Understanding the Electronic Structure and Chemical Bonding in the 2D Fullerene Monolayer.

Recently synthesized two-dimensional (2D) monolayer quasi-hexagonal-phase fullerene (qHPC60) demonstrates excellent thermodynamic stability. Within this monolayer, each fullerene cluster is surrounded by six adjacent C60 cages along an equatorial plane and is connected by both C-C single bonds and [2 + 2] cycloaddition bonds that serve as bridges. In this study, we investigate the stability mechanism of the 2D qHPC60 monolayer by examining the electronic structure and chemical bonding through state-of-the-art theoretical methodologies. Density functional theory (DFT) studies reveal that 2D qHPC60 possesses a moderate direct electronic band gap of 1.46 eV, close to the experimental value (1.6 eV). It is found that the intermolecular bridge bonds play a crucial role in enhancing the charge flow and redistribution among C60 cages, leading to the formation of dual π-aromaticity within the C60 sphere and stabilizing the 2D framework structure. Furthermore, we identify a series of delocalized superatom molecular orbitals (SAMOs) within the 2D qHPC60 monolayer, exhibiting atomic orbital-like behavior and hybridization to form nearly free-electron (NFE) bands with σ/π bonding and σ*/π* antibonding properties. Our findings provide insights into the design and potential applications of NFE bands derived from SAMOs in 2D qHPC60 monolayers.

Complexation of Hexavalent Neptunium(VI) with Oxydiacetic Acid and Its Amide Derivatives in Aqueous Solution: Spectrophotometry and DFT Calculations.

Unfolding the solution coordination chemistry of high-valent transuranium elements with the "CHON"-type ligands is important to understand the fundamental chemistry of actinides and to design more efficient extractants for partitioning of transuranium elements in advanced nuclear fuel cycles. Here, the complexation of a hexavalent neptunyl ion (NpO22+ or Np(VI)) with oxydiacetic acid (ODA) has been systematically investigated in comparison with its amide analogues N,N-dimethyl-3-oxa-glutaramic acid (DMOGA) and N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-3-oxa-glutaramide (TMOGA) both experimentally and computationally. The formation of both 1:1 and 1:2 complexes between Np(VI) and the three ligands was identified by spectrophotometry, and their stability constants were obtained and compared with those of hexavalent U(VI) and Pu(VI). The corresponding bonding nature is elucidated by using energy decomposition analysis (EDA), electrostatic potential (ESP), ELF contours, and natural orbitals for chemical valence (NOCV) methods, which shows that the Np-O bonds are essentially ionic in character and the unoccupied 6d orbitals of Np play a key role in enhancing the covalent interactions between Np(VI) and the three ligands.

Ligands enhanced the Ac[triple bond, length as m-dash]Ac triple bond.

The multiple bonds between actinide atoms and their derivatives are computationally investigated extensively and compounds with an unsupported actinide-actinide bond, especially in low oxidation states, have attracted great attention. Herein, high level relativistic quantum chemical methods are used to probe the Ac-Ac bonding in compounds with a general formula LAcAcL (L = AsH3, PH3, NH3, H, CO, NO) at both scalar and spin-orbit coupling relativistic levels. H3AsAcAcAsH3, H3PAcAcPH3 and OCAcAcCO compounds show a type of zero valence Ac[triple bond, length as m-dash]Ac triple bond with a 1σ2g1π4u configuration, and H3AsAcAcAsH3 has been found to have the shortest Ac-Ac bond length of 3.012 Å reported so far. The Ac2 unit is very sensitive to the σ donor ligands and can form triple, double and even single bonds when suitable ligands are introduced, up to 3.652 Å with an Ac-Ac single bond in H3NAcAcNH3.

[Silencing ERp29 promotes the invasiveness of human PCa cells in vitro: Molecular mechanisms].

OBJECTIVE: To analyz the correlation of the expression of ERp29 with the clinicopathological characteristics of PCa and investigate the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing the ERp29 gene on the biological behavior of PCa LNCaP cells. METHODS: The expression of the ERp29 gene in the BPH and PCa tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry and that of the ERp29 protein in the PCa and adjacent normal tissues of 6 PCa patients determined by Western blot. Human LNCaP cells were transfected with siRNA using LipofectamineTM 2000, and the expressions of ERp29 mRNA and protein in the LNCaP cells detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively. The proliferation of the LNCaP cells was measured by MTT assay, their in vitro migration and invasiveness evaluated by the Transwell method, and the expressions of E-cadherin and Vimentin determined by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: The expression of ERp29 was significantly lower in the PCa than in the adjacent normal tissue (73.9% vs 91.9%， P < 0.05), with a significant correlation between the down-regulated ERp29 expression and metastasis (M) staging (P < 0.05). After transfection with siRNA, the LNCaP cells showed dramatically increased proliferation, migration and invasiveness (P < 0.05), and the expression of E-cadherin was markedly down-regulated while that of Vimentin up-regulated as compared with those in the normal control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The ERp29 gene may be a novel repressor of tumor metastasis. Silencing ERp29 can promote the invasiveness of human PCa cells in vitro by down-regulating the expression of E-cadherin and increasing epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Oxidative stress-induced EGR1 upregulation promotes NR4A3-mediated nucleus pulposus cells apoptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration.

This study aimed to reveal the specific role of early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) and nuclear receptor 4A3 (NR4A3) in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and the related molecular mechanism and to identify a new strategy for treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Bioinformatics analysis was used to explore and predict IVDD-related differentially expressed genes, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) revealed NR4A3 as the EGR1 target gene. An in vitro NPC model induced by tributyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP) and a rat model induced by fibrous ring acupuncture were established. Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence staining, and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of EGR1 and NR4A3 knockdown and overexpression on NPC apoptosis and the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) anabolism-related proteins. Interactions between EGR1 and NR4A3 were analyzed via ChIP-qPCR and dual luciferase assays. EGR1 and NR4A3 expression levels were significantly higher in severely degenerated discs (SDD) than in mildly degenerated discs (MDD), indicating that these genes are important risk factors in IVDD progression. ChIP-seq and RNA-seq revealed NR4A3 as a direct downstream target of EGR1, and this finding was verified by ChIP-qPCR and dual luciferase reporter experiments. Remarkably, the rescue experiments showed that EGR1 promotes TBHP-induced NPC apoptosis and impairs ECM anabolism, dependent on elevated NR4A3 expression. In summary, the EGR1-NR4A3 axis mediates the progression of NPC apoptosis and ECM impairment and is a potential therapeutic target in IVDD.

Ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Various signaling pathways and proteins are involved in prostate carcinogenesis. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination of the related proteins contribute to the development of prostate cancer in various ways. The ubiquitin-proteasome (UPS) system is a common cellular process for protein degradation in eukaryotes. In this article we review recent advances related to the involvement of the UPS pathway in prostate cancer. The UPS pathway plays an important role in the regulation of cellular proteins with respect to cell cycle control, transcription, apoptosis, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and tumor growth. It is involved in prostate cancer in various ways by modulating prostate cancer-related genes/proteins such as androgen receptor, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor P27, cyclin D1, and PTEN. Some ubiquitin-like modifier proteins have also been found to be associated with prostate cancer. The UPS pathway represents a potential therapeutic target for prostate cancer, and proteasome inhibitors represent a class of chemotherapeutic agents that inhibit tumor growth. The UPS pathway is related to prostate cancer in different ways. More research on that link is needed, as targeting the UPS pathway has led to some success in prostate cancer treatment.

[RNA interference of RelB enhances the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cell line RM-1 in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of RNA interference of the RelB gene on the radiosensitivity of the mouse prostate cancer cell line RM-1 and its mechanism. METHODS: We constructed RelB siRNA-expressing lentiviral vectors targeting the RelB gene with the molecular biological technique, and determined the expressions of RelB mRNA and protein on radiation after transfection with siRelB mediated by liposome using RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. We also detected the apoptosis of RM-1 cells by FCM assay and their radiosensitivity by clonogenic assay. RESULTS: The expressions of RelB mRNA and protein were significantly lower in the RM-1 cells than in the control and negative interference groups after transfection with RelB siRNA (P < 0.05), while the apoptosis of RM-1 cells remarkably higher in the siRelB-RM-1 than in the control group after radiation treatment (P < 0.05). The activity of MnSOD was markedly decreased (P < 0.05), and the radiosensitization rate of the RM-1 cells in the RelB-RM-1 group was 5.13 after radiation treatment. CONCLUSION: RNA interference of the RelB gene could enhance the radiosensitivity of the mouse prostate cancer cell line RM-1, which might be associated with its inhibition of Mn-SOD expression and induction of cell apoptosis.

[Inhibitory effect of losartan on prostatic hyperplasia in spontaneous hypertension rats and its pathophysiological mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of losartan on prostatic hyperplasia in spontaneous hypertension rats (SHRs) and its pathophysiological mechanism. METHODS: We randomly divided 36 male SHRs into three groups of equal number to be treated intragastrically with high-dose losartan (30 mg per kg per d), low-dose losartan (15 mg per kg per d) and distilled water (control group). After 6 weeks of intervention, we measured the body weight and tail artery blood pressure of the rats and compared them with the baseline data. We collected blood from the heart for determination of the levels of serum angiotensin II (Ang II), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and harvested their prostates for measurement of their weight, observation of the tissue ultrastructures under the electron microscope and detection of the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the prostate tissue by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the low- and high-dose losartan groups showed significant decreases in systolic blood pressure ([203.75 +/- 10.28] vs [184.54 +/- 16.90] mmHg, P = 0.013; [203.75 +/- 10.28] vs [166.88 +/- 14.74] mmHg, P = 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure ([151.58 +/- 9.96] vs [136.71 +/- 14.28] mmHg, P = 0.022; [151.58 +/- 9.96] vs [122.71 +/- 11.56] mmHg, P < 0.001) of the lower tail artery after treatment, as well as in the prostate weight ([0.73 +/- 0.08] vs [0.64 +/- 0.10] mg, P = 0.011; [0.73 +/- 0.08 ] vs [0.50 +/- 0.17] mg, P < 0.001). Electron microscopy revealed edema of the basal and columnar epithelial cells, concentrated and marginated heterochromatin and widened nuclear gap of interstitial fibroblast nuclei, and reduced mitochondria and endoplasmic reticula in the low-dose losartan group, and even more obvious in the high-dose group. The level of serum Ang II was remarkably higher in the low- and high-dose losartan groups than in the control ([61.32 +/- 2.49] vs [54.85 +/- 7.20] pg/ml, P = 0.021; [65.49 +/- 6.78] vs [54.85 +/- 7.20] pg/ml, P < 0.001]) , that of serum IGF-1 was lower in high-dose losartan than in the control group ([1.50 +/- 0.11] vs [1.60 +/- 0.10] ng/ml, P = 0.03), but the serum IL-6 levels exhibited no significant differences among the three groups. The expression of eNOS in the prostate tissue was significantly higher in the losartan groups than in the controls (P = 0.022), even higher in the high-dose than in the low-dose group. CONCLUSION: Losartan can suppress the progression of prostate hyperplasia in spontaneous hypertension rats by inhibiting RAS, IGF-1 and angiogenesis.

Theoretical prediction of a graphene-like 2D uranyl material with p-orbital antiferromagnetism.

Versatile graphene-like two-dimensional materials with s-, p- and d-block elements have aroused significant interest because of their extensive applications while there is a lack of such materials with f-block elements. Herein we report a unique one composed of the f-block element moiety of uranyl (UO2 2+) through a global-minimum structure search. Its geometry is found to be similar to that of graphene with a honeycomb-like hexagonal unit composed of six uranyl ligands, where each uranyl is bridged by two superoxido groups and a pair of hydroxyl ligands. All the uranium and bridging oxygen atoms form an extended planar 2D structure, which shows thermodynamic, kinetic and thermal stabilities due to σ/π bonding as well as electrostatic interactions between ligands. Each superoxido ligand has one unpaired (2pπ*)1 electron and is antiferromagnetically coupled through uranyl bridges with 2pπ*-5f δ -2pπ* superexchange interactions, forming a rare type of one-dimensional Heisenberg chain with p-orbital antiferromagnetism, which might become valuable for application in antiferromagnetic spintronics.

circST6GALNAC6 suppresses bladder cancer metastasis by sponging miR-200a-3p to modulate the STMN1/EMT axis.

Bladder cancer (BCa) is an aggressive malignancy because of its distant metastasis and high recurrence rate. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exert critical regulatory functions in cancer progression. However, the expression patterns and roles of circRNAs in BCa have not been well investigated. In this study, we first screened circRNA expression profiles using a circRNA microarray of paired BCa and normal tissues, and the expression of circST6GALNAC6 was confirmed by qRT-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). MTT, colony formation and Transwell assays were performed to measure cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We investigated the regulatory effect of circST6GALNAC6 on miRNA and its target genes to explore the potential regulatory mechanisms of circST6GALNAC6 by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), MS2-tagged RNA affinity purification (MS2-TRAP), immunofluorescence (IF) and dual luciferase activity assays. A nude mouse xenograft model was used to examine the functions of circST6GALNAC6/STMN1 in tumour metastasis in vivo. We found that 881 circRNAs were significantly dysregulated in BCa tissues compared to normal tissues. circST6GALNAC6(hsa_circ_0088708) was downregulated in BCa tissues and cells. Overexpression of circST6GALNAC6 effectively inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and suppressed BCa metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, we showed that the SP1 transcription factor, which binds to the circST6GALNAC6 mRNA transcript, activates circST6GALNAC6 transcription. Next, we verified that circST6GALNAC6 serves as a sponge that directly binds miR-200a-3p to regulate stathmin (STMN1) expression. Furthermore, we found that STMN1 is involved in circST6GALNAC6/miR-200a-3p axis-regulated BCa EMT and metastasis. Thus, our findings indicate an important underlying mechanism in BCa metastasis by which SP1-induced circST6GALNAC6 sponges miR-200a-3p to promote STMN1/EMT signalling. This mechanism could provide pivotal potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for BCa.

[Modified tubularized incised plate technique for hypospadias: a report of 169 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical application of the tubularized incised plate (TIP) in the surgical treatment of hypospadias. METHODS: This study included 169 cases of hypospadias treated by TIP surgery from January 2007 to April 2009. The patients ranged in age from 1.5 to 12 years (mean 3.68 yr). The TIP technique was modified based on that described by Snodgrass, with the urethral plate longitudinally incised and a urethral stent kept in place. The patients were hospitalized for 10 days postoperatively, and followed up for an average of 2 years, ranging from 6 months to 3 years. RESULTS: Complications developed in 18 (10.6%) of the patients, most frequently meatal stenosis (9 cases, 5.3%) and urethrocutaneous fistula (8 cases, 4.7%). CONCLUSION: The TIP technique, as a surgical method, can be applied to most hypospadias cases. The accumulation of clinical experience and skills may help raise the success rate and reduce the complications of TIP surgery.

Distinct electronic structures and bonding interactions in inverse-sandwich samarium and ytterbium biphenyl complexes.

Inverse-sandwich samarium and ytterbium biphenyl complexes were synthesized by the reduction of their trivalent halide precursors with potassium graphite in the presence of biphenyl. While the samarium complex had a similar structure as previously reported rare earth metal biphenyl complexes, with the two samarium ions bound to the same phenyl ring, the ytterbium counterpart adopted a different structure, with the two ytterbium ions bound to different phenyl rings. Upon the addition of crown ether to encapsulate the potassium ions, the inverse-sandwich samarium biphenyl structure remained intact; however, the ytterbium biphenyl structure fell apart with the concomitant formation of a divalent ytterbium crown ether complex and potassium biphenylide. Spectroscopic and computational studies were performed to gain insight into the electronic structures and bonding interactions of these samarium and ytterbium biphenyl complexes. While the ytterbium ions were found to be divalent with a 4f14 electron configuration and form a primarily ionic bonding interaction with biphenyl dianion, the samarium ions were in the trivalent state with a 4f5 electron configuration and mainly utilized the 5d orbitals to form a δ-type bonding interaction with the π* orbitals of the biphenyl tetraanion, showing covalent character.

[Meta-analysis of antibiotic prophylaxis for postoperative bacteriuria in patients undergoing transrectal prostatic biopsy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce the risk of postoperative bacteriuria in patients undergoing transrectal prostatic biopsy (TPB) who have sterile preoperative urine. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Collaboration Reviews, CMCC, and CNKI were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antibiotic prophylaxis with placebo/blank controls for patients undergoing TPB with preoperative sterile urine. The search strategy was made according to the Collaborative Review Group search strategy. Data were extracted by two reviewers using the designed extraction form. The software RevMan4.2 was used to review management and data analysis. RESULTS: 67 relevant RCTs were found, of which 12 qualified ones were included into the analysis. Antibiotic prophylaxis significantly decreased the rate of bacteriuria within the period 1 week after TPB (corresponding pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% CI was 0.32 (0.23 - 0.46, P < 0.01). The effective antibiotics included quinolones and quinolones combined with nitroimidazole, with the pooled RR and 95% CI of 0.31 (0.18 - 0.53, P < 0.01) and 0.32 (0.17 - 0.60, P = 0.0004) respectively. There was no significant difference in the effect between short treatment course protocol and long course protocol (P = 0.41). CONCLUSION: Prophylactic antibiotics can significantly decrease the incidence of post-TPB bacteriuria. A significant decrease in bacteriuria incidence can be achieved with a range of antibiotic agents, including quinolones and-quinolones combined with nitroimidazole. Treatment protocols of any duration are effective.

[Corticoid combined with an antibiotic for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of corticoid in combination with an antibiotic in the treatment of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP). METHODS: We used the randomized, double-blind and parallel contrasted method, selected 160 CNP patients via the Stamey test, EPS examination and NIH-CPSI scores, and equally randomized them into an experimental group (with 1 case missing) and a control group. The former received prednisone and levofloxacin for 2 weeks followed by another 2-week administration of levofloxacin only, while the latter were given levofloxacin and placebo in the first 2 weeks and placebo only in the next 2. All the patients were evaluated by NIH-CPSI scores and EPS results and followed up for adverse events after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The total NIH-CPSI score, the pain index, voiding index and quality of life (QOL) score in the experimental group were decreased by 9.56 +/- 2.05, 4.59 +/- 1.18, 2.38 +/- 1.24 and 2.59 +/- 2 1.20 after the 2-week treatment, and 11.72 +/- 2.41, 5.51 +/- 1.42, 2.92 +/- 1.17 and 3.33 +/- 1.08 after the 4-week treatment; while those in the control group were reduced by 6.53 +/- 2.70, 3.20 +/- 1.30, 1.40 +/- 1.05 and 1.80 +/- 1.15 after the 2-week treatment, and 8.53 -/+ 2.91, 3.88 +/- 1.44, 2.08 +/- 1.11 and 2.55 +/- 1.33 after the 4-week treatment, with significant differences between the two groups as well as between pre- and post-treatment (P < 0.01), but not between the 2- and 4-week treatment (P > 0.05). Statistically significant differences were also observed in the count of WBCs in EPS between not only pre- and post-treatment, but also the 2- and 4-week treatment (P < 0.01). No serious adverse events were recorded, nor were significant differences in the tolerance to corticoid and placebo. CONCLUSION: Prednisone in combination with an antibiotic can effectively relieve pain and voiding symptoms, improve QOL and reduce WBC in the EPS of CNP patients, and therefore well deserves to be recommended in clinical application. But its long-term efficacy and tolerance are yet to be further studied.

Role of tumor-associated immune cells in prostate cancer: angel or devil?

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in the reproductive system of older males. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is an important treatment for prostate cancer patients. However, almost all prostate cancer patients unavoidably progress to the castration-resistant stage after ADT treatment. Recent studies have shown that tumor-associated immune cells play major roles in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of prostate cancer. Various phenotypes of tumor-associated immune cells have tumor-promoting or antitumor functions mediated by interacting with tumor cells. Here, we review the current knowledge of tumor-associated immune cells in prostate cancer.

MicroRNA-200c affects bladder cancer angiogenesis by regulating the Akt2/mTOR/HIF-1 axis.

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is one of the most frequent urologic tumours in the world. MicroRNA-200c (miR-200c) has been considered a regulator of tumour angiogenesis. Akt2/mTOR was considered a regulator of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α). However, the mechanism by which miR-200c regulates bladder cancer angiogenesis remains unknown. METHODS: Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of protein and mRNA, respectively. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected using MTT, wound-healing and transwell assays, respectively. A dual luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the binding site between miR-200c and Akt2. A tube formation assay was also applied to detect the angiogenesis ability. RESULTS: Significantly higher expression levels of HIF-1α and VEGF and lower levels of miR-200c were observed in three types of bladder cancer cell lines. Transfection with the miR-200c mimic markedly inhibited cell viability, angiogenesis, and the expression of VEGF and HIF-1α. Overexpression of miR-200c remarkably suppressed the expression of Akt2, and the binding site between them was identified. Knockdown of Akt2 remarkably decreased the expression of VEGF and HIF-1α by regulating mTOR. miR-200c influenced the expression of VEGF and HIF-1α through the Akt2/mTOR signalling pathway and further regulated angiogenesis in bladder cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: We proved that miR-200c could suppress HIF-1α/VEGF expression in bladder cancer cells and inhibit angiogenesis, and these regulations were achieved by targeting Akt2/mTOR. This study may provide new insight into the prevention and treatment of bladder cancer.

The evaluation of monocyte lymphocyte ratio as a preoperative predictor in urothelial malignancies: a pooled analysis based on comparative studies.

In recent years, several studies have reported monocyte lymphocyte ratio (MLR) to predict prognosis in various tumors. Our study was performed to evaluate the association between preoperative MLR between prognostic variables in urothelial carcinoma patients. Systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of science. The correlation between preoperative MLR and overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS), disease free survival (DFS)/relapse free survival (RFS), progression free survival(PFS) was evaluated in urothelial carcinoma patients. Meanwhile, the association between MLR and clinicopathological characteristics was assessed. Finally, 12 comparative studies comprising a total of 6209 patients were included for pooled analysis. The hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs)and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were further analyzed as effect measures. The pooled results demonstrated that elevated preoperative MLR indicated unfavorable OS (HR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.18-1.39, I2 = 33.6%), DFS/RFS (HR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.30-1.55, I2 = 0.0%) and CSS (HR = 1.41, 95%CI = 1.29-1.52, I2 = 0.0%). Moreover, the pooled results also suggested that elevated preoperative MLR was correlated with high tumor stage (OR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.07-1.37, I2 = 0.0%) in urothelial carcinoma patients. No significant association was found between preoperative MLR and PFS in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUTUC) patients. Collectively, elevated preoperative MLR predicted poor prognosis in urothelial carcinoma and have the potential to be a feasible and cost-effective prognostic predictor for management of urothelial carcinoma.

[Advances in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome].

So far the etiology of chronic prostatitis (PC) and particularly chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) remains to be elucidated. According to recent epidemiologic data, CP is the most common urological disease in men below 50 years and occurs in 2.5%-16.0% of the world population. Since the 1990s, researchers of many countries have carried out deeper, more extensive and larger scaled studies than ever before on the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of the disease, with the sponsorship and coordination of such international institutions as the International Prostatitis Collaborative Network (IPCN), the Chronic Prostatitis Collaborative Research Network of the National Institute of Health (NIH-CPCRN) and so on. As prevalent as multiple sclerosis, CPPS is the most common yet most poorly understood "prostatitis syndrome". This article reviews the progress in the studies of the treatment of CPPS, explores the main problems and ventures the prospects for the development in this field.

Prognostic roles of tumor associated macrophages in bladder cancer: a system review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) have multifaceted roles in the development of many tumor types. However, the prognostic value of TAMs in bladder cancer is still not conclusive. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This review evaluated the prognostic value of TAMs density in bladder cancer by reviewing published literatures and integrating the results via a meta-analysis. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies. Overall survival (OS), relapse free survival (RFS), disease specific survival (DSS), and progression free survival (PFS) were assessed in bladder cancer patients. RESULTS: The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) indicated that TAMs identified with CD68 alone have no significant correlation with OS (HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.02), RFS (HR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.91-1.06), or PFS (HR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.70-1.68) in bladder cancer patients. Subgroup analyses involved with Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) treatment or sample locations either showed that CD68+ TAMs presented no prognostic value with regard to OS in bladder cancer patients. However, TAMs detected by CD163 are significantly correlated with poor RFS in bladder cancer patients (HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.16-1.92). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicated that TAMs identified only with CD68 have no significant correlation with the prognosis and clinicopathological parameters of bladder cancer patients. However, TAMs detected with CD163 could serve as a prognostic marker for bladder cancer patients. These findings invite further research on the role of TAM subsets in bladder cancer patients.

Curcumin Suppresses microRNA-7641-Mediated Regulation of p16 Expression in Bladder Cancer.

Bladder cancer has a high recurrence rate and requires adjuvant intravesical management after surgery. The use of traditional agents for bladder cancer therapy is constrained by their toxicity and limited efficacy. This emphasizes the need for the development of safer, more effective compounds such as instillation agents. Curcumin is the major component of turmeric, the powdered root of Curcuma longa, which is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anticancer properties. First, a microarray profiling and qPCR analysis were conducted in the T24 and SV-HUC-1 cell lines. Then, we examined the potential tumorigenicity of miR-7641 in the T24 and SV-HUC-1 cell lines with or without curcumin. Western blot analysis showed that p16 is a target of miR-7641 in T24 cells. We found that, for the first time, curcumin directly downregulates a tumor-promoting microRNA (miRNA), miR-7641, in bladder cancer, which has tumor-promoting characteristics. Curcumin induces the downregulation of miR-7641 and subsequent upregulation of p16 which is a target of miR-7641 at the post-transcriptional level, which leads to the decreased invasion and increased apoptosis of bladder cancer cells. This is the first report to show a direct effect of curcumin on inducing changes in a miRNA suppressor with direct anticancer consequences in bladder cancer. Our study shows that curcumin may be a candidate agent for the clinical management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.