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The aim of this study was to assess the population's iodine nutrition and thyroid diseases in different water iodine areas and to offer suggestions to the governments of different countries to adjust the present policy in different water iodine areas. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in different water iodine areas in China. Urinary iodine, water iodine, salt iodine and thyroid function were determined. The thyroid volumes and nodules were measured by ultrasound. Upon categorization by water iodine level for the 10.0 ~ 39.9 μg/L, 40.0 ~ 100.0 μg/L and 100.1 ~ 150.0 μg/L areas, in adults, the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was 9.28%, 5.35% and 11.07%, and the median urinary iodine (MUI) was 153.7 μg/L, 189.8 μg/L and 317.0 μg/L; in children of the three areas, the prevalence of goitre was 3.83%, 4.47% and 16.02%, and the MUI was 164.1 μg/L, 221.0 μg/L and 323.3 μg/L; in pregnant women of those areas, the MUI was 148.6 μg/L, 176.9 μg/L and 324.9 μg/L. Logistic regression results indicated that low iodine intake was a risk factor for developing hypothyroxinaemia in pregnant women. The iodine status of pregnant women is insufficient in areas with a median water iodine level of 10.0 ~ 39.9 μg/L. Low iodine intake increases the risk of developing hypothyroxinaemia in pregnant women. The iodine status of adults and children is excessive, and the iodine status of pregnant women is above the requirements in areas with a median water iodine concentration of 100.1 ~ 150.0 μg/L. Iodized salt, especially for pregnant women, should be supplied in areas with a median water iodine concentration of 10.0 ~ 39.9 μg/L to improve the iodine status of pregnant women. Supplying non-iodized salt is not enough to protect local residents from the harm from excess iodine in areas with a median water iodine concentration above 100.0 μg/L.

Objective Surgical resection remains the mainstream radical therapy in patients with breast cancer. Given that no consensus has been reached on the exact indication for level III lymph node dissection, the aim of this study is to explore factors associated with level III lymph nodes positive and survival analysis of its dissection in patients with breast cancer. Materials and methods A retrospective study including 61 patients after level I-III dissection via a smaller incision of pectoralis major and 61 patients experiencing only level I and II clearance was performed. Clinicopathological outcomes were compared initially and survival analysis was conducted subsequently. Results No significant differences were presented in baseline and clinicopathological characteristics between the two groups. Ten (16.4%) patients’ level III nodes were proven positive after level III dissection. Positive nodes in level I and II lymph nodes over 9 was demonstrated as an independent predictor of level III nodes positive (OR:200.75 [95% CI:7.77–5187.19], p = 0.001). Although the level I-III lymph node dissection group presented a seemingly better disease-free survival, statistical significance was not detected (p = 0.21). Conclusions This study revealed that having positive nodes in level I and II lymph nodes over 9 was a risk factor of level III lymph nodes positive. But level III lymph node dissection does not offer definite survival benefit.

Purpose In this study, we aimed to investigate the viability of utilizing CytoSorter® system to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and to evaluate the diagnostic value of CTCs in breast cancer (BC). Methods A total of 366 females patients suspected of having BC and 30 healthy female volunteers were enrolled in this study. CTCs were enriched by CytoSorter®, a microfluidic‐based CTCs capturing platform. CTC detection was performed before operation or biopsy. Based on the biopsy results, patients were divided into two groups, namely patients with BC and patients with benign breast diseases (BBD). Patients with BBD and healthy volunteers were serving as controls. The correlation between CTC enumeration and patients' clinicopathological characteristics was evaluated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess the diagnostic potency of CytoSorter® system in BC. Results Based on the biopsy results, 130 BC patients at different cancer stages and 236 patients with BBD were enrolled in the study. Seven subjects were dropped out from the study. CTCs were detected in 109 of 128 BC patients, in one of 29 healthy volunteers, and in 37 of 232 patients with BBD. Maximum CTC counts detected in BC patients, healthy volunteers, and patients with BBD were 8, 1, and 4, respectively. Statistical analysis showed CTCs could be used to distinguish BC patients from healthy volunteers and patients with BBD (P

This paper represents an explicit analytical solution for attitude dynamics of spacecraft combination during on-orbit refueling. Due to the fuel transfer from the servicer to the client, the inertia tensor of the spacecraft combination varies in time, which evidently leads to an inner disturbance torque on the attitude motion. Firstly, the variation of the inertia tensor matrix is formulated in terms of fuel transfer rate, and the refueling disturbance torque associated with the variation of inertia tensor is analyzed. Secondly, with an additional consideration of the effect from gravity gradient, the behavior of attitude dynamics during and after fuel transfer is investigated. Finally, different scenarios are simulated to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed model. The result in this work is important and allows for evaluations on the attitude disturbance and stability for an on-orbit refueling mission.

This paper addresses the attitude control problem of a space tethered robot platform in the presence of unknown external disturbance caused by a connecting elastic tether. The tether-generated unknown disturbance leads to tremendous challenges for attitude control of the platform. In this work, the perturbed attitude dynamics of the platform are derived with a consideration of the libration of the elastic tether, and then with the purpose of compensating the unknown disturbance, major attention is dedicated to develop a nonlinear disturbance observer based on gyros measurements, after which, an adaptive attitude scheme is proposed by combining the disturbance observer with a sliding mode controller. Finally, benefits from the observer based on an adaptive controller are validated by series of numerical simulations.

Purpose In this study, we aimed to investigate the viability of utilizing CytoSorter® system to detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and to evaluate the diagnostic value of CTCs in breast cancer (BC). Methods A total of 366 females patients suspected of having BC and 30 healthy female volunteers were enrolled in this study. CTCs were enriched by CytoSorter®, a microfluidic‐based CTCs capturing platform. CTC detection was performed before operation or biopsy. Based on the biopsy results, patients were divided into two groups, namely patients with BC and patients with benign breast diseases (BBD). Patients with BBD and healthy volunteers were serving as controls. The correlation between CTC enumeration and patients' clinicopathological characteristics was evaluated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess the diagnostic potency of CytoSorter® system in BC. Results Based on the biopsy results, 130 BC patients at different cancer stages and 236 patients with BBD were enrolled in the study. Seven subjects were dropped out from the study. CTCs were detected in 109 of 128 BC patients, in one of 29 healthy volunteers, and in 37 of 232 patients with BBD. Maximum CTC counts detected in BC patients, healthy volunteers, and patients with BBD were 8, 1, and 4, respectively. Statistical analysis showed CTCs could be used to distinguish BC patients from healthy volunteers and patients with BBD (P, Circulating tumor cells were successfully isolated in breast cancer (BC) patients using CytoSorter® system. Circulating tumor cells can be used to differentiate BC patients from the patients with benign breast diseases or healthy volunteers, and as a diagnostic aid for early cancer diagnosis and cancer staging.

Background Infants are very sensitive to iodine deficiency. Breastfed infants are dependent on maternal iodine intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between maternal iodine status during lactation and infant weight and length. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate maternal iodine status and infant anthropometric measures in Henan Province, China. Only exclusive breastfeeding mothers and their infants

The study aimed to explore the effects of maternal iodine status and thyroid diseases on adverse pregnancy outcomes.A prospective study was conducted on 2347 pregnant women, who provided 2347 urinary samples tested for iodine, 1082 serum samples tested for thyroid function, and 2347 questionnaires about demographic information. Their pregnancy outcomes were recorded and compared between different urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and thyroid function groups.Pregnant women with UIC between 150 and 249 μg/L had lower incidences of preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.12, 95% CI: 0.01-0.87), placenta previa (adjusted OR 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.69) and fetal distress (adjusted OR 0.10, 95% CI: 0.02-0.64) than the reference group (UIC 50 μg/L). Women with UIC between 100 and 149 μg/L had lower risks of abnormal amniotic fluid (adjusted OR 0.32, 95% CI: 0.12-0.87) and fetal distress (adjusted OR 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.82). Women with UIC above 249 μg/L had a significant higher rate of abnormal amniotic fluid (adjusted OR 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16-0.89). Clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy increased the risk of preterm delivery by 4.4 times (P = 0.009) and 3.0 times (P = 0.014), respectively. Isolated hypothyroxinemia had increased odds of having macrosomia (adjusted OR 2.22, 95% CI: 1.13-4.85). Clinical hyperthyroidism was significantly associated with miscarriage (adjusted OR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.92-96.67) and fetal distress (adjusted OR 9.53, 95% CI: 1.05--81.81). Subclinical hyperthyroidism had a significant association with umbilical cord entanglement (adjusted OR 3.82, 95% CI: 1.38-10.58). Isolated hyperthyroxinemia was associated with preterm delivery (adjusted OR 4.73, 95% CI: 1.49-15.05).Maternal iodine status and thyroid diseases during pregnancy were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

The standard of salt iodine content in China has been adjusted several times since implementation of the universal salt iodization (USI) in 1995. The new standard of iodized salt content was adjusted from 35 ± 15 to 30 ± 9 mg/kg in Henan province in 2012. We aimed to determine whether the vulnerable populations were iodine sufficient after the adjustment of salt iodine content and to provide a guideline for the adjustment of USI policy in China. Two cross-sectional surveys of iodine status in vulnerable populations, including reproductive-age, pregnant and lactating women, infants

To characterize the gestational changes of iodine nutrition and thyroid function and to explore the factors associated with the thyroid function in pregnant women.A longitudinal survey was conducted in 130 pregnant women in Luohe city of Henan province from October 2012 to May 2013. Samples of fasting blood and urine were collected in each trimester to test on thyroid function and urinary iodine. Data regarding social demography and lifestyle behavior were collected through questionnaire in the first trimester.The medians of urinary iodine (MUI) for pregnant women were 238.9, 150.8 and 306.4 µg/L in the first, second and third trimesters, respectively (P0.05). With the increase of gestational age, the level of free triiodothyronine (FT3) showed no significant change (P0.05) but the level of free thyroxine (FT4) decreased (P0.05), with the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) increased and then declined (P0.05). A U-shaped curve were seen between iodine nutrition and thyroid function. With the increase of iodine level, the level of TSH first increased and then decreased while the levels of FT3 and FT4 showed the opposite trend. The level of TSH was influenced by factors as education level, history of chronic diseases, history of CT and X-ray examination, and intake of pickled food etc. The level of FT4 was associated with residence (urban or rural), stressful events in the previous year, daily means of transportation, and the hours of sedentariness, working and sleeping.Significant differences were noticed in iodine nutrition and thyroid function of pregnant women during the three trimesters. It was essential to establish specific reference ranges for different trimesters. Thyroid functions of pregnant women seemed to be associated with iodine level and lifestyle.

Iodine content in table salt was adjusted from 30-50 mg/kg to 21-39 mg/kg from March of 2012 in Henan Province, China. The vulnerable population may be at risk of iodine deficiency.To determine whether the iodine intake was sufficient in vulnerable populations and to investigate what factors may be associated with iodine status in these vulnerable populations in Henan Province, China.A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 17 cities in Henan Province, China, from April 2012 to December 2012 to assess the iodine status in vulnerable populations, including women of reproductive-age (n=2648), pregnant women (n=39684), lactating women (n=6859), infants2 years of age (n=16481), and children aged 8-10 years (n=3198). Questionnaires (n=4865) related to demographic and dietary factors were collected from the investigated women to identify factors that were related to iodine intake and iodine status.The median urinary iodine concentrations (mUICs) were 205 μg/L, 198 μg/L, 167 μg/L, 205 μg/L and 200 μg/L, respectively, in reproductiveage, pregnant and lactating women, infants2 years of age and children aged 8-10 years. Higher income, and consuming more poultry and fish in the diet had positive impact on UIC levels. Low salt intake, consuming more rice and vegetables in the diet were negative factors for UIC.Iodine status of the vulnerable populations was generally adequate in Henan Province, China, according to WHO criteria. But the mUICs were slightly above the adequate level in reproductive-age women and children aged 8-10 years. It's important to monitor the iodine status in vulnerable populations after the adjustment on iodine content in table salt.背景：从2012 年3 月起，中国河南省食盐中碘浓度从30-50 mg/kg 调整到21- 39 mg/kg。由于食盐中碘浓度的下调，重点人群可能有碘缺乏的风险。目的： 了解河南省重点人群的碘营养状况是否适宜，并探索与碘营养相关的影响因 素。方法：从2012 年4 月至2012 年12 月，在中国河南省的17 个城市对重点 人群的碘营养状况开展横断面调查，包括育龄妇女2648 名、孕妇39684 名、 哺乳期妇女6859 名、0-2 岁婴幼儿16481 名和8-10 岁儿童3198 名。通过问卷 形式收集调查对象的人口学因素和膳食情况，共收集问卷4865 份。结果： 2012 年河南省育龄妇女、孕妇、哺乳期妇女、0-2 岁婴幼儿和8-10 岁儿童的 尿碘中位数分别为205 μg/L、 198 μg/L、 167 μg/L、 205 μg/L 和200 μg/L。高 收入、膳食中摄入更多的禽类和鱼类因素与尿碘浓度呈正相关，而低盐膳食、 膳食中摄入更多的大米和蔬菜与尿碘浓度呈负相关。结论：按照WHO 的标 准，河南省重点人群的碘营养状况总体适宜，但育龄妇女和8-10 岁儿童的尿 碘浓度略高于适宜水平。食盐中碘浓度调整后，对重点人群的碘营养状况进行 监测是十分必要的。

Our study aims to clarify the population nutrient status in locations with different levels of iodine in the water in China; to choose effective measurements of water improvement(finding other drinking water source of iodine not excess) or non-iodised salt supply or combinations thereof; to classify the areas of elevated water iodine levels and the areas with endemic goiter; and to evaluate the risk factors of water iodine excess on pregnant women, lactating women and the overall population of women. From Henan, Hebei, Shandong and Shanxi province of China, for each of 50 ∼ 99 µg/L, 100 ∼ 149 µg/L, 150 ∼ 299 µg/L, and ≥ 300 µg/L water iodine level, three villages were selected respectively. Students of 6-12 years old and pregnant were sampled from villages of each water-iodine level of each province, excluded iodized salt consumer. Then the children's goiter volume, the children and pregnant's urinary iodine and water iodine were tested. In addition, blood samples were collected from pregnant women, lactating women and other women of reproductive age for each water iodine level in the Shanxi Province for thyroid function tests. These indicators should be matched for each person. When the water iodine exceeds 100 µg/L; the iodine nutrient of children are iodine excessive, and are adequate or more than adequate for the pregnant women. It is reasonable to define elevated water iodine areas as locations where the water iodine levels exceed 100 µg/L. The supply of non-iodised salt alone cannot ensure adequate iodine nutrition of the residents, and water improvement must be adopted, as well. Iodine excess increases the risk of certain thyroid diseases in women from one- to eightfold.

Liver metastasis is a frequent occurrence in patients with breast cancer; however, the available treatments are limited and ineffective. While liver-specific homing of breast cancer cells is an important feature of metastasis, the formation of liver metastases is not random. Indeed, breast cancer cell factors contribute to the liver microenvironment. Major breakthroughs have been achieved recently in understanding breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM). The process of liver metastasis consists of multiple steps and involves various factors from breast cancer cells and the liver microenvironment. A further understanding of the roles of breast cancer cells and the liver microenvironment is crucial to guide future work in clinical treatments. In this review we discuss the contribution of breast cancer cells and the liver microenvironment to liver metastasis, with the aim to improve therapeutic efficacy for patients with BCLM.