Although oxidative stress is the main pathophysiology of the development of diabetic neuropathy, oral administration of antioxidants has given disappointing results. Here, we hypothesized that local delivery of antioxidants would provide protective effects on Schwann cells due to the high concentration of local lesions. We prepared alpha-tocopherol (ATF)-loaded liposomes and tested their skin penetration after sonication. An in vitro study using IMS-32 cells was conducted to determine the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging effects of ATF-liposomes. ATF reduced ROS in high-glucose-exposed IMS-32 cells in a dosedependent manner. ATF-liposomes also reduced the ROS level in vitro and ultrasound irradiation enhanced delivery to the dermis in porcine ear skin. This study showed that it is feasible to deliver ATF through the skin and can effectively reduce ROS. This model is worthy of development for clinical use.

Although oxidative stress is the main pathophysiology of the development of diabetic neuropathy, oral administration of antioxidants has given disappointing results. Here, we hypothesized that local delivery of antioxidants would provide protective effects on Schwann cells due to the high concentration of local lesions. We prepared alpha-tocopherol (ATF)-loaded liposomes and tested their skin penetration after sonication. An in vitro study using IMS-32 cells was conducted to determine the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging effects of ATF-liposomes. ATF reduced ROS in high-glucose-exposed IMS-32 cells in a dosedependent manner. ATF-liposomes also reduced the ROS level in vitro and ultrasound irradiation enhanced delivery to the dermis in porcine ear skin. This study showed that it is feasible to deliver ATF through the skin and can effectively reduce ROS. This model is worthy of development for clinical use.

Although oxidative stress is the main pathophysiology of the development of diabetic neuropathy, oral administration of antioxidants has given disappointing results. Here, we hypothesized that local delivery of antioxidants would provide protective effects on Schwann cells due to the high concentration of local lesions. We prepared alpha-tocopherol (ATF)-loaded liposomes and tested their skin penetration after sonication. An in vitro study using IMS-32 cells was conducted to determine the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging effects of ATF-liposomes. ATF reduced ROS in high-glucose-exposed IMS-32 cells in a dosedependent manner. ATF-liposomes also reduced the ROS level in vitro and ultrasound irradiation enhanced delivery to the dermis in porcine ear skin. This study showed that it is feasible to deliver ATF through the skin and can effectively reduce ROS. This model is worthy of development for clinical use.

Although oxidative stress is the main pathophysiology of the development of diabetic neuropathy, oral administration of antioxidants has given disappointing results. Here, we hypothesized that local delivery of antioxidants would provide protective effects on Schwann cells due to the high concentration of local lesions. We prepared alpha-tocopherol (ATF)-loaded liposomes and tested their skin penetration after sonication. An in vitro study using IMS-32 cells was conducted to determine the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging effects of ATF-liposomes. ATF reduced ROS in high-glucose-exposed IMS-32 cells in a dosedependent manner. ATF-liposomes also reduced the ROS level in vitro and ultrasound irradiation enhanced delivery to the dermis in porcine ear skin. This study showed that it is feasible to deliver ATF through the skin and can effectively reduce ROS. This model is worthy of development for clinical use.

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia in a Korean population. Materials and Methods: The Korean Prostate & Voiding Health Association provided free prostate-related community health care and conducted surveys in all regions of Korea from 2001 to 2022 with the cooperation of local government public health centers. A total of 72,068 males older than 50 were surveyed and analyzed. History taking, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), transrectal ultrasonography, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, uroflowmetry, and urine volume testing were performed. Results: The mean prostate volumes in males in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s or above were 24.7 g, 27.7 g, 31 g, and 33.7 g, respectively. The proportion of males with high PSA greater than 3 ng/mL was 3.8% among males in their 50s, 7.7% among males in their 60s, 13.1% among males in their 70s, and 17.9% among males 80 years of age or older. The mean IPSS total scores in males in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s or above were 10.7, 12.7, 14.5, and 16, respectively. Severe symptoms were reported by 27.3% of males, whereas 51.7% reported moderate symptoms. The mean Qmax in males in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s or above were 20 mL/s, 17.4 mL/s, 15.4 mL/s, and 13.8 mL/s, respectively. Conclusions In this population-based study, mean prostate volume, IPSS, PSA, and Qmax were 30.6±15.1 g, 14.8±8.2, 1.9±4.7 ng/mL, and 15.6±6.5 mL/s, respectively. Aging was significantly associated with increased prostate volume, PSA levels, and IPSS scores, and with decreased Qmax and urine volume.

Picosulfate solution is widely used as a small volume bowel cleansing agent and is considered to be effective and relatively safe. A case of a 75-year-old woman ingested picosulfate powder and drank a small volume of water, subsequently experienced severe burning pain in the chest. Endoscopy was performed and showed a submucosal hemorrhage and exudative ulcers at the mid to lower esophagus. At 2 weeks, her symptoms improved with conservative treatment. However, liquid food dysphagia developed 11 weeks after ingestion. A follow-up endoscopy revealed multiple esophageal strictures, which were treated with a fully covered metal stent and esophageal balloon dilation. Consequently, the esophageal strictures improved after one year. As this case demonstrates, detailed information about picosulfate powder ingestion after dissolving it in more than 200 mL of water should be presented to patients to avoid esophageal injury.

BACKGROUND: Phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) has been identified as a major autoantigen in primary membranous nephropathy (MN). We evaluated the association between anti-PLA2R antibodies and clinical outcome in Korean patients with primary MN. METHODS: A total of 66 patients with biopsy-proven MN were included. Serum level of anti-PLA2R antibodies was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Biochemical parameters were estimated initially and at follow-up. RESULTS: Anti-PLA2R antibodies were detected in 52.1% and 27.8% of patients with primary and secondary MN, respectively. Forty-eight patients with primary MN were grouped based on presence or absence of anti-PLA2R antibodies. Proteinuria was more severe in anti-PLA2R-positive patients than in anti-PLA2R-negative patients (urine protein/creatinine ratio 7.922 ± 3.985 g/g vs. 4.318 ± 3.304 g/g, P = 0.001), and anti-PLA2R antibody level was positively correlated with proteinuria. The incidence of chronic kidney disease stage ≥ 3 was higher in anti-PLA2R-positive patients compared with anti-PLA2R-negative patients (P = 0.004). The probabilities of spontaneous remission were higher in anti-PLA2R-negative patients compared with anti-PLA2R-positive patients (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that anti-PLA2R antibodies are an independent risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease stage ≥ 3 and for not reaching spontaneous remission. CONCLUSION: Detection of anti-PLA2R antibodies at diagnosis in patients with primary MN can predict prognosis and guide treatment decisions.
Antibodies ; Diagnosis ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glomerulonephritis, Membranous* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Proteinuria ; Receptors, Phospholipase A2 ; Remission, Spontaneous ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; Risk Factors

In the article, there was an error in Figure 3.
Glomerulonephritis, Membranous* ; Humans

Villoglandular adenocarcinoma (VGA) is a rare subtype of cervical adenocarcinoma with a more favorable prognosis compared to conventional adenocarcinomas. Although the tumors are usually recognized on colposcopic examination due to the mainly exophytic growth pattern, they may be underdiagnosed as benign lesions by cytology because of their minimal cytologic atypia. We report the liquid-based cytology (LBC) findings of three histologically confirmed VGAs which we have recently identified. They were characterized by hypercellular smears on low-power examination with smooth-bordered three-dimensional papillary fragments. The nuclei were relatively uniform with irregular nuclear membranes. Nucleoli were small but distinct and macronucleoli were also seen. The abnormal architectural patterns such as papillary structures and nuclear overlapping and nuclear hyperchromasia are important clues to the diagnosis of VGA. In addition, nuclear membrane irregularity and prominent nucleoli can be recognized on LBC specimens, further facilitating its diagnosis.
Adenocarcinoma ; Nuclear Envelope ; Prognosis ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

We investigated the effect of paternal folate status on folate content and expression of the folate transporter folate receptor alpha (FRalpha) in rat placental tissues. Rats were mated after males were fed a diet containing 0 mg of folic acid/kg of diet (paternal folate-deficient, PD) or 8 mg folic acid/kg of diet (paternal folate-supplemented, PS) for 4 weeks. At 20 days of gestation, the litter size, placental weight, and fetal weight were measured, and placental folate content (n = 8/group) and expression of FRalpha (n = 10/group) were analyzed by microbiological assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. Although there was no difference observed in litter size or fetal weight, but significant reduction (10%) in the weight of the placenta was observed in the PD group compared to that in the PS group. In the PD group, placental folate content was significantly lower (by 35%), whereas FRalpha expression was higher (by 130%) compared to the PS group. Our results suggest that paternal folate status plays a critical role in regulating placental folate metabolism and transport.
Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Diet ; Fetal Weight ; Folate Receptor 1 ; Folic Acid ; Humans ; Litter Size ; Male ; Placenta ; Pregnancy ; Rats