Objective: To evaluate the impacts of the prognostic factors of T2N0M0 upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) for Chinese patients.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including 235 patients who were diagnosed with T2N0M0 UTUC in our hospital and received radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) or partial ureterectomy during January 2000 and December 2013.The 3 and 5-year can-cer-specific survival rates and bladder recurrence-free survival rates of all the patients were valued using Kaplan-Meier method, and the survival curves with statistical significance between the two were compared using the Log-rank test.Variables with significant differences in the univariate analysis were subjected to the multivariate analysis by Cox regression model.Results: A total of 235 patients were included in this study, including 95 (40.4%) male patients and 140 (59.6%) female patients.The mean age was 66.73±10.49 years.The median follow-up time was 53 (rang: 3-142) months, and during the follow-up, 74 (31.5%) patients died of UTUC after a median of 35 months,and 96 (40.9%) patients developed intravesical recurrence after a median of 19.5 months.The 3 and 5-year cancer-specific survival rates of all the patients were 89.1% and 85.9%, respectively;the bladder recurrence-free survival rates were 85.5% and 80.2%, respectively.The independent prognostic factors of cancer-specific mortality were tumor age elder than 55 years (HR=3.138, 95%CI: 1.348-7.306, P=0.008) and diameter larger than 5 cm (HR=3.320, 95%CI: 1.882-5.857, P<0.001).The independent prognostic factors of bladder recurrence-free survival were ureter tumor (HR=1.757, 95%CI: 1.159-2.664, P=0.008) and lower tumor grade (HR=1.760, 95% CI: 1.151-2.692, P=0.009).Conclusion: T2N0M0 UTUC has a better cancer-specific survival.The intravesical recurrence was equivalent to non-muscle invasive UTUC but earlier.The tumor diameter larger than 5 cm and the patient age elder than 55 years were independently associated with cancer-specific mortality;the primary tumor located in ureter and lower tumor grade were more likely to develop intravesical recurrence.

Objective To evaluate the elastic score (ES) and strain ratio (SR) in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients, and analyse their relationship with serologic index. Methods Totally one hundred and six patients with thyroid neoplasm were divided into papillary thyroid carcinoma group (n=56) and thyroid adenoma group ( n=50) according to histopathology results. Another fifty cases of healthy people were chosen as normal control group at the same period. The ES and SR were evacuated by color Doppler ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in three groups of patients. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TpoAb) were detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Data of galectin-3 (Gal-3), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and cytokeratin 19 fragment (Cyfra21.1) were tested by automatic optical inspection. Results Indexes of ES, SR, Gal-3, VEGF and Cyfra21.1 showed statistically increasing tendency in the control group, thyroid adenoma group and papillary thyroid carcinoma group sequentially (P<0.05). Serum levels of TSH, TgAb and TpoAb were significantly higher in the papillary thyroid carcinoma group than those in the other two groups (P<0.05). And there were no significant differences in serum TSH, TgAb and TpoAb between the control group and thyroid adenoma group (P>0.05). There were positive correlation between ES, SR and TSH, TgAb, TpoAb, Gal-3, VEGF, Cyfra21.1 in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (P<0.05). Conclusion Papillary thyroid carcinoma shows increased ES and SR detected by ultrasound, and which are relevant to related serological indicators. The two indices may be used for auxiliary diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the polymorphism of the TPH gene T3792A locus in Han ethnic group of north China and its application value in forensic science. METHODS: The polymorphism of T3792A locus of the TPH gene was analyzed by the ASPCR of blood samples from 173 unrelated individuals of north Chinese Han population. RESULTS: The distribution of the T3792A locus polymorphism of the TPH gene in Han ethnic group of north China followed the Hardy-Weinberg law, with the allele A and T gene frequency of 0.486 and 0.514, respectively. CONCLUSION The TPH gene T3792A locus shows a very good genetic polymorphism, and may be applied to individual identification and paternity testing.
Asian People/genetics* ; China/ethnology* ; Forensic Genetics ; Gene Frequency ; Humans ; Paternity ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Tryptophan Hydroxylase/genetics*

OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical efficacy and safety of cellulose on functional constipation.

METHODSA prospective, self-controlled, multicenter clinical trial of cellulose was conducted for 2 weeks in 240 patients with functional constipation according to the Rome III( criteria. Symptoms and characters of feces before and after the treatment were observed and evaluated according to a score scheme.

RESULTSIn the 240 patients, the frequencies of defecation increased and the characters of feces was improved significantly after 2-week treatment. There were no adverse reactions observed throughout the clinical trial. The total efficacy was 82.1% at day 7 and 90.7% at day 14. The satisfactory rate of doctors was 83.8% and of patients was 83.8%.

CONCLUSIONCellulose is effective and safe in the treatment of chronic functional constipation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cellulose ; therapeutic use ; Constipation ; drug therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the effects of probiotics on intestinal function, nutritional status and inflammatory response in critically ill patients with enteral nutrition (EN) support. Methods A total of 90 critically ill patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from July 2016 to November 2018 were enrolled, and they were divided into a probiotics combined with EN group (27 cases) and an simple EN group (63 cases) according to random number table method. The patients in the simple EN group were treated with conventional nutrient preparations such as fresubin or fresubin energy fibre; the patients in probiotics combined with EN group were supplemented with probiotics on the basis of conventional EN support for consecutive 7 days in both groups. The changes of gastrointestinal function, nutritional index and inflammatory response index after treatment were observed in both groups. Results After treatment, the subjective global assessment (SGA) method was used to identify the gradation of the patients, it was shown that the proportion of SGA-B grade patients in simple EN group had an upward trend; while the proportion of SGA-B grade patients in probiotics combined with EN group had no significant change; and there was no significant difference in the proportion of SGA-B patients between simple EN group and probiotics combined with EN group after treatment [20.6% (13/63) vs. 7.4% (2/27),P > 0.05]. Compared with those before treatment, the levels of hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-6, IL-12) in both groups were significantly decreased, while the levels of albumin (Alb), pre-albumin (PA), total lymphocyte count (TLC) in both groups were increased after treatment, and the changes of Hb, TNF-α, IL-6 in probiotics combined with EN group were more significant than those in the simple EN group [Hb (g/L): 95.0 (78.0, 107.0) vs. 93.0 (80.0, 107.0), TNF-α (pg/L): 21.2±4.0 vs. 28.0±5.7, IL-6 (pg/L): 161.3±37.6 vs. 186.2±51.8];the differences in levels of Hb, CRP, TNF-α before and after treatment between the probiotics combined with EN group and simple EN group were statistically significant [Hb (g/L): 1.0 (-4.0, 12.0) vs. 11.0 (1.0, 20.0), CRP (mg/L): 44.3 (13.7, 57.7) vs. 7.5 (-20.1, 62.4), TNF-α (pg/L): 13.3±6.3 vs. 7.9±5.5, all P < 0.05]. There were no statistical significant differences in the other indicators between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Probiotics can improve the gastrointestinal function and inflammatory status of critically ill patients with EN support, regretfully, in a short term, the improvement of nutritional status of such patients is not obvious, but probiotics has certain significance in preventing the risk of aggravation of malnutrition and reduction of Hb level.

Objective To explore the availability and safety of ileal ureter replacement combined with ileal augmentation cystoplasty in treating ureteral stenosis with contracted bladder.Methods From August 2015 to November 2018,three patients who underwent ileal ureter replacement combined with augmentation cystoplasty were treated with ileal ureter replacement combined with augmentation cystoplasty.There were 1 male and 2 females with the age ranging from 34 to 55 years (mean 39 years).Two patients suffered from left ureter stenosis,and one patient had stenosis on the both sides.The length of the ureter stenosis ranged from 6 to 18 cm (mean 9.8 cm).The preoperative bladder capacity ranged from 60 to 150 ml (mean 103.3 ml).In the surgery,part of ileum was used to replace the ureter,and the distal intestine was made into U-shape to enlarge the bladder.Results All operation were completed successfully.The operation time ranged from 220 to 400 min (mean 303.0 min),and the blood loss ranged from 150 to 500 ml (mean 283.3 ml).Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 1 case and open surgery in 2 cases.Three weeks after the surgery,the bladder volume underwent cystography ranged from 300 to 400 ml (mean 360.0 ml).Three months after the surgery,the postvoid residual urine volume ranged from 20 to 50 ml (mean 33.3 ml).Postoperative frequency and urgency of urine were completely relieved in 1 case,alleviated in 2 cases.Flank pain was completely relieved in 1 case,and alleviated in 2 cases postoperatively.The serum creatinine of 2 patients mildly increased after the surgery,while 1 patient remained stable.For complications,1 patient had urinary infection,and 1 patient suffered from metabolic acidosis.Conclusions Ileal ureteral replacement combined with augmentation cystoplasty can be the choice of treatment for long segment ureteral stenosis and enlarge the bladder simultaneously.The postoperative complications and the kidney functions should be regularly followed up.

OBJECTIVE: To study the distribution of the tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) gene-T457C locus polymorphism in Han ethnic group in northern China and to find its applicable value in forensic science. METHODS: Genomic DNA samples, extracted from 180 unrelated individuals in northern Chinese Han population, were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: The discrimination power (DP) value and the power of exclusion (PE) value of the TPH gene-T457C locus were 0.624 and 0.187, respectively. The allele frequency showed significant difference from that of French people (P=0.04). CONCLUSION Polymorphism of the TPH gene-T457C locus could show ethnic and regional differences. It has a potential to be used in forensic science.
Alleles ; Asian People/genetics* ; China/ethnology* ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Gene Frequency ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods* ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Tryptophan Hydroxylase/genetics*

OBJECTIVETo investigate the mechanisms underlying bone marrow damage by iron overload in pancytopenic patients with positive BMMNC-Coombs test (IRP).

METHODSTwenty-one iron overloading, 26 non-iron overloading IRP patients and 10 normal controls were enrolled in this study. The expressions of ROS, Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and apoptosis of BMMNC were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Antioxidants were added to iron overloading IRP BMMNC, and then the changes of indices above were detected by FCM. The number and apoptosis of T lymphocytes of IRP patients were also detected.

RESULTSROS and apoptosis of BMMNC, myelocytes, erythrocytes and stem cells of iron overloading IRP patients were significantly higher than that of non-iron overloading IRP ones and normal controls (P < 0.05). The expressions of Bcl-2 on BMMNC, erythrocytes and stem cells of iron overloading IRP patients were significantly lower than those of non-iron overloading IRP ones (P < 0.05). The levels of Caspase-3 on myelocytes, erythrocytes and stem cells of iron overloading IRP patients were significantly higher than those of non-iron overloading IRP ones and normal controls (P < 0.05). After treatment with antioxidants, the expressions of ROS, Caspase-3 and apoptosis of iron overloading IRP BMMNC significantly decreased, but opposite for Bcl-2. The percentages of CD4(+) lymphocytes [ ( 40.86 ± 8.74）%] and CD4(+)/CD8(+) (1.44 ± 0.36) in PB of iron overloading IRP patients were significantly higher than that of non-iron overloading IRP ones [(35.96 ± 7.03)% and 1.14 ± 0.37] and normal controls [(28.00 ± 6.73)% and 0.79 ± 0.21], respectively (P < 0.05), as opposite for CD8(+) lymphocytes (P < 0.05). The apoptosis of CD8(+) lymphocytes [(27.35 ± 10.76)%] and the ratio of CD8(+) apoptosis/CD4(+) apoptosis (2.51 ± 0.81) in BM of iron overloading IRP patients were significantly higher than those of non-iron overloading IRP ones [(15.47 ± 8.99)%] and normal controls (1.39 ± 0.47), respectively (P < 0.05). The apoptosis of erythrocytes and stem cells coated with auto-antibodies in BM of iron overloading IRP patients were significantly higher than those of non-iron overloading IRP and normal controls.

CONCLUSIONMechanisms underlying bone marrow damage by iron overload might be through the follows: ①The increased ROS induced by excessive iron deposition affected the expressions of Caspase-3 and Bcl-2, which caused more BMMNC apoptosis; ②The abnormal number and ratio of T lymphocytes caused by iron overload aggravated the abnormality of immunity of IRP; ③Iron overload may increase the damage to erythrocytes and stem cells coated with auto-antibodies.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Marrow ; pathology ; Case-Control Studies ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Coombs Test ; Female ; Humans ; Iron Overload ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pancytopenia ; immunology ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; metabolism ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Weight gain during pregnancy reflects the mother's nutritional status. However, it may be affected by nutritional therapy and exercise interventions used to control blood sugar in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study aimed to evaluate weight gain during gestation and pregnancy outcomes among women with GDM. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 1523 women with GDM was conducted between July 2013 and July 2016. Demographic data, gestational weight gain (GWG), blood glucose, glycated-hemoglobin level, and maternal and fetal outcomes were extracted from medical records. Relationships between GWG and pregnancy outcomes were investigated using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, 451 (29.6%) women showed insufficient GWG and 484 (31.8%) showed excessive GWG. Excessive GWG was independently associated with macrosomia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50-3.52, P < 0.001), large for gestational age (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.44-2.93, P < 0.001), small for gestational age (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.97, P = 0.040), neonatal hypoglycemia (aOR 3.80, 95% CI 1.20-12.00, P = 0.023), preterm birth (aOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.96, P = 0.040), and cesarean delivery (aOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.13-1.87, P = 0.004). Insufficient GWG increased the incidence of preterm birth (aOR 3.53, 95% CI 1.96-6.37, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Both excessive and insufficient weight gain require attention in women with GDM. Nutritional therapy and exercise interventions to control blood glucose should also be used to control reasonable weight gain during pregnancy to decrease adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Adult ; Body Mass Index ; Diabetes, Gestational ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Female ; Fetal Macrosomia ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Retrospective Studies ; Weight Gain ; physiology

Objective To evaluate the risk factors and prognosis of high risk bladder recurrence developing after radical nephroureterectomy(RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).Methods The data of 148 UTUC patients who developed bladder tumor after RNU between January 2000 and December 2013 was retrospectively studied.There were 69 males and 79 females,aged from 34 to 82 years old (average 68 years old).83 patients were accompanied with hydronephrosis.80 patients were renal pelvic carcinoma.32 patients had the history of smoking.24 patients had the history of ureteroscope.68 patients had the tumor larger than 3 cm.Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of muscle invasive and high grade bladder recurrence lesions.We compared the clinocopathologic characteristics between primary UTUC and bladder cancer recurrence by using Fisher' s exact test.Cancer specific survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method,with the log-rank test used to assess significance.A Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis.Results Of the 148 patients,non-muscle invasive (Tis、Ta and T1) tumors of primary UTUC and bladder recurrence were 51 (34.5％) and 119 (80.4％),respectively.High grade (G3) tumors of primary UTUC and bladder recurrence were 41 (27.7％) and 53(35.8％),respectively.During follow-up,94 (63.5％) experienced bladder recurrence once and 54 (36.5％) experienced multiple bladder recurrence.The median follow-up time was 59.5 (rang 8-142) months,48 (32.4％) patients died of UTUC.The grade of bladder cancer recurrence correlated with the grade (P =0.046),muscle-invasion (P =0.002) and tumor architecture (P =0.034) of the primary UTUC;muscle-invasive bladder cancer recurrence associated with that of the primary UTUC (P =0.009);bladder multiple recurrence related to gender (P =0.007).On multivariate logistic regression analysis,the muscle-invasion of primary UTUC was an independent risk factor for muscle-invasive (HR =5.512,95％ CI 1.654-18.37,P =0.004) and high grade (HR =3.948,95％ CI 1.589-9.813,P =0.004) bladder recurrence tumor.The muscle invasion of primary UTUC (HR =3.498,95％ CI 1.569-7.803,P =0.002) was a prognostic factor for cancer specific survival on multivariate Cox regression analysis.Conclusions Muscle-invasive UTUC tend to predict high risk bladder recurrence tumor,and the female could be more likely to appear multiple recurrence tumor.The muscle invasion of primary UTUC could be an independent prognostic factor for cancer specific survival.