Prostatic Hyperplasia Research Articles

Phytochemical Riches, Bioactivities, and Clinical Potential of Prinsepia utilis Royle: A Comprehensive Review

Prinsepia utilis Royle, widely recognized in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine, has attracted significant interest in the realms of phytochemistry and bioactivity research. This deciduous shrub from the Rosaceae family thrives in the Himalayan region at altitudes between 1000 and 3000 meters. The current paper aims to consolidate existing knowledge on P. utilis, providing an updated database of its phytochemical constituents and related bioactivities. Investigations have revealed a wealth of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids. Research has shown that extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds of P. utilis exhibit notable antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, enzymatic inhibitory, immunosuppressive, and cytotoxic properties. In vivo studies confirm its traditional uses, demonstrating anti‐inflammatory, anti‐benign prostatic hyperplasia, osteoprotective, and hypoglycemic effects. Effective formulations using P. utilis extract have been developed for atrophic dermatitis and acne vulgaris. These findings underscore the plant's potential as a source of new therapeutic agents and functional additives. Nonetheless, further research is essential to advance pharmacological assessments, clinical trials, and sustainable cultivation methods to fully harness its pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

The incidence of benign and malignant tumors among adults with long-term physical disabilities

People with long-term physical disabilities also suffer from different types and nature of tumors as well as general population. Unfortunately, the information about the frequency of these diseases among the specified contingent is very deficient. The objectives of the study were to determine the incidence of benign and malignant neoplasia among the adults and elderly with physical disabilities and to indicate the risk factors for the appearance and development of tumors in this population. In this descriptive survey, 186 people, living in the largest home on the Balkan Peninsula for adults and elderly people with long-term physical disabilities were studied in 2021. 82.79% of the residents were over 51 years of age and almost all of them are inhabited by two residents. 42.47% of the respondents were men and 57.52% – women. Data on the demographic characteristics of the respondents, including their personal lifestyle and self-reported diagnosis of presence and/or history of a tumor formation, were collected through a semi-structured interview. The verification of the collected information about the incidence of benign and malignant lesions among adults with physical disabilities was carried out by means of the application of the second research method – content analysis based on the medical records. For processing and analysis of the collected data, it was used statistical software – IBM SPSS Statistics V21.0. The results showed a significantly high rate in the prevalence of tumor formations in the sample – 24.19%. The pre-cancerous formations have the highest incidence among residents – 42.22% with the most common variant – chronic form of cholecystitis combined with cholelithiasis (37.77%). Prostatic hyperplasia and uterine leiomyoma are the leading benign lesions in male residents – 11.11%, in female respondents – 11.11% respectively. The predominant form of cancer is breast carcinoma – 8.88%. The research found a high prevalence of tumor formations among adult patients with long-term physical disabilities. The harmful impact of a number of behavioral habits and health determinants significantly contributes to this negative tendency.

Study on the correlation between glycolipids and prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

To study the clinical correlation between fasting plasma glucose, lipid metabolism, prostate-specific antigen and prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and to explore the combined effect as diagnostic indicators. A total of 108 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia treated in Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital from June 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed as the hyperplasia group, and 98 healthy physical examination personnel were selected as the control group during the same period. Compare the differences in levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), small and dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (sdLDL-C), homocysteine, lipoprotein a (LPa), prostate specific antigen (PSA), and free prostate specific antigen (fPSA) between two groups of patients. Using Pearson analysis method to analyze the correlation between the above indicators and the size of prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia; using multiple linear regression to analyze the influencing factors of prostate volume enlargement; draw receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and analyze the application value of individual and combined detection of HDL, FPG, PSA, and fPSA. The results showed that there were significant differences in HDL, FPG, PSA, and fPSA levels between the control group and the proliferative group(P<0.05). The size of prostate volume is negatively correlated with HDL(r=-0.183, P<0.05) and positively correlated with FPG (r=0.202, P<0.05), PSA(r=0.412, P<0.05), and fPSA(r=0.425, P<0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that HDL(P=0.000), FPG(P=0.048), PSA(P=0.044), and fPSA (P=0.012) were risk factors for increased volume of benign prostatic hyperplasia; ROC curve analysis shows that the AUC of HDL, FPG, PSA, and fPSA combined detection is 0.823, which is better than individual detection. In conclusion,HDL, FPG, PSA, fPSA has close correlation with hyperplasia of prostate, the joint detection may has better prediction for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Dual-energy computed tomography with new virtual monoenergetic image reconstruction enhances prostate lesion image quality and improves the diagnostic efficacy for prostate cancer

BackgroundProstate cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in middle-aged and elderly men and carries significant prognostic implications, and recent studies suggest that dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) utilizing new virtual monoenergetic images can enhance cancer detection rates. This study aimed to assess the impact of virtual monoenergetic images reconstructed from DECT arterial phase scans on the image quality of prostate lesions and their diagnostic performance for prostate cancer.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 83 patients with prostate cancer or prostatic hyperplasia who underwent DECT scans at Meizhou People’s Hospital between July 2019 and December 2023. The variables analyzed included age, tumor diameter and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, among others. We also compared CT values, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), subjective image quality ratings, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) between virtual monoenergetic images (40–100 keV) and conventional linear blending images. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of virtual monoenergetic images (40 keV and 50 keV) compared to conventional images.ResultsVirtual monoenergetic images at 40 keV showed significantly higher CT values (168.19 ± 57.14) compared to conventional linear blending images (66.66 ± 15.5) for prostate cancer (P < 0.001). The 50 keV images also demonstrated elevated CT values (121.73 ± 39.21) compared to conventional images (P < 0.001). CNR values for the 40 keV (3.81 ± 2.13) and 50 keV (2.95 ± 1.50) groups were significantly higher than the conventional blending group (P < 0.001). Subjective evaluations indicated markedly better image quality scores for 40 keV (median score of 5) and 50 keV (median score of 5) images compared to conventional images (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed superior diagnostic accuracy for 40 keV (AUC: 0.910) and 50 keV (AUC: 0.910) images based on CT values compared to conventional images (AUC: 0.849).ConclusionsVirtual monoenergetic images reconstructed at 40 keV and 50 keV from DECT arterial phase scans substantially enhance the image quality of prostate lesions and improve diagnostic efficacy for prostate cancer.

The clinical application value of psychological nursing intervention for patients with prostatic hyperplasia during treatment.

To investigate the therapeutic utility of psychological nursing interventions for prostatic hyperplasia clients while they are receiving therapy. Clinical data of 110 patients with prostate group hyperplasia who underwent treatment in our hospital were collected and analysed retrospectively, and the selected period was from October 2021 to October 2023. The 110 cases of prostate group hyperplasia patients were divided into a research group and a control group according to the different methods of care, and each group had 55 cases each. The research group received psychological nursing intervention based on the conventional nursing care given to the control group. The total treatment compliance rate and contentment with nursing were contrasted between the research and control groups, and changes in the Self Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) score, Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS) score, Health Survey Short Form score, and sleep problems were observed between the research group and the control group. The research group's overall compliance rate was 94.55% (52/53), a substantial increase over the control group's rate, 69.09% (38/55), P < 0.01. Following nursing, the research group's SAS and SDS scores were considerably more reduced than those of the control group, and both groups' scores were substantially lower than they were prior to nursing (P < 0.05). This retrospective study found that psychological nursing intervention applied to patients with prostatic hyperplasia can effectively improve the patient's compliance with treatment, effectively reduce the occurrence of negative emotions, improve the patient's quality of life, and improve sleep problems. In addition, psychological nursing intervention can effectively alleviate the tension between nurses and patients, and is worthy of clinical application.

Research Progress of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction in the Treatment of Male Diseases

The effect of Shaofu Zhuyu Decotion is to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, warm menstruation, reduce swelling and relieve pain. Its main pathogenesis is cold coagulation and blood stasis. In the systematic collection and analysis of relevant literature in recent years, it has been found that it is widely used in the clinical and experimental research of male diseases, such as chronic prostatitis, epididymitis, prostate hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, varicocele and infertility, etc. Especially for patients with prostatitis, experimental and clinical research data table, it has a significant curative effect. In the treatment of epididymitis, erectile dysfunction, varicose veins and infertility, there are also studies that it has a positive effect, but there are few relevant reports and more research is needed; the relevant content is summarized as follows.

Descriptive Study of the Urinary Tract Infections in Patients Admitted in the Cardiology Ward of Afghan Momand Medical Complex

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is very common in our community most specifically in married females with numerous antecedent risk factors. The aim of the study was to find out about the current risk factors and clinical profile of urinary tract infections in patients admitted to the cardiology ward of Afghan Momand Medical Complex for various purposes. It was a cross-sectional descriptive hospital-based study including both male and female patients visiting the Afghan Momand Medical Complex from January 2022 to June 2022. Of all 960 patients, 202 (21%) patients had urinary tract infections with gender distribution as 69 (34.2%) males and 133 (65.8%) females. In fact, 33 (16.3%) patients with urinary tract infections were single while the rest 169 (83.7%) patients were married. In addition, regarding clinical profile, the following clinic was respectively more prevalent: Dysuria in 120 (59.4%) patients, flank pain in 73 (36.1%) patients, urine frequency in 67 (33.1%) patients, urgency in 36 (17.8%) patients, fever in 24 (11.8%) patients, and nausea and vomiting in 19 (9.4%) patients. Moreover, the following risk factors were respectively the most common ones: Diabetes mellitus 86 (42.5%), pregnancy 30 (14.9%), stones 15 (7.4%), 10 (4.9%) devices, 10 (4.9%) prostatic hyperplasia, and 4 (2%) anatomical anomalies. Urinary tract infection is a common disease in the admitted patients in Afghan Momand Medical Complex specifically being more common in females and early 20s of the age. In fact, diabetes, pregnancy, and kidney stones were the leading associated factors with UTI. Moreover, dysuria, bladder emptying irritative symptoms, and abdominal pain were the most prevalent clinical profile of the patients. Special attention should be paid to infectious diseases in cardiac patients since infection itself is a stress and a threat to such patients and authorities should design special measures to prevent UTI in the general population to avoid a sum of burden on the health system.

Differentially Expressed Proteins in the Serum of Elderly Patients Who Experienced Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders Following Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) are a group of prevalent neurological complications that often occur in elderly individuals following major or emergency surgical procedures. The etiologies are not fully understood. This study endeavored to investigate novel targets and prediction methods for the occurrence of PND. A total of 229 elderly patients diagnosed with prostatic hyperplasia who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) combined with spinal cord and epidural analgesia were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups, the PND group and non-PND group, based on the Z-score method. According to the principle of maintaining consistency between preoperative and intraoperative conditions, three patients from each group were randomly chosen for serum sample collection. isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) proteomics technology was employed to analyze and identify the proteins that exhibited differential expression in the serum samples from the two groups. Bioinformatics analysis was performed on the proteins that exhibited differential expression. Among the 1101 serum proteins analyzed in the PND and non-PND groups, eight differentially expressed proteins were identified in PND patients. Of these, six proteins showed up-regulation, while two proteins showed down-regulation. Further bioinformatics analysis of the proteins that exhibited differential expression revealed their predominant involvement in cellular biological processes, cellular component formation, as well as endocytosis and phagocytosis Additionally, these proteins were found to possess the RING domain of E3 ubiquitin ligase. The iTRAQ proteomics technique was employed to analyze the variation in protein expression in serum samples from patients with PND and those without PND. This study successfully identified eight proteins that exhibited differential expression levels between the two groups. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that proteins exhibiting differential expression are primarily implicated in the biological processes associated with microtubules. Investigating the microtubule formation process as it relates to neuroplasticity and synaptic formation may offer valuable insights for enhancing our comprehension and potential prevention of PND. Registered (ChiCTR2000028836). Date (20190306).

Alcohol Exposure and Disease Associations: A Mendelian Randomization and Meta-Analysis on Weekly Consumption and Problematic Drinking.

Alcohol consumption significantly impacts disease burden and has been linked to various diseases in observational studies. However, comprehensive meta-analyses using Mendelian randomization (MR) to examine drinking patterns are limited. We aimed to evaluate the health risks of alcohol use by integrating findings from MR studies. A thorough search was conducted for MR studies focused on alcohol exposure. We utilized two sets of instrumental variables-alcohol consumption and problematic alcohol use-and summary statistics from the FinnGen consortium R9 release to perform de novo MR analyses. Our meta-analysis encompassed 64 published and 151 de novo MR analyses across 76 distinct primary outcomes. Results show that a genetic predisposition to alcohol consumption, independent of smoking, significantly correlates with a decreased risk of Parkinson's disease, prostate hyperplasia, and rheumatoid arthritis. It was also associated with an increased risk of chronic pancreatitis, colorectal cancer, and head and neck cancers. Additionally, a genetic predisposition to problematic alcohol use is strongly associated with increased risks of alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, both acute and chronic pancreatitis, and pneumonia. Evidence from our MR study supports the notion that alcohol consumption and problematic alcohol use are causally associated with a range of diseases, predominantly by increasing the risk.

Unveiling the intricate connection between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and prostate hyperplasia

The presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various everyday products has raised concerns about their potential impact on prostate health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of PFAS on prostate health, including PFDeA, PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA. To assess the relationship between PFAS exposure and prostate injury, machine learning algorithms were employed to analyze prostate-specific antigen (PSA) metrics. The analysis revealed a linear and positive dose-dependent association between PFOS and the ratio of free PSA to total PSA (f/tPSA). Non-linear dose-response relationships were observed between the other four types of PFAS and the f/tPSA ratio. Additionally, the analysis showed a positive association between the mixture of PFAS and prostate hyperplasia, with PFNA having the highest impact followed by PFOS. These findings suggest that elevated serum levels of PFDeA, PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA are linked to prostate hyperplasia. Therefore, this study utilized advanced machine learning techniques to uncover potential hazardous effects of PFAS exposure on prostate health, specifically the positive association between PFAS and prostate hyperplasia.

Epidemiological Characterisation of Chronic Diseases Among Civil Servants in Hebei Province, China: A Cross-Sectional Real-World Study of Approximately 50,000 Adults.

The objective of this investigation was to explore the health status and epidemiological features of civil servants working in Hebei Province, China. Data was collected through a cross-sectional survey that involved 50,039 adult civil servants in Hebei Province. The research was conducted at the Hebei Provincial Medical Examination Centre and included inquiries about demographics, health behaviours, chronic illnesses, and abnormal check-up indicators. Statistical data were used to determine the prevalence of chronic diseases and abnormal health examination indicators. Subgroup analyses by sex were then conducted to calculate the similarities and differences in health status between men and women. The findings of the survey indicate that 14.2% of individuals who work in civil service suffer from obesity. Additionally, a considerable proportion of this group display poor health behaviours, including smoking and alcohol consumption. Hypertension (21.03%), dyslipidaemia (10.88%), and diabetes mellitus (8.56%) were identified as the top three chronic diseases, while cardiovascular diseases were prevalent at 6.27% among civil servants. Ultrasound showed a high prevalence of fatty liver, non-smooth gallbladder and liver cysts (44.61%, 33.24% and 23.26% respectively). The occurrence of pulmonary nodules was alarmingly high at 88.48%, while thyroid nodules were found in as much as 62.65% of patients. Abnormal E/A values≤1, prostate hyperplasia, breast nodules, and carotid plaques were also prevalent, with percentages ranging from 46.76% to 63.04%. In subgroup analyses by gender, the prevalence of chronic diseases and abnormal screening indicators was consistently higher in men than in women, with the exception of thyroid nodules and thyroid surgery. The survey revealed a large proportion of civil servants in Hebei Province, China, suffering from chronic diseases, underscoring the necessity for enhanced attention to chronic disease prevention and management in this group and emphasising the requirement for focused interventions aimed at improving health outcomes.

Correlation Between Serum Prostatic Specific Antigen and Prostatic Volume in Prostatic Hyperplasia

Background Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a serine protease produced by the prostate epithelium and per urethral glands in male. Serum PSA elevation occurs as a result of disruption of normal prostatic architecture that allows PSA to diffuse into prostatic tissue and gain access to the circulation. Prostatic hyperplasia is a progressive condition characterized by prostate enlargement accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). MethodsThe objective is to investigate the correlation between serum PSA levels and trans abdominal USG prostate volume in clinically diagnosed cases with prostatic hyperplasia. This is a hospital based study conducted in the Department of Radiology and Medicine at Bharatpur Hospital. All cases diagnosed clinically underwent USG by radiologist and serum PSA estimation was done in the lab by Elisa method. 150 cases were studied. ResultsAge of 51-60 years with a percentage of 29.30%, consisted of 67 patients with a volume of 20.00-39.99 cc (44.7%), 87 patients with PSA levels of &lt;2.6 ng/mL (58.0%), prostate volume is 20.00-&gt; 80 cc at the age of 51-60 years, PSA levels &lt;2.6-&gt;20 ng / mL at the age of 51-60 years and value of p = 0,000 (p&lt;0.05) and the value of r = 107.57, implying that prostate volume and PSA levels has a significant and strong correlation.Conclusions There is a significant association between prostate volume and PSA levels in BPH patients in our study, with p = 0,000 and r =107.59 showing a strong positive correlation.

Identification and functional activity of Nik related kinase (NRK) in benign hyperplastic prostate

ObjectiveBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in elder men. The current study aims to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in hyperplastic prostate and to explore the role of Nik related kinase (NRK) in BPH.MethodsFour datasets including three bulk and one single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) were obtained to perform integrated bioinformatics. Cell clusters and specific metabolism pathways were analyzed. The localization, expression and functional activity of NRK was investigated via RT-PCR, western-blot, immunohistochemical staining, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, transwell assay and CCK-8 assay.ResultsA total of 17 DEGs were identified by merging three bulk RNA-seq datasets. The findings of integrated single-cell analysis showed that NRK remarkably upregulated in fibroblasts and SM cells of hyperplasia prostate. Meanwhile, NRK was upregulated in BPH samples and localized almost in stroma. The expression level of NRK was significantly correlated with IPSS and Qmax of BPH patients. Silencing of NRK inhibited stromal cell proliferation, migration, fibrosis and EMT process, promoted apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest, while overexpression of NRK in prostate epithelial cells showed opposite results. Meanwhile, induced fibrosis and EMT process were rescued by knockdown of NRK. Furthermore, expression level of NRK was positively correlated with that of α-SMA, collagen-I and N-cadherin, negatively correlated with that of E-cadherin.ConclusionOur novel data identified NRK was upregulated in hyperplastic prostate and associated with prostatic stromal cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, fibrosis and EMT process. NRK may play important roles in the development of BPH and may be a promising therapeutic target for BPH/LUTS.

Insights into the associative role of hypertension and angiotensin II receptor in lower urinary tract dysfunction.

In men, the lower urinary tract comprises the urinary bladder, urethra, and prostate, and its primary functions include urine storage and voiding. Hypertension is a condition that causes multi-organ damage and an age-dependent condition. Hypertension and the renin-angiotensin system activation are associated with the development of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Hypertensive animal models show bladder dysfunction, urethral dysfunction, and prostatic hyperplasia. In the renin-angiotensin system, angiotensin II and the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, which are expressed in the lower urinary tract, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Moreover, among the several antihypertensives, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors have proven effective in human and animal models of lower urinary tract dysfunction. This review aimed to elucidate the hitherto known mechanisms underlying the development of lower urinary tract dysfunction in relation to hypertension and the angiotensin II/angiotensin II type 1 receptor axis and the effect of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors on lower urinary tract dysfunction. Possible mechanisms through which hypertension or activation of Ang II/AT1 receptor axis causes LUTD such as bladder dysfunction, urethral dysfunction, and prostatic hyperplasia. LUT: lower urinary tract, LUTD: lower urinary tract dysfunction, AT1: angiotensin II type 1, ACE: angiotensin-converting enzyme.

Gut Microbiota Disorders in Obesity-Associated Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats.

Four-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 16) were randomly allocated to normal control diet (ND, 10% fat) and high-fat diet-induced BPH (HFD, 45% fat) groups. Metagenomic analysis was used to examine the abundance and discrepancies in gut microbiota within the two groups after 24weeks of feeding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was conducted to assess the biological functions of the differentially expressed genes. Rats with HFD-induced obesity exhibited morphological abnormalities in their prostate tissues. Metagenomic analysis of the gut revealed that Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in the HFD group, whereas the ND group had a higher abundance of Spirochaetes. At the genus level, Ruminococcus spp exhibited greater abundance in the HFD group, whereas Treponema spp were more abundant in the ND group. KEGG analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling, estrogen-signaling, signalings associated with GABAergic synapses, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. The findings of our study indicated that there was a notable variation in the microbiota abundance within the intestinal tract of obese rats suffering from prostate hyperplasia. It is plausible that these differentially abundant bacteria played a role in the development of pathological alterations in the prostate through the facilitation of inflammatory responses; however, additional research is required to validate the findings.

Diagnostic value of tripartite magnetic resonance imaging model based on T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging for prostatitis, prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer

Diagnostic value of tripartite magnetic resonance imaging model based on T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging for prostatitis, prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Thyroid Nodules Among 52,003 Chinese 'Healthy' Individuals in Beijing: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

The prevalence of thyroid nodules has been increasing, and there are few research data on the risk factors of thyroid nodules in the Chinese population. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of thyroid nodules by retrospectively investigating the physical examination records of a cohort of "healthy" individuals in Beijing, China. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. The database of a Medical Examination Centre (MEC) was searched. Physical examination data, blood test data, and ultrasound examination data, etc., from 2015 to 2017 were accessed. Only those that recorded a thyroid ultrasound were included. Chi-square test and t-test were used to compare clinical features of individuals' age, gender, body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood lipids, uric acid, and presence of fatty liver. Risk factors for thyroid nodules were determined using multivariate logistic regression. A total of 52,003 records, which included 19,901 cases with thyroid nodules, were examined. The overall prevalence rate was 38.3% (19,901/52,003): 30.2% (6,726/22,305) and 44.4% (13,175/29,698) in men and women, respectively. Of 52,003 cases, only 35,420 cases had records of all nodule-related metabolic abnormalities and were selected for cross-sectional determination of related risk factors of thyroid nodules. In male, relationships were found between thyroid nodules and increased age (p < 0.001), impaired fasting glucose (p = 0.044), diabetes (p = 0.047), decreased HDL-C (p = 0.018) and prostatic hyperplasia (p < 0.001). And in female, relationships were found between thyroid nodules and increased age (p < 0.001) and decreased HDL-C (p < 0.001). Thyroid nodules are common in China. This study found that thyroid nodules are associated with several metabolic indicators or metabolic diseases, although the mechanism is unclear. Further research is needed.

Association and Functional Analysis of Ferroptosis-related Genes with Prostate Hyperplasia

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association and biological functions of ferroptosis-related genes with prostatic hyperplasia. Methods: Gene information from ferroptosis and prostatic hyperplasia databases was used to screen for ferroptosis-related genes associated with prostate hyperplasia. Protein-protein interaction (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and enrichment analysis were employed to evaluate the interaction between these genes and prostatic hyperplasia. Results: Through PPI, GO, KEGG, and enrichment analysis, several ferroptosis-related genes associated with prostatic hyperplasia were identified, including phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), GABA type A receptor associated protein like 1 (GABARAPL1), HRas proto-oncogene (HRAS), tumor suppressor gene p53 (TP53), MAPK1, and autophagy related protein 7 (ATG7). These genes were found to be involved in various biological processes and signaling pathways related to ubiquitin protein ligase binding, protein phosphatase binding, pre-autophagosomal structure, autophagy, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and so on. Core genes such as PIK3CA, MAPK3, GABARAPL1, HRAS, TP53, MAPK1, ATG7, EGFR, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog, and coiled-coil myosin-like BCL2-interacting protein were also found to be associated with transcription factors MYC, ESR2, PML, JUN, and TP53. Protein drug prediction suggested that FTI-277, Ginkgolide A, Tipifarnib, Desvenlafaxine, and Defactinib could potentially target the core genes. Conclusion: This study revealed the association and biological functions of ferroptosis-related genes with prostatic hyperplasia, providing new clues and directions for understanding the pathophysiology of prostatic hyperplasia and selecting therapeutic targets. These findings also contributed to a deeper understanding of the relationship between iron metabolism and prostatic hyperplasia, providing new ideas and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of iron metabolism-related diseases.

A Rare Complication of Chronic Otitis Media: Septic Thrombosis of the Transverse Sinus and Meningoencephalitis due to a Parameningeal Infection. A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Septic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or septic cavernous thrombosis is an extremely rare disorder, with 2 to 13 cases per million per year, following the introduction of antibiotics and advances in diagnostic imaging. It is a complex pathology, difficult to diagnose and life threatening. It has a high risk of otoneurologic sequelae, and it requires follow-up by various specialties, as treatment is medical and surgical, including neurology, internal medicine, intensive care, otorhinolaryngology, and infectiology, among others. Due to the low occurrence of septic cavernous thrombosis, the diagnosis may be erroneous or delayed, increasing complications and mortality. It is essential to perform a complete physical examination with emphasis on the ophthalmological, otological, rhinosinusal and neurological examinations, which is why this case is described. THE CASE: We describe a 77-year-old male patient, with history of high blood pressure, nasopharyngeal carcinoma in remission, bilateral hearing loss, prostatic hyperplasia, otitis media, and chronic mastoiditis. He was admitted due sudden onset of difficulty standing, gait instability, mutism, unquantified fever spikes, headache, and vertigo. The initial laboratory tests only revealed a complete blood count with leukocytosis. A simple brain computed tomography (CT) scan did not show relevant findings; therefore, a lumbar puncture (LP) was carried out due to suspicion of bacterial meningoencephalitis. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed pleocytosis with a predominance of polymorphonuclear cells, hypoglycorrhachia and hyperproteinorrachia. Empirical antibiotic therapy was started with Vancomycin and Cefepime. At day five since onset of symptoms, he did not have improvements of his symptoms, so a new LP was carried out and antibiotic therapy was escalated. In the CSF it was found an increased cellularity with greater hypoglycorrhachia, persistent hyperproteinorrachia, and cellular shift to lymphocyte predominance. A contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was requested, showing pyogenic ventriculitis and decreased flow at the left transverse sinus, suggesting possible thrombosis, which was later confirmed with a contrast-enhanced brain angio-MRI. Furthermore, due to the otological involvement, a CT scan of the ears was performed, which showed severe bilateral otomastoiditis with bilateral mastoid cholesteatomas, bilateral otitis externa, and osteomyelitis of the left petrous apex. A diagnosis of a septic thrombosis of the left transverse sinus, in the context of meningoencephalitis secondary to a parameningeal focus, was made. Treatment with Meropenem 1 gr intravenously every 8 hours and Vancomycin 1 gr every 8 hours was continued up to 28 days. During the hospitalization, otorhinolaryngology did a mastoidectomy and continued outpatient antibiotic management with Ciprofloxacin for seven more days. The patient did not require anticoagulation, and at follow-up he was notably recovered, and in control studies the recanalization of the thrombosis was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Septic cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a rare pathology, but with a high associated morbidity and mortality, which requires multidisciplinary management. It is vital to know its pathophysiology and predisposing factors to include it in differential diagnoses when managing a patient with meningeal symptoms.

Computed tomographic characterization of urinary stones in patients with urolithiasis from Southeast Mexico

Urolithiasis (UL) is a severe public health concern in southeastern Mexico. Computed tomography (CT) is the first-line diagnostic method for patients with suspected UL. The present study aimed to characterize stones in the entire urinary system using CT and to contribute to personalized treatment in patients with UL. Patients >18 years of age with suspected UL were enrolled. Characteristics of UL included stone size, location (kidney, ureters, and bladder), composition of the stone in Hounsfield units (HU), presence of staghorn stone(s), and obstructive uropathy. Patients were stratified according to sex and age to determine whether stone size and HU were dependent on hormonal factors in females and on prostatic hyperplasia in males. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare median values. Frequencies are expressed as percentages and were analyzed using the Mantel–Haenszel chi-squared test. A total of 1150 patients were included in this study, of whom 744 (64.7 %) had UL in only 1 anatomical location in the urinary system, and 406 (35.3 %) had stones in ≥2 anatomical locations. Localization and stone size differed between males and females (p < 0.05). Additionally, males exhibited differences in HU (p = 0.024) and frequency of obstructive uropathy (p = 0.10) when stratified according to age (≤50 and > 50 years). In addition, females exhibited statistical differences in HU (p = 0.010) and kidney stone size (p = 0.047) dependent on age (≤47 and > 47 years). In conclusion, findings suggest that HU and stone size differ in different anatomical structures of the urinary system. In addition, differences in stone size and composition may be associated with age and sex.