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Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) has been reported as a useful and noninvasive treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Systematic review and meta-analysis are utilized to evaluate the efficacy of Li-ESWT by comparing the changes in the International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain (IIEF-EF) and the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) versus sham therapy in men with ED. A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, CBM, CNKI, WANGFANG, and VIP was conducted to obtain randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals or presented in abstract forms of Li-ESWT for ED treatment from January 2010 to June 2018. If RCTs are published in peer-reviewed literature and IIEF-EF scores and EHS are used to assess erectile function outcomes, they are eligible for inclusion. A meta-analysis was used to summarize the estimates. The meta-analysis included seven RCTs involving 522 participants. The data revealed that men treated with Li-ESWT showed significant improvement in pooled mean IIEF-EF scores from baseline to follow-up compared with sham therapy (MD: 1.99 points; 95% CI [1.35, 2.63]; p < .00001). Changes in the IIEF-EF score increased significantly in the treatment group (MD: 3.62; 95% CI [2.99, 4.25]; p < .00001). The EHS increased significantly in the treatment group in four studies (OR: 16.02; 95% CI [7.93, 32.37]; p < .00001). Patients with moderate and/or severe ED reported better results in mean IIEF scores (MD: 3.95; 95% CI [2.44, 5.46]; p < .00001). In meta-analysis of seven RCTs with men who received Li-ESWT for ED, there was evidence that the IIEF-EF and EHS experienced improvements following Li-ESWT.

Albiglutide, as part of triple therapy, provided effective glucose-lowering and was generally well tolerated.

Background The role of the Th17/Treg balance in the development of experimental colitis remains poorly understood. Methods We exploited the differential response of BALB/c mice and C57BL/6 mice towards drinking water mediated by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) challenge. Results DSS-resistant BALB/c mice were characterized by low levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α but high levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, and colon lamina propria and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells when compared to C57BL/6 mice. Collectively, these data indicate the propensity of BALB/c mice towards a Th2/Th17/Treg-polarized immunity protecting these animals against DSS challenge, whereas Th1-polarization of C57BL/6 mice confers sensitivity to DSS-induced colitis. Conclusions The intrinsic congenital capacity of mouse strains with respect to T cell proliferation determines sensitivity to experimental colitis.

Objective:Anxiety is a common, burdensome, and psychologically important global concern. However, probiotics may be useful for the treatment of anxiety. Methods:To assess the effects of probiotics on anxiety, seven academic databases were searched for reports published in the English language. Results:Based on our search, 10 studies were identified. Probiotics significantly decreased anxiety compared to controls (mean difference [MD], 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 0.92; P < 0.001). However, significantly lower DASS values were reported of -9.87 (95%CI, -17.2 to -2.47; P < 0.009). Conclusions:Our report showed that probiotics decrease anxiety values in populations with anxiety. These results are important for the management of anxiety. In the future, more adequately powered RCTs using standardized measurements are required to assess the specific probiotics and dosages as well as the treatment periods that are most beneficial for anxiety.

BackgroundAn animal model for HBV that more closely approximates the disease in humans is needed. The tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri) is closely related to primates and susceptible to HBV. We previously established that neonatal tree shrews can be persistently infected with HBV in vivo, and here present a six year follow-up histopathological study of these animals.MethodsGroup A consists of six tree shrews with persistent HBV infection, group B consists of three tree shrews with suspected persistent HBV infection, while group C consists of four tree shrews free of HBV infection. Serum and liver tissues samples were collected periodically from all animals. HBV antigen and HBV antibodies were detected by ELISA and/or TRFIA. HBV DNA in serum and in liver biopsies was measured by FQ-PCR. Liver biopsies were applied for general histopathologic observation and scoring, immunohistochemical detections of HBsAg and HBcAg, and ultrastructural observation with electron microscope technique.ResultsHydropic, fatty and eosinophilic degeneration of hepatocytes, lymphocytic infiltration and hyperplasia of small bile ducts in the portal area were observed in group A. One animal infected with HBV for over six years showed multiple necrotic areas which had fused to form bridging necrosis and fibrosis, and megalocytosis. The hepatic histopathological scores of group A were higher than those of group B and C. The histopathological score correlated positively with the duration of infection.ConclusionsHepatic histopathological changes observed in chronically HBV-infected tree shrews are similar to those observed in HBV-infected humans. The tree shrew may represent a novel animal model for HBV infection.

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