BACKGROUND:Tyrosine kinase inhibitors,as well as other types of small-molecule cancer drugs,can cause severe cardiotoxicity. OBJECTIVE:To perform a heart safety re-evaluation by observing the effects of antitumor drugs on isolated heart electrocardiograph,cardiac action potential and associated ion channels and cytotoxicity. METHODS:Extracorporeal cardiac perfusion was given to the isolated rabbit heart using Langendorff perfusion:Sunitinib(0.3,3,10 μmol/L),Crizotinib(0.3,1,3 μmol/L),and Doxorubicin(1,30 μmol/L)were perfused sequentially for 120 minutes to record electrocardiograph and left ventricular pressure.A blank control group was set for comparison.Manual patch clamp was used to record the effects of Crizotinib,Sunitinib,Doxorubicin on hERG,Cav1.2,Nav1.5 channel currents and action potential in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes.Adenosine triphosphate level in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes was detected by CellTiter-Glo luminescent cell viability assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Isolated rabbit heart using Langendorff perfusion:Compared with the blank ontrol group,Sunitinib and Crizotinib at≥3 μmol/L decreased heart rate(P<0.01)and prolonged QT/QTc interval(P<0.01),and reduced left ventricular pressure to different extents.Manual patch clamp recording:Compared with the blank control group,Sunitinib and Crizotinib at 3 μmol/L inhibited the activities of hERG,Nav1.5 and Cav1.2 channels and significantly prolonged the duration of action potential(P<0.01).According to the analysis of the test article,the difference between the labeled concentration and the measured concentration of the recovered solution was not significant.Cell viability assays:Compared with the blank control group,adenosine triphosphate content in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes significantly decreased after treatment with Sunitinib(IC50=4.64 μmol/L),Doxorubicin(IC50=4.21 μmol/L)and Crizotinib(IC50=2.87 μmol/L),indicating that cell viability significantly decreased(P<0.01).To conclude,this study successfully established an early cardiac safety evaluation method for antitumor drugs,which provides good support and help for the subsequent development of antitumor drugs.

Objective: Sialidosis type 2 has variants that are both catalytically inactive (severe), while sialidosis type 1 has at least one catalytically active (mild) variant. This study aimed to discuss the structural changes associated with these variants in a newly reported family carrying N-acetyl-α-neuraminidase-1 (NEU1) variants and explore the clinical characteristics of different combinations of variants in sialidosis type 1. Methods: First, whole-exome sequencing and detailed clinical examinations were performed on the family. Second, structural analyses, including assessments of energy, flexibility and polar contacts, were conducted for several NEU1 variants, and a sialidase activity assay was performed. Third, previous NEU1 variants were systematically reviewed, and the clinical characteristics of patients in the severe-mild and mild-mild groups with sialidosis type 1 were analyzed. Results: We report a novel family with sialidosis type 1 and the compound heterozygous variants S182G and V143E. The newly identified V143E variant was predicted to be a mild variant through structural analysis and was confirmed by a sialidase activity assay. Cherry-red spots were more prevalent in the severe-mild group, and ataxia was more common in the mild-mild group. Impaired cognition was found only in the severe-mild group. Moreover, patients with cherry-red spots and abnormal electroencephalographies and visual evoked potentials had a relatively early age of onset, whereas patients with myoclonus had a late onset. Conclusion Changes in flexibility and local polar contacts may be indicators of NEU1 pathogenicity. Sialidosis type 1 can be divided into two subgroups according to the variant combinations, and patients with these two subtypes have different clinical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: In the intricate pathological milieu post-spinal cord injury (SCI), neural stem cells (NSCs) frequently differentiate into astrocytes rather than neurons, significantly limiting nerve repair. Hence, the utilization of biocompatible hydrogel scaffolds in conjunction with exogenous factors to foster the differentiation of NSCs into neurons has the potential for SCI repair. METHODS: In this study, we engineered a 3D-printed porous SilMA hydrogel scaffold (SM) supplemented with pH-/ temperature-responsive paclitaxel nanoparticles (PTX-NPs). We analyzed the biocompatibility of a specific concentration of PTX-NPs and its effect on NSC differentiation. We also established an SCI model to explore the ability of composite scaffolds for in vivo nerve repair. RESULTS: The physical adsorption of an optimal PTX-NPs dosage can simultaneously achieve pH/temperature-responsive release and commendable biocompatibility, primarily reflected in cell viability, morphology, and proliferation.An appropriate PTX-NPs concentration can steer NSC differentiation towards neurons over astrocytes, a phenomenon that is also efficacious in simulated injury settings. Immunoblotting analysis confirmed that PTX-NPs-induced NSC differentiation occurred via the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade. The repair of hemisected SCI in rats demonstrated that the composite scaffold augmented neuronal regeneration at the injury site, curtailed astrocyte and fibrotic scar production, and enhanced motor function recovery in rat hind limbs. CONCLUSION The scaffold’s porous architecture serves as a cellular and drug carrier, providing a favorable microenvironment for nerve regeneration. These findings corroborate that this strategy amplifies neuronal expression within the injury milieu, significantly aiding in SCI repair.

BACKGROUND: The formation of an inhibitory inflammatory microenvironment after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a great challenge for nerve regeneration. The poor local microenvironment exacerbates nerve cell death; therefore, the reconstruction of a favorable microenvironment through small-molecule drugs is a promising strategy for promoting nerve regeneration. METHODS: In the present study, we synthesized curcumin-loaded micelle nanoparticles (Cur-NPs) to increase curcumin bioavailability and analyzed the physical and chemical properties of Cur-NPs by characterization experiments. We established an in vivo SCI model in rats and examined the ability of hind limb motor recovery using Basso–Beattie– Bresnahan scoring and hind limb trajectory assays. We also analyzed neural regeneration after SCI using immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: The nanoparticles achieved the intelligent responsive release of curcumin while improving curcumin bioavailability. Most importantly, the released curcumin attenuated local inflammation by modulating the polarization of macrophages from an M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype to an M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype. M2-type macrophages can promote cell differentiation, proliferation, matrix secretion, and reorganization by secreting or expressing pro-repair cytokines to reduce the inflammatory response. The enhanced inflammatory microenvironment supported neuronal regeneration, nerve remyelination, and reduced scar formation. These effects facilitated functional repair in rats, mainly in the form of improved hindlimb movements. CONCLUSION Here, we synthesized pH/temperature dual-sensitive Cur-NPs. While improving the bioavailability of the drug, they were also able to achieve a smart responsive release in the inflammatory microenvironment that develops after SCI. The Cur-NPs promoted the regeneration and functional recovery of nerves after SCI through anti-inflammatory effects, providing a promising strategy for the repair of SCIs.

BACKGROUND: Intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration, which can cause lower back pain, is a major predisposing factor for disability and can be managed through multiple approaches. However, there is no satisfactory strategy currently available to reconstruct and recover the natural properties of IVDs after degeneration. As tissue engineering develops, scaffolds with embedded cell cultures have proved critical for the successful regeneration of IVDs. METHODS: In this study, an integrated scaffold for IVD replacement was developed. Through scanning electron microscopy and other mechanical measurements, we characterized the physical properties of different hydrogels. In addition, we simulated the physiological structure of natural IVDs. Nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and annulus fibrosusderived stem cells (AFSCs) were seeded in gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel at different concentrations to evaluate cell viability and matrix expression. RESULTS: It was found that different concentrations of GelMA hydrogel can provide a suitable environment for cell survival. However, hydrogels with different mechanical properties influence cell adhesion and extracellular matrix component type I collagen, type II collagen, and aggrecan expression. CONCLUSION This tissue-engineered IVD implant had a similar structure and function as the native IVD, with the inner area mimicking the NP tissue and the outer area mimicking the stratified annulus fibrosus tissue. The new integrated scaffold demonstrated a good simulation of disc structure. The preparation of efficient and regeneration-promoting tissueengineered scaffolds is an important issue that needs to be explored in the future. It is hoped that this work will provide new ideas and methods for the further construction of functional tissue replacement discs.

Objective:To evaluate the 8 th edition of AJCC/UICC staging system for stage Ⅲ nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by the survival analysis. All patients were treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods:Among 1351 treatment-na?ve NPC patients who received radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy in our hospital from December 2008 to October 2014, 742 and 784 cases were classified as clinical stage Ⅲ based on the criteria of the 7 th and 8 th edition of AJCC/UICC staging systems, respectively. These patients were classified into three subgroups according to the 7 th and 8 th edition of AJCC/UICC staging systems: T 3N 0-1 as G 1( n=226, n=245), T 1-2N 2 as G 2( n=180, n=187) and T 3N 2 as G 3( n=336, n=352). The 5-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and local-regional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) were analyzed with Kaplan- Meier method. The differences among different groups were evaluated by log-rank test. Results:There were 93.6% patients evaluated by the 8 th AJCC/UICC staging system remained the same cohort with those by the 7 th AJCC/UICC staging system. The 5-year OS, PFS, DMFS and LRRFS of the 8 th and 7 th staging systems were 84.8% and 85.4%, 76.2% and 77.0%, 80.4% and 81.3%, 89.8% and 90.6%, respectively (all P>0.05). The OS, PFS or DMFS significantly differed among three subgroups classified by the 8 th staging system (all P<0.001). In addition, statistical significance was observed between G 1 and G 2, and between G 1 and G 3(both P<0.05), whereas no statistical significance was noted between G 2 and G 3( P=0.183, 0.310, 0.248). Conclusions:The distribution features and clinical endpoints of clinical stage Ⅲ defined by the 8 th AJCC/UICC staging system are similar to those defined by the 7 th AJCC/UICC staging system. The distribution of survival risk significantly differs among different subgroups. N 2 plays a major role in assessing the survival risk of patients with stage Ⅲ NPC. In the era of IMRT plus chemotherapy, the effect of local tumors on clinical prognosis has been diminished. The 8 th AJCC/UICC staging system remains to be further improved.

Objective:To study the effect and safety of endoscopic ultrasonography guided reverse dissection for refractory benign esophageal stricture.Methods:Seventeen patients with refractory benign esophageal stricture were selected for endoscopic ultrasonography guided reverse dissection in Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University from January 2016 to December 2019. The clinical data including operation success rate, complications and clinical efficacy were analyzed.Results:All 17 patients were successfully treated with endoscopic ultrasonography guided reverse dissection. The operating time was 38.82±24.27 minutes. No serious complications such as major bleeding, perforation, and infection were found during and after the operation. The follow-up time ranged from 3 to 44 months. Four patients had symptoms of dysphagia again at 3, 12, 18, and 26 months after operation, and re-examination of gastroscopy revealed recurrent esophageal stenosis. The rest of the patients did not re-stenosis until the last time of follow-up.Conclusion:Endoscopic ultrasonography guided reverse dissection is a safe and effective treatment for refractory benign esophageal stricture.

Objective:To investigate the effects of oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) MT01 on the morphology, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).Methods:The BMSCs of SD rat were isolated and cultured by direct adherence method . The extracted cells were identified by cell morphology of different generations, the expression of surface markers detected by flow cytometry and osteogenic differentiation potential. ODN MT01 group was set up in a gradient of concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 μg/ml) and PBS group as control. Each group of experiments was repeated three times. The morphological changes of cell nucleus and cytoskeleton were fluorescent stained by DAPI and FITC-phalloidin, respectively. The proliferation activities of the BMSCs in different group were analyzed by CCK-8 assay at 1, 4 and 7 d. The degrees of osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in different group were assessed via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity assay and alizarin red S staining respectively on the 7th and 21st days after cultured in osteogenic induction medium. Statistical differences between two groups and among groups were analyzed by t-test and one-way ANOVA, respectively. Differences were regarded as statistically significant when a P value of less than 0.05. Results:Flow cytometry showed that the BMSCs were positive for CD29 (99.8%) and CD44 (96.1%) while negative for CD11b (1.03%) and CD45 (1.74%). ALP staining and alizarin red S staining were positive at different stages of osteogenesis induction confirmed that BMSCs was able to differentiate into the osteoblast. The nucleus and cytoskeleton staining showed that BMSCs were shrunk and the extensibility was reduced when the concentration of ODN MT01 was 4.0 μg/ml. CCK-8 assay showed that the absorbance value of control group was 0.446±0.018, 1.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 0.505±0.019, 2.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 0.528±0.014 after cultured for 4 days. Compared with the control group, the difference is statistically significant ( t=2.954, 4.083, P=0.033, 0.008). The absorbance value of control group was 0.514±0.027, 1.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 0.607±0.007, and 2.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 0.636±0.023 after cultured for 7 days. Compared with the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.664, 6.091, P=0.009, 0.008). The proliferation ability of BMSCs was significantly higher than that of the control group. However, 4.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 (0.427±0.013) had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation ability of BMSCs ( t=4.332, P=0.0149). The blue mass and mineralized nodule improved significantly with the increase of ODN MT01 concentration during the induction of osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. After cultured for 4 days, the result of ALP activity assay was similar to ALP staining. The activity value of ODN MT01 in the control group was 1.207±0.023, 0.5 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 1.747±0.095, 1.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 2.200±0.136, 2.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 3.560±0.088, 4.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 3.490±0.144. Compared with the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.313, 7.934, 18.800, 18.240; P=0.005, 0.001, <0.001, <0.001). But there was no difference between 2.0 and 4.0 μg/ml groups ( t=0.562, P=0.590). Conclusions:ODN MT01 with concentration of 2.0 μg/ml could significantly stimulate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs without affecting the morphology of BMSCs.

Objective:To investigate the effects of oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) MT01 on the morphology, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).Methods:The BMSCs of SD rat were isolated and cultured by direct adherence method . The extracted cells were identified by cell morphology of different generations, the expression of surface markers detected by flow cytometry and osteogenic differentiation potential. ODN MT01 group was set up in a gradient of concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 μg/ml) and PBS group as control. Each group of experiments was repeated three times. The morphological changes of cell nucleus and cytoskeleton were fluorescent stained by DAPI and FITC-phalloidin, respectively. The proliferation activities of the BMSCs in different group were analyzed by CCK-8 assay at 1, 4 and 7 d. The degrees of osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in different group were assessed via alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity assay and alizarin red S staining respectively on the 7th and 21st days after cultured in osteogenic induction medium. Statistical differences between two groups and among groups were analyzed by t-test and one-way ANOVA, respectively. Differences were regarded as statistically significant when a P value of less than 0.05. Results:Flow cytometry showed that the BMSCs were positive for CD29 (99.8%) and CD44 (96.1%) while negative for CD11b (1.03%) and CD45 (1.74%). ALP staining and alizarin red S staining were positive at different stages of osteogenesis induction confirmed that BMSCs was able to differentiate into the osteoblast. The nucleus and cytoskeleton staining showed that BMSCs were shrunk and the extensibility was reduced when the concentration of ODN MT01 was 4.0 μg/ml. CCK-8 assay showed that the absorbance value of control group was 0.446±0.018, 1.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 0.505±0.019, 2.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 0.528±0.014 after cultured for 4 days. Compared with the control group, the difference is statistically significant ( t=2.954, 4.083, P=0.033, 0.008). The absorbance value of control group was 0.514±0.027, 1.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 0.607±0.007, and 2.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 0.636±0.023 after cultured for 7 days. Compared with the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.664, 6.091, P=0.009, 0.008). The proliferation ability of BMSCs was significantly higher than that of the control group. However, 4.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 (0.427±0.013) had an inhibitory effect on the proliferation ability of BMSCs ( t=4.332, P=0.0149). The blue mass and mineralized nodule improved significantly with the increase of ODN MT01 concentration during the induction of osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. After cultured for 4 days, the result of ALP activity assay was similar to ALP staining. The activity value of ODN MT01 in the control group was 1.207±0.023, 0.5 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 1.747±0.095, 1.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 2.200±0.136, 2.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 3.560±0.088, 4.0 μg/ml ODN MT01 was 3.490±0.144. Compared with the control group, the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.313, 7.934, 18.800, 18.240; P=0.005, 0.001, <0.001, <0.001). But there was no difference between 2.0 and 4.0 μg/ml groups ( t=0.562, P=0.590). Conclusions:ODN MT01 with concentration of 2.0 μg/ml could significantly stimulate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs without affecting the morphology of BMSCs.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate therapeutic efficacy,safety and economics of budesonide for infant bronchiolitis based on salbutamot. METHODS:In prospective study,160 inpatient children with bronchiolitis during Oct. 2014-Apr. 2016 were divid-ed into observation group and control group according to admission order,with 80 cases in each group. Both groups received conventional treatments. Control group was given Salbutamol solution for inhalation 0.25 mL added into 0.9% Sodium chloride injection 3 mL,q8 h. Observation group was given Budesonide suspension for inhalation 2 mL added into 0.9% Sodium chlo-ride injection 1 mL+Salbutamol solution for inhalation 0.25 mL,q8 h. Both groups received oxygen driven inhalation,and treat-ed for 5-7 d. Clinical symptom disappearance time,hospitalization time and clinical efficacy were compared between 2 groups as well as therapy drug cost(aerosol inhalation,other therapy drugs). The occurrence of ADR was recorded. RESULTS:There was no statistical significance in cough disappearance time,wheezing disappearance time,lung rale disappearance time,tri-re-traction sign disappearance time and hospitalization time between 2 groups(P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in to-tal response rate between observation group (95.00%) and control group (92.50%)(P>0.05). The cost of inhalation drugs in observation group [(355.77±10.98)yuan] was significantly higher than control group [(26.83±2.86)yuan],with statistical signif-icance (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in the cost of routine therapy drugs between 2 groups (P>0.05). There was no significant ADR between 2 groups during treatment. CONCLUSIONS:For infant bronchiolitis,aerosol inhalation of budesonide based on salbutamol sulfate can not significantly shorten disease,shorten hospitalization time and improve clinical ef-ficacy,but increase therapy cost.