patient recovered well after the operation. Conclusion: PN is an extremely challenging procedure in patients with SIT and abdominal cocoon. The da Vinci Xi surgical system and thorough preoperative assessment allowed the surgeon to overcome stereotyping, visual inversion, and successfully perform PN in a patient with SIT and abdominal cocoon without increasing the risk of complications and preserving as much renal function as possible. Considering the satisfactory outcomes, this report may hopefully provide a practical reference for the treatment of RCC in patients with other special conditions.

Case Report: A MiT family translocation renal cell carcinoma in the renal pelvis, calyces and upper ureter misdiagnosed as upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Background: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is the most common urothelial malignancy in the renal pelvis or ureter. Renal pelvic carcinoma accounts for 90% of all tumours in the renal pelvis, so the mass in the renal pelvis is usually considered a UTUC. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the renal pelvis, calyces and upper ureter is extremely rare, especially MiT family translocation RCC, which makes this case even more uncommon. Case presentation: We report the case of a 54-year-old man had intermittent painless gross haematuria with occasional blood clots and urodynia for 2 years. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed an enlarged left kidney, and a soft tissue mass was seen in the renal pelvis, calyces and upper ureter. The patient's urine-based cytology was positive three times. Due to the severity of the upper ureteral lumen stenosis, we did not perform pathological biopsy during ureteroscopy. In the current case, clinical symptoms, imaging examinations, urine-based cytology, and ureteroscopy were combined to obtain a preoperative diagnosis of UTUC. Therefore, robot-assisted laparoscopic left radical nephroureterectomy and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy were performed. Unexpectedly, the patient was pathologically diagnosed with MiT family translocation RCC after surgery. The surgery was uneventful. There was no intestinal tube injury or other complications perioperatively. The postoperative follow-up was satisfactory. Conclusion: MiT family translocation RCC in the renal pelvis, calyces and upper ureter is extremely rare, and can be easily confused with UTUC, resulting in the expansion of surgical scope. Preoperative ureteroscopy and biopsy or tumour punch biopsy should be used to obtain accurate pathology as far as possible, and the selection of correct surgical method is conducive to a good prognosis for patients.