Objective To establish an individualized nomogram model and evaluate its efficacy to provide a possible evaluation basis for the prognosis of lower third and abdominal part of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Methods Lower third and abdominal part of EAC patients from 2010 to 2015 were chosen from the SEER Research Plus Database (17 Regs, 2022nov sub). The patients were randomly allocated to the training cohort and the internal validation cohort with a ratio of 7∶3 using bootstrap resampling. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to determine significant contributors to overall survival (OS) in EAC patients, which would be elected to construct the nomogram prediction model. C-index, calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were performed to evaluate its efficacy. Finally, the efficacy to evaluate the OS of EAC patients was compared between the nomogram prediction model and TNM staging system. Results In total, 3945 patients with lower third and abdominal part of EAC were enrolled, including 3475 males and 470 females with a median age of 65 (57-72) years. The 2761 patients were allocated to the training cohort and the remaining 1184 patients to the internal validation cohort. In the training and the internal validation cohorts, the C-index of the nomogram model was 0.705 and 0.713, respectively. Meanwhile, the calibration curve also suggested that the nomogram model had a strong capability of predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of EAC patients. The nomogram also had a higher efficacy than the TNM staging system in predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of EAC patients. Conclusion This nomogram prediction model has a high efficiency for predicting OS in the patients with lower third and abdominal part of EAC, which is higher than that of the current TNM staging system.

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: 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 understand the levels and trends of personal doses of occupational external exposure among radiation workers in medical institutions in Huizhou City and to improve radiation protection management. Methods Thermoluminescent dosimetry was employed to monitor the personal doses of occupational external exposure of radiation workers over monitoring cycles spanning three months each. Results From 2019 to 2023, a total of 25 796 monitoring instances were recorded for radiation workers in medical institutions in Huizhou City. Diagnostic radiology workers accounted for the largest proportion of workforce in the occupational categories, followed by interventional radiology workers. The average annual effective dose per person ranged from 0.21 to 0.30 mSv, with an average of 0.26 mSv. The majority of annual effective dose per person was below 1.0 mSv, with no instances exceeding 20 mSv. Among all occupational categories, nuclear medicine workers had the highest average annual effective dose per person at 0.43 mSv, followed by interventional radiology workers at 0.37 mSv. There was a significant difference in the average annual effective dose per person among different occupational categories (P < 0.05), with nuclear medicine and interventional radiology workers having higher doses than workers in diagnostic radiology, dental radiology, and other applications (all P < 0.05). Conclusion The personal dose monitoring results for radiation workers in medical institutions in Huizhou City are at low levels, indicating that the radiation protection in the local medical institutions is sufficient and can effectively protect the occupational health of radiation workers.

Objective:To compare the effects of Feishu(BL13)combined with Tianshu(ST25)and Feishu(BL13)alone on pulmonary function and tissue inflammation in asthma model rats. Methods:Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,a lung treatment group,and a lung-intestine treatment group according to the random number table method,with 12 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,rats in the other three groups were sensitized by ovalbumin followed by atomization stimulation to establish the asthma model.After the model was made successfully,rats in the lung treatment group were treated with acupuncture at bilateral Feishu(BL13)for 30 min;rats in the lung-intestine treatment group were treated with acupuncture at bilateral Feishu(BL13)and Tianshu(ST25)for 15 min,respectively,for 30 min in total.Acupuncture was performed once a day for 14 d.Rats in the other two groups did not receive any intervention.After intervention,the pulmonary function of each group of rats was measured by a pulmonary function tester.The histopathological changes stained by hematoxylin-eosin staining and the collagen deposition degree stained by Masson in lung tissue,as well as the inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)stained by Wright's-Giemsa staining were observed under a light microscope;the levels of interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13,IL-17,IL-25,IL-33,leukotrienes(LT),thymic stromal lymphopoietin(TSLP),and prostaglandin D2(PGD2)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:Compared with the normal group,the peak expiratory flow(PEF),the dynamic lung compliance(Cdyn),the forced expiratory flow 25%(FEF25%),the forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity(FEV1/FVC),and the maximum mid-expiratory flow(MMEF)in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01 or P<0.05);the lung resistance(RL),the collagen deposition,the IL-4,IL-5,IL-13,IL-17,IL-33,LT,TSLP,and PGD2 levels,and the neutrophil proportion in the BALF were increased significantly(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the FEF25%and FEV1/FVC in the pulmonary function were significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05),while the collagen fiber deposition and the levels of IL-4,IL-5,IL-13,IL-17,LT,TSLP,and PGD2 were significantly decreased(P<0.01 or P<0.05)in the lung treatment group;the PEF,FEF25%,and FEV1/FVC in pulmonary function were significantly increased(P<0.01 or P<0.05),while the RL and the collagen fiber deposition,as well as the neutrophil proportion and the levels of IL-4,IL-5,IL-13,IL-17,IL-33,LT,TSLP,and PGD2 in the BALF were significantly decreased(P<0.01 or P<0.05)in the lung-intestine treatment group.Compared with the lung treatment group,the IL-5 level in the rat lung tissue of the lung-intestine treatment group was decreased(P<0.05). Conclusion:Acupuncture in the lung treatment and the lung-intestine treatment groups improved pulmonary function,lung inflammation,and inflammatory cells in the BALF in asthma model rats;the lung-intestine treatment was better than lung treatment in improving the IL-5 level.The combination of Feishu(BL13)and Tianshu(ST25)was superior to Feishu(BL13)alone in the treatment of asthma in trend.

Objective: To examine the changes of depressive and anxiety symptoms in school aged children during home confinement and to identify possible influence of learning and lifestyle behaviors on mental health changes. Methods: The population of this study were obtained from the "Tongji Mental Health Cohort". Two primary schools in Wuhan were selected through cluster sampling and students in grade 2-5 were surveyed. This study was divided into two stages. In the first stage (T1=during home learning), a total of 2 588 valid questionnaires were collected. In the second phase (T2=during school learning), 2 424 children were followed up successfully. Combining the results of the depression and anxiety symptoms of the two surveys of children respectively to classify the children s psychological outcomes. Association between home learning and lifestyle behaviors with the change of psychological symptoms in school aged children were estimated by disordered multi classification Logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms were 28.9% and 21.0% in school aged children at T1, 35.6% and 30.6% at T2, respectively. The aggravation and persistence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in children were partly related to their home learning and lifestyle behaviors. Concentration in class（ OR=0.63，95%CI =0.45-0.89）, frequent interaction with teachers ( OR =0.74, 95% CI = 0.57- 0.95 ), participation in physical exercise at home ( OR =0.60, 95% CI =0.41-0.87) was negatively associated with depressive symptoms in children. Time spent on playing video games ( OR =1.15, 95% CI =1.06-1.24) and fear of infection with coronavirus disease 2019 ( OR =1.83, 95% CI =1.39-2.42) were positively associated with anxiety in children. Boys（ OR=0.70， 0.63 ） were more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety symptoms than girls. Conclusion The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among school aged children increased when they went back to school after home confinement, suggesting more attention are needed for mental health intervention among school aged children.

Objective: To investigate the progression of depressive and anxiety symptoms of children, especially whose parents were frontline workers in the combat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to provide evidence for children s mental health promotion. Methods: In June and December 2020, two surveys were conducted among the children in a primary school in Qiaokou District, Wuhan. The questionnaire included demographic information, student learning conditions, and depressive/anxiety symptoms. Results: A total of 963 children completed both surveys. The detection rate of depressive and anxiety symptoms at follow up was significantly higher than that at the baseline survey (depressive symptoms: OR=1.45, 95%CI =1.16-1.83; anxiety symptoms: OR=1.79, 95%CI =1.41-2.28, P <0.01). There was no statistically significant change in depressive/anxiety symptoms among children whose parents were frontline workers compared with those whose parents were not( P >0.05). Girls, lower learning efficiency, and less interaction with teachers in class were risk factors for depressive or anxiety symptoms of children( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion Mental health status of children requires continuous attention. Moreover, timely psychological protection should be given to prevent the occurrence of psychological problems and the further deterioration of psychological problems.

Objective: To determine the association between physical health fitness with Chinese reading ability of schoolaged children, so as to provide evidence for improving children s reading ability. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1 923 school aged children in grades 2-6 in a primary school in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The questionnaire included basic demographic information and Dyslexia Checklist for Chinese Children and the Pupil Rating Scale Revised Screening. At the same time, participants underwent physical fitness tests which included an assessment of height, weight, and lung capacity, as well as a 50 meter run, sit forward bend, one minute skipping rope task, sit ups, and a 50 × 8 round trip. Results: A total of 59 children were identified with dyslexia. Normal children achieved higher scores than children with dyslexia in the total physical health score, as well as the one minute skipping rope score, one minute sit up score, and sitting forward score ( P <0.05). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the reading ability of girls was higher than that of boys ( β =-3.04, P <0.01), and the children who regularly participated in more intense physical activity and who had higher fitness scores had a higher reading ability ( β =-1.68, -0.08, P <0.01). Children s reading ability increased significantly with parental educational level( P <0.05). Conclusion Gender, parents education level, physical exercise intensity, and children s physical fitness were identified as influencing factors of school age children s reading ability. A positive correlation was found between children s physical health level and reading ability.

Abstract Children were vulnerable groups in major public health emergencies. In 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was widespread in the world. The mental health of school age children has become a worldwide concern. Herein, we conducted this review to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of general children and special children with a high risk of psychological problems, focusing on the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder among school age children in different countries and regions during the COVID-19 epidemic. Considering the susceptibility between individuals and the accessibility of social resources, we further explored the child, family, and social related factors affecting the mental health of school age children. Finally, some suggestions on the construction of children s mental health service system in major public health emergencies were put forward at the national, school family community, and individual levels. Building a safe and reliable child mental health protection network required the joint efforts of all sectors of society.