Objectives: In spite of the importance of green space for reducing obesity-related problems, there has been little exploration of whether access to green space (e.g., parks and recreational facilities) influences the obesity rate of adults in the United States. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships among accessibility of green space, obesity rates, and socioeconomic and demographic variables among adults living in the State of Indiana, United States. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis to investigate the relationships among accessibility to green space, obesity rates, and socio-demographic variables with employing Geographic Information System in order to measure the accessibility of green space. Results: This study found that accessibility of green space served as a strong predictor of reduced obesity rates among adults (β=-2.478; p<0.10). In addition, adults with higher education levels, as well as better access to green space, were found to have even lower obesity rates (β=-0.188; p<0.05). Other control variables such as unemployment rates, food security, and physical inactivity are additional factors that influence obesity rates among adults. Conclusions Accessibility of green space may play an important role in facilitating physical activity participation and reducing obesity rates.

Objectives: In spite of the importance of green space for reducing obesity-related problems, there has been little exploration of whether access to green space (e.g., parks and recreational facilities) influences the obesity rate of adults in the United States. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationships among accessibility of green space, obesity rates, and socioeconomic and demographic variables among adults living in the State of Indiana, United States. Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis to investigate the relationships among accessibility to green space, obesity rates, and socio-demographic variables with employing Geographic Information System in order to measure the accessibility of green space. Results: This study found that accessibility of green space served as a strong predictor of reduced obesity rates among adults (β=-2.478; p<0.10). In addition, adults with higher education levels, as well as better access to green space, were found to have even lower obesity rates (β=-0.188; p<0.05). Other control variables such as unemployment rates, food security, and physical inactivity are additional factors that influence obesity rates among adults. Conclusions Accessibility of green space may play an important role in facilitating physical activity participation and reducing obesity rates.

Purpose: Recent research has highlighted the mechanotransducer PIEZO2 as a crucial factor in lower urinary tract function, demonstrating associations with bladder compliance (BC), bladder wall thickening, and elevated bladder pressure. We explored the hypothesis that PIEZO2 expression may be associated with lower urinary tract dysfunction in men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: The study included a consecutive series of patients undergoing open prostatectomy for BPH at our hospital between September 2014 and January 2016. All participants underwent comprehensive preoperative evaluations, including urodynamic assessments. During prostatectomy, a full-thickness fragment of the bladder wall was obtained for subsequent PIEZO2 gene expression analysis. Cadaveric organ donors served as the control group. Results: PIEZO2 expression was downregulated in the detrusor muscle of men with BPH compared to the control group. Among patients with BPH, those experiencing urinary retention and requiring an indwelling catheter exhibited significantly lower PIEZO2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression than patients capable of spontaneous voiding. PIEZO2 mRNA expression was similar in men with and without detrusor overactivity. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between PIEZO2 mRNA expression levels and BC. Conclusions Our findings indicate that PIEZO2 is downregulated in the detrusor muscle of men with BPH, particularly in those experiencing urinary retention and those with reduced BC. These results suggest a potential role for PIEZO2 in BOOinduced bladder dysfunction. Further research is required to clarify the role of PIEZO mechanotransducers in the bladder and to explore their therapeutic implications.

Purpose: Recent research has highlighted the mechanotransducer PIEZO2 as a crucial factor in lower urinary tract function, demonstrating associations with bladder compliance (BC), bladder wall thickening, and elevated bladder pressure. We explored the hypothesis that PIEZO2 expression may be associated with lower urinary tract dysfunction in men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: The study included a consecutive series of patients undergoing open prostatectomy for BPH at our hospital between September 2014 and January 2016. All participants underwent comprehensive preoperative evaluations, including urodynamic assessments. During prostatectomy, a full-thickness fragment of the bladder wall was obtained for subsequent PIEZO2 gene expression analysis. Cadaveric organ donors served as the control group. Results: PIEZO2 expression was downregulated in the detrusor muscle of men with BPH compared to the control group. Among patients with BPH, those experiencing urinary retention and requiring an indwelling catheter exhibited significantly lower PIEZO2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression than patients capable of spontaneous voiding. PIEZO2 mRNA expression was similar in men with and without detrusor overactivity. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between PIEZO2 mRNA expression levels and BC. Conclusions Our findings indicate that PIEZO2 is downregulated in the detrusor muscle of men with BPH, particularly in those experiencing urinary retention and those with reduced BC. These results suggest a potential role for PIEZO2 in BOOinduced bladder dysfunction. Further research is required to clarify the role of PIEZO mechanotransducers in the bladder and to explore their therapeutic implications.

Purpose: Recent research has highlighted the mechanotransducer PIEZO2 as a crucial factor in lower urinary tract function, demonstrating associations with bladder compliance (BC), bladder wall thickening, and elevated bladder pressure. We explored the hypothesis that PIEZO2 expression may be associated with lower urinary tract dysfunction in men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: The study included a consecutive series of patients undergoing open prostatectomy for BPH at our hospital between September 2014 and January 2016. All participants underwent comprehensive preoperative evaluations, including urodynamic assessments. During prostatectomy, a full-thickness fragment of the bladder wall was obtained for subsequent PIEZO2 gene expression analysis. Cadaveric organ donors served as the control group. Results: PIEZO2 expression was downregulated in the detrusor muscle of men with BPH compared to the control group. Among patients with BPH, those experiencing urinary retention and requiring an indwelling catheter exhibited significantly lower PIEZO2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression than patients capable of spontaneous voiding. PIEZO2 mRNA expression was similar in men with and without detrusor overactivity. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between PIEZO2 mRNA expression levels and BC. Conclusions Our findings indicate that PIEZO2 is downregulated in the detrusor muscle of men with BPH, particularly in those experiencing urinary retention and those with reduced BC. These results suggest a potential role for PIEZO2 in BOOinduced bladder dysfunction. Further research is required to clarify the role of PIEZO mechanotransducers in the bladder and to explore their therapeutic implications.

Purpose: Recent research has highlighted the mechanotransducer PIEZO2 as a crucial factor in lower urinary tract function, demonstrating associations with bladder compliance (BC), bladder wall thickening, and elevated bladder pressure. We explored the hypothesis that PIEZO2 expression may be associated with lower urinary tract dysfunction in men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: The study included a consecutive series of patients undergoing open prostatectomy for BPH at our hospital between September 2014 and January 2016. All participants underwent comprehensive preoperative evaluations, including urodynamic assessments. During prostatectomy, a full-thickness fragment of the bladder wall was obtained for subsequent PIEZO2 gene expression analysis. Cadaveric organ donors served as the control group. Results: PIEZO2 expression was downregulated in the detrusor muscle of men with BPH compared to the control group. Among patients with BPH, those experiencing urinary retention and requiring an indwelling catheter exhibited significantly lower PIEZO2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression than patients capable of spontaneous voiding. PIEZO2 mRNA expression was similar in men with and without detrusor overactivity. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between PIEZO2 mRNA expression levels and BC. Conclusions Our findings indicate that PIEZO2 is downregulated in the detrusor muscle of men with BPH, particularly in those experiencing urinary retention and those with reduced BC. These results suggest a potential role for PIEZO2 in BOOinduced bladder dysfunction. Further research is required to clarify the role of PIEZO mechanotransducers in the bladder and to explore their therapeutic implications.