Objective:To analyze the relationship between free androgen index and insulin function in obese young men aged from 20 to 35.Methods:A total of 82 young obese men in Obesity Clinic from February to October 2019 were enrolled in the study. The subjects were divided into 3 subgroups according to free androgen index level tertiles. The blood glucose and insulin levels were tested after oral glucose tolerance test. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment for β cell function (HOMA-β), insulin secretion index, and insulin sensitivity index (Matsuda index) were used to evaluate β cell function in oder to analyze the relationship between free androgen index and insulin function.Results:In young obese men, participants with higher free androgen index levels exhibited less waist circumference, lower body mass index, 1 h postprandial insulin, 2 h postprandial insulin, HOMA-IR level but with a higher total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, and Matsuda index level (all P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between the free androgen index and the HOMA-IR ( r=-0.386, P=0.016), and the correlation tended to a linear trend after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and waist circumference ( Ptrend=0.034). Free testosterone was positively correlated with Matsuda index ( r=0.280, P=0.004), but the correlation disappeared after adjustment ( Ptrend=0.623). The results of further regression analysis showed that the level of free testosterone index decreased by 14.1% ( OR=0.869, 95% CI0.767-0.984, P=0.028) for each increase of HOMA-IR after adjustment. Conclusion:The level of free testosterone index is a predictor of insulin resistance in obese young men, but the association between this parameter and insulin sensitivity may be caused by obesity.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between high temperature essential factor A-1(HTRA1) polymorphism and genetic susceptibility of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Han population. METHODS: Totally 201 patients of wet AMD in Han population were selected from May 2014 to January 2017 in our hospital as disease group,and 201 healthy persons of Han were selected as health group. Blood samples of peripheral vein were collected and genomic DNA was extracted. HTRA1 polymorphism loci were detected,and the rs11200638 and rs2248799 loci of HTRA1 gene were detected by Sequenom mass spectrometry platform. Then the relationship between HTRA1 polymorphism and genetic susceptibility of wet AMD were analyzed. RESULTS: The grade distributions of the genotype of the rs11200638 and rs2248799 loci in the two groups subjects had significant differences (P<0.01), and the frequencies of AA and TT in the disease group were respectively 51.2% and 57.7%,of which the health group were respectively 20. 9% and 28. 4%, and the former were significantly higher than the latter, with significant differences (P<0.01). The frequencies of risk allele A of rs11200638 loci and risk allele T of rs2248799 loci in the disease group were respectively 69.7% and 73.6%, of which the health group respectively were 45. 8% and 52 5%, and the former were significantly higher than the latter, with significant differences (P<0. 01). The OR values of rs11200638 genotype AA and AG were respectively 5.36 and 3.45,which were the risk factors of wet AMD (P < 0. 01). The OR values of rs2248799 genotype TT and TC were respectively 2.36 and 1.98, which were the risk factors of wet AMD (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The rs11200638 and rs2248799 polymorphisms of HTRA1 gene are associated with the incidence of wet AMD,and the genotype AA and TT are closely related to the risk of wet AMD in Han population, of which the higher frequencies can increase the risk of wet AMD.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the growth characteristics and the expression level of integrin mRNA of the cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) from patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in myeloid crisis (MC), and explore the role of BMMSCs in pathogenesis of CML. Five CML patients were enrolled in experimental group, five healthy persons were used as control. BMMSCs were cultured in vitro. The morphology of BMMSCs was observed every day and the growth curve were portrayed, and the ability of cell proliferation were detected according to the daily results of cell counting. Total RNA was extracted from third and fourth passages of BMMSCs, The expression of integrins mRNA of BMMSCs were measured by real-time PCR. The results showed that the BMMSCs of experimental and control groups had no difference in growth characterisctics, but the expression of integrins mRNA of the BMMSCs was higher in CML patients than in normal control group (p < 0.05). It is concluded that the abnormally high expression of integrins of BMMSC from the CML patients take part in pathogenesis of CML.
Adult ; Blast Crisis ; metabolism ; Bone Marrow Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Proliferation ; Female ; Humans ; Integrins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; metabolism ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of PGC-1alpha in human liver carcinogenesis, and explore the regulatory role of PGC-1alpha in the development of liver cancer.

METHODSThe changes of PGC-1alpha mRNA level in normal human liver tissues and human liver tumors was examined by quantitative RT-PCR. PGC-1alpha mRNA level was interfered by siRNA in human liver cell line L02 in vitro, and their morphological changes were observed by pathology with HE staining. The ultrastructure of cells was observed by electron microscopy. In addition, the gene expression pattern of decreasing PGC-1alpha in L02 cells and liver tumor tissue was compared by human genome 70-mer oligonucleotide microarray analysis.

RESULTSPGC-1alpha expression was weaker in the malignant liver tumors compared with that in normal liver tissues. When PGC-1alpha expression was suppressed in human liver L02 cells, the cells became smaller with enlarged nuclei, and myelin figures were observed in mitochondria by electron microscopy, similar with the ultrastructure of liver cancer cells. Microarray analysis showed that the decrease of PGC-1alpha in L02 cells induced up-regulation of some oncogenes and adhesive genes, and down-regulation of a number of tumor suppressor genes and cell proliferation suppressor genes. The changes of decreasing expression pattern of PGC-1alpha gene in L02 cells were similar to those in human liver cancer tissue.

CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study show that PGC-1alpha is down-regulated in liver cancers and is involved in the malignant transformation in human normal liver cells in vitro, suggesting an important regulatory role of PGC-1alpha in the development of liver cancer.

Adult ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the prevalence of endemic fluorosis and the progress acchieved through control measures in Taian County of Gansu Province so as to provide basis and technique support for endemic fluorosis control. Methods The survey was carried out according to the National Surveillance Scheme of Endemic Fluorosis. Fulfillment of control measures and the quality of water improving projects were surveyed. Samples of household water and urine in children aged 8-12 years were collected and fluoride content was detected by iron selective electrode method. Children's dental fluorosis were examined with Dean method. Results In Qinan County, water was improved in a rate of 100%. In water-improving and defluoridation projects investigated, 81.15% (99/122) projects worked well, 18.85% (23/122) projects were closed or abandoned. The number of water improvement projects monitored were 24,81,9,8,respectively in the year through 2004 to 2007, revealing 13 projects having water fluorine content(>1.0-2.0 mg/L) in 2004, 15 and 5 projects having water fluorine content higher that 1.0-2.0 and 2.0-4.0 mg/L respectively in 2005, 2 projects having water fluorine content(>1.0-2.0 mg/L) in 2006, and no projects above 4.0 mg/L. In Anfu Village, the fluorine content of source and drinking water were all below 1.0 mg/L in 2006 and 2007. The urinary fluoride content of 8-12 years old children was equal and higher than 1.5 mg/L, dental fluorosis rate was 34.47% (354/1027), and dental fluorosis index was 0.65 in 2004-2007. Conclusions Projects running out of status and excessive levels of water fluorine are frequently seen, dental fluorosis is not controlled in Taian County of Gansu Province

OBJECTIVETo analyze the CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of craniopharygioma and explore the correlation between the pathological findings and clinical features of the disease.

METHODSThe CT and MRI findings of 123 pathologically confirmed craniopharygioma cases were reviewed retrospectively in conjunction with the pathological findings and surgical data.

RESULTSThis patient cohort consisted of 70 male and 53 female patients with their age ranging from 1 to 72 years (mean 23.82 years). Of the 123 craniopharyngioma patients, 59 were found to have adamantinous craniopharyngiomas, 41 had papillary squamous craniopharyngiomas, and 23 had mixed tumors. Solid tumor was found in 18 cases, cystic tumor in 38 cases, and calcification in 78 cases; in 23 cases, the posterior of the tumor did not exhibit clear boundary from the wall of the three cerebral ventricles, and in 11 cases CT and MRI displayed hypophysial stalk, which was found intraoperatively in 53 cases.

CONCLUSIONSMRI allows clear vision of the range of craniopharyngioma involvement and the anatomical structures surrounding the tumor. CT, on the other hand, shows better performance in displaying the calcification foci. Accurate identification of the site, dimension, calcification patterns and relation between the hypophysial stalk and hypothalamus by the imaging modalities significantly benefits the optimization of the surgical plan for the tumor.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cohort Studies ; Craniopharyngioma ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo analyze the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (sPNET) and improve the diagnosis of this disease.

METHODSMRI manifestations of 14 cases of PNET were retrospectively analyzed and compared with their pathological features.

RESULTSThe supratentorial lesions involved the occipital lobe in 4, frontal lobe in 3, fronto-occipital lobe in 2, temporo-occipital lobe in 3, lateral ventricle in 1 case and the saddle region in 1. All the lesions were large in volume and most of them presented heterogeneous signals in MRI. Of the 14 cases, 12 showed cystic degeneration and necrosis, 2 had hemorrhage and 6 showed signs of emptied small blood vessels. Twelve cases had heterogeneous enhancement and 2 had moderate enhancement. Pathologically, 10 cases of neuroblastomas were identified, along with 3 ganglioneuroblastomas and 1 atypical rhabdoid tumor.

CONCLUSIONMRI findings of PNET are rather characteristic to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, but a final definite diagnosis still relies on pathological examination.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Supratentorial Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the current prevalence of human echinococcosis in Qinghai Province and to lay the basis for establishing the preventing and controlling strategies.Methods Clustered random sampling was performed in selected survey spots.The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and ultrasound techniques were used for detecting human echinococcosis.Results 95 out of 5274 hydatid cases were found from 6 counties of Qinghai Province,with a prevalence of 1.80%.The immunological postitive rates examined by ELISA were 12.01%(198/1649)and 16.37%(383/2340)in male and female,respectively.The positive rate in female was significantly higher than that in male(χ2=14.78,P＜0.01).The infection and prevalence 1evels were generally increased among Tibetan[18.54%(446/2405),2.54%(78/3070)],herders[24.97%(239/957),4.78%(50/1046)]and people aged 60～＜70 years old[15.8l%(34/215),6.52%(18/276)],and were higher in Gonghe County[24.44%(240/982),3.95%(41/1037)]and Yushu County[20.59%(161/782),2.99%(32/1070)].Conclusions Echinococcosis was found in any surveyed area in Qinghai Province.The echinococcosis was severe in the pastoral areas such as the south plateau of Qinghai and places around Qinghai-lake. It is suggested that a strengthened control program should be conducted in the pastoral areas in Qinghai Province,targeting at females,Tibetan and herders people.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between plasma fluoride content, daily calcium intake and blood cell parameters in children and adolescents.Methods:This study was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database of the United States from 2013 to 2016, with 3 684 children and adolescents aged 6 - 19 as the research subjects. Information on plasma fluoride content, daily calcium intake and blood cell parameters from the database were collected. Non-linear relationships between plasma fluoride content, daily calcium intake and blood cell parameters were analyzed using restricted cubic splines. If there was a non-linear relationship, the optimal inflection point was calculated using threshold/saturation effect analysis method. Subsequently, multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations among the three, and the modification effect of daily calcium intake (binary classification, stratified by median daily calcium intake) on the association between plasma fluoride content and blood cell parameters was analyzed.Results:There was no non-linear relationship between plasma fluoride content and white blood cell count, hemoglobin content and platelet count ( Pnon-linear > 0.05), but there was a non-linear relationship between plasma fluoride content and erythrocyte count and hematocrit ( Pnon-linear < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, the optimal inflection points of the effects of plasma fluoride content on erythrocyte count and hematocrit were 0.54 and 0.31 μmol/L, respectively. There was no non-linear relationship between daily calcium intake and blood cell parameters ( Pnon-linear > 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, for every 1 μmol/L increase in plasma fluoride content, the white blood cell count increased by 0.49 × 10 9/L ( P = 0.009). There was a saturation effect in the association between plasma fluoride content, erythrocyte count and hematocrit: when plasma fluoride content was < 0.54 μmol/L, the erythrocyte count decreased by 0.46 × 10 12/L for every 1 μmol/L increase ( P < 0.001). When plasma fluoride content was < 0.31 μmol/L, the hematocrit decreased by 6.29% for every 1 μmol/L increase ( P = 0.006). The above associations were not statistically significant when plasma fluoride content was higher than the optimal inflection points ( P > 0.05). After stratification according to the median daily calcium intake, in the low-calcium group (daily calcium intake < 0.87 g), for every 1 μmol/L increase in plasma fluoride content, the white blood cell count increased by 0.77 × 10 9/L ( P = 0.001). When plasma fluoride content was < 0.54 μmol/L, the erythrocyte count decreased by 0.41 × 10 12/L for every 1 μmol/L increase ( P = 0.002). When plasma fluoride content was ≥0.54 μmol/L, erythrocyte count decreased by 0.47 × 10 12/L for every 1 μmol/L increase ( P < 0.001). When the plasma fluoride content was < 0.31 μmol/L, the hematocrit decreased by 8.29% for every 1 μmol/L increase ( P = 0.011). The above associations were not statistically significant in the high-calcium group (daily calcium intake ≥0.87 g, P > 0.05). There was an interaction of daily calcium intake and plasma fluoride content on platelet count ( Pinteraction = 0.070), as demonstrated by an increase in platelet count of 12.68 × 10 9/L ( P = 0.013) in the low-calcium group and a decrease in platelet count of 9.05 × 10 9/L ( P = 0.035) in the high-calcium group for every 1 μmol/L increase in plasma fluoride content. Conclusions:The blood cell parameters of children and adolescents are closely related to plasma fluoride content, but not directly related to daily calcium intake. However, the correlation between plasma fluoride content and blood cell parameters varies among different calcium intake populations, and daily calcium intake can modify the association between plasma fluoride content and platelet count.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of weekly paclitaxel combined with S-1 or fluorouracil in the first line treatment of advanced gastric carcinoma.

METHODSTwo hundred and forty patients with untreated advanced gastric carcinoma were randomized into two arms, patients in the experimental arm were given paclitaxel and S-1, while those in the control arm received paclitaxel and fluorouracil. The regimen of experimental arm was paclitaxel 60 mg/m(2) by intravenous infusion, day 1, 8, 15; S-1 80 - 120 mg/day given by oral administration, day 1 - 14. The regimen of control arm was fluorouracil 500 mg/m(2) by intravenous infusion continuously, day 1 - 5; CF 20 mg/m(2) by intravenous infusion, day 1 - 5. The regimens in both arms were repeated every 28 days. The efficacy and safety of both arms were assessed.

RESULTSTwo hundred and twenty-eight patients were analyzed in the full analysis set, and 192 patients were analyzed in per-protocol set (experimental arm 100 patients, control arm 92 patients). The overall response rates of experimental and control arms were 50.0% and 28.3% (P = 0.002), and the disease control rates were 82.0% and 70.7% (P = 0.064), respectively. The primary endpoints of experimental arm were non-inferior to that of the control arm. The secondary endpoint of experimental arm in terms of median progression free survival was significantly better than that of control arm (5 months versus 4 months, P = 0.006). The experimental arm had a higher incidence of grade III-IV bone marrow suppression than the control arm, but the incidence of fever in both arms was not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONSOral administration of S-1 is an alternative option of venous infusional fluorouracil. Weekly paclitaxel combined with S-1 is a safe regimen and has a promising efficacy.

Adenocarcinoma ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Diarrhea ; chemically induced ; Disease-Free Survival ; Drug Combinations ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leukopenia ; chemically induced ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Oxonic Acid ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Prospective Studies ; Remission Induction ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Survival Rate ; Tegafur ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects