Objective To quantitatively analyze the image quality of megavoltage cone-beam CT (MVCBCT) under different scanning conditions to provide reference in clinical applications. Methods Si-emens ONCOR linear accelerator with MVCBCT was used to scan the phantom under different conditions. The image quality was evaluated in terms of image noise, uniformity, spatial resolution, contrast resolution, the number of Monitor Units(MUs) used in imaging,and the size of the reconstruction matrix. The comparison of the image quality between MVCBCT and conventional simulator CT was also analyzed. Results The image noise was decreased with the increase of the number of MUs. The uniformity index showed that the system u-niformity was weakly dependent on MU numbers or the size of the reconstruction matrix. Except for the ima-ges with 5 MUs,all other images had the spatial resolution of 0.4 lp/mm with a reconstruction matrix of 256 ×256. Better low contrast resolution was achieved by using more MUs. For typical pelvis and head-and-neck patients,the imaging dose at the center was 0.8 cGy/MU and 0.7 cGy/MU, respectively,and the maxi-mum dose was about 1.2 cGy/MU. For typical abdomen patients,the image maximum dose and center dose was 1.3 cGy/MU and 0.7 cGy/MU,respectively. Conclusions The image quality of MVCBCT is inferior to the conventional kilo-voltage CT. However,with the optimization of the parameters in imaging,we can a-chieve sufficient image contrast in the bone,air and some soft-tissue structures with low imaging dose to pa-tients. Such images can be used for IGRT.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of baicalein on the gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in the TM4 Sertoli cells of the mouse testis and its related mechanism.

METHODSWe measured the cytotoxicity of different concentrations of baicalein on the TM4 Sertoli cells in the mouse testis by MTT, detected the fluorescence transfer of the TM4 Sertoli cells by parachute assay, and determined the expression of the protein connexin 43 ( Cx43) in the baicalein-treated cells by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTSBaicalein produced no obvious cytotoxicity on the TM4 Sertoli cells at the concentration below 60 µmol/L but significantly increased their GJIC at 0-20 µmol/L (P < 0.01). Western blot and immunofluorescence assay showed that 0-20 µmol/L baicalein remarkably elevated the expression of Cx43 in the TM4 cells (P < 0.01) and on the membrane of the TM4 cells.

CONCLUSIONBaicalein at the concentration of 0-20 µmol/L can significantly enhance GJIC in mouse TM4 Sertoli cells by increasing the expression of the Cx43 protein.

Animals ; Cell Communication ; drug effects ; Connexin 43 ; metabolism ; Flavanones ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Gap Junctions ; drug effects ; Male ; Mice ; Sertoli Cells ; drug effects ; metabolism ; ultrastructure

Objective To investigate the risk factors of nosocomial infections in patients with head and neck cancer during radiotherapy .Methods Clinical data of 189 patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy in Huzhou Central Hospital during August 2011 and December 2014 were retrospectively studied .Chi-square test and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were performed to explore the risk factors of nosocomial infections in patients during radiotherapy .Results Among 189 patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy , nosocomial infection was observed in 64 (33.86%) patients.Univariate analysis showed that radiation-induced oral mucositis (χ2 =11.47, P<0.01), underlying disease (χ2 =6.59, P<0.05), stage of tumor Ⅲ-Ⅳ (χ2 =4.36, P<0.05), whole-neck radiation (χ2 =7.64, P <0.05), dose of radiation ≥50 Gy(χ2 =8.92, P <0.05), combined chemotherapy (χ2 =6.53, P<0.01), invasive operation (χ2 =4.21, P<0.05), PS score=1 (χ2 =3.58, P<0.05) and low body mass index (χ2 =9.56, P <0.05) were risk factors of nosocomial infections . Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that radiation-induced oral mucositis ( OR=3.46, χ2 =8.72, P<0.01),underlying disease (OR=1.91, χ2 =4.66, P<0.05), stage of tumor Ⅲ-Ⅳ (OR=2.01,χ2 =5.22, P<0.05), whole-neck radiation (OR=1.78,χ2 =4.89, P<0.05), dose of radiation ≥50 Gy (OR=1.69,χ2 =3.25, P<0.05), combined chemotherapy (OR=1.84, χ2 =6.91, P<0.05) and low body mass index (OR=1.53, χ2 =2.59, P<0.05) were independent risk factors of nosocomial infection.Conclusions Nosocomial infections are popular in patients with head and neck cancer during radiotherapy.Radiation-induced oral mucositis, underlying disease, stage of tumor, radiation field, dose of radiation, combined chemotherapy and body mass index are associated with the occurrence of nosocomial infections in these patients .

We have constructed an immunotoxin(Ng76-TCS),which was composed of a monoclonalantibody directed against human melanoma and trichosanthin(TCS)——a single chain ribosomeinactivating protein.The cultured human melanoma cells(M21)were inhibited effectively byNg 76-TCS.The cytotoxicity of Ng76-TCS to M21 cells was 2,000-fold higher than that of free TCS and Ng76 mixture.A conjugate,which was prepared with normal mice immunoglobulinand TCS(NIgG-TCS),was 160-fold less cytotoxic to M21 cells.Meanwhile Ng76-TCS was125-fold less cytotoxic to nontarget cells Hela.These results showed that the immunotoxinNg76-TCS was a potent and specific anti-human melanoma agent.

Objective: To explore the survival difference of patients with colon and rectal neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) at different stages. Methods: We identified 8 679 patients with colorectal NEN diagnosed between 1988 and 2014 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry, including 5 437 rectal NEN and 3 242 colon NEN ( 1 681 cecum NEN ). Survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate Cox regression model. Results: The ratio of male patients with colon and rectal NEN was similar to female (P=0.095). Rectal NEN patients were younger (P<0.001), more highly differentiated (P<0.001), and with earlier stage (P<0.001). Survival analysis showed that the survival of rectal NEN was superior to that of colon NEN, with 10-year tumor-specific survival rates of 86.8% and 44.8% respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that age, gender, marital status, primary tumor site, grade, stage and surgery were independent prognostic factors of colorectal NEN (all P<0.01). The most important factor was stage (HR=3.531), followed by differentiation grade (HR=1.856). Stratified analysis displayed that the survival of rectal NEN in stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅳ were better than those of corresponding stage of colon NEN (all P<0.05), but worse in stage Ⅲ (P=0.012). While the survival of rectal NEN were significantly better than those of colon NEN within all stages after excluding 1681 cases of cecal NEN (all P<0.05). Among the patients with well-differentiated NEN, the survival of rectal NEN in stage Ⅰ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were better than those of corresponding stage of colon NEN (all P<0.05) while there was no significant difference in stage Ⅱ(P=0.169). For poor-differentiated NEN, only the survival of rectal NEN patients in stage Ⅳ (P=0.001) was significant longer than those of colon NEN, while there was no significant difference in stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ (stage Ⅰ: P=0.760; stage Ⅱ: P=0.181; stage Ⅲ: P=0.313). Conclusions The survival of NEN patients in colon and rectum is different. Cecum NEN should be considered as a separated tumor for prognostic analysis due to its special clinicopathologic characteristics.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the changes in phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 protein expression of and cell apoptosis following focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

METHODSA rat models of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion using modified filament method. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of P-JAK2 and P-STAT3 proteins, and TUNEL assay was employed to examine the cell apoptosis.

RESULTSP-JAK2 and P-STAT3 protein expression increased significantly after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. The immunoreactivity was prominent in the peripheral of the ischemic region and reached the peak level at 24 h of reperfusion, followed by slight decrement. The apoptotic cells increased obviously after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, also reaching the peak level at 24 h of reperfusion.

CONCLUSIONThe expression of phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 may be involved in the ischemic cellular events including apoptosis. JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway plays a role in the pathophysiological process of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion cell injury and repair.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery ; physiopathology ; Janus Kinase 2 ; metabolism ; Male ; Phosphorylation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury ; genetics ; physiopathology ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of combined treatment with sansanmycin and macrolides on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and formation of biofilm.

METHODSMicro-dilution method was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of sansanmycin, gentamycin, carbenicillin, polymyxin B, roxithromycin, piperacillin, and tazobactam. PA1 and PA27853 biofilms were observed under optical microscope after staining and under SEM after treatment with sansanmycin at different dosages and combined treatment with sansanmycin and roxithromycin. Viable bacteria in PA1 and PA27853 biofilms were counted after treatment with sansanmycin at different dosages or combined treatment with sansanmycin and roxithromycin.

RESULTSThe MIC of sansanmycin was lower than that of gentamycin and polymyxin B, but was higher than that of carbenicillin. Roxithromycin enhanced the penetration of sansanmycin to PA1 and PA27853 strains through biofilms. PA1 and PA27853 biofilms were gradually cleared with the increased dosages of sansanmycin or with the combined sansanmycin and roxithromycin.

CONCLUSIONSub-MIC levels of roxithromycin and sansanmycin substantially inhibit the generation of biofilms and proliferation of bacteria. Therefore, combined antibiotics can be used in treatment of intractable bacterial infection.

Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Bacterial Adhesion ; drug effects ; Biofilms ; growth & development ; Cercopithecus aethiops ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Macrolides ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Oligopeptides ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; drug effects ; physiology ; ultrastructure ; Uridine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Vero Cells

OBJECTIVETo investigate the possibility and the limit in increasing the survival area of the random skin flap by extremely increasing the ratio of its length and width within 24 hours.

METHODSSD rats (n = 20) were chosen for this study. The rats were randomly divided into: subject group and control one. Pre-made skin flap was prepared as design. The subject group was carried out rapid pre-fabricated skin flap formation training. No training was performed in control group. The changes in perfusion value of micro-circulation inside skin flap were monitored during the whole process, and micro-circulation parameters of the skin flap were used to evaluate whether its blood circulation network was mature or not.

RESULTSTraining of pre-made skin flap at 18th hour, the perfusion value of its micro-circulation was basically stable, Skin flap formation was finished at 24th hour. Survival area in control group was (68.25 +/- 0.18)% and in subject group was (97.25 +/- 0.24)% (P < 0.01). There was a significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSWithin short time, it is possible to establish micro-circulation in skin flap which exceeds the limit set by traditional theory. Digitalized judgment can be used to monitor the fast formation of super-big skin flap. This method is reliable and can increase the survival rate of random skin flap.

Animals ; Female ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin ; blood supply ; metabolism ; Skin Transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship of leptin gene polymorphism with obesity in ethnic minority Hui and Uygur children in China.

METHODSSixty-eight ethnic minority (35 Hui and 33 Uygur) children with obesity and 69 age-matched minority (36 Hui and 33 Uygur) children without obesity were recruited from six primary schools in the sub-urban areas of Urumqi. Venous blood was sampled from all subjects after fasting for 12 hours. Leptin gene C2549A polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. Blood concentrations of lipids, leptin and insulin were measured with biochemical methods and radioimmunoassys, respectively.

RESULTSIn the 137 children tested, the prevalence of AA, AC and CC genotype was 9.5%, 33.6% and 56.9%, respectively. A allele frequency was significantly different between the two ethnic (i.e. Hui and Uygur) groups (P<0.05). A allele frequency and AA+ AC genotype frequency were not significantly different between obese and non-obese children in both ethnic groups (P>0.05). Blood leptin levels were not significantly different between obese and non-obese children with an AA+AC or CC genotype in both ethnic groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSLeptin gene polymorphisms exist in Hui and Uygur children. The C2549A polymorphism is not significantly associated with the prevalence of obesity in both Hui and Uygur children.

Child ; China ; ethnology ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Leptin ; blood ; genetics ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Obesity ; blood ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic

OBJECTIVETo study the prevalence rate of upper respiratory tract group A Streptococcus (GAS) carriage in school-age children from Xinjiang Province.

METHODSA total of 478 children at age of 9-12 years from Tulufan City and Buerjin County of Xinjiang Province were enrolled by random cluster sampling. Throat swab cultures were performed once each season for the determination of presence of GAS.

RESULTSIn the 1 827 samples, 196 GAS strains were isolated, with a GAS carrier rate of 10.7%. The prevalence rate of GAS carrier in Tulufan City ranged from 3.7%-16.5% compared with 4.7%-21.4% in Buerjin County (P < 0.05). The prevalence rate of GAS carrier in winter is the highest, followed by in autumn, spring and summer in both regions. There were significant differences in the GAS carriage rate in autumn between the two regions. There were no significant differences in the GAS carriage rate between boys and girls. Of the 196 GAS strains, 133 from Han, 22 from Uygur and 41 from Hazakh children. There were significant differences in the prevalence rate of GAS carriage among children with different ethic groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence rate of GAS carriage is high in school-age children from Tulufan and Buerjin of Xinjiang Province. The GAS carrier rate is associated with the season and ethic group. The children from Buerjin County present a higher GAS carrier rate than those from Tulufan City.

Carrier State ; microbiology ; Child ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Respiratory System ; microbiology ; Streptococcus pyogenes ; isolation & purification