[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.

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.

Contribution of microbial necromass to soil organic carbon formation during litter decomposition under incubation conditions.

We conducted a 512-day incubation experiment to study the dynamics of microbial necromass and soil carbon fraction in the 'litter-soil' transformation interface soil layer (TIS) during litter decomposition, using a perennial C3 herb, Stipa bungeana, in the loess hills. The results showed that soil microbial necromass was dominated by fungi in the early and middle stages, and by bacteria in the late stage. The contribution of fungal necromass C to mineral-associated organic C (MAOC) was significantly higher (38.7%-75.8%) than that of bacteria (9.2%-22.5%) and 2-3 times more than the contribution rate of bacterial necromass. Soil organic C (SOC) content was decreasing during litter decomposition. The input of plant C resources stimulated microbial utilization of soil C fractions. The continuous decrease in particulate organic C during the early and late stages of decomposition was directly responsible for the decrease in SOC content. In contrast, the fluctuating changes in microbial necromass C and MAOC played an indirect role in the reduction of SOC. The increase in soil microbial necromass C caused by a single exogenous addition of litter did not directly contribute to SOC accumulation.

Multifunctional Covalent Organic Framework-Based Microneedle Patch for Melanoma Treatment.

Melanoma is resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Therefore, it is essential to develop a targeted, low-toxic, and minimally invasive treatment. Here, DTIC/ICG-Fe3O4@TpBD BSP/HA microneedles (MNs) were designed and fabricated, which can enhance targeting to melanoma and perform photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy simultaneously to synergistically exert anticancer effects. The system consisted of magnetic nanoparticles (DTIC/ICG-Fe3O4@TpBD), dissoluble matrix (Bletilla polysaccharide (BSP)/hyaluronic acid (HA)), and a polyvinyl alcohol backing layer. Due to the good magnetic responsiveness of Fe3O4@TpBD, dacarbazine (DTIC) and indocyanine green (ICG) can be better targeted to the tumor tissue and improve the therapeutic effect. BSP and HA have good biocompatibility and transdermal ability, so that the MNs can completely penetrate the tumor tissue, be dissolved by the interstitial fluid, and release DTIC and ICG. Under near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, ICG converts light energy into thermal energy and induces ablation of B16-OVA melanoma cells. In vivo results showed that DTIC/ICG-Fe3O4@TpBD BSP/HA MNs combined with chemotherapy and PTT could effectively inhibit the growth of melanoma without tumor recurrence or significant weight loss in mice. Therefore, DTIC/ICG-Fe3O4@TpBD BSP/HA MNs are expected to provide new ideas and therapeutic approaches for the clinical treatment of melanoma.

Total Synthesis of (-)-Retigeranic Acid A: A Reductive Skeletal Rearrangement Strategy.

The asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-retigeranic acid A was described, which relies on a crucial reductive skeletal rearrangement cascade for the controllable assembly of diverse angular triquinane subunits. Taken together with an intramolecular Michael/aldol cyclization, an ODI-[5 + 2] cycloaddition/pinacol rearrangement cascade, a Wolff ring contraction and a stereoselective HAT reduction, our synthetic approach has enabled the access to (-)-retigeranic acid A in a concise and practical manner.

Promotive role of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A isoform 3 in ovarian cancer cell growth and aerobic glycolysis through the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 signaling.

Ovarian cancer (OC) represents one of the most detrimental gynecological malignancies. RNA-binding protein eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A isoform 3 (EIF4A3) is well-regarded as a definitive oncogene that contributes to the development of multiple malignant tumors. This study sought to elucidate the molecular mechanism of EIF4A3 in OC growth and aerobic glycolysis by regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) mRNA stability. We determined the EIF4A3 and PDK4 expression levels in OC cell lines and normal ovarian epithelial cells, and subsequently evaluated the cell viability and colony formation by cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays. The degree of cell aerobic glycolysis was evaluated by measurements of lactic acid production, glucose intake, adenosine triphosphate level, extracellular oxygen consumption, and protein levels of pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 and hexokinase-2. Afterwards, we verified the binding of EIF4A3 and PDK4 mRNA via RNA immunoprecipitation, and determined the mRNA stability after actinomycin D treatment. Finally, a series of rescue experiments was performed with pcDNA3.1-PDK4. EIF4A3 and PDK4 were upregulated in OC cells. Silencing EIF4A3 obstructed cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis, while the same was annulled by EIF4A3 overexpression. Mechanically, EIF4A3 could bind to PDK4 mRNA to stabilize its mRNA and upregulate its protein levels. PDK4 overexpression inverted the inhibitory role of silencing EIF4A3 in proliferation and aerobic glycolysis. Overall, our findings highlighted that EIF4A3 induced OC progression by stabilizing PDK4 mRNA.

The Treatment Satisfaction in Patients and Their Partners Treated with Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Sildenafil: A Prospective Non-Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) and other more invasive options merely provide symptomatic relief rather than a permanent improvement in erectile dysfunction (ED), whereas the long-term improvement in ED via low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) has been confirmed. So far, no comparative study of sildenafil versus Li-ESWT has been conducted with respect to treatment satisfaction. Objective: In this study, we aim to compare erectile function status and satisfaction rates in patients who received sildenafil or Li-ESWT for ED. Methods: Patients complaining of ED were considered candidates. Participants chose to enter one of two active treatment groups according to their treatment intention-either a 9-week Li-ESWT regimen or 100 mg on-demand sildenafil. The erectile function was evaluated using the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaires (IIEF-EF), while the treatment satisfaction was evaluated using the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaires (EDITS). Results: We enrolled 72 participants in the study (42 in the Li-ESWT group and 30 in the sildenafil group). Patients in both groups were young men. Four weeks after the last session, the IIEF-EF score for Li-ESWT and sildenafil was 16.3± 5.5 and 18.3± 6.5 (P > 0.05), respectively. The total EDITS index of the patient version and the partner version were similar in the two groups. Among EDITS questions measuring overall satisfaction and efficacy duration, the score was higher in the Li-ESWT group. Conclusion: We found that Li-ESWT may have better satisfaction than on-demand sildenafil for young ED patients. However, further studies are needed to determine the factors influencing satisfaction.

Endoscopic Fenestration for Treating Galassi Type III Middle Cranial Fossa Arachnoid Cysts: Single- and Multiple-stoma have the Same Curative Effect.

BACKGROUND: For endoscopic fenestration of middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts (MCFACs), the decisions on the location and number of stomas are key issues. However, research on this particular topic has been limited. Thus, this study aimed to compare single- versus multiple-stoma endoscopic fenestration for treating Galassi type III MCFACs. METHODS: This retrospective study included 86 patients with Galassi type III MCFACs treated with endoscopic fenestration. Single-stoma fenestration to the basal cistern was performed in 37 cases, whereas multiple-stoma fenestration to the basal cistern and the carotid cistern was performed in 49 cases. Clinicoradiologic profiles and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: The rate of symptom relief was 83.7% (72/86), and the rate of cyst shrinkage was 96.5% (83/86). Postoperative ipsilateral subdural effusion, which was significant (p = 0.042), and noninfectious fever were the two most common complications in the single- and multiple-stoma groups. No significant differences in intraoperative nerve injury, vascular injury, proportion of cases with cyst reduction, and symptom remission rate were observed between the two groups. The rates of cyst recurrence and secondary surgery in the single-stoma group were higher than those in the multiple-stoma group, although the difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic fenestration is an effective and minimally invasive approach for treating Galassi type III MCFACs. Single- and multiple-stoma endoscopic fenestrations have the same curative effect.

Short-term efficacy of music therapy combined with α binaural beat therapy in disorders of consciousness.

Objective: To investigate the short-term effect of music therapy combined with binaural frequency difference therapy on patients with consciousness disorder. Materials and methods: Ninety patients with definite diagnosis of disorders of consciousness (DOC) were selected. These patients were randomly divided into control group, experiment 1 group and experiment 2 group, with 30 patients in each group. The control group was treated with routine clinical treatment and rehabilitation. In experiment 1 group, music therapy was added to the control group. In experimental group 2, music therapy combined with binaural α frequency difference therapy was added to the control group. All patients were assessed before and after 30 treatments. The assessment items included Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Coma Recovery Scale revised (CRS-R), electroencephalogram (EEG), upper somatosensory evoked potential (USEP), and brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP). Results: Before treatment, there were no significant differences in GCS score, CRS-R score, USEP, BAEP, and EEG scores among the three groups (P > 0.05). After 30 times of treatment, GCS score, CRS-R score, USEP, BAEP, and EEG scores in 3 groups were significantly higher than those before treatment (P < 0.05), and experimental group 2 >experimental group 1 >control group (P < 0.05). And the consciousness rate of experimental group 2 was better than experimental group 1, experimental group 1 was better than the control group and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Music therapy combined with binaural α frequency difference therapy is more effective in stimulating DOC patients.

Research Progress on the Role of Microglia Membrane Proteins or Receptors in Neuroinflammation and Degeneration.

Microglia are intrinsic immune cells of the central nervous system and play a dual role (pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory) in the homeostasis of the nervous system. Neuroinflammation mediated by microglia serves as an important stage of ischemic hypoxic brain injury, cerebral hemorrhage disease, neurodegeneration and neurotumor of the nervous system and is present through the whole course of these diseases. Microglial membrane protein or receptor is the basis of mediating microglia to play the inflammatory role and they have been found to be upregulated by recognizing associated ligands or sensing changes in the nervous system microenvironment. They can then allosterically activate the downstream signal transduction and produce a series of complex cascade reactions that can activate microglia, promote microglia chemotactic migration and stimulate the release of proinflammatory factor such as TNF-α, IL-ß to effectively damage the nervous system and cause apoptosis of neurons. In this paper, several representative membrane proteins or receptors present on the surface of microglia are systematically reviewed and information about their structures, functions and specific roles in one or more neurological diseases. And on this basis, some prospects for the treatment of novel coronavirus neurological complications are presented.

Anemia and risk of periprocedural cerebral injury detected by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is prevalent in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and has been linked to impaired outcomes after the procedure. Few studies have evaluated the impact of anemia and new ischemic lesions post TAVR. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 158 patients who received TAVR in our center. Anemia was defined according to the World Health Organization criteria as hemoglobin <12 g/dL in women and <13 g/dL in men. All patients underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) procedure before and within 4-7 days after TAVR. RESULTS: Anemia was present in 85 (53.8%) patients who underwent TAVR, and 126 (79.7%) patients had 718 new DW-MRI positive lesions with a mean of 4.54±5.26 lesions per patient. The incidence of new ischemic lesions was 81.2% in patients with anemia versus 78.1% in patients without anemia (P=0.629). Moreover, anemic patients had bigger total volume/lesions in the anterior cerebral artery/middle cerebral artery (ACA/MCA) and MCA regions compared to the non-anemic patients (31.89±55.78 mm3 vs. 17.08±37.39 mm3, P=0.049; and 54.54±74.72 mm3 vs. 33.75±46.03 mm3, P=0.034). Anemia was independently associated with the volume/lesion in the ACA/MCA (ß=16.796, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.001 to 31.591, P=0.026) and in the MCA zone (ß=0.020, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.040, P=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pre-procedural anemia may have bigger total volume/lesions in the ACA/MCA and MCA regions compared to the non-anemic patients. Whether the consequences of bigger total volume/lesions impact neurological and cognitive outcomes remains to be investigated.

Exact Solution of Non-Hermitian Systems with Generalized Boundary Conditions: Size-Dependent Boundary Effect and Fragility of the Skin Effect.

Systems with non-Hermitian skin effects are very sensitive to the imposed boundary conditions and lattice size, and thus an important question is whether non-Hermitian skin effects can survive when deviating from the open boundary condition. To unveil the origin of boundary sensitivity, we present exact solutions for one-dimensional non-Hermitian models with generalized boundary conditions and study rigorously the interplay effect of lattice size and boundary terms. Besides the open boundary condition, we identify the existence of non-Hermitian skin effect when one of the boundary hopping terms vanishes. Apart from this critical line on the boundary parameter space, we find that the skin effect is fragile under any tiny boundary perturbation in the thermodynamic limit, although it can survive in a finite size system. Moreover, we demonstrate that the non-Hermitian Su-Schreieffer-Heeger model exhibits a new phase diagram in the boundary critical line, which is different from either open or periodical boundary case.

Alisol A 24-acetate stimulates lipolysis in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes.

BACKGROUND: Alisol A 24-acetate (AA-24-a), one of the main active triterpenes isolated from the well-known medicinal plant Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz., exhibits multiple biological activities including hypolipidemic activity. However, its effect on lipid metabolism in adipocytes remains unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the effect of AA-24-a on adipocyte lipolysis and to determine its potential mechanism of action using 3 T3-L1 cells. METHODS: We assayed the release of glycerol into culture medium of 3 T3-L1 cells under treatment with AA-24-a. Protein and mRNA expression and phosphorylation levels of the main lipases and kinases involved in lipolysis regulation were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Specific inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA; H89) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK; PD98059), which are key enzymes in relevant signaling pathways, were used to examine their roles in AA-24-a-stimulated lipolysis. RESULTS: AA-24-a significantly stimulated neutral lipolysis in fully differentiated adipocytes. To determine the underlying mechanism, we assessed the changes in mRNA and protein levels of key lipolysis-related genes in the presence or absence of H89 and PD98059. Both inhibitors reduced AA-24-a-induced lipolysis. Moreover, pretreatment with H89 attenuated AA-24-a-induced phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase at Ser660, while pretreatment with PD98059 attenuated AA-24-a-induced downregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and perilipin A. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that AA-24-a promoted neutral lipolysis in 3 T3-L1 adipocytes by activating PKA-mediated phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase and ERK- mediated downregulation of expression of perilipin A.

Pentadecanoic acid promotes basal and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes.

BACKGROUND: Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) generally have been thought to worsen insulin-resistance and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recently, accumulating evidence has revealed that SFAs are not a single homogeneous group, instead different SFAs are associated with T2DM in opposing directions. Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0, PA) is directly correlated with dairy products, and a negative association between circulating PA and metabolic disease risk was observed in epidemiological studies. Therefore, the role of PA in human health needs to be reinforced. Whether PA has a direct benefit on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity needs further investigation. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the effect and potential mechanism of action of PA on basal and insulin stimulated glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. METHODS: Glucose uptake was determined using a 2-(N-[7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl] amino)-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG) uptake assay. Cell membrane proteins were isolated and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein was detected by western blotting to examine the translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane. The phosphorylation levels of proteins involved in the insulin and 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways were examined by western blotting. RESULTS: We found that PA significantly promoted glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane. PA had no effect on the insulin-dependent pathway involving insulin receptor substrate 1 (Tyr632) and protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), but increased phosphorylation of AMPK and Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160). Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) blocked PA-induced AMPK activation and reversed PA-induced GLUT4 translocation, indicating that PA promotes glucose uptake via the AMPK pathway in vitro. Moreover, PA significantly promoted insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in myotubes. Under insulin stimulation, PA did not affect the insulin-dependent pathway, but still activated AMPK. CONCLUSION: PA, an odd-chain SFA, significantly stimulates glucose uptake via the AMPK-AS160 pathway and exhibits an insulin-sensitizing effect in myotubes.

[The transcription factor NF-kB1 regulates miR-195 expression in prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effect of the transcription factor NF-kB1 on the expression of miR-195 in prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: We analyzed the possibility of NF-kB1 binding to the miR-195 promoter and the expression of NF-kB1 in PCa using the JASPAR and Oncomine databases, respectively, and determined the expressions of NF-kB1 and miR-195 in PCa cells by real-time quantitative PCR after inhibiting the former by interfering RNA targeting NF-kB1. We detected the activity of the luciferase reporter gene after constructing its gene plasmid in the miR-195 promoter region and having it co-transfected with the NF-kB1 plasmid. Then we analyzed the correlation between the expressions of miR-195 and NF-kB1 in the prostate tissue. RESULTS: NF-kB1 was overexpressed in PCa. After inhibition of the expression of NF-kB1, that of miR-195 was increased in PC-3 and DU-145 cell lines, with a negative correlation between the NF-kB1 and miR-195 expressions in the PCa tissue. The results of luciferase reporter gene assay showed direct binding of NF-kB1 to the miR-195 promoter zone. CONCLUSIONS: NF-kB1 regulates the expression of miR-195 in prostate cancer.

[Point electro-cauterization versus holmium laser cauterization in the treatment of post-ejaculation hematuria].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the advantages and disadvantages of point electro-cauterization (PEC) and holmium laser cauterization (HLC) in the treatment of post-ejaculation hematuria. METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2018, 73 patients with post-ejaculation hematuria, aged 24－63 (36.8 ± 4.2) years, underwent PEC (n = 35) or HLC (n = 38) after failure to respond to 3 months of conservative treatment. We compared the hospital days, total hospitalization expenses, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), average urinary flow rate (Qavg), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) score, postoperative duration of hematuria, and recurrence rate at 3 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: All the patients experienced first ejaculation but no post-ejaculation hematuria at 1 month after operation. The recurrence rates were lower in the PEC than in the HLC group at 3 months (5.71% vs 2.63%, P > 0.05) and 6 months postoperatively (8.57% vs 5.26%, P > 0.05). Compared with the baseline, the Qmax was decreased from (18.56 ± 2.53) ml/s to (13.68 ± 3.31) ml/s (P < 0.05) and the Qavg from (14.35 ± 2.26) ml/s to (9.69±1.84) ml/s in the PEC group at 1 month after surgery (P < 0.01), but neither showed any statistically significant difference in the HLC group. Mild to moderate anxiety was prevalent in the patients preoperatively, particularly in those without job or regular income and those with a long disease course or frequent onset, the severity of which was not correlated with age, education or marital status. The HAMA score was decreased from18.65 ± 4.33 before to 12.35 ± 3.63 after surgery in the PEC group (P < 0.01), and from 16.88 ± 2.11 to 6.87 ± 4.36 in the HLC group (P < 0.01). The mean hospital stay was significantly longer in the former than in the latter group (ï¼»5.2 + 1.3ï¼½ vs ï¼»3.4 ± 0.5ï¼½ d, P < 0.01), while the total cost markedly lower (ï¼»6.35 ± 1.20ï¼½ vs ï¼»12.72 ± 2.15ï¼½ thousand RMB ¥, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both PEC and HLC are safe and effective for the treatment of post-ejaculation hematuria, with no significant difference in the recurrence rate at 3 and 6 months after operation, but their long-term effect needs further follow-up studies. PEC may increase the risk of negative outcomes of the postoperative urinary flow rate, while HLC has the advantages of better relieving the patient's anxiety, sooner discharge from hospital and earlier recovery from postoperative hematuria, though with a higher total cost than the former.

Association between microRNA 21 expression in serum and lung cancer: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that microRNA 21 (mRNA 21) has involved in the procedure of lung cancer (LC). However, its conclusions are still unclear. Thus, this study will try to elaborate the association between mRNA 21 expression in serum and LC. METHODS: The electronic databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, WANGFANG database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure will be retrieved from the inception to the present. All electronic databases will be searched without limitations of language and geographical location. Case-controlled studies reporting the association between mRNA 21 expression in serum and LC will be included. In addition, we will also identify other literature sources to avoid missing potential studies. All study selection, information collection, and study quality assessment will be performed by 2 independent authors. RevMan V.5.3 software and Stata V.12.0 software will be used for data synthesis and analysis. RESULTS: This study will summarize current evidence to investigate the association between mRNA 21 expression in serum and LC. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will present comprehensive evidence to determine whether mRNA 21 expression in serum is relevant with LC or not. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: INPLASY202040055.

Alisol A-24-acetate promotes glucose uptake via activation of AMPK in C2C12 myotubes.

BACKGROUND: Alisol A-24-acetate (AA-24-a) is one of the main active triterpenes isolated from the well-known medicinal plant Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz., which possesses multiple biological activities, including a hypoglycemic effect. Whether AA-24-a is a hypoglycemic-active compound of A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. is unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the effect and potential mechanism of action of AA-24-a on glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. METHOD: Effects of AA-24-a on glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane were evaluated. Glucose uptake was determined using a 2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino)-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG) uptake assay. Cell membrane proteins were isolated and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein was detected by western blotting to examine the translocation of GLUT4 to the plasma membrane. To determine the underlying mechanism, the phosphorylation levels of proteins involved in the insulin and 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways were examined using western blotting. Furthermore, specific inhibitors of key enzymes in AMPK signaling pathway were used to examine the role of these kinases in the AA-24-a-induced glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation. RESULTS: We found that AA-24-a significantly promoted glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in C2C12 myotubes. AA-24-a increased the phosphorylation of AMPK, but had no effect on the insulin-dependent pathway involving insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and protein kinase B (PKB/AKT). In addition, the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the AKT substrate of 160 kDa (AS160), two proteins that act downstream of AMPK, was upregulated. Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, blocked AA-24-a-induced AMPK pathway activation and reversed AA-24-a-induced glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane, indicating that AA-24-a promotes glucose metabolism via the AMPK pathway in vitro. STO-609, a calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase ß (CaMKKß) inhibitor, also attenuated AA-24-a-induced glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation. Moreover, STO-609 weakened AA-24-a-induced phosphorylation of AMPK, p38 MAPK and AS160. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that AA-24-a isolated from A. orientale (Sam.) Juz. significantly enhances glucose uptake via the CaMKKß-AMPK-p38 MAPK/AS160 pathway.

Effect of medial meniscus extrusion on arthroscopic surgery outcome in the osteoarthritic knee associated with medial meniscus tear: a minimum 4-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The potential benefit of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritic knee associated with medial meniscus tear is controversial. This study was conducted to determine the effect of pre-operative medial meniscus extrusion (MME) on arthroscopic surgery outcomes in the osteoarthritic knee associated with medial meniscus tear during a minimum 4-year follow-up. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a total of 131 patients diagnosed with osteoarthritic knee associated with medial symptomatic degenerative meniscus tear who underwent arthroscopic surgery from January 2012 to December 2014 and were observed for more than 4 years. Patients were classified into two groups: MME ≥3 mm (major MME group, n = 54) and MME <3 mm (non-major MME group, n = 77). Clinical assessments, including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and radiographic assessments, including the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade and medial joint space width (JSW), were evaluated pre-operatively and at final follow-up. The longitudinal changes of clinical and radiographic parameters (WOMAC and the medial JSW change, K-L grade progression) were compared between groups unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. Four-year survival rates (without progression to knee replacement [KR]) were also evaluated using a log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: Major MME was present in 41% of patients. After a minimum 4-year follow-up, the mean WOMAC total and pain scores improved significantly in both groups. However, the medial JSW and K-L grade worsened significantly. Patients with pre-operative major MME worsened more in WOMAC total (adjusted mean difference [MD] 3.800, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.900, 11.400; P = 0.037) and function (adjusted MD 3.100, 95% CI: 0.700, 6.300; P = 0.038) scores than patients with pre-operative non-major MME, and no significant difference was observed in WOMAC pain and stiffness score between groups. The group with major MME had significantly higher joint space narrowing (adjusted MD -0.630, 95% CI: -1.250, -0.100; P = 0.021) and K-L rate progression (adjusted mean relative risk [RR] 1.310, 95% CI: 1.100, 1.600; P = 0.038) than the group with non-major MME. There was a significantly more KR progression in patients with major MME compared with those with non-major MME (adjusted RR 3.100, 95% CI: 1.100, 9.200; P = 0.042 and adjusted hazard ratio 3.500, 95% CI 1.100, 9.500; P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoarthritic knee patients associated with medial meniscus tear with non-major MME are more responsive to arthroscopic surgery in terms of the clinical and radiologic outcomes and survival for at least 4-year follow-up; however, in terms of pain relief, arthroscopic surgery in patients with major MME is also beneficial as well as in patients with non-major MME.