Total laryngectomy is a crucial surgical intervention for patients with advanced malignant tumors of the larynx and nasopharynx. Despite its effectiveness, this procedure permanently severs the connection between the nasal cavity and the lower respiratory tract, leading to the cessation of nasal airflow. This disruption significantly impairs the patient's sense of smell and adversely affects their quality of life. Although olfactory loss is common in these patients, the assessment and rehabilitation of their olfactory function are often overlooked. This article reviews relevant literature on evaluating olfactory function and rehabilitation methods following total laryngectomy, with the aim of providing a theoretical foundation to enhance olfactory rehabilitation and overall quality of life for these patients.
Humans ; Laryngectomy/rehabilitation* ; Quality of Life ; Smell ; Laryngeal Neoplasms/surgery* ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology*

Objective Based on the"preventive treatment of disease"theory and real-world data,this study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Yangyin Shugan Formula in patients with ovarian dysfunction characterized by the syndrome of kidney deficiency and liver depression at different stages and to provide evidence for optimizing the timing of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)management.Methods Ovarian dysfunction patients under 40 years old characterized by syndrome of kidney deficiency and liver depression,registered in the outpatient electronic medical records of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to December 2023,were stratified into three groups:subclinical POI,POI,and premature ovarian failure(POF)groups.The therapeutic outcomes of the three groups of patients were compared,including TCM syndrome total response rates,menstrual total response rates/normalization(cured)rates,base follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)total response rate/normalization rates and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH)levels.Results A total of 307 patients meeting the research criteria were included(97 cases in subclinical POI group,112 cases in POI group,and 98 cases in POF group).The TCM syndrome total response rates ranked as subclinical POI group(98.97%,96/97)>POI group(95.54%,107/112)>POF group(83.67%,82/98),with the POF group was lower than that of the subclinical POI and POI groups(P<0.017);while the difference of the subclinical POI group with the POI group was not significant.Menstrual total response rates ranked as subclinical POI group(97.22%,70/72)>POI group(72.32%,81/112)>POF group(51.02%,50/98),the differences among the three groups and in the post-hoc comparisons were significant(P<0.01,P<0.017);normalization rates ranked as subclinical POI group(90.28%,65/72)>POI group(54.46%,61/112)>POF group(26.53%,26/98),the differences among the three groups and in the post-hoc comparisons were significant(P<0.01,P<0.017).FSH total response rates ranked as subclinical POI group(89.69%,87/97)>POI group(81.25%,91/112)>POF group(60.20%,59/98),while POF group was lower than that of the other two groups(P<0.017),and the difference of the subclinical POI group with the POI group was not significant.Normalization FSH rates ranked as subclinical POI group(71.13%,69/97)>POI group(53.57%,60/112)>POF group(16.33%,16/98),the differences among the three groups and in the post-hoc comparisons were significant(P<0.01,P<0.017).Compared with before treatment,the FSH levels in all three groups decreased after treatment(P<0.01).The reduction of FSH in the POF and POI groups were better than that in the subclinical P OI group(P<0.017).No significant difference was observed in the reduction of FSH between the POI and POF groups.Post-treatment AMH elevation observed in the subclinical POI and POI groups(P<0.01).Conclusion Yangyin Shugan Formula improves the menstrual conditions and TCM syndromes across all the stages.It also improves elevated FSH levels across all the stages and has a specific effect on normalizing FSH and menstruation.Yangyin Shugan Formula increases the AMH levels of patients with subclinical POI and POI,highlighting the applicability of TCM in staged preventive management.

Objective Based on the"preventive treatment of disease"theory and real-world data,this study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Yangyin Shugan Formula in patients with ovarian dysfunction characterized by the syndrome of kidney deficiency and liver depression at different stages and to provide evidence for optimizing the timing of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)management.Methods Ovarian dysfunction patients under 40 years old characterized by syndrome of kidney deficiency and liver depression,registered in the outpatient electronic medical records of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to December 2023,were stratified into three groups:subclinical POI,POI,and premature ovarian failure(POF)groups.The therapeutic outcomes of the three groups of patients were compared,including TCM syndrome total response rates,menstrual total response rates/normalization(cured)rates,base follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)total response rate/normalization rates and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH)levels.Results A total of 307 patients meeting the research criteria were included(97 cases in subclinical POI group,112 cases in POI group,and 98 cases in POF group).The TCM syndrome total response rates ranked as subclinical POI group(98.97%,96/97)>POI group(95.54%,107/112)>POF group(83.67%,82/98),with the POF group was lower than that of the subclinical POI and POI groups(P<0.017);while the difference of the subclinical POI group with the POI group was not significant.Menstrual total response rates ranked as subclinical POI group(97.22%,70/72)>POI group(72.32%,81/112)>POF group(51.02%,50/98),the differences among the three groups and in the post-hoc comparisons were significant(P<0.01,P<0.017);normalization rates ranked as subclinical POI group(90.28%,65/72)>POI group(54.46%,61/112)>POF group(26.53%,26/98),the differences among the three groups and in the post-hoc comparisons were significant(P<0.01,P<0.017).FSH total response rates ranked as subclinical POI group(89.69%,87/97)>POI group(81.25%,91/112)>POF group(60.20%,59/98),while POF group was lower than that of the other two groups(P<0.017),and the difference of the subclinical POI group with the POI group was not significant.Normalization FSH rates ranked as subclinical POI group(71.13%,69/97)>POI group(53.57%,60/112)>POF group(16.33%,16/98),the differences among the three groups and in the post-hoc comparisons were significant(P<0.01,P<0.017).Compared with before treatment,the FSH levels in all three groups decreased after treatment(P<0.01).The reduction of FSH in the POF and POI groups were better than that in the subclinical P OI group(P<0.017).No significant difference was observed in the reduction of FSH between the POI and POF groups.Post-treatment AMH elevation observed in the subclinical POI and POI groups(P<0.01).Conclusion Yangyin Shugan Formula improves the menstrual conditions and TCM syndromes across all the stages.It also improves elevated FSH levels across all the stages and has a specific effect on normalizing FSH and menstruation.Yangyin Shugan Formula increases the AMH levels of patients with subclinical POI and POI,highlighting the applicability of TCM in staged preventive management.

Objective:To investigate the expression of retinoic acid receptor responsive gene 2 (RARRES2), microtubule microfilament cross-linking factor 1 (MACF1), and core protein polysaccharide (DCN) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with neurosyphilis, and their diagnostic value for neurosyphilis.Methods:A total of 64 non neurosyphilis syphilis patients (syphilis group) and 78 neurosyphilis patients (neurosyphilis group) admitted to the Second Hospital of Nanjing between June 2020 and September 2022 were included. Among neurosyphilis patients, there were 48 early neurosyphilis patients (early group) and 30 late neurosyphilis patients (late group). Patients with neurosyphilis are treated with routine symptomatic therapy and antibiotic therapy to expel syphilis. The mRNA levels of RARRES2, MACF1, and DCN in CSF of patients with neurosyphilis before and after treatment were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to evaluate the neurological function of patients with neurosyphilis before and after treatment. The diagnostic value of various indicators for neurosyphilis was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results:The mRNA levels of RARRES2, MACF1, and DCN in CSF of patients with neurosyphilis were higher than those in the syphilis group (all P<0.001). The mRNA levels of RARRES2, MACF1, and DCN in the CSF of patients with advanced neurosyphilis were higher than those in the early group (all P<0.001). Compared with before treatment, the NIHSS score and RARRES2, MACF1, and DCN mRNA levels of neurosyphilis patients decreased after treatment (all P<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of the combined diagnosis of RARRES2, MACF1, and DCN mRNA in CSF for neurosyphilis were 0.995%, 100.00%, and 93.75%, respectively. The AUC and sensitivity were higher than those of individual diagnosis. Conclusions:The expression of RARRES2, MACF1, and DCN is elevated in CSF of patients with neurosyphilis, and is associated with disease severity and treatment response. These three genes may be candidate biomarkers for diagnosing neurosyphilis.

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of zinc finger protein 281(ZNF281)in high glucose(HG)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and extracellular matrix(ECM)synthesis in renal tubular epithelial cells(RTECs).Methods HG induced RTECs were used to construct a diabetic kidney disease cell model,and cells were divided into the control group,the HG group and the mannitol group.Cell proliferation viability was detected by CCK-8.The expression of ZNF281 was knocked down in HG-treated RTECs using small interfering RNA(siRNA).HG-induced RTECs after knockdown of ZNF281 were divided into the control group,the HG group,the HG+ZNF281 siRNA group and the HG+ZNF281 vector group.Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)was activated using AMPK agonist,acadexin(AICAR),and then cells were divided into the control group,the HG group,the HG+AICAR group and the HG+dimethyl sulfoxide group.The expression levels of ZNF281,EMT and ECM synthesis-related indexes were detected by qPCR and Western blot assay.Results Compared with the control group,the protein and mRNA expression levels of vimentin,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin(FN)and collagen Ⅰ(Col Ⅰ)were significantly higher,and the expression of E-cadherin was significantly lower in the HG group.Compared with the HG group,the protein and mRNA expression levels of EMT and ECM synthesis-related indexes were significantly changed in the HG+ZNF281 siRNA group and the HG+AICAR group.The protein and mRNA expression levels of ZNF281 were significantly reduced in the HG+AICAR group compared with the HG group.In cells co-treated with AICAR and transfected with ZNF281 plasmid,the expression levels of vimentin,α-SMA,FN and Col Ⅰ were significantly higher in the AICAR+ZNF281 group,and E-cadherin was significantly lower compared with that of the vector group.Conclusion AMPK inhibits EMT and ECM synthesis in HG-treated RTECs by negatively regulating the expression level of ZNF281.

Objective Based on the real-world data,we aimed to study the clinical efficacy and safety of Yangyin Shugan(method of nourishing yin and soothing liver)Decoction,an empirical prescription of famous traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)practitioners,in the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)with pattern of kidney deficiency and liver depression.Methods A total of 618 POI patients with pattern of kidney deficiency and liver depression who registered in the outpatient electronic medical record system of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine were collected from January 2020 to December 2023.After 1:1 propensity matching,a total of 222 patients with POI who met the criteria were included and assigned to a Yangyin Shugan Decoction group(treated with Yangyin Shugan Decoction only)and a hormone control group(hormone treatment only),with 111 cases in each group.Age,age at menarche,marriage status,duration,times of pregnancy,times of miscarriage,menstrual total score,total score of TCM syndrome,basal serum follicle-stimulating hormone(bFSH),and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH)were recorded and compared.After 3 to 4 months of treatment,the clinical efficacy between the two groups include TCM syndromes,menstrual,bFSH,and menstrual normalization rates during the follow-up period(3 months after discontinuation of medication)were compared.Additionally,comparisons were also made before and after treatment for the total score of TCM syndrome and scores of individual symptom,menstrual total score and scores of indicator,bFSH level,and AMH levels in both groups.Results(ⅰ)The total effective rate of the TCM syndrome in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group and hormone control group were 85.59%and 52.25%,respectively;the total effective rate of menstrual were 54.95%and 90.99%,respectively;the menstrual normalization rate during the follow-up period were 31.53%and 9.01%,respectively;and regarding bFSH efficacy,the total effective rate were 70.27%and 27.03%,respectively,and the normalization rate of bFSH were 35.14%and 9.01%,respectively.The differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.01).(ⅱ)The bFSH value in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group decreased after treatment compared to before treatment(P<0.01),while the bFSH value in the hormone control group showed no change before and after treatment.The AMH value increased after treatment compared to before treatment in Yangyin Shugan Decoction group(P<0.01),while the AMH value in the hormone control group showed no change before and after treatment.The difference of bFSH and AMH between the two groups after treatment was statistically significant(P<0.01).(ⅲ)After treatment,the total score of TCM syndrome and the scores of individual symptom in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group were lower than those before treatment(P<0.01);the total score of TCM syndrome,scores of hot flushes and sweating,hyposexuality,and insomnia in the hormone control group were lower than those before treatment(P<0.01).After treatment,the total score of TCM syndrome and the scores of individual symptom in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group were lower than those in the hormone control group(P<0.01).(ⅳ)After treatment,the menstrual total score,scores of menstrual cycle,period,menstrual flow,and menstrual blood color in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group were lower than those before treatment(P<0.01);the menstrual total score,score of menstrual cycle,period,and menstrual flow in the hormone control group were lower than those before treatment(P<0.01);after treatment,the menstrual total score and menstrual cycle score in the hormone control group were better than those in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group(P<0.01).(ⅴ)No adverse reactions were observed in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group and 29 cases of adverse reactions were observed in the hormone control group.Conclusion Yangyin Shugan Decoction can effectively improve TCM syndrome in POI patients with pattern of kidney deficiency and liver depression;downregulate the elevated bFSH level,increase the low AMH level,and effectively improve ovarian function,even continue to maintain menstruation after drug withdrawal.In the real world,Yangyin Shugan Decoction got satisfactory efficacy and good safety in the treatment of POI,which deserves clinical promotion and application.

Objective Based on the real-world data,we aimed to study the clinical efficacy and safety of Yangyin Shugan(method of nourishing yin and soothing liver)Decoction,an empirical prescription of famous traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)practitioners,in the treatment of premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)with pattern of kidney deficiency and liver depression.Methods A total of 618 POI patients with pattern of kidney deficiency and liver depression who registered in the outpatient electronic medical record system of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine were collected from January 2020 to December 2023.After 1:1 propensity matching,a total of 222 patients with POI who met the criteria were included and assigned to a Yangyin Shugan Decoction group(treated with Yangyin Shugan Decoction only)and a hormone control group(hormone treatment only),with 111 cases in each group.Age,age at menarche,marriage status,duration,times of pregnancy,times of miscarriage,menstrual total score,total score of TCM syndrome,basal serum follicle-stimulating hormone(bFSH),and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH)were recorded and compared.After 3 to 4 months of treatment,the clinical efficacy between the two groups include TCM syndromes,menstrual,bFSH,and menstrual normalization rates during the follow-up period(3 months after discontinuation of medication)were compared.Additionally,comparisons were also made before and after treatment for the total score of TCM syndrome and scores of individual symptom,menstrual total score and scores of indicator,bFSH level,and AMH levels in both groups.Results(ⅰ)The total effective rate of the TCM syndrome in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group and hormone control group were 85.59%and 52.25%,respectively;the total effective rate of menstrual were 54.95%and 90.99%,respectively;the menstrual normalization rate during the follow-up period were 31.53%and 9.01%,respectively;and regarding bFSH efficacy,the total effective rate were 70.27%and 27.03%,respectively,and the normalization rate of bFSH were 35.14%and 9.01%,respectively.The differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.01).(ⅱ)The bFSH value in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group decreased after treatment compared to before treatment(P<0.01),while the bFSH value in the hormone control group showed no change before and after treatment.The AMH value increased after treatment compared to before treatment in Yangyin Shugan Decoction group(P<0.01),while the AMH value in the hormone control group showed no change before and after treatment.The difference of bFSH and AMH between the two groups after treatment was statistically significant(P<0.01).(ⅲ)After treatment,the total score of TCM syndrome and the scores of individual symptom in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group were lower than those before treatment(P<0.01);the total score of TCM syndrome,scores of hot flushes and sweating,hyposexuality,and insomnia in the hormone control group were lower than those before treatment(P<0.01).After treatment,the total score of TCM syndrome and the scores of individual symptom in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group were lower than those in the hormone control group(P<0.01).(ⅳ)After treatment,the menstrual total score,scores of menstrual cycle,period,menstrual flow,and menstrual blood color in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group were lower than those before treatment(P<0.01);the menstrual total score,score of menstrual cycle,period,and menstrual flow in the hormone control group were lower than those before treatment(P<0.01);after treatment,the menstrual total score and menstrual cycle score in the hormone control group were better than those in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group(P<0.01).(ⅴ)No adverse reactions were observed in the Yangyin Shugan Decoction group and 29 cases of adverse reactions were observed in the hormone control group.Conclusion Yangyin Shugan Decoction can effectively improve TCM syndrome in POI patients with pattern of kidney deficiency and liver depression;downregulate the elevated bFSH level,increase the low AMH level,and effectively improve ovarian function,even continue to maintain menstruation after drug withdrawal.In the real world,Yangyin Shugan Decoction got satisfactory efficacy and good safety in the treatment of POI,which deserves clinical promotion and application.

From the perspective of medical institutions, this paper sorted out the contents of Article 32 of the Measures for Ethical Review of Life Sciences and Medical Research Involving Human regarding "exemption from ethical review". At the same time, combined with domestic and foreign regulations, this paper deeply considered and analyzed the applicable premise and special circumstances of the provisions from the implementation level, and then put forward suggestions from the perspective of practical operation of medical institutions, with a view to providing some practical guidance and reference for ethical practitioners of medical institutions.

Objective:To develop a novel, flexible, dual-arm, master-slave digestive endoscopic minimally invasive surgical robot system named dual-arm robotic endoscopic assistant for minimally invasive surgery (DREAMS) and to evaluate its feasibility for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) by using ex vivo porcine stomachs.Methods:A novel endoscopic robot (DREAMS) system was developed which was composed of a flexible two-channel endoscope, two flexible robotic manipulators, a master controller, a robotic arm, and a control system. A total of 10 artificial round-like lesions with diameters ranging from 15 to 25 mm were created (5 in gastric antrum and 5 in gastric body) by using fresh peeled stomach of healthy pigs as the model. Submucosal dissection was performed with the assistance of the DREAMS system by two operators. The main outcome was submucosal dissection speed, and the secondary outcomes included muscular injury rate, perforation rate, and grasping efficiency of the robot.Results:All 10 lesions were successfully dissected en bloc by using the DREAMS system. The diameter of the artificial lesions was 22.34±2.39 mm, dissection time was 15.00±8.90 min, submucosal dissection speed was 141.79±79.12 mm 2/min, and the number of tractions required by each ESD was 4.2 times. Muscular injury occurred in 4/10 cases of ESD. No perforation occurred. Conclusion:The initial animal experiment shows the DREAMS system is safe and effective.

Objective:To study the clinical, endoscopic and histological characteristics of heterotopic gastric mucosa in upper esophagus (HGMUE).Methods:A Total of 177 patients who underwent gastroscopy and were diagnosed as having HGMUE at the Endoscopy Center of Wuhan Union Hospital from January 2017 to December 2017 were included in the study. According to the gastroesophageal reflux disease symptom questionnaire (GERD-Q) scores, patients were divided into the HGMUE group (GERD-Q<8, n=101) and GERD+HGMUE group (GERD-Q≥8, n=76). The data of clinical, endoscopic and histological characteristics were analyzed. Results:Among the 177 HGMUE cases, there were 111 males (62.71%) and 66 females (37.29%), 76 (42.94%) with GERD, and 101 (57.06%) without GERD. The most common symptom was continuous clearing throat [54.24% (96/177)], followed by foreign body sensations of throat [48.59% (86/177)], and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, indigestion, acid reflux [48.59% (86/177)]. In the HGMUE group, the occurrence rate of clearing throat was the highest [42.57% (43/101)], then foreign body sensations of throat accounted for 33.66% (34/101), and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms was 27.72% (28/101). In the HGUME+GERD group, the most common symptom was gastroesophageal reflux symptoms [76.32% (58/76)], then clearing throat [69.74% (53/76)] and foreign body sensations of throat [68.42% (52/76)]. Under gastroscopy, 177 heterotopic gastric lesions were found under gastroscopy with orange-red round, oval or elongated island like ones, most of which were flat and a few slightly protruded from the peripheral plane. There were 132 (74.58%) single-lesion cases, 38 (21.47%) 2-lesion, and 7 (3.95%) 3- or more-lesion cases; there were 37 (20.90%) small lesions (maximum diameter <0.5 cm), and 74 (41.81%) median-size lesions (maximum diameter of 0.5-1.0 cm), and 66 (37.3%) larger lesions (maximum diameter >1.0 cm). Among the 30 [16.95% (30/177)] samples of mucosal tissue, 15 [50.00% (15/30)] were mainly cardia gland, 8 [26.67% (8/30)] were mainly pyloric gland, 6 [20.00% (6/30)] were mixed type, and 1 [3.33% (1/30)] was squamous epithelium. In the immunohistochemical test, 20 cases [66.67% (20/30)] showed positive of H +/K +-ATPase, and 10 cases [33.33% (10/30)] were negative. Conclusion:HGMUE is more common in male patients, and may be combined with GERD. Among them, patients with combined GERD are more likely to develop laryngopharyngeal reflux. The heterotopic gastric mucosas lesions are orange-red round, oval or elongated island-like under gastroscopy, and most of them are flat, single and median- or large-sized. Histological types are mostly fundic glands, and H +/K +-ATPase positive is more common. It is speculated that acid secretion may be an important factor leading to throat symptoms.