Adult Male Research Articles

Using the consolidated framework for implementation research to identify challenges and opportunities for implementing a reproductive health education program into sickle cell disease care.

As survival rates for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) increase, calls have been made to improve their reproductive healthcare and outcomes. The research team created a web-based program entitled Fertility edUcaTion to Understand ReproductivE health in Sickle cell disease (FUTURES). The study aim was to use the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) during pre-implementation to identify challenges and opportunities from the individual to systems level of implementation to ultimately optimize the integration of FUTURES into clinical practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians, research team members, and adolescent and young adult (AYA) males with SCD and their caregivers who participated in pilot testing. Interviews (N = 31) were coded inductively and then mapped onto CFIR domains (i.e., outer setting, inner setting, characteristics of individuals, and intervention characteristics). Research team interviews indicated the lack of universal guidelines for reproductive care in this population and gaps in reproductive health knowledge as key reasons for developing FUTURES, also highlighting the importance of collaboration with community members during development. Clinicians reported intraorganizational communication as essential to implementing FUTURES and discussed challenges in addressing reproductive health due to competing priorities. Clinicians, AYAs, and caregivers reported positive views of FUTURES regarding length, engagement, accessibility, and content. Suggestions for the best setting and timing for implementation varied. Using CFIR during the pre-implementation phase highlighted challenges and opportunities regarding integrating this program into SCD care. These findings will inform adaptation and further testing of FUTURES to ensure effective implementation of this novel education program.

Abstract PO1-20-05: SURVIVE study – a multicenter, randomized, controlled phase 3 superiority trial, evaluating liquid biopsy guided intensified follow-up surveillance in women with intermediate-to high-risk early breast cancer

Abstract Background: Current guidelines limit routine breast cancer follow-up to clinical examinations and breast imaging. This is based on the results of two large cohort studies conducted in the 1980s that showed no improvement in overall survival (OS) by an intensified screening for distant metastases. Thus, imaging for distant metastases should currently only be performed in patients with specific symptoms. To detect distant relapse in a pre-symptomatic stage, we suggest the evaluation of a liquid biopsy-guided intensified surveillance, analyzing tumor markers (CA 27.29, CA 125 and CEA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Trial design: Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the SURVIVE study is the first large, randomized breast cancer surveillance trial to investigate the potential survival benefit of a liquid biopsy guided follow-up care in intermediate- to high-risk early breast cancer patients. The trial is a German multicenter, controlled phase 3 superiority study, in which 3500 patients are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to standard vs. liquid biopsy guided intensified follow-up care. At the time of writing 150 patients have been enrolled since December 2022. The total study duration is 144 months. Stratification factors are study site as well as HR-, HER2- and nodal status at surgery. Both study arms receive standard follow-up according to national guidelines. Additional blood samples (year 1-3 every 3 months, year 4-5 every 6 months) and standardized Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaires (EORTC-QLQ-C30/PA-F12, every 6 months) will be collected. While the standard surveillance arm samples will only be stored in a biobank, samples collected in the intensive surveillance arm will be tested for standard tumor markers, CTCs and ctDNA. Pre-specified abnormal findings of any of the liquid biopsy markers indicative of minimal residual disease trigger complete staging. In the event of confirmed disease recurrence, guideline-based treatment follows, otherwise, liquid biopsy testing continues. If applicable, study participants may enter interventional trials. Eligibility criteria: Eligible patients are adult females or males with histologically confirmed primary invasive intermediate to high-risk early breast cancer, defined as an indication for (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy, and/or large tumor size ( > 50 mm), and/or positive lymph nodes (≥ pN1mi), and/or high grade (≥ G3). Primary anti-tumor therapy (surgery, adjuvant chemo- or radiotherapy) must have been completed ≤ 24 months (≤ 60 months for luminal carcinoma) previously. Patient enrollment during adjuvant endocrine- or antibody-therapy, CDK4/6-/PARP- or PI3K-inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates is allowed. Statistical methods: The two primary objectives are to determine whether intensified, liquid biopsy-guided surveillance leads to better OS or an overall lead-time effect, compared to standard surveillance. The primary endpoint OS will be analyzed in the ITT population using Kaplan Meier methods and cox regression models, the overall lead time effect is a purely descriptive composite measure. Secondary objectives include invasive disease-free survival (IDFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), distant recurrence free survival (DRFS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and quality of life (QoL). Specific aims: To improve OS and the QoL during breast cancer follow-up, we propose a liquid biopsy guided follow-up method, with high sensitivity and specificity for the earlier detection of distant (oligo-)metastases, to enable earlier initiation of therapy. Conclusion: The SURVIVE-study is a long-awaited trial in early breast cancer follow-up, based on promising liquid biopsy markers. If successful, the results will lead to a paradigm shift in current follow-up care of intermediate to high-risk early breast cancer survivors. Clinical trial information: NCT05658172 Citation Format: Franziska Mergel, Sophia Huesmann, Thomas Friedl, Kerstin Pfister, Tatjana Braun, Angelina Fink, Forca Mehmeti, Tanja Fehm, Volkmar Müller, Klaus Pantel, Andreas Hartkopf, Elisabeth Wiesmüller, Brigitte Rack, Wolfgang Janni. SURVIVE study – a multicenter, randomized, controlled phase 3 superiority trial, evaluating liquid biopsy guided intensified follow-up surveillance in women with intermediate-to high-risk early breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-20-05.

The potential neuroprotective of luteolin against acetamiprid-induced neurotoxicity in the rat cerebral cortex

Acetamiprid is a class of neuroactive insecticides widely used to control insect pests. The current study aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of luteolin against acetamiprid-induced neurotoxicity in the rat cerebral cortex. Four equal groups of adult male rats (10 in each): control, acetamiprid (40 mg/kg for 28 days), luteolin (50 mg/kg for 28 days), and acetamiprid+luteolin cotreatment were used. Acetamiprid was shown to alter the oxidative state by increasing oxidant levels [nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] and decreasing antioxidants [glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase-(CAT)], with increased activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2-(Nrf2). Likewise, acetamiprid increases the inflammatory response, as evidenced by increased interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nuclear factor kappa B-(NF-κB). In contrast, the treatment with luteolin brought these markers back to levels close to normal, showing that it protects neurocytes from oxidative damage and the neuroinflammation effects of acetamiprid-induced inflammation. Luteolin also demonstrated a neuroprotective role via the modulation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the cerebral cortex tissue. Histopathology showed severe neurodegenerative changes, and apoptotic cells were seen in the acetamiprid-induced cerebral cortex layer, which was evident by increased protein expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 and decreased Bcl-2 levels. Histochemistry confirmed the neuronal degeneration, as proven by the change in neurocyte colour from brown to black when stained with a silver stain. Luteolin may have a neuroprotective effect against biochemical and histopathological changes induced by acetamiprid in the rat cerebral cortex.

Delineating memory reactivation in sleep with verbal and non-verbal retrieval cues.

Sleep supports memory consolidation via the reactivation of newly formed memory traces. One way to investigate memory reactivation in sleep is by exposing the sleeping brain to auditory retrieval cues; a paradigm known as targeted memory reactivation. To what extent the acoustic properties of memory cues influence the effectiveness of targeted memory reactivation, however, has received limited attention. We addressed this question by exploring how verbal and non-verbal memory cues affect oscillatory activity linked to memory reactivation in sleep. Fifty-one healthy male adults learned to associate visual stimuli with spoken words (verbal cues) and environmental sounds (non-verbal cues). Subsets of the verbal and non-verbal memory cues were then replayed during sleep. The voice of the verbal cues was either matched or mismatched to learning. Memory cues (relative to unheard control cues) prompted an increase in theta/alpha and spindle power, which have been heavily implicated in sleep-associated memory processing. Moreover, verbal memory cues were associated with a stronger increase in spindle power than non-verbal memory cues. There were no significant differences between the matched and mismatched verbal cues. Our findings suggest that verbal memory cues may be most effective for triggering memory reactivation in sleep, as indicated by an amplified spindle response.

IDO-1 inhibition improves outcome after fluid percussion injury in adult male rats.

The enzyme indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the kynurenine pathway (KP) which produces both neuroprotective and neurotoxic metabolites. Neuroinflammatory signals produced as a result of pathological conditions can increase production of IDO1 and boost its enzymatic capacity. IDO1 and the KP have been implicated in behavioral recovery after human traumatic brain injury (TBI), but their roles in experimental models of TBI are for the most part unknown. We hypothesized there is an increase in KP activity in the fluid percussion injury (FPI) model of TBI, and that administration of an IDO1 inhibitor will improve neurological recovery. In this study, adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to FPI or sham injury and received twice-daily oral administration of the IDO1 inhibitor PF-06840003 (100 mg/kg) or vehicle control. FPI resulted in a significant increase in KP activity, as demonstrated by an increased ratio of kynurenine: tryptophan, in the perilesional neocortex and ipsilateral hippocampus 3 days postinjury (DPI), which normalized by 7 DPI. The increase in KP activity was prevented by PF-06840003. IDO1 inhibition also improved memory performance as assessed in the Barnes maze and anxiety behaviors as assessed in open field testing in the first 28 DPI. These results suggest increased KP activity after FPI may mediate neurological dysfunction, and IDO1 inhibition should be further investigated as a potential therapeutic target to improve recovery.

Isolation, culture, characterization and the functional study of testicular Leydig cells from Hezuo pig.

Testosterone, an important sex hormone, regulates sexual maturation, testicular development, spermatogenesis and the maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in males. Testicular Leydig cells are the primary source of testosterone production in the body. Hezuo pigs, native to the southern part of Gansu, China, are characterized by early sexual maturity, strong disease resistance and roughage tolerance. This study employed type IV collagenase digestion combined with cell sieve filtration to isolate and purify Leydig cells from the testicular tissue of 1-month-old Hezuo pigs. We also preliminarily investigated the functions of these cells. The results indicated that the purity of the isolated and purified Leydig cells was as high as 95%. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that the isolated cells specifically expressed the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase antibody. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that the testosterone secretion of the Leydig cells cultured invitro (generations 5-9) ranged between 1.29-1.67 ng/mL. Additionally, the content of the cellular autophagy signature protein microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 was measured at 230-280 pg/mL. Through this study, we established an invitro system for the isolation, purification and characterization of testicular Leydig cells from 1-month-old Hezuo pigs, providing a reference for exploring the molecular mechanism behind precocious puberty in Hezuo pigs.

Qatar's National Mental Health Study-The World Mental Health Qatar.

We provide an overview of Qatar's first epidemiological study on prevalence, predictors, and treatment contact for mood and anxiety disorders. We highlight the importance of the three-pronged study, its aims, and its key components. The first component comprised a probability-based representative survey of Qatari and non-Qatari (Arab) adult males and females recruited from the general population and interviewed using the International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI version 3.3). The second component, a clinical reappraisal study, assessed concordance between diagnoses based on the CIDI and independent clinical assessments conducted by trained clinical interviewers. The third component comprised a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study of healthy survey respondents who were matched to patients with psychosis. 5000 survey interviews provided data on prevalence and treatment of common mental disorders. Clinical re-interviews (N=485) provided important diagnostic validity data. Finally, state-of-the art structural and functional brain markers for psychosis were also collected (N=100). Descriptive epidemiological data were collected to inform future mental health priorities in Qatar and situates these within a global context. The study fills important gaps in regional and global estimates and establish necessary baseline to develop comprehensive risk estimates for mental health in Qatar's young population.

DETERMINANTS OF ADULT CARDIAC STRUCTURE: DEVELOPMENTAL INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE AND TV WATCHING

INTRODUCTION The impacts of health-related behaviours and risk factor exposures across childhood and adolescence on the adult heart are largely unexplored. We investigated whether early-life trajectories for physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour and systolic blood pressure (SBP) are associated with cardiac structure in adulthood. METHODS Data collected throughout childhood and adolescence on PA, TV watching and SBP in a cohort study were used to develop antecedent trajectories. At age ∼29yrs, participants were invited to undergo an echocardiogram, to assess left ventricular mass (LVM), LV internal diameter (LVID) and LV wall thickness (LVWT). Analysis was performed between trajectories, separately by sex. RESULTS 723 participants were included. In males, LVM was greater in the antecedent High-PA trajectory (184.1±35.6g), compared to both Mid-PA (171.7±36.1g, P=0.014) and Low-PA (166.7±38.0g, P=0.021). This was related to greater LVID in High-PA compared to both Mid-PA (Δ1.3±0.5cm, P=0.018) and Low-PA (Δ1.3±0.8cm, P=0.087) groups; there were no differences in LVWT (all P>0.050). No differences were found in heart structure between PA trajectory groups in females (all P>0.050). For antecedent SBP, LVM was lower in both the Low-SBP (155.7±30.5g) and Normal-SBP groups (172.9±36.7g) compared to both High-normal (184.8±32.9g) and High-SBP (206.2±41.3g) in males (all P<0.001). This was primarily driven by larger LVWT in High-normal (Δ1.2±0.2g, P=0.001) and High-SBP groups (1.9±0.5g, P=0.001); no differences were observed for LVID (P=0.398). These findings for SBP were similar in females, with the highest SBP group having the greatest LVM and LVWT (all P<0.001). There were no significant impacts of antecedent TV trajectories on adult cardiac measures (all P>0.050). CONCLUSION Higher developmental SBP is associated with larger heart size and wall thickness in adulthood. Higher developmental PA levels are associated with larger cardiac chamber dimension in adult males, but not females. These findings suggest adult cardiac structure may be influenced by early-life risk factor exposures.

Effect of Estrogens on Apoptosis in the Pituitary of Viscachas (Lagostomus maximus maximus)

Estrogens, acting through their receptors (ERα and ERβ), regulate cell turnover in the pituitary gland, influencing cell proliferation and apoptosis across various species. However, their role in pituitary processes in seasonally reproducing animals remains poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the influence of estrogens, through the expression of their specific receptors, on the apoptosis of PD cells in relation to sexual maturity, the reproductive cycle, and pregnancy in a seasonal reproductive rodent (Lagostomus maximus maximus). ERα and caspase-3-cleaved (CASP3c) immunoreactive (-ir) cells were identified through immunohistochemistry. Apoptotic cells were detected using the TUNEL technique, with quantitative analysis facilitated by image analysis software, alongside measurement of serum estradiol levels using radioimmunoassay The immunostaining pattern for ERα included nuclear (ERαn) and cytoplasmic (ERαc) staining. In male viscachas, ERα expression significantly increases from immature to adult animals, correlating with the rise in serum estradiol levels and a decrease in the percentage of apoptotic cells. During the gonadal regression period in adult males, a decrease in the number of ER-ir cells and serum levels of estradiol corresponds with an increase in the number of apoptotic cells. In females, serum levels of estradiol peaked during mid-pregnancy, coinciding with a significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells in the PD. Simultaneously, the percentage of ERαn-ir cells reaches its maximum value during late pregnancy, indicating the need to maintain the protective action of this gonadal hormone throughout the extensive pregnancy in these rodents. Regional ERα receptor expression and apoptotic cells appear to be associated with distinct PD cell populations and their hormonal responses. Finally, elevated estradiol levels coincide with diminished apoptotic cells in the male reproductive cycle and during pregnancy, suggesting an antiapoptotic role of estradiol in this species.

Parental risk factors and children entering out-of-home care: The effects of cumulative risk and parent’s sex

BackgroundParental difficulties, including mental ill health, substance misuse, domestic violence and learning disability have been associated with children entering out-of-home care. There is also evidence that these issues may co-occur within families. Understanding how the co-occurrence of these difficulties is associated with care entry is complex because they may co-occur in the same or different household members and have different impacts on the likelihood of care entry when they occur in mothers, fathers or in single parent households. MethodAdministrative data from local authority children’s services in Wales were linked with demographic data to identify households in which children lived prior to entering care. Linkage to birth data identified biological mothers. Linkage with primary care, emergency department, hospital admissions and substance misuse services data enabled indicators of substance misuse, mental health, assaults in the home, learning disability and neurodivergence in the adults in those households to be identified. A series of multilevel binary logistic regression models were used to explore the odds of a household having one or more children entering care if risk factors were present. These considered the effects of individual risks, and cumulative risk both in individual adults in the household, and across the whole household. The effects of the number of adults, having adults with no risks and the differential impacts of risks in biological mothers, other women or men were also explored. Additional models explored these factors in single adult households. ResultsCumulative risks increased the likelihood of care entry, however this effect disappeared when individual risks were controlled for. The presence of an individual with no risks in the household acted as a protective factor. Overall, the impact of the risks on the odds of care entry was substantially greater if the risks were present in the biological mother than if they occurred in other adults (men or women) in the household. In single adult households risk factors had a much greater impact when they occurred in households headed by women as opposed to men. ConclusionSubstantial differences in the effects of risk factors in female and male adults are apparent and further research is needed to understand why this is occurring to ensure that parents are treated equally in terms of support and statutory intervention regardless of their sex.1Throughout this paper we refer to the “sex” of the parents /adults in households, as opposed to their “gender.” This is because in the analysis we carried out the sex of these individuals was determined by their GP records. We have chosen to use the term “sex,” rather than “gender,” as we believe this data is more likely to reflect their biological sex, rather the gender that the individuals identify as.1

Electroacupuncture modulates abnormal brain connectivity after ischemia reperfusion injury in rats: A graph theory-based approach.

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to facilitate brain plasticity-related functional recovery following ischemic stroke. The functional magnetic resonance imaging technique can be used to determine the range and mode of brain activation. After stroke, EA has been shown to alter brain connectivity, whereas EA's effect on brain network topology properties remains unclear. An evaluation of EA's effects on global and nodal topological properties in rats with ischemia reperfusion was conducted in this study. There were three groups of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats: sham-operated group (sham group), middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) group, and MCAO/R plus EA (MCAO/R+EA) group. The differences in global and nodal topological properties, including shortest path length, global efficiency, local efficiency, small-worldness index, betweenness centrality (BC), and degree centrality (DC) were estimated. Graphical network analyses revealed that, as compared with the sham group, the MCAO/R group demonstrated a decrease in BC value in the right ventral hippocampus and increased BC in the right substantia nigra, accompanied by increased DC in the left nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh). The BC was increased in the right hippocampus ventral and decreased in the right substantia nigra after EA intervention, and MCAO/R+EA resulted in a decreased DC in left AcbSh compared to MCAO/R. The results of this study provide a potential basis for EA to promote cognitive and motor function recovery after ischemic stroke.

Dual-step pharmacological intervention for traumatic-like memories: implications from D-cycloserine and cannabidiol or clonidine in male and female rats.

Therapeutic approaches to mitigating traumatic memories have often faced resistance. Exploring safe reconsolidation blockers, drugs capable of reducing the emotional valence of the memory upon brief retrieval and reactivation, emerges as a promising pharmacological strategy. Towards this objective, preclinical investigations should focus on aversive memories resulting in maladaptive outcomes and consider sex-related differences to enhance their translatability. After selecting a relatively high training magnitude leading to the formation of a more intense and generalized fear memory in adult female and male rats, we investigated whether two clinically approved drugs disrupting its reconsolidation remain effective. We found resistant reconsolidation impairment by the α2-adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine or cannabidiol, a major non-psychotomimetic Cannabis sativa component. However, pre-retrieval administration of D-cycloserine, a partial agonist at the glycine-binding site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex, facilitated their impairing effects on reconsolidation. A similar reconsolidation blockade by clonidine or cannabidiol was achieved following exposure to a non-conditioned but generalized context after D-cycloserine administration. This suggests that sufficient memory destabilization can accompany generalized fear expression. Combining clonidine with cannabidiol without potentiating memory destabilization by D-cycloserine was ineffective. These findings highlight the importance of NMDA receptor signaling in memory destabilization and underscore the efficacy of a dual-step pharmacological intervention in attenuating traumatic-like memories, even in a context different from the original learning environment.

The effect of olanzapine on spatial memory impairment, depressive-like behavior, pain perception, and BDNF and synaptophysin expression following childhood chronic unpredictable mild stress in adult male and female rats

Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) method has been introduced as a rodent model of depression. On the other hand, olanzapine, as an antipsychotic, can induce antidepressant and antipsychotic effects. Also, olanzapine may improve cognitive functions. Both CUMS and olanzapine can also affect the expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synaptophysin, the molecular factors involved in synaptic function, and learning and memory. In this study, we investigated the effect of olanzapine on locomotor activity (using open field test), pain threshold (using hot plate), depressive-like behavior (using forced swim test), spatial learning and memory (using Morris water maze), and BDNF and synaptophysin hippocampal expression (using real-time PCR) in both male and female CUMS rats. CUMS was performed for three consecutive weeks. Olanzapine was also injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 5 mg/kg. Our data showed that olanzapine can reverse the effects of CUMS on behavioral functions and BDNF and synaptophysin expression levels in the hippocampus of both males and females. It was also shown that olanzapine effects on spatial memory, pain perception, and BDNF and synaptophysin level were stronger in females than males. In conclusion, we suggested that the therapeutic effects of olanzapine in CUMS rats may be closely related to the function of BDNF and synaptophysin. Also, the therapeutic effects of olanzapine may be stronger in females. Therefore, and for the first time, we showed that there may be a sex difference in the effects of olanzapine on behavioral and molecular changes following CUMS.

Effect of Intrathecal Eugenol on Cerebral Vasospasm in an Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model

Eugenol has various curative properties. It affects the dilatation of cerebral arteries by voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel inhibition. This study is the first to explore the impact of eugenol on neuroprotection and vasospasm in an experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model. Twenty-four adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were indiscriminately separated into 3 groups: the control group (n = 8), the SAH group (n = 8), and the eugenol group (n = 8). A double bleeding method was used. The eugenol group received intracisternal eugenol (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) at 30μg/20μl after induction of SAH. On the 7th day, all groups were euthanized. Measurements were taken for basilar artery wall thickness, lumen diameter, serum endothelin-1, and caspase-3 levels. The eugenol group exhibited significantly lower wall thickness, endothelin-1, oxidative stress index, and caspase-3 levels compared to the SAH group. In comparison to the control group, the eugenol group showed a higher oxidative stress index along with higher endothelin-1, and caspase-3 levels, but these differences were not statistically significant. Wall thickness was significantly higher in the eugenol group than in the control group. This study represents the first literature exploration of intrathecal eugenol's impact on vasospasm induced after experimental SAH. Administration of intrathecal eugenol demonstrates a positive effect on treatment of experimental vasospasm, as well as on reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Piper guineense (Uziza) on the Kidneys of Paraquat-Induced Adult Male Wistar Rats

Effect of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Piper guineense (Uziza) on the Kidneys of Paraquat-Induced Adult Male Wistar Rats

The possible protective role of vitamin C on rat parotid gland exposed to mobile phone radiation

The widespread use of cell phones recently has raised interest in studying the safety of exposure to their electromagnetic waves. This study aimed to evaluate the possible protective role of vitamin C (Vit. C) against the pathological effects produced by the relatively long duration of third-generation mobile phone radiation exposure in the parotid gland of male white albino rats. Also, to detect the expected recovery after 4 weeks of withdrawal by immunohistochemical, histopathological, and biomolecular studies. Forty male adult white albino rats were used in this study, equally divided into 4 groups of 10 rats in each group: Group I served as the sham control group; Group II was exposed to radiation by phone generator (2100 MHz) for 3 hours/day for 5 days/week for 6 weeks; and Group III was exposed to phone radiation similar to Group II and supplemented with Vit. C at a dose of 40 mg/kg for 5 days per week for 6 weeks. Group IV (withdrawal) was exposed to radiation as Group II, then left without intervention for 4 weeks. Histological and immunohistochemical, and the biochemical evaluation of oxidative stress within parotid tissue (malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), salivary total protein, and amylase activity). qRT-PCR for TGF, MMP2, NFKB, and TNF gene expression was performed in this study. Histological examination of the parotid gland in group II showed many histological changes, such as degenerative changes in the duct system, epithelial lining of the acini, interstitial space which. different collagen fibers and polysaccharides, blood capillaries, and nuclei. Also, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Ki-67 were aggravated. The statistical analysis showed that treating rats with vitamin C improved the parotid glands’ ability to secrete amylase activity and total protein. It also fixed the antioxidant. Inflammatory cytokines TNF, NFKB, and fibrotic marker TGF and MMP2 gene expression were significantly upregulated in the exposed group, which was restored nearly to the control group after Vit C supplementation. Long-term exposure to mobile radiation affected. the. secretory function and the histological structure of the parotid tissues. Vitamin C supplementation ameliorated these pathological effects.

A preliminary investigation of physical and mental health features of cannabis & nicotine co-use among adolescents and young adults by sex

IntroductionCannabis and nicotine/tobacco products (NTP) are commonly co-used in adolescence and young adulthood; however, limited research has been done on predictive health behaviors to co-use. The current study is a preliminary investigation into the relationships of modifiable health behaviors on cannabis and NTP co-use in adolescents and young adults. Method221 participants (ages 16–22) were characterized into cannabis use only (N = 55), NTP use only (N = 20), cannabis and NTP co-use (used cannabis and NTP; N = 96) and control (no use; N = 50) groups based on past 30-day use. Self-report measures for physical activity, sleep quality, mental health, and reward responsivity were utilized. Participants were given a comprehensive neurocognitive battery. Logistic regressions of self-report measures and fluid intelligence composite scores on substance use group status were run stratified by sex. ResultsHigher approach reward sensitivity traits were associated with increased likelihood of cannabis use only (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.15, p = .036) in female participants. Increased aerobic activity was associated with decreased likelihood of cannabis use only (OR = 0.91, p = .047) and cannabis and NTP co-use (OR = 0.88, p = .007) in female participants. Higher anxiety was associated with increased likelihood of cannabis NTP co-use (OR = 1.51, p = 0.025) in male participants. DiscussionSeveral health behaviors were linked with cannabis use and cannabis and NTP co-use in both females and male adolescents and young adults. Health markers differed by sex suggesting differing mechanisms of substance co-use. This study informs targetable health behaviors for prevention and intervention efforts.

Genome-wide analysis of gustatory receptor genes and identification of the fructose gustatory receptor in Arma chinensis

Gustatory receptors (GRs) allow insects to sense tastes in their external environment. Gustatory perception is crucial for distinguishing between beneficial and harmful or toxic compounds, affecting survival. This study is the first to identify and classify the GR genes and investigate their expression in the predatory Arma chinensis. Thirteen GR genes (ArmaGr1–ArmaGr13) were identified and classified into four families via phylogenetic analysis. In the predacious developmental stages, ArmaGr7 expression gradually increased from the 2nd to 5th instar stages and then to adults. However, ArmaGr7 was also highly expressed in the non-predation 1st instar nymph and egg stages. ArmaGr7 expression was localized in the antennae, scalpella, forelegs, wings, head, and midgut of male and female adults, with wings displaying the highest expression. Furthermore, ArmaGr7 expression was positively correlated with fructose solution intake; molecular docking results showed that fructose could effectively dock withArmaGr7. A protein structure comparison revealed that the ArmaGr7 structure was different from that of other GR43a-like proteins, which may be related to the gene splicing of the A. chinensis GR gene. These results elucidate the crucial role of ArmaGr7 in fructose recognition by A. chinensis and provide a foundation for further studies on gustatory perception.

“Sexual Development”: Timing Puberty in German Enlightenment Medicine (1778–99)

From the mid-eighteenth century onward, French vitalists started to re-theorize the bodily clock of maturation. Archaic notions of precocity as an ill omen and ancient constructions of sexual timing as ethnic markers now acquired an increasingly physiological profile. Regulatory conceptions of sexual and psychosexual “development” widely animated German literature in the closing decades of the century. Here is evidence of new interdisciplinary problematizations of pubescence ( Mannbarkeit) as the coordination in time of the mental apparatus ( Seele, Character) and the sex drive ( Geschlechtstrieb). New developmental-physiological frames for sexual maturity and psychosexuality readily extended to the fate of Nationalcharacter, sponsoring various roundtables concerning etiological questions.

Pubertal Timing Across Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Subgroups.

Earlier puberty is associated with adverse health outcomes, such as mental health issues in adolescence and cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. Despite rapid growth of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations in the US, limited research exists on their pubertal timing, potentially masking health disparities. To examine pubertal timing among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander children and adolescents by disaggregating ethnic subgroups. This retrospective cohort study included Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander youths aged 5 to 18 years assessed for pubertal development at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a large, integrated health care delivery system. Follow-up occurred from March 2005, through December 31, 2019. Data were analyzed in October 2023. Race and ethnicity, categorized into 11 ethnic subgroups: Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Other South Asian, Other Southeast Asian, Vietnamese, multiethnic, and multiracial. Pubertal timing was determined using physician-assessed sexual maturity ratings (SMRs). Outcomes included the median age at transition from SMR 1 (prepubertal) to SMR 2 or higher (pubertal) for onset of genital development (gonadarche) in boys, breast development (thelarche) in girls, and pubic hair development (pubarche) in both boys and girls. In this cohort of 107 325 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander children and adolescents (54.61% boys; 12.96% Asian Indian, 22.24% Chinese, 26.46% Filipino, 1.80% Japanese, 1.66% Korean, 1.96% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 0.86% Other South Asian, 3.26% Other Southeast Asian, 5.99% Vietnamese, 0.74% multiethnic, and 22.05% multiracial), the overall median ages for girls' pubarche and thelarche were 10.98 years (95% CI, 10.96-11.01 years) and 10.13 years (95% CI, 10.11-10.15 years), respectively. For boys' pubarche and gonadarche, median ages were 12.08 years (95% CI, 12.06-12.10 years) and 11.54 years (95% CI, 11.52-11.56 years), respectively. Differences between subgroups with earliest and latest median age at onset were 14 months for girls' pubarche, 8 months for thelarche, 8 months for boys' pubarche, and 4 months for gonadarche. In general, Asian Indian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, and Other South Asian subgroups had the earliest ages at onset across pubertal markers, while East Asian youths exhibited the latest onset. Restricting to those with healthy body mass index did not substantially change the findings. In this cohort study of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander children and adolescents, pubertal timing varied considerably across ethnic subgroups. Further investigation is warranted to assess whether these differences contribute to observed health disparities in adulthood, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.