Abstract Vanadium is widely used in the steel manufacturing, aerospace and medical industries because of its good plasticity and malleability, and is released into the environment in large quantities. Human were exposed mainly through environmental and occupational exposure. Vanadium and its compounds can cause multi-system damage to the reproductive, respiratory, neurological, and immune systems, and the toxic mechanisms may be related to oxidative stress, epigenetic damage, DNA damage and repair, apoptosis, and dysregulation of cell proliferation. This article summarizes the health hazards caused by vanadium exposure and its mechanism, providing the reference for the studies into the toxic effects of vanadium and its compounds.

Pneumoconiosis is a serious occupational disease in China. Early imaging examination is one of the important measures for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pneumoconiosis. Digital radiography (DR) and computed tomography (CT) play an important role in the screening and diagnosis of pneumoconiosis, as well as the recent rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This paper reviews the latest progress in technical parameter debugging and quality control of DR, optimization of AI computer-aided system and CT-aided diagnosis of pneumoconiosis, summarizes the advantages and problems in the application of the three technologies, providing research directions for imaging diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.

Objective To investigate the effects of 6-minutes of walking exercise (6-MWE) on the exercise tolerance and left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) of heart failure patients with a normal ejection fraction (HFNEFs).Methods Ninety grade Ⅱ or Ⅲ HFNEFs of the New York heart association (NYHA) were randomly divided into an exercise training group and a control group with 45 cases in each.The control group was treated with routine drugs.The exercise training group was treated with the same drugs plus 6-MWE.Before and after the sixmonth period of treatment,plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were determined,each subject's left atrial volume index (LAVI) was measured with a color ultrasonic cardiogram (UCG),and their 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD) was measured.Results Plasma NT-proBNP levels and 6-MWD improved significantly comparing with before treatment in both groups.The average 6-MWD,LAVI and plasma NT-proBNP level all improved significantly more in the experimental group.Conclusion 6-MWE can significantly improve the exercise tolerance and LVDF of HFNEFs,and improve their quality of life.Walking can be helpful in delaying the development of HFNEF.

Objective: To investigate the effect of chrysotile exposure on ribosomal DNA (rDNA) copy number and DNA damage response, so as to provide insights into the mechanism of asbestos-induced carcinogenesis. Methods: Human pleural mesothelial MeT-5A cells were treated with chrysotile suspensions at doses of 1.25, 2.5 and 5 μg/cm2 (low-, medium-, high-dose group), while PBS served as controls. MeT-5A cells were harvested 6, 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment, and the rDNA copy numbers and the BIRC5, HRAS, GINS4 and RRM2 mRNA expression were determined using a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay. The apoptosis of MeT-5A cells and DNA damage were detected using Muse cell analyzer. The rDNA copy numbers, DNA damage responses and BIRC5, HRAS, GINS4 and RRM2 mRNA expression were compared in MeT-5A cells treated with different doses of chrysotile suspensions. Results: There were significant differences in 45S rDNA copy numbers among low-, medium-, high-dose groups and the control groups 6, 48 and 72 h post-treatment with chrysotile suspensions, and significantly lower 45S rDNA copy numbers were measured in low-, medium- and high-dose groups than in the control group 6 h post-treatment, while significantly higher 45S rDNA copy numbers were found in the high-dose group than in low- and medium-dose groups 48 and 72 h post-treatment (all P<0.05). There were significant differences in 5S rDNA copy numbers among low-, medium-, high-dose groups and the control groups 24, 48 and 72 h post-treatment with chrysotile suspensions, and significantly lower 5S rDNA copy numbers were measured in medium- and high-dose groups than in the control group 24 and 48 h post-treatment, while significantly lower 5S rDNA copy numbers were found in medium- and high-dose groups than in the low-dose group 24, 72 h post-treatment (all P<0.05). There were significant differences in the overall apoptotic rate of MeT-5A cells among groups at different time points, and the overall apoptotic rate of MeT-5A cells were significantly higher in medium- and high-dose groups than in the control group (all P<0.05), with late-stage apoptosis predominantly detected. There were significant differences in the rates of ATM activation and DNA double-strand break in MeT-5A cells among groups 72 h post-treatment, and higher rates of ATM activation and DNA double-strand break were measured in medium- and high-dose groups than in the control group (all P<0.05). In addition, there were significant differences in the relative mRNA expression of BIRC5, HRAS, GINS4 and RRM2 genes among groups 24 and 48 h post-treatment, and significantly lower BIRC5, HRAS, GINS4 and RRM2 mRNA expression was quantified in medium- and high-dose groups than in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion Exposure to chrysotile may induce rDNA copy number variations and altered expression of nucleolar proteins in human pleural mesothelial cells, which may be involved in the regulation of DNA damage responses.

Objective: To investigate the effect of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) copy number variation caused by hexavalent chromium exposure on DNA damage response in different cell lines, so as to provide insights into the involvement of hexavalent chromium-induced rDNA copy number variation in DNA damage responses. : Methods Human lung epithelial BEAS-2B cells and human embryonic lung MRC-5 cells were treated with 2 μmol/L potassium dichromate for 24 hours, and then cells were transferred to fresh media for further incubation, while cells treated with the same volume of phosphate buffer solution served as controls. Cells treated with potassium dichromate for 24 hours, and 3 and 7 days post-detoxification, were harvested, and rDNA copy number was quantified in cells using a quantitative fluorescent real-time PCR assay. Cell cycle, apoptosis and DNA damage were detected using a Muse cell analyzer, and the DNA damage was evaluated with the proportion of ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) gene activation, proportion of double-strand DNA breaks and the percentage of the H2A.X variant histone phosphorylatio. : Results The 45S and 5S rDNA copy numbers of were significantly higher in MRC-5 cells than in BEAS-2B cells [(1.54±0.26) vs. (1.02±0.18), P<0.05; (6.97±1.07) vs. (3.00±0.15), P<0.05]. The 45S rDNA copy number was lower in MRC-5 cells 3 days post-detoxification (0.80±0.04) than in controls (P<0.05), and was higher in BEAS-2B cells 3 days post-detoxification (1.43±0.07) than in controls (P<0.05) . G0/G1 phase arrest was found in MRC-5 cells 24 hours post-treatment, and the apoptotic rates were significantly higher in MRC-5 cells 3 and 7 days post-detoxification than in controls [(11.53±1.53)%, (18.33±0.70)% vs. (3.53±0.93)%, P<0.05]. The overall apoptotic rates 24 hours post-treatment and 3 days post-detoxification [(2.80±0.17)%, (3.33±0.57)% vs. (1.53±0.61)%, P<0.05], proportion of ATM gene activation 3 days post-detoxification [(3.37±0.67%) vs. (1.18±0.22)%, P<0.05], proportion of double-strand DNA breaks 3 days post-detoxification [(4.45±0.85)% vs. (0.97±0.21)%, P<0.05] and percentage of the H2A.X variant histone phosphorylation 3 days post-detoxification [(1.68±0.56)% vs. (0.29±0.06)%, P<0.05] in BEAS-2B cells were higher than in controls. Conclusions Hexavalent chromium-induced rDNA copy number variation affects DNA damage response in different cell lines. A stronger DNA damage response is found in BEAS-2B cells with a low rDNA copy number, and a relative stable response is observed in MRC-5 cells with a high rDNA copy number.

Objective : To examine the effect of asbestos exposure on oxidative stress, so as to provide insights into the elucidation of pathogenesis and management of asbestos-related diseases. Methods : Totally 245 subjects were recruited from an asbestos manufacturing area in Zhejiang Province, and their gender, age and history of asbestos exposure were collected through a questionnaire survey. The serum levels of 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine ( 8-OHdG ), glutathione ( GSH ), malondialdehyde ( MDA ), superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) and total antioxidative capacity ( TAOC ) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ), and the levels of catalase ( CAT ), peroxiredoxin 2 ( PRX2 ), SOD1, SOD2 and thioredoxin-1 ( TRX1 ) were detected in peripheral white blood cells ( WBCs ) using a liquid-chip assay. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify the association between asbestos exposure and oxidative stress parameters. Results : There were 50 subjects without a history of asbestos exposure (unexposed group), 102 subjects with asbestos exposure for less than 10 years ( AE<10-year group ) and 93 subjects with asbestos exposure for 10 years and more ( AE≥10-year group ). No significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of age, gender, proportion of smokers or proportion of alcohol consumers ( P>0.05 ). Significantly higher 8-OHdG and MDA in serum, and higher PRX2 in peripheral WBCs were detected in the AE≥10-year group than in the unexposed group ( P<0.05 ); lower GSH and TAOC in serum, and lower CAT in peripheral WBCs were detected in the AE≥10-year group than in the unexposed group ( P<0.05 ); higher 8-OHdG and MDA in serum, and higher PRX2 in peripheral WBCs were detected in the AE≥10-year group than in the AE<10-year group ( P<0.05 ). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that asbestos exposure significantly correlated with 8-OHdG, MDA and TAOC in serum, and CAT and PRX2 in peripheral WBCs ( P<0.05 ). Conclusion Asbestos exposure may induce the oxidative stress damage, suggesting that oxidative stress may be involved in asbestos-related diseases.

Objective : To analyze the survival of patients with malignant mesothelioma, so as to provide insights into the management of malignant mesothelioma. Methods : Totally 36 patients with malignant mesothelioma admitted to Cixi Third People’s Hospital from October 2012 to January 2021 were enrolled, and the demographic features, exposure to asbestos, and diagnosis and treatment were retrospectively reviewed. The survival rate and median survival time were calculated with the life-table method, and the factors affecting the survival rate of malignant mesothelioma were identified using the Kaplan-Meier estimate and log-rank test. Results : The 36 patients with malignant mesothelioma included 6 men ( 16.67% ) and 30 women ( 83.33% ), and had a median age of 61 ( interquartile range, 14 ) years. There were 30 cases with pleural malignant mesothelioma ( 83.33% ) and 6 cases with peritoneal malignant mesothelioma ( 16.67% ), 32 cases ( 88.89% ) with a history of occupational exposure to asbestos, and 26 cases ( 72.22% ) receiving palliative treatment. The 1-, 2- and 3-year cumulative survival rates were 30%, 15% and 3%, respectively, and the median survival time was 0.71 years. In addition, there were no significant differences in the survival period among patients with malignant mesothelioma in terms of gender, age, route of asbestos exposure, duration of asbestos exposure, pathogenic site and treatment regimens ( P>0.05 ). Conclusion The 36 patients with malignant mesothelioma had a median survival period of 0.71 years, and no association was found between the survival period and asbestos exposure or pathogenic site.

Objective: To analyze the semen quality parameters of sperm donor volunteers, so as to provide insights into male infertility control and related research. Methods: A total of 155 sperm donors were recruited from the Human Sperm Bank of Zhejiang Province using the convenience sampling method from January to March 2021. Demographic information were collected through questionnaire surveys. Semen were collected, and parameters including semen volume, sperm concentration, total number of sperm, forward motility rate and total sperm viability were measured. Semen quality was evaluated according to the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen. : Results Conclusion There were 20.65% of the 155 sperm donors with unqualified semen, and the unqualified rates of forward motility rate and total sperm viability were relatively high.

Humans ; Occupational Diseases ; prevention & control ; therapy ; Radiographic Image Enhancement ; instrumentation ; X-Rays

BACKGROUNDTo analysis and evaluate the efficacy of I-131 labeled chimeric TNT antibody ( ¹³¹I-chTNT MAb) targeting therapy in advanced lung cancer, and then choose the best way of administration.

METHODSForty-three patients with advanced lung cancer were treated by 3 different protocols using ¹³¹I-chTNT MAb. Their diagnosis was confirmed by histology and there were 30 cases in stage IIIB and 13 cases in stage IV, 32 cases were newly diagnosed and 11 cases were retreated. All patients were divided into three groups and treated with different methods: (1)iv infusion (n=22); (2) intratumoral injection (n=16); and (3) combination iv (25% of total dosage) and intratumoral (75%) infusion (n=5). All patients received radiolabeled MAb at a total dosage of 2.96×10⁷ Bq/kg on days 1 and 14.

RESULTSThere were 2 complete response (4.7%), and 11 partial response (25.6%), the total response rate was 30.2% (13/43) in all patients. For those patients receiving iv injection alone, the response rate was 9.1%. For those patients receiving intratumoral injection alone, the response rate was 56.3%. There was significant difference between them (P < 0.01 ). The main toxicity was reversible bone marrow suppression, 2 cases (4.7%) with grade III leukopenia and 3 cases (7.0%) grade III thrombocytopenia.

CONCLUSIONS¹³¹I-chTNT has significant therapeutic effects on advanced lung cancer and the intratumoral injection is the best way of administration.