Pseudomonas aeruginosa N-3-Oxododecanoyl Homoserine Lactone Disrupts Endothelial Integrity by Activating the Angiopoietin-Tie System.

The activation of the angiopoietin (Angpt)-Tie system is linked to endothelial dysfunction during sepsis. Bacterial quorum-sensing molecules function as pathogen-associated molecular patterns. However, their impact on the endothelium and the Angpt-Tie system remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated whether treatment with N-3-oxododecanoyl homoserine lactone (3OC12-HSL), a quorum-sensing molecule derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, impaired endothelial function in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. 3OC12-HSL treatment impaired tube formation even at sublethal concentrations, and immunocytochemistry analysis revealed that it seemed to reduce vascular endothelial-cadherin expression at the cell-cell interface. Upon assessing the mRNA expression patterns of genes associated with the Angpt-Tie axis, the expressions of Angpt2, Forkhead box protein O1, Tie1, and vascular endothelial growth factor 2 were found to be upregulated in the 3OC12-HSL-treated cells. Moreover, western blot analysis revealed that 3OC12-HSL treatment increased Angpt2 expression. A co-immunoprecipitation assay was conducted to assess the effect of 3OC12-HSL on the IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) and Rac1 complex and the interaction between these proteins was consistently maintained regardless of 3OC12-HSL treatment. Next, recombinant human (rh)-Angpt1 was added to assess whether it modulated the effects of 3OC12-HSL treatment. rh-Angpt1 addition increased cellular viability, improved endothelial function, and reversed the overall patterns of mRNA and protein expression in endothelial cells treated with 3OC12-HSL. Additionally, it was related to the increased expression of phospho-Akt and the IQGAP1 and Rac1 complex. Collectively, our findings indicated that 3OC12-HSL from Pseudomonas aeruginosa can impair endothelial integrity via the activation of the Angpt-Tie axis, which appeared to be reversed by rh-Angpt1 treatment.

Rapid quantitative PCR equipment using photothermal conversion of Au nanoshell.

The emergence of infectious diseases worldwide necessitates rapid and precise diagnostics. Using gold nanoshells in the PCR mix, we harnessed their unique photothermal properties in the near-infrared regime to attain efficient heating, reaching ideal photothermal PCR cycle temperature profile. Our photothermal PCR method expedited DNA amplification while retaining its detection sensitivity. Combining photothermal quantitative PCR with real-time fluorometry and non-invasive temperature measurement, we could amplify the target DNA within just 25 min, with a minimum detectable DNA amount of 50 picograms. This innovation in photothermal qPCR, leveraging the photothermal properties of gold nanoshells, will pave the way for immediate point-of-care diagnostics of nucleic acid biomarkers.

Adjunctive effect of 470-nm and 630-nm light-emitting diode irradiation in experimental periodontitis treatment: a preclinical study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the adjunctive effect of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the treatment of experimental periodontitis. METHODS: Experimental periodontitis was induced by placing ligatures around the mandibular second, third, and fourth premolars of 6 beagles for 3 months. After ligature removal, periodontitis progressed spontaneously for 2 months. The animals' hemimandibles were allocated among the following 3 groups: 1) no treatment (control), 2) scaling and root planing (SRP), and 3) SRP with LED irradiation at 470-nm and 630-nm wavelengths (SRP/LED). The probing pocket depth (PPD) and gingival recession (GR) were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The clinical attachment level (CAL) was calculated. After 12 weeks, histological and histomorphometric assessments were performed. The distances from the gingival margin to the apical extent of the junctional epithelium (E) and to the connective tissue (CT) attachment were measured, as was the total length of soft tissue (ST). RESULTS: PPD and CAL increased at 12 weeks compared with baseline in the control group (6.31±0.43 mm to 6.93±0.50 mm, and 6.46±0.60 mm to 7.61±0.78 mm, respectively). PPD and CAL decreased at 12 weeks compared with baseline in the SRP group (6.01±0.59 to 4.81±0.65 mm, and 6.51±0.98 to 5.39±0.93 mm, respectively). PPD and CAL decreased at 12 weeks compared with baseline in the SRP/LED group (6.03±0.39 to 4.46±0.47 mm, and 6.11±0.47 to 4.78±0.57 mm, respectively). The E/ST and CT/ST ratios significantly differed among the 3 groups (P<0.05). The clinical parameters and histologic findings demonstrated that 470-nm and 630-nm wavelength LED irradiation accompanying SRP could improve treatment results. CONCLUSIONS: Within the study limitations, 470 nm and 630 nm wavelength LED irradiation might provide additional benefits for periodontitis treatment.

In vitro investigation of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of LED irradiation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the proper wavelengths for safe levels of light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation with bactericidal and photobiomodulation effects in vitro. METHODS: Cell viability tests of fibroblasts and osteoblasts after LED irradiation at 470, 525, 590, 630, and 850 nm were performed using the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay. The bactericidal effect of 470-nm LED irradiation was analyzed with Streptococcus gordonii, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia. Levels of nitric oxide, a proinflammatory mediator, were measured to identify the anti-inflammatory effect of LED irradiation on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. RESULTS: LED irradiation at wavelengths of 470, 525, 590, 630, and 850 nm showed no cytotoxic effect on fibroblasts and osteoblasts. LED irradiation at 630 and 850 nm led to fibroblast proliferation compared to no LED irradiation. LED irradiation at 470 nm resulted in bactericidal effects on S. gordonii, A. actinomycetemcomitans, F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis, and T. forsythia. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 inflammation was reduced by irradiation with 525-nm LED before LPS treatment and irradiation with 630-nm LED after LPS treatment; however, the effects were limited. CONCLUSIONS: LED irradiation at 470 nm showed bactericidal effects, while LED irradiation at 525 and 630 nm showed preventive and treatment effects on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 inflammation. The application of LED irradiation has potential as an adjuvant in periodontal therapy, although further investigations should be performed in vivo.

Repeated irradiation by light-emitting diodes may impede the spontaneous progression of experimental periodontitis: a preclinical study.

PURPOSE: We investigated whether repeated irradiation with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at a combination of 470 nm and 525 nm could suppress the progression of experimental periodontitis. METHODS: A experimental periodontitis model was established in the second, third, and fourth premolars of the mandible in beagle dogs for 2 months. The spontaneous progression of periodontitis was monitored under the specified treatment regimen for 3 months. During this period, the animals were subjected to treatments of either plaque control only (control) or plaque control with LED application (test) at 2-week intervals. The clinical parameters included the probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), and the clinical attachment level (CAL). Histomorphometric analysis was performed using measurements of the length of the junctional epithelium, connective tissue (CT) zone, and total soft tissue (ST). RESULTS: There were significant differences in PPD between the control and test groups at baseline and 12 weeks. When the change in PPD was stratified based on time intervals, it was shown that greater differences occurred in the test group, with statistical significance for baseline to 12 weeks, 6 to 12 weeks, and baseline to 6 weeks. There was no significant difference in GR between the control and test groups at any time points. Likewise, no statistically significant differences were found in GR at any time intervals. CAL showed a statistically significant difference between the control and test groups at baseline only, although significant differences in CAL were observed between baseline and 12 weeks and between 6 and 12 weeks. The proportion of CT to ST was smaller for both buccal and lingual areas in the control group than in the test group. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated LED irradiation with a combination of 470-nm and 525-nm wavelengths may help suppress the progression of periodontal disease.

Differences in neck muscle activity according to lying positions using a smartphone.

BACKGROUND: Due to the extended use of smartphones, people spend a lot of time on these devices while lying down. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare the differences in neck muscle activity of participants while they watched videos on a smartphone in four different lying positions (supine (SUP), prone on elbows (PE), side lying (SIDE), and 45∘ head turn while side lying (45-SIDE)). METHODS: Twenty-three healthy volunteers (22.4 ± 1.7 years) were enrolled in this study. We assessed the activities of their right and left sternocleidomastoid (SCM), anterior scalene, cervical erector spinae (CES), and upper trapezius (UT) muscles while they watched videos on a smartphone in four different lying positions. RESULTS: The right and left SCM and CES had significantly different muscle activities depending on the lying positions. The SCM activity had a significantly greater asymmetry in the 45-SIDE position, while the CES activity had a significantly greater asymmetry in the SIDE and 45-SIDE positions. Moreover, the UT activity had a significantly greater asymmetry in the SUP, PE, and SIDE positions. CONCLUSIONS: Neck muscle activity and asymmetry were the lowest in the SUP position relative to the other positions. Therefore, lying down in the SUP position may minimize neck muscle activation while using a smartphone.

Does mobilisation of the thoracic spine using mechanical massage affect diaphragmatic excursion in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis?

BACKGROUND: Thoracic mobilisation improves thoracic hyperkyphosis and respiratory function. Diaphragmatic excursion is associated with respiratory function; however, limited studies have assessed the effect of thoracic mobilisation on diaphragmatic excursion. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of thoracic mobilisation on diaphragmatic excursion and respiratory function in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis. METHODS: Participants were recruited through Internet advertising and participated voluntarily. Nineteen healthy participants (age: 33.37 ± 6.56 years; height: 170.32 ± 7.92 cm; weight: 69.77 ± 14.70 kg) with thoracic hyperkyphosis underwent thoracic mobilisation for 8 weeks. Diaphragmatic excursion, thoracic kyphosis, and respiratory function were measured. Thoracic mobilisation was provided using a mechanical massage device. RESULTS: Thoracic mobilisation for 8 weeks significantly improved diaphragmatic excursion during deep breathing (p= 0.015), forced vital capacity (p< 0.01), and thoracic hyperkyphosis (p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic mobilisation can be recommended in respiratory rehabilitation programs to increase diaphragmatic excursion and respiratory function for the management and prevention of respiratory dysfunction in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis.

N-3-oxododecanoyl homoserine lactone exacerbates endothelial cell death by inducing receptor-interacting protein kinase 1-dependent apoptosis.

Endothelial dysfunction is associated with the initiation of sepsis-associated organ failure. Bacterial quorum-sensing molecules act as pathogen-associated molecular patterns; however, the effects of quorum-sensing molecules on endothelial cells remain less understood. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of quorum-sensing molecule-induced cell death and their interaction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Endothelial cells were treated with N-3-oxododecanoyl homoserine lactone (3OC12-HSL) and LPS derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Treatment with 3OC12-HSL reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, and cotreatment with 3OC12-HSL and LPS enhanced cell death. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling assay revealed an increase in apoptotic cell death following 3OC12-HSL treatment; furthermore, cotreatment with 3OC12-HSL and LPS enhanced apoptosis. Western blotting revealed that treatment with 3OC12-HSL activated the receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) pathway, leading to an increase in the levels of cleaved caspase 8 and 3. In addition, we found that treatment with necrostatin-1, an RIPK1 inhibitor, reduced cell death and ameliorated the activation of the RIPK1-dependent apoptotic pathway in 3OC12-HSL-treated cells. In conclusion, 3OC12-HSL induced endothelial cell apoptosis via the activation of the RIPK1 pathway, independent of LPS toxicity. Inhibition of RIPK1 may act as a therapeutic option for preserving endothelial cell integrity in patients with sepsis by disrupting the mechanism by which quorum-sensing molecules mediate their toxicity.

Comparison of pelvic rotation angle in the transverse plane in the supine position and during active straight leg raise between people with and without nonspecific low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Faults in postural alignment and movement of the pelvis are associated with non-specific low back pain. However, limited studies have investigated the differences in pelvic rotation angle in the transverse plane in the supine position and during active straight leg raise between subjects with and without non-specific low back pain. METHODS: Thirty-one subjects with non-specific low back pain and 31 subjects without non-specific low back pain were examined. Angular measures of the pelvic rotation angle in the transverse plane were obtained in the supine position and during active straight leg raise using a Smart KEMA measurement system. FINDING: The pelvic rotation angle in the transverse plane during active straight leg raise was significantly greater in subjects with non-specific low back pain than in healthy subjects (p < 0.05). However, the pelvic rotation angle in the transverse plane in the supine position and asymmetry index of the pelvic rotation angle during active straight leg raise were not significantly different between subjects with and those without non-specific low back pain. INTERPRETATION: This indicates that a greater pelvic rotation angle in the transverse plane during active straight leg raise could be contributing factors to the development of a non-specific low back pain related to lumbopelvic instability.

Effect of pelvic floor electrical stimulation on diaphragm excursion and rib cage movement during tidal and forceful breathing and coughing in women with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The pelvic floor muscle (PFM) is associated with respiratory function. We investigated the effects of PFM training by pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFES) on PFM strength, diaphragm excursion, and upper rib cage movement during tidal and forceful breathing and coughing in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: In total, 33 participants with SUI were divided into PFES and control groups. The two groups were measured pre- and post-8 weeks of training. Diaphragm excursion and upper rib cage movement during tidal and forceful breathing and coughing and PFM strength were measured using sonography, electromagnetic sensors, and perineometry. RESULTS: There were significant difference of main effect between pre- and post-training and between groups in PFM strength (between groups: P = .001, between time: P < .001) and diaphragm excursion during forceful breathing (between groups: P = .015, between time: P = .026) and coughing (between groups: P = .035, between time: P = .006). There were significant differences in diaphragm excursion during tidal (P = .002) and forceful breathing (P = .005) and coughing (P < .001) between pre- and post-training in the PFES group. Elevation of the upper rib cage during tidal (P < .001) and forceful breathing (P = .001) was significantly decreased after 8 weeks of training in the PFES group. Widening in the horizontal plane in the upper rib cage during forceful breathing (P < .001) was significantly increased after 8 weeks of training in the PFES group. PFM strength (P < .001) was significantly increased after 8 weeks of training in the PFES group. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic floor muscles training by electrical stimulation can improve diaphragm excursion and breathing patterns in women with SUI.

Comparison of the Shoulder External Rotator Strength and Asymmetry Ratio Between Workers With and Without Shoulder Impingement Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Kim, J-H, Kwon, O-Y, Hwang, U-J, Jung, S-H, Ahn, S-H, and Kim, H-A. Comparison of shoulder external rotator strength and the asymmetry ratio between workers with and without shoulder impingement syndrome. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3364-3369, 2021-Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is the most common shoulder problem causing shoulder pain. Several studies have indicated that shoulder external rotator muscles provide dynamic stability to the shoulder joint. However, the relationship of SIS to changes in shoulder external rotator muscle strength remains controversial. The purpose of the study was to compare the shoulder external rotator strength and asymmetry ratio between workers with SIS and the normal group in a side-lying position. Twelve male industrial workers with SIS and the normal group of 12 workers participated in this study. A pulling sensor measured shoulder external rotator muscle strength in a side-lying position with the shoulder at 0° and 90° of flexion. The asymmetry ratio was calculated by a specific formula using the shoulder external rotator muscle strength of the dominant side and the unaffected side. Two-way analysis of variance was used to determine between-group differences in shoulder external rotator muscle strength and the asymmetry ratio among the 2 positions. Subjects with SIS did not exhibit significant differences in shoulder external rotator muscle strength in the side-lying position with the shoulder at 0° and 90° of flexion relative to the normal group. However, subjects with SIS had a significantly increased asymmetry ratio of shoulder external rotation strength in the side-lying position with the shoulder at 90° of flexion compared with the normal group. In conclusion, workers with SIS had an asymmetry of shoulder external rotator strength in side-lying with the shoulder at 90° of flexion.

Effects of Manual Therapy and Mechanical Massage on Spinal Alignment, Extension Range of Motion, Back Extensor Electromyographic Activity, and Thoracic Extension Strength in Individuals with Thoracic Hyperkyphosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Manual therapy has been recommended to reduce and prevent musculoskeletal problems related to thoracic hyperkyphosis. With recent rapid technological developments, manual techniques can now be implemented by mechanical devices; hence, mechanical massage can manipulate the back muscles and mobilize the spine. PURPOSE: Here, we aimed to 1) determine the effects of mechanical massage and manual therapy and 2) compare their effects on spinal posture, extension range of motion, trunk extensor electromyographic activity, and thoracic extension strength in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis. METHODS: Participants with thoracic hyperkyphosis were randomly assigned to the manual therapy (n = 16) or mechanical massage (n = 19) group. Each intervention was applied for 8 weeks. The participants' spinal posture, extension range of motion, trunk extensor electromyographic activity, and thoracic extension strength were measured before and after intervention. RESULTS: Intergroup analyses revealed no significant differences in any variables. However, thoracic kyphosis angle, thoracic extension range of motion, longissimus thoracis electromyographic activity, iliocostalis lumborum pars lumborum activity, and thoracic extension strength differed significantly in intertime analyses. The results of paired t-test analysis showed that thoracic kyphosis angle, thoracic extension range of motion, longissimus thoracis electromyographic activity, and thoracic extension strength were significantly different after intervention in both groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical massage and manual therapy effectively improve thoracic kyphosis angle, thoracic extension range of motion, and thoracic extension strength. Therefore, mechanical massage is an alternative intervention to manual therapy for improving thoracic kyphosis angle, thoracic extension range of motion, and thoracic extension strength in participants with hyperkyphosis. This trail is registered with KCT0004527.

N-[2-(4-Acetyl-1-Piperazinyl)Phenyl]-2-(3-Methylphenoxy)Acetamide (NAPMA) Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation and Protects against Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis.

Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells responsible for bone resorption and are induced in response to the regulatory activity of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL). Excessive osteoclast activity causes pathological bone loss and destruction. Many studies have investigated molecules that specifically inhibit osteoclast activity by blocking RANKL signaling or bone resorption. In recent years, we screened compounds from commercial libraries to identify molecules capable of inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. Consequently, we reported some compounds that are effective at attenuating osteoclast activity. In this study, we found that N-[2-(4-acetyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-(3-methylphenoxy)acetamide (NAPMA) significantly inhibited the formation of multinucleated tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells from bone marrow-derived macrophages in a dose-dependent manner, without cytotoxic effects. NAPMA downregulated the expression of osteoclast-specific markers, such as c-Fos, NFATc1, DC-STAMP, cathepsin K, and MMP-9, at the transcript and protein levels. Accordingly, bone resorption and actin ring formation were decreased in response to NAPMA treatment. Furthermore, we demonstrated the protective effect of NAPMA against ovariectomy-induced bone loss using micro-CT and histological analysis. Collectively, the results showed that NAPMA inhibited osteoclast differentiation and attenuated bone resorption. It is thus a potential drug candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis and other bone diseases associated with excessive bone resorption.

Delta-like Factor 1 as a Possible Therapeutic Target for Sarcomas.

BACKGROUD: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cells characterized by their self-renewal and tumorigenic potential. The purpose of this study was to discover the role of the delta-like factor 1 (DLK1) in sarcoma. METHODS: mRNA expression of DLK1 from 13 sarcoma cell lines was examined. Isolated CSCs from the tumors were examined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) with CD133, the CSC marker, or sphere-forming assay. The relationship between DLK1 and CSCs in sarcoma was examined using cell proliferation and cell invasion assays after they were treated with DLK1 short interfering RNA (siRNA). RESULTS: A high expression of DLK1 mRNA was observed in all sarcoma cell lines. However, CSCs were isolated from over expressed sarcomas of the DLK1 gene, and they have shown to be expressed lower than the wild type. The anti-cancer effects of DLK1 siRNA inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in U2OS, A204, and sw872. In addition, treatment with DLK1 siRNA inhibited cell invasion in sw872 CSCs. DLK1 gene induces tumorigenesis in various sarcoma cells and regulates the invasiveness of liposarcoma. These results suggest that DLK1 could serve as a possible therapeutic target for sarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the DLK1 gene induces tumorigenesis in various sarcomas and is associated with invasive mechanism in sarcoma. These results suggest DLK1 could serve as a possible therapeutic target in a variety of sarcomas.

The association between genu recurvatum angle and the strength of the hip and knee muscles in standing workers.

BACKGROUND: Increased genu recurvatum (GR) angle is a risk factor for knee injury. Identification of factors causing GR is important for the prevention and rehabilitation of GR. Few studies have investigated the association between muscle strength and GR. OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between GR angle and hip and knee muscle strength in standing workersMETHODS:The participants in this study were 110 healthy volunteers (59 male, 51 female) who performed standing work in a theme park. The GR angle, muscle strength, and strength ratio of the lower extremities were measured to determine their associations with GR. The GR angle was measured using a Smart KEMA motion sensor, and muscle strength was assessed using a Smart KEMA strength sensor. Stepwise multiple regression models were used to investigate which muscles contributed most to the extent of the GR angle. RESULTS: Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the decreased hip external rotator to hip internal rotator ratio, increased knee extensor to knee flexor ratio, and young age were associated with an increased GR angle. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors are known to increase the GR angle. However, this study investigated the roles of only hip and knee muscle strength. The results suggest that muscle strength ratios are more important than the weakness of any muscle.

Lumbopelvic motor control function between patients with chronic low back pain and healthy controls: a useful distinguishing tool: The STROBE study.

Although lumbopelvic stability exercise improves lumbopelvic motor control function in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), the difference in lumbopelvic motor control function between the patients with CLBP and the healthy controls is unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare lumbopelvic motor control function between patients with CLBP and healthy controls and to determine the prevalence of CLBP according to core stability function.For this study, 278 participants were recruited, including patients with CLBP (n = 137) and healthy controls (n = 141). The participants performed a core stability function test and were classified to either the low or high core stability function group according to their core stability function for CLBP prevalence analysis.Lumbopelvic motor control was significantly higher in the healthy controls than in patients with CLBP. Of the patients in the low lumbopelvic motor control function group, 65.9% had CLBP, whereas 36.8% of the patients in the high lumbopelvic motor control function group had CLBP. Lumbopelvic motor control function demonstrated a significant difference between the patients with CLBP and the healthy controls. The lumbopelvic motor control function test was demonstrated to be an effective diagnostic tool for distinguishing CLBP. This information can be applied in assessments and interventions for CLBP in clinical settings.

Which pelvic floor muscle functions are associated with improved subjective and objective symptoms after 8 weeks of surface electrical stimulation in women with stress urinary incontinence?

OBJECTIVE: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is defined as involuntary urine loss during effort, sneezing, or coughing. We investigated which pelvic floor muscle (PFM) functions (muscle strength, power, and endurance) are associated with improvement in subjective and objective symptoms after 8 weeks of surface electrical stimulation (SES) training. This study was performed to determine the effects of SES in the seated position on PFM functions and subjective and objective symptoms, and to identify predictors of improved subjective and objective symptoms after 8 weeks of SES training via secondary analysis of females with SUI. STUDY DESIGN: The study was performed between August 2018 and December 2018. Patients with SUI were randomized into an SES group (n = 17) and a control group (n = 17). Both groups were assessed pre-intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. The outcome measures were PFM functions (strength, power, and endurance) as measured via perineometry, the score on the urogenital distress inventory-6 (UDI-6), and the ultra-short perineal pad test result. RESULTS: Significant differences in all PFM functions, the UDI-6 score, and the pad weight were evident both between the groups (SES vs. control group) and within the groups (pre-SES vs. post-SES). On regression of factors predicting relative changes in subjective and objective symptoms, the relative change in PFM power accounted for 15 and 13 % of the variance in the UDI-6 score (P < 0.05) and pad weight (P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SES in a seated position improved both subjective and objective symptoms in females with SUI. PFM power, the UDI-6 score, and the pad weight test result should be considered when developing intervention guidelines to improve the subjective and objective symptoms of females with SUI.

Comparison of the Strength and Electromyography of the Evertor Muscles With and Without Toe Flexion in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability.

BACKGROUND: Weakness of evertor strength is controversial in chronic ankle instability (CAI). Ankle evertor muscles are attached to the toe joints as well as to the metatarsal bone. Therefore, it is necessary to consider toe joint position for the measurement of evertor strength. The purpose of this study was to compare ankle evertor strength and muscle activity during eversion with and without toe flexion (TF) in individuals with CAI and individuals in a healthy group. METHODS: Fifteen subjects with CAI and 15 healthy subjects participated in this study. Isometric ankle evertor strength and muscle activity of the peroneus longus (PL), peroneus brevis (PB), and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) were measured during eversion with and without TF. RESULTS: The results indicated a significant interaction effect in evertor strength (P = .03) and no significant interaction effect on EMG of the PL (P = .08), PB (P = .12), and EDL (P = .28). However, measurements of muscle activity of the PL and PB between eversion with and without TF revealed a significant difference in the CAI group (P < .01) and no significant difference in the healthy group (PL: P = .07; PB: P = .13). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that subjects with CAI had increased EDL compensation and reduced selective activation of the PL and PB during eversion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our findings suggest that clinicians should consider the activation of EDL when training the evertor of patients with CAI.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Parameters Affect Sexual Function After 8 Weeks of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is often associated with female sexual dysfunction. We investigated which pelvic floor muscle (PFM) parameters (strength, power, and endurance) are associated with improvement of sexual function after 8 weeks of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) training. AIM: This study was performed to determine the effects of TES in the seated position on PFM parameters and female sexual function and to identify correlation between improved PFM parameters and sexual function after 8 weeks of TES training in women with SUI. METHODS: The present study was performed between August 2018 and November 2018 in women with SUI who were randomized into a TES group (n = 17) or a control group (n = 17). One subject in each of the TES and control groups ultimately withdrew during the intervention due to a lack of time. Both groups were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: As outcome measures, PFM parameters (strength, power, and endurance) and female sexual function were assessed using a perineometer and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), respectively. RESULTS: The final study population consisted of 32 women with SUI. There were significant differences in PFM strength, power, and endurance and FSFI domain scores (desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and total score) in both between-group analyses (TES vs control group) and within-group analyses (pre-TES vs post-TSE). Change in PFM endurance had the highest association with change in total FSFI total score (r = 0.437; P = .006), and change in PFM power had the highest association with change in FSFI satisfaction (r = 0.420; P = .008). CONCLUSION: TES in a seated position showed a beneficial effect on sexual function in females with SUI. Consideration of PFM parameters associated with FSFI domain scores may be important when developing intervention guidelines to improve female sexual function. Hwang UJ, Lee MS, Jung SH, et al. Pelvic Floor Muscle Parameters Affect Sexual Function After 8 Weeks of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence. Sex Med 2019;7:505-513.

A key metabolic integrator, coenzyme A, modulates the activity of peroxiredoxin 5 via covalent modification.

Peroxiredoxins (Prdxs) are antioxidant enzymes that catalyse the breakdown of peroxides and regulate redox activity in the cell. Peroxiredoxin 5 (Prdx5) is a unique member of Prdxs, which displays a wider subcellular distribution and substrate specificity and exhibits a different catalytic mechanism when compared to other members of the family. Here, the role of a key metabolic integrator coenzyme A (CoA) in modulating the activity of Prdx5 was investigated. We report for the first time a novel mode of Prdx5 regulation mediated via covalent and reversible attachment of CoA (CoAlation) in cellular response to oxidative and metabolic stress. The site of CoAlation in endogenous Prdx5 was mapped by mass spectrometry to peroxidatic cysteine 48. By employing an in vitro CoAlation assay, we showed that Prdx5 peroxidase activity is inhibited by covalent interaction with CoA in a dithiothreitol-sensitive manner. Collectively, these results reveal that human Prdx5 is a substrate for CoAlation in vitro and in vivo, and provide new insight into metabolic control of redox status in mammalian cells.