Background Prolonged vibration exposure can lead to vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and cellular injury. However, research on the association between vibration and ferroptosis in vascular endothelial cells remains insufficient. Objective To explore whether occupational vibration exposure is associated with alterations in serum markers related to ferroptosis in patients with hand-arm vibration disease (HAVD), and to further investigate, through in vitro cell experiments, whether vibration exposure may induce ferroptosis in vascular endothelial cells. Methods ①A judgmental sampling method was employed to select 50 workers with HAVD (the HAVD group), 50 vibration-exposed workers without HAVD (the vibration exposure group), and 50 non–hand-transmitted vibration-exposed workers (the control group). Serum iron levels, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured using serum iron assay kits, MDA detection kits, and SOD detection kits, respectively. One-way analysis of variance and binary logistic regression analysis were performed to examine the relationships between these indicators and HAVD. ②Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were divided into a vibration group and a control group. The vibration group was subjected to vibration at 120 Hz with an acceleration of 6.5 m·s⁻² and further subdivided into four subgroups: 1 d 2 h, 1 d 4 h, 2 d 2 h, and 2 d 4 h. The control group was treated identically except for vibration exposure. Cellular iron (Fe²⁺) content and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in HUVEC were measured using ferrous iron colorimetric assay kits and GSH colorimetric assay kits, respectively, to assess the effects of different vibration exposure schedules. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the mRNA expression levels of ferroptosis-related genes, including acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), tumor suppressor protein P53 (P53), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). Western blot analysis was conducted to determine the protein expression levels of ferroptosis-related markers in HUVEC. Results ①Compared with the control group, the patients in the HAVD group showed increased serum iron and MDA levels, along with decreased SOD levels (P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis indicated that elevated serum iron levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of HAVD (OR=4.034; 95%CI: 2.063, 7.887), and elevated MDA levels were also associated with an increased risk of HAVD (OR=1.523; 95%CI: 1.026, 1.936). ②Compared with the control group, increased intracellular Fe²⁺ content and decreased GSH content were observed in HUVECs in the 1 d 4 h and 2 d 4 h vibration subgroups (P<0.05). The RT-qPCR results showed that, compared with the control group, vibration exposures of 1 d 4 h and 2 d 4 h significantly upregulated the expression of ACSL4 and P53 (P<0.05), whereas the mRNA expression levels of GPX4 and FTH1 were downregulated in all vibration-exposed endothelial cells (P<0.05). The Western blot results revealed that, compared with the control group, the vibration exposure schedules of 1 d 2 h and 1 d 4 h significantly upregulated the protein expression levels of ACSL4 and P53 (P<0.05), while the vibration exposure schedules of 1 d 4 h, 2 d 2 h, and 2 d 4 h significantly downregulated the protein expression levels of FTH1 and GPX4 (P<0.05). Conclusion Occupational vibration exposure is associated with alterations in iron metabolism and oxidative stress status in workers with HAVD. The in vitro experiments further demonstrates that vibration stimulation induces intracellular iron accumulation and reduces antioxidant capacity in vascular endothelial cells, accompanied by dysregulated expression of ferroptosis-related molecules. These findings suggest that ferroptosis may play a role in vibration-induced vascular injury and the pathogenesis of HAVD.

Background As one of the primary operational methods in the power grid industry, the insulated glove working method imposes significant physical demands due to the constraints of insulating equipment and specific required postures, resulting in substantial occupational health hazards among workers in this sector, which have garnered widespread social attention. Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the neck, shoulder, and lumbar regions among workers wearing insulated gloves, and to provide targeted measures to reduce occupational hazards. Methods Using stratified cluster sampling, 1079 frontline workers were randomly selected from power supply enterprises across 3 provinces in China. The revised Chinese version of the Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to investigate the 1-year prevalence of WMSDs in the neck, shoulder, and lumbar regions among workers wearing insulated gloves, and to collect factors associated with multi-site WMSDs (defined as involvement of ≥2 sites among the neck, shoulder, and lumbar). Results The 1-year prevalence of WMSDs in the neck, shoulder, and lumbar regions was 39.9%, 30.0%, and 25.3%, respectively, with a multi-site WMSDs prevalence of 32.0%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that, compared to workers with technical secondary school education or senior high school education and below, workers with junior college education or bachelor’s degrees and above had a higher risk of multi-site WMSDs (OR=2.12, 95%CI: 1.47, 3.06). Compared to workers with <10 years of work experience, those with 10-<20 years of work experience had a higher risk of multi-site WMSDs (OR=1.96, 95%CI: 1.45, 2.67). Working in uncomfortable postures "sometimes" (OR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.14, 2.36), "frequently" (OR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.76, 4.29), and "very frequently" (OR=3.55, 95%CI: 2.04, 6.19) were significantly associated with an increased risk of multi-site WMSDs compared to never working in such postures. Frequent repetitive movements of the low back (OR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.48, 2.84) increased the risk of multi-site WMSDs, while sufficient rest time decreased the risk (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.34, 0.61). Conclusion The prevalences of single-site and multi-site WMSDs in the neck, shoulder, lumbar regions are relatively high among workers wearing insulated gloves. Factors associated with multi-site WMSDs include 10-<20 years of work experience, junior college education or bachelor’s degrees and above, uncomfortable working postures, frequent repetitive low-back movements, and lack of sufficient rest time.

Background As one of the primary operational methods in the power grid industry, the insulated glove working method imposes significant physical demands due to the constraints of insulating equipment and specific required postures, resulting in substantial occupational health hazards among workers in this sector, which have garnered widespread social attention. Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the neck, shoulder, and lumbar regions among workers wearing insulated gloves, and to provide targeted measures to reduce occupational hazards. Methods Using stratified cluster sampling, 1079 frontline workers were randomly selected from power supply enterprises across 3 provinces in China. The revised Chinese version of the Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire was used to investigate the 1-year prevalence of WMSDs in the neck, shoulder, and lumbar regions among workers wearing insulated gloves, and to collect factors associated with multi-site WMSDs (defined as involvement of ≥2 sites among the neck, shoulder, and lumbar). Results The 1-year prevalence of WMSDs in the neck, shoulder, and lumbar regions was 39.9%, 30.0%, and 25.3%, respectively, with a multi-site WMSDs prevalence of 32.0%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that, compared to workers with technical secondary school education or senior high school education and below, workers with junior college education or bachelor’s degrees and above had a higher risk of multi-site WMSDs (OR=2.12, 95%CI: 1.47, 3.06). Compared to workers with <10 years of work experience, those with 10-<20 years of work experience had a higher risk of multi-site WMSDs (OR=1.96, 95%CI: 1.45, 2.67). Working in uncomfortable postures "sometimes" (OR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.14, 2.36), "frequently" (OR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.76, 4.29), and "very frequently" (OR=3.55, 95%CI: 2.04, 6.19) were significantly associated with an increased risk of multi-site WMSDs compared to never working in such postures. Frequent repetitive movements of the low back (OR=2.05, 95%CI: 1.48, 2.84) increased the risk of multi-site WMSDs, while sufficient rest time decreased the risk (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.34, 0.61). Conclusion The prevalences of single-site and multi-site WMSDs in the neck, shoulder, lumbar regions are relatively high among workers wearing insulated gloves. Factors associated with multi-site WMSDs include 10-<20 years of work experience, junior college education or bachelor’s degrees and above, uncomfortable working postures, frequent repetitive low-back movements, and lack of sufficient rest time.

Objective Based on the diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)technique,this study aims to analyze the impact of early acupuncture intervention on the microstructure of brain white matter fibers,explore the brain mechanisms underlying the arousal effect of acupuncture intervention in comatose patients after traumatic cerebral injury,so as to provide a theoretical basis for early awakening promotion.Methods This study enrolled 32 comatose patients with traumatic brain injury admitted to the Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation with a disease course ranging from 10 to 30 days.Participants were randomly allocated into a control group(n=16)and an acupuncture group(n=16)using a random number table method.Both groups received conventional awakening-promoting rehabilitation treatment,while the acupuncture group additionally treated with the Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy.Before and after the treatment,the Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)scores and DTI examination were conducted respectively to assess the awakening rate and measure FA values.Explore the correlation between FA values within the acupuncture group and the GCS scores for the regions where inter-group differences occur after treatment.Results After 28 days of treatment in both groups,the awakening rate in the acupuncture group reached 75.00％,significantly higher than that in the control group(43.75％)(P=0.047).After treatment,FA values showed a significant increase compared to baseline levels in both groups(P<0.05).The acupuncture group exhibited a significantly greater increase in FA values in the midbrain,pons,thalamus,posterior limb of the internal capsule,and the splenium of the corpus callosum compared to the control group(P<0.05),while no statistically significant between-group differences were observed in the regions of anterior limb of the internal capsule,genu of the corpus callosum,and the semioval center(P>0.05).Correlation analysis revealed FA values in the midbrain,pons,thalamus,posterior internal capsule,and splenium were significantly positively correlated with GCS scores in the acupuncture group after treatment,particularly in the midbrain(r=0.785)and thalamus(r=0.739).Conclusions Acupuncture combined with conventional awakening therapy can effectively improve the consciousness state of comatose patients with TBI.The midbrain,pons,thalamus,posterior limb of the internal capsule,and splenium of the corpus callosum may be the key regions affected by acupuncture.The underlying mechanism may be related to promoting the repair and remodeling of white matter fibers in these critical areas.

Objective Based on the diffusion tensor imaging(DTI)technique,this study aims to analyze the impact of early acupuncture intervention on the microstructure of brain white matter fibers,explore the brain mechanisms underlying the arousal effect of acupuncture intervention in comatose patients after traumatic cerebral injury,so as to provide a theoretical basis for early awakening promotion.Methods This study enrolled 32 comatose patients with traumatic brain injury admitted to the Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation with a disease course ranging from 10 to 30 days.Participants were randomly allocated into a control group(n=16)and an acupuncture group(n=16)using a random number table method.Both groups received conventional awakening-promoting rehabilitation treatment,while the acupuncture group additionally treated with the Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy.Before and after the treatment,the Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)scores and DTI examination were conducted respectively to assess the awakening rate and measure FA values.Explore the correlation between FA values within the acupuncture group and the GCS scores for the regions where inter-group differences occur after treatment.Results After 28 days of treatment in both groups,the awakening rate in the acupuncture group reached 75.00％,significantly higher than that in the control group(43.75％)(P=0.047).After treatment,FA values showed a significant increase compared to baseline levels in both groups(P<0.05).The acupuncture group exhibited a significantly greater increase in FA values in the midbrain,pons,thalamus,posterior limb of the internal capsule,and the splenium of the corpus callosum compared to the control group(P<0.05),while no statistically significant between-group differences were observed in the regions of anterior limb of the internal capsule,genu of the corpus callosum,and the semioval center(P>0.05).Correlation analysis revealed FA values in the midbrain,pons,thalamus,posterior internal capsule,and splenium were significantly positively correlated with GCS scores in the acupuncture group after treatment,particularly in the midbrain(r=0.785)and thalamus(r=0.739).Conclusions Acupuncture combined with conventional awakening therapy can effectively improve the consciousness state of comatose patients with TBI.The midbrain,pons,thalamus,posterior limb of the internal capsule,and splenium of the corpus callosum may be the key regions affected by acupuncture.The underlying mechanism may be related to promoting the repair and remodeling of white matter fibers in these critical areas.

Objective To investigate the association between the TyG index,its modified variants,and the risk of developing colorectal cancer(CRC).Methods This study included a total of 93,177 participants from the 2006 Kailuan Group health examination cohort.Participants were categorized into four quartiles(Q1-Q4)according to their TyG and modified TyG indices.Follow-up began at the baseline examination,with incident CRC as the primary outcome.Participants were censored at the time of CRC diagnosis,death,or the end of the study,whichever occurred first.The dose-response relationship between TyG and its modified indices and the risk of CRC was evalu-ated using restricted cubic splines(RCS)in conjunction with Cox proportional hazards regression models,yielding hazard ratios(HRs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs).To compare the strength of associations between TyG and its modified versions(TyG-BMI,TyG-WC,TyG-WHR,TyG-WHtR,TyG-WWI)and CRC risk,HRs for CRC per one standard deviation increase in each index were calculated and compared.Results Both the TyG index and its modified variants demonstrated a significant dose-response relationship with the risk of CRC incidence.Specifically,for the TyG index,each 1-standard deviation(SD)increase was associated with a 1.17-fold(95%CI:1.09～1.27)higher risk of CRC.Compared with the first quartile(Q1),the third quartile(Q3)and fourth quartile(Q4)exhibited a 1.25-fold(95%CI:1.01～1.55)and 1.26-fold(95%CI:1.01～1.57)increased risk,respectively.For TyG-BMI,each 1-SD increase was linked to a 1.20-fold(95%CI:1.07～1.35)elevated CRC risk.Compared with Q1,Q3 and Q4 showed a 1.32-fold(95%CI:1.06～1.64)and 1.51-fold(95%CI:1.21～1.88)increase,respectively.Regarding TyG-WC,each 1-SD increment was associated with a 1.22-fold(95%CI:1.13～1.32)higher CRC risk,with Q3 and Q4 showing a 1.35-fold(95%CI:1.08～1.70)and 1.56-fold(95%CI:1.24～1.96)increased risk compared to Q1.For TyG-WHtR,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.24-fold(95%CI:1.08-1.42)higher CRC risk.Compared with Q1,Q2,Q3,and Q4 demonstrated a 1.31-fold(95%CI:1.03～1.66),1.55-fold(95%CI:1.23～1.95),and 1.60-fold(95%CI:1.27～2.02)increase,respectively.In the case of TyG-WHR,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.19-fold(95%CI:1.10～1.29)higher CRC risk,with Q4 showing a 1.42-fold(95%CI:1.14～1.77)increased risk compared to Q1.Finally,for TyG-WWI,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.22-fold(95%CI:1.13～1.32)elevated CRC risk,with both Q3 and Q4 showing a 1.58-fold increase(Q3:95%CI:1.26～1.98;Q4:95%CI:1.25～1.99).Stratified analyses by sex and age consistently revealed significant associations between the TyG index and its modified variants and CRC risk.Furthermore,these indices were independently associated with the incidence of both colon cancer and rectal cancer.Conclusions(1)Elevated levels of the TyG index and its modified variants are independent risk factors for CRC.(2)Both the TyG index and its modified forms demonstrate a significant dose-response association with the incidence of CRC.(3)Among the modified TyG indices,TyG-WWI,TyG-WHtR,TyG-BMI,TyG-WC,and TyG-WHR showed stronger correlations with CRC risk compared to the original TyG index.

Objective:To report the preclinical trial results of the application of a domestic high-flow percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) in patients with low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) following cardiac surgery.Methods:Six patients who developed LCOS after direct cardiac surgery were implanted with a domestic high-flow pLVAD. Clinical outcomes, including hemodynamic changes, complications, and survival rates were observed post-implantation.Results:Four patients underwent pLVAD implantation under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) guidance, while two patients had the procedure performed under ultrasound guidance. The implantation process was straightforward, rapid, and uneventful, with no instances of bleeding or arrhythmias. The flow rate at the initiation of pLVAD support was 3.8-5.0 (4.22±0.44)L/min, and the flow rate during pump removal was 1.0-1.3(1.18±0.15)L/min. The duration of pLVAD support was 16.5-165.0(101.3±60.65)h. Hemodynamic parameters showed immediate improvement following pLVAD support: mean arterial pressure increased from (62.67±4.46)mmHg to (80.50±18.96)mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa, P=0.049), cardiac output increased from (2.45±0.66)L/min to (4.35±1.32)L/min( P=0.01), cardiac index improved from (1.95±0.21)L·min -1·m -2 to (2.77±0.33)L·min -1·m -2( P<0.001), pulmonary artery diastolic pressure decreased from (27.50±1.87) mmHg to(18.33±4.18)mmHg( P=0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction improved from 0.27±0.04 to 0.37±0.06 ( P=0.004). No visible hemoglobinuria was noted during the support period. No malignant arrhythmias or cerebrovascular complications occurred. One patient required transition to surgical LVAD implantation, while the other five patients had the pLVAD successfully removed and were discharged. Three months later, all six patients were alive, with functional status classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class Ⅰ-Ⅱ. Conclusion:The implantation of a domestic high-flow pLVAD provides a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with LCOS following cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of sodium valproate (VPA) in inhibiting Erastin-induced ferroptosis in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: BMSCs were isolated from bone marrow of 8-week-old Spragur Dawley rats and identified [cell surface antigens CD90, CD44, and CD45 were analyzed by flow cytometry, and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation abilities were assessed by alizarin red S (ARS) and oil red O staining, respectively]. Cells of passage 3 were used for the Erastin-induced ferroptosis model, with different concentrations of VPA for intervention. The optimal drug concentration was determined using the cell counting kit 8 assay. The experiment was divided into 4 groups: group A, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium for 24 hours; group B, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin for 24 hours; group C, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin and VPA for 24 hours; group D, cells were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing optimal concentration Erastin and VPA, and 8 μmol/L EX527 for 24 hours. The mitochondrial state of the cells was evaluated, including the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Osteogenic capacity was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and ARS staining. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expressions of osteogenic-related proteins [Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteopontin (OPN)], ferroptosis-related proteins [glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)], and pathway-related proteins [adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)]. RESULTS: The cultured cells were identified as BMSCs. VPA inhibited Erastin-induced ferroptosis and the decline of osteogenic ability in BMSCs, acting through the activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. VPA significantly reduced the levels of ROS and MDA in Erastin-treated BMSCs and significantly increased GSH levels. Additionally, the expression levels of ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4, FTH1, and SLC7A11) significantly decreased. VPA also upregulated the expressions of osteogenic-related proteins (RUNX2 and OPN), enhanced mineralization and osteogenic differentiation, and increased the expressions of pathway-related proteins (AMPK and SIRT1). These effects could be reversed by the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. CONCLUSION VPA inhibits ferroptosis in BMSCs through the AMPK/SIRT1 axis and promotes osteogenesis.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Animals ; Valproic Acid/pharmacology* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sirtuin 1/metabolism* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Cells, Cultured ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism* ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Piperazines/pharmacology* ; Bone Marrow Cells/cytology* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

Background In recent years, the detection rate of thyroid nodules in China's occupational population has shown an upward trend. The prevalence of this disease needs to be taken seriously and targeted measures should be taken to address its influencing factors. Objective To analyze the detection and influencing factors of thyroid nodules among adult male workers in coal mining enterprises in Shanxi Province, and provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of thyroid nodules. Methods A total of 5195 adult male workers from coal mining enterprises who ordered physical examination provided by the Xishan Coal Electricity (Group) Corporation Occupational Disease Prevention and Control Institute in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province from May 2023 to December 2023 were selected as research subjects. A questionnaire survey, physical examination, ultrasound examination, and biological sample collection and testing were conducted. Thyroid nodules were diagnosed based on ultrasound results, classified and evaluated according to the Chinese-Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (C-TIRADS), and the crude detection rate and standardized detection rate of thyroid nodules in adult male coal mine workers in Shanxi Province wereestimated. Occupational history and occupational exposure information were retrieved from their annual occupational health examination reports provided by the employer. Logistic regression modeling was used to analyze the influencing factors of thyroid nodule. Results A total of 1688 cases of thyroid nodules were detected, with a crude detection rate of 32.49% and an age-standardized detection rate of 31.17%. The cases (constitution ratio) of thyroid nodules by category in the detected cases was as follows: 358 cases (21.21%) were classified as category 2, 1261 cases (74.70%) as category 3, 67 cases (3.97%) as category 4a, and 2 cases (0.12%) as category 4b. The results of logistic regression showed that the duration of exposure to occupational hazards for 11-20 years, 21-30 years, ≥31 years, average monthly working>26 days, and shift work were positively correlated with the detection of thyroid nodules (P<0.05), and the associated ORs (95%CIs) were 1.29 (1.01, 1.65), 1.55 (1.20, 1.99), 1.68 (1.26, 2.55), 1.19 (1.00, 1.40), and 1.15 (1.02, 1.29), respectively. Conclusion The duration of exposure to occupational hazards, average monthly working days, and shift work are influencing factors of thyroid nodules. Intervention measures should be developed based on these influencing factors to prevent the occurrence of thyroid nodules.

Zebrafish larvae are useful for identifying chemicals against lateral line (LL) hair cell (HC) damage and this type of chemical screen mainly focuses on searching for protectors against cell death. To expand the candidate pool of HC protectors, a self-built acoustic escape response (AER)-detecting system was developed to apply both low-frequency near-field sound transmission and AER image acquisition/processing modules. The device quickly confirmed the changed LL HC functions caused by most known ototoxins, protectors, and neural transmission modifiers, or knockdown of LL HC-expressing genes. With ten devices wired in tandem, five 'hit' chemicals were identified from 124 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors to partially restore cisplatin-damaged AER in less than a day. AS2863619, ribociclib, and SU9516 among the hits, protected the HCs in the mouse cochlea. Therefore, using free-swimming larval zebrafish, the self-made AER-detecting device can efficiently identify compounds that are protective against HC damage, including cell death and loss-of-function.
Animals ; Zebrafish ; Hair Cells, Auditory/physiology* ; Lateral Line System/cytology* ; Escape Reaction/physiology* ; Larva ; Mice ; Cisplatin/toxicity* ; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods*