Radiation Medicine Commons^™

Target Dose Conversion Modeling From Pencil Beam (Pb) To Monte Carlo (Mc) For Lung Sbrt, D. Zheng, X. Zhu, Q. Zhang, X. Liang, W. Zhen, C. Lin, V. Verma, S. Wang, A. Wahl, C. Zhang, +2 Additional Authors

Journal Articles

© 2016 The Author(s). Background: A challenge preventing routine clinical implementation of Monte Carlo (MC)-based lung SBRT is the difficulty of reinterpreting historical outcome data calculated with inaccurate dose algorithms, because the target dose was found to decrease to varying degrees when recalculated with MC. The large variability was previously found to be affected by factors such as tumour size, location, and lung density, usually through sub-group comparisons. We hereby conducted a pilot study to systematically and quantitatively analyze these patient factors and explore accurate target dose conversion models, so that large-scale historical outcome data can be correlated with more …

Predicting Treatment Related Imaging Changes (Trics) After Radiosurgery For Brain Metastases Using Treatment Dose And Conformality Metrics., B. F. Taylor, J. P. Knisely, J. M. Qian, J. B. Yu, V. L. Chiang

Journal Articles

Purpose: Treatment-related imaging changes (TRICs) after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) involves the benign transient enlargement of radiographic lesions after treatment. Identifying the radiation dose volumes and conformality metrics associated with TRICs for different post-treatment periods would be helpful and improve clinical decision making.

Methods: 367 metastases in 113 patients were treated using Gamma Knife SRS between 1/1/2007-12/31/2009. Each metastasis was measured at each imaging follow-up to detect TRICs (defined as ≥ 20% increase in volume). Fluctuations in small volume lesions (less than 108 mm

Results: From 0-6 months, all measures correlated with the incidence of TRICs (p

Conclusions: All metrics except …

Cytoplasmic, Full Length And Novel Cleaved Variant, Tblr1 Reduces Apoptosis In Prostate Cancer Under Androgen Deprivation, G. Daniels, X. Zhang, X. Zhong, L. Santiago, L. H. Wang, X. Wu, J. Y. Zhang, F. Liang, X. Li, P. Lee, +6 Additional Authors

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

The Utilization Of The Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table In The Education Of Imaging Science Students, Tanya M. Custer, Kim Michael

Posters and Presentations: Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to investigate the use of the Anatomage Virtual Dissection Table in the education of imaging science students and to assess the beliefs and perceptions of the students in regard to using the Table for teaching imaging-based anatomy & pathology.

Subjects & Methods: Study participants included 17 medical imaging students to include 9 Diagnostic Medical Sonography students, 2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging students, 2 Nuclear Medicine Technology students, 2 Radiation Therapy students and 2 Cardiovascular Interventional Technology students. Data was collected through focus groups and course/instructor evaluations. The researchers followed Creswell’s procedure for data analysis …

Weighing The Risks And Benefits Of Radiation Exposure And Diagnostic X-Rays In Children, Leah Costello

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The number of X-rays, specifically CT scans, performed on patients in the United States is increasing exponentially every year. Children are at most risk for long term damage from this increase in radiation exposure. This study explores how much risk children are being exposed to and how we can, as practitioners, make informed decisions about when or when not to order CT scans. The purpose of this paper is to provide practitioners the information needed to help patients decide if the long-term risks of cancer from medical radiation outweigh the potential benefit of diagnostic or therapeutic radiation. The review of …

Effect Of Variable Dose Rate On Biologically Effective Dose, Vadim Y. Kuperman, Gregory S. Spradlin

Publications

Purpose: to investigate the effect of variable dose rate on biologically effective dose ( BED ).

Materials and methods: by using the linear-quadratic (LQ) model with bi-exponential repair, we analytically determine the time-dependent dose rate R ~ which minimizes the effective protraction factor ( eff G ) and BEDunder the condition of fixed fraction time and dose per fraction.  Because normal tissue complication probability ( NTCP) monotonically decreases with decreasingBED , the dose rate R ~ also minimizes NTCP.

Results: the dependences of Geff, BED, and NTCP on fraction time were determined for different radiobiological parameters and two different …

Cisplatin-Induced Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome And Successful Re-Treatment In A Patient With Non-Seminomatous Germ Cell Tumor: A Case Report, Muhammad Nauman Zahir, Nehal Masood, Munira Shabbir-Moosajee

Department of Radiation Oncology

UNLABELLED: Introduction: Cisplatin is a platinum compound that has revolutionized the treatment of various solid organ tumors. Cisplatin is associated with a variety of side effects and has recently been indicted in the development of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a potentially reversible condition, with the mainstay of therapy being correction of the underlying cause and withdrawal of the offending drug. However, there are no clear guidelines regarding the possibility of subsequent re-treatment with the causative agent.CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old Asian man presented to our Emergency Department with a four-month history of concomitant abdominal pain and …

The Relationship Between The Level Of Support Group Participation And Psychosocial Factors In Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Proton Therapy, Carol A. L. Davis

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Background. The role of support groups for cancer patients is known to be beneficial in helping people adjust to the disease, and cope with the myriad of effects that cancer has on quality of life. Although many people express interest in attending such support groups, few attend regularly. It is unclear what characteristics distinguish those who use such services from those who do not, especially among proton therapy patients.

Objective. To examine demographic and psychosocial characteristics associated with the Brotherhood of the Balloon (BOB) prostate cancer support group membership, a unique treatment-focused group originating at Loma Linda University Medical Center …

Mnte-2-Pyp And Radiation In A Prostate Cancer Model: Implications For Radiotherapy, Adeola Y. Makinde

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A major limitation of successful radiation therapy in cancer treatment is the increase in normal tissue damage as higher doses are used to achieve greater tumor destruction. Radiation dose optimization in cancer therapy requires achieving maximum tumor destruction with minimal damage to normal tissue Antioxidants have been shown to protect normal tissues against radiation damage, as radiation-induced tissue damage results predominantly from reactive oxygen species that directly damage cellular components. However, for effective use as normal tissue radioprotectants in radiotherapy, these antioxidants must not protect the tumors. Mn (III) tetrakis (N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl) porphyrin (MnTE-2-PyP) is a metalloporphyrin antioxidant that has been …

Mechanisms Of T Helper Cell Modulation In A Simulated Space Radiation Environment, Asma Rizvi

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Exposure to solar particle events (SPEs) poses the most serious threat to astronaut health. Due to this radiation environment, exploration of the solar system beyond Earth’s orbit entails many risks for the crew on these deep space missions. Depression or dysfunction of the immune system is a major concern due to its high radio-sensitivity; potential consequences include overwhelming infection, development of cancer, fibrosis, and poor wound healing. Astronauts are also exposed to low dose/low dose rate (LDR) radiation. A three month stay at the international space station exposes them to ~ 0.05 Gy of radiation.

C57BL/6 mice received LDR gamma-radiation …

Ms211: Letter From John Post To Armin & Karen, Armin Weinberg

Works on Radiation Effects: 1990-2020

This is a letter that accompanied a gift (tube with document inside that was printed by the original Gutenberg printing press) from John Post to Armin. John was a ret. Col. in medical logistics (at the US Dept of State) that helped distribute excess medical and hospital supplies to our AIHA partners in Kazakhstan, Azerbiajan and actually helped with shipment to Gaza as well. Since he lived in DC I invited him to a couple of the non-radiation related Intercultural Cancer Council Biennial Symposia that our Center at BCM coordinated. The page is now at the HRC for viewing. See …

Radiation-Induced Glutamate Transport Alterations In Neuron-Astrocyte Coupling, Martha Celia Sanchez

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Exposure of the central nervous system (CNS) to ionizing radiation is known to result in behavioral, cognitive, and motor deficits - effects similar to those seen in many neurodegenerative disorders. Neurons and astrocytes, two principal cell types in the brain, coexist as an interdependent metabolic unit via the neurotransmitter glutamate. Disruption of this metabolic coupling would have widespread effects within the CNS, therefore it is hypothesized that ionizing radiation impairs glutamate transport and metabolism, and increases oxidative stress, ultimately impairing neuron-astrocyte coupling. We propose to investigate the mechanism and determine the impetus for radiation-induced neurotoxicity by measuring the temporal sequence …

Radiation-Induced Increases In Pkc Modulate Integrin Expression And Contribute To Fibrotic Changes, Pinal Rushikesh Pandya

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The sequences of events in fibrosis are similar to those in wound healing; however, the normal termination and resolution stages do not take place. The initial cellular response following ionizing radiation involves accumulation of the ECM (extracellular matrix) including collagen, fibronectin and the interaction of many growth factors (cytokines) with their receptors. There are a number of unanswered questions regarding many aspects of radiation-induced fibrosis, including the initial triggers and physical changes that initiate the process. We have confirmed that elevated pKC and other cellular changes following radiation are similar to those found at sites of inflammation. This information leads …

Treponema Denticola In Disseminating Endodontic Infections, F. Foschi, Jacques Izard, H. Sasaki, V. Sambri, C. Prati, R. Müller, P. Stashenko

Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications

Treponema denticola is a consensus periodontal pathogen that has recently been associated with endodontic pathology. In this study, the effect of mono-infection of the dental pulp with T. denticola and with polymicrobial “red-complex” organisms (RC) (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and T. denticola) in inducing disseminating infections in wild-type (WT) and severe-combined-immunodeficiency (SCID) mice was analyzed. After 21 days, a high incidence (5/10) of orofacial abscesses was observed in SCID mice mono-infected with T. denticola, whereas abscesses were rare in SCID mice infected with the red-complex organisms or in wild-type mice. Splenomegaly was …

Ms211: Letter To Thmrf Board To Cease Operations, Armin Weinberg

Works on Radiation Effects: 1990-2020

Letter describing our closing down the Texas Hadassah Medical Research Foundation. See more at Armin Weinberg, PhD Papers and its finding aid.

Simulations Of Nanopore Formation And Phosphatidylserine Externalization In Lipid Membranes Subjected To A High-Intensity, Ultrashort Electric Pulse, Q. Hu, R. P. Joshi, K. H. Schoenbach

Bioelectrics Publications

A combined MD simulator and time dependent Laplace solver are used to analyze the electrically driven phosphatidylserine externalization process in cells. Time dependent details of nanopore formation at cell membranes in response to a high-intensity (100kV∕cm), ultrashort (10ns) electric pulse are also probed. Our results show that nanosized pores could typically be formed within about 5ns. These predictions are in very good agreement with recent experimental data. It is also demonstrated that defect formation and PS externalization in membranes should begin on the anode side. Finally, the simulations confirm that PS externalization is a nanopore facilitated event, rather than the …

Ms211: Albina Personal Statement, Armin Weinberg

Works on Radiation Effects: 1990-2020

This is a personal statement written by Albina Orazgaliyeva (now Rippy). She was the daughter of our colleague (Marina) in Semipalatinsk who we helped come to the US to study. She eventually graduated from UH, married, and built a very successful business that they sold called Yoga One. The statement however is a powerful reminder of the reach of the partnership that went well beyond our funded mandate to that of friendship. Her family built a very successful private pharmacy and production business at a time when almost none existed after the breakup of the Soviet Union left countries like …

Radiation Effects On Dopamine-Mediated Prepulse Inhibition In The C57bl/6 Mouse, Cara Nicole Zuccarelli Miller

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

This study examined the effects of proton and gamma radiation on a dopamine-dependent sensory gating mechanism: prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex. The purpose of this research was to describe potential hazards of proton radiation to the central nervous system in long-term space fight and for proton therapy patients. Results from previous research indicate that startle behavior is modified by proton and iron radiation. Forty-eight 10-½ week old, male C57BL/6 mice were used to characterize the optimal parameters for the model (prepulse duration, probe duration, and stimulus-onset-asynchrony). Three hundred and fifty two mice were used to characterize the time course …

Effects Of Liposome-Encapsulated Tnf-Alpha And Radiation Against Colon Cancer, Dong Won Kim

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Previous studies have shown that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) can augment the antitumor effects of radiation, inhibiting tumor progression to a greater extent than either modality alone. However, nonspecific toxicities associated with TNF-α have limited its use as an adjuvant. This limitation is potentially resolved with the encapsulation of TNF-α in sterically stabilized, PEGylated liposomes (STEALTH®). Thus, the overall hypothesis of the research was that the combination of radiation with STEALTH® liposome encapsulated TNF-α (SL-TNF-α) will have greater efficacy and fewer dose-limiting side effects in the LS174T human colorectal tumor xenograft model compared to the combination of free TNF-α and …

Ms211: Final Aiha Report On Semi Project In Kazahkstan, Armin Weinberg

Works on Radiation Effects: 1990-2020

An executive summary of the last year of the AIHA supported activities that were supported as a part of the payback (Project Sapphire) for dismantling nuclear weapons in Kurchatov. An extremely meaningful set of mutually agreed upon objectives by both sides served as a solid base to establish a multidimensional effort. See more at Armin Weinberg, PhD Papers and its finding aid.

Disinfection Of Dentin By Intracanal Laser Irradiation: An In Vitro Model, Silvia Cristina Mafra Cecchini

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

A possible cause for root canal failure is the persistence of bacteria that have colonized dentinal tubules. To reduce this risk and, if possible, to also shorten the time consuming endodontic therapy, new equipment and materials are constantly being introduced. The aim of the present investigation was to study the effect of disinfection of dentinal tubules by intracanal laser irradiation using an in vitro model. The groups irradiated by various lasers were compared with calcium hydroxide, a material frequently used as intracanal medication between appointments. Freshly extracted, intact bovine incisors were used. The root cementum was removed and the teeth …

Connexin-32 Contributes To Radiation Resistance In Thyroid Follicles, Da-Thao Dinh Tran

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The objective of this study was to examine the role of gap junctions in the radiation resistance of thyroid follicles. The question of whether gap junctional intercellular communication plays an important role in the “contact effect”, wherein cells in direct apposition are more resistant to the damaging effects of radiation, has been debated for years. We used the Fischer rat thyroid cell line (FRTL-5) to carry out our experiments. This thesis is divided into two parts: 1) characterization of gap junctional properties in FRTL-5 cells and, 2) exposure of these cells to radiation.

We found that, unlike primary thyroid cells, …

Detection And Modeling Of Radiation Induced Effects In Tissues By Dielectric Spectroscopy, Dorin A. Todor

Physics Theses & Dissertations

The work presented here is applied physics research in the field of radiation treatment. We address the development of a new and innovative method, in vivo and possibly non-invasive, for tumor and healthy tissues control during and after the radiation treatment. The radiation treatment is delivered in an almost standardized manner for particular classes of tumors. The large variance in the individual radio sensitivity of healthy tissues and tumors often leads to local recurrence of neoplastic growth and/or distant metastatic disease which often remains untreated. The method is based on the measurement and analysis of electrical impedance data in …

A Preclinical Model Of Ionizing Radiation And Tnf-Alpha Gene Therapy For Cancer, Jun Li

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

Long term control of high-grade brain tumors is rarely achieved with current therapeutic regimens. This study sought to determine if pretreatment with plasmid DNA expressing Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) could enhance the effect of ionizing radiation in an aggressive, rapidly growing glioma tumor (C6) model. Plasmid DNA is an attractive vector system for delivery of foreign genes into eukaryotic cells due to its advantages including low immunogenicity in vivo, lesser toxicity and relatively low cost. We have constructed a plasmid-based mammalian expression vector (pGL1-TNF) to secrete human TNF-α from cancer cells. Plasmid DNA was successfully transfected into C6 cells …

Ms211: Overview - Assessing Aid - World Bank Report, Armin Weinberg

Works on Radiation Effects: 1990-2020

A World Bank Policy Research Report that helped inform my leadership of our international projects in the former Soviet Union. See more at Armin Weinberg, PhD Papers and its finding aid.

Ms211: Registry Screens 02no98, Armin Weinberg

Works on Radiation Effects: 1990-2020

Content and screen shots of development of cancer registrty. See more at Armin Weinberg, PhD Papers and its finding aid.

A Model Using Radiation And Pws4-Htnf-Α Gene Therapy For Treatment Of Glioblastomas, Angelo G. Baher

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses, Dissertations & Projects

The efficacy of radiotherapy for cancer is limited by the dose that can be safely delivered to the tumor without causing debilitating side effects. In addition, successful treatment of highly malignant tumors such as glioblastomas is likely to require adjunctive therapies to enhance tumor response to radiation. Previous studies have shown immunomodulation and a synergestic reduction in tumor volume of malignant tumors when tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) protein is administered prior to radiation. The major goal of the present investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of pWS4-human TNF-α (pWS4-hTNF-α), a new plasmid construct that expresses human TNF-α protein, together with …

Ms211: Letter To Kazakh Ambassador To The Us, Armin Weinberg

Works on Radiation Effects: 1990-2020

A letter to Bolat K. Nurgaliyev the Kazakhstan Ambassador to the US regarding an upcoming meeting we helped orchestrate that included AFRRI. Also an interesting reference to Mr. James Giffin regarding the committee for reorganization of the health care system in the Republic of Kazakhstan that I was asked to comment on. Turns out Giffin was later arrested and charged related to bribes in a scandal known as Kazahkgate. See more at Armin Weinberg, PhD Papers and its finding aid.

Ms211: Non-Proliferation Talk At Kazakhstan, Armin Weinberg

Works on Radiation Effects: 1990-2020

These are talking notes for my presentation at a nuclear non-proliferation conference. Interesting to see recommendations including this one, "I suggest Minister Shkolnik create a joint committee with representatives from government, academicia, public survivors and ethicists to continue the pursuit of this question." See more at Armin Weinberg, PhD Papers and its finding aid.

Ms211: Plans For Nazarbayev Visit To Houston And Tmc, Armin Weinberg

Works on Radiation Effects: 1990-2020

A list of things that Armin created in preparation for the visit by the President of Kazakhstan to Texas, Houston and the Medical Center. Very insightful with names and activities. See more at Armin Weinberg, PhD Papers and its finding aid.