[Analysis of the core knowledge level of chronic diseases in Chinese adults and related factors]

Objective: To understand the core knowledge level and influencing factors of chronic disease prevention and control in Adults in China, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating chronic disease prevention and control measures. Methods: In this study, cross-sectional survey and quota sampling were used to recruit 173 819 permanent residents aged 18 and above from 302 counties of adult chronic diseases and nutrition surveillance in China to conduct an online questionnaire survey, including basic information and core knowledge of chronic diseases. The scores of the core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control were described by median and interquartile range, the Wilcoxon rank sum test or the Kruskal Wallis test was used for the inter-group comparison, and the correlation factors of the total score were analyzed by the multilinear regression model. Results: A total of 172 808 participants were surveyed in 302 counties and districts, of which 42.60%(73 623) were male and 57.40%(99 185) were female; The proportion of respondents aged 18-44, 45-59, and 60 years old and above was 54.74% (94 594), 30.91% (53 423) and 14.35% (24 791), respectively. The total score of the core knowledge of chronic prevention and control in the total population was 66(13), and the scores of different characteristic groups were different, and the differences were statistically significant: the eastern region had the highest score at 67(11) (H=840.66, P<0.01), the urban 66(12) was higher than the rural 65(14) (Z=-31.35, P<0.01), and the male 66(14) was lower than female 66(12) (Z=-11.66, P<0.01), 18-24 years old 64(13) was lower than other age groups(H=115.80, P<0.01), and undergraduate degree and above had the highest score compared to other academic qualifications, with 68(9) points(H=2 547.25, P<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that eastern (t=27.42, P<0.01), central (t=17.33, P<0.01), urban (t=5.69, P<0.01), female (t=17.81, P<0.01), high age (t=46.04, P<0.01) and high education (t=57.77, P<0.01) had higher scores of core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control than other groups, the scores of core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control of professional and technical personnel (t=8.63, P<0.01), state enterprises and institutions (t=38.67, P<0.01), agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fishery and water conservancy production (t=5.30, P<0.01), production, transportation and commercial personnel (t=24.87, P<0.01), and other workers (t=8.89, P<0.01) were higher than those of non-employed people. Conclusion: There are differences in the total scores of the core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control in different characteristics of people in China, and in the future, health education on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases should be strengthened for specific groups to improve the knowledge level of residents.

Low-dose aspirin inhibits trophoblast cell apoptosis by activating the CREB/Bcl-2 pathway in pre-eclampsia

Excessive apoptosis of placental trophoblast cells is considered a major cause of pre-eclampsia (PE) pathogenesis. Phosphorylation of the widely expressed cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) regulates apoptosis and may be involved in PE incidence. Low-dose aspirin (LDA) is an effective approach for preventing PE with unclear mechanisms. Thus we examined whether LDA protects against PE by inhibiting trophoblast cell apoptosis through CREB. The effects of LDA on human PE placenta, PE model rat placenta, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced HTR-8/SVneo cell apoptosis were analyzed. TUNEL assay, immunohistochemistry, Cell Counting Assay Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, western blot, and flow cytometry assay were performed. In the placenta of human PE and rat PE models, the TUNEL index increased and was partially corrected with LDA pre-treatment. Meanwhile, decreased Bcl-2 and increased Bax expression were significantly reversed by LDA pre-treatment. In HTR-8/SVneo cells, H2O2 decreased cell viability, promoted apoptosis, reduced the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, aggravated loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), increased cytoplasmic cytochrome c release, and simultaneously activated caspase-9 and caspase-3. These effects were effectively restored by LDA pre-treatment in the cells. Moreover, LDA promoted CREB phosphorylation in trophoblast cells. CREB interference further promoted apoptosis, reduced the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and increased MMP loss. CREB interference also reversed the inhibitory effect of LDA on H2O2-induced apoptosis in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Thus, LDA was shown to inhibit trophoblast cell mitochondrial apoptosis by activating the CREB/Bcl-2 pathway, providing novel evidence for the protective mechanism of LDA in PE.Abbreviations; PE: Pre-eclampsia; LDA: low-dose aspirin; CREB: cAMP response element binding protein; ROS: reactive oxygen species; H2O2: hydrogen peroxide; PBS: Phosphate-buffered saline; Bcl-2: B-cell lymphoma-2; MMP: Mitochondrial membrane potential; Cyt-c: CytochromeC.

Surface electromyography of the pelvic floor at 6-8 weeks following delivery: a comparison of different modes of delivery

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective of this study was to compare the impact of different modes of delivery, especially forceps delivery (FD), on pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) through vaginal surface electromyography (sEMG) in primiparous women at early (6-8 weeks) postpartum.

METHODS

A total of 1259 primiparous women with full-term singleton births were included in this cross-sectional study. Of these, 98 were delivered by forceps, 865 underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery (SD) and 296 underwent elective cesarean delivery (CD). Clinical demographic characteristics and vaginal sEMG variables of parturients 6-8 weeks after birth were collected and analyzed using SPSS software. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction, Chi-square test or Student's t-test was used according to the variable type. Spearman correlation and binary logistic regression analyses were also used. P/α ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Amplitude of fast and sustained contractions on sEMG in the FD group was significantly lower compared with the CD and SD groups. The sEMG amplitude of all contractions was significantly higher in the CD group compared with the FD and SD groups (P < 0.01). According to binary logistic regression analysis, mode of delivery was a major influencing factor in sEMG.

CONCLUSIONS

An early postpartum sEMG test appears to be helpful for the assessment of PFM activity. Mode of delivery was a major influencing factor on sEMG. Forceps delivery significantly inversely influenced PFM activity.

Tunica vaginalis testis metastasis as the first clinical manifestation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Metastases from pancreas or ampullary malignancies are common, but the spread to testicle and paratesticular tissue is exceedingly rare. To the best of our knowledge, fewer than 30 cases have been reported in the literature. More rarely, metastasis to tunica vaginalis testis occurs without involvement of the testes and epididymis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 65-year-old male who complained of painless swelling of the left scrotum for over 1 wk was referred to the Department of Urology. Scrotal ultrasound showed left testicular hydrocele with paratesticular masses. Chest computed tomography revealed lung metastasis and enlarged left supraclavicular lymph node.The blood tumor markersalpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and serum lactate dehydrogenase were withinnormal limits.The preoperative diagnosis was left testicular tumor with lung metastasis. Then radical orchidectomy of the left testicle and high ligation of the spermatic cord were performed, and postoperative histopathology suggested metastatic tumors that was confirmed by an abdominal computed tomographic scan. The positive computed tomography findings, in conjunction with the expression of cytokeratin 7 (CK7), CK20, CK5/6, and absence of expression of Wilms’ tumor suppressor gene 1, calretinin, melanocyte, prostate-specific antigen, thyroid transcription factor-1, GATA binding protein 3, caudal type homeobox 2, and napsinA supported the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The outcome of this patient was unsatisfactory, and he died 3 mo later.

CONCLUSION

This case suggests that pancreatic metastatic carcinoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal enlargement. The advanced age of the patient wassuggestive of a secondary testicular tumor.In addition, careful physical examination and ultrasonography as well as radiological examination have become a standard modality.

[Priligy combined with behavioral therapy and psychological counseling for primary premature ejaculation]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical effect of priligy (dapoxetine hydrochloride) combined with behavioral therapy and psychological counseling in the treatment of primary premature ejaculation (PPE).

METHODS

A total of 202 PPE patients diagnosed from 2017 to 2018 were randomized into a control (n = 100) and an experimental group (n = 102), the former treated with oral priligy at 30 mg 1－3 hours before anticipated sexual activity, and the latter by the same medication combined with 30-minute behavioral therapy and psychological counseling once a month for two times. The therapeutic effects were evaluated according to the Premature Ejaculation Profile (PEP) scores of the patients at 1 and 2 months of treatment.

RESULTS

After 1 month of treatment, both groups of the patients showed significant improvement, as compared with the baseline, in the PEP scores on personal distress related to ejaculation (P < 0 05), interpersonal difficulty related to ejaculation (P < 0.05) and satisfaction with sexual intercourse (P < 0.05) but not on perceived control over ejaculation (P > 0.05). At 2 months, however, the patients' scores on all the four PEP items were dramatically improved, even more significantly in the experimental than in the control group, as on perceived control over ejaculation (2.73 ± 0.95 vs 2.22 ± 0.68, P < 0.05), personal distress related to ejaculation (2.97 ± 1.07 vs 2.57 ± 0.69, P < 0.05), interpersonal difficulty related to ejaculation (3.19 ± 1.03 vs 2.77 ± 0.69, P < 0 05) and satisfaction with sexual intercourse (2.85 ± 0.99 vs 2.35 ± 0.63, P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse events between the experimental and control groups (21.6% vs 20.0%, P > 0.05), and all the symptoms were relieved within 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Priligy combined with behavioral therapy and psychological counseling is more effective than priligy alone in improving the sexual function of PPE patients, raise their interest in sexual life and increase the intimacy between the partners, and can even achieve clinical cure in some patients.

Downregulation of MicroRNA-494 inhibits the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway and prevents the development of hypospadias through upregulating Nedd4L

BACKGROUND

Hypospadias, as a congenital disorder of the urethra, is the second most common birth abnormality of the male reproductive system. This study primarily investigates the effects of microRNA-494 (miR-494) on the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signaling pathway and on the development of hypospadias by binding to neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated gene 4-like (Nedd4L).

METHODS

We induced a mouse model of hypospadias through di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate treatment. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of miR-494 in this model were analyzed upon treatment of miR-494 mimic, miR-494 inhibitor, or small interfering RNA against Nedd4L in urethral epithelial cells isolated from mice with hypospadias. We then verified the binding site between miR-494 and Nedd4L and applied a gain- and loss-of-function approach to determine the effects of miR-494 on cell proliferation, cycle distribution, and apoptosis.

RESULTS

Male mice with hypospadias exhibited significantly higher miR-494 expression and lower Nedd4L expression in urethral tissues than normal male mice. Nedd4L was verified as a target gene of miR-494. Treatment with miR-494 inhibitor suppressed the activation of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, whereas down-regulation of miR-494 exerted protective effects on urethral epithelial cells by impeding cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicates that downregulation of miR-494 inhibits the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway and prevents the development of hypospadias through upregulating Nedd4L.

Free fatty acid-induced H2O2 activates TRPM2 to aggravate endothelial insulin resistance via Ca2+-dependent PERK/ATF4/TRB3 cascade in obese mice

Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin-2 (TRPM2) is a nonselective cation channel mediating Ca²⁺ influx in response to oxidative stress. Given that insulin resistance-related endothelial dysfunction in obesity attributes to fatty-acid-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, in this study, we addressed the possible role of TRPM2 in obesity-related endothelial insulin resistance and the underlying mechanisms. Whole-cell patch clamp technique, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration measurement, western blot, vasorelaxation assay, and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese model were employed to assess the relationship between TRPM2 and endothelial insulin response. We found that both the expression and activity of TRPM2 were higher in endothelial cells of obese mice. Palmitate rose a cationic current in endothelial cells which was inhibited or enlarged by TRPM2 knockdown or overexpression. Silencing of TRPM2 remarkably improved insulin-induced endothelial Akt activation, nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation and nitric oxide (NO) production, while TRPM2 overexpression resulted in the opposite effects. Furthermore, TRPM2-mediated Ca²⁺ entry, CaMKII activation and the following activation of PERK/ATF4/TRB3 cascade were involved in the mechanism of obesity or palmitate-induced endothelial insulin resistance. Notably, in vivo study, knockdown of TRPM2 with adeno-associated virus harboring short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) against TRPM2 alleviated endothelial insulin resistance and ameliorated endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in obese mice. Thus, these results suggest that TRPM2-activated Ca²⁺ signaling is necessary to induce insulin resistance-related endothelial dysfunction in obesity. Downregulation or pharmacological inhibition of TRPM2 channels may lead to the development of effective drugs for treatment of endothelial dysfunction associated with oxidative stress state.

Reduction of glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) aggravates cerebrovascular remodeling via promoting the proliferation of basilar smooth muscle cells in hypertension

Uncontrollable vascular smooth cell proliferation is responsible for vascular remodeling during hypertension development. Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1), the major enzyme detoxifying methylglyoxal, has a critical role in regulating proliferation of several cell types. However, little is known whether GLO1 is involved in cerebrovascular remodeling and basilar smooth muscle cell (BASMC) proliferation during hypertension. Here we explored the role of GLO1 in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cerebrovascular remodeling and proliferation of BASMCs and the underlying mechanisms. The protein expression of GLO1 in basilar arteries from hypertensive mice was decreased, and GLO1 expression was negatively correlated with medial cross-sectional area and blood pressure in basilar arteries during hypertension. Knockdown of GLO1 promoted while overexpression of GLO1 prevented Ang II-induced cell proliferation and cell cycle transition in BASMCs. These results were related to the inhibitory effects of GLO1 on PI3K/AKT/CDK2 cascade activation upon Ang II treatment. In addition, in vivo study, GLO1 overexpression with adeno-associated virus harboring GLO1 cDNA improved cerebrovascular remodeling in basilar artery tissue during Ang II-induced hypertension development. These data indicate that GLO1 reduction mediates cerebrovascular modeling via PI3K/AKT/CDK2 cascade-dependent BASMC proliferation. GLO1 acts as a negative regulator of hypertension-induced cerebrovascular remodeling and targeting GLO1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent hypertension-associated cardiovascular complications such as stroke.

Aspirin inhibits the proliferation of human uterine leiomyoma cells by downregulation of K‑Ras‑p110α interaction

Aspirin has been confirmed as an effective antitumor drug in various cancers. However, the relationship between aspirin and uterine leiomyoma is still underexplored. Here, we explored the effects of aspirin on human uterine leiomyoma cells and provide insights into the underlying mechanisms. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry analysis showed that aspirin treatment inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in a dose- and time‑dependent manner of human uterine leiomyoma cells. Further studies revealed that aspirin blocked the interaction between K-Ras and p110α by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. Western blotting demonstrated K‑Ras‑p110α interaction was required for the effects of aspirin‑induced inhibition on cell growth and cell cycle transition via cell cycle regulators, including cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). PI3K/Akt/caspase signaling pathway was involved in human uterine leiomyoma cell growth under aspirin treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that aspirin inhibited human uterine leiomyoma cell growth by regulating K‑Ras‑p110α interaction. Aspirin which targeting on interaction between K-Ras and p110α may serve as a new therapeutic drug for uterine leiomyoma treatment.

TMEM16A Contributes to Endothelial Dysfunction by Facilitating Nox2 NADPH Oxidase-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species Generation in Hypertension

Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- channels play a crucial role in various physiological processes. However, the role of TMEM16A in vascular endothelial dysfunction during hypertension is unclear. In this study, we investigated the specific involvement of TMEM16A in regulating endothelial function and blood pressure and the underlying mechanism. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, coimmunoprecipitation, confocal imaging, patch-clamp recordings, and TMEM16A endothelial-specific transgenic and knockout mice were used. We found that TMEM16A was expressed abundantly and functioned as a Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- channel in endothelial cells. Angiotensin II induced endothelial dysfunction with an increase in TMEM16A expression. The knockout of endothelial-specific TMEM16A significantly lowered the blood pressure and ameliorated endothelial dysfunction in angiotensin II-induced hypertension, whereas the overexpression of endothelial-specific TMEM16A resulted in the opposite effects. These results were related to the increased reactive oxygen species production, Nox2-containing NADPH oxidase activation, and Nox2 and p22phox protein expression that were facilitated by TMEM16A on angiotensin II-induced hypertensive challenge. Moreover, TMEM16A directly bound with Nox2 and reduced the degradation of Nox2 through the proteasome-dependent degradation pathway. Therefore, TMEM16A is a positive regulator of endothelial reactive oxygen species generation via Nox2-containing NADPH oxidase, which induces endothelial dysfunction and hypertension. Modification of TMEM16A may be a novel therapeutic strategy for endothelial dysfunction-associated diseases.

Reproductive outcome of male carriers of chromosomal abnormalities: multidisciplinary approach for genetic counseling and its implications

Chromosomal abnormality is the most common genetic cause of infertility. Infertility, as a psychological problem, has received an increasing amount of attention. Psychological interventions have been shown to have beneficial effects on infertile patients with chromosomal abnormalities. The present study explored reproductive outcome of male carriers of chromosomal abnormalities, who accepted genetic counseling and psychological support. Cytogenetic analysis was performed using cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes and G-banding. The detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities was 10.3% in pre-pregnancy counseled males, with polymorphisms being most common, followed by 47,XXY and balanced translocation. Follow-up of 170 carriers with normozoospermia, after 3 years, showed that 94.7% of the cases resulted in live births. In the carriers of polymorphisms, balanced translocation, inv(9), Robertsonian translocation, inversion, and 47,XYY, live birth rates were 96.8, 85.7, 100, 83.3, 75, and 100%, respectively. Follow-up of 54 carriers with oligozoospermia or azoospermia, after 3 years, showed that 14.8% of the cases resulted in live births. In the carriers of 47,XXY with severe oligozoospermia or azoospermia, 80 or 5.9% of the cases resulted in live births, respectively. Therefore, timely psychological support would be beneficial and multidisciplinary approach should be preferentially considered for the management of individuals with chromosomal abnormalities.

Cytogenetic evaluation of cataract patients occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in northeast China

Long-term radiation exposure is hazardous to health; late-onset effects of exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) pose risks to the lens, and are associated with other non-cancerous diseases. Individuals occupationally exposed to low-dose IR are prone to developing eye cataracts. Cytogenetic evaluations suggest that IR is associated with chromosomal aberrations in occupationally exposed individuals. However, data regarding the association between chromosomal aberrations in cataract patients and occupational exposure to IR is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to report the characteristics of chromosomal aberrations in cataract patients from a Chinese population, occupationally exposed to IR. We found that the average age and frequency of numerical chromosomal aberrations were significantly lower in the exposed patients as compared with that in the non-exposed patients. In addition, the frequencies of dicentric and acentric chromosomes were significantly higher in the exposed patients as compared with those in the non-exposed patients. Therefore, chronic occupational exposure to IR affects cataract development in the Chinese population. The age of cataract patients exposed to IR was significantly lower than the age of cataract onset in normal individuals. Based on this study, we suggest that there is an urgent need for improved radiation safety and eye protection in individuals exposed to IR in the work place.

Giant seminoma in an undescended testicle metastasizing to the neck and liver

Germ cell tumors account for 98% of all testicular malignancies. Delays in seeking treatment are unfortunately common and may lead to metastatic spread. The present study reported a case of a 24-year-old man with a giant 12×10 cm left inguinal mass and a left neck mass that had grown rapidly during recent months. Computed tomography confirmed that the mass measured 12.1×9.4 cm and was a left undescended testicle malignancy, and also revealed widespread metastasis to the liver and a large retroperitoneal mass (12.6×8.2 cm). Immunohistochemical staining confirmed seminoma. The patient was treated with chemotherapy with the VIP protocol (cisplatin, etoposide and ifosfamide). Following courses of chemotherapy, the patient received complete clinical remission and was disease-free at the 6 month follow-up.

Psychological characteristics of and counseling for carriers of structural chromosome abnormalities

Infertility as a psychological problem has gained increasing attention. Male partners among infertile couples have elevated levels of psychological distress, which could affect semen quality, result in hormonal abnormalities, and increase the occurrence of early miscarriage. Infertile women are more vulnerable to psychological distress and require psychological support. Subfertile women who conceive after assisted reproduction have higher stress, anxiety, and depression levels. Psychological interventions have been shown to have beneficial effects on infertility patients. However, psychosocial characteristics of carriers of structural chromosome abnormalities have not been studied. We report the characteristics of carriers of structural chromosome abnormalities and their influence on psychological counseling. Seventy-five patients were carriers of reciprocal translocations, 25 carried Robertsonian translocations, 17 carried inversions, 10 carried deletions, and 3 carried isochromosomes. The main clinical characteristics were recurrent spontaneous abortion, oligospermatism, azoospermatism, primary amenorrhea, and fetal death. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores of women with structural chromosome abnormality were significantly higher than those scores of women with normal karyotype. SAS and SDS scores of men with structural chromosome abnormality were significantly higher than those of men with normal karyotype. SAS and SDS scores of women with structural chromosome abnormality were significantly higher than their scores of men with structural chromosome abnormality. Women carriers with structural chromosome abnormality were more vulnerable to psychological distress. Psychosocial counseling for carriers of structural chromosome abnormalities should focus on self-confidence and treatment with assisted reproductive technology.

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the epididymis presenting as epididymitis: A case report

Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an extremely rare malignancy in adults, accounting for 7% of all RMS cases and 6% of all non-germinal intrascrotal tumors. The clinical signs are similar to those of a hydrocele or testicular tumor, typically presenting as a unilateral, painless mass in the inguinal canal or scrotum. No specific serum markers are currently available for this tumor. RMS of the epididymis is extremely rare. Particularly when it is associated with epididymitis, this malignancy is usually overlooked. We herein present a case of epididymal embryonal RMS, manifesting an painful scrotal edema, misdiagnosed as epididymitis. The patient received 3 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy postoperatively and remained disease-free after 4 years of follow-up.

Sperm quality and DNA damage in men from Jilin Province, China, who are occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation

Long-term radiation exposure affects human health. Ionizing radiation has long been known to raise the risk of cancer. In addition to high doses of radiation, low-dose ionizing radiation might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, lens opacity, and some other non-cancerous diseases. Low- and high-dose exposures to ionizing radiation elicit different signaling events at the molecular level, and may involve different response mechanisms. The health risks arising from exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation should be re-evaluated. Health workers exposed to ionizing radiation experience low-dose radiation and have an increased risk of hematological malignancies. Reproductive function is sensitive to changes in the physical environment, including ionizing radiation. However, data is scarce regarding the association between occupational radiation exposure and risk to human fertility. Sperm DNA integrity is a functional parameter of male fertility evaluation. Hence, we aimed to report sperm quality and DNA damage in men from Jilin Province, China, who were occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. Sperm motility and normal morphology were significantly lower in the exposed compared with the non-exposed men. There was no statistically significant difference in sperm concentration between exposed and non-exposed men. The sperm DNA fragmentation index was significantly higher in the exposed than the non-exposed men. Chronic long-term exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation could affect sperm motility, normal morphology, and the sperm DNA fragmentation index in the Chinese population. Sperm quality and DNA integrity are functional parameters that could be used to evaluate occupational exposure to ionizing radiation.

Free Migration of Intraocular Glass in Aphakia after Glaucoma Surgery

Purpose

To describe a case of free migration of intraocular glass in aphakia after glaucoma surgery.

Methods

We report the case of a 27-year-old man with a history of perforating injury to the right eye 10 years previously and glaucoma surgery 1 year previously presenting with 1 month of pain and frequent floaters in front of the right eye. On examination, the glass fragment was seen to lie free in the anterior chamber or migrate backwards through the pupil, remaining mobile on the inferior retinal surface when the patient was prone or supine, respectively.

Results

The fragment was surgically removed.

Conclusion

Late migration of glass intraocular foreign bodies is a rare clinical entity, and the exact mechanism causing the migration of intraocular glass remains controversial. Early intervention must be weighed against the hazards of removal and the necessity of close follow-up.

[Expressions of differential proteins in the expressed prostatic secretion of patients with III A chronic prostatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the expressions of differential proteins in the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) of patients with III A chronic prostatitis and healthy men.

METHODS

We collected EPS samples from 35 patients with III A chronic prostatitis and 18 age-matched healthy men, and detected the differentially expressed proteins in EPS by MALDI-TOF/MS. Based on the data obtained, we conducted a statistical analysis on the mass-to-charge (m/z) ratios of different proteins and a retrieval analysis on the relevant proteins using the protein database.

RESULTS

In the comparative studies of the III A chronic prostatitis patients and healthy men, 5 proteins were detected as at least 2-fold differentially expressed, which were probably brevinin-2Eg, big endothelin-1, alpha-defensin 15, beta-defensin 134 and prostatic steroid-binding protein C2. The m/z ratios were significantly up-regulated in 3 372, 3 487, 425 and 5 325 Da proteins (P < 0.01) and down-regulated in 10631Da (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Proteins are differentially expressed in the EPS of III A chronic prostatitis patients and healthy men, and these proteins may be significantly correlated with the development and progression of III A chronic prostatitis.

Distal and proximal ligand interactions in heme proteins: correlations between C-O and Fe-C vibrational frequencies, oxygen-17 and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts, and oxygen-17 nuclear quadrupole coupling constants in C17O- and 13CO-labeled species

We have obtained the oxygen-17 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of a variety of C17O-labeled heme proteins, including sperm whale (Physeter catodon) myoglobin, two synthetic sperm whale myoglobin mutants (His E7----Val E7; His E7----Phe E7), adult human hemoglobin, rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) hemoglobin, horseradish (Cochlearia armoracia) peroxidase (E.C. 1.11.1.7) isoenzymes A and C, and Caldariomyces fumago chloroperoxidase (E.C. 1.11.1.10), in some cases as a function of pH, and have determined their isotropic 17O NMR chemical shifts, delta i, and spin-lattice relaxation times, T1. We have also obtained similar results on a picket fence prophyrin, [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(alpha, alpha, alpha, alpha, alpha-pivalamidophenyl)porphyrinato]iron(II) (1-MeIm)CO, both in solution and in the solid state. Our results show an excellent correlation between the infrared C-O vibrational frequencies, v(C-O), and delta i, between v(C-O) and the 17O nuclear quadrupole coupling constant (e2qQ/h, derived from T1), and as expected between e2qQ/h and delta i. Taken together with the work of others on the 13C NMR of 13CO-labeled proteins, where we find an excellent correlation between delta i(13C) and v(Fe-C), our results suggest that IR and NMR measurements reflect the same interaction, which is thought to be primarily the degree of pi-back-bonding from Fe d to CO pi* orbitals, as outlined previously [Li, X.-Y., & Spiro, T.G. (1988) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 110, 6024]. The modulation of this interaction by the local charge field of the distal heme residue (histidine, glutamine, arginine, and possibly lysine) in a variety of species and mutants, as reflected in the NMR and IR measurements, is discussed, as is the effect of cysteine as the proximal heme ligand.