Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important pathogen for both human bloodstream infections and mastitis in cows. However, little attention has been paid to the cross-host transmission of MRSA from cows to high-risk groups in China. Objective To determine the MRSA colonization rates among dairy cows and dairy farm workers in Xinjiang, identify the antibiotic resistance profiles and molecular characteristics of the isolates, and provide scientific evidence for the formulation of targeted infection control strategies. Method A cross-sectional survey combined with laboratory pathogen analysis was conducted. From June to August 2024, large-scale dairy farms in Xinjiang region were selected as study sites. Nasal swabs (n=96) and skin swabs (n=39) were collected from workers, and bovine nasal swab samples (n=109) were collected simultaneously. All samples were subjected to MRSA isolation, cultivation, and identification, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing to characterize resistance phenotypes. Staphylococcus aureus protein A (Spa) typing was performed to determine strain genotypes and elucidate MRSA colonization rates and molecular epidemiological patterns. Results A total of 35 MRSA strains was successfully isolated from 244 samples. The MRSA colonization rates among dairy farm workers and dairy cows were 20.83% (20/96) and 12.84% (14/109), respectively, with an overall isolation rate of 14.34% (35/244). Among the workers, the nasal colonization rate was 16.67% (16/96), and the skin colonization rate was 12.82% (5/39). One worker exhibited MRSA colonization at multiple body sites. All MRSA strains were resistant to cefoxitin (100%, 35/35). The resistance rates to erythromycin and clindamycin were 42.86% (15/35) and 34.29% (12/35), respectively. Thirteen strains showed a multidrug-resistant phenotype, whereas all strains were susceptible to vancomycin. The MRSA isolates exhibited high genetic diversity, with 13 Spa types identified, among which t441 was the most prevalent (8 strains). Both t441 and t034 types were detected in samples from both the dairy cows and their handlers. These two Spa types also carried and stably inherited specific resistance combinations, including erythromycin–clindamycin–cefoxitin and ciprofloxacin–erythromycin–clindamycin–gentamicin–cefoxitin–tetracycline, and a statistically significant association was also observed between the two resistance profiles and the bacterial types (P < 0.001). In addition, one novel Spa type strain was identified. Conclusion MRSA colonization rates among dairy cows and dairy farm workers in Xinjiang are relatively high, with evidence of multi-site colonization. The isolates exhibit high levels of multidrug resistance and genetic diversity, indicating a potential risk of cross-host transmission.

Background Under intensive dairy farming conditions, Enterococcus spp. can be transmitted between animals, farm workers, and the environment via multiple vectors such as feces, soil, water, air, and farming equipment, posing a potential threat to public health. Objective To elucidate the prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) among farm workers, dairy cattle, and the farm environment in Xinjiang, and to assess the risk of their cross-host transmission. Methods From May 2024 to January 2025, a total of 317 samples were collected from 11 large-scale dairy farms in Xinjiang, China, including feces from farm workers (n=130) and dairy cattle (n=154), and environmental samples (n=33). E. faecalis and E. faecium were isolated and identified, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to analyze their molecular characteristics. Results A total of 183 Enterococcus isolates were obtained (66 E. faecalis and 117 E. faecium isolated). The isolation rates of both species showed statistically significant differences among the three sources (χ²=29.21, P=0.003). Antimicrobial resistance analysis revealed that E. faecalis generally exhibited higher resistance rates across multiple antibiotic classes than E. faecium. High resistance to rifampicin was observed across all sources (50.00%–81.25%), with statistical variation among origins (χ²=8.03, P=0.024). Multidrug-resistant strains accounted for 69.10% of the isolates. Multidrug resistance patterns in E. faecium varied significantly by source (χ²=27.19, P=0.014), and one isolate displayed resistance to eight antibiotic classes. MLST indicated high genetic diversity; E. faecalis was dominated by ST472 and ST227 of which the distrubution was significantly different among sources, while E. faecium primarily clustered into clonal complexes CC94 (centered on ST94) and CC17 (centered on ST22). Conclusion Resistant Enterococcus strains exhibit cross-transmission among farm workers, animals, and the environment. Under the "One Health" framework, standardized farming protocols and prudent antimicrobial use are essential to disrupt the transmission chain of resistant clones and mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance at its source.

Background Under intensive dairy farming conditions, Enterococcus spp. can be transmitted between animals, farm workers, and the environment via multiple vectors such as feces, soil, water, air, and farming equipment, posing a potential threat to public health. Objective To elucidate the prevalence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) among farm workers, dairy cattle, and the farm environment in Xinjiang, and to assess the risk of their cross-host transmission. Methods From May 2024 to January 2025, a total of 317 samples were collected from 11 large-scale dairy farms in Xinjiang, China, including feces from farm workers (n=130) and dairy cattle (n=154), and environmental samples (n=33). E. faecalis and E. faecium were isolated and identified, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to analyze their molecular characteristics. Results A total of 183 Enterococcus isolates were obtained (66 E. faecalis and 117 E. faecium isolated). The isolation rates of both species showed statistically significant differences among the three sources (χ²=29.21, P=0.003). Antimicrobial resistance analysis revealed that E. faecalis generally exhibited higher resistance rates across multiple antibiotic classes than E. faecium. High resistance to rifampicin was observed across all sources (50.00%–81.25%), with statistical variation among origins (χ²=8.03, P=0.024). Multidrug-resistant strains accounted for 69.10% of the isolates. Multidrug resistance patterns in E. faecium varied significantly by source (χ²=27.19, P=0.014), and one isolate displayed resistance to eight antibiotic classes. MLST indicated high genetic diversity; E. faecalis was dominated by ST472 and ST227 of which the distrubution was significantly different among sources, while E. faecium primarily clustered into clonal complexes CC94 (centered on ST94) and CC17 (centered on ST22). Conclusion Resistant Enterococcus strains exhibit cross-transmission among farm workers, animals, and the environment. Under the "One Health" framework, standardized farming protocols and prudent antimicrobial use are essential to disrupt the transmission chain of resistant clones and mitigate the spread of antimicrobial resistance at its source.

AIM:To investigate the application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)time parameters in the classification diagnosis of choroidal space-occupying lesions.METHODS: Patients with choroidal space-occupying lesions who underwent CEUS at Xi'an People's Hospital(Xi'an Fourth Hospital)between June 2020 and January 2024 were enrolled. According to the final clinical diagnosis and pathological findings, the patients were divided into a benign group(choroidal hemangioma), a malignant group(choroidal melanoma), and a hemorrhage group(subchoroidal hemorrhage). CEUS characteristics and contrast parameters, including rise time(RT), time to peak(TP), and washout time(WT), as well as the incidence of adverse reactions, were analyzed to evaluate the diagnostic value of CEUS.RESULTS:A total of 120 patients(120 eyes)with choroidal space-occupying lesions were included, with 40 patients(40 eyes)in each group. The patients in the benign group were aged 45-70(mean age 57.5±12.4 )y, including 19 males and 21 females; those in the malignant group were aged 43-72(mean age 56.9±13.1 )y, including 23 males and 17 females; and those in the hemorrhage group were aged 40-61(mean age 54.4±9.7 )y, including 22 males and 18 females. The benign group predominantly exhibited homogeneous hyperenhancement with a “fast-in, slow-out”perfusion pattern, whereas the malignant group mainly showed heterogeneous hyperenhancement with a “fast-in, fast-out”perfusion pattern. No obvious enhancement was observed in the hemorrhage group, exhibiting a “no-in, no-out” perfusion pattern. Significant differences were found among the three groups in CEUS characteristics and quantitative parameters, whereas no significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse reactions.CONCLUSION: CEUS can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of choroidal space-occupying lesions and may serve as a useful reference for clinical decision-making, with a favorable safety profile.

Background Personal protection is crucial for reducing the risk of zoonotic pathogen infection among livestock workers. Investigating the current status of its implementation and associated influencing factors can provide empirical evidence for developing more effective intervention measures. Objective To investigate the current status of personal protection implementation among livestock workers in Xinjiang, China and its influencing factors, providing a reference for formulating targeted intervention measures. Methods This study was conducted in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Kashgar region, and the First and Eighth Divisions of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. We selected large-scale cattle and sheep farms, cooperatives, individual livestock households, livestock trading markets, slaughterhouses, and retail markets. Using cluster sampling, we recruited all livestock workers (1074 participants) at sampled sites. During the period from April to July 2024, we conducted face-to-face surveys with a self-designed questionnaire among livestock workers, collecting general demographic information, occupational exposure history, and information related to the use of personal protective equipment, resulting in 939 valid questionnaires. EpiData 3.1 was used for data entry and SPSS 26.0 for statistical analysis. We employed logistic regression to compare the implementation of personal protection among workers by selected categories. Results Among the study subjects, there were 300 workers from large-scale farms (31.95%) and 583 self-employed livestock farmers (62.09%). The sample included 600 males (63.90%) and 339 females (36.10%). The majority of the study subjects was farmers, breeders, or aged 18-60 years (87.75%), auxiliary workers (87.97%) and had an education level of junior high school or below (81.36%). The proportion of workers who consistently and correctly implemented all five personal protective measures (washing hands after work, wearing gloves, wearing masks, wearing dedicated work clothes, and using rubber boots) was 35.14% (330/939). The implementation rates for these five protective measures were 93.61% (879/939), 58.68% (551/939), 57.93% (544/939), 46.01% (432/939), and 42.81% (402/939), respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the implementation rates of differen personal protective measures among the workers by occupation and education level (P<0.05). Among them, workers with lower education levels had lower implementation rates for various protective measures. The results of logistic regression indicated that, compared to male workers, female workers (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.68, 3.04) showed a higher rate of non-standard implementation of personal protection. Using the age group of 18 to less than 36 years as a reference, those aged 36 to less than 60 years (OR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.33, 2.50) and 60 years or older (OR=4.45, 95%CI: 2.56, 7.73) reported higher rates of non-standard implementation of personal protection. Compared to those with an education level of primary school or below, those with a junior high school education (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.47, 0.88) and a high school education or above (OR=0.13, 95%CI: 0.19, 0.29) showed lower rates of non-standard implementation of personal protection. Compared to farmers, veterinarians (OR=0.03, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.07) reported the lowest rate of non-standard implementation of personal protection, followed by auxiliary workers (OR=0.08, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.12), breeders (OR=0.10, 95%CI: 0.07, 0.15), and other occupational groups (OR=0.28, 95%CI: 0.15, 0.52). Using large-scale farms as a reference, self-employed farmers (OR=13.5, 95%CI: 9.65, 18.88) reported a higher rate of non-standard implementation of personal protection, followed by workers from other workplaces (OR=3.63, 95%CI: 2.01, 6.54). Conclusion The implementation of personal protective measures among livestock workers in Xinjiang is generally satisfactory. However, significant disparities in the execution of these measures exist among different types of workers, indicating the need to enhance occupational health promotion to reduce the risk of zoonotic pathogen infection among the workers.

Objective:To investigate the potential characteristic manifestations and application value of the Dynamic Visual Acuity Test（DVAT） in vestibular migraine（VM）. Methods:A total of 50 VM patients（case group） and 50 healthy subjects（control group） diagnosed at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between November 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, were enrolled. The case group underwent DVAT, video head impulse test（vHIT）, caloric test, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory（DHI） assessment, whereas the control group only received DVAT. Group-based analyses were conducted to examine the effect of age on Dynamic Visual Acuity Loss（DVALoss）, as well as the correlations of DVALoss with vestibular function tests and DHI scores. Results:DVALoss in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group（P<0.001）. In both groups, age was significantly and positively correlated with DVALoss（P<0.001）. Within the case group, DVALoss was strongly and positively correlated with DHI scores（r=0.807, P<0.001）; it was negatively correlated with the vestibulo-ocular reflex（VOR） gain in vHIT, though without clinical significance, and showed no significant association with the caloric test. Age and DVALoss collectively accounted for 71.3% of the variance in DHI scores（R²=0.713）, with age exerting a relatively minor actual impact. Conclusion:DVAT can sensitively identify the core functional impairments of VM. DVALoss, as a direct functional reflection of the pathological mechanism of VM, is strongly correlated with DHI scores. Incorporating DVALoss into standardized assessments may provide an objective basis for the diagnosis and management of VM.
Humans ; Migraine Disorders/diagnosis* ; Visual Acuity ; Case-Control Studies ; Head Impulse Test ; Vestibular Function Tests ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; Vestibular Diseases/physiopathology* ; Middle Aged ; Caloric Tests

Background Animal farming may affect the structure and diversity of gut microbiota of farm workers, but it needs more studies to provide solid evidence. Objective To analyze the diversity characteristics of gut microbiota in dairy farm workers, dairy cows, and the control population (non-animal contact occupational group), and to assess the impact of dairy farming on the gut microbiota of workers. Methods The 16S rRNA full-length amplicon sequencing technology was used to sequence 60 fecal samples from dairy farm workers, 89 from dairy cows, and 50 from the general population. The gut microbiota structure characteristics, including operational taxonomic units (OTUs), alpha diversity, beta diversity, and the composition of species at the phylum, family, and genus levels were analyzed. The differences in gut microbiota among the three groups of samples were compared to explore the impact of occupational exposure on the gut microbiota structure of dairy farm workers. Results A total of 50478 OTUs were identified in the gut microbiota of farm workers, dairy cows, and the general population, with 23613, 42723, and 16592 OTUs, respectively. The number of shared OTUs between the dairy cows and the general population was 12674 (27.17%), between the general population and the farm workers was 10099 (33.54%), and between the dairy cows and the farm workers was 17690 (36.36%). Compared with the general population, the farm workers and dairy cows showed more shared gut microbiota (P<0.01). The abundance of Firmicutes in the gut of the farm workers was higher than that of the general population (P<0.01), while Actinobacteriota and Proteobacteria were the opposite (P<0.01). The alpha diversity of gut microbiota in the farm workers was different from that of the general population. The ACE index of the farm workers was slightly lower than that of the general population and much lower than that of dairy cows (P<0.05), while their Shannon index was higher than that of the general population but lower than that of dairy cows (P<0.01). The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LefSe) showed that the abundances of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae in the gut microbiota of the farm workers were significantly higher than those of the general population, while Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae were lower than those of the general population. Conclusion The dairy farm workers shares a certain proportion of common bacterial communities with dairy cows. Dairy farming operations can affect the structure and diversity of the gut microbiota of workers by increasing the abundances of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, while decreasing the abundances of Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelatoclostridiaceae. The study results provide reference data for further exploring the cross-host transmission of pathogens related to occupational exposure in dairy farming.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of dapagliflozin and empagliflozin in the treatment of type 2 diabetic kidney disease from the perspective of healthcare system in China. METHODS Based on the data from the two multicenter clinical trials， DECLARE-TIMI 58 and EMPA-REG OUTCOME， a Markov model was constructed according to the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio （UACR） of the patients with type 2 diabetic kidney disease with a cycle of 1 year， simulating until 99% of patients died. The model outputs were total costs and quality-adjusted life year （QALY）. The cost-effectiveness of the two treatment regimens was assessed by comparing their incremental cost-effectiveness ratio （ICER） and the willingness-to-pay threshold （WTP，set at three times China’s 2023 per capita gross domestic product， i.e.， 268 074 yuan/QALY）. Additionally， oneway sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to test the robustness of the base analysis results. RESULTS Compared with dapagliflozin， the ICER for empagliflozin regimen was 44 334.82 yuan/QALY， which was below the WTP ， indicating its cost-effectiveness. The results of the oneway sensitivity analysis indicated that the incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction in both groups and the utility values associated with the microalbuminuria state had the most significant impact on the outcomes， but did not change the base-case conclusion. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that the results of the base-case analysis were robust. CONCLUSIONS With a WTP of three times China’s per capita gross domestic product in 2023， empagliflozin is more cost-effective than dapagliflozin in treating type 2 diabetic kidney disease.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between vitamin D levels and thyroid hormone sensitivity in euthyroid individuals.Methods:This cross-sectional study included 5 894 euthyroid individuals who underwent health examinations at the Department of Health Management, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, from December 2023 to February 2024. Thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), TSH index (TSHI), thyrotroph thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI), and the ratio of free triiodothyronine (FT3)/free thyroxine (FT4) were calculated to assess thyroid hormone sensitivity. Participants were categorized into vitamin D deficiency and non-deficiency groups based on serum 25(OH)D levels. The differences in thyroid hormone sensitivity indices and other clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between vitamin D levels and thyroid hormone sensitivity, and stratified analysis was conducted to explore the association in different genders.Results:Among the study participants, 4 731 (80.3%) had vitamin D deficiency. Compared with the non-deficient group, the deficient group had a lower TFQI (-0.03(-0.31, 0.23) and -0.01(-0.28, 0.27)) ( Z=-2.130, P=0.033) and a higher FT3/FT4 ratio ((0.36±0.04) and (0.35±0.04)) ( t=-4.592, P<0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors including gender and age, the risk of impaired central and peripheral thyroid hormone sensitivity significantly increased in the non-deficient group (TFQI ( OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.01-1.34); FT3/FT4 ( OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.05-1.45)) (all, P<0.05). Conclusion:In euthyroid individuals, people with higher vitamin D levels have a higher risk of impaired thyroid hormone sensitivity.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced "Presentation-Assimilation-Discussion (PAD) class" model in electrocardiogram (ECG) internship teaching in the department of cardiovascular medicine and to improve the ECG interpretation and clinical competency of interns.Methods:A total of 200 clinical undergraduate interns enrolled from September 2022 to August 2024 were divided into a control group (traditional teaching, n=100) and an experimental group (enhanced "PAD class" model, n=100). The enhanced "PAD class" model adopted a "focused lecture, structured internalization, and case-driven discussion" approach, incorporating artificial intelligence-assisted real-time feedback and targeted task design. Post-internship evaluations compared the scores of foundational skills (ECG interpretation accuracy and standardized ECG operation), clinical competencies (clinical decision-making, critical value recognition, and diagnostic reasoning), comprehensive evaluation, and assessment of teaching effectiveness. SPSS 26.0 was used for the chi-square test and t-test. Results:The experimental group demonstrated significantly superior performance in foundational skills [e.g., ECG interpretation accuracy: (97.63±1.35) vs. (90.54±4.08)], clinical competencies [e.g., clinical decision-making: (93.45±3.18) vs. (82.17±5.62)], and comprehensive evaluation [(97.96±1.06) vs. (90.94±3.49)] (all P<0.05). In teaching effectiveness evaluation, satisfaction was significantly higher in the experimental group across all seven metrics such as stimulated learning interest and clinical thinking ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The enhanced "PAD class "model, through artificial intelligence empowerment and case-driven discussions, can significantly improve ECG teaching outcomes and clinical decision-making skills, demonstrating its potential for broader application in internship teaching in the department of cardiovascular medicine.