Objective To explore the roles of Th17 cells in paraquat-induced acute lung injury(ALI)in a murine models through investigating the expression of Th17 type cytokine IL-17 and the specific transcription factor of Th17 cells-RORγt mRNA. Methods Male Kunming mice were randomly divided into the normal control group and the poisoned group. The ALI model induced by PQ poisoning was produced by intraperitoneal injection PQ solu-tion (20 mg/kg),and the normal control group was given normal saline solution with the same volume. After treatment for 48 hours,the animals were sacrificed. H&E staining and TUNEL staining were done to measure histo-logical changes and apoptosis. Serum level of Th17 related-cytokines was assayed by ELISA. The mRNA ex-pression of RORγt and the protein expression of IL-17 in the lung tissue were detected by real time-PCR assay and western blot,respectively. Results Compared with the normal control group,the lung inflammation and apopto-sis were significantly higher in the poisoned group. The serum level of IL-17A was significantly increased (P <0.05) and the lung parenchyma RORγt mRNA and IL-17 protein levels were significantly increased. Conclu-sion IL-17 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ALI induced by paraquat poisoning.

AIM: To observe the changes of iNOS and eNOS in lung tissue and NO in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in smoking rats. METHODS: 80 Wistar rats were divided into control, smoking group, L-NIL group and L-NAME group (rats were exposed to smoke and injected (i.p.) with selective iNOS inhibitor L-NIL or NOS inhibitor L-NAME). iNOS and eNOS protein levels in whole lung were detected by immunohistochemical staining, and NOS mRNA was quantified using RT-PCR. In addition, NO - 2/NO - 3 was determined using Griess assay. RESULTS: The expression of iNOS mRNA and protein in smoking rats increased, the expression of eNOS mRNA and eNOS protein decreased, and the total cell count and the level of NO - 2/NO - 3in BALF increased( P

Objective To investigate the differences in position and volume between planning target volumes (PTV) based on positron emission tomography?computed tomography (PET?CT) images with an standardized uptake value ( SUV) no less than 2?5, 20% of the maximum SUV ( SUVmax ), or 25% of SUVmax , three?dimensional ( 3D ) CT, and four?dimensional ( 4D ) CT in thoracic esophageal cancer. Methods Eighteen patients with thoracic esophageal cancer sequentially received chest 3DCT, 4DCT, and [18F]fluoro?2?deoxy?D?glucose (FDG) PET?CT scans. PTV3D was obtained by conventional expansion of 3DCT images;PTV4D was obtained by fusion of target volumes from 10 phases of 4DCT images. The internal gross tumor volumes ( IGTV) , IGTVPET2.5 , IGTVPET20%, and IGTVPET25%, were generated based on PET?CT images with an SUV no less than 2?5, 20% of SUVmax , and 25% of SUVmax , respectively. These IGTVs were expanded longitudinally by 3?5 cm and radically by 1 cm to make PTVPET2.5 , PTVPET20%, and PTVPET25%, respectively. Results PTV3D was significantly larger than both PTV4D and PTVPET(P=0?000 -0?044), while there was no significant difference between PTV4D and PTVPET ( P= 0?216 -0?633 ) . The mutual degrees of inclusion ( DIs ) between PTV3D and PTV4D were 0?70 and 0?95, respectively, which were negatively correlated with 3D?Vector ( P=0?039). The mutual DIs between PTVPET2.5, PTVPET20%, and PTVPET25% were 0?74, 0?72, 0?78, 0?73, 0?77, and 0?70, respectively, which showed no correlation with 3D?Vector (P=0?150 -0?822). The mutual DIs between PTV3D and PTVPET were 0?86, 0?84, 0?88, 0?63, 0?67, and 0?59, respectively. Conclusions It is difficult to achieve complete volumetric overlap of PTVs based on 3DCT, 4DCT and PET?CT in thoracic esophageal cancer due to different target volume information. PET scan during free breathing should be used with caution to generate PTVs in thoracic esophageal cancer.

Objective To compare the position,volume and matching index (MI) of esophagus between quiet end-inspiration and end-expiration in three dimensional CT (3D-CT) assisted with active breathing control (ABC) and the corresponding phases in four dimensional CT (4D-CT).Methods Eleven patients with peripheral lung cancer underwent 4D-CT simulation scan and 3D-CT simulation scans in end-inspiratory hold (CTEIH) and end-expiratory hold (CTEEH) in succession.The 0％ phase was defined as end-inspiratory phase (CT0),while the 50％ phase was defined as end-expiratory phase (CT50).The proximal,mid-,and distal thoracic esophagus were delineated separately on CT0,CT50,CTEIH and CTEEH images.The position,volume and MI of each segment esophagus between CT0 and CTEIH,CT50 and CTEEH were compared.Results In the left-right (x) direction,the position differences in the proximal,mid-,and distal thoracic esophagus between CT0and CTEIH were (-0.02 ±0.16)cm,(0.06 ± 0.26)cm and (0.10 ± 0.33) cm respectively,and in the anterior-posterior (y) direction,the position differences were (0.04 ±0.24)cm,(0.04 ±0.12) cm and (0.08 ±0.15) cm respectively,and the position differences in the same direction were not statistically significant.In the x direction,the position differences of the proximal,mid-,or distal thoracic esophagus between CT50 and CTEEH were (-0.02 ±0.24) cm,(0.12 ± 0.37) cm and (0.26 ± 0.33) cm respectively,and in the y direction,the position differences were (0.03 ±0.21)cm,(0.04 ±0.17)cm and (0.14 ±0.18)cm respectively,and the position differences in x and y directions of proximal and mid-thoracic esophagus between CT50 and CTEEH were not statistically significant,while the position differences in x and y directions of distal thoracic esophagus between CT50and CTEEH were both statistically significant (t =0.025,0.024,P ＜ 0.05).The volumes of the proximal,mid-and distal thoracic esophagus were all larger in CT0and CT50 than those in CTEIHand CTEEH,but without statistical differences.The MIs of the volumes of the proximal,mid-and distal thoracic esophagus between CT0 and CTEIH were (0.50 ± 0.17),(0.50 ± 0.19) and (0.56 ± 0.08),respectively,and those between CT50and CTEEH were (0.50 ±0.16),(0.47 ±0.14) and (0.51 ±0.15),respectively.The MI of each segment esophagus between CT0and CTEIHwas larger than that between CT50 and CTEEH,but without statistical differences.Conclusions The influence of breathing modes on the centroid positions of the proximal,mid-thoracic normal esophagus were not significant and there were spatial mismatches for any segment esophagus between 3D-CT assisted with ABC and 4D-CT.

Objective To investigate the modulatory effects of glycyrrhizin (GL) on the expressions of nu-clear factor kappa B (NF-κB), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and cytokines in serum, and to explore the protective mechanism of GL in acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaecharide (LPS). Method Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly(random number) divided into three groups (n = 8 in each) : normal group, ALI group and GL treatment group. Rats in the ALI group and GL treatment group were administered with LPS (5 mg/kg) intravenously. In GL treatment group, rats were treated with GL (20 mg/kg) one hour before LPS injec-tion. The animals were sacrificed 4 hours after injection of LPS, and then the lung wewt/dry ratio and PaO_2 were measured, the histopathology of lung injury was observed under light microscope, the expressions of NF-κB mRNA and GR mRNA in lung tissues were detected by using RT-PCR, and the levels of NF-κB protein and GR protein were determined by using Western blot. The levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in serum were observed by using ELISA.Data were analyzed with SPSS version 13.0 software, and means were compared with analysis of variance and Stu-dent-Newman-Keuls test. Results (1) TNF-α levels in normal group, ALI group and GL treatment group were (43.96±7.57), (153.68±20.42), and (87.23±7.52) ng/L, respectively, and IL-10 levels were (24.72±8.03), (42.48±6.81) and (58.33±9.62) ng/L, respectively (F = 183.70, all P <0.01). (2) NF-κB mRNA expressions in normal group, ALI group and GL treatment group were (0.432±0.085), (3.414±0.521) and (1.894±0.272), respectively, and NF-κB protein levels were (45.6±7.3), (254.7±16.4)and (133.5 ±11.7) ng/L, respectively, and comparison between groups showed statistical significant (F = 187.82 and 1466.53, ALL P < 0.01). GR mRNA expressions in normal group, ALI group and GL treatment group were (0.434±0.013), (0.152±0.025) and (0.308±0.033), respectively, and GR protein levels were(54.6±6.5), (11.5±2.3)and (28.2±5.6) ng/L, respectively (F = 246.00 and 260.92, all P < 0.01). (3) Com-pared with normal group, infiltration of PMNs, capillary congestion and swelling were found in ALI group, and treatment with GL could attenuate the lung injury. Conclusions Glycyrrhizin has a protective effects on rats with ALI induced by LPS maybe through down-regulating the expressions of NF-κB mRNA and TNF-α mRNA, and up-regulating the expression of GR mRNA and level of IL-10 protein.

Objective To analyze artifacts of gross tumor volume (GTV) and correlated factors in each phase images of four dimensional CT (4DCT) for peripheral lung cancer based on three dimensional CT (3DCT) assisted with active breathing control.Methods Nineteen patients with peripheral lung cancer underwent 3DCT (CTFB) and 4DCT simulation scans during free breathing and then underwent 3DCT simulation scans in end inspiration hold (CTEIH) and end expiration hold (CTEEH) assisted with active breathing control.The relative deviations (Devref) between the reference GTV (GTVref) and the GTVsdelineated based on CTFB (GTVFB) and all phases of 4DCT were calculated respectively.Correlations between GTVref and Devmax and between the tumor motion in the cranio-caudal (CC) direction and Devref were analyzed.Results The maximum median Devref of GTV was GTVFB with 17.83％,and the maximum median Devref of the GTV in all phases of 4DCT was GTV30 with 17.20％.A significant negative correlation was found between GTVEIH and Devmax (r =-0.691,P =0.001).The Devref was crrnelated with the tumor motion amplitude in the CC direction (r =0.323-0.617,P =0.005-0.150).The partial regression coefficient of influence of GTVref size and motion amplitude in the CC direction to the tumor Devmax were -0.500 and 0.583,P =0.002 and 0.001,respectively.Conclusions The GTV artifacts in different phase of 4DCT for the peripheral lung cancer were different to each other,and the influence of target displacement to artifacts was larger than that of target volume,so artifacts could be reduced by controlling breathing to reduce target displacement.

Aim To establish and compare asthma models among different strains of obese mice. Methods Different strains of SPF female mice, namely Kunming ( KM ) , C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice, were randomly divided into four groups ( control group, asthma group, obesity group and obese asthma group). The mice were fed a high-fat diet or a normal diet for 12 weeks, following which they were sensitized and challenged with ovalbu-min ( OVA) or phosphate-buffered saline ( PBS) . Body weight, fat weight, liver weight, Lee′s index, OVA-specific IgE concen-tration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid ( BALF) , serum total cho-lesterol ( TC) and triglyceride ( TG) levels, and lung and adi-pose morphologies were evaluated. The specific airway resistance ( sRaw) was measured using double-chamber plethysmography. Results The mice on a high-fat diet showed a more rapid in-crease in body weight compared with those on a normal diet. Af-ter 12 weeks of feeding, body, fat, and liver weights and Lee′s index were higher for the obese mice than for the lean mice. The adipocyte cross-sectional area was significantly greater in the obese BALB/c and KM mice than in their lean counterparts;the C57BL/6J groups showed no significant differences. The BALB/c mice demonstrated more significant symptoms of acute asthma, local inflammation and airway hyper-responsiveness ( AHR ) . Conclusion Compared with C57BL/6J and KM mice, BALB/c mice fed a high-fat diet and sensitized and challenged with OVA provide the most suitable model for evaluating the relationship between obesity and asthma.

Objective To evaluate the effect of late course hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (LCHSRT) on locally advanced non small cell lung cancer. Methods From October 1997 to June 1999, 106 patients with locally advanced non small cell lung cancer were randomized into conventional radiotherapy group (CRT) and LCHSRT group. Ninety one patients with complete data were analyzed including 43 patients in CRT group and 48 patients in LCHSRT group. In CRT group, 18 patients were staged Ⅲa and 25 Ⅲb; whereas 19 patients were staged Ⅲa and 29 Ⅲb in LCHSRT group. The initial median dose of 43.5?Gy was given in CRT group to the primary tumor, ipsilateral hilum and mediastinum using AP PA fields with 1.8 2.0?Gy per fraction, then 21.7?Gy was boosted to the residual primary and metastatic regional lymph nodes to the median total dose of 65.2?Gy. In LCHSRT group, after the first 44.4?Gy to the primary tumor, ipsilateral hilar region and mediastinum by AP PA fields with a dose fraction of 1.8 2.0?Gy, noncoplanar arc hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy was delivered to the residual primary and metastatic lymph nodes to the total dose of (22.8?5.5)?Gy with 4 7?Gy per fraction treated every other day. Results The radiation pneumonitis rates were 11.6% and 14.6% in CRT group and LCHSRT group, respectively. The radiation pulmonary fibrosis rates diagnosed by CT scan 6 months after radiotherapy were 48.8% and 66.7% in CRT group and LCHSRT group, respectively. The complete regression (CR) rates evaluated by CT scan 3 months after treatment in CRT and LCHSRT group were 30.2% and 63.5%, respectively ( P

Objective To introduce inhaled inactivated-mycobacterium phlei on prevention and treatment of moderate bronchial asthma to observe the clinical effect. Method This study was a prospective and controlled study. The patients diagnosed with asthma in our out-patient from March 2009 to December 2010 were collected, who met the following conditions were included in the study: age≥ 14 years; met the criteria of moderate chronic persistent bronchial asthma in Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) in 2008; suspended receiving systemic corticosteroids, Montelukast, ketotifen and other anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drugs in one month; no significant respiratory tract infections; and other serious illnesses or abnormalities known.A total of 100 patients with asthma were selected, including 37 males and 63 females, age (32.11 ± 12.95 )years. The patients were randomly(random number) divided into two groups: A group(treatment group; 16males and 34 females, age 33.56 ± 14.23 years) and B group (control group; 21 males and 29 females,age 30.66 ± 11.50 years); 50 in each group. No significant difference was noted between the two groups on age and gender composition. The patients in A group were treated with inhaled inactivated-mycobacterium phlei F. U. 36 Injection 1.72 μg/mL × 2 that adding 3 mL normal saline, once a day for 5 days. The patients in B group were treated with salmeterol xinafoate and fluticasone propionate powder for inhalation (50/100 μg), twice daily for sustainable use. The patients in the two groups were observed for one month. During this course, the patients in the two groups could inhale the salbutamol sulphate aerosol as need to relieve symptoms. And the number of using was recorded. Pulmonary function test and asthma provocative test were carried out on the Day O, 6 and 31. ACT scores were measured before and after the treatment. Results On Day 6 and 31 after treatment, the negative conversion rates of asthma provocative test of the patients in A group were 82% and 78% respectively, B group were 84% and 90% respectively. Provocative test of the patients in the two groups were negative conversion significantly before and after treatment. There was no significant difference between the two groups by chi-square test (P ＞ 0. 05 ). Completely random designed data was analyzed by analysis of variance. The analysis showed that the accumulated doses of methacholine of the patients in the two group increased significantly ( P ＜ 0. 05 ), but no difference between the two groups.There was a improvement trend on forced expiratory volume in one second( FEV1 )of the patients in A group after treatment, but no difference. FEV1 of the patients in B group increased significantly higher ( P ＜0.05), which was significantly higher than A group on the 31th day (P ＜0. 05); Peak expiratory flow (PEF) of the patients in the two group increased significantly on Day 6 and 31 after treatment (P ＜0.05 ).On Day 31, B group was significantly higher than A group ( P ＜ 0. 05 ); Scores of asthma control test (ACT)of the patients in the two group were significantly increased, and the number of using of salbutamol sulfate aerosol was significantly reduced (P ＜0.01 ). B group was obvious than group A (P ＜0.05 ). During treatment, there were only two adverse reaction cases of transient low fever; most obvious was on the third day.Conclusions Inhaled inactivated-mycobacterium phlei would inhibit the airway hyperresponsiveness of the patients with moderate bronchial asthma in short time, improve the symptoms, reduce the acute exacerbation, and reduce the use of rescue medication, which has the roles of prevention and treatment of moderate asthma in a certain period of time.

Objective To assess the anti-arrhythmic activity and cardioprotective effects of Wenxin Granula, a traditional Chinese formula (consisting of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, Polygonati Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, and Succinum), on heart in ischemic-induced myocardial infarction (MI) rats and compare with those of Amiodarone which have been demonstrated in clinic. Methods Rats were randomly divided into Sham-operated (control), Ml + Amiodarone [5 mg/(kg·d)] (MI), and MI + Wenxin Granula [10 mg/(kg·d)] groups and left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded in each group. After left anterior descending for 12 h, standard lead Ⅱ of administration electrocardiogram was recorded in order to analyze the occurrence of arrhythmia. After one month, the size of the infarct area of heart was evaluated by TTC staining method and haemodynamic function was assessed to detect the heart function. Laser scanning confocal microscope and the technique of patch clamp were used to detect the intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]j) and L-type calcium current (ICa-L), respectively. Results Both Wenxin Granula [10 mg/(kg·d)] and Amiodarone [5 mg/(kg·d)] could markedly decrease the incidence of arrhythmia in heart of rats which were subjected to ischemic injury. After one month, Wenxin Granula could significantly decrease mortality to 22.22% and reduce the infarct area (P < 0.05), but Amiodarone did not. The mechanism may involve that Wenxin Granula attenuated [Ca2+]j decreasing in MI rats. Additionally, Wenxin Granula could obviously ameliorate the impaired heart function of MI rats by decreasing the elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and increasing the attenuated maximum change velocity of left ventricular pressure in the isovolumic contraction or relaxation period. On the other hand, electrophysiological experiment results revealed that Wenxin Granula administration one month later also increased the reduced ICa-L density in rat ventricular myocytes in MI rats. The results of LSCM showed that Wenxin Granula could recover the amplitude of [Ca2+]j decreased by heart failure during long term. Conclusion Wenxin Granula could not only inhibit the incidence of arrhythmia but also decrease the mortality, which was accompanied by recovering the amplitude of [Ca2+]j. This protective effect of Wenxin Granula may partially be mediated through changing ICa-L.as well as increasing [Ca2+]j.