Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background Air pollution remains a critical public health issue, with persistent exposure to air pollutants continuing to pose significant health risks. Currently, research investigating the association between air pollution and myocardial infarction mortality in Shenzhen remains inadequate. Objective To quantitatively assess the association between air pollutants and myocardial infarction mortality in residents. Methods Based on the mortality surveillance system of Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, we conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study of 10089 permanent residents who died from myocardial infarction in Shenzhen between 2013 and 2022. Using residential address information, we obtained individual-level exposure data for air pollutants from the China High Air Pollutants dataset and meteorological factors from the China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System. A time-stratified case-crossover study design was employed to construct a conditional logistic regression model to assess the association between short-term exposure to air pollutants and myocardial infarction mortality. The exposure-response relationship was visualized, and a comprehensive health risk assessment was performed. Results This study included a total of 10 089 cases of myocardial infarction deaths in Shenzhen. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O₃) in Shenzhen from 2013 to 2022 were 24.59 (20.19) μg·m⁻³, 42.85 (28.42) μg·m⁻³, 8.53 (3.39) μg·m⁻³, 29.47 (13.56) μg·m⁻³, 0.77 (0.27) mg·m⁻³, and 86.53 (51.39) μg·m⁻³, respectively. The moving average concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ over the current day and the previous 2 days (lag02) showed the highest risk of myocardial infarction mortality, with an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 1.004 (1.001, 1.007) and 1.004 (1.002, 1.006), respectively. At lag05, SO₂ demonstrated the strongest association with the risk of myocardial infarction mortality, with an OR (95%CI) of 1.042 (1.019, 1.065). The exposure-response relationships of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and SO₂ with myocardial infarction mortality were approximately linear, whereas NO₂ exhibited a nonlinear relationship. At lag05, the highest risk of myocardial infarction mortality associated with NO₂ exposure was observed when the NO₂ concentration was ≤21.92 μg·m⁻³, with an OR (95% CI) of 1.024 (1.003, 1.046). The health risk assessment indicated that, using the WHO Air Quality Guidelines as the reference, the local PM_2.5 and NO₂ exposure led to an excess mortality of 398 and 298 cases, respectively. The sensitivity analysis revealed that after adjusting for O₃ and restricting the study period to 2013—2019, the effect estimates for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂ on myocardial infarction mortality slightly increased. Conclusion Short-term exposure to air pollutants, including PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂, could increase the risk of myocardial infarction mortality. This study provides important scientific evidence for environmental health risk assessment and environmental management in Shenzhen.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Objective To investigate the effects of low-dose ionizing radiation on the thyroid status and hormone levels of radiation workers. Methods Radiation workers who underwent occupational health examinations at a hospital in Guangzhou from 2015 to 2022 were selected as the subjects of this study. The levels of FT3, FT4 and TSH were analyzed, and the thyroid abnormality status of radiation workers in different groups were compared. Results A total of 1152 participants were included in this study, consisting of 885 (76.82%) males and 267 (23.18%) females, with an average age of (35.26 ± 10.16) years. The prevalence of thyroid abnormalities was 9.38%, which was significantly higher in females (13.86%) than in males (8.02%) (P < 0.05). The TSH level of females [(2.15 ± 1.29) mIU/L] was higher than that of males [(1.85 ± 1.20) mIU/L], while the levels of FT3 [(5.10 ± 0.64) pmol/L] and FT4 [(15.84 ± 2.32) pmol/L] in females were lower than those in males [(5.23 ± 0.63) pmol/L and (16.61 ± 2.75) pmol/L, P < 0.05]. The FT3 of industrial workers [(5.25 ± 0.63) pmol/L] was higher than that of medical workers [(5.10 ± 0.63) pmol/L], while the TSH of industrial workers [(1.80 ± 1.12) mIU/L] was lower than that of medical workers [(2.15 ± 1.37) mIU/L]. FT4 levels decreased with increasing age and duration of occupational exposure. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that sex was a significant independent predictor of thyroid abnormalities among radiation workers. Female workers were more likely to experience thyroid abnormalities (β = −0.62, P < 0.05). Conclusion Low-dose ionizing radiation may have a certain impact on the thyroid status of radiation workers, especially for female workers, which requires further attention and research.

Tumor cells use glycolysis to provide material and energy under hypoxic conditions to meet the energy requirements for rapid growth and proliferation， namely the Warburg effect. Even under aerobic conditions， tumor cells mainly rely on glycolysis to provide energy. Therefore， glucose transporter protein 1（GLUT1）， which is involved in the process of glucose metabolism， plays an important role in tumorigenesis， development and drug resistance， and is considered to be one of the important targets in the treatment of malignant tumors. In recent years， research on tumor glucose metabolism has gradually become a hot spot. It has been shown that various factors are involved in the regulation of tumor energy metabolism， among which the role of GLUT1 is the most critical. In this paper， the authors reviewed the latest research progress of GLUT1-targeted traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） active ingredient nano-delivery system in tumor therapy， aiming to reveal the feasibility and effectiveness of this system in the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. The GLUT1-targeted TCM active ingredient nano-delivery system can overcome the bottleneck of the traditional targeting strategy as well as the high-permeability long retention（EPR） effect. In summary， the authors believe that the GLUT1-targeted TCM active ingredient nano-delivery system provides a new strategy for targeted treatment of tumors and has a broad application prospect in tumor prevention and treatment.

AIM: To study the effect of intense pulsed light(IPL)combined with meibomian gland massage on postoperative dry eye in cataract patients with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD).METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the general data of 100 patients(100 eyes)with cataract and postoperative dry eye syndrome accompanied by MGD treated in our hospital from June 2022 to June 2023. They were divided into a control group(n=50)and an observation group(n=50)according to different treatment methods, and received meibomian gland massage and meibomian gland massage combined with IPL treatment, respectively. The tear film break-up time(BUT), Schirmer I test(S I t), meibomian gland secretion score, ocular surface disease index(OSDI), ocular staining score(OSS), and treatment efficacy of the two groups of patients were compared before treatment and at 1 wk and 1 and 3 mo after treatment.RESULTS: The BUT and SIt in both groups after treatment were higher than those before treatment, while the secretion of meibomian gland, OSS score, and OSDI score were lower than those before treatment(all P<0.05); the observation group had higher levels of BUT and SIT at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo compared to the control group(all P<0.05), and lower levels of meibomian gland secretion, OSS score, and OSDI score compared to the control group(all P<0.05); the effective rate of treatment in the observation group was 86.0%, which was higher than that in the control group(68.0%; P<0.05).CONCLUSION: IPL combined with meibomian gland massage for treating postoperative dry eye in cataract patients with MGD can promote the extension of BUT, increase tear secretion, and reduce OSS and OSDI scores.

Objective To observe the effects of folic acid(FA)supplementation on the expression of Flotillin-1 and β-amyloid protein(Aβ)-metabolism-related proteins in the brains of inflammation-stimulated Alzheimer's disease(AD)mice.Methods Twenty-seven 6-month-old male APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into AD,AD+LPS,and AD+LPS+FA groups,with nine mice in each group.Nine C57BL/6J male mice born within the same month were used as the Control group.The AD+LPS+FA group was given folic-acid-supplemented feed(8 mg/kg)for 3 months of intervention,while the other three groups were fed normal feed.Lipopolysaccharide solution(LPS,250 μg/(kg·d))was injected intraperitoneally into mice in the AD+LPS and AD+LPS+FA groups 1 week before the end of the experiment,and saline was injected into the remaining two groups.The serum inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 levels and brain tissue Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 levels of mice in each group were detected by ELISA.Flotillin-1 protein expression in brain tissue was detected using Western blot,and the co-expression of Flotillin-1 and Aβ1-42/APP/PS1/BACE1 in the cortical region of the brain was detected via immunofluorescence double-labeling.Results After ANOVA analysis,we found mice in the AD group had elevated serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels(P＜0.05),elevated levels of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42(P＜0.05),increased expression of Flotillin-1 protein(P＜0.05),and increased co-expression of Flotillin-1 and Aβ1-42/APP/PS1/BACE1 in the cortical brain tissue(P＜0.05)compared with the Control group.Compared with mice in the AD group,those in the AD+LPS group had further increases in serum inflammatory factors and Aβ levels in the brain(P＜0.05)and increased co-expression of Flotillin-1 and Aβ1-42/APP/BACE1 double-labeled proteins in their cortical brain tissue(P＜0.05).Compared with mice in the AD+LPS group,those in the AD+LPS+FA group had lower in vivo inflammation levels and Aβ content in the brain(P＜0.05),lower brain tissue Flotillin-1 protein expression(P＜0.05),and lower Flotillin-1 and Aβ1-42/APP/PS1/BACE1 protein co-expression in cortical brain tissue(P＜0.05).Conclusions Folic acid supplementation may reduce Flotillin-1 protein expression and Aβ deposition in the brain of AD inflammatory mice.

Objective To study the effects of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block(QLB)on intraoperative hemodynamics and opioid dosage in emergency patients with ectopic pregnancy.Methods A total of 70 patients with ectopic pregnancy undergoing laparoscopic surgery in Langfang People's Hospital from January 2021 to February 2024 were selected as subjects.According to the different anesthesia methods,the patients were divided into the control group and the study group,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was given general anesthesia,while the study group additionally added ultrasound-guided QLB.The intraoperative sedation effect,hemodynamics,postoperative pain,incidence of adverse reactions and opioid use at different times(admission,entry,intubation,skin incision,extubation,and discharge)were observed in the two groups.Results There were no statistically significant differences in the onset time of sedation,the rate of salvage sedation,the incidence of intraoperative body movements,the modified observer's assessment of alert/sedation(MOAA/S)at each time,and the hemodynamics at the time of admission,entry and intubation between the two groups.The mean arterial pressure(MAP),systolic blood pressure(SBP)and heart rate(HR)in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group during skin incision,extubation and discharge[skin incision:MAP(mmHg,1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa)was 85.24±4.59 vs.96.95±4.68,SBP(mmHg)was 92.24±4.85 vs.99.49±5.13,HR(times/min)was 85.33±2.96 vs.94.51±2.92;extubation:MAP(mmHg)was 94.84±5.02 vs.102.05±5.13,SBP(mmHg)was 96.48±4.72 vs.105.03±5.07,HR(times/min)was 95.51±4.95 vs.102.49±5.87;discharge:MAP(mmHg)was 86.14±4.99 vs.93.71±5.25,SBP(mmHg)was 96.48±4.69 vs.104.37±5.02,HR(times/min)was 84.05±4.57 vs.90.51±4.86,all P<0.05]and pulse oxygen saturation(SpO2)was higher than those in the control group(skin incision:0.988 5±0.012 2 vs.0.965 4±0.012 3,extubation:0.974 7±0.012 4 vs.0.963 2±0.012 1,discharge:0.981 1±0.012 4 vs.0.970 3±0.012 3,all P<0.05).The resting numeric rating scale(NRS)scores and active NRS scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group at 3,6,12,and 24 hours after surgery,the random time was prolonged,the resting NRS and active NRS in the two groups gradually increased,reaching a peak at 24 hours after surgery,and the resting NRS and active NRS in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group(resting NRS:3.86±0.82 vs.4.53±1.04,active NRS:4.26±1.05 vs.4.85±1.13,all P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower than that in the control group[11.43%(4/35)vs.34.29%(12/35),P<0.05].The dosage of Sufentanil in 24 hours and 48 hours,the number of analgesic pump in 48 hours and the number of relief analgesia cases in the study group were lower than those in the control group[the dosage of Sufentanil in 24 hours(μg):23.28±4.02 vs.36.14±4.57,the dosage of Sufentanil in 48 hours(μg):41.61±4.82 vs.59.33±6.25,the number of analgesic pump in 48 hours(times):2.94±1.22 vs.6.15±1.71,the proportion of relief analgesia:8.57%(3/35)vs.28.57%(10/35),all P<0.05].Conclusion Ultrasound-guided QLB can reduce hemodynamic fluctuations,relieve postoperative pain,reduce adverse reactions and opioid use in emergency patients with ectopic pregnancy,demonstrating a positive impact.

Objective To observe the effect of quadratus lumborum block(QLB)anesthesia on intraoperative blood gas indexes and postoperative recovery in female uremic patients with peritoneal dialysis catheterization.Methods A total of 70 female uremic patients with peritoneal dialysis catheterization admitted to Langfang People's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected as the research objects.According to the random number table method,they were divided into the control group and the study group,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was given conventional local infiltration anesthesia,whereas the study group was given QLB anesthesia.The changes of mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR),blood gas indexes[pulse oxygen saturation(SpO2),arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO2)]and numeric rating scale(NRS)score,at different points pain factors[5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),substance P(SP),norepinephrine(NE)]before operation and 24 hours after operation,postoperative recovery(time to get out of bed for the first time,exhaust time,length of hospital stay)and adverse reactions were observed in the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in MAP,HR,blood gas index and NRS score between the two groups at the admission.The MAP,HR,PaCO2 in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group during skin incision,rectus abdominis separation,catheterization,suture,and leaving the room,and SpO2 was significantly higher than that in the control group,and NRS score in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group during skin incision,rectus abdominis separation,catheterization,suture(all P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the levels of 5-HT,SP and NE between the two groups before operation,but the levels of 5-HT,SP and NE at 24 hours after operation were significantly higher than those before operation,but the levels of 5-HT,SP and NE in the study group were lower than those in the control group.The first ambulation time,exhaust time and hospitalization time in the study group were significantly shorter than those in the control group(all P<0.05).The incidence of nausea and vomiting,constipation,pruritus,dizziness and other adverse reactions in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion QLB can reduce the fluctuation of intraoperative blood gas indexes in female uremic patients with peritoneal dialysis catheter,relieve postoperative pain,reduce the level of pain factors and reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions,and has a good effect on promoting postoperative recovery of patients.