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Objective:To systematically evaluate the impact of the three major nuclear accidents at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima on the mental health status of emergency responders.Methods:MeSH and Entry Terms were searched. Relevant literature on the mental health consequences of the emergency responders to the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima nuclear accidents were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, and APA PsycINFO databases, and screened and reviewed.Results:Totally 37 studies were included. General psychological distress, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other abnormal psychological problems are prevalent among emergency responders following nuclear accidents. The psychological impact of the Chernobyl nuclear accident was most profound, causing serious mental disorders such as organic mental disorder and personality disorder among the clean-up workers. The mental health condition of emergency responders was associated with disaster-related emergency response tasks and the social factors brought in nuclear accidents.Conclusions:General psychological distress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress reaction/disorder, severe mental disorder and other long-term abnormal psychological problems are common among first responders after nuclear accidents, and baseline mental health and psychological interventions require further study.
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Objective:To estimate the mental health status and personality traits of the nuclear radiation emergency rescuers, allowing to provide reference basis for improving their mental health.Methods:Totally 52 nuclear radiation emergency rescuers were selected as the subjects. The symptom checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Cattell′s 16 personality factor scale (16PF) were used to assess their mental health status and personality traits. The results obtained from the survey of these rescuers were compared with those obtained using Students′ t-test, One-Way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis. Results:The average scores of multiple factors and positive items of the SCL-90 were significantly lower in the rescuers than in the norm ( t=-4.77 to -2.04, P<0.05), and the positive rate was 21.15%. The symptom checklist 90 subscales such as somatization, obsessive-compulsive and depression were found in the rescuers. Rescuers received high scores in the following components among the 16 factors of Cattell: less intelligent-more intelligent, emotionally stable. Rescuers also received low scores in the following components among the 16 factors of Cattell: tough-minded-tender-minded, trusting-suspicious. Life satisfaction, educational degree and Cattell′s 16 PF were significantly associated with the factors of SCL-90( r=-0.569 to 0.627, P<0.05). Conclusions:The rescuers are better than ordinary Chinese people in psychological health. Mental health-related factors such as literacy, life satisfaction, and personality traits should be taken into account when selecting team members and conducting psychological interventions.
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The nuclear accidents in Chernobyl and Fukushima had great impacts on the mental health of emergency rescue workers, who experienced a series of psychological problems shared by the accident victims. This paper analyzes the psychological symptoms suffered by emergency rescue workers in Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear accidents, as well as the psychological crisis interventions for rescue personnel involved in major natural disasters and pandemics. Based on the special situations faced by emergency rescue workers in nuclear accidents, we propose psychological crisis interventions for rescue personnel during major nuclear accidents. These interventions include mental health assessment and training before accident, psychological assistance, self-adjustment, and crisis intervention during accident, and long-term psychological assistance after accident. The psychological impacts on emergency rescue workers can be reduced by effective psychological interventions.
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Medical rescue bases for nuclear or radiological emergencies are mostly composed of institutions that have obtained the qualification of radiological health technical service (Class A) or the qualification of radiation-induced disease diagnosis. Institutions of radiological health have accumulated the technical capabilities of radiation monitoring, contamination detection, dose estimation, and health effects evaluation in their daily work, which can play an important role in the response to nuclear or radiological emergencies and realize the “combination of non-emergency and emergency use” in capacity building. It is suggested that institutions of radiological health at all levels should continue to take advantage of their strengths, improve their capabilities through participating in radiation monitoring projects, and actively participate in the assessment of assay capabilities of institutions of radiological health, so as to provide personnel and technical reserves for the health response to nuclear or radiological emergencies.
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Objective To determine the effect of trunk motion control on knee biomechanics during single-leg landing. Methods Twenty male healthy basketball players were recruited. The kinematics, kinetics parameters and surface electromyogram (EMG) of knee joints under trunk motion control during single-leg landing were studied by using Vicon motion Analysis system, Kistler force platform and Noraxon surface EMG system. Results Compared with natural landing, there were significant differences in flexion angle at initial contact moment, peak flexion angle and peak flexion moment during deeply inspiratory landing and landing with a stick, and a significantly larger flexion angle at initial contact moment, a larger peak flexion angle and smaller peak flexion moment were also found. Compared with natural landing, there was no statistical difference in peak valgus angle and peak valgus moment, as well as EMG activity of hamstrings, quadriceps muscles of the knee during deeply inspiratory landing and landing with a stick. Conclusions Deeply inspiratory landing or landing with a stick reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and the results provide the theoretical basis for prevention of ACL injuries in basketball players during landing.
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Objective:To study the changes of left atrial volume and function in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods:Thirty-one patients with AMI in Henan People′s Hospital from March to October 2020 were selected as AMI group and 30 healthy subjects were selected as control group.The left atrial maximum volume (LAVmax), minimum volume (LAVmin), presystolic volume (LAVpre), volume index(LAVI), emptying volume (LAEV), ejection fraction (LAEF), long axis and circumferential strain (LASr, LASr-c; LAScd, LAScd-c; LASct, LASct-c) were measured by two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE), 3DE left atrial automatic quantitative technique and CMR.The differences of left atrial indices between two groups and among 2DE, 3DE left atrial automatic quantitative and CMR techniques were compared. Pearson correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis were used to compare 2DE, 3DE left atrial automatic quantitative and CMR. Intra-observer and inter-observer repeatability of 2DE, 3DE left atrial automatic quantitative technique and CMR were evaluated by intra-group correlation coefficient (ICC).Results:①Compared with the control group: LAVmax, LAVmin, LAVpre, LAVI, LASct and LASct-c by 3DE left atrial automatic quantitative increased, while LAEV, LAEF, LASr, LASr-c, LAScd and LAScd-c by 3DE left atrial automatic quantitative technique decreased in AMI group (all P<0.05). ②LAVmax, LAVmin, LAVpre, LASr, LAScd, LASct measured by 3DE left atrial automatic quantitative were more strongly related to CMR than that measured by 2DE(all P<0.05). Compared with CMR, 2DE underestimated LAVmax, LAVmin, LAVpre, LASr, LAScd, LASct by (8.01±4.01)ml, (9.03±4.15)ml, (7.26±2.09 )ml, (7.26±1.23)%, (5.02±1.08)%, (6.24±0.43)%(all P<0.05); 3DE left atrial automatic quantitative technique underestimated LAVmax, LAVmin, LAVpre, LASr, LAScd, LASct by (1.67±0.62)ml, (1.95±0.90)ml, (2.52±0.76)ml, (1.97±0.59)%, (2.03±0.39)%, (1.02±0.30)% (all P>0.05); The time-consuming of 2DE and 3DE left atrial automatic quantitative technique was reduced, and the time-consuming of 3DE left atrial automatic quantitative technique was less than 2DE [(12.18±3.24)s vs (73.34±10.37)s]. ③The reproducibility of 2DE, 3DE left atrial automatic quantitative technique and CMR measurement within and between observers were good. Conclusions:3DE left atrial automatic quantitative technique can effectively evaluate the changes of left atrial volume and function in patients with AMI. Compared with 2DE and CMR, it is simple, rapid, accurate and repeatable, which provides a new and effective method for clinical study of cardiovascular diseases.
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Objective:To estimate the physical dose of an over exposed person working for industrial radiography.Methods:The main exposure parameters were obtained. The exposure duration was 8 min. The exposure pattern was external exposure by isotropic point radioactive source. The radioactive activity was 2.183 TBq. In the present calculation, the Chinese reference adult voxel phantom was used, and the Monte Carlo simulation was performed using the program based on the secondary development of Geant4 to obtain the absorbed dose of each part of the victim.Results:The dose distribution in the victim′s hands was obtained. The doses to most areas of the palm were 2-10 Gy, and the doses to the fingers were 10-20 Gy. The equivalent doses to 23 tissues or organs of the exposed person were estimated to be in the range of 0.012-0.207 Gy.Conclusions:The physical dose estimation method could evaluate rapidly the local dose distribution of the victim′s key exposed body parts, and thus provide an important reference for medical treatment.
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The past three severe nuclear power plant accidents showed that the social psychological impact on the public is the most serious consequence of severe nuclear power plant accidents. When a severe nuclear power plant accident occurs, individuals / groups in the affected area may experience various stress reactions. Timely and effective psychological first-aid can help the victims to survive the crisis effectively and actively respond to the current life. Referring to the World Health Organization guide psychological first aid: guide for field workerand other national guidance, this paper introduces how emergency rescue personnel carry out emergency psychological assistance in case of severe nuclear accident.
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Objective To study the personnel composition, task, equipment and management of the national health emergency teams for radiological or nuclear emergency. Methods According to the responsibility and task division of the health emergency team for nuclear radiation emergencies, the national medical rescue team for nuclear radiation health emergency was established and equipped, and the management work such as training and exercise was carried out based on the potential scenario during a nuclear or radiological emergency. Results The national health emergency team for radiological or nuclear emergency was composed of professionals in the fields of radiation protection and monitoring, medical treatment, internal and external contamination treatment, food and drinking water testing, management personnel and logistics support personnel. Training and exercises is an important means to determine whether the technical capability and the equipment of the team are reasonable. Conclusion Standardized equipment and management of the emergency teamscouldensure the rapid response and efficient implementation of nuclear radiation health emergency work in all kinds of natural disasters and public health emergencies.
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During a radiological or nuclear emergency, iodine thyroid blocking is an urgent protection action to prevent or reduce the absorption of radioactive iodine by thyroid. Although potassium iodide (KI) administration is recommended by WHO guidelines for iodine prophylaxis following nuclear accidents and is also widely implemented in most national guidelines, the scientific evidence for the guidelines lacks as the guidelines are mostly based on expert opinions and recommendations. This paper introduces the development and revision of WHO guidelines for iodine thyroid blocking published in 1989 and 1999, as well as the revision methods and main recommendations of the guidelines published in 2017, which supports the use of iodine thyroid blocking during a radiological or nuclear emergency.
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With the continuous development of nuclear energy, more and more people live around nuclear power plants. However, they generally lack basic knowledge of nuclear radiation and know little about protective actions against nuclear accidents. Timely and correct protective actions can minimize the harm of nuclear power plant accidents to public health. This paper introduces the public protective actions after the nuclear power plant accident: sheltering, decontamination of body surface contamination, evacuation, stable iodine prophylaxis, food and drinking water control, personal protective measures, pet care and psychological support, to guide the public to carry out protection actions correctly and improve the public's emergency response ability during the nuclear power plant accident.
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Objective To study the effect of ankle taping (restriction of ankle varus and plantar flexion) on biomechanical characteristics of the knee during drop landing on the dominant leg. Methods Eighteen amateur athletes performed the dominant-legged drop landing under two different ankle conditions (with or without taping). Vicon three-dimensional (3D) motion capture system, Kistler force plate and Noraxon surface electromyography (sEMG) system were used to collect kinetic, kinematic and sEMG data for statistical analysis. Results Compared with control group, ankle taping significantly increased flexion angle at initial contact and maximum flexion angle, while significantly decreased the maximum valgus angle. Conclusions The restriction of varus and plantar flexion might reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The intervention with ankle taping could modify biomechanical parameters of the knee during drop landing. The ankle taping by restriction of ankle varus and plantar flexion may be an effective measure to prevent ACL injury for collegiate athletes.
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Background: Patients with hemiplegia often suffer from malnutrition and security threat due to disabilities and inadequate supports. This study aims to explore nursing perceptions regarding problems, necessary nursing supports, and nursing competencies required for the provision of oral feeding assistance to hospitalized hemiplegic patients.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Taian City, China in 2016. A purposive sampling method was used, and data were gathered using semi-structured interviews. Totally, 5 faculty members and 10 ward nurses in China were interviewed. In relation to the nursing status regarding oral feeding assistance in the case of hemiplegic patients, background and improvement measures in nursing practice were assessed. Data were analyzed using the content analysis method.Results: Four problems in providing oral feeding assistance to hemiplegic patients were identified: 1) insufficient cognition of nursing roles, 2) insufficient consideration of psychological aspects of the patients, 3) lack of related theoretical and practical education, 4) lack of nutritional support during hospitalization. Twenty-five items of nursing competencies, the knowledge and skills required for oral feeding assistance to hospitalized hemiplegic patients were identified.Conclusions: The nursing competency identified by this study can provide evidence for reviewing the related nursing practice and continuous education in China.
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Various studies have shown that the high expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is involved and play an important role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix of synovium, cartilage and subchondral bone of rheumatoid arthritis(RA). Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) binds specifically to MMP-3 and inhibits the activity of MMP-3. The balance of MMP-3 / TIMP-1 plays an important role in the clinical outcome of RA. New research found that inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation, maintaining Treg (regulatory T cell) activity and regulating Th17/ Treg balance may provide novel targets for the treatment of RA. Further study found that the expression of MMP-3 and Interleukin 17(IL-17) in the peripheral blood of RA patients was significantly increased, the two were positively correlated, and the decrease of Treg could affect the balance of MMP-3/TIMP-1. This article will review the mechanism of MMP-3/TIMP-1 and Th17 /Treg in RA and its clinical significance.
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The stable iodine prophylaxis plays an important role in public health response after nuclear power plants accident. According to the recent guidelines of the international organizations and other countries, the intervention level of stable iodine prevention, timing of taking medication, doses for different groups, and the contradictions were discussed in this paper. The chemical form and the formulation of the stable iodine were introduced, and something needs attention during stockpiling and distribution of the iodine. There were still some problems in China on the preparedness for the stable iodine prophylaxis after nuclear power plant accident, including the single type of potassium iodide tablet, short shelf life and no practical guidance. The preparedness of stable iodine should be strengthened.
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Objective To investigate the protective effect of protocatechuic acid(PCA)on the PC12 cell model of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)and to explore its mechanism . Methods Amyloid beta peptide 1-42(Aβ1-42)fiber polymers were identified by immunofluorescence. After PC12 cells were stimulated with the Aβ1-42 fiber polymers, the cellular morphology was observed at different time points of hour 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 , and the cellular viability was tested by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay to monitor the modeling condition. The effect of PCA on PC12 cells was detected after PC12 cells were pretreated with the different contentions of PCA. Autophagy-related marker Beclin1 protein level was detected by Western blotting method to investigate the protective mechanism of PCA. Results Aggregated white Aβ1-42 mass was stable at hour 12 and 24, and showed no significant difference between the two time points, the cell damage rate being 40%. Therefore, we defined culturing time being 12 and 24 hours as the modeling condition of AD model. The cell viability was increased with 200-800 μmol/L of PCA after culturing for 24 hours(P<0.01) , and the Western blotting results showed that the Beclin1 protein expression was up-regulated by PCA. Conclusion PCA prevents PC12 cells from Aβ1-42-induced toxicity, the mechanism being related with the increase of cellular autophagy.
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Based on a review of literature and the current reform of public hospital corporate governance,such corporate governance is divided intocombined regulation and operation,anddivided regulation and operationmodels.Then the principal-agent theory was called into play to analyze the main problems and causes of the existing models.From the perspectives of government supervision and assessment,professionalization of hospital directors,market competition mechanism,thoughts were made on how to improve such corporate governance.
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BACKGROUND:Evaluation of vertical jumping ability is usual y only limited to height measurements. The measurements of parameters that describe kinetic factors may provide a better assessment of a patient’s jumping ability. OBJECTIVE:To determine the deficit in one-legged vertical jumping ability and to clarify the relationships between the maximum jumping height and the maximum power, force and velocity during one-legged vertical jumps after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. METHODS:Twenty-five healthy subjects (10 males and 15 females) and 25 anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients (10 males and 15 females) participated in this study. The isokinetic quadriceps femoris strength and one-legged vertical jumping ability were evaluated by the height, power, force and velocity in al subjects. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The maximum height of the one-legged vertical jumps was only significantly correlated with the maximum force in the healthy subjects (P<0.05). (2) However, for the reconstructed and unreconstructed legs in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients, the maximum jumping height was significantly correlated with the maximum power, force and velocity during one-legged vertical jumps (P<0.05). (3) These findings suggest the importance of a knee strategy during one-legged vertical jumps for rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Assessment of the jumping ability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction may be determined by the maximum power instead of the maximum jumping height.
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Objective To explore species specificity of 29 Y-SNP loci and to lay the foundation for forensic application.Methods Human DNA and 8 different kinds of common animals' DNA were amplified separately by PCR.The PCR products were analyzed with PAGE.Results Twenty-three out of 29 Y-SNP loci were only amplified by the male human DNA,which indicated a good species specificity.Three loci amplified from human and some animals showed that the length of the product was different between two species.Another three loci amplified from human and animal showed that the length of the fragment was similar between human and animal.Five loci were amplified by PCR products from both male and female samples.Conclusion Most of 29 Y-SNP loci,amplified in male humans,have good species specificity and can be directly used for personal identification and paternity testing.