Objective:To investigate the relationship between symptoms of vertigo and vestibular functions and short-term hearing outcomes in patients with flat descending sudden sensorineural hearing loss （SSNHL）. Methods:A retrospective review was conducted of the vestibular symptoms observed in 48 patients with unilateral flat-down sudden sensorineural hearing loss treated at the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Symptoms of vertigo and the results of cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials （cVEMP）, ocular VEMP （oVEMP）, caloric test and video head-impulse test （vHIT） were collected to determine whether these factors could predict therapeutic efficacy. Results:The symptoms of vertigo was not correlated with prognosis （P>0.05） or with abnormal vestibular functions （P>0.05）. Patients with abnormal cVEMP, oVEMP, caloric test or vHIT showed significantly lower effective rates （32.0%, 44.0%, 32.0%, and 24.0%, respectively）; the greater the number of abnormal tests, the poorer the outcome. Patients with all four tests abnormal gained only （3.13±15.97） dB HL in hearing recovery, whereas those with normal cVEMP, oVEMP, caloric test or vHIT showed better chances of hearing improvements by （29.22±20.31）, （31.18±21.59）, （26.17±21.31）, and （26.38±24.05） dB HL, respectively. Conclusion:Vestibular function effectively predicts prognosis in flat descending SSNHL. Patients with abnormal vestibular tests, regardless of symptoms of vertigo, responded poorly to treatment, whereas those with normal cVEMP, oVEMP, caloric test and vHIT results achieved better hearing recovery. Abnormal vestibular function implies more extensive and severe inner-ear lesions in patients with SSNHL.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Vertigo/diagnosis* ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/diagnosis* ; Young Adult ; Hearing Loss, Sudden/diagnosis* ; Adolescent ; Aged ; Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials

Obesity usually exacerbates the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (ITME), hindering CD8⁺ T cell infiltration and function, which further represents a significant barrier to the efficacy of immunotherapy. Herein, a multifunctional liposomal system (CR-Lip) for encapsulating celastrol (CEL) was utilized to remodel obesity-related ITME and improve cancer immunotherapy, wherein Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) was detected interspersed in the phospholipid bilayer and its glycosyl exposed on the surface of the liposome. CR-Lip had a relatively uniform size (116.5 nm), facilitating favorable tumor tissue accumulation through the interaction between Rg3 and glucose transporter 1 overexpressed in obese tumor cells. Upon reaching the tumor region, CR-Lip was found to induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) of HFD tumor cells. Notably, the level of PHD3 in HFD tumor cells was effectively boosted by CR-Lip to effectively block metabolic reprogramming and increase the availability of major free fatty acids fuel sources. In vivo, experiments studies revealed that the easy-obtained nano platform stimulated enhanced the production of various cytokines in tumor tissues, DC maturation, CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration, and synergistic anticancer therapeutic potency with aPD-1 (tumor inhibition rate = 82.1%) towards obesity-related melanoma. Consequently, this study presented an efficacious approach to tumor immunotherapy in obese mice by encompassing tumor eradication, inducing ICD, and reprogramming metabolism. Furthermore, it offered a unique insight into a valuable attempt at the immunotherapy of obesity-associated related tumors.

Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of sublingual gland flap in the repair of postoperative jaw defects because of chronic phosphorous osteomyelitis(PNJ)and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw(MRONT).Methods:3 patients with PNJ and 2 with MRONJ were treated by sublingual gland flap in the repair of the postoperative jaw defet.The treatment effects were evalua-ted by clinical obseration.Results:In the 5 patients the wound healed well within 2 weeks postoperatively,with no infection and with normal sublingual gland function after surgery.Conclusion:The use of sublingual gland flap is an effective and feasible method for re-pairing local defects in the mandibles after surgery for chronic PNJ and MRONJ.

2 patients with lateral orbital malignant tumors were treated by tumor resection and autologous pedicled coronoid-temporalis muscle flap repair of the orbital wall defect.The flaps survived well without obvious facial collapse deformity and with good orbital wall func-tion and aesthetic effect,the mouth open pattern,the intra-oral occlusion and the masticatory function were satisfactory.

Medical education in China has undergone many changes amid the revolution of medical education worldwide. The Healthy China initiative in the new era highlights the increasing demand for a high-quality children's health service system as well as more excellent pediatricians. This article aims to delve into the current opportunities and challenges of pediatric education in China, summarize the response strategies, and take a look at the new mode of talent cultivation in pediatric medicine. With the rapid shift in the newborn population, the strengthening of multidisciplinary collaboration, the development of medical informatization, and the continuous improvement in scientific research levels, pediatric medical education is facing unprecedented opportunities. However, the late start of pediatrics and the lack of high-level talents have also brought great challenges to pediatric medical education. Therefore, future efforts should be focused on multi-disciplinary cooperation and innovative education and teaching to nurture pediatrician-scientists with innovative abilities and practical experience.

Background Improper settings of outdoor smoking points in public places may increase the risk of secondhand smoke exposure among the population. Conducting research on air pollution in and around smoking spots and related influencing factors can provide valuable insights for optimizing the setting of outdoor smoking points. Objective To investigate the influence of the number of smokers at outdoor smoking points and the distance on the diffusion characteristics of surrounding air pollutants, in order to optimize the setting of outdoor smoking points. Methods Surrounding the exhibition halls in the China International Import Expo (CIIE), two outdoor smoking points were randomly selected, one on the first floor (ground level) and the other on the second floor (16 m above ground), respectively. At 0, 3, 6, and 9 m from the smoking points in the same direction, validated portable air pollutant monitors were used to measure the real-time fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations for consecutive 5 d during the exhibition, as well as the environmental meteorological factors at 0 m with weather meters including wind speed, wind direction, and air pressure. An open outdoor atmospheric background sampling point was selected on each of the two floors to carry out parallel sampling. Simultaneously, the number of smokers at each smoking point were double recorded per minute. The relationships between the number of smokers, distance from the smoking points, and ambient PM_2.5 and CO₂ concentrations were evaluated by generalized additive regression models for time-series data after adjustment of confounders such as temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. Results The median numbers of smokers at smoking points on the first and second floors were 6 [interquartile range (IQR): 3, 9] and 9 (IQR: 6, 13), respectively. Windless (wind speed <0.6 m·s⁻¹) occupied most of the time (85.9%) at both locations. The average concentration of ambient PM_2.5 at the smoking points (0 m) [mean ± standard deviation, (106±114) μg·m⁻³] was 4.2 times higher than that of the atmospheric background [(25±7) μg·m⁻³], the PM_2.5 concentration showed a gradient decline with the increase of distance from the smoking points, and the average PM_2.5 concentration at 9 m points [(35±22) μg·m⁻³] was close to the background level (1.4 times higher). The maximum concentration of CO₂ [(628±23) μmol·mol⁻¹] was observed at 0 m, and its average value was 1.3 times higher than that of the atmospheric background [(481±40) μmol·mol⁻¹], and there was no gradient decrease in CO₂ concentration with increasing distance at 0, 3, 6, and 9 m points. The regression analyses showed that, taking smoking point as the reference, every 3 m increase in distance was associated with a decrease of ambient PM_2.5 by 24.6 [95% confidence interval (95%CI): 23.5, 25.8] μg·m⁻³ (23.2%) and CO₂ by 54.1 (95%CI: 53.1, 55.1) μmol·mol⁻¹ (8.6%). Every one extra smoker at the smoking point was associated with an average increase of PM_2.5 and CO₂ by 2.0 (95%CI: 1.7, 2.8) μg·m⁻³ and 1.0 (95%CI: 0.7，1.2) μmol·mol⁻¹, respectively. The sensitivity analysis indicated that, under windless conditions, the concentrations of PM_2.5 and CO₂ at the smoking points were even higher but the decreasing and dispersion characteristics remained consistent. Conclusion Outdoor smoking points could significantly increase the PM_2.5 concentrations in the surrounding air and the risks of secondhand smoke exposure, despite of the noticeable decreasing trend with increasing distance. Considering the inevitable poor dispersion conditions such as windless and light wind, outdoor smoking points are recommended to be set at least 9 m or farther away from non-smoking areas.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an independent risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), and the patients with CRC and T2DM have worse survival. The human gut microbiota (GM) is linked to the development of CRC and T2DM, respectively. However, the GM characteristics in patients with CRC and T2DM remain unclear. METHODS: We performed fecal metagenomic and targeted metabolomics studies on 36 samples from CRC patients with T2DM (DCRC group, n = 12), CRC patients without diabetes (CRC group, n = 12), and healthy controls (Health group, n = 12). We analyzed the fecal microbiomes, characterized the composition and function based on the metagenomics of DCRC patients, and detected the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BAs) levels in all fecal samples. Finally, we performed a correlation analysis of the differential bacteria and metabolites between different groups. RESULTS: Compared with the CRC group, LefSe analysis showed that there is a specific GM community in DCRC group, including an increased abundance of Eggerthella , Hungatella , Peptostreptococcus , and Parvimonas , and decreased Butyricicoccus , Lactobacillus , and Paraprevotella . The metabolomics analysis results revealed that the butyric acid level was lower but the deoxycholic acid and 12-keto-lithocholic acid levels were higher in the DCRC group than other groups ( P < 0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the dominant bacterial abundance in the DCRC group ( Parvimonas , Desulfurispora , Sebaldella , and Veillonellales , among others) was negatively correlated with butyric acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, cholic acid and glycocholate. However, the abundance of mostly inferior bacteria was positively correlated with these metabolic acid levels, including Faecalibacterium , Thermococci , and Cellulophaga . CONCLUSIONS Unique fecal microbiome signatures exist in CRC patients with T2DM compared to those with non-diabetic CRC. Alterations in GM composition and SCFAs and secondary BAs levels may promote CRC development.
Humans ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Microbiota ; Bacteria/genetics* ; Fatty Acids, Volatile ; Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Butyrates ; Feces/microbiology*

Objective:To investigate the anatomy of rectus femoris muscle flap and the anterolateral thigh muscle flap and their clinical application in reconstruction of large soft tissue defects after the removal of oral malignant tumour.Methods:From December 2006 to June 2009, 8 specimens of Chinese adult cadavers fixed in 10% formaldehyde were dissected to perform anatomy of anterolateral thigh region at the School of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University. Anatomical images were analysed using Image-Pro Plus 6.0. Then, a retrospective study was performed on 19 patients who had postoperative defects after oral malignant tumour surgery and the defects were reconstructed with the rectus femoris muscle flap and the anterolateral thigh muscle flap from March 2020 to July 2022 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital, Kunming Medical University. The postoperative defects of the 19 patients ranged from 3.0 cm×6.0 cm to 5.0 cm×10.0 cm. Ten rectus femoris muscle flaps, 8 anterolateral thigh muscle flaps and 1 combined rectus femoris muscle flap and anterolateral thigh muscle flap were used. The muscular flaps sized from 4.0 cm × 8.0 cm to 6.0 cm × 11.0 cm. Regular postoperative outpatient follow-ups were conducted.Results:The lengths of vessels of the harvested rectus femoris muscle flap and anterolateral thigh muscle flap were 63.4 mm± 12.9 mm and 112.5 mm± 19.6 mm, respectively. The starting outer diameters of the lateral circumflex thigh artery, the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex thigh artery and the descending branch of the lateral circumflex thigh artery were 2.92 mm±0.72 mm, 1.88 mm±0.23 mm and 2.29 mm±0.43 mm, respectively. Postoperative follow-up lasted for 7 to 32 months, with 17.5 months in average. Seventeen flaps were completely survived and the rectus femoris muscle flap was completely mucosalised 5 weeks after surgery. However, 2 rectus femoris muscle flaps had necrosis of which one was changed to a tongue flap reconstruction and the other encountered flap necrosis during postoperative radiotherapy and healed after debridement and dressing changes. There was no postoperative complication in the donor sites. Other than the 2 patients, all other 17 patients had satisfactory clinical outcomes.Conclusion:Both of the starting outer diameters and length of vessels of the femoris muscle flap and the anterolateral thigh muscle flap meet the requirements for reconstruction of maxillofacial defects, and both muscular flaps are simple to prepare, in good reconstructive results with few complication, as well as an excellent outcome. They are feasible approaches for reconstruction of large soft tissue defects left after the removal of an oral malignant tumour.

Objective:To identify the risk factors of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in critically ill lung surgery patients and establish a nomogram.Methods:213 critically ill lung surgery patients were collected in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021. Logistic analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of POAF. A nomogram was developed based on the verified risk factors. Results:The independent risk factors associated with POAF was mitral regurgitation ( OR=4.270, 95% CI: 1.380-13.213, P=0.012), cedilanid ( OR=14.619, 95% CI: 2.913-73.373, P=0.001), catecholamine ( OR=3.244, 95% CI: 1.144-9.203, P=0.027), pericardiotomy( OR=6.079, 95% CI: 1.362-27.128, P=0.009), systematic lymph node dissection( OR=5.460, 95% CI: 1.770-16.846, P=0.003). Nomogram model showed the ROC was 0.801(95% CI: 0.721-0.881, P<0.001). Conclusion:The risk factors of POAF in critically ill lung surgery patients are mitral regurgitation, cedilanid, catecholamine, pericardiotomy and systematic lymph node dissection. The nomogram predicted POAF better than other scoring systems.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of the changes of platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the therapeutic efficacy of the neoadjuvant treatment for breast cancer.Methods:The clinical data of 72 breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant therapy in Nantong Tumor Hospital between February 2020 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed and the changes of PLR and NLR before and after neoadjuvant therapy were also analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the predictive value of PLR, NLR and their changes in pathological complete remission (pCR) after neoadjuvant therapy.Results:The area under the ROC curve of PLR and NLR before the treatment, the difference in PLR before and after the treatment (ΔPLR), the difference in NLR before and after the treatment (ΔNLR) in predicting pCR was 0.520, 0.505,0.724 and 0.686,and the corresponding cut-off value was 269.231, 2.559, -2.840 and -1.457; the patients were divided into high and low groups according to the cut-off values. NLR before the treatment was not correlated with clinicopathological characteristics (all P > 0.05),while PLR before the treatment was correlated with tumor size ( P = 0.029), and ΔPLR was correlated with progesterone receptor expression ( P = 0.025), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression ( P < 0.001), molecular subtype ( P < 0.001), N stage ( P = 0.002), clinical stage ( P = 0.002) and treatment modality ( P < 0.001). ΔNLR was associated with HER2 expression ( P = 0.002), molecular subtype ( P = 0.024), tumor size ( P = 0.007), neural invasion ( P = 0.006), N stage ( P = 0.006), clinical stage ( P = 0.016) and treatment modality ( P = 0.014). ΔPLR and ΔNLR were influencing factors for patients achieving pCR after neoadjuvant therapy (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Stage Ⅲ invasive breast cancer patients with higher ΔPLR and ΔNLR after neoadjuvant therapy have better prognosis.