Objective:To illustrate the clinical modeling and commissioning results of Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm in RayStation treatment planning system (TPS) for a domestically developed synchrotron-based spot scanning proton therapy system (SAPT-PS-01).Methods:The proton pencil beam model in RayStation required integral depth dose curves, spot profiles and absolute dose as the input beam data. It was not necessary to collect beam parameters with range shifter. The integral depth dose curves of a single spot were measured by an 8 cm parallel ion chamber. A 2-dimensional scintillation detector was used to measure the in-air spot profile at 5 different depths including the isocenter plane. The absolute dose was calibrated by a 0.25 cm parallel ion chamber under the single energy layer irradiation with a field size of 10 cm × 10 cm. After modeling, the results of the beam model and the Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm were validated from the range, spot profile, point-dose in a spread-out Bragg peak, planar dose in a clinical plan, point dose in an end-to-end test.Results:For the 94 energy layers, the maximum deviation between the calculated and measured range was 0.03 cm. The maximum difference between the calculated and measured in-air spot sigma was 0.015 cm, and the deviation of in-water spot sigma was measured within ±15%. Compared with the measured values, the calculated dose deviation of 138 measured points in the spread-out Bragg peak was within 3%. For the planar dose verification of clinical plans, the TPS-calculated dose distribution of 285 planes agreed well with the measurement with a minimum gamma-passing rate of 90%, and the gamma passing rate of almost 95% of planes were greater than 95%. The point dose measurements for 8 beams in the end-to-end tests under 4 clinical scenarios were within 5%.Conclusions:The acceptable beam model validation results and successful end-to-end test confirm that the Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm modeling for the synchrotron-based spot scanning proton therapy system is accurate, which is applicable for the design of patient treatment plan.

Objective:To illustrate the clinical modeling and commissioning results of Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm in RayStation treatment planning system (TPS) for a domestically developed synchrotron-based spot scanning proton therapy system (SAPT-PS-01).Methods:The proton pencil beam model in RayStation required integral depth dose curves, spot profiles and absolute dose as the input beam data. It was not necessary to collect beam parameters with range shifter. The integral depth dose curves of a single spot were measured by an 8 cm parallel ion chamber. A 2-dimensional scintillation detector was used to measure the in-air spot profile at 5 different depths including the isocenter plane. The absolute dose was calibrated by a 0.25 cm parallel ion chamber under the single energy layer irradiation with a field size of 10 cm × 10 cm. After modeling, the results of the beam model and the Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm were validated from the range, spot profile, point-dose in a spread-out Bragg peak, planar dose in a clinical plan, point dose in an end-to-end test.Results:For the 94 energy layers, the maximum deviation between the calculated and measured range was 0.03 cm. The maximum difference between the calculated and measured in-air spot sigma was 0.015 cm, and the deviation of in-water spot sigma was measured within ±15%. Compared with the measured values, the calculated dose deviation of 138 measured points in the spread-out Bragg peak was within 3%. For the planar dose verification of clinical plans, the TPS-calculated dose distribution of 285 planes agreed well with the measurement with a minimum gamma-passing rate of 90%, and the gamma passing rate of almost 95% of planes were greater than 95%. The point dose measurements for 8 beams in the end-to-end tests under 4 clinical scenarios were within 5%.Conclusions:The acceptable beam model validation results and successful end-to-end test confirm that the Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm modeling for the synchrotron-based spot scanning proton therapy system is accurate, which is applicable for the design of patient treatment plan.

Radiation therapy is an essential component of comprehensive treatment for breast cancer. In comparison to photons, proton beam, with its unique Bragg peak, limits the dose distribution to normal tissues around the tumor while improving dose coverage within the target area. Therefore, it could be an appealing therapeutic option for breast cancer treatment. Current researches indicate that proton therapy for breast cancer treatment has a distinct dosimetric advantage in protecting the heart and lungs. However, there are potentially increased risks of side-effects such as skin reactions and rib fractures, etc. Future Subsequent studies should seek a better understanding of the relative biological effectiveness changes along the proton beam range to improve the proton plan evaluation. Additionally, efforts should be directed towards identifying patients who would derive maximum benefit from proton therapy, addressing concerns related to its limited accessibility and high cost. This review provides an overview of the current clinical experiences, research progress and controversies in proton therapy for breast cancer.

WRKY transcription factor family plays an important role in plant growth and development, secondary metabolite synthesis, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. The present study performed full-length transcriptome sequencing of Polygonatum cyrtonema by virtue of the PacBio SMRT high-throughput platform, identified the WRKY family by bioinformatics methods, and analyzed the physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, phylogeny, and conserved motifs. The results showed that 30.69 Gb nucleotide bases and 89 564 transcripts were obtained after redundancy removal. These transcripts had a mean length of 2 060 bp and an N50 value of 3 156 bp. Based on the full-length transcriptome sequencing data, 64 candidate proteins were selected from the WRKY transcription factor family, with the protein size of 92-1 027 aa, the relative molecular mass of 10 377.85-115 779.48 kDa, and the isoelectric point of 4.49-9.84. These WRKY family members were mostly located in the nucleus and belonged to the hydrophobic proteins. According to the phylogenetic analysis of WRKY family in P. cyrtonema and Arabidopsis thaliana, all WRKY family members were clustered into seven subfamilies and WRKY proteins from P. cyrtonema were distributed in different numbers in these seven subgroups. Expression pattern analysis confirmed that 40 WRKY family members had distinct expression patterns in the rhizomes of 1-and 3-year-old P. cyrtonema. Except for PcWRKY39, the expression of 39 WRKY family members was down-regulated in 3-year-old samples. In conclusion, this study provides abundant reference data for genetic research on P. cyrtonema and lays a foundation for the in-depth investigation of the biological functions of the WRKY family.
Transcription Factors ; Polygonatum ; Phylogeny ; Transcriptome ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Arabidopsis

Objective:This study aimed to compare the dosimetric differences in unintended irradiation to the ipsilateral axillary region between intensity-modulated radiation therapy(IMRT)and intensity-modulated proton therapy(IMPT)in patients receiving whole breast irradiation(WBI). Methods:A total of 20 patients with early breast cancer who received WBI at our center between August and September 2022 were included in this study.One IMPT plan and one IMRT plan were formulated for each patient,with prescription dose of 4005 cGy(RBE)in 1 5 fractions.Dosimetric parameters of axillary lymph nodes(ALN)level Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Rotter's lymph nodes(RN),and the axillary-lateral thoracic vascular junction(ALTJ)were compared between IMPT and IMRT plans. Results:All plans met the criteria of CTV V95％Dose≥95％.IMPT showed significantly better conformity index(0.97 vs 0.95,P=0.0003)and homogeneity index(0.05 vs 0.07,P=0.0301)compared to IMRT.The mean dose of the heart[27.48 vs 114.74 cGy(RBE),P＜0.0001]and ipsilateral lung[356.66 vs 498.89 cGy(RBE),P＜0.0001]were significantly lower in the IMPT plan compared to the IMRT plan.The mean dose,V50％Dose,V80％Dose,V90％Dose,and V95％Dose of ALNⅠ,ALN Ⅱ,ALN Ⅲ and RN in the IMPT plan were significantly lower than those in the IMRT plan(all P＜0.01),with the most significant difference observed in the dosimetric parameters of the axillary region inferior to the axillary vein[mean dose:79.75 vs 995.31 cGy(RBE),P＜0.0001].The mean dose and serial dosimetric parameters(V5,V10,V15,V20,V25,V30,and V35)of the ALTJ were also significantly lower in IMPT plans compared to IMRT plans. Conclusion:IMPT demonstrates lower unintended irradiation dose in the inferior axillary region and reduces dose volume in the ALTJ region compared to IMRT.When employing IMPT,the clinical target volume(CTV)should be delineated based on the individual locoregional recurrence risk for patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes who omitted axillary lymph node dissection.For high-risk patients,the axillary region should be included in the CTV to ensure efficacy,while for low-risk patients,excluding the axillary region can help mitigate the risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Twenty-six compounds, including sixteen meroterpenoids(1-16), a triterpenoid(17), four terpenoid derivatives(18-21), and five aromatic compounds(22-26), were isolated from the leaves of Psidium guajava. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic analyses including NMR and MS. Compounds 21-26 were obtained from plants of Psidium for the first time. Based on the structure,(R)-2-ethylhexyl 2H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylate(24 a), an α-glucosidase inhibitor recently isolated from Paramignya trimera, should be revised as compound 24. Meroterpenoids 1-16 were evaluated for their antitumor and antifungal activities. Meroterpenoids psiguajadial D(4), guapsidial A(5), 4,5-diepipsidial A(7), guadial A(14), and guadial B(15) showed cytotoxicities against five human tumor cell lines(HL-60, A-549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW-480), among which 5 was the most effective with an IC_(50) of 3.21-9.94 μmol·L~(-1).
Antifungal Agents/pharmacology* ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Plant Extracts ; Plant Leaves ; Psidium ; Terpenes

The present study was to investigate the role of TRPC6 in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) proliferation and apoptosis under hypoxia and hypercapnia. PASMCs were isolated from chloral hydrate-anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Cellular purity was assessed by immunofluorescence staining for smooth muscle α-actin under fluorescence microscopy. Passage 4-6 PASMCs were starved for 24 h in serum-free DMEM and divided into 5 groups randomly: normoxia, hypoxia and hypercapnia, DMSO, TRPC6 inhibitor SKF-96365 and TRPC6 activator OAG groups. The normoxic group was incubated under normoxia (5% CO, 21% O, 37 °C) for 24 h, and the others were incubated with corresponding drugs under hypoxic and hypercapnic (6% CO, 5% O, 37 °C) atmosphere for 24 h. TRPC6 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-PCR. TRPC6 protein was detected by Western blotting. The proliferation of PASMCs was performed by CCK-8 kit. Apoptosis of the PASMCs was detected using TUNEL assay. The [Ca]in the PASMCs was measured using Fura 2-AM fluorescence. The results showed that the expressions of TRPC6 mRNA and protein, and [Ca]were upregulated under hypoxic and hypercapnic conditions. Hypoxia and hypercapnia promoted cellular proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in the PASMCs. OAG enhanced the above-mentioned effects of hypoxia and hypercapnia, whereas SKF-96365 reversed these effects. These results suggest that TRPC6 may play a role in PASMCs proliferation and apoptosis under hypoxia and hypercapnia by regulating [Ca].
Actins ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Hypoxia ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Hypercapnia ; physiopathology ; Imidazoles ; Male ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; cytology ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; metabolism ; Pulmonary Artery ; cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; TRPC Cation Channels ; metabolism

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious complication of the end-stage liver disease. The overall treatment outcome of HRS is not satisfactory, with a short survival time and a poor prognosis. Currently, renal replacement therapy is one of the main non-transplantation therapeutic methods, but its clinical effect remains controversial. This review summarizes the research on HRS and advances in the clinical effect of renal replacement therapy for HRS, and points out that renal replacement therapy is not suitable as the conventional therapy for HRS, but it can be applied as the pre-transplantation transitional treatment for patients with a plan for liver transplantation, as well as the short-term treatment for non-transplantation patients who do not respond to vasoconstrictors.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) might be able to prevent senescence of endothelial stem cell (ESC) and also study its effects on the telomerase activity. METHODS Total mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from peripheral blood by density gradient centrifugation, and then the cells were plated on fibronectin-coated culture dishes. After cultured for 4 d, attached cells were divided into control and SDF-1α 1, 10, 50 and 100 μg·L~(-1) groups. ESC became senescent as determined by acidic β-galactosidase staining. The proliferation of ESC was assessed by MTT assay and colony-forming capacity. Telomerase activity was measured by telomerase-PCR ELISA and the phosphorylation of Akt was determined by using Western blotting. RESULTS Ex vivo prolonged cultivation of ESC led to rapid onset of ESC senescence. Compared with control group, SDF-1α concentration-dependently inhibited the onset of ESC senescence, maximum at 100 μg·L~(-1) (40.8±7.1 vs 17.5±3.0; P<0.01). Moreover, SDF-1α 100 μg·L~(-1) increased ESC proliferation (0.22±0.02 vs 0.39±0.04; P<0.01) and ESC colony-forming activity (7.8±2.2 vs 22.4±3.4). Compared with control group, SDF-1α 100 μg·L~(-1) also increased telomerase activity (0.34±0.05 vs 0.57±0.09; P<0.01). In addition, SDF-1α treatment of ESC stimulated a concentration- and time-dependent Akt phosphorylation. CONCLUSION SDF-1α-induced prevention of ESC senescence leads to the potentiation of proliferative activity, and clonal expansion, which may be related to the activation of telomerase and Akt phosphorylation.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of combined acupuncture and psychological desensitization therapy for anxiety in those with heroin addiction.Methods:All 90 cases were randomly allocated into a treatment group (45 cases) and a control group (45 cases).Cases in the treatment group received 30 min of combined acupuncture and psychological desensitization therapy for each treatment,twice a week and 8 weeks in total,whereas cases in the control group received no treatment.After that,the anxiety score and state were observed.In addition,the mental state prior to and after cue-elicited heroin craving was evaluated.Results:The total and standard scores of anxiety in the treatment group were significantly reduced compared to the control group (P＜0.05),coupled with a significant reduction of heroin craving (P＜0.01).Conclusion:Combined acupuncture and psychological desensitization can alleviate anxiety and inhibit the short-term heroin craving.