1.Geographical Inference Study of Dust Samples From Four Cities in China Based on ITS2 Sequencing
Wen-Jun ZHANG ; Yao-Sen FENG ; Jia-Jin PENG ; Kai FENG ; Ye DENG ; Ke-Lai KANG ; Le WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):970-981
ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.
2.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
3.Transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion with antibiotic-impregnated bone graft to treat pyogenic discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis: a comparative study in Asian population
Chao-Chien CHANG ; Hsiao-Kang CHANG ; Meng-Ling LU ; Adam WEGNER ; Re-Wen WU ; Tsung-Cheng YIN
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):38-45
Methods:
Thirty patients with PDVO of the lumbar or thoracic spine treated with transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion (TIDF) with AIBG between March 2014 and May 2022 were reviewed (AIBG group). For comparative analysis, 28 PDVO patients who underwent TIDF without AIBG between January 2009 and June 2011 were enrolled (non-AIBG group). The minimum follow-up duration was 2 years. Clinical characteristics and surgical indications were comparable in the two groups. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the postoperative antibiotics course were compared between the two groups.
Results:
Surgical treatment for PDVO resulted in clinical improvement and adequate infection control. Despite the shorter postoperative intravenous antibiotic duration (mean: 19.0 days vs. 39.8 days), the AIBG group had significantly lower CRP levels at postoperative 4 and 6 weeks. The mean Visual Analog Scale pain scores improved from 7.3 preoperatively to 2.2 at 6 weeks postoperatively. The average angle correction at the last follow-up was 7.9°.
Conclusions
TIDF with AIBG for PDVO can achieve local infection control with a faster reduction in CRP levels, leading to a shorter antibiotic duration.
4.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
5.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
6.Transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion with antibiotic-impregnated bone graft to treat pyogenic discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis: a comparative study in Asian population
Chao-Chien CHANG ; Hsiao-Kang CHANG ; Meng-Ling LU ; Adam WEGNER ; Re-Wen WU ; Tsung-Cheng YIN
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):38-45
Methods:
Thirty patients with PDVO of the lumbar or thoracic spine treated with transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion (TIDF) with AIBG between March 2014 and May 2022 were reviewed (AIBG group). For comparative analysis, 28 PDVO patients who underwent TIDF without AIBG between January 2009 and June 2011 were enrolled (non-AIBG group). The minimum follow-up duration was 2 years. Clinical characteristics and surgical indications were comparable in the two groups. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the postoperative antibiotics course were compared between the two groups.
Results:
Surgical treatment for PDVO resulted in clinical improvement and adequate infection control. Despite the shorter postoperative intravenous antibiotic duration (mean: 19.0 days vs. 39.8 days), the AIBG group had significantly lower CRP levels at postoperative 4 and 6 weeks. The mean Visual Analog Scale pain scores improved from 7.3 preoperatively to 2.2 at 6 weeks postoperatively. The average angle correction at the last follow-up was 7.9°.
Conclusions
TIDF with AIBG for PDVO can achieve local infection control with a faster reduction in CRP levels, leading to a shorter antibiotic duration.
7.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
8.Transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion with antibiotic-impregnated bone graft to treat pyogenic discitis and vertebral osteomyelitis: a comparative study in Asian population
Chao-Chien CHANG ; Hsiao-Kang CHANG ; Meng-Ling LU ; Adam WEGNER ; Re-Wen WU ; Tsung-Cheng YIN
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):38-45
Methods:
Thirty patients with PDVO of the lumbar or thoracic spine treated with transforaminal interbody debridement and fusion (TIDF) with AIBG between March 2014 and May 2022 were reviewed (AIBG group). For comparative analysis, 28 PDVO patients who underwent TIDF without AIBG between January 2009 and June 2011 were enrolled (non-AIBG group). The minimum follow-up duration was 2 years. Clinical characteristics and surgical indications were comparable in the two groups. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the postoperative antibiotics course were compared between the two groups.
Results:
Surgical treatment for PDVO resulted in clinical improvement and adequate infection control. Despite the shorter postoperative intravenous antibiotic duration (mean: 19.0 days vs. 39.8 days), the AIBG group had significantly lower CRP levels at postoperative 4 and 6 weeks. The mean Visual Analog Scale pain scores improved from 7.3 preoperatively to 2.2 at 6 weeks postoperatively. The average angle correction at the last follow-up was 7.9°.
Conclusions
TIDF with AIBG for PDVO can achieve local infection control with a faster reduction in CRP levels, leading to a shorter antibiotic duration.
9.Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization
Jun Jie PIAO ; Soomin KIM ; Dongho SHIN ; Hwa Jong LEE ; Kyung-Hwa JEON ; Wen Jie TIAN ; Kyung Jae HUR ; Jong Soo KANG ; Hyun-Je PARK ; Joo Young CHA ; Aeri SONG ; Sang-Hyuck PARK ; Mahadevan RAJASEKARAN ; Woong Jin BAE ; Sungjoo KIM YOON ; Sae Woong KIM
The World Journal of Men's Health 2025;43(1):228-238
Purpose:
This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).
Materials and Methods:
RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis.
Results:
CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor.
Conclusions
CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.
10.Relationship between osteoporosis and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with coronary heart disease aged≥60 years and prevention suggestions
Lei KANG ; Fangfang WEN ; Fei XING
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):132-136
Objective To explore the relationship between osteoporosis and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with coronary heart disease aged≥60 years and analyze prevention suggestions. Methods The clinical data of 380 patients with coronary heart disease aged≥60 years who underwent various examinations in the hospital between April 2024 and April 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the bone mineral density (BMD) classification criteria, the patients were divided into osteoporosis group and non-osteoporosis group. The differences in general data and carotid atherosclerosis-related indicators were compared between osteoporosis group and non-osteoporosis group. Pearson method was used to analyze the correlation between carotid atherosclerosis indicators and clinical indicators in patients with coronary heart disease aged≥60 years. According to the IMT detection thickness in patients with coronary heart disease and osteoporosis aged≥60 years were divided into IMT thickening group and IMT non-thickening group and between plaque group and non-plaque group, and the differences in BMD and bone metabolism indicators were compared. Binary logistics analysis was adopted to analyze the risk factors of IMT thickening and carotid plaque formation in patients with coronary heart disease≥60 years old. Results Age and duration of osteoporosis group TC、LDL-C、CTX、 Carotid artery IMT and carotid atherosclerosis degree were higher than those in the non osteoporosis group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). BMI, OPG, OCN, 25 (OH) D, BMD, carotid artery elasticity coefficient were lower than those in the non osteoporosis group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Carotid IMT, carotid atherosclerosis degree, and carotid elasticity coefficient were significantly correlated with age, course of disease, TC, LDL-C, CTX, BMI, OPG, OCN, BMD, and 25 (OH) D of coronary heart disease patients ≥60 years old (P<0.05). OPG, OCN, BMD and 25(OH)D in IMT thickening group and plaque group were lower compared to IMT non-thickening group and non-plaque group (P<0.05) while CTX was significantly higher than that in IMT non-thickening group and non-plaque group (P<0.05). Binary logistics regression analysis showed that OPG, OCN, BMD, 25(OH)D and CTX were associated with IMT thickening in patients with coronary heart disease and osteoporosis aged≥60 years (P<0.05). OPG, OCN and BMD were associated with carotid plaque formation in patients with coronary heart disease complicated with osteoporosis aged≥60 years (P<0.05). Conclusion There is a significant correlation between osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis in patients with coronary heart disease aged≥60 years. As the bone mass decreases, the manifestations of arteriosclerosis become become more and more obvious, which needs attention and prevention.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail