Objective: To investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using a Mendelian randomization (MR) study, so as to provide insights into the pathogenesis of PCOS and the formulation of prevention and treatment strategies. Methods: The genetic data on gut microbiota was derived from a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving 18 340 participants. The genetic data on PCOS was sourced from two GWAS meta-analyses in European populations, serving as the discovery set and the validation set, respectively. A two-sample MR analysis was conducted using the discovery set, with the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary approach. Sensitivity analyses employed the weighted median method, MR-Egger regression, and the MR-PRESSO test. The validation set was utilized for verification, and a meta-analysis was performed to combine the results from the two datasets. Results: Forward MR analysis results showed that nine types of gut microbiota were statistically associated with PCOS (all P<0.05). Specifically, the association of family Streptococcaceae (OR=1.442, 95%CI: 1.097-1.895), genus Actinomyces (OR=1.359, 95%CI: 1.036-1.784), genus Ruminococcaceae UCG 011 (OR=0.755, 95%CI: 0.619-0.921), genus Sellimonas (OR=0.766, 95%CI: 0.657-0.893) and genus Streptococcus with PCOS (OR=1.496, 95%CI: 1.136-1.972) remained consistent in the sensitivity analysis. Reverse MR analysis showed no evidence for the causal association between PCOS and the aforementioned five types of gut microbiota (all P>0.05). The MR analysis results of the validation set showed that there was no statistical association between the aforementioned five types of gut microbiota and PCOS (all P>0.05). However, the associations remained significant for genus Actinomyces (OR=1.226,95%CI：1.010-1.503) and genus Streptococcus (OR=1.266,95%CI：1.042-1.452) in the meta-analysis (both P<0.05). Conclusion This study provides the evidence that genus Actinomyces and genus Streptococcus are causally associated with PCOS.

OBJECTIVESThe value of supraomohyoid neck dissection used in treating oral squamous cell carcinoma was discussed.

METHODSTwenty-seven cN0 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were entered into the study. Supraomohyoid neck dissection was performed to remove the lymphatic tissue of level I, II, and III. The operation duration and shoulder function were recorded.

RESULTSThe average operation duration was (1.6 +/- 0.2) h. Nineteen percent (5/27) of the cN0 neck were proved positive pathologically which included two cases in level I and four in level II (one case had both level I and II metastases). Shoulder function recovered in three months after operation. All patients were followed up from two years to four years and none of them had local or neck recurrence.

CONCLUSIONSSupraomohyoid neck dissection is a right choice for cN0 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma with its advantages in both curing neck lymphatic metastases and preserving neck and shoulder contours and functions.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mouth Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Neck Dissection ; methods ; Neoplasm Staging

The distribution of shear stress on the bottom of the parallel plate flow chamber under different inlet velocities was analyzed by numerical simulation. In the present experimental study, the projection planes of the relative errors at 0.7% level were obtained, and then the efficient region and the actual entrance length were further corrected by introducing the concept of relative error. The results showed that the efficient region of the chamber increased with the direction of length while the inlet velocity was increased, and the actual entrance length was much greater than that of the theoretical entrance length. Therefore, in accordance to the needed range of shear stress in experiment and to the needed efficient region area, the optimum design of the flow chamber is necessary.
Algorithms ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Blood Pressure ; physiology ; Computer Simulation ; Humans ; Models, Cardiovascular ; Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted ; Pulsatile Flow ; Rheology ; Shear Strength ; Stress, Mechanical

OBJECTIVETo describe a new method of accessory nerve defect reconstruction with sternocleidomastoid muscle-great auricular flap.

METHODSThirty-four cases receiving traditional radical neck dissection were divided into two groups: single neck dissection group (n = 19) and accessory nerve reconstruction group (n = 15). Surgical procedure of the reconstruction was described in detail. Postoperative shoulder functions were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSAccessory nerve reconstruction group experienced much better shoulder function recovery than that in single neck dissection group.

CONCLUSIONSReconstruction of accessory nerve defects with sternocleidomastoid muscle-great auricular nerve flap is simple, effective and complication-free.

Accessory Nerve ; surgery ; Accessory Nerve Injuries ; Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; secondary ; surgery ; Ear ; innervation ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mouth Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Neck ; Neck Dissection ; methods ; Neck Muscles ; surgery ; Nerve Transfer ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUNDThe vertebral artery (VA) and atlantoaxial joint (AAJ), with complicated structures, are located in the depths of the head-neck boundary area, the regional anatomy of which cannot be shown globally and directly. This study aims to evaluate three-dimensional CT angiography (3DCTA) in displaying the AAJ, atlantoaxial segment of the vertebral artery (ASVA) and the identification of their interrelations.

METHODSSixty-eight subjects without pathology of the ASVA and AAJ were selected from head-neck CTA examination. All the 3D images were formed with volume rendering (VR) together with techniques of separating, fusing, opacifying and false-coloring (SFOF). On the 3D images, the ASVA and AAJ were observed, and their interrelations were measured.

RESULTSAll the 3DCTA images were of high quality and up to our requirements. They could clearly and directly show the ASVA, ascending along the AAJ. There were 5 curves in the course of the ASVA, of which 2 curves were away from the atlantoaxial joint, one in the 2nd curve of 0.0 mm - 5.4 mm, the other in the 4th of 2.6 mm - 9.2 mm. There was no significant difference in the measurements between left and right (P > 0.05). The curved parts of the ASVA slightly expanded, with the biggest diameter of 5.6 mm in the 4th curve. Statistical comparison shows that the left ASVA is larger than the right (P < 0.05). Variations of the ASVA were found in 8 cases and of the AAJ in 12.

CONCLUSIONS3DCTA can globally and directly demonstrate the structures of the AAJ, ASVA and their interrelations. The 3D imaging data make up and enrich the research contents of regional anatomy and lay the foundation for related study and applications.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Atlanto-Axial Joint ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; methods ; Vertebral Artery ; diagnostic imaging ; Young Adult

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of the single and mixed decoction of Thallus laminariae (kelp) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) on the metabolism and their difference. The mixed decoction of kelp and licorice and the single decoction were made and intragastrically administered to the SD rats. The effect on system metabolism, the toxicity of liver and kidney were assessed by GC-MS profiling of the endogenous molecules in serum, routine biochemical assays and histographic inspection of tissues from SD rats, separately. The mixed decoction of kelp and licorice induced more obvious pathological abnormalities in SD rats than a single decoction of kelp, while the extracts of licorice did not show any pathological change. Neither the mixed, nor the single decoction showed abnormal histopathology. After intragastric administration of extracts for 5 days, the mixed decoction induced a decrease of ALT (no significant change in the groups of single decoction) and an increase of BUN (so did the single decoction of kelp). Metabolomic profile of the molecules in serum revealed that the metabolic patterns were all obviously affected for the three groups, i.e., the mixed and single decoction of kelp and licorice. The rats given with the single decoction of kelp showed a similar pattern to that of the mixed decoction, indicating that the kelp primarily contributed the perturbation of metabolism for the mixed decoction. All three groups induced a decrease of branched chain amino acids, TCA cycle intermediates and glycolysis intermediates (e.g., pyruvic acid and lactic acid) and an increase of 3-hydroxybutyric acid. Kelp decoction showed stronger potential in reducing TCA cycle intermediates and glycolysis intermediates than the other two groups, while the levels of branched chain amino acids were the lowest after licorice extracts were given. These results suggested that the effect of the mixed decoction on metabolism was closely associated with both kelp and licorice. The continuous administration of single decoction of kelp and the mixed decoction of licorice and kelp resulted in pathological abnormalities in kidney of SD rats. The mixed decoction of kelp and licorice distinctly perturbed sera molecules and hence system metabolism, which showed associated with those of kelp and licorice. Although the metabolic effect was associated with both kelp and licorice, the results suggested kelp contributed to it primarily.
Animals ; Glycyrrhiza ; chemistry ; Kelp ; chemistry ; Kidney ; drug effects ; Liver ; drug effects ; Metabolomics ; Plant Preparations ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo summarize experiences of operative treatment for Essex-Lopresti injury, and analyze the effect of the compare repair of interosseous membrane of forearm(IOM)on the forearm function.

METHODSTwenty-four patients of Essex-Lopresti injury were treated from January 2005 to December 2013, 16 patients(group A) with radius and/or ulna fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation of radius or ulna and repair of forearm bone membrane at the same time, and then treated with open reduction and internal fixation of head of radius, as well as lower ulnar joint fixation or repair of wrist triangle fiber complex. Another 8 patients without radius and or ulna fractures(group B) were treated with open reduction and internal fixation of head of radius, as well as lower ulnar joint fixation or repair of wrist triangle fiber complex. The wrist joint function was evaluated using Cooney wrist functional rating index, and the elbow joint function was evaluated using Mayo elbow-performance score 2 weeks and 2 years after operation.

RESULTSAccording to Cooney wrist functional rating index, 4 patients in group A got a fair result and 12 poor, 2 patients in group B got a fair result and 6 poor 2 weeks after operation; 8 patients in group A got a good result, 6 fair and 2 poor, 5 patients in group B got a good result, 2 fair and 1 poor 2 years after operation. According to Mayo elbow-performance score, 2 patients in group A got a good result, fair and 6 poor, 1 patient in group B got a good result, 5 fair and 2 poor 2 weeks after operation; 8 patients in group A got a good result, 6 fair and 2 poor, 4 patients in group B got a good result, 3 fair and 1 poor. There were no statistically differences between two groups 2 weeks and 2 years after operation.

CONCLUSIONSIt is important to restore the length of radius and/or ulna and maintain the dynamic stabilization of elbow and wrist for treat Essex-Lopresti injury. The repair of IOM has no effect on the forearm function.

Objective To evaluate the preliminary experience and mid-term outcome of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)in patients with calcifi ed severe aortic stenosis.Methods From December 2014 to February 2016, 10 TAVR cases were admitted in the Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University. The baseline characteristics, echocardiography parameters and clinical follow-up data were analyzed. Results All cases were complicated with impaired heart function(NYHAⅢ in 4 cases, NYHA Ⅳ in 6 cases). The mean age was (75.1±6.2) years and 4(4/10) of them were men. The mean logistic EuroSCORE was (27.2±23.6) % and the mean society of thoracic surgery (STS) mortality score was (9.1±4.8) %. Five cases had bicuspid aortic valve. TAVR was successfully performed in all 10 patients, and valve-in-valve implantation was done in 1 (10%) case. Immediately after procedure, the peak trans-aortic valve pressure gradient decreases from (85.9±22.7) mmHg to (23.2±5.4) mmHg. One case had marginal moderate periprosthetic leak and one case received stent implantation for femoral artery complication during the procedure. During hospitalization, 1 case had blood transfusion for gastrointestinal bleeding and permanent pacemakers were implanted in 2 (2/10) cases. The survival rate was 10/10 at 30 days after TAVR. One case with end-stage renal disease died for gastrointestinal bleeding 36 days after TAVR. For the other 9 patients, 12 months echocardiography data showed that the peak and mean trans-aortic valve gradient was (20.0±5.2) mmHg and (10.6±3.1) mmHg respectively. The lef t ventricular diastolic diameter(LVDD)decreased[(56.5±9.4)mm vs.(51.8±7.6)mm,P=0.035] and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)increased significantly[(46.9±22.2)% vs.(63.7±9.4)%, P=0.029].To date,median follow-up period was(22.0±4.8)month.Clinical symptoms improved in all the 9 cases. The patient with periprosthetic leak had record of hospitalization for several times due to heart failure. Conclusions From the initial TAVR experience of our hospital, TAVR can be done safely and smoothly after strictly TAVR candidate cases selection.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of esophageal replacement with ileocolon graft. Methods: Totally 34 cases of esophageal replacement with ileocolon graft from July 2015 to November 2017 at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University were analyzed retrospectively, including 24 male and 10 female, aging from 7 to 72 years old. Esophageal replacement with ileocolon graft by right and/or middle colic artery as a blood supply using retrosternal route except one subcutaneous route. The primary esophageal disease, postoperative complication rate and quality of life were analyzed. Results: The overall postoperative complication rate was 23.5% (8/34), cervical anastomotic leakage rate of 5.9% (2/34), necrosis of colon graft of 5.9% (2/34). There were 3 patients experienced re-operation including 2 patients with colon graft necrosis and 1 patient with intestinal obstruction after ERC. One patient with colon graft necrosis died of septic shock after reoperation. Six cases of cervical esophago-jejunal anastomosis stenosis and 1 case of diarrhea occurred in the later time. All patients were followed up for a median time of 9 months (range: 1 to 28 months), 32 cases survived but 1 patient died until last follow-up by the end of December 2017. Conclusion Esophageal replacement with ileocolon graft by right and/or middle colic artery as a blood supply using retrosternal route was safe and effective.

Objective To study the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in high epidemic areas. Methods Reported data on typhoid and paratyphoid fever during 1988- 2007 in Ningbo were analyzed epidemiologically. Shellfish from the market was collected for laboratory testing and ,Salmonella typhi strains collected from the patients were also studied. Results Number of reported cases on both typhoid and paratyphoid fever was 19 404 with 7 deaths, from 1988 to 2007. The annual mean incidence was 17.68 per one hundred thousand with the fatality rate as 0.36 per thousand. Most cases were among adults aged 20-50 years and an obvious regional distribution was observed with high incidence seen in winter and spring. Since 1990s, the advantage strain had changed from Salmonella typhi to Salmonella paratyphi A. Etiologic studies showed that raw Anadara subcrenata and oyster were the main risk factors. One Salmonella paratyphi A strain was detected in both Anadara subcrenata and oysters collected from the market, which contained TEM-1 drug resistance gene. PFGE genotyping showed that PFGE-X2 was the strain which causing pandemic in Ningbo. Conclusion Eating contaminated raw shellfish like oysters and hairy clams was the primary risk factor, responsible for the outbreaks. Salmonella paratyphi A was the advantages pandemic strain in Ningbo. Strategies as supervision on personal hygiene and health education should be strengthened.