Medicine
-
Observational Study
Increased serum leptin levels are associated with metabolic syndrome and semen parameters in patients with infertility.
This study aims to ascertain the associations between serum leptin levels and metabolic syndrome and semen parameters in patients with infertility. A total of 200 patients who were diagnosed as primary infertility in our hospital were enrolled in this study, and they were divided into MetS group and non-MetS group. About 30 healthy men were enrolled as the control group. ⋯ Moreover, sperm concentration was correlated with FSH (R = -0.268, P < .001) and inhibin B (R = 0.401, P < .001), and normal morphology was correlated with HDL (R = 0.233, P < .001) and TG (R = -0.182, P < .01). In primary infertile patients, sperm normal morphology were found to be depressed and related to MetS. Leptin was increased in patients diagnosed with MetS and associated with semen parameters.
-
Oral anticoagulation self-control programs have demonstrated efficiency and cost-effectiveness over recent years. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a training intervention focused on patients with antivitamin K anticoagulants included in a self-care program. For this, we made a quasi-experimental study, pretest and post-test, using a validated questionnaire with 2 measures, before and after an educational intervention about oral anticoagulation focused on patients that will initiate the self-control program in consultation. ⋯ Scoring data dispersion in the second test was significantly lower than in the first one. Time on therapeutic rank values was better after the training. We intend to adapt its content to the rest of anticoagulated patients to enhance and improve their follow-up.
-
Infertility rates have risen in recent years, with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) affecting 10% of infertile women, accounting for approximately 20% of ovarian disorders. This highlights the importance of exploring effective treatments for DOR. This study investigates acupoint compatibility rules in acupuncture and moxibustion therapies for DOR and premature ovarian failure (POF) using complex network analysis. It also provides insights into acupuncture and moxibustion approaches for managing these conditions. ⋯ Acupuncture treatments for DOR and POF primarily focus on the abdomen and lower back regions. Specific acupoints, such as rendezvous points, are frequently combined with distantly located points. These combinations are guided by therapeutic principles aimed at nourishing the kidney, strengthening the spleen, regulating liver qi, calming the heart, and promoting blood circulation.
-
Observational Study
Diagnostic value of CT in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at high altitude: Observational study.
This research aims to explore the diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) indicators in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a plateau of China, and to find out the correlation between CT indexes and lung function and symptoms. This study screened out 53 stable COPD patients and 53 healthy people through inclusion and exclusion criteria in Hongyuan county, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, between July 2020 and December 2020, and then collected their baseline data, conducted lung function tests and chest CT scans, and collected COPD Assessment Test (CAT), modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) scores. The CT indexes of the 2 groups were compared, binary logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of COPD, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the CT indexes for COPD. ⋯ All 3 indexes are negatively correlated with lung function, and positively correlated with the symptoms and the number of acute exacerbations. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the main factors for decrease of ratio of measurement to prediction of forced expiratory volume to the first second (FEV1%) included %LAA-950 (OR = -0.449, P < .001) and WA% (OR = -0.516, P < .001). CT indexes have a certain diagnostic value in patients with stable COPD at high altitude.
-
Breast cancer is the most common and lethal malignancy among women worldwide. Cuproptosis, a newly identified copper-dependent cell death, is closely associated with cancer development. However, its regulatory mechanisms in breast cancer are not well studied. ⋯ Enrichment analysis showed immune-related pathways enriched in the low-risk group, which also had more immune cell infiltration, higher stromal component, lower tumor purity, and lower tumor heterogeneity. Finally, significant differences of half maximal inhibitory concentration were also observed between patients in high- and low-risk groups who received chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs. These findings in our study may provide evidence for further research and individualized management of breast cancer.