bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastricsin‐Mediated Proteolytic Degradation of Human Seminal Fluid Proteins at pH Levels Found in the Human Vagina
Authors: SZECSI PAL B. , LILJA HANS 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTThe proteolytic degradation of human seminal fluid proteins at acidic conditions has been investigated. Upon acidification to the pH level of the human vagina, autoproteolysis of most seminal fluid proteins occurred after 30 minute of incubation at 37°C. The degradation was unaffected by inhibitors of serine, thiol, or me‐tallo proteases, whereas pepstatin prevented any proteolysis. The proteins in seminal fluid depleted of the aspartic protease progastricsin did not degrade upon acidification. Readdition of the progastricsin restored the autoproteolytic ability of seminal fluid. Prostate‐specific antigen, prostatic acid phosphatase, and Zn‐α2‐glycoprotein are quickly degraded; albumin, transferrin, and lactoferrin are degraded more slowly. The low molecular weight fragments of semenogelin I and II and especially β‐microseminoprotein are somewhat resistant to proteolysis. These observations strongly suggest that the aspartic protease progastricsin is responsible for the autoproteolysis of seminal fluid proteins under acidic conditions. This suggests that the function of the enzyme is to degrade seminal fluid proteins deposited in the vagina; this in turn may decrease the antigenic load in the vagina and prevent immuno‐infertility.
Comparison of Motility and Flow Cytometric Assessments of Seminal Quality in Fresh, 24‐Hour Extended and Cryopreserved Human Spermatozoa
Authors: KRAMER R. Y. , GARNER D. L. , BRUNS E. S. , ERICSSON S. A. , PRINS G. S. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTFunctional differences among fresh 24‐hour extended and cryopreserved human spermatozoa were assessed using both computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry. The objective was to determine if there were interrelationships among various qualitative parameters of the fresh and treated samples when assessed by these two automated methods. Fertile donor specimens (n = 15) were split and examined for sperm motility and curvilinear velocity using CASA within 1 hour postejaculation, after 24 hours in TEST—yolk buffer at 5° C and after cryopreservation in TEST—yolk—glycerol medium. Flow cytometric analyses were performed on 24‐hour extended and cryopreserved (CP) samples after fluorescent staining with rhodamine 123 to quantify mitochondrial function and carboxydimethyl fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide to assess plasma membrane integrity. The percentages of spermatozoa with functional mitochondria and intact membranes along with the proportion of dead cells were identified and quantified by flow cytometry. Quadrant analyses of these data were used to determine the relative red and green fluorescent intensities. The initial sperm motility was correlated to the motility observed for the 24‐hour stored and the CP samples. The sperm velocity of both the initial and the 24‐hour extended samples was correlated to the velocity of CP samples. As for the comparison of the two automated methods for assessing seminal quality, the only sperm motion parameter that was correlated with a sperm population identified by flow cytometry (quadrant 4) was the curvilinear velocity of the sperm after 24 hours storage (r = 0.69) and after cryopreservation (r = 0.74). The present findings indicate that additional research is needed to determine if prefreeze analyses of donor sperm could be useful in predicting the post‐thaw integrity of CP samples and, thereby, be useful in screening potential semen donors.
Alteration of mRNA Transcript Levels of Rat Testicular Cells Following Procarbazine Administration
Authors: POGACH L. M. , LI M. T. , QIAN L. , HUANG H. F. S. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The present study examined the effects of a single 400‐mg/kg dose of procarbazine upon various testicular mRNA transcript levels in adult Sprague‐Dawley rats. Northern blot hybridization was employed to measure the steady‐state mRNA levels of proteins specific for Sertoli cells (adrogen‐binding protein [ABP] and transferrin) and spermatids (protamine 1 and transitional protein 2). In addition, mRNA transcript levels were determined for germ cell‐specific hemiferrin and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), which in adult rats is present predominantly in primary spermatocytes. Further‐more, the chronology of the effects of procarbazine upon spermatogonial populations was examined in whole mounts of seminiferous tubules.The effect of procarbazine upon spermatogenesis was first noted among mature A3, young A4, and B spermatogonia 48–72 hours after drug administration. These results indicate that A2 through intermediate spermatogonia were most susceptible to procarbazine. In addition, degeneration of spermatocytes and young spermatids was evident by 5 days.Northern blot analysis of testicular poly (A)+ RNA revealed that the steady‐state levels of mRNA transcripts of the spermatid nuclear proteins (protamine 1, 700 bp; and transitional protein 2, 580 bp) remained relatively unchanged for 5 days after procarbazine administration but were significantly decreased by more than 70% by 7 days.On the other hand, the steady‐state mRNA levels for the Sertoli cell proteins ABP (1.7 kb) and transferrin (2.7 kb) were decreased by 45% and 50% (P < 0.05), respectively, 2 days after procarbazine administration. Significant suppression of ABP mRNA levels persisted through day 5, with partial recovery noted on day 7.The differential responses of mRNA transcript levels of proteins specific for Sertoli cells and for germ cells demonstrate that in addition to proliferating spermatogonia and differentiating spermatogenic cells, Sertoli cells are also susceptible to the effects of procarbazine.
Comparison of Different Methods of Treating Varicocele
Authors: LENK SEVERIN , FAHLENKAMP DIRK , GLIECH VOLKER , LINDEKE ANDREAS 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Varicocele treatment was performed in 331 patients. One hundred fifteen patients were operated upon according to the technique of Bernardi (1947), 80 patients underwent occlusion of the testicular vein by detachable balloons, 47 patients were treated with percutaneous sclerotherapy, and 89 patients underwent laparoscopic varicocele treatment. The laparoscopic occlusion of the testicular vessels was done in two different ways: (1) coagulation of the testicular veins with electrocoagulating tweezers, and (2) occlusion of the suprainguinal testicular vessel with metal clips and transection of the vessels.Laparoscopic Group 1 showed a clearly higher complication rate and recurrence rate in comparison with the other methods, whereas in Group 2 we observed the best results with only 4% complications and recurrences.Because of its higher complication rate and recurrence rate, laparoscopic electrocoagulation of the testicular veins proved to be inadequate.
Our Experience with Pharmacological Erection Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: HATTAT HALIM , OZKARA HAMDI , AKKUS EMRE , ALICI BÜLENT 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Administration of vasoactive drugs intracavernously is a well‐known easily used and inexpensive alternative in treatment of a certain group of patients with erectile dysfunction. There are a few drugs used for this purpose, but we prefer papaverine as the first choice because it is easily available and inexpensive in our country. We used alprostadil only in nonresponders to papaverine or if there was any complication with papaverine. We present a series of 69 patients, 24 with psychogenic(34.8%), 27 with organic(39.1 %), and 18(26.1) with mixed etiology of erectile dysfunction, treated with intracavernous self‐injection therapy. Mean follow‐up of the patients was 13.6 months (7–30 months). In this study, 3,430 papaverine and 780 alprostadil injections were performed in 56 and 13 patients, respectively. In 75% of the papaverine injections and in 83% of the alprostadil injections, erections were achieved sufficient for sexual intercourse. During the follow‐up, there were not any abnormal alterations in liver function tests. The main complaint of the patients who used papaverine was a burning sensation (98%) during administration of the drug, which did not last more than 1 minute. Of 13 patients in the alprostadil group, 56.9% of the patients complained mainly of discomfort during erection.We concluded that intracavernous therapy is a good and inexpensive option in the management of erectile dysfunction in carefully selected patients.
Caverject, a New Licensed Prostaglandin Preparation for Use in Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: COKER CHARLES , BETTOCCHI CARLO , PRYOR JOHN 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Prostaglandin E, (PGE1) is the drug of choice for intracavernous injection because of its efficacy and low incidence of serious side effects. Alprostadil sterile solution (PGE1) is licensed for cardiac use and is not available in a satisfactory formulation for erectile dysfunction. Caveiject is a new freeze‐dried formulation, and this paper describes some of the studies that have led to it being licensed in the United Kingdom.In the first phase, 14 men with erectile dysfunction of varying etiology and known responders to at least 10 n̈g of PGE1 were recruited into a multicenter, double‐blind crossover of Alprostadil sterile solution (Prostin VR Pediatric, Upjohn) and Alprostadil sterile powder (Caverject). Subjects were randomly allocated to receive a single fixed intracavemosal dose of either 0 (placebo), 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 μg of both formulations. Each subject received a total of two intracavemosal injections, each separated by a washout period of at least 7 days. The response was measured by Rigiscan and there was no difference in the response to the two formulations.In the second phase, 30 patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic for a home self‐injection program with Caverject. The aim of this arm of the study was to determine the response to and the acceptability of home self‐injection with the new formulation. All patients underwent a full clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations. Patients were instructed on injection technique and assessed at monthly intervals by means of diaries.Nine patients withdrew from the study and the reasons were a failure of response (two), the inability to learn the technique (one), dissatisfaction with treatment (five), and progression of multiple sclerosis (one).The remaining 21 patients were self‐injecting the drug at home and were still satisfied after 6 months, 76% of patients achieving full erection more than 75% of the time. The median frequency of injection was 5 (1–12) times a month. Mild pain after injection was reported in 8 patients (38%); no patient complained of severe pain or discontinued use because of discomfort. One patient sustained a prolonged erection of 340 minutes but this subsided after brief exercise. Subsequent dose reduction prevented recurrence.The efficacy and low incidence of serious side effects makes this preparation the ideal choice for self‐injection, and it is the only preparation licensed for this purpose.
Impact of inhalation exposure to cigarette smoke on the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension primed by monocrotaline in rats
Authors: Park Jung‐Min , Seo Yoon‐Seok , Kim Sung‐Hwan , Kim Hyeon‐Young , Kim Min‐Seok , Lee Moo‐Yeol 
Published: October 2023

AbstractExtensive, long‐term exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) was recently suggested to be a risk factor for pulmonary hypertension, although further validation is required. The vascular effects of CS share similarities with the etiology of pulmonary hypertension, including vascular inflammation and remodeling. Thus, we examined the influence of CS exposure on the pathogenesis of monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced pulmonary hypertension, hypothesizing that smoking might accelerate the development of primed pulmonary hypertension. CS was generated from 3R4F reference cigarettes, and rats were exposed to CS by inhalation at total particulate matter concentrations of 100–300 μg/L for 4 h/day, 7 days/week for 4 weeks. Following 1 week of initial exposure, rats received 60 mg/kg MCT and were sacrificed and analyzed after an additional 3 weeks of exposure. MCT induced hypertrophy in pulmonary arterioles and increased the Fulton index, a measure of right ventricular hypertrophy. Additional CS exposure exacerbated arteriolar hypertrophy but did not further elevate the Fulton index. No significant alterations were observed in levels of endothelin‐1 and vascular endothelial growth factor, or in hematological and serum biochemical parameters. Short‐term inhalation exposure to CS exacerbated arteriolar hypertrophy in the lung, although this effect did not directly aggravate the overworked heart under the current experimental conditions.
MiniMounter: A low‐cost miniaturized microscopy development toolkit for image quality control and enhancement
Authors: Zhu Xinyi , Gu Liangtao , Li Rui , Chen Liang , Chen Jingying , Zhou Ning , Ren Wuwei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHead‐mounted miniaturized fluorescence microscopy (Miniscope) has emerged as a significant tool in neuroscience, particularly for behavioral studies in awake rodents. However, the challenges of image quality control and standardization persist for both Miniscope users and developers. In this study, we propose a cost‐effective and comprehensive toolkit named MiniMounter. This toolkit comprises a hardware platform that offers customized grippers and four‐degree‐of‐freedom adjustment for Miniscope, along with software that integrates displacement control, image quality evaluation, and enhancement of 3D visualization. Our toolkit makes it feasible to accurately characterize Miniscope. Furthermore, MiniMounter enables auto‐focusing and 3D imaging for Miniscope prototypes that possess solely a 2D imaging function, as demonstrated in phantom and animal experiments. Overall, the implementation of MiniMounter effectively enhances image quality, reduces the time required for experimental operations and image evaluation, and consequently accelerates the development and research cycle for both users and developers within the Miniscope community.
Surface immobilized α‐1 acid glycoprotein and collagen VI modulate mouse macrophage polarization and reduce the foreign body capsule
Authors: Chen Alex C. , Ciridon Winston , Creason Sharon , Ratner Buddy D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMacrophages are widely recognized in modulating the foreign body response, and the manner in which they do so largely depends on their activation state, often referred to as their polarization. This preliminary study demonstrates that surface immobilized α‐1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), as well as collagen VI (Col6) in conjunction with AGP, can direct macrophages towards the M2 polarization state in vitro and modify the foreign body response in vivo. AGP and Col6 are immobilized onto poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) surfaces using carbonyl diimidazole chemistry. Mouse bone marrow derived macrophages are cultured on modified surfaces with or without lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Surface modified pHEMA discs are implanted subcutaneously into mice to observe differences in the foreign body response. After stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, macrophages cultured on AGP or Col6 modified surfaces showed a reduction in TNF‐α expression compared to controls. Arg1 expression was also increased in macrophages cultured on modified surfaces. Explanted tissues showed that the foreign body capsule around implants with AGP or AGP and Col6 modification had reduced thickness, while also being more highly vascularized. These data demonstrate that α‐1 acid glycoprotein and collagen VI could potentially be used for the surface modification of medical devices to influence macrophage polarization leading to a reduced and modulated foreign body response.
Oxide degradation precedes additively manufactured Ti‐6Al‐4V selective dissolution: An unsupervised machine learning correlation of impedance and dissolution compared to Ti‐29Nb‐21Zr
Authors: Kurtz Michael A. , Alaniz Kazzandra , Kurtz Peter W. , Wessinger Audrey C. , Moreno‐Reyes Aldo , Gilbert Jeremy L. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAdditively manufactured (AM) Ti‐6Al‐4V devices are implanted with increasing frequency. While registry data report short‐term success, a gap persists in our understanding of long‐term AM Ti‐6Al‐4V corrosion behavior. Retrieval studies document β phase selective dissolution on conventionally manufactured Ti‐6Al‐4V devices. Researchers reproduce this damage in vitro by combining negative potentials (cathodic activation) and inflammatory simulating solutions (H2O2‐phosphate buffered saline). In this study, we investigate the effects of these adverse electrochemical conditions on AM Ti‐6Al‐4V impedance and selective dissolution. We hypothesize that cathodic activation and H2O2 solution will degrade the oxide, promoting corrosion. First, we characterized AM Ti‐6Al‐4V samples before and after a 48 h −0.4 V hold in 0.1 M H2O2/phosphate buffered saline. Next, we acquired nearfield electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data. Finally, we captured micrographs and EIS during dissolution. Throughout, we used AM Ti‐29Nb‐21Zr as a comparison. After 48 h, AM Ti‐6Al‐4V selectively dissolved. Ti‐29Nb‐21Zr visually corroded less. Structural changes at the AM Ti‐6Al‐4V oxide interface manifested as property changes to the impedance. After dissolution, the log‐adjusted constant phase element (CPE) parameter, Q, significantly increased from −4.75 to −3.84 (Scm−2(s)α) (p = .000). The CPE exponent, α, significantly decreased from .90 to .84 (p = .000). Next, we documented a systematic decrease in oxide polarization resistance before pit nucleation and growth. Last, using k‐means clustering, we established a structure–property relationship between impedance and the surface's dissolution state. These results suggest that AM Ti‐6Al‐4V may be susceptible to in vivo crevice corrosion within modular taper junctions.
Left ventricular reverse remodeling after transcatheter aortic valve replacement for predominant aortic stenosis and mixed aortic valve disease
Authors: Huang Liangyan , Lai Xiaoyue , Xu Lei , Zeng Ziling , Xia Hongmei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundMixed aortic valve disease (MAVD) is a frequent concomitant valve disease with unique cardiac pathological changes compared to predominant aortic stenosis (PAS). The previous studies about the MAVD are contradictory. Therefore, a new perspective is needed to assess the value of TAVR for this cohort of patients.MethodsFrom January 2018 to December 2021, 90 MAVD patients and 72 PAS patients who underwent TAVR in our hospital were collected. 1:1 propensity score matching analysis was used to control the bias in patient selection. The dynamic changes in left ventricular morphology and hemodynamics were compared by generalized estimating equations. Univariate or multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen for independent risk factors for the non‐occurrence of left ventricular reverse remodeling (non‐LVRR).ResultsAfter the matching procedure, 112 patients were included in the analysis (56 in each group). Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. LVRR occurred in both groups, but MAVD had greater left ventricular end‐diastolic volume index and left ventricular mass index, a higher incidence of mitral regurgitation (MR), and a more pronounced transformation of ventricular geometry patterns. Post‐operative MR (odd ratio [OR]: 10.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.08–48.57; p < .001) and coronary artery disease (OR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.08–7.34; p = .034) were independent risk factors for non‐LVRR.ConclusionLVRR also occurs in patients with MAVD, post‐operative MR and coronary artery disease were independent risk factors for non‐LVRR.
Emunas Chachamim (faith in the sages): A prenatal genetic counseling needs assessment of Orthodox Jewish clergy in Los Angeles
Authors: Richeimer Natalie , Wilson Kaila , Petrasek Alexandra , Weiner Jason 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Jewish population's high risk for certain genetic conditions is well established. The Orthodox Jewish community, a denomination of the larger Jewish population, has distinct customs and cultural practices and a complex relationship with Western medicine and medical genetics. Clergy play a central role as stakeholders in the Orthodox Jewish community, and their input often informs key medical decisions for their congregants. Orthodox clergy have a unique structure for advising their community members, which is based on Jewish law. A qualitative research methods study was conducted to learn more about the needs of Orthodox Jewish clergy in the greater Los Angeles area with regard to prenatal genetic testing. The present study aims to understand the function of clergy, cultural implications in genetics care, and ways to improve cooperation between clergy and medical providers. 18 clergy members were recruited to join the study, with a 100% participation rate. Thematic analysis of individual interviews highlighted four major themes: the multitude of roles of clergy; pragmatic testing; a need for mutual respect; and interactions between medical providers and clergy. The existing community infrastructure may be used as the framework to provide a greater awareness of genetic care to this community. Future research should be conducted to explore how to improve interactions between genetic counselors and Orthodox Jewish clergy and the best practices for cultural competency.
Variations of the hepatic artery and bile duct in patients with pancreaticobiliary maljunction: Impact on postoperative outcomes
Authors: Takada Shunya , Uchida Hiroo , Hinoki Akinari , Shirota Chiyoe , Sumida Wataru , Tainaka Takahisa , Makita Satoshi , Takimoto Aitaro , Nakagawa Youichi , Maeda Takuya 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposePreoperative comprehension of the anatomical variations of the hepatic artery and bile duct is essential for safe laparoscopic surgery for pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM). This study aimed to investigate the impact of anatomical variations of the hepatic artery and bile duct on surgical technique and postoperative complications.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patients with PBM who underwent laparoscopic surgery at our institution between January 2014 and December 2022 to investigate anatomical variations in the hepatic artery and bile duct, surgical technique, and postoperative complications.ResultsWe included 112 patients with PBM, with a median age of 4 years (interquartile range, 0–55). Overall, 29 of 112 patients had an aberrant right hepatic artery (ARHA) running ventral to the common hepatic duct (CHD), and they underwent hepaticojejunostomy on the ventral side of the ARHA. Additionally, eight of 112 patients had an aberrant posterior hepatic duct (APHD), which was joined to the CHD in all but one case. The presence of APHD was associated with postoperative bile leak occurrence.ConclusionPerforming hepaticojejunostomy ventral to the ARHA is important to prevent complications. Furthermore, APHD may be a risk factor for postoperative bile leak and requires careful bile duct plasty.