The systemic immune-inflammation index at kasai portoenterostomy: related to clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII), known as an easy, economical and useful marker, correlates with the balance of inflammation and immune response. However, the usefulness of SII in biliary atresia (BA) remains unclear. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship of SII level and postoperative clinical outcomes of BA. METHODS: Retrospective review of 168 patients with BA was conducted with assessments of demographic information, histological findings, laboratory parameters, and clinical outcomes. The LASSO logistic regression analysis was established using the "glmnet" software package to explore the influencing factors related to native liver survival time. Numerical variables were dichotomized based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Youden index yielding the best performance of prediction. R software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Overall, the 24 month native liver survival rate was 43.5% (73 cases) after Kasai portoenterostomy. LASSO logistic regression analysis show that preoperative malnutrition (OR = 0.032, 95%CI 0.001-0.424), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT, OR = 0.994, 95%CI 0.987-0.998), lymphocyte count (LY, OR = 2.426, 95%CI 1.467-4.604), SII (OR = 0.977, 95%CI 0.960-0.989), and liver fibrosis grading (LFG, reference: Grade 1, Grade 3, OR = 0.076, 95%CI 0.007-0.614) were the independent influencing factors for 24 month native liver survival. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of SII level (0.919) was larger than that of preoperative malnutrition (0.690), LFG (0.759), GGT (0.747), and Ly (0.773). A SII < 140.09 was found to be a significant marker in the prediction of 24-month native liver survival, with 90.41% sensitivity and 93.68% specificity. Furthermore, the rates of 24-month native liver survival (33.1% vs. 72.7%), jaundice clearance (46.8% vs. 75.0%), and good liver function recovery (46.8% vs. 65.9%) were lower in the SII ≥ 140.09 group than that in the SII < 140.09 group (all P < 0.05), but there was no difference in the occurrence of cholangitis (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative malnutrition, GGT, Ly, SII, and LFG were independent influencing factors for postoperative 24-month native liver survival of BA. The SII level, as a routine haematological marker, has better universality and simplicity and is related to clinical outcomes after Kasai portoenterostomy.

Correction of tibial multiplanar deformities using single Taylor external fixator combined with biplanar osteotomy / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effectiveness of single Taylor external fixator combined with biplanar osteotomy on correction of tibial multiplanar deformities.@*METHODS@#Between October 2016 and December 2021, 11 patients with tibial multiplanar deformities (20 sides) were treated with single Taylor external fixator and biplanar osteotomy. Of them, 4 were male and 7 were female; the average age ranged from 13 to 33 years (mean, 21.9 years). Diagnosis included rickets severe genu varum deformity (7 cases, 14 sides), rickets severe genu valgum deformity (2 cases, 4 sides), multiple osteochondromatosis calf deformity (1 case, 1 side), neurofibromatosis medial lower leg anterior arch deformity with short of leg (1 case, 1 side). After fibular osteotomy and tibial multiplanar osteotomy, a Taylor external fixator was installed. After operation, the deformities were corrected successively and fixed completely. The osteotomy healed, then the external fixator was removed. Before operation and at 12 months after operation, the full-length X-ray films were taken. The leg-length discrepancy, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA), anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA), and tibial rotation angle were measured. The degree of lower limb deformity was scored with reference to a customized tibial mechanical axis scoring table.@*RESULTS@#Osteotomy was successfully completed without neurovascular injury and other complications. The external fixator was adjusted for 28-46 days, with an average of 37 days, and the external fixator was worn for 136-292 days, with an average of 169 days. Mild needle infection during the fixation period occurred in 3 sides, refracture at the distal tibial osteotomy in 1 side after removing the external fixator, and nonunion of the distal fibular osteotomy in 1 side. All patients were followed up 369-397 days (mean, 375 days). At 12 months after operation, the lower limb discrepancy decreased, but there was no significant difference ( P>0.05). MPTA, LDTA, PPTA, ADTA, and tibial rotation angle improved, and the differences in LDTA, ADTA, and tibial rotation angle were significant ( P<0.05). The score of lower limb deformity was significantly higher than that before operation ( P<0.05), and the results were excellent in 9 sides, good in 8 sides, fair in 3 sides, with the excellent and good rate of 85%.@*CONCLUSION@#Single Taylor external fixator combined with biplanar osteotomy is effective in the correction of tibial multiplanar deformities.

Effects of apelin-13 on ferroptosis of the C2C12 skeletal muscle cell line in a high-iron environment / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To examine the effects of apelin-13 on ferroptosis of the C2C12 skeletal muscle cell line induced by a high-iron environment and explore potential underlying mechanisms.Methods:C2C12 cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium(DMEM)and divided into a control group, a ferric citrate(FAC)group, an apelin-13 group, an FAC+ apelin-13 group, a ferroptosis inducer RSL3 group and an FAC+ apelin-13+ RSL3 group.Cell viability was detected by the 3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazole-2)-2, 5-diphenyl thiazolyl blue(MTT)assay.The intracellular concentrations of total iron and divalent iron were measured by colorimetry; the levels of glutathione(GSH), malondialdehyde(MDA)and intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)in cells were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, visible spectrophotometry and a chemifluorescence method, respectively.The ultrastructure of C2C12 cells was examined by transmission electron microscopy.The protein expression of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX-4), ferritin heavy chain 1(FTH-1), heme oxygenase 1(HO-1)and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf-2), were detected by Western blotting.Results:Compared with the FAC group, the FAC+ Apelin-13 group had significantly elevated cell viability(optical density: 0.52±0.06 vs.0.28±0.04, t=7.837, P=0.007)and higher concentrations of GSH(2.41±0.35 vs.0.91±0.12 μmol/g Pro, t=9.778, P=0.003), but significantly decreased levels of ROS(22.06±5.79 vs.52.71±7.28 a. u./mg Pro, t=8.064, P=0.006), MDA(4.63±0.51 vs.9.11±0.84 mmol/mg Pro, t=8.642, P=0.006), total iron(1.53±0.24 vs.3.17±0.55 μmol/g Pro, t=6.135, P=0.013)and divalent iron(0.75±0.08 vs.1.94±0.36 μmol/g Pro, t=5.068, P=0.027), as well as reduced intracellular iron deposition.In the control group and the apelin-13 group, the morphology of the mitochondria was clear and normal.In contrast, the mitochondria in the FAC group had increased membrane density, membrane shrinkage and rupture, vacuolar degeneration, and obvious mitochondrial damage, which were consistent with the morphological characteristics of ferroptosis.Compared with the FAC group, the FAC+ apelin-13 group showed significant improvement in mitochondrial damage.Moreover, compared with the FAC+ apelin-13 group, the cell viability of the FAC+ apelin-13+ RSL3 group was significantly decreased(optical density: 0.23±0.04 vs.0.48±0.06, t=7.642, P=0.007). Compared with the FAC group, the FAC+ apelin-13 group had significantly up-regulated cellular expression of GPX-4(relative expression: 0.96±0.14 vs.0.31±0.07, t=7.712, P=0.008), FTH-1(0.57±0.08 vs.0.27±0.05, t=6.944, P=0.011), and HO-1(0.49±0.07 vs.0.28±0.05, t=6.472, P=0.012), as well as increased nuclear expression of Nrf-2(relative expression: 0.42±0.04 vs.0.19±0.05, t=7.114, P=0.008)with a higher ratio of nuclear expression over total cellular expression[(58.36±5.24)% vs.(36.58±5.32)%, t=5.858, P=0.015]and a higher level of HO-1 protein expression(relative expression: 0.49±0.07 vs.0.28±0.05, t=6.472, P=0.012). Conclusions:Apelin-13 inhibits ferroptosis induced by a high iron environment in C2C12 cells, and the underlying molecular mechanisms may be related to the Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

The E248R protein of African swine fever virus inhibits the cGAS-STING-mediated innate immunity / 生物工程学报

We researched the mechanism of African swine fever virus (ASFV) protein E248R in regulating the cGAS-STING pathway. First, we verified via the dual-luciferase reporter assay system that E248R protein inhibited the secretion of IFN-β induced by cGAS-STING or HT-DNA in a dose-dependent manner. The relative quantitative PCR analysis indicated that the overexpression of E248R inhibited HT-DNA-induced transcription of IFN-b1, RANTES, IL-6, and TNF-α in PK-15 cells. Next, we found that E248R interacted with STING by co-immunoprecipitation assay and laser confocal microscopy. Finally, we demonstrated that E248R inhibited the expression of STING protein by using Western blotting. We demonstrated for the first time that the E248R protein of ASFV suppressed the host innate immune response via inhibiting STING expression. The results are pivotal in extending the understanding of the ASFV immune escape and can guide the design of vaccines against ASFV.

Potential inhibitors for blocking the interaction of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its host cell receptor ACE2

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 continues to pose a serious threat to human health and social and economic stability. In this study, we established an anti-coronavirus drug screening platform based on the Homogeneous Time Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) technology and the interaction between the coronavirus S protein and its host receptor ACE2. This platform is a rapid, sensitive, specific, and high throughput system. With this platform, we screened two compound libraries of 2,864 molecules and identified three potential anti-coronavirus compounds: tannic acid (TA), TS-1276 (anthraquinone), and TS-984 (9-Methoxycanthin-6-one). Our in vitro validation experiments indicated that TS-984 strongly inhibits the interaction of the coronavirus S-protein and the human cell ACE2 receptor. This data suggests that TS-984 is a potent blocker of the interaction between the S-protein and ACE2, which might have the potential to be developed into an effective anti-coronavirus drug. SIGNIFICANCEThe ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made a serious threat to public health worldwide. Given the urgency of the situation, researchers are attempting to repurpose existing drugs for treating COVID-19. In this present study, we screened two compound libraries of 2,864 molecules and identified a potent inhibitor (TS-984) for blocking the coronavirus S-protein and the human cell ACE2 receptor. TS-984 might have the potential to be developed into an effective anti-coronavirus drug for treating COVID-19.

Advances in research on pharmacotherapy of sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is a comprehensive degenerative disease with the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass with age, accompanied by the loss of muscle strength and muscle dysfunction. As a new type of senile syndrome, sarcopenia seriously threatens the health of the elderly. The first-line treatment for sarcopenia is exercise and nutritional supplements. However, pharmacotherapy will provide more reliable and sustainable interventions in geriatric medicine. Clinical trials of new drugs targeting multiple molecules are ongoing. This article focuses on the latest progress in pharmacotherapeutic approaches of sarcopenia in recent years by comprehensively reviewing the clinical outcomes of the existing and emerging pharmacotherapies as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their therapeutic benefits and side effects.

The effect and mechanism of apelin-13 on diabetes-associated sarcopenia in rats / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of Apelin-13 on diabetes-related sarcopenia in rats model and explore the underlying mechanism.Methods:This experiments were divided into 3 groups.In the normal control group, Wistar rats were fed by ordinary feed, intraperitoneally injected daily with the equal amount of normal saline.In the model+ control group, diabetic-related sarcopenia model was established in rats with fat-fed Goto-Kakizaki rats for 12 weeks and intraperitoneally injected daily with the equal amount of normal saline.In the model+ apelin-13 group, apelin-13(0.1 mol/kg)was intraperitoneally injected into diabetic-related sarcopenia model daily for 12 weeks.The water intake, food intake, and body weight were measured.The fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and blood lipid levels of rats were measured, and the insulin resistance index was calculated.The wet weight of the rats' gastrocnemius muscle was weighed, and the morphological changes of the gastrocnemius muscle were observed.Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase(PI3K)and phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt)in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats.Results:Compared with the model+ normal saline group, the model+ apelin-13 group showed that the following parameters were significantly improved.(1)The water intake of rats was significantly decreased at 8, and 12 weeks( F=7.17 and 7.91), and food intake was significantly decreased( F=5.84 and 6.12)and body weight were significantly increased at 8 and 12 weeks( F=5.76 and 6.07)(all P<0.05). (2)The levels of fasting blood glucose were significantly decreased at 8 and 12 weeks( F=8.07 and 8.24, all P<0.05). (3)Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the levels fasting insulin and the insulin resistance index were significantly decreased at week 12( F=5.17, 7.94, 10.27, 8.32, 6.94 and 11.31, all P<0.05); (4)The wet weight of gastrocnemius muscle was significantly increased(0.63±0.04 g and 1.02±0.05 g, t=4.32, P<0.05). (5)Compared with the model+ normal saline group, the model+ apelin-13 group showed the protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats were significantly up-regulated( t=7.32, 8.07, both P<0.05). Conclusions:Apelin-13 has an inhibitory effect on diabetes-related sarcopenia, and its mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of PI3K and p-Akt expression in skeletal muscle.

Comparison of the antigenicity of African swine fever virus p35 protein as diagnostic antigen / 生物工程学报

In order to screen African swine fever virus (ASFV) diagnostic antigen with the best enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reactivity. By establishing the ELISA method, the diagnostic antigen of ASFV p30 protein expressed by baculovirus-insect cell expression system as reference, we explored the antigenic properties and diagnostic potential of ASFV p35 protein expressed by prokaryotic expression system as a diagnostic antigen. The results of Western blotting and immunofluorescence show that the molecular weight of the recombinant p35 protein and p30 protein obtained was 40 kDa and 30 kDa, respectively, and these two proteins had good immuno-reactivity with ASFV positive serum. Recombinant p30 and p35 proteins were used as diagnostic antigens to establish ELISA, and the sensitivity and repeatability of these methods were tested. The results show that although the detection sensitivity of the p30-ELISA established in this study was higher than that of the p35-ELISA, the sensitivity of p35-ELISA was 95.8%, and variations in intra- and inter-assay repeatability of the two methods were less than 10%. The coincidence rate between the p35-ELISA and the imported kit was 97.2%. Results show that p35-ELISA was sensitive and stable, and could detect specific antibodies against ASFV.

Structure of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from 2019-nCoV, a major antiviral drug target

A novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak has caused a global pandemic resulting in tens of thousands of infections and thousands of deaths worldwide. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp, also named nsp12), which catalyzes the synthesis of viral RNA, is a key component of coronaviral replication/transcription machinery and appears to be a primary target for the antiviral drug, remdesivir. Here we report the cryo-EM structure of 2019-nCoV full-length nsp12 in complex with cofactors nsp7 and nsp8 at a resolution of 2.9-[A]. Additional to the conserved architecture of the polymerase core of the viral polymerase family and a nidovirus RdRp-associated nucleotidyltransferase (NiRAN) domain featured in coronaviral RdRp, nsp12 possesses a newly identified {beta}-hairpin domain at its N-terminal. Key residues for viral replication and transcription are observed. A comparative analysis to show how remdesivir binds to this polymerase is also provided. This structure provides insight into the central component of coronaviral replication/transcription machinery and sheds light on the design of new antiviral therapeutics targeting viral RdRp. One Sentence SummaryStructure of 2019-nCov RNA polymerase.

Pathogenesis and multidisciplinary management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious side effect of bone-modifying agents and inhibits angiogenesis agents. Although the pathogenesis of MRONJ is not entirely clear, multiple factors may be involved in specific microenvironments. The TGF-β1 signalling pathway may have a key role in the development of MRONJ. According to the clinical stage, multiple variables should be considered when selecting the most appropriate treatment. Therefore, the prevention and management of treatment of MRONJ should be conducted in patient-centred multidisciplinary team collaborative networks with oncologists, dentists and dental specialists. This would comprise a closed responsibility treatment loop with all benefits directed to the patient. Thus, in the present review, we aimed to summarise the pathogenesis, risk factors, imaging features, clinical staging, therapeutic methods, prevention and treatment strategies associated with MRONJ, which may provide a reference that can inform preventive strategies and improve the quality of life for patients in the future.

Exploration of preparations for constructing emergency-oriented hospitals under COVID-19 Pan-demic / 现代医院

Objective To explore the key initiatives and effective methods for preparing the constructions of emergency-oriented hospitals under COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The wartime mechanism was strengthened by adhering to unified leadership, trengthening the top-level design and clarifying the division of responsibilities. Objective management was used as a means to take into account the key of personnel allocation and training, prevention and control of hospital infection, transformation of contagious ward, logistic support, equipment and material supply and construction of system and process. Results The preparations and constructions of the emergency-oriented hospitals were completed in 72 hours，which passed the acceptance and inspections from infection control experts，who appraised our work to be “the highest in difficulty, the fastest in project progress and the highest in quality". Totally, upon to the preparations，14 medical teams were set up and the layout process reestablishment of 14 wards was completed, the installation and preparation of nearly 10000 sets/pieces of medical equipment and medical materials were completed as well and more than 80 work systems and process systems for 9 major modules were established. Conclusion The preparations and constructions of emergency-oriented hospitals should be performed upon the thorough implementation of the decisions and arrangements by the municipal Party committee and the municipal government, insisting on the wartime thinking and establishment of high-quality management team and effective goal management focusing on details and actual needs of medical staff.

Dihydromyricetin inhibits the M1 polarization of macrophage induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein through JAK3/STAT5 signaling pathway / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective@#To observe the effect of dihydromyricetin(DMY) on the M1 polarization of macrophages induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein(Ox-LDL) and to explore its mechanism.@*Methods@#RAW 264.7 cells were incubated in RPMI1640 medium containing Ox-LDL(50 mg/L) and DMY(40 μmol/L) for 24 h. The effect of JAK/STAT signaling pathway inhibitor AG-490 on DMY was observed.The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interferon-γ(IFN-γ), transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) and interleukin-10(IL-10) in the supernatant of cell culture medium were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase 1(Arg1) were tested by Western blot.@*Results@#Compared with the control group, the Ox-LDL group showed that the protein expression in macrophage of iNOS and levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the supernatant of culture medium were significantly increased(t=4.12, 2.89 and 3.44, P=0.023, 0.036 and 0.031), while the protein expression of Arg1 in cells and levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in the supernatant of culture medium were significantly decreased(t=3.71, 2.31 and 2.67, P=0.034, 0.038 and 0.034), and the ratios of p-JAK3/JAK3 and p-STAT5/STAT5 in cells were significantly increased(t=3.93 and 2.65 and P=0.007 and 0.021). Compared with the Ox-LDL group, the Ox-LDL+ DMY group showed that the protein expression of iNOS in cells and levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the supernatant of culture medium were significantly decreased(t=5.74, 2.37 and 3.07, P=0.022, 0.031 and 0.033), while the protein expression of Arg1 in cells and levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in the supernatant of culture medium were significantly increased(t=3.94, 2.19 and 2.44, P=0.025, 0.047 and 0.035), and the ratios of p-JAK3/JAK3 and p-STAT5/STAT5 in cells were significantly decreased(t=3.41 and 2.32, P=0.015 and 0.023). Compared with the Ox-LDL+ DMY group, the Ox-LDL+ DMY+ AG-490 group showed that the protein expression of iNOS and levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in supernatant of culture medium were significantly increased(t=3.14, 3.41 and 3.74, P=0.017, 0.028 and 0.023), while the protein expression of Arg1 and levels of TGF-β and IL-10 were significantly decreased(t=2.87, 2.85 and 3.47, P=0.025, 0.035 and 0.028).@*Conclusions@#Dihydromyricetin inhibits the M1 polarization of macrophages induced by Ox-LDL, and the mechanism may be related with the activation of JAK3/STAT5 signaling pathway.

Dihydromyricetin inhibits the M1 polarization of macrophage induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein through JAK3/STAT5 signaling pathway / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To observe the effect of dihydromyricetin(DMY) on the M1 polarization of macrophages induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein(Ox-LDL) and to explore its mechanism.Methods RAW 264.7 cells were incubated in RPMI1640 medium containing Ox-LDL(50 mg/L) and DMY(40 μmol/L) for 24 h.The effect of JAK/STAT signaling pathway inhibitor AG-490 on DMY was observed.The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interferon-y(IFN-γ),transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) and interleukin-10(IL-10) in the supernatant of cell culture medium were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase 1(Arg1) were tested by Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,the Ox-LDL group showed that the protein expression in macrophage of iNOS and levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the supernatant of culture medium were significantly increased(t =4.12,2.89 and 3.44,P=0.023,0.036 and 0.031),while the protein expression of Arg1 in cells and levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in the supernatant of culture medium were significantly decreased(t =3.71,2.31 and 2.67,P =0.034,0.038 and 0.034),and the ratios of p-JAK3/JAK3 and p-STAT5/STAT5 in cells were significantly increased(t =3.93 and 2.65 and P =0.007 and 0.021).Compared with the OxLDL group,the Ox-LDL+DMY group showed that the protein expression of iNOS in cells and levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the supernatant of culture medium were significantly decreased(t =5.74,2.37and 3.07,P =0.022,0.031 and 0.033),while the protein expression of Arg1 in cells and levels of TGF-β and IL-10 in the supernatant of culture medium were significantly increased(t =3.94,2.19 and 2.44,P=0.025,0.047 and 0.035),and the ratios of p-JAK3/JAK3 and p-STAT5/STAT5 in cells were significantly decreased(t =3.41 and 2.32,P =0.015 and 0.023).Compared with the Ox-LDL+ DMY group,the Ox-LDL+-DMY + AG-490 group showed that the protein expression of iNOS and levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in supernatant of culture medium were significantly increased (t =3.14,3.41 and 3.74,P =0.017,0.028 and 0.023),while the protein expression of Arg1 and levels of TGF-β and IL-10 were significantly decreased (t =2.87,2.85 and 3.47,P =0.025,0.035 and 0.028).Conclusions Dihydromyricetin inhibits the M1 polarization of macrophages induced by Ox-LDL,and the mechanism may be related with the activation of JAK3/STAT5 signaling pathway.

Application of inverse planning simulated annealing in the treatment of cervical cancer with combined intracavitary and interstitial three-dimensional brachytherapy / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of an inverse planning simulated annealing (IPSA) in the treatment of cervical cancer with combined intracavitary and interstitial three-dimensional brachytherapy.Methods A total of 60 patients with locally advanced cervical cancer who received both external beam radiotherapy and combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy in our hospital from October 2016 to July 2018 were enrolled.Patients were divided into four groups with 15 patients each according to the number of needles applied (1,2,3,and 4 needles,respectively).Dosimetric distributions were optimized with both Graphical optimization (GRO) and IPSA.Paired t-test was applied to compare the dosimetric differences between plans optimized with GRO and IPSA.Results The Dg0 and V100 of IPSA plans were higher than those of GRO (t=-4.742,-4.823,P＜0.05),while the conformity index (CI) and conformal index (COIN) were slightly lower than those of GRO plans (t=9.642,8.783,P＜0.05).No significant difference in the V150,V200,V300 between IPSA and GRO (P＞0.05) was observed.There was also no significant difference in the D2cm3 of bladder and rectum between IPSA and GRO (P＞0.05).The difference of Dg0 between IPSA and GRO was increased as the number of implanted needles increased,which increased from 4 cGy to 14 cGy as the number of needle increased from 1 to 4.The difference of V100 between GRO and IPSA was also increased as the number of needle increased.Conclusions In the treatment of cervical cancer with combined intracavitary and interstitial threedimensional brachytherapy,IPSA plan could improve the target coverage(D90,V100)without increasing the dose to the OARs and high dose region in the target compared with GRO.With the numbers of needles increased,the advantage of IPSA increased in terms of target coverage.

Introduction of relevant criteria for quality assurance and quality control of tumor radiotherapy at home and abroad / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Multiple institutions at home and abroad have established and issued the standards,guidelines,criteria or reports of the quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) of radiotherapy.At present,no institutions in China have implemented systematic classification of QA-and QC-related criteria of radiotherapy.Complete standard system of QA and QC of radiotherapy should consist of clinical and physical technologies.Physical technology includes equipment,technological flow and radiation protection.The QA and QC of physical technology play a pivotal role in tumor radiotherapy.This paper introduces relevant criteria of QA and QC of radiotherapy at home and abroad.

The study on the stability of Housekeeping gene mRNA and the correlation between degradation and PMI in dead rats / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To explore the postmortem stability of nine Housekeeping gene mRNA—β-actin, GAPDH, RPL32, PKG1, SDHA, rRPL13, HPRT, TBP, YWHAZ and the correlation between its relative expression and postmortem interval (PMI) in rat brain tissue and skeletal muscle. Methods 33 healty adult SD rats were randomly divided into 11 groups at 11 postmortem interval(0h, 1h, 3h, 6h, 12h, 24h, 2d, 4d, 8d, 16d, 24d), sacrificed by cervic al dislocation and it's anterior tibial muscle and brain tissue (about 50mg) were extracted, respectively. The total RNA was extracted from organizations and the nine mRNA were detected by Real-time RT-PCR. Proper internal reference was selected by geNorm software. To evaluate the stability of genes by GeNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper software. Regression analysis by spss software. Results The expression of HPRT is the most stable in both brain and skeletal muscle, suitable for reference gene. The relative expression levels of SDHA, RPL32 and TBP in brain tissue had a certain linear relationship with PMI. While there was no significant correlation between the relative expression of RNA and PMI in skeletal muscle. Conclusion Brain tissue and skeletal muscle could be suitable materials for extracting RNA in advanced stage PMI. The relative expression levels of SDHA, RPL32 and TBP had a certain linear relationship with PMI, which could be auxiliary indices for the estimation of PMI.

Preliminary study and establishment of LQB model and qLQB model for radiation-induced lung injury / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To build two mathematical models, named LQB model and quantified LQB ( qLQB) model, based on the LQ model, and to test their effectiveness in evaluation of radiation?induced lung injury using the Lyman?Kutcher?Burman ( LKB) model. Methods Firstly, a qualitative LQB model was established. Forty?five patients with thoracic cancer were enrolled as subjects. For each patient, two plans were designed using ELEKTA Precise 2. 12 treatment planning system. The plans preferred by the qualitative LQB model and the LKB model were compared. Secondly, a qLQB model was established based on the LQB model. The model was used to calculate the percentage of radiation pneumonitis (RP) for the 45 plans obtained in the first step. Comparison between the percentage of RP and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) calculated by the LKB model was made by paired t test. Results In the plans for 45 patients, the coincidence rate of the qualitative LQB model with the LKB model was 96%(43/46). For the 45 plans preferred by the LKB model, there was no difference between the percentage of RP by the qLQB model and the NTCP by the LKB model ( P=0. 412) . Conclusions The LQB model and the qLQB model are in good accordance with the LKB model in plan preference and evaluation of radiation?induced lung injury.

Biological Parameters of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) Fed on Rabbits, Sheep, and Cattle

In order to determine the effect of various hosts on feeding performance of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, we used 3 mammalian species as hosts, cattle (Qinchuan), sheep (T an), and rabbits (Japanese white rabbit) for infest-ing ticks. Five hundreds of R. microplus larvae were exposed to each animal (3 animals/host species). Tick recoveries were 11.0%, 0.47%, and 5.5% from cattle, sheep, and rabbits, respectively. The averages of tick feeding periods were not significantly different on cattle, sheep, and rabbits, 28.8, 25.3, and 26.7 days, respectively. The average weights of individual engorged female from cattle, sheep, and rabbits were 312.5, 219.1, and 130.2 mg, respectively and those of egg mass weights each to 85.0, 96.6, and 17.8 mg. The highest egg hatching rate was in the ticks from cattle (96.0%), fol-lowed by those from rabbits (83.0%) and sheep (19.2%). These data suggest that rabbits could be as an alternative host to cultivate R. microplus for evaluating vaccines and chemical and biological medicines against the tick in the laboratory, although the biological parameters of ticks were less than those from cattle.

Investigation on development status of radiotherapy in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To investigate the development status of tumor radiotherapy in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in order to provide reference for the decision-making of the competent administrative departments for public health.Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted by the aid of on-site inspection and telephone or Email investigation among the medical institutions in Guangxi to know the current status of radiotherapy units and settings,human resources,allocation of radiotherapy facilities,and standardization of medical practices.Results Up to the end of August 2014,radiotherapy was carried out in 39 hospitals,with other 5 hospitals under preparation for construction.Among these 40 hospitals were three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in 38,intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in 23,and image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) in 5.There were 48 linear accelerators,15 afterloading therapy apparatus,and 4 γ-knife or X-knife in Guangxi.There were 647 professional personnel (except nurses),including 322 radiation oncologists,100 radiotherapy physicists,213 radiotherapy technologists and 12 professional engineers.There were 2 000 to 2 500 hospital beds and 20 000 cancer patients had received radiotherapy in 2013.1 600 to 2 000 people received treatment on average every day.Conclusions The present radiotherapy resources in Guangxi are insufficient and the input to radiotherapy equipment is deficient,with low proportion of cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.Because of the uneven radiotherapy quality among different hospitals,the reasonable planned development and unified diagnostic and treatment practices are required to improve radiotherapy level in Guangxi.For shortage of medical staff and high-quality physical and technical personnel,the improvements are needed by fostering and introduction of personnel.Compared with developed regions in China,the introduction of new technology is largely needed.

The effect of carbon fiber couch on dose distribution of conformal intensity modulated plan / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of carbon fiber couch on dose distribution of radiotherapy planning and verification pass rate.Methods Establishing the carbon fiber treatment couch model in Pinnacle8.0m Treatment Planning system (TPS),and then this model was used to correct dose calculations of oblique fields in the treatment plans of 10 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma,10 cases of breast cancer and 10 cases of lung cancer and evaluate the effect of carbon fiber couch on the whole dose distribution of the plans.Then these plans were measured by three-dimensional dose verification equipment Delta4 to confirm the improvement extent of Gamma pass rate after considering the carbon fiber treatment couch.Results For the majority of plans,when the carbon fiber couch was taken into consideration,the target doses was significantly reduced (4772 cGy-7266 cGy vs.4859 cGy-7347 cGy,P=0.000-0.002) and the relative deviation of D95 was 1％ to 3％.Measurement results of Delta4 showed that Gamma pass rate (3 mm/3％ criteria) increased in all plans (96.4％-98.8％ vs.93.4％-97.3％,P =0.000),some of that were up to 5 percentage when the couch model was applied.Conclusions Target doses will be overestimated if the treatment couch is ignored in TPS measurement.,However it should arouse enough attention when the disease with smaller doses corresponding gradient.