Objective To explore the related risk factors of central lymph node metastasis ( CLNM) of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma ( PTMC) and the application value of central lymph node dissection ( CLND) . Methods Totally 251 patients who were confirmed as PTMC by pathological biopsy were selected as the research object, and they were divided into the metastasis group (n=42) and the non-metastasis group (n=209) according to the status of lymph node metastasis. The general datum of the two groups were retrospectively analyzed, and the indexes with significant differences after univariate analysis were analyzed by non-conditional Logistic regression analysis. Treated the patients with lymph node metastasis through CLND, and the occurrence rate and recurrence rate of related complications were recorded during the 1 to 3 years of follow-up. Results The comparison of the location of the tumor, complicated adenoma, Hashimoto’ s thyroiditis, nodular goiter, and hyperthyroidism between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0. 05). In the metastasis group, the rate of patients aged less than 45 years old and the percentage of male patients were both significantly higher than the non-metastasis group, and the difference was of statistical significance (P<0. 05). There were 25 cases (59. 5%) whose tumor diameter were 5~10 mm, 12 cases (28. 6%) with multiple lesions, and 22 cases (52. 4%) breaking through the envelope in the metastasis group, which were significantly higher than 70 cases (33. 5%), 23 cases (11. 0%) and 67 cases (32. 1%) in the non-metastasis group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0. 05). In the metastasis group after operation, there was 1 cases (2. 3%) of hoarseness, 6 cases (14. 3%) of local numbness, 1 case (2. 3%) of nerve invasion, and 2 cases (4. 8%) of vascular invasion, and there was no choking cough report. During the period of 1 to 3 years of follow-up, there were only 2 cases of recurrence and the recurrence rate was 4. 8%. Conclusion Central lymph node metastasis mostly occurs in the male patients with PTMC who are less than 45 years old. And the main characteristics are diameter of tumor over 5 mm, multifocal lesions, with envelope penetration symptom and so on. In clinic, patients who meet the above-mentioned condition should be taken as the primary concern and given related prevention measures to reduce the occurrence risk of central lymph node metastasis. To treat patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma through central lymph node dissection can receive good curative effect and effectively improve the prog-nosis quality, and it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis complicated by abnormal liver function. Methods:A total of 106 patients with acute calculous cholecystitis complicated by abnormal liver function who received LC in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, China between February 2018 and February 2020 were included in this study. They were assigned to receive laparoscopic cholecystectomy either within 72 hours after disease onset (early group, n = 51) or 72 hours after disease onset (delayed group, n = 51). Perioperative indexes, complications, immune function and liver function were compared between the two groups. Results:Intraoperative blood loss in the early group was less than that in the delayed group [(63.11 ± 8.18) mL vs. (92.39 ± 7.23) mL, t = 19.558, P < 0.001]. Operative time, time to anal exhaust and length of hospital stay in the early group were (49.53 ± 6.33) minutes, (23.24 ± 4.65) hours and (6.38 ± 1.23) days in the early group were significantly shorter than those in the delayed group [(63.24 ± 5.42) minutes, (32.88 ± 5.78) hours, (8.34 ± 1.54) days, t = 12.004, 9.415, 7.204, all P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in the rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy during LC between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.877, P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between early and delayed groups [11.76% (6/51) vs. 7.27% (4/55), χ2 = 0.625, P > 0.05]. On day 3 after surgery, the proportion of CD 3+ cells and the ratio of CD 4+/CD 8+ cells in the early group were (37.81 ± 4.29) % and (1.32 ± 0.29), respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the delayed group [(32.56 ± 5.26) %, 1.21 ± 0.23, t = 5.605, 6.379, both P < 0.001]. Total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels in the early group were (21.05 ± 5.16) μmol/L, (71.58 ± 9.36) U/L and (175.73 ± 19.64) U/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the delayed group [(27.81 ± 5.14) μmol/L, (82.54 ± 12.35) U/L, (214.62 ± 20.58) U/L, t = 6.921, 7.893, 9.865, all P < 0.001]. On day 5 after surgery, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels in the early group were (14.63 ± 4.58) μmol/L, (42.13 ± 8.24) U/L, (137.72 ± 17.62) U/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the delayed group [(18.67 ± 6.45) μmol/L, (59.64 ± 11.29) U/L, (162.76 ± 18.39) U/L, t = 3.692, 8.265, 7.462, all P < 0.001]. Conclusion:Early LC for treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis complicated by abnormal liver function can effectively promote the recovery of liver function, mitigate immune injury, improve perioperative indicators, and dose not increase the incidence of complications.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of rapamycin in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) associated renal disease. Methods: A prospective self-control study was conducted. The clinical data of 92 children diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex associated kidney disease at the People′s Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2011 to January 2019 were collected. The long-term rapamycin treatment for all patients initiated at 1 mg/(m²·d), which was gradually adjusted to reach a blood concentration of 5-10 μg/L. The changes of the maximum diameter of renal lesions in children after rapamycin treatment were observed and analyzed with Wilcoxon test. Results: Ninety-two children, including 52 males and 40 females, who met the criteria were analyzed. Sixty patients had only renal angiomyolipoma(RAML), while 24 patients had only multiple renal cysts(MRC), and 8 patients had both lesions. The age of TSC diagnosis was 16.0 (7.0, 42.0) months, and the age of initial treatment with rapamycin was 63.5 (21.0, 103.0) months. The follow-up lasted for 12.0 (4.0, 23.0) months. Sequencing of TSC1 and TSC2 genes was performed in 54 children with TSC, including 3 patients (6%) with mutations in TSC1 gene and 51 patients (94%) with mutations in TSC2 gene. The maximum RAML diameter before treatment was 7.0 (4.0, 9.0) mm. The best effect reached at 3 months of treatment, with the diameter of 4.0 (0,7.0) mm. The maximum diameters at 6 months, 1 year and 1-2 years were 5.0 (0,9.8) mm, 5.0 (1.5, 8.5) mm, 5.5 (3.0, 9.0) mm, respectively, and were significantly different from the baseline (Z=-2.404,-2.350,-2.750,P=0.016,0.019,0.006, respectively). The maximum diameter after 2-3 years, and ≥3 years were 5.0 (3.9,7.0) mm and 6.0 (1.0, 11.0) mm, without significant difference from the baseline (Z=-0.856,-0.102,P=0.393,0.919, respectively).The maximum diameters of MRC after 3 months, 6 months, 1 year,1-2 years, 2-3 years, and ≥3 years were 11.0 (5.0, 14.0) mm,3.0 (0.0,11.0) mm,5.0 (0,21.0) mm,0 (0,14.0) mm,0 (0,10.0) mm, and 0 (0,18.3) mm, respectively, but were not significantly different rom the baseline (7.0 (5.0, 15.7) mm)(Z=-0.944,-1.214,-1.035,-1.896,-1.603,-1.214,P=0.345,0.225,0.301,0.058,0.109,0.225, respectively).Twenty-nine patients (32%) had oral ulcers during the entire treatment period, and no serious adverse reactions were observed. Conclusions Rapamycin could decrease the diameter of TSC-related RAML, but could not inhibit the growth of cysts. It is well tolerated in the treatment of renal diseases associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

To investigate the efficacy and safety of rapamycin in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) associated renal disease. Methods A prospective self?control study was conducted. The clinical data of 92 children diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex associated kidney disease at the People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2011 to January 2019 were collected. The long?term rapamycin treatment for all patients initiated at 1 mg/(m2·d), which was gradually adjusted to reach a blood concentration of 5-10 μg/L. The changes of the maximum diameter of renal lesions in children after rapamycin treatment were observed and analyzed with Wilcoxon test. Results Ninety?two children, including 52 males and 40 females, who met the criteria were analyzed. Sixty patients had only renal angiomyolipoma(RAML), while 24 patients had only multiple renal cysts(MRC), and 8 patients had both lesions. The age of TSC diagnosis was 16.0 (7.0, 42.0) months, and the age of initial treatment with rapamycin was 63.5 (21.0, 103.0) months. The follow?up lasted for 12.0 (4.0, 23.0) months. Sequencing of TSC1 and TSC2 genes was performed in 54 children with TSC, including 3 patients (6%) with mutations in TSC1 gene and 51 patients (94%) with mutations in TSC2 gene. The maximum RAML diameter before treatment was 7.0 (4.0, 9.0) mm. The best effect reached at 3 months of treatment, with the diameter of 4.0 (0, 7.0) mm. The maximum diameters at 6 months, 1 year and 1-2 years were 5.0 (0,9.8) mm, 5.0 (1.5, 8.5) mm, 5.5 (3.0, 9.0) mm, respectively, and were significantly different from the baseline (Z=-2.404,-2.350,-2.750, P=0.016,0.019,0.006, respectively). The maximum diameter after 2-3 years, and≥3 years were 5.0 (3.9,7.0) mm and 6.0 (1.0, 11.0) mm, without significant difference from the baseline (Z=-0.856,-0.102, P=0.393, 0.919, respectively).The maximum diameters of MRC after 3 months, 6 months, 1 year,1-2 years, 2-3 years, and≥3 years were 11.0 (5.0, 14.0) mm,3.0 (0.0,11.0) mm,5.0 (0,21.0) mm,0 (0,14.0) mm,0 (0,10.0) mm, and 0 (0, 18.3) mm, respectively, but were not significantly different rom the baseline (7.0 (5.0, 15.7) mm) (Z=-0.944,-1.214,-1.035,-1.896,-1.603,-1.214, P=0.345, 0.225, 0.301, 0.058, 0.109, 0.225, respectively). Twenty?nine patients (32%) had oral ulcers during the entire treatment period, and no serious adverse reactions were observed. Conclusions Rapamycin could decrease the diameter of TSC?related RAML, but could not inhibit the growth of cysts. It is well tolerated in the treatment of renal diseases associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Objective To evaluate the nutritional value of yeast protein, and to provide laboratory evidence for its application in the field of food and health food. Methods The amino acids content of yeast protein, soybean protein, whey protein and mixed protein was detected. Five nutritional evaluation methods, including amino acid score, ratio of total essential amino acid, ratio coefficient of amino acid, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and equally weighted gray correlation analysis were used to evaluate the protein quality. The protein efficacy test of the four proteins was performed in Sprague-Dawley rats to compare their nutritional value in vivo. Results The results showed that yeast protein was rich in essential amino acids, accounting for 47.58% of the total amino acids, and the ratio of essential amino acids to non-essential amino acids reached 0.91. Five nutritional evaluation methods all revealed that the yeast protein was an excellent protein in quality. The results of the protein efficacy test showed that yeast protein was able to promote the growth and development of the animals, and keep them in good nutritional condition, which was similar to whey protein, soy protein, and casein. The mixed protein had the highest corrected efficiency ratio among all the proteins tested in this study, possibly because the mixed ingredients made the amino acids complementary and thus had higher nutritional value. Conclusion Yeast protein can be used as a useful supplement to plant-derived and animal-derived protein products.

Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of poria cocos on gastrointestinal motility in mice. Methods A total of 130 Kunming mice were randomly divided into negative control group, low-dose and high-dose groups of raw poria cocos powder, low-dose and high-dose groups of cooked poria cocos powder, low-dose and high-dose groups of poria cocos surrogate culture powder, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups of poria cocos water extract, and low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups of poria cocos alcohol extract, with 10 mice in each group. The animals were administered by gavage for 7 days, once a day. After the last administration, the intestinal propulsion function test and gastric solid emptying test were conducted to observe the regulating effect of poria cocos on gastrointestinal motility of mice. Results Compared with the negative control group, the small intestine propulsion rate in the low-dose group of poria cocos surrogate culture powder was significantly increased (P<0.01). Except the high-dose group of raw poria cocos powder, the other poria cocos groups had higher gastric residual rate (P<0.05). Conclusion Poria cocos does not promote intestinal propulsion of mice under normal physiological condition, but it can inhibit gastric empting and exert a moderating effect on gastrointestinal function in normal mice.

In growing children, growth plate cartilage has limited self-repair ability upon fracture injury always leading to limb growth arrest. Interestingly, one type of fracture injuries within the growth plate achieve amazing self-healing, however, the mechanism is unclear. Using this type of fracture mouse model, we discovered the activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in the injured growth plate, which could activate chondrocytes in growth plate and promote cartilage repair. Primary cilia are the central transduction mediator of Hh signaling. Notably, ciliary Hh-Smo-Gli signaling pathways were enriched in the growth plate during development. Moreover, chondrocytes in resting and proliferating zone were dynamically ciliated during growth plate repair. Furthermore, conditional deletion of the ciliary core gene Ift140 in cartilage disrupted cilia-mediated Hh signaling in growth plate. More importantly, activating ciliary Hh signaling by Smoothened agonist (SAG) significantly accelerated growth plate repair after injury. In sum, primary cilia mediate Hh signaling induced the activation of stem/progenitor chondrocytes and growth plate repair after fracture injury.
Mice ; Animals ; Hedgehog Proteins/genetics* ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism* ; Cilia/metabolism* ; Cartilage/metabolism* ; Regeneration