Objective To determine the content and distribution characteristics of the artificial radionuclide ¹³⁷Cs and the natural radionuclides ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra, and ⁴⁰K in wild edible fungi, and calculate the committed effective dose due to ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb in wild edible fungi. Methods Thirty samples of wild edible fungi were collected and their caps and stems were separated. A total of 60 samples were measured for ¹³⁷Cs, ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra, and ⁴⁰K using a BE5030 wide-energy, low-background, high-purity germanium γ spectrometer. The paired analysis of the four radionuclides ²²⁶Ra, ²¹⁰Pb, ¹³⁷Cs, and ⁴⁰K was performed using SPSS 11.5. Results Among the 60 samples, the detection rates and dry weight specific activity ranges of ¹³⁷Cs, ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra, and ⁴⁰K were 97% and 0.62-384 Bq/kg, 73% and 6.4-159 Bq/kg, 52% and 0.7-28.8 Bq/kg, 5% and 0.43-2.18 Bq/kg and 100% and （77.4-264) × 10 Bq/kg, respectively. Conclusion Based on the analysis of the 60 samples, the detection rate of radionuclides is in the order of ⁴⁰K, ¹³⁷Cs, ²¹⁰Pb, ²²⁶Ra, and ²²⁸Ra. In terms of the specific activity, the distribution of ⁴⁰K and ²²⁶Ra in wild edible fungi in the same region is basically uniform, while the content of ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs fluctuates in different samples. Although ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb can be detected in most of the wild edible fungi, the annual committed effective dose due to ingestion of wild edible fungi is negligible.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

AIM To evaluate the quality of benchmark sample of Zexie Decoction.METHODS HPLC fingerprints were established,after which the content determination of epoxy alisma ene,23-acetyl alisol B,23-acetyl alisol C,alisol A,alisol B,atractylenolide Ⅰ,atractylenolide Ⅱ and atractylenolide Ⅲ was performed,and the transfer rate and paste yield were calculated.RESULTS There were 20 common peaks in the fingerprints for 15 batches of benchmark samples with the similarities of more than 0.95.The average contents of various effective constituents were 180.86 μg/g for alisol B 23-acetate,18.65 μg/g for alisol C 23-acetate,34.74 μg/g for alismoxide,17.65 μg/g for alisol A,238.19 μg/g for alisol B,2.85 μg/g for atractylenolide Ⅰ,6.38 μg/g for atractylenolide Ⅱ,and 15.42 μg/g for atractylenolide Ⅲ,respectively.In the decoction piece-benchmark sample,alisol B 23-acetate,alisol C 23-acetate,atractylenolide Ⅰ,atractylenolide Ⅱ and atractylenolide Ⅲ demonstrated the average transfer rates of 12.09％,16.45％,3.93％,12.17％and 34.37％respectively.The paste yields in various batches of benchmark samples were 15.2％-20.2％.CONCLUSION HPLC fingerprints combined with content determination can be used for the quality control of benchmark sample of Zexie Decoction,thus provides a reference for the development of its compound preparations.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between artificial radionuclide 137Cs and stable cesium (Cs) in wild edible fungi and seek potential correlations. Methods:A total of 30 samples, including the caps (with gills) and stipes of wild edible fungi, were collected from the northeastern region of China. The measurement and analysis of 137Cs were conducted following recommended procedures in GB/T 16145-2022, and stable Cs was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Then, the correlation analysis of data on 137Cs and stable Cs was performed using SPSS 11.5 software, and scatter plots were prepared using the Origin 21.0 software. Results:The fungi caps exhibited a specific activity of 137Cs ranging from 0.52 to 55.9 Bq/kg (dry weight) and a stable Cs content from 0.069 mg/kg to 16.2 mg/kg (dry weight). The stipes showed a specific activity of 137Cs ranging from 0.53 Bq/kg to 101 Bq/kg (dry weight) and a stable Cs content from 0.075 to 11.5 mg/kg (dry weight). These data revealed a significant correlation between the specific activity of 137Cs and the stable cesium content in all samples including caps and stipes, with correlation coefficients r of 0.956, 0.912, and 0.931, respectively, and all significant levels P < 0.01. The ratios of the specific activity of 137Cs to stable Cs content varied from 2.09 Bq/kg to 20.1 Bq/kg (dry weight), with an average of 10.7 Bq/kg (dry weight). Conclusions:Wild edible fungi fail to distinguish between 137Cs and stable cesium when absorbing Cs elements from their growing substrates. Furthermore, there is a strong correlation between the specific activity of 137Cs and stable Cs content. In the case of exogenous 137Cs contamination, the ratio of the specific activity of 137Cs and stable Cs content will significantly change. Therefore, an increase in the ratio can be used as a reference for identifying 137Cs contamination events.

Objective:To explore the applicability of critical statistical measures Z, Z′, Zeta ( ζ), and En value in comparative capability assessments by analyzing the data from nationwide radiological health technology institutions from 2020 to 2023, aiming to provide a reference for further improving China′s comparative assessment method for verifying the γ-ray spectroscopy capability of radionuclides. Methods:Based on the nationwide analysis and comparison of γ-ray spectroscopy of radionuclides conducted annually by the National Institute for Radiological Protection, China CDC, the deviations between laboratory result and reference values were determined using the above-mentioned four statistical measures. Finally, the qualification rates of the γ-ray spectroscopy result from relevant institutions were assessed and analyzed.Results:The result indicate that the qualification rates of the Z value exceeded 85%, which might be inaccurate in some cases since it ignored the limitation of uncertainty. In contrast, the Z′ value yielded more scientific and representative result because it considered the uncertainty of reference values, and the inter-laboratory comparison qualification rate is above 95%. In the case of low uncertainty of the γ-ray spectroscopy result, the Zeta ( ζ) or En ratio exhibited relatively high sensitivity and, accordingly, relatively low qualification rates, indicating that this ratio may not comprehensively reflect the interlaboratory comparison result. Conclusions:The Z, Z′, Zeta ( ζ), and En values demonstrate their own advantages and limitations in assessing the capability of the γ-ray spectroscopy of radionuclides. For comparison projects involving multiple laboratories and complex measurement conditions, such as the nationwide verification of the capabilities of the γ-ray spectroscopy of radionuclides, it is feasible to combine the Z′ value with the Zeta ( ζ) or En ratio, with the former and the latter used to determine the qualified and excellent capability result, respectively. This enables the comprehensive assessment of the measurement and analysis capabilities of the γ-ray spectroscopy laboratories of radiological health technology institutions in China.

Background/Aims: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic steatosis. Ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) plays pivotal roles in hepatic ischemiareperfusion injury and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its role in MASLD remains unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to reveal the effects and underlying mechanisms of USP29 in MASLD progression. Methods: USP29 expression was assessed in liver samples from MASLD patients and mice. The role and molecular mechanism of USP29 in MASLD were assessed in high-fat diet-fed and high-fat/high-cholesterol diet-fed mice and palmitic acid and oleic acid treated hepatocytes. Results: USP29 protein levels were significantly reduced in mice and humans with MASLD. Hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were significantly exacerbated by USP29 deletion and relieved by USP29 overexpression. Mechanistically, USP29 significantly activated the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stimulation, directly interacted with long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 5 (ACSL5) and repressed ACSL5 degradation by increasing ACSL5 K48-linked deubiquitination. Moreover, the effect of USP29 on hepatocyte lipid accumulation and MASLD was dependent on ACSL5. Conclusions USP29 functions as a novel negative regulator of MASLD by stabilizing ACSL5 to promote FAO. The activation of the USP29-ACSL5 axis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for MASLD.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between artificial radionuclide 137Cs and stable cesium (Cs) in wild edible fungi and seek potential correlations. Methods:A total of 30 samples, including the caps (with gills) and stipes of wild edible fungi, were collected from the northeastern region of China. The measurement and analysis of 137Cs were conducted following recommended procedures in GB/T 16145-2022, and stable Cs was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Then, the correlation analysis of data on 137Cs and stable Cs was performed using SPSS 11.5 software, and scatter plots were prepared using the Origin 21.0 software. Results:The fungi caps exhibited a specific activity of 137Cs ranging from 0.52 to 55.9 Bq/kg (dry weight) and a stable Cs content from 0.069 mg/kg to 16.2 mg/kg (dry weight). The stipes showed a specific activity of 137Cs ranging from 0.53 Bq/kg to 101 Bq/kg (dry weight) and a stable Cs content from 0.075 to 11.5 mg/kg (dry weight). These data revealed a significant correlation between the specific activity of 137Cs and the stable cesium content in all samples including caps and stipes, with correlation coefficients r of 0.956, 0.912, and 0.931, respectively, and all significant levels P < 0.01. The ratios of the specific activity of 137Cs to stable Cs content varied from 2.09 Bq/kg to 20.1 Bq/kg (dry weight), with an average of 10.7 Bq/kg (dry weight). Conclusions:Wild edible fungi fail to distinguish between 137Cs and stable cesium when absorbing Cs elements from their growing substrates. Furthermore, there is a strong correlation between the specific activity of 137Cs and stable Cs content. In the case of exogenous 137Cs contamination, the ratio of the specific activity of 137Cs and stable Cs content will significantly change. Therefore, an increase in the ratio can be used as a reference for identifying 137Cs contamination events.

Objective:To explore the applicability of critical statistical measures Z, Z′, Zeta ( ζ), and En value in comparative capability assessments by analyzing the data from nationwide radiological health technology institutions from 2020 to 2023, aiming to provide a reference for further improving China′s comparative assessment method for verifying the γ-ray spectroscopy capability of radionuclides. Methods:Based on the nationwide analysis and comparison of γ-ray spectroscopy of radionuclides conducted annually by the National Institute for Radiological Protection, China CDC, the deviations between laboratory result and reference values were determined using the above-mentioned four statistical measures. Finally, the qualification rates of the γ-ray spectroscopy result from relevant institutions were assessed and analyzed.Results:The result indicate that the qualification rates of the Z value exceeded 85%, which might be inaccurate in some cases since it ignored the limitation of uncertainty. In contrast, the Z′ value yielded more scientific and representative result because it considered the uncertainty of reference values, and the inter-laboratory comparison qualification rate is above 95%. In the case of low uncertainty of the γ-ray spectroscopy result, the Zeta ( ζ) or En ratio exhibited relatively high sensitivity and, accordingly, relatively low qualification rates, indicating that this ratio may not comprehensively reflect the interlaboratory comparison result. Conclusions:The Z, Z′, Zeta ( ζ), and En values demonstrate their own advantages and limitations in assessing the capability of the γ-ray spectroscopy of radionuclides. For comparison projects involving multiple laboratories and complex measurement conditions, such as the nationwide verification of the capabilities of the γ-ray spectroscopy of radionuclides, it is feasible to combine the Z′ value with the Zeta ( ζ) or En ratio, with the former and the latter used to determine the qualified and excellent capability result, respectively. This enables the comprehensive assessment of the measurement and analysis capabilities of the γ-ray spectroscopy laboratories of radiological health technology institutions in China.

[Purpose]To analyze the prevalence and disease burden of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas of Hubei Province in 2020.[Methods]The incidence and mortality data of ma-lignant tumors in cancer registration areas in Hubei Province in 2020 were collected,and the data were quality controlled according to the quality evaluation standards and methods formulated by the National Cancer Center.The data from 24 registries met the inclusion criteria.Using descrip-tive epidemiological methods to calculate incidence/mortality rate,age-specific incidence/mortality rate,standardized incidence/mortality rate by Chinese standard population(ASRC),standardized incidence/mortality rate by world standard population(ASRW).Disability-adjusted life years(DALY)and DALY rates were calculated using formulas provided by the World Health Organization to as-sess the disease burden of malignant tumors.[Results]In 2020,the crude incidence of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas of Hubei Province was 311.36/105,the ASRC was 184.14/105,the ASRW was 197.37/105,and the cumulative rate of 0～74 years old was 20.52％.The age-spe-cific incidence of malignant tumors in the province and rural areas reached its peak in the age group of 75～79 years old,while in urban areas it reached its peak in the age group of 80～84 years old.In 2020,the crude mortality rate of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas of Hubei Province was 184.58/105,the ASRC was 96.91/105,the ASRW was 110.92/105,and the cumulative rate of 0～74 years old was 11.01％.The age-specific mortality rate of malignant tumors in the province and urban areas reached its peak in the age group of above 85 years old,while in rural areas it reached its peak in the age group of 80～84 years old.Lung cancer ranked first in the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in the province.In the cancer registration area of Hubei Province,the DALY of malignant tumors in 2020 was 641 497 person-years,and the DALY rate was 28.6‰.[Conclusion]Common cancers such as lung cancer,female breast cancer and upper digestive tract cancer have a great impact on the incidence,mortality and disease burden of malignant tumors in Hubei Province.Targeted cancer screening and early diagnosis and treatment are the most effective means to improve social and economic benefits.