OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 4-methylcatechol (4MC) on the migration and inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), as well as its underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS: RA-FLS was isolated from synovial tissue donated by RA patients, and the optimal concentration of 4MC was determined by cell counting kit 8 method for subsequent experiments, and the effect of 4MC on the migratory ability of RA-FLS was evaluated via a cell scratch assay. An inflammation model of RA-FLS was induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and ELISA were employed to detect the gene and protein expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in RA-FLS and their culture supernatants, respectively, thereby investigating the anti-inflammatory effects of 4MC. Western blot was used to examine the expressions of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway-related proteins, including inhibitor of NF-κB-α (IKBα), phosphorylated (P)-IκBα, NF-κB-inducing kinase α (IKKα), P-IKKαβ, P-p65, and p65. Cellular immunofluorescence was utilized to detect the expression and localization of p65 in RA-FLS, exploring whether 4MC exerts its anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Finally, a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model was established. The anti-RA effect of 4MC in vivo was evaluated by gross observation and histological examination. RESULTS: 4MC inhibited RA-FLS migration in a concentration-dependent manner. In the TNF-α-induced RA-FLS inflammation model, 4MC significantly decreased the gene and protein expression levels of IL-1β and IL-6. Furthermore, 4MC markedly reduced the ratios of P-IΚBα/IΚBα, P-IKKαβ/IKKα, and P-p65/p65, thereby blocking the transcriptional activity of p65 by inhibiting its nuclear translocation. This mechanism effectively suppressed the activation of the TNF-α-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway. Animal studies demonstrated that 4MC [10 mg/(kg·day)] significantly lowered serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and alleviated arthritis severity and bone destruction in CIA mice. CONCLUSION 4MC not only inhibits the migration of RA-FLS but also mitigates their inflammatory response by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby effectively exerting its anti-RA effects.
Synoviocytes/metabolism* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism* ; Animals ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Humans ; Catechols/therapeutic use* ; Fibroblasts/drug effects* ; Mice ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Transcription Factor RelA/metabolism* ; Synovial Membrane/cytology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Male ; Arthritis, Experimental ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha ; Inflammation

Objective To assess the risk of human Spirometra mansoni infections and investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards sparganosis mansoni among residents in Henan Province, so as to provide insights into formulation of the sparganosis mansoni control measures. Methods Qinling Village in Fugou County of Zhoukou City, Bali Village in Yancheng District of Luohe City, Duzhai Village in Puyang County of Puyang City and Doushan Village in Luoshan County of Xinyang City were sampled as survey sites in Henan Province from July to August 2023, and more than 40 frogs were sampled from ponds or streams in each survey site for detection of Sparganum mansoni infections. At least 150 residents were sampled using a cluster sampling method from each survey site, and the sero-prevalence of anti-S. mansoni IgG antibody was estimated. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the KAP towards sparganosis mansoni among participants, and the proportion of eligible KAP, rate of correct KAP and KAP scores were calculated. Results A total 229 frogs were collected from 4 survey sites in 2023, and the overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 4.37% (10/229) in frogs, with 7.75% (10/129) prevalence in wild frogs and 0 in farm-bred frogs. A questionnaire survey was performed among 649 residents sampled from 4 survey sites, and 649 serum samples were collected. The seroprevalence of anti-S.mansoni IgG antibody was 0.15% (1/649) and the overall proportion of eligible KAP was 23.73% (154/649) among participants. There were age- (χ² = 30.905, P = 0.000), educational level- (χ² = 41.011, P = 0.000), and occupation-specific proportions of eligible KAP among participants (χ² = 10.721, P = 0.005), and the proportion of eligible KAP decreased with age (χ² _trend = 22.717, P = 0.000) and increased with education levels (χ² _trend = 40.025, P = 0.000). The rates of correct KAP towards sparganosis mansoni were 40.81% (2 119/5 192), 96.66% (1 882/1 947) and 63.81% (3 727/5 841) (χ² = 1 913.731, P = 0.000) among residents, respectively. The rates of correct KAP towards sparganosis mansoni varied significantly among survey sites (χ² = 136.872, 42.347 and 255.157; all P values= 0.000, with the highest rate of correct knowledge (51.94%, 748/1 440) and practices (75.86%, 1 229/1 620) in Yancheng District of Luohe City and the highest rate of correct attitudes in Puyang County of Puyang City (99.11%, 446/450) (all P values< 0.05). Conclusions There is still a high transmission risk of sparganosis mansoni in Henan Province, and the KAP towards sparganosis mansoni is required to be improved among residents.

Objective To investigate the association between the Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) and diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension among elderly people in Hebei Province. Methods In 2020, a stratified multi-stage random sampling was used to conduct questionnaire survey, physical examination and laboratory detection among permanent residents of 10 monitoring sites in Hebei Province. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between CVAI and diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive value of CVAI for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension. Results The detection rates of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension were 19.8%, 74.6%, 78.2%, and 16.2%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the lowest quartile of CVAI group Q1, the OR (95% CI) of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension in the highest quartile Q4 group were 3.55 (2.58~4.89), 2.52 (1.92~3.31), 3.09 (2.31~4.12), and 4.92 (3.40~7.12), respectively. The ROC curve results showed that CVAI had the best predictive value in the diagnosis of diabetes with hypertension, and the optimized critical values in males and females were 128.54 and 141.88, respectively. Conclusion The detection rates of diabetes mellitus and hypertension are high in the elderly population in Hebei Province. CVAI is positively associated with the risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and diabetes with hypertension among the elderly in Hebei. CVAI has the strongest prediction ability for diabetes with hypertension.

Objective To investigate the serum diphtheria antibody levels in healthy people aged 1-59 years old in Shaanxi Province.Methods A stratified random sampling method was used to select healthy people aged 1-59 years old from 30 county-level disease surveillance sites in 10 cities of Shaanxi province from November to December 2017.Diphtheria IgG antibody was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the positive rate(IgG≥0.01 IU/mL)and mean geometric concentration(GMC)of diphtheria IgG antibody were analyzed.Results A total of 6 439 subjects completed laboratory testing.The positive rate and GMC of diphtheria IgG antibody were 85.79%and 0.035(0.034-0.036)IU/mL,respectively.The GMC and the positive rate of diphtheria IgG antibody were higher in males than those in females(P＜0.01).The positive rate of diphtheria IgG antibody in different cities was 65.25%-98.23%,and the GMC was 0.021(0.018-0.024)IU/mL-0.046(0.037-0.055)IU/mL,the difference between the groups was statistically significant(P＜0.01).The GMC of the group with DCV immunization history,the group without DCV immunization history and the group with unknown DCV immunization history were 0.097(0.090-0.105),0.018(0.018-0.019)and 0.027(0.026-0.028)IU/mL,respectively,and the positive rates of diphtheria IgG antibody were 92.74%,80.18%and 85.44%,respectively.There were significant differences between the three groups(P＜0.01).Among the 9 age groups,the group with the lowest positive rate of diphtheria IgG antibody was the 40-49 age group(78.39%),and the highest was in the 1-2 age group(95.77%),which decreased with age(χ2=200.612,P＜0.01).It showed a downward trend with age(χ2=200.612,P＜0.01).The lowest GMC(IU/mL)was in the 40-49 age group[0.017(0.016-0.017)],and the highest was in the 7-9 age group[0.190(0.162-0.226)],showing a downward trend with increasing age(P＜0.01).After the whole course of vaccination,the positive rate of diphtheria IgG antibody and the interval between the last dose of vaccination showed a downward trend(P＜0.01).Conclusion The diphtheria immune barrier in whole population has been established in Shaanxi province,but the positive rate of diphtheria antibody and GMC in healthy people aged 1-59 years old show a downward trend with age.

Objective:To analyze the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and influencing factors of adults in Hebei Province, and provide scientific evidence for the development of comprehensive CKD prevention and control strategies.Methods:In China Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance in Hebei in 2018, a total of 7 562 permanent residents aged ≥18 years were selected by multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling from 13 surveillance points in Hebei for questionnaire survey, medical examination and laboratory test.Results:A total of 1 067 CKD patients were detected in the adults aged ≥18 years in this survey, with a weighted prevalence rate of 12.10%. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the daily total static behavior time ( OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.04-1.09), living in rural area ( OR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.14-1.97), coal use ( OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.16-1.61), coal gas/liquefied gas/natural gas/biogas use ( OR=2.92, 95% CI: 2.40-3.54) and solar energy/electricity use ( OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.36-2.25), insufficient fruit intake ( OR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.06-1.83), insufficient physical activity ( OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.11-1.64), suffering from hypertension ( OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.44-2.24) and suffering from diabetes ( OR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.27-2.45) were risk factors for CKD in adults in Hebei. High education level ( OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.19-0.91), excessive drinking ( OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.28-0.99), central obesity ( OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.58-0.97), history of allergic diseases ( OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.27-0.72) were protective factors for CKD. Conclusions:The prevalence of CKD in adults in Hebei was relatively high, especially in those who had too long average daily static behavior, lived in rural area, used coal, gas/liquefied gas/natural gas/biogas, solar energy/electricity, had inadequate intake of fruits, lacked physical activity and suffered from hypertension and diabetes. It is necessary to pay attention to the early prevention and treatment of CKD, strengthen the health education about healthy lifestyle and improve the management of patients with chronic disease, such as hypertension and diabetes, to further reduce the risk for CKD.

Objective:To investigate the dose characteristics of the Zeiss INTRABEAM system in air and water, providing dose reference for electronic brachytherapy.Methods:A Monte Carlo program was used to establish a three-dimensional model of a miniature X-ray source vacuum drift tube and a 4 cm spherical applicator. The process of electron beam bombardment on a gold target to generate X-rays was simulated, and parameters such as photon fluence spectrum, percentage depth dose, and half-value layer were calculated. Additionally, the radial dose uniformity in water was measured.Results:The average energy of X-rays at 3 cm in air was 20.8 keV, with a half-value layer of 0.08 mm Al. Under the influence of the applicator, the spectrum becomes hardened, with axial and radial average energies of 28.7 and 29.0 keV, respectively. In water, the percentage depth dose (PDD) curve follows an inverse cubic decay with depth, indicating strong dose concentration and rapid fall-off in near-field irradiation. The radial dose uniformity in water exceeded 99.5%.Conclusions:The INTRABEAM device emits low-energy X-rays characterized by shallow penetration depth, and concentrated dose delivery. Its highly uniform dose distribution ensures comprehensive coverage of the target area, making it particularly suitable for treating superficial tumors and for intraoperative radiotherapy at close range.

From 2019 to 2023, a total of 30.8602 million doses of non-National Immunization Program (non-NIP) vaccines were administered in Shaanxi Province, averaging 1 561 doses per 10 000 population. The annual administration of non-NIP vaccines increased from 4.359 1 million doses in 2019 to 7.858 2 million doses in 2023, with their proportional representation among all vaccines rising from 30.82% to 55.15%( χ2 trend=2 440 581.54, P<0.001). The administration rate per 10 000 population increased from 1 105 doses to 1 986 doses during this period( χ2 trend=373.10, P<0.001). Concurrently, the substitution rate of non-NIP vaccines for National Immunization Program vaccines rose from 4.94% in 2019 to 16.11% in 2023.

To summarize the clinical practice of continuous medical service for patients at Shanghai Children′s Medical Center, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from September 2023 to December 2024, following the approval of its extended care qualification. This study utilized a mixed-methods research design that integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative study included a total of 117 subjects, with an age range of 18 to 35 years, an average age of 21.56 years, and a median age of 19 years; there were 59 males and 58 females. The disease types covered four major categories: childhood leukemia and solid tumors (68 cases), congenital structural malformations (25 cases), congenital hereditary metabolic diseases (4 cases), and rare diseases (20 cases). Among the subjects, 57.26% (67 cases) were first-time visitors to SCMC. The patients came from 20 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities across the country, with 88.03% (103 cases) from outside Shanghai. The treatment outcomes showed improvement or cure in 80.34% (94 cases) of the subjects, and there were no medical complaints. In addition, a qualitative study was conducted to deeply explore the experiences, confusions, and challenges of receiving or implementing continuous medical services from the perspectives of patients and their families, as well as medical staff. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 44 subjects were included in the study, among them, there were 12 patients, 12 family members who were taking care of the patients in SCMC, and 20 corresponding medical staff members. The results of the qualitative study showed that trust in the attending physicians of the children′s specialty hospital, a good doctor-patient relationship, satisfactory treatment outcomes, and support from medical insurance policies are the main driving forces for patients over 18 years old to receive continuous treatment at children′s specialty hospitals. The medical staff of the hospital also believed that this model can promote patient benefits. In conclusion, under the policy support of the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, the "Six Fixed" Model for continuous treatment established by SCMC has achieved certain positive results in practice. This provides practical references for the development of continuous treatment in China and offers new strategies for the application of preventive medicine in the field of children′s health.

Objective:To analyze the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and influencing factors of adults in Hebei Province, and provide scientific evidence for the development of comprehensive CKD prevention and control strategies.Methods:In China Adult Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance in Hebei in 2018, a total of 7 562 permanent residents aged ≥18 years were selected by multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling from 13 surveillance points in Hebei for questionnaire survey, medical examination and laboratory test.Results:A total of 1 067 CKD patients were detected in the adults aged ≥18 years in this survey, with a weighted prevalence rate of 12.10%. The results of multivariate analysis showed that the daily total static behavior time ( OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.04-1.09), living in rural area ( OR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.14-1.97), coal use ( OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.16-1.61), coal gas/liquefied gas/natural gas/biogas use ( OR=2.92, 95% CI: 2.40-3.54) and solar energy/electricity use ( OR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.36-2.25), insufficient fruit intake ( OR=1.39, 95% CI: 1.06-1.83), insufficient physical activity ( OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.11-1.64), suffering from hypertension ( OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.44-2.24) and suffering from diabetes ( OR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.27-2.45) were risk factors for CKD in adults in Hebei. High education level ( OR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.19-0.91), excessive drinking ( OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.28-0.99), central obesity ( OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.58-0.97), history of allergic diseases ( OR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.27-0.72) were protective factors for CKD. Conclusions:The prevalence of CKD in adults in Hebei was relatively high, especially in those who had too long average daily static behavior, lived in rural area, used coal, gas/liquefied gas/natural gas/biogas, solar energy/electricity, had inadequate intake of fruits, lacked physical activity and suffered from hypertension and diabetes. It is necessary to pay attention to the early prevention and treatment of CKD, strengthen the health education about healthy lifestyle and improve the management of patients with chronic disease, such as hypertension and diabetes, to further reduce the risk for CKD.

Objective:To investigate the dose characteristics of the Zeiss INTRABEAM system in air and water, providing dose reference for electronic brachytherapy.Methods:A Monte Carlo program was used to establish a three-dimensional model of a miniature X-ray source vacuum drift tube and a 4 cm spherical applicator. The process of electron beam bombardment on a gold target to generate X-rays was simulated, and parameters such as photon fluence spectrum, percentage depth dose, and half-value layer were calculated. Additionally, the radial dose uniformity in water was measured.Results:The average energy of X-rays at 3 cm in air was 20.8 keV, with a half-value layer of 0.08 mm Al. Under the influence of the applicator, the spectrum becomes hardened, with axial and radial average energies of 28.7 and 29.0 keV, respectively. In water, the percentage depth dose (PDD) curve follows an inverse cubic decay with depth, indicating strong dose concentration and rapid fall-off in near-field irradiation. The radial dose uniformity in water exceeded 99.5%.Conclusions:The INTRABEAM device emits low-energy X-rays characterized by shallow penetration depth, and concentrated dose delivery. Its highly uniform dose distribution ensures comprehensive coverage of the target area, making it particularly suitable for treating superficial tumors and for intraoperative radiotherapy at close range.