[Causal relationship between relative abundance of gut microbiota and teratozoospermia: A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and teratozoospermia. METHODS: We searched the database of Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) for gut microbiota- and teratozoospermia-related data. We used gut microbiota as an exposure factor, determined the instrumental variables according to the GWAS data on 18 340 participants released by the MiBioGen Alliance, and derived the outcome variables from the European data on teratozoospermia, with a sample size of 85 716, including 915 cases and 209 006 controls. Using inverse-variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger regression and the weighted median estimator (WME), we performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis on the retrieved data, and estimated the causal relationship between gut microbiota and teratozoospermia based on the ß value. RESULTS: Two-sample MR analysis indicated that the class Erysipelotrichia, family Erysipelotrichaceae, family Streptococcaceae, genus Coprococcusl, genus Ruminococcaceae UCG009, genus Streptococcus, order Clostridialesm and order Erysipelotrichales were causally related with the increased risk, while the family Porphyromonadaceae with the decreased risk of teratozoospermia. CONCLUSION: The class Erysipelotrichia, family Erysipelotrichaceae, family Streptococcaceae, genus Coprococcusl, genus Ruminococcaceae UCG009, genus Streptococcus, order Clostridialesm and order Erysipelotrichales are one of the causes of teratozoospermia, related to the increased risk of the condition, while the family Porphyromonadaceae has a protective effect on sperm morphology, reducing the risk of teratozoospermia.

[The causal relationship between gut microbiota and male reproductive and sexual health].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to use the MR method to explore the causal relationship between 211 gut microbiota and male reproductive and sexual health. METHODS: The MiBioGen alliance published genome-wide association study (GWAS) related genetic variation data was used as instrumental variables (IVs) for gut microbiota, and the Finngen biobank GWAS related genetic variation data was used as IVs for male infertility, abnormal sperm, sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, and testicular dysfunction. The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was used as the MR analysis method, the results were evaluated according to the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of the effect measures, and data sensitivity analysis was performed. RESULTS: The results showed that 6 types of gut microbiota were related to male infertility, 12 types were related to abnormal sperm, 5 types were related to sexual dysfunction, 4 types were related to erectile dysfunction, and 4 types were related to testicular dysfunction. And there was no abnormality in the data sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: The intestinal microbiota is closely related to male reproductive and sexual health.

Laser Acupuncture versus Liraglutide in Treatment of Obesity: A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a global concern, driving the search for alternative treatments beyond lifestyle changes and medications. Laser acupuncture (LA) shows promise in obesity management, yet few studies compare it with FDA-approved medications. This study aimed to assess and compare LA's impact with liraglutide on weight reduction in obese individuals. METHODS: Data from the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) (2013-2018) were analyzed. Primary outcomes included changes in body weight and BMI within 180 days, with secondary outcomes measuring the proportion achieving 5%, 10%, and 15% weight loss. Adverse events were also assessed. RESULTS: Of 745 subjects (173 LA users, 572 liraglutide users), LA users lost more weight by day 180 (5.82 ± 4.39 vs. 2.38 ± 5.75 kg; p < 0.001) and had a greater BMI reduction (-2.27 ± 1.73 vs. -0.93 ± 2.25 kg/m2; p < 0.001). More LA users achieved 5% and 10% weight loss compared to liraglutide users (64.2% vs. 22.7%, 26.6% vs. 4.2%; all p < 0.001). After balancing baseline differences, LA's benefits remained significant. No adverse events were reported with LA. CONCLUSIONS: LA may offer superior weight reduction compared to liraglutide. Future studies should explore LA alone or in combination with liraglutide for obesity management.

Evaluating the Protective Effectiveness of Rubber Glove Materials Against Organic Solvents Upon Repeated Exposure and Decontamination

Background@#Glove reuse poses risks, as chemicals can persist even after cleaning. Decontamination methods like thermal aeration, recommended by US OSHA, vary in effectiveness. Some studies show promising results, while others emphasize the importance of considering both permeation and tensile strength changes. This research advocates for informed glove reuse, emphasizing optimal thermal aeration temperatures and providing evidence to guide users in maintaining protection efficiency. @*Methods@#The investigation evaluated Neoprene and Nitrile gloves (22 mils). Permeation tests with toluene and acetone adhered to American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) F739 standards. Decontamination optimization involved aeration at various temperatures. The experiment proceeded with a maximum of 22 re-exposure cycles. Tensile strength and elongation were assessed following ASTM D 412 protocols. Breakthrough time differences were statistically analyzed using t-test and ANOVA. @*Results@#At room temperature, glove residuals decreased, and standardized breakthrough time (SBT)2 was significantly lower than SBT1, indicating reduced protection. Higher temperature decontamination accelerated residual removal, with ΔSBT (SBT2/SBT1) exceeding 100%, signifying restored protection. Tensile tests showed stable neoprene properties postdecontamination. Results underscore thermal aeration's efficacy for gloves reuse, emphasizing temperature's pivotal role. Findings recommend meticulous management strategies, especially post-breakthrough, to uphold glove-protective performance. @*Conclusions@#Thermal aeration at 100°C for 1 hour proves effective, restoring protection without compromising glove strength. The study, covering twenty cycles, suggests safe glove reuse with proper decontamination, reducing costs significantly. However, limitations in chemical-glove combinations and exclusive focus on specific gloves caution against broad generalization. The absence of regulatory directives on glove reuse highlight the importance of informed selection and rigorous decontamination validation for workplace safety practices.

An Index to Assess Overwork-Related Adverse Effects on Employees Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act in Taiwan

Background@#The present study aimed to digitally evaluate the risk of overwork-related adverse effects (OrAEs) among employees from various occupational categories in Taiwan. @*Methods@#Anonymous data of employees from seven companies/factories providing occupational health services were analyzed. The studied population comprised 5505 employees, and the data analyzed included employment duration, working hours, shift work schedules, and health checkup results. The risk for OrAEs was assessed by an index, Karo index (0-4, the larger the value, the higher the risk for OrAEs) obtained using a risk matrix made up of cardiocerebral and occupational risk factors. Karo index values of 3 and 4 were categorized as at high risk for OrAEs (h-OrAEs). @*Results@#The 5505 employees had an average employment duration of 8.5 years and a mean age of 39.4 years. The prevalence rates for h-OrAEs of the seven companies/factories ranged from 3.9% to 34.2%. There were significant differences in prevalence rates for h-OrAEs between employees of retail stores and high-tech manufacturing factories. Multivariate analysis results indicated that workers of high-tech manufacturing factories had significantly higher risk for h-OrAEs compared with retail store workers. @*Conclusion@#In terms of satisfying health risk management and legal requirements in Taiwan, the newly issued Karo index, which covers a wide range of occupational risk factors, can serve as an assessment and a warning tool for managing the risk of OrAEs in workplaces. To reduce risks for h-OrAEs, active and prudent control of cerebrocardiovascular risks and working hours is recommended.

Angiotensin II regulates phosphoinositide 3 kinase/Akt cascade via a negative crosstalk between AT1 and AT2 receptors in skin fibroblasts of human hypertrophic scars.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulation has been shown to regulate proliferation of skin fibroblasts and production of extracellular matrix, which are very important process in skin wound healing and scarring; however, the signaling pathways involved in this process, especially in humans, are less explored. In the present study, we used skin fibroblasts of human hypertrophic scar, which expressed both AT1 and AT2 receptors, and observed that Ang II increased Akt phosphorylation and phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI 3-K) activity. In addition, the Ang II-induced Akt phosphorylation was blocked by wortmannin, a PI 3-K inhibitor. This Ang II-activated PI 3-K/Akt cascade was markedly inhibited by valsartan, an AT(1) receptor-specific blocker, whereas it was enhanced by PD123319, an AT(2) receptor antagonist. On the other hand, the Ang II- or EGF-induced activation of PI 3-K/Akt was strongly attenuated by AG1478, an inhibitor of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor kinase. Moreover, Ang II stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of EGF receptor and p85alpha subunit of PI 3-K accompanied by an increase in their association, which was inhibited by valsartan, and enhanced by PD123319. The Ang II-induced transactivation of EGF receptor resulted in activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) that was also inhibited by valsartan, and enhanced by PD123319. Taken together, our results showed that AT(1) receptor-mediated activation of PI 3-K/Akt cascades occurs at least partially via the transactivation of EGF receptor, which is under a negative control by AT(2) receptor in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts. These findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanism of human hypertrophic scar formation.

Overview of Legal Measures for Managing Workplace COVID-19 Infection Risk in Several Asia-Pacific Countries

Background@#Despite the lack of official COVID-19 statistics, various workplaces and occupations have been at the center of COVID-19 outbreaks. We aimed to compare legal measures and governance established for managing COVID-19 infection risks at workplaces in nine Asia and Pacific countries and to recommend key administrative measures. @*Methods@#We collected information on legal measures and governance from both general citizens and workers regarding infection risks such as COVID-19 from industrial hygiene professionals in nine countries (Indonesia, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand) using a structured questionnaire. @*Results@#A governmental body overseeing public health and welfare was in charge of containing the spread and occurrence of infectious diseases under an infectious disease control and prevention act or another special act, although the name of the pertinent organizations and legislation vary among countries. Unlike in the case of other traditional hazards, there have been no specific articles or clauses describing the means of mitigating virus risk in the workplace that are legally required of employers, making it difficult to define the responsibilities of the employer. Each country maintains own legal systems regarding access to the duration, administration, and financing of paid sick leave. Many workers may not have access to paid sick leave even if it is legally guaranteed. @*Conclusion@#Specific legal measures to manage infectious disease risks, such as providing proper personal protective equipment, education, engineering control measures, and paid sick leave are recommended to be stipulated in Industrial safety and health-related acts.

Mix-infections with different genotypes of HCV and with HCV plus other hepatitis viruses in patients with hepatitis C in China.

AIM: Clinical therapy and prognosis in HCV infections are not good, and mix-infections with different HCV genotypes or quasispecies and mix-infections with HCV plus other hepatitis viruses are important concerns worldwide. The present report describes the sequence diversity and genotying of the 5'NCR of HCV isolates from hepatitis patients mix-infected with different HCV genotypes or variants, and the conditions of mix-infections with HCV plus other hepatitis viruses, providing important diagnostic and prognostic information for more effective treatment of HCV infections. METHODS: The 5' non-coding region (5'NCR) of HCV was isolated from the patients sera and sequenced, and sequence variability and genotypes of HCV were defined by nucleotide sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis, and the patients mix-infected with HCV plus other hepatitis viruses were analyzed. The conditions and clinical significance of mix-infections with HCV plus other hepatitis viruses were further studied. RESULTS: Twenty-four out of 43 patients with chronic hepatitis C were defined as mix-infected with different genotypes of HCV. Among these 24 patients, 9 were mix-infected with genotype 1 and 3, 7 with different variants of genotype 1, 2 with different variants of genotype 2, 6 with different variants of genotype 3. No patients were found mix-infected with genotype 1 and 2 or with genotype 2 and 3. The clinical virological analysis of 60 patients mix-infected with HCV plus other hepatitis viruses showed that 45.0 % of the patients were mix-infected with HCV plus HAV, 61.7 % with HCV plus HBV, 6.7 % with HCV plus HDV/HBV, 8.4 % with HCV plus HEV, 3.3 % with HCV plus HGV. Infections with HCV plus other hepatitis viruses may exacerbate the pathological lesion of the liver. CONCLUSION: The findings in the present study imply that mix-infections with different HCV genotypes and mix-infections with HCV plus other hepatitis viruses were relatively high in Yunnan, China, providing important diagnostic and prognostic information for more effective treatment of HCV infections.

Sequence variability of the 5' UTR in isolates of hepatitis C virus in China.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus infection is a great issue in China; however, there is very little information on genotyping investigations based on sequence variability in the 5'untranslated (5'UTR) reported. The present study was to define the sequence variability based on the sequence divergences of the 5'UTR of the virus. METHODS: Sequences of 91 isolates from patients with chronic hepatitis C from Yunnan, southwest China, were sequenced and genotypes were defined according to the sequence divergences of the 5'UTR of the virus. RESULTS: Eighty-six isolates were classified into 3 clades (previously termed groups or major types) by the methods proposed by Chan et al in 1992 and phylogenetic analysis based on nucleotide sequence divergences within the 5'UTR. Fifty-six percent of the isolates were classified into clade 3, 35% into clade 1, and 34.9% into clade 2. New genotypes 1f, 2h, 3h and 3i were defined. In addition, 3 novel sequences were discovered, respectively with an 18-nt sequence deletion (corresponding to nucleotide position -173 to -156), a 28-nt sequence insertion, and a 40-nt sequence insertion, between -56 and -55. Of these isolates, 56% possessed a "G" at position -66 in place of the "T" that is present in all previously reported sequences. CONCLUSIONS: These HCV variants, evolved or remained in this area, may be of great significance in diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C patients.

Hepatitis C virus infections and genotypes in China.

OBJECTIVE: To define the conditions of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, and geographic and demographic distributions of genotypes in China. METHODS: HCV infected patients were selected from individuals with different patterns of liver diseases and high risk populations in different parts of China. Genotypes of HCV in some isolates were further analyzed, based on the data from our laboratory studies and some carefully selected published literatures. RESULTS: The anti-HCV positive rates were 9.7% in patients with acute hepatitis, 13.3% in patients with chronic hepatitis, 18.3% in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 33.0% in patients with liver cirrhosis, and 43.2% in patients with posttransfusional hepatitis (average, 16.2% in patients with liver diseases). The anti-HCV positive rates in the high risk populations were 36.4% in leukemic patients, 43.0% in hemodialysis patients, 12.7% in blood donors, 64.1% in drug abusers, 13.1% in prostitutes, and 2.57% in naturally healthy people. At least 4 clades (clades 1, 2, 3 and 6) of HCV were found in China with different geographic and demographic distributions. Genotype 1b was the most widely distributed genotype, and genotype 3 was mainly found in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. CONCLUSION: China has a high incidence of HCV infection. Our results will provide a strategic basis for diagnosis, treatment and possibly prophylaxis of hepatitis C virus diseases.

Successful combination therapy for severe infantile hemangiomas: case report and literature search.

Infantile hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors of infancy. Although the majority of uncomplicated hemangiomas involute spontaneously, rapid-growth lesions with complications need early active intervention. On the other hand, severe and complicated lesions can be difficult to treat. Recently, we successfully treated two cases of giant severe infantile facial hemangiomas using local application of bleomycin and pulsed dye laser along with systemic application of dexamethasone. Our results suggest that the multiple modalities of bleomycin, laser, and corticosteroid are a safe and effective approach for early therapeutic intervention of severe facial hemangiomas.

Photodynamic therapy in treatment of port wine stain birthmarks--recent progress.

Port wine stain (PWS) birthmarks are congenital vascular malformations characterized by ectatic capillaries in the papillary layer of the dermis. They usually appear at birth and tend to become darker and thicker with age. Cosmetic and pathological changes can cause great depression in all ages. Laser-mediated selective photothermolysis is the treatment of choice but vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT) might be an alternative approach in the treatment of PWS. PDT has shown therapeutic benefit in pink and resistant lesions. In theory, vascular-targeted PDT may be more efficient in terms of better lightening and less treatment sessions than pulsed dye laser (PDL) irradiation. Chinese clinicians have gained profound knowledge and accumulated a large body of clinical experience in PWS PDT in the past years. The pursuing of regulatory approval on PWS PDT is currently underway. In this article we will report our experience in PWS PDT, discuss current PDT protocols and introduce the novel combination therapy, such as PDT+PDL and PDT+topical angiogenic inhibitor.

[Effect of alexandrite laser treatment for hair removal in Tibet mini-pigs].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the histological and ultrastructural changes of the skin and hair follicles following hair removal by alexandrite laser in Tibet mini-pigs. METHODS: Twelve healthy Tibet mini-pigs with dark hair were treated with alexandrite laser for hair removal. The skin specimens were taken immediately and at 1 h and 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 days after the laser treatment for observation under optical and transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: Laser hair removal resulted in extensive coagulation necrosis, carbonization and falling of the subcutaneous hair shafts, and some of the cells in the outer root sheath and hair bulb underwent degenerative and necrotic changes. One hour after laser treatment, the cells in the outer root sheath and bulb exhibited nuclear condensation, fragmentation and or karyolysis characteristic of cell apoptosis. The cell apoptosis reached the peak level on day 3 after the laser exposure, accompanied by endothelial degeneration in the hair papilla vessels, edema and lymphocyte infiltration in the dermal tissues. Tissue reaction and inflammation were relieved on day 5, and the dermal tissue and follicles recovered their normal structures on day 10. At 60 days after the treatment, the hair follicles decreased markedly but the structure of the residue follicles remained normal. CONCLUSION: Alexandrite laser exposure results in selective destruction of the follicles by inducing direct coagulation and cell apoptosis to achieve permanent hair removal. Tibet mini-pigs with black hair can be used as the animal model of clinical laser hair removal.

Comparison of photodynamic therapy and pulsed dye laser in patients with port wine stain birthmarks: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) might be an alternative approach for treating port wine stains (PWS). This study attempts to compare clinical outcomes of PDT versus conventional pulsed dye laser (PDL) in Chinese patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of a single hospital. PDL was delivered by a 585 nm laser. PDT was carried out by a combination of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) and copper vapour laser (510.6 and 578.2 nm). Clinical outcomes were graded based on photographs. RESULTS: The children group (3-10 years old) included 210 patients (PDL=112 and PDT=98) with pink flat PWS located in the cheek region. The overall fair to excellent response was 95.5% in PDL group and 88.8% PDT group (P=0.901), respectively. The excellent response rate of PDT group (23.5%) was higher than that of PDL group (16.1%). The adult group (18-30 years old) included 371 patients (PDL=163 and PDT=208) with purple flat PWS located in the temple, cheek or neck region. The overall fair to excellent response in PDL and PDT group was 88.4 and 94.2% (P<0.001), respectively. The excellent response rate of PDT group (37.5%) was significantly higher than that of PDL group (3.1%). The complication rate (pigmentary or textural change) in PDT group (10.2%) was lower than that in PDL group (24.7%). CONCLUSIONS: PDT is as effective as PDL for pink flat lesions and is more effective than PDL for purple flat lesions. The true value of PDT deserves further investigation.

[Role of angiotensin II receptors in proliferation of fibroblast derived from human hypertrophic scars].

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to observe the expression of angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors in human hypertrophic scars, and explore their role in the proliferation of fibroblasts in human hypertrophic scars. METHODS: The expression of both ATL and AT2 receptors in fibroblasts of hypertrophic scars was detected with immunohistochemical staining. Radioligand receptor binding assay and RT-PCR were used to determined expression level of AT1 and AT2 receptors in cultured fibroblasts derived from hypertrophic scars. DNA synthesis was examined in cultured fibroblasts of hypertrophic scars by measuring [3H]-TdR incorporation into fibroblasts. RESULTS: Positive staining signals of both AT1 and AT2 receptors were found in fibroblasts of hypertrophic scars. Expression level of AT1 and AT2 receptors were (10.69 +/- 2.15) fmol/10(6) cells, (4.9 +/- 1.05) fmol/10(6) cells respectively in cultured fibroblasts derived from hypertrophic scars. RT-PCR showed the similar results. In cultured fibroblasts, Ang II stimulation significantly increased DNA synthesis (P < 0.05 vs negative control), which was inhibited by valsartan, an AT1 receptor blocker, but augmented by PD123319, an AT2 receptor antagonist. Valsartan or PD123319 alone did not influence the proliferation of fibroblasts derived from hypertrophic scars. CONCLUSIONS: Both AT1 and AT2 receptors were expressed in the fibroblasts of hypertrophic scars, and Ang II regulates DNA synthesis in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts through a negative cross-talk between AT1 and AT2 receptors, which might contribute, at least partly to formation and maturation of human hypertrophic scars. The present study provides new insight into pathogenesis of hypertrophic scars.