2 years;appearedrigh quadrent abdominal signs,thickness of gallbladder wall≥3 mm;and hydrops of gallbladder.Conclusions The risk factors for conversion of LC to OC were attacks of acute cholecystitis,the length of disease,tenderness of upper abdomen,thickening of gallbladder wall and hydrops of gallbladder.A detailed history,clinical examination with suitable imaging test,proper selection of patients and improving the skill of operators,may decrease the occurrence of the LC conversion rate and the complicationafter operation.OC should be selected for the patients with the above risk factors.

Objective To investigate the potential relationship between neck circumference and obesity related indexes and metabolic disorders associated with insulin resistance.Methods A random cluster sampling method was used to identify study population among the 4 412 60 -70 years old permanent residents in Renqiu region.Face to face health questionnaire,physical examination,laboratory tests were used.According to the gender group,the correlation between neck circumference and obesity related indexes and metabolic disorders associated with insulin resistance were analyzed.Results Comparing neck circumference and waist circumference,waist height ratio, and body mass index(BMI) of man and woman respondents,the differences were statistically significant.Neck circum-ference and waist circumference,waist height ratio,and BMI had positive correlation(male:r =0.752,0.695 and 0.761.W:r =0.707,0.655,0.721,all P <0.01).Increased trends of neck circumference,waist circumference,waist height ratio and BMI coincided with increased trend of thypertension,diabetes,hyperlipidemia and hyperinsulinemia and hyperlipidemia,and no gender differences.With the increase of the neck circumference,the incidence of above mentioned diseases also increased accordingly.Conclusion Neck circumference was associated with obesity related indexes and metabolic disorders associated with insulin resistance.Neck circumference measurement can be used as an effective indicator of central obesity,and had great significance for early prediction and prevention of metabolic disorders associated with clinical insulin resistance.

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.

OBJECTIVEThis article aims to introduce the benefits of qualitative research and to discuss how such research can be applied to the study of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DATA SOURCESRelevant articles were published in English as of May 2013 from Pubmed. Terms "polycystic ovary syndrome/PCOS, qualitative research and methodology" were used for searching.

STUDY SELECTIONArticles studying PCOS with qualitative methods were reviewed. Articles associated with the use of qualitative research in clinical research were cited.

RESULTSSix qualitative studies related to PCOS were found in the literature search. These studies addressed different aspects in PCOS women including their womanhood, lived experience, information need, and experience of treatment with acupuncture. Five of these six studies used phenomenology as guiding theory.

CONCLUSIONQuantitative research has been the dominant approach in the field so far, qualitative research is relevant to the advancement of PCOS.

Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; therapy