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

Addressing the enduring challenge of evaluating traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of TCMs (Eff-iEC) has emerged. This paper explored its capacity through a demonstration study that evaluated the effectiveness evidence of six commonly used anti-hepatic fibrosis Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), including Biejiajian Pill (BP), Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP), Biejia Ruangan Compound (BRC), Fuzheng Huayu Capsule (FHC), Anluo Huaxian Pill (AHP), and Heluo Shugan Capsule (HSC), using both Eff-iEC and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The recognition of these CPMs within the TCM academic community was also assessed through their inclusion in relevant medical documents. Results showed that the evidence of BRC and FHC received higher assessments in both Eff-iEC and GRADE system, while the assessments for others varied. Analysis of community recognition revealed that Eff-iEC more accurately reflects the clinical value of these CPMs, exhibiting superior evaluative capabilities. By breaking through the conventional pattern of TCMs effectiveness evaluation, Eff-iEC offers a novel epistemology that better aligns with the clinical realities and reasoning of TCMs, providing a coherent methodology for clinical decision-making, new drug evaluations, and health policy formulation.

(±)-Talapyrones A-F (1-6), six pairs of dimeric polyketide enantiomers featuring unusual 6/6/6 and 6/6/6/5 ring systems, were isolated from the fungus Talaromyces adpressus. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and HR-ESI-MS data, and their absolute configurations were elucidated using a modified Mosher's method and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations. (±)-Talapyrones A-F (1-6) possess a 6/6/6 tricyclic skeleton, presumably formed through a Michael addition reaction between one molecule of α-pyrone derivative and one molecule of C₈ poly-β-keto chain. In addition, compounds 2/3 and 4/5 are two pairs of C-18 epimers, respectively. Putative biosynthetic pathways of 1-6 were discussed.
Polyketides/isolation & purification* ; Talaromyces/chemistry* ; Stereoisomerism ; Molecular Structure ; Circular Dichroism ; Pyrones/chemistry*

Objective:To systematically evaluate and Meta-synthesize qualitative studies on the home management needs of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) to understand their actual self-management needs and improve the quality of home management for patients with SCI in China.Methods:A comprehensive search was conducted in databases including CNKI, Wanfang, CBM, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library for qualitative research on the home management needs of patients with SCI, with a search timeframe up to November 30, 2023. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (2016). Results were integrated and analyzed using Meta-synthesize methods.Results:A total of 15 studies were included, from which 58 distinct research findings were extracted. These were categorized into 10 new categories, which were further integrated into four main results: the need for positive emotional support, daily living-related needs, healthcare service needs, and social support needs.Conclusions:Healthcare providers should deeply understand the home management needs of patients with SCI. Utilizing artificial intelligence technology, an integrated support model encompassing hospital, home, and society can be constructed. Establishing a comprehensive home rehabilitation platform for patients with SCI can focus on psychological issues and enhance social support levels, thereby improving patients' quality of life.

Objective:To integrate qualitative research on the real experience of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) returning to society after discharge, so as to provide a basis for developing transitional care intervention program, and promote patients' reintegration into society.Methods:Qualitative research on the real experience of patients with SCI returning to society after discharge was electronically retrieved on China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Service System, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and so on .The search period was from database establishment to August 30, 2023. The quality evaluation criteria for qualitative research of the JBI Evidence-Based Health Care Center (2016) was used to assess the quality of literature, and Meta-synthesis was used to integrate the results.Results:A total of 16 articles were included, and 51 research results were extracted. Similar research results were summarized and combined to form 12 new categories, which were then synthesized into four integrated results, including experiencing physical and mental discomfort following discharge, facing challenges in reintegrating into society, seeking social support, and adapting to social life through self-adjustment role changes.Conclusions:Patients with SCI have multiple psychological experiences in the process of reintegration into society. Medical and nursing staff should attach importance to their inner needs, help them overcome stress and challenges, provide them with personalized continuous care, and promote their role adaptation and reintegration into society.

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.

Objective: To investigate the clinical and molecular biological characteristics of patients with accelerated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (aCLL) . Methods: From January 2020 to October 2022, the data of 13 patients diagnosed with aCLL at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed to explore the clinical and molecular biological characteristics of aCLL. Results: The median age of the patients was 54 (35-72) years. Prior to aCLL, five patients received no treatment for CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), while the other patients received treatment, predominantly with BTK inhibitors. The patients were diagnosed with aCLL through pathological confirmation upon disease progression. Six patients exhibited bulky disease (lesions with a maximum diameter ≥5 cm). Positron emission tomography (PET) -computed tomography (CT) images revealed metabolic heterogeneity, both between and within lesions, and the median maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the lesion with the most elevated metabolic activity was 6.96 (2.51-11.90). Patients with unmutated IGHV CLL accounted for 76.9% (10/13), and the most frequent genetic and molecular aberrations included +12 [3/7 (42.9% ) ], ATM mutation [6/12 (50% ) ], and NOTCH1 mutation [6/12 (50% ) ]. Twelve patients received subsequent treatment. The overall response rate was 91.7%, and the complete response rate was 58.3%. Five patients experienced disease progression, among which two patients developed Richter transformation. Patients with aCLL with KRAS mutation had worse progression-free survival (7.0 month vs 26.3 months, P=0.015) . Conclusion: Patients with aCLL exhibited a clinically aggressive course, often accompanied by unfavorable prognostic factors, including unmutated IGHV, +12, ATM mutation, and NOTCH1 mutation. Patients with CLL/SLL with clinical suspicion of disease progression, especially those with bulky disease and PET-CT SUVmax ≥5, should undergo biopsy at the site of highest metabolic uptake to establish a definitive pathological diagnosis.
Humans ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics* ; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography ; Retrospective Studies ; Biopsy ; Disease Progression

Objective:To explore clinical value of prostate target biopsy guided by multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and 68Ga-labeled prostate specific membrane antigen ligand imaging positron emission tomography/X-ray computed tomography ( 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT) image fusion. Methods:The data of 50 patients admitted to Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from January 2021 to February 2022 who underwent mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT to guide prostate biopsy were retrospectively analyzed. The median age was 70 (63-79) years, the median serum tPSA value was 8.1 (6.8-83.0) ng/ml, and the prostate volume was 45.5 (30-80) ml. 36 cases were positive by mpMRI, including PI-RADS score 3 in 5 cases, 4 score in 19 cases, 5 score in 12 cases. 32 cases were positive by 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT examination, of which 30 cases were double positive and the fusion of both imaging techniques was positive, referred to as PET/CT-MRI. The patient's mpMRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT images were imported into the MIM fusion software, and the outline of the prostate and the target area were outlined respectively. When PET/CT and MRI double positive cases were biopsied, the two images were alternately fused, calibrated and locked with the real-time prostate ultrasound interface(PET/CT-MRI). Single-positive cases were guided by positive images to complete targeted biopsy, and 12-needle systematic biopsies were completed after targeted biopsy and double-negative cases. The advantages of targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy was evaluated, and the diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value) was analyzed. Results:Among the 50 biopsy patients in this group, 31 (62%) had prostate cancer, of which 22 (44%) were CsPCa. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of prostate cancer between targeted biopsy and systematic biopsy [78.9% (30/38) and 62.0% (31/50), P=0.088], and there was no significant difference in the detection rate of CsPCa [57.9% (22/38) and 40.0% (20/50), P=0.096]. The positive rate of the biopsy needles number was significantly different [86.3% (69/80) and 19.0% (114/ 600), P<0.001]. The detection rates of prostate cancer in mpMRI positive, PET/CT positive and PET/CT-MRI positive cases were 83.3% (30/36), 90.6% (29/32) and 96.6% (29/30) respectively, the detection rates of CsPCa were 61.1% (22/36), 68.8% (22/32) and 73.3% (22/30) respectively.The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of mpMRI in the diagnosis of prostate cancer were 96.8%(30/31), 68.4%(13/19), 83.3%(30/36)and 92.9%(13/14), respectively.Those values in 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT were 93.5%(29/31), 84.2%(16/19), 90.6%(29/32)and 88.9%(16/18), respectively.Those values in PET/CT-MRI were 93.8%(29/31), 94.7%(18/19), 96.7%(29/30)and 90.0%(18/20), respectively. The above four indicators of mpMRI diagnosis of CsPCa were 100.0%(22/22), 50.0%(14/28), 61.1%(22/36)and 100.0%(14/14), respectively.Those indicators in 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT were 100.0%(22/22), 64.3%(18/28), 68.8%(22/32)and 100.0%(18/18), respectively.Those indicators in PET/CT-MRI was 100.0%(22/22), 71.4%(20/28), 73.2%(22/30)and 100.0%(20/20), respectively. The detection efficiency of PET/CT-MRI was better than that of mpMRI (Kappa value was 0.737, P=0.031). Conclusions:PET/CT-MRI image fusion-guided targeted prostate biopsy can effectively improve the detection efficiency of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer, and increase the positive rate.

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of radium-223 in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with bone metastasis.Methods:The clinical data of 48 patients with mCRPC treated with radium-223(55 kBq/kg, once every 4 weeks, planned to use for 6 cycles)from February 2021 to May 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had symptomatic bone metastasis without visceral metastasis, which the number of bone metastasis was more than one site.They were all classified as IVb stage. The average age was 70.5 (ranging 49-90) years. The median PSA was 44.70(ranging 0.15-1 864.00) ng/ml. The median ALP was 162 (ranging 43-1 589) U/L. The median time from mCRPC diagnosis to radium-223 use was 10 (ranging 3-47) months. 9, 18 and 11 patients had received first-line, second-line and third-line treatment for mCRPC before enrollment respectively, 10 patients had received at least fourth-line treatment. 38 (79.1%), 31 (64.5%), 30 (62.5%) and 7 (14.6%) patients had used abiraterone, enzalutamide, docetaxel and olaparib before enrollment. The probability of PSA level decrease >30%, ALP level decrease >30%, symptom improvement rate, median overall survival (OS), as well as the occurrence of treatment-related adverse reactions and the reasons for withdraw treatment were analyzed.Results:The median follow-up time was 8 (ranging 1-16) months. 11 patients completed all 6 courses of treatment. The median number of completed courses was 4 (ranging 1-6). 27 patients (56.2%) received radium-223 and bone protection drugs (Bisphosphate/ Denosumab). PSA decreased by >30% was recorded in 10 patients (20.8%) and ALP decreased by >30% was recorded in 25 patients (52.1%). 23 cases (47.9%) reported bone pain relief during treatment. Among the 9 patients who had received first-line of mCRPC previously, 6 cases (66%) had relief of bone pain symptoms, and 4 cases (44%) had a decrease of PSA >30%. Among the 18 patients who had previously received second-line mCRPC treatment, 11 cases (61%) had relief of bone pain symptoms, and 4 cases (22%) had a decrease of PSA >30%. Among the 21 patients who had received third-line or more mCRPC treatment in the past, 6 (28.5%) had symptom relief, and 2 (9.5%) had PSA decrease >30%. The median overall survival (OS) was not reached, and the OS was estimated to be 12.5 months using the Kaplan-Meier method. The most common hematological adverse effects were thrombocytopenia (15 cases, 31.2%; grade 3 in 6 cases and grade 4 in 0), followed by leucopenia (11 cases, 22.9%; grade 3 in 4 cases and grade 4 in 1 case) and anemia (8 cases, 16.7%; grade 3 in 3 cases and grade 4 in 0). Non-hematological adverse reactions included fever in 1 case (2.1%), constipation in 4 cases (8.3%), nausea and vomiting in 10 cases (20.8%), diarrhea in 7 cases (14.6%), dizziness in 1 case (2.1%) and fatigue in 11 cases (22.9%). Seven cases were discontinued due to intolerable adverse reactions (median 2 courses), 14 cases were discontinued due to disease progression or death (median 2 courses), and 5 cases were discontinued due to other reasons (median 1 course).Conclusions:Radium-223 has a good performance in symptom control for mCRPC patients who have previously received first-line or second-line therapy. Due to the high incidence of hematological adverse reactions, more attention should be paid to the changes of hemogram during the treatment, and timely treatment should be carried out to improve the drug tolerance of patients.