Objective:To explore the impact of urinary iodine concentration (UIC) on response to 131I treatment in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients with different risk stratifications. Methods:A total of 181 patients with DTC (75 males, 106 females, age: (44.1±12.5) years), who received the first 131I treatment in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2018 and February 2019, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into low- to intermediate-risk and high-risk groups. The treatment response was categorized into excellent response (ER) and non-excellent response (non-ER). Factors being evaluated including age, sex, preablative stimulated thyroglobulin (ps-Tg), UIC, etc. Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis. Results:The UIC and ps-Tg in the low- to intermediate-risk group ( n=113) was 111.60(55.80, 204.65) μg/L and 2.08(0.63, 4.91) μg/L, respectively. Compared with the ER subgroup ( n=86), non-ER subgroup ( n=27) had higher UIC and ps-Tg level ( z values: -2.585, -4.511, both P<0.05). In the high-risk group ( n=68), UIC was 115.40(61.23, 167.28) μg/L and ps-Tg was 16.65(4.52, 43.45) μg/L. Compared with the ER subgroup ( n=20), non-ER subgroup ( n=48) had higher ps-Tg level ( z=-4.677, P<0.01), while the UIC was not significantly different between ER and non-ER subgroups ( z=-0.013, P>0.05). The multivariate logistic analysis indicated the ps-Tg level was the significant variable for non-ER in low- to intermediate-risk group (odds ratio( OR)=6.157(95% CI: 1.046-36.227); OR=22.965(95% CI: 3.591-146.857), both P<0.05) and high-risk group ( OR=9.696 (95% CI: 1.379-68.169), P<0.05); a high UIC could be an indicator of non-ER only in the low- to intermediate-risk group ( OR=3.715(95% CI: 1.201-11.488), P<0.05). Conclusions:The non-ER is associated with UIC in the low- to intermediate-risk group; however, UIC does not affect the non-ER in the high-risk group. Higher ps-Tg level is associated with non-ER in patients with low- to intermediate-risk and high-risk DTC.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the orthodontic retention and adjustment of the occlusion after orthognathic surgery.

METHODS18 patients were divided into three groups. Group I: Cases with skeletal Class I bimaxillary protrusion treated by subapical osteotomy; Group II: Cases with skeletal Class II mandibular retrusion treated by sagittal split mandibular advancement surgery; Group III: Cases with skeletal Class III treated by Le Fort I osteotomy on maxilla and sagittal split osteotomy on mandible. There were 6 patients in each group. Three kinds of orthodontic elastic tractions were used based on different categories of malocclusion and different types of operation.

RESULTS18 patients attained functional occlusion after the orthodontic occlusion adjustment. There was no relapse and malocclusion by surgery.

CONCLUSIONIntermaxillary elastics based on different categories of occlusion and different kinds of surgery can improve the occlusion after orthognathic surgery and attatin the functional occlusion.

Adult ; Cephalometry ; Dental Occlusion ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Orthognathic Surgery ; Osteotomy ; Osteotomy, Le Fort

For a long time, the diagnosis and treatment protocol for esophageal cancer has been made either entirely based on the experience of Western countries or on our own experience alone. A suitable standardized guideline for diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer in our country has not been established until 2010. Due to lack of opportunities for mutual exchange and learning, the overall level of standardized diagnosis and treatment was relatively low in China. In addition, less advanced technologies were applied and varying treatment protocols were implemented in different districts, the treatment results has been unsatisfactory, and the overall 5-year survival rate after surgical treatment has been maintained from 30% to 40%. Therefore, it is imperative that China needs to conduct its own clinical studies and establish its own suitable standardized treatment and diagnosis guideline for esophageal cancer. This article reviews and also made comments on the process of academic speaking tour and development of standardized diagnosis and treatment guidelines as well as the problems resolved by these activities for esophageal cancer since the beginning of this century.
China ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; surgery ; therapy ; Humans ; Practice Guidelines as Topic

BACKGROUNDThe success and complication rates of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation may be related to regional differences in left atrial (LA) wall thickness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the transmural LA wall thickness in various regions.

METHODSWe measured LA wall thickness in 36 human heart specimens using calipers at three planes including left pulmonary veins (PVs) vestibule plane, right PVs vestibule plane and the middle plane between the two. In each plane, eight points were selected, including superior, middle and inferior levels at anterior and posterior wall, roof and bottom.

RESULTSThe anterior and posterior wall thickness displayed gradient from superior to inferior level (anterior wall: (2.73 ± 1.01) mm, (2.08 ± 0.91) mm and (1.54 ± 0.69) mm; posterior wall: (1.74 ± 0.68) mm, (1.48 ± 0.39) mm and (1.27 ± 0.42) mm). At the roof, LA wall thickness was thickest in middle plane ((2.01 ± 1.02) mm) and was thinnest in left PVs vestibule plane ((1.29 ± 0.41) mm). The posterior wall thickness in left PVs vestibule plane was thinner than in the other two planes (P < 0.05 - 0.001), and was thinner in right PVs vestibule plane than in middle plane (P < 0.01 - 0.001). Whereas in anterior wall, the wall thickness in left PVs vestibule plane was thicker than in middle and right PVs vestibule plane.

CONCLUSIONSSignificant variations exist for mean LA wall thickness at different regions which are often targeted during circumferential pulmonary venous ablation (CPVA). Appreciating these differences may have significant implications in catheter ablation of AF.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Atrial Fibrillation ; surgery ; Catheter Ablation ; Female ; Heart Atria ; anatomy & histology ; surgery ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Middle Aged

Anti-thyroid drug (ATD), radioactive iodine (RAI) and thyroidectomy are treatment options for Graves disease (GD). Treatment strategies for Graves ophthalmopathy (GO) patients include thyroid function control, oral or intravenous corticosteroids, orbital radiotherapy or orbital decompression surgery. However, current treatments for GD and GO are also less ideal because they target the signs and symptoms rather than the pathogenic mechanisms. The development of treatment strategies that targeting the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) or insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) alone or in combination may yield effective and better tolerated treatments for GD and GO. This paper reviews the progress and limitations of the 2 methods.

Objective:To explore new methods of treating Graves′ disease (GD) by targeting thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1).Methods:The small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting TSHR and the ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) were designed and synthesized. Thirty GD model mice were randomly divided into siRNA treatment group, ICAM-1 mAb treatment group, and untreated GD group (10 mice in each group), and 10 normal mice were taken as blank control. Serum thyroxine (T 4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), TSH receptor-stimulating antibody (TSAb) and TSH-stimulation blocking antibody (TSBAb) were measured before and after treatment. At the end of the treatment, body mass and heart rate of mice in each group were measured, and thyroid uptake of 99Tc mO 4-, thyroid size and pathological changes were evaluated. Independent-sample t test, paired t test and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze data. Results:After three treatments, the body mass of mice in siRNA group and ICAM-1 mAb group were significantly lower than that of normal mice ( F=3.50, P=0.025); the heart rates of the mice in two groups were significantly lower than that of untreated GD mice ( F=24.73, P<0.001). Heart rate of mice treated with siRNA decreased significantly, close to that of normal mice. After treatment, the serum T 4((27.58±1.94) vs (65.71±6.89) μg/L, (27.24±3.50) vs (70.84±8.46) μg/L), TSAb ((331.44±43.38) vs (457.33±45.85) mU/L, (275.16±45.80) vs (443.91±42.32) mU/L) and TSBAb ((13.94±1.11) vs (15.83±5.92) mU/L, (14.59±1.02) vs (17.05±6.16) mU/L) levels of mice in both siRNA group and ICAM-1 mAb group significantly decreased ( t values: 4.45-10.87, all P<0.05), while the serum TSH levels of mice in two groups significantly increased ((0.13±0.05) vs (0.04±0.05) mU/L, (1.46±0.34) vs (0.06±0.03) mU/L; t values: -2.22, -5.87, P values: 0.007, <0.001). The elevated TSH level and decreased TSAb level of mice treated with ICAM-1 mAb were significantly different from those treated with siRNA ( t values: 1.03, -1.63, P values: 0.002, 0.031). After treatment, the uptake of 99Tc mO 4- in part of the thyroid lobes of mice was decreased, and the enlargement degree of the corresponding lobes was reduced. The thyroid pathology of mice in the treated groups showed that the absorption vacuoles of thyroid follicles were reduced, and the phenomenon of thinner colloids was improved. No obvious damage was observed in the heart, liver and kidneys of the mice. Conclusions:Both the siRNA targeting TSHR and ICAM-1 mAb have therapeutic effects on GD model mice. The siRNA is better at controlling heart rate, and ICAM-1 mAb is better at increasing TSH and decreasing TSAb. Each of the above treatment methods is safe and effective, which can provide new ideas for GD targeted therapy.

Objective:To investigate the prognostic factors of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients with positive thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) and varying ages after operation and 131I treatment. To explore the value of TgAb level and its change in the prognosis of DTC patients. Methods:Clinical data of 131 TgAb positive DTC patients were retrospectively analyzed. According to age, they were divided into young group(age<55 years, n=95) and elder group (age≥55 years, n=36). According to response, it was divided into excellent response group (110 cases) and non-excellent response group (21 cases). χ2 test and t test were used to compare the clinicopathological features between excellent response group and non-excellent response group. By logistic regression analysis, the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients were analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the TgAb value of persistent or recurrent DTC, and the Kaplan-Meier regression curve was used to analyze the time of TgAb becoming negative. P<0.05 was statistically significant. Results:In young patients, the higher serum TgAb level before 131I treatment and the lateral lymph node metastasis were the independent influencing factors of poor prognosis [ OR=0.89(95% CI 0.83-0.95), OR=0.15(95% CI 0.05-0.52); both P<0.05]. In elder group, extraglandular invasion and higher serum TgAb before 131I treatment were associated with poorer prognosis [ OR=0.05(95% CI 0-0.83), OR=0.91(95% CI 0.76-1.13); P<0.05]. The serum TgAb thresholds for predicting DTC persistence/recurrence were 315.5 IU/mL(246.0 IU/mL in the young group and 516.5 IU/mL in the elder group). The mean time TgAb sera turned negative was (26.37±2.22) months [(23.28±2.37) months for young group and (32.64±4.07) months for elder group]. The TgAb decreased >50% in one year of the patients who had a lower probability of disease persistence/recurrence than the group without ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The high level of serum TgAb before 131I treatment and lateral lymph node metastasis were independent factors of poor prognosis in young patients, while in elder patients, extraglandular tumor invasion and the high level of serum TgAb before 131I treatment were independent factors of poor prognosis. The rate of TgAb change one year after treatment may be used as an early marker for predicting the disease status of TgAb positive patients.

Objective To construct a model of Graves'disease ( GD ) with ( or ) Graves'ophthalmopathy ( GO) in BALB/c mice by immunization with pcDNA3. 1/TSHR289. Methods pcDNA3. 1/TSHR289 was injected into the bilateral gastrocnemius muscle of 35 model mice and electroporation was immediately performed. 10 control mice were injected with sterile saline and electroporated, while 5 blank mice were injected with sterile saline only. Each group of mice was immunized at 1, 4, 7, and 10 weeks, respectively. Serum total T4 , TSH, TSAb, and TSBAb were measured before immunization, 2 weeks after each immunization, as well as 5 and 8 weeks after the last immunization. CT scan was used to evaluate the morphological changes of the eyes of the mice.99m TcO4- imaging was used to measure the thyroid uptake function, and the pathological changes of the thyroid and orbital tissues were evaluated by HE staining. Results After the 2nd time immunization, the serum concentrations of TT4 , TSAb and TSBAb in GD mice were significantly higher than those of control and blank groups( F=13.781, 31.435, 36.112, P<0.01, respectively).The TSH continued to be significantly lower than that of control and blank groups(F=13.966, P<0.01) . After the 4th time immunizations, the ability of uptaking99m TcO4- in GD mice thyroid was significantly enhanced compared with the control group. The thyroid goiter with a large amount of lymphocyte infiltration, and the thyroid follicle was thin. CT scan of GO mice showed thickening and swelling of the extraocular muscles, and no abnormalities in tendon and muscle attachment points. HE staining showed thickening of extraocular muscle fibers, lymphocyte infiltration of extraocular muscles and orbital tissue, increased hyaluronic acid, and infiltration of fat cells. Conclusion GD or GO model can be successfully induced by multiple intramuscular injection of pcDNA3.1/TSHR289 in BALB/c mice.

The skeletal muscle atrophy could be induced by the injury of nerve. According to the source of denervated skeletal mus-cle atrophy, it could be divided into exogenous muscle atrophy and endogenous muscle atrophy. In recent years, the ex-ogenous muscle atrophy models are mainly established by operating, physically injuring or chemically injuring, while the endogenous muscle atrophy models are mainly established by the transgenic animals of amyotrophic lateral sclero-sis. The selection and optimazation of animal models are crucial for the basic studies of denervated skeletal muscle atro-phy.

Objective:To explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and the incidence of thyroid nodules, the clinical characteristics and efficacy evaluation of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), respectively.Methods:Clinical data of 1 375 healthy people (1 031 males, 344 females, age: (43.5±10.6) years) who underwent routine physical examination (PE) and 1 450 patients (490 males, 960 females, age: (44.3±12.4) years) with medium-high risk DTC in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from April 2016 to July 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. PE and DTC patients were classified into underweight group (BMI<18.5 kg/m 2), normal weight group (18.5≤BMI<24.0 kg/m 2), overweight group (24.0≤BMI<28.0 kg/m 2) and obesity group (BMI≥28.0 kg/m 2) respectively. χ2 test was employed to analyze the relation between BMI and thyroid nodules (with/without), BMI and clinical characteristics and efficacy evaluation of DTC, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors for the occurrence of thyroid nodules and the aggressiveness of DTC. Results:Among PE, there were 779 cases with nodules, and 596 cases without nodules. Comparing with those without nodules, more overweight and obese were found in PE cases with nodules (42.1%(328/779) vs 37.2%(222/596), 24.5%(191/779) vs 20.5%(122/596); χ2=13.42, P=0.004). Higher risk of developing thyroid nodules was related with older age and lower thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level (odds ratio ( OR): 1.044, 0.919, 95% CI: 1.029-1.060, 0.845-0.999; P<0.001, P=0.046). People with high-risk nodules were more likely to be obese than those with intermediate and lower risk nodules (5/15 vs 24.3% (186/764); χ2=21.11, P<0.001). Among 1 450 DTC patients, comparing with patients with normal weight, patients in the overweight and obesity groups were more likely to have central regional lymph node metastasis ( OR: 1.418, 1.427, 95% CI: 1.075-1.870, 1.044-1.952; P values: 0.013, 0.026), and patients in obese group were with greater risk of lesions being bilateral ( OR=0.696, 95% CI: 0.519-0.934; P=0.016). BMI was not related with the efficacy evaluation of DTC ( χ2=9.13, P=0.425). Conclusions:The incidence of thyroid nodules in people with high BMI is higher. DTC patients with high BMI may have more aggressive incidence. But BMI has no correlation with the efficacy evaluation of DTC patients after treatment.