Semen parameters and sex hormones as affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Impaired semen quality and reproductive hormone levels were observed in patients during and after recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which raised concerns about negative effects on male fertility. Therefore, this study systematically reviews available data on semen parameters and sex hormones in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: Systematic search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar until July 18th, 2022. We identified relevant articles that discussed the effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on male fertility. RESULTS: A total number of 1,684 articles were identified by using a suitable keyword search strategy. After screening, 26 articles were considered eligible for inclusion in this study. These articles included a total of 1,960 controls and 2,106 patients. When all studies were considered, the results showed that the semen parameters and sex hormone levels of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited some significant differences compared with controls. Fortunately, these differences gradually disappear as patients recover from COVID-19. CONCLUSION: While present data show the negative effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility, this does not appear to be long-term. Semen quality and hormone levels will gradually increase to normal as patients recover.

Interactions of protamine with the marine bacterium, Pseudoalteromonas sp. NCIMB 2021.

UNLABELLED: Pseudoalteromonas sp. NCIMB 2021 (NCIMB 2021) was grown in synthetic seawater (SSW) containing pyruvate, in the presence (SSW(++) ) and absence (SSW(-) ) of divalent cations. Cultures contained single cells. Addition of the cationic antibacterial peptide (CAP), protamine, did not inhibit, but rather increased, the growth of NCIMB 2021 in SSW(++) and caused the bacteria to grow in chains. Bacterial growth was assessed using turbidity, cell counts and the sodium salt of resazurin. In SSW(-) , NCIMB 2021 was no longer resistant to protamine. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 5 mg ml(-1) . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Protamine is a cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAP), which is active against a variety of bacteria. This is the first in-depth study of the interaction of protamine with a marine bacterium, Pseudoalteromonas sp. NCIMB 2021. Our results show that protamine is only active in seawater in the absence of divalent cations. In the presence of the divalent cations, Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) , protamine enhances the growth of Pseudoalteromonas sp. NCIMB 2021 and produces chains rather than individual cells. These are important considerations when deciding on applications for protamine and in terms of understanding its mechanism of action.

Serious antimicrobial resistance status of pathogens causing hospital-acquired lower respiratory tract infections in North China.

Antimicrobial resistance patterns of pathogens causing hospital-acquired lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in Shandong Province, China were investigated using data collected from January 2002 to December 2006. A total of 10 337 isolates were characterized in sputum samples from 39 920 LRTI patients: 68.72% were Gram-negative bacteria, 20.65% were Gram-positive bacteria, and 10.62% were fungi. Organisms most frequently isolated were: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.88%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.80%), Escherichia coli (10.71%), fungi (10.62%), Staphylococcus aureus (9.68%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (9.03%). Imipenem was the most effective antibiotic against Gram-negative bacteria. Most Gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to vancomycin. Susceptibility to cephalosporins was not optimal and resistance to fluoroquinolones was high. Resistance of Gram-negative bacteria showed a rapid increase over the study period, while resistance of Gram-positive bacteria remained relatively stable. The emergence of resistance to commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents used against LRTI pathogens has compounded the problem of using empirical therapy and created selective pressure on physicians to use certain antibiotics.

[Malformations of chorda tympani nerve].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of anomalies of chorda tympani nerve. METHOD: Chorda tympani nerve and its adjacent structure were investigated during microsurgery in 667 cases of congenitally malformed external-middle ear. RESULT: Anomalies of chorda tympani nerve were found in 433 cases (64.91%). In the group of isolated middle ear malformation of chorda tympani nerve was 16/147 (10.88%); in the group of stenosis of external auditory canal 22/95 (23.15%); and in the group of atresia 394/394 (100%). In 385 cases (97.7%) chorda nerve were not discovered during operations; It were situated at atresia plate (far from malleoincudal interspace) in 9 cases (2.28%). Different feature were found such as: elongation of chorda tympani posterior canaliculus, high or low position, reduplication of chorda tympani nerve, significant low position of chorda tympani nerve in the atresia plate. CONCLUSION: Malformation of chorda tympani nerve is related to the embryologic development of the facial nerve, ossicle, oval window et. It is imparative to identify and to protect the ectopic chorda tympani nerve during operation early.

[Malignant external otitis: 4 cases report].

OBJECTIVE: To improve the level of diagnosis and treatment of malignant external otitis (MEO). METHOD: Four cases with MEO were reported. RESULT: Three in four cases were followed up. One patient was cured, and the others died of intracranial infection. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis of MEO is very important for treatment. The patients of MEO with diabetes often died of intracranial infection.

[Influence of pavulon on facial nerve monitoring during middle ear-mastoid operation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of pavulon (muscle relaxant) on facial nerve monitoring for patient with middle ear-mastoid operation during general anesthesia. METHOD: Intraoperative monitoring of the facial nerve (FNM) was done in 45 ears (44 case). For patient with middle ear-mastoid disease, 38 ears underwent inhaled-intravenous anesthesia with muscle relaxant pavulon (group of general anesthesia), 7 ears underwent local anesthesia (group of local anesthesia). Accelography (ACCG) was used in 10 case for testing the correlation between of FNM and the various degree of recovery from ulnar nerve-musculor blockade. RESULT: FNM could be elicited during different periods of recovery with values of T4/T1 varying from 10%-98%. Pavulon could be used to eliminate muscular vibration from disturbing FNM. Electromyography (EMG) potentials were successfully recorded in 34 ears (89.4%). Anesthesia was uneventful and it may be controled satisfactority. CONCLUSION: Considering the advantage of pavulon. It can be used for general anesthesia during intraoperative monitoring of the facial nerve for children or adults suffering from local complicated diseases.

[Facial nerve protection during surgery for congenital malformation of the external and middle ear (review of 519 cases)].

The prevention of facial nerve injury in otoplasty for ear malformation is important. This paper analysed 519 cases of ear malformation collected during 10 years from 1985 to 1995. The hearing of 428 cases was improved, of which the hearing of 221 cases did recover to available level. A long-term follow-up of 198 cases showed that 152 cases had kept the same hearing level as that immediately after surgery. In 130 cases with single middle ear malformation the malformation rate of facial nerve was 60.8%(79/130), and that for chorda tympani 5.4% (7/130). In 75 cases of middle ear malformation with stricture of external acoustic meatus the malformation rate of facial nerve was 60.0% (45/75), and that for chorda tympani 13.3%(10/75). In 314 cases of middle ear malformation with atresia of external acoustic meatus the malformation rate of facial nerve was 42.5%(142/314), and that for chorda tympani nerve 100.0%(314/314). Two cases(0.4%) were of surgical facial nerve paralysis. For protection of facial nerve, it was important to master the anatomy of temporal bone and have a high-resolution computed tomographic scanning to identify facial nerve. It was also important to use electroneurographic monitoring when necessary.

[Simultaneous total ear reconstruction and hearing rehabilitation].

One hundred and fifty-eight patients with congenital microtia and atresia were treated with simultaneous total ear reconstruction and hearing rehabilitation including meatoplasty, tympanoplasty as well as fenestration. Using this operation, the authors have reconstructed 160 auricles and simultaneously restored their auditory function. After the operation, the hearing gain reached 20-45 dB in 132 cases (82.5%). The success rate of the reconstructed ear was 158/160 (98.2%). Most of the reconstructed ears were of excellent appearance.

[Study of relationship between the bacteria in air and the clinic infection].

The Source of infectious bacteria is the first problem in provension of infection considered by the medical workers. In this paper, with the method of bacteria plasmid analysis, chromosome DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, drug resistance experiment (antibacterial drug, sterilizing drug) and so on. We confirmed that staphylococci of nosocomi is mainly from air; but the gram-negative bacteria is mainly from the patient's pharyngeal portion; and cause hospital infection indirectly. The drug resistance of gram-negative from air was lower than the same gram-negative bacilli's isolated from the patient. Moreover, kill bacteria the infectious strain is same strain in air. Above-mentioed results provided the important basis for control of the hoslpital infection.

[Outcome of HCV infection in intravenous drug addicts and influential factors].

A total of 154 intravenous drug addicts with antibody to hepatitis C virus (Anti-HCV) were followed up for 6 and 15 months, respectively. The corresponding negative conversion rates of anti-HCV were 11.0% (17/154) and 33.3% (29/87), respectively. The data were analysed by logistic curve fitting. Results showed that marriage and income status have significant influence on negative conversion rate of anti-HCV.

Vasectomy and prostate cancer risk in China.

Vasectomy has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer in western countries. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in 12 cities in China to evaluate the relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer risk in China, a low-risk country with rising incidence and increasing use of vasectomy. Interviews were conducted with 138 histologically confirmed prostate cancer cases diagnosed during 1989-1992 and 638 controls (158 hospital cancer, 158 hospital noncancer, and 322 neighborhood controls) of similar ages. Vasectomy at least 10 years prior to interview was reported by 10% of the cases versus 3% of the controls. Odds ratios for prostate cancer associated with vasectomy were 2.0 (95% confidence interval, 0.7-6.1), 3.3 (95% confidence interval, 1.0-11.3), and 6.7 (95% confidence interval, 2.1-21.6), respectively, when hospital cancer, hospital noncancer, and neighborhood controls were used for comparison. Although detection bias is of concern, the data suggest that in China, men with a history of vasectomy may experience an increased risk of prostate cancer.

PIP: This paper reports the findings of a hospital-based case-control study that was conducted at major teaching hospitals in 12 cities in China. China reports the lowest incidence in prostate cancer of over 100 registries reporting cancer incidence. This investigation evaluated the relationship between vasectomy and prostate cancer and attempted to identify any etiological factor. A total of 138 study patients (index cases) were identified. Controls used in this study included a cancer control and a noncancer control from the same hospital, and 2 neighborhood controls. Chances of having prostate cancer were statistically determined by logistic regression analysis with age group adjustments made. The analysis reviewed 138 cases and 638 controls. Results indicate that, regardless of the variable control used for comparison, an increased risk of prostate cancer was associated with having had a vasectomy. Statistical odds ratio was 2.0 for hospital cancer controls (95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.7-6.1); 3.3 for hospital noncancer controls (95% CI; 1.0-11.3); and 6.7 for neighborhood controls (95% CI; 2.1-21.6). The authors conclude that, as reported for men in Western countries, Chinese men who have had a vasectomy are at significantly increased risk for developing prostate cancer compared to men who never have had a vasectomy. They report a near 2-fold increase in risk (vasectomy vs. non-vasectomy) in developing the disease. Conclusions about cause and effect are premature, but these findings warrant further investigation of several issues. These include: changes in the endocrine system due to vasectomy; systematic and local immunity changes after vasectomy; and other possible biochemical factors that enhance/inhibit cancer growth in the prostate gland.

[The influence of obliteration of external lymphatic space on the vestibule and the cochlea in guinea pigs].

Obliteration of the external lymphatic space on 18 guinea pigs was performed. The lymphatic space of the horizontal semicircular canal was blocked by fascia. Auditory (ABR) and vestibular functions were tested before and after the surgical obliteration. Morphologic changes in the cochlea and vestibule were observed under light microscope. It was found that there was no significant difference in the threshold of ABR before and after the operation. However, the sustained time of nystagmus was significantly decreased after the operation. Our results indicate that this surgical procedure may damage vestibular function, but produce no evident damage to the cochlear function.

[The confounding factor and interaction in studies of pathogenesis--an analysis of the secondary infection of viral hepatitis with corticoid therapy].

A total of 762 cases of viral hepatitis admitted to the two teaching hospitals of the Third Military Medical College were used for study. They were divided into two groups depending upon whether corticoid treatment was given. As the result of cRR = 6.06, chi 2 = 174.16, P < 0.01, it is obvious that the corticoid therapy is a risk factor for the secondary infection in patients suffered from viral hepatitis. For getting rid of the interference of confounding factor and interaction a stratified analysis was performed. These patients were again divided into severe type and moderate type according to the severity of the disease. The results of stratified analysis were aRR (F) = 3.05 and aRR (F) = 1.48, cRR > aRR. These findings demonstrated that the degree of severity of patients played a primary role in the secondary infection of hepatitis and showed that the confounding factor was present. On the other hand, the result of aRR (F) not equal to aRR (F) indicated that the interaction also existed simultaneously. This study suggests that special attention should be paid to maintain and increase the level of immunological defence function in patients with hepatitis. And, it is necessary to restrict the indiscriminate usage of corticoids, particularly in severe patients, for preventing nosocomial infection.

[Fenestration of semicircular canal for congenital microtia].

The purpose of this paper is to present a surgical method for microtia(small auricle, small external audiotory meatus and small tympanic membrane). 7 cases received fenestration of semicircular canal. During the operation it was found that the patients had congenital absence of oval windows and stapes, significant low position of horizontal facial canal covering the oval windows. It was impossible to perform labyrinthotomy in these patients. The only choice of operation is fenestration of semicircular canal. 7 ears underwent the operation as described. 6 weeks-21 months follow-up showed that all of the 7 ears achieved good hearing results. Range of hearing gain was 35-40 dB and bone-air gap was 25-30 dB.

CT evaluation of malformed external and middle ear and its surgical correlation.

This study evaluated the diagnostic value of high resolution CT (HRCT) for atresia of the external auditory meatus (EAM) and isolated middle ear malformation. CT scan of the temporal bone was done in 33 patients with such disorders and 5 patients with otosclerosis etc. were studied in the same way for comparison. Coronal HRCT clearly showed conditions of the atresia plate and malformation of the malleus, incus, abnormal course of facial canal and changes in the vestibular window. The axial HRCT is useful to demonstrate the articulations in between the malleus, incus, stapes and the cochlear window. All the HRCT findings were confirmed during operation. Axial and coronal HRCT for external and middle ear deformation is highly valuable for decision making and surgical planning.

[Prognostic evaluation of severe viral hepatitis].

The Cox's regression model is used for analysis of registered survival data of severe viral hepatitis. The final regression model showed six covariates, i.e. grade of coma, prothrombin time, the interval between jaundice to bleeding, the interval between jaundice to coma, LDH, and pathological scores as well as the recurrence frequency were associated with survival significantly. The final model can be presented as a "pocket chart" by which a prognostic index (PI) for a new subject can easily be obtained. By a simple graph, the PI can be translated to estimates of the probability of surviving within a given time and the median survival time. A small sample of prospective study showed the predicted survival length did not differ from the observed survival length significantly.