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This study aimed to investigate the effect of diatrizoate vaginal stump markers on the dose distribution of postoperative radiotherapy for cervical cancer. From July 2022 to July 2023, 12 patients who underwent radical postoperative radiotherapy for cervical cancer at Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-Care Hospital, Gansu Provincial Central Hospital, and who had cotton balls with meglumine diatrizoate placed to mark the vaginal stump before positioning were enlisted. Volume modulated arc therapy was designed as Plan A and was used in the actual treatment plan. The relative electron density value of the vaginal stump area marked by meglumine diatrizoate was replaced by the relative electron density value of the normal vaginal wall, and Plan B was recalculated, keeping the planning optimization parameters unchanged. The evaluation indicators and dose distributions were compared between the two group. The results showed that the Homogeneity index（HI）was slightly worse in the Plan B group than the Plan A group (1.048 vs. 1.047) but the Conformance index (CI) (0.870 vs. 0.868) was better in the Plan B group. The average dose to the planned target volum (46.48 vs. 46.47) and the dose to the vaginal stump (47.14 vs. 46.45) were higher for Plan B than Plan A, and the minimum dose to the rectum (6.42 vs. 6.49) was lower for Plan B than Plan A. The effect of diatrizoate vaginal stump markers on dose distribution was negligible.

Multi-modal imaging technology was used to screen the cervical microlymph nodes of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Based on the pathological results, radiotherapy was optimized to improve the quality of life of patients. CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination before radiotherapy was performed in 36 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Fifty-one microlymph nodes with ≤1 cm diameter were selected. Following the ultrasonic detection of relevant indicators, ultrasound-guided puncture biopsy was performed to confirm the pathology. Based on the multi-modal evaluation results, the target area and plan of radiotherapy was confirmed. We evaluated the dose to organs at risk before and after target optimization. The difference in the detection results was compared, and the 3-year local control rate of the lymph node region of interest was observed. The Dmean and V30 of the parotid (left and right) and submandibular gland (left and right) and the V50 of the mandibular gland (left and right) had significant differences before and after optimization in the microlymph node target area of the neck (p

The study aimed to analyze and compare dosimetric differences with various thicknesses and frequencies of bolus in post-mastectomy intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Based on the Oncentra4.1 treatment planning system, Thirty-eight post-mastectomy patients were selected randomly between 2017 and 2021. Three sets of simulated treatment planning with 5_mm all, 5_mm half, and 10_mm half virtual boluses were formed. A total prescribed dose of 50 Gy regimen was delivered in 25 fractions over 5 weeks, in which half-time bolus was used for 15 out of 25 fractions. The dosimetric parameters of target areas, skin, and organs at risk were compared. Furthermore, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) was evaluated for the skin. Regarding the D2, D50, V90, V95, and V115 of the clinical target volume, the 5_mm all bolus group was prominently better than other groups, and the D50 and V90 of the clinical target volumes were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Regarding the D2, D50, D95, D98, Dmax, V90, V95, V115, homogeneity index (HI), and conformity index of the planning target volume, the 5_mm thick bolus group was prominently better than other groups, and the D50, D95, D98, V90, V95, and HI of the clinical target volumes were statistically significant (p < 0.05). For organs at risk, there was no statistical significance for the three planning groups, but the 5_mm all bolus group was prominently better than other groups in the V45 of the esophagus, V30, V40, and Dmax of the heart, V50, Dmax, and Dmean of the humerus head, V20, V30, and Dmax of the left lung, Dmax and Dmean of the thyroid, and Dmean of the trachea. Calculated with the 5_mm all bolus, the mean dose, V40, V45, and V50 for the skin structure, were all higher than other bolus regimens, while the dose maxima (Skinmax and V55) were all lower than others. Regarding the skin radiobiological evaluation, the NTCP of the 5_mm all bolus group was prominently better than other groups and was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Besides, the monitor unit of 5_mm all bolus regimen was the minimum compared with other groups and was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Therefore, the 5_mm all bolus group can not only improve the dose but also reduce the hot dose of skin and target volume, as well as reduce the NTCP. Our study provides a clinical reference in the delivery of post-mastectomy radiotherapy.

Assessing the quality of urban street space can provide suggestions for urban planning and construction management. Big data collection and machine learning provide more efficient evaluation methods than traditional survey methods. This study intended to quantify the urban street spatial quality based on street view image segmentation. A case study was conducted in the Second Ring Road of Changsha City, China. Firstly, the road network information was obtained through OpenStreetMap, and the longitude and latitude of the observation points were obtained using ArcGIS 10.2 software. Then, corresponding street view images of the observation points were obtained from Baidu Maps, and a semantic segmentation software was used to obtain the pixel occupancy ratio of 150 land cover categories in each image. This study selected six evaluation indicators to assess the street space quality, including the sky visibility index, green visual index, interface enclosure index, public–facility convenience index, traffic recognition, and motorization degree. Through statistical analysis of objects related to each evaluation indicator, scores of each evaluation indicator for observation points were obtained. The scores of each indicator are mapped onto the map in ArcGIS for data visualization and analysis. The final value of street space quality was obtained by weighing each indicator score according to the selected weight, achieving qualitative research on street space quality. The results showed that the street space quality in the downtown area of Changsha is relatively high. Still, the level of green visual index, interface enclosure, public–facility convenience index, and motorization degree is relatively low. In the commercial area east of the river, improvements are needed in pedestrian perception. In other areas, enhancements are required in community public facilities and traffic signage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the World Health Organization's guidelines for rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation [≤7 days after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis], China implemented Treat-All in 2016 and has made significant efforts to provide timely ART since 2017. This study included newly diagnosed HIV adults from Tianjin, China, between 2016 and 2022. Our primary outcome was loss to follow-up (LTFU) at 12 months after enrollment. The secondary outcome was 12-month virological failure. The association between rapid ART and LTFU, as well as virological failure, was assessed via Cox regression and logistic regression. A total of 896 (19.1%) of 4688 participants received ART ≤7 days postdiagnosis. The rate of rapid ART has increased from 7.5% in 2016 to 33.3% by 2022. The rapid ART group had an LTFU rate of 3.3%, as opposed to 5.0% in the delayed group. The rapid ART group had a much reduced virological failure rate (0.6% vs. 1.8%). Rapid ART individuals had a reduced likelihood of LTFU [adjusted hazard ratio: 0.65, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.44–0.96] and virological failure (adjusted odds ratio: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.12–0.80). The real-world data indicated that rapid ART is practicable and beneficial for Chinese people with HIV, providing evidence for its widespread implementation and scaling up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of mobile communication technology, Internet of Things with the concept that all things can be connected and communicated with each other is implemented. Internet of Things related technologies are widely studied, and new improvement opportunities are generated in many industries, especially in intelligent vehicle and smart home. Internet of Vehicles with the concept of triple play is gradually being completed, which makes people travel more secure, more efficient, greener and more personalized. the coming of 4G time and the popularization of mobile terminal make mobile remote monitoring become the improvement characteristic of smart home. To make effective use of the time during travelling and provide more comfortable, more convenient and timelier smart home service, a smart home cooperative monitoring system is designed by fusing connected vehicle and smart home creatively and based on the real-time and efficient information communication between the two subsystems. The implementation scheme, software and hardware framework and typical functions of the proposed system are introduced in this paper.

Background: Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. is a traditional Chinese medicine, and its flowers, leaves, and seeds are widely used as food. Currently, E. ulmoides seed oil is capable of improving glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetic mice, but E. ulmoides seed meal is not fully utilized, and the anti-photoaging effect of it is still unclear. Objectives: We examined the anti-photoaging effect of the ethanol extracts of E. ulmoides seed meal (EUSM) in UVB-stimulated HaCaT cells and mice. Materials and Methods: EUSM was analyzed using Q-Orbitrap-based high-resolution LC-MS/MS. In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted using normal mice and HaCaT cells, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson's staining were used to evaluate epidermal thickness and degree of skin fibrosis. The production of hyaluronic acid (HA) and total protein using ELISA kits. The expression of levels for collagen type I α 1 (COL1A1), hyaluronidase-1 (HYAL-1), MMP-3, and MMP-9 were assessed using semi-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: EUSM contains all-trans-retinoic acid, medicagenic acid, and other chemical constituents. EUSM increased the level of total collagen by reducing matrix metalloproteinase expression, and it enhanced the content of HA. In addition, EUSM reduced the production of wrinkles in UVB-induced mouse skin and showed that EUSM decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the mouse skin tissue. Conclusion: EUSM has therapeutic potential for UVB-induced skin photoaging and provided a rationale for the application of EUSM in the cosmetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change energy storage materials have been recognized as potential energy-saving materials for balancing cooling and heating demands in buildings. However, individual phase change materials (PCM) with single phase change temperature cannot be adapted to different temperature requirements. To this end, the concept of fabricating different kinds of microencapsulated PCM (MEPCM) and combing them to form a multiphase change material (MPCM) for multi-seasonal applications in buildings has been proposed. To prove the feasibility of this idea, three kinds of MEPCMs were fabricated and used for the development of three different composite MPCMs, classified as MPCM-1, MPCM-2, and MPCM-3. Analysis of the results shows that each MPCM sample was able to release latent heat at two different temperatures thus making them suitable for multi-temperature thermal energy storage applications. The phase change temperatures of the MPCMs were however found to be slightly reduced by 0.09–0.31 °C as compared with the MEPCMs samples. The measured energy storage capacities for the MPCMs were also reduced in the range of 6.3–11.4% as compared with the theoretical values but they displayed relatively good thermal stability behaviour of up to 197.8–218.8 °C. It was further identified that the phase change temperatures and latent heat of the MPCM was attributed to the weight percentages of individual components, as the theoretical values for the three MPCM samples were all in good accordance with the measured values. Therefore, optimizing the weight ratios of the MEPCM in MPCM samples and their corresponding thermophysical properties based on specific climatic conditions would be a necessary step to take in future investigations. Thermal performance enhancement of the MPCM is also being recommended as an essential part of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical defoliants are widely used in cotton (Gossypium L.) to accelerate leaf abscission and boll maturation, as well as, to facilitate mechanical harvesting. The current study was conducted to determine the interactive effect of cotton cultivars and spraying time of defoliant on defoliation, boll opening, fibre yield and quality. An experiment was performed with four cultivars and three defoliant spraying time during 2019 and 2020 in split plot design with three replications. At harvest, the defoliation and boll opening rate of all treatments after spraying defoliant was 94.6 and 85.4%, while the blank control (water) was 73.9 and 79.1%, respectively. After spraying defoliant, the effects of defoliation rate, boll opening rate, fibre yield and quality were different among cultivars, indicating that different cultivars had different responses to defoliant. Among them, L7619 was the most sensitive to defoliant, with the average defoliation rate of 95.6% and a seed cotton yield reduction of 882.9 kg/ha. Among the different time of applications, late spraying (17 September, B3) of defoliant recorded the highest defoliation rate (97.3%), boll opening rate (89.8%), seed cotton yield (3991 kg/ha) and steadily increased the fibre strength by 0.59 cN/tex compared with the control. Late spraying of defoliant had little or even no adverse effect on the remaining fibre quality traits (length, uniformity, micronaire and elongation). In general, these results suggested that the appropriate time for spraying defoliant can be determined based on the sensitivity of the cotton cultivar, the weather conditions at the field and the harvest time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the strong plasticity of Inconel 718 and the significant size effect of micromachining, a large number of burrs will be produced in traditional processing. The addition of ultrasonic vibration during machining can reduce the burr problem. The mechanism of burr generation in traditional micromilling (TMM) and ultrasonic vibration-assisted micromilling (UVAMM) was analyzed by simulation, and verified by corresponding experiments. It is found that applying high-frequency ultrasonic vibration in the milling feed direction can reduce cutting temperature and cutting force, improve chip breaking ability, and reduce burr formation. When the cutting thickness will reach the minimum cutting thickness hmin, the chip will start to form. When A/ƒz > 1/2, the tracks of the two tool heads start to cut, and the chips are not continuous. Some of the best burr suppression effects were achieved under conditions of low cutting speed (Vc), feed per tooth (ƒz), and large amplitude (A). When A is 6 μm, the size and quantity of burr is the smallest. When ƒz reaches 6 μm, large continuous burrs appear at the top of the groove. The experimental results further confirm the accuracy of the simulation results and provide parameter reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic patients are more prone to developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared with healthy people. As a plant homologous to both medicine and food, Malus toringoides (Rehd.) Hughes has been used as an intervention for both NAFLD and diabetes. However, the effect and mechanism of M. toringoides on NAFLD on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is unclear. The current investigation was designed to evaluate the ameliorative effects and mechanism of M. toringoides ethanol extract (CBTM-E375) on T2DM, and to identify the compounds in these extracts. The effects of CBTM-E375 on T2DM were verified using a high-fat diet-/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat and free fatty acid (0.5 mM)-induced human hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HepG2) models. The components of CBTM-E375 were identified by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Our results demonstrate that CBTM-E375 ameliorated lipid accumulation (total cholesterol, triglyceride), oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase), and inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, C-reactive protein [CRP]) in vivo and in vitro, these effects were associated with a CBTM-E375-mediated downregulation of SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c) and the NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) signaling pathway. A total of 20 chemical compounds were identified in CBTM-E375, including phlorizin, isoquercitrin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, naringenin, and trigonelline, which have been reported to have positive effects on diabetes or on NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malus toringoides (Rehd.) Hughes (Rosaceae) is used as a traditional folk medicine in the Tibet autonomous region of China to treat hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. However, few modern pharmacological data on the use of this plant against diabetic syndrome are available. In this study, we examined the vascular protection provided by a 70% ethanol extract of M. toringoides (EMT) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) grown in high-glucose medium and in a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced rat diabetes model. EMT significantly suppressed the expression of cell adhesion molecules in both HUVECs and diabetic rats. EMT also inhibited activation of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. The results provide a significant information on the vasoprotective properties of M. toringoides that may contribute to the development and application of related herbal medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and prognostic value of low-dose apatinib in combination with temozolomide in the treatment of primary or recurrent high-grade gliomas (HGGs). Methods. A retrospective analysis of patients with postoperative and recurrent HGGs treated in our hospital from April 1, 2018, to April 30, 2020. Patients should be treated by combination therapy (surgery + radiotherapy + chemotherapy). Patients who received apatinib combined with temozolomide chemotherapy were allocated to the research group (RG), while patients who received temozolomide chemotherapy alone were allocated to the control group (CG). The efficacy and toxic side effects were compared between the two groups. Results. There were 67 qualified patients retrieved, including 37 cases in the RG and 30 cases in the CG. There were no significant differences in objective remission rate (ORR) or disease control rate (DCR) between the control group and the study group (P > 0.05). However, the overall improvement of clinical efficacy in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse effects between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion. Low-dose apatinib combined with temozolomide and radiotherapy for HGGs is effective in improving efficacy, relieving brain edema, reducing the use of glucocorticoid drugs, and improving patients' quality of life. It has mild adverse effects and is well tolerated by patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic fluorosurfactant used in the manufacturing of fluorotelomers. Although PFOA is no longer produced in the United States, it is environmentally persistent and found in imported food packaging, cookware, and textiles. Previous studies have identified developmental toxicity of PFOA, but little is known about the effects of PFOA on the adult ovary. Thus, this study examined the effects of PFOA on hormone levels, ovarian steroidogenic gene expression, and folliculogenesis in mice in vitro and in vivo. For the in vitro studies, antral follicles from adult female mice were cultured with vehicle control or 1, 10, or 100 μg/ml PFOA for 96 h. For the in vivo studies, adult CD-1 female mice were orally dosed with vehicle control or 1, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg/day PFOA for 10 days. Gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes, levels of sex steroid hormones, and follicle counts were analyzed. In vitro , PFOA (100 μg/ml) significantly decreased follicle growth, estradiol and estrone levels, and gene expression of StaR , Cyp11a1 , and Hsd3b1 compared with controls. In vivo , exposure to PFOA significantly decreased progesterone and pregnenolone levels (5 mg/kg), increased testosterone levels (1 mg/kg), and increased gene expression of Cyp19a1 (1 mg/kg) compared with controls. Exposure to PFOA also significantly altered follicle counts by decreasing primordial follicles and increasing preantral and antral follicles (5 and 10 mg/kg) compared with controls. Collectively, these data show that PFOA disrupts adult ovarian function in a nonmonotonic matter and may pose a risk for premature ovarian failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a severe neurodegenerative disease, which mainly manifests as memory and progressive cognitive impairment. At present, there is no method to prevent the progression of AD or cure it, and effective intervention methods are urgently needed. Network-targeted intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) may be effective in alleviating the cognitive symptoms of patients with mild AD. The abnormal function of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) within executive control network (ECN) may be the pathogenesis of AD. Here, we verify the abnormality of the ECN in the native AD data set, and build the relevant brain network. In addition, we also recruited AD patients to verify the clinical effects of DLPFC-targeted intervention, and explor the neuro-mechanism. Sixty clinically diagnosed AD patients and 62 normal controls were recruited to explore the ECN abnormalities. In addition, the researchers recruited 20 AD patients to explore the efficacy of 14-session iTBS treatments for targeted DLPFC interventions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological assessment of resting state were performed before and after the intervention. Calculate the changes in the functional connectivity of related brain regions in the ECN, as well as the correlation between the baseline functional connectivity and the clinical scoring scale, to clarify the mechanism of the response of iTBS treatment to treatment. Our results showed that compared with normal control samples, the brain function connection between the left DLPFC and the left IPL within the ECN of AD patients was significantly enhanced (t = 2.687, p = 0.008, FDR-corrected p = 0.045). And we found that iTBS stimulation significantly reduced the functional magnetic resonance imaging signal between the left DLPFC and the left IPL in the ECN (t = 4.271, p < 0.001, FDR-corrected p = 0.006), and it was related to the improvement of the patient's clinical symptoms (r = −0.470, p = 0.042). This work provides new insights for targeted brain area interventions. By targeted adjusting the functional connection of ECN to improve the clinical symptoms and cognitive function of AD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence and patterns of pre‐treatment and acquired HIV drug resistance mutations among people living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 12 (±3) months in Tianjin, China. Methods: From Jan 2018 to Dec 2020, PLWH with HIV‐1 RNA greater than 1000 copies/mL visiting the ART clinic in the Tianjin Second People's Hospital were enrolled. Viral RNA isolated from blood samples were taken for genotypic resistance testing using an in‐house method. Major drug resistance mutations were analyzed for reverse transcriptase and protease Sanger sequences using the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database. Multivariable Poisson regressions were used to evaluate the factors associated with drug resistance mutations. Results: HIV drug resistance testing was successfully performed on 584 ART‐naive and 71 ART‐experienced participants. Pre‐treatment drug resistance mutation prevalence was 13.5% (79/584) to any antiretroviral drug, 12.5% (73/584) to non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), 1.5% (9/584) to nucleoside reverse‐transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and 0.3% (2/584) to protease inhibitors (PIs). Acquired drug resistance to any antiretroviral drug among PLWH on ART with viral load >1000 copies/mL was 88.7% (63/71). The prevalence of mutation for NNRTIs, NRTIs, and PIs were 93.7% (59/63), 82.5% (52/63), and 3.2% (2/63), respectively. Conclusions: Pre‐treatment and acquired drug resistance mutations were highly prevalent among PLWH in Tianjin; therefore, routine baseline genotypic resistance testing and adequate intervals of viral load surveillance are urgently needed for the long‐term treatment success. Our findings provide important evidence for first‐ and second‐line regimen drugs for PLWH, especially in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deficits in associative memory (AM) are the earliest and most prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and demonstrate a clear cause of distress for patients and their families. The present study aimed to determine AM enhancements following accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) in patients with AD. In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled design, iTBS was administered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of patients with AD for 14 days. Measurements included AM (primary outcome) and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Patients were evaluated at baseline, following the intervention (week 2), and 8 weeks after treatment cessation (week 10). Sixty patients with AD were initially enrolled; 47 completed the trial. The active group displayed greater AM improvements compared with the sham group at week 2 (P = 0.003), which was sustained at week 10. Furthermore, higher Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores at baseline were associated with greater AM improvements at weeks 2 and 10. For the independent iTBS group, this correlation predicted improvements in AM (P < 0.001) and identified treatment responders with 92% accuracy. Most of the neuropsychological tests were markedly improved in the active group. In particular, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and MMSE in the active group increased by 2.8 and 2.3 points, respectively, at week 2, while there was no marked change in the sham group. In the present study, accelerated iTBS of the DLPFC demonstrated an effective and well-tolerated complementary treatment for patients with AD, especially for individuals with relatively high MMSE scores. • Accelerate iTBS of the left DLPFC showed an effective and well-tolerated complementary treatment to improve symptoms and cognitive in AD patients. • The MoCA and MMSE in active group increased 2.8 and 2.3 points after two-weeks treatment. • The ameliorating effects were more effective and robust among patients with high MMSE score in baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]