Trends of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation in Central China for the period 2000-2021

A retrospective analysis of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation from medical uses and industrial uses in the three provinces of Central China from 2000 to 2021 was conducted. The average annual effective dose in medical uses and industrial uses decreased from 2.042 mSv and 2.334 mSv in 2000-2002 to 0.476 mSv and 0.371 mSv in 2021 respectively; the fraction of monitored workers receiving annual dose not exceeding 1 mSv increased from 60.78% and 74.45% in 2000-2002 to 94.20% and 96.85% in 2021 respectively, while receiving annual doses exceeding 20 mSv declined from 1.35% and 1.91% in 2000-2002 to 0.18% and 0.03% in 2021 respectively. The average annual effective dose and NR20 in the period 2000-2021 were relatively high in professional public health institutions (0.955 mSv and 0.004) and hospitals (0.815 mSv and 0.004). In 2021, the average annual effective dose to monitored workers in different occupational categories in medical uses in the three provinces of Central China were in the range of 0.199-0.692 mSv, with interventional radiology received the highest dose and NR20 (0.692 mSv and 0.005); the average annual effective dose ranged from 0.161 to 0.493 mSv in industrial uses, with industrial radiography received the highest dose and NR20 (0.493 mSv and 0.001). Occupational exposure in medical uses and industrial uses declined obviously in Central China, and the groups receiving higher doses are the radiation workers working in hospitals and professional public health institutions, or engaged in interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and industrial radiography, warranting more effective radiation protection measures.

Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and medical uses of Oldenlandia (family Rubaceae): a review

The Oldenlandia genus comprises approximately 240 species of plants, yet only a limited number of these have been investigated for their chemical composition and medicinal properties. These species contain a wide range of compounds such as iridoids, anthraquinones, triterpenes, phytosterols, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, vitamins, essential oils, phenolic acids, and coumarins. These diverse phytochemical profiles underscore the pharmacological potential of Oldenlandia plants for various medical purposes. Among other chemical constituents, ursolic acid stands out as the most important active compound in Oldenlandia, owing to its proven anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective properties. The evaluation of Oldenlandia's pharmacological prospects indicates that the holistic utilization of the entire plant yields the most significant effects. Oldenlandia diffusa showcases anticancer and anti-inflammatory capabilities attributed to its varying constituents. Across a broad spectrum of pharmacological capacities, anticancer research predominates, constituting the majority of medical uses. Oldenlandia diffusa emerges as a standout for its remarkable anticancer effects against diverse malignancies. Antioxidant applications follow, with O. corymbosa demonstrating potent antioxidant properties alongside O. umbellata and O. diffusa. Subsequent priority lies in anti-inflammatory studies, wherein O. diffusa exhibits noteworthy efficacy, trailed by O. corymbosa also takes the lead in antimicrobial activity, with O. umbellata as a strong contender. Additional investigation is essential to ascertain the relative significance of these species in various pharmacological applications. This comprehensive assessment underscores the multifaceted potential of Oldenlandia as a versatile herbal resource, offering diverse pharmacological capacities. The call for sustained exploration and research remains essential to unlock the full extent of Oldenlandia's medicinal benefits.