A previous study showed that the length of the foreskin plays a role in the risk of sexually transmitted infections and chronic prostatitis, which can lead to poor quality of sexual life. Here, the association between foreskin length and sexual dysfunction was evaluated. A total of 5700 participants were recruited from the andrology clinic at The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (Hefei, China). Clinical characteristics, including foreskin length, were collected, and sexual function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) questionnaires. Men with sexual dysfunction were more likely to have redundant foreskin than men without sexual dysfunction. Among the 2721 erectile dysfunction (ED) patients and 1064 premature ejaculation (PE) patients, 301 (11.1%) ED patients and 135 (12.7%) PE patients had redundant foreskin, respectively. Men in the PE group were more likely to have redundant foreskin than men in the non-PE group ( P = 0.004). Logistic regression analyses revealed that the presence of redundant foreskin was associated with increased odds of moderate/severe ED (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.31, adjusted P = 0.04), moderate PE (aOR = 1.38, adjusted P = 0.02), and probable PE (aOR = 1.37, adjusted P = 0.03) after adjusting for confounding variables. Our study revealed a positive correlation between the presence of redundant foreskin and the risk of sexual dysfunction, especially in PE patients. Assessment of the length of the foreskin during routine clinical diagnosis may provide information for patients with sexual dysfunction.
Humans ; Male ; Foreskin ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adult ; Erectile Dysfunction/epidemiology* ; Premature Ejaculation/epidemiology* ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological/epidemiology* ; Young Adult

Objective To design a novel oxygenator to solve the existing problems of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)machine in high transmembrane pressure difference,low efficiency of blood oxygen exchange and susceptibility to thrombosis.Methods The main body of the oxygenator vascular access flow field was gifted with a flat cylindrical shape.The topology of the vascular access was modeled in three dimensions,and the whole flow field was cut into a blood inlet section,an inlet buffer,a heat exchange zone,a blood oxygen exchange zone,an outlet buffer and a blood outlet section.The oxygenator was compared with Quadrox oxygenator by means of ANSYS FLUENT-based simulation and prototype experiments.Results Simulation calculations showed the oxygenator designed was comparable to the clinically used ones in general,and gained advantages in transmembrane pressure difference,blood oxygen exchange and flow uniformity.Experimental results indicated that the oxygenator behaved better than Quadrox oxygenator in transmembrane pressure difference and blood oxygen exchange.Conclusion The oxygenator has advantages in transmem-brane pressure difference,temperature change,blood oxygen ex-change and low probability of thrombosis.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(3):23-28]

Epigenomic imbalance drives abnormal transcriptional processes,promoting the onset and progression of cancer.Although defective gene regulation generally affects carcinogenesis and tumor suppression networks,tumor immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumor responses may also be affected by epigenomic changes,which may have significant implications for the development and application of epigenetic therapy,cancer immunotherapy,and their combinations.Herein,we focus on the impact of epigenetic regulation on tumor immune cell function and the role of key abnormal epigenetic processes,DNA methylation,histone post-translational modification,and chromatin structure in tumor immunogenicity,and introduce these epigenetic research methods.We emphasize the value of small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic modulators in enhancing antitumor immune responses and discuss the challenges of developing treatment plans that combine epigenetic therapy and immuno-therapy through the complex interaction between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology.

This study investigated the mechanism by which kaempferol(KAE) affected intervertebral disc degeneration(IDD) through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK) signaling pathway. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, model group, low-dose KAE group, medium-dose KAE group, and high-dose KAE group. An IDD model was established by needle puncture of the caudal intervertebral discs. Four weeks post-surgery, the rats were administered KAE via gavage for 8 consecutive weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) was performed, and samples were collected. In vitro, an inflammation model of nucleus pulposus cells(NPCs) induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α) was constructed. Anisomycin was used to activate the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. NPCs were divided into blank, model, KAE, agonist, and KAE + agonist groups. After 1 day of treatment, cell proliferation activity was assessed using the CCK-8. Protein expression levels were determined by Western blot, and mRNA expression was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining, and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect type Ⅱ collagen and matrix metalloproteinase 3(MMP3). In vivo results indicated significant improvement in the degree of IDD in the treatment groups compared to the model group, with the medium-dose group showing more pronounced therapeutic effects than the low-and high-dose groups. In vitro results demonstrated that KAE treatment significantly enhanced NPC proliferation activity, down-regulated the expression levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-17A(IL-17A), MMP3, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5, and inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK pathway-related proteins. Activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway by anisomycin reduced the therapeutic effects of KAE. The study concluded that KAE could improve the proliferation activity of degenerated NPCs, reduce inflammation levels, and slow the progression of IDD in rats, and the mechanism was likely related to the regulation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
Animals ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Kaempferols/pharmacology* ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/genetics* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Nucleus Pulposus/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Humans ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*

BACKGROUND: Shenyankangfu Tablet (SYKFT) is a Chinese patent medicine that has been used widely to decrease proteinuria and the progression of chronic kidney disease. OBJECTIVE: This trial compared the efficacy and safety of SYKFT, for the control of proteinuria in primary glomerulonephritis patients, against the standard drug, losartan potassium. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Primary glomerulonephritis patients, aged 18-70 years, with blood pressure ≤ 140/90 mmHg, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 45 mL/min per 1.73 m MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was change in the 24-hour proteinuria level, after 48 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 735 participants were enrolled. The percent decline of urine protein quantification in the SYKFT group after 48 weeks was 8.78% ± 2.56% (P = 0.006) more than that in the losartan 50 mg group, which was 0.51% ± 2.54% (P = 1.000) less than that in the losartan 100 mg group. Compared with the losartan potassium 50 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 50 mg group had a 13.39% ± 2.49% (P < 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein level. Compared with the losartan potassium 100 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 100 mg group had a 9.77% ± 2.52% (P = 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein. With a superiority threshold of 15%, neither was statistically significant. eGFR, serum creatinine and serum albumin from the baseline did not change statistically significant. The average change in TCM syndrome score between the patients who took SYKFT (-3.00 [-6.00, -2.00]) and who did not take SYKFT (-2.00 [-5.00, 0]) was statistically significant (P = 0.003). No obvious adverse reactions were observed in any group. CONCLUSION: SYKFT decreased the proteinuria and improved the TCM syndrome scores of primary glomerulonephritis patients, with no change in the rate of decrease in the eGFR. SYKFT plus losartan potassium therapy decreased proteinuria more than losartan potassium therapy alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02063100 on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Objective To analyze the factors that might affect the recurrence after endoscopic resection of colorectal adenoma,we aim to provide a reference for the regular follow-up of colorectal adenoma after endoscopic resection.Methods In the Department of Gastroenterology,Huadong Hospital from Jan.,2013 to Dec.,2014,patients received endoscopic resection during hospital stay and postoperative follow-up colonoscopy.We collected their information of gender,age,smoking history,drinking history,hypertension,diabetes,fatty liver,cholecystectomy history,Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection,related metabolic indicators,number of adenoma,size of adenoma,location of adenoma and pathology of adenoma.Multivariate and univariate analysis were performed by Logistic regression analysis to explore factors influencing the recurrence risk of colorectal adenoma.Results A total of 283 cases were enrolled.The recurrence rate of low-risk and high-risk adenoma was 39.3 ％ and 56.3 ％,respectively,and therate of all adenoma was 52.7％.Multivariate and univariate analysis both found that H.pylori infection (P＜0.001,OR:3.316 and 2.802,95％CI:1.869-5.884 and 1.660-4.728) and adenoma number (P＜0.001,OR:2.799 and 2.789,95％ CI:1.578-4.963 and 1.667-4.668) were risk factors for colorectal adenoma recurrence after endoscopic excision.Conclusions H.pylori infection and the number of base colorectal adenoma maybe associated with colorectal adenoma recurrence.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the differences of metabolic pathways of leucocyte-deplated RBCs prepared by using lipid whole blood and nomal blood during routine storage so as to provide some reference for clinical blood use.

METHODSTwenty U whole blood from 20 donors, including 10 U lipid blood and 10 U normal whole blood, were selected for preparing leukodepleted red blood cells, red blood cells were taken from storage bags on day 0, 14 and 35, respectively. Metabolites in the red blood cells were analyzed, red blood cell metabolic extracts were detected by UPLC-MS/MS. The metabolite data of RBC from 2 groups were analyzed by SIMCA-P 13.0 software using OPLS-DA and by SPSS 19.0 using Mann-Whitney U test. Difference of metabolic pathways was described according to different metabolites.

RESULTSThe glucose, adenine, pyruvic acid, GSH, GSSG and niacinamide levels on day 0 in lipid RBCs were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05). The glucose, pyruvic acid and GSH levels on day 14 in lipid RBCs were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the levels of adenine, GSSG and niacinamide were higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The glucose level on day 0 was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the levels of adenine and niacinamide were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). but the pyruvic acid, GSH and GSSG levels were not significantly different between 2 groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONCompared with the normal red blood cells, the energy metabolism pathway decreases in lipid red blood cells within the storage period and pentose phosphate pathway increases.

Penile hypersensitivity plays an important role in premature ejaculation (PE), but differences in penile sensitivity among subtypes of PE are unknown. Therefore, we compared penile sensory thresholds in PE subtypes of lifelong and acquired PE, PE with and without erectile dysfunction (ED), PE with an intravaginal ejaculation latency time ≤1 min and >1 min, and PE with and without orgasmic pleasure perceptual dysfunction. During August 2014 to January 2016, 136 patients with PE were included. Penile warm, cold, and vibratory thresholds were measured. Data of clinical characteristics, sexual life, Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) score, and the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score were collected. Vibratory thresholds of the PE with ED group were higher in the right coronal sulcus (median amplitude: 4.92 vs 3.65 μ m, P = 0.02) and the right penile shaft (median amplitude: 3.87 vs 3.30 μ m, P = 0.03), while differences in penile sensory thresholds between other subtypes were not significant. The median PEDT score was lower in the PE without ED group (12 vs 14, P < 0.001). The IIEF-5 and PEDT scores were negatively correlated (r = -0.29, P < 0.001). Patients with orgasmic pleasure perceptual dysfunction had a lower median IIEF-5 score (20 vs 21, P = 0.02). Patients with PE and ED had lower penile sensitivity, and ED was associated with more severe symptoms and weaker orgasmic pleasure perception. In men with PE, management of comorbid ED is necessary. In case of side effects in erectile function, topical anesthetics should be cautiously used in men with PE and ED.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Ejaculation ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orgasm ; Penis/physiology* ; Physical Stimulation ; Pleasure ; Premature Ejaculation/physiopathology* ; Prospective Studies ; Sensory Thresholds ; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological ; Sexuality ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Temperature ; Vibration ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: This test was designed to evaluate the effect of lower-limb dominance and non-dominance shuttle runs under load carriage during different exercise load at the same exercise intensity on the balance responses. METHODS: Ten healthy young males were joined in this experiment, they were (20.80±2.04) years old and (173.99±2.87) cm tall. In a randomized cross-over design, they performed four times shuttle runs under unilateral load carriage:20 m×5 at dominant side, 20 m×5 at non-dominant side, 20 m×10 at dominant side, 20 m×10 at non-dominant side respectively. Balance abilities were evaluated immediately and 20 minute post-exercise respectively, and R-R interval was recorded. RESULTS: The HR, EPOC and TRIMP for all exercise load were increased significantly after shuttle runs compared to rest (<0.01), the EPOC and TRIMP for 20 m×10 shuttle runs were significantly higher than those for 20 m×5 shuttle runs at the dominant and non-dominant side (<0.01). Compared to the rest, the instability indices (general, anteroposterior and mediolateral movement) for 20 m×5 and 20 m×10 shuttle runs immediately post-exercise at the dominant and non-dominant side were increased significantly (<0.05), and the magnitude of the mediolateral movement for 20 m×10 shuttle runs was higher than that of 20 m×5 shuttle runs (<0.05). While there were no obvious difference between the dominant and the non-dominant side (>0.05), which showed symmetrical change. In addition, during 20 minute recovery, the balance ability for all exercise load was returned to the rest value (>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The shuttle runs could impair the trunk control ability immediately post-exercise, the magnitude of mediolateral movement was increased as the exercise load increased. The changes of balance responses were similar between the dominant and the non-dominant side, the dominant and the non-dominant side might show cross-effects.
Adolescent ; Exercise ; Exercise Test ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Movement ; Running ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate distribution and antimicrobial resistance among nosocomial pathogens from 13 teaching hospitals in China in 2009. Methods Non-repetitive pathogens from nosocomial BSI, HAP and IAI were collected and sent to the central lab for MIC determination by agar dilution method.WHONET5.6 software was used to analyze the data. Results A total of 2 502 clinical isolates were collected. The top three pathogens of BSI were Escherichia coli [27. 1% (285/1 052 )] , coagulase-negutive staphylococcus [12. 6% ( 133/1 052)] and Klebsiella pneumoniae [10. 8% ( 114/1 052)]. The top three pathogens of HAP were Acinetobacter baumannii [28. 8% (226/785)], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [16. 1% (126/785)] and Klebsiella pneumoniae [14.6% (115/785 )] . The top three pathogens of IAI were Escherichia coli[31.0% ( 206/665 )], Klebsiella pneumonia [11.3% ( 75/665 )] and Enterococcus faecium [10. 8% (72/665)]. Against Escherichia coil and Klebsiella spp. , the antimicrobial agents with higher than 80% susceptibility rate included imipenem and meropenem (98. 1%-100% ), tigecycline (95.3%-100% ), piperacillin-tazobactam ( 88.6% -97. 1% ) and amikacin ( 88. 3% -92. 5% ). Against Enterobacter spp. , Citrobacter spp. and Serratia spp. , the susceptibility rates of tigecycline were 93.5% -100% whereas the value of imipenem and meropenem were 92.9% -100%. Other antimicrobial agents with high activity included amikacin ( 85.2% -96. 7% ), pipcracillin-tazobactam ( 82.4% -96.4% ), cefepime ( 79. 6% -96. 7% ) and cefoperazonc-sulbactam (78. 7%-90. 0% ). Polymyxin B showed the highest susceptibility rateagainst Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( 100% ), followed by amikacin ( 81.9% ) and piperacillin-tazobactam (80.1% ). Polymyxin B also showed the highest susceptibility rate against Acinetobacter baumannii (98. 8% ), followed by tigecycline (90. 1% ) and minocycline (72. 0% ). The incidence of carbapenemresistant Acinetobacter baumannii was 60. 1%. The MRSA rate was 60. 2% and the MRSCoN rate was 84. 2%. All Staphylococcus strains were susceptible to tigecycline, vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid except for one isolate of Staphylococcus haemolysis with intermediate to teicoplanin. Two Enterococcus faecalis isolates which were intermediate to linezolid and one Enterococcus faecium isolate which was resistant to vancomycin and teicoplanin was found in this surveillance, while the MICs of tigecycline against these three isolates were 0. 032-0. 064 μg/ml. Conclusions Tigecycline, carbapenems, piperacillin-tazobactam,amikacin and cefepime remain relatively high activity against nosocomial Enterobacteriaceae. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibite high susceptibility to polymyxin B, while Acinetobacter baumanni shows high susceptibility to polymyxin B and tigecycline. Tigecycline, vancomycin, teicoplanin and linezolid remain high activity against nosocomial gram-positive cocci.