Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with PD-1 antibody for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in the real world / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody in operable, borderline or potentially resectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) in the real world. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed 28 patients with operable or potentially resectable locally advanced ESCC patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitor in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School from April 2020 to March 2021. According to the clinical TNM staging system of the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer, there were 1, 15, 10, 1 and 1 case of stage Ⅱ, Ⅲ, ⅣA, ⅣB and unknown stage respectively. The treatment was two cycle of dual drug chemotherapy regimen including taxane plus platinum or fluorouracil combined with PD-1 antibody followed by tumor response assessment and surgery if the patient was eligible for resection. Results: Of the 28 patients, 1, 2, 3 and 4 cycles of chemotherapy combined with PD-1 antibody treatment completed in 1, 21, 5, and 1 patient, respectively. Objective response rate (ORR) was 71.4% (20/28), and disease control rate (DCR) was 100% (28/28). The incidence of adverse events exceeding grade 3 levels was 21.4% (6/28), including 3 neutropenia, 1 leukopenia, 1 thrombocytopenia and 1 immune hepatitis. There was no treatment-related death. Of the 23 patients underwent surgery, R0 resection rate was 87.0% (20/23), 13 patients had down staged to the T1-2N0M0 I stage, the pCR rate was 17.3% (4/23), and the pCR rate of primary tumor was 21.7% (5/23). Four patients received definitive chemoradiotherapy. One patient rejected surgery and other treatment after achieved PR response. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined PD-1 inhibitor is safe and has high efficacy in operable, borderline or potentially resectable locally advanced ESCC, and it is a promising regimen.

Chemical Composition Analysis of Platycladi Cacumen Before and After Being Carbonized Based on Identification by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To identify the chemical constituents of Platycladi Cacumen<italic> </italic>before and after being carbonized. Method:Chemical constituents in 3 batches of Platycladi Cacumen and its carbonized products<italic> </italic>were identified and compared by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry （UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS）. Chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C₁₈ column （2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.7 μm） with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution （A）- acetonitrile （B） as mobile phase for gradient elution （0-3.5 min， 5%-15%B； 3.5-6 min， 15%-30%B； 6-6.5 min， 30%B； 6.5-12 min， 30%-70%B； 12-12.5 min， 70%B； 12.5-18 min， 70%-100%B； 18-22 min， 100%B）. The flow rate was 0.4 mL·min^-1 and the injection volume was 5 μL. Mass spectrometry was performed by an electrospray ionization， and the primary and secondary mass spectrometry data were collected with the full scan mode of positive and negative ions， the peaks containing MS/MS data were identified by self-established secondary mass spectrometry database and corresponding fragmentation law matching method. Result:A total of 77 and 76 substances with the same change trend were identified under positive and negative ion modes. After being<italic> </italic>carbonized， the disappeared components of Platycladi Cacumen were mainly amino acids， ketone aldehydes and other volatile components. Among newly produced components， there were 6 kinds of flavonoid aglycones （rhamnetin， 6，7，3'-trihydroxyflavone， 3，6，3'-trihydroxyflavone， 4'-hydroxy-2'-methyl-3，4，5-trimethoxychalcone， herbacetin and 3'，5'-dimethoxy-3，5，7，4'-tetrahydroxyflavone）， 3 kinds of coumarins （7-hydroxycoumarin， 7，8-dihydroxycoumarin and 8-acetyl-7-hydroxycoum-arin） and 3 kinds of benzoic acids （3-methylcatechol， pyrocatechol and chromone-3-carboxylic acid）. There were a total of 40 flavonoids （quercitrin， quercetin， kaempferol， etc.） among these identified chemical constituents. Conclusion:There are significant quantitative and qualitative changes in the chemical compositions of Platycladi Cacumen after being carbonized. The flavonoids， the identified main active ingredients， can provide data reference for further study on the material basis of efficacy changes of Platycladi Cacumen<italic> </italic>before and after being carbonized.

Analysis of Transport Mechanism of Flavanomarein in MDCK Monolayer Cell Model / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the absorption and transport properties of flavanomarein in the Madin-Darby canine kidney(MDCK) monolayer cell model. Method:Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT) assay was used to investigate the toxicity of flavanomarein in MDCK cells. The resistance value of MDCK monolayer cell model was detected by Millicell-ERS-2 cell resistometer. The effects of mass concentration of flavanomarein,administration time,sodium-glucose cotransporter(SGLTs) inhibitor and glucose transporter 2(GLUT2) inhibitor on the transmembrane transport of flavanomarein were investigated. The concentration of flavanomarein was determined by UPLC-MS/MS, and the apparent permeability coefficient(Papp) and the efflux ratio(ER) were calculated. Result:When the concentration of flavanomarein was 5.625-120 mg·L-1, there was no significant toxic effect on MDCK cells. The transport of flavanomarein in MDCK monolayer cell model was time-dependent and concentration-dependent. The Papp values of flavanomarein were basically between 1×10-6 cm·s-1 to 10×10-6 cm·s-1. Compared with the blank group, the phlorizin group significantly reduced the transport of flavanomarein on the MDCK monolayer cell model at 60 min and 90 min. Conclusion:Flavanomarein is a moderately absorbed drug in the intestine, its transmembrane transport mechanism is dominated by passive transport along with active transport. SGLTs may be involved in mediating the transport of flavanomarein on the MDCK monolayer cell model.

Clinical effect and safety of different maintenance doses of caffeine citrate in treatment of apnea in very low birth weight preterm infants: a prospective randomized controlled trial / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical effect and safety of different maintenance doses of caffeine citrate in the treatment of apnea in very low birth weight preterm infants.@*METHODS@#A total of 78 very low birth weight preterm infants with primary apnea were enrolled who were admitted from January 2016 to January 2018. They were randomly divided into high-dose caffeine group with 38 children and low-dose caffeine group with 40 children. Both groups received a loading dose of 20 mg/kg caffeine citrate, and 24 hours later, the children in the high-dose caffeine group were given a maintenance dose of 10 mg/kg, and those in the low-dose caffeine group were given a maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg. The two groups were compared in terms of response rate and incidence rate of adverse events.@*RESULTS@#The high-dose caffeine group had a significantly higher response rate than the low-dose caffeine group (71% vs 48%; P0.05). There was no significant difference in the mortality rate between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Higher maintenance dose of caffeine citrate has a better clinical effect than lower maintenance dose of caffeine citrate in the treatment of apnea in very low birth weight preterm infants, without increasing the incidence rates of adverse drug reactions and serious complications in preterm infants.

Effects of long-term microwave irradiation on NMDAR, BDNF and related molecular expression in their signal pathways in rat hippocampus / 军事医学

Objective To evaluate the effect of long-term microwave radiation on the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR),brain derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and related molecules in signal pathways in the hippocampus of rats.Methods Fifty male Wistar rats were exposed to microwave radiation at an average power density of 0,5,10,20 and 30 mW/cm2for 6 min/time,3 times/week,and for 6 weeks,which were sacrificed and the hippocampus was quickly removed at 14 d and 28 d after exposure.The changes in NMDAR (NR1,NR2A,NR2B),postsynaptic density protein(PSD)-95,cortactin,BDNF and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) in hippocampal neurons of each group were detected by Western blotting and image analysis techniques.Results Compared with the control group,the expressions of related proteins did not change significantly after microwave irradiation of 5 mW/cm2 at each time point.After 20 mW/cm2 microwave radiation,the expression of NR1 was increased at 14 and 28 d (P ＜0.05),the expression of NR2A was increased at 28 d (P ＜ 0.05),but the expression of NR2B was decreased at 14 and 28 d (P ＜ 0.05).At a average power density of 30 mW/cm2,the expressions of NR1,NR2A and PSD-95 and the expression of NR2B were decreased at 14 and 28 d(P ＜0.05),and cortactin,BDNF and TrkB were increased at 14 d after irradiation (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The effect of different dosages of long-term microwave radiation on the proteins of NMDAR and its signal pathway related molecules is different.Microwave radiation may affect the NMDAR of postsynaptic information transmission through the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathways,which might play an important role in the impediment of learning and memory function caused by microwave radiation.

Heijiangdan ointment relieves oxidative stress from radiation dermatitis induced by (60)Co γ-ray in mice / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of Heijiangdan Ointment ( HJD) on oxidative stress in (60)Co γ-ray radiation-induced dermatitis in mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Female Wistar mice with grade 4 radiation dermatitis induced by (60)Co γ-rays were randomly divided into four groups (n=12 per group); the HJD-treated, recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF)-treated, Trolox-treated, and untreated groups, along with a negative control group. On the 11th and 21st days after treatment, 6 mice in each group were chosen for evaluation. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were detected using spectrophotometric methods. The fibroblast mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expressions of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) were analyzed by western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the untreated group, the levels of SOD, MDA and LDH, on the 11th and 21st days after treatment showed significant difference (P<0.05). TEM analysis indicated that fibroblast mitochondria in the untreated group exhibited swelling and the cristae appeared fractured, while in the HJD group, the swelling of mitochondria was limited and the rough endoplasmic reticulum appeared more relaxed. The expressions of FGF-2 and TGF-β1 increased in the untreated group compared with the negative control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the expression of FGF-2, rhEGF and Trolox in the HJD group were significantly increased compared with the untreated group (P<0.05), or compared with the negative control group (P<0.05). The expression of TGF-β1 showed significant difference between untreated and negative control groups (P<0.05). HJD and Trolox increased the level of TGF-β1 and the difference was marked as compared with the untreated and negative control groups (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HJD relieves oxidative stress-induced injury, increases the antioxidant activity, mitigates the fibroblast mitochondrial damage, up-regulates the expression of growth factor, and promotes mitochondrial repair in mice.</p>

Minimally Invasive Cochlear Implantation Assisted by Bi-planar Device: An Exploratory Feasibility Study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>A single drilled tunnel from the lateral mastoid cortex to the cochlea via the facial recess is essential for minimally invasive cochlear implant surgery. This study aimed to explore the safety profile of this kind of new image-guided and bi-planar device-assisted surgery procedure in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Image-guided minimally invasive cochlear implantations were performed on eight cadaveric temporal bone specimens. The main procedures were: (1) temporal bone specimens were prepared for surgery and fiducial markers were registered. (2) computed tomography (CT) scans were performed for future reference. (3) CT scan images were processed and drill path was planned to minimize cochlear damage. (4) bi-planar device-assisted drilling was performed on the specimens using the registration. (5) surgical safety was evaluated by calculating the deviation between the drill and the planned paths, and by measuring the closest distance between the drilled path and critical anatomic structures.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eight cases were operated successfully to the basal turn of the cochlear with intact facial nerves (FNs). The deviations from target points and entrance points were 0.86 mm (0.68-1.00 mm) and 0.44 mm (0.30-0.96 mm), respectively. The angular error between the planned and the drilled trajectory was 1.74° (1.26-2.41°). The mean distance from the edge of the drilled path to the FN and to the external canal was 0.60 mm (0.35-0.83 mm) and 1.60 mm (1.30-2.05 mm), respectively. In five specimens, the chorda tympani nerves were well preserved. In all cases, no injury happened to auditory ossicles.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This exploratory study demonstrated the safety of the newly developed image-guided minimally invasive cochlear implantation assisted by the bi-planar device and established the operational procedures. Further, more in vitro experiments are needed to improve the system operation and its safety.</p>

Expression of Rictor and mTOR in colorectal cancer and their clinical significance / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the expression of Rictor and mTOR in the colorectal cancer and their clinical significance.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The expression levels of Rictor and mTOR in HCT116, SW480, LoVo and HCoEpiC cells were detected by indirect immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Sixty-two paraffin-embedded surgical specimens of colorectal cancer tissue and adjacent tissues were examined for Rictor expression using immunohistochemistry. The association of the expression levels of Rictor protein with the clinicopathologic features and the overall survival of the patients was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression level of Rictor was significantly higher in colorectal cancer tissues than in the adjacent tissues (P<0.05). The expression levels of Rictor and mTOR in the colon cancer cell lines were higher than those in human normal colon epithelial cell line HCoEpiC. The expression of Rictor was correlated with Dukes stage and lymphatic metastasis of the tumors but not with other clinicopathological parameter (P>0.05). Patients with Rictor expression had a lower overall survival rate than those without Rictor expression.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rictor overexpression is associated with the carcinogenesis and progression of colorectal cancer and can be an independent indicator for evaluating the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients.</p>

Microwave exposure impairs synaptic plasticity in the rat hippocampus and PC12 cells through over-activation of the NMDA receptor signaling pathway / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The aim of this study is to investigate whether microwave exposure would affect the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) signaling pathway to establish whether this plays a role in synaptic plasticity impairment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>48 male Wistar rats were exposed to 30 mW/cm2 microwave for 10 min every other day for three times. Hippocampal structure was observed through H&E staining and transmission electron microscope. PC12 cells were exposed to 30 mW/cm2 microwave for 5 min and the synapse morphology was visualized with scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The release of amino acid neurotransmitters and calcium influx were detected. The expressions of several key NMDAR signaling molecules were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Microwave exposure caused injury in rat hippocampal structure and PC12 cells, especially the structure and quantity of synapses. The ratio of glutamic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid neurotransmitters was increased and the intracellular calcium level was elevated in PC12 cells. A significant change in NMDAR subunits (NR1, NR2A, and NR2B) and related signaling molecules (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II gamma and phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein) were examined.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>30 mW/cm2 microwave exposure resulted in alterations of synaptic structure, amino acid neurotransmitter release and calcium influx. NMDAR signaling molecules were closely associated with impaired synaptic plasticity.</p>

Microwave radiation induces injury to GC-2spd cells / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the impact of microwave radiation on GC-2spd cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We exposed cultured GC-2spd cells to microwave radiation at the average power densities of 0, 10 and 30 mW/cm2 for 15 minutes and, from I to 24 hours after the exposure, we observed the changes in cell proliferation, histology and ultrastructure, cell apoptosis, and cAMP content by MTIT, light microscopy, electron microscopy, flow cytometry and ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the GC-2spd cells showed a significant decrease in proliferation ability at 1 -24 hours after 10 and 30 mW/cm2 microwave radiation, except at 12 hours after 30 mW/cm2 radiation (P <0.05 or P <0.01), with reduced length and number of cell enation and increased intra cytoplasm vacuoles. The rate of cell apoptosis (%) was significantly increased in the 10 and 30 mW/cm2 groups at 6 hours (4.56 +/- 2.09 vs 14.59 +/- 1.09 and 8.48 +/- 1.73, P <0.05 or P <0.01) , with agglutination and margin translocation of chromatins and obvious dilation of endo cytoplasmic reticula. The cAMP content (nmol/g) in the GC-2spd cells was remarkably reduced in the 10 and 30 mW/cm2 groups at 6 and 24 hours (2.77 +/-0.24 vs 1.65+/- 0. 17 and 1.96+/-0.10, 3.02 +/-0.47 vs 2.13 +/-0.33 and 1.69 +/-0.27, P <0.05 or P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Microwave radiation at 10 and 30 mW/cm2 may cause injury to GC-2spd cells, which is manifested by decreased content of intracellular cAMP, reduced activity of cell proliferation, and increased rate of cell apoptosis.</p>

Study on pharmacokinetics and in vitro/in vivo correlation of menthol in Zhike Chuanbei Pipa dropping pills in rats / 中国中药杂志

To determine the concentration of menthol in rat plasma by GC. Rats were administered with single dose of Zhike Chuanbei Pipa dropping pills (ZCPDP) and different doses of menthol herbs. DAS 3. 1.6 software was used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters, and the accumulative absorption percentage of menthol was calculated by Loo-Riegelman method. The linear regression analysis was made in vitro/in vivo accumulative absorption percentages to detect the in vitro/in vivo correlation. The results of the study showed that the pharmacokinetics behavior of menthol in ZCPDP was in conformity with two-compartment model characteristics. The main parameters were: tmax was 10 min, t1/2beta was (183. 93 52. 75) min, CL/F was (0. 426 +/- 0. 194) L . min-1 . kg-1, all of which were no difference between ZCPDP and menthol herbs with the same dosage. There were significant differences in tmax, t1/2beta, CL/F between menthol herbs with different dosages (P <0. 05) , with indirect proportion between AUC0-infinity and dosage. The regression equation of ZCPDP's accumulative absorption percentage and accumulative release percentage was Fa = 1. 160 3Q - 19. 968, r = 0. 981 3. These results suggested that the pharmacokinetics behavior was similar between ZCPDP and menthol herbs with the same dosage in rats, with good in vitro/in vivo correlation. There were significant differences in pharmacokinetics of menthol in the range of 19.2-570 mg . kg-1.

Efficacy of pegylated interferon-alpha-2a plus ribavirin for patients aged at least 60 years with chronic hepatitis C / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>In China, patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated liver disease are getting older, and thus the number of deaths due to such disease is increasing. The efficacy of combination therapy with ribavirin and interferon for chronic HCV infection in elderly patients has not been fully clarified. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the combination therapy in the elderly patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-eight chronic hepatitis C patients, who received the combination therapy, were classified into two age groups: elderly group ((3)60 years, n = 25) and non-elderly group (< 60 years, n = 43). Rapid virological response, complete early virological response, sustained virological response, relapse, non-response rate, and safety were compared between the elderly group and non-elderly group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Overall sustained virological response was lower in the elderly group than non-elderly group (44% vs. 75%, P = 0.012, OR = 0.270, and 95%CI 0.095 - 0.768). Among patients with HCV genotype 1, sustained virological response was lower in the elderly group than non-elderly group (45% vs. 77%, P = 0.015, OR = 0.247, 95%CI 0.078 - 0.781). The proportions of dose reduction due to laboratory abnormalities were significantly higher in the elderly group than non-elderly group (60.0% vs. 32.6%, P = 0.027). Multiple binary Logistic regression analysis confirmed that patient age was an associated factor for sustained virological response.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Among patients with HCV genotype 1, the elderly patients had lower sustained virological response than non-elderly patients during pegylated interferon-alpha-2a plus ribavirin combination therapy.</p>

Relationship between cognition function and hippocampus structure after long-term microwave exposure / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the effects of long-term microwave exposure on hippocampal structure and function in the rat.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Experiments were performed on 184 male Wistar rats (three exposure groups and a sham group). Microwaves were applied daily for 6 min over 1 month at average power densities of 2.5, 5, and 10 mW/cm2. Learning and memory abilities were assessed by Morris water maze. High performance liquid chromatography was used to detect neurotransmitter concentrations in the hippocampus. Hippocampal structures were observed by histopathological analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Following long-term microwave exposure there was a significant decrease in learning and memory activity in the 7 d, 14 d, and 1 m in all three microwave exposure groups. Neurotransmitter concentrations of four amino acids (glutamate, aspartic acid, glycine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid) in hippocampus were increased in the 2.5 and 5 mW/cm2 groups and decreased in the 10 mW/cm2 group. There was evidence of neuronal degeneration and enlarged perivascular spaces in the hippocampus in the microwave exposure groups. Further, mitochondria became swollen and cristae were disordered. The rough endoplasmic reticulum exhibited sacculated distension and there was a decrease in the quantity of synaptic vesicles.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These data suggest that the hippocampus can be injured by long-term microwave exposure, which might result in impairment of cognitive function due to neurotransmitter disruption.</p>

Relationship between BRCA1 mRNA expression in tumor cells from malignant effusions and chemosensitivity to cisplatin in patients with metastatic malignant effusions / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mRNA expression of breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) in tumor cells isolated from malignant pleural and peritoneal effusions, and the predictive role of BRCA1 related to the efficacy of cisplatin-based chemotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Tumor cells were isolated from malignant pleural and peritoneal effusions of 31 cancer patients. The response of these tumor cells to cisplatin was determined by CCK8 assay. Real time quantitative RT-PCR was used to examine the BRCA1 mRNA level in the primary culture cancer cells.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression level of BRCA1 mRNA was 0.618 (0.014 - 18.063) in primary culture tumor cells. The IC(50) of DDP was 2.809 µg/ml in the primary culture tumor cells (0.118 - 19.439 µg/ml). Both BRCA1 mRNA expression and the tumor cells IC(50) of DDP were not significantly related with patient age, gender, the type of primary tumor, whether to accept the chemotherapy and effusion type (P > 0.05). The level of BRCA1 mRNA was negatively correlated with the chemosensitivity in terms of IC(50) of cisplatin (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Assessment of expression level of BRCA1 mRNA may be useful in predicting the efficacy of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic malignant effusions.</p>

Long-term microwave radiation affects male reproduction in rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of long-term microwave radiation on male reproduction in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 100 male Wistar rats were exposed to microwave radiation with average power density of 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 mW/cm2 for 4 weeks, 5 times a week and 6 minutes per time. Changes in serum testosterone, testicular index, histology and ultrastructure, and the percentage of teratospermia in the epididymis were observed dynamically at 6 h, 7 d, 14 d, 28 d and 60 d after the exposure.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was a significant decrease in serum testosterone concentration at 28 d after microwave radiation at 2.5, 5 and 10 mW/cm2 ([10.20 +/- 4.31] ng/ml, [5.56 +/- 3.47] ng/ml and [7.53 +/- 4.54] ng/ml) and at 60 d at 10 mW/cm2 ( [15.95 +/- 9.54] ng/ml), as compared with the control group ([23.35 +/- 8.06] ng/ml and [31.40 +/- 9.56] ng/ml) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). No significant changes were found in the testis index at 6 h -60 d after microwave radiation at the three doses, but different degrees of degeneration, necrosis and shedding of spermatogenic cells, thinning of spermatogenic epithelia, and decrease or deletion of spermatozoa were observed, and more obvious at 28 d and 60 d. Swelling and cavitation of mitochondria in all spermatogenic cells, agglutination and margin translocation of nuclear chromatin in the spermatogonial and Leydig cells were seen at 7 d and 60 d after 5 mW/cm2 microwave radiation. The rate of teratospermia of the epididymis was increased, more obviously at 7 d after 2.5, 5 mW/cm2, 60 d after 5 mW/cm2, and 7 d, 28 d and 60 d after 10 mW/cm2 microwave radiation (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Long-term microwave radiation may cause injury to male reproduction, which is positively correlated with the radiation dose, and has an obvious late effect.</p>

A review of diagnosis and causes of synovial cyst of the hip joint / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the clinical and radiological characteristics of hip joint synovial cyst, and to study the main causes and the early economical effective ways for diagnosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-five patients with hip joint synovial cyst were studied in this research, including 16 males and 9 females aged from 14 to 76 with an average age of 52.8 years old (4 cases from clinical treatment from 1999 to 2007; 1 case searched with keyword "synovial cyst" and "hip" on CNKI form 1978 to 2002, 20 cases searched with keyword synovial cyst and hip on the Medline. The clinical manifestation of 25 cases were painless mass at medial of groin middle point and lower limb venous insufficiency. Synovial cysts of the hip joint were diagnosed by ultrasonography, computer tomography (CT) or nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI). All cases were analyzed retrospectively on the cause of a diseace, clinical features and radiological examinations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The possible causes of this disease included rheumatoid arthritis in 8 cases, osteoarthritis in 1, total hip replacement in 3, hip tramatic in 3, femoral head necrosis in 2 and unknown origin in 9. The main clinical features included painless groin mass in 9 cases; compression of the common femoral and external iliac veins (lead to outflow obstruction and leg swelling) in 7 cases; inguinal swelling in 5 cases; deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 3 cases; compression of artery in 1 case. The correct preoperative diagnosis were made by ultrasonography or combined with colour duplex Doppler ultrasonography (CDDS) in 13 cases; CDDS combined with CT in 8 cases; CDDS combined with CT and MRI in 2 cases; articular cavity visualization in 1 case; puncture herniography in 1 case.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The hip joint synovial cyst is mainly caused by the chronic inflammation of the hip joint. As the disease is extremely rare and asymptomatically, precise diagnoses are difficult and and often delayed. More attentions should be paid because of its severe complications. CDDS is an economical effective way for early diagnosis.</p>

Effect of antiallergic herbal agents on chloride channel-3 and immune microenvironment in nasal mucosal epithelia of allergic rhinitis rabbits / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a Th2 dominant cytokine response. Chloride channel-3 (ClC-3) plays an important role in nasal mucosal edema and inflammatory pathologic changes in AR. Antiallergic herbal agents (AHA) are antiallergic herbal products. In the previous study, we have demonstrated that AHA clearly inhibited allergic medium and relieved allergic reaction of AR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the function of ClC-3 and discuss the possible therapeutic effects of AHA on immune microenvironment in AR.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>AHA were produced and used to treat AR. An animal model of an AR rabbit was established by ovalbumin (OVA). The rhinitis rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: AHA treated group (AHATG), model group (MG) and healthy control group (HCG). The expressions of ClC-3 protein were examined by immunohistochemical method. The mucosal epithelial cells of all the rabbit groups were primarily cultured with tissue culture method in vitro with or without rhIL-4 or rhIL-2. Furthermore, the expressions of ClC-3 mRNA were detected by real-time PCR. The levels of monocyte chemotactic factor-1 (MCP-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) protein in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expressions of ClC-3 mRNA increased more in mucosal epithelial cells of MG than those in AHATG and HCG (P < 0.01). The levels of ClC-3 mRNA, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 protein in culture supernatants of MG were significantly higher than those in the other two groups (P < 0.01). Those were significantly increased in MG untreated 12 hours later than those in other two groups (P < 0.01). The expressions of ClC-3 mRNA, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 protein in culture supernatants of MG and HCG treated with rhIL-4 were significantly higher than those in the AHATG treated with rhIL-4 (P < 0.01). The levels of ClC-3 mRNA, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 protein in culture supernatants of all groups treated with rhIL-2 showed no significant changes (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>AHA can inhibit the secretions of ClC-3, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 in mucosal epithelia and improve inflammatory reaction of AR. ClC-3 plays an important role in the secretion of cytokines and mucosal inflammatory response in AR. RhIL-4 can enhance the secretion of ClC-3, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 in mucosal epithelial cells, especially during the AR process. These enhanced effects of rhIL-4 were significantly suppressed by AHA. The secretions of ClC-3, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 can not be induced obviously by rhIL-2 in mucosal epithelial cells in AR.</p>

Microwave radiation decreases the expressions of occludin and JAM-1 in rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the changes in the expressions of the tight junction related protein occludin and junctional adhesion molecule-1 (JAM-1) of the blood-testis barrier and their significance in rats after microwave radiation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty male Wistar rats were exposed to microwave radiation with average power density of 0, 10, 30 and 100 mW/cm2 for five minutes, and dynamic changes in the expressions of testicular occludin and JAM-1 were observed by Western blot and image analysis at 6 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d and 14 d after the radiation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was a significant down-regulation in the expression of the occludin protein at 3 - 7 d, 6 h - 7 d and 6 h - 14 d (P < 0. 05), as well as in that of JAM-1 at 3 - 7 d, 1 - 7 d and 1-14 d (P < 0.05) after exposure to 10, 30 and 100 mW/cm2 microwave radiation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The decreased protein expressions of occludin and JAM-1 may play an important role in the microwave radiation induced-damage to the blood-testis barrier.</p>

Effect of microwave radiation on primary cultured Sertoli cells / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore whether microwave radiation may cause injury of primary cultured Sertoli cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The model of primary cultured Sertoli cells in vitro was established, which was radiated by microwave with average power density 0, 30 and 100 mW/cm(2) for five minutes. The changes of cell cycle, apoptosis and death, and intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the Sertoli cells were measured at sixth hours through Annexin V-PI double labeling and Fluo-3-AM labeling, flow cytometry combined with laser scanning confocal microscopy after microwave exposure.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The numbers of Sertoli cells were obviously reduced in G0-G1 and G2-M phase (62.57% +/- 3.22% and 8.25% +/- 1.75%) and increased in S phase (29.17% +/- 4.87%) compared with the control groups (79.18% +/- 0.24%, 11.17% +/- 0.50% and 9.64% +/- 0.62%) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), but the changes of rate of apoptosis and death and intracellular Ca2+ concentration showed no difference at 6 h after exposure to 30 mW/cm(2) microwave. There was a significant increase in the Sertoli cell counts of G0-G1 phase (87.69% +/- 1.32%), and decrease in the Sertoli cell counts of G2-M and S phase (7.41% +/- 0.60% and 4.87% +/- 0.91%) (P < 0.01). There was also a significant increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and rate of apoptosis and death (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) at 6 h after exposure to 100 mW/cm(2) microwave.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>100 mW/cm(2) microwave radiation may cause growth inhibition and increase of apoptosis and death in the primary cultured Sertoli cells. The increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration is one of the injury mechanisms.</p>

A aquaporin 4 expression and effects in rat hippocampus after microwave radiation / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression of aquaporin 4 (AQP4) after microwave exposure and the correlation with the brain injury by radiation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>70 male rats were exposed to microwave whose average power density was 0, 10, 30 and 100 mW/cm(2) respectively. Rats were sacrificed at 6 h, 1 d, 3 d and 7 d after exposure. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the expression of AQP4 in protein level in rat hippocampus, and the expression of AQP4 in gene level was measured by in situ hybridization and RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of AQP4 in rat hippocampus was abnormal after 10, 30, 100 mW/cm(2) microwave exposure. The protein level showed increased at first and then recovered at 10 and 30 mW/cm(2) groups, while increased progressively in 100 mW/cm(2) group within 14 d (P < 0.01). The gene expression of AQP4 was increased (0.51 +/- 0.02) at the beginning (6 h) and then regained after 10 mW/cm(2) microwave exposure, while in 30 and 100 mW/cm(2) groups, it rose to the peak at 7 d (0.46 +/- 0.02 and 0.43 +/- 0.08) and didn't get back (P = 0.004; P = 0.012).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Microwave radiation can increase the expression of AQP4 in rat hippocampus. The change might participate in the process of increasing permeability of blood-brain barrier and lead to the brain edema after microwave radiation.</p>