1.Association between occupational lead exposure and multiple health indicators: A machine learning-based study
Jiali QIAN ; Boshen WANG ; Qinheng ZHU ; Xiaoru DAI ; Baoli ZHU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):621-629
Background Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal that accumulates in the body, potentially leading to multi-systemic impairment. Compared with traditional statistical methods, machine learning techniques offer unique advantages, opening new avenues for occupational health risk assessment and the exploratory analysis of complex associations. Objective To examine the association between occupational lead exposure and multiple health indicators and to identify key risk factors for lead toxicity. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, integrating occupational hygiene investigation results from 16 lead-acid battery enterprises in Jiangsu Province with occupational health examination data from 1914 lead-exposed workers. Inter-group differences were analyzed using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Binary logistic regression and machine learning algorithms [CatBoost, Naive Bayes model (NBM), and random forest (RF)] were employed to evaluate the association between blood lead (PbB), urine lead (PbU), and health indicators including blood pressure (BP), red blood cell count (RBC), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Results The prevalence of abnormal PbB and PbU were 14.52% and 9.35%, respectively. The risks of abnormal BP, RBC, and ALT were significantly increased in the population with high lead levels (P<0.05). PbB abnormalities were closely associated with gender, environmental lead concentration, wearing masks, smoking, and alcohol consumption (P<0.05). Regarding occupational hazards, workers exposed to lead dust had a 1.98-fold risk of PbU abnormality compared to those exposed to lead fumes. The plate coating and acid leaching process posed the highest risk for both PbB (OR=8.81) and PbU (OR=5.46) abnormalities compared with assembly process. Furthermore, the risks of PbB and PbU abnormalities were significantly elevated among workers with abnormal BP, RBC or ALT (P<0.05). Among the models, CatBoost performed best in predicting RBC abnormality (accuracy: 95.8%; precision: 44.9%; F1 score: 0.952; AUC: 0.981). Feature importance analysis identified PbB and PbU as the core factors affecting abnormal RBC and ALT, while RBC and ALT abnormalities as key features for predicting the risk of PbB and PbU abnormalities. Conclusion By integrating traditional statistical methods with machine learning, this study reveals a complex bidirectional association between occupational lead exposure and multiple health indicators, and identifies gender, job category, and environmental Pb concentration as the key factors influencing PbB abnormalities. These findings provide a scientific foundation for the implementation of precision occupational health management models.
2.Association between occupational lead exposure and multiple health indicators: A machine learning-based study
Jiali QIAN ; Boshen WANG ; Qinheng ZHU ; Xiaoru DAI ; Baoli ZHU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(5):621-629
Background Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal that accumulates in the body, potentially leading to multi-systemic impairment. Compared with traditional statistical methods, machine learning techniques offer unique advantages, opening new avenues for occupational health risk assessment and the exploratory analysis of complex associations. Objective To examine the association between occupational lead exposure and multiple health indicators and to identify key risk factors for lead toxicity. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, integrating occupational hygiene investigation results from 16 lead-acid battery enterprises in Jiangsu Province with occupational health examination data from 1914 lead-exposed workers. Inter-group differences were analyzed using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. Binary logistic regression and machine learning algorithms [CatBoost, Naive Bayes model (NBM), and random forest (RF)] were employed to evaluate the association between blood lead (PbB), urine lead (PbU), and health indicators including blood pressure (BP), red blood cell count (RBC), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Results The prevalence of abnormal PbB and PbU were 14.52% and 9.35%, respectively. The risks of abnormal BP, RBC, and ALT were significantly increased in the population with high lead levels (P<0.05). PbB abnormalities were closely associated with gender, environmental lead concentration, wearing masks, smoking, and alcohol consumption (P<0.05). Regarding occupational hazards, workers exposed to lead dust had a 1.98-fold risk of PbU abnormality compared to those exposed to lead fumes. The plate coating and acid leaching process posed the highest risk for both PbB (OR=8.81) and PbU (OR=5.46) abnormalities compared with assembly process. Furthermore, the risks of PbB and PbU abnormalities were significantly elevated among workers with abnormal BP, RBC or ALT (P<0.05). Among the models, CatBoost performed best in predicting RBC abnormality (accuracy: 95.8%; precision: 44.9%; F1 score: 0.952; AUC: 0.981). Feature importance analysis identified PbB and PbU as the core factors affecting abnormal RBC and ALT, while RBC and ALT abnormalities as key features for predicting the risk of PbB and PbU abnormalities. Conclusion By integrating traditional statistical methods with machine learning, this study reveals a complex bidirectional association between occupational lead exposure and multiple health indicators, and identifies gender, job category, and environmental Pb concentration as the key factors influencing PbB abnormalities. These findings provide a scientific foundation for the implementation of precision occupational health management models.
3.Relationships among coping styles,negative life events,meaning in life,and psychological resilience in adolescents
Guifang CHEN ; Zhenwei DAI ; Feifei GAO ; Xue HAN ; Jiali LIU ; Zhi WANG ; Huamin CHEN ; Dongxue CHEN
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(11):976-980
Objective:To investigate the relationships among coping styles,negative life events,meaning in life,and psychological resilience in adolescents.Methods:A total of 1 434 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years comple-ted online questionnaire survey.The Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire(SCSQ),Adolescent Self-Rating Life E-vents Checklist(ASLEC),Chinese Meaning in Life Questionnaire(C-MLQ),and Connor-Davidson resilience scale(CD-RISC)were used to assess coping styles,perceived impact of negative life events,experience and pursuit of meaning in life,and ability to cope with and adapt to adversity,respectively.Logistic regression was used to explore the associations among these variables.Results:A total of 723 students(50.4%)tended to adopt negative coping styles when facing adverse events.Positive coping styles were negatively associated with being in senior high school(OR=0.62,P<0.05)and impact of life events(OR=0.97,P<0.001),while positively associated with sense of meaning in life(OR=1.04,P<0.001)and psychological resilience(OR=1.04,P<0.001).Conclusion:Among adolescents,positive coping styles are inversely associated with impact of negative life events,and positively associ-ated with both the sense of life meaning and psychological resilience.
4.Study on mechanism of immunogenic cell death induced by ginsenoside octanoate through induction of autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Fuxiang SONG ; Zhenzhen DAI ; Jingjing SHENG ; Jiali CHEN ; Hui ZHANG ; Hua FENG ; Yao PAN ; Zeyuan DENG ; Fang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(6):1427-1432
Objective:To investigate the effect of ginsenoside octanoate(Rh2-O)on inducing immunogenic cell death in hepa-tocellular carcinoma cells and its molecular mechanism.Methods:Effects of ginsenoside caprylate(Rh2-O)and autophagy inhibitor 3-MA on the activity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were detected by CCK-8 assay.The effect of Rh2-O on CRT membrane eversion in Hepa1-6 cells were detected by immunofluorescence assay.Rh2-O treated mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cells were used to pre-pare a tumor vaccine for in vivo vaccination experiments in mice.Extracellular ATP levels were detected in real-time.The expression of autophagy-related genes and proteins were measured by real-time fluorescence PCR and Western blot,and the mitochondrial morphol-ogy and co-localization with autophagy proteins were observed by laser confocal microscopy.Results:Rh2-O showed strong cytotoxicity to Hepa1-6 cells[cell viability:(58.54±3.56)%]at a concentration of 150 μmol/L,and a large amount of CRT was observed on the surface of the cell membrane.The tumor emergence rate was 36.36%in the vaccinated group and 100%in the control group.The tumor vaccine prepared by Rh2-O effectively protected mice from the same type of tumor attack;Rh2-O induced an increase in the level of cellular secreted ATP(P<0.05),the mRNA of autophagy-related genes ATG3,p62,LC3 expression levels and autophagy-associated proteins LC3A and LC3B expression levels were increased(P<0.05),and co-localization of mitochondria with autophagy proteins was significantly increased(P<0.05).In addition,Rh2-O action on 3-MA pretreated hepatocellular carcinoma cells resulted in a signifi-cant decrease in extracellular ATP levels(P<0.001).Conclusion:Rh2-O may induce immunogenic cell death by inducing autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
5.Relationships among coping styles,negative life events,meaning in life,and psychological resilience in adolescents
Guifang CHEN ; Zhenwei DAI ; Feifei GAO ; Xue HAN ; Jiali LIU ; Zhi WANG ; Huamin CHEN ; Dongxue CHEN
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(11):976-980
Objective:To investigate the relationships among coping styles,negative life events,meaning in life,and psychological resilience in adolescents.Methods:A total of 1 434 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years comple-ted online questionnaire survey.The Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire(SCSQ),Adolescent Self-Rating Life E-vents Checklist(ASLEC),Chinese Meaning in Life Questionnaire(C-MLQ),and Connor-Davidson resilience scale(CD-RISC)were used to assess coping styles,perceived impact of negative life events,experience and pursuit of meaning in life,and ability to cope with and adapt to adversity,respectively.Logistic regression was used to explore the associations among these variables.Results:A total of 723 students(50.4%)tended to adopt negative coping styles when facing adverse events.Positive coping styles were negatively associated with being in senior high school(OR=0.62,P<0.05)and impact of life events(OR=0.97,P<0.001),while positively associated with sense of meaning in life(OR=1.04,P<0.001)and psychological resilience(OR=1.04,P<0.001).Conclusion:Among adolescents,positive coping styles are inversely associated with impact of negative life events,and positively associ-ated with both the sense of life meaning and psychological resilience.
6.Study on mechanism of immunogenic cell death induced by ginsenoside octanoate through induction of autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Fuxiang SONG ; Zhenzhen DAI ; Jingjing SHENG ; Jiali CHEN ; Hui ZHANG ; Hua FENG ; Yao PAN ; Zeyuan DENG ; Fang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(6):1427-1432
Objective:To investigate the effect of ginsenoside octanoate(Rh2-O)on inducing immunogenic cell death in hepa-tocellular carcinoma cells and its molecular mechanism.Methods:Effects of ginsenoside caprylate(Rh2-O)and autophagy inhibitor 3-MA on the activity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were detected by CCK-8 assay.The effect of Rh2-O on CRT membrane eversion in Hepa1-6 cells were detected by immunofluorescence assay.Rh2-O treated mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cells were used to pre-pare a tumor vaccine for in vivo vaccination experiments in mice.Extracellular ATP levels were detected in real-time.The expression of autophagy-related genes and proteins were measured by real-time fluorescence PCR and Western blot,and the mitochondrial morphol-ogy and co-localization with autophagy proteins were observed by laser confocal microscopy.Results:Rh2-O showed strong cytotoxicity to Hepa1-6 cells[cell viability:(58.54±3.56)%]at a concentration of 150 μmol/L,and a large amount of CRT was observed on the surface of the cell membrane.The tumor emergence rate was 36.36%in the vaccinated group and 100%in the control group.The tumor vaccine prepared by Rh2-O effectively protected mice from the same type of tumor attack;Rh2-O induced an increase in the level of cellular secreted ATP(P<0.05),the mRNA of autophagy-related genes ATG3,p62,LC3 expression levels and autophagy-associated proteins LC3A and LC3B expression levels were increased(P<0.05),and co-localization of mitochondria with autophagy proteins was significantly increased(P<0.05).In addition,Rh2-O action on 3-MA pretreated hepatocellular carcinoma cells resulted in a signifi-cant decrease in extracellular ATP levels(P<0.001).Conclusion:Rh2-O may induce immunogenic cell death by inducing autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
7.Ultrasonographic features of thyroid carcinoma of different sizes: comparison between medullary thyroid carcinomas and papillary thyroid carcinomas
Dai ZHANG ; Fan YANG ; Ying WANG ; Jiali MU ; Xueqing WEI ; Xi WEI
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2024;46(2):133-139
Objective:To investigate the ultrasonographic features of medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) of different sizes and supply valid information for separating MTCs from papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs).Methods:There were 87 patients with MTC and 220 patients with PTC detected by ultrasonography and confirmed by pathology at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from June 2018 to March 2022. Nodules were divided into the large nodule group (the maximum diameter of the tumor was>1 cm) and the small nodule group (the maximum diameter of the tumor was ≤1 cm). There were 97 cases in the small nodule group, including 28 cases of MTC and 69 cases of PTC. There were 210 cases in the large nodule group, including 59 cases of MTC and 151 cases of PTC. After stratification by thyroid nodules, ultrasonographic features of thyroid nodules and metastatic lymph nodes, preoperative serum calcitonin (CT) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were compared between MTC and PTC patients.Results:In the small nodule group, the proportion of MTCs exhibiting hypoecho, smooth margins, and having blood flow signals was higher than that of PTCs, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). In the large nodule group, the proportion of MTCs showing cystic solidity, hypoecho, smooth margins, blood flow, and the type Ⅳvascular distribution was higher than PTCs, and the difference of calcification type between them was also statistically significant (all P<0.05). In contrast, the differences in the number of lesions and aspect ratio between MTCs and PTCs were not statistically significant regardless of nodule size (all P>0.05). In the small nodule group,6 metastatic lymph nodes of medullary thyroid carcinoma (LNM-MTC) and 11 metastatic lymph nodes of papillary thyroid carcinoma (LNM-PTC) were correctly diagnosed by ultrasound, respectively. The diagnostic compliance rate of ultrasound was 78.6% (22/28) and 78.3% (54/69), respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.973). In the large nodule group, 28 LNM-MTC and 11 LNM-PTC were correctly diagnosed by ultrasound, respectively. The diagnostic compliance of ultrasound was 88.1% (52/59) and 73.5% (111/151), respectively, which was statistically significant ( P=0.022). Among them, 82.1% of LNM-MTC and 56.6% of LNM-PTC showed abnormal blood flow signals, with a statistically significant difference ( P=0.016). There were significant differences in preoperative serum CT and CEA levels of different sizes of MTCs (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Different sizes of MTCs require diverse demonstrative criteria. Abnormal blood flow signal is of great significance in the diagnosis of LNM-MTC. Within the absence of ultrasonic characteristics, preoperative serum CT test can provide confidence for the diagnosis of MTC.
8.Effect of blended mindfulness intervention on stigma and self-esteem in stable schizophrenia patients
Dandan LIU ; Jiali DAI ; Haina WANG ; Meiling WEN ; Yang ZHANG ; Hongsheng BI
Sichuan Mental Health 2024;37(5):414-419
Background Schizophrenia patients often face high level of stigma and low level of self-esteem,significantly hindering their recovery.Mindfulness-based intervention has proven be effective in reducing stigma and improving self-esteem.However,traditional mindfulness intervention typically involve high costs and require long-term professional involvement.Objective To explore the effects of blended mindfulness interventions on stigma and self-esteem in patients with stable schizophrenia,so as to provide references for reducing stigma,enhancing self-esteem and promoting recovery.Methods Patients receiving outpatient treatment at the Third Hospital of Daqing from June 2022 to January 2023,who met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia in the International Classification of Diseases,tenth edition(ICD-10)and were in a stable phase,were recruited for the study(n=84).According to the random number table method,participants were randomly assigned to study group and control group,with 42 cases in each group.Both groups received treatment with the second-generation antipsychotic medications,while the study group additionally received blended mindfulness intervention for 8 weeks,with sessions lasting 45~60 minutes,three times a week.Both groups were evaluated with Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire(FFMQ),Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory(ISMI)and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale(RSES)at baseline and after 8-week intervention.Covariance analysis was used to compare the FFMQ,ISMI and SES scores between two groups after 8-week intervention.Results After 8-week intervention,there were statistically significant differences between two groups in total FFMQ scores,as well as in the observation,acting with awareness,non-judgment and non-reactivity subscale scores(F=50.680,12.952,13.567,22.799,14.043,P<0.01).Statistically significant differences were observed in total ISMI scores,and in the alienation,stereotype endorsement,discrimination experience,stigma resistance and social withdrawal subscale scores(F=513.125,148.990,125.055,75.996,154.850,54.125,P<0.01).The difference in RSES scores between two groups was also statistically significant(F=19.478,P<0.01).Conclusion Blended mindfulness intervention may help improve the mindfulness and self-esteem in stable schizophrenia patients while reducing stigma.
9.Ultrasonographic features of thyroid carcinoma of different sizes: comparison between medullary thyroid carcinomas and papillary thyroid carcinomas
Dai ZHANG ; Fan YANG ; Ying WANG ; Jiali MU ; Xueqing WEI ; Xi WEI
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2024;46(2):133-139
Objective:To investigate the ultrasonographic features of medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) of different sizes and supply valid information for separating MTCs from papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs).Methods:There were 87 patients with MTC and 220 patients with PTC detected by ultrasonography and confirmed by pathology at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from June 2018 to March 2022. Nodules were divided into the large nodule group (the maximum diameter of the tumor was>1 cm) and the small nodule group (the maximum diameter of the tumor was ≤1 cm). There were 97 cases in the small nodule group, including 28 cases of MTC and 69 cases of PTC. There were 210 cases in the large nodule group, including 59 cases of MTC and 151 cases of PTC. After stratification by thyroid nodules, ultrasonographic features of thyroid nodules and metastatic lymph nodes, preoperative serum calcitonin (CT) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were compared between MTC and PTC patients.Results:In the small nodule group, the proportion of MTCs exhibiting hypoecho, smooth margins, and having blood flow signals was higher than that of PTCs, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). In the large nodule group, the proportion of MTCs showing cystic solidity, hypoecho, smooth margins, blood flow, and the type Ⅳvascular distribution was higher than PTCs, and the difference of calcification type between them was also statistically significant (all P<0.05). In contrast, the differences in the number of lesions and aspect ratio between MTCs and PTCs were not statistically significant regardless of nodule size (all P>0.05). In the small nodule group,6 metastatic lymph nodes of medullary thyroid carcinoma (LNM-MTC) and 11 metastatic lymph nodes of papillary thyroid carcinoma (LNM-PTC) were correctly diagnosed by ultrasound, respectively. The diagnostic compliance rate of ultrasound was 78.6% (22/28) and 78.3% (54/69), respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( P=0.973). In the large nodule group, 28 LNM-MTC and 11 LNM-PTC were correctly diagnosed by ultrasound, respectively. The diagnostic compliance of ultrasound was 88.1% (52/59) and 73.5% (111/151), respectively, which was statistically significant ( P=0.022). Among them, 82.1% of LNM-MTC and 56.6% of LNM-PTC showed abnormal blood flow signals, with a statistically significant difference ( P=0.016). There were significant differences in preoperative serum CT and CEA levels of different sizes of MTCs (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Different sizes of MTCs require diverse demonstrative criteria. Abnormal blood flow signal is of great significance in the diagnosis of LNM-MTC. Within the absence of ultrasonic characteristics, preoperative serum CT test can provide confidence for the diagnosis of MTC.
10.Research progress of gut microbiota in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Jiali DAI ; Xiaojun SHAO ; Gang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2024;57(3):179-186
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling mental disorder with unclear etiology. The association between OCD occurrence and development and gut microbiota has not been fully elucidated. Although the exact pathogenic mechanism of OCD remains obscure, existing evidence indicates that the brain-gut axis is involved in OCD via multiple pathways, including immune inflammation, neurotransmitters, and endocrinology. This article reviews new evidence on the role of microbiota in OCD pathophysiology and their potential as a novel treatment. It summarizes current research methods and limitations regarding the brain-gut axis. We discuss the potential and challenges of microbial reconditioning strategies such as probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation for OCD treatment and envision future research directions. The perspective in-depth study of the brain-gut axis may provide new therapeutic targets and perspectives for OCD.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail