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.

Medical physicists play an important role in radiodiagnosis, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine practices. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggests that medical physicists should be trained and achieve professional certifications. Many developed countries/regions have established comprehensive examination and certification programs for medical physicists. However, these systems are yet to be improved in China. This leads to a lack of control over the professional competence and practice standards in the workforce, posing a negative impact on the quality and safety of China’s clinical services in radiation medicine. The International Medical Physics Certification Board (IMPCB) is aimed at accrediting national/regional medical physics certification programs and providing certification of individual medical physicists in countries/regions lacking such certification programs. This study introduces the procedures and specific method for China’s medical physicists to achieve professional certifications via IMPCB, aiming to help improve their professionalism.

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.

Medical physicists play an important role in radiodiagnosis, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine practices. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggests that medical physicists should be trained and achieve professional certifications. Many developed countries/regions have established comprehensive examination and certification programs for medical physicists. However, these systems are yet to be improved in China. This leads to a lack of control over the professional competence and practice standards in the workforce, posing a negative impact on the quality and safety of China’s clinical services in radiation medicine. The International Medical Physics Certification Board (IMPCB) is aimed at accrediting national/regional medical physics certification programs and providing certification of individual medical physicists in countries/regions lacking such certification programs. This study introduces the procedures and specific method for China’s medical physicists to achieve professional certifications via IMPCB, aiming to help improve their professionalism.

This study used nasal lavage fluid for metabolomics to explore its feasibility, and applied it to the clinical metabolomics study of Xiaoqinglong Decoction in the treatment of allergic rhinitis(AR), aiming to investigate the molecular mechanism of Xiaoqing-long Decoction in the treatment of AR through differential changes in local nasal metabolism. AR patients were selected as the research subjects, and nasal lavage fluid was collected as the sample. Metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed on normal group, AR group, and Xiaoqinglong Decoction group. The differences in metabolic profiles among the groups were compared using principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis, and differential metabolites were identified and subjected to corresponding metabolic pathway analysis. The results showed that Xiaoqinglong Decoction significantly improved the symptoms of AR patients. The metabolomics analysis revealed 20 differential metabolites between AR group and Xiaoqinglong Decoction group. The core metabolite with a trending return in comparison to normal group was trimethyladipic acid. The metabolites were involved in multiple pathways, including β-alanine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis. The feasibility of applying nasal lavage fluid in nasal metabolomics was preliminarily demonstrated. Differential metabolites and enriched pathways in the treatment of AR patients with Xiaoqinglong Decoction were identified, indicating that it may improve rhinitis symptoms through the regulation of various metabolites, including antioxidant effects and correction of Th1/Th2 imbalance.
Humans ; Nasal Lavage Fluid ; Rhinitis, Allergic/drug therapy* ; Metabolomics/methods* ; Metabolome

Objective: To clarify the phenotypes of the newborns with SLC26A4 single-allele mutation in deafness genetic screening and second variant; to analyze the SLC26A4 genotype and hearing phenotype. Methods: 850 newborns born in Beijing from April 2015 to December 2019 were included and there were 468 males and 382 females. They received genetic deafness screening for 9 or 15 variants, with the result of SLC26A4 single-allele mutation. Firstly, three step deafness gene sequencing was adopted in this work, i.e., the first step was "SLC26A4 gene whole exons and splice sites" sequencing; the second step was "SLC26A4 gene promoter, FOXI1 gene and KCNJ10 gene whole exons" sequencing; and the third step was detection for "SLC26A4 gene copy number variation". Secondly, we collected the results of newborn hearing screening for all patients with the second mutation found in the three step test, and conducted audiological examinations, such as acoustic immittance, auditory brainstem response and auditory steady state response. Thirdly, for novel/VUS mutations, we searched the international deafness gene database or software, such as DVD, ClinVar and Mutation Taster, to predict the pathogenicity of mutations according to the ACMG guideline. Lastly, we analyzed the relationship between genotype and phenotype of newborns with SLC26A4 single allele mutation. Results: Among 850 cases, the median age of diagnosis was 4 months. In the first step, 850 cases were sequenced. A total of 32 cases (3.76%, 32/850) of a second variants were detected, including 18 cases (2.12%, 18/850) with identified pathogenic variants; 832 cases were sequenced and 8 cases of KCNJ10 gene missense variants were detected among the second step. No missense mutations in the FOXI1 gene and abnormal SLC26A4 gene promoter were detected; the third step sequencing results were all negative. Genotypes and hearing phenotypes included 18 cases combined with the second clear pathogenic variant, 16 cases (16/18) referred newborn hearing screening and 2 cases (2/18) passed in both ears; degree of hearing loss consisted of 18 profound ears (18/36), 13 severe ears (13/36) and 5 moderate ears (5/36); audiogram patterns comprised 17 high frequency drop ears (17/36), 14 flat ears (14/36), 3 undistinguished ears (3/36), and 2 U shaped ears (2/36); 11 cases underwent imaging examination, all of which were bilateral enlarged vestibular aqueduct. As for 22 cases of other genotypes, all passed neonatal hearing screening and the hearing diagnosis was normal, including 9 cases with VUS or possibly novel benign variants, 8 cases with KCNJ10 double gene heterozygous variants, and 5 cases with double heterozygous variants. Conclusions: The probability of individuals with SLC26A4 single-allele variant who merge with a second pathogenic variant is 2.12%, all of which are SNV, which can provide scientific basis for the genetic diagnosis and genetic counseling of SLC26A4 variants. Those who have merged with second pathogenic variant are all diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss. Patients with KCNJ10 gene mutations do not manifest hearing loss during the infancy, suggesting the need for further follow-up.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; Alleles ; Deafness/genetics* ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics* ; Genotype ; Hearing Loss/genetics* ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural/genetics* ; Mutation ; Phenotype ; Sulfate Transporters/genetics* ; Vestibular Aqueduct ; Infant, Newborn ; Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying/genetics*

Objective:To investigate the expression and clinical significance of B7-H3 and IL-21 in serum of patients with HBV-related primary liver cancer.Methods: Gathering 121 cases of HBV-related patients,50 cases of primary hepatic carcinoma of them were considered as hepatic carcinoma group,71 cases of benign group including 12 cases with acute hepatitis,21 cases of chronic moderate to severe hepatitis,20 cases of compensatory phase cirrhosis,18 cases of decompensated cirrhosis and 20 cases of healthy persons in the same period as normal control.The content of serum B7-H3 and IL-21 were detected by ELISA.HBV DNA quantitative results were analyzed by Quantitative Real-time PCR.Results: The levels of B7-H3 and IL-21 in patients with primary hepatic carcinoma were (207.60±57.16)ng/ml and(2 357.28±805.01)pg/ml,respectively,which were significantly higher than those of the normal control subjects(P<0.001).Comparison with the normal control subjects,the content of B7-H3 and IL-21 in serum of patients with different clinical types in the benign group increased significantly(P<0.001).B7-H3 and IL-21 were positively associated with each other in serum of patients with HBV-related primary liver cancer.The expression of sB7-H3 was not significantly correlated with the degree of HBV DNA replication.The expression of IL-21 was correlated with HBV DNA replication in patients with HBV associated hepatocellular carcinoma,but was not significantly correlated with the degree of HBV DNA replication.Conclusion: HBV-related primary hepatic carcinoma express sB7-H3 and IL-21 with high level.The continuous high expression of sB7-H3 and IL-21 in the body may be related to the development and prognosis of the patients.

To explore the genetic characteristics of viral quasispecies in HIV-1 CRF07_BC infections among intravenous drug users (IDU), the gp120 fragments of HIV-1 env gene were amplified from plasma samples collected from 6 CRF07_BC infected persons using single genome amplification and sequencing (SGA/ SGS) method, and 11 to 28 sequences were obtained from these samples, respectively, A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was reconstructed to describe the genetic characteristics of viral quasispecies. The Simplot, segments' phylogenetic trees and diversity plots based on average pairwise distance (APD) were used to identify the recombination events between quasispecies. The SGA sequences derived from single specimen formed a large monophyletic cluster in the neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and showed the complex topologic structures of viral quasispecies. Of the 6 CRF07_BC infected patients, only one possessed the high genetic homogeneity, whereas the other five individuals showed high heterogeneity, with two to four subclusters inside the monophyletic cluster for each specimen. In addition, the recombinant events were identified among viral quasispecies from 3 cases. The results show SGA technique and phylogenetic analyses are useful tool to investigate the intrahost CRF07_BC gp120 complex quasispecies variation and high genetic diversity.
Adult ; Drug Users ; Female ; HIV Infections ; virology ; HIV-1 ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Substance Abuse, Intravenous ; virology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the immunostimulatory capacity of human peripheral blood dendritic cells (DCs) with Her2/neu gene transfection mediated by adeno-associated virus.

METHODSThe HLA genotypes of the breast cancer cells SK-BR-3 and MCF7 were determined, and the mononuclear cells from healthy donors with matching HLA genotype were isolated by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient separation. The isolated cells were divided into two groups with or without transfection with the recombinant virus harboring Her2/neu gene. The cells were cultured for 7 days in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% AB human serum, GM-CSF, interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The mature DCs were then harvested from the cell culture and their phenotypes were identified using flow cytometry. MTT assay was employed to examine the specific killing activity of the T cells induced by the DCs.

RESULTSThe DCs transfected with the recombinant adeno-associated virus expressed CD1a, CD86 and CD83 at the rate of 98.10%, 99.42%, and 84.59%, and those without the viral transfection expressed the markers at the rate 92.69%, 98.07%, and 82.72%, respectively, showing no obvious differences in the phenotypes of the two DCs. The transfected DCs, however, showed markedly higher expression rates of CD40 and CD80 than the non-transfected DCs (61.02% vs 36.19%, and 97.61% vs 55.5%, respectively). The DCs, irrespective of the transfection, showed comparable capacities in stimulating T cell proliferation. The transfected DCs exhibited the capacity of inducing the T cells to specifically kill the target tumor cells, with the highest killing rate of (39.7-/+7.2)%.

CONCLUSIONThe immunostimulatory capacity of human peripheral blood DCs are enhanced by Her2/neu gene transfection mediated by adeno-associated virus.

Breast Neoplasms ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cells, Cultured ; Dendritic Cells ; cytology ; immunology ; metabolism ; Dependovirus ; genetics ; metabolism ; Genes, erbB-2 ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear ; cytology ; Receptor, ErbB-2 ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo characterize the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -specific T lymphocyte responses and identify the immunodominant regions in Chinese HIV-1 recombinant subtype B/C chronic infectors at complete genome level.

METHODSTwenty-five HIV-1B/C recombinant chronic infectors were screened for their specific T lymphocyte responses to a panel of peptides corresponding to the complete HIV-1 subtype B genome by gamma interferon ELISPOT assay. Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis of variance was used to test significant differences across gene regions, and Tukey pairwise analysis was used to identify differences between gene regions. Spearman rank correlation was used to assess the relation between responses. Results The order of recognized frequencies of specific T lymphocyte responses to HIV proteins was Nef>Vpr>Gag>Pol>Vpu>Env>Rev>Vif>Tat. When adjusted for protein length, Nef, Vpr, Gag, and Pol were the most intensely targeted proteins and the central region of Nef, Gag p24, Pol RT, and Vpr was most frequently recognized. No significant correlation was observed between the magnitude of IFN-gamma production of HIV-l-specific T lymphocyte responses and plasma viremia, breadth of response and CD4 counts. Conclusion The central region of Nef, Gag p24, Pol RT, and Vpr is most frequently targeted in HIV-1 B/C recombinants chronic infectors. HIV-l-specific T lymphocyte responses and plasma viremia or CD4 counts play no protective role at complete genome level in these infectors.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; HIV Infections ; immunology ; HIV-1 ; immunology ; Human Immunodeficiency Virus Proteins ; Humans ; Male ; T-Lymphocytes ; physiology ; Viral Load ; Young Adult