Flexible ureteroscopy with holmium laser lithotripsy: a new choice for intrarenal stone patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) and holmium lithotripsy for intrarenal stones and to stratify the efficiency and safety by stone burdens of ≤20, 20-40, and ≥40 mm. METHODS: Five hundred eighty-two patients with intrarenal stones were treated with FURS and holmium lithotripsy at a single department from August 2008 to October 2013. Stone size was evaluated by calculating the cumulative stone diameter of all intrarenal stones, and stone-free status was defined as the absence of any stone or stone fragment <1 mm in the kidney. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed a mean stone burden of 21.8 ± 7.6 mm. The overall primary stone-free rate (SFR) was 65.3%, which increased to 89.0% 6 months after the first surgery. Complications developed in 6.7% of patients. A significant difference was found between lower-calyx stones and other stones (p < 0.001; p = 0.006), while noncalcium stones had a much higher SFR than calcium stones (p < 0.001; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the overall renal SFR with the use of FURS and holmium lithotripsy was satisfactory, with a relatively low complication rate. We believe that FURS with holmium lithotripsy could be a valuable choice for patients with renal stones, especially for patients with a cumulative stone burden ≤40 mm.

Silicon improves maize photosynthesis in saline-alkaline soils.

The research aimed to determine the effects of Si application on photosynthetic characteristics of maize on saline-alkaline soil, including photosynthetic rate (P n ), stomatal conductance (g s ), transpiration rate (E), and intercellular CO2 concentration (C i ) of maize in the field with five levels (0, 45, 90, 150, and 225 kg · ha(-1)) of Si supplying. Experimental results showed that the values of P n, g s, and C i of maize were significantly enhanced while the values of E of maize were dramatically decreased by certain doses of silicon fertilizers, which meant that Si application with proper doses significantly increased photosynthetic efficiency of maize in different growth stages under stressing environment of saline-alkaline soil. The optimal dose of Si application in this experiment was 150 kg · ha(-1) Si. It indicated that increase in maize photosynthesis under saline-alkaline stress took place by Si application with proper doses, which is helpful to improve growth and yield of maize.

Effects of silicon on photosynthetic characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.) on alluvial soil.

The objectives of the study were to determine the effects of silicon on photosynthetic characteristics of maize on alluvial soil, including total chlorophyll contents, photosynthetic rate (P n), stomatal conductance (g s), transpiration rate (E), and intercellular CO2 concentration (C i ) using the method of field experiment, in which there were five levels (0, 45, 90, 150, and 225 kg · ha(-1)) of silicon supplying. The results showed that certain doses of silicon fertilizers can be used successfully in increasing the values of total chlorophyll contents, P n, and g s and decreasing the values of E and C i of maize leaves, which meant that photosynthetic efficiency of maize was significantly increased in different growth stages by proper doses of Si application on alluvial soil, and the optimal dose of Si application was 150 kg · ha(-1). Our results indicated that silicon in proper amounts can be beneficial in increasing the photosynthetic ability of maize, which would be helpful for the grain yield and growth of maize.

Mutation of Klotho rs3752472 protect the kidney from the renal epithelial cell injury caused by CaOx crystals through the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) is a major contributor to urolithiasis, one of the most common urological diseases. Our previous study has shown that Klotho rs3752472 polymorphism correlates with an increased risk of CaOx-related urolithiasis in human cohorts. This study aims to identify the effect of Klotho rs3752472 polymorphism on the renal epithelium injury caused by CaOx. A rat urolithiasis model was established and validated. Renal function was assessed, and histological examination was performed. The distribution and expression of Klotho in the rat model were detected by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting analysis. A renal epithelial cell line (HK2) was used and intervened by COM crystals with several concentrations and time points. Expression of Klotho and key mediators in Wnt/ß-catenin pathway were assessed by Western blotting analysis. Wide-type and mutated plasmids of Klotho rs3752472 were added in the cell culture, and the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling was tested. Finally, Wide-type and mutated plasmids of Klotho rs3752472 were adoptively transferred to the rat model, and the expression of Klotho was verified. In the rat model, Klotho was mainly distributed in the renal tubular area, which significantly declined in the urolithiasis group. In vitro, COM crystals significantly inhibited the expression of Klotho and induced remarkable renal epithelial cell injury. The mutation of Klotho rs3752472 can notably enhance the expression of Klotho, as well as the protection from renal epithelial cell injury and the inhibition of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. After adoptively transferred to the rat urolithiasis model, similar results were observed for the mutation of Klotho rs3752472. Klotho was significantly correlated with the renal epithelial cell injury induced by CaOx crystals. Furthermore, the mutation of Klotho rs3752472 can remarkably enhance the expression of Klotho in renal tissues and cells, and subsequently protect the renal epithelial cell from the formation of CaOx crystals through the inhibition of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

pH-triggered charge-reversal and redox-sensitive drug-release polymer micelles codeliver doxorubicin and triptolide for prostate tumor therapy.

AIM: To significantly promote cancer cell uptake and to achieve combination therapy and on-demand drug release, a pH-triggered charge-switchable and redox-responsive drug-release nanovehicle was developed in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nanocarrier was constructed by conjugating 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid-modified doxorubicin (DTPA-DOX) and 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMA) to the side amino groups of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lysine) (PEG-b-PLL) and by encapsulating triptolide (TRI) into the hydrophobic core. The surface charge of the obtained nanocarriers (DA-ss-DT) can change from negative to positive in response to tumor extracellular acidity pH, and the nanocarriers capably release two drugs in response to intracellular high glutathione (GSH) environment. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the in vitro cellular uptake of DA-ss-DT by human prostate cancer PC-3 cells was significantly promoted in slightly acidic conditions, and the drug could be rapidly released in the high concentration of GSH conditions. The in vitro and in vivo antitumor experiments exhibited that the DA-ss-DT nanoparticles have a great antitumor effect in comparison to the control group. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that the DA-ss-DT nanoparticles supply a useful strategy for promoting cellular uptake and synergetic anticancer therapy.

Evidence for partial melt in the crust beneath Mt. Paektu (Changbaishan), Democratic People's Republic of Korea and China.

Mt. Paektu (also known as Changbaishan) is an enigmatic volcano on the border between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China. Despite being responsible for one of the largest eruptions in history, comparatively little is known about its magmatic evolution, geochronology, or underlying structure. We present receiver function results from an unprecedented seismic deployment in the DPRK. These are the first estimates of the crustal structure on the DPRK side of the volcano and, indeed, for anywhere beneath the DPRK. The crust 60 km from the volcano has a thickness of 35 km and a bulk V P/V S of 1.76, similar to that of the Sino-Korean craton. The V P/V S ratio increases ~20 km from the volcano, rising to >1.87 directly beneath the volcano. This shows that a large region of the crust has been modified by magmatism associated with the volcanism. Such high values of V P/V S suggest that partial melt is present in the crust beneath Mt. Paektu. This region of melt represents a potential source for magmas erupted in the last few thousand years and may be associated with an episode of volcanic unrest observed between 2002 and 2005.

Renal endometriosis tends to be misdiagnosed as renal tumor: a rare case report.

Renal endometriosis is a rare disease for which the mechanisms of pathogenesis are still unclear. As such, early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment are often delayed because of the tendency to be misdiagnosed as a renal tumor. In October 2013 we performed a radical nephrectomy for a 37-year-old woman with renal endometriosis who was preoperatively misdiagnosed as having a right renal tumor. Avoiding the misdiagnosis of renal endometriosis requires a detailed case history, especially regarding whether the cyclicity of lumbodorsal pain and hematuria correlates with patients' menstrual cycles. Imaging examinations are commonly helpful for localization, whereas relieving symptoms with drugs to create a hypoestrogenic state is useful for clinical diagnosis. However, a final diagnosis for renal endometriosis still must depend on histopathologic examination.

Klotho gene polymorphism of rs3752472 is associated with the risk of urinary calculi in the population of Han nationality in Eastern China.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The incidence of urolithiasis has considerably increased throughout the world in the last two decades. Clinical researches have showed an association between oxidative stress and stone formation. Emerging evidence indicated a novel function for klotho protein in anti-oxidative stress. In this study, we aimed at investigating a possible relationship between klotho gene polymorphisms and the risk of calcium oxalate urolithiasis in the population of Han nationality in Eastern China. METHODS: Klotho gene polymorphisms rs3752472 in exon3, rs650439 in intron 4 and rs577912 in intron 1 were investigated in 426 patients with calcium oxalate stones compared with 282 age-matched healthy volunteers with no history of stone formation, using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between rs3752472 and the risk of nephrolithiasis as CC genotype of rs3752472 klotho polymorphism had almost 2-fold increased stone risk compared with the heterozygote genotype CT and homozygous genotype TT(95% CI=1.013-2.255, OR=1.512,p=0.043). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the rs3752472 polymorphism of klotho gene is associated with the risk of calcium oxalate urolithiasis and may act as a risk factor during stone formation in our study population.

[Clinical observation on acupuncture for treatment of paralytic strabismus].

OBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic effects of acupuncture at local points of eye and western medicine on paralytic strabismus. METHODS: One hundred cases were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a medication group. The acupuncture group (58 cases) was treated with acupuncture at local points of eye, Jingming (BL 1), Tongziliao (GB 1), Shangming (Extra) etc. were selected; and the medication group (42 cases) was treated with oral administration of Methycobal and Vitamin B1. After treatment of 5 courses, the therapeutic effects in the two groups were observed. RESULTS: The total effective rate of 94.8% in the acupuncture group was superior to that of 85.7% in the medication group (P<0.01); the therapeutic effects of the acupuncture group for treatment of oculomotor nerve and abducent nerve were significantly better than that of the medication group (P<0.05); the acupuncture group was better than the medication group in synoptophore examination results and improvement of rima oculi and pupil (P<0.01, P<0.05), the acupuncture group was superior to the medication group in improvement of the function of paralysis eye muscle, including medial rectus and lateral rectus except superior oblique (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture on local points of eye is an effective therapy for paralytic strabismus.

[Comparison of roots distribution in different maize plant type cultivars in the Songnen Plain].

By soil column culture and field experiment, the comparison of roots distribution of spreading-leaf and upright-leaf maize cultivars in the Songnen Plain was studied. The results showed that there were differences in the roots distribution of different maize cultivars. The maximum of root dry weight appeared on the 15th day and 30th day after silking for spreading-leaf and upright-leaf maize cultivar, respectively. Compared to spreading-leaf maize cultivar, the root dry weight of upright-leaf maize cultivar was higher by 12.2%. The vertical distribution of different maize cultivar roots was different. The root dry weight rate below 20 cm depth of spreading-leaf maize cultivar was less than 19%, whereas that of upright-leaf maize cultivar was more than 23%. Compared with spreading-leaf maize cultivar, the root dry weight rate at 40-100 cm depth was higher by 43.3%. There were differences between the different maize cultivars in the horizontal roots distribution. The roots of upright-leaf maize cultivar distributed tightly in horizon. The percentage of root dry weight of upright-leaf maize cultivar in a horizontal area 0-10 cm from the plant center was higher than that of spreading-leaf maize cultivar by 9.6%. Upright-leaf maize cultivar had more roots in deeper soil depth and it distributed tightly in horizon. Therefore, it was suitable for compact-planting. It was easier to acquire high yield for upright-leaf maize cultivar because it had good roots distribution characteristics.

[Effects of maize stubble remaining in field on dynamics of soil microbial biomass C and soil enzyme activities].

This study dealt with the effects of maize stubble remaining in field on dynamics of soil microbial biomass C and soil enzyme activities. The results showed that maize stubble remaining in field could raise soil microbial biomass C and the activities of urease, phosphatase, cellulase, and invertase in soil remarkably. According to the dynamics of soil microbial biomass C and activities of the four enzymes, the five characters reached their maximum values about 60 days after sowing, and the crops were in bloom of growth. The results also showed that maize stubble remaining in field had positive effects on improving fertility and keeping high and steady yield of maize.