Intensity-modulated radiotherapy planning for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is very complex. The quality of plan is often closely linked to the experience of the treatment planner. In this study, 10 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients at different stages were enrolled. Based on the scripting of Pinnacle3 9.2 treatment planning system, the computer program was used to set the basic parameters and objective parameters of the plans. At last, the nasopharyngeal carcinoma intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans were completed automatically. Then, the automatical and manual intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans were statistically compared and clinically evaluated. The results showed that there were no significant differences between those two kinds of plans with respect to the dosimetry parameters of most targets and organs at risk. The automatical nasopharyngeal carcinoma intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans can meet the requirements of clinical radiotherapy, significantly reduce planning time, and avoid the influence of human factors such as lack of experience to the quality of plan.
The temperature during the brain tumor therapy using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) should be controlled strictly. This research aimed at realizing uniform temperature distribution in the focal region by adjusting driving signals of phased array transducer. The three-dimensional simulation model imitating craniotomy HIFU brain tumor treatment was established based on an 82-element transducer and the computed tomography (CT) data of a volunteer's head was used to calculate and modulate the temperature distributions using the finite difference in time domain (FDTD) method. Two signals which focus at two preset targets with a certain distance were superimposed to emit each transducer element. Then the temperature distribution was modulated by changing the triggering time delay and amplitudes of the two signals. The results showed that when the distance between the two targets was within a certain range, a focal region with uniform temperature distribution could be created. And also the volume of focal region formed by one irradiation could be adjusted. The simulation results would provide theoretical method and reference for HIFU applying in clinical brain tumor treatment safely and effectively.
Conventional maximum intensity projection (MIP) images tend to ignore some morphological features in the detection of intracranial aneurysms, resulting in missed detection and misdetection. To solve this problem, a new method for intracranial aneurysm detection based on omni-directional MIP image is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) images were projected with the maximum density in all directions to obtain the MIP images. Then, the region of intracranial aneurysm was prepositioned by matching filter. Finally, the Squeeze and Excitation (SE) module was used to improve the CaraNet model. Excitation and the improved model were used to detect the predetermined location in the omni-directional MIP image to determine whether there was intracranial aneurysm. In this paper, 245 cases of images were collected to test the proposed method. The results showed that the accuracy and specificity of the proposed method could reach 93.75% and 93.86%, respectively, significantly improved the detection performance of intracranial aneurysms in MIP images.
Objectives To systematically analyze the effect of high-intensity and low-intensity resistance training on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods PubMed, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Web of science, Wanfang, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and Chongqing VIP were searched to collect randomized controlled trials of resistance training intervention in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes. The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to August 28, 2021, and the RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software were used for meta-analysis. Results A total of 415 patients in 8 articles were included in this study. A subgroup analysis based on control measures showed that compared with the resistance training group, the HbA1c level effect value of the non- training group was weighted mean difference (WMD) = −0.54% [95% confidence interval (CI) (−1.06%, −0.03%), P=0.04)], the HbA1c level effect value of the flexibility training group was WMD=−0.47% [95%CI (−1.05%, 0.12%), P=0.12], the HbA1c level effect value of the aerobic training group was WMD=−0.10% [95%CI (−0.71%, 0.51%), P=0.75]. Subgroup analysis of resistance strength showed that compared with the flexibility or non-resistance training group, both high-intensity [WMD=−0.99%, 95%CI (−1.16%, −0.81%), P<0.00001] and low- and medium-intensity resistance training [WMD=−0.29%, 95%CI (−0.58%, −0.01%), P=0.05] can reduce HbA1c. Compared with the high-intensity resistance training, the HbA1c level effect value of the low- and medium-intensity resistance training was WMD=0.03% [95%CI (−0.33%, 0.39%), P=0.88]. Compared with the low- and medium-intensity resistance training, the HbA1c level effect value of the low- and medium-intensity aerobic training was WMD=−0.10% [95%CI (−0.71%, 0.51%), P=0.75]. Among all the included studies, only the high-intensity resistance training group reported multiple adverse events.ConclusionsCurrent evidence suggests that elderly patients with type 2 diabetes are more suitable to choose low-to-medium-intensity resistance training to control HbA1c. It is recommended that elderly patients with type 2 diabetes take 60% to 75% of the maximum muscle strength of medium-intensity resistance training.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of alcohol consumption status and labor intensity on the tolerance of patients undergoing bronchoscopy under mild to moderate sedation anesthesia. MethodsAdult patients scheduled for bronchoscopy under local anesthesia or mild to moderate sedation were included, and their clinical characteristics and bronchoscopy tolerance were recorded. The study compared changes in vital signs, severity of coughing, and procedure failure rates during bronchoscopy among patients with different drinking statuses (non-drinkers, former drinkers, and current drinkers) and different labor intensities (light, moderate, and heavy labor intensity) to assess the impact of drinking status and labor intensity on bronchoscopy tolerance.ResultsA total of 142 subjects were included in the study, with 50 patients receiving local anesthesia and 92 patients receiving mild to moderate sedation. Current drinkers had a higher procedure failure rate (2.9% vs. 1.9% vs. 25.0%, P<0.01, for non-drinkers, former drinkers, and current drinkers, respectively) and more significant intraoperative blood pressure drops (systolic pressure change, −3.5±9.1 vs. −0.2±8.1 vs. −9.3±17.9 mm Hg, P<0.01; diastolic pressure change, −0.5±5.6 vs. 2.9±7.9 vs. −3.2±12.4, P<0.05). Patients with moderate to heavy labor intensity also had higher procedure failure rates and more pronounced intraoperative blood pressure drops (procedure failure rate, 1.1% vs. 13.2% vs. 22.2%, P<0.01, for light, moderate, and heavy labor intensity, respectively; intraoperative systolic pressure change, −1.8±8.5 vs. 2.8±8.5 vs. −17.2±24.7 mm Hg, P<0.001; intraoperative diastolic pressure change, 1.3±6.4 vs. 0.2±6.7 vs. −8.1±17.2 mm Hg, P<0.01). The impact of drinking status and labor intensity on procedure tolerance was only observed in patients receiving mild to moderate sedation. After controlling for relevant confounding factors, current drinking and moderate to heavy labor intensity were identified as independent risk factors for procedure failure (current drinkers compared to non-drinkers or former drinkers, OR 47.2, 95%CI: 3.1-232.2, P<0.05; moderate to heavy labor intensity compared to low labor intensity, OR 25.7, 95%CI: 2.8-67.7, P<0.05).ConclusionsCurrent drinkers engaged in moderate to heavy labor intensity are less likely to tolerate bronchoscopy under mild to moderate sedation. It is essential to pay attention to the selection and evaluation of anesthesia methods, procedure types, and intraoperative monitoring for this population.
ObjectiveTo explore optimal current intensity for neural monitoring of vagus nerve and recurrent laryngeal nerve during the thyroid and parathyroid surgery, so that we can judge function, location, identify, and protect the nerve more effectively and more quickly. MethodA total of 100 patients who underwent thyroid or parathyroid operations by the same surgeon in West China Hospital, meanwhile accepted intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM), and 186 nerves at risk were enrolled in this study. According to the standardized process of nerve monitoring, we stimulated the vagus nerve with the current strength of 1-5 mA, and respectively stimulated laryngeal recurrent nerve with 1-3 mA indirectly and directly, and recorded the amplitude of electromyographic signal, and changes of heart rate and blood pressure during the process. The purpose was seeking the optimum current strength for each stage of IONM. ResultsIn 186 vagus nerves being tested, when monitoring the vagus nerve outside the carotid sheath, 109 vagus nerves (58.6%) sent out signals and got stable electromyography and warning tone with 1 mA, 164 (88.2%) vagus nerves had signals with 2 mA, 177 (95.2%) vagus nerves had signals with 3 mA, 182 (97.8%) vagus nerves had signals with 5 mA. Before and after the vagus nerve stimulation, heart rate and blood pressure of patients had no significant change. When directly monitoring the vagus nerve with 1 mA, V1 signals had no response in 2 vagus nerves (1.1%), V2 signals had no response in 9 vagus nerves (4.8%). But if the current intensity of stimulation was 2 mA or 3 mA, all patients got stable electromyographic signals. When searching for the laryngeal recurrent nerve, 92 (49.5%) got signals with 1 mA, 171 (91.9%) got signals with 2 mA, 184 (98.9%) got signals with 3 mA. When identifying laryngeal recurrent nerve and others, if the intensity of current was more than 2 mA, the current might conduct around and produce illusion. However, if the intensity of stimulation current was 1 mA, there's no electromyographic signal when we put the probe onto the tissue close to the laryngeal recurrent nerve. During identification of branches of laryngeal recurrent nerve with current strength of 1 mA, each electromyographic signal could be obtained. The chief branch into the throat produced the highest amplitude. The esophagus and trachea branch emg amplitude value was similar, equalling to 1/3-1/4 of the amplitude value in chief branch. ConclusionsWe suggest using current intensity of 5 mA on the surface of the carotid sheath to monitor the vagus nerve indirectly and obtain V1 signal, as an alternative to opening the carotid sheath. If fail, dissecting the carotid sheath, and using current intensity of 3 mA to monitor the vagus nerve directly; 3 mA is the optimal current intensity to search for the laryngeal recurrent nerve, and 1 mA is the optimal current intensity to identify the laryngeal recurrent nerve and its branches of esophagus and trachea, blood vessels, and so on.
ObjectiveTo explore the application value of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.MethodThe domestic and foreign literatures about studies of HIFU treating advanced pancreatic cancer in recent years were retrieved and summarized.ResultsHIFU could prolong the survival time, control pain, and enhance the body’s immune function in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. There were no obvious serious complications during the treatment process. The combined treatment with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine could obviously prolong the survival time and improve the quality of life for the patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.ConclusionsHIFU is an important component in the comprehensive treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer. However, because there is no uniform standard for the dosage of HIFU treatment, the sample size of many related studies is small, so the research results have certain limitations, so more studies are needed to improve their understanding of advanced pancreatic cancer in order to better serve clinical workin future.
Objective To explore the difference of intervention effect between high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCO were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) till May 2022. Two reviewers independently reviewed the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included RCTs. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software was used for meta-analysis. Result A total of 5 RCTs were included, including 216 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that: except fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index and body fat percentage (P>0.005), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [mean difference (MD)=−7.487 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval (CI) (−12.543, −2.431) mg/dL, P=0.004], total cholesterol [MD=−11.487 mg/dL, 95%CI (−16.523, −6.452) mg/dL, P<0.001], triglycerides [MD=−26.296 mg/dL, 95%CI (−50.557, −2.035) mg/dL, P=0.034] and diastolic blood pressure [MD=−2.770 mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa), 95%CI (−5.131, −0.409) mm Hg, P=0.021] of HIIT were better than MICT. Conclusion In terms of blood glucose indicators and morphological indicators, the effect of HIIT group and MICT group was similar, but the effect of HIIT on blood lipid indicators and blood pressure indicators of patients with MetS was better than MICT.
bjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and limits of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in tumor treatment. MethodsThe references about the application of HIFU in tumor treatment in recent years were reviewed.ResultsHIFU caused localized hyperthermia at predictable depth in a few seconds to make the tumor tissue coagulative necrosis without injuring surrounding tissue. HIFU treatment had the advantages of low morbidity, noninvasiveness, avoidance of systemic side effects, and repeatitiveness. However, the utilization of HIFU sometimes could be limited by some factors such as imaging technique, organ movement, incomplete tissue destruction, etc.ConclusionHIFU is a promising noninvasive therapy for tumor treatment, though there are lots of problems to be further studied.
Objective To explore the correlations of serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and their ratios, with the severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Methods This prospective study included patients with CSVD who were treated at Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University between January 2022 and February 2024. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of WMH were performed using the Fazekas scale and lesion prediction algorithm. Biomarkers such as MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 were measured to explore their correlations with the severity of WMH. Results A total of 144 patients with CSVD were included in this study, comprising 63 males and 81 females, with an average age of (67.60±8.73) years. There were 83 (57.6%), 41 (28.5%), and 20 (13.9%) patients were categorized as Fazekas grade 1, 2, and 3 for WMH, respectively, with an median total WMH volume of 4.31 mL. Multinomial logistic regression analysis for Fazekas grade (grade 1 as the reference level) showed that MMP-2 [grade 2: odds ratio (OR)=1.059, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.016, 1.105); grade 3: OR=1.463, 95%CI (1.124, 1.905)], TIMP-1 [grade 2: OR=1.019, 95%CI (1.006, 1.032); grade 3: OR=1.048, 95%CI (1.008, 1.090)], and MMP-9/TIMP-1 [grade 3: OR=2.650, 95%CI (1.393, 5.039)] were independently associated with Fazekas grade (P<0.05). Multinomial logistic regression analysis for the quartile group of total WMH volume (group Q1 as the reference level) showed that MMP-2 [group Q2: OR=1.160, 95%CI (1.021, 1.318); group Q3: OR=1.238, 95%CI (1.086, 1.412); group Q4: OR=1.313, 95%CI (1.140, 1.512)] and TIMP-1 [group Q2: OR=1.095, 95%CI (1.054, 1.138); group Q3: OR=1.084, 95%CI (1.045, 1.125); group Q4: OR=1.102, 95%CI (1.057, 1.149)] were independently associated with the quartile group of total WMH volume (P<0.05). Conclusions Serum levels of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 demonstrate significant independent associations with both the Fazekas grade and the total volume of WMH in patients with CSVD. These correlations underscore the potential utility of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 as critical biomarkers for assessing the severity of WMH in CSVD, highlighting their prospective roles in clinical diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.