A new animal model of lumbar disc degeneration in rabbits.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There are many models of lumbar disc degeneration, but mechanical stress-induced lumbar disc degeneration is rare. Here we propose a mechanical stress-induced lumbar disc degeneration model to better understand the molecular mechanism of lumbar disc degeneration under stress stimulation. PURPOSE: To design a new model of lumbar disc degeneration under mechanical stress. STUDY DESIGN: The anatomic approach of the oblique lateral approach to lumbar fusion surgery was used to design a longitudinal compression device across the vertebral body of the rabbit to impose longitudinal load on the lumbar disc. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits (n=30) were used. Screws were used to cross the rabbits' lumbar vertebral bodies, and both sides of the screws were pressurized. Continuous compression was then performed for 28 days. Adjacent unpressurized lumbar discs serve as controls for pressurized lumbar discs. At 28 days after surgery, micro-computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed on the rabbits' lumbar discs. After the imaging examination, lumbar disc samples were removed, Safranin-O fast green and immunofluorescence was performed to detect the expression level of intervertebral disc degeneration-related proteins. RESULTS: The CT results showed that the disc height did not decrease significantly after mechanical loading. The MRI results showed that the signals in the pressurized disc decreased 28 days after loading. The results of Safranin-O fast green showed that the cartilage component of the intervertebral disc after mechanical compression was significantly reduced. The immunofluorescence results showed that the expression of ADAMTS5 and MMP13 protein in the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc after mechanical compression increased, while the expression of SOX9 decreased, and the difference was statistically significant. Aggrecan's protein expression decreased, but was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study designed a reliable model of disc degeneration in rabbits. It is more likely to mimic disc compression in the human body. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This animal model can be used as a basic model to study the molecular physiological mechanisms of discogenic low back pain.

Evaluation of Sealer Remnants Using a Bioceramic Sealer Single-cone Technique after Post Space Preparation and its Influence on the Adhesion of Fibre Posts in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To compare calcium silicate-based endodontic sealer and epoxy resin-based sealer remnants on root canal walls after post space preparation and their influence on the bond strength of fibre posts fixed with a dual-cured resin cement. METHODS: Thirty-six extracted single-root mandibular premolars were instrumented and divided randomly into two equal groups with different endodontic sealers. iRoot SP (Innovative BioCeramix, Vancouver, Canada) was employed in the experimental group and AH Plus (Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, NC, USA) was used in the control group. Sealer remnants were observed under an endodontic microscope after root canal therapy and post space preparation. Fibre posts were fixed with dual-cured resin cement. Specimens were taken at each third of the post space. The push-out bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine and fracture modes were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent samples t test and one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in bond strength of fibre posts between the control and experimental group (P > 0.05); however, sealer remnants were observed in 38.9% of the samples treated with iRoot SP and none of the samples treated with AH Plus. The major fracture mode in samples treated with iRoot SP was adhesive failure between the resin cement and the post, and no adhesive failure between the resin cement and dentine occurred at the site of the sealer remnant. The presence of iRoot SP remnants on the root canal walls after post space preparation did not interfere with bonding. CONCLUSION: iRoot SP is a viable option for root canal obturation before fibre post cementation.

[Clinical features of oral management to oral complications of Sjögren's syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the clinical characteristics about sequence diagnosis and treatment of oral complications in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS) through retrospective analysis, and to provide some guidance for clinical work. METHODS: Some SS patients who underwent oral sequence management in the Department of General Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2015 to September 2021 were enrolled. For the SS patients included in this study, a comprehensive oral examination was performed, including parotid region examination, oral mucosal exa-mination, dentition examination, dental examination, periodontal examination, unstimulated salivary flow rate, Candida infection and radiological imaging examination. According to the examination results, the patients were given fluoride application, antifungal treatment, root canal therapy, direct filling repair, and indirect repair treatment in sequence and the results recorded. RESULTS: A total of 9 patients with SS, with 4 primary SS patients (pSS) and 5 secondary SS patients (sSS) were enrolled in the study. For all the 9 patients, the average age was (49.2±16.2) years and the median xerostomia duration 5 years. The unstimulated salivary flow rate of the 9 patients was all less than 1 mL/10 min. Eight of the 9 cases was diagnosed as oral Candidiasis, with positive salivary Candida culture result (>200 cfu/mL), and 1 of the 9 cases was not. The average decay, missing, filling teeth (DMFT) was 24.8±4.2; the average decay, missing, filling tooth surfaces (DMFS) was 59.2±21.9, the average incisal caries was 2.5±1.3, and the average number of crown restorations at baseline was 4.5±3.6. All the 9 SS patients were applied with topical fluoride usage, and 8 were prescribed with antifungal treatment. One sSS patient was conducted with filling restoration treatment, one pSS patient was conducted with full mouth rehabilitation, and the remaining 7 patients were conducted with direct filling combined with fixed repair treatment. The average 3.2 full crown restorations in 6 patients had to be removed and restored because of secondary caries, and 3 of the 9 patients underwent implant denture restorations finally. CONCLUSION: Management of oral complications in SS patients needs to be carried out in sequence. A comprehensive examination and diagnosis should be carried out first, followed by infection control, and then restoration of oral function at last.

MXene/Graphene modified cellulose aerogel for photo-electro-assisted all-weather cleanup of high-viscous crude oil from spill.

The frequent occurrence of oil spills has led to serious environmental pollution and ecological issues. Given the high-viscosity of crude oil, it is essential to develop sorbents with efficient viscosity reduction and sorption capacity in various environmental conditions. Herein, a superhydrophobic carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) aerogel co-modified by MXene and graphene jointly (M-Mxene/Gr CA) with aligned channels structure was prepared. The aligned channels structure can effectively improve the longitudinal thermal conductivity and reduce the sorption resistance. Through the modification of MXene and graphene, the aerogel realized efficient photo/electro-thermal conversion, thus ensuring its adaption to various working environments. The rapid heat generation can significantly reduce the viscosity of crude oil, achieving rapid recovery. Under one sun illumination (1.0 kW/m2), the surface temperature of M-Mxene/Gr CA can reach 72.6 °C and its sorption capability for high-viscous crude oil reaches 18 g/g. Combining photo-thermal and electro-thermal (0.5 kW/m2 and 23 V), the average sorption rate of crude oil can reach 1.3 × 107 g m-3 s-1. Finally, we present a continuous sorption system to recover offshore oil spills under the assistance of a pump. This work provides a new option for tackling high-viscous offshore oil spills due to its environmental friendliness and fast sorption capacity.

Positive Feedback Regulation of Circular RNA Hsa_circ_0000566 and HIF-1α promotes Osteosarcoma Progression and Glycolysis Metabolism.

Hypoxia is an indispensable factor for cancer progression and is closely associated with the Warburg effect. Circular RNAs (CircRNA) have garnered considerable attention in molecular malignancy therapy as they are potentially important modulators. However, the roles of circRNAs and hypoxia in osteosarcoma (OS) progression have not yet been elucidated. This study reveals the hypoxia-sensitive circRNA, Hsa_circ_0000566, that plays a crucial role in OS progression and energy metabolism under hypoxic stress. Hsa_circ_0000566 is regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and directly binds to it as well as to the Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ubiquitin ligase protein. Consequentially, binding between VHL and HIF-1α is impeded. Furthermore, Hsa_circ_0000566 contributes to OS progression by binding to HIF-1α (while competing with VHL) and by confers protection against HIF-1α against VHL-mediated ubiquitin degradation. These findings demonstrate the existence of a positive feedback loop formed by HIF-1α and Hsa_circ_0000566 and the key role they play in OS glycolysis. Taken together, these data indicate the significance of Hsa_circ_0000566 in the Warburg effect and suggest that Hsa_circ_0000566 could be a potential therapeutic target to combat OS progression.

Effect of total glycosides of Cistanche deserticola on the energy metabolism of human HepG2 cells.

To study the anti-tumor effect of Cistanche deserticola Y. Ma, HepG2 cells were treated with 0, 3.5, 10.5, 21, 31.5, and 42 µg/ml of total glycosides (TG) from Cistanche deserticola. The HepG2 cell survival rate and 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) were detected using the CCK-8 method, and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by using a DCFH-DA fluorescence probe. Finally, a Seahorse XFe24 energy analyzer (Agilent, United States) was used to detect cell mitochondrial pressure and glycolytic pressure. The results showed that TG could reduce the survival rate of HepG2 cells and that the IC50 level was 35.28 µg/ml. With increasing TG concentration, the level of ROS showed a concentration-dependent upward trend. Energy metabolism showed that each dose group of TG could significantly decline the mitochondrial respiratory and glycolytic functions of HepG2 cells. In conclusion, TG could significantly inhibit the mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis functions of HepG2 cells, increase the level of ROS, and inhibit cell proliferation. Thus, this experiment pointed out that Cistanche deserticola can be used as a source of anti-cancer foods or drugs in the future. However, further studies on its mechanisms and clinical applications are needed.

PLK1 Mitigates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Delaying Senescence of Nucleus Pulposus Cells.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the primary cause of low back pain; however, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of IVDD are not fully understood. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays numerous roles in the cell cycle, including in cell proliferation and senescence. To investigate the involvement of PLK1 in IVDD, we used patient tissues and an animal model of IVDD. Samples were analyzed via immunoblotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Our results demonstrated that PLK1 expression was decreased in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) of degenerative IVDs. The inhibition of PLK1 kinase activity in normal NPCs increased the expression of p53 protein, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced senescence. Our results suggest that PLK1 regulates the degeneration of the IVD through p53, revealing the function and mechanism of PLK1 in IVDD and providing a theoretical basis and experimental evidence for the potential treatment of low back pain.

Circ-RBMS1 Knockdown Alleviates CSE-Induced Apoptosis, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress via Up-Regulating FBXO11 Through miR-197-3p in 16HBE Cells.

Background: Emerging evidence has reported that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are aberrantly expressed and act as significant regulators in pathological processes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, the purpose of this article was to evaluate and clarify the biological functions and mechanism of circRNA single stranded interacting protein 1 (circ-RBMS1) in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD. Methods: Human bronchial epithelial cells 16HBE treated with or without cigarette smoke extract (CSE) were used in the experimental group in vitro. Levels of circ-RBMS1, microRNA (miR)-197-3p, and F-box only protein 11 (FBXO11) were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The present study used cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU), flow cytometry and Western blot assays to determine the survival of 16HBE cells. The activity of interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was evaluated using the relative commercial kits. Dual-luciferase activity and RIP assays were used to identify the target relationship between miR-197-3p and circ-RBMS1 or FBXO11. Results: Circ-RBMS1 was highly expressed in COPD patients, and CSE induced an increased expression of circ-RBMS1 in a dose-dependent manner. Functionally, knockdown of circ-RBMS1 attenuated CSE-induced apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in 16HBE cells. Circ-RBMS1 directly targeted miR-197-3p, and miR-197-3p inhibition reversed the effects of circ-RBMS1 knockdown on CSE-induced 16HBE cells. FBXO11 was a target of miR-197-3p. MiR-197-3p overexpression or FBXO11 silencing reduced the apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in CSE-induced 16HBE cells. Moreover, miR-197-3p exerted its effects by targeting FBXO11. Additionally, circ-RBMS1 acted as a sponge for miR-197-3p to positively regulate FBXO11 expression in 16HBE cells. Conclusion: Circ-RBMS1 knockdown alleviated CSE-induced apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in 16HBE cells via miR-197-3p/FBXO11 axis, suggesting a new insight into the pathogenesis of CS-induced COPD.

Circular RNA circSIPA1L1 Contributes to Osteosarcoma Progression Through the miR-411-5p/RAB9A Signaling Pathway.

Recently, various studies have identified circular RNAs (circRNAs) to play a significant role in tumorigenesis, thereby showing potential as novel tumor biomarkers. circSIPA1L1 is a newly discoveredcircular RNA, which is formed by back-splicing of SIPA1L1 and is found increased in osteosarcoma (OS). Nevertheless, the specific functions of circSIPA1L1 in OS remain unknown. In the present study, circSIPA1L1 was obtained from a previously reported circRNA microarray in the GEO database (GSE96964). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to assess the mRNA level of circSIPA1L1 in OS cell lines and tissue samples. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assays, real-time PCR, RNA pull-down assays and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were employed to verify the binding of circSIPA1L1 with miR-411-5p. Xenograft tumor models were established to identify the role of circSIPA1L1 in vivo. A series of in vitro experiments, such as western blotting, colony formation, transwell assays and anoikis assay were employed to confirm the relationship across circSIPA1L1, miR-411-5p, and RAB9A. Our study confirmed circSIPA1L1 to be upregulated in both human OS samples and OS cell lines. Mechanistically, circSIPA1L1 could serve as a miR-411-5p molecular sponge to increase RAB9A expression, which was confirmed to be a tumor promoter mediating carcinogenesis. Silencing of circSIPA1L1 attenuated the vitality, invasion, migration and proliferation of OS cell lines both in vivo and in vitro. miR-411-5p inhibition or RAB9A overexpression reversed the anti-tumor effects caused by circSIPA1L1 knockdown. Briefly, circSIPA1L1 could function as a driver gene in OS and initiate OS tumorigenesis through the miR-411-5p/RAB9A signaling pathway, which might become a potential therapeutic biomarker for OS treatment.

Aggregation-induced emission enhancement and reversible mechanochromic luminescence of quinoline-based zinc(ii)-Schiff base complexes.

Three quinoline-based zinc(ii)-Schiff base complexes were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. They exhibit remarkable aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) in acetonitrile/diethyl ether mixtures due to the conversion of weak luminescence in homogeneous solution into strong emission in the nano-aggregated phase after increasing the fractions of diethyl ether. Interestingly, the AIEE performance can be significantly promoted by joining the two quinoline units through an alkoxy chain. Moreover, they show reversible mechanochromic luminescence behavior between dark and bright states during the grinding-fuming cycles, due to the modulation of morphologies between amorphous and crystalline states. Introducing an electron donating group in the para-position of aniline significantly improves the mechanochromic luminescence effect with a more accessible and distinct emission colour contrast. The molecular packing in the crystalline phase and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations demonstrate that multiple intermolecular C-Hπ and π-π interactions significantly strengthen the molecular rigidity and enhance the intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) characteristics, leading to the effective emission enhancement in crystalline/nano-aggregated states. The novel AIEE and reversible mechanochromic luminescence properties point to the promising potential applications of these complexes in smart fluorescent materials.

[Effect of Acupuncture Combined with Gavage of Rule Granule on Serum Prolactin, Estradiol and Progestone Contents and Their Receptor Expression in Breast in Mammary Gland Hyperplasia Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with medication (Rule Granule) on serum prolactin (PRL)，estradiol (E2) and progestone (P) contents and expressions of prolactin receptor (PRLR), estrogen receptor (ER) and progestrone receptor (PR) proteins in mammary gland (MG) tissues of MG hyperplasia (MGH) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of MGH. METHODS: A total of 55 female SD rats were randomized into blank control group (n＝10), model group (n＝10), acupuncture group (n＝11), medication group (n＝10), and acupuncture plus medication group (n＝9). The MGH model was established by muscular injection of E2 benzoate(0.5 mg/kg, once daily for 20 days), followed by injection of P (5 mg/kg) into the lateral muscle of the hind-limb, once daily for 5 days, and the rats of the control group were treated by muscular injection of normal saline at the same site and in the same procedures. Acupoint group A composed of bilateral Tianzhong (SI 11), Ganshu (BL 18) and Zusanli (ST 36), and group B composed of Tanzhong (CV 17), and bilateral Wuyi (ST 15) and Hegu (LI 4) were alternatively punctured with filiform needles and stimulated swiftly by twirling the needle in each acupoint for 20－30 sec, once daily for 30 days. Rats of the medication group and acupuncture ＋medication group were treated by gavage of Rule Granule fluid containing Baishao (Paeonia Iactiflora Pall), Danggui (Angelica sinensis), etc. (1.5 mL/100 g for each rat) and those of the other groups treated by gavage of distilled water (1.5 mL/100 g). The treatment was given once daily for continuous 30 d. At the end of the experiments, the rats' abdominal aorta blood was collected for assaying the contents of serum PRL, E2 and P with ELISA, and the pathological changes of breast tissue (the left 2nd pairs) were observed under microscope after sectioning and H．E. staining. The expression of PRLR, ER and PR proteins in the breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: After modeling, the hyperplasia of mammary gland in the model group was obvious; the serum PRL and E2 contents and the immunoactivities of PRLR, ER and PR were significantly increased (P<0.01); and the content of serum P was considerably decreased in the model group in comparison with the blank control group (P<0.01). After the treatment, the hyperplasia of mammary gland was improved; the serum PRL and E2 contents and the expression of PRLR, ER and PR were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01); and the content of P was notably increased in the acupuncture, medication and acupuncture plus medication groups relevant to the model group (P<0.05，P<0.01). The therapeutic effects of acupuncture plus medication were significantly superior to those of both simple medication and simple acupuncture in down-regulating serum PRL and E2 contents and PRLR, ER and PR immunoactivity, as well as in up-regulating serum P content (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the medication and acupuncture groups in the above mentioned 3 serum and 3 mammary indexes (P>0.05)．. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture, Rule Granule, and acupuncture combined with Rule Granule can improve hyperplasia of mammary gland in rats, which may be related to their effects in reducing serum PRL and E2 and breast ER, PR and PRLR expression levels, and in increasing serum P level. The therapeutic effects of acupuncture plus Rule Granule are better than those of simple acupuncture and simple Rule Granule.

Ureaplasma urealyticum-derived lipid-associated membrane proteins introduce IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α cytokines into human amniotic epithelial cells via Toll-like receptor 2.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of Ureaplasma urealyticum-derived lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs) in the host innate immune system, specifically their effect on Toll-like receptors (TLRs). METHODS: LAMPs were derived from U. urealyticum strains, and human amniotic epithelial cells (HAECs) were isolated from healthy full-term placentas. Cytokine concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and TLR2 mRNA by real-time PCR. Expression of TLR2 was confirmed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: LAMPs induced HAECs to produce inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Cytokine production was reduced after blocking TLR2 using TLR2 inhibitor (anti-hTLR2-IgA). CONCLUSIONS: LAMPs isolated from U. urealyticum induced TLR2-dependent up-regulation of inflammatory genes and cytokines in HAECs.

[Traditional manipulative reduction and percutaneous elastic intramedullary nail fixation for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in children].

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical effects and safety of traditional manipulative reduction and percutaneous elastic intramedullary nail fixation for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in children. METHODS: From October 2012 to May 2016, 65 patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated with traditional manipulative reduction and percutaneous elastic intramedullary nail fixation. There were 52 boys and 13 girls, ranging in age from 7 to 14 years old, with an average age of 11.2 years old. Twenty-three patients had injuries on the left side, and 42 patients had injuries on the right side. There were 13 cases of oblique fracture, 49 cases of transverse fracture, and 3 cases of comminuted fracture. All the patients had closed, obviously displaced fractures, without vascular and nerve injuries. The duration from injury to treatment ranged from 20 minutes to 5 days, with a mean of 3 days. The fracture healing and complications were observed after operation, and the curative effect was evaluated by Neer shoulder function score. RESULTS: The operation time ranged from 30 to 40 minutes, with a mean of 35 minutes; intraoperative blood loss ranged from 5 to 10 ml, with a mean of 6.5 ml. All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 12 to 28 months, with an average of 18 months. All the fractures healed. According to the Neer evaluation system, 59 patients got an excellent result, 5 good and 1 fair. Four patients had a small amount of secretions on the tail of the needle; 2 patients had skin irritation; 1 patient had partial withdrawal of the nail, and the skin in all the patients healed after taking out the nail. No patients had nonunion fractures due to the broken nails and loosen screws, and no vascular or nerve injuries occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional manipulative reduction and percutaneous elastic intramedullary nail fixation for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in children has the advantages of less trauma, quicker recovery, less complications and simple operation.

[Enrichment of Nitrospira in Activated Sludge and Kinetic Characterization].

Nitrospira was enriched from activated sludge by using fed-batch cultivation, and its related kinetic characterization was studied. The results showed that Nitrospira could be successfully enriched from the activated sludge for a controlled nitrite concentration no higher than 2 mg·L-1. The maximum nitrate oxidation rate was 48.72 mg·(g·h)-1. The fluorescence for the in situ hybridization results showed that Nitrospira accounted for about 75% of the total biomass, while Nitrobacter accounted for only 0.1%. In addition, the kinetic parameters of Nitrospira at 20℃ were also investigated. The results showed that the optimum growth temperature for Nitrospira was 30-35℃. The temperature correction coefficient τN was 1.046. The nitrite half-saturation constant KS and oxygen half-saturation constant KO were (0.32±0.03)mg·L-1 and (1.52±0.09)mg·L-1, respectively. This study on the kinetic characterization of Nitrospira provided a theoretical foundation for the treatment plant design and process optimization.

Complex solution chemistry behind the simple "one-pot" synthesis of vanadium-substituted polyoxometalates unraveled by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE: The "one-pot" method is a deceptively simple and straightforward method for synthesis of polyoxometalates (POMs). However, the complex solution chemistry behind the simple method is neither clear nor elucidated thoroughly by a suitable method. In general, POM chemists are more focused on what final products are obtained by deliberately choosing the ingredients used in the "one-pot" process with a limited knowledge of what is actually happening in the reaction solution. METHODS: Time-resolved electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was developed to monitor the dynamic solution speciation changes occurred in the reaction mixtures ({SiW12-x } (x = 1-3) + NaVO3 ) against reaction time. The reactions were conducted as normal, with 2 µL aliquots removed at specific time intervals during the reaction. The aliquots were immediately diluted with 1 mL of HPLC grade water and then analyzed by ESI-MS. As a control, solutions of each {SiW12-x } were analyzed alongside the vanadium reactions to corroborate which fragments were due to the lacunary precursors and which were due to the reactions with sodium metavanadate. RESULTS: It was discovered that the reaction solution speciation was sensitively changed with the reaction conditions such as concentration, temperature, and reaction time. Spontaneous transformations from mono- into di- and eventually tri-substituted products ({SiW11 V} â†’ {SiW10 V2 } â†’ {SiW9 V3 }) were observed for the reactions of {SiW11 } + VO3 (-) and {SiW10 } + VO3 (-) , respectively. Higher concentration and temperature definitely accelerate the transformation reaction rates whereas different molar ratios of reactants have minimal effects on changing the solution speciation in the cases studied. CONCLUSIONS: Time-resolved ESI-MS is effectively and successfully used in the monitoring of the dynamic speciation changes in the reaction mixtures consisting of lacunary POMs with transition salts. This study will provide guidance for the oriented design and controlled synthesis of POMs with novel structures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Risk factors and negative consequences of patient's delay for penile carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Delayed first medical consultation (patient's delay) is quite common in cases of penile carcinoma (PC), but its reasons and impacts remain unclear. We conducted this study to ascertain risk factors resulting in delayed treatment seeking and evaluate its influence on prognosis. METHODS: From 2004 to 2010 at 4 centers, 254 patients were enrolled into this study from 262 consecutive PC cases. Patients' sexual performance was investigated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 at the sixth-month end after treatment. Data for prognostic analyses was obtained via a 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: A multivariate model ascertained 4 risk factors (single, living in rural areas, heavy drinking alcohol, and aspecific initial symptoms) and 1 protective factor (history of condyloma) significantly associated with patient's delay. Delay >3 months led to significant risks for adverse clinical characteristics, low penis-sparing rate, and poor sexual function restoration. Although patient's delay was not found to impact on postoperative relapses and 5-year overall survival (OS), patients with delay >6 months had significantly inferior 2-year OS. CONCLUSIONS: Single, living in rural areas, heavy drinking alcohol, and aspecific initial symptoms are significant risk factors of PC associated with patient's delay. Delay >3 months will lead to significantly inferior clinical consequences. Minimizing patient's delay is the key to avoid amputation and retain superior sexual potency. Improving patient education on initial symptoms of PC is necessary in men of >40 years old.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor in extramammary Paget disease.

Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) is a special type of cancers. The etiology of the disease is still unclear. We aimed to study the expression differences of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in EMPD tissues and corresponding adjacent normal tissues. The mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR and the protein expression was explored by immunohistochemistry. Higher immunostaining signal scores of bFGF and VEGF in EMPD tissues had been found (z=-3.827, P<0.001, z=-3.729, P<0.001, respectively). In addition, the mRNA expression of bFGF and VEGF was higher in EMPD tissues, which had been validated by RT-PCR (t=5.771, P<0.001, t=3.304, P=0.004, respectively). The VEGF and bFGF might be the key signaling proteins in angiogenesis of EMPD. How to block the VEGF and bFGF in EMPD and to destroy the blood supply of the tumor cells becomes the focus of our future research.

Glans preservation contributes to postoperative restoration of male sexual function: a multicenter clinical study of glans preserving surgery.

PURPOSE: We evaluated whether glans preserving surgery would be more helpful for patients to regain satisfactory sexual competency postoperatively than conventional partial amputation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2004 to 2012 at 4 centers a total of 135 men treated with glans preserving surgery and 36 treated with partial amputation were selected for evaluation from a total of 273 consecutive patients with penile cancer. Subjective evaluation for patient sexual performance was investigated using the IIEF-15. Objective evaluation was done using the audiovisual sexual stimulation test with the RigiScan® Plus. The degree of satisfaction with penile appearance, and patient confidence and partner acceptability for intercourse were evaluated by 5-point scales. RESULTS: Patients treated with glans preserving surgery had better performance in 4 IIEF-15 domains (erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction) and 1 RigiScan parameter (tip rigidity) (each p <0.01). They also had significantly higher appearance satisfaction (64.4% vs 13.9%) and intercourse confidence (55.6% vs 5.6%) than men who underwent partial amputation. Sexual partners in the glans preserving group also showed significantly higher appearance satisfaction (51.1% vs 5.6%) and intercourse acceptability (37.8% vs 16.7%) than in the partial amputation group. CONCLUSIONS: Glans preserving surgery effectively preserves the functional anatomy and cosmetic appearance of the glans penis. Glans preservation contributes to minimizing postoperative erectile dysfunction and negative psychological impediments, and promotes return to satisfactory sexual performance. Patients treated with glans preservation have more advantages in obtaining sexual acceptance from their partners than those who undergo amputation.

[Surgical treatment of penile Paget's disease: a report of 10 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of penile Paget's disease. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the treatment and follow-up data of 10 cases of penile Paget's disease surgically treated in Jiangsu Provincial Government Hospital and Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital from 2008 to 2012. RESULTS: All the 10 patients received expanded local resection of the lesion with reconstruction of the defects with scrotal skin flaps or free skin flaps from the thigh. All surgeries were successful and the postoperative course was uneventful with complete graft survival and no lymph node metastasis. IIEF scores obtained before and 1 -2 months after surgery showed no statistically significant differences in the penile erectile function (P = 0.229), sexual orgasm (P = 0.761), and sexual satisfaction (P = 0.801) of the patients. CONCLUSION: When penile skin lesions suggest the possibility of Paget's disease, biopsy should be performed and surgery should follow as soon as possible. The ideal surgical option is expanded local resection of the lesion with reconstruction of the defects with scrotal skin flaps or free flaps according to the patient's specific conditions.

Immunotherapy and endothelin receptor antagonists for treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Recently, novel therapies of prostate cancer, such as immunotherapy, endothelin receptor antagonists, novel androgen receptor antagonist and novel taxanes, and others have been introduced into clinical practice. This study was performed to summarize these results of immunotherapy and endothelin receptor antagonists in the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and derive a more precise estimation of their effect on future treatment. The PubMed database, references of published trials, and review articles were searched. Two reviewers independently extracted data of these trials. We used hazard ratios (HRs) to assess the effects on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), or time to disease progression (TTP), and relative risk (RR) for the different types of toxicity. In addition, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) give a sense of the precision of the estimate. Nine randomized controlled trials were ultimately identified. The pooled HR showed that immunotherapy could prolong OS significantly in patients with CRPC compared to placebo (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.58-0.83, p < 0.001). Endothelin receptor antagonists also had modest benefits (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82-1.00, p = 0.046). Nevertheless, there were no significant benefits from both therapies on PFS or TTP. In addition, immunotherapy led to more fatigue, pyrexia, chills, and endothelin receptor antagonists led to more peripheral edema, anemia, and dyspnea. Our article suggested that the very acceptable toxicity and improving OS in patients with CRPC made immunotherapy an attractive option for such patients. However, future studies with thoughtful clinical trial designs are warranted.