Given the escalating number of cancer patients and the consequent rise in demand for radiation therapy in China, there is an urgent need to establish and improve a talent cultivation system for radiation dosimetrists. The United States, with an early-established cultivation system for radiation dosimetrists, boasts relatively mature and comprehensive systems of academic education and qualification certification. This study summarized and analyzed the educational and certification patterns for radiation dosimetrists in the United States based on public data from relevant institutions, related literature, and interviews with American radiation dosimetrists. Meanwhile, this study delved into and assessed the shortcomings in China′s radiation dosimetry education, examination, certification, and career advancement pathways. Furthermore, this study offered suggestions and recommendations for constructing a novel pattern tailored to the cultivation of radiation dosimetrists in China, in order to facilitate the high-quality development of the medical dosimetry discipline.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early effectiveness of transosseous suture fixation in treating recurrent acute patellar dislocation with patellar osteochondral fractures (OCFs). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 19 patients with recurrent acute patellar dislocation and patellar OCFs, who underwent transosseous suture fixation between January 2018 and December 2022 and were followed up 2 years. The cohort included 8 males and 11 females, aged 13-21 years (mean, 16.2 years). Patients experienced 2-5 times of patellar dislocation (mean, 3.2 times). The interval from the last dislocation to operation ranged from 3 to 15 days (mean, 9.6 days). Preoperative imaging revealed the intra-articular osteochondral fragments and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) injury. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, the Lysholm score, and the Tegner score. Postoperative complications were recorded. During follow-up, the knee X-ray films, CT, and MRI were taken to evaluate fragment healing, displacement, and the morphology and tension of the MPFL reconstruction graft. RESULTS: All incisions healed primarily, and no complication occurred such as infection, joint stiffness, patellofemoral arthritis, or redislocation. Patients were followed up 24-60 months (mean, 43.5 months). At 12 months postoperatively and the last follow-up, significant improvements ( P<0.05) were observed in VAS, Lysholm, IKDC, HSS, and Tegner scores compared to preoperative values. Further improvements were observed at last follow-up compared with the 12 months postoperatively, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). Imaging studies demonstrated satisfactory osteochondral fragment positioning with stable fixation. At last follow-up, all fragments had healed, and MPFL reconstruction grafts exhibited optimal morphology and tension. No joint adhesion or fragment displacement occurred. CONCLUSION For recurrent acute patellar dislocation with patellar OCFs, transosseous suture fixation proves to be both safe and effective, achieving satisfactory early effectiveness.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Patellar Dislocation/surgery* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Patella/surgery* ; Suture Techniques ; Treatment Outcome ; Recurrence ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Fractures, Bone/surgery* ; Follow-Up Studies

BACKGROUND:Understanding the characteristics and influencing factors of the gut microbiota in athletes can help determine the optimal gut microbial composition for relevant sport events.Further investigation in this area could provide important insights for improving athletic performance and recovery as well as developing personalized nutrition prescriptions.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the characteristics of gut microbiota in athletes,and to elucidate the important factors influencing the gut microbiota characteristics of athletes from the perspectives of exercise training and dietary intake.METHODS:A literature search was conducted using the PubMed,ScienceDirect,CNKI,WanFang and VIP databases for publications from 2004 to 2024.The search terms included"microbiota,microbiome,athlete,exercise,training,diet,nutrition,dietary fiber,protein,ketogenic,fat"in English and Chinese.After excluding studies of poor quality and irrelevant content,a total of 65 articles were included for review and analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The gut microbiota of elite athletes differs from that of the general population,characterized by increased α-diversity,elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio,increased abundance of beneficial bacteria,and enrichment of functional pathways contributing to athletic performance.(2)The type of sport and training load are closely related to the species structure and functional expression of the gut microbiota in athletes.(3)The bidirectional communication between the host and gut microbiota mediated by metabolites is an important mechanism by which exercise influences the gut microbiota.(4)Phase training typically induces adaptive changes in the gut microbiota,and alterations in the structure or function of the microbiota have lasting effects.(5)The type,quantity,and combination of macronutrients intake can significantly influence the structure and function of the gut microbiota,and interact synergistically or antagonistically with exercise training.(6)In the future,it is important to continue the exploration of the gut microbiota in athletes,clarify causal relationships,and establish new targets for exercise training interventions.

Given the escalating number of cancer patients and the consequent rise in demand for radiation therapy in China, there is an urgent need to establish and improve a talent cultivation system for radiation dosimetrists. The United States, with an early-established cultivation system for radiation dosimetrists, boasts relatively mature and comprehensive systems of academic education and qualification certification. This study summarized and analyzed the educational and certification patterns for radiation dosimetrists in the United States based on public data from relevant institutions, related literature, and interviews with American radiation dosimetrists. Meanwhile, this study delved into and assessed the shortcomings in China′s radiation dosimetry education, examination, certification, and career advancement pathways. Furthermore, this study offered suggestions and recommendations for constructing a novel pattern tailored to the cultivation of radiation dosimetrists in China, in order to facilitate the high-quality development of the medical dosimetry discipline.

BACKGROUND:Understanding the characteristics and influencing factors of the gut microbiota in athletes can help determine the optimal gut microbial composition for relevant sport events.Further investigation in this area could provide important insights for improving athletic performance and recovery as well as developing personalized nutrition prescriptions.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the characteristics of gut microbiota in athletes,and to elucidate the important factors influencing the gut microbiota characteristics of athletes from the perspectives of exercise training and dietary intake.METHODS:A literature search was conducted using the PubMed,ScienceDirect,CNKI,WanFang and VIP databases for publications from 2004 to 2024.The search terms included"microbiota,microbiome,athlete,exercise,training,diet,nutrition,dietary fiber,protein,ketogenic,fat"in English and Chinese.After excluding studies of poor quality and irrelevant content,a total of 65 articles were included for review and analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The gut microbiota of elite athletes differs from that of the general population,characterized by increased α-diversity,elevated Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio,increased abundance of beneficial bacteria,and enrichment of functional pathways contributing to athletic performance.(2)The type of sport and training load are closely related to the species structure and functional expression of the gut microbiota in athletes.(3)The bidirectional communication between the host and gut microbiota mediated by metabolites is an important mechanism by which exercise influences the gut microbiota.(4)Phase training typically induces adaptive changes in the gut microbiota,and alterations in the structure or function of the microbiota have lasting effects.(5)The type,quantity,and combination of macronutrients intake can significantly influence the structure and function of the gut microbiota,and interact synergistically or antagonistically with exercise training.(6)In the future,it is important to continue the exploration of the gut microbiota in athletes,clarify causal relationships,and establish new targets for exercise training interventions.

Background and purpose:Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is a major disease seriously threatening human health.Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1(PARP1)is an enzyme that catalyzes poly ADP-ribosylation.Given the role of PARP1 in DNA damage repair,it is generally considered as an oncogene.However,the expression of PARP1 and its mechanism in HCC are not yet clear.This study aimed to investigate the role of PARP1 in the occurrence and development of HCC and its potential mechanisms.Methods:First,we analyzed the expression pattern of PARP1 in The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium(CPTAC)HCC database,and identified the expression trend of PARP1 in our HCC cohort using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RTFQ-PCR)and Western blot.Then,the enzyme activity of PARP1 was inhibited by PJ34,an inhibitor of PARP1 and the expression of PARP1 in HCC cell lines was downregulated with small RNA interference technology.Based on these models,the following experiments were conducted:First,the effect of PARP1 on cell viability was assessed by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay and flow cytometry;Second,the expression levels of stemness-related genes in HCC cells were identified using RTFQ-PCR;Third,the effect of inhibition of PARP1 on migration and invasion of HCC cells was detected by migration and invasion assay(transwell assay).Finally,bioinformatic analysis was performed to identify new target genes and the pathways regulated by PARP1 in HCC progression.Rescue experiments were performed to determine whether PARP1 target genes were involved in the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells.Results:The expression of PARP1 was significantly up-regulated in HCC tissues in both TCGA and CPTAC database.RTFQ-PCR and Western blot assays showed that PARP1 was obviously up-regulated in HCC tissues compared to paracancerous tissues.Survival analysis showed that PARP1 expression was significantly negatively correlated with the prognosis of patients.The results of CCK-8,flow cytometry,RTFQ-PCR and transwell assay indicated that inhibition of PARP1 attenuated proliferation and activity of HCC cells,as well as weakened their stemness,migration and invasion.Bioinformatics analysis suggested that PARP1-regulated genes were enriched in the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and necroptosis pathways,with POU class homeobox 2(POU2F2)potentially being a target gene of PARP1.Correlation analysis,along with RTFQ-PCR and Western blot detection,confirmed that the expression of POU2F2 was regulated by PARP1,while not affected by PJ34,indicating the effect of nonenzymatic function of PARP1 on POU2F2.CCK-8,flow cytometry and RTFQ-PCR results showed that the reintroduction of POU2F2 enhanced proliferative capacity,increased activity,and promoted stemness of HCC cell lines with PARP1 knockdown.Conclusion:By positively regulating the expression of POU2F2,PARP1 promotes malignant phenotypes of HCC cells,providing new insights for clinical treatment and drug development for HCC.

BACKGROUND:Anterior cruciate ligament injury tends to lead to secondary meniscus injury and osteoarthritis.At present,there are few studies on the mechanics of meniscus and articular cartilage injury caused by anterior cruciate ligament injury. OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament on the stress of medial and lateral meniscus and articular cartilage of knee joint by finite element analysis. METHODS:The CT and MRI images of the knee joint of a healthy volunteer were selected,and the scan data were imported into Mimics,Geomagic and SolidWorks software.After registration and fusion,four kinds of three-dimensional knee joint models were established:models of intact anterior cruciate ligament,rupture of the posterior external tract of anterior cruciate ligament,rupture of the anterior internal tract of anterior cruciate ligament,and absence of anterior cruciate ligament.Finally,data were imported into Ansys software to apply four different modes of loads to the knee joint:Longitudinal loads of 750 N were applied to the top of the femur;longitudinal load of 750 N to the top of the femur and forward thrust of 134 N behind tibia;a longitudinal load of 750 N and a varus moment of 10 Nm were applied to the top of the femur to simulate genu varus;750 N longitudinal load and 4 Nm internal rotation moment were applied to the proximal end of the femur to simulate knee internal rotation.The finite element analysis of biomechanical stress changes of the meniscus and articular cartilage of the knee joint was carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the straight position of the knee joint,when the anterior medial tract of the anterior cruciate ligament was broken and the anterior cruciate ligament was missing under longitudinal loads of 750 N at the top of the femur,the total stress and peak value of meniscus increased significantly,but the stress distribution of the meniscus and the stress of articular cartilage did not change significantly.In longitudinal load of 750 N to the top of the femur and forward thrust of 134 N behind tibia,the fracture of the anterior internal tract of the anterior cruciate ligament increased the tibia forward,the compressive stress of posterior angle of the meniscus increased,and the stress of the articular cartilage did not change significantly.During simulating genu varus,the posterior angular stress of the lateral meniscus decreased,the stress of the medial meniscus increased,and the stress of articular cartilage slightly decreased when anterior cruciate ligament injuries were complete.When the anterior internal tract of the anterior cruciate ligament was broken or absent under knee internal rotation,the equivalent stress peak value of femoral cartilage and tibia cartilage shifted from medial cartilage to lateral cartilage,and the stress peak value of meniscus increased significantly.At this time,the anterior internal tract of the anterior cruciate ligament played a leading role in the rotational stability of the knee joint.(2)These results indicate that the risk of secondary meniscus injury in patients with anterior and medial anterior cruciate ligament band rupture was much higher than that in patients with posterior and external anterior cruciate ligament band rupture when the knee was in the upright standing position,varus and pronation,and there was no significant difference in the impact on articular cartilage.

BACKGROUND:The incidence of medial collateral ligament injuries in the knee joint is easy to lead to secondary meniscus and cartilage damage,and long-term chronic damage can lead to the occurrence of osteoarthritis.At present,there are few studies on the mechanics of meniscus and articular cartilage injury caused by medial collateral ligament rupture. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of different degrees of medial collateral ligament injury on the biomechanics of meniscus and cartilage of knee joint. METHODS:The CT and MRI examinations of the knee joint of a healthy volunteer were performed to obtain the image data.The scanning data were imported into Mimics,Geomagic,and Solidworks software in turn.After registration and fusion,a 3D model of normal knee joint was established.On this basis,models of medial collateral ligament injury in different degrees of knee joint were simulated,which were divided into four groups,including:(1)medial collateral ligament was intact;(2)deep medial collateral ligament fracture;(3)superficial medial collateral ligament fracture;(4)complete rupture of medial collateral ligament.Finally,Ansys software was introduced to apply three modes of loads to the knee joint:(1)10 N·m valvaration torque was applied to the top of the femur.(2)A 4 N·m internal torque was applied to the top of the femur.(3)A 4 N·m external torque was applied to the top of the femur.The effects of four groups of models on knee biomechanics under different loads were analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the extension position of the knee joint,when a 10 N·m valgus torque was applied to the knee joint,the overall stress of the posterolateral meniscus increased with different degrees of medial collateral ligament injuries,while the stress of the articular cartilage did not change significantly.The peak stress of the posterolateral meniscus increased significantly with superficial medial collateral ligament rupture.(2)In the knee extension position,when a 4 N·m internal rotation torque was applied to the knee joint,the overall stress of the medial and lateral meniscus increased after different degrees of medial collateral ligament injury.When superficial medial collateral ligament rupture occurred,the peak stress of the meniscus shifted from the anterior horn of the medial meniscus to the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus.(3)In the knee extension position,applying a 4 N·m external rotation torque to the knee joint,the peak stress of the posterolateral meniscus increased more significantly than that of the medial meniscus,and the stress of the articular cartilage changed less.(4)These results show that the risk of meniscus injury secondary to superficial medial collateral ligament rupture is much higher than that of deep medial collateral ligament rupture when the knee is in extension,and the lateral meniscus is more vulnerable to injury than the medial meniscus.Both superficial medial collateral ligament and deep medial collateral ligament play an important role in the rotational stability of the knee joint.

Medical physicists play an important role in the delivery of radiotherapy. Compared with China′s mainland, Hong Kong has established a more mature training mode and a more complete management system for medical physics talents. In this article, the authors introduced the current state of medical physics talent training, as well as the recruitment, certification and promotion of medical physicist in Hong Kong by querying the official websites of medical physics organizations, reviewing related literature and interviewing senior medical physicists in Hong Kong. The authors also analyzed the shortcomings in the construction of medical physics talent system in China′s mainland and made valuable suggestions.

The training program of radiation therapists in the United States has been established early, and the mode of training, qualification and continuing education are relatively complete. Literature review was conducted at home and abroad and United States Department of Labor, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American Society of Radiologic Technologists as well as Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology websites were reviewed. The training mode, qualification, work content, continuing education and employment situation of American radiotherapists were analyzed, aiming to provide some reference and enlightenment for the establishment of a new model for the training of professional radiologists suitable for the national conditions of China Mainland.