Objective To quantitatively assess the exposure-response association between exposure to heatwave and sudden death, estimate the attributable excess deaths, and identify potential vulnerable subgroups. Methods A time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted among residents who died from sudden death in Jiangsu Province, China between 2015 and 2021. Heatwave events in Jiangsu Province, defined using varying relative temperature thresholds and durations, were identified using temperature data from the China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS V2.0). Individual heatwave exposure was assessed based on each subject's residential address. The exposure-response association between heatwave and sudden death was evaluated using conditional logistic regression model combined with a Distributed Lag Nonlinear Model(DLNM). Heatwave-attributable excess deaths were estimated. Stratified analyses by sex and age were performed to assess potential effect modifications. Results Under all definitions, exposure to heatwave was significantly associated with an increased risk of sudden death, and the risk increased with the intensity of heatwave. Using the P95_3d definition (temperature exceeding the 95th percentile for ≥3 consecutive days), heatwave was significantlyassociated with a 56% increased risk of sudden death (95% CI: 31%, 86%). The population-attributable fraction of sudden death due to heatwave exposure was 1.45% (95% CI: 0.97%, 1.90%). Stratified analyses indicated no statistically significant differences in the association between heatwave exposure and sudden death across age or sex subgroups. Conclusion Heatwave exposure was associated with an increased risk of sudden death. Reducing heatwave exposure during summer may help lower the occurrence of sudden death.

Objective:To investigate the value of sequential ultrasound in assessing skeletal muscle and diaphragm thickness in elderly septic patients.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted.Fifty-one elderly patients with sepsis who underwent ultrasound examinations at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from August 2021 to August 2023 were selected, including 30 males and 21 females.Ultrasound technology was used to measure the thickness of limb skeletal muscles(biceps brachii, flexor carpi radialis, quadriceps femoris, and tibialis anterior)and diaphragm, and sequential monitoring was performed at different time points(admission, the 3rd day after admission, and the 7th day after admission)to analyze the variation rules of their thickness.The correlations between the changes in muscle thickness and the severity of the disease[such as the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)scores and the Sepsis Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)scores], mechanical ventilation time, and length of hospital stay were analyzed.Results:Compared with those at admission, the thickness of limb skeletal muscles and diaphragm in elderly septic patients with mechanical ventilation significantly decreased with the prolongation of hospital stay( P<0.05).The degree of thickness reduction in the flexor carpi radialis and rectus femoris was positively correlated with the APACHE II score.The degree of thickness reduction in the biceps brachii was positively correlated with the SOFA score.The degree of thickness reduction in the flexor carpi radialis, rectus femoris, and diaphragm was positively correlated with both mechanical ventilation time and hospital stay( P<0.05).Correlation heatmap analysis showed that the thickness of the flexor carpi radialis was significantly correlated with hospital stay days and APACHE II score(correlation coefficients were 100.20 and 67.47, respectively), indicating that the longer the hospital stay and the more severe the condition, the more serious the atrophy of the flexor carpi radialis. Conclusions:Measuring the thickness of skeletal muscles and the diaphragm in elderly sepsis patients using ultrasound serves as an efficient and non-invasive method for assessing the disease state, predicting prognosis, and guiding clinical treatment decisions.This approach provides vital imaging-based evidence for refining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for elderly sepsis patients, thereby promising to enhance clinical outcomes and the quality of rehabilitation for these individuals.

Objective To quantitatively assess the association of short-term exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with residents mortality. Methods A time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted from 2020 to 2022 among 10606 non-accidental residents by using the Guangzhou Cause of Death Surveillance System in Conghua District, Guangzhou. Exposure levels of PAHs in PM_2.5 and meteorological data during the study period were obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Conghua District and the China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS-V2.0), respectively. Conditional Poisson regression model was used to estimate the exposure-response association between PAHs and the mortality risk. Results Fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality. For every one interquartile range increase in exposure levels, the non-accidental mortality risks increased by 8.33% (95% CI: 1.80%, 15.27%), 4.67% (95% CI: 1.86%, 7.57%), 6.07% (95% CI: 2.08%, 10.21%), 4.62% (95% CI: 1.85%, 7.47%), and 4.70% (95% CI: 0.53%, 9.03%), respectively. The estimated non accidental deaths attributable to exposure to fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluorine, benzo[a]pyrene and indine[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were 5.91%, 6.08%, 6.51%, 6.46%, and 4.21%, respectively. Conclusions Short-term exposure to PAHs in PM_2.5, including fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene and indine[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality among residents.

Background Exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of diseases in multiple systems, including respiratory and cardiovascular systems, yet its association with neurological diseases remains unclear. Objective To quantitatively evaluate the association between short-term exposure to air pollutants and outpatient and emergency visits for neurological diseases, identify potential susceptible populations, and quantify associated disease burden. Methods Daily 24-hour average concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO), daily maximum 8-hour average concentration of ozone (O₃), daily meteorological data (24-hour average temperature, 24-hour average relative humidity), and data on daily outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases from two hospitals in Conghua District, Guangzhou, China, were collected from 2015 to 2022. A time-stratified case-crossover design was adopted, and a conditional Poisson regression model was constructed to analyze the association between air pollution exposure and neurological disease visits. Two-pollutant models and sensitivity analysis were used to validate model stability. Stratified analyses by season (cold season: from November to March; warm season: from April to October), sex (male, female), and age (≤45 years, 46–60 years, ≥61 years) were performed to identify vulnerable group. Additionally, the number and proportion of neurological disease visits attributable to short-term air pollutant exposure were calculated. Results A total of 72 673 outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases were included during the study period. Most of the patients were middle-aged and elderly individuals (69.89% were over 45 years old) and females (60.25%). The results of single-pollutant models showed that for each interquartile range (IQR) increase in exposure to PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, CO, and O₃, the risk of outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases increased by 7.54% (95%CI: 4.69%, 10.46%), 6.66% (95%CI: 3.92%, 9.46%), 16.72% (95%CI: 10.58%, 23.19%), 8.12% (95%CI: 4.82%, 11.53%), 5.60% (95%CI: 2.34%, 8.97%), and 6.11% (95%CI: 2.91%, 9.40%), respectively. The results of the two-pollutant model showed that the association between PM_2.5 and SO₂ exposure and outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases were relatively stable. The stratified analyses showed that the effect of SO₂ was stronger in the cold season. It was estimated that 8.32% (95%CI: 5.55%, 10.96%) and 6.65% (95%CI: 4.27%, 8.96%) of the outpatient and emergency department visits were attributable to short-term exposure to SO₂ and PM_2.5, respectively. Conclusion Exposure to PM_2.5 and SO₂ is associated with increased risks of outpatient and emergency visits for neurological diseases. SO₂ shows stronger effects during the cold season, and exposure to air pollution contributes to up to 8.32% of neurological disease visits.

Objective To explore the effectiveness of an integrated laparoscopic simulation training course (best essential surgical technique training, BEST) in enhancing laparoscopic peritoneal suturing techniques in surgical residents.Methods As an integrated two-stage program, the BEST course applied basic laparoscopic training system with simple molds in phase Ⅰ training, and then adopted advanced laparoscopic training system, 3D Laparoscope and ex-vivo animal models in phase Ⅱ training. The laparoscopic suturing techniques were practiced in phase Ⅱ training. From August 2021 to July 2024, surgical residents in the second year of the national standardized training program were divided into pilot and control groups based on whether they had undergone the BEST course. Two cases of laparoscopic peritoneal suture were performed by the surgical residents under supervision in the department of gastrointestinal surgery. The operative time, quality of suture, and independent completion rate were compared between the two groups.Results A total of 33 surgical residents (19 in pilot group and 14 in control group) were included in this study, and a total of 66 cases of laparoscopic peritoneal suture were performed (38 in pilot group and 28 in control group). The operative time was significantly shorter in pilot group than that in control group (15.7 min vs. 17.5 min, P=0.025). The quality of suture was significantly better in pilot group compared to control group (P=0.023). In pilot group, all peritoneal sutures were performed by residents independently, whereas in control group, 3 cases (10.7%) were assisted by the supervisor, and the independent completion rate was different significantly (P=0.039).Conclusions The BEST course can help improve surgical residents′ laparoscopic peritoneal suturing techniques and could be promoted in the national standardized training program for surgical residents.

Background Air pollution remains a critical public health issue, with persistent exposure to air pollutants continuing to pose significant health risks. Currently, research investigating the association between air pollution and myocardial infarction mortality in Shenzhen remains inadequate. Objective To quantitatively assess the association between air pollutants and myocardial infarction mortality in residents. Methods Based on the mortality surveillance system of Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, we conducted a time-stratified case-crossover study of 10089 permanent residents who died from myocardial infarction in Shenzhen between 2013 and 2022. Using residential address information, we obtained individual-level exposure data for air pollutants from the China High Air Pollutants dataset and meteorological factors from the China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System. A time-stratified case-crossover study design was employed to construct a conditional logistic regression model to assess the association between short-term exposure to air pollutants and myocardial infarction mortality. The exposure-response relationship was visualized, and a comprehensive health risk assessment was performed. Results This study included a total of 10 089 cases of myocardial infarction deaths in Shenzhen. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O₃) in Shenzhen from 2013 to 2022 were 24.59 (20.19) μg·m⁻³, 42.85 (28.42) μg·m⁻³, 8.53 (3.39) μg·m⁻³, 29.47 (13.56) μg·m⁻³, 0.77 (0.27) mg·m⁻³, and 86.53 (51.39) μg·m⁻³, respectively. The moving average concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ over the current day and the previous 2 days (lag02) showed the highest risk of myocardial infarction mortality, with an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of 1.004 (1.001, 1.007) and 1.004 (1.002, 1.006), respectively. At lag05, SO₂ demonstrated the strongest association with the risk of myocardial infarction mortality, with an OR (95%CI) of 1.042 (1.019, 1.065). The exposure-response relationships of PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and SO₂ with myocardial infarction mortality were approximately linear, whereas NO₂ exhibited a nonlinear relationship. At lag05, the highest risk of myocardial infarction mortality associated with NO₂ exposure was observed when the NO₂ concentration was ≤21.92 μg·m⁻³, with an OR (95% CI) of 1.024 (1.003, 1.046). The health risk assessment indicated that, using the WHO Air Quality Guidelines as the reference, the local PM_2.5 and NO₂ exposure led to an excess mortality of 398 and 298 cases, respectively. The sensitivity analysis revealed that after adjusting for O₃ and restricting the study period to 2013—2019, the effect estimates for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂ on myocardial infarction mortality slightly increased. Conclusion Short-term exposure to air pollutants, including PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and SO₂, could increase the risk of myocardial infarction mortality. This study provides important scientific evidence for environmental health risk assessment and environmental management in Shenzhen.

Objective:To investigate the water improvement status and current disease situation in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas of Taiyuan City, evaluate the effect of prevention and control measures, and provide a basis for optimizing control measures.Methods:Monitoring data from 2019 to 2024 for drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis in the diseased areas in Taiyuan City were collected from the Taiyuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A retrospective analysis was conducted on water improvement status, water fluoride content, dental fluorosis in children aged 8 - 12, skeletal fluorosis, and urinary fluoride monitoring results in all endemic villages.Results:From 2019 to 2024, all endemic villages in the six endemic counties (districts) of Taiyuan City completed water improvement. The number of water improvement projects each year was 75, 75, 72, 68, 64, and 57, respectively, with all projects operating normally. The qualified rates of water fluoride content each year were 81.33% (61/75), 100% (75/75), 98.61% (71/72), 75.00% (51/68), 87.50% (56/64), and 75.44% (43/57), respectively, with statistical significant differences ( χ2 = 36.99, P < 0.001). The detection rates of dental fluorosis each year were 18.19% (600/3 298), 14.42% (530/3 676), 11.14% (435/3 904), 11.13% (421/3 781), 11.59% (435/3 754), and 5.37% (299/5 567), respectively, with statistical significant differences ( χ2 = 386.42, P < 0.001). In 2024, 824 people were screened for skeletal fluorosis, with 250 cases showing positive symptoms and signs. Among the 250 positive cases, 210 underwent X-ray examination, detecting 170 skeletal fluorosis patients, with an X-ray positive rate of 80.95% (170/210) and a skeletal fluorosis detection rate of 20.63% (170/824). Urinary fluoride monitoring results showed that the geometric mean of urinary fluoride in villages with excessive water fluoride content was 2.95 mg/L, which was higher than the normal upper limit (1.60 mg/L). However, there was no statistically significant difference in urinary fluoride levels between skeletal fluorosis patients and non-skeletal fluorosis individuals ( Z = 0.78, P = 0.434). Conclusions:From 2019 to 2024, the drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Taiyuan City have undergone comprehensive water improvement and the water improvement projects are operating well. The qualified rate of water fluoride content has fluctuated, while the detection rate of dental fluorosis has decreased. Continuous monitoring is needed in the future to implement long-term water improvement measures and strengthen screening and treatment efforts for patients with fluorosis.

Objective To examine the level of sperm flagellar tubulin glycosylation(Gly-Tubulin)in asthenospermia patients(AP)and discuss its significance.Methods According to the principle of inclusion and exclusion criteria,108 patients treated in the Department of Andrology in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Maternal and Child Health Hospital from June 2021 to May 2022 were rolled in this study.According to the results of semen examine,they were divided into group AP(n=74),and normal control(NC)group(n=34).Colleced the clinical date of both group,such as the age,the sterility period.The levels of sex hormones were detected by chemiluminescence method.The glycosylated Tubulin levels of the sperm were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence was used for localization analysis,and the relationship between the Gly-Tubulin of sperm flagellar and asthenospermia was analyzed by Multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Results Compared to NC group,the sterility period of group AP was prolong(3.98±0.30 vs 0.78±0.08),the percent of forward sperm motility was decreased(18.55±0.97 vs 46.24±1.89)and the expression level of Gly-Tubulin in the sperm flagellar was decreased(0.64±0.11 vs 1.00±0.00),the differences with statistical significance(t=62.038,χ2=14.394,3.148,all P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),prolactin(PRL),estradiol(E2),testosterone,semen volume,sperm concentration and total sperm between the two groups(t/χ2=0.043～1.503,all P>0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the percent of forward sperm motility and the sperm flagellar Gly-Tubulin expression level were independent risk factors for male asthenospermia(Wald χ2=4.406,7.492,P<0.05).Conclusion Abnormal level of Gly Tubulin in sperm flagella may be closely related to the occurrence and development of asthenospermia.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of stapled closure of the internal fistula orifice in anal fistula (SCIA) combined with catheter drainage in the extra-sphincteric space in the treatment of high complex anal fistula.Methods:Methods Surgical procedure: Under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, a submucosal purse-string suture was placed above the dentate line, and the stapler was inserted to close the internal opening. The fistulous tract was dissected from the external opening toward the cranial side and excised along its path to the level of the levator ani muscle, followed by placement of catheter drainage in the extra-sphincteric space.Results:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of a 40-year-old male patient with a high-position complex anal fistula, who underwent SCIA combined with catheter drainage in the extra-sphincteric space at the Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in December 2024. The surgery was successful with minimal intraoperative bleeding, a complete anastomosis, and thorough fistula tract dissection. There was no sphincter injury occurred, and the catheter drainage was unobstructed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 8. Postoperative follow-up visits were conducted at 2 months and 6 months after surgery. The patient had no symptoms such as pain, purulent discharge, or pruritus. MRI scans of the anal canal (both plain and contrast-enhanced) at 2 months and 6 months showed no recurrence of the fistula. The Wexner fecal incontinence score was 0, indicating normal bowel control, and the Garg score was less than 8, suggesting fistula healing and low probability of recurrence.Conclusion:SCIA combined with catheter drainage in the extra-sphincteric space is a safe and feasible procedure for the treatment of high complex anal fistula.

Objective:To investigate the water improvement status and current disease situation in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas of Taiyuan City, evaluate the effect of prevention and control measures, and provide a basis for optimizing control measures.Methods:Monitoring data from 2019 to 2024 for drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis in the diseased areas in Taiyuan City were collected from the Taiyuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A retrospective analysis was conducted on water improvement status, water fluoride content, dental fluorosis in children aged 8 - 12, skeletal fluorosis, and urinary fluoride monitoring results in all endemic villages.Results:From 2019 to 2024, all endemic villages in the six endemic counties (districts) of Taiyuan City completed water improvement. The number of water improvement projects each year was 75, 75, 72, 68, 64, and 57, respectively, with all projects operating normally. The qualified rates of water fluoride content each year were 81.33% (61/75), 100% (75/75), 98.61% (71/72), 75.00% (51/68), 87.50% (56/64), and 75.44% (43/57), respectively, with statistical significant differences ( χ2 = 36.99, P < 0.001). The detection rates of dental fluorosis each year were 18.19% (600/3 298), 14.42% (530/3 676), 11.14% (435/3 904), 11.13% (421/3 781), 11.59% (435/3 754), and 5.37% (299/5 567), respectively, with statistical significant differences ( χ2 = 386.42, P < 0.001). In 2024, 824 people were screened for skeletal fluorosis, with 250 cases showing positive symptoms and signs. Among the 250 positive cases, 210 underwent X-ray examination, detecting 170 skeletal fluorosis patients, with an X-ray positive rate of 80.95% (170/210) and a skeletal fluorosis detection rate of 20.63% (170/824). Urinary fluoride monitoring results showed that the geometric mean of urinary fluoride in villages with excessive water fluoride content was 2.95 mg/L, which was higher than the normal upper limit (1.60 mg/L). However, there was no statistically significant difference in urinary fluoride levels between skeletal fluorosis patients and non-skeletal fluorosis individuals ( Z = 0.78, P = 0.434). Conclusions:From 2019 to 2024, the drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Taiyuan City have undergone comprehensive water improvement and the water improvement projects are operating well. The qualified rate of water fluoride content has fluctuated, while the detection rate of dental fluorosis has decreased. Continuous monitoring is needed in the future to implement long-term water improvement measures and strengthen screening and treatment efforts for patients with fluorosis.