This study explores whether the current external quality assessment (EQA) level and acceptable bias for basic semen analysis in China are clinically useful. We collected data of semen EQA from Andrology laboratories in the Hunan Province (China) in 2022 and searched for data in the published literature from January 2000 to December 2023 in China. On the basis of these data, we analyzed the coefficients of variation and acceptable biases of different quality control materials for basic semen analysis through robust statistics. We compared these findings with quality specifications based on biological variation from optimal, desirable, and minimum levels of bias to seek a unified and more suitable semen EQA bias evaluation standard for China's national conditions. Different sources of semen quality control material exhibited considerable variation in acceptable biases among laboratories, ranging from 8.2% to 56.9%. A total of 50.0% of the laboratories met the minimum quality specifications for progressive motility (PR), whereas 100.0% and 75.0% of laboratories met only the minimum quality specifications for sperm concentration and total motility (nonprogressive [NP] + PR), respectively. The Z value for sperm concentration and PR+NP was equivalent to the desirable performance specification, whereas the Z value for PR was equivalent only to the minimum performance specification. This study highlights the feasibility of operating external quality assessment schemes for basic semen analysis using quality specifications based on biological variation. These specifications should be unified among external quality control (EQC) centers based on biological variation.
Semen Analysis/standards* ; Humans ; China ; Male ; Quality Control ; Sperm Motility ; Sperm Count/standards*

OBJECTIVE: To compare and analyze the changes of aggregation rate and routine parameters of platelets stored in temperature cycle, cold storage at 4 ℃ and oscillating storage at 22 ℃, so as to provide more experimental data for platelet preservation methods. METHODS: Blood samples were collected at 5 time points on the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th and 6^th day after platelet cycling preservation at temperature, cold storage at 4 ℃, and oscillating storage at 22 ℃. Platelet maximum aggregation rate (MAR) and routine parameters including platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet-larger cell ratio (P-LCR) were detected. RESULTS: The platelet MAR of three groups showed a significant decrease trend with the preservation time, the fastest decrease was in the 22 ℃ group, the slowest was in the 4 ℃ group, and the temperature cycle group was between the two groups. On the 3^rd day of preservation, the platelet MAR in 4 ℃ group was still in the normal range (MAR>60%), while in temperature cycle group was about 50%, and in 22 ℃ group was the lowest. On the 4^th day of preservation, platelet MAR in all the three groups was lower than 50%, and that in temperature cycle group was significantly lower than in 4 ℃ group but higher than in 22 ℃ group (both P < 0.05). On the 6^th day of preservation, platelet MAR in the temperature cycle group was significantly lower than that in the 4 ℃ group ( P <0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference compared to 22 ℃ group (P >0.05). PLT values in the three groups were all significantly decreased with the preservation time extension, and were significantly lower than those in the early stage of preservation within 6 days (all P < 0.05). PDW in temperature cycle group had no significant change within 6 days of preservation, but MPV and P-LCR were significantly increased. MPV, PDW and P-LCR all decreased significantly in 4 ℃ group within 6 days of preservation but increased in 22 ℃ group. Under the same storage days, PLT value of temperature cycle group had no significant difference with that of 4 ℃ group and 22 ℃ group, while MPV, PDW and P-LCR values were significantly higher than 4 ℃ group but lower than 22 ℃ group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The aggregation function and routine parameters changes of temperature circulating preserved platelets are between 4 and 22 ℃.
Humans ; Platelet Aggregation ; Blood Preservation/methods* ; Temperature ; Blood Platelets ; Platelet Count ; Mean Platelet Volume ; Cryopreservation/methods* ; Cold Temperature

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical features and genetic etiology of a patient with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) retrospectively. METHODS: A severely oligospermic patient from the Reproductive Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University was selected as the study subject. Clinical data and examination results were collected. High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics were used to analyze the genetic etiology. And Sanger sequencing was employed to validate findings in the family. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the sperm ultrastructure, and immunofluorescence analysis was performed to examine the localization of FSIP2 protein in the sperm. RESULTS: The patient presented with severe oligospermia, and sperm morphology displayed MMAF. TEM revealed fibrous sheath and 9+2 microtubule structural disruptions in the sperm. Sequencing identified compound heterozygous variants in the FSIP2 gene (c.17798C > T, c.5927T > G), inherited from the father and mother, respectively. According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the variants were classified as pathogenic. The patient's spouse underwent intracytoplasmic single sperm injection, resulting in one embryo, but no clinical pregnancy occurred after embryo transfer. CONCLUSION This study reported the mutation of FSIP2 gene c.17798C > T, c.5927T > G in a patient with MMAF. These findings expand the mutational spectrum of the FSIP2 gene and provide insights for genetic and assisted reproductive counseling for patients with MMAF.
Humans ; Male ; Sperm Tail/pathology* ; Heterozygote ; Oligospermia/genetics* ; Spermatozoa ; Mutation ; Infertility, Male/genetics* ; Adult ; Pedigree ; Retrospective Studies ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic

Functional dyspepsia (FD), characterized by persistent or recurrent dyspeptic symptoms without identifiable organic, systemic or metabolic causes, is an increasingly recognized global health issue. The objective of this guideline is to equip clinicians and nursing professionals with evidence-based strategies for the management and treatment of adult patients with FD using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The Guideline Development Group consulted existing TCM consensus documents on FD and convened a panel of 35 clinicians to generate initial clinical queries. To address these queries, a systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, China Biology Medicine (SinoMed) Database, Wanfang Database, Traditional Medicine Research Data Expanded (TMRDE), and the Traditional Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (TCMLARS). The evidence from the literature was critically appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The strength of the recommendations was ascertained through a consensus-building process involving TCM and allopathic medicine experts, methodologists, pharmacologists, nursing specialists, and health economists, leveraging their collective expertise and empirical knowledge. The guideline comprises a total of 43 evidence-informed recommendations that span a range of clinical aspects, including the pathogenesis according to TCM, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic interventions, efficacy assessments, and prognostic considerations. Please cite this article as: Zhang SS, Zhao LQ, Hou XH, Bian ZX, Zheng JH, Tian HH, Yang GH, Hong WS, He YY, Liu L, Shen H, Li YP, Xie S, Shu J, Zeng BF, Li JX, Liu Z, Xiao ZH, Xiao JD, Zheng PY, Huang SG, Chen SL, Fei GJ. International clinical practice guideline on the use of traditional Chinese medicine for functional dyspepsia (2025). J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):502-518.
Dyspepsia/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVE: To assess health equity in the Yangtze River region to improve understanding of the correlation between hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: From 2014-2016, data on HFMD incidence, population statistics, economic indicators, and meteorology from 26 cities along the Yangtze River were analyzed. A multi-city random-effects meta-analysis was performed to study the relationship between temperature and HFMD transmission, and health equity was assessed with respect to socio-economic impact. RESULTS: Over the study period, 919,458 HFMD cases were reported, with Shanghai (162,303) having the highest incidence and Tongling (5,513) having the lowest. Males were more commonly affected (male-to-female ratio, 1.49:1). The exposure-response relationship had an M-shaped curve, with two HFMD peaks occurring at 4 °C and 26 °C. The relative risk had two peaks at 1.30 °C (1.834, 95% CI: 1.204-2.794) and 31.4 °C (1.143, 95% CI: 0.901-1.451), forming an M shape, with the first peak higher than the second. The most significant impact of temperature on HFMD was observed between -2 °C and 18.1 °C. The concentration index (0.2463) indicated moderate concentration differences, whereas the Theil index (0.0418) showed low inequality in distribution. CONCLUSION The incidence of HFMD varied across cities, particularly with changes in temperature. Economically prosperous areas showed higher risks, indicating disparities. Targeted interventions in these areas are crucial for mitigating the risk of HFMD.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; China/epidemiology* ; Cities/epidemiology* ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/transmission* ; Incidence ; Risk Factors ; Temperature

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress. METHODS: A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators. RESULTS: Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI: 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI: 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI: -4.66%, -1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI: -4%, -1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI: -4.68%, -1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function. CONCLUSION Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
Humans ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Male ; Cross-Over Studies ; Female ; Young Adult ; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/urine* ; Beijing

Objective To investigate the effect of body position angle on gastric insufflation during the induction of general anesthesia in pediatric patients undergoing day surgery.Methods A total of 111 children scheduled for elective tracheal intubation under general anesthesia at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from December 2022 to March 2023 were selected as study subjects.Six children were ex-cluded due to unclear sonographic visualization of the gastric antrum,resulting in 105 children ultimately in-cluded in the study.The children were divided into three groups using a random number table method:Group D0(supine position),Group D5(5° head-up position),and Group D10(10° head-up position),with 35 children in each group.The presence of a"comet-tail artifact"on ultrasound was used as the criterion for determining gastric insufflation during anesthesia induction.The gastric antrum cross-sectional area(CSA)of the gastric antrum was measured before mask ventilation after loss of consciousness(T1)and immediately after tracheal intubation following mask ventilation(T2).The incidence of gastric insufflation,changes in CSA and their differences,and vital sign changes at T1 and T2,were compared among the three groups.Results Compared with Group D0,the incidence of gastric insufflation was significantly lower in Groups D5 and D10[25.7％(9/35)vs.20.0％(7/35)vs.54.0％(19/35)],and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Howev-er,there was no significant difference between Group D5 and Group D10(P＞0.05).No significant difference was observed in CSA at T1 among the three groups(P＞0.05).At T2,a statistically significant difference in CSA was found among the three groups(P＜0.05),with Group D10 showing a smaller CSA than Group D0(P＜0.05).The difference in CSA changes was statistically significant among the three groups(P＜0.05),with Groups D5 and D10 exhibiting smaller changes than Group D0,and Group D10 showing a smaller change than Group D5(P＜0.05).No significant differences were observed in mean artery pressure(MAP),heart rate,pulse oxygen saturation(SpO2)and pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide(PETCO2)at T1 and T2 among the three groups(P＞0.05).A total of 6 children(5.7％)required brief adjustments in jaw support due to irregular PETCO2 waveforms or abnormal peak airway pressure.Conclusion In pediatric patients undergoing day sur-gery under general anesthesia,a 5° head-up position during induction significantly reduces the incidence of gas-tric insufflation and minimizes changes in gastric antral CSA,while a 10° head-up position does not provide ad-ditional benefits.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the combined assessment of preoperative 5-factor modified frailty index(mFI-5)and Naples prognostic score(NPS)with overall survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(uHCC)following interventional therapy.Methods A retrospective cohort study enrolled 292 patients with uHCC who underwent interventional therapy at the Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital in Army Medical University from October 2017 to December 2021.Patients were stratified into high-risk and low-risk groups based on mFI-5(≥1),NPS(≥3),and CONUT(≥4)scores.Propensity score matching(PSM)was performed to balance baseline characteristics(post-matching n=186).The primary endpoint was overall survival(OS),analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests.The predictive performance of combined indicators was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,and prognostic factors were assessed via Cox regression analysis.Results After PSM,baseline characteristics(including age,tumor markers,and treatment-related parameters)showed no significant differences between the two groups.Survival analysis demonstrated a 2.252-fold higher risk of death in the mFI-5 plus NPS high-risk group(95%CI:1.60～3.18,P<0.001).The combination of mFI-5 and NPS scores yielded an area under curve(AUC)of 0.718 for predicting 3-year overall survival,significantly outperforming either index alone(P=0.007).Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified that dual positivity for mFI-5 and NPS(HR=1.46;95%CI:1.01～2.11,P=0.044),portal vein tumor thrombosis(HR=1.49;95%CI:1.03～2.16,P=0.035),tumor diameter>5 cm(HR=2.01;95%CI:1.27～3.17,P=0.003),Barcelona clinic liver cancer(BCLC)stage C disease(HR=2.05;95%CI:1.37～3.07,P<0.001)were independent predictors of poor prognosis.Postoperative combination targeted therapy and immunotherapy was associated with significantly reduced mortality risk(HR=0.57;95%CI:0.39～0.81,P=0.002).Conclusion The combination of mFI-5 and NPS scores is significantly associated with overall survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(uHCC)undergoing locoregional therapy,providing a validated tool for clinical risk stratification and personalized treatment planning.

Objective To explore the relationship between the level of Caveolin-1 and high mobility group protein B1(HMGB-1)in cerebrospinal fluid and the severity of sepsis and their predictive value.Methods A total of 102 children with sepsis were selected in a hospital from June 2021 to December 2023.According to neonatal critical case scoring criteria,the children were divided into mild group(n=41)and severe group(n=61).According to the diagnostic criteria of purulent meningitis and the results of cerebrospinal fluid examina-tion,the children were divided into sepsis complicated with purulent meningitis group(n=16)and simple sepsis group(n=86).The clinical data of the children were collected,and the levels of Caveolin-1,HMGB-1 and inflammatory factors[hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),procalcitonin(PCT)and tumor necro-sis factor-α(TNF-α)]in cerebrospinal fluid of the children were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the factors affecting the severity of sepsis,and the receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to analyze the diagnostic value of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 in the severity of sepsis and the prediction value of purulent meningitis in the children.Results Compared with mild group,cerebrospinal fluid levels of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 in severe group were signifi-cantly increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of PCT,hs-CRP and TNF-α in severe group were significantly higher than those in mild group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that PCT,hs-CRP,TNF-α,Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 levels were all risk factors for the severity of sepsis in children(P<0.05).The combined diag-nosis of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 was significantly better than that of Caveolin-1(Z=2.109,P=0.035),HMGB-1(Z=2.099,P=0.036),PCT(Z=2.487,P=0.013),hs-CRP(Z=2.419,P=0.016)and TNF-α(Z=3.441,P=0.001)were diagnosed alone.Compared with simple sepsis group,cerebrospinal fluid Caveo-lin-1 and HMGB-1 levels in sepsis complicated with purulent meningitis group were significantly increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The combined prediction of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 was significantly better than that of Caveolin-1(Z=2.621,P=0.009)and HMGB-1(Z=1.997,P=0.046)alone.Conclusion There are significant increases in the levels of Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 in chil-dren with severe sepsis or sepsis complicated with purulent meningitis.Caveolin-1 and HMGB-1 have a certain clinical value in evaluating the severity of sepsis in children and predicting whether they are complicated with purulent meningitis.

Pharmaceutical cocrystals is an advanced technology to improve the physicochemical and biological properties of drugs. However, there are few studies on the in vivo metabolism of pharmaceutical cocrystals. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of wogonin cocrystal in normal rats was further studied on the basis of the previous preparation of wogonin-aloperine cocrystal. Firstly, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established for simultaneous determination of wogonin and its metabolite wogonoside in rat plasma, and to investigate the methodology. The method was applied to the pharmacokinetic study of wogonin-aloperine cocrystal (Wog-Alop) in rats. The results showed that wogonin and its metabolite wogonoside had a good linear relationship in the range of 1-800 ng·mL^-1, and the precision, accuracy, matrix effect and stability in this range met the requirements of biological analysis. Compared with direct administration of wogonin, the C_max of wogonin and its metabolite in rats increased to 7.44-fold and 9.15-fold, AUC_0-t increased to 1.67-fold and 3.72-fold, and oral bioavailability of wogonin increased to 187.66% after cocrystal administration. Wog-Alop cocrystal can significantly improve the C_max, AUC, and oral bioavailability of wogonin and its metabolite, which provides a new perspective for the clinical application of wogonin. This study was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Review Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: BUCM-2023032307-1148).