To investigate the γ pass rate limit of plan verification equipment for volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan verification and its sensitivity on the opening and closing errors of multi-leaf collimator (MLC), 50 cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma VMAT plan with clockwise and counterclockwise full arcs were randomly selected. Eight kinds of MLC opening and closing errors were introduced in 10 cases of them, and 80 plans with errors were generated. Firstly, the plan verification was conducted in the form of field-by-field measurement and true composite measurement. The γ analysis with the criteria of 3% dose difference, distance to agreement of 2 mm, 10% dose threshold, and absolute dose global normalized conditions were performed for these fields. Then gradient analysis was used to investigate the sensitivity of field-by-field measurement and true composite measurement on MLC opening and closing errors, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to investigate the optimal threshold of γ pass rate for identifying errors. Tolerance limits and action limits for γ pass rates were calculated using statistical process control (SPC) method for another 40 cases. The error identification ability using the tolerance limit calculated by SPC method and the universal tolerance limit (95%) were compared with using the optimal threshold of ROC. The results show that for the true composite measurement, the clockwise arc and the counterclockwise arc, the descent gradients of the γ passing rate with per millimeter MLC opening error are 10.61%, 7.62% and 6.66%, respectively, and the descent gradients with per millimeter MLC closing error are 9.75%, 7.36% and 6.37%, respectively. The optimal thresholds obtained by the ROC method are 99.35%, 97.95% and 98.25%, respectively, and the tolerance limits obtained by the SPC method are 98.98%, 97.74% and 98.62%, respectively. The tolerance limit calculated by SPC method is close to the optimal threshold of ROC, both of which could identify all errors of ±2 mm, while the universal tolerance limit can only partially identify them, indicating that the universal tolerance limit is not sensitive on some large errors. Therefore, considering the factors such as ease of use and accuracy, it is suggested to use the true composite measurement in clinical practice, and to formulate tolerance limits and action limits suitable for the actual process of the institution based on the SPC method. In conclusion, it is expected that the results of this study can provide some references for institutions to optimize the radiotherapy plan verification process, set appropriate pass rate limit, and promote the standardization of plan verification.
Humans ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; Immune Tolerance ; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma ; ROC Curve ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/radiotherapy*

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of iguratimod (IGU) or leflnomide (LEF) in combination with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods:This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, double dummy and controlled clinical trial. Patients with moderate or high active RA were randomized in a 1∶1 ratio to receive IGU+MTX (Group A) or LEF+MTX (Group B) treatment. The efficacy and safety were assessed at week 12, 24 and 52, respectively. The primary endpoint was the American Colleague of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) response rates at the 52th week. Pearson chi square test and two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to compare the improve- ment of ACR20 and DAS28 at 52 weeks. Pearson chi square test or Fisher exact probability test were used to compare the ACR 20 and ACR70 rate between the two groups after treatment. The measurement data of the two groups were compared by independent sample t-test or nonparametric test. Results:A total of 240 RA patients were enrolled in the present study. As a result, 84.1% and 81.0% of patients achieved ACR20 criteria at the 52th week in Group A and Group B, respectively ( χ2=0.35, P=0.56). And the ACR50/70 response rates, disease activity score 28 (DAS28), simplified disease activity index (SDAI) and the absolute decrease of DAS28 from baseline were not statistically different between the two groups at week 12, 24 and 52. The rates of adverse events were lower in Group A than those in Group B (60.0% vs 79.0%, P<0.01). The elevations of glutamic pyruvic transaminase/glutamic oxalacetic transaminase levels, concomitant use of hepatinica and white blood cell decrease were more common in Group B ( P<0.05). Conclusion:IGU in combination with MTX is an efficacious and safe treatment regimen, which is comparable in efficacy in control active RA but superior in safety to LEF combined with MTX.

Objective:To investigate the effect of lncRNA HOTTIP on the radiosensitivity of four non-small cell lung cancer cell lines cultured in vitro by regulating the expression of miR-663a. Methods:Four non-small cell lung cancer cell lines (H838, H157, A549, and H1299) were irradiated with different radiation intensities (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 Gy). Cell survival was detected by colony formation assay. The expression levels of HOTTIP and miR-663a were detected by qRT-PCR. A549 and H1299 cells were selected for the subsequent experiment. After silencing HOTTIP and/or over-expressing miR-663a, cell survival was detected by colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of Cleaved caspase-3, Cleaved PARP andγ-H 2AX were quantitatively measured by Western blot. The targeting relationship between HOTTIP and miR-663a was vefiried by dual luciferase reporter assay and qRT-PCR. Results:The expression of HOTTIP was up-regulated, whereas that of miR-663a was down-regulated in the radiation-resistant H157, A549 and H1299 cells. Silencing HOTTIP or over-expressing miR-663a inhibited the survival of A549 and H1299 cells (radiosensitization ratios were 1.562 and 1.507, respectively), promoted the expression of Cleaved caspase-3, Cleaved PARP and γ-H 2AX, and accelerated cell apoptosis induced by radiation exposure. miR-663a was a target gene of HOTTIP, and HOTTIP negatively regulated the expression of miR-663a. The inhibition of miR-663a reversed the effect of silencing HOTTIP on the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Conclusion:Silencing HOTTIP can suppress the survival of non-small cell lung cancer cells and promotes cell apoptosis by up-regulating the expression of miR-663a, thereby enhancing the radiosensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines.

Objective: To compare the effects of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS) of intercostal surgery and by subxiphoid surgical treatment for early thymoma, to investigate the feasibility and clinical application value of VATS subxiphoid surgical treatment for thymoma. Methods: From January 2014 to January 2017, 30 thymoma patients who met the diagnostic criteria of the Masaoka stageⅠ~Ⅱ in the People's Hospital of Jingshan County were selected, and were divided into two groups according to the different surgical methods.The observation group (12 patients) received VATS underwent subxiphoid surgery, 18 patients in the control group were treated with VATS intercostal surgery.The operation time, blood loss, drainage time, length of stay, degree of pain, antibacterial time, incidence rate of complication and patients' satisfaction were compared between the two groups. Results: The preoperative general data between the two groups had no statistically significant differences(all P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative drainage time, antibacterial time, postoperative hospitalization time in the observation group were (102.2±26.6)min, (105.9±29.4)mL, (3.8±1.4)d, (6.8±0.3)d, (8.5±1.6)d, respectively, which in the control group were (124.6±35.1)min, (255.6±82.8)mL, (5.2±1.2)d, (9.3±0.8)d, (14.4±1.8)d, respectively, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups(t=1.516, 2.517, 2.857, 4.462, 3.327, all P<0.05). The incidence rate of complications (8.33% vs.16.67%), satisfaction(82% vs.59%) between the two groups had statistically significant differences(χ²=4.013, 4.427, all P<0.05). During the follow-up period, there was no recurrence or metastasis in the two groups. Conclusion Compared with VATS intercostal surgery, VATS subxiphoid approach for surgical treatment of thymoma can reduce surgical trauma and reduce the incidence of complications, reduce the pain of patients, shorten the hospitalization time, its curative effect is more significant.

Objective To evaluate the safety and drug adherence of tocilizumab(TCZ)in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis(RA)in routine clinical practice. Methods This 24 week single center observational study recruited patients with moderate to severe RA. Therapy adherence rate was calculated by actual dosing/expected dosing×100%. Efficacy end points included physician global assessment of disease activity(PGA),patient global assessment of disease activity(PtGA),28-joint disease activity score(DAS28)and so on. Safety was evaluated by recorded adverse events (AEs). Results Sixty patients were enrolled with a mean (SD) treatment adherence of (67±27)%. PGA, PtGA, pain assessment (VAS), TJC and SJC all decreased during this study. At the 12th week, 25%(6/24) and 29%(7/24) of the patients achieved DAS28 remission and EULAR good response,respectively.Eighteen AEs were recorded,of which only 2 were severe AEs(SAEs)and neither was related to TCZ. Conclusion TCZ is a highly safe treatment for decreasing disease activity in patients with moderate to severe RA in China.However,drug adherence still need to be improved.

Primary Sj?gren′s syndrome ( pSS) is a kind of chronic autoimmune disease affecting many organs of the body. The pathogenesis of pSS is still debated. Epstein-Barr virus(EBV), also called human herpesvirus-4, belongs to the herpesviridae family. Researchers have found that EBV is associated with pSS. With the deepening of researches, more evidences and opinions about the participation of EBV in the pathogenesis of pSS have emerged. EBV can cause the development of pSS in multiple ways. In this re-view, we summarize the roles of EBV in the pathogenesis of pSS.

Objective To investigate the clinical features and mechanism and feasibility of plasma exchange (PE) in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated with acute pancreatitis (AP). Methods A retrospective analysis of SLE associated with AP was done based on the HIS in Tongji Hospital. Totally 24 SLEAP patients were admitted to Tongji hospital from March 2006 to May 2014. Patientsˊ serum amylase, lipase and interleukin (IL)-6 concentration were measured before and after plasma exchange. According to different therapy strategy, patients were divided into two groups. Fifteen patients treated with plasma exchange combination with glucocorticosteroid (GC) were classified as Group A, the other 9 patients who were treated with GC only were classified as group B. At baseline and after treatment, the serum lipid concentration, average daily glucocorticosteroid dosage between group A and B were compared with ANOVA and serum IL-6 concentration between roup A and B were compared with Wilcoxon rank test. Results SLEDAI score in group A patients at baseline (16 ±5) was no statistically different from that in group B (18 ±4) (t=1.31, P=0.320). Average daily GC dosage in group A 31.0 (20.50, 30.08)mg/d was significantly less than that in group B 47.85 (45.58, 59.23) mg/d (Z=35.50, P= 0.002). Serum IL-6 levels in group A and B at baseline was not significantly different 13.14 (11.12,16.57) mg/L vs 14.63 (11.37, 16.37) mg/L (Z=12.20, P=0.300), after 2 weeks treatment, IL-6 level, which was 9.16 (7.93, 10.75) mg/L, decreased significantly in group A while it didnˊt show tendency of decrease in group B, which was 13.62(9.29, 17.63) mg/L (Z=28.50, P=0.039). Serum lipid concentration after 2 weeks therapy in Group A [TC=(5.02 ±0.53) mmol/L, TG=(1.46 ±0.44) mmol/L] decreased significantly compared to baseline [TC=(6.11±0.50) mmol/L, TG=(2.14±0.65) mmol/L] (F=4.46, P=0.010; F=6.09, P=0.002), while similar tendency wasnˊt observed in group B (F=1.57, P>0.05). Conclusion PE combined with GC could lower serum IL-6 levels, reduce the amount of GC and lower serum lipid to improve prognosis. Therefore it might be a safe and effective way and is worthy of continuing to explore its feasibility.

Objective To study the perioperative nursing care of minimally invasive operation in the neurosurgical treatment of laterial flexure spasmodic torticollis (LaFST).Methods Minimally invasive operation was used to treat LaFST.The relationship of inducing factors and emotional factors with clinical manifestation of LaFST was investigated.To give perioperative psychological nursing,operation nursing and rehabilitation training and instruction.Results 72 cases were recovered (81.8％) among 88 cases.12 cases(13.6％) were markedly effective.4 cases(4.6％) showed progress.Conclusions The minimally invasive surgical treatrnent of selective resection of cervical spasmodic muscles and selective neurotomy of cervical nerve for LaFST is safe and effective.Strengthening of perioperative nursing and postoperative rehabilitation instruction is very important for patients' early recovery.

ObjectiveTo study the effect and safety of flurbiprofen cataplasm on osteoarthritis pain in Chinese patients.MethodsOne hundred and eighty-three patients were divided into flurbiprofen cataplasm group,indometacin cataplasm group and Qizheng-xiaotong plaster group randomly.The score of pain,stiffness and physical function were analyzed with WOMAC scale and adverse reactions were also assessed.KruskalWallis H test,Nemenyi test and CMH tese were used.ResultsAfter treatment,the VAS value of the three groups decreased significantly and the VAS difference value of the flurbiprofen cataplasm group changed the most significantly(the changes of VAS value in flat walking,up and down stairs,nighttime,rest and weightbearing were 31±21,35±20,24±19,20±18 and 37±20 respectively).Meanwhile,the value of stiffness and physical function decreased significantly.In terms of safety,flurbiprofen cataplasm group and the indome-tacin cataplasm group were better than Qizheng-xiaotong plaster group.But in sense of constriction,the flurbiprofen cataplasm group was better than the indometacin eataplasm group.ConclusionFlurbiprofen Cataplasm,with its favorable analgesic effect,is suitable for general clinical use.It can reduce stiffness,improvephysical function,and has good safety profile.

ObjectiveTo examine the clinical features of fractures and related risk factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA) in China.MethodsSix hundred and eighty-one RA patients were randomly selected from department of rheumatology of 18 hospitals of China.Data were obtained from the questionnaire,including age,sex,disease duration,the involvement of joints,treatment regimen,features of fractures etc.The possible risk factors of fracture in patients with RA were analyzed with a multi-variate Logistic regression analysis.Results① In 681 RA patients of the survey,48 patients had 54 fractures,and the incidence of fractures was about 8％.② Fractures occurred at various sites.Foot/ankle,femur,spine and wrist were the mostfrequent sites.③ The Logistic regression analysis showed that several factors increased the risk of fracture in RA patients,including long disease duration (OR:1.245,95％CI:0.987-1.570,P=0.065),male gender(OR:0.433,95％CI:0.199-0.942,P=0.035),more deformed joints(OR:1.042,95％CI:1.006-1.079,P=0.023),family history of RA (OR:2.201,95％CI:0.984-4.923,P=0.055),and high scores of SF-36(OR:1.017,95％CI:1.002-1.033,P=0.028).④ According to the degree of correlation from strong to weak,the risk factors of fracture were disease duration,SF-36,sex,number of deformed joints and family history of rheumatoid arthritis.ConclusionThe incidence of fracture is high in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.Several factors could increase the risk of fractures in RA patients,including long disease duration,male gender,more deformed joints,and family history of RA.In order to prevent the occurrence of fractures,cautions should be taken to prevent the development of fractures and treat the disease aggressively to suppress the disease activity of RA.