A multicenter study on surgical procedure selection and risk factor analysis of postoperative complications after TIP and Duckett hypospadias repair

BACKGROUND

Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation in pediatric urology with surgery being the only curative treatment. Although there are hundreds of surgical methods for hypospadias, no single method can treat all types, and there are still high rates of postoperative complications. We performed this study to investigate surgical procedure selection and perform risk factor analysis of postoperative complications in hypospadias repair.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed of complete clinical and follow-up data of children with hypospadias who were treated and followed up at 15 children's clinical centers in Mainland China from December 2018 to December 2019. Children were divided into groups according to Barcat classification and surgical methods in order to analyze the surgical choice for different types of hypospadias and the influencing factors of different surgical methods for complications.

RESULTS

In total, 1011 patients were followed up for 26 months. According to Barcat classification, there were 248 cases of distal type hypospadias, 214 of intermediate, and 549 of proximal type. Transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty (Duckett) and tubularized incised plate urethroplasty (TIP) were performed in 375 (37.1%) and 336 cases (33.2%), respectively. The postoperative complication rate of distal hypospadias was 23.4% (15.8-57.1%), mid shaft 29.0% (22.7-40.0%), and proximal 43.7% (30.2-52.9%). Among the 375 patients in Duckett group, 192 had complications. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the length of prepuce island flap (OR = 3.506, 95% CI: 2.258-5.442) was an independent risk factor for complications after Duckett operation (P < 0.001). In TIP group, there were 336 cases with 84 complications. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the width of urethral plate after longitudinal resection (OR = 0.836, 95% CI: 0.742-0.942) and glans width (OR = 0.851, 95% CI: 0.749-0.965) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications after TIP (P = 0.003, P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Several anatomical features play a role during the selection process among the different surgical approaches, including glans size, urethral plate width, and the meatal position. The width of the urethral plate and glans width were risk factors for postoperative complications after TIP. The length of prepuce island flap was a risk factor for complications after Duckett operation.

Microplastic bioaccumulation in estuary-caught fishery resource

The environmental behavior of microplastics (MPs) in estuaries with saline and freshwater intersections is extremely complex. This increases the chance of MP ingestion by fishery resources, posing potentially tremendous health risks for humans. Herein, a total of 105 fishes from 14 different species, and 86 crustaceans (including shrimps and crabs) from five different species were sampled in the Yangtze River estuary and offshore, and MP bioaccumulation, accumulative organ, and the influencing factors were comprehensively studied. The results elucidated that MP accumulation in benthos was significantly higher than that in pelagic animals due to the lower acceptance threshold, assimilation efficiency and egestion rate for benthos. The MP content in crustaceans with the burrowing favoring the MP retention was significantly higher than that in fishes. MPs ingested by fish can accumulate in skin, gills and viscera rather than muscles. Most MPs accumulated in fishery resources were cellulose and polyethylene terephthalate characterized by black and gray fibrous and lengths ranging from 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The gill retention capacity of pelagic fish to smaller-size (<0.1 mm) MPs was pronouncedly stronger than that of benthic fish. It was more accurate to assess the ecological risk of MPs in terms of the maximum size of MPs accumulated in organisms. Compared with the offshore area, the incidence of MP uptake was higher in the estuary owing to anthropogenic impacts. This study helps understand the transfer of MPs in aquatic food webs and offers a foundation for assessing the risk of human exposure to MPs.

Curing and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of MXene/Phenolic Epoxy Composites with Different Amine Curing Agent Systems

Herein, the curing kinetics and the glass transition temperature (T_g) of MXene/phenolic epoxy composites with two curing agents, i.e., 4,4-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) and dicyandiamine (DICY), are systematically investigated using experimental characterization, mathematical modeling and molecular dynamics simulations. The effect of MXene content on an epoxy resin/amine curing agent system is also studied. These results reveal that the MXene/epoxy composites with both curing agent systems conform to the SB(m,n) two-parameter autocatalytic model. The addition of MXene accelerated the curing of the epoxy composite and increased the T_g by about 20 K. In addition, molecular dynamics were used to simulate the T_g of the cross-linked MXene/epoxy composites and to analyze microstructural features such as the free volume fraction (FFV). The simulation results show that the introduction of MXene improves the T_g and FFV of the simulated system. This is because the introduction of MXene restricts the movement of the epoxy/curing agent system. The conclusions are in good agreement with the experimental results.

The Influence of Serious Extracranial Injury on In-Hospital Mortality in Children with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

(1) Background: Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is the leading cause of death in children. Serious extracranial injury (SEI) commonly coexists with sTBI after the high impact of trauma. Limited studies evaluate the influence of SEI on the prognosis of pediatric sTBI. We aimed to analyze SEI’s clinical characteristics and initial presentations and evaluate if SEI is predictive of higher in-hospital mortality in these sTBI children. (2) Methods: In this 11-year-observational cohort study, a total of 148 severe sTBI children were enrolled. We collected patients’ initial data in the emergency department, including gender, age, mechanism of injury, coexisting SEI, motor components of the Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS) score, body temperature, blood pressure, blood glucose level, initial prothrombin time, and intracranial Rotterdam computed tomography (CT) score of the first brain CT scan, as potential mortality predictors. (3) Results: Compared to sTBI children without SEI, children with SEI were older and more presented with initial hypotension and hypothermia; the initial lab showed more prolonged prothrombin time and a higher in-hospital mortality rate. Multivariate analysis showed that motor components of mGCS, fixed pupil reaction, prolonged prothrombin time, and higher Rotterdam CT score were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in sTBI children. SEI was not an independent predictor of mortality. (4) Conclusions: sTBI children with SEI had significantly higher in-hospital mortality than those without. SEI was not an independent predictor of mortality in our study. Brain injury intensity and its presentations, including lower mGCS, fixed pupil reaction, higher Rotterdam CT score, and severe injury-induced systemic response, presented as initial prolonged prothrombin time, were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in these sTBI children.

The Potential Value of m6A RNA Methylation in the Development of Cancers Focus on Malignant Glioma

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that has emerged in the last few years and has received increasing attention as the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotic cells. m6A modifications affect multiple aspects of RNA metabolism, and m6A methylation has been shown to play a critical role in the progression of multiple cancers through a variety of mechanisms. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which m6A RNA methylation induced peripheral cancer cell progression and its potential role in the infiltration of immune cell of the glioblastoma microenvironment and novel immunotherapy. Assessing the pattern of m6A modification in glioblastoma will contribute to improving our understanding of microenvironmental infiltration and novel immunotherapies, and help in developing immunotherapeutic strategies.

Immune Gene Signatures and Immunotypes in Immune Microenvironment Are Associated With Glioma Prognose

Glioma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults with very poor prognosis. The limited new therapeutic strategies for glioma patients can be partially attributed to the complex tumor microenvironment. However, knowledge about the glioma immune microenvironment and the associated regulatory mechanisms is still lacking. In this study, we found that, different immune subtypes have a significant impact on patient survival. Glioma patients with a high immune response subtype had a shorter survival compared with patients with a low immune response subtype. Moreover, the number of B cell, T cell, NK cell, and in particular, the macrophage in the immune microenvironment of patients with a high immune response subtype were significantly enhanced. In addition, 132 genes were found to be related to glioma immunity. The functional analysis and verification of seven core genes showed that their expression levels were significantly correlated with the prognosis of glioma patients, and the results were consistent at tissue levels. These findings indicated that the glioma immune microenvironment was significantly correlated with the prognosis of glioma patients and multiple genes were involved in regulating the progression of glioma. The identified genes could be used to stratify glioma patients based on immune subgroup analysis, which may guide their clinical treatment regimen.

[Staged Duckett urethroplasty and Byars reconstruction for severe hypospadias with dysplastic glans]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of staged Duckett urethroplasty and Byars reconstruction in the treatment of severe hypospadias with dysplastic glans.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 57 cases of severe hypospadias with dysplastic glans treated by two-stage Duckett urethroplasty or Byars reconstruction from September 2015 to May 2020. At stage-Ⅰ treatment, the patients were aged from 5 to 47 (mean 21) months, the diameter of the glans less than 1.4 cm, and the interval between the two stages from 6 to 41 (mean 14) months. The patients underwent Duckett urethroplasty, distal in stage Ⅰ and proximal in stage Ⅱ (group A, n = 25) or Byars reconstruction with the urethral plate in stage Ⅰ and Duplay urethroplasty in stage Ⅱ (group B, n = 32). Postoperative follow-up lasted 12－56 (mean 35) months.

RESULTS

After stage Ⅱ surgery, penile straightening and smooth appearance of the graft were achieved in all the patients. Six cases of postoperative complications (24%) were observed in group A, including 4 cases of urinary fistula, 1 case of glans dehiscence, 1 case of urethral diverticulum and 1 case of urethral stricture, while 14 cases (43.8%) were observed in group B, including 9 cases of urinary fistula, 9 cases of glans dehiscence and 2 cases of urethral diverticulum, with a remarkably lower incidence rate of glans dehiscence in group A than in B (P = 0.043), but no statistically significant difference in the other observations between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both staged strategies of Duckett urethroplasty and Byars reconstruction can be used for the treatment of severe hypospadias with dysplastic glans, but the latter may result in a higher incidence rate of glans dehiscence postoperatively and bring more difficulties to subsequent repair.

Prognostic and Predictive Factors in Elderly Patients With Glioblastoma: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant intracranial tumor and the median age at diagnosis is 65 years. However, elderly patients are usually excluded from clinical studies and age is considered as an independent negative prognostic factor for patients with GBM. Therefore, the best treatment method for GBM in elderly patients has remained controversial. Elderly GBM patients (≥ 60 years old) treated between January 2015 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively, and clinicopathological characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed. A total of 68 patients were included, with a median age of 65.5 years (range: 60–79). The median preoperative Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) score was 90 (range 40–100) and median postoperative KPS score was 80 (range 0–90). Univariate analysis results showed that age, gender, comorbidities, preoperative KPS < 90 and MGMT promoter methylation were not significantly associated with PFS and OS. On the other hand, total resection, postoperative KPS ≥ 80, Ki67 > 25%, and Stupp-protocol treatment were significantly associated with prolonged PFS and OS. Moreover, multivariate analysis found that postoperative KPS ≥ 80, total resection, and Stupp-protocol treatment were prognostic factors for PFS and OS. The findings of this study have suggested that, on the premise of protecting function as much as possible, the more aggressive treatment regimens may prolong survival for elderly patients with GBM. However, further studies, particularly prospective randomized clinical trials, should be conducted to provide more definitive data on the appropriate management of elderly patients, especially for patients with MGMT promoter methylation.

Risk factors of bone metastasis in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to explore the risk factors for bone metastasis (BMT) in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer (PCa).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical data of 322 patients newly diagnosed with PCa following transrectal prostate biopsy at our hospital from October 2016 to March 2021 were analyzed. According to the results of whole-body bone emission computed tomography (ECT) scanning, patients were divided into the following two groups: bone metastasis group (BMT) and none-bone metastasis group (None-BMT). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the BMT-related factors associated with PCa. A receiver operating characteristic curve was also used to compare the diagnostic value of total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA), prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD), Gleason score and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for prostate cancer bone metastasis (PCBM).

RESULTS

The results revealed that the incidence of BMT in newly diagnosed patients with PCa was ~22.05% (71/322). Univariate analysis demonstrated that Gleason score, clinical T stage, TPSA, PSAD and ALP were associated with PCBM (p<0.001). Furthermore, the results of multivariate regression analysis revealed that TPSA, PSAD, Gleason score and ALP were independent risk factors for BMT (p <0.05). The cutoff values for TPSA, PSAD, ALP and Gleason score were 39.58 ng/ml, 1.489 ng/(ml/cm3), 93.15 U/l and 7.5, respectively. Additionally, the respective sensitivities for TPSA, PSAD, ALP and Gleason score were 67.6, 62.0, 57.7 and 46.5%, and the respective specificities were 88.4, 98.0, 100 and 98.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study determined that TPSA, PSAD, Gleason score and ALP were predictors of PCBM. In patients with PSA levels >39.58 ng/ml, PSAD levels >1.489 ng/(ml/cm3), Gleason scores >7.5 and ALP levels >91.0 U/l, a whole-body bone ECT scan is recommended.

Impact of the Extent of Surgical Resection on Patients With Intradural Extramedullary Bronchogenic Cysts: A Retrospective Institutional Experience and Review of the Literature

Intradural extramedullary bronchogenic cysts (IEBC) are rare congenital cystic lesions. The clinical manifestations, radiological characteristics, especially the optimal treatment regimen are not well-understood. We retrospectively analyzed a series of patients with confirmed IEBC in Tangdu hospital and reviewed the published works to gain a comprehensive understanding of IEBC. In our institution, nine consecutive patients had pathologically confirmed IEBC between 2005 and 2018. We also identified 27 patients from previous studies. The most common presentations on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were hypointensity on T1-weighted images (T1WI), hyperintensity on T2-weighted images(T2WI), and no improvement on T1WI contrast-enhanced with gadolinium (94.4%). All patients in our center and the patients we reviewed received surgical resection; gross total resection (GTR) and partial resection (PR) were achieved in 20 (55.6%) and 16 (44.4%) patients, respectively. The symptom remission rate of patients who underwent GTR was 100%, which was similar to those who underwent PR (93.8%) (P = 0.457). The recurrence rate was 12.5% in the group who underwent PR and nil after GTR (P = 0.202). According to our current investigation, the surgical resection degree is irrelevant to the symptom remission rate. Therefore, we suggest that total resection should not be recommended for cases with tight adhesion. For patients with PR, longer follow-up will be necessary to determine the long-term outcome.

Novel Natural Inhibitors Targeting Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2: A Comprehensive Structural Biology Research

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is a methylated modification enzyme of Histone H3-Lys 27. The high expression of EZH2 in cells is closely related to the progression, invasion, and metastasis of neoplasm. Therefore, this target is gradually becoming one of the research hot spots of tumor pathogenesis, and the inhibitors of the EZH2 enzyme are expected to become new antitumor drugs. This study used a series of virtual screening technologies to calculate the affinity between the compounds obtained from the ZINC15 database and the target protein EZH2, the stability of the ligand–receptor complex. This experiment also predicted the toxicity and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of the candidate drugs in order to obtain compounds with excellent pharmacological properties. Finally, the ligand–receptor complex under in vivo situation was estimated by molecular dynamics simulation to observe whether the complex could exist steadily in the body. The experimental results showed that the two natural compounds ZINC000004217536 and ZINC000003938642 could bind tightly to EZH2, and the ligand–receptor complex could exist stably in vivo. Moreover, these two compounds were calculated to be nontoxic. They also had a high degree of intestinal absorption and high bioavailability. In vitro experiments confirmed that drug ZINC000003938642 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma, which could serve as potential lead compounds. Therefore, the discovery of these two natural products had broad prospects in the development of EZH2 inhibitors, providing new clues for the treatment or adjuvant treatment of tumors.

The prognosis of cancer patients undergoing liposomal doxorubicin-based chemotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

It is well known that liposome-based delivery of cytotoxic chemotherapeutics has been proposed as a putative strategy to enhance drug tolerability and efficacy compared to the conventional chemotherapy. However, its potential effect on improving prognosis remains largely unknown. The current meta-analysis is to explore the prognosis of cancer patients undergoing liposomal doxorubicin-based chemotherapy.

METHODS

A detailed review of English and Chinese literature was conducted up to March 21, 2020. We evaluate its possible correlations using hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The pooled data were calculated by STATA software and Review Manager 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Consequently, 26 studies including 7943 patients were satisfied in current analysis. There were no significant differences between liposomal and conventional chemotherapy in OS (HR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.93-1.04, P = .544) and PFS (HR = 1.00, 95%CI: 0.92-1.10, P = .945). Likewise, subgroup-analysis regarding country, cancer type, and sample sizes also showed the similar results of the 2 paired groups.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our finding has demonstrated that there was no association of undergoing liposomal doxorubicin-based chemotherapy with cancer prognosis. However, detailed and further studies are needed to confirm our conclusion.

CD147 confers temozolomide resistance of glioma cells via the regulation of β-TrCP/Nrf2 pathway

Background: Drug resistance is one of the biggest challenges in cancer therapy. temozolomide (TMZ) represents the most important chemotherapeutic option for glioma treatment. However, the therapeutic efficacy of TMZ remains very limited due to its frequent resistance in glioma, and the underlying mechanisms were not fully addressed. Herein, we demonstrate that the elevated expression of CD147 contributes to TMZ resistance in glioma cells, potentially through the post-translational regulation of Nrf2 expression. Methods: Cell-based assays of CD147 triggered drug resistance were performed through Edu-incorporation assay, CCK8 assay, TUNEL staining assay and flow cytometric assay. Luciferase reporter assay, protein stability related assays, co-immunoprecipitation assay were used to determine CD147 induction of Nrf2 expression through β-TrCP dependent ubiquitin system. Finally, the effect of the CD147/Nrf2 signaling on glioma progression and TMZ resistance were evaluated by functional experiments and clinical samples. Results: Based on the analysis of clinical glioma tissues, CD147 is highly expressed in glioma tissues and positively associated with tumor malignancy. Suppression of CD147 expression increased the inhibitory effect of TMZ on cell survival in both U251 and T98G cells, whereas the gain of CD147 function blocked TMZ-induced ROS production and cell death. Mechanistic study indicates that CD147 inhibited GSK3β/β-TrCP-dependent Nrf2 degradation by promoting Akt activation, and subsequently increased Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidant gene expressions. Supporting the biological significance, the reciprocal relationship between CD147 and Nrf2 was observed in glioma tissues, and associated with patient outcome. Conclusions: Our data provide the first evidence that glioma resistance to TMZ is potentially due to the activation of CD147/Nrf2 axis. CD147 promotes Nrf2 stability through the suppression of GSK3β/β-TrCP dependent Nrf2 protein degradation, which results in the ablation of TMZ induced ROS production. As such, we point out that targeting CD147/Nrf2 axis may provide a new strategy for the treatment of TMZ resistant gliomas.

Key molecular alterations in endothelial cells in human glioblastoma uncovered through single-cell RNA sequencing

Passage of systemically delivered pharmacological agents into the brain is largely blocked by the blood-brain-barrier (BBB), an organotypic specialization of brain endothelial cells (ECs). Tumor vessels in glioblastoma (GBM), the most common malignant brain tumor in humans, are abnormally permeable, but this phenotype is heterogeneous and may differ between the tumor's center and invasive front. Here, through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of freshly isolated ECs from human glioblastoma and paired tumor peripheral tissues, we have constructed a molecular atlas of human brain ECs providing unprecedented molecular insight into the heterogeneity of the human BBB and its molecular alteration in glioblastoma. We identified 5 distinct EC phenotypes representing different states of EC activation and BBB impairment, and associated with different anatomical locations within and around the tumor. This unique data resource provides key information for designing rational therapeutic regimens and optimizing drug delivery.

Long Noncoding RNA NONHSAT079852.2 Contributes to GBM Recurrence by Functioning as a ceRNA for has-mir-10401-3p to Facilitate HSPA1A Upregulation

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common brain malignancy and major cause of high mortality in patients with GBM, and its high recurrence rate is its most prominent feature. However, the pathobiological mechanisms involved in recurrent GBM remain largely unknown. Here, whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-sequencing, RNA-Seq) was used in characterizing the expression profile of recurrent GBM, and the aim was to identify crucial biomarkers that contribute to GBM relapse. Differentially expressed RNAs in three recurrent GBM tissues compared with three primary GBM tissues were identified through RNA-Seq. The function and mechanism of a candidate long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the progression and recurrence of GBM were elucidated by performing comprehensive bioinformatics analyses, such as functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction prediction, and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network construction, and a series of in vitro assays. As the most significantly upregulated gene identified in recurrent GBM, HSPA1A is mainly related to antigen presentation and the MAPK signaling pathway, as indicated by functional enrichment analysis. HSPA1A was predicted as the target gene of the lncRNA NONHSAT079852.2. qRT-PCR revealed that NONHSAT079852.2 was significantly elevated in recurrent GBM relative to that in primary GBM, and high NONHSAT079852.2 expression was associated with the poor overall survival rates of patients with GBM. The knockdown of NONHSAT079852.2 successfully induced tumor cell apoptosis, inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and the expression level of HSPA1A in glioma cells. NONHSAT079852.2 was identified to be a sponge for hsa-miR-10401-3p through luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, HSPA1A was targeted and regulated by hsa-miR-10401-3p. Collectively, the results suggested that NONHSAT079852.2 acts as a sponge of hsa-mir-10401-3p and thereby enhances HSPA1A expression, promotes tumor cell proliferation and invasion, and leads to the progression and recurrence of GBM. This study will provide new insight into the regulatory mechanisms of NONHSAT079852.2-mediated competing endogenous RNA in the pathogenesis of recurrent GBM and evidence of the potential of lncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets.

Effect of adjunctive hormonal therapy on testicular descent and spermatogenic function among children with cryptorchidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To systematically evaluate the effect of adjunctive hormonal therapy on testicular descent and spermatogenic function among children with cryptorchidism.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases up to February 21, 2019 was performed. Continuous data of fertility indices were evaluated using weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI), while nominal data of fertility indices and the complete descent rates were analyzed by risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI. A fixed effect or random effect model was used.

RESULTS

A total of 27 previous studies were included for the current analysis. Hormonal therapy increased complete testicular descent rate, reaching statistical significance (RR = 3.74; 95% CI, 2.78-5.04; P < 0.001). The success rate was 22.43%. A similar result was found in subgroup analysis of hormonal category and effect on unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism. Studies reporting primary outcome as continuous data showed that cryptorchid males have significantly increased germ cell numbers per tubule (WMD = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01-0.20, P = 0.032) after hormonal therapy. The nominal data of pooled studies showed no significant difference (RR = 1.62; 95% CI, 0.65-4.00, P = 0.298). In addition, a significant result was noted in the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) therapy group but not in those undergoing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings have demonstrated that hormonal therapy can effectively increase the success rate of complete testicular descent, while some boys may benefit as regards improvement of the fertility index.

Sphagnum Inspired g-C3 N4 Nano/Microspheres with Smaller Bandgap in Heterojunction Membranes for Sunlight-Driven Water Purification

Membrane separation is recognized as one of the most effective strategies to treat the complicated wastewater system for economic development. However, serious membrane fouling has restricted its further application. Inspired by sphagnum, a 0D/2D heterojunction composite membrane is engineered by depositing graphitic carbon nitride nano/microspheres (CNMS) with plentiful wrinkles onto the polyacrylic acid functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs-PAA) membrane through hydrogen bond force. Through coupling unique structure and chemistry properties, the CNTs-PAA/CNMS heterojunction membrane presents superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity. Furthermore, thanks to the J-type aggregates during the solvothermal process, it is provided with a smaller bandgap (1.77 eV) than the traditional graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃ N₄ ) sheets-based membranes (2.4-2.8 eV). This feature endows the CNTs-PAA/CNMS membrane with superior visible-light-driven self-cleaning ability, which can maintain its excellent emulsion separation (with a maximum flux of 5557 ± 331 L m^-2 h^-1 bar^-1 and an efficiency of 98.5 ± 0.6%), photocatalytic degradation (with an efficiency of 99.7 ± 0.2%), and antibacterial (with an efficiency of ≈100%) ability even after cyclic experimental processes. The excellent self-cleaning performance of this all-in-one membrane represents its potential value for water purification.

Clinical Features and Molecular Markers on Diffuse Midline Gliomas With H3K27M Mutations: A 43 Cases Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose

Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) with H3K27M mutations have been identified as a rare distinctive entity with unique genetic features, varied molecular alterations, and poor prognosis. The current study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and profile of molecular markers on patients with a DMG harboring H3K27M mutations, and explore the impact of this genetic makeup on overall survival.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 43 consecutive patients diagnosed with a DMG harboring H3K27M mutations (age range 3 to 75 years) and treated in a tertiary institution within China between January 2017 to December 2019. Various clinical and molecular factors were evaluated to assess their prognostic value in this unique patient cohort.

Results

The median overall survival (OS) was 12.83 months. Preoperative Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) and adjuvant radiotherapy were found to be independent clinical parameters influencing the OS by multivariate analysis (p = 0.027 and p < 0.001 respectively). Whereas extent of tumor resection failed to demonstrate statistical significance. For molecular markers, P53 overexpression was identified as a negative prognostic factor for overall survival by multivariate analysis (p = 0.030).

Conclusion

Low preoperative KPS, absence of radiotherapy and P53 overexpression were identified as predictors of a dismal overall survival in patients with DMG and H3K27M mutations.

TGF-β Signaling Promotes Glioma Progression Through Stabilizing Sox9

Gliomas are brain and spinal cord malignancies characterized by high malignancy, high recurrence and poor prognosis, the underlying mechanisms of which remain largely elusive. Here, we found that the Sry-related high mobility group box (Sox) family transcription factor, Sox9, was upregulated and correlated with poor prognosis of clinical gliomas. Sox9 promotes migration and invasion of glioma cells and in vivo development of xenograft tumors from inoculated glioma cells. Sox9 functions downstream of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway, in which TGF-β signaling prevent proteasomal degradation of the Sox9 protein in glioma cells. These findings provide novel insight into the wide interplay between TGF-β signaling and oncogenic transcription factors, and have implications for targeted therapy and prognostic assessment of gliomas.

Using Buck's Fascia as an Integral Covering in Urethroplasty to Restore the Anatomical Structure of the Penis in One-Stage Hypospadias Repair: A Multicenter Chinese Study Comprising 1,386 Surgeries

Objectives: The objective of the study is to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of urethroplasty with a Buck's fascia integral-covering technique (BFIC) to wrap and restore the normal anatomical structure of the penis in one-stage hypospadias surgery. Methods: One-stage surgeries for hypospadias management were performed using BFIC from January 2016 to September 2020 at four high-volume medical centers in China. The technique integrates Buck's fascia with glans wings to mobilize and wrap the urethra and restore penile anatomical relationships. The clinical data, postoperative follow-up data, and complications were recorded, and the results were analyzed. Results: A total of 1,386 patients were included in the study: 1,260 cases of primary hypospadias and 126 cases of re-operations; distal in 382 cases (27.6%), mid-shaft in 639 (46.1%), proximal in 365 (26.3%); tubularized incised plate (TIP) in 748 cases, inlay-graft in 124, onlay-graft in 49, Mathieu in 28, free-tube graft urethroplasty in 406, and 31 of hybrid procedures. One thousand one hundred forty-two patients (82.4%) were found to have penile curvature (>10°) after artificial erection and all corrected by dorsal plication/s or transection of the urethra plate (UP) simultaneously. The median followed-up time was 27 months (6-62). A total of 143 (10.3%) complications were recorded: 114 (9.0%) in the primary operations and 29 (23%) in the re-operations, 15 (3.9%) in distal hypospadias, 61 (9.5%) in mid-shaft, and 67 (18.4%) in proximal. The complication rate in UP preservation and transection was 10.1 and 10.8%, respectively. Of all case complications, there were 73 (5.2%) of fistula, 10 (0.6%) of dehiscence, 22 (1.6%) of meatal stenosis, 21 (1.5%) of stricture, 6 (0.7%) of diverticulum, and resident curvature in 11 cases (1.2%). The overall complication rate in TIP and free-tube procedure was 9.8 and 9.9%, respectively, and fistula occurred in primary TIP of 33 cases (4.9%). Conclusions: Buck's fascia with the glans can be used as an integral covering technique in one-stage distal to proximal hypospadias and primary or re-operative hypospadias repair. It is safe, feasible, and effective for the repair of hypospadias.

Comparison of Q-value-guided laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and standard laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies examining the safety and efficacy of Q-value-guided laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for treating myopia have yielded inconsistent results. We, therefore, performed a meta-analysis to clarify this issue METHODS:: Various databases were conducted up to November 21, 2018. All randomized controlled trials and cohorts that compared Q-value-guided LASIK with standard LASIK were selected. Mean differences (MDs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the correlations. Additionally, different subgroup analyses and publication bias tests were performed. Data were extracted including the number of postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/20 or better, postoperative UCVA, preoperative and postoperative Q-value, postoperative refractive spherical equivalent (SE), the number of postoperative SE within ±0.5D, higher order aberration (HOA), coma-like aberration and spherical-like aberration.

RESULTS

A total of seventeen studies with 2640 patients and 3,358 eyes were included. It has been shown that postoperative Q-value (MD = -0.42; 95% CI: -0.64, -0.21; P < .001), HOA (MD = -0.14; 95% CI: -0.23, -0.06; P = .001), spherical-like aberration (MD = -0.19; 95% CI: -0.32, -0.06; P = .004) rather than postoperative UCVA (MD = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.07; P = .012) were significantly better in the Q-value-guided LASIK than standard LASIK. However, the pooled results revealed that no significant differences were found between the 2 paired groups of postoperative UCVA of 20/20 or better (OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.62, 1.92; P = .763), preoperative Q-value (MD = -0.00; 95% CI: -0.02, 0.02; P = .922), postoperative refractive SE (MD = 0.08; 95% CI: -0.09, 0.25; P = .336), coma-like aberration (horizontal: MD = -0.00; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.03; P = .966; vertical: MD = -0.01; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.01; P = .263) and postoperative SE within ±0.5 D (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.48, 2.33; P = .886). Likewise, similar results were detected in some corresponding subgroups.

CONCLUSION

Q-value-guided LASIK is a safe, effective and predictable surgical option for treating myopia, especially showing superiority over standard LASIK in postoperative Q-value, HOA and spherical-like aberration. However, more detailed studies are required to confirm our conclusions in advanced researches.