Exploring causality between bone mineral density and frailty: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

OBJECTIVE: The bidirectional correlation between low bone mineral density (BMD) and frailty, despite its extensive documentation, still lacks a conclusive understanding. The objective of this Mendelian randomization (MR) study is to investigate the bidirectional causal relationship between BMD and frailty. METHODS: We utilized summary statistics data for BMD at different skeletal sites-including heel BMD (e-BMD, N = 40,613), forearm BMD (FA-BMD, N = 8,143), femoral neck BMD (FN-BMD, N = 32,735), and lumbar spine BMD (LS-BMD, N = 28,489), alongside frailty index (FI, N = 175,226) data in participants of European ancestry. MR analysis in our study was conducted using well-established analytical methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger approaches. RESULTS: We observed negative causal estimates between genetically predicted e-BMD (IVW ß = - 0.020, 95% confidence interval (CI) = - 0.038, - 0.002, P = 0.029) and FA-BMD (IVW ß = -0.035, 95% CI = -0.066, -0.004, P = 0.028) with FI. However, the results did not reach statistical significance after applying the Bonferroni correction, with a significance threshold set at P < 0.0125 (0.05/4). There was no causal effect of FN-BMD (IVW ß = - 0.024, 95% CI = -0.052, 0.004, P = 0.088) and LS-BMD (IVW ß = - 0.005, 95% CI = -0.034, 0.024, P = 0.749) on FI. In the reverse Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, we observed no causal effect of FI on BMD at various skeletal sites. CONCLUSION: Our study provides support for the hypothesis that low BMD may be a potential causal risk factor for frailty, but further research is needed to confirm this relationship. However, our findings did not confirm reverse causality.

Highly selective monoclonal antibody-based fluorescence immunochromatographic assay for the detection of fenpropathrin in vegetable and fruit samples.

Fenpropathrin (FPT) is a typical pyrethroid pesticide that can cause chronic toxicity to humans. Herein, an anti-FPT monoclonal antibody (mAb) was elicited via a novel hapten synthesized by introducing a carboxyl-containing spacer arm in the cyclopropane moiety of FPT. Characterized by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the mAb exhibited high affinity and selectivity to FPT with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 31.05 µg/L and negligible cross-reactivities with analogs of pyrethroids. Based on the mAb, a fluorescence immunochromatographic assay (FICA) for FPT detection was firstly developed. The detection limit of the FICA is 0.012 mg/kg which is much lower than the maximum residue limit of FPT for food samples. The average recoveries of FPT from spiked food samples by the FICA were 85.0-105.0%, and the obtained results were in good agreement with those of gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Overall, this work provided a reliable tool suitable for the detection of FPT residue for large-scale samples in a rapid and cost-effective manner.

The Simultaneous Determination of Chlorpyrifos-Ethyl and -Methyl with a New Format of Fluorescence-Based Immunochromatographic Assay.

The improper and excessive use in agriculture of chlorpyrifos-methyl (CPSM) and chlorpyrifos-ethyl (CPSE) may affect the health of human beings. Herein, a fluorescence-based immunochromatographic assay (FICA) was developed for the simultaneous determination of CPSM and CPSE. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) with equal recognition of CPSM and CPSE was generated by the careful designing of haptens and screening of hybridoma cells. Instead of labeling fluorescence with mAb, the probe was labeled with goat-anti-mouse IgG (GAM-IgG) and pre-incubated with mAb in the sample. The complex could compete with CPS by coating antigen in the test line. The new format of FICA used goat-anti-rabbit IgG (GAR-IgG) conjugated with rabbit IgG labeled with fluorescence microspheres as an independent quality control line (C line). The novel strategy significantly reduced nonspecific reactions and increased assay sensitivity. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed FICA showed a linear range of 0.015-64 mg/L and limit of detection (LOD) of 0.015 mg/L for both CPSE and CPSM. The average recoveries of CPS from spiked food samples by FICA were 82.0-110.0%. The accuracy was similar to the gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) results. The developed FICA was an ideal on-site tool for rapid screening of CPS residues in foods.

[Varicocelectomy combined with Qilin Pills for the treatment of varicocele-associated male infertility: A multi-center retrospective study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of varicocelectomy (VCE) combined with medication of Qilin Pills (QLP) in the treatment of varicocele (VC)-associated male infertility. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 180 cases of VC-associated male infertility treated in our hospitals between October 2017 and March 2019, 67 by VCE ( the control group) and 113 by VCE in combination with 6-month medication of QLP after operation (the VCE+QLP group). We obtained the semen parameters from the patients before and at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after surgery, measured their sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) before and at 6 months after operation, and recorded the rate of pregnancy at months postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no severe complications in any of the cases after surgery or during the whole course of medication. Compared with the baseline, the patients in control group showed significant increases at 6 months postoperatively in sperm concentration (ï¼»17.1 ± 12.4ï¼½ vs ï¼»29.5 ± 14.4ï¼½ ×106/ml, P < 0.01), sperm motility (ï¼»33.6±13.5ï¼½% vs ï¼»54.5±12.0ï¼½% , P <) and the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PMS) (ï¼»22.8 ± 10.9ï¼½% vs ï¼»43.7 ± 11.7ï¼½%, P <) but a remarkable decrease in sperm DFI (16.5 ± 7.6ï¼½% vs ï¼»13.3 ± 4.4ï¼½% , P <), and so did those in the VCE+QLP group in sperm concentration (ï¼»16.8 ± 10.7ï¼½ vs ï¼»38.9 ± 24.1)×106/ml, P < 0.01), sperm motility (ï¼»32.8 ± 14.0ï¼½% vs ï¼»50.1 ± 15.0)%, P <), PMS (ï¼»21.8 ± 11.3ï¼½% vs ï¼»39.6 ± 13.3ï¼½% , P <) and sperm DFI (ï¼»17.8 ± 9.0ï¼½% vs ï¼»11.8 ± 4.8ï¼½%, P <). There were even more statistically significant differences between the control and VCE+QLP groups at 6 months in the above semen parameters (P < 0.01) and in the rate of natural pregnancy (32.8% ï¼»22/67ï¼½ vs 48.7% ï¼»55/113ï¼½, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Varicocelectomy combined with medication of Qilin Pills can effectively improve semen quality and increase the rate of natural pregnancy in the treatment of VC-associated male infertility.

Radical and testis-sparing surgery for primary testicular tumors: A single-center experience.

The aim of the present study was to assess the oncological and functional outcomes of testis-sparing surgery (TSS) for testicular tumors compared with radical orchiectomy (RO) in a single center. A retrospective comparative cohort study was conducted in Changzheng Hospital. Patients were identified using the hospital information system from January 1999 to December 2016, collecting all of the data regarding clinical, treatment and prognostic profiles. Patient follow-up was also executed to obtain information on patients' survival status, serum markers profiles, disease progression, androgen substitution requirement and paternity status. In total 158 patients were enrolled into the cohort study, including 23 TSS cases. The TSS procedure was primarily conducted in younger patients (average age, 31.9 vs. 47.7 years) or those with smaller tumors (average tumor diameter, 26.0 vs. 51.5 mm). The overall survival and recurrence free survival revealed no differences in the two groups, suggesting similar oncological outcomes. Kaplan-Maier analysis demonstrated a higher cumulative paternity rate in the TSS group than in RO group, indicating a possible advantage of preserving patients' fertility in TSS over RO. TSS with proper adjuvant therapies proved to be a promising alternative in the avoidance of emasculation, infertility, life-long androgen substitution and other psychosexual difficulties, as the oncological outcomes were not inferior to RO in the selected cases. However, further investigation is required in order to assess its oncological and functional values.

PPP5C promotes cell proliferation and survival in human prostate cancer by regulating of the JNK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies and a major leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males. And it is necessary to explore new molecular targets to enhance diagnosis and treatment level of the PCa. Serine/threonine protein phosphatase 5 (PPP5C) is a vital molecule that Involve in complex cell physiological activity. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to detecte the expression level of PPP5C in the tissue of prostate cancer patients and further discussed the PPP5C biological function and mechanisms on the PCa. METHODS: The expression level of PPP5C was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and ONCOM-INE datasets. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was constructed to silence the expression of PPP5C in prostate cancer cell. Cell viability and proliferation were measured using MTT and colony formation, and the cell cycle and apoptosis was analyszed by flow cytometry. The changes of downstream protein level and protein phosphorylation level were detected by western blot. RESULTS: PPP5C was highly expressed in PCa tissue as analyzed by immunohistochemistry and ONCOMINE datasets. PPP5C Knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation in PCa cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed that DU145, PC3 and 22RV1 PCa cells deprived of PPP5C were arrested in G0/G1 phase and became apoptotic. Western blot analysis indicated that PPP5C knockdown could promote JNK and ERK phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that the PPP5C may become a new potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the PCa.

A matched-pair comparison of single plus one port versus standard extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by a single urologist.

We conducted this study to report on our initial experience and assess the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of extraperitoneal single plus one port laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (SPOPL-RP), and determine whether it shows any objective advantage over standard laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. From June 2009 to September 2011, 15 extraperitoneal SPOPL-RPs were performed through a 2-3-cm subumbilical longitudinal incision and another 5-mm trocar placed at the McBurney point. This cohort was compared with 37 contemporary patients who underwent standard extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy performed by the same urologist. Peri- and postoperative outcomes, including continence, potency, and scar length, were statistically analyzed. The two groups were comparable with respect to patient demographics, estimated blood loss, drainage time, duration of catheterization, catheterization rate >14 days, complication rate, postoperative hospitalization, and postoperative functional and oncologic outcomes (p > 0.05). The SPOPL-RP procedures had a longer mean operative time (170.1 minutes vs. 139.5 minutes, p = 0.005), but with fewer patients requiring analgesics (20% vs. 54.1%, p = 0.038) and earlier resumption of oral intake (20.7 hours vs. 26.8 hours, p = 0.037). The mean scar length in the SPOPL-RP group was much smaller (3.4 cm vs. 5.8 cm, p = 0.000) owing to the significant reduction of the skin incision. The peri- and postoperative outcomes of SPOPL-RP for low-risk prostate cancer are comparable to those with the standard laparoscopic approach. In addition, SPOPL-RP provides better postoperative pain control, faster recovery of bowel function, and smaller scar length than standard laparoscopy, albeit with a longer operative time.

N-[(E)-4-Bromo-benzyl-idene]-2,3-di-methyl-aniline.

The title compound, C15H14BrN, has an E conformation about the C=N bond and the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 50.7 (2)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via C-H⋯π inter-actions, forming columns propagating along [010].

N-[(E)-4-Bromo-benzyl-idene]-3,4-di-methyl-aniline.

In the title compound, C15H14BrN, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 6.4 (2)° and the mol-ecule has an E conformation about the C=N bond. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯π inter-actions, forming two-dimensional networks lying parallel to (001).

Transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of primary seminal vesicle benign tumors: surgical techniques and follow-up outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of primary seminal vesicle benign tumors (SVBTs) and summarize our experience with surgical techniques and follow-up outcomes of this rare condition. METHODS: This study included 6 patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of primary SVBTs between June 2005 and April 2011. A 5-port transperitoneal approach was used. The ipsilateral vas deferens was identified in the upper bulge of the retrovesical peritoneal reflection through a transverse approach and was dissected inwardly and used as a guide to the seminal vesicle tumor. Endoscopic Hem-o-lok clips (Teleflex Medical) were applied to control the vascular supply to the tumor base. With the contralateral vas deferens and seminal vesicle preserved, the tumor was removed together with the vas deferens and the adjoining ipsilateral seminal vesicle. The surgical procedures were successful in all 6 patients, without conversion to open surgery. The mean duration of surgery was 70 ± 16 minutes (range, 50-100 minutes), with unremarkable blood loss of less than 50 mL. The mean postoperative hospital length of stay was 5.2 ± 1.6 days (range, 4-8 days). No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. During a mean follow-up period of 42 ± 24 months (range, 12-82 months), all patients remained asymptomatic, with preserved function as reported by the patient, and there was no evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of primary SVBTs is a viable option for minimally invasive treatment of SVBT.

Evaluating the oncologic outcomes in 152 patients undergoing extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although many midterm oncologic data have been reported for extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (ELRP) in western countries, few oncologic data of the extraperitoneal procedure was published in China. The aim of the study was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of patients treated with ELRP in China. METHODS: From January 2005 to March 2010, a total of 152 consecutive patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer were included in this study and treated with ELRP. The patients were staged according to the TNM (tumor, nodes, metastases) system. Median and mean postoperative follow-up were 28.1 months and 27.0 months, respectively. The patients were retrospectively analyzed for progression-free survival. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve cases (73.7%) were postoperatively diagnosed as pT2 in, and 40 cases (26.3%) as pT3. Positive lymph nodes were shown in 5 patients (3.3%). Gleason score was < 7 in 49 men (32.2%), 7 in 69 men (45.4%), and > 7 in 34 men (22.4%). Positive surgical margins (PSM) were observed in 15 patients (9.9%), which included 32.0% of all pT3a cases and 46.7% of all pT3b cases, respectively. The overall prostate-specific antigen recurrence-free survival rate was 86% in all patients. The recurrence-free survival rates were 91.8% and 62.2% in pT2N0 patients and pT3N0 patients, respectively. Preoperative prostate-specific antigen, surgical margins, tumor stage, and lymph nodal status were identified as independent predictors of biochemical recurrence-free survival using multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. CONCLUSIONS: ELRP is a precise, safe and effective procedure at this particular Chinese institution. The prognostic power of prostate-specific antigen relapse after ELRP is not identical to that described previously with transperitoneal or open retropubic approaches.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of seminal vesicle cyst: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Seminal vesicle cyst (SVC) is a rare disease and its treatment is still controversial. This article contains the largest series of transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of SVC to date, summarizing our surgical techniques and clinical experience with this disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From December 2003 to May 2010, seven patients received transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of SVC using a five-port transperitoneal approach. Nearly the total cyst was removed by only leaving a narrow strip of the cyst wall with the bilateral vas deferens and SV preserved completely. Pelvic CT or MRI was performed 3 and 6 months after surgery, and thereafter annually for at least 3 years. RESULTS: Transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of SVC was completed successfully in all seven patients without conversion to open surgery. The mean operative time was 73 minutes (range 60-100 min) with negligible blood loss (less than 20 mL). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.3 days (range 3-5 days). No intraoperative or postoperative complication occurred. The patients were followed up for a mean of 45 months (range 18-84 mos), during which they all remained symptom free with normal erectile and ejaculatory function without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated that transperitoneal laparoscopic excision of SVC is a safe, feasible, and efficacious procedure, and offers an excellent option for minimally invasive treatment of patients with SVC.

[Application of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in renal carcinoma patients with intermediate risk PADUA score].

OBJECTIVE: To study the application of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in renal carcinoma patients with intermediate risk PADUA score. METHODS: From April 2005 to June 2011, 79 cases (48 males and 31 females) of intermediate risk PADUA score (range from 8 to 9 score) renal cell carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. Mean age was (54 ± 9) years, mean tumor size was (2.8 ± 0.8) cm in diameter, with 37 cases on the left side and 42 cases on the right side. Tumor located anteriorly in 35 cases, and 44 cases were located posteriorly. Preoperative imaging examinations showed tumor invasion of the collecting system was dislocated or infiltrated by tumor invasion were in 13 cases, renal sinus were involved in 5 cases, tumor located near the renal hilum were in 10 cases. All of the 79 patients received retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. RESULTS: The 79 cases were operated successfully without conversion to open surgery, no severe perioperative complications. The mean operation time was (105 ± 24) minutes, and the median of operation time was 115 minutes (range from 80 - 180 minutes), and mean warm ischemia time (WIT) was (20 ± 5) minutes, and mean blood loss was (24 ± 8) ml; mean postoperative hospital stay was (5.2 ± 1.5) days. Postoperative urinary leakage in 3 cases, symptoms disappeared one week after indwelling catheterization and ureteral catheter. Serum creatinine transient increased in 7 cases after surgery, and fell to normal range within 6 weeks. In a mean follow up for (34 ± 12) months (range from 10 to 84 months), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 6 months after operation was no statistical significance compared with preoperation in 77 cases, another 2 patients' eGFR decreased by 30% and 35%. Postoperative renal function remained in CKD3 period and CKD2 period were in 2 cases respectively, none of these cases were treated with hemodialysis, and the remaining patients with normal renal function after surgery, no tumor recurrence and metastasis during follow-up in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in renal carcinoma patients with intermediate risk PADUA score is safe and effective, but its long-term effects still need to study with large samples compare and long-term follow-up.

[Laparoendoscopic single-site retroperitoneal adrenalectomy:a report of 7 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize our preliminary clinical experiences of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) retroperitoneal adrenalectomy. METHODS: Since October 2009 to January 2011, the investigators have performed LESS retroperitoneal adrenalectomy for 7 patients with adrenal tumors. A waist axillary midline incision of around 2 - 3 cm was made and a single incision for inserting a homemade port. Cambridge endo flexible laparoscopic instrument and other common laparoscopic accessories were used during the surgical procedures. RESULTS: LESS retroperitoneal adrenalectomies were technically successful in 6 cases with no extra skin incisions, no conversion into an open procedure or standard laparoscopy. Conversion to standard laparoscopy (3 ports) was inevitable in one case. The reason for conversion was due to tumor size (6 cm). No perioperative complication occurred. The mean operative duration was 139 min (95 - 200 min), the mean volume of blood loss 96 ml (30 - 350 ml) and the mean hospital stay 5 d (3 - 8 d). CONCLUSION: LESS retroperitoneal adrenalectomy is technically feasible and safe for the treatment of small adrenal tumors.

[Hypothalamus may be involved in psychogenic erectile dysfunction].

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of hypothalamus metabolism in patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) so as to get some clues to the possible pathogenic factors and pathophysiological mechanism of the problem. METHODS: Six cases of psychogenic ED and 4 normal volunteers were studied by positron emission tomography (PET) for the characteristics of hypothalamus glucose metabolism. Following audiovisual sexual stimulation, the concentration of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) was determined and the ratio of the left (right) hypothalamus count to the cerebrum count was calculated. RESULTS: Audiovisual sexual stimulation significantly increased 18F-FDG in the volunteers (left: 1.026 +/- 0.115 vs 2.400 +/- 0.210; right: 1.003 +/- 0.187 vs 2.389 +0.196, P < 0.05) as compared with the psychogenic ED patients (left: 2.781 +/- 0.156 vs 2.769 +/- 0.223; right: 2.809 +/- 0.129 vs 2.793 +/- 0.217, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Psychogenic ED may not be simply a functional disease; the hypothalamus may be involved in the pathophysiology of the problem.