ImmunoPET and biodistribution with human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 targeting antibody 89Zr-RG7116

The humanized monoclonal antibody with high affinity for the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 3, RG7116, is a glycoengineered, IgG1 class antibody. By labeling RG7116 with zirconium-89 (⁸⁹Zr) we aimed to visualize in vivo HER3 expression and study the biodistribution of this antibody in human tumor-bearing mice. Biodistribution of ⁸⁹Zr-RG7116 was studied in subcutaneously xenografted FaDu tumor cells (HER3-positive). Dose-dependency of ⁸⁹Zr-RG7116 organ distribution and specific tumor uptake was assessed by administering doses ranging from 0.05 to 10 mg/kg RG7116 to SCID/Beige mice. Biodistribution was analyzed at 24 and 144 h after injection. MicroPET imaging was performed at 1, 3, and 6 days after injection of 1.0 mg/kg ⁸⁹Zr-RG7116 in the FaDu, H441, QG-56 and Calu-1 xenografts with varying HER3 expression. The excised tumors were analyzed for HER3 expression. Biodistribution analyses showed a dose- and time-dependent ⁸⁹Zr-RG7116 tumor uptake in FaDu tumors. The highest tumor uptake of ⁸⁹Zr-RG7116 was observed in the 0.05 mg/kg dose group with 27.5%ID/g at 144 h after tracer injection. MicroPET imaging revealed specific tumor uptake of ⁸⁹Zr-RG7116 in FaDu and H441 models with an increase in tumor uptake over time. Biodistribution data was consistent with the microPET findings in FaDu, H441, QG56 and Calu-1 xenografts, which correlated with HER3 expression levels. In conclusion, ⁸⁹Zr-RG7116 specifically accumulates in HER3 expressing tumors. PET imaging with this tracer provides real-time non-invasive information about RG7116 distribution, tumor targeting and tumor HER3 expression levels.     

CO2浓度升高与硝化抑制剂对冬小麦田间N2O排放量的影响

以冬小麦中麦175为供试品种,利用农田开放式CO_2浓度增高(FACE)系统,研究未来大气高CO_2浓度对冬小麦田间N_2O排放的影响,以及施用硝化抑制剂(2-氯-6-三氯甲基吡啶)是否可以起到抑制冬小麦田间N_2O的排放量升高的潜能。试验结果表明:CO_2浓度升高显著提高冬小麦田间N2O的排放增幅达到67.6%,追肥灌溉后小麦田N_2O排放量较大,随着冬小麦生育进程的推进N_2O的排放量逐渐减少,硝化抑制剂对中麦175田间N_2O排放量的影响并不明显。因此,在未来高CO_2浓度环境条件下,可以通过采取相应的耕作制度和栽培技术措施等来降低冬小麦田N_2O的排放量。试验结果对冬小麦田间是否选择施用2-氯-6-三氯甲基吡啶来控制N_2O的排放起到一定的参考作用。     

Development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and their use in identification of Dendrobium varieties

The aim of this study was to develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for Dendrobium varieties/species, many of which have medicinal and horticultural values. Two genomic DNA libraries of Dendrobium Sonia enriched with GA repeats and CA repeats were constructed. Fourteen polymorphic SSR markers were identified when screened against 42 popular commercial Dendrobium hybrids. The average allele number was 12.0 ± 1.9 and the observed heterozyosity was averaged at 0.70. All 42 hybrids tested, except for two tissue culture mutants, were uniquely identified with the markers used. Sibling hybrids were closely clustered. Hybrids were also closer to parents. These SSR markers can be used for molecular ecology research, genetic mapping and marker‐assisted breeding. They can also help protection for new Dendrobium varieties.     

Stratification,Blinding and Placebo Effect in a Randomized,Double Blind Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial of Gold Bead Implantation in Dogs with Hip Dysplasia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the need for and choice of stratification factors, and the effects of blinding and placebo in a clinical experiment. Eighty dogs with canine hip dysplasia (CHD) were included in a randomized, placebo-controlled and double blind clinical trial with stratified parallel group design, in which body weight and degree of CHD were used as stratification factors. Thirty-eight dogs were allocated to gold bead implantation and 42 to placebo. After six months, 33 of the 42 placebo-treated dogs received gold bead implantation in an open study lasting a further 18 months. The main outcome variable in the study was change in pain signs of CHD as assessed by the owner. No significant difference in the main outcome variable, regardless of the treatment given, could be detected in the two chosen stratification factors. The only factor to influence the main outcome variable significantly was age. The blinding procedure used in the study, in which 60% of the owners correctly guessed the treatment given, was found sufficient. Of those who guessed the treatment erroneously, 88% believed the treatment given was gold bead implantation. The treatment efficacy after six months in the blinded treatment group was found to be significantly larger compared to the efficacy obtained in the open study. A significant placebo effect was therefore detected. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: The age of the dogs influenced the outcome of the CHD treatment, and is recommended as a stratification factor. A significant placebo effect has to be expected and an optimal blinding procedure is necessary in similar clinical studies.