Objective To analyze the prevalence status of cardiometabolic risk factor (CMRF) and its aggregation among workers engaged in new forms of employment. Methods A total of 5 429 new employment workers (including couriers, online food delivery workers, and ride hailing drivers) who underwent health medical examinations at a tertiary hospital in Beijing City were selected as the research subjects using the judgment sampling method. Data on waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood lipid levels were collected to analyze their CMRF [central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] and their aggregation (with ≥ 2 of the above 5 risk factors) status. Results The detection rates of central obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, elevated triglycerides, and reduced HDL-C were 61.2%, 38.2%, 29.5%, 40.9% and 22.6%, respectively. The detection rates of CMRF aggregation was 57.8%. The result of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male, age ≥45 years, smoking, overweight, and obesity were risk factors for CMRF aggregation (all P<0.05). Conclusion The detection rate of CMRF and its aggregation among workers with new forms of employment in Beijing City is relatively high. Targeted prevention and control efforts should be strengthened for high-risk populations, especially males, workers aged ≥45 years, smokers, and those who are overweight or obese.

Objective To investigatethe relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and clinicopathological characteristics, p53 expression, and survival of Chinese patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods A total of 3882 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, 970 matched patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and 970 matched patients with gastric cardia adenocarcinoma were included to compare the incidence of GERD symptoms. Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma were divided into two groups according to the presence and absence of GERD symptoms. The differences in clinicopathological characteristics and p53 expression between the two groups were compared by chi-square test, and the differences in survival between the two groups were compared by landmark analysis. Results The incidence of GERD symptoms increased successively in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. In patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, the proportions of male, less than 65 years old, lower thoracic tumors, tumors without squamous cell carcinoma, poorly differentiation, early tumors (stage 0-I), and p53-positive tumors in the group with GERD symptoms were higher than those in the group without GERD symptoms; moreover, the long-term survival (≥15 years) was better. Conclusion GERD symptom is an important clinical sign of esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is closely related to specific clinicopathological characteristics, p53 overexpression, and good long-term prognosis.

Studies have suggested that the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depression; however, the regulatory strategy that targets the NAc to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit has not been elucidated. Here, we identified a specific reduction of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the subset of dopamine D1 receptor medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) in the NAc that promoted stress susceptibility, while the stimulation of cAMP production in NAc D1-MSNs efficiently rescued depression-like behaviors. Ketamine treatment enhanced cAMP both in D1-MSNs and dopamine D2 receptor medium spiny neurons (D2-MSNs) of depressed mice, however, the rapid antidepressant effect of ketamine solely depended on elevating cAMP in NAc D1-MSNs. We discovered that a higher dose of crocin markedly increased cAMP in the NAc and consistently relieved depression 24 h after oral administration, but not a lower dose. The fast onset property of crocin was verified through multicenter studies. Moreover, crocin specifically targeted at D1-MSN cAMP signaling in the NAc to relieve depression and had no effect on D2-MSN. These findings characterize a new strategy to achieve an exclusive and outstanding anti-depression benefit by elevating cAMP in D1-MSNs in the NAc, and provide a potential rapid antidepressant drug candidate, crocin.

ObjectiveTo conduct comprehensive assessment of internal and external cadmium exposure and health risks for Shanghai residents. MethodsCadmium levels in food samples were calculated by employing two dietary exposure assessment methods， total diet study （TDS） and food frequency questionnaire （FFQ）， to estimate the daily dietary cadmium exposure of Shanghai residents. The provisional tolerable monthly intake （PTMI） of cadmium set by joint food and agriculture organization/WHO expert committee on food additives （JECFA） was applied to evaluate the health risk. Differences in dietary and urinary cadmium were compared by rank-sum test among different regions， age， gender， smoking status， and BMI groups， and the association between internal and external cadmium exposure was investigated by correlation analysis. ResultsThe mean value of urinary cadmium for 1 300 respondents was 0.542 μg·L^-1. Urinary cadmium was higher in the population in central urban and urban-rural fringe areas than in the suburban area， higher in the older age group than in the younger age group， and higher in the smoking group than in the non-smoking group （all P<0.01）. The two assessment methods showed that the mean values of daily dietary cadmium exposure for Shanghai residents were 0.306 and 0.090 μg·kg^-1， with 3.69% and 0.85% of Shanghai residents exceeding the PTMI， respectively. Correlation analyses showed that dietary exposure to cadmium based on the FFQ method was positively correlated with the urinary cadmium level when smoking status， age， gender， and BMI were adjusted. ConclusionDietary exposure to cadmium of Shanghai residents is mainly derived from vegetables， aquatic products， cereals and potatoes， and is overall at a low-risk level. Dietary exposure assessment based on FFQ and risk monitoring data can effectively estimate long-term cadmium exposure.

Objective To develop a time-resolved fluorescent immunoassay kit for the rapid,accurate and quantitative detection of S100B protein in serum and to evaluate its performance.Methods The test strip was prepared using time-resolved fluorescent microsphere-labeled anti-S100B polyclonal antibody and rabbit IgG antibody,labeling pads,sample pads,S100B nitrocellulose films and absorbent paper,and an S100B time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay kit was obtained by assembling the cartridge.The performance of the kit developed was evaluated by standard curve,accuracy,minimum detection limit,linear interval,specificity,reproducibility and stability.The reference intervals of 199 pieces of healthy human serum and plasma samples from a certain region were detected with the kit,and the clinical performance of the kit and Roche Elecsys S100 kit was tested by synchronous blind method to assess the consistency of the results of the two kits for 142 samples.Results The S100B time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay kit had the standard curve beingy=(1.133 02+1.752 24)/[1+(x/1.082 20)×(-0.603 52)]-1.752 24,R2=0.999 08 and the linear range being[0.05,30]ng/mL,which met the requirements of the relative deviation of the accuracy within±15％,the minimum detection limit not hgier than 0.05 ng/mL,the relative deviation of specificity within±15％and the coefficient of variation of intra-and inter-batch difference less than 15％.The stability test results indicated that the kit was valid for 12 months at 2-30 ℃ conditions.The reference intervals of serum and plasma samples measured by the kit were both lower than 0.3 ng/mL.Clinical trials showed that the results by the kit and Roche Elecsys S100 Assay Kit were in high agreement(Kappa=0.906 1＞0.80)and met the requirements.Conclusion The kit developed detects the concentration of S100B protein in serum quickly,accurately and quantitatively,and provides references for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases,autoimmune diseases,cerebrovascular diseases and etc.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(1):47-55]

AIM:To investigate the effect of conditioned medium from hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)-treated rat cardiac fibroblasts(CFs)on gap junction between cardiomyocytes and determine whether its mechanism is related to matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2)activity.METHODS:(1)H9c2 cells were randomly divided into five groups:con-trol group,normal group,ARP-100 group,H/R group,and H/R+ARP-100 group.Scrape loading/dye transfer assay was used to assess the gap junction function.Western blot was used to detect the expression and phosphorylation levels of Cx43.Gelatin zymography assay was performed to measure MMP2 activity.(2)SD rats were randomly divided into control group,ARP-100 group,ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)group,and I/R+ARP-100 group,with 8 rats in each group.Micro-electrode array technology was used to record the type and duration of arrhythmia.Immunohistochemistry experiment was performed to assess expression levels and distribution of Cx43 in myocardial tissues.RESULTS:Compared with the con-trol group,the H/R group showed decreased protein expression of Cx43(P＜0.01),narrowed distance of lucifer yellow dif-fusion(P＜0.01),and increased MMP2 activity(P＜0.01).ARP-100 attenuated H/R-induced gap junction dysfunction(P＜0.05).The arrhythmia score was also reduced after perfusion with ARP-100(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:H/R-treated rat CFs can inhibit gap junction between cardiomyocytes,and its mechanism may involve increased MMP2 activity.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of sevoflurane on Ca 2+ transporter expression in cardiomyocytes during right ventricular remodeling in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Methods:Twenty-four clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 200-250 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=6 each) by the random number table method: control group (CM group), sevoflurane group (CS group), monocrotaline group (M group) and sevoflurane + monocrotaline group (S group). Monocrotaline 60 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in group M and group S, and monocrotaline lysate was intraperitoneally injected in group CM. The rats in S and CS groups inhaled 2.5% sevoflurane for 1 h, twice a week, at an interval of 3 days starting from the first day after injection of monocrotaline. Pulmonary artery acceleration time and pulmonary artery ejection time were measured by transthoracic echocardiography at 6 weeks after monocrotaline injection. The chest was exposed under 3% sevoflurane anesthesia, the heart was perfused, and the pulmonary artery branch and right ventricular myocardial tissues were retained. The wall thickness of pulmonary arterioles and cross-section area of right ventricular cardiomyocytes were observed by HE staining. The expression of Ca 2+ transporter in right ventricular cardiomyocytes was detected by Western blot. Results:Compared with CM group, the ratio of pulmonary artery acceleration time to pulmonary artery ejection time was significantly decreased, the cross-section area of right ventricular cardiomyocytes was increased, the wall thickness of pulmonary arteriole was increased, the expression of type 1 sodium-calcium exchange and inositol triphosphate receptor was up-regulated, and the expression of voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel α1C subunit, type 2 ryanodine receptor, sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump 2α and proteinphilin-2 was down-regulated in M group ( P<0.01). Compared with group M, the ratio of pulmonary artery acceleration time to pulmonary artery ejection time was significantly increased, the cross-section area of right ventricular cardiomyocytes was decreased, the wall thickness of pulmonary arteriole was decreased, the expression of type 1 sodium-calcium exchange and inositol triphosphate receptor was down-regulated, and the expression of voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel α1C subunit, type 2 ryanodine receptor, sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium pump 2α and proteinphilin-2 was up-regulated in group S ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The mechanism by which sevoflurane improves right ventricular remodeling is related to regulating the expression of Ca 2+ transporter in cardiomyocytes of rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy of electrolysis of depigmented hair using a trichiasis electrolyzer combined with hair follicle transplantation in the treatment of vitiligo-associated leukotrichia.Methods:Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 25 patients with stable vitiligo-associated leukotrichia in the Department of Dermatologic Surgery, Hangzhou Third People′s Hospital from January 2019 to January 2021. All the patients received electrolysis of depigmented hair using a trichiasis electrolyzer combined with hair follicle transplantation. Outpatient follow-up visits were conducted in the first week, as well as the first, third and sixth months after surgery. The texture and growth status of transplanted hair were observed, and the survival rate of transplanted hair follicles and the proportion of newborn white hair in white hair in the original lesions were recorded.Results:Among the 25 patients with stable vitiligo, there were 14 males and 11 females, and their disease duration ranged from 2 to 15 years, with the average duration being 5.8 years. A total of 30 white patches accompanied by leukotrichia were included, including 9 on the scalp, 7 on the eyebrows and 14 on the eyelashes. One week after surgery, the transplanted hair survived well in all patients, without obvious shedding or local infection. Six months after surgery, repigmentation was observed in most hair in the original lesion area, and only a small amount of white hair grew out, without obvious scarring; the survival rate of transplanted hair follicles was 76.5% ± 10.0%, and the proportion of newborn white hair in white hair in the original lesions was 16.7% ± 7.8%.Conclusion:Electrolysis of depigmented hair using a trichiasis electrolyzer combined with hair follicle transplantation was effective in the treatment of vitiligo-associated leukotrichia, with a simple treatment process and few postoperative complications, which provided a reliable choice for the clinical treatment of vitiligo-associated leukotrichia.

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.

Objective: To find a viable alternative to reduce the number of doses required for the patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to improve efficacy and patient compliance. Methods: In this study, we used ginger oil, a phytochemical with potential therapeutic properties, to prepare ginger oil patches. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the main active component of ginger oil, 6-gingerol. Transdermal absorption experiments were conducted to optimize the various pressure-sensitive adhesives and permeation enhancers, including their type and concentration. Subsequently, the ginger oil patches were optimized and subjected to content determination and property evaluations. A PTSD mouse model was established using the foot-shock method. The therapeutic effect of ginger oil patches on PTSD was assessed through pathological sections, behavioral tests, and the evaluation of biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and melatonin (MT). Results: The results demonstrated that ginger oil patches exerted therapeutic effects against PTSD by inhibiting inflammatory responses and modulating MT and BDNF levels. Pharmacokinetic experiments revealed that ginger oil patches maintained a stable blood drug concentration for at least one day, addressing the rapid metabolism drawback of 6-gingerol and enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions Ginger oil can be prepared as a transdermal drug patch that meets these requirements, and the bioavailability of the prepared patch is better than that of oral administration. It can improve PTSD with good patient compliance and ease of administration. Therefore, it is a promising therapeutic formulation for the treatment of PTSD.