Differential impacts of ambient PM2.5 exposure on sperm quality in northern Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the correlation between ambient particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentration and sperm quality among northern Thai men exposed to the seasonal air pollution from the agricultural burning process. METHODS: The demographic data and semen analysis of Thai men living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, who visited the infertile clinic were collected. The correlation test between the monthly amount of PM2.5 and sperm quality was carried out. RESULTS: From 2017 to 2021, 1,109 Thai men visited the Infertile Clinic. The correlation test between PM2.5 and sperm quality in years with a better climate revealed a weak positive correlation between the mean PM2.5 and percentage of progressive motile sperm and normal morphology (r=0.08, p=0.05 and r=0.1, p=0.02). However, there was a negative correlation between the mean PM2.5 and sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal sperm morphology during the years with a higher amount of ambient PM2.5, and especially PM2.5 exposure 3 months before semen collection (r=-0.12, p=0.01, r=-0.11, p=0.003, r=-0.15, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to a high amount of PM2.5 air pollution negatively affects sperm quality.

Effects of diabetes-induced hyperglycemia on epigenetic modifications and DNA packaging and methylation during spermatogenesis; A narrative review.

The impact of diabetes on various organs failure including testis has been highlighted during the last decades. If on one hand diabetes-induced hyperglycemia has a key role in induced damages; on the other hand, glucose deprivation plays a key role in inducing male infertility. Indeed, glucose metabolism during spermatogenesis has been highlighted due to post-meiotic germ cells drastic dependence on glucose-derived metabolites, especially lactate. In fact, hyperglycemia-induced spermatogenesis arrest has been demonstrated in various studies. Moreover, various sperm maturation processes related to sperm function such as motility are directly depending on glucose metabolism in Sertoli cells. It has been demonstrated that diabetes-induced hyperglycemia adversely impacts sperm morphology, motility and DNA integrity, leading to infertility. However, fertility quality is another important factor to be considered. Diabetes-induced hyperglycemia is not only impacting sperm functions, but also affecting sperm epigenome. DNA packing process and epigenetics modifications occur during spermatogenesis process, determining next generation genetic quality transmitted through sperm. Critical damages may occur due to under- or downregulation of key proteins during spermatogenesis. Consequently, unpacked DNA is more exposed to oxidative stress, leading to intensive DNA damages. Moreover, epigenetic dysregulation occurred during spermatogenesis may impact embryo quality and be transmitted to next generations, increasing offspring genetic issues. Herein we discuss the mechanisms by which diabetes-induced hyperglycemia can affect epigenetic modifications and DNA packaging and methylation during spermatogenesis thus promoting long-lasting effects to the next generation.

Comparison of Single-Dose Cardioplegia in Valvular Heart Surgery: Lactated Ringer's-Based del Nido vs. Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Cardioplegia Solution.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated myocardial protection and clinical outcomes when using lactated Ringer's solution as the base solution for del Nido cardioplegia compared with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution in valvular surgery. METHODS: From January 2017 to May 2018, 71 adult patients who underwent valvular surgery with del Nido cardioplegia (n=37) or HTK cardioplegia (n=34) were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Patients' characteristics were comparable between groups. Postoperative peak troponin T levels were similar. The del Nido group had a decreased incidence of ventricular fibrillation after aortic cross-clamp removal (13.51 vs. 55.88%; P<0.001), lower total volume of cardioplegia administered (1,000 [1,000, 1,250] vs. 1,800 [1,500, 2,000] mL; P<0.001), shorter hospital stay (6 [5, 8] vs. 7 [6, 10] days; P=0.03), and less postoperative red cell transfusion (34.29 vs. 61.11%; P=0.024). There is no difference in aortic cross-clamping time, postoperative change in left ventricular ejection fraction, intensive care unit stay, duration of inotropic support, new onset of atrial fibrillation, in-hospital mortality, complications, and three-year overall survival rate. CONCLUSION: Lactated Ringer's-based del Nido cardioplegia can be safely used for valvular surgery with acceptable clinical outcomes compared to HTK cardioplegia.

Insight into inflammation involvement in varicocele: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Varicocele is one of the main causes of male infertility. Although the pathophysiology mechanism of varicocele is very well described and understood, there are some unanswered questions that remains unknown. Some studies have previously described the state of testicular inflammation and sperm in animal models, especially the mouse model, and the seminal plasma of men with varicocele, with or without changes in semen parameters. METHODS OF STUDY: This review intended to verify the role of inflammatory mechanism in varicocele, using clinical studies as well as animal model studies on the effect of inflammation caused by varicocele on the function of testicular somatic and germ cells. RESULTS: In-vivo studies confirmed whether anti-inflammatory molecules could treat the semen of men with varicocele and rats with varicocele. The use of different anti-inflammatory agents in mouse model studies provided a new perspective for future clinical studies to investigate the effect of concurrent treatment with surgery to improve surgical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Similar to animal model studies, previously conducted clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapy in varicocele patients. However, clinical trials using anti-inflammatory are needed to be conducted agents to evaluate different aspects of this therapeutical approach in varicocele patients.

Insight toward inflammasome complex contribution to male infertility.

During the last decades, a wide range of factors involved in the physiopathology of male infertility disease have been discussed. The inflammation role in some of the main infertility-related diseases has been studied, such as varicocele, spinal cord injury and obesity. Inflammation is the main response of the immune system to infection or cell damage, leading to intense inflammatory cytokine release during the loss of homeostasis. One of the first steps toward pro-inflammatory cytokines release is the recognition of dangerous signals by the immune cells, including pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These molecules can activate an important multiprotein complex, called inflammasome. Although these complexes have been studied during the last decades, their participation in male infertility has gained attention recently. Considering the inflammasome complex's high potential to be targeted for drug therapy, this review tries to shed light on current literature. Therefore, in the current review paper, we aimed to discuss the inflammasome complex activation, involvement in different male infertility conditions, and localization in the male reproductive tract.

Latin American perceptions of fear and exaggeration transmitted by the media with regard to COVID-19: frequency and association with severe mental pathologies.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the spread of abundant misinformation by the media, which caused fear and concern. Objective: To determine the association between the pathologies of the mental sphere and the perceptions of fear and exaggeration transmitted by the media with respect to COVID-19 in Latin America. Methodology: The present study has an analytical cross-sectional design that is based on a validated survey to measure fear and exaggeration transmitted by the media and other sources (Cronbach's α: 0.90). We surveyed more than 6,000 people, originally from 12 Latin American countries, who associated this perceived exaggeration with stress, depression, and anxiety (measured through DASS-21, Cronbach's α: 0.96). Results: Social networks (40%) or television (34%) were perceived as the sources that exaggerate the magnitude of the events. In addition, television (35%) and social networks (28%) were perceived as the sources that generate much fear. On the contrary, physicians and health personnel are the sources that exaggerated less (10%) or provoked less fear (14%). Through a multivariate model, we found a higher level of global perception that was associated with whether the participant was older (p = 0.002), had severe or more serious anxiety (p = 0.033), or had stress (p = 0,037). However, in comparison with Peru (the most affected country), there was a lower level of perception in Chile (p < 0.001), Paraguay (p = 0.001), Mexico (p < 0.001), Ecuador (p = 0.001), and Costa Rica (p = 0.042). All of them were adjusted for gender and for those having severe or major depression. Conclusion: There exists an association between some mental pathologies and the perception that the media does not provide moderate information.

Testicular torsion in vivo models: Mechanisms and treatments.

BACKGROUND: Testicular torsion is a condition in which a testis rotates around its longitudinal axis and twists the spermatic cord. This in turn results in a significant decrease in blood flow and perfusion of testicular tissue. During Testicular torsion, the testicular tissue is affected by ischemia, heat stress, hypoxia, and oxidative and nitrosative stress. The testicular torsion should be considered an emergency condition and surgical intervention (testicular detorsion ) as the sole treatment option in viable cases involves counter-rotation on twisted testes associated, when possible, to orchipexy, in order to avoid recurrence. Possible testicular detorsion side-effects occur due to reperfusion and endothelial cells injury, microcirculation disturbances, and intense germ cells loss. OBJECTIVES: To discuss testicular torsion surgery-based methods, different time frames for testicular torsion induction, and the associated pathophysiology by emphasizing cellular and molecular events as well as different therapeutic agent applications for testicular torsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed all original research and epidemiological papers related to testicular torsion condition. RESULTS: Testicular torsion causes germ cell necrosis, arrested spermatogenesis, and diminished testosterone levels, with consequent infertility. Among different involved pathophysiological impacts, testicular torsion/detorsion-induced ischemia seems to play the key role by leading the tissue toward other series of events in testis. Numerous studies have used adjuvant antioxidants, calcium channel blockers, anti-inflammatory agents, or vasodilating agents in order to decrease these effects. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, no previously conducted study examined therapeutical agents' beneficial effects post clinical I/R condition in humans. Different agents targeting different pathophysiological conditions were used to ameliorate the ischemia/reperfusion-induced condition in animal models, however, none of the administrated agents were tested in human cases. Although considering testicular detorsion surgery is still the golden method to reverse the testicular torsion condition and the surgical approach is undeniable, the evaluated agents with beneficial effects, need to be investigated furthermore in clinical conditions. Thus, furthermore clinical studies and case reports are required to approve the animal models proposed agents' beneficial impacts.

Oxidative Stress and Cell Cycle Arrest in Seminiferous Tubules Nearby Varicose Vessels: New Perspectives from Experimental Varicocele.

Varicocele (VCL) has been shown to induce severe oxidative stress in the testicular tissue resulting in 35% of males with primary infertility. To compare the exacerbating impacts of varicose on oxidative DNA damage and homeostatic antioxidant reactions in the seminiferous tubules (ST), enclosed and far from varicose vessels. Thirty mature Wistar rats were divided into control and VCL-induced groups. To approve VCL, the testicular diameters, volume, and blood circulation were measured using B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography. Next, to confirm oxidative stress (OS), the global homeostatic antioxidant biomarkers were evaluated. Moreover, the OS-induced oxidative DNA damage and homeostatic antioxidant reactions were compared between STs nearby and far from varicose vessels. Finally, to clarify the DNA damage-induced impact on the cell cycle progression, the global and local expressions of Cyclin D1, Cdk4, and p21 were examined. The VCL-induced group exhibited diminished global antioxidant status (marked with TAC, GPX, SOD, and CAT) and UNG and MPG expression levels. Moreover, the cross-sections of the VCL group represented a prominent reduction in the UNG, MPG, Cyclin D1, and cdk4, and upregulation in the p21 expression levels, more prominently in the STs nearby varicose vessels. Concerning severe oxidative DNA damage and intensive molecular changes in the STs nearby the varicose vessels, they can be considered the main cause of oxidative DNA damage in enclosed tubules. Thus, the varicose-mediated oxidative DNA damage negatively impacts the cell cycle progression in the tubules more intensively in the subcapsular area.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with melanoma: results of the Spanish Melanoma Group registry.

BACKGROUND: The Spanish Melanoma Group (GEM) developed a national registry of patients with melanoma infected by SARS-CoV-2 ("GRAVID"). METHODS: The main objective was to describe the COVID-19 fatality rate in patients with melanoma throughout the pandemic, as well as to explore the effect of melanoma treatment and tumor stage on the risk of COVID-19 complications. These are the final data of the register, including cases from February 2020 to September 2021. RESULTS: One hundred-fifty cases were registered. Median age was 68 years (range 6-95), 61 (40%) patients were females, and 63 (42%) patients had stage IV. Thirty-nine (26%) were on treatment with immunotherapy, and 17 (11%) with BRAF-MEK inhibitors. COVID-19 was resolved in 119 cases, including 85 (57%) patients cured, 15 (10%) that died due to melanoma, and 20 (13%) that died due to COVID-19. Only age over 60 years, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes mellitus increased the risk of death due to COVID-19, but not advanced melanoma stage nor melanoma systemic therapies. Three waves have been covered by the register: February-May 2020, August-November 2020, and December 2020-April 2021. The first wave had the highest number of registered cases and COVID-19 mortality. CONCLUSION: Tumor stage or melanoma treatments are non-significant prognostic factors for COVID-19 mortality. During the pandemic in Spain there was a downward trend in the number of patients registered across the waves, as well as in the severity of the infection. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04344002.

Comparison of Single-Dose Cardioplegia in Valvular Heart Surgery: Lactated Ringer's-Based del Nido vs. Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate Cardioplegia Solution

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study evaluated myocardial protection and clinical outcomes when using lactated Ringer's solution as the base solution for del Nido cardioplegia compared with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution in valvular surgery. Methods: From January 2017 to May 2018, 71 adult patients who underwent valvular surgery with del Nido cardioplegia (n=37) or HTK cardioplegia (n=34) were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Patients' characteristics were comparable between groups. Postoperative peak troponin T levels were similar. The del Nido group had a decreased incidence of ventricular fibrillation after aortic cross-clamp removal (13.51 vs. 55.88%; P<0.001), lower total volume of cardioplegia administered (1,000 [1,000, 1,250] vs. 1,800 [1,500, 2,000] mL; P<0.001), shorter hospital stay (6 [5, 8] vs. 7 [6, 10] days; P=0.03), and less postoperative red cell transfusion (34.29 vs. 61.11%; P=0.024). There is no difference in aortic cross-clamping time, postoperative change in left ventricular ejection fraction, intensive care unit stay, duration of inotropic support, new onset of atrial fibrillation, in-hospital mortality, complications, and three-year overall survival rate. Conclusion: Lactated Ringer's-based del Nido cardioplegia can be safely used for valvular surgery with acceptable clinical outcomes compared to HTK cardioplegia.

Uso de fuentes de información en estudiantes de Medicina de una universidad de Tacna, Perú / Use of Information Sources in Medical Students of a University in Tacna, Peru

El uso de fuentes de información es importante en la formación del estudiante de medicina; sin embargo, en Latinoamérica se ha reportado una disminución en su empleo y se han identificado problemas en su conocimiento. El objetivo del estudio consistió en determinar los factores asociados al uso de las fuentes de información en estudiantes de Medicina de una universidad de Tacna, Perú. Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico y transversal en estudiantes de una universidad privada, mediante un muestreo aleatorio estratificado. Se utilizó un instrumento autoaplicado de forma virtual, que indagó en las características socioeducativas, la frecuencia de uso/capacitación de las fuentes de información y las características de la investigación científica. El resultado del estudio indicó un mayor uso de las fuentes de información, asociado con las variables independientes, mediante los modelos de regresión múltiple. De 274 estudiantes, el 32,1 por ciento utilizó frecuentemente las fuentes de información. Las de mayor uso fueron: Google Académico (36,5 por ciento) y SciELO (25,2 por ciento); en contraste, la mayoría de los estudiantes desconocen las fuentes: HINARI (56,2 por ciento) y EMBASE (55,5 por ciento). Desempeñarse en un año académico superior y tener más percepción de las habilidades en la búsqueda de información científica, constituyen los factores asociados a un mayor uso de las fuentes de información(AU)

The use of information sources is important in the training of the medical student; however, in Latin America a decrease in its use has been reported and problems have been identified in its knowledge. The objective of the study was to determine the factors associated with the use of information sources in medical students at a university in Tacna, Peru. An observational, analytical and cross-sectional study was carried out in students of a private university, using a stratified random sampling. A virtual self-applied instrument was used, which inquired into the socio-educational characteristics, the frequency of use/training of the information sources and the characteristics of scientific research. The result of the study indicated greater use of information sources, associated with the independent variables, through multiple regression models. Out of 274 students, 32.1percent frequently used information sources. The most used were: Google Scholar (36.5percent) and SciELO (25.2percent); in contrast, most students are unaware of the sources: HINARI (56.2percent) and EMBASE (55.5percent). In conclusion, performing in a higher academic year and having more perception of the skills in the search for scientific information are the factors associated with greater use of information sources(AU)

Case study of VA Caribbean Healthcare System's community response to Hurricane Maria.

BACKGROUND: Hurricane Maria, which hit Puerto Rico in 2017, catastrophically impacted infrastructure and severely disrupted medical services. The US Department of Veterans Affairs Caribbean Healthcare System (VA CHCS), which serves approximately 67,000 patients and has most of its facilities on the island of Puerto Rico, was able to successfully maintain operations after the hurricane. As a part of the larger VA system, VA CHCS also has a mission to support "national, state, and local emergency management, public health, safety and homeland security efforts." The objective of this study is to better understand the ways VA and its facilities meet this mission by exploring how VA CHCS acted as a community resource following Hurricane Maria. METHODS: This study investigated experiences of five employees in critical emergency response positions for VA CHCS, Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) 8, and the Office of Emergency Management. All respondents were interviewed from March to July 2019. Data were collected via semistructured interviews exploring participants' experiences and knowledge about VA's activities provided to the community of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. Data were analyzed using thematic and in vivo coding methods. RESULTS: All respondents underscored VA's primary mission after a disaster was to maintain continuity of care to Veterans, while concomitantly describing the role of VA in supporting community recovery. Three major themes emerged: continuity of operations for the San Juan VA Medical Center (VAMC) and its affiliated outpatient clinics, provision of services as a federal partner, and services provided directly to the Puerto Rican community. DISCUSSION: Recent disasters have revealed that coordinated efforts between multidisciplinary agencies can strengthen communities' capacity to respond. This case example demonstrates how a VA hospital not only continued serving its patients but, with the support from the greater VA system, also filled a wide variety of requests and resource gaps in the community. Building relationships with local VAMCs can help determine how VA could be incorporated into emergency management strategies. In considering the strengths community partners can bring to bear, a coordinated regional response would benefit from involving VA as a partner during planning.

Basic COVID-19 knowledge according to education level and country of residence: Analysis of twelve countries in Latin America.

Introduction: Knowing a disease is crucial for being able to fight it, especially in a region in which COVID-19 caused so many deaths, such as Latin America. Objective: To determine the association between basic knowledge of COVID-19 and education level according to country of residence in Latin America. Methodology: This is an analytical cross-sectional study. Basic level of knowledge was measured through nine close-ended questions (scale validated in Peru). The score obtained was analyzed through performing a crosstab vs. gender, age, education level, and country of residence. Results: Of a total of 9,222 respondents, almost all of them knew the common symptoms (99%), modes of transmission (93%), and knew how to recognize which was not a specific symptom (93%). Through the multivariate model, we found that there was no association with gender (p = 0.716) or age (p = 0.059), in comparison with those who had primary or a lower education level. All the other higher education levels had statistically significant scores (all p-values p < 0.001). When comparing knowledge according to countries, and using Peru as reference for comparison, Chile, Paraguay, Mexico, Bolivia, Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Colombia had a better level of knowledge (all p-values < 0.001); however, only El Salvador had a lower level (p < 0.001). Discussion: There was lack of knowledge of some topics, difference according to academic degree and country. As Peru was one of countries that obtained the lowest level of knowledge, it could have influenced the fact that it was the most affected country in the world.

Targeting Phospholipase D Pharmacologically Prevents Phagocytic Function Loss of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells Exposed to High Glucose Levels.

We previously described the participation of canonical phospholipase D isoforms (PLD1 and PLD2) in the inflammatory response of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells exposed to high glucose concentrations (HG). Here, we studied the role of the PLD pathway in RPE phagocytic function. For this purpose, ARPE-19 cells were exposed to HG (33 mM) or to normal glucose concentration (NG, 5.5 mM) and phagocytosis was measured using pHrodo™ green bioparticles® or photoreceptor outer segments (POS). HG exposure for 48 and 72 h reduced phagocytic function of ARPE-19 cells, and this loss of function was prevented when cells were treated with 5 µM of PLD1 (VU0359595 or PLD1i) or PLD2 (VU0285655-1 or PLD2i) selective inhibitors. Furthermore, PLD1i and PLD2i did not affect RPE phagocytosis under physiological conditions and prevented oxidative stress induced by HG. In addition, we demonstrated PLD1 and PLD2 expression in ABC cells, a novel human RPE cell line. Under physiological conditions, PLD1i and PLD2i did not affect ABC cell viability, and partial silencing of both PLDs did not affect ABC cell POS phagocytosis. In conclusion, PLD1i and PLD2i prevent the loss of phagocytic function of RPE cells exposed to HG without affecting RPE function or viability under non-inflammatory conditions.

Dialysis Care for US Military Veterans in Puerto Rico during the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at higher risk for increased mortality and morbidity due to disaster-related disruptions to care. We examine effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on access to dialysis care for US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ESKD patients in Puerto Rico. METHODS: A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study was conducted among VA patients with at least 1 dialysis-related encounter between September 6, 2016, and September 5, 2018. The annual number of dialysis encounters, visits to an emergency department (ED), and the number of deaths pre- and post-hurricanes were compared. A random effects logistic regression model for correlated binary outcomes was fitted for predictors of mortality. Chi-square tests were for differences between pre- and post-hurricane visits. RESULTS: The number of ED visits increased in post-hurricane period (1172 [5.7%] to 1195 [6.6%]; P < 0.001). ESKD-related ED visits increased from 200 (0.9%) to 227 (1.3%) (P < 0.05). Increase in mortality was associated with age (OR = 1.66; CI: 1.23-2.17), heart failure (OR = 2.07; CI: 1.26-3.40), chronic pulmonary disease (OR = 3.26; CI: 1.28-8.28), and sepsis (OR = 3.16; CI: 1.89-5.29). CONCLUSIONS: There was an increase in dialysis services at the San Juan VA Medical Center post-Irma/Maria, and access to dialysis care at the non-VA clinics was limited. The role of VA dialysis centers in providing care during disasters warrants further investigation.

My Deep Sea, My Backyard: a pilot study to build capacity for global deep-ocean exploration and research.

The deep ocean is the largest ecosystem on the planet, constituting greater than 90% of all habitable space. Over three-quarters of countries globally have deep ocean within their Exclusive Economic Zones. While maintaining deep-ocean function is key to ensuring planetary health, deficiencies in knowledge and governance, as well as inequitable global capacity, challenge our ability to safeguard the resilience of this vast realm, leaving the fate of the deep ocean in the hands of a few. Historically, deep-ocean scientific exploration and research have been the purview of a limited number of nations, resulting in most of humankind not knowing the deep ocean within their national jurisdiction or beyond. In this article, we highlight the inequities and need for increased deep-ocean knowledge generation, and discuss experiences in piloting an innovative project 'My Deep Sea, My Backyard' toward this goal. Recognizing that many deep-ocean endeavours take place in countries without deep-ocean access, this project aimed to reduce dependency on external expertise and promote local efforts in two small island developing states, Trinidad and Tobago and Kiribati, to explore their deep-sea backyards using comparatively low-cost technology while building lasting in-country capacity. We share lessons learned so future efforts can bring us closer to achieving this goal. This article is part of the theme issue 'Nurturing resilient marine ecosystems'.

Influence of physical activity on male fertility.

Infertility is a worldwide issue impacting 15% of couples' population. Male-related infertility results in almost 50% of these cases. Considering lifestyle factors associated with infertility, here in this literature review article, we aimed to discuss training/sport effects on male-related infertility. Regarding this issue, human and animal model studies related to the subject were gathered and analysed. Exercise is well known as a general improving factor, however, excessive exercise can result in male infertility due to reduced hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPT) function, increased oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Consequently, these underlying impacts result in a low testosterone production, and reduced semen quality, and can lead to infertility. In contrast, it has been revealed that exercise can improve male fertility status in lifestyle-induced infertility condition such as obesity and diabetes. Indeed, exercise, by increasing testicular antioxidant defence, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines level and enhancing the steroidogenesis process, leads to improved spermatogenesis and semen quality in lifestyle-induced infertility. In fact, it seems that individual health status as well as exercise volume, intensity and duration are effective-involved co-factors that influence the impact that exercise will promote on male fertility. Regarding these findings, it is important to study exercise different impacts in further clinical trials in order to generate preservative guidelines for exercise and also considering exercise as a treatment option in lifestyle-induced disease management.

Human papillomavirus infection and seroprevalence among female university students in Mexico.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted diseases, and the main etiology of cervical cancer. This study was aimed to assess type-specific cervical HPV prevalence and their association with HPV-specific antibodies in a cohort of female university students. HPV genotyping was performed by amplifying and sequencing a fragment of the L1 protein. A BLAST search was performed to identify HPV types. HPV-specific IgG antibodies were measured by ELISA in serum samples. A total of 129 women participated, with an average age of 21.75 years. The prevalence of vaginal HPV infection was 74.42%. The most predominant high-risk HPV types were 18 (13.95%), 31 (10.85%), and 16 (9.3%). We found that early age at coitarche and a higher number of sexual partners were significantly associated with a high prevalence of HPV infection. In addition to sexual behavior, we observed that the presence of serum-specific IgG antibodies against HPV can impact the prevalence of the virus. Seropositivity to HPV-16 and HPV-18 was associated with a lower prevalence of HPV-16, but not for other HPV types. Of note, there was a lower proportion of HPV-specific seropositivity in women who had the presence of the same HPV type in a cervical specimen, suggesting an immunoregulatory mechanism associated with the viral infection. In conclusion, the prevalence of HPV in university women was higher than expected and it was associated with early age of sexual debut, an increasing number of sexual partners, and a low proportion of HPV seropositivity.

Characterization of varicocele-induced animal models: Potential role of inflammasome complex in the varicocele pathophysiology.

Varicocele mechanisms and its impact in testicular dysfunction has been studied in order to understand the pathophysiology involved in this disease. However, study designs using testicular tissues from varicocele patients are restricted due to ethical limitations. Therefore, the use of animal models, mainly rats, that mimics varicocele and its effects is an option to develop new approaches. The surgical technique, that induces the varicocele in rats, is based on the partial obstruction of the left renal vein, leading to a dilation in the left spermatic vein and consequently to the pampiniform plexus, resulting in varicocele-induced condition. Thus, the study of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in varicocele development can be addressed in depth. Besides the animal model goal to uncover the exact varicocele pathophysiology, varicocele induced models are the best options to develop new non-surgical and less invasive therapies. Various animal model studies designed and investigated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents to face varicocele conditions. Minding this fact, we tried to discuss a newly uncovered complex in varicocele condition, known as inflammasome complex. Taking into consideration the possible inflammatory state present in varicocele, the inflammasome complex has been proposed to be involved in the pathophysiology of this disease.

Mecanismos de evasión tumoral a la respuesta inmune / Mechanisms of tumor evasion to the immune response

El desarrollo del cáncer se determina por la capacidad proliferativa de las células tumorales y por presentar facultades invasoras y de metastatizar a tejidos distantes. La compleja relación de la patología con el sistema inmunitario facilita la evolución de la enfermedad, por lo que mediante esta bidireccionalidad, la célula cancerígena tiene la capacidad de escapar de la regulación del huésped, evadiendo la respuesta inmune antitumoral, mediante mecanismos intrínsecos y extrínsecos. El objetivo de este manuscrito es describir a cabalidad y de una forma actualizada dichos mecanismos, con la finalidad de generar un impacto tangible y mayor conocimiento en la comunidad médico-científica sobre la génesis de posibles nuevos diagnósticos y tratamientos específicos que busquen disminuir las estadísticas de tan letal enfermedad. Para la realización de este trabajo, se hizo uso de las plataformas y bases de datos de PubMed, Google Académico, Scielo y Elsevier, durante un período de dos meses, así como de libros especializados en inmunología e inmunopatología, y artículos publicados en los últimos cinco años. Esta revisión narrativa permite incentivar la investigación de rutas de comunicación intercelulares que puedan cumplir en un futuro, quizás no muy lejano, con este propósito

Cancer's development is determined by the proliferative capacity of tumor cells and by presenting invasive abilities and to metastasize to distant tissues. The complex relationship of this pathology with the immune system facilitates its natural evolution; thus, this bidirectionality allows cancer cells to escape from the host's regulation, evading antitumoral immune responses, through intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. The aim of this manuscript is to describe exhaustively, and in the most updated way possible, said mechanisms, with the objective of generating a tangible impact and more awareness the medical-scientific community, regarding the genesis of possible new and more specific diagnostic and treatment options that diminish this lethal disease's statistics. The information used to write this article was obtained from medical digital archives, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scielo, and Elsevier, as well as specialized books in immunology and immunopathology, and articles published in the last five years. This narrative review encourages the investigation of intercellular communication routes that may be fulfilled, in the non-too distant future, for this purpose