Objective To analyze the infection status and epidemic trends of soil-borne nematode infections in Yubei, Chongqing City, in 2010,2021, and 2022. Methods The local populations from four survey sites of four towns in 2010 and five sites of five towns in 2021 and 2022 were surveyed regarding their basic information using a unified form. Fecal samples of the participants were collected and tested for soil-borne nematode infections using the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method. Results In 2010, 2 049 participants were surveyed, followed by 1 000 participants in 2021 and 2022. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections declined significantly from 3.86% to 0.20%. In 2010, soil-transmitted nematode included hookworms(3.81%) and roundworms(0.29%). In 2021, the infection rates of roundworms and hookworms were 1.70% and 0.10% respectively. Notably, only Ascaris was identified in 2022(0.20%). The≥60 age group consistently exhibited the highest infection rates across all surveys, followed by the 40-59 age group. The infection rates of males in the three surveys were 3.31%,1.92%, and 0.20% respectively, and those of females were 4.37%, 1.46%, and 0.20% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection rates between males and females. Educational attainment was inversely associated with infection; in 2010, the highest prevalence was observed among those with primary education or below, whereas in 2021, illiterate or semi-literate individuals showed the highest susceptibility. The occupational distribution of infections in 2010 indicated that retirees (8.33%), farmers(4.86%), and homemakers or unemployed individuals(3.45%)were the most affected. However, in 2021 and 2022, farmers emerged as the predominant occupational group with soil-transmitted nematode infections. Conclusions The infection rate of soil-borne nematodes showed a decreasing trend in Yubei, and the infection species changed from hookworms in 2010 to Ascaris in 2022. Farmers, the elderly, and people with low education levels should continue to be the focus of preventive and control efforts.

OBJECTIVE: Humans are exposed to complex mixtures of environmental chemicals and other factors that can affect their health. Analysis of these mixture exposures presents several key challenges for environmental epidemiology and risk assessment, including high dimensionality, correlated exposure, and subtle individual effects. METHODS: We proposed a novel statistical approach, the generalized functional linear model (GFLM), to analyze the health effects of exposure mixtures. GFLM treats the effect of mixture exposures as a smooth function by reordering exposures based on specific mechanisms and capturing internal correlations to provide a meaningful estimation and interpretation. The robustness and efficiency was evaluated under various scenarios through extensive simulation studies. RESULTS: We applied the GFLM to two datasets from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In the first application, we examined the effects of 37 nutrients on BMI (2011-2016 cycles). The GFLM identified a significant mixture effect, with fiber and fat emerging as the nutrients with the greatest negative and positive effects on BMI, respectively. For the second application, we investigated the association between four pre- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and gout risk (2007-2018 cycles). Unlike traditional methods, the GFLM indicated no significant association, demonstrating its robustness to multicollinearity. CONCLUSION GFLM framework is a powerful tool for mixture exposure analysis, offering improved handling of correlated exposures and interpretable results. It demonstrates robust performance across various scenarios and real-world applications, advancing our understanding of complex environmental exposures and their health impacts on environmental epidemiology and toxicology.
Humans ; Environmental Exposure/analysis* ; Linear Models ; Nutrition Surveys ; Environmental Pollutants ; Body Mass Index

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of a child with hereditary Spastic paraplegia type 52 (SPG52) due to variant of AP4S1 gene. METHODS: A child diagnosed with SPG52 at the Department of Pediatrics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in May 2010 was selected as the study subject. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the child and his parents. Candidate variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of the candidate variant was interpreted according to the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: PJ2024-04-56). RESULTS: The child had presented with global developmental delay from infancy, and featured progressive lower limb spasticity, contractures, talipes equinovarus, and muscle weakness, but with no significant facial dysmorphism. His first febrile seizure occurred before one year of age, followed by several afebrile seizures. The seizures had remitted after 3 to 4 years of antiepileptic therapy, and electroencephalography was normal. However, he had severe intellectual disability, and MRI revealed reduced white matter. WES identified a homozygous AP4S1 c.289C>T (p.Arg97*) variant in the child, for which both of his parents were heterozygous carriers. The variant was rated as pathogenic based on the ACMG guidelines. Literature review has identified 8 publications on SPG52, involving 18 patients from 12 pedigrees. Combined with our case, 14 had carried homozygous variants of the AP4S1 gene, 3 had compound heterozygous variants, and 2 had heterozygous variants, involving 12 distinct variant sites. The cohort included 7 males and 12 females. All patients exhibited progressive lower limb spasticity and weakness as the primary feature, with certain loss of independent ambulation. Most patients had intellectual disability, some had distinctive facial features, though febrile seizures or epilepsy were common. Electroencephalography often showed increased slow-wave activity. Brain MRI frequently demonstrated ventriculomegaly, a thin corpus callosum, and reduced white matter. CONCLUSION The homozygous c.289C>T (p.Arg97*) variant of the AP4S1 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of SPG52 in this child. Above discovery has expanded the mutational spectrum of AP4S1 and provided valuable insights for the genetic diagnosis, counseling, and clinical management of SPG52.
Humans ; Male ; Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary/genetics* ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Exome Sequencing ; Child ; Infant ; Adaptor Protein Complex 4/genetics* ; Phenotype ; Mutation

Objective To investigate the feasibility of selectively omitting ureteral stent placement after ureteroscopic lithotripsy(URL).Methods A total of 118 patients with distal ureteral calculi undergoing URL from 2021 to 2024 were enrolled.Patients were divided into a control group(indwelling ureteral stent for 2 weeks,n=86)and an observation group(no ureteral stent placement,n=32).General data,operation time,hospital stay,and total medical costs were compared between the two groups.Patients were followed 2 weeks postoperatively for assessment of flank pain visual analogue scale(VAS)scores,bladder irritation symptoms,hematuria,and incidence of urinary tract infection.Hydronephrosis was evaluated by ultrasonography 3 months after surgery.Results There was no significant difference in the general information and operation time between the two groups(P>0.05).The length of hospital stay and total treatment cost in the observa-tion group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Two weeks after surgery,the VAS scores of low back pain on the affected side and occurrence rates of bladder irritation symptoms,hematu-ria,and urinary tract infection in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.01).Three months after operation,no hydronephrosis was observed in both groups.Conclusion It is safe and feasible to avoid indwelling ureteral stent after URL in appropriate cases.

Objective:To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of a child with hereditary Spastic paraplegia type 52 (SPG52) due to variant of AP4S1 gene. Methods:A child diagnosed with SPG52 at the Department of Pediatrics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in May 2010 was selected as the study subject. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the child and his parents. Candidate variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of the candidate variant was interpreted according to the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: PJ2024-04-56).Results:The child had presented with global developmental delay from infancy, and featured progressive lower limb spasticity, contractures, talipes equinovarus, and muscle weakness, but with no significant facial dysmorphism. His first febrile seizure occurred before one year of age, followed by several afebrile seizures. The seizures had remitted after 3 to 4 years of antiepileptic therapy, and electroencephalography was normal. However, he had severe intellectual disability, and MRI revealed reduced white matter. WES identified a homozygous AP4S1 c. 289C>T (p.Arg97*) variant in the child, for which both of his parents were heterozygous carriers. The variant was rated as pathogenic based on the ACMG guidelines. Literature review has identified 8 publications on SPG52, involving 18 patients from 12 pedigrees. Combined with our case, 14 had carried homozygous variants of the AP4S1 gene, 3 had compound heterozygous variants, and 2 had heterozygous variants, involving 12 distinct variant sites. The cohort included 7 males and 12 females. All patients exhibited progressive lower limb spasticity and weakness as the primary feature, with certain loss of independent ambulation. Most patients had intellectual disability, some had distinctive facial features, though febrile seizures or epilepsy were common. Electroencephalography often showed increased slow-wave activity. Brain MRI frequently demonstrated ventriculomegaly, a thin corpus callosum, and reduced white matter. Conclusion:The homozygous c. 289C>T (p.Arg97*) variant of the AP4S1 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of SPG52 in this child. Above discovery has expanded the mutational spectrum of AP4S1 and provided valuable insights for the genetic diagnosis, counseling, and clinical management of SPG52.

Objective A scoping review of domestically and internationally published studies on finite element analysis(FEA)based on three-dimensional(3D)human body model in preventing pressure ulcer(PU)was conducted,aiming to provide new directions for improving the prevention strategies of pressure ulcer.Methods We conducted a systematic search in both Chinese and English medical databases,including PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Sinomed,CNKI,Wanfang and VIP,and engineering database(Engineering Village Compen-dex).The search period was from the inception of each database to July 29,2024.The information was extracted,and the results were analyzed and standardized for reporting.Results A total of 30 studies were included.The general methods of FEA based on 3D human body model include establishing geometric model,meshing,defining material properties,loading and setting boundary conditions,and solving equations.According to the contents of studies,they could be categorized into 4 distinct application domains,including identification of risk groups(n=9),position management(n=9),preventive dressings(n=10)and supportive surfaces(n=7).Conclusion FEA based on 3D human body model provides a foundation to PU biomechanical mechanism research and a scientific basis to the supplement and optimization of clinical prevention.Future studies should integrate clinical problems with simulations and further optimize simulations techniques and protocols.

Objective A scoping review of domestically and internationally published studies on finite element analysis(FEA)based on three-dimensional(3D)human body model in preventing pressure ulcer(PU)was conducted,aiming to provide new directions for improving the prevention strategies of pressure ulcer.Methods We conducted a systematic search in both Chinese and English medical databases,including PubMed,Embase,CINAHL,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Sinomed,CNKI,Wanfang and VIP,and engineering database(Engineering Village Compen-dex).The search period was from the inception of each database to July 29,2024.The information was extracted,and the results were analyzed and standardized for reporting.Results A total of 30 studies were included.The general methods of FEA based on 3D human body model include establishing geometric model,meshing,defining material properties,loading and setting boundary conditions,and solving equations.According to the contents of studies,they could be categorized into 4 distinct application domains,including identification of risk groups(n=9),position management(n=9),preventive dressings(n=10)and supportive surfaces(n=7).Conclusion FEA based on 3D human body model provides a foundation to PU biomechanical mechanism research and a scientific basis to the supplement and optimization of clinical prevention.Future studies should integrate clinical problems with simulations and further optimize simulations techniques and protocols.

Objective:To explore the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of a child with hereditary Spastic paraplegia type 52 (SPG52) due to variant of AP4S1 gene. Methods:A child diagnosed with SPG52 at the Department of Pediatrics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in May 2010 was selected as the study subject. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the child and his parents. Candidate variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of the candidate variant was interpreted according to the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: PJ2024-04-56).Results:The child had presented with global developmental delay from infancy, and featured progressive lower limb spasticity, contractures, talipes equinovarus, and muscle weakness, but with no significant facial dysmorphism. His first febrile seizure occurred before one year of age, followed by several afebrile seizures. The seizures had remitted after 3 to 4 years of antiepileptic therapy, and electroencephalography was normal. However, he had severe intellectual disability, and MRI revealed reduced white matter. WES identified a homozygous AP4S1 c. 289C>T (p.Arg97*) variant in the child, for which both of his parents were heterozygous carriers. The variant was rated as pathogenic based on the ACMG guidelines. Literature review has identified 8 publications on SPG52, involving 18 patients from 12 pedigrees. Combined with our case, 14 had carried homozygous variants of the AP4S1 gene, 3 had compound heterozygous variants, and 2 had heterozygous variants, involving 12 distinct variant sites. The cohort included 7 males and 12 females. All patients exhibited progressive lower limb spasticity and weakness as the primary feature, with certain loss of independent ambulation. Most patients had intellectual disability, some had distinctive facial features, though febrile seizures or epilepsy were common. Electroencephalography often showed increased slow-wave activity. Brain MRI frequently demonstrated ventriculomegaly, a thin corpus callosum, and reduced white matter. Conclusion:The homozygous c. 289C>T (p.Arg97*) variant of the AP4S1 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of SPG52 in this child. Above discovery has expanded the mutational spectrum of AP4S1 and provided valuable insights for the genetic diagnosis, counseling, and clinical management of SPG52.

Objective:To investigate the association between sleep status and the risk for coronary heart disease in adults in Suzhou.Methods:Using the baseline and follow up information of 53 269 local residents aged 30-79 years in China Kadoorie Biobank conducted in Wuzhong District, Suzhou, 51 929 subjects were included in this study after excluding those reporting coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer at the baseline survey. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association of healthy sleep score (0-3 points) and sleep factors (snoring, insomnia, long sleep duration and nap) with the risk for coronary heart disease.Results:The median follow-up time was 11.12 years, and 1 304 individuals were diagnosed with coronary heart disease during the follow-up. After adjusting for potential confounders, occasional snoring ( HR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.38), usual snoring ( HR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.02-1.33), insomnia disorder ( HR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.12-1.78), daytime dysfunction ( HR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.20-2.03) and perennial nap ( HR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.19-1.59) were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. Compared with those with sleep score of 0 - 1 (low sleep quality), the people with sleep score of 3 had reduced risk of coronary heart disease by 26% ( HR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.63-0.87). Stratified analysis showed that the association of healthy sleep score 3 with risk of coronary heart disease was stronger in low physically active individuals (interaction P<0.05). Conclusions:Snoring, insomnia disorders, daytime dysfunction, and perennial napping were all associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease, and keep healthy sleep mode might reduce the risk for coronary heart disease in adults.