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Background: The causal relationship between certain lifestyle factors and erectile dysfunction (ED) is still uncertain. Aim: The study sought to investigate the causal effect of 9 life factors on ED through 2-sample single-variable Mendelian randomization (SVMR) and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR). Methods: Genetic instruments to proxy 9 risk factors were identified by genome-wide association studies. The genome-wide association studies estimated the connection of these genetic variants with ED risk (n = 223 805). We conducted SVMR, inverse variance-weighting, Cochran's Q, weighted median, MR-Egger, MR-PRESSO (Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier), and MVMR analyses to explore the total and direct relationship between life factors and ED. Outcomes: The primary outcome was defined as self or physician-reported ED, or using oral ED medication, or a history of surgery related to ED. Results: In SVMR analyses, suggestive associations with increased the risk of ED were noted for ever smoked (odds ratio [OR], 5.894; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.469 to 3.079; P = .008), alcohol consumption (OR, 1.495; 95% CI, 0.044 to 0.760; P = .028) and body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.177; 95% CI, 0.057 to 0.268; P = .003). Earlier age at first intercourse was significantly related to reduced ED risk (OR, 0.659; 95% CI, -0.592 to -0.244; P = 2.5 × 10-6). No strong evidence was found for the effect of coffee intake, time spent driving, physical activity, and leisure sedentary behaviors on the incidence of ED (All P > .05). The result of MVMR analysis for BMI (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.25; P = .045) and earlier age at first intercourse (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.99; P = .018) provided suggestive evidence for the direct impact on ED, while no causal factor was detected for alcoholic drinks per week and ever smoked. Clinical implications: This study provides evidence for the impact of certain modifiable lifestyle factors on the development of ED. Strengths and limitations: We performed both SVMR and MVMR to strengthen the causal relationship between exposures and outcomes. However, the population in this study was limited to European ancestry. Conclusion: Ever smoked, alcoholic drinks per week, BMI, and age first had sexual intercourse were causally related to ED, while the potential connection between coffee intake, physical activity, recreational sedentary habits, and increased risk of ED needs to be further confirmed.
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Transparent conductive films with high stability were prepared by embedding silver nanowires in colorless polyimide and adding a protective layer of exfoliated graphene. The films exhibit great light transmission and conductivity with a sheet resistance of 22 Ω sq-1at transmittance of 83%. Due to its special embedded structure, the conductive layer can withstand several peeling experiments without falling off. In addition, the most outstanding advantage is the ultra-high stability of the films, including high mechanical robustness, strong chemical corrosion resistance and high operating voltage capacity. The organic light-emitting diode devices prepared based on this transparent conductive electrode exhibit comparable efficiency to indium tin oxide (ITO) based devices, withC.E.max= 2.78 cd A-1,P-1.E.max= 1.89 lm W-1,EQEmax= 0.89%. Moreover, the efficiencies were even higher than that of ITO devices when the operating voltage of the device exceeds 5 V. The above performances show that the transparent conductive electrode based on this structure has high potential for application in organic electronic devices.
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STUDY OBJECTIVES: The physical and mental health of adolescents is an important study area. This study aims to examine the occurrence of aggression, sleep disturbances, and suicide risk among Chinese adolescents, along with the relationships between these factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted through an online survey. Of the original 7011 Chinese adolescent respondents, the analysis included data from 6122 adolescents, aged between 12 and 18 years, from 23 regions, whose average age was 16.12 (±1.44) years, with 48.8% being male. While the chi-square test and t-test were used for analyzing demographic data and continuous variables, respectively, mediation analysis was used to explore the mechanism of experiencing aggression on suicide risk. The respondents' sleep quality, nightmare distress, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and suicide risk were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Nightmare Distress Questionnaire-Chinese version (NDQ-CV), Chinese Adolescent Daytime Sleepiness Scale (CADSS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and the suicide risk module of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), respectively. Four items were used to assess adolescents' experiences with aggression. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 42% reported experiencing aggression by others, especially parental physical maltreatment. Furthermore, 26.9% of adolescents in school, and in particular, 31.8% in senior high school experienced insomnia symptoms. Adolescents who reported experiences of aggression had more severe insomnia symptoms, nightmare distress, fatigue, and a higher risk of suicide when compared with those who did not (all ps < 0.001). Insomnia symptoms, nightmare distress, and fatigue all mediated the relationship between aggression and suicide risk, and there was a chain of mediating effects between these factors [for total indirect effect ß = 1.1512, 95% CI (0.9671 to 1.3426), direct effect ß = 0.4934, 95% CI (0.1978 to 0.7891), and total effect ß = 1.6446, 95% CI (1.3479 to 1.9414)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that among adolescents, experiencing aggression is associated with an increased suicide risk. In addition to the direct effect of aggression on suicide risk, insomnia, nightmare distress, and fatigue mediate the relationship between aggression and suicide risk. More attention should be paid to adolescents experiencing aggression, and interventions should be implemented and strengthened.
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Distúrbios do Sono por Sonolência Excessiva , Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono , Suicídio , Adolescente , Agressão , Criança , China/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Sonhos/psicologia , Fadiga , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Sono , Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono/complicações , Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono/epidemiologia , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of insomnia symptoms among Chinese adolescents and young adults affected by the outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This cross-sectional study included Chinese adolescents and young adults 12-29 years of age during part of the COVID-19 epidemic period. An online survey was used to collect demographic data, and to assess recognition of COVID-19, insomnia, depression, and anxiety symptoms using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaires, respectively. The Social Support Rate Scale was used to assess social support. RESULTS: Among 11,835 adolescents and young adults included in the study, the prevalence of insomnia symptoms during part of the COVID-19 epidemic period was 23.2%. Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex and residing in the city were greater risk factors for insomnia symptoms. Depression or anxiety were risk factors for insomnia symptoms; however, social support, both subjective and objective, was protective factors against insomnia symptoms. Furthermore, anxiety and depression symptoms were mediators of social support and insomnia symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study revealed a high prevalence of sleep problems among adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 epidemic, especially senior high school and college students, which were negatively associated with students' projections of trends in COVID-19. The adverse impact of COVID-19 was a risk factor for insomnia symptoms; as such, the government must devote more attention to sleep disorders in this patient population while combating COVID-19.
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Betacoronavirus , Infecções por Coronavirus/epidemiologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/psicologia , Pandemias , Pneumonia Viral/epidemiologia , Pneumonia Viral/psicologia , Transtornos do Sono-Vigília/epidemiologia , Transtornos do Sono-Vigília/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Ansiedade/diagnóstico , Ansiedade/epidemiologia , Ansiedade/psicologia , COVID-19 , Criança , China/epidemiologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/diagnóstico , Estudos Transversais , Depressão/diagnóstico , Depressão/epidemiologia , Depressão/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pneumonia Viral/diagnóstico , SARS-CoV-2 , Transtornos do Sono-Vigília/diagnóstico , Apoio Social , Inquéritos e Questionários , Adulto JovemRESUMO
RATIONALE: Fentanyl and its analogues play important roles in the hospital and clinic setting as anesthetics. However, illicitly manufactured fentanyl as well as the new psychoactive substances (NPS) account for 30% of all deaths in the United States. Since fentanyl derivatives and NPS are designed to produce similar effects, their related substances are similar or even have the same active groups. A comprehensive analysis of the related substances of alfentanil hydrochloride can provide a basis for the identification and supervision of fentanyl derivatives and NPS. METHODS: A liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF-MS/MS) method was developed for the separation and characterization of related substances in alfentanil hydrochloride. Degradation studies were conducted according to the ICH-prescribed stress conditions. The compounds were identified mainly through positive electrospray ionization QTOF high-resolution mass spectrometric measurements of the accurate masses of the precursor and product ions and their calculated elemental compositions. Their formation mechanisms were also discussed. RESULTS: Seventeen related substances were detected in alfentanil hydrochloride and its stressed samples. Among them, nine were process-related substances and the other eight were degradation products. The stress study results demonstrated that alfentanil hydrochloride was unstable under acid, alkaline, and oxidative stress conditions, while relatively stable under dry photolytic and thermal stress conditions. Alfentanil hydrochloride was most susceptible for degradation at the N-phenylpropanamide and piperidine sites. CONCLUSIONS: Process-related alfentanil hydrochloride compounds are useful for determination of synthetic routes and entangling of fentanyl analogues. The stress study results can provide a sound scientific basis for the waste water monitoring of alfentanil. These results are important for routine quality control in the manufacturing and storage of alfentanil hydrochloride, as well as for drug enforcement of fentanyl and its analogues.
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Alfentanil/análise , Alfentanil/química , Cromatografia Líquida/métodos , Espectrometria de Massas em Tandem/métodos , Detecção do Abuso de SubstânciasRESUMO
Psychological health problems, especially emotional disorders, are common among adolescents. The epidemiology of emotional disorders is greatly influenced by stressful events. This study sought to assess the prevalence rate and socio-demographic correlates of depressive and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents affected by the outbreak of COVID-19. We conducted a cross-sectional study among Chinese students aged 12-18 years during the COVID-19 epidemic period. An online survey was used to conduct rapid assessment. A total of 8079 participants were involved in the study. An online survey was used to collect demographic data, assess students' awareness of COVID-19, and assess depressive and anxiety symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire, respectively. The prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and a combination of depressive and anxiety symptoms was 43.7%, 37.4%, and 31.3%, respectively, among Chinese high school students during the COVID-19 outbreak. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender was the higher risk factor for depressive and anxiety symptoms. In terms of grades, senior high school was a risk factor for depressive and anxiety symptoms; the higher the grade, the greater the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Our findings show there is a high prevalence of psychological health problems among adolescents, which are negatively associated with the level of awareness of COVID-19. These findings suggest that the government needs to pay more attention to psychological health among adolescents while combating COVID-19.
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Ansiedade/epidemiologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/psicologia , Depressão/epidemiologia , Surtos de Doenças , Pneumonia Viral/psicologia , Estudantes/psicologia , Adolescente , Ansiedade/psicologia , Betacoronavirus , COVID-19 , Criança , China/epidemiologia , Infecções por Coronavirus/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Depressão/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Saúde Mental , Pandemias , Pneumonia Viral/epidemiologia , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , SARS-CoV-2 , Estudantes/estatística & dados numéricos , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
The genetic events occurring in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC) are poorly understood. Here, we performed whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing in 55 patients with rNPC and 44 primarily diagnosed NPC (pNPC), with 7 patients having paired rNPC and pNPC samples. Previously published pNPC exome data were integrated for analysis. rNPC and pNPC tissues had similar mutational burdens, however, the number of clonal mutations was increased in rNPC samples. TP53 and three NF-κB pathway components (TRAF3, CYLD, and NFKBIA) were significantly mutated in both pNPC and rNPC. Notably, mutations in TRAF3, CYLD, and NFKBIA were all clonal in rNPC, however, 55.6% to 57.9% of them were clonal in pNPC. In general, the number of clonal mutations in NF-κB pathway-associated genes was significantly higher in rNPC than in pNPC. The NF-κB mutational clonality was selected and/or enriched during NPC recurrence. The amount of NF-κB translocated to the nucleus in samples with clonal NF-κB mutants was significantly higher than that in samples with subclonal NF-κB mutants. Moreover, the nuclear abundance of NF-κB protein was significantly greater in pNPC samples with locoregional relapse than in those without relapse. Furthermore, high nuclear NF-κB levels were an independent negative prognostic marker for locoregional relapse-free survival in pNPC. Finally, inhibition of NF-κB enhanced both radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, NF-κB pathway activation by clonal mutations plays an important role in promoting the recurrence of NPC. Moreover, nuclear accumulation of NF-κB is a prominent biomarker for predicting locoregional relapse-free survival. SIGNIFICANCE: This study uncovers genetic events that promote the progression and recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and has potential prognostic and therapeutic implications.See related commentary by Sehgal and Barbie, p. 5915.
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Carcinoma , Carcinoma Nasofaríngeo , Neoplasias Nasofaríngeas , Humanos , Mutação , NF-kappa B/genética , Recidiva Local de NeoplasiaRESUMO
Seminal vesicles are involved in semen accumulation in the process of ejaculation, contracting and releasing seminal vesicle fluid accounting for about 50ï¼80% of the semen, and the fructose in their secretions is an indispensable nutrient for sperm maturation. Thus, seminal vesicles are important male accessary glands closely related with the quality and quantity of sperm. In the process of semen accumulation, sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves participate in the regulation of the secretory function of seminal vesicle epithelia and the contraction of the smooth muscle layer as well as the distribution of adrenonergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic and various neurotransmitter receptors in the seminal vesicle epithelia and smooth muscle layer, which play a significant role in male fertility. This review discusses the neurophysiological effects of seminal vesicles in ejaculation.
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Ejaculação/fisiologia , Sêmen/fisiologia , Glândulas Seminais/fisiologia , Animais , Masculino , Análise do Sêmen , EspermatozoidesRESUMO
The stimuli-responsive polymeric nanocarriers have been studied extensively, and their structural changes in cells are important for the controlled intracellular drug release. The present work reported RGD-dextran/purpurin 18 conjugates with pH-responsive phenylboronate as spacer for monitoring the structural change of nanovehicles through ratiometric photoacoustic (PA) signal. Phenylboronic acid modified purpurin 18 (NPBA-P18) could attach onto the RGD-decorated dextran (RGD-Dex), and the resulting RGD-Dex/NPBA-P18 (RDNP) conjugates with different molar ratios of RGD-Dex and NPBA-P18 were prepared. When the moles of NPBA-P18 were equivalent to more than triple of RGD-Dex, the single-stranded RDNP conjugates could self-assemble into nanoparticles in aqueous solution due to the fairly strong hydrophobicity of NPBA-P18. The pH-responsive aggregations of NPBA-P18 were investigated by UV-vis, fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectra, as well as transmission electron microscope. Based on distinct PA signals between monomeric and aggregated state, ratiometric PA signal of I750/I710 could be presented to trace the structural change progress. Compared with RDNP single chains, the nanoparticles exhibited effective cellular internalization through endocytosis pathway. Furthermore, the nanoparticles could form well-ordered aggregates responding to intracellular acidic environment, and the resulting structural change was also monitored by ratiometric PA signal. Therefore, the noninvasive PA approach could provide a deep insight into monitoring the intracellular structural change process of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers.
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Ácidos Borônicos/química , Citoplasma/química , Dextranos/química , Oligopeptídeos/química , Técnicas Fotoacústicas , Porfirinas/química , Portadores de Fármacos , Liberação Controlada de Fármacos , Células HeLa , Humanos , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Espectroscopia de Ressonância Magnética , Nanopartículas/química , Polímeros/químicaRESUMO
Eukaryotic phytoplankton plays an important ecological function in river ecosystem. The 18S rRNA gene V4 variable region of the environmental samples in Liaohe river was sequenced by using 454 pyrosequencing technology. The reprehensive sequences of OTUs were annotated, and then the OTUs list was compared to the species list obtained by microscope observation. The phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the reprehensive sequences of OTUs and 18S rRNA genes of eukaryotic phytoplankton algae obtained from GenBank. The community structure characteristics of eukaryotic phytoplankton and its environmental impact indicators were further studied. In this study, we got 167901 high-quality sequences of 18S rRNA gene V4 region. These sequences were annotated to 424 OTUs, including 134 eukaryotic algae. The results of the high-throughput sequencing showed that bacillariophyta and chlorophyta were the dominant groups of the total phyla. The high-throughput sequencing also revealed the presence of Charophyta, Cryptophyta, Haptophyta and Chrysophyceae which were not observed by optical microscope. The phylogeny analysis clustered the Cryptophyta and Pyrroptata at phylum level. The different genera of Cryptophyta and part of families or genera of Pyrroptata were clustered and distinguished by phylogeny analysis. The results of RDA showed that NH4+-N, PO43-P and NO3- were the most important environmental factors that affected the community structure. This study provided a new perspective to understand the diversity, community structure and influence factors of eukaryotic phytoplankton in Liaohe river. The study also indicated that high-throughput sequencing has great application potential in investigation of phytoplankton and the water environment quality assessment in Liaohe river.
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Fitoplâncton/classificação , Rios , China , Monitoramento Ambiental , Filogenia , RNA Ribossômico 18S/genéticaRESUMO
In order to explore the impact of Talc ore mining on aquatic ecosystems, periphyton communities and environmental factors from control portion, impacted portion and recovery portion separately were investigated and analyzed. Samples were collected from upstream Tanghe River (an important tributary of Tazi River) in November 2015, April 2016, and July 2016. Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare the differences in environmental factors and periphyton community structures among three portions. Spearman correlation analysis, canonical correspondence analysis, and t-value biplot analysis were used to determine the relationship between the environmental factors and periphyton community structures. In the control and recovery portions, mass concentrations of magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), arsenic (As), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), bicarbonate ion (HCO3-), nitrate ion (NO3-), power of hydrogen (pH) and electric conductivity (EC), were the highest, and in the impacted portion, mass concentrations of potassium(K), sodium (Na), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), silicon dioxide (SiO2), and dissolved oxygen (DO) were the lowest. The mass concentrations of Mg, Mo, As, EC, and HCO3- were significantly different (P<0.05) among the three portions. In control and recovery portions, the periphyton density, species richness, diatom siltation index, and relative abundance of Achnanthes sp. were the highest, while in the impacted portion, the percentage of handle diatom, the relative abundance of Surirella sp., and relative abundance of Navicula sp. were the lowest. Species richness of periphyton was significantly different (P<0.05) among the three portions. In summary, Mg, EC, and HCO3- from Talc Ore mining had significant impacts on periphyton assemblage structure.
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Monitoramento Ambiental , Mineração , Perifíton , Talco , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , China , Rios , Dióxido de SilícioRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of ovotesticular disorder of sex development (OT-DSD). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 2 cases of OT-DSD treated in our hospital. The patients were 19 and 15 years old, respectively, and both received systematic physical examination and examinations of the karyotype, sex hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), color Doppler ultrasonography, urethrocystoscopy, and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test. Under the laparoscope, we performed surgical gonad exploration, gonadectomy, and vulvar orthopedics. Intraoperative exploration and pathology confirmed true hermaphroditism in both cases, with sex selection as female. One underwent laparoscopic resection of the ovotestis, and the other removal of the testis with the ovarian tissue reserved. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for 12 months postoperatively, which found no abnormality in either the vulvas or the genital glands. CONCLUSION: Surgical exploration of the gonad is the only method for the diagnosis of OT-DSD and sex selection is the key to treatment. Laparoscopic surgical exploration of the gonad and vulvar orthopedics are the first treatment options.
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Transtornos Ovotesticulares do Desenvolvimento Sexual/diagnóstico , Transtornos Ovotesticulares do Desenvolvimento Sexual/cirurgia , Adolescente , Gonadotropina Coriônica , Feminino , Hormônios Esteroides Gonadais , Humanos , Cariótipo , Laparoscopia , Masculino , Ovário , Estudos Retrospectivos , Testículo/cirurgia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
As a better understanding of Beijing surface water ecosystems can provide clues for environmental management and public health, here, we report a study of the bacterial communities of five Beijing surface waters conducted using 454 pyrosequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. We expected to observe a core bacterial community among the surface waters and differences in bacterial community abundance over the different locations of sampling. In this study, we obtained a total of 60,810 trimmed reads from the five samples after the removal of unqualified reads. Bacterial sequences from the five samples were classified into taxonomic classes using the default settings of the mothur platform. Our results provided insight into the bacterial community composition of surface waters and revealed that there was a core microbial community in the microbial populations of surface samples at different geographic locations, with 13 phyla and 40 genera in common. Our findings also revealed the differences in bacterial communities among five surface water samples obtained at different locations.
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Bactérias/genética , Água Doce/microbiologia , Microbiota , Sequência de Bases , Pequim , Geografia , Dados de Sequência Molecular , RNA Ribossômico 16S/genética , Análise de Sequência de DNARESUMO
BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to develop a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) method for rapid, sensitive and inexpensive detection of astrovirus. RESULTS: The detection limit of LAMP using in vitro RNA transcripts was 3.6 × 10 copies·µL⻹, which is as sensitive as the presently used PCR assays. However, the LAMP products could be identified as different colors with the naked eye following staining with hydroxynaphthol blue dye (HNB). No cross-reactivity with other gastroenteric viruses (rotavirus and norovirus) was observed, indicating the relatively high specificity of LAMP. The RT-LAMP method with HNB was used to effectively detect astrovirus in reclaimed water samples. CONCLUSIONS: The LAMP technique described in this study is a cheap, sensitive, specific and rapid method for the detection of astrovirus. The RT-LAMP method can be simply applied for the specific detection of astrovirus and has the potential to be utilized in the field as a screening test.
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Corantes/metabolismo , Mamastrovirus/isolamento & purificação , Naftalenossulfonatos/metabolismo , Técnicas de Amplificação de Ácido Nucleico/métodos , Coloração e Rotulagem/métodos , Virologia/métodos , Microbiologia da Água , Custos e Análise de Custo , Humanos , Técnicas de Amplificação de Ácido Nucleico/economia , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Coloração e Rotulagem/economia , Fatores de Tempo , Virologia/economiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between physical exercise and erectile function in young and middle-aged men. METHODS: Using Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) and IIEF-15, we conducted an investigation among 30- to 45-year-old male outpatients at the clinic of urology. Based on the physical activity described in PPAQ, the patients were divided into a sedentary group (≤ 1,400 Kcal/wk) and an exercise group (> 1,400 Kcal/wk). RESULTS: The total score on IIEF-15 was signifi- cantly higher in the exercise group than in the sedentary group (62.2 vs 54.4), and so were the scores on the domains of erectile func- tion (26.4 vs 23.3), sexual desire (7.8 vs 6.9), orgasmic function (9.0 vs 8.3), intercourse satisfaction (11.5 vs 9.6), and overall satisfaction (7.5 vs 6.3) (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Increased physical activity is associated with better sexual function in young and middle-aged men.
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Disfunção Erétil/terapia , Exercício Físico/fisiologia , Ereção Peniana/fisiologia , Adulto , Coito , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Condicionamento Físico Humano , Comportamento Sedentário , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To establish a rat model of anti-sperm antibody (AsAb)-mediated immune infertility, and investigate the effects of serum AsAb positive on the Fas/Fas-L apoptosis pathway in testis tissue and testicular germ cells of pubertal male rats. METHODS: Thirty 5-week-old Wistar male rats were included in this study, 10 killed for preparation of sperm suspension, 10 as normal controls, and the other 10 made models of AsAb-positive immune infertility (experimental group). Four weeks after modeling, the testes of the rats were harvested for observation of the changes in the testis tissue under the light microscope and detection of the expressions of Fas, Fas-L and Caspase-3 proteins by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed obvious apoptotic changes in the testis tissue and remarkably increased expressions (OD value) of Fas (161.87 +/- 5.37 vs 176.97 +/- 4.58), Fas-L (150.27 +/- 8.65 vs 187.52 +/- 7.76) and Caspase-3 (120.37 +/- 6.76 vs 157.65 +/- 7.38) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Serum AsAb affected the infertility of pubertal male rats, and its mechanisms might be associated with up-regulated expression of Fas, Fas-L and Caspase-3 proteins in the Fas/Fas-L apoptotic pathway.
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Apoptose , Autoanticorpos/imunologia , Proteína Ligante Fas/metabolismo , Células Germinativas/citologia , Testículo/metabolismo , Animais , Caspase 3/metabolismo , Células Germinativas/imunologia , Células Germinativas/metabolismo , Infertilidade Masculina , Masculino , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Transdução de Sinais , Testículo/citologia , Receptor fas/metabolismoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression of P-selectin in the penile vascular epithelial cells and the morphological changes in the ultrastructure of the penile cavernous tissues of smoking rats, and to explore the pathogenesis of smoking-induced erectile dysfunction. METHODS: Fifty healthy Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal control, a long-term heavy smoking group, a long-term light smoking, a short-term heavy smoking and a smoking cessation group. Their erectile function was tested by subcutaneous injection of apomorphine (APO), the P-selectin expression in the penile vascular epithelial cells detected by ELISA and the morphological changes in the ultrastructure of the penile cavernous tissues observed under the transmission electron microscope (TEM). RESULTS: The levels of P-selectin were 10.78 +/- 1.71 ng/L, 62.62 +/- 5.95 ng/L, 40.06 +/- 3.97 ng/L, 41.37 +/- 4.06 ng/L and 22.80 +/- 3.15 ng/L respectively in the normal control, long-term heavy smoking, long-term light smoking, short-term heavy smoking and smoking cessation groups, with significant differences between the control group and the other four (P < 0.05). Electron microscopy showed abnormal arrangement of endothelia, penile cavernous sinuses and smooth muscle cells, disrupted continuity of endothelia, damaged ultrastructure of endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the penile cavernous tissue, and obvious proliferation and fibrosis of interstitial tissues in the smoking rats. CONCLUSION: Smoking increases the P-selectin expression in the penile vascular epithelial cells and damages the ultrastructure of the penile cavernous tissue, which may be the main contributors to smoking-induced erectile dysfunction.