Objective: To investigate the trends in incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2022, so as to provide a basis for optimizing comprehensive regional prevention and control strategies. Methods: Data on incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in Nantong City from 2013 to 2022 were collected via the Nantong Cancer Registration Reporting System. Crude incidence and mortality were calculated. The Chinese population-standardized incidence and Chinese population-standardized mortality were calculated using the standard age structure from the Fifth National Population Census in 2000. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to analyze the trends in incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer across different genders, age groups, and urban-rural areas from 2013 to 2022. Results: The crude incidence and Chinese population-standardized incidence in Nantong City rose from 5.79/100 000 and 4.36/100 000 in 2013 to 34.87/100 000 and 30.40/100 000 in 2022, respectively (AAPC=22.226%, 24.139%, both P<0.05). The crude mortality increased from 0.39/100 000 to 1.07/100 000 (AAPC=10.469%, P<0.05), while the trend for Chinese population-standardized mortality was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The Chinese population-standardized incidence and Chinese population-standardized mortality for females were 20.41/100 000 and 0.30/100 000, respectively, which were 3.28 times and 1.50 times those of males. The Chinese population-standardized incidence showed upward trends for both males and females (AAPC=22.840%, 24.592%, both P<0.05), while the trends for Chinese population-standardized mortality were not statistically significant (both P>0.05). From 2013 to 2022, the crude incidence in the age groups of 15-<45, 45-<65, and 65-<85 years, and the crude mortality in the age group of 65-<85 years showed upward trends (AAPC=27.808%, 21.756%, 13.365%, and 8.030%, all P<0.05), while trends in other age groups were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). The Chinese population-standardized incidence in urban areas was 16.96/105, which was 1.40 times that of rural areas. The Chinese population-standardized mortality in rural areas was 0.27/105, which was 1.29 times that of urban areas. From 2013 to 2022, the Chinese population-standardized incidence in both urban and rural areas and Chinese population-standardized mortality in rural areas showed upward trends (AAPC=17.264%, 27.758%, 6.387%, all P<0.05), while trend in Chinese population-standardized mortality in urban areas was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions From 2013 to 2022, the crude incidence, Chinese population-standardized incidence, and crude mortality of thyroid cancer in Nantong City all showed upward trends in the total population, males, and females, while the trend in Chinese population-standardized mortality was stable. There were differences in mortality trends between urban and rural areas: the trend in urban areas was stable, whereas the trend in rural areas was upward.

ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of HIV-related health service uptake among cross-border couples (Chinese husbands and Myanmar wives) in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (hereinafter referred to as Dehong Prefecture), and to provide evidence for optimizing HIV prevention and control strategies in border areas. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2022 to September 2023 among 14 662 cross-border couples (Chinese husbands and Myanmar wives) in Dehong Prefecture. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness, and utilization of HIV-related health services within the past year were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with HIV testing uptake among husbands and wives. ResultsA total of 29 324 individuals (14 662 couples) were included. The overall awareness rate of HIV/AIDS was 82.09%, with the rate among husbands significantly higher than that among wives (85.17% vs. 79.01%, P<0.001). Overall, 94.98% of participants had received at least one HIV-related health service, and the HIV testing rate in the past year was 65.52%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with participants married for 0‒3 years, those married for 4‒10 years and ≥11 years were more likely to have received HIV testing. The corresponding ORs were 1.344 (95%CI: 1.187‒1.521) and 1.381 (95%CI: 1.211‒1.574) among husbands, and 1.308 (95%CI: 1.155‒1.481) and 1.344 (95%CI: 1.178‒1.533) among wives, respectively. Compared with those holding a marriage certificate, those possessing a border marriage registration certificate were positively associated with HIV testing uptake, with ORs of 1.710 (95%CI: 1.575‒1.857) among husbands and 1.700 (95%CI: 1.565‒1.847) among wives. Compared with illiterate participants, those with primary school education showed lower testing rates, with ORs of 0.738 (95%CI: 0.650‒0.837) among husbands and 0.827 (95%CI: 0.766‒0.891) among wives. Additionally, a history of sexually transmitted diseases (OR=3.656, 95%CI: 1.243‒15.589) and participation in the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.179‒1.935) were independently associated with higher testing rates among husbands. ConclusionThe overall utilization of HIV-related health services among cross-border couples in Dehong Prefecture is satisfactory, but significant gender disparities exist, with foreign wives showing lower rates of knowledge awareness and lower proportions obtaining such knowledge through certain channels compared with their Chinese husbands. Couples with shorter marriage duration, those with primary school education, and those not included in the border marriage registration system are vulnerable groups with lower HIV testing uptake. Future interventions should prioritize cross-border marriage families at the early stage of entry and in the newly married period. Based on the border marriage registration management system and primary healthcare networks, health education and HIV testing services targeting foreign spouses should be strengthened to improve service accessibility and equity.

Background: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients. Methods: Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Results: Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher. Conclusion MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.

Bacteriophages possess the ability to infect and kill bacteria and have now been applied in various oral diseases,providing new insights for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.They are expected to become a novel biological antibacterial agent for treating oral diseases.This paper comprehensively discusses the application of bacteriophages in oral medicine from six aspects:the concept and application prospects of bacteriophages,four common infectious diseases of the oral cavity and their pathogenic bacteria,existing treatment methods,and the application and outlook of bacteriophages in these diseases.Lay a theoretical basis for the clinical implementation of phage therapy.

Objective: To create a prediction model for stroke risk among middle-aged and elderly populations, so as to provide a basis for early identification of high-risk population for stroke. Methods: From October to December 2023, residents aged ≥45 years in Chongchuan District, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province were selected using a multi-stage stratified random sampling method. The demographic information, life behavior, and chronic disease data were collected through a questionnaire survey. The standardized prevalence of stroke was calculated using data from the seventh National Population Census. The subjects were randomly divided into the training set and the internal validation set according to the ratio of 8∶2. The basic demographic information, life behavior, and chronic diseases of residents aged ≥45 years in Rugao City were collected from July to August 2023 as the external validation set. Predictive factors were selected using multivariable logistic regression model, and a nomogram for stroke among residents aged ≥45 years was established. The prediction effect was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration curve, and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test. Results: A total of 6 290 residents aged ≥45 years were included, including 2 975 males (47.30%) and 3 315 females (52.70%). The average age was (61.90±10.20) years. The prevalence of stroke was 3.80%, and the standardized prevalence was 3.36%. The multivariable logistic regression showed that age, smoking, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were predictors of stroke risk among residents aged ≥45 years, and the prediction model was ln[p/(1-p)]=-4.619+0.046×age+0.383×smoking+0.887×hypertension+0.678×hyperlipidemia. The AUC values of the training set, internal validation set, and external validation set were 0.748, 0.755, and 0.738, respectively. The consistency indexes were 0.748, 0.755, and 0.738, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test showed a good fitting effect (P>0.05). Conclusion The prediction model based on age, smoking, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia has good discrimination and calibration, and can be used to predict the risk of stroke among middle-aged and elderly populations aged ≥45 years.

Objective: To investigate trends in incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2022. Methods: Data on incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer from 2013 to 2022 in Nantong City were collected through the Nantong City cancer registry. The crude incidence, crude mortality, average age at onset, and average age at death of colorectal cancer were calculated. Chinese population-standardized incidence, Chinese population-standardized mortality, Chinese population-standardized average age at onset and Chinese population-standardized average age at death were calculated using the age structure of the standard population from the Fifth National Population Census in 2000. Trends in incidence and mortality of lung cancer from 2013 to 2022 were evaluated using average annual percent change (AAPC). Trends in the Chinese population-standardized average age at onset and Chinese population-standardized average age at death of lung cancer from 2013 to 2022 were evaluated using the linear regression model. Results: From 2013 to 2022, the crude incidence and Chinese population-standardized incidence of colorectal cancer in Nantong City increased from 33.63/105 and 16.05/105 to 53.82/105 and 19.62/105, respectively, showing upward trends (AAPC=5.665% and 2.467%, both P<0.05). The crude mortality increased from 15.99/105 in 2013 to 25.65/105 in 2022, also showing an upward trend (AAPC=5.514%, P<0.05), while no statistically significant trend was found in the Chinese population-standardized mortality (P>0.05). The Chinese population-standardized incidence of colorectal cancer showed upward trends in both males and females (AAPC=2.666% and 1.790%, both P<0.05). The Chinese population-standardized mortality showed an upward trend in males (AAPC=1.966%, P<0.05), but no statistically significant trend was found in females (P>0.05). The crude incidence of colorectal cancer in the groups aged 40-<50 years, 50-<60 years, 60-<70 years, 70-<80 years, and ≥80 years showed upward trends (AAPC=4.045%, 2.833%, 2.300%, 1.948%, and 1.775%, all P<0.05), and the crude mortality in the group aged ≥80 years showed an upward trend (AAPC=3.240%, P<0.05). The average age at onset of colorectal cancer increased at an annual average of 0.156 years (P<0.05), while the trend in the Chinese population-standardized average age at onset was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The average age at death and the Chinese population-standardized average age at death increased at an annual average of 0.325 and 0.153 years, respectively (both P<0.05). Conclusions From 2013 to 2022, both the crude incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Nantong City showed upward trends. Males and individuals aged ≥40 years faced a higher risk of both incidence and mortality. It is recommended to implement comprehensive prevention and control measures targeting these high-risk populations to reduce the burden of colorectal cancer.

Objective:To explore the clinicopathologic features differences between tall cell variant of papillary thyroid cancer (TCV-PTC) and PTC with tall cell features (PTC-TCF) and the factors influencing efficacy of 131I therapy in patients with TCV-PTC and PTC-TCF. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 84 patients (28 males, 56 females, age 43.5(35.0, 55.0) years) with pathologically confirmed TCV-PTC or PTC-TCF and who were treated with 131I therapy from January 2018 to June 2023 in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. The patients were divided into structural incomplete response (SIR) group and non-SIR group according to 131I treatment response. Data differences were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test, Fisher exact test, or Mann-Whitney U test. Variables with P<0.1 were enrolled in logistic multivariate regression analysis. The ROC curve was used to obtain the cut-off value of stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg). Results:A total of 37 patients with non-SIR and 6 patients with SIR were found in TCV-PTC group ( n=43), and 33 non-SIR and 8 SIR cases were found in PTC-TCF group ( n=41). Univariate analysis revealed that sTg differed significantly between non-SIR patients and SIR patients in TCV-PTC group ( Z=-2.81, P=0.003), while no significant differences observed for sex, age, multifocality, capsular invasion, T stage, N stage, B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine-protein kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation, initial recurrence risk, number of metastatic lymph nodes, maximum tumor diameter ( Z values: from -0.74 to -0.11, all P>0.05). In TCV-PTC group, sTg also differed significantly between non-SIR patients and SIR patients ( Z=-4.40, P<0.001), while the other clinical factors above and the proportion of tall cells showed no significant difference ( Z values: from -1.90 to -0.22, all P>0.05). The logistic regression analysis confirmed sTg as an independent risk factor of SIR in both TCV-PTC group (odds ratio ( OR) = 25.156, 95% CI: 2.245-281.812, P=0.009) and PTC-TCF group ( OR=19.214, 95% CI: 2.537-145.502, P=0.004). The ROC curve indicated that the cut-off value of sTg for predicting SIR was 20.75μg/L in TCV-PTC group and 18.55μg/L in PTC-TCF group. Conclusions:sTg is the independent risk factor for predicting the poor prognosis of patients with TCV-PTC (sTg≥20.75μg/L) and PTC-TCF (sTg≥18.55μg/L). However, other clinical characteristics show no statistical difference between TCV-PTC group and PTC-TCF group, suggesting that the invasiveness of PTC-TCF may not be lower than that of TCV-PTC, which close attention should be paid to in clinical practice.

Objective: To analyze the association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure in the air and dyslipidemia among primary school students, in order to provide the evidencebased support for the prevention and control of chronic diseases in children. Methods: The random sampling method was used to select 625 students from two primary schools in Anhui Province and Tianjin City from May to June 2024. Based on the home address, the annual average exposure levels of PM2.5 were obtained in 3 years before investigation, 2 years before investigation, and the past year before investigation. Fasting blood samples were collected for the detection of total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol and lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol. Linear regression modeling was used to analyze the association between PM2.5 exposure and dyslipidemia among primary school students. Results: The rate of dyslipidemia among primary school students was 14.72% in the present study. The results of linear regression analysis showed that the TG increased by 0.019(95%CI=0.012-0.025)，0.023(95%CI=0.016-0.030) and 0.021(95%CI=0.014-0.027) mmol/L for every 1 μg/m3 increase of PM2.5 in the past year before investigation, 2 years before investigation and 3 years before investigation respectively (P<0.05). The results of binary Logisitic analysis showed that the risks of dyslipidemia in primary school students were positively correlated with PM2.5 mass concentration in the past year before investigation, 2 years before investigation, and 3 years before investigation [OR(95%CI)=1.06(1.02-1.11), 1.06(1.01-1.12), 1.06(1.01-1.11), P<0.05]. Conclusions PM2.5 exposure is associated with increased risk of dyslipidemia among primary school students. To protect the health of primary school students, effective measures should be taken to improve air quality.

Periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are chronic inflammatory diseases that share similar inflammatory mechanisms and characteristics. Programmed cell death (PCD) has recently garnered attention for its crucial role in regulating inflammation and maintaining tissue homeostasis, as well as for its potential to link these two diseases. The various forms of PCD--including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis--are closely controlled by signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) /NF-κB and MAPK. These pathways determine cell fate and influence inflammatory responses, tissue destruction, and repair, and they both play important roles in the pathogenesis of RA and periodontitis. In periodontitis, periodontal pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and its virulence factors, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), induce pyroptosis and necroptosis in immune cells such as macrophages via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, which leads to an excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Concurrently, these pathogens inhibit the normal apoptotic process of immune cells, such as neutrophils, prolonging their survival, exacerbating immune imbalance, and aggravating periodontal tissue destruction. Similarly, in RA synovial tissue, fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) acquire apoptosis resistance through signaling pathways such as the Bcl-2 family, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB, allowing for the consistent proliferation and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Meanwhile, the continuous activation of pyroptotic pathways in neutrophils and macrophages results in the sustained release of IL-1β, further exacerbating synovial inflammation and bone destruction. Notably, dysregulated PCD fosters inter-organ crosstalk through shared inflammatory mediators and metabolic networks. Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and cytokines that originate from periodontal lesions can spread systemically, influencing cell death processes in synovial and immune cells, thereby aggravating joint inflammation and bone erosion. By contrast, systemic inflammation in RA can upregulate osteoclastic activity or interfere with the normal apoptosis of periodontal cells via TNF-α and IL-6, ultimately intensifying periodontal immune imbalance. This review highlights the pivotal bridging role of PCD in the pathogenesis of both periodontitis and RA, providing a reference for therapeutic strategies that target cell death pathways to manage and potentially mitigate these diseases.

Background: Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients. Methods: Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Results: Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher. Conclusion MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.