Bacteria Associated with Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis and the Potential for Personalized Therapy.

Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM), also known as idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM), is a chronic inflammatory lesion of the breast. The incidence of GLM has been increasing in recent years, especially among young women. The etiologies of GLM have not been fully elucidated but are associated with autoimmunity and bacterial infection. Bacteria, especially Corynebacterium species, play important roles in GLM. In this article, we review research progress regarding the bacteriology of GLM attained with the application of several new high-throughput detection techniques. Accurate detection might be important for deepening our understanding of the pathogenesis of GLM and hold promise for personalized GLM therapy.

New Insights of Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii in Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis based on Nanopore Sequencing.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) remains unknown. This study aimed to detect bacteria in GLM using Nanopore sequencing and identify the relationship between GLM and Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The bacterial detection on fresh samples (including breast pus and tissue) of 50 GLM patients using nanopore sequencing and culture methods. The bacterial detection rate of participants with different stages were compared and analyzed. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from 39 patients were performed on Gram staining to identify Gram-positive bacilli (GPB) within lipid vacuoles. Moreover, the clinicopathological characteristics of GLM patients in different bacterial subgroups were also conducted. RESULTS: In 50 GLM patients, the detection rate of bacteria was 78% using nanopore sequencing method, especially in the early stage of GLM (over 80%), which was significantly higher than that using culture methods (24%, p < 0.001). The dominant bacteria were Corynebacterium species (64%), especially for the Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii. The detection rate of C. kroppenstedtii in nanopore sequencing method (56%) was higher than that in culture methods (16%, p < 0.001). Gram staining positive of bacteria in 7 patients, and 5 of them were C. kroppenstedtii. Thirty-one patients (31/39, 79.5%) exhibited typical histological structure of cystic neutrophilic granulomatous mastitis (CNGM), and eighteen patients detected with C. kroppenstedtii. CONCLUSION: Nanopore sequencing showed rapid and accurate bacteria detection over culture method in GLM patients. GLM is not sterile inflammation and closely related to C. kroppenstedtii. CNGM was associated with Corynebacterium infection, especially for C. kroppenstedtii.

The Short-Term Efficacy of Novel No-Touch Combined Directional Perfusion Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: No-touch combined directed perfusion radiofrequency ablation (NTDP-RFA) is a new technique for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy of this new technique for the treatment of small HCC with cirrhosis. METHODS: From January 2017 to March 2018, 56 consecutive patients treated with NTDP-RFA at our center were enrolled in this retrospective study. All NTDP-RFA procedures involved the use of internally cooled wet electrodes with a directional injection function, which can perform both intraelectrode cooling and extraelectrode saline perfusion. Survival curves were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier methods, and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to assess predictors of tumor progression and overall survival. Operative characteristics and complications were also assessed. RESULTS: No technical failure occurred, and the complete ablation rate after single NTDP-RFA treatment was 98.2%. The median tumor diameter and ablation time were 26 (18.0 - 28.0) mm and 8 (6 - 8) min, respectively. Mild complications occurred in five patients (8.9%) postoperatively, and the median hospital stay was 4 (4 - 5) days. In the 18 patients (32.1%) with poor liver function reserve (indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min > 15%, their liver function returned to normal on the third day after the postoperation. The 1- and 2-year local and distant progression rates were 1.7%, 7.1%, 3.5% and 10.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NTDP-RFA in the treatment of small HCC with cirrhosis has a low incidence of complications and provides a high survival rate without local tumor progression.

Tanshinone IIA Suppresses Hypoxia-induced Apoptosis in Medial Vestibular Nucleus Cells Via a Skp2/BKCa Axis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on hypoxia-induced injury in the medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) cells. METHODS: An in vitro hypoxia model was established using MVN cells exposed to hypoxia. The hypoxia-induced cell damage was confirmed by assessing cell viability, apoptosis and expression of apoptosis-associated proteins. Oxidative stress and related indicators were also measured following hypoxia modeling and Tan IIA treatment, and the genes potentially involved in the response were predicted using multiple GEO datasets. RESULTS: The results of the present study showed that Tan IIA significantly increased cell viability, decreased cell apoptosis and decreased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in hypoxia treated cells. In addition, hypoxia treatment increased oxidative stress in MVN cells, and treatment with Tan IIA reduced the oxidative stress. The expression of SPhase Kinase Associated Protein 2 (SKP2) was upregulated in hypoxia treated cells, and Tan IIA treatment reduced the expression of SKP2. Mechanistically, SKP2 interacted with large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BKCa), regulating its expression, and BKCa knockdown alleviated the protective effects of Tan IIA on hypoxia induced cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggested that Tan IIA had a protective effect on hypoxia-induced cell damage through its anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative activity via an SKP2/BKCa axis. These findings suggest that Tan IIA may be a potential therapeutic for the treatment of hypoxia-induced vertigo.

Percutaneous ultrasound-guided 'three-step' radiofrequency ablation for giant hepatic hemangioma (5-15 cm): a safe and effective new technique.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ultrasound-guided 'three-step' radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of giant hepatic hemangioma.Materials and methods: Patients with giant hepatic hemangioma who underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided 'three-step' RFA (n = 52) and conventional RFA (n = 54) at our center from June 2013 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The 'three-step' RFA proceeds as follows. Step 1: Ablate the feeding artery of the hemangioma. Step 2: Aspirate blood from the tumor. Step 3: Ablation the lesion. Intraoperative information, postoperative recovery, therapeutic effects, and complications were compared between the two groups.Results: The duration of RFA was significantly shorter (19.2 ± 0.8 min versus 44.5 ± 2.8 min, p < 0.001), the number of punctures was significantly lower (3.2 ± 0.1 versus 4.7 ± 0.3, p = 0.002), and the duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter (9.0 ± 0.5 versus 11.5 ± 0.7, p = 0.013) in the TS-RFA group than in the C-RFA group. The complete ablation rate (86.5% versus 40.7%), the maximum postoperative pain score (2.5 ± 1.3 versus 4.1 ± 2.0) and symptom relief were also significantly better in the TS-RFA group than in the C-RFA group (p < 0.05). No postoperative death occurred in either group. There were no grade III or higher complications in the TS-RFA group, but one patient in the C-RFA group developed the grade III complication of postoperative abdominal bleeding.Conclusions: 'Three-step' RFA is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for giant hepatic hemangioma. It is worthy of further promotion and application.

Identification of molecular mechanism underlying therapeutic effect of tanshinone IIA in the treatment of hypoxic vestibular vertigo via the NO/cGMP/BKCa signaling pathway.

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of Tashinone IIA (Tan) on the treatment of ischemic vertigo. Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were divided into a SHAM group, a MODEL group, a MODEL+PBS group, a MODEL+Tan (10 mg/kg) group, a MODEL+Tan (20 mg/kg) group, a MODEL+Tan (40 mg/kg) group and a MODEL+Tan (80 mg/kg) group. The escape latency was observed among different groups of rats, while the production of NO/cGMP and the expression of BKCa were measured in vivo and in vitro by H&E staining, Western Blot and IHC assays. While the rats with ischemic vertigo showed prolonged escape latency, the treatment by Tan (40 mg/kg and up) shortened the escape latency in rats with ischemic vertigo. Moreover, the reduced production of NO/cGMP and expression of BKCa protein in the MODEL group were increased by a certain extent upon the treatment of 40 mg/kg or 80 mg/kg Tan. H&E staining of MVN neuron cells collected from different rat groups also validated the positive effects of Tan on the repair of damaged MVN neuron cells. Moreover, the above results were also validated in vitro, as the cells treated with 5 ug/ml and 10 ug/ml Tan increased the levels of NO/cGMP production and BKCa protein expression. At a certain dose, Tan could increase the production of NO and cGMP as well as the expression of BKCa, which would subsequently aid the treatment of ischemic vertigo.

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome: a report of 2 cases and review of the literature / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two cases of PMDS were reported, one accompanied by transverse testicular ectopia and the other associated with cryptorchidism. Corporeal hysterectomy and orchidopexy were given to both the patients and cryptorchidectory the latter.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Vascular supply and texture of the testis were normal in both the 2 patients after 1.5-2 years' follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PMDS is male pseudohermaphroditism, for which means should be taken to preserve the blood supply and fertility function of the testis in surgical management, and attention should be paid to possible development of testis tumor in follow-up.</p>

Relationship between XRCC1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to prostate cancer in men from Han, Southern China / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the association among XRCC1 polymorphisms, smoking, drinking and the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in men from Han, Southern China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In a case-control study of 207 patients with PCa and 235 cancer-free controls, frequency-matched by age, we genotyped three XRCC1 polymorphisms (codons 194, 280 and 399) using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RELP) method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the three polymorphisms, we found that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln variant allele was associated with increased PCa risk (adjusted odd ratio [OR]: 1.67, 95% confident interval [CI]: 1.11-2.51), but the XRCC1 Arg194Trp variant allele had a 38% reduction in risk of PCa (adjusted OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.41-0.93). However, there was no significant risk of PCa associated with Arg280His polymorphism. When we evaluated the three polymorphisms together, we found that the individuals with 194Arg/Arg wild-type genotype, Arg280His and Arg399Gln variant genotypes had a significantly higher risk of PCa (adjusted OR: 4.31; 95% CI: 1.24-14.99) than those with three wild-type genotypes. In addition, we found that Arg399Gln variant genotypes had a significant risk of PCa among heavy smokers (adjusted OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.03-4.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These results suggest that polymorphisms of XRCC1 appear to influence the risk of PCa and may modify risks attributable to environmental exposure.</p>

Relationship between DNA repair gene XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism and susceptibility to prostate cancer in the Han population in Jiangsu and Anhui / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association of XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism, smoking and drinking with the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) in the population of Han nationality in Jiangsu and Anhui.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A case-control study including 207 PCa patients and 235 age-matched controls was conducted. The polymorphisms of XRCC1 Arg399Gln sites were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique using genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes. We compared the correlations between the susceptibility to PCa and different genotypes, and investigated the effect of smoking and drinking.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The heterozygous Arg/Gln genotype was associated with statistically significantly increased risk of PCa (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.01-2.39) compared with those with Arg/Arg wild-type homozygote. An increased susceptibility to PCa was shown to be associated with the 399Gln allele (either the heterozygous Arg/Gln or the homozygous Gin/Gln genotypes, OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.07-2.44) , and heavy smokers (smoking index; > or =20) (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.02-3.71) and superficial smokers (taking smoke into the mouth only) (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.02-5.80) with 399Gln allele demonstrated a significantly increased risk in comparison with those carrying wild genotype.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism might contribute to the susceptibility to PCa. The Arg/Gln and Gln/Gln genotypes might increase the risk of PCa and have synergistic effect with smoking.</p>

[Determination of writing age of blue ballpoint pen inks by high performance liquid chromatography].

As it is a frequently encountered problem in the laboratory of forensic science nowadays to distinguish whether the questioned documents, such as deeds, contracts, and receipts, written in ballpoint pen inks are true or not, and identify the writing age of them, it is very essential to establish a simple, sensitive and accurate method to examine the similarities and differences of the ballpoint pen inks and identify the writing age. The present paper introduces a technique that allows identifying the kind and the writing age of the blue ballpoint pen inks. The technique is based on using a high performance liquid chromatographic method for distinguishing the similarities and differences in dyes of blue ballpoint pen inks and determining changes in dyes of blue ballpoint pen inks developed with age, and these changes can be evaluated by the ratio of peak areas.

Correlation of epididymal protease inhibitor Eppin and Semenogelin on human ejaculated spermatozoa / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the correlation of epididymal protease inhibitor(Eppin) and Semenogelin(Sg) on human ejaculated spermatozoa.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The experimental approaches include: (1) Immunoprecipitation of Eppin with anti-Eppin from semen; (2) Colocalization of Eppin and Sg by immunofluorescence; (3) Immunoprecipitation of rEppin and rSg;(4) Far-Western blotting of rEppin and rSg;(5) Competition of saturated 125I-rSg binding to rEppin with unlabeled Sg, and direct binding of 125I-rSg to rEppin on a blot; (6) Autoradiography of 125I-rSg with rEppin.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eppin-Sg complex present on the surface of human ejaculated spermatozoa, Cys-239 is the only cystein for rEppin binding rSg. Reduction and carboxymethylation of Cys-239 blocks binding of 125I-rEppin to rSg.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Our study demonstrates that Eppin and Sg bind to each other on human ejaculated spermatozoa. A disulfide linkage occurs between Sg and Eppin, indicating the specificity of binding.</p>

Increased expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-C and VEGF receptor-3 in prostate cancer tissue are associated with tumor progression / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the differences in microvessel densities (MVD) and the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-C and VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) between prostate cancer (PCa) tissues and adjacent benign tissues, and to explore the correlations among MVD, Jewett-Whitmore staging, Gleason scores and expressions of VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in the progression of PCa.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An immunohistochemical approach was adopted to detect the expressions of CD34, VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in both cancer areas and peripheral benign areas of 71 primary prostatic adenocarcinoma specimens. A statistic analysis was then performed according to the experimental and clinic data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Significantly upregulated expressions of VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were all found in malignant epithelium/cancer cells compared with adjacent benign epithelium (P<0.01). Patients in stage D had a significantly higher score than patients in stage A, B or C when comparing the expression of VEGF-C or VEGFR-3 in the tumor area (P<0.01). In addition, significant correlations were observed between Jewett-Whitmore staging and VEGF-C (r(s)=0.738, P<0.01), clinical staging and VEGFR-3 (r(s)=0.410, P<0.01), VEGF-C and Gleason scores (r(s)=0.401, P<0.01), VEGFR-3 and Gleason scores (r(s)=0.581, P<0.001) and MVD and VEGF (r(s)=0.492, P<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Increased expressions of VEGF and VEGF-C were closely associated with progression of PCa. The main contribution of increased VEGF expression for PCa progression was to upregulate MVD, which maintained the growth advantage of tumor tissue. However, the chief role of increased expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 was to enhance lymphangiogenesis and provide a main pathway for cancer cells to disseminate.</p>

Antisperm-antibodies induced by testicular torsion and its influence on testicular function / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes of antisperm antibodies (AsAb), sexual hormones, and inhibin B (INH B) in patients before and after testicular torsion, as well as the effects of these factors on testicular function and reproduction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ten patients with single acute testicular torsion (left side 9 and right side 1), aged 16-45 years (19.6 on average), disease course of 3-6 days (averaging 4.7 days), underwent surgical removal of the damaged testis. Before and after the operation, serum AsAb (IgG, IgM, IgA) and INH B were measured by ELISA, and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteotropic hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) determined by chemoluminescence autoanalyzer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After the operation, the AsAb levels rose significantly and remained high for at least 26 weeks. The level of INH B was the lowest in the 3rd week and restored to normal in the 12th week, with significant difference between preoperation and the 3rd or the 6th week after the operation. The levels of LH and INH B in the 26th week were elevated significantly compared with the 6th.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Testicular injury induced the elevation of AsAb, which would last a very long time. The change of INH B was closely related with the injury of the testis, which reflected the degree of testicular injury and functional restoration of the patients after the operation. Our study showed that AsAb and INH B can be used as useful tools for monitoring testicular function and reproduction.</p>

Clinical features & diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of congenital absence of the vas deferens / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We summarized the clinical data of 81 cases of CAVD and investigated clinical features, diagnosis and management of the disease.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seventy-nine cases of infertility were diagnosed as CAVD at the clinic, and 2 were diagnosed during surgical exploration. The population consisted of 40 cases of congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), 25 cases of congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD), and 16 cases of segmental agenesis of the vas deferens. Seventy-four spouses received the treatment of assisted reproductive techniques, including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in 12 cases, and 4 of them achieved pregnancy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CAVD frequently presents with infertility. CBAVD may manifest as obstructive azoospermia, and CUAVD and segmental vasal agenesis as oligospermia, asthenospermia, or obstructive azoospermia. CAVD is usually not difficult to diagnose, but may be missed due to careless examination. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) plays a key role in the management of CAVD.</p>

The diagnosis and treatment of acute prostatitis: report of 35 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the diagnosis and treatment of acute prostatitis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 35 cases of acute prostatitis who were admitted from January 2001 to March 2004 were reviewed. The main clinical manifestations were chills, fever, frequency, urgency and dysuria. All patients were treated with antibiotics and supportive measures. Two patients underwent surgical drainage for prostate abscess. Three patients were indwelled catheter for acute urinary retention.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients'temperatures returned to normal within 3 to 5 days. Blood and urine routine tests, urine culture and transurethral ultrasound examination results returned to normal 2 weeks later. Q maximal urinary flow rate improved in patients with dysuria.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>After diagnosis of acute prostatitis, full-dose of sensitive antibiotics should be given to all patients for some time as early as possible. At the same time, supportive therapy may be important to some patients. Surgical drainage should be used for patients with prostate abscess.</p>

High intensity focused ultrasound combined with endocrine therapy in treating prostate cancer / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical efficacy of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combined with endocrine therapy in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty patients with prostate cancer were treated with extracorporeal HIFU device( model FEP-BY01 ) and androgen ablation, of whom 15 received orchiectomy and 5 LHRH-a. Fourteen patients of the total number were given flutamide in addition to castration.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean follow-up was 13.5 months (ranging 6 to approximately 30). Before and after the treatment, the prostate volume, prostate specific antigen (PSA), international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and maximal flow rate (Qmax) of the patients were (36.4 +/- 16.2) ml and (20.6 +/- 11.8) ml (P < 0.05), (32.2 +/- 10.4) ng/ml and (2.4 +/- 0.8) ng/ml (P < 0.01), 20. 5 +/- 6.5 and 13.6 +/- 7.5 (P < 0.05), (10.6 +/- 6.3) ml/s and (14.2 +/- 4.6) ml/s (P < 0.05), respectively. Mild hematuria and pain were noted in 5 and 8 patients respectively, and 1 patient underwent internal urethrotomy with a cold knife because of urethral stricture. er, with minimal complications.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HIFU combined with endocrine therapy is effective in the treatment of prostate canc-</p>

A case-control study on JWA promoter -76G-->C polymorphism and the susceptibility of bladder cancer / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This case-control study was aimed to detect the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in JWA promoter region, to assess the effect of SNP on transcriptional activity, and to probe the relationship between SNP and the risk of bladder cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The design of one control per case was adopted. The JWA gene promoter region in 155 patients with bladder cancer and in 155 cancer-free controls was amplified by PCR-SSCP technique, and the SNP were confirmed by direct DNA sequencing. The recombinant plasmids of JWA promoter fragment which contain the SNP were constructed as CAT reporter gene and were transfected transiently into NIH 3T3 cells for disclosing whether SNP changes the transcriptional activity of the promoter.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A novel SNP -76 G-->C at promoter region of JWA gene was found. The frequencies of the C allele and GC genotype at JWA promoter -76G-->C in bladder cancer group (10.00% and 20.00% respectively) were significantly higher than those in control group (5.16% and 10.32% respectively) (P < 0.05). The transcriptional activity of -76GC allele genotype was significantly down-regulated as compared with that of -76GG allele genotype (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that JWA polymorphism at promoter -76G-->C is an independent novel risk factor for bladder cancer.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The JWA -76G-->C variant genotype may play an important role in transcription regulation of JWA gene and in the susceptibility to bladder cancer.</p>

Congenital agenesis of seminal vesicle / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Congenital agenesis of the seminal vesicle (CASV) is frequently associated with congenital absence of the vas deferens (CAVD) or ipsilateral congenital vasoureteral communication. We reported two cases of a rare condition that the vas deferens open ectopically into Mullerian duct cyst associated with agenesis of the ipsilateral seminal vesicle. The diagnosis was confirmed by vasography. Transurethral unroofing of the Mullerian duct cyst was performed in both patients with favourable results, however, assisted reproductive technology (ART) was still necessary for them to father children.

Anemia in patients on combined androgen block therapy for prostate cancer / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>To study the effect of combined androgen block therapy on hemoglobin and hematocrit values in patients with prostate cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and thirty-six patients with adenocarcinoma of prostate were treated with combined androgen block (orchiectomy and flutamide 250 mg, tid). Complete blood counts were determined before and after 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of therapy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The hemoglobin and hematocrit levels declined significantly in all patients and at all the time points after treatment (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Prostate cancer patients treated with combined androgen block would develop obvious anemia. Recombinant human erythropoietin can be used to treat patients with severe anemia.</p>

The effect of the period of cryopreservative storage on the cryosurvival of human spermatozoa / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To study the effect of cryopreservative period on the cryosurvival of human spermatozoa and find out the optimal recovery time of cryopreservation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-eight semen samples were collected from normal donors and divided randomly into 5 groups according to the period of cryopreservative storage (1 d, 7 d, 30 d, 180 d, 300 d) in liquid nitrogen after being frozen by the programized, three-step freezing method. Fresh and frozen-thawed semen were examined by the routine analysis of semen and then the sperm recovery rate were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were no significant differences in sperm recovery rate between group I and the others (P > 0.05). The period of cryopreservative storage in liquid nitrogen had no correlation with the cryosurvival of human spermatozoa (r = 0.05, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It was indicated that freezing-thawing after 24 h would be helpful to the screening of semen donors in batches for donor insemination of human sperm bank.</p>