ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo investigate the TCM pathogenesis of male infertility through analyzing the characteristics of the pulse of oligoathenoteratospermia patients.MethodsRetrospect analysis was performed to get the pulse characteristics of oligoathenoteratospermia patients.The relation between the regularity of pulse and oligoathenoteratospermia was studied.ResultsThe pulse of oligoathenoteratospermia patients mainly presented at the both guan pulses and the both chi pulses,especially at the left guan pulse and the right chi pulse with thready pulse,wiry pulse,slippery pulse,uneven pulse,and moderate pulse,besides there were some differences of pulse between oligospermia and asthenozoospermia.ConclusionThe liver and kidney were the main location of oligoathenoteratospermia,and the main pathogenesis was asthenia of kidney,blood stasis,and dampness-heat.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) coronary angiography, with a particular focus on the effect of heart rate and calcifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS:One hundred and nine patients with suspected coronary disease were divided into 2 groups according to a mean heart rate ( or = 70 bpm) and into 3 groups according to the mean Agatston calcium scores ( 400). Next, the effect of heart rate and calcification on the accuracy of coronary artery stenosis detection was analyzed by using an invasive coronary angiography as a reference standard. Coronary segments of less than 1.5 mm in diameter in an American Heart Association (AHA) 15-segment model were independently assessed. RESULTS: The mean heart rate during the scan was 71.8 bpm, whereas the mean Agatston score was 226.5. Of the 1,588 segments examined, 1,533 (97%) were assessable. A total of 17 patients had calcium scores above 400 Agatston U, whereas 50 had heart rates > or = 70 bpm. Overall the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for significant stenoses were: 95%, 91%, 65%, and 99% (by segment), respectively and 97%, 90%, 81%, and 91% (by artery), respectively (n = 475). Heart rate showed no significant impact on lesion detection; however, vessel calcification did show a significant impact on accuracy of assessment for coronary segments. The specificity, PPV and accuracy were 96%, 80%, and 96% (by segment), respectively for an Agatston score less than 100% and 99%, 96% and 98% (by artery). For an Agatston score of greater to or equal to 400 the specificity, PPV and accuracy were reduced to 79%, 55%, and 83% (by segment), respectively and to 79%, 69%, and 85% (by artery), respectively. CONCLUSION: The DSCT provides a high rate of accuracy for the detection of significant coronary artery disease, even in patients with high heart rates and evidence of coronary calcification. However, patients with severe coronary calcification (> 400 U) remain a challenge to diagnose.