ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of selective internal radiation therapy （SIRT） in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma， and to provide a reference for the selection of clinical treatment regimens. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 73 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who received yttrium-90 microsphere SIRT in Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital from May 1， 2023 to September 1， 2024. According to tumor characteristics， physical status， liver reserve function， laboratory tests， and SIRT treatment strategy， the patients were divided into radiation segmentectomy group with 9 patients， conversion therapy group with 47 patients， and palliative treatment group with 17 patients. Based on the results of postoperative follow-up， modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors were used to assess radiographic images. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between three groups， and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between three groups； the Logistic regression model was used to perform the multivariate analysis. ResultsThere was a significant difference in postoperative outcome between the radiation segmentectomy group， the conversion therapy group， and the palliative treatment group （χ²=30.060， P<0.001）. The disease control rate was 100.0% （9/9） in the radiation segmentectomy group， 83.0% （39/47） in the conversion therapy group， and 29.4% （5/17） in the palliative treatment group， with a significant difference between the three groups （χ²=19.575， P<0.001）， and there was also a significant difference in objective response rate between the three groups （χ²=17.749， P<0.001）. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the number of tumors （odds ratio ［OR］=0.085， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 0.008 — 0.906， P=0.041） and combined targeted immunotherapy （OR=18.808， 95%CI： 1.704 — 207.616， P=0.017） were independent influencing factors for achieving complete response. ConclusionThe number of tumors is an independent influencing factor for the efficacy of SIRT and is an important basis for selecting different treatment goals. SIRT combined with targeted immunotherapy may achieve better efficacy.

Objective:To study the distribution characteristics of current patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in Molidawa Daur Autonomous Banner (referred to as Morin Banner), and provide suggestions for service management.Methods:Information of KBD current patients in Morin Banner was collected from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2024 using the "KBD Current Patient Survey System" provided by the Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A descriptive study method was used to analyze the basic information and clinical data of current patients.Results:As of June 30, 2024, a total of 6 223 KBD current patients were reported in Morin Banner, and the patients were distributed in 15 townships (towns). There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of KBD among different townships (towns, χ 2 = 3 069.01, P < 0.001). The minimum age of the KBD current patients was 27 years old, and the maximum was 98 years old, mainly concentrated in the age range of 45 - 74 years old, accounting for 95.7% (5 954/6 223). There was a significant difference in the prevalence rate of KBD among different age groups (χ 2 = 5 912.76, P < 0.001). The male to female ratio was 1.00∶1.14 (2 910 ∶ 3 313), and there was a statistically significant difference in prevalence rate of KBD between genders(χ 2 = 44.38, P < 0.001). The KBD current patients mainly had a primary school education, married, and farmers, accounting for 59.2% (3 685/6 223), 89.8% (5 590/6 223), 93.2% (5 802/6 223), respectively; and the clinical grading of patients is mainly degree Ⅰ. There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of limb disability among patients with different clinical grades (χ 2 = 64.26, P < 0.001). The rate of limb disability in males was higher than that in females (χ 2 = 10.36, P = 0.001). Conclusions:The KBD current patients in Morin Banner are distributed in various township (town), with middle-aged and elderly famers being the main ones. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring of KBD, and pay attention to personalized treatment and management of KBD current patients.

[Objective] To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of treatment-naive patients with highly suspected prostate cancer (PCa) with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level ≥20 ng/mL, to provide reference for promoting early screening of PCa. [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of treatment-naive patients with PSA level ≥20 ng/mL, undergoing prostate biopsy for highly suspected PCa at the Department of Urology, Tianjin Medical University Second Hospital during Jan.2013 and Jun.2023. The correlation between patients' age, body mass index (BMI), PSA, prostate volume (PV), prostate cancer-specific antigen density (PSAD), prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) score, and International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade with highly suspected PCa metastasis and PSA stratification were analyzed. [Results] A total of 1778 suspected patients were enrolled. Pathological findings confirmed PCa in 1465 cases (82.4%), with 487(33.2%) diagnosed as metastatic PCa. Over the past decade, the number of patients undergoing prostate biopsy for highly suspected PCa and being confirmed has been increasing annually, with the proportion of metastatic cases remaining at around 30%. Compared with those with PSA level being 20-50 ng/mL, patients with PSA level >50 ng/mL had older age, lower BMI, higher PSAD, higher PI-RADS, higher ISUP, more diverse pathological types, and a higher incidence of metastasis (P<0.05) with lower proportion of urban residents. Additionally, analysis of metastatic PCa cases showed that 46.8%(228/487) had oligometastasis (≤5 metastatic lesions), including 99.0% bone metastasis, 4.1% extraregional lymph node metastasis, and 4.3% other organ metastasis. [Conclusion] Over the past 10 years, there has been a continuous increase in the number of treatment-naive biopsied cases and newly diagnosed cases of highly suspicious PCa with PSA level ≥20 ng/mL, while the proportion of metastatic cases remains high. Therefore, proactive efforts should be made to promote early screening of high-risk suspected cases.

Background Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the role of amino acids in PAH-induced MS remains unclear. Objective To explore the impact of PAHs exposure on the incidence of MS among coking workers, and to determine potential modifying effect of amino acid on this relationship. Methods Unmatched nested case-control design was adopted and the baseline surveys of coking workers were conducted in two plants in Taiyuan in 2017 and 2019, followed by a 4-year follow-up. The cohort comprised 667 coking workers. A total of 362 participants were included in the study, with 84 newly diagnosed cases of MS identified as the case group and 278 as the control group. Urinary levels of 11 PAH metabolites and plasma levels of 17 amino acids were measured by ultrasensitive performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between individual PAH metabolites and MS. Stratified by the median concentration of amino acids, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model was employed to assess the mixed effects of PAHs on MS. Due to the skewed data distribution, all PAH metabolites and amino acids in the analysis were converted by natural logarithm ln (expressed as lnv). Results The median age of the 362 participants was 37 years, and 83.2% were male. Compared to the control group, the case group exhibited higher concentrations of urinary 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OHPhe), 9-hydroxyphenanthrene (9-OHPhe), and hydroxyphenanthrene (OHPhe) (P=0.005, P=0.049, and P=0.004, respectively), as well as elevated levels of plasma branched chain amino acid (BCAA) and aromatic amino acid (AAA) (P<0.05). After being adjusted for confounding factors, for every unit increase in lnv_2-OHPhe in urine, the OR (95%CI) of MS was 1.57 (1.11, 2.26), and for every unit increase in lnv_OHPhe, the OR (95%CI) of MS was 1.82 (1.16, 2.90). Tyrosine, leucine, and AAA all presented a significant nonlinear correlation with MS. At low levels, tyrosine, leucine, and AAA did not significantly increase the risk of MS, but at high levels, they increased the risk of MS. In the low amino acid concentration group, as well as in the low BCAA and low AAA concentration groups, it was found that compared to the PAH metabolite levels at the 50th percentile (P₅₀), the log-odds of MS when the PAH metabolite levels was at the 75th percentile (P₇₅) were 0.158 (95%CI: 0.150, 0.166), 0.218 (95%CI: 0.209, 0.227), and 0.262 (95% CI: 0.241, 0.282), respectively, However, no correlation between PAHs and MS was found in the high amino acid concentration group. Conclusion Amino acids modify the effect of PAHs exposure on the incidence of MS. In individuals with low plasma amino acid levels, the risk of developing MS increases with higher concentrations of mixed PAH exposure. This effect is partly due to the low concentrations of BCAA and AAA.

Background During urbanization, the passenger load on urban public transport systems continues to increase, exposing bus drivers to a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This occupational health issue may also potentially compromise public transport safety. Objective To investigate the prevalence of MSDs among bus drivers in a first-tier city and to explore associated influencing factors. Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted from December 2024 to March 2025 among 1300 bus drivers in a bus company. Data were collected on general demographic information, occupational activities, and MSDs indicators. A total of 1268 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 97.5%. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the distribution characteristics of MSDs. Pearson χ² tests were employed to examine the association between MSDs prevalence and individual/occupational characteristics. Logistic regression was performed to identify the influencing factors of MSDs. Results The survey revealed that the prevalence of MSDs among the bus drivers was 28.5%, with the highest prevalence in the 41–50 years age group (30.5%). The conditions primarily affected the cervical spine (60.5%) and lumbar spine (61.9%), with some cases involving multiple sites. The logistic regression model indicated that the following factors were associated with a higher risk of MSDs: frequent smoking (OR=1.477), poor or moderate self-reported health status (OR=4.422), 11–20 years of service (OR=1.749), daily cumulative driving time ≥361 min (OR=1.616), frequent whole-body fatigue during driving (OR=2.077), occasional whole-body fatigue during driving (OR=1.873), feeling tense during driving (OR=1.518), fatigue after work (OR=2.485), work-related stress (OR=1.882), and prolonged smartphone use with head-down posture (OR=1.671). Conversely, occasional exercise (OR=0.713)/frequent exercise (OR=0.569), driving intervals ≥21 min per round (OR=0.645), and perceiving the driving seat comfortable (OR=0.429) were associated with a lower risk of MSDs. Conclusion Physical exercise, smoking, years of service, daily cumulative driving time, driving intervals per round, prolonged smartphone use with head-down posture, self-reported health status, and psychological factors such as work-related stress are influencing factors for MSDs among bus drivers. Drivers should increase physical exercise and change unhealthy living habits. Employers should optimize working conditions, arrange reasonable driving schedules, and foster a positive work environment to reduce MSDs prevalence.

Background During urbanization, the passenger load on urban public transport systems continues to increase, exposing bus drivers to a high risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This occupational health issue may also potentially compromise public transport safety. Objective To investigate the prevalence of MSDs among bus drivers in a first-tier city and to explore associated influencing factors. Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted from December 2024 to March 2025 among 1300 bus drivers in a bus company. Data were collected on general demographic information, occupational activities, and MSDs indicators. A total of 1268 valid questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 97.5%. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the distribution characteristics of MSDs. Pearson χ² tests were employed to examine the association between MSDs prevalence and individual/occupational characteristics. Logistic regression was performed to identify the influencing factors of MSDs. Results The survey revealed that the prevalence of MSDs among the bus drivers was 28.5%, with the highest prevalence in the 41–50 years age group (30.5%). The conditions primarily affected the cervical spine (60.5%) and lumbar spine (61.9%), with some cases involving multiple sites. The logistic regression model indicated that the following factors were associated with a higher risk of MSDs: frequent smoking (OR=1.477), poor or moderate self-reported health status (OR=4.422), 11–20 years of service (OR=1.749), daily cumulative driving time ≥361 min (OR=1.616), frequent whole-body fatigue during driving (OR=2.077), occasional whole-body fatigue during driving (OR=1.873), feeling tense during driving (OR=1.518), fatigue after work (OR=2.485), work-related stress (OR=1.882), and prolonged smartphone use with head-down posture (OR=1.671). Conversely, occasional exercise (OR=0.713)/frequent exercise (OR=0.569), driving intervals ≥21 min per round (OR=0.645), and perceiving the driving seat comfortable (OR=0.429) were associated with a lower risk of MSDs. Conclusion Physical exercise, smoking, years of service, daily cumulative driving time, driving intervals per round, prolonged smartphone use with head-down posture, self-reported health status, and psychological factors such as work-related stress are influencing factors for MSDs among bus drivers. Drivers should increase physical exercise and change unhealthy living habits. Employers should optimize working conditions, arrange reasonable driving schedules, and foster a positive work environment to reduce MSDs prevalence.

Objective To investigate the effect of Echinacoside(Ech)on liver injury in hepatitis B rats.Methods SD rats were divided into control group,Hepatitis B(HBV,5 mL/kg HBV virus was injected into the tail vein twice a week for 3 consecutive weeks),low(Ech-L)and high(Ech-H)doses of Ech were injected into the stom-ach for HBV(8.33 and 33.32 mg/kg,respectively),HBV group was treated with positive drugs(lamivudine,10 mg/kg)and Ech-H+BKM120(40 mg/kg BKM120),with 12 animals in each group.The drug was administered once a day for 8 weeks.The activity of ALT and AST in serum of were detected.Serum level of gam-ma-interferon(IFN-γ)and interleukin(IL-4)was detected by ELISA;Flow cytometry was applied to detect Th1/Th2 in peripheral blood;Chromatin immunoprecipitation was applied to detect HBV DNA expression in liver tissue;HE staining was used to detect the pathological changes of liver tissue and score the damage;Western blot was ap-plied to detect phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(p-PI3K),phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-AKT)proteins in liver tissue.Results Compared with the control group,hepatocytes in the hepatitis B group were swollen,nuclear staining was excessive,hepatic lobular structure was disorganized,pathological injury score,serum AST,ALT activity,IL-4 level,peripheral blood Th2,HBV DNA expression in liver tissue were all increased.Serum IFN-γ level,Th1,Th1/Th2 in peripheral blood,p-PI3K and p-AKT protein in liver tissue were all decreased(P＜0.05);Treatment with Ech-L,Ech-H and lamivudine reduced the swelling of HBV rat hepatocytes,cleared the structure of some liver cords,reduced pathological injury score,the activity of AST,ALT and IL-4 levels in serum,Th2 in peripheral blood and HBV DNA in liver tissue;The level of serum IFN-γ,Th1,Th1/Th2 in peripheral blood,and protein expression p-PI3K and p-AKT protein in liver tissue were increased(P＜0.05).BKM120 attenuated the ameliorative effect of high-dose Ech on hepatitis B-induced liver injury in rats.Conclusions Ech ameliorates liver in-jury in rats with hepatitis B,and the mechanism may be related to the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Objective:To study the distribution characteristics of current patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in Molidawa Daur Autonomous Banner (referred to as Morin Banner), and provide suggestions for service management.Methods:Information of KBD current patients in Morin Banner was collected from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2024 using the "KBD Current Patient Survey System" provided by the Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A descriptive study method was used to analyze the basic information and clinical data of current patients.Results:As of June 30, 2024, a total of 6 223 KBD current patients were reported in Morin Banner, and the patients were distributed in 15 townships (towns). There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of KBD among different townships (towns, χ 2 = 3 069.01, P < 0.001). The minimum age of the KBD current patients was 27 years old, and the maximum was 98 years old, mainly concentrated in the age range of 45 - 74 years old, accounting for 95.7% (5 954/6 223). There was a significant difference in the prevalence rate of KBD among different age groups (χ 2 = 5 912.76, P < 0.001). The male to female ratio was 1.00∶1.14 (2 910 ∶ 3 313), and there was a statistically significant difference in prevalence rate of KBD between genders(χ 2 = 44.38, P < 0.001). The KBD current patients mainly had a primary school education, married, and farmers, accounting for 59.2% (3 685/6 223), 89.8% (5 590/6 223), 93.2% (5 802/6 223), respectively; and the clinical grading of patients is mainly degree Ⅰ. There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of limb disability among patients with different clinical grades (χ 2 = 64.26, P < 0.001). The rate of limb disability in males was higher than that in females (χ 2 = 10.36, P = 0.001). Conclusions:The KBD current patients in Morin Banner are distributed in various township (town), with middle-aged and elderly famers being the main ones. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring of KBD, and pay attention to personalized treatment and management of KBD current patients.

Background::The correlation between metals and hypertension, such as sodium, zinc, potassium, and magnesium, has been confirmed, while the relationship between aluminum and hypertension is not very clear. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between plasma aluminum and hypertension in electrolytic aluminum workers by the Bayesian networks (BN).Methods::In 2019, 476 male workers in an aluminum factory were investigated. The plasma aluminum concentration of workers was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The influencing factors on the prevalence of hypertension were analyzed by the BN.Results::The prevalence of hypertension was 23.9% in 476 male workers. The risk of hypertension from plasma aluminum in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups was 5.20 (1.90-14.25), 6.92 (2.51-19.08), and 7.33 (2.69-20.01), respectively, compared with that in the Q1 group. The risk of hypertension from the duration of exposure to aluminum of >10 years was 2.23 (1.09-4.57), compared without aluminum exposure. Area under the curve was 0.80 of plasma aluminum and the duration of exposure to aluminum was based on covariates, indicating that aluminum exposure had important predictive value in the prevalence of hypertension in the occupational population. The results of the study using the BN model showed that if the plasma aluminum of all participants was higher than Q4 (≥47.86 μg/L) and the participants were drinking, smoking, diabetes, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and aged >50 years, the proportion of hypertension was 71.2%.Conclusions::The prevalence of hypertension increased significantly with the increase of plasma aluminum level.

Adverse reactions commonly associated with apalutamide include hot flashes, fatigue, joint pain, rash, hypertension, and anemia. Apalutamide-induced agranulocytosis is relatively rare. In this paper, we reported a case with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer who developed agranulocytosis after taking apalutamide for one month. The patient’s neutrophil count returned to normal with appropriate supportive therapy, and no significant decrease in neutrophil count was observed during 10 months of follow-up after discharge.