Objective To explore whether there is a causal relationship between intestinal flora and esophageal cancer. Methods Summary statistics of intestinal flora and esophageal cancer were obtained from the Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) database. Five methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median estimation, Mendelian randomization (MR)-Egger regression, single mode, and weighted mode, were used for analysis, with IVW as the main analysis method. Sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the reliability of MR results. Results In the IVW method, Oxalobacteraceae [OR=1.001, 95%CI (1.000, 1.002), P=0.023], Faecalibacterium [OR=1.001, 95%CI (1.000, 1.002), P=0.028], Senegalimassilia [OR=1.002, 95%CI (1.000, 1.003), P=0.006] and Veillonella [OR=1.001, 95%CI (1.000, 1.002), P=0.018] were positively correlated with esophageal cancer, while Burkholderiales [OR=0.999, 95%CI (0.998, 1.000), P=0.002], Eubacterium oxidoreducens [OR=0.998, 95%CI (0.997, 0.999), P=0.038], Romboutsia [OR=0.999, 95%CI (0.998, 1.000), P=0.048] and Turicibacter [OR=0.998, 95%CI (0.997, 0.999), P=0.013] were negatively correlated with esophageal cancer. Sensitivity analysis showed no evidence of heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy and reverse causality. Conclusion Oxalobacteraceae, Faecalibacterium, Senegalimassilia and Veillonella increase the risk of esophageal cancer, while Burkholderiales, Eubacterium oxidoreducens, Romboutsia and Turicibacter decrease the risk of esophageal cancer. Further studies are needed to explore how these bacteria affect the progression of esophageal cancer.

Objective:To investigation the situation of water improvement projects in villages affected by drinking water-type endemic fluorosis in Qinghai Province and the prevalence of dental fluorosis among children, in order to provide a basis for consolidating the achievements in prevention and control of drinking water-type endemic fluorosis and adjusting prevention and control measures.Methods:The monitoring data on drinking water-type endemic fluorosis were collected from the disease prevention and control centers in various counties of Qinghai Province from 2021 to 2023, the situation of water improvement projects, the fluorine content of domestic drinking water and the prevalence of dental fluorosis in children aged 8 to 12 years old were retrospectively analyzed.Results:From 2021 to 2023, the numbers of villages affected by drinking water-type endemic fluorosis in Qinghai Province were 338, 335, and 328, respectively. The numbers of water improvement projects were 125, 127 and 124, respectively. The normal operation rates were 100%, 100% and 99.19% (123/124), respectively. The qualified rates of water fluoride level were 100%, 99.21% (126/127) and 99.19% (123/124), respectively. The detection rates of dental fluorosis among children aged 8 to 12 were 4.34% (515/11 877), 5.70% (646/11 331) and 4.48% (490/10 943), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the detection rate of dental fluorosis among children in different years (χ 2 = 22.79, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The overall operation status of water improvement project in villages affected by drinking water-type endemic fluorosis in Qinghai Province is generally good, but there has been some relaxation in management and maintenance in the later stage, and there is a phenomenon of project intermittency. The detection rate of dental fluorosis among children aged 8 to 12 remains low, and endemic fluorosis caused by drinking water is under continuous control.

Objective:To analyze the differences in determination of fluoride level in drinking water by ion-selective electrode method and high-throughput rapid determination method.Methods:The precision test was carried out by using the two methods to measure two kinds of fluoride standard substances, water samples of external quality control assessment from 2021 to 2023 (two kinds each year) and the fluoride level in three drinking water samples (for 5 times/each sample). Accuracy testing was conducted by measuring the external quality control assessment water samples and the spiked recovery rates drinking water, and water samples were grouped (water fluoride ≤1.00, > 1.00 mg/L) and analyzed according to the "Hygienic Standards for Drinking Water" (GB 5749-85). SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the measurement results.Results:(1) The correlation coefficients ( r) of the working curves of the two methods were both > 0.990, meeting the quality control requirements. (2) In the precision test, when comparing the results of the two methods for detecting two kinds of fluoride standard substances, there was no statistically significant difference ( F = 0.36, 0.15, P = 0.564, 0.707), and the coefficients of variation ( CV) were all < 5%. The CV of the detection results of the external quality control assessment water samples and drinking water samples were < 5%. (3) In the accuracy test, when the fluoride concentration in water was ≤1.00 mg/L, there was no statistically significant difference in the spiked recovery rates between the two methods ( F = 0.49, P = 0.504). When the fluoride concentration in water was > 1.00 mg/L, there was a statistically significant difference in the spiked recovery rates between the two methods ( F = 24.75, P = 0.003). Conclusions:The ion-selective electrode method has the advantages of wide detection range and wide adaptability, while the high-throughput rapid determination method has high accuracy. Testing personnel can weigh and choose the appropriate determination method based on the actual laboratory conditions and sample concentration range.

AIM:To investigate the therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of pachymic acid(PA)on li-popolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute kidney injury(AKI)in mice.METHODS:(1)Genes related to AKI were screened using the DAVID database.Core genes were identified by intersecting related genes and analyzed using Cyto-scape software.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analyses were performed through the DAVID database for the cross-targets.Molecular docking and activity assays were conducted on the primary core targets.(2)A total of 100 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups:normal control(NC),model(LPS),solvent control(LPS+DMSO),and treatment groups(LPS+PA-10 and LPS+PA-20),with 20 mice in each group.The LPS-AKI model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 18 mg/kg LPS.The treatment groups received 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg PA,respectively,and the solvent control group was administered an equivalent dose of DMSO.Mice were euthanized 24 h after injection.Serum was collected for biochemical analysis,and Western blot was used to detect neutro-phil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL),kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1),caspase-3,cleaved caspase-3,interleu-kin-1β(IL-1β),and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)protein expression.RT-qPCR was employed to detect inflammatory factor mRNA levels.Molecular docking was used to simulate the optimal binding site of PA to caspase-3.En-zyme activity assays were performed to assess caspase protein activity,and renal lesions were observed via hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining.RESULTS:(1)Thirty-one potential targets of PA against AKI were identified through network pharmacology.GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that these tar-gets were primarily involved in immune response,inflammatory processes,apoptosis and survival,angiogenesis and hemo-dynamics,oxidative stress,and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Key targets included CASP3(caspase-3),PTGS2,BCL2,CCL2,and CYP219.(2)PA treatment improved renal function and reduced tubular epithelial injury.It significantly de-creased NGAL,KIM-1,and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels,as well as inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β,and MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression.PA also reduced apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells.Enzyme activity assays and mo-lecular docking revealed that PA exerted its anti-apoptotic effect by directly binding to caspase-3,thereby inhibiting its ac-tivation by caspase-8.CONCLUSION:PA demonstrated a therapeutic effect in LPS-AKI,potentially through the inhibi-tion of inflammatory factor synthesis and release,as well as the inhibition of caspase-3 activation by caspase-8,reducing apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells.

Objective:To investigate the iodine nutrition status of children aged 8 - 10 and pregnant women in Xining City, Qinghai Province.Methods:From 2019 to 2021, a stratified cluster sampling method was used to divide 7 counties (districts) under the jurisdiction of Xining City, Qinghai Province into 5 sampling areas according to east, west, south, north, and center each year. One township (town, street) was selected from each area. Forty non boarding students aged 8 to 10 from each primary school (half male and half female, age balanced) and 20 pregnant women from each township (town, street) location were selected to collect edible salt samples at home and a random urine sample to measure salt iodine and urinary iodine level. B-ultrasound was used to measure thyroid volume in children and the goiter rate was calculated.Results:A total of 6 534 samples of household edible salt were collected from children and pregnant women, with an average salt iodine concentration of 25.58 mg/kg. The coverage rate of iodized salt was 97.50% (6 371/6 534), and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate was 89.46% (5 845/6 534). A total of 4 362 urine samples were collected from children, with a median urinary iodine level of 183.10 μg/L. The difference between different years was statistically significant ( H = 20.27, P < 0.001). A total of 2 169 urine samples were collected from pregnant women, with a median urinary iodine level of 168.90 μg/L. The difference between different years was statistically significant ( H = 107.09, P < 0.001). A total of 3 336 cases of thyroid gland examination were conducted in children, including 33 cases of thyroid enlargement, with a goiter rate of 0.99%. There was a statistically significant difference between different years (χ 2 = 15.00, P < 0.001). Conclusion:From 2019 to 2021, children aged 8 to 10 and pregnant women in Xining City are at an appropriate level of iodine, and the achievements in prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders still need to be continuously consolidated.

A porous composite scaffold is prepared through freeze-drying method using sodium alginate as the matrix and calcium citrate double salt as the functional enhancer.To thoroughly investigate the structure and properties of the composite scaffold,advanced instruments including Fourier transform infrared spectrometer,X-ray diffractometer,scanning electron microscope,and thermogravimetric analyzer are utilized for comprehensive structural characterization.Meanwhile,key properties such as porosity,mechanical performance,swelling ratio,gel fraction,and in vitro degradation rate are systematically tested and analyzed.The results show that the composite of sodium alginate and calcium citrate double salt is a physical complex.The porosity of the scaffold mainly ranges from 200 to 600 μm,and as the addition of double salt increases,the pore size firstly increases and then slightly decreases,while the pore distribution become more uneven.In terms of mechanical properties,with the gradual increase of the content of double salt in the scaffold,the mechanical properties of the scaffold are significantly improved.However,its swelling ratio and gel fraction exhibit decreasing trends.Additionally,the degradation rate of the alginate scaffold is relatively fast,while the addition of calcium citrate double salt does not significantly improve the degradation rate.This study not only provides valuable insights into the preparation and property research of porous composite scaffold composed of sodium alginate/calcium citrate double salt,but also offers important reference for their potential applications in biomedicine.

Objective To establish a finite element model of thoracolumbar kyphosis(TLK)for young patients with idiopathic Scheuermann's disease(SD),validate its effectiveness,and perform fi-nite element analysis to identify biomechanical factors contributing to low back pain caused by SD.Methods One TLK patient(26 years old)and one healthy(30 years old)subject were recruited.Spi-nal DICOM data were reconstructed three-dimensionally using Mimics software.Surface repair and fit-ting were performed in Geomagic Studio 2017,followed by modeling of intervertebral discs and end-plates in 3-matic software.Volume meshing and ligament construction were completed in Hypermesh 2017.Static simulations of the T8-S1 spinal segments for both groups were conducted in ANSYS.Af-ter validating the model using mechanical data,stress and strain distributions across vertebral bodies,intervertebral discs,and facet joint cartilage were calculated under identical constraints and loads.Re-sults 1)Significant differences were observed between the TLK patient and healthy subject in the me-chanical distribution of the T8-S1 segments of the spine.The healthy spine exhibited a peak strain of 1.62 mm,while the TLK patient showed a peak strain of 6.97 mm,330.2%higher than the former.Moreover,the peak stress in the TLK patient(10.51 MPa)exceeded the healthy subject(9.07 MPa)by 16.0%.2)Both groups demonstrated peak vertebral stress at the L5 level(9.07 MPa in the healthy individual vs.10.51 MPa in the TLK patient,15.8%higher).Stress distribution in the TLK patient was markedly uneven,with significant concentrations at the pedicles and laminae of L2,L3,and L4 vertebrae.3)Peak disc stress in the TLK patient was consistently higher,most notably at the L5/S1 segment(0.78 MPa in the TLK patient vs.0.16 MPa in the healthy subject,387.5%higher).4)Facet joint cartilage stress distribution in the TLK patient was abnormal.The healthy subject exhib-ited peak stress at L5/S1(1.53 MPa),whereas TLK patient showed peak stress at L1/L2(7.44 MPa),14.18 times higher than the former.Conclusion This study validates the finite element model of TLK deformity,confirming its utility for TLK-related research.Moreover,significant differences in stress-strain distribution and magnitude are observed between the TLK patient and healthy subject.Meanwhile,prolonged abnormal biomechanical loading,particularly localized stress concentrations in the L1-S1 vertebral bodies,discs,and facet joints,may accelerate degenerative changes and elevate the risk of low back pain.

Objective:To analyze the differences in determination of fluoride level in drinking water by ion-selective electrode method and high-throughput rapid determination method.Methods:The precision test was carried out by using the two methods to measure two kinds of fluoride standard substances, water samples of external quality control assessment from 2021 to 2023 (two kinds each year) and the fluoride level in three drinking water samples (for 5 times/each sample). Accuracy testing was conducted by measuring the external quality control assessment water samples and the spiked recovery rates drinking water, and water samples were grouped (water fluoride ≤1.00, > 1.00 mg/L) and analyzed according to the "Hygienic Standards for Drinking Water" (GB 5749-85). SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the measurement results.Results:(1) The correlation coefficients ( r) of the working curves of the two methods were both > 0.990, meeting the quality control requirements. (2) In the precision test, when comparing the results of the two methods for detecting two kinds of fluoride standard substances, there was no statistically significant difference ( F = 0.36, 0.15, P = 0.564, 0.707), and the coefficients of variation ( CV) were all < 5%. The CV of the detection results of the external quality control assessment water samples and drinking water samples were < 5%. (3) In the accuracy test, when the fluoride concentration in water was ≤1.00 mg/L, there was no statistically significant difference in the spiked recovery rates between the two methods ( F = 0.49, P = 0.504). When the fluoride concentration in water was > 1.00 mg/L, there was a statistically significant difference in the spiked recovery rates between the two methods ( F = 24.75, P = 0.003). Conclusions:The ion-selective electrode method has the advantages of wide detection range and wide adaptability, while the high-throughput rapid determination method has high accuracy. Testing personnel can weigh and choose the appropriate determination method based on the actual laboratory conditions and sample concentration range.

Objective To investigate the association between the TyG index,its modified variants,and the risk of developing colorectal cancer(CRC).Methods This study included a total of 93,177 participants from the 2006 Kailuan Group health examination cohort.Participants were categorized into four quartiles(Q1-Q4)according to their TyG and modified TyG indices.Follow-up began at the baseline examination,with incident CRC as the primary outcome.Participants were censored at the time of CRC diagnosis,death,or the end of the study,whichever occurred first.The dose-response relationship between TyG and its modified indices and the risk of CRC was evalu-ated using restricted cubic splines(RCS)in conjunction with Cox proportional hazards regression models,yielding hazard ratios(HRs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs).To compare the strength of associations between TyG and its modified versions(TyG-BMI,TyG-WC,TyG-WHR,TyG-WHtR,TyG-WWI)and CRC risk,HRs for CRC per one standard deviation increase in each index were calculated and compared.Results Both the TyG index and its modified variants demonstrated a significant dose-response relationship with the risk of CRC incidence.Specifically,for the TyG index,each 1-standard deviation(SD)increase was associated with a 1.17-fold(95%CI:1.09～1.27)higher risk of CRC.Compared with the first quartile(Q1),the third quartile(Q3)and fourth quartile(Q4)exhibited a 1.25-fold(95%CI:1.01～1.55)and 1.26-fold(95%CI:1.01～1.57)increased risk,respectively.For TyG-BMI,each 1-SD increase was linked to a 1.20-fold(95%CI:1.07～1.35)elevated CRC risk.Compared with Q1,Q3 and Q4 showed a 1.32-fold(95%CI:1.06～1.64)and 1.51-fold(95%CI:1.21～1.88)increase,respectively.Regarding TyG-WC,each 1-SD increment was associated with a 1.22-fold(95%CI:1.13～1.32)higher CRC risk,with Q3 and Q4 showing a 1.35-fold(95%CI:1.08～1.70)and 1.56-fold(95%CI:1.24～1.96)increased risk compared to Q1.For TyG-WHtR,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.24-fold(95%CI:1.08-1.42)higher CRC risk.Compared with Q1,Q2,Q3,and Q4 demonstrated a 1.31-fold(95%CI:1.03～1.66),1.55-fold(95%CI:1.23～1.95),and 1.60-fold(95%CI:1.27～2.02)increase,respectively.In the case of TyG-WHR,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.19-fold(95%CI:1.10～1.29)higher CRC risk,with Q4 showing a 1.42-fold(95%CI:1.14～1.77)increased risk compared to Q1.Finally,for TyG-WWI,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.22-fold(95%CI:1.13～1.32)elevated CRC risk,with both Q3 and Q4 showing a 1.58-fold increase(Q3:95%CI:1.26～1.98;Q4:95%CI:1.25～1.99).Stratified analyses by sex and age consistently revealed significant associations between the TyG index and its modified variants and CRC risk.Furthermore,these indices were independently associated with the incidence of both colon cancer and rectal cancer.Conclusions(1)Elevated levels of the TyG index and its modified variants are independent risk factors for CRC.(2)Both the TyG index and its modified forms demonstrate a significant dose-response association with the incidence of CRC.(3)Among the modified TyG indices,TyG-WWI,TyG-WHtR,TyG-BMI,TyG-WC,and TyG-WHR showed stronger correlations with CRC risk compared to the original TyG index.

Objective To investigate the association between the TyG index,its modified variants,and the risk of developing colorectal cancer(CRC).Methods This study included a total of 93,177 participants from the 2006 Kailuan Group health examination cohort.Participants were categorized into four quartiles(Q1-Q4)according to their TyG and modified TyG indices.Follow-up began at the baseline examination,with incident CRC as the primary outcome.Participants were censored at the time of CRC diagnosis,death,or the end of the study,whichever occurred first.The dose-response relationship between TyG and its modified indices and the risk of CRC was evalu-ated using restricted cubic splines(RCS)in conjunction with Cox proportional hazards regression models,yielding hazard ratios(HRs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs).To compare the strength of associations between TyG and its modified versions(TyG-BMI,TyG-WC,TyG-WHR,TyG-WHtR,TyG-WWI)and CRC risk,HRs for CRC per one standard deviation increase in each index were calculated and compared.Results Both the TyG index and its modified variants demonstrated a significant dose-response relationship with the risk of CRC incidence.Specifically,for the TyG index,each 1-standard deviation(SD)increase was associated with a 1.17-fold(95%CI:1.09～1.27)higher risk of CRC.Compared with the first quartile(Q1),the third quartile(Q3)and fourth quartile(Q4)exhibited a 1.25-fold(95%CI:1.01～1.55)and 1.26-fold(95%CI:1.01～1.57)increased risk,respectively.For TyG-BMI,each 1-SD increase was linked to a 1.20-fold(95%CI:1.07～1.35)elevated CRC risk.Compared with Q1,Q3 and Q4 showed a 1.32-fold(95%CI:1.06～1.64)and 1.51-fold(95%CI:1.21～1.88)increase,respectively.Regarding TyG-WC,each 1-SD increment was associated with a 1.22-fold(95%CI:1.13～1.32)higher CRC risk,with Q3 and Q4 showing a 1.35-fold(95%CI:1.08～1.70)and 1.56-fold(95%CI:1.24～1.96)increased risk compared to Q1.For TyG-WHtR,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.24-fold(95%CI:1.08-1.42)higher CRC risk.Compared with Q1,Q2,Q3,and Q4 demonstrated a 1.31-fold(95%CI:1.03～1.66),1.55-fold(95%CI:1.23～1.95),and 1.60-fold(95%CI:1.27～2.02)increase,respectively.In the case of TyG-WHR,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.19-fold(95%CI:1.10～1.29)higher CRC risk,with Q4 showing a 1.42-fold(95%CI:1.14～1.77)increased risk compared to Q1.Finally,for TyG-WWI,each 1-SD increase was associated with a 1.22-fold(95%CI:1.13～1.32)elevated CRC risk,with both Q3 and Q4 showing a 1.58-fold increase(Q3:95%CI:1.26～1.98;Q4:95%CI:1.25～1.99).Stratified analyses by sex and age consistently revealed significant associations between the TyG index and its modified variants and CRC risk.Furthermore,these indices were independently associated with the incidence of both colon cancer and rectal cancer.Conclusions(1)Elevated levels of the TyG index and its modified variants are independent risk factors for CRC.(2)Both the TyG index and its modified forms demonstrate a significant dose-response association with the incidence of CRC.(3)Among the modified TyG indices,TyG-WWI,TyG-WHtR,TyG-BMI,TyG-WC,and TyG-WHR showed stronger correlations with CRC risk compared to the original TyG index.