The safety and efficacy of Sotn ureteroscopy for renal and upper ureteral calculi: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Sotn ureteroscopy is a new lithotripsy procedure developed on the basis of ureteroscopy and includes a rigid ureteral access sheath, standard mirror, lithotripsy mirror, and Sotn perfusion aspirator. Thus, we performed a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing the safety and efficacy of Sotn ureteroscopy in the treatment of renal and upper ureteral calculi. METHODS: In this study, 224 patients with renal and upper ureteral calculi were randomly divided equally into study and control groups from March 2018 to March 2022. All the patients were approved by the hospital ethics committee (proof number: ZF-2018-164-01 and ZF-2018-165-01) of the Second Affiliate Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China. The primary outcome was stone-free rate (SFR) assessed by computed tomography on the 1st day and month after treatment and operation duration. The secondary outcome was postoperative complication rate. RESULTS: In total, for upper ureteral calculi, the SFR of 1 day after operation of the Sotn ureteroscopy group was significantly higher than the rigid ureteroscopy group (83.6% vs. 60%, P=0.006). Moreover, operative time (33.7±1.80 vs. 52.9±2.73 min, P<0.005) of the Sotn ureteroscopy group was significantly lower than the rigid ureteroscopy group. Additionally, the SFR of 1 day after operation and operative time for the study group (Sotn ureteroscopy combined with flexible ureteroscopy) and the control group (flexible ureteroscopy alone) were 63.2% and 36.8% (P=0.005), 65.6±4.06 and 80.3±4.91 (P=0.023), respectively. However, there were no significant differences in the SFR of 1 month after operation, success rate of ureteral access sheath placement, and postoperative complications between the two groups (P>0.05). In subgroups with stone diameters ≥1.5 cm and stone CT values ≥1000 Hounsfield units, Sotn ureteroscopy showed more advantages in terms of the SFR of 1 day after operation. Importantly, complications such as ureteral injury, sepsis, fever, and severe hematuria were not statistically different between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For renal and upper ureteral calculi, Sotn ureteroscopy has the advantage of a higher SFR of 1 day after the operation and a shorter operative time, suggesting that the Sotn ureteroscopy may have further potential applications in clinics.

Spindle cell embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate in an adult patient: a case report and review of the literature.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate is a rare mesenchymal tumor that originates from undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. Spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma is a variant of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. The vast majority of these two pathological types occur in children, with only a few adult cases reported to date, and both are associated with poor clinical outcomes. We herein report a case involving a man in his early 40s with spindle cell embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate. His chief complaint was difficult urination. The diagnosis was confirmed by puncture biopsy of the prostate, and pelvic lymph node metastasis was already present at the time of diagnosis. The patient underwent three courses of chemotherapy. However, his response to the treatment was very poor, and he died of the disease 4 months after diagnosis.

Association between drinking status and risk of kidney stones among United States adults: NHANES 2007-2018.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between drinking status and kidney stones occurrence among United States (US) adults who consume alcohol. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2007-2018). Questionnaires yielded information on alcohol consumption and kidney health. Drinking status was categorized into four groups-former, mild, moderate, and heavy-based on alcohol consumption patterns. The aim was to explore the relationship between drinking status and the prevalence of kidney stones occurrence. For this analysis, we examined a group of individuals diagnosed with kidney stones. With survey weights applied, the total weight of the group was 185,690,415. RESULTS: We used logistic regression to measure the relationship between drinking status and the likelihood of developing kidney stones. In a fully adjusted model, former drinkers were less likely to have previously experienced kidney stones (OR 0.762, 95% CI 0.595-0.977, P < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, heavy alcohol consumption was associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of kidney stones occurrence in various populations. The adjusted odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) of kidney stones risk for heavy alcohol consumption were 0.745 (0.566-0.981) for young individuals, 0.566 (0.342-0.939) for older individuals, 0.708 (0.510-0.981) for individuals of white race, 0.468 (0.269-0.817) for individuals with underweight/normal BMI, 0.192 (0.066-0.560) for widowed people, 0.538 (0.343-0.843) for smoking individuals, 0.749 (0.595-0.941) for individuals without a cancer history, and 0.724 (0.566-0.925) for individuals without a stroke history. CONCLUSIONS: In US adults who consume alcohol, a negative linear relationship is apparent between drinking status and the prevalence of kidney stones, with heavy drinking showing a lower prevalence compared to former drinkers. However, the causal relationship between drinking status and kidney stones requires further investigation in future research endeavors.

Prostate Volume is A Predictor of Gleason Score Upgrading after Radical Prostatectomy in Low-Risk Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The prediction of Gleason score (GS) upgrading in patients diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer is particularly important when opting for active surveillance (AS). Thus, we aimed to explore the association between prostate volume and GS upgrading after radical prostatectomy in low-risk prostate cancer through a meta-analysis. METHODS: Multiple databases (Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library) were searched for eligible studies regarding this issue and reporting sufficient data up to May 2023. Specific search terms such as prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy, and prostate volume were used in our search strategy. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. RESULTS: Twenty studies comprising 14,823 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy matched our eligibility criteria. Moreover, GS upgrading between biopsy and surgical pathological specimens occurs in 32.2% (4,771) of cases. The results showed that smaller prostate volume is significantly associated with GS upgrading in patients with low-risk prostate cancer (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.05-1.11; P < 0.001; I-square [I2] = 89.8%) from biopsy to radical prostatectomy after adjusting for confounding factors. Moreover, the results of our subgroup analyses revealed that smaller prostate volume remained a substantial risk factor of GS upgrading in the studies designed as retrospective cohorts and case-control studies performed in America, Italy, Turkey, and China. The findings are robust as indicated by sensitivity and meta-regression analyses. CONCLUSION: Smaller prostate volume predicts clinically substantial GS upgrading in patients diagnosed with lowrisk prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. The intriguing findings might be helpful when management options other than surgery are selected based on the inability to recognise the true pathological GS of patients for AS. Further studies focus on risk-stratification and treatment planning for patients with low-grade prostate cancer are still needed to verify our results.

Optimized leaf storage and photosynthetic nitrogen trade-off promote synergistic increases in photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency.

A coordinated increase in the photosynthetic rate (A) and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) is an effective strategy for improving crop yield and nitrogen (N) utilization efficiency. PNUE tends to decrease with increasing N levels, but there are natural variations. Consequently, leaf functional N partitioning in Brassica napus genotypes under different N rates was measured to explore the optimized N allocation model for synchronously increasing A and PNUE values. The results showed that genotypes whose PNUE increased with increasing N supply (PNUE-I) produced an approximate A value with a relatively low leaf N content, owing to reduced storage N (Nstore ) and close photosynthetic N (Npsn ) content. Partial least squares path modeling showed that A was dominated by the Npsn content, and PNUE was directly influenced by A and Nstore . The A value increased with the Npsn content until the Npsn content exceeded the threshold value. The boundary line of PNUE varied with the Npsn and Nstore proportions, indicating that the optimum Npsn and Nstore proportions were 51.6% and 40.3%, respectively. The Nstore proportion of PNUE-I was closer to the thresholds and benefited from lower increments in Rubisco content and nonprotein form storage N content with improved N supply. Optimized Nstore and Npsn trade-off by regulating increments in Nstore content with increased N supply, thereby promoting coordinated increases in A and PNUE.

Interaction between drinking and dietary inflammatory index affects prostate specific antigen: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have shown that the dietary inflammatory index (DII) is associated with adverse health effects. However, the relationship between DII and prostate cancer (PCa) remains controversial. Although alcohol is included in DII as a dietary factor, the various adverse health effects of alcohol consumption are not only related to inflammation. On the other hand, it has been a long-standing debate whether alcohol consumption is linked to the risk of PCa. Therefore, to clarify whether drinking affects the relationship between DII and PCa, we evaluated the correlation between DII and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. METHODS: We used data from the NHANES spanning from 2005 to 2010 to analyze the relationship between PCa and DII. Out of the 31,034 NHANES participants, we enrolled 4,120 individuals in our study, utilizing dietary intake data from a twenty-four-hour period to determine DII scores. Demographic data, physical and laboratory test results were collected to compare between low PSA and high PSA groups, and to calculate the odds ratio between both groups, we employed a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In this cross-sectional investigation of PCa, drinkers and non-drinkers had different relationships between DII and PSA levels (OR: 1.2, 95% Cl: 1-1.44 vs. OR: 0.98, 95% Cl: 0.9-1.07), and DII and abstaining from alcohol were effective in reducing the incidence of PSA (p-value for significant interaction = 0.037). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that drinking may influence the relationship between DII and PSA levels. DII is likely to be a reliable indicator for estimating PSA levels among non-drinkers, who may limit their intake of pro-inflammatory ingredients to lower the incidence and death of PCa.

Aggressive variant prostate cancer: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive variant prostate cancer (AVPC) is a rare disease that progresses rapidly. The first-line treatment for AVPC is currently unknown. We examined a rare case of AVPC with rare brain and bladder metastases. A summary review of the mechanism of development, clinicopathological manifestations, associated treatments and prognosis of this disease is presented. CASE SUMMARY: The patient was diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCA), and was actively treated with endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine. Unfortunately, he was insensitive to treatment, and the disease progressed rapidly. He died five years after being diagnosed with PCA. CONCLUSION: We should reach consensus definitions of the AVPC and other androgen receptor-independent subtypes of PCA and develop new biomarkers to identify groups of high-risk variants. It is crucial to complete a puncture biopsy of the tumor or metastatic lesion as soon as possible in patients with advanced PCA who exhibit clinical features such as low Prostate-specific antigen levels, high carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and insensitivity to hormones to determine the pathological histological type and to create a more aggressive monitoring and treatment regimens.

Case Report: Giant paratesticular liposarcoma was resected and refused radical orchiectomy.

Paratesticular liposarcoma (PLS) causes scrotal mass changes, rarely in the urinary system. Before surgery, PLS causes scrotal mass changes that are difficult to distinguish from other causes. There has been a report of a giant paratestis liposarcoma resection and refusal to undergo orchiectomy. A 65-year-old man presented with finding the left scrotal mass after 2 years. Physical examination showed that the left scrotal mass was obviously difficult to retract. Pelvic CT showed that the left scrotal mass and flaky fat density shadow accompanied with left inguinal hernia. During surgery, laparoscopic exploration was performed to rule out inguinal hernia, and a scrotal exploration was also performed concurrently. The intraoperative frozen pathology considered lipogenic tumor, and the patient's wife refused to undergo simultaneous left radical orchiectomy. Later the mass was completely removed, and postoperative pathology confirmed paratestis liposarcoma. During a 15-month routine follow-up, the tumor did not recur locally or metastasize distantly. PLS should be focused on early diagnosis and treatment, preoperative examinations and postoperative pathology should be combined, and highly personalized treatment will be implemented.

Association between alcohol and urolithiasis: a mendelian randomization study.

The causal relationship between alcohol and urolithiasis remains uncertain, despite previous observational studies reporting an association between the two. To determine the causality, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the causal relationship between alcohol and kidney stones using a two-sample MR approach. Two sets of genetic instruments were utilized in the analysis, both of which were derived from publicly available genetic summary data. The first set consisted of 73 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) robustly linked to alcohol intake frequency (AIF) and the second set was comprised of 69 SNPs associated with alcohol consumption (AC). Our MR analysis was performed using several methods including the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, weighted median method, MR-Egger regression, MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier test. Our results from the MR analysis revealed a borderline significant association between AIF and the risk of urolithiasis. This was established through the use of the IVW method (OR (95% CI) = 1.29 (1.02, 1.65), p = 0.036) and the weighted median approach (OR (95% CI) = 1.44 (1.10, 1.89), p = 0.008). The MR-Egger model also yielded similar risk estimates (OR (95% CI) = 1.39 (0.66, 2.93), p = 0.386), although the relationship was not statistically significant. Sixty-eight SNPs were identified as having a substantial and independent link with AC. However, the IVW approach revealed no significant effect of AC on the risk of urolithiasis (OR (95% CI) = 0.74 (0.48, 1.14), p = 0.173). The MR analysis suggested a potential causal association between alcohol intake frequency and the risk of urolithiasis, but not alcohol consumption.

Study on skin infection model of Staphylococcus aureus based on analytic hierarchy process and Delphi method.

Purpose: Infectious skin diseases are a type of inflammatory skin lesions caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Because of the uncertainty of methodology, the skin infection model usually have low replication rate and lack of good evaluation system. We aimed to establish multi-index and comprehensive evaluation method for Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) skin-infection models through Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Delphi method, and screen high quality animal models through it. Materials and methods: Firstly, the evaluation indicators of skin infection were collected basing on literature research. The weight of the evaluation indicators were decided according to AHP and Delphi method. Then different ulcer models (mouse or rat) infected by S. aureus were selected as the research objects. Results: The evaluation indicators were classified into four groups of criteria (including ten sub-indicators) and given different weights, physical sign changes (0.0518), skin lesion appearance (0.2934), morphological observation (0.3184), etiological examination (0.3364). Through the evaluation system, we screened and found that the mouse ulcer model which caused by a round wound and 1.0 × 1010 CFU/mL (0.1 mL) bacterial concentration got the highest comprehensive score, and also found that the model which caused by a 1.5 cm-round wound and 1.0 × 1010 CFU/mL (0.2 mL) maybe the best rat ulcer model. Conclusions: This study has established an evaluation system based on AHP and Delphi method, also provided the best skin ulcer models selected by this system, the models are suitable for disease research and drug development research of skin ulcer.

Prostate lymphoma with renal obstruction; reflections on diagnosis and treatment: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Prostate lymphoma has no characteristic clinical symptomatology, is often misdiagnosed, and currently, clinical case reports of this disease are relatively rare. The disease develops rapidly and is not sensitive to conventional treatment. A delay in the treatment of hydronephrosis may lead to renal function injury, often causing physical discomfort and rapid deterioration with the disease. This paper presents two patients with lymphoma of prostate origin, followed by a summary of the literature concerning the identification and treatment of such patients. CASE SUMMARY: This paper reports on the cases of two patients with prostate lymphoma admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, one of whom died of the disease 2 mo after diagnosis, while the other was treated promptly, and his tumor was significantly reduced at the 6-mo follow-up. CONCLUSION: The literature shows that prostate lymphoma is often seen as a benign prostate disease during its pathogenesis, even though primary prostate lymphoma enlarges rapidly and diffusely with the invasion of surrounding tissues and organs. In addition, prostate-specific antigen levels are not elevated and are not specific. There are no significant features in single imaging either, but during dynamic observation of imaging, it can be found that the lymphoma is diffusely enlarged locally and that systemic symptoms metastasize rapidly. The two cases of rare prostate lymphoma reported herein provide a reference for clinical decision making, and the authors conclude that early nephrostomy to relieve the obstruction plus chemotherapy is the most convenient and effective treatment option for the patient.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Ammonium Transporter (AMT) Genes in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

Ammonium transporters (AMTs) are plasma membrane proteins mediating ammonium uptake and transport. As such, AMTs play vital roles in ammonium acquisition and mobilization, plant growth and development, and stress and pathogen defense responses. Identification of favorable AMT genotypes is a prime target for crop improvement. However, to date, systematic identification and expression analysis of AMT gene family members has not yet been reported for rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). In this study, 20 AMT genes were identified in a comprehensive search of the B. napus genome, 14 members of AMT1 and 6 members of AMT2. Tissue expression analyses revealed that the 14 AMT genes were primarily expressed in vegetative organs, suggesting that different BnaAMT genes might function in specific tissues at the different development stages. Meanwhile, qRT-PCR analysis found that several BnaAMTs strongly respond to the exogenous N conditions, implying the functional roles of AMT genes in ammonium absorption in rapeseed. Moreover, the rapeseed AMT genes were found to be differentially regulated by N, P, and K deficiency, indicating that crosstalk might exist in response to different stresses. Additionally, the subcellular localization of several BnaAMT proteins was confirmed in Arabidopsis protoplasts, and their functions were studied in detail by heterologous expression in yeast. In summary, our studies revealed the potential roles of BnaAMT genes in N acquisition or transportation and abiotic stress response and could provide valuable resources for revealing the functionality of AMTs in rapeseed.

Low serum total testosterone level as a predictor of upgrading in low-risk prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigated the association between serum total testosterone and Gleason score upgrading of low-risk prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy (RP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify eligible studies published before October 2021. Multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random or fixed effects models. RESULTS: Five studies comprising 1,203 low-risk prostate cancer patients were included. The results showed that low serum total testosterone (<300 ng/dL) is associated with a high rate of Gleason score upgrading after RP (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.38-3.83; p<0.001; I², 92.2%). Notably, sensitivity and meta-regression analyses further strengthen the reliability of our results. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the idea that low serum total testosterone is associated with a high rate of Gleason score upgrading in prostate cancer patients after RP. It is beneficial for urologist to ensure close monitoring of prostate-specific antigen levels and imaging examination when choosing non-RP treatment for low-risk prostate cancer patients.

Metabolic Profiles Reveal Changes in the Leaves and Roots of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Seedlings under Nitrogen Deficiency.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is an important oil crop species and plays a crucial role in supplying edible oil worldwide. However, rapeseed production in the field is often severely inhibited due to nitrogen (N) deficiency. Metabolites play key roles in plant growth and resistance to environmental stress, but little is known about the differential synthesis and accumulation of metabolites underlying rapeseed adaptation to N deficiency. Here, we studied the phenotypic response and used LC-electrospray ionization (ESI), ESI-MS/MS, and widely untargeted metabolomic approaches to detect differences in rapeseed under normal N (HN) and N-deficient (LN) conditions. The results showed that N deficiency severely inhibited rapeseed shoot growth and promoted rapeseed root architectural changes under LN conditions. In total, 574 metabolites were detected, and there were 175 and 166 differentially accumulated metabolites in the leaves and roots between the HN and LN conditions, respectively. The significantly differentially accumulated metabolites were involved in four primary metabolic pathways, namely, sucrose, phenylalanine, amino acid, and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism. Notably, we found that plant hormones have distinct accumulation patterns in rapeseed and coordinate to play crucial roles in both maintaining growth and protecting against damage from plant disease under HN and LN conditions. Moreover, our results indicated that flavonoid compounds, especially anthocyanins and rutin, may play important roles in increasing root cell resistance to oxidative damage and soil pathogen infections. Overall, this work provides valuable information for understanding the overall metabolite changes in rapeseed under N deficiency conditions, which may be beneficial for improving and producing new varieties of rapeseed capable of high yields under low N conditions.

Prevalence and risk factors for incidental prostate cancer in patients after transurethral resection of the prostate with negative results on prostate biopsy: A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the prevalence and predictors of incidental prostate cancer (IPC) after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with negative results on transperineal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) fusion prostate biopsy or TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 253 patients who underwent TURP with a preliminary diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were evaluated. The prevalence of IPC was calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore independent predictive factors of IPC. RESULTS: A total of 253 patients were included. IPC was diagnosed in 12 patients (4.7%). The mean age of the patients and the mean prostate volume were 69.8±7.07 years and 89.3±49.29 mL, respectively. The prevalence of IPC was higher in the TRUS guided prostate biopsy group than in the transperineal MRI/TRUS fusion prostate biopsy group (11 of 203 [5.4%] vs. 1 of 50 [2.0%], p=0.47), but the difference was not statistically significant. Our results indicated that older age (≥70 y) (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.27; p=0.025) and smaller prostate volume (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.938-0.998; p=0.039) were associated with an increased incidence of IPC after TURP. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the prevalence of IPC may be higher among patients who undergo transrectal prostate biopsy before TURP than among those who undergo transperineal MRI/TRUS fusion prostate biopsy. Older age and smaller prostate volume were independent predictors of increasing the risk for IPC after TURP.

Comparisons of efficacy and complications between transrectal and transperineal prostate biopsy with or without antibiotic prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the cancer detection rate and complications of transrectal prostate biopsy (TRBx) and transperineal prostate biopsy (TPBx) in the hospital. However, given the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in TPBx remains controversial according to the current guidelines, we also investigated the safety and side effects of TPBx with and without antibiotic prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 777 patients who underwent prostate biopsy were enrolled in this study in accordance with the criteria. The primary outcome was pooled infectious complications (sepsis, fever, symptomatic urinary tract infection and urinary retention), and the secondary outcome was prostate cancer detection rate. RESULTS: Findings showed that TPBx and TRBx were equivalent in terms of prostate cancer detection rate (TPBx: 50.4% vs. TRBx: 47.3%; P = 0.424) and urinary retention (TPBx: 5% vs. TRBx: 6.3%; P = 0.451). However, TRBx had significantly higher incidences of sepsis (risk ratios, RR: 3.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-11.03; P = 0.014) and symptomatic urinary tract infection (RR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.07-8.66; P = 0.029) than TPBx. Notably, for TPBx, patients who received a single dose of cephazolin prophylaxis were not associated with the risk of sepsis (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.13-4.63; P = 0.783) and symptomatic urinary tract infection (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.24-5.74; P = 0.848) in contrast to patients who did not receive any antibiotic prophylaxis. Meanwhile, no effects on prostate cancer detection rate and urinary retention were observed in the TPBx group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that TPBx significantly reduced infectious complications compared with TRBx and should therefore be preferred. Importantly, we need to re-examine whether the antibiotic prophylaxis should be routinely applied before TPBx in consideration of increasing antibiotic resistance. This result complements the current national guidelines. Nevertheless, future studies on this topic with improved quality and increased sample size are still needed to minimise bacterial resistance.

Green Manure Amendment Can Reduce Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Rates for Oilseed Rape in Maize-Oilseed Rape Rotation.

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to a reduction in the quality of arable land and environmental pollution. Using green manure to replace chemical fertilizers is one of the most effective solutions. To study the effect of green manure on the requirement for nitrogen fertilizer in oilseed rape, a field experiment with maize-oilseed rape rotation was conducted. Green manure was intercropped between rows of maize and returned after the maize harvest, with no green manure intercropped as control. Different nitrogen fertilizer treatments (0, 65%, 75% and 100% N rates, respectively) were applied during the oilseed rape season. The results showed that with a 35% reduction in nitrogen application rate, the rapeseed grain yield was significantly higher with the maize intercropping with green manure returned to the field than with the maize monocropping treatment at the same nitrogen level. Under conditions of intercropping and return of green manure, compared with the full standard rate of nitrogen fertilizer treatment, a reduction in nitrogen application of 25-30% in the rape season had no significant effect on rape yield. The agronomic efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer on oilseed rape increased significantly, by 47.61-121%, with green manure incorporation. In addition, green manure incorporation significantly increased the soil organic matter content and the soil-available nitrogen content when chemical nitrogen fertilization was abandoned. Benefit analysis showed that a 25-35% reduction in chemical nitrogen fertilizer applied to oilseed rape crops could be achieved by intercropping green manure in the maize season before the sowing of rapeseed in the experimental area. In the long-term, this measure would increase nitrogen utility, reduce production costs, and have concomitant environmental benefits of improving the quality of cultivated land.

Periodontal disease and the risk of prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

ABSTRACT Background: Periodontal disease is reportedly associated with the risk of various systemic diseases, including pancreatic and lung cancers. However, its association with prostate cancer remains inconclusive. Herein, we explored the association of periodontal disease with the risk of prostate cancer through a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Sciences and Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible publications up to April 2020. Multivariate adjusted risk estimates with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and calculated using random- or fixed-effect models. Results: Nine cohort studies involving 3.353 prostate cancer cases with 440.911 participants were identified and included in the meta-analysis. We found that periodontal disease significantly increased the risk of prostate cancer by 1.40-fold (hazard ratio [HR]=1.40, 95% CI: 1.16-1.70; P=0.001; I2=76.1%) compared with normal condition. Interestingly, the risk of developing prostate cancer was not significant in patients treated with periodontal therapy (HR=1.22, 95% CI: 0.86-1.73; P=0.272; I2=65.2%). The results of subgroup analyses were also consistent and significant when stratified by study design and follow-up period, whereas conflicting results were observed in periodontal disease ascertainment stratification. These findings were robust as indicated by sensitivity analyses. Conclusions: Periodontal disease was associated with the increased risk of prostate cancer, whereas no significant association was observed in patients treated with periodontal therapy. Hence, the awareness and importance for maintaining oral health should be improved, and the underlying mechanisms linking periodontal disease and prostate cancer should be fully explored in future research.

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

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is reportedly associated with the risk of various systemic diseases, including pancreatic and lung cancers. However, its association with prostate cancer remains inconclusive. Herein, we explored the association of periodontal disease with the risk of prostate cancer through a meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Sciences and Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible publications up to April 2020. Multivariate adjusted risk estimates with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted and calculated using random- or fixed-effect models. RESULTS: Nine cohort studies involving 3.353 prostate cancer cases with 440.911 participants were identified and included in the meta-analysis. We found that periodontal disease significantly increased the risk of prostate cancer by 1.40-fold (hazard ratio [HR]=1.40, 95% CI: 1.16-1.70; P=0.001; I2=76.1%) compared with normal condition. Interestingly, the risk of developing prostate cancer was not significant in patients treated with periodontal therapy (HR=1.22, 95% CI: 0.86-1.73; P=0.272; I2=65.2%). The results of subgroup analyses were also consistent and significant when stratified by study design and follow-up period, whereas conflicting results were observed in periodontal disease ascertainment stratification. These findings were robust as indicated by sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal disease was associated with the increased risk of prostate cancer, whereas no significant association was observed in patients treated with periodontal therapy. Hence, the awareness and importance for maintaining oral health should be improved, and the underlying mechanisms linking periodontal disease and prostate cancer should be fully explored in future research.

Incidence and risk factors of suicide among patients diagnosed with bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with bladder cancer have a high risk of suicide. This study aimed to assess how bladder cancer increases suicide risk and to identify the demographic and clinical factors associated with suicidal death among patients with bladder cancer. METHODS: Literature search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Sciences and Cochrane Library databases was conducted up to April 2020 to identify eligible studies related to the incidence and risk factors of suicide after bladder cancer diagnosis. Summary multivariate-adjusted risk estimates and their associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using inverse variance method with random or fixed-effect modeling. RESULTS: Five retrospective cohorts comprising 563,680 patients with bladder cancer were included. Higher risk of suicide by 1.90-fold was observed among patients with bladder cancer (hazard ratio, HR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.29-2.81; P = 0.001; I2 = 81.2%), especially in those aged 70 years or older (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.29-1.43; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%), unmarried (HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.61-1.83; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%), and those with regional bladder cancer (HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.10-3.21; P = 0.021; I2 = 96.3%), compared with those without bladder cancer. Furthermore, gender and race were not associated with increased suicide risk among patients with bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide risk is increased among patients with bladder cancer, particularly those aged 70 years or older, unmarried and those with regional bladder cancer. Hence, early psychological support must be provided during the follow-up period of these special populations with a high suicide risk.