Objective To assess the risk of hearing loss caused by occupational noise exposure in workers in an automobile manufacturing plant in Tianjin, China, and to perform risk management. Methods Occupational health field investigation and noise exposure measurements were conducted from July to December 2023, and physical examination data were collected. ISO 1999:2013(E) Acoustics-Estimation of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and WS/T 754-2016 ^“Guidelines for Risk Management of Occupational Disease Hazards Caused by Noise^” were used to predict the risk of high-frequency hearing loss and occupational noise induced deafness for operational workers and make a risk classification. Results The noise intensity of each workshop was 79.4 to 95.5 dB(A), and the maximum noise intensity of welding and stamping exceeded the standard. The results of the assessment showed that the noise level remained unchanged, and the risk of HFHL and ONID in workers increased as the predicted age and length of service increased. It was predicted that after the age of 40, the maximum risk of hearing loss in welding workers would be high risk, and the risk of stamping workers would be at higher risk, suggesting that welding and stamping were the key control posts of noise hazards in the enterprise. The N50 prediction values of permanent hearing threshold displacement caused by potential noise at all frequencies for final assembly and painting workers were lower than the measured values. Conclusion The consequences of hearing loss for workers in the welding and stamping shop noise operations at this automobile manufacturing plant are relatively serious and require risk management.

Objective:This study aims to investigate the influence of microvessel density（MVD） and microlymphatic vessel density（MLVD） on the prognosis of patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma（HPSCC） and to develop a nomogram prediction model for prognosis based on pathological characteristics. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinicopathological and follow-up data from HPSCC patients who underwent surgical treatment at our institution between June 2010 and June 2020. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on tumor tissues and adjacent normal margin tissues to evaluate MVD and MLVD. The associations among MVD, MLVD, and clinicopathological features were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors affecting overall survival（OS）. Based on these findings, a nomogram model was constructed and its predictive accuracy was assessed using C-index, receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve, and calibration curve. Results:Both MVD and MLVD were significantly higher in HPSCC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. Patients in the high MVD and high MLVD groups exhibited significantly lower OS rates than those in the low MVD and low MLVD groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that N stage, recurrence, nerve invasion, lymph node capsule invasion, MVD, and MLVD were independent prognostic factors of OS. Based on these factors, a nomogram prognosis model was successfully constructed. The nomograms demonstrated superior performance in terms of C-index, area under the ROC curve, and calibration, outperforming the AJCC TNM staging system. Conclusion:Elevated MVD and MLVD levels are associated with poorer prognosis in HPSCC patients. The nomogram model based on pathological features provides valuable insights for clinical assessment and decision-making.
Humans ; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms/blood supply* ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Microvascular Density ; Nomograms ; Lymphatic Vessels/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/blood supply* ; Microvessels/pathology* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Survival Rate

Fibromyalgia syndrome （FMS） is a refractory， chronic non-articular rheumatic disease characterized by widespread pain throughout the body， for which there are no satisfactory therapeutic drugs or options. There are rich Chinese medical therapies， and some non-drug therapies， such as acupuncture， Tai Chi， and Ba-Duan-Jin， have shown satisfactory efficacy and safety and definite advantages of simultaneously adjusting mind and body. FMS is taken as a disease responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2018. In order to clarify the research progress in FMS and the clinical advantages of TCM/integrated Chinese and Western medicine， the China Academy of Chinese Medicine organized a seminar for nearly 20 experts in Chinese and Western medicine， including rheumatology， psychology， acupuncture and moxibustion， and encephalopathy， with the topic of difficulties in clinical diagnosis and treatment of FMS and advantages of TCM and Western medicine. The recommendations were reached on the difficulties in early diagnosis and solutions of FMS， mitigation of common non-specific symptoms， preferential analgesic therapy， TCM pathogenesis and treatment advantages， and direction of treatment with integrated Chinese and Western medicine. FMS is currently facing the triple dilemma of low early correct diagnosis， poor patient participation， and unsatisfactory benefit from pure Western medicine treatment. To solve the above problems， this paper suggests that rheumatologists should serve as the main diagnostic force of this disease， and they should improve patient participation in treatment decision-making， implement exercise therapy， and fully utilize the holistic and multidimensional features of TCM， which is effective in alleviating pain， improving mood， and decreasing adverse events. In addition， it is suggested that FMS treatment should rely on both TCM and Western medicine and adopt multidisciplinary joint treatment， which is expected to improve the standard of diagnosis and treatment of FMS in China.

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Qinggongtang in regulating Glu/GABA metabolic balance and the mechanism of its anxiolytic effect on rat models of anxiety. MethodFifty-four rats were randomly divided into normal， model， diazepam （0.225 mg·kg^-1）， and low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose groups of Qinggongtang （5.085， 10.17， 20.34 g·kg^-1）， with nine rats in each group. Except for the normal group， the other groups were subjected to indeterminate vacutainer stress and chronic restraint stress for 12 days to prepare the anxiety model. On the 3^rd day of the stress， 10 days of corresponding drug intervention was started. At the end of the drug treatment， the anxiety level of rats in each group was evaluated by the elevated cross maze experiment （EPM） and the light and dark box experiment （LDB）， and the effect of Qinggongtang on the anxiety behavior of rats was preliminarily analyzed. The levels of Glu and GABA in the amygdala tissue of the rats were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the changes in the synaptic ultrastructure of the amygdala of the rats in each group were observed by electron microscopy. The mRNA expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase （GAD65 and GAD67）， glutamine synthetase （GS）， and glutamate transporter-1 （GLT-1） in the amygdala were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and their protein expression was detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with those in the normal group， rats in the model group showed an obvious anxiety state and dull yellow and lusterless fur. They were irritable， easy to anger， and preferred to curl up in the corner. The number of times the EPM entered the open arm and the residence time in the open arm were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， and the residence time in the open box and the number of times the LDB went through the box were significantly reduced （P<0.01）. The content of Glu in the amygdala was increased （P<0.01）， and the content of GABA was reduced （P<0.01）. The value of Glu/GAB was elevated （P<0.01）， and the number of synaptic and pre-synaptic membrane vesicles in the amygdala was decreased. Sparse dense material in the post-synaptic membrane， increased synaptic gap， slightly disrupted internal structure， and decreased mRNA and protein expressions of GAD65， GAD67， GS， and GLT-1 in the amygdala were observed （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， rats in the medium-dose and high-dose groups of Qinggongtang and the diazepam group had bright fur， sensitive reactions， and more active behavior. The number of times EPM entered the open arm and the residence time in the open arm increased significantly （P<0.01）， and the residence time in the open box and the number of times the LDB went through the box increased significantly （P<0.01）. The content of Glu in all-dose groups of Qinggongtang and the diazepam group decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while GABA content increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The value of Glu/GABA decreased （P<0.01）， and the internal and external synaptic structure of each groups of Qinggongtang and the diazepam group was more complete. Synapses and vesicles were numerous， and the synaptic gap was more clearly defined. The efficacy of the high-dose group of Qinggongtang and the diazepam group was the best， and the mRNA and protein expressions of GAD65， GAD67， GS， and GLT-1 in the amygdala were increased in the high-dose group of Qinggongtang and diazepam group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionQinggongtang can improve synaptic plasticity and affect the expression of GAD65， GAD67， GS， and GLT-1 in the amygdala of rats to regulate Glu/GABA metabolic balance and thus exert anxiolytic effects.

Objective To systematically evaluate the effect of speech and language therapies and educational interventions on chil-dren with intellectual and developmental disabilities(IDD). Methods A systematic review was conducted by searching relevant literature in PubMed,PsycINFO,ERIC,Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases,ranging from January,2018 to May,2024. Results A total of eight English articles were included,from six countries including the United States,France,Italy,Nor-way,Poland and New Zealand,involving 610 children with IDD,from journals about speech language pathology,Down syndrome research and speech language hearing research.The publication time was mainly from 2018 to 2023.The age of the subjects was two to twelve years,and the main health conditions included intellectual dis-ability,autism and Down syndrome.The intervention methods included routine speech therapy(individualized therapy and group therapy),augmentative and alternative communication(device-assisted and sign language and picture cards),family-involved language training programs(parent training and family interaction),computer-as-sisted language learning(language learning software and telehealth),and play-based interventions(interactive games and structured games);15 to 150 minutes a time,one to ten times a week,for ten to 144 weeks.The out-comes were reflected in five aspects:increasing the vocabulary in speaking;improving the language comprehen-sion,symbol recognition and vocabulary comprehension;improving both expressive and receptive language skills;improving participation in game diversity and game participation levels,communication,social interaction and interaction skills;and improving overall language and non-verbal communication skills. Conclusion Combining a variety of methods,such as individualized therapy,family participation,technologic assistance and interactive games,speech and language therapies and education are effective on spoken language production,language comprehension,speech production,social interaction and communication skills for children with IDD.

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and mutation spectrum of monogenic diseases in Chinese population through a large-scale,multicenter carrier screening.Methods This study was conducted among a total of 33 104 participants(16 610 females)from 12 clinical centers across China.Carrier status for 223 genes was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing and different PCR methods.Results The overall combined carrier frequency was 55.58%for 197 autosomal genes and 1.84%for 26 X-linked genes in these participants.Among the 16 669 families,874 at-risk couples(5.24%)were identified.Specifically,584 couples(3.50%)were at risk for autosomal genes,306(1.84%)for X-linked genes,and 16 for both autosomal and X-linked genes.The most frequently detected autosomal at-risk genes included GJB2(autosomal recessive deafness type 1A,393 couples),HBA1/HBA2(α-thalassemia,36 couples),PAH(phenylketonuria,14 couples),and SMN1(spinal muscular atrophy,14 couples).The most frequently detected X-linked at-risk genes were G6PD(G6PD deficiency,236 couples),DMD(Duchenne muscular dystrophy,23 couples),and FMR1(fragile X syndrome,17 couples).After excluding GJB2 c.109G>A,the detection rate of at-risk couples was 3.91%(651/16 669),which was lowered to 1.72%(287/16 669)after further excluding G6PD.The theoretical incidence rate of severe monogenic birth defects was approximately 4.35‰(72.5/16 669).Screening for a battery of the top 22 most frequent genes in the at-risk couples could detect over 95%of at-risk couples,while screening for the top 54 genes further increased the detection rate to over 99%.Conclusion This study reveals the carrier frequencies of 223 monogenic genetic disorders in the Chinese population and provides evidence for carrier screening strategy development and panel design tailored to the Chinese population.In carrier testing,genetic counseling for specific genes or gene variants can be challenging,and the couples need to be informed of these difficulties before testing and provided with options for not screening these genes or gene variants.

Objective:Three occupational health risk assessment methods were used to assess the occupational health risk of noise exposed posts in an automobile manufacturing enterprise. According to the results, the selection of risk assessment methods and risk management of such occupational noise enterprises were provided.Methods:Form April to November 2021, The occupational health field survey was carried out in an automobile manufacturing industry in Tianjin. The occupational health MES risk assessment method, occupational health risk index risk assessment method and Australian occupational hazard risk assessment method were used to evaluate the occupational health risk of noise-exposed posts in this enterprise, and the evaluation results of different methods were analyzed and compared.Results:The average value of LAeq, 8 h in the four workshops of automobile manufacturing industry was 82.95 dB (A) , and the noise detection exceeding rate was 22.41% (26/116) . The LAeq, 8h and exceeding rate noise of welding workshop were higher than those of other workshops (χ 2=23.56, 32.94, P<0.01) . The three occupational health risk assessment methods have the same risk assessment results for the four major workshops. The assembly and painting workshops are level 4 risk (possible risk) , and the stamping and welding workshops are level 3 risk (significant risk) . Conclusion:Occupational noise has certain potential hazards to workers in automobile manufacturing enterprises. Therefore, in the future work, corresponding organizational management measures should be taken to improve the working environment and reduce the actual exposure level of workers in order to protect the health of occupational workers.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of the position pillows for neuraxial anesthesia.Methods:This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Four hundred and twelve patients regardless of gender, aged ≥18 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ, who underwent elective surgery under neuraxial anesthesia at Peking University Third Hospital from February to October 2023, were selected and divided into 2 groups ( n=206 each) using a random number table method: pillow group (P group) and control group (C group). Group C underwent the conventional procedure for neuraxial anesthesia. The patients were placed in a position using the position pillow on the basis of oral education before routine anesthesia in group P. The success rate of puncture at first attempt, puncture time and position placement time were recorded. The adjustment of position, body movement and occurrence of discomfort during the puncture were also recorded. The visual analogue scale score was used to evaluate the level of anxiety before positioning, after positioning and after anesthesia. The visual analogue scale score was used to evaluate the patient′s comfort and the operator′s satisfaction with position after the anesthesia was completed. Results:Compared with group C, the time for positioning was significantly shortened, the anxiety level was decreased after positioning and after anesthesia, the rate of improvement in anxiety was increased, the scores for the patient′s comfort and the operator′s satisfaction with position were increased ( P<0.05), and no significant changes were found in the success rate of puncture at first attempt, puncture time and incidence of body movement during the puncture and incidence of the adjustment of position ( P>0.05). No discomfort was observed in either group during the puncture. Conclusions:This new type of position pillows for the neuraxial anesthesia can not only optimize the effect of position placement, but also improve the patients′ comfort.

Objective To establish a method for determining the content of free amino acids and total peptides in Kangfuxin Liquid by HPLC coupled with 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate(AQC)pre-column derivatization,and to evaluate the quality of commercial samples with total peptides as indexes.Methods HPLC separation was performed on Kromasil 100-5 C18 column with mobile phase comprising of 60%acetonitrile(A)and 0.14 mmol·L-1 sodium acetate trihydrate solution(adjusted to pH 5.0 with phosphoric acid)(B)in a gradient elution manner at the flow rate of 1.0 mL·min-1.The column temperature was 39℃.The detection wavelength was 248 nm.Results 14 amino acids(aspartate,glutamic acid,serine,histidine,glycine,arginine,threonine,alanine,proline,valine,lysine,isoleucine,leucine,and phenylalanine)could achieve good separation,and present good linear relationship(r=0.999 5～1.000 0)in the concentration range of 2.0～99.7,3.4～168.5,2.8～139.6,4.0～201.4,4.8～238.1,6.7～336.9,3.3～167.5,9.7～487.3,4.1～202.5,4.4～221.6,5.4～270.5,3.3～166.8,4.8～240.8 and 4.7～236.6 μg·mL-1,respectively.The average recoveries of free amino acids and hydrolyzed amino acids from total peptides were 86.8%～108.1%(n=6)and 83.2%～102.7%(n=6),with RSDs at 2.8%～4.4%and 0.1%～3.1%,respectively.The RSDs of precision,repeatability and stability tests were all lower than 5.0%.Conclusion As compared to ultraviolet spectrophotometry method for the current quality standard,the total amino acids content determined by this method is in consistent to UV.However,this method showed better specificity and reproducibility than UV.When total peptides with biological activity were used as quality control indicators,the pertinence of this method was strengthened.Our study may provide a scientific and reasonable method for the quality control of Kangfuxin Liquid.

AIM:To explore the roles and associations of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha(HNF4A)and mu-protocadherin(MUCDHL)in the kidney of diabetic mice.METHODS:(1)A cohort of six 12-week-old db/m mice and six db/db mice were selected and maintained on a standard diet until 16 weeks.The protein levels of fibronectin(FN),collagen type III(Col-III),E-cadherin,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),HNF4A,Snail and MUCDHL in renal tissues were scrutinized using Western blot.Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to observe the distribution and expres-sion of FN,HNF4A and MUCDHL.(2)Mouse renal tubular epithelial cells(mRTEC)were cultured in vitro and catego-rized into groups:normal glucose(NG)group,high glucose(HG)group,overexpression control groups(NG+vector and HG+vector),overexpression groups(NG+OE-MUCDHL,HG+OE-MUCDHL,NG+OE-HNF4A and HG+OE-HNF4A),knockdown control groups(NG+control and HG+control),and knockdown groups(NG+si-MUCDHL,HG+si-MUCDHL,NG+si-HNF4A and HG+si-HNF4A).The relevant protein levels were also detected by Western blot.RESULTS:(1)In db/db group,elevated body weight,blood glucose and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio(UACR)indicated significant re-nal injury.Compared with db/m group,the mice in db/db group exhibited increased expression of FN,Col-III,α-SMA and Snail,and decreased expression of E-cadherin,HNF4A and MUCDHL.MUCDHL was predominantly expressed in the apical membrane of renal tubular epithelial cells,FN in the tubular mesenchyme,and HNF4A in the plasma and nu-cleus of renal tubular cells.(2)In HG group,there was an up-regulation in the expression of fibrosis-related proteins and a down-regulation in the expression of E-cadherin,HNF4A and MUCDHL compared with NG group.Overexpression of MUCDHL led to a decrease in the expression of FN,Col-III,α-SMA and Snail proteins,an increase in the expression of E-cadherin and MUCDHL proteins,and unaltered expression of HNF4A.Knockdown of MUCDHL resulted in a reversal of the aforementioned effects,with HNF4A expression remaining unaltered.Overexpression of HNF4A led to an increased ex-pression of MUCDHL,and the expression changes of the remaining indicators were consistent with the overexpression of MUCDHL.Knockdown of HNF4A reversed the aforementioned effects.MUCDHL may represent a downstream target gene of HNF4A.CONCLUSION:The diminished expression of HNF4A and MUCDHL in the renal tubules of diabetic mice implies their involvement in the progression of renal fibrosis in diabetic kidney disease(DKD).HNF4A may potentially impede the progression of renal fibrosis in DKD by up-regulating the expression of MUCDHL.