COVID-19 disease in hospitalized young adults in India and China: Evaluation of risk factors predicting progression across two major ethnic groups.

Data pertaining to risk factor analysis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is confounded by the lack of data from an ethnically diverse population. In addition, there is a lack of data for young adults. This study was conducted to assess risk factors predicting COVID-19 severity and mortality in hospitalized young adults. A retrospective observational study was conducted at two centers from China and India on COVID-19 patients aged 20-50 years. Regression analysis to predict adverse outcomes was performed using parameters including age, sex, country of origin, hospitalization duration, comorbidities, lymphocyte count, and National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) score at admission. A total of 420 patients (172 East Asians and 248 South Asians) were included. The predictive model for intensive care unit (ICU) admission with variables NEWS2 Category II and higher, diabetes mellitus, liver dysfunction, and low lymphocyte counts had an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.930 with a sensitivity of 0.931 and a specificity of 0.784. The predictive model for mortality with NEWS2 Category III, cancer, and decreasing lymphocyte count had an AUC value of 0.883 with a sensitivity of 0.903 and a specificity of 0.701. A combined predictive model with bronchial asthma and low lymphocyte count, in contrast, had an AUC value of 0.768 with a sensitivity of 0.828 and a specificity of 0.719 for NEWS2 score (5 or above) at presentation. NEWS2 supplemented with comorbidity profile and lymphocyte count could help identify hospitalized young adults at risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes.

Pet ownership and its influence on mental health in older adults.

Objectives: With aging, older adults are at risk of a decline in mental health as they experience significant life stressors that are specific to later life. It is thus important to explore the potential of suitable approaches that promote healthy aging, to address the mental health needs of older adults. Pet ownership has been found to be associated with positive mental health outcomes; however, there is limited research on the lived experience and meaning derived from pet ownership. The purpose of this study was to explore pet ownership in community-dwelling older adults and its influence on mental health.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 community-dwelling older adults who were aged 65 and above and pet owners. Participants were interviewed individually on a single occasion about the meaning derived from the role of pet ownership and howthey perceived that their pet influenced their mental health.Results: Results were analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological framework and four themes emerged from the interviews: pets provide (i) comfort and safety; (ii) social inclusion and participation; (iii) purposeful routine and structure; and (iv) a meaningful role.Conclusion: These findings suggest that the role of pet ownership may benefit community-dwelling older adults by providing companionship, giving a sense of purpose and meaning, reducing loneliness and increasing socialisation. These benefits may also increase resilience in older adults against mental health disorders, which may positively influence their mental health outcomes.

Structure and functional properties of taro starch modified by dry heat treatment.

Taro starch (TS) was modified by dry heat treatment (DHT) for different periods (1, 3, 5, and 7 h at 130 °C) and temperatures (90, 110, 130, and 150 °C for 5 h) to expand its applications in food and other industries. The structure and functional properties of DHT-modified TS were characterized. It was found that TS granules became agglomerated after DHT, and the particle size, amylose content, solubility, and retrogradation enthalpy change of TS increased with increasing dry heating time and temperature, whereas the relative crystallinity, molecular weight, swelling power, gelatinization temperature, and enthalpy change decreased. The absorbance ratio of 1047 cm-1/1022 cm-1 for DHT-modified TS (except at 7 h) was higher than that of native TS. DHT increased the contact angle of TS in a time- and temperature-dependent manner. At a moderate strength, DHT increased the pasting viscosity, relative setback value, and storage modulus but decreased the relative breakdown value. Moreover, DHT (except at 150 °C) caused a decrease in the rapid digestive starch content and estimated glycemic index of TS. These results suggested that DHT-modified TS could be used in foods with high viscosity requirements, gel foods, and low-glycemic index starch-based foods.

Radiomic Analysis Based on Gd-EOB-DTPA Enhanced MRI for the Preoperative Prediction of Ki-67 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a random forest model based on radiomic features in Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI for predicting the Ki-67 expression in solitary HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 258 patients with solitary HCC. Significant clinicoradiological factors were identified through univariate and multivariate analyses for distinguishing HCC with high (>20%) and low (≤20%) Ki-67 expression. Radiomic features were extracted at Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI. The recursive feature elimination (RFE) strategy was employed to screen robust radiomic features, and the Random Forest (RF) algorithm was utilized to rank radiomic features and construct prediction models. The AUC, accuracy, precision, recall, and f1-score were used to evaluate the performance of RF models. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis identified serum AFP level, tumor size, growth type, and peritumoral enhancement as independent predictors for HCC with high Ki-67 expression. The clinicoradiological-radiomic model that incorporated the clinicoradiological predictors and the top ten radiomic features outperformed the clinicoradiological model in the training set (AUCs 0.876 vs. 0.780; p < 0.001), though the test set did not have a statistical significance (AUCs 0.809 vs. 0.723; p = 0.123). The addition of clinicoradiological predictors did not yield a significant improvement in the performance of radiomic features in both sets (training, p = 0.692; test, p = 0.229). Decision curve analysis further confirmed the clinical utility of the RF models. CONCLUSION: The RF models based on radiomic features of Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI achieved satisfactory performance in preoperatively predicting Ki-67 expression in HCC.

Mechanism of synergistic stabilization of emulsions by amorphous taro starch and protein and emulsion stability.

Amorphous taro starch (TS)/whey protein isolate (WPI) mixtures were prepared using pasting treatment. The TS/WPI mixtures and their stabilized emulsions were characterized to determine the emulsion stability and the mechanism of synergistic stabilization of emulsions. As WPI content increased from 0% to 13%, the paste final viscosity and retrogradation ratio of the TS/WPI mixture gradually decreased from 3683 cP to 2532 cP and from 80.65% to 30.51%, respectively. As the WPI content increased from 0% to 10%, the emulsion droplet size decreased gradually from 96.81 µm to 10.32 µm, and the storage modulus G' and stabilities of freeze-thaw, centrifugal, and storage increased gradually. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that WPI and TS were mainly distributed at the oil-water interface and droplet interstice, respectively. Thermal treatment, pH, and ionic strength had little influence on the appearance but had different influences on the droplet size and G', and the rates of droplet size and G' increase under storage varied with different environmental factors.

Study of RNA interference inhibiting rat ovarian androgen biosynthesis by depressing 17alpha-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase activity in vivo.

BACKGROUND: 17alpha-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase encoded by CYP17 is the key enzyme in androgen biosynthesis pathway. Previous studies demonstrated the accentuation of the enzyme in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was the most important mechanism of androgen excess. We chose CYP17 as the therapeutic target, trying to suppress the activity of 17alpha-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase and inhibit androgen biosynthesis by silencing the expression of CYP17 in the rat ovary. METHODS: Three CYP17-targeting and one negative control oligonucleotides were designed and used in the present study. The silence efficiency of lentivirus shRNA was assessed by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and hormone assay. After subcapsular injection of lentivirus shRNA in rat ovary, the delivery efficiency was evaluated by GFP fluorescence and qPCR. Total RNA was extracted from rat ovary for CYP17 mRNA determination and rat serum was collected for hormone measurement. RESULTS: In total, three CYP17-targeting lentivirus shRNAs were synthesized. The results showed that all of them had a silencing effect on CYP17 mRNA and protein. Moreover, androstenedione secreted by rat theca interstitial cells (TIC) in the RNAi group declined significantly compared with that in the control group. Two weeks after rat ovarian subcapsular injection of chosen CYP17 shRNA, the GFP fluorescence of frozen ovarian sections could be seen clearly under fluorescence microscope. It also showed that the GFP DNA level increased significantly, and its relative expression level was 7.42 times higher than that in the control group. Simultaneously, shRNA treatment significantly decreased CYP17 mRNA and protein levels at 61% and 54%, respectively. Hormone assay showed that all the levels of androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and testosterone declined to a certain degree, but progesterone levels declined significantly. CONCLUSION: The present study proves for the first time that ovarian androgen biosynthesis can be inhibited by silencing CYP17 expression. It may provide a novel strategy for therapy of hyperandrogenism diseases, and also set an example for the use of RNAi technology in endocrine diseases.

Molecular diagnostic strategies and management of dust mite allergy / 中华预防医学杂志

Dust mites are one of the most important allergens, widely distributed around the world, especially in household environments. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and Blomia tropicalis are the most common species of dust mites. There are more than 35 known sensitization components of dust mites, among which Der p 1, Der p 2 and Der p 23 are the major components. Clinically, allergen skin test and serum specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) detection are widely used in the preliminary diagnosis of dust mite allergy. However, these methods cannot accurately identify specific dust mite sensitization components. Considering that there are significant differences in the allergenic components of dust mites in different regions and populations, component-resolved diagnosis of dust mite is particularly important in accurately determining the allergenic components. This is not only of guiding significance for allergen avoidance, but also important for determining the immunotherapy regimen for dust mites. In order to strengthen the understanding of the molecular diagnosis of dust mites and promote the integration of allergy science in China with the international standards, this article interprets the "Allergy Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0" published recently by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Molecular diagnostic strategies and management of dust mite allergy / 中华预防医学杂志

Dust mites are one of the most important allergens, widely distributed around the world, especially in household environments. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae and Blomia tropicalis are the most common species of dust mites. There are more than 35 known sensitization components of dust mites, among which Der p 1, Der p 2 and Der p 23 are the major components. Clinically, allergen skin test and serum specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) detection are widely used in the preliminary diagnosis of dust mite allergy. However, these methods cannot accurately identify specific dust mite sensitization components. Considering that there are significant differences in the allergenic components of dust mites in different regions and populations, component-resolved diagnosis of dust mite is particularly important in accurately determining the allergenic components. This is not only of guiding significance for allergen avoidance, but also important for determining the immunotherapy regimen for dust mites. In order to strengthen the understanding of the molecular diagnosis of dust mites and promote the integration of allergy science in China with the international standards, this article interprets the "Allergy Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0" published recently by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

Research progress on animal models of combined radiation-wound injury / 中国辐射卫生

A combined radiation-wound injury refers to a radiation injury combined with a traumatic wound, with the characteristics of repeated ulceration and a long and difficult healing process, which is a focus in the field of research on difficult-to-heal wounds. To research combined radiation-wound injuries, the establishment of animal models is a key part, and appropriate animal models are a guarantee of reliable experimental results. This review summarizes the current research progress on various animal models of combined radiation-wound injuries in terms of radiation types, animal species, and injury types and location, aiming to provide a scientific basis for establishing standardized animal models, studying injury mechanisms, and evaluating prevention and treatment efficacy for combined radiation-wound injuries.

Effect of γ-ray on metabolic enzyme CYP3A1 in rat liver on multiple levels / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the effect of γ-ray on the mRNA,protein expression levels and metabolic activity level of the key drug metabolic enzyme CYP3A1 in rat liver. Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, 24 h post-radiation group and 72 h post-radiation group. The experimental group was exposed to total body irradiation of single 6 Gy γ-ray. Blood was collected from the orbital venous plexus for blood routine examination and biochemical analysis 24 h and 72 h after irradiation, and liver tissue was prepared for quantifying expression of CYP3A1 mRNA and liver-specific microRNA (miR-122-5p) through RT-PCR. The expression level of CYP3A1 protein was analyzed by Western blot, and the metabolic activity level of CYP3A1 detected by the specific substrate midazolam combined with LC-MS method. Results Com¬pared with the control group, the weights of the rats in the radiation group significantly decreased, and the number of white blood cells was markedly reduced. Simultaneously, the activities of alanine aminotrans-ferase and alkaline phosphatase continuously descended, as well as the levels of total bilirubin and bile acid significantly increased, which indicated that the liver may be damaged after radiation. The relative expression of CYP3A1 mRNA continued to increase significantly 24 h and 72 h after irradiation. CYP3A1 protein expression and metabolic activity levels showed an obvious increasing trend 24 h after irradiation, and rose significantly 72 h after irradiation compared with the control group. At the same time, the expression of miR-122-5p in liver of rats in the 24 h and 72 h post-radiation group continued to decrease rapidly compared with the control group. Conclusions γ-ray radiation may arouse damage effect on liver, which leads to the continuous up-regulation of the mRNA and protein expression levels of the capital metabolic enzyme CYP3A1 in liver tissue, as well as the elevation of the metabolic activity level. The regulatory mechanism might be related to miR-122-5p.

Effects of radon exposure on lung function and metal balance in mice / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To explore the disturbance of metal element balance in mice after exposure to radon.Methods:Mice were randomly divided into control group, radon exposure of 30 WLM group, 60 WLM group and 120 WLM groups, with 10 mice in each group. After radon exposure with the cumulative dose, the lung function of mice was detected by a non-invasive pulmonary function testing instrument. Mice blood was taken from eyeballs. The lungs, heart, liver, kidney and spleen were also collected. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect the content of metal elements, including essential trace elements in the body: chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and potentially toxic elements: arsenic (As), tin (Sn), lead (Pb), aluminum (Al), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and silver (Ag).Results:Compared with the control group, lung ventilation function of the radon-exposed mice was decreased, alveolar structure was destroyed, and the contents of pulmonary metal elements Cr, Al, Pb, Sn( F=0.34, 0.66, 3.14, 1.16, P<0.05) and essential trace elements Mn, Cr, Zn, and Mo in the blood were decreased( F=0.65, 1.44, 0.97, 2.08, P<0.05), while the elements of Cu, Mo, Se and As in the lungs were increased( F=1.31, 1.26, 0.81, 2.04, P<0.05), and the element contents in other tissues also fluctuated. Conclusions:Inhalation of a certain cumulative dose of radon can reduce the lung ventilation function of mice and induce lung inflammation, as well reduce the content of essential trace elements in the lung and blood so that the content of metal elements in the body fluctuates.

Pharmacokinetics of two recombinant humanized monoclonal antibodies against ricin in rhesus monkeys / 药学学报

Recombinant humanized anti-ricin monoclonal antibody (MIL50) is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody targeting ricin. In this study, an ELISA method was used to establish a method for the determination of MIL50 in macaque serum, and a cross design method was used. Twelve rhesus monkeys were intravenously injected 1 mg·kg-1 test preparation (MIL50 freeze-died powder injection) and reference preparation (MIL50 liquid preparation) to determine the plasma concentration of MIL50 at different time points, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed to compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of MIL50 liquid preparation and freeze-died powder injection in rhesus monkeys. Animal welfare and experimental procedures follow the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Use of Laboratory Animals and the regulations derived by the Animal Care and Welfare Committee of the Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Sciences (IACUC-DWZX-2020-503). The results showed that there was no significant difference between Cmax and AUC0-5d in the two groups. The liquid preparation was the reference preparation, with Cmax ratio of 101.6% and AUC0-5d ratio of 101.9%, the 90% confidence interval of Cmax was 79.42%-129.92%, and the 90% confidence interval of AUC0-5d was 85.72%-121.18%. These results suggested that different dosage forms of MIL50 had certain differences in the changes of blood drug concentration in rhesus monkeys.

Evaluation of the metabolism of PEP06,an endostatin-RGDRGD 30-amino-acid polypeptide and a promising novel drug for targeting tumor cells / 药物分析学报

PEP06 is a novel endostatin-Arg-Gly-Asp-Arg-Gly-Asp(RGDRGD)30-amino-acid polypeptide featuring a terminally fused RGDRGD hexapeptide at the N terminus.The active endostatin fragment of PEPO6 directly targets tumor cells and exerts an antitumoral effect.However,little is known about the kinetics and degradation products of PEP06 in vitro or in vivo.In this study,we investigated the in vitro metabolic stability of PEP06 after it was incubated with living cells obtained from animals of different species;we further identified the degradation characteristics of its cleavage products.PEP06 underwent rapid enzymatic degradation in multiple types of living cells,and the liver,kidney,and blood play important roles in the metabolism and clearance of the peptides resulting from the molecular degradation of PEP06.We identified metabolites of PEP06 using full-scan mass spectrometry(MS)and tandem MS(MS2),wherein 43 metabolites were characterized and identified as the degradation metabolites from the parent peptide,formed by successive losses of amino acids.The metabolites were C and N terminal truncated products of PEP06.The structures of 11 metabolites(M6,M7,M16,M17,M21,M25,M33,M34,M39,M40,and M42)were further confirmed by comparing the retention times of similar full MS spectrum and MS2 spectrum information with reference standards for the synthesized metabolites.We have demonstrated the metabolic stability of PEP06 in vitro and identified a series of potentially bioactive downstream metabolites of PEP06,which can support further drug research.

Does parents' socio-economic status matter in intentions of vaccinating against human papillomavirus for adolescent daughters?

BACKGROUND: The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination provides substantial protection, and it is best to be taken before the age of twelve. Taiwan approved HPV vaccines since 2006. However, very few female adolescent have been vaccinated until now. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the parents' socio-economic status matters in deciding to purchase HPV vaccination for their daughters based on the theory of planned behavior. METHOD: A structured questionnaire to collect 394 responses from parents of adolescent girls in Taiwan. Data was coded to categorize relevant socio-economic classes, and was analyzed with SPSS. RESULTS: The behavior intentions of parents with low (mean= 5.28) and high (5.01) socio-economic status are significantly stronger than the moderate (4.56) in deciding to purchase the HPV vaccination. Socio-economic factor has a slightly negative impact (B= -0.08), and attitude (0.68), subjective norms (0.16), and behavior control (0.32) have positive impacts on the parents' intention. CONCLUSION: Major impacts on the decision to purchase an HPV vaccination for their adolescent was not due to the parents' socio-economic status but the parent's attitude. As the major predictor of a less complicated decision, attitudes toward the HPV vaccination should be reinforced through continuous communications between service providers and patient-advocate groups.

Mefenamic Acid induced nephrotoxicity: an animal model.

PURPOSE: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for the treatment of many joint disorders, inflammation and to control pain. Numerous reports have indicated that NSAIDs are capable of producing nephrotoxicity in human. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate mefenamic acid, a NSAID nephrotoxicity in an animal model. METHODS: Mice were dosed intraperitoneally with mefenamic acid either as a single dose (100 or 200 mg/kg in 10% Dimethyl sulfoxide/Palm oil) or as single daily doses for 14 days (50 or 100 mg/kg in 10% Dimethyl sulfoxide/Palm oil per day). Venous blood samples from mice during the dosing period were taken prior to and 14 days post-dosing from cardiac puncture into heparinized vials. Plasma blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine activities were measured. RESULTS: Single dose of mefenamic acid induced mild alteration of kidney histology mainly mild glomerular necrosis and tubular atrophy. Interestingly, chronic doses induced a dose dependent glomerular necrosis, massive degeneration, inflammation and tubular atrophy. Plasma blood urea nitrogen was statistically elevated in mice treated with mefenamic acid for 14 days similar to plasma creatinine. CONCLUSION: RESULTS from this study suggest that mefenamic acid as with other NSAIDs capable of producing nephrotoxicity. Therefore, the study of the exact mechanism of mefenamic acid induced severe nephrotoxicity can be done in this animal model.

Effect of Baicalin Derivative 02-036 on Burkitt Lymphoma Cell Line CA46 and Its Related Mechanisms / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of baicalin derivative 02-036 on proliferation and apoptosis human Burkitt lymphoma cell line CA46 and its related mechanisms.@*METHODS@#The MTT assay and cell colony formation assay were used to measure the growth inhibition of CA46 cells after 02-036 treatment. The flow cytometry with AnnexinV-FITC/PI double staining was employed to detect the apoptosis induction effect of 02-036 on CA46 cells. Cell cycle distribution of CA46 cells was estimeted by using DNA ploid analysis. Western blot was used to determine the changes of apoptosis-related proteins, including C-MYC, BCL-2, Procaspase-9, Procaspase-3, PARP and Cleaved-PARP.@*RESULTS@#Baicalin derivative 02-036 obviously inhibited the proliferation of CA46 cells, with dose- and time-dependent manner (r=0.963, r=0.992). The averaged IC value of CA46 cells was (6.04±0.11) μmol/L after 48-hour treatment. Low concentration of 02-036 could significantly inhibit the colony formation of CA46 cells. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed that 02-036 could effectively induce CA46 cell apoptosis. The apoptosis rate correlated with drug concentrations (r=0.959). Also, DNA ploid analysis showed that the cell cycle of CA46 was arrested in the S phase. The expression levels of BCL-2, Pro-caspase-9, Pro-caspase-3, PARP and C-MYC proteins decreased with a 02-036-dose dependent manner (r values were -0.990, -0.939, -0.971 and -0.967, respectively). In contrast, the expression level of cleaved-PARP increased with the same manner (r=0.920).@*CONCLUSION@#Baicalin derivative 02-036 can effectively inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of CA46 cells, and its related mechanisms may be correlated with the down-regulation of apoptosis-related molecule expression levels, such as BCL-2, Pro-caspase-9, Pro-caspase-3, PARP and C-MYC.

Inhibitory Effect of NPM Gene Knockdown on Proliferation of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cell Line K562 and Its Mechanism / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the role of nucleophosmin (NPM) in the proliferation of chronic myeloid leukemia cells (K562 cells) and its mechanism by RNAi technology.@*METHODS@#shRNA was used to inhibit the expression of NPM. The expression of NPM gene was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The effect of inhibiting NPM gene on cell proliferation was detected by MTS assay. Change of cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the expression of cell cycle-related proteins.@*RESULTS@#The shRNA lentiviral vector targeting at NPM gene was successfully constructed and used to transfect the K562 cells. The results showed that compared with the control groups, suppression of NPM gene expression in K562 cells could inhibit the cell proliferation and decrease the cell colony formation. Moreover, interference of NPM gene could prolong G/G phase and arrest cell cycle, which may be related to the down-regulation of NPM gene expression and activation of p21 protein expression, thereby inhibited the formation of CDK2/ Cyclin E complex.@*CONCLUSION@#Down-regulation of NPM gene expression in K562 cells can induce cell cycle arrest and inhibit cell proliferation.

Efficacy of chemotherapy combined with IMRT in the treatment of patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer / 医学研究生学报

Objective At present, there are few studies on the application of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC). The article aimed to analyze the efficacy of chemotherapy combined with IMRT on patients with locally advanced NSCLC and the impact on life quality.Methods From January 2012 to December 2014, 160 patients with locally advanced NSCLC were treated in our department of radiotherapy. The patients were divided into IMRT group(chemotherapy of paclitaxel or gemcitabine combined with cisplatin, IMRT) and control group(chemotherapy of paclitaxel or gemcitabine combined with cisplatin) according to different treatments, 80 patients in each group. The patients′ treatment efficacy along with its impact on the patients′ life quality were compared between two groups.Results The effective rate of IMRT group was higher than that of control group(78.75% vs 47.50%, P0.05). Conclusion Chemotherapy combined with IMRT can significantly improve the therapeutic effect in patients with locally advanced NSCLC, featuring less side effects, high safety, improved life quality and lengthened survival time. Therefore, the treatment is worthy of clinical application.

Treatment of cerebral ischemia by Shuxue Tongmai Capsule combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells transplantation / 医学研究生学报

Objective Transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has a good prospect of application for cerebral infarction,but the environment and the inflammatory response to ischemia and hypoxia after cerebral infarction are not con-ducive to the survival of transplanted cells. This article investigated the effects of Shuxue Tongmai capsule(SXTM) combined with BM-SCs transplantation on the improvement of cerebral ischemic injury in rats. Methods A model of middle cerebral artery occlusion was es-tablished in Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats using thread method and these 15 SD rats were randomly divided into model group,BMSCs group and combination therapy group (BMSCs transplantation combined with SXTM treatment). At 24h after modeling,rats in combination therapy group were given tail vein injection of 1 mL BMSCs suspension (2× 109 per/L) and gavage administration of SXTM 0. 64 g/kg. Rats in BMSCs group were given tail vein injection of 1 mL BMSCs suspension (2×109 per/L) and gavage administration of equal volume of sa-line. For model group,the rats were given tail vein injection of equal volume of PBS and gavage administration of equal volume of sa-line. Neurologic function was assessed before cell transplantation and at 3,7,14,28 days after cell transplantation to check the injury of neurologic function. At 28 days after transplantion,the rats were decapitated after anesthesia to take brain tissues for immunohisto-chemical detection of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) protein expression. Mor-phological changes of the brain tissue and apoptosis in cortical neurons were observed and detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL,respectively. Results At 7,14,28 days after transplantation,the neurological defect score in combination therapy group was significantly lower than those of model group and BMSCs group(P<0.05). In each group,the neurological defect score at 3 days after transplantation was significantly decreased compared with those before transplantation(P<0.05). In the same group,the neurologi-cal defect scores at 14,28 days after transplantation were significantly decreased compared with those at 7 days after transplantation (P<0.05). The neurological defect scores at 14,28 days after transplantation were significantly decreased compared with those at 7 days after transplantation(P<0.05). The neurological defect score at 28 day after transplantation was significantly decreased compared with that at 7 day after transplantation(P<0.05). At 28 day after transplantation,the number of apoptotic cells in combination therapy group (51.40±4.04) was significantly fewer than those of model group (74.80±5.31) and BMSCs group (67.20±4.66) and the num-ber of apoptotic cells in BMSCs group was significantly decreased compared with model group(P<0.05). The results of immunohisto-chemistry showed that the VEGF and BDNF positive cells in the cerebral ischemic region of rats were brownish or sepia in color. Com-pared with model group,the expression levels of VEGF and BDNF protein in BMSCs group and combination therapy group were signifi-cantly increased (P<0.05),and that of combination therapy group was significantly increased compared with BMSCs(P<0.05). Conclusion SXTM combined with BMSCs transplantation can promote neurological recovery from cerebral ischemia by increasing the protein expression of VEGF and BDNF and reducing neuronal apoptosis.

Determination of biodistribution of 99mTc-3PRGD2 in mice bearing the lung carcinoma xenograft byγcounter / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective To establish a quantitative analysis method for determining 99mTc-HYNIC-PEG4-E[PEG4-c(RGDfK)]2 (99mTc-3PRGD2,a radioactive tumor agent)byγcounter, and to investigate the distribution of 99mTc-3PRGD2 in mice bearing with lung carcinoma xenograft. Methods The mice were divided into 4 normal groups and one blocking peptide group(control group). The 99mTc-3PRGD2(8μg/kg)was injected to mice bearing with lung carcinoma xenograft through the tail intravenous administration. Tissues of the normal mice were taken at 0.5,1,2 and 4 h. The control group were treated by 3PRGD2 and 99mTc-3PRGD2. The control mice were injected with the 3PRGD2 saline solution(2.5 mg/ml,0.2 ml)at 0.5 h earlier before the injection of 99mTc-3PRGD2. The tu?mor and organ tissues of the control mice were taken at 2 h. The radioactivity was detected by Gamma Counter. Results The radioac?tivity of 99mTc-3PRGD2 detected was high in the tumor and very low in brain. In addition,high radioactivity in kidneys and bladder sug?gested that the drug excreted by renal. Conclusion The results proved that the blocking peptide can competitively inhibit the combi?nation of 99mTc-3PRGD2 and integrinαvβ3 receptors.