Predict Lymph Node Metastasis in Penile Cancer Using Clinicopathological Factors and Nomograms.

Objective: To investigate the predictive factors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and evaluate the usefulness of prediction nomograms.

Methods: This study included 300 patients diagnosed with penile squamous cell carcinoma at West China Hospital (WCH) of Sichuan University (Chengdu, China) and 412 cases acquired from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Logistic regression analysis was performed on these cohorts to investigate the predictive factors of LNM.

Preparation of Triple-Functionalized Montmorillonite Layers Promoting Thermal Stability of Polystyrene.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of three different treatments on the morphology, microstructure, and the thermal characteristics of a montmorillonite (Mt) sample, by using hydrochloric acid (HCl), tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium chloride (TTPC) surfactant, and γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ-MPS). The resultant nanofillers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the amount of chemical grafting of the γ-MPS was increased after the acid treatment, whereas the amount of intercalation of the TTPC surfactant was decreased.

Developing Proton-Conductive Metal Coordination Polymer as Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst toward Oxygen Reduction.

Developing earth-abundant transition metal (TM)-based electrocatalysts toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is significant in overcoming the high cost of fuel cells. Herein, using an as-synthesized proton-conductive coordination polymer (termed TM-DHBQ) as a template, we investigate the ORR performance of a series of such TM-DHBQs via screening 3d, 4d, and 5d TMs. We find that most 3d TM-DHBQs exhibit distinguished durability under ORR turnover conditions.

A Random-Screening Approach to Identify RNAi Targets for the Control of Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica. virgifera virgifera Le Conte).

Identification of active target genes in bioassay screening is the first important step for application of RNA interference (RNAi) for pest control. Here, we describe the methodology for performing high-throughput RNAi target screening against important agriculture pest, Western corn rootworm in 96-well microplate. Two approaches are presented to identify active targets from random-cDNA library or testing a certain group of specific targets via in silico sequence analysis.

Visualization of RNA Transcripts in Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) and Plants by In Situ Hybridization.

In situ hybridization (ISH) is a methodology by which nucleic acids are detected within fixed tissue samples. Recent advances in detection technology and target recovery have greatly enhanced the technique's ability to detect single mRNA molecules. Here we detail the fixation, paraffin embedding, sectioning, target recovery, and chromogenic detection of an mRNA (DvSSJ1), encoding for a membrane protein associated with the smooth septate junction (SSJ) in Western corn rootworm [Diabrotica virgifera (Dv)].

Single Iridium Atom Doped NiP Catalyst for Optimal Oxygen Evolution.

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) with 100% active sites have excellent prospects for application in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, further enhancement of the catalytic activity for OER is quite challenging, particularly for the development of stable SACs with overpotentials <180 mV. Here, we report an iridium single atom on NiP catalyst (Ir-NiP) with a record low overpotential of 149 mV at a current density of 10 mA·cm in 1.

Anchoring an Fe Dimer on Nitrogen-Doped Graphene toward Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis.

Electrochemical reduction of N to NH based on sustainable energy is a green technique to produce decentralized and on-demand ammonia. In this work, taking graphene as a design platform, we explore the dual-atom catalysts (DACs) via embedding two homonuclear transition metal (TM) atoms into graphene decorated with four neighboring pyrrolic nitrogen atoms (TMN@graphene) to computationally screen the qualified nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) catalysts. On the basis of the activity, selectivity, and stability of 15 homonuclear DACs of TMN@graphene, FeN@graphene is identified as the most efficient NRR catalyst with a limiting potential of only -0.

Anodized graphite felt as an efficient cathode for in-situ hydrogen peroxide production and Electro-Fenton degradation of rhodamine B.

This work investigated that the graphite felt anodized by NaOH, NHHCO, or HSO aqueous, and then as the cathode materials for in-situ hydrogen peroxide (HO) production and its employed for rhodamine B (RhB) degradation via Electro-Fenton (EF) process. At -0.60 V (vs.

[Overexpression of human EP4 receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells attenuates angiotensin II-induced hypertension in mice].

Prostaglandin E (PGE) plays an important role in cardiovascular system. PGE regulates blood pressure through its 4 G protein coupled receptors, i.e.

Stability and Catalytic Performance of Single-Atom Supported on Ti CO for Low-Temperature CO Oxidation: A First-Principles Study.

Based on first-principles calculations, the potential of Ti CO monolayer (MXene) as a single-atom catalyst (SAC) support for 3d transition metal (TM) atoms (Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) is studied for CO oxidation. We first screen the support effect according to the stability of a single metal atom and find that Sc and Ti supported on Ti CO have stronger adsorption energy than the cohesive energy of their bulk counterparts and therefore, we selected Sc and Ti supported on Ti CO for further catalytic reactions. The stability and the potential catalytic reactivity are verified by electronic structure and charge transfer analysis.

Design and synthesis of β-carboline derivatives with nitrogen mustard moieties against breast cancer.

To discover the promising antitumor agents, a series of β-carboline derivatives with nitrogen mustard moieties were designed and synthesized. Most target derivatives showed antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Among them, (1-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indol-3-yl)methyl (S)-3-(4-(bis(2-chloroethyl)amino)phenyl)-2-formamidopropanoate possessed the most potent antiproliferative activity with IC values of 1.

Index-based dietary patterns and stomach cancer in a Chinese population.

Objectives: Dietary factors are of importance in the development of stomach cancer. This study aims to examine index-based dietary patterns associated with stomach cancer in a Chinese population.

Methods: Using data from a population-based case-control study conducted in Jiangsu Province, China, we included a total of 8432 participants (1900 stomach cancer cases and 6532 controls).

Prognostic Values of Different Clinicopathological Factors and Predictive Models for Penile Carcinoma.

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic factors of penile cancer and the utility of prognostic models.

Methods: We analyzed postoperatively collected data of 311 patients diagnosed with penile cancer. Survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier and cox regression methods) was performed on this cohort.

Identification of electronic descriptors for catalytic activity of transition-metal and non-metal doped MoS.

While the d-band theory offers successful electronic descriptors for catalytic activity of transition metals, transition metal compounds still need substantial theoretical input for the identification of reactivity descriptors for fast screening of earth-abundant catalysts. We study transition metal (TM) and non-metal doped MoS2, a promising substitute for noble metals as catalysts for multiple reactions, to clarify how doping modifies the reactivity by regulating the electronic structure of the host. We find that doping can significantly change the density of states (DOS) at band edges and the position of the Fermi level, which renders the S p-band center εp a good descriptor for H adsorption on both TM and non-metal doped MoS2.

Effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes in elderly patients with comorbid coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To investigate the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on cardiovascular outcomes in elderly Chinese patients with comorbid coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 501 elderly inpatients (≥ 60 years) with comorbid CHD/T2DM in Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Endocrinology, Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2018 to December 2019. These patients were divided into two groups according to the administration of SGLT2i.

Nanoengineering of a newly designed chlorin e6 derivative for amplified photodynamic therapy regulating lactate metabolism.

Chlorin e6 (Ce6) is a widely utilized photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT) against tumor growth, but its hydrophobic feature and the hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment greatly compromise its therapeutic efficacy. To address the issues, here we designed a new Ce6 derivative (TCe6) by coupling Ce6 with amphiphilic d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS), endowing Ce6 with an excellent amphiphilic feature. In particular, the overall reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by TCe6 was significantly enhanced because TPGS could interact with mitochondrial complex II to induce extra ROS production, amplifying the total ROS production under PDT.

Effectiveness and safety of tibial nerve stimulation versus anticholinergic drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome: a meta-analysis.

Background: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) and anticholinergic drugs (ACDs) for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).

Methods: Qualified studies up to November 3, 2020 were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Pooled mean differences (MDs) were calculated to evaluate the improvement of micturition frequency per day, nocturia per night, urinary urgency episodes per day, incontinence episodes per day, and voided volume each time.

New possible silver lining for pancreatic cancer therapy: Hydrogen sulfide and its donors.

As one of the most lethal diseases, pancreatic cancer shows a dismal overall prognosis and high resistance to most treatment modalities. Furthermore, pancreatic cancer escapes early detection during the curable period because early symptoms rarely emerge and specific markers for this disease have not been found. Although combinations of new drugs, multimodal therapies, and adjuvants prolong survival, most patients still relapse after surgery and eventually die.

Prognostic Significance of Prognostic Nutritional Index in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis.

The prognostic nutrition index (PNI), based on the serum lymphocyte counts and albumin levels, has been introduced as a prognostic factor in various cancer. In the present study, we explore the prognostic significance of PNI in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A literature search of all publications was conducted using the Cochrane library, PubMed and Embase databases from inception to April 2020.

Interference of commissural connections through the genu of the corpus callosum specifically impairs sensorimotor gating.

White matter abnormalities in schizophrenic patients are characterized as regional tract-specific. Myelin loss at the genu of the corpus callosum (GCC) is one of the most consistent findings in schizophrenic patients across the different populations. We characterized the axons that pass through the GCC by stereotactically injecting an anterograde axonal tracing viral vector into the forceps minor of the corpus callosum in one hemisphere, and identified the homotopic brain structures that have commissural connections in the two hemispheres of the prefrontal cortex, including the anterior cingulate area, the prelimbic area, the secondary motor area, and the dorsal part of the agranular insular area, along with commissural connections with the primary motor area, caudoputamen, and claustrum.

Efficacy and safety of short-wave diathermy treatment for moderate COVID-19 patients: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical study.

Background: Millions of human beings have suffered in the epidemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but until now the effective treatment methods have been limited.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-wave diathermy (SWD) treatment for moderate COVID-19 patients.

Design: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled clinical study.

All-boron planar ferromagnetic structures: from clusters to monolayers.

Ferromagnetism in all-boron planar clusters is revealed based on high-throughput first-principles calculations. Magnetic boron clusters induced from p electrons have been confirmed with large spins, e.g.

Vector soliton dynamics in a high-repetition-rate fiber laser.

The existence of vector solitons that arise from the birefringence nature of optical fibers has been increasingly of interest for the stability of mode-locked fiber lasers, particularly for those operating in the high-fundamental-repetition-rate regime, where a large amount of fiber birefringence is required to restore the phase relation between the orthogonally polarized vector solitons, resulting in stable mode-locking free of polarization rotation. These vector solitons can exhibit diverse time-varying polarization dynamics, which prevent industrial and scientific applications requiring stable and uniform pulse trains at high fundamental repetition rates. This pressing issue, however, has so far been rarely studied.

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Hyperuricemia and Xanthine Oxidoreductase (XOR) Inhibitors.

Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in humans. Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disease caused by the increased formation or reduced excretion of serum uric acid (SUA). Alterations in SUA homeostasis have been linked to a number of diseases, and hyperuricemia is the major etiologic factor of gout and has been correlated with metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and renal disease.