Background and purpose:In recent years,domestic radiotherapy equipment and related software have made great progress,and testing the functionality and stability of the equipment and software is an essential step.This paper focused on comparing the differences in intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)plans dosimetry and organ at risk(OAR)volume calculations for common cancers between uRT-treatment planning system(TPS)and Monaco-TPS,and to evaluate the feasibility of dose calculation for Infinity linac(linear accelerator,Elekta,Sweden)using uRT-TPS.Methods:Twenty cases of rectal cancer,lung cancer,breast cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma were selected.The IMRT plans were completed in uRT-TPS and Monaco-TPS.The dose uniformity and conformity,mean dose,maximum dose of planning target volume(PTV)and OAR between two plans under the same prescribed dose of PTV were compared.And the pass rates of two TPS plans validated at the same linear accelerator were compared.Meanwhile,monitor units(MU),source skin distance(SSD)and the volume of OAR in uRT-TPS and Monaco-TPS were compared.Results:Wonderful plans that met the clinical requirements were obtained in uRT-TPS and Monaco-TPS.Comparable uniformity and conformability was received in PTV,and the maximum dose of PTV was reduced by 1.1 Gy for uRT-TPS(P = 0.006).For breast cancer and lung cancer,the dose in lung was lower for Monaco-TPS(P＜0.05).For nasopharyngeal carcinoma,the dose indicators that oral cavity and throat in the uRT-TPS was reduced by 9.2%and 5.1%,respectively.The verification results of absolute point dose(＜3%)and three-dimensional surface dose(＞95%)for both plans met the clinical requirements.The region of interest in uRT-TPS was smaller compared with Monaco-TPS(P＜0.05).Conclusion:A comparable IMRT plan was obtained for common tumors in uRT-TPS and Monaco-TPS.It is feasible to calculate the dose of Infinity linac using uRT-TPS.

Background:Recurrence after stone removal is common in patients with choledocholithiasis.Recent studies have indicated that dysbiosis in gut microbiota plays an important role in the formation of cholesterol gallstones.Aims:To explore the effect of probiotics supplementation on serum lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and the indicators of bile acid metabolism in patients with a high risk of cholesterol gallstone formation.Methods:Sixty choledocholithiasis patients undergoing ERCP lithotomy were recruited at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University from June 2021 to June 2023.Bile and stool samples were collected for bacterial culture.Then the patients were randomly allocated into two groups:patients in control group received conventional supportive therapy after calculus removal,while those in probiotics intervention group were given oral bifid triple viable enteric capsule 420 mg,twice a day for 6 months based on conventional therapy.Changes in serum levels of LPS,the cell wall component of Gram-negative bacteria,fibroblast growth factor 19(FGF19),the key molecule in bile acid metabolism,and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1),the rate-limiting enzyme of bile acid synthesis,were determined and compared between the two groups.Results:Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the main pathogens in bile and stool of patients with choledocholithiasis.Six months after ERCP lithotomy,the serum levels of LPS and FGF19 were decreased,and the serum level of CYP7A1 was increased in both groups(all P<0.05),especially in probiotics intervention group(all P<0.05).Conclusions:Oral probiotics supplementation can reduce the serum LPS level and modulate the canonical pathway of enterohepatic circulation of bile acids--farnesoid X receptor(FXR)-FGF19 pathway in high-risk patients of cholesterol gallstone formation.These alterations reduce the cholesterol supersaturation in bile and inhibit the probability of cholesterol gallstone formation.

Objective:To investigated the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with colorectal polyps in part of Xinjiang area and to explore the associated influencing factors related to psychological status, and to provide evidence and clues to promote the diagnosis and treatment of psychosomatic diseases in digestive system.Methods:From December 2021 to June 2022, at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, the Fourth Division Hospital of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, the Third Division Hospital of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (Kashgar Hospital), the Thirteenth Division Red Star Hospital of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, the Tenth Division Beitun Hospital of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, the Seventh Division Hospital of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, the Fifth Division Hospital of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, patients who underwent colonoscopy and colorectal polyps detected were enrolled. The generalized anxiety disorder scale-7 (GAD-7) was used to screen anxiety symptoms, and the patient health questionaire-8 (PHQ-8) was performed to screen depression symptoms, and the general situation questionnaire was used to collect clinical information of patients. The questionnairs were completed via the Questionnaire Star platform or paper questionnaire, and a database was established. The patients were divided into groups according to whether with anxiety and depression symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression models was performed to analyze the factors related to anxiety and depression.Results:A total of 516 questionnaires were distributed and collected, among which 9 questionnaires were incomplete and 507 questionnaires were valid, the effective rate of questionnaires was 98.26%. The detection rates of anxiety and depression symptoms in 507 patients with colorectal polyps were 21.50%(109/507) and 19.33%(98/507), respectively. The results of multivariable logistic analysis revealed that female ( OR=3.87, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.30 to 6.51, P<0.001), maximum diameter of polyp ( OR=1.74, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.67, P=0.011), perception of polyps as cancer ( OR=13.96, 95% CI 1.48 to 132.07, P=0.022), and the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms after polyp detection ( OR=5.43, 95% CI 1.74 to 16.92, P=0.004) were independent risk factors of anxiety in patients with colorectal polyps. Female ( OR=2.42, 95% CI 1.47 to 4.00, P=0.001), the number of polyps ( OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.13, P=0.028) and the count of gastrointestinal symptoms ( OR=2.04, 95% CI 1.34 to 3.10, P=0.001) were independent risk factors of depression in patients with colorectal polyps. Conclusion:Gender, polyp size, number of polyps, disease perception, and concomitant gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with anxiety and depression in patients with colorectal polyps.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)for the treatment of chronic functional constipation in the elderly.Methods:A total of 33 elderly patients with chronic functional constipation were included and given three sessions of FMT.Changes in fecal characteristics, constipation, mood and quality of life in these patients were evaluated using the Bristol stool form scale(BSFS), the constipation assessment scale(CAS), patient assessment of constipation symptoms(PAC-SYM), the Zung self-rating anxiety scale(SAS), the Zung self-rating depression scale(SDS), and the patient assessment of constipation quality of life(PAC-QOL)before and 12 weeks after treatment.The clinical efficacy was based on comparison between pre-and post-treatment results for each patient.Results:Clear improvement was achieved in 33 patients 12 weeks after treatment, compared with before transplantation.Post-treatment scores of the constipation assessment scale and symptom self-assessment questionnaire for patients with constipation were(8.9±1.2)scores and(26.5±2.4)scores, respectively, significantly lower than pre-transplantation scores of(12.2±1.1)scores and(32.4±2.4)scores( t=15.034, 13.904, both P<0.001). Similarly, post-treatment scores were also lower than pre-transplantation levels for the self-rating anxiety scale[(50.4±8.4)scores vs.(57.5±9.0)scores, t=10.333, P<0.001], the self-rating depression scale[(50.6±8.4)% vs.(55.0±10.5)%, t=5.301, P<0.001], and self-assessment questionnaire for quality of life[(88.2±7.3)scores vs.(103.7±7.3)scores, t=23.300, P<0.001]. Conclusions:FMT can improve fecal characteristics and constipation symptoms, relieve anxiety and depression, improve the quality of life, and provide a new option for the treatment for elderly patients with chronic functional constipation.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic biopsy can underestimate gastric malignancies as low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN). Definitively diagnosed LGIN would progress. This study aimed to evaluate predictive factors to identify malignancies misdiagnosed as LGIN by biopsy and LGIN at high risk of progression. METHODS: The clinical records of patients diagnosed with gastric LGIN by endoscopic biopsy who underwent at least two endoscopies during the first year of follow-up between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively collected. Three endoscopists reviewed photographs of the initial endoscopy, described lesion characteristics, and made endoscopic diagnoses. Logistic regression was used to analyze predictors to identify malignancies underestimated as LGIN. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these predictors. Patient clinical outcomes of follow-up >1 year were collected. Kaplan-Meier estimates with log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to analyze predictors of progression. RESULTS: Overall, 48 of 182 (26.4%) patients were proven to have malignancies. A single lesion, a large lesion size, and marked intestinal metaplasia (IM) were independent predictors of initially misdiagnosed malignancies. The area under the curve of these predictors was 0.871, with a sensitivity of 68.7% and specificity of 92.5%. Twelve of 98 patients (12.2%) progressed during the 33-month median follow-up period. A whitish appearance, irregular margins, marked IM, and histological diagnosis of LGIN more than twice within the first year were predictors for progression. CONCLUSIONS Lesions diagnosed as LGIN by biopsy with marked IM and other predictors above should be prudently treated for high potential to be malignancies or progress. Endoscopic follow-up with repeated biopsies within the first year is recommended.
Biopsy ; Carcinoma in Situ ; Endoscopy ; Humans ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms/diagnosis*

The purification of parasite-infected erythrocytes from whole blood containing leucocytes is crucial for many downstream genetic and molecular assays in parasitology. Current methodologies to achieve this are often costly and time consuming. Here, we demonstrate the successful application of a cheap and simple Non-Woven Fabric (NWF) filter for the purification of parasitized red blood cells from whole blood. NWF filtration was applied to the malaria-parasitized blood of three strains of mice, and one strain of rat, and to Babesia gibsoni parasitized dog blood. Before and after filtration, the white blood cell (WBC) removal rates and red blood cell (RBC) recovery rates were measured. After NWF filter treatment of rodent malaria-infected blood, the WBC removal rates and RBC recovery rates were, for Kunming mice: 99.51%±0.30% and 86.12%±8.37%; for BALB/C mice: 99.61%±0.15% and 80.74%±7.11%; for C57 mice: 99.71%±0.12% and 84.87%±3.83%; for Sprague-Dawley rats: 99.93%±0.03% and 83.30%±2.96%. Microscopy showed WBCs were efficiently removed from infected dog blood samples, and there was no obvious morphological change of B. gibsoni parasites. NWF filters efficiently remove leukocytes from malaria parasite-infected mouse and rat blood, and are also suitable for filtration of B. gibsoni-infected dog blood.

Objective To explore the application value of modified self-traction Overlap method in intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy of Ivor Lewis surgery.Methods The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted.The clinical data of 12 patients with lower esophageal carcinoma who underwent Ivor Lewis surgery in the Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from January to May 2018 were collected.There were 9 males and 3 females,aged from 50 to 73 years,with a median age of 61 years.Modified self-traction Overlap method was used for intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy during the surgery.The esophagus was pulled down with the ligature as traction and rotated clockwise by 45 degrees to perform side-to-side esophagogastric anastomosis.The common opening was closed by a laparoscopic linear cutting suturing device to form an esophagogastric Overlap triangle anastomosis,and finally the esophagus was disconnected.Observation indicators:(1) intraoperative and postoperative situations;(2) follow-up situations.Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect survival situation and tumor recurrence and metastasis up to January 2019.Measurement data were described as M (range).Results (1) Intraoperative and postoperative situations:all the 12 patients underwent successful Ivor Lewis surgery,without conversion to open surgery.The operation time,time of tubular gastroesophageal anastomosis,volume of intraoperative blood loss,time to initial anal exsufflation and time for initial fluid diet intake were 145 minutes (range,125-189 minutes),20 minutes (range,16-35 minutes),98 mL (range,78-135 mL),4 days (range,3-5 days),6 days (range,5-7 days),respectively.All the patients had no complication.Patients underwent upper gastrointestinal iodine hydrography at 5 days after surgery,confirming no anastomotic leakage or stenosis.Patients recovered well and were discharged postoperatively.The duration of postoperative hospital stay was 8 days (range,7-11 days).(2) Follow-up situations:12 patients were followed up for 8.0-12.0 months,with a median time of 10.6 months.Patients survived well,with no tumor recurrence or metastasis.Condusion Modified self-traction Overlap method in thoracic esophagogastrostomy of Ivor Lewis surgery is safe and feasible for lower esophageal carcinoma,with easy operating

Objective To provide helpful continued medical education (CME) for physicians and improve gout treatment,we conducted a questionnaire survey to investigate physicians' knowledge in nine districts of Beijing.Methods A questionnaire survey including ten gout-related questions was conducted among 298 physicians in Beijing.Demographic data and previous gout CME experience were collected.Chi-square test or Student's t test,univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the relevant factors of physicians' knowledge level.Results A total of 250 valid copies were collected including 127 from community service centers (CSC),123 from tertiary hospitals.The correct answer rate of gout etiology,pathogenesis and attack symptoms were over 70％ in both groups.45.5％ (56/123) CSC doctors and 57.4％ (66/115) tertiary doctors answered right drugs to control acute gout attack (P=0.067).Only 42.3％ (52/123) in CSC and 53.4％ (63/118) in hospitals chose allopurinol as a urate-lowering drug (ULT),while 46.3％ (57/123) and 32.2％ (38/118) doctors considered colchicine as a ULT drug (P=0.084) respectively.Near half doctors considered that gout patients should take long-term ULT [40.5％ (51/126) vs.57.6％ (68/118)respectively,P=0.007].Univariate analysis showed that CME training could improve gout-related knowledge in CRC doctors.Conclusion Most CSC doctors generally understand basic knowledge of gout,while confusion of treatment is still significant.CME especially including standard gout treatment should be performed by doctors in tertiary hospitals.

Objective To investigate the demographic characteristics, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of patients with gout in China.Methods Clinical data of 6 814 patients with gout from 100 hospitals in 27 provinces, municipalities or autonomous regions in China were collected and analyzed. Results (1)The ratio of male to female in patients with gout was 14.7:1.The mean age of onset was(48.8 ± 15.1)years old.Mean serum urate level was(526.7 ± 132.3)μmol/L.Patients'education background was of U-shaped distribution; (2) Hypertension was the most common comorbidity [15.8%(1 079/6 814)], then overweight or obesity[51.9%(3 536/6 814)];(3)Alcohol and high-purine food intake were dominant triggering factors in men. The diagnosis of gout was made after onset in majority of patients with cardinal symptom arthralgia.Most patients had the disease less than 5 years,and the longer the course,the more flares in the previous year of entry;(4)Febuxostat was the mostly used urate-lowering medication.20.7%(1 412/6 814), 10.8%(739/6 814) and 3.9%(265/6 814) of patients were followed up in 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks after registration,and 18.9%(267/1 412),29.1%(215/739)and 38.1%(101/265)of them reached the control target of serum urate levels,respectively.After treatment,patients'liver function was not affected,but serum creatinine levels decreased significantly. Conclusions The proportion of gout patients who reach target serum urate level is very low.Further steps including education and survey need to be carried on.

Objective To analyze the clinical features of secondary gout in glycogen storage disease type Ⅰ a (GSD Ⅰ a),so as to improve the awareness of this disease.Methods The clinical features,laboratory findings,treatments and prognosis of 5 GSD Ⅰ a patients with secondary gout who had been admitted to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital during 2006 to 2016 were collected and analyzed.GSD Ⅰ a was confirmed by liver biopsy and genotyping.Results Among the 5 patients (median age:27 years),3 were males and 2 were females.The mean age of gout onset was 17 ranging from 10 to 22 years old.The common manifestations of GSD included hepatomegaly since childhood,hypoglycemia,growth retardation,anemia,hyperlactacidemia and hyperlipidemia.All the 5 patients were complicated with gouty tophi and kidney stone.Gouty tophi and kidney stone were identified 3.8 years and 10.2 years after the first occurrence of articular symptoms,respectively.Renal damage occurred in 3 cases.All the patients underwent several therapeutic modalities including lifestyle intervention,allopurinol,and raw corn starch treatment.Conclusions Determination of the presence of primary disease should be performed actively for young-onset gout with early occurrence of gouty tophi.GSD should be suspected if there exist clinical manifestations like hepatomegaly,recurrent hypoglycemia,growth retardation.Early management of hyperuricemia and gout in GSD patients is important to prevent complications and improve prognosis.