OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of Qilin Pills combined with clomiphene on idiopathic oligoasthenospermia.

METHODSWe randomly assigned 300 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia to a trial (n = 156) and a control group (n = 144) to be treated with Qilin Pills (6 g, tid) combined with clomiphene (50 mg, qd) and clomiphene alone (50 mg, qd), respectively, both for a course of 12 weeks. Before and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of medication, we determined sperm concentration, the percentages of grade a and grade a + b sperm, sperm motility, and the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T), followed by evaluation of the clinical efficacy of Qilin Pills with the pregnancy rate in the patients' spouses as the secondaty therapeutic indexes.

RESULTSCompared with the baseline, both groups of patients showed remarkably improved semen parameters and hormone levels after treatment (all P < 0.01). After 4, 8, and 12 weeks of medication, statistically significant differences were observed between the trial and control groups in sperm concentration ([17.06 ± 2.24] vs [15.07 ± 2.48], [22.10 ± 2.65] vs [18.11 ± 2.97], and [28.13 ± 3.59] vs [21.21 ± 3.60] x 10(6)/mL, P < 0.01), the percentage of grade a sperm ([15.03 ± 2.39] vs [13.08 ± 2.51], [21.08 ± 3.16] vs [16.04 ± 3.05], and [28.08 ± 4.70] vs [20.14 ± 4.74]%, P < 0.01), the percentage of grade a + b sperm ([30.10 ± 5.07] vs [26.21 ± 3.96], [38.08 ± 5.64] vs [30.07 ± 4.80], and [48.04 ± 6.49] vs [35.28 ± 4.77]%, P < 0.01), sperm motility ([42.04 ± 4.86] vs [40.29 ± 4.19], [52.05 ± 5.58] vs [48.03 ± 4.40], and [65.03 ± 5.13] vs [56.67 ± 4.99]%), the FSH level ([7.75 ± 1.38] vs [7.20 ± 1.17], [10.83 ± 1.23] vs [9.10 ± 1.32], and [14.22 ± 0.84] vs [12.06 ± 1.45] IU/L, P < 0.01), the LH level ([10.05 ± 1.68] vs [9.18 ± 1.54], [13.96 ± 1.68] vs [11.99 ± 1.71], and [19.01 ± 2.42] vs [15.86 ± 2.08] IU/L, P < 0.01) and the T level ([19.19 ± 192] vs [18.34 ± 1.79] [21.06 ± 1.63] vs [20.06 ± 1.56], and [24.63 ± 1.06] vs [22.03 ± 1.49] nmol/L, P < 0.01). The pregnancy rate in the patients' spouses was significantly higher in the trial than in the control group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (1.92 vs 0.69, 4.81 vs 3.47, and 11.54 vs 8.33%, P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in drug tolerance between the two groups (P > 0.05). No obvious adverse reactions were observed.

CONCLUSIONQilin Pills combined with clomiphene can evidently improve the seminal quality and hormone level of oligoasthenospermia patients with no obvious adverse events. However, its long-term efficacy and tolerance deserve further clinical investigation.

Asthenozoospermia ; blood ; drug therapy ; Clomiphene ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fertility Agents ; therapeutic use ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Humans ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Semen ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; Testosterone ; blood

Actins ; analysis ; Antigens, CD34 ; analysis ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; classification ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Keratin-19 ; analysis ; Keratin-20 ; analysis ; Muscle, Smooth ; chemistry ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; classification ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; analysis ; Receptors, Estrogen ; analysis ; Receptors, Progesterone ; analysis

AIMTo investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of esculentoside A (EsA) and to observe the effects of EsA on cellular adhesion between human umbilical vein endothelial cell (VEC304) and human neutrophil and to further observe the mRNA expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and cluster of differentiation 18(CD18).

METHODSThe hemocyte counting method was used for assaying the adhesion rate between VEC304 and neutrophil. The RT-PCR method was used for measuring the mRNA expression of ICAM-1 and CD18.

RESULTSThe adhesion rate between VEC304 and neutrophil was increased with treatment of lipopolysaccharide(LPS). EsA (3 - 12 x 10(-6) mumol.L-1) was shown to inhibit the high cellular adhesion induced by LPS. A further investigation of adhesion molecules mRNA expression was undertaken using semi-quantitative reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results of RT-PCR from VEC304 and human neutrophil treating with LPS showed that ICAM-1 and CD18 mRNA expressions were higher than those of normal cells, while this increased expression of ICAM-1 and CD18 mRNA was remarkably attenuated by the addition of EsA.

CONCLUSIONEsA was found to inhibit the increased adhesion rate induced by LPS. Moreover, LPS induced high expression of ICAM-1 and CD18 was inhibited with treatment of EsA. It might be involved in the mechanisms of anti-inflammation of EsA.

Adult ; CD18 Antigens ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cell Adhesion ; drug effects ; Cell Line ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Endothelial Cells ; metabolism ; physiology ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Neutrophils ; metabolism ; physiology ; Oleanolic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Phytolacca ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Saponins ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship of lymphatic micovessel density (LMVD) detected by monoclonal antibody D2-40) with the VEGF-C expression in human breast cancer.

METHODSTissue samples of 102 breast cancers, 25 breast fibroadenomas and 10 normal breasts were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detected the lymphatic micovessels with monoclonal antibody D2-40. The expression of VEGF-C was detect by SP immunohistochemistry, and VEGF-C mRNA by hybridization in situ.

RESULTSIn 102 breast cancers, the positive rate of D2-40 was 76.5% (78/102), higher than that in the breast fibroadenomas. LMVD in the periphery of breast cancer was 30.1 lymphatic microvessels per x 100 field of vision, which was significantly higher than that in the central area of the tumors (P = 0.000). The LMVD in the periphery of the breast cancers was correlated with the number of metastatic lymph nodes (r = 0.964, P < 0.01). The positive rates of VEGF-C protein and mRNA were 55.9% (57/102) and 59.8% (61/102), respectively, significantly higher than that in the breast fiberoadenomas and normal breast tissues (chi2 = 11.653, P = 0.003; chi2 = 10.345, P = 0.006), and were significantly correlated with the status of lymph node metastasis, clinical stage and the expressions of c-erbB-2 and p53 protein (P < 0.05). Both of VEGF-C protein and mRNA were significantly correlated with LMVD detected by D2-40 (P < 0.05), especially with the LMVD in the periphery of breast cancers (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe monoclonal antibody D240 can be used to detect the lymphatic endothelium in human breast cancer. The lymphatic microvessel density in the periphery of breast cancer is correlated with the lymph node metastasis and expression of VEGF-C. Therefore, VEGF-C may play a significant role in the lymphangiogenesis leading to metastasis of breast cancer.

Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; Breast Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast ; metabolism ; pathology ; Female ; Fibroadenoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphangiogenesis ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Lymphatic Vessels ; pathology ; Microvessels ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C ; genetics ; metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of burying testis in thigh pocket on spermatogenesis.

METHODSGuizhou miniature male pigs at child-bearing period were randomly divided to receive operation of scrotum incision and dissection with the testis burying in thigh pocket (experimental group) or without (control group). 3 months later, testis biopsy was performed on 2 pigs from each group for pathological examination. Then every male pig from both experimental (n = 6) and control group (n = 6) got a mating partner and lived together for 3 months. The fertility of the male pigs was observed. 6 months after operation, testis biopsy was performed again on all the animals from both the groups.

RESULTSBoth at 3 months and 6 months after operation, the pathological examination showed the spermatogenic cells of all stage in contorted seminiferous tubules markedly decreased with no mature sperm in experimental group, while normal spermatogenic cells with mature sperm in control group. After the male pigs lived with mating partners for 3 months, no female pigs staying with the experimental group became pregnant, but the male pigs in control group had a normal fertility.

CONCLUSIONSBurying testis in thigh pocket impedes spermatogenesis in the miniature male pig. So burying testis in thigh pocket is not recommended for patients with scrotum skin defect who wish to remain fertile.

Animals ; Female ; Fertility ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Scrotum ; Skin ; injuries ; Spermatogenesis ; Swine ; Swine, Miniature ; Testis ; physiology ; Thigh ; surgery

Objective To investigate the level of arsenic in environmental media and food stuffs including vegetables in water-born endemic arsenicosis area for provide a scientific basis for endemic arsenicosis of Shanxi province.Methods Samples of drinking water,soil,and glutinous broom corn,foxtail millet,and potato were collected from local families in water-born endemic arsenicosis area of Shanyin county,Shanxi province.According to“Diagnosis Standard for Endemic Arsenicosis” (WS/T 211-2001 ),totally 309 people from 126 families were choosen for the survey.The content of arsenic in drinking water,glutinous broom corn and foxtail millet was quantitatively determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS).The level of arsenic in soil and potato was measured by atomic fluorescence spectrometer(AFS).The water arsenic concentrations were divided into five groups,≤10,＞ 10 - 50,＞ 50 - 100,＞ 100 - 200,and ＞ 200 μ g/L,analysis the relationship between water arsenic exposure and skin lesions.ResultIn this study,126 water samples were collected.Arsenic concentrations in drinking water were 4.04 - 720.00 μg/L,the median value was 87.75 μg/L,and the ratio of arsenic level higher than the Chinese standards for drinking water(50 μg/L) was 63.49％(80/126).The levels of arsenic in food were 0.16 - 4.58 mg/kg,the median value of arsenic in food was 0.66 mg/kg,and 98.73％(78/79) of arsenic exceeded 0.2 mg/kg.Arsenic concentrations in soil and vegetable were 5.34 - 13.74 mg/kg and 0 - 0.30 mg/kg,respectively.Predicted inorganic arsenic intake from food and vegetable was modeled with the equivalent intake from drinking water for a typical Chinese diet.Daily consumption of grain with a total arsenic level of 0.17 mg/kg would be equivalent to a drinking water arsenic level of 10 μg/L.Otherwise,adjusted with gender and age,symptoms of skin lesions correlated positively with water arsenic concentrations in all subjects.The OR values were 3.219,9.001,56.127,and 97.734 for each group,respectively.Rank correlation test using Chi-square test and Spearman correlation test showed that the severity of skin lesions was associated with the increasing of arsenic content in water(x2 =128.747,P ＜ 0.05; r =0.501,P ＜ 0.05).ConclusionsArsenic levels in both drinking water and food are high in water-born endemic arsenicosis area of Shanxi province,and in soil and vegetables are not high.Arsenic in drinking water has been considered as a main risk factor of skin lesions,and dietary intake of arsenic through foodstuff can not be ignored.

Objective To evaluate the value of positron emission tomography(PET)-CT imaging combined with continual detection of CA_(125)in serum for diagnosis of early recurrent ovarian epithelial carcinoma.Methods Twenty six patients received PET-CT imaging,who were all diagnosed as primary epithelial ovarian cancer of stage Ⅱ-Ⅳ and had complete remission after cytoreductive surgery and multiple courses of chemotherapy in Shandong Provincial Cancer Hospital.After a steady period,all patients experienced progressive rising of CA_(125)values 3 times in 2 months.But no positive lesion was found by CT, or although suspicious positive focus was found,the recurrent and(or)metastatic extent was not definite. Out of 26 patients,16 were delivered rechemotherapy and(or)radiotherapy,and 10 received re- cytoreductive surgery.Results(1)Of 26 patients,the value of CA_(125)was more than 35 kU/L in 17,and in 14 of 17,pelvic or abdominal cavity recurrence was diagnosed by CT and PET-CT,and 4 showed simuhaneously distant metastasis on PET-CT.In the remaining 3 patients of which CT findings were negative,2 had pelvic and abdominal cavity recurrence,and one had bone metastasis on PET-CT.Of 9 patients with progressive rising CA_(125)levels but the value was less than cut-off(

OBJECTIVETo investigate BCL-6 gene mutations in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL) and their implications in lymphoma pathogenesis.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing methods were used to identify mutations in the 5'-noncoding region of BCL-6 gene in 135 cases of B-NHL, 5 cases of T-NHL, 5 cases of nodular lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's lymphoma (NLPHL) and 10 cases of reactive hyperplasia of lymph node.

RESULTSMutations were identified in 6 cases of nodal DLBCL (27.3%), 4 cases of FL (22.2%), 4 cases of MALT lymphoma (22.2%), 4 cases of extranodal DLBCL (20.7%) and 2 cases of LRH (20%). No mutations were detected in T-NHL and NLPHL (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in incidences of BCL-6 gene mutations between nodal and extranodal DLBCL (P > 0.05). All mutations were base substitutions and the frequency of single-base change was 0.14 x 10(-2)/bp approximately 0.68 x 10(-2)/bp.

CONCLUSIONSMutations of the 5'non-coding region of BCL-6 gene may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of B-NHL. Molecular demonstration of such mutations may provide a marker of lymphomas derived from the germinal center-related B cells.

5' Untranslated Regions ; genetics ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Base Sequence ; Child ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; genetics ; pathology ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Point Mutation ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6 ; Transcription Factors ; genetics

Objective To study the changes in red blood cells(RBCs),hemoglobin(Hb),hematocrit(HCT),mean corpuscular volume(MCV),RBC distribution width variation coefficient(RDW-CV)and RBC distribution width standard deviation(RDW-SD)of leukocyte-poor red blood cells preserved in navy ship force on a long voyage.Methods According to the Requirement of Health Examination for Blood Donors(GB 18467 -2011),red blood cells in additive solution leukocytes reduced were randomly collected from ten healthy voluntary blood donors one day before sailing.Each blood sample was preserved.The relevant parameters were detected as data before sailing.Each blood sample was divided into two parts,one in test group and the other in control group.Samples were taken from the two groups of leukocyte-poor red blood cells for the sampling detection after 21 days of sailing respectively.Results ①After sailing, the concentrations of RBCs and Hb declined in both groups,and the difference of RBC concentrations was not significant(P=0.319),but that of the concentrations of Hb was significant(P=0.002).②After sailing, the concentrations of HCT and MCV increased, but the change of HCT was significant(P=0.015),while that of MCV was insignificant(P=0.051).③After sailing,the concentrations of RDW-SD and RDW-CV were higher,but the change of RDW-SD was significant(P<0.001),while that of RDW-CV was not(P=0.528).Conclusion When leukocyte-poor red blood cells are preserved in navy ship force,the concentrations of RBC and Hb decrease,while the concentrations of HCT,MCV,RDW-SD and RDW-CV increase with the prolongation of preservation.A long voyage has some impact on the parameters of red blood cells in additive solution leukocytes reduced,as is the case with the conventional blood storage refrigerator(4 ±2)℃.

OBJECTIVESTo compare the postoperative complications and survival of standard pancreatoduodenectomy (SPD) and extended pancreatoduodenectomy (EPD) in patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas.

METHODSBetween January 1994 and December 2011, 165 patients with biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head were treated in West China Hospital, among whom 93 underwent SPD and 72 had EPD. Complications and survival after the surgery were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSThe median operation time of the EPD group was longer compared with the SPD group (375 minutes vs.310 minutes, P<0.01), the volume of blood transfusion was larger (700 mL vs.400 mL, P<0.05), while the median hospital stay (13.5 days vs.12 days, P=0.79) and the total complication rates were comparable (34.7% vs.32.4%, P=0.93). The total recurrence rates of the SPD and EPD groups were not significantly different (52.7% vs. 43.1%, P=0.83). No significant differences were found between the SPD and EPD groups in 1-year (81.7% vs. 86.1%), 3-year (38.7% vs. 43.1%), 5-year (16.7% vs. 19.4%), and median survivals (19.8 months vs. 23.2 months, P= 0.52).

CONCLUSIONThe postoperative complications and survival donot differ significantly between SPD and EPD.

Adenocarcinoma ; mortality ; surgery ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; epidemiology ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; mortality ; surgery ; Pancreaticoduodenectomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Retrospective Studies