Exposure of individuals aged 18-44 years to personal care products in Beijing, China: Exposure profiles, possible influencing factors, and risk assessment.

Personal care products (PCPs) are a class of emerging pollutants that have attracted public concern owing to their harmful effects on humans and the environment. Biomonitoring data is valuable for insight the levels of PCPs in the human body and can be crucial for identifying potential health hazards. To gain a better understanding of timely exposure profiles and health risk of reproductive-age population to PCPs, we determined six parabens, six benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters, and three disinfectants in 256 urine samples collected from young adults aged 18-44 years in Beijing, China. The urinary levels of benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OHBP) were significantly higher in summer compared to winter, suggesting these compounds have different seasonal usage patterns. Moreover, the total concentration of 15 PCPs in female was 430 ng/mL, approximately two times higher than that in male. P­chloro-m-xylenol (PCMX), as a new type of antibacterial agent, has the greatest level among all target analytes, indicating the increasingly use of this antibacterial alternative recently. Five potential influencing factors that lead to the elevated exposure level of PCPs were identified. Over 19% of the target population had a high hazard index value (greater than 1) which was attributed to exposure to propyl paraben (PrP), benzophenone-1 (BP-1), BP-3 and PCMX, indicating that PCPs may pose a relatively high exposure risk at environmental levels that should be a cause for concern.

Assessment of internal exposure risk from metals pollution of occupational and non-occupational populations around a non-ferrous metal smelting plant.

Non-ferrous metal smelting poses significant risks to public health. Specifically, the copper smelting process releases arsenic, a semi-volatile metalloid, which poses an emerging exposure risk to both workers and nearby residents. To comprehensively understand the internal exposure risks of metal(loid)s from copper smelting, we explored eighteen metal(loid)s and arsenic metabolites in the urine of both occupational and non-occupational populations using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with high-performance liquid chromatography and compared their health risks. Results showed that zinc and copper (485.38 and 14.00 µg/L), and arsenic, lead, cadmium, vanadium, tin and antimony (46.80, 6.82, 2.17, 0.40, 0.44 and 0.23 µg/L, respectively) in workers (n=179) were significantly higher compared to controls (n=168), while Zinc, tin and antimony (412.10, 0.51 and 0.15 µg/L, respectively) of residents were significantly higher than controls. Additionally, workers had a higher monomethyl arsenic percentage (MMA%), showing lower arsenic methylation capacity. Source appointment analysis identified arsenic, lead, cadmium, antimony, tin and thallium as co-exposure metal(loid)s from copper smelting, positively relating to the age of workers. The hazard index (HI) of workers exceeded 1.0, while residents and control were approximately at 1.0. Besides, all three populations had accumulated cancer risks exceeding 1.0 × 10-4, and arsenite (AsIII) was the main contributor to the variation of workers and residents. Furthermore, residents living closer to the smelting plant had higher health risks. This study reveals arsenic exposure metabolites and multiple metals as emerging contaminants for copper smelting exposure populations, providing valuable insights for pollution control in non-ferrous metal smelting.

Advanced electrochemical membrane technologies for near-complete resource recovery and zero-discharge of urine: Performance optimization and evaluation.

The depletion of nutrient sources in fertilizers demands a paradigm shift in the treatment of nutrient-rich wastewater, such as urine, to enable efficient resource recovery and high-value conversion. This study presented an integrated bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) and hollow fiber membrane (HFM) system for near-complete resource recovery and zero-discharge from urine treatment. Computational simulations and experimental validations demonstrated that a higher voltage (20 V) significantly enhanced energy utilization, while an optimal flow rate of 0.4 L/min effectively mitigated the negative effects of concentration polarization and electro-osmosis on system performance. Within 40 min, the process separated 90.13% of the salts in urine, with an energy consumption of only 8.45 kWh/kgbase. Utilizing a multi-chamber structure for selective separation, the system achieved recovery efficiencies of 89% for nitrogen, 96% for phosphorus, and 95% for potassium from fresh urine, converting them into high-value products such as 85 mM acid, 69.5 mM base, and liquid fertilizer. According to techno-economic analysis, the cost of treating urine using this system at the lab-scale was $6.29/kg of products (including acid, base, and (NH4)2SO4), which was significantly lower than the $20.44/kg cost for the precipitation method to produce struvite. Excluding fixed costs, a net profit of $18.24/m3 was achieved through the recovery of valuable products from urine using this system. The pilot-scale assessment showed that the net benefit amounts to $19.90/m3 of urine, demonstrating significant economic feasibility. This study presents an effective approach for the near-complete resource recovery and zero-discharge treatment of urine, offering a practical solution for sustainable nutrient recycling and wastewater management.

Association of Urinary Metals With Cardiovascular Disease Incidence and All-Cause Mortality in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

BACKGROUND: Exposure to metals has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) end points and mortality, yet prospective evidence is limited beyond arsenic, cadmium, and lead. In this study, we assessed the prospective association of urinary metals with incident CVD and all-cause mortality in a racially diverse population of US adults from MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). METHODS: We included 6599 participants (mean [SD] age, 62.1 [10.2] years; 53% female) with urinary metals available at baseline (2000 to 2001) and followed through December 2019. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio and 95% CI of CVD and all-cause mortality by baseline urinary levels of cadmium, tungsten, and uranium (nonessential metals), and cobalt, copper, and zinc (essential metals). The joint association of the 6 metals as mixture and the corresponding 10-year survival probability was calculated using Cox Elastic-Net. RESULTS: During follow-up, 1162 participants developed CVD, and 1844 participants died. In models adjusted by behavioral and clinical indicators, the HR (95% CI) for incident CVD and all-cause mortality comparing the highest with the lowest quartile were, respectively: 1.25 (1.03, 1.53) and 1.68 (1.43, 1.96) for cadmium; 1.20 (1.01, 1.42) and 1.16 (1.01, 1.33) for tungsten; 1.32 (1.08, 1.62) and 1.32 (1.12, 1.56) for uranium; 1.24 (1.03, 1.48) and 1.37 (1.19, 1.58) for cobalt; 1.42 (1.18, 1.70) and 1.50 (1.29, 1.74) for copper; and 1.21 (1.01, 1.45) and 1.38 (1.20, 1.59) for zinc. A positive linear dose-response was identified for cadmium and copper with both end points. The adjusted HRs (95% CI) for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in the mixture of these 6 urinary metals and the corresponding 10-year survival probability difference (95% CI) were 1.29 (1.11, 1.56) and -1.1% (-2.0, -0.05) for incident CVD and 1.66 (1.47, 1.91) and -2.0% (-2.6, -1.5) for all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This epidemiological study in US adults indicates that urinary metal levels are associated with increased CVD risk and mortality. These findings can inform the development of novel preventive strategies to improve cardiovascular health.

Determination of the reference interval for urinary klotho to creatinine ratio of healthy dogs.

For several years, alpha klotho has been considered as a candidate biomarker in chronic kidney disease (CKD), progression of CKD and CKD mineral bone disorders (CKD-MBD). The evidence on the relationship between klotho and kidney function is controversial in some areas. The aim of the study was to identify the influence of age, sex and breed on urinary alpha klotho, values in the early stages of CKD within the studied population and determine a reference interval in a group of healthy dogs. Significantly higher values were measured in older dogs over 6 years old (p = 0.026, p = 0.0007) and in the breed German Shepherd than Belgian Shepherd (p = 0.0401). On the basis of sex and in small breed dogs, no significant differences were noted. In dogs with CKD stage 2, alpha klotho values were significantly lower (p = 0.0135) than in healthy dogs. Within the studied population, a reference interval for urinary klotho to creatinine ratio (UrKl/Cr) was determined in the range of 3.94-23.55 pg/gCr. Since our findings show that alpha klotho is associated with older age, we assume that this may have influenced the results in the group of dogs with CKD stage 1 due to the presence of predominantly old dogs in this group. Future studies would be needed to consider age as a factor affecting urinary alpha klotho in dogs with CKD.

Protective signature of xanthohumol on cognitive function of APP/PS1 mice: a urine metabolomics approach by age.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has an increasing prevalence, complicated pathogenesis and no effective cure. Emerging evidences show that flavonoid compounds such as xanthohumol (Xn) could play an important role as a dietary supplement or traditional Chinese herbal medicine in the management of diseases such as AD. This study aims to analyze the target molecules of Xn in the prevention and treatment of AD, and its potential mechanism from the perspective of metabolites. APP/PS1 mice 2- and 6-months old were treated with Xn for 3 months, respectively, the younger animals to test for AD-like brain disease prevention and the older animals to address therapeutic effects on the disease. Memantine (Mem) was selected as positive control. Behavioral tests were performed to assess the course of cognitive function. Urine samples were collected and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) coupled with online Compound Discoverer software. Morris Water Maze (MWM) tests showed that Xn, like Mem, had a therapeutic but not a preventive effect on cognitive impairment. The expression levels of urinary metabolites appeared to show an opposite trend at different stages of Xn treatment, downregulated in the prevention phase while upregulated in the therapy phase. In addition, the metabolic mechanisms of Xn during preventive treatment were also different from that during therapeutic treatment. The signaling pathways metabolites nordiazepam and genistein were specifically regulated by Xn but not by Mem in the disease prevention stage. The signaling pathway metabolite ascorbic acid was specifically regulated by Xn in the therapeutic stage. In conclusion, dietary treatment with Xn altered the urinary metabolite profile at different stages of administration in APP/PS1 mice. The identified potential endogenous metabolic biomarkers and signal pathways open new avenues to investigate the pathogenesis and treatment of AD.

Diagnostic Utility of Urine Microscopy in Kidney Diseases.

Urine sediment analysis is a highly valuable yet underutilized test in today's advanced medical landscape. The analysis of urine sediment is a simple, cost-effective, and powerful diagnostic tool in the hands of a skilled nephrologist, generally in all kidney diseases and particularly more so in the setting of acute kidney injury (AKI). The impact of AKI is far-reaching and encompasses elevated mortality rates, increased morbidity, longer hospital stays, and higher overall healthcare expenses. Timely and compartmental diagnosis of AKI with the use of a simple urine sediment analysis leads to targeted therapeutic strategies and also serves as a prognostic guide. The widespread use of automated analysis in recent times has its own set of limitations, as it fails to identify pathological casts, crystals, and dysmorphic red blood cells (RBCs). Hence, it is the need of the hour to learn this time-honored art of urine sediment analysis, to provide comprehensive patient care.

Clinical characteristics of pediatric patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia and cytomegalovirus DNA detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and concomitant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled consecutive pediatric patients admitted with CAP who tested positive for CMV DNA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed when routine treatment for CAP proved ineffective. The study participants were further stratified into two groups based on CMV serological test results: recent CMV infection group and CMV replication group. Clinical characteristics were compared between these two groups. Results: Among 124 patients aged 1-11 months included in this study, 80 (64.5%) patients were categorized as having recent CMV infection, and 44 (35.5%) tested positive for CMV replication. Co-infection with other pathogens was detected more frequently in the CMV replication group (n = 29, 65.9%) than in the recent CMV infection group (n = 35, 43.7%; P = 0.018). Patients with recent CMV infection were younger and exhibited higher levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase compared to those with CMV replication (all P < 0.05). Multivariable regression analysis showed age was independently associated with recent CMV infection (odds ratio [OR], 0.707; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.586-0.853; P < 0.001). Notably, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a CMV PCR level of 3,840 copies/ml in blood samples had a sensitivity of 34.7% and specificity of 90.0% for diagnosis of recent CMV infection with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.625 (95% CI: 0.513-0.736, P = 0.048). A CMV PCR level of 6,375 copies/ml in urine samples had a sensitivity of 77.1% and specificity of 61.5% for diagnosis of recent CMV infection with an AUC of 0.695 (95% CI: 0.531-0.858, P = 0.04). Furthermore, multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the blood CMV DNA copy number was associated with ALT (B = 0.001; P < 0.001). Conclusions: The CMV DNA copy numbers in blood and urine could serve as discriminatory markers between recent CMV infection and CMV replication. Measuring CMV DNA levels in blood may be an effective method for monitoring liver function impairment in pediatric patients presenting with CAP and concurrent CMV infection.

Prediction of cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury using response to loop diuretic and urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI) is common. Urine response to loop diuretic and urine neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (uNGAL) are separately associated with CS-AKI. We aimed to determine whether urine response to loop diuretic and uNGAL together were associated with postoperative day 2-4 CS-AKI. METHODS: Two-center prospective observational study (ages 0-18 years). uNGAL (8-12 h after admission) (ng/mL) and urine response to loop diuretic (6 h for bolus furosemide and 12 h for infusion bumetanide) (mL/kg/hr) were measured. All diuretic doses were converted to furosemide equivalents. The primary outcome was day 2-4 CS-AKI. Patients were sub-phenotyped using a priori cutoffs (uNGAL + ≥ 100 ng/mL and UOP + < 1.5 mL/kg/hr) and optimal cutoffs (uNGAL + ≥ 127 ng/mL and UOP + ≤ 0.79 mL/kg/hr): 1) uNGAL-/UOP-, 2) uNGAL-/UOP + , 3) uNGAL + /UOP-, and 4) uNGAL + /UOP + . Multivariable regression was used to assess the association of uNGAL, UOP and each sub-phenotype with outcomes. RESULTS: 476 patients were included. CS-AKI occurred in 52 (10.9%). uNGAL was associated with 2.59-fold greater odds (95%CI: 1.52-4.41) of CS-AKI. UOP was not associated with CS-AKI. Compared with uNGAL + alone, uNGAL + /UOP + improved prediction of CS-AKI using a priori and optimal cutoffs respectively (AUC 0.70 vs. 0.75). Both uNGAL + /UOP + (IQR OR:4.63, 95%CI: 1.74-12.32) and uNGAL + /UOP- (IQR OR:5.94, 95%CI: 2.09-16.84) were associated with CS-AKI when compared with uNGAL-/UOP-. CONCLUSIONS: uNGAL is associated with CS-AKI. The sub-phenotype association was largely driven by uNGAL. Future studies standardizing diuretic dose and timing may be needed to refine the combined performance for clinical decision making.

Investigating the value of urinary biomarkers in relation to lupus nephritis histopathology: present insights and future prospects.

Lupus nephritis (LN), a leading cause of death in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients, presents significant diagnostic and prognostic challenges. Although renal pathology offers critical insights regarding the diagnosis, classification, and therapy for LN, its clinical utility is constrained by the invasive nature and limited reproducibility of renal biopsies. Moreover, the continuous monitoring of renal pathological changes through repeated biopsies is impractical. Consequently, there is a growing interest in exploring urine as a non-invasive, easily accessible, and dynamic "liquid biopsy" alternative to guide clinical management. This paper examines novel urinary biomarkers from a renal pathology perspective, encompassing cellular components, cytokines, adhesion molecules, auto-antibodies, soluble leukocyte markers, light chain fragments, proteins, small-molecule peptides, metabolomics, urinary exosomes, and ribonucleic acids. We also discuss the application of combined models comprising multiple biomarkers in assessing lupus activity. These innovative biomarkers and models offer insights into LN disease activity, acute and chronic renal indices, fibrosis, thrombotic microangiopathy, podocyte injury, and other pathological changes, potentially improving the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of LN. These urinary biomarkers or combined models may serve as viable alternatives to traditional renal pathology, potentially revolutionizing the method for future LN diagnosis and observation.

A non-invasive screening method using Caenorhabditis elegans for early detection of multiple cancer types: A prospective clinical study.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, surpassed only by cardiovascular diseases. Early identification and intervention can significantly improve outcomes. However, finding a universal, non-invasive, economical, and precise method for early cancer detection remains a significant challenge. This study explores the efficacy of an innovative cancer detection test, N-NOSE, leveraging a Caenorhabditis elegans olfactory assay on urine samples across a diverse patient group exceeding 1600 individuals diagnosed with various cancers, with samples from the Shikoku Cancer Center (Ehime, Japan) under approved ethical standards. Current cancer screening techniques often require invasive procedures, can be painful or complex, with poor performance, and might be prohibitively costly, limiting accessibility for many. N-NOSE addresses these challenges head-on by offering a test based on urine analysis, eliminating the need for invasive methods, and being more affordable with higher performance at early stages than extensive blood tests or comprehensive body scans for cancer detection. In this study, N-NOSE demonstrated a capability to accurately identify upwards of 20 cancer types, achieving detection sensitivities between 60 and 90 %, including initial-stage cancers. The findings robustly advocate for N-NOSE's potential as a revolutionary, cost-effective, and minimally invasive strategy for broad-spectrum early cancer detection. It is also particularly significant in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to advanced cancer diagnostic methods, which may contribute to the improved outcome of affected individuals.

Nitrosamine formation driven by electrochemical chlorination of urine-containing source waters: Effects of operational conditions.

We investigated the formation of nitrosamines from urine during electrochemical chlorination (EC) using dimensionally stable anodes. Short-term electrolysis (< 1 h) of urine at 25 mA cm-2 generated seven nitrosamines (0.1-7.4 µg L-1), where N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosomethylethylamine, and N-nitrosodiethylamine were predominant with concentrations ranging from 1.2 to 7.4 µg L-1. Mechanistic studies showed that the formation kinetics of nitrosamines was influenced by urine aging and composition, with fresh urine generating the highest levels (0.9-5.8 µg L-1) compared with aged, centrifuged, or filtered urine (0.2-4.1 µg L-1). Concurrently, studies on urine pretreatment through filtration and centrifugation underscored the significance of nitrogenous metabolites (such as protein-like products and urinary amino acids) and particle-associated humic fractions in nitrosamine formation during EC of urine. This finding was confirmed through chromatographic and spectroscopic studies utilizing LCOCD, Raman spectra, and 3DEEM fluorescence spectra. Parametric studies demonstrated that the ultimate [nitrosamines] increased at a pH range of 4.5-6.2, and with increasing [bromide], [ammonium], and current density. Conversely, sulfate and carbonate ions inhibited nitrosamine formation. Moreover, the implications of EC in urine-containing source waters were evaluated. The results indicate that regardless of the urine source (individual volunteers, septic tank, swimming pool, untreated municipal wastewater), high levels of nitrosamines (0.1-17.6 µg L-1) were generated, surpassing the potable reuse guideline of 10 ng L-1. Overall, this study provides insights to elucidate the mechanisms underlying nitrosamine formation and optimize the operating conditions. Such insights facilitate suppressing the generation of nitrosamine byproducts during electrochemical treatment of urine-containing wastewater.

An in-vitro model for bacteria-related catheter encrustations.

PURPOSE: About 50% of individuals with long-term indwelling catheters are affected by catheter encrustations and bladder stone formation. Therefore, prophylaxis of catheter encrustations is important. Currently, however, neither an established prophylaxis nor a standardized in-vitro model to test different measures exist. We have therefore developed and qualitatively evaluated an in-vitro model of catheter encrustation. METHODS: Size 14 French suprapubic catheters were incubated under sterile conditions at 37 degrees Celsius in five different media: (1) sterile artificial urine (n = 16), (2) artificial urine with E. coli (n = 8), (3) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 8), (4) with Proteus mirabilis (n = 8), and (5) with a mix of these three strains (n = 8). Catheter balloons were inflated either a glycerine or a bactericidal solution. After 6 weeks, the catheters were removed from the solution, dried, and weighed, and a photometric determination of the retrieved encrustations was performed. RESULTS: Most frequently and pronounced encrustations were detected in the Pseudomonas group. The median weight of these encrustations (50% struvite and brushite) was 84.4 mg (47.7 mg / 127.3 mg). Even on catheters stored in sterile urine, encrustations (69.2% struvite) were found. Bacterial growth was not affected by the medium used for catheter blockage. CONCLUSION: Although in-vitro models appear to be limited because they lack "the human factor", they are valuable for systematically assessing physico-chemical factors affecting encrustations. Therefore, our model, being reliable and cost-effective, may foster further research despite its limitations.

Evaluating iodine deficiency and goiter in hilly areas of District Poonch Azad Jammu Kashmir.

Background & Objectives: Iodine deficiency is considered as a global challenge, even after decades of efforts to solve the issue. Our objective was to assess the iodine deficiency status and associated prevalence of goiter in population groups (school-age children and women) from rural areas of District Poonch, and to assess the determinants of iodine deficiency in the area. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in District Poonch Azad Jammu and Kashmir from 25 April 2022 to 30 June 2023. A total of 150 goiter patients from different villages of the District Poonch was included. Their urinary iodine concentration and goiter prevalence was assessed. Using palpation techniques, a trained and experienced public health officer assessed the presence of goiters based on WHO/ UNICEF/ICCIDD criteria. Descriptive statistics were computed for continuous variables and presented in frequency and percentage, based on the distributional characteristics of the data. chi-square was used to check association between socio-demographic factors and goiter. It was a HEC Project No.: 20-16988/NRPU/R&D/HEC/2021. Results: Iodine status and associated goiter prevalence was high and 59.3% of them were severely iodine deficient. Within the district, the highest severe iodine deficiency was observed in 81.1% goiter patients of the Rawalakot subdivision, Hajira and Abbaspur subdivisions. Regarding goiter status 40% of the patients were classified with palpable-visible goiter and 56% were characterized with visible but nodular goiter. Conclusion: Study showed that there was a severe iodine deficiency and associated goiter prevalence in the area. Policymakers should take actions for future to overcome iodine deficiency in future.

The association between renal medullary and cortical fibrosis, stiffness, and concentrating capacity: an observational, single-center cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fibrosis is a common final pathway leading to end-stage renal failure. As the renal medulla and cortex contain different nephron segments, we analyzed the factors associated with the progression of renal medullary and cortical fibrosis. METHODS: A total of 120 patients who underwent renal biopsy at Kawashima Hospital between May 2019 and October 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Renal medullary and cortical fibrosis and stiffness were evaluated using Masson's trichrome staining and shear wave elastography, respectively. Maximum urine osmolality in the Fishberg concentration test was also examined. RESULTS: Medullary fibrosis was positively correlated with cortical fibrosis (p < 0.0001) and log-converted urinary ß2-microglobulin (MG) (log urinary ß2-MG) (p = 0.022) and negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p = 0.0002). Cortical fibrosis also correlated with log urinary ß2-MG, eGFR, and maximum urine osmolality. Multivariate analysis revealed that cortical fibrosis levels (odds ratio [OR]: 1.063) and medullary stiffness (OR: 1.089) were significantly associated with medullar fibrosis (≧45%). The severe fibrosis group with both medullary fibrosis (≧45%) and cortical fibrosis (≧25%) had lower eGFR and maximum urine osmolality values and higher urinary ß2-MG levels than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with disorders involving both renal medullary and cortical fibrosis had decreased maximum urine osmolality but had no abnormalities in the urinary concentrating capacities with either condition. Renal medullary and cortical fibrosis were positively correlated with urinary ß2-MG, but not with urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase.

Unveiling potential: urinary exosomal mRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for early prostate cancer diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the use of urinary exosomal mRNA as a potential biomarker for the early detection of prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: Next-generation sequencing was utilized to analyze exosomal RNA from 10 individuals with confirmed PCa and 10 individuals without cancer. Subsequent validation through qRT-PCR in a larger sample of 43 PCa patients and 92 healthy controls revealed distinct mRNA signatures associated with PCa. RESULTS: Notably, mRNAs for RAB5B, WWP1, HIST2H2BF, ZFY, MARK2, PASK, RBM10, and NRSN2 showed promise as diagnostic markers, with AUC values between 0.799 and 0.906 and significance p values. Combining RAB5B and WWP1 in an exoRNA diagnostic model outperformed traditional PSA tests, achieving an AUC of 0.923, 81.4% sensitivity, and 89.1% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the potential of urinary exosomal mRNA profiling, particularly focusing on RAB5B and WWP1, as a valuable strategy for improving the early detection of PCa.

Physical, emotional, and financial burdens of toileting assistance for family caregivers in home care settings and factors associated with each burden: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: Caregivers in home care settings may experience significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens in providing toileting assistance. However, few studies have evaluated these three aspects of caregiver burden. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of toileting assistance and examine the factors associated with each burden. METHODS: A self-administered postal questionnaire was distributed to 405 family caregivers of older adults receiving home care and subsidies for incontinence products in Japan in 2019. Family caregivers answered questions about toileting assistance, the perceived physical, emotional, and financial burdens of providing toileting assistance at home, and the urinary/fecal symptoms of older adults. RESULTS: Of the 242 family caregivers who reported each burden, 213 (88%) had experienced at least one physical, emotional, or financial burden. The prevalence of physical, emotional, and financial burdens was 77.3%, 78.1%, and 70.7%, respectively. Approximately 60% of respondents reported experiencing all three burdens. Physical burden was associated with spouses acting as primary caregivers, nocturia, fecal incontinence, and the odor of urine/feces from toileting assistance. Emotional burden was associated with nighttime assistance, urinary/fecal leakage from absorbent incontinence products, and the odor of urine/feces. Financial burden was associated with frequent assistance, disposal costs of absorbent incontinence products, and the degree of toileting assistance. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed a high prevalence of the three burdens of toileting assistance among family caregivers, suggesting the need to assess these burdens. Furthermore, they suggested the importance of providing guidance to family members, which may help reduce these burdens.

C-reactive protein (CRP) evaluation in human urine using optical sensor supported by machine learning.

The rapid and sensitive indicator of inflammation in the human body is C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Determination of CRP level is important in medical diagnostics because, depending on that factor, it may indicate, e.g., the occurrence of inflammation of various origins, oncological, cardiovascular, bacterial or viral events. In this study, we describe an interferometric sensor able to detect the CRP level for distinguishing between no-inflammation and inflammation states. The measurement head was made of a single mode optical fiber with a microsphere structure created at the tip. Its surface has been biofunctionalized for specific CRP bonding. Standardized CRP solutions were measured in the range of 1.9 µg/L to 333 mg/L and classified in the initial phase of the study. The real samples obtained from hospitalized patients with diagnosed Urinary Tract Infection or Urosepsis were then investigated. 27 machine learning classifiers were tested for labeling the phantom samples as normal or high CRP levels. With the use of the ExtraTreesClassifier we obtained an accuracy of 95% for the validation dataset. The results of real samples classification showed up to 100% accuracy for the validation dataset using XGB classifier.

Significance of scattered small echogenic foci floating in urinary bladder as ultrasonography finding in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Despite the prevalence of echogenic foci floating in the urinary bladder seen in ultrasonography in dogs, surprisingly little has been written on its significance, including its potential association with urinalysis. The objective of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of the echogenic foci floating in urinary bladders in dogs. RESULTS: - Cystosonography was performed on 45 dogs. Bladder contents were examined and divided into positive (containing echogenic particles) and negative (absent echogenic particles) groups according to the presence and absence of floating echogenic particles. Five mL of urine was collected via cystocentesis. Urine analysis and culture were done and the relationship between ultrasound evaluation and urinalysis results was investigated. In dogs with bladder echogenic particles in ultrasonography, the prevalence of hematuria, pyuria, bacteriuria, and lipiduria were 88.9%, 92.6%, 29.6%, and 70.3%, respectively. However, in dogs in which echogenic particles were not observed in their bladders, the prevalence of hematuria, pyuria, bacteriuria, and lipiduria was 77%, 50%, 5.5%, and 77%, respectively. There was a significant association between bladder debris and positive urine culture, with an odds ratio of 7.15 (95% confidence interval: 0.81-63.28) compared with matched controls. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the presence of floating echogenic particles with pyuria, and urine color ( p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present results showed the detection of bladder debris on ultrasound can be a predictor for pyuria and positive urine culture in dogs.