Surgical methods for varicocele remain controversial. This study intends to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different surgical approaches for treating varicocele through a network meta-analysis (NMA). PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were thoroughly searched. In total, 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 24 cohort studies were included, covering 9 different surgical methods. Pairwise meta-analysis and NMA were performed by means of random-effects models, and interventions were ranked based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). According to the SUCRA, microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy (MSV; 91.6%), microsurgical retroperitoneal varicocelectomy (MRV; 78.2%), and microsurgical inguinal varicocelectomy (MIV; 76.7%) demonstrated the highest effectiveness in reducing postoperative recurrence rates. In this study, sclerotherapy embolization (SE; 87.2%), MSV (77.9%), and MIV (67.7%) showed the best results in lowering the risk of hydrocele occurrence. MIV (82.9%), MSV (75.9%), and coil embolization (CE; 58.7%) were notably effective in increasing sperm motility. Moreover, CE (76.7%), subinguinal approach varicocelectomy (SV; 69.2%), and SE (55.7%) were the most effective in increasing sperm count. SE (82.5%), transabdominal laparoscopic varicocelectomy (TLV; 76.5%), and MRV (52.7%) were superior in shortening the length of hospital stay. The incidence rates of adverse events for MRV (0), SE (3.3%), and MIV (4.1%) were notably low. Cluster analyses indicated that MSV was the most effective in the treatment of varicocele. Based on the existing evidence, MSV may represent the optimal choice for varicocele surgery. However, selecting clinical surgical strategies requires consideration of various factors, including patient needs, surgeon experience, and the learning curve.
Humans ; Male ; Embolization, Therapeutic/methods* ; Microsurgery/methods* ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Sclerotherapy/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods* ; Varicocele/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression regulation of lipid metabolism gene ABHD5 in testes. METHODS: Differential gene analysis was performed by integrating databases of TCGA and GTEx to identify the target gene ABHD5. The expression trends of ABHD5 gene in testicular carcinoma tissue were analyzed. Human testis single-cell atlases were obtained from the Human Protein Atlas and Male Health Atlas databases to determine the expression distribution of ABHD5 across different testicular cell types. Additionally, the GTEx database was utilized to visualize the expression pattern of ABHD5 in the testis, thereby enhancing the understanding of its transcriptional profile. The relationship between ABHD5 expression and age was assessed through integrated database analysis. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to detect differential expressions of ABHD5 in testicular tissues of young and aged mice respectively. RESULTS: The TCGA database indicated that the expression of ABHD5 in human testicular carcinoma tissue was significantly lower than that in normal testicular tissue which showed a negative correlation with patient survival. ABHD5 was highly expressed in germ cells of the testis reveaked from Human Protein Atlas and Male Health Atlas databases. The stability of ABHD5 protein was crucial for testicular tissue, and its expression decreased with age. Furthermore, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that ABHD5 expression in the testicular tissue of aged mice was significantly lower than that in young mice. CONCLUSION ABHD5 plays an important role in testicular tissue, and may be inseparable from testicular tumors and reproductive aging. However, its mechanism of action remains to be further studied.
Male ; Animals ; Mice ; Testis/metabolism* ; Humans ; Lipid Metabolism/genetics* ; 1-Acylglycerol-3-Phosphate O-Acyltransferase/metabolism* ; Testicular Neoplasms/metabolism*

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: Pneumoconiosis, a lung disease caused by irreversible fibrosis, represents a significant public health burden. This study investigates the causal relationships between gut microbiota, gene methylation, gene expression, protein levels, and pneumoconiosis using a multi-omics approach and Mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS: We analyzed gut microbiota data from MiBioGen and Esteban et al. to assess their potential causal effects on pneumoconiosis subtypes (asbestosis, silicosis, and inorganic pneumoconiosis) using conventional and summary-data-based MR (SMR). Gene methylation and expression data from Genotype-Tissue Expression and eQTLGen, along with protein level data from deCODE and UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project, were examined in relation to pneumoconiosis data from FinnGen. To validate our findings, we assessed self-measured gut flora from a pneumoconiosis cohort and performed fine mapping, drug prediction, molecular docking, and Phenome-Wide Association Studies to explore relevant phenotypes of key genes. RESULTS: Three core gut microorganisms were identified: Romboutsia ( OR = 0.249) as a protective factor against silicosis, Pasteurellaceae ( OR = 3.207) and Haemophilus parainfluenzae ( OR = 2.343) as risk factors for inorganic pneumoconiosis. Additionally, mapping and quantitative trait loci analyses revealed that the genes VIM, STX8, and MIF were significantly associated with pneumoconiosis risk. CONCLUSIONS This multi-omics study highlights the associations between gut microbiota and key genes ( VIM, STX8, MIF) with pneumoconiosis, offering insights into potential therapeutic targets and personalized treatment strategies.
Humans ; Male ; East Asian People/genetics* ; Europe ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Lung ; Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/metabolism* ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Multiomics ; Pneumoconiosis/microbiology* ; Intramolecular Oxidoreductases

Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of lncRNA OIP5-AS1 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Methods TE-1 cells were randomly divided into control(normal culture),si-NC(transfected with si-NC),si-OIP5-AS1(transfected with si-OIP5-AS1),si-OIP5-AS1+NC inhibitor(transfected with si-OIP5-AS1,NC inhibitor),si-OIP5-AS1+miR-129 inhibitor(transfected with si-OIP5-ASS1,miR-129 inhibitor),NC mimic(transfected with NC mimic),miR-129 mimic(transfected with miR-129 mimic),miR-129 mimic+Vector(transfected with miR-129 mimic,Vector),miR-129 mimic+KRAS[transfected with miR-129 mimic,Kirsten rat sarcoma virus oncogene(KRAS)]groups.The expression of OIP5-AS1 and miR-129 in each group was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay.The expression levels of KRAS,N-cadherin,Vimentin and E-cadherin in cells were detected by Western blot assay.Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),and apoptosis was detected by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL)assay.Results The expression levels of OIP5-AS1 in cells of control,si-NC,si-OIP5-AS1,si-OIP5-AS1+NC inhibitor,si-OIP5-AS1+miR-129 inhibitor groups were 1.00±0.13,0.98±0.12,0.25±0.04,0.25±0.02 and 0.89±0.08;the expression levels of miR-129 were 1.00±0.15,0.97±0.07,2.06±0.17,2.04±0.11 and 1.22±0.15;72 h absorbance values(OD)were 1.16±0.12,1.11±0.09,0.58±0.03,0.58±0.05 and 0.94±0.10.The KRAS protein expression levels of NC mimic,miR-129 mimic,miR-129 mimic+Vector,and miR-129 mimic+KRAS groups were 1.08±0.07,0.41±0.06,0.40±0.06,1.03±0.10;the 72 h OD values were 1.17±0.10,0.59±0.03,0.60±0.04 and 0.90±0.05,respectively.si-NC group was compared with si-OIP5-AS1 group,si-OIP5-AS1+NC inhibitor group was compared with si-OIP5-AS1+miR-129 inhibitor group,NC mimic group was compared with miR-129 mimic group,miR-129 mimic+Vector group was compared with miR-129 mimic+KRAS group,the differences of the above indexes were statistically significant(all P＜0.05).Conclusion OIP5-AS1 can promote ESCC cell proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transformation by regulating miR-129 targeting KRAS.

BACKGROUND:High-methionine diet can cause liver injury in Cbs+/-mice,and hyperhomocystinemia is related to the occurrence and progression of various liver-related diseases,such as hepatic steatosis,autoimmune hepatitis,and alcoholic fatty liver disease.MicroRNAs(miRNAs)are involved in various cellular processes including cell survival,differentiation and autophagy,which are of great significance. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the critical role of miR-144-3p on Cbs+/-mouse hepatocyte autophagy induced by high methionine die. METHODS:(1)Ten male cystathione-β-synthase normal(Cbs+/+)mice and another 10 male mice with single gene knockout(Cbs+/-)of similar body mass,4 weeks of age,were fed a high-methionine diet and executed after 12 weeks to take liver tissue.(2)Human hepatocytes(HL-7702)were cultured in vitro and divided into control[0 μmol/L homocysteine(Hcy)],Hcy(100 μmol/L Hcy),mimic-NC(transfected with mimic-NC),mimic-NC + Hcy(mimic-NC transfecton+100 μmol/L Hcy),miR-144-3p mimic(transfected with miR-144-3p mimic),and miR-144-3p mimic + Hcy(miR-144-3p mimic transfection+100 μ mol/L Hcy),inhibitor-NC(transfected with inhibitor-NC),inhibitor-NC + Hcy(inhibitor-NC transfection + 100 μmol/L Hcy),miR-144-3p inhibitor(transfected with miR-144-3p inhibitor),and miR-144-3p inhibitor + Hcy(miR-144-3p inhibitor transfection + 100 μmol/L Hcy).Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-144-3p in liver tissue and hepatocytes.After transfection of miR-144-3p mimic or inhibitor,quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were used to detect the transfection efficiency of miR-144-3p and its effect on the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3B and p62.The levels of alanine transferase and aspartate aminotransferase in hepatocyte supernatants were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The correlation between the expression of miR-144-3 in hepatocyte and the levels of alanine transferase and aspartate aminotransferase in hepatocyte supernatants were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the Cbs+/+ group and control group,the expression of miR-144-3p in the liver tissue of the Cbs+/-group and in hepatocytes of the Hcy group was decreased(P<0.01).The expression of LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ was decreased in hepatocyte after transfection of miR-144-3p mimic,while the protein expression of p62 was increased(P<0.01).The opposite results were obtained after transfection of miR-144-3p inhibitor(P<0.01).Compared with the mimic-NC group,the levels of alanine transferase and aspartate aminotransferase were decreased in the miR-144-3p mimic group(P<0.01),while the opposite results were obtained in the inhibitor-NC group(P<0.01).The expression of miR-144-3p in hepatocytes was negatively correlated with the levels of alanine transferase(P<0.01,r=-0.887 6)and aspartate aminotransferase(P<0.01,r=-0.829 9)in the supernatant of hepatocytes.To conclude,Hcy promotes hepatocyte autophagy by inhibiting the expression of miR-144-3p,which subsequently aggravates liver injury.

Objective:To investigate the clinical practicability of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titrated by lung stretch index (SI) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Methods:A parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients with moderate to severe ARDS who required mechanical ventilation admitted to the department of critical care medicine of General Hospital of the Yangtze River Shipping from August 2022 to February 2023 were enrolled. They were randomly divide into SI guided PEEP titration group (SI group) and pressure-volume curve (P-V curve) inspiratory low inflection point (LIP) guided PEEP titration group (LIP group). All patients were ventilated in a supine position after admission, with the head of the bed raised by 30°. The primary disease was actively treated, prone position ventilation for 12 h/d, and lung protective ventilation strategies such as controlled lung expansion were used for lung recruitment. On this basis, mechanical ventilation parameters were titrated with SI in the SI group; the LIP group titrated mechanical ventilation parameters with P-V curve inspiratory LIP+2 cmH 2O (1 cmH 2O ≈ 0.098 kPa). The oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2), and respiratory mechanics indicators such as lung dynamic compliance (Cdyn), peak airway pressure (Pip) were monitored before recruitment maneuver and after 1, 3, and 5 days of treatment. The therapeutic effect of the two groups was compared. Results:There were 41 patients in the SI group and 40 patients in the LIP group. There was no significant difference in general information such as gender, age, and disease type between the two groups. The mechanical ventilation time and the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay in the SI group were significantly shorter than those in the LIP group (days: 9.47±3.36 vs. 14.68±5.52, 22.27±4.68 vs. 27.57±9.52, both P < 0.05). Although the 28-day mortality of the SI group was lower than that of the LIP group, the difference was not statistically significant [19.5% (8/41) vs. 35.0% (14/40), P > 0.05]. On the fifth day, the PaO 2/FiO 2 was higher in SI group [mmHg (1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa): 225.57±47.85 vs. 198.32±31.59, P < 0.05], the Cdyn was higher in SI group (mL/cmH 2O: 47.39±6.71 vs. 35.88±5.35, P < 0.01), the Pip was lower in SI group (mmHg: 35.85±5.77 vs. 43.87±6.68, P < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed no statistically significant difference in the 28 days cumulative survival rate between the two groups (Log-Rank: χ2 = 2.348, P = 0.125). Conclusion:The application of SI titration with PEEP in the treatment of ARDS patients may improve their prognosis.

The working principle of TMC BC ROBO 6 intelligent blood collection system was described in brief.The causes of three faults during daily operation of the system were analyzed,and the countermeasures were put forward accordingly.References were provided for clinical engineers to treat similar faults.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(6):113-116]

Tinnitus is a clinically refractory disease with a high incidence.LAI's Tongyuan acupuncture method believes that tinnitus is nothing more than the two ends of deficiency and excess.The deficiency is closely related to original spirit,and the excess is related to the pathological factors such as externally-contracted six pathogenic factors,phlegm-damp and blood stasis,and qi stagnation and yang constraint.The Tongyuan acupuncture method is based on original spirit,takes the two vessels of conception vessel(CV)and governor vessel(GV)as the general outline,takes the regulation of yin and yang as the main method,pays attention to the combination of local and overall,and emphasizes the application of tonification and purgation,and has the clinical effect of reinforcing healthy qi and dispelling pathogen,cultivating the vital essence.In clinical application,the method of'unblocking governor vessel and nourishing spirit'is used to play the role of heart and brain nourishing spirit and warming and supporting yang qi.The method of'conducting qi back to its source'has the effect of cultivating the vital essence and regulating qi movement.The treatments should be cooperated according to the syndromes,so that the pathogens can be expelled and healthy qi can be settled.Qi and blood have origins of generation and transformation and normally nourishing in the ear,so as to effectively alleviate the patient's tinnitus symptoms.This paper summarizes and analyzes Professor LAI Xin-Sheng's Experience in the diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus by Tongyuan acupuncture method,and provides a new acupuncture treatment plan for clinical application.

Objective To investigate the effect of varying blood pressure stratification on renal function in the diabetic population.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted,enrolling 9 489 diabetic patients from a total of 101 510 Kailuan Group employees who underwent health examinations between July 2006 and October 2007.The follow-up period was(8.6±4.0)years.Participants were categorized into four groups based on their baseline blood pressure levels:normal blood pressure(systolic blood pressure<120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure<80 mmHg),elevated blood pressure(systolic blood pressure 120-130 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure<80 mmHg),stage 1 hypertension(systolic blood pressure 130-140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure 80-90 mmHg),and stage 2 hypertension(systolic blood pressure≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure≥90 mmHg).The incidence density of chronic kidney disease(CKD)was compared among these groups.A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to assess the effects of different blood pressure levels on renal function in diabetic patients,with the stability of the results confirmed using a multivariate time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model.Sensitivity analysis was conducted after excluding cases of cardiovascular disease(CVD)during follow-up,and cases using antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications at baseline.Results(1)At baseline,stage 1 hypertension patients demonstrated statistically significant higher differences with age and body mass index(BMI)compared to normal blood pressure group(P<0.05).(2)By the end of the follow-up,2 294 cases of CKD were identified,including 1 117 cases of estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)decline and 1 575 cases of urinary protein.The incidences density of CKD,eGFR decline and urinary protein for stage 1 hypertension group were 39.4,16.3 and 25.5 per thousand person-years,respectively,all of which were statistically significant different from normal blood pressure group(log-rank test,P<0.01).(3)Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that,compared to the normal blood pressure group,stage 1 hypertension was associated with a 29%increased risk of CKD(HR=1.29,95%CI 1.09-1.52)and a 40%increased risk of eGFR decline(HR=1.40,95%CI 1.08-1.80)in diabetic individuals.Conclusion Stage 1 hypertension significantly increases the risk of CKD and eGFR decline in diabetic individuals,with a particularly notable effect on the risk of eGFR decline.