Medicine
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Observational Study
Dose optimization strategy of sacrum limitation in cervical cancer intensity modulation radiation therapy planning.
The aim of this study was to investigate the dose optimization strategy for the sacrum to reduce the risk of pelvic insufficiency fracture (PIF). Using a retrospective study design, we analyzed data from 28 patients with cervical cancer who underwent postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy in our department from June 2017 to January 2018. Among these patients, 20 (71.4%) underwent external beam radiation therapy in the pelvic lymphatic drainage area (node-negative patients). ⋯ In the lymph node boost group, the irradiation dose of the sacrum and pelvis was significantly increased (P ≤ .001). Increasing the limitation of the sacrum, on the basis of pelvic bone limitation, in cervical cancer intensity-modulated radiation therapy can significantly reduce the dose to the sacrum. Compared with the dose of 5000 cGy to the lymphatic drainage area, the dose of 4500 cGy was the largest influencing factor to reduce the dose to the sacrum.
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The study was performed to investigate the genetic associations of IGF-1 polymorphisms rs35767, rs5742714, and rs972936 with susceptibility to osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) among Chinese Han population. Totally, 101 ONFH patients and 128 healthy controls were enrolled. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was detected with chi-square test in control group. ⋯ While the polymorphism rs972936 significantly enhanced the disease risk (CT vs CC: OR = 2.434, 95% CI = 1.184-5.003; TT vs CC: OR = 2.497, 95% CI = 1.040-5.990). Furthermore, haplotype analysis demonstrated that C-T (rs5742714-rs972936) could increase ONFH risk (OR = 2.177, 95% CI = 1.444-3.283), while G-T might be a protective factor for ONFH (OR = 0.472, 95% CI = 0.254-0.878). IGF-1 polymorphisms rs35767, rs5742714, and rs972936 show significant association with ONFH risk.
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To explore interleukin-17 (IL-17) and its epigenetic regulation during the progression of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A total of 162 patients with chronic HBV infection, including 75 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 54 with hepatitis B-associated liver cirrhosis and 33 with hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC), were enrolled in this study. Thirty healthy adults of the same ethnicity were enrolled in the control group. ⋯ IL-17 serum levels in the methylated-promoter groups were significantly lower than those in the unmethylated-promoter groups. IL-17 expression and promoter methylation were associated with chronic HBV infection progression, especially in the HBV-HCC group. The IL-17 promoter status may help clinicians initiate the correct treatment strategy at the CHB stage.
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Observational Study
Assistive technology based on client-centered for occupational performance in neuromuscular conditions.
Knowledge of the patient's own perception of functioning and dependence, and of environmental factors, is of significant value. The main goals of this study are (1) to obtain a general profile of the occupational performance of persons with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) and their needs related to that performance and (2) to determine the support resources (assistive technologies [AT], adjustment, and/or caregiver) required to improve or maintain their level of independence. This cross-sectional study involved 24 persons with NMD. ⋯ Architectural barriers were detected in the majority of users' homes (87.5%). Concise assessment of the independence needs of people with NMD, according to their occupational performance, and prescription of resources to meet those needs are required. This procedure should be implemented in healthcare programs, including care to a caregiver.
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Many pairwise meta-analyses (MAs) related to therapies of varicose veins have been published, but their reporting and methodological quality remain unclear. The present study was designed to assess the overall quality of pairwise MAs related to therapies of varicose veins. ⋯ CRD42019126722.