bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(228) Would the Cylinders Lenght be Shorter in Men with Erectile Dysfunction After Prostatectomy or Peyronie's disease?
Authors: Cavalcanti Filho M T , Lemos C , Mauad Lacerda D A , Fernandes G R , Monteiro L 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is indicated to treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The men with erectile dysfunction, after prostatectomy and/or peyronie’s disease can affect penile atrophy. The three-volume IPP consists of a reservoir, pump, and cylinders. Penile atrophy could increase the difficulty of cylinders insertion or space. Would the cylinders length be shorter in men with erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy or Peyronie's disease?

Objective
We aimed to compare the cylinders length of IPP in three groups: patients with erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy, ED with Peyronie's disease AND ED only.

Methods
Retrospective study, single-center, included men with erectile dysfunction submitted to inflatable penile prosthesis. Divided into group 1 ED after prostatectomy, group 2 ED with Peyronie's and group 3 ED only. We performed a Kruskal-Wallis test to determine whether there were significant differences between three independent groups. To determine which groups have significant differences, we performed multiple comparisons using Dunn's test with Bonferroni correction for p-values.

Results
136 patients were included in this analysis, Group 1 ED after prostatectomy (n=25), Group 2 ED with Peyronie's (n=29) and group 3 ED only (n=82). Age of patients were 64,08, 52,65 and 54,11, respectively. The minimum cylinders length used was 17.5cm and the maximum was 26cm. The Kruskal-Wallis test result was significant (p &lt; 0.001), indicating that at least one is different from the others. Dunn's test results showed that the group 3 has a significantly higher median than the 1 and 2 groups (p &lt; 0.001), while there was no significant difference between the groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.891).

Conclusions
Men with erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy and men with Peyronie's disease have a shorter total cylinder length when comparing erectile dysfunction only. These findings are important to guide patients regarding the expected results in the postoperative.

Disclosure
No.
(234) The Effect of Cigarette Smoking Cessation on Semen Quality
Authors: Ragheb A , Abdelbary A , Massoud A , Mohamed M , Elmarakby A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Extensive research efforts have always focused on the deleterious effects of smoking on male reproduction by comparing fertility in smokers versus nonsmokers. Nevertheless, studies on the effect of smoking cessation on male fertility remain scarce.

Objective
Our primary aim was to investigate the reversibility of the negative impact of smoking on male fertility. Secondarily, we studied the effect of both time after smoking cessation as well as the smoking index on semen quality improvement.

Methods
Our study included 60 participants who applied to a smoking cessation program. The volunteers started by completing a fertility background questionnaire. Two semen specimens, provided 2 weeks apart, were analyzed according to the WHO guidelines for each candidate on three different occasions. The first was right before smoking cessation followed by the 2nd and 3rd at 3 and 6 months after stopping smoking, respectively. Semen quality was compared between the 3 occasions. The degree of change was correlated with the level of smoking. The nicotine level in urine was used for smoking cessation compliance monitoring during the study.

Results
Comparing semen quality on the 3 different occasions respectively, we detected a significant improvement in semen volume (3.33 ml ± 1.07 vs. 3.88 ml ± 0.80 vs. 4.34 ml ± 0.67, P &lt; 0.001), sperm concentration (14.77 million /ml ± 6.49 vs. 17.71 million/ml ± 6.41 vs. 19.27 million/ml ± 6.46, P &lt; 0.001), total sperm count (49.33 million ± 25.31 vs. 70.16 million ± 30.85 vs. 84.01 million ± 31.00, P &lt; 0.001), progressive motility (20.7% vs. 35.3% vs. 42.28%, P &lt; 0.001), total motility (41.48% vs. 60.33% vs. 67.67%, P &lt; 0.001) and abnormal morphology (69.32% Vs. 50.88% vs. 40.82%, P &lt; 0.001). Improvement in all parameters was positively correlated to time after cessation. Higher smoking indices were related to higher levels of improvement in semen volume, sperm concentration, and total count (areas under the curve of 0.867, 0.852, and 0.863 respectively, P &lt; 0.001 for each).

Conclusions
The negative effect of smoking on semen quality is reversible. Smoking cessation has a time-dependent positive effect on main semen parameters, hence, positive potential for fecundity improvement in men.

Disclosure
No.
(261) Asian Men’s Health Report 2
Authors: Ho C , Tan H M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The Asian Men’s Health Report 2 is a follow up to the first Asian Men’s Health Report in 2013 with updated data and new aspects delved into.

Objective
To report on the state of men’s health in Asia

Methods
Key databases that contained information on the health status of men from Asian countries were used. When limited data were available, findings from independent studies were sought to supplement the data.

Results
A general trend towards a more aging Asian population can be seen from the population pyramid for Asia in 1950, 2015 and 2050. Men have a lower life expectancy at birth than women in all Asian countries. Men have lower healthy life expectancy compared to women in all Asian countries except Kuwait and Qatar. Ischemic heart disease, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the top three causes of death and DALY among both Asian men and women. More women die due to communicable diseases compared to men. Death due to road traffic injuries are more common in men than women

Conclusions
There are rooms for improvement for men’s health in Asia. Health care practitioners and policy makers should take up the lead.

Disclosure
No.
(273) Influences of Oral Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Administration on Hormonal Profile, Menopausal Clinical Symptoms and Sexual Function in Early Postmenopausal Symptomatic Women
Authors: Andguladze M , Tevdorashvili G , Tevdorashvili M , Tevdorashvili D 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAs) are steroid hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. The aging process is associated with decreased levels of DHEA and DHEAs, which are the initial causes of many age-related changes.

Objective
We aimed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of DHEA (50mg/day) on hormonal profile, menopausal clinical symptoms and sexual function in early postmenopausal symptomatic Caucasian women at baseline and after 2, 4 and 6 months of treatment.

Methods
For our prospective clinical trial, 42 symptomatic early postmenopausal women (50–55±3.5 years) were selected. Participants were divided into two groups. The study group (n-22) received oral DHEA 50mg/day for 6 months and the control group (n-20) received placebo. Serum levels of DHEA, DHEAs, androstenedione (A4), allopregnanolone (3α,5α- THP), progesterone (P4), 17OH progesterone (17OHP), cortisol, testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), SHBG, LH, FSH and β-Endorphin were determined at baseline and after 2, 4 and 6 months of treatment. The results of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ) were evaluated before and after the treatment.

Results
During the treatment period in the study group, a progressive increase in serum levels of DHEA, DHEAs, A4, T, DHT, E2, E1, 3α,5α-THP and β-Endorphin were observed. P4 and 17OHP levels showed only a slight increase. By the 4th month of treatment and final data, a decrease in cortisol levels was observed. LH and FSH levels gradually decreased. SHBG levels remained constant. After 6 months of treatment, assessing the results of the MRS in the DHEA group showed a progressive improvement of menopausal symptoms. The results of the McCoy questionnaire were also improved in the study group.

Conclusions
DHEA administration had a significant effect on certain endocrine parameters in early postmenopausal symptomatic Caucasian women, was associated with improvements of menopausal physical symptoms, sexual function and psycho-emotional parameters. Our findings support the hypothesis that administration of DHEA in symptomatic postmenopausal women restores both androgenic and estrogenic milieu and reduces most of the clinical symptoms caused by the changes of these environments during postmenopausal period. On this basis we can assume, that DHEA may be considered as a potentially effective medication for MHT. However, conducting further, more specific clinical trials are needed.

Disclosure
No.
Exploring the relationship between X-ray binaries and compact star clusters (I): NGC 4490 and NGC 4214
Authors: Akyuz A , Akkaya Oralhan I , Allak S , Acar S , Doner O , Aksaker N 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
We conducted a study to investigate the relationship between X-ray binaries (XRBs) and compact star clusters in the nearby star-forming galaxies NGC 4490 and NGC 4214. By analysing archival data from Chandra, we identified a total of 32 XRBs with X-ray luminosities Lx &gt; 1036 erg s−1 in both galaxies. Utilizing data from HST/WFC3/UVIS, we presented a new catalogue of 715 compact star clusters in NGC 4490 and identified 312 such clusters in NGC 4214. In the case of NGC 4490, 14 of the 17 XRBs are associated with clusters, whereas in NGC 4214 all 15 XRBs are connected to clusters within a radius of &lt;200 pc. Furthermore, among the XRBs in NGC 4490, 12 out of the 17 have optical counterparts. Similarly, in NGC4214, 11 out of the 15 XRBs exhibit optical counterparts. We have evidence for a substantial population of high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs) associated with clusters, accounting for ∼70 per cent and 40 per cent of the detected XRBs in NGC 4490 and NGC 4214, respectively. HMXBs are often found near young, less massive clusters, while low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs) are associated with older, more massive clusters in these galaxies. Intermediate-mass XRBs in NGC 4214, on the other hand, tend to be close to young clusters, suggesting that their formation mechanism is more similar to HMXBs than to LMXBs.
lncRNA OIP5-AS1 promotes mitophagy to alleviate osteoarthritis by upregulating PPAR-γ to activate the AMPK/Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Sun Zhilu , Tang Jie , You Ting , Zhang Bihong , Liu Yu , Liu Jing 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint degenerative disease. Herein, we investigated long non-coding RNA Opa-interacting protein 5-antisense transcript 1’s (OIP5-AS1) in regulating mitophagy during OA.

Methods
RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down verified the relationship between molecules. Cell counting kit-8 detected cell viability. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay evaluated inflammatory cytokines secretion. Flow cytometry measured the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and calcium. Immunofluorescence staining analysed TOMM20 and LC3B levels. JC-1 staining was adopted to measure mitochondrial membrane potential. The changes of mitophagy were analysed by transmission electron microscopy.

Results
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment contributed to the decrease of chondrocyte viability, and calcium level and inhibited mitochondrial membrane potential, while elevating the secretion of inflammatory factors, ROS, and TOMM20 expression. OIP5-AS1 overexpression inhibited LPS-induced chondrocyte injury and activated mitophagy. OIP5-AS1 upregulated the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) mRNA level to regulate adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK)/v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling by interacting with FUS. PPAR-γ overexpression alleviated LPS-induced chondrocyte injury by activating AMPK/Akt/mTOR signalling. PPAR-γ knockdown reversed the promotion of OIP5-AS1 upregulation on mitophagy.

Conclusions
OIP5-AS1 promotes PPAR-γ expression to activate the AMPK/Akt/mTOR signalling, thereby enhancing mitophagy and alleviating OA progression.
Inflammation and gut barrier function-related genes and colorectal cancer risk in western European populations
Authors: Mandle Hannah B , Jenab Mazda , Gunter Marc J , Tjønneland Anne , Olsen Anja , Dahm Christina C , Zhang Jie , Sugier Pierre-Emmanuel , Rothwell Joseph , Severi Gianluca , Kaaks Rudolf , Katzke Verena A , Schulze Matthias B , Masala Giovanna , Sieri Sabina , Panico Salvatore , Sacerdote Carlotta , Bonet Catalina , Sánchez Maria-Jose , Amiano Pilar , Huerta José María , Guevara Marcela , Palmqvist Richard , Löwenmark Thyra , Perez-Cornago Aurora , Weiderpass Elisabete , Heath Alicia K , Cross Amanda J , Vineis Paolo , Hughes David J , Fedirko Veronika 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Gut barrier dysfunction and related inflammation are known to be associated with the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). We investigated associations of 292 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 27 genes related to endotoxins/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sensing and tolerance, mucin synthesis, inflammation, and Crohn’s disease with colon and rectal cancer risks. Incident CRC cases (N = 1374; colon = 871, rectum = 503) were matched 1:1 to controls nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort. Previously measured serum concentrations of gut barrier function and inflammation biomarkers (flagellin/LPS-specific immunoglobulins and C-reactive protein [CRP]) were available for a sub-set of participants (Ncases = 1001; Ncontrols = 667). Forty-two unique SNPs from 19 different genes were associated with serum biomarkers at Punadjusted ≤ 0.05 among controls. Among SNPs associated with a gut permeability score, 24 SNPs were in genes related to LPS sensing and mucin synthesis. Nine out of 12 SNPs associated with CRP were in genes related to inflammation or Crohn’s disease. TLR4 was associated with colon cancer at the SNP level (nine SNPs, all Punadjusted ≤ 0.04) and at the gene level (Punadjusted ≤ 0.01). TLR4 rs10759934 was associated with rectal cancer but not colon cancer. Similarly, IL10 was associated with rectal cancer risk at an SNP and gene level (both Punadjusted ≤ 0.01), but not colon cancer. Genes and SNPs were selected a priori; therefore, we present unadjusted P-values. However, no association was statistically significant after multiple testing correction. This large and comprehensive study has identified gut barrier function and inflammation-related genes possibly contributing to CRC risk in European populations and is consistent with potential etiological links between host genetic background, gut barrier permeability, microbial endotoxemia, and CRC development.
Set2 regulates Ccp1 and Swc2 to ensure centromeric stability by retargeting CENP-A
Authors: Lim Kim Kiat , Lam Ulysses Tsz Fung , Li Ying , Zeng Yi Bing , Yang Henry , Chen Ee Sin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Precise positioning of the histone-H3 variant, CENP-A, ensures centromere stability and faithful chromosomal segregation. Mislocalization of CENP-A to extra-centromeric loci results in aneuploidy and compromised cell viability associated with formation of ectopic kinetochores. The mechanism that retargets mislocalized CENP-A back to the centromere is unclarified. We show here that the downregulation of the histone H3 lysine 36 (H3K36) methyltransferase Set2 can preserve centromere localization of a temperature-sensitive mutant cnp1-1 Schizosaccharomyces pombe CENP-A (SpCENP-A) protein and reverse aneuploidy by redirecting mislocalized SpCENP-A back to centromere from ribosomal DNA (rDNA) loci, which serves as a sink for the delocalized SpCENP-A. Downregulation of set2 augments Swc2 (SWR1 complex DNA-binding module) expression and releases histone chaperone Ccp1 from the centromeric reservoir. Swc2 and Ccp1 are directed to the rDNA locus to excavate the SpCENP-Acnp1-1, which is relocalized to the centromere in a manner dependent on canonical SpCENP-A loaders, including Mis16, Mis17 and Mis18, thereby conferring cell survival and safeguarding chromosome segregation fidelity. Chromosome missegregation is a severe genetic instability event that compromises cell viability. This mechanism thus promotes CENP-A presence at the centromere to maintain genomic stability.
EpiDiverse Toolkit: a pipeline suite for the analysis of bisulfite sequencing data in ecological plant epigenetics
Authors: Nunn Adam , Can Sultan Nilay , Otto Christian , Fasold Mario , Díez Rodríguez Bárbara , Fernández-Pozo Noé , Rensing Stefan A , Stadler Peter F , Langenberger David 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The expanding scope and scale of next generation sequencing experiments in ecological plant epigenetics brings new challenges for computational analysis. Existing tools built for model data may not address the needs of users looking to apply these techniques to non-model species, particularly on a population or community level. Here we present a toolkit suitable for plant ecologists working with whole genome bisulfite sequencing; it includes pipelines for mapping, the calling of methylation values and differential methylation between groups, epigenome-wide association studies, and a novel implementation for both variant calling and discriminating between genetic and epigenetic variation.
Light Wavelength as a Contributory Factor of Environmental Fitness in the Cyanobacterial Circadian Clock
Authors: Kawamoto Naohiro , Nakanishi Shuji , Shimakawa Ginga 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A circadian clock is an essential system that drives the 24-h expression rhythms for adaptation to day–night cycles. The molecular mechanism of the circadian clock has been extensively studied in cyanobacteria harboring the KaiC-based timing system. Nevertheless, our understanding of the physiological significance of the cyanobacterial circadian clock is still limited. In this study, we cultured wild-type Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 and circadian clock mutants in day–night cycles at different light qualities and found that the growth of the circadian clock mutants was specifically impaired during 12-h blue light/12-h dark (BD) cycles for the first time. The arrhythmic mutant kaiCAA was further analyzed by photosynthetic measurements. Compared with the wild type, the mutant exhibited decreases in the chlorophyll content, the ratio of photosystem I to II, net O2 evolution rate and efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry during BD cycles. These results indicate that the circadian clock is necessary for the growth and the maintenance of the optimum function of the photosynthetic apparatus in cyanobacteria under blue photoperiodic conditions.
Protective effects of Azilsartan against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity in rats model
Authors: Mahmood Naza Mohammed Ali 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an effective alkylating anticancer agent that is widely used in cancer chemotherapy, and it can cause ototoxicity and infertility in women.

Objectives
So, this study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Azilsartan (AZ) as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in a rat model of CP-induced ovarian toxicity.

Materials and Methods
After receiving the 28 female Wister rats, they were acclimatized in proper environmental conditions for a week and then randomly divided into four groups based on the study protocol. After 15 days of the experiment, they were sacrificed, and organs were collected for biomarker detection (Using the ELISA technique) and histopathological analysis.

Results
The level of IL-10 was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) decreased in all treated groups compared to control hostile groups, while the TNF-α level was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased in AZ (220.67 ± 7.88 ng/mL) and AZ + CP groups (221.78 ± 9.11 ng/mL) compared to control negative/CP groups. Regarding the oxidative biomarker level, a significant increase was only found in the AZ + CP group (176.02 ± 6.71 nmol/mL) compared to the control negative group. On the other hand, histopathological findings revealed that ovarian sections in animals that received a single dose of CP had severe ovarian atrophy with significant follicular regression and deterioration, as well as depletion of stromal supportive tissues.

Conclusions
Azilsartan drastically reduced CP-induced ovarian toxicity in vivo by enhancing oxidative stress and inhibiting inflammatory effects in ovarian cells.
Diverse RNA viruses in the venom-related microenvironment of different animal phyla
Authors: Ji Jingkai , Li Cixiu , Hu Tao , Tian Zhongshuai , Li Juan , Xu Lin , Zhou Hong , Holmes Edward C , Shi Weifeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Venom is known as the source of natural antimicrobial products. Previous studies have largely focused on the expression of venom-related genes and the biochemical components of venom. With the advent of metagenomic sequencing, many more microorganisms, especially viruses, have been identified in highly diverse environments. Herein, we investigated the RNA virome in the venom-related microenvironment through analysis of a large volume of venom-related RNA-sequencing data mined from public databases. From this, we identified viral sequences belonging to thirty-six different viruses, of which twenty-two were classified as ‘novel’ as they exhibited less than 90 per cent amino acid identity to known viruses in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Most of these novel viruses possessed genome structures similar to their closest relatives, with specific alterations in some cases. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that these viruses belonged to at least twenty-two viral families or unclassified groups, some of which were highly divergent from known taxa. Although further analysis failed to find venom-specific viruses, some viruses seemingly had much higher abundance in the venom-related microenvironment than in other tissues. In sum, our study provides insights into the RNA virome of the venom-related microenvironment from diverse animal phyla.
Prevalence of Kratom Use Disorder Among Kratom Consumers
Authors: Hill Katherine , Grundmann Oliver , Smith Kirsten E. , Stanciu Corneliu N. 
Published: March 2024

Objectives
Kratom leaf products are increasingly consumed in the United States, with many consumers reporting they experience beneficial effects from kratom use. However, there is a growing concern for kratom’s potential to result in dependence when used regularly. As such, we sought to assess, using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM-5), diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder, the prevalence of “kratom use disorder” (KUD) among kratom consumers.

Methods
Our cross-sectional study used an online, anonymous survey between February and May 2023. Through nonprobability sampling, we recruited people older than 18 years who currently consume kratom. Participants were asked about their kratom consumption patterns, adverse effects perceived to stem from kratom consumption, comorbid diagnoses, and components for a DSM-5, substance use disorder, adapted for kratom.

Results
Among the total sample (N = 2061), KUD criteria were met by 25.5% of participants (n = 525); the most commonly reported symptoms were tolerance (n = 427, 81.3%) and withdrawal (n = 357, 68.0%). After adjusting for age, gender, daily frequency of kratom consumption, and history of either a substance use disorder or a mental health condition, those with a concurrent diagnosis of another substance use disorder had 2.83 times higher odds of meeting KUD criteria (95% CI, 2.19–3.67) compared with those without one.

Conclusions
In this large cross-sectional study, most participants who met the criteria for a KUD diagnosis were categorized as having a mild or moderate KUD. Individual characteristics associated with KUD were related to being male, young, consuming kratom frequently, and having psychiatric and substance use disorder comorbidities.