Radiotherapy remains one of the primary therapeutic modalities for various cancers. However, individual heterogeneity exists in treatment outcomes and adverse reactions. In recent years, the interaction between the gut microbiota and radiotherapy has garnered increasing attention. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating host immune responses, maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, and participating in metabolic processes, thereby influencing both the efficacy and tolerance of radiotherapy. Modulating gut microbiota composition through probiotics, antibiotics, or dietary interventions may reduce the toxic side effects induced by radiotherapy, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Despite numerous challenges in mechanistic studies and clinical application, current research has shed light on cancer therapies. This review emphasizes the significant role of gut microbiota in radiotherapy, impacting treatment outcomes and patients’ tolerance and quality of life. Future research should further explore the links between microbiota regulation and optimization of radiotherapy outcomes, with the prospect of translating these strategies into clinical practice to provide more personalized treatment options for patients.

Objective To establish an initial diagnostic method for β-thalassemia (BT) using a double antibody sandwich ELISA approach. Methods The hybridoma producing monoclonal antibodies against anti-HbF were screened using a trailing count method. The mAbs were evaluated through ELISA,modified immunocytochem-istry,and Western blot analysis. A double antibody-sandwich ELISA assay was established by labeling the pairs of mAbs with ALP using the glutaral method,and this detection system was used to analyze 40 serum samples. Results The results demonstrate the successful generation of nine hybridoma cell lines capable of secreting highly active anti-HbF monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Specifically,four mAbs (3F7,4G1,6C1,and 9H7) exhibited exclusive reactivity towards HbF without any cross-reactivity with hemoglobin variants (HbA and HbA2). These four HbF-specific mAbs displayed exceptional specificity and sensitivity,with a maximum titer of 1:256000 and the highest affinity constant (Ka) recorded at 2.36×108 L/mol. Among these mAbs,optimal antibody pairing was achieved using capture antibody 3F7 in conjunction with ALP-4G1 for the development of a sandwich ELISA detec-tion method. By employing this approach,fetal and healthy human blood samples were successfully quantified for HbF levels with an impressive detection sensitivity reaching up to 80％. Conclusion This sandwich ELISA dem-onstrated precise quantification of HbF levels,making it suiTab.for both research and diagnostic purposes in the field of β-thalassemia.

Radiotherapy remains one of the primary therapeutic modalities for various cancers. However, individual heterogeneity exists in treatment outcomes and adverse reactions. In recent years, the interaction between the gut microbiota and radiotherapy has garnered increasing attention. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating host immune responses, maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, and participating in metabolic processes, thereby influencing both the efficacy and tolerance of radiotherapy. Modulating gut microbiota composition through probiotics, antibiotics, or dietary interventions may reduce the toxic side effects induced by radiotherapy, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Despite numerous challenges in mechanistic studies and clinical application, current research has shed light on cancer therapies. This review emphasizes the significant role of gut microbiota in radiotherapy, impacting treatment outcomes and patients’ tolerance and quality of life. Future research should further explore the links between microbiota regulation and optimization of radiotherapy outcomes, with the prospect of translating these strategies into clinical practice to provide more personalized treatment options for patients.

Objective To establish an initial diagnostic method for β-thalassemia (BT) using a double antibody sandwich ELISA approach. Methods The hybridoma producing monoclonal antibodies against anti-HbF were screened using a trailing count method. The mAbs were evaluated through ELISA,modified immunocytochem-istry,and Western blot analysis. A double antibody-sandwich ELISA assay was established by labeling the pairs of mAbs with ALP using the glutaral method,and this detection system was used to analyze 40 serum samples. Results The results demonstrate the successful generation of nine hybridoma cell lines capable of secreting highly active anti-HbF monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Specifically,four mAbs (3F7,4G1,6C1,and 9H7) exhibited exclusive reactivity towards HbF without any cross-reactivity with hemoglobin variants (HbA and HbA2). These four HbF-specific mAbs displayed exceptional specificity and sensitivity,with a maximum titer of 1:256000 and the highest affinity constant (Ka) recorded at 2.36×108 L/mol. Among these mAbs,optimal antibody pairing was achieved using capture antibody 3F7 in conjunction with ALP-4G1 for the development of a sandwich ELISA detec-tion method. By employing this approach,fetal and healthy human blood samples were successfully quantified for HbF levels with an impressive detection sensitivity reaching up to 80％. Conclusion This sandwich ELISA dem-onstrated precise quantification of HbF levels,making it suiTab.for both research and diagnostic purposes in the field of β-thalassemia.

OBJECTIVE To prepare nanoparticle-based targeting preparation loaded with triptolide(TP),and evaluate its quality,targeting ability and cytotoxic effects.METHODS Polymer nanoparticles carrying TP-targeted folic acid(FA)receptor(TP@PLGA-PEG-FA)were fabricated using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/polyethylene glycol/FA(PLGA-PEG-FA)as the carrier by emulsion and volatilization technique.The morphology and distribution were observed,and their particle size,Zeta potential,polydispersity index(PDI),drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were measured.Their stability,blood compatibility,in vitro drug release,uptake by RAW264.7 cells(localization with fluorescent dye Cy3.5),and in vitro cytotoxicity were evaluated.RESULTS TP@PLGA-PEG-FA exhibited spherical shape and uniform distribution,with particle size of(122.60±0.02)nm,Zeta potential of(-17.6±0.6)mV,and PDI of 0.26±0.02;drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of TP were measured to be(7.78±0.05)%and(68.62±0.03)%,respectively.The hemolysis rates of 100,200,300,400 μg/mL TP@PLGA-PEG-FA were 0.77%,0.92%,1.34%and 1.63%,respectively.There were no significant changes in particle size,PDI and Zeta potential when TP@PLGA-PEG-FA were placed in 4℃water for 14 days and in DMEM culture medium containing 10%fetal bovine serum at 37℃for 12 h.The cumulative release rate of TP@PLGA-PEG-FA was(84.83±0.29)%in phosphate buffer at pH5.5 for 72 h,which was significantly higher than the cumulative release rates in phosphate buffer solutions at pH7.4 and 6.5 for 72 h[(42.37±0.35)%and(63.83±0.29)%,respectively](P＜0.05).Activated RAW264.7 cells took up significantly more Cy3.5@PLGA-PEG-FA than they took up Cy3.5@PLGA-PEG-FA+free FA and Cy3.5@PLGA-PEG.When the mass concentration of TP was≥15.63 ng/mL,the survival rates of activated cells in the TP@PLGA-PEG-FA groups were significantly lower than those of the same mass concentration of free TP groups(P＜0.05).CONCLUSIONS The prepared TP@PLGA-PEG-FA has high stability,good blood compatibility,active targeting and cytotoxicity to inflammatory cells.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors and their warning value for the occurrence of sepsis in patients with severe multiple trauma.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 92 patients with severe multiple trauma admitted to Yuyao People′s Hospital from July 2019 to October 2021. There were 71 males and 21 females, with the age range of 36-55 years [(45.5±13.6)years]. The injury severity score (ISS) was 20-29 points [(25.3±6.4)points]. The patients were divided into sepsis group ( n=32) and non-sepsis group ( n=60) according to whether sepsis occurred during hospitalization. Data were recorded for the two groups, including gender, age, basic diseases, cause of injury, number of injury sites, ISS, post-injury complications, and levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) at 1, 3 and 5 days after injury. The above data were analyzed to identify their correlation with the occurrence of sepsis in patients with severe multiple trauma by univariate analysis. The independent risk factors for sepsis in patients with severe multiple trauma were determined by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. The warning value of the single or combined risk factors for the occurrence of sepsis in patients with severe multiple trauma was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC). Results:By univariate analysis, it was demonstrated that the occurrence of sepsis was correlated with ISS, level of AHR at day 1 after injury, level of CRP at day 3 after injury and level of PCT at day 3 after injury ( P<0.05 or 0.01), but not with age, sex, basic diseases, level of AHR at 3, 5 days after injury, level of PCT at 1, 5 days after injury and level of CRP at 1, 5 days after injury (all P>0.05). By multivariate Logistic regression analysis, higher ISS ( OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.01, 1.24, P<0.05), level of AHR at day 1 after injury ( OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.10, 1.52, P<0.01) and level of PCT at day 3 after injury ( OR=1.81, 95% CI 1.08, 3.03, P<0.05) were found to be strongly correlated with the occurrence of sepsis. ROC curve analysis showed that higher ISS (AUC=0.69, 95% CI 0.57, 0.76) and level of AHR at day 1 after injury (AUC=0.79, 95% CI 0.68, 0.90) had warning value for the occurrence of sepsis, and the warning efficiency of combined panel was much better (AUC=0.86, 95% CI 0.77, 0.95). Conclusions:Higher ISS, level of AHR at day 1 after injury and level of PCT at day 3 after injury are independent risk factors for the occurrence of sepsis in patients with severe multiple trauma. ISS, AHR and combination of both exhibit good warning value for the occurrence of sepsis in patients with severe multiple trauma.

Objective To investigate the effects of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) on myocardial Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMK Ⅱ) and cell autophagy after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in swine.Methods Twenty healthy male domestic swine weighing 33-40 kg were randomly (random number) divided into 3 groups:sham group (n=4),CPR group (n=8) and TH group (n=8).Sham animals only underwent general preparation without experiencing cardiac arrest and resuscitation.The animal model was established by 8 min of electrically induced ventricular fibrillation and then 5 min CPR in the CPR and TH groups.Successful resuscitation was regarded as an organized rhythm with a mean arterial pressure of greater than 50 mmHg for 5 min or more.After successful resuscitation,body temperature was decreased to 33 ℃ by a cooling blanket and then maintained until 24 h post-resuscitation,and followed by a rewarming at a rate of 1 ℃/h for 5 h in the TH group.A normal temperature was maintained by the blanket throughout the experiment in the sham and CPR groups.At 6,12,24 and 30 h after resuscitation,the values of stroke volume (SV) and global ejection fraction (GEF) were measured by PiCCO,and meanwhile the serum concentrations of cardiac troponin Ⅰ (cTnI) were measured by ELISA assay and the serum activities of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) were evaluated by an automatic biochemical analyzer.At 30 h after resuscitation,the animals were sacrificed and left ventricular myocardium was obtained for the determination ofCaMK Ⅱ,microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 Ⅱ (LC3 Ⅱ) and p62 expressions by Western blot.The variables were compared with One way analysis of variance and then the Bonferroni test among the three groups.Results Compared with the sham group,myocardial dysfunction and injury after resuscitation were observed in the CPR and TH groups,which were indicated by decreased SV and GEF and also increased cTnI concentration and CK-MB activity in serum (all P＜0.05).Compared with the CPR group,the values of SV and GEF were significantly increased at 6 h after resuscitation,and serum cTnI concentration and CK-MB activity were significantly decreased starting 12 h after resuscitation in the TH group [SV (mL):25.0±6.9 vs 31.9±3.3 at 6 h,26.7±5.1 vs 34.6±3.7 at 12 h,28.8±3.3 vs 35.7±3.2 at 24 h,29.2±5.2 vs 36.7±3.3 at 30 h;GEF (％):17.1±2.7 vs 19.9±1.8 at 6 h,18.7±1.9 vs 21.6±1.8 at 12 h,19.3±2.3 vs 23.0±2.4 at 24 h,21.0±1.7 vs 23.7±1.7 at 30 h;cTnI (pg/mL):564±51 vs 466±56 at 12 h,534±38 vs 427±60 at 24 h,476±55 vs 375±46 at 30 h;CK-MB (U/L):803±164 vs 652±76 at 12 h,693±96 vs 557±54 at 24 h,633±91 vs 480±77 at 30 h,all P＜0.05].Tissue detection indicated that the expression of CaMK Ⅱ and LC3 Ⅱ were increased while the expression of p62 was decreased in post-resuscitation myocardium in the CPR and TH groups compared with the sham group (all P＜0.05).However,the expression of CaMK Ⅱ and LC3 Ⅱ were decreased and the expression of p62 was increased in postresuscitation myocardium in the TH group compared to the CPR group (CaMK Ⅱ:0.73±0.06 vs 0.58±0.05;LC3 Ⅱ:0.69±0.09 vs 0.50±0.07;p62:0.40±0.07 vs 0.68±0.14,all P＜0.05).Conclusion The mechanism of TH alleviating post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction and injury may be related to the inhibition of CaMK Ⅱ expression and cell autophagy.

Objective To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine postconditioning on brain injury after cardiac arrest and resuscitation in a swine model.Methods Twenty-eight healthy male domestic pigs,weighing 36±2 kg,were randomized (random number) into 4 groups (n=7 each group):sham operation group (S group),cardiopulmonary resuscitation group (CPR group),low-dose dexmedetomidine postconditioning group (LDP group),and high-dose dexmedetomidine postconditioning group (HDP group).Animals in the S group only underwent the surgical preparation.In the other three groups,the experimental model was established by 8 mins of electrically induced ventricular fibrillation and then 5 mins of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.At 5 min after resuscitation,a loading dose of dexmedetomidine of 0.25 μg/kg was intravenously infused followed by continuous infusion at a rate of 0.25 μg/(kg·h) for 6 h in the LDP group,and a loading dose of dexmedetomidine of 0.5 μ.g/kg was infused followed by continuous infusion at a rate of 0.5 μg/(kg·h) for 6 h in the HDP group.The same amount of normal saline was administered in the S and CPR groups.At 1 h,3 h,6 h and 24 h after resuscitation,the levels of serum neuron specific enolase (NSE) and S100B protein were measured.At 24 h after resuscitation,neurologic deficit score (NSD) was evaluated.After that,the animals were euthanized and cerebral cortex was obtained for the determination of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin-6 (IL-6)and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents,superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity,cell apoptosis and caspase-3 expression.Results Compared with the S group,post-resuscitation neurologic dysfunction and brain injury were observed in the other three groups,which were indicated by significantly higher NDS and markedly greater levels of serum NSE and S 100B (all P＜0.05).Compared with the CPR group,the score of NDS at 24 h post-resuscitation were significantly lower and the levels of serum NSE and S100B at 6 h and 24 h post-resuscitation were significantly less in the LDP and HDP groups [NDS:194±26,103±16 vs 278±23 at 24 h;NSE (ng/mL):32.4±1.8,28.6±3.7 vs 36.2±2.8 at 6 h,39.9±4.2,35.1±1.5 vs 45.1±3.0 at 24 h;S100B (pg/mL):2 534±207,2 382±170 vs 2 825±113 at 6 h,3 719±164,3 246±176 vs 4 085±161 at 24 h,all P＜0.05].Compared with the LDP group,neurologic dysfunction and brain injury at 24 h postresuscitation were further significantly alleviated in the HDP group (all P＜0.05).Pathological analysis indicated that brain inflammation,oxidative stress and cell apoptosis were observed after resuscitation in the CPR,LDP and HDP groups.However,the contents of TNF-α,IL-6 and MDA were significantly lower while the activity of SOD was significantly higher,and cell apoptosis and caspase-3 expression were significantly reduced in the brain after resuscitation in the LDP and HDP groups compared with the CPR group (all P＜0.05).In addition,those pathological injuries mentioned above were further significantly alleviated in the brain after resuscitation in the HDP group compared to the LDP group (all P＜0.05).Conclusions Dexmedetomidine postconditioning significantly alleviated the severity of postresuscitation brain injury in a dose-dependent manner,in which the protection was produced possibly through reducing tissue inflammation,oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.

Objective To evaluate the effects of hypothermia on Ca2+∕calmodulin-dependent pro-tein kinase Ⅱ ( CaMKⅡ) and cell autophagy in brain tissues after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary re-suscitation ( CA-CPR) in swine. Methods Twenty-one healthy male white swine, weighing 33-40 kg, were divided into 3 groups using a random number table method: sham operation group ( group S, n=5) , CA-CPR group ( n=8) and hypothermia group ( group H, n=8) . The experimental model of CA-CPR was established in CA-CPR and H groups. The Swan-Ganz catheters were placed in the right femoral artery and vein to monitor the pressure of thoracic aorta and right atrium and body temperature and to collect blood sam-ples. A pacing catheter was advanced from the right external jugular vein into the right ventricle. Ventricu-lar fibrillation was induced by using a 1 mA alternating current through the pacing catheter. Once ventricular fibrillation was successfully induced, mechanical ventilation was discontinued for 8 min, and then CPR was initiated. Epinephrine 20 μg∕kg was intravenously injected at 2. 5 min of CPR, followed by repetition once every 3 min. Defibrillation was delivered at 5 min of CPR, and then spontaneous circulation was evaluated. If the spontaneous circulation was not restored, CPR was immediately resumed for 2 min, and then defibril-lation was delivered again. Mechanical ventilation was continued for 30 h after successful CPR. At 5 min af-ter successful resuscitation, body temperature was decreased to 33 ℃ by using a cooling blanket, then maintained at 33 ℃ until 24 h after resuscitation, and finally increased at a rate of 1℃∕h for 5 h in group H. The temperature was maintained at a normal level of 37. 5-38. 5 ℃ with the aid of a cooling blanket in S and CA-CPR groups. At 1, 6, 12, 24 and 30 h after resuscitation (T1-5), blood samples were collected from the femoral vein for measurement of the concentration of neuron specific enolase ( NSE) and S100βprotein in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Five animals in each group were then sacrificed, and brains were removed to determine the expression of CaMKⅡ, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ( LC3Ⅱ) and p62 in cerebral cortex by Western blot. Neurological deficit score was evaluated in the remaining three swine at 48, 72 and 96 h after resuscitation (T6-8) in CA-CPR and H groups. Results Compared with group S, the concentrations of NSE and S100β protein in serum were significantly in-creased at T1-5 , the expression of CaMKⅡand LC3Ⅱin cerebral cortex was up-regulated, and the expres-sion of p62 in cerebral cortex was down-regulated in CA-CPR and H groups (P<0. 05). Compared with group CA-CPR, the concentrations of NSE and S100βprotein in serum were significantly decreased at T3-5, the neurological deficit score was decreased at T6-8 , the expression of CaMKⅡand LC3Ⅱin cerebral cortex was down-regulated, and the expression of p62 in cerebral cortex was up-regulated in group H ( P<0. 05) . Conclusion The mechanism by which hypothermia alleviates brain injury after CA-CPR may be related to inhibiting CaMKⅡ activation and reducing cell autophagy in brain tissues of swine.

Objective: To investigate the resuscitation effect of aortic balloon occlusion (ABO) on the traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) in swine. Methods: Twenty-seven male domestic swine weighing (32.7±3.8)kg were utilized. After 40% of estimated blood volume was removed within 20 minutes, the animals were subjected to 5 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation and then 5 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Additionally, fluid resuscitation was initiated coincident with the beginning of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The animals were randomly divided into model group (n=12) and ABO group (n=15). Once cardiopulmonary resuscitation was implemented, aortic balloon was concurrently inflated to stop the blood flow of descending thoracic aorta at the level of the diaphragm in the ABO group. In the model group, aortic balloon was placed in the same position without inflation. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the changes of coronary perfusion pressure (CPP), forehead's regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO₂) and pressure of end-tidal CO₂ (PETCO₂) were continuously monitored, and the rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, number of shocks and dose of epinephrine were recorded. At 5 minutes after successful resuscitation, the levels of arterial blood gas, lactate and jugular venous blood oxygen saturation (SjvO₂) were measured. Results: Compared with the model group, the values of CPP, rSO₂ and PETCO₂ during cardiopulmonary resuscitation were significantly increased in the ABO group [CPP: (33.5±5.6)mmHg vs. (23.1±5.2)mmHg at 1 minute, (35.3±6.0)mmHg vs. (26.8±7.4)mmHg at 2 minutes, (36.3±6.3)mmHg vs. (28.2±6.3)mmHg at 3 minutes, (40.1±7.1)mmHg vs. (30.5±6.2)mmHg at 4 minutes, (38.1±7.5)mmHg vs. (29.8±5.3)mmHg at 5 minutes; rSO₂: (45.4±5.2)% vs. (39.2±5.1)% at 1 minute, (47.2±3.6)% vs. (42.0±6.4)% at 2 minutes, (47.7±3.0)% vs. (41.5±5.4)% at 3 minutes, (47.0±2.5)% vs. (42.1±5.9)% at 4 minutes, (47.1±2.0)% vs. (41.5±7.4)% at 5 minutes; PETCO₂: (17.0±3.5)mmHg vs. (12.7±4.2)mmHg at 1 minute, (18.5±3.7)mmHg vs. (14.5±2.7)mmHg at 2 minutes, (20.7±5.3)mmHg vs. (15.5±3.2)mmHg at 3 minutes, (18.7±4.5)mmHg vs. (14.9±3.5)mmHg at 4 minutes, (18.2±3.2)mmHg vs. (14.5±4.2)mmHg at 5 minutes] (all P<0.05). The rate of ROSC was significantly higher in the ABO group than in the model group[100%(15/15) vs. 75%(9/12)] (P<0.05). Additionally, shorter duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, less number of shocks and lower doses of epinephrine were observed in the ABO group when compared with the model group[duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation: 5(5, 5)minutes vs. 5(5, 12.5)minutes, number of shocks: 1(1, 1)times vs. 1(1, 4)times, dose of epinephrine: 0.62(0.62, 0.74)mg vs. 0.64(0.59, 2.59)mg] (all P<0.05). At 5 minutes after resuscitation, the level of arterial lactate was significantly decreased and the value of SjvO₂ was significantly increased in the ABO group compared with the model group[Lactate: (9.6±0.8)mmol/L vs. (10.8±1.4)mmol/L; SjvO₂: (50.0±8.6)% vs. (37.9±16.3)%] (both P<0.05). Conclusions In a swine model of TCA, ABO can increase cardiac and cerebral perfusion during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and improve the efficacy of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It might provide a novel and effective method for the resuscitation of TCA in the clinical setting.