BACKGROUND: Directly percutaneous injection of protein-denaturant hydrochloric acid (PDHA) into tumors can lead to fast killing of tumor, sustained drug release and prevention of in situ recurrence of tumor. However, whether implants can be used combined with denaturant still remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the compatibility of fluorouracil implants and PDHA (6 mol/L). DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Observational study was performed in the Hefei Industry University between October 2006 and March 2007. MATERIALS: A total of 78 Wistar rats, weighing (200i20) g, half males and half females, were used for testing drug release in vivo. Drugs fluorouracil implants (H20030345; columniform particle, diameter 0.8 mm, length 4 mm; specifications: Fluorouracil 2 mg/particle; batch number: 20060922; meeting the National Drug Quality Standards [WS1-(X-103)-2005Z]) were provided by Wuhu Zhongren Pharmaceutical Company,Ltd. Hydrochloric acid (37%) was analytical reagent. METHODS: 96 tubes of the implants and PDHA were kept at (37.0± 0.5) ℃. Each time, six samples were collected at 1, 8, 16, 24, 96, 120, 168, 240, 360, 432, 480, 528, 600, 720, and 960 hours after incubation. Appearance of the implants was observed by microscope. Stability of fluorouracil in PDHA was determined by HPLC and ultraviolet absorb method. Based on the entering quantity and residual quantity of fluorouracil, the release rates were calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The approximate solubility, stability and morphological change of fluorouracil in denaturant and the corresponding drug release character in both denaturant and rats in vivo. RESULTS: At (37.0±0,5) ℃, the fluorouracil was stable for 960 hours in PDHA, the saturated concentration of fluorouracil was (22.72±0.04) g/L. The appearance of implants was intact. The surface was porous. Compared with the speed of releasing drug in rats, the speed of releasing drug was faster in the early stage of release process and slower in the later stage. The drug release was incomplete. At 1, 24, 96, 360 and 960 hours, the implants' release rates were (11.9±6.7)%, (37.9±5.3)%, (52.6±4.5)%, (75.3±3.8)%, and (85.5±2.1)%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The fluorouracil implants and hydrochloric acid (6 mol/L) are compatible and no influence is detected during the observation.

Objective To analyze the residents′ willingness to hierarchical medical system and their intention of first visit hospitals.Methods Customized questionnaire was used for in-home survey of 1 500 households in three cities of Shandong province,with 773 of the residents aware of hierarchical medical system used as the study samples.Descriptive analysis and multi factor Logistic regression were employed for statistical analysis of their intention.Results 85.0% the residents expressed willingness to embrace hierarchical medical system.55.0% of the residents prefer primary medical institutions as their first visit in case of mild illness,a choice chosen by more rural residents(58.9%)than urban residents(48.0%),a difference of statistical significance(P<0.01).In the case of severe illness,87.3% of them prefer major hospitals as their first visit,and more urban residents(94.3%)take this option than the rural residents(83.3%),a difference of statistical significance(P<0.01).Service ability of medical institutions and residents′ concept for medical service played a key role in their choice of first visit hospitals.Conclusions The key to ensuring the implementation effect of hierarchical medical system lies in better service ability of primary medical institutions and correction of residents′ irrational medication concepts.

Objective To analyze the correlation factors that promote or impede the residents to preferentially use essential medicines.Methods Adopting stratified random sampling method,1 700 households selected from 5 cities of Shandong province were investigated with a questionnaire.The framework of Andersen behavior model of health service utilization was used as the framework,with such methods as descriptive analysis and univariate logistic regression models for the analysis and evaluation of relevant information.Results The residents′ tendency factor,ability factor and environmental factor influence their preference to use essential medicines,while the requirement factor plays a minimal role.There was a significant difference for the preference of combined medication,first visit preference and self-medication experience,the efficacy and policy response of essential medicine from logistic regression analysis.Conclusion At present,the government should focus on the construction of the formation mechanism of the residents′drug use behavior and the policy response mechanism of essential medicine system.

To study performance problems found in China's essential medicine system.The SmithModel of system implementation was called into play in a systematic collation and analysis for the ideal policies,system implementation agencies,target groups and policy environment in its performance,along with relationships among the four factors.The system is found with a number of loopholes as the system itself is highly idealized,its system objectives set inappropriately,problems found with the four factors,and tension and conflicts among these factors.Given these problems found in its performance,it is inappropriate to make drastic changes to avoid instability of the system at its early stage.Government departments in question are advised to comprehensively analyze the four factors and their relationships then taking effective measures to deal with them and the tension,conflict among them.This can ensure effectively implementation of the essential medicine system.

Background Acute retinal ischemia anoxic injury is common in eye disorders,such as acute glaucoma,central retinal artery occlusion and ischemic optic neuropathy,etc.This will cause retinal ischemia anoxic injury and induce retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) death in addition.Endogenous cannabinoid (CB) and its receptors are involved in the central nervous system injury,ischemia,inflammation,and poisoning and other physiological and pathological process.Objective This study was to investigate the effect of CB on RGCs damage induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD).Methods The eyeballs were obtained from 6-week-old normal C57BL/6J mice to prepare retinal frozen sectionsand the expression and distribution of cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R) in RGCs was detected by immunofluorescence staining.The eyeballs of ten newborn C57BL/6J mice (postnatal 0-3 days) were obtained after immersed by 75％ alcohol and the retinas were isolated in preeooling DMEM for the primary culture of RGCs.The cells were identified by detecting the expression of Brn3a,a marker of RGCs,with immunofluorescence staining.Then the cells cultured for 14 days were divided into normal control group (in complete culture medium+95％ air+5％ CO2) and OGD group (in glucose-free medium+95％ N2 +4％ CO2 + 1％ O2) for 20 hours.The mitochondrial damage and RGCs morphology changed were evaluated by JC-1 staining to observe the mitochondrial membrane potential change.SR141716A (CB1R antagonist,1 μmol/L),SR144528 (CB2R antagonist,1 μmol/L) and 5 or 10 μmol/L WIN 55212-2 (CB1R and CB2R agonist) were added,and the survival rate of RGCs was assayed MTT.Results CBR was positively expressed in various layers of normal mouse retinas.The cells in the normal control group showed uniform size and polygon in shape with the long and thin axons,and the expression of Brn-3a was seen in the cells.However,in the OGD group,cell shrinkage and fragments were found and most of the axons disappeared.The expression of Brn-3a was evidently weakened.The fluorescence intensity of JC-1 was evidently weakened in the OGD group compared with the normal control group,showing the reduce of mitochondrial membrane potential.MTT assay showed that the survival rate of RGCs was (100.00± 13.87)％,which was significantly higher than (89.52-± 18.16)％ in the normal control group (q =8.065,P =0.008).The mean survival rates of RGCs were (116.63±22.21)％ and (112.61 ±19.02)％ in the cells treated by SR141716A and SR144528,and that in the normal cells was (89.52 ± 18.16)％ in the OGD group,with significant differences between SR141716A-or SR144528-treated cells and normal cells (q =29.780,17.391;both at P＜ 0.01).Conclusions Hypoxia and glucose-free up-regulate the expression of CB and activate CB pathway.Inhibition of activation CBR process has a neuroprotection effect under the Hypoxia and glucose-free condition.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of MRI for assessment of re-distribution of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells injected intramyocardially in main organs (heart, liver, spleen and kidney) under different heart status (beating or arresting) in a porcine model. Methods Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from the male swine and labeled with iron oxide during culture. Acute myocardial infarction was created in female swine, one week later, the survivors were randomly divided into 4 groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass was set up to arrest the heart, and then labeled cells (1×108) were intramyocardially injected into the border of the infracted myocardium in group 1 (n=6). The same volume of cells was grafted into the beating heart in group 2 (n=6). In group 3 and 4, saline was injected into either the arresting or beating myocardium. Three days later, re-distribution of stem cells and cardiac function were assessed by T2*WI and cine MRI, respectively. All animals were sacrificed for histology and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of sex-determining region on Y-chromosome (SRY) investigation.The ANOVA and t test was used for statistics. Results The left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (56.8±5.3),(54.8±6.8),(57.4±4.3)and(56.8±2.8) ml, and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (65.2±5.2),(63.2±3.7),(60.2±4.7)and(62.2±4.4) ml. The left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (33.5±7.6),(32.3±5.3),(33.5±3.6)and(32.7±4.6) ml,and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (37.3±5.6),(36.3±6.9),(34.3±5.4)and(36.3±8.1) ml. The left ventricular EF values (LVEF) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (42.3±7.2)%,(41.7±6.8)%,(41.8±8.6)% and(42.7±7.7)%,and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (44.5±8.7)%,(43.1±7.4)%,(42.8±5.6)% and(43.3±8.4)%. The myocardial infarction area (MI) before transplantation for group 1-4 were: (6.5±2.1),(6.4±1.9),(6.5±2.5)and(6.4±2.6) cm2,and after transplantation for group 1-4 were: (6.4±2.3),(6.2±2.6),(6.3±2.5)and(6.4±2.8) cm2 . There were no statistical differences before and after transplantation in these 4 groups[P values of before and after transplantation for LVEDV, LVESV, LVEF,MI were >0.05 (F= 0.277, 0.066,0.066, 0.003); and >0.05 (F= 1.137,0.182,0.021,0.008),respectively]. The T2 value of the infracted myocardium in group 1 decreased more obviously than that in group 2[(-22.3 ± 2.2) vs (-17.0 ± 0.8) ms, t=-5.489, P＜0.01], while the T2 value of the spleen decreased more significantly in group 2 than that in group 1[(-7.7 ± 0.7) vs (-13.3 ± 1.1) ms,t=9.055, P＜0.01]. The T2 values of the liver and kidney were no significant differences in group 1 and 2 (liver, t=-0.532,P>0.05 and kidney, t=-0.113,P>0.05). The results of RT-PCR in group 1 and 2 showed significant differences in heart[(150±62) vs (72±4) U/L ,P<0.05, t=3.109], spleen[(131±1) vs (233±17) U/L, P＜0.01, t=- 13.286]and liver[(17±1) vs (9±5) U/L ,P<0.01,t= 3.492]. Pathological examination demonstrated that the transplanted stem cells were positive for Prussian blue staining, which had a good correlation with MRI results. Conclusion MRI can serve as a convenient and efficient imaging method to track the migration of stem cells with SPIO labeled in early stage and evaluate its early re-distribution in vivo. Injection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the arresting heart could favor retaining more cells in the myocardium.

ObjectiveTo assess the value of free-breathing 3D phase sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) turbo FLASH for demonstrating the left ventricular myocardial scar in patients with myocardial infarction.MethodsTwenty-three patients with myocardial infarction underwent 2D and 3D phase sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) Turbo FLASH sequences 10-15 minutes after injection of dimeglumine gadopentetate.The image quality,the area,location and volume of hyperenhanced scar were independently assessed by two experienced radiologists.Student′s t test or rank sum test and Pearson linear correlation were used for the statistics.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the overall image quality (2.57 ±0.59 vs 2.39 ±0.66,Z=-0.93,P =0.35),the area (24.48 ±10.83 vs 29.00 ± 11.56,Z=-1.41,P =0.16) and location ( 16.78 ± 6.51 vs 18.87 ± 6.76,Z =- 1.17,P =0.24) of hyperenhanced scar between 2D and 3D PSIR sequences.The mean volume of hyperenhanced scar was significantly greater in 3D PSIR sequence than that in 2D PSI R sequence [(23.46 ± 10.61 ) vs (31.65 ±　 13.86) cm3,t =-2.25,P =0.03].There was a good correlation in the volume of hyperenhanced scar between 2D PSIR and 3D PSIR sequences (r=0.940,P＜0.01 ;y =2.851 + 1.228x,R2 =0.883).ConclusionFree-breathing 3D PSIR Turbo FLASH is a promising new imaging technique for accurate assessment of myocardial scar.

Objective:To investigate the apoptotic induction effects of homoharringtonine (HHT) combined with imatinib (STI571) on human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) KU812 cells. Methods:KU812 cells were treated with HHT or/and STI571. Total cell numbers were counted by using hemocytometer. Apoptotic cells were determined by using fluorescence microscope and FACS after staining with AO-EB and PI respectively. The cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) and the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins were determined by Western blot. Results:HHT could prompt the apoptotic induction of imatinib in KU812 cells, which was in a time and dose dependent manner. Apoptosis induced by HHT and imatinib was correlated with the down-regulation of Bcl-XL and the cleavage of PARP. Conclusion:HHT prompt apoptotic induction of imatinb in KU812 cells and the combination of HHT with imatinib will provide a more effective strategy for the clinical treatment of CML.

ObjectiveTo investigate reproducibility of cardiac MRI for assessment of cardiac morphology and ventricular function in selected normal Chinese Han population.MethodsTwo hundred and sixty-nine normal volunteers underwent cardiac MRI using a 1.5 T MR system.HASTE and steady state free precession imaging were performed with long and short axis images and cine mode through the ventricle with wireless vector cardiac gating.The images were reviewed by two independent observers.The dimensions of cardiac chambers and ventricular function including ejection fraction (EF),end diastolic volume( EDV),end systolic volume (ESV) and myocardial mass were evaluated.The data between male and female were compared by using two-tailed unpaired t test.Results Total imaging time was (15 ± 3 ) min.The anteroposterior diameter of the left atrium was( 2.87 ± 0.77 ) cm,the right atrial diameter perpendicular to the atrial septum was ( 3.61 ± 0.57 ) cm,the end diastolic diameter of the left ventricle was (4.97 ±0.52) cm,the end diastolic diameter of the right ventricle was (2.65 ± 0.48) cm.On the left ventricle,EF was(60.62 ±7.08)％,EDV was (115.37 ±26.71) ml,ESV was (46.02+15.72) ml and LV mass was ( 82.97± 24.03 ) g.On the right ventricle,EF was (47.73 ± 6.50 ) ％,EDV was ( 128.27 ± 32.16 )ml,ESV was (67.7 ± 21.07) ml and RV mass was (48.24 ± 13.42) g.There were no statistically significant differences in LVESV( P =0.144 ),LVEDV index ( P =0.714 ),LVESV index ( P =0.113 ),LVCI ( P =0.199),RVEF ( P =0.296 ) and RV mass ( P =0.093 ),and statistically significant differences in other cardiac parameters between male and female.Conclusion Cardiac MRI can provide useful information about cardiac function and morphology with a high level of reproducibility in normal Chinese Han population.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility of using lower iodine concentration (270 mgI/ml) contrast medium, lower X-ray tube voltage (100 kVp) and iterative reconstruction (IR) to reduce both iodine load and radiation dose but keep the image quality of coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

METHODSA total of 80 consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease were prospectively assigned to one of two groups via computer central system from January to May 2013. The control group (n = 40) was scanned using dual-source CCTA protocols of 120 kV, 370 mgI/ml Iopromide and filtered back projection reconstruction with a vascular algorithm (B26f). The study group (n = 40) was scanned using 100 kV, 270 mgI/ml Iodixanol and sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction with a vascular algorithm (I26f). Other scan parameters and contrast injection protocol were similar between the two groups. Attenuation in the ascending aorta and coronary arteries along with image noise were measured. Images were reconstructed, measured and graded, and iodine load and effective radiation dose were calculated.

RESULTSThe body mass index ((25.3 ± 3.0) kg/m² vs. (25.4 ± 3.0)kg/m², P = 0.852), image quality scores (4.70 ± 0.52 vs. 4.63 ± 0.59, P = 0.545), mean signal-to-noise ratios (22.2 ± 5.5 vs. 23.6 ± 5.8, P = 0.277), and contrast-to-noise ratios (35.6 ± 17.6 vs. 41.1 ± 17.6, P = 0.163) were similar between the control group and study group. Mean iodine loads were significantly reduced in the study group ((18.49 ± 0.75)g) compared to control group ((25.27 ± 0.94)g), P< 0.001). Mean effective radiation doses were also significantly reduced in the study group ((2.31 ± 0.73) mSv) compared to that in control group ((3.52 ± 1.16) mSv), P< 0.001).

CONCLUSIONUse of low X-ray tube voltage and iterative reconstruction allows lower iodine load and effective radiation dose application at CCTA without image quality reduction.

Algorithms ; Aorta ; Body Mass Index ; Contrast Media ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Feasibility Studies ; Fluoroscopy ; Humans ; Injections, Intravenous ; Iodine ; Iohexol ; analogs & derivatives ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Triiodobenzoic Acids