Analysis of the nursing effects of integrated medical and nursing care intervention in correction surgery for children with concealed penis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze and explore the nursing effects of integrated medical and nursing care intervention in correction surgery for children with concealed penis. METHODS: A total of 76 eligible patients with concealed penis were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. The control group received conventional nursing care, while the observation group received integrated medical and nursing care intervention. Outcomes include pain levels, comfort status, incidence of complications, and nursing satisfaction were collected and analyzed to investigate the nursing effects of the integrated medical and nursing care model. RESULTS: After 2/3 days of nursing intervention, the patients in the observation group had significantly lower pain scores (measured by FPS-R) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The patients in the observation group also had significantly higher comfort scores (measured by Kolcabal) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (2.63 vs. 23.68, P < 0.05). Parental satisfaction in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The integrated medical and nursing care intervention in correction surgery for children with concealed penis demonstrated positive nursing effects. It effectively reduced pain, improved comfort, lowered the risk of complications, and increased parental satisfaction. This approach maximizes the role of nursing care and is recommended for clinical implementation.

Association between exposure to a mixture of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (BTEXS) and small airways function: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Lung is one of the primary target organs of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (BTEXS). Small airways dysfunction (SAD) might be a sensitive indicator of early chronic respiratory disease. Here, we explored the relationships between exposure to BTEXS and small airways function, and identified the priority control pollutants in BTEXS mixtures. METHODS: 635 petrochemical workers were recruited. Standard spirometry testing was conducted by physicians. The cumulative exposure dose (CED) of BTEXS for each worker was estimated. The peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25∼75%), and the expiratory flow rate found at 25%, 50%, and 75% of the remaining exhaled vital capacity (MEF25%, MEF50%, and MEF75%) were measured. SAD was also evaluated based on measured parameters. The associations between exposure to BTEXS individuals or mixtures and small airways function were evaluated using generalized linear regression models (GLMs) and quantile g-computation models (qgcomp). Meanwhile, the weights of each homolog in the association were estimated. RESULTS: The median CED of BTEXS are 9.624, 19.306, 24.479, 28.210, and 46.781 mg/m3·years, respectively. A unit increase in ln-transformed styrene CED was associated with a decrease in FEF25∼75% and MEF50% based on GLMs. One quartile increased in BTEXS mixtures (ln-transformed) was significantly associated with a 0.325-standard deviation (SD) [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.464, -0.185] decline in FEF25∼75%, a 0.529-SD (95%CI: -0.691, -0.366) decline in MEF25%, a 0.176-SD (95%CI: -0.335, -0.017) decline in MEF75%, and increase in the risk of abnormal of SAD [risk ratios (95%CI): 1.520 (95%CI: 1.143, 2.020)]. Benzene and styrene were the major chemicals in BTEXS for predicting the overall risk of SAD. CONCLUSION: Our novel findings demonstrate the significant association between exposure to BTEXS mixture and small airways function decline and the potential roles of key homologs (benzene and styrene) in SAD.

Influence of benzene exposure, fat content, and their interactions on erythroid-related hematologic parameters in petrochemical workers: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Ubiquitously distributed benzene is a known hematotoxin. Increasing evidence has suggested that erythroid-related hematologic parameters may be sensitive to benzene exposure. Fat content, which is also closely associated with erythroid-related hematologic parameters, may affect the distribution and/or metabolism of benzene, and eventually benzene-induced toxicity. METHODS: To explore the influence of benzene exposure, fat content, and their interactions on erythroid-related hematologic parameters, we recruited 1669 petrochemical workers and measured their urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) concentration and erythroid-related hematological parameters. Indices for fat content included body fat percentage (BF%), plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG), and occurrence of fatty liver. RESULTS: The dose-response curve revealed U-shaped nonlinear relationships of SPMA with hematocrit (HCT) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (P-overall < 0.001, and P-nonlinear < 0.015), as well as positive linear associations and r-shaped nonlinear relationships of continuous fat content indices with erythroid-related hematological parameters (P-overall ≤0.005). We also observed modification effects of fat content on the associations between benzene exposure and erythroid-related hematological parameters, with workers of lower or higher BF% and TG more sensitive to benzene-induced elevation of MCHC (Pinteraction = 0.021) and benzene-induced decrease of HCT (Pinteraction = 0.050), respectively. We also found that some erythroid-related hematologic parameters differed between subgroups of workers with different SPMA levels and fat content combination. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that benzene exposure, fat content, and their interactions may affect erythroid-related hematological parameters in petrochemical workers in a complex manner that are worthy of further investigation.

[Midline urethral-plate incision followed by Mathieu urethroplasty for repair of distal hypospadias].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of midline urethral-plate incision followed by Mathieu urethroplasty (MUPI-MU) with that of tubularized incised-plate (TIP) urethroplasty in the treatment of distal hypospadias. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical date on 72 cases of distal hypospadias treated in our hospital from August 2016 to January 2019, of which 21 (including 5 cases with a narrow urethral plate, small flat glans and shallow urethral groove) underwent MUPI-MU and the other 51 received TIP urethroplasty. We followed up the patients postoperatively and compared the shape and position of the urethral meatus and incidences of glanular dehiscence, fistula, stenosis and diverticulum between the two groups. RESULTS: After surgery, the urethral meatus was found vertical, slit-like and in a normal anatomical position in 19 cases (90.5%) in the MUPI-MU and 46 cases (90.2%) in the TIP group, with no statistically significant difference in the shape of the urethral meatus between the two groups (P>0.05). The postoperative incidence of fistula was significantly lower in the MUPI-MU than in the TIP group (1 ï¼»4.8%ï¼½ vs 15 ï¼»29.4%ï¼½, P = 0.048), and so was that of meatal stenosis (0 vs 12 ï¼»23.5%ï¼½, P = 0.037), but no statistically insignificant differences were observed between the MUPI-MU and TIP groups in the incidence of either glanular dehiscence (1 ï¼»4.8%ï¼½ vs 2 ï¼»9.8%ï¼½, P>0.05) or diverticulum (1 ï¼»4.8%ï¼½ vs 6 ï¼»11.8%ï¼½, P>0.05). No postoperative complications occurred in the 5 cases with a narrow urethral plate, small flat glans and shallow urethral groove. CONCLUSIONS: MUPI-MU can achieve a normal-looking, vertical, slit-like urethral meatus with a reasonable urethral diameter and minimized incidence of complications, especially applicable to the distal hypospadias patients with a narrow urethral plate, small flat glans and shallow urethral groove.

Down-regulation of miRNA-451a and miRNA-486-5p involved in benzene-induced inhibition on erythroid cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo.

Exposure to high-dose benzene leads to the inhibition of erythroid differentiation. However, whether lower doses of benzene exposure resemble high-dose effects in erythroid differentiation, as well as the underlying mechanisms, remains largely unknown. To identify the microRNAs (miRNAs) specifically responsible for benzene exposure and their regulatory role in erythroid differentiation, we performed miRNA microarray in CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells isolated from human umbilical cord blood after treatment with hydroquinone (HQ), a metabolite of benzene at concentrations of 0, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 µM. As a result, HQ treatment inhibited erythroid differentiation in a dose-response manner. miRNA microarray analysis revealed that miRNA-451a, miRNA-486-5p and miRNA-126-3p expression were significantly lower in HQ-treated CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells. In vitro studies showed that miRNA-451a and miRNA-486-5p were up-regulated during erythroid differentiation both in CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells and K562 cells. The increase in the percentage of benzidine-positive cells and the expression of γ-globin in K562 cells transfected with either miRNA-451a or miRNA-486-5p mimic indicated that both miRNAs played a role in the promotion of erythroid cell differentiation. Overexpression of either miRNA-451a or miRNA-486-5p attenuated the inhibitory effects on erythroid differentiation in HQ-treated K562 cells. In vivo study showed a decreasing count of peripheral red blood cell (RBC) in C57BL/6J male mice treated with aerosol benzene at concentrations of 0, 1, 5, 25 ppm (time weight average, TWA). In addition, the expression of miRNA-451a or miRNA-486-5p was negatively correlated with the concentration of benzene inhalation on erythroid toxicity of C57BL/6J mice. Particularly, the decline in miRNA-451a and miRNA-486-5p expression appeared in male chronic benzene poisoning patients, and was correlated with a constant decrease in their RBC counts over the first 3 months after being diagnosed. These findings indicate that the suppression of miRNA-451a or miRNA-486-5p might be associated with the benzene-induced perturbation of erythroid cell differentiation.

MGMT hypomethylation is associated with DNA damage in workers exposed to low-dose benzene.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effects of low-dose benzene on DNA damage and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) methylation in occupational workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 96 nonsmoking male petrochemical industry workers exposed to low-dose benzene and 100 matched control workers. Urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) and S-benzylmercapturic acid (SBMA) were measured for indicating internal exposure of benzene and toluene. The degree of DNA damage was determined by the Comet assay. The levels of MGMT methylation were detected quantitatively by bisulphite-PCR pyrosequencing assay. RESULTS: The benzene-exposed workers had significantly higher levels of urinary SPMA, degree of DNA damage but decreased MGMT methylation than the controls (all p < 0.05). In contrast, the level of urinary SBMA does not differ between benzene-exposed workers and the controls. In all participants, MGMT methylation was negatively associated with the urinary SPMA and the degree of DNA damage, indicating that epigenetic regulation might be involved in response to low-dose benzene exposure-induced genetic damage. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: MGMT methylation could be a potent biomarker associated with low-dose benzene exposure and benzene-induced DNA damage.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure, miR-146a rs2910164 polymorphism, and heart rate variability in coke oven workers.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to ubiquitous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been associated with decreased heart rate variability (HRV). Evidence accumulates that microRNAs (miRNAs) might be the intermediate factors between environmental exposures and their adverse health effects. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA genes may affect phenotypes and disease morbidity. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the influences of four well-studied SNPs in miRNA genes (rs2910164, rs11614913, rs2292832, and rs3746444) on HRV, and their modifying effects on the associations between PAH exposure and HRV. METHODS: We measured the concentrations of ten urinary monohydroxy PAHs (OH-PAHs), seven HRV parameters, and genotypes of these four SNPs in 1222 coke oven workers. RESULTS: There were significant differences among different rs2910164 genotype carriers in terms of all seven HRV indices: workers with rs2910164 CC genotype had significant lower HRV than those with GG or GC genotype (P<0.05). The number of rs2910164 C allele was negatively associated with HRV indices in the high PAH exposure group (ß<0, P<0.05), and the association between rs2910164 and high-frequency (HF) power was significantly stronger in high exposure group (Pinteraction=0.042). Interestingly, the negative associations between the sum of 10 OH-PAHs and HRV (ß<0, P<0.05) were significantly or marginally significantly stronger in workers with rs2910164 CC genotype (Pinteraction≤0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Coke oven workers with miR-146a rs2910164 CC genotype may be more susceptible to decreased HRV. The modifying effect of rs2910164 on the PAHs-HRV associations suggested miR-146a may mediate the effects of PAH exposure on HRV.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure and lung function decline among coke-oven workers: A four-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate quantitative relationships of urinary PAH metabolites with lung function declines among coke-oven workers. METHODS: We performed a prospective investigation involving 1243 workers with follow-up periods from 2010 to 2014. Their lung function measurements, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), the percentage of predicted FVC (FVC%) and FEV1 (FEV1%), FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75), were detected in both baseline (2010) and follow-up study (2014). We also detected the urinary concentrations of 12 PAH metabolites in the baseline study. The relationships between the baseline urinary PAH metabolites and 4-year lung function declines were analyzed by multivariate linear regressions, with adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS: We found that the baseline concentrations of urinary 1-hydroxynaphthalene (1-OHNa), 2-OHNa, 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-OHFlu), 9-OHFlu, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (1-OHPh), 2-OHPh, and ΣOH-PAHs were significantly associated with accelerated decline in FEV1/FVC [all ß>0 and false discovery rate (FDR) P<0.05]. Additionally, the baseline levels of urinary 1-OHNa, 1-OHPh, 2-OHPh, 9-OHPh, 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), and ΣOH-PAHs were associated with significantly deeper decline in FEF25-75 (all ß>0 and FDR P<0.10). When using backward selection to adjustment for 10 urinary PAH metabolites, the most significant determiner for FEV1/FVC decline was 1-OHNa among nonsmokers and 9-OHFlu among smokers, and the significant determiner for FEF25-75 decline was 9-OHPh among nonsmokers and 1-OHP among smokers. CONCLUSIONS: This longitudinal study revealed that higher baseline exposure levels of PAHs could lead to greater decline in lung function over a 4-year follow-up.

Genome-wide association study identifies a novel susceptibility locus at 12q23.1 for lung squamous cell carcinoma in han chinese.

Adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) are two major histological subtypes of lung cancer. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have made considerable advances in the understanding of lung cancer susceptibility. Obvious heterogeneity has been observed between different histological subtypes of lung cancer, but genetic determinants in specific to lung SqCC have not been systematically investigated. Here, we performed the GWAS analysis specifically for lung SqCC in 833 SqCC cases and 3,094 controls followed by a two-stage replication in additional 2,223 lung SqCC cases and 6,409 controls from Chinese populations. We found that rs12296850 in SLC17A8-NR1H4 gene region at12q23.1 was significantly associated with risk of lung SqCC at genome-wide significance level [additive model: odds ratio (OR) = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.72-0.84, P = 1.19×10(-10)]. Subjects carrying AG or GG genotype had a 26% (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.67-0.81) or 32% (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.56-0.83) decreased risk of lung SqCC, respectively, as compared with AA genotype. However, we did not observe significant association between rs12296850 and risk of lung AC in a total of 4,368 cases with lung AC and 9,486 controls (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.90-1.02, P = 0.173). These results indicate that genetic variations on chromosome 12q23.1 may specifically contribute to lung SqCC susceptibility in Chinese population.

The effects of heavy metals and their interactions with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the oxidative stress among coke-oven workers.

Heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are predominate toxic constituents of particulate air pollution that may be related to the increased risk of cardiopulmonary events. We aim to investigate the effects of the toxic heavy metals (arsenic, As; cadmium, Cd; chromium, Cr; nickel, Ni; and lead, Pb), and their interactions with PAHs on oxidative stress among coke-oven workers. A total of 1333 male workers were recruited in this study. We determined their urinary levels of As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, twelve PAH metabolites, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (8-iso-PGF2α). Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the effects of these metals and their interactions with PAHs on 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2α levels. It was found that only urinary As and Ni showed marginal or significant positive linear dose-dependent effects on 8-OHdG in this study population, especially among smokers (ß=0.103, P=0.073 and ß=0.110, P=0.002, respectively). After stratifying all participants by the quartiles of ΣOH-PAH, all five metals showed linear association with 8-OHdG in the highest quartile subgroup (Q4) of ΣOH-PAHs. However, these five urinary metals showed significantly consistent linear associations with 8-iso-PGF2α in all subjects and each stratum. Urinary ΣOH-PAHs can significant modify the effects of heavy metals on oxidative stress, while co-exposure to both high levels of ΣOH-PAHs and heavy metals render the workers with highest 8-OHdG and 8-iso-PGF2α (all P(interaction)≤0.005). This study showed evidence on the interaction effects of heavy metals and PAHs on increasing the oxidative stress, and these results warrant further investigation in more longitudinal studies.

A Genetic Variant in Pre-miR-146a (rs2910164 C>G) Is Associated with the Decreased Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Chinese Population.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA genes may influence disease susceptibility by altering mature miRNA expression levels. However, the effect of SNPs located in miR-146a and miR-196a2 genes on risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been reported in the Chinese population. Two miRNA polymorphisms located in miRNA genes (miR-146a rs2910164 C>G and miR-196a2 rs11614913 T>C) were genotyped in 722 ACS patients and 721 control subjects. The CG genotype of rs2910164 was significantly associated with decreased risk of ACS [CG vs. CC, odds ratio (OR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55-0.95, P = 0.020; dominant model, OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60-0.99, P = 0.044]. We did not find any association of rs11614913 with the risk of ACS. Stratification analysis showed that the rs2910164 CG genotype was associated with decreased risk of ACS (dominant model) in males, subjects with body mass index more than 24 kg/m(2), and in hypertensive subjects. Significant combined effects were also observed between rs2910164 and blood lipids or C-reactive protein levels. In summary, this study provides the first evidence that the CG genotype of miR-146a rs2910164 is associated with a significantly decreased risk of ACS in a Chinese population. Moreover, rs2910164 and blood lipids or an inflammatory marker may have a combined effect on the onset of ACS. These findings indicate that miR-146a rs2910164 may act as a novel molecular marker for ACS susceptibility.

A genome wide association study of genetic loci that influence tumour biomarkers cancer antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen and α fetoprotein and their associations with cancer risk.

OBJECTIVE: Tumour biomarkers are used as indicators for cancer screening and as predictors for therapeutic responses and prognoses in cancer patients. We aimed to identify genetic loci that influence concentrations of cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and α fetoprotein (AFP), and investigated the associations between the significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with risks of oesophageal squamous cell (OSCC), pancreatic and hepatocellular cancers. DESIGN: We carried out a genome wide association study on plasma CA19-9, CEA and AFP concentrations in 3451 healthy Han Chinese and validated the results in 10 326 individuals. Significant SNPs were further investigated in three case control studies (2031 OSCC cases and 2044 controls; 981 pancreatic cancer cases and 1991 controls; and 348 hepatocellular cancer cases and 359 controls). RESULTS: The analyses showed association peaks on three genetic loci for CA19-9 (FUT6-FUT3 at 19p13.3, FUT2-CA11 at 19q13.3 and B3GNT3 at 19p13.1; p=1.16×10(-13)-3.30×10(-290)); four for CEA (ABO at 9q34.2, FUT6 at 19p13.3, FUT2 at 19q13.3 and FAM3B at 21q22.3; p=3.33×10(-22)-5.81×10(-209)); and two for AFP (AFP at 4q11-q13 and HISPPD2A at 15q15.3; p=3.27×10(-18) and 1.28×10(-14)). These explained 17.14% of the variations in CA19-9, 8.95% in CEA and 0.57% in AFP concentrations. Significant ABO variants were also associated with risk of OSCC and pancreatic cancers, and AFP variants with risk of hepatocellular cancer (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified several loci associated with CA19-9, CEA and AFP concentrations. The ABO variants were associated with risk of OSCC and pancreatic cancers and AFP variants with risk of hepatocellular cancer.

A genome-wide association study for serum bilirubin levels and gene-environment interaction in a Chinese population.

Bilirubin is an effective antioxidant and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple loci affecting serum total bilirubin levels. However, most of the studies were conducted in European populations and little attention has been devoted either to genetic variants associated with direct and indirect bilirubin levels or to the gene-environment interactions on bilirubin levels. In this study, a two-stage GWAS was performed to identify genetic variants associated with all types of bilirubin levels in 10,282 Han Chinese individuals. Gene-environment interactions were further examined. Briefly, two previously reported loci, UGT1A1 on 2q37 (rs6742078 and rs4148323, combined P = 1.44 × 10(-89) and P = 5.05 × 10(-69) , respectively) and SLCO1B3 on 12p12 (rs2417940, combined P = 6.93 × 10(-19) ) were successfully replicated. The two loci explained 9.2% and 0.9% of the total variations of total bilirubin levels, respectively. Ethnic genetic differences were observed between Chinese and European populations. More importantly, a significant interaction was found between rs2417940 in SLCO1B3 gene and smoking on total bilirubin levels (P = 1.99 × 10(-3) ). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2417940 had stronger effects on total bilirubin levels in nonsmokers than in smokers, suggesting that the effects of SLCO1B3 genotype on bilirubin levels were partly dependent on smoking status. Consistent associations and interactions were observed for serum direct and indirect bilirubin levels.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-associated microRNAs and their interactions with the environment: influences on oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation in coke oven workers.

We previously identified five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) and found they were associated with chromosome damage. As oxidative damage is the common contributory cause of various PAHs-related diseases, we further investigated the influences of these miRNAs and their interactions with environmental factors on oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. We measured PAHs internal exposure biomarkers [urinary monohydroxy-PAHs (OH-PAHs) and plasma benzo[a]pyrene-r-7,t-8,t-9,c-10-tetrahydotetrol-albumin (BPDE-Alb) adducts], the expression levels of PAHs-associated plasma miRNAs (miR-24-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-28-5p, and miR-150-5p), and urinary biomarkers of oxidative DNA damage [8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG)] and lipid peroxidation [8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (8-iso-PGF2α)] in 365 healthy male coke oven workers. These miRNAs were associated with a dose-response increase in 8-OH-dG (ß > 0), and with a dose-response decrease in 8-iso-PGF2α (ß < 0), especially in workers with lower PAHs exposure levels, in nonsmokers, and in nondrinkers. These miRNAs interacted antagonistically with ΣOH-PAHs and BPDE-Alb adducts (ßinteraction < 0) and synergistically with drinking status (ßinteraction > 0) to influence 8-OH-dG, while they interacted synergistically with BPDE-Alb adducts (ßinteraction > 0) and antagonistically with smoking status (ßinteraction < 0) to influence 8-iso-PGF2α. Our results suggested that miRNAs and their interactions with environmental factors might be novel mechanisms mediating the effects of PAHs exposure on oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation.

[Analysis on the association of single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of pre-miR-320b-2 with coronary heart disease risk and factors influencing circulating microRNA-320b level].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of rs10916581, a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the promoter region of pre-miR-320b-2, on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk and circulating microRNA-320b (miR-320b) level. To explore potential factors influencing circulating miR-320b level. METHODS: Rs10916581 was genotyped in a case-control study with 1 507 CHD cases and 1 379 age- and sex-frequency-matched controls. The cases were consecutively recruited from 3 hospitals (Tongji Hospital, Union Hospital, and Wugang Hospital) in Wuhan city (Hubei, China) between May 2004 and October 2009 and all the controls resided in Wuhan communities. A subgroup of 174 CHD cases and 181 non-diabetes controls without acute infection were randomly selected and their circulating miR-320b levels were detected using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays. The association of rs10916581 with CHD susceptibility was analyzed with multivariable logistic regression model. Generalized linear regression model was used to explore the associations of rs10916581 and some other factors with circulating miR-320b level. RESULTS: In single-factor logistic regression analysis, no association was found between rs10916581 and CHD risk. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, total triglyceride, total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein (TC/HDL-C), the result did not materially alter(compared with CC genotype, the OR (95%CI) of CHR in the subjects carried CT, TT, CT+TT genotypes were 0.94 (0.76-1.15), 0.99 (0.74-1.33) and 0.95 (0.78-1.16) ). No significant interactions were observed between the conventional risk factors of CHD (age, gender, smoking status, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, CHD family history) and rs10916581 on CHD risk (P > 0.05). Rs10916581 showed no significant association with circulating miR-320b level in cases, controls or total population (ß(95%CI) was -0.028 (-0.495-0.440), 0.250 (-0.226-0.727) and 0.134 (-0.218-0.486) respectively, P > 0.05). However, circulating miR-320b level was negatively associated with BMI (ß (95%CI) was -0.140 (-0.261--0.020), P = 0.022) while positively associated with TC/HDL(ß (95%CI) was 0.620 (0.261-0.979), P = 0.001) in cases, and in total population, its circulating level tended to be lower in diabetes or hypertension patients (ß(95%CI) was -1.025 (-1.696--0.354) and -0.594 (-1.138--0.049) respectively, P = 0.003, 0.033 respectively) and was positively associated with TC/HDL-C (ß(95%CI) was 0.108 (0.027-0.190), P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: The common SNP (rs10916581) in the promoter region of pre-miR-320b-2 might have little contribution to the CHD predisposition in Chinese Han population, and it might not affect circulating miR-320b level. Conventional CHD risk factors (BMI, TC/HDL-C, hypertension and diabetes) might have effects on its circulating level.

[Association between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and elevated serum uric acid levels in coke oven workers].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and serum uric acid levels in coke oven workers and to provide new clues to the pathogenic mechanism of PAHs. METHODS: A total of 1302 coke oven workers were divided into four groups, namely control group and low-, intermediate-, and high-dose exposure groups. The concentrations of ambient PAHs at each workplace were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The detailed information on the occupational history and health of workers was collected by questionnaire survey and physical examination, and so were their blood and urine samples. Serum uric acid and creatinine levels were measured using a Hitachi 7020 automatic biochemical analyzer. Ten urinary PAH metabolites were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Serum uric acid levels were the highest in the high-dose exposure group, followed by the intermediate- and low-dose exposure groups, and were the lowest in the control group. There were significant correlations between serum uric acid levels and the quartiles of 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (P < 0.05). After adjustment for PAH metabolite-related relationship, only urinary 1-hydroxyphenanthrene was significantly correlated with serum uric acid levels (P = 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors and using the 1st quartile of 1-hydroxyphenanthrene as a reference, the odds ratio for hyperuricemia in subjects with the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles of 1-hydroxyphenanthrene were 1.55, 1.57, and 2.35, respectively. CONCLUSION: Urinary 1-hydroxyphenanthrene is associated with a dose-response increase in serum uric acid levels in coke oven workers, and exposure to phenanthrene in PAHs may be a risk factor for hyperuricemia.

Does the presence of blind-ended vas deferens and spermatic vessels in laparoscopic exploration of non-palpable testes conclusively indicate testicular absence?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the presence of blind-ended vas deferens and spermatic vessels (VDSV) during laparoscopic exploration of non-palpable testes (NPT) indicates testicular absence or atrophy. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of patients diagnosed with NPT and treated with surgical intervention at our center from April 2013-April 2023. The dataset encompassed information such as the children's age, affected side, size of the contralateral testis, surgical procedures employed, outcomes, and histopathological examination results. All patients underwent physical examination and ultrasonography preoperatively, followed by a combination of laparoscopic exploration and exploration through inguinal or scrotal incisions during surgery. Long-term follow-up was conducted postoperatively. Results: A total of 476 cases comprising 504 NPT were included in this study: 302 cases on the left side, 146 cases on the right side, and 28 cases bilaterally. All patients underwent surgical treatment within 6-126 months (median 13 months). During laparoscopic exploration, blind-ended VDSV were found in 90 testes (72 on the left side, 18 on the right side), while exploration through inguinal or scrotal incisions revealed 52 (57.8%) testicular nodules with atrophy, which were excised, leaving 38 (42.2%) without any findings. Histopathological examination of atrophic nodules revealed fibrosis as the most common finding in 41 cases (78.8%), followed by involvement of the vas deferens in 33 cases (63.5%), calcification in 24 cases (46.2%), epididymis in 23 cases (44.2%), and hemosiderin deposition in 7 cases (13.6%). Fibrosis, calcification, hemosiderin deposition, involvement of the vas deferens, and epididymis were found in combination in 47 specimens (90.4%). Seminiferous tubules (SNT) were found in 3 specimens (5.7%), and germ cells (GC) were found in 1 specimen (1.9%). Conclusion: The presence of blind-ended VDSV during laparoscopic exploration of NPT does not necessarily indicate testicular absence or disappearance. It is possible that atrophic testicular nodules are located within the inguinal canal or scrotum. This understanding contributes to the management of non-palpable testes. Considering their unpredictable malignant potential, we recommend excision.

Healthy lifestyle and essential metals attenuated association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with heart rate variability in coke oven workers.

Whether adopting healthy lifestyles and maintaining moderate levels of essential metals could attenuate the reduction of heart rate variability (HRV) related to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure are largely unknown. In this study, we measured urinary metals and PAHs as well as HRV, and constructed a healthy lifestyle score in 1267 coke oven workers. Linear regression models were used to explore the association of healthy lifestyle score and essential metals with HRV, and interaction analysis was performed to investigate the potential interaction between healthy lifestyle score, essential metals, and PAHs on HRV. Mean age of the participants was 41.9 years (84.5% male). Per one point higher healthy lifestyle score was associated with a 2.5% (95% CI, 1.0%-3.9%) higher standard deviation of all normal to normal intervals (SDNN), 2.1% (95% CI, 0.5%-3.6%) higher root mean square of successive differences in adjacent NN intervals (r-MSSD), 4.3% (95% CI, 0.4%-8.2%) higher low frequency, 4.4% (95% CI, 0.2%-8.5%) higher high frequency, and 4.4% (95% CI, 1.2%-7.6%) higher total power, respectively. Urinary level of chromium was positively associated with HRV indices, with the corresponding ß (95% CI) (%) was 5.17 (2.84, 7.50) for SDNN, 4.29 (1.74, 6.84) for r-MSSD, 12.26 (6.08, 18.45) for low frequency, 12.61 (5.87, 19.36) for high frequency, and 11.31 (6.19, 16.43) for total power. Additionally, a significant interaction was found between healthy lifestyle score and urinary total hydroxynaphthalene on SDNN (Pinteraction = 0.04), and higher level of urinary chromium could attenuate the adverse effect of total hydroxynaphthalene level on HRV (all Pinteraction <0.05). Findings of our study suggest adopting healthy lifestyle and maintaining a relatively high level of chromium might attenuate the reduction of HRV related to total hydroxynaphthalene exposure.

The effects and potential mechanisms of essential metals on the associations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with blood cell-based inflammation markers.

BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are well-acknowledged pro-inflammatory chemicals, but their associations with blood cell-based inflammatory biomarkers need further investigation. Moreover, the effects and mechanisms of essential metals on PAH-related inflammation remain poorly understood. OBJECTS: To elucidate the associations of PAHs on inflammatory biomarkers, as well as the effects and mechanisms of essential metals on these associations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1388 coke oven workers. We analyzed the modification effects of key essential metal(s) on PAHs-inflammatory biomarkers associations. To explore the possible mechanisms from an inflammation perspective, we performed a bioinformatic analysis on the genes of PAHs and essential metals obtained from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and performed a mediation analysis. RESULTS: We observed associations of PAHs and essential metals with lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) (P < 0.05). PAH mixtures were inversely associated with LMR (ßQGC-index = -0.18, P < 0.001), with 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-Pyr) being the most prominent contributor (weight = 63.37%), whereas a positive association between essential metal mixtures and LMR was observed (ßQGC-index = 0.14, P < 0.001), with tin being the most significant contributor (weight = 51.61%). An inverse association of 1-OH-Pyr with LMR was weakened by increased tin exposure (P < 0.05). The CTD database showed that PAHs and tin compounds co-regulated 22 inflammation-associated genes, but they regulated most genes in opposite directions. Further identified the involvement of oxidative stress and mediation analysis showed that the mediation effect of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) on 1-OH-Pyr-LMR association presented heterogeneity between low and high tin tertile groups (I2 = 37.84%). CONCLUSION: 1-OH-Pyr and tin were significantly associated with LMR. Modification effects indicated that the inverse association of 1-OH-Pyr with LMR was mitigated with an increase in tin. The mediation effect of 8-OHdG on the inverse association of 1-OH-Pyr with LMR may be partially dependent on tin.

Co-exposure of petrochemical workers to noise and mixture of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene: Impact on mild renal impairment and interaction.

Epidemiological evidence concerning effects of simultaneous exposure to noise and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (BTEXS) on renal function remains uncertain. In 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 1160 petrochemical workers in southern China to investigate effects of their co-exposure on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and mild renal impairment (MRI). Noise levels were assessed using cumulative noise exposure (CNE). Urinary biomarkers for BTEXS were quantified. We found the majority of workers had exposure levels to noise and BTEXS below China's occupational exposure limits. CNE, trans, trans-muconic acid (tt-MA), and the sum of mandelic acid and phenylglyoxylic acid (PGMA) were linearly associated with decreased eGFR and increased MRI risk. We observed U-shaped associations for both N-acetyl-S-phenyl-L-cysteine (SPMA) and o-methylhippuric acid (2-MHA) with MRI. In further assessing the joint effect of BTEXS (ß, -0.164 [95% CI, -0.296 to -0.033]) per quartile increase in all BTEXS metabolites on eGFR using quantile g-computation models, we found SPMA, tt-MA, 2-MHA, and PGMA played pivotal roles. Additionally, the risk of MRI associated with tt-MA was more pronounced in workers with lower CNE levels (P = 0.004). Multiplicative interaction analysis revealed antagonisms of CNE and PGMA on MRI risk (P = 0.034). Thus, our findings reveal negative dose-effect associations between noise and BTEXS mixture exposure and renal function in petrochemical workers. With the exception of toluene, benzene, xylene, ethylbenzene, and styrene are all concerning pollutants for renal dysfunction. Effects of benzene, ethylbenzene, and styrene exposure on renal dysfunction were more pronounced in workers with lower CNE.