Arginase 2 is a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker for Prostate Cancer and Is Associated with Metabolism.

Objective: Metabolism, a basic need and biochemical process for cell survival and proliferation, is closely connected with the pathogenesis and progression of prostate cancer. Methods: A four-gene signature construct that includes CKM (CKM), CD38, Enoyl Coenzyme A(EHHADH), and Arginase 2(ARG2) was created by bioinformatics. Finally, hub genes were validated by IHC and in vitro experiments. Results: The results showed the AUCs of the logistic regression and neural networks diagnostic model for the diagnosis of two subtypes were 0.920 and 0.936, respectively. The risk score demonstrated by univariable and multivariable Cox analysis is an independent predictive component of the prognostic signature for DFS. According to immunohistochemical analyses, ARG2 and CD38 expression levels were considerably under-expressed, but CKM and EHHADH expression levels were significantly overexpressed. Furthermore, The expression of ARG2 was significantly down-regulated in the late Gleason score. Finally, we found that ARG2 is lowly expressed in prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, based on the effect of ARG2 on the malignant phenotype of PCa in vitro, we also found that ARG2 may be a tumor suppressor that plays an important role in inhibiting proliferation, migration, and invasion. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ARG2 has been tentatively identified as a new target for research into how PCa develops in metabolism and for the development of innovative targeted treatments.

Artificial neural network-genetic algorithm-based optimization of aerobic composting process parameters of Ganoderma lucidum residue.

The rapid development of traditional Chinese medicine enterprises has put forward higher requirements for the resource utilization of traditional Chinese medicine residues (TCMR). Aerobic composting of TCMR to prepare bio-organic fertilizer is an effective resource utilization method. In this study, a back-propagation artificial neural network (BPNN) model using composting factors as inputs (C/N, initial moisture content, type of inoculant, composting days) and the humic acid content as the output was constructed based on the orthogonal test data. BPNN-GA (a genetic algorithm) was used for extreme value optimization, and the optimal composting process parameter combination was obtained and verified. The results show that the combination of orthogonal testing and BPNN can effectively establish the relationship between the composting process parameters and humic acid content. The R2 value was 0. 9064. The optimized parameter combination is as follows: C/N,37.42; moisture content,69.76%; bacteria,no; and composting time,50 d.

Effects of di-n-butyl phthalate on aerobic composting process of agricultural waste: Mainly based on bacterial biomass and community dynamics analysis.

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) pollution has become a major environmental problem in agricultural waste composting. However, little information was available about the how the PAEs alter microbial processes during composting. This study investigated the effects of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on bacterial biomass and community dynamics during composting. The results showed that a decreasing of DBP was observed from thermophilic phase and 43.26% of DBP was degraded after composting. The bacterial biomass and diversity during composting were reduced under DBP stress, so delaying the decomposition of organic matter. Moreover, the changes in bacterial community were observed since the thermophilic phase of DBP-contaminated composting. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that DBP stress decreased the relative abundance of the main metabolic pathways and inhibited compost maturation. Moreover, DBP stress had more significant correlation with the dominant bacteria. This work will expand the understanding of PAEs-contaminated organic waste composting and further control of PAEs pollutants.

Patients with SERPINC1 rs2227589 polymorphism found to have multiple cerebral venous sinus thromboses despite a normal antithrombin level: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The hereditary antithrombin (AT) deficiency caused by SERPINC1 gene mutation is an autosomal dominant thrombotic disorder. An increasing number of studies have shown that mutations in the SERPINC1 rs2227589 polymorphic site are correlated with a risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) at common sites, such as lower extremity deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. Currently, there are no reports of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), a VTE site with a low incidence rate and rs2227589 polymorphism. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we report a Chinese CVST case with a mutation of the SERPINC1 rs2227589 polymorphic site, which did not cause significant AT deficiency. In a 50-year-old male patient presenting with multiple cerebral venous sinus thromboses no predisposing factors were detected, although a relative had a history of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. We performed sequencing of the SERPINC1 gene for the patient and his daughter, which revealed the same heterozygous mutation at the rs2227589 polymorphic site: c.41+141G>A. CONCLUSION: The results showed that more studies should be conducted to assess the correlation between rs2227589 polymorphism and CVST.

Arthrobacter is a universal responder to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) contamination in soils from various geographical locations.

Plasticizer phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are commonly found as contaminants in various soils. Previous studies indicated that their natural degradation can substantially differ among soil types; however, potential implications of the soil microbiome remained largely unexplored. Here, we have collected ten soil types from nine different geographical regions of China to investigate the degradation of DBP therein and role of bacteria in this process. Results showed that the degradation rate of DBP was lowest in nutrient-poor red soils from Jiangxi Province, while it was highest in fluvo-aquatic soil from Hebei Province. Bacterial community responses to DBP substantially differed in each of the analyzed soils. Arthrobacter is known for its broad-spectrum activity in terms of DBP degradation in soil and was therefore implemented as bioremediating inoculant in many polluted environments. In the present study, network analyses indicated that synergism between soil bacteria increased following exposure to DBP. Arthrobacter and Sphingomonas were found to expand their positive interactions with other members of the microbiome in DBP-contaminated soils. The overall findings of our study provide a basis for biomarker development for detection of DBP contaminations and an extended basis for future bioremediation approaches based on beneficial bacteria.

Bioremediation of dibutyl phthalate in a simulated agricultural ecosystem by Gordonia sp. strain QH-11 and the microbial ecological effects in soil.

Bioremediation of organic pollutants has been identified as an economically efficient and environmentally friendly method. Here, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the bioremediation efficiency of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) by Gordonia phthalatica sp. nov. QH-11 in agricultural soils, along with the effect of this exogenous organism on the native microbial community and ecosystem functions during the bioremediation process. The results showed that inoculation with strain QH-11 accelerated DBP degradation in the soil and decreased DBP accumulation in plants, thereby reducing the health risks associated with vegetables grown in those soils. High-throughput sequencing demonstrated that both DBP contamination and the bioremediation process significantly altered prokaryotic community composition, structure, and network interactions; however, these effects were greatly reduced after 30 d. Dibutyl phthalate affected the prokaryotic community by influencing soil properties rather than directly impacting on microorganisms. In addition, ecosystem functions, like the nitrogen cycle, were significantly altered. Contamination with DBP promoted nitrogen fixation and the denitrification processes while inhibiting nitrification. Bioremediation may mitigate some of the changes to nitrogen cycling, helping to maintain the balance of prokaryotic community function. According to this study, bioremediation through highly efficient degradation bacteria may be a safe and promising method for reducing PAEs contamination in soil-vegetable systems.

The phyllosphere indigenous microbiota of Brassica campestris L. change its diversity in responding to di-n-butyl phthalate pollution.

In this study, the effects of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) on the phyllosphere bacterial community of field mustard (Brassica campestris L.) at the five-leaf stage were investigated. The indigenous alpha-diversity of the phyllosphere bacteria was altered after spraying with different concentrations of DBP. Shannon diversity indices were significantly changed on day 5 after treatment at DBP concentrations > 400 mg L-1 (P > 0.05). Nevertheless, the difference between treatment and control was not significant on day 9 after DBP treatment (P > 0.05). Exposure to DBP resulted in a decrease in Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, and an increase in Actinobacteria at all sampling intervals. These changes included significant increases in the relative abundance of Paracoccus and Rhodococcus, and significant decreases in that of Pseudomonas, Exiguobacterium, an unclassified genus of Pseudomonadaceae, and an unclassified genus of Enterobacteriaceae. This study provides new evidence for the possibility of using phyllosphere microbiota to remediate DBP contamination.

Developmental stage has a greater effect than Cry1Ac expression in transgenic cotton on the phyllosphere mycobiome.

Transgenic Bt cotton is widely cultivated, yet its impact on the phyllosphere mycobiome is poorly understood. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects resulting from the planting of Bt cotton on fungal diversity composition. The α diversity for the Bt cotton line SGK321 was lower than that of control plants at the budding stage and the blossoming and boll-forming stage, while an obvious increase in diversity for Bt cotton XP188 was observed at the same stage. The Cry1Ac levels were higher at the seedling stage than at the budding stage and the blossoming and boll-forming stage. There was no direct relationship between the expression of the Bt protein and variation in the fungal community for Bt cotton. However, PCoA and PCA results indicated that community structure differed among developmental stages. These results indicated that developmental stage rather than Cry1Ac expression was the key factor shaping the phyllosphere mycobiome in transgenic cotton.

Expression of claudin­11 in a rat model of varicocele and its effects on the blood­testis barrier.

Varicocele (VC) is an abnormal tortuosity and venous distension of the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord. VC is the most common surgically correctable cause of male infertility. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of VC on the tight junctions and the blood­testis barrier (BTB) of Sertoli cells in the bilateral testes of rats. A model of VC was established by left renal vein narrowing in Sprague­Dawley rats; control rats underwent dissection of the vein without narrowing. The bilateral testes were harvested at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after the operation. The relative expression of claudin­11 and transforming growth factor (TGF)­ß in the testis was determined by reverse transcription­polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression level of claudin­11 was prominently downregulated in the VC model group compared with the control group, while the level of TGF­ß in the testes was higher in the VC group. IHC examination demonstrated that VC led to destruction of the integrity of the BTB, and the degree of destruction increased with time. Furthermore, it was also observed that unilateral VC affected contralateral testicular function. In conclusion, the present study partially explained the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of VC and provided grounds for further research into the treatment of male infertility.

Metformin therapy and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVE: Several observational studies have shown that metformin therapy may modify the risk of prostate cancer. We carried out a meta-analysis of relevant studies evaluating the effect of metformin therapy on prostate cancer risk. METHODS: We searched pubmed database (January 1966-February 2014) for case-control and cohort studies that assessed metformin therapy and prostate cancer risk. Two authors independently assessed eligibility and extracted data. Summary RRs was calculated using fixed-effects model or random-effects model. Heterogeneity among studies was examined using Q and I(2) statistics. RESULTS: We included six cohort studies and four case-control studies in the present meta-analysis, comprising 863,769 participants and 39,073 prostate cancer cases. The pooled RR of prostate cancer in relation to metformin therapy was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.84-1.02, P = 0.112). When we stratified the various studies by study type, we found that metformin therapy was associated with a significant reduced risk of prostate cancer among cohort studies (RR = 0.92, 95% CI [0.87, 0.96], P<0.001); however, no significant association was detected among case-control studies (RR = 0.95, 95% CI [0.78, 1.16], P = 0.632). There was also no indication of publication bias as suggested by Begg's test (P = 0.421) and Egger's test (P = 0.627). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that metformin therapy is not significantly associated with lower prostate cancer risk.

[Improving Agricultural Safety of Soils Contaminated with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by In Situ Bioremediation].

In order to reduce the risk of enrichment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in crops, reduce the potential hazards of food-sourced PAHs to human and increase the agricultural safety of PAHs contaminated soils, the bio-augmented removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated through in situ remediation by introducing Rhodobacter sphaeroides (RS) into the agricultural soil contaminated by PAHs. The 50-times diluted RS was sprayed on leaf surface (in area B) or irrigated to roots (in area D). The treatment of spraying water of the equal amount was taken as the control (A) and the wheat field without any treatment as the blank (CK). Treatments were conducted since wheat seeding. Soil and wheat samples were collected in the mature period to analyze the changes of community structure of the soil microorganisms and the concentration of PAHs in soils and investigate the strengthening and restoration effects of RS on PAHs contaminated soils. Compared to the CK Area, the areas B and D revealed that the variation ratio of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) that were the biomarker of soil microorganisms was 29.6%, and the ratio of total PAHs removed was increased 1.59 times and 1.68 times, respectively. The dry weight of wheat grain of 50 spikes was increased by 8.95% and 12.5%, respectively, and the enrichment factor of total PAHs was decreased by 58.9% and 62.2% respectively in the wheat grains. All the results suggested that RS reduced enrichment of PAHs in wheat grains and increased wheat yield, which had great exploitation and utilization potentiality in repairing and improving the agricultural safety of the soils contaminated with PHAs.

Role for intravesical prostatic protrusion in lower urinary tract symptom: a fluid structural interaction analysis study.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies indicated that Intravesical prostatic protrusion is relevant to prognosis of LUTS, however, the confounding effect that is brought about by prostate volume, urethra anterior curvature angle and other factors makes it hard to evaluate the role of intravesical prostatic protrusion in clinical observation. METHODS: We proposed a fluid structural interaction analysis approach. 3D models were constructed based on MRI images, and prostatic urethra diameters were calibrated with urodynamic data. Comparisons of urine flow dynamics were made between models with various degree of intravesical prostatic protrusion, while the intravesical pressure, anterior urethra curvature angle and diameter of prostatic urethra were same among all models to rule out their confounding effects. RESULTS: Simulation result showed that the decrement of diameter and increment of variation in cross-sectional area for prostatic urethra were related to the degree of intravesical prostatic protrusion. Such deformation would lead to deterioration of flow efficiency and could compromise the effect of bladder outlet obstruction alleviation treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results provided further evidence for intravesical prostatic protrusion being an independent risk factor for bladder outlet obstruction severity and demonstrated that intravesical prostatic protrusion would be a promising marker in clinical decision making.

Vasectomy and the risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.

BACKGROUND: The relationship of vasectomy to prostate cancer has great public health significance. However, the results of observational studies were conflicting. To determine whether vasectomy is associated with the risk of prostate cancer, we performed a meta-analysis of cohort studies. METHODS: A literature search was carried out using Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Libraryl, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) between January 1966 and July 2013. Before meta-analysis, between-study heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using adequate statistical tests. Fixed-effect and random-effect models were used to estimate summary relative risks (RR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Potential sources of heterogeneity were detected by meta-regression. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis were also performed. RESULTS: A total of nine cohort studies contributed to the analysis. There was heterogeneity among the studies but no publication bias. Pooled results indicated that vasectomy was not associated with a significant increase of total prostate cancer risk (RR = 1.07, 95% CI [0.79, 1.46]). When stratified the various studies by geographic location, we found a significant association between vasectomy and increased PCa risk among studies conducted in the USA (RR = 1.54, 95% CI [1.23, 1.93]), however, there was no significant association between vasectomy and PCa risk among studies conducted in non-USA countries (RR = 0.74, 95% CI [0.50, 1.09]). Furthermore, sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of the results. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the present meta-analysis of cohort studies suggested that vasectomy was not associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. More in-depth studies are warranted to report more detailed results, including stratified results by age at vasectomy, tumor grade, and tumor stage.

Clinical presentation and imaging characteristics of occult lung cancer associated ischemic stroke.

We investigated the clinical and imaging characteristics of initial and recurrent strokes in patients with occult lung cancer associated ischemic stroke (OLCA-stroke). A retrospective review of all ischemic stroke patients with occult lung cancer in the absence of conventional stroke etiologies between 2005 and 2013 was conducted. We compared the initial and recurrent lesion patterns on diffusion-weighted MRI in patients with OLCA-stroke, with respect to vascular territory involved, number and size of lesions, clinical presentation, cancer subtypes, recurrences and fatalities, and outcome of survivors. Thirteen patients with confirmed OLCA-stroke were identified. All had elevated D-dimer levels, six had central lung cancer and seven had peripheral lung cancer. Eight (62%) had adenocarcinoma, and nine (69%) had metastasis. Ten (77%) patients had multiple lesions in multiple vascular territories. Twelve (92%) patients suffered recurrent strokes. Multiple small and large disseminated lesions in multiple vascular territories were more frequent in recurrent strokes in comparison with initial strokes. The middle cerebral artery was most frequently involved in recurrent strokes, followed by the posterior circulation territory and anterior cerebral artery, which were of similar frequency as initial strokes. Overall, 58% of patients had their first recurrent stroke within the first month, and 69% had a poor outcome, especially for those with multiple recurrent strokes and metastases. Occult cancer should be considered in the setting of multiple and recurrent embolic strokes within the short term in the absence of conventional stroke etiologies. The severity of malignancy and cancer treatments and stroke influenced the recurrences and outcome.

Can intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin reduce recurrence in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer? An update and cumulative meta-analysis.

Approximately 70% of newly diagnosed bladder tumors are non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). NMIBC accounts for approximately 80% of total bladder cancer cases. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) instillation and maintenance is considered as the standard adjuvant treatment for superficial bladder cancer. A number of randomized studies have focused on the benefit of maintenance therapy following initial BCG induction. To provide further insights into the effect of intravesical instillation on recurrence in patients with NMIBC, we analyzed this relationship by conducting an updated detailed meta-analysis. Evidence suggested that adjuvant intravesical BCG with maintenance treatment is significantly effective for the prophylaxis of tumor recurrence in patients with NMIBC.

[Comparison between transgenic insect-resistant cotton expressing Cry1Ac protein and its parental variety in rhizospheric fungal diversity].

The dynamics of rhizospheric fungal diversity and biomass at different sampling stages associated with two transgenic insectresistant cottons expressing Cry1Ac protein and their control varieties were studied under greenhouse conditions, followed by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR), in order to evaluate the ecological security of planting transgenic cotton expressing Cry1Ac protein. The results indicated that the fungal superior bands in rhizosphere of transgenic Bt cotton were similar with that of control cotton at four sampling stages, the more obvious difference in the blurred bands among transgenic Bt cotton, JM20 and SHIYUAN321 was detected. The rhizospheric fungal biomass of transgenic Bt cotton SGK321 was significantly lower than that of its parental control cotton at seedling stage, while the slight decrease in fungal biomass of transgenic Bt cotton XP188 was detected at boll forming stage, the ill-defined decrease, even growing tendency in two transgenic Bt cottons was detected at other stages. However, the difference of rhizospheric fungal community compositions and biomass was not only existed between transgenic cotton and its control, but also between SHIYUAN321 and JM20, and the same phenomenon was also detected between transgenic Bt cotton SGK321 and XP188. Hence, Bt protein is not the only incentive resulting in the difference in fungal community composition and diversity, the decrease in biomass between transgenic cotton and untransgenic cotton, different cotton varieties has an effect on them.

[Effects of double targeting gene therapy by suicide gene combined with endostatin gene in treatment of bladder cancer: an experimental study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of double targeting gene therapy by using recombinant adeno-associated virus-thymidine kinase (TK)-internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-endostatin (ES) (rAAV-TIE). METHODS: Bladder cancer cells of the line T24 were cultured and transfected with rAAV-ES, rAAV-MCS (blank virus), and rAAV-TIE respectively. 72 hours later the levels of ES in the supernatants were measured by ELISA and annexin V apoptosis test kit was used to examine the apoptosis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with rAAV-ES, rAAV-TIE, and rAAV-MCS respectively. MTT method and flow cytometry were used to detect the apoptosis of the HUVECs. Balb/c nude rats were inoculated subcutaneously with T24 cells. Twenty rats with tumor were randomly divided into 4 equal groups to be treated by rAAV-MCS, rAAV-TK, rAAV-ES, or rAAV-TIE, and 5 rats were used as control group. Four weeks later, blood samples were collected to detect the ES level by ELISA. The tumors were taken out to undergo microscopy to calculate the microvessel density(MVD). RESULTS: 72 h after transfection, ES could be detected in the supernatants of the T24 cells transfected with rAAV-ES, and rAAV-TIE. The apoptotic rates of the T24 cells transfected with rAAV-TK and rAAV-TIE were 34.12% and 36.91% respectively, significantly higher than those of the T24 cells transfected with rAAV-MCS and of the control group (3.08% and 0.84%, all P < 0.05). Transfection of rAAV-ES and rAAV-TIE increased the apoptotic rate of the HUVECs time-dependently. Nine days after the transfection rAAV-ES, rAAV-TK, rAAV-TIE, the tumor volumes of the rAAV-ES, rAAV-TK, and rAAV-TIE groups were (0.75 +/- 0.08), (0.71 +/- 0.11), and (0.52 +/- 0.09) cm(3) respectively, all significantly lower than those of the rAAV-MCS group and control group [(1.27 +/- 0.13) and (1.24 +/- 0.17) cm(3) respectively, all P < 0.05]. CONCLUSION: rAAV-TIE effectively inhibits the tumorigenesis and angiogenesis in bladder cancer. Double targeting gene therapy against bladder cancer can be achieved by using rAAV.

[Correlation of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Chlamydia trachomatis infections with male sterility: a meta-analysis of randomized control trials].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu) and Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infections with male sterility. METHODS: Data from CBMA and CNKI were searched and studies were made for the correlation of Uu and Ct infections with male sterility by retrieval strategy worked out according to the Collaborative Review Group search strategy. The results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The results of 28 clinical controlled trials from 1994 to 2005 were analyzed by software RevMan 4.2. Odds ratio (OR) was applied to the evaluation of the correlation between Uu infection and male sterility. RESULTS: Eighty-eight relative trials were retrieved, of which 28 were included in the Meta-analysis. The combined ORs of Uu and Ct infections to male sterility were OR(Uu): 4.73 (95% CI: 3.77-5.94) and OR(Ct): 4.59 (95% CI: 3.24-6.50). CONCLUSION: Uu and Ct infections are very important risk factors of sterility in Chinese men.