Effect of Different Ethylene Oxide Addition Numbers on the Performance of Polyoxyethylene Tallow Amine as a Pesticide Emulsifier.

Surfactant reduces the surface tension of liquids, resulting in improved emulsion stability, and there is great interest in pesticide additives. Ethoxylate is often used as a pesticide emulsifier. However, the degree of ethoxylation and the existence of dioxane byproducts can significantly affect the performance of emulsifiers. Here, a series of polyoxyethylene tallow amines with the addition of different numbers of ethylene oxide (EO) were synthesized and characterized. Their physical and chemical performances were measured. The ability of POEA as a surfactant to reduce water surface tension and the surface adsorption of molecules were assessed based on the static and dynamic surface tensions. The results show that the surfactant molecules preferentially form a saturated adsorption layer in solution, and the mixed-diffusion-kinetics mechanism dominates the adsorption process. With the increase of the EO addition number, the emulsifying property of POEA increases, while the wetting property gradually decreases and the contact angle increases. These results can provide a basis for the selection of pesticide additives. At the same time, the mechanism of removing dioxane by ethoxylate is described, and a simple and low-consumption method is put forward to reduce the dioxane content. It provides a new idea for the removal of dioxane.

Effect of PLK1 inhibition on cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibition on cisplatin (DDP)-resistant gastric cancer (GC) cells. METHODS: The transcriptional level of PLK1 was measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Expressions of PLK1 and its downstream mediators as well as autophagy-related protein LC3 I/LC3 II were detected by western blot. An 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine immunofluorescent staining were conducted to evaluate the cell viability and replication activity separately. Flow cytometry was carried out to determine the cell cycle status. The GFP-LC3 vector contributed toward tracking the formation and aggregation of autophagosomes. RESULTS: Drug-resistant SGC-7901/DDP cells showed insignificant changes in all phases after DDP treatment, including DNA replication, cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis, whereas DDP could significantly improve the autophagy level of SGC-7901/DDP as well as PLK1expression. By downregulating the expression of PLK1, both BI2536 andsi-PLK1 enhanced SGC-7901/DDP sensitivity to DDP, suppressing the proliferation and autophagy as well as improving the apoptosis rate. PLK1 inhibition also resulted in the repression of cell division regulators CDC25C and cyclin B1. CONCLUSION: Together, our experimental results illustrated that the DDP resistance of GC cells might be associated with the aberrant overexpression of PLK1. PLK1 inhibition, including si-PLK1 and BI2536 treatment, could restore the chemosensitivity of drug-resistant SGC-7901/DDP cells and enhance the efficacy of DDP, revealing the potential value of PLK1 inhibition in GC chemotherapy.

External Validation of Survival-Predicting Models for Acute Myocardial Infarction with Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Chinese Single-Center Cohort.

BACKGROUND This study was designed as an external evaluation of potentially relevant models for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR). MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty AMI adults that met criteria were retrospectively analyzed from January 2009 to January 2015. Six possible models - ENCOURAGE, SAVE, ECPR, GRACE, SHOCK, and a simplified risk chart - were identified by literature review and model scores calculated based on original data. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, commonly used in intensive care units, served as controls. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the models' discriminative power for predicting survival to discharge. RESULTS The ECPR model showed the best discriminative performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.893 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.733-1.530, p=0.006); the cutoff was 12.5 points, with 66.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The "clinical" SHOCK model (including infarct site) showed weaker but still good discriminative power, with an AUC of 0.804 (95% CI, 0.580-1.027, p=0.035); the cutoff was 45.5 points, with 83.3% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity. The remaining models did not show significant discriminative power for predicting survival to discharge. Risk stratifications indicated that a statistically significant difference was observed in the distribution of patients into the ECPR group with different prognoses when stratified by its cutoff (p=0.003), while a trend of significant difference was shown when applied to the SHOCK model (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS The ECPR and SHOCK models possess important abilities to predict intrahospital outcomes of AMI patients treated with E-CPR.

Does off-farm employment contribute to chemical fertilizer reduction? New evidence from the main rice-producing area in Jilin Province, China.

Frequent transfer of rural labor to cities in developing countries significantly impacts agricultural production. However, whether off-farm employment can promote chemical fertilizer (CF) reduction is still controversial. This study incorporates business scale (BS) and fragmentation degree of arable land (FDAL) into the theoretical analysis framework, shedding light on regulating effects of arable land resource endowment in the process of off-farm employment which influences CF application under different BS and FDAL scenarios. It also empirically tests the theoretical framework by employing the survey data of 318 rice farmers in Jilin Province. The results indicate that: (1) off-farm employment, in general, promotes the adoption behavior of machinery by farmers, and mechanical tillage can significantly reduce the intensity of CF application. (2) If farmers have large BS and non-dispersed farmland parcels, contiguous cultivation will meet the scale threshold for mechanical farming and obtain economies of scale to reduce the intensity of CF application. (3) If farmers have small BS and dispersed farmland parcels, the scale threshold of mechanical farming cannot be met. In order to stabilize agricultural production, farmers will increase the intensity of CF application. According to the empirical results, we put forward some suggestions.

[Application of sedation with a low dose of dexmedetomidine during intrathecal anesthesia in elderly patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and safety of sedation with a low dose of dexmedetomidine (DEX) during intrathecal anesthesia in the elderly patients. METHODS: Thirty elderly patients were randomly divided into the DEX group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). There were 13 males and 17 females with a mean age of 77 years old (range: 65 - 89 years old). After an induction of intrathecal anesthesia, the patients in the DEX group received an infusion of 0.4 µg×kg(-1)×h(-1) for 10 min. Then the infusion speed was adjusted between 0.2 and 0.4 µg×kg(-1)×h(-1) to maintain the values of bispectral index (BIS) at around 80. An equivalent volume of normal saline was administered in the control group. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (P(ET)CO(2)) and BIS were recorded at the beginning of DEX infusion, 10, 20, 30 and 60 min after DEX infusion beginning and at the end of surgery. The observer's assessment of alertness/sedation (OAA/S) scores and the clinical responses were also recorded. A statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: All intraoperative hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were within the normal range in both groups. Compared with the beginning after infusion, blood pressure at the point of 10 min after infusion decreased about 10% - 15% (P < 0.05) in the DEX group. But there was no such change in the control group. The values of BIS also decreased significantly at each time point after 10 min infusion versus the beginning of administration (P < 0.05); as compared with the control group, the values of BIS also decreased significantly at 30, 60 min and the end of infusion (P < 0.05). The 95%confidence interval (CI) of BIS values were 70 - 95 in the DEX group and 80 - 100 in the control group (P < 0.05). In the DEX group, the OAA/S scores were significantly lower at the points of 20, 30, 60 min and the end of infusion versus the beginning after infusion. And it was also lower in the DEX group than that in the control group (95%CI: 3 - 4 vs 4 - 5, P < 0.05). No bradycardia occurred in the DEX group. Two of three patients with concurrent atrial fibrillation were converted to sinus rhythm after the administration of DEX. Patients with severe lung diseases (pulmonary fibrosis, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) maintained normal cardiopulmonary functions in the DEX group. DEX showed a good sedation effect in 1 patient with mental diseases. CONCLUSION: Sedation with a small dose of DEX during intrathecal anesthesia in elderly patients is both feasible and efficacious. But studies of larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm its safety.

The Analgesic Effect of Different Concentrations of Epidural Ropivacaine Alone or Combined With Sufentanil in Patients After Cesarean Section.

Background: Patients experience moderate-high intensity postoperative pain after cesarean section (CS). The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal concentrations of ropivacaine and sufentanil for use in controlling pain after CS. Methods: One hundred and seventy-four women undergoing elective CS were randomly allocated to four groups. Epidural analgesia was administered with 0.1% ropivacaine in the R1 group, 0.15% ropivacaine in the R2 group, a combination of 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/ml of sufentanil in the R1S group, and a combination of 0.15% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/ml of sufentanil in the R2S group (at a basal rate of 4 ml/h, bolus dose of 4 ml/20 min as needed). Pain scores (numerical rating scale [NRS]: 0-10 cm) at rest (NRS-R), during movement (NRS-M), and when massaging the uterus (NRS-U) were documented at 6 and 24 h. We also recorded patient satisfaction scores, time to first flatus, motor deficits, and adverse drug reactions. Results: NRS (NRS-R, NRS-M, NRS-U) scores in the R2S group (2 [1-3], 4 [3-5], 6 [5-6], respectively) were lower than in the R1 group (3 [3-4], 5 [4-6], 7 [6-8], respectively) (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively) at 6 h; and patient satisfaction (9 [8-10]) was improved compared to the R1 group (8 [6-8]) (p < 0.01). The time to first flatus (18.7 ± 11.8 h) was reduced relative to the R1 group (25.9 ± 12.0 h) (p < 0.05). The time to first ambulation was not delayed (p > 0.05). However, the incidence of pruritus (4 [9.3%]) was increased compared to the R2 group (0 [0]) (p < 0.05) at 6 h, and the incidence of numbness (23 [53.5%], 23 [53.5%]) was increased compared to the R1 group (10 [23.3%], 10 [23.3%]) (all p < 0.01) at both 6 and 24 h. Conclusions: Although we observed a higher incidence of pruritus and numbness, co-administration of 0.15% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/ml of sufentanil administered epidurally optimized pain relief after CS, with treated subjects exhibiting lower NRS scores, shorter time to first flatus, and higher patient-satisfaction scores.

[The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in sustaining pulmonary function patients with influenza A H1N1].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical method and initial experience of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) supportive treatment in influenza A H1N1 serious patients. METHODS: In 5 critically ill patients with influenza A H1N1, their arterial oxygen saturation was 0.70 to 0.85 with oxygen concentration (FiO(2)) 1.00 under mechanical ventilation. In these 5 patients, 3 males and 2 females, vein-vein mode ECMO bypass (femoral vein-internal jugular vein) was carried out to assist pulmonary function. The ratio between ECMO oxygen flow and blood flow was 2-1:1, FiO(2) was 0.21 to 1.00, FiO(2) for mechanical ventilation was 0.30 to 0.70, and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) was 5-10 cm H(2)O (1 cm H(2)O= 0.098 kPa). Activated coagulation time (ACT) was maintained at 160-250 s. When artery oxygen saturation and artery-venous blood gas became normal on discontinuation of ECMO, ECMO was weaned, and venous cannulas were removed. Mechanical ventilation was continued. RESULTS: In 5 patients the assisting time of ECMO was 48-330 hours, the mean duration was 178.2 hours. ECMO assisted flow was 2.4-4.0 L/min. The observation time after stoppage of ECMO was 4-24 hours. Four patients were weaned from ECMO, with continuation of assisted respiration successfully. One patient died because the family member gave up hope and the treatment was stopped. CONCLUSION: Vein-vein mode ECMO bypass through femoral vein-internal jugular vein can offer effective aid to pulmonary function in influenza A H1N1 patients who are critically ill. The strategy can win time for the patients to be able to continue mechanical ventilation treatment.

Downregulation of circFASTKD1 ameliorates myocardial infarction by promoting angiogenesis.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel class of endogenous long non-coding RNAs, have attracted considerable attention due to their closed continuous loop structure and potential clinical value. In this study, we investigated the function of circFASTKD1 in vascular endothelial cells. CircFASTKD1 bound directly to miR-106a and relieved its inhibition of Large Tumor Suppressor Kinases 1 and 2, thereby suppressing the Yes-Associated Protein signaling pathway. Under both normal and hypoxic conditions, the ectopic expression of circFASTKD1 reduced the viability, migration, mobility and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells, whereas the downregulation of circFASTKD1 induced angiogenesis by promoting these processes. Moreover, downregulation of circFASTKD1 in mice improved cardiac function and repair after myocardial infarction. These findings indicate that circFASTKD1 is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis after myocardial infarction and that silencing circFASTKD1 exerts therapeutic effects during hypoxia by stimulating angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

[Impact of Newly Build Lead-Acid Battery Agglomeration Area on the Surrounding Soil Environment: A Study Based on the Spatial Characteristics of Heavy Metals].

To determine whether the newly built lead-acid battery agglomeration area in a town in northern Zhejiang had an impact on the surrounding soil environment after seven years of operation, 76 samples of surface soil around the lead-acid battery concentration area were collected, and the contents of Hg, As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr in the soil were determined. Based on the spatial distance of the agglomeration area and 50, 450, and 850 m from the agglomeration area boundary, the soil environmental quality was evaluated using the single factor index, Nemerow comprehensive pollution index, and potential ecological risk index methods. The spatial distribution characteristics of the heavy metals were analyzed using the geostatistical method, and the sources of heavy metals affecting the soil environment were determined by correlation analysis. The results showed that the average contents of Hg, Zn, and Pb in eight heavy metals were higher than their corresponding background values at all spatial scales. The average Cd content in spatial scales other than the agglomeration area was larger than its background value. Only As at 50 m was greater than its background value, whereas the average content of other elements at all spatial distances was lower than their corresponding background values. The spatial variability was high for Hg and Cd but not obvious for other elements. This implies that the influence of regional activities was concentrated mainly on Hg and Cd; the content of both increased with distance from the agglomeration area. Hg and Cd exceeded the risk screening values and were distributed mainly at 450 m and 850 m; 33.33% and 38.89% Hg points and 27.78% and 55.56% Cd points were observed at these distances, respectively. The spatial distribution characteristics of Hg and Cd were consistent with their contents; only Zn and Pb had scattered points that exceeded the risk screening values and generally no obvious spatial distribution characteristics. According to the risk analysis of soil comprehensive pollution caused by the eight heavy metals, Cd was the main source of soil comprehensive pollution risk at a contribution rate of 36.73%, which caused the soil at 850 m to be in a state of alert. Soil ecological risk at a medium level occurred mainly at 450 m and 850 m outside the agglomeration area from Hg and Cd. The contribution rates to the soil quality at these distances were 46.30% and 39.37% for Hg and 38.98% and 49.30% for Cd, respectively. This indicates that regional activities caused Hg and Cd to be the main elements affecting soil quality in the study area. The results of geostatistics and multivariate statistical analysis showed that Hg and Cd were diffused inward from the periphery of the agglomeration area on the axis of the local main wind direction (northeast-southwest), and the main sources of both were coal-burning activities of enterprises in the periphery of the agglomeration area. In summary, the newly build lead-acid battery agglomeration area has not significantly affected the accumulation of heavy metals in the agglomeration area and in the surrounding soil after seven years of operation.

Study on the dosimetry effect of rotational errors of a multi-channel cylinder applicator of vagina / 中国医学装备

Objective:To investigate the dosimetry effect of rotational errors of multi-channel cylinder vaginal applicator of intravaginal irradiation after surgery of endometrial cancer.Methods:A total of 18 patients who underwent surgery of endometrial cancer at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June to December 2022 were selected.The plans of patients who adopted the treatment of multi-channel cylinder applicator of vagina were retrospectively analyzed,which maintained the same retained mode with clinical plan.The applicator was rotated clockwise by 22.5? and 45.0?,respectively,simulating the rotational errors that occurred in placing the applicator among clinical inter-fractions.And then,the changes of dosimetry of target area and organs at risk(OAR)under two kinds of rotation amplitudes were further analyzed.Results:When the applicator was rotated as 22.5?,the minimum doses to 90%volumes of CTV by 2.03%than that of clinical plan,which was significantly different(t=5.86,P<0.05),and the maximal doses to 2cc of OARs of bladder and rectum respectively increased 2.35%and 2.71%,and the differences of them were statistically significant(t=-3.49,-2.40,P<0.05),respectively.When the applicator was rotated as 45?,the D90 of the target area decreased by 5.75%than that of clinical plan,which was statistically significant(t=14.07,P<0.05).The D2cc values of the bladder and rectum increased respectively by 6.50%and 9.49%than that of clinical plan,which were statistically significant(t=-7.72,-6.9,P<0.05).The differences of the exposed doses of sigmoid colon and small intestine after the applicator was rotated by 22.5? and 45.0? between the plan and original plan were respectively less,which were not statistical significance.Conclusion:The multi-channel cylinder applicator can provide individualized dose distribution in intravaginal irradiation.However,attention should be paid to the placement of the applicator when patients undergo inter-fractional treatment,in order to avoid deviations in the angular alignment from the original plan.This can impact the dosages of the target area and OARs.

[Investigation on species composition of cockroaches and bacteria-carrying on their bodies in five cities of Hainan].

"ZA-type" cages were used to capture cockroaches in 267 sites of 5 cities in Hainan. Species were identified and bacteria were isolated by routine method. 441 cockroaches were collected and identified as five species belonging to two genera, 75.3% being Periplaneta americana. More cockroaches were found in sewerage. Bacteria were detected from 82.4% of cockroaches, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella sp, Bacillus proteus and sort of mycetes. Therefore, the dominant species is Periplaneta americana in Hainan, and the high bacteria-carrying behavior of cockroaches indicates its importance in disease transmission.

Clinical commissioning of the Flexitron afterloader / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To formulate clinical commissioning procedures, items, and testing method for Flexitron afterloader hardware and software and establish relevant quality control procedures in order to meet national standards and clinical requirements.Methods:Clinical commissioning included hardware, treatment planning system (TPS), and end-to-end (ETE) full-process testing. The radioactive source positioning accuracy was measured using a source position check ruler. The accuracy and linearity of dwell time were evaluated using three method: stopwatch timing, ion chamber measurement, and video analysis. The accuracy of source position simulator, connecting tubes, source position check ruler, and other measuring tools was tested using a high-precision ruler. Films were used for calibration of marker lines and applicators. The electrometer and well chamber were used to calibrate the radioactive source activity. The display and reconstruction accuracies of the TPS were evaluated using physical image data. ETE testing was conducted using a custom-made phantom for scanning, planning, and dose measurement.Results:The accuracy testing result of the commissioning items were within acceptable limits. The deviation in source activity measurements was 0.21%, and the ETE point dose measurement deviation was 2.32%, both of which met the clinical requirements. However, there was a 2 mm difference between the nominal and measured values of the magnetic resonance marker line in the accuracy testing items. Therefore, adjustments were required when using marker line for catheter reconstruction based on magnetic resonance images.Conclusions:By summarizing the clinical commissioning experience of the Flexitron afterloader, this study has developed quality control method and baseline levels of result of afterloader and TPS items, which provides a reference for the commissioning before clinical use.

Application of artificial intelligence in brachytherapy for cervical cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Brachytherapy (BT) provides the opportunity to deliver highly potent radiation doses to the tumor, while more effectively sparing the surrounding organs at risk (OAR) due to the proximity of radiation sources to the tumor target and rapid fall-off of the source dose profile. As an important part of radiotherapy for cervical cancer, BT plays an irreplaceable role. The BT process is complex and can be divided into a series of steps. Long time waiting for patients in the state of implantation of the applicator may cause changes in the position of the applicator relative to the tumor and the movement of the OAR. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made great progress in the medical field. Machine learning and neural network have been widely applied in all aspects of BT, such as implantation of the applicator, image acquisition, segmentation of target area and OAR, reconstruction of the applicator, plan optimization, and treatment delivery, etc. In addition, BT significantly reduces the overall time, improves the homogeneity of operation, and enhances the accuracy of treatment. In this article, the application, development prospects, and challenges of AI in the BT of cervical cancer in recent years were reviewed, aiming to provide novel ideas for the application of AI in BT.

Feasibility of diamond detector on Flash radiation dosimetry online / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of synthetic diamond detector in use for Flash radiation dosimetry by designing a diamond dosimeter and conducting a series of dosimetric characteristic tests.Methods:A diamond detector system prototype with real-time current output was developed using a CIVIDEC? B1HV diamond sensor and designing a large dynamic range current measurement circuit based on the pre-integration method. The dose (dose-rate) response linearity was tested under irradiation from both electron beam and X ray ultra-high dose rate. Dose (dose-rate) calibration was performed against a medical accelerator to gain the charge-dose transfer coefficient.Results:Good linear correlation ( R2 = 0.99) between detector output charge and reference dose per pulse was shown under electron beam irradiation of 0.08-0.50 Gy/pulse. Good linearity ( R2 = 0.99) is also shown under irradiation from electron beam with ultra-high dose rate (400 Gy/s) and conventional dose rate (0.5 Gy/s). Strictly linear correlation ( R2 = 1) was shown between detector output integrated charge and reference dose under X ray irradiation at ultra-high average dose rate (75.5 Gy/s) and conventional average dose rate (0.5 Gy/s). The charge-dose and current-dose rate conversion factors for practical use were 0.751 7 μC/Gy and 0.753 5 μA·Gy·s -1, respectively. Conclusions:Considerable linearity of the diamond detector dose responses were shown under irradiation both from electron beam and X-ray beam, which could provide a relatively rapid and accurate dosimetry for Flash preclinical experiments. Furthermore, diamond detectors have great potential in the quality assurance for Flash radiotherapy.

Workflow and time efficiency analysis of different image guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To explore the radiation dose of brachytherapy plan for cervical cancer patients under different image-guided method and the time efficiency characteristics of each part of the clinical workflow, so as to provide reference for the overall arrangement of clinical brachytherapy.Methods:The workflow of 223 patients with brachytherapy was retrospectively analyzed. The whole workflow was divided into 5 parts: applicator placement, image acquisition, delineation of target and organs at risk, plan design and review, and treatment implementation. The image-guided brachytherapy was divided into X-ray guided 2D treatment groups, and computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided 3D treatment groups. The radiation dose and the time spent in each part of the three image-guided brachytherapy workflow were calculated. The radiation dose was evaluated using total reference air kerma (TRAK). The results were analyzed using the nonparametric test of SPSS 20 software.Results:TRAK 4.2(4.4, 3.9) cGy was significantly higher in X-ray guided 2D treatment group than in the CT guided 3D treatment group [3.5(3.9, 2.7) cGy, H =90.73, P < 0.01] and the MRI guided 3D treatment group[2.7(2.9, 2.4) cGy, H =90.73, P < 0.01]. The total workflow time of the X-Ray film guidance group was the shortest [55.0(67.0, 50.0) min], followed by the CT guidance group [80.0(91.0, 72.0) min], and the total workflow time of the MRI image guidance group was the longest [119.0(143.0, 105.5) min, H =106.39, P <0.01]. The image acquisition time of the MRI-guided group was significantly higher than that of the X-ray film guidance group and the CT-guided group ( H =44.80, P<0.01). The time of target delineation in the MRI-guided group was significantly longer than that in the CT-guided group ( Z=-5.10, P<0.01). The MRI-guided group took the longest time for planning, followed by the CT-guided group, and the X-ray guided group took the shortest time ( H =57.93, P<0.01). Conclusions:The 2D brachytherapy mode guided by X-ray film had the shortest process time but higher TRAK, while the 3D brachytherapy mode guided by MR had the longest process time, and the planned TRAK result were comparable to those guided by CT. When multiple patients are treated with brachytherapy at the same time, the work efficiency can be improved by interspersing different phases and the waiting time can be avoided.

Comparative study the curative effect, ventricular remodeling and cardiac function of patients in different left atria size undergoing valve replacement with " X" ablation of posterior left atrium wall / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the influence of left atrial size on the ablation efficacy, cardiac morphology and function after valve replacement combined with X-type radiofrequency ablation on posterior wall of left atrium.Methods:From January 2015 to December 2019, 416 patients with mitral valve disease complicated with atrial fibrillation were divided into two groups according to the size of left atrium(Anteroposterior diameter 60 mm). Valve replacement combined with " X" radiofrequency ablation on posterior wall of left atrium was performed. The clinical data were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Except for the AF types, gender, length of stay and postoperative complications, other clinical data, operative and perioperative indicators were better in small left atria group(SLA)than in large left atria group(LLA). The differences were statistically significant( P<0.05). Fractional shortening(FS), ejection fraction(EF) in SLA at any time point were higher than that in LLA, P<0.05. The sinus rhythm conversion rates, the change rate of LA anteroposterior diameter in SLA at postoperative time points were higher than that in LLA, P<0.05. There was no significant difference of cardiac troponin(cTn) and myoglobin(MYO) between the two groups in 6 months after operation, P>0.05. The B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP), cTn, MYO in the other time points were lower than that in LLA, P<0.05. Conclusion:Larger left atrium reduces the rate of sinus rhythm conversion and maintenance in patients undergoing valve replacement combined with fibrillation ablation. There were worse ventricular remodeling and cardiac function recovery. Preoperative evaluation of left atrial size is helpful for prognosis.

Comparison of Chinese and international radiation shielding standards in application for after loading bunker shielding design / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To compare the calculation result and analyzes the reasons for their differences so as to provide reference for the revision and improvement of the current national standards on radiation shielding design for the room of brachytherapy.Methods:For the initial activity 10 Ci (1 Ci=3.7×10 10 Bq) of radioactive sources, the shielding schemes of brachytherapy room were designed in accordance with UK Institnte of Physics and Engineering in Medicine(IPEM) Report 75, USA NCRP Report 151 and the national standard GBZ/T 201.3-2014, respectively. The differences in shielding limits, occupancy factors and other relevant factors are compared in detail. Results:The annual exposure time in a typical brachytherpy room was about 330 h. The point-specific concrete thickness were 70, 65, 61, 70, 50 cm as required by NCRP Report 151, 41, 43, 30, 40, 39 cm by IREM regulations and 84, 79, 46, 88, 39 cm by GBZ/T 201.3, respectively. The concerned concrete shielding thickness calculated under the GBZ/T 201.3-2014 was generally thicker, with lesser difference from NCRP Report 151 result, whereas that from the IPEM75 report was thinnest. The equivalent lead shielding thicknesses of the protective doors calculated using the three method are 1.170, 0.854 and 1.040 cm, respectively.Conclusions:The shielding thickness calculated using the calculation method and evaluation index recommended by the current Chinese shielding standards for brachytherapy bunker is similar to that reported in NCRP151, but is conservative. In particular, the evaluation index of instantaneous dose equivalent rate required by the current national standards and the relative conservative value of occupancy factor will significantly increase the shielding thickness required by the main shielding area.

Research progress on postoperative application of vaginal brachytherapy in patients with early endometrial carcinoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Radiation therapy plays an important role in the adjuvant treatment of patients with early endometrial carcinoma. Vaginal stump is a common site of disease failure for early endometrial carcinoma patients with intermediate-high risk factors for recurrence. Compared with external beam radiotherapy, vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) can achieve comparable local control rate with fewer toxicities. In this article, research progresses upon the application of VBT in patients with early endometrial carcinoma after hysterectomy were investigated from multiple perspectives of the selection of patients, the selection of vaginal applicator, factors influencing dose distribution, image-guided adaptive brachytherapy, the design and implementation of radiotherapy regime. In addition, the application of intensity-modulated VBT and the usage of novel quality assurance equipment were also discussed.

Long non-coding RNA SPATA31D5P promoting proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells through adsorption of microRNA-320a / 解剖学报

Objective Long non-coding RNA(lncRNA) are aberrantly expressed in breast cancer(BC) and strongly associated with its survival prognosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression and effect of IncRNA SPATA31D5P on the invasion and migration capacity of breast cancer cells through adsorption of miR-320a. Methods Totally 30 cases of BC tissues and paraneoplastic tissues were collected, and the expression levels of SPATA31D5P in BC tissues and BC cell lines were detected by Real-time PCR. MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected with SPATA31D5P siRNA interference vector, and cell proliferation, invasion and migration capacity were determined using the cell counting kit-8 assay (CCK-8), 5-ethynyl-2'- deoxyuridine(EdU), Transwell and wound-healing assay respectively. And cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Bioinformatics approachs were used to screen for miRNAs that could bind complementarily to SPATA31D5P, and the regulatory effect of SPATA31D5P on miR-320a was detected by Real-time PCR and dual luciferase reporter assay. Results SPATA31D5P levels were significantly higher in BC tissues than in adjacent normal breast tissues, and SPATA31D5P expression was higher in each BC cell line than in normal breast epithelial cells MCF10 A. The level of SPATA31D5P in the interference group was 0. 288±0. 052, which was lower than that of the blank control group 1. 114±0. 096 and negative control (NC) group 1. 079±0. 128 (P< 0. 01). The proliferation activity of MDA- MB-231 cells in the interfered group was significantly reduced and apoptotic rate was obviously increased compared to the NC and control groups (P<0. 01) ;the Gj phase block was observed in the interfered group; the scratch healing rate and number of perforated cells in the interference group were (14. 36 ± 1. 75) % and (26±1.52), which were lower than (52. 25± 1.87)% and ( 67. 33 ± 2. 91 ) of the NC group (PcO.Ol). Dual luciferase experiments confirmed that SPATA31D5P could directly regulate miR-320a expression and luciferase activity. Conclusion SPATA31D5P is highly expressed in BC, interfering with SPATA31D5P expression effectively inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, and the mechanism may be related to the targeted regulation of miR-320a.

Performance of Multiple Risk Assessment Tools to Predict Mortality for Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy: An External Validation Study Based on Chinese Single-center Data.

BACKGROUND: There has been no external validation of survival prediction models for severe adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in China. The aim of study was to compare the performance of multiple models recently developed for patients with ARDS undergoing ECMO based on Chinese single-center data. METHODS: A retrospective case study was performed, including twenty-three severe ARDS patients who received ECMO from January 2009 to July 2015. The PRESERVE (Predicting death for severe ARDS on VV-ECMO), ECMOnet, Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival Prediction (RESP) score, a center-specific model developed for inter-hospital transfers receiving ECMO, and the classical risk-prediction scores of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) were calculated. In-hospital and six-month mortality were regarded as the endpoints and model performance was evaluated by comparing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: The RESP and APACHE II scores showed excellent discriminate performance in predicting survival with AUC of 0.835 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.659-1.010, P = 0.007) and 0.762 (95% CI, 0.558-0.965, P = 0.035), respectively. The optimal cutoff values were risk class 3.5 for RESP and 35.5 for APACHE II score, and both showed 70.0% sensitivity and 84.6% specificity. The excellent performance of these models was also evident for the pneumonia etiological subgroup, for which the SOFA score was also shown to be predictive, with an AUC of 0.790 (95% CI, 0.571-1.009, P = 0.038). However, the ECMOnet and the score developed for externally retrieved ECMO patients failed to demonstrate significant discriminate power for the overall cohort. The PRESERVE model was unable to be evaluated fully since only one patient died six months postdischarge. CONCLUSIONS: The RESP, APCHAE II, and SOFA scorings systems show good predictive value for intra-hospital survival of ARDS patients treated with ECMO in our single-center evaluation. Future validation should include a larger study with either more patients' data at single-center or by integration of domestic multi-center data. Development of a scoring system with national characteristics might be warranted.