Objective To compare the dosimetric differences, plan complexity, verification pass rate, and execution efficiency of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans designed for post-mastectomy radiotherapy of breast cancer using Halcyon 2.0 and VitalBeam accelerators in flattening filter-free mode. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on imaging data from 87 female breast cancer patients aged 29 to 75 (49.9 ± 9.9) years who underwent modified radical mastectomy followed by radiotherapy. VMAT plans were designed using both VitalBeam and Halcyon accelerators in flattening filter-free mode. The dosimetric parameters, plan complexity, verification pass rate, and execution efficiency were compared between the plans designed for both accelerators, with a significance level of P<0.05. Results In terms of target volume parameters, Halcyon 2.0 plans demonstrated superior homogeneity index and conformity index. For organs at risk, the Halcyon 2.0 plans showed lower doses for the lungs (D_20% and D_mean) and heart (D_mean) compared to the VitalBeam plans (all P<0.05). Regarding plan complexity, Halcyon 2.0 plans exhibited better median average aperture area variation (0.35 ± 0.02), smaller aperture score, and larger median plan aperture area than VitalBeam plans (all P<0.05). However, VitalBeam plans had a superior median modulation complexity score (0.28 ± 0.01) compared to Halcyon 2.0 plans (P<0.05). Patient plans were assessed using the ArcCHECK phantom, revealing higher pass rates and significantly shorter execution time for Halcyon plans compared to VitalBeam plans (P<0.05). Conclusion Both Halcyon 2.0 and VitalBeam accelerators can provide high-quality VMAT plans for postoperative radiotherapy of breast cancer, with excellent verification pass rates ensuring treatment accuracy and efficacy. However, Halcyon 2.0 offers lower plan complexity, simplifies the treatment planning process, and reduces execution time, thereby achieving higher treatment efficiency and demonstrating greater advantages in clinical applications.

Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy. However, low response rates and immune-related side effects have plagued immunotherapy. Metallic nanoparticles, utilizing metals as their framework, are gaining prominence in cancer immunotherapy. Metal ions have shown the ability to modulate immune status by activating the cGAS-STING pathway and inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), thereby enabling multidimensional activation of immunotherapy. Metallic nanoparticles offer significant advantages in cancer immunotherapy, leading to their increasing use in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. In view of the ever-increasing research on metallic nanoparticles, this review presents the construction, characterization, and enhanced cancer immunotherapeutic effects of different types of metal nanosystems from the perspective of the immunoregulatory mechanisms of metal ions. We delve into the current limitations and future directions of metallic nanoparticles in this rapidly evolving field. To the best of our knowledge, this review offers the most up-to-date and systematic analysis of metallic nanoparticles in immunotherapeutic applications. It is anticipated that this review of metallic nanoparticles will inspire a more refined and intelligent design of metallic nanoparticles for future research, paving the way for advancing their clinical applications.

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl₄ and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.

Objective To analyze the predictive value of Alberta stroke program early CT score(ASPECTS),acute stroke registry and analysis of Lausanne(ASTRAL)and totaled health risks in vascular events(THRIVE)for prognosis of intravenous thrombolysis in elderly patients with acute cerebral infarction(ACI).Methods A total of 118 elderly ACI patients receiving intravenous thrombolytic therapy in Department of Emergency Medicine of Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital from January 2021 to September 2024 were prospectively recruited.According to the score of Modified Rankin scale(mRS)at 3 months after treatment,the patients were divided into good prognosis group(73 cases)and poor prognosis group(45 cases).The scores of ASPECTS,ASTRAL and THRIVE models were compared between the two groups.ROC curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive efficiency of the three models for 3-month prognosis,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated.Results The poor prognosis group had significantly higher ASTRAL score and THRIVE score but obviously lower ASPECTS score when compared to the good prognosis group(P＜0.01).ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC value of ASPECTS,ASTRAL and THRIVE models for prognosis evaluation was 0.731,0.935 and 0.799,respectively(P＜0.01),with excellent goodness of fit.Conclusion All the three models can effectively predict the prognosis of elderly ACI patients at 3 months after intravenous thrombolytic therapy.

Objective:To analyze the incidence trends of malignant tumors in the elderly population aged over 60 years in Qidong City from 1972 to 2021, as well as to predict the incidence rate for the next decade.Methods:Data were obtained from the Qidong Cancer Registry and Reporting System.The crude incidence rate(CR), age-standardized incidence rate using the Chinese standard population(ASRC), and age-standardized incidence rate based on Segi's world standard population(ASRW)were calculated.Joinpoint regression analysis was conducted using Joinpoint 4.9.1.0 software to determine the average annual percentage change(AAPC)in incidence.Additionally, the ARIMA model implemented in SAS 9.2 software was utilized for time series analysis to forecast incidence trends over the forthcoming 10 years.Results:In Qidong City, a total of 87, 401 malignant tumors were reported in the elderly population.The ASRW increased from 736.85 per 100, 000 in the years 1972-1976 to 1 056.33 per 100, 000 in 2017-2021.Specifically, the ASRW for males rose from 968.56 per 100, 000 to 1 332.75 per 100, 000, while the ASRW for females increased from 550.62 per 100, 000 to 825.44 per 100, 000, with AAPC values of 1.16%, 0.94%, and 1.44% over 50 years(all P<0.001).The incidence trend exhibited an upward trajectory with age, peaking in the 75-79 age group.The AAPC values for the incidence rates in the age groups of 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and those aged over 80 were 0.64%, 0.93%, 0.92%, 2.02%, and 2.44%, respectively(all P<0.001).Among the various cancers, lung cancer, which ranked first, saw an increase in ASRW from 100.87 per 100, 000 in 1972-1981 to 248.84 per 100, 000 in 2012-2021.In contrast, gastric cancer, ranked second, decreased from 216.23 per 100, 000 in 1972-1981 to 103.54 per 100, 000 in 2012-2021.Liver cancer, ranked third, fluctuated from 113.47 per 100, 000 in 1972-1981 to 125.13 per 100, 000 in 2012-2021.Colorectal cancer, ranked fourth, increased from 40.06 per 100, 000 in 1972-1981 to 123.47 per 100, 000 in 2012-2021, while esophageal cancer, ranked fifth, decreased from 63.42 per 100, 000 in 1972-1981 to 28.65 per 100, 000 in 2012-2021.The AAPC values over 50 years for these cancers were 2.25%, -1.89%, 0.36%, 3.13%, and -1.86%, respectively(all P<0.05).Projections indicate that by 2031, the incidence of malignant tumors among the elderly population in Qidong will reach 1 253.84 per 100, 000, with estimates of 1 566.67 per 100, 000 for males and 983.14 per 100, 000 for females. Conclusions:The incidence of malignant tumors among the elderly population in Qidong City is increasing.Common types of cancer in this demographic include lung cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and esophageal cancer.Notably, lung cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer are on the rise and should be prioritized in cancer prevention and control efforts.

Objective:To investigate the clinical phenotypes and genetic variant characteristics in children with epilepsy.Methods:A total of 91 children with epilepsy admitted to the Women′s and Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University from July 2021 to October 2022 were selected as the study subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the children for whole exome sequencing. Candidate genetic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). The clinical phenotypes and treatment outcomes of the children with epilepsy were followed up, and an analysis of the relationship between genotype and phenotype was conducted. This study was approved by the Women′s and Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University (Ethics No.: EC2020-048).Results:Among the 91 children with epilepsy, 21 cases (23.08%, 21/91) were found to carry pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. Of these, 18 cases had involved single base variant or insertional deletion, while 3 cases involved copy number variations. The gene with the highest detection rate was PRRT2 (38.10%, 8/21). Among the children with genetic variants, 47.62% (10/21) had onset during infancy, with 8 diagnosed with Benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE), 8 with Developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), and 3 with Epileptic encephalopathy (EE). One case of Dravet syndrome (DS) and one case of Infantile spasms (IS) were also noted. The clinical manifestations of children were diverse and primarily included generalized tonic-clonic seizures and focal seizures. Among them, 52.38% (11/21) had exhibited cluster seizures, 23.81% (5/21) showed fever sensitivity, and 14.29% (3/21) experienced status epilepticus. After pharmacological treatment, 42.86% (9/21) of children had achieved complete seizure control, while 61.90% (13/21) had intellectual disability and 19.05% (4/21) had co-morbid autism spectrum disorder. Conclusion:Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in 23.08% of the pediatric epilepsy cases, with the PRRT2 gene being the most frequently involved. Among children carrying genetic variants, 47.62% had seizure onset during infancy. Genetic factors are an important cause of epilepsy, and early genetic testing may facilitate precise diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic evaluation.

Aromatherapy refers to the method of using the aromatic components of plants in appropriate forms to act on the entire body or a specific area to prevent and treat diseases. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aromatic molecules， such as limonene， linalool， linalool acetate， geraniol， and citronellol. These chemicals have been extensively studied and shown to have a variety of functions， including reducing anxiety， relieving depression， promoting sleep， and providing pain relief. Terpenoids are a class of organic molecules with relatively low lipid solubility. After being inhaled， they can pass through the nasal mucosa for transfer or penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream upon local application. Some of these substances also have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier， thereby exerting effects on the central nervous system. Currently， the academic community generally agrees that products such as essential oils and aromatherapy from aromatic plants have certain health benefits. However， the process of extracting a single component from it and successfully developing it into a drug still faces many challenges. Its safety and efficacy still need to be further verified through more rigorous and systematic experiments. This article systematically elaborated on the efficacy of aromatic substances， including plant extracts and natural small molecule compounds， in antibacterial and antiviral fields and the regulation of nervous system activity. As a result， a deeper understanding of aromatherapy was achieved. At the same time， the potential of these aromatic substances for drug development was thoroughly explored， providing important references and insights for possible future drug research and application.

Objective To investigate the renal function recovery and perioperative risk factors for chronic kidney disease in patients after acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent ATAAD repair at the Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital, Xiamen University from 2020 to 2021, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results A total of 255 patients were included, with 200 males and 55 females, and an average age of (52.80±12.46) years. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after ATAAD repair was 43.9%. Dissection involving the renal artery [OR=2.144, 95%CI (1.234, 3.765), P=0.007], intraoperative urine output [OR=0.761, 95%CI (0.625, 0.911), P=0.004], and intraoperative red blood cell transfusion [OR=1.288, 95%CI (1.088, 1.543), P=0.004] were significantly associated with early AKI after ATAAD repair. Long-term renal function follow-up data were available for 232 patients, among whom 40 (17.2%) patients developed chronic kidney disease (CKD). Independent predictors for CKD included lower body mass index [OR=0.827, 95%CI (0.723, 0.931), P=0.003], preoperative cardiac tamponade [OR=5.344, 95%CI (1.65, 17.958), P=0.005], preoperative renal hypoperfusion syndrome [OR=12.629, 95%CI (5.003, 35.373), P<0.001], postoperative peak serum creatinine time>3 d [OR=7.566, 95%CI (2.799, 22.731), P<0.001], and AKI grade [grade 1: OR=4.418, 95%CI (1.339, 15.361), P=0.016; grade 2: OR=8.345, 95%CI (1.762, 40.499), P=0.007; grade 3: OR=9.463, 95%CI (2.602, 37.693), P<0.001]. Conclusion AKI related to ATAAD repair can recover in the early postoperative period, but both the duration and severity of AKI will affect long-term renal function. In addition, patients' nutritional status, preoperative cardiac tamponade, and renal hypoperfusion syndrome are also independent risk factors for long-term renal dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical phenotypes and genetic variant characteristics in children with epilepsy. METHODS: A total of 91 children with epilepsy admitted to the Women's and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University from July 2021 to October 2022 were selected as the study subjects. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the children for whole exome sequencing. Candidate genetic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). The clinical phenotypes and treatment outcomes of the children with epilepsy were followed up, and an analysis of the relationship between genotype and phenotype was conducted. This study was approved by the Women's and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University (Ethics No.: EC2020-048). RESULTS: Among the 91 children with epilepsy, 21 cases (23.08%, 21/91) were found to carry pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. Of these, 18 cases had involved single base variant or insertional deletion, while 3 cases involved copy number variations. The gene with the highest detection rate was PRRT2 (38.10%, 8/21). Among the children with genetic variants, 47.62% (10/21) had onset during infancy, with 8 diagnosed with Benign familial infantile epilepsy (BFIE), 8 with Developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), and 3 with Epileptic encephalopathy (EE). One case of Dravet syndrome (DS) and one case of Infantile spasms (IS) were also noted. The clinical manifestations of children were diverse and primarily included generalized tonic-clonic seizures and focal seizures. Among them, 52.38% (11/21) had exhibited cluster seizures, 23.81% (5/21) showed fever sensitivity, and 14.29% (3/21) experienced status epilepticus. After pharmacological treatment, 42.86% (9/21) of children had achieved complete seizure control, while 61.90% (13/21) had intellectual disability and 19.05% (4/21) had co-morbid autism spectrum disorder. CONCLUSION Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in 23.08% of the pediatric epilepsy cases, with the PRRT2 gene being the most frequently involved. Among children carrying genetic variants, 47.62% had seizure onset during infancy. Genetic factors are an important cause of epilepsy, and early genetic testing may facilitate precise diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic evaluation.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Epilepsy/genetics* ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Phenotype ; Genotype ; DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics* ; Infant ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics* ; Adolescent ; Exome Sequencing

Objective To analyze the correlations between the thoracic electrical impedance tomography(EIT)-derived parameters global inhomogeneity(GI),center of ventilation(COV),regional ventilation delay(RVD),and atelectasis in hospitalized patients,and to explore their effectiveness in evaluating atelectasis.Methods The clinical data of 140 hospitalized patients monitored by thoracic EIT between Sep.2024 and Jan.2025 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were assigned to 2 groups based on chest computed tomography confirmation of atelectasis within the preceding short-term period during EIT monitoring:non-atelectasis group or atelectasis group.The algorithm software designed with MATLAB was used to acquire GI and COV.RVD was obtained through analysis with the Dr?ger EIT Data Analysis Tool 6.3 software,and patients'general data were concurrently documented.Comparative analysis of EIT-derived parameters between groups was conducted.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the correlations of GI,COV,and RVD with atelectasis,while receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to assess the efficacy of EIT-derived parameters in evaluating atelectasis.Results A total of 140 patients were enrolled,with 19(13.6%)cases presenting atelectasis.Compared to the non-atelectasis group,the atelectasis group demonstrated significantly higher proportions of male patients and cardiovascular disease and thoracic surgery(non-pulmonary)histories,lower body mass index(BMI),and alongside elevated GI and RVD values with reduced COV(all P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that GI,COV,and RVD maintained independent associations with atelectasis after adjusting for age,gender,BMI,pleural effusion,and emphysema(odds ratio[OR]=1.39,95%confidence interval[CI]1.20-1.67;OR=0.85,95%CI 0.75-0.96;OR=1.22,95%CI 1.09-1.39;all P＜0.05).The area under curve(AUC)values of GI,COV,and RVD for evaluating atelectasis in hospitalized patients were 0.82,0.80,and 0.82,respectively(while RVD demonstrated a higher AUC,its clinical applicability was influenced by respiratory patterns).Conclusion Thoracic EIT-derived parameters GI and COV demonstrate significant correlations with atelectasis and may serve as valuable indicators for evaluating atelectasis in hospitalized patients.