Objective To investigate the impact of two different algorithms, AAA and AXB, on the dose distribution of postoperative radiotherapy for left-sided breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery. Methods A total of 96 target volumes from patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery for left-sided breast cancer were selected for dose verification using a two-dimensional matrix system. The planned dose distributions were simulated using both AAA and AXB algorithms. Dosimetric differences in organs at risk and the target volumes were then compared to identify the algorithm that could reduce the radiation dose to organs at risk without compromising the dose distribution to the target volume. Dose verification was performed on the plans generated by both algorithms, and the pass rates of plans for each target volume using both algorithms were compared to provide a quantitative basis for the precise selection of subsequent radiotherapy plans. Results Both AAA and AXB plans met the radiotherapy requirements. The AXB algorithm demonstrated significant advantages in the D₉₈, D₂, homogeneity index, and conformity index for the planning target volume, as well as in the V₅ and V₂₀ for the left lung. The AXB algorithm showed advantages in the V₃₀ for the heart and the maximum and mean doses for the skin. With the 2 mm/2% criterion in dose verification, the gamma pass rate was higher for the AXB algorithm. Conclusion Through a comparative analysis of the two algorithms, this study revealed that the AXB algorithm offers certain advantages in the dose distribution of radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery for left-sided breast cancer. These findings provide an important reference for the rational selection of algorithms in clinical practice and are expected to improve radiotherapy efficacy and patient prognosis.

Based on current national policies, regulations, standards, relevant literature, and departmental experience regarding the protection against radionuclides in China, this study provides a brief overview of key issues in the management of hospital wards for patients with internal radionuclide contamination. The discussion covers the detection of internal contamination, general requirements for internal radionuclide contamination wards, and inpatient management. In addition, the study explores in depth the daily responsibilities, protective measures, and management protocols for both healthcare staff and patients within such wards. This article summarizes a framework for the construction of internal radionuclide contamination wards, along with specific plans and detailed role-based guidelines. These results provide a reference for the management of hospital wards for patients with internal radionuclide contamination.

Objective To investigate the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on the thyroid status and hormone levels of radiation workers. Methods Radiation workers who underwent occupational health examinations at a hospital in Guangzhou from 2015 to 2022 were selected as the subjects of this study. The levels of FT3, FT4 and TSH were analyzed, and the thyroid abnormality status of radiation workers in different groups were compared. Results A total of 1152 participants were included in this study, consisting of 885 (76.82%) males and 267 (23.18%) females, with an average age of (35.26 ± 10.16) years. The prevalence of thyroid abnormalities was 9.38%, which was significantly higher in females (13.86%) than in males (8.02%) (P < 0.05). The TSH level of females [(2.15 ± 1.29) mIU/L] was higher than that of males [(1.85 ± 1.20) mIU/L], while the levels of FT3 [(5.10 ± 0.64) pmol/L] and FT4 [(15.84 ± 2.32) pmol/L] in females were lower than those in males [(5.23 ± 0.63) pmol/L and (16.61 ± 2.75) pmol/L, P < 0.05]. The FT3 of industrial workers [(5.25 ± 0.63) pmol/L] was higher than that of medical workers [(5.10 ± 0.63) pmol/L], while the TSH of industrial workers [(1.80 ± 1.12) mIU/L] was lower than that of medical workers [(2.15 ± 1.37) mIU/L]. FT4 levels decreased with increasing age and duration of occupational exposure. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that sex was a significant independent predictor of thyroid abnormalities among radiation workers. Female workers were more likely to experience thyroid abnormalities (β = −0.62, P < 0.05). Conclusion Low-dose ionizing radiation may have a certain impact on the thyroid status of radiation workers, especially for female workers, which requires further attention and research.

Objective To investigate the clinical features of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG-associated disorders （MOGAD）. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of nine patients with MOGAD who were admitted to our department. Results Among the nine patients with MOGAD， there were five male patients and four female patients， with a median age of onset of 29.0 years. The main clinical symptoms included optic neuritis in five patients， cerebral symptoms （including mental symptoms）in five patients，seizures in four patients， brainstem symptoms in three patients， pyramidal signs in three patients， cerebellar symptoms in three patients， rectal and bladder dysfunction in three patients， myelitis in two patients， paresthesia in two patients， and comorbidity with autoimmune encephalitis in one patient. All patients tested positive for serum MOG-IgG， and two patients tested positive for MOG-IgG in cerebrospinal fluid. MRI showed that cerebral lesions mainly involved the midline structure and deep gray matter，and there were four patients（44.4%） with lesions in the midbrain， the pons， and the medulla oblongata and four patients （44.4%）with lesions in the fourth ventricle； spinal lesions often involved long segments （≥3 segments）， and there were two patients with lesions in cervical spinal cord and one patient with lesions in the thoracic spinal cord. All nine patients received immunotherapy in the acute stage， with a mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score of （3.94±2.28） for neurological function assessment. Three patients experienced recurrence during the median follow-up time of 36.0 months，among whom two patients had myelitis. Conclusion There was no significant sex difference in the prevalence rate of MOGAD，and the age of onset of MOGAD is earlier than that of multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.Optic neuritis is the most important clinical phenotype of MOGAD， and MOGAD patients with myelitis phenotype all have longitudinal long-segment lesions of the spinal cord. The different clinical phenotypes of MOGAD may be associated with recurrence rate.

As the search for effective treatments for COVID-19 continues, the high mortality rate among critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU) presents a profound challenge. This study explores the potential benefits of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a supplementary treatment for severe COVID-19. A total of 110 critically ill COVID-19 patients at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Vulcan Hill Hospital between Feb., 2020, and April, 2020 (Wuhan, China) participated in this observational study. All patients received standard supportive care protocols, with a subset of 81 also receiving TCM as an adjunct treatment. Clinical characteristics during the treatment period and the clinical outcome of each patient were closely monitored and analysed. Our findings indicated that the TCM group exhibited a significantly lower mortality rate compared with the non-TCM group (16 of 81 vs 24 of 29; 0.3 vs 2.3 person/month). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, TCM treatment was associated with improved survival odds (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the analysis also revealed that TCM treatment could partially mitigate inflammatory responses, as evidenced by the reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and contribute to the recovery of multiple organic functions, thereby potentially increasing the survival rate of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Humans ; COVID-19 ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Critical Illness ; Treatment Outcome

In recent years, the number of people living in short-term and long-term period in high-altitude has been continuously increasing, with over 81.6 million people living in areas with an altitude of ≥ 2, [KG*9]500 meters. In China, there are over 10 million people who frequently reside at high altitudes, and over 20 million people enter the plateau every year. The unique plateau climate has triggered a series of plateau related diseases, among which high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is one of the most serious diseases. If patients are not treated promptly and appropriately, they may die from cerebral hernia within 24 hours. However, the exact mechanism of the development of HACE is not fully understood, which makes the clinical prevention and treatment of HACE challenging. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and their exosomes (MSC-Exos) have the ability to repair damaged tissues and cells, resist oxidative stress, inhibit inflammatory reactions, and regulate autophagy, which may potentially become new drugs for preventing and treating HACE. This article elucidated the pathogenesis of high altitude brain edema and the potential roles of MSC and MSC-Exos based on relevant literatureat home and abroad, providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of HACE by MSC and MSC-Exos.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of combining carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) with serum Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in patients with psoriasis complicated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods Thirty-eight patients with psoriasis complicated with CVD were included in CVD group, 51 patients with psoriasis alone were included in psoriasis group, and 60 healthy subjects were selected as control group. Clinical data were collected from each group. The cIMT was measured using carotid ultrasound, and serum Gal-3, PTX3, and inflammatory markers[high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors of CVD in patients with psoriasis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum Gal-3, PTX3, and cIMT for CVD. Results The cIMT was greater in the CVD group and the psoriasis group than in the control group, and the CVD group was greater than the psoriasis group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of Gal-3, PTX3, hs-CRP, PCT, and TNF-α were higher in the CVD group and the psoriasis group than in the control group, and their levels were higher in the CVD group than in the psoriasis group (P < 0.05). The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score was higher in the CVD group than in the psoriasis group (P < 0.05). Pearson's correlation analysis showed that cIMT, Gal-3, and PTX3 were separately positively correlated with hs-CRP, PCT, and TNF-α (P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that PASI score, cIMT, Gal-3, PTX3, hs-CRP, and TNF-α were independent influencing factors for CVD in patients with psoriasis (OR=1.250, 1.451, 1.432, 1.365, 1.413, 1.465; P < 0.05). The diagnostic model based on cIMT combined with serum Gal-3 and PTX3 had higher diagnostic value for CVD in patients with psoriasis than single diagnosis. The area under the curve was 0.922, with sensitivity and specificity of 0.91 and 0.85, respectively. Conclusion The cIMT, serum Gal-3, and serum PTX3 are independent influencing factors for CVD in patients with psoriasis. The combination of the three indicators has higher diagnostic value for CVD in patients with psoriasis.

The occurrence and development of malignant tumors are closely related to immune checkpoint receptors, and tumor cells can evade immune surveillance by activating the immune checkpoint pathway. T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain(TIGIT) is an inhibitory receptor expressed on lymphocytes, which can inhibit the function of natural killer cells(NK) and T cells through a variety of mechanisms, making tumor cells escape from the surveillance of the immune system. This article made a systematic review on the research progress of the immunosuppressive mechanism of TIGIT, and reviewed the research progress of the immunosuppressive mechanism of TIGIT.

Calcific coronary artery disease is an increasingly prevalent entity in the catheterization laboratory which has implications for stenting and expected outcomes. With new interventional techniques and equipment, strategies to favorably modify coronary calcium prior to stenting continue to evolve. This paper sought to review the latest advances in the management of severe coronary artery calcification in the catheterization laboratory and discuss contemporary percutaneous interventional approaches.

DID has its origins in the pioneering work of the physician and psychologist Pierre Janet (1859-1947), who put forward the notion of "dissociation of ideas and functions". This new concept was reworked a century later by O. van der Hart and his colleagues, who proposed the notion of "structural dissociation of personality" between at least two fragments with a sense of self: the ANP and the EP. Functional dissociation of personality is a new concept that we would like to introduce here, at the interface of DID and structural dissociation. This new diagnostic category provides very useful clinical details in psychotherapy practice because its prevalence is significant. Functional dissociation allows the clinician to produce a differential diagnosis with DID, which paves the way for a more appropriate treatment than DID for patients without structural dissociation of the personality.