The GRAS protein OsDLA involves in brassinosteroid signalling and positively regulates blast resistance by forming a module with GSK2 and OsWRKY53 in rice.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) play a crucial role in shaping the architecture of rice (Oryza sativa) plants. However, the regulatory mechanism of BR signalling in rice immunity remains largely unexplored. Here we identify a rice mutant dla, which exhibits decreased leaf angles and is insensitive to 24-epiBL (a highly active synthetic BR), resembling the BR-deficient phenotype. The dla mutation caused by a T-DNA insertion in the OsDLA gene leads to downregulation of the causative gene. The OsDLA knockout plants display reduced leaf angles and less sensitivity to 24-epiBL. In addition, both dla mutant and OsDLA knockout plants are more susceptible to rice blast compared to the wild type. OsDLA is a GRAS transcription factor and interacts with the BR signalling core negative regulator, GSK2. GSK2 phosphorylates OsDLA for degradation via the 26S proteasome. The GSK2 RNAi line exhibits enhanced rice blast resistance, while the overexpression lines thereof show susceptibility to rice blast. Furthermore, we show that OsDLA interacts with and stabilizes the WRKY transcription factor OsWRKY53, which has been demonstrated to positively regulate BR signalling and blast resistance. OsWRKY53 directly binds the promoter of PBZ1 and activates its expression, and this activation can be enhanced by OsDLA. Together, our findings unravel a novel mechanism whereby the GSK2-OsDLA-OsWRKY53 module coordinates blast resistance and plant architecture via BR signalling in rice.

Risk factors and prediction model of urosepsis in patients with diabetes after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and urosepsis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for upper urinary tract stones and to develop a nomogram to predict postoperative urosepsis according to the risk factors. METHODS: The data of patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent one-stage PCNL due to upper urinary tract stones were retrospectively analyzed. The risk factors of patients with postoperative urosepsis were evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the nomogram prediction model was developed according to the regression coefficient. RESULTS: One-stage PCNL was successfully completed in 241 patients with DM, and urosepsis occurred in 41 (17.0%) patients after PCNL. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the independent risk factors associated with postoperative urosepsis included preoperative leukocyte elevation (OR = 3.973, P = 0.005), positive urine nitrite (OR = 3.697, P = 0.010), and positive urine culture (OR = 3.562, P = 0.002). According to the results of the logistic regression analysis model, staghorn stones (OR = 2.049, P < 0.1) and complete intraoperative stone clearance (OR = 0.431, P < 0.1), were used to develop the nomogram. Internal validation of the nomogram showed that the concordance index (C-index) was 0.725. Additionally, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was performed, P = 0.938 > 0.05. CONCLUSION: Preoperative leukocyte elevation, positive urine nitrite, and positive urine culture are independent risk factors for urosepsis after one-stage PCNL for patients with DM with upper urinary tract stones. The nomogram, which is based on independent risk factors that combine stone morphology and intraoperative stone clearance, can help predict the risk of postoperative urosepsis.

Association of CXCL13 and Immune Cell Infiltration Signature in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed kidney tumors and is often accompanied by immune cell infiltration. In this study, we attempted to identify microenvironment-associated genes and explore the correlation between CXCL13 and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). Gene expression profiles and their corresponding clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The ESTIMATE (Estimation of Stromal and Immune cells in Malignant Tumor tissues using Expression data) algorithm was used to calculate immune cell and stromal cell scores, according to which patients were divided into high- and low-score groups, allowing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to be identified. Functional enrichment and PPI network analysis were used to identify the functions of the DEGs. CIBERSORT algorithm and TIMER analysis were used to evaluate the immune score. Oncomine and TCGA database were used to explore CXCL13 mRNA expression level in ccRCC. High ESTIMATE score was significantly associated with prognosis. Functional enrichment analysis clarified that DEGs were associated with T cell activation, immune response-regulating cell surface receptor signaling pathway, and positive regulation of cytokine production. PPI network was used to identify CXCL13 as a hub gene. And CIBERSORT algorithm and TIMER analysis showed that strong correlation between CXCL13 expression level and TIICs. Oncomine database was used to validate high CXCL13 expression level in ccRCC tissue, compared to normal tissues. In conclusion, we obtained a list of tumor microenvironment-related genes and identified CXCL13 as an immune response biomarker in patients with ccRCC, GSEA analysis, wound healing and transwell assays showed CXCL13 played a role in tumor migration.

Knockdown of COPS3 inhibits the progress of prostate cancer through reducing phosphorylated p38 MAPK expression and impairs the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process.

BACKGROUND: The amplification of gene COPS3 is closely related to the development of osteosarcoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the effects of COPS3 on prostate cancer (PCa) are poorly understood. METHODS: In this study, the protein expression of COPS3 in PCa tissues, adjacent normal tissues, and bone metastasis tissues of PCa was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion assay were performed in 22rv1 and PC-3 cells after knocking down COPS3 by small interfering RNAs. Furthermore, we performed western blot analysis to explore the potential mechanisms underlying it. RESULTS: This study found that the overall survival of the COPS3 high-expression group was significantly shorter than the low-expression group. This study discovered that the protein expression of COPS3 in PCa tissues was higher than that in the matched nontumor prostate tissues. In addition, tissues from bone metastasis of PCa had a high percentage of overexpressing COPS3. After knockdown of the COPS3 gene in 22rv1 and PC3 cells, two classic human PCa cell lines which had a high level of COPS3, the abilities of migration, invasion, and proliferation were inhibited. Finally, protein levels of phosphorylated P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and N-cadherin were significantly decreased after knocking down the expression of COPS3, and the protein levels of E-cadherin were significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, COPS3 may be closely related to the progress of PCa. Knockdown of COPS3 inhibited the progress of PCa through reducing the levels of phosphorylated P38 MAPK and impaired the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process.

[Balloon dilation by B ultrasound monitoring for treatment of urethral stricture: 5 case reports].

Urethral stricture is a common urologic disease and there are many therapeutic methods for it. Here we investigated the application of balloon dilation under B-mold ultrasound monitoring in the treatment of urethral stricture. Five male patients suffering from urethral stricture were treated with balloon dilation under B-mold ultrasound monitoring.Their urination was assessed after operation. All the patients underwent the operation successfully, without serious complications. The urinary catheter was removed 3-4 weeks after operation. The patients were followed up for 8 to 15 months. Four patients were voiding well and one improved. Balloon dilation under B-mold ultrasound monitoring in the treatment of urethral stricture was intuitive, safe and effective.

[Comparison of efficacy between total ureterectomy and partial ureterectomy in the treatment of ureteral carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy between total ureterectomy and partial ureterectomy in treatment of ureteral carcinoma. METHODS: The clinical data and follow-up results of 102 patients with ureteral urothelial carcinoma from August 1996 to August 2011 were analyzed retrospectively. According to surgical procedures, the patients were divided into total ureterectomy group (61 cases) and partial ureterectomy group (41 cases). The subsequent bladder cancer incidence, ureteral carcinoma recurrence rate, distant metastasis rate and survival rate were compared between two groups. The prognostic factors of ureteral carcinoma were analyzed by multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (31.1%) suffered subsequent bladder cancer in total ureterectomy group, and 10 (24.4%) in partial ureterectomy group(χ² = 0.550, P = 0.458). Ten patients (16.4%) re-suffered contralateral ureteral carcinoma in total ureterectomy group, and 6 (14.6%) in partial ureterectomy group, 2 (4.9%) ipsilateral and 4 (9.7%) contralateral (χ² = 0.057, P = 0.811). Eight patients (13.1%) occurred distant metastasis in total ureterectomy group, and 3 (7.3%) in partial ureterectomy group (χ² = 0.360, P = 0.549). Twenty patients died of carcinoma in total ureterectomy group, and 18 in partial ureterectomy group. The median survival time was 78 months in total ureterectomy group, and 75 months in partial ureterectomy group. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rates in total ureterectomy group were 97.8%, 76.8% and 63.6%, and in partial ureterectomy group were 93.0%, 66.9% and 58.8%. The multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that tumor stage (RR = 2.468, P = 0.009) and local lymph node status (RR = 3.081, P = 0.020) were independent prognostic factors of ureteral carcinoma. The 5-year survival rate of Ta-2 stage tumor was 73.4%, and of T3-4 stage was 42.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor stage and local lymph node status are key prognostic factors of ureteral carcinoma. The efficacy between total ureterectomy and partial ureterectomy in treating early stage of low ureteral carcinoma is similar. Partial ureterectomy can be used in selective patients.

The differentiation courses of the Tfh cells: a new perspective on autoimmune disease pathogenesis and treatment.

The follicular helper T cells are derived from CD4+T cells, promoting the formation of germinal centers and assisting B cells to produce antibodies. This review describes the differentiation process of Tfh cells from the perspectives of the initiation, maturation, migration, efficacy, and subset classification of Tfh cells, and correlates it with autoimmune disease, to provide information for researchers to fully understand Tfh cells and provide further research ideas to manage immune-related diseases.

Development and validation of a preoperative nomogram to predict lymph node metastasis in patients with bladder urothelial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) before radical cystectomy aids clinical decision making. Here, we aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to preoperatively predict LNM in BUC patients. METHODS: Patients with histologically confirmed BUC, who underwent radical cystectomy and bilateral lymphadenectomy, were retrospectively recruited from two institutions. Patients from one institution were enrolled in the primary cohort, while those from the other were enrolled in the external validation cohort. Patient demographic, pathological (using transurethral resection of the bladder tumor specimens), imaging, and laboratory data were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the independent preoperative risk factors and develop the nomogram. Internal and external validation was conducted to assess nomogram performance. RESULTS: 522 and 215 BUC patients were enrolled in the primary and external validation cohorts, respectively. We identified tumor grade, infiltration, extravesical invasion, LNM on imaging, tumor size, and serum creatinine levels as independent preoperative risk factors, which were subsequently used to develop the nomogram. The nomogram showed a good predictive accuracy, with area under the receiver operator characteristic curve values of 0.817 and 0.825 for the primary and external validation cohorts, respectively. The corrected C-indexes, calibration curves (after 1000 bootstrap resampling), decision curve analysis results, and clinical impact curves demonstrated that the nomogram performed well in both cohorts and was highly clinically applicable. CONCLUSION: We developed a nomogram to preoperatively predict LNM in BUC, which was highly accurate, reliable, and clinically applicable.

A narrative review: narrow-band imaging endoscopic classifications.

Background and Objective: With the development of endoscopic techniques, narrow-band imaging (NBI) has been widely used in the diagnosis of various types of diseases. NBI can detect mucosal lesions at an early stage and different classification strategies have been established to help clinicians in disease diagnosis. However, there is currently no consensus for the classification criteria. This report summarizes the current classifications of diseases using NBI, so as to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various manifestations of mucosal lesions under NBI, and to promote the development of more practical NBI classifications. Methods: The PubMed database was searched for English language articles published between January 1994 and November 2021 using the keywords 'narrow band imaging', 'NBI', and 'classification'. Key Content and Findings: We systematically summarized the NBI classifications and manifestations of different diseases. The morphology of the mucosa and vessels was used as the basis of most classifications. These classifications are mainly helpful to distinguish benign and malignant tumors and to detect early neoplastic lesions. Conclusions: This review summarized existing NBI classifications for different systems. These classifications will be updated as the understanding of diseases increases and new optical techniques become available to better assist doctors in making clinical decisions.

High systemic immune-inflammation index predicts poor prognosis and response to intravesical BCG treatment in patients with urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has emerged as a promising marker predicting the prognosis of some cancers, while its role in urothelial carcinoma (UC) remains uncertain, especially in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association of SII with the prognosis of UC and the response to intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Methods: A systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify relevant studies. The extracted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association between SII and overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with UC. Additionally, we pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs to assess the relationship between SII and BCG response in patients with NMIBC. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Results: Twenty studies comprising a total of 12,645 patients were eligible. This meta-analysis revealed that high SII levels independently increased the risk of OS (HR 1.55, 95%CI 1.25-1.92), CSS (HR 1.82, 95%CI 1.36-2.45), and RFS (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.18-1.35) in patients with UC, including those with upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Additionally, elevated SII levels could predict a lower response to intravesical BCG treatment (OR 0.18, 95%CI 0.07-0.45) and higher disease recurrence (HR 1.61, 95%CI 1.31-1.98) in patients with NMIBC. Furthermore, elevated SII levels were positively associated with advanced age, lymphovascular invasion, hydronephrosis, and high tumor grade and stage (pT ≥ 3). Conclusions: Elevated preoperative SII levels are associated with poor survival outcomes in patients with UC, as well as worse response to BCG treatment in patients with NMIBC. Therefore, SII can serve not only as an independent prognostic predictor of patients with UC but also as a guide for BCG therapy in NMIBC. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023409077, identifier CRD42023409077.

Dyskerin and telomerase RNA component are sex-differentially associated with outcomes and Sunitinib response in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) displays sex-biased incidence, outcomes, molecular alterations and treatment efficacy; however, clinical managements are largely identical in male and female patients. Moreover, many biomarkers have been identified as predictors for ccRCC outcomes and response to therapeutic drugs, such as multitargeted tyrosine-kinase receptor (TKR) inhibitors, but little is known about their sex-specificity. Dyskerin (DKC1), encoded by the DKC1 gene within Xq28, is a telomerase co-factor stabilizing telomerase RNA component (TERC) and overexpressed in various cancers. Here, we determined whether DKC1 and/or TERC affect ccRCC sex-differentially. METHODS: DKC1 and TERC expression in primary ccRCC tumors was assessed using RNA sequencing and qPCR. DKC1 association with molecular alterations and overall or progression-free survival (OS or PFS) was analyzed in the TCGA cohort of ccRCC. The IMmotion 151 and 150 ccRCC cohorts were analyzed to evaluate impacts of DKC1 and TERC on Sunitinib response and PFS. RESULTS: DKC1 and TERC expression was significantly upregulated in ccRCC tumors. High DKC1 expression predicts shorter PFS independently in female but not male patients. Tumors in the female DKC1-high group exhibited more frequent alterations in PIK3CA, MYC and TP53 genes. Analyses of the IMmotion 151 ccRCC cohort treated with the TKR inhibitor Sunitinib showed that female patients in the DKC1-high group was significantly associated with lower response rates (P = 0.021) accompanied by markedly shortened PFS (6.1 vs 14.2 months, P = 0.004). DKC1 and TERC expression correlated positively with each other, and higher TERC expression predicted poor Sunitinib response (P = 0.031) and shorter PFS (P = 0.004), too. However, DKC1 rather than TERC acted as an independent predictor (P < 0.001, HR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.480-2.704). In male patients, DKC1 expression was associated with neither Sunitinib response (P = 0.131) nor PFS (P = 0.184), while higher TERC levels did not predict response rates. Similar results were obtained from the analysis of the Sunitinib-treated IMmotion 150 ccRCC patients. CONCLUSIONS: DKC1 serves as an independent female-specific predictor for survival and Sunitinib efficacy in ccRCC, which contribute to better understanding of the sex-biased ccRCC pathogenesis and improve personalized interventions of ccRCC.

Many types of cancer including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are known to display sex-biased survival, genomic alterations and treatment efficacy; however, clinical managements are largely identical in male and female ccRCC patients. Many molecules have been identified as predictors for ccRCC survival and response to therapeutic drugs, such as multitargeted tyrosine-kinase receptor inhibitor Sunitinib, but little is known about their sex-specificity. Dyskerin (DKC1), encoded by the DKC1 gene on X chromosome, is a telomerase co-factor stabilizing telomerase RNA component (TERC), whereas telomerase plays key roles in cancer development and progression. In this study, we observed increased DKC1 expression in ccRCC tumors. High DKC1 expression predicts shorter disease progression-free survival (PFS) in female but not male patients. Oncogene activation and tumor suppressor inactivation are more frequent in the female DKC1-high tumors. By analyzing two cohorts of ccRCC patients treated with Sunitinib, we showed that female patients in the DKC1-high group was significantly associated with lower response rates accompanied by markedly shortened PFS. DKC1 and TERC expression correlated positively with each other, and higher TERC expression predicted poor Sunitinib response and shorter PFS, too. However, DKC1 rather than TERC acted as an independent predictor. In male patients, DKC1 expression was associated with neither Sunitinib response nor PFS. Thus, DKC1 serves as a female-specific predictor for survival and Sunitinib response in ccRCC. Our findings are expected to improve personalized management of ccRCC.

The vascular and morphological characteristics of tumors under narrow-band imaging as predictors for the grade and stage of bladder cancer: a prospective and multi-center study.

The vascular and morphological features of tumors are important predictors of the nature, grade, and stage of various cancers. However, this association has not been tested in bladder cancer. The aim of our study was to investigate the correlation between the morphological characteristics of tumor vessels and the nature, stage and grade of bladder cancer. Between November 2021 and March 2023, we prospectively collated clinical information and cystoscopy information from a series of patients with bladder cancer. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors for the nature, grade and stage of bladder cancer. Our analysis showed that cauliflower-like tumors, dotted vessels, and circumferential vessels were independent risk factors for bladder cancer. Reticular vessels were an independent risk factor for high-grade bladder cancer. Thick branching vessels in bladder tumors, along with a wide base, were independent risk factors for the invasion of bladder cancer into the lamina propria. Primary diagnosis, lesion location (beside the left ureteral orifice) and obscure lesion boundaries were all identified as independent risk factors for muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Development and validation of a predictive model for the diagnosis of bladder tumors using narrow band imaging.

PURPOSE: At present, the prediction of bladder tumor nature during cystoscopy is partially dependent on the clinician's own experience. Subjective factors may lead to excessive biopsy or delayed treatment. The purpose of our study is to establish a reliable model for predicting the nature of bladder tumors using narrow band imaging. METHODS: From November 2021 to November 2022, the clinical data of 231 patients who required a cystoscopy were prospectively collected at our center. Cystoscopy was performed in 219 eligible patients, in which both tumor and vascular morphology characteristics were recorded. Pathological results were used as the diagnostic standard. A logistic regression analysis was used to screen out factors related to tumor pathology. Bootstrap resampling was used for internal validation. A total of 71 patients from four other centers served as an external validation cohort. RESULTS: The following diagnostic factors were identified: tumor morphology (cauliflower-like or algae-like lesions), vascular morphology (dotted or circumferential vessels), tumor boundary (clear or unclear), and patients' symptoms (gross hematuria) and were included in the prediction model. The internal validation results showed that the area under the curve was 0.94 (95% CI 0.92-0.97), and the P value from the goodness-of-fit test was 0.97. After external validation, the results showed the area under the curve was 0.89 (95% CI 0.82-0.97) and the P value of the goodness-of-fit test was 0.24. CONCLUSION: A diagnostic prediction nomogram was established for bladder cancer. The verification results showed that the prediction model has good prediction performance.

The cuproptosis-associated 13 gene signature as a robust predictor for outcome and response to immune- and targeted-therapies in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Cuproptosis, the newly identified form of regulatory cell death (RCD), results from mitochondrial proteotoxic stress mediated by copper and FDX1. Little is known about significances of cuproptosis in oncogenesis. Here we determined clinical implications of cuproptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Based on the correlation and survival analyses of cuproptosis-correlated genes in TCGA ccRCC cohort, we constructed a cuproptosis-associated 13 gene signature (CuAGS-13) score system. In both TCGA training and two validation cohorts, when patients were categorized into high- and low-risk groups according to a median score as the cutoff, the CuAGS-13 high-risk group was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and/or progression-free survival (PFS) independently (P<0.001 for all). The CuAGS-13 score assessment could also predict recurrence and recurrence-free survival of patients at stage I - III with a high accuracy, which outperformed the ccAccB/ClearCode34 model, a well-established molecular predictor for ccRCC prognosis. Moreover, patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) acquired complete/partial remissions up to 3-time higher coupled with significantly longer PFS in the CuAGS-13 low- than high-risk groups in both training and validation cohorts of ccRCCs (7.2 - 14.1 vs. 2.1 - 3.0 months, P<0.001). The combination of ICI with anti-angiogenic agent Bevacizumab doubled remission rates in CuAGS-13 high-risk patients while did not improve the efficacy in the low-risk group. Further analyses showed a positive correlation between CuAGS-13 and TIDE scores. We also observed that the CuAGS-13 score assessment accurately predicted patient response to Sunitinib, and higher remission rates in the low-risk group led to longer PFS (Low- vs. high-risk, 13.9 vs. 5.8 months, P = 5.0e-12). Taken together, the CuAGS-13 score assessment serves as a robust predictor for survival, recurrence, and response to ICIs, ICI plus anti-angiogenic drugs and Sunitinib in ccRCC patients, which significantly improves patient stratifications for precision medicine of ccRCC.

The comparison of accuracy and practicability between ultrasound and spiral CT in the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute abdominal pain is often caused by intestinal obstruction, with high morbidity, and mortality, so that the early diagnosis is particularly important. Currently, both spiral CT and ultrasound are common imaging diagnostic methods. However, the accuracy and practicality of the diagnosis are controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to systematically evaluate the accuracy and practicality of spiral CT and ultrasound in the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. METHODS: Retrieval of English database (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library) and Chinese database (CNKI, WAN FANG, VIP, CBMDISC) by computers. From the establishment of the database to October 2020, a diagnostic experimental study on the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction by ultrasound and spiral CT was conducted. Two researchers independently conducted data extraction and quality evaluation of literature on the included studies, and Meta Disc1.4 and RevMan5.3 were used for meta-analysis on the included literature. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, po-sitive Likelihood ratio, NE-Gative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio and other indicators were used to determine the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound and helical CT. CONCLUSION: This study is aimed at providing an evidence-based basis for clinicians to choose an appropriate or optimal diagnostic method by comparison of the accuracy and practicality between spiral CT and ultrasound in the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI 10.17605/ OSF.IO / Q5RNS.

Comparison of the practicability of ultrasound and spiral computed tomography in the diagnosis of colon cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is a common malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, a clear diagnosis is particularly important for the treatment of colon cancer. Ultrasound and spiral computed tomography (CT) can both be used in the diagnosis, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which could cause confusion in clinical choice. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the practicability of spiral CT and ultrasound in the diagnosis of colon cancer. METHODS: A systematic search was performed by retrieving on English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library) and Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang, Weipu [VIP], CBM). Besides, manually search for Google and Baidu academic of diagnostic experimental study of ultrasound and spiral CT in the diagnosis of Colon Cancer. The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to October 2020. Two researchers independently extracted and evaluated the quality of the data in the included study. A meta-analysis was performed using Meta Disc1.4 and RevMan5.3 software. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, positive Likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were used to determine the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography and helical CT in colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This study will compare the practicability of CT and ultrasound in the diagnosis of colon cancer and provide reliable evidence-based basis for clinicians to choose the appropriate or best evidence-based basis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/WAJHQ.

Identification of FADS1 Through Common Gene Expression Profiles for Predicting Survival in Patients with Bladder Cancer.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study was to identify biomarkers between different grades of bladder cancer (BLCA) and its prognostic value. METHODS: mRNA expression data from GSE32549 and GSE71576 were extracted for further analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using GEO2R web tool. Gene ontology (GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were conducted to explore the function and relationship of DEGs. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used for external validation and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis was used to further identify FADS1 pathways. Bladder cancer cells and patient specimens were used to further demonstrate the function of FADS1. RESULTS: Datasets from GEO identified a panel of DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted that DEGs were associated with nuclear division, spindle, cell cycle and p53 signaling pathway. External validation from TCGA demonstrated that FADS1 was an independent prognostic marker in BLCA patients. In cell lines and tumor specimen analysis, FADS1 was overexpressed in the tumor specimen, compared with adjacent tissues, and positively correlated with tumor grade of BLCA. Moreover, FADS1 could enhance the proliferation ability and influence cell cycle of bladder cancer cells. CONCLUSION: FADS1 was an independent prognostic biomarker for BLCA and could confer the bladder cancer cells increased proliferation ability.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Accelerate the Remodeling of Bladder VX2 Tumor Interstitial Microenvironment by TGFß1-Smad Pathway.

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proved to be able to differentiate into cells that are conducive to tumor growth and invasion. The mechanism is not clear. This present study was aimed to find out whether TGFß1-Smad pathway was involved in this process. Methods: For the in vitro experiment, five groups of MSCs were cultured to test whether VX2 culture supernatant could induce the differentiation of MSCs into myofibroblasts. And then transforming growth factor ß1(TGFß1) receptor or Smad2 of MSCs were blocked by RNA interference technique to test whether TGFß1-Smad pathway was involved in the differentiation. In the animal experiment, different kinds of MSCs were co-inoculated with VX2 cells in bladder to test whether the blockage of TGFß1 receptor or Smad2 of MSCs could affect the expression of TGFß1, epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPa), and matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP9) in five animal groups. Results: VX2 culture supernatant could up-regulate the expression of α-SMA and Vimentin in MSCs, which indicated that VX2 culture supernatant could induce the differentiation of MSCs into myofibroblasts. Either the Blockage of TGFß1 receptor or Smad2 of MSCs could lead to decreased expression of α-SMA and Vimentin in MSCs. In the animal experiment, MSCs could favor VX2 bladder tumor growth and up-regulate the expression of TGFß1, EGF, FAPa, MMP9 in VX2 tumor tissue. However, when TGFß1 receptor or Smad2 of MSCs was blocked, the above effects were attenuated. Conclusions: Under the induction of tumor microenvironment, MSCs can differentiate into myofibroblasts and then affect tumor interstitial microenvironment remodeling. This process is mediated by TGFß1-Smad2 pathway.

Ultrasound-guided minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of pediatric patients <6 years: A single-center 10 years' experience.

Owing to the fragile kidney and relative small collecting system of pediatric patients, urologists were always reluctant to treat pediatric urolithiasis with PCNL. Here we conduct a study to assess the effectiveness and safety of pediatric patients with renal calculi <6 years.A total of 88 pediatric patients (99 kidney units) <6 years underwent the ultrasound (US)-guided minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy in our institute from March 2006 to April 2016. The mean age was 30.9 months (range, 7-72 months). The mean stone size was 19.5 mm (range, 10-50 mm). The group included single stone in 35 kidney units, upper ureteral stone in 12 kidney units, multiple stone in 43 kidney units, and staghorn stone in 9 kidney units. The procedure of puncture and dilation were guided by US solely.The mean operation time was 52.3 minutes (range, 15-140 minutes). The mean postoperative length of stay was 6.0 days (3-16 days). Besides, the initial stone free rate (SFR) was 90.9% (90/99) and the final SFR was 96.0% (95/99). The mean hemoglobin drop was 10.9 g/L (range, 1-25 g/L). Postoperative complications occurred in 12 patients including fever in 11 cases and active pleural effusion in 1 case.The US-guided MPCNL is an effective and safety procedure to treat pediatric patients with stone <6 years.

[Application of biotechnics in the identification of Chinese medicinal herbs and the production and cultivation of their excellent species].

In this paper, application of biotechnics in the identification of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, and the production and cultivation of their excellent species was discussed, and the relevant references about usage of biotechnics in TCM researches published in recent decade were summarized and analysed. Lots of literature showed that biotechnics played important roles in the quality identification of Chinese medicinal herbs and the researches on new drugs of TCM.