Basic Studies Research Articles

Osteopontin Promotes Angiogenesis in the Spinal Cord and Exerts a Protective Role Against Motor Function Impairment and Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury.

Basic science study using a hemisection spinal cord injury (SCI) model. We sought to assess the effect of blocking osteopontin (OPN) upregulation on motor function recovery and pain behavior after SCI and to further investigate the possible downstream target of OPN in the injured spinal cord. OPN is a noncollagenous extracellular matrix protein widely expressed across different tissues. Its expression substantially increases following SCI. A previous study suggested that this protein might contribute to locomotor function recovery after SCI. However, its neuroprotective potential was not fully explored, nor were the underlying mechanisms. We constructed a SCI mouse model and analyzed the expression of OPN at different time points and the particular cell distribution in the injured spinal cord. Then, we blocked OPN upregulation with lentivirus-delivering siRNA targeting OPN specifically and examined its effect on motor function impairment and neuropathic pain after SCI. The underlying mechanisms were explored in the OPN-knockdown mice model and cultured vascular endothelial cells. The proteome study revealed that OPN was the most dramatically increased protein following SCI. OPN in the spinal cord was significantly increased three weeks after SCI. Suppressing OPN upregulation through siRNA exacerbated motor function impairment and neuropathic pain. In addition, SCI resulted in an increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), AKT phosphorylation, and angiogenesis within the spinal cord, all of which were curbed by OPN reduction. Similarly, OPN knockdown suppressed VEGF expression, AKT phosphorylation, cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in cultured vascular endothelial cells. OPN demonstrates a protective influence against motor function impairment and neuropathic pain following SCI. This phenomenon may result from the proangiogenetic effect of OPN, possibly due to activation of the VEGF and/or AKT pathways.

Challenges and opportunities in cell expansion for cultivated meat.

The cultivation of meat using in vitro grown animal stem cells offers a promising solution to pressing global concerns around climate change, ethical considerations, and public health. However, cultivated meat introduces an unprecedented necessity: the generation of mass scales of cellular biomaterial, achieved by fostering cell proliferation within bioreactors. Existing methods for in vitro cell proliferation encounter substantial challenges in terms of both scalability and economic viability. Within this perspective, we discuss the current landscape of cell proliferation optimization, focusing on approaches pertinent to cellular agriculture. We examine the mechanisms governing proliferation rates, while also addressing intrinsic and conditional rate limitations. Furthermore, we expound upon prospective strategies that could lead to a significant enhancement of the overall scalability and cost-efficiency of the cell proliferation phase within the cultivated meat production process. By exploring knowledge from basic cell cycle studies, pathological contexts and tissue engineering, we may identify innovative solutions toward optimizing cell expansion.

Emotional Dependency And Coping Strategies In Dating Relationships In Peruvian University Students

In the specialized literature, the relationship of emotional dependence with dating violence in general has been studied, but few studies have been concerned with relating it to coping strategies, especially in university students, in this sense the research aimed to determine to what extent coping strategies predict emotional dependence in dating relationships. It is a basic study with a non-experimental design of causal correlational scope, the sample was 286 university students of both sexes, the Emotional Dependency Inventory and the BriefCope 28 Coping Scale were applied, according to the results an R of 0.580 was obtained, the R-squared is 0.337 and the adjusted R-squared is 0.334, This is interpreted as a low positive causal correlation between the variables, in addition to significant differences of 0.02 < 0.05 between men and women, being the first to obtain higher scores in emotional dependence. It is concluded that the strategies used by young people to face various situations, specifically in the field of love, do not necessarily predict emotional dependence on their partner, so it is noteworthy that further research investigates the causal relationship between emotional dependence and self-esteem, self-concept or social skills.

Sex as a Critical Variable in Basic and Pre-Clinical Studies of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is most dramatically manifested in the rare and severely debilitating disease, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), in which heterotopic bone progressively accumulates in skeletal muscles and associated soft tissues. The great majority of FOP cases are caused by a single amino acid substitution in the type 1 bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor ACVR1, a mutation that imparts responsiveness to activin A. Although it is well-established that biological sex is a critical variable in a range of physiological and disease processes, the impact of sex on HO in animal models of FOP has not been explored. We show that female FOP mice exhibit both significantly greater and more variable HO responses after muscle injury. Additionally, the incidence of spontaneous HO was significantly greater in female mice. This sex dimorphism is not dependent on gonadally derived sex hormones, and reciprocal cell transplantations indicate that apparent differences in osteogenic activity are intrinsic to the sex of the transplanted cells. By circumventing the absolute requirement for activin A using an agonist of mutant ACVR1, we show that the female-specific response to muscle injury or BMP2 implantation is dependent on activin A. These data identify sex as a critical variable in basic and pre-clinical studies of FOP.

In-situ investigation of the decomposition process in cold-rolled Nb53Ti47 alloy

The multi-layer composite development primarily aims to develop and test the components of the next generation of hadron colliders (e.g., Large Hadron Collider - LHC) consisting of superconducting raw materials. Multilayer sheet is very similar to the commonly used NbTi wire products, a 2D version of the commercial wire. These composites consist of layers such as NbTi superconductor, Nb diffusion barrier (between NbTi and Cu) and Cu stabilizer. In β-NbTi superconducting alloys, α-Ti precipitates are primary flux pinning centers that maintain stable superconductivity. A multi-step series of heat treatments and cold-forming processes can develop the flux pinning centers. Practically, this process means three heat treatments of constant period and temperature and drawing or rolling between the heat treatments.The study aimed to describe the behavior of the cold-rolled (ε = 3.35) Nb53Ti47w% alloys during isothermal heating at 673 K as a function of heating time. The processes during the aging were investigated by the in-situ XRD method in the heating chamber. The X-ray diffraction patterns were evaluated by Rietveld refinement. The thermally activated spinodal decomposition and precipitation processes were described based on the phases identified at the individual heat treatment steps and their lattice parameters. The in-situ study also revealed an increase in α-Ti precipitation with time and decomposition that co-occurs. This is the basic study that prepares the applicability of the alloy.

Transcription Factor EB: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Ischemic Stroke.

Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is an important endogenous defensive protein that responds to ischemic stimuli. Acute ischemic stroke is a growing concern due to its high morbidity and mortality. Most survivors suffer from disabilities such as numbness or weakness in an arm or leg, facial droop, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, confusion, impaired balance or coordination, or loss of vision. Although TFEB plays a neuroprotective role, its potential effect on ischemic stroke remains unclear. This article describes the basic structure, regulation of transcriptional activity, and biological roles of TFEB relevant to ischemic stroke. Additionally, we explore the effects of TFEB on the various pathological processes underlying ischemic stroke and current therapeutic approaches. The information compiled here may inform clinical and basic studies on TFEB, which may be an effective therapeutic drug target for ischemic stroke.

Expanding the Frontiers of Guardian Antioxidant Selenoproteins in Cardiovascular Pathophysiology.

Significance: Physiological levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) function as fundamental messengers for many cellular and developmental processes in the cardiovascular system. ROS/RNS involved in cardiac redox-signaling originate from diverse sources, and their levels are tightly controlled by key endogenous antioxidant systems that counteract their accumulation. However, dysregulated redox-stress resulting from inefficient removal of ROS/RNS leads to inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death, contributing to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent Advances: Basic and clinical studies demonstrate the critical role of selenium (Se) and selenoproteins (unique proteins that incorporate Se into their active site in the form of the 21st proteinogenic amino acid selenocysteine [Sec]), including glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase, in cardiovascular redox homeostasis, representing a first-line enzymatic antioxidant defense of the heart. Increasing attention has been paid to emerging selenoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (i.e., a multifunctional intracellular organelle whose disruption triggers cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to multiple CVD), which are crucially involved in redox balance, antioxidant activity, and calcium and ER homeostasis. Critical Issues: This review focuses on endogenous antioxidant strategies with therapeutic potential, particularly selenoproteins, which are very promising but deserve more detailed and clinical studies. Future Directions: The importance of selective selenoproteins in embryonic development and the consequences of their mutations and inborn errors highlight the need to improve knowledge of their biological function in myocardial redox signaling. This could facilitate the development of personalized approaches for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of CVD. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 369-432.

Composite Microparticles of Fat Graft and GFR Matrigel Improved Volume Retention by Promoting Cell Migration and Vessel Regeneration.

The retention volume of autologous fat grafts decreases after transplantation due to limited nutrition infiltration and insufficient blood supply. Structural fat grafts and the 3M (multipoint, multitunnel, and multilayer) injection technique have been considered to improve the survival of grafts; however, it is difficult for surgeons to practice in the clinic because grafts tend to gather into a cluster, especially in large volume fat grafting. Therefore, we hypothesize that prefabricated microparticle fat grafts (PFMG) may improve the retention rate. The C57BL/6 mouse fat particles were embedded in growth factor-reduced (GFR)-Matrigel to detect cell migration by immunofluorescence staining in vitro. PFMG was prepared by mixing mouse fat particles and GFR Matrigel in a 1:1 volume ratio and injected subcutaneously into C57BL/6 mice. Fat particles mixed with PBS in equal volume served as control group. The grafts were harvested at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after sacrifice. The retention rate of grafts at each time point was measured, and the structural alterations were detected by SEM. Fat necrosis and blood vessel density were evaluated by histological analysis. CD34+ cells are migrated from the PFMG and formed a tree-like tubular network in the in vitro study. The retention rate was higher in the PFMG group than in the control group at week 12 (38% vs. 30%, p < 0.05). After transplantation, the dissociated structure of fat particles was maintained in PFMG by SEM analysis. Histological analysis of PFMG confirmed less fat necrosis and more blood vessel density in the PFMG group at the early stage than in the control group. The GFR Matrigel was displaced by adipose tissue with time. In this study, we developed a novel fat grafting method, PFMG that dispersed fat grafts and maintained the structure after transplantation. High volume retention volume of PFMG was achieved by promoting cell migration and vessel regeneration. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Easy-to-Use CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing in the Cultured Pacific Abalone (Haliotis discus hannai).

The Pacific abalone is an important aquaculture shellfish and serves as an important model in basic biology study. However, the study of abalone is limited by lack of highly efficient and easy-to-use gene-editing tools. In this paper, we demonstrate efficient gene knockout in Pacific abalone using CRISPR-Cas9. We developed a highly effective microinjection method by nesting fertilized eggs in a low-concentration agarose gel. We identified the cilia developmental gene β-tubulin and light-sensitive transmembrane protein r-opsin as target genes and designed highly specific sgRNAs for modifying their genomic sequences. Sanger sequencing of the genomic regions of β-tubulin and r-opsin genes from injected larvae identified various genomic long-fragment deletions. In situ hybridization showed gene expression patterns of β-tubulin and r-opsin were significantly altered in the mosaic mutants. Knocking out β-tubulin in abalone embryos efficiently affected cilia development. Scanning electron microscopy and swimming behavior assay showed defecting cilia and decreased motility. Moreover, knocking out of r-opsin in abalone embryos effectively affected the expression and development of eyespots. Overall, this work developed an easy-to-use mosaic gene knockout protocol for abalone, which will allow researchers to utilize CRISPR-Cas9 approaches to study unexploited abalone biology and will lead to novel breeding methods for this aquaculture species.

Intensive training programme for ultrasound-guided minimally invasive synovial tissue biopsy on knees and wrists in different phases of inflammation

ObjectivesTo develop an intensive training programme for ultrasound (US)-guided synovial tissue (ST) biopsy on knees and wrists in inflammatory arthritis and to assess the learning curve, patient tolerability, sample quality...

Design of a high-speed cavitation hydrodynamics test system

Due to the high sediment content in rivers in China and the relatively high concentration of “gas core” in water, cavitation of hydraulic machinery is likely to occur at high speeds, leading to a series of problems such as reduced efficiency of hydraulic machinery, intensified vibration and material erosion. To carry out the study of cavitation erosion, a test system (hereinafter referred to as the cavitation water tunnel) suitable for the basic study of cavitation dynamics at high velocity is designed in this paper. The whole system includes a circulating loop structure, which mainly consists of a suction chamber, contraction rectifier, and test section. The test section is convenient for observing different types of cavitation flow fields inside and the highest test velocity in the test section can exceed 35 m/s. A water-gas separation chamber is designed to collect bubbles over 100 microns to ensure that the inlet of the test section is not affected by cavitation. The functions of the test system include basic experiments such as flow field characteristics, cavitation dynamics, acoustic characteristics, and cavitation erosion characteristics around hydrofoils/blades, which can provide test conditions for the study of high-speed hydrodynamic characteristics such as pumps/turbines, propellers and underwater vehicles.

A novel transcription factor FnMYB4 regulates pigments metabolism of yellow leaf mutants in Fragaria nilgerrensis

The strawberry species Fragaria nilgerrensis Schlechtendal ex J. Gay, renowned for its distinctive white, fragrant peach-like fruits and strong disease resistance, is an exceptional research material. In a previous study, an ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutant library was established for this species, resulting in various yellow leaf mutants. Leaf yellowing materials are not only the ideal materials for basic studies on photosynthesis mechanism, chloroplast development, and molecular regulation of various pigments, but also have important utilization value in ornamental plants breeding. The present study focused on four distinct yellow leaf mutants: mottled yellow leaf (MO), yellow green leaf (YG), light green leaf (LG), and buddha light leaf (BU). The results revealed that the flavonoid content and carotenoid-to-chlorophyll ratio exhibited a significant increase among these mutants, while experiencing a significant decrease in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents compared to the wild type (WT). To clarify the regulatory mechanisms and network relationships underlying these mutants, the RNA-seq and weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) analyses were employed. The results showed flavonoid metabolism pathway was enriched both in MO and YG mutants, while the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway and carotenoid degradation pathway were only enriched in MO and YG mutants, respectively. Subsequently, key structural genes and transcription factors were identified on metabolic pathways of three pigments through correlation analyses and quantitative experiments. Furthermore, a R2R3-MYB transcription factor, FnMYB4, was confirmed to be positively correlated with flavonoid synthesis through transient overexpression, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), and RNA interference (RNAi), accompanying by reoccurrence and attenuation of mutant phenotype. Finally, dual-luciferase (LUC) and yeast one-hybrid assays confirmed the binding of FnMYB4 to the FnFLS and FnF3H promoters, indicating that FnMYB4 positively regulates flavonoid synthesis. In addition, correlation analyses suggested that FnMYB4 also might be involved in chlorophyll and carotenoid metabolisms. These findings demonstrated the pivotal regulatory role of FnMYB4 in strawberry leaf coloration.

EDM에서 나타나는 라틴 아메리카 리듬 표현 기법 연구

The purpose of this study is to analyze Latin American rhythm expression techniques in EDM, explore the impact of these expressions on the future music industry, and present a new perspective on musical creativity. Prior to the study, a basic study was conducted to explore the impact of the times according to the historical flow of each genre. For in-depth research, the scope was limited to works released after 2010, which are evaluated as the heyday of EDM, and cases showing the rhythmic characteristics of Latin America were selected by referring to articles and introductions from distributors. As a result of analyzing the instruments and rhythms applied in the works selected to draw conclusions, new works were formed by introducing various traditional instruments, samba, reggae-like rhythms, and 'Call And Response' playing methods, and it was found that these experiments could contribute to the development of the future music industry by creating new experiences and expanding the diversity of music.

Roles of Indigenous Peoples Leaders in the Indigenization of Education: Basis for an Indigenous Peoples Education

This basic qualitative study delves into the pivotal role of Indigenous Peoples (IP) leaders in the indigenization of the curriculum, acting as the cornerstone for the development of an Indigenous Peoples Education Program. The study investigates the multifaceted responsibilities undertaken by IP leaders, assuming roles such as translators, facilitators/resource persons, coordinators, and narrators in the intricate process of curriculum development. Additionally, the research scrutinizes the various issues and challenges that these leaders encounter in fulfilling their crucial roles. Key challenges identified include a lack of awareness regarding their rights as integral members of the indigenous community, insufficient educational and training opportunities, limited access to pertinent sources for IPs, and a deficiency in knowledge, skills, and representation within the Department of Education (DepEd). These challenges underscore systemic barriers that impede the effective participation of IP leaders in the indigenization of the curriculum. In response to these findings, the study advocates for the implementation of a comprehensive Indigenous Peoples Education Program. This proposed program aims to address the identified challenges by focusing on providing education and training for IP leaders, raising awareness about their rights, and advocating for their active representation within the educational system. It is anticipated that the implementation of the recommended IP Education Program will contribute to a more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and representative curriculum that aligns with the diverse perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, fostering a harmonious coexistence between traditional knowledge and mainstream education. Keywords: Indigenous Peoples, indigenization, contextualization, IP education

Human resources for the sport of swimming for student athletes of the Indonesian special sports school with disabilities

Purpose This research aims to human resources for the sport of swimming for student athletes of the Indonesian special sports school with disabilities Material and methods This type of research is qualitative descriptive research. This study used basic interpretive study methods. Basic interpretive studies can be interpreted as problem-solving procedures that are researched to understand a particular phenomenon, process, or point of view from the perspective involved. The main objective of the study is to understand the world or the experiences of others. Basic interpretive studies can use a variety of data collection techniques, including interviews and observations as well as reviewing documents, and can draw from a variety of theoretical orientations. This research was carried out from September 2023 to December 2023. The research subjects consisted of: board chairmen of the organization, general treasurer, swimming coach (2 people), swimming athletes (3 people). Analysis in this study was carried out in four stages, namely: data collection stage, data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing / verification. Results and discussion Human Resources Athletes recruited by NPC have requirements both in terms of disability classification and sports skills that they master and can be developed and fostered by coaches later. Then there is a selection stage that is held according to the rules that have been compiled by the central NPC. The selection organizing team is handed over to teams that have been arranged and open in their fields, one of which is the FKOR UNS team. This NPC altet recruitment also has city boundaries set by navel and region. Recruitment will also be held across the province and will be classified from light to high. Recruitment carried out on coaches is the same as recruitment for athletes, where if during the next year there are no achievements and improvements that occur in athletes there will be relegation. This must be done sometimes once a year as the goal of producing outstanding athletes needs coaches who are also competent. The trainer must set a record of achievements that have been targeted by NPC. Recruitment is carried out by NPC but in collaboration with universities with sports faculties that have produced graduates who are competent in the field of training. In this case, NPC collaborates with Sebelas Maret University to become a collaborative team in recruiting coaches needed by NPC in each sport. Universitas Sebelas Maret has an accredited sports faculty, but there are still conditions that need to be met in the direction of non-secondary coaches. In addition, trainers must have a valid license, this will be better arranged by NPC against the level of license that must be owned by trainers. Regarding the recruitment of trainers' human resources, they have done that the recruitment is carried out directly by NPC. Recruitment is appointed directly by NPC based on the competence of the trainer, then submitted from the central NPC to the Minister of Youth and Sports. Conclusions Human resources in sports coaching are happy that NPC Indonesia student athletes in Surakarta are very good and competent according to their sports fields. In the recruitment of athletes and coaches carried out by NPC to be forged at SKODI through the results of open recruitment, it is seen through the competence of these athletes and coaches through regional NPC who register. In addition, it was observed by being appointed directly by the central NPC to join SKODI because it saw the potential of these athletes and coaches. In this case, NPC collaborates with universities that have human resources with the ability in the field of sports to be able to make selections in the recruitment of athletes and coaches. NPC center is in the city of Solo where the city also has universities that have human resources related to sports. Universitas Sebelas Maret is a source of human resources chosen by NPC to cooperate in recruiting competent coaches in certain sports for coaching the achievements of SKODI athletes. Universitas Sebelas Maret has professors who are experts in certain sports including swimming.

Piperacillin/Tazobactam Co-Delivery by Micellar Ionic Conjugate Systems Carrying Pharmaceutical Anions and Encapsulated Drug.

Previously obtained amphiphilic graft copolymers based on [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (TMAMA) ionic liquid were used as the matrices of three types of nanocarriers, i.e., conjugates with ionic piperacillin (PIP) and micelles with tazobactam (TAZ), which represented single systems, and dual systems bearing PIP anions and encapsulated TAZ for co-delivery. The exchange of Cl anions in TMAMA units with PIP ones resulted in a yield of 45.6-72.7 mol.%. The self-assembling properties were confirmed by the critical micelle concentration (CMC), which, after ion exchange, increased significantly (from 0.011-0.020 mg/mL to 0.041-0.073 mg/mL). The amphiphilic properties were beneficial for TAZ encapsulation to reach drug loading contents (DLCs) in the ranges of 37.2-69.5 mol.% and 50.4-80.4 mol.% and to form particles with sizes of 97-319 nm and 24-192 nm in the single and dual systems, respectively. In vitro studies indicated that the ionically conjugated drug (PIP) was released in quantities of 66-81% (7.8-15.0 μg/mL) from single-drug systems and 21-25% (2.6-3.9 μg/mL) from dual-drug systems. The release of encapsulated TAZ was more efficient, achieving 47-98% (7.5-9.0 μg/mL) release from the single systems and 47-69% (9.6-10.4 μg/mL) release from the dual ones. Basic cytotoxicity studies showed non-toxicity of the polymer matrices, while the introduction of the selected drugs induced cytotoxicity against normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) with the increase in concentration.

Effect of single-administration of d-sorbitol pretreatment on the bitterness and continued willingness to take asenapine: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial

BackgroundAsenapine has unique orally-related side effects, such as a bitter taste induced by sublingual administration, which often results in discontinuation of the medication. While the FDA has approved black-cherry-flavored asenapine, several countries have prescribed only unflavored versions. Specifically, Asians commonly report experiencing the bitterness of asenapine because they are more sensitive to bitter tastes than other ethnic groups. In this study, with the aim of improving adherence by reducing the bitterness of asenapine, we investigated the effects of d-sorbitol, which reduced the bitterness parameters of taste sensors in our previous basic study on the bitterness and continuity of asenapine among patients with schizophrenia.MethodsTwenty adult patients with schizophrenia were included in this single-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Participants rinsed their mouths with single-administration of d-sorbitol or a placebo prior to each administration of asenapine. We then conducted the questionnaires and assessed changes in the bitterness of asenapine (primary end point) and willingness to continue its use (secondary end point).Resultsd-sorbitol significantly improved the bitterness of asenapine (p = 0.038). Although it did not significantly increase the willingness to continue asenapine (p = 0.180), it did show improvement over the placebo in enhancing willingness to continue, especially in patients who were not accustomed to its taste.ConclusionOur findings indicate that single-administration of d-sorbitol significantly reduces the bitterness of asenapine. In countries where flavored asenapine is not available, this finding could benefit patients who were not accustomed to its bitter taste.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs041210019) on May 14, 2021.

Morphometric Predictors of Penile Length Increase After Division of its Suspensory Ligament

IntroductionDivision of the suspensory ligament of the penis has emerged as a popular surgical approach for penile lengthening, but accurate preoperative predictions of lengthening outcomes remain elusive. This study aimed to identify readily measurable anatomical parameters associated with post-ligamentolysis penile length gain, facilitating more reliable preoperative estimations.MethodsAn experimental cross-sectional study was performed on 16 adult cadavers. Data collected before dissection included: age at death, ethnicity, height, length of the penis before dissection and width of the suspensory ligament of penis. Following the complete dissection of the suspensory ligament of penis, the depth of the pubic symphysis and the penile length after the procedure were measured. The absolute and relative length differences pre- and post-ligamentolysis were calculated. Correlation coefficients were used to study relations between these variables.ResultsPenile length increased uniformly after complete division of the suspensory ligament (average gain: 26.38 mm, SD = 14.83 mm; range 4–60 mm). Pearson correlation revealed a significant negative correlation between pre-ligamentolysis penile length and post-ligamentolysis increase (r = − 0.601; p = 0.014), suggesting greater gains in individuals with shorter pre-ligamentolysis lengths. Age, ligament width, and pubic arch depth showed no significant correlations. Ethnicity did not impact post-ligamentolysis length increase (t = − 0.135; p = 0.894).ConclusionsThis study highlights the potential to predict penile length gain post-ligamentolysis through measurable anatomical parameters. The ability to anticipate the outcome of this procedure could empower surgeons to provide informed counseling, potentially elevating patient satisfaction.An experimental cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the outcomes of penile lengthening surgeryPenile lengthening was achieved in all subjects via complete dissection of the suspensory ligament of the penisPenile length increase may be predicted preoperatively using easily measurable anatomical parametersNo Level AssignedThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266

Applications of Plant-Made Fibroblast Growth Factor for Human Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) hold great potential in regenerative medicine. These cells can be expanded indefinitely in theory and are able to differentiate into different types of cells for cell therapies, drug screening, and basic biology studies. The reliable and effective propagation of hESCs and hiPSCs is important for their downstream applications. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is critical to hESCs and hiPSCs for maintaining their pluripotency. Plant-produced growth factors are safe to use without potential contamination of infectious viruses and are less expensive to produce. In this study, we used rice cell-made basic fibroblast growth factor (RbFGF) to propagate hESCs and hiPSCs for at least eight passages. Both hESCs and hiPSCs cultured with RbFGF not only maintained the morphology but also the specific expression (OCT4, SSEA4, SOX2, and TRA-1-60) of PSCs, similar to those cultured with the commercial Escherichia coli-produced bFGF. Furthermore, both gene chip-based PluriTest and TaqMan hPSC Scorecard pluripotency analysis demonstrated the pluripotent expression profile of the hESCs cultured with RbFGF. In vitro trilineage assays further showed that these hESCs and hiPSCs cultured on RbFGF were capable of giving rise to cell derivatives of ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, further demonstrating their pluripotency. Finally, chromosome stability was also maintained in hESCs cultured with RbFGF as demonstrated by normal karyotypes. This study suggests broad applications for plant-made growth factors in stem cell culture and regenerative medicine.

Neurophysiology of male sexual arousal—Behavioral perspective

In the presented review, we analyzed the physiology of male sexual arousal and its relation to the motivational aspects of this behavior. We highlighted the distinction between these processes based on observable physiological and behavioral parameters. Thus, we proposed the experimentally applicable differentiation between sexual arousal (SA) and sexual motivation (SM). We propose to define sexual arousal as an overall autonomic nervous system response leading to penile erection, triggered selectively by specific sexual cues. These autonomic processes include both spinal and supraspinal neuronal networks, activated by sensory pathways including information from sexual partner and sexual context, as well as external and internal genital organs. To avoid misinterpretation of experimental data, we also propose to precise the term “sexual motivation” as all actions performed by the individual that increase the probability of sexual interactions or increase the probability of exposition to sexual context cues. Neuronal structures such as the amygdala, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, hypothalamus, nucleus raphe, periaqueductal gray, and nucleus paragigantocellularis play crucial roles in controlling the level of arousal and regulating peripheral responses via specific autonomic effectors. On the highest level of CNS, the activity of cortical structures involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, such as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex, can visualize an elevated level of SA in both animal and human brains. From a preclinical perspective, we underlie the usefulness of the non-contact erection test (NCE) procedure in understanding factors influencing sexual arousal, including studies of sexual preference in animal models. Taken together results obtained by different methods, we wanted to focus attention on neurophysiological aspects that are distinctly related to sexual arousal and can be used as an objective parameter, leading to higher translational transparency between basic, preclinical, and clinical studies.