Objective To investigate the current distribution of radiotherapy resources in Gansu Province, evaluate the equity of resource allocation, and provide a scientific basis for optimizing regional resource allocation. Methods A questionnaire survey was carried out to assess radiotherapy resources in medical institutions across Gansu Province, China. The equity of radiotherapy resource distribution and associated disparities were assessed using the Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, and Theil index. Results A total of 23 medical institutions in Gansu Province provided radiotherapy services, comprising 39 radiotherapy devices and 438 professionals, of whom medical physicists accounted for 16.9%. The radiotherapy frequency was 0.47 cases per thousand population. The Gini coefficients for radiotherapy resource distribution ranged from 0.38 to 0.56 by population and from 0.52 to 0.70 by geography. The Theil index for radiotherapy resources ranged from 1.36 to 3.67. Conclusion Radiotherapy resources in Gansu Province were insufficient, and the capacity of radiotherapy service was suboptimal. The equity of radiotherapy resource allocation by geography was worse than that by population. Therefore, it is imperative to address the shortage of radiotherapy resources, strengthen the professional workforce, enhance the capacity radiotherapy service and resource utilization, optimize resource allocation, and promote regional equity in radiotherapy provision in Gansu Province.

Background Health literacy is closely related to mental health, and improving health literacy has been shown to promote mental well-being. However, whether occupational stress among workers in mining and manufacturing is associated with their occupational health literacy remains inconclusive. Objective To study the levels of occupational health literacy and occupational stress among workers in three industrial sectors (metal ores mining, metal smelting, and manufacture of non-metallic mineral products) in Gansu Province, and to analyze the correlation between them. Methods Between May and December 2024, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to survey workers from 73 large, medium, and small and micro sized enterprises across the aforementioned industries in Gansu Province. Participants’ occupational health literacy and occupational stress levels were assessed. The LASSO regression model was applied to identifykey factors influencing occupational stress, and subsequently a multilevel random intercept mixed-effects logistic model was used to study factors influencing occupational stress and to explore the relationship between occupational health literacy and occupational stress. Results A total of 3611 workers across the three industries were surveyed, among whom 1031 (28.55%) experienced occupational stress. Workers with adequate occupational health literacy—whether assessed in terms of overall literacy or specific dimensions—demonstrated a significantly lower prevalence of occupational stress compared to those without adequate literacy (P<0.05). Through the LASSO regression analysis, it was found that the factors closely related to occupational stress were dimension one (occupational health legal knowledge), dimension two (basic knowledge of occupational health protection), and dimension four (healthy working methods and behaviors) of occupational health literacy, gender, average monthly income, and night shifts. The results from the three-level random intercept mixed-effects logistic regression model indicated that dimensions one (OR=0.69, 95%CI: 0.58, 0.82), two (OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.58, 0.87), and four (OR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.67, 0.98) of occupational health literacy were negatively correlated with the risk of occupational stress. Workers with an average monthly income of 3001–≤5000, 5001–≤7000, and ≥7001 yuan reported occupational stress risks that were 61% (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.45, 0.81), 56% (OR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.41, 0.78), and 36% (OR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.24, 0.53) of those with an average monthly income ≤3000 yuan, respectively. Male workers (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.32, 2.10) and those on night shifts (OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.90, 2.76) had a higher risk of occupational stress. The random effects variance showed that the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.12. Conclusion There is a negative correlation between occupational stress and occupational health literacy among workers in mining and manufacturing. Being male, having a low income, and working night shifts are risk factors affecting workers' occupational stress. It is recommended to focus on these groups of workers and incorporate occupational health literacy into workplace mental health promotion.

Objective:To establish and evaluated a logistic regression model for predicting the acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) based on liver-injury related indexes.Methods:Clinical data of 210 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (AP) at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from October 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 113 males and 97 females, with a median age of 52 years (range, 43 to 58). Among these, 88 were diagnosed with ABP and 122 with acute non-biliary pancreatitis (ANBP). Additionally, a test cohort was created using data from 101 AP patients diagnosed between January and December 2023, including 60 males and 41 females, with a median age of 53 years (range, 43 to 63). Based on the original dataset, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors influencing ABP. A prediction probability formula (Pre) was then established based on the multivariate results. The effectiveness of each indicator in predicting ABP was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The ROC curve analysis determined the optimal cutoff value of Pre, which was subsequently used to diagnose ABP and ANBP in the test cohort.Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the factors influencing ABP include direct bilirubin (DBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholinesterase (CHE), and fibrinogen (FIB). Based on the multivariate analysis results, the prediction probability formula (Pre) for ABP was established as follows: P=1/{1+ exp[-(4.807+ 0.134×DBIL-1.859×AST/ALT-0.0003×CHE-0.387×FIB)]}. ROC curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) for Pre in predicting ABP was 0.858, with an optimal cutoff value of 0.56, at which the sensitivity was 69.3% and the specificity was 91.0%. Using the cutoff value of 0.56 for Pre, ABP was diagnosed when Pre≥0.56 and ANBP was diagnosed when Pre<0.56. This criterion was applied to diagnose patients in the test cohort, where the sensitivity and specificity of Pre for diagnosing ABP were 86.1% and 92.3%, respectively.Conclusion:The logistic regression model based on liver injury-related indicators is a valuable tool for clinically assessing the incidence of ABP.

Objective To assess the quality of gross α and β radioactivity measurements conducted by radiological health service institutions and disease prevention and control centers in Gansu Province, China, and regulate their measurement methods. Methods The samples were distributed by Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention as the organizer of the inter-comparison through mail. The institutions participated in the inter-comparison carried out the measurements in accordance with national standards, and submitted the inter-comparison reports in the form required by the inter-comparison scheme. Results A total of 13 institutions participated in the 2023 inter-comparison of gross α and β radioactivity measurement capabilities, and all measurement results met the required standards. The absolute Z-scores for gross α inter-comparison ranged from 0 to 1.21, and the absolute Z-scores for gross β inter-comparison ranged from 0.08 to 1.85. The comprehensive scores ranged from 74.5 to 93.0. Conclusion The measurement capacities of the institutions participated in the 2023 inter-comparison showed improvement compared with the previous year. However, 12 institutions participated in the inter-comparison showed issues in data processing, report formatting, and laboratory quality control. It is necessary to strengthen technical training, standardize the measurement procedures, and improve the measurement capabilities and skills to ensure the quality of services.

Objective:To investigate the contents of natural radionuclides in agricultural soils in some of Gansu Hexi area to accumulate the relevant basic data.Methods:A stratified sampling method was used to collect 146 soil samples in the area. ORTEC P-type HPGE gamma spectrometry system was used to measure radionuclides. The measurement data were collated and analyzed.Results:The activity concentrations measured were 232Th 18.94-108.39 Bq/kg, 226Ra 14.37-79.20 Bq/kg and 40K 440.03-1 358.18 Bq/kg, in turn with the mean values of (68.22±16.32), (47.90±11.12) and (763.90±133.93) Bq/kg, respectively. The difference in activity concentrations of 232Th, 226Ra and 40K in agricultural soils in different areas was statistically significant( H=50.87, 45.14, 40.28, P<0.05). Conclusions:The study on the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in agricultural soils provides basic information for the transfer of radionuclides to crops, which needs further investigation, monitoring and analysis.

Objective:To investigate the contents of natural radionuclides in agricultural soils in some of Gansu Hexi area to accumulate the relevant basic data.Methods:A stratified sampling method was used to collect 146 soil samples in the area. ORTEC P-type HPGE gamma spectrometry system was used to measure radionuclides. The measurement data were collated and analyzed.Results:The activity concentrations measured were 232Th 18.94-108.39 Bq/kg, 226Ra 14.37-79.20 Bq/kg and 40K 440.03-1 358.18 Bq/kg, in turn with the mean values of (68.22±16.32), (47.90±11.12) and (763.90±133.93) Bq/kg, respectively. The difference in activity concentrations of 232Th, 226Ra and 40K in agricultural soils in different areas was statistically significant( H=50.87, 45.14, 40.28, P<0.05). Conclusions:The study on the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in agricultural soils provides basic information for the transfer of radionuclides to crops, which needs further investigation, monitoring and analysis.

Objective:To establish and evaluated a logistic regression model for predicting the acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) based on liver-injury related indexes.Methods:Clinical data of 210 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (AP) at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University from October 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 113 males and 97 females, with a median age of 52 years (range, 43 to 58). Among these, 88 were diagnosed with ABP and 122 with acute non-biliary pancreatitis (ANBP). Additionally, a test cohort was created using data from 101 AP patients diagnosed between January and December 2023, including 60 males and 41 females, with a median age of 53 years (range, 43 to 63). Based on the original dataset, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the factors influencing ABP. A prediction probability formula (Pre) was then established based on the multivariate results. The effectiveness of each indicator in predicting ABP was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The ROC curve analysis determined the optimal cutoff value of Pre, which was subsequently used to diagnose ABP and ANBP in the test cohort.Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the factors influencing ABP include direct bilirubin (DBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholinesterase (CHE), and fibrinogen (FIB). Based on the multivariate analysis results, the prediction probability formula (Pre) for ABP was established as follows: P=1/{1+ exp[-(4.807+ 0.134×DBIL-1.859×AST/ALT-0.0003×CHE-0.387×FIB)]}. ROC curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) for Pre in predicting ABP was 0.858, with an optimal cutoff value of 0.56, at which the sensitivity was 69.3% and the specificity was 91.0%. Using the cutoff value of 0.56 for Pre, ABP was diagnosed when Pre≥0.56 and ANBP was diagnosed when Pre<0.56. This criterion was applied to diagnose patients in the test cohort, where the sensitivity and specificity of Pre for diagnosing ABP were 86.1% and 92.3%, respectively.Conclusion:The logistic regression model based on liver injury-related indicators is a valuable tool for clinically assessing the incidence of ABP.

Objective:To introduce the health insurance fund supervision model in Japan,compare the current situation of health insurance fund supervision in China,learn from experiences,and propose suggestions for improvement.Methods:By combining cases and regulatory effects,it introduces Japan's"guidance-inspection"based health insurance fund supervision model.Results:Japan's"guidance-inspection"based health insurance fund supervision model is relatively effective.Compared with China,it has a higher level of organizational hierarchy,focuses on education in its supervisory approach,clarifies the direction of patients'self-paid expences,and has a well-developed dual-way communication mechanism.Conclusion:China should establish a comprehensive health insurance fund supervision pathway,clearly define the resolution pathway for self-paid expenses caused by violations,and improve the mechanisms for negotiation and dispute resolution during the process.

Objective:To investigate the factors affecting the change of serum calcium and phosphorus after total parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism(SHPT).Method:Sixty patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing total parathyroidectomy were selected.Gender, age, hemodialysis time, bone pain time, intravenous calcium supplementation time, blood parathyroid hormone(PTH), parathyroid mass, blood calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase at admission were tested to compare the correlation between postoperative calcium and phosphorus changes.Result:Blood calcium was: (2.50±0.02), (2.27±0.03), (1.97±0.03), (1.95±0.03), (1.95±0.03), (2.03±0.02) mmol/L at admission, 6 hours after surgery, 1, 2, 3 days after surgery, and when discharged. Blood phosphorus was: (2.32±0.07), (1.95±0.05), (1.65±0.06), (1.44±0.05), (1.35±0.36), (1.14±0.04) mmol/L and when discharged.There are differences between pairwise comparisons ( F=100.979, P<0.05; F=118.910, P<0.05). The blood PTH was (1 791±760) pg/ml, and the postoperative intravenous calcium supplementation time was (7.13±2.34) days. Blood PTH was positively correlated with bone pain time, blood phosphorus and parathyroid mass at admission ( t=-2.199, P<0.05; t=4.718, P<0.05; t=2.507, P<0.05). The time of intravenous calcium supplementation was positively correlated with ALP at admission ( t=3.098, P<0.05). Preoperative serum PTH > 1 430 pg/ml or ALP > 191 mmol/L were prone to hypocalcemia on the first day after surgery. Conclusions:The longer bone pain time, the higher blood phosphorus and the more obvious parathyroid hyperplasia were, the higher PTH was. The higher the ALP, the longer the time of intravenous calcium supplementation. Preoperative serum PTH and ALP values can be used as predictors of hypocalcemia on the first day after surgery.

In environmental epidemiological research, extensive non-random environmental exposures and complex confounding biases pose significant challenges when attempting causal inference. In recent years, the introduction of causal inference methods into observational studies has provided a broader range of statistical tools for causal inference research in environmental epidemiology. The instrumental variable (IV) approach, as a causal inference technique for effectively controlling unmeasured confounding factors, has gradually found application in the field of environmental epidemiological research. This article reviewed the basic principles of IV and summarized the current research progress and limitations of applying IV for causal inference in environmental epidemiology. IV application in the field of environmental epidemiology is still in the initial stage. Rational use of IV and effective integration with other causal inference methods will become the focus of the development of causal inference in environmental epidemiology. The aim of this paper is to provide a methodological reference and basis for future studies involving causal inference to target population health effects of environmental exposures in China.