Objective: To analyze the abnormal individual dose monitoring results in 206 medical institutions in a selected region in 2024, and to propose improvement measures. Methods: Individuals with monitoring results exceeding the investigation level were subjected to high-dose investigation, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: In 2024, the individual dose monitoring of 206 medical institutions in a selected region showed 1.04% abnormal results. The proportions of abnormal results from primary, secondary, and tertiary medical institutions were 12.22%, 3.33%, and 84.45%, respectively. In analysis of the causes of abnormal results, 52.53% of the cases were due to personal dosimeters left in the radiation workplace, and 20.20% were due to the confusion in wearing personal dosimeters inside and outside the lead apron. In analysis of the occupational distribution of the radiation workers with abnormal monitoring results, interventional radiology and diagnostic radiology accounted for 73.34% and 24.44%, respectively. Statistical analysis of the dose range showed that doses in the ranges of 1.25-2.0 mSv and 2.0-5.0 mSv accounted for 42.22% and 33.33%, respectively. In the report of abnormal monitoring results, the proportions of reporting notional dose and reporting measured results accounted for 88.89% and 11.11%, respectively. Among institutions with consecutive abnormal results, primary, secondary, and tertiary medical institutions accounted for 15.39%, 7.69%, and 76.92%, respectively. Conclusion: The level of the hospital, occupational type, the perceived importance of the hospital to the management of radiation protection, and the perceived importance and compliance of the radiation workers with the individual dose monitoring are potential causes of abnormal results. It is recommended that employers should enhance radiation protection training for their radiation workers to ensure proper wearing and storage of dosimeters, and progressively improve the standardization and effectiveness of individual dose monitoring practice.
Objective: To investigate the basic situation of nuclear medicine diagnostic and treatment institutions in Shanghai, understand the development level and distribution characteristics of nuclear medicine in Shanghai, and assess the current status of nuclear medicine development in Shanghai. Methods: Using questionnaires, on-site verification, and retrieval of information system records, a survey was carried out on nuclear medicine department staff, equipment, and personal radiation exposure levels of workers in Shanghai. Results: As of December 2023, there were 48 nuclear medicine diagnostic and treatment institutions in Shanghai, including 32 (66.7%) tertiary hospitals. Of these, 24 (50%) hospitals performed 131I therapy, and 9 (18.8%) hospitals conducted 131I treatment for thyroid cancer. There were 681 nuclear medicine radiation workers, with an average annual effective dose from external radiation of 0.54 mSv. There were 137 pieces of nuclear medicine equipment, including 56 SPECT/CT, 42 PET/CT, 8 PET/MRI, 25 thyroid function meters, and 6 cyclotrons. In 2023, the total radioactivity of radionuclides used in Shanghai was 1.2 × 108 MBq, with 3.4 × 107 MBq of 18F, 7.4 × 107 MBq of 99mTc, and 1.2 × 107 MBq of 131I. The total annual number of nuclear medicine diagnostic and treatment procedures performed was 247 826 and the application frequency was 10.0 procedures per thousand population. Conclusion: Clinical nuclear medicine in Shanghai has developed rapidly, achieving the Level I healthcare standard as defined in the UNSCEAR 2008 report. Enhancing occupational protection for radiation workers is a critical issue that requires particular attention in the next phase of development.
Objective: To investigate the current situation of X-ray diagnostic equipment use and radiation protection management in pet veterinary institutions in Zaozhuang City, China. Methods: A survey was conducted on the use of X-ray diagnostic equipment and radiation health management in 29 pet veterinary institutions in Zaozhuang City, with data collected via a questionnaire. Results: The utilization rate of X-ray diagnostic equipment was 65.52%, the evaluation rate of occupational disease hazard control effect was 21.05%, the annual radiation protection detection rate of workplaces was 47.37%, the declaration rate of occupational disease hazard projects was 21.05%, and the compliance rate for provision of personal protective supplies was 36.84%. The occupational health examination rate was 84%, the personal dose monitoring rate was 60%, and the rate of training on radiation protection regulations and knowledge was 48%. Conclusion: The deployment and use rate of X-ray diagnostic equipment in pet veterinary institutions in Zaozhuang City is relatively high. The awareness of radiation safety and protection is relatively low for some institutions and personnel, and the occupational disease protection measures are inadequately implemented. Enhanced radiation protection management is recommended.
Objective: To investigate the annual effective doses to radiation workers caused by radon concentrations in the underground workplaces of medical institutions, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of indoor radon in underground places. Methods: A typical sampling method was used to select 5-30 medical institutions in each of Hunan, Jiangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, and Sichuan provinces. A total of 66 monitoring points in 66 medical institutions were selected. The indoor radon concentrations in underground workplaces were measured cumulatively using CR-39 solid nuclear track detectors. The radiation dose to radiation workers was estimated according to the method outlined in the Requirements for control of indoor radon and its progeny (GB/T 16146—2015). The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the differences in indoor radon concentrations between different provinces. Results: The average indoor radon concentration in the underground workplaces of 66 medical institutions was 69.8 Bq/m3, with the highest being 147.6 Bq/m3. The average indoor radon concentrations in the underground workplaces of medical institutions in Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei, Jiangxi, and Hunan were 72.1, 83.2, 66.6, 88.4, and 61.5 Bq/m3, respectively. The annual effective doses to radiation workers caused by radon concentrations in underground workplaces were 0.57-0.83 mSv, with an average of 0.69 mSv. There was a significant difference in radon concentrations among provinces (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The indoor radon concentrations and personnel exposure doses in the underground workplaces of monitored medical institutions comply with national control standards. However, continuous monitoring and necessary indoor radon prevention and control measures are still needed.
Objective: To systematically assess the current status of radiation protection in veterinary diagnostic and treatment institutions in Liaocheng City, identify weaknesses in management, and provide a basis for standardizing veterinary radiological diagnostic and treatment. Methods: A census-based design was employed. Data on radiation protection management, occupational health, and diagnostic and treatment practices were collected using standardized questionnaires. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 involving all 47 veterinary institutions equipped with radiological diagnostic and treatment devices in Liaocheng City. Results: All 47 institutions were equipped with X-ray radiography units (no CT scanners), with 23.4% using medical-grade equipment (including 5 second-hand units). None of the institutions implemented the “three-synchronization” system, 12.8% lacked radiation protection records, and 21.3% failed to declare occupational disease hazards. Compared with veterinary clinics, veterinary hospitals demonstrated significantly superior performance in three key radiation protection metrics: the proportion of radiology staff receiving radiation protection training (100% vs. 50.0%), individual dose monitoring compliance (92.3% vs. 55.3%), and occupational health examination rate (100% vs. 39.5%) (all P < 0.05). Moreover, 87.2% of institutions allowed pet owners to remain in the examination room, of whom only 68.1% wore protective gear, and all institutions reported radiation exposure to the limbs of animal restrainers. Staff demonstrated inadequate knowledge of radiation protection. Although all radiation protection tests met standards, the median radiation level from medical-grade equipment (0.48 μSv/h) was significantly higher than that from veterinary-specific equipment (0.15 μSv/h). Conclusion: Veterinary diagnostic and treatment institutions in Liaocheng City exhibited a pattern of “hospitals superior to clinics”. Prominent issues included compliance risks associated with second-hand equipment, radiation exposure to non-occupational personnel (owners and restrainers), and insufficient radiation protection knowledge. Recommendations include strengthening oversight of equipment sources, promoting specialized animal restraint devices, standardizing procedures for pet owner presence in examination rooms, and implementing targeted training programs.
Objective: To obtain the data of radiological diagnosis and treatment resource distribution at medical institutions of different levels and in various cities, understand the status of resource allocation, provide policy-making basis and suggestions for optimizing the allocation of radiological diagnosis and treatment resources within the province, and offer data and references for related research. Methods: A basic situation questionnaire survey was conducted on radiological diagnosis and treatment institutions in Hunan Province. Data were reviewed, analyzed, and statistically processed using Excel software to understand the allocation situation of radiological diagnosis and treatment resources in Hunan Province. Results: As of 2022, there were
Objective: To understand the current status of radiation diagnosis and treatment resources and their use in Taiyuan City, China, and provide data support for optimizing resource allocation and standardizing diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A census-based approach was implemented using a standardized questionnaire to collect basic information on radiation diagnosis and treatment institutions in Taiyuan City. The number and use frequency of radiation diagnosis and treatment resources were calculated based on the resident population of Taiyuan City at the end of 2023. Results: There were a total of 562 radiation diagnosis and treatment institutions in Taiyuan City, with
Objective: To explore the relationship between the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome elements and coronary angiography results in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: A total of 100 patients with CHD admitted to our hospital between January 2024 and January 2025 were randomly selected as the research subjects. All patients underwent coronary angiography, and the distribution of TCM syndrome elements in patients with CHD was analyzed. The differences in syndrome element distribution among patients with varying numbers of diseased vessels were compared. The differences in Gensini scores of patients with different syndrome elements were assessed. A Spearman analysis was used to analyze the correlations between the number of diseased vessels, Gensini scores, and TCM syndrome elements. Results: The proportions of heart, blood stasis, and Qi deficiency syndrome elements in single-vessel lesions were lower than those in triple-vessel lesions (P < 0.05). The proportions of blood stasis and Qi deficiency syndrome elements in double-vessel lesions were lower than those in triple-vessel lesions (P < 0.05). Gensini scores of patients with heart, blood stasis, and Yang deficiency syndrome elements were significantly higher, and Gensini scores of patients with Qi stagnation were significantly lower (P < 0.05). The Spearman analysis showed that the number of diseased coronary vessels in patients with CHD was positively correlated with heart, blood stasis, and Qi deficiency syndrome elements (P < 0.05), but not significantly correlated with other syndrome elements (P > 0.05). Gensini score was positively correlated with heart, blood stasis, Qi deficiency, and Yang deficiency, and negatively correlated with Qi stagnation (P < 0.05). There were no significant correlations between Gensini score and other syndrome elements (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The distribution of TCM syndrome elements in patients with CHD is centered on the heart and liver, with blood stasis, phlegm turbidity, and Qi deficiency as the main diseases, reflecting the pathogenesis of “root deficiency with branch excess”. The syndrome elements of heart, blood stasis, and Qi deficiency are closely related to the results of coronary angiography, which can provide a reference for the evaluation of CHD in clinical practice.
Objective: To investigate the effects of crocetin on radiosensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma and its potential mechanisms using a nude mouse xenograft model established with A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Methods: Forty mice bearing lung adenocarcinoma were randomly divided into four groups: control group, crocetin group, radiotherapy group, and crocetin combined with radiotherapy group, and received the corresponding interventions. After 14 days of treatment, all mice were sacrificed and tumor tissues were excised. Tumor weight was measured in each group and the tumor inhibition rate was calculated. Apoptosis of tumor cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR were used to detect and compare the expression of genes encoding hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2). Results: The mean tumor weight of mice in the crocetin combined with radiotherapy group was significantly lower than that in the radiotherapy group (P < 0.05), and the tumor inhibition rate of the crocetin combined with radiotherapy group was 34.07%. The mean tumor cell apoptosis rate in the crocetin combined with radiotherapy group was significantly higher than that in the radiotherapy group (P < 0.05). HIF-1α expression was significantly lower in the crocetin combined with radiotherapy group than in the radiotherapy group (P = 0.001). Although BCL-2 expression in the crocetin combined with radiotherapy group was lower than that in the radiotherapy group, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.894). The expression levels of mRNAs of genes encoding HIF-1α and BCL-2 in the crocetin combined with radiotherapy group were significantly lower than those in the radiotherapy group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Crocetin in combination with radiotherapy significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect of radiotherapy on tumor growth in mice bearing lung adenocarcinoma and increased the tumor inhibition rate. The mechanisms may involve the alleviation of radiotherapy-induced overexpression of HIF-1α, thereby improving hypoxic conditions in tumor tissues, as well as suppression of the anti-apoptotic gene BCL-2 to enhance radiotherapy-induced apoptosis of lung adenocarcinoma cells.
Objective: To establish typical values for interventional diagnosis and treatment at our institution, use these values as a tool to evaluate patient medical exposure doses, and optimize radiation protection measures. Methods: From June to December 2023, we collected information on 593 adult cardiovascular interventional diagnosis and treatment surgeries, including surgery type, equipment model, air kerma-area product (KAP), incident reference point air kerma (Ka,r), perspective time (FT), and exposure mode. Results: The typical value of cardiovascular interventional diagnosis at our institution in 2023 was 27.5 Gy·cm2. The typical value of cardiovascular interventional treatment was 70.0 Gy·cm2. The FT, KAP, and Ka,r of interventional surgeries were significantly higher than those of interventional diagnosis (P < 0.01). There were significant correlations between FT, KAP, and Ka,r (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study were slightly different from those of other studies. They provide typical data and reference values for cardiovascular interventional diagnosis and treatment dose levels in Beijing and are helpful for dose optimization between different medical institutions.
Objective: To evaluate cardiac involvement in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) using echocardiography combined with electrocardiography. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the detailed medical records of AAV patients treated in Jining First People’s Hospital between January 2020 and December 2024. Eighty patients were enrolled in the AAV group, and the risk of heart disease was compared between the AAV group and a control group with 80 subjects matched for age, sex, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Results: Electrocardiographic abnormalities were observed in 78.75% of patients in the AAV group, while significant electrocardiographic abnormalities only occurred in symptomatic patients in the control group. There were no differences in left atrial enlargement or interventricular septal thickening between the AAV group and the control group. The overall left ventricular systolic function in the AAV group was lower than that in the control group (8.75% vs. 0). The incidence of reduced diastolic function in the AAV group was significantly higher than that in the control group (37.5% vs. 15%). The incidence rates of tricuspid regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, and pericardial effusion in the AAV group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Pericardial thickening, aortic stenosis, pulmonary hypertension, and rare periaortic granulomas were found in the AAV group, but not in the control group. Conclusion: Echocardiography and electrocardiography are important examination methods for evaluating cardiac involvement in AAV. These methods have key roles in disease screening, diagnosis and treatment, follow-up, and prognosis judgment.
Objective: To explore the impact of multi-model adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR-V) algorithm on radiation dose and image quality in children’s ultra-low-dose chest CT examination. Methods: A total of 72 children who underwent chest CT scans at Qingdao Municipal Hospital with admissions between January 2024 and January 2025 were selected as subjects and divided into two groups using a random number table. In the control group (n = 36), the tube voltage was set at 100 kVp and the conventional filtered back projection algorithm was used. In the observation group (n = 36), the tube voltage was set at 80 kVp and images were reconstructed using 30% ASiR-V (observation group 1), 60% ASiR-V (observation group 2), and 90% ASiR-V (observation group 3), respectively. Radiation doses were recorded for each group, and both subjective and objective evaluations of image quality were conducted. Results: Compared with the control group, the observation group demonstrated significantly lower volume CT dose index [(0.86 ± 0.09) mGy], dose length product [(25.90 ± 3.55) mGy·cm], and effective dose [(0.01 ± 0.001) mSv] (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in subjective evaluation scores of image quality among the four groups (z = −2.206, P = 0.530). Additionally, Fisher’s exact test showed that the proportion of images scoring 4-5 points was higher in observation group 2 than in observation group 3 (P = 0.024). The noise value of the ascending aorta in the mediastinal window and the noise values of the right and left middle lung fields and the right and left upper lung fields in the lung window were lower in observation groups 2 and 3 than in the control group, and these values were lower in observation group 3 than in observation group 2 (P < 0.05). The signal-to-noise ratios of the ascending aorta and liver in observation groups 2 and 3 were higher than those in the control group, and the ratios were higher in observation group 3 than in observation group 2 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Reconstruction using the 60% ASiR-V algorithm for pediatric ultra-low-dose chest CT examination can ensure good image quality while reducing radiation dose and improving examination safety.
Objective: To evaluate the current status in the implementation of GBZ/T 201.5-2015 Radiation shielding requirements for radiotherapy rooms-Part 5: Radiotherapy room of proton accelerators, identify issues in the application of its technical indicators, and provide a basis for the in-depth implementation and further revision of the standard. Methods: In accordance with the Standardization Law of the People’s Republic of China and the Guidelines for Health Standards Tracking Evaluation (WS/T 536-2017), a combination of cluster sampling and stratified sampling methods was employed to select professionals involved in proton accelerator radiotherapy devices and facilities in three provinces (or municipalities directly under the central government) as the subjects of the survey. A questionnaire was developed to collect basic information about the subjects and their understanding and application of the technical indicators in the standard. A standard evaluation indicator system with a total score of 100 points was established to score the implementation of the standard (40 points), the technical content (30 points), and the effectiveness of the implementation (30 points). Results: A total of 169 professionals from 107 institutions participated in the survey, with 79.88% of the respondents having at least 5 years of experience in radiation therapy and 74.56% holding intermediate or higher professional titles. The score of standard implementation was 18.3 points. The awareness rate exceeded 80%, indicating a high level of awareness about the standard. However, the scores for the dissemination and application of the standard were relatively low, accounting for 28% and 32% of their respective full marks. The technical content of the standard and the effectiveness of its implementation scored 27.0 and 26.6 points, respectively. The overall score in the evaluation of standard implementation was 72 points, with scores of 68.6, 72.3, and 75.0 for Beijing City, Shanghai City, and Jiangsu Province, respectively. Conclusion: GBZ/T 201.5-2015 Radiation shielding requirements for radiotherapy rooms-Part 5: Radiotherapy room of proton accelerators is scientific and operable, and it is well-coordinated with relevant laws and standards. However, considering the development in FLASH technology and multi-chamber radiotherapy room, it is necessary to revise and improve the standard.
Objective: To investigate the clinical value of 3.0 T functional magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating postoperative recurrence and treatment efficacy of glioma. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the general clinical data of 67 patients who underwent glioma surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xingtai Medical University. All patients received chemotherapy for more than one month post-surgery. Recurrence of glioma was diagnosed based on secondary surgery or pathological biopsy results as the gold standard. From 3 to 6 months post-surgery, computerized tomography was used to measure cerebral blood volume (CBV), three-dimensional arterial spin labeling was used to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) and relative CBF (rCBF), and diffusion-weighted imaging with and without contrast enhancement was used to measure apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software, and the t test or χ2 test was used for inter-group comparisons based on data type. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to evaluate the value of CBV, rCBF, and ADC in assessing postoperative recurrence and treatment efficacy of glioma. Results: Patients with high-grade gliomas showed significantly higher CBV and rCBF and significantly lower ADC compared to those with low-grade gliomas (P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of CBV, rCBF, and ADC in combination for grading glioma was 0.960, which was higher than those of individual indicators (0.790, 0.955, and 0.795, P < 0.05). The recurrence group had significantly higher CBV and rCBF and lower ADC compared to the non-recurrence group (P < 0.05). The AUC of CBV, rCBF, and ADC in combination for predicting postoperative glioma recurrence was 0.965, which was significantly higher than those of individual indicators (0.729, 0.929, and 0.941, P < 0.05). CBV and rCBF were lower and ADC was higher in the effective treatment group than in the ineffective treatment group (P < 0.05). The AUC of CBV, rCBF, and ADC in combination for evaluating glioma treatment efficacy was 0.985, which was higher than those of individual indicators (0.842, 0.898, and 0.961, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The CBV, rCBF, and ADC in combination has shown high diagnostic accuracy and predictive efficacy in the evaluation of postoperative recurrence and treatment efficacy of glioma, which has important clinical application value.
Objective: To evaluate the overall implementation of the WS 76-2020 standard in Anhui Province, China and identify and analyze the factors affecting the implementation of the standard, and to provide a basis for the effective implementation and revision of WS 76-2020. Methods: According to the requirements of the Notice of the Department of Regulations in National Health Commission on the 2024 assessment of implementation of mandatory standards, an evaluation of radiological health standards was organized and conducted in Anhui Province. The evaluation involved the three dimensions of standard implementation status, technical content of the standards, and effectiveness of standard implementation, with subsequent data analysis. Results: The total evaluation score for WS 76-2020 was 87.83 points, indicating that the standard effectively guided the quality control testing of medical X-ray diagnostic equipment. However, stability testing was either underutilized or not performed in practice. The qualified rate of X-ray diagnostic equipment in the province was 94.26%, with equipment performance issues identified as the leading contributor to non-qualified instances. Expert discussions highlighted recommendations particularly concerning the operability, applicability, and scientific rigor of the standard. Conclusion: It is recommended to strengthen the dissemination and training for the standard, promote medical institutions to voluntarily conduct stability testing, provide supplementary clarifications or revisions for problematic clauses, and standardize quality control testing techniques for radiological diagnostic equipment.
Objective: To investigate the value of split-bolus dual-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in preoperative staging of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and to analyze its effect on radiation dose. Methods: From June 2021 to July 2024, 118 patients with suspected renal space occupying lesions admitted to Changsha Fourth Hospital were initially selected. Using a random number table, these patients were assigned to a single-bolus group (single-bolus three-phase enhancement program) and a split-bolus group (split-bolus dual-phase enhancement program), with 59 patients in each group. According to the postoperative pathological results, 100 patients with ccRCC were selected as the study subjects, including 48 patients in the single-bolus group and 52 patients in the split-bolus group. The CT values of ccRCC tissues in various phases were compared between the two groups. The accuracy of preoperative ccRCC staging was analyzed using postoperative pathological staging as the gold standard, and the effective dose (ED) was compared between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in ccRCC staging between the two groups (P > 0.05). The CT value in the parenchyma-excretion phase of the split-bolus group was (88.24 ± 18.34) HU, which was lower than that of the single-bolus group in the parenchyma phase [(102.43 ± 20.66) HU, P < 0.05]. The accuracy of preoperative staging of ccRCC was 86.54% in the split-bolus group, which was not significantly different from 87.50% in the single-bolus group (P > 0.05). The mean ED was (14.54 ± 1.42) mSv in the split-bolus group, which was lower than (20.43 ± 1.18) mSv in the single-bolus group (P < 0.05). Compared with the single-bolus group, the ED of the split-bolus group decreased by 28.83%. Conclusion: Split-bolus dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT provides similar accuracy compared to single-bolus CT in evaluating the preoperative staging of ccRCC, and can reduce the radiation dose.
Objective: To compare the results obtained from an artificial intelligence (AI)-based chromosome image scanning and processing system, the Metafer 4 chromosome scanning and analysis system, and manual analysis of dicentric chromosomes, and to explore the feasibility of applying AI technology for dicentric chromosome detection and biological dose estimation. Methods: Healthy human elbow vein blood was collected and subjected to 60Co in vitro irradiation. Chromosome samples were prepared using conventional methods. The slides were scanned and automatically analyzed using the AI-based system and the Metafer 4 system. The results were manually analyzed and confirmed. Results: The number of cells was comparable between the AI-based system and the Metafer 4 system. However, the scanning speed of the AI-based system was 4.5 seconds per image, which was significantly faster than the 7.3 seconds per image of the Metafer 4 system (t = −6.19, P < 0.05). At a confidence level of 0.7, the AI-based system demonstrated a true positive rate of 96.7% and a false positive rate of 6.5%, which were significantly better than the true positive rate (45.4%-54.5%) and false positive rate (22.2%-29.2%) of the Metafer 4 system (all P < 0.05). In the biological dose estimation, the deviation of the dose-response curve was ≤ ± 10% in the automatic analysis using the Metafer 4 system. Due to the use of the manual dose-response curve, the deviation of the AI-based System was ≤ ± 15%. However, there were no significant differences in the estimated doses when the two systems were compared with the manual analysis (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Both the AI-based chromosome image scanning and processing system and the Metafer 4 chromosome scanning and analysis system greatly improved the analysis speed of chromosome aberrations. However, the scanning speed, true positive rate, and false positive rate of the AI-based system were superior to those of the Metafer 4 system. Therefore, the AI-based system is more suitable for rapid and high-throughput biological dose estimation in large-scale radiation accidents.
Objective: To study a method for determining the cumulative dose of low-energy neutrons ( < 100 keV) independently based on a CR-39 detector. Methods: According to the theory of track etching kinetics, the differences in the tracks formed by low-energy neutrons or fast neutrons in a BN + CR-39 detector under broad-spectrum neutron irradiation were analyzed. A method was proposed to identify the tracks produced by low-energy neutrons under specific etching conditions while avoiding interference from fast neutron tracks. Results: Experimental results demonstrated that the BN + CR-39 detector using TASTRAK PADC CR-39 track-detecting plastic could independently detect the tracks of low-energy neutrons when etched in a 6.25 mol/L NaOH solution for 1 h. The track density showed a good linear relationship with the ambient dose equivalent of low-energy neutrons, and the calibration coefficient was
Objective: Using female mice to investigate the reparative effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on radiation-induced ovarian injury. Methods: Mice were randomly divided into three groups: a blank control group, a radiation model group, and a cell therapy group. Mice in the radiation model group and the cell therapy group received a single whole-body irradiation of 5 Gy X-rays. Within 2 hours post-irradiation, mice in the cell therapy group underwent ovarian transplantation of UC-MSCs. On days 1, 7, and 14 post-irradiation, body weight was measured, ovarian index was calculated, histopathological changes in ovarian tissue were examined, serum levels of reproductive hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, anti-Müllerian hormone, and estradiol) were determined, and the colonization of implanted UC-MSCs in the mice was observed. Results: On days 1, 7, and 14 post-irradiation, both the cell therapy group and the radiation model group showed decreased body weight compared to the blank control group (P < 0.05). On day 1 post-irradiation compared to day 1 pre-irradiation within the same group, the radiation model group exhibited a greater decrease in body weight than the cell therapy group (P < 0.05). On days 1, 7, and 14 post-irradiation, the ovarian index decreased in both the radiation model group and the cell therapy group compared to the blank control group (P < 0.05). On days 7 and 14 post-irradiation, the ovarian index in the cell therapy group was significantly higher than that in the radiation model group (P < 0.05). Ovarian tissue in the radiation model group exhibited atrophy and a reduction in the number of follicles at all stages. In contrast, follicles in the cell therapy group were large and abundant. On days 1, 7, and 14 post-irradiation, serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the cell therapy group were lower than those in the radiation model group, while anti-Müllerian hormone and estradiol levels were higher than those in the radiation model group (P < 0.01). In vivo fluorescence imaging demonstrated that UC-MSCs successfully colonized the ovarian tissue on days 1, 7, and 14 after transplantation. Conclusion: UC-MSCs exert a repair effect on radiation-induced ovarian injury in mice.
Objective: To investigate the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on the thyroid status and hormone levels of radiation workers. Methods: Radiation workers who underwent occupational health examinations at a hospital in Guangzhou from 2015 to 2022 were selected as the subjects of this study. The levels of FT3, FT4 and TSH were analyzed, and the thyroid abnormality status of radiation workers in different groups were compared. Results: A total of
Objective: To construct a key technical indicator system for in-hospital treatment and nursing of patients with nuclear radiation injury, and provide a basis for the implementation of such treatment and nursing. Methods: The draft of the key technical indicator system for in-hospital treatment and nursing of patients with nuclear radiation injury was determined by literature review, case study, and field investigation. The indicators of the system were determined through two rounds of Delphi consultation and using the precedence chart method. According to the criteria of indicator evaluation, the reliability of expert opinions, and the opinions of the research group, the indicators were refined and evaluated. Results: Twenty experts were included for two rounds of consultation via mailed inquiries, with a 100% effective response rate in both rounds. The expert authority coefficients were both 0.945, and the Kendall’s W values were 0.347 and 0.448, respectively (P < 0.05). Following the expert consultations, 1 indicator was deleted, 12 indicators were added, and 6 indicators were modified. The key technical indicator system for in-hospital treatment and nursing of patients with nuclear radiation injury established in this study included 4 first-level indicators, 17 second-level indicators, and 73 third-level indicators. The means of importance assignment for all indicators were > 4.00, and the coefficients of variation were < 0.25. Conclusion: The key technical indicator system for in-hospital treatment and nursing of patients with nuclear radiation injury established in this study is scientifically rigorous and practically grounded. The indicators demonstrate strong professional relevance and provide important guidance for in-hospital treatment and nursing of patients with nuclear radiation injury.
Total-body PET/CT, with its long axial field of view and high sensitivity detector, has shown potential for reducing the dose of radiopharmaceuticals. However, pediatric patients are significantly more sensitive to radiation and have a higher long-term cancer risk than adults, posing fundamental challenges for dose management in PET/CT examinations for these patients. In this article, the technical characteristics of total-body PET/CT and its radiation exposure status in children were systematically analyzed. The radiation exposure could be controlled by the following optimization strategies: adjusting the CT exposure parameters, optimizing the scanning mode, adding reconstruction algorithm, and reducing the injected dose of radioactive tracer. By addressing both external and internal radiation during the PET/CT scanning process, the overall radiation dose received by pediatric patients can be reduced within a certain range. In addition, this article also discusses the technical differences between “total-body” and “whole-body” concepts, and emphasizes that the future optimization of radiation dose in pediatric PET/CT should be realized by integration of personalized scanning protocols. Through reasonable management of scanning protocols and processes, low-dose and high-quality PET/CT imaging can be achieved in clinical environments, thus maximizing protection of pediatric patient health while minimizing the risks associated with ionizing radiation exposure.
With the extensive application of nuclear technology in industry, agriculture, and medicine, the safety issues associated with neutron radiation have become increasingly prominent. Due to their high penetrability and strong ionization effect, neutrons can cause serious health risks by directly damaging DNA or inducing secondary γ radiation. Therefore, the neutron radiation protection has become a core challenge in radiation protection, especially the research and development of neutron shielding materials. To ensure the safe development of nuclear technology, neutron shielding materials are indispensable and constitute a fundamental core technology for radiation protection. This paper reviews the theory of neutron radiation protection and the research progress of neutron shielding materials, with a focus on the current application status and existing problems of neutron shielding materials. This article also discusses the future development trends. This review aims to provide theoretical support and technical references for the safe application and development of nuclear technology.
Radiation-induced intestinal injury is caused by high dose of radiation in the abdomen and pelvis. The disease is characterized by complicated pathological mechanisms and poses significant challenges to clinical treatment, seriously affecting the quality of life and health of patients. Current treatments in modern medicine offer limited efficacy and are often associated with adverse side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine monomers inhibit inflammatory factors (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β) and regulate the antioxidant enzyme system (e.g., improving the activity of superoxide dismutase) to effectively reduce the symptoms of radiation-induced intestinal injury with minimal side effects. Through targeted delivery of nanoparticles, nanotechnology can accurately deliver the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine to damaged intestinal tissues, thus improving their bioavailability and therapeutic effects. This paper reviews the mechanisms of Chinese medicine monomers in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced intestinal injury and the application of nanotechnology for enhanced efficiency. The paper also discusses the clinical potential of these approaches. These results provide a reference for future research and clinical practice.
