Partial trisomy of the long arm of chromosome 17 (17q) is a rare but clinically recognized syndrome that involves facial dysmorphisms, skeletal abnormalities, and global developmental delay, as well as various reports of cardiovascular, renal, and central nervous system abnormalities. This report presents a novel neuroradiologic finding of diffuse enlarged, tortuous cortical veins with physiological antegrade flow in a child with a microduplication of the distal end of 17q. To our knowledge, this finding has not been described previously. Although the exact cause for the cortical vascular anomaly is currently unknown, this duplicated region contains genes of interest for future studies that focus on normal and abnormal angiogenesis

Purpose: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze testosterone and precursor concentrations in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) of men with azoospermia, exploring their significance in the testicular microenvironment and their correlation with testicular sperm retrieval outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 37 TIF samples, including 5 from men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 32 from men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry quantified testosterone and precursor levels. Comparative assessments of the outcomes of testicular sperm retrieval were performed between the OA and NOA groups as well as among men with NOA. Results: Men with NOA who had not undergone hormone treatment exhibited significantly higher intratesticular concentrations of testosterone (median 1,528.1 vs. 207.5 ng/mL), androstenedione (median 10.6 vs. 1.9 ng/mL), and 17-OH progesterone (median 13.0 vs. 1.8 ng/mL) than men diagnosed with OA. Notably, in the subgroup of patients with NOA subjected to medical treatment, men with successful sperm retrieval had significantly reduced levels of androstenedione (median androstenedione 5.7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p=0.004). Upon a more detailed analysis of these men who underwent hormone manipulation treatment, the testosterone/androstenedione ratio (indicative of HSD17B3 enzyme activity) was markedly increased in men with successful sperm retrieval (median: 365.8 vs. 165.0, p=0.008) compared with individuals with NOA who had unsuccessful sperm recovery. Furthermore, within the subset of men with NOA who did not undergo medical treatment before microdissection testicular sperm extraction but achieved successful sperm retrieval, the ratio of 17-OH progesterone/progesterone (indicative of CYP17A1 activity) was substantially higher. Conclusions The study suggests distinct testosterone biosynthesis pathways in men with compromised spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis. Among NOA men with successful retrieval after hormone optimization therapy, there was decreased androstenedione and increased HSD17B3 enzyme activity. These findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the future.

Purpose: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze testosterone and precursor concentrations in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) of men with azoospermia, exploring their significance in the testicular microenvironment and their correlation with testicular sperm retrieval outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 37 TIF samples, including 5 from men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 32 from men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry quantified testosterone and precursor levels. Comparative assessments of the outcomes of testicular sperm retrieval were performed between the OA and NOA groups as well as among men with NOA. Results: Men with NOA who had not undergone hormone treatment exhibited significantly higher intratesticular concentrations of testosterone (median 1,528.1 vs. 207.5 ng/mL), androstenedione (median 10.6 vs. 1.9 ng/mL), and 17-OH progesterone (median 13.0 vs. 1.8 ng/mL) than men diagnosed with OA. Notably, in the subgroup of patients with NOA subjected to medical treatment, men with successful sperm retrieval had significantly reduced levels of androstenedione (median androstenedione 5.7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p=0.004). Upon a more detailed analysis of these men who underwent hormone manipulation treatment, the testosterone/androstenedione ratio (indicative of HSD17B3 enzyme activity) was markedly increased in men with successful sperm retrieval (median: 365.8 vs. 165.0, p=0.008) compared with individuals with NOA who had unsuccessful sperm recovery. Furthermore, within the subset of men with NOA who did not undergo medical treatment before microdissection testicular sperm extraction but achieved successful sperm retrieval, the ratio of 17-OH progesterone/progesterone (indicative of CYP17A1 activity) was substantially higher. Conclusions The study suggests distinct testosterone biosynthesis pathways in men with compromised spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis. Among NOA men with successful retrieval after hormone optimization therapy, there was decreased androstenedione and increased HSD17B3 enzyme activity. These findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the future.

Purpose: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze testosterone and precursor concentrations in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) of men with azoospermia, exploring their significance in the testicular microenvironment and their correlation with testicular sperm retrieval outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 37 TIF samples, including 5 from men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 32 from men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry quantified testosterone and precursor levels. Comparative assessments of the outcomes of testicular sperm retrieval were performed between the OA and NOA groups as well as among men with NOA. Results: Men with NOA who had not undergone hormone treatment exhibited significantly higher intratesticular concentrations of testosterone (median 1,528.1 vs. 207.5 ng/mL), androstenedione (median 10.6 vs. 1.9 ng/mL), and 17-OH progesterone (median 13.0 vs. 1.8 ng/mL) than men diagnosed with OA. Notably, in the subgroup of patients with NOA subjected to medical treatment, men with successful sperm retrieval had significantly reduced levels of androstenedione (median androstenedione 5.7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p=0.004). Upon a more detailed analysis of these men who underwent hormone manipulation treatment, the testosterone/androstenedione ratio (indicative of HSD17B3 enzyme activity) was markedly increased in men with successful sperm retrieval (median: 365.8 vs. 165.0, p=0.008) compared with individuals with NOA who had unsuccessful sperm recovery. Furthermore, within the subset of men with NOA who did not undergo medical treatment before microdissection testicular sperm extraction but achieved successful sperm retrieval, the ratio of 17-OH progesterone/progesterone (indicative of CYP17A1 activity) was substantially higher. Conclusions The study suggests distinct testosterone biosynthesis pathways in men with compromised spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis. Among NOA men with successful retrieval after hormone optimization therapy, there was decreased androstenedione and increased HSD17B3 enzyme activity. These findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the future.

Purpose: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze testosterone and precursor concentrations in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) of men with azoospermia, exploring their significance in the testicular microenvironment and their correlation with testicular sperm retrieval outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 37 TIF samples, including 5 from men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 32 from men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry quantified testosterone and precursor levels. Comparative assessments of the outcomes of testicular sperm retrieval were performed between the OA and NOA groups as well as among men with NOA. Results: Men with NOA who had not undergone hormone treatment exhibited significantly higher intratesticular concentrations of testosterone (median 1,528.1 vs. 207.5 ng/mL), androstenedione (median 10.6 vs. 1.9 ng/mL), and 17-OH progesterone (median 13.0 vs. 1.8 ng/mL) than men diagnosed with OA. Notably, in the subgroup of patients with NOA subjected to medical treatment, men with successful sperm retrieval had significantly reduced levels of androstenedione (median androstenedione 5.7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p=0.004). Upon a more detailed analysis of these men who underwent hormone manipulation treatment, the testosterone/androstenedione ratio (indicative of HSD17B3 enzyme activity) was markedly increased in men with successful sperm retrieval (median: 365.8 vs. 165.0, p=0.008) compared with individuals with NOA who had unsuccessful sperm recovery. Furthermore, within the subset of men with NOA who did not undergo medical treatment before microdissection testicular sperm extraction but achieved successful sperm retrieval, the ratio of 17-OH progesterone/progesterone (indicative of CYP17A1 activity) was substantially higher. Conclusions The study suggests distinct testosterone biosynthesis pathways in men with compromised spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis. Among NOA men with successful retrieval after hormone optimization therapy, there was decreased androstenedione and increased HSD17B3 enzyme activity. These findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the future.

Purpose: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze testosterone and precursor concentrations in the testicular interstitial fluid (TIF) of men with azoospermia, exploring their significance in the testicular microenvironment and their correlation with testicular sperm retrieval outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 37 TIF samples, including 5 from men with obstructive azoospermia (OA) and 32 from men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry quantified testosterone and precursor levels. Comparative assessments of the outcomes of testicular sperm retrieval were performed between the OA and NOA groups as well as among men with NOA. Results: Men with NOA who had not undergone hormone treatment exhibited significantly higher intratesticular concentrations of testosterone (median 1,528.1 vs. 207.5 ng/mL), androstenedione (median 10.6 vs. 1.9 ng/mL), and 17-OH progesterone (median 13.0 vs. 1.8 ng/mL) than men diagnosed with OA. Notably, in the subgroup of patients with NOA subjected to medical treatment, men with successful sperm retrieval had significantly reduced levels of androstenedione (median androstenedione 5.7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p=0.004). Upon a more detailed analysis of these men who underwent hormone manipulation treatment, the testosterone/androstenedione ratio (indicative of HSD17B3 enzyme activity) was markedly increased in men with successful sperm retrieval (median: 365.8 vs. 165.0, p=0.008) compared with individuals with NOA who had unsuccessful sperm recovery. Furthermore, within the subset of men with NOA who did not undergo medical treatment before microdissection testicular sperm extraction but achieved successful sperm retrieval, the ratio of 17-OH progesterone/progesterone (indicative of CYP17A1 activity) was substantially higher. Conclusions The study suggests distinct testosterone biosynthesis pathways in men with compromised spermatogenesis and those with normal spermatogenesis. Among NOA men with successful retrieval after hormone optimization therapy, there was decreased androstenedione and increased HSD17B3 enzyme activity. These findings have diagnostic and therapeutic implications for the future.

INTRODUCTIONPosterior segment involvement has been described to be associated with central nervous system involvement in sarcoidosis as a result of direct sarcoid tissue infiltration or mass effect of a cerebral lesion. However, isolated intermediate uveitis occurring concurrently with central nervous system involvement prior to extensive systemic disease is rare.

CLINICAL PICTUREWe describe a patient with neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of intermediate uveitis and an enhancing basal ganglia lesion at initial presentation, in the absence of extensive systemic disease.

TREATMENTHe was treated with high-dose systemic steroids which was progressively tailed down over 6 months.

OUTCOMEThere was prompt resolution of vitritis with good preservation of visual acuity.

CONCLUSIONThe difficulties of the initial diagnosis of sarcoidosis and the indications for initiation of steroid therapy are illustrated. We use this case to emphasise the need for a high clinical suspicion of sarcoidosis in the presence of similar unusual and seemingly unrelated combinations of neurological manifestations so as to facilitate the prompt institution of appropriate treatment when indicated.

Adult ; Angiography ; Basal Ganglia ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; Brain Ischemia ; complications ; diagnosis ; Comorbidity ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Sarcoidosis ; complications ; diagnosis ; Time Factors ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Uveitis ; complications ; diagnosis

Background:Non-alcoholic liver disease is of increased concern and contributing to economic burdens not only in developing countries but in developed countries as well.Identifying the biomarker of early diagnosis and early intervention approaches for non-alcoholic liver disease is unmet and required further investigation.Although the alpha-ketoglutarate(α-KG)is recently proposed to be a potential biomarker in differentiating patients with obesity from those with non-alcoholic liver disease,how α-ketoglutatate is involved in the fatty liver progression is not clear. Methods:A high-fat diet(HFD)feeding animal model,liver functional assays,and molecular approaches were adopted to clarify the impact of α-KG in fatty liver progression. Results:In the current study,it was found that dietary α-KG would inhibit weight gain in male and female mice fed with a normal chew or HFD.HFD feeding caused fatty liver in male mice,but α-KG treatment could substantially inhibit hepatic steatosis progression.Biochemical studies revealed the possible linkage of α-KG protective functions to lipid metabolism.Further analysis identified the important role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in beneficial α-KG-mediated effects on fatty liver progression. Conclusions:The current study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of α-KG and how it may be used,via dietary supplementation,as a preventive intervention for non-alcoholic liver disease in obese patients.

OBJECTIVESTo investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection, gastric cancer and other gastric diseases through the changes in gastric mucosa and the status of different gastric diseases within 5 years after H. pylori eradication in H. pylori-positive subjects in a high incidence region of gastric cancer.

METHODSOne thousand and six adults were selected from the general population in Yantai, Shandong province, a high incidence region for gastric cancer in China. Gastroscopy and Campylobacter-like organism (CLO) testing were performed on all subjects. Biopsy samples from the gastric antrum and body were obtained for histology and assessment of H. pylori infection. All H. pylori-positive subjects were then randomly divided into two groups: treatment group receiving Omeprazole Amoxicillin Clarythromycin (OAC) triple therapy and placebo as controls. These subjects were endoscopically followed up in the second and fifth year. We compared the endoscopic appearance and histology of the biopsy specimens from the same site obtained at the first and last visits.

RESULTSAll 552 H. pylori-positive subjects were randomly and evenly divided into treatment group or control group. During the five-year follow-up, the numbers of patients who continued to be negative or positive for H. pylori were 161 and 198, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that: (1) At the initial visit, there were no significant differences in the severity and activity of inflammation, atrophy and intestinal metaplasia between the biopsy specimens from the antrum and body respectively in both groups. (2) The severity and activity of inflammation in both the antrum and body were markedly reduced after H. pylori eradication (P = 0.000). (3) Within five years after H. pylori eradication, intestinal metaplasia in the antrum either regressed or had no progression, while the proportion of intestinal metaplasia in the H. pylori-positive group increased significantly (P = 0.032). (4) After H. pylori eradication, the atrophy in both the antrum and body had no significant regression. The P value was 0.223 and 0.402, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSH. pylori eradication results in remarkable reduction in the severity and activity of chronic gastritis, marked resolution of intestinal metaplasia in the antrum. On the other hand, continuous H. pylori infection leads to progressive aggravation of atrophy and intestinal metaplasia.

Adult ; Aged ; Double-Blind Method ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastric Mucosa ; pathology ; Gastritis ; etiology ; Helicobacter Infections ; complications ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Metaplasia ; Middle Aged ; Stomach Neoplasms ; etiology