Effects of different surgical modalities for nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy on postoperative erectile function: a systematic review and one-arm meta-analysis.

Maintaining erectile function is an important quality of life issue for patients with localized prostate cancer treated with robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). However, most existing studies are retrospective and inherently weak and cannot conclude which NS approach is most effective in restoring function in patients. We therefore performed a consistent and objective assessment of sexual function outcomes in RARP using different nerve-sparing methods to optimize postoperative outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed based on PRISMA and STROBE statement criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using StataMP software version 14. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias. This single-arm meta-analysis included 3 randomized controlled trials and 14 cohort studies with a total of 3756 patients. Our meta-analysis found that patients had the highest efficiency rate of 0.86 (0.78, 0.93) after the NS technique using the retrograde method. Overall, there are significant differences between RARP NS techniques and outcomes, and the ideal technical strategy to optimize outcomes remains controversial. However, there is consensus on the importance of careful separation, dissection of the NVB, reduction of traction and thermal injury, and preservation of the fascia around the prostate. We still need more well-designed randomized controlled trials with videos describing the details of the different surgical techniques before they can be replicated.

Identification of genes contributing to cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma cells.

Osteosarcomas are prevalent in children and young adults and have a high recurrence rate. Cisplatin, doxorubicin, and methotrexate are common adjuvant chemotherapy drugs for treatment of osteosarcoma, but multidrug resistance is a growing problem. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance in osteosarcoma cells is crucial for developing new therapeutic approaches and ultimately improving the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. To identify genes associated with cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma, we screened a large-scale mutant library generated by transfecting human osteosarcoma cells with a piggyBac (PB) transposon-based gene activation vector. Several candidate genes were identified by using Splinkerette-PCR paired with Next Generation Sequencing. We created a disease-free survival predictor model, which includes ZNF720, REEP3, CNNM2, and CGREF1, using TARGET (Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments) datasets. Additionally, the results of our enrichment analysis between the Four_genes_high group and Low_group suggested that these four genes may participate in cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma through cross talk between various signaling pathways, especially the signaling pathway related to bone formation. These data may help guide future studies into chemotherapy for osteosarcoma.

New-concept batteries based on aqueous Li+/Na+ mixed-ion electrolytes.

Rechargeable batteries made from low-cost and abundant materials operating in safe aqueous electrolytes are attractive for large-scale energy storage. Sodium-ion battery is considered as a potential alternative of current lithium-ion battery. As sodium-intercalation compounds suitable for aqueous batteries are limited, we adopt a novel concept of Li(+)/Na(+) mixed-ion electrolytes to create two batteries (LiMn2O4/Na0.22MnO2 and Na0.44MnO2/TiP2O7), which relies on two electrochemical processes. One involves Li(+) insertion/extraction reaction, and the other mainly relates to Na(+) extraction/insertion reaction. Two batteries exhibit specific energy of 17 Wh kg(-1) and 25 Wh kg(-1) based on the total weight of active electrode materials, respectively. As well, aqueous LiMn2O4/Na0.22MnO2 battery is capable of separating Li(+) and Na(+) due to its specific mechanism unlike the traditional "rocking-chair" lithium-ion batteries. Hence, the Li(+)/Na(+) mixed-ion batteries offer promising applications in energy storage and Li(+)/Na(+) separation.