Objective:To investigate the alteration in iodine nutritional status and influence on thyroid function in the elderly aged≥65 years following water source modification in high iodine areas.Methods:Data from Yaoji Town, Xuzhou, Jiangsu(an area with high iodine due to water sources) of the national epidemiological survey on thyroid diseases, iodine nutrition, and diabetes(TIDE study) in 31 provinces and cities in China from 2015 to 2017 were utilized. Additionally, data from the screening, monitoring, and intervention on thyroid diseases(TOPS study) in the elderly(≥65 years) in Shunhe Town, Suqian, Jiangsu(an area with iodine levels exceeding the recommended amount), and Yaoji Town, Xuzhou from May to August 2021, are included. Each subject completed a questionnaire, physical examination, laboratory tests and thyroid ultrasound examinations. A total of 2 717 subjects aged≥65 years were included, including group 1, 258 subjects in TIDE study; Group 2, 1 313 subjects in TOPS Xuzhou area; Group 3, 1 146 subjects in TOPS Suqian area.Results:The urinary iodine concentration(UIC) in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 [(235.16±67.09)μg/L vs (491.58±384.93)μg/L, P<0.001], but no significant difference compared with group 3 [(235.16±67.09) μg/L vs(231.62±66.11) μg/L, P>0.05]. The serum TSH level in group 2 was significantly lower than that in group 1 [(2.92±5.14)μIU/mL vs (4.15±9.19)μIU/mL, P<0.001]. Compared with group 2 and 3, the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in the elderly in group 1 was the highest(22.48% vs 10.13% and 8.12%, P<0.001). TSH levels were linearly correlated with age in both excessive iodine and more than adequate iodine nutrition areas. TSH level was gradually increased with age. Conclusion:The alteration in TSH levels among the elderly is notably linked to both aging and iodine status. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in the elderly can be significantly reduced when the iodine nutrition status of the elderly returns to normal.

Objective:To compare the short-term efficacy and the safety of microwave ablation (MWA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules (BTNs).Methods:This prospective randomized controlled trial, performed from December 2019 to September 2021, included 36 patients with solid or predominantly solid BTNs who met the eligibility criteria and provided written informed consent at the Nanjing sub-center (Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine). Patients were assigned to either the MWA group or the RFA group (18 patients in each group) at a ratio of 1∶1 using a block randomization design and allocation concealment using sealed envelope randomization. The independent-sample t-test and χ2 test were used to compare the volume reduction rates (VRRs), effective rates (VRRs≥50%), cosmetic scores, and complication rates at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment between the two groups. Results:The clinical characteristics of the two groups of patients were comparable. After ablation, the nodule volume was significantly reduced in both groups. At 1, 3, and 6 months, there was no significant difference in the volume between the two groups (all P>0.05). At 3 months, the RFA group had a larger VRRs than that in the MWA group (62.08%±12.46% vs. 46.90%±23.16%, t=-2.45, P=0.021). However, at 1 and 6 months, no statistical significance was observed (both P>0.05). No significant difference was observed in the effective rates at the last follow-up (14/18 vs. 18/18, P=0.104). However, the RFA group had a lower cosmetic score than that in the MWA group (1.78±0.43 vs. 2.17±0.51, t=-2.47, P=0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Both MWA and RFA were effective and safe treatments for BTNs, with no significant differences in short-term efficacy and safety. In addition, the RFA group showed slightly more favorable outcomes than the MWA group in terms of cosmetic improvement.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of serum calcitonin(Ctn)in medullary thyroid cancer(MTC),the correlation between preoperative serum Ctn and clinicopathological features,and the risk factors affecting the progression of MTC disease during follow-up.METHODS The clinical data of 50 patients admitted to the Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from 2011 to 2022 were systematically reviewed,the ROC curve calculated the diagnostic efficacy of Ctn and CEA levels on MTC,and the risk factors for lymph node metastasis in the central region of MTC were analyzed in univariate and multivariate,and the survival curve without disease progression was drawn to predict risk factors.RESULTS The ROC curve yields the preoperative cut-off value of Ctn was 23.81 pg/ml and the cut-off value of CEA was 3.035 ng/ml for the diagnosis of MTC.The age of disease,tumor diameter,and preoperative serum Ctn and CEA levels in MTC patients were higher than those in non-MTC patients.Ctn≥289.62 pg/ml was an independent risk factor for central lymph node metastasis in MTC.The survival curve showed that invasion of the capsule,central region metastasis,and TNM stage above T2 were risk factors for predicting disease progression(P<0.05).Patients with MTC who have disease progression have higher preoperative Ctn.CONCLUSION Serum Ctn has important clinical value in the differential diagnosis,preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up of MTC.

Objective To compare the size discrepancy between ultrasonic and pathological measurement of solitary cN0M0 papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMC),and to explore their correlation with lymph node metastasis.Methods From April 2021 to January 2022,234 patients with solitary cN0M0 PTMC who received thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy in the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine,Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine were analyzed retrospectively.The size discrepancy between ultrasonic and pathological measurement were compared,and the risk factors of central lymph node metastasis were analyzed.Results The mean of maximum diameter of PTMC measured by ultrasound was 6.8(range 5.6 to 8.4)mm,which was significantly bigger than that measured by pathology 5.0(range 4.0 to 7.0)mm(P=0.000).Of them,37.2%of the tumor size measured by ultrasound is consistent with pathology,61.1%of the tumor size measured by ultrasound is bigger than that measured by pathology,and only 1.7%of the tumor size measured by ultrasound is smaller than that measured by pathology.There was a linear correlation between the diameter measured by ultrasound and pathology.And the regression equation can be expressed as:pathological diameter=0.799×ultrasonic diameter-0.221.In addition,28.6%patients had central lymph node metastasis.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the diameter measured by pathology is a risk factor for central lymph node metastasis in patients(OR=17.845,95%CI:2.507-127.025,P=0.004),and the cutoff value is 5.5 mm which corresponded to the diameter measured by ultrasound as 7.2 mm.Conclusions The sizes of solitary cN0M0 PTMC measured by ultrasound and pathology are different but also correlated.PMTC with pathological diameter>5.5 mm with its corresponding ultrasonic diameter as 7.2 mm indicated an increased risk of central lymph node metastasis.

In the management of obesity, aside from lifestyle interventions and surgery, pharmacotherapy is the most important choice. In recent years, research on the mechanisms of obesity and weight-loss drugs has been advancing rapidly. Exploring drugs that increase energy expenditure from the perspective of energy balance is beneficial for making clinical decisions based on the mechanisms of drugs and clinical needs in order to treat obesity effectively and improve the quality of life.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of short-term very low-calorie restriction(VLCR) on glycemic control in overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes, and to explore mechanisms through identifying markers of gut microbiota.Methods:This trial was conducted in 14 adult overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes. They received VLCR for 9 days in the hospital(calorie intake 300-600 kcal/d). Before and after VLCR, body weight(BW), waist circumference(WC), blood pressure(BP), and heart rate(HR) were measured, and body mass index(BMI) was calculated according to their height and weight. Fasting blood glucose(FBG), 2 h postprandial blood glucose(2hPBG), fasting insulin(FINS), triglycerides(TG), total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C) were determined, and yielded the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR). Additional lab tests such as liver and kidney function and electrolytes were performed. The estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) was calculated to evaluate renal function. All data were analyzed using the SPSS Sample Power software. Feces samples were collected before and after VLCR. Fecal samples were tested for microbial diversity using 16S rDNA technology. Professional software was used to analyze the differences of gut microbiota in feces before and after VLCR.Results:After 9 days of VLCR, BW, BMI, WC, BP, HR, FBG, 2hPBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, alkaline phosphatase, TG, and blood urea nitrogen of 14 overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes were significantly reduced( P<0.05). No effect was seen on serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, creatinine, eGFR, uric acid, albumin, calcium, and phosphorus( P>0.05). The gut microbiota diversity did not differ before and after VLCR. The abundance of Bacteroidetes increased significantly, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio decreased from 11.79 to 4.20. Between groups analysis showed the abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis increased significantly after VLCR. Conclusion:VLCR can improve body weight and glucose and lipid metabolism in overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes, with no serious adverse events. Parabacteroides distasonis may be a marker of VLCR.

Objective:To establish and evaluate a predictive model for recurrence risk of Graves′ disease after antithyroid drugs(ATD) withdrawal.Methods:Among 308 patients with newly onset Graves′ disease taking ATD from 2012 to 2019, 170 patients who completed follow-up were enrolled and divided into relapse and remission groups according to whether hyperthyroidism reoccurred within 2 years after ATD withdrawal to establish the discovery cohort. An internal validation cohort was constructed by repeating the sampling with bootstrap. Cox regression analysis was used to screen risk factors and establish a predictive model, named Graves′ Recurrence Evaluation System(GRES). The differentiation and accuracy of GRES model were evaluated and compared with the GREAT score.Results:Of 170 patients, 90 Graves′ disease cases relapsed within 2 years after ATD withdrawal. According to Cox regression analysis, family history of Graves′ disease, younger age(<30 years), grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ goiter, high level of TRAb(≥13 IU/L), large thyroid volume(≥26.4 cm 3) and low 25(OH) D(<14.7 ng/mL) were included in the predictive model: PI=0.672×family history+ 0.405×age+ 0.491×severity of goiter+ 0.808×TRAb+ 1.423×thyroid volume+ 0.579×25(OH) D. PI≥1.449 was associated with a higher risk of recurrence after drug withdrawal. The GRES model has good prediction in assessing Graves′ disease relapse within 2 years after ATD withdrawal and better than GREAT score. Conclusion:GRES model can be used to evaluate the recurrence risk within 2 years for patients with newly onset Graves′ disease after ATD withdrawal, and facilitate clinicians to reasonably select treatment modalities in order to improve the remission rate.

Objective:To identify a novel bombesin bioactive peptide from the skin secretion of Hylarana Latouchii, and to explore its effect on insulin secretion in islet cells.Methods:The skin secretion from Hylarana Latouchii was extracted by electrical stimulation, and the single chain of bombesin peptide was cloned and sequenced. The peptide QUB2995 was synthesized via solid-phase synthesis, then purified using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Matrix assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) was applied to validate. QPCR and ELISA were used to probe the effect of QUB2995 on insulin secretion in MIN6 and INS-1 cells.Results:A novel bombesin peptide named QUB2995 (GAFGDFLKGAAKA GALKILSIAQCKLSGTC) was found in the skin secretion of Hylarana Latouchii through molecular cloning. The bioactive peptide could significantly promote the proliferation and insulin secretion from mouse islet MIN6 cells and rat islet INS-1 cells. The effect reached a climax at the concentration of 10 -5 mol/L. Conclusion:A novel bombesin bioactive peptide named QUB2995 was found from Hylarana Latouchii. It could significantly promote insulin secretion in MIN6 cells of mouse islets and INS-1 cells of rat islets, indicating its potential in the treatment of diabetes.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids (GCs), rituximab (RTX), and GCs combined with RTX in the treatment of active moderate-to-severe Graves′ ophthalmopathy (GO).Methods:A total of 42 patients with GO who were hospitalized in the Endocrinology Department of Jiangsu Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital from August 2017 to July 2019 were included and divided into GCs group (18 cases), RTX group (7 cases), GCs combined with RTX group (17 cases). Patients in the GCs group were received 500 mg intravenous methylprednisolone once a week for 6 weeks, followed by 250 mg intravenous methylprednisolone once a week for 6 weeks. In RTX group, patients were given intravenous RTX 100 mg every 2 weeks for 2 times. GCs combined with RTX group, i. e. RTX combined with methylprednisolone pulse therapy. At 12 and 24 weeks after treatment, CAS and NOSPECS classes were evaluated in each group. The altered course of thyroid stimulating receptor antibody were compared among the three groups. All adverse events were recorded.Results:The proportion of CAS decreased≥2 or total scores<3 points in the GCs, RTX and combined groups were 88.9%, 85.7% and 100%, with no statistical difference among the three groups ( P=0.321). At 24 weeks, CAS and NOSPECS classes decreased significantly in all three groups compared with those before treatment ( P<0.05). The reduction of CAS in the combined group was greater than in the GCs group (-3.12±1.02 vs -2.39±1.02, P=0.036) and RTX group (-3.12±1.02 vs -2.14±0.90, P=0.034). One patient in the combined group developed optic neuropathy at 24 weeks after treatment, all other patients had no severe adverse events. Conclusion:Low-dose RTX alone is not inferior to intravenous GCs in the treatment of active moderate to severe GO. GCs combined with RTX is more effective in improving patients′ CAS than either drugs alone.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), degree of insulin resistance and thyroid nodule imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) grading in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods:The clinical data of 120 patients with T2DM from February 2020 to November 2021 in Kunshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 56 patients had no thyroid nodules (non-thyroid nodule group), all patients were TI-RADS grade 1; 64 patients had thyroid nodules (thyroid nodule group), including 7 cases of TI-RADS grade 2, 12 cases of TI-RADS grade 3, 20 cases of TI-RADS grade 4, and 25 cases of TI-RADS grade 5. The levels of IGF-1 and TSH were measured by automated biochemical analyzer, the homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Spearman method was used for correlation analysis; multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of TI-RADS grading in patients with T2DM combined with thyroid nodules; the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the efficacy of IGF-1, TSH and HOMA-IR in predicting TI-RADS grading in patients with T2DM combined with thyroid nodules.Results:The IGF-1, TSH and HOMA-IR in thyroid nodule group were significantly higher than those in non-thyroid nodule group: (185.35 ± 45.08) ng/L vs. (168.36 ± 30.25) ng/L, (2.98 ± 0.85) mU/L vs. (2.69 ± 0.35) mU/L and 3.25 ± 0.75 vs. 2.95 ± 0.44, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05 or <0.01). In patients with T2DM combined with thyroid nodules, with the increase of TI-RADS classification, the IGF-1, TSH and HOMA-IR gradually increased, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis result showed that the levels of IGF-1, TSH and HOMA-IR were positive correlation with TI-RADS grading ( r = 0.918, 0.906 and 0.920; P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis result showed that the IGF-1, TSH and HOMA-IR were independent risk factors for TI-RADS grading in patients with T2DM combined with thyroid nodule ( OR = 1.684, 1.044 and 1.851; 95% CI 0.674 to 6.665, 0.032 to 0.055 and 1.212 to 2.298; P<0.01 or <0.05). ROC curve analysis result show that the area under the curve of IGF-1, TSH and HOMA-IR for predicting the TI-RADS grading patients with T2DM combined with thyroid nodule were 0.946, 0.983 and 0.975, with all sensitivity of 100.00%, and specificity of 82.14%, 91.07% and 89.29%. Conclusions:There is a correlation between IGF-1, TSH, HOMA-IR and TI-RADS grading in patients with T2DM combined with thyroid nodule, which has some guiding value for clinical monitoring of thyroid nodule changes.