Gamma-ray detection plays an indispensable role in nuclear medicine (e.g., positron emission tomography/computed tomography), environmental monitoring, geological exploration, high-energy physics, and security inspection. Detectors based on scintillation crystals have emerged as the mainstream choice for gamma-ray detection due to their balanced overall performance, strong environmental adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. Their core components consist of scintillation crystals and photodetectors. In recent years, silicon-based photodetectors, represented by avalanche photodiodes and silicon photomultipliers, have developed rapidly, offering high detection efficiency and sensitivity to long-wavelength photons. However, the emission wavelengths of current commercial scintillation crystals are primarily in the blue-green region (350-600 nm). This severely mismatches the high quantum efficiency of silicon-based devices in the red/near-infrared wavelength range (>600 nm), leading to low overall light detection efficiency of the system. To fully explore the potential performance of novel silicon-based photodetectors, there is an urgent need to develop scintillation materials with red/near-infrared emission. This review summarizes the development history and research status of red/near-infrared emission scintillation crystals, introduces near-infrared emission scintillation crystals based on Eu²⁺/Yb²⁺-Sm²⁺ co-doping and Yb³⁺ luminescence, and briefly discusses existing problems and development trends in this field.

Gamma-ray detection plays an indispensable role in nuclear medicine (e.g., positron emission tomography/computed tomography), environmental monitoring, geological exploration, high-energy physics, and security inspection. Detectors based on scintillation crystals have emerged as the mainstream choice for gamma-ray detection due to their balanced overall performance, strong environmental adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. Their core components consist of scintillation crystals and photodetectors. In recent years, silicon-based photodetectors, represented by avalanche photodiodes and silicon photomultipliers, have developed rapidly, offering high detection efficiency and sensitivity to long-wavelength photons. However, the emission wavelengths of current commercial scintillation crystals are primarily in the blue-green region (350-600 nm). This severely mismatches the high quantum efficiency of silicon-based devices in the red/near-infrared wavelength range (>600 nm), leading to low overall light detection efficiency of the system. To fully explore the potential performance of novel silicon-based photodetectors, there is an urgent need to develop scintillation materials with red/near-infrared emission. This review summarizes the development history and research status of red/near-infrared emission scintillation crystals, introduces near-infrared emission scintillation crystals based on Eu²⁺/Yb²⁺-Sm²⁺ co-doping and Yb³⁺ luminescence, and briefly discusses existing problems and development trends in this field.

Gamma-ray detection plays an indispensable role in nuclear medicine (e.g., positron emission tomography/computed tomography), environmental monitoring, geological exploration, high-energy physics, and security inspection. Detectors based on scintillation crystals have emerged as the mainstream choice for gamma-ray detection due to their balanced overall performance, strong environmental adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. Their core components consist of scintillation crystals and photodetectors. In recent years, silicon-based photodetectors, represented by avalanche photodiodes and silicon photomultipliers, have developed rapidly, offering high detection efficiency and sensitivity to long-wavelength photons. However, the emission wavelengths of current commercial scintillation crystals are primarily in the blue-green region (350-600 nm). This severely mismatches the high quantum efficiency of silicon-based devices in the red/near-infrared wavelength range (>600 nm), leading to low overall light detection efficiency of the system. To fully explore the potential performance of novel silicon-based photodetectors, there is an urgent need to develop scintillation materials with red/near-infrared emission. This review summarizes the development history and research status of red/near-infrared emission scintillation crystals, introduces near-infrared emission scintillation crystals based on Eu²⁺/Yb²⁺-Sm²⁺ co-doping and Yb³⁺ luminescence, and briefly discusses existing problems and development trends in this field.

Objective To evaluate the current radiation doses in pediatric non-cardiac interventional procedures, and analyze the associated clinical factors, and to provide data references for reducing pediatric radiation exposure. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the radiation doses of children who had undergone non-cardiac interventional procedures at the interventional department of a tertiary pediatric hospital in Jinan from January 2022 to October 2024. The collected data included basic demographic information, surgical date, anatomical site, disease type, and radiation dose parameters (cumulative fluoroscopy time, cumulative dose area product in cine mode, cumulative air kerma, and the number of images acquired). The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparative analysis between groups (P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant). Results Among the 475 included children, 99 cases (20.8%) had infantile hemangioma (median P_ka, 0.136 Gy·cm²; median K_a,r, 0.38 mGy), 235 cases (49.5%) had venous malformation (median P_ka, 9.82 Gy·cm²; median K_a,r, 40.99 mGy), 75 cases (15.8%) had lymphatic malformation (median P_ka, 0.06 Gy·cm²; median K_a,r, 0.18 mGy), 32 cases (6.7%) had retinoblastoma (median P_ka, 6.58 Gy·cm²; median K_a,r, 52.34 mGy), 12 cases (2.5%) had arteriovenous malformation (median P_ka, 42.3 Gy·cm²; median K_a,r, 162.87 mGy), and 22 cases (4.6%) had other vascular malformations (median P_ka, 21.7 Gy·cm²; median K_a,r, 89.1 mGy). There were significant differences between children with different disease types in the cumulative fluoroscopy time, cumulative dose area product in cine mode, cumulative air kerma at the patient entrance reference point, and the number of images acquired during non-cardiac interventional procedures (all P < 0.01). Conclusion This study presented the types and proportions of pediatric non-cardiac interventional procedures, evaluated the radiation dose levels of different surgical types, and analyzed the effects of weight and anatomical site on radiation exposure, which can be useful for preliminary assessment of radiation doses in pediatric non-cardiac interventional procedures.

Objective To observe changes in genetic material in the peripheral blood of pediatric patients with vascular malformations after interventional procedures. Methods A total of 108 children with vascular malformations who underwent interventional procedures at Shandong University Affiliated Children’s Hospital between February 2021 and January 2024 were selected as the research subjects. Clinical data and peripheral venous blood samples before and after the interventional procedures were collected from the children. Two biological indicators, γ-H2AX and peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosomal aberration (CA), were used to determine the levels of genetic material damage in children with vascular malformations before and after interventional procedures. Results The median age of the children was 7 years and the median body weight was 27 kg. The median dose-area product (DAP) was 24.20 Gy·cm² and the median DAP/kg was 1.04 Gy·cm²/kg. The incidence rates of both γ-H2AX foci and CA in children with vascular malformations significantly increased after the interventional procedures (Z = 5.924, P < 0.001; Z = 8.515, P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative CA in 7 children were significantly higher than that in others, approaching or exceeding 4%. The incidence rates of postoperative γ-H2AX foci and CA in children with DAP/kg ≥ 1 Gy·cm²/kg were significantly higher than those in children with DAP/kg < 1 Gy·cm²/kg (U = 7.586, P = 0.031; U = 6.835, P = 0.009). No significant differences were observed in the incidence rates of postoperative γ-H2AX foci and CA among subgroups based on age, body weight, or surgical site. A positive correlation was observed between the difference in the incidence rates of γ-H2AX foci before and after the procedure and DAP/kg (R = 0.493, P = 0.027). Conclusion Ionizing radiation exposure during interventional procedures can increase peripheral blood genetic material damage levels in children with vascular malformations, and the damage levels show a correlation with the radiation dose, with some children being abnormally sensitive. Further research is needed to explore the influencing factors for genetic material damage in children with vascular malformations after interventional procedures, which is of great significance for reducing long-term cancer risks and achieving personalized treatment strategies.

Objective:To explore the applied value of three-dimensional(3D)image reconstruction in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy(LPN).Methods:A total of 80 patients who underwent LPN due to renal tumors at Linyi Central Hospital between May 2019 and December 2022 were retrospectively selected.The patients were divided into an observation group and a control group,with 40 cases in each group,according to different preoperative imaging examination methods.After computed tomography urography(CTU)examination,the obtained DICOM data of observation group were used to reconstruct 3D images by 3D image reconstruction system.The planning and intraoperative positioning were conducted through auxiliary surgery plan with 3D model,and patients'conditions were informed to their family members through 3D image model.The size and location of the tumor,and the relationship between the tumor,blood vessels and surrounding tissues and organs were observed.Then,the LPN was performed.The control group used CT images to assist LPN after CTU examination.The differences in variously perioperative clinical indicators between the two groups were compared.Blood creatinine levels of two groups were measured before,after,and during follow-up.Additionally,a questionnaire survey was used to score the understanding level of patients'families for the informed content items.Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in gender,age,difference of tumor side,maximum tumor diameter,body mass index,the score of R.E.N.A.L score system of renal tumor[maximum diameter?,external convexity rate(E),the closest distance(N),difference of side(A)and longitudinal position(L)],preoperative serum creatinine,and other general data(P>0.05).The occlusion time(21.70±6.39)min of renal artery,the time(9.25±2.95)min of seeking target artery,the operation time(122.55±42.57)min,and the resection time(6.47±2.25)min of tumor in the observation group were all shorter than those in the control group,and the differences of them between two groups were statistically significant(t=-2.87,-4.49,-3.60,-3.41,P<0.05),respectively.The scores of understanding levels of patients'families in the observation group for renal structure,site and size of tumor,the relationship between tumor and their surrounding tissue,and surgical plan and purpose were higher than those in the control group,and the differences of them between the two groups were statistically significant(t=-10.07,-13.86,-2.97,-17.57,-17.12,P<0.05),respectively.There were no significant differences between the observation group and the control group in terms of the volume of intraoperative blood loss,hospital stay duration,positive rate of resection margin,incidence of complication,and levels of postoperative serum creatinine during follow-up(P>0.05).Conclusion:The application of 3D image reconstruction that assists LPN can shorten the time of surgical operation,occlusion time of renal artery,time of resecting tumor and time of seeking target artery,which can improve preoperative communication satisfaction between doctors and patients.

Objective:To explore the applied value of three-dimensional(3D)image reconstruction in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy(LPN).Methods:A total of 80 patients who underwent LPN due to renal tumors at Linyi Central Hospital between May 2019 and December 2022 were retrospectively selected.The patients were divided into an observation group and a control group,with 40 cases in each group,according to different preoperative imaging examination methods.After computed tomography urography(CTU)examination,the obtained DICOM data of observation group were used to reconstruct 3D images by 3D image reconstruction system.The planning and intraoperative positioning were conducted through auxiliary surgery plan with 3D model,and patients'conditions were informed to their family members through 3D image model.The size and location of the tumor,and the relationship between the tumor,blood vessels and surrounding tissues and organs were observed.Then,the LPN was performed.The control group used CT images to assist LPN after CTU examination.The differences in variously perioperative clinical indicators between the two groups were compared.Blood creatinine levels of two groups were measured before,after,and during follow-up.Additionally,a questionnaire survey was used to score the understanding level of patients'families for the informed content items.Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in gender,age,difference of tumor side,maximum tumor diameter,body mass index,the score of R.E.N.A.L score system of renal tumor[maximum diameter?,external convexity rate(E),the closest distance(N),difference of side(A)and longitudinal position(L)],preoperative serum creatinine,and other general data(P>0.05).The occlusion time(21.70±6.39)min of renal artery,the time(9.25±2.95)min of seeking target artery,the operation time(122.55±42.57)min,and the resection time(6.47±2.25)min of tumor in the observation group were all shorter than those in the control group,and the differences of them between two groups were statistically significant(t=-2.87,-4.49,-3.60,-3.41,P<0.05),respectively.The scores of understanding levels of patients'families in the observation group for renal structure,site and size of tumor,the relationship between tumor and their surrounding tissue,and surgical plan and purpose were higher than those in the control group,and the differences of them between the two groups were statistically significant(t=-10.07,-13.86,-2.97,-17.57,-17.12,P<0.05),respectively.There were no significant differences between the observation group and the control group in terms of the volume of intraoperative blood loss,hospital stay duration,positive rate of resection margin,incidence of complication,and levels of postoperative serum creatinine during follow-up(P>0.05).Conclusion:The application of 3D image reconstruction that assists LPN can shorten the time of surgical operation,occlusion time of renal artery,time of resecting tumor and time of seeking target artery,which can improve preoperative communication satisfaction between doctors and patients.

Computed tomography (CT) examination may expose patients to a high radiation dose. The reduction of radiation dose in pediatric CT examinations is becoming increasingly important. The diagnostic reference level (DRL) is a practical tool that can achieve optimization of protection and reduce radiation dose in pediatric CT examinations. This article provides a brief summary of the concept, development methods, current situations by country, and issues related to the DRL in pediatric CT examinations, aiming to provide a references for radiation protection optimization in pediatric CT examinations in China.

At present, the incidence and mortality of tumors are increasing, and the treatment of tumors has attracted much attention. Radiotherapy is a key method for tumor treatment; however, its effectiveness is often constrained by radioresistance. During tumor radiotherapy, DNA damage response (DDR) is a key factor in the radioresistance of tumor cells. Research has shown that the radiosensitivity of tumor cells can be effectively improved by regulating the expression of key proteins in the DDR pathway. Targeting the DDR signaling pathway has become an effective strategy to reduce tumor radioresistance. This article focuses on the mechanisms, clinical research status, limitations, and current challenges associated with the key DDR proteins DNA-PKcs, ATM, ATR, and PARP as therapeutic targets for tumor radiotherapy sensitization, in order to provide a reference for the development of radiotherapy sensitization agents.

The number of interventional procedures has increased significantly due to the advantages of minor trauma, rapid recovery, and low incidence of complications. In 2018, there were approximately 24 million interventional procedures worldwide, representing a six-fold increase compared with 3.6 million procedures in 2008. From 2020 to 2021, the percentage of medical institutions with independent interventional departments in China increased from 50.49% to 63.18%. Interventional procedures inherently involve exposure to ionizing radiation, which poses a greater risk of radiation-related harm to the pediatric population due to their increased sensitivity, Consequently, the radiation dose levels experienced by children undergoing these procedures have become a growing concern, emerging as a focus of research both nationally and internationally. This article summarizes the reports published by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as well as academic articles, and reviews the dose optimization measures in the interventional procedures for pediatric patients. Regular radiation safety training for interventional radiation workers, enhancing radiation safety awareness, optimizing intraoperative techniques, and timely updating imaging equipment can effectively reduce the radiation dose received by pediatric patients. This approach helps reduce the doses to an acceptable range while still meeting interventional procedural requirements, thereby protecting the physical health of pediatric patients.