Objective To evaluate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25 (OH) D3],parathyroid hormone,and arterial stiffness in patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods Serum 25 (OH) D3 and parathyroid hormone(PTH) were determined in a cross-sectional sample of 258 patients aged 30 years and over.Arterial stiffness was assessed by pulse wave velocity(PWV) obtained with a VP-1000 pulse wave unit.Fasting plasma HbA1c,lipid profile,calcium,and high sensitive-C reactive protein were determined.Results (1)The prevalence of vitamin D3 deficiency was high(79.84％) in patients with type 2 diabetes.(2) Those with lowered serum vitamin D3 levels had raised PWV [(1610.76 ± 142.70 vs 1527.95 ± 58.02) cm/s,P＜0.05].(3) Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that 25 (OH) D3 was an impact factor of PWV risk score,which was independent of age,duration of diabetes,and systolic blood pressure(β =-0.256,P＜0.01).(4) Serum PTH was positively correlated with PWV (r =0.210,P ＜ 0.05) and systolic blood pressure (r =0.229,P ＜ 0.05),but negatively correlated with 25 (OH) D3 (r =-0.153,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions 25 (OH) D3 deficiency is common in patients with type 2diabetes,and a low serum 25 (OH) D3 level is significantly associated with increased arterial stiffness in these patients.The association of serum PTH with arterial stiffness may result via changes in vitamin D and blood pressure.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between cancer-related fatigue and cortisol in cancer patients and elucidate the underlying mechanism. Methods:A total of 80 cancer cases were divided into two groups:fatigue group (50 cases with cancer-related fatigue) and non-fatigue group (30 cases without fatigue). The scores were evaluated through the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF) and the Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI) report. Serum specimens were examined through electrochemiluminesence immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum cholesterol was examined through the CHOD-PAP method, and serum total protein and albumin were determined via the Biuret method. Agarose gel electrophoresis was conducted to determine alpha 2 globulin ratio and to calculate serum alpha 2 globulin concentration. Results: The cortisol level in the fatigue group was significantly lower than that in the non-fatigue group[(119.68±5.34) nmol/L vs. (163.45± 31.49) nmol/L, P<0.05], and the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level in the fatigue group was significantly higher than that in the non-fatigue group [(104.50 ± 17.15) ng/L vs. (51.43±13.24) ng/L, P<0.05]. Cortisol negatively correlated with MFSI-SF (r=-0.867, P<0.001) but positively correlated with ACTH (r=0.809, P<0.001). Furthermore, cortisol negatively correlated with FSI (r=-0.747, P<0.001) but positively correlated with ACTH (r=0.70, P<0.001). The levels of serum cholesterol [(1.25±0.70) mmol/L vs. (3.28±0.73) mmol/L, P<0.05], albumin[(18.24 ± 7.03) g/L vs. (37.40 ± 8.05) g/L, P<0.05], and alpha-2 globulin [(2.25±1.07) g/L vs. (5.36±1.09) g/L, P<0.05]were significantly lower in the fatigue group than in the non-fatigue group. Conclusion:The patients with cancer-related fatigue exhibited increased MFSI-SF score, decreased serum cortisol level, and enhanced ACTH level. The low serum cortisol levels caused a disorder in the serum ACTH and cancer-related fatigue of malignant tumor patients. The mechanism underlying the reduction in serum cortisol level correlated with the insufficient amounts of serum cholesterol, the composite material of cortisols, and of serum albumin, particularly alpha-2 globulin, the carrier protein of serum cholesterol.

Objective To explore the relationship between Graves disease and hypokalemic periodic paralysis or thymus hyperplasia.Methods Sixty-two patients with Graves disease were enrolled in this study.Thirty-three patients without thymus hyperplasia were selected as group A and other 29 patients were group B.In addition,30 healthy volunteers served as control group.Results There were no significant difference between group A and group B in terms of sex,age,illness course,thyroid enlargement,exophthalmos,periodic paralysis and the levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3),free thyroxin (FT4),thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (P ＞ 0.05).The incidence rate of hypokalemic periodic paralysis in male Graves disease with thymus hyperplasia was 62％ (8/13),higher than that in female patients (6％ (1/16),x2 =10.24,P ＜ 0.05).The incidence rate of hypokalemic periodic paralysis in male Graves patients was 62％ (16/26),higher than in female Graves patients (6％ (2/36),x2 =22.96,P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant relationship between Graves disease patients combined with thymus hyperplasia and sex,age,illness course,thyroid enlargement,exophthalmos,periodic paralysis and the levels of FY3,FT4,TSH.Conclusion The incidence rate of hypokalemic periodic paralysis in male Graves disease patients combind with thymus hyperplasia is higher than in female,and therefore it should pay more attention of male Graves patients in case misdiagnosis.

Objective To observe the effect of Tongqiao Huoxue decoction on the changes of motilin (MTL) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and its protective effect on gastric mucosa in rats with cerebral infarction at acute stage.Methods According to random number table, 96 Wistar rats were divided into six groups: normal control, sham operation, cerebral infarction model, cimetidine, Tongqiao Huoxue decoction routine dose and low dose groups, eachn = 16. Cerebral infarction model group was established by using a suture to ligate the middle cerebral artery, resulting in its occlusion. The rats of cerebral infarction model group and sham operation group were lavaged with 2 mL of normal saline. Tongqiao Huoxue decoction routine dose group was lavaged with 2 mL of Tongqiao Huoxue decoction (1.3 g/mL), while Tongqiao Huoxue decoction low dose group was lavaged with 1 mL of Tongqiao Huoxue decoction (1.3 g/mL) plus 1 mL of normal saline. Cimetidine group was lavaged with cimetidine (0.1 g/kg), and nothing was done for the normal control group. On the 4th and 7th day after the delivery of treatment, inferior vena venous blood samples were collected to detect the plasma MTL and VIP concentrations. Then the gastric tissues were obtained and examined under an electron microscope.Results There were no statistically significant differences between the normal control group and sham operation group in plasma levels of MTL and VIP (bothP > 0.05). The plasma levels of MTL and VIP at 4 days and 7 days after the delivery of treatment in cerebral infarction model group were higher than those in the normal control group and sham operation group [4 days MTL (ng/L): 189.51±13.48 vs. 117.01±11.38, 117.67±12.73, VIP (ng/L): 94.86±4.14 vs. 60.98±5.42, 62.55±6.60, bothP < 0.05; 7 days: MTL (ng/L): 183.05±14.49 vs. 119.79±10.64, 120.27±11.48, VIP (ng/L): 91.92±3.77 vs. 59.63±4.29, 58.10±4.99, bothP < 0.05]. Plasma levels of MTL and VIP in cimetidine group, Tongqiao Huoxue decoction routine dose group and low dose group were significantly lower than those in cerebral infarction model group. Compared with Tongqiao Huoxue decoction low dose group and cimetidine group, the degrees of descent in plasma levels of MTL and VIP were apparently lower on the 7th day in Tongqiao Huoxue decoction routine dose group [MTL (ng/L): 138.72±8.02 vs. 152.16±12.66, 156.60±11.87, bothP < 0.05; VIP (ng/L):68.18±3.41 vs. 81.12±3.98, 78.89±2.13, bothP < 0.05]. The results of electron microscope: compared with normal control group and sham operation group, obvious pathological changes in gastric mucosa in model group were found. In Tongqiao Huoxue decoction routine group, Tongqiao Huoxue decoction low dose group and cimetidine group, the gastric mucosal lesions were milder, and the curative effects of Tongqiao Huoxue decoction routine group were much better.Conclusions During the acute stage of cerebral infarction, significant damage is seen in gastric mucosa in rats. Tongqiao Huoxue decoction not only can effectively regulate the expression levels of MTL and VIP, but also has certain protective effect on gastric mucosa, and its efficacy being directly proportional to the dosage.

Objective To investigate the dynamic characteristic changes of gastrointestinal mucosa and its relationship with disease progression in rats with acute cerebral infarction. Methods Fifty-six male Wistar rats were selected as the study subjects, and they were divided into three groups: normal control, sham operation and cerebral infarction model groups by random number table method. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was prepared by the modified Longa thread embolic method. The levels of gastrin (GAS) were monitored in each group after modeling for 24 hours, 4 days and 7 days; after the rats were killed, the sections of gastric antrum and small intestine were taken and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method, the histopathological changes of gastric and small intestinal mucosa were observed under light microscope, in the mean time the gastric and small intestinal mucosal pathological scores were also performed, and the differences of pathological scores among the three groups were compared. Results There were no statistical significant differences in GAS, gastrointestinal mucosa and small intestinal mucosal pathological scores between the normal control group and sham operation group at each time point (all P > 0.05); the GAS level in cerebral infarction model group was decreased gradually with time prolongation, reaching the lowest level 7 days after modeling, but the GAS level in cerebral infarction model group was significantly higher than that in normal group and shamoperation group (ng/L: 205.02±7.68 vs. 130.51±8.03, 145.29±7.68, both P < 0.05). The pathological scores of gastrointestinal mucosa and small intestinal mucosa in the cerebral infarction model group were increased first and then decreased with time prolongation, peaked on 4th day and decreased significantly on 7th day, the pathological scores of gastrointestinal mucosa and small intestinal mucosa in the cerebral infarction model group at each time point were significantly higher than those in the normal control group and sham-operated group (gastric mucosal pathological score: 82.50±2.95 vs. 21.38±1.57, 36.10±3.41; small intestinal mucosal pathological score: 62.00±2.78 vs. 18.25±1.39, 25.55±1.75, all P < 0.05). Under light microscopy, the normal control group showed complete normal morphological appearance, normal structure, orderly arrangement of villi and no infiltration of inflammatory cells; in shamoperation group, inflammatory cells infiltrated the lamina propria at each time point, and there were villi slightly uneven, enlarged stroma, congestion, edema occasionally seen and no obvious ulcer; in cerebral infarction model group, the various layers of gastrointestinal mucosal were not very clear, the glands were arranged irregularly and the capillaries dilated, and in part of tissues, congestion, hemorrhage, edema and inflammatory cell infiltration were seen obviously. Conclusion The injury of gastrointestinal mucosa in acute stage of cerebral infarction should be related to the stress stimulation and disease progress of cerebral infarction itself, not due to the abnormal secretion of GAS.

Objective To purify native F1 antigen from E pestis EV76 strain and determine its ef-ficacy against Y. pestis. Methods A new purification method was developed by the substitution of physical disruption ( glass beads) for organic solvent ( acetone and toluene) one, followed by a combination of ammo-nium sulfate fractionation and SephacrylS-200HR column filtration chromatography. Groups of mice were im-munized with F1 antigen adsorbed to 25% aluminum hydroxide in PBS by intramuscular route. The immu-nized animals were challenged subeutaneously(s, c. ) with 104 CFU of Y. pestis strain 141 at 18 weeks after the primary immunization. Results There was no IgG titre difference between two groups of mice with one-dose immunization, whereas in the two-dose immunization groups, the group F1-40 μg induced a statistically higher antibody titre than the group F1-20 μg. Complete protection was observed for animals immunized with purified F1 antigen by s.c. route. In contrast, the control mice immunized with aluminum hydroxide suc-cumbed to a same dose of Y. pestis 141 challenge. Conclusion This purification strategy is a simple and ef-fective, and can be operated in a large scale. Native F1 antigen extracted from Y. pestis EV76 is highly im-munagenic, and can be used as a key antigen component to develop sub-unit vaccine of plague.

OBJECTIVETo compare the predictive value of liver enzymes and alcohol consumption for determining risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted in Zhengzhou with a total of 2, 693 men.Participants' height, weight, and histories of smoking and drinking were recorded. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and blood glucose, as well as related metabolic indexes were detected.

RESULTSModerate daily alcohol consumption (more than 35 g ethanol/week and less than 140 g ethanol/week) decreased the risk of type 2 diabetes (OR =0.376, 95% CI:0.306 -0.463, P less than 0.05) but increased risk for higher levels of GGT and ALT (OR GGT =3.012, 95% CI:2.357-3.849, Pless than 0.01; ORALT =1.473, 95% CI:1.043-2.081, Pless than 0.05). In joint analyses of alcohol consumption and liver enzymes, the group of nondrinkers/light drinkers (less than or equal to 35 g ethanol/week) in the fourth quartile of GGT levels had the highest risk for type 2 diabetes (OR =12.219, 95% CI:6.217-24.016, P less than 0.01). The relationship of ALT and daily alcohol consumption with the risk of type 2 diabetes was almost the same as that of GGT (nondrinkers/light drinkers in the fourth quartile of ALT levels (OR =5.357, 95% CI:3.070-9.350, P less than 0.0 1).

CONCLUSIONGGT, ALT and daily alcohol consumption were independently associated with risk of type 2 diabetes. Nondrinkers/light drinkers with the highest levels ofGGT orALT were at high risk of type 2 diabetes.

Alanine Transaminase ; Alcohol Drinking ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Blood Glucose ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Humans ; Liver ; Male ; Risk Factors ; Smoking ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase

The data of 10 patients with pituitary metastases were retrospectively analyzed, including tumor origin, clinical features, imaging characteristics, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The results showed that the average age of 10 patients at the time of consultation was 62.0 years. Nine metastases were originated from lung cancer and one from breast cancer. All patients started with central diabetes insipidus, and some of them accompanied with hypopituitarism, as well as occupancy manifestations such as headache, blurred vision, etc. MRI showed abnormalities in the pituitary stalk and posterior pituitary, four of which showed characteristic " dumbbell-shaped" changes. Three patients with epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)-mutated lung adenocarcinoma revealed improvement in both primary lesion and pituitary metastases after targeted therapy.

Objective:To summarize the clinical manifestations and molecular genetic characteristics of 5 families with maturity-onset diabetes mellitus of the young 2 (MODY2) caused by glucokinase (GCK) gene mutations.Methods:Clinical data and biochemical results of probands were collected. Peripheral blood samples of probands and first-degree family members were collected and whole exome gene was detected using second-generation sequencing. After comparing against the database, the suspected pathogenic sites were selected for Sanger sequencing verification.Results:All the 5 probands presented with mild fasting hyperglycemia, HbA 1C<7.5%, and no symptoms of thirst, polydipsia or polyuria. There were 6 mutants in 5 families, including M1: c.555delT (P.leu186CysFS Ter19) and M3: c. 263T>A (p.Met88Lys) which haven′t been reported before. During the follow-up, all probands received life-style intervention, except 2 pregnant women who should consider insulin treatment if necessary according to fetal genotypes. Conclusion:Among patients who meet the diagnostic criteria for MODY, MODY2 screening should be performed for children or pregnant women with mild hyperglycemia and family history. GCK gene detection is the gold standard for diagnosis, and accurate diagnosis will be conducive to the selection of appropriate treatment.

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of Huanglian Jiedutang as an adjunctive treatment for acute cerebral infarction complicated with gastric motility disorder. MethodSixty patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated with gastric motility disorder with fire toxin syndrome were randomly divided into a western medicine control group （control group） and a traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） combined treatment group （observation group）， with 30 cases in each group. The control group received basic treatment for cerebral infarction and relevant western medical symptomatic treatment based on the patients' gastrointestinal symptoms. The observation group received Huanglian Jiedutang in addition to the treatment provided to the control group. The treatment course was 7 days. Neurological deficit scores and gastrointestinal dysfunction scores were assessed in both groups before treatment and on the 4^th and 7^th days of treatment. Gastrointestinal electrographic parameters， serum citrulline （CIT）， and motilin （MTL） levels were measured in both groups before treatment and on the 7^th day of treatment. Clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. ResultCompared with the baseline in both groups， the neurological deficit scores and gastrointestinal dysfunction scores were significantly reduced on the 4th and 7^th days of treatment （P<0.05）. The reductions in these scores were more significant on the 7^th day compared with those on the 4^th day of treatment （P<0.05）. On the 4^th and 7^th days of treatment， the observation group showed a significantly greater reduction in neurological deficit scores and gastrointestinal dysfunction scores compared with the control group （P<0.05）. On the 7th day of treatment， compared with the baseline， both groups showed a significant increase in gastric antral and gastric body electric wave amplitudes as well as serum CIT and MTL levels （P<0.05）， and there were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of gastric antral and gastric body electric waves. On the 7th day of treatment， compared with the control group， the observation group had a significant increase in gastric antral and gastric body electric wave amplitudes as well as serum CIT and MTL levels （P<0.05）， and there were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of gastric antral and gastric body electric waves. After 7 days of treatment， the total effective rate in the observation group was 90.00% （27/30）， higher than 76.67% （23/30） in the control group， but the difference was not statistically significant. ConclusionAdjunctive treatment with Huanglian Jiedutang can effectively improve the symptoms of neurological function impairment and gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated with gastric motility disorder， increase gastric antral and gastric body electric wave amplitudes， improve gastric motility disorder， and increase serum CIT and MTL levels， thereby improving the imbalanced secretion function of the gastrointestinal tract.