bZIP Transcription Factor PavbZIP6 Regulates Anthocyanin Accumulation by Increasing Abscisic Acid in Sweet Cherry.

Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors (TFs) play a crucial role in anthocyanin accumulation in plants. In addition to bZIP TFs, abscisic acid (ABA) increases anthocyanin biosynthesis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether bZIP TFs are involved in ABA-induced anthocyanin accumulation in sweet cherry and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

METTL3 and IGF2BP1-Mediated m6A Modification of ZHX2 Promotes Tumor Property of Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common type of kidney cancer with limited treatment options and a high mortality rate. Therefore, it is essential to understand the role and mechanism of key genes in RCC development and progression. This study aimed to analyze the role of zinc fingers and homeoboxes 2 (ZHX2) in RCC and the underlying mechanism.

Two B-box proteins, PavBBX6/9, positively regulate light-induced anthocyanin accumulation in sweet cherry.

Anthocyanin production in bicolored sweet cherry (Prunus avium cv. Rainier) fruit is induced by light exposure, leading to red coloration. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is essential for this process, but the regulatory relationships that link light and ABA with anthocyanin-associated coloration are currently unclear.

Genome-Wide Identification of the SQUAMOSA Promoter-Binding Protein-like (SPL) Transcription Factor Family in Sweet Cherry Fruit.

Plant-specific SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) transcription factors play important regulatory roles during plant growth and development, fruit ripening, inflorescence branching, and biotic and abiotic stresses. However, there have been no identification or systematic studies of the SPL gene family in the sweet cherry. In this study, 12 genes were identified in the sweet cherry reference genome, which were distributed over 6 chromosomes and classified into six groups according to phylogenetic relationships with other SPL gene families.

MicroRNA-144 Suppresses Prostate Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Targeting EZH2.

Background: Prostate cancer is a common malignant tumor with a high incidence. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be important post-transcriptional regulators during tumorigenesis. This study aimed to explore the effect of miR-144 on PCa proliferation and apoptosis.

Hydroxychloroquine Blocks Autophagy and Promotes Apoptosis of the Prostate after Castration in Rats.

Unlabelled: Autophagy is an important pro-survival mechanism and closely related to apoptosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) blocks autophagy and promotes apoptosis of the prostate after castration.

Methods: Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 12): control group (sham operation), castration group, and HCQ group (castrated and treated with HCQ).

Sorghumol triterpene inhibits the growth of circulating renal cancer cells by promoting cell apoptosis, G2/M cell cycle arrest and downregulating m-TOR/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.

Purpose: To investigate the growth inhibitory effect of Sorghumol on the circulating renal cancers cells and to investigate the underlying mechanisms including its effects on apoptosis, cell cycle phase distribution and m-TOR/PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.

Methods: The antiproliferative effects were assessed by WST-1 and colony formation assay. Apoptosis was detected by the Hoechst and AO/EB staining using fluorescence microscopy.

Increasing Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Reducing Opioids or Paracetamol in the Management of Acute Renal Colic: Based on Three-Stage Study Design of Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Currently, although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were recommended for acute renal colic in the 2018 European Association of Urology guidelines, there are no specific NSAIDs and no specific routes of administration in this guideline. The clinical practice of advocating intravenous opioids as the initial analgesia is still common out of the fear of adverse events from NSAIDs. To comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of NSAIDs, opioids, paracetamol, and combination therapy for acute renal colic.

HNF1B expression regulates ECI2 gene expression, potentially serving a role in prostate cancer progression.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, with increased incidence rates observed in older individuals. Prostate cancer is primarily driven via activation of the androgen receptor (AR), the principal transcriptional factor governing prostate cancer cellular programming and its associated metabolism. One of the downstream targets of AR is hepatocyte nuclear factor-1β (HNF1B), an important oncogenic transcription factor in prostate cancer.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety of therapy for overactive bladder using botulinum toxin A at different dosages.

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness and safety of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) at different dosages for overactive bladder (OAB).

Materials And Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases were searched through November 3, 2016 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Results: Eleven studies were identified in this meta-analysis.

HIF-1-mediated production of exosomes during hypoxia is protective in renal tubular cells.

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles produced and secreted by cells to mediate intercellular communication. The production and function of exosomes in kidney tissues and cells remain largely unclear. Hypoxia is a common pathophysiological condition in kidneys.

Exosome production and its regulation of EGFR during wound healing in renal tubular cells.

Kidney repair following injury involves the reconstitution of a structurally and functionally intact tubular epithelium. Growth factors and their receptors, such as EGFR, are important in the repair of renal tubules. Exosomes are cell-produced small (~100 nm in diameter) vesicles that contain and transfer proteins, lipids, RNAs, and DNAs between cells.

Puerarin attenuates renal fibrosis by reducing oxidative stress induced-epithelial cell apoptosis via MAPK signal pathways in vivo and in vitro.

Puerarin (PR) is an isoflavonoid isolated from the root of the plant Pueraria lobata and has been widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Oxidative stress and epithelial cell apoptosis play important roles in the renal fibrotic process. The present study aimed to determine whether or not PR inhibits renal fibrosis by reducing oxidative stress induced-epithelial cell apoptosis.

Slit2 ameliorates renal inflammation and fibrosis after hypoxia-and lipopolysaccharide-induced epithelial cells injury in vitro.

Hypoxic acute kidney injury (AKI) is often incompletely repaired and leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is characterized by tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. The Slit2 family of secreted glycoproteins is expressed in the kidney, it has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory activity and prevent ischemic renal injury in vivo. However, whether Slit2 reduces renal fibrosis and inflammation after hypoxic and inflammatory epithelial cells injury in vitro remains unknown.

Effect of Obesity on Outcomes of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Renal Stone Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has been widely used to treat renal stones. The application of PCNL in obese patients results in the emergence of a number of challenges. This study compared the effect of obesity on the outcomes of PCNL in kidney stone treatment.

Astragaloside IV from Astragalus membranaceus ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation via TLR4/NF-кB in vivo and in vitro.

Renal fibrosis is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells, activation and proliferation of fibroblasts, and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is traditional Chinese medicine and has a range of pharmacological effects. Astragaloside IV (As IV) is the main compound of AM and has anti-inflammation activities.

Extracellular vesicles in diagnosis and therapy of kidney diseases.

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are endogenously produced, membrane-bound vesicles that contain various molecules. Depending on their size and origins, EVs are classified into apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes. A fundamental function of EVs is to mediate intercellular communication.

Meta-analysis of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and benign prostatic hyperplasia risk.

The association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been investigated in numerous publications, but published results remain inconclusive. Hence, we conducted this meta-analysis to derive a more precise conclusion. Four polymorphisms (Taq-I, Bsm-I, Apa-I, and Fok-I) of the VDR gene with risk of BPH from six case-control studies and one cohort study involving 2,248 individuals were identified from PubMed and China National Knowledge Internet databases up to November 20, 2013 (updated on March 5, 2014).

[RelB-siRNA enhanced the radiosensitivity of murine prostate cancer cell line RM-1].

Objective: To explore the transfecting effects of RelB small interfering RNA (RelB-siRNA) on murine prostate cancer cell line RM-1 sensitivity of radiotherapy.

Methods: The RM-1 cells were divided into RelB-siRNA vector, empty vector, non-transfection and normal groups. After transfection, the first three groups were irradiated by X ray.

Toward understanding the role of individual fluorescent components in DOM-metal binding.

Knowledge on the function of individual fractions in dissolved organic matter (DOM) is essential for understanding the impact of DOM on metal speciation and migration. Herein, fluorescence excitation-emission matrix quenching and parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis were adopted for bulk DOM and chemically isolated fractions from landfill leachate, i.e.

[Feasibility of muscle-derived cell autotransplantation as a treatment for post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence].

Objective: To explore the feasibility of muscle-derived cell autotransplantation in the treatment of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence.

Methods: Skeletal muscle-derived cells (MDC) were isolated and purified by replate technique from 6 female SD rats, and then transduced with adenovirus carrying Lac-Z gene. About 5 x 10(6) of the transduced cells were injected autologously into the bladder neck of the animals.

[Experimental study of contralateral testicular changes after unilateral testicular torsion in rats].

Objective: To study the changes of the contralateral testicular histology and germ cell apoptosis after unilateral testicular torsion (UTT) and to determine whether the contralateral testis is injured or not.

Methods: Sixty SD male rats were divided into control group (12 rats) and experimental group(48 rats). The former underwent sham operation of the left testis under general anaesthesia.