bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human trophoblast invasion and migration are mediated by the YAP1-CCN1 pathway: defective signaling in trophoblasts during early-onset severe preeclampsia
Authors: Wu Liang , Wang Shengfu , Li Hongyue , Lu Haotian , Zheng Yuanke , Feng Tianfei , Sun Yingpu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The transcription coactivator YAP1 mediates the major effects of the Hippo signaling pathway. The CCN family is a small group of glycoproteins known to be downstream effectors of YAP1 in diverse tissues. However, whether CCN family members mediate the effects of YAP1 in human trophoblasts is unknown. In this study, placental expression of both YAP1 and CCN1 was found to be impaired in pregnancies complicated by early-onset severe preeclampsia. CCN1 was expressed not only in cytotrophoblasts, trophoblast columns, and mesenchymal cells, similar to active YAP1, but also in syncytiotrophoblasts of normal first-trimester placental villi; moreover, decidual staining of active YAP1 and CCN1 was found in both interstitial and endovascular extravillous trophoblasts. In cultured immortalized human trophoblastic HTR-8/SVneo cells, knockdown of YAP1 decreased CCN1 mRNA and protein expression and led to impaired cell invasion and migration. Also, CCN1 knockdown negatively affected HTR-8/SVneo cell invasion and migration but not viability. YAP1 knockdown was further found to impair HTR-8/SVneo cell viability via G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, while CCN1 knockdown had minimal effect on cell cycle arrest and no effect on apoptosis. Accordingly, treatment with recombinant CCN1 partially reversed the YAP1 knockdown-induced impairment in trophoblast invasion and migration but not in viability. Thus, CCN1 mediates the effects of YAP1 on human trophoblast invasion and migration but not apoptosis, and decreased placental expression of YAP1 and CCN1 in pregnancies complicated by early-onset severe preeclampsia might contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease.
SCUBE2 regulates adherens junction dynamics and vascular barrier function during inflammation
Authors: Lin Yuh-Charn , Chang Ya-Jen , Gau Shiang-Shin , Lo Chun-Min , Yang Ruey-Bing 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims
SCUBE2 (signal peptide-CUB-epidermal growth factor-like domain-containing protein 2) is a secreted or membrane-bound protein originally identified from endothelial cells (ECs). Our previous work showed that SCUBE2 forms a complex with E-cadherin and stabilizes epithelial adherens junctions (AJs) to promote epithelial phenotypes. However, it remains unclear whether SCUBE2 also interacts with vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and modulates EC barrier function. In this study, we investigated whether and how SCUBE2 in ECs regulates vascular barrier maintenance.

Methods and results
We showed that SCUBE2 colocalized and interacted with VE-cadherin and VE-protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) within EC AJs. Furthermore, SCUBE2 knockdown disrupted EC AJs and increased EC permeability. Expression of EC SCUBE2 was suppressed at both mRNA and protein levels via the nuclear factor-κB signalling pathway in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines or permeability-inducing agents. In line with these findings, EC-specific deletion of Scube2 (EC-KO) in mice impaired baseline barrier function and worsened vascular leakiness of peripheral capillaries after local injection of histamine or vascular endothelial growth factor. EC-KO mice were also sensitive to pulmonary vascular hyperpermeability and leucocyte infiltration in response to acute endotoxin- or influenza virus-induced systemic inflammation. Meanwhile, EC-specific SCUBE2-overexpressing mice were protected from these effects. Molecular studies suggested that SCUBE2 acts as a scaffold molecule enabling VE-PTP to dephosphorylate VE-cadherin, which prevents VE-cadherin internalization and stabilizes EC AJs. As such, loss of SCUBE2 resulted in hyperphosphorylation of VE-cadherin at tyrosine 685, which led to its endocytosis, thus destabilizing EC AJs and reducing barrier function. All of these effects were exacerbated by inflammatory insults.

Conclusion
We found that SCUBE2 contributes to vascular integrity by recruiting VE-PTP to dephosphorylate VE-cadherin and stabilize AJs, thereby promoting EC barrier function. Moreover, our data suggest that genetic overexpression or pharmacological up-regulation of SCUBE2 may help to prevent vascular leakage and oedema in inflammatory diseases.
Reef fish assemblages differ both compositionally and functionally on artificial and natural reefs in the eastern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Schram Michael J , Emory Meaghan E , Kilborn Joshua P , Peake Jonathan A , Wall Kara R , Williams Ian , Stallings Christopher D 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Human-made structures, particularly artificial reefs, have played an increasingly important role in restoration, conservation, and management efforts aimed at mitigating the detrimental effects of anthropogenic activities on habitats and their associated communities. However, the extent to which artificial reefs support marine assemblages resembling those of natural habitat remains unclear. In this study, we used a 10-year dataset of reef fish visual surveys performed on paired reefs located in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, complemented by functional trait data, to examine whether artificial and natural reefs support fish assemblages with similar taxonomic and functional diversities. Our results revealed compositionally and functionally distinct assemblages between reef types, a pattern that was consistent across depths. The inclusion of functional diversity allowed us to explicitly identify generalized patterns in the composition of these assemblages that may have only been inferred from a strictly taxonomic-based approach. Specifically, large-bodied, midwater predators were relatively more abundant on artificial reefs, whereas smaller-bodied, benthic-associated invertivores or mesopredators were more frequently observed on natural reefs. The artificial reefs in this study were previously characterized as having greater vertical relief than their natural counterparts, a feature that likely contributed to the greater abundances of midwater predators on those reefs. Similarly, natural reefs typically offered a greater abundance of medium-to-small refugia necessary for smaller-bodied taxa to forage and avoid predation. Previous work also demonstrated that these artificial reefs were visited 2–10 times more frequently by boaters than natural reefs, presumably for recreational fishing purposes. These findings led us to infer that local-scale environmental filtering and variable predator–prey dynamics resulting from differences in the physical characteristics of these reefs coupled with asymmetric fishing activity influenced the observed differences among reef fish assemblages. Additionally, our work underscored the utility of multiple diversity measures in comparative assemblage studies, provided insight into reef-fish assemblage dynamics, and helped to emphasize a pressing need to better understand the role of human-made structures in marine ecosystems.
Research on carbon-neutral calculation model of urban parks based on life-cycle assessment: a case study from Beijing, China
Authors: Hu Congan , Liu Guanyan , Su Peng , Lan Fujie , Zhang Tao , Xie Wei , Liang Yi , Wang Xin , Jieensi Ahebai , Liu Pengfei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Urban parks are an essential component of the urban carbon sink system. Calculating a city’s overall carbon balance is significant by predicting when urban parks will achieve carbon-neutral. This research is based on the theory of life-cycle assessment and uses carbon emission factors to calculate the project’s carbon emissions. Using the established model, we calculated the urban park with a total area of 6.5 hectares in a certain city in Fangshan District, Beijing, China. The results indicate that the carbon emission intensity of the city park during the construction materials production phase is $5.97$${\mathrm{tCO}}_2\mathrm{e}/\mathrm{ha}$; during the construction phase, it is 18.947${\mathrm{tCO}}_2\mathrm{e}/\mathrm{ha}$; and during the operation phase, it is $5.97{\mathrm{tCO}}_2\mathrm{e}/\mathrm{ha}/\mathrm{Year}$. The total carbon reduction of the photovoltaic system in the first 25 years is $260.007{\mathrm{tCO}}_2/\mathrm{ha}$. Carbon sinks have a relatively minor impact on achieving carbon neutrality goals for urban parks. The case urban park will take 20–21 years to achieve the carbon-neutral target. We propose a future low-carbon strategy for urban parks through the study results. This will also contribute to developing uniform evaluation standards for carbon neutrality in urban parks.
(171) EFFECT OF FINASTERIDE TREATMENT AND ITS WITHDRAWAL IN THE RAT CORPUS CAVERNOSUM
Authors: Giatti Prof Silvia , Diviccaro Silvia , Cioffi Lucia , Mitro Prof Nico , Caruso Prof Donatella , Melcangi Prof Roberto C 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Finasteride is an inhibitor of the 5α-reductase used for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, despite its efficacy, it may cause sexual alterations like erectile dysfunction (ED) that can persist after drug discontinuation, with the occurrence of post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). We previously described ED and altered pudendal nerve transmission in PFS patients treated for AGA, but the molecular mechanisms have not yet been explored. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of finasteride treatment and its withdrawal in an animal model.

Methods
Adult male rats were treated with finasteride (1 mg/day/rat) or vehicle (sesame oil) for 20 days and sacrificed 24h or 30 days after the last injection. The levels of androgens and catecholamines were assessed by mass spectrometry in the corpus cavernosum (CC) and plasma, respectively. In addition, targeted metabolomics coupled with a nitrate/nitrite colorimetric assay, and western blotting was performed in CC.

Results
Molecular alteration suggestive of ED were reported after treatment. Indeed, we observed the following: 1) a significant increase in the plasma levels of norepinephrine, and a decrease in those of epinephrine; 2) decreased protein levels of 5α-reductase type II in the CC, in line with increased testosterone and decreased dihydrotestosterone levels; 3) a reduction in the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC); 4) a correlation between testosterone levels and NOS activity, and between dihydrotestosterone levels and OCT activity. No alterations in these parameters were observed at withdrawal.

Conclusions
These observations suggest that finasteride treatment, but not its withdrawal, induces molecular alterations in male rats that may be linked to erectile dysfunction. Considering that the nervous system is affected in PFS patients and animal models, and that male sexual behavior is under the control of complex neural circuits, future experiments will be dedicated to exploring whether finasteride withdrawal affects these circuits.

Conflicts of Interest
Authors declare no conflicts of interest.
(175) CHANGES IN ORGASMIC FUNCTION FOLLOWING RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY: A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY
Authors: Jørgensen Anna C , Jensen Christian FS , Rikanovic Mira , Fode Mikkel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To explore rates of anorgasmia and subjective changes in orgasm following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to identify possible predicting factors of orgasmic alterations.

Methods
We performed a retrospective chart review of men who participated in a post-RARP sexual rehabilitation consultation at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital between 2017 and 2021. All consultations were performed by the same specialized nurse. The men were asked if they could achieve an orgasm. If confirmed, they were asked which one of 6 descriptions best described their orgasm compared to before RARP. Associations between orgasmic alterations and nerve-sparing surgery were analyzed by Pearsons χ2-tests. Associations between orgasmic alterations and time since surgery as well as age were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results
237 charts contained information about orgasmic function. The mean age at the time of consultation was 65 years (range 39 to 79). Mean time since surgery was 15 months. 42 and 145 men had undergone bilateral and unilateral nerve-sparing RARP respectively, while 50 had not had nerve-sparing. 40% (CI 34%-46%) experienced unchanged orgasms, while 11% (CI 8%-16%) suffered from anorgasmia. Another 11% (CI 8%-16%) had difficulty achieving an orgasm, 11% (CI 8%-16%) experienced decreased intensity, and 22% (CI 17%-27%) had both difficulty achieving an orgasm and experienced it with decreased intensity. 3% (CI 2%-7%) experienced orgasms with increased intensity. The last 1% (CI 0%-4%) had painful orgasms. The only significant association between orgasmic alterations and any predicting factor was between higher age and anorgasmia (p = 0.03). However, the risk of anorgasmia increased only 0.074% per year after the age of 65.

Conclusions
Changes in orgasmic function is common after RARP. There does not seem to be clear predictors of these issues. This underlines the importance of addressing orgasmic function in conjunction with RARP.

Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of Interest.
(239) PRP AS A THERAPEUTIC OPTION IN PEYRONIE’S DISEASE
Authors: Ditonno Prof Pasquale , Mongelli Dr Luca , Guglielmi Dr Giuseppe , Dachille Dr Giuseppe 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study is a prospective and single-center experimental investigation involving 57 individuals diagnosed with Peyronie's disease. The participants in this study received treatment through injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma directly into the plaques. The aim is to evaluate effectiveness of PRP in improving penile curvature and plaque size, which are key features of Peyronie's disease.

Methods
The inclusion criteria encompassed patients with PD who showed no response to oral medication, exhibited a curvature angle ranging between 30° and 90°, platelet counts within the normal range (&gt; 150,000/μL). Excluded from the study were patients with PD who had previously undergone surgery, collagenase or hyaluronic acid therapy, shock wave treatment. Patients underwent three comprehensive evaluations: baseline assessment at recruitment (T0), a second evaluation 2 weeks later (T1), and a third evaluation 4 weeks after the third and final PRP injection (T2). T1 and T2 included the assessment of PD-related information: curvature angle (measured using a goniometer and documented with photography), curvature direction (dorsal, ventral, right lateral, left lateral), ultrasound measurements of plaque (in millimeters), the presence of calcifications, possible circulatory abnormalities assessed via dynamic penile eco-color Doppler with pharmacological stimulation, measurements of erect penis length and circumference, and reports of any side effects or unwanted reactions such as local reactions, bruising, pain at the injection site, fever, signs of infection. Self-administered evaluation questionnaires were used: IIEF-5; PDQ, designed specifically for Peyronie's disease.

Results
The average penile curvature angle decreased significantly. The IIEF score demonstrated significant improvement post-treatment. Importantly, no side effects were observed during the study period.

Conclusions
PRP plays a valuable role in slowing down the advancement of Peyronie's diseaset to more severe stages. Our research underscores the effectiveness of this treatment and its notable lack of substantial adverse effects. Consequently, PRP emerges as a cost-effective, non-invasive therapeutic choice for Peyronie's disease patients.

Conflicts of Interest
None.
(1024) HYALURONIC ACID TREATMENT AND REDUCTION OF SURGICAL INTERVENTION INCIDENCE IN PEYRONIE'S DISEASE: A COMPARISON BETWEEN TWO GROUPS
Authors: Marino Dr Claudio , Giordano Dr Alessandro , D'Alterio Dr Carlo , Zimarra Dr Assunta , Magliocchetti Dr Marco , Sansone Dr Catello , Capece Dr Marco 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) plays a crucial role in immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects. HAyaluronic acid is currently under investigation for various conditions, including premature ejaculation, penile enlargement, and Peyronie's disease. Notably, we focus on evaluating the reduction in the incidence of surgical interventions in patients treated with HA. This study aims to compare the reduction in surgical intervention incidence between two groups, specifically evaluating the percentage of patients with residual penile curvature &lt;40° after treatment at 6 months adn one year follow-up.

Methods
From 2020 to 2022, 70 patients with chronic-phase Peyronie's disease were treated with intraplaque HA injections every other week for six weeks plus penile modeling after each treatment. Furthermore, each patient performed a daily use of vacuum erection device combined with home (self) modeling and stretching in the days following the injections. A comparative retrospective analysis included another 70 patients from 2017 to 2018 who met similar inclusion criteria but had not received HA treatment. The control group included 70 patients treated with PDE5 inhibitors and anti-inflammatories.

Results
In the hyaluronic acid (HA)-treated group (Group 1), 75% of subjects demonstrated a significant improvement in residual curvature, measuring less than 40° at both the 6-month and one-year follow-up assessments. This improvement in curvature was found to be statistically significant and resulted in a substantial reduction in the necessity for surgical intervention. In contrast, only 20% of Group 2 (control) patients avoided surgery after one year, with minimal curvature changes (±10°, p &lt; 0.0001), highlighting the statistical significance of the outcome differences between the two groups.

Conclusions
The comparative analysis underscores Hyaluronic Acid's potential not only in alleviating residual curvature but also in significantly reducing the incidence of surgical interventions. This study advocates for the consideration of HA treatment as a viable option in managing Peyronie's disease, providing valuable insights for future research and clinical applications.

Conflicts of Interest
I declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the research presented in this abstract. I, the undersigned author, affirm that no financial or personal relationships with other individuals or organizations have influenced the content or outcomes of this study.
(132) THE STUDY PROTOCOL OF AN ONGOING RANDOMIZED PILOT STUDY FUNDED BY THE ESSM: FEASIBILITY AND EFFICACY OF COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL SEX THERAPY (CBT-SEX) AS AN ADJUNCT SHORT-TERM INTERVENTION FOR PEYRONIE’S DISEASE (PD)
Authors: Soave Priv-Doz Armin , Buchholz Anika , Hinz Johannes , Fisch Prof Margit , Schäfer Lukas , Weber Philipp , Nieder Priv-Doz Timo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
PD is a connective tissue disorder of the penis resulting in penile deformity and curvature. Consequently, PD patients complain severe impairment of sexual activity and satisfaction, and suffer from detrimental psychological sequelae. Currently, the feasibility and efficacy of CBT-sex as an adjunct short-term intervention for patients undergoing conservative and surgical therapy has not been evaluated. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a pilot study on the feasibility and efficacy of CBT-sex in PD.

Methods
Randomized, open, mono-centric feasibility study. PD patients, who are scheduled for either conservative or surgical treatment, are enrolled. Patients are randomized to receive either CBT-sex (CBT+) or no CBT-sex (CBT-), stratified by treatment (conservative or surgical therapy) using block randomization. The CBT+ group receives six CBT-sex sessions (one session per week for 6 weeks) by one certified psychotherapist.

Results: Co-primary endpoints

Secondary endpoints

Conclusions
We present the study protocol of this ongoing study, which will generate first data on CBT-sex to reduce PD-induced stress, symptoms and burdens and to improve the sexual satisfaction and erectile function.

Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest.
(331) DOES VARICOCELECTOMY INCREASE THE SUCCESS RATE OF MICRODıSSECTION TESTICULAR SPERM EXTRACTION OPERATION IN NON-OBSTRUCTIVE AZOOSPERMIC MEN?
Authors: Sahin Dr Kadir C , Gultekin Dr Mehmet H , Ozkara Prof Hamdi , Akkus Prof Emre 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Varicocele is detected on physical examination in some non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) men. However, the current literature is not clear about the effect of varicocelectomy on sperm retrieval rates (SRR) in microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) in NOA men. Our aim was to investigate the effect of varicocele on SRR rates in patients whom we performed mTESE operations due to NOA in our clinic.

Methods
The data of patients who underwent mTESE operation between 2000 and 2019 in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Along with clinical and demographic data, patients’ SRR were compiled. Patients with Klinefelter's disease, solitary testis, or missing data were excluded from the study. The results were comparatively analyzed with SPSS v.25 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.).

Results
In our clinic, 651 patients who underwent mTESE between the specified dates and who satisfied the exclusion and inclusion criteria were included in the study. 224 patients were diagnosed with varicocele and 90 (40.17%) of these patients underwent varicocelectomy operation. Of the varicocelectomy operations, 78 (86.67%) were unilateral and 12 (13.33%) were bilateral. The SRR of patients who underwent mTESE based on varicocele absence/presence and varicocelectomy history were given in table. Analysis of the data from these three groups revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in SRR between varicocele diagnosis and varicocelectomy (p=0.99).

Conclusions
According to the results of our study, neither the presence of varicocele nor the history of varicocelectomy had a positive or negative impact on the SRR of the patients. Therefore, care should be taken in the decision-making process, particularly in patients who have varicocele and are candidates for mTESE.

Conflicts of Interest
All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.