Objective:To study the epidemiological characteristics and clinical diagnosis of human brucellosis in Qujing City, Yunnan Province.Methods:Through the Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System of the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System, the basic information and clinical diagnostic data of brucellosis cases reported in Qujing City from January 2008 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the epidemic profile, three distribution characteristics (time, population, region), and diagnosis of brucellosis.Results:A total of 1 417 brucellosis cases were reported in Qujing City from 2008 to 2023, with no death. The annual average incidence of brucellosis was 1.49/100 000, with no cases reported in 2009 and 2010, and the highest incidence in 2023 (7.82/100 000). The incidence of brucellosis showed an increasing trend year by year (χ 2trend = 1 874.58, P < 0.001). The number of cases from June to November accounted for 61.54% (872/1 417). The majority of brucellosis cases were in the age group of 36 - 65 years old, accounting for 67.82% (961/1 417). Among them, there were 954 males and 463 females, with a gender ratio of 2.06 ∶ 1.00. Farmers were the main occupation, accounting for 84.33% (1 195/1 417). The cases were mainly distributed in Luliang County (621 cases), Xuanwei City (282 cases) and Shizong County (137 cases), accounting for 73.39% (1 040/1 417). The median interval between onset and diagnosis was 13 days, and the cases with intervals ≤7 d, 8 - 30 d, and ≥31 d accounted for 32.11% (455/1 417), 40.16% (569/1 417), and 27.73% (393/1 417), respectively. Totally 63.94% (906/1 417) of the cases were confirmed in medical institutions in Qujing City. Conclusions:The incidence of brucellosis in Qujing City is increasing year by year, with men, middle-aged and elderly people and farmers as the main population, summer and autumn as the peak period, and Luliang County, Xuanwei City and Shizong County as the high incidence areas. Most cases have an interval of less than 30 days between onset and diagnosis, and can be diagnosed within the jurisdiction.

Objective To explore the risk factors of acute respiratory failure(ARF)in adult patients with community-acquired pneu-monia(CAP),and thereby construct and validate the efficacy of nomogram model.Methods The clinical and laboratory data of 172 adult CAP patients admitted to Taikang Xianlin Drum Tower Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University School of Medicine from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected.The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they had concurrent ARF.After the comparison for the differences of single factor between the two groups,collinearity analysis was assessed.The risk fac-tors were then screened by binary logistic regression analysis with forward stepwise regression method.A nomogram model was subse-quently constructed and the discrimination and accuracy of the model were evaluated by ROC and colibration curves.Results Among the 172 CAP patients,53 cases(30.8％)developed ARF.The results of univariate analysis showed that the CAP patients with concur-rent ARF group had higher age,CURB-65 score and inflammatory markers than the non-concurrent ARF group,and the incidence of complex infection(culturing two or more pathogenic bacteria)was high.The values of CRP(C-reactive protein)and BUN/Alb(blood urea nitrogen/albumin)were significantly different between the two groups(53.910[25.900,101.200]vs.23.300[6.800,48.930],0.231[0.160,0.302]vs.0.123[0.089,0.171],P＜0.05).Multivariate analysis indicated:glucose(Glu)≥6.06 mmol/L(odds ra-tio(OR):2.737,95％confidence interval(CI):1.116-7.037),AST(aspartate aminotransferase)≥22.5 U/L(OR:4.291,95％CI:1.779-11.120),fibrinogen(Fib)≤3.83 g/L(OR:3.955,95％CI:1.631-10.237),uric acid(UA)188.07 μmol/L(OR:4.617,95％CI:1.859-12.489),BUN/Alb≥0.15 mmol/g(OR:6.381,95％CI:2.423-18.513),total number of multicomor-bidity≥3(OR:6.191,95％CI:2.088-21.905)were the risk factors(P＜0.05).All the screened indicators were incorporate into the nomogram model and its efficacy was verified.The results showed that the area under the curve of the model was 0.888[95％CI:0.840-0.935](P＜0.05),the sensitivity was 0.868,and the specificity was 0.790.The calibration curve showed that the predicted probability of adult CAP patients-associated with ARF was in good consistency with the observed probability(Briser Score:0.125;H-L test:x2=7.563,P=0.477).Conclusion The established model has a good ability to predict adult CAP associated with ARF,and can provide a reference basis for early clinical prediction and intervention treatment.

Objective:To investigate the association between blood pressure variability (BPV) and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and provide reference for clinical management in CAPD patients.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included patients who received CAPD at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital between May 1, 2010, and July 31, 2023. Baseline and clinical data of the patients were collected. Coefficient of variation of systolic blood pressure (CVSBP) was used to assess BPV. The patients were divided into CVSBP T1, CVSBP T2 and CVSBP T3 groups based on CVSBP tertiles, and the differences among the three groups were compared. Diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were used to further assess BPV and sensitivity analysis was conducted. The primary endpoint was the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression analysis were used to analyze the association between CVSBP and the primary endpoint.Results:A total of 358 CAPD patients were included, with age of (43.6±13.3) years, and 197 males (55.0%). The proportion of males, proportion of smoking, baseline blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and serum albumin in CVSBP T2 (9.08%≤CVSBP<12.55%, n=120) group and CVSBP T3 (CVSBP≥12.55%, n=119) group were lower than those in CVSBP T1 group (CVSBP<9.08%, n=119), and baseline systolic blood pressure, residual kidney Kt/V and total Kt/V were higher than those in CVSBP T1 group, with statistically significant difference among the three groups (all P<0.05). During follow-up of 37(23, 76) months, 49 patients (13.7%) experienced the composite endpoint events, including 12 patients (3.4%) of all-cause deaths and 42 patients (11.7%) of cardiovascular events. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the incidence of composite endpoint events in CVSBP T3 group was higher than that in CVSBP T1 group and CVSBP T2 group, but the difference was not statistically significant (Log-rank χ2=3.795, P=0.150). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, baseline systolic blood pressure, residual renal function, and serum albumin, as a continuous variable, CVSBP was not associated with the risk of composite outcome in CAPD patients ( HR=1.058, 95% CI 0.985?1.135, P=0.122); as a categorical variable, with CVSBP T1 group as reference, CVSBP T2 group and CVSBP T3 group were not associated with the risk of composite outcome ( HR=1.222, 95% CI 0.471?3.167, P=0.681; HR=1.827, 95% CI 0.737?4.530, P=0.193). The sensitivity analysis showed that increased variability of diastolic blood pressure ( HR=1.162, 95% CI 1.063?1.270, P=0.021) and increased variability of mean arterial pressure ( HR=1.114, 95% CI 1.030?1.204, P=0.007) were correlated with higher risk of composite outcome in CPAD patients. Conclusions:Systolic blood pressure variability during follow-up is not associated with risk of composite outcome of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in CAPD patients. Increased variability of diastolic blood pressure and increased variability of mean arterial pressure are associated with a higher risk of composite outcome in CPAD patients. Interventions to reduce BPV may be helpful to improve the long-term prognosis of CAPD patients.

Objective To explore the facilitators and barriers of palliative care volunteering,and to provide references for further advancement of palliative care volunteering.Methods Purposeful sampling was used to select 12 volunteers from a palliative care ward in Hangzhou,Zhejiang Province,between April and September 2024.Semi-structured interviews were conducted,and directed content analysis was applied to organize and analyze the data,followed by theme analysis.Results Facilitators and barriers for volunteers' participation in palliative care volunteering were extracted.The 5 sub-themes of facilitators include motivating factors and perceived benefits,support and collaboration among volunteers,professional training and healthcare recognition,increased social awareness and public acceptance,and government support and institutional safeguards.The 5 sub-themes of barriers include limitations in individual capacity,challenges in collaboration with patients,families and healthcare workers,inadequate management and service mechanisms,uneven development of palliative care and insufficient public attention to psychological problems,and inadequate relevant laws and incentives.Conclusion There are more factors affecting the development of palliative care volunteering,and healthcare professionals should adopt targeted strategies to promote the active participation of volunteers in order to promote the sustainable development of palliative care volunteering.

Objective The aim of this study is to systematically analyze the therapeutic mechanisms of Wuzi Yuye Decoction in diabetic oligoasthenozoospermia based on network pharmacology and animal experiments.Methods Active components and therapeutic targets of Wuzi Yuye Decoction were screened by integrating multiple databases,and their inter-section with diabetic oligoasthenozoospermia-related targets was obtained.Common targets were identified using the Venny platform,and protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks were constructed via the STRING database.And key targets were screened through topological analysis with Cytoscape.Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analyses were performed using the DAVID platform.A mouse model of diabetic oligoasthenozoospermia was established by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin induction,followed by intervention with Wuzi Yuye Decoction.Body weight,testicular index,and sperm quality were assessed,while histopathological changes were evaluated by HE staining and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).In addition,ELISA,oxidative stress assays and Western blot were used to verify the changes in key pathway-related proteins.Results A total of 36 common targets were identified,including key nodes such as TNF,IL6 and IL1B.Enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were sig-nificantly involved in inflammatory responses,oxidative stress,autophagy-apoptosis regulation and reproduction-related pathways.Animal experiments confirmed that Wuzi Yuye Decoction markedly improved testicular mass and sperm motility in diabetic mice,reduced the levels of AGE,TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in testicular tissues,alleviated oxidative stress damage,and restored autophagic flux and blood-testis barrier function by inhibiting the RAGE/NF-κB/mTOR signaling axis.Conclusion Wuzi Yuye Decoction improves the pathological progression of diabetic oligoasthenozoospermia by synergistically modulating multiple targets,including inflammation inhibition,antioxidant effects,autophagy regulation,and related pathways.

Aim To explore the relationship between serum levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9),macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF)and the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with coro-nary heart disease(CHD).Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 139 patients with CHD and 69 control subjects who underwent coronary angiography during the same period,all of whom were admitted to the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from November 2023 to May 2024.Clinical data and coronary angiography results were collected,and the severity of coronary artery stenosis was quantitatively assessed using the Gensini score.Pa-tients with the Gensini scores＞0 were classified into three groups based on tertiles:the mild stenosis group(1～18 points,54 cases),the moderate stenosis group(19～36 points,54 cases),and the severe stenosis group(＞36 points,54 ca-ses).Serum levels of PCSK9 and MIF were measured by ELISA kit.Results Serum levels of PCSK9 and MIF were significantly higher in the CHD group than those in the control group(P＜0.05).Multivariable Logistic regression analy-sis revealed that high levels of serum PCSK9 and MIF were independent risk factors for CHD.Spearman correlation analy-sis showed that serum PCSK9 and MIF levels were positively correlated with Gensini score(rs=0.619 6 and r,=0.411 4,both P＜0.001).Further subgroup analysis showed that serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol lev-els were significantly increased in patients with high-level PCSK9,while patients with high-level MIF had higher inflamma-tory coefficients such as systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI)and systemic immune-inflammation index(SII)(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Serum levels of PCSK9 and MIF are positively correlated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis.High levels of serum PCSK9 and MIF are independent risk factors for CHD.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential role of mRNA m7G modification in the pathogenesis of human adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG). METHODS: Pathological tissue specimens from four AEG patients who underwent surgical treatment at the People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University between 2018 and 2019 were selected. Tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from these patients. RNA was extracted from both tissue types and subjected to m7G methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (m7G-MeRIP-seq) to analyze the patterns of m7G modification, the characteristics of differential m7G modification sites, the differentially expressed mRNA, and the correlation between m7G modification and mRNA expression levels. Differential m7G-modified genes (MSH6, BRCA1, and SOX9) were further validated using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR (MeRIP-qPCR), while the expression of METTL1 and WDR4 genes was examined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University (Ethics No. 20150083). RESULTS: m7G-MeRIP-seq analysis revealed that m7G modifications in both AEG and adjacent normal tissues were predominantly located in the GC-rich region surrounding the internal start codon of mRNA. Differential m7G modification sites between the two groups were closely associated with cancer-related genes. mRNA library analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNA were predominantly upregulated in AEG tissues and downregulated in adjacent normal tissues. Cross-analysis indicated that genes with hypermethylation tended to exhibit upregulated expression, while genes with hypomethylation were typically downregulated in AEG tissues. MeRIP-qPCR validation confirmed that the mRNA expression of MSH6, BRCA1, and SOX9 were significantly upregulated in AEG tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (AEG vs. normal, P < 0.05). RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of METTL1 and WDR4 were also upregulated in AEG tissues (AEG vs. normal, P < 0.000 5). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that mRNA m7G modification plays a significant role in the development of AEG. Furthermore, proteins as METTL1 and WDR4 may facilitate AEG progression by regulating mRNA m7G modification. These results provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AEG and may inform future therapeutic strategies for this malignancy.
Humans ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism* ; Adenocarcinoma/pathology* ; Esophagogastric Junction/metabolism* ; Esophageal Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; DNA Methylation ; Methyltransferases/metabolism* ; Stomach Neoplasms/genetics*

Objective:To apply the Timed Up and Go Test(TUGT)to investigate the correlation between motor function, emotional state, cognitive function, and sleep quality among elderly individuals in the Chinese community.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 739 subjects aged 60 to 90 years, who were randomly recruited from December 2021 to August 2023 across Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan Provinces in China.Basic demographic information was collected, and the TUGT was utilized to assess motor function.Based on the TUGT time(t), the subjects were divided into three groups: normal motor function group, mild motor abnormality group, and significant motor abnormality group.Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese Revised Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE), while the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale(PHQ-9)was employed to measure the degree of depression.Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale(ESS)was used to assess excessive daytime sleepiness.The correlation between subjects' motor function and their cognitive abilities, mood, and sleep was subsequently analyzed.Results:Systolic blood pressure, heart rate, PHQ-9, MMSE, and ESS scores were identified as significant factors influencing TUGT time.Specifically, TUGT time was positively correlated with PHQ-9 and ESS scores, while exhibiting negative correlations with systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and MMSE scores.Additionally, TUGT time was negatively correlated with the MMSE subcomponents of orientation, immediate memory, and verbal ability.All observed differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis indicated that an increase in the PHQ-9 score was associated with an odds ratio( OR)of 1.099(95% CI: 1.045-1.155, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.150(95% CI: 1.066-1.242, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Additionally, a reduction in the MMSE score was observed, with an OR of 0.939(95% CI: 0.886-0.995, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 0.793(95% CI: 0.729-0.862, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).Furthermore, an increase in the ESS score was noted, with ORs of 1.139(95% CI: 1.094-1.186, P<0.001)(mild motor abnormality group)and 1.203(95% CI: 1.132-1.279, P<0.001)(Significant motor abnormality group).These findings suggest that these variables are independently related to decreased motor function. Conclusions:Depression, cognitive impairment, and excessive daytime sleepiness are independent risk factors for motor dysfunction among elderly individuals in community settings.The Timed Up and Go Test TUGT can be utilized for the early screening of motor function decline in this population.

Objective:To explore the potential role of mRNA m7G modification in the pathogenesis of human adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG).Methods:Pathological tissue specimens from four AEG patients who underwent surgical treatment at the People′s Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University between 2018 and 2019 were selected. Tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from these patients. RNA was extracted from both tissue types and subjected to m7G methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (m7G-MeRIP-seq) to analyze the patterns of m7G modification, the characteristics of differential m7G modification sites, the differentially expressed mRNA, and the correlation between m7G modification and mRNA expression levels. Differential m7G-modified genes ( MSH6, BRCA1, and SOX9) were further validated using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR (MeRIP-qPCR), while the expression of METTL1 and WDR4 genes was examined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the People′s Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University (Ethics No. 20150083). Results:① m7G-MeRIP-seq analysis revealed that m7G modifications in both AEG and adjacent normal tissues were predominantly located in the GC-rich region surrounding the internal start codon of mRNA. Differential m7G modification sites between the two groups were closely associated with cancer-related genes. ② mRNA library analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNA were predominantly upregulated in AEG tissues and downregulated in adjacent normal tissues. ③ Cross-analysis indicated that genes with hypermethylation tended to exhibit upregulated expression, while genes with hypomethylation were typically downregulated in AEG tissues. ④ MeRIP-qPCR validation confirmed that the mRNA expression of MSH6, BRCA1, and SOX9 were significantly upregulated in AEG tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues (AEG vs. normal, P<0.05). ⑤ RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of METTL1 and WDR4 were also upregulated in AEG tissues (AEG vs. normal, P<0.000 5). Conclusion:These findings suggest that mRNA m7G modification plays a significant role in the development of AEG. Furthermore, proteins as METTL1 and WDR4 may facilitate AEG progression by regulating mRNA m7G modification. These results provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AEG and may inform future therapeutic strategies for this malignancy.

Chronic epididymitis (CE) is a long-standing inflammatory condition of the epididymis caused by unresolved acute infections, chronic infections, medication use, or other factors. Clinically, it is characterized by persistent dull pain or a dragging sensation in one or both sides of the scrotum. The disease course typically exceeds three months and is marked by insidious onset and recurrent episodes. Current studies suggest that CE may disrupt the epididymal microenvironment through multiple pathological processes, including local inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, fibrotic remodeling, and autophagy. These alterations impair sperm maturation, transport, and capacitation, thereby contributing to male reproductive dysfunction and infertility. This review summarizes the major etiologies and pathophysiological characteristics of CE and its impact on male reproductive function. It focuses on the roles of inflammatory cytokines and related signaling pathways, oxidative stress mechanisms, and fibrotic progression in the pathogenesis of CE. Moreover, it explores targeted therapeutic strategies based on these mechanisms, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for identifying key molecular targets and signaling pathways involved in CE-induced male reproductive impairment.