[Correlation between weight variability and the risk of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus].

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between different indexes of weight variability and the risk of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of 2 180 T2DM patients without DKD who underwent case management at Lee's United Clinic in Taiwan, China from 2002 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 1 103 females and 1 077 males, with an average age of (64.8±12.4) years. Regular follow-up was conducted for patients for at least 2 years, and their metabolic indexes were monitored annually. BMI variability independent of the mean (BMI-VIM), average yearly mean square successive difference (BMI-ASV), coefficient of variation (BMI-CV) and standard deviation (BMI-SD) were calculated,based on the body mass index (BMI) recorded annually by the patients. Patients were divided into four groups (Q1-Q4) based on the quartiles of the four weight variability indexes. DKD group and non-DKN group(NDKD group) were defined based on the occurrence of DKD at the end of the follow-up. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the relationship between the four weight variability indicators and the incidence of DKD. Subgroup analysis was performed by categorizing patients into non-obesity (BMI<28 kg/m2) and obesity groups (BMI≥28 kg/m2) to investigate the impact of the four weight variability indicators on the risk of DKD. Results: After a follow-up of (4.55±2.13) years, 904 patients developed DKD. Compared with the NDKD group, patients in the DKD group had a higher proportion of females, older age, longer duration of diabetes, more insulin users, higher waist-to-hip ratio, higher levels of BMI-VIM, BMI-ASV, BMI-CV, BMI-SD, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and urine albumin-creatinine ratio, a lower proportion of hypoglycemic drugs, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, with statistically significant differences between the two groups(all P<0.05). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis results revealed that the risk of DKD in T2DM patients increased with the increase in BMI-SD, BMI-CV, BMI-VIM, and BMI-ASV after correcting a series of influencing factors. In the BMI-VIM subgroup, compared with the Q1 group, the risk of DKD in the Q4 group increased by 22.4% [HR=1.224 (95%CI:1.008-1.487), P=0.041]. In the BMI-ASV group, compared with the Q1 group, the risk of DKD in the Q4 group increased by 51.1% [HR=1.511 (95%CI:1.240-1.841), P<0.01]. In the BMI-CV group, compared with the Q1 group, the risk of DKD in the Q4 group increased by 22.2% [HR=1.222 (95%CI:1.006-1.485), P=0.044]. In the BMI-SD subgroup, compared with the Q1 group, the risk of DKD in the Q4 group increased by 22.2% [HR=1.222 (95%CI:1.002-1.490), P=0.048]. Sub-group analysis showed that when the non-obesity group was grouped by BMI-ASV, after correcting a series of influencing factors, compared with the Q1 group, the highest risk of DKD occurred in the Q4 group [HR=1.551 (95%CI:1.228-1.958), P<0.001];when the obesity group was grouped by BMI-ASV, after correcting a series of influencing factors, compared with the Q1 group, the highest risk of DKD occurred in the Q4 group [HR=1.703 (95%CI:1.168-2.485), P=0.006]. Conclusion: Increases in BMI-VIM, BMI-ASV, BMI-CV, and BMI-SD are associated with an increased risk of DKD in T2DM patients.

Dynamics of Th17 associating cytokines in Cryptosporidium parvum-infected mice.

Cryptosporidium parvum commonly inhabits the intestinal tract of animals and humans and can cause acute watery diarrhea and weight loss. However, host immune responses to Cryptosporidium infections are not fully understood. IL-17 (also called IL-17A) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine of Th17 cells that plays a role in the host response to Cryptosporidium baileyi infection. The present study examined levels of IL-17-specific messenger RNA (mRNA) and Th17 associating cytokines in C. parvum-infected immune-suppressed BALB/c mice using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Levels of IL-17 protein were determined by ELISA. The results showed that levels of IL-17 mRNA and Th17 cell-related cytokines, namely TGF-ß, IL-6, STAT-3, RORγt, IL-22, TNF-α, and IL-23, were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and spleen. IL-17 protein levels in GALT were also significantly increased (P < 0.05) after infection. The present study suggested that Th17 cells play a role in host-C. parvum interaction. These results could inform future studies of the immune response against C. parvum infection in transient immunosuppressed populations.

[Study of ultrasonographic features in predicting reginal lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the ultrasonographic features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in predicting associated cervical lymph nodes metastasis (LNM). METHODS: A total of 136 patients diagnosed with PTC in Beijing Tongren Hospital between January 2014 and September 2014 were enrolled.Of 136 cases, forty patients were confirmed with cervical lymph node metastasis.Seven were males, 33 were females, aged from 18 to 65 years old, mean age was (39.6±10.3) years .The remaining 96 were reported without lymph node metastasis.Twenty-one were males, 75 were females, aged from 23 to 86 years old, mean age was (47.7±12.8) years.Medical record was reviewed for demographic characteristics and pathological findings.The ultrasonographic features of each case were evaluated retrospectively.The difference of ultrasonographic features between the patients with and without LNM was examined. RESULTS: There were 178 PTCs confirmed with pathology, 159 lesions (89.3%) were detected by ultrasonography, the remaining 19 lesions (10.7%) were under-detected.Of 136 patients with PTC, 40 cases (40/136, 29.4%) were confirmed with cervical LNM, while the remaining 96 cases (96/136, 70.6%) were determined without cervical LNM.PTC with cervical LNM was more frequently seen in the patients who were younger (P=0.000 5) and presenting with multifocal tumors (P=0.014 6). Ultrasonographic features of PTC which significantly associated with LNM were ill-defined margins (P=0.018), solid appearance (P=0.003), and presence of calcification (P=0.000). Of 40 cases with LNM, central cervical LNM was seen in 32 cases (80%), 72.5% of whom appeared as unilateral distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Patients diagnosed with PTC with younger age and identified with multiple foci of tumors at the time of diagnosis are in an increased risk of associated cervical LNM.Ultrasonographic features of ill-defined margins, solid appearance and calcification in PTC are significant predictors of LNM.

Molecular approaches to differentiate three species of Nematodirus in sheep and goats from China based on internal transcribed spacer rDNA sequences.

Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA sequences of three Nematodirus species from naturally infected goats or sheep in two endemic provinces of China were analysed to establish an effective molecular approach to differentiate Nematodirus species in small ruminants. The respective intra-specific genetic variations in ITS1 and ITS2 rDNA regions were 0.3-1.8% and 0-0.4% in N. spathiger, 0-6.5% and 0-5.4% in N. helvetianus, and 0-4.4% and 0-6.1% in N. oiratianus from China. The respective intra-specific variations of ITS1 and ITS2 were 1.8-4.4% and 1.6-6.1% between N. oiratianus isolates from China and Iran, 5.7-7.1% and 6.3-8.3% between N. helvetianus samples from China and America. For N. spathiger, compared with samples from China, sequence differences in ITS1 rDNA were 0.3-2.4% in isolates from America, 0.3-2.9% in New Zealand and 2.1-2.4% in Australia. Genetic variations in ITS2 rDNA of N. spathiger were 0-0.4% between samples from China and America, and 0-0.8% between samples from China and New Zealand. Using mutation sites, polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and specific PCR techniques were developed to differentiate these three Nematodirus species. The specific PCR assay allowed the accurate identification of N. oiratianus from other common nematodes with a sensitivity of 0.69 pg and further examination of Nematodirus samples demonstrated the reliability of these two molecular methods.

Characterization of Dicrocoelium dendriticum isolates from small ruminants in Shaanxi Province, north-western China, using internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA.

The genetic variations in internal transcribed spacers (ITS) spanning ITS-1, 5.8S and ITS-2 rDNA of Dicrocoelium dendriticum, isolated from sheep and goats in four geographical regions in Shaanxi province, were examined. The lengths of ITS-1, 5.8S and ITS-2 rDNA sequences for D. dendriticum were 749 bp, 161 bp and 234 bp, respectively. Intra-specific sequence variations of D. dendriticum were 0-0.5% for ITS-1 and 0-1.3% for ITS-2 rDNA, while the inter-specific variations among species in genus Dicrocoelium in ITS-2 rDNA were 3.4-12.3%. Phylogenetic analysis based on sequences of ITS-2 rDNA showed that all D. dendriticum isolates in the present study were grouped with reference D. dendriticum isolates from sheep and goats, and D. dendriticum isolates from cattle and Japanese serow were clustered in a sister clade. However, the phylogenetic tree could not reveal geographically genetic relationships of D. dendriticum isolates in different origins and hosts. These findings provided basic information for further study of molecular epidemiology and control of D. dendriticum infection in Shaanxi province as well as in the world.

Observation of topological superconductivity in a stoichiometric transition metal dichalcogenide 2M-WS2.

Topological superconductors (TSCs) are unconventional superconductors with bulk superconducting gap and in-gap Majorana states on the boundary that may be used as topological qubits for quantum computation. Despite their importance in both fundamental research and applications, natural TSCs are very rare. Here, combining state of the art synchrotron and laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we investigated a stoichiometric transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD), 2M-WS2 with a superconducting transition temperature of 8.8 K (the highest among all TMDs in the natural form up to date) and observed distinctive topological surface states (TSSs). Furthermore, in the superconducting state, we found that the TSSs acquired a nodeless superconducting gap with similar magnitude as that of the bulk states. These discoveries not only evidence 2M-WS2 as an intrinsic TSC without the need of sensitive composition tuning or sophisticated heterostructures fabrication, but also provide an ideal platform for device applications thanks to its van der Waals layered structure.

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned calves in Shaanxi Province, north-western China.

Cryptosporidium, a worldwide protozoan parasite, is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea in humans and animals. The aim of the present study was to determine Cryptosporidium species/genotypes in pre-weaned calves in Shaanxi Province using PCR and sequencing based on the small subunit rRNA gene. A total of 258 faecal samples were collected from pre-weaned calves in 19 different farms from six areas in Shaanxi Province, north-western China. Cryptosporidium infection was detected in 14 of 19 farms (73.7 %), with a total prevalence of 20.2 % (52/258). Both dairy and Qinchuan (beef) cattle were found with Cryptosporidium infection. Three Cryptosporidium species, namely Cryptosporidium bovis (n = 26), Cryptosporidium andersoni (n = 14) and Cryptosporidium ryanae (n = 12), were detected in pre-weaned calves in Shaanxi Province, with C. bovis (in 12 farms) identified as the most common species on cattle farms. Two additional and previously unknown C. ryanae genotypes, CRTypes III and IV, were observed in the present study. However, the zoonotic species, Cryptosporidium parvum, was not detected in this study, which suggested a low zoonotic potential in Cryptosporidium-infected pre-weaned calves in this province.

Correlation of annual change of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) with gonadal development in amphioxus.

The present study demonstrates for the first time by RIA that LH-RH is present in the heads as well as the bodies of the amphioxuses of both sexes. Gonadoliberin increases gradually during the course of gonadal development. At the time of gonadal maturity, LH-RH content reaches a maximum. The annual change of LH-RH correlates well with gonadal development and the gonadosomatic index (GSI). The reproductive season of the amphioxus covers about three months from May to July, and LH-RH content starts to increase in May (66.89 +/- 5.26 ng) and reaches the peak in June (158.57 +/- 3.17 ng), indicating that LH-RH is likely also to be involved in the reproductive activity of the chordate. This finding is of significance in understanding the evolutionary process of the reproductive endocrine in the vertebrate.

Hormonal regulation of oocyte development and maturation of amphioxus.

Using the electron microscopic technique and radioimmunoassay, the hormonal regulation of the oocyte development and maturation of the amphioxus has been investigated. The results indicate that the exogenous GnRH-A can stimulate the oocyte development and maturation as well as the spawning of the amphioxus. It has further been revealed by radioimmunoassay that GnRH-A can increase the context of sex steroid hormone, especially, estradiol-17 beta, by 1-3 times. The increase of estradiol-17 beta coordinates with the synthesis of oocyte into yolk substance. The results further justify that the hormonal regulation in the oocyte development and maturation of amphioxus is similar to that of vertebrates. This is of great theoretical significance for reproductive endocrine physiology of amphioxus.

[Environmental pollution, human exposure and its health effect of sodium pentachlorophenate in schistosomiasis prevalent area].

Sodium pentachlorophenate (Na-PCP) has been used in China for years as an molluscacide to kill oncomelania, which is an intermediate host of Schistosome. To evaluate the effects of its long-term successive usage on environment, human exposure and health, studies were carried out in Sichuan, Jiangxi, Jiangsu and Fujian provinces, with a time gap of more than one month between sample collection and last spray of Na-PCP. Results indicated that PCP contents in surface water, soil, sediment, animals and plants were significantly higher in studied areas than in control areas. The daily intake and the content in urine of PCP were also sigificantify higher in studied areas. But, there was no difference on physical and biochemical examinations except that a 22%-28% decrease of blood cholinesterase activity was found in studied areas. The health effect of impurities in Na-PCP, dioxins and furans, was assessed and discussed.

[Analysis of trace elements in liver, spleen and brain of rats infected with Toxoplasma gondii].

OBJECTIVE: To study the level of five trace elements(Fe2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+) in the liver, spleen and brain of the rats infected with Toxoplasma gondii. METHODS: 20 rats were randomly and equally divided into two groups: normal group and experimental group. On the 64th day after injection of 1.5 x 10(6) T. gondii/2 ml, all of the rats were killed and the atomic absorption method were used. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the level of Cu2+ in liver in experimental group was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), and the amount of Fe2+ of sick rats were higher than that of the normal (P < 0.01). No differences in the content of Zn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+ between the experimental and control group were determined; the level of Fe2+, Cu2+ in spleen in experimental group was significantly altered (P < 0.01). The amount of Mg2+ of sick rats were higher than that of the normal (P < 0.01), and no difference on the content of Zn2+, Ca2+ between the experimental and control group were estimated; the level of Fe2+, Cu2+, Mg2+ in brain in experimental group was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). The amount of Ca2+ of sick rats were higher than that of the normal (P < 0.02). No difference on the content of Zn2+ between the experimental and control group were estimated. CONCLUSION: T. gondii infection might cause changes in trace elements in the liver, spleen and brain of rats.

[Determination of T lymphocytes and trace elements in spleen from rats infected with Toxoplasma gondii].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of five trace elements(Fe2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+) in the spleen and changes of T lymphocyte and its subtype variations in peripheral blood from the rats infected with Toxoplasma gondii. METHODS: Twenty rats were randomly and equally divided into two groups: control group and experiment group. Each rat in the experiment group received an i.p. injection of 2 ml normal saline containing 1.5 x 10(6) tachyzoites of T. gondii. On the 64th day after injection of T. gondii, the changes in T lymphocytes (TL) and their subgroups, the helper T lymphocytes (Th) and the suppressor T lymphocytes(Ts) in the peripheral blood of the rats with T. gondii were determined by the assay of the lymphocytes labeled with intercellular acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase. All the rats were killed and the atomic absorption method were used for detecting the level of trace elements in the spleen tissue. RESULTS: The number of TL and Th in experiment group was significantly lower than that of control (P < 0.01, P < 0.01). The ratio of Th/Ts showed a significant difference between the two groups. The level of Fe2+, Cu2+ in experiment group was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). The amount of Mg2+ in infected rats was higher than that of the control(P < 0.01). No statistical difference in the content of Zn2+, Ca2+ was found between the two groups. CONCLUSION: T. gondii infection might cause the changes in the TL and Th in peripheral blood and the changes in trace elements in spleen of the rats.

[Detection of DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in rat by using polymerase chain reaction].

OBJECTIVE: To study the significance of DNA of Toxoplasma gondii in peripheral blood. METHODS: DNA of T. gondii in peripheral blood of 50 infected rats was detected by polymerase chain reaction. A pair of primers was designed, according to the sequence P30 gene specific to T. gondii, to amplify DNA from T. gondii by PCR. RESULTS: The primers amplified DNA specifically from T. gondii and could not amplify DNA from humans, uninfected rat and mouse and from Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica. DNA of two Toxoplasma parasites was detected by 35 cycles of amplification, indicating a fair sensitivity of the PCR system. CONCLUSION: PCR may have a value for early diagnosis of T. gondii infection in rat.

Laryngeal juvenile xanthogranuloma: Imaging finding.

Laryngeal juvenile xanthogranuloma is rare and there were only four cases have been reported previously in English literature. We report a case of isolated JXG of larynx in the superglottic region. The mass was well-defined and homogeneous hypoechoic in ultrasonography while presented indistinct boundary and soft tissue density in Computed Tomography images. Radiological findings are nonspecific but could help to understand the extent of the lesion. We suggest that JXG should be considered as differential diagnosis for laryngeal stridor. Laryngeal ultrasound is safe and reliable, which could be considered a useful diagnostic tool for supplementing laryngoscopy.

Expression profiling identifies new function of collapsin response mediator protein 4 as a metastasis-suppressor in prostate cancer.

Metastasis is the chief cause of mortality from cancer, but the mechanisms leading to metastasis are poorly understood. We used a proteomics approach to screen for metastasis-associated proteins and found that collapsin response mediator protein-4 (CRMP4) expression was inversely associated with the lymph node metastasis of prostate cancer (PCa). Subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that overexpression of CRMP4 not only suppressed the invasion ability of PCa cells, but also strongly inhibited tumor metastasis in an animal model. Furthermore, methylation of a CpG island within the promoter region of the CRMP4 gene is responsible for downregulation of CRMP4 expression. Thus, in this study, we show new function of CRMP4 as a metastasis-suppressor in PCa. The findings provide new mechanistic insights into metastasis and therapeutic potential for this most common male cancer.