OBJECTIVETo investigate the semen quality of cancer patients and search for a better way of sperm cryopreservation for them.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the quality of the semen from 43 cancer patients under cryopreservation in the Sperm Bank of Zhejiang Province, and compared the semen parameters between the cancer patients and 248 normal donors as well as between the testicular cancer cases (n=22) and non-testicular cancer cases (n=21).

RESULTSThe cancer patients exhibited significantly lower semen quality than the normal donors as in sperm concentration (60.90 x 10(6)/ml vs 74.27 x 10(6)/ml), progressive motility (41.07% vs 51.79%), and recovery rate (49.98% vs 57.33%) (all P <0.05). Furthermore, the progressive sperm motility and sperm recovery rate after freezing were significantly decreased in the testicular cancer cases (15.68% and 42.81%) than in the non-testicular cancer cases (28.36% and 57.53%) (both P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONSemen quality declines in cancer patients, and therefore early sperm cryopreservation is essential for them. Due to the poor sperm motility and recovery rate of testicular cancer patients after freezing, further investigation is required on the improvement of sperm cryopreservation methods.

Adult ; Cryopreservation ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal ; Semen ; Semen Analysis ; Semen Preservation ; methods ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Testicular Neoplasms

0.05).And the increasing of weight in high protein+plus prolein jelly group was significantly higher than those of other two groups(Pa

Objective To observe the effect of liver disease special-purpose enteral nutrition preparation on protein metabolism and liver function in children with liver injury.Methods Sixty cases of severe ill with liver injury in hospital,with mean age of (7.8?6.3) years old.All patients were randomly divided into experimental group (n=30) and control group(n=30).The experimental group was treated by adding the liver disease special-purpose enteral nutrition preparation homogenized diet and control group was treated by adding entire protein entire nutrition type enteral nutrition preparation.All patients in both 2 groups were nasally fed with intestinal nutrition,which contained 418-628 kJ/(kg?d).One day before nutritional support and 14 days after nutritional support,the liver function,total serum protein,albumin,hemoglobin were recorded.SPSS 11.5 software was used to analyze the data.Results The baseline indicators were similar before nutritional supports.Fourteen days after nutritional support,alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were all significantly lower in experimental group than in control group(Pa

Objective To study the effect of dynamic stress stimulation on the expression of Sox9 mRNA and protein in metaphyseal chondrocytes in vitro, and to explore the specific mechanism of mechanical signal transduction. Methods The rat metaphyseal chondrocytes separated and cultured for the 3rd generation in vitro were randomly divided into four groups:control group (all interventions were not applied), simple dynamic pressure group (a dynamic pressure stimulus with a size of 90 mmHg and a frequency of 0.1 Hz was applied using an open pressure control culture system), simple calcium antagonist group (the concentration of 10μmol/L nifedipine was given) and dynamic pressure+calcium antagonist group (a dynamic pressure stimulus with a size of 90 mmHg, frequency of 0.1 Hz and concentration of 10 μmol/L nifedipine were given at the same time). The expression of Sox9 mRNA was detected after 24 h intervention by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in four groups. The expression of Sox9 protein was detected by Western blot assay. The intracellular free Ca2+ in metaphyseal chondrocytes was labeled with Fluo-3/AM, and the average fluorescence intensity detected by laser scanning confocal scanning microscopy was compared between four groups. Results The expression of Sox9 mRNA was 3.81 times higher in dynamic stress group than that in the control group, and the protein expression level was 2.33 times higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the expression of Sox9 mRNA and protein between the calcium antagonist group and the control group. The expressions of Sox9 mRNA and protein were lower in dynamic pressure+calcium antagonist group than those in the dynamic stress group, but which were higher than those of control group(P<0.05). The results of average fluorescence intensity showed that there was no significant difference in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration between four groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion Dynamic stress stimulation can increase the expression of Sox9 mRNA and protein in rat metaphyseal chondrocytes. There is calcium channel involvement in the mechanical signal transduction.

Gentianae Urnulae Herba, dried whole herb of Gentiana urnula,is a commonly used Tibetan medicine. However, only the character identification is used as quality control standard officially at present. As a part of project for the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 edition), the quality standard of this species was established in this study. The tests of water content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and ethanol-soluble extractives of the crude drugs were carried out following the methods recorded in appendix of Chinese Pharmacopeia (2010 edition, volume 1). The TLC identification method was established by using gentiournoside A as reference substance, and a mixture of ethyl acetate-methanol-water-formic acid(7:1. 5:1: 0. 2) as the developing solvent system on silica gel G TLC plate. The content of gentiournoside A was assayed by HPLC on an Agilent Zorbax SB-C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm,5 μm) column, using acetonitrile-water (0.1% phosphoric acid) (26:74) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1). The column temperature is at 30 degrees C and the detection wavelength is at 240 nm. As a result, gentiournoside A and the other constituents were separated and presented the same fluorescence light comparing with the reference substance on TLC detected under the UV light(366 nm). The methodology validation for the assay of gentiournoside A showed that it was in a good linear correlation in the range of 0.009 95-0.398 g x L(-1) with the regression equation of Y = 1 467.1X +41.407(r = 0.999 9), and the average recovery was 98. 3% (RSD 2.2%). The mass fractions of gentiournoside A, water content, ethanol-soluble extractives of 15 batches samples were varied in the ranges of 0.175% -1.83%, 8.60% - 9.93% and 29.2% - 35.2%, respectively. Total ash and acid-insoluble ash were 10.2% - 17.2% and 5.26% - 10.8% detected from 10 batches samples. The recommended standards of quantitative indexes are that the mass fractions of gentiournoside A and extractives are not less than 0.80% and 26.0%, respectively; the water, total ash and acid-insoluble ash are not more than 12.0%, 15.0% and 8.0%, respectively.
China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; standards ; Humans ; Medicine, Tibetan Traditional ; standards ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVETo provide detailed information of corona mortis for ilioinguinal approach as an anterior approach to the acetabulum and pelvis.

METHODSThe course, branches and distribution of the vascular connection between the obturator system and the external iliac or inferior epigastric systems located over the superior pubic ramus were observed on 50 hemipelvises with intact soft tissues.

RESULTSDuring the dissections, 72% of the cadaveric sides had at least one communicating vessel between the obturator system and the external iliac or inferior epigastric systems on the superior pubic ramus. The average diameter of the connecting vessel was 2.6 mm (range, 2.0-4.2 mm). It coursed over the superior pubic ramus or iliopubic eminence vertically to enter the obturator foramen and exit the pelvis. The average distance from pubic symphysis to the vascular connections between the obturator and external iliac systems was 52 mm (range, 38-68 mm).

CONCLUSIONSVascular connections between the obturator system and the external iliac or inferior epigastric systems were found over the superior pubic ramus with a high incidence. They are prone to damage during the ilioinguinal approach as an anterior approach to the acetabulum and pelvis. Thus, corona mortis located over the superior pubic ramus deserves great attention during the ilioinguinal approach.

Adult ; Aged ; Epigastric Arteries ; anatomy & histology ; Female ; Humans ; Iliac Vein ; anatomy & histology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Obturator Nerve ; anatomy & histology ; Pelvis ; blood supply ; Pubic Symphysis ; blood supply

PURPOSE: It is controversial whether folate status is a risk factor for the development of asthma or other allergic diseases. This study was conducted to investigate whether indirect or direct exposure to folate and impaired folate metabolism, reflected as methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, would contribute to the development of asthma and other allergic diseases. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to identify all studies assessing the association between folate status and asthma or other allergic diseases. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of studies and extracted data. The relative risk (RR) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated and pooled. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies (16 cohort, 7 case-control, and 3 cross-sectional studies) were identified. Maternal folic acid supplementation was not associated with the development of asthma, atopic dermatitis (AD), eczema, and sensitization in the offspring, whereas exposure during early pregnancy was related to wheeze occurrence in the offspring (RR=1.06, 95% CI=[1.02-1.09]). The TT genotype of MTHFR C677T polymorphism was at high risk of asthma (OR=1.41, 95% CI=[1.07-1.86]). CONCLUSIONS: It is indicated that maternal folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy may increase the risk of wheeze in early childhood and that the TT genotype of MTHFR C677T polymorphism impairing folic acid metabolism would be at high risk of asthma development. These results might provide additional information for recommendations regarding forced folate consumption or folic acid supplements during pregnancy based on its well-established benefits for the prevention of congenital malformations. However, currently available evidence is of low quality which is needed to further elucidate.
Asthma* ; Case-Control Studies ; Cohort Studies ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Eczema ; Folic Acid* ; Genotype ; Metabolism ; Odds Ratio ; Oxidoreductases ; Pregnancy ; Risk Factors*

Objective To establish a method of detecting hepatitis B virus x antigen (HBxAg) and antibody to HBxAg (anti-HBx) and to demonstrate its clinical significance of HBxAg and anti-HBx in sera from patients of chronic hepatitis B (CHB),liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Full length HBx gene was cloned into pET30a(+),a prokaryotic expression vector,named pET30a-X.It was transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3),followed the fusion protein of HBx-His was induced by IPTG.The purified fusion protein was used to immunize rabbit as an antigen to generate polyclonal antibody to HBx protein.The method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was established by using purified fusion protein and generated antibody,which was used to detect HBxAg and anti-HBx in sera from patients of CHB,LC,HCC and normal healthy people.Results The positive rates of HBxAg/anti-HBx were 8.7%/10.4% for CHB,17.9%/40.6% for LC,and 9.8%/34.4% for HCC, respectively.In statistics,the positive rates of anti-HBx in LC and HCC were higher than that in CHB (P

OBJECTIVETo determine the efficacy of 2% mepivacaine in conservative dentistry.

METHODSThe patients who needed cavity preparation or access to pulp chamber received local infiltration with 2% mepivacaine. Anesthesia time, anesthetic efficacy and cardiovascular system influences were assessed. 3% lidocaine with epinephrine served as control.

RESULTSIn experiment group, the anesthesia effects were quicker and anesthesia duration was longer than that in control group. Doctors highly appreciated the anesthetic efficacy. Two groups did not show any evident change in blood pressure and heart rate.

CONCLUSION2% mepivacaine is a safe and efficacious local anesthetic drug in conservative dentistry.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Anesthesia, Dental ; Anesthetics, Local ; Dental Pulp ; drug effects ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mepivacaine ; administration & dosage ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy and safety of Xiaozheng pills in treating mastoplasia.

METHODClinical trials were carried out by five hospitals. In each hospital, patients were divided into two groups with one group 24 patients (trial group) and the other 24 patients (control group). Total 240 patients were included in the study. According to randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled clinical study, the trial groups were treated by Xiaozheng pills with Rujiekang mimetic (placebo) and the control groups were treated by Rujiekang with Xiaozheng pills mimetic (placebo). Symptoms, laboratory test results as well as ADR were evaluated after 1 period of treatment.

RESULTThe overall response rates of trial group and control group were 93.8% and 88.6% respectively, no statistic difference between the two groups. No deleterious effect in both groups and the indexes of safety were normal.

CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that Xiaozheng pills are effective and safe in treating mastoplasia caused by qi stagnation, blood stasis or/and stagnation of phlegm.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Breast ; pathology ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fibrocystic Breast Disease ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry