Background The high work intensity and possible subsequently increased susceptibility to occupational hazards of calcium carbide plants may lead to hypertension in workers, but there are few studies on the relationship between occupational hazard exposure and hypertension in workers involving the production process of calcium carbide. Objective To explore the influence of occupational hazards on the incidence of hypertension in calcium carbide plants. Methods Using historical cohort design, the employees of a calcium carbide factory in the western part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were selected as research subjects. According to the pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study population comprised an exposure group of 377 employees (including furnace workers, inspection workers, and maintenance workers) exposed to dust, noise & carbon monoxide, and a control group of 388 employees (including central control workers, electricians, and administrative personnel) without above-mentioned exposure. The total sample size was 765 participants. The follow-up period was from April 2011 to October 2022, and the study endpoint was defined as the conclusion of the follow-up period or diagnosed hypertension in annual occupational health examination. Information on general demographic characteristics, living habits, and work status was collected from all study subjects. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association between occupational hazard exposure and the risk of hypertension among the calcium carbide plant employees. Results The average age, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proportion of males, smoking rate, and alcohol consumption rate in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared to baseline, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels increased in the exposure group and the control group at the end of the follow-up (P<0.05). At the end of the follow-up, the average differences between systolic/ diastolic blood pressure and baseline values in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). During the follow-up period, a total of 223 cases of hypertension occurred, with a total follow-up of 2785 person-years, resulting in an incidence density of 8007.18 per 100000 person-years, an average age of onset of (35.90±8.22) years, and an average working age of onset of (2.69±1.97) years. The incidence density in the exposure group was 128.71% higher than that in the control group, and the risk of hypertension in the exposure group was 2.115 times that of the control group. The risk of hypertension was 2.199 times higher for men than for women, 1.344 times higher for those aged 30 and above than for those under 30, 1.546 times higher for smokers than for non-smokers, and 1.750 times higher for drinking workers than for non-drinking ones. The results of Cox proportional hazards regression modeling indicated that the hazard ratio (95%CI) of hypertension among the employees exposed to dust, noise, and carbon monoxide was 2.254 (1.703, 2.982), 1.594 (1.107, 2.295), and 1.567 (1.079, 2.274), respectively, when different covariates (gender, age, smoking, and alcohol consumption) were included. The results of Log-rank test showed that there were statistically significant differences in the distribution of disease-free survival between the exposure group and the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Occupational exposures to dust, noise, and carbon monoxide may increase the risk of hypertension among calcium carbide plant workers.

This article discusses the important role and practical experience of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region as a bridgehead between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the joint prevention and control of cross-border infectious diseases between China and Vietnam. The cross-border transmission of infectious diseases has been effectively managed in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region through a package of strategies, including government leadership, construction of the joint prevention and control mechanism, establishment of dialogue platforms, collaboration of scientific researches, and personnel exchange and training; however, there are still challenges. Further deepening of collaboration is required to meet future needs for infectious disease prevention and control.

This study aims to explore the role and mechanism of berberine in promoting the expression of aquaporin 4(AQP4) in astrocytes by regulating the expression of miR-383-5p in HepG2 cell-derived exosomes under insulin resistance(IR). The IR-HepG2 cell model was established with 1×10~(-6) mol·L~(-1) insulin. With metformin as the positive control, the safe concentrations of berberine and metformin were screened by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) leakage assays, and the effect of berberine on the IR of HepG2 cells was evaluated by glucose consumption. NanoSight was used to measure the particle size and concentration of exosomes secreted by HepG2 cells in each group. HepG2 cell-derived exosomes in each group were incubated with astrocytes for 24 h, and the protein and mRNA levels of AQP4 in HA1800 cells were determined by Western blot and qRT-PCR, respectively. qRT-PCR was performed to determine the expression of miR-383-5p in HepG2 cell-derived exosomes and HA1800 cells after co-incubation. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of miRNAs and proteins associated with exosome production and release in HepG2 cells. The results showed that 10 μmol·L~(-1) berberine and 1 mmol·L~(-1) metformin significantly alleviated the IR of HepG2 cells and reduced the concentration of exosomes in HepG2 cells. The exosomes of HepG2 cells treated with berberine and metformin significantly up-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of AQP4 in HA1800 cells. The mRNA level of miR-383-5p in HepG2 cell exosomes and HA1800 cells co-incubated with berberine and metformin decreased significantly. The intervention with berberine and metformin significantly down-regulated the expression of proteins associated with the production of miRNAs(Dicer, Drosha) as well as the production(Alix, Vps4A) and release(Rab35, VAMP3) of exosomes in IR-HepG2 cells. In conclusion, berberine can promote the expression of AQP4 in astrocytes by inhibiting the production and release of miR-383-5p in HepG2-derived exosomes under IR.
Humans ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Berberine/pharmacology* ; Hep G2 Cells ; Exosomes/genetics* ; Aquaporin 4/metabolism* ; Insulin Resistance ; Astrocytes/drug effects*

Mechanical pain is one of the most common causes of clinical pain, but there remains a lack of effective treatment for debilitating mechanical and chronic forms of neuropathic pain. Recently, neurotoxin GsMTx4, a selective mechanosensitive (MS) channel inhibitor, has been found to be effective, while the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, with multiple rodent pain models, we demonstrated that a GsMTx4-based 17-residue peptide, which we call P10581, was able to reduce mechanical hyperalgesia and neuropathic pain. The analgesic effects of P10581 can be as strong as morphine but is not toxic in animal models. The anti-hyperalgesic effect of the peptide was resistant to naloxone (an μ-opioid receptor antagonist) and showed no side effects of morphine, including tolerance, motor impairment, and conditioned place preference. Pharmacological inhibition of TRPV4 by P10581 in a heterogeneous expression system, combined with the use of Trpv4 knockout mice indicates that TRPV4 channels may act as the potential target for the analgesic effect of P10581. Our study identified a potential drug for curing mechanical pain and exposed its mechanism.

Colorectal tumorigenesis generally progresses from adenoma to adenocarcinoma, accompanied by dynamic changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME). A randomized controlled trial has confirmed the efficacy and safety of Shen-Bai-Jie-Du decoction (SBJDD) in preventing colorectal tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate the dynamic evolution of the TME and validated cell infiltration with multiplex immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Bulk RNA sequencing was utilized to assess the underlying mechanisms. Our results constructed the mutually verifiable single-cell transcriptomic atlases in Apc ^Min/+ mice and clinical patients. There was a marked accumulation of CCL22⁺ dendritic cells (DCs) and an enhanced immunosuppressive action, which SBJDD and berberine reversed. Combined treatment with cholesterol and lipopolysaccharide induced characteristic gene expression of CCL22⁺ DCs, which may represent "exhausted DCs". Intraperitoneal injection of these DCs after SBJDD treatment eliminated its therapeutic effects. TMEM131 derived CCL22⁺ DCs generation by TNF signaling pathway and may be a potential target of berberine in retarding colorectal tumorigenesis. These findings emphasize the role of exhausted DCs and the regulatory mechanisms of SBJDD and berberine in colorectal cancer (CRC), suggesting that the multi-component properties of SBJDD may help restore TME homeostasis and offer novel cancer therapy.

Objective:To discuss the role of serum and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 3(SGK3)in the resumption of the first meiotic division in the oocytes of the mice,and to preliminarily clarify the regulatory mechanism of SGK3 in the early development of mammalian oocytes.Methods:The germinal vesicle(GV)stage mouse oocytes were obtained by superovulation techniques.The SGK3 mRNA,obtained from in vitro transcription of expression plasmids,was injected into the GV stage oocytes by microinjection techniques.The oocytes were divided into control group,Tris-EDTA buffer(TE)group,and SGK3 mRNA group.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of SGK3 protein in the oocytes in various groups;the germinal vesicle breakdown(GVBD)rates of the oocytes in various groups were observed and calculated at 1,2,3,and 4 h after microinjection of SGK3 mRNA;the morphological appearance of the oocytes in various groups was observed by SGK3 antibody dilution inhibition experiment;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of phosphorylated SGK3(pSer48)(SGK3-pSer48)and phosphorylated cell division cycle protein 2(CDC2)(pTyr15)(CDC2-pTyr15)proteins in the oocytes cultured in vitro at different time points.Results:Compared with control group and TE group,the expression level of SGK3 protein in the oocytes in SGK3 mRNA group was increased(P＜0.01),and the GVBD rates at 1 and 2 h after microinjection were increased(P＜0.01).The SGK3 antibody dilution inhibition experiment results showed that as the increasing of concentration of SGK3 antibody,the GVBD rates of the oocytes in various groups were decreased in a concentration-dependent manner.After overexpressing SGK3,compared with control group,the time when CDC2-pTyr15 protein expression could not be detected in the oocytes in SGK3 mRNA group was advanced by at least 1 h.After treated with different concentrations of SGK3 antibody,compared with control group,as the increasing of concentration of SGK3 antibody and the extending of treatment time,the expression level of CDC2-pTyr15 protein in the oocytes was gradually decreased(P＜0.01),and the expression level of SGK3-pSer486 protein was gradually increased(P＜0.01).Conclusion:Over-expression of SGK3 can increase the GVBD rate of oocytes of the mice and accelerate the dephosphorylation of CDC2-pTyr15,while the dephosphorylation of CDC2-pTyr15 is later than the phosphorylation of SGK3-Ser486.SGK3 likely serves as an upstream regulator of CDC2 and participates in controlling the resumption of the first meiotic division in the oocytes of the mice.

Objective:To investigate the short-term outcome of transoral robotic thyroidectomy.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinicopathologic characteristics and postoperative results of 107 patients who underwent transoral robotic thyroidectomies in the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of the 960 th Hospital of People′s Liberation Army from May 2020 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 95 females, with an age of (31.8±9.4) years (range: 11 to 55 years), including 20 benign tumors and 87 thyroid papillary carcinoma. Postoperative follow-up was carried out through returning visit and telephone, mainly to observe the recovery of postoperative complications, cosmetic effects and recurrence results. Results:All transoral robotic thyroidectomy was successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. The tumor size of thyroid papillary carcinoma patients was (5.6±2.7) mm (range: 2 to 15 mm). Furthermore, central cervical lymph node metastasis was found in 45 cases. The number of central cervical lymph nodes retrieved and metastasized ( M(IQR)) were 11 (8) (range: 3 to 26) and 1 (3) (range: 0 to 13), respectively. There was no recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and permanent hypoparathyroidism. The transient hypoparathyroidism after surgery was 8 cases. Other complications occurred as follows: postoperative infection ( n=1), left submandibular perforation ( n=1), skin scald ( n=1), and perioral numbness ( n=1), oral tear ( n=2). The postoperative stay was 6 (2) days (range: 3 to 11 days). No local lymph node recurrence or metastasis occurred after a follow-up of (22.6±10.0) months (range: 1.0 to 37.4 months). All patients were satisfied with the postoperative cosmetic results, the aesthetic effect score was 9.3 (0.2) (range: 8.4 to 9.6) one month after surgery. Conclusion:For highly screened patients with early thyroid cancer, experienced surgeons can perform a transoral robotic thyroidectomy that has excellent cosmetic results.

Objective:To investigate the short-term outcome of transoral robotic thyroidectomy.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinicopathologic characteristics and postoperative results of 107 patients who underwent transoral robotic thyroidectomies in the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of the 960 th Hospital of People′s Liberation Army from May 2020 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 95 females, with an age of (31.8±9.4) years (range: 11 to 55 years), including 20 benign tumors and 87 thyroid papillary carcinoma. Postoperative follow-up was carried out through returning visit and telephone, mainly to observe the recovery of postoperative complications, cosmetic effects and recurrence results. Results:All transoral robotic thyroidectomy was successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. The tumor size of thyroid papillary carcinoma patients was (5.6±2.7) mm (range: 2 to 15 mm). Furthermore, central cervical lymph node metastasis was found in 45 cases. The number of central cervical lymph nodes retrieved and metastasized ( M(IQR)) were 11 (8) (range: 3 to 26) and 1 (3) (range: 0 to 13), respectively. There was no recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and permanent hypoparathyroidism. The transient hypoparathyroidism after surgery was 8 cases. Other complications occurred as follows: postoperative infection ( n=1), left submandibular perforation ( n=1), skin scald ( n=1), and perioral numbness ( n=1), oral tear ( n=2). The postoperative stay was 6 (2) days (range: 3 to 11 days). No local lymph node recurrence or metastasis occurred after a follow-up of (22.6±10.0) months (range: 1.0 to 37.4 months). All patients were satisfied with the postoperative cosmetic results, the aesthetic effect score was 9.3 (0.2) (range: 8.4 to 9.6) one month after surgery. Conclusion:For highly screened patients with early thyroid cancer, experienced surgeons can perform a transoral robotic thyroidectomy that has excellent cosmetic results.

BackgroundThe development of executive function in adolescents is influenced by many environmental factors. Previous studies have found that perceived stress is closely related to executive function， whereas its role in the mediation of executive function remains poorly studied. ObjectiveTo explore the role of negative affect and self-hate in mediating the relationship between perceived stress and executive function in adolescents， so as to assist the improvement of executive function in adolescents. MethodsQuestionnaires were administered to 7 734 adolescents from five junior and five senior high schools in Rizhao city， Shandong province from 1 to 30 May 2022. Data were collected using a self-made questionnaire， and adolescents were assessed using Perceived Stress Scale （PSS）， Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Self Report Version （BRIEF-SR）， Patient Health Questionnaire （PHQ-4） and Self-Hate Scale （SHS）. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to examine the correlation between variables. A Bootstrap method was chosen to examine the mediation effect of self-hate and negative affect on the relationship between perceived stress and executive function in adolescents. ResultsA total of 7 012 （90.66%） valid questionnaires were retrieved. BRIEF-SR score was positively correlated with PSS， PHQ-4 and SHS scores （r=0.564， 0.653， 0.597， P<0.01）. PSS score was positively correlated with PHQ-4 and SHS scores （r=0.615， 0.531， P<0.01）. PHQ-4 score was positively correlated with SHS score （r=0.566， P<0.01）. The value of mediation effect of perceived stress on executive function was 0.574 （95% CI： 0.555~0.594）. Self-hate （indirect effect value of 0.160， 95% CI： 0.145~0.175） and negative affect （indirect effect value of 0.143， 95% CI： 0.129~0.158）， separately from each other， mediated the relationship between perceived stress and executive function， and a chained mediation effect of self-hate and negative affect was also documented （indirect effect value of 0.065， 95% CI： 0.058~0.073）， accounting for 27.87%， 24.91% and 11.32% of the total effect， respectively. ConclusionThe perceived stress of adolescents may be a influencing factor of the executive function. Additionally， perceived stress can either directly affect executive function or indirectly through the separate or chained mediation via negative affect and self-hate.

Objective To evaluate the short-term results of sleeve wrapping technique using remnant aortic wall in modified Bentall procedure. Methods The patients undergoing modified Bentall procedure with the remnant aortic wall as a sleeve to cover the sewing area of composite valved graft and the aortic annulus for proximal hemostasis between March 2021 and March 2022 in Shenzhen Fuwai Hospital were enrolled. Short-term results were assessed by cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic clamping time, mechanical ventilation time, ICU stay, postoperative hospital stay, effusion drainage on the first postoperative day, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and follow-up results. Results A total of 14 patients were collected, including 12 males and 2 females, with a mean age of 55.33±10.57 years. There was no postoperative or follow-up death. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 147.90±21.29 min, aortic clamping time was 115.70±15.23 min, mechanical ventilation time was 19.42±8.98 h, ICU stay was 99.08±49.42 h, and postoperative hospital stay was 16.33±2.74 d. Thoracic drainage volume was 333.33±91.98 mL on the first postoperative day. Only 2 patients required blood transfusion (4.5 U and 2 U, respectively). During the follow-up of 6.17±3.69 months, there was no death, no aortic or valve-related complications. There was statistical difference in the LVEDD between preoperation and before discharge after surgery (P＜0.001), and between half a year after surgery and before discharge after surgery (P＜0.001). There was a little decrease of LVEF before discharge after surgery compared with preoperative LVEF, but there was no statistical difference (P=0.219). There was no statistical difference in the LVEF half a year after operation compared with that before operation (P=1.000). Conclusion Sleeve wrapping technique using remnant aortic wall in modified Bentall procedure has good short-term results. This modification may be a simple, effective way in controlling proximal bleeding.