The ZIP9-centered androgen pathway compensates for the 2605 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation-mediated reduction in resistance to H2O2 damage in Sertoli cells of adult rats.

The direct biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) from wireless communication equipment on the testes are still unclear. Our previous study proved that long-term exposure to 2605 MHz RF-EMR gradually damage spermatogenesis and resulted in time-dependent reproductive toxicity by directly disrupting blood-testis barrier circulation. Although short-term exposure did not cause readily observable damage to fertility, whether it caused specific biological effects and how these effects contributed to the time-dependent reproductive toxicity of RF-EMR were currently unknown. Studies on this issue are important for elucidating the time-dependent reproductive toxicity of RF-EMR. The present study established a 2605 MHz RF-EMR (SAR=1.05 W/Kg) scrotal exposure model with rats and extracted primary Sertoli cells for exposure to investigate the direct biological effects of short-term RF-EMR exposure on the testis. The results showed that short-term RF-EMR exposure did not decrease sperm quality and spermatogenesis, but it increased the levels of testicular testosterone (T) and zinc transporter 9 (ZIP9) in Sertoli cells of rats. In vitro, 2605 MHz RF-EMR exposure did not increase the apoptosis rate of Sertoli cells, but it increased the apoptosis rate and MDA of Sertoli cells exposed to H2O2. T reversed these changes and increased ZIP9 level in Sertoli cells, whereas inhibiting ZIP9 expression significantly suppressed these T-mediated protective effects. Moreover, T increased the levels of phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (P-IRE1), phosphorylated protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (P-PERK), phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2a (P-eIF2a) and phosphorylated activating transcription factor 6 (P-ATF6) in Sertoli cells, and these effects were reversed by ZIP9 inhibition. With prolonged exposure time, testicular ZIP9 was gradually downregulated, and testicular MDA increased. ZIP9 level was negatively correlated with MDA level in the testes of exposed rats. Thus, although short-term exposure to 2605 MHz RF-EMR (SAR=1.05 W/kg) did not significantly disturb spermatogenesis, it suppressed the ability of Sertoli cells to resist external insults, which was rescued by enhancing the ZIP9-centered androgen pathway in the short term. Increasing the unfolded protein response might be an important downstream mechanism involved. These results promote a better understanding of the time-dependent reproductive toxicity of 2605 MHz RF-EMR.

The dose-effect relationships of cigarette and alcohol consumption with depressive symptoms: a multiple-center, cross-sectional study in 5965 Chinese middle-aged and elderly men.

BACKGROUND: Although association of depressive symptoms with cigarette or alcohol is well documented, the dose-response relationship between them is rarely studied. This study aims to evaluate dose-response relationships of cigarette and alcohol consumption with depressive symptoms in Chinese middle-aged and elderly men, providing evidence to guide cigarette and alcohol control. METHODS: This multiple-center, cross-sectional study including 5965 Chinese men aged 40-79 years was conducted in 2013-2016 in China. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by Beck Depression Inventory-Short Form. History of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking were collected with a structured questionnaire. Prevalence of depressive symptoms was compared depending on cigarette and alcohol consumption. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by binary logistic regression. Interpolation analysis was applied to test dose-effect relationships. RESULTS: A parabolic-shaped relationship was observed between cigarette consumption and depressive symptoms. Compared to never smokers, 59.0% (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.30-1.94) and 29.0% (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.08-1.54) higher odds of depressive symptoms were observed in men smoking < 10 cigarettes/day and 10-20 cigarettes/day, whereas, similar odds of depressive symptoms among men smoking > 20 cigarettes/day (P = 0.092). An inverted J-shaped relationship was observed between alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms. Compared to never drinkers, a tendency of higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.99-1.36) was observed in men drinking < 140 g/week, and similar prevalence was observed in those drinking 140-280 g/week (P = 0.920), whereas, 29.4% (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57-0.88) lower odds in men drinking > 280 g/week. CONCLUSIONS: Associations of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking with depressive symptoms differ with consumption in middle-aged and elderly men. Health-care providers should exercise great caution on depressive symptoms in conducting cigarette and alcohol control.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma combined with tranexamic acid in the treatment of melasma and its effect on the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, endothelin-1 and melatonin.

Objective: To investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with tranexamic acid (TXA) in the treatment of melasma and its effect on the serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and melanin stimulating hormone (MSH). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 80 patients with melasma treated in our hospital from January 2020 to June 2021. Patients (n=38) in the control group received simple oral TXA treatment. Patients (n=42) in the study group received PRP combined with oral TXA treatment. We assessed the treatment effects on the serum biochemical index levels, the adverse reactions, and the recurrence rates in the two groups. Results: The total efficacy of the study group (90.48%) was higher than that of the control group (73.68%) (p<0.05). After the treatment, the levels of serum VEGF increased and the levels of ET-1 and MSH decreased in both groups, but the changes in the study group were more pronounced than those in the control group (p<0.05). We found similar incidences of the adverse reaction in the study group (7.14%) and the control group (5.26%; p>0.05). The disease recurrence rates between the two groups three months after the treatment were similar (p>0.05). However, the disease recurrence rate in the study group (4.76%) was lower than that in the control group (21.05%) 6 months after treatment (p<0.05). Conclusions: PRP combined with oral TXA can improve the treatment effect of TXA alone in the treatment of melasma, maintaining normal levels of VEGF, ET-1 and MSH, reducing disease recurrences.

Downregulation of miR-193a-3p inhibits cell growth and migration in renal cell carcinoma by targeting PTEN.

Although miR-193a-3p has been found to be dysregulated in variety of human tumors, little is known about its role in renal cell carcinoma. This study was designed to investigate the function and underlying mechanism of miR-193a-3p in human renal cell carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Here, we demonstrated that the expression of miR-193-3p was increased in renal cell carcinoma tissues and cell lines. In addition, knockdown of miR-193a-3p significantly inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation and induced cells into G1 phase arrest. Meanwhile, the migration potential of 786-O cells was also decreased compared to control group. Furthermore, we identified PTEN as a direct and functional target of miR-193a-3p, at least partly responsible for promoting tumor effect of miR-193a-3p in renal cell carcinoma. Taken together, the findings indicated for the first time that miR-193a-3p functions as a tumor-promoting microRNA by directly targeting PTEN in renal cell carcinoma.

Differential mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry for atomic analysis.

Analysis and separation of atomic ions within a portable setting are studied in forensic applications of radiological debris analysis. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) may be used to show separation of atomic ions, while the related method of differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) has focused on fractionation of primarily molecular components. We set out to investigate DMS as a means for separating atomic ions. We initially derived the differential ion mobility parameter, alpha, from classic empirical IMS data of atomic ions, cesium and potassium, each showing its own distinct form of alpha. These alpha functions were applied to DMS simulations and supported by analytical treatment that suggested a means for a rapid disambiguation of atomic ions using DMS. We validated this hypothesis through the prototype cesium-potassium system investigated experimentally by DMS coupled to mass spectrometry (MS). Such a feature would be advantageous in a field portable instrument for rapid atomic analyses especially in the case of isobaric ions that cannot be distinguished by MS. Herein, we first report this novel method for the derivation of alpha from existing field dependent drift tube ion mobility data. Further, we translate experimental DMS data into alpha parameters by expanding upon existing methods. Refining the alpha parameter in this manner helps convey the interpretation of the alpha parameter particularly for those new to the DMS field.

[Nicotine- and tar-free cigarette smoke extract reduces the penile erectile function of rats].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of nicotine- and tar-free cigarette smoke extract (fCSE) on the serum testosterone (T) level and erectile function of male rats. METHODS: We randomized 30 male SD rats to three groups of equal number to receive subcutaneous injection of PBS (1.0 ml / 300 g body weight per day), fCSE (1.0 ml/300 g body weight per day), and reduced glutathione hormone (GSH, 200 mg per kg body weight per day) in addition to fCSE (fCSE + GSH), respectively, all for 8 weeks. Then we evaluated the erectile function of the rats by measuring the maximal intracavernous pressure (MICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), ICP/MAP ratio, time of stimulation to MICP (Tmax), and cavernosal filling fate (CFR). We determined the serum T level, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) , malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the cavernosal tissue, and also observed the morphological changes of the corpus cavernosum. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, the rats of the fCSE group showed obvious decreases in the levels of serum T ([5.37 ± 1.43] vs [3.22 ± 1.11] µg/L), NOS ([2.90 ± 0.27] vs [1.67 ± 0.18] U/mg) , and SOD ([18.41 ± 1.09] vs [13.36 ± 1.18] U/mg prot) and erectile function-related indexes MICP ([85.92 ± 6.36] vs [58.99 ± 10.76] mmHg), MICP/MAP (0.86 ± 0.09 vs [0.56 ± 0.08]), and CFR (2.14 ± 0.44 vs 0.89 ± 0.44), but markedly increased Tmax ([29.90 ± 5.78] vs [42.90 ± 8.56]s), with a positive correlation between the serum T level and CFR (r = 0. 364, P < 0.05). Masson staining revealed a lower ratio of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle tissue to collagen fiber in the fCSE group (0.27 ± 0.04) than in the control (0.98 ± 0.12). Compared with the fCSE group, the fCSE + GSH group exhibited significantly improved MICP ([58.99 ± 10.76 ] vs [77.95 ± 7.71] mmHg), MICP/MAP (0.56 ± 0.08 vs 0.77 ± 0.09), and CFR (0.89 ± 0.44] vs 1.76 ± 0.42) and shortened Tmax ([42.90 ± 8.56 ] vs [32.10 ± 5.84 ] s). The ratio of the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle tissue to collagen fiber was higher in the fCSE + GSH than in the fCSE group (0.77 ± 0.09 vs 0.27 ± 0.04) but still lower than in the control (0.98 ± 0.12). CONCLUSION: Nicotine- and tar-free cigarette smoke extract reduces the serum T level and erectile function of rats, which is related to oxidative stress. Antioxidant therapy can improve erectile function but has a limited value for morphological protection of the penile tissue.

Transient Interporosity Flow in Shale/Tight Oil Reservoirs: Model and Application.

The dual-porosity model has been used widely to describe the fracture network in well test or numerical simulation due to the high computational efficiency. The shape factor, which can be used to determine the capability of mass transfer between the matrix and fracture, is the core of the dual-porosity model. However, the conventional shape factor, which is usually obtained under pseudo-steady state assumption, has certain limitation in characterization of the mass transfer efficiency in a shale/tight reservoir. In this study, a new transient interporosity flow model has been established by considering the influence of nonlinear flow, stress sensitivity, and fracture pressure depletion. To solve this new model, a finite difference and Newton iteration method was applied. According to the Duhamel principle, the solution for time-dependent fracture pressure boundary condition has been obtained. The solution has been verified by using the fine-grid finite element method. Then, the influence of nonlinear flow, stress sensitivity, and fracture pressure depletion on shape factor and interporosity flow rate has been studied. The study results show that constant shape factors are not suitable for unconventional reservoirs, and the interporosity flow in the shale/tight reservoir is controlled by multiple factors. The new model can be used in test interpretation and numerical simulation, and also provides a new approach for the optimization of the perforation cluster number.

APOA1 Level is Negatively Correlated with the Severity of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: We used public data to analyze the proteomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics characteristics of COVID-19 patients to identify potential therapeutic targets. More importantly, we also collected clinical data for verification to make the analysis results more reliable. METHODS: Download the serum proteomics and metabolomics data of COVID-19 patients and describe their changes in serum proteins and metabolites, and use bioinformatics analysis methods to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Finally, clinical data and experimental data of cell infection were combined for verification. RESULTS: It was found that the serum apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) protein level in COVID-19 patients was down-regulated (log2FC = -0.39, false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.001), and the degree of reduction in the severe group was more significant (kruskal-test p = 2.5e-05). What is more, APOA1 was not only expressed lower in male patients (Wilcox-test p = 0.012), but also negatively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP, r = -0.37, p = 0.019). The experiment data from SARS-CoV-2 infected cells further showed that the protein and transcript level of APOA1 gradually decreased as the infection time increased, and the transcription level (log2FC = -8.3, FDR = 0.0015) was more down-regulated than protein level (log2FC = -0.95, FDR = 0.0014). More importantly, the collected clinical data also confirmed that APOA1 was down-regulated in COVID-19 patients (kruskal-test p = 0.001), and APOA1 levels are negatively correlated with IL6 (r = -0.396, p = 2.22e-07), D-dimers (DD, r = -0.262, p = 8.19e-04), prothrombin time (PT, r = -0.464, p = 6.68e-10) and thrombin time (TT, r = -0.279, p = 3.46e-04). CONCLUSION: The degree of down-regulation of APOA1 is positively correlated with the severity of COVID-19, and the expression level of APOA1 is negatively correlated with CRP, IL6, DD, PT, TT, and positively correlated with HD and LDL. This indicates that APOA1 may be a key molecule in tandem acute inflammatory response, coagulation abnormalities and cholesterol metabolism disorder in COVID-19, and could be a potential therapeutic target.

[Cigarette smoke extract reduces NOS activity and CX43 expression in the corporal cavernosum].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of different doses of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on the erectile function of male rats and the mechanism of smoking-induced erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: A total of 75 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into Groups A (control), B (dimethyl sulphoxide [DMSO]), C (low-dose CSE), D (medium-dose CSE) and E (high-dose CSE). CSE models were established in male SD rats by hypodermic injection, and 60 days later observed for penile erection following subcutaneous injection of apomorphine. Then the rats were killed and the penile cavernous body obtained for the examination of NOS activity by chromatometry and the determination of Cx43 expression by laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy (LCSM). RESULTS: Compared with the control and DMSO groups, penile erection frequency, NOS activity and Cx43 expression in the penile cavernous tissue were significantly decreased in the CSE groups (P < 0.05), and the decrease was proportional to the increase of the doses of CSE. No statistically significant differences were observed between the control and DMSO groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoke obviously reduces NOS activity and Cx43 expression in the penile cavernous tissue and seriously affects penile erection. The higher the dose, the more serious the influence. The decreases of NOS activity and Cx43 expression may be an important mechanism of ED.

[Cigarette smoke affects sexual function of male rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of cigarette smoke on the sexual function of male rats. METHODS: Based on Ozyurt's smoking model, we equally divided 30 male adult Sprague-Dawley rats into a control and a smoking group, and exposed the latter to cigarette smoke for 60 days. A week before the end of the experiment, we added 5 female rats to each group and observed their mating through 24-hour video surveillance. Sixty days later, all the rats were killed for the determination of the level of testosterone (T) in the plasma and the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the corpus cavernosum, and Masson-dyeing image analysis of the penile tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, the rats in the smoking group showed a significant reduction in the times of mating, the level of plasma T (P < 0.05) and the activity of NOS in the penile cavernous tissue (P < 0.05), but a slight increase in the collagen fibers and obvious changes in the blood sinuses. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoke seriously affected penile erection in the experimental rats. The decrease in plasma T, NOS activity and the area of smooth muscle may be an important mechanism underlying their erectile dysfunction.

MicroRNA-30a-3p functions as a tumor suppressor in renal cell carcinoma by targeting WNT2.

The expression and function of microRNA (miR)-30a-3p in several types of human cancer have been explored. However, the biological function of miR-30a-3p in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that expression of miR-30a-3p is down-regulated in RCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, ectopic expression of miR-30a-3p significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of a human RCC cell line in vitro, while miR-30a-3p inhibited tumor growth in vivo as well. TargetScan software identified Wnt2 as a potential direct target of miR-30a-3p. To confirm this relationship, Wnt2 was ectopically expressed. The effects of miR-30a-3p on RCC cell proliferation and invasion were subsequently restored. Therefore, the results of this study support an anti-tumor role for miR-30a-3p in RCC progression which is potentially mediated via Wnt2.

Clinical application of percutaneous nephrostomy in some urologic diseases.

Percutaneous nephrostomy was applied in some other urologic diseases and the efficacy was evaluated. Percutaneous nephrostomy for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) was performed in patients with various renal, perinephric and bladder diseases (n=79). The tract establishment, operation duration and complications were observed and the efficacy was assessed. The results showed that the tracts were successfully established in 79 cases. The operation lasted 4-20 min. 12F-16F single tract was established in nephrohydrop patients and 16F-20F single or multiple tracts were established in patients with pyonephrosis, renal cortical abscess, renal cyst and perinephric abscess. During dilation, no leakage of liquor puris was noted. Establishment of 18F single tract was achieved in one urinoma patient. In two patients with foreign body in kidney, the foreign bodies were removed via established 14F single tract. 18F tracts were established in 2 patients with bladder contracture, which was followed by the placement of 16F balloon urethral catheter for drainage. No complications, such as massive bleeding, intestinal injury and spreading of infection took place in our series. All the patients were followed up for 2-12 months. No long-term complications such as dropping of drainage tube occurred. It is concluded that as a minimally invasive technique, percutaneous nephrostomy has the advantages of convenience, simplicity and causing less complications and can be used for various urologic diseases.

Changes to the bladder epithelial barrier are associated with ketamine-induced cystitis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes of the bladder epithelial barrier in the pathogenesis of ketamine-induced cystitis (KIC). A total of 60 female mice were randomly allocated into control and ketamine groups, which received daily intraperitoneal injections of saline and ketamine, respectively. Micturition behavior was recorded in 2-h intervals at the end of 4, 8 and 12 weeks, and bladders were harvested for subsequent analyses. Routine hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed on the bladders and histopathological changes were analyzed using light microscopy. The distribution of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) protein was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. The ultrastructure of umbrella cells was observed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Ketamine-addicted mice exhibited a significantly increased frequency of micturitions following 8 and 12 weeks of ketamine treatment (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Suburothelial congestion and infiltration of mononuclear cells was observed in ketamine-addicted mice following 8 and 12 weeks of treatment. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated that there was an increased abnormal distribution of ZO-1 in the bladders of ketamine-treated mice compared with control mice. TEM analysis demonstrated that the surface of bladder urothelium became flattened, the tight junctions between umbrella cells became thinner and the endothelial cells exhibited cell body shrinkage, chromatin condensation and layer denudation in mice treated with ketamine. The present study indicated that the structural and functional changes to the bladder epithelial barrier caused by long-term use of ketamine may be key mechanisms in the development of KIC.

MicroRNA-142-5p promotes cell growth and migration in renal cell carcinoma by targeting BTG3.

PURPOSE: Some microRNA (miRNA) levels have been found to be dysregulated in cancer patients, suggesting the potential usefulness of miRNAs in cancer therapies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of miR-142-5p in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and its potential role in tumor growth and metastasis. METHODS: The expression level of miR-142-5p in human RCC tissue and cell lines was determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. MTT, colony formation, Transwell, and cell cycle assays were performed to explore the potential functions of miR-142-5p in human RCC cells. The potential target gene of miR-142-5p was identified and confirmed via luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS: miR-142-5p expression was elevated in RCC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-142-5p significantly promoted cell proliferation and colony formation and could prevent G1 phase arrest among RCC 786-O cells. Meanwhile, the migration potential of 786-O cells was greater than that of control cells. BTG3 was identified as a direct target of miR-142-5p, and re-expression of BTG3 reversed the miR-142-5p-induced cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: miR-142-5p promoted the proliferation and migration of RCC cells by targeting BTG3. With this potential onco-miRNA role in the progression of RCC, miR-142-5p may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of RCC.

[Effects of prostadyn sabale capsules on chronic prostatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of prostadyn sabale capsules on chronic prostatitis (CP). METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five CP cases were divided into three categories according to National Institutes of Health (NIH) concensus definition and classification of CP:31 of category II. 75 of category IIIA and 19 of category IIIB. All the cases were treated with prostadyn sabale capsules at the dosage of 320 mg twice a day. NIH chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), routine examination and culture of expressed prostatic secretions (EPS) were prospectively evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS: The cure rates of category II, category IIIA and category IIIB were 25.8%, 16.0%, and 21.1% respectively, the general cure rate being 19.2%. The alleviation rate was 63.5% and the total effectivity rate was 82.7%. No side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Prostadyn sabale capsules have good effects on CP.