Background With the large-scale production and application of carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs), occupational and general exposure is obviously increasing. Related studies have shown that exposure to CBNPs can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. Objective To establish a CBNPs-induced malignant transformation (C-BEAS-2B) model of human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and explore the role and mechanism of circCCDC138 in the malignant transformation process. Methods At 0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg·mL⁻¹ CBNPs concentrations, cell viability was detected by CCK8 assay. BEAS-2B cells were exposed to 20 mg·mL⁻¹ CBNPs for three months, and a malignant transformation model of BEAS-2B induced by CBNPs was constructed. The migration and invasion abilities of the cells were detected by cell scratch and Transwell assays. The expressions of circ-CCDC138 in BEAS-2B and C-BEAS-2B were detected by qRT-PCR, and its stability was verified by a digestive resistance test. A cell model with interference or overexpression of circCCDC138 was constructed, and the expression of circCCDC138 in the cells was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of p53 protein. Results The CBNPs used in the experiment were spherical particles with a chain-like structure. In the 20 μg·mL⁻¹ CBNPs group, the reduction in the viability of BEAS-2B cells was relatively small (10%). Compared with the control cells, the 20 μg·mL⁻¹ CBNPs group showed more obvious cell migration and invasion at 24 h and 48 h, indicating that the exposure to CBNPs induced early malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cells (P<0.01). The circCCDC138 expression in C-BEAS-2B was upregulated in a time-dependent manner after exposure to CBNPs. Compared with the C-BEAS-2B cells, the C-BEAS-2B cells over-expressing circCCDC138 exhibited arrested S phase progression (36.9%) and apoptosis resistance (P<0.01), along with down regulation of p53 protein expression in the cells (P<0.01), while the C-BEAS-2B cells interfering with circCCDC138 showed the opposite results (P<0.01). Conclusion BEAS-2B cells exposed to CBNPs (20 μg·mL⁻¹) have significantly enhanced migration and invasion abilities, showing early malignant transformation characteristics. In addition, circCCDC138 is highly expressed in C-BEAS-2B cells with RNase R digestive resistance and increases in a time-dependent manner with CBNPs exposure. More importantly, circCCDC138 may promote the induction of malignant transformation of cells by inhibiting p53 protein expression.

Objective To obtain the protective performance parameters of barium sulfate mortar against positron nuclide γ-rays, provide reference data for precise shielding calculations, and guide the design, evaluation, and construction of radiation shielding. Methods The FLUKA program was used to build a model for simulating the dose equivalent rate variation around points of interest under the irradiation of the most commonly used positron nuclide ¹⁸F with changes in the thicknesses of lead and barium sulfate mortar. The transmission curves of lead and barium sulfate mortar were fitted, and the half-value layer (HVL) and lead equivalence of barium sulfate mortar were calculated based on the fitted curves. Results The ambient dose equivalent rate coefficient of positron nuclide ¹⁸F was 1.339 4×10⁻¹ μSv·m²/MBq·h and the HVL for lead was 4.037 mm, with deviations of 0.043% and 1.53% compared to the values provided in the AAPM Report No. 108, respectively. The HVLs for γ-rays produced by ¹⁸F, using barium sulfate mortar with apparent densities of 4.20, 4.00, and 3.90 g/cm³ mixed with 35.2-grade cement in a 4∶1 mass ratio, were 2.914, 2.969, and 3.079 cm, respectively. The lead equivalences were 0.1385, 0.1360, and 0.1311 mmPb/mm, respectively. Conclusion The three types of barium sulfate mortar can provide good protection against γ-rays in positron imaging locations. As the apparent density of barium sulfate increases, its protective effect improves slightly but remains significantly better than common construction materials like concrete and solid bricks.

Objective To compare the imaging characteristics and surgical methods of pulmonary nodules in the external 1/3 group and internal 2/3 group. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data from patients who underwent thoracoscopic preoperative CT-guided lung nodule localization at the Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from September 2020 to April 2022 was conducted. Results A total of 215 patients were enrolled (247 pulmonary nodules), including 70 males and 145 females, with a median age of 48 years. Based on the location of the nodules under CT guidance, those located in the external 1/3 area of the lung were classified into an external 1/3 group, while those located in the middle 1/3 and inner 1/3 areas were classified into an internal 2/3 group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of general clinical data, nature of pulmonary nodules, distribution of pulmonary nodules in lobes, localization time, or localization complications (P>0.05). However, there were statistical differences in the distance of pulmonary nodules from the pleura [0.6 (0.0-1.9) cm vs. 1.8 (0.0-4.5) cm, P<0.001], size of pulmonary nodules [0.7 (0.2-1.8) cm vs. 1.0 (0.2-2.0) cm, P<0.001], and surgical methods (P=0.002). In the external 1/3 group, 92.1% of nodules underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection, while fewer patients underwent other procedures; in the internal 2/3 group, 77.1% of nodules underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection, and 19.3% underwent segmentectomy. Conclusion The diameter of pulmonary nodules, the distance of pulmonary nodules from the pleura, and surgical methods differ between the external 1/3 group and internal 2/3 group. Thoracic surgeons can develop more precise surgical plans based on the location and size of pulmonary nodules.

Abstract Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disorder syndrome caused by purine metabolism dysregulation, and its prevalence increases year by year. The development and progression of HUA are accompanied by significant alterations in the composition of intestinal microbiota, making probiotics a potential and safe method to reduce serum uric acid. Probiotics ameliorate HUA through three pathways: competing with intestinal epithelial cells for purine absorption to decrease uric acid synthesis, inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity through modulation of inflammatory cytokines to reduce the conversion of purine to uric acid, as well as restoring and maintaining an orderly state of the gut microbiota to facilitate normal uric acid excretion. This article reviews the role of probiotics in ameliorating HUA, so as to provide the reference for the application of probiotics in the prevention and intervention of HUA.

Objective: To understand the influenza vaccination rate and related factors of children in Xiqing District of Tianjin, so as to provide a scientific basis for improving the influenza vaccination coverage rate among children. Methods: A stratified random cluster sampling method was employed to select junior high school students and below students from 15 schools in five directions(east, west, south, north, midland) in Xiqing District, Tianjin, involving 13 075 students. A questionnaire survey was conducted among parents of students to analyze the influenza vaccination rate of children in 2023-2024 flu season (October to March of the following year). A binary Logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting influenza vaccination. Results: The influenza vaccination rate was 16.66% for children in Xiqing District of Tianjin, in 2023-2024 flu season, among them, the vaccination rate in kindergartens was the highest (28.86%), followed by primary schools (18.87%) and junior high schools (12.61%). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that having received the influenza vaccine during the 2020-2022 ( OR=10.55, 95%CI =9.48-11.73), parents awareness of influenza related knowledge ( OR=1.38, 95%CI =1.24-1.54), kindergarten children ( OR= 2.33 , 95%CI =1.91-2.83), primary school students ( OR=1.26, 95%CI =1.12-1.42), parents with a postgraduate degree or above ( OR=1.62, 95%CI =1.13-2.31), and a monthly average family income of 10 000-<20 000 yuan ( OR=1.67, 95%CI = 1.41- 1.99) were positive correlation factors with influenza vaccination of children ( P <0.05). Among parents of children who have not received the flu vaccine, 61.61% fully accepted flu vaccination or accepted but still considered. The most popular way for parents to obtain flu knowledge was flu prevention and control information from professional institutions during the flu season ( 77.38 %). Conclusions The influenza vaccination rate among kindergarten, as well as primary and junior high school students in Xiqing District of Tianjin is low. Promotion of influenza vaccination among children and increase the vaccination rate of influenza among children might help reduce the risk of campus flu outbreak.

Objective: To investigate the precise detection methods for weak partial D type 15 and evaluate their implications for blood transfusion safety, along with the development of corresponding strategies. Methods: A combination of serological methods, including the microplate method, indirect antiglobulin tube method, and microcolumn gel card method, was employed to identify RhD-negative and RhD variant samples. RhD-negative samples were screened for the presence of RHD genes using whole-blood direct PCR amplification. Subsequently, RhD variant samples and RhD-negative samples containing RHD genes underwent full-coding-region sequencing of the RHD gene to confirm their genotypes. The genotyping results were further correlated with the serological test findings for comprehensive analysis. Results: Among 615 549 first-time healthy blood donors, 3 401 samples with an RhD-negative phenotype and 156 samples with RhD variant were identified. Of the 3 401 RhD-negative samples, 1 054 were found to harbor RHD genes. Gene sequencing analysis of the 156 RhD variants and the 1 054 serological negative samples revealed that 89 samples contained the RHD 15 (c. 845G>A) allele. Conclusion: The integration of serological testing methods and genotyping technologies for the precise determination of RhD blood type plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and compatibility of blood transfusions.

Objective: To investigate the association between plant-based diet and different types of obesity, so as to provide references for obesity prevention. Methods: Residents aged 35-75 years from 33 counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province were selected as study subjects using a multistage stratified random sampling method between April and December 2024. Demographic information and living behaviors were collected using questionnaire surveys. Height, weight and waist circumference were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. BMI ≥28.0 kg/m2 was defined as obesity, waist circumference ≥90 cm in males or ≥85 cm in females was defined as central obesity, and individual with obesity who also had central obesity was defined as having compound obesity. Food intake over a 3-day period was collected using the consecutive 3-day 24-hour dietary recall method. The plant diet index (PDI), healthful plant diet index (HPDI), and unhealthful plant diet index (UPDI) were calculated, and categorized into quintiles (Q1-Q5) based on their distribution. Association between the PDI, PDI, UPDI and different types of obesity were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: A total of 4 882 individuals were surveyed, including 2 233 males (45.74%) and 2 649 females (54.26%). The average age was (55.42±12.14) years. There were 537 individuals of obesity, 1 718 individuals of central obesity, and 500 individuals of compound obesity, with detection rates of 11.00%, 35.19%, and 10.24%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for demographic information and living behaviors, compared with Q1 group, HPDI Q5 group showed a 29.6% lower risk of obesity (OR=0.704, 95%CI: 0.525-0.943) and a 32.1% lower risk of compound obesity (OR=0.679, 95%CI: 0.502-0.918). Conversely, the UPDI Q5 group exhibited a 39.5% higher risk of obesity (OR=1.395, 95%CI: 1.032-1.886) and a 39.8% higher risk of compound obesity (OR=1.398, 95%CI: 1.025-1.907). No statistically significant association was found between PDI and obesity, central obesity, and compound obesity (all P>0.05). As HPDI increased, the risks of obesity and compound obesity showed decreasing trends; as UPDI increased, the risks of obesity and compound obesity showed increasing trends (all Ptrend<0.05). Conclusion A healthful plant-based diet is associated with reduced risks of obesity and compound obesity, while an unhealthful plant-based diet is associated with increased risks of obesity and compound obesity.

Background China is a major coal producer and consumer country in the world. Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is a primary factor endangering the occupational health of coal miners. Research on the disease burden of CWP and its changing trend is significant for disease prevention & control and associated policies. Objective To analyze the disease burden of CWP in China from 1990 to 2021 and its changing trend, and predict the disease burden from 2022 to 2035. Methods Using the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) database of 2021, numbers ofincident cases, prevalent cases, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) as well as crude and age-standardized rates of CWP in China were retrieved. Linear regression model was used to calculate the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of the age-standardized rates. Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the temporal trend of disease burden and the disease burden of different sexes and age groups, and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to forecast the trend of CWP disease burden. Results In 1990, the incident, prevalent, and deaths cases of CWP in China were 3266, 18872, and 1561, respectively, and the DALYs of CWP were 44614.718 person-years. In 2021, the incident, prevalent, and deaths cases of CWP were 3446, 23975, and 1229, respectively, and the DALYs of CWP were 29610.754 person-years. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs rates of CWP in China all showed a downward trend, with the EAPCs of −3.121%, −2.532%, −4.018%, and −4.268%, respectively. The disease burden of CWP in China was mainly concentrated in the male population. The annual average percent change analysis indicated that each standardized rate showed a fluctuating downward trend in different periods. The BAPC model showed that from 2022 to 2035, the age-standardized rates of CWP in China would continue to decline steadily. In 2035, the age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs rates of CWP would be reduced to 0.10 per 100000, 0.74 per 100000, 0.03 per 100000, and 0.74 per 100000, respectively. Conclusion The disease burden contributed by CWP in China generally show a downward trend from 1990 to 2021, and it is expected that the age-standardized rates will continue to decline steadily from 2022 to 2035.

Objective To investigate the effects of different fractions of inspired oxygen administered during general anesthesia on post-operative recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair and hysterectomy in a sub-plateau region.Methods Clinical data of 111 patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair and hysterectomy under general anesthesia were collected from the People's Hospital of Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County between April 2022 and November 2023.Based on the concentration of inhaled oxygen during general anesthesia,patients were randomly divided into three groups:100%oxygen(n=36),80%oxygen(n=38),and 60%oxygen(n=37).Respiratory-related parameters,including arterial partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2),arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2),and oxygenation index(OI),were compared among the three groups before anesthesia induction,30 min after pneumoperito-neum,and 1 d after surgery.Postoperative pulmonary complications,incision infections,first gastrointestinal exhaust time,and length of hospitalization were recorded.Postoperative delirium and cognitive function were also assessed.Results At 30 min after pneumoperi-toneum induction,the OI in the 60%oxygen group was higher than that in the 100%oxygen group(P=0.009),whereas there was no sta-tistical difference in OI between the 80%oxygen and 100%oxygen groups(P>0.05).PaO2 and OI were lower(P<0.05)and PaCO2 was higher(P<0.05)in all groups on the 1st day after surgery than before the induction of anesthesia.PaO2 and OI were higher in the 80%oxygen group than in the 100%oxygen group(all P<0.05).PaO2 and OI were higher in the 60%oxygen group than in the 100%oxygen and 80%oxygen groups(all P<0.05).PaCO2 was lower in the 60%oxygen group than in the 100%oxygen group(P<0.001).The first gastrointestinal exhaust time was shorter in the 60%oxygen group than in the 100%oxygen group(P=0.019).No postoperative incision infections were observed in any of the three groups,and there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications,length of hospitalization,incidence of postoperative delirium,and cognitive dysfunction among the three groups(all P>0.05).Conclusion During general anesthesia for patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair and hysterectomy in a sub-pla-teau region,appropriately reducing the concentration of inspired oxygen(60%)is beneficial for postoperative respiratory and gastrointes-tinal function recovery without increasing the incidence of incision infections,postoperative delirium,and cognitive dysfunction.

Objective To compare the diagnostic value of ultrasound,thyroglobulin measurement in fine-needle aspiration biopsy(FNA-Tg),and their combination in the diagnosis of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC).Methods The clini-cal data of 130 patients(144 lymph nodes in total)with PTC in Tangshan Gongren Hospital from January 2017 to March 2023 were retro-spectively analyzed.Patients were divided into metastatic and non-metastatic groups according to the pathological findings of the cervical lymph nodes.The ultrasonic characteristics,serum Tg,and eluate Tg levels were compared between the two groups.The diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound,FNA-Tg,and the combination for cervical lymph node metastasis was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results Among 144 cervical lymph nodes,64 comprised the metastatic group and 80 comprised the non-metastatic group.Compared with the non-metastatic group,the lymph nodes in the metastatic group had indistinct cortical-medullary demarcation,uneven echogenicity,cystic changes,microcalcifications,and abnormal blood flow,and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.05);however,there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in transverse to longitudinal ratios and whether the margins were clear(all P＞0.05).Serum Tg in the metastatic and non-metastatic groups was 19.5(1.9-70.7)ng/mL and 20.4(8.9-38.3)ng/mL,respectively,and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P＞0.05);eluate Tg in the metastatic and non-metastatic groups was 500.0(49.4-500.0)ng/mL and 2.4(0.6-6.5)ng/mL,and the difference between the two groups was statisti-cally significant(P＜0.05),with an optimal FNA-Tg critical value of 11.7 ng/mL.FNA-Tg diagnosed cervical lymph node metastasis with the highest specificity,accuracy,and positive predictive value,whereas the combination of ultrasound and FNA-Tg diagnosed cervical lymph node metastasis with the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value.Conclusion Ultrasound manifestations of PTC cer-vical meta-static lymph nodes include poorly demarcated corticomedullary stroma,uneven echogenicity accompanied by cystic changes,microcalcifications,and abnormal blood flow and have high diagnostic efficacy for PTC metastatic lymph nodes.When PTC cervical lymph node abnormalities are suspected on ultrasound,further FNA-Tg should be performed.The combination of ultrasound with FNA-Tg could improve the diagnostic efficacy of PTC cervical lymph node metastasis.