Tin speciation in the blood plasma of workers occupationally exposed in a cassiterite ore processing industry / Especiação de estanho no plasma sanguíneo de trabalhadores expostos ocupacionalmente em uma indústria de processamento de minério de cassiterita

ABSTRACT Mining is a high-risk activity due to its dangerous processes. Tin (Sn) is obtained from cassiterite ore and mining activities expose workers to the metal. Chronic exposure to Sn may cause pneumoconiosis, gastrointestinal and hematological effects, among others. This work aimed to assess the exposure of workers to tin in a cassiterite ore processing industry, using the speciation analysis in blood plasma. Twelve subjects donated the blood samples; six were occupationally exposed to Sn. Size exclusion chromatography separated proteins in blood plasma; a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer determined total tin in the plasma and eluted fractions, while SDS-PAGE determined molecular masses of proteins. Tin levels in the workers' plasma were four times higher than in the reference individuals. After fractionation, the metal only appeared in the total inclusion volume, not being possible to confirm the binding of tin to proteins, which certainly modifies their functions and impair workers' health. Despite that, the work process needs to change since Sn levels in the workers' plasma pointed to metal exposure. Further works are necessary to clarify whether the metal is free or bound to small proteins in blood plasma and understand the true impact of tin on workers' health.

RESUMO A mineração é uma atividade de alto risco devido aos seus processos perigosos. O estanho (Sn) é obtido do minério de cassiterita e as atividades da mineração expõem os trabalhadores ao metal. A exposição crônica ao Sn pode causar pneumoconiose, gastrointestinal e hematológica entre outros efeitos. Este trabalho avaliou a exposição de trabalhadores ao estanho em uma indústria de processamento de minério de cassiterita, utilizando a análise de especiação no plasma sanguíneo. Doze indivíduos doaram amostras de sangue, sendo seis expostos ocupacionalmente ao Sn. A SEC separou as proteínas do plasma sanguíneo, a GFAAS determinou a concentração total de estanho no plasma sanguíneo e frações eluídas, enquanto o SDS-PAGE determinou as massas moleculares das proteínas. O plasma dos trabalhadores apresentou níveis quatro vezes maiores do que os indivíduos de referência. Após fracionamento, Sn só apareceu no volume de inclusão, não sendo possível confirmar sua ligação às proteínas. Contudo, o processo de trabalho precisa mudar, pois os níveis de Sn no plasma dos trabalhadores apontam para exposição ao metal. Outros trabalhos são necessários para esclarecer se o metal está livre ou ligado a pequenas proteínas do plasma e entender o verdadeiro impacto do estanho na saúde dos trabalhadores.

Effect of CO2 laser combined with AmF/NaF/SnCl2 solution on the prevention of human and bovine enamel erosion

Abstract: This in vitro study evaluated the potential of CO2 laser (10.6 μm) combined with a stannous/fluoride-containing solution for preventing erosion in human/bovine enamel. Forty-eight samples of each substrate were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 12): W - distilled water; E - AmF/NaF/SnCl2 solution; L - CO2 laser; and LE - CO2 laser+AmF/NaF/SnCl2 solution. After surface treatments, samples were submitted to a 5-day erosive challenge, alternating immersions in 0.5% citric acid (2 minutes, 6x/day) and in artificial saliva. Optical profilometry (μm) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine surface loss and surface morphology, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). For human enamel, tissue loss was lower in group L (12.37 ± 4.46) than in group W (16.45 ± 2.76), and higher than in the groups treated with AmF/NaF/SnCl2 solution (E-5.44 ± 2.37; LE-5.55 ± 2.31). In group L, SEM images reveled a disorganized surface but fewer projections than in group W and LE showed fewer irregularities than W, E, and L. For bovine enamel, tissue loss in group L (13.90 ± 3.50) did not differ from that in group W (14.10 ± 2.98), and was higher than losses in groups E (5.70 ± 2.12) and LE (8.12 ± 2.56), which were statistically similar to each other. Groups W and L had similar aspects of demineralization, whereas groups E and LE showed homogenous surfaces. Surface-treated samples had no changes in their surfaces. CO2 laser was able to slightly prevent surface loss only on human enamel surface, but did not enhance the AmF/NaF/SnCl2 effect on the prevention of enamel erosion.

Determination of tin and its compounds in ambient PM2.5 by atomic fluorescence spectrometry after ultrasonic extraction with concentrated hydrochloric acid / 环境与职业医学

Background Tin and its compounds can cause serious harm to human respiratory system and nervous system, but there is no corresponding national standard method for the determination of tin in PM2.5. Objective To establish a method for the determination of tin and its compounds in PM2.5 by atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) after ultrasonic extraction with concentrated hydrochloric acid. Methods We extracted a fixed volume of air at a constant speed through a sampler with preset cutting characteristics to trap PM2.5 in the ambient air on quartz filter membranes. By selecting extraction solvent, comparing extraction temperature and time, and adjusting the acidity of solution to be measured, the sample pretreatment process was optimized, and a method for the determination of tin and its compounds in PM2.5 by AFS was proposed, and its performance indexes such as linearity, detection limit, and lower limit of quantification were obtained. The accuracy and precision of the method were evaluated by the standard addition recovery test with blank quartz filter membranes, and the interference test was carried out by adding standard urban particulate samples. The proposed method and the method recommended by the “Handbook on Monitoring and Protection of Air Pollution (Haze) Effects on Population Health (2020)” (the Handbook) were applied to actual samples, and the results were compared. Results This experiment used concentrated hydrochloric acid as the extraction solvent. The higher the reaction temperature and the longer the reaction time, the higher the recovery rate. Therefore, 70 ℃ water bath ultrasonic extraction for 3 h was selected. In terms of the proposed method, the linear range of detection was from 5.00 μg·L−1 to 50.00 μg·L−1, with a correlation coefficient ≥0.999 and a detection limit of 0.27 μg·L−1. When the quantitative detection of the lower limit was 0.90 μg·L−1，and the sampling volume was 144 m3, the limit of quantification was 1.25 ng·m−3. The recovery rate of standard addition of blank quartz filter membranes was 94.1%-97.5%, with a relative standard deviation ≤3.2%; the recovery rate of standard addition of standard urban particulate matter samples was 93.5%-103.0%, and the relative standard deviation was ≤2.1%, indicating that coexisting components in PM2.5 samples would not affect the determination of tin. For the 10 quartz filter membrane samples of PM2.5 monitoring, the results of tin by the established method (extraction with concentrated hydrochloric acid) were higher than those of the Handbook recommended method (extraction with nitric acid), and the difference is (3.61±0.54) ng·m−3(t=21.303, P<0.05). Conclusion The established method for the determination of tin and its compounds in PM2.5 by AFS after ultrasonic extraction with concentrated hydrochloric acid is simple, accurate, and suitable for laboratory determination of tin and its compounds in large quantities of PM2.5 samples.

Reduction in erosive tooth wear using stannous fluoride-containing dentifrices: a meta-analysis

Abstract Dentifrices containing different active agents may be helpful to allow rehardening and to increase the resistance of the eroded surface to further acids or mechanical impacts. This study aimed to compare the effects of conventional (sodium fluoride [NaF]) and stannous fluoride (SnF2)-containing dentifrices on reducing erosive tooth wear (ETW). The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, BBO, EMBASE, TRIP electronic databases, and grey literature were searched until January 2021 to retrieve relevant in vitro and in situ studies related to research question. There were no restrictions on publication year or language. Two authors independently selected the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. ETW data were pooled to calculate and compare both dentifrices (overall analysis) and in vitro and in situ studies separately (subgroup analysis). Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan5.3 with a random effects model. Of 820 potentially eligible studies, 101 were selected for full-text analysis, and 8 were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. There was a significant difference between SnF2-containing dentifrices and NaF dentifrices only for in vitro studies (p=0.04), showing a higher effect of the SnF2-containing dentifrices against the erosion/abrasion (effect size: -6.80 95%CI: -13.42; -0.19). Most in vitro and in situ studies had high and low risk of bias, respectively. In vitro literature suggests that the ETW reduction is greater when using SnF2-containing dentifrices instead NaF-containing dentifrices. However, the evidence level is insufficient for definitive conclusions. Clinical trials are necessary for a better understanding of the effect of these compounds on ETW.

Spatial pattern of the environmental exposure to tin in the vicinity of an alloy industry in Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil / Padrão espacial da exposição ambiental ao estanho nos arredores de uma indústria de ligas metálicas em Volta Redonda, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Patrón espacial de exposición ambiental al estaño en las proximidades de una industria de aleación en Volta Redonda, estado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract: Despite being widely used in industry, the literature on tin and its effects in humans is scarce, especially regarding reference values in biological indicators such as blood and urine. Similarly, environmental limits are also rare. This study sought to assess the spatial distribution of hotspots in the environmental exposure to tin in the vicinity of an alloy industry in the south region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study population consisted of 74 adults. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry determined tin in all samples. Households and points around the industry were georeferenced with the use of GPS to identify the most intense tin sites. Results of the first and second campaigns ranged from 0.022 to 0.153 and 0.003 to 0.445µg m-3 for the atmospheric air, whereas such ranges were 0.64 to 1.61 and 1.97 to 8.54µg m-2 for household dust, respectively. The mean tin concentration found in the blood of the population was 3.85 ± 1.57µg L-1. In urine the value was 3.56 ± 1.88µg L-1. The kernel map showed the highest spatial concentrations of tin in household dust in the eastern region of the industry. In the first sampling, atmospheric air samples presented the most elevated concentrations in the southwest and southeast. Although the direction of the wind was northwest, potentially high risks were concentrated in the central area in the second collection. The largest hotspots were in the north, south and southeast regions; however, urine samples showed medium to high levels in the west and east regions. Regarding blood samples, the greatest difference was the absence of hotspot areas in the west. Environmental monitoring becomes necessary to better assess the exposure to tin.

Resumo: O estanho é amplamente utilizado na indústria. A literatura sobre seus efeitos em humanos é escassa, principalmente quanto aos valores de referência em indicadores biológicos como sangue e urina. Também são raros os estudos sobre os limites do estanho no meio ambiente. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os pontos críticos da distribuição espacial da exposição ambiental ao estanho nos arredores de uma indústria de ligas metálicas na região sul do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. A população do estudo consistiu em 74 adultos. O estanho foi medido em todas as amostras com a espectrometria de absorção atômica em forno de grafite. As residências e outros pontos em torno da indústria foram georreferenciados com GPS para identificar os locais com maior concentração de estanho. Os resultados da primeira e segunda campanhas variaram entre 0,022 e 0,153 e entre 0,003 e 0,445µg m-3 para o ar atmosférico, enquanto para a poeira doméstica as faixas foram 0,64-1,61 e 1,97-8,54µg m-2, respectivamente. A concentração sanguínea média de estanho na população foi 385 ± 1,57µg L-1 e na urina foi 3,56 ± 1,88µg L-1. O mapa kernel mostrou as concentrações mais elevadas de estanho na poeira doméstica nos arredores ao leste da indústria. Na primeira amostragem, o ar atmosférico apresentou as concentrações ao sudoeste e sudeste da fábrica. Entretanto, riscos potencialmente altos estiveram concentrados na área central, embora a direção do vento tenha sido noroeste na segunda coleta de amostras. Os maiores pontos críticos foram ao norte, sul e sudeste da indústria, mas as amostras de urina mostraram níveis moderados a altos ao oeste a ao leste. Nas amostras de sangue, a maior diferença foi a ausência de pontos críticos ao oeste da indústria. O monitoramento ambiental é necessário para melhor avaliar a exposição ao estanho.

Resumen: El uso del estaño está muy generalizado en la industria. La literatura sobre sus efectos en humanos es escasa, especialmente en lo que concierne a los valores de referencia en indicadores biológicos como sangre y orina. Igualmente, los límites ambientales también son raros. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los puntos calientes de la distribución espacial de exposición ambiental al estaño, en las proximidades de una industria de aleación, en el sur del estado de Río de Janeiro, Brasil. El estudio poblacional contó con 74 adultos. La espectrometría de absorción atómica por horno de grafito halló estaño en todas las muestras. Asimismo, las residencias se georreferenciaron con puntos alrededor de la industria mediante GPS para identificar los lugares con mayor intensidad de estaño. Los resultados de la primera y segunda campaña oscilaron de 0,022 a 0,153 y 0,003 a 0,445µg m-3 en aire atmosférico, aunque tales rangos fueron de 0,64 a 1,61 y de 1,97 a 8,54µg m-2 en el caso de polvo doméstico, respectivamente. El promedio de concentración de estaño encontrado en la sangre de la población fue 3.85 ± 1.57µg L-1. Respecto a la orina, este valor fue 3.56 ± 1.88µg L-1. El mapa de kernel expuso que las concentraciones espaciales más altas de estaño en el polvo doméstico de las casas se encontraron en la región oriental de la industria. En la primera muestra, las muestras de aire atmosférico presentaron las concentraciones más elevadas en el suroeste y sureste. No obstante, los riesgos potencialmente altos se concentraron en el área central, a pesar de que la dirección del viento era noroeste en la segunda recogida de muestras. Los puntos calientes más grandes estuvieron en el norte, sur, y sureste. Sin embargo, las muestras de orina mostraron niveles de medios a altos en el oeste y este. Respecto a las muestras de sangre, la diferencia más grande fue la ausencia de áreas calientes en el oeste. El monitoreo ambiental se hace necesario para evaluar mejor la exposición al estaño.

Dynamic observation on changes of chest imaging in pneumoconiosis patients in tin smelting workers / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of chest imaging and prognosis in pneumoconiosis patients in tin smelting workers. METHODS: Ten pneumoconiosis patients working with tin smelting were examined by chest X-ray,computed tomography( CT) photography and dynamic observation on pulmonary imaging to analyze their characteristics and prognosis. RESULTS: There were mild clinical manifestations and no tuberculosis in these 10 cases of tin smelting pneumoconiosis patients. There was no obvious change on the pulmonary ventilation function change. The high k V X-ray chest observation results showed that the circular shadow was the primary small shadow of the two lungs,that were mostly distributed in the medium and upper lung zones of both lungs. In most cases,we found lung texture distortion,deformation or increase,blurred,hilar shadow increased thickening,lymph node calcification,individualized eggshell. There was no pleural changes and emphysema changes. There was no significant change found in 5-10 years of dynamic observation except for 1 case of increased small shadow. The chest CT examination in 2011 showed 2-5 mm nodular shadows. Among them,we found 7 cases of small nodules from the upper lobe evenly distributed to the middle of the lobe,the lower back lobe of the lungs,lower basal ganglia lesions decreased,lesions were diffuse distribution of the whole lung,and the small nodules in 3 cases. Interval lobular thickening at varying degrees were found in 5 cases,lobular central or apoptotic pulmonary emphysema were found in 4 cases,and 1 case of pulmonary bullae formation was found. The results of chest CT examination in 2016 showed 2 cases of diffuse pulmonary nodules,3 cases of thickening of lobular septum and 2 cases of pulmonary emphysema compared with the CT result in 2011. CONCLUSION: There was no obvious lung small shadow absorption found in tin smelting pneumoconiosis patients after 5 to 10 years of X-ray dynamic observation,and progress of lesions could be seen. CT examination is helpful for follow-up observation in tin smelting pneumoconiosis.

1-methylhydantoin inhibits secretion of growth hormone in rabbits / 中国药理学通报

Aim Toexplorewhether1-methylhydan-toin(MH)could inhibit the basal secretion of growth hormone (GH ) and suppress the promoting effect of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH ) in rab-bits.Methods Thirty-sixrabbitswererandomlydi-vided into six experimental groups according to the kind of dosing drugs,namely normal saline group(A), MH group (B ),octreotide group (C ),GHRH group (D),GHRH +MH group(E),GHRH +octreotide group(F),with 6 rabbits in each group.Blood was sampled (1. 0 mL each time)from each rabbit before injecting drugs and 5,15,30,45,60 min after drug administration.Clotting spontaneously,rabbits blood samples were centrifugated for 20 minutes at approxi-mately 1000 ×g and the supernatant was collected. Serum GH concentrations were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit(ELISA Kit).Mean-while,the behavior of rabbits in each group after injec-tingdrugswascloselyobserved.Results TheGH level of rabbits in group A at each time point had no significant differences(P>0. 05 ).Group B and group C rabbit GH levels were significantly lower than those of group A (P<0. 05 ),while GH levels in group D were obviously higher than those of group A (P <0. 05 ).Compared with group D,rabbit GH levels in group E and group F decreased markedly(P<0. 05 ). No obvious toxic and side effects had been observed within one week after the experimental rabbits were ad-ministered corresponding drugs by intravenous injec-tion.Conclusions 1-methylhydantoincouldinhibit the basal secretion of GH in rabbits.1-methylhydan-toin could suppress the promoting effect of GHRH in rabbits.

Implementation y evaluación de una nariz electrónica para la detección de alcoholes lineales / Implementation and evaluation of an electronic nose for the alcohols detection / Implementação e avaliação de um nariz eletrônico para detectar álcoois lineares

Se desarrolló una nariz electrónica que permite la detección de alcoholes de manera sencilla y económica en comparación con las narices electrónicas tradicionales. Estábasada en cuatro sensores de gas de SnO2 (dos comerciales y dos fabricados en el laboratorio), un sistema neumático irregular, un hardware y software para adquisición de datos y un software de reconocimiento de patrones. Se evaluó el comportamiento de la nariz y las condiciones de trabajo con muestras de vapor de alcoholes (metanol, etanol, n-butanol y 1-2 octanol) y se determinó que los alcoholes se pueden detectar con el arreglo de sensores preparado y pueden diferenciarse entre sí haciendo uso del análisis estadístico de componentes principales (PCA). El orden de detección encontrado para los alcoholes lineales fue el siguiente: metanol > etanol > n-butanol > 1-octanol. Se encontró también que haciendo uso del análisis de componentes principales (PCA) y realizando una normalización de los datos en el software de reconocimiento de patrones, la varianza total de las muestras también aumenta del 76% al 85%. Esto demuestra que una nariz simple y económica puede clasificar bien las muestras evaluadas.

An electronic nose for the detection of alcohols, easy to use and inexpensive as compared to traditional electronic noses, was developed. This nose is based on four SnO2 gas sensors (two commercial and two homemade), an irregular pneumatic system, hardware and a software for data acquisition and a software for pattern recognition. The nose behavior and the working conditions with vapor samples of alcohols (methanol, ethanol, n-butanol and 1-octanol) were evaluated. Alcohols could be detected with the array of prepared sensors and could be also differentiated from each other by using principal component analysis (PCA). The detection order for linear alcohols followed the order: methanol > ethanol > n-butanol > 1-octanol. It was also found that by using PCA and performing a standardization of data in software pattern recognition so, the total variance of such information increases from 76% up to 85%. This result confirms that a simple and inexpensive nose can rank well the tested samples.

Foi feito um nariz eletrônico que permitiu a detecção de álcoois de jeito simplis e económico em comparacao com os narices electrónicos tradicionais. Estábaseado em quatro sensores de gás SnO2 (dois comerciais e dois feitos no laboratório), um sistema pneumático irregular, hardware e software para aquisição de dados e software de reconhecimento de padrões. Foi avaliado o comportamento do nariz e as condições de trabalho com amostras de vapor de álcoois (metanol, etanol, n-butanol e 1-octanol) determinou-se que os álcoois podem ser detectados com o arranjo de sensores preparado e pode diferenciar-se entre sim usando análise de componentes principais (PCA). A ordem de detecção para os álcoois lineares encontrados foi os seguinte: metanol> etanol> n-butanol> 1-octanol. Verificou-se que, usando análise de componentes principais (PCA) e a execução de uma normalização dos dados no software de reconhecimento de padrões, a variância das amostras também aumenta de 76% para 85%. Esto demostra que um nariz simples e barato pode classificar bem as amostras avaliadas.

Detecting tin in human blood by microwave digestion-atomic fluorescence spectrometry / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for detecting tin in human blood by microwave digestion-atomic fluorescence spectrometry. METHODS: The microwave digestion instrument was used to digest 1. 00 mL blood sample with 4. 00 mL concentrated nitric acid( mass fraction 65. 00%) and 1. 00 mL perchloric acid( mass fraction 68. 00%). After 1. 00 mL of thiocarbamide-ascorbic acid( mass fraction 10. 00%) was added,hydrochloric acid( concentration 1. 5 mol / L) was added to a total constant volume of 10. 00 mL. Then 5. 00 mL of the sample was collected and detected by atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The good linear relationship was shown in the range of 0. 00-60. 00 μg / L,and the correlation coefficient was 0. 999 5. The limit of detection was 0. 01 μg / L. The average recovery rate was 98. 80%-103. 30%. The relative standard deviation( RSD) of within-run precision was 3. 74%-5. 26%,and the RSD of betweenrun precision was 1. 23%-4. 45%. The samples can be stored for at least 7 days under the temperature of 4 ℃.CONCLUSION: This method has the advantages of low detection limit,good precision and high sensitivity,which is suitable for the determination of tin in human blood.

Improving the detection method for tin and its compounds in workplace air / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To improve the standard detection method of tin and its compounds in the air of workplace.METHODS: During the sample preparation,the amount of sulfuric acid for air filter membrane digestion was reduced from its original 0. 5 m L( the standard method of flame atomic absorption spectrometry) to 0. 2 m L and no acid-driving after the membrane was digested. The amount of sulfuric acid given to the series of standards was the same as that of the membrane digestion. The samples were detected by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry method. RESULTS: The improved method showed a good linear range of tin as 0. 0-80. 0 mg / L,the regression equation was

Detection of tin in human urine by atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for determination of urinary tin by atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry.METHODS: The graphite digestion instrument was used to digest 2. 50 m L urinary sample with 1. 50 m L concentrated nitric acid,hydrochloric acid( volume fraction 4. 00%) was added to a total constant volume of 10. 00 m L. After 2. 50 m L of thiocarbamide-ascorbic acid( mass concentration 100 g / L) was added,hydrochloric acid( volume fraction 4. 00%) was added to a total constant volume of 25. 00 m L( equivalent to urinary sample was diluted 10 times),1. 00 m L of the sample was collected and detected by atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry. RESULTS: The good linear relationship was shown in the range of 4. 00-200. 00 μg / L with a correlation coefficient of 0. 999 5. The limit of detection was 0. 20 μg / L. The recovery rates ranged from 100. 20% to 100. 84%. The within-run relative standard deviation( RSD) and between-run RSD were 0. 11%-2. 01% and 1. 37%-5. 58%,respectively. The samples can be stored for 7 days under the temperature of4 ℃. CONCLUSION: This method has the advantages of high sensitivity,precision and convenient operation,which is suitable for the daily determination of urinary tin in human.

Efficacy of recombinant human endostatin combined with vinorelbine-cisplatin regimen in newly diag-nosed patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients with bone metastases and the impact on expression of serum VEGF / 实用肿瘤学杂志

Objective To explore the efficacy of recombinant human endostatin ( Rh-endostatin ) com-bined with vinorelbine -cisplatin( NP) regimen for newly diagnosed patients with advanced non -small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)with bone metastases and the impact on expression of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).Methods From January 1,2009 to February 1,2012,a total of 40 with newly diagnosed,advanced NSCLC patients with bone metastases were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to the treatment (N=20) or control(N=20)group.The control group was only given the NP regimen chemotherapy and the treatment group was treated with Rh-endostatin combined with NP regimen .The changes in clinical effects of the two groups and serum VEGF levels were observed .Results After two cycles of systemic chemotherapy ,objective response rate (ORR)and disease control rate(DCR)of the treatment group were 30.0% and 80.0%significantly higher than 5.0%and 45.0%of the control group(P0.05).Conclusion Rh-endostatin combined with NP regimen can im-prove the efficiency of treatment for newly diagnosed patients with advanced NSCLC with bone metastases and does not increase adverse reactions whereas no significant difference in serum VEGF Levels .

Size Control of 99mTc-tin Colloid Using PVP and Buffer Solution for Sentinel Lymph Node Detection

Colloidal particle size is an important characteristic that allows mapping sentinel nodes in lymphoscintigraphy. This investigation aimed to introduce different ways of making a 99mTc-tin colloid with a size of tens of nanometers. All agents, tin fluoride, sodium fluoride, poloxamer-188, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), were mixed and labeled with 99mTc. Either phosphate or sodium bicarbonate buffers were used to adjust the pH levels. When the buffers were added, the size of the colloids increased. However, as the PVP continued to increase, the size of the colloids was controlled to within tens of nanometers. In all samples, phosphate buffer added PVP (30 mg) stabilized tin colloid (99mTc-PPTC-30) and sodium bicarbonate solution added PVP (50 mg) stabilized tin colloid (99mTc-BPTC-50) were chosen for in vitro and in vivo studies. 99mTc-BPTC-50 (100 nm) mainly accumulated in the liver. When a rabbit was given a toe injection, the node uptake of 99mTc-PPTC-30 decreased over time, while 99mTc-BPTC-50 increased. Therefore, 99mTc-BPTC-50 could be a good candidate radiopharmaceutical for sentinel node detection. The significance of this study is that nano-sized tin colloid can be made very easily and quickly by PVP.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity and osteoblast-like cell viability of TiN, ZrN and (Ti(1-x)Zr(x))N coating on titanium

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate antibacterial activity and osteoblast-like cell viability according to the ratio of titanium nitride and zirconium nitride coating on commercially pure titanium using an arc ion plating system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polished titanium surfaces were used as controls. Surface topography was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and surface roughness was measured using a two-dimensional contact stylus profilometer. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis with the colony-forming unit assay. Cell compatibility, mRNA expression, and morphology related to human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) on the coated specimens were determined by the XTT assay and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The number of S. mutans colonies on the TiN, ZrN and (Ti(1-x)Zr(x))N coated surface decreased significantly compared to those on the non-coated titanium surface (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The number of P. gingivalis colonies on all surfaces showed no significant differences. TiN, ZrN and (Ti(1-x)Zr(x))N coated titanium showed antibacterial activity against S. mutans related to initial biofilm formation but not P. gingivalis associated with advanced periimplantitis, and did not influence osteoblast-like cell viability.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity and osteoblast-like cell viability of TiN, ZrN and (Ti(1-x)Zr(x))N coating on titanium

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate antibacterial activity and osteoblast-like cell viability according to the ratio of titanium nitride and zirconium nitride coating on commercially pure titanium using an arc ion plating system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polished titanium surfaces were used as controls. Surface topography was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and surface roughness was measured using a two-dimensional contact stylus profilometer. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis with the colony-forming unit assay. Cell compatibility, mRNA expression, and morphology related to human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) on the coated specimens were determined by the XTT assay and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The number of S. mutans colonies on the TiN, ZrN and (Ti(1-x)Zr(x))N coated surface decreased significantly compared to those on the non-coated titanium surface (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The number of P. gingivalis colonies on all surfaces showed no significant differences. TiN, ZrN and (Ti(1-x)Zr(x))N coated titanium showed antibacterial activity against S. mutans related to initial biofilm formation but not P. gingivalis associated with advanced periimplantitis, and did not influence osteoblast-like cell viability.

Research progress in the catalytic rearrangement reaction of benzyl phenyl ethers / 药学实践杂志

The rearrangement reaction of benzyl phenyl ethers (BPE) plays an important role in the organic chemistry and drug synthesis .This paper briefly reviewed the rearrangement reaction and its possible mechanism in various catalytic sys-tems ,such as trifluoroacetic acid ,phosphotungstic acid ,cyclodextrin ,molten tin and aluminium bromide .

Determination of Trace Metal Impurities in High Pure Tin Oxide Electrode Material by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry / 分析化学

A new method for determination of trace Cu, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cd, Fe and Pb impurities in high pure tin oxide material was proposed. 0. 1 g of sample was successfully digested at 230℃ in 3 h when autoclaves with high pressure and high temperature were used. After that, over 99. 9% of the matrix Sn was removed by chloride volatilization at 150℃ for 1. 5 h, which eliminated the matrix effect and spectra interference in the following ICP-MS detection. The recoveries for all the analytes of the spiked test were 100%±5%, the RSDs for 6 runs of sample analysis were from 0. 09% to 3. 68%, and the limits of detection (LOD, 3σ) were from 0. 002 mg/kg to 0. 034 mg/kg, which indicated that the established method were of both accuracy and high sensitivity, and could be applied for the analysis of samples with purity up to 6N. Finally, three samples specified with 4N purity were analyzed by this method.

Panax notoginseng saponins can inhibit apoptosis of renal cells induced by cisplatin through path of mitochondrion / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of panax nonstaining saponins ( PNS ) on the apoptosis of renal cells induced by cisplatin through the path of mitochon-drion . Methods Male Sprague-Dawley( SD) rats were randomized divided into normal control group, cisplatin model group and the cisplatin+PNS group,with 12 rats of each group. Animals were sacrificed to determine the N-acetyl-β-D-Glucosaminidase ( NAG ) in urine, blood urea nitrogen ( BUN) and serum creatinine ( Cr) concentrations after 8d of intraperitoneal injection. HE-staining was employed to observe renal pathologies. Transmission electron microscopy ( TEM ) was em-ployed to observe the mitochondria of the rats′ injured kidney region. TUNEL staining was employed to detect the distribution of apoptotic cells. Immunnohistochem-istry was used to detect Bax and caspase-9 expression, and expression of Bcl-2 protein was detected by West-ern blot. Results Compared with the normal control group, contents of BUN, serum Cr and urinary NAG levels of rat in the cisplatin model group were increased ( P <0. 01 ) , and some mitochondria of the epithelial cells of renal tubules got injured seriously. The apopto-sis rate of kidney cell was increased ( P<0. 01 ) . The expression of Bax,caspase-9 and Bcl-2 proteins was in-creased ( P < 0. 01 ) . Compared with the cisplatin model group, contents of BUN, serum Cr and urinary NAG levels of rats in the cisplatin model group were decreased ( P <0. 01 ) , and some mitochondria of the epithelial cells of renal tubules were significantly im-proved. The apoptosis rate of kidney cell was decreased ( P<0. 01 ) . The expression of Bax and caspase-9 pro-tein was decreased (P<0. 01),but Bcl-2 protein was increased ( P < 0. 01 ) . Conclusion PNS may in-crease the expression of Bcl-2 protein and decrease the expression of Bax and caspase-9 proteins, which may play a protective role in cisplatin nephritic damage.

Comparison of pemetrexed or paclitaxel combined with oxaliplatin treatment as a chemotherapy strategy for postoperative patients / 重庆医学

Objective To compare the therapeutic efficacies and toxicities either of pemetrexed or paclitaxel combined with oxaliplatin as a chemotherapy in postoperative with non‐small‐cell lung cancer(NSCLC) .Methods The clinical data collected from 86 patients who admitted into the first affiliated hospital of Kunming medical university from January 2010 to December 2011 who had been diagnosed with non‐small‐cell lung cancer(NSCLC) were retrospectively analyzed .All of these patients received the radical resection of pulmonary carcinoma ,in which 65 patients received pemetrexed combined with oxaliplatin treatment(named as peme‐trexed combination group) .Another 40 patients were treated with paclitaxel combined with oxaliplatin (named as paclitaxel combi‐nation group) .Survival analysis was evaluated by Kaplan‐Merie .Single factor analysis and COX regression model were employed to analyze the relationship between the influencing factors and the prognosis of disease .Results We found that neither OS (χ2 =0 .648 ,P=0 .421) nor PFS(χ2 =0 .758 ,P=0 .384)was statistical different between two groups .However ,the incidence of leucope‐nia above Ⅲ degrees was 34 .8% in pemetrexed combination group ,and 60 .0% in paclitaxel combination group(χ2 = 5 .469 ,P=0 .019) .The incidence of of ALT increase above Ⅲ degrees was 12 .2% in pemetrexed combination group ,and 35 .0% in paclitaxel combination group(χ2 =7 .238 ,P=0 .007) .The incidence of AST increase rate above Ⅲ degrees was 13 .0% in pemetrexed combi‐nation group and 32 .5% in paclitaxel combination group(χ2 = 4 .706 ,P= 0 .030) .The incidence of neurotoxicity was 28 .2% in pemetrexed combined group ,65 .0% in paclitaxel combined group (χ2 = 11 .652 ,P= 11 .652) .The incidence of gastrointestinal tract reaction above Ⅲ degrees was 47 .8% in pemetrexed combined group ,57 .5% in paclitaxel combined group was ,(χ2 = 0 .803 , P=0 .370) .Cox regression analysis revealed that PS score(HR=0 .207 ,95% CI:0 .090-0 .479) and clinical stages(HR=0 .089 , 95% CI:0 .041-0 .191) had significant effects on survival of patients .Conclusion Two kinds of treatment in two groups showed the similar curative effects and promised to be first‐line chemotherapy strategy for postoperative patients with NSCLC .However , the pemetrexed combined group showed less drug toxicity compared with that of the paclitaxel combined group .

Interventional effects of Tongxinluo combined with Atorvastatin and Aspirin(ATS) on the angiogenesis of vasa vasorum in the early stage of atherosclerosis / 中国药理学通报

Aim To observe the effect of a treatment proposal named “Golden Triangle” ( Atorvastatin, Tongxinluo,and Aspirin) on the vasa vasorum angio-genesis of early atherosclerosis lesions in rabbits carotid artery. Method Seventy-two healthy New Zealand rabbits with half males and half females were divided into 6 groups randomly ( n =12 ):control group, model group, Tongxinluo group ( TXL ) , atorvastatin group ( ATO ) , aspirin group ( ASP ) , golden triangle group ( ATS) . The control group was fed with common feed-stuff, and all the other groups′ right carotid arteries were equipped with the silicone tube,and were then fed with fatty feedstuff. The Tongxinluo group, the Atorvas-tatin group and the Aspirin group were given suspen-sion of Tongxinluo supermicro powder(0. 3 g·kg-1 · d-1 ) , Atorvastatin ( 2. 5 mg · kg-1 · d-1 ) and Aspirin (12 mg·kg-1·d-1),the golden triangle group were given suspension of Tongxinluo supermicropowder (0. 3g·kg-1 ·d-1),atorvastatin(2. 5 mg·kg-1 · d-1 ) and Aspirin ( 12 mg · kg-1 · d-1 ) . All the groups were fed with medicine for 4 weeks. Tissue slice of carotid artery was stained with HE and observed un-der light microscope. The change of blood liquid was detected by biochemical assay. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the protein expression of CD34 around the carotid artery adventitia. Color micro-sphere method was used to detect the blood flow vol-ume change of the cartoid artery microvascular. VEFG, VEGFR-2 gene and protein expression in the cartoid artery were detected by Real-time PCR and Western Blot. Result Compared with the control group,the content of VEGF, VEGFR-2 gene and pro-tein expression and the microvascular blood flow vol-ume of cartoid artery microvascular in the model were significantly increased ( P 0. 05 ) . The content of CD34 was de-creased in TongxinLuo group,atorvastatin group,aspirin group and ATS group. Conclusion The ATS project can reduce the expression of VEGF,VEGFR-2, inhibit the vasa vasorum angiogenesis and decrease proinflam-matory substances in the tunica media and intima of vascular wall. It plays an important role in intervening in the process of AS.