[Research progress in functional regeneration methods and mechanisms of taste buds]

Gustation is one of the most important human senses. Taste dysfunctions, which may be due to aging, tongue cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, affect life quality. That is why the need for taste bud regeneration has received more attention. At present, research on development and renewal of taste cells provides a basis for taste bud regeneration; molecular mechanisms related to taste bud regeneration are being continuously uncoverd, aiding in the identification of more accurate targets for therapy. New methods such as nerve regeneration, tissue engineering, and cytokine therapy have emerged. The author reviews the mechanism and the latest methods of taste bud regeneration of lingual epithelium, aiming to open new horizions for the prevention and treatment of gustatory diseases, and provide theoretical references for its regeneration.

[Diagnostic value of high frequency oscillation in localization of type Ⅱ focal cortical dysplasia epilepsy]

Retrospective analysis was conducted on 9 patients with type Ⅱ focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) who underwent stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) implantation in the Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from November 2020 to February 2023. The onset area, onset time, and frequency of high-frequency oscillations (HFO) were analyzed and the correlation of HFOs with interictal, preictal, and ictal periods. SEEG recordings of 80-500 Hz HFOs were observed in both interictal and ictal periods in 9 patients, with 6 patients exhibiting fast ripples (FR) in the range of 250-500 Hz. Surgical resection of the seizure onset area and FR-generating electrodes was performed, and postoperative follow-up for over 2 years indicated Engel I in 5 cases. 6 patients showed continuous discharge during the preictal period, and the distribution index of continuous discharge was positively correlated with seizure frequency. HFOs in the range of 80-500 Hz were present in all four seizure onset patterns during the ictal period. The onset area and FR-emitting electrode were surgically removed in 6 patients with continuous discharge and overlapping HFOs during the preictal period, with 5 cases of Engel I. Type Ⅱ FCD discharges exhibited complexity, high discharge indices, and a close association with HFOs. Compared with the spike wave, the electrode range of HF is more limited, and the incidence of HF before attack is significantly increased, which is closely correlated with the onset area. The simultaneous occurrence of HFO and the spike waves has higher diagnostic value than the individual occurrence, effectively enhancing surgical efficacy.

[Mediating effects of obesity and metabolic factors in hyperuricemia and prehypertension]

Objective: To assess the mediating effects of obesity and metabolic factors in the relationship between hyperuricemia (HUA) and prehypertension. Methods: A total of 9 399 individuals were selected using a multistage stratified whole-group random sampling method from 90 villages (neighborhood committees) in 30 towns (streets) of 5 districts (counties) in Fuzhou. A total of 4 754 study subjects were included. A linear regression model was used to analyze the association of HUA with obesity and metabolic factors. Single-factor and multi-factor logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of HUA, obesity, and metabolic factors with prehypertension. Mediating effects models were used to analyze the mediating effects of obesity and metabolic factors on the association between HUA and prehypertension. Results: After adjusting for confounders, the association between HUA and cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, BMI, waist circumference, creatinine, and urea nitrogen were significantly correlated (P<0.001). HUA, waist circumference, BMI, and triglycerides were significantly associated with prehypertension (P<0.001). Waist circumference, BMI, and triglycerides mediated the relationship between HUA and prehypertension, with OR (95%CI) of 1.018 (1.007-1.027), 1.010 (1.002-1.018), and 1.010 (1.003-1.017) (P<0.001), with mediating proportions of 7.76%, 4.31%, and 4.31% respectively. No mediating effect of cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, creatinine, and urea nitrogen was found on the relationship (P>0.05). Conclusions: Waist circumference, BMI, and triglycerides all had mediating effects in the association between HUA and prehypertension. For the general population, weight control, waist circumference, and a high-fat diet should be used to reduce the occurrence of prehypertension.

Effects of drinking water temperature in winter on growth performance, water consumption, surface temperature, and intestinal development of geese from 21 to 49 days of age

This research aimed to investigate the effects of drinking water temperatures on growth performance, water consumption, surface temperature, organ indices, blood parameters, and intestinal development of geese, and determine the optimal drinking water temperature for 21 to 49-d geese. A total of 192 twenty-one-day male Yuzhou white geese were allocated randomly to 4 groups with 8 replicate pens per group according to the drinking water temperature (drinking water temperature [7℃-12℃] at ambient temperature [T_C], 18℃ [T₁], 27℃ [T₂], and 36℃ [T₃], respectively). The results showed that increasing drinking water temperature did not significantly improve the BW, ADG, and ADFI of geese (P > 0.05), whereas drinking warm water of 36℃ for geese had a trend to increase FCR (0.05 < P < 0.1). Geese in group T₂ drank the most water per day on average, whereas geese in group T_C drank the least (P < 0.001). Geese in groups T₁, T₂, and T₃ had higher eyes temperatures than group T_C (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found on the organ indices and blood biochemical parameters (P > 0.05). Geese from group T₁ had higher crypt depth and muscularis thickness of duodenum (P < 0.05), and lower ratio of villus height to crypt depth than other groups (P < 0.001). Geese from group T₁ had higher activities of trypsin in duodenum and jejuna and amylase in jejuna at 49 d than other groups (P < 0.01). Overall, these data indicate drinking water at 18℃ can increase water consumption and eyes temperature, and improve the activity of digestive enzymes and promote intestinal development. Under our experimental conditions, we recommend that the optimal drinking water temperature for geese from 21 to 49 d of age is 18°C.

[Clinical pathologic analysis and review of literature on 11 cases of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor]

Objective: To improve the understanding of histological variants of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT). Methods: In this retrospective study, 11 cases of CEOT diagnosed from January 2008 to March 2022 were enrolled in the Department of Oral Pathology of Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University. Among them, 10 were male and 1 was female. The patients were 19 to 58 years old [(43.0±11.9) years] and the course of disease was 2 weeks to 5 years. The clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed and the follow-up of patients ranged from 1 to 8 years, including 8 cases with follow-up data and 3 cases lost to follow-up. Furthermore, the related domestic and international literature was reviewed. Results: Eleven cases of CEOT included 6 cases of classic CEOT, 2 cases of clear cell CEOT, 2 cases of Langerhans cell-rich variant of CEOT and 1 case of non-calcified CEOT. In 6 cases of classic CEOT, the ratio of occurrence in mandible to maxilla was 2∶1, the ratio in central parts to peripheral parts was 5∶1, 2 cases were associated with unerupted teeth and 3 cases showed local aggressiveness. Histopathologically, classic CEOT showed eosinophilic epithelial cells, amyloid and calcification with Ki-67 value<5%. Among 4 cases with follow-up information, 1 case recurred after 1 year and 3 cases did not recur for 3 to 8 years. In 2 cases of clear cell CEOT, they both occurred in the periphery of mandible, pathologically showing a mix of lamellar balloon-like clear cells and typical CEOT, positive for CK5/6 and p63 in the area where the epithelial cells and clear cells were located, scattered positive for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) in clear cells, which indicated the presence of glycogen. The maximum Ki-67 value was 5% in this type. One case lost to follow-up and the other case did not recur for 1 year follow-up after surgery. In 2 cases of Langerhans cell-rich variant of CEOT, they were cystic solid lesions and both occurred in the anterior maxilla. Langerhans cells were scattered in the epithelium and non-calcified amyloid glomeruli were present. Two cases were followed up for 1 year and 2 years without recurrence after surgery. One case of non-calcified CEOT that occurs within the jan showed invasion of surrounding soft tissues and the highest of Ki-67 value at 8% in all 11 cases without recurrence at 1 year follow-up. Conclusions: The histological pattern of classic CEOT is unique, and it is necessary to prompt the understanding of several histological variants derived from it.

Effects of feed trough positioning height on growth performance, feed loss, feeding environment, and behavior of geese

In the traditional feeding pattern of geese, the feed trough will be placed on the ground for a long time and hurts the living environment. This research aimed to investigate the effect of 4 different feed trough positioning heights on growth performance, blood parameters, feed loss, water consumption, feeding environment, and behavior of geese and determine the optimal trough positioning height for 28 to 70-d geese. A total of one hundred ninty-two 28-d male Yuzhou white geese were allocated randomly to 4 groups with 6 replicate pens per group according to the trough positioning height (on the ground [D], one-third [L], two-thirds [M], and the same height of geese's beak above the ground [H], respectively). The results show that the growth performance and blood biochemical parameters have no significant difference among groups (P > 0.05). The average daily feed loss and water consumption presented the lowest value in group H (P < 0.01). The hygienic condition index of the feed and feed trough increased as trough positioning height. Feed from group H had a higher cleanliness score than other groups (P < 0.001). The count of microbes (total bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli) on the surface of the feed trough from group H was lower than other groups (P < 0.001). Geese from group H had shorter daily feeding and drinking time than other groups (P < 0.05). Overall, these data indicate the same trough positioning height with geese's beaks could lower feed loss, and water consumption and improve hygienic conditions without damage to growth performance and will be the optimal choice for geese.

[Correlations between resting-state brain functional characteristics and TCM syndrome in premature ejaculation patients with heart-kidney disharmony]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between the characteristics of resting-state brain function and the types of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome in premature ejaculation (PE) patients with heart-kidney disharmony, and the pathogenesis of abnormal ejaculation of the patients.

METHODS

We enrolled 33 PE patients with heart-kidney disharmony and 32 healthy controls matched in general demographic data, evaluated the severity of the main and concurrent symptoms of PE using the PE Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) and TCM Syndrome Scale (TCMSS), and obtained the brain structural and functional MRI data. We processed the collected data and calculated the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (Reho) of the brain with the DPABI software. Using the REST software package, we compared the significantly different brain areas between the PE and control groups by two-sample t-test and corrected the results for multiple comparisons by AlphaSim, followed by Pearson correlation analysis of ALFF, fALFF and Reho in abnormal brain areas and the PEDT and CMSS scores of the patients.

RESULTS

The PE patients showed decreased ALFF values in the bilateral inferior temporal gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus and left orbital part of the inferior frontal gyrus, and increased ALFF values in the bilateral hippocampus, thalamus and precuneus, right inferior occipital gyrus, right calcarine and left inferior parietal, with positive correlations of the ALFF values of the left thalamus with the scores on PEDT (r = 0.35, P < 0.05) and TCMSS (r = 0.44, P < 0.05). The fALFF values of the patients were also decreased in the left temporal pole of the middle temporal gyrus and left anterior cingulate gyrus, but increased in the left inferior temporal gyrus. The Reho values of the patients were decreased as well in the right inferior temporal gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus, right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus and right precuneus, but increased in the left temporal pole of the middle temporal gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus and left superior frontal gyrus, with negative correlations between the Reho value of the right superior parietal gyrus and TCMSS scores (r = －0.35, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Abnormal brain regions were found in PE patients with heart-kidney disharmony, with might be the pathologically associated with PE symptoms and heart-kidney disharmony of the patients.

[Analysis on the imported Coronavirus Disease 2019 related cluster epidemic in rural areas of Chengdu]

An epidemiological investigation was carried out on a local cluster of outbreak caused by imported cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in rural areas of Chengdu in December 2020, to find out the source of infection and the chain of transmission. According to Prevention and Control Protocol for COVID-19 (Version 7), field epidemiological investigation was adopted, combined with big data technology, video image investigation, gene sequencing and other methods to carry out investigation into COVID-19 cases and infections source tracing, analyze the epidemiological association, and map the chain of transmission. From December 7 to 17, 2020, 13 local COVID-19 confirmed cases and 1 asymptomatic case were diagnosed in Chengdu, of which 12 cases (85.71%) had a history of residence and activity in the village courtyard of Taiping (TP), Pidu (P) District, Chengdu. From November 8, 2020 to November 28, 2020, a group of inbound people form Nepal were transferred to the designated entry personnel quarantine hotel of P District which was adjacent to the TP village. During quarantine, there were 5 cases who tested positive for COVID-19. Through gene sequencing alignment, genes of local cases and Nepalese imported cases from the same period are homologous, all belong to the lineage of L2.2.3 (B.1.36 according to Pangolin lineage typing method). According to the results of field epidemiological investigation and gene sequencing analysis, the index case was most likely infected by contact with household waste of quarantine site. Under the situation of normalization prevention and control of COVID-19, sentinel monitoring of fever clinics in primary medical institutions is the key to early detection of the epidemic. The multi-department joint epidemiological investigation and the application of gene technology are the core links of the investigation and traceability of modern infectious diseases. The allocation of public health resources in rural areas needs to be strengthened. We need to improve the capacity for early surveillance and early warning of the epidemic in rural areas.

Effect of stocking density on growth performance, feather quality, serum hormone, and intestinal development of geese from 1 to 14 days of age

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of stocking density on growth performance, feather quality, serum hormone, and intestinal development of geese from 1 to 14 d of age. A total of 450 one-day-old geese were randomly allotted to 45 battery cage (0.65 m × 0.62 m) pens according to 5 stocking densities (15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 birds/m²). The results showed that ADG and ADFI were reduced (P < 0.05) as stocking density increased from 15 to 35 birds/m², but increasing stocking density did not influence (P > 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) and body measurement traits. High stocking density significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the feather quality of back, thoracoabdominal, wing, and tail. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in serum concentration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, cortisol, corticosterone, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine. The weight of cecum and intestine decreased (P < 0.05) as the stocking density increased. Increasing stocking density decreased (P < 0.05) jejunal villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, and increased (P < 0.05) jejunal crypt depth and ileal crypt depth in geese. Consequently, the high stocking density could depress the growth and impaired feather quality and intestinal development of geese. Under our experimental conditions, we recommend that the stocking density of geese from 1 to 14 d of age should not more than 20 birds/m².

[Clinical analysis of 9 cases of a novel stent assisted intestinal bypass for preventing anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic assisted radical resection of rectal cancer]

Objective: To examine the safety and effectiveness of a novel stent assisted intestinal bypass for preventing anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic assisted radical resection of rectal cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 9 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical resection and stent assisted intestinal bypass from September 2019 to June 2020 at the Department of Anus & Intestine Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 3 females, aged (62.1±6.8) years (range: 53 to 75 years), underwent laparoscopic assisted radical resection of rectal cancer and stent assisted intestinal bypass. A degradable diverting stent was placed at the end of the ileum, and a drainage tube was placed at the proximal end of the stent to bypass the intestinal contents. After operation, the patients were given a diet with less residue. From the 14^th day after operation, abdomen X-ray films were taken every 5 to 7 days to observe the destination of the stent dynamically. When the stent was observed to be disintegrated into pieces, the drainage tube was clamped for 3 days to observe any side effects before the tube was removed. The operation time, the time of removing the bypass tube and the total hospital stay were recorded. Results: Laparoscopic assisted radical resection of rectal cancer and stent assisted intestinal bypass were successfully performed in all patients. The operation time was (230.4±48.0) minutes (range: 150 to 318 minutes), and the time of removing shunt tube was (28.8±4.6) days (range: 22 to 34 days). The duration of hospitalization was (21.0±8.6) days (range: 9 to 34 days). Postoperative pathological examination showed 7 cases of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, 1 case of moderately well differentiated adenocarcinoma and 1 case of mucinous adenocarcinoma. There were 2 cases of T1, 4 cases of T2 and 3 cases of T3. The number of lymph node dissection was 13.4±3.5 (range: 6 to 18), 3 cases were positive and 6 cases were negative. The post-operation follow-up time was 6 to 16 months, no anastomotic leakage or stenosis was found. Conclusion: Stent assisted intestinal bypass for the prevention of anastomotic leakage in laparoscopic assisted radical resection of rectal cancer is safe and feasible, and shows good short-term effect.

[Associations between the efficiency of the brain white matter network and clinical symptoms in patients with type Ⅲ B prostatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes in the topological properties of the global and local nodal efficiencies of the brain white matter network in patients with type III B prostatitis, and to analyze the correlation between the information transmission efficiency of different brain regions and pelvic pain.

METHODS

We enrolled 19 patients with type Ⅲ B prostatitis and 32 normal controls matched in general demographic data for this study. We assessed the pelvic pain of the patients based on the NIH-CPSI, obtained the structural and diffusion-weighted MR images of the brain, preprocessed the MRI data, constructed the brain structural networks and calculated the topological properties of the nodal local and global efficiencies using the FSL software package and brain connection toolbox. Finally, we compared the topological properties between the two groups by t-test with the SPSS 20 software, performed multiple correction of the values using the false discovery rate (FDR) method, and investigated the associations of the altered brain regions with the NIH-CPSI scores by Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The global efficiency of the orbital part of the right median frontal gyrus in the patients with type Ⅲ B prostatitis, compared with that in the normal controls, was dramatically decreased (0.095 ± 0.046 vs 0.13 ± 0.015, P < 0.01) while that of the left median cingulate gyrus markedly increased (0.16 ± 0.027 vs 0.14 ± 0.019, P < 0.01), which were corrected by FDR. The local efficiency of the left median cingulate gyrus was also remarkably decreased in the patients as compared with that in the controls (0.25 ± 0.075 vs 0.19 ± 0.036, P < 0.01), and so was that of the left paracentral lobule (0.25 ± 0.088 vs 0.17 ± 0.065, P < 0.01), which were corrected by FDR. In the patients, the local efficiencies of the left precuneus (r = 0.46, P = 0.045), right supplementary motor area (r = 0.47, P = 0.043) and left median cingulate gyrus (r = 0.60, P = 0.0065) were positively correlated with the total score of NIH-CPSI, the scores of pain and discomfort symptoms, and the scores of the influence of the symptoms on the quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The changes of the brain regions in the executive control network of the patient with type Ⅲ B prostatitis might be involved in enhancing his sensitivity to pain and discomfort, and consequently lead to pelvic pain and discomfort.

[Cordyceps sinensis combined with Jujing Pills for male infertility]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical effect and safety of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) combined with Jujing Pills (JJP) in the treatment of male infertility.

METHODS

We randomly divided 90 male infertility patients into three groups of an equal number and treated them with JJP tid 5g once, CS bid 1g once and CS+JJP, respectively, all for 12 weeks. Before and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of medication, we obtained the semen volume, sperm concentration, percentages of progressively motile sperm (PMS) and morphologically normal sperm (MNS) and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and compared them between the two groups of patients.

RESULTS

The total therapeutic effectiveness rate was significantly higher in the CS+JJP than in the CS and JJP groups (96.42% vs 78.57% and 63.33%, P < 0.05), and so was PMS (［30.05 ± 10.24］% vs ［24.74 ± 11.24］% and ［22.71 ± 13.60］%, P < 0.01). The CS+JJP group also showed a higher percentage of MNS than the JJP group (［4.16 ± 2.86］% vs ［2.73 ± 1.86］%, P < 0.01) but lower than the CS group (［5.03 ± 2.99］%) (P < 0.05). The sperm DFI was markedly lower in the CS+JJP than in the CS and JJP groups (［15.26 ± 6.93］% vs ［15.90 ± 7.39］% and ［16.85 ± 8.52］%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cordyceps sinensis combined with Jujing Pills can effectively improve sperm quality and reduce sperm DFI. Based on the TCM theory of "mutual generation between metal and water", Cordyceps sinensis can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the kidney-tonifying therapy.

Effect of feeding frequency on the growth performance, carcass traits, and apparent nutrient digestibility in geese

This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding frequency on growth performance, carcass traits, and apparent nutrient digestibility in geese from 28 to 70 D of age. In experiment 1, a total of 240 geese were distributed in a completely randomized design into 4 treatments and 6 replicates of 10 birds each. The treatments were free access to the feeder (ad libitum) and access to the feeder 3, 4, and 5 times daily. Geese fed 3 times daily had a lower (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, and ADFI and a higher (P = 0.064) feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 28 to 41 D of age compared with the other groups. Geese fed 4 times daily had a higher (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI and a lower (P < 0.05) FCR from 42 to 55 D of age compared with ad libitum fed geese. Geese fed 3 times daily had a higher (P < 0.05) ADG from 56 to 69 D of age than geese fed ad libitum and 4 times daily. No differences (P > 0.05) in BW, ADFI, ADG, and FCR were observed between ad libitum and feeding frequency groups from 28 to 69 D of age. Carcass traits and gastrointestinal development were not affected (P > 0.05) by feeding frequency. In experiment 2, the apparent nutrient digestibility in geese from 71 to 77 D of age fed using different feeding frequencies was determined using the total fecal collection method. Feeding frequency did not affect (P > 0.05) the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, crude ash, calcium, phosphorous, or ether extract in geese. Our study demonstrates for the first time that compensatory growth can be gained by enhancing feed intake when a lower feeding frequency is imposed on geese. Both ad libitum feeding and fixed feeding frequency for 3 to 5 times daily are suitable for geese from 28 to 70 D of age to achieve optimum production.

[Acupuncture therapy for chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome and its central neural mechanisms]

Chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is one of the common diseases in andrology, with the main clinical symptoms of long-term and repeated pain or discomfort in the pelvic region. Acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of CP/CPPS-related pelvic pain and discomfort with rapid and long-lasting effects, and its combination with Western medicine can produce an even better effect than Western medicine alone. At present, various theories have been advanced on the action mechanisms of the acupuncture therapy for CP/CPPS, involving immunoregulation, improvement of inflammatory response, and so on, but all fail to give a full explanation. With the development of neuroimaging technology, CP/CPPS patients are found with changes in the structure and function of the brain, and a large number of studies have confirmed the effect of acupuncture in improving the cerebral function and structure of the patients with chronic pain symptoms. This review outlines the advances in the studies of acupuncture therapy for CP/CPPS and its underlying central neural mechanisms, paving the theoretical ground for a deeper insight into the central neural mechanisms of and an optimized protocol for acupuncture treatment of CP/CPPS-related pain symptoms.

[Safety of laser treatment for peri-implantitis: a review]

The peri-implantitis, one of the complications of dental implant surgery, has been bothered clinicians and researchers experts and scholars. Recently, laser, as an adjuvant therapy, has been applied to the treatment of peri-implantitis and achieved satisfactory results. The present review summarized the safety application of laser treatment for peri-implantitis.

[Psychological factors and penile blood supply in patients with erectile dysfunction]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the psychological factors and blood supply to the penis in ED patients.

METHODS

From August to November 2018, we obtained Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) scores and conducted an Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) investigation among 106 ED patients in our Department of Andrology, followed by the test of intracavernosal injection of the vasoactive agent (ICI-VAA) and color duplex Doppler ultrasonography (CDDU). According to the results of ICI-VAA and CDDU, we divided the patients into a normal and an abnormal group, compared their item and total scores on SCL-90 with the national norm by t-test and analyzed the distribution of personality types in different groups by Chi-square test.

RESULTS

The results of ICI-VAA and CDDU showed 42 cases to be normal and the other 64 abnormal. Compared with the normal group, the abnormal cases exhibited significantly decreased peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the left and right corpus cavernosum (［30.90 ± 6.83］ vs ［19.39 ± 5.07］ cm/s, P < 0.01; ［30.74 ± 7.00］ vs ［18.98 ± 4.57］ cm/s, P < 0.01), but increased end-diastolic velocity (EDV) in the left corpus cavernosum (［1.77 ± 2.38］ vs ［3.21 ± 2.78］ cm/s, P < 0.01). The ED patients undergoing ICI-VAA and CDDU obtained remarkably higher SCL-90 scores than the national norm on depression (1.70 ± 0.64 vs 1.50 ± 0.59, P < 0.01), anxiety (1.62 ± 0.56 vs 1.39 ± 0.43, P < 0.01), compulsion (1.86 ± 0.61 vs 1.62 ± 0.58, P < 0.01), hostility (1.65 ± 0.66 vs 1.48 ± 0.56, P < 0.01), phobia (1.33 ± 0.45 vs 1.23 ± 0.41, P = 0.02), and psychoticism (1.61 ± 0.55 vs 1.29 ± 0.41, P < 0.01) as well as a higher total score (1.61 ± 0.48 vs 1.44 ± 0.48, P < 0.01). The patients with normal results of CDDU got markedly increased scores on anxiety (1.60 ± 0.53, P < 0.01), compulsion (1.83 ± 0.63, P = 0.02) and psychoticism (1.61 ± 0.48, P < 0.01), and so did those with abnormal results of CDDU on depression (1.73 ± 0.65, P < 0.01), anxiety (1.64 ± 0.59, P < 0.01), compulsion (1.88 ± 0.60, P < 0.01), hostility (1.68 ± 0.75, P < 0.01), phobia (1.35 ± 0.44, P = 0.02), psychoticism (1.61 ± 0.59, P < 0.01) and an increased total score as well (1.63 ± 0.51, P < 0.01). Statistically significant differences were not found in either the item scores or the total score on SCL-90 (P > 0.05), nor in the distribution of the EPQ personality types between the normal and abnormal cases (χ2 = 1.12, P = 0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

The personality types of ED patients are mainly phlegmatic and melancholic, and their psychological problems chiefly include depression and anxiety, which are more serious in those with insufficient penile blood supply.

[Correlation of betweenness centrality of the right hemispheric network with ejaculatory function in premature ejaculation patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the topological properties of the betweenness centrality of the nodes and edges in the brain white matter network of premature ejaculation (PE) patients and analyze the correlation of the importance of the key brain regions and interregional white matter structural connectivity with the ejaculatory function of the patients.Method: We collected the demographic and clinical data, along with the T1 and MR diffusion tensor imaging (MR-DTI) data, on 18 PE patients and 22 normal controls matched in age, sex and education. After preprocessing of the data obtained, we divided the whole brain into 90 symmetrical cortical and subcortical regions (defined as nodes of the brain network) by automated anatomical labeling, examined the structural connectivity between different brain regions by probabilistic white matter fiber tracking (defined as edges of the brain network), and calculated the betweenness centrality of the nodes and edges using the brain connection toolbox. Then, we performed the Mann-Whitney U test on the betweenness centrality of the nodes and edges, subjected the results to false discovery rate (FDR) correction, and assessed the correlation of the attribute values of between-group differences with the ejaculatory function of the patients.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal controls, the PE patients showed a significantly decreased betweenness centrality of the right superior occipital gyrus (SOG) (281.18 ± 255.26 vs 67.78 ± 58.98, Z = －3.49, FDR-corrected P < 0.05), but increased betweenness centrality of the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) (222.91 ± 155.60 vs 557.00 ± 322.65, Z = 3.55, FDR-corrected P < 0.05) and betweeness centrality of the edge between the right rolandic operculum and right insula (4.23 ± 8.39 vs 23.83 ± 23.91, Z = 3.84, FDR-corrected P < 0.05). The betweenness centrality of the right SOG was correlated negatively with the level of difficulty in delaying ejaculation (r = －0.51, P = 0.03) and the probability of ejaculation before expectation (r= －0.61, P = 0.01), while that of the right STG positively with PE-related frustration (r = 0.54, P = 0.02) and the level of concern about PE-related distress of the partner (r = 0.47, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormalities of structural connections were found in the visual stimulus- and emotion processing-related regions in the right cerebral hemisphere of PE patients, which might be associated with rapid ejaculation or decreased ejaculation control and lead to a series of psychological problems.

[Curative effects and influenced factors of EMA-CO as an initial regimen for the treatment of high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia]

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of EMA-CO as an initial regimen for high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and to analysis the influenced factors. Methods: A total of 81 patients with high-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (HRGTN) treated in Women Hospital Affiliated Zhejiang University from Jan 2007 to Jan 2017 whose primary chemotherapies were EMA-CO were enrolled.The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) prognosis score of all the patients was ≥7.The relationships of different factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Fifty-five of 81 patients (67.90%) achieved complete primary remission with single EMA-CO regimen, 12 patients (14.81%) achieved complete primary remission with EMA-CO regimen and surgery, and 14 patients (17.28%) achieved drug resistance.The univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the FIGO score (P=0.004, OR 1.336, 95%CI 1.099-1.623) was an independent predictive factor for the outcome of EMA-CO regimen. Conclusions: EMA-CO is the first-line regimen used to treat patients with HRGTN. Salvage therapies such as EMA-EP regimen and adjuvant surgery are still effective treatments. The FIGO score is an independent risk factors for the outcome of EMA-CO regimen.

[The diagnostic and prognostic values of serum free light chain in patients with primary light chain amyloidosis]

目的

研究血清游离轻链（sFLC）检测在原发性轻链型淀粉样变（pAL）中的诊断和预后价值。

方法

回顾性分析2009年1月至2015年6月确诊且有完整sFLC数据的126例pAL患者的临床资料，探讨sFLC的诊断价值，并采用Cox回归法分析sFLC差值（dFLC）的预后价值。

结果

126例患者中男女比例为1.57∶1，中位年龄为57 (37~81）岁，λ轻链型者80例（63.5%），肾脏受累者87例（69.0%），心脏受累者79例（62.7%）。126例患者的中位dFLC为99 (1~4 263）mg/L。血清蛋白电泳、血清免疫固定电泳、尿免疫固定电泳和sFLC比值异常法检测单克隆免疫球蛋白（M蛋白）的阳性检出率分别为34.9%（44/126）、63.5%（80/126）、77.0%（97/126）和81.0%（102/126）。联合上述四种方法可将M蛋白的检出率提高至98.4%（124/126）。中位随诊16个月后，37例患者死亡，所有患者的中位生存时间尚未达到。多因素分析发现dFLC ≥130 mg/L是影响pAL患者预后的独立危险因素（HR=3.272, 95% CI 1.384~7.739，P=0.007）。

结论

sFLC检测可显著提高pAL患者M蛋白的检出率；高水平dFLC是影响患者预后的独立危险因素。

[Trichloroethylene-induced abnormal methylation on promoter region of SET in hepatic L-02 cells]

Objective: To explore the trichloroethylene-induced alteration of methylation on the promoter region of SET and related mechanisms in hepatic L-02 cells. Methods: L-02 cells were treated with different concentrations of TCE(0 mmol/L, 1 mmol/L, 2 mmol/L, 4 mmol/L, 8 mmol/L) for 24 h. The genomic DNA were then extracted and modified by bisulfite sodium. The DNA methylation was then analyzed using bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). Results: The overall methylation on promoter region of SET was decreased along with the increased concentrations of TCE in hepatic L-02 cells. Moreover, 73 CpG islands were found abnormally altered, among which 9 were predicted in transcriptional factor binding regions. Conclusion: The decreased levels of CpG islands in the transcriptional factor binding region may contribute to the elevation of SET in TCE-induced hepatotoxicity.

Postoperative radiotherapy is dispensable for OSCC patients with micrometastases in lymph nodes

Lymph node metastasis is a decisive factor for performing postoperative radiotherapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, whether OSCC patients with only micrometastasis need postoperative radiotherapy is unclear. In this study, OSCC patients (n = 311) with negative (n = 247), only micrometastasis (n = 44) and macrometastasis (n = 20) were detected and selected by HE staining. Micrometastasis was re-assessed using immunohistochemical staining of cytokeratin (CK) in HE-negative patients to find out the false negative cases. The results indicated that, among the negative lymph node cases (n = 247), the positive rate of CK was 4.94% (n = 12). Besides, the clinical features of the primary tumor in relation to the only micrometastatic status and the value of the postoperative radiotherapy on the only micrometastasis patients were evaluated. Patients with only micrometastasis had higher T stage and inferior worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) than patients without micrometastasis, but they had longer overall survival (OS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) than macrometastasis patients. However, the survival time of only micrometastasis patients with or without postoperative radiotherapy was comparable, even in patients with inferior WPOI. Radiotherapy, however, may only benefit patients with IV/V levels of micrometastasis. These data indicated that postoperative radiotherapy is dispensable for only micrometastasis OSCC patients.

The burden of inpatient care for diabetic and non-diabetic patients with osteoporotic hip fractures-does it differ? An analysis of patients recruited into a fracture liaison service in Southeast Asia

Hospital care and mortality of diabetic and non-diabetic osteoporotic Asian patients undergoing hip fracture surgery were explored with no difference in length of hospitalization, incidence of post-operative complications, or mortality between diabetics and non-diabetics seen. Time to operation correlated with post-operative complications occurrence and therefore surgery should be expeditiously done.

INTRODUCTION

Whether burden of inpatient care, problems after admission, and mortality rates differ between diabetics and non-diabetics undergoing surgery for osteoporotic hip fractures has not been explored in Asian populations.

METHOD

Three hundred eighty-nine multi-ethnic diabetic and non-diabetic patients recruited into a FLS at a large Asian hospital with new osteoporotic hip fractures requiring operative repair were analyzed.

RESULTS

87.9% were Chinese, 6.4% Malay, and 3.6% Indians. BMI and age did not significantly differ between diabetics and non-diabetics. Median (IQR) length of hospitalization (LOHS) in days was 12 (9, 17) in diabetics and 11 (8, 14) in non-diabetics (p = 0.011). Median time from admission to operation (TTO) was 3 (2, 5) in diabetics versus 2 (1, 4.5) in the non-diabetics (p = 0.003). Occurrence of aggregate post-operative complications did not differ between diabetics and non-diabetics. No in-hospital mortalities occurred in either group. Thirty-day and 1-year mortality rates did not differ between the two groups. One-year mortality was 2.8% in the entire cohort. On multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age and race, only TTO (β; 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.0, p < 0.001) and occurrence of post-operative complications (β; 6.3, 95% CI 3.7-7.9, p < 0.001) correlated with LOHS. TTO and age-adjusted Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI) correlated significantly with the development of post-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes was not independently associated with LOHS in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Aggregate post-operative complications did not differ between diabetics and non-diabetics. TTO and occurrence of post-operative complications significantly affected LOHS. TTO correlated with post-complications development. Surgery should be expeditiously done in both diabetics and non-diabetics to avoid the development of post-operative complications and to prevent prolonged hospital stay.

[Correlation between TCM syndrome types and clinical symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia with chronic prostatitis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between the syndrome types of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and clinical symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with chronic prostatitis (BPH-CP).

METHODS

We selected 150 cases of BPH-CP in this study and divided them into 7 TCM syndrome types. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, we studied the correlation of each TCM syndrome type with the age, disease course, prostate volume, postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS).

RESULTS

Kidney-yin deficiency was correlated positively with the prostate volume but negatively with Qmax and IPSS; kidney-yang deficiency positively with the age and prostate volume but negatively with IPSS; the damp heat syndrome positively with the PSA level but negatively with the disease course, prostate volume and Qmax; the spleen-qi deficiency syndrome positively with the prostate volume but negatively with the disease course; liver-qi stagnation positively with the disease course but negatively with the age, prostate volume and PVR; the syndrome of qi stagnation and blood stasis positively with the disease course and IPSS but negatively with PVR; the syndrome of lung-heat and qi blockage positively with the age, Qmax and IPSS but negatively with the disease course.

CONCLUSIONS

The TCM syndrome types of BPH-CP are closely correlated to their clinical symptoms. The analysis of the clinical objective indexes of BPH-CP can provide some reliable evidence for accurate identification of the TCM syndrome type of the disease.

[Clinical analysis on hysteroscopic surgery for the treatment of type Ⅱ cesarean scar pregnancy in the first trimester]

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of hysterosopic management of type Ⅱ cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and the value of prophylactic uterine artery embolization (UAE). Methods: Totally 104 patients with type Ⅱ CSP treated with hysteroscopic surgery at the Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, during Jan. 2009 to Jun. 2016 were analyzed retrospectively, 67 patients combined with UAE (UAE group) and 37 patients without combined with UAE (non-UAE group). Laparoscopy or sonography guidance was conducted simultaneously. The following clinical parameters were compared, including: primary cure rate, uterine packing rate, uterine perforation rate, hemoglobin level change, the time for the mass absorption and the return of β-hCG to normal, complications, hospital days and hospital stay cost. Results: Median gestational age, size of mass, thickness of the anterior myometrium and β-hCG level in UAE group versus non-UAE group were 47 versus 47 days, 30 versus 30 mm,2 versus 2 mm, 36 524 versus 32 226 U/L (all P>0.05). Out of 104, 100 patients were managed successfully with hysteroscopic surgery, and 4 patients transformed to laparoscopic or laparotomy surgery. Hysteroscopic surgery was effective in 63 out of 67 patients (94%) in UAE group and 34 out of 37 patients (92%) in non-UAE group (P>0.05). There was no significant differences regarding uterine perforation rate, uterine packing rate, hemoglobin change and recovery time between UAE group and non-UAE group (all P>0.05). The median hospital day was 7 days in UAE group versus 5 days in non-UAE group (P<0.01). The median hospital stay cost was 13 654 yuan in UAE group versus 9 108 yuan in non-UAE group (P<0.01). Serious complication occurred in 4 patients (6%, 4/67) in UAE group and 2 patients (5%, 2/67) in non-UAE group (P=0.906). Conclusions: Hysteroscopic surgery is effective and safe for patients with type Ⅱ CSP in the first trimester with size ≤30 mm in diameter and gestation age<7 weeks. The value of prophylactic UAE is uncertain.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with very high risk primary immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis]

目的

探讨极高危原发性轻链型淀粉样变（pAL）患者的临床特征及其预后。

方法

回顾性分析2009年1月至2016年2月在北京协和医院确诊的205例pAL患者的临床资料，将梅奥2004分期Ⅲb期或梅奥2012分期4期的患者定义为极高危患者。

结果

34例（16.6%）为极高危pAL患者，中位年龄57（20~84）岁，男性22例（64.7%）。所有患者均有心脏受累，15例（44.1%）患者的受累脏器≥ 3个。27例（81.8%）患者的心功能分级为3~4级，中位血清肌钙蛋白I为0.25（0.08~1.23）µg/L，中位血清N末端B型利钠肽前体为11 733（1 892~103 277）ng/L，中位血清游离轻链差值为403.0（18.1~1 911.6）mg/L，8例（24.2%）患者的骨髓浆细胞比例≥0.100。16例（47.1%）患者采用硼替佐米为主的化疗方案，总体血液学缓解率为58.3%。中位随诊27（1~40）个月，14例（41.2%）患者在诊断后3个月内死亡，中位生存时间仅为4个月。3、6、12和24个月的预期生存率分别为51.3%、44.0%、35.2%和29.6%。一线化疗后获得血液学缓解、未获得血液学缓解以及姑息治疗的患者1年预计存活率分别为90.9%、11.1%及0（P<0.001）。

结论

极高危pAL患者的预后极差，早期病死率高，获得血液学缓解的pAL患者有着明显更好的预后。

[Modified Jujing No.2 Decoction for varicocele-induced male infertility]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical effect of Jujing No.2 Decoction on male infertility induced by varicocele.

METHODS

We equally randomized 70 male patients with varicocele-induced infertility into a treatment group and a control group, the former treated with modified Jujing No.2 Decoction (1 dose a day, bid) and the latter given Danshen Tablets (4 tablets once, tid) plus Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (8 pills once, tid), both for 3 months. We examined the spermatic veins of the patients by ultrasonography and performed seminal analysis before and after medication.

RESULTS

Compared with the controls, the patients in the treatment group showed significant improvement after medication in sperm concentration (［12.35±2.12］ vs ［18.56±4.16］ ×10⁶/ml, P<0.05), progressively motile sperm (［16.18±6.34］ vs ［24.63±8.51］ %, P<0.05), and morphologically normal sperm (［11.59±5.31］ vs ［14.17±6.02］ %, P<0.05). In the control group, sperm concentration was increased from (12.29±2.07) ×10⁶/ml at the baseline to (13.13±3.13) ×10⁶/ml after medication, progressively motile sperm from (16.13±6.45) % to (20.55±7.30) % (P<0.05), and morphologically normal sperm from (11.62±5.35) % to (12.69±5.77) %. The total effectiveness rate was significantly higher in the treatment than in the control group (71.88% vs 46.67%, P<0.05). The inner diameter of the left spermatic vein was decreased from (0.32±0.05) mm at the baseline to ［0.26±0.05］ mm after medication in the treatment group (P<0.05) and from (0.32±0.03) mm to (0.29±0.04) mm in the control (P<0.05), with statistically significant difference between the two groups after medication (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Jujing No.2 Decoction is effective in the treatment of varicocele-induced male infertility.

[Factors associated with the surgical efficacy and prognosis of seizures in patients with low-grade glioma]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relevant factors associated with the surgical efficacy and prognosis of seizures in patients with low-grade glioma (LGG).

METHODS

The clinical cases of seizures in patients with LGG admitted to our department were retrospectively collected from January 2010 to December 2014. A total of 45 cases were studied to analyze the relevant factors associated with the surgical efficacy and prognosis.

RESULTS

During a follow-up period of 1 to 5 years after surgery, Engel classⅠ to Ⅱ were achieved in 36 patients (80%) and Engel class Ⅲ to Ⅳ in 9 cases (20%). The preoperative epilepsy frequency and the use of intraoperative electrocardiograph (ECoG) were correlated with the surgical efficacy and prognosis (P<0.05). The other factors, such as age, gender, duration of epilepsy, and tumor characteristics, had no significant statistical difference.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical efficacy of seizures in patients with LGG is favorable. Our results suggest that preoperative epilepsy frequency and intraoperative ECoG are important factors for surgical efficacy and prognosis. Consequently, based on gross total resection for seizures in patients with LGG, epileptogenic zones should be considered and dealt with by use of ECoG.

Can hepatitis B virus DNA in semen be predicted by serum levels of hepatitis B virus DNA, HBeAg, and HBsAg in chronically infected men from infertile couples?

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in semen is important for father-to-child transmission of HBV and has adverse effects on sperm quality. However, risk factors associated with HBV in semen remain unclear. Serum HBV DNA and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) levels may pose a risk on HBV in semen. This study aims to examine whether serum HBV DNA, HBeAg, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level were associated with HBV DNA in semen. 151 male patients chronically infected with HBV from infertile couples were included. Serum HBsAg and HBeAg were determined using an electrochemiluminescence immune assay (ECLIA). Serum and seminal plasma HBV DNA were detected by the QIAGEN Real-Time HBV DNA assay. Of 151 patients, 143 (94.7%) were serum HBV DNA-positive and 65 (43.0%) were seminal plasma HBV DNA-positive. Serum HBV DNA and HBeAg level of seminal plasma HBV DNA-positive patients were significantly higher (p < 0.001) as compared with those of seminal plasma HBV DNA-negative patients, HBsAg level of seminal plasma HBV DNA-positive patients was significantly lower (p < 0.001) compared with that of seminal plasma HBV DNA-negative patients. The best serum HBV DNA, HBeAg, and HBsAg value for discriminating between seminal plasma HBV DNA-positive and HBV DNA-negative patients were ≥6.9 log10 IU/mL (sensitivity 100.0%, specificity 90.7%), >14.8 S/CO (sensitivity 96.9%, specificity 81.5%), and <1791.5 S/CO (sensitivity 81.5%, specificity 81.2%), respectively. The combination of serum HBV DNA and HBeAg had high diagnostic sensitivity (100.0%) and specificity (95.4%) for the presence of HBV DNA in semen. As such, these serum markers especially the combination of HBV DNA and HBeAg are useful predictors of the presence of HBV DNA in semen in HBV chronically infected men from infertile couples.

Novel implications of Lingo-1 and its signaling partners in schizophrenia

Myelination and neurite outgrowth both occur during brain development, and their disturbance has been previously been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin domain-containing protein (Lingo-1) is a potent negative regulator of axonal myelination and neurite extension. As co-factors of Lingo-1 signaling (Nogo receptor (NgR), With No Lysine (K) (WNK1) and Myelin transcription factor 1 (Myt1)) have been implicated in the genetics of schizophrenia, we explored for the first time the role of Lingo-1 signaling pathways in this disorder. Lingo-1 protein, together with its co-receptor and co-factor proteins NgR, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor orphan Y (TROY), p75, WNK1 and Myt1, have never been explored in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We examined protein levels of Lingo-1, NgR, TROY, p75, WNK1, Myt1 and myelin basic protein (MBP) (as a marker of myelination) within the post-mortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (37 schizophrenia patients versus 37 matched controls) and hippocampus (Cornu Ammonis, CA1 and CA3) (20 schizophrenia patients versus 20 matched controls from the same cohort). Both of these brain regions are highly disrupted in the schizophrenia pathophysiology. There were significant increases in Lingo-1 (P<0.001) and Myt1 (P=0.023) and a reduction in NgR (P<0.001) in the DLPFC in schizophrenia subjects compared with controls. There were also increases in both TROY (P=0.001) and WNK1 (P=0.011) in the CA1 of schizophrenia subjects and, in contrast to the DLPFC, there was an increase in NgR (P=0.006) in the CA3 of schizophrenia subjects compared with controls. No significant difference was reported for MBP levels (P>0.05) between the schizophrenia and control groups in the three tested regions. This is the first time that a study has shown altered Lingo-1 signaling in the schizophrenia brain. Our novel findings may present a direct application for the use of a Lingo-1 antagonist to complement current and future schizophrenia therapies.

[Yiqi Zhujing granule for idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia: a clinical study]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of Yiqi Zhujing Particle in the treatment of idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia.

METHODS

We equally randomized 78 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia to a control group and a Yiqi Zhujing group, the former treated with oral medication of zinc gluconate liquid (10 ml, bid) and vitamin E (100 mg, bid), and the latter given Yiqi Zhujing Granule (1 packet, bid) in addition, both for 3 months. We compared the semen parameters and biochemical indexes of the seminal plasma obtained before and after medication between the two groups of patients.

RESULTS

After 3 months of treatment, remarkable improvement was observed in the percentage of progressively motile sperm and sperm viability in the control group (P < 0.05) as well as in the total sperm count, sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile sperm, and sperm viability in the Yiqi Zhujing group (P < 0.05). The total sperm count, sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile sperm, and sperm viability were even more significantly improved in the Yiqi Zhujing than in the control group (P < 0.05). Besides, both groups showed different degrees of improvement in the biochemical indexes of the seminal plasma, and the Yiqi Zhujing group exhibited even more significant improvement in seminal plasma zinc, alpha-glucoside enzyme, seminal plasma fructose, and acid phosphatase than the control (P < 0.05). The improvement of sperm concentration was correlated positively with the change of seminal plasma zinc (r = 0.201, P < 0.05) but negatively with that of seminal plasma fructose after treatment (r = -0.136, P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the alpha-glucoside enzyme level and sperm viability (r = 0.314, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Yiqi Zhujing Particle is effective for idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia by significantly improving the total sperm count, sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile sperm, sperm viability, seminal plasma zinc, seminal plasma fructose, and alpha-glucoside enzyme.

A neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain mutation causes imbalanced glutamatergic and dopaminergic receptor expression in mice

The neuregulin 1 gene has repeatedly been identified as a susceptibility gene for schizophrenia, thus mice with genetic mutations in this gene offer a valuable tool for studying the role of neuregulin 1 in schizophrenia-related neurotransmission. In this study, slide-based receptor autoradiography was used to quantify glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), dopaminergic D2, cannabinoid CB1 and acetylcholine M1/4 receptor levels in the brains of male heterozygous transmembrane domain neuregulin 1 mutant (Nrg1(+/-)) mice at two ages. Mutant mice expressed small but significant increases in NMDA receptor levels in the cingulate cortex (7%, p=0.044), sensory cortex (8%, p=0.024), and motor cortex (8%, p=0.047), effects that were independent of age. In the nucleus accumbens and thalamus Nrg1(+/-) mice exhibited age-dependent alterations in NMDA receptors. Nrg1(+/-) mice showed a statistically significant increase in NMDA receptor levels in the nucleus accumbens of 14-week-old Nrg1(+/-) mice compared to control littermates of the same age (12%, p=0.026), an effect that was not seen in 20-week-old mice. In contrast, NMDA receptor levels in the thalamus, while initially unchanged in 14-week-old mice, were then decreased in the 20-week-old Nrg1(+/-) mice compared to control littermates of the same age (14%, p=0.011). Nrg1(+/-) mutant mice expressed a significant reduction in D2 receptor levels (13-16%) in the striatum compared to controls, independent of age. While there was a borderline significant increase (6%, p=0.058) in cannabinoid CB1 receptor levels in the substantia nigra of Nrg1(+/-) mice compared to controls, CB1 as well as acetylcholine M1/4 receptors showed no change in Nrg1(+/-) mice in any other brain region examined. These data indicate that a Nrg1 transmembrane mutation produces selective imbalances in glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, which are two key systems believed to contribute to schizophrenia pathogenesis. While the effects on these systems are subtle, they may underlie the susceptibility of these mutants to further impacts.

Influences of Sr dose on the crystal structure parameters and Sr distributions of Sr-incorporated hydroxyapatite

Stoichiometric strontium-incorporated hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) with different Sr concentrations [Sr/(Sr+Ca)] were synthesized using a wet chemical approach and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transformed infrared absorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Rietveld Structure Refinement. The crystal lattice parameter, Sr distribution, chemical state of Sr, and also the relationships between their variations and the Sr concentrations have been intensively studied. The results show that both the crystal lattice parameters and crystal plane space of Sr-HA remarkably increase with the Sr concentration increasing. Whether Sr preferably occupies the Ca(I) site or Ca(II) site after incorporated into apatite lattice depends on the Sr number incorporated into apatite. All the Sr ions completely occupy the Ca(II) sites when the Sr concentration is below 5%. With the exception of partial Sr ions occupying the Ca(II) sites, the other Sr ions start to occupy the Ca(I) sites when the Sr concentration doped in HA is beyond 10%. The ratio of Sr ions occupying the Ca(I) sites increases with the further raising Sr concentration up to 20%. The Sr ions inherit the chemical state and environment of the original Ca(I) or Ca(II) site after incorporated into apatite.

Generating CTLs against the subdominant EBV LMP antigens by transient expression of an A20 inhibitor with EBV LMP proteins in human DCs

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection leads to Hodgkin’s disease (HD) in some immunocompetent hosts. The malignant Reed-Sternberg cells of HD only express a limited array of subdominant EBV antigens to evade preexisting immune responses to EBV. The EBV-encoded latent membrane proteins (LMP1 and LMP2), which are expressed by HD and various EBV-associated malignancies, have been proposed as a potential target for CTL-based therapy. However, the precursor frequency for LMP-specific CTL is generally low in healthy EBV-infected hosts, and immunotherapy based on these antigens is often compromised by the poor immunogenicity and the oncogenic potential. In the present study, we report that transitively expressing an inhibitor of A20, a key negative regulator of inflammatory signaling pathways, together with the LMP antigens (truncated LMP1 and full-length LMP2) greatly enhances maturation and cytokine production of human (h) monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). As a consequence, LMP1/2-expressed, A20-silenced hDCs have an enhanced potency to prime LMP-specific T cell response. When the in vitro primed T cells are adoptively transferred into tumor-xenografted, severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice, some of the xenografted tumors approach complete regression. Thus, the study may provide an available resource of LMP-specific T cells for T cell immunotherapy.

Short term effects of energy restriction and dietary fat sub-type on weight loss and disease risk factors

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Decreasing energy intake relative to energy expenditure is the indisputable tenet of weight loss. In addition to caloric restriction modification of the type of dietary fat may provide further benefits. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of energy restriction alone and with dietary fat modification on weight loss and adiposity, as well as on risk factors for obesity related disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

One-hundred and fifty overweight men and women were randomized into a 3month controlled trial with four low fat (30% energy) dietary arms: (1) isocaloric (LF); (2) isocaloric with 10% polyunsaturated fatty acids (LF-PUFA); (3) low calorie (LF-LC) (-2MJ); (4) low calorie with 10% PUFA (LF-PUFA-LC). Primary outcomes were changes in body weight and body fat and secondary outcomes were changes in fasting levels of leptin, insulin, glucose, lipids and erythrocyte fatty acids. Changes in dietary intake were assessed using 3day food records. One-hundred and twenty-two participants entered the study and 95 completed the study. All groups lost weight and body fat (P<0.0001 time effect for both), but the LC groups lost more weight (P=0.026 for diet effect). All groups reduced total cholesterol levels (P<0.0001 time effect and P=0.017 intervention effect), but the LC and PUFA groups were better at reducing triacylglycerol levels (P=0.056 diet effect). HDL increased with LF-LC and LF-PUFA but not with LF-PUFA-LC (0.042 diet effect). The LF and LF-LC groups reported greater dietary fat reductions than the two PUFA groups (P=0.043).

CONCLUSION

Energy restriction has the most potent effect on weight loss and lipids, but fat modification is also beneficial when energy restriction is more modest.

The effects of antipsychotic drugs administration on 5-HT1A receptor expression in the limbic system of the rat brain

Increasing evidence suggests that 5-HT1A receptors are involved in the pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia. This paper investigated 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression and binding density in female rats treated with aripiprazole (2.25 mg/kg/day), olanzapine (1.5 mg/kg/day), haloperidol (0.3 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (control) orally three times/day for 1 or 12 weeks. Animals were sacrificed 48 h after the last administration. Aripiprazole significantly increased 5-HT1A receptor binding density by 33% in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and by 21% in the medial posterodorsal nuclei of posterior amygdala (MeP) compared to the control group after 1 week of treatment. Olanzapine significantly decreased 5-HT1A receptor binding density by 17-22% in Layers I-IV of the cingulate cortex after 1 week of treatment. Neither of these antipsychotic drugs affected 5-HT1A receptor binding density after 12 weeks drug treatment. As expected, haloperidol treatment did not have any significant effect on 5-HT1A binding density after 1 or 12 weeks of treatment. 5-HT1A receptor mRNA expression was not altered by antipsychotic treatment in any brain region. The results indicate that aripiprazole and olanzapine have differential effects on 5-HT1A receptor expression, which may contribute to their distinct profiles in improving negative symptoms and cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Aripiprazole and olanzapine may produce adaptation and desensitization of 5-HT1A receptor expression after long term treatment.

Comparative study of gene expression during tooth eruption and orthodontic tooth movement in mice

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to understand tooth eruption by comparing the gene expression during tooth eruption and orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Orthodontic force was applied on maxillary molars for 2, 4, 7 and 14 days to study tooth movement. Mice at PN 0, 7, 10, 15 and 21 were fixed to observe tooth eruption. Comparative study of two procedures was assessed by haematoxylin and eosin, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and in situ hybridization for matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp)2, 13, bone sialoprotein (Bsp) and osteocalcin (Ocn).

RESULTS

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity and expression of Mmp2, 13 were obviously detectable in the compression region during OTM. They were also identified in the occlusal and apical region of alveolar bone during tooth eruption. Strong expression of Bsp and Ocn was detectable at the tension side during OTM. These genes were also expressed in the inner lateral region of alveolar bone adjacent to the tooth, but absent in the inner surface of the occlusal and root apical regions during tooth eruption.

CONCLUSION

The process of alveolar bone metabolism during developmental eruption and OTM shares the same mechanism. Internal force, as the orthodontic force for OTM, may be initiating factor for tooth eruption.

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in Chinese patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The clinical features suggest that genetic factors may have a strong influence on susceptibility to aggressive periodontitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms with generalized aggressive periodontitis in Chinese patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for 10,438,141 C to T (rs1544410, BsmI), 10,382,063 A to G (rs731236, TaqI), 10,382,143 C to A (rs7975232, ApaI) and 10,416,201 A to G (rs2228570, FokI) of vitamin D receptor gene was analysed by polymerase chain reaction, followed by digestion with restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis. The genotypes of 51 generalized aggressive periodontitis patients and 53 periodontally healthy control subjects were analysed. The genotypic and allelic frequencies of each polymorphism site for the patients and control subjects were compared.

RESULTS

The distribution of vitamin D receptor FokI genotypes and alleles between the two groups was significantly different (p = 0.043 and p = 0.012, respectively). The F allele seemed to increase the susceptibility of aggressive periodontitis (odds ratio = 2.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.16-3.50) in Chinese patients. There was no significant difference in the genotype distribution or the allele frequencies of vitamin D receptor BsmI, ApaI and TaqI between two groups.

CONCLUSION

The study indicates that FokI polymorphism of vitamin D receptor gene might be associated with generalized aggressive periodontitis in Chinese patients. In addition, the carriage of F allele increases the risk of developing generalized aggressive periodontitis.

[A preliminary study of serum free testosterone and testosterone secreting index in men with erectile dysfunction]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the changes of serum free testosterone (FT) and testosterone secreting index (TSI) in ED patients, and to assess the contribution of these two indexes to the diagnosis of ED caused by endocrine factors.

METHODS

We studied 120 ED patients and 30 healthy men undergoing pre-marital medical check-up in Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM by analyzing the scores on erectile function and desire domain in IIEF, testing the serum total testosterone, luteinizing hormone by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLIA), measuring free testosterone by radioimmunoassay( RIA), and calculating TSI.

RESULTS

Of the 120 ED patients, 5% and 1538% were below the reference norm of TT and FT values respectively. TT, FT and TSI decreased with age, with statistical with FT and TSI, but not with TT. FT and TSI statistically declined with lower IIEF score on ED domain, but this was not the case with TT. There were no significant differences in TI, FT and TSI among different sexual desire groups the ED patients.

CONCLUSION

FT is much more valuable than TF in the diagnosis of ED with hypogonadism. Both FT and TSI are important parameters in assessing the severity of ED.

New self-limiting assembly model for Si quantum rings on Si(100)

We propose a new self-limiting assembly model for Si quantum rings on Si(100) where the ring's formation and evolution are driven by a growth-etching competition mechanism. The as-grown ring structure in a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition system has excellent rotational symmetry and superior morphology with a typical diameter, edge width, and height of 150-300, 10, and 5 nm, respectively. Based on this model, the size and morphology can be controlled well by simply tuning the timing procedure. We suggest that this growth model is not limited to certain material system, but provides a general scheme to control and tailor the self-assembly nanostructures into the desired size, shape, and complexity.

Decreased [(3)H]spiperone binding in the anterior cingulate cortex of schizophrenia patients: an autoradiographic study

Abnormalities in the anterior cingulate cortex have been reported in patients with schizophrenia, and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of this disorder. In the present study, we have examined antipsychotic-sensitive binding sites in the left anterior cingulate cortex of schizophrenia patients and controls. Using quantitative autoradiography and [(3)H]spiperone as a ligand, both saturation and competition experiments were performed in post-mortem brain tissue obtained from six schizophrenia and six control cases. Saturation experiments revealed that the maximum number of [(3)H]spiperone binding sites was significantly reduced by 31% in the schizophrenia group as compared to the control group (65.3+/-5.6 fmol/mg tissue versus 94.2+/-7.3 fmol/mg tissue). Increased dissociation constant was also observed in the schizophrenia group (2.2+/-0.4 nM versus 1.3+/-0.2 nM), but was not statistically significant (P=0.07). Competition experiments were performed in order to examine the pharmacological profile of [(3)H]spiperone binding, and revealed that: (i) displacement of [(3)H]spiperone binding by clozapine and mianserin was significantly reduced in the schizophrenia group as compared to the control group (-26% and -16% respectively); (ii) the order of displacement potency of the drugs tested was: haloperidol>mianserin>butaclamol approximately risperidone>clozapine>2-amino-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene. Our results suggest a reduction of antipsychotic-sensitive binding sites in the anterior cingulate cortex of patients with schizophrenia. Such abnormality could lead to an imbalance in neurotransmitter regulation in the anterior cingulate cortex which may contribute to the emergence of some symptoms of schizophrenia.

[Separation and determination of scandium, tin and aluminum by reversed-phase ion pair high performance liquid chromatography]

The reversed-phase ion pair high performance liquid chromatographic determination of scandium, tin and aluminum with diammonium stilbene-4,4'-bis(1-azo)-3,4-dihydroxybenzene-2,2'-disulfate as precolumn chelating reagent on Spherex C18 column has been investigated with the detection wavelength of 500 nm. Various parameters such as pH, reagent concentration, ion pair reagents, interference of foreign ions have been studied. The mobile phase was methanol-water (40:60, V/V) containing 20 mmol/L acetate buffer of pH 6.0 and 10 mmol/L sodium dodecyl sulfonate. Three complexes could be completely separated within 17 min. The method has been successfully used for the determination of the three metals in mineral samples, with recoveries of 98%, 101%, 103% respectively, and RSD was less than 3.6%. Beer's Law was obeyed over the concentration range 0.01 mg/L-3.80 mg/L, 0.06 mg/L-4.50 mg/L and 0.04 mg/L-3.40 mg/L respectively. The detection limits were 0.9 microgram/L, 1.0 microgram/L and 1.2 micrograms/L for scandium, tin and aluminum when the ratio of signal to noise was 3. Most of other metals did not interfere with the determination. The present method is sensitive and selective.

Gene structure, chromosomal localization and analysis of 3-ketosteroid reductase activity of the human 3(alpha-->beta)-hydroxysteroid epimerase

Following our previous characterization of the first human 3(alpha-->beta)hydroxysteroid epimerase (hHSE), we determined the genomic structure and chromosomal localization of the hHSE gene using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) in this study. The gene spans 23 kb and contains five exons and four introns. FISH mapping assigned this gene to chromosome band 12q13. Primer extension analysis allowed the identification of a single transcription start site at 179 bp upstream from the ATG start codon. The 5'-flanking sequence lacks a typical TATA box in the proximal region of the transcription start site. However, analysis of the 2 kb promoter region revealed the presence of multiple potential transcription factor binding sites. Furthermore, we studied the 3-ketosteroid reductase activity demonstrated by hHSE in intact cells stably expressing the enzyme. It has been known that, in vitro, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) shows both oxidative and reductive activity. Our results showed that hHSE catalyzes the reduction of 3-ketosteroids to form 3beta-hydroxysteroids while 3beta-HSD cannot catalyze this reaction in intact cells. However, hHSE showed 3-keto reductase activity in both microsomal fractions and intact cells. Since intact cells constitute a system which closely reflects in vivo intracellular conditions, we propose that hHSE might contribute to the cellular 3-ketosteroid reductase activity in the peripheral tissues.

Characterization of the oxidative 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity of human recombinant 11-cis-retinol dehydrogenase

11-cis-Retinol dehydrogenase catalyzes the oxidation of cis-retinols, a rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of 9-cis-retinoic acid. It is also active toward 3alpha-hydroxysteroids, and thus might be involved in steroid metabolism. To better understand the role of this enzyme, we produced stable transfectants expressing 11-cis-retinol dehydrogenase in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. In vitro enzymatic assays have demonstrated that, with an appropriate exogenous cofactor, the enzyme catalyzes the interconversion of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol and dihydrotestosterone and that of androsterone and androstanedione. However, using intact transfected cells, we found that the enzyme catalyzes reactions only in the oxidative direction. Thus, it is possible that 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol (an inactive androgen) can be converted into dihydrotestosterone, the most potent androgen, by the action of 11-cis-retinol dehydrogenase. This reaction could constitute a non-classical pathway of production of active androgens in the peripheral tissues. We also showed that all-trans-, 9-cis- and 13-cis-retinol inhibit the oxidative 3alpha-hydroxysteroid steroid activity of 11-cis-retinol dehydrogenase with similar K(i) values. Since all-trans-retinol is a precursor of cis-retinols, its inhibitory effect on the activity suggests that it could play an important role in modulating the formation of 9-cis-retinoic acid. In addition, we examined the effect of several known enzyme modulators, namely carbenoxolone, phenylarsine oxide and phosphatidylcholine, on 11-cis-retinol dehydrogenase activity. Taken together, our results suggest that, in humans, this enzyme might play a role in the biosynthesis of both 9-cis-retinoic acid and dihydrotestosterone.

Modulation of the androgenic response by recombinant human 11-cis retinol dehydrogenase

The 11-cis retinol dehydrogenase (11-cis-RoDH) enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of cis-retinols to their respective retinals, a rate limiting step in the formation of retinoic acids. Earlier, we have shown that the enzyme also exhibits an oxidative 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3alpha-HSD) activity that can convert 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol (3alpha-diol) into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the most potent natural androgen. 11-cis-RoDH could thus control the formation of two active hormones, namely 9-cis retinoic acid and DHT. Therefore, depending upon the substrate availability in the various tissues, this enzyme could provide different metabolites for specific cell functions. To further investigate the role of 11-cis-RoDH in the formation of DHT from 3alpha-diol, we stably expressed the enzyme in the human embryonic kidney cell line 293 (HEK-293). The transformation of 3alpha-diol by these cells was evaluated by assays using both microsomal fractions and intact cultured cells stably expressing 11-cis-RoDH. The results show that in the intact cells 11-cis-RoDH only catalyzes the oxidation of 3alpha-diol into DHT whereas the microsomal fraction catalyzes both the oxidation and the reduction reactions depending upon whether NAD(+) or NADH is added. Furthermore, we examined the ability of 11-cis-RoDH, through the production from 3alpha-diol of the active androgen DHT, to activate the androgen-responsive promoter of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) gene. The co-transfection of the pCMV expression vector containing 11-cis-RoDH (pCMV-11-cisRoDH), a luciferase reporter gene driven by a PSA promoter (pCMV-PSA-Luc) and an androgen receptor (pCMV-hAR) showed that, in the presence of 3alpha-diol, the expression of the PSA promoter is increased by five to six-fold. Moreover, this stimulatory effect is inhibited by hydroxyflutamide, a well-known antiandrogen. These results suggest that 11-cis-RoDH could be involved in a non-classical pathway of androgen formation and might play a role in the modulation of the androgenic response in some peripheral tissues.