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

OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major public health concern that poses a significant threat to human health. Investigating its underlying mechanisms and identifying potential intervention targets has important clinical implications. This study aims to explore the association between serum gastric biomarkers and MetS and its components. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 24 635 individuals (aged 18 to 80 years) who underwent routine health examinations from May 2017 to June 2021 at the Health Management Medical Center, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Demographic data, medical and medication history, height, weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and creatinine levels were collected. Serum levels of pepsinogen (PG) I, PGII, and gastrin-17 (G-17) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. MetS was diagnosed based on the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between gastric biomarkers and MetS. RESULTS: Among the 24 635 participants, the overall prevalence of MetS was 35.72%, with a higher rate in males than in females (42.41% vs 24.31%). Compared with the non-MetS group, MetS group were older and had higher metabolic-related diseases rate, Helicobacter pylori infection rate, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and creatinine levels (all P<0.05). Serum G-17 levels were significantly elevated in the MetS group, and PGI levels decreased (both P<0.05). Males had higher G-17, PGI, PGII, and PGI/PGII ratios than females (all P<0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that G-17 was consistently elevated in MetS patients regardless of sex, whereas PGI was decreased. PGII levels exhibited sex-specific differences. After adjusting for confounders, Logistic regression analysis revealed that high G-17 level was independently associated with MetS, with a stronger correlation observed in males. Moreover, G-17 level progressively increased with higher MetS scores (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Serum G-17 level is positively associated with both the presence and severity of MetS, with a more pronounced correlation in males, suggesting its potential involvement in MetS-related metabolic dysregulation.
Humans ; Metabolic Syndrome/epidemiology* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Aged ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Gastrins/blood* ; Pepsinogen A/blood* ; Pepsinogen C/blood* ; Aged, 80 and over

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

The lab module of exploratory experiment is newly designed in the practical course of bio-chemistry.Here we describe one of the experimental projects,and it originates from new scientific re-search results on the dynamic structure of ATP synthase.This exploratory experiment is organized in the form of real scientific research,which would fully mobilize the initiative and creativity of students in learning theoretical knowledge and experimental technology.Students work in groups and start with refer-ence reading.Through cooperation,they must develop certain experimental plan,handle samples with photocrosslinking technique and utilize the high-throughput electrophoresis method to analyze the dynamic structural change of ε subunit in ATP synthase under different physiological conditions.High quality re-sults from high-throughput electrophoresis can only be obtained through optimized operation and treat-ment,from which students would experience the process of technological innovation.The teaching process of this lab module embodies the student-centered teaching concept and is widely approved and supported by students.The project of ATP synthase closely combines the content of lab course with cut-ting-edge technology.Students can deeply experience the importance of experimental technology innova-tion in solving scientific problems.The practical ability of students would be comprehensively improved through this lab module.

Objective:To compare the differences in the evaluation of hemolysis performance of cellulose hemostatic materials using different detection methods and test media,and to explore a m ore reasonable testing plan for such products.Methods:Hemolysis tests were conducted on cellulose hemostatic materials using the absorbance measurement hemolysis method and hemoglobin concentration measurement hemolysis method in accordance with YY/T 1651.1-2019 standard.We compared the changes in hemolysis rate,pH value,and osmotic pressure under different experimental media.Results:Under the same experimental method,compared to SC,the hemolysis results using PBS as the extraction medium are smaller,and the changes in pH and osmotic pressure are closer to the normal range of human body changes.Conclusions:The changes in pH and osmotic pressure may be one of the reasons for the high hemolysis rate of cellulose hemostatic materials.Choosing PBS with buffering effect as the leaching medium may be more suitable for evaluating the hemolysis performance of cellulose hemostatic materials.

Objective:To compare the differences in the evaluation of hemolysis performance of cellulose hemostatic materials using different detection methods and test media,and to explore a m ore reasonable testing plan for such products.Methods:Hemolysis tests were conducted on cellulose hemostatic materials using the absorbance measurement hemolysis method and hemoglobin concentration measurement hemolysis method in accordance with YY/T 1651.1-2019 standard.We compared the changes in hemolysis rate,pH value,and osmotic pressure under different experimental media.Results:Under the same experimental method,compared to SC,the hemolysis results using PBS as the extraction medium are smaller,and the changes in pH and osmotic pressure are closer to the normal range of human body changes.Conclusions:The changes in pH and osmotic pressure may be one of the reasons for the high hemolysis rate of cellulose hemostatic materials.Choosing PBS with buffering effect as the leaching medium may be more suitable for evaluating the hemolysis performance of cellulose hemostatic materials.

The lab module of exploratory experiment is newly designed in the practical course of bio-chemistry.Here we describe one of the experimental projects,and it originates from new scientific re-search results on the dynamic structure of ATP synthase.This exploratory experiment is organized in the form of real scientific research,which would fully mobilize the initiative and creativity of students in learning theoretical knowledge and experimental technology.Students work in groups and start with refer-ence reading.Through cooperation,they must develop certain experimental plan,handle samples with photocrosslinking technique and utilize the high-throughput electrophoresis method to analyze the dynamic structural change of ε subunit in ATP synthase under different physiological conditions.High quality re-sults from high-throughput electrophoresis can only be obtained through optimized operation and treat-ment,from which students would experience the process of technological innovation.The teaching process of this lab module embodies the student-centered teaching concept and is widely approved and supported by students.The project of ATP synthase closely combines the content of lab course with cut-ting-edge technology.Students can deeply experience the importance of experimental technology innova-tion in solving scientific problems.The practical ability of students would be comprehensively improved through this lab module.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To validate the morphological changes of the parieto-occipital sulcus on the transcalvarial axial plane between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, simplify grade for assessing fetal parieto-occipital sulcus development, and confirm its clinical feasibility.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study analysis that included 550 cases of normal singleton fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, who underwent routine ultrasound examinations at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from September 2019 to June 2022. The morphological changes of the bilateral parieto-occipital sulci on the transcalvarial axial plane were observed. The development of the parieto-occipital sulcus was classified into 6 grades based on the developmental features of angulation, progressive closure, and curvilinear growth: straight or shallow arcuate (Grade 0), shallow and wide V-shaped (Grade 1), deep and narrow V-shaped (Grade 2), Y-shaped (Grade 3), I-shaped (Grade 4), and curvilinear (Grade 5). The gestational age at examination and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The distribution of gestational weeks for fetuses with different grades of parieto-occipital sulci on the left and right sides was analyzed. The symmetry between bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus gradings within individuals, as well as the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were assessed using the Weighted Kappa coefficient. The gender differences in asymmetry of parieto-occipital sulci grades between the left and right sides was analyzed. Moreover, a model for predicting the grade of the parieto-occipital sulcus based on gestational week was established.Results:Grade for the left parieto-occipital sulcus was obtained for 549 fetuses, while grade for the right was obtained for 550 fetuses. From 20 to 32 weeks of gestation, the morphology of the fetal parieto-occipital sulcus was divided into Grade 0-5, progressing from low to high with gestational development. Grade 0 showed that the sulcus was not visible or only had a slight arcuate indentation, occurring at 20-22 weeks; Grade 1 presented as a shallow and wide "V" shape with an obtuse angle at the top, appearing from 20 to 27 weeks; Grade 2 was a deep and narrow "V" shape with an acute angle at the top, appearing from 24 to 29 weeks; Grade 3 appeared as a "Y" shape with the top part partially closed and the bottom still open, occurring between 26 to 30 weeks; Grade 4 was a fully closed "I" shape, appearing at 29-32 weeks; Grade 5 presented as a curved shape, indicating the parieto-occipital sulcus was approaching maturity, appearing from 31 to 32 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of gestational weeks for bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus developmental grade ( P>0.05). Bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus grade could be assessed in 549 fetuses, of which 43 cases (7.83%) exhibited grade asymmetry with a one-grade difference between sides; such asymmetry showed no significant difference between male and female genders ( P=0.647). The weighted kappa coefficient analysis results indicated a strong consistency in the development of the parieto-occipital sulci on both sides within individuals, generally demonstrating symmetrical development ( P<0.001). The intra-observer and inter-observer weighted kappa coefficients were 0.92 and 0.75, respectively, with good consistency. Conclusions:Prenatal ultrasound via the transcalvarial axial plane enables a preliminary and rapid assessment of the development of bilateral parieto-occipital sulci, facilitating early evaluation of fetal cortical maturation.

Objective:To study the stability and morphological changes of the convexity sulci in normal fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks, and to explore the simplified grade for evaluating the convexity sulci development and analyzing its clinical significance.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional analysis. A total of 551 cases of normal singleton pregnancies between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation were retrospectively collected, who underwent routine ultrasound examinations at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from September 2019 to June 2022. The display of the far-field convexity sulci on the transcalvarial axial plane was observed as 0 for not displayed and 1 for displayed.Further, based on the morphology and number of convexity sulci, they were classified into five grades: no sulcus displayed (grade 0), one sulcus (grade 1), two sulci (grade 2), three sulci (grade 3), and four or more sulci (grade 4). The gestational age at examination and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The distribution characteristics of gestational weeks for each grade of the convexity sulci were analyzed, and the gestational week distribution of the left and right convexity sulci was compared to analyze bilateral symmetry. The Weighted Kappa coefficient was used to analyze inter-observer and intra-observer consistency, and curve regression analysis was employed to establish a model for predicting grade based on gestational weeks.Results:Before 25 weeks of gestation, the convexity of the fetal cranial vertex was completely smooth.The central sulcus consistently appeared after 26 weeks, while the superior frontal sulcus, intraparietal sulcus, postcentral sulcus, and precentral sulcus consistently appeared between 28 and 31 weeks. Among these, the superior frontal sulcus had a lower display rate before 29 weeks. By 32 weeks, all convexity sulci of the cranial vertex should be visible. Three hundred and eleven fetuses were graded for the left, and 240 fetuses were graded for the right. The developmental grade of the convexity sulci increased from Grade 0 to Grade 4 as the gestational age progressed. Grade 0 appeared between 20-26 weeks, grade 1 between 25-28 weeks, grade 2 between 26-28 weeks, grade 3 between 27-30 weeks, and grade 4 between 27-32 weeks. The distribution of grade did not differ significantly between the left and right sides of grade 0, 1, 3 and 4 (all P>0.05), while there was a significant difference in the distribution of gestational age between the convexity sulci of grade 2 ( P<0.05). The Weighted Kappa coefficients for intra-observer and inter-observer consistency were 0.94 and 0.86, respectively, indicating strong consistency. Conclusions:The simplified grade for assessing the development of convexity sulci in normal fetuses on the transcalvarial axial plane via prenatal ultrasound can provide a preliminary evaluation of the maturation of convexity sulci in fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation.