Calidad de medición en investigación científica en contexto de gran altitud: a nivel atómico análisis estudio de interlaboratorios, oxido de deuterio por FTIR ­ 2021 / Quality of measurement in scientific research in a high-altitude context: at the atomic level interlaboratory study analysis, deuterium oxide by FTIR ­ 2021

Se presenta conceptos del saber hacer investigación científica asociada a la calidad de las mediciones, y dentro de ella sobre la calidad intrínseca de la medición de variables, dirigida a dos condiciones de la misma: la precisión y exactitud. Se describe formas de evaluación de la precisión como ser el coeficiente de variación y el error técnico de las mediciones. Por otro lado se describe formas de evaluación de la exactitud como son la regresión linear y el puntaje Z. También se sugieren y se describen las acciones y las herramientas para mejorar tanto la precisión como la exactitud. El análisis de agua enriquecida con oxido de deuterio, es una temática que fue tomada en cuenta por la Agencia Internacional de Energía Atómica (IAEA), Viena, Austria, en la gestión 2021, y se organizó una actividad mediante el "Estudio de Interlaboratorios, Oxido de Deuterio por FTIR ­ 2021". El propósito fue asegurar la calidad integral en la capacidad construida en el uso de técnicas de isotopos estables para la evaluación del estado de salud y nutricional. Así mismo, evaluar la calidad de medición de la exactitud relativa sobre el enriquecimiento del agua con óxido de deuterio en 43 laboratorios a nivel internacional, grupo en cual se incluyó al Laboratorio de Biología Atómica (LABA) de la Unidad de Crecimiento y Desarrollo (UCREDE). Se utilizó la regresión linear y el puntaje Z para evaluar la exactitud. Se concluye que los resultados demostraron un muy buen rendimiento en exactitud relativa con los equipos FTIR que midieron el enriquecimiento de deuterio en muestras de agua.

Concepts of knowing how to do scientific research associated with the quality of measurements are presented, and within it on the intrinsic quality of the measurement of variables, aimed at two conditions of the same: precision and accuracy. Forms of precision evaluation are described, such as the coefficient of variation and the technical error of the measurements. On the other hand, forms of accuracy evaluation are described, such as linear regression and Z-score. Actions and tools to improve both precision and accuracy are also suggested and described. The analysis of water enriched with deuterium oxide is a topic that was taken into account by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria, in the 2021 management, and an activity was organized through the Interlaboratory Study, Deuterium Oxide by FTIR ­ 2021. The purpose was to ensure comprehensive quality in the capacity built in the use of stable isotope techniques for the evaluation of health and nutritional status. Likewise, to evaluate the quality of measurement of the relative accuracy of the enrichment of water with deuterium oxide in 43 laboratories at the international level, a group that included the Atomic Biology Laboratory (LABA) of the Growth and Development Unit (UCREDE ). Linear regression and Z-score were used to assess accuracy. It is concluded that the results demonstrated a very good performance in relative accuracy with the FTIR equipment that measured deuterium enrichment in water samples.

Applications of stable isotope metabolic flux analysis in tumor metabolic reprogramming / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of tumors. Tumors own unique metabolic patterns in different stages of their occurrence and development. The stable isotope metabolic flux analysis technology uses stable isotope to trace the metabolites in tumors and crystallize tumor metabolism network. Stable isotope metabolic flux analysis is a useful tool for studying tumor metabolism, which can determine the nutritional sources, find the metabolic liabilities, confirm the metabolic pattern of tumors, and discover new mechanisms of tumor metabolic reprogramming, thus providing theoretical bases for imaging, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of tumor. This article reviews the applications of stable isotope flux analysis in tumor metabolic reprogramming.

Mammals in São Paulo State: diversity, distribution, ecology, and conservation / Mamíferos do Estado de São Paulo: diversidade, distribuição, ecologia e conservação

Abstract Mammals are charismatic organisms that play a fundamental role in ecological functions and ecosystem services, such as pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and pest control. The state of São Paulo represents only 3% of the Brazilian territory but holds 33% of its mammalian diversity. Most of its territory is dominated by agriculture, pastures, and urban areas which directly affect the diversity and persistence of mammals in the landscape. In addition, São Paulo has the largest port in Latin America and the largest offshore oil reservoir in Brazil, with a 600 km stretch of coastline with several marine mammal species. These human-made infrastructures affect the diversity, distribution, ecology, and the future of mammals in the state. Here, we answer five main questions: 1) What is the diversity of wild mammals in São Paulo state? 2) Where are they? 3) What is their positive and negative impact on human well-being? 4) How do mammals thrive in human-modified landscapes? 5) What is the future of mammals in the state? The state of São Paulo holds 255 species of native mammals, with four endemic species, two of them globally endangered. At least six species (two marsupials, Giant otter, Pampas deer, Brazilian dwarf brocket deer, and Giant armadillo) were extirpated from the state due to hunting and habitat loss. The intense human land use in the state forced many mammalian species to change their diet to cope with the intense fragmentation and agriculture. Large-scale monoculture has facilitated the invasion of exotic species such as wild boars (javali) and the European hare. Several "savanna-dwelling" species are expanding their ranges (Maned wolf, Brocket deer) over deforested areas and probably reflect changes towards a drier climate. Because the state has the largest road system, about 40,000 mammals from 33 species are killed per year in collisions causing an economic loss of 12 million dollars/year. The diversity of mammals is concentrated in the largest forest remnants of Serra do Mar and in the interior of the State, mainly in the regions of Ribeirão Preto and Jundiaí. Sampling gaps are concentrated throughout the interior of the state, particularly in the northwest region. Wild mammals play a fundamental role in many ecosystem services, but they can also be a concern in bringing new emergent diseases to humans. Although the taxonomy of mammals seems to be well known, we show that new species are continuously being discovered in the state. Therefore, continuous surveys using traditional and new technologies (eDNA, iDNA, drones), long-term population monitoring, investigation of the interface of human-wildlife conflict, and understanding of the unique ecosystem role played by mammals are future avenues for promoting sustainable green landscapes allied to human well-being in the state. The planting of forest or savanna corridors, particularly along with major river systems, in the plateau, controlling illegal hunting in the coastal areas, managing fire regimes in the Cerrado, and mitigating roadkill must be prioritized to protect this outstanding mammal diversity.

Resumo Os mamíferos são organismos carismáticos que desempenham um papel fundamental na função ecológica e nos serviços ecossistêmicos, como polinização, dispersão de sementes, ciclagem de nutrientes e controle de pragas. O Estado de São Paulo representa apenas 3% do território brasileiro, mas detém 33% da diversidade de mamíferos. A maior parte de seu território é dominado pela agricultura, pastagens e áreas urbanas que afetam diretamente a diversidade e a persistência dos mamíferos na paisagem. Além disso, São Paulo possui o maior porto da América Latina e o maior reservatório de petróleo costeiro do Brasil, com 600 km de extensão de litoral com diversas espécies de mamíferos marinhos. Essas infraestruturas afetam a diversidade, distribuição, ecologia e o futuro dos mamíferos no estado. Aqui, respondemos cinco perguntas principais: 1) Qual é a diversidade de mamíferos silvestres no Estado de São Paulo? 2) Onde eles ocorrem? 3) Qual é o seu impacto positivo e negativo no bem-estar humano? 4) Como os mamíferos persistem em paisagens modificadas pelo homem? 5) Qual é o futuro dos mamíferos no estado? O estado de São Paulo possui 255 espécies de mamíferos nativos, com quatro espécies endêmicas, duas delas globalmente ameaçadas de extinção. Pelo menos seis espécies (dois marsupiais, ariranha, veado-campeiro, veado-cambuta e tatu-canastra) foram extirpadas do estado devido à caça e perda de habitat. O intenso uso humano da terra no estado forçou muitas espécies de mamíferos a mudar sua dieta para lidar com a intensa fragmentação e agricultura. A monocultura em larga escala facilitou a invasão de espécies exóticas, como porcos selvagens (javaporco) e a lebre europeia. Várias espécies de áreas abertas estão expandindo suas áreas de distribuição (lobo-guará, veado-catingueiro) sobre áreas desmatadas e provavelmente refletem mudanças em direção a um clima mais seco. Como o estado possui o maior sistema rodoviário do Brasil, cerca de 40 mil mamíferos de 33 espécies são mortos por ano em colisões, causando um prejuízo econômico de 12 milhões de dólares/ano. A diversidade de mamíferos está concentrada nos maiores remanescentes florestais da Serra do Mar e no interior do Estado, principalmente nas regiões de Ribeirão Preto e Jundiaí. As lacunas amostrais estão concentradas em todo o interior do estado, principalmente na região noroeste. Os mamíferos silvestres desempenham um papel fundamental em muitos serviços ecossistêmicos, mas também podem ser uma preocupação em trazer novas doenças emergentes para as populações humanas. Embora a taxonomia de mamíferos pareça ser bem conhecida, mostramos que novas espécies estão sendo continuamente descobertas no estado. Portanto, pesquisas usando tecnologias tradicionais e novas (eDNA, iDNA, drones), monitoramento populacional de longo prazo, a investigação da interface do conflito homem-vida selvagem e a compreensão do papel único no ecossistema desempenhado pelos mamíferos são um caminho futuro para promover uma paisagem verde sustentável aliada ao bem-estar humano no estado. O plantio de corredores florestais ou de cerrado, principalmente junto aos principais sistemas fluviais, no planalto, o controle da caça ilegal nas áreas costeiras, o manejo dos regimes de fogo no Cerrado e a mitigação dos atropelamentos devem ser uma prioridade para proteger essa notável diversidade de mamíferos.

The cost of gold: Mercury contamination of fishes in a Neotropical river food web

In South America, mercury contamination due to gold mining operations is a threat to both biodiversity and human health. We examined mercury (Hg) concentrations in fishes that constitute important subsistence fisheries from mined and non-mined tributaries in the middle Mazaruni River, Guyana. Mercury concentrations and trophic food web structure (based on carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes) were characterized for primary basal sources and 39 fish species representing seven trophic guilds. Fishes collected at mined sites had higher mercury concentrations; piscivores and carnivores had the highest Hg concentrations and exhibited significant Hg biomagnification. Our results showed that medium- to large-bodied fishes commonly eaten by local people contained Hg values that exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and pose a health concern for riverine communities along the Mazaruni River that depend on fish as their main source of protein. Further research to determine the sources of Hg contamination and how it affects human health in this neotropical river must become a top priority. In addition, more research on how Hg contamination impacts the fishes themselves and overall aquatic biodiversity is also needed in the Mazaruni River which has both high fish endemism and diversity.(AU)

Na América do Sul, a contaminação por mercúrio devido às operações de mineração de ouro é uma ameaça à biodiversidade e à saúde humana. Nós examinamos as concentrações de mercúrio (Hg) em peixes que constituem importantes pescarias de subsistência em afluentes minerados e não minerados no médio rio Mazaruni, Guiana. As concentrações de mercúrio e a estrutura trófica da teia alimentar (baseada em isótopos estáveis ​​de carbono e nitrogênio) foram caracterizadas para fontes basais primárias e 39 espécies de peixes representando sete guildas tróficas. Os peixes coletados em locais minerados tiveram maiores concentrações de mercúrio; piscívoros e carnívoros tiveram as maiores concentrações de Hg e exibiram biomagnificação significativa de Hg. Nossos resultados mostraram que peixes de corpo médio a grande comumente consumidos pela população local continham valores de Hg que excedem os critérios da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) e representam uma preocupação para a saúde das comunidades ribeirinhas ao longo do rio Mazaruni que dependem dos peixes como sua principal fonte de proteína. Outras pesquisas para determinar as fontes de contaminação por Hg e como isso afeta a saúde humana neste rio neotropical devem se tornar uma prioridade. Além disso, mais pesquisas sobre como a contaminação por Hg impacta os próprios peixes e a biodiversidade aquática em geral também são necessárias no rio Mazaruni, que tem alto endemismo e diversidade de peixes.(AU)

Ontogenetic change in the diet of Semaprochilodus insignis (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae) during migration between two limnologically distinct environments in the Amazon Basin

Semaprochilodus insignis is an Amazonian migratory fish species, moving in large shoals between white- and black-water rivers. It has long been classified as a detritivorous fish. However, it is possible that the trophic plasticity of S. insignis could be higher than previously assumed. The objective of this study was to investigate the relative contributions of autotrophic energy sources to the diet of S. insignis in the Negro and Solimões rivers and to determine if the species undergoes an ontogenetic change in the diet. We found variations between the δ13C and δ15N values of S. insignis between the rivers. In the Negro River, periphyton (84%) was the principal energy source for adults, while juveniles in the Solimões River foraged predominantly on terrestrial plants/C3 macrophytes (50%) and phytoplankton (42%). These variations in isotopic signatures are likely associated with migratory movements of S. insignis at different life stages and hydrological periods. Instead of the previously assumed dietary classification, we suggest that S. insignis varies its diet ontogenetically, with adults acting as illiophagous in black-water while the young are detritivorous in white-water rivers. The results show that this species creates complex links between food chains, thus emphasizing the importance of conserving flooded areas.(AU)

Semaprochilodus insignis é uma espécie de peixe migratório da Amazônia, movendo-se em cardumes entre rios de água branca e preta. Tem sido classificado como um peixe detritívoro-iliófago. Porém, é possível que a plasticidade trófica de S. insignis seja maior do que se supunha. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as contribuições relativas de fontes de energia autotróficas para a dieta do S. insignis nos rios Negro e Solimões e se a espécie muda ontogenticamente a sua dieta. Encontramos variações entre os valores de δ13C e δ15N de S. insignis entre os rios: Negro, o perifíton (84%) foi a principal fonte de energia para adultos, enquanto para os juvenis do rio Solimões, foram predominantemente as plantas terrestres/macrófitas C3 (50%) e fitoplâncton (42%). Essas variações nas assinaturas isotópicas provavelmente estão associadas a movimentos migratórios do S. insignis em diferentes estágios da vida e períodos hidrológicos. Ao invés da classificação alimentar previamente assumida, sugerimos que o S. insignis varie sua dieta ontogeneticamente, os adultos são iliófagos em águas negras, enquanto os jovens são detritívoros em rios de águas brancas. Os resultados demonstram que essa espécie promove ligações complexas entre as cadeias alimentares enfatizando, dessa forma, a importância da conservação das áreas inundadas amazônicas.(AU)

Individual niche trajectories in nesting green turtles on Rocas Atoll, Brazil: an isotopic tool to assess diet shifts over time / Trajetórias de nicho individual em tartarugas verdes do Atol das Rocas, Brasil: uma ferramenta isotópica para verificar trocas de dieta ao longo do tempo

Abstract In this study, multi-tissue (yolk and carapace) stable isotope analysis was used to assess individual isotopic niche trajectories of nesting green turtles on Rocas Atoll, off northeastern Brazil, and to reveal a diet shift in the temporal dimension. The diet trajectories of individual green turtles were highly directional, with a stronger component towards decreasing values of δ15N from carapace to yolk. When the green turtles are in their foraging sites (temporal window measured by the yolk samples), they are more herbivores. Conversely, in a broader temporal window, the green turtles demonstrate a carnivore-omnivore strategy, such as represented by heavier δ15N values in the carapace. This finding confirms a temporal diet shift. This is the first study that applies trophic niche trajectories for sea turtles, adding a new isotopic tool to understand the trophic ecology of these migrant animals.

Resumo Neste estudo, a análise de isótopos estáveis em múltiplos tecidos (vitelo e carapaça) foi usada para avaliar as trajetórias individuais de nicho isotópico de tartarugas verdes em nidificação no Atol das Rocas, nordeste do Brasil, e para revelar uma mudança de dieta na dimensão temporal. As trajetórias individuais da dieta de tartarugas verdes foram altamente direcionais, com um componente mais forte na direção de valores decrescentes de δ15N da carapaça ao vitelo. Quando as tartarugas verdes estão em seus locais de forrageamento (janela temporal medida pelas amostras de vitelo), elas são mais herbívoras. Por outro lado, em uma janela temporal mais ampla, as tartarugas verdes demonstram uma estratégia carnívora-onívora, representada por valores mais elevados de δ15N na carapaça. Os resultados confirmam uma mudança temporal na dieta. Este é o primeiro estudo que aplica trajetórias de nicho trófico para tartarugas marinhas, adicionando uma nova ferramenta isotópica para entender a ecologia trófica desses animais migrantes.

Review on Pharmacoscintigraphy

Pharmacoscintigraphy is a non-invasive technique for determining the fate of drugs after administration into humans. Collecting valuable information through the pharmacoscintigraphyabout absorption and release mechanisms of drugs from formulations, and thus proving to be an invaluable tool in developing newer and more effective formulations. Such studies can be used to determine the behavior of drugs, formulation as well as diagnostic agents that are administered. In this technique, radiolabelled formulations are administered to patients by their intended route of administration. Their transit through the body is monitored using sophisticated imaging cameras. Since the amount of radiotracer that is used is very low, this is a safe, efficient, and accurate method for studying the behavior of drugs in the human body. Preclinical studies of newer drugs have successfully been carried out using the pharmacoscintigraphic technique

Feeding preferences in aquatic invertebrates associated to Egeria densa in a tropical high-mountain lake

Introduction: The benthic fauna of the littoral zone in lakes is important in transferring energy to other trophic levels, habitat coupling, and helping to keep habitat stability. The study of this type of interactions in lentic systems is priority, since functional aspects about biological communities are unknown. Objective: Describing the trophic relations of aquatic invertebrates of the littoral zone in a tropical high mountain lake by characterizing gut content and stable isotope analysis of δ13C and δ15N. Methods: Samples of benthic invertebrates were collected in the littoral zone of the Lago de Tota where Egeria densa was present using a handheld net method. Samples were processed in the laboratory, organisms were identified, counted and weighed. Gut contents and δ13C and δ15N stable isotopes analysis were performed as well. Results: Records of the trophic relations of aquatic invertebrates, which live in the littoral in high mountain lentic ecosystem in the Neotropics are shown. The analysis of gut contents distinguished seven food items, microphytes and MOPF were the most frequent, and through the stable isotopes analysis (δ15N) we identified four trophic levels, among resources (macrophytes and POM), and consumers (detritivores, herbivores, and predators). The two upper trophic levels concentrated greater diversity and biomass. Conclusion: Most of the organisms studied were linked to omnivorous habits, evidenced in a wide spectrum of food items in their diet. The δ15N values show an enrichment, which occurs due to the effects of the tendency towards eutrophication of the system or due to unknown values of protozoa and bacteria that plays a fundamental role in the diet of these organisms, besides the δ13C values reported in organisms consumes, allows us to suggest an affinity with native resources of the littoral zone.

Introducción: La fauna béntica de la zona litoral de los lagos constituye un vínculo importante en el acoplamiento de hábitats, dinamizando los procesos de transferencia de materia y energía, y con ellos la estabilidad del sistema. El estudio de este tipo de interacciones en sistemas lénticos es prioritario, ya que existen vacíos de información sobre aspectos funcionales que involucran a las comunidades biológicas. Objetivo: Describir las relaciones tróficas de invertebrados acuáticos de la zona litoral de un lago de alta montaña tropical mediante caracterización de contenidos estomacales y análisis de isótopos estables de δ15N y δ13C. Métodos: Se colectaron muestras en la zona litoral del Lago de Tota, asociadas con la presencia de Egeria densa utilizando una red portátil. Las muestras se procesaron en el laboratorio donde los organismos se identificaron, contaron y pesaron. También se realizaron análisis de contenido estomacal e isótopos estables δ13C y δ15N. Resultados: Presentamos registros sobre hábitos tróficos de invertebrados acuáticos de litoral para ecosistemas lénticos de alta montaña del Neotrópico. El análisis de contenido estomacal permitió distinguir siete ítems alimenticios, donde los micrófitos y la MOPF fueron los recursos más frecuentes y el análisis de isótopos estables permitió identificar cuatro niveles tróficos, un nivel basal que hace referencia a los recursos (Macrófitos, MOP) y consumidores detritívoros, herbívoros y depredadores. Los dos niveles tróficos superiores concentraron mayor diversidad y biomasa. Conclusión: La mayor parte de los organismos estudiados fueron vinculados con hábitos omnívoros, evidenciado en un amplio espectro de ítems alimenticios en su dieta. Los valores de δ15N muestran un enriqueciendo que puede deberse a la tendencia del lago hacia la eutroficación o por valores desconocidos de protozoos y bacterias que pueden estar jugando un rol fundamental en la dieta de estos organismos, adicionalmente los valores de δ13C reportados en los organismos consumidores nos permiten sugerir una afinidad hacia recursos propios de la región litoral.

First study of food webs in a large glacial river: the trophic role of invasive trout

The aim of this study was to determine the food webs structure of a large Patagonian river in two river sections (Upstream and Midstream) and to evaluate isotopic overlap between native and introduced species. We used stable isotope analyses of δ15N and δ13C and stomach content. The Upstream section had a more complex food webs structure with a greater richness of macroinvertebrates and fish species than Midstream. Upstream basal resources were dominated by filamentous algae. Lake Trout were found to have a higher trophic position than all other fish species in that area although, the most abundant fish species, were Rainbow Trout. Depending on the life stage, Rainbow Trout shifted from prey to competitor/predator. In the Midstream section, the base of the food webs was dominated by coarse particulate organic matter, and adult Rainbow Trout had the highest trophic level. Isotopic values changed among macroinvertebrates and fish for both areas. The two most abundant native and invasive species — Puyen and Rainbow Trout — showed an isotopic separation in Midstream but did not in Upstream areas. The presence of invasive fish that occupy top trophic levels can have a significant impact on native fish populations that have great ecological importance in the region.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la estructura trófica de un gran río de la Patagonia en dos secciones (río arriba y medio) y evaluar la superposición isotópica entre especies nativas e introducidas. Utilizamos análisis de isótopos estables δ15N y δ13C y contenido estomacal. La sección río arriba tuvo una estructura de trama trófica más compleja, con mayor riqueza de macroinvertebrados y peces respecto de la sección media. Los recursos basales dominantes río arriba fueron las algas filamentosas. En esta área, la trucha de lago tuvo la posición trófica más alta entre los peces, aunque, las especies de peces más abundantes fueron las truchas arcoiris. Dependiendo del estadio, la trucha arcoiris cambió su rol de presa a competidor/depredador. En la sección media del río, la base de la trama trófica estuvo dominada por materia orgánica particulada gruesa y la trucha arcoíris adulta fue el depredador tope. Los valores isotópicos variaron entre zonas para invetebrados y peces. Las dos especies nativas e invasoras más abundantes, Puyen y trucha arcoiris, mostraron una separación isotópica en la sección media, pero no en secciones de río arriba. La presencia de peces invasores que ocupan una posición tope en los niveles tróficos puede tener un impacto significativo sobre las poblaciones de peces nativos de gran importancia ecológica en la región.(AU)

Effect of 125I seed implantation combined with chemotherapy in treatment of liver metastasis of advanced colorectal cancer / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective: To observe the clinical effect and safety of 125I seed implantation combined with chemotherapy in treatment of advanced colorectal cancer with liver metastasis. Methods: Totally 27 cases of advanced colorectal cancer with 60 liver metastasis were enrolled. 125I seed implantation was performed, followed by second-line chemotherapy. The clinical effect, safety and prognosis of the above treatments were observed. Results: Totally 1 995 125I seeds were successfully implanted into 60 liver metastasis([33.41±24.79]seeds in each lesion), and the dose distribution was uniform. Postoperative adverse reactions were mild and recovered after symptomatic treatment. There was no significant difference of liver function before and 1 week after 125I seed implantation. Six patients were treated with oxaliplatin combined regimen and 21 with irinotecan combined regimen 1 week after 125I seed implantation. At the end of 3 and 6 cycles of chemotherapy, the lesion diameter and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level significantly reduced compared with those before implantation (both P< 0.001). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and median overall lifetime (OS) was 8.1 months and 14.6 months, respectively. Conclusion: 125I seed implantation combined with second-line chemotherapy is safe and effective in near future for treating advanced colorectal cancer patients with liver metastasis.

Integrated gastrointestinal nutritional tube loaded with double 125I strands for brachytherapy of esophageal carcinoma with degree dysphagia / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective: To observe the effect of integrated gastrointestinal nutritional tube loaded with double 125I strands applied in esophageal cancer with grade dysphagia. Methods: Interventional catheter technology was used to open the occlusive segment of esophagus in 10 patients with esophageal cancer and grade dysphagia. Then the new integrated tube was fed along the guide wire with 125I segment needs crossing the esophageal occlusion segment for brachytherapy. The technical success rate and clinical success rate were counted. The dosimetry parameters were recorded and compared before and 3 days after operation, while the therapeutic effect were estimated according to Karnofsky score and Neuhaus dysphagia grading 2 months after operation. The patients were followed up for 6 months to observe the prognosis. Results: All 10 patients underwent successful tube insertion. The technical success rate was 100%, and the clinical success rate was 70%. No serious complication occurred. There was no statistically significant difference of 90% of gross tumor volume (GTV) received dose (D90%), GTV minimum peripheral dose (mPD), GTV received 200% and 100% of the prescribed dose volume percentage (V200%, V100%), conformal index (CI) nor external index (EI) before and after operation (all P>0.05). Karnofsky score and Neuhaus grading were significantly improved 2 months after operation (both P<0.01), and the local tumor control rate was 70%. During 6 months' follow-up, dysphagia reoccurred in 1 case, 2 cases died, while no relapse was found in 7 patients. Conclusion: The integrated gastrointestinal nutritional tube loaded with double 125I strands can achieve gastrointestinal nutrition and brachytherapy at the same time,which is effective and safe for treating esophageal cancer and grade dysphagia.

Effect of 125I seeds on T24 transitional cell carcinoma of nude mouse / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective: To observe the effect of 125I on T24 transitional cell carcinoma of nude mouse. Methods: Totally 40 T24 transplanted tumor nude mice were divided into high, medium, low activity and control groups (each n=10), and 125I seeds with activity of 0.9 mCi (33. 3 MBq), 0.6 mCi (22. 2 MBq), 0.3 mCi (11. 1 MBq) and 0 mCi (nuclide free) were implanted in the tumor center, respectively. The 90% target absorbed dose (D90), tumor inhibition rate (IR), radiation reaction grade (RRG) of HE staining, apoptosis index and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein expression were analyzed and compared among groups 10 days and 20 days after implantation. Results: D90 and IR of nude mice with high, medium and low activity groups decreased gradually 10 and 20 days after 125I seed implantation (all P<0.05). The necrosis was obvious within 5 mm around the tumor, and the higher the seed activity, the longer the time, the wider the ranges of necrosis. RRG of high activity group 10 and 20 days after 125I seed implantation were higher than that in low activity group and control group (all P<0.05). Meanwhile, the apoptotic index of high, medium and low activity groups gradually decreased, the expression of Bcl-2 protein gradually increased (all P<0.05). Conclusion: 125I seeds can significantly inhibit the growth of T24 metastatic cell carcinoma in nude mouse. Promoting the apoptosis of tumor cells may be one of the mechanisms.

Convergent responses of fish belonging to different feeding guilds to sewage pollution

This study aimed to evaluate if the presence of pollutants promotes changes in feeding habits of fish species from different trophic guilds: the detritivorous species, Hypostomus francisci, and the piscivorous, Hoplias intermedius. Both species were sampled at 12 sites (with different degrees of pollution) in the Rio das Velhas basin, which is heavily polluted by domestic and industrial sewage from the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH). Stable isotope analyses of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) of fish tissue and the main food resources were performed. Fishes from both trophic guilds altered their diets in degraded environments, but the detritivorous species showed greater trophic plasticity. The isotopic niche of both trophic guilds was broadest in unpolluted sites and more δ15N enriched in polluted regions. The detritivorous species presented high niche-breadth in unpolluted sites, probably due to the greater variety of resources consumed. In addition, the δ15N of the detritivorous was more enriched than the piscivorous species in polluted sites. In conclusion, fishes from both trophic guilds presented similar isotopic responses to environmental pollution. However, the detritivorous species was more sensitive to these alterations and therefore, is likely a better indicator of environmental condition than the piscivorous.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se a presença de poluentes promove mudanças nos hábitos alimentares de espécies de peixes de diferentes guildas tróficas: a espécie detritívora, Hypostomus francisci, e a piscívora, Hoplias intermedius. Ambas espécies foram amostradas em 12 locais (com diferentes níveis de poluição) na bacia do Rio das Velhas, que é altamente poluída por esgoto doméstico e industrial da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte (RMBH). Foram realizadas análises de isótopos estáveis de carbono (δ13C) e nitrogênio (δ15N) dos tecidos dos peixes e dos principais recursos alimentares. Espécies de ambas guildas tróficas alteraram suas dietas em ambientes degradados, mas a espécie detritívora apresentou maior plasticidade trófica. O nicho isotópico de ambas as espécies foi mais amplo em locais menos perturbados e mais enriquecido em δ15N em regiões poluídas. A espécie detritívora apresentou grande amplitude em seu nicho isotópico em locais menos perturbados, provavelmente devido à maior variedade de recursos consumidos. Além disso, o δ15N da espécie detritívora foi mais enriquecido que a espécie piscívora em locais poluídos. Em conclusão, ambas as espécies apresentaram respostas isotópicas semelhantes à poluição ambiental. No entanto, a espécie detritívora foi mais sensível a essas alterações e, portanto, é provavelmente uma melhor indicadora de condição ambiental do que a espécie piscívora.(AU)

Estudo prospectivo para validação de protocolo único para o teste respiratório com ureia marcada com carbono-13 empregando dois dispositivos diferentes, no diagnóstico da infecção por H. pylori / Prospective study for validation of a single protocol for the 13c-urea breath test using two different devices in the diagnosis of h. pylori infection

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: 13C-urea breath test (UBT) is the gold-standard, noninvasive method for H. pylori diagnosis. However, there is no uniform standardization of the test. This situation can be unpractical for laboratories running with two or more devices. OBJECTIVE: To perform a prospective comparison validation study of UBT employing one validated protocol for two different devices: BreathID Hp Lab System® (Exalenz Bioscience Ltd, Israel), here called device A and IRIS-Doc2® (Wagner Analysen-Technik, Germany, now Mayoly Spindler Group, France), here called device B, in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. METHODS: A total of 518 consecutive patients (365 females, 153 males, mean age 53 years) referred for UBT were included. All patients received device A protocol as follow: after at least one hour fasting, patients filled two bags prior to the test, then ingested an aqueous solution containing 75 mg of 13C-urea with a 4.0 g citric acid powder and filled another two bags 15 min after ingesting the test solution. One pair of breath sample bags (before and after ingestion) was analyzed by the two different devices. A delta over baseline (DOB) ≥5‰ indicated H. pylori infection. Statistics: Wilcoxon test, kappa coefficient with 95% CI, Wilson's method. RESULTS: Considering the device A protocol as the gold standard, its comparison with device B showed a sensitivity of 99.3% (95% CI: 96.3-99.9) and a specificity of 98.9% (95% CI: 97.3-99.6). Kappa coefficient was 0.976 (95% IC: 0.956-0.997). CONCLUSION: Correlation between the two devices was excellent and supports a uniform standardization of UBT.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: O teste respiratório com ureia-marcada com carbono-13 (TR-13C) é o método padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico não invasivo da infecção por H. pylori. Apesar disto, não existe uma uniformização de protocolos para a sua realização, trazendo dificuldades operacionais para laboratórios ou clínicas que operam com equipamentos de fabricantes diferentes. OBJETIVO: Estudo prospectivo e comparativo para validação do TR-13C para o diagnóstico de infecção por H. pylori, com emprego de protocolo único para dois equipamentos diferentes, a saber: BreathID Hp Lab System® (Exalenz Bioscience Ltd, Israel), aqui denominado equipamento A e IRIS-Doc2® (Wagner Analysen-Technik, Alemanha, agora Mayoly Spindler Group, França), aqui denominado equipamento B. MÉTODOS: Um total de 518 pacientes (365 mulheres e 153 homens, idade média de 53 anos) consecutivamente encaminhados para a realização do TR-13C foram incluídos no estudo. Todos os participantes realizaram TR-13C, que foi processado e analisado simultaneamente pelos dois equipamentos. Embora os dois equipamentos possuam protocolos independentes previamente validados, foi optado, por sua maior praticidade, pela utilização de um único protocolo, conforme recomendado pelo fabricante do equipamento A, e assim resumido: após jejum mínimo de 1h, foram amostras de ar expirado coletadas em dois pequenos sacos coletores (120 mL), correspondendo ao tempo-zero (amostra-1, controle). Em seguida, os pacientes ingeriram, em até 2 min, uma solução aquosa (200 mL) contendo 75 mg de 13C-ureia e 4,0 gramas de ácido cítrico em pó, adicionado com edulcorante. Uma segunda coleta de ar expirado era realizada 15 min após a ingestão do substrato em dois novos pequenos sacos coletores, correspondendo à amostra-2. Foram considerados positivos para a presença da infecção por H. pylori quando apresentavam um delta over baseline (DOB) igual ou maior que 5‰. Análise estatística foi realizada com o teste de Wilcoxon, coeficiente kappa com IC 95% e método de Wilson. RESULTADOS: Considerando o protocolo do equipamento A como o padrão-ouro, sua comparação com o equipamento B mostrou sensibilidade de 99,3% (IC 95%: 96,3-99,9) e especificidade de 98,9% (IC 95%: 97,3-99,6). O coeficiente kappa observado foi de 0,976 (IC 95%: 0,956-0,997). CONCLUSÃO: A correlação entre os dois equipamentos foi excelente e contribui para uma uniformização de protocolos para TR-13C.

Radioactive Iodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer and Redifferentiation Therapy

The retained functionality of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) expressed in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) cells allows the further utilization of post-surgical radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, which is an effective treatment for reducing the risk of recurrence, and even the mortality, of DTC. Whereas, the dedifferentiation of DTC could influence the expression of functional NIS, thereby reducing the efficacy of RAI therapy in advanced DTC. Genetic alternations (such as BRAF and the rearranged during transfection [RET]/papillary thyroid cancer [PTC] rearrangement) have been widely reported to be prominently responsible for the onset, progression, and dedifferentiation of PTC, mainly through activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling cascades. These genetic alternations have been suggested to associate with the reduced expression of iodide-handling genes in thyroid cancer, especially the NIS gene, disabling iodine uptake and causing resistance to RAI therapy. Recently, novel and promising approaches aiming at various targets have been attempted to restore the expression of these iodine-metabolizing genes and enhance iodine uptake through in vitro studies and studies of RAI-refractory (RAIR)-DTC patients. In this review, we discuss the regulation of NIS, known mechanisms of dedifferentiation including the MAPK and PI3K pathways, and the current status of redifferentiation therapy for RAIR-DTC patients.

Combination of CT-guided multiple minimally invasive techniques for treatment of lung cancer / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of combination of CT-guided multiple minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of lung cancer. Methods All 34 patients with lung cancer (78 lesions) were treated with CT-guided physical ablation (39 lesions), chemical ablation (14 lesions) and/or 125I seed implantation (25 lesions). The efficacy and safety of the treatment were evaluated. Results CT-guided minimally invasive treatments were successfully performed in all 34 patients. During operation, a small amount of hemoptysis occurred in 5 patients, while mild to moderate pain were observed in 4 patients. Pneumothorax occurred in 4 patients after operation. No serious complication,such as massive hemorrhage or bronchial pleural fistula occurred intraoperation nor postoperation. According to the follow-up with CT, there were 69 (69/78, 88.46%) significantly effective lesions, 5 (5/78, 6.41%) stable lesions and 4 (4/78, 5.13%) advanced lesions. Conclusion Combination of CT-guided multiple minimally invasive techniques are safe and effective for treating lung tumor.

Application and dosimetry analysis of 3D printing non-coplanar template assisted CT-guided radioactive seed implantation / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective: To explore the application value of 3D-printing non-coplanar template (3D-PNCT) assisted CT-guided 125I seed implantation through dosimetry analysis. Methods: A total of 15 patients underwent 3D-PNCT assisted CT-guided 125I seed implantation. Posture fixation and set-up were performed with CT-simulator devices. Before operation, pre-plan was carried out, and 3D-PNCT was printed. 125I seeds were implanted into the lesions according to pre-plan after set-up and following postoperative verification. The dosimetric parameters, including doses of pre-plan and post-operation 90%, 100% target volume (D90, D100) and volume percent of 90%, 100%, 150% prescribed doses (V90, V100, V150) were compared. Results: 3D-PNCT assisted CT-guided 125I seed implantation were successfully accomplished in 18 lesions of all 15 patients. The median time of 3D-PNCT set-up was (11.62±2.57)min. Post-operation gross tumor volume (GTV) was more than that in pre-plan ([64.25±50.16]cm3 vs [57.37±44.25]cm3; t=-3.163, P=0.006). The number of implantated seeds were more than that in pre-plan (46.39±24.18 vs 43.78±21.63; t=-2.636, P=0.017). Post-operation V100 and V150 were less than those in pre-plan (both P0.05). Conclusion: 3D-PNCT set-up can be quickly and precisely accomplished using CT-simulator devices. 3D-PNCT assisted CT-guided 125I seed implantation can accurately performed through well match of post-operation main dosimetric parameters with those in pre-plan.

125I particle bile duct intraluminal and intratumoral implantation for treatment of unresectable pancreatic head carcinoma / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective: To explore the efficacy of 125I particle bile duct intraluminal and intratumoral implantation for treatment of unresectable pancreatic head carcinoma (PHC). Methods: Clinical data of 72 patients with unresectable PHC were analyzed retrospectively. Among them 37 patients were treated with 125I particle bile duct intraluminal and intratumoral implantation (125I group), and 35 cases underwent laparoscopic palliative surgery (PS group). The postoperative liver function, complications, medial survival time and survival rate at the end of follow-up were compared between the two groups. Results: The levels of serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase significantly decreased compared with those of preoperation, the level of serum albumin significantly decreased at 1, 3 and 6 months of postoperation in both groups, especially in 125I group at 3 and 6 months of postoperation (all P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 28.57% (10/35) in PS group and 21.62% (8/37) in 125I group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.496). The medial survival time was 9 months in PS group and 11 months in 125I group (P=0.041). Conclusion: 125I particle bile duct intraluminal and intratumoral implantation can effectively alleviate symptoms of bile duct obstruction and prolong survival time of PHC patients.

Efficacy of long-term indwelling of gastrointestinal tube with 125I seed in treatment of advanced esophageal cancer / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objectiv: To observe the efficacy of long-term indwelling of gastrointestinal tube with 125I seeds chains in patients with advanced esophageal cancer. Methods: Long-term indwelling of gastrointestinal tube with 125I seeds chains were performed on 11 patients with advanced esophageal cancer. The success rate of operation was recorded. Eating difficulty classification (Stooler grade), wall thickness of esophageal lesions in the largest layer, effective rate and adverse reactions such as chest pain, bleeding were calculated before and 2 months after operation. Results: The success rate of operation was 100% (11/11). Two months after operation, the 11 patients' eating difficulty improved at different degree, the Stooler grade of dysphagia decreased from preoperative (3.55±0.52)grade to (1.09±0.70)grade. The maximum wall thickness of esophageal lesions decreased from preoperative (21.65±4.50)mm to (11.38±4.20)mm after operation, and the wall thickness contraction rate was (48.89±10.50)%. The effective rate was 90.91% (10/11), without severe complications such as esophageal fistula and hemorrhage. No rupture, loss or displacement of 125I seeds was found on the recovered gastrointestinal tube. Conclusion: Long-term indwelling of gastrointestinal tube with 125I seeds chains is effective in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer.

Comparison between the triglycerides determination by HPLC in China and reference procedure used in the isotope dilution mass spectrometry CDC CRMLN / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the comparability and consistency of two kinds of triglycerides reference methods, one of which is the isotope dilution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) in the Cholesterol Reference Method Laboratory Network (CRMLN), the other isthehigh-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for triglyceride detection in China. Methods 52 fresh frozen sera with triglycerides levels among 0.45-4.52 mmol/L were determined by LC/MS and HPLC. After evaluation the precision and accuracy of the two methods,a series of analyses were conducted including plotting to scatter plots and deviation graphs, testing outliers, selecting the best fitting regression models and calculating the regression equations and parameters, and so on. The expected deviation at the level of medical decision of triglycerides and the 95％confidence range were statistically analyzed.Results For HPLC method, the CV of instrument measurement was 0.29％(0％-1.16％), the total CV of samples measurement was 0.54％(0.04％-1.28％), and the average bias of the reference materials was 0.22％(-0.43％-0.68％). ForLC/MSmethod,the CV of instrument measurement was 0.55％(0％-1.68％),the total CV of samples measurement was 0.79％(0％-1.93％), and the average bias of the NIST reference materials was 0.09％(-0.73％-1.29％). No outlier was found from the scatter plots and the statistical analysis and the linear regression was fitted to analyze the results of the two methods. The linear regression parameters of two methods for 52 fresh frozen human sera were as follows:the slope was 0.9988,the standard error of slope was 0.0035, the intercept was 0.0037mmol/L, the standard error of intercept was 0.0030 mmol/L, the standard error of Y-estimate was 0.0236 mmol/L,and the correlation coefficient was 0.9997. Compared with the LC/MS method,the absolute deviation of fresh sera by HPLC method was-0.001 mmol/L (-0.070-0.056 mmol/L), with a relative deviation of 0.13％ (-2.01-2.83％). T-test showed no statistically significant difference between the two methods. The expected deviations at the triglycerides medicine decision level were within the 95％confidence range,and the expected deviations were far less than the allowable error. Conclusions The HPLC method of triglyceridesdetetion has good consistency and comparability with LC/MS method as one of the reference methods of CRMLN. Because of the advantages of HPLC method such as low cost, simplicity,less technical need,and better precision,HPLC method is expected to play an important role in the process of standardization and traceability of serum triglycerides.