[Efficacy and safety of regular use of sildenafil in the treatment of penile erectile dysfunction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of regular oral use of sildenafil in the treatment of ED. METHODS: We randomly divided 334 ED patients into three groups to be treated orally with sildenafil tablets at 50 mg qd (sildenafil regular), sildenafil tablets at 100 mg 30 minutes before intercourse (sildenafil on-demand), and tadalafil tablets at 10 mg qd (tadalafil regular), all for 3 months. Then we recorded the IIEF-5 score and penile erection hardness score (EHS) and adverse reactions and compared them among the three groups of patients. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups of patients in age, body mass index, education, ED duration, or baseline IIEF-5 and EHS (P > 0.05). After 3-month medication, both IIEF-5 score and EHS were significantly improved in the three groups of patients as compared with the baseline (P < 0.05), with no statistically significant difference in the IIEF-5 score among the sildenafil regular, sildenafil on-demand and tadalafil regular groups (15.15 ± 2.05 vs 15.55 ± 2.36 vs 15.54 ± 2.27, P > 0.05), but the EHS markedly higher in the sildenafil on-demand than in the sildenafil regular group (3.48 ± 1.80 vs 3.12 ± 1.52, P < 0.05). The effectiveness rates in the sildenafil regular, sildenafil on-demand and tadalafil regular groups were 76.2%, 62.4% and 80.8%, respectively, significantly lower in the sildenafil on-demand than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). Adverse reactions were mild and showed no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate among the three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Regular use of sildenafil has a therapeutic effect similar to that of tadalafil but better than that of sildenafil on-demand, without more adverse effects.

Icariside II Promotes the Differentiation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells to Schwann Cells to Preserve Erectile Function after Cavernous Nerve Injury.

Icariside II (ICA II) is used in erectile dysfunction treatment. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are efficient at improving erectile function. This study aimed to explore the action mechanism of ADSCs in improving erectile function. ADSCs were isolated from the adipose tissues of rats. Cell proliferation was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The expressions of mRNA and protein were determined separately through qRT-PCR and western blot. The endogenous expressions of related genes were regulated using recombinant plasmids and cell transfection. A Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay was performed to determine the interaction between miR-34a and STAT3. Rat models with bilateral cavernous nerve injuries (BCNIs) were used to assess erectile function through the detection of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intracavernosal pressure (ICP). ICA II promoted ADSCs' proliferation and differentiation to Schwann cells (SCs) through the inhibition of miR-34a. Suppressed miR-34a promoted the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs by upregulating STAT3. ICA II promoted the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs through the miR-34a/STAT3 pathway. The combination of ICA II and ADSCs preserved the erectile function of the BCNI model rats. ADSCs treated with ICA II markedly preserved the erectile function of the BCNI model rats, which was reversed through miR-34a overexpression. ICA II promotes the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs through the miR-34a/STAT3 pathway, contributing to erectile function preservation after the occurrence of a cavernous nerve injury.

Genipin inhibits the growth of human bladder cancer cells via inactivation of PI3K/Akt signaling.

Genipin, a natural compound derived from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides, possesses numerous biological properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anticancer effects of genipin in human bladder cancer. T24 and 5637 bladder cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of genipin (0-200 µM) and tested for cell viability, colony formation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. A xenograft model of bladder cancer was established to determine the anticancer effect of genipin in vivo. The involvement of the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway in the action of genipin was examined. Genipin treatment significantly inhibited the viability and clonogenic growth of bladder cancer cells and inhibited the growth of T24 xenograft tumors, compared with vehicle controls (P<0.05). Genipin-treated cells exhibited a cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1-phase, which was accompanied by a deregulation of numerous cell cycle regulators. Genipin-treated cells demonstrated a significant increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, Bax translocation to the mitochondria and the release of cytochrome c to the cytosol. Additionally, genipin treatment significantly (P<0.05) reduced the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt in bladder cancer cells. Importantly, genipin-mediated anticancer effects were reversed by the overexpression of constitutively active Akt. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the present study demonstrates for the first time the growth inhibitory effects of genipin in bladder cancer cells, and indicates its potential as a natural anticancer agent for bladder cancer.

Laparoscopic Subcutaneous Transposition of a Pedicled Adrenal for ACTH-Independent Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bilateral adrenalectomy or unilateral adrenalectomy and contralateral partial adrenalectomy are indicated for the treatment of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Independent of the surgical procedure, the prognosis is poor. This article discusses a new treatment method and its efficacy for treating nodular adrenal hyperplasia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of 12 patients operated on between January 2008 and October 2014 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. All patients were treated by laparoscopic subcutaneous transposition of a pedicled adrenal. We performed postoperative monitoring of patients, including clinical symptoms and 24-hour levels of serum-free and urinary-free cortisol. RESULTS: All 12 patients were pathologically confirmed to have nodular adrenal hyperplasia and were followed for an average of 45.5 months (range 24-60 months). The clinical symptoms of all patients disappeared, and the 24-hour plasma-free cortisol and urinary-free cortisol levels were within the normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic subcutaneous transposition of a pedicled adrenal is a new and effective method for treating bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia and can achieve long-term remission of Cushing's syndrome.

[Transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy for the treatment of vesiculitis with hemospermia:A report of 64 cases].

Objective: To explore the treatment of vesiculitis with hemospermia by transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy. Methods: We treated 64 cases of vesiculitis with hemospermia by transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy. During the operation,we removed the stones and inflammatory substances and collected seminal vesicle fluid to be cultured for bacteria,ureaplasma urealyticum(UU),chlamydia trachomatis(CT),and mycoplasma hominis(MH),followed by infusion of levofloxacin at 0. 3 g/100 ml into the seminal vesicle. Regular follow-up was conducted post-operatively. Results: All the operations were successfully accomplished, the operation time averaging(40 ± 15) min(25- 50 min). The ejaculatory duct opening was observed on the verumontanum surface in the posterior urethra in 2 cases, abnormal passages found in the prostatic utricle in 8 cases, and seminal vesicle fenestration from the prostatic utricle conducted in the other 54 cases(32 by seminal vesiculoscopy and 22 with holmium laser). Stones were seen in the prostatic utricle in 5 cases, in the seminal vesicle in 6 cases, and in both the prostatic utricle and seminal vesicle in 2 cases. Culture of the seminal vesicle fluid showed the acinetobacter to be positive in 1 case and UU, CT, and MH to be negative. At 3 months after surgery, hemospermia was cured in 52 cases, relieved in 8,and unimproved in 4. Conclusion: Seminal vesicle fenestration drainage by transurethral seminal vesiculoscopy for the treatment of vesiculitis with hemospermia has the advantages of short operation time, high effectiveness and no obvious complications and can also be employed for the examination of the seminal vesicle as well as removal of stones and inflammatory substances.

Abductor digiti minimi muscle flap transfer to prevent wound healing complications after ORIF of calcaneal fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the transfer of abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscle flaps as a method for preventing wound healing complications in cases of closed calcaneal fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). DESIGN: Retrospective review. PATIENTS: Twenty-six cases of acute closed calcaneal fracture in patients at risk for serious wound complications or with serious fractures. INTERVENTION: During the ORIF surgery, an ADM muscle flap was removed and used to cover the plate, filling the gap between the plate and skin. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Wound healing rates, postoperative complications, and time to heal. RESULTS: All wounds healed uneventfully, except for one case of minor superficial epithelial necrosis during the early postoperative period, which was treated conservatively. All patients regained ambulatory status with regular foot apparel. At last follow-up, the patients presented no clinical, laboratory, or radiological signs of complications. CONCLUSIONS: This ADM muscle flap transfer technique appeared to successfully prevent wound healing complications among patients undergoing ORIF for closed calcaneal fractures. This method offers a promising treatment option for calcaneal fractures in patients at high risk for serious wound complications, and future studies with greater numbers of cases are needed to further investigate its clinical application.

[Application of gene knockout technology in spermatogenesis-associated gene study].

The gene approach to the pathogenesis of male infertility may bring about some strategies for the diagnosis and manage of the condition. Gene knockout technology is the mainstream method currently used in the study of gene function. Screening and identification of testis-specific genes and insights into their features and functions in spermatogenesis are significant for a further understanding of testicular functions and searching for new therapeutic targets for male reproductive disorders. This review focuses on the application of gene knockout technology in the study of spermatogenesis-associated genes.

[Primary studies on lack of nutritional elements of Sanqi].

The growth and development of Sanqi in the lack of nutritional elements had been done by the water culture. The results indicated that Sanqi plants had different symptoms in the lack of nutritional elements. According to the symptom the symptomatic list was made in this paper.

[Effects of compound preparation of Cordyceps sinensis and Tripterygium hypoglaucum on survival time of pigskin after allogeneic transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of compound preparation of Cordyceps sinensis and Tripterygium hypoglaucum (CSTHC) on survival time of grafted pigskin after allogeneic transplantation and its mechanism. METHODS: The pigskin was treated with CSTHC solution before allogeneic transplantation, and CSTHC ointment was applied for external use on the grafted pigskin after skin transplantation. Cyclosporine A (CsA) and normal saline were served as control. The survival time, the appearance and the histomorphological changes of the grafted pigskin were observed. The histomorphological changes of testicles in pigs were also examined. The CD4 and CD8 expressions in the grafted pigskins were measured by immunohistochemical method. The white blood cell count in peripheral blood and the liver and renal functions were also examined. RESULTS: The survival time of the grafted pigskin in the CSTHC-treated group was (28.50+/-3.26)d, which was much longer as compared with (10.60+/-1.52)d in the untreated group (P<0.01). The survival time of the grafted pigskin in the CsA-treated group was (28.33+/-3.50)d, and there was no remarkable difference in the survival time of the grafted pigskin between the CsA-treated group and the CSTHC-treated group. The expressions of CD4 and CD8 were lower in the CSTHC-treated group than those in the untreated group on the 7th and 14th day after skin graft (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the indices between the CSTHC-treated group and the CsA-treated group. The WBC count was higher in the untreated group than that in the CSTHC-treated group or CsA-treated group on the 7th day after skin graft (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: CSTHC can prolong the survival time of allogeneic grafted pigskin. Its mechanism of inhibiting the immunological rejection may relate to decreasing the expressions of CD4(+) and CD8(+) in the grafted pigskin and reducing the local inflammatory reaction.

[Correlation and path analysis of agronomic characters of Panax notoginseng].

OBJECTIVE: To select the main directions and the objects in breeding the high yield of Panax notoginseng by the correlation and path analysis of main agronomic character of P. notoginseng. METHOD: Samples in fifty-two districts of Yunnan and Guangxi were collected. The height of plant, the diameter of stem, the number, length, width, size of leaf and the weight of each root of those samples were measured. RESULT: The greatest contribution to the weight of each root is the size of leaf. CONCLUSION: The size of leaf should be key to the high yield of cultribution of P. notoginseng and the size of leaf especially the width of leaf should be selected in breeding. At the same time, the height of plant and the diameter of stem should be considered.