Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an agonizing complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and it is challenging to treat ED in DM patients. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a unique therapeutic strategy ...comprising intrinsic growth factors. An attempt was made to explore the potentiality of the PRP treatment in DM-induced ED rats in various groups (control, DM-non-ED, DM-ED, and DM-ED treated with PRP). Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce DM in rats. The blood glucose levels of the DM rats were maintained at >300 mg/dl. In the 18-week experiment, survival rate, body weight, intracavernous pressure (ICP) variations, and arterial blood pressure were analyzed. The tissue restoration results were validated by histological, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopic analysis. PRP treatment of DM-ED rats significantly increased all parameters of erectile function compared to pre-treatment of PRP and DM-ED treated with vehicle. The histological results revealed that PRP treatment substantially enhanced the regeneration of myelinated nerves and decreased the atrophy of corporal smooth muscle. Notably, the PRP treatment immensely enhanced the survival rate in post-surgery DM-ED rats. These results indicated certain benefits of PRP treatment in delaying damage and preventing post-surgery complications in DM patients. Hence, PRP treatment is a novel multifactorial strategy for DM-ED patients.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
In this paper, a multipath convolutional neural network (MP-CNN) is proposed for rehabilitation exercise recognition using sensor data. It consists of two novel components: a dynamic convolutional ...neural network (D-CNN) and a state transition probability CNN (S-CNN). In the D-CNN, Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) are exploited to capture the distribution of sensor data for the body movements of the physical rehabilitation exercises. Then, the input signals and the GMMs are screened into different segments. These form multiple paths in the CNN. The S-CNN uses a modified Lempel⁻Ziv⁻Welch (LZW) algorithm to extract the transition probabilities of hidden states as discriminate features of different movements. Then, the D-CNN and the S-CNN are combined to build the MP-CNN. To evaluate the rehabilitation exercise, a special evaluation matrix is proposed along with the deep learning classifier to learn the general feature representation for each class of rehabilitation exercise at different levels. Then, for any rehabilitation exercise, it can be classified by the deep learning model and compared to the learned best features. The distance to the best feature is used as the score for the evaluation. We demonstrate our method with our collected dataset and several activity recognition datasets. The classification results are superior when compared to those obtained using other deep learning models, and the evaluation scores are effective for practical applications.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by bladder pain and increased urinary frequency. Although the C57BL/6J (B6) and FVB/NJ (FVB) mouse strains are commonly used ...as animal models for studies involving the urinary system, few reports have compared their lower urinary tract anatomy, despite the importance of such data. Our study aimed to characterize bladder function changes in FVB and B6 mouse strains with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IC, to understand mouse model-based bladder research. The bladder function parameters were measured by cystometrogram. Histological assay was examined by hematoxylin and eosin stain, Masson's trichrome stain, and immunofluorescence staining. Results indicated that the two strains in the control group exhibited different bladder structures and functions, with significant anatomical differences, including a larger bladder size in the FVB than in the B6 strain. Furthermore, cystometry tests revealed differences in bladder function pressure. LPS-treated B6 mice presented significant changes in peak pressure, with decreased intercontraction intervals; these results were similar to symptoms of IC in humans. Each strain displayed distinct characteristics, emphasizing the care required in choosing the appropriate strain for bladder-model studies. The results suggested that the B6 mouse strain is more suitable for IC models.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
We propose a novel approach for view-independent action recognition using multiattribute sparse representation enforced with group constraints. First, an oversegmentation-based background modeling ...and foreground detection approach is employed to extract silhouettes from action videos. Then multiple time intervals of motion history image are computed to capture motion and pose information in human activities. To obtain a more accurate and discriminative representation, we propose multiattribute sparse representation for multiview action video classification. Actions with multiple attributes can be represented by individual attribute matrices to describe group property for each action instance. These attribute matrices are incorporated into the formulation of l 1 -minimization. The sparsity property as well as the group constraints make the basis selection in sparse coding more efficient in terms of accuracy. Especially, our approach is able to operate under the condition of partially labeled attributes in the training data. Finally, we demonstrate the proposed algorithm through experiments on three multiview human action datasets to show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction resulting from cavernous nerve (CN) injury is a major complication caused by radical prostatectomy. The use of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on the nerve‐injured site has ...shown promising results for the nerve regeneration. However, the effects of PRP injection in corpus cavernosum after bilateral CN injury have never been investigated.
To assess the neuroprotective effect of PRP injection in corpus cavernosum after bilateral CN injury.
Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group I underwent sham operation, while the remaining two groups underwent bilateral CN crush. Crush injury groups were treated at the time of injury with an application of PRP or normal saline only injection in the corpus cavernosum, respectively. Four weeks later, erectile function (EF) was assessed by CN electrosimulation, and CNs as well as penile tissue were collected for histology.
Intracavernous pressure (ICP) monitored during electrical stimulation of CNs; myelinated axons number of CNs and dorsal penile nerve; collagen type change, number of apoptotic cells, and mRNA expression of caspase‐3 and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) in the corpus cavernosum.
Four weeks after surgery, in the vehicle‐only group, the functional evaluation showed a lower mean maximal ICP than that in the sham group (P < 0.05). PRP treatments resulted in significant recovery of EF, as compared with the vehicle‐only group (P < 0.05). Histologically, the PRP‐treated group had a significant preservation of myelinated axons of CNs compared with the vehicle‐only group (P < 0.05) and reduced the apoptotic index. The mRNA expression of TGF‐β1 in the corpus cavernosum tissue was significantly decreased in the PRP group compared with the vehicle‐only group (P < 0.05).
PRP injection in the corpus cavernosum increased the number of myelinated axons and facilitated recovery of EF in the bilateral CN injury rat model. Wu C‐C, Wu Y‐N, Ho H‐O, Chen K‐C, Sheu M‐T, and Chiang H‐S. The neuroprotective effect of platelet‐rich plasma on erectile function in bilateral cavernous nerve injury rat model. J Sex Med 2012;9:2838–2848.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The intracavernosal (IC) injection of chitosan activated platelet rich plasma (cPRP) has shown to improve the erectile dysfunction in cavernous nerve injury rat model. However, the action target of ...PRP in improving neurogenic erectile dysfunction remains unclear. We aimed to determine the effect of cPRP action at early stage that further mediates its effect on erectile function (EF) recovery in the bilateral cavernous nerve crushing (BCNC) injury rat model.
Fifty-four rats were randomly divided into two equal groups: intracavernosal ( IC) injection of saline after BCNC (group 1) and IC injection of cPRP after BCNC (group 2). Five animals in each group were euthanized at 3, 7 and 14 day (d) post-injection, and the tissues were harvested to conduct transmission electron microscopy and histological assays. Six animals in each group were used to determine the recovery of EF at 14 and 28 d post-injury.
IC injections of cPRP increased all EF parameters at 28 d and 14 d post-injury (p < 0.05). cPRP injections simultaneously prevented the loss of neuronal nitric oxide synthase-positive neurons (p < 0.05) and nerve fibers (p < 0.05) in the major pelvic ganglion and cavernous nerve (CN), respectively, compared with saline injections. This simultaneous accelerated the regeneration of myelinated axons of the CN, reduced apoptosis, and enhanced the proliferation of the corporal smooth muscle cells at an earlier stage.
These results suggest that the application of cPRP was beneficial to restore EF via neuroprotective and tissue-protective effects at early stage.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
This study explored the specific effects of ketamine on bladder function followed by a sequence of histological changes in a rat bladder at fixed time course intervals. The rats were grouped into ...normal control and experimental animals, and ketamine (100 mg/kg/day) was administrated to the experimental animals for 2, 4, and 8 weeks, respectively; similarly, the control animals received saline. All animals were evaluated for bladder function and histological responses to the treatment. Ultrastructural changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed progressive bladder dysfunctions with hyperactive bladder conditions according to the time course and frequency of exposure to ketamine. Significantly, decreased inter contraction intervals, residual urine volume, peak micturition pressure, and increased micturition frequency were observed. Bladder histology results revealed substantial inflammation and comprehensive submucosa edema in week 2 and 4 rats along with fibrosis and significant bladder detrusor hypertrophy in week 8 rats. TEM analysis revealed bladder wall thickening, deformed blood vessels, detrusor hypertrophy, wobbled gap junction, and barrier dysfunction at different time course levels in experimental animals. These results provided a profound knowledge about the prognosis and step-by-step pathophysiology of the disease, which might help in developing new therapeutic interventions.
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Solute carrier family nine isoform 3 (SLC9A3) is an Na+/H+ exchanger that regulates Ca2+ homeostasis. SLC9A3 is largely involved in the transepithelial absorption of Na+/H+ and frequently functions ...in pair with a Cl−/HCO3− exchanger.
To investigate the impact and pathophysiological mechanisms of long-term SLC9A3 deficiency on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a mouse model
Slc9a3 knockout and wild-type mice (average >6 months) were used. The effects of SLC9A3 depletion on bladder and urethral functions and effectiveness of voiding were assessed using a cystometrogram (CMG). Histology, blood electrolytes, and gene expression were also analyzed.
The SLC9A3-deficient mice had smaller gross bladders than the wild-type mice. The CMG analysis revealed normal peak micturition pressure, higher threshold pressure, short intercontraction interval, less voided volume, and poor compliance in the SLC9A3-deficient mice, similar to clinical LUTS. Histological analysis revealed loose detrusor muscle and loss of transformability of the urothelium in the SLC9A3-deficient mice. Masson's trichrome analysis revealed severe collagen deposition in the detrusor muscle. Immunofluorescence staining also demonstrated a significant decrease in cytokeratins 5 and 20. Gene and protein expression analyses confirmed that SLC9A3 does not act directly on bladder tissue. Homeostasis was correlated with bladder dysfunction in the SLC9A3-deficient mice.
Fibrosis and collagen deposition in the bladder of the SLC9A3-deficient mice is due to bladder inflammation because of decreased blood flow and deregulated systemic homeostasis. Long-term SLC9A3 depletion causes progressive bladder dysfunction, similar to human LUTS.
Electrolyte imbalance causes SLC9A3 deficiency-mediated progressive micturition dysfunction.
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•Slc9a3−/− mice were confirmed to frequently urinate.•Slc9a3−/− mice demonstrated collagen deposition and bladder fibrosis.•Expression studies confirmed that SLC9A3 expression was high in renal tissues.•Histological findings identified bladder barrier loss and urothelium damage.•Electrolyte dysregulation causes homeostatic problems and LUTS.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Despite the widespread use of nerve-sparing prostatectomy techniques, the incidence of post-operative erectile dysfunction (ED) remains high. Early intracavernous (IC) injection of platelet-rich ...plasma (PRP) after nerve crushing improves erectile function (EF) in rats by promoting cavernous nerve (CN) regeneration and preventing structural changes in the corpus cavernosum. However, the neuroprotective effects of the in situ application of PRP glue in rats after CN-sparing prostatectomy (CNSP) remain unclear.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of PRP glue treatment on EF and CN preservation in rats after CNSP.
After prostatectomy, male Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with PRP glue, IC PRP injection, or their combination. The intracavernous pressure (ICP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and CN preservation status in the rats were evaluated after 4 weeks. Results were corroborated using histology, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy.
The PRP glue-treated rats showed 100% CN preservation and significantly higher ICP responses (the ratio of maximum ICP to MAP (0.79 ± 0.09)) than the CNSP rats (the ratio of maximum ICP to MAP (0.33 ± 0.04)). PRP glue also significantly increased neurofilament-1 expression, indicating its positive effect on the CNs. Furthermore, this treatment significantly increased the expression of α-smooth muscle actin. Electron micrographs revealed that PRP glue preserved the myelinated axons and prevented atrophy of the corporal smooth muscle by maintaining the adherens junctions.
These results indicate that PRP glue is a potential solution for EF preservation by neuroprotection in patients with prostate cancer who are likely to undergo nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.
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•PRP glue prevented the degeneration of the CN in the CNSP group of rats.•RPP glue-treated rats exhibited significantly higher ICP responses than CNSP-treated vehicle rats.•PRP glue showed a neuroprotective effect on the CN by a significant increase in the expression of NF-1.•PRP glue treatment diminishes corporal smooth muscle atrophy by preserving adherence junctions in post-operative CNSP rats.•PPR glue treatment tremendously preserved EF by hindering myelinated nerve degeneration
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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