Experimental wavelength-space division multiplexing of quantum key distribution with classical optical communication over multicore fiber.

We demonstrate quantum key distribution (QKD) with classical signals in a seven-core fiber using dense wavelength division multiplexing. Quantum signals are transmitted in an outer core separately and intercore crosstalk (IC-XT) is the main impairment of them. In order to alleviate IC-XT, we propose a quantum-classical interleave scheme. Then the properties of IC-XT are analyzed based on the measurement results, which indicate counter-propagation is a better co-existence method than co-propagation. Finally, we perform QKD experiments in the presence of two classical channels with a channel spacing of 100 GHz between quantum channel and the nearest classical channels. The experiment results prove counter-propagation almost immune to IC-XT, which is consistent with our analysis. Also, the feasibility of the transmission over the range of metropolitan area networks is validated with our scheme.

Noise-suppressing channel allocation in dynamic DWDM-QKD networks using LightGBM.

Integrating quantum key distribution (QKD) with existing optical networks is highly desired to reduce the deployment costs and achieve efficient resource utilization, and some point-to-point transmitting experiments have verified its feasibility. Nevertheless, there are still many problems in the realistic scenario where QKD coexists with dynamic data traffics. On the one hand, the conventional static channel allocation schemes cannot guarantee the quality of quantum channels in the presence of the time-varying noises. On the other hand, considering the complex noise generation caused by dynamic classical data traffics with variable characters, it is challenging to achieve online high-performance quantum channel assignments. To address these problems, we propose a machine learning based noise-suppressing channel allocation (ML-NSCA) scheme. In this scheme, the LightGBM based ML framework is trained to predict the optimal channel allocations with lowest noise impacts, according to which, the quantum channels are periodically reallocated to guarantee high secure key rate. To improve the accuracy and scalability of the ML framework, we also optimize the method of feature extraction during the training process. The performance evaluation results indicate that the proposed scheme can effectively resist the dynamic noise impacts in the realistic optical networks and obtain higher secure key rate with less operation complexity than the previous schemes.

A meta-analysis and The Cancer Genome Atlas data of prostate cancer risk and prognosis using epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression has been reported in many types of cancer, including prostate cancer (PCa). However, the role of EpCAM expression remains inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of EpCAM expression in PCa. METHODS: Publications were searched online using electronic databases. The available data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: We identified seven studies in which immunohistochemistry was used and that included 871 prostatic tissue samples. EpCAM expression was significantly higher in PCa samples than in benign and normal tissue samples (OR = 77.93, P = 0.002; OR = 161.61, P <  0.001; respectively). No correlation of EpCAM overexpression with pT stage and lymph node metastasis was observed; however, EpCAM overexpression showed a significant correlation with Gleason score (OR = 0.48, P = 0.012) and bone metastasis (OR = 145.80, P <  0.001). Furthermore, TCGA data showed that EpCAM overexpression was not closely correlated with age, pT stage, lymph node metastasis, number of lymph node, prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score, biochemical recurrence, and overall survival. Based on multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis, a significant correlation was observed between EpCAM overexpression and 5-year worse biochemical recurrence free-survival. CONCLUSIONS: EpCAM overexpression may be correlated with the development of bone metastasis and worse biochemical recurrence free-survival of PCa. Further studies are needed to verify these findings.

Lower pole approach in retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy: a new approach for the management of renal vascular pedicle.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness and safety of lower pole (LP) approach in retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (LRN). METHODS: One hundred thirty-two renal cancer patients were scheduled for selective retroperitoneal LRN. The surgery parameters and outcomes were compared. Out of 132 patients, 78 (59.1%) patients underwent LRN via LP approach, while 54 (40.9%) patients underwent LRN via lateroposterior space (LPS) approach. RESULTS: Compared to LPS group, the LP group had a higher body mass index (27.0 ± 1.7 kg/m2 vs. 24.5 ± 1.8 kg/m2, P <  0.0001) and a larger tumor size (6.9 ± 3.5 cm vs. 4.1 ± 3.3 cm, P <  0.0001). The LP approach reduced the volumes of blood loss and transfusion significantly (135.3 ± 17.2 mL vs. 219.6 ± 30.9 mL, P <  0.0001; 55.6 ± 28.3 vs. 141.1 ± 50.4 mL, P <  0.0001) as compared to the LPS approach. The LP approach also decreased the risk of conversion to open procedure (1.3 vs. 7.4%, P <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The LP approach is an effective and safe alternative to the LPS approach for retroperitoneal LRN and might be more suitable for patients with obesity, large tumors, tumors located at the medial part of the kidney, or renal pedicular adhesion.

Outdoor temperature, blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease mortality among 23 000 individuals with diagnosed cardiovascular diseases from China.

INTRODUCTION: Blood pressure is a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and both may increase as outdoor temperatures fall. However, there are still limited data about seasonal variation in blood pressure and CVD mortality among patients with prior-CVD. METHODS: We analysed data on 23 000 individuals with prior-CVD who were recruited from 10 diverse regions into the China Kadoorie Biobank during 2004-8. After 7 years of follow-up, 1484 CVD deaths were recorded. Baseline survey data were used to assess seasonal variation in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and its association with outdoor temperature. Cox regression was used to examine the association of usual SBP with subsequent CVD mortality, and seasonal variation in CVD mortality was assessed by Poisson regression. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and region. RESULTS: Mean SBP was significantly higher in winter than in summer (145 vs. 136 mmHg, P < 0.001), especially among those without central heating. Above 5°C, each 10°C lower outdoor temperature was associated with 6.2 mmHg higher SBP. Systolic blood pressure predicted subsequent CVD mortality, with each 10 mmHg higher usual SBP associated with 21% (95% confidence interval: 16-27%) increased risk. Cardiovascular disease mortality varied by season, with 41% (21-63%) higher risk in winter compared with summer. CONCLUSION: Among adult Chinese with prior-CVD, there is both increased blood pressure and CVD mortality in winter. Careful monitoring and more aggressive blood pressure lowering treatment in the cold months are needed to help reduce the winter excess CVD mortality in high-risk individuals.

Hierarchical multi-task deep learning-assisted construction of human gut microbiota reactive oxygen species-scavenging enzymes database.

In the process of oxygen reduction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated as intermediates, including superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radicals (OH-). ROS can be destructive, and an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in the body can lead to pathological inflammation. Inappropriate ROS production can cause oxidative damage, disrupting the balance in the body and potentially leading to DNA damage in intestinal epithelial cells and beneficial bacteria. Microorganisms have evolved various enzymes to mitigate the harmful effects of ROS. Accurately predicting the types of ROS-scavenging enzymes (ROSes) is crucial for understanding the oxidative stress mechanisms and formulating strategies to combat diseases related to the "gut-organ axis." Currently, there are no available ROSes databases (DBs). In this study, we propose a systematic workflow comprising three modules and employ a hierarchical multi-task deep learning approach to collect, expand, and explore ROSes-related entries. Based on this, we have developed the human gut microbiota ROSes DB (http://39.101.72.186/), which includes 7,689 entries. This DB provides user-friendly browsing and search features to support various applications. With the assistance of ROSes DB, various communication-based microbial interactions can be explored, further enabling the construction and analysis of the evolutionary and complex networks of ROSes DB in human gut microbiota species.IMPORTANCEReactive oxygen species (ROS) is generated during the process of oxygen reduction, including superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals. ROS can potentially cause damage to cells and DNA, leading to pathological inflammation within the body. Microorganisms have evolved various enzymes to mitigate the harmful effects of ROS, thereby maintaining a balance of microorganisms within the host. The study highlights the current absence of a ROSes DB, emphasizing the crucial importance of accurately predicting the types of ROSes for understanding oxidative stress mechanisms and developing strategies for diseases related to the "gut-organ axis." This research proposes a systematic workflow and employs a multi-task deep learning approach to establish the human gut microbiota ROSes DB. This DB comprises 7,689 entries and serves as a valuable tool for researchers to delve into the role of ROSes in the human gut microbiota.

[The tendency of prevalence of hypertension in two countries in Gansu province from 1990 to 2012].

OBJECTIVE: To study the variation tendency of hypertension in two rural areas in Gansu, and provide epidemiological evidence to evaluate the hypertension of rural residents. METHODS: Using equidistant random sampling method and cross-sectional sentinel monitoring, two remote natural villages, Yangzhuang and Xiangming, at Yellow river and Yangtze river valley were selected as hypertension monitoring site. From 1990 to 2012, clinical examination to the resident above 18 years old was carried out continuously for 23 years, 11 164 cases were included. RESULTS: Hypertension prevalence of tested cases increased with years, Yangzhuang monitoring site increased from 6.9% (16/232) in 1990 to 36.7% (216/597) in 2012 with an increase of 29.8%, and Xiangming monitoring site increased from 3.4% (16/474) in 1995 to 20.6% (120/582) in 2011 with an increase of 17.2%. Total prevalence of Yangzhuang (24.1%, 1505/6240) was significantly higher than Xiangming (11.4%, 578/4924) (χ(2) = 277.9, P < 0.01). Total hypertension prevalence of 18 - 35 years old group was 9.9% (292/2944) in Yangzhuang and 4.2% (63/1495) in Xiangming, Yangzhuang was higher than Xiangming (χ(2) = 43.7, P < 0.01). Total hypertension prevalence of above 35 years old group was 36.8% (1213/3296) in Yangzhuang and 14.1% (515/3429) in Xiangming, Yangzhuang was higher than Xiangming (χ(2) = 417.7, P < 0.01). The growth rates of hypertension prevalence in 18 - 35 years old group of both areas (Yangzhuang: 823.5%, Xiangming: 614.3%) were higher than 35 years old group (Yangzhuang:310.5%, Xiangming: 368.0%), but the hypertension prevalence of above 35 years old group was higher than 18 - 35 years old group. Hypertension prevalence of male was 25.4% (761/2992) in Yangzhuang and 11.7% (238/2047) in Xiangming, Yangzhuang was higher than Xiangming (χ(2) = 145.8, P < 0.01), hypertension prevalence of female was 22.7% (738/3248) in Yangzhuang and 11.2% (340/2877)in Xiangming, Yangzhuang was higher than Xiangming (χ(2) = 125.1, P < 0.01). While the difference between male and female had no statistical significance in both areas. CONCLUSION: Hypertension of the two monitoring points was in high epidemic trend, but with different epidemic trend. From different region and environment research to discuss the cause of hypertension can provide scientific evidence for prevention and control.

[Effects of different feeding practices at 0-6 months and living economic conditions on anemia prevalence of infants and young children].

OBJECTIVE: In order to understand the anemic prevalence in the infants and young children and its relation to the feeding pattern at 0-6 months and on economic income. METHODS: A questionnaire survey were used to collect the information on nutritional and health status of infants and young children (6 to 23 months) living in poverty-rural areas of Gansu Province, and hemoglobin concentration was measured. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia was 58.2% in the children aged from 6 months to 23 months. The rate of anemia in boys was higher than that of the girls (61.0% and 55.1%), but there was no significant difference. There were significant differences in hemoglobin levels among different age groups (F = 5.206, P < 0.01). The child's hemoglobin concentration was trend to significantly decrease from 6-month-old and more, and reach to the lowest level at 12 months of age and more. After that, the hemoglobin began to gradually increase with age. The change of hemoglobin concentration was consistent with anemic prevalence, the higher prevalence of anemia was the group aged 6-month-old and more, and the group aged 12-month-old and more had highest prevalence. There were significant difference among the different feeding pattern on the anemic prevalence (chi2 = 9.245, P < 0.05), and the prevalence of anemia in children fed with infant formula had the lowest anemic rate and was significantly lower than those of the mixed feeding and breastfeeding children (chi2 = 8.529 and 7.173, P < 0.05). The living economic conditions were a linear trend with the hemoglobin level of children, but there was no significant difference among the different feeding groups (F = 0.637, P > 0.05). The better household economic conditions, tends to have the lower in anemic prevalence, but there was no significant difference (chi2 = 1.666, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The children had lowest hemoglobin level and highest anemic prevalence in the group aged 12-month-old and more, the anemic prevalence of children fed with infant formula had significantly lower than those of the mixed feeding and breastfeeding children, and family economic status on the prevalence of anemia was not obvious. The present results showed that we should focus on the prevention and improvement of iron status and anemia in infants more than 6-months and young children.

Corrigendum to "Giant squamous cell carcinoma of penis with rapid progression" [Urol. Case Rep. 34 (2021) 101496].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2020.101496.].

Corrigendum to "Basal cell carcinoma arising from the scrotum: An understated entity" [Urol Case Rep 33 (2020) 101332].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2020.101332.].

Correction to "Dynamic Control of Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Conjugated Alkenes in Water by Reactions".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c07026.].

Dynamic Control of Self-Assembly of Amphiphilic Conjugated Alkenes in Water by Reactions.

Nature sets a great example of how to precisely control self-assembly to obtain distinct structures upon external stimuli and perform specific functions to sustain important biological tasks. In the present study, we report the design and control of self-assembly of an amphiphilic conjugated alkene in water. The morphologies of the self-assembled structures are highly dependent on the anions. The hydrophilic tosylate group can trigger the formation of nanotubes, while the less-hydrophilic inorganic bromide generates vesicles. The interchange of the two different structures can be controlled by employing different anions combined with a couple of reactions that act as signals. The result shown here provides an important tool for manipulating self-assembled behaviors in water and paves the way toward more complex systems.

Comprehensive Analysis and Identification of an Immune-Related Gene Signature with Prognostic Value for Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The tumor microenvironment (TME) has recently been proven to play a crucial role in the development and prognosis of tumors. However, the current knowledge on the potential of the TME in prostate cancer (PCa) remains scarce. PURPOSE: This study aims to elucidate the value of TME-related genes for PCa prognosis by integrative bioinformatics analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We downloaded the immune and stromal scores of PCa samples via the ESTIMATE and correlated these scores to clinicopathological characteristics and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients. Based on these scores, the TME-related differentially expressed genes were identified for functional enrichment analysis. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic genes and establish a predictive risk model. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to evaluate the relationship between risk score and immune pathway. RESULTS: The stromal and immune scores were associated with clinicopathological characteristics and RFS in PCa patients. In total, 238 intersecting differentially expressed genes were identified. Functional enrichment analysis further revealed that these genes dramatically participated in the immune-related pathways. The immune-related risk model was built with C-type lectin domain containing 7A (CLEC7A) and collagen type XI alpha 1 chain (COL11A1) using Cox regression analyses. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the expression levels of CLEC7A and COL11A1 were significantly associated with the RFS. Further, the RFS time in high-risk group was significantly shorter than that in low-risk group. The areas under the curve for the risk model in predicting 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 0.694 and 0.731, respectively. GSEA suggested that immunosuppression existed in high-risk PCa patients. CONCLUSION: CLEC7A and COL11A1 were selected to build a predictive risk model, which may help clinicians to assess the prognosis of PCa patients and select appropriate targets for immunotherapy.

Giant squamous cell carcinoma of penis with rapid progression.

A 65-year-old man presented with a giant ulcerative and malodorous genital mass rapidly growing for 5 months. On first presentation, he noticed a 3 cm × 2 cm cauliflower-like mass located in the penile dorsal shaft. But, he rejected any operation. Unfortunately, the lesion became aggressive and eventually destroyed the entire penile shaft and urethra within a five-month period. He underwent a radical penectomy, scrotal extended resection, formation of a perineal urethrostomy and left inguinal lymph node biopsy. Pathology revealed poor-differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The patient had an uneventful recovery.

Tunica vaginalis testis metastasis as the first clinical manifestation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Metastases from pancreas or ampullary malignancies are common, but the spread to testicle and paratesticular tissue is exceedingly rare. To the best of our knowledge, fewer than 30 cases have been reported in the literature. More rarely, metastasis to tunica vaginalis testis occurs without involvement of the testes and epididymis. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old male who complained of painless swelling of the left scrotum for over 1 wk was referred to the Department of Urology. Scrotal ultrasound showed left testicular hydrocele with paratesticular masses. Chest computed tomography revealed lung metastasis and enlarged left supraclavicular lymph node.The blood tumor markersalpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and serum lactate dehydrogenase were withinnormal limits.The preoperative diagnosis was left testicular tumor with lung metastasis. Then radical orchidectomy of the left testicle and high ligation of the spermatic cord were performed, and postoperative histopathology suggested metastatic tumors that was confirmed by an abdominal computed tomographic scan. The positive computed tomography findings, in conjunction with the expression of cytokeratin 7 (CK7), CK20, CK5/6, and absence of expression of Wilms' tumor suppressor gene 1, calretinin, melanocyte, prostate-specific antigen, thyroid transcription factor-1, GATA binding protein 3, caudal type homeobox 2, and napsinA supported the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The outcome of this patient was unsatisfactory, and he died 3 mo later. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that pancreatic metastatic carcinoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal enlargement. The advanced age of the patient wassuggestive of a secondary testicular tumor.In addition, careful physical examination and ultrasonography as well as radiological examination have become a standard modality.

Basal cell carcinoma arising from the scrotum: An understated entity.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most commonly occurring carcinoma among humans. Reports of this lesion on nonexposed areas, such as the scrotum, soles, vulva, groin, pubic region, and axilla, are relatively uncommon. We present the case of a male patient with BCC located in the scrotum with a duration of 12 years who was successfully treated by local excision. Histopathology revealed infiltration by BCC. Our objective of this report is to remind specialists like urologists of the possibility of scrotal BCC when encountering scrotal lesions of unknown origin or not responding to topical treatments in a reasonable time frame.

The clinicopathological and prognostic value of CD44 expression in bladder cancer: a study based on meta-analysis and TCGA data.

CD44 is reported to be involved in tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the role of cancer stem cell marker CD44 in bladder cancer still remains controversial. Hence, the correlations between CD44 expression and the clinicopathological features and the prognosis of bladder cancer were investigated. Publications using immunohistochemical methods were identified. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data were also analyzed. The odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. 14 studies involving 1107 tissue samples were included. CD44 expression in bladder cancer was lower than in non-tumor tissue samples (OR = 0.14, P = 0.005), which was consistent with TCGA data. CD44 expression was correlated with advanced T stage (OR = 1.76, P = 0.029) and lymph node metastasis (OR = 4.09, P < 0.001). Multivariate survival analysis showed that CD44 expression was not linked to tumor-specific survival, overall survival, and recurrence/relapse-free survival, but was associated with disease failure (HR = 2.912, 95% CI = 1.51-5.61). No relationships of CD44 expression with the clinicopathological features and overall survival were found from TCGA data. Our finding suggested that CD44 expression may be correlated with progression, metastasis, and disease failure of bladder cancer. However, further large-scale studies are needed.Abbreviations: CD44: Cluster of Differentiation 44; CIs: Confidence Intervals; CSCs: Cancer Stem Cells; EMT: Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition; HRs: Hazard Ratios; ORs: Odds Ratios; TCGA: The Cancer Genome Atlas.

LncRNA DDX11-AS1 Promotes Bladder Cancer Occurrence Via Protecting LAMB3 from Downregulation by Sponging miR-2355-5p.

Background: As a subtype of human genitourinary system cancer, the morbidity of bladder cancer (BC) continues to rise. Because of the high potentiality of cell metastasis, the 5-year survival rate of BC is relatively low. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been verified by a large body of literature to engage in the tumorigenesis of a few cancers. DDX11-AS1 has been elucidated as a malignancy promoter in several cancers; therefore, its mysterious role in BC attracted our interest as being well worth investigating. Aim of the Study: The primary consideration of this article was to clarify the part that DDX11-AS1 plays in the progression of BC. Methods: The expression of DDX11-AS1 in BC was revealed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The biological functions of DDX11-AS1 in BC were evaluated through CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8), EDU, TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling), flow cytometry analysis, and Western Blot assays. Luciferase or RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to investigate the interaction between miR-2355-5p and DDX11-AS1 (or LAMB3). Results: DDX11-AS1 manifested remarkably high level in BC and promoted the malignancy of BC. Moreover, miR-2355-5p was validated to be able to bind with DDX11-AS1 and inhibit cell proliferation in BC. Furthermore, our data suggested that LAMB3 expression was evidently upregulated in BC cells and inversely modulated by miR-2355-5p. Besides, LAMB3 may bind with miR-2355-5p. Ultimately, rescue assays indicated that the restrained development of BC in sh-DDX11-AS1#1-transfected cells could be restored by enforced expression of LAMB3. Conclusion: DDX11-AS1 facilitates the tumorigenesis of BC by the miR-2355-5p/LAMB3 axis.

The High Prevalence of Low HDL-Cholesterol Levels and Dyslipidemia in Rural Populations in Northwestern China.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is a major health problem in China and an important modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of dyslipidemia and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and associated risk factors among adults in rural northwest China. METHODS: In a cross-sectional analyses involving 2,980 adults aged >18 years, information on the demographics, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and medical history was collected via face-to-face interviews. Blood samples were collected to determine total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol), and HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) levels. RESULTS: The prevalence of high TC, high LDL-cholesterol, low HDL-cholesterol, and high TG were 1.0%, 0.6%, 60.9%, and 13.7%, respectively. TC, LDL-cholesterol, and TG increased with age in females. Elevated TC was more common in females than in males. The prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol was 67.6% in males and 55.4% in females. Current smokers, those with less education, those who were overweight or obese, and those with large waist circumference were more likely to have low HDL-cholesterol (p<0.05). Multivariable regression showed that male gender showed an association with low HDL-cholesterol (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.68-2.61), age ≥60 years (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.64-0.99), BMI (BMI = 24-27.9, OR 1.27, 95%CI 1.04-1.54, p = 0.02 and BMI≥28, OR 1.56, 95%CI 1.10-2.20, p = 0.01) and enlarged waist circumference (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.51-2.92). Non-alcohol drinker was associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels (OR 0.72, 95%CI 0.53-0.99, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the prevalence of low HDL-cholesterol was 67.6% and 55.4% for males and females. Male gender, non-alcohol drinker, BMI and central obesity were important risk factors for low HDL-cholesterol in Chinese adults.