Testicular histology based on testicular biopsy is an important factor for determining appropriate testicular sperm extraction surgery and predicting sperm retrieval outcomes in patients with azoospermia. Therefore, we developed a deep learning (DL) model to establish the associations between testicular grayscale ultrasound images and testicular histology. We retrospectively included two-dimensional testicular grayscale ultrasound from patients with azoospermia (353 men with 4357 images between July 2017 and December 2021 in The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China) to develop a DL model. We obtained testicular histology during conventional testicular sperm extraction. Our DL model was trained based on ultrasound images or fusion data (ultrasound images fused with the corresponding testicular volume) to distinguish spermatozoa presence in pathology (SPP) and spermatozoa absence in pathology (SAP) and to classify maturation arrest (MA) and Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) in patients with SAP. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were used to analyze model performance. DL based on images achieved an AUC of 0.922 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.908-0.935), a sensitivity of 80.9%, a specificity of 84.6%, and an accuracy of 83.5% in predicting SPP (including normal spermatogenesis and hypospermatogenesis) and SAP (including MA and SCOS). In the identification of SCOS and MA, DL on fusion data yielded better diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.979 (95% CI: 0.969-0.989), a sensitivity of 89.7%, a specificity of 97.1%, and an accuracy of 92.1%. Our study provides a noninvasive method to predict testicular histology for patients with azoospermia, which would avoid unnecessary testicular biopsy.
Humans ; Male ; Azoospermia/diagnostic imaging* ; Deep Learning ; Testis/pathology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Ultrasonography/methods* ; Sperm Retrieval ; Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome/diagnostic imaging*

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 explore the efficacy and safety of recombinant human anti-severe acute respiratory syn-drome coronavirus 2(anti-SARS-CoV-2)monoclonal antibody injection(F61 injection)in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)combined with renal damage.Methods Patients with COVID-19 and renal damage who visited the PLA General Hospital from January to February 2023 were selected.Subjects were randomly divided into two groups.Control group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy,while trial group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy combined with F61 injection.A 15-day follow-up was conducted after drug administration.Clinical symptoms,laboratory tests,electrocardiogram,and chest CT of pa-tients were performed to analyze the efficacy and safety of F61 injection.Results Twelve subjects(7 in trial group and 5 in control group)were included in study.Neither group had any clinical progression or death cases.The ave-rage time for negative conversion of nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 in control group and trial group were 3.2 days and 1.57 days(P=0.046),respectively.The scores of COVID-19 related target symptom in the trial group on the 3rd and 5th day after medication were both lower than those of the control group(both P＜0.05).According to the clinical staging and World Health Organization 10-point graded disease progression scale,both groups of subjects improved but didn't show statistical differences(P＞0.05).For safety,trial group didn't present any infusion-re-lated adverse event.Subjects in both groups demonstrated varying degrees of elevated blood glucose,elevated urine glucose,elevated urobilinogen,positive urine casts,and cardiac arrhythmia,but the differences were not statistica-lly significant(all P＞0.05).Conclusion F61 injection has initially demonstrated safety and clinical benefit in trea-ting patients with COVID-19 combined with renal damage.As the domestically produced drug,it has good clinical accessibility and may provide more options for clinical practice.

Chronic kidney disease(CKD)commonly used dietary assessments including 24-hour dietary recall(24 h DR)/3-day dietary recall(3DDR),food frequency questionnaire(FFQ),dietary records,and estimation of dietary protein intake based on nitrogen balance.Given the high prevalence of CKD patients in Asian population and the scarcity of research using FFQ method,it is crucial to develop an FFQ suitable for Chinese CKD patients.This review summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of dietary assessment methods for CKD,the current research status,and the content and steps involved in establishing an FFQ,with the aim of providing reference for the modification of FFQ for Chinese CKD patients.

Objective:To explore the measurement method and its diagnostic performance based on MRI and CT measurement of vertebral bone density in patients to predict proximal junctional kyphosis after degenerative scoliosis surgery.Methods:Retrospectively included patients who underwent long-segment fixation and fusion surgery at the Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2010 to December 2020 and had complete preoperative whole-spine X-rays, CT, MRI and other imaging examination results, and were followed up on schedule. 68 cases of adult degenerative scoliosis, 16 male, 52 women, aged 66.87±6.65 years (range, 54-80 years). The patients were measured based on preoperative lumbar spine MRI T 1WI bone quality score (vertebral bone quality score, VBQ) and CT-based Hounsfield (HU) value, and the patients were divided into postoperative proximal junction kyphosis group or non-proximal junction kyphosis group based on the results of postoperative imaging examinations. The age, gender, BMI, comorbidities, lumbar spine VBQ score, L 1 CT HU value and various imaging parameters before and after surgery were compared between the two groups of patients, including pelvic incident, lumbar lordosis, sagittal vertical axis, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis, T 1 pelvic angle, Upper instrumented vertebrae screw angle, etc. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn to analyze the diagnostic efficacy, sensitivity and specificity of VBQ score, HU value and their combined indicators. Results:Seventeen cases were included in the PJK group and 51 cases in the non-PJK group. The preoperative VBQ and HU values of the PJK group were 3.10±0.43 and 99.76±16.34 respectively, while those of the non-PJK group were 2.62±0.37 and 115.27±13.46 respectively. The differences were statistically significant ( t=3.896, P<0.001; t=4.482, P<0.001). The area under curve (AUC) of VBQ was 0.773 [95% CI(0.633, 0.914)], the sensitivity and specificity are 82.4% and 70.6% respectively, the AUC of HU value was 0.814 [95% CI(0.680, 0.949)], the sensitivity and specificity are 76.5% and 76.5% respectively. The AUC of the two combined indicators was 0.895 [95% CI(0.795, 0.995)], and the sensitivity and specificity were 94.1% and 82.4% respectively. The maximum Youden index and the critical value were respectively, VBQ value 0.530, 2.895, HU value 0.530, 110.0, the combined index 0.765, 0.734. Conclusion:Both VBQ and L 1 HU value can accurately predict proximal junctional kyphosis after degenerative scoliosis surgery. The accuracy of HU value was slightly higher than that of VBQ value. The diagnosis accuracy of the combined index was the highest.

Objective:To discuss the method and clinical outcomes in reconstruction of soft tissue defects on palmar side of thumbs and fingers by transfer of combined full-thickness skin grafting with a great toe fibular flap carrying partial subcutaneous fascial flap.Methods:From December 2019 to December 2023, 11 patients with soft tissue defects on the palmar side of thumbs and fingers were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery Ward One, the Longgang Orthopaedics Hospital of Shenzhen. The patients were 7 males and 4 females, aged 16-55 years old with 26 years old in average. Fibular great toe flaps carrying partial fascial subcutaneous flap were employed. The soft tissue defects of thumbs and fingers were 4.0 cm×3.0 cm-6.0 cm×4.0 cm in size. Fibular great toe flaps carrying partial fascial subcutaneous tissue flap were harvested for reconstruction of the soft tissue defects in palmar digits. The sizes of flaps were 4.0 cm×1.5 cm-6.0 cm×2.0 cm, and the extended area by subcutaneous tissue flap was 4.0 cm×1.5 cm-6.0 cm×2.0 cm. Eight medial foot skins and 3 medial calf skins were applied. All donor sites were directly sutured. All patients were included in the scheduled postoperative follow-up by regular visis of outpatient clinic, and by video and telephone to observe the appearance, function and healing of the flaps and donor sites.Results:All 11 flaps survived, including 1 that had partial necrosis, and healed after dressing changes. The follow-up ranged from 6 to 18 months, with an average of 9 months. Good shape, texture and elasticity of the flaps were achieved. The grasping, pinching and holding functions of digits were all good. According to the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) sensory recovery criteria, the sensation of the flap was recovered to S 3+, with 6 skin graft areas recovered to S 3 and 5 recovered to S 3+. Eight patients had no cold intolerance but 3 had mild cold intolerance with Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity (CISS) scores of 4, 12 and 36, respectively. According to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 10 patients were in excellent and 1 in good. Linear scars were left at the donor sites. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score at the final follow-up was 2.42 points±0.75 points. The scars were flat or less than 1-2 mm above the skin with the colour close to that of the surrounding normal skin with good softness and without itchiness or pain. Conclusion:The combination of a fibular flap of the great toe with a fasciocutaneous flap and a full-thickness skin graft for reconstruction of the soft tissue defects on the palmar side of the thumbs and fingers can avoid skin grafting from a donor site hence reduce a damage to the donor site. It can be applied as an alternative surgical procedure.

The acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults have a higher rate of neurological injury and early death compared with atlas or axial fractures alone. Currently, the diagnosis and treatment choices of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults are controversial because of the lack of standards for implementation. Non-operative treatments have a high incidence of bone nonunion and complications, while surgeries may easily lead to the injury of the vertebral artery, spinal cord and nerve root. At present, there are no evidence-based Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults. To provide orthopedic surgeons with the most up-to-date and effective information in treating acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field of spinal trauma to develop the Evidence-based guideline for clinical diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults ( version 2023) by referring to the "Management of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults" published by American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) in 2013 and the relevant Chinese and English literatures. Ten recommendations were made concerning the radiological diagnosis, stability judgment, treatment rules, treatment options and complications based on medical evidence, aiming to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors related to renal impairment in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) from the perspective of integrated Chinese and Western medicine. METHODS: Totally 492 patients with DKD in 8 Chinese hospitals from October 2017 to July 2019 were included. According to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) staging guidelines, patients were divided into a chronic kidney disease (CKD) 1-3 group and a CKD 4-5 group. Clinical data were collected, and logistic regression was used to analyze the factors related to different CKD stages in DKD patients. RESULTS: Demographically, male was a factor related to increased CKD staging in patients with DKD (OR=3.100, P=0.002). In clinical characteristics, course of diabetes >60 months (OR=3.562, P=0.010), anemia (OR=4.176, P<0.001), hyperuricemia (OR=3.352, P<0.001), massive albuminuria (OR=4.058, P=0.002), atherosclerosis (OR=2.153, P=0.007) and blood deficiency syndrome (OR=1.945, P=0.020) were factors related to increased CKD staging in patients with DKD. CONCLUSIONS Male, course of diabetes >60 months, anemia, hyperuricemia, massive proteinuria, atherosclerosis, and blood deficiency syndrome might indicate more severe degree of renal function damage in patients with DKD. (Registration No. NCT03865914).
Humans ; Male ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; Hyperuricemia ; Kidney ; Proteinuria ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/complications*

Objective: To investigate the association between dietary pattern and cognitive performance in local residents aged ≥50 years in Shanghai. Methods: Data were obtained from the second round of Study of Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) survey in Shanghai. Dietary patterns were surveyed by factor analysis. Cognitive tests were conducted to assess subjects' cognitive performance, including verbal recall, verbal fluency and digit test. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between dietary patterns and cognition performance. Results: A total of 4 132 subjects with complete dietary and cognitive performance test data were included. Factor analysis was used to obtain three dietary patterns: including plant-based pattern, high animal-food pattern, high salt-oil pattern. After controlling for gender, age, education level and other factors, it was found that plant-based pattern (β=0.26,95%CI: 0.17-0.36) and high animal-food pattern (β=0.18, 95%CI:0.06-0.29) were positively associated with total cognitive test score while high salt-oil pattern (β=-0.28, 95%CI:-0.85--0.07) was negatively associated with verbal fluency test score. Conclusion: A dietary pattern with high intake of plant food and appropriate intake of animal food might be associated with better cognitive function of residents aged ≥50 years.
Aging ; Animals ; China/epidemiology* ; Cognition ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diet ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the combination of Naoxintong Capsule with standard care could further reduce the recurrence of ischemic stroke without increasing the risk of severe bleeding. METHODS: A total of 23 Chinese medical centers participated in this trial. Adult patients with a history of ischemic stroke were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio using a block design to receive either Naoxintong Capsule (1.2 g orally, twice a day) or placebo in addition to standard care. The primary endpoint was recurrence of ischemic stroke within 2 years. Secondary outcomes included myocardial infarction, death due to recurrent ischemic stroke, and all-cause mortality. The safety of drugs was monitored. Results were analyzed using the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: A total of 2,200 patients were enrolled from March 2015 to March 2016, of whom 143 and 158 in the Naoxintong and placebo groups were lost to follow-up, respectively. Compared with the placebo group, the recurrence rate of ischemic stroke within 2 years was significantly lower in the Naoxintong group [6.5% vs. 9.5%, hazard ratio (HR): 0.665, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.492-0.899, P=0.008]. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary outcomes and safety, including rates of severe hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage (P>0.05). CONCLUSION The combination of Naoxintong Capsule with standard care reduced the 2-year stroke recurrence rate in patients with ischemic stroke without increasing the risk of severe hemorrhage in high-risk patients. (Trial registration No. NCT02334969).
Adult ; Humans ; Secondary Prevention/methods* ; Ischemic Stroke ; Stroke/prevention & control* ; Cerebral Hemorrhage/complications* ; Double-Blind Method ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors