Serum folic acid levels and erectile dysfunction: A meta-analysis and systematic review

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between serum folic acid (FA) levels and erectile dysfunction (ED) through a meta-analysis. A research was conducted in MEDLINE via PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science up to 22 November 2020 to identify studies related to FA and ED. Two authors independently screened the literature, evaluated methodological quality and extracted the data. We used RevMan5.3 and STATA 14.0 for meta-analysis. A total of six studies including 1,842 participants were included, and the results showed that the FA levels in the non-ED group were significantly higher than those in the ED group (MD = 3.37, 95% CI 1.49–5.52, p = 0.004). Subgroup analysis indicated that with the increase in ED severity, the difference in FA levels between groups was more obvious (MD: 1.99 vs. 4.63 vs. 5.63). The differences in FA levels between groups seem more significant in the younger group (MD = 4.87, 95% CI 2.58–6.89, p < 0.001) than in the older group (MD = 3.15, 95% CI 2.21–4.08, p < 0.001). In conclusion, FA deficiency is closely related to ED, and the degree of FA deficiency may reflect the severity of ED. In addition, the association seems to be more pronounced in the younger group.     

Role of shear wave elastography measured in the flaccid state in predicting arteriogenic erectile dysfunction

The gold-standard method for diagnosing arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (AED) is the penile Doppler ultrasonography. We proposed a novel method for predicting AED using ultrasonic shear wave elastography (SWE) considering that the former was invasive and variable. A total of 98 male patients were enrolled in our study, referred for ED between December 2018 and October 2020. For comparison, we also included 42 volunteers from the Healthy Physical Examination Center of our hospital. The Penile Doppler Ultrasonography (PDU) and SWE were performed for all patients with the intracavernosal injection (ICI). We named three groups as AED group, nonvascular ED group and healthy controls group. No statistically significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. There were no significant differences in IIEF-5 between AED and nonvascular ED. A significant (r = 0.642, p < 0.0001) positive correlation between flaccid and erectile SWE was observed. With a cut-off value of 13.45 KPa, the area under curve, specificity, and sensitivity of the SWE values under the flaccid state in distinguishing AED from healthy subjects were 0.867, 0.786 and 0.896 respectively. The SWE value in the flaccid state can distinguish the AED from healthy subjects.     

Comparative study of different transplantation methods of adipose tissue-derived stem cells in the treatment of erectile dysfunction caused by cavernous nerve injury

We aimed to compare intracavernosal injection (ICI), tail vein injection (IV), and periprostatic injection (PPI) of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for their ability to improve erectile function in cavernous nerve injury-induced erectile dysfunction (CNIED) rats and to explore the possible mechanism. Eighty-four male SD rats were divided into the sham group (n = 6), BCNI group (bilateral CN crush injury, n = 6), PBS-ICI group (n = 6), PBS-IV group (n = 6), PBS-PPI group (n = 6), ADSC-ICI group (n = 18), ADSC-IV group (n = 18) and ADSC-PPI group (n = 18). ADSCs were labelled with 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), and six rats each in the ADSC-ICI group, ADSC-IV group, and ADSC-PPI group were sacrificed 2, 7, and 28 days after injection. EdU-labelled ADSCs were tracked by immunofluorescence staining. The intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-positive nerve fibres in the dorsal penile nerve and the smooth muscle/collagen ratio in the cavernosum between groups were also evaluated. ADSCs can significantly improve erectile function through ICI or IV. The two are similar in efficacy and superior to PPI. The mechanism may be that after CN injury, ADSCs are recruited to around the MPG and secrete a variety of neurotrophic factors that promote the repair of the CN, thereby improving erectile function.     

Safety and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine,Qiaoshao formula,combined with dapoxetine in the treatment of premature ejaculation: An open-label,real-life,retrospective multicentre study in Chinese men

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Chinese medicine, Qiaoshao formula combined with dapoxetine was used for the treatment of premature ejaculation in a real-life setting. Nine hundred and five males diagnosed with premature ejaculation were reviewed in this retrospective cohort study. We divided the patients into two groups: dapoxetine alone and Qiaoshao formula combined with dapoxetine according to actual interventions provided to patients in clinics. The perceived intravaginal ejaculation latency time and the premature ejaculation profile measures markedly improved in both groups. However, in men with severe premature ejaculation (baseline perceived intravaginal ejaculation latency time <1 min) and those with baseline age ≤30 years, the perceived intravaginal ejaculation latency time was slightly but significantly longer with combined therapy than with dapoxetine alone (p < .05). Therefore, combined therapy involving the Qiaoshao formula and dapoxetine proved to safe as well as effective for treating premature ejaculation while prolonging the perceived intravaginal ejaculation latency time, which significantly improved the overall satisfaction of the patient and likely that of the couple.     

Expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rapid ejaculator rats: A further study

Limited evidence has indicated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be involved in the neurobiology of premature ejaculation (PE). This study aimed to investigate BDNF levels in the central and peripheral nervous systems of a rapid ejaculation model. Eighteen male rats were selected and classified as ‘sluggish’, ‘normal’ and ‘rapid’ ejaculators on the basis of ejaculation frequency during copulatory behavioural tests. BDNF levels in specific brain regions, spinal cord and serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Consistent with the results in PE patients, the concentration of serum BDNF decreased significantly from the sluggish rats to normal and rapid rats. Besides, in both brain regions and spinal cord, the sluggish group had the highest BDNF levels, while the rapid group had the lowest BDNF levels. Regression analyses of the expression of BDNF presented positive correlations between serum and brain (r = 0.958, p < .001), and between serum and spinal cord (r = 0.967, p < .001) respectively. Our findings suggested insufficient BDNF in the nervous system and serum may lead to rapid ejaculation. The current study adds to the evidence that BDNF is involved in the regulation of ejaculation.     

Research trends of prostatitis over past 20 years: A bibliometric analysis

In the past two decades, thousands of documents in the field of prostatitis have been published. This bibliometric analysis aimed to assess the characteristics, hotspots and frontiers trend of global scientific output on prostatitis. With the trend of moderate growth, altogether 2,423 papers were reviewed. The leading role of the United States in global prostatitis research was obvious, while China had developed rapidly in recent years. Queen's University and JOURNAL OF UROLOGY were the most prolific affiliation and journal respectively. Nickel, J. C made the greatest contribution to the field of prostatitis. Five hotspots have been confirmed: (a) male infertility associated with prostatitis and the molecular mechanisms; (b) diagnosis and treatment of prostatitis; (c) inflammation, pain and bladder irritation symptoms; (d) relationship between chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer; (e) epidemiology, complications of prostatitis and improvement of acupuncture. This bibliometric analysis reveals that the international cooperation was becoming more and more close. Hotspot analysis shows that the molecular mechanism of prostatitis will be a hotspot in the future, mainly focussing on inflammatory immunity and oxidative stress.     

不同中国肝癌分期肝癌根治性切除术后的临床效果及预后因素分析

目的探讨不同中国肝癌分期(CNLC)肝癌接受根治性切除术后的临床效果及长期生存的预后因素。方法回顾性分析2010年1月至2019年12月南京医科大学第一附属医院肝胆中心单一治疗组收治的行肝癌根治术的549例肝细胞癌(HCC)患者的临床病理学资料。男性462例(84.2%),女性87例(15.8%);中位年龄57岁(范围:21~84岁)。观察患者的术前变量、术中及术后情况、术后病理学检查结果等。采用门诊与电话相结合的方式进行随访。采用寿命表法进行生存率的估计,采用Kaplan-Meier法绘制总体生存和无瘤生存曲线,采用Log-rank检验比较不同组别生存过程的差异,采用多因素Cox回归模型分析影响预后的主要因素。结果 549例HCC患者中,CNLC Ⅰa期200例(36.4%),CNLC Ⅰb 期148例(27.0%),CNLC Ⅱa期49例(8.9%),CNLC Ⅱb期32 例(5.8%),CNLC Ⅲa期101例(18.4%),CNLC Ⅲb期19例(3.5%)。患者1、3、5、10年总体生存率分别为83.8%、69.0%、54.2%、37.7%,1、3、5年无瘤生存率分别为61.0%、44.2%、36.0%。CNLC Ⅰa期患者的1、3、5年总体生存率和无瘤生存率分别为97.3%、90.6%、80.5%和83.9%、65.0%、54.0%;CNLC Ⅰb期患者的1、3、5年总体生存率和无瘤生存率分别为87.9%、71.0%、47.7%和58.4%、42.3%、33.4%;CNLC Ⅱa和Ⅱb期患者的5年总体生存率(Ⅱa期:37.2%,Ⅱb期:44.3%)与CNLC Ⅰb期类似。CNLC Ⅲb期患者 1、3、5年总体生存率和无瘤生存率分别为35.3%、13.2%、0和23.5%、0、0。单因素分析结果显示,术前合并症状、术前甲胎蛋白水平、术前总蛋白水平、术前AST水平、术前总胆红素水平、术中出血量、术中或术后输血、术后并发症、肿瘤最大径和数目、微血管侵犯、大血管侵犯、肿瘤分化程度是HCC患者长期生存(≥5年)的预后因素(P值均<0.05)。多因素分析结果显示,术前AST水平、术中出血量、肿瘤数目、肿瘤最大径、大血管侵犯和肿瘤分级是HCC患者长期生存的独立预后因素(P值均<0.05)。结论不同CNLC的HCC患者具有不同的复发模式及预后。经过严格术前评估的CNLC Ⅱa~Ⅲb期HCC患者可从外科根治切除术中获得生存获益。术前AST水平、术中出血量、肿瘤数目、肿瘤最大径、大血管侵犯和肿瘤分化程度是影响HCC患者长期生存的独立预后因素。     

Editorial Commentary: Stabilize the Patella to Achieve Functional Gain but Don’t Neglect the Cartilage That May Cause Long-Term Pain! Trochlear Dysplasia Plays a Role in Both

While trochlear dysplasia is commonly discussed as a major risk factor for recurrent patellar instability, it also has a strong relationship with the development of patellofemoral cartilage lesions. Patellofemoral instability frequently occurs in teens and young adults, and the high prevalence of associated cartilage damage unfortunately sets patients up for the progression of degenerative changes of the patellofemoral joint at an early age. The judicious use of magnetic resonance imaging can help identify the presence of chondral lesions, allowing for urgent management of associated osteochondral fractures or open discussions and patient education about the possibility of performing a cartilage restoration procedure concurrently with patellar stabilization surgery. The location and presence of patellofemoral chondral lesions should be considered when contemplating the concurrent use of tibial tubercle osteotomy as part of the patellar stabilization procedure.     

COQ2 mutation associated isolated nephropathy in two siblings from a Chinese pedigree

BackgroudCoenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is involved in the biosynthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and is most abundant in the mitochondrial membrane. The primary CoQ10 deficiency caused by COQ2 defect is mostly manifested as encephalopathy, encephalopathy with nephropathy, and rarely as an isolated nephrotic syndrome.MethodsClinical and pathological data and peripheral blood samples of 2 siblings with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and their family members of a Chinese pedigree were collected. DNA was extracted and subjected to next-generation sequencing of target genes of hereditary nephropathy.ResultsCompound heterozygous mutations of COQ2 (c.1058A > G, p.Y353C, paternal and c.973A > G, p.T325A, maternal)were identified in both siblings of the pedigree. Mutation of p.Y353C was novel. The proband was a girl, who presented with SRNS at the age of 7 months. CoQ10 was administered after the gene sequencing results came out. Proteinuria decreased gradually to 1+, occasionally negative. The child was normal in growth and intelligence. She is now 4 years old. The second patient was her elder brother. He was found to have SRNS at the age of 2 years old. Renal pathology indicated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Electronic microcopy revealed that a large quantity of mitochondria with normal contour was accumulated within the podocytes. Both patients were in normal intelligence without convulsion.ConclusionThe 2 cases harboring COQ2compound heterozygous mutations presented with isolated SRNS, with a renal pathology of FSGS and a large quantity of mitochondria with normal contour accumulated within the podocytes. CoQ10 was efficacy in eliminating proteinuria.     

Risk factors and outcomes of cardiovascular disease readmission within the first year after dialysis in peritoneal dialysis patients

BackgroundIn the first year of dialysis, patients are vulnerable to cardiovascular disease (CVD) hospitalization, but knowledge regarding the risk factors and long-term outcomes of cardiovascular readmission within the first year after dialysis in incident continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients is limited.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted in incident CAPD patients. The demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and CVD readmission were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes included CVD mortality, infection-related mortality and technique failure. A logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors associated with CVD readmission within the first year after dialysis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between CVD readmission and the outcomes.ResultsIn total, 1589 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients were included in this study, of whom 120 (7.6%) patients had at least one episode of CVD readmission within the first year after dialysis initiation. Advanced age, CVD history, and a lower level of serum albumin were independently associated with CVD readmission. CVD readmission within the first year after dialysis was significantly associated with all-cause (HR 2.66, 95%CI 1.91–3.70, p < 0.001) and CVD (HR 3.42, 95%CI 2.20–5.31, p < 0.001) mortality, but not infection-related mortality or technique failure, after adjusting for confounders.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that an advanced age, a history of CVD, and a lower level of serum albumin were independently associated with CVD readmission. Moreover, CVD readmission was associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in incident CAPD patients.