Combined traditional Chinese medicine therapy for the treatment of infertility with polycystic ovary syndrome: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) infertility has attracted great attention from researchers due to its high incidence. Numerous studies have shown that Chinese medicine is effective in treating this disease, but there is a wide variety of Chinese medicine therapies available, and there is a lack of comparative evaluation of the efficacy of various Chinese medicine combination therapies in the clinic, which requires further in-depth exploration. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a combined traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy for the treatment of infertility with PCOS using network meta-analysis (NMA).

Analyzing the Clinical Efficacy of a Type 5 Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Combined With Ziyin Baihuo Granules in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.

The study explored the clinical efficacy of a type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDE5i) combined with Ziyin Baihuo granules in the treatment of patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) with yin deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome. A total of 163 patients with erectile dysfunction were divided into observation and control groups. The observation group took tadalafil (Cialis) and Ziyin Baihuo granules orally, and the control group took only tadalafil orally, for 12 weeks.

Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Asthma and the Risk of Stroke.

Introduction: Asthma and stroke share many risk factors. Previous meta-analysis has indicated that asthma is associated with an increased risk of stroke. However, this study were limited by the small number of articles included and the lack of subgroup analyses of different stroke types and different populations.

[Factors influencing recovery from childhood inguinal herniorrhaphy-induced vas deferens obstruction after microscopic vasovasostomy].

Objective: To investigate the factors influencing the recovery from childhood inguinal herniorrhaphy (IH)-induced vas deferens obstruction following microscopic vasovasostomy.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 41 cases of microscopic vasovasostomy for obstructive azoospermia in our hospital from July 2015 to September 2018. All the patients had a history of inguinal hernia treated by IH in the childhood.

[Blood biochemical indexes in ED patients with kidney deficiency or non-kidney deficiency: A comparative analysis of 156 cases].

Objective: To analyze the blood biochemical characteristics of the ED patients with different types of kidney deficiency or non-kidney deficiency.

Methods: We reviewed the clinical data on 156 ED patients treated in our Department of Andrology from May to July 2018 and, according to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes, divided them into four groups: kidney-yang deficiency (n = 48), kidney-yin deficiency (n = 34), kidney-yin+yang deficiency (n = 36) and non-kidney deficiency control (n = 38). We obtained and compared their blood biochemical indexes, including the levels of testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), cortisol (CORT), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), nitric oxide (NO), total nitric oxide synthase (tNOS), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).

Association of acute kidney injury and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 in Shenzhen, China: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) was found in some patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and accompanied with poor outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of AKI with clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Methods: In this cohort study, we reviewed electronic medical data from patients with COVID-19 in Shenzhen from January 11 to February 19, 2020.

Methionine as a methyl donor regulates caste differentiation in the European honey bee (Apis mellifera).

Nutrition contributes to honey bee caste differentiation, but the role of individual nutrients is still unclear. Most essential amino acid contents, except that of methionine (Met), are greater in royal jelly than worker jelly. After ∼3.

[Efficacy and safety of regular use of sildenafil in the treatment of penile erectile dysfunction].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of regular oral use of sildenafil in the treatment of ED.

Methods: We randomly divided 334 ED patients into three groups to be treated orally with sildenafil tablets at 50 mg qd (sildenafil regular), sildenafil tablets at 100 mg 30 minutes before intercourse (sildenafil on-demand), and tadalafil tablets at 10 mg qd (tadalafil regular), all for 3 months. Then we recorded the IIEF-5 score and penile erection hardness score (EHS) and adverse reactions and compared them among the three groups of patients.

[Correlation of male libido with the levels of serum reproductive hormones].

Objective: To investigate the correlation between male libido and the levels of serum reproductive hormones.

Methods: We collected the clinical data on 134 men complaining of low or decreased sexual desire at our clinic of andrology from January 2013 to July 2018. According to the scores on the 13-item Self-Rating Libido Scale for Males (SRLS-M), we divided the subjects into a low libido (n = 68) and a normal libido group (n = 66), none with thyroid and adrenal diseases, liver and kidney diseases, or administration of drugs affecting sexual function and reproductive hormones in the past two weeks.

Instant ghost imaging: algorithm and on-chip implementation.

Ghost imaging (GI) is an imaging technique that uses the correlation between two light beams to reconstruct the image of an object. Conventional GI algorithms require large memory space to store the measured data and perform complicated offline calculations, limiting practical applications of GI. Here we develop an instant ghost imaging (IGI) technique with a differential algorithm and an implemented high-speed on-chip IGI hardware system.

Icariside II Promotes the Differentiation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells to Schwann Cells to Preserve Erectile Function after Cavernous Nerve Injury.

Icariside II (ICA II) is used in erectile dysfunction treatment. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are efficient at improving erectile function. This study aimed to explore the action mechanism of ADSCs in improving erectile function.

Laparoscopic Subcutaneous Transposition of a Pedicled Adrenal for ACTH-Independent Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia.

Background And Purpose: Bilateral adrenalectomy or unilateral adrenalectomy and contralateral partial adrenalectomy are indicated for the treatment of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Independent of the surgical procedure, the prognosis is poor. This article discusses a new treatment method and its efficacy for treating nodular adrenal hyperplasia.

[Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy for the treatment of vesiculitis with hemospermia:A report of 64 cases].

Objective: To explore the treatment of vesiculitis with hemospermia by transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy.

Methods: We treated 64 cases of vesiculitis with hemospermia by transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy. During the operation,we removed the stones and inflammatory substances and collected seminal vesicle fluid to be cultured for bacteria,ureaplasma urealyticum(UU),chlamydia trachomatis(CT),and mycoplasma hominis(MH),followed by infusion of levofloxacin at 0.

Laparoscopic Extravascular Stent Placement for Nutcracker Syndrome: A Report of 13 Cases.

Objective: To report our techniques and experience of laparoscopic extravascular stent placement for nutcracker syndrome.

Patients And Methods: This study included 13 nutcracker syndrome patients who were treated by laparoscopic extravascular stent placement from June 2009 to August 2013. Clinical and surgical data and short-term outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

Association of BTBD7 with Metastasis and Poor Prognosis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients.

Metastasis in lung cancer portends a poor prognosis, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in lung cancer cells is considered a prerequisite to achieve metastatic potential. Recent studies indicate that BTB/POZ domain-containing protein 7 (BTBD7) regulates EMT-associated proteins in human malignancies and however, the role of BTBD7 in lung cancer have not been identified. In present study, we examined BTBD7 expression status and its association with unfavorable clinical features in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Safety and efficacy of a novel plastic stent coated with stone-dissolving agents for the treatment of biliary stones in a porcine model.

Background And Study Aim: We previously reported on a plastic stent that was coated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sodium cholate, which dissolved common bile duct (CBD) stones ex vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of such stents on biliary stones in a live porcine model.

Methods: Stents without coating or with degradable membranes containing 0 % or 50 % EDTA and sodium cholate were inserted together with human CBD stones into the porcine CBD.

Comparison of carotid and lower limb atherosclerotic lesions in both previously known and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Aims/introduction: To compare carotid and lower limb atherosclerotic lesions, and examine if carotid atherosclerotic lesions are in line with lower limb atherosclerotic lesions, and can reflect generalized atherosclerosis in inpatients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials And Methods: This was an observational study carried out in 867 Chinese inpatients with type 2 diabetes, including 573 previously known and 294 newly diagnosed patients. Ultrasonographic assessments of intima-media thickness (IMT), plaques, and stenosis in the carotid and lower limb arteries were evaluated.

[Application of gene knockout technology in spermatogenesis-associated gene study].

The gene approach to the pathogenesis of male infertility may bring about some strategies for the diagnosis and manage of the condition. Gene knockout technology is the mainstream method currently used in the study of gene function. Screening and identification of testis-specific genes and insights into their features and functions in spermatogenesis are significant for a further understanding of testicular functions and searching for new therapeutic targets for male reproductive disorders.

The effect of a novel drug-eluting plastic stent on biliary stone dissolution in an ex vivo bile perfusion model.

Background: Temporary plastic stent insertion has been considered a safe and effective bridge therapy for difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones. Infusing chemicals to directly dissolve stones through the bile duct might also be effective. However, there are no studies on the efficacy of the combination of these 2 approaches.

[Radiation-induced oxidative stress and claudin-11 mRNA expression in the testis].

Objective: To investigate the role of claudin-11, a tight junction component of Sertoli cells, in spermatogenic dysfunction induced by oxidative stress in mice exposed to local radiation.

Methods: We randomly allocated 48 male Kunming mice to a blank control group (A) and three radiation groups (B, C and D) of equal number, the latter three exposed to local radiation of the lower abdomen with 2 Gy, 6 Gy and 10 Gy of 60Co-gamma-ray, respectively, to induce oxidative stress. Four weeks later, we killed the animals, obtained their body and testis weights, observed the histological changes of the testis by HE staining, measured the levels of serum FSH, testosterone and LH by ELISA, and determined the mRNA levels of claudin-11 and inhibin beta B in Sertoli cells by real time quantitative PCR.

[Protective effects of puerarin on 60Co-gamma-induced acute injury of sertoli cells of testis in mice].

Objective: To study the protective effects of puerarin on 60Co-y-induced acute injury of sertoli cells of testis in mice and the mechanisms for its radiation protection.

Methods: Forty male Wistar mice were randomly divided into four groups, i. e.

Overexpression of DNA damage-induced 45 α gene contributes to esophageal squamous cell cancer by promoter hypomethylation.

Background: Environmental factors-induced dysfunction of esophageal squamous epithelium, including genomic DNA impairment and apoptosis, play an important role in the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell cancer. DNA damage-induced 45α (GADD45α) has been found promoting DNA repair and removing methylation marker, Therefore, in this study we will investigate whether GADD45α expression is induced and its mechanism in esophageal squamous cell cancer.

Methods: Two human esophageal squamous cell lines (ESCC), ECA109 and KYSE510 were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS).

[Passive leg raising predicts volume responsiveness in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock].

Objective: To evaluate the role of passive leg raising (PLR) test in predicting volume responsiveness in severe sepsis and septic shock patients.

Methods: Thirty severe sepsis and septic shock patients in intensive care unit (ICU) of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital were prospectively observed from February 2009 to January 2010. The hemodynamics including stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were measured non invasively by ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM) device in the supine position, during PLR and after volume expansion (VE), and invasive arterial blood pressure and central venous pressure (CVP) were monitored consecutively.

[Chinese medicinal monomer and compound for 60Co-gamma-induced spermatogenic disturbance in mice].

Objective: To explore the effects of the monomer and compound of the Chinese herbal drugs resveratrol, lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) and icariin on 60Co-gamma-induced spermatogenic disturbance in mice based on the theory of modern Chinese medicine.

Methods: A total of 105 male Kunming mice were randomly divided into seven groups, with 15 in each. Group A were normally raised and Groups B, C, D, E, F and G irradiated by 60Co-gamma 6 Gy followed by 60Co-gamma 4 Gy at the interval of 7 days.