Gut microbiota composition and metabolic characteristics in patients with Craniopharyngioma.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota is associated with various intracranial neoplastic diseases. It has been observed that alterations in the gut microbiota are present in gliomas, meningiomas, and pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (Pit-NETs). However, the correlation between gut microbiota and craniopharyngioma (CP), a rare embryonic malformation tumor in the sellar region, has not been previously mentioned. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the gut microbiota composition and metabolic patterns in CP patients, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic approaches. METHODS: We enrolled 15 medication-free and non-operated patients with CP and 15 healthy controls (HCs), conducting sequential metagenomic and metabolomic analyses on fecal samples to investigate changes in the gut microbiota of CP patients. RESULTS: The composition of gut microbiota in patients with CP compared to HCs show significant discrepancies at both the genus and species levels. The CP group exhibits greater species diversity. And the metabolic patterns between the two groups vary markedly. CONCLUSIONS: The gut microbiota composition and metabolic patterns in patients with CP differ significantly from the healthy population, presenting potential new therapeutic opportunities.

Decoding Excimer Formation in Covalent-Organic Frameworks Induced by Morphology and Ring Torsion.

A thorough and quantitative understanding of the fate of excitons in covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) after photoexcitation is essential for their augmented optoelectronic and photocatalytic applications via precise structure tuning. The synthesis of a library of COFs having identical chemical backbone with impeded conjugation, but varied morphology and surface topography to study the effect of these physical properties on the photophysics of the materials is herein reported. The variation of crystallite size and surface topography substantified different aggregation pattern in the COFs, which leads to disparities in their photoexcitation and relaxation properties. Depending on aggregation, an inverse correlation between bulk luminescence decay time and exciton binding energy of the materials is perceived. Further transient absorption spectroscopic analysis confirms the presence of highly localized, immobile, Frenkel excitons (of diameter 0.3-0.5 nm) via an absence of annihilation at high density, most likely induced by structural torsion of the COF skeletons, which in turn preferentially relaxes via long-lived (nanosecond to microsecond) excimer formation (in femtosecond scale) over direct emission. These insights underpin the importance of structural and topological design of COFs for their targeted use in photocatalysis.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in a patient with interruption of the inferior vena cava complicated with persistent left superior vena cava.

A 55-year-old woman of I-IVC complicated with PLSVC underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation through right jugular vein access. TSP was achieved by electrocautery and the J-tip guidewire with the help of deflectable sheath and ICE. After PVI, the CS-PLSVC and LA-PLSVC connections were ablated within PLSVC.

The Lipophilic Extract from Ginkgo biloba L. Leaves Promotes Glucose Uptake and Alleviates Palmitate-Induced Insulin Resistance in C2C12 Myotubes.

Ginkgo biloba L. (ginkgo) is a widely used medicinal plant around the world. Its leaves, which have been used as a traditional Chinese medicine, are rich in various bioactive components. However, most of the research and applications of ginkgo leaves have focused on terpene trilactones and flavonol glycosides, thereby overlooking the other active components. In this study, a lipophilic extract (GL) was isolated from ginkgo leaves. This extract is abundant in lipids and lipid-like molecules. Then, its effect and potential mechanism on glucose uptake and insulin resistance in C2C12 myotubes were investigated. The results showed that GL significantly enhanced the translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane, which subsequently promoted glucose uptake. Meanwhile, it increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream targets. Both knockdown of AMPK with siRNA and inhibition with AMPK inhibitor compound C reversed these effects. Additionally, GL ameliorated palmitate-induced insulin resistance by enhancing insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, increasing the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), and restoring the translocation of GLUT4 from the cytoplasm to the membrane. However, pretreatment with compound C abolished these beneficial effects of GL. In conclusion, GL enhances basal glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes and improves insulin sensitivity in palmitate-induced insulin resistant myotubes through the AMPK pathway.

Catalytic properties characterization and degradation mode elucidation of a polyG-specific alginate lyase OUC-FaAly7.

Polymerized guluronates (polyG)-specific alginate lyase with lower polymerized mannuronates (polyM)-degrading activity, superior stability, and clear action mode is a powerful biotechnology tool for the preparation of AOSs rich in M blocks. In this study, we expressed and characterized a polyG-specific alginate lyase OUC-FaAly7 from Formosa agariphila KMM3901. OUC-FaAly7 belonging to polysaccharide lyase (PL) family 7 had highest activity (2743.7 ± 20.3 U/µmol) at 45 °C and pH 6.0. Surprisingly, its specific activity against polyG reached 8560.2 ± 76.7 U/µmol, whereas its polyM-degrading activity was nearly 0 within 10 min reaction. Suggesting that OUC-FaAly7 was a strict polyG-specific alginate lyase. Importantly, OUC-FaAly7 showed a wide range of temperature adaptations and remarkable temperature and pH stability. Its relative activity between 20 °C and 45 °C reached >90 % of the maximum activity. The minimum identifiable substrate of OUC-FaAly7 was guluronate tetrasaccharide (G4). Action process and mode showed that it was a novel alginate lyase digesting guluronate hexaose (G6), guluronate heptaose (G7), and polymerized guluronates, with the preferential generation of unsaturated guluronate pentasaccharide (UG5), although which could be further degraded into unsaturated guluronate disaccharide (UG3) and trisaccharide (UG2). This study contributes to illustrating the catalytic properties, substrate recognition, and action mode of novel polyG-specific alginate lyases.

[Distribution characteristics of microbial necromass carbon along soil profiles in different restoration periods of Caragana korshinskii in mountainous areas of Southern Ningxia, China]. / å®å—å±±åŒºä¸åŒæ¢å¤å¹´é™æŸ æ¡æž—åœ°åœŸå£¤å¾®ç”Ÿç‰©æ®‹ä½“ç¢³æ²¿å‰–é¢åˆ†å¸ƒç‰¹å¾.

Microbial necromass, an important and stable source of soil organic carbon (SOC), is an important index to evaluate the contribution of microorganisms to SOC transformation and accumulation. It is not clear about the accumulation of microbial necromass in deep soil layer and its contribution to SOC during the restoration process of Caragana korshinskii forests. Combined with the biomarker method, we investigated the carbon contents of bacte-rial, fungal, and microbial necromass in the soil profiles (0-100 cm) of C. korshinskii forests in 16, 28, and 38 years of restoration, with natural grassland as control. We further examined the contribution of microbial necromass to soil organic carbon. The results showed that: 1) Along the soil profile (0-100 cm), the contents of fungal necromass carbon (FNC), bacterial necromass carbon (BNC), and microbial necromass carbon (MNC) significantly decreased with increasing soil depth in natural grassland and C. korshinskii forests. Except for the significant decrease in FNC/SOC, BNC/SOC, and MNC/SOC in the soil of C. korshinskii forests in 38 years of restoration, FNC/SOC and MNC/SOC generally showed an increasing trend followed by a decreasing trend in other plots, while BNC/SOC gradually decreased. 2) With the increases of restoration years, the contents of FNC, BNC, and MNC significantly decreased in C. korshinskii forests. FNC/SOC and MNC/SOC showed an overall increasing trend followed by a decreasing trend, while BNC/SOC gradually decreased. 3) The average contribution of microbial necromass carbon to SOC was highest in C. korshinskii forests in 28 years of restoration (35.0%), followed by C. korshinskii forests in 16 years of restoration (33.5%), natural grassland (31.0%), and C. korshinskii forests in 38 years of restoration (28.6%). In conclusion, when the restoration years of C. korshinskii forests are 16, the contents of microbial necromass carbon and their contributions to SOC are higher compared to natural grassland, which are beneficial for SOC sequestration.

The efficiency and safety of multidetector computed tomography-guided transseptal puncture during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

Background: Transseptal puncture (TSP) is a crucial technique for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although intracardiac echo (ICE) facilitates a safe and accurate TSP, it is not widely used in developing countries because of the expense. This study evaluated the efficiency and safety of a novel cardiac multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)-guided TSP during AF catheter ablation. Methods: The study consisted of two cohorts. In the index cohort, TSP procedure was performed under the guidance of ICE, and we recorded the angulation of right anterior oblique of X-ray projection. In the validation cohort, we compared the efficiency and safety of TSP guided by MDCT-calculated angulation with propensity-score-matched patients who underwent TSP guided by ICE. Results: We included 50 patients in the index cohort, and the mean angles of interatrial septum (IAS) measured from MDCT and ICE were 34.8 ± 6.3 and 35.1 ± 6.5, respectively. In the validation cohort, 376 patients were enrolled in the MDCT-guided group and ICE-guided group. Both groups had 1 case of cardiac tamponade. The mean axial plane angle was 35.46 ± 6.17 degrees, which was not influenced by age, gender, BMI, and LA size, while a moderate positive linear correlation between EF and the axial plane angle (R 2 = 0.14, p = .006). Conclusion: Cardiac MDCT can provide a clear vision of IAS orientation, and provide the appropriate RAO angle and height for TSP. The efficiency and safety of our MDCT-guided TSP were comparable to ICE-guided TSP, which may serve as an alternative method for TSP with ICE unavailable.

Balanced Thermal Insulation, Flame-Retardant and Mechanical Properties of PU Foam Constructed via Cost-Effective EG/APP/SA Ternary Synergistic Modification.

To address the challenge of balancing the mechanical, thermal insulation, and flame-retardant properties of building insulation materials, this study presented a facile approach to modify the rigid polyurethane foam composites (RPUFs) via commercial expandable graphite (EG), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and silica aerogel (SA). The resulting EG/APP/SA/RPUFs exhibited low thermal conductivity close to neat RPUF. However, the compressive strength of the 6EG/2APP/SA/RPUF increased by 49% along with achieving a V-0 flame retardant rating. The residual weight at 700 °C increased from 19.2 wt.% to 30.9 wt.%. Results from cone calorimetry test (CCT) revealed a 9.2% reduction in total heat release (THR) and a 17.5% decrease in total smoke production (TSP). The synergistic flame-retardant mechanism of APP/EG made significant contribution to the excellent flame retardant properties of EG/APP/SA/RPUFs. The addition of SA played a vital role in reducing thermal conductivity and enhancing mechanical performance, effectively compensating for the shortcomings of APP/EG. The cost-effective EG/APP/SA system demonstrates a positive ternary synergistic effect in achieving a balance in RPUFs properties. This study provides a novel strategy aimed at developing affordable building wall insulation material with enhanced safety features.

Association of METS-IR index with prevalence of erectile dysfunction in US adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is involved in the development of erectile dysfunction (ED). The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between the metabolic score for IR (METS-IR) index and risk of erectile dysfunction in US adults. METHODS: This study selected individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and dose-response curve analysis were carried out to assess the relationship between the METS-IR index and ED prevalence. RESULTS: This study ultimately included 1759 participants aged ≥ 20 years, of whom 512 self-reported a history of ED. After adjusting for all confounders, each unit increase in METS-IR index was associated with a 3% increase in erectile dysfunction prevalence (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04). In almost all subgroups, an increased METS-IR index was associated with a higher prevalence of ED. The dose-response curve displayed a positive non-linear connection between METS-IR value and the prevalence of ED. CONCLUSION: The study found a positive association between the METS-IR index and ED. METS-IR is useful as a simplified IR evaluation index for early identification of people with high risk of ED.

Staphylococcus aureus enters viable-but-nonculturable state in response to chitooligosaccharide stress by altering metabolic pattern and transmembrane transport function.

Although chitooligosaccharide (COS) has attracted the attention of some researchers due to its good solubility and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, our study found that Staphylococcus aureus treated with low concentration of COS actively entered the viable-but-nonculturable (VBNC) state to resist this environmental stress. In this study, the transcriptome of VBNC-state S. aureus after COS treatment was analyzed by RNA-sequencing. Compared with the control group, pathway enrichment analysis showed that COS-treated S. aureus adopted a series of adaptive adjustment strategies for survival, including significant up-regulation of the differential genes' expression of such as ABC transporters (metI, tagG), Sec dependent transport pathway (secDF), peptidoglycan synthesis pathway (murG) and alteration of their physiological metabolic patterns, where ATP depletion played a key role in the formation of the VBNC-state S. aureus. Further, by using oxidative phosphorylation uncoupling agent to adjust the initial level of ATP in S. aureus, it was found that the reduction of intracellular ATP level could accelerate the formation of VBNC state. Overall, our results preliminarily elucidated the molecular mechanism of COS inducing the VBNC-state S. aureus. It provided an important theoretical reference for further achieving effective bacterial inactivation by COS.

DRD4 alleviates acute kidney injury by suppressing ISG15/NOX4 axis-associated oxidative stress.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life-threatening health condition associated with increasing morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive research on the mechanisms underlying AKI, effective clinical tools for prediction and treatment remain scarce. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage play a critical role in AKI and dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) has been confirmed to be associated with oxidative stress. In this study, we hypothesized that DRD4 could attenuate AKI through its antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects. In vivo, DRD4 was remarkably decreased in the kidneys of mice subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) or cisplatin treatment. Notably, DRD4 significantly attenuated nephrotoxicity by suppressing oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial bioenergetics through the downregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression. In vitro, DRD4 demonstrated the ability to ameliorate oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in HK-2 cells subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation- or cisplatin treatment. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that, mechanistically, DRD4 reduced the expression of its downstream target, interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), suppressing NOX4 ISGylation, enhancing the ubiquitination of NOX4, leading to its degradation, and ultimately counteracting oxidative stress-induced AKI. Altogether, these findings underscore the significance of DRD4 in AKI and elucidate DRD4 as a potential protectant against IRI or cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Ursodeoxycholic acid and 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid alleviate ethinylestradiol-induced cholestasis via downregulating RORγt and CXCR3 signaling pathway in iNKT cells.

Estrogen-induced intrahepatic cholestasis (IHC) is a mild but potentially serious risk and urges for new therapeutic targets and effective treatment. Our previous study demonstrated that RORγt and CXCR3 signaling pathway of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) 17 cells play pathogenic roles in 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE)-induced IHC. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) present a protective effect on IHC partially due to their immunomodulatory properties. Hence in present study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of UDCA and 18ß-GA in vitro and verify the accessibility of the above targets. Biochemical index measurement indicated that UDCA and 18ß-GA presented efficacy to alleviate EE-induced cholestatic cytotoxicity. Both UDCA and 18ß-GA exhibited suppression on the CXCL9/10-CXCR3 axis, and significantly restrained the expression of RORγt in vitro. In conclusion, our observations provide new therapeutic targets of UDCA and 18ß-GA, and 18ß-GA as an alternative treatment for EE-induced cholestasis.

Solid Additive Dual-Regulates Spectral Response Enabling High-Performance Semitransparent Organic Solar Cells.

Semi-transparent organic solar cells (ST-OSCs) possess significant potential for applications in vehicles and buildings due to their distinctive visual transparency. Conventional device engineering strategies are typically used to optimize photon selection and utilization at the expense of power conversion efficiency (PCE); moreover, the fixed spectral utilization range always imposes an unsatisfactory upper limit to its light utilization efficiency (LUE). Herein, a novel solid additive named 1,3-diphenoxybenzene (DB) is employed to dual-regulate donor/acceptor molecular aggregation and crystallinity, which effectively broadens the spectral response of ST-OSCs in near-infrared region. Besides, more visible light is allowed to pass through the devices, which enables ST-OSCs to possess satisfactory photocurrent and high average visible transmittance (AVT) simultaneously. Consequently, the optimal ST-OSC based on PP2+DB/BTP-eC9+DB achieves a superior LUE of 4.77%, representing the highest value within AVT range of 40-50%, which also correlates with the formation of multi-scale phase-separated morphology. Such results indicate that the ST-OSCs can simultaneously meet the requirements for minimum commercial efficiency and plant photosynthesis when integrated with the roofs of agricultural greenhouses. This work emphasizes the significance of additives to tune the spectral response in ST-OSCs, and charts the way for organic photovoltaics in economically sustainable agricultural development.

Ultrasonic cavitation induced Vibrio parahaemolyticus entering an apoptosis-like death process through SOS response.

As an effective non-thermal sterilization method, ultrasound remains at the level of passive bacterial death despite the initial understanding of its sterilization mechanism. Here, we present the perspective that bacteria can choose to actively enter an apoptosis-like death state in response to external ultrasonic stress. In this study, Vibrio parahaemolyticus exhibited apoptotic markers such as phosphatidylserine ectropion and activated caspases when subjected to ultrasound stress. Additionally, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced calcium signaling were observed. Further transcriptomic analysis was conducted to investigate the regulatory mechanism of the SOS response in Vibrio parahaemolyticus during an apoptosis-like state. The results showed that the genes encoding the citrate cycle were down-regulated in Vibrio parahaemolyticus cells adapted to ultrasonic stress, leading to an apoptosis-like state and a decrease in production capacity and ability to catabolize carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the level of oxidized glutathione increased, suggesting that the bacteria were engaged in various anti-oxidative stress responses, ultimately leading to apoptosis. Moreover, the ultrasound field activated the regulatory factor CsrA, which facilitates stress survival as cells transition from rapid growth to an apoptotic state through a stringent response and catabolic inhibition system. Parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) revealed that the expression of certain key SOS proteins in Vibrio parahaemolyticus was up-regulated following ultrasound treatment, resulting in a gradual adaptation of the cells to external stress and ultimately leading to active cell death. In conclusion, the biological lethal effect of ultrasound treatment is not solely a mechanical cell necrosis process as traditionally viewed, but also a programmed cell death process regulated by cellular adaptation. This enriched the biological effect pathway of ultrasound sterilization.

A high-throughput droplet digital PCR system aiming eight DNA methylation targets for age prediction.

The droplet digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR) has garnered recognition for its distinctive attribute of absolute quantification. And it has found practical utility in age prediction through DNA methylation profiles. However, a prevalent limitation in current ddPCR methodologies is the restricted capacity to detect only two targets concurrently in most instruments, leading to high costs, sample wastage, and labor-intensive procedures. To address the limitations, a novel high-throughput ddPCR system allowing for the simultaneous detection of eight targets was developed. Through the implementation of a new 8-plex ddPCR assay, coupled with comprehensive linear regression analyses involving primers and probes ratios, diverse inputs of single CpG sites with distinct primers and probes, and varying plex assay configurations, stable DNA methylation values for four CpGs and stable measurement precisions for distinct multiplex systems were consistently observed. These findings pave the way for advancing the field of chemistry science by enabling more efficient and cost-effective methods. Furthermore, the comparative validation of ddPCR and SNaPshot demonstrated a remarkable concordance in results, and the system also displayed well in the field of various aspects, including species specificity, DNA input, and aged samples. In this study, the recommended input of bisulfite-converted DNA was determined to be 10-50 ng due to the double-positive droplets. Notably, the Pearson correlation coefficient squared values of four CpGs were 0.4878 (ASPA), 0.4832 (IGSF1), 0.6881 (COL1A1), and 0.6475 (MEIS1-AS3). And the testing set exhibited a mean absolute error of 4.5923 years, indicating the robustness and accuracy of the age-predictive model.

Lycopene intake and the risk of erectile dysfunction in US adults: NHANES 2001-2004.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction is a condition with a high incidence among adult men. Lycopene has been shown to lower blood glucose and reduce weight in diabetic patients because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the association between lycopene and the incidence of erectile dysfunction is unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the dietary lycopene intake and its association with erectile dysfunction risk in the US population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the lycopene intake of adult participants with complete information on clinical variables from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2001 and 2004. Dose-response curve analysis was applied to explore the association between lycopene intake and erectile dysfunction. Logistic regression models were used to adjust for confounders. Different ethnicities, body mass index level, hypertension status, diabetes status, and smoking status were analyzed as subgroups. Propensity score matching was employed to eliminate the effects of potential confounders to confirm the reliability of the results. RESULTS: A total of 3265 participants with lycopene consumption data were included in our study, including 931 individuals with erectile dysfunction and 2334 without erectile dysfunction during National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004. We found more consumption of lycopene in the non-erectile dysfunction group than in the erectile dysfunction group. Dose-response curve analysis revealed a significant negative association between lycopene intake and erectile dysfunction prevalence. After adjusting for age, race, cigarette smoking, body mass index, annual family income, education, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and testosterone level, we found that increased lycopene intake reduced the odds ratio of erectile dysfunction. Low lycopene intake was positively related to erectile dysfunction in almost all subgroups, especially in Mexican American, non-Hispanic white, body mass index <25, hypertension positive, diabetes mellitus negative, and smoke negative. Furthermore, the results were confirmed in the 1:1 matched group. CONCLUSION: Our national data suggest that lower dietary lycopene intake is positively associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction in US men.

Risk factors for cerebrospinal fluid leak after extended endoscopic endonasal surgery for adult patients with craniopharyngiomas: a multivariate analysis of 364 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Over the last decade, the extended endoscopic endonasal approach (EEEA) has evolved as a credible surgical alternative for removing craniopharyngiomas. However, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak remains one of the most pressing concerns. Craniopharyngiomas often invade the third ventricle, resulting in a higher rate of third ventricle opening after surgery and potentially increasing the risk of postoperative CSF leak. Identifying the risk factors associated with CSF leak after EEEA for craniopharyngiomas may have more clinical value. Nevertheless, there is a lack of systematic studies on the topic. Previous studies yielded inconsistent results, probably due to heterogeneous pathologies or small sample sizes. Hence, the authors present the largest known single-institution case series of the use of purely EEEA for craniopharyngiomas to systematically study the risk factors for postoperative CSF leak. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed 364 cases of adult patients with craniopharyngiomas who were treated at their institution from January 2019 to August 2022, and they analyzed the risk factors for postoperative CSF leak. RESULTS: The overall rate of postoperative CSF leak was 4.7%. In the univariate analysis, larger dural defect size (OR 8.293, 95% CI 3.711-18.534, p < 0.001) and lower preoperative serum albumin level (OR 0.812, 95% CI 0.710-0.928, p = 0.002) were associated with higher rates of postoperative CSF leak. Predominantly cystic tumors (OR 0.325, 95% CI 0.122-0.869, p = 0.025) were linked to decreased risk of postoperative CSF leak. However, postoperative lumbar drainage (OR 2.587, 95% CI 0.580-11.537, p = 0.213) and third ventricle opening (OR 1.718, 95% CI 0.548-5.384, p = 0.353) were not related to postoperative CSF leak. In the multivariate analysis, larger dural defect size (OR 8.545, 95% CI 3.684-19.821, p < 0.001) and lower preoperative serum albumin level (OR 0.787, 95% CI 0.673-0.919, p = 0.002) were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative CSF leak. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' repair technique yielded a reliable reconstructive outcome for high-flow CSF leak in EEEA for craniopharyngioma. Lower preoperative serum albumin level and larger dural defect size were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative CSF leak, potentially providing new insights into minimizing the risk of postoperative CSF leak. Third ventricle opening was not associated with postoperative CSF leak. Lumbar drainage may not be necessary for high-flow intraoperative leak, but this finding may require validation with a prospective randomized controlled trial in the future.

METTL3 regulates the proliferation, metastasis and EMT progression of bladder cancer through P3H4.

Bladder cancer, the most common malignant tumor in the urinary system, exhibits significantly up-regulated expression of P3H4, which is associated with pathological factors. The objective of this study was to elucidate the underlying mechanism of P3H4 in bladder cancer. Initially, we analyzed P3H4 gene expression using the TCGA database and evaluated P3H4 levels in clinical samples and various bladder cell lines. P3H4 was found to be markedly overexpressed in bladder cancer samples. Subsequently, bladder cancer cells were transfected with shRNA targeting P3H4 (sh-P3H4), sh-METTL3, and P3H4 overexpression vectors (P3H4 OE). Viability, migration, and invasion of bladder cancer cells were assessed using CCK-8, wound healing, and transwell assays. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the levels of EMT-associated proteins, while RNA stability assays determined the half-life of P3H4. Knockdown of P3H4 resulted in inhibition of bladder cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT progression. Mechanistically, METTL3 was found to regulate the mRNA stability of P3H4 in bladder cancer. Moreover, overexpression of P3H4 reversed the inhibitory effects of METTL3 knockdown on bladder cancer cell behaviors. Stable cell lines were established by infecting EJ cells with lentiviral vectors containing sh-METTL3 or P3H4 OE. These cells were then implanted into the skin of BALB/c nude mice, and IHC analysis was used to analyze the expression levels of EMT-associated proteins. In vivo studies demonstrated that inhibition of METTL3 suppressed bladder cancer growth and EMT through P3H4. In conclusion, our findings suggest that METTL3 regulates the proliferation, metastasis, and EMT progression of bladder cancer through P3H4, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Successful ablation of a right concealed epicardial accessory pathway using ethanol infusion.

INTRODUCTION: This study describes a rare case of concealed epicardial accessory pathway (AP) successfully ablated using ethanol infusion (EI) through a variant vessel connecting the right atrium (RA) and the right ventricle (RV) surface. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 58-year-old male referred to our hospital for prior failed AP ablation. Cardiac-enhanced computerized tomography scan showed there was a variant vessel at the tip of right atrial appendage and a pulmonary artery (PA)-RA fistula at the roof of RA. The earliest activation was present at the site of the PA-RA fistula. A selective angiography showed that a small branch of the variant vessel covered the earliest excitation site of the AP. EI into this branch successfully repressed the AP without any recurrences within a follow-up period of 3 months. CONCLUSION: Endocardial ablation is challenging for epicardial APs related to cardiac structural variations. If small vascular branches near the earliest activation site can be found, EI can successfully ablate these types of epicardial APs.

Correlations between the expression of molecules in the TGF-ß signaling pathway and clinical factors in adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas.

Objective: To investigate the clinical and pathological factors associated with preoperative hypothalamus invasion and postoperative outcomes of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (ACPs) after the expanded endonasal approach (EEA) resection. Methods: Ninety-three specimens of ACPs, consisting of 71 primary and 22 recurrent tumors, were investigated for the expression of TGF-ß1, SMAD2, SMAD3, and ß-catenin by immunohistochemistry staining. The clinical information of relevant patients, including the extent of resection, hypothalamus invasion, endocrinopathy, complications, and prognosis, was reviewed. The relationships between the expression of these immunopathological markers and clinical factors were analyzed. Results: Endocrinological dysfunctions were more common in recurrent patients and primary patients with hypothalamus invasion in the comparisons. For recurrent patients, the rate of gross total resection (GTR) was significantly lower than for primary patients (63.6% vs. 90.1%, P = 0.007). According to radiological and intraoperative findings, invasive ACPs (IACPs) included 48 (67.6%) cases in primary tumors. The expression of TGF-ß1 and ß-catenin was significantly higher in recurrent tumors (P = 0.021 and P = 0.018, respectively) and IACPs (P = 0.008 and P = 0.004, respectively). The expression level of TGF-ß1 was associated with hypothalamus involvement (Puget grade, P = 0.05; Vile grade, P = 0.002), postoperative endocrinopathy (P = 0.01), and pituitary stalk preservation (P = 0.008) in primary patients. In addition, the extent of resection, treatment history, hypothalamic invasion, and level of TGF-ß1 expression had significant influences on tumor recurrence/progression after surgery separately. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the potential role of TGF-ß1 in the regulation of hypothalamus invasion in ACPs and the prediction of prognosis after EEA surgery. The TGF-ß signaling pathway may represent a crucial mechanism in the aggressive behavior and progression of ACPs.