Activity

Morin (3,5,7,2′,4′-pentahydroxyflavone) is a yellow coloured natural flavonoid found in plants of the Moraceae family. This favonoid is easily sources from readily available fruits, vegetables and eve certain beverages. Among the sources that was identified, it is clear that morin is most abundantly found in almond, old fustic, Indian guava, and Osage orange. Multiple studies have suggested that morin has multiple therapeutic actions and possess potential to be a functional potent drug. Previous studies demonstrated that morin is capable of resolving deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertension and possess strong vasorelaxant properties. However, the exact mechanisms remains unknown. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate the in vitro mechanism of morin-induced vasorelaxant effects. The underlying mechanisms of morin’s vasorelaxant activities were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. Results from the study demonstrated morin causing vasodilatory reaction in phenylephrine and potassium chloride pre-contracted endothelium-intact aortic rings with the effect being significantly affected in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. Pre-incubation of the aortic rings with ODQ (selective cGMP-independent sGC inhibitor), indomethacin (nonselective COX inhibitor), L-NAME (endothelial nitric oxide inhibitor), propranolol (β2-adrenegic receptors blocker), and atropine (muscarinic receptors blocker) significantly reduced the vasorelaxant effect of morin. It was also found to be able to reduce the intracellular calcium level by blocking VOCC and calcium intake from the extracellular environment and the intracellular release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The present study showed that the vasorelaxant effect of morin potentially involves the NO/sGC, muscarinic receptors, β2-adrenegic receptors, and calcium channels. BACKGROUND AND AIMS Age and ethnic related reference limits (Rls) for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), improve its diagnostic accuracy as a screening tool for prostate cancer (PCa). But, their establishment by clinical laboratories is seldom achieved due to the expense of the gold standard procedure. We used an alternative approach to produce our specific RIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Laboratory results over a 4-year period (1491 results of total PSA and 989 results of free PSA) were retrieved from our laboratory information system. An inclusion/exclusion process was applied. To estimate age-related 95th percentiles, Hoffmann, Bhattacharya and maximum likelihood methods followed by a linear regression model were applied based on mixed dataset and a quantile regression with restrictive cubic splines model were applied based on truncated dataset. To verify these age related RIs, an agreement analysis were used with respect to the percentage of free PSA (%fPSA) 26.4% positives as a surrogate for PCa. RESULTS The PSA 95th percentiles using Hoffmann, Bhattacharya, maximum likelihood and quantile regression methods respectively were 3.0, 2.6, 2.3 and 2.8 ng/mL for men 40 to 49 years old; 4.1, 3.3, 2.8 and 3.2 ng/mL for men 50 to 59 years old; 5.6, 4.2, 3.4 and 3.5 ng/mL for men 60-69 years old; 7.5, 5.4, 4.1 and 3.9 ng/mL for men 70-79 years old. Navitoclax The Bhattacharya, maximum likelihood and quantile regression age-related Rls reflected better % fPSA positives. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that age related total PSA reference limits may be derived by retrospective analysis of intra-laboratory data using the quantile regression model or the Bhattacharya and maximum likelihood method, followed by a linear regression model. BACKGROUND The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) is used to confirm the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 by molecular diagnostic laboratories. We developed a multiplex rRT-PCR methodology for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. METHODS Three genes were used for multiplex rRT-PCR the Sarbecovirus specific E gene, the SARS-CoV-2 specific N gene, and the human ABL1 gene as an internal control. RESULTS Good correlation of Cq values was observed between the simplex and multiplex rRT-PCR methodologies. Low copies ( less then 25 copies/reaction) of SARS-CoV-2 RNA were detected by the novel multiplex rRT-PCR method. CONCLUSION The proposed multiplex rRT-PCR methodology will enable highly sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, reducing reagent use and cost, and time required by clinical laboratory technicians. OBJECTIVES Fixed orthodontic treatment (FOT) typically lasts 14-33 months, with regular appointments at short intervals to monitor changes, adjust appliances, and remotivate patients to maintain excellent oral hygiene standards to prevent dental disease. Past experiences are important influencers of dental attitudes and self-care dental behaviours in adulthood. Since FOT comprises a high frequency of appointments compared to other dental visiting, we hypothesised that previous FOT enhances dental knowledge and behaviour in later life. METHODS This cohort study followed-up 30-year-old participants who originally took part in an oral epidemiological study when aged 13-years. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding sociodemographics, dental health behaviours, dental knowledge (prevention of caries and periodontal disease, including questions about popular myths) and FOT. Data analysis comprised un/adjusted binomial logistic regression and multivariate generalised linear regression. RESULTS Data for 448 tients have numerous and regular appointments during the course of orthodontic treatment, this does not seem to have impact on either dental knowledge or behaviour in adulthood. OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a novel perineal nerve block approach for transperineal prostate biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Five adult male cadavers were dissected to delineate the superficial and deep branches of the perineal nerve. Afterwards, 90 out of 115 patients were selected and randomly assigned to receive periprostatic, periapical triangle (PAT), or branches of perineal nerve (BPN) block. The primary outcome was the maximal pain intensity associated with transperineal prostate biopsy, which was assessed by the 10-point VAS. The secondary outcomes included the number of biopsy with VAS of >=4 in each biopsy procedure, and the incidences of complications. RESULTS On the horizontal line of the upper anal border, the locations of the superficial branch of perineal nerve on the left and right sides were 1.87±0.05 cm and 1.86±0.06 cm, respectively; and the deep branch were 2.15±0.07 cm and 2.16±0.06 cm, respectively, from the midline, and lied between the deep layer of superficial fascia and prostate capsule. The number of cases finally enrolled in data analysis in periprostatic block, PAT block, and BPN block groups were 26, 27, and 30, respectively. The maximal pain intensities were 3.4 (3.1-3.7), 3.3 (3.0-3.6), and 1.8 (1.5-2.2) in the three groups, respectively, and the numbers of biopsy with the pain intensity of >=4 were 4.0 (3.2-4.9), 4.2 (3.3-5.2), and 0.7 (0.1-1.2), respectively. There were 4, 3 and 4 cases developing hematuria, and 1, 1 and 2 burdened with urine retention after biopsy in the three groups, respectively. CONCLUSION Collectively, BPN block is a safe, effective and repeatable local anesthesia approach for transperineal prostate biopsy. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of the changing landscape of urologic residency education and training on resident operative exposure and inter-resident variability. METHODS The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case logs for graduating urology chief residents were reviewed from Academic Year (AY) 2009-10 to 2016-17. Cases were stratified into the four ACGME categories – general urology, endourology, oncology, and reconstruction. Linear regression models analyzed the association between training year, volume, and type of cases performed. Inter-resident variability in case exposure was calculated by the difference between the ACGME reported 10th and 90th percentiles. RESULTS During the study period, the mean number of cases performed per resident was 1092 (SD 32.7). Although there was no significant change in total case volume, there were changes within case categories. Endoscopic, retroperitoneal oncology, and male reconstruction case volume all increased significantly (Δ20.1%, Δ 5.1%, Δ 8.2%, respectively, all p less then 0.05). This was balanced with a concomitant decrease in pelvic oncology and female reconstruction cases (Δ 10.0% and Δ 14.5%, respectively, both p less then 0.05). There was a 27.8% increase in laparoscopic/robotic cases (p less then 0.001). The ratio difference between the 10th percentile and 90th percentile ranged from a low of 2.5 for retroperitoneal oncology cases to a high of 5.2 for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). CONCLUSIONS From AY2009-10 to 2016-17, residency case volume has remained constant, but there has been a change in types of cases performed and proliferation of minimally invasive techniques. Significant variability of inter-resident operative experience was noted. Supernumerary kidney, a rare congenital anomaly, defined as an additional kidney with a separate capsule, collecting system and blood supply draining into the native ureter or a separate ureter. Small fused supernumerary units may be difficult to differentiate from renal moiety with complete separate ectopic ureter without complete evaluation. We report a case of a supernumerary kidney fused with the capsule of ipsilateral kidney with a separate complete ureter draining into the introitus of a young female thereby presenting as total incontinence of urine. OBJECTIVE Since microRNAs (miRNAs) represent as effective therapeutic targets for diabetic retinopathy (DR), we identified aberrantly expressed miRNAs related to cellular dysfunction in DR and further detected their potential targets. This study aimed to explore the synergistic effect of miR-216a, inducible nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway on human retinal microvascular endothelial cell (HRMEC) injury in DR. METHODS The differentially expressed genes in DR were obtained by GEO database, and the downstream signaling pathways and upstream targeted miRNAs were obtained through bioinformatics analysis. Subsequently, a DR model rat was established, and the target miR-216a was overexpressed to observe the pathological and morphological changes of the rat retina and the levels of inflammatory factors. Then, HRMECs were extracted and added with d-Glucose, and then transfected with miR-216a, NOS2 or adding JAK/STAT signaling pathway specific inhibitor to observe changes in cell activity and inflammatory damage. RESULTS NOS2 was significantly upregulated, and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway was significantly activated in DR. miR-216a targeted NOS2, which played a protective role in the retina of DR rats. Moreover, in cell experiments, overexpression of miR-216a promoted the viability of HRMECs under d-glucose treatment, and inhibited NOS2 expression and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway activation. CONCLUSION This study suggests that miR-216a protects against HRMECs injury in DR by suppressing the NOS2/JAK/STAT axis.