1.Clinical Efficacy of Tonifying Kidney and Replenishing Essence on Asthenospermia Patients with Syndrome of Kidney Essence Deficiency and Effect of This Method on Expression Levels of AMPK/mTORC1 Signaling Pathway-associated Proteins
Yuanjie FU ; Fuhao LI ; Chenghua PENG ; Dong XU ; Guoan YIN ; Xiaopeng HUANG ; Degui CHANG ; Liang DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):141-147
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of tonifying kidney and replenishing essence on asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency and the effects of this method on the adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two eligible asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to January 2024 were selected and randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, with 36 patients in each group. The observation group received oral administration of Guilu Tianjing capsules, while the control group received oral administration of L-carnitine oral solution. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks in both groups. The observed indicators included sperm progressive motility rate (PR), total sperm motility (PR+NP), percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores before and after treatment in both groups. A three-month follow-up was instituted to record the conception status of the patients’ spouses. Additionally, eight patients were randomly selected from the eligible patients in the observation group, and four healthy males with normal semen routine examination results were included as the control group for the determination of protein expression. Western blotting was conducted to assess the expression of AMPK, phosphorylated (p)-AMPK, regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (RAPTOR) and p-RAPTOR, and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) in sperms from the observation group before and after treatment, as well as in the sperms of the control group. ResultsThe pregnancy rate of spouses in the observation group was 9.09% (3/33), which was higher than that (3.33%, 1/30) in the control group. The total response rate was 84.8% (28/33) in the observation group and 66.7% (20/30) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference. After treatment, both groups were improved considering PR, PR+NP, MMP, and TCM symptom scores (P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group exhibited more pronounced decreases in TCM symptom scores than the control group (P<0.05), while the changes in PR, PR+NP, and MMP showed no statistical significance between groups. Compared with the control group, the asthenozoospermia group exhibited upregulations in phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK (P<0.01). The administration of Guilu Tianjing Capsules led to downregulations in the phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK1 (P<0.01). However, the protein levels of AMPK and RAPTOR demonstrated no significant difference between before and after treatment. During the study period, neither group of patients exhibited any notable adverse reactions. ConclusionGuilu Tianjing capsules can enhance the sperm motility and percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential in asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency by downregulating the AMPK/mTORC1 signaling pathway, lowering the protein level of PINK1, and inhibiting excessive activation of mitophagy.
2.Clinical Efficacy of Tonifying Kidney and Replenishing Essence on Asthenospermia Patients with Syndrome of Kidney Essence Deficiency and Effect of This Method on Expression Levels of AMPK/mTORC1 Signaling Pathway-associated Proteins
Yuanjie FU ; Fuhao LI ; Chenghua PENG ; Dong XU ; Guoan YIN ; Xiaopeng HUANG ; Degui CHANG ; Liang DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):141-147
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of tonifying kidney and replenishing essence on asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency and the effects of this method on the adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-two eligible asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2023 to January 2024 were selected and randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, with 36 patients in each group. The observation group received oral administration of Guilu Tianjing capsules, while the control group received oral administration of L-carnitine oral solution. The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks in both groups. The observed indicators included sperm progressive motility rate (PR), total sperm motility (PR+NP), percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores before and after treatment in both groups. A three-month follow-up was instituted to record the conception status of the patients’ spouses. Additionally, eight patients were randomly selected from the eligible patients in the observation group, and four healthy males with normal semen routine examination results were included as the control group for the determination of protein expression. Western blotting was conducted to assess the expression of AMPK, phosphorylated (p)-AMPK, regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (RAPTOR) and p-RAPTOR, and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) in sperms from the observation group before and after treatment, as well as in the sperms of the control group. ResultsThe pregnancy rate of spouses in the observation group was 9.09% (3/33), which was higher than that (3.33%, 1/30) in the control group. The total response rate was 84.8% (28/33) in the observation group and 66.7% (20/30) in the control group, with no statistically significant difference. After treatment, both groups were improved considering PR, PR+NP, MMP, and TCM symptom scores (P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group exhibited more pronounced decreases in TCM symptom scores than the control group (P<0.05), while the changes in PR, PR+NP, and MMP showed no statistical significance between groups. Compared with the control group, the asthenozoospermia group exhibited upregulations in phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK (P<0.01). The administration of Guilu Tianjing Capsules led to downregulations in the phosphorylation levels of AMPK and RAPTOR and protein level of PINK1 (P<0.01). However, the protein levels of AMPK and RAPTOR demonstrated no significant difference between before and after treatment. During the study period, neither group of patients exhibited any notable adverse reactions. ConclusionGuilu Tianjing capsules can enhance the sperm motility and percentage of normal mitochondrial membrane potential in asthenozoospermia patients with the syndrome of kidney essence deficiency by downregulating the AMPK/mTORC1 signaling pathway, lowering the protein level of PINK1, and inhibiting excessive activation of mitophagy.
3.Epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024
YANG Xianqing ; FANG Lihong ; FANG Lian ; ZHONG Rongwan ; WANG Fei ; LIANG Jie ; HUANG Yanyin ; XU Xiaoping
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):304-307,311
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Jiande City, Zhejiang Province from 2005 to 2024, so as to provide the evidence for strengthening the prevention and control of brucellosis.
Methods:
Data on brucellosis cases and surveillance in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, the annual brucellosis surveillance reports from the Jiande Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the annual summaries of brucellosis prevention and control efforts. The epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method.
Results:
A total of 1 125 individuals were monitored in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024, with 18 seropositive cases identified and the seropositivity rate of 1.60%. The average annual seropositivity rate from 2015 to 2024 was 3.35%, which was significantly higher than that of 0.57% from 2005 to 2014 (P<0.05). There were 10 confirmed brucellosis cases and 8 asymptomatic infections, with no reported deaths. The peak incidence occurred between March and August. Among the 16 towns (streets) in Jiande City, 8 reported brucellosis cases. Of the brucellosis cases, 14 were male and 4 were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.5∶1. The majority of cases (13 cases) were aged between 40 and 60 years. Occupational exposure was identified in 16 cases, all of whom were infected through direct hand contact with the excreta, secretions, or animal products of infected sheep or cattle. The primary source of infection was sheep, followed by cattle. Five strains of Brucella were isolated and cultured, all identified as Brucella melitensis biovar 3.
Conclusions
The brucellosis epidemic in Jiande City remained at a sporadic and low prevalence level from 2005 to 2024, with an increasing trend observed from 2015 to 2024. Male occupational groups aged 40 to 60 years were the key population for brucellosis prevention and control, and sheep were the primary source of infection.
4.Clinical study on Ilizarov technique combined with steel needle internal fixation for 12 patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy of foot and ankle.
Pu CHEN ; Hua GUAN ; Enhui FENG ; Jiachang LIANG ; Yiyin XU ; Jianbo HE ; Weiming HUANG ; Jiewei XIE
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(8):1008-1013
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of Ilizarov technique combined with steel needle internal fixation in treating Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of the foot and ankle.
METHODS:
Between June 2020 and December 2023, 12 patients with Eichenholtz stage Ⅲ CN of the foot and ankle were treated with Ilizarov technique and steel needle internal fixation. There were 9 males and 3 females with an average age of 48.6 years (range, 19-66 years). The disease duration ranged from 1 to 16 months (mean, 6.8 months). Ankle joint involvement predominated in 7 cases, while midfoot involvement occurred in 5 cases; 3 cases presented with skin ulceration and soft tissue infection. Preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 31.2±9.0, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36)-Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 32.6±6.8, and Mental Component Summary (MCS) score was 47.8±8.4. Postoperative assessments included wound healing, regular X-ray film/CT evaluations of fusion status, and effectiveness via AOFAS and SF-36-PCS, MCS scores.
RESULTS:
All operations were successfully completed without neurovascular complication. Two patients experienced delayed wound healing requiring intervention, and the others achieved primary healing. All patients were followed up 15-43 months (mean, 23.3 months). Imaging confirmed successful joint fusion within 13-21 weeks (mean, 16.8 weeks). At last follow-up, the AOFAS score was 72.5±6.4, and the SF-36-PCS and MCS scores were 63.2±8.4 and 76.7±5.3, respectively, all of which improved compared to preoperative levels, with significant differences ( P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Ilizarov technique combined with steel needle internal fixation effectively restores walking function and achieves satisfactory short-term effectiveness in CN of the foot and ankle.
Humans
;
Middle Aged
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Ilizarov Technique
;
Arthropathy, Neurogenic/surgery*
;
Aged
;
Ankle Joint/surgery*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Needles
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Steel
;
Young Adult
;
Foot Joints/surgery*
5.Status of washing and disinfection management of medical textiles in China
Huiqiong XU ; Yun YANG ; Renyi ZHU ; Lijuan XIONG ; Hao HUANG ; Xiaomin CHEN ; Jiansheng LIANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(3):308-315
Objective To understand the implementation of WS/T 508-2016 and the status of washing and disin-fection of medical textiles in China,and provide basis for the revision of the standard.Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted on the management of medical institutions and washing and disinfection workplace,building layout,personnel protection,equipment and supplies,washing and disinfection principles,and hygiene quality mo-nitoring of medical textiles in 323 medical institutions and 31 washing institutions in China.Meanwhile,microbio-logical index sampling was conducted on 234 pieces of medical textiles in 9 medical institutions and 8 washing insti-tutions in Hubei,Shanxi,Shanghai,and Sichuan Provinces before and after washing and disinfection.Results The awareness rates of WS/T 508-2016 among medical institutions and washing institutions were 96.90%and 96.77%,respectively,and the implementation rates were 94.12%and 96.77%,respectively.47.99%medical in-stitutions use purchasing services for washing and disinfecting medical textiles,and the higher the level of the medi-cal institution was,the higher the proportion of purchasing services was(x2=15.312,P<0.001).85.16%medi-cal institutions have conducted risk assessments on service providers,and 52.99%were responsible for or participa-ted in pre-job training by the medical institution.Washing institutions were higher than medical institutions in terms of system soundness rate,pre-job training rate,proportion of quality management leaders and full-time(part-time)quality inspectors,setting rate of hand-washing facilities in zones,passages,isolation barriers,dressing(buffer)room,and toilets,configuration rate of hygiene isolation washing equipment,tunnel washing unit,washing equip-ment with heating functions,drying equipment and mechanical ventilation facilities,and specialty machine washing rate.Among 234 medical textiles specimens,11.97%were detected fungi,and the total fungal colonies in 5 clean textiles exceeded 100 CFU/100 cm2.Conclusion WS/T 508-2016 can further standardize the washing and disin-fection of medical textiles in China through strengthening institutional management,improving the supervision level of service providers,perfecting hardware facilities and layout,introducing new technologies,and increasing the mo-nitoring on fungi in clean textiles.
6.Construction of a nomogram identification model for the risk of bipolar depression
Yongyan DENG ; Xiaoyi TIAN ; Tingting ZHANG ; Peilin XU ; Jiana MUHAI ; Liang ZHOU ; Yueqin HUANG ; Zhaorui LIU
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(7):577-584
Objective:To explore the differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics between pa-tients with unipolar depression bipolar depression and to establish a nomogram for identifying bipolar depression.Methods:Using data from the China Mental Disorders Cohort Study,the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 2 643 patients with unipolar depression and 250 patients with bipolar depression diagnosed accord-ing to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition(DSM-5)were includ-ed to compare their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.These characteristics included general demograph-ic information,disease-related information,clinical examination results,and the severity of the disease assessed with the Global Assessment of Functioning(GAF)and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors influencing bipolar depression,and a nomogram was constructed for its identifica-tion.Results:The risk factors for bipolar depression included being male(OR=1.48),being employed(OR=1.38),having non-melancholic features during episodes(OR=2.33),a Body Mass Index ranging from normal to obese(OR=2.48,2.49,4.65),psychotic features(OR=2.14),mixed episode(OR=9.36),comorbid physical diseases(OR=2.47),four or more depressive episodes(OR=1.67),earlier age of onset(OR=0.95),longer ill-ness duration(OR=1.03),and higher GAF scores(OR=1.02).The nomogram model achieved an AUC of 0.81(95%CI:0.78-0.84).The Hosmer-Lemeshow test result was x2=6.96(P>0.05),indicating good model fit.The calibration curve showed good performance.The decision curve analysis revealed that the nomogram pro-vides significant clinical benefit when the risk of bipolar depression was within the range of 0 to 0.9.Conclusion:The nomogram established based on the identified sociodemographic and clinical factors can accurately assess the risk of bipolar depression,providing a useful tool for early identification and intervention.
7.Neuroimaging aided diagnosis and transcranial magnetic stimulation interventions for autism spectrum disorder
Xuchu WENG ; Jin JING ; Jianhong LUO ; Xujun DUAN ; Yufeng ZANG ; Xin WANG ; Jiuxing LIANG ; Lixia YUAN ; Xingjie YANG ; Lei LI ; Lizi LIN ; Haiqing XU ; Zhuoming CHEN ; Saijun HUANG ; Qiang CHEN ; Quanying YI ; Maoping LIANG ; Yanjuan CHEN
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(8):661-670
Autism spectrum disorder(ASD),characterized by unknown etiology and high heterogeneity,ne-cessitates precise diagnostic and intervention strategies.Neuroimaging techniques have shown great promise in un-covering the neural mechanisms of ASD,providing a foundation for aided diagnosis and transcranial magnetic stim-ulation(TMS)interventions.This review highlights that integrating multimodal neuroimaging and developing indi-vidualized indices with developmental specificity can significantly improve the accuracy of ASD diagnosis and clas-sification.Furthermore,TMS interventions guided by functional connectivity derived from functional magnetic reso-nance imaging(fMRI)offer a personalized approach to ASD treatment.
8.Feasibility and exploration of optimal communication models for robot-assisted urological telesurgery: a multicenter, single-arm, retrospective study
Ye WANG ; Taoping SHI ; Sheng TAI ; Sunyi YE ; Yubai ZHANG ; Bingzhang QIAO ; Chenfeng WANG ; Gen CHENG ; Zhi LI ; Qing AI ; Qingbo HUANG ; Baojun WANG ; Qing YUAN ; Junnan XU ; Guojun LIU ; Yu CHEN ; Wuyi ZHAO ; Jianle MAO ; Shiwei LI ; Shuo WANG ; Dan XIA ; Wanhai XU ; Chaozhao LIANG ; Hongzhao LI ; Xin MA ; Xu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(5):331-336
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a domestically developed robotic surgical system based on fiber-optic dedicated line communication in cross-regional urological telesurgery.Methods:This was multicenter,single-arm,retrospective case series study. The data of patients who underwent urological telesurgeries using the telesurgical system between January 2023 and December 2024 were analyzed. The cohort included 59 patients from seven hospitals across China. Among the patients,47 were male(79.7%)and 12 were female(20.3%),with a median age of 63.0(56.0,68.0)years and a body mass index of(24.7 ± 3.0)kg/m 2. Surgical procedures included 32 radical prostatectomies,24 partial nephrectomies,one radical nephrectomy,one adrenalectomy,and one ureteral reconstruction. The perioperative indicators,pathological results and postoperative complications were analyzed. The network monitoring data were collected,and the perioperative data of patients,remote system monitoring data and costs were compared between the two communication modes of optical transport network(OTN)and cloud-connect network(CCN). Results:All 59 remote surgeries were successfully completed,with a mean operative time of(138.0 ± 54.0)minutes,median intraoperative blood loss of 50.0(30.0,100.0)ml and a postoperative hospital stay of 5.0(4.0,6.0)days. No cases required reoperation,Clavien-Dindo grade ≥3 complications,or readmission. The geographical distance between the primary and remote surgical sites ranged from 450 to 2 800 km. Network monitoring revealed increased bidirectional latency with distance increasing:the shortest latency time(Hefei-Hangzhou,450 km)was(16.59 ± 0.80)ms,while the longest(Harbin-Hangzhou,2 200 km)latency time was(53.31 ± 0.31)ms. Average frame loss per procedure was 0?1.27 frames. The results of subgroup analysis comparing OTN and CCN communication modes showed no significant differences in operative time[(130.7 ± 70.5)minutes vs.(142.1 ± 42.9)minutes, P = 0.442],postoperative hospitalization[6.0(4.0,8.0)d vs. 5.0(4.0,6.0)d, P = 0.581],or readmission rates(0 vs. 0). However,CCN demonstrated significant cost advantages with 500 RMB per operation vs. 3 000 RMB per operation for OTN. Conclusions:Urological telesurgery using fiber-optic communication is feasible. The CCN mode,with its cost-effectiveness,excellent usability,and multi-point interconnection flexibility,is currently the preferred communication model for telesurgical applications.
9.Association between Y Chromosome microdeletions and tes-ticular development in male pediatric patients with congenital reproductive system abnormalities.
Yan LIANG ; Yiqing LYU ; Yichen HUANG ; Pin LI ; Wuhen XU ; Fang CHEN
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;():1-9
OBJECTIVES:
To analyze the distribution of Y chromosome azoospermia factor (AZF) microdeletions and their association with testicular development in male pediatric patients with congenital reproductive system disorders, including hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and disorders of sex development (DSD).
METHODS:
A prospective cohort study was conducted on pediatric patients admitted to the Department of Urology of Shanghai Children's Hospital from November 2021 to December 2023. The observation group included boys with hypospadias, cryptorchidism, or DSD, while the control group comprised boys with phimosis, indirect inguinal hernia, or hydrocele. Blood samples were collected for AZF microdeletion analysis using multiplex PCR to detect 15 sequence-tagged sites. Testicular ultrasound was performed to record testicular position and volume. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the groups. After matching, testicular volume differences were assessed. Stratified analyses compared testicular volume among children with AZF microdeletions, the control group, and children without micro-deletions in observation group.
RESULTS:
A total of 493 children were enrolled (observation group: 463; control group: 30). No Y chromosome microdeletions were detected in the control group. Four boys in the observation group had AZF microdeletions: one with cryptorchidism (AZFc+AZFd), one with isolated hypospadias (AZFc), and two with DSD (one with AZFb+AZFc+AZFd and one with AZFa). Ultrasonography measured 888 testicles. After PSM, testicular volume was significantly smaller in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). Stratified analysis revealed that among children under 9 years, those with AZF microdeletions tended to be older but had smaller testicular volumes compared to the control group and those without microdeletions in the observation group, although differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Among children over 9 years, ages were comparable, but children with AZF microdeletions had smaller testicular volumes than the other two groups (statistical analysis was not performed due to small sample size).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of Y chromosome microdeletions is higher in male children with congenital reproductive system disorders compared to the general population, particularly in those with DSD. Hypospadias, cryptorchidism, DSD, and AZF microdeletions may be associated with delayed testicular development in these children.
10.Diagnostic analysis of occupational acute high altitude disease
Lin XU ; Weihui LIANG ; Xiaoyi LI ; Li HUANG
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(6):669-671
Objective To analyze occupational exposure histories and clinical manifestations in three cases of occupational high altitude disease, and to identify key diagnostic points and prevention and treatment strategies. Methods The basic information, clinical characteristics, and occupational hazard exposure history of three patients with occupational high altitude disease were conducted using the retrospective analysis. Results The reason of these three pariticipants who visited high-altitude areas was work requirements. Case 1 experienced recurrent symptoms of altitude reactions during the prodromal stage and was clinically diagnosed with "high altitude sickness and cerebral edema". During transportation to a lower-altitude area, the patient passed through an area with a higher altitude (4 700 m), resulting in deterioration of the condition. Case 2 developed an upper respiratory tract infection and subsequently engaged in aerobic exercise, which aggravated the condition, eading to coughing up pink frothy sputum, followed by cerebral edema and bilateral pulmonary edema. Both cases developed acute cerebral edema and/or acute pulmonary edema due to severe hypobaric hypoxia and were diagnosed with occupational acute high altitude disease according to the GBZ 92-2008 Diagnostic Criteria of Occupational High Altitude Disease. Case 3 mainly presented with hearing loss, without clinical manifestations of high-altitude pulmonary edema or high-altitude cerebral edema, and thus could not be diagnosed with occupational acute high altitude disease. ConclusionThe key diagnostic criteria for occupational acute high altitude disease include a recent occupational history of working in high altitude environments and the presence of clinical manifestations of high altitude pulmonary edema or high altitude cerebral edema, with exclusion of other diseases presenting with similar symptoms. Preventive measures should be taken before workers enter high-altitude areas. Early symptoms of occupational high altitude disease are easily overlooked, so it is crucial to remain vigilant for warning signs and provide timely treatment.


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