Objective To compare the effects of different respiratory signal acquisition methods on the delineation of moving tumor targets. Methods A cube phantom containing a sphere was placed on a motion platform to simulate respiratory movement by setting motion period, frequency, and direction. Respiratory signal was acquired by real-time position management (RPM) method and GE method independently. Target delineation was conducted using the maximum intensity projection (MIP) sequence. The difference between the reconstructed volume and the theoretical moving volume was compared under the two respiratory signal acquisition methods for cube and sphere targets. Results Under the same respiratory signal acquisition method, the same respiratory amplitude, and different respiratory frequencies, reconstructed volume changes were relatively small. For the sphere target, the deviation between the reconstructed volume and the theoretical moving volume was −1.5% to 5.7% with the RPM method and −1.3% to −13.8% with the GE method (both P < 0.05). For the cube target, the deviation between the reconstructed volume and the theoretical moving volume was 0.2% to 0.9% with the RPM method and −2.6% to 0.9% with the GE method, with no statistical significance. Conclusion For small-volume sphere targets, the target volumes obtained from MIP images by the two respiratory signal acquisition methods are both smaller than the actual moving volume. For large-volume cube targets, there is no significant difference between the reconstructed and theoretical results with any respiratory signal acquisition method. The RPM method produces smaller deviation and better image quality when reconstructing small-volume targets.

Objective:To compare the dosimetric differences between the VenusX accelerator with an orthogonal dual-layer multi-leaf collimator (MLC) and the Varian′s CLINAC IX and EDGE accelerators with a single-layer MLC for hippocampus protection in the whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT).Methods:Forty patients with multiple brain metastases admitted to the Radiotherapy Department of the Shanghai General Hospital from June 2021 to February 2023 were selected in this study. Three whole-brain treatment plans were designed based on the above three accelerators for each patient. Under the same prescription dose, radiation field, and plan constraints, the three plans were compared in terms of the dosimetric differences in target volumes, hippocampi, and adjacent organs at risk (OARs), as well as the execution efficiency.Results:For the planning target volume (PTV), there were statistically significant differences in approximate maximum dose ( D2) between the VenusX and IX plans ( t = 4.94, P < 0.05), in approximate minimum dose ( D98) between the VenusX and EDGE plans ( t = 5.98, P < 0.05), in the target conformity indices (CIs) between VenusX plan and EDGE plans, and between the VenusX and IX plans ( t = -6.84, -14.30; P < 0.05), and dose homogeneity indices (HIs) between the VenusX and IX plans ( t = 3.48, P < 0.05). For OARs, the maximum doses ( Dmax) and average doses ( Dmean) to bilateral hippocampi of the VenusX plan were lower than those of the EDGE and IX plans ( t = 8.59-17.11, P < 0.05); the maximum doses ( Dmax) to bilateral lenses, bilateral optic nerves, and optic chiasma of the VenusX plan were lower than those of the other two plans ( t = 2.10-20.80, P < 0.05); and the differences between the maximum doses ( Dmax) to the brain stem of the VenusX and EDGE plans were statistically significant ( t = 3.86, P < 0.05). In terms of plan execution efficiency, the number of machine jumps (MU) and the treatment time of the VenusX plan were higher than those of the EDGE and IX plans, with statistically significant differences ( t = -56.48, -56.90, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The doses to target volumes of the three treatment plans all meet the prescription requirements, and the VenusX plan outperforms the EDGE and IX plans in the protection of OARs. Despite the reduced execution efficiency, the VenusX plan shortens the actual treatment time by improving the dosage rate, thus meeting the clinical requirements.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of inhibiting ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USPl4) activity on oxidative stress induced by H2O2 of H9c2 cells.METHODS: The H9c2 cells were incubated with H2O2 at 25 μmol/L for 2 h to establish the oxidative stress injury model.The cells were divided into control group, H2O2 group, IU1 group (25 μmol/L or 50 μmol/L) and IU1+ H2O2 group.The H9c2 cells activity was measured by MTS assay.The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell survival rate were analyzed by flow cytometry assay.The changes of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family related proteins were detected by Western blot.RESULTS: Compared with control group, the cell activity and the viability rate in H2O2 group were decreased (P<0.05), while the intracellular ROS, the protein levels of Bax/Bcl-2, P53, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK and p-P38 were increased (P<0.05).Compared with H2O2 group, the cell activity and the viability rate of the H9c2 cells in IU1+H2O2 group were increased (P<0.05), while the intracellular ROS, the protein levels of Bax/Bcl-2, P53, p-ERK1/2, p-JNK and p-P38 were decreased (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Inhibition of USPl4 activity reduces the oxidative stress injury of the H9c2 cells.The mechanism may be related to inhibition of the MAPK signaling and down-regulation of apoptosis related proteins.

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect and possible mechanism of nicorandil in mice under deep hypothermic low flow (DHLF). Methods A total of 105 3-week-old male C57/BL-6 mice were randomly divided into 7 groups: sham operation, model, nicorandil (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), nicorandil 20 mg/kg + LY294002, and LY294002 groups (n = 15 in each group). A DHLF model was induced. At 24 h after reperfusion, the brain tissues of mice were taken out for HE and TUNEL staining. The pathological changes of cerebral cortical neurons and apoptosis were observed. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of the total Akt, phospho-Akt (p-Akt), Bcl-2, and Bax. Results HE pathological staining showed that cortical neuronal injury was reduced, the phenomena of cel membrane depression, nuclear condensation, concentrated dye, and the blurring of the nucleus were decreased significantly in nicorandil group. The morphology of neurons was basicaly restored to normal. TUNEL staining showed that the apoptosis index in various dose groups of nicorandil was decreased significantly compared with the model group (al P < 0. 05). Western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of p-Akt and Bcl-2 proteins increased significantly in various dose groups of nicorandil compared with the model group (al P < 0. 05), and the expression level of Bax protein was decreased significantly (al P < 0. 05 ). After adding the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) specific inhibitor LY294002, there was no significant difference in neurons pathological injury in the cortex compared with the model group. There was no significant difference in the apoptosis index, and the expression levels of p-Akt, Bcl-2, and Bax compared with the model group. Conclusions Nicorandil has a certain neuroprotective effect in mice under DHLF. Its mechanism may be associated with the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and then further regulation of the downstream protein Bcl-2 and Bax expression.

Objective To evaluate the effects of limited fluid resuscitation on systemic inflammatory responses in rats with traumatic hemorrhagic shock through comparing with unlimited fluid resuscitation.Methods Sixty pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 2-3 months,weighing 250-290 g,were randomly divided into 6 groups (n =10 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (group S),no fluid resuscitation group (group NF),unlimited fluid resuscitation group (group ULF),limited crystalloid fluid resuscitation group (group LR),and limited colloid fluid resuscitation groups (group LSG and group LHES).Traumatic uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock was induced by withdrawal of blood from the femoral artery at 2.5 mL/100 g over a 20-minute period,followed by tail amputation at 10 min after the end of blood withdrawal.At 10 min after the end of blood withdrawal,fluid resuscitation was performed.Lactated Ringer's solution (ULF and LR groups),4 ％ succinylated gelatin (group LSG),or 6 ％ hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (group LHES) was infused intravenously.The initial infusion rate was 2 ml · kg-1 · min-1.The target MAP was maintained at 50 mm Hg in rats with limited fluid resuscitation,while at 80 mm Hg in rats with unlimited fluid resuscitation.After 60 min of fluid resuscitation,bleeding in the tail was stopped by ligation and fluid infusion was replaced with blood resuscitation.After 60 min of blood resuscitation,180 main of observation was started.At 10 min after catheterization of the femoral artery and vein (T0),10 min after the end of blood withdrawal (T1),the end of fluid resuscitation (T2),the end of blood resuscitation (T3),and the end of observation (T4),arterial blood samples were collected to measure hematocrit (Hct)and concentrations of plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α),interleukin (IL)-6,and IL-10.Blood samples were collected from the femoral artery at T2 for determination of the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and activity of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) in monocytes.The amount of blood loss from the tail and volume of fluid infused were also recorded.Another 120 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n =20 each) and resuscitation was performed according to the method previously described.The rats were observed for 72 h survival rate.Results Compared with group S,Hct was significantly decreased,the concentrations of plasma TNF-α,IL-6,and IL-10 and activity of NF-κB were increased,and the expression of TLR4,and MyD88 in monocytes was up-regulated in the other groups (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group NF,the concentrations of plasma TNF-α and IL-6 and NF-κB activity were significantly increased,and the concentration of plasma IL-10 and Hct were decreased,and the expression of TLR4 and MyD88 in monocytes was up-regulated in ULF,LR and LSG groups,and the concentrations of plasma TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly increased,the concentration of plasma IL-10 and Hct were decreased in group LHES (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group ULF,the concentrations of plasma TNF-α and IL-6 and NF-κB activity were significantly decreased,the concentration of plasma IL-10 and Hct were increased,the survival rate was higher,the expression of TLR4 and MyD88 in monocytes was down-regulated,and the amount of blood loss from the tail was decreased and the volume of fluid infused was reduced in LSG,LHES and LR groups (P ＜ 0.05).Compared with group LR,the concentrations of plasma TNF-α and IL-6 and NF-κB activity were significantly decreased and the expression of TLR4 and MyD88 in monocytes was down-regulated (P ＜ 0.05),and no significant change was found in the concentration of plasma IL-10 in group LHES (P ＞ 0.05),and the volume of fluid infused was reduced and the survival rate was increased (P ＜ 0.05),and no significant change was found in the amount of blood loss from the tail in LSG and LH-ES groups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Compared with unlimited fluid resuscitation,limited fluid resuscitation exerts less effect on systemic inflammatory responses in rats with traumatic hemorrhagic shock,especially when resuscitation with 6％ hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 is performed,and inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway is involved in the mechanism.

Objective To investigate the relationship between abnormalities of maternal serum markers in Down syndrome screening in second trimester and adverse pregnancy outcome.Methods Totally,1935 pregnant women were screened for Down syndrome with maternal serum tri marker with time-resolved fluorescence assay,including alpha fetoprotein (AFP),free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and unconjugated estriol (uE3),between 15 and 20+6 gestational weeks at Peking Union Hospital from January 1,2009 to January 31,2011,and were followed up till delivery.The relationship between incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and women with normal or abnormal levels of serum markers in Down syndrome screening was investigated.T-test or Chi-square test were applied for statistical comparison.Results (1) Among the 1935 pregnant women,normal levels of serum markers were found in 1255(normal group) and 680 were abnormal(abnormal group),in which 577 with only one abnormal serum marker,89 with two and 14 with three abnormal serum markers.According to the serum marker level,the 577 women with one abnormal serum marker were further divided into five groups,including high AFP group (n=17),low AFP group (n=114),high β-hCG group (n=242),low β-hCG group (n=139) and low uE3 group (n=65).The birth weight of infants in lower AFP group and the gestational age at delivery in low β-hCG group were greater than those in normal group [(61.3±9.1) kg vs (59.5±8.3) kg,(272.6±11.8) d vs (274.4±10.1) d,t=2.21 and 1.99,both P＜0.01].(2) The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome in normal group was 42.8％(537/1255),while comparing with the abnormal group(43.7％,297/680),no statistical significance was shown (RR =1.02,P =0.71).While comparing with the normal group,the incidences of placenta previa [25.5％ (32/1255) vs 2/17,RR=4.61,P＜0.05] and abnormal placental morphology were higher in high AFP group [4.1％ (51/1255) vs 5/17,RR=7.24,P＜ 0.05],the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was higher in low AFP group [8.1％ (101/1255) vs 14.4％(16/114),RR=1.74,P＜0.05],the incidence of placenta and membrane retention was higher in high β-hCG group [3.5％ (44/1255) vs 6.2％(15/242),RR=1.77,P＜0.05],the incidence of pre-eclampsia was higher in low β-hCG group [1.7％ (21/1255) vs 6.5％ (9/ 139),RR=3.87,P＜0.05].(3) There were 89 women with two abnormal serum markers.Comparing with the normal group,the incidences of small for gestional age (SGA) infants,oligohydramnios,abruptio placenta were higher in women with low AFP but high β-hCG [SGA infants:6.9％(2/29) vs 1.8％(22/1255),RR=3.94; oligohydramnios:20.7％(6/29) vs 6.4％(80/ 1255),RR=3.24; both P＜0.05],the incidences of oligohydramnios was higher in women with both low AFP and low uE3[3/14 vs 6.4％(80/1255),RR=3.36,P＜0.05],the incidence of premature birth and GDM were higher in women with both low β-hCG and low uE3 [premature birth:2/6 vs 4.3％(54/1255),RR=7.75; GDM:3/6 vs 8.0％ (101/1255),RR=6.21; both P＜0.05].(4) There were 14 women with three abnormal serum markers.The relationship between adverse outcome and abnormal serum markers did not show any statistical significance.Conclusions The abnormality of serum markers of Down syndrome screening is closely related to adverse pregnancy outcomes,and women with abnormal serum markers should be carefully monitored during pregnancy.

Abnormal thyroid function is high risk for pregnancy.Studies from clinical observation and animal experiments have indicated that maternal sub clinical hypothyroidism during the first gestational term may lead to impairment of brain development of offspring,and early diagnosis and effective treatment may prevent the damage.Therefore,it is suggested that screening thyroid function before gestational 8 weeks in pregnant women is initiated.The changes in thyroid function during pregnancy are related to these changes in maternal thyroid physiology can lead to confusion in the diagnosis or evaluation of thyroid abnormalities.Establishment of trimester-specific reference ranges is urgently needed.Local iodine nutritional statue and testing reagent effect the measured value of thyroid function in general population,so it is recommend that all regions and hospitals should establish their own pregnancy reference ranges.

Objective To investigate the the relationship of a high risk serum screen for Down syndrome in second trimester and adverse pregnancy outcomes,and to evaluate the predictive value for adverse pregnancy outcomes.Methods The tri-marker second trimester maternal serum screening for Down syndrome (alpha-fetoprotein,free beta-hCG and unconjugated estriol)was performed on the pregnant women at Peking Union Medical Hospital from January 2009 to January 2011.The cutoff valvue was 1/270.Pregnancy outcomes were followed up.The general condition and pregnancy complications of the pregnant women with high risk (high-risk group) were compared to that of the pregnant women with low risk (low-risk group); and with 35 years old as a demarcation,the incidences of adverse pregnancy outcomes were calculated in the two groups.Results ( 1 ) A total of 1935 cases were collected.And 1784 cases were with low risk,and 151 cases were with high risk.The difference of weight and gestational age betweem the two groups was not statistically significant ( P ＞ 0.05 ) ; the difference of age between the two groups was statistically significant ( P ＜ 0.01 ).(2) Pregnancy complications were found in 791 cases.In high-risk group,the incidences of gestational diaetes mellitus (GDM,13.9％),neonatal asphyxia (4.0％ ) and small for gestational age infant ( SGA,4.6％ ) were higher than that in low-risk group ( 8.4％,1.0％,1.6％ ),the difference was statistically significant ( P ＜ 0.05 ).The incidences of gestational hypertension disease,premature labor,oligohydrammios,placenta previa,placenta abruption,fetal macrosomia in the two groups was not statistically different (P ＞0.05).(3) In 1705 cases aged less than 35 years,129 cases (7.6％) were GDM,43 cases ( 2.5％ ) were gestational hypertension disease,61 cases ( 3.9％ ) were premature labor; in 230 cases aged 35 years or more,41 cases (17.8％ ) were GDM,12 cases (5.2％) were gestational hypertension disease,15 cases (6.5％ ) were premature labor,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( P ＜ 0.05 ).In ＜ 35 years old group,the incidences of GDM,neonatal asphyxia and SGA (12.3％,4.4％,5.3％ ) were higher in the high-risk group than that (7.2％,0.9％,1.6％ ) in the low-risk group,and the difference was statistically significant ( P ＜ 0,05 ).In ≥35 years old group,the incidences of GDM,neonatal asphyxia and SGA ( 18.9％,2.7％,2.7％ ) were slightly higher in the high-risk group than that (17.6％,1.6％,1.6％ ) in the low-risk group,the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusions The present study revealed apparertt increase in the adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with a high risk of Down syndrome screening test.Advanced age is the most important risk factor for a high risk of Down syndrome screening test and adverse pregnancy outcomes.More attention should be attached to the patients whose age were ＜35 years old and with a high risk of Down syndrome screening test.

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features and pregnant outcomes of the pregnant women with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD).MethodsThe clinical features,therapies,pregnant outcomes of the pregnant women with 21-OHD were retrospectively reviewed in Peking Union Medical College Hospital,from January 2005 to April 2011.ResultsThere were 8 pregnant womenwith 21-OHD including 5siinplevirilizing patientsand 3nonclassical 21-OHD women.Eightpatientswereacceptedprogestationalandprenatalcontinuallowerglucocorticoid treatment.During the gestational period,the dosage of glucocorticoid was adjusted in one pregnancy.The serum level of 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) were elevated after pregnancy [ (70 ± 38 ) versus (24 ±23) nmol/L,P ＜ 0.05].The fertility and offspring rate of 8 patients was 8/12,the fertility and offspring rate of patients who started treatment at preadolescence was significantly increased (4/5 versus 4/7).Four patients were accepted genital reconstructive surgery ( clitorectomy,clitoroplasty,vulvoplasty) before pregnancy.The incidence of GDM was 1/8.All patients selected caesarean at from 37 +6 gestation weeks to 39+6 gestation weeks.The average newborn birth weight was (3210 ± 447 ) g,and height was (48 ±2) cm of 8 neonates,none of them was CAH.Conclusions Medical and surgical therapy provides satisfactory fertility and pregnancy outcomes for women with 21-OHD.It is safe to pregnant women with 21-OHD and their fetus in continual lower glucocorticoid treatment.The dosage of glucocorticoid should be carefully adjusted during the pregnancy individually according to serum level of 17-OHP.

ObjectiveTo investigate the high risk factors,etiology,diagnosis,treatment and precaution of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pregnancy and puerperium. MethodsData of 16 cases of VTE admitted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1992 to April 2011 were analyzed retrospectively.The differences of blood routine test and coagulation function between VTE patients (study group) and normal pregnant women (control group) were compared by paired t test in this case-control study.Results All patients were diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound or CT pulmonary artery angiography.Five cases (31.2 ％) occurred before delivery and 11 (68.8 ％) occurred during postpartum.Two cases (12.5 ％)complicated by pulmonary thromboembolism,and one of them died.Six cases (37.5％) were older than or equal to 35 years old,and 12 cases (75.0％) had gestational complications.The hematocrit in study group were lower than that in control group (0.29±0.06 vs 0.39±0.02,t=4.56,P=0.01).There was no statistical difference between the coagulation function of the two groups.After anticoagulant therapy or surgery,15 cases recovered.One pulmonary thromboembolism patients complicated with rheumatic cardiac disease remained shock after anti-coagulants was administered,then died of hemorrhage of respiratory tract after inferior vena cava filter placement. Conclusions VTE is likcly to happen in puerperium than in pregnancy.There are no good screening indicators for thromboembolism during pregnancy and puerperium.Anticoagulation is recommended to be the first line therapy.For women with high risk of thromboembolism,it is suggested to prevent actively and treat early to decrease the complications and long-term sequelea.