The Finnish Adoptive Family Study of Schizophrenia: differences in somatic diseases and conditions between adoptees with high or low genetic risk for schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is some evidence that offspring of patients with schizophrenia have higher somatic morbidity, which is thought to be partially due to genetic links between somatic disorders and schizophrenia. This study explored differences in somatic diseases and conditions of adoptees with high genetic risk (HR) or low genetic risk (LR) for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is part of the Finnish Adoptive Family Study of Schizophrenia. The adoptive research design used made it possible to examine how the somatic health of adoptees raised in similar adoptive families, is affected by their genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia. The study sample consisted of 373 adoptees, of whom 190 had HR and 183 had LR for schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Data on somatic morbidity were gathered from the hospital records and from the national registers of the Care Register of Health Care and the Social Insurance Institution. RESULTS: The only statistically significant difference found was in genitourinary diseases, the likelihood being twofold higher in HR adoptees compared to LR adoptees (16.8% vs. 8.2%; adj. OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.06-4.25, p = .033). Adoptees who were female and aged over 40 had a higher prevalence of genitourinary illnesses than non-adoptees. CONCLUSION: The significant prevalence of genitourinary diseases in adoptees at risk for schizophrenia spectrum disorders suggests that some specific somatic diseases and schizophrenia may have a shared hereditary etiology. More research is required for specific somatic diseases in study populations that can differentiate between the effects of genetic and environmental factors.

Genitourinary disease risks among ovarian cancer survivors in a population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: While genitourinary complications during treatment for ovarian cancer are well-known, long-term adverse outcomes have not been well characterized. The number of ovarian cancer survivors has been increasing. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term adverse genitourinary outcomes in a population-based cohort. METHODS: We identified a cohort of 1270 ovarian cancer survivors diagnosed between 1996 and 2012 from the Utah Cancer Registry, and 5286 cancer-free women were matched on birth year and state from the Utah Population Database. Genitourinary disease diagnoses were identified through ICD-9 codes from electronic medical records and statewide healthcare facilities data. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for genitourinary outcomes at 1 to <5 years and 5+ years after ovarian cancer diagnosis. RESULTS: Ovarian cancer survivors had increased risks for urinary system disorders (HR: 2.53, 95% CI: 2.12-3.01) and genital organ disorders (HR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.57-2.27) between 1 and <5 years after cancer diagnosis compared to the general population cohort. Increased risks were observed for acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease, calculus of kidney, hydronephrosis, pelvic peritoneal adhesions, and pelvic organ inflammatory conditions. Increased risks of several of these diseases were observed 5+ years after cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian cancer survivors experience increased risks of various genitourinary diseases compared to women in the general population in the long-term. Understanding the multimorbidity trajectory among ovarian cancer survivors is important to improve clinical care after cancer treatment is completed.

The role of the poultry industry on kidney and genitourinary health in Pakistan.

Pakistan is experiencing a "double burden'' of disease. Under-development is associated with illnesses like infections and nutritional deficiency, and is accompanied with diseases linked with development, such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and chronic kidney disease. In Pakistan, renal and genitourinary diseases are an important, unaddressed health issues. Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is a recognized form of renal failure in Pakistan. A possible cause of CKDu is toxins such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and other heavy metals associated with renal and genitourinary diseases. The poultry industry is an important source of both heavy metal toxins and also mycotoxins spread in the process of farming. Of the numerous mycotoxins, zearalenone and ochratoxin are well-known for their hazardous effects on genitourinary and renal parenchyma respectively. We reviewed the literature using PubMed and Google Scholar databases for levels of these toxins in various constituents of chicken farming like chicken feed, meat, litter and human drinking water contamination in various parts of the country. We found that these toxins are in higher levels than recommended.

Has increasing public health awareness influenced the size of testicular tumours among adult populations over the last 40 years?

Background: Testicular cancer is the commonest malignancy in young men. Improvements in survival rates have led to campaigns to raise awareness in at-risk men. We assessed the changing size of testicular tumours given the public health initiatives promoting testicular self-examination (TSE). Methods: Retrospective analysis of men (≥16 years) undergoing orchidectomy for testicular cancer at our institution over two time periods (1975-85 and 2007-12) were identified using our cancer registry. Histopathology reports were used to record testicular tumour size as the maximum measured dimension. Significance was indicated by P < 0.05. Results: Of 305 orchidectomies performed, 215 had histopathology reports available. Median age was 34 years (16-75 years). Mean tumour size was 7.2 cm in 1975-85 and 4.1 cm in 2007-12 showing a significant reduction (P = 0.02). Significant reduction was seen in all age groups except >60 years. Furthermore there was a significant increase in proportion of men presenting in the youngest age group (16-29 years) in the 2007-12 cohort (43 versus 29%, P = 0.02). Conclusion: The trend in reduction of tumour size at presentation and increased proportion of younger men presenting with testicular cancer supports an increased awareness. Promotion of TSE and public education should remain important initiatives given the increasing incidence of testicular cancer. Awareness still needs addressing in older men.

The roles of pyroptosis in genitourinary diseases.

Pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis and necrosis, is thought to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of diseases. Recently, the association between pyroptosis and urinary diseases has attracted considerable attention, and a comprehensive review focusing on this issue is not available. In this study, we reviewed the role of pyroptosis in the development and progression of benign urinary diseases and urinary malignancies. Based on this, pyroptosis has been implicated in the development of urinary diseases. In summary, this review sheds light on future research directions and provides novel ideas for using pyroptosis as a powerful tool to fight urinary diseases.

Awareness of Genitourinary Cancers Risk Factors-A 2024 Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Poland.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the awareness of genitourinary cancers risk factors among adults in Poland and to identify factors associated with public awareness of risk factors for genitourinary cancers. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out between 1 and 4 March 2024 in a nationwide sample of 2,165 adults in Poland. Quota sampling was used. Data were collected using computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) method. Results: Regardless of the type of cancer (kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer), a family history of cancer was the most recognized risk factor indicated by over half of respondents. Over one-third were aware that chemical exposure increases the risk for bladder cancer (39.4%) or prostate cancer (34.2%). Smoking was recognized as a risk factor for kidney cancer by 40.6% of respondents. Female gender, having higher education, being occupationally active and the presence of chronic diseases were the most important factors (p < 0.05) associated with a higher level of awareness of genitourinary cancers risk factors. Conclusion: This study revealed gaps in public awareness of genitourinary cancers risk factors among adults in Poland, especially lifestyle-related and workplace-related risk factors.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Death from Melanoma and Genitourinary Diseases in Male Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma: A Cohort Propensity Score Matching Study.

Objective: To analyze the influencing factors of male cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients dying from genitourinary diseases (GUD). Methods: We searched the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database and extracted data on male CM patients according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, including male patients whose cause of death was CM (cohort A) or GUD (cohort B). Comparisons between the two cohorts were performed before and after propensity score matching (PSM). An interaction analysis between age and year of diagnosis was also conducted. Cox regression analysis were performed to find the risk factors for death from GUD. Results: Seven thousand seventy-eight CM patients were included, including 6415 (90.6%) in cohort A and 663 (9.4%) in cohort B. Compared with cohort A, cohort B patients were older (median age 74 ys. vs 65 ys.) and were more under the localized stage and had longer survival time no matter before or after PSM (all p<0.001). The stage was an inhibitory factor for cohort B (p <0.001). After PSM, only age and year of diagnosis were found to be cohort B's promoting factors (p<0.001). The interaction analysis showed that older patients diagnosed in later years (2009-2020) had a higher risk of dying from GUD compared to those diagnosed earlier (p<0.05). Patients with a later year of diagnosis (2009-2020) had a lower median survival time than patients with an earlier year of diagnosis (2000-2008) (p<0.001). When the patient's year of diagnosis was earlier (2000-2008), older patients (>75 ys.) had a higher risk of dying from GUD than younger patients (≤75 ys.) (p<0.001). Conclusion: We first reported a significant interaction between age and year of diagnosis in male CM patients dying from GUD, highlighting the increased risk in older patients diagnosed more recently. We may pay attention to the possibility of dying from genitourinary diseases for CM patients.

The application of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on stem cells therapy to treat various diseases.

In the last ten years, stem cell (SC) therapy has been extensively used to treat a range of conditions such as degenerative illnesses, ischemia-related organ dysfunction, diabetes, and neurological disorders. However, the clinical application of these therapies is limited due to the poor survival and differentiation potential of stem cells (SCs). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), as a non-invasive therapy, has shown great application potential in enhancing the proliferation, differentiation, migration, and recruitment of stem cells, offering new possibilities for utilizing ESWT in conjunction with stem cells for the treatment of different systemic conditions. The review provides a detailed overview of the advances in using ESWT with SCs to treat musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, genitourinary, and nervous system conditions, suggesting that ESWT is a promising strategy for enhancing the efficacy of SC therapy for various diseases.

Beliefs about chlamydia testing amongst young people living in relatively deprived areas.

BACKGROUND: This study uses the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as a framework to investigate salient beliefs about chlamydia testing, amongst young people living in relatively deprived areas. These beliefs may form targets for intervention to increase testing in this high-risk population. METHODS: Participants recruited from colleges in deprived areas of a UK city, completed open-ended questions designed to elicit salient beliefs. Responses were content analysed and categorized as describing behavioural, normative or control beliefs. RESULTS: Beliefs were elicited from 128 respondents (51% male; median age = 17). The commonest behavioural belief, which could have a positive or negative impact on screening intentions, was that testing provides information about health status. Partners were referred to most commonly amongst the normative beliefs. Practical aspects and concerns about social implications of testing were common control beliefs. References to several negative emotions emerged throughout. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that raising awareness of chlamydia as a serious sexual health problem may not be the best way to increase the uptake of testing in a high-risk population. Promoting chlamydia testing as potentially providing reassurance may be an alternative. It may also be important to reduce perceptions of social disapproval as well as negative emotion regarding chlamydia testing.

Age-Period-Cohort Analysis on Long-Term Mortality Trend of Genitourinary Diseases - China, 1987-2021.

What is already known about this topic?: There has been a lack of attention to genitourinary diseases for an extended period, resulting in limited research on the mortality trends of genitourinary diseases in China. What is added by this report?: This study examines the long-term trend of genitourinary diseases' mortality across Chinese individuals of all genders and in various urban and rural regions. Additionally, it investigates the impact of age-period-cohort effects on this trend. What are the implications for public health practice?: It is imperative to address genitourinary diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations such as rural older men. Policymakers should prioritize these individuals by providing necessary policy interventions and healthcare support.

Female intravesical foreign body penetrating the bladder wall: A rare case of traditional Asian hair stick kanzashi.

A female in her thirties inserted an Asian traditional hair stick, kanzashi, into her urinary bladder for sexual gratification. We need to know that everyday objects can become bladder foreign bodies and how to manage them properly.

Prevalence and impacts of male urinary incontinence on quality of life, mental health, work limitation, and health care seeking in China, Taiwan, and South Korea (LUTS Asia): Results from a cross-sectional, population-based study.

PURPOSE: Male urinary incontinence (UI) is a global health issue associated with bothersome symptoms which affect daily life. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of male UI in China, Taiwan, and South Korea and to determine if UI is an independent risk factor affecting the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mental health, work limitations, and healthcare seeking behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A post-hoc analysis was conducted on the LUTS Asia database which was collated from a cross-sectional, population-based internet survey in China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Prevalence of male UI was assessed, and the effect on HRQoL, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) depression and anxiety scores, work performance, and healthcare seeking behaviors was determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 4,076 male participants were surveyed. Prevalence of male UI was 17.3%. UI adversely affected the HRQoL in both physical and mental domains. Both multivariate and univariate analyses showed that male UI could be correlated with a negative effect on the HADS anxiety and depression scores. Multivariate analysis suggested that work difficulties were correlated to the presence of UI. Up to 28% of participants who reported urge UI only did not adopt any management measures. CONCLUSIONS: UI is common in men over 40 years and adversely impacts HRQoL. It is an independent risk factor for anxiety and depression and may cause significant work limitations. Despite these negative effects, many men still do not seek any intervention.

A narrative review of urinary phospholipids: from biochemical aspect towards clinical application.

As a newly emerged discipline, lipidomic studies have focused on the comprehensive characterization and quantification of lipids in a given biological system, which has remarkably advanced in recent years owing to the rapid development of analytical techniques, especially mass spectrometry. Among diverse lipid classes, phospholipids, which have fundamental roles in the formation of cellular membranes, signaling processes, and bioenergetics have gained momentum in several fields of research. The altered composition, concentration, spatial distribution, and metabolism of phospholipids in cells, tissues, and body fluids have been elucidated in various human diseases such as cancer, inflammation, as well as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Among the different kinds of phospholipid sources in the human body, urine has not been extensively investigated in recent years owing to the extremely low concentrations of phospholipids and high levels of salts and other contaminants, which can interfere with precise detection. However, with profound advances and rapid expansion in analytical methods, urinary phospholipids have attracted increasing attention in current biomedical research as urine is an easily available source for the discovery of noninvasive biomarkers. In this review, we provide an overview of urinary phospholipids, including their biochemical aspects and clinical applications, aimed at promoting this field of research.