Objective:To compare the dosimetric differences between a 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicator and traditional single-channel/co-planar multi-channel applicators in postoperative vaginal brachytherapy for early-stage endometrial cancer.Methods:CT scan data of 66 patients with stage I endometrial cancer, encompassing 100 3D brachytherapy CT imaging datasets, admitted to Department of Gynecologic Oncology of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from December 2021 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on CT images and delineated structures, offline reconstructions of radiotherapy plans were performed for single-channel, coplanar multi-channel, and 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicators. These 3 radiotherapy plans were optimized, and the high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) coverage (V 100 ≥90%) and doses to organs at risk (rectum, bladder) were compared. The prescription dose was standardized at 600 cGy, with constraints of rectal D 2 cm3 ≤420 cGy and bladder D 2 cm3 ≤480 cGy. Comparison among multiple groups was conducted by ANOVA. Bonferroni method was used to correct P-values for comparison between two groups. Results:When defined as HR-CTV D 90%≥600 cGy, bladder D 2 cm3 was (398.29±76.13)cGy and rectum D 2 cm3 was (402.10±49.77)cGy of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group,which were significantly lower than those in the single-channel group [bladder D 2 cm3 (424.09±131.52) cGy, rectum D 2 cm3 (493.11±115.17) cGy] and coplanar group [bladder D 2 cm3 (461.28±134.84) cGy, rectum D 2 cm3 (508.75±119.02) cGy], respectively. When limiting bladder D 2 cm3≤480 cGy, rectal D 2 cm3 was (446.81±78.53 cGy) of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group, which was significantly lower than those in the single-channel group [(589.71±153.91) cGy] and the coplanar group [(545.51±122.00) cGy], respectively. Meanwhile, HR-CTV V 100% (94.53%±3.42%) was higher than (91.19%±7.63%) in the coplanar group. When the rectal D 2 cm3 was ≤ 420 cGy, HR-CTV V 100% was (91.92%±4.04%) of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group,which was significantly better than (79.23%±13.95%) in the single-channel group and (85.88%±6.86%) in the coplanar group, respectively. Conclusions:The 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicator significantly reduces bladder and rectal doses while enhancing target coverage, outperforming traditional single-channel and co-planar multi-channel applicators. This innovation provides an optimized solution for individualized precision radiotherapy.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective tumor treatment agents with survival benefits.However,immune toxicity to various organs has become a new challenge in clinical practice.The cardiac involvement can be presented as heart failure,arrhythmia(atrial fibrillation,atrioventricular block,bundle branch block,ventricular tachycardia,etc.),myocardial-pericarditis,myocardiopathy,and sudden cardiac death,etc.This patient developed abnormally increased myocardial enzymes,impaired cardiac function,and atrioventricular block after 1-month treatment with tislelizumab.Endomyocardial biopsy examination confirmed the diagnosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis.Through the diagnosis,treatment,and review of relevant literatures of this case,we wish to improve the understanding of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis,and therefore improve the diagnosis and treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis for clinicians.

Objective To investigate the predictive value of serum circular RNA(circRNA)CDYL and circRNA ACAP2 expression levels for major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in pa-tients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Methods A total of 98 AMI patients were enrolled into the observation group,and divided into MACE group(n=45)and no-MACE group(n=53)based on whether they experienced MACE.Another 98 healthy individuals who underwent physical ex-amination during the same period were selected as the control group.The expression levels of serum cir-cRNA CDYL and circRNA ACAP2 were compared among groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing the occurrence of MACE in AMI patients.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive value of serum circRNA CDYL and circRNA ACAP2 levels for MACE in AMI patients.Results The serum circRNA CDYL level in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,while the circRNA ACAP2 level was significantly higher(P＜0.05).The circRNA CDYL level in the MACE group was significantly lower,and the circRNA ACAP2 level was significantly higher than that in the no-MACE group(P＜0.05).Heart rate and circRNA ACAP2 were identified as independent risk factors for MACE in AMI patients,whereas circRNA CDYL served as independent protective factor(P＜0.05).The area under the ROC curve(AUC)for predicting MACE in AMI patients using se-rum circRNA CDYL,circRNA ACAP2 and their combination were 0.814,0.821 and 0.921,re-spectively.The sensitivity and specificity of combined prediction using serum circRNA CDYL and circRNA ACAP2 were 91.11％and 79.25％,respectively.The combined prediction efficacy of serum circRNA CDYL and circRNA ACAP2 was superior to their individual prediction(Zcombined-circRNA CDYL=1.975,Zcombined-circRNAACAP2=2.064,P=0.048,0.039).Conclusion Serum circRNA CDYL lev-el is down-regulated and circRNA ACAP2 level is up-regulated in AMI patients,and circRNA ACAP2 is an independent risk factor for MACE,while circRNA CDYL is a independent protective factor.The combined value of circRNA CDYL and circRNA ACAP2 in predicting the occurrence of MACE is higher.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the value of assessing Selvester QRS score in evaluating myocardial fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM)patients.Methods:A total of consecutive 149 patients with HCM,who were admitted in Fuwai Hospital from October 2008 to September 2013,were enrolled in this study.Qualitative and quantitative analyses of myocardial fibrosis were conducted based on late gadolinium enhancement(LGE)derived from enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(CMR).According to the qualitative analysis of myocardial fibrosis by CMR-LGE,the patients were divided into the LGE-negative group(n=46)and the LGE-positive group(n=103).Standard 12-lead electrocardiogram examination was performed and the Selvester QRS score was calculated.Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the predictive factors of positive LGE,and the correlation analysis between the Selvester QRS score and the LGE score was also performed.Results:Compared with the LGE-negative group,the proportion of patients with a family history of HCM(12.8%vs.28.2%),the proportion of patients with a positive Selvester QRS score(65.2%vs.83.5%)and the Selvester QRS score([1.65±1.81]points vs.[5.71±3.80]points)were higher,the maximum thickness of the left ventricular wall([20.5±3.2]mm vs.[24.5±5.0]mm)and the percentage of left ventricular myocardial scar area([5.0±5.5]%vs.[17.1±11.4]%)were larger in the LGE-positive group(all P<0.05).Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that the Selvester QRS score(OR=1.429,95%CI:1.128-1.802,P=0.003)and the maximum left ventricular wall thickness(OR=1.257,95%CI:1.029-1.537,P=0.025)were independent predictors of positive LGE.Pearson correlation analysis showed that in all HCM patients,the Selvester QRS score was positively correlated with the LGE score(r=0.682,P<0.001),and the percentage of left ventricular myocardial scar area was positively correlated with the percentage of enhanced area to the total mass of left ventricular myocardium(LGE%)(r=0.682,P<0.001);In the LGE positive group,the Selvester QRS score was positively correlated with the LGE score(r=0.569,P<0.001).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off values of Selvester QRS score and maximum left ventricular wall thickness for predicting positive LGE were≥3.5 points and≥21 mm,respectively.Conclusions:In HCM patients,the Selvester QRS score is significantly associated with myocardial fibrosis,and the total score≥3.5 serves as a good predictive cutoffvalue for identifying the presence of LGE.

Objective To analyze the relationship between clinical drug utilization and the risk of nosocomial infections among hospitalized patients,and provide evidence for the prevention and control of nosocomial infections.Methods This study adopted a retrospective case-control design.The case group included 209 patients with nosocomial infection reported from January 2023 to December 2023 in a tertiary hospital.The control group included 209 patients without nosocomial infection during the same period.The patients in the control group were selected by stratified sampling based on Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI).Results Univariate analysis showed that proton pump inhibitors,antacids,immunosuppressants and prior antimicrobial combination therapy increased the risk of nosocomial infection(P＜0.05).Multivariate log-binomial regression analysis showed that proton pump inhibitors,immunosuppressive drugs,and prior antimicrobial combination therapy were correlated with nosocomial infection.The corresponding relative risk(RR)was 1.31(95％CI:1.07-1.60),1.40(95％CI:1.02-1.91),and 1.66(95％CI:1.01-2.74),respectively.Further analysis indicated that the patients with nosocomial infection had longer time in use of proton pump inhibitors and prior antimicrobial combination therapy than the patients in the control group(Z=-6.331,P＜0.001;Z=-2.667,P=0.008).The trend Chi-square test showed that there was a dose-response relationship for proton pump inhibitors(x2=73.869,P＜0.001),immunosuppressive drugs(x2=16.530,P＜0.001),and prior antimicrobial combination therapy(x2=35.107,P＜0.001).Conclusions The use of immunosuppressants,proton pump inhibitors and antimicrobial combination therapy increases the risk of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients.The prolonged use of these drugs will further increase the risk of nosocomial infection.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the value of assessing Selvester QRS score in evaluating myocardial fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM)patients.Methods:A total of consecutive 149 patients with HCM,who were admitted in Fuwai Hospital from October 2008 to September 2013,were enrolled in this study.Qualitative and quantitative analyses of myocardial fibrosis were conducted based on late gadolinium enhancement(LGE)derived from enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(CMR).According to the qualitative analysis of myocardial fibrosis by CMR-LGE,the patients were divided into the LGE-negative group(n=46)and the LGE-positive group(n=103).Standard 12-lead electrocardiogram examination was performed and the Selvester QRS score was calculated.Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the predictive factors of positive LGE,and the correlation analysis between the Selvester QRS score and the LGE score was also performed.Results:Compared with the LGE-negative group,the proportion of patients with a family history of HCM(12.8%vs.28.2%),the proportion of patients with a positive Selvester QRS score(65.2%vs.83.5%)and the Selvester QRS score([1.65±1.81]points vs.[5.71±3.80]points)were higher,the maximum thickness of the left ventricular wall([20.5±3.2]mm vs.[24.5±5.0]mm)and the percentage of left ventricular myocardial scar area([5.0±5.5]%vs.[17.1±11.4]%)were larger in the LGE-positive group(all P<0.05).Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that the Selvester QRS score(OR=1.429,95%CI:1.128-1.802,P=0.003)and the maximum left ventricular wall thickness(OR=1.257,95%CI:1.029-1.537,P=0.025)were independent predictors of positive LGE.Pearson correlation analysis showed that in all HCM patients,the Selvester QRS score was positively correlated with the LGE score(r=0.682,P<0.001),and the percentage of left ventricular myocardial scar area was positively correlated with the percentage of enhanced area to the total mass of left ventricular myocardium(LGE%)(r=0.682,P<0.001);In the LGE positive group,the Selvester QRS score was positively correlated with the LGE score(r=0.569,P<0.001).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off values of Selvester QRS score and maximum left ventricular wall thickness for predicting positive LGE were≥3.5 points and≥21 mm,respectively.Conclusions:In HCM patients,the Selvester QRS score is significantly associated with myocardial fibrosis,and the total score≥3.5 serves as a good predictive cutoffvalue for identifying the presence of LGE.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective tumor treatment agents with survival benefits.However,immune toxicity to various organs has become a new challenge in clinical practice.The cardiac involvement can be presented as heart failure,arrhythmia(atrial fibrillation,atrioventricular block,bundle branch block,ventricular tachycardia,etc.),myocardial-pericarditis,myocardiopathy,and sudden cardiac death,etc.This patient developed abnormally increased myocardial enzymes,impaired cardiac function,and atrioventricular block after 1-month treatment with tislelizumab.Endomyocardial biopsy examination confirmed the diagnosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis.Through the diagnosis,treatment,and review of relevant literatures of this case,we wish to improve the understanding of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis,and therefore improve the diagnosis and treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis for clinicians.

Objective To analyze the relationship between clinical drug utilization and the risk of nosocomial infections among hospitalized patients,and provide evidence for the prevention and control of nosocomial infections.Methods This study adopted a retrospective case-control design.The case group included 209 patients with nosocomial infection reported from January 2023 to December 2023 in a tertiary hospital.The control group included 209 patients without nosocomial infection during the same period.The patients in the control group were selected by stratified sampling based on Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI).Results Univariate analysis showed that proton pump inhibitors,antacids,immunosuppressants and prior antimicrobial combination therapy increased the risk of nosocomial infection(P＜0.05).Multivariate log-binomial regression analysis showed that proton pump inhibitors,immunosuppressive drugs,and prior antimicrobial combination therapy were correlated with nosocomial infection.The corresponding relative risk(RR)was 1.31(95％CI:1.07-1.60),1.40(95％CI:1.02-1.91),and 1.66(95％CI:1.01-2.74),respectively.Further analysis indicated that the patients with nosocomial infection had longer time in use of proton pump inhibitors and prior antimicrobial combination therapy than the patients in the control group(Z=-6.331,P＜0.001;Z=-2.667,P=0.008).The trend Chi-square test showed that there was a dose-response relationship for proton pump inhibitors(x2=73.869,P＜0.001),immunosuppressive drugs(x2=16.530,P＜0.001),and prior antimicrobial combination therapy(x2=35.107,P＜0.001).Conclusions The use of immunosuppressants,proton pump inhibitors and antimicrobial combination therapy increases the risk of nosocomial infections in hospitalized patients.The prolonged use of these drugs will further increase the risk of nosocomial infection.

Objective:To compare the dosimetric differences between a 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicator and traditional single-channel/co-planar multi-channel applicators in postoperative vaginal brachytherapy for early-stage endometrial cancer.Methods:CT scan data of 66 patients with stage I endometrial cancer, encompassing 100 3D brachytherapy CT imaging datasets, admitted to Department of Gynecologic Oncology of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from December 2021 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on CT images and delineated structures, offline reconstructions of radiotherapy plans were performed for single-channel, coplanar multi-channel, and 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicators. These 3 radiotherapy plans were optimized, and the high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) coverage (V 100 ≥90%) and doses to organs at risk (rectum, bladder) were compared. The prescription dose was standardized at 600 cGy, with constraints of rectal D 2 cm3 ≤420 cGy and bladder D 2 cm3 ≤480 cGy. Comparison among multiple groups was conducted by ANOVA. Bonferroni method was used to correct P-values for comparison between two groups. Results:When defined as HR-CTV D 90%≥600 cGy, bladder D 2 cm3 was (398.29±76.13)cGy and rectum D 2 cm3 was (402.10±49.77)cGy of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group,which were significantly lower than those in the single-channel group [bladder D 2 cm3 (424.09±131.52) cGy, rectum D 2 cm3 (493.11±115.17) cGy] and coplanar group [bladder D 2 cm3 (461.28±134.84) cGy, rectum D 2 cm3 (508.75±119.02) cGy], respectively. When limiting bladder D 2 cm3≤480 cGy, rectal D 2 cm3 was (446.81±78.53 cGy) of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group, which was significantly lower than those in the single-channel group [(589.71±153.91) cGy] and the coplanar group [(545.51±122.00) cGy], respectively. Meanwhile, HR-CTV V 100% (94.53%±3.42%) was higher than (91.19%±7.63%) in the coplanar group. When the rectal D 2 cm3 was ≤ 420 cGy, HR-CTV V 100% was (91.92%±4.04%) of the 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel group,which was significantly better than (79.23%±13.95%) in the single-channel group and (85.88%±6.86%) in the coplanar group, respectively. Conclusions:The 3D-printed non-coplanar multi-channel applicator significantly reduces bladder and rectal doses while enhancing target coverage, outperforming traditional single-channel and co-planar multi-channel applicators. This innovation provides an optimized solution for individualized precision radiotherapy.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between intramuscular adipose tissue index (IATI) calculated from computed tomography images at transverse process of the first lumbar and all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients, and to provide a reference for improving the prognosis in these patients.Methods:It was a multicenter retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of patients who received maintenance hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis treatment from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 in 4 grade Ⅲ hospitals including Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University, Taizhou People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were retrospectively collected. IATI was calculated by low attenuation muscle (LAM) density/skeletal muscle density. The receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of IATI, and the patients were divided into high IATI group and low IATI group according to the optimal cut-off value. The differences of baseline clinical data and measurement parameters of the first lumbar level between the two groups were compared. The follow-up ended on December 23, 2022. The endpoint event was defined as all-cause mortality within 3 years. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to analyze the survival rates and the differences between the two groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis models were used to analyze the association between IATI and the risk of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze the influencing factors of high IATI.Results:A total of 478 patients were eligibly recruited in this study, with age of (53.55±13.19) years old and 319 (66.7%) males, including 365 (76.4%) hemodialysis patients and 113 (23.6%) peritoneal dialysis patients. There were 376 (78.7%) patients in low IATI (<0.42) group and 102 (21.3%) patients in high IATI (≥0.42) group. The proportion of age ≥ 60 years old ( χ2=24.746, P<0.001), proportion of diabetes mellitus ( χ2=5.570, P=0.018), fasting blood glucose ( t=-2.145, P=0.032), LAM density ( t=-3.735, P<0.001), LAM index ( t=-7.072, P<0.001), and LAM area/skeletal muscle area ratio ( Z=-9.630, P<0.001) in high IATI group were all higher than those in low IATI group, while proportion of males ( χ2=11.116, P<0.001), serum albumin ( Z=2.708, P=0.007) and skeletal muscle density ( t=12.380, P<0.001) were lower than those in low IATI group. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the 3-years overall survival rate of low IATI group was significantly higher than that in high IATI group (Log-rank χ2=19.188, P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that IATI<0.42 [<0.42/≥0.42, HR(95% CI): 0.50 (0.31-0.83), P=0.007] was an independent protective factor of all-cause mortality, and age ≥60 years old [ HR (95% CI): 2.61 (1.60-4.23), P<0.001], diabetes mellitus [ HR (95% CI): 1.71 (1.06-2.78), P=0.029] and high blood neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio [ HR (95% CI): 1.04 (1.00-1.07), P=0.049] were the independent risk factors of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients. Stepwise Cox regression analysis showed that IATI<0.42 was still an independent protective factor of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients [<0.42/≥0.42, HR (95% CI): 0.45 (0.27-0.76), P=0.003]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low skeletal muscle density [ OR (95% CI): 0.84 (0.81-0.88), P<0.001] and high serum triglyceride [ OR (95% CI): 1.39 (1.07-1.82), P=0.015] were the independent influencing factors of IATI≥0.42. Conclusion:IATI<0.42 of the first lumbar level is an independent protective factor of all-cause mortality in maintenance dialysis patients. Localized myosteatosis within high-quality skeletal muscle may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality in these patients.