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Objective:To explore the status of social alienation among survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. From October 2021 to January 2022, 200 survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma reviewed in the radiotherapy department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University were investigated by General Data Questionnaire, General Alienation Scale (GAS), Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) and Self-Perceived Burden Scale (SPBS).Results:The total score of GAS in survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma was (37.47 ± 2.88) points. The total scores of GAS were positively correlated with the total score and each dimension score of CFS and SPBS ( r values were 0.312-0.524, all P<0.01). Multivariable linear regression showed that the duration of diagnosis, whether or not having hearing loss, the number of symptoms, cancer fatigue and self-perceived burden were the main influencing factors of social alienation in survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma( t values were -3.99-4.86, all P<0.05), which could explain 49% of the total variation. Conclusions:Clinical medical staff should attach importance to social alienation of surviors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. More attention should be paid to patients with less than one year of diagnosis, a large number of symptoms and hearing loss, and targeted intervention should be conducted to reduce the degree of social alienation of patients and promote their integration into society.
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BACKGROUND@#Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is one of the main activators of heart failure. Currently, no drug can completely reverse or inhibit the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. To this end, we proposed a silicate ion therapy based on extract derived from calcium silicate (CS) bioceramics for the treatment of angiotensin II (Ang II) induced cardiac hypertrophy. @*METHODS@#In this study, the Ang II induced cardiac hypertrophy mouse model was established, and the silicate ion extract was injected to mice intravenously. The cardiac function was evaluated by using a high-resolution Vevo 3100 small animal ultrasound imaging system. Wheat germ Agglutinin, Fluo4-AM staining and immunofluorescent staining was conducted to assess the cardiac hypertrophy, intracellular calcium and angiogenesis of heart tissue, respectively. @*RESULTS@#The in vitro results showed that silicate ions could inhibit the cell size of cardiomyocytes, reduce cardiac hypertrophic gene expression, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and b-myosin heavy chain (b-MHC), decrease the content of intracellular calcium induced by Ang II. In vivo experiments in mice confirmed that intravenous injection of silicate ions could remarkably inhibit the cardiac hypertrophy and promote the formation of capillaries, further alleviating Ang II-induced cardiac function disorder. @*CONCLUSION@#This study demonstrated that the released silicate ions from CS possessed potential value as a novel therapeutic strategy of pathological cardiac hypertrophy, which provided a new insight for clinical trials.
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Objective:To compare the setup errors in the supraclavicular regions of two different postures (arms placed on each side of the body, namely the body side group; arms crossed and elbows placed above forehead, namely the uplifted group) using the chest and abdomen flat frame fixation device in lung and esophageal cancer.Methods:Clinical data of patients with stage Ⅰ to Ⅳ lung or esophageal cancer who received three-dimensional radiotherapy with chest and abdomen flat frame fixation device in our institution from November 2020 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The setup errors of two postures were compared.Results:A total of 56 patients were included, including 31 patients (55%) in the body side group and 25 patients (45%) in the uplifted group. A total of 424 CBCTs were performed in the whole group. The overall setup errors in the X, Y and Z directions were similar in both groups ( P>0.05). The setup errors of sternoclavicular joint in the X and RZ directions in the body side group were significantly smaller than those in the uplifted group [(0.163±0.120) cm vs. (0.209 ±0.152) cm, P=0.033; 0.715°±0.628° vs. 0.910°±0.753°, P=0.011]. The setup errors of acromioclavicular joint in the Y, Z and RZ directions in the body side group were significantly smaller than those in the uplifted group [(0.233±0.135) cm vs. (0.284±0.193) cm, P=0.033; (0.202±0.140) cm vs. (0.252±0.173) cm, P=0.005; 0.671°±0.639° vs. 0.885°±0.822°, P=0.023]. The margins of target volume for setup errors were smaller in the X (0.45 cm vs. 0.54 cm) and Y (0.54 cm vs. 0.65 cm) directions of the sternoclavicular joint, as well as in the Y (0.59 cm vs. 0.78 cm) and Z directions (0.53 cm vs. 0.72 cm) of the acromioclavicular joint in the body side group. Conclusions:For lung and esophageal cancer patients requiring supraclavicular irradiation, the body side group yields smaller setup errors and corresponding margins of target volume than the uplifted group. In clinical practice, it is necessary to take comprehensive consideration of the accuracy of radiotherapy and additional radiation of the limbs to select appropriate posture.
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Objective:To investigate the workflow, efficacy and safety of MR-Linac in liver malignancies.Methods:Clinical data of 15 patients with hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) or liver metastases treated with MR-Linac between November 2019 and July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The workflow of MR-Linac was investigated and image identification rate was analyzed. Patients were followed up for response and toxicity assessment.Results:Fifteen patients (6 HCC, 8 liver metastases from colorectal cancer, 1 liver metastasis from breast cancer) were enrolled. A total of 21 lesions were treated, consisting of 10 patients with single lesion, 4 patients with double lesions and 1 patient with triple lesions. The median tumor size was 2.4 cm (0.8-9.8 cm). The identification rate for gross tumor volume (GTV) in MR-Linac was 13/15. Although GTV of two patients were unclearly displayed in MR-Linac images, the presence of adjacent blood vessel and bile duct assisted the precise registration. All the patients were treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). For HCC, the median fraction dose for GTV or planning gross tumor volume (PGTV) was 6 Gy (5-10 Gy) and the median number of fractions was 9(5-10). The median total dose was 52 Gy (50-54 Gy) and the median equivalent dose in 2 Gy fraction (EQD 2Gy) at α/ β= 10 was 72 Gy (62.5-83.3 Gy). For liver metastases, the median fraction dose for GTV or PGTV was 5 Gy (5-10 Gy) and the median number of fractions was 10(5-10). The median total dose was 50 Gy (40-50 Gy) and the median EQD 2Gy at α/ β=5 was 71.4 Gy (71.4-107.1 Gy). At 1 month after SBRT, the in-field objective response rate (ORR) was 8/13 and the disease control rate was 13/13. At 3-6 months after SBRT, the in-filed ORR was increased to 6/6. During the median follow-up of 4.0 months (0.3-11.6), 4-month local progression-free survival, progression-free survival and overall survival were 15/15, 11/15 and 15/15, respectively. Toxicities were mild and no grade 3 or higher toxicities were observed. Conclusions:MR-Linac provides a platform with high identification rates of liver lesions. Besides, the presence of adjacent blood vessel and bile duct also assists the precise registration. It is especially suitable for liver malignancies with promising local control and well tolerance.
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Objective@#To analyze the prevalence of poor vision and eyeglass prescription, refractive examination among primary school students of grade 4-6 in Henan, so as to provide scientific basis for precise interventions for student vision health.@*Methods@#A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to investigate a total of 29 187 students of grade 4-6 from 17 cities in Henan Province. Distant vision examination and questionnaire survey were conducted.@*Results@#The overall prevalence of poor vision for grade 4-6 students in Henan was 63.6%, with girls (69.0%) higher than boys (59.0%),urban students (65.3%) higher than suburban students (62.5%)( χ 2=312.6, 23.6, P <0.01). The prevalence of severe poor vision was 28.5%.With the increase of grade, the detection rate of poor vision and severe poor vision increased( χ 2 trend =278.7, 775.4, P <0.01). Totally 13.2% of pupil did not have a visual examination in the past year. The rate of wearing glasses was 27.0% for students with poor eyesight and 3.2% for students with poor monocular eyesight. Totally 46.8% of the students wearing glasses received mydriatic optometry before wearing glasses.@*Conclusion@#The problem of poor vision among students of grade 4-6 in Henan is prominent, so it is necessary to strengthen eyesight monitoring and eye health education.
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Objective:To investigate the setup errors of postoperative radiotherapy immobilized with integrated cervicothoracic board (mask) system in breast cancer patients.Methods:Thirty-two breast cancer patients treated with postoperative radiotherapy immobilized with integrated cervicothoracic board (mask) system were prospectively recruited in this study. Breast/chest wall (cw) and supra/infraclavicular nodal region (sc) were irradiated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy. CBCT location verification in radiotherapy and target areas of the breast/chest wall and upper and lower collarbone were carried out, respectively. The consistency between setup errors and the position of the upper and lower target areas of 239 CBCT images was analyzed.Results:The translational setup errors of the breast/chest wall in the X-cw (left-right), Y-cw (superior-inferior), Z-cw (anterior-posterior) directions were (1.84±2.36) mm, (1.99±2.48) mm, and (1.75±1.86) mm, respectively. The translational setup errors of the supra/infraclavicular nodal region in the X-sc (left-right), Y-sc (superior-inferior), Z-sc (anterior-posterior) directions were (1.98±2.44) mm, (1.98±2.48) mm, and (1.71±1.79) mm, respectively. The differences of translational setup errors between the breast/chest wall and supra/infraclavicular nodal region in the X, Y, Z directions were (0.38±0.66) mm, (0.07±0.41) mm, and (0.45±0.92) mm, respectively. Conclusion:For the breast cancer patients treated with postoperative radiotherapy covering breast/chest wall and supra/infraclavicular nodal region, the integrated cervicothoracic board (mask) immobilization system provides good reproducibility and yields Sfew setup errors.
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Internal contamination of radionuclides in the event of nuclear emergencies can lead to serious harm to human health. The research and development of radionuclide chelating agents and the application of new technologies can reduce the internal damage caused by radionuclides. Compared with traditional preparations, the nano-preparations have the advantages of improving drug dissolution, targeting and positioning drug release, and easily passing through biofilm barrier. In recent years, many scholars have used different nano-preparation forms for different decorporation drugs, including nanoparticles, nano-liposomes, nano-emulsions, etc., to conduct related research in order to achieve better clinical application effects. Nanomaterials with excellent properties have the advantages of high efficiency, rapid adsorption and high biocompatibility, etc., and have been used more and more widely in radionuclide decorporation. In this paper, combined with the relevant literatures at home and abroad, the internal contamination of radionuclides is classified according to nuclide-deposited sites of tissues and organs, and the applications of related nanoformulations and nanomaterials in radionuclide decorporation are introduced in order to provide reference for further research.
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Objective To evaluate the necessity of arc by arc setup verification in patients with brain metastases receiving stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) by analyzing the inter-and intra-fraction setup errors and residual errors collected from the ExacTrac X-ray portal image.Methods Clinical data of brain metastases patients treated with SRT in the previous two years were retrospectively analyzed.The ExacTrac X-ray setup images were collected after the normal setup procedure.Setup errors were calculated by registering the cranial bony structures of the ExacTrac X-ray setup images to that of the digitally reconstructed setup images.The inter-and intra-fraction setup errors and residual errors were statistically analyzed.Results Seventy-five patients from 116 lesions received 337 cycles of SRT of the head.The inter-and intra-fraction translational setup errors in the x,y and z directions were (0.93±0.86) mm and (0.15±0.59) mm;(1.83± 1.27) mm and (0.25±0.73) mm;(0.96±0.80) mm and (0.14±0.56) mm,respectively.The inter-and intra-fraction rotational setup errors in the x,y,z directions were (0.65°± 0.62°) and (0.19°± 0.40°);(0.97°±0.94°) and (0.13°± 0.25°);(0.92°± 0.71°) and (0.10°± 0.29°),respectively.The residual translational setup errors in the x,y,z directions were (0.06±0.23) mm,(0.08±0.24) mm and (0.08±0.22)mm,and (0.12°± 0.27°),(0.09°± 0.18°) and (0.06°± 0.19°) for the residual rotational setup errors,respectively.For a reference setup error threshold of 0.7 mm/0.7°,99.1％ of the SRT exceeded the threshold and required setup correction.For 1 006 non-coplanar arcs,rotating the treatment couch from 0° to the treatment angle made 66.4％ of arcs exceed the threshold and require at least once setup correction.Conclusions During SRT for brain metastasis,the inter-and intra-fraction setup errors should be emphasized.It is necessary to perform arc by arc setup error verification.
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Objective To retrospectively analyze the setup error in radiotherapy of somal tumors and body metastases using the ExacTrac X-ray portal image,and to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of 6D setup error correction in body radiotherapy.Methods The translational and rotational setup errors were calculated by registering the bony structures on the ExacTrac X-setup images to that of the digitally reconstructed setup images,and the corresponding residual errors were calculated together.Results The translational and rotational setup errors in the x (left-right),y (superior-inferior),z (anterior-posterior) and Rx (sagittal),Ry (transverse),Rz (coronal) directions were(2.27±2.02) mm,(4.49±2.52) mm,(2.27± 1.37) mm and (1.02 ± 0.73) °,(0.67 ± 0.68) °,(0.76 ± 0.84) °,respectively.The residual translational and rotational setup errors in the x(r),y(r),z(r) and Rx(r),Ry(r),Rz(r) directions were(0.27±0.48)mm,(0.37±0.45)mm,(0.22±0.30)mm and (0.17±0.33)°,(0.14±0.34)°,(0.16± 0.28) ° respectively.Conclusions Besides the translational setup errors,a certain amount of rotational setup errors exist in radiotherapy of somal tumors and body metastases.By using the 6D setup error correction of the ExacTrac system,a translational less than 0.4 mm and rotational setup errors less than 0.2° could be achieved.
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Objective A self-made tiltable treatment couch was adopted for CT simulation positioning and radiotherapy to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness to minimize the setup errors. Methods Twenty-two patients with thoracic and abdominal tumors receiving radiotherapy in Department of Radiation Oncology,Peking Union Medical College between March and September 2016 were recruited in this study. All patients were randomly divided into the experimental(n=11)and control groups(n=11).In the study group,the tiltable treatment couch was adopted to switch the patients from the standing position to the supine position,and conventional supine position was utilized in the control group. All patients received CT positioning under spontaneous breathing. Image registration was performed according to the standard recommendations of IGRT group. The image registration data for the translational and rotation errors of CBCT were recorded and analyzed. The setup errors were calculated by four-parameter model between two groups. Results In the experimental group,the translational error of the x direction was(-0.012±0.128)cm with a variation range of(0.29-0.70 cm),(0.272±0.123)cm for the y direction(0.23-0.70 cm)and(0.089± 0.105)cm for the z direction(0.14-0.53 cm),respectively. In the control group,the translational error of the x direction was(0.006±0.198)cm(0.27-0.75 cm),(-0.108±0.396)cm for the y direction(0.56-2.08 cm)and(- 0.096± 0.176)cm for the z direction(0.34-0.89 cm), respectively. Conclusions Application of the self-made tiltable treatment couch can enhance the setup reproducibility and reduce the setup errors,especially in the y direction during radiotherapy for the thoracic and abdominal tumors.
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Objective To explore the clinical symptom clusters in breast cancer patients with anthracycline treatment, which could provide evidence for prevention. Methods The M.D.Anderson Symptom Inventory of Chinese version (MDASI-C) was applied to assess clinical symptoms in 506 breast cancer patients received anthracycline therapy during their 1stto 4thcycle chemotherapy.Thirteen symptoms were analyzed using main-component analysis and variance orthogonal rotation. The exploratory factor analysis was conducted to find factors value greater than 1. Results The number of symptoms with incidence rate more than 50% was 5, 6, 7 and 9 during the 1stto the 4thcycle, respectively. Fatigue, poor appetite, and nausea were the most common symptoms, and the incidence of these symptoms were 92.5% to 97.1% ,84.8% to 95.1% and 81.1% to 91.3% with the increasing cycle of chemotherapy.Three factors value greater than 1 were detected during the 1stto 2ndcycle chemotherapy by exploratory factor analysis.The cumulative variance contribution rates were 63.233% and 61.434% in the 1stand 2ndcycle, respectively. The main symptom clusters concentrate on fatigue and digestive tract symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disturbance, hypersomnia, nausea, vomit, poor appetite, dry mouth. Two factors value greater than 1 were detected during 3rdto4thcycle in chemotherapy. The cumulative variance contribution rates were 62.660% and 61.148% in the 3rdand 4thcycle, respectively. The main symptom clusters concentrate on psychological and nervous system symptoms including sadness, pain, dry mouth, numbness, hypersomnia, shortness of breath, amnesia and so on. The Cronbach α of cluster symptoms from the 1stto the 4thcycle chemotherapy was between 0.829 to 0.911. Conclusions Symptom clusters vary with the cycles of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline. Nurses should provide targeted intervention measures to improve symptom and enhance quality of life, according to specific situation.
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Objective To investigate the application of Critical Care Chest Ultrasonic Examination (CCUE)-plus (CCUE-plus) in the etiological diagnosis in patieuts with dyspnea and/or hemodynamic instability caused by abdominal abnormalities.Methods Patients who suffered from dyspnea and/or hemodynamic instability in the Department of Critical Care Medicine,Xiangya Hospital,Central South University from September 2013 to September 2016 were recruited in this study.A total of 255 consecutive patients completed CCUE within 2hrs of admission.If the diaphragm could not be seen in the routine phrenic points according to Bedside Lung Ultrasound Evaluation (BLUE) protocol,it would be found along midaxillary line and defined m-point.The 59 patients with altered diaphragmatic position (m-point was more than 2 cm higher than phrenic point) received sequential abdominal ultrasonography.The latter ultrasonographic findings were compared with CT results.Results There were 42 (71.19％) cases with positive findings of abdominal ultrasonography,including 18 cases of seroperitoneum,16 cases of intestinal obstruction and 8 cases combined.Compared with 56 patients who applied with CT exam,the abdominal ultrasonography revealed a sensitivity of 76.7％ and a specificity of 100.0％ to diagnose seroperitoneum (AUCRoc 0.917);whereas the sensitivity was 75.0％ and the specificity was 90.9％ (AUCRoc 0.778) to diagnose intestinal obstruction.Moreover,there were 44 (74.58％) patients with normal left ventricular systolic function;more than three quarters (46/59,77.97％) patients had pulmonary consolidation.Conclusion In patients with dyspnea and/or hemodynamic instability caused by abdominal abnormalities and altered diaphragmatic position in BLUE protocol,CCUE-plus protocol has a high positive predictive value of more than 90％ in abdominal abnormality.The findings of abdominal ultrasonography may change therapeutic target from cardio-pulmonary optimization to relief of intestinal obstruction or drainage of seroperitoneum.
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Objective To investigate the characteristics of lung ultrasound images in critical care postoperative patients using BLUE-plus protocol . Methods Two hundred and twenty-two patients who were performed lung ultrasound measurements according to the BLUE-plus protocol within 24 hours admitted to the Department of critical care were included in this study . Data was collected and retrospectively analyzed to compare the proportion of different lung ultrasound signs at different speculate regions ,and to compare the lung ultrasound characteristics of patients undergo different surgeries . Results Excluding A lines ,the most common abnormal lung ultrasound signs at the diaphragmatic points were B7 lines (13 .06％ ) ,and the most common abnormal lung ultrasound signs at the posterior blue points were C signs (28 .60％ ) . The rate of C signs was significantly higher in post spinal cord surgery patients than those in other groups ( P =0 .032) . The rate of B3 lines was significantly higher at bilateral PLAPS points in oxygenation index 100-200 group compared with that in oxygenation index>300 group ( P =0 .011) . The rate of C signs was significantly higher at the left posterior blue point in oxygenation index 200-300 group , and at bilateral posterior blue point in oxygenation index 100-200 and <100 groups compared with those in oxygenation index >300 group ( P =0 .011 , P <0 .001 and P =0 .002) . The rate of pleural effusion was significantly higher at the right posterior blue point in oxygenation index 200 -300 group ,and at bilateral posterior blue point in oxygenation index 100 -200 group compared with those in oxygenation index >300 group ( P = 0 .001 , P < 0 .001 ) . Conclusions Screen with the BLUE-plus protocol can help to find abnormal signs including B3 lines ,B7 lines ,C signs and pleural effusion ,therefore instructs individualized treatment for postoperative patients . Pulmonary edema ,lung consolidation and pleural effusion are three main reasons responsible for hypoxemia in postoperative patients . Intensivists should avoid fluid overload , strengthen airway management ,postural therapy and encourage early mobility in postoperative patients .
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Objective To investigate the interfractional and intrafractional prostate motion during hypofractionated precise radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Methods From 2013 to 2016, twenty?eight patients who received 5 Gy radiotherapy in 9 fractions for prostate cancer were enrolled as subjects. Every patient had three gold fiducials implanted into the prostate by transrectal ultrasound guidance two weeks before computed tomography ( CT) simulation. All patients underwent CT scans in the supine position with full bladders and rectal balloons filled with 60 ml air. The Pinnacle planning system was used to design the treatment plans. Twenty?three patients were treated with a Synergy accelerator. Those patients underwent cone?beam CT ( CBCT) scans prior to treatment. The set?up error was recorded by bone alignment between CBCT images and planning CT images. The prostate displacement was then recorded by gold fiducial alignment. The interfraction prostate displacement was defined by the difference between the above two parameters. The other 5 patients were treated with a Novalis accelerator. Based on gold fiducial alignment,the real?time tracking of gold fiducials was carried out by the ExacTrac system to evaluate the intrafractional prostate displacement. Results A total of 207 measurements of interfractional prostate displacement were made in the 23 patients before treatment. The mean interfractional prostate displacements in the left?right (LR),superior?inferior (SI),and anterior?posterior (AP) directions were (0.05±0?10),(0.20±0?22),and (0.19±0?18) cm,respectively. The displacements larger than 0?3 cm in the above three directions were observed in 1,52,and 49 measurements,respectively,while the displacements larger than 0?5 cm in the three directions were observed in 1,29,and 16 measurements,respectively. A total of 225 measurements of gold fiducial displacement were made in the 5 patients during treatment. The mean intrafractional prostate displacements in LR,SI,and AP directions were (0.61±0?50),(0.68±0?69),and (0.70±0?67) mm, respectively. The displacements larger than 3 mm in the three directions were observed in 0, 1, and 1 measurement, respectively. Conclusions In hypofractionated precise radiotherapy for prostate cancer, the interfractional prostate displacement is significantly larger than the intrafractional prostate displacement. The interfractional prostate displacement must be corrected before radiotherapy. In order to avoid off?target irradiation due to postural changes in patients,the tracking of the intrafractional prostate displacement is still necessary although the displacement is relatively small. The rectal balloon can help immobilize the prostate.
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Objective To investigate the impact of anatomical landmarks on registration in image?guided radiotherapy (IGRT) for central and peripheral lung cancer. Methods Twenty?five patients with central or peripheral lung cancer for IGRT were enrolled in this study. Kilo?voltage cone?beam CT ( kV?CBCT) scanning was acquired before irradiotion. Tumor coverage on CBCT was assessed using gross tumor volume (GTV), clinical target volume (CTV), and planning target volume (PTV) contours according to tumor alignment, carina registration, and spine registration, respectively. The grading analysiswas based on visual tumor assessment as follows:grade 0, tumor within GTV;grade 1, tumor outside GTV but inside CTV;grade 2, tumor outside CTV but inside PTV;and grade 3, tumor outside PTV. Results Totally 177 sets of kV?CBCT of 25 patients was collected. According to the registration landmarks of the tumor, carina and spine for central lung cancer, the percentages were 57?55%, 53?77% and 16?04% in grade 0, 39?62%, 45?28%and 58?49% in grade 1, and 1?89%, 0?94% and 25?47% in grade 2, respectively. For peripheral lung cancer, the percentages were 47?89%, 14?08% and 2?82% in grade 0, 43?66%, 29?58% and 45?07% in grade 1, and 8?45%, 40?85% and 35?21% in grade 2, respectively. Conclusions For central lung cancer,the tumor was recommended as the best registration landmark, and the carina was recommended as well, while the spine was not recommended. For peripheral lung cancer, the tumor was recommended as the best registration landmark, while the spine and the carina were not recommended.
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Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Pingchuan cataplasm combined with hyperthermia therapy for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with qi deficiency syndrome of both lung and spleen. Methods Sixty patients of stable COPD with TCM syndrome of qi deficiency of both lung and spleen were selected and randomized into treatment group and control group, 30 cases in each group. Based on conventional treatment, the treatment group was treated by Pingchuan cataplasm combined with hyperthermia, and the control group was given analog stick applicator without additional heat treatment. After 6 weeks of treatment, the TCM symptom score and the time of the first exacerbation after treatment were observed. Results Compared with the control group, Pingchuan cataplasm can reduce the patients’ TCM symptom score (F=9.843, P=0.003), and extend the interval of acute exacerbation after treatment (F=4.451, P=0.040). Conclusion Pingchuan cataplasm combined with hyperthermia applicator can improve symptoms and reduce the frequency of acute exacerbation, thus can treat and prevent the acute exacerbation of COPD.
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This study was aimed to investigate the effective on BODE index and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores with acupoint application therapy for patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in stabilization period of lung-spleen qi-deficiency syndrome. A total of 120 cases of inpatients and out-patients of the stable phase of COPD with TCM syndromes of lung-spleen qi-deficiency were selected. Conven-tional therapy was used in the treatment. All patients were divided into four groups, which are the hyperthermia plus acupoint application group, simple acupoint application group, simple hyperthermia group and blank control group. Each group contained 30 cases. All patients were given 6-week treatment. And the BODE index and TCM symptom scores were observed pre-treatment and post-treatment. The results showed that the BODE index was im-proved in the hyperthermia plus acupoint application group and the simple hyperthermia group. Symptoms of coughing, phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath were reduced in all hyperthermia plus acupoint application group, simple acupoint application group and simple hyperthermia group. Symptoms of abdominal distention, spontaneous perspiration, easy to catch cold and cold sensation on the back were reduced in the group of hyperthermia plus acupoint application. Symptoms of spontaneous perspiration, easy to catch cold and cold sensation on the back can be improved in the group with simple hyperthermia. The symptom of spontaneous perspiration was improved in the group of simple acupoint application. It was concluded that acupuncture point application in combination with hy-perthermia therapy can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life, improve exercise tolerance in patients.
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ObjectiveBoth kilovolt (KV) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and KV radiography can determine set-up errors for patients with head-and-neck cancer.This study is to compare their performance.Methods16 patients with head and neck cancer were enrolled in this study.There were 160 sets of CBCT and corresponding orthogonal radiography images.Through registration of CBCT images with the planning CT images,and registration of radiography images with the digitally reconstructed radiographs,translational set-up errors were determined along left-right (x),super-inferior (y),and anterior-posterior (z) directions.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation of the set up errors determined by the two methods,and Bland-Altman plot analysis was used to assess the coincidence of these two methods.ResultsThe Pearson coefficient of correlation along all three directions was less than 0.01,and R2 was 0.95,0.84,0.81 on x,y,z,respectively.That means high correlation for two methods.The Bland-Altman plot analysis showed that the 95％ agreement limits of agreement were within preset 2 mm tolerance (x[ 1.3mm,- 1.2mm],y[ 1.6mm,- 1.1mm],z[0.8mm,-1.4 mm] ),which indicates an agreement exists for two methods.ConclusionsFor determination of set-up errors for patients with head and neck cancer,KV radiography is equivalent to CBCT.Considering CBCT delivers higher dose than KV radiography,but provides more soft tissue information.We suggest to use these two methods combinative in clinic.
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Objective To evaluate the dose distribution of the target volume and the cranial base in nasopharyngeal carcinoma ( NPC ) treated with facial-cervical fields, and to analyze the differences of dose distribution using different isoeenters with the CT-simulator and treatment planning system (TPS). Methods Eleven patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated by conventional radiotherapy as their primary treatment. All patients were simulated by the conventional simulator and the field borders were marked with thin lead wires on the mask. Then the patients were scanned by the CT-sim with the same immobilization. The planning CT images were transferred to the TPS and the field borders were copied on the DRR, and then GTV and the cranial base were contoured on the coronal CT slices. Two isoeenters were chosen, including one in front of the 1 st cervical vertebra to measeure the depth of the nasopharynx and the other in front of the 3rd cervical vertebra to measure the depth of the upper neck. The prescription dose of 36 Gy was given in 18 fractions. Dose distributions of GTV and the cranial base were calculated with TPS. Results The actual dose of 95% volume of GTV was 33.31 -35.54 Gy (median 34.83 Gy) and 31.43 -33.36 Gy (median 32.44 Gy) when the isoeenters were set in the nasopharynx and the superior neck, respectively. The corre-sponding actual dose of 95% volume of the cranial base was 17.76 - 34.60 Gy ( median 30.28 Gy ) and 16.52 -32.60 Gy (median 28.52 Gy), respectively. Conclusions For NPC patients treated with conven-tional radiotherapy using facial-cervical fields, the actual dose of GTV and the cranial base is lower than the prescribed dose whenever the isocenter is set in the nasopharynx or the upper neck,which is more significant in the latter. The isocenter should be set in the nasopharynx when the conventional radiotherapy is applied and a boost of 4- 8 Gy should be given when the cranial base is involved.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the systematic and random set-up errors in patients immobilized with thermoplastic device during radiotherapy, and to determine the proper margins extended from clinical target volume ( CTV ) or internal target volume ( ITV ) to planning target volume ( PTV ). Methods From March 2007 to September 2007,120 patients were included in this study, including 13 receiving head and neck irradiation, 67 thoracic irradiation and 40 abdominal irradiation. All patients were immobilized with thermoplastic device and received CT simulation and intensity modulated radiation therapy(IMRT). X-ray cone beam CT was regularly performed before treatment and the images were compared with the simulation CT images. The shift and rotation in right-left( R-L), superior-inferior(S-I) and anterior-posterior(A-P) directions were recorded and analyzed. The shift margin from CTV or ITV to PTV was calculated with the equation, margin = 2'mean + 0.7'standard deviation. Results In head and neck region, the shift errors in R-L,S-I and A-P directions were(0.13 ±0.15) cm, (0.13 ±0.17) cm and(0.11 ±0.14) cm,and the corresponding rotation errors were 1.05°± 0.77°,0.87°± 1.13° and 0.68°±0.89°. The margins from CTV to PTV were 0.37 cm,0.38 cm and 0.31 cm,respectively. In thoraci region,the shift errors in R-L,S-I and AP directions were(0.20 ±0.27) cm, (0.34 ±0.44) cm and(0.25±0.31 ) cm,and the corresponding rotation errors were 1.06°±1.45° ,0.85°±1.23° and 0.78°±1.08°. The shift margins from ITV to PTV were 0.59 cm, 1.00 cm and 0.72 cm. In abdominal region, the shift errors in R-L, S-I and A-P directions were (0.23 ± 0.30) cm, (0.37 ±0.45 ) cm and ( 0.27 ±0.34 ) cm, and the corresponding rotation errors were 1.22°±1.56°, 1.05°± 1.44°and 0.98°± 1.24°. The shift margins from CTV or ITV to PTV were 0.66 cm, 1.05 cm and 0.78 cm. Conclusions Cone beam CT can be used in the precise measure of set-up errors,which can provide institution-specific margins for PTV designing in patients immobilized with thermoplastic device.