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Abstract Local injection of anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis emerged as a promising administration in the clinic, and sustained-release dosage forms have great potential for future therapeutic applications. Controlling the response of patients only in the acute inflammatory phase is currently the focus of therapeutic interventions. To relieve acute pain in patients and to improve the long-term prognosis effect of osteoarthritis treatment, we designed a two-pronged approach in this research: an injectable double-layer microsphere containing a “nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug - macrophage polarizing factor” was constructed. The results indicated that microspheres could regulate the intra-articular environment by inhibiting local inflammatory cytokine production, promoting macrophage polarization to the M2-phenotype, and increasing the expression of cartilage repair factors. Polymers chosen could govern the biocompatibility of microspheres and control the release sequence of the two drugs. Injection of microspheres into the degenerative articular cavity of rats leads to suppressed inflammation and well-promoted cartilage regeneration.

Despite standard treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being surgical resection, cancer recurrence and complications, such as induction of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and significant postoperative pain, usually result in treatment failure. In this study, an alginate-based hybrid hydrogel (SOG) is developed that can be injected into the resection surface of the lungs during surgery. Briefly, endoplasmic reticulum-modified liposomes (MSLs) pre-loaded with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) small interfering RNA and lidocaine hydrochloride are encapsulated in SOG. Once applied, MSLs strongly downregulated STAT3 expression in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in the apoptosis of lung cancer cells and polarization of tumor-associated macrophages towards the M1-like phenotype. Meanwhile, the release of lidocaine hydrochloride (LID) was beneficial for pain relief and natural killer cell activation. Our data demonstrated MSL@LID@SOG not only efficiently inhibited tumor growth but also potently improved the quality of life, including reduced MPE volume and pain relief in orthotopic NSCLC mouse models, even with a single administration. MSL@LID@SOG shows potential for comprehensive clinical management upon tumor resection in NSCLC, and may alter the treatment paradigms for other cancers.

Soil ingestion by livestock is common in grazing ecosystems, but few studies have been conducted to assess its effect on the animal organism. The topic is worthy of attention because these potential effects are likely to be enriched in the food chain and interfere with animal and human health. In this study, we present an indoor feeding trial conducted based on a completely randomized design to comprehensively evaluate the effects of simulated soil ingestion during grazing on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and microflora, and mineral deposition in the organs and tissues of sheep. Eighteen Mutton Merino crossbred sheep (42.7 ± 2.34 kg) were randomly allotted to three treatments and fed diets containing 0% (Control), 5% (SOIL5), and 10% (SOIL10) for 62 d, including a 7-d metabolism trial. It was found that soil intake altered the rumen fermentation in sheep, as evidenced by a decrease in total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and acetate concentrations in rumen fluid of 50.6% and 51.3%, respectively (p

China ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 2001. It thus bears obligations under Article 12 of the covenant to take appropriate measures at the domestic level to realize the right to health in China. Accountability is an important component of the right to health. This article examines whether the Western concept of accountability, recently imported into China, has the potential to improve the protection of the right to health within China's existing political, legal, and cultural framework. In so doing, it reviews current Chinese institutional mechanisms and considers the use of less formal mechanisms by which duty-bearers might be held accountable in China. More specifically, this article provides an overview of a range of health-related accountability mechanisms, including judicial, political, administrative, professional, and social accountability arrangements. It concludes that although there is the basis of an accountability framework for the right to health in China, the effective operation of accountability mechanisms is hindered by longstanding cultural and political barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]