The Efficacy & Molecular Mechanisms of a Terpenoid Compound Ganoderic Acid C1 on Corticosteroid-Resistant Neutrophilic Airway Inflammation: In vivo and in vitro Validation.

Introduction: Neutrophil predominant airway inflammation is associated with severe and steroid-resistant asthma clusters. Previously, we reported efficacy of ASHMI, a three-herb TCM asthma formula in a steroid-resistant neutrophil-dominant murine asthma model and further identified Ganoderic Acid C1 (GAC1) as a key ASHMI active compound in vitro. The objective of this study is to investigate GAC1 effect on neutrophil-dominant, steroid-resistant asthma in a murine model. Methods: In this study, Balb/c mice were systematically sensitized with ragweed (RW) and alum and intranasally challenged with ragweed. Unsensitized/PBS challenged mice served as normal controls. Post sensitization, mice were given 4 weeks of oral treatment with GAC1 or acute dexamethasone (Dex) treatment at 48 hours prior to challenge. Pulmonary cytokines were measured by ELISA, and lung sections were processed for histology by H&E staining. Furthermore, GAC1 effect on MUC5AC expression and on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human lung epithelial cell line (NCI-H292) was determined by qRT-PCR and ROS assay kit, respectively. Computational analysis was applied to select potential targets of GAC1 in steroid-resistant neutrophil-dominant asthma. Molecular docking was performed to predict binding modes between GAC1 and Dex with TNF-α. Results: The result of the study showed that chronic GAC1 treatment, significantly reduced pulmonary inflammation (P < 0.01-0.001 vs Sham) and airway neutrophilia (P < 0.01 vs Sham), inhibited TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-5 levels (P < 0.05-0.001 vs Sham). Acute Dex treatment reduced eosinophilic inflammation and IL-4, IL-5 levels, but had no effect on neutrophilia and TNF-α production. GAC1 treated H292 cells showed decreased MUC5AC gene expression and production of ROS (P < 0.001 vs stimulated/untreated cells). Molecular docking results showed binding energy of complex GAC1-TNF was -10.8 kcal/mol. Discussion: GAC1 may be a promising anti-asthma botanical drug for treatment of steroid-resistant asthma.

Potential of semen coicis in enhancing the anti-tumor effects of PD-1 inhibitor on A549 cell lines by blocking the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this research was to investigate how the combination of semen coicis extract and PD-1 inhibitors can potentially work together to enhance the anti-tumor effects, with a focus on understanding the underlying mechanism. METHODS: We obtained the active components and specific targets of semen coicis in the treatment of NSCLC from various databases, namely TCMSP, GeneCard, and OMIM. By utilizing the STRING database and Cytoscape software, we established a protein interaction network (PPI) for the active ingredient of semen coicis and the target genes related to NSCLC. To explore the potential pathways involved, we conducted gene ontology (GO) and biological pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses, which were further supported by molecular docking technology. Additionally, we conducted cyto-inhibition experiments to verify the inhibitory effects of semen coicis alone or in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor on A549 cells, along with examining the associated pathways. Furthermore, we investigated the synergistic mechanism of these two drugs through cytokine release experiments and the PD-L1 expression study on A549 cells. RESULTS: Semen coicis contains two main active components, Omaine and (S)-4-Nonanolide. Its primary targets include PIK3R1, PIK3CD, PIK3CA, AKT2, and mTOR. Molecular docking experiments confirmed that these ingredients and targets form stable bonds. In vitro experiments showed that semen coicis demonstrates inhibitory effects against A549 cells, and this effect was further enhanced when combined with PD-1 inhibitors. PCR and WB analysis confirmed that the inhibition of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway may contribute to this effect. Additionally, semen coicis was observed to decrease the levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, and TNF-α, promoting the recovery of the human anti-tumor immune response. And semen coicis could inhibit the induced expression of PD­L1 of A549 cells stimulated by IFN­Î³ as well. CONCLUSION: Semen coicis not only has the ability to kill tumor cells directly but also alleviates the immunosuppression found in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, it collaboratively enhances the effectiveness of PD-1 inhibitors against tumors by blocking the activation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR.

The effect of physical interventions on pain control after orthodontic treatment: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Pain is a frequent adverse reaction during orthodontic treatment, which can significantly reduce treatment compliance and compromise the expected treatment effect. Physical interventions have been used to alleviate pain after orthodontic treatment, but their effectiveness is controversial. This study used a network meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of various physical interventions typically used in managing pain after orthodontic treatment, with a view to provide evidence-based recommendations for representative interventions for orthodontic pain relief during peak pain intensity. METHODS: A systematic search of six electronic databases, from their respective inception dates, was conducted to identify relevant literature on the efficacy of various typical physical interventions for managing pain after orthodontic treatment. Literature screening was performed according to the Cochrane System Evaluator's Manual. Stata 16.0 was used to assess heterogeneity, inconsistency, publication bias, and sensitivity to generate an evidence network diagram and conduct a network meta-analysis. RESULTS: In total, 771 articles were reviewed to collect literature on interventions, including low-level laser therapy (LLLT), vibration, acupuncture, and chewing. Of these, 28 studies using a visual analog scale (VAS) as an outcome indicator were included. The results showed that LLLT, vibration, acupuncture, and chewing effectively relieved the pain symptoms in patients after orthodontic treatment. At 24 h post-treatment, LLLT (surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA] = 80.8) and vibration (SUCRA = 71.1) were the most effective interventions. After 48 h of treatment, acupuncture (SUCRA = 89.6) showed a definite advantage as the best intervention. CONCLUSION: LLLT, vibration, acupuncture, and chewing can alleviate pain associated with orthodontic treatment. Among these interventions, acupuncture was found to be the most effective at 48 h after orthodontic treatment. In addition, acupuncture demonstrated long-lasting and stable pain-relieving effects. However, further studies are needed to determine the most suitable equipment-specific parameters for acupuncture in relieving pain associated with orthodontic treatment.

Effect of the combination of he-sea and front-mu points on enteral nutrition feeding intolerance in critical illness patients. / åˆå‹Ÿé ç©´æ²»ç–—å±é‡ç—‡æ‚£è€ è‚ å† è¥å »å–‚å »ä¸è€å—çš„ç–—æ•ˆè§‚å¯Ÿ.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effects of the combination of he-sea and front-mu points on the feeding compliance rate, the intra-abdominal pressure, the enteral nutrition tolerance score, the score of acute physiological and chronic health evaluation (APACHE)-Ⅱ and gastrointestinal function impairment grade in the patients with enteral nutrition feeding intolerance (ENFI) of critical illness and evaluate clinical effect on ENFI after acupuncture at the he-sea and front-mu points. METHODS: Seventy patients of ENFI were randomized into a control group and an observation group, 35 cases in each one. In the control group, the patients were treated with routine regimen combined with intestinal nutrition support. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, acupuncture was applied to Shangwan (CV13), Zhongwan (CV12), Xiawan (CV10), Qihai (CV6) and Guanyuan (CV4), as well as bila-teral Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), Xiajuxu (ST39), Shangjuxu (ST37), Tianshu (ST25) and Daheng (SP15). Of those acupoints, ST25 and SP15 on the same side were attached to one pair of electrodes (20 Hz/100 Hz). Acupuncture was delivered once daily, 30 min each time and for consecutive 7 days. During treatment, the numbers of the cases up to the feeding standard were observed everyday to calculate the feeding compliance rate. The score of enteral nutrition tolerance, the intra-abdominal pressure, the score of APACHE-Ⅱ and the level of acute gastriointestinal injury(AGI) grading were recorded. RESULTS: After treatment, the enteral feeding compliance rate was increased in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups, and the rate in the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) except that on the 2nd day. The score of the enteral nutrition tolerance, the intra-abdominal pressure, the score of APACHE-Ⅱ and the level of AGI were all reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01) when compared with those before treatment in the two groups, and these indicators in the observation group were lower (P<0.05) than those of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture at the he-sea and front-mu points relieves the conditions of ENFI, improves the feeding and the recovery of gastrointestinal function, and benefits the prognosis through increasing the amount of enteral nutrition in ENFI patients.

IL-37 alleviates alveolar bone resorption and inflammatory response through the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in male mice with periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease, characterized by periodontal pocket formation and alveolar bone resorption, is one of the most common oral diseases. Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is a novel inflammatory suppressor that plays an important role in many inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of IL-37 in periodontitis DESIGN: A mouse model of periodontitis was established by Porphyromonas gingivalis. After four weeks treatment of recombinant human IL-37 (rhIL-37), the effects of IL-37 on the gingival index and tooth loosening degree of periodontitis mice were observed. H&E staining and micro-CT scanning were used to analyze the bone resorption of the maxillary. The number of osteoclasts was counted by TRAP staining and the differentiation of osteoclasts was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The expression of inflammatory cytokines was detected by ELISA, and the protein expressions of the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway were analyzed by WB. RESULTS: RhIL-37 significantly decreased the gingival index and tooth mobility degree, inhibited maxillary bone resorption, decreased the number of osteoclasts and the expression of calcitonin receptor (CTR), periodontal cathepsin K (CTSK) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), and increased the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in periodontitis mice. At the same time, rhIL-37 significantly decreased the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α, and increased the expression of IL-10 in the gingival tissue of periodontitis mice. In addition, rhIL-37 significantly inhibited the protein expressions of p-p65, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-1ß in periodontitis mice. CONCLUSION: IL-37 may alleviate alveolar bone resorption and inflammation response in periodontitis through the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation for Moderate to Severe Pain in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Cancer-related pain is one of the primary symptoms of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies have shown that transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is effective in treating patients with acute or chronic pain. In China, it is indispensable to evaluate the efficacy of TEAS in combination with opioids for the treatment of moderate to severe HCC-related pain. Methods/Design: This is a single-center clinical, prospective randomized controlled clinical trial protocol. 104 patients will be randomly divided into the observation group and the control group in a ratio of 1:1.In addition to routine cancer pain medication, the two groups of patients will receive TEAS treatment twice a day for one week. Acupoints will include bilateral Hegu(LI4), Neiguan(PC6), Zusanli(ST36), Taichong(LR3), Ganshu(BL18), Geshu(BL17), Qimen(LR14), and Zhangmen(LR13). The treatment time is from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The primary outcome measures are the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the secondary outcome measures include the Brief Pain Inventory(BPI), dosage and administration duration of opioid drugs, frequency of nausea, vomiting and defecation, Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS), Quality of life scale (QOL), Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI). The outcome measures will be evaluated at baseline, during treatment and 1 week after treatment. Discussion: Results of this trial are expected to clarify the value of TEAS stimulation performed on specific points in the management of moderate to severe pain in HCC. Trial registration: Chinese clinical trial registry, ChiCTR2100044615 (http://www.chictr.org.cn), Registered on 24 March 2021.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 suppression by epimedium and active compound kaempferol leads to synergistic anti-inflammatory effect with corticosteroid.

Introduction: Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 is a major drug metabolizing enzyme for corticosteroids (CS). Epimedium has been used for asthma and variety of inflammatory conditions with or without CS. It is unknown whether epimedium has an effect on CYP 3A4 and how it interacts with CS. We sought to determine the effects of epimedium on CYP3A4 and whether it affects the anti-inflammatory function of CS and identify the active compound responsible for this effect. Methods: The effect of epimedium on CYP3A4 activity was evaluated using the Vivid CYP high-throughput screening kit. CYP3A4 mRNA expression was determined in human hepatocyte carcinoma (HepG2) cells with or without epimedium, dexamethasone, rifampin, and ketoconazole. TNF-α levels were determined following co-culture of epimedium with dexamethasone in a murine macrophage cell line (Raw 264.7). Active compound (s) derived from epimedium were tested on IL-8 and TNF-α production with or without corticosteroid, on CYP3A4 function and binding affinity. Results: Epimedium inhibited CYP3A4 activity in a dose-dependent manner. Dexamethasone enhanced the expression of CYP3A4 mRNA, while epimedium inhibited the expression of CYP3A4 mRNA and further suppressed dexamethasone enhancement of CYP3A4 mRNA expression in HepG2 cells (p < 0.05). Epimedium and dexamethasone synergistically suppressed TNF-α production by RAW cells (p < 0.001). Eleven epimedium compounds were screened by TCMSP. Among the compounds identified and tested only kaempferol significantly inhibited IL-8 production in a dose dependent manner without any cell cytotoxicity (p < 0.01). Kaempferol in combination with dexamethasone showed complete elimination of TNF-α production (p < 0.001). Furthermore, kaempferol showed a dose dependent inhibition of CYP3A4 activity. Computer docking analysis showed that kaempferol significantly inhibited the catalytic activity of CYP3A4 with a binding affinity of -44.73kJ/mol. Discussion: Inhibition of CYP3A4 function by epimedium and its active compound kaempferol leads to enhancement of CS anti-inflammatory effect.

Resveratrol prevents inflammation and oxidative stress response in LPS-induced human gingival fibroblasts by targeting the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathways.

This study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of resveratrol (RSV) in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) following stimulation by P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px, and the levels of MDA, were evaluated by ELISA. It was observed that the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα in LPS-induced HGFs was significantly downregulated by RSV in a dose-dependent manner. RSV also partly increased oxidative stress (OS)-related factors, including SOD and GSH-Px, which was accompanied by a decrease in MDA production, although the results were not statistically significant. Additionally, RSV-induced deactivation of the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/ß-catenin pathways in LPS-induced HGFs was observed by western blot analysis. Subsequently, it was demonstrated treatment with PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor (LY294002) or Wnt/ß-catenin pathway inhibitor (Dickkopf-1, DKK-1) could further enhance the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of RSV by downregulating the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFα, and the production of MDA, and increasing the activity of SOD and GSH-Px in LPS-induced HGFs. These results suggested RSV attenuated the inflammation and OS injury of P. gingivalis LPS-treated HGFs by deactivating the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathways.

Changing Grocery Shopping Behaviours Among Chinese Consumers At The Outset Of The COVID-19 Outbreak.

This study focuses on the embryonic stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in China, where most people affected opted to abide by the Chinese government's national self-quarantine campaign. This resulted in major disruptions to one of the most common market processes in retail: food retailing. The research adopts the theory of planned behaviour to provide early empirical insights into changes in consumer behaviour related to food purchases during the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Data from the online survey carried out suggest that the outbreak triggered considerable levels of switching behaviours among customers, with farmers' markets losing most of their customers, while local small independent retailers experienced the highest levels of resilience in terms of customer retention. This study suggests avenues for further scholarly research and policy making related to the impact this behaviour may be having around the world on society's more vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly.

Control of the Hydraulic Load on Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Cascade Reservoirs.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions show large variability among dam reservoirs, which makes it difficult to estimate N2O contributions to global greenhouse gases (GHGs). Because river damming alters hydraulic residence time and water depth, the hydraulic load (i.e., the ratio of the mean water depth to the residence time) was hypothesized to control N2O emissions from dam reservoirs. To test this hypothesis, we investigated N2O fluxes and related parameters in the cascade reservoirs along the Wujiang River in Southwest China. The N2O fluxes showed obvious temporal and spatial variations, ranging from -7.86 to 337.22 µmol m-2 d-1, with an average of 12.76 µmol m-2 d-1. Nitrification was the main pathway of N2O production in these reservoirs, and seasonal dissolved oxygen (DO) stratification played an important role in regulating the N2O production. The reservoir N2O flux had a significant negative logarithmic relationship with the hydraulic load, suggesting its control of the N2O emission. This was because the hydraulic load was a prerequisite for regulating the nitrification-denitrification and the DO stratification in the dam reservoirs. This empirical relationship will help to estimate the contribution of reservoir N2O emissions to global GHGs.

Metabolic changes of different high-resolution computed tomography phenotypes of COPD after budesonide-formoterol treatment.

BACKGROUND: Metabolomics is the global unbiased analysis of all the small-molecule metabolites within a biological system. Metabolic profiling of different high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) phenotypes of COPD patients before and after treatment may identify discriminatory metabolites that can serve as biomarkers and therapeutic agents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR)-based metabolomics was performed on a discovery set of plasma samples from 50 patients with stable COPD. Patients were assigned into two groups on the basis of HRCT findings including phenotype E (n=22) and phenotype M (n=28). After budesonide-formoterol treatment (160/4.5 µg ×2 inhalations twice daily for 3 months), clinical characteristics and metabolites were then compared between phenotype E pretreatment and posttreatment, phenotype M pretreatment and posttreatment, phenotype E pretreatment and phenotype M pretreatment, and phenotype E posttreatment and phenotype M posttreatment. RESULTS: Inhaled budesonide-formoterol therapy for both phenotype E (emphysema without bronchial wall thickening) and phenotype M (emphysema with bronchial wall thickening) was effective. However, phenotype E and phenotype M were different in response to therapy. Patients with phenotype M in response to therapeutic effects were significantly greater compared with phenotype E. Certain metabolites were identified, which were closely related to the treatment and phenotype. Metabolic changes in phenotype E or phenotype M after treatment may be involved with adenosine diphosphate (ADP), guanosine, choline, malonate, tyrosine, glycine, proline, l-alanine, l-valine, l-threonine leucine, uridine, pyruvic acid, acetone and metabolism disturbance. Metabolic differences between phenotype E and phenotype M in pretreatment and posttreatment covered glycine, d-glucose, pyruvic acid, succinate, lactate, proline, l-valine and leucine. CONCLUSION: Bronchial wall thickening in COPD may be an indicator for predicting the better response to the treatment with bronchodilator and corticosteroid. The identification of metabolic alterations provides new insights into different HRCT phenotypes and therapeutic assessment of COPD.

[Effects of acupoint injection of autoblood on expression of pulmonary transcription factor GATA 3 and T-bet proteins and genes in asthma rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of autoblood acupoint-injection (ABAI) on expression levels of pulmonary transacting T-cell-specific transcription factor GATA 3 (involving Th 2 cytokine expression), Th 1-specific T-box transcription factor T-box expressed in T-cells (T-bet) proteins and genes in asthmatic rats so as to explore its mechanisms underlying asthma relief. METHODS: Forty-eight male SD rats were randomized into normal control (n = 8), model (n = 10), saline acupoint-injection (SAI, n = 10), ABAI (n = 10), and Dexamethasone (DXM, n = 10) groups. Asthma model was established during 28 days by 10% Ovalbumin + 10% aluminium hydroxide solution injection (i. p.) and vapourized 2% Ovalbumin inhaling for 14 days. For rats of the ABAI group, 0.4 mL autoblood was injected into the bilateral "Feishu" (BL 13) or "Shenshu" (BL 23) alternately, once every other day for six times. For rats of the DXM group, 50% DXM solution (0.5 mg/kg, i. p.) was given from the 17th day on after starting the modeling, once every other day for 11 days. Pulmonary GATA 3 and T-bet protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, and GATA 3 mRNA and T-bet mRNA expression detected by real time-PCR. RESULTS: In comparison with the normal group, pulmonary GATA 3 protein and mRNA expression levels in the model group were up-regulated significantly (P < 0.01), while T-bet mRNA expression in the model group was down-regulated obviously (P < 0.01). Compared to the model group, GATA 3 protein and mRNA expression levels were down-regulated significantly in both ABAI and DXM groups (P < 0.01), while T-bet protein expression in ABAI group and T-bet mRNA expression in both ABAI and DXM groups were up-regulated significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between model and SAI groups, and between ABAI and DXM groups in GATA 3 protein expression levels; and between ABAI and DXM groups in GATA 3 mRNA expression levels; between normal and model groups, and between SAI and ABAI groups in T-bet protein expression levels; between model and SAI groups and between ABAI and DXM groups in T-bet mRNA expression levels (P > 0.05). The ratio of GATA 3 mRNA/T-bet mRNA expression was significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group (P < 0.01), while obviously lower in the SAI, ABAI and DXM groups than in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Additionally, the ratios of GATA 3 mRNA/T-bet mRNA in ABAI and DXM groups were comparable (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Autoblood acupoint injection is comparable to DXM intraperitoneal injection in down-regulating asthma-induced increase of pulmonary GATA 3 protein and mRNA expression as well as ratio of GATA 3 mRNA/T-bet mRNA, and in up-regulating asthma-induced decrease of T-bet mRNA expression in asthma rats, which may contribute to their effects in relieving asthma.

[Acupoint sticking therapy for treatment of bronchial asthma: a multicenter controlled randomized clinical trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupoint sticking on clinical symptoms and life quality in patients with bronchial asthma. METHODS: Multicenter randomized double-blind clinical trial was done, one hundred and eighty-eight cases were divided into a medication acupoint sticking group (125 cases) and a placebo group (63 cases). Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), Tiantu (CV 22), etc. were selected in both groups. The medication cakes were made of grinding pepper, brassica alba seeds, asarum, etc. into fine powder mixed with ginger oil and ginger juice, applied on acupoints in the acupoint sticking group. While another compound cakes made of powder of red rice, black rice, maize mixed with small amount of ginger juice, were used in the placebo group. Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire(AQLQ), symptom scores during the day and night, scores of self effect, and the value of lung function were observed. RESULTS: The value of daily behavior and environmental factors of AQLQ, total scores of AQLQ, daytime symptoms and scores of self effect in the medication acupoint sticking group, were significantly improved compared to those of placebo group (all P<0.05). The lung function of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second in predicted value (FEV1/FVC) had no significant diffrence between two groups (both P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The acupoint sticking therapy can significantly improve clinical symptoms of patients with bronchial asthma, and can improve life quality of the patients.

Changes of dopamine transporter function in striatum during acute morphine addiction and its abstinence in rhesus monkey.

BACKGROUND: Although dopamine transporter (DAT) is essential for addiction, the effect of additive drugs on DAT function is still controversial, especially for opiates. We investigated the functional changes of dopamine transporter in striatum of rhesus monkeys during acute morphine injection and its abstinence. METHODS: Four rhesus monkeys, 6 to 9 years old, two male and two female, were examined for 12 days. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed with (99)T(cm)-TRODAT-1 as the radiopharmaceutical dopamine transporter agent during different stages of acute morphine injection and its abstinence. The ratios of SPECT signal between striatum and cerebellum (ST/CB) were calculated. RESULTS: The ST/CB ratio declined significantly on the first day of morphine injection and continued declining with more morphine injections. After abstinence, the ratio increased with time, but was still significantly lower on the 5th day of abstinence than the normal level. CONCLUSIONS: In rhesus monkey, acute morphine injection has both rapid and lasting effects on DAT by downregulating its function. The decline was partially reversible following morphine abstinence. The results suggest that striatum is one effective target of morphine and that the DAT function in striatum is one indicator for morphine addiction.

[Clinical assessment of bone scanning in 78 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy].

OBJECTIVE: It is an evaluation of radionuclide bone scanning in detecting bone metastasis in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy. METHOD: The bone scanning was performed in 78 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy. RESULT: Bone metastasis were detected in 47 patients out of 78, including 46 squamous cell carcinoma and 1 undifferentiated carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Radionuclide bone imaging is useful for diagnosing, treating and prognosing of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Continuous representation of human portraits and natural scenery in human ventral temporal cortex: evidence from functional magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become a powerful tool for tracking human brain activity in vivo. This technique is mainly based on blood oxygenation level dependence (BOLD) contrast. In the present study, we employed this newly developed technique to characterize the neural representations of human portraits and natural sceneries in the human brain. METHODS: Nine subjects were scanned with a 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner using gradient-recalled echo and echo-planar imaging (GRE-EPI) pulse sequence while they were visually presented with 3 types of white-black photographs: natural scenery, human portraits, and scrambled nonsense pictures. Multiple linear regression was used to identify brain regions responding preferentially to each type of stimulus and common regions for both human portraits and natural scenery. The relative contributions of each type of stimulus to activation in these regions were examined using linear combinations of a general linear test. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analysis revealed two distinct but adjacent regions in both sides of the ventral temporal cortex. The medial region preferentially responded to natural scenery, whereas the lateral one preferentially responded to the human portraits. The general linear test further revealed a distribution gradient such that a change from portraits to scenes shifted areas of activation from lateral to medial. CONCLUSIONS: The boundary between portrait-associated and scenery-associated areas is not as clear as previously demonstrated. The representations of portraits and scenes in ventral temporal cortex appear to be continuous and overlap.