PeerJ Preprints: Urologyhttps://peerj.com/preprints/index.atom?journal=peerj&subject=7200Urology articles published in PeerJ PreprintsKnockdown of AMP-activated protein kinase α2 impairs epithelial-mesenchymal transition in rat renal tubular epithelial cells by downregulating v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog-1 and ribosomal protein S6 kinase A1https://peerj.com/preprints/279922019-12-022019-12-02Xiaoming YinFujiang MaXu FanQi ZhaoXin LiuYi Yang
Background. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important regulatory role in obstructive nephropathy and renal fibrosis. As an intracellular energy sensor, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is essential in the process of EMT. The aim of this study was to reveal changes in the expression of AMPKα2 and to elucidate which AMPKα2 genes play a role during EMT. Methods. In this study, TGF-β1 was used to induce EMT in normal rat renal tubular epithelial (NRK-52E) cells. The shAMPKα2 lentivirus was used to interfere with AMPKα2 expression in EMT-derived NRK-52E cells, where AMPKα2 expression and EMT were detected. Differential gene expression after the AMPKα2 knockdown in EMT-derived NRK-52E cells was examined using a gene microarray. Possible regulatory pathways were analyzed using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) and differentially expressed genes were partially verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Results. It was found that AMPKα2 was upregulated in TGF-β1-induced EMT-derived NRK-52E cells. EMT progression was significantly inhibited after the expression of AMPKα2 was downregulated by the shAMPKα2 lentivirus. A total of 1,588 differentially expressed genes were detected after the AMPKα2 knockdown in NRK-52E cells in which EMT occurred. The ERK/MAPK pathway was significantly impaired after the AMPKα2 knockdown, as indicated by the IPA analysis. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and western blot results revealed that the expression of AMPKα2, v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog-1 (ETS1), and ribosomal protein S6 kinase A1 (RPS6KA1) was upregulated after EMT in NRK-52E cells, while expression of ETS1 and RPS6KA1 was downregulated after the AMPKα2 knockdown. Conclusions. AMPKα2 plays an important role in the regulation of rat renal tubular EMT, which may be achieved by modulating ETS1 and RPS6KA1 in the ERK/MAPK pathway.
Background. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important regulatory role in obstructive nephropathy and renal fibrosis. As an intracellular energy sensor, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is essential in the process of EMT. The aim of this study was to reveal changes in the expression of AMPKα2 and to elucidate which AMPKα2 genes play a role during EMT. Methods. In this study, TGF-β1 was used to induce EMT in normal rat renal tubular epithelial (NRK-52E) cells. The shAMPKα2 lentivirus was used to interfere with AMPKα2 expression in EMT-derived NRK-52E cells, where AMPKα2 expression and EMT were detected. Differential gene expression after the AMPKα2 knockdown in EMT-derived NRK-52E cells was examined using a gene microarray. Possible regulatory pathways were analyzed using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) and differentially expressed genes were partially verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. Results. It was found that AMPKα2 was upregulated in TGF-β1-induced EMT-derived NRK-52E cells. EMT progression was significantly inhibited after the expression of AMPKα2 was downregulated by the shAMPKα2 lentivirus. A total of 1,588 differentially expressed genes were detected after the AMPKα2 knockdown in NRK-52E cells in which EMT occurred. The ERK/MAPK pathway was significantly impaired after the AMPKα2 knockdown, as indicated by the IPA analysis. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and western blot results revealed that the expression of AMPKα2, v-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog-1 (ETS1), and ribosomal protein S6 kinase A1 (RPS6KA1) was upregulated after EMT in NRK-52E cells, while expression of ETS1 and RPS6KA1 was downregulated after the AMPKα2 knockdown. Conclusions. AMPKα2 plays an important role in the regulation of rat renal tubular EMT, which may be achieved by modulating ETS1 and RPS6KA1 in the ERK/MAPK pathway.Effect of modified RNA-binding proteins HuR on biological behavior of bladder cancer T24 cell linehttps://peerj.com/preprints/279312019-08-312019-08-31Kewen ZhengYan SuXiaomin HanQiang Ma
Background: In tumors, the role of human antigen R (HuR) involves regulating tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. Previous studies have revealed the expression of HuR can be detected in bladder cancer and related to biological behavior of malignancy. Methods: T24 cells were transfected by HuR overexpression vector and HuR knockdown vector. The cells were divided into control group, overExp-HuR group and cas9-HuR group. The cell viability after 48 h was detected by MTT, the apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-APC/7-AAD double staining, the cell migration was detected by Transwell assay, and the expression of HuR, cyclinD1 and apoptosis-related factors (Bcl-2) were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. Results: Compared with the control group, the cell viability after 48 h in the overExp-HuR group increased significantly, and decreased in the cas9-HuR group (P<0.05). And the number of migrating cells increased in the overExp-HuR group, and decreased in the cas9-HuR group (P<0.05). The apoptosis rate of the overExp-HuR group decreased significantly, and increased significantly in the cas9-HuR group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of HuR, cyclinD1 and Bcl-2 of the overExp-HuR group increased, and decreased significantly in cas9-HuR group (P<0.05). Conclusion: HuR promote the proliferation and migration of T24 cells, and inhibit cell apoptosis. And the mechanism may be related to the expression of cyclin D and apoptosis-related proteins Bcl2.
Background: In tumors, the role of human antigen R (HuR) involves regulating tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. Previous studies have revealed the expression of HuR can be detected in bladder cancer and related to biological behavior of malignancy. Methods: T24 cells were transfected by HuR overexpression vector and HuR knockdown vector. The cells were divided into control group, overExp-HuR group and cas9-HuR group. The cell viability after 48 h was detected by MTT, the apoptosis was detected by Annexin V-APC/7-AAD double staining, the cell migration was detected by Transwell assay, and the expression of HuR, cyclinD1 and apoptosis-related factors (Bcl-2) were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. Results: Compared with the control group, the cell viability after 48 h in the overExp-HuR group increased significantly, and decreased in the cas9-HuR group (P<0.05). And the number of migrating cells increased in the overExp-HuR group, and decreased in the cas9-HuR group (P<0.05). The apoptosis rate of the overExp-HuR group decreased significantly, and increased significantly in the cas9-HuR group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of HuR, cyclinD1 and Bcl-2 of the overExp-HuR group increased, and decreased significantly in cas9-HuR group (P<0.05). Conclusion: HuR promote the proliferation and migration of T24 cells, and inhibit cell apoptosis. And the mechanism may be related to the expression of cyclin D and apoptosis-related proteins Bcl2.Nintendo Da Vinci: Implementing a novel control system to improve performance in robotic assisted surgery – A pilot studyhttps://peerj.com/preprints/276372019-04-052019-04-05Ibrahim S Al-Akash
Complications of robotic-assisted surgery are on the rise, partly due to surgeons not receiving proper training. Using the current Da Vinci (DV) surgical system, 150-3,000 surgeries must be performed to achieve proficiency. To improve performance, a new system was developed using Nintendo Joycon (NJ) controls. The system was tested using NJ and the DV control systems, with two users (gamer and doctor), in a simulated skills assessment in 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) modes. The simulation completion time and error count were used to calculate a Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery Skills Assessment (FRS) score. The results indicate the task time, error, FRS scores, and learning rates had improved significantly (p<0.05). The risk ratios indicate the Da Vinci control system increases the risk of error significantly (p<0.05). Based on the data collected in this study, implementing a Nintendo Joycon control system improves task time by 83% for the doctor and by 88% for the gamer, reduces error by 73% for the doctor and by 82% for the gamer, improves FRS score by 72% for the doctor and by 46% for the gamer, and accelerates the learning rate by 84% for the doctor and by 86% for the gamer. The data collected indicates that implementing a Nintendo Joycon control system will significantly improve surgical performance by accelerating the learning rate and reducing error.
Complications of robotic-assisted surgery are on the rise, partly due to surgeons not receiving proper training. Using the current Da Vinci (DV) surgical system, 150-3,000 surgeries must be performed to achieve proficiency. To improve performance, a new system was developed using Nintendo Joycon (NJ) controls. The system was tested using NJ and the DV control systems, with two users (gamer and doctor), in a simulated skills assessment in 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) modes. The simulation completion time and error count were used to calculate a Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery Skills Assessment (FRS) score. The results indicate the task time, error, FRS scores, and learning rates had improved significantly (p<0.05). The risk ratios indicate the Da Vinci control system increases the risk of error significantly (p<0.05). Based on the data collected in this study, implementing a Nintendo Joycon control system improves task time by 83% for the doctor and by 88% for the gamer, reduces error by 73% for the doctor and by 82% for the gamer, improves FRS score by 72% for the doctor and by 46% for the gamer, and accelerates the learning rate by 84% for the doctor and by 86% for the gamer. The data collected indicates that implementing a Nintendo Joycon control system will significantly improve surgical performance by accelerating the learning rate and reducing error.What are the possible determinants of urinary incontinence during pregnancy? Results of a pilot studyhttps://peerj.com/preprints/18982016-03-252016-03-25Nejat DemircanÜlkü ÖzmenFürüzan KöktürkHamdi KüçükŞevket AtaMüge Harmaİnan İlker Arıkan
Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the frequency, predisposing factors and impact of urinary incontinence (UI)during pregnancyon quality of life (QOL). Materials and Method: A preliminary cross-sectional survey was carried out among pregnant women from January to June of 2014. A total of 132 pregnant women were enrolled. We used a questionnaire form for sociodemographic features, ICIQ-SF-Turkish version to determine the occurrence and characteristics of UI and Wagner’s Quality of Life scale to assess impact on QOL. Results: Urinary incontinence was present in 56 out of 132 pregnant women (42.4%); these women were referred to as the UI-present group. The remaining 76 women comprised the UI-absent group. The overall mean age was 27.5 ± 5.1 y (p=0.780), median height in UI-present group was 160 cm (min-max: 153-176, p=0.037 <0.05) and median BMI was 28.7 kg/m2(min-max: 22.4-50.0, p=0.881).For women in the UI-present group, urine leakage occurred once a week (n=18, 32.1%) to twice or thrice a week (n=8, 14.3%), few times a day (n=14, 25%), once a day (n=5, 8.9%) and always (n=8, 14.3%). The pregnant women in the UI-present group mainly reported a small amount of urine leakage (n=33, 58.9%) or a moderate amount of leakage (n=4, 7.1%). There were statistically significant relationships between QOL scores and frequency of UI (p=0.002 <0.05) as well as the amount of leakage (p=0.002 <0.05). Impact on QOL scores ranged from mild (n=33, 58.9%) or moderate (n=4, 7.1%) to severe (n=4, 7.1%) levels. QOL has ‘mildly deteriorated’. The following features were found to favour the onset of UI: age of pregnant woman (OR= 0.845, 95% CI 0.268-2.669), occupational status (OR=1.800, 95% CI 0.850-3.810), anaemia (OR=0.939, 95% CI 0.464-1.901), parity (OR=0.519, 95% CI 0.325-0.829), miscarriage in previous pregnancies (OR=1.219, 95% CI 0.588-2.825) and living in rural vs urban settlement (OR=1.800, 95% CI 0.887-3.653).Heigt (p= 0,037<0.05), educational status (p=0.016 <0.05), miscarriage, parity and place of living (p=0.002, p=0.006, p=0.020 <0.05 respectively)were significant in favour of UI-present. Conclusions: Urinary incontinence was frequently encountered among pregnant women (42.1%). Urinary incontinence distorted the QOL in pregnant women at a mild level and caused life style changes. Frequency and amount of UI were the significant factors in deterioration. Age, parity, miscarriage, being housewife, place of living (rural) and anaemia were the factors in favour of onset of UI during pregnancy. Among them, height, educational status (primary-intermediate school graduate), place of living (rural), miscarriage and parity were statistically significant predictors. It is necessary to pay attention to UI and its impact on women’s health during pregnancy.
Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the frequency, predisposing factors and impact of urinary incontinence (UI)during pregnancyon quality of life (QOL). Materials and Method: A preliminary cross-sectional survey was carried out among pregnant women from January to June of 2014. A total of 132 pregnant women were enrolled. We used a questionnaire form for sociodemographic features, ICIQ-SF-Turkish version to determine the occurrence and characteristics of UI and Wagner’s Quality of Life scale to assess impact on QOL. Results: Urinary incontinence was present in 56 out of 132 pregnant women (42.4%); these women were referred to as the UI-present group. The remaining 76 women comprised the UI-absent group. The overall mean age was 27.5 ± 5.1 y (p=0.780), median height in UI-present group was 160 cm (min-max: 153-176, p=0.037 <0.05) and median BMI was 28.7 kg/m2(min-max: 22.4-50.0, p=0.881).For women in the UI-present group, urine leakage occurred once a week (n=18, 32.1%) to twice or thrice a week (n=8, 14.3%), few times a day (n=14, 25%), once a day (n=5, 8.9%) and always (n=8, 14.3%). The pregnant women in the UI-present group mainly reported a small amount of urine leakage (n=33, 58.9%) or a moderate amount of leakage (n=4, 7.1%). There were statistically significant relationships between QOL scores and frequency of UI (p=0.002 <0.05) as well as the amount of leakage (p=0.002 <0.05). Impact on QOL scores ranged from mild (n=33, 58.9%) or moderate (n=4, 7.1%) to severe (n=4, 7.1%) levels. QOL has ‘mildly deteriorated’. The following features were found to favour the onset of UI: age of pregnant woman (OR= 0.845, 95% CI 0.268-2.669), occupational status (OR=1.800, 95% CI 0.850-3.810), anaemia (OR=0.939, 95% CI 0.464-1.901), parity (OR=0.519, 95% CI 0.325-0.829), miscarriage in previous pregnancies (OR=1.219, 95% CI 0.588-2.825) and living in rural vs urban settlement (OR=1.800, 95% CI 0.887-3.653).Heigt (p= 0,037<0.05), educational status (p=0.016 <0.05), miscarriage, parity and place of living (p=0.002, p=0.006, p=0.020 <0.05 respectively)were significant in favour of UI-present. Conclusions: Urinary incontinence was frequently encountered among pregnant women (42.1%). Urinary incontinence distorted the QOL in pregnant women at a mild level and caused life style changes. Frequency and amount of UI were the significant factors in deterioration. Age, parity, miscarriage, being housewife, place of living (rural) and anaemia were the factors in favour of onset of UI during pregnancy. Among them, height, educational status (primary-intermediate school graduate), place of living (rural), miscarriage and parity were statistically significant predictors. It is necessary to pay attention to UI and its impact on women’s health during pregnancy.Guideline compliance related to indwelling urinary catheters in 34 Norwegian nursing homes - findings and implicationshttps://peerj.com/preprints/18202016-03-072016-03-07Laila AarnesKarin HarrisÅse I SkareJohn R Andersen
Background For patients in health institutions urinary tract infections often have significant negative health consequences. Indwelling urinary catheters and inappropriate practice related to this is a strong risk factor for urinary tract infections. Thus, a national guideline promotes best practice for handling indwelling urinary catheters. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of patients with indwelling urinary catheters in 34 Norwegian nursing homes. Furthermore, we wanted to study whether health professionals followed the national guidelines related to indwelling urinary catheters. If the study reveals room for improvements, it may indicate interventions which can contribute to improvements in the health care institutions. Methods We conducted a quantitative survey in health care professionals who worked in nursing homes in from Sogn og Fjordane county (Norway), and asked them to which extent guidelines related to indwelling urinary catheters were used at their work place. The study also included data on the prevalence of indwelling urinary catheters in 830 patients (565 women and 265 men) in the 34 nursing homes. We also conducted a clinical audit in these nursing homes in order to study the how the guidelines were implemented. An overall assessment was made (satisfactory or not satisfactory) on whether 11 dimensions of the guidelines were followed (Table 2). When ≥ 80% of the nursing homes had a score = yes/usually to the items above it was considered satisfactory. The evaluations from the clinical audits were based on an overall judgment of the finding at the nursing homes. The study was approved by the Western Norway Hospital Trust as part of a quality assessment strategy. An approval from the regional ethical committee was not needed as the study was a quality assessment project and did not include any individual patient data. Results Our findings shows that 92 of 830 patients had a indwelling urinary catheter the day of prevalence assessment, and significantly more men (21.1%) than women (6.7%) had a indwelling urinary catheter (Fisher's exact test; P <0.001. Overall, the survey showed that compliance with the guidelines was unsatisfactory with one exception; the doctor prescribed the posting of indwelling urinary catheters (Table 2 and 3). Conclusions In conclusion, most areas we investigated need improvements. The survey itself may be a key to change the nursing staff`s attitudes and culture and to gain increased competence. In addition, it seems necessary to have good data solutions as well as leadership anchoring in further work on implementing best practice in handling indwelling urinary catheters.
Background For patients in health institutions urinary tract infections often have significant negative health consequences. Indwelling urinary catheters and inappropriate practice related to this is a strong risk factor for urinary tract infections. Thus, a national guideline promotes best practice for handling indwelling urinary catheters. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of patients with indwelling urinary catheters in 34 Norwegian nursing homes. Furthermore, we wanted to study whether health professionals followed the national guidelines related to indwelling urinary catheters. If the study reveals room for improvements, it may indicate interventions which can contribute to improvements in the health care institutions. Methods We conducted a quantitative survey in health care professionals who worked in nursing homes in from Sogn og Fjordane county (Norway), and asked them to which extent guidelines related to indwelling urinary catheters were used at their work place. The study also included data on the prevalence of indwelling urinary catheters in 830 patients (565 women and 265 men) in the 34 nursing homes. We also conducted a clinical audit in these nursing homes in order to study the how the guidelines were implemented. An overall assessment was made (satisfactory or not satisfactory) on whether 11 dimensions of the guidelines were followed (Table 2). When ≥ 80% of the nursing homes had a score = yes/usually to the items above it was considered satisfactory. The evaluations from the clinical audits were based on an overall judgment of the finding at the nursing homes. The study was approved by the Western Norway Hospital Trust as part of a quality assessment strategy. An approval from the regional ethical committee was not needed as the study was a quality assessment project and did not include any individual patient data. Results Our findings shows that 92 of 830 patients had a indwelling urinary catheter the day of prevalence assessment, and significantly more men (21.1%) than women (6.7%) had a indwelling urinary catheter (Fisher's exact test; P <0.001. Overall, the survey showed that compliance with the guidelines was unsatisfactory with one exception; the doctor prescribed the posting of indwelling urinary catheters (Table 2 and 3). Conclusions In conclusion, most areas we investigated need improvements. The survey itself may be a key to change the nursing staff`s attitudes and culture and to gain increased competence. In addition, it seems necessary to have good data solutions as well as leadership anchoring in further work on implementing best practice in handling indwelling urinary catheters.Identification of bladder cancer biomarkers by genomic approacheshttps://peerj.com/preprints/17782016-02-232016-02-23Tadeusz MajewskiJolanta BondarukSangkyou LeeJune Goo LeeKeitg BaggerlyDavid McConkeyBogdan Czerniak
Bladder Cancer is one of the most frequent human cancer which develops on two tracks, papillary and non-papillary that correspond to clinically different forms of the disease. Most bladder cancers are chemically induced with tobacco smoking being the leading risk factor. Recent advances of bladder cancer research for which our laboratory has significantly contributed have enhanced the understanding of the origin of bladder cancer from urothelial progenitor cells via field effects along papillary/luminal non-papillary/basal pathways. Here we present the contribution to the development of novel, both diagnostic and therapeutic, biomarkers using genomic high throughput technologies.
The analysis of hits associated with growth advantage of preneoplastic lesions allowed us to identify six chromosomal regions mapping 3q22, 5q22.2-5q23.3, 9q22.12, 10q26.1, 13q14 and 17p13 that may be critical for the development of bladder cancer and contain a distinct class of genes referred to us forerunner (FR) genes involved in the clonal expansion of precursor conditions. We concentrated our efforts on one of these regions; which contain a model tumor suppressor RB1. We used high-resolution whole-organ mapping with SNPs, which facilitated the identification of five positional candidate FR genes (ITM2B, LPAR6, MLNR, CAB39L, and ARL11) mapping contiguously to RB1. We hypothesized that identification of novel forerunner genes and the investigation in early occult phases of human bladder preneoplasia may not only provide important mechanistic clues to the development of human cancer but also identify a novel class of early detection markers capable of detecting the clinically and microscopically occult phases of human cancer development.
We used the whole-organ histologic and genetic mapping strategy coupled with next generation whole exome sequencing using complemented with genotyping using Illumina HumanOmni2.5_8 chips and whole genome methylation analyses to define the molecular alterations that were associated with the progression of muscle-invasive bladder cancer in one surgical specimen.
We identified a total of 18 structurally significant mutations, three of which appeared to be clear "driver" mutations that had been annotated previously. Alterations in chromatin hyper- and hypomethylation predominated in all of the regions that contained normal-appearing urothelium or low-grade dysplasia. In total, 31 genes were hypermethylated and 26 genes were hypomethylated. Copy number alterations were numerous (n=242) in areas that contained high-grade dysplasia suggesting that genomic instability proceeded the emergence of driver mutations in what ultimately emerged as the dominant tumor subclone. Chromosomal gains (n=216) vastly outnumbered losses (n=26).
Bladder Cancer is one of the most frequent human cancer which develops on two tracks, papillary and non-papillary that correspond to clinically different forms of the disease. Most bladder cancers are chemically induced with tobacco smoking being the leading risk factor. Recent advances of bladder cancer research for which our laboratory has significantly contributed have enhanced the understanding of the origin of bladder cancer from urothelial progenitor cells via field effects along papillary/luminal non-papillary/basal pathways. Here we present the contribution to the development of novel, both diagnostic and therapeutic, biomarkers using genomic high throughput technologies.The analysis of hits associated with growth advantage of preneoplastic lesions allowed us to identify six chromosomal regions mapping 3q22, 5q22.2-5q23.3, 9q22.12, 10q26.1, 13q14 and 17p13 that may be critical for the development of bladder cancer and contain a distinct class of genes referred to us forerunner (FR) genes involved in the clonal expansion of precursor conditions. We concentrated our efforts on one of these regions; which contain a model tumor suppressor RB1. We used high-resolution whole-organ mapping with SNPs, which facilitated the identification of five positional candidate FR genes (ITM2B, LPAR6, MLNR, CAB39L, and ARL11) mapping contiguously to RB1. We hypothesized that identification of novel forerunner genes and the investigation in early occult phases of human bladder preneoplasia may not only provide important mechanistic clues to the development of human cancer but also identify a novel class of early detection markers capable of detecting the clinically and microscopically occult phases of human cancer development.We used the whole-organ histologic and genetic mapping strategy coupled with next generation whole exome sequencing using complemented with genotyping using Illumina HumanOmni2.5_8 chips and whole genome methylation analyses to define the molecular alterations that were associated with the progression of muscle-invasive bladder cancer in one surgical specimen.We identified a total of 18 structurally significant mutations, three of which appeared to be clear "driver" mutations that had been annotated previously. Alterations in chromatin hyper- and hypomethylation predominated in all of the regions that contained normal-appearing urothelium or low-grade dysplasia. In total, 31 genes were hypermethylated and 26 genes were hypomethylated. Copy number alterations were numerous (n=242) in areas that contained high-grade dysplasia suggesting that genomic instability proceeded the emergence of driver mutations in what ultimately emerged as the dominant tumor subclone. Chromosomal gains (n=216) vastly outnumbered losses (n=26).Influence of onabotulinumtoxin A on testes of the growing rathttps://peerj.com/preprints/17592016-02-192016-02-19Randa M. BreikaaHisham A MosliAshraf B. Abdel-Naim
Onabotulinumtoxin A (onabotA) is gaining wide medical use in children. However, little is known about its potential testicular effects. The present study was planned to investigate the influence of its injection on the maturing testicular structures in rats. Immature rats were injected in the peritesticular area by onabotA with three doses of (10, 20 and 40 U/kg) three times in a two-week interval. The effect of these injections on fertility indices (sperm parameters, semen quality and testosterone levels) was examined. In addition, levels of antisperm antibodies and several apoptosis parameters were investigated. DNA content in form of ploidy was compared to control group via flow cytometric analysis. Histopathological examination was carried out to confirm the findings. OnabotA-injected groups showed decreased sperm count and semen quality, while sperm vitality, morphology and testosterone levels were not significantly affected. Furthermore, DNA flow cytometric analysis confirmed delayed sperm maturation. Apoptosis markers were significantly increased by the injections. In conclusion, onabotA use in growing rats adversely affected sperm count and maturation. However, it had no significant effects on sperm morphology or vitality. OnabotA testicular effects are mediated, at least partly, by apoptosis.
Onabotulinumtoxin A (onabotA) is gaining wide medical use in children. However, little is known about its potential testicular effects. The present study was planned to investigate the influence of its injection on the maturing testicular structures in rats. Immature rats were injected in the peritesticular area by onabotA with three doses of (10, 20 and 40 U/kg) three times in a two-week interval. The effect of these injections on fertility indices (sperm parameters, semen quality and testosterone levels) was examined. In addition, levels of antisperm antibodies and several apoptosis parameters were investigated. DNA content in form of ploidy was compared to control group via flow cytometric analysis. Histopathological examination was carried out to confirm the findings. OnabotA-injected groups showed decreased sperm count and semen quality, while sperm vitality, morphology and testosterone levels were not significantly affected. Furthermore, DNA flow cytometric analysis confirmed delayed sperm maturation. Apoptosis markers were significantly increased by the injections. In conclusion, onabotA use in growing rats adversely affected sperm count and maturation. However, it had no significant effects on sperm morphology or vitality. OnabotA testicular effects are mediated, at least partly, by apoptosis.A novel method to determine perineal artery occlusion among male bicyclistshttps://peerj.com/preprints/14922015-11-112015-11-11Sujeeth ParthibanJames M HotalingMartin KathrinsAmit P BaftiriSally FreelsCraig S Niederberger
Background: Perineal pressure due to bicycle riding has been associated with erectile dysfunction. We developed a novel method to measure the occlusive force exerted over the perineal arteries and determined perineal artery occlusion by a variety of seat designs. Methods: Doppler ultrasonography facilitated perineal artery localization and determination of the force required for perineal artery occlusion in 20 healthy men. Flexiforce® sensors were affixed over the proximal and distal aspects of the perineal arteries bilaterally. Individuals completed bicycle rides in the road- and stationary-settings with six distinct seat designs. , including those with and without an anterior “nose”. Results: The occlusion time proportion of the total ride time was calculated for each trial. The overall occlusion time proportion was 0.59 (95% CI 0.45-0.73) across all seats and settings. The “no-nose” bicycle seat and the stationary-setting demonstrated significantly lower occlusion proportion times than the traditional nose bicycle seat and road-setting, respectively. However, all bicycle seats yielded an occlusion time proportion of 0.41 or greater. Discussion: Our method of real-time, non-invasive force measurement localized to the perineal arteries may be used to validate future bicycle seat design. It also underscores the significant risk of perineal artery insufficiency in men who are avid bicyclists. This risk may be minimized by using newer “no-nose” bicycle seats.
Background: Perineal pressure due to bicycle riding has been associated with erectile dysfunction. We developed a novel method to measure the occlusive force exerted over the perineal arteries and determined perineal artery occlusion by a variety of seat designs. Methods: Doppler ultrasonography facilitated perineal artery localization and determination of the force required for perineal artery occlusion in 20 healthy men. Flexiforce® sensors were affixed over the proximal and distal aspects of the perineal arteries bilaterally. Individuals completed bicycle rides in the road- and stationary-settings with six distinct seat designs. , including those with and without an anterior “nose”. Results: The occlusion time proportion of the total ride time was calculated for each trial. The overall occlusion time proportion was 0.59 (95% CI 0.45-0.73) across all seats and settings. The “no-nose” bicycle seat and the stationary-setting demonstrated significantly lower occlusion proportion times than the traditional nose bicycle seat and road-setting, respectively. However, all bicycle seats yielded an occlusion time proportion of 0.41 or greater. Discussion: Our method of real-time, non-invasive force measurement localized to the perineal arteries may be used to validate future bicycle seat design. It also underscores the significant risk of perineal artery insufficiency in men who are avid bicyclists. This risk may be minimized by using newer “no-nose” bicycle seats. Do New Zealand men with prostate cancer benefit from a Mediterranean-style diet?https://peerj.com/preprints/783v12015-01-112015-01-11Sharon ErdrichKaren S BishopNishi KarunasingheDug Yeo HanLynnette R Ferguson
Carcinoma of the prostate is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the third leading cause of mortality in New Zealand men, making it a significant health issue in this country. Global distribution patterns suggest that diet and lifestyle factors may be linked to the development and progression of this cancer. Twenty men with diagnosed prostate cancer adhered to a Mediterranean diet, with specific adaptations, for three months. Dietary data, prostate-specific antigen, C-reactive protein and DNA damage were evaluated at baseline after three months of following the diet. A significant reduction in DNA damage compared to baseline was apparent, with particular benefit noted for overall adherence to the diet (p = 0.013), increased intake of folate (p = 0.023), vitamin C (p = 0.007), legumes (p = 0.004) and green tea (p = 0.002). Higher intakes of red meat and dairy products were inversely associated with DNA damage (p = 0.003 and p = 0.008 respectively). This small study demonstrated that a high-antioxidant diet, modelled on Mediterranean traditions, may be of benefit for men with prostate cancer. Protection against DNA damage appears to be associated with the diet implemented, ostensibly due to reduction in reactive oxidant species. These findings warrant further exploration in a longer trial, with a larger cohort.
Carcinoma of the prostate is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the third leading cause of mortality in New Zealand men, making it a significant health issue in this country. Global distribution patterns suggest that diet and lifestyle factors may be linked to the development and progression of this cancer. Twenty men with diagnosed prostate cancer adhered to a Mediterranean diet, with specific adaptations, for three months. Dietary data, prostate-specific antigen, C-reactive protein and DNA damage were evaluated at baseline after three months of following the diet. A significant reduction in DNA damage compared to baseline was apparent, with particular benefit noted for overall adherence to the diet (p= 0.013), increased intake of folate (p= 0.023), vitamin C (p= 0.007), legumes (p= 0.004) and green tea (p= 0.002). Higher intakes of red meat and dairy products were inversely associated with DNA damage (p = 0.003 and p= 0.008 respectively). This small study demonstrated that a high-antioxidant diet, modelled on Mediterranean traditions, may be of benefit for men with prostate cancer. Protection against DNA damage appears to be associated with the diet implemented, ostensibly due to reduction in reactive oxidant species. These findings warrant further exploration in a longer trial, with a larger cohort.