OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of Yiqi Yangyin principle (YQYY, the treating principle in TCM to supplement Qi and nourish Yin) on corticosteroid withdrawal in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in remission stage and its influence on some immune parameters.

METHODSThe SLE patients were divided into two groups, 30 in the treated group and 10 in the control group, who were treated by conventional method with corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressant in acute progressive stage, and YQYY was added to the treated group in remission stage.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 93.3% in the treated group and 90.0% in the control group, comparison between the two groups showed significant difference by Ridit test (P < 0.05). The immune parameters, IgG and C3 were significantly improved after treatment in the treated group (P < 0.01), but changed insignificantly in the control group. The maintaining dose of prednisone used in the two groups was 7.08 +/- 5.26 mg/d and 11.72 +/- 6.48 mg/d respectively, the amount used in the treated group was significantly lower than that in the control.

CONCLUSIONUsing mainly YQYY Principle to treat SLE in remission stage could withdraw the corticosteroid smoothly, relieve symptoms and improve immune function.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Complement C3 ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Prednisone ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome ; drug therapy

Objective To study the genotypes of representative Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tuberculosis) strains from China with spacer oligonucleotide typing (spoligotyping),and to investigate the prevalence of different genotypes TB in China,and analyse the relationship between genotype and drug resistance.Methods 4017 clinical isolates were collected by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2007 to 2008 in 31 provinces in China according to sampling principle of epidemiology.Drug susceptibility testing was performed using proportion method,and spoligotyping was chosen to carry out genotyping of these M.tuberculosis.In addition,chi-square test was used to compare the differences among the detection rate of different genotypes.Results Among the 4017 M.tuberculosis isolates,2500 ( 62.2％ ) isolates belonged to Beijing genotype.The percentage of Beijing genotypes in the northern of China was higher than that in the southern of China ( 76.5％ vs.53.2％,x2 =219.69,P ＜ 0.05 ),while T1 genotypes were more common in the southern China,compared with that in northern China ( 13.3％ vs.4.3％,x2 =219.69,P ＜ 0.05 ).The differences were statistically significant.The proportions of Rifampinresistant (21.7％ vs.21.7％ ),Ofloxacin-resistant (4.9％ vs.2.4％ ) and Multidrug-resistant ( 11.3％vs.7.4％ ) isolates among Beijing genotype strains were significantly higher than those among non-Beijing strains (x2 =22.10,14.42 and 14.83,respectively,P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions Beijing genotype was still predominant epidemic genotypes.The percentage of Beijing genotype showed difference between distinct areas,and the percentage of Beijing genotypes in northern China was higher than that in southern China.Beijing genotype strains reveal correlation with Rifampin-resistance,Ofloxacin-resistance and Multidrug-resistance.

OBJECTIVETo primarily embolize intracranial aneurysms with new-developed mechanically detachable coils, which is called Detachable Coil System (DCS).

METHODSFive intracranial aneurysms were embolized with DCS, in which 2 were giant aneurysms. DCS with J coils were initially used to make baskets in giant aneurysms, and then other kinds of coils were utilized to pact the aneurysmal cavity. Whereas, spiral coils were mostly used in smaller aneurysms. Coils of DCS were detached by rotating the delivering wire after the coils were satisfactorily positioned in aneurysms.

RESULTSTwo of the 5 cases were totally occluded with DCS. Two was sub-totally embolized. Pushing, withdrawal, and adjusting of DCS were safe and efficient. Detachment of DCS was fast. In one case of wide-necked giant aneurysm, coils could not stay inside the aneurysm, which was treated by occlusion of the parent artery.

CONCLUSIONSDCS is a new addition to the interventional radiologist's armamentarium. Detachment is faster. J coils are suitable for giant aneurysms for its unique way of coiling. But more evaluation depends on accumulation of the clinical usage.

Embolization, Therapeutic ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo compare the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with retrieved epididymal and testicular sperm for obstructive azoospermia and with ejaculated sperm for severe oligozoospermia and asthenospermia.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed 431 ICSI cycles, which were divided according to sperm sources into Groups A (n=287 in patients with severe oligozoospermia or asthenospermia using ejaculated sperm), B (n=109 in obstructive azoospermia patients with sperm retrieved by percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, PESA) and C (n=35 in obstructive azoospermia patients with sperm retrieved by testicular sperm extraction, TESE). Comparisons were made among the three groups in the rates of embryo implantation, fertilization, pregnancy, cleavage, and miscarriage.

RESULTSGroup A showed statistically significant differences from Groups B and C in the rates of embryo implantation and pregnancy (18.46% vs. 25.23% and 28.76%, 31.23% vs. 42.16% and 39.39%, P < 0.05). But no significant differences were seen in the rates of fertilization, cleavage and miscarriage among the three groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe rates of embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy are higher in patients with obstructive azoospermia than in those with severe oligozoospermia or asthenospermia after ICSI with ejaculated sperm.

Azoospermia ; therapy ; Epididymis ; cytology ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Oligospermia ; therapy ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Retrospective Studies ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ; methods ; Spermatozoa ; Testis ; cytology ; physiopathology

Objective To understand the respiratory protection competency of staff in hospitals.Methods Staff from six hospitals of different levels and characteristics in Beijing were selected,including doctors,nurses,medical technicians,and servicers,to conduct knowledge assessment on respiratory protection competency.According to exposure risks of respiratory infectious diseases,based on actual cases and daily work scenarios,content of respira-tory protection competency assessment was designed from three aspects:identification of respiratory infectious di-seases,transmission routes and corresponding protection requirements,as well as correct selection and use of masks.The assessment included 6,6,and 8 knowledge points respectively,with 20 knowledge points in total,all of which were choice questions.For multiple-choice questions,full marks,partial marks,and no mark were given respective-ly if all options were correct,partial options were correct and without incorrect options,and partial options were correct but with incorrect options.Difficulty and discrimination analyses on question of each knowledge point was conducted based on classical test theory.Results The respiratory protection competency knowledge assessment for 326 staff members at different risk levels in 6 hospitals showed that concerning the 20 knowledge points,more than 60％participants got full marks for 6 points,while the proportion of full marks for other questions was relatively low.Less than 10％participants got full marks for the following 5 knowledge points:types of airborne diseases,types of droplet-borne diseases,conventional measures for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infec-tion with respiratory infectious diseases,indications for wearing respirators,and indications for wearing medical protective masks.Among the 20 knowledge questions,5,1,and 14 questions were relatively easy,medium,and difficult,respectively;6,1,4,and 9 questions were with discrimination levels of ≥0.4,0.30-0.39,0.20-0.29,and ≤0.19,respectively.Conclusion There is still much room for hospital staff to improve their respiratory protection competency,especially in the recognition of diseases with different transmission routes and the indications for wearing different types of masks.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF) in prophylaxis neutropenia after chemotherapy in patients with lymphoma. Methods: This was a multicenter, single arm, open, phase Ⅳ clinical trial. Included 410 patients with lymphoma received multiple cycles of chemotherapy and PEG-rhG-CSF was administrated as prophylactic. The primary endpoint was the incidence of Ⅲ/Ⅳ grade neutropenia and febrile neutropenia (FN) after each chemotherapy cycle. Meanwhile the rate of antibiotics application during the whole period of chemotherapy was observed. Results: ①Among the 410 patients, 8 cases (1.95%) were contrary to the selected criteria, 35 cases (8.54%) lost, 19 cases (4.63%) experienced adverse events, 12 cases (2.93%) were eligible for the termination criteria, 15 cases (3.66%) develpoed disease progression or recurrence, thus the rest 321 cases (78.29%) were into the Per Protocol Set. ②During the first to fourth treatment cycles, the incidences of grade Ⅳ neutropenia after prophylactic use of PEG-rhG-CSF were 19.14% (49/256) , 12.5% (32/256) , 12.18% (24/197) , 13.61% (20/147) , respectively. The incidences of FN were 3.52% (9/256) , 0.39% (1/256) , 2.54% (5/197) , 2.04% (3/147) , respectively. After secondary prophylactic use of PEG-rhG-CSF, the incidences of Ⅳ grade neutropenia decreased from 61.54% (40/65) in the screening cycle to 16.92% (11/65) , 18.46% (12/65) and 20.75% (11/53) in 1-3 cycles, respectively. The incidences of FN decreased from 16.92% (11/65) in the screening cycle to 1.54% (1/65) , 4.62% (3/65) , 3.77% (2/53) in 1-3 cycles, respectively. ③The proportion of patients who received antibiotic therapy during the whole period of chemotherapy was 34.39% (141/410) . ④The incidence of adverse events associated with PEG-rhG-CSF was 4.63% (19/410) . The most common adverse events were bone pain[3.90% (16/410) ], fatigue (0.49%) and fever (0.24%) . Conclusion During the chemotherapy in patients with lymphoma, the prophylactic use of PEG-rhG-CSF could effectively reduce the incidences of grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ neutropenia and FN, which ensures that patients with lymphoma receive standard-dose chemotherapy to improve its cure rate.

Objective To examines the correlation between lifestyle factors and semen quality among sperm donors at Anhui human sperm bank.Methods Demographic and lifestyle data were collected from 1,222 volunteers who donated sperm between January 2021 and December 2023,and their association with semen quality was analyzed.Results Univariate chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between several lifestyle factors and abnor-mal semen parameters(P＜0.05),including non-student status,frequent masturbation,short-term abstinence,low exercise frequency,frequent staying up late,smoking,drinking,and short sleep duration.Moreover,multiva-riate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that non-student status,longer abstinence time,and insufficient sleep were linked to abnormal semen volume.Additionally,abstinence time,exercise frequency,staying up late,smok-ing,and sleep duration were significantly correlated with abnormal semen concentration and sperm motility(P＜0.05).Conclusion Analysis reveals a close relationship between semen quality and volunteers'lifestyles,inclu-ding factors such as abstinence time,staying up late,sleep duration,smoking,drinking,and exercise frequency.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis