In our study population of patients with UTUC who had undergone RNU the preoperative NLR was associated with a significantly increased risk of IVR, suggesting that the NRL could be a useful biomarker for predicting IVR.

Background When determining treatment strategies for male infertility, it is important to evaluate spermatogenesis and its spatial distribution in the testes. Purpose To investigate the usefulness of creatine chemical exchange saturation transfer (CrCEST) imaging for evaluating spermatogenesis and its spatial distribution. Study Type Prospective. Animal Model C57BL/6 control mice (n = 5) and model mice of male infertility induced by whole testis X‐ray irradiation (n = 11) or localized X‐ray irradiation to lower regions of testes (n = 3). Field Strength/Sequence A 11.7‐T vertical‐bore magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/segmented fast low‐angle shot acquisition for CEST. Assessment The magnetization transfer ratio for the CrCEST effect (MTRCr*) was calculated in each testis of the control mice and X‐ray irradiation model mice at 10, 15, 20, and 30 days after irradiation. Correlation analysis was performed between MTRCr* and Johnsen's score, a histological score for spermatogenesis. In the localized X‐ray irradiation model, regional MTRCr* and Johnsen's score were calculated for correlation analysis. Statistical Tests Unpaired t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance with Tukey's HSD test and Pearson's correlation analysis. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results In the irradiation model, CrCEST imaging revealed a significant linear decrease of MTRCr* after irradiation (control, 8.7 ± 0.6; 10 days, 7.9 ± 0.8; 15 days, 6.5 ± 0.6; 20 days, 5.4 ± 1.0; 30 days, 4.4 ± 0.8). A significant linear correlation was found between MTRCr* and Johnsen's score (Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) = 0.79). In the localized irradiation model, CrCEST imaging visualized a significant regional decrease of MTRCr* in the unshielded region (shielded, 6.9 ± 0.7; unshielded, 4.9 ± 1.0), and a significant linear correlation was found between regional MTRCr* and Johnsen's score (r = 0.78). Data Conclusion Testicular CrCEST effects correlated well with spermatogenesis. CrCEST imaging was useful for evaluating spermatogenesis and its spatial distribution. Evidence Level 2 Technical Efficacy Stage 2.

To determine the pathophysiology of nocturnal polyuria associated with renal dysfunction, patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy were prospectively studied. The diurnal variation in urine volume, osmolality, and salt excretion were measured on preoperative day 2 and postoperative day 7. The factors associated with an increase in the nighttime urine volume rate with decreased renal function were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis. Forty-nine patients were included. The estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased from 73.3 ± 2.0 to 47.2 ± 1.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P < 0.01) and the nighttime urine volume rate increased from 40.6% ± 2.0% to 45.3% ± 1.5% (P = 0.04) with nephrectomy. The nighttime urine osmolality decreased from 273 ± 15 to 212 ± 10 mOsm/kg and the nighttime salt excretion rate increased from 38.7% ± 2.1% to 48.8% ± 1.7% (both P < 0.01) with nephrectomy. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the increase in the nighttime urine volume rate was strongly affected by the increase in the nighttime salt excretion rate. A decrease in renal function causes an increase in the nighttime urine volume rate, mainly because of an increase in nighttime salt excretion.Trial registration number: UMIN000036760 (University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry).Date of registration: From 1 June 2019 to 31 October 2020.

Outer membrane proteins (OMP) of Porphyromonas endodontalis HG 370 (ATCC 35406) were prepared from the cell envelope fraction of the organisms. The cell envelope that had been obtained by sonication of the whole cells was extracted in 2% lithium dodecyl sulfate and then successively chromatographed with Sephacryl S-200 HR and DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow. Two OMP fractions, OMP-I and OMP-II, were obtained, and their immunochemical properties and induction of specific antibodies were examined. The OMP-I preparation consisted of a major protein with an apparent molecular mass of 31 kDa and other moderate to minor proteins of 40.3, 51.4, 67, and 71.6 kDa, while the OMP-II preparation contained 14-, 15.5-, 27-, and 44-kDa proteins as revealed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis. OMP-I was found to form 4528 on August 2, 2020 by guest http://iai.asm.org/ Downloaded from

Autophagy degrades unnecessary proteins or damaged organelles to maintain cellular function. Therefore, autophagy has a preventive role against various diseases including hepatic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Although autophagy in germ cells or Sertoli cells is known to be required for spermatogenesis and male fertility, it remains poorly understood how autophagy participates in spermatogenesis. We found that systemic knockout mice of Rubicon, a negative regulator of autophagy, exhibited a substantial reduction in testicular weight, spermatogenesis, and male fertility, associated with upregulation of autophagy. Rubicon-null mice also had lower levels of mRNAs of Sertoli cell–related genes in testis. Importantly, Rubicon knockout in Sertoli cells, but not in germ cells, caused a defect in spermatogenesis and germline stem cell maintenance in mice, indicating a critical role of Rubicon in Sertoli cells. In mechanistic terms, genetic loss of Rubicon promoted autophagic degradation of GATA4, a transcription factor that is essential for Sertoli cell function. Furthermore, androgen antagonists caused a significant decrease in the levels of Rubicon and GATA4 in testis, accompanied by elevated autophagy. Collectively, we propose that Rubicon promotes Sertoli cell function by preventing autophagic degradation of GATA4, and that this mechanism could be regulated by androgens.

Nocturnal polyuria is the most frequent cause of nocturia, a common disease associated with a compromised quality of life and increased mortality. Its pathogenesis is complex, and the detailed underlying mechanism remains unknown. Herein, we report that concomitant intake of a high-salt diet and reduced nitric oxide (NO) production achieved through Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) administration in mice resulted in nocturnal polyuria recapitulating the clinical features in humans. High salt intake under reduced NO production overactivated the angiotensin II-SPAK (STE20/SPS1-related proline–alanine-rich protein kinase)-NCC (sodium chloride co-transporter) pathway in the kidney, resulting in the insufficient excretion of sodium during the day and its excessive excretion at night. Excessive Na excretion at night in turn leads to nocturnal polyuria due to osmotic diuresis. Our study identified a central role for the intrarenal angiotensin II-SPAK-NCC pathway in the pathophysiology of nocturnal polyuria, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic target.

Highlights The management of bilateral adrenal masses is sometimes challenging. Adrenal mass was enlarged after contralateral adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. SFT is a rare cause of adrenal mass and its long-term natural history remains unknown. Surgical resection of SFT with partial adrenalectomy is a preferred choice.

Background Varicocoele‐induced male infertility potentially involves oxidative stress. Although varicocoelectomy is recommended for varicocoele patients presenting abnormal semen findings, no pharmacotherapeutic methods currently exist. We have recently developed a silicon‐based agent that produces hydrogen by the reaction with water. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of oral administration of a Si‐based agent on varicocoele rat. Materials and methods Twenty‐one rats were divided into four groups: varicocoele + normal diet (n = 5), varicocoele + Si‐based agent‐supplemented diet (n = 6), sham + normal diet (n = 5), and sham + Si‐based agent‐supplemented diet (n = 5). All rats were euthanized four weeks after surgery. Results The mean left epididymal sperm motility was 74.4% in the sham group, 72.3% in the sham + Si group, 57.6% in the varicocoele group, and 66.9% in the varicocoele + Si group. Epididymal sperm motility was significantly lower in the varicocoele group, but was significantly higher upon Si‐based agent ingestion (P < .01). The mean left testicular weight, Johnsen's score, and left epididymal sperm concentration did not differ significantly between groups. The 8‐OHdG concentration and DNA fragmentation rate were significantly increased in the varicocoele group, but were significantly decreased in the Si‐based agent intake group (P < .01). Additionally, the IVF rate was significantly lower in the varicocoele group (26.3%) compared with the sham group (73.4%; P < .01), and was significantly higher in the varicocoele + Si group (51.8%) compared with the varicocoele group (P < .05), indicating that the Si‐based agent improves IVF rates. Discussion and conclusion Oral intake of the silicon‐based agent improves epididymal sperm motility and in vitro fertilization rates through hydrogen production and subsequent reduction of oxidative stress. Considering the lack of effective noninvasive methods, this Si‐based agent is potentially applicable for treating varicocoele‐induced abnormal semen parameters.