OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure （CHF）. METHODS The CHF model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. Modeled rats were divided into model group， Qiangxin decoction low-dose and high-dose groups （12.25， 24.50 g/kg， calculated by crude drug）， and chemical medicine group （Sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets， 10.42 mg/kg）， with 10 rats in each group； control group was set up without treatment. Each group of rats was orally administered with the corresponding medication or normal saline twice a day for 28 consecutive days. After the last medication， the contents of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） and adenosine triphosphate （ATP） in serum and phosphatidic acid （PA） and cardiolipin （CL） in myocardial tissue were all detected； the pathological damage and collagen fibrosis of rat myocardial tissue were observed； the apoptosis of myocardial cells was determined； the ultrastructure of myocardial tissue was observed； the protein expressions of mitofusin 1 （Mfn1）， Mfn2， optic atrophy protein 1 （OPA1） and dynamin-related protein 1 （Drp1） were all detected in myocardial tissue. RESULTS Compared with control group，the serum content of NT-proBNP， apoptotic rate of myocardial cells， and relative expressions of S-OPA1 and Drp1 proteins were all increased significantly； serum content of ATP，contents of PA and CL， and relative expressions of Mfn1， Mfn2 and L-OPA1 proteins were all significantly reduced （P＜0.05）. There were abnormal membrane tissue structure in various layers of myocardial tissue， degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells， and severe fibrosis； the mitochondria were swollen， with reduced or absent cristae， and uneven matrix density. After intervention with Qiangxin decoction， the levels of the aforementioned quantitative indicators in serum and myocardial tissue of rats （excluding CL content in the Qiangxin decoction low- dose group） were significantly reversed （P＜0.05）； the pathological damage of myocardial tissue had significantly improved， fibrosis had significantly reduced， mitochondrial morphology tended to be normal， cristae had increased， and matrix density was uniform. CONCLUSIONS Qiangxin decoction can regulate myocardial mitochondrial function and structural integrity of CHF rats， thereby improving myocardial energy metabolism and antagonizing myocardial fibrosis， the mechanism of which may be associated with activating PA/Mfn/CL signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of Qiangxin decoction on mitochondrion of rats with chronic heart failure （CHF）. METHODS The CHF model was established by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. Modeled rats were divided into model group， Qiangxin decoction low-dose and high-dose groups （12.25， 24.50 g/kg， calculated by crude drug）， and chemical medicine group （Sacubitril valsartan sodium tablets， 10.42 mg/kg）， with 10 rats in each group； control group was set up without treatment. Each group of rats was orally administered with the corresponding medication or normal saline twice a day for 28 consecutive days. After the last medication， the contents of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） and adenosine triphosphate （ATP） in serum and phosphatidic acid （PA） and cardiolipin （CL） in myocardial tissue were all detected； the pathological damage and collagen fibrosis of rat myocardial tissue were observed； the apoptosis of myocardial cells was determined； the ultrastructure of myocardial tissue was observed； the protein expressions of mitofusin 1 （Mfn1）， Mfn2， optic atrophy protein 1 （OPA1） and dynamin-related protein 1 （Drp1） were all detected in myocardial tissue. RESULTS Compared with control group，the serum content of NT-proBNP， apoptotic rate of myocardial cells， and relative expressions of S-OPA1 and Drp1 proteins were all increased significantly； serum content of ATP，contents of PA and CL， and relative expressions of Mfn1， Mfn2 and L-OPA1 proteins were all significantly reduced （P＜0.05）. There were abnormal membrane tissue structure in various layers of myocardial tissue， degeneration and necrosis of myocardial cells， and severe fibrosis； the mitochondria were swollen， with reduced or absent cristae， and uneven matrix density. After intervention with Qiangxin decoction， the levels of the aforementioned quantitative indicators in serum and myocardial tissue of rats （excluding CL content in the Qiangxin decoction low- dose group） were significantly reversed （P＜0.05）； the pathological damage of myocardial tissue had significantly improved， fibrosis had significantly reduced， mitochondrial morphology tended to be normal， cristae had increased， and matrix density was uniform. CONCLUSIONS Qiangxin decoction can regulate myocardial mitochondrial function and structural integrity of CHF rats， thereby improving myocardial energy metabolism and antagonizing myocardial fibrosis， the mechanism of which may be associated with activating PA/Mfn/CL signaling pathway.

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with radiolabeled SSTR2 agonists is a treatment option that is highly effective in controlling metastatic and progressive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Previous studies have shown that an SSTR2 agonist combined with albumin binding moiety Evans blue (denoted as ¹⁷⁷Lu-EB-TATE) is characterized by a higher tumor uptake and residence time in preclinical models and in patients with metastatic NETs. This study aimed to enhance the in vivo stability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of ¹⁷⁷Lu-EB-TATE by replacing the maleimide-thiol group with a polyethylene glycol chain, resulting in a novel EB conjugated SSTR2-targeting radiopharmaceutical, ¹⁷⁷Lu-LNC1010, for PRRT. In preclinical studies, ¹⁷⁷Lu-LNC1010 exhibited good stability and SSTR2-binding affinity in AR42J tumor cells and enhanced uptake and prolonged retention in AR42J tumor xenografts. Thereafter, we presented the first-in-human dose escalation study of ¹⁷⁷Lu-LNC1010 in patients with advanced/metastatic NETs. ¹⁷⁷Lu-LNC1010 was well-tolerated by all patients, with minor adverse effects, and exhibited significant uptake and prolonged retention in tumor lesions, with higher tumor radiation doses than those of ¹⁷⁷Lu-EB-TATE. Preliminary PRRT efficacy results showed an 83% disease control rate and a 42% overall response rate after two ¹⁷⁷Lu-LNC1010 treatment cycles. These encouraging findings warrant further investigations through multicenter, prospective, and randomized controlled trials.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of da Vinci Xi surgical system assisted laparoscopic exocytosis for hepatic echinococcosis.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 7 patients who underwent da Vinci Xi surgical system assisted laparoscopic exocytosis for hepatic echinococcosis in Xinjiang Uiger Municipal People′s Hospital from October 2019 to July 2021 were collected. There were 3 males and 4 females, aged (43±12)years. Observation indicators: (1) surgical situations; (2) complications; (3) follow-up. Mea-surement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range). Count data were described as absolute numbers. Results:(1) Surgical situations. All 7 patients underwent da Vinci Xi surgical system assisted laparoscopic exocytosis for hepatic echinococcosis successfully, without conversion to laparotomy and laparoscopic surgery. None of the 7 patients underwent intraoperative blood transfusion and the operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, time to postoperative first and flatus, time to postoperative initial liquid food intake, time to postoperative abdominal drainage tube removal, time to postoperative urethral catheter removal, duration of postoperative hospital stay of 7 patients was (225±45)minutes, 100(range, 50-200)mL, (1.9±0.7)days, (4.2±1.2)days, (7±4)days, (2.9±0.8)days, (7±4)days, respectively. (2) Complications. None of the 7 patients had postoperative complications such as bile leakage, abdominal hemorrhage, incision infection, hydatid cavity infection, secondary operation, intestinal obstruction, pulmonary infection and deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs. (3) Follow-up. All 7 patients were followed up for 7 (range, 3-12) months. None of the 7 patients had recurrence of hepatic echinococcosis or peritoneal implantation and incision implantation, and all patients survived during follow-up.Conclusion:da Vinci Xi surgical system assisted laparoscopic exocytosis for hepatic echinococcosis is safe and feasible.

Objective:To develop a tetramer probe targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP), named 1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA)-4P(FAP inhibitor (FAPI)) 4, evaluate its biodistribution and PET image in FAP-positive-tumor bearing nude mice, and explore its feasibility as a novel radio-regent for treatment of FAP-positive tumor. Methods:FAP tetramer probe was constructed on the FAPI-46 motif with four mini-polyethylene glycol (PEG)(PEG 3) spacers between the four FAPI motifs, denoted as 4P(FAPI) 4. DOTA was used as the chelator for radiolabeling with 68Ga and 177Lu. The FAP binding characteristics were test by in vitro cell competitive binding experiment. Small-animal PET, in vivo biodistribution, and radionuclide targeting therapy were performed in HT-1080-FAP tumor bearing nude mice ( n=39). Independent-sample t test was performed to analyze tumor uptake data, and two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance was utilized to compare tumor volume data in radioactive isotope therapy. Results:Cell experiment showed that FAPI-tetramer and FAPI-monomer had similar half maximal inhibitory concentration values (3.29 and 2.15 nmol/L). 68Ga/ 177Lu radiolabeled FAPI-tetramer had better tumor uptake and retention than FAPI-monomer in small-animal PET and in vivo biodistribution experiment, with the tumor uptake for 177Lu-DOTA-4P(FAPI) 4 and 177Lu-FAPI-46 at 48 h of (18.72±1.32) vs (2.72±1.20) percentage activity of injection dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) ( t=15.55, P<0.001). 177Lu-DOTA-4P(FAPI) 4 group showed best anti-tumor efficacy compared with 177Lu-FAPI-46 and control group in radionuclide targeting therapy. On the 2nd day after the start of treatment, the tumor volume in the tetramer treatment group was significantly smaller than that in the control group (mean difference 67.19 mm 3, P=0.049); on the 14th day after the start of treatment, the tumor volume in the tetramer treatment group was significantly smaller than that in the monomer treatment group (mean difference 414.33 mm 3, P=0.005). Conclusion:FAPI-tetramer can improve tumor uptake and retention ability compared with FAPI-46, and 177Lu-DOTA-4P(FAPI) 4 can be a promising radio-agent for FAP-positive tumor therapy.

Objective To investigate the effects of lncRNA SBF2-AS1 on the proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells by regulating the miR-372-3p/CDK6 pathway. Methods Bel7402 and SK-hep1 cells were selected as research objects. The expression levels of SBF2-AS1, miR-372-3p, and CDK6 were up- or down-regulated according to different experimental stages, while the expression levels of miR-372-3p and CDK6 in cells were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. Dual luciferase reporter assay verified the targeting relationships between SBF2-AS1 and miR-372-3p as well as miR-372-3p and CDK6, respectively. CCK-8, colony formation assay, Transwell, cell cycle assay, and flow cytometry were used to analyze cell proliferation, colony formation, migration/invasion ability, cell cycle activity, and apoptosis. Results SBF2-AS1 was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells (P<0.05). SBF2-AS1 knockdown resulted in decreased proliferation and invasion of Bel7402 and SK-hep1 cells (P<0.05). After miR-372-3p knockdown, the proliferation capacity and invasion number of Bel7402 cells were significantly increased. However, the above results were reversed after SBF2-AS1 knockdown (P<0.05). In addition, miR-372-3p targeted CDK6 and inhibited its expression, although over-expressing SFB2-AS1 could reverse the above results (P<0.05). Over-expressing CDK6 could reverse the inhibition of over-expressing miR-372-3p on the proliferation and invasion of Bel7402 cells. Conclusion LncRNA SBF2-AS1 can positively regulate the expression of CDK6 through miR-372-3p. It can also influence the distribution of cell cycle and affect the proliferation and invasion abilities of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

The majority of incidentally found and screen-detected lung cancer is manifested as ground-glass nodule (GGN), which is more likely to be detected in the young people, women and non-smokers. An appropriate management strategy for GGN can not only reduce the mortality of lung cancer but also minimize overtreatment. Although most of persistent GGNs are finally diagnosed as adenocarcinoma or precursor glandular lesions, the GGN-featured lung cancer is characterized as indolent growth or even non-growth. Therefore, scheduled follow-up might be safe for the special radiologic type under a certain condition. We should design the individualized diagnosis and treatment strategy for each patient. The treatment decision-making depends on various factors, including invasion, dynamic change, efficacy and safety of the treatment, as well as physical and psychic condition of the patients. Different from other types of lung cancer, the indolent feature of GGN-featured lung cancer allows a long time to intervene. Therefore, the determination of proper timing for intervention should be made cautiously. Surgical resection is still the principal treatment for GGN-featured lung cancer. However, there is still no consensus on the optimal surgical approach for GGN-featured lung adenocarcinoma. Currently, sublobar resection without lymphadenectomy has been recommended to the patients with precursor glandular lesions. In light of the GGN-featured lung cancer which generally represents a local lesion, local ablation therapies have been used in those patients, especially in the ones who are inoperable or refuse to undergo surgery. The percutaneous local ablation includes different techniques: radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation and argon-helium cryoablation. The local ablation is safe, minimally invasive and repeatable. In addition, it offers the advantage to biopsy and treatment synchronously. Percutaneous ablation has the potential to be an alternative of surgery to cure GGN-featured lung cancer based on emerging evidences. The efficacy of transbronchial ablation guided by  ultrasound or electromagnetic navigational system in the treatment of GGN-featured lung cancer has been primarily validated. As a developing technology, it might be a promising approach but needs further exploration. With the advance in ablation technology, we do believe that the interventional therapy will play an equal role as surgery in curative treatment of GGN-featured lung cancer in the future. Personalized treatment considering the condition of patients and the features of the lesion will maximize the benefit of every patient. This article will explore the diagnosis and treatment strategies of GGN on the basis of further understanding of GGN, and introduce the application of ablation therapy in GGN from the perspective of respiratory intervention.

Objective:To develop a novel α vβ 3-targeted theranostic agent 177Lu-Evans blue (EB)-Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) and evaluate its value for SPECT imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy in the non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)-patient-derived xenografts (PDX). Methods:The α vβ 3-targeted molecule RGD was conjugated with the albumin binding moiety EB to obtain EB-RGD, and EB-RGD was further conjugated with the chelator 1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) for 177Lu radiolabeling. NSCLC-PDX mice models ( n=68) were established. 177Lu-EB-RGD SPECT imaging, biodistribution study were performed in 28 PDX mice models after being injected with 177Lu-EB-RGD or 177Lu-RGD. Targeted radionuclide therapy were subsequently performed in NSCLC-PDX mice models, saline group (group A), 18.5 MBq 177Lu-RGD group (group B), 18.5 MBq 177Lu-EB-RGD group (group C), 29.6 MBq 177Lu-EB-RGD group (group D), n=10 in each group; tumor volumes of PDX mice models in each group were observed within 50 d. Differences between 2 groups were compared using independent-sample t test. Results:177Lu-EB-RGD was radiolabeled at a specific activity of (55±14) GBq/μmol, with a radiochemical yield of more than 95% and a radiochemical purity of more than 95%. Regarding the SPECT imaging, tumors in NSCLC-PDX mice were clearly observed from 4 to 96 h post-injection and the tumor to muscle ratio (T/M) reached 7.34±0.67, 14.63±3.82, 15.69±3.58 and 15.99±5.42 at 4, 24, 72, 96 h post-injection, respectively. Biodistribution study further confirmed the findings from SPECT imaging, and the tumor uptake of 177Lu-EB-RGD were markedly increased compared to 177Lu-RGD 4 h post-injection ((10.15±1.17) vs (3.30±1.47) percent injection dose per gram (%ID/g); t=18.60, P<0.05). Regarding targeted radiotherapy, the tumor volumes were quickly increased within 50 d after treatment in group A and B, while the tumor volumes were decreased in group C and D, until the tumors in group C and D disappeared at the 28th day after initial treatment with no sign of recurrence during the observation period. Conclusions:177Lu-EB-RGD can target α vβ 3-positive NSCLC-PDX with intense tumor to background ratio and strong tumor inhibition efficacy. The preclinical data suggests that 177Lu-EB-RGD may be an effective new treatment option for advanced NSCLC patients with resistance or ineffective results for targeted therapy.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanisms of integrin α vβ 3-targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) in combination with anti-programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunotherapy. Methods:Integrin α vβ 3-targeted molecule Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) was conjugated with Evans blue (EB) and then labeled with 177Lu to obtain 177Lu-EB-RGD. The radioactivity and radiochemical purity were determined. MicroSPECT imaging, biodistribution, and in vivo therapeutic efficacy were subsequently performed in MC38 murine colon cancer models. Volume of tumor and body mass of mice were observed to assess the therapeutic efficacy and safety ( n=9 in each group). Flow cytometry was used to evaluate therapy response of saline-treated (control, group A), 18.5 MBq 177Lu-EB-RGD-treated (group B), 10 mg/kg PD-L1 antibody-treated (group C), TRT combined with immunotherapy-treated (group D, 18.5 MBq 177Lu-EB-RGD and 10 mg/kg PD-L1 antibody) mice and alterations in tumor microenvironment (PD-L1 + immune cells, CD8 + T cells and regulatory T cells). Independent-sample t test and repeated measures analysis of variance were used for data analysis. Results:The radioactivity of 177Lu-EB-RGD was (55.85±14.00) GBq/μmol. SPECT imaging clearly visualized the MC38 tumors in mice models with high uptake and long retention time, the tumor/muscle ratio reached 14.87±0.88 at 24 h postinjection, while less uptake and retention in normal tissues. Tumor uptake of 177Lu-EB-RGD was significantly higher than that of 177Lu-RGD 4 h post-injection ((12.00±1.60) vs (3.69±0.37) %ID/g; t=8.63, P<0.01). The efficacy results between each treatment group was significantly different ( F=7.32, P=0.03) at day 6 post-treatment. The combination therapy showed the most outstanding anti-tumor efficacy with 7/9 mice showed complete response. Flow cytometry results showed that TRT up-regulated the PD-L1 expression significantly, namely, PD-L1 + immune cells in group B and group A were significantly different (CD45 + /PD-L1: 2.34% vs 0.95%, CD11b + /PD-L1: 2.41% vs 0.66%; t values: 11.17 and 8.70, both P<0.01); immunotherapy and combination therapy dramatically stimulated the infiltration of CD8 + T cells (2.07% vs 0.26%, 2.71% vs 0.26%; t values: 4.10 and 6.03, both P<0.05). Conclusion:TRT in combination with immunotherapy synergistically enhance anti-tumor efficacy, which is expected to play a role in the treatment of patients with advanced tumor where TRT can be applied.

Objective To synthesize a novel 18 F labeled probe targeting translocator protein ( TSPO) ligand 2-( 5, 7-diethyl-2-( 4-( 2-fluoroethoxy ) phenyl ) pyrazolo [ 1, 5-a ] pyrimidin-3-yl )-N, N-diethylacet-amide (VUIIS1008), and evaluate its biodistribution and imaging in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model. Methods The tosylate substrate was labeled with 18 F using a tosyloxy for fluorine nucleophilic aliphatic substitution to obtain 18 F-VUIIS1008. The labeling efficiency, radiochemical purity, and stability in vitro were determined. In vitro cellular uptake and competitive binding assay were performed on RAW264.7 mac-rophage cells. Biodistribution and microPET/CT imaging were investigated on RA mice established by Com-plete Freund's Adjuvant. Two-sample t test was used to analyze the data. Results 18 F-VUIIS1008 was syn-thesized with the labeling yield up to (41.00±5.00)％, the radiochemical purity>98.00％, and the specific radioactivity >1. 52 × 108 MBq/mmol. 18 F-VUIIS1008 was highly stable with the radiochemical purity >98. 00％ at 4 h after incubation in mouse serum. In vitro, it also exhibited high specific TSPO binding in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The uptake ratio was (14.00±0.30)％ at 1 h after incubation, and decreased significantly ((4.00±0.70)％;t=12.894, P<0.05) after adding excessive unlabeled VUIIS1008. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 18F-VUIIS1008 binding to TSPO was 0.05 nmol/L in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. In vivo distribution results showed that the uptake of 18 F-VUIIS1008 in the left arthritic ankles reached the peak value of (1.33±0.02) percentage activity of injection dose per gram of tissue (％ID/g) at 1 h after injection. The radioactivity ratio of left ankle arthritic tissue to blood ( A/B) and to normal muscle ( A/M) was 4.40±0.22 and 1.65±0.07 respectively. MicroPET/CT imaging demonstrated that 18F-VUIIS1008 could specifically target and retained in the inflammation site. Conclusion 18 F-VUIIS1008 can be easily synthe-sized with high radiochemical purity and can clearly visualized in RA imaging with low background, suggesting its potential as a novel promising molecular probe targeting TSPO for RA PET imaging.