With the widespread application of ionizing radiation in many industries and the construction of nuclear power plants, the potentials for nuclear accidents is also increasing. In the event of a nuclear accident, rapid classification of a large population is generally involved, so accurate estimation of the radiation dose to the exposed population is the primary task of nuclear emergency response. Based on this need, World Health Organization and International Atomic Energy Agency have each established a worldwide network of biological dosimetry laboratories. In addition, regional networks of biological dosimetry laboratories have been established in the European Union, North America, Latin America and Asia. Based on the long-term organization of national training and assessment of biological dose estimation technology, China will also establish its own network of biological dosimetry laboratories in the future to cope with the emergency disposal needs of potential nuclear accidents. In this paper, the international biodosimetry network and related work will be reviewed, and the idea of establishing biodosimetry laboratory network in China will be elaborated.

Objective:To investigate the changes in the expression levels of long non-coding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) in human lymphocytes induced by low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) and the potential of lncRNAs as radiation biomarkers.Methods:Human immortalized lymphocytes (AHH-1) were irradiated with 0, 0.05, and 0.1 Gy of γ-rays at 24 h to extract RNAs for whole transcriptome sequencing. The sequencing was performed based on the 0, 0.05, and 0.1 Gy groups. The differentially expressed lncRNAs induced by LDIR were identified. The molecular functions, biological processes, and signaling pathway enrichment of differentially expressed genes were analyzed through the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Candidate lncRNAs were preliminarily validated using the qRT-PCR method. AHH-1 cells were irradiated with 0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, and 0.2 Gy to extract the total RNAs at 4, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The dose-response relationship of candidate lncRNAs was detected and analyzed. Peripheral blood sampled from eight healthy persons was irradiated with 0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, and 0.2 Gy in vitro, followed by culturing for 24 h and 48 h to further verify the changes in the expression levels of radiation-responsive lncRNAs at the cellular level. Results:A total of 44 lncRNAs that were significantly up- or down-regulated after 0.05 and 0.1 Gy irradiation were initially identified through transcriptome sequencing. Among them, lncRNAs with over two-fold differential expression included SNHG1, SNHG15, NEAT1, and PRC1-AS1. At the cellular level, compared to 0 Gy, the relative expression level of PRC1-AS1 after 4 h to 48 h of γ-ray irradiation, was significantly elevated at 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1 Gy( t= -3.11 to 1.23, P < 0.05). In contrast, the relative expression level of NEAT1 was significantly up-regulated in a dose range of 0.02 to 0.1 Gy ( t=-2.47 to 2.10, P < 0.05). At the level of human peripheral blood, the relative expression levels of PRC1-AS1 and NEAT1 were significantly increased at 24 h after 0 to 0.2 Gy irradiation ( t=-3.79 to -1.96, P < 0.05). Conclusion:The PRC1-AS1 and NEAT1 with significant changes in expression levels serve as potential LDIR biomarkers.

Radiation health testing is one of the important basic work of radiation health. In order to strengthen the quality control of radiation health testing, various provinces have successively established radiation health quality control centers since 2009, which have played an important role in the standardization and normalization of radiation health testing. National policies and sustained incentives from various provinces will accelerate the construction of radiation health testing and quality control centers. It will improve the level of radiation health technology by competency validation for radiation health testing.

China emerges as a major country in nuclear energy development and the application of nuclear and radiologic technology. The diagnosis and treatment of acute radiation syndrom (ARS) caused by external irradiation represent a core function in the country′s medical rescue of nuclear and radiological emergencies. Clinically, ARS manifests hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, and central nervous system syndromes, with specific clinical manifestations, signs, severity, and prognosis strongly correlated with radiation dose. China has established a number of national and provincial centers for treating radiation-induced damage. Nevertheless, most medical staff have limited experience in ARS treatment. This consensus presents a summary of recent experience in treating ARS of China. In combination with recommendations from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), this consensus proposes key evidence of critical clinical issues of ARS, covering all links in the rescue of external irradiation-induced ARS. Initially, clinical diagnosis, syndromes, and severe degrees should be determined based on clinical symptoms and dose estimates. It is necessary to normalize clinical treatment measures for hematopoietic recovery, gastrointestinal injury treatment, infection control, symptomatic treatment, and multi-organ function preservation. To this end, this consensus offers cautions. This consensus provides principles of treatment with traditional Chinese medicine, psychological intervention, and follow-up. Additionally, it highlights multidisciplinary collaboration. It is recommended that this consensus be applied in relevant treatment centers.

Objective To explore the feasibility of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as biomarkers for radiation-induced intestinal injury. Methods Mice were exposed to 15 Gy of ⁶⁰Co γ-rays to the abdominal area. The pathological changes in intestinal tissues were analyzed at 72 h post-irradiation to confirm the successful establishment of the radiation-induced intestinal injury model. Real-time quantitative PCR was conducted to detect the expression of candidate radiation-responsive lncRNAs in the jejunum, jejunal crypts, colon tissues, and plasma of irradiated mice. Human intestinal epithelial cell line HIEC-6 and human colon epithelial cell line NCM460 were exposed to 0, 5, 10, and 15 Gy of ⁶⁰Co γ-rays. The expression levels of candidate lncRNAs were measured at 4, 24, 48, and 72 h post-irradiation to observe their changes with the irradiation dose. Results Pathological analysis showed that abdominal irradiation with 15 Gy successfully established an acute radiation-induced intestinal injury mouse model. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that Dino, Lncpint, Meg3, Dnm3os, Trp53cor1, Pvt1, and Neat1 were significantly upregulated following the occurrence of radiation-induced intestinal injury (P < 0.05). Among them, Meg3 and Dnm3os in mouse plasma were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05), while Gas5 was significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). In HIEC-6 and NCM460 cells, the expression levels of DINO, MEG3, DNM3OS, and GAS5 showed dose-dependent patterns at certain time points (P < 0.05). Conclusion The lncRNAs encoded by MEG3, DNM3OS, and GAS5 in intestinal epithelial cells are responsive to ionizing radiation. Consistent differential expression changes were detected in mouse plasma and intestinal tissues, indicating their potential as biomarkers for radiation-induced intestinal injury.

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P  = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P  = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP. CONCLUSIONS The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People

OBJECTIVE: To explore the neuroprotective effect and underlying mechanism of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture (acupuncture for regaining consciousness and opening orifices) in the rat models of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) based on the p53 protein (p53)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. METHODS: Of 102 male Wistar rats, 20 rats were randomly collected as a sham-operation group. Using a modified external carotid artery filament insertion method, CIRI models were prepared by occluding the middle cerebral artery in the rest rats. After modeling and excluding 1 non-successfully modeled rat and 1 dead one, the other modeled rats were randomized into a model group, an agonist group, an acupuncture group, and an acupuncture + agonist group, 20 rats in each one. Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy was delivered in the rats of the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group. The acupoints included "Shuigou" (GV26), bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6), and "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) on the affected side. Electroacupuncture was attached to "Neiguan" (PC6) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) on the affected side, with dense-disperse wave, a frequency of 2 Hz/15 Hz and intensity of 1 mA. The intervention was delivered twice daily, 20 min each time and for 7 consecutive days. In the agonist group and acupuncture+agonist group, p53 agonist, COTI-2 was intraperitoneally injected (15 mg/kg), once daily for 7 consecutive days. Neurological deficit was evaluated using Zausinger's six-point scale. Cerebral infarction volume was quantified by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Iron deposition was assessed by Prussian blue staining. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in the ischemic cortex was examined under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum iron (Fe²⁺) was measured with chromometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels in the ischemic hippocampus were determined using thiobarbituric acid and microplate assays, respectively. The mean fluorescence intensity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ischemic cortex was analyzed by flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4, SLC7A11, and p53 in the ischemic hippocampus were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited the decrease in neurological deficit score (P<0.01), and the increase in cerebral infarction volume percentage (P<0.01). The changes of brain tissue were presented in extensive cellular necrosis, pyknotic and deeply-stained nuclei, and vacuolar degeneration. The iron deposition was elevated in cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01), mitochondrial membrane density increased, the cristae was broken or reduced, and the outer membrane ruptured. The levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were elevated (P<0.01) and the level of GSH was reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was reduced (P<0.01), while that of p53 rose (P<0.01). When compared with the model group, in the agonist group, the neurological deficit score was reduced (P<0.05), the percentage of infarction volume was higher (P<0.01), the histopathological damage was further exacerbated, and the percentage of iron deposition increased in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01). The mitochondrial quantity decreased, the membrane density increased, the mitochondrial cristae were broken or reduced, and the outer membrane was ruptured. The levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were higher (P<0.01, P<0.05) and the level of GSH was reduced (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while that of p53 was elevated (P<0.01). Besides, in comparison with the model group, the neurological deficit score was higher in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group (P<0.01, P<0.05), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume was lower in the acupuncture group (P<0.01), the pathological damage of brain tissue was alleviated in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group, and the percentage of iron depositiondecreased in the cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01). The mitochondrial structure was relatively clear, the mitochondrial cristae were fractured or reduced mildly in the acupuncture group and the acupuncture + agonist group. The levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA, as well as the mean flourscence intensity of ROS were lower (P<0.01) and the level of GSH was higher (P<0.01) in the acupuncture group. The mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were dropped (P<0.01) in the acupuncture + agonist group. The mRNA expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was elevated (P<0.01) and that of p53 was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05) in either the acupuncture group or the acupuncture + agonist group; the protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 rose (P<0.05, P<0.01) and that of p53 was dropped (P<0.01) in the acupuncture group; and the protein expression of p53 was also lower in the acupuncture + agonist group (P<0.05). When compared with the agonist group, in the acupuncture + agonist group, neurological deficit score increased (P<0.01), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume decreased (P<0.01), the pathological brain tissue damage was reduced, the percentage of iron deposition in cortex and hippocampus decreased (P<0.01), the mitochondrial structure was relatively clear and the cristae broken or reduced slightly; the levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA, as well as the mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were dropped (P<0.01), while the level of GSH increased (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7411 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and that of p53 reduced (P<0.01). In comparison with the acupuncture + agonist group, in the acupuncture group, the neurological deficit score increased (P<0.05), the percentage of cerebral infarction volume decreased (P<0.05), the pathological brain tissue damage was alleviated, the percentage of iron deposition in cortex and hippocampus decreased (P<0.01), the mitochondrial structure was normal in tendency; the levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA, as well as the mean fluorescence intensity of ROS were reduced (P<0.05), while the level of GSH rose (P<0.01); the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and SLC7411 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and that of p53 reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture can alleviate neurological damage in CIRI rats, which is obtained probably by inhibiting ferroptosis through p53/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
Animals ; Reperfusion Injury/metabolism* ; Male ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Rats ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics* ; Brain Ischemia/metabolism* ; Rats, Wistar ; Signal Transduction ; Humans ; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Acupuncture Points ; Amino Acid Transport System y+/genetics*

With the widespread application of ionizing radiation in many industries and the construction of nuclear power plants, the potentials for nuclear accidents is also increasing. In the event of a nuclear accident, rapid classification of a large population is generally involved, so accurate estimation of the radiation dose to the exposed population is the primary task of nuclear emergency response. Based on this need, World Health Organization and International Atomic Energy Agency have each established a worldwide network of biological dosimetry laboratories. In addition, regional networks of biological dosimetry laboratories have been established in the European Union, North America, Latin America and Asia. Based on the long-term organization of national training and assessment of biological dose estimation technology, China will also establish its own network of biological dosimetry laboratories in the future to cope with the emergency disposal needs of potential nuclear accidents. In this paper, the international biodosimetry network and related work will be reviewed, and the idea of establishing biodosimetry laboratory network in China will be elaborated.

Objective:To investigate the changes in the expression levels of long non-coding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs) in human lymphocytes induced by low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) and the potential of lncRNAs as radiation biomarkers.Methods:Human immortalized lymphocytes (AHH-1) were irradiated with 0, 0.05, and 0.1 Gy of γ-rays at 24 h to extract RNAs for whole transcriptome sequencing. The sequencing was performed based on the 0, 0.05, and 0.1 Gy groups. The differentially expressed lncRNAs induced by LDIR were identified. The molecular functions, biological processes, and signaling pathway enrichment of differentially expressed genes were analyzed through the Gene Ontology (GO) analysis. Candidate lncRNAs were preliminarily validated using the qRT-PCR method. AHH-1 cells were irradiated with 0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, and 0.2 Gy to extract the total RNAs at 4, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The dose-response relationship of candidate lncRNAs was detected and analyzed. Peripheral blood sampled from eight healthy persons was irradiated with 0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, and 0.2 Gy in vitro, followed by culturing for 24 h and 48 h to further verify the changes in the expression levels of radiation-responsive lncRNAs at the cellular level. Results:A total of 44 lncRNAs that were significantly up- or down-regulated after 0.05 and 0.1 Gy irradiation were initially identified through transcriptome sequencing. Among them, lncRNAs with over two-fold differential expression included SNHG1, SNHG15, NEAT1, and PRC1-AS1. At the cellular level, compared to 0 Gy, the relative expression level of PRC1-AS1 after 4 h to 48 h of γ-ray irradiation, was significantly elevated at 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1 Gy( t= -3.11 to 1.23, P < 0.05). In contrast, the relative expression level of NEAT1 was significantly up-regulated in a dose range of 0.02 to 0.1 Gy ( t=-2.47 to 2.10, P < 0.05). At the level of human peripheral blood, the relative expression levels of PRC1-AS1 and NEAT1 were significantly increased at 24 h after 0 to 0.2 Gy irradiation ( t=-3.79 to -1.96, P < 0.05). Conclusion:The PRC1-AS1 and NEAT1 with significant changes in expression levels serve as potential LDIR biomarkers.

Radiation health testing is one of the important basic work of radiation health. In order to strengthen the quality control of radiation health testing, various provinces have successively established radiation health quality control centers since 2009, which have played an important role in the standardization and normalization of radiation health testing. National policies and sustained incentives from various provinces will accelerate the construction of radiation health testing and quality control centers. It will improve the level of radiation health technology by competency validation for radiation health testing.