[Distribution of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types of male infertility in Chengdu area].

Objective: To explore the distribution characteristics of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome types of male infertility in Chengdu area, China, in order to provide some objective evidence for the clinical treatment and studies of male infertility.

Methods: We collected the clinical data on 500 cases of male infertility treated in the outpatient and inpatient departments of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine and Chengdu Hospital for Reproduction, Women and Children from January to December 2017. Based on the results of examinations using the four diagnostic methods of TCM, namely, observation, auscultation and olfaction, interrogation, and palpation, we differentiated the TCM syndromes of the patients and analyzed the distribution characteristics of the syndrome types.

Platelet desialylation is a novel mechanism and a therapeutic target in thrombocytopenia during sepsis: an open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Background: Studies in murine models suggested that platelet desialylation was an important mechanism of thrombocytopenia during sepsis.

Methods: First, we performed a prospective, multicenter, observational study that enrolled septic patients with or without thrombocytopenia to determine the association between platelet desialylation and thrombocytopenia in patients with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. Gender- and age-matched healthy adults were selected as normal controls in analysis of the platelet desialylation levels (study I).

Assessment of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome using B-type brain natriuretic peptide.

Objectives: To investigate the clinical value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in the assessment of severity and prognosis in acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS).

Methods: Plasma BNP level, arterial blood gases, serum C-reactive protein level, alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference and oxygenation index were measured in patients with and without ALI/ARDS within 24 h of admission to an intensive care unit. Patients with ALI/ARDS were divided into mild, moderate or severe groups according to the degree of hypoxaemia.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for T1a renal tumors is safe and feasible.

Background: Some patients with exophytic renal masses less than 4 cm and suboptimal renal function, or a solitary kidney and bilateral renal tumors are considered for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), which is feasible for early-stage renal tumors, although it is still considered technically difficult and time consuming. Shortening the time of the operation and renal warm ischemia are required urgently. In this study, we report our initial experiences of LPN, especially with some improved surgical techniques.