OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of male reproductive tract infection (RTI) with semen parameters and sperm DNA damage.

METHODSWe classified 1 084 males attending the infertility clinic into an RTI group (n = 300) and a non-RTI control group (n = 784). According to the WHO standards, we obtained routine semen parameters, detected sperm morphology, and determined the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) by sperm chromatin structure assay.

RESULTSThere were statistically significant differences between the RTI and control groups in the semen volume ( [2.58 ± 1.20] vs [3.00 ± 2.10] ml), grade a + b sperm ([50.6 ± 17.2] vs [53.2 ± 15.8]%), grade d sperm ( [39. 8 ± 17.8] vs [36.5 ± 16.2]%), and total sperm count ([218.5 ± 185.0 ] vs [278.5 ± 375.5 ] x 10(6)/ejaculate) (all P < 0.05), but not in the males' age, sperm concentration or pH value (P > 0.05). The percentage of morphologically normal sperm was significantly lower ([3.46 ± 2.90] vs [4.61 ± 3.60%, P < 0.05) but the DFI was markedly higher in the RTI group than in the control ([19.4 ± 11.4] vs [15.2 ± 8.8]% , P < 0.01). The percentage of the cases with DFI > 30% was remarkably higher (13.0 vs 5.74% ) while that of the cases with DFI < 10% dramatically lower in the former than in the latter (16.0 vs 28.0%). The level of seminal plasma elastase was correlated negatively to sperm concentration, sperm count, and the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (P < 0.05) but positively to DFI and grade d sperm (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONMale reproductive tract infection not only affects semen parameters and sperm morphology but also causes serious sperm DNA damage.

DNA Fragmentation ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; physiopathology ; Male ; Reproductive Tract Infections ; physiopathology ; Semen ; chemistry ; Semen Analysis ; Sperm Count ; Spermatozoa ; pathology

Objective To analyze the relationships between the drinking water fluoride and bone mineral density (BMD), and serum osteocalcin (BGP) and to explore the BMD and serum BGP as significant early screening biomarkers for fluorosis especially for early bone damage in endemic fluorosis areas. Methods Wamiao (severe endemic fluorosis area, as fluoride exposed group) and Xinhuai (non endemic fluorosis area, as control group) Village were selected in 2006. One hundred and fouty-six objects were chosen from 2 villages (103 in Wamiao, 43 in Xinhuai). The sex, age, body height, body weight, drinking water fluoride in each object's household well, BMD, and serum BGP were investigated, and the dose-response relationships were analyzed between the drinking water fluoride and BMD, and serum BGP. CurveExpert 1.3 Software was used to fit the dose-response relationships between the rate of abnormal BMD, the rate of abnormal serum BGP, and the drinking water fluoride. Results The levels of drinking water fluoride in males' and females' families in fluoride exposed group were [(2.38±0.68), (2.62±0.91 )mg/L] significant higher than that in control group [(0.35±0.08), (0.36±0.07)mg/L], the difference being statistically significant(t values were 14.27 and 11.08,and P<0.01, respectively). BMD in males in fluoride exposed group [(0.78±0.07)g/cm2] was significant lower than that in control group[(0.83±0.08)g/cm2], the difference being statistically significant (t=2.37,P<0.05). Serum BGP in males and females in fluoride exposed group [(4.17±0.67), (4.11±0.57) μg/L] were significant higher than that in control group [(1.48±0.40), (1.44±0.39)μg/L], the difference being statistically significant (t values were 17.64 and 19.40, and P<0.01, respectively]. BMD in the group with drinking water fluoride≥2.92 mg/L[(0.66±0.15 )g/cm2] was significant lower than that in the group with drinking water fluoride<0.42 mg/L [(0.76±0.12)g/cm2], the difference being statistically significant (P<0.01). The levels of serum BGP in the groups with the drinking water 0.42-,2.05-, ≥.92 mg/L[(3.83±1.07), (4.22±0.72), (3.99±0.63) μg/L] were significant higher than that in the group with the drinking water<0.42 mg/L [(1.44±0.37) μg/L], the difference being statistically significant (P<0.01). The equation for the dose-response relationship between the drinking water fluoride and the rate of abnormal BMD was y=(0.284-0.058x)-1.260, r=0.999 94; and y=100.05/(1+78.62e-4.5x), r=0.999 99 for the drinking water fluoride and the rate of abnormal serum BGP. Conclusions There were significant dose-response relationships between drinking water fluoride and BMD and serum BGP. It indicated that BMD and BGP might be considered as early screening biomarkers for endemic fluorosis, especially for the bone damage.

Objective: To investigate the role of NF-?B in signal transduction of hepatocyte apoptosis in liver injury. Methods: A total of 42 Chang-Bai piglets were divided into 7 groups: control group, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours wound group. The model of intestinal perforations due to abdominal firearm wound was established in wound groups. Hepatic NF-?B activity was measured with immunohistochemical staining and image analysis in all groups. Hepatocyte apoptosis indexes and serum ALT levels were also determined. Results: Levels of hepatic NF-?B activity in wounded groups were significantly elevated compared with control group, and there were two peaks (1 and 8 hours group P

Doctor WANG Zhi-zhong in the Southern Song Dynasty proposed the acupoint view of "location of disease", which explained the connotation of acupoints from the angle of clinic. Its meaning included two levels, one level meant pathological change on the body surface, that was the location of acupuncture diagnosis-treatment, and the other one indicated that the body surface which was the reflecting point of pathological change on the distal area or inside the body was the location of acupuncture diagnosis-treatment. The specific connotations of clinical acupoints were: location of pathogenic factors or reflection of pathogenic factors, regularity between acupoints un- der disease and specific organ, morphological differences and positioning variability after acupoints under disease, and acupoints examination, diagnosis and treatment.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; history ; China ; History, Ancient ; Humans ; Medicine in Literature ; Meridians

Objective To evaluate the effects of TENS on metatarsus plantar flexion and inversion in stroke patients,and to explore its mechanism.Methods Thirty-two stroke patients with gastrocnemius spasticity were randomly divided into a control group (n=16) and a TENS group (n=16).All patients were treated with foot sup- ports,neurodevelopmental and manipulation therapies.In addition,the TENS group received TENS on the anterior tibialis,peroneus longus and brevis muscles.All patients were assessed in terms of their Chinese stroke scale(CSS) and H reflex scores before and after therapy.Results Compared with those in the control group,the H reflex scores in the TENS group were obviously decreased,while H reflex latency was prolonged and H/M was reduced. Gait in the TENS group was evidently improved.Conclusion TENS is an effective therapy to decrease gastrocnemi- us spasticity and to improve the gait of stroke patients.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate current diagnosis and therapeutic effect and outcome of diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in 169 patients.

METHODSThe data of 169 DAI patients treated in the Second, Sixth, Eighth and Ninth Hospitals of Shenzhen and Shekou Hospital from January 2001 to January 2005 were collected. The imaging features, classification, GCS (Glasgow coma scale), treatment and outcome of the 169 patients were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSThe simpler the imaging features, the closer the focus of DAI to the periphery of hemisphere and the higher the GCS score, the better the prognoses of DAI patients will be.

CONCLUSIONSThe prognoses of DAI patients are closely related to the imaging features and classification, GCS and clinical treatment.

Objective To observe the incidence and clinical characteristics of chronic Keshan disease in recent years, and to provide evidence for diagnosis of the disease. Methods From March to August 2009, 163 patients with chronic Keshan disease were chosen from Shandong, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia and Cansu. Of these patients, 62 cases were from Shandong, 34 cases from Sichuan, 37 cases from Inner Mongolia, and 30 cases from Gansu. All of the subjects underwent detailed natural history of the disease, careful physical examination and electrocardiogram (ECG), X-ray chest radiography and cardiac ultrasound examination. The incidence and clinical features were analyzed. Results Adults accounted for 98.8%(161/163) and children for 1.2%(2/163) in 163 cases of chronic Keshan disease, with an average age of 45.8 years. Slow onset accounted for 62.6%(102/163), other types that evolved into chronic-type accounted for 37.4%(61/163). Low blood pressure( 116.5/72.4 mmHg),often with cardiac function grade Ⅱ accounted for 65.6%(107/163). Common symptoms were: palpitation[86.5%(141/163)], asthma [76.7% (125/163)], fatigue[76.1%(124/163)], precordial discomfort [54.6% (89/163)], dizziness[50.3%(82/163)], edema of lower limbs[44.8%(73/163)], and anorexia[38.0%(62/163)]. Common signs were: low-weak first heart sound[66.9%(109/163)], heart enlargement[64.4%(105/163)], apical pulse dispersion[42.3%(69/163)], arrhythmia[40.5%(66/163)], hepatomegalia[39.3%(64/163)], systolic murmur [25.2%(41/163)], and edema[20.9%(34/163)]. Abnormal ECG detection rate was 93.9%(153/163), with common types followed by ST-T changes[ST-T changes, ST segment changes, Tchange, 36.2%(59/163)], ventricular premature [occasional and frequent ventricular premature, 26.4% (43/163)], complete right bundle branch block [25.8% (42/163)], atrial fibrillation[19.0%(31/163)], and atrioventricular conduction block[8.6%( 14/163)]. X-ray results showed that significant and moderate heart enlargement were common, accounting for 73.4%( 105/143), followed by mild enlargement of 25.2%(36/143). Color doppler ultrasound examination results showed that the atrio-ventricular cavity diameter increased, followed by left ventricular end-systolic diameter increased[81.3%(52/64)], left ventricular end-diastolic diameter increased[65.6%(42/64)], left atrial enlargement[51.6%(33/64)], right atrial enlargement [43.8%(28/64)], and right ventricular enlargement[32.8%(21/64)]. Left ventricular wall and interventricular septum thinning accounted for 15.6%( 10/64) and 7.8%(5/64), respectively. Conclusions In recent years, most cases of chronic Keshan disease occur as natural chronic type, and at older age at onset with low blood pressure.Main clinical features of the disease are cardiac enlargement, inadequate tissue perfusion, and venous stasis performance caused by cardiac decompensation. Correct diagnosis of chronic Keshan disease can be made based on these clinical features.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect on the iso-center and OAR and PDD of the MV class X-ray coming from the linac when we use the glass mirror to replace an imported one.

METHODData collected by using a film and 3D water phantom OAR and PDD measuring methods based on the different conditions. Comparison and analysis of the effect levels for different thickness and material mirrors are made.

RESULTThe PDD max error of the 4 mm general glass mirror is 6%.When the 8MV X-ray 720 Gy irradiation is given, the light field appears a dual cross lines and has darker brightness. The PDD max error of the 1.5 mm quartz glass mirror is less than 1%. When it accepts the equal radiation dose, the light field iso-center and OAR and field brightness are agreed well with clinical demands.

CONCLUSIONOur practice shows that the 4 mm general glass mirror can't suffer the MV class X-ray irradiation but the thin quartz glass mirror can. So the thin quartz glass mirror can be used for the linac.

Particle Accelerators ; instrumentation ; Radiation Dosage ; X-Rays

OBJECTIVETo make the kit with witch to identify Penis et Testis Cervi with molecular taxonomy.

METHODThe mtDNA of sika and red deer from different areas was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Compared with the mtDNA of bovine and horse from witch the false medicines were made, characteristic segments of deer were found. We selected one as the species distinctive PCR primer of deer.

RESULTThe kit made up with this primer and related reagents could be used to discern Penis et Testis Cervi from the false medicine.

CONCLUSIONIt is a scientific, steady, accurate and convenient way to identify Penis et Testis Cervi with molecular taxonomy.

Animals ; Cattle ; genetics ; DNA ; genetics ; DNA Primers ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; Deer ; classification ; genetics ; Drug Contamination ; Horses ; genetics ; Male ; Materia Medica ; chemistry ; Penis ; chemistry ; Testis ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo demonstrate the vasodilatation activity of the coumarin-containing Angelica dahurica var. formosana and to further analyze active components in the herb extracts.

METHODS(1) The vasodilatation effects induced by different extracts (cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, 95 % ethanol and water) of Angelica dahurica var. formosana on mouse thoracic aorta pre-contracted with phenylephrine were investigated. (2) The amount of imperatorin and isoimperatorin in each extract was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. (3) The vasodilatation effects of imperatorin and isoimperatorin on mouse thoracic aorta were compared using the same in vitro method. (4) The vasodilatation mechanism of imperatorin in the mouse thoracic aorta pre-contracted with phenylephrine was studied using the methods of denuded endothelium, NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), and propranolol.

RESULTS(1) The cyclohexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Angelica dahurica var. formosana decreased the maximal response of phenylephrine-induced mouse thoracic aorta contraction dose-dependently, with 50% inhibiting concentration (IC(50)) values of 35.3+/-12.4 mg/L and 40.5+/-12.0 mg/L, respectively. The vasodilatation effect of imperatorin and isoimperatorin was dose-dependent. (2) The cyclohexane extract, showing the strongest vasodilatation effect, possessed the highest contents of imperatorin (4.09%) and isoimperatorin (0.27%, w/w). There was a correlation between the vasodilatation activity and the contents of imperatorin and isoimperatorin in the extracts. (3) The vasodilatation effect of imperatorin was about 4-fold stronger than that of isoimperatorin. (4) The vasodilatation effect of imperatorin was signifificantly attenuated to 24.88%+/-4.06% in the denuded endothelium group compared with the intact endothelium group. And 1 mmol/L L-NAME reduced the imperatorin-induced vasorelaxation by 32.18 %+/-11.29 %.

CONCLUSIONSThe principal effective component of Angelica dahurica var. Formosana was found to be imperatorin. Imperatorin-induced vasodilatation is at least partially regulated by nitric oxide, and has no correlation to beta-receptor.

Angelica ; chemistry ; Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Endothelium, Vascular ; physiology ; Furocoumarins ; analysis ; pharmacology ; Male ; Mice ; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester ; pharmacology ; Nitric Oxide ; physiology ; Phenylephrine ; pharmacology ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Propranolol ; pharmacology ; Vasodilation ; drug effects