Background Lead smelting workers are exposed to mixed heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). However, the specific associations and molecular mechanisms by which their combined exposure induces genetic damage remain unclear. Objective To clarify the association between combined Pb-Cd exposure and genetic damage and to explore the possible biological mechanisms through occupational epidemiological investigations and animal experiments. Methods (1) Population study: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 374 lead smelting workers in northern China. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect urinary levels of 8 metals including Pb and Cd, and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) was used to quantify blood levels of Pb and Cd. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) was used to assess genetic damage. Poisson regression was used to analyze the association between metal exposure and micronucleus rates. (2) In vivo experiment: Thirty SD rats were randomly assigned to five groups: control (pure water), Pb (300 mg·L⁻¹ lead acetate), Cd (50 mg·L⁻¹ cadmium chloride), combined exposure (Pb + Cd), and resveratrol intervention (Pb + Cd + 50 mg·L⁻¹ resveratrol). After 8 weeks of ad libitum drinking water exposure, liver pathology, oxidative stress indicators [reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], genetic damage (Comet assay and γ-H2AX) were evaluated. Furthermore, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis rates, and mRNA expression of DNA damage response (DDR), DNA repair, and apoptosis-related genes were measured. Results (1) The geometric mean (GM, 95%CI) of urinary Pb and Cd were 14.69 (13.14, 16.51) µg·L⁻¹ and 2.11 (1.90, 2.33) µg·L⁻¹, respectively; the blood Pb and Cd levels were 117.10 (105.59, 129.87) µg·L⁻¹ and 4.55 (4.23, 4.89) µg·L⁻¹, respectively among the 374 workers. The mean micronucleus rate was (1.64±0.081) ‰, with significantly higher rates in males (1.65±0.083) ‰ than females (1.53±0.334) ‰ (U=4.166, P=0.041). All Pb and Cd biomarkers were positively correlated with micronucleus rate (FR>1, P<0.05), with a significant interaction effect observed between Pb and Cd (FR>1, P<0.05). (2) In rats, co-exposure to Pb and Cd caused liver tissue damage and inflammatory infiltration. Significant increases were observed in lymphocyte ROS; GSSG and MDA in lung tissue increased, while GSH and CAT activity decreased. Comet assay indicators and γ-H2AX levels were significantly elevated. Co-exposure induced S-phase arrest and increased apoptosis. mRNA levels of DDR (ATM, ATR, Chk2, and P53) and pro-apoptotic genes (Bax and Caspase-3) were upregulated, while the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and DNA repair genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51, RAD52, and CtIP) were downregulated. Two-way ANOVA confirmed synergistic effects on GSSG, Comet assay indicators, and ATR/Chk2 mRNA expression. Conclusion Occupational co-exposure to Pb and Cd synergistically induces genetic damage. This damage is mediated by oxidative stress and DNA damage, which activates the DDR pathway and inhibits the expression of DNA repair genes, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Background Lead smelting workers are exposed to mixed heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). However, the specific associations and molecular mechanisms by which their combined exposure induces genetic damage remain unclear. Objective To clarify the association between combined Pb-Cd exposure and genetic damage and to explore the possible biological mechanisms through occupational epidemiological investigations and animal experiments. Methods (1) Population study: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 374 lead smelting workers in northern China. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect urinary levels of 8 metals including Pb and Cd, and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) was used to quantify blood levels of Pb and Cd. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) was used to assess genetic damage. Poisson regression was used to analyze the association between metal exposure and micronucleus rates. (2) In vivo experiment: Thirty SD rats were randomly assigned to five groups: control (pure water), Pb (300 mg·L⁻¹ lead acetate), Cd (50 mg·L⁻¹ cadmium chloride), combined exposure (Pb + Cd), and resveratrol intervention (Pb + Cd + 50 mg·L⁻¹ resveratrol). After 8 weeks of ad libitum drinking water exposure, liver pathology, oxidative stress indicators [reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], genetic damage (Comet assay and γ-H2AX) were evaluated. Furthermore, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis rates, and mRNA expression of DNA damage response (DDR), DNA repair, and apoptosis-related genes were measured. Results (1) The geometric mean (GM, 95%CI) of urinary Pb and Cd were 14.69 (13.14, 16.51) µg·L⁻¹ and 2.11 (1.90, 2.33) µg·L⁻¹, respectively; the blood Pb and Cd levels were 117.10 (105.59, 129.87) µg·L⁻¹ and 4.55 (4.23, 4.89) µg·L⁻¹, respectively among the 374 workers. The mean micronucleus rate was (1.64±0.081) ‰, with significantly higher rates in males (1.65±0.083) ‰ than females (1.53±0.334) ‰ (U=4.166, P=0.041). All Pb and Cd biomarkers were positively correlated with micronucleus rate (FR>1, P<0.05), with a significant interaction effect observed between Pb and Cd (FR>1, P<0.05). (2) In rats, co-exposure to Pb and Cd caused liver tissue damage and inflammatory infiltration. Significant increases were observed in lymphocyte ROS; GSSG and MDA in lung tissue increased, while GSH and CAT activity decreased. Comet assay indicators and γ-H2AX levels were significantly elevated. Co-exposure induced S-phase arrest and increased apoptosis. mRNA levels of DDR (ATM, ATR, Chk2, and P53) and pro-apoptotic genes (Bax and Caspase-3) were upregulated, while the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 and DNA repair genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, RAD51, RAD52, and CtIP) were downregulated. Two-way ANOVA confirmed synergistic effects on GSSG, Comet assay indicators, and ATR/Chk2 mRNA expression. Conclusion Occupational co-exposure to Pb and Cd synergistically induces genetic damage. This damage is mediated by oxidative stress and DNA damage, which activates the DDR pathway and inhibits the expression of DNA repair genes, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Background and Aims:Reconstructing huge abdominal wall defects after abdominal wall tumor resection is a significant challenge for surgeons.Here,we summarize the experience of our team in repairing these defects using an anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap combined with artificial materials,within a multidisciplinary collaborative framework,aiming to provide a reference for other practitioners.Methods:The clinicopathologic data of 7 patients who underwent primary reconstruction of large abdominal wall defects after malignant tumor resection,using an anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap combined with artificial materials,at Xiangya Hospital,Central South University,between October 2019 and April 2024,were retrospectively analyzed.The clinical outcomes were evaluated.Results:All 7 patients successfully underwent both tumor resection and primary abdominal wall reconstruction without surgery-related mortality.The wound in all patients healed in one stage,with no severe complications such as surgical site infections or flap necrosis.During a follow-up period of 6 to 54 months,2 patients experienced tumor recurrence,one of whom died(exact cause unknown),while the other continued anti-tumor treatment.The remaining 5 patients were alive without recurrence.One patient developed abdominal wall bulging,but no obvious incisional hernia occurred in any of the patients.Conclusion:The use of an anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap combined with artificial materials for repairing large abdominal wall defects after abdominal tumor resection can achieve satisfactory therapeutic outcomes.This approach is a feasible and safe method for abdominal wall reconstruction.

BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder （ADHD） is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by age-inappropriate inattention， excessive activities incongruous with setting， and emotional impulsivity. Subthreshold ADHD （sADHD） is clinically defined as the presence of ADHD symptoms that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Children with sADHD exhibit deficits in executive function， demonstrate more conduct， learning， and anxiety-related problems compared to typically developing children， and show even poorer working memory performance than children diagnosed with ADHD. Currently， there is limited epidemiological research on sADHD in China， with few studies simultaneously investigating the prevalence of both ADHD and sADHD in children. ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of ADHD and sADHD among children aged 6–13 years in Chongqing， analyzing their distribution characteristics within this population， with the aim of providing references for developing preventive measures against both ADHD and sADHD. MethodsFrom October to November 2023， a total of 3 398 students in grades 1–6 from six primary schools in Jiangbei District， Chongqing were selected using a stratified cluster random sampling method. The occurrence of ADHD and sADHD was evaluated by using the short version （18-item version） of the Swanson， Nolan， and Pelham IV rating scales （SNAP-IV） and the Chinese vision of Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School-aged Children-Present and Lifetime Version （K-SADS-PL）. ResultsThe ADHD detection rate among children in Chongqing was 1.90% （95% CI： 0.014–0.024）. Boys showed a significantly higher ADHD detection rate than girls （χ²=7.733， P=0.005）. No statistically significant differences were found in ADHD detection rates across different grades or age groups （χ²=7.347， 12.362， P>0.05）. The sADHD detection rate was 6.32% （95% CI： 0.054–0.072）. Similarly， boys exhibited significantly higher sADHD detection rates than girls （χ²=21.005， P<0.01）. Significant differences emerged across different grades （χ²=20.559， P=0.001）， while no statistically significant difference was observed in age groups （χ²=12.070， P=0.060）. ConclusionThe ADHD detection rates were comparable across all grade levels and age groups from 6–13 years old. Second-grade children demonstrated notably higher sADHD rates compared to other grades， while boys demonstrated higher prevalence rates than girls for both ADHD and sADHD. ［Funded by Science and Health Joint Medical Research Project in Jiangbei District， Chongqing City in the Second Half of 2023 （number， 2023JBKWLH022）］

Objective To explore the effect of bifidobacterium quadruple viable bacteria on intestinal flora based on the use of cefaclor in the treatment of infantile bacterial enteritis.Methods A total of 96 children with bacterial enteritis admitted in our hospital were selected as the research objects,and the patients were divided into the combined group(n=48)and the single drug group(n=48).The single drug group was treated with cefaclor alone,while the combined group was treated with a combination of live combined bifidobacterium,lactobacillus,enterococcus and bacillus cereus tablets and cefaclor.The clinical effects,numbers of microbiota,levels of inflammatory factors[tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin-8(IL-8),interleukin-2(IL-2)],T lymphocyte subsets and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results The total effective rate of the combined group was higher than that of the single drug group,and the improvement time of symptoms and signs was shorter than that of the single drug group(P＜0.05).After treatment,levels of Escherichia coli,TNF-α,CRP and IL-8 decreased in both groups,which were lower in the combined group than those of the single drug group(P＜0.05).Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,IL-2,and T lymphocyte subsets(CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+)were increased in both groups,and those were higher in the combined group than the single drug group(P＜0.05).Adverse reactions occurred in two patients of each groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion On the basis of using cefaclor and adding bifidobacterium quadruple viable bacteria in the treatment of bacterial enteritis in children can improve the treatment efficiency,improve the intestinal flora and inflammatory response,and have good safety.

Objective: To reveal the molecular biological mechanism of a rare Dc-variant individual using PacBio third-generation sequencing technology. Methods: ABO and Rh blood type identification, DAT, unexpected antibody screening and D antigen enhancement test were conducted by serological testing. The absorption-elution test was used to detect the e antigen. RHCE gene typing was performed by PCR-SSP, and the 1-10 exons of RHCE were sequenced by Sanger sequencing. The full-length sequences of RHCE, RHD and RHAG were detected by PacBio third-generation sequencing technology. Results: Serological findings: Blood type O, Dc-phenotype, DAT negative, unexpected antibody screening negative; enhanced D antigen expression; no detection of e antigen in the absorption-elution test. PCR-SSP genotyping indicated the presence of only the RHCE c allele. Sanger sequencing results: Exons 5-9 of RHCE were deleted, exon 1 had a heterozygous mutation at c. 48G/C, and exon 2 had five heterozygous mutations at c. 150C/T, c. 178C/A, c. 201A/G, c. 203A/G and c. 307C/T. Third-generation sequencing results: RHCE genotype was RHCE 02N. 08/RHCE-D(5-9)-CE; RHD genotype was RHD 01/RHD 01; RHAG genotype was RHAG 01/RHAG 01 (c. 808G>A and c. 861G>A). Conclusion: This Dc-individual carries the allele RHCE 02N. 08 and the novel allele RHCE-D(5-9)-CE. The findings of this study provide data support and a theoretical basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying RhCE deficiency phenotypes.

Objective To explore the effect of bifidobacterium quadruple viable bacteria on intestinal flora based on the use of cefaclor in the treatment of infantile bacterial enteritis.Methods A total of 96 children with bacterial enteritis admitted in our hospital were selected as the research objects,and the patients were divided into the combined group(n=48)and the single drug group(n=48).The single drug group was treated with cefaclor alone,while the combined group was treated with a combination of live combined bifidobacterium,lactobacillus,enterococcus and bacillus cereus tablets and cefaclor.The clinical effects,numbers of microbiota,levels of inflammatory factors[tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin-8(IL-8),interleukin-2(IL-2)],T lymphocyte subsets and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results The total effective rate of the combined group was higher than that of the single drug group,and the improvement time of symptoms and signs was shorter than that of the single drug group(P＜0.05).After treatment,levels of Escherichia coli,TNF-α,CRP and IL-8 decreased in both groups,which were lower in the combined group than those of the single drug group(P＜0.05).Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,IL-2,and T lymphocyte subsets(CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+)were increased in both groups,and those were higher in the combined group than the single drug group(P＜0.05).Adverse reactions occurred in two patients of each groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion On the basis of using cefaclor and adding bifidobacterium quadruple viable bacteria in the treatment of bacterial enteritis in children can improve the treatment efficiency,improve the intestinal flora and inflammatory response,and have good safety.

Background and Aims:Reconstructing huge abdominal wall defects after abdominal wall tumor resection is a significant challenge for surgeons.Here,we summarize the experience of our team in repairing these defects using an anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap combined with artificial materials,within a multidisciplinary collaborative framework,aiming to provide a reference for other practitioners.Methods:The clinicopathologic data of 7 patients who underwent primary reconstruction of large abdominal wall defects after malignant tumor resection,using an anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap combined with artificial materials,at Xiangya Hospital,Central South University,between October 2019 and April 2024,were retrospectively analyzed.The clinical outcomes were evaluated.Results:All 7 patients successfully underwent both tumor resection and primary abdominal wall reconstruction without surgery-related mortality.The wound in all patients healed in one stage,with no severe complications such as surgical site infections or flap necrosis.During a follow-up period of 6 to 54 months,2 patients experienced tumor recurrence,one of whom died(exact cause unknown),while the other continued anti-tumor treatment.The remaining 5 patients were alive without recurrence.One patient developed abdominal wall bulging,but no obvious incisional hernia occurred in any of the patients.Conclusion:The use of an anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap combined with artificial materials for repairing large abdominal wall defects after abdominal tumor resection can achieve satisfactory therapeutic outcomes.This approach is a feasible and safe method for abdominal wall reconstruction.

Background::Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of highly invasive breast cancer with a poor prognosis. According to new research, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a significant role in the progression of cancer. Although the role of lncRNAs in breast cancer has been well reported, few studies have focused on TNBC. This study aimed to explore the biological function and clinical significance of forkhead box C1 promoter upstream transcript (FOXCUT) in triple-negative breast cancer.Methods::Based on a bioinformatic analysis of the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database, we detected that the lncRNA FOXCUT was overexpressed in TNBC tissues, which was further validated in an external cohort of tissues from the General Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The functions of FOXCUT in proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected in vitro or in vivo. Luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were performed to reveal that FOXCUT acted as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for the microRNA miR-24-3p and consequently inhibited the degradation of p38. Results::lncRNA FOXCUT was markedly highly expressed in breast cancer, which was associated with poor prognosis in some cases. Knockdown of FOXCUT significantly inhibited cancer growth and metastasis in vitro or in vivo. Mechanistically, FOXCUT competitively bounded to miR-24-3p to prevent the degradation of p38, which might act as an oncogene in breast cancer. Conclusion::Collectively, this research revealed a novel FOXCUT/miR-24-3p/p38 axis that affected breast cancer progression and suggested that the lncRNA FOXCUT could be a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.

[Abstract] [Objective] To evaluate the immunogenicity of red blood cell blood group antigens in the population of Xi'an. [Methods] Data on blood group antigens of voluntary blood donors from the Shaanxi Province Blood Center and unexpected antibody detection results from clinically submitted cases between January 2019 and May 2024 were analyzed. The Giblett blood group antigen immunogenicity calculation formula was used to calculate the immunogenicity of blood group antigens based on the frequency of unexpected antibodies and the probability of antigen-negative patients receiving antigen-positive red blood cells. The relative immunogenicity of each blood group antigen was obtained by multiplying the immunogenicity of the K antigen (0.095). [Results] A total of 30 921 individuals were included for red blood cell blood group antigen analysis, with 511 cases of unexpected antibody identification. The ranking of red blood cell blood group antigen immunogenicity for the overall population was: Wr^a>E>Di^b>Fy^a>K>C>e>c>Di^a>Jk^a>M>Le^a>Jk^b>Le^b>Fy^b>S, while for males, it was: Di^b>Wr^a>E>K>Fy^a>C>e>c>M>Di^a>Jk^a>Fy^b>Le^a>Le^b>Jk^b>S. [Conclusion] Based on the immunogenicity ranking from strong to weak of red blood cell antigens in the population of Xi'an, this study provides theoretical support for the expansion and matching of antigens, and technical support for achieving precise red blood cell transfusions to improve transfusion efficacy and safety.