Research progress in parameterizing irrigation and fertilization in land surface model

Under the context of global climate change and growing population, irrigation and fertilization have become important ways to ensure food production, with consequences on water cycling, energy flow, and materials cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. In the land surface model (LSM), coupling irrigation and fertilization schemes are of great importance for clearly understanding the land-atmosphere interactions to ensure food security. We reviewed the expression methods of three key parameters, namely, the applied method, usage, and time in the parameterization process of irrigation and fertilization (nitrogen fertilizer) in LSM. We found that the ways to irrigate and ferti-lize in LSM are different from the ways used in actual practice due to the limitation of the high resolution of spatio-temporal data, which makes it difficult to understand the actual influences of irrigation and fertilization on grain yield, environment, and local climate. Finally, we proposed future works: 1) taking the differences of crop water demand into account and making the different irrigation thresholds for different crops to properly evaluate the total and intensity of water consumption of different crops; 2) using the field records and the regional grid data of fertilization and irrigation developed in recent years to develop parameterized schemes that are more in line with actual agricultural operations, which can accurately reveal their economic, ecological, and climatic effects; 3) developing fertilization diagnosis scheme considering crop type, phenological stage, and soil basic fertility as the supplementary scheme in LSM, to improve the applicability and simulation accuracy of LSM in the areas without nitrogen fertilizer data.

[Hsp90 participates in the necroptosis of mouse neural cells induced by aluminum through the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway]

Objective: To investigate whether heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) participates in the necroptosis of C57BL/6 mouse neurons and spatial memory impairment induced by Aluminum maltol [Al (mal) (3)] through RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway. Methods: In March 2022, Thirty-two C57 mice were randomly divided into control group, Low dose group, a medium dose group, and a high-dose group, with 8 mice in each group, and injected intraperitoneally with physiological saline, 20, 40, and 80, respectivelyμmol/kgAl (mal) (3) was administered, it was injected 5 days a week and discontinued 2 days for 60 days. Morris water maze test was used to test the spatial learning and memory ability of mice. Nissl staining was used to observe the pathological changes of brain tissue. The protein expression levels of RIP1, RIP3, MLKL and HSP90 in hippocampus were determined by Western blotting. Results: In the water maze experiment, compared with the control group, the number of mice crossing the platform decreased in each dose group, the difference was statistically significant (H=9.50, P=0.023), and the number of mice crossing the platform was statistically significant among each dose group (P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the number of hippocampal nerve cells in each dose group decreased, the arrangement was disordered, and the Nissellite bodies decreased. Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group, the expression level of RIP1 protein in the hippocampus of mice in high-dose group was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). The expression levels of RIP3, MLKL and HSP90 in hippocampal tissue of mice in medium and high dose groups were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). After siRNA intervention decreased the expression of HSP90 protein, the expressions of HSP90, RIP1, RIP3 and MLKL in Al (mal) (3) groups were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Through RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway, HSP90 is involved in neuronal programmed necrosis and spatial memory impairment induced by maltol aluminum in C57 mice.

[Call for attention to the scientific issues in cardiovascular adverse effects associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are two intimately interconnected conditions with leading causes of mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that CVD and cancer have common risk factors and share genetics and molecular mechanisms. With recent advancements in diagnosis and treatment, the number of long-term survivors have been continuously increasing. However, cancer patients have significantly higher cardiovascular mortality than general population, mostly resulting from cardiotoxic side effects of anticancer treatments. The prevalence and severity of cardiotoxicity and vascular abnormalities led to the emergence of a clinical branch of cardiology, known as cardio-oncology. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are currently widely used for treatment of various types of cancers. Recent studies suggest that ICIs lead to cardiotoxicity including myocarditis with an incidence of 0.04%-2.4% and a mortality of 25%-50%. However, the molecular and pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular toxicity induced by ICIs are poorly understood. Therefore, this article combines the recent research results of the pathophysiology of cardiovascular toxicity induced by ICIs and explores novel diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic approaches to improve cardiac function and prevent cardiovascular injury.

[Effects of rapid drug sensitivity testing for multidrug-resistant bacteria on the prognosis of patients with severe intra-abdominal infection]

Objective: To examine the clinical value of rapid detection of drug-resistant bacteria by immunochromatography and the effects of rapid detection on the prognosis of patients with severe intra-abdominal infection complicated by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) bloodstream infection. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. We analyzed clinical data of 73 patients with severe abdominal infections with sepsis or septic shock complicated by CRE bloodstream infection admitted to the general surgery department of Jinling Hospital between February 2022 and February 2023. Patients were divided into a colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) group (17 patients) and conventional testing group (56 patients) based on whether a GICA for CRE had been performed on the patients' first blood culture sample during the diagnosis and treatment process. There were no statistically significant differences between the GICA and conventional testing groups in age ([55.9±17.3] vs. [47.6±16.4] years), sex ([16 men vs. one woman ] vs. [41 men vs. 15 women]), median Charlson comorbidity index (3.0[2.0,4.0] vs. 3.0[2.0, 4.8]), septic shock (10 vs. 39), or acute kidney injury (8 vs. 40) (all P>0.05). Both groups routinely underwent traditional bacterial identification and drug susceptibility testing. Additionally, patients in the GICA group were tested directly for positive blood cultures using a GICA carbapenemase test kit. The main outcomes were mortality rates on Days 28 and 90 after the first identification of CRE bloodstream infection in both groups. We also compared the microbial clearance rate, duration of hospitalization and intensive care unit stay, and time from onset of CRE bloodstream infection to initiation of targeted and appropriate antibiotics between the two groups. Results: The rate of microbial clearance of bloodstream infection was significantly greater in the GICA group than in the conventional testing group (15/17 vs. 34/56 [60.7%], χ2=4.476, P=0.034), whereas the 28-day mortality tended to be lower in the GICA than conventional testing group [5/17 vs. 44.6% [25/56], χ2=1.250, P=0.264). The 90-day mortality (8/17 vs. 53.6% [30/56], χ2=0.222, P=0.638), median duration of hospitalization (37.0 [18.0, 46.5] days vs. 45.5 [32.2, 64.8] days, Z=-1.867, P=0.062), and median duration of intensive care unit stay (18.0 [6.5, 35.0] days vs. 32.0 [5.0, 51.8] days, Z=-1.251, P=0.209). The median time between the onset of bloodstream infection and administration of antibiotics was 49.0 (38.0, 69.0) hours in the GICA group, which is significantly shorter than the 163.0 (111.8, 190.0) hours in the conventional testing group (Z=-5.731, P<0.001). The median time between the onset of bloodstream infection and administration of appropriate antibiotics was 40.0 (34.0, 80.0) hours in the GICA group, which is shorter than in the conventional testing group (68.0 [38.2, 118.8]) hours; however, this difference is not statistically significant (Z=-1.686, P=0.093). Conclusions: GICA can provide information on carbapenemase- producing pathogens faster than traditional drug sensitivity testing, enabling early administration of the optimal antibiotics. The strategy of 'carbapenemase detection first' for managing bacterial infection has the potential to improve prognosis of patients and reduce mortality rate.

[Treatment of open abdomen combined with entero-atmospheric fistula: A retrospective study]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the course and outcome of patients with combined entero-atmospheric fistulas in open abdomen treatment. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we collected data on 214 patients with open abdomen complicated by entero-atmospheric fistulas admitted to Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School from January 2012 to January 2021. We collected their basic characteristics, aetiology, treatment plan, and prognosis, including the durations of hospitalization and open treatment, time to resumption of enteral nutrition, duration and prognosis of definitive surgery, and overall prognosis. Results: Of the 214 patients with open abdomen complicated with entero-enteral fistulas, 23 (10.7%) died (11 of multiple organ failure caused by abdominal infection, five of abdominal cavity bleeding, four of pulmonary infection, one of airway bleeding, one of necrotizing fasciitis, and one of traumatic brain injury). The remaining 191 underwent definitive surgery at our hospital. The patients who underwent definitive surgery were predominantly male (156 patients, 81.7%); their age was (46.5±2.5) years. Trauma and gastrointestinal tumors (120 cases, 62.8%) predominated among the primary causes. The reasons for abdominal opening were, in order, severe abdominal infection (137 cases, 71.7%, damage control surgery (29 cases, 15.2%), and abdominal hypertension (25 cases, 13.1%). Temporary abdominal closure measures were used to classify the participants into a skin-only suture group (104 cases) and a skin-implant group (87 cases). Compared with the skin-implant group, in the skin-suture-only group the proportion of male patients was lower (74.7% [65/87] vs. 87.5% [91/104], χ2=5.176, P=0.023), the mean age was older ([48.3±2.0] years vs. [45.0±1.9] years, t=-11.671, P<0.001), there were fewer patients with trauma (32.2% [28 /87] vs. 58.7% [61/104), χ2=13.337, P<0.001), intensive care stays were shorter ([8.9±1.0] days vs. [12.7±1.6] days, t=19.281, P<0.001), total length of stay was shorter ([29.3±2.0] days vs. [31.9±2.0] days, t=9.021,P<0.001), there was a higher percentage of colonic fistulas (18.4% [16/87] vs. 8.7% [9/104], χ2=3.948, P=0.047), but fewer multiple fistulas (11.5% [10/87] vs. 34.6% [36/104], χ2=14.440, P<0.001). As to fistula management, a higher percentage of fistula sealing methods using 3D-printed intestinal stents were implemented in the skin-only suture group (60.9% [53/87] versus 43.3% [45/104], χ2=5.907, P=0.015). Compared with the implant group, the skin-only suture group had a shorter mean time to performing provisional closure ( [9.5±0.8] days vs. [16.0±0.6] days, t=66.023, P<0.001), shorter intervals to definitive surgery ( [165.0±10.7] days vs. [198.9±8.3] days, t=26.644, P<0.001), and less use of biopatches (56.3% [49/87) vs. 71.2% [74/104], χ2=4.545, P=0.033). Conclusions: Open abdomen complicated with entero-enteral fistulas is more common in male, and is often caused by trauma and gastrointestinal tumor. Severe intra-abdominal infection is the major cause of open abdomen, and most fistulae involves the small intestine. Collection and retraction of intestinal fluid and 3D-printed entero-enteral fistula stent sealing followed by implantation and skin-only suturing is an effective means of managing entero-enteral fistulas complicating open abdominal cavity. Earlier closure of the abdominal cavity with skin-only sutures can shorten the time to definitive surgery and reduce the rate of utilization of biopatches.

Prognostic value of fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio combined with coronary calcification score in patients with suspected coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to evaluate the predictive value of FAR combined with CACS for MACCEs.

BACKGROUND

The fibrinogen-albumin-ratio (FAR), a novel biomarker of inflammation, is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Coronary calcification score (CACS) is associated with the severity of coronary stenosis and is closely related to the prognosis of CAD patients. What is the prognostic value of FAR in patients with chest pain, which has not been reported. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between CACS and FAR and their impact on prognosis in patients with suspected CAD.

METHODS

We used information from 12,904 individuals who had coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) for chest pain and tracked down any significant adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). The following formula was used to calculate FAR: fibrinogen (g/L)/albumin (g/L). Patients were separated into groups with greater levels of FAR (FAR-H) and lower levels of FAR (FAR-L) in accordance with the ideal cut-off value of FAR for MACCEs prediction. In addition, patients were divided into three groups based on their CACS scores (CACS ≤ 100, 100 < CACS ≤ 400, and CACS > 400).

RESULTS

4946 patients [62(55-71) years, 64.4% male] were ultimately enrolled in the present study. During follow-up, a total of 234 cases (4.7%) of MACCEs were documented. Linear regression analysis results showed that CACS (R2 = 0.004, Standard β = 0.066, P < 0.001) was positively associated with FAR in patients with chest pain.Compared to ones with FAR-L, FAR-H had an increased risk for MACCEs (adjusted HR 1.371(1.053-1.786) P = 0.019). Multivariate Cox regression showed that age (adjusted HR 1.015 95% CI 1.001-1.028;p = 0.03), FAR (adjusted HR 1.355 95% CI 1.042-1.763;p = 0.023),FBG (adjusted HR 1.043 95% CI 1.006-1.083;p = 0.024) and CACS (adjusted HR 1.470 95% CI 1.250-1.727;p < 0.001) were the independent risk factors for MACCEs. The FAR and CACS significantly improved MACCEs risk stratification, contributing to substantial net reclassification improvement ( NRI 0.122, 95% CI 0.054-0.198, P < 0.001) and integrated discrimination improvement(IDI 0.011, 95% CI 0.006-0.017, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

FAR was an independent risk factor for MACCEs. The results showed that CACS was positively associated with FAR in patients with suspected CAD. A higher level of FAR and heavier coronary calcification burden was associated with worse outcomes among patients with suspected CAD. FAR and CACS improved the risk identification of patients with suspected CAD, leading to a significant reclassification of MACCEs.

[A retrospective controlled study on the treatment effect of distraction osteogenesis and maxillomandibular advancement for severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome patients]

Objective: To compare the treatment effect of distraction osteogenesis (DO) and maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) for severe obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients and to guide clinical decisions about treatment of OSAHS. Methods: Thirty-seven OSAHS patients which accepted maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) or distraction osteogenesis (DO) in Stomatological Hospital of the Department of Maxillofacial Trauma and Orthognathic Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Forth Military Medical University from June 2017 to June 2019 were collected. Their preoperative and postoperative data of cephalometry, polysomnography (PSG), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) scores were collected and analyzed. With propensity score matching method, the treatment effect of MMA and DO was analyzed and compared. Results: According to the statistics of MMA group, only AHI was correlated with operative successful rate and cure rate. With the increase of AHI, the treatment effect of MMA on OSAHS patients gradually decreased. The cut-off point of AHI as a predictor of MMA treatment failure was 78.2 n/h. All the matched cases were severe OSAHS patients. Statistical analysis showed that the mandibular elongation of DO patients[(24.00±4.39) mm] was significantly more than that of MMA group [(11.20±1.37) mm] (t=-6.11, P<0.001), the improvement of PSG index [including lowest oxygen saturation (LSpO₂), longest apnea (LA) and longest hypopnea (LH)] in DO group [LSpO₂=(93.40±1.82)%; LA=(18.28±8.32) s; LH=(61.84±32.94) s] was significantly higher than that in the MMA group [LSpO₂=(86.00±4.06)%, LA=(64.08±21.78) s, LH=(172.40±30.70) s](t=-3.72, P=0.005; t=4.39, P=0.003; t=5.49, P=0.004). The PSQI and the ESS scores of DO group (PSQI=4.20±0.83; ESS=3.40±1.52) were also significantly better than that of MMA group (PSQI=8.80±2.39, ESS=9.40±2.88)(t=4.07, P=0.001; t=4.12, P=0.002). Conclusions: For severe OSAHS patients, the objective and subjective indicators of DO treatment group showed a better therapeutic effect than that of MMA.

[Regulatory mechanism of deferoxamine on macrophage polarization and wound healing in mice with deep tissue injury]

Objective: To investigate the effects of deferoxamine on macrophage polarization and wound healing in mice with deep tissue injury (DTI) and its mechanism. Methods: The experimental research methods were adopted. Fifty-four male C57BL/6J mice of 6-8 weeks old were divided into DTI control group, 2 mg/mL deferoxamine group, and 20 mg/mL deferoxamine group according to random number table, with 18 mice in each group. DTI was established on the back of mice by magnet compression method. From post injury day (PID) 1, mice were injected subcutaneously with 100 µL normal saline or the corresponding mass concentration of deferoxamine solution every other day at the wound edge until the samples were collected. Another 6 mice without any treatment were selected as normal control group. Six mice in each of the three DTI groups were collected on PID 3, 7, and 14 to observe the wound changes and calculate the wound healing rate. Normal skin tissue of mice in normal control group was collected on PID 3 in other groups (the same below) and wound tissue of mice in the other three groups on PID 7 and 14 was collected for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe the tissue morphology. Normal skin tissue of mice in normal control group and wound tissue of mice in the other three groups on PID 7 were collected, and the percentages of CD206 and CD11c positive area were observed and measured by immunohistochemical staining, and the mRNA and protein expressions of CD206, CD11c, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Normal skin tissue of mice in normal control group and wound tissue of mice in DTI control group and 20 mg/mL deferoxamine group were collected on PID 3, 7, and 14, and the protein expressions of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by Western blotting. The sample number in each group at each time point in the above experiments. The RAW264.7 cells were divided into 50 μmol/L deferoxamine group, 100 μmol/L deferoxamine group, 200 μmol/L deferoxamine group, and blank control group, which were treated correspondingly, with 3 wells in each group. The positive cell percentages of CD206 and CD86 after 48 h of culture were detected by flow cytometry. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, one-way analysis of variance, and least significant difference test. Results: On PID 7, the wound healing rates of mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoamine groups were (17.7±3.7)% and (21.5±5.0)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than (5.1±2.3)% in DTI control group (P<0.01). On PID 14, the wound healing rates of mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoamine groups were (51.1±3.8)% and (57.4±4.4)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than (25.2±3.8)% in DTI control group (P<0.01). HE staining showed that the normal skin tissue layer of mice in normal control group was clear, the epidermis thickness was uniform, and skin appendages such as hair follicles and sweat glands were visible in the dermis. On PID 7, inflammation in wound tissue was obvious, the epidermis was incomplete, and blood vessels and skin appendages were rare in mice in DTI control group; inflammatory cells in wound tissue were reduced in mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoxamine groups, and a few of blood vessels and skin appendages could be seen. On PID 14, inflammation was significantly alleviated and blood vessels and skin appendages were increased in wound tissue of mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoxamine groups compared with those in DTI control group. On PID 7, the percentages of CD206 positive area in wound tissue of mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoxamine groups were significantly higher than that in DTI control group (P<0.01), the percentage of CD206 positive area in wound tissue of mice in DTI control group was significantly lower than that in normal skin tissue of mice in normal control group (P<0.01), the percentage of CD206 positive area in wound tissue of mice in 20 mg/mL deferoxamine group was significantly higher than that in normal skin tissue of mice in normal control group (P<0.01). The percentages of CD11c positive area in wound tissue of mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoxamine groups were significantly lower than those in DTI control group and normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the percentage of CD11c positive area in normal skin tissue of mice in normal control group was significantly higher than that in DTI control group (P<0.05). On PID 7, the CD206 mRNA expressions in the wound tissue of mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoxamine groups were significantly higher than that in DTI control group (P<0.01), but significantly lower than that in normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.01); the CD206 mRNA expression in wound tissue of mice in DTI control group was significantly lower than that in normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of CD11c and iNOS in wound tissue of mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoamine groups were significantly lower than those in DTI control group (P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of CD11c in the wound tissue of mice in DTI control group, 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoamine groups were significantly higher than that in normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.01). Compared with that in normal skin tissue in normal control group, the mRNA expressions of iNOS in wound tissue of mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoamine groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA expression of iNOS in wound tissue of mice in DTI control group was significantly increased (P<0.01). On PID 7, the protein expressions of CD206 in the wound tissue of mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoamine groups were significantly higher than those in DTI control group and normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.01), and the protein expression of CD206 in wound tissue of mice in DTI control group was significantly lower than that in normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.01). The protein expressions of CD11c and iNOS in wound tissue of mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoamine groups were significantly lower than those in DTI control group (P<0.01). The protein expressions of CD11c and iNOS in wound tissue of mice in DTI control group were significantly higher than those in normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.01). The CD11c protein expressions in wound tissue of mice in 2 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL deferoamine groups were significantly higher than those in normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The protein expression of iNOS in wound tissue of mice in 2 mg/mL deferoamine group was significantly lower than that in 20 mg/mL deferoamine group and normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.05). On PID 3, 7, and 14, the protein expressions of STAT3 and IL-10 in wound tissue of mice in 20 mg/mL deferoxamine group were significantly higher than those in DTI control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the protein expressions of STAT3 were significantly higher than those in normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). On PID 7 and 14, the protein expressions of IL-10 in wound tissue of mice in 20 mg/mL deferoxamine group were significantly higher than those in normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.01). On PID 3, 7, and 14, the protein expressions of IL-10 in wound tissue of mice in DTI control group were significantly lower than those in normal skin tissue in normal control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). After 48 h of culture, compared with those in blank control group, the CD206 positive cell percentages in 100 μmol/L and 200 μmol/L deferoamine groups were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the CD86 positive cell percentages in 100 μmol/L and 200 μmol/L deferoamine groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Conclusions: Deferoxamine can promote the polarization of macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype and improve wound healing by enhancing the STAT3/IL-10 signaling pathway in DTI mice.

[The feasibility study of objective evaluation of the severity of motion sickness by quantitative analysis of the facial skin color]

Objective: To explore the feasibility of applying quantitative analysis of the facial skin color to evaluate the severity of motion sickness objectively and to seek objective indicators that can reflect the severity of motion sickness. Methods: Motion sickness was induced in 51 male adult subjects recruited at the Air Force Medical University by Coriolis acceleration stimulation, and facial skin colorimetric values were acquired using a portable spectrophotometer at five time points: before stimulation and at 0 min, 10 min, 20 min and 30 min after the end of stimulation. The Graybiel rating scales were applied to assess the severity of motion sickness in subjects at each time point after stimulation, and the correlation between the magnitude of change in each colorimetric value and the maximum Graybiel's score was analyzed. The ROC curves were used to compare the evaluation performance of colorimetric value indicators which could reflect the severity of motion sickness. Results: Each colorimetric value in the CIE-L^*a^*b^* color system changed significantly after exposure to provocative motion stimuli, and the trend was consistent with the typical sign of pallor in motion sickness. The magnitudes of the increase in the colorimetric value CIE-L^*, the decrease in CIE-a^*, and the increase in CIE-b^* were all significantly and positively correlated with the maximum of Graybiel's scores (r=0.490 0, P=0.000 3; r=0.549 3, P<0.000 1; r=0.540 9, P<0.000 1). Comparing the performance of three colorimetric indicators to assess the severity of motion sickness, CIE-a^* had an area under the ROC curve of 0.875 0, a sensitivity of 85.71%, and a specificity of 87.50%, which was better than CIE-L^* and CIE-b^*. Conclusions: The CIE-L^*a^*b^* colorimeter values can be considered as objective indicators of the severity of motion sickness, among which the colorimetric indicator CIE-a^* has the most diagnostic significance, and the method of quantitative analysis of the facial skin color can provide a new reference for the objective evaluation of the severity of motion sickness.

Prognostic value of the PDW/HDL-C ratio in patients with chest pain symptoms and coronary artery calcification

Background

Platelet-related parameters and HDL-C have been regarded as reliable and alternative markers of coronary heart disease (CHD) and the independent predictors of cardiovascular outcomes. PDW is a simple platelet index, which increases during platelet activation. Whether the PDW/HDL-C ratio predicts major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in patients who complained of chest pain and confirmed coronary artery calcification remains to be investigated. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the PDW/HDL-C ratio in patients with chest pain symptoms and coronary artery calcification.

Methods

A total of 5,647 patients with chest pain who underwent coronary computer tomography angiography (CTA) were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their PDW/HDL-C ratio or whether the MACCE occurs. The primary outcomes were new-onset MACCEs, defined as the composite of all-cause death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, revascularization, malignant arrhythmia, and severe heart failure.

Results

All patients had varying degrees of coronary calcification, with a mean CACS of 97.60 (22.60, 942.75), and the level of CACS in the MACCEs group was significantly higher than that in non-MACCE (P<0.001). During the 89-month follow-up, 304 (5.38%) MACCEs were recorded. The incidence of MACCEs was significantly higher in patients with the PDW/HDL-C ratio > 13.33. The K–M survival curves showed that patients in the high PDW/HDL-C ratio group had significantly lower survival rates than patients in the low PDW/HDL-C ratio group (log-rank test: P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis reveals that the PDW/HDL ratio was an independent predictor of MACCEs (HR: 1.604, 95% CI: 1.263–2.035; P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that participants with a lower PDW/HDL-C ratio had a higher risk of MACCEs than those in the higher ratio group. The incidence of MACCEs was also more common in the PDW/HDL-C ratio > 13.33 group among different severities of coronary artery calcification. Furthermore, adding the PDW/HDL-C ratio to the traditional prognostic model for MACCEs improved C-statistic (P < 0.001), the NRI value (11.3% improvement, 95% CI: 0.018–0.196, P = 0.01), and the IDI value (0.7% improvement, 95% CI: 0.003–0.010, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The higher PDW/HDL-C ratio was independently associated with the increasing risk of MACCEs in patients with chest pain symptoms and coronary artery calcification. In patients with moderate calcification, mild coronary artery stenosis, and CAD verified by CTA, the incidence of MACCEs increased significantly in the PDW/HDL-C ratio > 13.33 group. Adding the PDW/HDL-C ratio to the traditional model provided had an incremental prognostic value for MACCEs.

Genome-Wide Identification of Rapid Alkalinization Factor Family in Brassica napus and Functional Analysis of BnRALF10 in Immunity to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Rapid alkalinization factors (RALFs) were recently reported to be important players in plant immunity. Nevertheless, the signaling underlying RALF-triggered immunity in crop species against necrotrophic pathogens remains largely unknown. In this study, RALF family in the important oil crop oilseed rape (Brassica napus) was identified and functions of BnRALF10 in immunity against the devastating necrotrophic pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum as well as the signaling underlying this immunity were revealed. The oilseed rape genome carried 61 RALFs, half of them were atypical, containing a less conserved YISY motif and lacking a RRXL motif or a pair of cysteines. Family-wide gene expression analyses demonstrated that patterns of expression in response to S. sclerotiorum infection and DAMP and PAMP treatments were generally RALF- and stimulus-specific. Most significantly responsive BnRALF genes were expressionally up-regulated by S. sclerotiorum, while in contrast, more BnRALF genes were down-regulated by BnPep5 and SsNLP1. These results indicate that members of BnRALF family are likely differentially involved in plant immunity. Functional analyses revealed that BnRALF10 provoked diverse immune responses in oilseed rape and stimulated resistance to S. sclerotiorum. These data support BnRALF10 to function as a DAMP to play a positive role in plant immunity. BnRALF10 interacted with BnFER. Silencing of BnFER decreased BnRALF10-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and compromised rape resistance to S. sclerotiorum. These results back BnFER to be a receptor of BnRALF10. Furthermore, quantitative proteomic analysis identified dozens of BnRALF10-elicited defense (RED) proteins, which respond to BnRALF10 in protein abundance and play a role in defense. Our results revealed that BnRALF10 modulated the abundance of RED proteins to fine tune plant immunity. Collectively, our results provided some insights into the functions of oilseed rape RALFs and the signaling underlying BnRALF-triggered immunity.

Tazarotene gel promotes healing of deep tissue injury in mice

We investigated the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of tazarotene gel for healing deep tissue injury (DTI). We used male C57BL/6J mice to establish a DTI model. Animals were divided randomly into control, tazarotene gel and purilon gel groups. We injected 100 ul tazarotene gel, purilon gel or saline every 48 h for 20 days. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes on days 14 and 21. The mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-α, TGF-β1 and HIF-1α were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Wound sites exhibited accelerated healing by 20 days in the tazarotene gel group. Fewer inflammatory cells and more granulation tissue were found in both experimental groups compared to controls. The mRNA and protein expression of VEGF-α and TGF-β1 in the experimental groups were increased compared to the control group by day 14. Expression of HIF-1α in the experimental groups was significantly less than in the controls. Tazarotene gel promoted wound healing independent of the HIF-1α/VEGF signalling pathway during tissue repair of DTI. Tazarotene and purilon gels exhibited similar macroscopic healing of wounds and expression of genes and proteins.

[Expression of miR-495 and its effect on MHCC-97H hepatocellular carcinoma cells]

Objective: To investigate the expression of miR-495 and its effect on MHCC-97H hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Methods: Fifty-six hepatocellular carcinoma tissue specimens (HCC group) and 40 normal liver tissue specimens (control group) preserved in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2018 were selected. Reverse transcription real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used for miR-495 expression detection. MHCC-97H HCC cells were randomly selected and then divide into control group, blank plasmid group and transfection group. The blank plasmid group was transfected with blank plasmid, and the transfection group was transfected with miR-495 inhibitor. The expression of miR-495 in each group of cells were detected using qRT-PCR. CCK method was used to detect each group proliferation activity. Transwell cell migration assay was used to detect each group migration ability. Analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups. Furthermore, LDS-t test was used for pairwise comparison, and t -test was used for comparison between the two groups. Results: The relative expression levels of miR-495 in the HCC group was (2.043 ± 0.382), which was higher than the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The relative expressions levels of miR-495 in patients with stage III to IV and lymph node metastasis were 2.265 ± 0.284 and 2.290 ± 0.355, which were significantly higher than those of stage I to II and no lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The relative expression levels of miR-495 in transfection group was 0.653 ± 0.102, which were significantly lower than control group and blank plasmid group (P < 0.05). The A values of MHCC-97H cells cultured for 24 h and 48 h in transfection group were 0.404 ± 0.106 and 0.604 ± 0.136, which were significantly lower than control group and blank plasmid group (P < 0.05). MHCC-97H cells migration number in the transfection group was (6.10 0 ± 20), which was significantly lower than that of control group and blank plasmid group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: miR-495 high expression has certain relationship with clinicopathological characteristics of HCC tissues. In addition, miR-495 has a certain effect on the proliferation and migration ability of MHCC-97H HCC cells.

Functional Characterization of Olfactory Proteins Involved in Chemoreception of Galeruca daurica

Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs) play a fundamental role in insect olfaction. Galeruca daurica (Joannis) is a new pest with outbreak status in the Inner Mongolia grasslands, northern China. In this study, six olfactory protein genes (GdauOBP1, GdauOBP6, GdauOBP10, GdauOBP15, GdauCSP4, and GdauCSP5) were cloned by RACE and expressed by constructing a prokaryotic expression system. Their binding affinities to 13 compounds from host volatiles (Allium mongolicum) were determined by fluorescence-binding assay. In order to further explore the olfactory functions of GdauOBP15 and GdauCSP5, RNA interference (RNAi) and electroantennogram (EAG) experiments were conducted. Ligand-binding assays showed that the binding properties of the six recombinant proteins to the tested volatiles were different. GdauOBP6, GdauOBP15, GdauCSP4, and GdauCSP5 could bind several tested ligands of host plants. It was suspected that GdauOBP6, GdauOBP15, GdauCSP4, and GdauCSP5 were related to the host location in G. daurica. We also found that there were different EAG responses between males and females when the GdauOBP15 and GdauCSP5 genes were silenced by RNAi. The EAG response of G. daurica females to 2-hexenal was significantly decreased in dsRNA-OBP15-injected treatment compared to the control, and the dsRNA-CSP5-treated females significantly reduced EAG response to eight tested host volatiles (1,3-dithiane, 2-hexenal, methyl benzoate, dimethyl trisulfide, myrcene, hexanal, 1,3,5-cycloheptatriene, and p-xylene). However, the EAG response had no significant difference in males. Both GdauOBP15 and GdauCSP5 may have different functions between males and females in G. daurica and may play more important roles in females searching for host plants.

Identification of the most appropriate existing anthropometric index for home-based obesity screening in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES

Home-based self-screening and monitoring for obesity is particularly valuable for the prevention and control of chronic diseases. This study aimed to identify an anthropometric index suitable for home-based obesity screening in children and adolescents.

STUDY DESIGN

The design of this study is a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A total of 14,042 students (6-17 years) from the Qibao Community, Minhang District, Shanghai, were studied in 2018. The percentage body fat (PBF), height, weight, waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference were measured. Body mass index (BMI), triponderal mass index (TMI), body adiposity index (BAI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. Partial correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between these indices and PBF, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate their performance for obesity screening.

RESULTS

BMI, TMI, WC and WHtR were found to strongly correlate with PBF (r ≥ 0.830, all P < 0.001). The optimal index for obesity screening in children (6-11 years) was BMI (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.980 for boys and 0.981 for girls) and in adolescents (12-17 years) was TIM (AUC = 0.976 for boys and 0.945 for girls); however, the optimal cut-off values for BMI and TMI differed among the subgroups. The ROC curve analysis showed that WHtR had similar cut-off values in each subgroup (0.45 for boys of 6-11 years and 0.43 for the other subgroups), excellent performance in children (AUC>0.90) and good performance in adolescents (AUC = 0.960 for girls and 0.878 for boys).

CONCLUSIONS

Owing to its accuracy and stable cut-off value for defining obesity, WHtR should be recommended for home-based obesity screening in children and adolescents.

MiR-33a-5p inhibits the growth and metastasis of melanoma cells by targeting SNAI2

MicroRNAs have been verified as critical regulators in the development of melanoma. miR-33a-5p was significantly downregulated in melanoma, however, the specific role and regulatory mechanism of miR-33a-5p in melanoma were still unclear. The present study identified that miR-33a-5p was downregulated in melanoma tissues and cells, while SNAI2 was upregulated. miR-33a-5p directly targeted SNAI2 and negatively regulated its expression in melanoma cells. Overexpression of miR-33a-5p repressed proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT and promoted apoptosis of melanoma cell in vitro, these effects were partially reversed by SNAI2 overexpression. In addition, miR-33a-5p impaired melanoma growth in vivo by inhibiting SNAI2. Mechanistically, miR-33a-5p repressed activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by targeting SNAI2. In conclusion, miR-33a-5p repressed the progression of melanoma by targeting SNAI2 via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, providing a potential molecular mechanism for the treatment of melanoma.

[A clinical performance study of modified CT angiography in detecting bronchial artery-pulmonary artery fistula]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of modified computed tomography angiography(CTA) in detecting bronchial artery-pulmonary artery fistula(BPF). Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on 246 patients with hemoptysis admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from July 2017 to December 2018, who underwent modified CTA and DSA examination at the same time. CT was performed with Toshiba Aquilion one 320 row 640-slice spiral CT scanner. All modified CTA images were read blindly by two radiologists above the attending doctors. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the modified CTA in diagnosing BPF were calculated with the DSA results as the reference,and the consistency of the two tests was analyzed. Results: DSA detected 186 cases of positive and 60 cases of negative, modified CTA detected 160 cases of positive and 86 cases of negative. The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of modified CTA for BPF diagnosis was 85.5%(159/186),98.3%(59/60), 88.6%(218/246) respectively, and they were with high consistency with DSA examination results (kappa=0.73,P<0.01). Conclusion: Modified CTA has high diagnostic specificity for BPF,which can be used as the preferred method for non-invasive screening of suspected BPF patients.

Comparative Analysis of Transcriptome Responses to Cold Stress in Galeruca daurica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Galeruca daurica (Joannis) has become a new insect pest in the Inner Mongolia grasslands since 2009, and its larvae and eggs have strong cold tolerance. To get a deeper insight into its molecular mechanisms of cold stress responses, we performed de novo transcriptome assembly for G. daurica by RNA-Seq and compared the transcriptomes of its larvae exposed to five different temperature treatments (-10, -5, 0, 5, and 25°C for 1 h and then recovered at 25°C for 1 h), respectively. Compared with the control (25°C), the numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) decreased from 1,821 to 882, with the temperature declining from 5 to -10°C. Moreover, we obtained 323 coregulated DEGs under different low temperatures. Under four low temperatures (-10, -5, 0, and 5°C), a large number of genes were commonly upregulated during recovery from cold stresses, including those related to cuticle protein, followed by cytochrome P450, clock protein, fatty acid synthase, and fatty acyl-CoA reductase; meanwhile, lots of genes encoding cuticle protein, RNA replication protein, RNA-directed DNA polymerase, and glucose dehydrogenase were commonly downregulated. Our findings provide important clues for further investigations of key genes and molecular mechanisms involved in the adaptation of G. daurica to harsh environments.

Application of 18S rDNA Clone Library to Detect Diatom Population Diversity in Dianchi

Abstract

Objective To detect the diatom population diversity in Dianchi by constructing a 18S rDNA clone library. Methods DNA from diatoms in 6 water samples of Dianchi was amplified with diatom 18S rDNA specific primer.The 18S rDNA clone library was constructed, and clones were randomly selected for sequence. Sequence alignment was performed by BLAST. The diatom population distribution in Dianchi was analyzed and the phylogenetic tree of diatom 18S rDNA in Dianchi waters was established with the MEGA v7.0.14 software. Results Two hundred and forty clones were sequenced, with 167 diatom sequences obtained, including 11 diatom species such as Stephanodiscus, Diatoma, and Melosira. There were certain differences in diatom population distribution among the 6 samples. Conclusion The population distribution of diatom species in Dianchi shows unique features and the sequence analysis of diatom 18S rDNA has a certain reference value to the inference of forensic drowning sites.

[Control Measure Effects on the Effluent Quality from Extensive Green Roofs Based on Stabilized Sludge Recycling]

Substrate type is an important factor affecting the quality of water deriving from rainfall onto extensively green roofed areas. Here, stabilized sludge was used as the main nutrient component of the substrate combined with biochar and a dual-substrate structure. Five green roof pilot facilities were constructed, and the effect of control measures on effluent quality was analyzed. The results showed that the stabilized sludge dosage was 3%, and the annual average mass concentrations of total nitrogen (TN) and nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N) were 3.27 mg·L^-1 and 1.61 mg·L^-1. The use of stabilized sludge as a nutrient component under real rainfall and temperature conditions in Shanghai did not cause significant leaching of TN and NO₃^--N. In order to further improve the quality of the effluent, biochar was used as an amendment measure. As a result, the concentrations of TN and NO₃^--N in the effluent were decreased to 2.16 mg·L^-1 and 1.38 mg·L^-1, respectively. Using an adsorption layer of pumice can alleviate the leaching of total phosphorus (TP) and chemical oxygen demand (COD). For the total nitrogen budget of each pilot facility, the retained TN was about 55% of the original TN after one year of operation. Thus, stabilized sludge could be used as a nutrient substrate to meet the long-term requirements of plants. In the substrate with biochar, the retained TN in the substrate and the NO₃^--N concentration in the effluent was decreased, which was related to the mineralization of organics during dry periods and the enhancement of denitrification during rainfall periods. Stabilized sludge was not a polluting source of N but was a source of P. Using biochar and a dual-substrate structure can effectively reduce the TN and COD load of the tested green roof facilities.

[Magnetic resonance imaging study of endolymphatic hydrops based on 3D-FLAIR sequence after single-dose intravenous gadolinium injection]

Objective: To investigate the visualization of endolymph in patients with otogenic vertigo by intravenous administration of single dose of gadolinium contrast agents and magnetic resonance three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence (3D-FLAIR MRI), and further assess the extent of endolymphatic hydrops. Methods: From Beijing Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University between October 2017 and June 2018, 30 patients (16 males, 14 females) with unilateral otogenic vertigo were involved in this study, with the age of 30 to 68 years, mean age of (53±10) years. Eight hours after intravenous administration of single dose (0.1 mmol/kg, body weight) of gadopentetate (Gd-DTPA), 3D-FLAIR sequence was performed in 30 patients. The location of endolymphatic hydrops was observed and then the degree of hydrops was quantitatively elevated by two radiologists. The consistency test was used to analyze the location and degree of endolymphatic hydrops in the two radiologists and the paired t-test was used to compare the difference between the affected and healthy side of endolymphatic spaces of the patients with otogenic vertigo. Results: In 30 patients, the gadolinium distributed in all parts of the perilymph inside the inner ear, and can accurately outline the boundaries of the peri-and endolymph. Twenty-six patients (26/30, 86.7%) were found to have unilateral endolymphatic hydrops, including 18 mild hydrops, 8 significant hydrops. The two radiologists had a very good agreement on the assessment of endolymphatic hydrops(kappa=0.864, ICC=0.959). In the 3D-FLAIR MR images of 26 patients with endolymphatic hydrops, the saccule (26/26, 100%) had a higher rate of hydrops than the cochlea and utricle(16/26, 61.5%; 14/26, 53.8%), and two radiologists had a very good agreement on the location of endolymphatic hydrops(kappa=0.820). Moreover, there was a significantly statistical difference between the affected and healthy area of the endolymphatic space in this study (P<0.01). Conclusion: The technique of 3D-FLAIR MR imaging through single dose intravenous gadolinium injection is feasible, which can estimate endolymphatic hydrops in patients with otogenic vertigo, and accurately classify the degree of hydrops.

[Construction and improvement of animal models with different positional osseous metastasis of prostate cancer in vivo]

OBJECTIVE

To provide an important tool for the study of diagnose and treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) osseous metastasis and change of bone stress force on prostate cancer (PCa) osseous metastasis and a platform, which is more congruous to clinical process, for prevention and cure of neoplastic bone metastases, and to carry out the construction and improvement of animal models of PCa with different positional osseous metastasis in vivo.

METHODS

Different gradient concentrations of RM-1 cells were inoculated into the cavity of left femoral bone or lumbar vertebra of mice (C57BL/6) respectively. The change of mouse activity, tumor formation, tumor size and survival time were observed respectively. And the femur tissue and spinal tissue were obtained from the mice after death. The gray value of iconography were measured by imageological examination of femur tissue, and the final histopathological examination were taken to determine the tumor type in both femur and spinal tissue.

RESULTS

The tumor growth could be touched at the puncture site in all the mice after inoculated for 7 days. There were no obvious differences in the time of tumorigenesis, the rate of tumor growth and tumor size among the mice in the same group (P>0.05). As the result, the construction femoral bone and lumbar vertebra metastatic models of PCa had been confirmed by iconography and pathology detection. At the same time, the survival time of the mice inoculated with low concentrations of PCa cells was obviously longer than that of high concentrations of PCa cells ( at least 2 weeks longer).

CONCLUSION

The animal models with different positional osseous metastasis (limbs and axial skeleton) of PCa using the same PCa cells (RM-1) had been first constructed successfully in our study. At the same time, a high success rate of construction of PCa animal model with bone metastasis was obtained by femoral bone marrow cavity injection of PCa cells. The rate of tumor growth was rapid, animal survival time was appropriate, and the PCa animal model with bone metastasis can be stably reproduced by our method. These animal models can be used to explore the pathogenesis of different positional PCa bone metastasis and provide a new platform, which were more congruous to clinical process, for prevention and cure of neoplastic bone metastases.

[Influencing factors for hearing loss in workers exposed to noise in a cement plant]

Objective: To investigate the incidence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and related influencing factors in workers exposed to noise in a cement plant. Methods: In October 2015, cluster sampling was used for questionnaire investigation and health examination of workers exposed to noise in a cement plant in Henan Province, China. The association of demographic features, living habits, cumulative noise exposure (CNE) , hypertension, and hyperlipidemia with NIHL was analyzed. Results: There was mainly medium-or high-frequency noise in the working place of this cement plant. The prevalence rate of NIHL was 18.4%, and male workers had a significantly higher prevalence rate than female workers (χ(2)=28.09, P<0.01) . The prevalence rate of NIHL increased with the increasing age (χ(2trend)=25.54, P<0.01) and decreasedwith the increasing degree of education (χ(2trend)=8.55, P<0.01) . The workers who smoked had a significantly higher prevalence rate of NIHL than those who did not smoke (χ(2)=14.15, P<0.01) , and the workers with a drinking habit had a significantly higher prevalence rate of NIHL than those without such habit (χ(2)=7.95, P<0.01) . The workers who did not wear earplugs had a significantly higher prevalence rate of NIHL than those who wore earplugs (χ(2)=19.93, P<0.01) . The prevalence rate of NIHL increased with the increasing CNE (χ(2trend)=57.81, P<0.01) . The workers with hyperlipidemiahad a significantly higher prevalence rate of NIHL than those without hyperlipidemia (χ(2)=12.43, P<0.01) . The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (OR=5.06, 95%CI 1.68-15.26) , age ≥50 years (OR=1.91, 95%CI 1.12-3.27) , CNE 97.01-103 dB (A) ·year (OR=16.10, 95%CI 4.65-55.69) , CNE 103.01-118.37dB (A) ·year (OR=20.27, 95%CI 5.14-79.92) , and hyperlipidemia (OR=2.83, 95%CI 1.25-6.43) were risk factors for NIHL, while high school education (OR=0.22, 95%CI 0.09-0.56) , junior college diploma (OR=0.16, 95%CI 0.41-0.59) , and use of earplugs (OR=0.36, 95%CI 0.19~0.71) were protective factors against NIHL. Conclusion: The workers in a cement plant have a high prevalence rate of NIHL, and CNE, sex, age, degree of education, use of earplugs, and hyperlipidemia may be influencing factors for NIHL.

[Survival after surgical treatment of bilateral synchronous multiple primary non-small cell lung cancers]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with bilateral synchronous multiple primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and identify the prognostic indicators associated with survival.

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2014, clinicopathological data of 96 patients with bilateral synchronous multiple primary NSCLC, who met the modified Martini-Melamed criteria and underwent radical surgical resection, were retrospectively reviewed. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the clinical parameters associated with survival were analyzed using a log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify the risk factors for this cancer.

RESULTS

Of the 96 patients, two patients who died of severe postoperative complications were excluded, and 94 patients were analyzed. Of the 94 cases, a two-stage operation was performed in 93 patients, while a single-stage bilateral surgery was performed in only one patient using video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). 79 patients had 2 tumors and the other 15 patients had 3 or more tumors. There were 82 patients with synchronous tumors located in different lobes and 12 patients had at least two tumors located in the same lobe. Seventy-six patients were found to have multiple lung adenocarcinoma and 12 patients had multiple squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs). Five patients had adenocarcinoma and SCC, and one patient had adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma simultaneously. Univariate analysis showed that the large maximum tumor diameter, highest pT stage and lymph node involvement were associated with an unfavorable DFS (P<0.01 for all), while female gender, small maximum tumor diameter, early highest pT stage and pN0 were associated with a better overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis showed that highest pT stage and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS. Patients with a lower highest pT stage and negative lymph node metastasis had longer DFS and OS (P<0.05 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis for patients with bilateral synchronous multiple primary NSCLCs should be made very carefully. Two stage surgical treatment is safe, reasonable and effective for patients with bilateral synchronous multiple primary NSCLCs in a relatively early stage. The highest pT stage and pN status are important predictors for long-term survival. Adequate pulmonary tissue resection with complete resection of multiple nodules and systematic lymphadenectomy are suggested.

Interaction network analysis revealed biomarkers in myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious heart disease. The cardiac cells of patients with MI will die due to lack of blood for a long time. In this study, we aimed to find new targets for MI diagnosis and therapy. We downloaded GSE22229 including 12 blood samples from healthy persons and GSE29111 from Gene Expression Omnibus including 36 blood samples from MI patients. Then we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in patients with MI compared to normal controls with p value < 0.05 and |logFC| > 1. Furthermore, interaction network and sub-network of these of these DEGs were constructed by NetBox. Linker genes were screened in the Global Network database. The degree of linker genes were calculated by igraph package in R language. Gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis were performed for DEGs and network modules. A total of 246 DEGs were identified in MI, which were enriched in the immune response. In the interaction network, LCK, CD247, CD3D, FYN, HLA-DRA, IL2, CD8A CD3E, CD4, CD3G had high degree, among which CD3E, CD4, CD3G were DEGs while others were linker genes screened from Global Network database. Genes in the sub-network were also enriched in the immune response pathway. The genes with high degree may be biomarkers for MI diagnosis and therapy.

Enhanced tumor accumulation and cellular uptake of liposomes modified with ether-bond linked cholesterol derivatives

Novel liposomal formulations based on cholesterol modification had been designed previously by our lab, but we found them with a poor stability and short half-life, especially in blood circulation. The results might be attributed to the hydrolysis of ester linked cholesterol derivatives by esterase in plasma. Thus, in this study, we newly synthesized ether-linked cholesterol derivatives and compared them to other preparations. A comparison with the substrate cholesterol-PEG2000-maleimide showed that ether-linked cholesterol-PEG2000-maleimide could relatively maintain integrity in serum, with only a small mottle emerging on TLC (thin-layer chromatography) plates through the experiment. Then a cell-penetrating peptide TAT was attached to the distal end of CHO-PEG2000 to prepare liposomes and to further evaluate the two cholesterol derivatives. Optimized liposomes (65:35, lipid/cholesterol, molar ratio) composed of 3% CHO-PEG2000 and 3% CHO-PEG2000-TAT showed good stability in 50%FBS (fetal bovine serum). In vitro experiments showed that as incubation time prolonged, ether-linked-TAT LIP showed a 3.67-fold higher uptake amount than ester-linked-TAT LIP. In vivo, ether-linked-TAT LIP accumulated better in tumors and had a 40% higher cellular uptake amount. Altogether, we could conclude that our newly ether-linked cholesterol derivatives possessed better stability especially in blood circulation which led to increased tumor cellular uptake in vitro and in vivo. Our study may offer a better way in cholesterol modification to prepare functionalized liposomes.

[Chemoinformatics study on antibacterial activity of traditional Chinese medicine compounds]

OBJECTIVE

The structure-activity relationship between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds and antibacterial activity was studied by chemoinformatics approach.

METHOD

Cytoscape and its plug-in ChemViz were applied to compute the 2D chemical structure similarity and topological parameter TPSA (topological molecular polar surface area), which measures cell permeability of chemicals, between TCM compounds and clinical antibacterials. The overall degree of structure similarity was then calculated and represented by E-value for the eight categories of TCM compounds and the known antibacterials.

RESULT

Our results indicated that flavonoids showed good structural similarity with antibacterials and appropriate cell permeability, compared with those of the TCM compounds of the other categories. As flavonoids were featured by good drug safety, it suggested that they can be regarded as the preferred lead compounds skeleton structure source for further antibacterials synthesis.

CONCLUSION

The application of chemoinformatics helps explore the structure-activity relationship between TCM compounds and the antibacterial activity and search for suitable antibacterial lead compounds skeleton structure source.

Radiation dose reduction in temporal bone CT with iterative reconstruction technique

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Iterative reconstruction of CT images is characterized by reduced image noise and may allow reduction in radiation exposure. We investigated the influence of an IRT technique on image quality and radiation dose savings when applied to temporal bone CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on the typical image quality level of adult subjects using routine radiation dose and FBP, an exsomatized cadaveric head with CNR characteristics closest to the level of clinical subjects was identified. Cadaver acquisitions were performed at multiple levels of tube current exposure. Reconstructions were performed using FBP and IRT (iDose), with multiple iDose levels applied for each acquisition. Transverse and coronal reformations of all reconstructions were evaluated subjectively and objectively. Phantom tests were performed to validate the protocol optimizations with iDose, specifically the spatial resolution relative to routine dose acquisitions. Finally, the results of protocol optimization with iDose were clinically validated in 50 patients.

RESULTS

At the same radiation dose, the image CNR of iDose reconstructions was higher than that of FBP and progressively increased with higher iDose levels. The combination of 100 mAs/section and iDoseL5 was the lowest dose that met the requirements for diagnostic acceptability, with CNR slightly higher than our routine institution protocol of 200 mAs/section with FBP reconstruction. Spatial resolution characteristics were similar between FBP and iDose at all different strengths. The findings were consistent among the cadaver, phantom, and clinical acquisitions.

CONCLUSIONS

The iDose IRT can help reduce radiation dose of temporal bone CT by 50% relative to routine institution protocols with FBP, while maintaining diagnostic image quality.

Novel brain targeting prodrugs of naproxen based on dimethylamino group with various linkages

As a preventive and treatment drug for Alzheimer's disease (AD), naproxen's clinical application is hampered by its limited distribution in the brain. To increase the delivery of naproxen across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), 3 prodrugs (P1, P2 and P3) of naproxen were synthesized through either ester bond or amido bond using the dimethylamino moiety as a brain-targeting ligand. The in vitro release of naproxen from the 3 prodrugs was studied in PBS, rat plasma and brain homogenate. P3 with an amido bond appeared to be highly stable in all incubation media, whereas P1 and P2 with ester bonds were partially hydrolyzed in alkaline environment and brain homogenate to yield the parent drug. After i. v. administration to rats, the brain concentration of total naproxen (summation of released and bound naproxen, TN) of P1, P2 and P3 groups were 28.81, 24.51 and 15.54 times greater than that of the control naproxen group at 5 min, respectively, and the brain AUC0-t were 6.94, 10.06 and 6.70 times greater than that of the control naproxen group. In addition, the Cmax of TN in the brain after the administration of prodrugs with ester bonds (P1 and P2) was higher than that of the amide prodrug (P3). The results highlighted the possibility of brain delivery of naproxen using prodrug strategies based on the brain-targeting ligand with dimethylamino moiety, in which the linkage between drug and targeting group might play an important role in modulating the in vivo behaviors of these prodrugs.

Experimental Study on Angiogenesis in a Rabbit VX2 Early Liver Tumour by Perfusion Computed Tomography

Ten rabbits implanted with VX2 liver tumours were investigated by perfusion computed tomography (PCT) imaging 1 week (early) and 2 weeks (late) after tumour induction; 10 other rabbits were non-implanted controls. Time–density curves, perfusion parametric maps and perfusion parameters were obtained for tumour rim and normal tissue surrounding the tumour, and for liver tissue from the controls. In addition, microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were studied by immunohistochemistry 2 weeks after tumour implantation. A deconvolution mathematical model was used to calculate hepatic blood flow (HBF), hepatic blood volume (HBV), mean transit time (MTT), capillary vessel surface permeability (PS) and hepatic arterial index (HAI). At the tumour rim on the early PCT scan, MTT was significantly lower whereas HBF, HBV, HAI and PS were significantly higher than in surrounding normal tissue. There were no significant changes in perfusion parameters on the late PCT scan compared with the early scan. Significant linear correlations of MVD and VEGF were found with HBF, PS and HAI, but not with HBV or MTT. It is concluded that PCT imaging is useful for the evaluation of tumour angiogenesis and for the early detection of liver tumours.

Application of tissue-engineered cartilage with BMP-7 gene to repair knee joint cartilage injury in rabbits

Injured articular cartilage has a poor capacity for spontaneous healing. So far, satisfactory solution to this subsistent problem has not been found, but transgenic therapy may be a promising way. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a tissue-engineered cartilage that was transfected with morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP 7) in repairing the cartilaginous defects of rabbit knee joints. Chondrocytes were transfected with BMP-7 gene (5 x 10(6) cells/ml), inoculated into the collagen-fibrin gel scaffolds, and cultured for 14 days. Then, the scaffolds were implanted onto the created defects (5.0 mm in diameter) in rabbits' knee joints. After 12 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed and histological sections were evaluated using modified O'Driscoll cartilage scores; In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the expression of BMP-7 mRNA and BMP-7 at the implanted site while the content of DNA and GAG was determined as well. A better quality of repairs was observed at the 12th week after implantation when compared to the control group using histological analyses. The content of DNA and specific secretion of GAG in the treatment group is statistically significant different compared with the control group. Gene therapy may be a promising treatment method, but the novel therapy approach needs further studies with respect to a longer follow-up period.

Study on association of single nucleotide polymorphism of CAPN1 gene with muscle fibre and carcass traits in quality chicken populations

This study was aimed at investigating the effect of the calpain 1 (CAPN1) gene on carcass and meat quality traits in eight meat-type chicken populations, including five pure lines (developed from Chinese local breeds) and three cross-breeds. Primer pairs for the Coding Sequence (CDS) region in CAPN1 were designed from the chicken genomic sequence database. Polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) and DNA sequencing. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; C2546T, G3535A and C7198A) were detected among individuals in each population. The associations of their haplotypes (H1 = CGA, H2 = CGC, H3 = CAA, H4 = CAC, H5 = TGA and H7 = TAA) with chicken breast muscle fibre and carcass traits were analysed. Results showed that the haplotypes were associated with live weight (LW), carcass weight (CW), breast muscle weight (BMW) and leg muscle weight (LMW) (p < 0.05), and were also related to eviscerated percentage (%EP) and breast muscle fibre density (p < 0.01). H1H3 haplotype was dominant for LW, CW and BMW; H1H5 haplotype was dominant for EP; H3H4 haplotype was dominant for LMW and H1H1 haplotype was dominant for BFD. It was concluded that the CAPN1 gene may be a major gene affecting meat quality traits of chicken or it is linked with the major gene. H1H3, H1H5 and H3H4 were the most advantageous haplotypes for carcass traits whereas H1H1 was the positive haplotype for breast muscle fibre trait.

Reproductive performance of Matou goat under sub-tropical monsoonal climate of Central China

The aim of the current study was to estimate reproductive parameters of Matou goat to evaluate a meat breed. Data on 2,560 kids from 1,197 kidding records of 638 does and on puberty of 546 females kids were collected from farmer household herds of Matou goats in six counties of Shiye city under Hubei Province in China. Statistical analyses on puberty, estrus, gestation length (GL), litter size (LS) and survival rate (SR) of kids at puberty were performed with software Genstat 5 (Release 3.1) by using descriptive statistics and regression models. The results showed that age at puberty of female kids was 108.4+/-19.1 days while estrus duration and cycle averaged 58.6+/-15.9 hours and 19.7+/-1.5 days respectively. Gestation length (GL) and litter size (LS) averaged 150+/-7.4 days and 2.14+/-0.9 respectively with 90.8% of survival rate (SR) of kids. GL was unassociated with parity, but delayed as LS increased. SR of kids at birth differed remarkably among parity 1 to 5, decreased significantly at parity 6 to 7, and then increased at 8th parity. In Matou goat over all twinning and triplet percentage was 45.4 percent and 16.3 percent whereas percentage of single birth was 27.4 percent. As twins and triplets birth rate is considerably higher in Matou goat so, this breed can be recommended to other parts of China and the world having similar climatic conditions.

Simultaneous determination of Gastrodin and Ligustrazine hydrochloride in dog plasma by gradient high-performance liquid chromatography

A novel reversed-phase HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of Gastrodin (Gas) and Ligustrazine hydrochloride (LZH) in dog plasma after oral administration of the preparation 'Tianxiong Capsule'. The assay involves deproteinization, extraction and subsequent detection with a gradient solvent system at two different wavelengths. Retention times were 10.6 and 18.9 min for Gas and LZH, respectively. Linear responses were observed over a wide range (0.40-200.0 microg/ml for Gas and 0.0999-39.96 microg/ml for LZH) in plasma. The mean intra- and inter-assay variation coefficients were 2.7 and 3.4% for Gas and 3.4 and 4.2% for LZH, respectively. The average extract recoveries were 76.77% for Gas and 75.8% for LZH. This assay has been successfully used to provide pharmacokinetic data for Gastrodin with oral administration of Tianxiong capsules.

Inhibition of ClC-2 Chloride Channels by a Peptide Component or Components of Scorpion Venom

ClC chloride channels play essential roles in membrane excitability and maintenance of osmotic balance. Despite the recent crystallization of two bacterial ClC-like proteins, the gating mechanism for these channels remains unclear. In this study we tested scorpion venom for the presence of novel peptide inhibitors of ClC channels, which might be useful tools for dissecting the mechanisms underlying ClC channel gating. Recently, it has been shown that a peptide component of venom from the scorpion L. quinquestriatus hebraeus inhibits the CFTR chloride channel from the intracellular side. Using two-electrode voltage clamp we studied the effect of scorpion venom on ClC-0, -1, and -2, and found both dose- and voltage-dependent inhibition only of ClC-2. Comparison of voltage-dependence of inhibition by venom to that of known pore blockers revealed opposite voltage dependencies, suggesting different mechanisms of inhibition. Kinetic data show that venom induced slower activation kinetics compared to pre-venom records, suggesting that the active component(s) of venom may function as a gating modifier at ClC-2. Trypsinization abolished the inhibitory activity of venom, suggesting that the component(s) of scorpion venom that inhibits ClC-2 is a peptide.

Dynamic study of calcium phosphate formation on porous HA/TCP ceramics

Bone-like apatite formation on porous calcium phosphate ceramics was investigated in static simulated body fluid (SBF) and dynamic SBF at different flowing rates. The results of a 14-day immersion in static SBF showed that the formation of bone-like apatite occurred both on the surface and in the pores of the samples. When SBF flowed at the physiological flow rate in muscle (2 ml/100 ml.min), bone-like apatite could be detected only in internal surface of the pores of samples. The result that bone-like apatite formation could only be found in the pores when SBF flowed at physiological flow rate was consistent with that of porous calcium phosphate ceramics implanted in vivo: osteoinduction was only detected inside the pores of the porous calcium phosphate ceramics. This result implicates that the bone-like apatite may play an important role in the osteoinduction of Ca-P materials. The dynamic model used in this study may be better than usually used static immersion model in imitating the physiological condition of bone-like apatite formation. Dynamic SBF method is very useful to understand bone-like apatite formation in vivo and the mechanism of ectopic bone formation in calcium phosphate ceramics.

Steady-state interactions of glibenclamide with CFTR: evidence for multiple sites in the pore

The objective of the present study was to clarify the mechanism by which the sulfonylurea drug, glibenclamide, inhibits single CFTR channels in excised patches from Xenopus oocytes. Glibenclamide blocks the open pore of the channel via binding at multiple sites with varying kinetics. In the absence of glibenclamide, open-channel bursts exhibited a flickery intraburst closed state (C1); this is due to block of the pore by the pH buffer, TES. Application of 25 microM glibenclamide to the cytoplasmic solution resulted in the appearance of two drug-induced intraburst closed states (C2, C3) of widely different duration, which differed in pH-dependence. The kinetics of interaction with the C3 state, but not the C2 state, were strongly voltage-dependent. The durations of both the C2 and C3 states were concentration-dependent, indicating a non-linear reaction scheme. Application of drug also increased the burst duration, which is consistent with an open-channel blocking mechanism. A kinetic model is proposed. These results indicate that glibenclamide interacts with open CFTR channels in a complex manner, involving interactions with multiple binding sites in the channel pore.

Lyophilized Paclitaxel Magnetoliposomes as a Potential Drug Delivery System for Breast Carcinoma via Parenteral Administration: In Vitro and in Vivo Studies

PURPOSE

The study reports in vitro and biological evaluation of lyophilized negatively charged paclitaxel magnetic liposomes as a potential carrier for breast carcinoma via parenteral administration.

METHODS

Paclitaxel in magnetoliposomes were extracted by centrifugation and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Biological properties were studied using pharmacokinetics, in vivo distribution and cytotoxicity assays, as well as a mouse model of EMT-6 breast cancer.

METHODS

Pharmacokinetic studies showed that encapsulation of paclitaxel in magnetoliposomes produced marked difference over the drug in Cremophor EL/ethanol pharmacokinetics, with an increased t(1/2beta) 19.37 h against 4.11 h. For in vivo distribution, paclitaxel concentration of lyophilized magnetoliposomes in the tumor was much higher than that of lyophilized conventional liposomes or Cremophor EL/ethanol, whereas in heart it was much lower than the latter two formulations via s.c. and i.v. administration. Lyophilized paclitaxel magnetic liposomes showed more potency on the therapy of breast cancer than other formulations via s.c. and i.p. administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrates that paclitaxel magnetoliposomes can effectively be delivered to tumor and exert a significant anticancer activity with fewer side effects in the xenograft model.

Simple determination of terbutaline in dog plasma by column-switching liquid chromatography

Terbutaline is a beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist that acts as a bronchodilator in the treatment of asthma and chronic bronchitis. In the present work, a column-switching high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed to monitor terbutaline sulphate in dog plasma. The system consists of a C2 pre-column (PC) and a C18 analytical column connected in series via a switching valve. Atenolol was used as the internal standard. Good linearity was achieved in the range of 5-800 ng/ml plasma. The mean intra- and inter-assay variation coefficients for this analysis were 2.3 and 4.7%, respectively. The average recovery for terbutaline was 87.4% from plasma. The mean concentration after three freeze-thaw cycles was 99.4% of the normal value. The analytical sensitivity and accuracy of this assay is adequate for characterisation of the pharmacokinetics of oral administration of terbutaline to dogs and has been successfully used to provide pharmacokinetic data using pulsatile and immediate-release tablets.

Dynamic study of calcium phosphate formation on porous HA/TCP ceramics

Bone-like apatite formation on porous calcium phosphate ceramics was investigated in static simulated body fluid (SBF) and dynamic SBF at different flowing rates. The results of a 14-day immersion in static SBF showed that the formation of bone-like apatite occurred both on the surface and in the pores of the samples. When SBF flow at the physiological flow rate in muscle (2 ml/100 ml min1), bone-like apatite could be detected only in internal surface of the pores of samples. The result that bone-like apatite formation could only be found in the pores when SBF flown at physiological flow rate was consistent with that of porous calcium phosphate ceramics implanted in vivo: osteoinduction was only detected inside the pores of the porous calcium phosphate ceramics. This result implicates that the bone-like apatite may play an important role in the osteoinduction of Ca-P materials. The dynamic model used in this study may be better than usually used static immersion model in imitating the physiological condition of bone-like apatite formation. Dynamic SBF method is very useful to understand bone-like apatite formation in vivo and the mechanism of ectopic bone formation in calcium phosphate ceramics.

Simultaneous determination of N-butyramide-tacrine and tacrine in mouse plasma and brain homogenate by high-performance liquid chromatography with a simple gradient solvent system

A novel reversed-phase HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of tacrine (THA) and the newly synthesized prodrug (N-butyramide-THA, BTHA) in mouse plasma and brain homogenate. The assay involves deproteinisation and subsequent detection at 240 nm with a gradient solvent system. Retention times were 18.5 and 9.3 min for BTHA and THA, respectively. Average recoveries for the analytes were 80.7% (BTHA) and 76.6% (THA) from plasma, and 75.0% (BTHA) and 68.4% (THA) from brain homogenate. Linear responses were observed over a wide range (0.25-20 microg/ml for BTHA in plasma and in brain homogenate, 0.025-20 microg/ml for THA in both matrices). Both BTHA and THA degraded from the prodrug can be detected even 12 h after intravenous administration of BTHA, indicating that BTHA is a promising prodrug for brain targeting.

[Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of AMP and DNA in silver sol]

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of AMP and DNA in silver sol were obtained. Comparing the SERS spectra with spectra of AMP and DNA in solid state, we found that although those two systems were very similar in the main, but there were still some differences between them. For example, the ring breathing modes of adenine in solid AMP at 715 cm-1 was enhanced very much and appears at 723 cm-1 in silver sol. The symmetric stretching mode of phosphate group at 813 cm-1 was disappeared in SERS spectra. The vibration mode of ribose in DNA was enhanced obviously in SERS spectra, four kinds bands of A, T, C, G were also enhanced in varying degrees. The possible adsorption model of AMP and DNA in silver sol and the structure change is proposed.

Identification of a region of strong discrimination in the pore of CFTR

The variety of methods used to identify the structural determinants of anion selectivity in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl(-) channel has made it difficult to assemble the data into a coherent framework that describes the three-dimensional structure of the pore. Here, we compare the relative importance of sites previously studied and identify new sites that contribute strongly to anion selectivity. We studied Cl(-) and substitute anions in oocytes expressing wild-type cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator or 12-pore-domain mutants to determine relative permeability and relative conductance for 9 monovalent anions and 1 divalent anion. The data indicate that the region of strong discrimination resides between T338 and S341 in transmembrane 6, where mutations affected selectivity between Cl(-) and both large and small anions. Mutations further toward the extracellular end of the pore only strongly affected selectivity between Cl(-) and larger anions. Only mutations at S341 affected selectivity between monovalent and divalent anions. The data are consistent with a narrowing of the pore between the extracellular end and a constriction near the middle of the pore.

[Study on brain targeting 3',5'-dioctanoyl-5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine pharmacosomes]

AIM

To investigate the specific brain drug targeting of 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (FUdR) by synthesis of 3', 5'-dioctanoyl-5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (DO-FUdR) and incorporation into DO-FUdR pharmacosomes (DO-FUdR-PS).

METHODS

DO-FUdR-PS was prepared by thin-layer ultrasonication technique. In vitro drug release was studied in pH 7.4 phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.3% pancreatic enzyme at 37 degrees C using bulk-equilirium reverse dialysis bag technique. The concentration of FUdR in various organs were determined by reversed phase HPLC after i.v. administration of DO-FUdR-PS and FUdR.

RESULTS

The mean particle size of DO-FUdR-PS was 76 nm with drug loading of 29.02% and entrapment efficiency of 96.62%. The in vitro drug release kinetics could be characterized by bioexponential equation. Compared with FUdR injection, DO-FUdR-PS showed high concentration in tested organs. The brain AUC ratio of DO-FUdR-PS to FUdR was 10.97.

CONCLUSION

DO-FUdR-PS showed a good targeting efficiency in vivo. PS can improve the ability of drug to cross blood-brain barrier and is a promising drug targeting system for the treatment of central nervous system disorders.

[Study on the enzyme dependant colon targeting prodrug--dexamethasone succinate dextran and its tablets]

AIM

To develop an orally administered colon targeting drug delivery system dexamethasone succinate dextran (DSD) tablets.

METHODS

Dexamethasone succinate dextran was synthesized in an anhydrous environment. Using 4-dimethyl aminopyridine and 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole as the catalyzer. The chemical structure was identified by UV, IR, NMR and MS. The contents of dexamethasone in various samples were determined by HPLC.

RESULTS

Dexamethasone was distributed mainly in plasma and gastric contents after the oral administration of common tablets. In contrast, after oral administration of DSD tablets, the recovery of dexamethasone in plasma and gastric contents decreased significantly, while the percentage of dexamethasone in cecum and colon increased obviously.

CONCLUSION

The experimental results showed the good colon targeting property of DSD prodrug compared with free dexamethasone.

[Investigation of the bioadhesion of carbopol and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose to rat gastrointestinal mucosa in vivo and in vitro]

AIM

To investigate bioadhesion of carbopol and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose of different viscosity grade to rat gastrointestinal mucosa.

METHODS

The maximum adhesion force has been adopted as an index of adhesive evaluation in vitro, gastro-emptying rate and migrating length in intestine have been adopted as an index of adhesive evaluation in vivo.

RESULTS

In vitro adhesion studies indicated that the adhesive force of low-vicosity materials was stronger than that of high-vicosity materials, while the transferation rate of high-vicosity materials is significantly higher compared to that of low-vicosity materials in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Adhesive force of materials gives no correlation with rate of the materials in rat; Cb934 have the optium bioadhesion among the studied materials and can be used as the preferred adjuvant in oral bioadhesion preparation.

[Study on liver targeting and sustained release hydroxycamptothecin polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles]

The liver targeting and sustained release hydroxycamptothecin polybutylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles (HCPT-PBCA-NP) which were wrapped up with ployvinylpyrrolidone(PVP) were prepared by adsorption-enwrapping method. The morphology, size and size distribution, drug loading, release characteristics in vitro, distribution and pharmacokinetic parameters in animals of the PVP-HCPT-PBCA-NP were studied. The results showed that the average diameter was 81.2 nm, drug loading was 1.22%. The release characteristics in vitro was in accord with Higuchi equation: Q = 0.0615 + 0.0940 square root of t.64.5% of the HCPT were concentrated in liver 15 min after iv PVP-HCPT-PBCA-NP. The plasma drug concentration-time curve of the HCPT in 5 rabbits was fitted to a two-compartment open model. The Vc was 3.548 L; T1/2 was 146.99 h; CL was 0.178 L.h-1. The method of preparation presented in this paper seems to have important reference value for the preparation of PBCA-NP of the insoluble drugs both in water and in oil.

[Optimization of the preparation of 3',5'-dioctanoyl-5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine pharmacosomes using central composite design]

AIM

To optimize the preparation of 3', 5'-dioctanoyl-5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine pharmacosomes (DO-FUdR-PS) by using central composite design.

METHODS

DO-FUdR-PS was prepared by a thin-layer ultrasonication technique. The effects of drug phosphatidycholine ratio, pluronic F-68 concentration (%, w/v) and glycerol tristearate (%, w/v) concentration on the mean particle size, entrapment ratio (ER) and drug loading (DL) were investigated. A second-order polynomial equation was fitted to the data and the resulting model was used to predict the response in the optimal region.

RESULTS

All the investigated response variables were found to be highly dependent on the formulation variables. Under the optimized conditions, the mean particle size, ER and DL of DO-FUdR-PS were 76 nm, 97.49% and 31.44%, respectively, which highly agreed with the predicted values.

CONCLUSION

Central composite design was successfully used to optimize the preparation of DO-FUdR-PS.