Optimized adaptation algorithms for low-complexity adaptive equalizers.

In order to address the high-power consummation issue of conventional multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) adaptive equalizer (AEQ) for short-reach coherent transmissions, several state-of-the-art low-complexity AEQs have been proposed. In our work, optimized adaptation algorithms for low-complexity real-valued (RV) AEQs with different structures are analyzed. Moreover, an approach to avoid introducing additional computational complexity due to the optimized adaptation process is presented here. The advantages of proposed optimized adaptation algorithms are experimentally demonstrated in a 25 Gbaud dual-polarization 16-quadrature-amplitude-modulation (DP-16QAM) back-to-back (BtB) intradyne system with an overall bandwidth of 14 GHz. Experimental results show that a similar performance as the conventional AEQ could be achieved by using proposed adaptation algorithms and reducing the number of multiplications with up to ∼65%.

Renal anatomical classification systems cannot predict the occurrence of vascular complications after partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between renal tumor complexity and vascular complications after partial nephrectomy using PADUA, RENAL, and ZS scores. METHODS: Between January 2007 and December 2018, a total of 1917 patients with available cross-sectional imaging were enrolled in the study. Logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of vascular complications. RESULTS: Of 1917 patients, 31 (1.6%) developed vascular complications, including 10 females and 21 males. The high-complexity category was significantly associated with a decreased risk of vascular complication in PADUA (OR = 0.256; 95%CI = 0.086-0.762; P = 0.014) and ZS score (OR = 0.279; 95%CI = 0.083-0.946; P = 0.040). Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy were independent risk factors for vascular complications. Meanwhile, the incidence was significantly reduced in the recent 4 years in the high score tumor group alone in PADUA (0.2% [1/474] vs. 2.2% [3/139], P = 0.038) and ZS score (0.2% [1/469] vs. 2.7% [3/112], P = 0.024). In the first 8 years, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy were the only two independent risk factors for vascular complications. In the recent 4 years, only the high-complexity category was significantly associated with a decreased risk of vascular complication in the PADUA score (OR = 0.110; 95%CI = 0.013-0.938; P = 0.044). CONCLUSION: The renal anatomic classification system cannot predict the occurrence of vascular complications after partial nephrectomy.

RUNX3 pathway signature predicts clinical benefits of immune checkpoint inhibition plus tyrosine kinase inhibition in advanced renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor (IO/TKI) have been recently recommended as standard first-line therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma, while no clinical-available biomarker has been applied. This study aimed to investigate the associations between RUNX3 pathway signature and IO/TKI benefits in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: Two IO/TKI cohorts (ZS-MRCC, JAVELIN-101) and one high-risk localized RCC cohort (ZS-HRRCC) were included. All samples were evaluated by RNA-sequencing, and RUNX Family Transcription Factor 3 (RUNX3) pathway were determined by single sample gene set enrichment analysis. Flow cytometry were applied for immune cell infiltration and function. RESULTS: RUNX3 signature was elevated in RCC samples, compared non-tumor tissues (P < 0.001). High-RUNX3 signature was associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) in both IO/TKI cohorts (ZS-MRCC cohort, P = 0.025; JAVELIN-101 cohort, P = 0.019). RUNX3 signature also predicted IO/TKI benefit in advanced RCC, compared with TKI monotherapy (interaction p = 0.027). RUNX3 signature was associated with decreased number of GZMB + CD8 + T cells (Spearman's ρ=-0.42, P = 0.006), and increased number of PD1 + CD8 + T cells (Spearman's ρ = 0.29, P = 0.072). Moreover, the integration of RUNX3 signature and GZMB expression showed predictive potential for TKI/IO (log-rank P < 0.001). In addition, the predictive value of RUNX3 signature for IO/TKI benefit was restricted in SETD2-wild type patients (log-rank P < 0.001). Finally, a risk score was established by random forest for IO/TKI benefit, showing remarkable predictive potency (Log-rank P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RUNX3 pathway signature could be a potential predictive biomarker for IO/TKI treatment in advanced RCC, for both prognosis and treatment selection between IO/TKI and TKI monotherapy.

Unfavorable immunotherapy plus tyrosine kinase inhibition outcome of metastatic renal cell carcinoma after radical nephrectomy with increased ADAM9 expression.

Immunotherapy plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor (IO-TKI) has become the standard first-line therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the modest response rate of IO-TKI therapy and the absence of biomarkers limited the selection of treatment strategies for RCC patients. There were three cohorts enrolled: two from our facility (ZS-MRCC and ZS-HRRCC) and one from a clinical study (JAVELIN-101). By RNA sequencing, the expression of ADAM9 in each sample was measured. By flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, immune infiltration and T cell function were examined. Primary outcomes were established as treatment response and progression-free survival (PFS). Patients with low-ADAM9 expression had a higher objective response rate (56.5% vs 13.6%, P = 0.01) and longer PFS in both cohorts. In the ZS-HRRCC cohort, the expression of ADAM9 was associated with increased tumor-infiltrating T cells, which was proved by immunohistochemistry (P < 0.05) and flow cytometry (Spearman's ρ = 0.42, P < 0.001). In the high-ADAM9 group, CD8+ and CD4+ T cells revealed an exhausted phenotype with decreased GZMB (Spearman's ρ = - 0.31, P = 0.05, and Spearman's ρ = - 0.49, P < 0.001, respectively), and fewer Macrophages were identified. A predictive RFscore was further constructed by random forest approach, involving ADAM9 and immunologic genes. Only in the subgroup with the lower RFscore did IO-TKI outperform TKI monotherapy. High-ADAM9 expression was associated with immunosuppression and IO-TKI resistance. Expression of ADAM9 was also associated with the exhaustion and dysfunction of T cells. ADAM9-based RFscore has the potential to be used as a biomarker to distinguish the optimal patient treatment methods between IO-TKI and TKI monotherapy.

Single-carrier 800-Gb/s self-homodyne coherent transmission of DP-16QAM, DP-32QAM, and DP-64QAM with uncooled DFB laser.

Self-homodyne detection (SHD) is a promising approach to realize high-capacity short-reach optical transmission systems with low cost and low power consumption. We experimentally demonstrate single-carrier net 800-Gb/s SHD transmission with low-cost ∼MHz linewidth distributed feedback (DFB) laser over 2 km, 10 km, 25 km, and 40 km single-mode fiber (SMF) using three different quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) formats, including 80-Gbaud dual-polarization (DP) 64QAM, 100-Gbaud DP-32QAM, and 120-Gbaud DP-16QAM. Among them, net 800-Gb/s DP-64QAM SHD transmission over 25 km SMF using an uncooled DFB laser with a linewidth of 2.6 MHz is experimentally verified. The detailed experimental performance evaluation of net 800Gb/s SHD system is performed, in which various configurations are considered, such as different laser linewidths, three QAM formats, and different transmission distances. DFB lasers with linewidths of 1 MHz and 2.6 MHz lead to negligible penalty when compared to the same SHD system but using an external cavity laser (ECL) with a linewidth of 26kHz in back-to-back (BTB) case. 80-Gbaud DP-64QAM obtains the highest optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) requirement and the highest bit-error rate (BER) floor but the best tolerance of chromatic dispersion (CD). 120-Gbaud DP-16QAM achieves the lowest OSNR requirement and the lowest BER floor but the worst tolerance of CD. The detailed experimental investigation is conducive to promote the practical application of SHD in different short-reach scenarios.

The prognostic significance of CDK6 expression in renal cell carcinoma treated by immune checkpoint plus tyrosine kinase inhibition.

Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor (IO/TKI) has become the first-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), despite the lack of biomarkers. Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) has shown a regulatory role in antitumour response. The study enrolled two cohorts of metastatic RCC treated by IO/TKI (Zhongshan Hospital [ZS]-MRCC, n = 45; JAVELIN-101, n = 726) and two cohorts of localized RCC (ZS-HRRCC, n = 40; TCGA-KIRC, n = 530). CDK6 was evaluated by RNA-sequencing. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint. The prognostic role of CDK6 was evaluated by survival analysis. The correlation between CDK6 and tumour microenvironment was assessed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The high-CDK6 group displayed a lower response rate (13.6%) than the low-CDK6 group (56.5%) (P = .002). High-CDK6 was associated with poor PFS in both the ZS-MRCC cohort (high-CDK6, median PFS 6.4 months; low-CDK6, median PFS not reached; P = .010) and JAVELIN-101 cohort (high-CDK6, median PFS 10.0 months; low-CDK6, median PFS 13.3 month; P = .033). High-CDK6 was associated with increased PD1+ CD8+ T cells (Spearman's ρ = .47, P < .001) and decreased Granzyme B+ CD8+ T cells (Spearman's ρ = -.35, P = .030). Finally, a random forest score (RFscore) was built by integrating CDK6 and immunologic genes, which was associated with survival benefits of IO/TKI (RFscore-low, TKI vs IO/TKI, HR = 2.47, 95% CI 1.82-3.35, P < .001; RFscore-high, TKI vs IO/TKI, HR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.75-1.32, P = .963). Elevated CDK6 expression indicated resistance and poor PFS under IO/TKI therapy, which was related to exhausted CD8+ T cells. Integrated RFscore could evaluate the benefits of IO/TKI.

Comparative transcriptome analysis provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of high-frequency hearing differences between the sexes of Odorrana tormota.

BACKGROUND: Acoustic communication is important for the survival and reproduction of anurans and masking background noise is a critical factor for their effective acoustic communication. Males of the concave-eared frog (Odorrana tormota) have evolved an ultrasonic communication capacity to avoid masking by the widespread background noise of local fast-flowing streams, whereas females exhibit no ultrasonic sensitivity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the high-frequency hearing differences between the sexes of O. tormota are still poorly understood. RESULTS: In this study, we sequenced the brain transcriptomes of male and female O. tormota, and compared their differential gene expression. A total of 4,605 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the sexes of O. tormota were identified and eleven of them were related to auditory based on the annotation and enrichment analysis. Most of these DEGs in males showed a higher expression trend than females in both quantity and expression quantity. The highly expressed genes in males were relatively concentrated in neurogenesis, signal transduction, ion transport and energy metabolism, whereas the up-expressed genes in females were mainly related to the growth and development regulation of specific auditory cells. CONCLUSIONS: The transcriptome of male and female O. tormota has been sequenced and de novo assembled, which will provide gene reference for further genomic studies. In addition, this is the first research to reveal the molecular mechanisms of sex differences in ultrasonic hearing between the sexes of O. tormota and will provide new insights into the genetic basis of the auditory adaptation in amphibians during their transition from water to land.

Does intraoperative cyst rupture of malignant cystic renal masses really have no negative impact on oncologic outcomes?

BACKGROUND: To assess the impact of malignant cystic renal masses (CRM) rupture on oncologic outcomes. METHODS: The study included 406 cases with partial nephrectomy (PN) and 17 cases with cyst decortication confirmed as malignant CRM by pathology. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Cox regression was used to identify risk factors associated with RFS, MFS, CSS, and OS. Logistic regression was performed to explore predictors of rupture. RESULTS: Tumor rupture occurred in 32 of 406 cases (7.9%). With median follow-up of 43 months, 4 (12.5%) and 5 (1.3%) cases experienced recurrence in rupture and non-rupture group, respectively (P = 0.003). Estimated RFS, MFS, and CSS were shorter in cyst ruptured (CR) group than non-ruptured (nonCR) cases (P < 0.001; P = 0.001; P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis indicated that CR was an independent prognostic factor for RFS (HR = 7.354; 95% CI = 1.839-29.413; P = 0.005), MFS (HR = 8.069; 95% CI = 1.804-36.095; P = 0.006), and CSS (HR = 9.643; 95% CI = 2.183-42.599; P = 0.003). Multivariable logistic regression showed that Bosniak IV was a protective factor for CR (OR = 0.065; 95% CI = 0.018-0.239; P < 0.001). However, compared to Bosniak III and I-IIF, Bosniak IV CRMs showed higher rate of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) (76.8% vs 36.5% vs 81.4%) (P < 0.001) and lower rate of Fuhrman I staging (11.2% vs 66.7% vs 7.4%) (P < 0.001). Therefore, in ruptured cases, the recurrence rate was higher in CRM with Bosniak IV (50%, 2/4) than Bosniak I-III (4.4%, 2/45) (P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative malignant CRM rupture had negative impacts on oncologic outcomes. Bosniak IV was more aggressive than Bosniak I-III and had a higher risk of recurrence after rupture. However, Bosniak IV had a lower risk of rupture, which could weaken even cover-up of the true effect of tumor rupture on oncologic outcomes.

Mast cell density in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Association with prognosis and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes.

Tumour-infiltrating mast cells (TIMs) have been reported to play functional roles in the tumour microenvironment. However, controversial evidences exist regarding their impact in different cancers. In order to study their role in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), we have investigated the prognostic value of TIMs and their association with tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib or sorafenib. Baseline clinical characteristics and follow-up data were collected from 231 patients with mRCC; TIMs (mast cells density positive to tryptase), along with CD8+ and CD4+ TILs, were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray. The log-rank test and univariate and multivariate COX regression models were used for survival analyses. Our results revealed that patients with high mast cell density had significantly better overall and progression-free survival (OS, P = .008, and PFS, P = .016, respectively) than those with low mast cell density. Additionally, multivariate COX regression analyses identified TIMs as an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 0.624, 95% CI: 0.420-0.927, P = .020) and PFS (HR = 0.658, 95% CI: 0.466-0.930, P = .019). Further, combining TIMs with the International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk model achieved statistically significant and better predictive ability for one- and two-year OS (P = .002 and P = .004, respectively). Moreover, the cases with high mast cell density were associated with a high density of CD8+ and CD4+ TILs (P = .008 and P = .001, respectively). Thus, better OS in patients with mRCC exhibiting a high mast cell density population may be attributed to the co-existence of CD8+ and CD4+ TILs, which have anti-tumour effects on activation status.

Circular RNA-DPP4 serves an oncogenic role in prostate cancer progression through regulating miR-195/cyclin D1 axis.

BACKGROUND: Recently, more and more studies have highlighted the critical regulatory roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs, in the progression of many human cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa). circRNA microarray analysis was performed to identify circRNAs that are differentially expressed in PCa tissues. METHODS: 104 pairs of PCa tissues and matched adjacent normal prostate tissues (at least 2 cm distal to the tumor margin) were obtained. circRNA microarray analysis was performed on four pairs of PCa tissues and matched adjacent normal prostate tissues to investigate the potential involvement of circRNAs in PCa. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to investigate whether the effect of circDPP4 on PCa cell proliferation was associated with the alteration in cell cycle progression. The role of circDPP4 in PCa tumor growth was further explored in vivo. RESULTS: We found that circDPP4 was overexpressed in PCa tissues and cell lines, and its expression was closely associated with Gleason score and clinical stage of PCa patients. In vitro loss- and gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that circDPP4 knockdown inhibited, whereas circDPP4 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle progression of PCa cells. Knockdown of circDPP4 also suppressed PCa tumor growth in vivo. We further found that circDPP4 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-195 in PCa cells, and miR-195 negatively regulated the expression of oncogenic cyclin D1. Rescue experiments suggested that restoration of miR-195 blocked the oncogenic role of circDPP4 in PCa cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our findings revealed a novel regulatory mechanism between circDPP4 and miR-195/cyclin D1 axis, and offered novel strategies for the treatment of PCa.

Effect of additives on melting temperature and energy consumption of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash.

This paper presents the melting temperature (MT) and energy consumption (EC) of model municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash (FA) under the influence of calcium oxide (CaO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and boron oxide (B2O3) based on thermochemistry simulations. Nine different base-to-acid ratios (B/A) of raw FA have been explored. The results show that the effects of CaO, SiO2 and Al2O3 vary for different B/A ranges. SiO2 and Al2O3 play positive roles in decreasing the MT and EC of FA4-FA9 with high B/A (B/A: 2.61, 4.48, 6.43, 6.90, 8.32, 8.82). CaO plays a positive role in decreasing the MT and EC of FA1 and FA2 with low B/A (B/A: 0.22, 0.43). In FA3 (B/A: 1.22), the MT and EC of FA cannot be reduced by adding CaO, SiO2 and Al2O3. The addition of B2O3 cannot only further reduce the MT of FA, but also reduce the EC. B2O3 and SiO2 can work together to reduce the MT and EC when B/A is high (2.61-8.82), and SiO2 and B2O3 can be introduced into the FA by adding waste glass and other boron containing waste to realize the coordinated disposal of waste.

Phylogeography, speciation and demographic history: Contrasting evidence from mitochondrial and nuclear markers of the Odorrana graminea sensu lato (Anura, Ranidae) in China.

Understanding the process of speciation and the factors driving the geographical distribution patterns of species is of great interest in ecology and evolutionary biology. Herein, we investigated the phylogeographic patterns, speciation, demographic history and genetic structure of the widespread endemic Odorrana graminea sensu lato in Southern China and adjacent areas. A total of 439 specimens from 68 localities were sequenced and analyzed for both mitochondrial (12S and 16S rRNA) and nuclear markers (RAG-1 and ten microsatellite loci). Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated mtDNA data revealed five major highly divergent lineages within the O. graminea sensu lato in Southern China, and these divergent lineages were highly concordant with five geographical regions. The nuclear data showed a discordant genetic structure compared to the mtDNA lineages (Clades A, B, and C) for O. graminea sensu stricto, with an admixed pattern in the RAG-1 data and two structure clusters in the microsatellite data. The species delimitation analyses, based on three methods, supported the species status of Odorrana zhaoi and Odorrana rotodora, and revealed the existence of putative cryptic species in the O. graminea sensu stricto. In addition, one statistically significant gene flow event was detected from Clade B to Clade C based on mtDNA and RAG-1 data, and the microsatellite data suggested gene flow within the O. graminea sensu stricto. Bayesian skyline plotting analyses and ecological niche modeling supported demographic and range expansions during the LGM for Clades A and C of the O. graminea sensu stricto. In addition, ecological niche models suggested the existence of ecological divergence among the three Clades (Clades A, B and C) of the O. graminea sensu stricto. The intense uplifting of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, the Quaternary climate oscillations, and drainage changes may have driven the speciation, genetic structure and phylogeoraphic patterns of the O. graminea sensu lato.

Rational Design of Dual-State Emission Luminogens with Solvatochromism by Combining a Partially Shared Donor-Acceptor Pattern and Twisted Structures.

We report a general design strategy for a new class of luminogens with dual-state emission (DSEgens) that are brightly emissive in both the solution and solid state, with solvatochromism properties, by constructing a partially shared donor-acceptor pattern based on a twisted molecule. The DSEgens with bright fluorescence emission in both the solid and solution state demonstrate a unique solvatochromism behaviour depending on solvent polarity and thus may have applications in anti-counterfeiting.

Development and prospective validation of a novel weighted quantitative scoring system aimed at predicting the pathological features of cystic renal masses.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and prospectively validate a novel weighted quantitative scoring system based on CT findings, namely, the renal cyst index (RCI), aimed at preoperatively predicting the pathological features of cystic renal masses (CRMs). METHODS: The RCI was based on four critical features of CRMs: the cyst wall, septal, nodule, and cyst contents. These parameters were scored with 1, 2, or 3 points. Weight coefficients for these parameters were determined by the multivariable logistic regression. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to summarise the results. The RCI was defined as the sum of these four weight coefficients. Malignancy risk prediction models were built based on the retrospective evaluation of 441 patients. We also compared the prediction ability of the RCI with the Bosniak classification in the 441 patients and applied these novel models to 152 masses resected in our institution to prospectively validate the efficiency of the RCI. RESULTS: The wall point (OR = 5.71 [95% CI = 1.734-18.808, p = 0.004, point = 2], OR = 12.665 [95% CI = 3.750-42.770, p < 0.001, point = 3]), septal point (OR = 3.325 [95% CI = 1.272-8.692, p = 0.014, point = 3]), nodule point (OR = 4.588 [95% CI = 1.429-14.729, p < 0.001, point = 2], OR = 17.032 [95% CI = 5.017-57.820, p = 0.010, point = 3]), content point (OR = 22.822 [95% CI = 1.041-495.995, p = 0.047, point = 2], OR = 2.723 [95% CI = 1.296-10.696, p = 0.015, point = 3]), and RCI (OR = 1.247 [95% CI = 1.197-1.299, p < 0.001]) were significantly associated with malignancy. Masses with an RCI < 6 were regarded as benign masses; masses with an RCI ≥ 10 were regarded as malignant masses. The malignancy risk of masses with an RCI > 6 but < 10 were determined by a nomogram. The prediction ability of the RCI was significantly superior to the Bosniak classification for Bosniak IIF and III masses (AUC: 0.912 vs. 0.753, p = 0.001). The RCI also accurately predicted the pathological features of 152 masses. CONCLUSION: The RCI is a reliable quantitative scoring system in predicting the malignancy risk of CRMs, and it outperformed the Bosniak classification system in some ways. KEY POINTS: • The renal cyst index (RCI) is a useful weighted quantitative classification system based on CT findings for diagnosing cystic renal masses. • The RCI outperforms the Bosniak classification system in some ways, especially for Bosniak IIF and III masses. • Masses with an RCI < 6 can be regarded as a simple cyst, while those with an RCI > 10 can be regarded as malignant masses.

Daunorubicin-containing CLL1-targeting nanomicelles have anti-leukemia stem cell activity in acute myeloid leukemia.

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia have a very poor prognosis related to a high rate of relapse and drug-related toxicity. The ability of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) to survive chemotherapy is primarily responsible for relapse, and eliminating LSCs is ultimately essential for cure. We developed novel disulfide-crosslinked CLL1-targeting micelles (DC-CTM), which can deliver high concentrations of daunorubicin (DNR) into both bulk leukemia cells and LSCs. Compared to free DNR, DC-CTM-DNR had a longer half-life, increased DNR area under the curve concentration by 11-fold, and exhibited a superior toxicity profile. In patient-derived AML xenograft models, DC-CTM-DNR treatment led to significant decreases in AML engraftment and impairment of secondary transplantation compared to control groups. Collectively, we demonstrate superior anti-LSC/AML efficacy, and preferable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles of DC-CTM-DNR compared to free DNR. DC-CTM-DNR has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce therapy-related morbidity and mortality for patients with AML.

Circular RNA Expression Profiling Identifies Prostate Cancer- Specific circRNAs in Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the main cancers that damage males' health severely with high morbidity and mortality, but there is still no ideal molecular marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. METHODS: To determine whether the differentially expressed circRNAs in prostate cancer can serve as novel biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis, we screened differentially expressed circRNAs using SBC-ceRNA array in 4 pairs of prostate tumor and paracancerous tissues. A circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network for the differential circRNAs and their host genes was constructed by Cytoscape3.5.1 software. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis (qRT-PCR) was performed to confirm the microarray data. RESULTS: We found 1021 differentially expressed circRNAs in PCa tumor using SBC-ceRNA array and confirmed the expression of circ_0057558, circ_0062019 and SLC19A1 in PCa cell lines and tumor tissues through qRT-PCR analysis. We demonstrated that combination of PSA level and two differentially expressed circRNAs showed significantly increased AUC, sensitivity and specificity (0.938, 84.5% and 90.9%, respectively) than PSA alone (AUC of serum PSA was 0.854). Moreover, circ_0057558 was correlated positively with total cholesterol. The functional network of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA analysis showed that circ_0057558 and circ_0034467 regulated miR-6884, and circ_0062019 and circ_0060325 regulated miR-5008. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that differentially expressed circRNAs (circ_0062019 and circ_0057558) and host gene SLC19A1 of circ_0062019 could be used as potential novel biomarkers for prostate cancer.

The zero ischemia index (ZII): a novel criterion for predicting complexity and outcomes of off-clamp partial nephrectomy.

PURPOSES: Although several anatomical classification systems that aimed to standardize the description of renal tumors were previously reported, a special classification system is required to help predict the complexity and perioperative outcomes of off-clamp nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). We developed a novel criterion-zero ischemia index (ZII), aiming to help predict the perioperative outcomes after off-clamp NSS and guide patient selection. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 149 patients between June 2009 and July 2014 in our institution who underwent off-clamp NSS with available computed tomography images. ZII was defined as the product of the tumor diameter and depth within renal parenchyma. ZII was then analyzed to investigate its association with perioperative outcomes. A specific ZII score was further selected to best guide patient selection in off-clamp NSS. RESULTS: ZII was significantly associated with estimated blood loss >500 mL (OR 1.270, 95% CI 1.036-1.557, p = 0.021), operative time >2 h (OR 1.286, 95% CI 1.051-1.573, p = 0.014), surgical complications (OR 1.251, 95% CI 1.035-1.511, p = 0.020), overall complications (OR 1.208, 95% CI 1.016-1.436, p = 0.032), and >10% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR 1.362, 95% CI 1.045-1.776, p = 0.022). Patients with ZII > 6 may bear a higher risk of hemorrhage, perioperative complications, and a longer operative time, if they underwent an off-clamp NSS, compared to those with ZII ≤ 6. CONCLUSIONS: The ZII is a novel and readily measurable criterion which can help predict renal complexity of tumor and risk of perioperative outcomes after off-clamp NSS. ZII = 6 is established as a preliminary threshold for patient selection of off-clamp NSS. A more robust criterion is to be validated with more samples in a prospective study.

Biostable L-DNA-Templated Aptamer-Silver Nanoclusters for Cell-Type-Specific Imaging at Physiological Temperature.

The high susceptibility of the natural D-conformation of DNA (D-DNA) to nucleases greatly limits the application of DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) in biological matrixes. Here we demonstrate that the L-conformation of DNA (L-DNA), the enantiomer of D-DNA, can also be used for the preparation of aptamer-Ag NCs. The extraordinary resistance of L-DNA to nuclease digestion confers much higher biostability to these NCs than those templated by D-DNA, thus making cell-type-specific imaging possible at physiological temperatures, using at least 100-times lower Ag NC concentration than reported D-DNA-templated ones. The L-DNA-templated metal NC probes with enhanced biostability might promote the applications of metal nanocluster probes in complex biological systems.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of the Efficacy of External Physical Vibration Lithecbole after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for a Lower Pole Renal Stone Less Than 2 cm.

PURPOSE: We evaluate the efficacy and safety of external physical vibration lithecbole in improving the clearance rates of lower pole renal stones after shock wave lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 71 patients with lower pole renal stones (6 to 20 mm) were prospectively randomized into 2 groups. In the treatment group 34 patients were treated with external physical vibration lithecbole after shock wave lithotripsy. In the control group 37 patients underwent shock wave lithotripsy only. External physical vibration lithecbole was performed without anesthesia by the same team using the Friend-I External Physical Vibration Lithecbole (Fu Jian Da Medical Instrument Co., Ltd, Zhengzhou, China). The stone-free rate, stone expulsion rate, stone expulsion time and incidence of complications were monitored. RESULTS: External physical vibration lithecbole was successful in assisting the discharge of stone fragments. The stone-free status was 76.5% in the treatment group and 48.6% in the control group (p=0.008). Stone expulsion rates at day 1, week 1 and week 3 were 76.5% (26), 94.1% (32) and 94.1% (32) in the treatment group vs 43.2% (16), 73.0% (27) and 89.2% (33) in the control group, respectively. Mean stone fragment expulsion time was 11.2 minutes in the treatment group and 9.17 hours in the control group (p=0.016). There was no significant difference in complications between the 2 groups (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: External physical vibration lithecbole was efficacious in assisting the discharge of lower pole renal stone fragments and can be used as an adjunctive method of minimally invasive stone treatment. However, additional investigations are needed to confirm the efficacy.

Hsa-mir-182 downregulates RASA1 and suppresses lung squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation.

BACKGROUND: This work was undertaken to identify the differences in expression of miRNAs, which would predict early-stage non-small cell lung cancer prognosis and recurrence. The results may be helpful to demonstrate one mechanism of lung squamous cancer proliferation. METHODS: Lung squamous cell carcinoma specimens were collected at the time of surgery. Microarray of expression of specific miRNAs in lung squamous cell cancer tissue, were assessed by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: We found that the hsa-mir-182 family are highly expressed in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Paradoxically, our study reveals mir-182 suppresses cell proliferation in vivo. RASA1 is related to cell apoptosis. We further show that mir-182 downregulates RASA1. CONCLUSIONS: We provide first time evidence through tissue microarray and quantitative PCR validation of mir-182 in the expression of lung squamous cell carcinoma. Our data provide a possible mechanism for lung cancer cell proliferation in lung squamous cell cancer and may be helpful in discovering a new strategy to reveal lung squamous cell carcinoma progress.