Stem cell treatment may enhance erectile dysfunction (ED) in individuals with cavernous nerve injury (CNI). Nevertheless, no investigations have directly ascertained the implications of varying amounts of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) on ED. We compare the efficacy of three various doses of HUC-MSCs as a therapeutic strategy for ED. Sprague-Dawley rats (total = 175) were randomly allocated into five groups. A total of 35 rats underwent sham surgery and 140 rats endured bilateral CNI and were treated with vehicles or doses of HUC-MSCs (1 × 10 6 cells, 5 × 10 6 cells, and 1 × 10 7 cells in 0.1 ml, respectively). Penile tissues were harvested for histological analysis on 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 28 days, 60 days, and 90 days postsurgery. It was found that varying dosages of HUC-MSCs enhanced the erectile function of rats with bilateral CNI and ED. Moreover, there was no significant disparity in the effectiveness of various dosages of HUC-MSCs. However, the expression of endothelial markers (rat endothelial cell antigen-1 [RECA-1] and endothelial nitric oxide synthase [eNOS]), smooth muscle markers (alpha smooth muscle actin [α-SMA] and desmin), and neural markers (neurofilament [RECA-1] and neurogenic nitric oxide synthase [nNOS]) increased significantly with prolonged treatment time. Masson's staining demonstrated an increased in the smooth muscle cell (SMC)/collagen ratio. Significant changes were detected in the microstructures of various types of cells. In vivo imaging system (IVIS) analysis showed that at the 1 st day, the HUC-MSCs implanted moved to the site of damage. Additionally, the oxidative stress levels were dramatically reduced in the penises of rats administered with HUC-MSCs.
Male ; Animals ; Erectile Dysfunction/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/methods* ; Rats ; Penis/pathology* ; Humans ; Disease Models, Animal ; Umbilical Cord/cytology* ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries/complications* ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism* ; Actins/metabolism* ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: Cigarette smoking exacerbates the progression of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The role of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in chronic lung diseases has gained attention; however, it remains unclear whether smoking-exacerbated lung damage in TB is associated with TLS. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of pulmonary TLS in smokers with TB and to explore the possible role of TLS in smoking-related lung injury in TB. METHODS: Lung tissues from 36 male patients (18 smokers and 18 non-smokers) who underwent surgical resection for pulmonary TB were included in this study. Pathological and immunohistological analyses were conducted to evaluate the quantity of TLS, and chest computed tomography (CT) was used to assess the severity of lung lesions. The correlation between the TLS quantity and TB lesion severity scores was analyzed. The immune cells and chemokines involved in TLS formation were also evaluated and compared between smokers and non-smokers. RESULTS: Smoker patients with TB had significantly higher TLS than non-smokers ( P < 0.001). The TLS quantity in both the lung parenchyma and peribronchial regions correlated with TB lesion severity on chest CT (parenchyma: r = 0.5767; peribronchial: r = 0.7373; both P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased B cells, T cells, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) expression in smoker patients with TB ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Smoker TB patients exhibited increased pulmonary TLS, which was associated with exacerbated lung lesions on chest CT, suggesting that cigarette smoking may exacerbate lung damage by promoting TLS formation.
Humans ; Male ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/immunology* ; Middle Aged ; Tertiary Lymphoid Structures/pathology* ; Adult ; Lung/pathology* ; Smoking/adverse effects* ; Smokers ; Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

In recent years,with in-depth study of bladder sensation related mechanisms,numerous ion channels,neurotransmitters and nerve receptors have been found to participate in the regulation of bladder sensation,including TRPV,P2X and Piezo,as well as CBR and HCN.Thanks to the relevant research on the neural signal pathway from the cerebral cortex to the bladder wall and the maturity of clinical measurement methods for bladder sensation,we can further study the abnormal bladder sensation in patients with overactive bladder(OAB),so as to explore its mechanism.Bladder hypersensitivity,as one of the current research hotspots,is receiving increasing attention from researchers.This article reviews the mechanism of bladder hypersensitivity from the aspects of clinical measurement methods of bladder sensation,ion channel,neurotransmitters and nerve receptors related to bladder sensation,in order to explore its significance in the pathogenesis of OAB.

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between mosquito density fluctuations and meteorological factors, so as to provide a scientific basis for mosquito surveillance analysis, risk assessment, and comprehensive prevention and control. MethodsMosquito surveillance and monitoring data of 2020‒2023 was obtained from on-site supervisory sampling by Songjiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and meteorological data was obtained from the Wheat A wheat malt-agro-meteorological big data system. Excel 2019 and SPSS 25.0 software were used to organize and analyze the mosquito number, species composition, and seasonal changes in mosquito density captured by the CO₂-light trap at rach monitoring site. Circular distribution method was used to calculate the peak time of mosquito density, combined with the meteorological data of the same period to explore the impact of meteorological factors on the results of mosquito surveillance. ResultsThere was a statistical difference in the overall distribution of mosquito quantity in different habitats(H=23.11, P<0.05), 2020‒2023. In addition, the results showed that July 28th was the peak day for mosquito density, and the duration from June 13th to September 11th was the seasonal peak period for mosquitoes. Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between mosquito density and average air temperature, average highest air temperature, average lowest air temperature, extreme maximum air temperature, extreme minimum air temperature, precipitation, and number of precipitation days (all P<0.01). While, there was no significant correlation between average wind speed and mosquito density (P>0.05). Multiple stepwise regression analysis resulted in the equation of Y=0.151X_{extreme minimum temperature}+0.321X_{number of precipitation days}+1.002X_{SQRT precipitation}-1.288 (F=102.635, P<0.05). ConclusionThe CO₂-light trap is advisable to monitor the habitats of farmers, livestock sheds, residential areas, parks, hospitals, and other external environments. Air temperature and precipitation have a significant impact on mosquito density. It is recommended to implement comprehensive prevention and control measures to reduce mosquito density and prevent mosquito-borne diseases before the peak period of mosquitoes.

Objective To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture pretreatment(EP)for relieving post-stroke spasticity in rats.Methods Eighteen rats were randomized equally into sham-operated group,middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)group,and MCAO+EP group.In MCAO+EP group,the rats received electroacupuncture at the acupoints Qubin and Baihui for 3 consecutive days prior to MCAO.Neurological deficits and cognitive function of the rats were evaluated,and pathologies in the hippocampus were examined using HE,Nissl,and TUNEL staining.The expressions of IL-4,IL-6,TNF-α,and TMAO in the brain tissues were detected with ELISA,and the mRNA and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65,NLRP3,caspase-3,and caspase-9 were determined with qRT-PCR,Western blotting,and immunohistochemistry.Results The rats receiving MCAO had significantly increased neurological deficit scores and showed increased muscle tension,number of apoptotic neurons,and expressions of IL-6,TNF-α,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,caspase-3 and caspase-9 in the hippocampus and significantly reduced length of time for new object recognition.Microscopically,the cells in the hippocampus of the MCAO rats showed uneven and loosened arrangement and unclear cell boundaries.In contrast,the rats in I/R+EP group showed significantly lowered neurological deficit scores and dystonia rating scores,reduced cell apoptosis,lowered hippocampal expressions of IL-6,TNF-α,caspase-3,caspase-9,and NF-κB p65,increased time for new object recognition,tightly arranged and uniformly stained hippocampal cells with clear boundaries,with also an increased number of active neurons and enhanced expression of IL-4 in the hippocampus.Conclusion EP alleviates post-stroke spasticity in rats by inhibiting inflammatory responses and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis mediated by the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture pretreatment(EP)for relieving post-stroke spasticity in rats.Methods Eighteen rats were randomized equally into sham-operated group,middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)group,and MCAO+EP group.In MCAO+EP group,the rats received electroacupuncture at the acupoints Qubin and Baihui for 3 consecutive days prior to MCAO.Neurological deficits and cognitive function of the rats were evaluated,and pathologies in the hippocampus were examined using HE,Nissl,and TUNEL staining.The expressions of IL-4,IL-6,TNF-α,and TMAO in the brain tissues were detected with ELISA,and the mRNA and protein expression levels of NF-κB p65,NLRP3,caspase-3,and caspase-9 were determined with qRT-PCR,Western blotting,and immunohistochemistry.Results The rats receiving MCAO had significantly increased neurological deficit scores and showed increased muscle tension,number of apoptotic neurons,and expressions of IL-6,TNF-α,NF-κB p65,NLRP3,caspase-3 and caspase-9 in the hippocampus and significantly reduced length of time for new object recognition.Microscopically,the cells in the hippocampus of the MCAO rats showed uneven and loosened arrangement and unclear cell boundaries.In contrast,the rats in I/R+EP group showed significantly lowered neurological deficit scores and dystonia rating scores,reduced cell apoptosis,lowered hippocampal expressions of IL-6,TNF-α,caspase-3,caspase-9,and NF-κB p65,increased time for new object recognition,tightly arranged and uniformly stained hippocampal cells with clear boundaries,with also an increased number of active neurons and enhanced expression of IL-4 in the hippocampus.Conclusion EP alleviates post-stroke spasticity in rats by inhibiting inflammatory responses and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis mediated by the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Objective:To establish a TAL gel-clot bacterial endotoxin test for aluminum hydroxide adjuvant.Methods:According to the bacterial endotoxin test in general chapter 1143 of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020,pre-interference test was performed using 3 types of buffer solutions and Ca-Mg additive by orthogonal design.The interference test and sample preparation validation were carried out using different batches of aluminum hydroxide adjuvant from 2 TAL manufacturers.Results:No interference was obtained through pre-interference test.Under the validated conditions,aluminum hydroxide adjuvant combined with phosphate buffered saline and Ca-Mg additive was employed to remove interference in bacteria endotoxin test.Conclusion:The established TAL gel-clot method is applicable to bacterial endotoxin test for aluminum hydroxide adjuvant.

Due to the fact that the articular cartilage of children's joints has not yet been fully ossified, visualizing the adjacent anatomical structures during the clinical diagnosis and treatment of joint diseases and injuries in children is a challenging issue. Arthrography is an efficient, convenient, and minimally invasive technique, and is particularly crucial for the visualization of children's hip joints. Currently, arthrography technology is widely employed during surgeries for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), and in recent years, numerous studies have concentrated on the efficacy of joint angiography, exploring its assessment and predictive roles during and after the operation. We review the overview of hip joint arthrography techniques, such as the concept of arthrography, the selection of access routes for hip joint arthrography, the process of hip joint arthrography, the dosage and operation of contrast agents, and the adverse reactions of contrast agents; the use of hip joint arthrography to evaluate the quality of closed reduction; the use of hip joint arthrography to predict the future development and outcome of the acetabulum after closed reduction; the use of hip joint arthrography in the study of open reduction or osteotomy; the use of hip joint arthrography to observe the morphology of soft tissues in the hip joint; the use of hip joint arthrography in combination with nuclear magnetic resonance to observe the anatomical structure of the acetabular labrum. Summarizing the research results of arthrography for evaluating the corresponding indicators of the hip joint helps improve the matching between the femoral head and the acetabulum and the accuracy of evaluating the quality of reduction, uncovers identifying factors such as labrum varus that hinder concentric reduction, enhances the ability to predict the development and outcome of the acetabulum, and has significant guiding significance for the precise selection of the timing of surgical intervention for early and residual deformities in children with DDH. Exploring the application of arthrography technology in evaluating the quality of closed reduction in DDH and predicting the development of the acetabulum after reduction is expected to provide meaningful references for orthopedic surgeons in the current clinical diagnosis, treatment, and research of DDH.

Objective To investigate the expression levels of plasma circular RNA PTP4A2(circPTP4A2)and circTLK2 in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS)and their predic-tive value for neurological functional outcomes.Methods A total of 122 elderly AIS patients admitted to our department from May 2021 to December 2022 were prospectively recruited,and according to their modified Rankin Scale(mRS)score at 3 months after stroke onset,they were divided into a good outcome group(mRS score≤2,81 cases)and a poor outcome group(mRS score:3-6,41 cases).Their baseline data,and plasma circPTP4A2 and circTLK2 levels were compared between the two groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to iden-tify prognostic factors for poor outcomes in the elderly AIS patients.ROC curve analysis was ap-plied to evaluate the prognostic value of circPTP4A2 and circTLK2 for adverse outcomes in the patients.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship of plasma levels of circPTP4A2 and circTLK2 with NIHSS score,as well as mRS score.Results The plasma expres-sion levels of circPTP4A2 and circTLK2 were significantly higher in the poor outcome group than the good outcome group[2.08(0.87,2.77)vs 0.93(0.63,1.20),1.71(0.92,2.80)vs 0.75(0.49,1.09),P＜0.01].Multifactor logistic regression analysis showed that plasma circPTP4A2 and circTLK2 were independent predictive factors for poor functional outcomes in elderly AIS patients(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the AUC value of combined circPTP4A2 and circTLK2 in predicting poor outcome in elderly AIS patients was 0.787(95％CI:0.691-0.883).Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the expression levels of circPTP4A2 and cir-cTLK2 in elderly AIS patients were mildly positively correlated with baseline NIHSS scores(r=0.463,r=0.456;P＜0.01)and moderately positively correlated with mRS scores at 3 months after stroke onset(r=0.682,r=0.604;P＜0.01).Conclusion Plasma circPTP4A2 and circTLK2 may be potential biomarkers for predicting neurological functional outcomes in elderly AIS patients.

Objective To explore the influences of different altitude environments on the performance of the portable dental unit.Methods Three regions with increasing altitudes(A(70.0 m),B(3 857.0 m)and C(4 820.0 m))were selected,and relevant environment parameters in the regions were measured including average room temperature,average atmospheric pressure and average air density.The performance indicators of the portable dental unit were tested in the three regions such as preparation time(Tprep),continuous working time(Tcont),working heat generation and handpiece output pressure,and the test results of region A were compared with those of region B and C.SPSS 29.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.Results The average atmospheric pressure and average air density were significantly lower in region B and C than in region A,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The portable dental unit had the average Tprep prolonged andTcont shortened significantly in region B and C when compared those in region A(P＜0.05),whose mean working heat generation after 15-min operation was higher and mean handpiece output pressure was lower obviously in region B and C than in region A(P＜0.05).Conclusion High er altitude environments can have negative effects on the performance of the portable dental unit when compared with lower altitude environments.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(5):52-55]