OBJECTIVE To investigate the prognostic value of pre-treatment serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)levels in patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)treated with salvage intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)and to determine its association with rT staging.METHODS The records of 97 patients with locally relapsed and non-metastatic NPC who received salvage IMRT treatment in our center from January 2018 to April 2022 were collected,including 51 patients who died,18 patients with distant metastases,30 patients with local failure,and 67 patients with prognostic adverse events(death,distant tumors/local metastases).Clinical data,local failure-free survival(LFFS),distant metastasis-free survival(DMFS)and overall survival(OS)were obtained from all patients,and the relationship between LDH and the prognosis of salvage IMRT therapy in NPC patients was analyzed.RESULTS The serum LDH level before salvage IMRT was significantly higher in the death[221.25(178.24,339.13)U/L vs.124.82(79.0,159.50)U/L,Z=-5.122],local failure[230.75(170.89,394.50)U/L vs.157.85(91.78,216.95)U/L,Z=-3.442],distant metastasis[261.62(153.55,465.50)U/L vs.168.98(101.75,237.75)U/L,Z=-2.478]and poor prognosis group[220.05(167.20,506.16)U/L vs.93.45(69.95,154.35)U/L,Z=-6.018],and all P<0.05.Serum LDH levels were divided into dichotomous variables according to median values(≥177.50 U/L vs.<177.50 U/L),the Cox univariate model found that the hazard ratios of LDH affecting LFFS,DMFS,OS and toxic-related death(TRD)were 3.759(1.660-8.558),4.217(1.383-12.861),3.226(1.715-6.069),3.363(1.750-6.463),P<0.05.LDH remained an independent prognostic factor for LFFS,DMFS,OS,and TRD in multivariate regression analysis(P<0.05).Compared with patients with LDH<177.50 U/L,more patients in the LDH≥177.50 U/L group had local progression-related death,and the no LFFS stage,no DMFS stage and OS were shorter in the LDH≥177.50 U/L group(log rank=11.624,7.559,14.758),P<0.05.In predicting overall survival,adding LDH to the rT stage is preferable to the rT stage alone.CONCLUSION LDH is an important factor in predicting LFFS,DMFS,OS,and TRD after saving IMRT in patients with locally relapsed,non-metastatic NPC,and the value of LDH combined with rT staging in predicting overall survival is high.

OBJECTIVE To develop a magnetic resonance(MRI) imaging radiomics and clinical factor model to predict recurrence and metastasis in patients with primary stage Ⅱ-Ⅳa nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) and to validate its predictive effect on adjuvant chemotherapy(AC) outcomes. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 135 patients with stage Ⅱ to Ⅳa NPC diagnosed in Longgang Otolaryngology Hospital of Shenzhen City from February 2018 to October 2021. After receiving standard synchronous radiotherapy and chemotherapy at our hospital,some patients received induction chemotherapy and/or AC based on cisplatin/nedaplatin. The imaging features of enhanced MRI sequences were extracted using PyRadiomics platform. Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO) algorithm to filter features associated with recurrence or metastasis,a clinical radiomics model(CRM) was constructed by Cox multivariate analysis in a training cohort and validated in a validation cohort. All patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the model's median Rad score. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare 3-year recurrence or metastasis free survival(RMFS) in patients with AC in high-risk group and low risk-group. RESULTS A total of 960 imaging features were extracted. The CRM consists of 9 features(6 imaging features and 3 clinical factors). In the training cohort,the area under the CRM curve(AUC) of 3-year RMFS was 0.867(P<0.001),and the sensitivity and specificity were 90.32％ and 79.66％,respectively. In the validation cohort,the AUC was 0.836(P<0.001) and the sensitivity and specificity were 100.0％ and 71.43％,respectively. The 3-year RMFS in high-risk and low-risk groups was 42.86％(27/63) and 94.44％(68/72)(log rank=50.818,P<0.001),respectively. Among CRM high-risk patients,3-year RMFS was significantly better in patients who received AC than those who did not(log rank=6.204,P=0.013). CONCLUSION CRM based on 3 clinical factors and 6 MRI features provides a non-invasive method for predicting the prognosis of NPC,which may help guide treatment decisions for clinical adjuvant chemotherapy,but further external verification is needed.

Objective:To establish a polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method to accurately discriminate the crude materials and aqueous extract of Zaocys dhumnades,Elaphe carinata,Elaphe meollendorff and Ptyas korros.Methods:Specific primers were designed using mitochondrial Cytb gene(CO1)as a target gene,and annealing temperature,number of cycles and the type of DNA polymerases were optimized.The mixed samples were detected by this method.Results:By this multiplex allele-specific PCR identification method,135,182,246 and 197 bp of specific fragments were amplified from DNA templates of Zaocys dhumnades,Elaphe carinata,Elaphe meollendorffi and Ptyas korros,respectively,following the conditions:cycle number of 35,annealing temperature of 62 ℃.The adulterants and the blank control showed no bands.The method could simultaneously and accurately identify the snake-derived components in the mixed samples.Conclusion:The method can be used to identify the samples of Zaocys dhumnades,Elaphe carinata,Elaphe meollendorffi and Ptyas korros simultaneously,accurately and rapidly,and is suitable for the identification of standard decoctiond and formula granules samples.

Glioblastoma (GBM) therapy is severely impaired by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and invasive tumor growth in the central nervous system. To improve GBM therapy, we herein presented a dual-targeting nanotheranostic for second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging-guided photo-immunotherapy. Firstly, a NIR-Ⅱ fluorophore MRP bearing donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) backbone was synthesized. Then, the prodrug nanotheranostics were prepared by self-assembling MRP with a prodrug of JQ1 (JPC) and T7 ligand-modified PEG_5k-DSPE. T7 can cross the BBB for tumor-targeted delivery of JPC and MRP. JQ1 could be restored from JPC at the tumor site for suppressing interferon gamma-inducible programmed death ligand 1 expression in the tumor cells. MRP could generate NIR-II fluorescence to navigate 808 nm laser, induce a photothermal effect to trigger in-situ antigen release at the tumor site, and ultimately elicit antitumor immunogenicity. Photo-immunotherapy with JPC and MRP dual-loaded nanoparticles remarkably inhibited GBM tumor growth in vivo. The dual-targeting nanotheranostic might represent a novel nanoplatform for precise photo-immunotherapy of GBM.

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a multi-dimensional peripheral quick contrast sensitivity function (pqCSF) measurement established based on Bayesian probability estimation algorithm.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted.Nineteen eyes of 12 healthy emmetropic subjects in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University from September 2017 to March 2018 were included, with an average age of (22.92±2.91) years.The average spherical power and cylindrical power were (-0.34±0.52)D and (-0.30±0.42)D, respectively, and the average uncorrected vision acuity was≥1.0.Based on the Bayesian probability algorithm, the peak contrast sensitivity γ max, the peak spatial frequency ? max, the bandwidth β and the low contrast intercept δ were used to quickly describe the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) curve of the full spatial frequency through multi-dimensional pqCSF method.The 16 peripheral visual field positions of all subjects were tested at 6°, 12°, 18° and 24° eccentricity of the superior, inferior, the temporal and nasal visual field by the pqCSF method, but the 18° eccentricity of temporal field, which was near the physiological blind spot, was excluded.The area under Log CSF (AULCSF) of different peripheral visual fields and the Log CSF of 19 spatial frequencies (distributed at equal intervals in logarithmic units) were compared.This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki, and the study protocol was approved by an Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University (No.2018KYPJ017). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to any examination. Results:With the increase of eccentricity in different visual fields, the AULCSF decreased gradually, and there were significant differences in AULCSF between different eccentricities (all at P<0.05). The AULCSF of the nasal and temporal visual field at 6°, 12° and 24° eccentricity was significantly larger than that of the superior and inferior visual field (all at P<0.05). As the distance from the fovea was increased, the pqCSF, the AULCSF, and the high-frequency cutoff were all decreased, and the standard deviation of AULCSF was increased gradually. Conclusions:The pqCSF method can depict a relatively complete peripheral CSF curve of a wide peripheral visual field, and reflect the function quality of the peripheral vision comprehensively and accurately.

MicroRNA-132 (miR-132), a small RNA that regulates gene expression, is known to promote neurogenesis in the embryonic nervous system and adult brain. Although exposure to psychoactive substances can increase miR-132 expression in cultured neural stem cells (NSCs) and the adult brain of rodents, little is known about its role in opioid addiction. So, we set out to determine the effect of miR-132 on differentiation of the NSCs and whether this effect is involved in opioid addiction using the rat morphine self-administration (MSA) model. We found that miR-132 overexpression enhanced the differentiation of NSCs in vivo and in vitro. Similarly, specific overexpression of miR-132 in NSCs of the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) during the acquisition stage of MSA potentiated morphine-seeking behavior. These findings indicate that miR-132 is involved in opioid addiction, probably by promoting the differentiation of NSCs in the adult DG.
Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Dentate Gyrus ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Male ; MicroRNAs ; metabolism ; Neural Stem Cells ; metabolism ; Opioid-Related Disorders ; metabolism ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To investigate the effect of enteral nutrition support via naso-jejunal tube in esopha-geal carcinoma patients treated with radiotheraphy.Methods 36 esophageal carcinoma patients were randomly assigned into enteral nutrition(EN)group,while 38 patients assigned to control group.All patients underwent defini-tion IMRT combined with weekly concurrent chemotherapy of paclitaxel-nedaplatin.The naso -jejunal tubes were bedside inserted by hand in EN group.Enteral nutrition support began the day after the tube insertion.The control group took food orally.Nutrition was assessed through body weight,BMI,lymphocyte,albumin,pre -albumin and hemoglobin.Treatment induced complications were recorded.Results The degree of nutritional reduction was lower in EN group and significantly different with the control group.The EN group underwent (4.5 ±1 .1 )cycles concurrent chemotherapy,the control group underwent (3.1 ±2.3)cycles concurrent chemotherapy(t=6.21,P=0.027).The hematotoxicity induced by chemoradiotherapy(CRT)was statistically severe in the control group(χ2 =24.64,P<0.01),while radiation esophagitis was similar between the two groups.Conclusion EN support via naso -jejunal tube in esophageal carcinoma patients treated with radiotheraphy may improve the nutritional status,alleviate CRT induced hematotoxicity,increase tolerance of CRT.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and the prognostic factors in pediatric hepatoblastoma according to the standard diagnostic and therapeutic regimen. Method: Eighty-four consecutive patients were enrolled in this study between June 2000 and June 2015. Diagnosis and staging was decided by the multi-disciplinary team including oncologists, surgeons, pathologists and sub-specialized radiologists refering to protocol of Children′s Oncology Group(COG) and International Society of Pediatric Oncology Liver Tumor Study Group (SIOPEL) in a case observational study. Univariate analysis was tested by the log-rank and multivariate analysis by COX regression. All consecutive cases were divided into low risk group and high risk group according to grouping criteria. Complete remission was defined as both imaging negative and α fetoprotein (AFP) normalization. Retrospective analysis was performed in clinical features, long-term outcomes and prognostic factors. Result: Ten patients were excluded because of giving up after less than or equal to three cycles of treatment. A total of 74 cases were included in this study; 45 males and 29 females. The median age at diagnosis was 1.7 years(range 0.2-14.8 years). Untill August 30, 2016, the median follow-up time was 24.2 months (range 4.1-135.3 months); 59 cases achieved complete remission.The estimated five years overall survival (OS) and event free survival(EFS) were 90%(68/74)and 72%(58/74). AFP could be normalized after 5 circles of treatment or 2 circles of postoperation.In univariate analysis , the five years OS and EFS in low risk group were both 100%(18/18), and those in high risk group were 88%(50/56)and 68%(40/56), respectively. The five years OS rates were 75%(15/19) and 95%(53/55) in patients with or without distant metastasis (P=0.016). After 3 cycles of chemotherapy post tumor resection, we divided these patients into 2 groups according to AFP recover or not, the five years OS were 100%(43/43)and 81%(22/26), respectively (P=0.011). Conclusion The result of this protocol is reasonable when comparing with other worldwide research. Except for staging, metastasis, pathological subtypes, postoperative AFP recover or not is a prognostic factor after 3 cycles of chemotherapy.

Objective To apply the virtual reality in balance function training for Parkinson's Disease (PD). Methods From October, 2013 to January, 2016, 31 patients with balance disorders after PD were divided into two groups:the treatment group (n=17) received virtual reality balancing games training, while the control group (n=14) received routine balance training. They were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), static fall index (SFI), limits of stability (LOS), dynamic fall index (DFI) and modified Barth-el Index (MBI) before and four weeks after treatment. The frequency of falls in the next six weeks was recorded. Results The scores of BBS, TUGT, SFI, LOS, DFI and MBI improved significantly in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and improved more in scores of BBS (t=2.095), TUGT (t=-2.091), DFI (t=-2.182), LOS scores (t=2.202) and MBI (t=3.036) in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). There was positive correlation between scores of BBS and MBI (r=0.899, P<0.001). The frequency of falls was less in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Virtual reality balance training can improve the balance function for PD.

Objective:To compare the dosimetric differences between volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy with RapidArc and fixed-field intensity modulation radiation therapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and identify the techniques from which patients of different T stages can gain the maximum benefit. Methods:Sixty non-metastatic patients with NPC were randomly selected. According to the T staging of 2008 Chinese Classification, T1-T2 stage cases were observed in 20 of the 60 patients, whereas T3 and T4 stage cases were seen with 20 patients each. RapidArc and IMRT treatment plans were managed by the Eclipse treatment planning sys-tem of Varian Co., US. The dosimetry of the target volume coverage, organs at risk (OARs), monitor unit (MU) per second, and deliv-ery time were evaluated. Results:Both techniques reached the requirement of clinical treatment. The coverages of planning target vol-ume, conformity index, and homogeneity index were similar. However, the stratified analysis of T staging indicated that RapidArc plans led to an increased dose to the tumor target (P<0.05) and an improved homogeneity index (P=0.059) in the T4 stage cases. RapidArc al-lowed a statistical dose reduction to the OARs, including optic nerves, lens, temporal lobe, V20 of the parotids, larynx, and temporo-mandibular joint (P<0.05). In the T-stage stratified analysis, the D1%and Dmax of brain stem in T1-T3 stages were similar but statistical-ly low in T4 stage in the RapidArc group (P<0.05). Compared with those in IMRT group, the MUs and the delivery time in RapidArc group were reduced by 65%and 63%, respectively. Conclusion:Both RapidArc and IMRT attained the clinical requirement for NPC. RapidArc technique showed improvements in the OARs and reduction in MUs and delivery time. The target volume coverages were similar for T1-T3 stage. However, RapidArc delivered an increased dose to the tumor target in T4 stage cases, and the dose to OARs was reduced.