Objective To analyze the prevalence of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas in Hubei Province in 2021. Methods Data on the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors from 31 cancer registries in Hubei Province in 2021 were collected. Incidence, mortality (crude rate, ASRC, and ASRW), and cumulative rates in the 0-74-year-old age group were calculated by gender, urban-rural area, and age group. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to describe and analyze the incidence and mortality characteristics of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas in Hubei Province in 2021. Results In 2021, malignant tumors in cancer registration areas in Hubei Province had an incidence of 329.62/10⁵, an ASIRC of 189.33/10⁵, an ASIRW of 201.50/10⁵, and a cumulative rate of 20.81% in the 0-74-year-old age group. Malignant tumors had a mortality rate of 183.59/10⁵, an ASMRC of 90.36/10⁵, an ASMRW of 103.22/10⁵, and a cumulative rate of 10.26% in the 0-74-year-old age group. Incidence and mortality were higher in males than in females, with incidence rates in urban areas being significantly higher than those in rural areas, whereas urban and rural mortality rates showed no significant difference. The incidence of malignant tumors gradually increased with age, peaking in the 75-79-year-old age group. Mortality rose rapidly after 45 years and peaked in the 85+-year-old age group. Significant gender and urban–rural differences were found in the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors. The leading cause of incidence across the province was lung cancer, followed by female breast, thyroid, colorectal, and liver cancers. The top five causes of death were lung, liver, stomach, colorectal, and esophageal cancers. The incidence rates of female breast, thyroid, and colorectal cancers were higher in urban areas than in rural areas, whereas the burden of liver and cervical cancers was more prominent in rural areas than in urban areas. Significant differences were found in the incidence of malignant tumors among different cities and counties. Conclusion In 2021, the burden of malignant tumors in cancer registration areas in Hubei Province was primarily caused by lung, digestive tract, liver, and female breast cancers, with significant regional differences. This situation seriously endangers the health of residents. Comprehensive prevention and control measures should be continuously strengthened to reduce the burden of malignant tumors.

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 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.

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.

[Purpose]To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer in 2020 and the trend from 2012 to 2020 in Hubei Province.[Methods]Qualified lung cancer registry data reported by 24 cancer registries in Hubei Province was utilized to estimate the number of new lung cancer cases and deaths.Incidence/mortality rate,age-specific incidence/mortality rate,age-standardized incidence/mortality rate by Chinese standard population(ASIRC and ASMRC)and by world stan-dard population(ASIRW and ASMRW),cumulative rate of 0～74 years old and other indicators of lung cancer in urban and rural areas,different sex,age groups in 2020 were calculated.Annual percentage change(APC),average annual percentage change(AAPC)and 95％confidence interval(CI)were calculated to analyze the trends of incidence and mortality of lung cancer in cancer regi-stration areas of Hubei Province from 2012 to 2020.[Results]In 2020,the estimated number of new lung cancer cases in Hubei Province was 41 531,accounting for 23.17％of all new cancer cases.The incidence rate was 72.13/105,with the ASIRC of 38.19/105 and ASIRW of 42.75/105 respectively.The cumulative incidence rate of 0～74 years old was 4.82％.The estimated number of lung cancer deaths in Hubei Province in 2020 was 31 374,accounting for 29.52％of all cancer deaths.The mortality rate was 54.49/105,with the ASMRC of 27.66/105 and ASMRW of 31.95/105,respectively.The cumulative mortality(0～74 years old)was 3.36％.The incidence of lung cancer was higher in urban areas than that in rural areas,and higher in men than that in women.The in-cidence and mortality of lung cancer increased with age,and reaching the peak in the age groups of 75～79 and 80～85 years old respectively.From 2012 to 2020,the overall trend of crude inci-dence and mortality of lung cancer in Hubei Province was stable.The ASIRC and ASMRC showed a slow decline during 2012-2020,with the AAPCs of-0.51％(95％CI:-1.06％～-0.02％)and-1.84％(95％CI:-2.65％～-0.53％),respectively.The ASIRC showed a slow decline(APC=-1.76％,95％CI:-3.30％～-1.03％)during 2012-2018 and increase trend(APC=3.33％,95％CI:0.61％～5.02％)during 2018-2020,respectively,while ASMRC showed a significant decrease trend(APC=-3.00％,95％CI:-6.58％～-1.13％)during 2016-2020.[Conclusion]The incidence and mortality levels of lung cancer in Hubei Province were relatively high,resulted in a heavy disease burden and no significant downward trend.In the future,we should continue to strengthen the compre-hensive prevention and treatment of lung cancer,and promote lung cancer screening and early diagno-sis and treatment for target populations vigorously,especially in rural areas.

[Purpose]To analyze the opportunistic screening results of upper gastrointestinal can-cer in Hubei Province from 2022 to 2023.[Methods]The data of upper gastrointestinal cancer opportunistic screening program in Hubei Province from January 1,2022 to December 31,2023 were summarized.The biopsy rate,positive lesion detection rate and early diagnosis rate were ana-lyzed.The differences in rates between/among different sexes,age groups and regions were com-pared by x2 test,trend x2 test.[Results]A total of 372 507 people were included in the oppor-tunistic screening of upper gastrointestinal cancer from 2022 to 2023.Among them,100 379 in-dividuals underwent biopsy histopathological examination,with a biopsy rate of 26.95％.A total of 4 678 positive cases(high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia,early-stage cancer and advanced can-cer)were detected in the opportunistic screening,with a positive lesion detection rate of 1.26％.The detection rates of positive lesion in the esophagus,cardia and stomach were 0.61％,0.07％and 0.58％,respectively.There were 721 cases of early upper gastrointestinal cancer(high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia,early-stage cancer),representing an early diagnosis rate of 15.41％.The early diagnosis rates for the esophagus,cardia and stomach were 14.53％,11.96％and 16.89％,respectively.[Conclusions]The implementation of opportunistic screening for upper gastrointesti-nal cancer is conducive to expanding the coverage of screening.It is necessary to strengthen stan-dardized and homogeneous training and complete high-quality endoscopic examination to improve the detection rate and early diagnosis rate of opportunistic screening program for upper gastroin-testinal cancer.