Interstitial brachytherapy with radionuclide seeds has been successfully used for the treatment of cancer. But there are some problems remain to be solved. This review focus on some recent advances in the study of brachytherapy, including the option of radionuclides, the influence of dosage distribution by using different sources, the quality assurance, the application of brachytherapy in hollow visceral neoplasm,and new trends in brachytherapy.

Objective:To establish a glioma cell line U251 stably expressing programmed cell death 4(PDCD4)gene,and to observe the influence of exogenous PDCD4 gene on the proliferation and cell cycle of U251 cells.Methods:Recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-PDCD4 was transfected into human glioma cell line U251 by Lipofectamine 2000,and the U251 cells stably expressing PDCD4 were established by G418 selection.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and Western blotting were employed to detect the expression of PDCD4 mRNA and protein.Furthermore,cell proliferation and colony forming ability were determined by cell counting and colony formation assay;the cell cycle was detected by FACS.Results:High expression of PDCD4 mRNA and protein was observed in U251 cells transfected with pEGFP-PDCD4,whereas no PDCD4 mRNA and protein expression was detected in the non-transfected and vector-transfected cells.Further,cells transfected with pEGFP-PDCD4 grew more slowly and had lower colony formation rate than cells of the other two control groups(P

Objective: In T_(739) inbred line mice,bladder cancer model was established via tumor source transplant.In order to get insights of the biological effects of implanting ~(125)I seed to treat bladder cancer,the development and the pathological modality of tumor tissues were observed through the experiment of implanting ~(125) I seed.The experiment was to provide theoretical gist and practical guidance for clinical(utilization) of ~(125)I seed for brachytherapy of bladder cancer. Methods: 16 T_(739) inbred line mice were divided into two groups(A:experimental group,n=8;B:control group,n=8) in random;bladder cancer model was established via tumor source transplant.When the diameter of the transplanting tumor was about 0.7 cm,~(125)I seeds were implanted at the tumor of experimental group while the empty seed was penetrated into the control group at the same position as the experimental group and the experimental mice were executed after 24 days.The longest vertical diameters(a) and(b) of tumor body were observed every 3 days and the volume of tumor body(V=ab~(2)/2) was calculated.Combining with the weight of mouse(W) and the weight of tumor body after execution of mice(w),the growth curve of tumor was protracted and the colony redouble time and tumor suppression rate were calculated.After fixation of formaldehyde,the pathological modality of tumor tissues were observed with HE staining. Results: ① The transplantation was 100% successful and there was no natural fade-away phenomenon.②After implantation of seed,the weight of group A mice increased by(4.93?0.60)g,and group B increased by(13.60?1.15)g(P

This study was aimed to verify the effects of staged sequential therapy on expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its inhibitor TIMP-1 within lung tissues in asthmatic rats with the airway remodeling, by applying a series of tests such as the immunohistochemistry, western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. SD rats were randomly divided into 7 groups, which were the asthmatic group (Group X), the normal group (Group Z), the No. 1 sequential therapy group (Group A1), the No. 2 sequential therapy group (Group A2), the No. 3 sequential therapy group (Group A3), the montelukast group (Group M), and the budesonide group (Group B). The asthmatic model was established in each group except Group Z, by sensitization with both ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminium hydroxide via injection at the 1st, 8th and 15th day in a 22-day duration, followed by OVA aerosol inhalation every other day for 8 weeks for asthma activation. At the 8th day after the asthmatic model was established, Group A1 was orally given Ma-Xing Er-Chen Tang (MXECT) during acute phase while given normal saline (NS) during catabasis and stable phase; Group A2 was given MXECT during acute phase, and given modified Jin-Shui Liu-Jun Jian (JSLJJ) during catabasis as well as given NS during stable phase; Group A3 was given MXECT during acute phase, and given modified JSLJJ during catabasis as well as given Liu-Wei Di-Huang (LWDH) Powders during stable phase;Group M was given salbutamol via aerosol inhalation after stimulation, while orally given montelukast during catabasis and stable phase; Group B was given salbutamol via aerosol inhalation after stimulation, while given inhaled budesonide during catabasis and stable phase; Group X was given NS. After the 7-week intervention, the immunohistochemistry, western blot and real-time quantitative PCR were applied to analyze the location and quantitative expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1, so as to find out the biological mechanism on expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in lung tissues of asthmatic rats from molecular levels to gene levels. The results of immunohistochemistry, western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR showed as follows. Compared with Group Z, the contents of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 increased significantly within lung tissues in Group X. Compared with Group X, the contents of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 decreased within lung tissues of asthmatic rats in each treatment group. It was concluded that the expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 elevated during asthma. TCM staged sequential therapy can regulate the ratio between MMP-9 and its inhibitor so as to block the airway remodeling, by decreasing the expression of MMP-9 and its inhibitor within lung tissues in asthmatic rats. This is one of the important action mechanisms.

Objective To investigate the expression of protease-activated receptors (PARs) in colon mucosal tissue of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS). Methods Colon mucosa tissues were obtained from 28 D-IBS patients and 18 normal controls by colonoscopy.The expression of PARs was detected using Western blotting and real-time PCR. Data were analysed by SPSS 18. 0 softwave, and comparisons between groups were done using Mann-Whitney U test.Results There was no difference in expression of PAR1 between D-IBS patients and normal controls (P=0. 300). The expressions of PAR2 and PAR4 were higher in D-IBS patients than those in normal controls (0.99±0.67 vs 0.63±0.38, P=0.038 and 0.37±0. 14 vs 0.25±0. 11, P=0.013,respectively). The results of real-time PCR were in accordance with those of Western blotting.Conclusion The increased expressions of PAR2 and PAR4 in colon mucosa of D-IBS patients indicate that these two PAR receptors may be involved in the process of D-IBS.

AIM: To explore the effect of TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), a new apoptotic inducing molecule on the biological activity of hepatocarcinoma cell line. METHODS: The expression of membrane binding TRAIL on HepG2 cells was detected by immuno-cytochemistry. Quantity of secretory TRAIL was assayed by ELISA method. The cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by TRAIL was detected by MTT and TUNEL method, respectively. The telomerase activity of HepG2 cells was detected by TRAP-PCR assay kit. The expression of hTERT, the catalytic subunit of telomerase, was detected by FCM. RESULTS: TRAIL was constitutively expressed on the membrane of HepG2 cell line. Soluble TRAIL was also expressed to a certain degree. Cytotoxicity assay showed that TRAIL significantly inhibited the growth of hepatocarcinoma cells. TUNEL assay indicated that TRAIL induced apoptosis in hepatocarcinoma cells. Detection of telomerase activity showed that TRAIL inhibited telomerase activity and the expression of telomerase catalytic subunit. CONCLUSION: TRAIL is an effective molecule to inhibit the growth of hepatocarcinoma through multiple pathways, such as inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the activity of telomerase.

Objective To investigate the MRI classifications and imaging findings of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor(DNET). Methods MR images of 34 patients with pathologic confirmed DNET of Beijing Sanbo Brain Hospital were retrospectively reviewed in this study. The classification was made according to the number of pseudocysts, scope of involvement, morphology and location. Results MRI appearances of DNET were divided into three subtypes: cystic‐like, polycystic‐like and diffuse type. Twelve cases had cystic cortical, including front lobe (5 cases), temporal lobe (5 cases), parietal lobe (2 cases). These cases presented quasi‐circular or oval shape, with hypointense on T1WI and strongly hyperintense on T2WI. T2‐FLAIR was observed hyperintense ring sign in the tumor periphery and the cystic content was close to CSF but having the largest difference to that of CSF, which signal was higher than CSF. Twenty cases were polycystic‐like, front lobe (7 cases), temporal lobe (7 cases), parietal lobe (5 cases), occipital lobe (1 case). In these 20 cases, they had slightly hypointense on T1WI and strongly hyperintense on T2WI. Located in the cortex and subcortical matter, with wedge shape, gyriform or triangle shape.On T2‐FLAIR, internal septation and hyperintense"ring sign"were observed. Two cases were diffuse type, bilateral (1 case), unilateral (1 case). In these 2 cases, diffuse lesions involving multiple areas with hyperintense ring and internal septation on FLAIR, including subcortical white matter, deep nucleus and periventricular area. Conclusions The MR appearances of DNET are variable. Understanding the MR imaging type of DNET might improve the MR diagnosis of DNET.

Objective To investigate the imaging features of papillary tumor of the pineal region(PTPR).Methods The ima-ging data of 10 patients with PTPR confirmed by operation and pathology were analyzed retrospectively.Results All lesions were located in the posterior commissure area of the posterior inferior wall of the third ventricle.All lesions were heterogeneously hyper-intensity on T1WI and hyperintensity on T2WI.Multiple small cysts or microcapsules signal intensity were observed within the tumor.Of all 10 lesions,there were 9 lesions with high signal intensity within or at the edge of the lesion on T1WI.All lesions showed restricted diffusion.All 10 cases showed uneven and obvious enhancement patterns.Midbrain tectum was compressed and moved backward in 5 cases,moved downward in 2 cases,moved forward and downward in 1 case,and was not clearly displayed in other 2 cases.One case was disseminated and 1 case was hyperperfusion.There were all 10 cases with obstructive hydrocephalus and equal or slightly high density on CT imaging,and 4 cases with calcification.Conclusion Imaging characteristics of PTPR included the lesions centered on the posterior commissure,compressed tectum with backward and downward,multiple small cysts or micro-capsules components within the tumor,hyperintensity on T1WI,and uneven and obvious enhancement patterns.

Objective:To develop a novel, flexible, dual-arm, master-slave digestive endoscopic minimally invasive surgical robot system named dual-arm robotic endoscopic assistant for minimally invasive surgery (DREAMS) and to evaluate its feasibility for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) by using ex vivo porcine stomachs.Methods:A novel endoscopic robot (DREAMS) system was developed which was composed of a flexible two-channel endoscope, two flexible robotic manipulators, a master controller, a robotic arm, and a control system. A total of 10 artificial round-like lesions with diameters ranging from 15 to 25 mm were created (5 in gastric antrum and 5 in gastric body) by using fresh peeled stomach of healthy pigs as the model. Submucosal dissection was performed with the assistance of the DREAMS system by two operators. The main outcome was submucosal dissection speed, and the secondary outcomes included muscular injury rate, perforation rate, and grasping efficiency of the robot.Results:All 10 lesions were successfully dissected en bloc by using the DREAMS system. The diameter of the artificial lesions was 22.34±2.39 mm, dissection time was 15.00±8.90 min, submucosal dissection speed was 141.79±79.12 mm 2/min, and the number of tractions required by each ESD was 4.2 times. Muscular injury occurred in 4/10 cases of ESD. No perforation occurred. Conclusion:The initial animal experiment shows the DREAMS system is safe and effective.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing outpatient hemodialysis (HD) and home peritoneal dialysis (PD) are high risk population of severe and critical types caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. In order to improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment in dialysis patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, we wrote this recommendation for primary care clinicians. During the epidemic period of SARS-CoV-2 infection, all patients should be instructed to strengthen self-management. Once the SARS-CoV-2 infection was found in dialysis patients, early stratified management should be carried out within 72 hours after the first positive nucleic acid or antigen test results, which includes early antiviral therapy, early recognition, and transferring severe patients from community or primary hospital to a referral hospital promptly. Guidance for dietary and sports rehabilitation after SARS-CoV-2 infection should also be started as soon as possible.