Identification of subgroups along the glycolysis-cholesterol synthesis axis and the development of an associated prognostic risk model.

BACKGROUND: Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is one of the most highly prevalent and complicated malignancies. Glycolysis and cholesterogenesis pathways both play important roles in cancer metabolic adaptations. The main aims of this study are to subtype SKCM based on glycolytic and cholesterogenic genes and to build a clinical outcome predictive algorithm based on the subtypes. METHODS: A dataset with 471 SKCM specimens was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We extracted and clustered genes from the Molecular Signatures Database v7.2 and acquired co-expressed glycolytic and cholesterogenic genes. We then subtyped the SKCM samples and validated the efficacy of subtypes with respect to simple nucleotide variations (SNVs), copy number variation (CNV), patients' survival statuses, tumor microenvironment, and proliferation scores. We also constructed a risk score model based on metabolic subclassification and verified the model using validating datasets. Finally, we explored potential drugs for high-risk SKCM patients. RESULTS: SKCM patients were divided into four subtype groups: glycolytic, cholesterogenic, mixed, and quiescent subgroups. The glycolytic subtype had the worst prognosis and MGAM SNV extent. Compared with the cholesterogenic subgroup, the glycolytic subgroup had higher rates of DDR2 and TPR CNV and higher proliferation scores and MK167 expression levels, but a lower tumor purity proportion. We constructed a forty-four-gene predictive signature and identified MST-321, SB-743921, Neuronal Differentiation Inducer III, romidepsin, vindesine, and YM-155 as high-sensitive drugs for high-risk SKCM patients. CONCLUSIONS: Subtyping SKCM patients via glycolytic and cholesterogenic genes was effective, and patients in the glycolytic-gene enriched group were found to have the worst outcome. A robust prognostic algorithm was developed to enhance clinical decisions in relation to drug administration.

SNHG3 could promote prostate cancer progression through reducing methionine dependence of PCa cells.

In recent years, morbidity and mortality of prostate cancer (PCa) have increased dramatically, while mechanistic understanding of its onset and progression remains unmet. LncRNA SNHG3 has been proved to stimulate malignant progression of multiple cancers, whereas its functional mechanism in PCa needs to be deciphered. In this study, our analysis in the TCGA database revealed high SNHG3 expression in PCa tissue. Further analysis in starBase, TargetScan, and mirDIP databases identified the SNHG3/miR-152-3p/SLC7A11 regulatory axis. FISH was conducted to assess the distribution of SNHG3 in PCa tissue. Dual-luciferase reporter gene and RIP assays confirmed the relationship among the three objects. Next, qRT-PCR and western blot were conducted to measure expression levels of SNHG3, miR-152-3p, and SLC7A11. CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell, and flow cytometry were carried out to assess proliferation, migration, invasion, methionine dependence, apoptosis, and the cell cycle. It was noted that SNHG3 as a molecular sponge of miR-152-3p stimulated proliferation, migration, and invasion, restrained methionine dependence and apoptosis, and affected the cell cycle of PCa cells via targeting SLC7A11. Additionally, we constructed xenograft tumor models in nude mice and confirmed that knockdown of SNHG3 could restrain PCa tumor growth and elevate methionine dependence in vivo. In conclusion, our investigation improved understanding of the molecular mechanism of SNHG3 modulating PCa progression, thereby generating novel insights into clinical therapy for PCa.

Sparstolonin B exerts beneficial effects on prostate cancer by acting on the reactive oxygen species-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway.

Prostate cancer is a major health concern in males worldwide, owing to its high incidence. Sparstolonin B (SsnB), a component of the Chinese herbal medicine Sparganium stoloniferum, is used to treat many diseases. However, the effects and mechanisms of action of SsnB in prostate cancer have not yet been reported. In this study, we evaluated the effects of SsnB on cellular processes and tumour growth. In particular, we verified that SsnB could inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells and induce apoptosis by activating G2/M phase arrest in vitro based on a series of cytological experiments. In vivo, we found that SsnB could inhibit tumour growth in nude mouse xenograft models. We further confirmed that SsnB could repress the PI3K/AKT pathway by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and oxidative stress. Collectively, SsnB inhibits tumour growth and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer via the suppression of the ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway and may be a new alternative to adjuvant therapy for prostate cancer.

Overexpression of Karyopherin Subunit alpha 2 (KPNA2) Predicts Unfavorable Prognosis and Promotes Bladder Cancer Tumorigenicity via the P53 Pathway.

BACKGROUND We sought to investigate the expression of KPNA2 in bladder cancer (BC) and its relationship with prognosis, and to analyze the potential mechanism of KPNA2 in promoting BC progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS The RNA-seq data on BC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were imported into R statistical software for differential analysis. The clinical data for patients with BC were screened and analyzed with R software. The survival curve was drawn with the Kaplan-Meier Plotter. The expression of KPNA2 in 4 human BC cell lines and a human bladder epithelial cell line was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting (WB). The proliferation of BC cells was detected with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), detection of apoptosis, and flow cytometry, and the migration and invasion of BC cells were detected through Transwell assays. WB was used to detect proteins involved in the P53 pathway. RESULTS The expression of KPNA2 was higher in BC. The difference in KPNA2 expression was associated with many clinicopathological factors, and high expression of KPNA2 was associated with shorter survival time. After KPNA2 knockout, the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability decreased significantly, the cell cycle was clearly arrested in the G0/G1 phase, and the number of apoptotic cells increased. Moreover, CyclinD1, BCL2, and pro-caspase3 decreased significantly, whereas P53, P21, BAX, and cleaved-caspase3 increased significantly. The results in the overexpression group were the opposite of results in the knockdown group. CONCLUSIONS KPNA2 is an oncogenic factor that facilitates BC tumorigenicity through the P53 pathway.

Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: An Overview of Hot Issues.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy are attracting increased attention from urologists. They can achieve the same effect of oncology control as radical nephrectomy; moreover, they can offer better preservation of renal function, thus obtaining long-term living benefits. The indications are also expanding, making it possible for larger and more difficult tumors. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy can be performed by transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches, with their individual advantages and limitations. In addition, the renal tumor scoring systems have been widely used and studied in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. In -order to better preserve renal function, the zero-ischemia technique is widely used. The application of intraoperative imaging technology provides convenience and greater benefits. Besides, whether minimal invasive partial nephrectomy can be performed without stop antiplatelet treatment is still disputed. Clinicians perform substantial exploration and practice to achieve the "trifecta" of surgery: complete resection of the tumor, maximum protection of renal function, and no complications.

Capillary force induced air film for self-aligned short channel: pushing the limits of inkjet printing.

Ultrashort channels of electrodes are essential for the construction of advanced functional devices with high-level integration and high operation speed. However, the channel length of fabricated electrodes is limited to 20 µm in inkjet printing. Although several methods have been previously proposed to obtain short channels, they require extra processing steps. In this paper, channel self-aligning phenomenon was observed in directly patterned electrodes on unmodified substrate by inkjet printing, when using an interspace defects growing method. Further exploring the underlying mechanism reveals that the capillary force induced air film prevents droplets coalescence, even on a substrate with no temperature differences. The wetting region, which is generated by the receding droplets impingement, will draw droplets closer together at a larger drop space, thus demanding smaller air pressure for coalescence inhibition and contributing to the self-aligning phenomenon of micro-sized droplets released by inkjet printing. Accordingly, an ultrashort channel of 2.38 µm is obtained with relatively smooth boundaries, when electrodes are printed on a slightly heated substrate, which reduces the air pressure between two neighboring droplets. This work will provide a significant reference for future high resolution applications of inkjet printing technology.

Extranodal nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma with penile involvement: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) usually presents as a localized disease in the nasal cavity; extension to the male genitourinary system is very rare and has been characterized only recently. Most cases present with predominantly extranodal involvement, advanced stage disease, highly aggressive course, and strong association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While metastasis is common in ENKTLs, the penis is rarely involved in both nasal and non-nasal ENKTLs and only one report was published to date. CASE PRESENTATION: One patient with NK/T-cell lymphoma, presented initially with a penile mass, is reported. The 58-year-old man who presented with progressive painless penile swelling underwent penectomy for penile tumor. Histologically, the glans and foreskin revealed neoplastic infiltration of medium-sized lymphoma cells expressing CD56, CD3, granzyme-B, and labeled for EBV-encoded RNA in situ hybridization. Findings were consistent with NK/T-cell lymphoma. By detailed history, we learned that the patient had nasal obstruction for more than 10 years. Nasopharyngeal involvement was screened with PET-CT; ENKTL was diagnosed after a nasopharyngeal biopsy. The final diagnosis was primary nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma, with metastasis to the penis. Additional sites of disease appeared soon afterward (adrenal gland, liver, spleen and lymph nodes). The patient died within 4 months. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that penile NK/T-cell lymphoma tends to disseminate early and pursues an aggressive course. It is imperative to distinguish nasal NK/T lymphoma from other types of tumors, because the prognosis and treatment differ significantly for secondary metastases.

[Transrectal shear wave elastography combined with transition zone biopsy for detecting prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of shear wave elastography (SWE) combined with transition zone biopsy in the detection of prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: A total of 489 patients with suspected PCa underwent transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and SWE-guided prostatic biopsy. We evaluated the role of SWE combined with transition zone biopsy in promoting the detection rate in comparison with the results of biopsy pathology. RESULTS: The pathological results confirmed 221 malignant and 268 benign cases. Based on systematic biopsy, SWE combined with transition zone biopsy achieved a detection rate of 45. 19% , significantly higher than that of systematic biopsy alone (33.13%) (P < 0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of SWE were significantly better than those of TRUS (P < 0.05). The mean elasticity (Emean) of SWE was remarkably higher for malignant than for benign lesions ([40.1 ± 9.5] vs [21.6 ± 8.3] kPa, P < 0.05). With 28.5 kPa as the threshold of the Emean value, the area under the ROC curve was 0. 899, and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 88.71% and 86.23%, respectively. CONCLUSION: SWE combined with transition zone biopsy could significantly improve the detection rate of prostate cancer.

Aberrant DNA methyltransferase 1 expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma development and progression.

OBJECTIVE: To better understand the contribution of dysregulated DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression to the progression and biology of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). METHODS: We examined the differences in the expression of DNMT1 in 89 ccRCC and 22 normal tissue samples by immunohistochemistry. In addition, changes in cell viability, apoptosis, colony formation and invading ability of ccRCC cell lines (786-0 and Caki-1) were assessed after transfection with DNMT1 siRNA. RESULTS: We found DNMT1 protein was significantly higher expressed in ccRCC than that of in no-tumor tissues (56.2% and 27.3%, respectively, P=0.018). The expression of DNMT1 was strongly associated with ccRCC tumor size, tumor pathology stage, histological grading, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, recurrence and prognosis. Moreover, knockdown of DNMT1 expression significantly inhibited ccRCC cell viability, induced apoptosis, decreased colony formation and invading ability. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of DNMT1 protein is increased in ccRCC tissues, and DNMT1 expression is associated with poor prognosis of patients. Experiments in vitro further showed DNMT1 played an essential role in proliferation and invasion of renal cancer cells. Moreover, targeting this enzyme could be a promising strategy for treating ccRCC, as evidenced by inhibited cell viability, increased apoptosis, decreased colony formation and invading ability.

[Effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the prognostic mortality risk of invasive transitional bladder cancer: a meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To systematically assess the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the prognostic risk of invasive transitional bladder cancer. METHODS: All known randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of invasive transitional bladder cancer, published from the date of database building to September 2012, were retrieved from such databanks as Pubmed, CBMdisc, Embase and Cochrane. The data on 5-year survival rate of included studies were extracted for further heterogeneity exploration, subgroup analysis and statistical pooling with the RevMan 5.10 software. RESULTS: Fourteen subjects involving 2072 cases and 2086 controls were published from 1991 to 2012. The overall odds ratio of survival suggested a 21% relative reduction in mortality risk for neoadjuvant chemotherapy compared to that on control (OR = 0.79, 95%CI:0.70-0.90). In subgroup analysis according to different neoadjuvant chemotherapies, MCV (methotrexate, cisplatin and vinblastine) and MVAC (methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin and cisplatin) chemotherapies showed significant benefit to overall survival with 28% and 25% reduction in risk of death respectively (OR = 0.72,95%CI:0.60-0.86, OR = 0.75,95%CI:0.59-0.96) . However, no significant difference existed in effects between C (cisplatin) chemotherapy, CM (cisplatin and methotrexate) chemotherapy and CD (cisplatin and docetaxel) chemotherapy and controls. In subgroup analysis according to local treatment of cystectomy or radiotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the patients with cystectomy showed significant benefits in overall survival with 25% reduction in risk of death (OR = 0.75, 95%CI:0.65-0.87). However, the patients with radiotherapy or radiotherapy plus cystectomy showed no significant benefits in overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: MCV and MVAC neoadjuvant chemotherapies improve survival among patients with bladder cancer. And neoadjuvant chemotherapy has better long-term survival after cystectomy.

[Methylation and protein expression of RASSF2 in prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of the epigenetic inactivation of Ras association domain family 2 (RASSF2) in the occurrence and development of prostate cancer by detecting the methylation and protein expression of RASSF2 in the tissues of prostate cancer and prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: We obtained genome DNA from 30 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of prostate cancer (experimental group) and another 30 of prostatic hyperplasia (control group). We detected the methylation of RASSF2 by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and its protein expression by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The rates of RASSF2 promoter hypermethylation and the absence of its protein expression were 66.7% (20/30) and 70.0% (21/30) respectively in the experimental group, significantly higher than 6.7% (2/30) and 3.3% (1/30) in the control group (P < 0.05). The promoter hypermethylation of RASSF2 was significantly correlated with the absence of its protein expression (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The epigenetic inactivation of RASSF2 is involved in the occurrence of prostate cancer, and is expected to be a target of molecular diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

[Oral tadalafil on alternate days for erectile dysfunction that fails to respond to on-demand sildenafil: a report of 15 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To sum up the experience in administering oral tadalafil on alternate days for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) that fails to respond to on-demand medication. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 15 cases of ED treated with oral tadalafil on alternate days from September 2010 to March 2012. All the patients had failed to respond to on-demand medication of sildenafil previously. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of tadalafil treatment, 11 (73.3%) of the cases were remarkably improved, with significant difference in IIEF-5 scores before and after treatment (P < 0.05). Transient adverse reactions were observed in the other 4 cases, including mild headache in 2, slight backache in 1, and facial flush in 1. CONCLUSION: Oral tadalafil on alternate days is safe and effective in the treatment of ED that fails to respond to on-demand medication of sildenafil.

[Analysis of three minimally invasive methods in the treatment of the fifth metacarpal neck fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effective method of applying Chinese medicine manipulative repositioning Kirschner wire fixation for minimally invasive treatment of fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal. METHODS: From January 2018 to November 2021, 90 patients with closed fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone were treated minimally invasively with closed repositioning Kirschner wires, all fractures AO type was type A. All patients were divided into three groups according to the mode of internal fixation involving 30 cases in the crossed Kirschner's wire group, 30 cases in the transverse Kirschner's wire group, 30 patients in the intramedullary Kirschner's wire group. By comparison, gender, age, disease duration, and preoperative neck-stem angle were not significant. The postoperative fifth metacarpal neck-stem angles, postoperative fifth metacarpophalangeal joint flexion mobility and fifth metacarpophalangeal joint extension hyperextension angles were compared among three groups. The overall clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the patient outcomes of surgery-hand/arm(POS-Hand/Arm) scoring system. RESULTS: All patients had 12-month follow-up and achieved bony union without malunion. There was no significant difference in the 5th metacarpal neck-stem angle, the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint flexion angle and the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint extension hyperextension angles among three groups at 12 months after surgery(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in physical activity and symptom scores in POS-Hand/Arm scores at 12 months after surgery(P>0.05), psychological status and aesthetic score among three groups(P<0.05) and between cross and transverse Kirschner wire groups(P>0.05). The three POS-Hand/Arm total scores were statistically different(P<0.05), between the crossed and transverse(P>0.05), and the intramedullary group had the highest POS-Hand/Arm scores. CONCLUSION: All three techniques of Kristener's wire fixation could achieve minimally invasive treatment, and patients have need for cosmetic and early activity, and the author recommend minimally invasive intramedullary fixation with manipulative repositioned Kristen wires as the preferred procedure.

A comparative study of methylene blue adsorption and removal mechanisms by calcium carbonate from different sources.

Efficient removal of organic dye pollution from contaminated water is a concern in the absorbent applications. In this study, a green biogenic calcium carbonate (BCC) absorbent was fabricated using Bacillus licheniformis for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from water. This was found to have superior adsorption capacity compared with abiotic calcium carbonate (ACC) and operate within a broad pH range from 3 to 9. MB adsorption on BCC was physical and exothermic. The hydrophobic features, rough nanoporous microstructure, and organic-inorganic mesoporous structure of the BCC may all be responsible for its favorable adsorption mass transfer. The adsorption energy of BCC had a more negative value than that of ACC, indicating a stronger MB interaction with BCC with a lower energy barrier. Hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction were involved in the adsorption process. Overall, the findings established a theoretical foundation for the application of BCC in remediation of MB-contaminated water.

Percutaneous nephrostomy versus indwelling ureteral stent in the management of gynecological malignancies.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of retrograde ureteral stenting and to identify the predictive factors for potential failure of this technique in women with advanced gynecologic malignancies. METHODS: From 2006 to 2010, a retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 75 patients with ureteral obstruction due to gynecologic malignancies. This population was divided into group 1 (n = 50) in which retrograde stent placement was successful, and group 2 (n = 25) in which stent placement failed and subsequent percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement was required. Multivariate analysis was done to identify predictors of the failure of ureteral stent insertion. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that mean preprocedureal serum cystanin C greater than 2.5 mg/L and length of the ureteral obstruction greater than 3 cm were significant predictors of stent failure. Neither the causes nor location of obstruction predicted the need for percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). No statistical significance was detected among the subgroups of patients with different degrees of hydronephrosis. Statistical significant differences were found between the 2 groups in procedural time, average cost, and mean interval of stent/catheter replacement. However, no statistically significant difference was found in the median survival time and overall stent-related or catheter-related complications between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde ureteral stenting is a first-line option for managing ureteral obstruction caused by gynecologic malignancies. However, in cases where the preprocedureal mean serum cystanin C is greater than 2.5 mg/L and the length of the ureteral obstruction segment is greater than 3 cm, these patients may be better served by percutaneous drainage.

[Alternate-day oral tadalafil for erectile dysfunction with no successful intercourse at the baseline].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) with no successful intercourse at the baseline with tadalafil. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 21 cases of ED with no successful intercourse at the baseline treated with tadalafil on alternate days combined with sex guidance. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of tadalafil treatment, 19 of the patients achieved successful sexual intercourse, and the IIEF-5 score was remarkably improved as compared with pre-medication (3.24 +/- 1.55 vs 18.95 +/- 3.02, P<0.0001). Mild adverse reactions were observed in 6 cases, including 2 cases of mild headache and 4 cases of facial blush. CONCLUSION: Tadalafil on alternate days combined with sex guidance can significantly improve ED with no successful intercourse at the baseline.

[Detection of the mutation of all the exons of the CFTR gene in Chinese men with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the necessity of detecting the gene of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator factor (CFTR) in Chinese men with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). METHODS: We detected the mutation of all the 27 exons of the CFTR gene in 9 patients with CBAVD by DNA sequencing, and compared the results using NCBI and Cystic Fibrosis Mutation Database. RESULTS: Four novel missense mutations/variants were found in the CFTR gene of the CBAVD patients, which were submitted and accepted in the Cystic Fibrosis Mutation Database. CONCLUSION: There are mutations or variants in the CFTR gene in Chinese men with CBAVD, and the mutational distribution is different from that in Westerners.

NCAPH promotes cell proliferation and inhibits cell apoptosis of bladder cancer cells through MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers world-wide with a poor prognosis. Non-SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes)-condensin I complex subunit H (NCAPH) is a regulatory subunit of the condensin I complex and plays an important role in tumorigenesis and progression in several types of cancers. However, the role of NCAPH in BC remains unknown. In this study, we tried to reveal the biological functions of NCAPH in BC. We detected the expressions of NCAPH in BC and adjacent tissues, and BC cells lines. Subsequently, the gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to determine the effects of NCAPH on BC cell proliferation, apoptosis, and activation of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway in vitro. Moreover, we used BALB/c nude mice and established a xenograft model to investigate whether silence NCAPH using shRNA targeting NCAPH (shNCAPH) can inhibit BC tumor growth in vivo. The results showed NCAPH was overexpressed in BC tissues compared to adjacent tissues and highly expressed in BC cell lines. Additionally, overexpression of NCAPH promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in SW780 cells. Conversely, knockdown of NCAPH reduced cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in UMUC3 cells. Furthermore, we found that the NCAPH activated the MEK/ERK signaling pathway in BC cells. MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 blocked the increase of cell proliferation regulated by NCAPH overexpression. Knockdown of NCAPH significantly inhibited tumor growth in mice. Our results suggest that NCAPH might play an important role in BC progression and provide the potential marker in the diagnosis of BC.

Effects of Moss-Dominated Biocrusts on Soil Microbial Community Structure in an Ionic Rare Earth Tailings Area of Southern China.

Moss-dominated biocrusts are widespread in degraded mining ecosystems and play an important role in soil development and ecosystem primary succession. In this work, the soil microbial community structure under moss-dominated biocrusts in ionic rare earth tailings was investigated to reveal the relationship between different types of moss and taxonomy/function of microbiomes. The results showed that microbial community structure was significantly influenced by four moss species (Claopodium rugulosifolium, Orthotrichum courtoisii, Polytrichum formosum, and Taxiphyllum giraldii). The microbial assembly was more prominent in Claopodium rugulosifolium soil than in the other moss soils, which covers 482 bacterial genera (including 130 specific genera) and 338 fungal genera (including 72 specific genera), and the specific genus is 40% to 1300% higher than that of the other three mosses. Although only 141 and 140 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) rooted in bacterial and fungal clusters, respectively, were shared by all four mosses grown in ionic rare earth tailings, this core microbiome could represent a large fraction (28.2% and 38.7%, respectively) of all sequence reads. The bacterial population and representation are the most abundant, which mainly includes Sphingomonas, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and unclassified filamentous bacteria and chloroplasts, while the fungi population is relatively singular. The results also show that biocrust dominated by moss has a positive effect on soil microbe activity and soil nutrient conditions. Overall, these findings emphasize the importance of developing moss-dominated biocrusts as hotspots of ecosystem functioning and precious microbial genetic resources in degraded rare-earth mining areas and promoting a better understanding of biocrust ecology in humid climates under global change scenarios.

An open-label non-inferiority randomized trail comparing the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided selective cervical nerve root block and fluoroscopy-guided cervical transforaminal epidural block for cervical radiculopathy.

OBJECT: To compare therapeutic efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided selective nerve root block (SNRB) and fluoroscopy (FL)-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) for cervical spine radiculopathy (CSR). METHOD: 156 patients with CSR randomly received US-guided SNRB verified by FL or FL-guided TFESI. We hypothesised that the accuracy rate of contrast dispersion into epidural or intervertebral foraminal space in the US group was not inferior to that in the FL group with a margin of clinical unimportance of -15%. Pain intensity assessed by Numeric Rating Scales (NRS) and functional disability estimated by neck disability index (NDI) were compared before treatment, at 1, 3 and 6 months after the intervention. Puncture time and complication frequencies were also reported. RESULTS: 88.7% and 90.3% accuracy ratings were respectively achieved in the US and FL groups with a treatment difference of -1.6% (95%CI: -9.7%, 6.6%) revealing that the lower limit was above the non-inferiority margin. Both NRS and NDI scores illustrated improvements at 1, 3 and 6 months after intervention with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (all p > .05). Additionally, shorter administration duration was observed in the US group (p < .001). No severe complications were observed in both group. CONCLUSION: Compared with the FL group, the US group provided a non-inferior accuracy rate of epidural/foraminal contrast pattern. For the treatment of CSR, the US technique provided similar pain relief and functional improvements while facilitating distinguishing critical vessels adjacent to the foramen and requiring a shorter procedure duration without exposure to radiation. Therefore, it was an attractive alternative to the conventional FL method.Key messagesWe conducted a prospective, open-label, randomised and non-inferiority clinical trial to estimate a hypothesis that the precisely accurate delivery through ultrasound (US)-guided cervical selective nerve root block (SNRB) was non-inferior to that using FL-guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection. Additionally, US-guided SNRB was as effective as FL-guided TFESI in the treatment effect on pain relief and function improvements. Notably, the US technique might be an alternative to the conventional FL method due to the ability to prevent inadvertent vascular puncture (VP) and intravascular injection (IVI) with a shorter administration time and absence of radiation exposure.