Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the effect of keloid surgery and radiotherapy by reducing the recurrence rate

Objective

Keloids are exuberant cutaneous scars that form due to abnormal growth of fibrous tissue following an injury. The primary aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to reduce the keloid recurrence rate after surgical excision and radiotherapy.

Methods

(1) A total of 240 patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the HBOT group (O group) received HBOT after surgical excision and radiotherapy. Patients in the other group were treated with only surgical excision and radiotherapy (K group). (2) Scar tissue from recurrent patients was collected after a second operation. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to observe keloid morphology. Certain inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 (IL-6), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)) were measured using immunohistochemical staining.

Results

(1) The recurrence rate of the O group (5.97%) was significantly lower than that of the K group (14.15%), P<0.05. Moreover, patients in the O group reported greater satisfaction than those in the K group (P<0.05). (2) Compared with the recurrent scar tissue of the K group, the expression levels of the inflammatory factors were lower in the recurrent scar tissue of the O group.

Conclusions

Adjunctive HBOT effectively reduces the keloid recurrence rate after surgical excision and radiotherapy by improving the oxygen level of the tissue and alleviating the inflammatory process.

     

Delivering MC3T3-E1 cells into injectable calcium phosphate cement through alginate-chitosan microcapsules for bone tissue engineering

研究目的：本研究应用海藻酸钠-壳聚糖微囊保护成骨细胞,接种到β-磷酸三钙/磷酸钙骨水泥（β-TCP/CPC）浆料中,使β-TCP/CPC骨修复材料具有一定的细胞活性,同时提高固化后材料的孔隙率和孔径,以最终实现提高β-TCP/CPC骨水泥的降解速度,加快成骨和骨修复。创新要点：本研究首次应用海藻酸钠-壳聚糖微胶囊包封成骨细胞与CPC浆料复合,复合后实现自动细胞释放,释放出的细胞具有良好的生物学活性。研究方法：（1）高压静电成囊法制备载小鼠成骨前体细胞（MC3T3-E1）的海藻酸钙和海藻酸钠-壳聚糖微胶囊;（2）微囊化MC3T3-E1细胞,进行体外培养,使用细胞计数试剂盒（CCK-8）检测细胞活性,并用钙黄绿素-AM（Calcein-AM）和碘化丙啶（PI）进行活死细胞双重染色;（3）微囊化MC3T3-E1细胞与β-TCP/CPC浆料复合培养后,激光共聚焦扫描显微镜和环境扫描电子显微镜观测细胞在材料上的释放、粘附,CCK-8法检测材料上细胞的活力,碱性磷酸酶（ALP）检测观察细胞的分化状况,茜素红染色观察释放细胞的矿化能力。重要结论：海藻酸钠-壳聚糖微胶囊可作为可注射磷酸钙骨水泥内部接种成骨细胞并实现细胞释放的良好载体,释放出的成骨细胞具有良好的生物学活性。     

磁共振弥散加权成像对索拉菲尼治疗肝细胞癌的疗效评估(英文)

研究目的:应用磁共振弥散加权成像(DWI)监测荷瘤裸鼠肝细胞性肝癌表观弥散系数(ADC)的变化,探讨ADC对索拉菲尼治疗肝细胞性肝癌的疗效预测。创新要点:探讨磁共振DWI对索拉菲尼治疗肝癌疗效的早期评估,期望能够指导临床合理用药。研究方法:荷瘤裸鼠分成两组(治疗组和对照组)共40只,使用GE 3.0T磁共振成像系统和小动物线圈,分别于服药前后1、10、14和18天(40 mg/kg,一天两次)进行T1加权成像(T1WI)、T2加权成像(T2WI)和DWI扫描。在弥散加权图像上进行ADC测量,对比不同区域和不同时间点的差异。重要结论:索拉菲尼治疗10天后,伴随肝癌肿瘤的缩小,肿瘤内部ADC值明显上升,病理切片显示治疗组瘤体中心小血管闭塞,凋亡细胞可见,此时瘤体内坏死细胞并未大量显现,说明ADC值的改变可以反映索拉菲尼的疗效。     

Is right ventricular mid-septal pacing superior to apical pacing in patients with high degree atrio-ventricular block and moderately depressed left ventricular function?

Objective

We are aimed to investigate whether right ventricular mid-septal pacing (RVMSP) is superior to conventional right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP) in improving clinical functional capacity and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) for patients with high-degree atrio-ventricular block and moderately depressed left ventricle (LV) function.

Methods

Ninety-two patients with high-degree atrio-ventricular block and moderately reduced LVEF (ranging from 35% to 50%) were randomly allocated to RVMSP (n=45) and RVAP (n=47). New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, echocardiographic LVEF, and distance during a 6-min walk test (6MWT) were determined at 18 months after pacemaker implantation. Serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.

Results

Compared with baseline, NYHA functional class remained unchanged at 18 months, distance during 6MWT (485 m vs. 517 m) and LVEF (36.7% vs. 41.8%) were increased, but BNP levels were reduced (2352 pg/ml vs. 710 pg/ml) in the RVMSP group compared with those in the RVAP group, especially in patients with LVEF 35%–40% (for all comparisons, P<0.05). However, clinical function capacity and LV function measurements were not significantly changed in patients with RVAP, despite the pacing measurements being similar in both groups, such as R-wave amplitude and capture threshold.

Conclusions

RVMSP provides a better clinical utility, compared with RVAP, in patients with high-degree atrioventricular block and moderately depressed LV function whose LVEF levels ranged from 35% to 40%.     

Protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline on ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat skin flap

Objective

Skin damage induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is a multifactorial process that often occurs in plastic surgery. The mechanisms of I/R injury include hypoxia, inflammation, and oxidative damage. Hydrogen gas has been reported to alleviate cerebral I/R injury by acting as a free radical scavenger. Here, we assessed the protective effect of hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) on skin flap I/R injury.

Methods

Abdominal skin flaps of rats were elevated and ischemia was induced for 3 h; subsequently, HRS or physiological saline was administered intraperitoneally 10 min before reperfusion. On postoperative Day 5, flap survival, blood perfusion, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and levels of cytokines were evaluated. Histological examinations were performed to assess inflammatory cell infiltration.

Results

Skin flap survival and blood flow perfusion were improved by HRS relative to the controls. The production of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of lipid peroxidation, was markedly reduced. A multiplex cytokine assay revealed that HRS reduced the elevation in the levels of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, with the exception of RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted) growth factor. HRS treatment also reduced inflammatory cell infiltration induced by I/R injury.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that HRS mitigates I/R injury by decreasing inflammation and, therefore, has the potential for application as a therapy for improving skin flap survival.     

Streptomycin inhibits electrophysiological changes induced by stretching of chronically infarcted rat hearts

Objective

To investigate stretch-induced electrophysiological changes in chronically infarcted hearts and the effect of streptomycin (SM) on these changes in vivo.

Methods

Sixty Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups: a control group (n=15), an SM group (n=15), a myocardial infarction (MI) group (n=15), and an MI+SM group (n=15). Chronic MI was obtained by ligating the left anterior descending branch (LAD) of rat hearts for eight weeks. The in vivo blockade of stretch-activated ion channels (SACs) was achieved by intramuscular injection of SM (180 mg/(kg·d)) for seven days after operation. The hearts were stretched for 5 s by occlusion of the aortic arch. Suction electrodes were placed on the anterior wall of left ventricle to record the monophasic action potential (MAP). The effect of stretching was examined by assessing the 90% monophasic action potential duration (MAPD₉₀), premature ventricular beats (PVBs), and ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Results

The MAPD₉₀ decreased during stretching in both the control (from (50.27±5.61) ms to (46.27±4.51) ms, P<0.05) and MI groups (from (65.47±6.38) ms to (57.47±5.76 ms), P<0.01). SM inhibited the decrease in MAPD₉₀ during inflation ((46.27±4.51) ms vs. (49.53±3.52) ms, P<0.05 in normal hearts; (57.47±5.76) ms vs. (61.87±5.33) ms, P<0.05 in MI hearts). The occurrence of PVBs and VT in the MI group increased compared with that in the control group (PVB: 7.93±1.66 vs. 1.80±0.86, P<0.01; VT: 7 vs. 1, P<0.05). SM decreased the occurrence of PVBs in both normal and MI hearts (0.93±0.59 vs. 1.80±0.86 in normal hearts, P<0.05; 5.40±1.18 vs. 7.93±1.66 in MI hearts, P<0.01).

Conclusions

Stretch-induced MAPD₉₀ changes and arrhythmias were observed in chronically infarcted myocardium. The use of SM in vivo decreased the incidence of PVBs but not of VT. This suggests that SACs may be involved in mechanoelectric feedback (MEF), but that there might be other mechanisms involved in causing VT in chronic MI.     

β-receptor blocker influences return of spontaneous circulation and chemical examination in rats during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Objective

We investigated the influence of β-receptor blocker metoprolol on return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in rats with induced myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the sham-operated group, the MI group without metoprolol, which was fed the vehicle, and the MI+metoprolol group receiving intragastric metoprolol. Each group was further divided randomly into three subgroups, depending on the dosage of epinephrine administered during subsequent CPR applied after the induction of asphyxial cardiac arrest.

Results

The ROSC rate was significantly decreased in the low dose subgroup of MI group, unchanged in the medium dose subgroup of MI group, and significantly decreased in the high dose subgroup of MI group, compared with the same dose subgroup of sham-operated group. MI+metoprolol group had a lower ROSC rate than MI group in the medium dose subgroup, and a higher ROSC rate than MI group in the high dose subgroup. There was no difference in blood K⁺ values of successful rats between MI group and MI+metoprolol group. The rats with successful CPR had lower blood K⁺ values than rats with unsuccessful CPR in each of the three treatment groups.

Conclusions

Metoprolol administered to MI rats over a long period significantly improved ROSC rates under an appropriate dose of epinephrine during CPR. An increasing high blood K⁺ value would attenuate the rate of a successful CPR.     

In vivo application of poly-3-hydroxyoctanoate as peripheral nerve graft

Objective

This study aims to investigate the degree of biocompatibility and neuroregeneration of a polymer tube, poly-3-hydroxyoctanoate (PHO) in nerve gap repair.

Methods

Forty Wistar Albino male rats were randomized into two groups: autologous nerve gap repair group and PHO tube repair group. In each group, a 10-mm right sciatic nerve defect was created and reconstructed accordingly. Neuroregeneration was studied by sciatic function index (SFI), electromyography, and immunohistochemical studies on Days 7, 21, 45 and 60 of implantation. Biocompatibility was analyzed by the capsule formation around the conduit. Biodegradation was analyzed by the molecular weight loss in vivo.

Results

Electrophysiological and histomorphometric assessments demonstrated neuroregeneration in both groups over time. In the experimental group, a straight alignment of the Schwann cells parallel to the axons was detected. However, autologous nerve graft seems to have a superior neuroregeneration compared to PHO grafts. Minor biodegradation was observed in PHO conduit at the end of 60 d.

Conclusions

Although neuroregeneration is detected in PHO grafts with minor degradation in 60 d, autologous nerve graft is found to be superior in axonal regeneration compared to PHO nerve tube grafts. PHO conduits were found to create minor inflammatory reaction in vivo, resulting in good soft tissue response.     

Laparoscopic versus open distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a single-center experience

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare complications and oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) and open distal pancreatectomy (LDP) at a single center.

Methods

Distal pancreatectomies performed for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma during a 4-year period were included in this study. A retrospective analysis of a database of this cohort was conducted.

Results

Twenty-two patients underwent LDP for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, in comparison to seventy-six patients with comparable tumor characteristics treated by LDP. No patients with locally advanced lesions were included in this study. Comparing LDP group to LDP group, there were no significant differences in operation time (P=0.06) or blood loss (P=0.24). Complications (pancreatic fistula, P=0.62; intra-abdominal abscess, P=0.44; postpancreatectomy hemorrhage, P=0.34) were similar. There were no significant differences in the number of lymph nodes harvested (11.2±4.6 in LDP group vs. 14.4±5.5 in LDP group, P=0.44) nor the rate of patients with positive lymph nodes (36% in LDP group vs. 41% in LDP group, P=0.71). Incidence of positive margins was similar (9% in LDP group vs. 13% in LDP group, P=0.61). The mean overall survival time was (29.6±3.7) months for the LDP group and (27.6±2.1) months for LDP group. There was no difference in overall survival between the two groups (P=0.34).

Conclusions

LDP is a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. A slow-compression of pancreas tissue with the GIA stapler is effective in preventing postoperative pancreatic fistula. The oncologic outcome is comparable with the conventional open approach. Laparoscopic radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy contributed to oncological clearance.

     

Anti-adipogenic effects of extracts of Ficus deltoidea var. deltoidea and var. angustifolia on 3T3-L1 adipocytes简

Objective

This study examined the anti-adipogenic effects of extracts of Ficus deltoidea var. deltoidia and var. angustifolia, a natural slimming aid, on 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Methods

Methanol and water extracts of leaves of the F. deltoidea varieties were analyzed to determine their total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC), respectively. The study was initiated by determining the maximum non-toxic dose (MNTD) of the methanol and water extracts for 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Possible anti-adipogenic effects were then examined by treating 2-d post confluent 3T3-L1 preadipocytes with either methanol extract or water extract at MNTD and half MNTD (1/2MNTD), after which the preadipocytces were induced to form mature adipocytes. Visualisation and quantification of lipid content in mature adipocytes were carried out through oil red O staining and measurement of optical density (OD) at 520 nm, respectively.

Results

The TFCs of the methanol extracts were 1.36 and 1.97 g quercetin equivalents (QE)/100 g dry weight (DW), while the TPCs of the water extracts were 5.61 and 2.73 g gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g DW for var. deltoidea and var. angustilofia, respectively. The MNTDs determined for methanol and water extracts were (300.0±28.3) and (225.0±21.2) μg/ml, respectively, for var. deltoidea, while much lower MNTDs [(60.0±2.0) μg/ml for methanol extracts and (8.0±1.0) μg/ml for water extracts] were recorded for var. angustifolia. Studies revealed that the methanol extracts of both varieties and the water extracts of var. angustifolia at either MNTD or 1/2MNTD significantly inhibited the maturation of preadipocytes. Conclusions: The inhibition of the formation of mature adipocytes indicated that leaf extracts of F. deltoidea could have potential anti-obesity effects.     

Anethum graveolens Linn. (dill) extract enhances the mounting frequency and level of testicular tyrosine protein phosphorylation in rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of Anethum graveolens(AG) extracts on the mounting frequency,histology of testis and epididymis,and sperm physiology.Methods:Male rats induced by cold immobilization before treating with vehicle or AG extracts [50,150,and 450 mg/kg body weight(BW)] via gastric tube for consecutive 1,7,and 14 d were examined for mounting frequency,testicular phosphorylation level by immunoblotting,sperm concentration,sperm acrosome reaction,and histological structures of testis and epididymis,respectively.Results:AG(50 mg/kg BW) significantly increased the mounting frequency on Days 1 and 7 compared to the control group.Additionally,rat testis treated with 50 mg/kg BW AG showed high levels of phosphorylated proteins as compared with the control group.In histological analyses,AG extract did not affect the sperm concentration,acrosome reaction,and histological structures of testis and epididymis.Conclusions:AG extract enhances the aphrodisiac activity and is not harmful to sperm and male reproductive organs.     

Effects of Huangqi and bear bile on recurrent parotitis in children: a new clinical approach

Objective:To evaluate the pharmacological effects of traditional Chinese medicine,bear bile capsule and Huangqi granule,on recurrent parotitis in children.Methods:In this prospective,controlled,and randomized study,a total of 151 young children were divided into three groups:Group A included massaging the children’s parotid region and melting vitamin C in their mouth daily;Group B included swallowing bear bile capsule and Huangqi granule daily;and Group C included massages and vitamin C as prescribed in Group A,and traditional Chinese medicine as prescribed in Group B.Children were treated individually for one month and then a follow-up study was conducted for 1 to 3.5 years.Analysis of variance(ANOVA) and Ridit analysis were employed for statistical analysis.Results:The recurrence rate decreased in every group,but was significantly more in Groups B and C when compared to Group A.The recurrences significantly decreased(P<0.01) in Group B and their recovery rate was as high as 63%,significantly better than those of the other groups(P<0.01).Conclusions:Huangqi and bear bile could be a novel clinical approach for treating recurrent parotitis in children.     

肝功能对意识消失时咪达唑仑血浆浓度和脑电双频谱指数的影响(英文)

研究目的:探索不同肝功能指数对镇静药咪达唑仑的敏感性以及脑电双频谱指数(BIS)的预测意识消失的影响。创新要点:明确不同肝功能状态的患者对中枢抑制药的敏感性以及BIS预测意识消失概率发生的敏感性。指导临床医生根据患者的肝功能状态合理使用中枢抑制药以及正确利用BIS预测镇定深度。研究方法:选择意识消失作为研究终点,以50%患者意识消失时的咪唑安定的浓度以及BIS值作为观察指标。重要结论:终末期肝病患者对中枢镇静药咪唑安定更敏感,该类患者在BIS预测意识消失概率发生的敏感性存在差异。     

Endostatin inhibits fibrosis by modulating the PDGFR/ERK signal pathway: an in vitro study

Accumulating evidence indicates that endostatin inhibits fibrosis. However, the mechanism is yet to be clarified. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of endostatin on platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB)-or transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced fibrosis in cultured human skin fibroblasts, and to further examine the molecular mechanisms involved. Human dermal fibroblasts were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) and serum-starved for 48 h before treatment. Cells were grouped as follows: “PDGF-BB”, “PDGF-BB+ endostatin”, “TGF-β1”, “TGF-β1+endostatin”, “endostatin”, and “blank control”. The fibroblasts were stimulated with either TGF-β1 or PDGF-BB for 72 h in order to set up the fibrosis model in vitro. The cells were co-cultured with either TGF-β1 or PDGF-BB and endostatin and were used to check the inhibiting effect of endostatin. A blank control group and an endostatin group were used as negative control groups. The biomarkers of fibrosis, including the expression of collagen I, hydroxyproline, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), were evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. The expression of phosphorylated PDGF receptor β (p-PDGFRβ), PDGFRβ, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), and ERK was detected using Western blot and immunofluorescent staining was used to explore the mechanisms. Both PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 significantly up-regulated the expression of collagen I, hydroxyproline, and α-SMA. Endostatin significantly attenuated both the PDGF-BB- and TGF-β1-induced over-expression of collagen I, hydroxyproline, and α-SMA. PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 both promoted the expression of PDGFR, ERK, and p-ERK. Endostatin inhibited the expression of PDGFR and p-ERK but did not affect the expression of total ERK. Endostatin inhibited hypertrophic scar by modulating the PDGFRβ/ERK pathway. Endostatin could be a promising multi-target drug in future fibrosis therapy.     

Comparative effects of plant growth regulators on leaf and stem explants of Labisia pumila var. alata

Objective: Labisia pumila var. alata, commonly known as ’Kacip Fatimah’ or ’Selusuh Fatimah’ in Southeast Asia, is traditionally used by members of the Malay community because of its post-partum medicinal properties. Its various pharmaceutical applications cause an excessive harvesting and lead to serious shortage in natural habitat. Thus, this in vitro propagation study investigated the effects of different plant growth regulators (PGRs) on in vitro leaf and stem explants of L. pumila. Methods: The capabilities of callus, shoot, and root formation were evaluated by culturing both explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various PGRs at the concentrations of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 mg/L. Results: Medium supplemented with 3 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) showed the optimal callogenesis from both leaf and stem explants with (72.34±19.55)% and (70.40±14.14)% efficacy, respectively. IBA was also found to be the most efficient PGR for root induction. A total of (50.00±7.07)% and (77.78±16.47)% of root formation were obtained from the in vitro stem and leaf explants after being cultured for (26.5±5.0) and (30.0±8.5) d in the medium supplemented with 1 and 3 mg/L of IBA, respectively. Shoot formation was only observed in stem explant, with the maximum percentage of formation ((100.00±0.00)%) that was obtained in 1 mg/L zeatin after (11.0±2.8) d of culture. Conclusions: Callus, roots, and shoots can be induced from in vitro leaf and stem explants of L. pumila through the manipulation of types and concentrations of PGRs.     

Bispectral index-guided sedation in transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a retrospective control study

Objective

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive therapy for elderly patients with severe aortic valve stenosis who were refused surgical aortic valve replacement because of the high perioperative risk. Traditionally, this procedure has been done under general anesthesia, but more recently local anesthesia and sedation have become popular. This research assessed the effectiveness of transfemoral TAVI under bispectral index (BIS)-guided sedation.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective control analysis, clinical data, including demographic characteristics, echocardiography, periprocedural data, and main complications, were collected and assessed in 113 patients undergoing TAVI through the femoral artery under general anesthesia (GA group, n=36) and under BIS-guided sedation (SED group, n=77).

Results

The demographic characteristics and echocardiographic parameters between the two groups were similar (P>0.05). Two (2.6%) of patients were moved from BIS-guided sedation to general anesthesia for surgical reasons. Procedures were significantly shorter in the SED group than in the GA group ((127.10±44.43) min vs. (165.90±71.62) min, P=0.004). Patients in the SED group lost less blood and received significantly fewer red blood cells and catecholamines than those in the GA group (5.19% vs. 22.22%, P=0.017 and 67.53% vs. 97.22%, P<0.001). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter and there were fewer pulmonary complications in the SED group than in the GA group. Thirty-day mortality was similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

BIS-guided sedation is a feasible and safe approach for transfemoral TAVI. The anesthesiologist should choose the best anesthetic method according to the team’s experience.

     

Complex coronary lesions and rotational atherectomy: one hospital’s experience

Objective

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of rotational atherectomy followed by drug eluting stent (DES) implantation in patients with complex coronary lesions.

Methods

From August 2006 to August 2012, 253 consecutive patients with 289 lesions and who underwent rotational atherectomy in our center were enrolled in this study.

Results

The overall procedure success rate was 98% with the cost of two (0.8%) coronary perforations, three (1.2%) dissections, five (2.0%) slow flows or no flows, three (1.2%) peri-procedure myocardial infarctions, and two (0.8%) in hospital deaths. During follow-up (mean three years), one (0.4%) patient died, two (0.8%) patients had acute myocardial infarction, 14 (5.5%) had restenosis, and target lesion revascularization occurred in eight patients (3.2%).

Conclusions

Rotational atherectomy followed by DES implantation is a safe and effective technique for patients with complex coronary lesions, especially calcified and non-dilatable lesions.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism predicts response and time to progression to gemcitabine-based chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer in a Chinese Han population

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR) C677T excision repair cross-complementation group 1(ERCC1) genetic polymorphisms and the clinical efficacy of gemcitabine-based chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods:A total of 135 chemonaive patients with unresectable advanced NSCLC were treated with gemcitabine/platinum regimens.The polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T,ERCC1 C8092A,and ERCC1 C118T were genotyped using the TaqMan methods.Results:The overall response rate was 28.9%.Patients with MTHFR CC genotype had a higher rate of objective response than patients with variant genotype(TT or CT)(41.2% versus 19.1%,P=0.01).Median time to progression(TTP) of patients with MTHFR CC genotype was longer than that of patients with variant genotype(7.6 months versus 5.0 months,P=0.003).No significant associations were obtained between ERCC1 C118T and C8092A polymorphisms and both response and survival.Conclusions:Our data suggest the value of MTHFR C677T polymorphism as a possible predictive marker of response and TTP in advanced NSCLC patients treated with gemcitabine/platinum.     

Propolis modulates vitronectin, laminin, and heparan sulfate/heparin expression during experimental burn healing

Objective

This study was aimed at assessing the dynamics of vitronectin (VN), laminin (LN), and heparan sulfate/heparin (HS/HP) content changes during experimental burn healing.

Methods

VN, LN, and HS/HP were isolated and purified from normal and injured skin of domestic pigs, on the 3rd, 5th, 10th, 15th, and 21st days following thermal damage. The wounds were treated with apitherapeutic agent (propolis), silver sulfadiazine (SSD), physiological salt solution, and propolis vehicle. VN and LN were quantified using an immunoenzymatic assay and HS/HP was estimated by densitometric analysis.

Results

Propolis treatment stimulated significant increases in VN, LN, and HS/HP contents during the initial phase of study, followed by a reduction in the estimated extracellular matrix molecules. Similar patterns, although less extreme, were observed after treatment with SSD.

Conclusions

The beneficial effects of propolis on experimental wounds make it a potential apitherapeutic agent in topical burn management.     

Morphological and biochemical responses of Oryza sativa L. (cultivar MR219) to ion beam irradiation

Objective

Heavy ion beam, which has emerged as a new mutagen in the mutation breeding of crops and ornamental plants, is expected to result in the induction of novel mutations. This study investigates the morphological and biochemical responses of Oryza sativa toward different doses of carbon ion beam irradiation.

Methods

In this study, the dry seeds of O. sativa were irradiated at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 Gy, followed by in-vitro germination under controlled conditions. Morphological and biochemical studies were conducted to investigate the morphological and physiological responses of O. sativa towards ion beam irradiation.

Results

The study demonstrated that low doses (10 Gy) of ion beam have a stimulating effect on the height, root length, and fresh weight of the plantlets but not on the number of leaves. Meanwhile, doses higher than 10 Gy caused reductions in all the morphological parameters studied as compared to the control samples. The highest total soluble protein content [(2.11±0.47) mg/g FW] was observed in plantlets irradiated at 20 Gy. All irradiated plantlets were found to have 0.85% to 58.32% higher specific activity of peroxidase as compared to the control samples. The present study also revealed that low doses of ion beam (10 and 20 Gy) had negligible effect on the total chlorophyll content of O. sativa plantlets while 40 Gy had a stimulating effect on the chlorophyll content. Plantlets irradiated between 40 to 120 Gy were shown to be 0.38% to 9.98% higher in total soluble nitrogen content which, however, was not significantly different from the control samples.

Conclusions

Carbon ion beam irradiation administered at low to moderate doses of 10 to 40 Gy may induce O. sativa mutants with superior characteristics.