Methods of apoptosis detection: advances and applications / 药学学报

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a common phenomenon which involved in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions in humans, such as neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic injury, autoimmune diseases and cancers. Apoptosis can be detected in vitro by morphology, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, and other techniques. Probes for cell apoptosis detection in vivo are still under research and various reagents and methods are constantly emerging. However, none of apoptosis detection methods or reagents are perfect and they all have advantages and disadvantages, as well as suitable scope of application. With the increasing application of apoptosis detection techniques, researchers will be confused about how to choose a suitable method to detect apoptosis and define the application range of each apoptosis detection method. Therefore, it is necessary to compare the benefits and drawbacks of existing apoptosis detection techniques as well as their applicable conditions. This article reviews morphological characteristics, molecular mechanism and specific biochemical changes in apoptotic cells. We summarized various apoptosis-detection methods based on these characteristics that can be used in vitro and in vivo, the advantages and disadvantages of each method and the scope of application. Also, we highlighted the existing tracers that have been used in apoptosis detection in vivo, their potentialities and limitations as well as the clinical applications of apoptosis imaging in multiple disease fields.

Experimental research of 18F-labeled 5-fluoropentyl-2-methyl-malonic acid in the detection of cisplatin inducing apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma cells / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of positron apoptosis radioactive tracer 18F-labeled 5-fluoropentyl-2-methyl-malonic acid ( 18F-ML-10) in the detection of cisplatin inducing apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Methods:Lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells were divided into the control group, cisplatin time groups and cisplatin dose groups. Cisplatin was not added to the control group. Cisplatin time groups with added 50 μg/ml cisplatin were used for 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 and 48 h, respectively, and the cells of the control group were cultured for 48 h; cisplatin dose groups were treated with 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 μg/ml cisplatin, respectively for 30 h. The apoptosis was detected by using flow cytometry, and the 18F-ML-10 uptake rate of apoptotic cells in each group was calculated. Results:With the prolongation of the action time of 50 μg/ml cisplatin, the apoptosis rate of A549 cells was increased gradually ( F = 66.87, P < 0.01), and the standavd uptate value of 18F-ML-10 was also increased gradually ( F = 86.47, P < 0.01). When cisplatin was treated for 48 h, the apoptosis rate [(63.10±14.00)%] and 18F-ML-10 standard uptake value (4.97±1.03) reached the highest (all P < 0.01). After cisplatin treatment for 30 h, with the increase of cisplatin dose, the apoptosis rate and 18F-ML-10 standavd uptate value were gradually increased (all P < 0.01), and the apoptosis rate of cisplatin 100 μg/ml group was the highest [(37.31±2.48)%], and the 18F-ML-10 standavd uptate value was the highest (3.08±0.20). Conclusions:18F-ML-10 is feasible in the detection of cisplatin inducing the apoptosis of A549 cells.

Lítio, dextrana e rodamina na avaliação da hidrodinâmica de sistemas alagados construídos / Lithium, dextran, and rhodamine in the hydrodynamic evaluation of constructed wetlands

RESUMO Sistemas alagados construídos (SACs) são alternativas de engenharia para tratamento de águas residuárias. Entretanto, ainda são limitadas as pesquisas relacionadas à hidrodinâmica desses sistemas, quando comparados a outras unidades de tratamento, como filtros biológicos, reatores anaeróbios, lagoas de estabilização, dentre outros. Dessa forma, neste estudo teve-se como objetivo avaliar o comportamento hidrodinâmico de três SACs de escoamento horizontal subsuperficial (plantados e não plantados) em escala piloto, por meio da injeção dos traçadores cloreto de lítio, dextrana azul e rodamina WT. Utilizaram-se diferentes metodologias de normalização, para vazão constante e para vazão variável, para avaliar o efeito da variação da taxa de escoamento no sistema. Além disso, determinaram-se os índices hidrodinâmicos e o grau de dispersão dos sistemas por meio dos modelos de escoamento tanques em série e escoamento disperso. Os valores recuperados de rodamina WT e de lítio foram satisfatórios, maiores do que 80% da massa injetada nos três SACs. Para a dextrana azul, a taxa recuperação não foi validada. Não foram verificadas diferenças nas curvas de distribuição de tempo de retenção submetidas às duas metodologias de normalização. Os índices hidrodinâmicos determinados revelaram baixo grau de curtos-circuitos, boa eficiência hidráulica e mistura nos sistemas. Os sistemas apresentaram grau de dispersão moderada, o que está de acordo com os resultados obtidos pelos índices hidrodinâmicos.

ABSTRACT Constructed wetlands (CWs) are engineering alternatives for wastewater treatment. However, the scientific literature related to the hydrodynamics of these systems is still scarce when compared to other treatments, such as trickling filters, anaerobic reactors, stabilizations ponds, among others. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the hydrodynamic behavior of three subsurface horizontal flow CWs (vegetated and unvegetated) on a pilot scale by injecting the tracers lithium chloride, blue dextran, and rhodamine WT. Different normalization methodologies for constant and variable flows were used to evaluate the effect of flow rate variation on the system. In addition, hydrodynamic indices and the system dispersion degree were determined by tank-in-series and dispersion models. The recovered mass of rhodamine WT and lithium was greater than 80% in the three systems, considered satisfactory. For the blue dextran, the recovery rate was not validated. Residence time distribution curves were submitted to two normalization methodologies. No difference was detected. The hydrodynamic indices found revealed low short circuit level, good hydraulic efficiency and mixing in the systems. The systems presented a moderate degree of dispersion, agreeing with the results obtained by the hydrodynamic indices.

Application analysis of sentinel area lymph node biopsy in early breast cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To explore the correlation between the number of sentinel regional lymph node (SALN) and non-sentinel regional lymph node (NSALN) metastasis in patients with early breast cancer after sentinel regional lymph node (SALN) biopsy.Methods:Retrospectively selected 400 female patients with early breast cancer who underwent SALN biopsy at the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College from January 2016 to July 2021, and summarized and analyzed their clinical case data. The Chi-square test or Fisher exact probability method was used to compare the count data between groups. Perform single-factor analysis on the research indicators, then screen out indicators with statistically significant differences, then perform multi-factor Logistic regression analysis, draw a receiver operating characteristic curve, and combine the area under the curve to establish a predictive model.Results:SALN biopsy was performed in 400 patients with early breast cancer. A total of 1 504 lymph nodes were detected in 320 cases of total mastectomy, with an average of 4.7, 47 cases of macrometastasis, and 2 cases of postoperative macrometastasis. The false negative rate was 4.3%. Among 400 cases, 67 cases were positive for SALN, and the positive rate was 16.75% (67/400). The results of univariate analysis showed that the number of tumor thrombus in the vessel, the number of positive SALN and the metastasis of NSALN were closely related ( χ2=8.775, 16.53, P=0.003). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the number of tumor thrombi and SLN-positive ≥3 in the vessel were independent predictive risk factors for NSLN metastasis ( OR=16.149, 95% CI: 3.016-86.473, P<0.001; OR=31.76, 95% CI: 5.242-192.43, P<0.001). SALN positive was closely related to NSALN metastasis, but as the number of SALN detected increases (more than 6) and when only 1 to 2 SALN was positive, the probability of NSALN metastasis was significantly reduced ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The positive number of SALN and intravascular tumor thrombolus were closely related to NALN metastasis. SALN positive number ≥3 was the most important independent predictor of NSALN metastasis. The recurrence risk of sentinel lymph node can be reduced by increasing the number of SALN detected, when 1-2 positive sentinel lymph node are detected and the number of sentinel lymph node detected >6, axillary lymph node dissection can be exempted as appropriate.

Persistent Malfunction of Glymphatic and Meningeal Lymphatic Drainage in a Mouse Model of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating cerebrovascular event that often is followed by permanent brain impairments. It is necessary to explore the pathogenesis of secondary pathological damages in order to find effective interventions for improving the prognosis of SAH. Blockage of brain lymphatic drainage has been shown to worsen cerebral ischemia and edema after acute SAH. However, whether or not there is persistent dysfunction of cerebral lymphatic drainage following SAH remains unclear. In this study, autologous blood was injected into the cisterna magna of mice to establish SAH model. One week after surgery, SAH mice showed decreases in fluorescent tracer drainage to the deep cervical lymph nodes (dcLNs) and influx into the brain parenchyma after injection into the cisterna magna. Moreover, SAH impaired polarization of astrocyte aquaporin-4 (AQP4) that is a functional marker of glymphatic clearance and resulted in accumulations of Tau proteins as well as CD3⁺, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺ cells in the brain. In addition, pathological changes, including microvascular spasm, activation of glial cells, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis were observed in the hippocampus of SAH mice. Present results demonstrate persistent malfunction of glymphatic and meningeal lymphatic drainage and related neuropathological damages after SAH. Targeting improvement of brain lymphatic clearance potentially serves as a new strategy for the treatment of SAH.

Pulmonary inhalation-perfusion scintigraphy in the evaluation of bronchoscopic treatment of bronchopleural fistula / Cintilografia pulmonar inalatória na avaliação do tratamento broncoscópico de fístula broncopleural

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the use of pulmonary inhalation-perfusion scintigraphy as an alternative method of investigation and follow-up in patients with bronchopleural fistula (BPF). Materials and Methods: Nine patients with BPFs were treated through the off-label use of a transcatheter atrial septal defect occluder, placed endoscopically, and were followed with pulmonary inhalation-perfusion scintigraphy, involving inhalation, via a nebulizer, of 900-1300 MBq (25-35 mCi) of technetium-99m-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and single-photon emission computed tomography with a dual-head gamma camera. Results: In two cases, there was a residual air leak that was not identified by bronchoscopy or the methylene blue test but was detected only by pulmonary inhalation-perfusion scintigraphy. Those results correlated with the evolution of the patients, both of whom showed late signs of air leak, which confirmed the scintigraphy findings. In the patients with complete resolution of symptoms and fistula closure seen on bronchoscopy, the scintigraphy was completely negative. In cases of failure to close the BPF, the scintigraphy confirmed the persistence of the air leak. In two patients, scintigraphy was the only method to show residual BPF, the fistula no longer being seen on bronchoscopy. Conclusion: We found pulmonary inhalation-perfusion scintigraphy to be a useful tool for identifying a residual BPF, as well as being an alternative method of investigating BPFs and of monitoring the affected patients.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a cintilografia por inalação-perfusão pulmonar como método alternativo de investigação e acompanhamento em pacientes com fístula broncopleural (FBP). Materiais e Métodos: Nove pacientes com FBPs foram tratados de forma endoscópica com o uso off label de um oclusor transcateter de defeito do septo interatrial e foram seguidos com cintilografia de inalação-perfusão pulmonar usando tomografia computadorizada por emissão de fóton único com câmera de cintilação de duas cabeças e inalação com 900-1300 MBq (25-35 mCi) de ácido dietilenotriaminopentacético marcado com tecnécio-99m, inserido num nebulizador. Resultados: Broncoscopia e teste de azul de metileno não foram capazes de detectar dois casos de vazamento residual, detectados apenas por cintilografia por inalação-perfusão pulmonar. Esses resultados foram correlacionados com a evolução desses pacientes que tardiamente apresentaram sinais de vazamento de ar confirmando os achados da cintilografia. Pacientes com resolução completa dos sintomas e com aspecto broncoscópico do fechamento da fístula apresentaram cintilografia negativa completa. Em casos de falha no fechamento da FBP, a cintilografia por inalação-perfusão confirmou a persistência da fuga de ar. Em dois pacientes, a cintilografia foi o único método a mostrar FBP residual, apesar da ausência da fístula por avaliação broncoscópica. Conclusão: Neste estudo, a cintilografia de inalação-perfusão pulmonar mostrou ser um instrumento útil para identificar FBP residual e como método alternativo de investigação e seguimento de pacientes com FBPs.

Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET Imaging in Prostate Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges

The aim of this systematic review was to describe the characteristics of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting PET and their clinical applications in prostate cancer patients. There have been major strides in the design, synthesis of PSMA-targeting PET tracers over the past several years. PSMA-targeting PET tracers can be categorized, according to positron emitters and targeting strategies for the PSMA. The majority of PSMA PET studies has been focused on patients with biochemical recurrence, but additional values of PSMA PET have also been investigated for use in primary staging, treatment planning, response evaluation, and PSMA radioligand therapy. PSMA PET is expected to bring improvements in the management of patients, but the impact of improved diagnosis by PSMA on overall survival remains unanswered. Many challenges still await PSMA PET to expedite the use in the clinical practice. At this early stage, prospective multicenter trials are needed to validate the effectiveness and usefulness of PSMA PET.

Theranostic research of radiolabeled prostate-specific membrane antigen ligands in metastatic castra-tion-resistant prostate cancer / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among males. Advanced prostate cancer could develop into metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), which is a challenge in the di-agnosis and treatment. The prognosis and quality of life of patients can be significantly improved by using ra-diolabeled prostate-specific membrane antigen ( PSMA) ligands for localization and targeted therapy of mCRPC. This review summarizes the research progress of radiolabeled PSMA ligands in theranostics of mCRPC including SPECT imaging, PET imaging, and brachytherapy.

Research progress on central nervous system PET tracers / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Central nervous system (CNS)diseases are complicated and the knowledge we get about them is very limited.PET plays an important role in the diagnosis of CNS diseases since it is noninvasive. Exploring the functional changes of the brain with PET has become a hot topic.The key of PET brain ima-ging is the molecular targeting probes.This review summarizes the research progress of CNS PET tracers on the basis of 2016 Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI)annual meeting.

Uso de traçadores fluorescentes para determinar características de transporte e dispersão no Rio Piabanha (RJ) para a modelagem quali-quantitativa pelo HEC-RAS / Use of dye tracers to determine transport and dispersion parameters in Piabanha River (RJ) for its quali-quantitative modeling with HEC-RAS

RESUMO Um estudo de campo foi realizado em um trecho de aproximadamente 70 km do rio Piabanha, localizado entre Petrópolis e Areal, na região serrana do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, para estimar as características de transporte e dispersão de contaminantes usando técnicas de traçadores fluorescentes. A análise dos resultados de dois trabalhos de campo, realizados no outono de 2012, permitiu determinar os valores de tempo de trânsito, vazão líquida, velocidade média e coeficiente de dispersão longitudinal. Utilizou-se os dados de vazão e velocidade média obtidos nos ensaios com traçadores para calibrar o modelo hidrodinâmico unidimensional Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC-RAS). Considerando que parâmetros hidráulicos obtidos por métodos clássicos em rios com geometria muito irregular, como a do rio Piabanha, não são adequados para representar as características médias de um trecho, os ensaios com traçadores representaram uma boa alternativa para obtenção de parâmetros necessários a modelos hidrodinâmicos. Os resultados obtidos pelo modelo HEC-RAS apresentaram ótima concordância com os dados obtidos por meio dos ensaios com traçadores fluorescentes.

ABSTRACT A field study was carried out on a reach of approximately 70 km of Piabanha river, located between Petrópolis and Areal, in the highlands of Rio de Janeiro State to estimate the transport and dispersion characteristics of contaminants using dye tracers techniques. The results of field campaigns, conducted in the fall of 2012, allowed to determine the values of transit time, flow rate, mean flow velocity and longitudinal dispersion coefficient. The flow rate and mean velocity obtained in situ with dye tracers were used to calibrate the one-dimensional hydrodynamic model Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC-RAS). Whereas hydraulic parameters obtained by classical methods for rivers with very irregular geometry such as Piabanha river are not suitable for representing the average characteristics of a river stretch, the results obtained with tracers represented a good alternative to obtain parameters used in hydrodynamic models. The results obtained by the HEC-RAS are in excellent agreement with those obtained by the experiments with fluorescent tracers.

Listado de medicamentos trazadores/señaladores como herramienta en programas de seguimiento farmacoterapéutico o de farmacoseguridad / List of drug tracers/ markers as a tool in pharmacotherapeutic follow-up or drug-safety programs

Resumen Introducción: los resultados negativos asociados a la medicación (RNM), incluyendo las reacciones adversas a medicamentos (RAM) o problemas de seguridad, son un problema clínico relevante, debido a su alta incidencia y a efectos nocivos en la salud. Un medicamento podría ser considerado como trazador/señalador, debido a: 1) una mayor probabilidad de causar RAM o problemas de seguridad; o 2) su utilización para tratar y por tanto identificar pacientes con RAM. Los listados de medicamentos trazadores podrían ser útiles en los programas de farmacoseguridad o seguimiento farmacoterapéutico (SFT). Objetivo: el objetivo de este trabajo fue estructurar un listado de medicamentos trazadores/ señaladores de los pacientes con mayor riesgo de presentar RNM, el cual podría ser útil para seleccionar pacientes para programas de SFT o farmacoseguridad. Obtención de datos: inicialmente, se realizó una revisión estructurada en PubMed/Medline para identificar medicamentos asociados a la presentación de RAM clasificadas como graves o moderadas y con una prevalencia igual o superior a 10%. Posteriormente, el listado de medicamentos identificados, fue comparado y complementado con medicamentos de alta alerta del Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) y con medicamentos utilizados para el tratamiento de RAM o antídotos. Resultados: se generó un listado general de 139 medicamentos trazadores/señaladores. Conclusiones: este listado podría ser una herramienta para detectar y seleccionar los pacientes que más se podrían beneficiar de los programas de SFT o farmacoseguridad. Se requiere de la realización de estudios diseñados para evaluar la utilidad práctica de dicho listado.

Abstract Introduction: negative outcomes associated with medication (NOM), including adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or safety problems, are a relevant clinical problem due to their high incidence and harmful effects on health. A drug could be considered a tracer / marker because of: 1) an increased likelihood of causing ADR or safety problems; or 2) its use to treat and therefore identify patients with ADR. Tracer drug listings could be useful in pharmacological safety or pharmacotherapeutic monitoring programs. Objective: the objective of this study was to structure a list of drug tracer / markers of the patients with the highest risk of presenting NOM, which could be useful to select patients for FFT or pharmacological safety programs. Data collection: initially, a structured review was performed in PubMed / Medline to identify drugs associated with the presentation of ADRs classified as severe or moderate and with a prevalence of 10% or greater. Subsequently, the list of identified medications was compared and complemented with high alert medications of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) and medications used to treat ADRs or antidotes. Results: a general listing of 139 drug tracers / markers was generated. Conclusions: this listing could be a tool to detect and select the patients who could most benefit from the FTS or pharmacological safety programs. Studies designed to evaluate the practical usefulness of this listing are required.

Recent advances in radiotracers for apoptosis imaging / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Apoptosis plays a crucial role in various physiology and pathologic processes of organisms.The non-invasive imaging of apoptosis may have potentially important diagnostic and prognostic predictive values on apoptosis-associated diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases and neoplasms.Molecular imaging of nuclear medicine provides a useful tool to investigate these features in vivo by using suitable radiopharmaceuticals.This review summarizes the recent advances in imaging agents targeting the apoptosis process.

Hypoxia-induced tumor biological behavior changes and application of radiotracers for PET imaging of tumor hypoxia / 中华全科医师杂志

Hypoxia exists in a wide range of advanced solid tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis.Hypoxia can enhance tumor invasion, promote tumor angiogenesis, impact genomic stability and change the tumor microenvironment by activating expression of relevant genes through hypoxia-induced factors (HIFs).Hypoxia provides favorable conditions for tumor metastasis and relapse, and it is involved in all aspects of tumor development.The study of hypoxia in tumors may provide useful information for pre-clinical evaluation, individualized treatment and clinical prognosis.Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging method, which can be used for assessing and quantifying tumor hypoxic microenvironment.This article reviews the mechanisms of hypoxia-induced tumor biological behavior changes and the research progress of the application of radiotracers for PET imaging of tumor hypoxia.

Recent progress of 89 Zr tracers for PET imaging / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

89Zr is a positron-emitting metal with a long half-life (78.4 h) which is compatible to the labeling of slow-accumulating bioactive vectors. Many researchers have adopted 89 Zr for medical research. DFO is the most prevalent chelator used to link 89 Zr with bioactive vectors to synthesize stable PET agents, which gives high-resolution PET images with exceptional T/NT ratio. This review describes five methods based on DFO to synthesize 89 Zr-based PET agents, among which isothiocyanate ( Df-Bz-NCS) and N-succi-nyl-DFO ( N-suc-DFO) have been used in clinical studies. The targeting bioactive vectors labeled by 89 Zr for PET imaging include antibodies (monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives), polypeptides (RGD pep-tides), proteins (transferrin, albumin, etc.), bioengineering structures (nanoparticles, liposomes, micro-spheres, etc.), cells (stem cells, immune cell subsets) and so on. The application of 89Zr PET in drug de-velopment, cell tracking and tumor imaging has become increasingly prominent.

Clinical application of positron emission tomography/computed tomography in hepatocellular carcinoma and related research advances / 临床肝胆病杂志

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high fatality rate and most patients are in advanced stage when diagnosed with routine methods.As a molecular imaging method, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has become more and more important.However, it also has certain limitations, since it always has false-negative results for well-differentiated HCC and small HCC.Therefore, a combination of various tracers can improve the sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT in the diagnosis of HCC.This article reviews the role of PET/CT in the therapeutic effect evaluation, recurrence monitoring, and prognosis of HCC.

Development of PET agent for cardiac sympathetic nervous system / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Many cardiac sympathetic changes occur before clinical symptoms being found in heart disease.PET/CT imaging can sensitively detect abnormal cardiac sympathetic nerve function.The recent development of several 11 C and 18F labeled cardiac sympathetic imaging agents is reviewed in this paper.11C-meta-hydroxyephedrine (11 C-HED) and 6-18F-fluorodopamine (18F-FDA) have been comprehensively studied already.N-11C-CH3-dopamine (11C-MDA) and N-(3-bromo-4-(3-18F-fluoropropoxy)-benzyl)-guanidine (18F-LMI1195) are novel imaging agents with potential for clinical application.

Application of carbon nanoparticles as lymph node tracers in patients with cN0 lingual squamous cell carcinoma un-dergoing neck dissection / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study aimed to investigate the value of carbon nanoparticles as lymph node tracers in neck dissection for cN0 lingual squamous cell carcinoma patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-six patients with cN0 lingual squamous cell carcinoma were recruited to undergo surgical treatment were randomly divided into two groups, namely, the carbon nanoparticle-labeled group (the experimental group, 50 cases) and the control group (46 cases). Carbon nanoparticle suspension was injected into the submucosal layer around the site of the primary tumor at three or four points (0.1 mL for each point) 12 h before surgery. Supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND, Levels Ⅰ to Ⅲ) or comprehensive neck dissection (CND, Levels Ⅰto Ⅴ) were performed based on the size and location of the primary tumor. All the lymph nodes were dissected and separated from the ex vivo surgical specimens for histopathological evaluation. The number, size, location, and pathological result of all the lymph nodes were compared between the two groups. Statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS 19.0 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 1 137 lymph nodes were detected in 31 SOHND patients. The average number of lymph nodes detected in the experimental group was (43.79±19.23) /case, which was significantly higher than that in the control group [(30.82±8.77) /case] (P=0.019). Level Ⅲ covered the largest number of lymph nodes in the two groups. However, the number and proportion of lymph nodes found in Level Ⅱ of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P=0.000). A total of 3 938 lymph nodes were detected in 65 CND patients. The average number of lymph nodes detected in the experimental group [(66.67±20.02) /case] was larger than that in the control group [(53.03±20.98) /case] (P=0.026). The difference in the lymph node location between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.354). In the two neck dissection methods, both the proportion of minute lymph nodes and the accuracy of the detected lymph nodes in the experimental group were significantly larger than those in the control groups (P=0.000). Compared with the control group, more metastases were proven by the carbon nanoparticle-labeled lymph nodes (P=0.000) in the experimental group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Carbon nanoparticles as lymph node tracers in patients with cN0 lingual squamous cell carcinoma undergoing neck dissection can increase the number of detected lymph nodes, especially the minute nodes. Such nanoparticles can further ensure the thoroughness of neck dissection and the accuracy of clinicopathological stage.</p>

Efficacy of Fuzzy c-Means Cluster Analysis of Naturally Occurring Radioisotope Datasets for Improved Groundwater Resource Management under the Continued Risk of Climate Change.

Global change is recognized as an additional potential stressor on already over-tapped groundwater systems. Mitigation of impacts due to global change requires planning for sustainable use of groundwater systems. Identifying and developing mitigation plans for sustainable use of groundwater resources require detailed knowledge of aquifer dynamics and temporal behavior for a higher level of certainty on which decisions can be made by a knowledgeable group of stakeholders. The principal hypothesis of this study was that a robust set of uranium (238U) and thorium (232Th) decay series data from multiple wellfields representing different confining and geochemical conditions would cluster in a meaningful manner using a fuzzy c-means technique for better understanding of aquifer dynamics for management purposes. Three conceptual models were represented by the wellfields: 1) a well-confined artesian aquifer; 2) an area receiving recharge via a confining layer window; and 3) a regional recharge zone where the aquifer sub-crops near the land surface. These conceptual models were defined as C1, C2, and C3 according to the respective definitions. Eleven samples from the three wellfields were analyzed for ten parameters consisting of 238U and 232Th decay series isotopes. The data clustered successfully into three cluster types providing discrimination of behavior within each wellfield. Clusters C2 and C3 were characterized by the higher values of 222Rn, 226Ra, 228Ra, and 224Ra. Whereas, C1 was characterized by a higher values of 228Th, which was mostly absent from C2 and C3. The data clustered as expected between the well-confined, window, and regional recharge conceptual models with insights into individual well behavior. The data offer a robust conceptualization of aquifer dynamics in the regional area that may benefit decision makers.

Mercury and stable isotopes (delta-15N and delta-13C) as tracers during the ontogeny of Trichiurus lepturus

This study applies total mercury (THg) concentration and stable isotope signature (δ15N and δ13C) to evaluate the trophic status and feeding ground of Trichiurus lepturus during its ontogeny in northern Rio de Janeiro, south-eastern Brazil. The trophic position of T. lepturus is detected well by THg and δ15N as the sub-adult planktivorous specimens are distinct from the adult carnivorous specimens. The δ13C signatures suggest a feeding ground associated with marine coastal waters that are shared by fish in different ontogenetic phases. The diet tracers indicated that the fish feeding habits do not vary along seasons of the year, probably reflecting the prey availability in the study area. This fish has economic importance and the concentration of THg was compared to World Health Organization limit, showing that the adult specimens of T. lepturus are very close to the tolerable limit for safe regular ingestion. .

Este estudo utilizou a concentração de mercúrio total (THg) e a assinatura isotópica (δ15N e δ13C) para avaliar a posição trófica e a área de alimentação de Trichiurus lepturus durante sua ontogenia no norte do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil. A posição trófica de T. lepturus foi bem detectada pelo THg e δ15N com os espécimes sub-adultos planctívoros distintos dos espécimes adultos carnívoros. As assinaturas de δ13C sugerem uma área de alimentação associada a águas marinhas costeiras que são compartilhadas por peixes em diferentes fases ontogenéticas. Os traçadores de dieta indicaram que os hábitos alimentares desse peixe não variam ao longo das estações do ano, refletindo provavelmente a disponibilidade de presas na área de estudo. Esse peixe tem importância econômica e a concentração de THg foi comparada com o limite estabelecido pela Organização Mundial de Saúde, demonstrando que os espécimes adultos de T. lepturus estão bem próximos do limite tolerável para uma ingestão regular segura.

Carbon nano-particle mapping of sentinel lymph nodes in colon cancer patients undergoing radical resection / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To identify if intraoperative injecting carbon nanoparticles (CNP) is a feasible,precise and safe method of sentinel lymph node mapping (SLNM).Methods In this study,63 colon cancer patients from July 2009 to March 2011 were included.1 ml (50 mg) CNP was locally injected into subserosa around the neoplasm intraoperatively.In comparison 90 colon cancer patients underwent radical resection without CNP injection (control group).After operation both SLN and non-SLN were collected and analyzed compared with the lymphnodes collected in control group.Clinical feasibility,detection rate,and sensitivity of the method were analyzed.The categorical variables were analyzed with the Pearson Chi-square or Fisher's exact test,whereas the continuous variables were analyzed with t test,significance was determined as P ＜ 0.05.Results 1640 lymph nodes were detected in 63 patients(with an average 26.0 per case),SLNs were identified in all cases(100％),481 SLNs were collected (with an average 7.6).Totally 198 metastatic lymph nodes were detected in 31 patients (average 3.1),including 34 metastatic SLNs.Total number of lymph nodes and number of metastatic lymph nodes detected in CNP group were higher than those of control group (P =0.000,P =0.001).The sensitivity,accuracy,specificity and false negative rate were 52％,76％,100％ and 48％ respectively.The sensitivity,accuracy,specificity and false negative rate were adjusted to 79％,90％,100％ and 21％ respectively if all T4 stage patients were excluded.Conclusions SLN detection can increase the number of lymph nodes harvested and improve the detection rate of lymph node metastasis.