Elderly Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment Exhibit Altered Gut Microbiota Profiles.

Background: As a transitional state between normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by a worse cognitive decline than that of natural aging. The association between AD and gut microbiota has been reported in a number of studies; however, microbial research regarding MCI remains limited.

Methods: This study examined 48 participants, of whom 22 were MCI cases and 26 were normal control cases.

Identification of a novel mutation in the C6 gene of a Han Chinese C6SD child with meningococcal disease.

Deficiency of the sixth complement component (C6D) is a genetic disease associated with increased susceptibility to infection. Individuals with C6D usually present with recurrent meningococcal disease (MD). According to the patients' C6 levels, C6D is divided into complete genetic deficiency of C6 and subtotal deficiency of C6 (C6SD).

A Combination Therapy with Baicalein and Taxol Promotes Mitochondria-Mediated Cell Apoptosis: Involving in Akt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway.

Baicalein, a major flavonoid, possesses anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of the study is to explore the efficiency of combination therapy with baicalein and taxol, as well as the molecular mechanism on antitumor activity. Human ovarian cancer cells were treated with different concentration of baicalein for 48 h, and cell viability was determined by MTT assay.

Two-stage resection of a disseminated mixed endometrial stromal sarcoma and smooth muscle tumor with intravascular and intracardiac extension.

Objective: Mixed endometrial stromal and smooth muscle tumor (MESSMT)-a rare mesenchymal uterine tumor of the uterus with atypical clinical symptoms-is susceptible to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. We report a case of a disseminated MESSMT with intravenous and intracardiac extensions treated with staging surgery and review previously documented cases of such tumors with intracardiac extension.

Case Report: The case involves a 45-year-old woman with disseminated MESSMT that originated in the uterus and progressed through the iliac vein, inferior vena cava, right atrium, and into the right ventricle, which closely resembled intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) grossly and microscopically.

[Recovery of reproductive endocrine function after orthotopic fetal ovarian allotransplantation in rats].

Objective: To assess the recovery of the reproductive endocrine function in rats following orthotopic transplantation of fetal ovarian allograft.

Methods: Ninety female SD rats (50-60 days old) were randomized into graft recipient group (n=50), positive control group (n=20), and negative control group (n=20) to receive orthotopic transplantation of fetal (17-19 gestational days) ovaries following bilateral oophorectomy, sham abdominal surgery, and bilateral oophorectomy, respectively. At 45 days after the surgeries, serum estradiol and progesterone levels were measured and the ovaries were removed for evaluation of the ovarian volume and follicle development.

[Hysteroscopic treatment of women with previous cesarean scar defect].

Objective: To investigate the effects of hysteroscopic treatment of women with previous cesarean scar defect (PCSD).

Methods: From May 2006 to October 2008, 12 patients with PCSD were diagnosed and treated hysteroscopically in our hospital, all of them were successful followed-up for one year postoperatively, and their clinical data were analyzed.

Results: All 12 hysteroscopic procedures were completed successfully, and there were no surgical complications.