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Emerging evidence has demonstrated that ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 J1 (UBE2J1) exerts pivotal function in many cancers. UBE2J1 was reported to be dysregulated in endometrial cancer (EC). This study was designed to further investigate the regulatory character and mechanism of UBE2J1 in EC. Bioinformatic tools and databases were used to analyze gene expression pattern and gene expression correlation in EC tissues, and the prognosis of EC patients. Gene expression was evaluated by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blot was used for protein level detection. In vitro cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry analyses and TUNEL assays. In vivo cell apoptosis was evaluated by detecting Bax and Bcl-2 expression in tumor tissues via immunohistochemical and western blot analyses. In this study, UBE2J1 knockdown promoted cell apoptosis in EC cells and in mouse models of EC. PI3K and AKT expression is positively correlated with UBE2J1 level and is related to poor prognosis of EC patients. UBE2J1 knockdown repressed the PI3K/AKT pathway both in vitro and in vivo. UBE2J1 downregulation decreased MDM2 expression, but increased p53 expression. MDM2 overexpression reverses the promotion of UBE2J1 knockdown on cell apoptosis in EC. Overall, UBE2J1 knockdown induces cell apoptosis in EC by inactivating the PI3K/AKT signaling and suppressing the MDM2/p53 signaling.

Aiming at the problems of low single-seed rate, high rate of missing seeds, high rate of multiple seeds, and low rate of upright seeds in the mechanized sowing of garlic seeds, this paper proposes a structural design scheme of a type hole wheel garlic seed metering device based on the characteristics of garlic species. Based on the agronomic requirements of garlic planting and the characteristics of garlic species, the mechanism of the hole wheel structure to improve the seed filling performance of the seed metering device was clarified, a structural parameter design of the key components of the device was established through theoretical calculations, and a single-factor simulation test was conducted using the Engineering Discrete Element Modelling (EDEM) software. Using the Design-Expert 11 data analysis software, a mathematical regression model of each test factor and test index was established, and the test factors were analyzed. The parameters were optimized, and the following was found to be the optimum parameter combination: seeding wheel speed of 30 rpm, profile hole depth of 18 mm, and adjustment length of the profile hole of 41 mm. The EDEM simulation test results showed a single-seed rate of 91.67% and a missing seed rate of 4.17%. The bench test results showed a single-seed rate of 89.2%, a missing seed rate of 5.0%, and a multiple seed rate of 5.8%. The field test results showed a single-seed rate of 88.44%, a multiple seed rate of 4.11%, a missing seed rate of 7.44%, a breakage rate of 1.11%, and an upright rate of 62.36%. The errors between the bench test/field test and the discrete element simulation test results were 2.7% and 3.5%, respectively, which were consistent with the simulation results, thus meeting the requirements of single-seed sowing using the garlic seed metering device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Venous tumor thrombus (VTT) consistency of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is an important consideration in nephrectomy plus thrombectomy. However, evaluation of VTT consistency through preoperative MR imaging is lacking. Purpose: To evaluate VTT consistency of RCC through intravoxel incoherent motion‐diffusion weighted imaging (IVIM‐DWI) derived parameters (Dt, Dp, f, and ADC) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value. Study Type: Retrospective. Population: One hundred and nineteen patients (aged 55.8 ± 11.5 years, 85 male) with histologically‐proven RCC and VTT who underwent radical resection. Field Strength/Sequences: 3.0‐T; two‐dimensional single‐shot diffusion‐weighted echo planar imaging sequence at 9 b‐values (0–800 s/mm2). Assessment: IVIM parameters and ADC values of the primary tumor and the VTT were calculated. The VTT consistency (friable vs. solid) was determined through intraoperative findings of two urologists. The accuracy of VTT consistency classification based on the individual IVIM parameters of primary tumors and of VTT, and based on models combining parameters, was assessed. Type of operation, intra‐operative blood loss, and operation length were recorded. Statistical Tests: Shapiro–Wilk test; Mann–Whitney U test; Student's t‐test; Chi‐square test; Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Statistical significance level was P < 0.05. Results: Of the enrolled 119 patients, 33 patients (27.7%) had friable VTT. Patients with friable VTT were significantly more likely to experience open surgery, have significantly more intraoperative blood loss, and significantly longer operative duration. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of Dt of the primary tumor and VTT in classifying VTT consistency were 0.758 (95% CI 0.671–0.832) and 0.712 (95% CI 0.622–0.792), respectively. The AUC value of the model combining Dp and Dt of VTT was 0.800 (95% CI 0.717–0.868). Furthermore, the AUC of the model combining Dp and Dt of VTT and Dt of the primary tumor was 0.886 (95% CI 0.814–0.937). Conclusion: IVIM‐derived parameters had the potential to predict VTT consistency of RCC. Evidence Level: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microelectrodes offer exceptional sensitivity, rapid response, and versatility, making them ideal for real-time detection and monitoring applications. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors have shown great value in many fields due to their high sensitivity, fast response, and ease of operation. Nevertheless, conventional PEC sensing relies on cumbersome external light sources and bulky electrodes, hindering its miniaturization and implantation, thereby limiting its application in real-time disease monitoring. To overcome these limitations, we developed a nanoencapsulated optical fiber (OF)-based PEC microelectrode. The microelectrode features TiO 2 /CdS nanocrystals and bis (2,2'-bipyridine) (10-methylphenanthroline [3,2- a :2'3'- c ] pyridine ruthenium(II) dichloride ([Ru(bpy) 2 dppz] 2+ ) @dsDNA/Au@epigallocatechin gallate nanoparticle (EGCG NP) layers. And its application for the detection of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) as a biomarker of cardiovascular diseases was explored. An extensive linear range of 1-5000 pg mL -1 combined with a low detection limit of 0.36 pg mL -1 was achieved. This range covers not only the recommended threshold for excluding cardiovascular diseases in the clinical diagnosis of individuals across all age groups but also the prognostic target value. The sensor exhibited excellent selectivity and stability and notable labeling recovery capability in serum tests. Critically, the sensor successfully discriminated the alterations in NT-proBNP secretion levels within human smooth muscle cells, comparing pre- and poststimulation by platelet-derived growth factor-BB. Even more significantly, the skin puncture experiment conducted in mice demonstrated the remarkable implantability and biological compatibility of the OF-PEC microelectrode. This addresses critical challenges commonly faced by microelectrodes when used as implanted devices, such as minimizing invasive trauma, mitigating inflammation, and preventing biofouling, thereby firmly establishing their suitability for the development of advanced implantable sensing devices. Therefore, the present OF microelectrode PEC biosensor is not only cost-effective, easy to operate, and miniaturized but also holds significant potential for enabling more precise, more minimally invasive, and continuous monitoring of biological markers without causing inflammation. This capability is crucial for early disease detection, tracking disease progression, and facilitating personalized treatment strategies, which expands the practical application of PEC sensors.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the capabilities of MRI-based Node Reporting and Data System (Node-RADS) in diagnosing regional lymph node metastasis (RLNM) and to estimate its prognostic significance in patients with renal cell carcinomas (RCCs)., Materials and Methods: Patients with RCC who underwent nephrectomy and regional lymph node dissection between January 2010 and August 2023 were retrospectively included. Two senior radiologists scored lymph nodes in consensus using MRI-based Node-RADS. The performance of MRI-based Node-RADS for the diagnosis of RLNM was estimated using area under receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curves and compared against size criteria. Three additional readers scored all lesions to assess interobserver agreement. Progression-free survival and overall survival were estimated and compared between patients with low (1-3) and high (4-5) scores., Results: Overall, 216 patients with RCC were enrolled, including 58 with RLNM. There were 157 men and 59 women with a median age of 54 years (range: 8-83 years). Node-RADS showed larger AUC (0.93 [95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.87-0.97]) and higher specificity (96.8 % [95 % CI: 92.8-99.0]) compared to size criteria (0.88 [95 % CI: 0.83-0.94] and 87.3 % [95 % CI: 81.1-92.1], respectively) for the diagnosis of RLNM (P = 0.039 and P < 0.001, respectively). Substantial interobserver agreement in Node-RADS scoring was obtained between the three readers (weighted κ, 0.75 [95 % CI: 0.69-0.80]). During a median follow-up of 56 months, patients with high Node-RADS score experienced poorer progression-free survival (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P < 0.001) than those with low Node-RADS score. At multivariable Cox regression analysis, Node-RADS was an independent variable associated with RCC prognosis after adjustment for confounders., Conclusions: The MRI-based Node-RADS demonstrates notable performance in detecting RLNM and showed potential prognostic significance for RCCs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose in relation with this article., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Background: The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) mutation is an important alteration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); however, its imaging phenotype remains unclear., Purpose: To investigate whether MRI features can reflect the VHL mutation status., Study Type: Retrospective., Field Strength/sequence: 3 T/fast spin echo T2-weighted, spin-echo echo planar diffusion-weighted, gradient recalled echo T1-weighted, gradient recalled echo chemical-shift T1-weighted, and contrast-enhanced gradient recalled echo T1-weighted sequences., Population: One hundred five patients with ccRCC who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI and subsequent genomic sequencing: 59 consecutive patients from our institution (38 [64.41%] with VHL mutations) formed a training cohort, and 46 from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (24 [52.17%] with VHL mutations) formed an independent test cohort., Assessment: Two radiologists, with 23 and 33 years of experience respectively, jointly evaluated the semantic MRI features of the primary lesion in ccRCCs to propose potential features related to VHL mutations in both cohorts. Three additional readers, with 5, 7, and 10 years of experience respectively, independently reviewed all lesions to assess the interobserver agreement of MRI features. A VHL mutational likelihood score (VHL-MULIS) system was constructed using the training cohort and validated using the independent test cohort., Statistical Tests: Fisher's test or chi-square test, t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, logistic regression, Cohen's kappa (κ), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A two-sided P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: In both the local and public cohorts, T2-weighted signal intensity and presence of microscopic fat from primary lesions were significantly associated with VHL mutation status. The VHL-MULIS incorporated maximum diameter, T2-weighted signal intensity, and presence of microscopic fat in the training cohort and demonstrated promising diagnostic ability (AUC, 0.82; sensitivity, 0.79; specificity, 0.82) and substantial interobserver agreement (κ, 0.787) in the test cohort., Data Conclusion: The VHL mutation exhibited a distinct MRI phenotype. Integrating multiple semantic MRI features has potential to reflect the mutation status in patients with ccRCC., Evidence Level: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2., (© 2024 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.)