Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium , icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium , its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.
Male ; Epimedium/chemistry* ; Humans ; Genitalia, Male/drug effects* ; Flavonoids/therapeutic use* ; Animals

OBJECTIVE: To explore the immunophenotypic characteristics of bone marrow granulocytes (G) and their clinical significance in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: The granulocyte immunophenotypes of bone marrow in 70 MM patients (MM group) and 40 anemia patients (control group) were detected by flow cytometry, and its correlation with clinical characteristics was further analyzed. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to screen factors that affected prognosis. RESULTS: The CD56⁺G%, CD13⁺G%, CD22⁺G% and CD117⁺G% in MM group were higher than those in the control group (all P <0.05). CD56⁺G% and CD117⁺G% in CR⁺VGPR group were significantly lower than those in PR+MR+PD group (both P <0.05). The CD10⁺G% in RISS Ⅲ stage and Ca²⁺ ≥2.65 mmol/L groups were increased (both P <0.05). The CD56⁺G% in elevated lactate dehydrogenase, β₂-microglobulin≥5.5 mg/L and hemoglobin <85 g/L groups were increased (all P <0.05), while the CD117⁺G% in high-risk cytogenetic positive group was decreased (P <0.05). The expression rate of CD molecules on granulocytes was divided into low (L) and high (H) groups according to the median value. The overall survival (OS) of the LCD56⁺G%, LCD13⁺G% and LCD22⁺G% groups was significantly prolonged (all P <0.05). CD13⁺G% and CD22⁺G% were independent risk factors for OS in MM patients (HR=0.443, 0.410, both P <0.05). CONCLUSION The CD56⁺G%, CD10⁺G% and CD117⁺G% are closely correlated with clinical features in MM patients, while CD13⁺G% and CD22⁺G% are closely correlated with prognosis. Detection of CD molecules expression on granulocytes may be used to evaluate prognosis and guide treatment.
Humans ; Multiple Myeloma/immunology* ; Granulocytes/immunology* ; Prognosis ; Immunophenotyping ; Male ; Bone Marrow ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Clinical Relevance

Peri-implant keratinized mucosa (PIKM) augmentation refers to surgical procedures aimed at increasing the width of PIKM. Consensus reports emphasize the necessity of maintaining a minimum width of PIKM to ensure long-term peri-implant health. Currently, several surgical techniques have been validated for their effectiveness in increasing PIKM. However, the selection and application of PIKM augmentation methods may present challenges for dental practitioners due to heterogeneity in surgical techniques, variations in clinical scenarios, and anatomical differences. Therefore, clear guidelines and considerations for PIKM augmentation are needed. This expert consensus focuses on the commonly employed surgical techniques for PIKM augmentation and the factors influencing their selection at second-stage surgery. It aims to establish a standardized framework for assessing, planning, and executing PIKM augmentation procedures, with the goal of offering evidence-based guidance to enhance the predictability and success of PIKM augmentation.
Humans ; Consensus ; Dental Implants ; Mouth Mucosa/surgery* ; Keratins

Objective To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of artesunate(AS)on polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)in mice and explore the potential mechanism primarily.Methods Twenty-five female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into Control group,model group(PCOS group),low-and high-dose AS groups(AS15 and AS30 groups)and metformin group(Met group).In addition to the Control group,the mouse model of PCOS was established by subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA,60 mg/kg)following by a high-fat diet for 21 d.After modeling,AS of 15 and 30 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected into the mice of the AS 15 and AS30 groups,respectively,and 200 mg/kg Met was given to those of the Met group by gavage,once per day,for 6 weeks.ELISA was used to detect serum testosterone(T),fasting insulin(FINS),luteinizing hormone(LH)and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and the LH/FSH ratio was calculated.The levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG),triglyceride(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer,and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)was calculated.The estrous cycle was observed,and HE staining was performed for pathological changes in the ovary and uterus.Immunofluorescence assay was employed to measure the expression of p-eIF2α,ATF4 and CHOP in the ovarian tissue.After steroidogenic human granulosa-like tumor cell line KGN were exposed to 100 μmol/L DHEA to simulate the hyperandrogen environment of PCOS,and then treated with 5 and 10 μg/mL AS for 24 h,the protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway was detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the Control group,the PCOS mice had disturbed estrous cycle,polycystic changes in the ovaries,and significantly increased serum T level and LH/FSH ratio(P＜0.05),and obviously elevated HOMA-IR,TC and TG levels in terms of metabolism(P＜0.01).The expression levels of p-eIF2α,ATF4 and CHOP were notably up-regulated in the ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS mice and KGN cells after DHEA exposure(P＜0.05).Additionally,AS treatment attenuated the pathological changes of ovary and uterine expression,decreased the serum T level and the LH/FSH ratio(P＜0.05),and reduced HOMA-IR,TC and TG levels(P＜0.05)when compared with the PCOS mice.Moreover,the expression levels of p-eIF2α,ATF4 and CHOP were significantly down-regulated after AS treatment in both ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS mice and KGN cells(P＜0.05).Conclusion AS significantly improves glycolipid metabolic disorder and reproductive dysfunction in PCOS mice,which may be associated with its suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress by inhibiting the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway.

Inflammatory diseases of the biliary system are important risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Among them, chronic inflammation-related conditions such as choledocholithiasis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, Caroli disease, and liver fluke infection have been identified as major precursor diseases of CCA, with chronic inflammation being the key driver of malignant transformation of benign biliary diseases. This article reviews the association between the aforementioned precursor diseases and CCA, focusing on elaborating that chronic inflammation promotes abnormal cell proliferation by releasing relevant cytokines and activating multiple signaling pathways. Meanwhile, oxidative stress leading to cumulative DNA damage, immune evasion, and imbalance of the tumor microenvironment also contribute to the carcinogenesis process. Common related biliary inflammatory diseases further include cholelithiasis, biliary cysts, and fibrocystic liver disease, whose pathological changes such as chronic inflammatory status and cholestasis increase the risk of carcinogenesis through multiple pathways. Currently, the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases still face challenges such as difficulty in early diagnosis and limitations in therapeutic approaches. In-depth exploration of the association between biliary inflammation and CCA may provide a theoretical basis for the early prevention, precise treatment, and prognosis improvement of CCA.

AIM:To investigate and analyze the current situation and needs of clinical research nurses in China,in order to provide scientific basis for constructing a training system for research nurs-es,promoting standardized training,and achieving standardized management for them.METHODS:A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate 102 research nurses from nearly 70 well-known clinical trial institutions in China.The contents of the questionnaire mainly included the general infor-mation,professional experience and work content of the research nurses,the sense of accomplish-ment and training needs of clinical trial work.RE-SULTS:Among the 102 research nurses surveyed,92.15％have a bachelor's degree or above;53.92％of those have intermediate or higher professional titles;74.51％of them are part-time research nurse.Among professional experiences,19.61％have more than 10 years of clinical trial experience;47.06％,40.20％,and 21.17％of surveyed research nurses were authorized to participate in clinical tri-al drug management,sample management,and quality control;70.59％of research nurses have a high sense of achievement in their daily work.In terms of education and training needs,clinical trial related laws and regulations,standardized training for clinical trial protocol implementation,and good clinical practice(GCP)are the three most important aspects.CONCLUSION:Clinical research nurses in China have a relatively high level of education and nursing experience,but there is still a large gap in the amount of professional full-time clinical re-search nurses in China.Due to the rapid develop-ment of innovative drugs and devices,as well as the urgent need to improve the clinical research system,it is necessary to establish a training,as-sessment,and evaluation system for research nurs-es that is in line with China's national conditions in order to improve the professional level of research nurses,and improve the quantity and quality of clinical trial research on innovative drugs and devic-es in China.

AIM:To investigate and analyze the current situation and needs of clinical research nurses in China,in order to provide scientific basis for constructing a training system for research nurs-es,promoting standardized training,and achieving standardized management for them.METHODS:A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate 102 research nurses from nearly 70 well-known clinical trial institutions in China.The contents of the questionnaire mainly included the general infor-mation,professional experience and work content of the research nurses,the sense of accomplish-ment and training needs of clinical trial work.RE-SULTS:Among the 102 research nurses surveyed,92.15％have a bachelor's degree or above;53.92％of those have intermediate or higher professional titles;74.51％of them are part-time research nurse.Among professional experiences,19.61％have more than 10 years of clinical trial experience;47.06％,40.20％,and 21.17％of surveyed research nurses were authorized to participate in clinical tri-al drug management,sample management,and quality control;70.59％of research nurses have a high sense of achievement in their daily work.In terms of education and training needs,clinical trial related laws and regulations,standardized training for clinical trial protocol implementation,and good clinical practice(GCP)are the three most important aspects.CONCLUSION:Clinical research nurses in China have a relatively high level of education and nursing experience,but there is still a large gap in the amount of professional full-time clinical re-search nurses in China.Due to the rapid develop-ment of innovative drugs and devices,as well as the urgent need to improve the clinical research system,it is necessary to establish a training,as-sessment,and evaluation system for research nurs-es that is in line with China's national conditions in order to improve the professional level of research nurses,and improve the quantity and quality of clinical trial research on innovative drugs and devic-es in China.

AIM:To investigate and analyze the current situation and needs of clinical research nurses in China,in order to provide scientific basis for constructing a training system for research nurs-es,promoting standardized training,and achieving standardized management for them.METHODS:A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate 102 research nurses from nearly 70 well-known clinical trial institutions in China.The contents of the questionnaire mainly included the general infor-mation,professional experience and work content of the research nurses,the sense of accomplish-ment and training needs of clinical trial work.RE-SULTS:Among the 102 research nurses surveyed,92.15％have a bachelor's degree or above;53.92％of those have intermediate or higher professional titles;74.51％of them are part-time research nurse.Among professional experiences,19.61％have more than 10 years of clinical trial experience;47.06％,40.20％,and 21.17％of surveyed research nurses were authorized to participate in clinical tri-al drug management,sample management,and quality control;70.59％of research nurses have a high sense of achievement in their daily work.In terms of education and training needs,clinical trial related laws and regulations,standardized training for clinical trial protocol implementation,and good clinical practice(GCP)are the three most important aspects.CONCLUSION:Clinical research nurses in China have a relatively high level of education and nursing experience,but there is still a large gap in the amount of professional full-time clinical re-search nurses in China.Due to the rapid develop-ment of innovative drugs and devices,as well as the urgent need to improve the clinical research system,it is necessary to establish a training,as-sessment,and evaluation system for research nurs-es that is in line with China's national conditions in order to improve the professional level of research nurses,and improve the quantity and quality of clinical trial research on innovative drugs and devic-es in China.

AIM:To investigate and analyze the current situation and needs of clinical research nurses in China,in order to provide scientific basis for constructing a training system for research nurs-es,promoting standardized training,and achieving standardized management for them.METHODS:A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate 102 research nurses from nearly 70 well-known clinical trial institutions in China.The contents of the questionnaire mainly included the general infor-mation,professional experience and work content of the research nurses,the sense of accomplish-ment and training needs of clinical trial work.RE-SULTS:Among the 102 research nurses surveyed,92.15％have a bachelor's degree or above;53.92％of those have intermediate or higher professional titles;74.51％of them are part-time research nurse.Among professional experiences,19.61％have more than 10 years of clinical trial experience;47.06％,40.20％,and 21.17％of surveyed research nurses were authorized to participate in clinical tri-al drug management,sample management,and quality control;70.59％of research nurses have a high sense of achievement in their daily work.In terms of education and training needs,clinical trial related laws and regulations,standardized training for clinical trial protocol implementation,and good clinical practice(GCP)are the three most important aspects.CONCLUSION:Clinical research nurses in China have a relatively high level of education and nursing experience,but there is still a large gap in the amount of professional full-time clinical re-search nurses in China.Due to the rapid develop-ment of innovative drugs and devices,as well as the urgent need to improve the clinical research system,it is necessary to establish a training,as-sessment,and evaluation system for research nurs-es that is in line with China's national conditions in order to improve the professional level of research nurses,and improve the quantity and quality of clinical trial research on innovative drugs and devic-es in China.

AIM:To investigate and analyze the current situation and needs of clinical research nurses in China,in order to provide scientific basis for constructing a training system for research nurs-es,promoting standardized training,and achieving standardized management for them.METHODS:A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate 102 research nurses from nearly 70 well-known clinical trial institutions in China.The contents of the questionnaire mainly included the general infor-mation,professional experience and work content of the research nurses,the sense of accomplish-ment and training needs of clinical trial work.RE-SULTS:Among the 102 research nurses surveyed,92.15％have a bachelor's degree or above;53.92％of those have intermediate or higher professional titles;74.51％of them are part-time research nurse.Among professional experiences,19.61％have more than 10 years of clinical trial experience;47.06％,40.20％,and 21.17％of surveyed research nurses were authorized to participate in clinical tri-al drug management,sample management,and quality control;70.59％of research nurses have a high sense of achievement in their daily work.In terms of education and training needs,clinical trial related laws and regulations,standardized training for clinical trial protocol implementation,and good clinical practice(GCP)are the three most important aspects.CONCLUSION:Clinical research nurses in China have a relatively high level of education and nursing experience,but there is still a large gap in the amount of professional full-time clinical re-search nurses in China.Due to the rapid develop-ment of innovative drugs and devices,as well as the urgent need to improve the clinical research system,it is necessary to establish a training,as-sessment,and evaluation system for research nurs-es that is in line with China's national conditions in order to improve the professional level of research nurses,and improve the quantity and quality of clinical trial research on innovative drugs and devic-es in China.