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.

BACKGROUND:Inflammation is one of the important factors that induce cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.Studies have shown that electroacupuncture can effectively reduce inflammation after ischemic stroke and improve the symptoms of neurological deficits,but the mechanism is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS:Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group and electroacupuncture group,with 16 rats in each group.The rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was prepared by middle cerebral artery occlusion.At 24 hours after modeling,the rats in the electroacupuncture group were treated with electroacupuncture,once a day,20 minutes each time,for a total of 5 days.The sham operation group and the model group did not do any intervention.After 5 days of intervention,Longa method was used to evaluate the degree of neurological injury in rats.Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to measure the volume of cerebral infarction and the pathological changes of brain tissue in rats.Serum interleukin-6,interleukin-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α were detected by ELISA.Expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB in the cerebral cortex at mRNA and protein levels were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the sham operation group,the neurological function scores,serum interleukin-6,interleukin-18,and tumor necrosis factor-α levels,Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in the model group(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,electroacupuncture significantly reduced the neurological function scores,serum interleukin-6,interleukin-18,and tumor necrosis factor-α levels,Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κB mRNA and protein expression levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the sham operation group,the volume of cerebral infarction in the model group increased significantly(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the volume of cerebral infarction in the electroacupuncture group decreased(P＜0.05).In the model group,the arrangement of neurons was disordered,some nerve cells disappeared,nuclei presented with pyknosis and incomplete structure.After electroacupuncture intervention,the degree of neuronal degeneration and neuronal loss in the cerebral cortex of rats were reduced compared with those in the model group.To conclude,electroacupuncture can significantly improve the neurobehavior of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury,reduce brain tissue injury,and effectively reduce the level of serum inflammatory factors.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND:Pulsed electromagnetic fields,as an important physical therapy,are exactly effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis,but the mechanism has not been fully clarified. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on the degeneration of knee joint cartilage in aged rats. METHODS:Eight 6-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were selected as the young group and were subjected to normal diet with no treatment.Sixteen 22-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into old group(n=8)and pulsed electromagnetic field group(n=8).The rats in the pulsed electromagnetic field group were subjected to a pulsed electromagnetic field intervention,once a day,5 days per week for continuous 8 weeks.The rats in the old group were given no treatment.All rats were anesthetized and executed after 8 weeks for the detection of relevant indexes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the young group,serum type Ⅱ collagen C-terminal peptide level was increased in the old group(P<0.05);compared with the old group,serum type Ⅱ collagen C-terminal peptide level was decreased in the pulsed electromagnetic field group(P<0.05).Micro-CT showed that the bone volume fraction,bone mineral density,and number of bone trabeculae decreased(P<0.05)and the trabecular separation increased(P<0.05)in the tibia of rats in the aged group compared with the young group;and the bone volume fraction,bone density,and number of trabeculae increased(P<0.05)and the trabecular separation decreased(P<0.05)in the tibia of rats in the pulsed electromagnetic field group compared with the aged group.The tibial plateau Safranin O-fast green staining showed that the articular cartilage structure of rats in the aged group was disorganized,and the number of chondrocytes was obviously reduced,and the tidal line could not be distinguished.The above results were improved in the pulsed electromagnetic field group.RT-qPCR and western blot assay showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 1,matrix metalloproteinase 13,P53 and P21 in the articular cartilage and subchondral bone of rats were elevated in the aged group compared with the young group(P<0.05)and decreased in the pulsed electromagnetic field group compared with the old group(P<0.05).To conclude,pulsed electromagnetic fields may improve osteoarthritis in aged rats by inhibiting chondrocyte senescence,alleviating articular cartilage degradation and inhibiting subchondral bone osteoporosis through suppressing the expression of P53/P21.

Objective To understand the cognition status of medical scientific research ethics review norms among physicians in tertiary hospitals and the factors influencing their awareness.Methods A survey was conducted using a questionnaire.A total of 2 067 questionnaires were distributed to physicians in tertiary hospitals in Henan Province,with an effective response rate of 81.95％.Results(1)Physicians'awareness rate of Regulations on Ethical Review of Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects reached 69.01％,while that of Opinions on Strengthening Ethical Governance in Science and Technology was only 34.30％.A total of 310 respondents were aware of all six medical research ethics-related regulations.(2)1 153 respondents were familiar with all four basic principles of medical ethics.(3)78.98％of physicians had received training in medical research ethics knowledge.Learning through medical school and special lectures made it easier for physicians to understand medical research ethics knowledge(P＜0.05).(4)The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that educational level,membership in an ethics committee,and receipt of ethics training significantly influenced physicians'understanding of medical research ethics knowledge(P＜0.05).Conclusion Physicians have low awareness of newly issued medical research ethics review norms,targeted training is needed to enhance physicians'research ethics literacy.

Objective To explore the effectiveness of FOCUS-PDCA(find,organise,clarify,understand,select,plan,do,check and act)mode in prevention and treatment of incontinence-associated dermatitis(IAD)in emergency intensive care unit(EICU),and to reduce the incidence of IAD.Methods A pre-post control study design was employed in this study.Inpatients admitted to the EICU of the hospital between 1st January and 31st December 2022 were enrolled as study subjects.A total of 169 patients in EICU between January and June 2022 were assigned as a control group,while 197 patients in EICU between July and December 2022 as an trial group.Patients in the control group received conventional quality management,while those in the trial group were treated with the FOCUS-PDCA mode.The two groups were compared in terms of incidence of IAD,the knowledge,trust and behaviour scores of the nurses,and satisfaction from the communications with nurses before and after implementation of the FOCUS-PDCA mode.Results All patients in the two groups had completed the study.Following the implementation of FOCUS-PDCA mode,patients in the trial group exhibited a significantly decrease in incidence of IAD from 10.06%(trial group)to 1.52%(control group),significant increase of scores on the IAD knowledge,behaviour and satisfaction from communications with the nurses,from(36.07±3.98),(16.56±2.15)and(25.15±5.21),to(38.59±3.72),(18.07±1.66),and(30.67±5.84),respectively(all P<0.05).Conclusion FOCUS-PDCA mode can effectively decrease the incidence of IAD,enhance the IAD knowledge and behaviour of nurses and gain satisfactions from communication with nursing staff and clinical quality,thereby improving therapeutic outcomes.

Objective To analyze the thyroid hormone levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods A total of 121 patients with AIS were selected, and were divided into NVAF group (AIS patients with NVAF) and control group (AIS patients without atrial fibrillation). Serum levels of triiodothyronine (T₃), free triiodothyronine (FT₃), thyroxine (T₄), free thyroxine (FT₄) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in two groups were measured and compared. The survival of the two groups was compared. Results The serum T₃ level in the NVAF group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in serum FT₃, T₄, FT₄ and TSH levels between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in survival between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion NVAF is associated with serum T₃ levels in AIS patients. There is no correlation between the risk of death and NVAF in AIS patients.

Background The threshold limit values (TLVs) established and regularly updated by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) are widely adopted and referenced globally, serving as a crucial reference for China's occupational exposure limits (OELs). It is necessary to track it regularly and compare it with China's OELs. Objective To compare the OELs stipulated in Occupational exposure limits for hazardous agents in the workplace—Part 1: Chemical hazardous agents (GBZ 2.1—2019) and the ACGIH TLVs (2024) and to provide references for subsequent formulation and revision of OELs in China. Methods The OELs specified in GBZ 2.1—2019 and the TLVs issued by ACGIH were used to establish a database using Microsoft Excel 2019 software. Cross verification was conducted through matching Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS Rn) and both Chinese and English names to ensure accuracy. Then, comparisons and analyses were carried out based on the type of limit values, which were matched as follows: permissible concentration-time weighted average (PC-TWA) with threshold limit value-time weighted average (TLV-TWA), permissible concentration-short term exposure limit (PC-STEL) with threshold limit value-short term exposure limit (TLV-STEL), and maximum allowable concentration (MAC) with threshold limit value-ceiling (TLV-C). Comparisons included types, quantities, and sizes of limits. Results The GBZ 2.1—2019 OELs and the ACGIH TLVs (2024) were generally consistent in terms of types and definitions, but there were differences in the number and size of the limits. In terms of the number of limits, GBZ 2.1—2019 specified 365 OELs for 358 chemical hazardous agents, while ACGIH TLVs (2024) included 316 corresponding limits. Among these, 148 (46.9%) limits were consistent, 38 (12.0%) were basically consistent, and 130 (41.1%) were inconsistent. In terms of the size of the limits, out of the 130 inconsistent limits, 51 OELs were lower than the corresponding TLVs, 67 OELs were higher than the corresponding TLVs, and 12 were under different limit types. For some chemical hazardous agents, their OELs were significantly lower or higher than their TLVs. Conclusion Some of the OELs for chemical hazardous agents specified in GBZ 2.1—2019 are significantly lower or higher than the TLVs. For these chemical hazardous factors, it is recommended to prioritize their inclusion in research projects and to complete the revisions as soon as possible based on the latest scientific evidence.

Objective To understand the cognition status of medical scientific research ethics review norms among physicians in tertiary hospitals and the factors influencing their awareness.Methods A survey was conducted using a questionnaire.A total of 2 067 questionnaires were distributed to physicians in tertiary hospitals in Henan Province,with an effective response rate of 81.95％.Results(1)Physicians'awareness rate of Regulations on Ethical Review of Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects reached 69.01％,while that of Opinions on Strengthening Ethical Governance in Science and Technology was only 34.30％.A total of 310 respondents were aware of all six medical research ethics-related regulations.(2)1 153 respondents were familiar with all four basic principles of medical ethics.(3)78.98％of physicians had received training in medical research ethics knowledge.Learning through medical school and special lectures made it easier for physicians to understand medical research ethics knowledge(P＜0.05).(4)The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that educational level,membership in an ethics committee,and receipt of ethics training significantly influenced physicians'understanding of medical research ethics knowledge(P＜0.05).Conclusion Physicians have low awareness of newly issued medical research ethics review norms,targeted training is needed to enhance physicians'research ethics literacy.

Objective To understand the cognition status of medical scientific research ethics review norms among physicians in tertiary hospitals and the factors influencing their awareness.Methods A survey was conducted using a questionnaire.A total of 2 067 questionnaires were distributed to physicians in tertiary hospitals in Henan Province,with an effective response rate of 81.95％.Results(1)Physicians'awareness rate of Regulations on Ethical Review of Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects reached 69.01％,while that of Opinions on Strengthening Ethical Governance in Science and Technology was only 34.30％.A total of 310 respondents were aware of all six medical research ethics-related regulations.(2)1 153 respondents were familiar with all four basic principles of medical ethics.(3)78.98％of physicians had received training in medical research ethics knowledge.Learning through medical school and special lectures made it easier for physicians to understand medical research ethics knowledge(P＜0.05).(4)The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that educational level,membership in an ethics committee,and receipt of ethics training significantly influenced physicians'understanding of medical research ethics knowledge(P＜0.05).Conclusion Physicians have low awareness of newly issued medical research ethics review norms,targeted training is needed to enhance physicians'research ethics literacy.

Objective To understand the cognition status of medical scientific research ethics review norms among physicians in tertiary hospitals and the factors influencing their awareness.Methods A survey was conducted using a questionnaire.A total of 2 067 questionnaires were distributed to physicians in tertiary hospitals in Henan Province,with an effective response rate of 81.95％.Results(1)Physicians'awareness rate of Regulations on Ethical Review of Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects reached 69.01％,while that of Opinions on Strengthening Ethical Governance in Science and Technology was only 34.30％.A total of 310 respondents were aware of all six medical research ethics-related regulations.(2)1 153 respondents were familiar with all four basic principles of medical ethics.(3)78.98％of physicians had received training in medical research ethics knowledge.Learning through medical school and special lectures made it easier for physicians to understand medical research ethics knowledge(P＜0.05).(4)The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that educational level,membership in an ethics committee,and receipt of ethics training significantly influenced physicians'understanding of medical research ethics knowledge(P＜0.05).Conclusion Physicians have low awareness of newly issued medical research ethics review norms,targeted training is needed to enhance physicians'research ethics literacy.