EGCG-induced selective death of cancer cells through autophagy-dependent regulation of the p62-mediated antioxidant survival pathway.

The effects of EGCG on the selective death of cancer cells by modulating antioxidant pathways through autophagy were explored in various normal and cancer cells. EGCG positively regulated the p62-KEAP1-NRF2-HO-1 pathway in normal cells, while negatively regulating it in cancer cells, leading to selective apoptotic death of cancer cells. In EGCG-treated MRC5 cells (EGCG-MRC5), autophagic flux was blocked, which was accompanied by the formation of p62-positive aggregates. However, EGCG-treated HeLa cells (EGCG-HeLa) showed incomplete autophagic flux and no aggregate formation. The levels of P-ULK1 S556 and S758 increased in EGCG-MRC5 through AMPK-mTOR cooperative interaction. In contrast, EGCG treatment in HeLa cells led to AMPK-induced mTOR inactivation, resulting in abrogation of P-ULK1 S556 and S758 levels. AMPK knockout in EGCG-HeLa restored positive regulation of the p62-mediated pathway, which was accompanied by increased P-mTOR S2448 and P-ULK1 S758 levels. Knockdown of 67LR in EGCG-HeLa abolished AMPK activity but did not restore the p62-mediated pathway. Surprisingly, both AMPK knockout and 67LR knockdown in EGCG-HeLa markedly increased cell viability, despite differential regulation of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1. In conclusion, EGCG induces the selective death of cancer cells through the modulation of at least two autophagy-dependent and independent regulatory pathways: negative regulation involves the mTOR-ULK1 (S556 and S758)-p62-KEAP1-NRF2-HO-1 axis via AMPK activation, whereas positive regulation occurs through the 67LR-AMPK axis.

Development of a Simple Direct and Hot-Start PCR Using Escherichia coli-Expressing Taq DNA Polymerase.

Taq DNA polymerases have played an important role in molecular biology for several years and are frequently used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR); hence, there is an increasing interest in developing a convenient method for preparing Taq DNA polymerase for routine use in laboratories. We developed a method using Escherichia coli (E. coli) that expresses thermostable Taq DNA polymerase directly in the PCR without purification. The Taq gene was transformed into E. coli and expressed. After overnight incubation and washing, E. coli-expressing Taq DNA polymerase (EcoliTaq) was used as the DNA polymerase without purification. EcoliTaq showed activity comparable to that of commercial DNA polymerase and remained stable for 3 months. With a high-pH buffer containing 2% Tween 20 and 0.4 M trehalose, EcoliTaq facilitated direct PCR amplification from anticoagulated whole blood samples. EcoliTaq exhibited good performance in allele-specific PCR using both purified DNA and whole blood samples. Furthermore, it proved to be useful as a DNA polymerase in hot-start PCR by effectively minimizing non-specific amplification. We developed a simple and cost-effective direct and hot-start PCR method in which EcoliTaq was used directly as a PCR enzyme, thus eliminating the laborious and time-consuming steps of polymerase purification.

Fluidic integrated 3D bioprinting system to sustain cell viability towards larynx fabrication.

Herein, we report the first study to create a three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted artificial larynx for whole-laryngeal replacement. Our 3D bio-printed larynx was generated using extrusion-based 3D bioprinter with rabbit's chondrocyte-laden gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/glycidyl-methacrylated hyaluronic acid (GMHA) hybrid bioink. We used a polycaprolactone (PCL) outer framework incorporated with pores to achieve the structural strength of printed constructs, as well as to provide a suitable microenvironment to support printed cells. Notably, we established a novel fluidics supply (FS) system that simultaneously supplies basal medium together with a 3D bioprinting process, thereby improving cell survival during the printing process. Our results showed that the FS system enhanced post-printing cell viability, which enabled the generation of a large-scale cell-laden artificial laryngeal framework. Additionally, the incorporation of the PCL outer framework with pores and inner hydrogel provides structural stability and sufficient nutrient/oxygen transport. An animal study confirmed that the transplanted 3D bio-larynx successfully maintained the airway. With further development, our new strategy holds great potential for fabricating human-scale larynxes with in vivo-like biological functions for laryngectomy patients.

KPNA3 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating TGF-ß and AKT signaling pathways in MDA-MB-231, a triple-negative breast cancer cell line.

Karyopherin-α3 (KPNA3), a karyopherin- α isoform, is intimately associated with metastatic progression via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the molecular mechanism underlying how KPNA3 acts as an EMT inducer remains to be elucidated. In this report, we identified that KPNA3 was significantly upregulated in cancer cells, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer, and its knockdown resulted in the suppression of cell proliferation and metastasis. The comprehensive transcriptome analysis from KPNA3 knockdown cells indicated that KPNA3 is involved in the regulation of numerous EMTrelated genes, including the downregulation of GATA3 and E-cadherin and the up-regulation of HAS2. Moreover, it was found that KPNA3 EMT-mediated metastasis can be achieved by TGF-ß or AKT signaling pathways; this suggests that the novel independent signaling pathways KPNA3-TGF-ß-GATA3-HAS2/E-cadherin and KPNA3-AKT-HAS2/E-cadherin are involved in the EMT-mediated progress of TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells. These findings provide new insights into the divergent EMT inducibility of KPNA3 according to cell and cancer type. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(2): 120-125].

In situ health monitoring of multiscale structures and its instantaneous verification using mechanoluminescence and dual machine learning.

Extensive changes in the legal, commercial and technical requirements in engineering fields have necessitated automated real-time structural health monitoring (SHM) and instantaneous verification. An integrated system with mechanoluminescence (ML) and dual artificial intelligence (AI) modules with subsidiary finite element method (FEM) simulation is designed for in situ SHM and instantaneous verification. The ML module detects the exact position of a crack tip and evaluates the significance of existing cracks with a plastic stress-intensity factor (PSIF; K P ). ML fields and their corresponding K p M L values are referenced and verified using the FEM simulation and bidirectional generative adversarial network (GAN). Well-trained forward and backward GANs create fake FEM and ML images that appear authentic to observers; a convolutional neural network is used to postulate precise PSIFs from fake images. Finally, the reliability of the proposed system to satisfy existing commercial requirements is validated in terms of tension, compact tension, AI, and instrumentation.

Gold nanostructure-integrated conductive microwell arrays for uniform cancer spheroid formation and electrochemical drug screening.

Cancer spheroids, which mimic distinct cell-to-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions of solid tumors in vitro, have emerged as a promising tumor model for drug screening. However, owing to the unique characteristics of spheroids composed of three-dimensionally densely-packed cells, the precise characterizations of cell viability and function with conventional colorimetric assays are challenging. Herein, we report gold nanostructure-integrated conductive microwell arrays (GONIMA) that enable both highly efficient uniform cancer spheroid formation and precise electrochemical detection of cell viability. A nanostructured gold on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate facilitated the initial cell aggregation and further 3D cell growth, while the non-cytophilic polymer microwell arrays restricted the size and shape of the spheroids. As a result, approximately 150 human glioblastoma spheroids were formed on a chip area of 1.13 cm2 with an average diameter of 224 µm and a size variation of only 5% (±11.36 µm). The high uniformity of cancer spheroids contributed to the stability of electrical signals measuring cell viability. Using the fabricated GONIMA, the effects of a representative chemotherapeutic agent, hydroxyurea, on the glioblastoma spheroids were precisely monitored under conditions of varying drug concentrations (0-0.3 mg/mL) and incubation times (24-48 h). Therefore, we conclude that the newly developed platform is highly useful for rapid and precise in vitro drug screening, as well as for the pharmacokinetic analyses of specific drugs using 3D cellular cancer models.

5-Fluorouracil-Immobilized Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Arrays on an Electrospun Bilayer Membrane as a Drug Patch.

The hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel array was employed for immobilization of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and the electrospun bilayer (hydrophilic: polyurethane/pluronic F-127 and hydrophobic: polyurethane) membrane was used to support the HA hydrogel array as a patch. To visualize the drug propagating phenomenon into tissues, we experimentally investigated how FITC-BSA diffused into the tissue by applying hydrogel patches to porcine tissue samples. The diffusive phenomenon basically depends on the FITC-BSA diffusion coefficient in the hydrogel, and the degree of diffusion of FITC-BSA may be affected by the concentration of HA hydrogel, which demonstrates that the high density of HA hydrogel inhibits the diffusive FITC-BSA migration toward the low concentration region. YD-10B cells were employed to investigate the release of 5-FU from the HA array on the bilayer membrane. In the control group, YD-10B cell viability was over 98% after 3 days. However, in the 5-FU-immobilized HA hydrogel array, most of the YD-10B cells were not attached to the bilayer membrane used as a scaffold. These results suggest that 5-FU was locally released and initiated the death of the YD-10B cells. Our results show that 5-FU immobilized on HA arrays significantly reduces YD-10B cell adhesion and proliferation, affecting cells even early in the cell culture. Our results suggest that when 5-FU is immobilized in the HA hydrogel array on the bilayer membrane as a drug patch, it is possible to control the drug concentration, to release it continuously, and that the patch can be applied locally to the targeted tumor site and administer the drug in a time-stable manner. Therefore, the developed bilayer membrane-based HA hydrogel array patch can be considered for sustained release of the drug in biomedical applications.

Microfluidic Electroceuticals Platform for Therapeutic Strategies of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells under Inflammatory Conditions.

The degeneration of an intervertebral disc (IVD) is a major cause of lower back pain. IVD degeneration is characterized by the abnormal expression of inflammatory cytokines and matrix degradation enzymes secreted by IVD cells. In addition, macrophage-mediated inflammation is strongly associated with IVD degeneration. However, the precise pathomechanisms of macrophage-mediated inflammation in IVD are still unknown. In this study, we developed a microfluidic platform integrated with an electrical stimulation (ES) array to investigate macrophage-mediated inflammation in human nucleus pulposus (NP). This platform provides multiple cocultures of different cell types with ES. We observed macrophage-mediated inflammation and considerable migration properties via upregulated expression of interleukin (IL)-6 (p < 0.001), IL-8 (p < 0.05), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 (p < 0.05), and MMP-3 (p < 0.05) in human NP cells cocultured with macrophages. We also confirmed the inhibitory effects of ES at 10 µA due to the production of IL-6 (p < 0.05) and IL-8 (p < 0.01) under these conditions. Our findings indicate that ES positively affects degenerative inflammation in diverse diseases. Accordingly, the microfluidic electroceutical platform can serve as a degenerative IVD inflammation in vitro model and provide a therapeutic strategy for electroceuticals.

DNA methylation dynamics and dysregulation delineated by high-throughput profiling in the mouse.

We have developed a mouse DNA methylation array that contains 296,070 probes representing the diversity of mouse DNA methylation biology. We present a mouse methylation atlas as a rich reference resource of 1,239 DNA samples encompassing distinct tissues, strains, ages, sexes, and pathologies. We describe applications for comparative epigenomics, genomic imprinting, epigenetic inhibitors, patient-derived xenograft assessment, backcross tracing, and epigenetic clocks. We dissect DNA methylation processes associated with differentiation, aging, and tumorigenesis. Notably, we find that tissue-specific methylation signatures localize to binding sites for transcription factors controlling the corresponding tissue development. Age-associated hypermethylation is enriched at regions of Polycomb repression, while hypomethylation is enhanced at regions bound by cohesin complex members. Apc Min/+ polyp-associated hypermethylation affects enhancers regulating intestinal differentiation, while hypomethylation targets AP-1 binding sites. This Infinium Mouse Methylation BeadChip (version MM285) is widely accessible to the research community and will accelerate high-sample-throughput studies in this important model organism.

Effect of intramuscular midazolam premedication on patient satisfaction in women undergoing general anaesthesia: a randomised control trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of premedication with intramuscular midazolam on patient satisfaction in women undergoing general anaesthesia. TRIAL DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Double-blind, parallel randomised control trial at a tertiary care medical centre in South Korea. Initially, 140 women aged 20-65 years who underwent general anaesthesia and had an American Society of Anesthesiology physical status classification of I or II were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group, and 134 patients (intervention n=65; control n=69) completed the study. INTERVENTION: Intramuscular administration of midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) or placebo (normal saline 0.01 mL/kg) on arrival at the preoperative holding area. MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was the patient's overall satisfaction with the anaesthesia experience as determined by questionnaire responses on the day after surgery. Satisfaction was defined as a response of 3 or 4 on a five-point scale (0-4). The secondary outcomes included blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen desaturation, recovery duration and postoperative pain. RESULTS: Patients who received midazolam were more satisfied than those who received placebo (percentage difference: 21.0%, OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.46 to 8.70). A subgroup analysis revealed that this difference was greater in patients with anxiety, defined as those whose Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale anxiety score was ≥11, than that for the whole sample population (percentage difference: 24.0%, OR 4.33, 95% CI 1.25 to 14.96). Both groups had similar heart rates, blood pressure and oxygen desaturation. CONCLUSION: Intramuscular administration of midazolam in women before general anaesthesia in the preoperative holding area improved self-reported satisfaction with the anaesthesia experience, with an acceptable safety profile. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: KCT0006002.

CsPOM1, a DYRK Family Kinase, Plays Diverse Roles in Fungal Development, Virulence, and Stress Tolerance in the Anthracnose Pathogen Colletotrichum scovillei.

Colletotrichum scovillei is the major anthracnose fungus of sweet pepper and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), causing significant losses in the yield and quality of the pepper fruits. Molecular mechanisms governing development and pathogenicity have been widely studied in many foliar fungal pathogens, but the information on fruit diseases is still limited. In this study, we determined the functional roles of the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase CsPOM1 in C. scovillei. Knockout mutant for CsPOM1 gene was obtained via homology-dependent gene replacement. The ΔCspom1 mutant exhibited a reduction in vegetative growth on osmotic stress, surface hydrophobicity, and conidiation compared with wild-type. Conidia of the ΔCspom1 mutant were already two-celled before inoculation on an induction surface, indicating that CsPOM1 negatively regulates conidial cell division. The ΔCspom1 mutant, similar to wild-type, formed appressoria on the plant surface, but was significantly reduced on hydrophobic coverslips, probably due to a defect in the recognition of surface hydrophobicity. Treatment of conidia with cutin monomers restored appressorium formation on hydrophobic coverslips in the ΔCspom1 mutant. On pepper fruits, the ΔCspom1 mutant exhibited delayed penetration and invasive growth, leading to significantly reduced virulence. Collectively, the results showed that CsPOM1 is important for stress tolerance, conidiation, surface hydrophobicity, appressorium formation, and virulence in C. scovillei.

Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase CsPMK1 Is Essential for Pepper Fruit Anthracnose by Colletotrichum scovillei.

The phytopathogenic fungus Colletotrichum scovillei, belonging to the Colletotrichum acutatum species complex, causes severe anthracnose disease on several fruits, including chili pepper (Capsicum annuum). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum scovillei are unclear. The conserved Fus3/Kss1-related MAPK regulates fungal development and pathogenicity. Here, the role of CsPMK1, orthologous to Fus3/Kss1, was characterized by phenotypic comparison of a target deletion mutant (ΔCspmk1). The mycelial growth and conidiation of ΔCspmk1 were normal compared to that of the wild type. ΔCspmk1 produced morphologically abnormal conidia, which were delayed in conidial germination. Germinated conidia of ΔCspmk1 failed to develop appressoria on inductive surfaces of hydrophobic coverslips and host plants. ΔCspmk1 was completely defective in infectious growth, which may result from failure to suppress host immunity. Furthermore, ΔCspmk1 was impaired in nuclear division and lipid mobilization during appressorium formation, in response to a hydrophobic surface. CsPMK1 was found to interact with CsHOX7, a homeobox transcription factor essential for appressorium formation, via a yeast two-hybridization analysis. Taken together, these findings suggest that CsPMK1 is required for fungal development, stress adaptation, and pathogenicity of C. scovillei.

Effectiveness and safety of bee venom pharmacopuncture for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the common autoimmune disease with low quality of life. The representative treatment is medication and medication usage has improved through update of clinical guidelines, however, there are still limitations. Bee venom (BV) has been reported to have meaningful therapeutic effects and the possibility of alternative options for RA through several types of studies, but there is no well-organised and recent published systematic review (SR). METHODS: We will search randomised controlled trials about the BV on RA from the inception to 31 May 2022 in various databases, manual research and contacting authors. Electronic databases will include MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, CiNii, J-STAGE, KoreaMed, Korean Medical Database, Korean Studies Information Service System, National Digital Science Library, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information and Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System. With screening and reviewing process, we will identify the eligible studies and extract the needed data. The primary outcome will be the disease activity scores indicating the improvement of RA symptoms (American College of Rheumatology response criteria 20, 50, 70), functions (Health Assessment Questionnaire, Disease Activity Score of 28 joints), joint (Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis index), pain (Visual Analogue Scale, Numerical Rating Scale) and effective rate. The secondary outcomes will be the RA-related blood test levels and adverse events. We will perform a meta-analysis by Review Manager software, the assessment of risk of bias by Cochrane Collaboration 'risk of bias' and the determination of quality of evidence by Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Our SR will suggest the clinical evidence of the use of BV for RA to patient, clinicians and policymakers. We will publish our results in a peer-review journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021238058.

In Vitro and In Vivo Model for Sepsis Through Non-canonical NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation.

Sepsis is a complex disorder related to dysregulation of the host response to infection and is a major health problem worldwide owing to its high mortality rates. However, the exact mechanisms causing sepsis remains unclear because of the complexity of the underlying pathways. Dysregulation of non-canonical NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation induces septic shock by promoting pyroptosis and pro-inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., interleukin-1ß) via caspase-11 and Gasdermin-D. Herein, we describe a rapid, simple method for evaluation of the degree of sepsis by investigating non-canonical inflammasome activation in both in vitro and in vivo models. The method is expected to be useful for testing and screening drugs for the treatment of sepsis.

Graphene-Based Materials for Efficient Neurogenesis.

Graphene, a two-dimensional plane-structured carbon allotrope, has outstanding properties. Owing to their unique features, graphene-based materials including graphene derivatives have recently emerged as an ideal material and been used in various fields. Especially, in terms of specific advantages of graphene including great electrical conductivity, high potential to conjugate with biomolecules, and applicability to three-dimensional structures, neurogenesis-based stem cell therapies using graphene-based materials have been reported to be a candidate of treatment for neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Huntington's disease). To date, extensive studies on neurogenesis-based stem cell therapies including enhanced neural differentiation and monitoring stem cells behavior have been conducted using graphene-based materials. Herein, we have summarized recent various studies of neurogenesis using graphene-based materials in depth and focused on effect of graphene on functional improvement of neural stem cells and monitoring of differentiation into neural linages.

The Autophagy Protein CsATG8 is Involved in Asexual Development and Virulence in the Pepper Anthracnose Fungus Colletotrichum scovillei.

Autophagy serves as a survival mechanism and plays important role in nutrient recycling under conditions of starvation, nutrient storage, ad differentiation of plant pathogenic fungi. However, autophagy-related genes have not been investigated in Colletotrichum scovillei, a causal agent of pepper fruit anthracnose disease. ATG8 is involved in autophagosome formation and is considered a marker of autophagy. Therefore, we generated an ATG8 deletion mutant, ΔCsatg8, via homologous recombination to determine the functional roles of CsATG8 in the development and virulence of C. scovillei. Compared with the wild-type, the deletion mutant ΔCsatg8 exhibited a severe reduction in conidiation. Conidia produced by ΔCsatg8 were defective in survival, conidial germination, and appressorium formation. Moreover, conidia of ΔCsatg8 showed reduced lipid amount and PTS1 selectivity. A virulence assay showed that anthracnose development on pepper fruits was reduced in ΔCsatg8. Taken together, our results suggest that CsATG8 plays various roles in conidium production and associated development, and virulence in C. scovillei.

Microfluidic Chip with Low Constant-Current Stimulation (LCCS) Platform: Human Nucleus Pulposus Degeneration In Vitro Model for Symptomatic Intervertebral Disc.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major cause of low back pain (LBP) in the lumbar spine. This phenomenon is caused by several processes, including matrix degradation in IVD tissues, which is mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inflammatory responses, which can be mediated by interactions among immune cells, such as macrophages and IVD cells. In particular, interleukin (IL)-1 beta (ß), which is a master regulator secreted by macrophages, mediates the inflammatory response in nucleus pulposus cells (NP) and plays a significant role in the development or progression of diseases. In this study, we developed a custom electrical stimulation (ES) platform that can apply low-constant-current stimulation (LCCS) signals to microfluidic chips. Using this platform, we examined the effects of LCCS on IL-1ß-mediated inflammatory NP cells, administered at various currents (5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 µA at 200 Hz). Our results showed that the inflammatory response, induced by IL-1ß in human NP cells, was successfully established. Furthermore, 5, 10, 20, and 100 µA LCCS positively modulated inflamed human NP cells' morphological phenotype and kinetic properties. LCCS could affect the treatment of degenerative diseases, revealing the applicability of the LCCS platform for basic research of electroceuticals.

Recent Advances in Multicellular Tumor Spheroid Generation for Drug Screening.

Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTs) have been employed in biomedical fields owing to their advantage in designing a three-dimensional (3D) solid tumor model. For controlling multicellular cancer spheroids, mimicking the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment is important to understand cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In drug cytotoxicity assessments, MCTs provide better mimicry of conventional solid tumors that can precisely represent anticancer drug candidates' effects. To generate incubate multicellular spheroids, researchers have developed several 3D multicellular spheroid culture technologies to establish a research background and a platform using tumor modelingvia advanced materials science, and biosensing techniques for drug-screening. In application, drug screening was performed in both invasive and non-invasive manners, according to their impact on the spheroids. Here, we review the trend of 3D spheroid culture technology and culture platforms, and their combination with various biosensing techniques for drug screening in the biomedical field.

Efficacy of 0.4 mg tamsulosin monotherapy in patients with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy of 0.4 mg tamsulosin monotherapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia with moderate-to-severe International Prostate Symptom Score. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From May 2015 to May 2017, 102 patients were analyzed, retrospectively. The patients were classified into three groups according to the combination of medication (tamsulosin 0.4 mg vs tamsulosin 0.4 mg + solifenacin 5 mg vs tamsulosin 0.4 mg + mirabegron 50 mg). Baseline characteristics (e.g. age, body weight, height, and underlying medical disease) were collected. International Prostate Symptom Score, prostate specific antigen, prostate volume, peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), voided volume, and post-voided volume before after treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: We classified and analyzed the patients into three groups depending on the medication. And there were no significant differences between all parameters among the groups. Voided volume at 3 months after treatment in each group was 170.54 ± 125.83, 121.55 ± 46.19, and 274.63 ± 132.30 (p = 0.019). Differences of voiding symptom score and difference of post-voided volume among the groups before after treatment was 5.00 ± 5.42, 1.92 ± 3.92, and 0.11 ± 5.11 and 8.37 ± 34.32, 0.78 ± 14.86, -33.63 ± 28.58 (p = 0.037, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: We think tamsulosin monotherapy will be feasible as a first-line therapy for the patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who has struggled with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms.

Metabolic Energy Contributions During High-Intensity Hatha Yoga and Physiological Comparisons Between Active and Passive (Savasana) Recovery.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate metabolic energy contributions during high-intensity hatha yoga (HIHY) and to compare changes in physiological variables between active and passive recovery methods. Methods: The study involved 20 women yoga instructors (n = 20) who performed 10 min of HIHY (vigorous sun salutation). Upon completion, they were randomly assigned to either active (walking; n = 10) or passive (savasana; n = 10) recovery groups for a period of 10 min. During HIHY, physiological variables such as heart rate (HRpeak and HRmean), oxygen uptake (VO2peak and VO2mean), and blood lactate concentrations (peak La-) were measured. Energetic contributions (phosphagen; WPCR, glycolytic; WGly, and oxidative; WOxi) in kJ and % were estimated using VO2 and La- data. Furthermore, the metabolic equivalents (METs) of VO2peak and VO2mean were calculated. To compare different recovery modes, HRpost, ΔHR, VO2post, ΔVO2, recovery La-, and recovery ΔLa- were analyzed. Results: The results revealed that HRpeak, VO2peak, and peak La- during HIHY showed no differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Values of HRpeak, HRmean, METs of VO2peak and VO2mean, and La- during HIHY were 95.6% of HRmax, 88.7% of HRmax, 10.54 ± 1.18, 8.67 ±.98 METs, and 8.31 ± 2.18 mmol·L-1, respectively. Furthermore, WOxi was significantly higher compared with WPCR, WGly, and anaerobic contribution (WPCR + WGly), in kJ and % (p < 0.0001). VO2post and recovery ΔLa- were significantly higher in the active recovery group (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0369, respectively). Values of ΔVO2 and recovery La- were significantly lower in the active group compared with the passive group (p = 0.0115, p = 0.0291, respectively). Conclusions: The study concluded that high-intensity hatha yoga which was performed for 10 min is a suitable option for relatively healthy people in the modern workplace who may have hatha yoga experience but do not have time to perform a prolonged exercise. Following active recovery, they can participate in further HIHY sessions during short breaks. Furthermore, a faster return to work can be supported by physiological recovery.