Objective To analyze the current status of occupational health literacy (OHL) among front-line workers in the metal products industry and to explore its influencing factors. Methods A total of 5 193 front-line workers from the metal products industry in 14 prefecture-level cities in Guangdong Province were selected as the research subjects by the stratified cluster random sampling method. The Occupational Health Literacy Questionnaire of National Key Populations was used to assess their OHL levels. To analyze the influencing factors of OHL, binary logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results The overall OHL level among the participants was 40.0% (2 079/5 193). The result of binary logistic regression analysis showed that workers with lower educational level, lower average monthly personal income, and smaller enterprise size had lower OHL levels (all P<0.01). In addition, workers in foreign-funded enterprises had higher OHL levels than those in private enterprises (P<0.01). Conclusion There remains considerable room for improvement in OHL among front-line workers in the metal products industry. Priority focus is to improve OHL among workers with lower education and income levels, as well as those employed in private and micro- or small-sized enterprises.

ObjectiveTo investigate the contamination status, transmission risk and drug resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) on the object surfaces in the surrounding environment of hospitalized patients infected with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) , so as to provide a scientific guidance for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection. MethodsSamples from the surfaces of objects in the surrounding environment of CRKP infected patients living in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hand specimens from healthcare workers were collected for KP isolation and identification, as well as drug susceptible test in a medical institution located in Minhang District, Shanghai from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the influencing factors associated with KP contamination in the hospital environment. ResultsA total of 546 surface samples were collected from the surrounding environment objects of 15 patients infected with CRKP, with a KP detection rate of 6.59% (36/546).The KP detection rate in the ICU of general ward (10.22%) was higher than that in the ICU of emergency department (2.94%) (χ²=12.142, P<0.001). Moreover, the KP detection rate on the surfaces of patient-contacted items (15.66%) was higher than that on shared-use items (6.25%), cleaning items (10.00%), and medical supplies (3.30%) (χ²=17.943, P<0.001). Besides, the detection rate of KP in items sent out of hospital for disinfection (15.38%) was higher than that in those self-disinfected (4.20%) (χ²=19.996, P<0.001).The highest detection rate of KP was observed in high-temperature washing (15.13%, 18/119) (χ²=21.219, P<0.001), while the lowest detection rate was observed in antibacterial hand sanitizer with trichlorohydroxydiphenyl ether sanitizing factor (0, 0/60) ( χ²=21.219, P<0.001).The detection rate of KP in samples taken more than 24 hours after the last disinfection (23.08%) was higher than that in those taken at 4 to24 hours (12.90%) and less than 4 hours (4.22%) (χ²=23.398,P<0.001).ICU of general ward (OR=4.045, 95%CI: 2.206‒7.416), patient-contacted items (OR=3.113, 95%CI: 1.191‒8.141), and self-disinfection ( OR=0.241, 95%CI:0.144‒0.402) were influencing factors for KP contamination in environmental surface. From 2021 to 2023, the drug resistance rates of hospital environmental KP isolates showed an upward trend (P<0.001) to antibiotics such as ceftazidime and gentamicin. Furthermore, high drug resistance rates of KP (>90%) were observed to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and cefepime. ConclusionCRKP can be transmitted outward through the surfaces of objects in the patients’ surroundings, and the drug resistance situation is severe. In clinical settings, it is necessary to implement isolation measures for CRKP infection patients, to increase the frequency of disinfection for objects in their surroundings, to strengthen hand hygiene practices, and to use antibiotics appropriately.

OBJECTIVE: To assess health equity in the Yangtze River region to improve understanding of the correlation between hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and socioeconomic factors. METHODS: From 2014-2016, data on HFMD incidence, population statistics, economic indicators, and meteorology from 26 cities along the Yangtze River were analyzed. A multi-city random-effects meta-analysis was performed to study the relationship between temperature and HFMD transmission, and health equity was assessed with respect to socio-economic impact. RESULTS: Over the study period, 919,458 HFMD cases were reported, with Shanghai (162,303) having the highest incidence and Tongling (5,513) having the lowest. Males were more commonly affected (male-to-female ratio, 1.49:1). The exposure-response relationship had an M-shaped curve, with two HFMD peaks occurring at 4 °C and 26 °C. The relative risk had two peaks at 1.30 °C (1.834, 95% CI: 1.204-2.794) and 31.4 °C (1.143, 95% CI: 0.901-1.451), forming an M shape, with the first peak higher than the second. The most significant impact of temperature on HFMD was observed between -2 °C and 18.1 °C. The concentration index (0.2463) indicated moderate concentration differences, whereas the Theil index (0.0418) showed low inequality in distribution. CONCLUSION The incidence of HFMD varied across cities, particularly with changes in temperature. Economically prosperous areas showed higher risks, indicating disparities. Targeted interventions in these areas are crucial for mitigating the risk of HFMD.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; China/epidemiology* ; Cities/epidemiology* ; Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/transmission* ; Incidence ; Risk Factors ; Temperature

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is unclear. This study investigated the association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and postpartum LUTS. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in China from November 1, 2022, to November 1, 2023. Participants were classified into infected and uninfected groups based on SARS-CoV-2 antigen results. LUTS prevalence and severity were assessed using self-reported symptoms and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured using electromyography following the Glazer protocol. Group comparisons were performed to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LUTS and electromyography parameters, with stratified analyses conducted using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Among 3,652 participants (681 infected, 2,971 uninfected), no significant differences in LUTS prevalence or IIQ-7 scores were observed. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection was an independent factor influencing the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (mean tonic contraction amplitudes), regardless of delivery mode ( P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly associated with an increased risk of postpartum LUTS but independently altered pelvic floor muscle electromyographic activity, suggesting potential neuromuscular effects.
Humans ; Female ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Pregnancy ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/virology* ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Electromyography ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pelvic Floor/physiopathology* ; Prevalence

OBJECTIVE: To explore the safety and effectiveness of separation surgery in patients with neurological symptoms of spinal metastases. METHODS: From January 2020 to December 2022, 14 patients with neurological symptoms of spinal metastases underwent separation surgery, including 7 males and 7 females, aged from 30 to 76 years old with an average of (61.57±12.16) years old. In comparison with eleven patients underwent conservative treatment during the same period, including 6 males and 5 femals, aged from 46 to 88 years old with an average of (66.55±12.32) years old. The changes in visual analogue scale (VAS), Frankel grades, Karnofsky scores, and quality of life score (QOL) before and after treatment were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Fourteen patients in the separation surgery group underwent surgery successfully, with surgery time of (218.57±50.00) minutes and intraoperative blood loss of (864.29±332.97) ml, 2 patients developed delayed hematoma and recovered well finally after emergency surgery, the follow-up time was 3 to 36 months, after separation surgery, the pain was significantly relieved, and neurological function recovered well in the patients. Three months after treatment, the VAS in the separation surgery group (1.43±0.76) scores was significantly lower than that in the conservative treatment group (8.64±0.51) scores (P<0.05);and the Frankel grades, Karnofsky scores, and QOL scores in the separation surgery group were significantly better than those in the conservative treatment group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION For patients with obvious neurological symptoms of spinal metastases, separation surgery not only can rapidly relieve nerve compression but also carry relatively low surgical risks, and improve the quality of life of patients.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Spinal Neoplasms/complications* ; Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; Quality of Life

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in patients with glycogen storage disease (GSD)-associated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 25 patients with GSD-associated IBD who received empagliflozin treatment. General data, details of empagliflozin use, and adverse events were collected. Clinical symptoms and biochemical parameters before and after empagliflozin therapy were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with GSD-associated IBD were included, with a median age at diagnosis of 0.7 years, and a mean age at initiation of empagliflozin therapy of (11 ± 6) years. The initial dose of empagliflozin was (0.30 ± 0.13) mg/(kg·d), with a maintenance dose of (0.40 ± 0.21) mg/(kg·d), and a treatment duration of (34 ± 6) months. Seventy-eight percent (18/23) of patients' parents reported that empagliflozin therapy reduced the frequency of infections and oral ulcers, and increased neutrophil counts. Clinically, the number of patients with anorexia decreased from 12 to 5 after treatment, and 30% showed improved appetite (P<0.05). The numbers of patients with diarrhea, mucus/bloody stools, perianal disease, and oral ulcers decreased from 19, 9, 11, and 21 before treatment to 7, 1, 0, and 10 after treatment, respectively (P<0.05). Laboratory findings showed that absolute neutrophil counts increased, while platelet counts, lactate, and uric acid levels decreased significantly after empagliflozin treatment (P<0.05). Adverse reactions occurred in 7 patients (28%) during empagliflozin treatment. Two cases occurred in the treatment initiation phase, presenting as hypotension or profuse sweating with dehydration, along with urinary tract infections (UTIs); empagliflozin was discontinued in both cases. During the maintenance phase, 3 cases of UTIs and 2 cases of hypoglycemia (one with profuse sweating) were reported. CONCLUSIONS Empagliflozin therapy can increase neutrophil counts, reduce the incidence of infections and oral ulcers, alleviate diarrhea and abdominal pain, improve appetite, and ameliorate platelet count, lactate, and uric acid levels in patients with GSD-associated IBD, demonstrating significant clinical benefit. UTIs, hypoglycemia, hypotension, profuse sweating, and dehydration may be potential adverse reactions associated with empagliflozin therapy.
Humans ; Benzhydryl Compounds/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Glucosides/adverse effects* ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/etiology* ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Glycogen Storage Disease/drug therapy* ; Infant

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the gene carrier rate and genotype distribution characteristics of thalassemia in the population of Kunming, and compare the differences of red blood cell (RBC) parameters between β⁺ heterozygous carriers, β⁰ heterozygous carriers and healthy population, as well as between different sexes of adults aged 18-45 years. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 3 195 cases of thalassemia gene screened in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 was performed to detect 21 mutations of β-globin genes which was common in Chinese people using fluorescence PCR melting curve method. Patients with single heterozygous carrying β-thalassemia gene were divided into β⁺ heterozygote group and β⁰ heterozygote group, while the control group consisted of 219 healthy individuals. Four indices, including RBC, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were collected from all β heterozygous carriers and 219 healthy people, and compared between β⁺ heterozygote group, β⁰ heterozygote group and control group, as well as between β⁺ heterozygous carriers, β⁰ heterozygous carriers and healthy population of different sexes aged 18-45 years. RESULTS: There were 688 cases confirmed thalassemia gene carriers, accounting for 21.53%. Among them, 322 cases were found to have β-globin gene mutations, including 145 cases of β⁺ heterozygote, 151 cases of β⁰ heterozygote, and 14 cases of β⁺ homozygotes as well as β⁺ and β⁰ dual heterozygotes. Additionally, 12 cases were found to have simultaneous mutation or deletion of β-globin and α-globin. The carrier rate of CD26 G>A mutation in β⁺ thalassemia was the highest, accounting for 57.9%, while in β⁰ thalassemia CD17 A>T was the highest, accounting for 46.4%. The erythrocyte parameters of 296 β heterozygous mutation carriers were compared with the normal reference interval, and it was found that 218 cases with RBC value greater than the highest value of reference interval, while 105, 281, and 269 cases with Hb, MCV, and MCH value less than the lowest value of reference interval, respectively. There were significant differences in the 4 erythrocyte parameters between β⁺ heterozygotes, β⁰ heterozygotes and healthy individuals (all P < 0.001), and further comparison between different sexes also showed significant differences (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The carrier rates of thalassemia gene and β-thalassemia heterozygote are both at high level in Kunming, and there are significant differences in the erythrocyte parameters between β⁺ heterozygous carriers, β⁰ heterozygous carriers and healthy individuals. When genetic counseling, it is necessary to inform and strengthen screening among adults of marriageable age to prevent birth of children with severe thalassemia.
Humans ; beta-Thalassemia/blood* ; Adult ; Heterozygote ; Male ; Female ; beta-Globins/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Adolescent ; Genotype ; Erythrocytes ; Erythrocyte Indices ; Young Adult ; China ; Genetic Testing ; Asian People/genetics*

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an anthracycline drug widely applied in various malignancies. However, the fatal cardiotoxicity induced by Dox limits its clinical application. Post-transcriptional protein modification via ubiquitination/deubiquitination in cardiomyocytes mediates the pathophysiological process in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). In this study, we aimed to clarify the regulatory role and mechanism of a deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin-specific peptidase 13 (USP13), in DIC. RNA-seq analysis and experimental examinations identified that cardiomyocyte-derived USP13 positively correlated with DIC. Mice with cardiac-specific deletion of USP13 were subjected to Dox modeling. Adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) carrying cTNT promoter was constructed to overexpress USP13 in mouse heart tissues. Cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of USP13 exacerbated DIC, while its overexpression mitigated DIC in mice. Mechanistically, USP13 deubiquitinates the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and promotes the autolysosome-related degradation of STING, subsequently alleviating cardiomyocyte inflammation and death. Our study suggests that USP13 serves a cardioprotective role in DIC and indicates USP13 as a potential therapeutic target for DIC treatment.

[Objective]Patients with hepatic glycogen storage disease(GSD)have recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia.This study aimed to investigate and analyze blood glucose and biochemical indicators in pediatric patients with hepatic GSD,thus provide data support for hypoglycemia prevention and its clinical management.[Methods]A cross-sectional field study was conducted among patients with hepatic GSD treated in the Department of Pediatrics of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital on July 14,2024.We collected the peripheral blood samples of the patients and their healthy family controls on site,then analyzed and compared their blood glucose and biochemical indicators.[Results]Of the 44 patients with hepatic GSD,there were 34 males and 10 females,including GSD Ib(n=14),GSD Ia(n=15),GSD Ⅲ(n=2),GSD Ⅵ(n=7)and GSD Ⅸ(n=6).The average age was 7.60(5.08-11.98)years.All patients were on uncooked cornstarch(UCCS)therapy.Of the patients,77.3%(34/44)had hepatomegaly,61.4%(27/44)had recurrent hypoglycemia,61.4%(27/44)had blood glucose≤3.9 mmol/L,18.2%(8/44)had blood glucose≤2.8 mmol/L,and none of the 8 cases was GSD Ib.The lowest blood glucose level was 1.19 mmol/L and no episodes of hypoglycemia occurred.Of the family control subjects,65.9%(29/44)had blood glucose≤3.9 mmol/L.There was no significant difference in hypoglycemia prevalence between hepatic GSD group and control group(P=0.658).The hepatic GSD patients had hyperlactacemia,hyperuricemia and hypercholesterolemia prevalence rates of 65.9%,45.5%and 9.1%,respectively,as compared with 18.2%,43.2%and 15.9%,respectively,for the family control subjects.No significant difference was found in the prevalence rates of hyperuricemia and hypercholesterolemia between the two groups(P=0.830 and P=0.334,respectively).[Conclusions]Asymptomatic hypoglycemia is common in patients with hepatic GSD,especially in non-GSD-Ib patients.It is necessary to optimize the diet management of UCCS,conduct dynamic blood glucose monitoring and follow a light diet,so as to decrease hyperuricemia and hypercholesterolemia,avoid and reduce the serious adverse reactions and complications caused by severe hypoglycemia.