Objective To quantitatively assess the association of short-term exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with residents mortality. Methods A time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted from 2020 to 2022 among 10606 non-accidental residents by using the Guangzhou Cause of Death Surveillance System in Conghua District, Guangzhou. Exposure levels of PAHs in PM_2.5 and meteorological data during the study period were obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Conghua District and the China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS-V2.0), respectively. Conditional Poisson regression model was used to estimate the exposure-response association between PAHs and the mortality risk. Results Fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality. For every one interquartile range increase in exposure levels, the non-accidental mortality risks increased by 8.33% (95% CI: 1.80%, 15.27%), 4.67% (95% CI: 1.86%, 7.57%), 6.07% (95% CI: 2.08%, 10.21%), 4.62% (95% CI: 1.85%, 7.47%), and 4.70% (95% CI: 0.53%, 9.03%), respectively. The estimated non accidental deaths attributable to exposure to fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluorine, benzo[a]pyrene and indine[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were 5.91%, 6.08%, 6.51%, 6.46%, and 4.21%, respectively. Conclusions Short-term exposure to PAHs in PM_2.5, including fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene and indine[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality among residents.

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*

Background Exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of diseases in multiple systems, including respiratory and cardiovascular systems, yet its association with neurological diseases remains unclear. Objective To quantitatively evaluate the association between short-term exposure to air pollutants and outpatient and emergency visits for neurological diseases, identify potential susceptible populations, and quantify associated disease burden. Methods Daily 24-hour average concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO), daily maximum 8-hour average concentration of ozone (O₃), daily meteorological data (24-hour average temperature, 24-hour average relative humidity), and data on daily outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases from two hospitals in Conghua District, Guangzhou, China, were collected from 2015 to 2022. A time-stratified case-crossover design was adopted, and a conditional Poisson regression model was constructed to analyze the association between air pollution exposure and neurological disease visits. Two-pollutant models and sensitivity analysis were used to validate model stability. Stratified analyses by season (cold season: from November to March; warm season: from April to October), sex (male, female), and age (≤45 years, 46–60 years, ≥61 years) were performed to identify vulnerable group. Additionally, the number and proportion of neurological disease visits attributable to short-term air pollutant exposure were calculated. Results A total of 72 673 outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases were included during the study period. Most of the patients were middle-aged and elderly individuals (69.89% were over 45 years old) and females (60.25%). The results of single-pollutant models showed that for each interquartile range (IQR) increase in exposure to PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, CO, and O₃, the risk of outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases increased by 7.54% (95%CI: 4.69%, 10.46%), 6.66% (95%CI: 3.92%, 9.46%), 16.72% (95%CI: 10.58%, 23.19%), 8.12% (95%CI: 4.82%, 11.53%), 5.60% (95%CI: 2.34%, 8.97%), and 6.11% (95%CI: 2.91%, 9.40%), respectively. The results of the two-pollutant model showed that the association between PM_2.5 and SO₂ exposure and outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases were relatively stable. The stratified analyses showed that the effect of SO₂ was stronger in the cold season. It was estimated that 8.32% (95%CI: 5.55%, 10.96%) and 6.65% (95%CI: 4.27%, 8.96%) of the outpatient and emergency department visits were attributable to short-term exposure to SO₂ and PM_2.5, respectively. Conclusion Exposure to PM_2.5 and SO₂ is associated with increased risks of outpatient and emergency visits for neurological diseases. SO₂ shows stronger effects during the cold season, and exposure to air pollution contributes to up to 8.32% of neurological disease visits.

Objective To compare the short-term clinical effects of unilateral dual-channel endoscopic discectomy(UBED)and percutaneous endoscopic intervertebral discectomy(PEID)in the treatment of L5S,Lumbar disc herniation,LDH.Methods From January 2019 to January 2021,a total of 57 cases of L5S,LDH treated by UBED or PEID were analyzed retrospectively,including 30 cases in UBED group and 27 cases in PEID group.The operation time,intraoperative fluoroscopy times,postoperative hospitalization days and surgical complications were compared between the two groups.The visual analogue scale(VAS)and oswestry disability index(ODI)were used to compare the postoperative quality of life of the two groups,and the modified MacNab criteria was used to evaluate the clinical efficacy in the last follow-up.Results The operation time of UBED group and PEID group was(75.30±8.44)minutes and(68.37±4.63)minutes,respectively,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).VAS and ODI of 1 week,3 months,1 year and 1.5 years after surgery in 2 groups were significantly decreased compared with those before surgery,with statistical significance(P＜0.05).The VAS score of low back pain in UBED group was higher than that in PEID group[(3.87±1.14)points vs(2.70±0.67)points]at 1 week after surgery(P＜0.05),and there was no significant difference in VAS and ODI at the other time points(P＞0.05).There was no statistical difference in the results of modified MacNab criteria in the last follow-up(P＞0.05).There were 2 cases of dural tear in PEID group,1 case of dural tear in UBED group and 1 case of temporary nerve root injury in PEID group after operation,all of which were cured after symptomatic treatment.Conclusion Compared with PEID,UBED has a longer operation time,more trauma and more obvious low back pain in the short term after operation.The short-term curative effect of the two operations on L5S1 LDH is similar,the incidence of complications is low,and the times of fluoroscopy are few.Both operations are safe and effective.

Objective To investigate the need for and utilization of health services among six Zhiguo ethnic minority groups in Yunnan Province,aiming to provide further evidence for the improvement of healthcare.Methods Using stratified random sampling,1921 individuals from six Zhiguo ethnic minority groups,aged 15 and above,were investigated with a structured questionnaire between August and December 2022.A structured questionnaire was used to collect participants'information on health service needs and utilization.Results Am-ong the surveyed participants,the two-week prevalence rate was found to be 22.54%,while the prevalence rate of chronic diseases was 38.52%.Among the residents,the risk of two-week prevalence was higher for females(OR=1.564),individuals aged≥60 years(OR=1.727),and those who reported poorer health utility value(OR=5.277),while it was lower for residents of Keno(OR=0.470)and Lahu(OR=0.659)ethnicity,as well as those who reported higher EQ-VAS scores(OR=0.446/0.174).Meanwhile,residents aged≥45 years(OR=3.392/7.072)were at higher risk for chronic disease prevalence,while it was lower for Keno ethnicity(OR=0.409),unmarried individuals(OR=0.479),and those with higher education levels(OR=0.629/0.603),higher EQ-VAS scores(OR=0.208)P<0.05.Additionally,among the participants,the treat-ment rate for two-week illness was 14.32%,while the non-treatment rate stood at 36.49%.Furthermore,the one-year hospitalization rate was reported as 19.89%,with a corresponding rate of individuals who needed hospitalization but did not receive it being recorded at 15.86%.Among the residents,the likelihood of treatment for two-week illness was higher for females(OR=1.461)and residents aged≥45 years(OR=1.510/1.560),whereas it was lower for individuals with higher EQ-VAS scores(OR=0.445).The likelihood of hospitalization within one year was also higher for residents aged≥60 years(OR=2.029)and individuals of Nu(OR=1.599),Lisu(OR=1.688),and Keno(OR=1.968)ethnicity,whereas those with high EQ-VAS scores(OR=0.325)had a lower risk(P<0.05).Conclusion In Yunnan Province,the need for healthcare services among six Zhiguo ethnic minority groups in this study is relatively low;however,the high prevalence of chronic diseases raises concerns.The utilization of healthcare services appears to be relatively sufficient,but the utilization of outpatient services still needs to be improved.

Objective To observe the value of augmented reality(AR)navigation system for assisting CT-guided puncture of pulmonary nodules in dog models.Methods Five healthy dogs were selected,and 4 target lung rings were implanted in each dog to build pulmonary nodule models.Deferring to crossover design,CT-guided punctures were performed with or without AR navigation 2 and 4 weeks after successful modeling,respectively,while punctures with AR navigation were regarded as AR group and the others as conventional group,respectively.The time duration of puncturing,the times of CT scanning,of needle adjustment,and the deviation distance between needle pinpoint to the center of pulmonary nodule shown on three-dimensional reconstruction were compared between groups.Results The duration time of puncture in AR group and conventional group was(13.62±5.11)min and(20.16±4.76)min,respectively.In AR group,the times of CT scanning,of needle adjustment,and the deviation distance was 2.40±0.50,2.75±0.44 and(2.94±1.92)mm,respectively,while in conventional group was 3.10±0.64,3.70±0.57 and(4.90±3.38)mm,respectively.The introduction of AR navigation was helpful to shortening the duration of puncture,reducing times of CT scanning and needle adjustment,also decreasing positioning error of needle pinpoint(all P＜0.05).In contrast,the variance of puncture sequences and dogs had no obvious effect on the results(both P＞0.05).Conclusion AR navigation system could improve accuracy and efficiency in CT-guided puncture of pulmonary nodules in dog models.

Objective To analyzes the influence of Artificial Intelligence(AI)technology on physician workload based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2012 to 2021.Methods Using MATLAB R2022b software to estimate the kernel density of physician workload and analyze the changes of physician workload in the past 10 years.Select fixed effects model and perform panel regression analysis between AI techniques and physician workload based on Stata MP 17.0 software.Results At present,there is a serious regional multi-level differentiation in physician workload.AI-assisted diagnosis,AI-assisted treatment and AI-assisted management have significantly reduced the physician workload.However,there is regional difference in the negative influence of AI technology on physician workload,with the most significant influence in eastern China and less significant in western China.Both aging and personal health investment negatively moderate the relationship between AI-assisted diagnosis technology and physician workload.Conclusion Great attention should be paid to AI,especially AI-assisted diagnosis technology,because it plays an important role in reducing the physician workload and alleviating the pressure caused by insufficient medical resources and uneven distribution in the context of aging.

Background The mental health problems of employees in administrative organs and public institutions are highly valued.However,there is a lack of understanding regarding the mental health status of employees in provincial and municipal administrative organs and public institutions in Qinghai region.Objective To analyze the anxiety and depression of employees in provincial and municipal administrative organs and public institutions in Qinghai region,so as to provide references for promoting their mental health and intervening in psychological problems.Methods From October 23 to 28,2022,a total of 3 096 employees in provincial and municipal administrative organs and public institutions in Qinghai region were enrolled using stratified cluster sampling technique,and were assessed using Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS).Results A total of 1797(58.04％)employees in municipal and above administrative organs and public institutions in Qinghai region completed a valid questionnaire survey.Depressive symptoms were noted in 579(32.22％).SDS scores yielded statistical difference among the selected employees of different ethnicities,types of job positions and educational levels(F=9.074,101.488,4.477,P<0.01),and the severity of depressive symptoms also demonstrated statistical difference among the selected employees with different ethnicities,educational levels and types of job positions(H=49.196,17.028,160.848,P<0.01).Anxiety symptoms were detected in 711(39.57％)employees.SAS scores exhibited statistical difference among the employees with different genders,ages,ethnicities,educational levels,marital status and types of job positions(t=-4.571,F=6.648,3.950,5.243,12.008,22.253,P<0.01).Statistical differences were also illustrated in the severity of anxiety symptoms among the selected employees with different ages,genders,ethnicities,educational levels,marital status and types of job positions(H=24.361,-3.788,28.365,24.268,25.976,56.204,P<0.01).Conclusion About one-third of employees in municipal and above administrative organs and public institutions in Qinghai region may have symptoms of depression and anxiety.The depression symptoms are more severe among Tibetan people,those with low education levels and ordinary civil servants.The anxiety symptoms are more severe among employees aged 30 and below,those with low education levels,unmarried and those in technical positions.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS)-induced peritoneal microinflammation through activation of ceramide (CER) in peritoneal dialysis model mice.Methods:Thirty 5-week-old male C57BL/6 mice weighing about 22 g were used to set up peritoneal dialysis models, and then were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operation group (1.5 ml sterilized water, n=7), high glucose-PDS group (1.5 ml 4.25% PDS, n=8), high glucose-PDS+ acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) inhibitor desipramine (DES) group (1.5 ml sterilized water+10 mg/kg DES, n=8), high glucose-PDS+Src kinase inhibitor PP2 group (1.5 ml sterilized water +1 mg/kg PP2, n=7), with intraperitoneal injection once a day. After 28 days, the mice were sacrificed to retain peritoneal tissues. HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the histological changes of peritoneum. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and macrophages. High performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of ASMase and CER. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of c-Src, p-Src, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of c-Src, and p-Src. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum C reactive protein (CRP), IL-6 and TNF-α. Results:(1) High glucose-PDS led to peritoneal hyperplasia, collagen deposition and fibrosis in the peritoneal dialysis mice, indicating successful modeling. Compared with high glucose-PDS group, peritoneal hyperplasia, collagen deposition and fibrosis of mice treated with DES and PP2 were significantly improved (all P<0.05). (2) Compared with sham operation group, ASMase activation and CER level of peritoneal tissues were significantly higher in high glucose-PDS group, and DES could significantly inhibit activated ASMase and increased CER expression caused by high glucose-PDS (both P<0.05). PP2 had no significant effect on ASMase activation and CER level (both P>0.05). (3) Compared with sham operation group, there were more TLR4 and macrophage positive staining cells in peritoneal tissues in high glucose-PDS group, and the mRNA expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in peritoneal tissues and serum CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α were higher (all P<0.05). DES and PP2 could significantly inhibit the increased TLR4, macrophages and related inflammatory factors induced by high glucose-PDS (all P<0.05). (4) Compared with sham operation group, c-Src and p-Src mRNA and protein expression levels of peritoneal tissues in high glucose-PDS group were significantly higher (all P<0.05). PP2 significantly inhibited the increased p-Src mRNA and protein levels caused by high glucose-PDS (both P<0.05), but had no significant effect on the mRNA and protein expression levels of c-Src (both P>0.05). DES had no significant effect on the mRNA and protein expression levels of c-Src and p-Src (all P>0.05). Conclusions:High glucose-PDS may enhance the expression of CER through stimulating the activity of ASMase, phosphorylate Src, activate TLR4 and induce inflammatory damage of peritoneum in peritoneal dialysis model mice.