scholarly journals Male Accessory Gland Infection: Relevance of Serum Total Testosterone Levels

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Condorelli ◽  
A. E. Calogero ◽  
E. Vicari ◽  
V. Favilla ◽  
S. Cimino ◽  
...  

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the different ultrasound characterization of fertile symptomatic patients with MAGI (male accessory gland infection) according to different serum concentrations of total T (TT). We analyzed the ultrasound and hormonal data of 200 patients aged between 24.0 and 67.0 years. Patients were divided into six groups according to the sextile distribution of TT. Patients with serum concentrations of TT < 3.6 ng mL−1had a higher mean duration of symptoms compared to the other examined groups. Patients with serum concentrations of TT > 6.6 ng mL−1showed a frequency of ultrasound criteria suggestive for bilateral form of prostatitis and prostate-vesiculo-epididymitis and significantly lower compared to the other examined groups. At multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and BMI, TT was an independent predictive factor of prostatovesiculitis (OR = 0.818 [95% CI: 0.675–0.992];P<0.01) and prostate-vesiculo-epididymitis (OR = 0.714 [95% CI: 0.578–0.880];P<0.01), which represent the main forms of complicated MAGI. The results of this study suggest that male hypogonadism could be associated with a different ultrasound characterization of these patients.

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosita A. Condorelli ◽  
Enzo Vicari ◽  
Laura M. Mongioi ◽  
Giorgio I. Russo ◽  
Giuseppe Morgia ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the ultrasound (US) features of 20 patients with MAGI and concomitantpapilloma virus(HPV) infection compared to 20 patients with microbial (presence ofChlamydia trachomatisalone) MAGI and 20 patients with amicrobial (inflammatory) MAGI. Patients with HPV infection showed significantly (p<0.05) higher total prostate, seminal vesicles, and epididymal US signs (18.0 ± 2.0) compared to the other 2 groups (12.0 ± 4.0 versus 10.0 ± 3.0, resp.). In addition, patients with MAGI and HPV had a higher prevalence of complicated forms of MAGI [prostatovesiculitis (PV) and prostate-vesiculo-epididymitis (PVE)] and a higher frequency of the fibrosclerotic variant compared to the other groups (70.0 ± 10.0% versus 48.0 ± 5.0% versus 15.0 ± 10.0%). Moreover, HPV infected patients had a higher number of US criteria suggestive for MAGI in the periurethral region of the prostate compared to the other groups. In particular, the patients showed a higher ratio between periurethral and lobar US criteria distribution (5.0 versus 0.5). Finally, the seminal fluid concentration ofCD45posleukocytes (2.0 ± 0.2 versus 1.3 ± 0.3 versus 1.0 ± 0.3 mil/mL) was significantly higher and sperm progressive motility was significantly lower in these patients compared to other groups.


Author(s):  
J. I. Bennetch

In a recent study of the superplastic forming (SPF) behavior of certain Al-Li-X alloys, the relative misorientation between adjacent (sub)grains proved to be an important parameter. It is well established that the most accurate way to determine misorientation across boundaries is by Kikuchi line analysis. However, the SPF study required the characterization of a large number of (sub)grains in each sample to be statistically meaningful, a very time-consuming task even for comparatively rapid Kikuchi analytical techniques.In order to circumvent this problem, an alternate, even more rapid in-situ Kikuchi technique was devised, eliminating the need for the developing of negatives and any subsequent measurements on photographic plates. All that is required is a double tilt low backlash goniometer capable of tilting ± 45° in one axis and ± 30° in the other axis. The procedure is as follows. While viewing the microscope screen, one merely tilts the specimen until a standard recognizable reference Kikuchi pattern is centered, making sure, at the same time, that the focused electron beam remains on the (sub)grain in question.


1982 ◽  
Vol 47 (03) ◽  
pp. 197-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurt Huber ◽  
Johannes Kirchheimer ◽  
Bernd R Binder

SummaryUrokinase (UK) could be purified to apparent homogeneity starting from crude urine by sequential adsorption and elution of the enzyme to gelatine-Sepharose and agmatine-Sepharose followed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-150. The purified product exhibited characteristics of the high molecular weight urokinase (HMW-UK) but did contain two distinct entities, one of which exhibited a two chain structure as reported for the HMW-UK while the other one exhibited an apparent single chain structure. The purification described is rapid and simple and results in an enzyme with probably no major alterations. Yields are high enough to obtain purified enzymes for characterization of UK from individual donors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 1186-1191
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Grande ◽  
Domenico Milardi ◽  
Silvia Baroni ◽  
Andrea Urbani ◽  
Alfredo Pontecorvi

Male hypogonadism is “a clinical syndrome that results from failure of the testis to produce physiological concentrations of testosterone and/or a normal number of spermatozoa due to pathology at one or more levels of the hypothalamic– pituitary–testicular axis”. The diagnostic protocol of male hypogonadism includes accurate medical history, physical exam, as well as hormone assays and instrumental evaluation. Basal hormonal evaluation of serum testosterone, LH, and FSH is important in the evaluation of diseases of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis. Total testosterone levels < 8 nmol/l profoundly suggest the diagnosis of hypogonadism. An inadequate androgen status is moreover possible if the total testosterone levels are 8-12 nmol/L. In this “grey zone” the diagnosis of hypogonadism is debated and the appropriateness for treating these patients with testosterone should be fostered by symptoms, although often non-specific. Up to now, no markers of androgen tissue action can be used in clinical practice. The identification of markers of androgens action might be useful in supporting diagnosis, Testosterone Replacement Treatment (TRT) and clinical follow-up. The aim of this review is to analyze the main findings of recent studies in the field of discovering putative diagnostic markers of male hypogonadism in seminal plasma by proteomic techniques. The identified proteins might represent a “molecular androtest” useful as a seminal fingerprint of male hypogonadism, for the diagnosis of patients with moderate grades of testosterone reduction and in the follow-up of testosterone replacement treatment.


Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 154 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-132
Author(s):  
Zhen Hu ◽  
Yingzi Yue ◽  
Hua Jiang ◽  
Bin Zhang ◽  
Peter W Sherwood ◽  
...  

Abstract Expression of the MAL genes required for maltose fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is induced by maltose and repressed by glucose. Maltose-inducible regulation requires maltose permease and the MAL-activator protein, a DNA-binding transcription factor encoded by MAL63 and its homologues at the other MAL loci. Previously, we showed that the Mig1 repressor mediates glucose repression of MAL gene expression. Glucose also blocks MAL-activator-mediated maltose induction through a Mig1p-independent mechanism that we refer to as glucose inhibition. Here we report the characterization of this process. Our results indicate that glucose inhibition is also Mig2p independent. Moreover, we show that neither overexpression of the MAL-activator nor elimination of inducer exclusion is sufficient to relieve glucose inhibition, suggesting that glucose acts to inhibit induction by affecting maltose sensing and/or signaling. The glucose inhibition pathway requires HXK2, REG1, and GSF1 and appears to overlap upstream with the glucose repression pathway. The likely target of glucose inhibition is Snf1 protein kinase. Evidence is presented indicating that, in addition to its role in the inactivation of Mig1p, Snf1p is required post-transcriptionally for the synthesis of maltose permease whose function is essential for maltose induction.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 839.1-839
Author(s):  
Y. J. Oh ◽  
K. W. Moon

Background:Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis resulting from a chronic deposition of MSU crystals in the joints and other soft tissues. After the process of repeated tissue damage and repair due to gout, tophi could be formed around the affected joints. Intra-articular tophi may sometimes result in bone destruction, joint deformities, and dysfunction which can adversely affect the patient’s quality of life. Furthermore, early-onset tophaceous gout patients are more likely to develop renal dysfunction, however, few studies have investigated if the presence of tophi is related with the progression of renal dysfunction in gout patients.Objectives:We aimed to compare clinical characteristics of patients with and without tophi at the time of the diagnosis of gout and investigate the effect of tophi on the renal function in gout patients.Methods:Data of 257 patients who were first diagnosed with gout at the Kangwon National University Hospital from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively studied. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of tophi at the diagnosis. We compared clinical characteristics and the progression of renal dysfunction between the two groups.Results:Of all patients, 66 (25.5%) initially presented with tophi. Patients with tophi were older, had a longer duration of symptoms, and had a higher prevalence of multiple joint involvement than those without tophi. The decline in the eGFR was more prominent in patients with tophi than in those without (-4.8±14.5 ml/min/1.73m2vs. -0.7±11.9 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively; P=0.039). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a prolonged symptom duration (odds ratio [OR], 1.010; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.004–1.017; P=0.001) and multiple joint involvement (OR, 3.027; 95% CI, 1.831–5.004; P<0.001) were significantly associated with increased risk of formation of tophi. The presence of tophi was significantly associated with a rapid decline in the eGFR (β=-0.141; P=0.035).Conclusion:A prolonged symptom duration and multiple joint involvement were independent risk factors for tophi as the presenting symptom in gout patients. The presence of tophi was associated with a declining renal function. Therefore, an early diagnosis and active treatment are important in tophaceous gout.References:[1]Bardin T, Richette P. Definition of hyperuricemia and gouty conditions. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2014;26:186-91.[2]Liu F, Du GL, Song N, Ma YT, Li XM, Gao XM, et al. Hyperuricemia and its association with adiposity and dyslipidemia in Northwest China: results from cardiovascular risk survey in Xinjiang (CRS 2008-2012). Lipids Health Dis 2020;19:58.[3]Dalbeth N, Merriman TR, Stamp LK. Gout. Lancet 2016;388:2039-52.[4]Ruoff G, Edwards NL. Overview of Serum Uric Acid Treatment Targets in Gout: Why Less Than 6 mg/dL? Postgrad Med 2016;128:706-15.[5]Bieber A, Schlesinger N, Fawaz A, Mader R. Chronic tophaceous gout as the first manifestation of gout in two cases and a review of the literature. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2018;47:843-8.Disclosure of Interests:None declared.


Mathematics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 116
Author(s):  
Qi Liu ◽  
Yongjin Li

In this paper, we will introduce a new geometric constant LYJ(λ,μ,X) based on an equivalent characterization of inner product space, which was proposed by Moslehian and Rassias. We first discuss some equivalent forms of the proposed constant. Next, a characterization of uniformly non-square is given. Moreover, some sufficient conditions which imply weak normal structure are presented. Finally, we obtain some relationship between the other well-known geometric constants and LYJ(λ,μ,X). Also, this new coefficient is computed for X being concrete space.


BMC Zoology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ansa E. Cobham ◽  
Christen K. Mirth

Abstract Background Organisms show an incredibly diverse array of body and organ shapes that are both unique to their taxon and important for adapting to their environment. Achieving these specific shapes involves coordinating the many processes that transform single cells into complex organs, and regulating their growth so that they can function within a fully-formed body. Main text Conceptually, body and organ shape can be separated in two categories, although in practice these categories need not be mutually exclusive. Body shape results from the extent to which organs, or parts of organs, grow relative to each other. The patterns of relative organ size are characterized using allometry. Organ shape, on the other hand, is defined as the geometric features of an organ’s component parts excluding its size. Characterization of organ shape is frequently described by the relative position of homologous features, known as landmarks, distributed throughout the organ. These descriptions fall into the domain of geometric morphometrics. Conclusion In this review, we discuss the methods of characterizing body and organ shape, the developmental programs thought to underlie each, highlight when and how the mechanisms regulating body and organ shape might overlap, and provide our perspective on future avenues of research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 6617
Author(s):  
Maëlys Brochard ◽  
Paula Correia ◽  
Maria João Barroca ◽  
Raquel P. F. Guiné

This work aimed at developing fortified pastas incorporating chestnut flour (25–55%) and powdered pollen (5–20%), either separately or in combination, as well as the characterization of the products obtained. To this, a physical characterization was carried out (analyzing texture and color), complemented with chemical analyses to determine the nutritional composition. Results showed that adding chestnut flour over 40% to wheat-flour pasta shortened optimum cooking time and lowered cooking yield, and the addition to pasta prepared with wheat flour and eggs maintained approximately constant the cooking yield. Additionally, the incorporation of pollen powder (up to 20%) in pasta prepared with wheat flour and water or fresh egg shortened the cooking time and cooking yield, in both fresh and dried pasta. The most suitable percentages of the new ingredients were 50% for chestnut and 10% for pollen. Comparing with the control pasta recipe (wheat flour and egg), the addition of chestnut flour (50%) or pollen powder (10%) increased stickiness, adhesiveness and the darkening of the final product (fresh or dried) but maintained the firmness of the pasta. The cooking of fresh or dried pasta enriched with both ingredients turned the pasta clearer and slightly stickier. On the other hand, the addition of chestnut flour and pollen powder in pasta formulation delivered a nutritionally balanced product with high fiber, vitamins and minerals. Overall, chestnut flour and powdered pollen represent promising ingredients for the development of functional fresh and dried pasta formulations.


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