OBJECTIVETo investigate the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in the serum and seminal plasma of infertile men with chronic viral hepatitis and their influence on the semen parameters of the patients.

METHODSWe collected serum and semen samples from 42 infertile men, 45 infertile males with chronic viral hepatitis, and 50 healthy fertile men as controls. We measured the MDA level in the serum and seminal plasma by spectrophotometry, detected the PON-1 activity by spectrophotometry, and determined the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) by acridine orange fluorescence staining.

RESULTSThe MDA level was significantly higher but the PON-1 activity remarkably lower in the serum and seminal plasma of the infertile males with chronic viral hepatitis than in the healthy controls and infertile patients (P <0.01 or P <0.05). Total sperm motility and sperm survival rate were significantly lower while the sperm DFI markedly higher in the former than in the latter two groups (P <0.01 or P <0.05). No statistically significant difference was found among the three groups in sperm concentration (P >0.05). The WBC counts in the semen of the infertile and infertile with chronic viral hepatitis groups were significantly higher than that in the health controls (P <0.05). The MDA level and PON-1 activity in the seminal plasma were positively correlated with those in the serum in the infertile males with chronic viral hepatitis (r=0.57 or 0.48, P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONVirus-induced chronic active hepatitis enhances oxidative stress in the reproductive system, aggravates sperm damage, and affects sperm quality parameters.

Adult ; Aryldialkylphosphatase ; analysis ; Case-Control Studies ; DNA Fragmentation ; Fertility ; Hepatitis, Viral, Human ; complications ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; blood ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; analysis ; blood ; Oxidative Stress ; Semen ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa

Objective To study the value of application of histamine provocation test and airway resistance measurement in diagnosis and therapeutic efficacy in preschool children with asthma.Methods Histamine provocation test and airway resistance measurement by the Italian MEFAR MB3 provocating instrument and Germen Microloop lung function instrument for 42 cases who were diagnosed as asthmatic(27 patients with bronchial asthma and 15 cases of cough variant asthma)and 21 healthy cases was compared,and the differences between the 2 groups and the value of therapeutic efficacy were analyzed.Results The resistance ratio of respiratory tract of control group was(97.11?9.09)%,which in asthma and cough variant asthma group was(229.37?57.48)% and(248.80?76.80)%.There was significant difference between the 3 groups(F=48.466 P

Objective To evaluate the development of immature oocytes after freezing-thawing by conventional cryopreservation method for mature oocytes.Methods Immature oocytes were collected from stimulated ovaries of intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)cycles.Immature oocytes were in vitro matured directly or after slow freezing-fast thawing and immunostained for tubulin and chromatin and at last visualized by confocal microscopy.Results No statistical difference was found in maturity rate between freezing groups and the controls.There was a statistically significant increase in abnormalities of chromosome(23.7% vs. 50%)and spindle(28.9% vs.53.9%)in the GV freezing group compared with the GV control(P

Objective To compare the effects of vitrification with slow-freezing on the developmental ability of day 3 cleavage stage embryos.Methods Patients who had no less than 4 high quality embryos were included in this study.These embryos were cryopreserved using the methods of vitrification or slow-freezing.In the eryopreserved embryo transfer cycles,the embryos which were cryopreserved using one of the methods were chosen randomly.The developmental ability of embryos was compared between these two groups.Results A total of 80 patients were included in this study with 160 embryos.In the group of slow-freezing,73(91%)embryos were survived and achieved 15(38%)clinical pregnancies.Among these,3 were twins and the implantation rate was 25%(18/73).In the group of vitrification,71(89%)embryos were survived and achieved 19(48%)clinical pregnancies.Among these, 9 were twins and the implantation rate was 39%(28/71),which was significantly higher than the slow- freezing group(P

OBJECTIVETo investigate the pathogenesis of globozoospermia, fertilization ability of round-headed sperm, and the application value of assisted oocyte activation in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for the wives of glohozoospermia men.

METHODSWe collected oocytes from the wives of 2 globozoospermia patients and randomly divided them into two groups after ICSI to receive calcium ionophore A23187-activation and conventional treatment, respectively. We reviewed the relevant literature published at home and abroad, and discussed the etiology of globozoospermia, fertilization ability of round-headed sperm, and treatment options for this disease.

RESULTSQuality embryos were obtained in the A23187-activation group while no fertilized oocytes, oocyte cleavage, quality embryos, or blastular formation were found in the conventional treatment group. Both women achieved pregnancy and gave birth to healthy neonates after transfer of the quality embryos from the A23187-activation group.

CONCLUSIONCalcium ionophore A23187 can be applied to ICSI for the wives of globozoospermia men and bring about desirable clinical outcomes. Meanwhile, attention should be paid to its safety.

Calcimycin ; therapeutic use ; Calcium Ionophores ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; drug therapy ; Male ; Oocytes ; Pregnancy ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ; Spermatozoa ; abnormalities

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Chinese medicine and pharmacy (CMP) on the mortality of senile HIV/AIDS patients as adjunctive therapy.

METHODSHIV/AIDS patients of a certain rural area of Hanna Province, who were recruited in national CMP HIV treatment trial program (NTCMTP) in 2004, were enrolled as the CMP treatment group. HIV/AIDS patients in the same village without recruiting in NTCMTP were enrolled as the non-CMP treatment group. Data related to subjects were collected from the database of NTCMTP and National HAART Reporting System. Multiple regression analysis under Cox proportional hazard model was applied to examine the risk factors for death of senile HIV/AIDS patients.

RESULTSA total of 436 HIV/AIDS were enrolled in this study, 204 in the CMP treatment group and 232 in the non-CMP treatment group. There were 70 AIDS-relative deaths in the CMP treatment group, with 8-year mortality rate of 37.74%. There were 111 AIDS-relative deaths in the non-CMP treatment group, with 8-year mortality rate of 48.34%. The 8-year mortality rate was higher in the non-CMP treatment group than in the CMP treatment group (chi2 = 5.136, P < 0.05). Results of univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed the hazard ratio in the non-CMP treatment group was 1.41 times that of the CMP treatment group (P < 0.05). Result of multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed the hazard ratio in the non-CMP treatment group was 1.44 times that of the CMP treatment group (P < 0.05). Besides, gender and marital conditions were significantly associated with death of HIV/AIDS patients.

CONCLUSIONCMP treatment was favorable to lower the mortality rate of senile HIV/AIDS patients, and its objective evaluation awaits for further prospective study.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Alzheimer Disease ; therapy ; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; Communicable Diseases ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; HIV Infections ; drug therapy ; mortality ; Humans ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors

To make a preliminary study on the mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma(CR) and Rehmanniae Radix(RR) before and after the combined administration in treating type II diabetes mellitus. The type I diabetes animal model in rats was established by fat emulsion and intraperitoneal injection with streptozotocin, in order to compare the hpyerglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of CR, RR and their combined administration of different ratio. The urinary metabolic profiling in rats of Coptidis Rhizoma and Rehmanniae Radix before and after the combined administration was analyzed by using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The differences among groups in metabolome were analyzed by the principal component analysis (PCA). The biochemical index results indicated that both CR and RR before and after the combined administration could lower high blood glucose, hypertriglyceride and high cholesterol. According to the analytical results of PCA of the rats' urine samples, the CR group was the most close to the normal group, with no significant difference in CR and RR group of different combination ratios. Twelve differentiated metabolites were identified to be related to type II diabetes. Compared with the normal group, the CR-treated group showed significant increase in seven differentiated metabolites. Among CR and RR drugs with different combination ratios, CR played a major role and thus acted as the monarch drug. Whereas RR served as the ministerial drug and assisted CR to show the efficacy. This study laid a foundation for the explanation of the combination mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines.
Animals ; Blood Glucose ; metabolism ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; blood ; drug therapy ; urine ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Rehmannia ; chemistry

Objective: To establish the cardio-renal syndrome (CRS) model by coarctation of abdominal aorta (CAA) with renal ischemia reperfusion injury (RIRI), and to observe the mRNA expression of pro-renin receptor [(P)RR] in experimental rats. Methods: A total of 42 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Sham group, CAA group, RIRI group and CAA+RIRI group.n=10 in each group, 2 rats died during the modeling and all animals were treated for 16 weeks. Blood levels of BNP, creatinine (Cr), urea nitrogen (BUN), the activity of rennin, the contents of angiotensin-I (AT-I), AT-II and aldosterone were examined by laboratory test. The diastolic end inter-ventricular septum thickness (DEIVST), DELVPT, LVEF, ventricular weight index (VWI) and cardiac weight index were detected by small animal echocardiography. The histological changes of myocardium and kidney tissue were measured by HE staining, and the mRNA expressions of pro-renin receptor in myocardium and kidney tissues were measured by RT-PCR. Results: Compared with Sham group, blood levels of BNP were increased in the other 3 groups,P<0.05; compared with CAA group, CAA+RIRI group had increased levels of Cr and BUN,P<0.01; compared with Sham group and RIRI group, CAA+RIRI group showed increased blood level of aldosterone,P<0.05. Compared with CAA group, CAA+RIRI group presented increased rennin activity,P<0.05. Blood levels of AT-I and AT-II were not signiifcantly increased among 3 operation groups,P>0.05. Compared with CAA group, CAA+RIRI group had more obvious changes of DEIVST and LVEF,P<0.01. Compared with RIRI group, CAA+RIRI group had more obvious ventricular hypertrophy, higher VWI and cardiac weight index, allP<0.05. HE staining presented that CAA+RIRI group had broadening of myocardial cell bundle space, decreased left renal index, severe tubular atrophy and partial glomerular atrophy. RT-PCR demonstrated that compared with Sham group, the mRNA expressions of pro-renin receptor in myocardium and kidney tissues were decreased in the other 3 groups. Conclusion: Combined CAA+RIRI method may damage the cardial and renal tissues at the same time which was more severe than either CAA or RIRI. While CAA+RIRI model has better controllability and higher consistency that provides a methodological reference for pro-renin receptor in treating CRS in experimental rat’s model.

ObjectiveTo analyze the prevalence and epidemic trend of human brucellosis between 2007 -2010 in Qian'an county,and to provide a basis for future prevention and control measures. Methods Epidemiological data of brucellosis between 2007 - 2010 were obtained from the national disease surveillance report on management information system, population data were from the national disease surveillance information management system for basic information reporting system, and descriptive epidemiological methods was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 86 cases were infected with brucellosis in Qian'an county from 2007 to 2010, with 68 cases of male and 18 cases of female, and male to female ratio was 3.78 : 1. Patients were mainly in the age of 20 - 55, with 40 - ＜ 45 year-old group the highest. All patients were local residents. Most professional were livestock acquisition, processing and aquaculture personnel. The majority of patients lived in Jianchang town,with 51 cases, accounting for 59.30％. Thirteen patients were reported in 2007, incidence was 0.0201‰(13/ 647 983). Thirty-nine patients were reported in 2010, and incidence was 0.0563‰(39/657 380). There was a fluctuations increase from 2007 to 2010. In 2007 brucellosis occurred in only two townships(towns), which spread to eight townships (towns) and urban areas in 2010. ConclusionsThe epidemic of human brucellosis in Qian'an is in a spreading trend. We recommend the government to strengthen the quarantine of livestock, and the infected livestock should be timely treated. Strengthen the prevention and control in Jianchangying. At the same time increase the brucellosis propaganda, and enhance self-protection awareness of the occupational groups.

Background The condition of the sclera is associated with many ocular diseases.The measurement of human scleral thickness in vivo is helpful for us to understand the features of the sclera and related diseases.Objective The present study was to measure the anterior sclera thickness(AST) in patients with senile cataract and to analyze the relationship among AST and other associated ocular parameters.Methods This study was approved by the Ethic Commission of First Hospital of Peking University.Written informed consent was obtained from each individual prior to examination.One hundred and five senile cataract patients were recruited in this study.Central corneal thickness (CCT),corneal curvature (CCV) and axial length were measured using ultrasonic pachymeter,keratometer,and A-scan unit,respectively.The AST was measured at 2 mm posterior to the scleral spur in the temporal meridian using ultrasound biomicroscope (UBM).The differences of CCT,CCV,ocular axial length and AST between bilateral eyes and the different sexes were compared by the Paired test and independent sample t test.The correlations among various parameters were assessed by the Pearson linear correlation analysis.The differences of CCT and AST among different axial length groups were evaluated by one-way ANOVA.Results No significant differences were found in the CCT,CCV,axial length and AST between bilateral eyes (t =0.584,P =0.561 ; t =1.161,P =0.248 ; t =0.140,P =0.889 ; t =0.342,P =0.773).Temporal AST at 2 mm posterior to the sclera spur was (0.589 ±0.051)mm in the right eyes.An insignificant decline in CCT was found in the male group compared with the female group (right eyes:t =0.469,P =0.641 ; left eyes:t =0.465,P =0.643).However,compared with the female group,the increase of axial length,reduction of the mean CCV value and enhancement of the mean AST were observed(right eyes:all P＜0.01 ;left eyes:all P＜0.01).CCV showed a negative correlation with ocular axial length (r =-0.50,P＜0.01),but no significant correlation was found among age,CCT,ocular axial length and AST(P＞0.05).No remarkable differences were found in CCT and AST among the various axial length groups (CCT:F =0.998,P=0.372;AST:F=1.919,P=0.383).Conclusions In senile cataract patients,correlation is not found between AST and CCT;the increase of axial length is not associated with the thinning of the eyeball wall to a certain extent.Differences exist in some ocular parameters between different sexes.