Clinical advancement of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Shanghai, China

BackgroundStudies on the Omicron variant infection have generally been restricted to descriptions of its initial clinical and epidemiological characteristics. We investigated the timeline-related advancement in individuals with Omicron variant. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, single-centered study including 226 laboratory-confirmed cases with Omicron variant between April 6th and May 11th, 2022 in Shanghai, China. Final date of follow-up was May 30, 2022. ResultsAmong 226 enrolled patients, the median age was 52 years old, and 118 (52.2%) were female. The duration from onset of symptoms to hospitalization was 3 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 2-4 days) for symptomatic patients. Cough occurred in 168 patients (74.3%). The median interval to negative reverse-transcriptase PCR tests of nasopharynx swab was 10 days ([IQR]: 8-13 days). No radiographic progressions were found in 196 patients on the 7th day after onset of symptoms. The median duration of fever in all participants was 5 days (IQR: 4-6 days). The median PCR conversion time of Paxlovid-treated patients was 8 days (IQR: 7-10 days) compared with that of Lianhuaqingwen (10 days, IQR: 8-13 days) (p=0.00056). Booster vaccination can significantly decrease the severity of Omicron infection when compared with unvaccinated, partially or fully vaccinated patients (p=0.009). The median time of PCR conversion in individuals aged under 14 recovered significantly faster than older patients (median 8 days versus 11 days, P < 0.0001). In multivariate logistic analysis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (OR=1.05) was independently related to the severity of the infection. ConclusionsThe majority clinical symptoms of Omicron infection were not severe. Early and aggressive administration of Paxlovid can significantly reduce the PCR conversion time. Booster vaccination should also be highly recommended in population over 14 years old.

Culture and identification of human and rabbit corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate an effective method to produce large numbers of pure corporal smooth muscle cells in vitro according to the requirement of study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this study, we used the primary tissue culture technique to isolate and culture the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSM) from human males with normal erectile function and New Zealand white rabbits. The cells were identified in regard to morphological and growing characteristics via immunohistochemical methods (including alpha-smooth muscle actin, desmin, myocin and factor VIII related antigen), special dye techniques (including Masson and Van Gieson) and transmission electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CCSM were isolated and cultured successfully with high purity. Morphologically, the cells were spindle shaped and grow on top of each other, resembling a "hill and valley" in appearance. When characterized in immunohistochemistry, the cells were stained with alpha-smooth muscle actin, desmin and myocin, but not with anti-factor VIII, an endothelial marker.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The CCSM, which can be isolated and cultured successfully, may be used for further studying their biological function. The CCSM cultured in vitro was proved to be useful to evaluate and investigate the effect of some new medicine for penile erection. There is also a clinical and theoretical significance in further studying the experimental mechanisms of erectile dysfunction.</p>

Applied study on small-dose growth hormone supplement for aging-related symptom complex / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the response of aging-related symptom complex to small-dose supplement of growth hormone.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty patients, aged 42 to 77, with aging-related symptom complex and normal serum testosterone were studied. Each subject received growth hormone at the dosage of 0.04 U/kg, 3 times/week for six months. Before and after treatment, body weight, grip strength, abdomen circumference, IPSS, uroflow rate, prostate volume, serum testosterone, cholesterol, triglyceride, PSA, IGF-1, glucose and side effects were determined in every case. Self Rating Scale used by Bosphorus university was adopted.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After the treatment, the rating scores were significantly improved, grip strength and serum level of IGF-1 increased, and abdomen circumference and serum cholesterol decreased. Whereas, IPSS, uroflow rate, prostate volume, serum testosterone, triglyceride, PSA, glucose and body weight were not significantly changed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Six months treatment with small-dose growth hormone can improve aging-related symptom complex with little adverse effect.</p>

Frequency-doubled-double-pulse laser lithotripsy of ureteral calculi / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To study and evaluate frequency-doubled-double-pulse laser (FREDDY) lithotripsy of ureteral calculi. Methods The experience of 150 cases of ureteral calculi treated with FREDDY from April to December in 2001 was summarized.94 are male patients and 56 female with an average age of 42.There were 48 cases of upper,35 middle and 64 lower ureteral stone. Results Of 150 cases,136(90.6%) were successful on the first lithotripsy.Of which in 131 cases (96.8%) the stone fragment completely expelled in one week.The procedure failed in 9 cases of upper ureteral calculi.Among them,5 cases was due to up drift of calculi or incomplete lithotripsy and was then shifted to ESWL therapy.2 was due to angular twist of the ureter and changed to open operation,and another 2 was due to perforation of ureter during the procedure.Of the 5 failed cases with middle and lower ureteral calculi,1 was due to incomplete lithotripsy,nonfragmentation in 1 case and failure of ureteroscopy in 3(changed to open operation).Different degree of hematuria was seen in every case after operation.High fever or pyonephrosis after operation has not been observed.The average operation time was 32 minutes,and the average time for laser working was 3.3 minutes.The average hospitalization after operation was 2.5 days. Conclusions FREDDY is a kind of laser with the characteristics of single function,simple operation,safe,less damage to the soft tissue and high efficiency of lithotripsy.The procedure is indicated if ESWL failed or not indicated.