Distribution, risk evaluation, and source allocation of cesium and strontium in surface soil in a mining city.

Radioactive nuclides cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) possess long half-lives, with 135Cs at approximately 2.3 million years and 87Sr at about 49 billion years. Their persistent accumulation can result in long-lasting radioactive contamination of soil ecosystems. This study employed geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (PEPI), health risk assessment model (HRA), and Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the pollution and health risks of Cs and Sr in the surface soil of different functional areas in a typical mining city in China. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was used to elucidate the potential sources of Cs and Sr and the respective contribution rates of natural and anthropogenic sources. The findings indicate that soils in the mining area exhibited significantly higher levels of Cs and Sr pollution compared to smelting factory area, agricultural area, and urban residential area. Strontium did not pose a potential ecological risk in any studied functional area. The non-carcinogenic health risk of Sr to the human body in the study area was relatively low. Because of the lack of parameters for Cs, the potential ecological and human health risks of Cs was not calculated. The primary source of Cs in the soil was identified as the parent material from which the soil developed, while Sr mainly originated from associated contamination caused by mining activities. This research provides data for the control of Cs and Sr pollution in the surface soil of mining city.

Biomimetic microfluidic chips for toxicity assessment of environmental pollutants.

Various types of pollutants widely present in environmental media, including synthetic and natural chemicals, physical pollutants such as radioactive substances, ultraviolet rays, and noise, as well as biological organisms, pose a huge threat to public health. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately and effectively explore the human physiological responses and toxicity mechanisms of pollutants to prevent diseases caused by pollutants. The emerging toxicological testing method biomimetic microfluidic chips (BMCs) exhibit great potential in environmental pollutant toxicity assessment due to their superior biomimetic properties. The BMCs are divided into cell-on-chips and organ-on-chips based on the distinctions in bionic simulation levels. Herein, we first summarize the characteristics, emergence and development history, composition and structure, and application fields of BMCs. Then, with a focus on the toxicity mechanisms of pollutants, we review the applications and advances of the BMCs in the toxicity assessment of physical, chemical, and biological pollutants, respectively, highlighting its potential and development prospects in environmental toxicology testing. Finally, the opportunities and challenges for further use of BMCs are discussed.

Advances in clinical research on ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) emerges as a minimally invasive strategy for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), offering advantages over traditional surgical approaches. RFA employs high-frequency electric currents under precise ultrasound guidance to ablate cancerous tissue. Clinical trials consistently demonstrate RFA's efficacy in tumor control and patient-reported outcomes. However, long-term studies are essential to validate its durability and monitor for potential complications. Collaborative efforts among various medical disciplines ensure procedural accuracy and comprehensive postoperative care. Technological innovations, such as enhanced ultrasound imaging and temperature control, promise to refine RFA's precision and effectiveness. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including the need for standardized protocols and comparative studies with traditional treatments. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, patient selection criteria, and optimization of procedural techniques to solidify RFA's role in PTMC management. RFA presents a promising avenue for PTMC treatment, warranting further investigation and refinement in clinical practice.