Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA
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Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) remains the most useful marker for screening, risk categorization, and follow-up in patients with prostate cancer. In the obese population, several studies have revealed that obesity may not only inversely interfere with the concentration of PSA, but also increase the risk of prostate cancer. Thus, we considered using the body mass weighted PSA levels, presented as serum PSA concentration multiplied by body weight or body mass index (BMI), instead of traditional PSA concentration, as potential markers to predict locally advanced prostate cancer after prostatectomy. ⋯ The body mass-weighted PSA levels, instead of the traditional PSA concentration, may be better markers for predicting non-organ-confined disease after surgery. It may also be useful in screening and risk categorization.
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Orthoses play an important role in the conservative treatment of hallux valgus (HV) with different therapeutic effects. In this study, a new HV orthosis was developed using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. In addition, its kinematic effect was evaluated using motion analysis. ⋯ The results of our study confirm the potential of the 3D-printed HV orthosis in the static and dynamic correction of deformities while ensuring patient comfort with minimal impact on hallux kinematics, suggesting the potential of our design for long-term use.
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Hirsutella sinensis (HS) is a mycelium isolated from the fruiting body of the medicinal mushroom Cordyceps sinensis . This study explored whether HS treatment affects reproductive dysfunction in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mouse model and regulates various mechanisms, focusing on oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy. ⋯ Male mice supplemented with HS exhibited attenuated poor semen quality and reduced testosterone levels brought about by HFD-induced obesity by reducing oxidative stress.
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Observational Study
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor for outcomes in patients with short-term emergency department revisits.
Analysis of short-term emergency department (ED) revisits is a common emergency care quality assurance practice. Previous studies have explored various risk factors of ED revisits; however, laboratory data were usually omitted. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in predicting outcomes of patients revisiting the ED. ⋯ The intensity of the inflammatory response expressed by NLR was an independent predictor for poor outcomes of ED revisits and should be considered when ED revisits occur. Future prediction models for ED revisit outcomes can include revisit-NLR as a potential predictor to reflect the progressive conditions in ED patients.