Spermatic cord myxoma: A rare case report.

Rationale: Spermatic cord myxomas are rare benign tumors, typically characterized by the production of mucopolysaccharides. These tumors are infrequently found in the urinary system, making this case noteworthy.

Patient Concerns: A 55-year-old male presented with a painless swelling on the right side of his scrotum, which had persisted for over 3 months.

The association between brominated flame retardants exposure with Parkinson's disease in US adults: a cross-sectional study of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2016.

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that environmental factors play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Humans are simultaneously exposed to multiple brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the environment. However, the relationship between BFRs and PD remains unclear.

The down-regulation of GADD45B leads to a conversion of cellular oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and promotes the progression of bladder cancer.

Background: The predominant feature of cancer cells during the process of carcinogenesis is the inclination towards glycolytic metabolism rather than mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of research investigating the correlation between bladder cancer and mitochondrial energy metabolism.

Methods: A qPCR array comprising 90 genes associated with mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was employed to discern metabolic disparities between three sets of bladder cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissue.

miRNA326-5p Targets DKC1 Gene to Regulate Apoptosis-Related Proteins and Intervene in the Development of Neuroblastoma.

Objective: To study the effect of congenital dyskeratosis 1 (DKC1) on neuroblastoma and its regulation mechanism.

Methods: The expression of DKC1 in neuroblastoma was analyzed by TCGA database and molecular assay. NB cells were transfected with siDKC1 to observe the effects of DKC1 on proliferation, cloning, metastasis, and invasion, and apoptosis and apoptosis-related proteins.

How to Improve the Effect of Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm: A Retrospective Study of 32 Cases with Unsuccessful First Time MVD.

Background:  Microvascular decompression (MVD) has become accepted as an effective therapeutic option for hemifacial spasm (HFS); however, the curative rate of MVD for HFS varies widely (50-98%) in different medical centers. This study could contribute to the improvement of the MVD procedure.

Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed 32 patients in whom initial MVD failed in other hospitals and who underwent a second MVD at our center.

SOX17 inhibits proliferation and invasion of neuroblastoma through CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis.

SOX17 has been shown to be involved in the transcriptional regulation of CXCR4, and CXCL12 functions by binding to its receptor CXCR4. Here, we explored the expression of SOX17 in neuroblastoma (NB), its mutual regulation with CXCL12, and its effects on cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Five human NB cell lines and 15 pairs of NB and adjacent tissue specimens were used, to conduct RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, western blot, ELISA, CCK-8, colony formation, Edu, transwell, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and dual-luciferase assays, to study the role of SOX17 in NB.

[Denitrification Process and NO Production Characteristics of Heterotrophic Nitrifying Bacterium YL].

Because of the massive discharge of nitrogenous wastewater, the eutrophication of a water body is becoming increasingly serious, and how to effectively remove nitrogen from this wastewater remains an urgent problem to be solved. In this study, due to disadvantages in the traditional biological nitrogen removal process, such as complex and long procedures, high energy consumption, weak impact resistance, and NO release, the nitrogen removal theory by heterotrophic nitrification was further analyzed by discussing the physiological-biochemical, heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification, and NO production characteristics of a high-efficiency heterotrophic nitrifying bacteria YL. Results show that the strain YL had an eminent heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification ability, and NH-N, NO-N, and NO-N with concentration of 100 mg·L could be completely removed during the 24-hour incubation period.

Fully endoscopic microvascular decompression of the hemifacial spasm: our experience.

Purpose: Microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery has been accepted as a potentially curative method for hemifacial spasm (HFS). The primary cause of failure of MVD is incomplete decompression of the offending vessel due to inadequate visualization. This study is aimed at evaluating the benefit of endoscopic visualization and the value of fully endoscopic MVD.

[Simultaneous Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal and Kinetics by the Heterotrophic Nitrifying Bacterium NP1].

Due to the problems of traditional biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal, including long process duration and high infrastructural and operational costs, the simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal capabilities, influencing factors and kinetic characteristics were systematically studied using the heterotrophic nitrifier NP1 which possesses efficient simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal ability. The results showed that strain NP1 exhibited efficient heterotrophic nitrification ability with a maximum ammonia removal rate of 99.12%.

IGF1R facilitates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell properties in neuroblastoma via the STAT3/AKT axis.

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) displays the most heterogeneity in clinical manifestation. The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) has long been recognized for its role in tumourigenesis and growth. The IGF/IGF1R pathway is important in maintaining cell survival.

[Nitrogen Removal by Heterotrophic Nitrifying Bacterium YH and Its Kinetic Characteristics].

Due to the low nitrogen removal efficiency, lengthy procedure, and vulnerability to high loads of ammonium of the traditional sewage treatment process, the physiological characteristics, nitrogen removal characteristics, influencing factors, and kinetic analysis were systematically studied for the heterotrophic nitrifier YH, which has efficient nitrogen removal ability. The results showed that strain YH exhibited efficient heterotrophic nitrification ability with a low accumulation of nitrification products. The maximum ammonium removal rate was 99.

Simultaneous removal of nitrogen and phosphorous by heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification of a metal resistant bacterium Pseudomonas putida strain NP5.

A novel strain NP5 with efficient heterotrophic nitrification, aerobic denitrification and phosphorus accumulation ability was isolated and identified as Pseudomonas putida strain NP5. The removed ammonium and phosphate were mainly converted into intracellular components by assimilation, and negligible nitrification intermediates and NO were accumulated during heterotrophic nitrification. In addition, the optimal conditions for nutrient removal were: succinate as carbon source, C/N 10, P/N 0.

Sortilin promotes glioblastoma invasion and mesenchymal transition through GSK-3β/β-catenin/twist pathway.

High aggressiveness is a hallmark of glioblastoma and predicts poor prognosis of patients with glioblastoma. The expression level of sortilin has been preliminarily reported to be elevated in high-grade glioma; however, the potential significance of sortilin in glioblastoma progression has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the oncogenic effect of sortilin in glioblastoma.

Surgical Treatment of Secondary Hemifacial Spasm: Long-Term Follow-Up.

Background: Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is generally caused by the root exit zone of the facial nerve compressed by an overlying arterial loop. HFS can also be caused by various types of tumor, aneurysm, or arteriovenous malformation. We retrospectively analyzed patients to evaluate possible differences in the demographic and clinical features between primary and secondary HFS.

Organic loading rate shock impact on extracellular polymeric substances and physicochemical characteristics of nitrifying sludge treating high-strength ammonia wastewater under unsteady-state conditions.

Laboratory experimentation was used to investigate the impact of the organic loading rate shock on extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) and the physicochemical characteristics of nitrifying sludge (NS) treating high-strength ammonia wastewater. The increased organic loading rates (OLRs) strongly influenced the stability of the NS with regard to nutrient removal, biomass-liquid separation, and surface properties, leading to the sludge system collapse at the OLR of 0.75 kg COD per kg MLVSS d.

FGF represses metastasis of neuroblastoma regulated by MYCN and TGF-β1 induced LMO1 via control of let-7 expression.

Background: MYCN and LMO1 amplification are commonly observed in neuroblastoma (NB), which was often accompanied by genetic loss of let-7 microRNA (miRNA). Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) was found to regulate let-7 miRNA expression via FGF receptor substrate 2 (FRS2), which then activates transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling.

Methods: Expression of MYCN, LMO1, FRS2, let-7, and TGF-β receptor I (TGFβRI) was selectively knocked-down or enhanced in NB cells.

Satisfaction about Patient-centeredness and Healthcare System among Patients with Chronic Multimorbidity.

The aim of the present study was to measure the prevalence of multimorbidity in Bangladesh, India and China, and to assess the relationship between multimorbidity and patient's opinion regarding their involvement in healthcare decision-making and overall satisfaction of healthcare system. Cross-sectional data on 18 696 men and women aged 18 and above were collected from the World Health Survey of World Health Organization (WHO). Outcome variables were subjective rating of (1) healthcare system's ability to involve patients in decision-making, and (2) satisfaction with the way healthcare system runs in the country.

Involved Small Arteries in Patients Who Underwent Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm.

Background: Microvascular decompression (MVD) has become widely accepted as first-line therapy for hemifacial spasm. However, not all patients are candidates for the procedure, and some surgeons ignore arterioles that represent the actual underlying cause of the condition. The aim of this study was to address the role of involved arterioles in management of MVD in patients with hemifacial spasm.

Evaluation of Microvascular Decompression as Rescue Therapy for Trigeminal Neuralgia in Patients with Failed Gamma Knife Surgery.

Objective: Owing to increasing use of Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN), physicians are challenged over the problem of choosing an appropriate treatment if GKS fails. The aim of this study was to determine whether microvascular decompression (MVD) is a safe and effective alternative therapy for trigeminal neuralgia in patients with failed GKS.

Methods: Between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2012, data of 32 patients with trigeminal neuralgia who presented with persistent or recurrent pain after GKS and elected to undergo MVD were collected.

Posterior Fossa Re-Exploration for Recurrent Trigeminal Neuralgia: Operative Findings and Surgical Techniques.

Objective: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is considered the first choice for the surgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (TN). However, recurrence after MVD is still a problem and a challenge for neurosurgeons. In this study, we share our experience in the posterior fossa re-exploration of the recurrent cases.

Management of Primary Bilateral Trigeminal Neuralgia with Microvascular Decompression: 13-Case Series.

Background: Bilateral trigeminal neuralgia is a relatively rare disease. Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a safe and effective treatment for unilateral trigeminal neuralgia; however, its utility in bilateral trigeminal neuralgia is unclear. Here, we report our experience with MVD in 13 cases of primary bilateral trigeminal neuralgia.

Results of Atypical Hemifacial Spasm with Microvascular Decompression: 14 Case Reports and Literature Review.

Background: Few studies have examined atypical hemifacial spasm (AHFS), and the mechanism of AHFS remains unclear. In this study, we examined the etiology, prognosis, and treatment of AHFS.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data for 14 consecutive patients that underwent microvascular decompression (MVD) for AHFS between January 2014 and December 2015.

Bell's Palsy: Clinical Analysis of 372 Cases and Review of Related Literature.

Objective: To analyze some clinical and epidemiologic aspects of Bell's palsy (BP) and to develop relevant correlations between existing data in literature and those obtained in this research.

Methods: From January 2012 to December 2014, 372 consecutive patients diagnosed with BP were studied retrospectively. We reviewed the patients' data including gender, age, occupation, clinical manifestations, comorbid disease, and the rate of recurrence.

Electrical stimulation promotes regeneration of injured oculomotor nerves in dogs.

Functional recovery after oculomotor nerve injury is very poor. Electrical stimulation has been shown to promote regeneration of injured nerves. We hypothesized that electrical stimulation would improve the functional recovery of injured oculomotor nerves.