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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Implementation and assessment of software based on ESAPI compilation structure / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To help clinicians simplify the post-processing operations of structures by developing rapid processing software for target area and organs at risk structures based on ESAPI.Methods:SmartStructure script software was developed based on ESAPI, verified and evaluated in clinical work. 10 cases of rectal cancer receiving neoadjuvant radiotherapy, 10 breast cancer treated with postoperative radiotherapy, 10 cervical cancer receiving postoperative radiotherapy, 10 nasopharyngeal carcinoma receiving radical radiotherapy and 10 lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) were selected, and different types of tumors had different post-processing operations of structures. In each case, three methods were used for post-processing of structures. In the control group (manual group), normal manual processing was employed. In the experimental group 1(SmaStru-N group), scripts without templates were utilized. In the experimental group 2(SmaStru-P group). scripts combined with templates were adopted. The processing time of the three methods was compared. Clinicians scored the scripting software from multiple aspects and compared the feeling scores of scripting software and manual operation.Results:All three methods can be normally applied in clinical settings. The error rate in the manual group was 7.0%, 3.0% in the SmaStru-N group 0% in the SmaStru-P group, respectively. Compared with the manual method, SmaStru-N shortened the processing time of target area and organs at risk by 60.9% and 93.3% for SmaStru-P. In addition, SmartStructure was superior to manual method in terms of using feeling scores. Clinicians gave lower score for the" applicability" and" simplicity" , and higher score on the" accuracy" and" efficiency" .Conclusions:Compared with conventional manual structure processing method, SmartStructure software can rapidly and accurately process all structures of the target area and organs at risk, and its advantages become more obvious with the increasing number of structures that need to be processed. SmartStructure software can meet clinical requirements, reduce the error rate, elevate processing speed, improve the working efficiency of clinicians, providing basis for the development of adaptive radiotherapy.

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

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

Comparison between HyperArc and conventional VMAT approach for brain metastases / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To compare the dosimetric parameters and plan complexity between newly-delicated HyperArc (HA) and conventional volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in the treatment of brain metastases.Methods:For 26 patients with brain metastases, HA, conventional coplanar (Cop) and non-coplanar (Non-cop) VMAT plans with a prescription dose of 9 Gy 3fx or 6 Gy 5fx were generated. The dosimetric parameters for planning target volume (PTV), RTOG conformity index (RTOG CI), Paddick CI, homogeneity index (HI), gradient index (GI), maximum dose (D max) of brainstem and dose-volume parameters of brain-PTV(V 2Gy-V 26Gy) were statisticaly compared among these three approaches. In addition, the monitor unit (MU) and the plan complexity parameters (including MCSv and AlPO) were statistically compared. Results:To prevent missed targets during treatment, all plans were established with RTOG CI of greater than 1.1. For Paddick CI, HA provided significantly higher conformity (0.89±0.019) than Non-cop (0.87±0.036, P=0.001) and Cop (0.88±0.017, P=0.003) VMAT. For GI, the fastest dose fall-off was noted in HA (3.35±0.64), followed by conventional Non-cop VMAT of (3.70±0.80), and conventional Cop VMAT of (4.90±1.85)(all P<0.05). For the brainstem sparing, HA plan performed better than Non-cop plan[(604.14±531.61) cGy vs.(682.75±558.22) cGy, P<0.05)]. For normal brain tissue sparing, HA approach showed significant reduction than conventional Cop and Non-cop VMAT (both P<0.05). For MU, HA approach (2 872.60 ± 566.93) was significantly lower than those of Non-cop VMAT (3 771.28 ± 1 022.38, P<0.05) and Cop VMAT (4 494.08 ± 1 323.09, P<0.05). In terms of plan complexity, the MCSv of Cop plan was the lowest, indicating that the complexity was the highest ( P<0.05). The AlPO of HA was significantly higher than that of Non-cop VMAT ( P<0.05), suggesting that the complexity of HA plan was lower ( P<0.05). Conclusion:For the treatment of brain metastases, HA provides better conformity, more rapid dose fall-off, better sparing of brainstem and normal brain tissues and less plan complexity compared with conventional VMAT.

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

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

Downregulation of circFASTKD1 ameliorates myocardial infarction by promoting angiogenesis.

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

Protection design of Halcyon accelerator room / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To discuss the design details of accelerator room for a novel enclosed O-ring linac Halcyon, and to optimize its protection and layout.Methods:According to the optimization principle of radiation protection and the requirements of national radiation protection standards, and the structural characteristics of Halcyon accelerator, the differences between conventional and this novel accelerator rooms were analyzed by discussing the space layout of the machine room, shielding calculation, electrical facilities, purifying ventilation, temperature and humidity control and other factors.Results:The Halcyon machine had a compact structure, a closed ring frame design and a main beam shielding device, which could greatly reduce the radiation protection pressure while improving the space utilization rate of the machine room. The optimized design layout of the machine room could eliminate hidden dangers, avoid design defects, and prevent adverse consequences caused by design errors.Conclusions:The overall structure of Halcyon accelerator is different from that of conventional accelerators. The design details should be taken into full consideration to ensure the optimization of radiation protection, lay a good foundation for subsequent installation, debugging and operation of the equipment and create a good treatment environment for patients and medical staff.

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

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

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

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

Outcomes of intermediate-risk to high-risk stage I endometrial cancer: 10-year clinical experiences of using in-house multi-channel applicators in a single center / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#There are only very few reports on clinical outcomes using multi-channel applicators (MCA) for patients with endometrial cancer (EC) in China. We aimed to evaluate the clinical experience of treating intermediate-risk (IR) to high-risk (HR) stage I EC using in-house made multi-channel applicators (IH-MCA) in a single institution.@*Methods@#Three hundred and ninety patients with stage I IR to HR EC were treated with hysterectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy from 2003 to 2015. All patients received post-operative vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VBT) alone or as a boost after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). The prescriptions were 500 cGy per fraction for a total of 5 to 6 fractions with brachytherapy alone or 400 to 600 cGy per fraction for 2 to 3 fractions if it was combined with EBRT. Two types of applicators including a traditional rigid IH-MCA and a recent model custom-made with 3 dimension printing technology were used for treatment. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rate.@*Results@#Follow-up rate was 92.8% and the median follow-up time was 48 months (range 4–172 months). The 5-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival, local recurrence, and distant metastasis rates for all patients were 96.3%, 92.1%, 2.9%, and 4.8% respectively. Two patients had isolated relapse in vagina outside the irradiated volume. The univariate and multivariate analysis showed that age and grade were the prognostic factors correlated with OS (hazard ratio: 0.368, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.131–1.035, P = 0.048; hazard ratio: 0.576, 95% CI: 0.347–0.958, P = 0.026,).@*Conclusions@#For patients with IR to HR stage I EC, adjuvant VBT alone or in combination with EBRT using IH-MCA led to excellent survival and recurrence rates. Age and grade were the prognostic factors correlated with OS.

Outcomes of intermediate-risk to high-risk stage I endometrial cancer: 10-year clinical experiences of using in-house multi-channel applicators in a single center / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#There are only very few reports on clinical outcomes using multi-channel applicators (MCA) for patients with endometrial cancer (EC) in China. We aimed to evaluate the clinical experience of treating intermediate-risk (IR) to high-risk (HR) stage I EC using in-house made multi-channel applicators (IH-MCA) in a single institution.@*METHODS@#Three hundred and ninety patients with stage I IR to HR EC were treated with hysterectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy from 2003 to 2015. All patients received post-operative vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VBT) alone or as a boost after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). The prescriptions were 500 cGy per fraction for a total of 5 to 6 fractions with brachytherapy alone or 400 to 600 cGy per fraction for 2 to 3 fractions if it was combined with EBRT. Two types of applicators including a traditional rigid IH-MCA and a recent model custom-made with 3 dimension printing technology were used for treatment. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rate.@*RESULTS@#Follow-up rate was 92.8% and the median follow-up time was 48 months (range 4-172 months). The 5-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival, local recurrence, and distant metastasis rates for all patients were 96.3%, 92.1%, 2.9%, and 4.8% respectively. Two patients had isolated relapse in vagina outside the irradiated volume. The univariate and multivariate analysis showed that age and grade were the prognostic factors correlated with OS (hazard ratio: 0.368, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.131-1.035, P = 0.048; hazard ratio: 0.576, 95% CI: 0.347-0.958, P = 0.026,).@*CONCLUSIONS@#For patients with IR to HR stage I EC, adjuvant VBT alone or in combination with EBRT using IH-MCA led to excellent survival and recurrence rates. Age and grade were the prognostic factors correlated with OS.

Analysis of failure of helical tomotherapy multi-leaf collimator system / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To analyze the failure and processing methods of helical tomotherapy multileaf collimator (MLC) and summarize relevant maintenance experience,aiming to accurately identify the faulty parts,shorten the downtime and enhance the work time.Methods The failure data of the helical tomotherapy MLC system in the past 48 months were analyzed to identify the common faulty parts,causes and processing methods.Results During the previous 48 months,the MLC failure occurred for 20 times,11 times for air compressor failure,4 times for position verification board failure,twice for leaf driver failure,twice for cushion valve failure and once for the slip of leaf position verification rod.The MLC failure was significantly correlated with the humidity of high-pressure gas.The work time of machine exerted significant effect upon the service time of MLC parts.Conclusions The structure of the helical tomotherapy MLC system is complex.The high-intensity work increases the failure rate.The humidity of high-pressure gas affects the normal operation of the MLC equipment.The faulty parts can be identified,the downtime can be reduced and the work time can be enhanced by summarizing the experience of MLC maintenance.

Viral metagenomics analysis of poultry faeces in live poultry market, Haikou, China

Objective:To conduct in-depth study of the distribution and diversity of viruses in poultry is of great importance in monitoring the emergence of interspecies transmission of novel viruses that may cause epidemics with public health significance. Poultry is an economically important source of meat, eggs and feathers which plays an important role as natural reservoirs of many pathogenic viruses. Compared with wild animals, poultry have more frequent interactions and therefore opportunities to transmit their viruses to human.Methods:To study the viromes of different types of poultry in Hainan, China, we used metagenomics for deep viral nucleic acid sequencing of the faecal samples collected from chickens, ducks and pigeons from a live poultry market in Haikou.Result:The poultry viromes were identified by sequence similarity comparisons of viral reads (BLASTxE score, <5) against viral reference database. A total of 15 309 viral reads were obtained, approximately 13 063, 1 370 and 876 viral reads were generated from the chicken, duck, pigeon faecal samples, respectively. The majority of the sequences were homologous to the animal virus of Adenoviridae, Herpeaviridae, Picobirnaviridae, Reoviridae, Retroviridae, Circoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Astroviridae, Caliciviridae, Coronaviridae, Picornaviridae, and Orthomyxoviridae. The VP4 and VP7 segments of a pigeon rotavirus, similar to fox rotavirus in group A, were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. The near full genome of a pigeon circovirus was also analyzed.Conclusion:The major types of poultry in a Haikou harbor many different families of viruses in their feces which may have the potential for interspecies transmissions. Further studies should be conducted to identify the most prevalent and important viruses among a larger number of poultry in Haikou and other areas in Hainan.

Assessment of neonatal brain development by 2D1H-MRS at 3.0T / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To compare metabolite ratios in the basal ganglia regions between preterm and term neonates and analyze the correlation between metabolite ratio and postmenstrual age(PMA)using 2D magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS)at 3.0T,so as to explore the value of MRS in evaluating neonatal brain development.Methods Normal neonates who underwent 3.0T MRS exam ination were recruited.Axial 2D MRS was performed with the point-resolved spectroscopy sequence(PRESS)(echo time/repetition time,144 ms/1 000 ms) through the basal ganglia covering three regions of interest(ROI)(i.e.bilateral lenticular nucleus,thalamus and white matter beside the anterior horn of lateral ventricle).The peak areas ratios of Cho/Cr,NAA/Cho and NAA/Cr were calculated.Metabolite ratios were compared between preterm and term neonates,and between three ROIs. Correlation between metabolite ratio and PMA was further analyzed.Results Totally 54 neonates were included(preterm/term,27/27).In all the three ROIs,preterm neonates presented significantly higher Cho/Cr(P＜0.05) and significantly lower NAA/Cho ratios(P＜0.001)than those of term neonates;higher NAA/Cr ratio was only observed in the lenticular nucleus of preterm neonates(P＜0.001).Significant differences in metabolite ratios were detected among the three ROIs in preterm group(P＜0.05).For term group,metabolite ratios differed between lenticular nucleus and white matter beside the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle(P＜0.01),while no difference between lenticular nucleus and thalamus was found(P＞0.05).Significant correlation between metabolite ratio and PMA was found in all the three ROIs except NAA/Cr ratio in the white matter beside the anterior horn of the lateral ventricle.To be specific,we found linear negative correlation of Cho/Cr ratio(r= -0.325,-0.633,-0.438) and positive correlation of NAA/Cho ratio(r = 0.604,0.773,0.483)in all the three ROIs,but negative correlations of NAA/Cr ratio(r=0.487,0.367)in lenticular nucleus and thalamus with PMA.Conclusion Our findings suggest the tempo-spatial pattern of neonatal brain metabolite development in terms of anatomic location and PMA.Besides,the multi-voxel MRS presents potentials in establishing the normal topologic and age-matched reference in neonates and thus making brain maturation assessment and detection of early abnormal metabolism.

Signal classification by multimodal magnetic resonance imaging on neonatal punctate white matter lesions / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective To explore the significance of signal classification by multimodal magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)(including conventional MRI,diffusion imaging,and susceptibility-weighted imaging)on neonatal punctate white matter lesions(PWML).Methods Between March 2011 and February 2013,neonates with PWML who underwent 3.0T MRI examination were recruited.The routine protocols included T1 weighted imaging (T1WI),T2 weighted imaging(T2WI),diffusion tensor imaging(DTI),and 3D-enhanced susceptibility-weighted angiography(ESWAN).Apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)map,magnitude image,and phase image were obtained from DTI and ESWAN,respectively.The signal of PWML was one-to-one observed on T1WI,T2WI, ADC map and magnitude image.The combined signals were classified and the number of cases of each type was counted.Results Totally 84 neonates with PWML were included(preterm/term,47/37).Seven signal types were found and classified into three groups: ① Type Ⅰ was the most,59 cases,accounting for 70.24%,with the performance of high-signal intensity on T1WI,low-signal intensity on T2WI,low-signal intensity on ADC map,and high-signal intensity on magnitude image. ② Type Ⅱ,7 cases,accounting for 8.33%,high-signal intensity on T1WI,low-signal intensity on T2WI,low-signal intensity on ADC map,and low-signal intensity on magnitude image.③ Type Ⅲ - Ⅶ,26 cases,accounting for 30.95%,high-signal intensity on T1WI,low/iso-signal intensity on T2WI,low/iso-signal intensity on ADC map,high/iso-signal intensity on magnitude image.There was no significant difference in the incidence of different signal types between preterm and full-term PWML neonates. Conclusion Magnetic resonance signal may reflect the characteristics of PWML lesions.Signal classification of PWML by multimodal magnetic resonance imaging is helpful in determining injury type and has certain significance in guiding clinical treatment.