BACKGROUND: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the predominant form of chronic liver disease worldwide. This study was designed to investigate the proportion and characteristics of MAFLD within the general Chinese population and to identify the contributory risk factors for liver fibrosis among MAFLD individuals. METHODS: The participants were recruited from a cohort undergoing routine health evaluations at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University between May 2019 and March 2023. The diagnosis of MAFLD was based on the established clinical practice guidelines. The fibrosis-4 index score (FIB-4) was employed to evaluate hepatic fibrosis, with a FIB-4 score of ≥1.3 indicating significant fibrosis. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors associated with significant hepatic fibrosis in MAFLD. RESULTS: A total of 22,970 participants who underwent comprehensive medical examinations were included in the analysis. The overall proportion of MAFLD was 28.77% (6608/22,970), with 16.87% (1115/6608) of these patients showing significant fibrosis as assessed using FIB-4. Independent risk factors for significant liver fibrosis in MAFLD patients were male (odds ratio [OR] = 0.676, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.558-0.821), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity (OR = 2.611, 95% CI: 1.557-4.379), body mass index ≥23.00 kg/m 2 (OR = 0.632, 95% CI: 0.470-0.851), blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg (OR = 1.885, 95% CI: 1.564-2.272), and plasma glucose ≥5.6 mmol/L (OR = 1.815, 95% CI: 1.507-2.186) (all P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS The proportion of MAFLD in an urban Chinese population is 28.77%. About 16.87% of MAFLD patients presented with significant liver fibrosis. Independent risk factors for significant liver fibrosis in MAFLD patients should be noticed.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Liver Cirrhosis/pathology* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Adult ; Fatty Liver/pathology* ; Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Logistic Models ; Urban Population ; East Asian People

Objective To investigate the effects of auricular point seed-pressing and earpoint scraping on sleep quality,sleep structure index and neurotransmitter in patients with sleep disorders in neurology department.Methods A total of 110 patients with sleep disorders treated in the Department of Neurology at Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from June 2022 to June 2024 were selected as the study subjects.The patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table,with 55 cases in each group.The control group was treated with Estazolam Tablets,while the observation group received auricular point seed-pressing therapy combined with ear scraping therapy.The treatment course lasted for 4 weeks.After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.Changes in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)scores were observed before and after treatment,as well as sleep structure indicators,including total sleep time(TST),sleep latency(SL),arousal index(AI),non-rapid eye movement sleep time(NREM)[light sleep stage(S1),light to moderate sleep stage(S2),moderate sleep stage(S3),deep sleep stage(S4)],actual sleep time(AST),sleep efficiency(SE),and rapid eye movement sleep time(REM).The serum levels of norepinephrine(NE),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)were compared before and after treatment,as well as changes in the Quality of Life Scale(SF-36)scores.The safety and incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups were also evaluated.Results(1)The total effective rate in the observation group was 96.61%(53/55),while it was 81.82%(45/55)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the PSQI scores of both groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group showed significantly better improvement in PSQI scores compared to the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the sleep structure indicators in the observation group,including TST,SL,AI,S1,S2,S3,S4,AST,SE,and REM,were significantly improved,and the differences were statistically significant compared to the control group(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the serum levels of NE,5-HT,and GABA in both groups were significantly improved,and the observation group showed significantly better improvement in these levels compared to the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(5)After treatment,the SF-36 scores of both groups were significantly improved,and the observation group showed significantly better improvement in SF-36 scores compared to the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).(6)The total incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 0.00%(0/55),while it was 10.91%(6/55)in the control group.The incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).Conclusion Auricular point seed-pressing therapy combined with ear scraping therapy for the treatment of sleep disorders at the Department of Neurology can significantly improve patients'sleep quality,enhance sleep structure-related indicators,regulate neurotransmitter levels,thereby improving patients'quality of life with high safety and efficacy.

Objective To collect data on imported malaria cases in Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2023 after malaria elimination and to analyze the current epidemic situation and prevention and control measures of imported malaria, discussing future prevention and control strategies. Methods Malaria case information for Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2023 was extracted and downloaded from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDCP) as well as the Jiangsu Provincial malaria epidemic database. Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata 12.0 and SPSS 16.0 software. Results From 2019 to 2023, a total of 534 cases of malaria were directly reported online in Jiangsu Province, with annual cases numbering 244, 90, 32, 36, and 132 respectively, all being laboratory-confirmed imported malaria cases from abroad. During the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022, the number of imported malaria cases significantly decreased, with several months reporting zero cases. Among the 534 malaria cases, the vast majority were individuals who had traveled to countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia for work, business, international studies, or tourism. Over the five years, the median, minimum, and maximum days for patients from onset of illness to health-seeking were 1(0,12), 1(0,8), 0(0,6), 0(0,10), and 1(0,18) days, with a statistically significant difference in health-seeking time among patients (Fisher's exact test, P=0.03). Over the past three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to outside centralized isolation stations, malaria cases within centralized isolation stations were diagnosed in a shorter time (Fisher exact test, P=0.007). A total of 24 severe malaria cases were reported, with no deaths, including 23 cases of P. falciparum and 1 case of P. ovale. Conclusions After the elimination of malaria, imported malaria cases in Jiangsu Province have sharply decreased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Malaria cases in centralized isolation stations (CIS) for COVID-19 control of Jiangsu Province are more likely to be promptly diagnosed, and the timeliness from onset to health-seeking among malaria patients returning from high-malaria areas improved. As COVID-19 prevention and control policies adjusted, there has been a sharp increase in imported malaria cases in 2023. It's still necessary to strengthen measures for malaria prevention and control and maintain the capacity to prevent malaria re-transmission in Jiangsu Province.

Objective To explore the influence of different bone quality around the implant on the implantation accuracy,the com-puter-aided design of implant guide plate was used for patients with poor bone quality to evaluate its accuracy.Methods Retrospective analysis of relevant clinical data from 29 single-tooth implant patients with relatively poor bone quality meeting inclusion criteria was conducted.Using 3Shape Implant Studio software,implant plans were designed and fully guided digital templates were fabricated before surgery.Implantation was guided by the templates throughout,with torque and ISQ values recorded to evaluate the initial stability of the implant.Postoperative implant positions were reconstructed using CBCT images,and the three-dimensional deviation of implant place-ment was evaluated in conjunction with the preoperative design.Bone quality around the implants was also recorded and analyzed before and after surgery.Results In this study,digital guide plates were used in patients with poor bone quality,and the initial stability of implants was≥20 N·cm except for three cases.In cases of poor bone quality,the accuracy of the fully guided digital templates was as follows:cervix deviation(0.94±0.59)mm,apex deviation(1.40±0.81)mm and angle deviation 4.10°±2.99°.Bone quality had a greater impact on angle deviation(P＜0.05).The higher the proportion of D3 bone was around the implant body 1/3,the smaller the deviation of neck,apex and angle was,while the higher the proportion of D5 bone,the greater the deviation of implantation.Conclu-sion For patients with poor bone quality,under the premise of restoration-oriented,the proportion of D3 bone around the implant can be increased by computer-aided design,and the initial stability of the implant can be improved by guiding the implantation with digital guide plate.Attention should be paid to the influence of bone on the angle deviation of implant during the application of guide plate.

Objective To investigate the effects of allergens on the expressions of IL-18,IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα protein in peripheral blood CD4+Th1 cells of healthy control subjects(HC)and patients with allergic rhi-nitis(AR),and on the expressions of IL-18,IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα mRNA in the peripheral blood CD4+T cells.Methods Blood samples were collected from patients with rhinitis for negative skin prick test(AR-),rhinitis for positive skin prick test(AR+)and HC.Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effects of allergens on the expres-sions of IL-18,IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα protein in CD4+Th1 cells.The expressions of IL-18,IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα mRNA in CD4+T cells were determined by qPCR.Results Compared with HC,increased IL-18 while de-creased IL-18BPa expressions in Th1 cells of AR-and AR+patients were observed,increased IL-18Rα expression in Th1 cells of AR+patients was also found.Additionally,allergens induced elevated expression of IL-18Rα pro-tein in Th1 cells of HC,and induced elevated mRNA expressions of IL-18,IL-18BPa and IL-18Rα in isolated blood CD4+T cells of AR+patients and HC.Conclusion Allergens may be involved in the pathogenesis of AR by inducing the expressions of IL-18 and IL-18Rα in blood CD4+Th1 cells.

Activated eosinophils are the core effector cells in immune responses.Interleukin-18(IL-18),a classical inflammasome-related cytokine,is reported to induce eosinophil differentiation,development and activation by binding with IL-18 receptor α,and thus promoting inflammation responses.Therefore,a thorough understanding of the role of IL-18 in eosinophil differentiation,development and activation is of great significance for the diagnosis and treat-ment of eosinophil-induced inflammatory diseases,and for the research and development of IL-18-related biological agents.

Objective To observe the effect of esketamine on intraoperative analgesic management of burn patients.Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in which 104 patients with scab grafting under general anesthesia in the Fourth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from December 2023 to September 2024 were selected as the study subjects.The patients were divided into esketamine group and sufentanil group according to random number table method,with 52 cases in each group.Basic data,laboratory examination indicators,perioperative circulation of patients[including mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR)],perioperative anxiety and pain scales[including self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),visual analog scale for anxiety(VAS-A),visual analog scale for pain(VAS-P),numerical rating scale(NRS),and the occurrence of postoperative adverse reactions.Results After excluding 6 patients who withdrew and 3 who required changes in anesthesia,95 patients completed the study(47 in the esketamine group and 48 in the sufentanil group).Compared with sufentanil group,patients in the two groups had stable intraoperative circulation,esketamine group had higher MAP at 2 minutes after anesthesia intubation(T3),at intraoperative skin removal(T4),at intraoperative skin grafting(T5),and at exit room(T6),HR was faster at T3-T5(P<0.05),and the time from surgery to extubation was extended[minutes:7.0(5.0,11.0)vs.5.0(3.8,8.3),P<0.05],the first exhaust time was significantly shortened[hours:3.8(1.5,7.3)vs.6.2(3.4,10.5),P<0.05],the proportion of increased secretion during recovery period was significantly higher[36.2%(17/47)vs.16.7%(8/48),P<0.05],and the VAS-P score at rest 24 hours after surgery[0.0(0.0,1.0)vs.0.5(0.0,1.0),P<0.05]and VAS-P score during exercise[1.5(1.0,2.0)vs.2.0(1.0,3.0),P<0.05]were significantly lower.There were no significant differences in anesthesia drug consumption and postoperative adverse reactions between the two groups.Conclusion Esketamine is safe and feasible for intraoperative analgesia management of burn patients,and it is a potential drug for perioperative frugal opioid anesthesia management.

Activated eosinophils are the core effector cells in immune responses.Interleukin-18(IL-18),a classical inflammasome-related cytokine,is reported to induce eosinophil differentiation,development and activation by binding with IL-18 receptor α,and thus promoting inflammation responses.Therefore,a thorough understanding of the role of IL-18 in eosinophil differentiation,development and activation is of great significance for the diagnosis and treat-ment of eosinophil-induced inflammatory diseases,and for the research and development of IL-18-related biological agents.

Objective To observe the effect of esketamine on intraoperative analgesic management of burn patients.Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in which 104 patients with scab grafting under general anesthesia in the Fourth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from December 2023 to September 2024 were selected as the study subjects.The patients were divided into esketamine group and sufentanil group according to random number table method,with 52 cases in each group.Basic data,laboratory examination indicators,perioperative circulation of patients[including mean arterial pressure(MAP),heart rate(HR)],perioperative anxiety and pain scales[including self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),visual analog scale for anxiety(VAS-A),visual analog scale for pain(VAS-P),numerical rating scale(NRS),and the occurrence of postoperative adverse reactions.Results After excluding 6 patients who withdrew and 3 who required changes in anesthesia,95 patients completed the study(47 in the esketamine group and 48 in the sufentanil group).Compared with sufentanil group,patients in the two groups had stable intraoperative circulation,esketamine group had higher MAP at 2 minutes after anesthesia intubation(T3),at intraoperative skin removal(T4),at intraoperative skin grafting(T5),and at exit room(T6),HR was faster at T3-T5(P<0.05),and the time from surgery to extubation was extended[minutes:7.0(5.0,11.0)vs.5.0(3.8,8.3),P<0.05],the first exhaust time was significantly shortened[hours:3.8(1.5,7.3)vs.6.2(3.4,10.5),P<0.05],the proportion of increased secretion during recovery period was significantly higher[36.2%(17/47)vs.16.7%(8/48),P<0.05],and the VAS-P score at rest 24 hours after surgery[0.0(0.0,1.0)vs.0.5(0.0,1.0),P<0.05]and VAS-P score during exercise[1.5(1.0,2.0)vs.2.0(1.0,3.0),P<0.05]were significantly lower.There were no significant differences in anesthesia drug consumption and postoperative adverse reactions between the two groups.Conclusion Esketamine is safe and feasible for intraoperative analgesia management of burn patients,and it is a potential drug for perioperative frugal opioid anesthesia management.

Objective To create risk predictive models of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province based on machine learning algorithms, so as to provide insights into early identification of imported malaria cases in Jiangsu Province. Methods Case investigation, first symptoms and time of initial diagnosis of imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province in 2019 were captured from Infectious Disease Report Information Management System and Parasitic Disease Prevention and Control Information Management System of Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk predictive models of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients were created with the back propagation (BP) neural network model, logistic regression model, random forest model and Bayesian model using thirteen factors as independent variables, including occupation, species of malaria parasite, main clinical manifestations, presence of complications, severity of disease, age, duration of residing abroad, frequency of malaria parasite infections abroad, incubation period, level of institution at initial diagnosis, country of origin, number of individuals travelling with patients and way to go abroad, and time of healthcare-seeking delay as a dependent variable. Logistic regression model was visualized using a nomogram, and the nomogram was evaluated using calibration curves. In addition, the efficiency of the four models for prediction of risk of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients was evaluated using the area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The importance of each characteristic was quantified and attributed by using SHAP to examine the positive and negative effects of the value of each characteristic on the predictive efficiency. Results A total of 244 imported malaria patients were enrolled, including 100 cases (40.98%) with the duration from onset of first symptoms to time of initial diagnosis that exceeded 24 hours. Logistic regression analysis identified a history of malaria parasite infection [odds ratio (OR) = 3.075, 95% confidential interval (CI): (1.597, 5.923)], long incubation period [OR = 1.010, 95% CI: (1.001, 1.018)] and seeking healthcare in provincial or municipal medical facilities [OR = 12.550, 95% CI: (1.158, 135.963)] as risk factors for delay in seeking healthcare among imported malaria cases. BP neural network modeling showed that duration of residing abroad, incubation period and age posed great impacts on delay in healthcare-seek among imported malaria patients. Random forest modeling showed that the top five factors with the greatest impact on healthcare-seeking delay included main clinical manifestations, the way to go abroad, incubation period, duration of residing abroad and age among imported malaria patients, and Bayesian modeling revealed that the top five factors affecting healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients included level of institutions at initial diagnosis, age, country of origin, history of malaria parasite infection and individuals travelling with imported malaria patients. ROC curve analysis showed higher overall performance of the BP neural network model and the logistic regression model for prediction of the risk of healthcare-seeking delay among imported malaria patients (Z = 2.700 to 4.641, all P values < 0.01), with no statistically significant difference in the AUC among four models (Z = 1.209, P > 0.05). The sensitivity (71.00%) and Youden index (43.92%) of the logistic regression model was higher than those of the BP neural network (63.00% and 36.61%, respectively), and the specificity of the BP neural network model (73.61%) was higher than that of the logistic regression model (72.92%). Conclusions Imported malaria cases with long duration of residing abroad, a history of malaria parasite infection, long incubation period, advanced age and seeking healthcare in provincial or municipal medical institutions have a high likelihood of delay in healthcare-seeking in Jiangsu Province. The models created based on the logistic regression and BP neural network show a high efficiency for prediction of the risk of healthcare-seeking among imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province, which may provide insights into health management of imported malaria patients.