Dysregulated microRNAs as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with a high incidence and fatality rate worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most important risk factors for its occurrence and development. Early detection of HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC) can improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Biomarkers are extremely helpful, not only for early diagnosis, but also for the development of therapeutics. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a subset of non-coding RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length, have increasingly attracted scientists' attention due to their potential utility as biomarkers for cancer detection and therapy. HBV profoundly impacts the expression of miRNAs potentially involved in the development of hepatocarcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current progress on the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of HBV-HCC. From a molecular standpoint, we discuss the mechanism by which HBV regulates miRNAs and investigate the exact effect of miRNAs on the promotion of HCC. In the near future, miRNA-based diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications will make their way into the clinical routine.

Two new species of Platynectes Régimbart, 1879 from China with notes on other Chinese members of the genus, including a key to species (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Agabinae).

Two new Platynectes species, P. maizuqii sp. nov. from Guangdong and P. pangu sp. nov. from Yunnan, are described. New records are provided for the following species: P. davidorum Hájek, Alarie, Stastný & Vondrácek, 2019 from Jiangxi, P. dissimilis (Sharp, 1873) from Guangxi, P. gemellatus Stastný, 2003 from Hunan and Zhejiang, P. kashmiranus lemberki Stastný, 2003 from Xizang and P. nanlingensis Stastný, 2003 from Jiangxi. Additional records are also given for most other Chinese species. Platynectes kashmiranus kashmiranus J. Balfour-Browne, 1944 is removed from the Chinese fauna. The habitus of all and the male genitalia of most species are illustrated. An updated key to all Chinese species of Platynectes is provided.

Effects of proximal gastrectomy with narrow gastric tube anastomosis compared with total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis on upper gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of proximal gastrectomy with narrow gastric tube anastomosis (PG-NGT) and total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis (TG-RY) for upper gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-three upper gastric cancer patients were enrolled into the PG-NGT group and TG-RY group. The propensity score matching method was used to conduct a one-to-one match between the two groups with 38 patients in each group. RESULTS: Compared with the TG-RY group, the PG-NGT group had significantly (P < 0.05) shorter operation time, shorter hospital stay, and less intraoperative blood loss. The TG-RY group had significantly (P = 0.009) more lymph nodes dissected and greater (P = 0.014) total cost than the PG-NGT group, but no significant difference existed in the surgical cost between the two groups (P = 0.214). There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in the incidence of anastomotic stenosis (10.5% vs. 13.1%) or the reflux esophagitis rate (8.6% vs. 9.1%) in the PG-NGT group and the TG-RY group. One year after surgery, the weight and hemoglobin and albumin levels in the PG-NGT group were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the TG-RY group. CONCLUSIONS: PG-NGT may be better than TG-RY in improving patient weight loss and hemoglobin and albumin levels, without increasing the rate of anastomotic stenosis and reflux symptoms.

Comparison of the predictive value of anthropometric indicators for the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia in southern China / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

This study aimed to compare the predictive value of six selected anthropometric indicators for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Males over 50 years of age who underwent health examinations at the Health Management Center of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University (Changsha, China) from June to December 2020 were enrolled in this study. The characteristic data were collected, including basic anthropometric indices, lipid parameters, six anthropometric indicators, prostate-specific antigen, and total prostate volume. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for all anthropometric parameters and BPH were calculated using binary logistic regression. To assess the diagnostic capability of each indicator for BPH and identify the appropriate cutoff values, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the related areas under the curves (AUCs) were utilized. All six indicators had diagnostic value for BPH (all P ≤ 0.001). The visceral adiposity index (VAI; AUC: 0.797, 95% CI: 0.759-0.834) had the highest AUC and therefore the highest diagnostic value. This was followed by the cardiometabolic index (CMI; AUC: 0.792, 95% CI: 0.753-0.831), lipid accumulation product (LAP; AUC: 0.766, 95% CI: 0.723-0.809), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; AUC: 0.660, 95% CI: 0.609-0.712), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR; AUC: 0.639, 95% CI: 0.587-0.691), and body mass index (BMI; AUC: 0.592, 95% CI: 0.540-0.643). The sensitivity of CMI was the highest (92.1%), and WHtR had the highest specificity of 94.1%. CMI consistently showed the highest OR in the binary logistic regression analysis. BMI, WHtR, WHR, VAI, CMI, and LAP all influence the occurrence of BPH in middle-aged and older men (all P ≤ 0.001), and CMI is the best predictor of BPH.

Occurrence, source tracking and removal of antibiotics in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) in southern China.

The recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) has attracted much attention in China as a way to rapidly transform and upgrade aquaculture ponds to realize zero-emissions of pollutants in aquaculture tail water. Tail water purification ponds (TWPPs) play an important role in the treatment of aquaculture wastewater. However, until now, there have been few reports on the occurrence of antibiotics in RAS and the removal of antibiotics from the TWPPs of RAS. Therefore, this study focused on the occurrence of antibiotics in a typical ecological RAS. For comparison, the same measurements were simultaneously carried out in nearby open aquaculture ponds and rivers. The pollution level and spatial distribution of antibiotics in the RAS and the removal of antibiotics in the TWPPs were explored. The results showed that (1) eleven and twelve antibiotics were detected in water and sediment samples in the RAS, respectively, but no antibiotics were found in fish muscles and feed. Erythromycin (ERY), lincomycin (LIN), and ciprofloxacin (CFX) were the three main types of antibiotics found in water and sediment samples. (2) The TWPPs of the RAS can effectively remove antibiotics in aquaculture water. The antibiotic concentration in recirculating aquaculture ponds of the RAS was as high as 180 ng/L. After treatments in the TWPPs, the antibiotic concentration of aquaculture water decreased to 81.6 ng/L (3) The antibiotic concentrations in recirculating aquaculture ponds (25.2-180 ng/L) were lower than those in the nearby open aquaculture ponds (126-267.3 ng/L), and the concentration of antibiotics in the sediments of recirculating aquaculture ponds was up to 22.9 ng/g, while that in TWPPs was as high as 56.1 ng/g. In conclusion, the antibiotic residues in the RAS were low after antibiotics were banned in feed in China, and the removal of antibiotics in the TWPPs was more pronounced. Furthermore, cross-contamination was found between the RAS, surrounding open aquaculture ponds and the river, and the water supply of the RAS was likely to be the main contributor of antibiotics in the aquaculture environments. This study can help the government formulate discharge standards for antibiotics in aquaculture and also provide a reference for the transformation and upgrading of aquaculture ponds to achieve a zero-emission aquaculture mode.

A review of Copelatus Erichson, 1832 of Mainland China, with description of ten new species from the japonicus complex (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Copelatinae).

The species of the genus Copelatus Erichson, 1832 from China Mainland are reviewed. 22 species are recorded in total. Ten new species: C. dentatipenis sp. nov. (Fujian, Hunan, Jiangxi), C. diversistriatus sp. nov. (Yunnan; Laos, Myanmar, Thailand), C. felicis sp. nov. (Yunnan), C. miaowangi sp. nov. (Guizhou), C. mopanshanensis sp. nov. (Yunnan), C. nanlingensis sp. nov. (Guangdong), C. puzhelongi sp. nov. (Yunnan; Laos, Vietnam), C. rosulae sp. nov. (Yunnan), C. tengchongensis sp. nov. (Yunnan), and C. xiniudong sp. nov. (Guizhou) are described. Copelatus chinensis Rgimbart, 1899 is reinstituted as a valid species with Copelatus collocallosus Falkenstrm, 1932 and C. collocallosus Falkenstrm, 1933 as its junior subjective synonyms. One species from Hongkong remains unidentified since it is so far known only from a limited number of females. Additional records are provided for the known species; three species: C. bacchusi Wewalka, 1981, C. malaisei Guignot, 1954 and C. parallelus Zimmermann, 1920 are recorded from China for the first time. Copelatus takakurai Sat, 1985 is withdrawn from the Chinese fauna. All species are diagnosed, and their habitus and male genitalia are illustrated. An updated identification key to Chinese Copelatus is provided.

Upregulation of miR-133a-3p enhances Bufothionine-induced gastric cancer cell death by modulating IGF1R/PI3K/Akt signal pathway mediated ER stress.

AIMS: Bufothionine had been used for gastric cancer (GC) treatment, and this study managed to uncover the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry (FCM) and TUNEL assay were used to measure cell apoptosis ratio. Intracellular ROS was measured by DCFH-DA probes. qRT-PCR was used to determine miRNAs levels. Western Blot was performed to probe proteins. Dual-luciferase reporter gene system was employed to validate the binding sites of miR-133a-3p and 3'UTR regions of IGF1R mRNA. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to determine the expressions of Ki-67 in mice tumor tissues. KEY FINDINGS: Bufothionine inhibited cell viability, triggered ER stress and promoted ROS production in GC cells, and both ER stress inhibitor Salburinal (Sal) and ROS scavenger (NAC) abrogated Bufothionine induced GC cell death. Besides, miR-133a-3p was upregulated by Bufothionine, and Bufothionine-induced cell death was enhanced by miR-133a-3p overexpression while alleviated by miR-133a-3p knockdown. Furthermore, miR-133a-3p inactivated PI3K/Akt signal pathway by sponging IGF1R, and Bufothionine inhibited insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) and inactivated PI3K/Akt cascade by upregulating miR-133a-3p. Notably, the promoting effects of overexpressed miR-133a-3p on Bufothionine-induced GC cell death were abrogated by overexpressing IGF1R, and aggravated by the PI3K/Akt cascade inhibitor (LY294002). SIGNIFICANCE: Bufothionine promoted GC cell death by triggering miR-133a-3p/IGF1R/PI3K/Akt axis mediated ER stress and ROS production.

A well-directional three-dimensional DNA walking nanomachine that runs in an orderly manner.

Herein, we report a three-dimensional (3D) DNA walking nanomachine innovatively constructed from a functionalized 3D DNA track, which runs in an orderly manner with favorable directionality to allow for programming certain pathways of information transduction for some target tasks. The nanomachine was constructed using a departure station of walker (UB + W) and a functionalized 3D track, which was made up of a rolling circle amplification (RCA)-generated backbone chain and numerous triangular rung units with stators (UA + S) assembled into a repeating array along the backbone. A specific domain (SD) was designed at the 5'-end of the backbone to capture the UB + W, and stators with specific RNA substrates were immobilized at the three UA corners for the DNA walker to travel on. Powered by 10-23 DNAzyme, the DNA walker started moving from the SD end to the other end of the track by the autonomous cleavage of RNA substrates. Significantly, the homogeneous distribution of stators in the longitudinal and horizontal extensions paved a specific path for each walker to move along the 3D track. This resulted in random and inactive self-avoiding walking; thus, the nanomachine exhibited good executive ability. These properties allowed the DNA walking nanomachine to program the certain pathways of information transduction for the stepwise and programmed execution of some target tasks, such as the synthesis of specific polyorganics and cargo delivery. We believe that such a 3D DNA walking nanomachine could enrich the concept in the field of dynamic DNA nanotechnology, and may improve the development of novel DNA nanomachines in cargo delivery and composite product synthesis.

Clinical features of testicular torsion and its misdiagnosis:analysis of 274 cases / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the clinical characteristics of testicular torsion and explore the relationship between its incidence and temperature, the value of supplementary examinations, and the factors causing misdiagnosis and testicular lesions.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of the patients with testicular torsion diagnosed in 9 hospitals in Hunan Province from May 1, 2009 to November 1, 2018. The temperature at onset and WBC value after onset were analyzed. The misdiagnosis rate and testicular lesion rate in the first-visit hospitals were compared between the large general hospitals and local hospitals. The factors that affected the diagnosis and treatment of testicular torsion were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 274 cases were included in this study, and misdiagnoses occurred in 151 cases (61.9%). The initial diagnosis was made in large general hospitals in 59 cases; misdiagnosis occurred in 30.5% of the cases and the rate of testicular lesions was 57.6%. Of the 215 cases first diagnosed in local hospitals, only 82 cases were diagnosed correctly, and the misdiagnosis rate was as high as 61.9%; the rate of testicular lesion was 85.6% in these cases. There were significant differences in the misdiagnosis rate and testicular lesion rate between the two groups ( < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The first-visit misdiagnosis rate of testicular torsion is much lower and the probability of testicle preservation is significantly higher in large general hospitals than in the local hospitals, suggesting the importance of health education for testicular torsion, enhancing the awareness of this condition and training of the surgeons in primary hospitals.

Exploration of hematuria in urinary system integrated courses for eight-year medical educa-tion program / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Organ system based integrated teaching model has been adopted in several medical schools, and these schools face some challenges in this teaching process. In order to provide new sights for organ system based integrated teaching reform in eight-year medical education program, ex-ploration of setting up three-staged-dimensional integrated teaching models was conducted in urinary system by hematuria, and designing related teaching objectives, teaching programs and assessment form to optimize teaching quality in this teaching methods, according to characteristics of the urinary systemic diseases, cultivating objectives of eight-year medical education program and teaching experi-ence of Xiangya School of Medicine.

Minimal hydrocelectomy with the aid of scrotoscope: a ten-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Since hydrocelectomy remains the choice of surgical treatment of hydrocele and standard surgical procedures may cause postoperative discomfort and complications, a new minimal surgery procedure is needed. The scrotoscope was used for the diagnosis and treatment of intrascrotal lesions. The aim of the study is to illustrate a new minimal hydrocelectomy with the aid of scrotoscope, in an effort to decrease complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2012, 65 patients underwent hydrocelectomy with the aid of a scrotoscope. Before carrying out hydrocelectomy, the scrotoscopy was first used to examine the intrascrotal contents to exclude any pathological lesions. After determining the condition of testis, epididymis and spermatic cord and excluding any other secondary causes of hydrocele, a 2.0 cm scrotal incision was performed. The parietal tunica vaginalis was then grasped out of scrotum, and the mobilized tunica was excised. The scrotoscopy was then performed again to inspect the intrascrotal contents. RESULTS: Mean operative time was 35.4 minutes. No major complications occurred during the post-operative follow-up period. Of these 65 patients, 61 underwent scrotoscopy and minimal hydrocelectomy, two patients underwent open hydrocelectomy because thickening of hydrocele wall was identified; two patients with acute inflammation only underwent scrotoscopy. Pathological changes were observed among eight patients. All patients were satisfied with the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal hydrocelectomy shows commendable results and fewer complications. The combination of minimal hydrocelectomy and scrotoscopy seems to be an encouraging technique. This novel surgical procedure proves to be a viable option for the diagnosis and treatment of hydrocele.

Minimal Hydrocelectomy with the aid of scrotoscope: a ten-year experience

Background Since hydrocelectomy remains the choice of surgical treatment of hydrocele and standard surgical procedures may cause postoperative discomfort and complications, a new minimal surgery procedure is needed. The scrotoscope was used for the diagnosis and treatment of intrascrotal lesions. The aim of the study is to illustrate a new minimal hydrocelectomy with the aid of scrotoscope, in an effort to decrease complications. Materials and Methods: Between 2002 and 2012, 65 patients underwent hydrocelectomy with the aid of a scrotoscope. Before carrying out hydrocelectomy, the scrotoscopy was first used to examine the intrascrotal contents to exclude any pathological lesions. After determining the condition of testis, epididymis and spermatic cord and excluding any other secondary causes of hydrocele, a 2.0cm scrotal incision was performed. The parietal tunica vaginalis was then grasped out of scrotum, and the mobilized tunica was excised. The scrotoscopy was then performed again to inspect the intrascrotal contents. Results Mean operative time was 35.4 minutes. No major complications occurred during the post-operative follow-up period. Of these 65 patients, 61 underwent scrotoscopy and minimal hydrocelectomy, two patients underwent open hydrocelectomy because thickening of hydrocele wall was identified; two patients with acute inflammation only underwent scrotoscopy. Pathological changes were observed among eight patients. All patients were satisfied with the outcomes. Conclusions Minimal hydrocelectomy shows commendable results and fewer complications. The combination of minimal hydrocelectomy and scrotoscopy seems to be an encouraging technique. This novel surgical procedure proves to be a viable option for the diagnosis and treatment of hydrocele. .

Bladder interstitial cells and pathophysiology / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Bladder interstitial cell (IC) is a cell, which lacks thick filaments and dense bodies but with incomplete basement membrane, rough endoplasmic reticulum and golgi apparatus. IC is divided into 4 subtypes: lamina propria IC, intramuscular IC, IC between the detrusor bundles and perivascular IC. There are different ion currents and related activation pathways in the lamina propria IC and intramuscular IC. Ca2+ signaling pathways play an important role in the communication between IC and detrusor. Any bladder lesions affecting the ion current and Ca2+ signaling pathways can lead to bladder dysfunction. The bladder lesions include bladder outlet obstruction, bladder pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis, neurogenic bladder and diabetes. Imatinib mesylate is currently an available treatment target in IC, and electrical stimulation of acupuncture therapy is a new direction.

Protective effects of estrogen on mitochondria in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the protective effects of estrogen on the mitochondria in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HUVECs were exposed to H2O2 at 250 micromol/L for 4 h with or without pretreatment with 17-estradiol (E2) and ICI182780. Complex IV activity of the cells was measured with chromometry, and 2, 7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) was used to determine intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level was quantified with a luciferin- and luciferase-based assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to the blank control group, H2O2 caused a decrease in complex IV activity, intracellular ATP level, and the cell viability, but elevated intracellular ROS. E2 pretreatment of cells significantly attenuated these effects of H2O2 exposure. ICI182780 administered prior to E2 pretreatment antagonized the protective effects of E2 against H2O2 exposure.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>E2 offers mitochondrial protective effects on HUVECs, which is mediated by the estrogen receptors.</p>

Factors influencing the diagnosis and treatment of chronic prostatitis among urologists in China / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To identify the factors influencing diagnosis and treatment of chronic prostatitis (CP) among Chinese urologists.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A sample of 656 urologists from 29 provinces of China were asked to complete a questionnaire that explored attitudes towards CP as well as diagnosis and treatment patterns in the management of CP. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis schemes were used to determine the factors that influence the diagnosis and treatment of CP.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 656 questionnaires were given out. All were returned and 410 of those were included in the final univariate and multivariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that belief of bacterial infection in the etiology of CP (odds ratio [OR], 2.544; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.650-3.923; P < 0.001) was the most significant factor influencing the routine performance of bacterial culture test. Using the same model, the type of hospital (OR, 2.799; 95% CI, 1.719-4.559; P < 0.001) and the routine use of the 4- or the 2-glass test (OR, 3.194; 95% CI, 2.069-4.931; P < 0.001) were determined to be significant factors influencing the use of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) new classification system. According to the same model, belief of bacterial infection in the etiology of CP (OR, 3.415; 95% CI, 2.024-5.762; P < 0.001) and the routine use of bacterial culture test (OR, 2.261; 95% CI, 1.364-3.749; P < 0.01) were important factors influencing the routine prescription of antibiotics.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our findings suggest that attitudes towards CP, and the characteristics of individual urologists' practices may influence the diagnosis and treatment of CP among Chinese urologists.</p>

A new synthetic tripeptide inhibits L-arginine transport in macrophages / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of a new synthetic tripeptide [Arg(NO(3))- Lys(OCH(3))- Arg(NO(3))] on L-arginine/NO pathway in the macrophage cell strain RAW246.7.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The cultured macrophages exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 microg/L) treatment were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=6) and treated with distilled water, 1x10(-4) mol/L tripeptide and 1x10(-4) mol/L L-arginine, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) for 24 h, respectively. The macrophages were incubated for 24 h with LPS (1 microg/L) and in the presence of different concentrations of L-arginine (0 to 2 mmol/L), or in normal culture medium (containing 0.5 mmol/L L-arginine) for 24 h with LPS (1 microg/L) and in the presence of tripeptide of 0 to 10x10(-4) mol/L. The changes of [(3)H]-L-arginine transport and NO production from the macrophages were measured.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>NO release from macrophages incubated in the LPS-containing culture medium was 50 folds, and [(3)H]-L-arginine uptake 2.7 folds that in cells in normal culture medium. Tripeptide (1x10(-4) mol/L) inhibited [(3)H]-L-arginine transport and NO production by 67% and 71% respectively. The effect of tripeptide was stronger than L-NMMA (P<0.05). Extracellular L-arginine caused a concentration-dependent increase in nitrite production, which reached the maximum at concentrations above 0.5 mmol/L Km for nitrite production of 0.162+/-0.015 mmol/L and Vmax of 91.2+/-2.3 micromol/(24h.10(6) cells). L-arginine transport and NO production were inhibited by tripeptide, but their dose-dependent pattern of changes was different with EC50 of 0.21x10(-4) mol/L and 1.27x10(-4) mol/L, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Activation of macrophages with LPS induces nitrite accumulation in the culture medium, which is dependent on the presence of extracellular L-arginine. The tripeptide induces dysfunction of L-arginine/NO pathway in macrophages, potently inhibits L-arginine transport and competitively combine the active sites of nitric oxide synthase.</p>