Exogenous testosterone therapy on choroid in androgen deficiency

AIM:To investigate the effects of exogenous testosterone treatment on the choroidal parameters in patients with androgen deficiency.METHODS:Right eyes of 24 patients with androgen deficiency and 31 healthy volunteers were included in the study.The eyes were scanned for subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT),choroidal vascularity index(CVI),choroidstromal area(C-SA),choroid-luminal area(C-LA),choroidstromal to luminal area ratio(CSLR),and the choroidal parameters within central 1500μm of the macula(CVI1500,C-LA1500,C-SA1500,and CSLR1500)by enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography(EDI-OCT)at baseline,6th and 18th weeks of the exogenous testosterone treatment.RESULTS:The mean SFCT values of the androgen deficient groups and healthy controls were 307.7±27.0 and 303.2±37.2μm(P=0.8).However,CVI,C-SA,CSLR,CVI1500,C-LA1500,and CSLR1500 were significantly different between the groups(all P<0.01).At the 6th week visit after exogenous testosterone treatment,SFCT,CVI,C-LA,and C-SA were significantly decreased,and these parameters returned to baseline levels at the 18th-week visit(all P>0.05).However,CVI1500 and LA1500 significantly increased at the end of the follow-up period(P<0.001).CONCLUSION:CVI is lower in androgen-deficient patients than in healthy subjects.The alterations in the choroid during the testosterone peak are transient in the treatment of patients with androgen deficiency.However,the increase in CVI within the central 1500μm of the macula persists even after 4mo.

Assessment of spermatogenesis in camels via seminiferous tubule staging and testosterone profiling

Objective:To investigate the successive morphological stages of spermatogenesis,hormonal regulation,and testosterone profile in dromedary camel reproduction.Methods:Testicular tissue samples were obtained from 12 dromedary bull camels aged 7 to 8 at a local abattoir.The histological assessment involved tissue processing,hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining,and examination under a microscope.Stereological analysis,germ cell identification,and assessment of seminiferous tubules and maturation were conducted.Testosterone assay was performed by radioimmunoassay using blood samples collected at regular intervals.Results:The study revealed 12 phases of the dromedary camel's seminiferous epithelium cycle,highlighting distinct morphological characteristics and cellular processes.Acrosomal migration,maturation,cap formation,and the Golgi-mediated synthesis of proacrosomal vesicles were also explained in dimension,as were the steps of acrosome biogenesis.Spermatids and mature sperm cells were present when spermatogenesis phases were examined.An analysis of the dimensions of seminiferous tubules revealed specific measures for diameter,area,and epithelial height about luminal characteristics.Moreover,there were noticeable variations in the serum testosterone concentrations during the study period,indicating temporal dynamics.Conclusions:This study outlines the spermatogenesis process in dromedary camels across 12 stages,emphasizing cellular dynamics and acrosomal biogenesis.It also provides seminiferous tubule measurements and observes seasonal testosterone fluctuations,offering insights into reproductive regulation and potential strategies for camel breeding conservation.

Adiponectin orchestrates testosterone suppression in biological pathways

This current review highlights adiponectin engagement with AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 which subsequently triggers pathways such as AMPK,PPARα,and MAPK,thereby modulating testicular steroidogenesis.Adiponectin's actions on Leydig and adrenal cells inhibit androgen secretion by suppressing the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR).Given that StAR facilitates cholesterol to testosterone conversion,AMPK inhibits this process by modulating cholesterol transport and suppressing StAR expression through multiple avenues.Furthermore,adiponectin-induced PPARαactivation impedes mitochondrial cholesterol influx,further modulating androgen biosynthesis.The suppressive influence of PPARαon steroidogenic genes,notably StAR,is evident.Collectively,adiponectin signalling predominantly attenuates androgen production,ensuring metabolic and reproductive equilibrium.Imbalances,as seen in conditions like hypogonadism and obesity-related infertility,highlight their crucial roles and potential clinical interventions for reproductive disorders.

Astrocytes dynamically regulate the blood-brain barrier in the healthy brain

The blood-brain barrier(BBB)(discovered and defined by Max Lewandowsky and Lina Stern,and not,as it is universally,and yet erroneously believed,by Paul Ehrlich(Verkhratsky and Pivoriunas,2023))that separates the nervous system from the circulation is evolutionarily conserved from arthropods to man.The primeval BBB of the invertebrates and some early vertebrates was made solely by glial cells and secured(in invertebrates)by septate junctions.

Effects of Sertraline on Sperm Motility, Number and Viability and Its Relation to Blood Levels of Testosterone, FSH and LH in Adult Male Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Sertraline on gonad-pituitary cycle (Testosterone, FSH and LH) and reproductive cells in adult male Balb/C mice. Adult male Balb/C mice were divided into the following 5 groups: control group with no treatment, sham group which received solvent, and the experimental groups which received one dose of Sertraline (0.0178 mg/kg) in the first group, two doses of Sertraline (0.0356 mg/kg) in the second group, and three doses of Sertraline (0.0534 mg/kg) in the third group. Mice were anaesthetized after 7 weeks. Serum samples were collected and Testosterone, FSH and LH levels of serum were assayed. Vase deferans were analyzed for motility, number and viability of sperms. The results of this study showed that the viability, count and motility of sperms were decreased. Testosterone level of blood was also decreased while FSH was increased. There was no significant change in LH level. It is suggested that Sertraline at higher dose decreases sperm production and has the potential to affect adversely fertility in male mice.

In vivo label-free measurement of blood flow velocity symmetry based on dual line scanning third-harmonic generation microscopy excited at the 1700 nm window

Measurement of bloodflow velocity is key to understanding physiology and pathology in vivo.While most measurements are performed at the middle of the blood vessel,little research has been done on characterizing the instantaneous bloodflow velocity distribution.This is mainly due to the lack of measurement technology with high spatial and temporal resolution.Here,we tackle this problem with our recently developed dual-wavelength line-scan third-harmonic generation(THG)imaging technology.Simultaneous acquisition of dual-wavelength THG line-scanning signals enables measurement of bloodflow velocities at two radially symmetric positions in both venules and arterioles in mouse brain in vivo.Our results clearly show that the instantaneous bloodflow velocity is not symmetric under general conditions.

Blood-brain barrier pathology in cerebral small vessel disease

Cerebral small vessel disease is a neurological disease that affects the brain microvasculature and which is commonly observed among the elderly.Although at first it was considered innocuous,small vessel disease is nowadays regarded as one of the major vascular causes of dementia.Radiological signs of small vessel disease include small subcortical infarcts,white matter magnetic resonance imaging hyperintensities,lacunes,enlarged perivascular spaces,cerebral microbleeds,and brain atrophy;however,great heterogeneity in clinical symptoms is observed in small vessel disease patients.The pathophysiology of these lesions has been linked to multiple processes,such as hypoperfusion,defective cerebrovascular reactivity,and blood-brain barrier dysfunction.Notably,studies on small vessel disease suggest that blood-brain barrier dysfunction is among the earliest mechanisms in small vessel disease and might contribute to the development of the hallmarks of small vessel disease.Therefore,the purpose of this review is to provide a new foundation in the study of small vessel disease pathology.First,we discuss the main structural domains and functions of the blood-brain barrier.Secondly,we review the most recent evidence on blood-brain barrier dysfunction linked to small vessel disease.Finally,we conclude with a discussion on future perspectives and propose potential treatment targets and interventions.

Effect of sodium nitroprusside on the microrheological properties of red blood cells in different media

Red blood cell(RBC)aggregation as well as their deformation significantly affects blood microrheology.These processes depend on various factors,one of which is concentration of the nitric oxide,one of the main signaling molecule in the bloodstream.The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nitric oxide on the microrheological properties of red blood cells(RBCs)in RBC samples of various media after the addition of nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside in vitro.Microrheological properties were measured using laser aggregometer and ektacytometer based on diffuse light scattering and diffraction of laser light on a suspension of RBCs,respectively.The study found that heparin-stabilized blood showed increased RBC aggregation and deformation with sodium nitroprusside concentrations of 100,and 200M,while EDTA-stabilized blood showed slightly decreased aggregation and unchanged deformation.With washed RBCs in dextran solution,the addition of sodium nitroprusside(in the concentrations of 100,and 200M)resulted in decreased aggregation and increased deformation.These-ndings aid in our understanding of nitric oxide's effect on RBC microrheological properties.

Clinical nursing value of predictive nursing in reducing complications of pregnant women undergoing short-term massive blood transfusion during cesarean section

BACKGROUND Cesarean hemorrhage is one of the serious complications,and short-term massive blood transfusion can easily cause postoperative infection and physical stress response.However,predictive nursing intervention has important clinical significance for it.AIM To explore the effect of predictive nursing intervention on the stress response and complications of women undergoing short-term mass blood transfusion during cesarean section(CS).METHODS A clinical medical record of 100 pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during sections from June 2019 to June 2021.According to the different nursing methods,patients divided into control group(n=50)and observation group(n=50).Among them,the control group implemented routine nursing,and the observation group implemented predictive nursing intervention based on the control group.Moreover,compared the differences in stress res-ponse,complications,and pain scores before and after the nursing of pregnant women undergoing rapid mass blood transfusion during CS.RESULTS The anxiety and depression scores of pregnant women in the two groups were significantly improved after nursing,and the psychological stress response of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The heart rate and mean arterial pressure(MAP)of the observation group during delivery were lower than those of the control group,and the MAP at the end of delivery was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,different pain scores improved significantly in both groups,with the observation group considerably less than the control group(P<0.05).After nursing,complications such as skin rash,urinary retention,chills,diarrhea,and anaphylactic shock in the observation group were 18%,which significantly higher than in the control group(4%)(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Predictive nursing intervention can effectively relieve the pain,reduce the incidence of complications,improve mood and stress response,and serve as a reference value for the nursing of women undergoing rapid mass transfusion during CS.

Preoperative blood markers and intra-abdominal infection after colorectal cancer resection

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates among digestive tract tumors.Intra-abdominal infection(IAI)is a common postoperative complication that affects the clinical outcomes of patients with CRC and hinders their rehabilitation process.However,the factors influencing abdominal infection after CRC surgery remain unclear;further,prediction models are rarely used to analyze preoperative laboratory indicators and postoperative complications.AIM To explore the predictive value of preoperative blood markers for IAI after radical resection of CRC.METHODS The data of 80 patients who underwent radical resection of CRC in the Anorectal Surgery Department of Suzhou Hospital affiliated with Anhui Medical University were analyzed.These patients were categorized into IAI(n=15)and non-IAI groups(n=65)based on whether IAI occurred.Influencing factors were compared;general data and laboratory indices of both groups were identified.The relationship between the indicators was assessed.Further,a nomogram prediction model was developed and evaluated;its utility and clinical applic-ability were assessed.RESULTS The risk factors for IAI after radical resection of CRC were neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)levels.NLR was correlated with PLR and SII(r=0.604,0.925,and 0.305,respectively),while PLR was correlated with SII(r=0.787).The nomogram prediction model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.968[95%confidence interval(CI):0.948-0.988]in the training set(n=60)and 0.926(95%CI:0.906-0.980)in the validation set(n=20).The average absolute errors of the calibration curves for the training and validation sets were 0.032 and 0.048,respectively,indicating a good model fit.The decision curve analysis curves demonstrated high net income above the 5%threshold,indicating the clinical practicality of the model.CONCLUSION The nomogram model constructed using NLR,PLR,SII,and CEA levels had good accuracy and reliability in predicting IAI after radical resection of CRC,potentially aiding clinical treatment decision-making.

The effectiveness of physical activity interventions on blood pressure in children and adolescents:A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background:High blood pressure(BP)is a major contributor to mortality and cardiovascular diseases.Despite the known benefits of exercise for reducing BP,it is crucial to identify the most effective physical activity(PA)intervention.This systematic review and network meta-analysis(NMA)aimed to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of various PA interventions for reducing BP and to determine their hierarchy based on their impact on BP.Methods:A search of PubMed,SPORTDiscus,PsycINFO,Web of Science,CINAHL,Cochrane,and Eric databases was conducted up to December 2022 for this systematic review and NMA.Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies targeting healthy children and adolescents aged 6-12 years old were included in this study.Only studies that compared controlled and intervention groups using PA or exercise as the major influence were included.We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines.Three independent investigators performed the literature screening,data extraction,and risk of bias assessment.We used Bayesian arm-based NMA to synthesize the data.The primary outcomes were systolic BP and diastolic BP.We calculated the mean differences(MDs)in systolic BP and diastolic BP before and after treatment.Mean treatment differences were estimated using NMA and random-effect models.Results:We synthesized 27 studies involving 15,220 children and adolescents.PA combined with nutrition and behavior change was the most effective intervention for reducing both systolic BP and diastolic BP(MD=-8.64,95%credible interval(95%CI):-11.44 to-5.84;MD=-6.75,95%CI:-10.44 to-3.11),followed by interventions with multiple components(MD=-1.39,95%CI:-1.94 to-0.84;MD=-2.54,95%CI:-4.89 to-0.29).Conclusion:Our findings suggest that PA interventions incorporating nutrition and behavior change,followed by interventions with multiple components,are most effective for reducing both systolic BP and diastolic BP in children and adolescents.

Association of Thyroid Nodules with Various Elements in Urine and Blood Serum: A Case-Control Study

Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem caused by various factors,including environmental and nutritional factors and genetic background.The environment can modulate and influence not only the risk of thyroid nodules but also the severity of disease in humans[1].The environment is awash with elements,and all mineral elements,including heavy metals and trace elements,are considered potentially toxic.A significantly higher incidence of thyroid cancer has been reported in populations exposed to low doses of metallic elements in volcanic areas over a long period[2].As research on thyroid disorders continues,it is becoming clear that abnormalities in trace elements in the body can affect the development of thyroid-related disorders.

Sex Disparities in the Association of Blood Pressure Parameters and Arterial Sclerosis Risk

Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is the leading cause of death worldwide[1].Arterial sclerosis(AS)and hypertension are the main risk factors and pathological bases of CVD.Higher pulse wave velocity(PWV)measurements could reflect early progression of atherosclerosis.Based on the structure-function properties of the vascular wall and hemodynamics,strong evidence suggests that any increase in blood pressure levels can mechanically impair the ability of the endothelium to maintain vascular homeostasis[2].High levels of blood pressure parameters,such as systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),pulse pressure(PP),and mean arterial pressure(MAP)have been identified as essential risk biomarkers for atherosclerosis.

Identification of Key Blood Biomarkers Linking Di(2-ethylhexyl)Phthalate and Autoimmune Diseases in Adolescents Mice

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP)is a widely used plasticizer known for its reproductive developmental and immune system toxicity,mainly through esophagal,dermal,and respiratory exposure^([1-3]).Maternal exposure to DEHP during pregnancy can lead to adverse birth outcomes in offspring,including impacts on the thyroid system of adolescent offspring^([2-4]).

Impact of Regular Blood Donation on Body Iron Stores at Saudi Blood Donors

Introduction: One of the most frequent observations in long-term blood donation is chronic iron deficiency, which can develop into anaemia. The majority of blood screening methods employed by blood banks do not incorporate iron-status markers, which may result in potential subclinical iron deficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of repeated blood donation on the levels of iron in the body and to guide blood donors in preventing the depletion of iron stores. Methods: Regular blood donors were categorised into distinct groups according to the number of donations they gave, and then the correlation between these groups and their bodies’ iron levels was examined. Different parameters were employed to identify iron deficiency and iron depletion in blood donors: serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and serum iron. Results: The study included 300 individuals who regularly and willingly donated blood. There were no iron insufficiency cases among those donating blood for the first time (Group I). However, 15.5% of individuals who had donated once before (Group II) had ferritin levels of 15 - 30 μg/dl (ng/ml), indicating reduced iron stores. The rate increased to 18% (37 out of 206 individuals) among regular blood donors (Groups III, IV, and V). Iron deficiency (depletion) prevalence among regular blood donors in Groups III, IV, and V was 5.9% (12 out of 206) and 50.4% (100 out of 206). Donors who had donated blood most frequently had the lowest levels of haematological markers MCH, MCHC, and TIBC. Provide the p-values representing the differences between the means of MCV, MCH, iron, TIBC, and ferritin levels when comparing donor groups with the control group (Group I) based on the frequency of donations. Indicate statistically significant differences where the p-value is less than 0.0125. This significance level is adjusted based on the Bonferroni method, considering multiple independent tests. The result shows that the Iron parameter for the comparison between Group I and Group III and Group I and Group IV suggests a statistically significant difference in iron levels between these donor groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that a higher times of donations lads to a higher occurrence of depleted iron stores and subsequent erythropoiesis with iron deficiency by one donor from every three healthy donors. The iron and ferritin concentrations were within the normal range in group one (Control group) and reduced in the other four groups (G-2 to G-5). However, the level of haemoglobin remained within an acceptable range for blood donation. This outcome suggests that it may be necessary to reassess the criteria for accepting blood donors. The average serum ferritin levels were examined in all five groups (G-1 to G-5), both for males and females, and significant variations were seen among the groups under study. This study found that 35% of the individuals who regularly donate blood have iron-deficient anaemia (sideropenia). This suggests that it would be beneficial to test for serum ferritin at an earlier stage, ideally after three donations.

Blood biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease:important considerations for use in clinical practice

Introduction:Fluid and positron emission tomography(PET)biomarkers that enable the detection of the hallmark proteins of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)(amyloid and tau)have revolutionized our approach to the diagnosis of AD.The evolution of AD diagnostic criteria to include biological characterization(Alzheimer’s Association Working Group,2023)provides an appropriate framework to reduce levels of clinico-pathologic mismatch and improve in-vivo diagnostic accuracy.As the therapeutic landscape for neurodegenerative disease evolves,it is increasingly incumbent on clinicians to provide timely,and pathologically precise diagnoses for patients.However,the expensive and invasive nature of these tests limits their scalability.

Heterogeneous patterning of blood-brain barrier and adaptive myelination as renewing key in gray and white matter

Background:Development and homeostasis of the brain are enabled through the precise control of the cell microenvironment by the blood-brain barrier(BBB),which interfaces between the brain parenchyma and the lumen of blood microvessels,and by the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier,which separates the cerebrospinal fluid from the blood vessels of the choroid plexus(Villabona-Rueda et al.,2019).Here,the focus will be on the BBB,the impairment of which is considered the earliest common denominator in neurovascular diseases.

Screening, Treatment and Control of High Blood Pressure on Five Sites in Mali

Introduction: High blood pressure is defined as blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg for systolic and or 90 mm Hg for diastolic. It constitutes a major public health problem, the leading chronic disease in the world. The objective was to determine the prevalence, treatment rate and control of hypertension. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study which took place over a period of 6 months in a hospital environment and in the general population. Results: Of the 1000 participants, 637 had hypertension, giving a prevalence of 63.70% with a female predominance. Thirty-three percent (33%) were unaware of their high blood pressure. The age group 60 and more was the most represented (44%). A proportion of 33 and 23.20 were overweight and obese participants, respectively. Male subjects were more overweight than female, unlike obesity which was more common among female subjects. Sixty-two percent (62%) of hypertensives were treated, of whom 44% were non-compliant. The excessively high cost and consumption of medications as needed were the main factors in therapeutic non-compliance. Twenty-two percent (22%) of all hypertensive patients and 35% of treated hypertensive patients were controlled. Women were more treated but less observant and less controlled than men. Therapeutic coverage and combination therapy rates were lower in rural areas. Hypertensives who had a high level of education were better treated and controlled than those who had no level. Conclusion: High blood pressure remains a real public health problem in Mali. It is more common in people aged 60 and over and in females. One in three hypertensives were unaware of their hypertension. The majority received antihypertensive treatments, but only a minority of them had their hypertension controlled.

Using Optical Tweezers to Study the Friction of the Red Blood Cells

In the last two decades the study of red blood cell elasticity using optical tweezers has known a rise appearing in the scientific research with regard to the various works carried out. Despite the various work done, no study has been done so far to study the influence of friction on the red blood cell indentation response using optical tweezers. In this study, we have developed a new approach to determine the coefficient of friction as well as the frictional forces of the red blood cell. This approach therefore allowed us to simultaneously carry out the indentation and traction test, which allowed us to extract the interfacial properties of the microbead red blood cell couple, among other things, the friction coefficient. This property would be extremely important to investigate the survival and mechanical features of cells, which will be of great physiological and pathological significance. But taking into account the hypothesis of friction as defined by the isotropic Coulomb law. The experiment performed for this purpose is the Brinell Hardness Test (DB).

Blood Pressure Estimation with Phonocardiogram on CNN-Based Approach

Monitoring blood pressure is a critical aspect of safeguarding an individual’s health,as early detection of abnormal blood pressure levels facilitates timely medical intervention,ultimately leading to a reduction in mortality rates associated with cardiovascular diseases.Consequently,the development of a robust and continuous blood pressure monitoring system holds paramount significance.In the context of this research paper,we introduce an innovative deep learning regression model that harnesses phonocardiogram(PCG)data to achieve precise blood pressure estimation.Our novel approach incorporates a convolutional neural network(CNN)-based regression model,which not only enhances its adaptability to spatial variations but also empowers it to capture intricate patterns within the PCG signals.These advancements contribute significantly to the overall accuracy of blood pressure estimation.To substantiate the effectiveness of our proposed method,we meticulously gathered PCG signal data from 78 volunteers,adhering to the ethical guidelines of Suranaree University of Technology(Human Research Ethics number EC-65-78).Subsequently,we rigorously preprocessed the dataset to ensure its integrity.We further employed a K-fold cross-validation procedure for data division and alignment,combining the resulting datasets with a CNNfor blood pressure estimation.The experimental results are highly promising,yielding aMeanAbsolute Error(MAE)and standard deviation(STD)of approximately 10.69±7.23 mmHg for systolic pressure and 6.89±5.22 mmHg for diastolic pressure.Our study underscores the potential for precise blood pressure estimation,particularly using PCG signals,paving the way for a practical,non-invasive method with broad applicability in the healthcare domain.Early detection of abnormal blood pressure levels can facilitate timely medical interventions,ultimately reducing cardiovascular disease-related mortality rates.