Global Immune-Nutrition-Inflammation Index as a novel comprehensive biomarker in predicting the radiation-induced trismus rates in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the novel pretreatment Global Immune-Nutrition-Inflammation Index (GINI) can predict radiation-induced trismus (RIT) in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Data of LA-NPC patients presenting without RIT were reviewed retrospectively. Any post-CCRT maximum mouth openings (MMO) ≤ 35 mm were considered RIT. The GINI index was calculated using the formula: GINI = (CRP x Monocytes x Platelets x Neutrophils) ÷ (Albumin x Lymphocytes). We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to examine the potential correlation between pretreatment GINI measures and post-CCRT RIT status. Logistic regression analysis examined the independence of the association between confounding factors and RIT rates. The study comprised 230 participants, and 52 (22.6%) received an RIT diagnosis. The optimal pre-CCRT GINI cutoff that dichotomizes RIT rates was determined to be 1,424 (area under the curve [AUC]: 76%; sensitivity: 75.0%; specificity: 71.7%; J-index: 0.463). RIT incidence was significantly higher in the GINI ≥ 1424 group than in its GINI < 1424 counterpart (43.3% vs. 9.3%; hazard ratio: 4.76; P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a pre-CCRT GINI ≥ 1424 was an independent predictor of increased RIT rates after definitive CCRT in this patient group (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the present results revealed that elevated pre-CCRT GINI measures (≥ 1424) can efficiently and independently predict elevated RIT rates in LA-NPC patients after CCRT

Metu-Defocusing Beamline : A 15-30 Mev Proton Irradiation Facility and Beam Measurement System

Middle East Technical University – Defocusing Beam Line (METU-DBL) project is an irradiation facility providing 15 MeV to 30 MeV kinetic energy protons for testing various high radiation level applications, ranging from Hi-Lumi LHC upgrade, space electronic components to nuclear material research. The project located inside the premises of the TAEA (Turkish Atomic Energy Agency) SANAEM (Saraykoy Nuclear Education and Research Center) close to Ankara, provides users a wide selectable flux menu (105–1010 p/cm2/s). The facility is now being commissioned and the facility will be providing a large test area (20 cm x 15 cm) for material, detector and electronics tests. The proton beam is monitored along the beamline using aluminum oxide screens and the flux and uniformity is measured using three detectors attached to the robotic system for cross- checks. A fiber scintillator detector scans the large irradiation area while small area diamond detector and Timepix3 detector are used for spot checks for calibration. Several samples can be radiated simultaneously inside the irradiation area and the robotic system provides 5 separate holders for samples which can be moved in or out, providing users flexibility for the desired fluence. This talk will first introduce METU- DBL as a radiation test facility, then discuss the radiation monitoring of the beam area and the radiation room, while highlighting how this facility can be used for future testing of materials for radiation tolerance

Metu-Defocusing Beamline : A 15-30 Mev Proton Irradiation Facility and Beam Measurement System

Middle East Technical University – Defocusing Beam Line (METU-DBL) project is an irradiation facility providing 15 MeV to 30 MeV kinetic energy protons for testing various high radiation level applications, ranging from Hi-Lumi LHC upgrade, space electronic components to nuclear material research. The project located inside the premises of the TAEA (Turkish Atomic Energy Agency) SANAEM (Saraykoy Nuclear Education and Research Center) close to Ankara, provides users a wide selectable flux menu (105–1010 p/cm2/s). The facility is now being commissioned and the facility will be providing a large test area (20 cm x 15 cm) for material, detector and electronics tests. The proton beam is monitored along the beamline using aluminum oxide screens and the flux and uniformity is measured using three detectors attached to the robotic system for cross- checks. A fiber scintillator detector scans the large irradiation area while small area diamond detector and Timepix3 detector are used for spot checks for calibration. Several samples can be radiated simultaneously inside the irradiation area and the robotic system provides 5 separate holders for samples which can be moved in or out, providing users flexibility for the desired fluence. This talk will first introduce METU- DBL as a radiation test facility, then discuss the radiation monitoring of the beam area and the radiation room, while highlighting how this facility can be used for future testing of materials for radiation tolerance