To investigate the impact of preoperative serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels on the probability of testicular sperm retrieval, we conducted a study of nonobstructive azoospermic (NOA) men with different testicular volumes (TVs) who underwent microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). A total of 177 NOA patients undergoing micro-TESE for the first time from April 2019 to November 2022 in Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China) were retrospectively reviewed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on average TV quartiles. Serum hormone levels in each TV group were compared between positive and negative sperm retrieval subgroups. Overall sperm retrieval rate was 57.6%. FSH levels (median [interquartile range]) were higher in the positive sperm retrieval subgroup compared with the negative outcome subgroup when average TV was <5 ml (first quartile [Q1: TV <3 ml]: 43.32 [17.92] IU l -1 vs 32.95 [18.56] IU l -1 , P = 0.048; second quartile [Q2: 3 ml ≤ TV <5 ml]: 31.31 [15.37] IU l -1 vs 25.59 [18.40] IU l -1 , P = 0.042). Elevated serum FSH levels were associated with successful micro-TESE sperm retrieval in NOA men whose average TVs were <5 ml (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.06 per unit increase; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.11; P = 0.011). In men with TVs ≥5 ml, larger TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval (adjusted OR: 0.84 per 1 ml increase; 95% CI: 0.71-0.98; P = 0.029). In conclusion, elevated serum FSH levels were associated with positive sperm retrieval in micro-TESE in NOA men with TVs <5 ml. In men with TV ≥5 ml, increases in average TVs were associated with lower odds of sperm retrieval.
Humans ; Male ; Azoospermia/surgery* ; Sperm Retrieval/statistics & numerical data* ; Adult ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood* ; Retrospective Studies ; Testis/pathology* ; Microdissection ; Organ Size

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted percutaneous coronary intervention (R-PCI) compared to traditional manual percutaneous coronary intervention (M-PCI). METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled, non-inferior clinical trial enrolled patients with coronary heart disease who met the inclusion criteria and had indications for elective percutaneous coronary intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to either the R-PCI group or the M-PCI group. Primary endpoints were clinical and technical success rates. Clinical success was defined as visually estimated residual post-percutaneous coronary intervention stenosis < 30% with no 30-day major adverse cardiac events. Technical success in the R-PCI group was defined as successful completion of percutaneous coronary intervention using the ETcath200 robot-assisted system, without conversion to M-PCI in the event of a guidewire or balloon/stent catheter that was unable to cross the vessel or was poorly supported by the catheter. Secondary endpoints included total procedure time, percutaneous coronary intervention procedure time, fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, operator radiation exposure, air kerma, and dose-area product. RESULTS: The trial enrolled 152 patients (R-PCI: 73 patients, M-PCI: 79 patients). Lesions were predominantly B2/C type (73.6%). Both groups achieved 100% clinical success rate. No major adverse cardiac events occurred during the 30-day follow-up. The R-PCI group had a technical success rate of 100%. The R-PCI group had longer total procedure and fluoroscopy times, but lower operator radiation exposure. The percutaneous coronary intervention procedure time, contrast volume, air kerma, and dose-area product were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS For certain complex lesions, performing percutaneous coronary intervention using the ETcath200 robot-assisted system is safe and effective and does not result in conversion to M-PCI.

Digital technologies have become an integral part of complete denture restoration. With advancement in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), tools such as intraoral scanning, facial scanning, 3D printing, and numerical control machining are reshaping the workflow of complete denture restoration. Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on clinical experience and manual techniques, digital technologies offer greater precision, predictability, and efficacy. They also streamline the process by reducing the number of patient visits and improving overall comfort. Despite these improvements, the clinical application of digital complete denture restoration still faces challenges that require further standardization. The major issues include appropriate case selection, establishing consistent digital workflows, and evaluating long-term outcomes. To address these challenges and provide clinical guidance for practitioners, this expert consensus outlines the principles, advantages, and limitations of digital complete denture technology. The aim of this review was to offer practical recommendations on indications, clinical procedures and precautions, evaluation metrics, and outcome assessment to support digital restoration of complete denture in clinical practice.
Humans ; Denture, Complete ; Computer-Aided Design ; Denture Design/methods* ; Consensus ; Printing, Three-Dimensional

Objective·To investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of phosphatidylethanolamine(PE)on macrophage senescence and its senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP),as well as its pathophysiological role in liver injury.Methods·A macrophage senescence model was established using doxorubicin(DOX),followed by PE treatment.A mouse liver injury model was generated via intraperitoneal co-administration of PE and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)to investigate the effects of PE on liver injury.Senescence markers and SASP factors,including senescence-associated β-galactosidase(SA-β-gal),cell cycle inhibitor p21,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6),were evaluated using SA-β-gal staining,quantitative real-time PCR,and Western blotting.RNA sequencing(RNA-seq)was performed,followed by Gene Ontology(GO)cellular component enrichment analysis,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis,Gene Set Variation Analysis(GSVA),and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA),to explore the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways by which PE promotes macrophage senescence.The expression of endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress-related proteins,including inositol-requiring enzyme 1 α(IRE1α),spliced X-box binding protein 1(XBP1s),activating transcription factor 6(ATF6),ATF4,and C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP),was analyzed through in vivo and in vitro experiments.Results·PE significantly promoted the expression of senescence markers SA-β-gal,p21,p16 and SASP factors.RNA-seq analysis revealed that ER stress was involved in PE-induced promotion of SASP.Further experiments demonstrated that PE activated the ER stress signaling pathway,promoting macrophage senescence and the expression of SASP factors.In vivo experiments further confirmed that PE exacerbated LPS-induced liver injury in mice through ER stress.Conclusion·PE promotes macrophage senescence and the expression of SASP factors by activating ER stress signaling pathway,thereby aggravating LPS-induced liver injury.

Aim To investigate the role of corylin in angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)-induced cardiomyocyte hy-pertrophy and its underlying mechanisms.Methods An Ang Ⅱ-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model was established and treated with corylin.Real-time PCR was employed to assess hypertrophic gene mRNA expression,and immunofluorescence was used to meas-ure cardiomyocyte surface area.Western blot and en-zyme activity assay kits were used to evaluate SIRT1 expression and activity.Results Corylin markedly mitigated Ang Ⅱ-induced hypertrophic gene expression and cardiomyocyte surface area enlargement.Moreo-ver,it prevented the Ang Ⅱ-mediated decline in SIRT1 protein levels and deacetylase activity.Further investi-gation indicated that corylin inhibited Ang Ⅱ-driven NF-κB transcriptional activity and the expression of its downstream target genes,such as TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-1β.Notably,SIRT1 silencing abolished the protective effects of corylin against cardiomyocyte hypertrophy,as well as its regulation of the SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway.Conclusion Corylin suppresses cardiomyo-cyte hypertrophy by modulating the SIRT1-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of the bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRD) regimen combined with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and renal impairment, analyze treatment efficacy and renal responses stratified based on renal dysfunction severity, and explore the prognostic significance of early renal response and its affecting factors.Methods:This retrospective study, conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, categorized 316 patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) from August 2018 to October 2022 based on renal function for analysis of clinical characteristics, treatment response, and prognosis. Continuous variables were compared using t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, categorical variables utilizing Chi-square tests, survival outcomes employing Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank tests, and renal response predictors with logistic regression.Results:Patients were stratified based on baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) : normal [≥90 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1, n=160], mild [≥60 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1 to <90 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1, n=55], moderate [≥30 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1 to <60 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1, n=39], and severe impairment [<30 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1, n=62]. Moderate and severe renal impairment correlated with advanced International Staging System/Revised International Staging System classification, lower hemoglobin levels, frailty, and higher light-chain/IgD subtype prevalence ( P<0.05). Despite younger age ( P=0.001) and higher transplant rates ( P=0.041) in severe cases, overall response rates ( ORR: 93.7% ; ≥VGPR: 82.9% ) were comparable across groups ( P>0.05). Among 24 dialysis-dependent patients at diagnosis, 11 (45.8% ) achieved dialysis independence after induction [median: 3.0 (0.5–4.0) months], including 10 undergoing auto-HSCT. In 89 evaluable patients [baseline eGFR <50 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1], renal ORR (RORR) was 70.8% [rapid complete response: 31.5% ; rapid partial response: 11.2% ; rapid minimal response (RMR) : 28.1% ]. Renal response predicted better survival (overall survival: HR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–0.99, P=0.049). Moderate-to-severe renal impairment was associated with increased transplant-related adverse events and delayed engraftment ( P<0.05) ; however, auto-HSCT significantly improved outcomes after 33.5-month median follow-up (range: 2–65 months). Multivariate analysis identified 1q21+ ( OR=3.58, 95% CI: 1.17–11.02, P=0.026) and light-chain subtype ( OR=2.86, 95% CI: 1.08–7.69, P=0.036) as independent predictors of poor renal response. Conclusion:VRD regimen plus auto-HSCT demonstrates robust efficacy in NDMM, including patients with renal impairment, with a 70.8% RORR and manageable toxicity. Achieving ≥RMR correlates with superior prognosis, whereas 1q21+ and light-chain subtype independently predict inferior renal response.

Objective To investigate the mechanisms by which paeoniflorin improves tissue and cell damage caused by diabetic retinopathy(DR)through the hypoxia-induced factor-1α(HIF-1α)pathway.Methods Thirty rats were ran-domly divided into a control group(10 normal rats),a DR group(10 diabetic model rats)and a paeoniflorin group(10 dia-betic model rats given 80 mg·kg-1 paeoniflorin by gavage).Rat retinal microvascular endothelial cells(rRMECs)were di-vided into a control group(cultured with 5 mmol·L-1 glucose),a high glucose group(cultured with 30 mmol·L-1 glu-cose)and a paeoniflorin group(cultured with 30 mmol·L-1 glucose and 20 mol·L-1 paeoniflorin).The three groups of cells were all cultured for 24 h.Fasting blood glucose was measured by a glucose meter.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)stai-ning was used to detect the retinal histopathological structure.The levels of HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)proteins and mRNAs in retinal tissues and rRMECs were detected by Western blotting and real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).The proliferative ability of rRMECs was detected by the EdU kit.The serum levels of total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),low density cholesterol(LDL-C),interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in retinal tissues and rRMECs were detected by kits.The activity and invasive ability of rRMECs were measured by CCK-8 and Transwell assay,respectively.The levels of HIF-1α and VEGF proteins in rRMECs were detected by immunofluorescence staining.Results Compared with those in the DR group,the fasting blood glucose,TC,TG and LDL-C levels in the paeoniflorin group were significantly decreased(all P＜0.05).The retinal tissue was loose with an un-clear boundary in the DR group,compared with that in the control group.The retinal tissue in the paeoniflorin group was less loose with a clearer boundary than that in the DR group.The levels of HIF-1α and VEGF proteins and mRNAs,TNF-αand IL-6 in retinal tissues of the DR group were significantly higher than those of the control group(all P＜0.05).The lev-els of HIF-1α and VEGF proteins and mRNAs,TNF-α and IL-6 in retinal tissues of the paeoniflorin group were significantly lower than those in the DR group(all P＜0.05).The activity,proliferation and invasive abilities of rRMECs in the high glu-cose group were higher than those in the control group(all P＜0.05).Compared with those in the high glucose group,rRMECs in the paeoniflorin group showed decreased cell activity,proliferation and invasive abilities(all P＜0.05).The lev-els of HIF-1α and VEGF proteins and mRNAs,TNF-α and IL-6 in the rRMECs of the high glucose group were higher than those of the control group(all P＜0.05).The levels of HIF-1α and VEGF proteins and mRNAs,TNF-α and IL-6 in the rRMECs of the paeoniflorin group were lower than those of the high glucose group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Paeoni-florin can down-regulate the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway to improve the inflammatory injury of the retinal tissue and inhibit rRMEC activity,proliferation and invasive abilities in DR rats,thereby preventing angiogenesis and reducing the incidence of DR.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and impact on psycho-behavioral as-pects of sublingual immunotherapy with dermatophagoides farinae drops in children with multiple al-lergies and young-age allergic rhinitis(AR).Methods A total of 139 children with AR sensitized to mites who were treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospec-tively selected.Based on the types of allergens,they were divided into single-allergen group and mul-tiple-allergen group,and into young-age group(≤4 years old)and older-age group(＞4 years old)according to age.Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),Total Nasal Symptom Score(TNSS),Child Behav-ior Checklist(CBCL)score,and serum total immunoglobulin E(IgE)levels were compared before treatment and at 6 and 12 months after treatment.Results A total of 123 children completed one-year of sublingual immunotherapy and clinical observation.Compared with pre-treatment,the VAS scores,TNSS,and serum total IgE concentrations of children decreased at 6 and 12 months after desensitization treatment.Moreover,the VAS scores,TNSS,and serum total IgE concentrations at 12 months of treatment were lower than those at 6 months(P＜0.05).Compared with pre-treatment,after 12 months of desensitization treatment,the scores of social withdrawal,anxiety/depression,somatic complaints,and hyperactivity items in children decreased(P＜0.05).After 6 and 12 months of desensitization treatment,the VAS scores and TNSS in the multiple-allergen group were lower than those in the single-allergen group(P＜0.05).Compared with pre-treatment,the serum total IgE concentrations in both the single-allergen group and the multiple-allergen group decreased at 6 and 12 months after treatment,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).Before treat-ment,the serum total IgE concentration in the older-age group was higher than that in the young-age group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Sublingual immunotherapy can achieve significant efficacy in chil-dren with multiple allergies and young-age(≤4 years old)AR,and shows better efficacy in chil-dren with multiple allergies.Meanwhile,this treatment is also beneficial for reducing the occurrence of psycho-behavioral problems in children,especially for improving hyperactive behavior.

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