Dosimetric comparison between stereotactic body radiotherapy and carbon-ion radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Background: Prostate cancer rates have been steadily increasing in recent years. As high-precision radiation therapy methods, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and carbon-ion radiation therapy (CIRT) have unique advantages. Analyzing the dosimetric differences between SBRT and CIRT in the treatment of localized prostate cancer can help provide patients with more accurate, individualized treatment plans. Methods: We selected computed tomography positioning images and the contours of target volumes of 16 patients with localized prostate cancer who received radiotherapy. We delineated the organs at risk (OARs) on the CyberKnife (CK) treatment planning system (TPS) MultiPlan4.0, which were imported into the CIRT uniform scanning TPS HIMM-1 ci-Plan. Two treatment plans, SBRT and CIRT, were designed for the same patient, and we used SPSS 22.0 for the statistical analysis of data. Results: Both SBRT and CIRT plans met the prescribed dose requirements. In terms of target volume exposure dose, D2 (P<0.001), D5 (P<0.001), D50 (P<0.001), D90 (P=0.029), D95 (P<0.001), D98 (P<0.001), and Dmean (P<0.001) under SBRT were significantly higher than those under CIRT; the conformity index (CI) under SBRT was significantly better than that under CIRT (P<0.001); the target volume coverage rate (V95%) and dose homogeneity index (HI) under CIRT were significantly better than those under SBRT (P<0.001). In terms of OAR exposure dosage, the Dmax of the bladder and rectum under SBRT was significantly lower than that under CIRT (P<0.001), but Dmean was in the other direction; the exposure dose of the intestinal tract under CIRT was significantly lower than that under SBRT (P<0.05); Dmax of the femoral head under CIRT was significantly lower than that under SBRT (P<0.05), and there was no statistical difference between them at other doses. Conclusions: In this study, we found that when CIRT was used for treating localized prostate cancer, the dose distribution in target volume was more homogeneous and the coverage rate was higher; the average dose of OARs was lower. SBRT had a better CI and higher dose in target volume; the dose hotspot was lower in OARs. It is important to comprehensively consider the dose relationship between local tumor and surrounding tissues when selecting treatment plans.

Three-year experience with combined complex skin repair in patients with extensive burns: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The Meek micrografting technique used in STSG expansion is effective in achieving wide and rapid coverage of burn wounds. Certain growth factors have also been shown to modulate or mediate wound healing. OBJECTIVE: In this study, a combined treatment approach for severe burns involving the Meek micrografting technique, systemic application of rhGH, and topical application of rhEGF was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 7 extensively burned patients who were treated with the Meek technique, systemic application of rhGH, and topical application of rhEGF between January 2017 and December 2019. RESULTS: The mean percent TBSA burned was 89%. An average of 9.5 surgical procedures were performed to obtain skin cover, with an average of 5.8 Meek micrograft procedures performed in the 6 surviving patients. Complete wound healing was achieved at an average of 120 days in the 6 surviving patients. The mean graft take rate was 81%. Infection was the main reason for graft failure. Donor sites were used for up to 5 re-harvestings without additional morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: A multipronged treatment approach that combines the Meek micrografting technique, systemic application of rhGH, and topical application of rhEGF is a promising tool for the management of severe and extensive burns.

Differential Proteomic and Genomic Comparison of Resistance Mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Cefoperazone Sodium/Sulbactam Sodium.

The aim of this study was to determine the resistance mechanism of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium. We retrospectively analyzed the drug resistance of P.a isolated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University. Drug-resistant P.a strains were constructed, then wild-type (WT) and drug-resistant (DR) strains were compared using protein and gene microarrays to determine differences between DR and WT strains. The resistance rates of P. aeruginosa during 2013, 2014 and 2015 were 21.2%, 21.4%, and 24.6% respectively. Among 242 protein peaks of WT and DR bacteriophage proteins, 41 were differentially expressed between the two groups. The expression of 26 and 15 proteins were respectively upregulated and downregulated in the DR compared with the WT group. Gene microarray results revealed 679 mutant loci in the DR group, of which 42 with the top 50 Q values were found in the NCBI database. The rate of P.a resistance to cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium remained high between 2013 and 2015. The numbers of different proteins and genetic variations in the DR strains suggested that the resistance mechanism of P.a to cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium involves multiple genes and proteins that might be key to controlling P.a resistance to cefoperazone sodium/sulbactam sodium.

Carbon Ion Induces Cell Death and G2/M Arrest Through pRb/E2F1Chk2/Cdc2 Signaling Pathway in X-ray Resistant B16F10 Melanoma Cells.

To explore the effect of high-LET carbon ion (C-ion) radiation on malignant melanoma, we systematically compared the radiobiological effects of C-ion with that of X-rays in B16F10 melanoma cells. Results showed that C-ion radiation statistically inhibited clonogenic survival capacity of B16F10 melanoma cells. The RBE was 3.7 at D 10 levels, meaning 1.0 Gy C-ion should cause the same biological effect as ≥ 3.0 Gy X-rays. In addition, we also observed a stronger proliferation-inhibiting and higher ratio of cell apoptosis and necrosis in B16F10 cells treated with C-ion than X-rays. Moreover, C-ion radiation exhibited stronger and long-lasting G2/M arrest than X-rays. As an underlying mechanism, we speculated that C-ion radiation-induced G2/M block through activating pRb/E2F1/Chk2 pathway. With these results, we highlighted the potential of C-ion in treatment of cutaneous melanoma. Further, in vitro experiments as well as clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the effect of carbon ion radiotherapy in melanoma.

An Oxidative Stress-Related Genes Signature for Predicting Survival in Bladder Cancer: Based on TCGA Database and Bioinformatics.

Background: Oxidative stress (OS) responses have been linked to oncogenesis and tumor progression and have recently been regarded as a potential strategy for tumor therapy. However, OS-related therapeutic targets have not been identified to date in the bladder cancer (BC). Methods: The mRNA expression and clinical data of BC were downloaded from the public database. Prognostic risk score signature was constructed using LASSO Cox regression analysis. External validation was performed in GSE15307 cohort. ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA algorithm were used to analyze immune cell infiltration and immune microenvironment. Next, functional enrichment analysis was performed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the signature. Additionally, we performed a nomogram to forecast the survival rate of individual BC patients. Results: An OS-related genes (OSRGs) signature was constructed. Overall survival was lower in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group, according to survival analyses. The area under the curve (AUC) of ROC curves further validated the prognostic signature's strong prediction performance in these two cohorts. The risk score was verified as an independent risk factor for BC by independent prognostic analysis. Moreover, as compared to TNM stage alone, a nomogram that integrated the risk score with TNM stage showed a much superior predictive value. Immune infiltration and tumor microenvironment studies indicated that immune cells and functions may play a significant role in carcinogenesis and development. The levels of expression of prognostic genes were shown to be substantially linked with drug sensitivity. Conclusion: We developed a novel OSRGs signature for predicting overall survival and impacting the immune status in patients with BC. New nomogram can help clinicians predict the survival rate of BC patients. These findings shed new light on the potential usage of OSRGs signature in BC patients.

A novel and efficient method to induce allospecific CD8+ memory T lymphocytes.

The aim of the current study was to establish a simple method for effectively inducing memory T lymphocytes by the intraperitoneal injection of spleen lymphocytes into mice. In total, 75 mice were divided into the following groups: an injection group administered three doses of spleen lymphocytes (1 × 106 , 5 × 106 , and 1 × 107 cells), a transplantation group in which a 0.25-cm2 skin section from C57BL/6 mice was transplanted onto the back of the recipient, and a control group in which an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline was injected. At 1, 2, or 3 months following transplantation, the following parameters were evaluated: quantity of T lymphocytes, percentage of cluster of differentiation 8+ (CD8+ ) memory T cells, and proliferation index of purified CD8+ memory T cells. No significant differences among groups were detected at 1 month (p > .05). However, the injection group administered 1 × 106 cells exhibited the highest proportion of CD8+ memory T cells among all groups at 2 months, and the proportions of CD8+ T cells were higher in the three injection groups than in the skin transplantation and control groups at 3 months. The proportions of memory T cells were higher in the injection groups administered 5 × 106 or 1 × 107 cells than in the skin transplantation and control groups at 3 months. The newly established method effectively induces memory T lymphocytes via the intraperitoneal injection of spleen lymphocytes in vivo and has potential applications in the field of immunotherapy.

Combined Complex Skin Repair in Patient With Extensive Burns: A Case Report.

Auto-skin grafting is the current treatment of choice for extensive burns. Nevertheless, the lack of donor sites for skin grafting remains one of the greatest limiting factors for the treatment of extensively burned patients. We present the case of a 53-year-old male patient with deep and full thickness burns on 91% of the total body surface area. We used the Meek technique for split-thickness skin graft expansion to treat this patient. In order to obtain sufficient skin for grafting, we repeatedly harvested the same anatomical areas. Acceleration of burn wounds, recipient, and donor site healing was achieved by systemic treatment with recombinant human growth hormone and topical recombinant human epidermal growth factors. This combined, complex treatment modality contributed to the successful skin repair in this patient.

Inhibitory Effect on the Hepatitis B Cells through the Regulation of miR-122-MAP3K2 signal pathway.

The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of regulation of miR-122-MAP3K2 signal pathway on the hepatitis B cells. We detected the content of MAP3K2 from patients with HBV blood serum samples and analyzed the correlation between content of MAP3K2 and copies of HBV-DNA. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect the function of cells from control group (wild type) and observer group (overexpresses miR-122). Secretion levels of HBsAg and MAP3K2 in the supernatant and level of MAP3K2 in cells were detected by ELISA and western blot, respectively. The results showed that there was a positive correlation between the copies of HBV-DNA and MAP3K2 in serum. In the assays involving detection of the number of HBV-DNA copies, the supernatant levels of HBsAg and MAP3K2, and the level of MAP3K2 in the cells, the rate of increase of these indicators significantly slowed as culture time. In conclusion, overexpression of miR-122 could inhibit the migration of hepatoblastoma cells; however, following transfection with miR-122, DNA synthesis and the secretion of HBsAg were inhibited. Overexpression of miR-122 can also downregulate MAP3K2. Consequently, we concluded that regulating the miR-122-MAP3K2 signaling pathway exerts an inhibitory effect in hepatitis B cells.

Mechanisms of Protective Effect of Ramulus Mori Polysaccharides on Renal Injury in High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most important complication of diabetes and the most common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). AIMS: A recent study established that the Ramulus mori polysaccharides (RMP) exert antioxidant effects on DN in rats. METHODS: The diabetic rats which induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection were orally administered RMP by doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks. The effects of RMP on hyperglycemia and other biochemical changes were examined in the sera and kidney tissues. Additionally, the pathological and ultrastructural changes and expressions of nuclear-factor kappa B (NF-x03BA;B) and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) were assessed. RESULTS: The results revealed that the serum levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were significantly decreased by RMP. Furthermore, the blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr) and 24-hour urine protein levels in the RMP-medicated rats were lower than those in untreated diabetic rats. Moreover, treatment of the DN rats with RMP normalized all biochemical changes, including the malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in the serum and kidney tissues. In contrast, the protein expression levels of NF-x03BA;B and TGF-ß1, which were enhanced in the kidneys of DN rats, were reduced by RMP. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that RMP improving the renal function of diabeitc rats possibly via its ameliorating antioxidant activities.