OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of the water extract of Morinda officinalis on the expressions of sex hormones and receptors in bisphenol A （BPA）-contaminated mice. METHODS Totally 60 male Kunming mice were randomly divided into control group， model group， and low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups of M. officinalis water extract （20， 40， 60 mg/kg）， with 12 mice in each group. The model group and M. officinalis water extract groups were given BPA intragastrically [50 mg/（kg·d）， once a day， for 4 consecutive weeks] to establish the BPA-contamination model of mice. After modeling， each drug group was gavaged with the corresponding drug solution， once a day， for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last medication， the body weight and testicular weight of the mice in each group were weighed， the histopathological changes in the testis were observed， and the serum sex hormones [luteinizing hormone （LH）， follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）] contents and the mRNA and protein expressions of LH receptor （LHR） and FSH receptor （FSHR） in the testicular tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the control group， the testicular tissues of mice in the model group had structural degeneration， loose connections between spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells， obvious lacunae and reduced number of spermatogenic cells； the mRNA and protein expressions of LHR and FSHR in testicular tissues were significantly down-regulated （P＜0.01）， but there were no significant changes in their body weights， testicular weights， and serum contents of LH and FSH （P＞0.05）. Compared with the model group， the histopathological changes of testicular tissues of mice in each dose group of M. officinalis water extract were improved to different degrees， and the mRNA and protein expressions of LHR and FSHR in testicular tissues were up-regulated to different degrees （P＜0.05 or P＜ 0.01）， and some indicator levels were similar to those of the control group （P＞0.05）. However， there were no significant changes in their body weights， testicular weights， and serum contents of LH and FSH （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The water extract of M. officinalis has a certain improvement effect on testicular injury in BPA-contaminated mice， which might be related to its increase in the mRNA and protein expressions of LHR and FSHR.

Objective:To investigate the orthodontic needs and to analyze the influencing factors of orthodontic treatment of university students in Xi'an.Methods:The orthodontic questionnaire survey was conducted in university students by stratified cluster random sampling,the Dental health component(DHC)and aesthetic component(AC)in the orthodontic treatment needs index were used as the objective indicators of orthodontic treatment needs,and the self-perceived aesthetic component(SAC)of the subjects was used as the subjective indicator of the need for orthodontic treatment.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the influencing factors of university students'willingness to orthodontic treatment.Results:A total of 1135 university students were sur-veyed,including 578 males and 557 females.There were 224(19.74％),184(16.21％)and 120(10.57％)university students who required orthodontic treatment by DHC,AC and SAC analysis,respectively.Among the 224 university students who needed orthodontic treatment by DHC,68(30.36％)were willing to undergo orthodontic treatment,and 156(69.64％)were unwilling.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender,malocclusion,cognitive situation and social environment were independent influencing factors affecting the treatment intention.Conclusion:The objective orthodontic demand of Xi'an university students is high,but the demand for subjective orthodontic treatment is low.Gender,malocclusion,cognitive situation and social environment are the in-dependent influencing factors of university students'orthodontic treatment intention.

Objective:To explore the method and effect in repairing the defect of fingertip with lateral V-Y advancement flap with one side palmar proper digital artery.Methods:From October 2014 to May 2019, Department of the Hand and Foot Surgery, the Third People's Hospital of Jining(Yanzhou District People's Hospital of Jining City) treated 34 digits of 27 cases with a defect area of 0.5 cm×0.5 cm-1.5 cm×2.0 cm. A lateral V-Y advancement flap with one side palmar proper artery was used to repair the fingertip defect, and the flap size was 1.7 cm×1.0 cm-4.5 cm×1.5 cm. Twenty cases entered long-time follow-up after operation, with 7 cases lost in follow-up, 16 cases were reviewed at outpatient and 4 by WeChat.Results:All the flaps of 34 digits of 27 cases survived. The color of the flaps were close to or completely normal to the surrounding tissue, the texture was soft and the appearance was good. The TPD of the flap was 2.0-6.0 mm. The follow-up time ranged from 22 to 77 months, with an average of 31.45 months. The flexion and extension function of the digits were good with total range of motion(ROM) of the thumb was > 90 °; total active motion (TAM) of the fingers was 260 °-200 °. The fingers of 1 case had hook nail or hook finger deformity. According to the Evaluation Trial Standard of Upper Limb Partial Function of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 18 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good.Conclusion:The lateral V-Y advancement flap with one side palmar proper digital artery is easy to operate. The blood supply of the flap is reliable, with good sensation. The flexion and extension of the digits are good, and the appearance and texture of the flap are good.

Objective:To observe the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on the expression of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signal and apoptosis in human osteosarcoma Saos-2 cells.Methods:Saos-2 cells were divided into 0 (control), 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/L fluoride groups ( n= 3) according to the dose of NaF. The cells were collected after 24 and 48 h of culture in vitro. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of PI3K/Akt signal and Forkhead transcription factor (FoxO) 1, and the apoptosis level of Saos-2 cells was detected by flow cytometry. Results:There were no significants differences in the expressions of PI3K and Akt in Saos-2 cells at 24 and 48 h ( P > 0.05). At 24 h, the expressions of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K) in 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/L fluoride groups (0.40 ± 0.06, 0.45 ± 0.02, 0.37 ± 0.06, 0.32 ± 0.06) were higher than that in the control group (0.28 ± 0.04, P < 0.05); at 48 h, the expressions of p-PI3K in 5 and 10 mg/L fluoride groups (0.46 ± 0.06, 0.58 ± 0.03) were higher than that in the control group (0.29 ± 0.04, P < 0.05), and that in the 40 mg/L fluoride group (0.21 ± 0.03) was lower than that in the control group ( P < 0.05). At 24 h, the expressions of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) in 5, 10 and 20 mg/L fluoride groups (0.27 ± 0.01, 0.30 ± 0.03, 0.27 ± 0.03) were higher than that in the control group (0.20 ± 0.02, P < 0.05); at 48 h, the expressions of p-Akt in 5 and 10 mg/L fluoride groups (0.42 ± 0.04, 0.60 ± 0.02) were higher than that in the control group (0.27 ± 0.01, P < 0.05), and that in the 40 mg/L fluoride group (0.18 ± 0.02) was lower than that in the control group ( P < 0.05). The expressions of FoxO1 in 10, 20 and 40 mg/L fluoride groups at 24 h (0.38 ± 0.07, 0.41 ± 0.06, 0.47 ± 0.08) were higher than that in the control group (0.34 ± 0.04, P < 0.05). At 48 h, the expressions of FoxO1 in 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/L fluoride groups (0.36 ± 0.08, 0.37 ± 0.10, 0.54 ± 0.04, 0.73 ± 0.04) were higher than that in the control group (0.28 ± 0.04, P < 0.05). At 24 and 48 h, the apoptosis rates of control group and 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/L fluoride groups were (2.867 ± 0.583)%, (3.647 ± 0.035)%, (3.773 ± 0.095)%, (5.440 ± 0.325)%, (7.203 ± 0.476)%; (3.707 ± 0.286)%, (4.023 ± 0.241)%, (4.970 ± 0.368)%, (12.473 ± 0.949)%, (19.387 ± 1.892)%, respectively. The apoptosis level of 40 mg/L fluoride group was higher than that of control group at 24 h ( P < 0.05), and that of 20 and 40 mg/L fluoride groups were higher than that of control group at 48 h ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:Fluoride can directly activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in osteoblasts, and then has anti-apoptotic effect.

Objective To explore the effect of robot-assisted gait training on the standing and walking balance of persons with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) resulting from hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD).Methods Thirty-six persons with AFP resulting from HFMD were randomly divided into a control group and a training group,each of 18.Both groups were given conventional rehabilitation training,while the training group was additionally provided with robot-aided gait training.The control group received additional massage of their affected limbs.Before and after 15 days of treatment the subjects' standing and walking ability were evaluated using parts D and E of the gross motor function (GMFM) scale.Their balance was quantified using the Berg balance scale (BBS) and integrated surface electromyograms were recorded.Results There were no significant differences between the two groups before the treatment.After 6 weeks of treatment the average scores of both groups had improved significantly,with a significantly bigger increase observed in the training group.After the treatment,the average GMFM and BBS scores of the training group were significantly higher than those of the control group.Conclusion Gait training in addition to conventional rehabilitation training can significantly improve the standing,walking and balance of patients with HFMD resulting from AFP and promote their recovery.

Objective To evaluate the risk factors for diabetic foot in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM).Methods One hundred and forty-three patients with T2DM including 63 cases with diabetic foot(DF) and 80 cases with non-diabetic foot (NDF) were recruited.All possible risk factors for diabetic foot were documented,including low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C),homocysteine (Hcy),diabetic polyneuropathy(DPN),diabetic retinopathy(DR),peripheral vascular disease(PVD) and so on.Results (1) There were significant differences between DF group and NDF group in terms of general clinical data,including age(65.38±11.58) years old and (60.12±9.92) years old,precious history of foot ulcer(28.6％ (18/63) and 3.8％(3/80)),serum homocysteine(Hcy) ((23.24± 11.77) μmol/L and (18.62±7.74) μmol/L)),glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c) ((10.22±2.81) ％ and (8.67±2.30) ％),blood albumin (Alb) ((32.45±5.83) g/L and (38.58±4.71) g/L),LDL-C ((2.15±0.72) mmol/L and (2.60±0.78) mmol/L),diabetic nephropathy (DN) (77.8％ (49/63) and 45.0％ (36/80)),diabetic retinopathy (DR) ((73.0％ (46/63) and 33.8％ (27/80)),diabetic peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (93.7％ (59/63) and 65.0％ (52/80)) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) (77.8％ (46/63) and 60.0％ (48/80)) (P ＜0.05).(2) Logistic regression analysis showed that the development of diabetic foot was significantly correlated with age(OR =1.09,95％ CI:1.02-1.16,P =0.01),Hcy (OR =1.12,95％ CI:1.03-1.22,P =0.01),DR(OR=8.47,95％CI:1.85-38.87,P=0.01),PVD(OR=8.73,95％CI:1.07-70.92,P =0.04) and precious history of foot ulcer (OR =12.28,95％ CI:1.57-96.28,P =0.02).Conclusion Complications due to multiple factors of Diabetic foot,and Hcy is another risk factor for that.

Objective To observe the expressions of oxidized low density lipoprotein ( OxLDL ) receptor CD36 in kidney tissue of diabetic rats and in tubular cells incubated with OxLDL, and to explore the association of CD36 with the tubular injury and renal fibrosis in the process of diabetic nephropathy. Methods Diabetic rat model with hyperlipidemia was established by feeding with high sugar and fat diet and injection of low dose streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The expression of CD36 in kidney tissues was analyzed immunohistochemically. Meanwhile, the tubular sclerosis and fibrosis injury index were estimated and calculated. NRK-52E cells were stimulated with 50 mg/L OxLDL for 5, 10, 24, and 48 h, or 100 and 150 mg/L OxLDLs for 2 and 3 days. The protein expression of CD36 was detected by Western blot. Results The expression of CD36 in the renal tubulointerstitium of diabetic rats was increased comparing to that in control rats, and was localized mainly at tubular region. The renal tubular damage index(STI)ofdiabetesgroupwashigherthanthatincontrolgroup(5.54±1.5vs0.65±0.15,P<0.05). OxLDL stimulated CD36 expression in NRK-52E cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Conclusion The expression of CD36 was increased in renal tubular of diabetic rats, in consistent with STI. OxLDL increased CD36 expression in NRK-52E cells. These results suggest that the expression of CD36 is associated with renal tubular damages in experimental rat diabetes.

Objective To investigate the potential role of T follicular helper cells (Tfh) in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases by comparing the expression of C-X-C chemokine teceptor type 5 (CXCR5) and CD57 in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and Graves' disease (GD) thyroid tissues.Methods The expression of CXCR5 and CD57 proteins was determined by immunohistochemical analysis in 15 HT thyroid samples,18 GD samples and 10 normal thyroid samples.Results Immunohistochemical staining showed that CXCR5 and CD57 were mainly positive in cytomembrane and cytoplasm of the infiltrated lymphocytes both in HT and GD tissues,with much higher levels than that of normal thyroid tissues ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Both CXCR5 and CD57 were not significantly different between the HT and GD tissues.Conclusion CXCR5 and CD57 expressions were increased with a similar expression pattern in both of the two main autoimmune thyroid diseases( AITD),indicating that Tfh may participate inthe development and progression of AITD.

Objective To observe the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE)combined with atorvastatin on carotid atherosclerosis of the elderly. Methods Consecutivly 122 patient aged( 73.2 ±12.8) years with hypercholesterolemia and diagnosed as asymptomatic carotid artery plaques were randomly assigned to single atorvastatin(20 mg/d) treatment group (n=63) and combination treatment (atorvastatin 10 mg/d plus GSPE 400 mg/d) group (n=59).Serum total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were detected before treatment and 3,6,12 months after treatment.Mean maximum carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT),plaque score and stability were also assessed by carotid ultrasound. Results After 3 months of treatment,serum levels of TC,TG and LDL-C in both groups were lower than before treatment (all P＜0.01),but no difference was found between the two groups (P＞0.05).HDL-C levels was enhanced by 20.2％ in combination treatment group after 3 months of treatment (P＜0.05),there was difference after 6 months treatment between two groups (P＜0.05).Serum hs-CRP concentrations were decreased by 1.7 mg/L and 3.6 mg/L,3.8 mg/L and 6.3 mg/L,5.9 mg/L and 8.3 mg/L after 3,6 and 12 months treatment as compared with pretreatment,respectively in the two groups (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).There was difference in hs-CRP levels between groups after 6 and 1.2months of treatment (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).There were MMCIMT reduction by 1.3％ and 2.0％ (P＞0.05),3.4％ and 5.3％(P＞0.05 and P＜0.05 ),5.1％ and 8.6％ after 3,6 and 12 months of treatment(P＜0.05 and P＜0.01) in the two groups,with distinct difference after 12 month treatment (P＜ 0.01 ).The plaque scores were declined by 6.8 ％ and 13.1％ ( both P ＞ 0.05 ),14.5 ％ and 28.0％ (P＞0.05 and P＜0.05),19.2％ and 45.0％(P＜0.05 and P＜0.01)after 3,6 and 12 months of treatment while significant difference was found between the two groups after 12 months treatment (P＜0.05).Unstable plaque and the total number of plaque was dropped by 8 and 14 in single group,19 and 28 in combination group,respectively,after 12 months of treatment. Conclusions GSPE combined with atorvastatin may inhibit the development of carotid intima-media thickness,reduce carotid plaque and promote stabilization of carotid plaque.

To identify association between the presence of previously reported four single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) at exon 10, 12 and 33 of thyroglobulin(Tg) gene with autoimmune thyroid disease(AITD) patients whose TgAb is positive. In this case-control association study, the Tg gene polymorphisms at exon 10, 12, and 33 were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)method in 222 patients with AITD. According to the titers of the Tg autoantibodies(TgAb) in serum, they were divided into two subgroups: TgAb positive group and TgAb negtive group. And a haplotype case-control analysis was also done in two groups.The difference of their frequencies was analyzed by Chi-square test. No differences in alleles and genotypes frequencies were observed in all patients whose TgAb iseither positive or negative(P＞0.05). But there was a significant association of G-C-A-C haplotype with the patients whose TgAb was positive(P=0.028,OR=3.34). There is association of thyroglobulin gene polymorphisms with TgAb in patients with AITD.