Objective: To investigate the status of heat illness, knowledge awareness and adaptive behaviors of heat wave knowledge among food delivery riders, so as to provide a basis for optimizing heat wave response measures for food delivery riders. Methods: In November 2022, food delivery riders from a large food delivery platform in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province were selected as survey subjects using a cluster sampling method. A self-designed electronic questionnaire was used to select demographic information, work status, lifestyle behaviors and disease history, heat illness status, knowledge awareness and adaptive behaviors of heatwave. Results: A total of 911 questionnaires were distributed, and 830 valid questionnaires were recovered, resulting in a valid response rate of 91.11%. Among the respondents, 796 (95.90%) were male, and 818 (98.55%) worked full-time. The mean age was (27.75±8.00) years. A total of 470 respondents (56.63%) had a work tenure of less than 1 year. The primary working hours were 8-<12 hours, with 504 people accounting for 60.72%. There were 108 cases of heatstroke, with an occurrence rate of 13.01%. And 286 people reported heat-related symptoms, with an occurrence rate of 34.46%. The overall awareness rate of heat wave knowledge was 73.22%, while the awareness rate of heat warning signal classification was relatively low at 9.04%. The heat wave cognition score was (5.86±1.31) points. There were statistically significant differences in heat wave cognition scores among food delivery riders of different ages, educational levels, family annual income, work tenures, and work durations (all P<0.05). Regarding positive adaptive behaviors, the number of riders paying attention to weather forecasts and actively learning about preventive measures was higher (734 people each, accounting for 88.43%). Regarding negative adaptive behaviors, the number of riders who often drank ice-cold beverages was higher (509 people, accounting for 61.33%). The heat wave adaptive behavior score was (6.88±1.77) points. There were statistically significant differences in adaptive behavior scores among riders with different educational levels, family annual income, work tenures, and smoking frequency (all P<0.05). Conclusions The occurrence rates of heatstroke and heat-related symptoms among food delivery riders are relatively high. The knowledge awareness and adaptive behaviors regarding heat wave are at a moderate level. It is suggested to strengthen health education, reinforce risk cognition of heat wave, and promote positive adaptive behaviors among food delivery riders.

Objective : To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis among the population aged ≤18 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023, so as to provide a basis for optimizing pertussis prevention and control measures as well as immunization strategies. Methods: Data on pertussis cases among individuals aged ≤18 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023 were collected through the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Vaccination records were obtained from the specialized pertussis epidemiological survey conducted in Zhejiang Province. The descriptive epidemiological method was employed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis among the population aged ≤18 years, as well as the interval between disease onset and the last immunization among breakthrough cases. Results: A total of 7 431 pertussis cases aged ≤18 years were reported in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence of 8.68/105. The overall trend showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). The reported incidence remained relatively low from 2016 to 2021, consistently below 10.00/105. In contrast, the incidence rose to 33.98/105 in 2022 and 13.39/105 in 2023. The peak incidence period was from April to August, during which 4 024 cases were reported, accounting for 54.15%. Hangzhou City, Wenzhou City, and Ningbo City reported the highest number of cases, with 3 844, 1 581, and 646 cases, representing 51.73%, 21.28%, and 8.69%, respectively. In terms of average annual incidence, Hangzhou City, Wenzhou City, and Huzhou City ranked the highest, with rates of 33.98/105, 12.38/105, and 12.27/105, respectively. Among age groups, the highest reported incidence was observed in children aged 0-<1 years, at 48.87/105. From 2016 to 2023, the incidence in the 5-<10 years and 10-18 years age groups showed upward trends (AAPC=108.193%, 106.709%, both P<0.05). The proportion of cases in the 5-<10 years age group also increased during this period (P<0.05). A total of 109 breakthrough pertussis cases were identified. The median interval between disease onset and the last immunization was 4.00 (interquartile range, 4.00) years. The numbers of cases with intervals of 1-<2 years and ≥6 years were both relatively high, comprising 25 cases and 37 cases, which accounted for 22.94% and 33.94%, respectively. Conclusions From 2016 to 2021, the reported incidence of pertussis in Zhejiang Province remained relatively stable. However, a sharp increase was observed in 2022. The disease peaked during spring and summer. Key populations for targeted prevention and control included children aged 0-<1 year, 5-<10 years, and 10-18 years. The interval between disease onset and the last immunization among breakthrough pertussis cases exhibited a bimodal distribution.

The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is gradually increasing and has become a significant public health issue. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a ubiquitous class of exogenous chemical substances that can interfere with hormone synthesis, metabolism, and activity, and subsequently affect endocrine homeostasis. Humans are extensively and continuously exposed to various EDCs originating from food packaging, plastic products, textiles, electronic goods, as well as cleaning agents and cosmetics in daily life, leading to endocrine and metabolic disorders, such as obesity, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes. Previous studies indicated a close association between EDCs exposure and the occurrence of GDM. This review summarized the correlation between daily life exposure to EDCs and GDM, along with their potential biological mechanisms, including bisphenols, phthalates, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, organophosphate esters, parabens, and triclosan, aiming to provide scientific evidence for supporting the effective implementation of public health intervention measures to alleviate and prevent GDM.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Xiaoyin capsules combined with secukinumab in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 105 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who received treatment in the Dept. of Dermatology of Xinxiang Central Hospital from January 2021 to June 2024. According to the treatment plan， they were divided into conventional group（n＝32）， monoclonal antibody group（n＝45）， and combination group（n＝28）. The conventional group was given Calcipotriol ointment+Fluticasone propionate cream+Acitretin capsules； the monoclonal antibody group was treated with secukinumab injection in addition to the treatment of the conventional group； the combination group received oral administration of Xiaoyin capsules in addition to the treatment of the monoclonal antibody group. All patients received at least 12 weeks of treatment. The psoriasis area and severity index（PASI） score， PASI improvement rate， dermatology life quality index（DLQI） score， physician’s global assessment（PGA） score， patient’s global assessment（PtGA） score before and after treatment， and the incidence of adverse reactions during treatment were compared among the three groups. RESULTS Before treatment， there was no statistically significant difference in the above scores among the three groups（P＞0.05）. After treatment， the scores of all three groups of patients significantly decreased compared to before treatment （P＜0.05）； the total PASI score and erythema， scales， affected body surface area score， the total DLQI score and symptom perception， daily activity， social score， the PGA and PtGA scores of the combination group were significantly lower than the other two groups（P＜0.05）； PASI 50（the proportion of patients whose PASI score decreased by ≥50% from baseline， and so on）， PASI 75， and PASI 90 were significantly higher than the other two groups（P＜0.05）； the total PASI score， erythema， and affected body surface area score of patients in the monoclonal antibody group were significantly lower than the conventional group（P＜0.05）， and PASI 75 was significantly higher than the conventional group（P＜0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions among the 3 groups（P＝0.637）. CONCLUSIONS The combination of Xiaoyin capsules and secukinumab can significantly improve the skin lesions and quality of life in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis， with good tolerability in the short term and no significant increasein the risk of serious adverse reactions.

Immunotherapy has been widely used in cancer treatment in recent years and functions by stimulating the immune system to kill tumor cells. Radiation therapy (RT) uses radiation to induce DNA damage and kill tumor cells. However, this activates the body's immune system, promoting the release of tumor-related antigens from inactive dendritic cells, which stimulates the recurrence and metastasis of tumors in immune system tissues. The combination of RT and immunotherapy has been increasingly evaluated in recent years, with studies confirming the synergistic effect of the two antitumor therapies. Particularly, the combination of RT by dose adjustment with different immunotherapies has positive implications on antitumor immunity as well as disease prognosis compared with respective monotherapies. This review summarizes the current research status, progress, and prospects of RT combined with immunotherapy in cancer treatment. It additionally discusses the prevalent concerns regarding the dose, time window, and toxicity of this combination therapy.
Humans ; Neoplasms/radiotherapy* ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Radiotherapy/methods*

Objective To investigate the effects of cucurbitacin B (CucB) on alleviating skin lesions and inflammation in psoriasis mice via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Methods The expression of genes associated with the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in psoriatic lesions and non-lesional skin was analyzed, and hallmark gene set enrichment analysis was performed. The cytotoxicity of CucB on BMDMs was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The expression levels of genes and proteins related to the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, along with the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, were measured at different concentrations of CucB using quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. Imiquimod-induced psoriasis BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: normal group, model group, low-dose CucB group [0.1 mg/ (kg.d)], and high-dose CucB group [0.4 mg/ (kg.d)], with five mice per group. PASI scoring was performed to assess the severity of psoriasis after 6 days of treatment, and HE staining was conducted to observe pathological damage. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines and their secretion were detected by qPCR and ELISA. Results Most cGAS-STING signaling-related genes were upregulated in lesional skin of psoriasis patients, and the hallmark gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the most significantly upregulated genes were primarily associated with immune response signaling pathways. CucB inhibited dsDNA-induced phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and STING proteins in both bone-marrow derived macrophages(BMDMs) and THP-1 cells. CucB also suppressed dsDNA-induced mRNA expression of IFNB1, TNF, IFIT1, CXCL10, ISG15, and reduced the secretion of cytokines such as IFN-β, IL-1β, and TNF-α in THP-1 cells. In the imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model, CucB treatment reduced psoriatic symptoms, alleviated skin lesions, and attenuated inflammation. ELISA and qPCR results showed that CucB significantly reduced serum secretion levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, as well as the mRNA levels of IL23A, IL1B, IL6, TNF, and IFNB1. Conclusion CucB inhibits cytoplasmic DNA-induced activationc of the GAS-STING pathway. CucB significantly attenuates skin lesions and inflammation in IMQ-induced psoriatic mice, and the potential molecular mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the cGAS-STING pathway.
Animals ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Mice ; Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Skin/metabolism* ; Triterpenes/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Male

China is currently in an accelerated stage of population aging, and brain diseases pose a significant threat to the health of the elderly. " Preventing brain aging and maintaining brain health" has become a high-level goal of healthy aging. During the process of aging, the physiological and psychological states of elderly people change, making them prone to nervousness and exhaustion, which can disturb the brain spirit, damage the brain collaterals, and severely endanger brain health. Starting from the holistic view of cultivating both body and spirit in traditional Chinese medicine, based on the physical and mental characteristics of the elderly, this paper applies the concept and method of " relaxation and tranquility" in the protection of elderly brain health, focusing on maintaining relaxation and tranquility in both physical and mental aspects. Specific measures include emphasizing subjective consciousness, relaxing the heart and calming down; utilizing the daoyin method, relaxing the body and calming down, combining relaxation and tranquility, cultivating both body and spirit to prevent diseases and protect the brain, which enables the elderly to have a healthy mind and body, a sense of happiness and fulfillment, and to age gracefully. Simultaneously, advocating for tranquility is also called " respect" for relaxation, following nature to understand constant changes, and improving one′s ability to think positively in old age, in order to expand ideas for the protection of elderly brain health.

Objective:To investigate the optimization of inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) combined with multiphase scanning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 184 patients who underwent inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer detector spectral CT at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2021 to October 2024. Each patient underwent multiphase scanning (60, 80, and 120 s after contrast injection were referred to as the first, second, and third phases, respectively). The images were reconstructed into conventional 120 kVp polyenergetic image (PI) and VMIs at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 keV. Image quality of 120 kVp PI and VMI for each phase was evaluated. The objective image quality indicators included CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and noise. Comparisons of the above indictors within the same phase were performed using repeated measures ANOVA or the Friedman test, while comparisons between different phases were conducted using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results:At the same phase, the CT value, SNR, and CNR of the 40 keV VMI were higher than those of other energy level VMIs and PI (all P<0.001). The SNR of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly higher than in the first phase ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the first and second phases ( P>0.05). The standard deviation (SD) of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly lower than that in the first and second phases (all P<0.05). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI were higher than those for other energy level VMIs and PI at the same phase ( P<0.001). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI in the third phase were higher than those in the second and first phases ( P<0.001). The percentage of scores≥4 in the third phase (77.17%,142/184) was significantly higher than those in the first phase (28.26%,52/184) and second phase (61.96%,114/184) ( P<0.001). Conclusion:In inferior vena cava imaging, the 40 keV VMI, combined with the optimal phase (120 s delay), effectively optimizes image quality.

Objective:To investigate the features of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in children with sepsis and evaluate the value of these cells in combination with multiple indicators in the diagnosis of pediatric sepsis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 86 sepsis children and 83 children with local infection admitted to Hebei Children′s Hospital from October 2022 to October 2024. Baseline clinical data, peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets, and other laboratory indicators were compared between the two groups. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the independent risk factors correlated with the initiation of sepsis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the value of each independent risk factor for diagnosing sepsis.Results:The thrombin time, the absolute counts of NK, CD3 + T, CD4 + T, and CD8 + T cells, the levels of IgG and IgM, and the counts of lymphocytes and platelets were lower in the sepsis children than in the children with local infection. However, the prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, the levels of fibrinogen, direct bilirubin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were higher in the sepsis group (all P<0.05). The variables screened by LASSO regression were analyzed by the multivariate logistic regression, and the results showed that PT, absolute CD4 + T cell count, and the levels of IgM and CRP were independent risk factors for sepsis. The ROC analysis indicated that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for PT, absolute CD4 + T cell count, and IgM and CRP levels when used individually in diagnosing sepsis was 0.729, 0.593, 0.605, and 0.795, respectively. The AUC for the four indexes when used in combination for diagnosing sepsis reached 0.822, showing greater superiority over that of the single index. Conclusions:The combined measurement of PT, absolute CD4 + T cell count, and the levels of IgM and CRP can improve the diagnostic efficacy for sepsis in children. Early monitoring of these indexes facilitates the assessment of the condition in children suffering from sepsis.

Objective:To assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-23 receptor ( IL-23R) gene with susceptibility to psoriasis. Methods:Two hundred and ten psoriasis patients admitted to Xinxiang Central Hospital from January 2019 to December 2024 were selected as the study group, and 210 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. 3 mL of peripheral venous blood sample was collected from each individual from the two groups, and PCR - Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay was used to determine the polymorphisms of the IL-23R gene at rs2201841, rs1004819, rs10889677, rs1343151 and rs1495965 loci. Genotypic and allelic distribution of each SNP locus was calculated to assess the association between SNPs of the IL-23R gene with the onset of psoriasis, and the difference in serum IL-23 levels among patients with different genotypes at each locus was compared. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Xinxiang Central Hospital (Ethic No. 2024-749). Results:The results showed that the frequency of CC genotype at rs1004819 locus of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (26.19% vs. 18.10%, P<0.05), and the frequency of C allele was also significantly higher than that of the control group (54.05% vs. 42.62%, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in allelic and genotypic frequencies between the two groups at rs2201841, rs10889677, rs1343151, and rs1495965 loci ( P>0.05). The dominant and recessive inheritance patterns at the rs1004819 locus are associated with susceptibility to psoriasis ( P<0.05), while the different inheritance patterns at rs2201841, rs10889677, rs1343151, and rs1495965 loci are not associated with psoriasis ( P>0.05). The serum IL-23 levels of patients with CC genotype at the rs1004819 locus were higher than those with CT and TT genotypes ( P<0.05). No significant difference was detected in the serum levels of IL-23 between patients with different genotypes for the rs2201841, rs10889677, rs1343151, and rs1495965 loci ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The polymorphism at the rs1004819 locus of the IL-23R gene is associated with susceptibility to psoriasis, and individuals carrying the CC genotype and C allele have a higher risk of developing the disease.