The association between childhood adiposity in northeast China and anthropogenic heat flux: A new insight into the comprehensive impact of human activities.

Anthropogenic heat has been reported to have significant health impacts, but research on its association with childhood adiposity is still lacking. In this study, we matched the 2008-2012 average anthropogenic heat flux, as simulated by a grid estimation model using inventory methods, with questionnaire and measurement data of 49,938 children randomly recruited from seven cities in Northeast China in 2012. After adjusting for social demographic and behavioral factors, we used generalized linear mixed-effect models to assess the association between anthropogenic heat flux and adiposity among children. We also examined the effect modification of various social demographic and behavioral confounders. We found that each 10 W/m2 increase in total anthropogenic heat flux and that from the industry source was associated with an increase of 5.82% (95% CI = 0.84%-11.05%) and 6.62% (95% CI = 0.87%-12.70%) in the odds of childhood adiposity. Similarly, the excess rate of adiposity among children were 5.26% (95% CI = -1.33%-12.29%) and 8.51% (95% CI = 2.24%-15.17%) per 1 W/m2 increase in the anthropogenic heat flux from transportation and buildings, and was 7.94% (95% CI = 2.28%-13.91%) per 0.001 W/m2 increase in the anthropogenic heat flux from human metabolism. We also found generally greater effect estimates among female children and children who were exposed to passive smoking during pregnancy, born by caesarean section, non-breastfed/mixed-fed, or lived within 20 m adjacent to the main road. The potential deleterious effect of anthropogenic heat exposure on adiposity among children may make it a new but major threat to be targeted by future mitigation strategies.

The green lacewing Chrysopa formosa as a potential biocontrol agent for managing Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera litura.

Understanding predator-prey interactions is essential for successful pest management by using predators, especially for the suppression of novel invasive pest. The green lacewing Chrysopa formosa is a promising polyphagous predator that is widely used in the biocontrol of various pests in China, but information on the control efficiency of this predator against the seriously invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda and native Spodoptera litura is limited. Here we evaluated the predation efficiency of C. formosa adults on eggs and first- to third-instar larvae of S. frugiperda and S. litura through functional response experiments and determined the consumption capacity and prey preference of this chrysopid. Adults of C. formosa had a high consumption of eggs and earlier instar larvae of both prey species, and displayed a type II functional response on all prey stages. Attack rates of the chrysopid on different prey stages were statistically similar, but the handling time increased notably as the prey developed. The highest predation efficiency and shortest-handling time were observed for C. formosa feeding on Spodoptera eggs, followed by the first-instar larvae. C. formosa exhibited a significant preference for S. litura over S. frugiperda in a two-prey system. In addition, we summarized the functional response and predation efficiency of several chrysopids against noctuid pests and made a comparison with the results obtained from C. formosa. These results indicate that C. formosa has potential as an agent for biological control of noctuid pests, particularly for the newly invasive pest S. frugiperda in China.

Hulless Black Barley as a Carrier of Probiotics and a Supplement Rich in Phenolics Targeting Against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Injuries in Human Hepatocarcinoma Cells.

Lactic acid bacteria can provide benefits to human beings and transform phenolic substances to improve their potential functionality. It was of interest to develop black barley as a carrier of probiotics and nutraceutical supplement rich in more antioxidants. Due to fermentation, bacterial counting and free phenolic content in black barley increased to 9.54 ± 0.22 log cfu/mL and 5.61 ± 0.02 mg GAE/mL, respectively. Eleven phenolic compounds, including nine isoflavones and two nitrogenous compounds were characterized using UPLC-QTOF-MS, among which epicatechin, hordatine, and pelargonidin aglycone were largely enriched. Moreover, free phenolic extracts from fermented barley (F-BPE) played a greater role in scavenging DPPH radicals, reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+, and increasing oxygen radical absorbance capacity, compared phenolic extracts from unfermented barley [UF-BPE (1.94-, 1.71-, and 1.35-fold at maximum for F-BPE vs. UF-BPE, respectively)]. In hepatocarcinoma cells, F-BPE also better inhibited ROS production and improved cell viability, cell membrane integrity, SOD activity, and non-enzymatic antioxidant GSH redox status (2.85-, 3.28-, 2.05-, 6.42-, and 3.99-fold at maximum for F-BPE vs. UF-BPE, respectively).

Differential expression of microRNA-411 and 376c is associated with hypertension in pregnancy

Preeclampsia is a major reason of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women and perinatal fetus. Hence, it is of prime importance that diagnostic markers are defined to predict chances of preeclampsia in pregnant women. It has been previously shown that microRNA (miRNA)-376c expression is decreased in the placenta of preeclampsia patients at term. Even though this decrease was not mimicked in the placenta at the pre-term stage, miR-376c expression was decreased in the plasma of these patients as early as the second trimester. Plasma and placenta specimens were obtained from pregnant women having unifetal gestation undergoing perinatal care between January 2014 and December 2016 (n=49). Early trimester placentas were collected from patients undergoing terminated pregnancies through dilation and curettage procedure. Our results showed that in addition to miR-376c, miR-441 levels were decreased in the placenta of preeclampsia patients, and this decrease occurred both at pre-term and at term. This decrease is also mimicked in the plasma levels at both early and late weeks of pregnancy, highlighting that miR-441 levels can serve as a diagnostic marker of risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Overexpression of the miR-441, as well as miR-376c, promoted cell viability, migration, and invasion in the human immortalized cytotrophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo, indicating that their decrease in pregnant women would result in anomalous apoptosis and functional imbalance resulting in premature abortion and other complications. MiR-441 level can thus potentially serve as diagnostic marker of preeclampsia in pregnant women.

Pain control for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing CT-guided percutaneous microwave ablation.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) is usually performed in patients under conscious sedation. Nonetheless, many patients reported pain during the procedure. The current study investigated the safety and effectiveness of analgesia given at personalized dosage during the MWA procedure. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) were included in this study. These patients underwent CT-guided percutaneous MWA between February and October 2017. Patients were randomized into two groups: Experimental group (n = 50) and Control group (n = 50). Patients in the Control group were given 5 mg of morphine intravenously, followed by 10 mg of morphine injected subcutaneously 30 min before surgery. Patients in the Experimental group were given a personalized dosage of morphine during the procedure when the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was ≥4. Other clinical and treatment parameters were also analysed. RESULTS: A significantly less amount of morphine (p < 0.001) was used in the experimental group (7.18 ± 1.65 mg) than in the control group (17.40 ± 2.52 mg). No significant differences were found in the number of patients who needed to discontinue the surgery (p = 0.242). Other clinical parameters including heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures at various time points were comparable. Importantly, a lower VAS was reported in the experimental group, indicating a lower pain intensity experienced by patients during the procedure. CONCLUSION: The administration of personalized dosage of morphine to HCC patients undergoing percutaneous MWA is an effective and safe procedure for pain control.

Highly selective detection of spermine in human urine via a nanometal surface energy transfer platform.

As an important biomarker of malignant tumors, spermine is closely related with some diseases. In this work, a nanometal surface energy transfer (NSET) strategy via the positively charged gold nanorods (AuNRs) and the negatively charged tetrakis (4-sulfonatophenyl) porphyrin (TPPS4) was developed to detect spermine in human urine. Under acidic condition, spermine possessed multi-cationic property and a strong affinity towards the anionic phosphate backbone of calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) by electrostatic attraction as well as the groove binding, which enabled to regulate the process of NSET between AuNRs and TPPS4, leading to the fluorescence quenching of TPPS4. Moreover, the quenched fluorescence was proportional to the concentration of spermine, which was applicable to monitor the level of spermine in human urine in the concentration range of 0.5-7.5 µM. The NSET platform for spemine is simple, selective and time-saving, which has great significance in early cancer diagnosis.

Effectiveness and safety of CT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of adrenal metastases.

OBJECTIVE: The imaging-guided percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of adrenal metastases is a relatively new treatment procedure, compared to the more widespread application of the technique for the treatment of liver and renal cancers. The present study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the CT-guided percutaneous RF ablation of adrenal metastases in a cohort of patients. METHODS: 33 patients with 38 adrenal metastases who received percutaneous CT-guided RF ablation between 2012 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The average diameter of the treated adrenal metastases was 3.0 ± 1.6 cm. The treatment outcomes, including presence of residual tumours, technical success rate, recurrence rate, and complications, were evaluated. Patients were followed up for every 3 months to monitor the progression of the disease. RESULTS: Postoperative CT images showed the lack of tumour enhancement in 30 tumours (30/38 tumours, technical success rate = 78.9%), and residual disease was found in 7 tumours (7/37 tumours, 18.9%). The rate of residual disease was significantly lower in the group with tumour size <3 cm than the group with tumour size ≥3 cm (p = 0.025). The severe complication rate was 4.3%, and the mild complication rate was 48%, with intraoperative hypertensive crisis as the most frequently observed complication (27.3%). The follow-up data showed that 76.3% of patients had recurrence-free survival in 27.4 months. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that radiofrequency ablation is a relatively safe and effective treatment for controlling adrenal metastases, especially for patients with tumour size <3 cm. Advances in knowledge: Surgical resection of the adrenal metastases was advocated as one of the treatment options for patients. The present study showed that radiofrequency ablation is a relatively safe and effective treatment for controlling adrenal metastases.

Chiral nanoprobes for targeting and long-term imaging of the Golgi apparatus.

The Golgi apparatus is an essential subcellular organelle. Targeting and monitoring the Golgi change at the single-cell level over a long time scale are critical but are challenges that have not yet been tackled. Inspired by the precise Golgi positioning ability of galactosyltransferase and protein kinase D, due to their cysteine residues, we developed a method for long-term Golgi imaging. Fluorescent molecules, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and silica nanoparticles could target the Golgi when they are modified with l-cysteine. l-Cysteine-rich chiral carbon quantum dots (LC-CQDs), which have the benefits of a high Golgi specificity from l-cysteine and excellent photostability and biocompatibility from the CQDs, are proven to be highly suitable for long-term in situ imaging of the Golgi. Investigation of the mechanism showed that free thiol groups and the l-type stereo configuration of LC-CQDs are essential for specific targeting of the Golgi. With the aid of the as-prepared LC-CQDs, the dynamic changes of the Golgi in the early stage of viral infection were visualized. The Golgi targeting and imaging strategy used in this work is beneficial for Golgi-targeted drug delivery and early diagnosis and therapy of Golgi diseases.

Color resolution improvement of the dark-field microscopy imaging of single light scattering plasmonic nanoprobes for microRNA visual detection.

Imaging of light scattering plasmonic nanoparticles (PNPs) with the aid of the dark-field microscopy imaging (iDFM) technique has attracted wide attention owing to its high signal-to-noise ratio, but to improve the color resolution and contrast of dark-field microscopy (DFM) images of single light scattering PNPs in a small spectral variation environment is still a challenge. In this study, a new color analytical method for resolving the resolution and contrast in DFM images has been developed and further applied for colorimetric analysis using the digital image processing technique. The color of single light scattering PNP images is automatically coded at first with the hue values of the HSI color model, and then amplified using the MATLAB program even for marginal spectral changes, leading to significant improvement of the color resolution of DFM images and easy detection with the naked eye. As a proof of concept, this method is then applied to distinguish single PNPs with various sizes and to visually detect hepatocellular carcinoma-associated microRNA. As it greatly improved the color resolution of iDFM and its detection sensitivity, this method shows promise to serve as a better alternative for sensitive visual analysis and spectrometer-based spectral analysis.

High-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in peripheral T-cell lymphoma: treatment outcome and prognostic factor analysis.

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) carries a poor prognosis with conventional treatment. We retrospectively analyzed data from 45 patients with PTCL who received high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT) from 1990 to 2008 in our center. Eighteen patients underwent HDT/ASCT in complete remission to induction chemotherapy (CR1), and 27 patients underwent HDT/ASCT in other disease statuses. The median follow-up was 113.5 months (range 52.6-261.0) for surviving patients. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 64 and 60 %, respectively. The 5-year OS for patients in CR1 and in other disease statuses was 89 and 47 %, respectively (P = 0.002), and 5-year PFS was 83 and 43 % (P = 0.007). In the subgroup excluding anaplastic large cell lymphoma, patients transplanted in CR1 also had significantly better 5-year OS (82 vs. 37 %, P = 0.009) and PFS (82 vs. 33 %, P = 0.008) than those transplanted in other disease statuses. Multivariate analysis showed that CR1 status was the only significant prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.040) and PFS (P = 0.040). These results support the use of HDT/ASCT consolidation in CR1 for PTCL patients. Prospective randomized trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy of this approach.

Plasticity of regulation of mannitol phosphotransferase system operon by CRP-cAMP complex in Vibrio cholerae.

OBJECTIVE: The complex of the cyclic AMP receptor protein (CRP) and cAMP is an important transcriptional regulator of numerous genes in prokaryotes. The transport of mannitol through the phosphotransferase systems (PTS) is regulated by the CRP-cAMP complex. The aim of the study is to investigate how the CRP-cAMP complex acting on the mannitol PTS operon mtl of the Vibrio cholerae El Tor biotype. METHODS: The crp mutant strain was generated by homologous recombination to assess the need of CRP to activate the mannitol PTS operon of V. cholerae El Tor. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and the reporter plasmid pBBRlux were used to confirm the role that the CRP-cAMP complex playing on the mannitol PTS operon mtl. RESULTS: In this study, we confirmed that CRP is strictly needed for the activation of the mtl operon. We further experimentally identified five CRP binding sites within the promoter region upstream of the mannitol PTS operon mtl of the Vibrio cholerae El Tor biotype and found that these sites display different affinities for CRP and provide different contributions to the activation of the operon. CONCLUSION: The five binding sites collectively confer the strong activation of mannitol transfer by CRP in V. cholerae, indicating an elaborate and subtle CRP activation mechanism.

CD133+ subpopulation of the HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cell line exhibits cancer stem-like characteristics.

The cancer stem cell (CSC) theory holds that a minority population within tumors possesses stem cell properties of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capacity and provides the initiating cells from which tumors are derived and sustained. However, verifying the existence of these CSCs has been a significant challenge. The CD133 antigen is a pentaspan membrane glycoprotein proposed to be a CSC marker for cancer-initiating subpopulations in the brain, colon and various other tissues. Here, CD133+ cells were obtained and characterized from the HT1080 cell line to determine the utility of this marker for isolating CSCs from human fibrosarcoma cells. In this study, CD133+ cells were separated from HT1080 cells using magnetic beads and characterized for their proliferation rate and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs, cisplatin and doxorubicin, by MTS assay. Relative expression of tumor-associated genes Sox2, Oct3/4, Nanog, c-Myc, Bmi-1 and ABCG2 was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Clonal sphere formation and the ability of CD133+ cells to initiate tumors in BALB/c nude mice was also evaluated. We found that CD133+ cells showed a high proliferation rate, increased resistance to chemotherapy drugs and overexpression of tumor-associated genes compared with these features in CD133- cells. Additionally, CD133+ cells were able to form spherical clusters in serum-free medium with high clonogenic efficiency, indicating a significantly greater tumor-initiating potential when compared with CD133- cells. These findings indicate that CD133+ cells identified within the HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cell line possess many CSC properties and may facilitate the development of improved therapies for fibrosarcoma.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy favors long-term overall survival in patients with lung metastases: five-year experience of a single-institution.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic lung cancer is one of the most common oncologic problems. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for metastatic lung tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the 71 patients with lung metastases, who had 172 lesions treated with SBRT from January 2000 to December 2006. All patients were unfit or failed after surgery and/or chemotherapy. The median total dose was 48 Gy (range, 30 - 60) in 4 (range, 2 - 12) fractions. The median size of the irradiated lesions was 2.1 cm (range, 0.9 - 7.9 cm). RESULTS: All but two patients received follow up. The median follow-up time was 24.7 months (range, 2.9 - 114.4 months). The median follow-up time for living patients was 86.8 months (range, 58.1 - 114.4 months). The 1-, 3-, 5-year local control and overall survival rates were 88.8%, 75.4%, 75.4% and 78.9%, 40.8%, 25.2%. Multivariate analysis showed that the absence of extrapulmonary metastases (P = 0.024; hazard ratio (HR), 1.894; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.086 - 3.303) and disease-free interval ≤ 12 months (P = 0.014; HR, 0.511; 95%CI, 0.299 - 0.873) were independent prognostic factors. No grade 3 or more acute and late toxicities occurred. Only one patient developed a non-symptomatic rib fracture. CONCLUSION: SBRT could be an alternative treatment to surgery for subsets of patients with lung metastases with favorable long-term survival and tolerable complications.

[Test of dose distribution of palatal denture applicator containing (125)I seeds].

OBJECTIVE: to measure the dose distribution (tissue absorbed dose) of palatal denture applicator containing (125)I. METHODS: simulated model of head and neck was used to wear the palatal dental applicator containing (125)I for the postoperative brachytherapy of a simulated tumor at a diameter of 2 cm in the palate. The denture contained 11 (125)I seed with radioactivity of 29.6 MBq per seed. The prescribed dose (edge matched dose) was 80 Gy. The absorbed dose in the simulated target and its adjacent area was measured by thermoluminescence dosimeters. RESULTS: the dose in the target area reached the value of treatment needs, and the dose absorbed by tissue around the target was lower except tongue. CONCLUSIONS: using palatal denture applicator containing (125)I for postoperative brachytherapy of malignant tumors of palate can get satisfied dose distribution, but the tongue needs to be protected.

[The technic and dose evaluation of postoperative (125)I radioactive seeds brachytherapy for malignant tumors of maxilla].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the technique and effect of treating malignant tumors of maxilla with postoperative brachytherapy by digital model obturators containing (125)I radioactive seeds. METHODS: Four patients with adnoid cystic carcinomas and two with squamous cell carcinomas in the maxilla were included in this study. All patients accepted (125)I seeds implantation after operation, and wore digital model obturators containing (125)I seeds. The prescription dose was 80 Gy. All patients were followed up every 2 months after treatment. RESULTS: The total number of seeds used in these six patients was 189, and 105 seeds were contained in obturators. Radioactive seeds and doses distributed very well as designed in all patients. No tumors recurred after follow up of 12-16 months and there were no severe complications. CONCLUSIONS: It's an effective way to treat malignant tumors with positive excision margin in the maxilla by brachytherapy using digital model obturators which contain (125)I radioactive seeds.

[A newly-established method of isolated hypoxic hepatic perfusion].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a simplified isolated hypoxic hepatic perfusion (IHHP) technique, and to provide basis for IHHP using balloon occlusion catheter technique. METHODS: Twelve rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: IHHP group and transcatheter arterial infusion (TAI) group. Technique of IHHP: the aorta above celiac axis was clamped, the retrohepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) was clamped above and below the level of the hepatic veins and an outflow catheter was introduced into this isolated segment via a femoral vein. The inflow catheter was introduced into the gastroduodenal artery, and common hepatic artery was clamped. The perfusate which contained Mitomycin C (MMC, 0.5 mg/kg) were perfused into hepatic artery, the hepatic outflow was draw out, and then perfused through hepatic artery again, the perfusion continued for 15 minutes. At the end of the IHHP procedure a washout was performed with 50 mL hespander for 5 minutes. TAI group method: Transarterial infusion was performed via hepatic artery using the same dose of MMC. Blood (2 mL) was sampled from hepatic vein and peripheral vein at multiple time points from the start of perfusion. MMC was measured by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: All IHHP procedures were successfully completed, blood loss was all controlled in 8 mL, and total operation time lasted (2.78+/-0.65) hours. All animals could tolerate the IHHP procedure, and survived. The mean leakage into the systemic circulation during perfusion was 2.63%, and 7.75% during the total procedure. In IHHP group maximal plasma concentration (C(max)) of hepatic circulation was (5.108+/-1.592) mg/L, C(max) of systematic circulation was (0.110+/-0.057) mg/L. In TAI group, Cmax of hepatic vein was (0.730 +/-0.362) mg/L, C(max) of systematic circulation (2.690+/-0.762) mg/L (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: IHHP technique is feasible and leakage is relatively low, thus providing a reasonable basis for IHHP with balloon catheter technique.

[Experimental study on controlling unilateral spine growth by shape memory alloy staple].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects that shape memory alloy (SMA) staples implanted to the lateral aspect of the thoracic vertebrae on spinal growth in goats. METHODS: Sixteen goats (age 2 - 3 months) were divided into 3 groups: six in single staple group; six in double staples group and four in control group. Single staples group underwent right-side thoracotomy for exposing the thoracic spine through the eighth rib. Five SMA staples were placed laterally into vertebral bodies of T(6 - 11) spanning discs. Double staples group underwent the same operation. Laterally directed 10 SMA staples were placed into vertebrae of T(6 - 11) spanning discs and two staple spanning each disc. The last four goats in control groups just only underwent right-side thoracotomy. In the next 4 months after operation, radiographs were taken to observe the spinal growth every month. RESULTS: The radiographic analysis demonstrated scoliosis of 12.83 degrees +/- 12.17 degrees in single staple group and 12.00 degrees +/- 3.22 degrees in double staple group after 2 months of the operation. Cobb angle of 6.00 degrees +/- 4.94 degrees and 25.17 degrees +/- 3.71 degrees were observed in the two groups respectively after 4 months of operation, as compared with 0 degrees in the control groups. Only 2 goats developed kyphosis. CONCLUSIONS: Compression between vertebral bodies by SMA staples can depress spinal growth in the same side and greater compression result in larger curves.

[Selective posterior fusion of single thoracic curve adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: experience in 72 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the strategy of surgery and choice of the fusion segments in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treatment. METHODS: Selective posterior fusion was used on 72 AIS patients, 13 male and 59 female, aged 14.3 (12 - 18), 50 being of Lenke-type IA, 8 Lenke-type IB, and 14 Lenke-type IC. In principle the upper neutral vertebrae were selected as upper instrumented vertebrae. The lower neutral vertebrae, the vertebrae 1 level proximal to the neutral vertebrae, or stable vertebrae were chosen as the lower instrumented vertebrae based on the analysis of the correlation among the lower end vertebrae, neutral vertebrae and stable vertebrae's locations. Standing anteroposterior and lateral and side-bending radiographs were taken preoperatively, postoperatively and during the follow-up. The coronal and sagittal Cobb angle, translation and rotation of apical vertebrae, and trunk translation were evaluated to observe the curve correction and trunk balance. The patients underwent spinal fusion of 7.3 segments (4 - 10 segments) on average. Follow-up was conducted for 15.9 months (12 - 39 months). RESULTS: The thoracic curves' coronal Cobb angle before the operation was 56.7 degrees +/- 14.5 degrees (40 degrees - 98 degrees), and was 18.5 degrees +/- 8.3 degrees (3 degrees - 40 degrees) after the operation. The lumbar curves' coronal Cobb angle before operation was 33.9 degrees +/- 10.4 degrees (25 degrees - 69 degrees), and was 11.1 degrees +/- 6.4 degrees (0 degrees - 30 degrees ) after operation. The spontaneous correction rate was 66.9% +/- 16% (44% - 100%). The trunk translation before operation was 16.1 +/- 10.2 mm (4 - 43 mm), and was 8.2 +/- 6.1 mm (0 - 25 mm) after operation. Two patients were found with slight trunk decompensation postoperatively, but with no progression during a 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Determination of the fusion levels based on the analysis of the correlation among the end vertebrae, neutral vertebrae and stale vertebrae's location helps obtain the satisfying curative effect in the management of single thoracic curve AIS.

Studies on alginate-chitosan microcapsules and renal arterial embolization in rabbits.

Spherical and well-dispersed alginate-chitosan microcapsules, with a mean diameter of 77.28+/-0.93 microm (n=3), were prepared by the emulsification-gelation method. Adriamycin hydrochloride (ADM) was used as a model drug to investigate the drug loading capacity and release characteristics of the microcapsules. The drug/carrier ratio and chitosan concentration influenced the encapsulation efficiency of adriamycin. The adriamycin release from microcapsules was obviously different in 0.1 mol/l HCl from that in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). The drug was completely and rapidly released in 0.1 mol/l HCl, while it showed a sustained release after a burst release in PBS. The increase in chitosan concentration had no effect on adriamycin release in PBS. Using sulforhodamin B (SRB)-staining survival assay, the inhibition of adriamycin alginate-chitosan microcapsules (ADM-ACM) to different cancer cell lines (human BGC-823 cells, Bel-7402 cells and Hela cells) in vitro was determined. The inhibitory rate of ADM-ACM suspension to the three cell lines significantly outran that of ADM solution, no matter at high or low concentration. The effects of blank alginate-chitosan microcapsules (BACM) on renal arterial embolization were examined with transcatheter arterial embolization in rabbits. The angiogram and histopathological results indicated the blank microcapsules had excellent short- and long-term effects on renal arterial embolization.