Internalization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles by glial cells is given at short times and is mainly mediated by actin reorganization-dependent endocytosis

Many nanoparticles (NPs) have toxic effects on multiple cell lines. This toxicity is assumed to be related to their accumulation within cells. However, the process of internalization of NPs has not yet been fully characterized. In this study, the cellular uptake, accumulation, and localization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) in rat (C6) and human (U373) glial cells were analyzed using time-lapse microscopy (TLM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cytochalasin D (Cyt-D) was used to evaluate whether the internalization process depends of actin reorganization. To determine whether the NP uptake is mediated by phagocytosis or macropinocytosis, nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction was measured and the 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride was used. Expression of proteins involved with endocytosis and exocytosis such as caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and cysteine string proteins (CSPs) was also determined using flow cytometry.TiO₂ NPs were taken up by both cell types, were bound to cellular membranes and were internalized at very short times after exposure (C6, 30 min; U373, 2 h). During the uptake process, the formation of pseudopodia and intracellular vesicles was observed, indicating that this process was mediated by endocytosis. No specific localization of TiO₂ NPs into particular organelles was found: in contrast, they were primarily localized into large vesicles in the cytoplasm. Internalization of TiO₂ NPs was strongly inhibited by Cyt-D in both cells and by amiloride in U373 cells; besides, the observed endocytosis was not associated with NBT reduction in either cell type, indicating that macropinocytosis is the main process of internalization in U373 cells. In addition, increases in the expression of Cav-1 protein and CSPs were observed.In conclusion, glial cells are able to internalize TiO₂ NPs by a constitutive endocytic mechanism which may be associated with their strong cytotoxic effect in these cells; therefore, TiO₂ NPs internalization and their accumulation in brain cells could be dangerous to human health.     

二氧化碳吸收剂中水分对七氟醚分解反应的影响

目的　研究模拟紧闭反应器内干燥的二氧化碳 (CO2 )吸收剂及自身含水对七氟醚分解的影响。方法　在紧闭反应器 (1 6 0ml)内 ,分别装钠石灰、钡石灰、干燥钠石灰和干燥钡石灰 (各 2 5g)。在密闭状态下注入液态的七氟醚 4 0 0 μl,放入 5 0℃水浴内反应 6h ,分别在 5、1 5、30、4 5、6 0min、以后每 30分钟至 36 0分钟采样 ,用气相色谱法分析。测定七氟醚的分解产物。结果　钠石灰组出现复合物A、B ,在其他组七氟醚产生 5种分解产物。复合物A∶干燥钡石灰 >干燥钠石灰 >钡石灰和钠石灰组。干燥钡石灰组明显高于其他两组 (P <0 0 5 )。复合物B∶干燥钡石灰组 <钡石灰组 <干燥钠石灰组 (P <0 0 5 )。复合物C、D、E ,以干燥钡石灰组最为明显 (P <0 0 5 )。各组均未检测到CO。结论　在 5 0℃的紧闭反应器内 ,七氟醚与干燥的CO2 吸收剂反应剧烈 ,未产生CO ;国产钠石灰优于钡石灰 ,在紧闭容器内自身含水可以抑制分解反应     

Carbon dioxide recruitment threshold as a predictor of successful weaning in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A pilot study

Abstract Several methods have been used to predict successful weaning and extubation among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The objective of this study is to determine whether carbon dioxide recruitment threshold (PCO₂RT) can be used as adjunct to conventional weaning parameters to predict early weaning and successful extubation. Twelve COPD patients who were ready to be extubated based on conventional weaning parameters were divided into group A ( n = 7) and group B ( n = 5). Group A were those patients with better weaning parameters and hence a higher probability of successful extubation as compared to group B. Carbon dioxide apnoeic threshold (PCO₂AT) was obtained by hyperventilating the patient using an increment of two breaths per min until apnoea occurs. At this point, the PCO₂AT or the PaCO₂ during said apnoeic period was recorded. A dead space of 150 cc is then added to the circuit until the patient starts to breathe as evidenced by the sensitivity trigger indicator. The PCO₂ obtained at this period is termed PCO₂RT. After weaning for 30 min on a T-tube, another arterial blood gas is determined and this is called the PCO₂SB or the CO₂ level after 30 min on spontaneous breathing. If the PCO₂SB-PCO₂RT difference is high with a sensitivity of 85.71% and specificity of 100% vs sensitivity of 57.14% and specificity of 60% using the conventional weaning parameters. Thus an increase in PCO₂SB at 30 min T-tube is indicative of impending respiratory pump failure and that other causes of failure to wean must be investigated.     

儿茶酚胺类药物对感染性休克兔胃肠灌注的影响

Objective To assess the effects of dopamine,dobutamine and norepinephrine on the P(g-a)CO2 and superior mesenteric blood flow in septic shock.Methods Rabbit septic shock model was established by challenging with intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharides from Escherichia coil(2 mg/kg).The rabbits with septic shock were randomly assigned to 3 groups-dopamine group(n = 8),dobutamine group(n = 8) and norepinephrine group(n = 8).Apart from volume resuscitation with normal saline solution [20 ml/(kg· h)]，dopamine[5μg/(kg·min)],dobutamine[(5μg/(kg·min)]and norepinephrine [(1μg/(kg·min)]were infused in dopamine group,dobutamine group and norepinephrine group respeclively.Cardiac index(CI) and superior mesenteric blood flow index(SMBFI) were continuously monitored by doppler flowrneter.Gastric mucosal PCO2 was evaluated by gas tonometry every 10 min.Arterial and venous blood gas analyses and lactate levels were measured every 1 h.Results MAP,CI,and SMBFI significandy decreased and P(g-a) CO2 increased after lipopolysaccharides infusion in three groups.After 2-hour treatment,MAP in norepinephrine group[(70 +3) mm Hg]was higher than that of dopamine group[(66±4) mm Hg]and dobutamine group[(65±4) mm Hg](P ＜0.05).SMBFI in norepinephrine group [(18.7±2.9) ml/(kg·min)]was higher than that of dopamine group[(16.2±1.6) ml/(kg·min)]and dobutamine group[(15.8±1.9) ml/(kg·min)](P＜0.05).P(g-a) CO2 in norepinephrine group [(30±6) mm Hg]was lower than that of dobutamine group[(23±5)mm Hg](P＜0.05).Condnsion As an adjuvant therapy of volume resuscitation,norepinephrine is more effective than low dose dopamine and dobutamine in improving splanchnic perfusion.     

First experimental study of carbon dioxide digital subtraction lymphangiography

Fourteen pigs with an average weight of 17 kg were used in this study. Under general anesthesia and magnification 1–3 ccm/kg of carbon dioxide were administered in the lymph vessels of the front and rear legs. Imaging of the peripheral lymph vessels, lymph nodes and the thoracic duct was achieved with digital subtraction angiography. The quality of lymphangiography was satisfactory and comparable with that of the standard non-ionic contrast agent. It is anticipated that further technical evolution will permit the application of CO₂/DSA lymphangiography to man. Carbon dioxide is non-nephrotoxic and is non-allergic; it is inexpensive, can be administered in unlimited quantity and is quickly eliminated via the pulmonary system.     

Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound with carbon dioxide microbubbles as adjunct to arteriography of liver tumors

Purpose The goal of the study is to evaluate utility of contrast enhanced ultrasound (US) with carbon dioxide microbubbles in evaluation of hepatic lesions.Methods Twenty eight patients with single or multiple t hepatic lesions (11 hepatocellular carcinoma, 8 hemangiomas, 5 metastases, 1 adenoma, 1 focal nodular hyperplasia, 2 regenerative nodules) were examined. US exam was performed during intraarterial injection of 10 ml of CO₂ through the same catheter employed for liver arteriography. The US exam was videotaped in its salient phases. Characteristics of enhancement were evaluated and correlated with histological findings or patient follow up.Results Sonographic angiography clearly demonstrated vascularization of the lesions. Hepatocellular carcinoma, hemangioma, metastases, focal nodular hyperplasia, and regenerative nodules had very characteristic patterns. The injection of CO₂ allowed detection of small additional nodules.Conclusion Sonographic angiography can improve characterization and staging of hepatic tumors. Low cost and the simplicity of the technique should encourage further experimentation.