The effect of L-proline as a promoter on the condensation reaction of salicylaldehyde or its derivatives with ethyl acetoacetate in neutral ionic liquid [emim]BF4 was studied. All reactions were carried out under mild reaction conditions and achieved high yields. Moreover, the ionic liquid containing L-proline could be recycled and reused for several times without noticeably decreasing in productivity. The results show that the L-proline-[emim]BF4 system has a potential in contribution to the development of environmentally friendly and inexpensive processes in organic syntheses.
Coumarins ; chemical synthesis ; Ionic Liquids ; chemistry ; Proline ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of Shengli capsules on the sexual ability of normal and castrated male rats.

METHODSShengli capsules were given by intragastric administration to 100 experimental male rats at different doses of 0.35, 0.70 and 1.40 g / kg. Data were collected and analyzed, including capture latency period, times of capture, sexual endurance and times of ejaculation, to assess the effects of Shengli capsules on the sexual ability of the rats. The Castrated Animal Impotence Model was employed to determine the erectile latency period and the function parameters of the preputial gland, seminal vesicle and prostate, so as to test the effects of Shengli on the development of the rats'sexual organs.

RESULTSShengli was proved to be effective in shortening copulation latency in the dose groups of 0.35, 0.70 and 1.40 g / kg (P < 0.01), increasing significantly the frequency of capture in the high- and low-dose groups of 0.35 and 1.40 g / kg (P < 0.05), reducing the latency period to erection in the low-dose group of 0.35 g / kg, and blocking the shrink of the seminal vesicle and prostate in the medium-dose group of 0.70 g / kg.

CONCLUSIONShengli is significantly effective in enhancing the sexual ability of male rats: it can boost libido, increase erection frequency and improve sexual performance. However, further studies have yet to be done on its action mechanisms.

Animals ; Capsules ; Copulation ; drug effects ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Male ; Orchiectomy ; Ovariectomy ; Penile Erection ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sexual Behavior, Animal ; drug effects

Objective To investigate the impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA levels on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 disease progression in Chinese HIV/HCV co-infected individuals. Methods Cross-sectional analysis was performed among 391 HIV-infected patients for assessment of HCV-IgG, HCV-RNA, HIV-RNA, CD4 cell counts and cell surface markers of immune activation, to compare the difference of viral and immune indexes between HCV-RNA high group and HCV-RNA low group, and to elucidate the association between HCV-RNA, HIV-RNA and CD4 cell counts in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. Results (1) The percentage of anti HCV-IgG positive of former plasma donor group (93%) and drug-injection group (97.5%) were significantly higher than that of sexual transmission group (20.1%). The percentage of HCV-RNA positive of drug-injection group (89.9%) was significantly higher than that of former plasma donor group (48.3%) and sexual transmission group (62.5%), P<0.01, respectively. (2) HCV-RNA levels were positively correlated to HIV-RNA levels (r=0.237,P

OBJECTIVETo study the impact of gender factor on the candidate gene study of essential hypertension (EH).

METHODSThe polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to analyze the ACE gene I/D polymorphism of hypertensive patients (50 men and 50 women) and normal controls (50 men and 50 women). The investigation was further focused on possible influence of sex proportion on the conclusion of this kind of research.

RESULTSThe frequency of DD genotype in male hypertensive patients is significantly higher than that in male normal controls (chi(2) = 6.98, P = 0.004). The frequency of D allele in male EH group is significantly higher than that of male normal controls (chi(2) = 6.87, P = 0.009), while no significant difference was observed for II and ID genotype between male EH group and control group (P > 0.05). For female EH group and normal controls, there were no significant differences in frequency of genotype and allele (P > 0.05), the distribution ratio of DD genotype in male EH group is significantly different from that of female EH group (chi(2) = 4.06, P = 0.044). Furthermore, males with DD genotype in EH group had higher SBP and PP than that of males with II and ID genotype (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in DBP in all three genotypes (P > 0.05). At the same time, there was no difference in SBP, DBP and PP (P > 0.05) between II and ID genotype in male EH group. In female hypertensive patients, there was no significant difference in SBP, DBP and PP between all three genotypes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe relationship between DD genotype in male and EH (especially SBP and PP) is closer than any other genotype-EH relationships in both male and female. The gender factor, as a probable confounding factor, can affect many candidate gene studies of essential hypertension including ACE gene I/D polymorphism, and thus biases the conclusion.

Aged ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypertension ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Sex Factors

BACKGROUNDSchizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe, debilitating, and complex psychiatric disorder with multiple causative factors. An increasing number of studies have determined that rare variations play an important role in its etiology. A somatic mutation is a rare form of genetic variation that occurs at an early stage of embryonic development and is thought to contribute substantially to the development of SCZ. The aim of the study was to explore the novel pathogenic somatic single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and somatic insertions and deletions (indels) of SCZ.

METHODSOne Chinese family with a monozygotic (MZ) twin pair discordant for SCZ was included. Whole exome sequencing was performed in the co-twin and their parents. Rigorous filtering processes were conducted to prioritize pathogenic somatic variations, and all identified SNVs and indels were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

RESULTSOne somatic SNV and two somatic indels were identified after rigorous selection processes. However, none was validated by Sanger sequencing.

CONCLUSIONSThis study is not alone in the failure to identify pathogenic somatic variations in MZ twins, suggesting that exonic somatic variations are extremely rare. Further efforts are warranted to explore the potential genetic mechanism of SCZ.

Adult ; Exome ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Schizophrenia ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Twins, Monozygotic ; genetics

Objective To prospectively observe the effect of levothyroxine treatment on neuropsychological development in offspring of pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods Twenty-three pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism received levothyroxine therapy (SCH+LT4 group) and 17 who did not receive levothyroxine ( SCH group) were enrolled; 24 pregnant women with normal thyroid function were referred as controls (C group). All the subjects underwent the planned thyroid tests regularly. Serum TSH, TT4, FT4, TT3,FT3, TPOAb, and TgAb levels were determined. Their 14-30 month-old children underwent the tests relating to intelligence and motor activity with the Bayley scale. Results In SCH group, SCH+LT4 group, and C group, the MDI were 115. 12, 118.56, and 117.63, respectively. And the PDI were 115.47, 120.65, and 117.50,respectively. The MDI and PDI were the highest in SCH+LT4 group and were the lowest in SCH group. Serum TSH levels remained above 2.0 mIU/L during the whole course of pregnancy in SCH group and higher than that in C group at all time points ( P＜0.05 ). Serum TT4 and FT4 levels were lower in SCH group than in C group at all time points except G28 and G32. The baseline TSH level in SCH+LT4 group was the highest ( P＜0.01 ), their TT4 and FT4 levels were the lowest among the three groups. In SCH + LT4 group, serum TSH, TT4, and FT4 levels were similar to C group after L-T4 treatment. Conclusion The prompt L-T4 treatment can maintain normal TSH levels in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism during the whole course of pregnancy, and impairment of neuropsychological development in infants may be avoided.

Objective To use the first trimester-specific reference intervals of thyroid-related hormones to explore the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction during early pregnancy and to analyze effectiveness of different screening strategies. Methods In this study 2 899 pregnant women were enrolled during the first trimester of gestation. TSH, FT4, FT3, and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were measured and thyroid disorders of pregnant women were diagnosed based on the first trimester-specific reference intervals. Results The prevalence of hypothyroidism was significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the non-high risk group ( 16.3% vs 5.3%,RR = 3.1,95% CI 2.4-4.0, P＜0.01 ). TPOAb ( RR = 4.7, 95 % CI 3.6-6.0, P＜0.01 ), and personal history of thyroid diseases ( RR=3.2, 95% CI 1.9-5.4, P＜0.01 ) increased the risk of hypothyroidism. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism was higher in the high-risk group (3.1% vs 1.4%, P = 0. 006, RR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-3.9, P=0.006). TPOAb (RR=2.6, 95%CI 1.3-5.0, P=0.007), and presence of personal history of thyroid diseases( RR=4.7, 95% CI 1.7-12.5, P=0.006) also increased the risk of hyperthyroidism. 56.7% women with hypothyroidism and 64. 7% women with hyperthyroidism were in the non-high risk group. Conclusion We recommend that screening all pregnant women for thyroid disorders in the first trimester with TSH, FT4, and TPOAb is more effective than the case-finding approach.

OBJECTIVETo determine the efficacy and safety of combined L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine therapy in infertile males with oligoasthenozoospermia.

METHODSOne hundred fifty patients with oligoasthenozoospermia were randomized selected into treatment and control groups. The treatment group with 90 patients were given L-carnitine (2 g/d) and acetyl-L-carnitine (1 g/d) orally, twice a day. The patients in control group were given Vitamin E 100 mg plus Vitamin C 100 mg, tid. The oral therapy lasted three months and patients accepted sperm analysis every one month. The L-carnitine level in seminal plasma was examined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPC). Side effects as well as pregnant rate were observed.

RESULTSIn the treatment group, 85 patients out of 90 finished the three month treatment. Female spouses of 10 patients (11.6%) achieved pregnancy. Moreover, their forward motile sperm per ejaculation, total motile sperm, as well as the concentration of L-carnitine in seminal plasma were increased significantly (P < 0.01). In control group, 53 patients out of 60 completed three months therapy. Two pregnancy (3.7%) was observed. Though some increase was seen in number of forward motile sperm and total motile sperm per ejaculation, the changes were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The difference of the pregnant rate between two groups was statistically significant. No side effects were found.

CONCLUSIONCombined treatment with L-carnitine and acetyl-L-calmitine can be an effective and safe option for treating oligoasthenozoospermia by means of significantly improving forward motile sperm and total motile sperm per ejaculation, as well as increasing pregnant rates.

Acetylcarnitine ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Administration, Oral ; Adult ; Carnitine ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oligospermia ; drug therapy ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate

Objective To establish the gestational month-specific reference intervals for thyrotropin and thyroxine in Han nationality women in iodine sufficient area of China. Methods In iodine sufficient area of China, 120 non-pregnant women and 1 118 pregnant women at gestational ages from 4 to 36 week (4 weeks≈1 month) were collected according to the strict criteria. Urinary iodine excretion and serum thyrotropin (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels were determined in all subjects. Results During pregnancy, serum TSH increased at week 4, and then began to decrease with the lowest level at week 12, which was 35% lower than the non-pregnant level." After that, serum TSH increased gradually and finally became stable during the third-trimester of pregnancy (T3) when the level was 29% higher than that of non-pregnant controls. Serum TT4 elevated dramatically during the first-trimester with peak at week 16, which increased by 70% compared with the non-pregnant level, then slightly decreased, and became steady with 50% increasing compared with non-pregnant level. Serum FT4 initially increased slightly with peak at week 4, and then decreased gradually until the beginning of T3 without obvious fluctuation during T3. Conclusion The gestational month-specific reference intervals for TSH, TT4 and FT4 are necessary for the early diagnosis of maternal subclinical hypothyroidism and hypothyroxinaemia.

BACKGROUNDFamilial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma (FNMTC) is a variant of nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma(NMTC) with particular clinicopathologic features. In recent years, a number of studies have shown that FNMTC is more invasive than sporadic NMTC(SNMTC). The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in clinicopathologic features of FNMTC between different types of families and to determine in which of these families more invasive FNMTC occurred.

METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed all patients with thyroid carcinoma admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to July 2013 in the database. Of all 2000 cases, 55 met the inclusive criteria for FNMTC and were studied. There are two different grouping methods. The first is that all samples were allocated to families with three or more first-degree relatives affected (FNMTC-3 group) and families with only two affected first-degree relatives (FNMTC-2 group). The second is that all patients were divided into families with three or more affected first-degree relatives over two generations (FNMTC-3-2 group) and the other families. We compared the clinicopathologic features such as sex, age, tumor size, multifocality, location, complications by thyroiditis, complications by benign thyroid nodules, surgical procedure, capsule invasion, histological type, lymph node metastases, tumor node metastasis stage, and BRAF mutation between FNMTC-2 group and FNMTC-3 group. We also made the same comparison between FNMTC-3-2 group and other families.

RESULTSNo pronounced differences in clinicopathological features were present between FNMTC-2 group and FNMTC-3 group. The proportion of FNMTC-3-2 group aged <45 years was significantly higher than that in the other families (58.8% vs. 26.3%, P = 0.021). A similar difference was found in the proportion of lymph node metastasis (64.7% vs. 34.2%, P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONSFNMTC-3-2 is more invasive than the other families. Early screening and positive treatment for members of these families are recommended.

Adult ; Carcinoma ; diagnosis ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf ; genetics ; Retrospective Studies ; Thyroid Neoplasms ; diagnosis