Objective To investigate the perioperative safety of patients with myasthenia gravis who take high doses of oral glucocorticoids. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with myasthenia gravis who received oral glucocorticoids and underwent thoracoscopic thymectomy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital from April 2013 to October 2019. Patients were divided into a high-dose steroid group and a medium-to-low dose steroid group based on the dosage of oral steroids, and the clinical data of the two groups were compared. Results A total of 102 patients were included, including 19 (18.62%) males and 83 (81.37%) females, with an average age of (32.25±9.83) years. There were 75 patients in the medium-to-low dose steroid group and 27 patients in the high-dose steroid group. All patients in both groups successfully completed the surgery without major intraoperative bleeding, conversion to open chest surgery, delayed extubation, severe infection, or perioperative death. The daily oral steroid dose for the high-dose steroid group was (35.81±4.29) mg, and for the medium-to-low dose steroid group it was (15.29±2.17) mg. There was no statistical difference in the operation time [(124.69±23.51) min vs. (117.89±21.46) min, P=0.172] and intraoperative blood loss [(21.19±3.48) mL vs. (20.56±3.41) mL, P=0.419] between the two groups. Postoperatively, 12 (11.76%) patients developed complications: one patient of myasthenic crisis (the medium-to-low dose steroid group), which was improved after short-term respiratory support and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment; 11 patients of respiratory/swallowing difficulties (9 in the medium-to-low dose steroid group and 2 in the high-dose steroid group), which were improved after anticholinergic treatment to reduce oral secretions and sputum suction, and the patients were discharged smoothly. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P=0.637). Conclusion On the basis of good perioperative management, it is safe and feasible for patients with myasthenia gravis who take high dose of oral steroids to undergo thymectomy, and they have the same perioperative safety as patients with medium-to-low dose steroids.

The intervertebral disc is a complex structure composed of the central nucleus pulposus, the peripheral annulus fibrosus, and the cartilaginous endplates located at the top and bottom. This unique arrangement effectively isolates the nucleus pulposus from the host’s immune system. Additionally, specific substances within the intervertebral disc exhibit inhibitory effects on the infiltration of immune cells and cytokines, which has led to the recognition of the intervertebral disc as an immune-privileged tissue. However, during intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), the physical barriers that maintain this immune privilege are compromised. As a result, the nucleus pulposus may be perceived as a foreign antigen by the immune system. Simultaneously, inflammatory cytokines released by the degenerating disc attract a significant influx of immune cells, disrupting the delicate immunological balance within the nucleus pulposus and exacerbating the progression of IDD. Recent studies have confirmed the infiltration of immune cells such as macrophages and mast cells into the degenerative intervertebral disc, and the phenotypic characteristics and quantitative changes of these immune cells are closely related to the process of IDD. In terms of treatment strategies, biological agents such as mesenchymal stem cell therapy, gene therapy and growth factors that regulate the immune microenvironment of degenerative intervertebral discs have entered the stage of animal experiments. At the same time, small molecule drugs have shown unique regulatory potential in restoring the immune-privileged status of intervertebral discs.

The intervertebral disc is a complex structure composed of the central nucleus pulposus, the peripheral annulus fibrosus, and the cartilaginous endplates located at the top and bottom. This unique arrangement effectively isolates the nucleus pulposus from the host’s immune system. Additionally, specific substances within the intervertebral disc exhibit inhibitory effects on the infiltration of immune cells and cytokines, which has led to the recognition of the intervertebral disc as an immune-privileged tissue. However, during intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), the physical barriers that maintain this immune privilege are compromised. As a result, the nucleus pulposus may be perceived as a foreign antigen by the immune system. Simultaneously, inflammatory cytokines released by the degenerating disc attract a significant influx of immune cells, disrupting the delicate immunological balance within the nucleus pulposus and exacerbating the progression of IDD. Recent studies have confirmed the infiltration of immune cells such as macrophages and mast cells into the degenerative intervertebral disc, and the phenotypic characteristics and quantitative changes of these immune cells are closely related to the process of IDD. In terms of treatment strategies, biological agents such as mesenchymal stem cell therapy, gene therapy and growth factors that regulate the immune microenvironment of degenerative intervertebral discs have entered the stage of animal experiments. At the same time, small molecule drugs have shown unique regulatory potential in restoring the immune-privileged status of intervertebral discs.

Discogenic low back pain from intervertebral disc degeneration was one of the major public health problems in the world, leading to global workforce decline. Recent studies showed that microorganisms existed in the intervertebral disc with significant differences between the normal intervertebral disc and the degenerated ones in not only species and numbers but also the changes of their functional activities. In addition, there was an overlap in microbial populations between the gut and the intervertebral disc, suggesting that the gut microbiota may play a key role in the pathological process of intervertebral disc degeneration. To further explore the relationship between gut microbiota and the host immune metabolic system, the concept of gut-organ axis was established. Researchers proposed the theory of gut-intervertebral disc axis to clarify the specific mechanism of intestinal flora in intervertebral disc degeneration. Studies showed that microorganisms could enter the intervertebral disc in a variety of ways, such as hematogenous transmission, lymphatic route, and invasion through annulus fibrosus tears. The arrival of these microorganisms in the intervertebral disc would trigger a series of local immune and inflammatory responses, promoting the degeneration of the intervertebral disc tissue. In the future, precision medical strategies targeting the gut and intervertebral disc microbiome may become promising in the prevention and treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. With further research in this field, the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration by targeting the gut and intervertebral disc microbiota showed great clinical value. This article reviewed and discussed the effect of intestinal flora imbalance on intervertebral disc degeneration and the potential therapeutic effect of adjusting intestinal flora on intervertebral disc degeneration. The theory of gut-intervertebral disc axis, which provided a new perspective to understand the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration, supported innovative treatment methods in the future.

Discogenic low back pain from intervertebral disc degeneration was one of the major public health problems in the world, leading to global workforce decline. Recent studies showed that microorganisms existed in the intervertebral disc with significant differences between the normal intervertebral disc and the degenerated ones in not only species and numbers but also the changes of their functional activities. In addition, there was an overlap in microbial populations between the gut and the intervertebral disc, suggesting that the gut microbiota may play a key role in the pathological process of intervertebral disc degeneration. To further explore the relationship between gut microbiota and the host immune metabolic system, the concept of gut-organ axis was established. Researchers proposed the theory of gut-intervertebral disc axis to clarify the specific mechanism of intestinal flora in intervertebral disc degeneration. Studies showed that microorganisms could enter the intervertebral disc in a variety of ways, such as hematogenous transmission, lymphatic route, and invasion through annulus fibrosus tears. The arrival of these microorganisms in the intervertebral disc would trigger a series of local immune and inflammatory responses, promoting the degeneration of the intervertebral disc tissue. In the future, precision medical strategies targeting the gut and intervertebral disc microbiome may become promising in the prevention and treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration. With further research in this field, the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration by targeting the gut and intervertebral disc microbiota showed great clinical value. This article reviewed and discussed the effect of intestinal flora imbalance on intervertebral disc degeneration and the potential therapeutic effect of adjusting intestinal flora on intervertebral disc degeneration. The theory of gut-intervertebral disc axis, which provided a new perspective to understand the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration, supported innovative treatment methods in the future.

Objective    To assess the feasibility and safety of ultra-micro 5 mm single-port endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy in selected patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods    From March 1, 2018 to February 1, 2021, 90 patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis who underwent ultra-micro 5 mm single-port endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy at the Thoracic Surgery Department of the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital. There were 47 males and 43 females, with a median age of 26.0 (22.0, 31.0) years. During the operation, T3 and/or T4 thoracic sympathetic nerve chain was transected using an ultra-micro 5 mm single-port incision near the areola or under the axilla. The surgical data of the patients were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Results     All patients successfully completed the operation without major bleeding during the operation and no conversion to thoracotomy. There was no death or serious complication during the perioperative period. The operation time was 43.0 (23.0, 60.0) min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 2.0 (1.0, 2.0) mL. In the perioperative period, only one patient needed a tiny chest tube indwelling. The symptoms of hyperhidrosis on the hands all disappeared after the operation. The pain score on the postoperative day was 2.0 (2.0, 2.0) points. The hospital stay after surgery was 1.0 (1.0, 1.0) d. In the first month after the operation, the symptoms of hyperhidrosis on the hands were significantly relieved compared with those before the operation. The surgical incisions healed well, the wounds were concealed, and there was no wound infection or poor healing. The patients' satisfaction with the surgical incisions was 100.0%. After the operation, 14 (15.6%) patients had mild compensatory hyperhidrosis, 5 (5.6%) patients had moderate compensatory hyperhidrosis, and no patient had severe compensatory hyperhidrosis. Overall satisfaction rate was 94.0%. Conclusion     The clinical application of ultra-micro 5 mm single-port endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy in selected patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis is safe and feasible. The surgical wound is extremely small and hidden, the operation time is short, the pain is very slight, and the clinical outcome is good. It can fully meet the patients' pursuit of beauty.

Objective: To screen the risk factors of patients with frequent acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by detecting the clinical indicators of periodontitis and the level of bacterial and inflammatory markers in saliva. Methods: Thirty-eight COPD patients in their stable period were recruited and detected from Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital,Capital Medical University during December 2016 to May 2017. The periodontal index were recorded. The levels of inflammatory factors in saliva samples were examined by using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The bacteria composition in the saliva samples were identified by using 16SrRNA gene pyrosequencing. All patients were followed up and monitored for acute exacerbation of COPD for 12 months. The patients were divided into frequent acute exacerbation group (≥2 times/year, n=10) and non frequent acute exacerbation group (<2 times/year, n=28). Results: In univariate analysis, the patients′ average age of frequent acute exacerbation group (69.0±7.3) was significantly older than that of non-frequent acute exacerbation group (61.8±8.3) (P=0.02). The numbers of remaining teeth ≤26 [100% (10/10)] was significantly higher and plaque index ≤2.5 (2/10) in frequent acute exacerbation group was significantly lower compared with the remaining teeth ≤26 [43% (12/28)] and the plaque index ≤2.5 [71% (21/28)] in non-frequent acute exacerbation group (P=0.02, P=0.01). The proportions of salivary inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) level ≤60 ng/L (10%),C-reactive protein (CRP) level ≤1 550 μg/L (30%), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) level ≤140 μg/L (30%) and fibrinogen level ≤90 mg/L (30%) in frequent acute exacerbation group were significantly lower compared with salivary inflammatory factors IL-6 level ≤60 ng/L (71%),CRP level ≤1 550 μg/L (71%), MMP-8 level ≤140 μg/L (86%) and fibrinogen level ≤90 mg/L (71%) in non-frequent acute exacerbation group (P<0.05). The differences of relative abundances of salivary bacteria,such as species of Chloroflexi, Anaerolineae, Anaeroales, Corynebacteriales, Anaerolineaceae, Tissierellaceae, Leptotrichiaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Leptotrichia, Moryella, Lachnoanaerobaculum and Corynebacterium between frequent acute exacerbation group and non-frequent acute exacerbation group were significantly different (P<0.05). In multivariate logistics regression analysis,the level of IL-6 >60 ng/L and the relative abundance of Corynebacteriales >0.2 had significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusions The level of IL-6 and the relative abundance of Corynebacteriales might be the markers of frequent acute exacerbation in COPD patients.

Objective To evaluate the role of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 ( CXCR4) in the dorsal root ganglia ( DRG) in incisional pain in rats. Methods Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 7-10 weeks, weighing 250-300 g, in which intrathecal catheters were successfully implanted, were divided into 4 groups (n＝8 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (group S), CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 plus sham operation group (group A+S), incisional pain group (group I) and CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 plus incisional pain group (group A+I). Rats were anesthetized with sevoflu-rane. AMD3100 20 μg (in 10 μl of normal saline) was intrathecally injected, and no incision was made 30 min later in group A+S. A 1-cm longitudinal incision was made through skin, fascia and muscle of the plantar aspect of the left hindpaw in group I. AMD3100 20 μg (in 10 μl of normal saline) was intrathecally injected, and 30 min later the model of incisional pain was established in group A+I. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold ( MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency ( TWL) were measured at 24 h before surgery and 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h after surgery. The rats were sacrificed after the last measurement of pain threshold and the DRGs of the lumbar segment (L4-6) were removed for detecting the expression of CXCR4, phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinase ( p-ERK) and total ERK ( t-ERK) by Western blot. Results Compared with group S, MWT was significantly decreased and TWL was shortened at T1-5in group I and group A+I, and the expression of CXCR4 and p-ERK in DRGs was significantly up-regulated (P＜0. 05), and no significant change was found in the expression of t-ERK in group I, no significant change was found in the expression of CXCR4, p-ERK and t-ERK in group A+I, and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group A+S (P＞0. 05). Compared with group I, MWT was significantly increased and TWL was prolonged at T1-5, the expression of CXCR4 and p-ERK in DRGs was down-regulated (P＜0. 05), and no significant change was found in the expression of t-ERK in group A+I (P＞0. 05). Conclusion CXCR4 in DRGs is involved in incisional pain, and the mechanism may be re-lated to activating ERK1∕2 signaling pathway in rats.

Objective To detect the metabolites of non-motor functional area in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS).Methods Forty-two PD patients (PD group) tested with unified PD rating scale (UPDRS) and 20 healthy controls(normal control group) were enrolled in this study.MRI and 1H-MRS using a GE signa excite1.5T MR was obtained,and the ratios of metabolites such as N-acetylaspartate(NAA)/creatin(Cr),NAA/cholinecompounds(Cho) in the prefrontal lobe,hippocampus,cuneus gyrus and dorsal thalamus were compared.Correlations between brain metabolites and UPDRS were analyzed.Results The levels of NAA/Cr,and NAA/Cho in bilateral dorsal thalamus,cuneus gyrus,hippocampus,prefrontal lobe in PD group were significantly lower than those in normal control group (P ＜ 0.01).The level of Cho/Cr in right hippocampus,right cuneus gyms,and right dorsal thalamus in PD group was significantly higher than that in normal control group (P ＜ 0.05).The NAA/Cho in the left hippocampus (r =-0.388,P =0.011) and left cuneus gyrus (r =-0.325,P =0.036) was negatively correlated with UPDRS scores (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions There is extensive neuronal damage and some glial proliferation in the non-motor functional areas including prefrontal lobe,hippocampus,cuneus gyrus,anddorsal thalamus in the PD patients.The degree of damage in left hippocampus and left cuneus gyms is positively correlated with the severity of the disease clinically.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of fast track surgery (FTS) in l aparoscopy-assisted radical distal gastrectomy (LADG) for gastric cancer.MethodsSixty-one patientswith distal gastric cancer were randomly divided into three groups:FTS + LADG group (n =19) undergoing LADG and FTS treatments,LADG group (n =22) undergoing LADG and traditional perioperative cares,and FTS + ODG ( open distal gastrectomy) group ( n =21 ) undergoing ODG and FTS treatments.FTS treatments included avoidance of mechanical bowel cleansing,restrictive perioperative intravenous infusion,early ambulation,early enteral nutrition.The age,sex,body weight,anastomotic mode,number of lymph node dissected,and tumor stage,serum albumin (ALB),blood urea nitrogen (BUN),C-reaction protein (CRP),flatus time,postoperative hospital stay,medical cost,and postoperative complications were compared between three groups. ResultsThe level of ALB in FTS + LADG group were higher than in LADG group at the 4th and 7th day after surgery ( P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01 ).Compared to LADG group,the variation of ALB from preoperation to 4th day after surgery in FTS + LADG group and FTS + ODG group was significant( P ＜ 0.01,P ＜ 0.05 ).CRP level between FTS + LADG group and FTS + ODG group were different significantly at 4th and 7th day after surgery ( P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.05).FTS + LADG group has earlier recovery of gastrointestinal peristalsis than other two groups ( P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.05 ).The medical cost in FTS + LADG group was less than in LADG group ( P =0.003 ),but higher than in FTS + ODG group (P ＜0.01 ).ConclusionsThe practice of FTS in LADG was safe,effective,improves nutritional status,eases stress reaction,accelerates gastrointestinal peristalsis and postoperative rehabilitation.