Background In recent years, the increasingly widespread application of nuclear and medical radiation technologies has resulted in a large number of occupational populations exposed to low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR). At present, there is no consistent conclusion on the effects of long-term exposure to LDIR on the metabolic health of the occupational population. Objective To explore the association between long-term exposure to LDIR and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among medical radiologists. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to enroll 6431 medical radiologists who ordered occupational health checkups from January 2022 to December 2023, and basic information such as demographic characteristics, occupational characteristics, lifestyles, and dietary habits was collected through questionnaires. Physical examinations were conducted using a standardized protocol. Individual dose equivalents of occupational external exposure were monitored by dosimeters worn by medical radiologists. Logistic regression model was used for identifying influencing factors of MetS and sensitivity analysis, and restricted cubic spline model was used to explore the dose-response relationship between cumulative effective dose and MetS. Two-stage linear regression was used to evaluate threshold effect of association between cumulative effective dose and MetS. Results The positive rate of MetS was 13.6% (877/6431) among the enrolled 6431 study participants. The logistic regression showed that gender, age, monthly income, body mass index (BMI), cumulative effective dose, and smoking were influencing factors for MetS. The risk of MetS was higher in males (OR=1.511, 95%CI: 1.209, 1.888); using the < 30 years old group as reference, the risk of MetS was higher in the 30-39 years old (OR=1.509, 95%CI: 1.095, 2.079), 40-49 years old (OR=2.214, 95%CI: 1.551, 3.161), and ≥50 years old (OR=3.480, 95%CI: 2.338, 5.181) groups; using the <10000 yuan group as reference, the risk of MetS was lower in the group with a monthly income of 10000-14999 yuan (OR=0.715, 95%CI: 0.582, 0.878); the risk of MetS was higher in the BMI ≥ 24 kg·m⁻² group (OR=7.548, 95%CI: 6.223, 9.156); using the < 0.76 mSv group as reference, the risk of MetS was higher in the cumulative effective dose of 0.76-2.73 mSv group (OR=1.270, 95%CI: 1.017, 1.586); the risk of MetS was higher in the smoking group (OR=1.734, 95%CI: 1.428, 2.107). The results of restricted cubic spline showed that the cumulative effective dose was nonlinearly correlated with MetS (P _{non-linearity}=0.028), with an inflection point of 1.25 mSv. The risk of developing MetS increased by 34.1% for each unit increase in cumulative effective dose up to 1.25 mSv, whereas above 1.25 mSv, the statistical association was not significant. The sensitivity analysis results showed that after excluding the self-reported hypertensive and diabetic patients, the cumulative effective dose 0.76-2.73 mSv group still had an increased risk of developing MetS compared with the < 0.76 mSv group (P < 0.05), and the results were robust. Conclusion Among medical radiologists, male, age, BMI, and smoking are positively correlated with MetS, and monthly income is negatively correlated with MetS; cumulative effective dose is non-linearly correlated with MetS among medical radiologists.

Background The thyroid gland is one of the organs sensitive to ionizing radiation, and there are few studies on the effects of long-term exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation on the thyroid gland of radiation workers. Objective To investigate thyroid abnormalities in workers in medical radiology departments in Guangdong Province and to identify potential influencing factors of thyroid abnormalities. Methods A total of 1657 radiation workers from 48 hospitals in Guangdong Province were selected as survey subjects using convenience sampling, and their personal dose monitoring results and health examination information were retrospectively analyzed to determine the factors affecting thyroid abnormalities. Results The M (P₂₅, P₇₅) of thyroid absorbed dose (D_T) was 1.55 (0.65, 3.96) mGy in the 1657 investigated workers. The attribute-specific medians of D_T were 1.29, 1.38, 1.99, and 3.51 mGy for departments of diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine, respectively; and 1.10, 1.55, and 1.80 mGy for job titles of nurse, technician, and physician, respectively. Differences in D_T by gender, age, years of radiological work, age of radiation exposure onset, occupational category, and job title were statistically significant (Z=−6.35, H=708.52, 918.20, 31.19, 95.64, 39.28, P<0.05). The positive rate of thyroid abnormalities in investigated workers was 46.53% (771/1657). Among them, the positive rate of abnormal thyroid function was 22.87% (379/1657), that of abnormal thyroid morphology was 33.98% (563/1657), and that of thyroid nodule was 26.55% (440/1657). The differences in thyroid abnormality rates by gender, age, years of radiation work, age of radiation exposure onset, D_T, and job title of radiation workers were statistically significant (χ²=51.89, 49.64, 20.54, 18.29, 12.07, 16.16, P<0.05). The differences in abnormal thyroid function positive rate by gender, age of radiation exposure onset, and job title were statistically significant (χ²=26.21, 6.21, 8.32, P<0.05). The differences in the positive rates of abnormal thyroid morphology and nodules were statistically significant by gender, age, years of radiological work, age of radiation exposure onset, D_T, and job title (abnormal thyroid morphology, χ²=40.24, 64.17, 37.63, 15.17, 19.28, 15.05; nodules, χ²=31.41, 77.98, 42.11, 19.16, 21.70, 13.52, P<0.05). The positive rates of thyroid abnormality, thyroid morphology abnormality, and nodules all showed a linear increasing trend with increasing age, years of radiation work, and age of radiation exposure onset (P<0.05). The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that the factors influencing thyroid abnormalities were female (OR=2.17, 95%CI: 1.72-2.74), increased years of radiological work (OR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.03-1.06), onset of radiation exposure in age groups of 30-34 and ≥35 years (OR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.12-2.37; OR=2.58, 95%CI: 1.74-3.29), and working in department of diagnostic radiology (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.07-1.84). Conclusion Long-term exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation has an effect on thyroid abnormalities in medical radiation workers. Among them, being female, physicians, and working in department of diagnostic radiology are at a higher risk of abnormal thyroid function; being female, increased years of radiation work, and radiation exposure onset at age ≥30 years are associated with a higher risk of reporting abnormal thyroid morphology.

Objective:To investigate the exposure level of ionizing radiation in medical radiation workers in Guangdong province, as well as their abnormality in the lens of the eye, and to analyze associated influence factors.Methods:In this study, 1 501 radiation workers from 60 hospitals were selected by using convenient sampling method for retrospecotive analysis of absorbed doses ( DL) to the lens of the eye, health examination information and the relevant influence factors. Results:The median value M and the 25 th and 75 th percentile values ( P25, P75)of the distribution of absorbed doses were 4.86, 2.99 and 7.90 mGy, respectively. The median values for male and female were 5.14 and 3.94 mGy, respectively. The median values for the Levels I, Ⅱ and Ⅲ medical institutions were 2.95, 3.51 and 5.06 mGy, respectively. The median values were radiotherapy 4.05 mGy, radiodiagnosis 4.84 mGy, interventional radiology 5.39 mGy and nuclear medicine 6.71 mGy, as well as nurses 3.48 mGy, physicians 5.03 mGy and technologists 5.03 mGy, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in dose distribution for different gender, age, length of radiation service, age at the beginning of radiation exposure, level of medical institution, occupational category and post ( Z=-6.72, H=389.64, 511.17, 70.29, 53.29, 49.06, 39.89, P<0.05). The detectable rate for increased cortical density of lens was 22.45% (337/1 501) and for lens turbidity was 8.19% (123/1 501). The detectable rate of increased cortical density showed a linear increasing trend with the increase in age, age of radiation service, age at the beginning of exposure to radiation, level of medical institution and dose ( χ2=366.36, 313.77, 15.18, 21.61, 92.13, P<0.05). The detectable rate of lens opacity increased linearly with the increase in age, length of radiation service, level of medical institution and dose( χ2=69.64, 67.65, 67.65, 37.37, P<0.05), and decreased linearly with the increase in age at the beginning of radiation exposure ( χ2=4.25, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age was the influencing factor of increased cortical density ( χ2=165.98, P<0.05), and the risk of cortical densification increased with age ( OR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.27-1.39). Age, length of radiation service and occupation were the influencing factors of lens opacity ( χ2=25.78, 4.99, 6.88, P<0.05). The risk of lens opacity increased with age ( OR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.10-1.24). The risk of lens opacity increased with age of radiation service ( OR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12). The risk of ocular opacity was higher in interventional radiology than that in diagnostic radiology, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine ( OR=2.59, 95% CI: 1.27-5.25). Conclusions:Long-term exposure to low dose ionizing radiation has a certain correlation with the abnormal lens detectable rate of medical radiation workers. Age, length of radiation service and occupation are the influencing factors of lens opacity.

Objective:To explore the investigation level of individual monitoring for medical radiation workers.Methods:Monitoring and analysis of individual doses to the medical radiation workers in Guangdong province were performed, from 2016 to 2019, by the Individual Dose Monitoring Department of Guangdong Provincial Hospital for Occupational Disease Prevention and Control.Results:The numbers of monitored workers were diagnostic radiology 53 674, dental radiology 2 563, nuclear medicine 5 001, radiotherapy 16 687, interventional radiology 22 272 and others 2 087 from 2016 to 2019, of which the number of individuals with doses in excess of investigation level 1.25 mSv, were 76, 6, 18, 28, 133 and 2 respectively. The non-real doses made up 67.1 %, 100 %, 55.6 %, 82.1 %, 76.7 % and 100 % of their respective totals. Their 99th percentile doses P99 were 0.37, 0.39, 0.67, 0.35, 0.54 and 0.30 mSv, and the average periodic dose equivalent were 0.07, 0.06, 0.11, 0.06, 0.07 and 0.05 mSv respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference existing in the average annual effective dose between groups ( Z=-26.139--2.681, P<0.001). Conclusions:Due to non-reality of doses in excess of investigation levels and high labor cost, it is suggested to currently use 0.40 mSv per 3 months as investigation level for diagnostic radiology, dental radiology, radiotherapy and others, and 0.70 mSv per 3 months as for nuclear medicine and interventional radiology.

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, cell morphology, genetics, gene mutations of the patients with chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL). Methods: Five CNL patients from the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between May 2011 and May 2017 who conformed to 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria were retrospectively analyzed from clinical characteristics, laboratory features and treatment methods. Results: The peripheral blood white blood cell count (WBC) of 5 CNL patients was significantly increased, and the average WBC was 81.26×10⁹/L [(29-217)×10⁹/L]. Morphological analysis of peripheral blood cell showed a sustained increasing number of matured neutrophilia (0.80-0.85). Neutrophil alkaline phosphatase (NAP) activity was increased (144-266). Bone marrow cell morphology typically showed granulocyte proliferation without obvious dysplasia. Gene detection showed 3 patients with CSF3R T618I mutation and 2 patients with JAK2 V617F mutation in 5 WHO-defined CNL patients. Bone marrow biopsy with reticular staining showed that marrow fibrosis (MF) degree in patients with JAK2 V617F mutation (MF≥2) was higher than that in patients with CSF3R T618I mutation(MF<2). Conclusions CNL is a rare type of chronic leukemia, and CSF3R T618I mutation is a specific diagnostic index for CNL. JAK2 V617F mutations alone may be related to myelofibrosis, which remains to be further studied.

Objective To investigate the roles of ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme(UBC9)in HSCs activa-tion and liver fibrosis. Methods Western blot was used to analyze the expression of UBC9 under the stimulus of different concentrations of TGF-β1. The effective shRNA-targeting UBC9 gene was synthesized and HCSs were in-stantaneously transfected using lipofectamine method. Non-specific shRNA-transfected group cells and shRNA-tar-geting UBC9-transfected group cells were set up. The mRNA and protein levels of UBC9 were determined with Quantitative Real-Time PCR and Western blot. Western blot also used to examine the expression level of collagenⅠ,α-SMA and P-smad3 after transfection of UBC9 shRNA into HCSs and CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferative capacity after transfection. Results UBC9 expression was significantly up-regulated in TGF-β1-treat-ed HSCs. Knockdown of UBC9 significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced HSCs proliferation,as well as decreased the expression levels of a-SMA and collagen I. Furthermore ,knockdown of UBC9 attenuated the phosphorylation of Smad3 in the presence of TGF-β1. Conclusions UBC9 may function as a novel regulator to modulate HSC activa-tion,potentially by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway,which reveals novel mechanistic insights into the anti-fibrotic effect of UBC9.

Objective To discuss the safety and curative effect of superior rectal artery chemoembolization in treating rectal cancer complicated by hepatic metastasis.Methods A total of 17 patients with rectal cancer complicated by hepatic metastases were treated with hepatic arterial chemoembolization together with subsequent superior rectal artery chemoembolization.Super-selective catheterization of superior rectal artery with a 3-F microcatheter was performed first,which was followed by perfusion of 5-Fu and oxaliplatin through the microcatheter,and then irinotecan and Lipiodol emulsion was injected.Results Technical success was obtained in all 17 patients.In 2-7 days after the treatment,the amount of faeces containing mucus,blood and pus was significantly increased,besides,obvious necrotic tissues could be observed in the faeces in some patients.Among the 3 patients who had complained of abdominal pain,the pain disappeared in 3 days (n=2) or in 5 days (n=1) after the treatment.One week after the treatment,anal pain disappeared in 5 patients and was remarkably improved in 2 patients;tenesmus feeling was significantly relieved in 7 patients although the improvement of tenesmus feeling was not obvious in other 4 patients.During the long period following-up,no intestinal perforation or local infection was observed.Conclusion For the treatment of rectal cancer associated with hepatic metastasis,superior rectal artery chemoembolization is safe and effective.It can quickly cause rectal tumor necrosis,which is an important therapeutic response in treating rectal cancer with comprehensive therapy.

Objective To investigate the impact of preload fasting and meal replacement in patients with metabolic syndrome.Methods A total of 92 subjects with metabolic syndrome were enrolled in the study.They were assigned into the preload fasting group (PFG),the meal replacement group (MRG),and the control group (CG) for 12-weeks intervention.Special dietary with 100 kcal was provided 30 min before each meal in the PFG,and while in the MRG the same dietary was taken just before each meal and the amount of meal was reduced appropriately.The subjects in CG took meals as usual.Body mass index,waist circumference,and insulin resistance were assessed.Satiety situation was investigated by the scale.Results After 12 weeks,improvement were found in fasting insulin(-3.29 mU/L) and waist circumference (-4.04 cm) in the PFG and significant difference was shown compared to the CG (P＜0.05).Satiety index in the PFG was the most significant among the three group.Conclusion Preload fasting is helpful in improving insulin resistance,reducing waist circumference,and enhancing satiety.

Objective To explore the effects of gross saponins of Tribulus terrestris L.on inflammatory reaction and permeability of blood-brain barrier in rats following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and their potential mechanisms. Methods Sixty SD rats were divided into sham operation group,model control group,gross saponins of Tribulus terrestris L.at low-dose (10 mg?kg-1 )and high-dose groups(30 mg?kg-1 ).Cerebral ischemia -reperfusion model was established with suture emboli method in middle cerebral artery of rats.Neural injury scores,the contents of Evans blue ( EB) and myeloperoxidase( MPO) activities in rat brain were measured 24 hours after the cerebral reperfusion post 2 h ischemia.Content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in rat brain was detected by ELISA; expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) in rat brain was determined by Western blot. Results Compared to the model control group,the neurological deficit scores were significantly decreased(P<0.05),MPO activities and EB contents decreased(P< 0.05 or P< 0.01) in the treatment groups.The expression levels of TNF-α were significantly lower in the treatment groups(0.760±0.110) mg?g-1 and (0.670±0.073) mg?g-1 compared to (0.920±0.128) mg?g-1 in the model control group ( P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). The MMP-9 expression levels were (1.770± 0.181)% and(1.480±0.146)%,significantly lower than(2.200±0.186)% in the model control group(P<0.01). Conclusion Gross saponins of Tribulus terrestris L. exert neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats through inhibiting the inflammatory reaction and decreasing the permeability of blood-brain barrier,which may be associated with the decrease of the TNF-α content and downregulation of the MMP-9 expression.

Objective To explore the mechanism that gold nanorods trigger apoptosis in cancer cells.Methods Gold nanorods was synthesized by gold seed growing method, and its characterization was detected; gold nanorods on cell proliferation-toxicity were evaluated by CCK-8 Kit and apoptosis were detected by flow; mitochondrial membrane potential were tested by JC-1 and activation of Caspase 9 and Caspase 3 were detected by western blot. Results The results found that gold nanorods had nontoxic to normal cells, but highly toxic to tumor cells; and with the increasing of gold nanorods’ working time, the percentage of apoptotic cancer cells was increasing; in addition to, normal cells’ mitochondrial membrane potential did not change, but cancer cells had a significant reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential.Conclusion This study proves that gold nanorods induce apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.