Improving the quality of rooster semen frozen in straws by screening the glycerol concentration and freezing rate.

1. This study examined different glycerol concentrations (GC) and freezing rates to improve the quality of rooster spermatozoa frozen in straws, and to determine the effect of varying GC on post-thawed spermatozoa quality, as evaluated by fertility and hatchability.2.The experiment included two tests. In test 1, rooster semen straws containing 2, 4, 6, 8 and 11% glycerol were put in a rack (nine tiers with a 1 cm interval between every two tiers, 1 to 9 cm above liquid nitrogen (LN) source), and gradually frozen. The semen straws located in different tiers experienced different temperatures and freezing rates. The straws were then thawed and live sperm numbers determined. In test 2, rooster semen straws containing 2, 4, 6, 8 and 11% glycerol were put on optimal tiers (identified in test 1) for freezing, and stored at -196°C. Hens were inseminated with the frozen semen (post-thawed and glycerol removed, about 4.0 × 108 sperm per hen), and eggs incubated.3. The numbers of live sperm in the 11% glycerol group was higher than that in 2, 4 or 6% glycerol group (P < 0.05) for the semen straws on tiers 1 to 9, while that on tiers 1 to 5 was lower than that on tier 6 to 8 (P < 0.05). GC, freezing rate and the interaction between GC and freezing rate had a significant effect on live sperm numbers (P < 0.01). The highest fertility was in the 6% glycerol group and occurred on day 5 after insemination. The lowest fertility occurred in the 2% glycerol group on day 10 after insemination.4. The optimal combination was 11% glycerol in straws located 6 cm above the LN surface (on tier 6). The 6% glycerol group achieved the highest fertility (77.6%), which surpassed that reported in recent years.

[A novel trans-muscular approach for microsurgical bilateral decompression via unilateral approach for degenerative lumbar stenosis: a series study].

Objective: To compare clinical outcomes of microsurgical bilateral decompression via unilateral approach (MBDU) between trans longissimus and iliocostalis approach, a novel lateral paraspinal approach(LPA), and classic Wiltseapproach for single level degenerative lumbar stenosis. Methods: LPA approach was researched by imaging measurement and cadaver anatomy. Retrospective analysis of a total 124 cases(male/female 75/49, aged(55±14) years) received single-level MBDU due to degenerative lumbar stenosis from 2016 to 2018 in Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Patients were categorized into two groups according to spinal canal morphology. Group A: trefoil shape (n=48), received MBDU via LPA; Group B: round & oval shape (n=76), received MBDU via Wiltse approach. Clinical parameters, including visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, OswestryDability Index (ODI), satisfaction rate were assessed before the operation and at the latest follow-up. The internal fixation and intervertebral fusion were evaluated by X-ray and CT.The data were compared with single sample t test between the two groups. Results: The feasibility of trans longissimus and iliocostalis approach was proved by imaging measurement and anatomic study. The tube's maximum tilt angle in LPA group was 65°, and it was 40°in Wiltse group. There was no significantly difference in the operating time, bleeding and drainage volume between the two groups((120±27) min vs (115±32) min, (104±31) ml vs (110±41) ml, (50±15) ml vs (47±18) ml, respectively, t=1.246,-1.917,1.730,all P>0.05). In both groups, VAS and ODI scores significantly improved at the latest follow-up when compared with those before the operation (all P<0.05), but those were all comparable between the two groups(all P>0.05). The excellent rate of subjective satisfaction for the clinical efficacy in group A and B was 89.6%(43/48) and 86.8%(66/76) respectively (χ(2)=0.208,P>0.05). Conclusions: LPA approachfor microsurgical bilateral decompression via unilateral approach (MBDU) in degenerative lumbar stenosis is safe and effective, it has advantages in direct vison of contralateral nerve root canal decompression for trefoil shaped spinal canal.

[Analysis of influencing factors on occupational pressure of medical staff in a third-level first-class hospital of traditional Chinese medicine in Tianjin].

Objective: To explore the status and influencing factors of occupational pressure among medical staff in a third-level first-class hospital of traditional Chinese medicine in Tianjin, and to provide reference for formulating relevant policies. Methods: From September to October in 2019, doctors, nurses, pharmacists laboratory, radiology and management personnel were randomly selected as the research objects. A total of 191 questionnaires were distributed and recovered, and 189 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 98.95%. The Scale for Occupational Stressor on Clinician was used for investigation. The influence of different characteristics on the occupational pressure of medical staff was analyzed. Results: The average total score of occupational pressure was (94.8±15.4) . There were significant differences in occupational pressure among different age groups (P<0.05) . There were significant differences in total pressure score, organization management, occupational interest, workload, external environment, doctor-patient relationship and other dimensions (P<0.05) . The average total score of occupational pressure of doctors was (101.7±13.3) , which was significantly higher than that of nurses, pharmacists, laboratory, rodiology and managers (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The occupational pressure of doctors is relatively serious, and the occupational pressure should be alleviated from the external environment, doctor-patient relationship and workload.

[Association between hyponatremia and hemodynamic and prognosis in patients with intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism].

Objective: To investigate the association between hyponatremia and hemodynamic and prognosis in patients with intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism. Methods: We retrospectively recruited 110 intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism patients (right ventricular dysfunction was confirmed by echocardiography and CT scan with or without the elevated levels of cardiac injury biomarkers) in the first and the second affiliated hospital of Harbin medical university from January 1,2011 to December 31, 2014. The patients were aged (58.4±14.9) years old.There were 49 males and 61 females.Patients were divided into 2 groups as non-hyponatremia group (plasma sodium>135 mmol/L, 93 cases) and hyponatremia group (plasma sodium≤135 mmol/L, 17 cases). Baseline clinical and hemodynamic parameters were obtained from these patients. All enrolled patients were followed up after discharge. Results: Heart rate ((106.7±21.9) beats per minute vs. (93.4±19.4) beats per minute, P=0.043),N-terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP, (5 561±1 593) ng/L vs. (1 738±589) ng/L, P=0.005), mean pulmonary arterial pressure((42.6±12.6)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. (33.9±13.3)mmHg, P=0.046), mean right atria pressure ((20.6±8.1)mmHg vs. (10.2±5.4)mmHg, P=0.014), systolic right atria pressure ((27.3±9.0)mmHg vs. (15.6±6.1)mmHg,P=0.013) and diastolic right atria pressure(6.5(4.3,15.5)mmHg vs. 5.0(2.0,8.0)mmHg,P=0.016) were significantly higher in hyponatremia group than in non-hyponatremia group,and systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in hyponatremia group than in non-hyponatremia group ((113.5±21.9)mmHg vs.(129.5±28.9)mmHg, P=0.048). Pearson correlation analysis showed that hyponatremia was negatively correlated with heart rate (r=-0.262, P=0.043), NT-proBNP (r=-0.227, P=0.048), mean pulmonary arterial hypertension (r=-0.259, P=0.046), mean right ventricular pressure (r=-0.296, P=0.047), mean right atria pressure (r=-0.550, P=0.001), systolic right atria pressure (r=-0.552, P=0.001), and diastolic right atria pressure (r=-0.542, P=0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the 1-year, 2-year and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 76.5%,70.6%,and 64.7% in the hyponatremia group, and 90.3%,86.0%,and 83.9% in the non-hyponatremia group(log-rank test, P=0.036).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that hyponatremia was an independent risk factor of death of intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism patient(HR=4.126, 95%CI 1.982-11.343, P=0.036). Conclusion: Hyponatremia is associated with adverse hemodynamic and reduced survival in patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism.

Evaluation of efficacy, safety and tolerability of Ambrisentan in Chinese adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a prospective open label cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although several new drugs have been approved in recent years, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains a rapidly progressive disease with a poor prognosis. Ambrisentan, a selective endothelin type A antagonist, has been approved for treatment of PAH. This open label study assessed the efficacy and safety of ambrisentan in Chinese subjects with PAH. METHODS: Eligible patients with PAH (World Health Organisation [WHO] functional class [FC] II orIII) were enrolled and received Ambrisentan (5 mg) once daily for a 12-week preliminary evaluation period, and a 12-week dose-adjustment period (dose titration to 10 mgallowed). Endpoints included: change from baseline in 6-Minute Walk Distance (6-MWD), N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro-BNP), WHO FC, Borg Dyspnoea Index (BDI), clinical worsening of PAH and incidences of adverse events (AE). RESULTS: One hundred thirty-three subjects (85 % women, mean age: 36 years) with PAH (WHOFC II or III) were enrolled and received ambrisentan (5 mg) once daily for a 12-week preliminary evaluation period, and a 12-week dose-adjustment period. Mean (SD) duration of drug exposure was 161.7 (27.13) days. Ambrisentan (average daily dose of 6.27 mg) significantly improved exercise capacity (6MWD) from baseline (mean: 377.1 m [m]) at week 12 (+53.6 m, p < 0.001) (primary endpoint). Improvement in exercise capacity was noted as early as week 4, and was sustained up to week 24 (+ 64.4 m, p < 0.001). NT-pro-BNP plasma levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001) at week 12 (-861.4 ng/L) and week 24 (-806 ng/L) from baseline (mean: 1600.7 ng/L). The WHO FC showed improvements for 44 subjects at week 12 and 51 subjects at week 24. BDI scores decreased significantly at week 12 (-0.3, p < 0.001) and week 24 (-0.2, p = 0.003) from baseline (mean: 2.5). Four patients died during the study (sudden cardiac death [n = 2], cerebral haemorrhage [n = 1], cardiac failure [n = 1]). Drug related adverse events occurred in 34.3 % of subjects; peripheral oedema (11.2 %) and flushing (8.2 %) occurred most frequently. CONCLUSION: Ambrisentan (5 and 10 mg, orally) significantly improved the exercise capacity in Chinese PAH subjects with a safety profile similar to that observed in global studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT No. (ClinicalTrials.gov): NCT01808313 ; Registration date (first time): February 28, 2013.

Vardenafil treatment for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a multicentre, open-label study.

BACKGROUND: Vardenafil is a new phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that has shown some efficacy in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). OBJECTIVE: To examine the long-term effects of vardenafil in patients with PAH. METHODS: A multicentre, open-label study of 1-year's duration was undertaken in 45 patients with PAH to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of vardenafil (5 mg once daily for the first 4 weeks, then 5 mg twice daily) and make a preliminary assessment of its monthly acquisition cost compared with other PAH-active treatments. The patients' clinical features, exercise capacity, WHO functional class and haemodynamic variables were measured at baseline and at 3 and at least 9 months after initiating vardenafil treatment. RESULTS: At the 3 months and a mean (SD) of 14 (3) months (range 9-18) follow-up assessments, the 6 min walking distance was significantly increased from baseline by 70.7 (78.4) m (p<0.001) and 83.4 (91.8) m (p<0.001), respectively. Furthermore, long-term treatment with vardenafil for a mean duration of >1 year was also associated with improvements in haemodynamic parameters, WHO functional class and serum uric acid concentrations. Overall, vardenafil treatment was well tolerated. No patients were withdrawn owing to adverse events and none died during the course of the study. CONCLUSION: Long-term treatment with vardenafil is well tolerated and has sustained beneficial effects on PAH, as measured by patients' exercise capacity, WHO functional class and haemodynamic parameters.

[The content of estradiol receptors in oral mucosa precancerous lesions and its effect]

OBJECTIVE:In order to clarify the content of estroen receptors (ER) in oral mucosa precancerous lesions and its effect on dignosis and treatment. METHODS: ER was measured by SP method in 19oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC),20 oral leukoplakia(LK),21 oral lichen planus (LP) and 7 normal mucosa(NM). RESULTS: 42.86%,71.43%,60.00%,68.42% were ER positive in NM,LP,LK,SCC respectively. The postitive cells located in spinous layer.ER contents were no significance different in these four diseases.There was no relationship between ER content and pathologic staging. CONCLUSION: It showed that ER existed in SCC,LK,LP and NM,but it could not implicate for the carcinogenesis.Oral mucousal tumor is perhaps hormone depended.

Genetics of cleft lip and cleft palate in China.

During the past 10 years, 60 cases of cleft lip with or without cleft palate [CL(P)] were recorded among 45,072 newborns at Shanghai International Peace Maternity and Infant Hospital, China. The incidence was 1.33 per 1,000 births. The family histories of 163 CL(P) patients were analyzed. The incidences of CL(P) in the first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of CL(P) patients were 11/246 (4.47%), 10/1,032 (0.97%), and 6/1,727 (0.35%), respectively. Of the 163 probands, three had a history of consanguinity of the parents (1.8%), in contrast to 0.77% in the general population. These data are suggestive of multifactorial inheritance. The heritability of CL(P) in our study calculated by Falconer's formula was 77.6%.