Background Phenolic compounds, which are widely used as plasticizers, antibacterial agents, and preservatives in industrial production, have endocrine disrupting effects on humans. Previous epidemiological studies on the associations between phenolic compound exposure and blood lipids are mainly based on single measurement of spot urine samples, neglecting potential lag effects of phenolic compounds, and the conclusions are inconsistent. Objective To investigate the effects of short-term exposure to phenolic compounds at different lag days on blood lipid levels in adults. Methods We recruited 143 adults (43 males and 100 females) in Wuhan for three consecutive seasonal rounds of repeated visits: summer and autumn rounds of 2017 and winter of 2018. Morning urine samples were collected for four consecutive days during each round. A set of questionnaires were also distributed on the first day. Physical examinations and fasting venous blood sample collection were conducted on the fourth day. A total of 126 adults were included for analysis (340 person-time, 1251 urine samples). The concentrations of six urinary phenolic compounds [bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), triclosan (TCS), methyl paraben (MeP), ethyl paraben (EtP), and propyl paraben (PrP)] were determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Linear mixed-effect models (LMEs), multiple informant models, and generalized linear models were utilized to estimate the associations of urinary phenolic compounds at different lag days with total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and the ratio of TG to HDL-C (TG/HDL-C). Stratified analyses were conducted by selected characteristics. Results After covariate and multiple adjustments, the LMEs indicated that a change in urinary BPA at lag 0 day from the low concentration group (P _FDR<0.05), and this association was more pronounced in men (P _interaction=0.028) and smokers (P _interaction=0.040). In addition, a change in urinary TCS at lag 2 day from the low concentration group (P _FDR<0.05). The positive association of TCS with TG was more evident in subjects aged < 50 years (P _interaction=0.037). No significant associations were found between urinary phenolic compounds at other lag days and blood lipids. Conclusion Short-term exposures to BPA and TCS are positively correlated with unfavorable changes in blood lipids in adults, and the association seem to be more pronounced in men, smokers, or individuals aged < 50 years.

Objective To compare the clinical effects of open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises with those of closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercises and limited open kinetic chain combined with closed kinetic chain exercises on rehabilitation after the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Methods Ninety-four patients recovering from single-bundle anterior ligament reconstructions were enrolled and randomly divided into an OKC group (n =33),a CKC group (n =30) or a limited open kinetic chain combined with closed kinetic chain group (combined group) (n =31).Lysholm score,International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score,KT-1000,and active and passive range of motion were evaluated for the 3 groups three and six months after the surgery.Results Three months after surgery,significant differences were found among the 3 groups in Lysholm scores [(87.00±4.79),(83.67± 3.55) and (86.71±3.62) respectively],IKDC scores [(89.45±4.79),(86.40±3.76) and (88.58±3.60) respectively],KT-1000[(1.99±0.30),(1.05±0.26) and (1.02±0.24) mm],as well as active and passive range of motion [(10.06±2.06),(7.73±1.41) and (8.10±1.35) mm;(9.76±2.26),(7.87±1.89) and (8.39±1.62) mm] (P＜ 0.05).Six months after surgery,no significant differences were found in Lysholm scores and IKDC scores(P＞0.05),but significant differences were found in KT-1000,and active and passive range of motion(P＜0.05) compared to those at 3 months after surgery.Moreover,there were no significant differences between the OKC and combined groups in Lysholm scores and IKDC scores(P＞0.05),but significant differences between them in active and passive range of motion (P＜0.05).There were no significant differences between the CKC and combined groups in Lysholm scores,IKDC scores,KT-1000,and active and passive range of motion(P＜0.05).Conclusion Combining limited open kinetic chain exercise with closed kinetic chain exercise is safe and reliable in the rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of thoracic pedicle screw placement using the "funnel technique" and investigate its consistency in experimental study and clinical application.Methods The clinical data of three human cadavers and 11 patients with the installation of at least one thoracic pedicle screw at T1 -T12 from August 2006 to July 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. One junior spine surgeon lack of experience were responsible for placing these screws with the "funnel technique".The accuracy of screw placement and the complications related to the use of thoracic pedicle screws were analyzed by assessing postoperative CT scans. Results The mean follow-up time was 23.1 months,which showed no vascular or visceral complications, or iatrogenic neurological injury. The rate of unintended cortex perforations was 14% (10/72) in cadavers and 15% (8/55) in patients, respectively.The critical perforation occurred in two screws (3%) in cadavers and one screw (2%) in patients. There was no statistical difference between the percentage of cortex perforations in cadavers and patients. Of all the 11 patients, screw violation occurred laterally in six ( 11% ), medially in one ( 2% ) and superiorly in one (2%). No violations occurred inferiorly or anteriorly. For all patients, only one screw needed revision. The perforations made by the junior spine surgeon occurred in six screws in the first cadaver, three in the second cadaver and one in the third cadaver. Conclusions The "funnel technique" is a simple,safe, accurate and cost-effective technique for pedicle screw placement. The result of the experimental study is consistent with that of the clinical application. "funnel technique" is helpful for junior spine surgeons to master the technique of thoracic pedicle screw placement.