Water-soluble intracellular extract of Desmodesmus sp. YT enhanced the antioxidant capacity of human skin fibroblast to protect the skin from UV damage.

BACKGROUND: The oxidative stress induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a pivotal factor in skin aging and can even contribute to the development of skin cancer. AIM: This study explored the antioxidant effect and mechanism of water-soluble intracellular extract (WIE) of Desmodesmus sp.YT (YT), aiming to develop a natural antioxidant suitable for incorporation into cosmetics. METHODS: The study evaluated the scavenging capacity of YT-WIE against free radicals and assessed its impact on human skin fibroblasts (HSF) cell viability and UV resistance using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8). Transcriptome sequencing was employed to elucidate the mechanism of action, while RT-qPCR and western blot were used to validate the expression of key genes. RESULTS: YT-WIE displayed robust antioxidant activity, demonstrating potent scavenging abilities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH; IC50 = 0.55 mg mL-1), 2,2'-Azino-bis (3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid; ABTS; IC50 = 3.11 mg mL-1), Hydroxyl (·OH; IC50 = 2.21 mg mL-1), and Superoxide anion (O2 •-; IC50 = 0.98 mg mL-1). Furthermore, compared to the control group, the YT-WIE group exhibited an 89.30% enhancement in HSF viability and a 44.63% increase in survival rate post-UV irradiation. Significant upregulation of antioxidant genes (GCLC, GCLM, TXNRD1, HMOX1, NQO1) was observed with YT-WIE treatment at 400 µg mL-1, with fold increases ranging from 1.13 to 5.85 times. CONCLUSION: YT-WIE demonstrated considerable potential as an antioxidant, shielding human cells from undue oxidative stress triggered by external stimuli such as UV radiation. This suggests its promising application in cosmetics antioxidants.

Clinical characteristics of peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a prospective and observational study.

PURPOSE: The incidence of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related complications is higher in cancer patients than in noncancer patients. However, the pattern of specific complication occurrence over time remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of PICC-related complications in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: This prospective, observational study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital in Western China. Cancer patients undergoing PICC insertion for anticancer treatment were recruited and followed up until the first week after catheter removal. Any complications, including occurrence time and outcomes, were recorded. The trajectory of specific PICC-related complications over time were identify based on the Kaplan‒Meier curve analysis. RESULTS: Of the 233 patients analyzed, nearly half (n = 112/233, 48.1%) developed 150 PICC-related complication events. The most common were symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) (n = 37/233, 15.9%), medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) (n = 27/233, 11.6%), and catheter dislodgement (n = 17/233, 7.3%), accounting for 54.0% (n = 81/150, 54.0%) of total complications events. According to Kaplan‒Meier curve analysis, symptomatic CRT, pain, phlebitis, and insertion site bleeding were classified as the "early onset" group mainly occurring within the first month post-insertion. Catheter fracture and catheter-related bloodstream infection were classified as the "late onset" group occurring after the second month post-insertion. MARSI, catheter dislodgement, occlusion, and insertion site infection were classified as the "persistent onset" group persistently occurring during the whole catheter-dwelling period. Among the 112 patients with PICC-related complications, 50 (44.6%) patients had their catheters removed due to complications, and 62 (55.4%) patients successfully retained their catheters until treatment completion through conventional interventions. The major reasons for unplanned catheter removal were catheter dislodgement (n = 12/233, 5.2%), symptomatic CRT (n = 10/233, 4.3%), and MARSI (n = 7/233, 3.0%), accounting for 58.0% (n = 29/50, 58.0%) of the total unplanned catheter removal cases. Catheter dwelling times between patients with complications under successful interventions (130.5 ± 32.1 days) and patients with no complications (138.2 ± 46.4 days) were not significantly different (t = 1.306, p = 0.194; log-rank test = 2.610, p = 0.106). CONCLUSIONS: PICC-related complications were pretty common in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The time distribution of PICC-related complications varied, and medical staff should develop time-specific protocols for prevention. Because more than half of the patients with PICC-related complications could be managed with conventional interventions, PICCs remain a priority for cancer patients undergoing short-term chemotherapy. The study was registered in 02/08/2019 at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR1900024890).

The clinical topography of peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in cancer patients: A prospective and longitudinal observational study based on ultrasound scans every two days.

AIMS: To delineate the clinical topography of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related thrombosis in cancer patients. BACKGROUND: Most of the clinical features of PICC-related thrombosis are based on a single follow-up, which is insufficient to reflect the full topography of a thrombosis. DESIGN: This is an observational study conducted at West China Hospital, according to the STROBE guidelines. METHODS: Cancer patients scheduled for PICC placement were potentially eligible; patients with contraindications to PICC placement or existing diseases affecting blood flow were excluded; and those who later withdrew or did not reply to our contact request during the follow-up period were eliminated from this study. Ultrasound was used to detect thrombosis from the insertion site, proximal insertion site, axillary vein to the subclavian vein once every two days for two weeks post insertion. The thrombosis and its involved venous segments, onset time and symptoms and signs were recorded. RESULTS: Among the 173 included patients, 126 (72.8 %) were identified as having thrombosis. Specifically, 113 and 126 patients were identified as having thrombosis within the first three days and the first week post insertion, respectively. In the 126 patients, thrombosis occurred at the insertion site (72.8 %) concurrently with thrombosis at the proximal insertion site (n = 120, 69.4 %), thrombosis in the axillary vein (n = 94, 54.3 %), and/or thrombosis in the subclavian vein (n = 41, 23.7 %). The log-rank test demonstrated that thrombosis in these four venous segments decreased significantly from the distal to the proximal central vein (log-rank test = 117.128, P < .001). Of 31 patients (17.9 %) who presented symptomatic thrombosis, only five patients experienced obvious swelling in the upper arm, and the other 26 patients exhibited atypical symptoms, such as soreness, tightness, numbness, tingling, or other discomforts in the palm, arm, armpit, and/or shoulder. In some thrombotic cases, ultrasonic assessment of PICC-related thrombosis did not parallel clinical symptoms and signs. CONCLUSION: PICC-related thrombosis is common and can occur very early post insertion in cancer patients, and most thromboses present atypical symptoms. More than half of the cases with thrombosis evaluated involve multiple venous segments, and the farther the venous segments are from the central vein, the higher the incidence of thrombosis tend to be and the earlier the onset time are. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The results highlight the importance that medical staff pay particular attention to patients with catheters in the first week post insertion and be alert to thrombosis presenting atypical symptoms while keeping in mind that clinical symptoms and signs are not reliable for diagnosing thrombosis. CLINICAL REGESTRATION: Clinical Trials ChiCTR1900024890.

The Efficacy and Safety of Thrice vs Twice per Week Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: A recent sham-controlled clinical study has shown that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound twice per week can safely and effectively treat patients with mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction (ED). However, large-scale clinical trials are needed to verify its efficacy and safety and determine a reasonable treatment interval. AIM: To study whether low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy thrice per week is non-inferior to twice per week in patients with mild-to-moderate ED. METHODS: A randomized, open-label, parallel-group, non-inferiority clinical trial was conducted in 7 hospitals in China. A total of 323 patients with mild-to-moderate ED were randomized (1:1) into thrice per week (3/W) and twice per week (2/W) groups. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound was applied on each side of the penis for 16 sessions. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was response rate using the minimal clinically important difference in the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) score at week 12. Secondary outcomes included Erection Hardness Score (EHS), Sexual Encounter Profile, Global Assessment Question, and Self Esteem and Relationship Questionnaire. RESULTS: Response rates in 3/W and 2/W groups were 62.0% and 62.5%, respectively. Treatment effect in the 3/W group was noninferior to that of the 2/W group, with rate difference lower bound of -0.01% [95% confidence interval -0.11 to 0.10%] within the acceptable margin (-14.0%). No significant difference was found among secondary outcomes. IIEF-EF score showed a significant increase from baseline in the 3/W group (16.8 to 20.7) and 2/W group (17.8 to 21.7), and the percentage of patients with EHS ≥3 increased in the 3/W (54.9% to 84.0%) and 2/W (59.5% to 83.5%) groups. There was no significant difference in response rate between the 2 groups after controlling for strata factors and homogeneous tests. No treatment-related adverse events were reported. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy displays similar efficacy and safety for mild-to-moderate ED when administered thrice or twice per week for 16 sessions. This study provides two options to suit patients' needs. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is a large-sample, randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial study. Short-term follow-up and mostly younger patients are the main limitations. CONCLUSION: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy thrice and twice per week showed equivalent therapeutic effects and safety for mild-to-moderate ED in a young and generally healthy population. This therapy warrants further investigation of its potential value in rehabilitation of ED. Chen, H., Li Z., Li X., et al. The Efficacy and Safety of Thrice vs Twice per Week Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Sex Med 2022;19:1536-1545.

Preliminary experience with 3D digital image microscope system on the treatment of varicocele.

The three-dimension digital image microscope system (3D-DIM) with a better ergonomic design and equipment characteristics can contribute to the achievement of good results during microsurgery. In this study, the safety and efficiency of 3D-DIM assisted varicocelectomy was evaluated. From July 2019 to November 2019, fifteen cases with varicocele (20 sides of varicocele in total) were included, seven cases underwent 3D-DIM-assisted modified microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy, and eight cases underwent modified microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy under standard operating microscope (SOM). The mean operative time of 3D-DIM group (67 ± 12.3 min) was a little longer than that of SOM group (55 ± 12.9 min) (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of internal spermatic arteries, internal spermatic vein, lymphatics, gubernacular vein, external spermatic vein and post-operation complications. The 3D-DIM showed a significant difference in image definition for nurse (p < 0.01) and in doctor-nurse cooperation (p < 0.05) over SOM. The 3D-DIM with better ergonomic design and image definition can be applied to perform microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy, and could improve the surgeon's fatigue and doctor-nurse cooperation. We believe that the 3D-DIM would be widely used in the field of male infertility microsurgery in the near future.

The effect of systemic and local risk factors on triggering peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in cancer patients: A prospective cohort study based on ultrasound examination and structural equation modeling.

BACKGROUND: The negative synergistic effect of cancer and a peripherally inserted central catheter could significantly increase the incidence of thrombosis. Rather than identifying risk factors for peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis, exploring the effect of these risk factors might be a promising method to improve the outcomes of thrombosis. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effect of systemic and local risk factors on triggering peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in the first two weeks post-insertion in cancer patients. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: The study was conducted at a 4500-bed university-affiliated medical center in China. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred seventy-three cancer patients with peripherally inserted central catheters were included. METHODS: Peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis was assessed using ultrasound at a series of timepoints, once every two days post-insertion. Data on age, body mass index, blood hypercoagulation, insertion attempts, catheter-to-vein ratio, and blood flow velocity were collected as risk factors. Descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling were used to describe the study samples and analyze the effects of systemic and local risk factors. RESULTS: Among the 173 cancer patients included, 126 (72.8%) patients were diagnosed with peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis. Most thromboses (n = 118, 93.7%) were detected within five days, and 100% were detected within nine days post-insertion. Structural equation modeling analysis showed that local risk factors [catheter-to-vein ratio (standardized path coefficient = 0.32, p < 0.05) and blood flow velocity (standardized path coefficient = -0.35, p < 0.05)] had a greater effect than systemic factors [age (standardized path coefficient = 0.13, p < 0.05) and blood hypercoagulation (standardized path coefficient = 0.17, p < 0.05)] on triggering peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis is quite common and can occur very early post-insertion in cancer patients. Among the common risk factors, local risk factors reflecting peripherally inserted central catheter technology itself had a greater effect than systemic risk factors reflecting predisposition to thrombosis. Clinical Registration: Clinical Trials ChiCTR1900024890.

Estradiol is an independent risk factor for organic erectile dysfunction in eugonadal young men.

Erectile dysfunction attributable to testosterone deficiency is less common in young males, and the effect of estradiol on erectile function in eugonadal young males is unclear. We analyzed data from 195 male participants, including 143 eugonadal patients with erectile dysfunction and 52 healthy men. To distinguish psychogenic and organic erectile dysfunction, penile rigidity was measured using the nocturnal penile tumescence rigidity test. Serum levels of sexual hormones were quantified by electrochemiluminescence, and penile vascular status was assessed by penile color Doppler ultrasound. Both serum estradiol levels and the ratio of estradiol to testosterone were higher in patients with organic erectile dysfunction than in patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction or healthy controls. Organic erectile dysfunction was negatively associated with estradiol levels and the ratio of estradiol to testosterone, and estradiol was the only significant risk factor for organic erectile dysfunction (odds ratio: 1.094; 95% confidence interval: 1.042-1.149, P = 0.000). Moreover, serum estradiol levels were negatively correlated with penile rigidity. Serum estradiol levels were higher and penile rigidity was lower in patients with venous erectile dysfunction than in patients with nonvascular erectile dysfunction. We conclude that elevated serum estradiol levels may impair erectile function and may be involved in the pathogenesis of organic erectile dysfunction in eugonadal young men.

Small Peptide-Doxorubicin Co-Assembly for Synergistic Cancer Therapy.

Design of elaborated nanomaterials to improve the therapeutic efficacy and mitigate the side effects of chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs, such as Doxorubicin (Dox), is significant for cancer treatment. Here, we describe a co-assembled strategy, where amphiphile short peptides are co-assembled with Doxorubicin to form nanoscale particles for enhanced delivery of Dox. Two kinds of short peptides, Fmoc-FK (FK) and Fmoc-FKK (FKK), are synthesized. Through adjusting the component ratio of peptide and Dox, we obtain two kinds of co-assembled nanoparticles with homogeneous size distributions. These nanoparticles show several distinct characteristics. First, they are pH-responsive as they are stable in alkaline and neutral conditions, however, de-assembly at acidic pH enables selective Dox release in malignant cancer cells. Second, the nanoparticles show an average size of 50-100 nm with positive charges, making them effective for uptake by tumor cells. Moreover, the side effects of Dox on healthy cells are mitigated due to decreased exposure of free-Dox to normal cells. To conclude, the co-assembled peptide-Dox nanoparticles exhibit increased cellular uptake compared to free-Dox, therefore causing significant cancer cell death. Further apoptosis and cell cycle analysis indicates that there is a synergistic effect between the peptide and Doxorubicin.

High Expression of Vimentin is Associated With Progression and a Poor Outcome in Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has a high recurrence and mortality rate. Because of a poor understanding of the mechanism for this disease, treatment regimens have remained limited. Vimentin, one of the major cytoskeletal proteins, is associated with cellular structure. However, the function of vimentin in GBM is still undefined. In the present study, we investigated the expression level of vimentin in 179 GBM tissues using immunohistochemistry. We found that the vimentin expression level was associated with the time to progression (P=0.029). A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with high vimentin expression had a significantly shorter overall survival (P=0.0002) and progression-free survival (P=0.0001) compared with those with low expression. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that withaferin-A, a chemical inhibitor of vimentin, could inhibit GBM cell migration and invasion activity when its concentrations were <0.5 µM, and higher concentrations of withaferin-A could decrease the viability of U251and U87 cells significantly. In conclusion, our results indicated that vimentin may play an important role in the progression of GBM.

Cloning HSP70 and HSP90 genes of kaluga (Huso dauricus) and the effects of temperature and salinity stress on their gene expression.

The genes encoding HSP70 and HSP90 proteins were isolated from kaluga by homologous cloning and rapid amplification of complementary DNA (cDNA) ends (RACE). HSP70 (GenBank accession no. KP050541) and HSP90 (GenBank accession no. KP050542) cDNAs were composed of 2275 and 2718 bp and encoded polypeptides of 650 and 725 amino acids, respectively. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis showed that HSP70 and HSP90 of kaluga shared high identities with those of Acipenser ruthenus, Acipenser schrenckii, and Acipenser baerii (98-99 %). Fluorescent real-time RT-PCR under unstressed conditions revealed that HSP70 and HSP90 were expressed in 11 different tissues of kaluga. Messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of both HSP70 and HSP90 were highest in the intestine and lowest in the muscle. In addition, the patterns of mRNA expression of HSP70 and HSP90 were similar, although the level of expression was more in HSP90 than in HSP70 (P < 0.05).We also analyzed patterns of HSP70 and HSP90 expression in the muscle, gill, and liver of kaluga under different combinations of temperature and salinity stress, including temperatures of 4,10, 25, and 28 °C at 0 ppt salinity, and salinities of 10, 20, 30, and 40 ppt at 16 °C, where 16 °C at 0 ppt (parts per thousand) served as the control. We found that levels of mRNA expression of both HSP70 and HSP90 were highest at 4 °C in the muscle, gill, and liver and changed little with salinity stress. These results increase understanding of the mechanisms of stress response of cold freshwater fish.

Thulium laser resection versus plasmakinetic resection of prostates larger than 80 ml.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficiency of thulium laser resection of the prostate-tangerine technique (TmLRP-TT) and plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) for aged symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with large volume prostates (>80 ml) in a prospective randomized trial with an 18-month follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to November 2011, 90 BPH patients with large volume prostates were randomized for surgical treatment with TmLRP-TT (n = 45, group 1) or PKRP (n = 45, group 2). The preoperative and postoperative parameters were recorded and compared. All patients were evaluated at 1, 6, 12 and 18 months postoperatively using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), maximum flow rate (Q max), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) and the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function score. All perioperative complications were also documented and classified according to the modified Clavien classification system. RESULTS: Compared with the PKRP group, the TmLRP-TT group had a statistically lower hemoglobin drop (0.86 ± 0.42 vs. 1.34 ± 1.04 g/dl, P < 0.01), shorter catheterization time (1.91 ± 0.85 vs. 2.36 ± 0.74 days, P < 0.01) and hospital stay (3.80 ± 0.46 vs. 5.02 ± 0.54 days, P < 0.01). Within the observation period of 18 months, both groups had significant postoperative improvement in IPSS, QoL, Q max and PVR, although no difference was observed between the two groups. Only one patient receiving PKRP treatment required a blood transfusion perioperatively. During the 18-month follow-up, one patient in each group experienced urethral stricture and one patient in the PKRP group experienced bladder neck contracture. Minor complications that required no or noninterventional treatment occurred in 6 (13.33 %) of TmLRP-TT group (Clavien grade 1, 13.33 % and grade 2, 0 %) and 10 (22.22 %) of PKRP group (Clavien grade 1, 20.00 % and grade 2, 2.22 %). No severe complications required reinterventions in both groups (Clavien grade 3, 0 %; grade 4, 0 %; grade 5, 0 %). CONCLUSIONS: Both TmLRP-TT and PKRP are safe and effective treatment options for large prostates that require resection. Taking into account less blood loss, shorter catheterization time and hospital stay, TmLRP-TT may be a better treatment for patients with large prostates.

Anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective effects of Tetramethylpyrazine following subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats.

This study was designed to explore the effects of Tetramethylpyrazine on cerebral vasospasm and early brain injury and its underlying mechanisms after experimental SAH in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=164) were allocated randomly to SAH+TMP, SAH+vehicle (sodium chloride), or sham-operated group. The SAH model was induced through perforating internal carotid artery. TMP (30 mg/kg) or the vehicle was injected via vena caudalis 60 min before the perforation. Mortality, neurological scores, water content of brain and cerebral vasospasm were recorded at 24 h after SAH. Apoptosis of cerebral cortex was determined by TUNEL staining; caspase-3, bax and bcl-2 by Western blotting; P53 expression by immunohistochemical staining. TMP administrated in advance improved neurological scores, ameliorated cerebral edema and cerebral vasospasm. TUNEL-positive cells were reduced significantly in TMP-treated group. P53 was not found significantly different between TMP-treated and vehicle-treated group, while P53 positive cells were markedly higher in SAH group than that in sham-operated group. Cleaved caspase-3 protein was decreased significantly in TMP-treated group, while bax, bcl-2 protein expression did not differ statistically among the three groups. In conclusion, TMP ameliorated cerebral vasospasm and early brain injury after experimental SAH in rats. The underlying mechanisms may be partly related to inhibition of caspase-3 dependent proapoptosis pathway.

[Effect of nitric oxide donor and alpha1-receptor antagonist on proliferation/apoptosis of hyperplastic prostatic stromal cells in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of nitric oxide donor and alpha(1)-receptor antagonist on proliferation/apoptosis of hyperplastic prostatic stromal cells in vitro. METHODS: Primary cultured prostatic stromal cells were treated by nitric oxide donor SNP and Terazosin, and the antiproliferative index and apoptosis index were determined by MTT assay and TUNEL respectively. RESULTS: There was a significant dose-effect relationship between SNP and the antiproliferative effects, while Terazosin showed no antiproliferative effects and the combination of SNP and Terazosin showed no strengthen effects. Terazosin significantly induced apoptosis, but SNP showed no effect on induction of apoptosis, while there were much more effects of inducing apoptosis in the combination of Terazosin and SNP than the Terazosin alone. CONCLUSIONS: Terazosin induces apoptosis in cultured BPH stromal SMCs with little effect on the cell proliferation. SNP inhibits the proliferation of the cells without affecting apoptosis. The apoptosis induction effect is enhanced when Terazosin is combined with SNP, but they do not have an additive antiproliferative effect.