Two directions that cannot be ignored in the study of endemic fluorosis and endemic arsenicosis in China: long-term exposure to low-dose fluoride and arsenic, and non-target organ damage / 中华地方病学杂志

With the comprehensive implementation of prevention and control measures for endemic fluorosis and endemic arsenicosis in China, and in accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended drinking water standards and the Chinese standards of allowable daily fluoride intake and limit values of arsenic content in drinking water, Chinese residents have entered the era of low-dose fluoride and arsenic exposure. However, there have been few studies focused on the long-term health effects of exposure to low-dose fluoride and arsenic both domestically and internationally. Further more, study on non-target organs of fluoride and arsenic has been neglected. The conclusions are also inconsistent, and there is an urgent need for systematic study to clarify them. Accordingly, this paper proposes to establish a cohort of people exposed to low-dose fluoride and arsenic, systematically carry out study on the long-term health effects and mechanisms of low-dose fluoride and arsenic exposure, and promote China's prevention and control experience to the "the Belt and Road" countries, in order to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of prevention and control strategies and measures for endemic fluorosis and endemic arsenicosis under the new situation in China.

Application and diagnostic value of low dose scan technique of chest CT combined with 3D reconstruction for ribs in chest trauma / 中国医学装备

Objective:To explore the application and diagnostic value of low-dose scan technique of chest computed tomography(CT)combined with three dimensional(3D)reconstruction for ribs in chest trauma.Methods:A total of 118 patients with highly suspected rib fracture who admitted to the 904th Hospital of People's Liberation Army Joint Service Support Force were selected,and all cases underwent low-dose scan technique of chest CT combined with 3D reconstruction for ribs.The image qualities of chest CT scans with different low-doses combined with 3D reconstruction for ribs were analyzed,and the diagnostic accuracies among low dose scan technique of chest CT,3D reconstruction for ribs and the combination of them for chest trauma were compared.Results:Both the sharpness and clarity of the edges of the bronchi,blood vessels,lung parenchyma,interlobular septum,mediastinum and ribs were poorer,and the artifacts of soft tissue were more and the noise were more when the tube current of CT scan was 50 Ma.Both the sharpness and clarity of the edges of the bronchi,blood vessels,lung parenchyma,interlobular septum,mediastinum and ribs were general,and a part of soft tissues existed artifacts and the noise amounts were less when the tube current of CT scan was 70 Ma,which did not affect the diagnosis.The radiation dose as 50 mA was significantly higher than that as 70 mA,with a statistically significant difference(t=10.969,P<0.05).In 118 patients with chest trauma,the examination of low-dose scan technique of chest CT combined with 3D reconstruction for ribs indicated that there were 112 cases of rib fractures and 7 cases of costal cartilage fractures.In the examined 388 fractures of rib and costal cartilage,355 fractures(91.49%)were rib fractures and 33 fractures(8.51%)were costal cartilage fractures.In 118 patients with chest trauma,76 cases(64.41%)complicated with pulmonary contusions and lacerations,and 41 cases(35.75%)complicated with pleural effusion,and 10 cases(8.47%)complicated with thoracic vertebral fractures,and 6 cases(5.08%)complicated with splenic contusions and lacerations,and 5 cases(4.24%)complicated with mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysemas.The most direct imaging sign of rib fracture was visible and transparent low-density shadow.Chest CT scan can generally better display dislocation of the fractured end.The 3D reconstruction image showed a visibly line-like shadow on one side of rib if only one side of ribs fractured and the other side was intact.A total of 395 rib and costal cartilage fractures were confirmed by 3D reconstruction,which included 363 rib fractures(91.90%)and 32 costal cartilage fractures(8.10%).A total of 410 rib and costal cartilage fractures were confirmed by low-dose scan technique of chest CT combined with 3D reconstruction for ribs,which included 375 rib fractures(91.46%)and 35 costal cartilage fractures(8.54%).In the comparison of 418 rib injuries that were confirmed during surgery,the accuracy of low-dose scan technique of chest CT was 92.82%(388/418)in diagnosing rib and costal cartilage fractures,and the accuracy of 3D reconstruction for ribs was 94.50%(395/418)in diagnosing that,and the accuracy of low-dose scan technique of chest CT combined with 3D reconstruction for ribs was 95.69%(410/418)in diagnosing that.There was a significant difference in accuracy among the three types of examinations(x2=13.062,P<0.05).Conclusion:Low dose scan technique of chest CT combines with 3D reconstruction for ribs can be used in the diagnosis of chest trauma,which has higher accuracy and can provide reliable imaging information for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Individualized low-dose scanning regimen for the assessment of coronary in-stent restenosis / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To investigate the image quality, radiation dose, and diagnostic efficiency of the regimen of GE 256-slice Revolution CT low-dose scanning, combined with an individualized contrast agent, in the assessment of coronary in-stent restenosis.Methods:A total of 120 patients (with 142 stents) treated with coronary stent implantation at the Beijing Renhe Hospital from August 2020 to August 2022 were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into an observation group (60 cases with 70 stents) and a conventional group (60 cases with 72 stents) using the random number table method. Both groups received GE 256-slice Revolution CT examinations. Patients in the conventional group were injected with 70 ml of iopromide as a contrast agent each, while those in the observation group were given individualized doses based on their body mass indices (BMIs). A tube voltage of 120 kV and a tube current of 534 mA were applied to the conventional group, whereas the tube voltage and current for the observation group were adjusted within the ranges of 80-120 kV and 150-534 mAs based on patients’ BMIs. Both groups received coronary angiography 7-14 d after coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Finally, the CT image quality, radiation dose, iodine intake, and diagnostic efficiency were compared between the two groups.Results:Both groups exhibited no significant differences in CT values, contrast-to-noise ratios, blooming artifacts, and stent diameters of the left main coronary artery ( P > 0.05). The conventional group manifested higher CT dose index, CT dose length product, effective dose, and iodine intake compared to the observation group ( t = 10.30, 8.75, 10.27, 4.60, P < 0.05). With coronary angiography result as the gold standard, the observation and conventional groups yielded Kappa values of 0.904 and 0.879, respectively, suggesting high consistency in diagnostic performance. Additionally, the two groups demonstrated nonsignificant differences in sensitivity and specificity ( P > 0.05). Conclusions:The regimen of GE 256-slice Revolution CT low-dose scanning, combined with an individualized contrast agent, yielding image quality and diagnostic efficiency equivalent to those of the conventional regimen, can effectively reduce radiation dose and iodine intake. Therefore, this regimen merits wide applicability.

The application value of low-dose contrast agent combined with bolus tracking technique in radiotherapy localization for nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To assess the application value of low-dose contrast agent combined with bolus tracking technique in radiotherapy localization for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods:One hundred patients with NPC for radiotherapy localization were enrolled prospectively and randomly divided into observation ( n = 50) and control ( n = 50) group using random number table. All patients in the control group underwent routine computerized tomography (CT) for radiotherapy localization with an intravenous bolus of 80 ml iodinated contrast media. Images were obtained at a fixed delay of 50 s from the beginning of contrast injection. Patients in the observation group underwent CT scan using a bolus tracking technique with an intravenous bolus of 50-60 ml iodinated contrast media. By observing the time-CT value monitoring curve, the scanning was manually triggered when the peak fell. The score of image quality, enhanced CT value, iodine contrast dose, and dose calculation variance of planning target volume were compared between the two different dose groups. The differences of dose were compared using independent sample t-tests and the differences in graph scores were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Results:The dosage of iodine contrast agent in the observation group was 28.75% less than that in the control group, and the difference achieved statistical significance ( t=-42.11, P<0.001). The enhanced CT value of carotid artery and jugular vein in the control group increased 32.58% and 21.02% compared with patients in the observation group, respectively ( t=-8.11 and -4.82, P<0.001 for both). No statistically significant differences in the enhanced CT value were found for the gross tumor volume (GTV) of nasopharynx or sternocleidomastoid between the two groups ( P>0.05). The images in both groups can met the requirements of target volume delineation, and the difference of subjective score was not statistically significant ( Z=-1.36, P=0.175). There were no significant differences in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of nasopharynx between the two groups ( P>0.05). The results of subjective score and GTV target area showed high consistency between the two doctors with a κ value of 0.77. The differences in dose calculation variance of planning target volume between the two different dose groups was also not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In the radiotherapy localization for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the application of low-dose contrast agent combined with bolus tracking technique could obtain good images for target delineation and effectively reduce the intake of iodine contrast agent and the risk of adverse reactions. Based on these results, low-dose contrast agent combined with bolus tracking technique has wide range of application.

Research progress in low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthropathy / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Osteoarthropathy is a common chronic disease among middle-aged and elderly populations, characterized by joint pain, limited mobility, and even disability in severe cases. Treatment methods include weight control, functional exercise, local or systemic medication use, and ultimately joint replacement surgery. However, patients often experience ineffective drug treatment or inability to tolerate adverse drug reactions, as well as inability to tolerate joint replacement surgery. Multiple studies have shown that low-dose radiotherapy can alleviate joint pain and limited mobility by regulating multiple stages of the inflammatory process. In addition, the risk of secondary malignant tumors is extremely low, with rare acute and chronic adverse reactions. However, there is still some controversy regarding the optimal segmentation method for radiotherapy in clinical applications, which remains to be elucidated by more prospective studies. Low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthropathy has been rarely studied in China. This non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment is expected to provide more treatment options for Chinese patients with osteoarthritis.

Efficacy of low-dose inhaled nitric oxide in the treatment of severe hypoxemia after Sun’soperation: A retrospective cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective To investigate the efficacy of low-dose inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in the treatment of severe hypoxemia after Sun’s operation. Methods The clinical data of patients undergoing Sun’s operation for acute Type A aortic dissection in our hospital from January 2020 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who received conventional treatment before November 2021 were enrolled as a control group. After November 2021, iNO was used in our hospital, and the patients who received iNO as an iNO group. The preoperative clinical baseline data, perioperative clinical data and oxygenation index were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 54 patients were included in the control group, including 45 males and 9 females, with an average age of 53.0±10.9 years. A total of 27 patients were included in the iNO group, including 21 males and 6 females, with an average age of 52.0±10.6 years. The preoperative body mass index of the two groups was greater than 25 kg/m2, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein were significantly higher than normal level, but there was no statistical difference between the groups (P＞0.05). There were no statistical differences in intraoperative data between the two groups (P＞0.05). The iNO group had significantly shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, postoperative ICU stay, and postoperative hospital stay than the control group (P<0.001). After 12 h of iNO treatment, hypoxic condition improved obviously, oxygenation indices in 12 h, 24 h, 36 h,48 h, 60 h and 72 h in the iNO group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The treatment of severe hypoxemia after Sun’s surgery with low-dose of iNO is safe and effective, can significantly improve oxygenation function, and has significant advantages in shortening ventilator use time, postoperative ICU stay and postoperative hospital stay, but it is not significant in changing postoperative mortality.

Efficacy of Wuling capsules combined with low-dose quetiapine in the treatment of oldest-old patients with insomnia accompanied by anxiety and depression / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of Wuling capsules combined with low-dose quetiapine in the treatment of oldest-old patients with insomnia accompanied by anxiety and depression. METHODS The clinical data of 96 oldest- old patients （aged≥80 years） with insomnia accompanied by anxiety and depression who were attending outpatient clinics or hospitalized in our hospital from June 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different drug treatments， the patients were divided into Wuling capsules group （0.99 g， tid， 34 cases）， quetiapine group （25-50 mg， qn， 30 cases） and combination group （using Wuling capsules and quetiapine simultaneously， same as the single drug groups， 32 cases）. Before and after 8 weeks of treatment， the patients of three groups were compared in terms of photoplethysmography sleep monitoring indexes （total sleep duration， sleep efficiency， sleep latency， and the number of awakening）， Pittsburgh sleep quality index （PSQI） score， 14-item Hamilton anxiety scale （HAMA-14） score， 17-item Hamilton depression scale （HAMD-17） score， mini-mental state examination （MMSE） score， and serum levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）； the therapeutic effects and adverse drug reactions of the three groups were observed and compared. RESULTS Compared with before treatment， the total sleep time， sleep efficiency and MMSE scores of the three groups were significantly longer or higher after treatment （P＜0.05）， while the sleep latency， number of awakening， PSQI score， HAMA-14 score， HAMD-17 score， serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly shorter or lower after treatment （P＜0.05）. Sleep latency， number of awakening， HAMA-14 score， HAMD-17 score and serum TNF-α level in quetiapine group were significantly shorter or lower than Wuling capsules group after treatment （P＜0.05）. Moreover， the above indexes in the combination group were significantly better than quetiapine group and Wuling capsules group （P＜0.05）. The total effective rate of treatment in the combination 1731786794@qq.com group was significantly higher than the other two groups （P＜0.05）. There was no significant difference in the incidence of mail：2408797210@qq.com adverse drug reactions among the three groups （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The therapeutic effect of Wuling capsules combined with low-dose quetiapine is better than that of individual drugs for oldest-old patients with insomnia accompanied with anxiety and depression， not increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

Differential mRNA expression in fractional low-dose radiation-induced senescence of HBE cells / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To explore the differentially expressed mRNAs and related biological processes and pathways in fractional low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR)-induced senescence of normal human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells by high-throughput mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics techniques. Methods Senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining and senescence-associated secretion phenotype gene mRNA and protein expression levels were measured at 24 and 48 h after irradiating HBE cells 7 times at doses of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mGy, respectively. The differentially expressed genes were screened by high-throughput sequencing for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Results The senescence-positive area of fractional low-dose irradiated HBE cells increased in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels and protein expression of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9) genes were increased in the 100 mGy × 7 and 200 mGy × 7 groups at 24 and 48 h after the end of irradiation compared with the control group. High-throughput sequencing showed that there were 882, 475, and 1205 differentially expressed mRNAs in each dose group compared with the control group. GO analysis showed that the differentially expressed mRNAs in each dose group were mainly enriched in biological processes such as cell cycle regulation, regulation of nitrogen compound metabolic process, regulation of cell division and response to stimulus. KEGG analysis showed that the differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly enriched in the pathways of cell cycle, cell senescence, and ferroptosis. Conclusion Fractional LDIR induced senescence in HBE cells, and differentially expressed mRNA-associated biological processes and pathways in senescent cells are related to cell cycle and cell senescence.

Low-dose ATG combined with low-dose PTCY in preventing GVHD after haploidentical transplantation:a retrospective analysis of 90 cases / 陆军军医大学学报

Objective To retrospectively analyze the efficacy and safety of low-dose antithymocyte globulin(ATG)combined with low-dose post transplantation cyclophosphamide(PTCY)in prevention of graft versus host disease(GVHD)after haploidentical transplantation.Methods Clinical data of 90 patients receiving haplotype matched transplantation in No.920 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force from January 2022 to February 2023 were collected,and they were divided into study group(n=47)and control group(n=43)according to different GVHD prevention programs.The patients of the study group were given low-dose ATG combined with low-dose PTCY,and those of the control group received standard dose of PTCY.The implantation status,occurrence of GVHD,survival status and other indicators were analyzed between the 2 groups.Results ① Both groups of patients were successfully implanted,the median duration for neutrophil implantation(11 vs 17 d,P＜0.05)and platelet implantation(12 vs 20 d,P＜0.05)was significantly shorter in the study group than the control group.The incidence of grade Ⅱ～Ⅳ aGVHD(12.8％vs 34.9％,P＜0.05)and grade Ⅲ～Ⅳ aGVHD(6.4％ vs 20.9％,P＜0.05)was significantly lower in the study group than the control group,so was the non-recurrent mortality rate(6.4％vs 20.9％,P＜0.05)and the incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis(12.8％ vs 34.9％,P＜0.05).② By the end of the study,there were no significant differences in the incidence of mild and moderate and severe cGVHD,recurrence rate,reactivation rates of EBV and CMV,overall survival rate or progression-free survival rate between the 2 groups.Conclusion For haploidentical transplantation,low-dose ATG combined with low-dose PTCY has the advantages of lower incidence of GVHD,non-recurrent mortality,incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis and faster implantation.

Application of dynamic coronary roadmap in coronary artery low-dose mode / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To clarify whether the use of dynamic coronary artery roadmap(DCR)technology in a low-dose mode with 7.5 frames per second during coronary intervention can further reduce the total radiation dose,fluoroscopy time,and contrast agent usage.Methods A total of 94 patients,who received coronary angiography at the Shanghai Tongji Hospital of China between July 2022 and December 2022,were enrolled in this study.The patients were randomly divided into DCR group(n=53)and control group(n=41).DCR technology was used in the DCR group to guide the performance of percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI),while low-dose mode coronary angiography was adopted in the control group.The total air kerma(AK),dose-area product(DAP),intraoperative fluoroscopy time,and contrast agent usage were compared between the two groups.Results In the DCR group AK was(597.9±222.8)mGy,which was significantly lower than(717.0±326.8)mGy in the control group(P=0.039);DAP was(33.2±13.3)Gycm2/s,which was also remarkably lower than(41.3±21.5)Gycm2/s in the control group(P=0.027).In the DCR group and the control group,the intraoperative fluoroscopy time was(9.8± 3.3)min and(12.1±4.3)min respectively(P＜0.01),and the contrast agent usage was(122.3±19.0)mL and(130.5± 28.5)mL respectively(P=0.116).Conclusion In a low-dose mode during coronary intervention,the use of DCR technology can further reduce radiation dose,fluoroscopy time,and contrast agent usage.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:236-239)

The application of low-dose test method combined with variable helical pitch technology in CT angiography of lower extremity arteries / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the application efficacy of low-dose test method combined with variable helical pitch(VHP)technology in computed tomography angiography(CTA)of lower extremity arteries.Methods Eighty patients with CTA imaging of bilateral lower extremity arteries were selected and divided into group A and group B on average.VHP technology was used in group A,and conventional fixed pitch scanning was used in group B.The objective and subjective image quality of the two groups were compared,and the radiation dose and contrast agent dosage of the two groups were recorded and compared.Results The subjective image quality evaluation of group A was significantly better than that of group B,and the difference was statistically significant(Kappa test,P<0.05).In the objective image quality evaluation,the CT value and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)value of the common iliac artery,popliteal artery and anterior tibial artery in group A were higher than those in group B at the same level,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05);The effective dose(ED)value in group A was(6.74±1.20)mSv,and that in group B was(7.93±1.78)mSv(P<0.05).The dosage of contrast agent in group A was significantly lower than that in group B[(73.97±12.15)mL in group A,(82.50±2.61)mL in group B](P<0.05).Conclusion Low-dose test method combined with VHP technology not only can reduce the radiation dose and contrast agent dosage,but also can effectively improve the success rate and image quality of lower extremity arteries examination,which is worthy of clinical application.

Re-understanding of the clinical application value of dopamine in kidney transplantation / 器官移植

Dopamine is the precursor of biosynthesis of norepinephrine. Low-dose dopamine mainly excites dopamine receptors, which may dilate renal and mesenteric vessels, increase renal blood flow and improve the microcirculation. In recent years, low-dose dopamine has been widely applied in the field of kidney transplantation due to its vasoactive effect. However, with the development of evidence-based medicine, the role of dopamine in protecting the perfusion function of renal allograft in kidney transplantation has been questioned. Multiple studies have shown that dopamine brings no significant benefit to renal and cardiac function in kidney transplantation, exerts low pressor effect, and may even increase the risk of perioperative complications. Norepinephrine may be used as a safe substitute. In this article, recent progress in the effect of dopamine upon renal and cardiac function and hemodynamics during kidney transplantation was reviewed, aiming to provide reference for clinical application of dopamine in kidney transplantation.

Low-dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis / 生物化学与生物物理进展

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease and the most common type of arthritis. It involves almost any joint and can lead to chronic pain and disability. In the late 19th century, Roentgen discovered X-rays, and then began to use radiotherapy to treat tumors. In the 1980s, Luckey thought that low-level radiation (LDRT) might be beneficial to biology, and it was gradually applied to the treatment of some diseases. This paper introduces the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations and treatment methods of OA, points out that the cartilage injury and the important effect of synovial inflammation in the pathogenesis of OA, namely when the homeostasis of articular cartilage are destroyed, synthetic metabolism and catabolism imbalances, cartilage cells damaged their breakdown products consumed by synovial cells. Synovial cells and synovial macrophages secrete proinflammatory cytokines, metalloproteinases and proteolytic enzymes, leading to cartilage matrix degradation and chondrocyte damage, which aggravates synovial inflammation and cartilage damage, forming a vicious cycle. The possible mechanism and clinical research progress of LDRT in alleviating OA are discussed. LDRT can regulate inflammatory response, inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, thereby achieving anti-inflammatory effect. Studies have shown that after irradiation, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was decreased, the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the production of superoxide were inhibited, the anti-inflammatory phenotype of macrophages was differentiated from M1 to M2, the inflammatory CD8+ T cells were transformed into CD4+ T cells, and the number of dendritic cells (DC) was significantly reduced. LDRT inhibit the production of proinflammatory factors in leukocytes, reduce their recruitment and adhesion, and down-regulate the expression levels of cell adhesion molecules such as selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule (VCAM). LDRT can regulate endothelial cells, stimulate endothelial cells to produce a large amount of TGF-β1, reduce the adhesion of endothelial cells to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect of LDRT. It also exerted anti-inflammatory effects by regulating mitochondrial growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15). After low-level radiation, the MMP-13 (matrix metalloproteinases-13) and the ADAMTS5 (recombinant a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-5) decreased, the Col2a1 (collagen type 2) increased in chondrocytes. In the existing clinical studies, most patients can achieve relief of joint pain and recovery of joint mobility after irradiation, and the patients have good feedback on the efficacy. The adverse reactions (acute reactions and carcinogenic risks) caused by LDRT in the treatment of OA are also discussed. During the treatment of OA, a few patients have symptoms such as redness, dryness or itching at the joint skin, and the symptoms are mild and do not require further treatment. Patients are thus able to tolerate more frequent and longer doses of radiotherapy. In general, LDRT itself has the advantages of non-invasive, less adverse reactions, and shows the effect of pain relief and movement improvement in the treatment of OA. Therefore, LDRT has a broad application prospect in the treatment of OA.

Effects of fractionated low-dose ionizing radiation in the induction of EA.hy926 cell senescence / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To investigate the mechanism of fractionated low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR) in the induction of EA.hy926 cell senescence. Methods EA.hy926 cells were irradiated with X-ray at 0, 50, 100, and 200 mGy × 4, respectively, and cultured for 24, 48, and 72 h. Several indicators were measured, including the levels of cellular senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, mRNA levels of senescence-associated cell cycle protein-dependent kinase inhibitor genes CDKN1A and CDKN2A, reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (γ-H2AX). Results After 4 fractionated LDIR, compared with the control group, the treatment groups showed increased nucleus area, blurred cell edge, and increased SA-β-gal positive area (P < 0.05) at 24, 48 and 72 h. After 4 fractionated LDIR, the mRNA level of CDKN1A increased in the 100 and 200 mGy × 4 groups at 24 and 48 h (P < 0.05), and CDKN2A mRNA level increased in the 100 and 200 mGy × 4 groups at 48 and 72 h (P < 0.05). The fluorescence intensity of ROS increased in treatment groups at 24, 48, and 72 h after 4 fractionated LDIR (P < 0.05). After 4 fractionated LDIR, the T-AOC level increased in the 100 and 200 mGy × 4 groups at 24 h (P < 0.05), and T-AOC level increased in all treatment groups at 48 and 72 h (P < 0.05). After 4 fractionated LDIR, γ-H2AX fluorescence intensity increased in all treatment groups at 24 h (P < 0.05), and the fluorescence intensity increased in the 100 and 200 mGy × 4 groups at 48 and 72 h (P < 0.05). Conclusion Fractionated LDIR can induce cellular senescence in EA.hy926 cells by impacting the cellular oxidation-antioxidation and oxidative damage levels, and the effects were relatively evident at 100 and 200 mGy.

Effectiveness Evaluation of Low-dose Spiral Computed Tomography for Lung Cancer Screening in Minhang District of Shanghai / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) has been recommended for lung cancer screening in high-risk populations. However, evidence from Chinese populations was limited due to the different criteria for high-risk populations and the short-term follow-up period. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness in Chinese adults based on the Lung Cancer Screening Program in Minhang District of Shanghai initiated in 2013.@*METHODS@#A total of 26,124 subjects aged 40 years or above were enrolled in the Lung Cancer Screening Program during the period of 2013 and 2017. Results of LDCT examination, and screen-detected cancer cases in all participants were obtained from the Reporting System of the Lung Cancer Screening Program. The newly-diagnosed cases and their vital status up to December 31, 2020 were identified through a record linkage with the Shanghai Cancer Registry and the Shanghai Vital Statistics. Standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and 95%CI were calculated using the local population at ages of 40 or above as the reference. Proportions of early-stage cancer (stage 0-I), pathological types, and 5-year observed survival rates of lung cancer cases were estimated and compared between the cases derived from the screened and non-screened populations. Cox regression models were applied to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95%CI of LDCT screening with all-cause death of the lung cancer cases.@*RESULTS@#The crude and age-standardized incidence of lung cancer in screened population were 373.3 (95%CI: 343.1-406.1) and 70.3 per 100,000 person-years, respectively, with an SIR of 1.8 (95%CI: 1.6-1.9), which was observed to decrease with following-up time. The early-stage cancer accounted for 49.4% of all lung cancer cases derived from the screened population, significantly higher than 38.4% in cases from the non-screened population during the same period (P<0.05). The proportion of lung adenocarcinoma (40.7% vs 35.9%) and 5-year survival rate (53.7% vs 41.5%) were also significantly higher in the cases from the screened population (all P<0.05). LDCT screening was associated with 30% (HR=0.7, 95%CI: 0.6-0.8) reduced all-cause deaths of the cases.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The participants of the screening program are at high-risk of lung cancer. LDCT favors the early-detection of lung cancer and improves 5-year survival of the screened cases, indicating a great potential of LDCT in reducing the disease burden of lung cancer in Chinese populations.

Minimal Intubating Dose of Succinylcholine: A Comparative Study of 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 mg/kg Dose

Muscle relaxants are integral part of modern balanced anesthesia and succinylcholine, a depolarizing drug, is in use despite its adverse effects. The excellent intubating condition, fastest onset and shortest duration of action make it an excellent choice for anesthesiologists. The conventional dose of 1.5-2 mg/kg is commonly used for obtaining relaxation for intubation. This study was conducted with much smaller dose of succinylcholine as 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 mg/kg to evaluate the acceptable intubating dose at 60 seconds, which was unlikely to have any untoward/side effects.

Outcomes and survival predictors of Latin American older adults with acute myeloid leukemia: Data from a single center

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is most commonly presented in older adults; however, it appears 10 years earlier in Latin American countries. Clinical evolution in older adults from this populations has not been characterized. We analyzed outcomes and survival predictors. Methods: Patients ≥ 55 years old diagnosed with AML at a hematology referral center from 2005 to 2020 receiving intensive chemotherapy (IC), low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) and best supportive care (BSC) were included. Survival analysis included the Kaplan-Meier and Cox models and the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR). Results: Seventy-five adults were included and the overall survival (OS) was 4.87, 1.67 and 1.16 months, using IC, LDAC and BSC, respectively. The IC led to a higher OS (p < 0.001) and was a protective factor for early death, at a cost of more days spent hospitalized and more non-fatal treatment complications; non-significant differences were found between the LDAC and BSC. Eight (10.7%) patients underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation, with a higher OS (p = 0.013). Twenty (26.7%) patients achieved complete remission; 12 (60%) relapsed with a 6-month CIR of 57.9% in those < 70 years old vs. 86.5% in those ≥ 70 years old, p = 0.034. Multivariate analysis showed the white blood cell count (WBC) and IC had a significant impact on the patient survival, whereas chronological age and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) did not. Conclusion: AML in low-middle income countries demands a different approach; the IC improves survival, even with a high incidence of relapse, and should be offered as first-line treatment. Eligibility criteria should include WBC and a multidimensional evaluation. The age per se and the CCI should not be exclusion criteria to consider IC.

Low Dose Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome

Background: Pregnancy is associated with various complications such as pre-eclampsia, SGA, preterm birth etc. Low dose aspirin is a possible medication to minimize these adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of low dose aspirin for primary prevention of adverse pregnancy outcome. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in department of Gynaecology, North Bengal Medical College Hospital, Mirjapur Bkash Hospital, Mirjapur, Tangail, Bangladesh, during the period from June 2021 to August 2022. Total 200 pregnant women were included in this study. Results: In this study, the mean (±SD) age of the study subjects were 25.12 ± 5.49 years and 25.00 ± 4.83 years in LDA group and control group, respectively. There was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference in age between the groups. The rate of caesarean section was higher in control group (68%) compared to LDA group (59%) but there was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference among the groups. In our study, 8% pregnant women in LDA group and 19% pregnant women in control group had gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia was seen in 6% and 13% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, preterm birth was seen in 8% and 17% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, SGA was seen in 19% and 32% pregnant women in LDA group and control group, respectively, and fetal distress was seen in 2% pregnant women in both LDA group and control group. There were statistically significant (p<0.05) differences in complications except fetal distress. Mean (±SD) neonatal birth weight was 2.88±1.03 kg and 2.74±0.85 kg in LDA group and control group, respectively and there was no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference. Conclusion: We found that low dose aspirin could significantly reduce the risk of adverse outcomes, especially for pre-eclampsia, SGA and preterm birth.

Efficacy Observation and Tolerance Analysis of Pulsed Low-dose Rate Radiotherapy in Secondary Radiotherapy for Recurrent Esophageal Cancer / 医学研究杂志

Objective To investigate the efficacy and tolerance of pulsed low-dose rate radiotherapy in secondary radiotherapy for recurrent esophageal cancer.Methods A total of 80 patients with esophageal cancer admitted to Department of Oncology,Affiliated Hos-pital of Yangzhou University from January 2018 to December 2019,all of whom had previously received chest radiation therapy and had re-currence in the radiation field,they were divided into two groups by simple random sampling method:experimental group and control group,with 40 cases in each group.The patients of experimental group received pulsed low-dose rate radiotherapy,and the patients of control group received conventional intensity modulated radiotherapy,respectively.The efficacy and tolerance of the two groups were ob-served.Results The patients of experimental group had a higher objective response rate(80%vs 40%,P =0.010),and a lower inci-dence of common adverse effects(5%vs 30%,P = 0.037).The incidence of late moderate and severe radiation damage was lower(30%vs 75%,P =0.004),the incidence of acute radiation damage was lower(25%vs 65%,P =0.011),and the 1-year survival rate was higher(85%vs 45%,P = 0.008).Although there was no significant difference in 2-year survival(25%vs 5%,P = 0.077),the experimental group was still higher than the control group.Conclusion Pulsed low-dose rate radiotherapy has significant clinical efficacy,and has a good protective effect on adjacent organs,and brings less adverse reactions,so it is a better choice of seconda-ry radiotherapy for patients with recurrent esophageal cancer.

Application of Forward Projected Model-Based Iterative Reconstruction Solution in Improving Image Quality of Head and Neck CT Angiography / 中国医学影像学杂志

Purpose To explore the application value of forward projected model-based iterative reconstruction solution(FIRST)algorithm improving image quality of 100 kV low-dose head and neck CT angiography(CTA).Materials and Methods A total of 32 patients who underwent head and neck CTA examinations in the Beijing Hospital from September to October 2021 were retrospectively recruited.All patients were divided into three groups based on different reconstruction,including the filtered back projection(FBP)group,the adaptive iterative dose reduction 3D(AIDR 3D)group,and the FIRST group.The average CT value,image noise,signal-to-noise ratio,contrast to noise ratio and other objective indicators of the main blood vessels images(including common carotid artery,vertebral artery,internal carotid artery C1,C4,middle cerebral artery M1,M3 and anterior cerebral artery A1,A3)and background(including muscle,brain tissue)in the head and neck of the three groups were recorded and analyzed,respectively.The subjective imaging evaluation was scored and analyzed.Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)was used as the gold standard to evaluate the detection of vascular stenosis in the head and neck by each reconstruction algorithm.Results Compared with the AIDR 3D group and the FBP group,the FIRST group significantly reduced the image noise of the blood vessels and the background(muscle,brain tissue)(t=-13.19--7.28,all P<0.001).The signal-to-noise ratio and contrast to noise ratio of the FIRST group were significantly higher than those of the FBP group,AIDR 3D group(t=2.17-9.67,all P<0.001).The CT values of FIRST group were significantly higher than those of AIDR 3D group in the common carotid artery,internal carotid artery C1 and C4,middle cerebral artery M1,and anterior cerebral artery A1 segment(t=1.28-3.60,all P<0.05).The CT value of background(muscle,brain tissue)in FIRST group was significantly lower than those in the FBP group and the AIDR 3D group,with statistically significant difference(t=-7.63--4.03,all P<0.001).The images of FIRST group and AIDR 3D group met the diagnostic requirements,and the subjective scores of the two groups were significantly higher than those of the FBP group images(all P<0.05).The imaging scores of FIRST group were significantly higher than those of AIDR 3D group(P<0.05).Compared with DSA,FBP was ineffective for mild and moderate stenosis;FIRST and AIDR 3D algorithms were consistent with DSA.Conclusion Compared with traditional FBP and AIDR 3D reconstruction algorithms,FIRST algorithm can effectively improve the image quality of low-dose head and neck CTA and obtain better image quality and meet the diagnostic performance of head and neck vascular diseases.