Objective: To investigate the iodine nutrition status of children aged 8-10 in Guangming, Longhua and Yantian District of Shenzhen in 2023, and to explore the influencing factors of thyroid volume. To evaluate prevention strategies and to provide a scientific basis for the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders. Methods: Urine and household salt samples were randomly collected from 580 non-boarding students aged 8-10 years foriodine content detection. Thyroid volume was measured using a fully digital ultrasound imaging system, and goiter prevalence was calculated. Results: A total of 580 samples was tested. The median salt iodine concentration was 23.86 mg/kg, with 93.62% qualified iodized salt and 94.48% coverage rate. The median of urinary iodine was 265.00 μg/L, mainly distributed between 200 - < 300 μg/L and ≥300 μg/L. The proportion of children with ap⁃ propriate iodine was 20. 86% , and the proportion of children with insufficient or excessive urinary iodine levels was 10. 86% and 68. 28% of the total surveyed population , respectively. The median thyroid volume was 3. 27 mL , and the goiter rate was 1. 72% . Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age was the risk factor for thyroid volume (8=0 328, P<0.05). while urinary iodine was the protective factor for thyroid volume(B=-4.134x10-4,P<0.05). Conclusion The qualified iodized salt rate, median of urinary iodine,and goiter prevalence of 580 children aged 8 - 10 meet the elimination criteria for iodine deficiency disorders. Age and urinary iodine are closely related to thyroid volume change. The urinary iodine level of children is generally high and requires serious attention.

Stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining tissue regenerative capacity and homeostasis. However, mechanisms associated with stem cell senescence require further investigation. In this study, we conducted a proteomic analysis of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) obtained from individuals of various ages. Our findings showed that the expression of NUP62 was decreased in aged HDPSCs. We discovered that NUP62 alleviated senescence-associated phenotypes and enhanced differentiation potential both in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, the knocking down of NUP62 expression aggravated the senescence-associated phenotypes and impaired the proliferation and migration capacity of HDPSCs. Through RNA-sequence and decoding the epigenomic landscapes remodeled induced by NUP62 overexpression, we found that NUP62 helps alleviate senescence in HDPSCs by enhancing the nuclear transport of the transcription factor E2F1. This, in turn, stimulates the transcription of the epigenetic enzyme NSD2. Finally, the overexpression of NUP62 influences the H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 modifications of anti-aging genes (HMGA1, HMGA2, and SIRT6). Our results demonstrated that NUP62 regulates the fate of HDPSCs via NSD2-dependent epigenetic reprogramming.
Humans ; Dental Pulp/cytology* ; Nuclear Pore Complex Proteins/genetics* ; Cellular Senescence/genetics* ; Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Epigenesis, Genetic ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Differentiation ; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/metabolism* ; Cells, Cultured ; Cellular Reprogramming ; Cell Movement ; Proteomics

Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is a critical transcription factor that governs the differentiation of cluster of differentiation 4⁺ (CD4⁺) T cells. The pathogenesis and progression of psoriasis are primarily attributed to an immune imbalance stemming from the overproduction of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) by T lymphocytes. However, the role of IRF4 in psoriasis remains unexplored. In this study, we found that IRF4 activity is increased in the cutaneous lesions of patients with psoriasis in response to stimulation by IL-23A and IL-1β. This IRF4 elevation heightens its binding to the E1A binding protein p300 (EP300) promoter, triggering the transcription of downstream retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt) and increasing the secretion of IL-17A, thereby establishing the IL-1β/IL-23A-IRF4-EP300-RORC-IL-17A inflammatory cascade in psoriasis. The alleviation of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic-like symptoms was achieved through the creation of a Irf4 ^-/- gene deletion mouse model and pharmacological inhibition using antisense oligonucleotides targeted for Irf4. This amelioration was accompanied by a decreased number of IL-17A-producing CD4⁺ T cells in the skin. The findings of this study suggest that IRF4 plays a crucial role in the promotion of inflammation and exacerbation of IMQ-induced psoriasiform dermatitis. Consequently, IRF4 targeting could be a promising therapeutic strategy.

Objective:To illustrate the clinical modeling and commissioning results of Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm in RayStation treatment planning system (TPS) for a domestically developed synchrotron-based spot scanning proton therapy system (SAPT-PS-01).Methods:The proton pencil beam model in RayStation required integral depth dose curves, spot profiles and absolute dose as the input beam data. It was not necessary to collect beam parameters with range shifter. The integral depth dose curves of a single spot were measured by an 8 cm parallel ion chamber. A 2-dimensional scintillation detector was used to measure the in-air spot profile at 5 different depths including the isocenter plane. The absolute dose was calibrated by a 0.25 cm parallel ion chamber under the single energy layer irradiation with a field size of 10 cm × 10 cm. After modeling, the results of the beam model and the Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm were validated from the range, spot profile, point-dose in a spread-out Bragg peak, planar dose in a clinical plan, point dose in an end-to-end test.Results:For the 94 energy layers, the maximum deviation between the calculated and measured range was 0.03 cm. The maximum difference between the calculated and measured in-air spot sigma was 0.015 cm, and the deviation of in-water spot sigma was measured within ±15%. Compared with the measured values, the calculated dose deviation of 138 measured points in the spread-out Bragg peak was within 3%. For the planar dose verification of clinical plans, the TPS-calculated dose distribution of 285 planes agreed well with the measurement with a minimum gamma-passing rate of 90%, and the gamma passing rate of almost 95% of planes were greater than 95%. The point dose measurements for 8 beams in the end-to-end tests under 4 clinical scenarios were within 5%.Conclusions:The acceptable beam model validation results and successful end-to-end test confirm that the Monte Carlo dose calculation algorithm modeling for the synchrotron-based spot scanning proton therapy system is accurate, which is applicable for the design of patient treatment plan.

Objective:To investigate the current status of application of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in China, aiming to provide reference for promoting the development of this technology.Methods:From January to March 2024, a questionnaire was designed and distributed online, targeting member units of the Professional Committee of Stereotactic Radiosurgery Treatment, which covers 175 radiotherapy units in 30 provinces and regions nationwide. The survey focused on the current application of SBRT technology and its utilization in the treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A statistical description of the survey results was presented.Results:Of 175 questionnaires distributed, a total of 130 valid responses were collected, with an effective response rate of 74.3%. A total of 81.5% (106/130) of the units had implemented SBRT technology, and 99.1% of the respondents believed it was necessary to further promote SBRT technology, yet the actual training rate was only 67.0%. SBRT equipment configuration: there were a total of 267 SBRT equipment, featuring a diverse range of types, with traditional linear accelerators as the mainstays, accounting for 76.0% ( n=203), followed by 12.0% ( n=32) for TOMO, 6.4% ( n=17) for Cyber knife, 3.7% ( n=10) for Gamma knife, and proton/heavy ion equipment at 1.5% ( n=4), respectively. The percentage of units with multi-leaf collimator leaf widths ≤0.5 cm was 93.4% (99/106). The application of SBRT: the first radiotherapy unit commenced SBRT in 2000, and this technology entered a period of rapid growth after 2015, sustaining a steady increase over the past decade; SBRT technology was mainly applied in the brain, lung, liver, bone, adrenal gland, and kidney, with application rates of 97.2%, 94.3%, 86.8%, 71.7%, 56.6%, and 27.4%, respectively, while the application rates for the pancreas, metastatic lymph nodes, and other parts were less than 5%. Current status of SBRT technology application in early-stage NSCLC: 90.6% (96/106) of units had implemented SBRT; pre-treatment multi-disciplinary diagnosis and treatment accounted for 77% (74/96); the proportion of application units for peripheral and central type lung cancer lesions both exceeded 57.3%, whereas the application rate for ultra-central type and lesions > 5 cm lung cancer was less than 30%; there was significant variability in the selection of reference guidelines, dose fractionation patterns, and the concept of central type among units. Conclusions:The development of SBRT technology in China is in a period of steady growth, but several issues such as low training rate and lack of standardization still exist. The survey results provide important reference for clinical training and promotion of SBRT technology in China.

Objective:To investigate the application of blended team-based learning (BTBL) in improving the clinical reasoning ability of general practitioners from different sources.Methods:From September to December in 2021, 52 postgraduates of general practice in Tongji University School of Medicine were selected as subjects, and according to their study background and practice experience, they were divided into residency training group, community group, and specialist group. BTBL was adopted for all students in the course of clinical reasoning in general practice, and a 4-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) test was conducted before and after the course to evaluate teaching effectiveness from the aspects of medical history collection, physical examination, doctor-patient communication, and medical record writing. SPSS 22.0 was used to perform a statistical analysis of data. Continuous data were expressed as mean±standard deviation, and an analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison between groups; the paired samples t-test or the Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used for comparison of normally distributed or non-normally distributed data within each group. Categorical data were expressed as frequency and percentage. Results:There was a significant change in the score of physical examination after the course in the community group (44.88±9.17 vs. 78.06±12.11, t=-12.49, P<0.001), the specialist group (45.85±8.18 vs. 68.65±13.10, t=-6.43, P<0.001), and the residency training group (42.38±15.30 vs. 76.44±16.46, t=-5.98, P<0.001). There was a significant change in the score of doctor-patient communication after the course in the community group (63.00±13.84 vs. 78.69±7.10, t/Z=-4.33, P<0.05) and the residency training group (60.00±15.50 vs. 70.88±6.44, t/Z=-2.12, P<0.05). There was also a significant change in the score of medical record writing after the course in the community group (60.19±17.96 vs. 79.69±14.25, t=-2.96, P<0.05), the specialist group (47.77±12.59 vs. 80.31±12.93, t=-6.26, P<0.05), and the residency training group (37.00±15.50 vs. 75.88±15.88, t=-7.25, P<0.05). The score of medical record writing before the course was 60.19±17.96 in the community group, 47.77±12.59 in the specialist group, and 37.00±15.50 in the residency training group, with a significant difference between the three groups ( χ2=13.04, P=0.001); after the course, the score of medical record writing was 78.69±7.10 in the community group, 63.46±19.40 in the specialist group, and 70.88±6.44 in the residency training group, with a significant difference between the three groups ( χ2=10.13, P=0.006). Conclusions:In the course of clinical reasoning in general practice, BTBL can improve teaching efficiency, save teaching resources, and play the role of promoting strengths and avoiding weaknesses.

Reactive oxygen species(ROS)are common products of bone tissue injury.If ROS cannot be removed in time,oxidative stress will be induced in the cells,which will have a negative effect on the regeneration of bone tissue.In recent years,with the deepening of research,nanomaterials capable of reducing ROS levels have shown increasing potential in promoting bone tissue regeneration.Currently,nanomaterials applied to reduce ROS levels mainly include those with surface modifications and microstructural designs,dopant-modified inorganic materials,functionalized polymeric materials and hydrogels,and nano-enzymatic materials.However,the clinical application of these nanomaterials is still limited due to their potential cytotoxicity and the lack of sufficient clinical trials.This literature review summarises the research on the use of nanomaterials to reduce ROS levels to promote bone regeneration and provides ideas for the future design and development of novel nanomaterials in this field.

[Objective]To explore the relationships between the specifications of pills and medication and syndrome treatment in Jingui Yaolue,summarize ZHANG Zhongjing's academic thoughts of flexibly using pills.[Methods]Through studying Jingui Yaolue,combining the annotations of past generations and modern researches,this study summarized the specifications of the pills involved in the whole book based on the"quantity",interpreted the meaning of the specifications,analyzed the selection basis of different pill specifications from the two dimensions of medication and syndrome treatment,and summarized the academic thoughts of pills and its modern clinical significance.[Results]ZHANG Zhongjing established a two-dimensional specification system of"size-amount"of pills.The size of the pill was standardized by the quantitative unit and the amount of medicine was determined according to the single dosage and the frequency of medication.He emphasized that the amount of medicine was led through medication,paid attention to the unification of"medicinal properties-medicine quantity"and the balance of efficacy and poison.Moreover,he advocated clarifying the amount according to the syndrome treatment,flexibly adjusted the specifications of pills in terms of medicinal methods,objects and time of taking,and built a dynamic balance system of"specifications-medicine efficacy".This academic thoughts of using pills was based on specifications and deeply guided modern clinical practice.[Conclusion]ZHANG Zhongjing's academic thoughts of using pills takes"amount"as the core realized the unification of individualized medication and maximum therapeutic effect through specification selection.Based on the specifications of pills,focusing on"amount-effect"research,and integrating modern research results,it was expected to provide more accurate guidance for the clinical application of pills and promote its modern application.

Objective:To investigate the association between blood selenium levels and sex hormones in Chinese men aged 18-79 years.Methods:Data were derived from the China National Human Biomonitoring survey conducted in 2017-2018, with a final sample size of 5 414 men. General demographic characteristics, behavioral habits, and dietary frequency were collected through questionnaires and physical examinations. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure blood lead, serum testosterone, and estradiol levels. Complex sampling linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between blood selenium levels and testosterone, estradiol, and the testosterone/estradiol ratio, adjusting for confounding factors including age, education level, marital status, smoking status, alcohol consumption, seafood intake, soy product intake, protein supplement intake, BMI, and diabetes status.Results:The mean age of the 5 414 participants was (46.85±27.91) years; 4 774 (91.65%) were of Han ethnicity and 4 505 (86.68%) were married. The median ( Q1, Q3) blood selenium concentration in men was 97.80 (80.64, 116.99) μg/L. After adjusting for confounding factors, the complex sampling linear regression model revealed negative associations between blood selenium levels and both testosterone levels and the testosterone/estradiol ratio, with a significant linear trend ( Ptrend<0.05). Compared with the Q1 group, the β (95% CI) values for testosterone in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were -0.02 (-0.06 to 0.02), -0.03 (-0.08 to 0.01), and -0.06 (-0.09 to -0.02), respectively. Similarly, the β (95% CI) values for the testosterone/estradiol ratio in the Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups were -0.01 (-0.03 to 0.02), -0.01 (-0.04 to 0.04), and -0.03 (-0.06 to -0.01), respectively. Subgroup analysis indicated stronger associations between blood selenium levels and testosterone/estradiol levels in non-smoking and obese men (BMI≥28 kg/m2). Conclusion:Blood selenium levels are negatively associated with testosterone levels and the testosterone/estradiol ratio in Chinese adult males.

Objective:To explore the association of blood and urinary cadmium levels with lipid profile levels and dyslipidemia in Chinese adults aged 18 to 79 years.Methods:Based on the China National Human Biomonitoring (CNHBM) program, a cross-sectional survey was conducted from 2017 to 2018 using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method, including a total of 10 713 adults aged 18 to 79 years. Data was obtained through questionnaires, physical examinations, biological sample collection, and laboratory testing. Multiple linear mixed effect model (MLMM) and generalized linear mixed effect model (GLMM) were used to analyze the association of blood and creatinine-corrected urinary cadmium levels with lipid profile levels as well as dyslipidemia among adults.Results:The age of 10 713 participants was (47.23±0.24) years, with 5 372 males accounting for 61.3% of the national population. The weighted mean±standard error (SE) of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was (5.21±0.03), (1.86±0.03), (2.96±0.03), and (1.43±0.01) mmol/L, respectively. The prevalence rate of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, low HDL-C, and high LDL-C was 16.0%, 21.6%, 6.6%, 13.5%, and 10.0%, respectively. MLMM showed that, after adjusting for relevant confounders, log-transformed blood cadmium levels were positively associated with increased levels of TC, TG and LDL-C ( P<0.05). When blood cadmium levels were categorized into quartiles, compared to the lowest exposure group ( Q1), participants in the highest blood cadmium exposure group ( Q4) had increases of 0.19 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.32) mmol/L in TC and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.43) mmol/L in TG. GLMM indicated that, after adjusting for confounders, higher blood cadmium exposure levels were associated with increased risks of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, and high LDL-C ( P<0.05). Further analysis by quartiles showed that, compared to the blood cadmium Q1 exposure group, the OR value (95% CI) for the Q4 group was 1.53 (1.12, 2.08) for hypercholesterolemia, 1.54 (1.09, 2.17) for hypertriglyceridemia, 2.24 (1.47, 3.40) for mixed hyperlipidemia, and 1.49 (1.07, 2.09) for high LDL-C. Conclusion:The cadmium internal exposure levels are associated with blood lipid profile levels as well as the incidence of dyslipidemia in Chinese adults aged 18 to 79.