Unveiling Organic Electrode Materials in Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries: From Structural Design to Electrochemical Performance.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are one of the most compelling alternatives of lithium-ion batteries due to their inherent safety and economics viability. In response to the growing demand for green and sustainable energy storage solutions, organic electrodes with the scalability from inexpensive starting materials and potential for biodegradation after use have become a prominent choice for AZIBs. Despite gratifying progresses of organic molecules with electrochemical performance in AZIBs, the research is still in infancy and hampered by certain issues due to the underlying complex electrochemistry. Strategies for designing organic electrode materials for AZIBs with high specific capacity and long cycling life are discussed in detail in this review. Specifically, we put emphasis on the unique electrochemistry of different redox-active structures to provide in-depth understanding of their working mechanisms. In addition, we highlight the importance of molecular size/dimension regarding their profound impact on electrochemical performances. Finally, challenges and perspectives are discussed from the developing point of view for future AZIBs. We hope to provide a valuable evaluation on organic electrode materials for AZIBs in our context and give inspiration for the rational design of high-performance AZIBs.

Electropolymerization of Donor-Acceptor Conjugated Polymer for Efficient Dual-Ion Storage.

Rationally designed organic redox-active materials have attracted numerous interests due to their excellent electrochemical performance and reasonable sustainability. However, they often suffer from poor cycling stability, intrinsic low operating potential, and poor rate performance. Herein, a novel Donor-Acceptor (D-A) bipolar polymer with n-type pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone unit storing Li cations and p-type carbazole unit which attracts anions and provides polymerization sites is employed as a cathode for lithium-ion batteries through in situ electropolymerization. The multiple redox reactions and boosted kinetics by the D-A structure lead to excellent electrochemical performance of a high discharge capacity of 202 mA h g-1 at 200 mA g-1, impressive working potential (2.87 and 4.15 V), an outstanding rate capability of 119 mA h g-1 at 10 A g-1 and a noteworthy energy density up to 554 Wh kg-1. This strategy has significant implications for the molecule design of bipolar organic cathode for high cycling stability and high energy density.

Multimodal Imaging Reveals that Sustained Inhibition of HIF-Prolyl Hydroxylases Induces Opposing Effects on Right and Left Ventricular Function in Healthy Rats.

PURPOSE: Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) drives transcription of critical hypoxia response genes, increasing the production of red blood cells in low oxygen conditions. In the absence of hypoxia, HIF is degraded by prolyl hydroxylases (HIF-PHs). Pharmacological HIF-PH inhibition stabilizes HIF and is being studied as a treatment for anemia. However, like sustained hypoxia, HIF-PH inhibition may increase pulmonary arterial pressure leading to right ventricular hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to assess the cardiac effects of sustained pharmacological HIF-PH inhibition using multimodal imaging, blood analysis, and histology. METHODS: Rats were dosed daily with a pan HIF-PH inhibitor or vehicle for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week washout period and underwent longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography to simultaneously assess RV and LV function. Blood samples from weeks four and six were analyzed to determine red blood cell composition. Histology was performed on the cardiac tissue from a subset of rats at weeks four and six to assess structural effects. RESULTS: Imaging revealed that RV ejection fraction was reduced in animals receiving HIF-PH inhibitor and resulted in RV hypertrophy. Interestingly, HIF-PH inhibition had the opposite effect on the left ventricle (LV), increasing contractility measured by LV ejection fraction. LV effects were reversed by week six, while RV effects (functional and structural) were sustained. CONCLUSION: These opposing cardiac effects of HIF-PH inhibition warrant further study to both understand the potential negative effects on RV structure and function and investigate the therapeutic potential of increased LV contractility for conditions like heart failure.

Differential analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic of free fatty acid rancidity process in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) fruits of different husk types.

Introduction: Oil palm is the world's highest yielding oil crop and its palm oil has high nutritional value, making it an oilseed plant with important economic value and application prospects. After picking, oil palm fruits exposed to air will gradually become soft and accelerate the process of fatty acid rancidity, which will not only affect their flavor and nutritional value, but also produce substances harmful to the human body. As a result, studying the dynamic change pattern of free fatty acids and important fatty acid metabolism-related regulatory genes during oil palm fatty acid rancidity can provide a theoretical basis for improving palm oil quality and extending its shelf life. Methods: The fruit of two shell types of oil palm, Pisifera (MP) and Tenera (MT), were used to study the changes of fruit souring at different times points of postharvesting, combined with LC-MS/MS metabolomics and RNA-seq transcriptomics techniques to analyze the dynamic changes of free fatty acids during fruit rancidity, and to find out the key enzyme genes and proteins in the process of free fatty acid synthesis and degradation according to metabolic pathways. Results and discussion: Metabolomic study revealed that there were 9 different types of free fatty acids at 0 hours of postharvest, 12 different types of free fatty acids at 24 hours of postharvest, and 8 different types of free fatty acids at 36 hours of postharvest. Transcriptomic research revealed substantial changes in gene expression between the three harvest phases of MT and MP. Combined metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis results show that the expression of SDR, FATA, FATB and MFP four key enzyme genes and enzyme proteins in the rancidity of free fatty acids are significantly correlated with Palmitic acid, Stearic acid, Myristic acid and Palmitoleic acid in oil palm fruit. In terms of binding gene expression, the expression of FATA gene and MFP protein in MT and MP was consistent, and both were expressed higher in MP. FATB fluctuates unevenly in MT and MP, with the level of expression growing steadily in MT and decreasing in MP before increasing. The amount of SDR gene expression varies in opposite directions in both shell types. The above findings suggest that these four enzyme genes and enzyme proteins may play an important role in regulating fatty acid rancidity and are the key enzyme genes and enzyme proteins that cause differences in fatty acid rancidity between MT and MP and other fruit shell types. Additionally, differential metabolite and differentially expressed genes were present in the three postharvest times of MT and MP fruits, with the difference occurring 24 hours postharvest being the most notable. As a result, 24 hours postharvest revealed the most obvious difference in fatty acid tranquility between MT and MP shell types of oil palm. The results from this study offer a theoretical underpinning for the gene mining of fatty acid rancidity of various oil palm fruit shell types and the enhancement of oilseed palm acid-resistant germplasm cultivation using molecular biology methods.

Interbody Fusion Cage Design Driven by Topology Optimization.

OBJECTIVE: We used topology optimization technology to explore the new theory and method of interbody fusion cage design and realized an innovative design of interbody cages. METHODS: The lumbar spine of a normal healthy volunteer was scanned to perform reverse modeling. Based on the scan data for the L1-L2 segments of the lumbar spine, a three dimensional model was reconstructed to obtain the complete simulation model of the L1-L2 segment. The boundary inversion method was used to obtain approximately isotropic material parameters that can effectively characterize the mechanical behavior of vertebrae, thereby reducing the computational complexity. The topology description function was used to model the clinically used traditional fusion cage to obtain Cage A. The moving morphable void-based topology optimization method was used for the integrated design of size, shape, and topology to obtain the optimized fusion cage, Cage B. RESULTS: The volume fraction of the bone graft window in Cage B was 74.02%, which was 60.67% higher than that (46.07%) in Cage A. Additionally, the structural strain energy in the design domain of Cage B was 1.48 mJ, which was lower than that of Cage A (satisfying the constraints). The maximum stress in the design domain of Cage B was 5.336 Mpa, which was 35.6% lower than that (8.286 Mpa) of Cage A. In addition, the surface stress distribution of Cage B was more uniform than that of Cage A. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposed a new innovative design method for interbody fusion cages, which not only provides new insights into the innovative design of interbody fusion cages but may also guide the customized design of interbody fusion cages in different pathological environments.

A Randomized Phase III Study of Anlotinib Versus Bevacizumab in Combination With CAPEOX as First-Line Therapy for RAS/BRAF Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Clinical Trial Protocol.

Background: Chemotherapy combined with antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies is the most promising approach to prolong survival and improve the quality of life of patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Anlotinib is an oral antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets VEGF receptors 1/2/3, fibroblast growth factor receptors 1-4, and platelet-derived growth factor receptors a/ß. Since anlotinib combined with oxaliplatin and capecitabine (CAPEOX) as a first-line treatment was previously shown to be effective and safe for patients with RAS/BRAF wild-type (WT) mCRC, we designed this randomized, open-label, parallel-group, non-inferiority, phase III study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib plus CAPEOX versus bevacizumab plus CAPEOX in patients with RAS/BRAF WT mCRC. Methods/design: The primary inclusion criteria are Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0/1, confirmed RAS/BRAF WT colorectal adenocarcinoma, and unresectable metastases assessed by a multidisciplinary team. The main exclusion criteria are as follows: high microsatellite instability or deficient mismatch repair status, resectable or potentially resectable metastases, and previous systemic therapy for mCRC. A total of 698 patients will be randomized into the anlotinib and bevacizumab groups in a 1:1 ratio. Patients will receive 4 to 8 cycles of induction therapy (CAPEOX plus anlotinib or bevacizumab), followed by maintenance treatment (capecitabine plus anlotinib or bevacizumab) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by an independent review committee is the primary endpoint, whereas investigator-assessed PFS, overall survival, objective response rate, disease control rate, duration of response, resection rate of liver metastases, quality of life, and safety are the secondary endpoints. Enrollment commenced in May 2021. Discussion: A prospective, randomized, phase III trial will provide a meaningful comparison of the efficacy and safety of anlotinib plus CAPEOX with standard treatment for patients with unresectable RAS/BRAF WT mCRC.

Qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of intramuscular hemangioma subtypes: Diagnostic performance comparison of ESWAN and conventional MRI.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative identification of intramuscular hemangioma (IMH) subtypes (capillary hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma, and mixed hemangioma) is urgently necessary. Enhanced T2*-weighted angiography (ESWAN) is sensitive to vessels and metabolites and can be used to diagnose IMH subtypes. PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performances of ESWAN and conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of IMH subtypes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 23 patients with IMHs were examined using conventional MRI and ESWAN. The signal intensity ratios (SIRs) of conventional MRI and ESWAN were measured. RESULTS: There was no significant difference for volume among the three subtypes (P = 0.124, P = 0.145). Various shapes and MRI signals were shown in the three subtypes of IMH. There was no significant difference for SIRs of conventional MRI (P = 0.558, P = 0.259, P = 0.385, P = 0.347). However, there was a significant difference for SIRs of ESWAN parameters (P = 0.050, P < 0.001, P = 0.005, P = 0.002). Capillary hemangiomas can be diagnosed when R2* SIR is <0.912 and intratumoral susceptibility signal (ITSS) percentage is <29.085%. Cavernous hemangiomas should be considered when R2* SIR is >0.912, ITSS percentage >35.226%, and phase SIR >2.536. In addition, mixed hemangiomas should be considered when T2* SIR is >0.662 and R2* SIR <1.618. CONCLUSION: Conventional MRI can only display the volume, shape, and signal of IMHs. 3D-MinIP imaging of ESWAN can show the veins and minor hemorrhage. SIRs of ESWAN parameters including T2* value, R2* value, phase value, and percentage of ITSS can be used to quantitatively diagnose capillary hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas, and mixed hemangiomas.

Quinone Electrode for Long Lifespan Potassium-Ion Batteries Based on Ionic Liquid Electrolytes.

As a class of flexible and designable materials, organic electrode materials would greatly facilitate the progress of potassium-ion batteries (PIBs), especially when the dissolution issue is ameliorated. Ionic liquid electrolytes (ILEs) do not merely alleviate the dissolution of organic materials but provide reliable security. Herein, Pillar[5]quinone (P5Q) as the cathode of PIBs is demonstrated for the first time, and the electrochemical performance of two common ILEs is investigated. In the 0.3 M KFSI-PY13FSI electrolyte with better conductivity, the P5Q cathode maintains a large reversible capacity of 232 mAh g-1 (450 Wh kg-1) after 100 cycles at 0.2C at 1.2-4.0 V. When a current density of 2.0C is applied, the cell retains a capacity of 101 mAh g-1 (211 Wh kg-1) after 1000 cycles and 61 mAh g-1 (125 Wh kg-1) even over 5000 cycles. This research would inspire research on organic electrodes and advance the application of PIBs.

A bioluminescence reporter mouse model for visualizing and quantifying CD8+ T cells in vivo.

Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells are the primary effector cells mediating anti-tumor responses. In vivo monitoring of CD8+ T cells has broad implications for the development of novel cancer therapies. Here we describe the development of a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) in which CD8+ T cells are labeled with an optical reporter, enabling in vivo, longitudinal monitoring using bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Firefly luciferase (Luc2), human diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR), and enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP) cDNAs are engineered under the CD8α promoter to generate a transgenic mouse line. Luciferase mRNA and CD8α mRNA were generally correlated in various tissues from these mice. Sorted splenic CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells and CD3- non-T cells verified that the luciferase signal is specific to CD8+ T cells. In vivo imaging showed that luciferase signal was detected in various immune organs, such as lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen, and the detection was confirmed by ex vivo examination. Administration of diphtheria toxin markedly reduced luciferase signal systemically, confirming the function of the DTR. In the MC38 mouse syngeneic model, we observed significant increases in CD8+ T cells with mDX400 treatment, an anti PD-1 mouse monoclonal antibody that correlated with tumor growth inhibition. This novel reporter GEMM is a valuable drug discovery tool for profiling compounds and understanding mechanisms of action in immunotherapy of cancer.

Protection of pancreatic ß-cell by phosphocreatine through mitochondrial improvement via the regulation of dual AKT/IRS-1/GSK-3ß and STAT3/Cyp-D signaling pathways.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome, caused by insufficient insulin secretion or insulin resistance (IR). DM enhances oxidative stress and induces mitochondrial function in different kinds of cell types, including pancreatic ß-cells. Our previous study has showed phosphocreatine (PCr) can advance the mitochondrial function through enhancing the oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport ability in mitochondria damaged by methylglyoxal (MG). Our aim was to explore the potential role of PCr as a molecule to protect mitochondria from diabetes-induced pancreatic ß-cell injury with insulin secretion deficiency or IR through dual AKT/IRS-1/GSK-3ß and STAT3/Cyclophilin D (Cyp-D) signaling pathways. MG-induced INS-1 cell viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial division and fusion, the morphology, and function of mitochondria were suppressed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the changes of intracellular calcium, and the respiratory function was measured by oxygraph-2k. The expressions of AKT, IRS-1, GSK-3ß, STAT3, and Cyp-D were detected using Western blot. The result showed that the oxidative stress-related kinases were significantly restored to the normal level after the pretreatment with PCr. Moreover, PCr pretreatment significantly inhibited cell apoptosis, decreased intracellular calcium, and ROS production, and inhibited mitochondrial division and fusion, and increased ATP synthesis damaged by MG in INS-1 cells. In addition, pretreatment with PCr suppressed Cytochrome C, p-STAT3, and Cyp-D expressions, while increased p-AKT, p-IRS-1, p-GSK-3ß, caspase-3, and caspase-9 expressions. In conclusion, PCr has protective effect on INS-1 cells in vitro and in vivo, relying on AKT mediated STAT3/ Cyp-D pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and restore mitochondrial function, signifying that PCr might become an emerging candidate for the cure of diabetic pancreatic cancer ß-cell damage.

Orthognathic Surgery in Invisalign Patients.

ABSTRACT: Orthodontic treatment combined with orthognathic surgery is frequently necessary to effectively manage patients suffering from severe craniofacial deformities. Brackets and wires are conventionally utilized for intraoperative splint stabilization in conventional orthognathic surgery, but such an approach is not applicable for patients undergoing treatment using clear aligners (the Invisalign system). The purpose of this article is to discuss the relative advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of using the Invisalign system when treating severe skeletal crossbite relative to cases treated using conventional braces. The case of this article described a 19-year-old male with skeletal class III crossbite undergoing planned Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO). For this patient, pre- and post-surgical orthodontics were conducted using an Invisalign system, with the interim and final splints being fixed to eight 8 mm mini-screws. Overall, this article reveals that the Invisalign system can be effectively employed for orthodontic treatment in combination with orthognathic surgery.

Robotic-assisted versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: Short-term outcomes at a single center.

BACKGROUND: The robotic technique has been established as an alternative approach to laparoscopy for colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer. METHODS: The cases of robot-assisted or laparoscopic colorectal resection were collected retrospectively between July 2015 and September 2018. We evaluated patient demographics, perioperative characteristics, and pathologic examinations. Short-term outcomes included time to passage of flatus and length of postoperative hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 580 patients were included in the study. There were 271 patients in the robotic colorectal surgery (RCS) group and 309 in the laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) group. The time to passage of flatus in the RCS group was 3.62 days shorter than the LCS group. The total costs were increased by 2,258.8 USD in the RCS group compared to the LCS group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that colorectal cancer robotic surgery was more beneficial to patients because of a shorter postoperative recovery time of bowel function and shorter hospital stays.

Organic Materials as Electrodes in Potassium-Ion Batteries.

The integrated advantages of organic electrode materials and potassium metal make the organic potassium-ion batteries (OPIBs) promising secondary batteries. This review summarizes the latest research progress on OPIBs according to the different types of electrode materials (namely, organic small molecules compounds, polymers, and frameworks (metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs)). Additionally, the research prospects and outlook for OPIBs are also provided.

Ribosome assembly factor URB1 contributes to colorectal cancer proliferation through transcriptional activation of ATF4.

Ribosome assembly factor URB1 is essential for ribosome biogenesis. However, its latent role in cancer remains unclear. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database and clinical tissue microarray staining showed that URB1 expression was upregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and prominently related to clinicopathological characteristics. Silencing of URB1 hampered human CRC cell proliferation and growth in vitro and in vivo. Microarray screening, ingenuity pathway analysis, and JASPAR assessment indicated that activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) are potential downstream targets of URB1 and could transcriptionally interact through direct binding. Silencing of URB1 significantly decreased ATF4 and cyclin A2 (CCNA2) expression in vivo and in vitro. Restoration of ATF4 effectively reversed the malignant proliferation phenotype of URB1-silenced CRC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter and ChIP assays indicated that XBP1 transcriptionally activated ATF4 by binding with its promoter region. X-box binding protein 1 colocalized with ATF4 in the nuclei of RKO cells, and ATF4 mRNA expression was positively regulated by XBP1. This study shows that URB1 contributes to oncogenesis and CRC growth through XBP1-mediated transcriptional activation of ATF4. Therefore, URB1 could be a potential therapeutic target for CRC.

The association between SLC11A1 gene polymorphism and treatment failure of pulmonary tuberculosis / 预防医学

Objective@#To analyze the association between recombinant solute carrier family 11, member 1 ( SLC11A1 ) rs17235409 polymorphism and treatment failure of pulmonary tuberculosis, so as to provide the basis for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.@*Methods@#The patients with pulmonary tuberculosis registered for treatment at the Urumqi Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2019 was recruited and collected demographic, clinical and treatment information from National Infectious Diseases Reporting System. The polymorphism of SLC11A1 rs17235409 was detected by multiple ligase chain reaction and Hardy-Weinberg balance test was performed. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted for the association between rs17235409 and the treatment outcome of tuberculosis.@*Results@#A total of 731 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis patients were enrolled, and 37 cases failed, with a failure rate of 5.06%. The failure rate of the patients with G/A was 8.55%, with G/G was 4.23%. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the patients with G/A were more likely to fail in the treatment than those with G/G ( OR=2.213, 95%CI: 1.041-4.702 ). The males with G/A were more likely to fail in the treatment than those with G/G ( OR=2.547, 95%CI: 1.021-6.356 ). @*Conclusion@#The rs17235409 polymorphism of SLC11A1 is associated with the failure of tuberculosis treatment, and the patients with G/A are more likely to fail.

Comparison of laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision and traditional radical operation for colon cancer in the treatment of stage III colon cancer.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety between laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (CME) and traditional radical operation for colon cancer in the treatment of stage III colon cancer. METHODS: A total of 196 patients with stage III colon cancer treated in out hospital from January 2014 to February 2016 were selected and divided into two groups using a random number table. One group (CME group, n=98) received laparoscopic CME, while another group (Traditional group, n=98) underwent traditional radical operation for colon cancer. The surgery-related indexes and perioperative complications were compared between the two groups, the pathological diagnosis of the patient's surgical specimens was recorded, and the survival of all patients was followed up. RESULTS: The general clinical characteristics of the patients were comparable between the two groups, and no perioperative death occurred. The operation time had no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p=0.190). There was overtly less intraoperative blood loss and shorter postoperative hospital stay in the CME group than those in the Traditional group (129.35±34.54 mL vs. 162.43±38.16 mL, p<0.001, 13.8±3.1 days vs. 15.2±3.4 days, p=0.003). There were no statistically significant differences in the indwelling time of drainage tube after operation, the time of liquid diet after operation and the recovery time of normal diet after operation between the two groups (p>0.05). The time for passage of flatus after operation was significantly shorter in the CME group than that in the Traditional group (p=0.016). The incidence rate of postoperative complications was lower in the CME group (12.2%) than that in the Traditional group (17.3%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.421). The comparisons of surgical specimens revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in tumor size, stage, histopathological classification and differentiation grade between the two groups (p>0.05). The number of lymph nodes dissected and the number of positive lymph nodes detected were clearly greater in the CME group than in the Traditional group (p<0.001). At the end of the follow-up, the overall survival rate and tumor-free survival rate were notably higher in the CME group than in the Traditional group (p=0.046, p=0.038). CONCLUSION: In comparison with traditional radical operation for colon cancer, laparoscopic CME has higher yield of lymph nodes dissected, smaller intraoperative blood loss, no increase in perioperative complications, and higher overall survival and tumor-free survival of patients, demonstrating it as safe and applicable in the treatment of stage III colon cancer.

RAPTOR promotes colorectal cancer proliferation by inducing mTORC1 and upregulating ribosome assembly factor URB1.

Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is evolutionally conserved and frequently activated in various tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). It has been reported that the ribosome assembly factor Urb1 acts downstream of mTORC1/raptor signaling and contributes to digestive organ development in zebrafish. Previously, we highlighted that URB1 was overexpressed in CRC. Here, we assessed the mTORC1/regulatory associated protein with mTOR (RAPTOR)-URB1 axis in CRC tumorigenesis. We found that RAPTOR was overexpressed in CRC tissues and cell lines, was a favorable predictor in patients with CRC, and positively correlated with URB1. Silencing of RAPTOR suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migration and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in vitro and inhibited xenograft growth in vivo. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of RAPTOR exerted an inverse biological phenotype. Knockdown of RAPTOR quenched mTORC1 activity and reduced the expression of URB1 and cyclinA2 (CCNA2). In contrast, overexpression of RAPTOR activated mTORC1 and upregulated URB1 and CCNA2. Furthermore, URB1 and CCNA2 expression were also impeded by rapamycin, which is a specific inhibitor of mTORC1. Thus, RAPTOR promoted CRC proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression by inducing mTORC1 signaling and transcriptional activation of both URB1 and CCNA2. Taken together, we concluded that RAPTOR has the potential to serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC.

Comparison of three-dimensional versus two-dimensional laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Three-dimensional (3D) vision technology has recently been validated for the improvement of surgical skills in a simulated setting. This study assessed the current evidence regarding the efficiency and potential advantages of 3D compared with two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopic rectal surgery for rectal cancer. METHODS: We comprehensively searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library and performed a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (nRCTs) assessing the two approaches. RESULTS: Four trials including a total 331 cases were identified. The positive circumferential resection margins (CRMs) were significantly lower for the 3D group (P = 0.02). The operative time was significantly shorter in the 3D group than in the 2D group (P < 0.00001). There was less estimated blood loss (EBL) in the 3D group than in the 2D group (P = 0.02). Perioperative complication rates, conversion rate, harvested lymph nodes, first flatus, length of stay, pneumonia, wound infection, ileus, anastomotic fistula and urinary retention did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, 3D laparoscopic rectal surgery appears to have advantages over 2D laparoscopic rectal surgery in terms of positive CRM and operation time; however, it is not better than 2D laparoscopic rectal surgery in terms of the conversion rate and postoperative complications.

Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Rectal Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of 7 Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background. Robotic surgery has been recently used as a novel tool for rectal surgery. This study assessed the current evidence regarding the efficiency, safety, and potential advantages of robotic rectal surgery (RRS) compared with laparoscopic rectal surgery (LRS). Methods. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases and performed a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the 2 approaches. Results. Seven RCTs including a total of 1022 cases were identified. The conversion rate is significantly lower for RRS (odds ratio: 0.29; 95% confidence interval: 0.09 to 0.96; P = .04). The length of the distal margin was significantly shorter in the LRS group than in the RRS group (weighted mean difference: 0.60; 95% confidence interval: 0.09 to 1.10; P = .02). Perioperative complication rates, harvested lymph nodes, positive circumferential resection margins, complete total mesorectal excision, first flatus, and length of stay did not differ significantly between approaches (P > .05). Conclusions. This meta-analysis indicates that RRS is a safe and effective approach. It is not inferior to LRS in terms of oncologic outcomes and postoperative complications. Future large-volume, well-designed RCTs with extensive follow-up are awaited to confirm and update the findings of this analysis.