Brachytherapy in craniopharyngiomas: a systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Brachytherapy has been indicated as an alternative option for treating cystic craniopharyngiomas (CPs). The potential benefits of brachytherapy for CPs have not yet been clarified. The purpose of this work was to conduct a meta-analysis to analyze the long-term efficacy and adverse reactions profile of brachytherapy for CPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The relevant databases were searched to collect the clinical trials on brachytherapy in patients with CPs. Included studies were limited to publications in full manuscript form with at least 5-year median follow-up, and adequate reporting of treatment outcomes and adverse reactions data. Stata 12.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 6 clinical trials involving 266 patients with CPs were included in this meta-analysis. The minimum average follow-up was 5 years. The results of the meta-analysis showed that 1-year, 2-3 years and 5 years progression free survival rates (PFS) are 75% (95%CI: 66-84%), 62% (95%CI: 52-72%) and 57% (95%CI: 22-92%), respectively. At the last follow-up, less than 16% of patients with visual outcomes worser than baseline in all included studies. While, for endocrine outcomes, less than 32% of patients worser than baseline level. CONCLUSION: In general, based on the above results, brachytherapy should be considered as a good choice for the treatment of CP.

Local Mechanical Modulation-Driven Evagination in Invaginated Epithelia.

Local cells can actively create reverse bending (evagination) in invaginated epithelia, which plays a crucial role in the formation of elaborate organisms. However, the precise physical mechanism driving the evagination remains elusive. Here, we present a three-dimensional vertex model, incorporating the intrinsic cell polarity, to explore the complex morphogenesis induced by local mechanical modulations. We find that invaginated tissues can spontaneously generate local reverse bending due to the shift of the apicobasal polarity. Their exact shapes can be analytically determined by the local apicobasal differential tension and the internal stress. Our continuum theory exhibits three regions in a phase diagram controlled by these two parameters, showing curvature transitions from ordered to disordered states. Additionally, we delve into epithelial curvature transition induced by the nucleus repositioning, revealing its active contribution to the apicobasal force generation. The uncovered mechanical principles could potentially guide more studies on epithelial folding in diverse systems.

Interferon-α stimulates DExH-box helicase 58 to prevent hepatocyte ferroptosis.

BACKGROUND: Liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is usually caused by hepatic inflow occlusion during liver surgery, and is frequently observed during war wounds and trauma. Hepatocyte ferroptosis plays a critical role in liver I/R injury, however, it remains unclear whether this process is controlled or regulated by members of the DEAD/DExH-box helicase (DDX/DHX) family. METHODS: The expression of DDX/DHX family members during liver I/R injury was screened using transcriptome analysis. Hepatocyte-specific Dhx58 knockout mice were constructed, and a partial liver I/R operation was performed. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in the liver post I/R suggested enhanced ferroptosis by Dhx58hep-/-. The mRNAs and proteins associated with DExH-box helicase 58 (DHX58) were screened using RNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing (RIP-seq) and IP-mass spectrometry (IP-MS). RESULTS: Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased the expression of the IFN-stimulated gene Dhx58 in hepatocytes and promoted hepatic ferroptosis, while treatment using IFN-α increased DHX58 expression and prevented ferroptosis during liver I/R injury. Mechanistically, DHX58 with RNA-binding activity constitutively associates with the mRNA of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a central ferroptosis suppressor, and recruits the m6A reader YT521-B homology domain containing 2 (YTHDC2) to promote the translation of Gpx4 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner, thus enhancing GPX4 protein levels and preventing hepatic ferroptosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides mechanistic evidence that IFN-α stimulates DHX58 to promote the translation of m6A-modified Gpx4 mRNA, suggesting the potential clinical application of IFN-α in the prevention of hepatic ferroptosis during liver I/R injury.

PRaG 3.0 therapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly fatal disease with limited effective treatment especially after first-line chemotherapy. The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) immunohistochemistry (IHC) positive is associated with more aggressive clinical behavior and shorter overall survival in PDAC. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case of multiple metastatic PDAC with IHC mismatch repair proficient but HER-2 IHC weakly positive at diagnosis that didn't have tumor regression after first-line nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine and PD-1 inhibitor treatment. A novel combination therapy PRaG 3.0 of RC48 (HER2-antibody-drug conjugate), radiotherapy, PD-1 inhibitor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-2 was then applied as second-line therapy and the patient had confirmed good partial response with progress-free-survival of 6.5 months and overall survival of 14.2 month. She had not developed any grade 2 or above treatment-related adverse events at any point. Percentage of peripheral CD8+Temra and CD4+Temra were increased during first two activation cycles of PRaG 3.0 treatment containing radiotherapy but deceased to the baseline during the maintenance cycles containing no radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: PRaG 3.0 might be a novel strategy for HER2-positive metastatic PDAC patients who failed from previous first-line approach and even PD-1 immunotherapy but needs more data in prospective trials.

Blood Lipid Disorders in Post-Operative Craniopharyngioma Children and Adolescents and the Improvement with Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Replacement.

Context: The high prevalence of hypothalamic obesity (HO) and dyslipidemia in individuals with craniopharyngioma (CP) following surgery is a cause for increasing concern. However, few studies have explored the lipid profile in pediatric CP patients, with inconsistent findings. In addition, the role of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) replacement remains unclear in these patients. Objective: To compare the blood lipid profile among post-operative craniopharyngioma children and adolescents with that among healthy controls and to reveal the effects of rhGH replacement. Methods: Data of 79 post-operative craniopharyngioma children and adolescents in our center were retrospectively collected. Sixty patients underwent rhGH replacement during the follow-ups. We selected 36 patients who received rhGH replacement therapy, while 20 patients received rhGH replacement for at least 1 year and had complete lipid data before and after treatment and compared them with 19 patients who did not receive rhGH replacement therapy. Results: Craniopharyngioma patients had higher total cholesterol (TC) (5.17 vs 3.77 mmol/L), triglyceride (TG) (1.51 vs 0.73 mmol/L), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (3.14 vs 2.10 mmol/L), and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (1.06 vs 1.39 mmol/L) than controls (all p < 0.001). The lipid profile of obese and non-obese patients was not significantly different. After rhGH replacement, TC was 0.90 mmol/L lower (p = 0.002) and LDL-C was 0.73 mmol/L lower (p = 0.010) than baseline. Although the baseline LDL-C was higher, patients with rhGH replacement had lower LDL-C (-0.73 mmol/L adjusted for age and sex, p = 0.045) after the initiation of replacement compared with patients without rhGH replacement. Conclusion: The lipid profile of obese and non-obese children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma was unfavorable, and rhGH replacement could improve their lipid profile.

Gastrointestinal/genitourinary adverse event after intensity modulated versus three-dimensional primary radiation therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers in the world. The potential benefits of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) over three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) for PCa primary radiation therapy treatment have not yet been clarified. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to assess whether IMRT could improve clinical outcomes in comparison with 3D-CRT in patients diagnosed with PCa. Materials and methods: Relevant studies were identified through searching related databases till December, 2022. Hazard ratio (HR) or risk ratio (RR) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as pooled statistics for all analyses. Results: The incidence of grade 2 or worse acute adverse gastrointestinal (GI) event was analyzed and the pooled data revealed a clear decreasing trend in the IMRT compared with 3D-CRT (RR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.45-0.84, p=0.002). IMRT slightly increased the grade ≥ 2 acute genitourinary (GU) adverse event in comparison with the 3D-CRT (RR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.02-1.19, p=0.015). The IMRT and the 3D-CRT of patients showed no substantial differences in grade ≥ 2 late GI adverse event (RR =0.62, 95% CI: 0.36-1.09, p=0.1). In those included studies, there was no significant difference between IMRT and 3D-CRT in grade 2-4 late GU adverse event (RR =1.08, 95% CI: 0.77-1.51, p=0.65). There was a significant difference in biochemical control favoring IMRT (RR =1.13, 95% CI: 1.05-1.22, p=0.002). IMRT showed modest increase in biochemical control in comparison with 3D-CRT. Conclusion: In general, based on the above results, IMRT should be considered as a better choice for the treatment of PCa. More randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the subset of patients diagnosed with PCa.

Study on the application of 3D printing head film fixation technology in cranial radiotherapy.

Objective: To investigate the use of 3D printing technology to customize individualized precise radiotherapy head masks for cranial radiotherapy patients. Through the comparison with thermoplastic head film, evaluate the effect of this material on deep dose attenuation and body surface dose, and evaluate its positioning accuracy and repeatability for clinical application. Methods: Thirty patients with head and neck radiotherapy were divided into the control group and the experimental group. The control group used the traditional thermoplastic head film fixation technique for body position fixation, and the experimental group used the 3D printing head film fixation technique. The patient setup was verified by kV-CBCT scanning to obtain the translational setup error and rotational setup error in the X, Y, and Z directions. Results: At a depth of 5 cm, both materials have a radiation attenuation rate of <1%. At the surface location, the body surface dose of control group increased by approximately 27%. With a 3D printing head film, the body surface dose increased by approximately 18%. The positioning of two groups of patients was verified by the kV-CBCT, and a total of 232 data sets were obtained. The average translation positioning errors in the X, Y, and Z direction of control group and experimental group were 1.29 mm, 1.42 mm, 1.38 mm and 1.16 mm, 1.24 mm, 1.16 mm, respectively. The average rotation positioning error in the X, Y, and Z direction of control group and experimental group were 1.29°, 1.02°, 1.01° and 1.08°, 0.96°, 1.00°, respectively. The translational setup errors in the Y and Z directions and rotational setup errors in the X direction significantly differed between the control and experimental groups (all p<0.05), but no statistical significance was found in the other directions (all p>0. 05). Conclusion: Compared to the traditional thermoplastic head membranes, 3D printing head membranes has shown a reliable and reproducible interactional positioning accuracy. Of course, further investigations are needed before the new technology can be used on a regular basis.

Improvement in the ideal range of vault after implantable collamer lens implantation: a new vault prediction formula.

Background: To derive and validate a novel vault prediction formula to improve the predictability and safety of implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation. Methods: Thirty-five patients (61 eyes) with previous posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were included. Various parameters, such as horizontal-visible iris diameter (HVID), photopic pupil diameter (PPD), axial length (AL), white-to-white (WTW), anterior chamber width (ACW), angle-to-angle (ATA), crystalline lens rise (CLR), anterior chamber depth (ACD), horizontal sulcus-to-sulcus (HSTS), and ciliary sulcus angle (CSA) were measured. Vault was measured at 3 months after surgery using CASIA2 anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The formula was derived using multiple linear regression analysis and named as WH formula. It was validated in 65 patients (118 eyes) to determine the percentage of the ideal postoperative vault range and to compare the differences between the WH formula and the NK, KS, and STAAR formulas. Results: Final ICL size, ATA, CSA, and CLR were included in the prediction formula model (adjusted R2 = 0.67, p < 0.001). The achieved vault 1 month after the surgery was 556.19 µm ± 166.98 µm in the validation group, and the ideal vault range was 200-800 µm (92%). The difference between the achieved vault and that predicted using the WH formula was not statistically significant (p = 0.165), whereas the difference between the achieved vault and that predicted using the NK and KS formulas was statistically significant (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The 95% agreement limit range of the achieved vault and the vault predicted using the WH formula was narrower than those predicted using the NK and KS formulas (-295.20-258.82 µm). Conclusion: This study combined the results of optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy measurements of the anterior segment of the eye and incorporated ciliary sulcus morphology quantification into the prediction formula. The study derived a prediction formula for vault by combining ICL size, ATA, and CLR. The derived formula was found to be superior to the currently available formulas.

Tobacco microbial screening and application in improving the quality of tobacco in different physical states.

The first-cured tobacco contains macromolecular substances with negative impacts on tobacco products quality, and must be aged and fermented to mitigate their effects on the tobacco products quality. However, the natural fermentation takes a longer cycle with large coverage area and low economic efficiency. Microbial fermentation is a method to improve tobacco quality. The change of chemical composition of tobacco during the fermentation is often correlated with shapes of tobacco. This study aimed to investigate the effects of tobacco microorganisms on the quality of different shapes of tobacco. Specifically, Bacillus subtilis B1 and Cytobacillus oceanisediminis C4 with high protease, amylase, and cellulase were isolated from the first-cured tobacco, followed by using them for solid-state fermentation of tobacco powder (TP) and tobacco leaves (TL). Results showed that strains B1 and C4 could significantly improve the sensory quality of TP, enabling it to outperform TL in overall texture and skeleton of tobacco products during cigarette smoking. Compared with the control, microbial fermentation could increase reducing sugar; regulate protein, starch, and cellulose, reduce nicotine, improve total aroma substances, and enable the surface of fermented TP and TL to be more loose, wrinkled, and porous. Microbial community analysis indicated that strains B1 and C4 could change the native structure of microbial community in TP and TL. LEfSe analysis revealed that the potential key biomarkers in TP and TL were Bacilli, Pseudonocardia, Pantoea, and Jeotgalicoccus, which may have cooperative effects with other microbial taxa in improving tobacco quality. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving tobacco fermentation process for better cigarettes quality.

Sarcopenia as a prognostic predictor of liver cirrhosis: a multicentre study in China.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia have not been established in Chinese. This study established criteria based on the L3-skeletal muscle index (L3-SMI) and assessed its value for outcomes predicting in cirrhotic Chinese patients. METHODS: Totally 911 subjects who underwent a CT scan at two centres were enrolled in Cohort 1 (394 male and 417 female subjects, aged 20-80 years). The data of those subjects younger than 60 years (365 male and 296 female subjects) were used to determine the reference intervals of the L3-SMI and its influencing factors. Cohort 2 consisted of 480 patients (286 male and 184 female patients) from three centres, and their data were used to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and evaluate the value of L3-SMI for predicting the prognosis and complications of cirrhosis. RESULTS: Age and sex had the greatest effects on the L3-SMI (P < 0.001). The L3-SMI scores were clearly higher in male patients than in female patients (52.94 ± 8.41 vs. 38.91 ± 5.65 cm2 /m2 , P < 0.001) and sharply declined in subjects aged ≥ 60 years. Based on the mean -1.28 × SD among adults aged < 60 years, the L3-SMI cut-off value for sarcopenia was 44.77 cm2 /m2 in male patients and 32.50 cm2 /m2 in female patients. Using these values, 22.5% of the cirrhotic patients (28.7% of male patients and 11.9% of female patients) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Compared with non-sarcopenia individuals, sarcopenia patients had lower body mass index (21.28 ± 3.01 vs. 24.09 ± 3.39 kg/m2 , P < 0.001) and serum albumin levels (31.54 ± 5.93 vs. 32.93 ± 5.95 g/L, P = 0.032), longer prothrombin times (16.39 ± 3.05 vs. 15.71 ± 3.20 s, P = 0.049), higher total bilirubin concentrations (41.33 ± 57.38 vs. 32.52 ± 31.48 µmol/L, P = 0.039), worse liver function (Child-Pugh score, 8.05 ± 2.11 vs. 7.32 ± 2.05, P = 0.001), higher prevalence of cirrhosis-related complications (81.82% vs. 62.24%, P < 0.001) and mortality (30.68% vs. 11.22%, P < 0.001). Overall survival was significantly lower in the sarcopenia group [risk ratio (RR) = 2.643, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.646-4.244, P < 0.001], accompanied with an increased cumulative incidence of ascites (RR = 1.827, 95% CI 1.259-2.651, P = 0.002), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (RR = 3.331, 95% CI 1.404-7.903, P = 0.006), hepatic encephalopathy (RR = 1.962, 95% CI 1.070-3.600, P = 0.029), and upper gastrointestinal varices (RR = 2.138, 95% CI 1.319-3.466, P = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed sarcopenia shortened the survival of the patients with Model For End-Stage Liver Disease score > 14 (RR = 4.310, 95% CI 2.091-8.882, P < 0.001) or Child-Pugh C (RR = 3.081, 95% CI 1.516-6.260, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia is a common comorbidity of cirrhosis and can be used to predict cirrhosis-related complications and the prognosis.

Stress-driven cell extrusion can maintain homeostatic cell density in response to overcrowding.

Epithelial tissues can become overcrowded during proliferation and growth, in which case excessive cells need to be constantly removed. Here, we employed a vertex dynamics model to explore the microscopic mechanisms that govern homeostasis in an overcrowded monolayer of epithelial cells. It is demonstrated that the monolayer under mechanical compression can maintain a constant cell density and an optimal stress level through cell extrusion. Interestingly, cells are always extruded at sites of stress singularity in the monolayer, which may be spontaneously generated through random movements of cell groups near the extruding cells, and the fluctuation of protein molecules aggregating along the cell surface facilitates the restoration of the monolayer to its equilibrium state. Our results provide a foundation to interpret recent experiments as well as shed light on the mechanisms that underlie epithelial development and maintenance.

Value of contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography in differentiating between gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CH-EUS) is a valuable device to diagnose and determine the malignant potential of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) as early as possible when making clinical therapeutic decisions. This study aimed to estimate the ability of CH-EUS to discriminate between GIST and benign submucosal lesions (SML) and to predict their malignant potential. METHODS: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were screened. Using the data provided in the literatures, 2 × 2 tables were constructed to obtain the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated and the area under the ROC curve (AUROC) was calculated. RESULTS: Four studies with a total of 187 patients were identified to evaluate the value of CH-EUS in discriminating between GIST and benign SML. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC were 89% (95% CI 0.82-0.93), 82% (95% CI 0.66-0.92), and 0.89, respectively. Five studies including 143 patients were analyzed to assess the accuracy of CH-EUS in determining the malignant potential of GIST. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUROC curve of CH-EUS were 96% (95% CI 0.90-0.99), 53% (95% CI 0.40-0.66), and 0.92, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CH-EUS is a safe, noninvasive method that can distinguish between GIST and benign subepithelial lesions and to predict their malignant potential to a certain extent. Large-scale, multicenter prospective studies are needed in the future.

Development of Improved Version of Quality of Life Assessment Instrument for Lung Cancer Patients Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (QLASTCM-Lu).

OBJECTIVE: To develop an improved version of the Quality-of-Life Assessment instrument for Lung Cancer Patients Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (QLASTCM-Lu) and to evaluate its psychometric property. METHODS: The structured group method and the theory in developing rating scale were employed to revise the preliminary scale. The psychometric property (reliability, validity, and responsiveness) of the established QLASTCM-Lu (modified) were evaluated by quality of life data measured in 100 lung cancer patients. Statistical analyses were made accordingly by way of correlation analysis, factor analysis and paired t-test. RESULTS: The internal consistency reliability of the overall scale and all domains was from 0.80 to 0.94. Correlation and factor analyses demonstrated that the scale was good in construct validity. The criterion validity was formed with European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire-Lung Cancer (EORTC QLQ-LC43) as the criterion. Statistically significant changes were found apart from such domain as "mental condition" and "social function", with the standardized response means being close to those of QLQ-LC43. CONCLUSION: QLASTCM-Lu (modified) could be used to measure the quality of life of lung cancer patients with good reliability, validity and a certain degree of responsiveness.

[Acid-resistant genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the underlying regulatory network].

The molecular mechanisms of pathogen persistence within host cells are emerging hotspots, and one of the causes of its persistence is the acid resistance of bacteria. Currently, tuberculosis remains a serious threat to global public health and it is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In particular, acid resistance of M. tuberculosis and its persistence within macrophages contribute significantly to tuberculosis. Investigations have uncovered three major mechanisms underlying its acid resistance: the control of proton entry, metabolic regulation of intracellular acid-base balance and regulation of the two-component signaling system. In this review, we summarize the overall regulation network of M. tuberculosis in the acidic environment, aiming at providing a new overall idea for treating M. tuberculosis persistence and exploring new targets for tuberculosis control.

Effects of graphene modification on the bioactivation of polyethylene-terephthalate-based artificial ligaments.

The objective of this study was to investigate whether surface coating with graphene could enhance the surface bioactivation of PET-based artificial ligaments to accelerate graft-to-bone healing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In an in vitro study, the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and their differentiation on the scaffolds were quantified via 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. The significantly higher optical-density values and transcription levels of osteoblast-specific genes indicated that graphene modification could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells and accelerate their specific differentiation into osteogenic lineages on scaffolds. In an in vivo test, rabbits were used to establish an extra-articular graft-to-bone healing model. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery, biomechanical tests, microcomputed tomography analysis, and histological observations were performed. The final results demonstrated that the microstructural parameters, the average mineral apposition rate of the bone, and the biomechanical properties of the graphene-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based artificial ligament (G-PET-AL) group were significantly higher than those of the PET-AL graft group (P < 0.05). The results of Van Gieson staining indicated that in the G-PET-AL group, there was more newly formed bone than there was in the group in which nongraphene-coated PET-ALs were used. In conclusion, graphene exhibits considerable potential for enhancing the surface bioactivation of materials.

IKKα is involved in kidney recovery and regeneration of acute ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice through IL10-producing regulatory T cells.

The recovery phase after kidney ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury is often associated with the suppression of inflammation and the proliferation of tubular epithelial cells (TECs). The duration of this phase is often determined by the suppression of inflammation and the proliferation of TECs. Several lines of evidence suggest that IκB kinase α (IKKα) not only promotes the production of anti-inflammatory factors and/or prevents the production of inflammatory factors, but also induces the accompanying cell differentiation and regeneration, and suppresses inflammation. We therefore hypothesized that IKKα could participate in the kidney repair after IR injury and have used a mouse model of acute kidney injury (AKI) to test this. We found that IKKα mediated the repair of the kidney via infiltrated regulatory T (Treg) cells, which can produce anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10, and that IKKα also increased the proliferation of the surviving TECs and suppressed of inflammation. In addition, the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in TECs is consistent with the infiltration of IL10-producing Treg cells. We conclude that IKKα is involved in kidney recovery and regeneration through the Treg cells that can produce IL10, which might be a potential therapeutic target that can be used to promote kidney repair after IR injury.

Predictors for Weight Loss in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer patients are at high risk of weight loss because of their disease process and the treatment of their disease. Recognition of predictors for weight loss may be able to give proactive or reactive nutritional treatment to patients at risk. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to identify the independent risk factors for head and neck cancer patients developing weight loss undergoing radiotherapy. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed on January 2014. Articles reporting studies of the predictors for weight loss in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy were included. These studies were published between 1982 and 2014. Study quality was assessed using a modified quality assessment tool that was designed previously for an observational study. The effects of studies were combined with the study quality score using a best-evidence synthesis model. RESULTS: Twenty-two observational studies involving 6159 patients were included. There was strong evidence for 3 predictors, including advanced tumor stage, a higher body mass index before treatment, and the use of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. We also identified 8 moderate evidence predictors and 30 limited evidence predictors. CONCLUSION: The scientific literature to date indicates that patients with advanced tumor stage, or a higher body mass index before treatment, or the use of concurrent chemotherapy are at high risk to have weight loss during radiotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These data provide evidence to guide healthcare professionals in admitting patients who will have weight loss and choosing an optimal prophylactic strategy.

Ionizing irradiation inhibits keloid fibroblast cell proliferation and induces premature cellular senescence.

Keloids are one of the common refractory conditions in dermatology and aesthetic plastic surgery. The most effective treatment is superficial radiotherapy followed by surgical removal. The rate of recurrence is strongly associated with the total dose of ionizing irradiation, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used primary keloid fibroblasts (KFb) isolated from patient samples to investigate the effects of X-ray radiation on cell proliferation, cell toxicity and cell cycle, as detected by CCK-8 assay kit and flow cytometer. In addition, we examined senescence-associated ß-galactosidase activity and the associated gene expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot in KFb exposed to X-ray radiation. X-ray radiation inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell senescence in KFb in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of cellular senescence were mediated by interruption of the cell cycle with an extended G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, the expressions of senescence-associated genes p21, p16 and p27 were upregulated both at mRNA and protein levels in KFb exposed to X-ray radiation. Taken together, our data indicate that X-ray radiation may prevent the recurrence of keloids by controlling fibroblast proliferation, arresting the cell cycle and inducing premature cellular senescence.