Objective:To investigate the association between high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) persistent infection and vaginal microecology.Methods:A total of 53 women were enrolled in the gynecological clinic of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from January 2020 to January 2021, including 7 women without HPV and 46 women with hrHPV infection. Among the hrHPV infected women, 24 woemn who did not use any drugs were classified as the observation group and the other 22 women who were given standardized interferon vaginal administration for 3 months were regarded as the treatment group. Vaginal secretions of all women were taken for Gram-stained microecological test at the time of enrollment and at the 4, 8, and 12 month follow-up. HPV turning negative was taken as the end point of follow-up.Results:(1) Women of hrHPV persistent infection in the observation and treatmnet groups had more times of abortions ( P=0.180). (2) The hrHPV negative conversion rate was 17% (4/24) in the observation group and 36% (8/22) in the treatment group, but the difference was not significant ( P=0.183). The median hrHPV negative conversion time were 11.0 months and 7.5 months in the observation and treatment groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.001). (3) Vaginal microecology was generally normal at the time of enrollment and at the end of follow-up in women with HPV natural negative conversion in the observation group. While vaginal microecological disorders were more common in women with hrHPV persistent infection in the observation and treatmnet groups, including high vaginal pH value, poor vaginal cleanliness, poor grade of Lactobacillus and increased vaginal clutter bacteria, and the vaginal microecological situation did not improve after the 12-month follow-up. (4) In the treatment group, women who turned HPV negative within six months all had normal vaginal microecology when enrollment (5/5). While those who turned negative six months later had a higher proportion of vaginal clutter bacteria (2/3), a poor grade of Lactobacillus (2/3) and a higher proportion of vaginal dysbiosis (2/3). Conclusions:(1) Interferon therapy could shorten the negative turning time of hrHPV. (2) Women with normal vaginal microecology have the ability to naturally clear hrHPV. (3) The vaginal microecological Gram-stain test has limited value in predicting hrHPV clearance, perhaps due to its inability to detect Lactobacillus subtypes.

Objective:To establish a rat model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and to directly observe the histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics of vaginal mucosal barrier after Candida albicans infection and treatment with Lactobacillus crispatus.Methods:Female unmated SD rats were used to establish the VVC model and divided into three groups (normal group, VVC group, and Lactobacillus group; n=6 per group). Lactobacillus group received intravaginal administration of Lactobacillus crispatus suspension, while rats in VVC group and normal group were infused with phosphate buffered solution instead. Vaginal tissues were collected on day 4 post-treatment for HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (to observe ultrastructural pathological changes). Results:The results of HE staining revealed the disruption and desquamation of vaginal epithelium, necrotic epithelial tissues, neutrophil infiltration in Candida albicans-infected rats. Lactobacillus crispatus intervention restored the damaged vaginal mucosal structure (mucosal layers and thickness) to normal levels, mucosal layers of Lactobacillus group and normal group were 9.50±1.38 vs 10.67±1.03 ( P=0.226), mucosal thickness of Lactobacillus group and normal group were (116.50±12.14) vs (130.33±13.91) μm ( P=0.211). The results of transmission electron microscopy revealed intercellular desmosome rupture, loss of microvilli and glycocalyx on superficial cells, and mitochondrial swelling in Candida albicans-infected rats. Lactobacillus crispatus intervention restored the damaged vaginal mucosal ultrastructures (mitochondria and intercellular connections, etc.) to normal levels. Conclusions:Fungal infection severely disrupte the vaginal mucosal barrier in rats. Lactobacillus crispatus could restore the vaginal mucosal barrier and epithelial ultrastructures.

Objective:To investigate the association between high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) persistent infection and vaginal microecology.Methods:A total of 53 women were enrolled in the gynecological clinic of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from January 2020 to January 2021, including 7 women without HPV and 46 women with hrHPV infection. Among the hrHPV infected women, 24 woemn who did not use any drugs were classified as the observation group and the other 22 women who were given standardized interferon vaginal administration for 3 months were regarded as the treatment group. Vaginal secretions of all women were taken for Gram-stained microecological test at the time of enrollment and at the 4, 8, and 12 month follow-up. HPV turning negative was taken as the end point of follow-up.Results:(1) Women of hrHPV persistent infection in the observation and treatmnet groups had more times of abortions ( P=0.180). (2) The hrHPV negative conversion rate was 17% (4/24) in the observation group and 36% (8/22) in the treatment group, but the difference was not significant ( P=0.183). The median hrHPV negative conversion time were 11.0 months and 7.5 months in the observation and treatment groups, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P=0.001). (3) Vaginal microecology was generally normal at the time of enrollment and at the end of follow-up in women with HPV natural negative conversion in the observation group. While vaginal microecological disorders were more common in women with hrHPV persistent infection in the observation and treatmnet groups, including high vaginal pH value, poor vaginal cleanliness, poor grade of Lactobacillus and increased vaginal clutter bacteria, and the vaginal microecological situation did not improve after the 12-month follow-up. (4) In the treatment group, women who turned HPV negative within six months all had normal vaginal microecology when enrollment (5/5). While those who turned negative six months later had a higher proportion of vaginal clutter bacteria (2/3), a poor grade of Lactobacillus (2/3) and a higher proportion of vaginal dysbiosis (2/3). Conclusions:(1) Interferon therapy could shorten the negative turning time of hrHPV. (2) Women with normal vaginal microecology have the ability to naturally clear hrHPV. (3) The vaginal microecological Gram-stain test has limited value in predicting hrHPV clearance, perhaps due to its inability to detect Lactobacillus subtypes.

Objective:To establish a rat model of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and to directly observe the histopathological and ultrastructural characteristics of vaginal mucosal barrier after Candida albicans infection and treatment with Lactobacillus crispatus.Methods:Female unmated SD rats were used to establish the VVC model and divided into three groups (normal group, VVC group, and Lactobacillus group; n=6 per group). Lactobacillus group received intravaginal administration of Lactobacillus crispatus suspension, while rats in VVC group and normal group were infused with phosphate buffered solution instead. Vaginal tissues were collected on day 4 post-treatment for HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (to observe ultrastructural pathological changes). Results:The results of HE staining revealed the disruption and desquamation of vaginal epithelium, necrotic epithelial tissues, neutrophil infiltration in Candida albicans-infected rats. Lactobacillus crispatus intervention restored the damaged vaginal mucosal structure (mucosal layers and thickness) to normal levels, mucosal layers of Lactobacillus group and normal group were 9.50±1.38 vs 10.67±1.03 ( P=0.226), mucosal thickness of Lactobacillus group and normal group were (116.50±12.14) vs (130.33±13.91) μm ( P=0.211). The results of transmission electron microscopy revealed intercellular desmosome rupture, loss of microvilli and glycocalyx on superficial cells, and mitochondrial swelling in Candida albicans-infected rats. Lactobacillus crispatus intervention restored the damaged vaginal mucosal ultrastructures (mitochondria and intercellular connections, etc.) to normal levels. Conclusions:Fungal infection severely disrupte the vaginal mucosal barrier in rats. Lactobacillus crispatus could restore the vaginal mucosal barrier and epithelial ultrastructures.

Objective To investigate the long-term effect of frailty on heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)in elderly patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 245 HFrEF patients aged ≥75 years admitted to our hospital from October 2017 to October 2020 due to acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure(HF).Based on their clinical frailty scale(CFS)score,they were divided into frailty group(1-4,135 cases)and non-frailty group(5-9,110 cases).Their general clinical data,clinical medication,and prognosis were compared between the two groups,and the influencing factors for frailty and death were analyzed.Results Faster heart rate,higher NT-proBNP level,and larger proportions of male,diabetes,coronary heart disease,≥5 chronic diseases,LVEF ≤35％,anemia and increased troponin I level,while lower BMI,eGFR and score of activity of daily living scale were observed in the frailty group than the non-frailty group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The frail group had significantly lower utilization rates of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEI),angiotensin receptor blockers(ARB),angiotensin receptor enkephalin inhibitors(ARNI)β receptor blockers,and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors than the non-frailty group(P＜0.01).Additionally,the frailty group exhibited a higher incidence of emergency room visits/readmissions within 3 months and 2-year mortality than the non-frailty group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that ≥5 chronic diseases,LVEF ≤ 35％,BMI,and GFR were independent risk factors for frailty(OR=0.167,95％CI:0.064-0.453,P=0.000;OR=0.306,95％CI:0.160-0.586,P=0.000;OR=0.868,95％CI:0.786-0.958,P=0.005;OR=0.966,95％CI:0.943-0.991,P=0.007),while ≥5 chronic disea-ses and frailty were independent risk factors for death in HF patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion The incidence of frailty is high in elderly HF patients with HFrEF.They have poor compliance to guideline directed drug therapy(GDMT).Frailty is an independent risk factor for long-term mor-tality in the patients.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of utilizing Kaneka dual lumen microcatheter in combination with anchored balloon in treatment of bifurcation lesions in elderly patients with ra-dial artery 6 F catheter.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 168 patients(≥60 years)receiving bifurcation treatment with a 6 F catheter via the radial artery at the Heart Center of our hospital from January 2020 to January 2023.According to application of dual lumen micro-catheters and anchoring balloon technology or not,they were assigned into an anchoring group(81 cases old)and a control group(87 cases).A comparison was made between the two groups in terms of features of coronary artery disease,operation procedure,and MACE.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed.Results Lower incidence of dissection,shorter operation time,less X-ray exposure dose,and decreased contrast agent dosage were observed in the anchoring group when compared with the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).There was no statistical differ-ence in the MACE incidence between the two groups(4.9％vs 8.0％,P＞0.05).The side branch dissection and final TIMI grade＜3 of side branch flow were independent risk factors for postop-erative MACE in elderly patients with bifurcation lesions after surgery(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion Kaneka dual lumen microcatheter combined with anchored balloon technology via radial artery 6 F catheter has the advantages in effectively shorting operation time,minimizing X-ray exposure,reducing contrast agent usage,and diminishing the incidence of side branch dis-section in treatment of bifurcation lesions in elderly patients undergoing surgical treatment.

Objective To investigate the role of macrophages in the process of fine particulate matter (PM2.5)exposure induced damage to pulmonary blood-air barrier.Methods Eighteen male BALB/C mice (aged of 10 weeks,weighing 24～27 g)were randomly divided into control group and low-and high-dose PM2.5 exposure groups (receiving 1 .8 and 16.2 mg/kg,respectively),with 6 mice in each group.The control group received tracheal instillations of normal saline on days 1,4,and 7,whereas the exposure groups were administered corresponding dose of PM2.5 exposure at the same time points.In 24 h after last exposure,pathological changes in the lung tissues were observed,and the contents of total protein (TP ),lactate dehydrogenase (LDH ),and alkaline phosphatase (AKP ) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF ),and F4/80 protein level in lung tissue were measured to evaluate the blood-air barrier damage and macrophage infiltration within the lung tissues.Additionally,an in vitro model of the blood-air barrier was established using A549 alveolar epithelial cells and EA.hy926 vascular endothelial cells.In combination with a THP-1 macrophage model,the supernatant PM2.5 supernatant,macrophage supernatant,and PM2.5-macrophage supernatant were incubated with the barrier model for 24 h,respectively.Transmembrane electrical resistance (TEER),sodium fluorescein permeability of the barrier model,and LDH release from the barrier cells were measured to ascertain the extent of macrophage-mediated enhancement in barrier damage induced by PM2.5 exposure.Furthermore,the expression of inflammatory cytokines,such as TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 in the macrophages after PM2.5 exposure was analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR)and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results PM2.5 exposure induced lung tissue damage in mice in a dose-dependent manner,significantly elevated the contents of TP,LDH and AKP in the BALF and caused marked infiltration of macrophages into the lung tissue,especially the high-dose exposure when compared with the mice from the control group (P<0.01 ).In vitro barrier model exposure experiments showed that in comparison with the treatment of 150 and 300 μg/mL PM2.5 and macrophage supernatant,the same doses of PM2.5-macrophage supernatant resulted in notably decreased TEER and significantly enhanced permeability in the barrier model (P<0.01 ),and markedly increased LDH release from epithelial and endothelial barrier cells (P<0.01 ).Additionally,the exposure of 150 and 300μg/mL PM2.5 led to a significant up-regulation of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-8 in the macrophages (P<0.01 ).Conclusion Macrophages deteriorate PM2.5-induced functional impairment of the pulmonary blood-air barrier.

Objective To explore the difference in efficacy of metoprolol versus ivabradine in the treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome(POTS)in the elderly after COVID-19 infection.Methods A total of 110 patients diagnosed with POTS at our department from Decem-ber 1,2022 to January 31,2023 were included.According to their drug regimen,they were divided into metoprolol group(62 patients)and ivabradine group(48 patients).On the 28th day of out-patient follow-up,the resting heart rate,heart rate of 10 min of standing,symptom disappearance rate,hospitalization rate,and mortality rate were compared between the two groups.Results On the 28th day of treatment,the resting heart rate and postural heart rate for 10 min were decreased in both groups when compared with the levels at initial diagnosis(P＜0.01).And there were no significant differences in the two types of heart rate between the two groups on the 28th day(71.0±7.0 vs 72.1±7.0,P=0.401;76.5±7.2 vs 77.4±7.6,P=0.573).No obvious differences were observed between the two groups in symptom disappearance rate,hospitalization rate,or mortality rate(88.7％vs 89.6％,3.2％vs2.1％,0％vs 0％,P＞0.05).Conclusion Metoprolol and ivabradine can effectively treat POTS in the elderly patients after COVID-19 infection.

Objective:To investigate the application value of intrathoracic Kamikawa anas-tomosis after laparoscopic proximal stomach and lower esophagus resection through the abdominal-left diaphragmatic approach for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction.Methods:The retros-pective and descriptive method was conducted. The clinical data of 3 patients with adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction who were admitted to Changzhi People ′s Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College from April to June 2022 were collected. All patients were male, aged 69 years, 60 years and 66 years, respectively. Patients underwent total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and lower esophageal resection with intrathoracic Kamikawa anastomosis through the abdominal-left diaph-ragmatic approach.Results:(1) Operative and postoperative situations. All the 3 patients success-fully underwent total laparoscopic proximal stomach and lower esophagus resection with intra-thoracic Kamikawa anastomosis through the abdominal-left diaphragmatic approach. The operation time was 5.3 hours, 5.3 hours and 4.8 hours, respectively. The digestive tract reconstruction time was 68 minutes, 62 minutes and 55 minutes, respectively. The volume of intraoperative blood loss was 80 mL, 30 mL and 100 mL, respectively. The postoperative first flatus time of 3 patients was on the third day after operation, and the first defecation time was on the postoperative fourth, sixth and third day. All the 3 patients underwent upper gastrointestinal imaging on the postoperative third and seventh day, and no anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stenosis or contrast agent reflux occurred. The indwelling time of abdominal drainage tube was 6 days, 7 days and 6 days, respectively. The indwel-ling time of thoracic drainage tube was 3 days, 5 days and 4 days, respectively. The duration of post-operative hospital stay was 14 days, 14 days, and 16 days, respectively. (2) Postoperative complica-tions and pathological examination. Of the 3 patients, 1 patient had postoperative pleural effusion of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ, and 1 patient had bilateral pleural effusion of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ. The postoperative pathological examination of 3 patients showed high-moderately differentiated adeno-carcinoma, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, respectively. The tumor maximum diameter of 3 patients was 3.0 cm, 3.5 cm and 3.5 cm, respec-tively. The ratio of the number of lymph node metastasis to the number of lymph node dissection was 0/43, 1/34 and 6/44, respectively. Postoperative pathological staging showed stage T3N0M0, T3N1M0, T3N2M0, respectively. (3) Follow-up. There was no reflux of contrast agent or anastomotic stenosis in upper gastrointestinal imaging of the 3 positions at 3 and 12 months after operation. No reflux esophagitis of LA-B grade or above was found by electronic gastroscopy at 3 and 12 months after operation. Nutritional indicators and quality of life were good in 3 patients. No tumor recur-rence or metastasis was found in chest and abdominal computed tonography at 12 months after operation, and anti-reflux structure was found after reconstruction of digestive tract in thoracic cavity.Conclusion:Intrathoracic Kamikawa anastomosis after laparoscopic proximal stomach and lower esophagus resection through the abdominal-left diaphragmatic approach for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction is safe and feasible, with excellent anti-reflux effect.

Objective:To investigate the application value of intrathoracic Kamikawa anas-tomosis after laparoscopic proximal stomach and lower esophagus resection through the abdominal-left diaphragmatic approach for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction.Methods:The retros-pective and descriptive method was conducted. The clinical data of 3 patients with adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction who were admitted to Changzhi People ′s Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College from April to June 2022 were collected. All patients were male, aged 69 years, 60 years and 66 years, respectively. Patients underwent total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and lower esophageal resection with intrathoracic Kamikawa anastomosis through the abdominal-left diaph-ragmatic approach.Results:(1) Operative and postoperative situations. All the 3 patients success-fully underwent total laparoscopic proximal stomach and lower esophagus resection with intra-thoracic Kamikawa anastomosis through the abdominal-left diaphragmatic approach. The operation time was 5.3 hours, 5.3 hours and 4.8 hours, respectively. The digestive tract reconstruction time was 68 minutes, 62 minutes and 55 minutes, respectively. The volume of intraoperative blood loss was 80 mL, 30 mL and 100 mL, respectively. The postoperative first flatus time of 3 patients was on the third day after operation, and the first defecation time was on the postoperative fourth, sixth and third day. All the 3 patients underwent upper gastrointestinal imaging on the postoperative third and seventh day, and no anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stenosis or contrast agent reflux occurred. The indwelling time of abdominal drainage tube was 6 days, 7 days and 6 days, respectively. The indwel-ling time of thoracic drainage tube was 3 days, 5 days and 4 days, respectively. The duration of post-operative hospital stay was 14 days, 14 days, and 16 days, respectively. (2) Postoperative complica-tions and pathological examination. Of the 3 patients, 1 patient had postoperative pleural effusion of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ, and 1 patient had bilateral pleural effusion of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ. The postoperative pathological examination of 3 patients showed high-moderately differentiated adeno-carcinoma, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, respectively. The tumor maximum diameter of 3 patients was 3.0 cm, 3.5 cm and 3.5 cm, respec-tively. The ratio of the number of lymph node metastasis to the number of lymph node dissection was 0/43, 1/34 and 6/44, respectively. Postoperative pathological staging showed stage T3N0M0, T3N1M0, T3N2M0, respectively. (3) Follow-up. There was no reflux of contrast agent or anastomotic stenosis in upper gastrointestinal imaging of the 3 positions at 3 and 12 months after operation. No reflux esophagitis of LA-B grade or above was found by electronic gastroscopy at 3 and 12 months after operation. Nutritional indicators and quality of life were good in 3 patients. No tumor recur-rence or metastasis was found in chest and abdominal computed tonography at 12 months after operation, and anti-reflux structure was found after reconstruction of digestive tract in thoracic cavity.Conclusion:Intrathoracic Kamikawa anastomosis after laparoscopic proximal stomach and lower esophagus resection through the abdominal-left diaphragmatic approach for adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction is safe and feasible, with excellent anti-reflux effect.