The urothelium displays mechano- and chemosensory functions via numerous receptors and channels. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) detects extracellular calcium and modulates several physiological functions. Nonetheless, information about the expression and the role of CaSR in lower urinary tract has been absent. We aimed to determine the existence of urothelial CaSR in urinary bladder and its effect on micturition function. We utilized Western blot to confirm the expression of CaSR in bladder and used immunofluorescence to verify the location of the CaSR in the bladder urothelium via colocalization with uroplakin III A. The activation of urothelial CaSR via the CaSR agonist, AC-265347 (AC), decreased urinary bladder smooth muscle (detrusor) activity, whereas its inhibition via the CaSR antagonist, NPS-2143 hydrochloride (NPS), increased detrusor activity in in vitro myography experiments. Cystometry, bladder nerve activities recording, and bladder surface microcirculation detection were conducted to evaluate the effects of the urothelial CaSR via intravesical administrations. Intravesical AC inhibited micturition reflex, bladder afferent and efferent nerve activities, and reversed cystitis-induced bladder hyperactivity. The urothelial CaSR demonstrated a chemosensory function, and modulated micturition reflex via regulating detrusor activity. This study provided further evidence of how the urothelial CaSR mediated micturition and implicated the urothelial CaSR as a potential pharmacotherapeutic target in the intervention of bladder disorders.
Objective: Numerous mobile apps designed for men who have sex with men (MSM) are launched in recent years, potentially serving as crucial platforms for disseminating sexual health information and promoting healthy sexual behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of dating apps for MSM on the apps market and analyze the sexual health information they provide. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in major apps platforms in China (including Apple, OPPO, Huawei, and Tencent) to identify current MSM dating apps. Apps fitting the inclusion criteria were independently assessed by two MSM users via using the User Version of Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS), a user-assessed quality scale for mobile apps. Results: Fifty mobile apps were identified and assessed, with an overall uMARS score of 3.64 ± 0.53 out of 5. More than half (29 out of 50) of apps included sexual health information. Conclusions: The overall quality of the apps was satisfactory, whereas significant variations existed in sexual health information content and focus. It is recommended that app developers can further collaborate with public health experts to enhance the accuracy and utility of sexual health information on these platforms.
1 October 2025 in Journal of Public Health Research
Background: The prevalence and characteristics of falls among community-dwelling Cantonese-speaking older adults in Southern China have not been previously investigated. Design and methods: The observational study enrolling 212 community-dwelling Cantonese-speaking older adults was conducted via self-administered questionnaire. Participants’ demographics, fall characteristics, and the belief and attitude score regarding falls were collected and analyzed. Results: The prevalence of falls was 30.66%. Poor self-care ability and the linguistic barrier during fall prevention education were associated with history of both single fall and multiple falls. Fall prevention education combining text, video, interviews, and consultation delivered in Cantonese was protective factor associated with single fall and multiple falls. Population experiencing multiple falls expressed unconcern for the fall-prone attire, fall-prone indoor environments and fall risk-increasing drugs. Conclusion: The community-dwelling Cantonese-speaking older adults demonstrated distinct fall characteristics and notably high fall prevalence. Linguistic barrier could be the noteworthy risk factor for falls, which should be improved with tailored fall prevention programs and thoughtful health policies.