Objective To analyze the trends in the disease burden of pertussis in China from 1990 to 2021, and to provide a basis for the development of effective prevention and control strategies. Methods Using the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) database, the incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), as well as the age-standardized rates of pertussis in China from 1990 to 2021 were analyzed. Descriptive statistical methods were employed to analyze the characteristics of the pertussis disease burden, and the Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trends in pertussis disease burden. Results From 1990 to 2021, the incidence, mortality, and DALYs of pertussis in China decreased from 1 503 800 cases, 10 951 deaths, and 954 900 person-years to 65 400 cases, 548 deaths, and 46 500 person-years, representing a decrease of 95.65%, 95.00%, and 95.13%, respectively. The corresponding age-standardized rates also decreased by 93.58%, 92.47%, and 92.53%, respectively. The Joinpoint regression model revealed a significant downward trend in the age-standardized incidence, mortality, and DALYs rates for pertussis (AAPCs were -8.32%, -9.65%, and -9.58%, respectively, P<0.001). The disease burden was slightly higher in females than in males, with the majority of cases occurring in children under 10 years old, particularly in infants under 1 year old, where the burden was the heaviest. As age increased, the disease burden decreased. Conclusion Between 1990 and 2021, the overall disease burden of pertussis in China showed a significant downward trend, with gender and age differences. Special attention should be given on the prevention and control of pertussis in children under 10 years old, especially in infants under 1 year old.

OBJECTIVES: Neuropathic pain (NP) is one of the most common forms of chronic pain, yet current treatment options are limited in effectiveness. Peripheral nerve injury activates spinal microglia, altering their inflammatory response and phagocytic functions, which contributes to the progression of NP. Most current research on NP focuses on microglial inflammation, with relatively little attention to their phagocytic function. Early growth response factor 2 (EGR2) has been shown to regulate microglial phagocytosis, but its specific role in NP remains unclear. This study aims to investigate how EGR2 modulates microglial phagocytosis and its involvement in NP, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to establish a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of the sciatic nerve. Pain behaviors were assessed on days 1, 3, 7, 10, and 14 post-surgery to confirm successful model induction. The temporal and spatial expression of EGR2 in the spinal cord was examined using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) was used to overexpress EGR2 in the spinal cord, and behavioral assessments were performed to evaluate the effects of EGR2 modulation of NP. CCI and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) models were established in animals and microglial cell lines, respectively, and changes in phagocytic activity were measured using RT-qPCR and fluorescent latex bead uptake assays. After confirming the involvement of microglial phagocytosis in NP, AAV was used to overexpress EGR2 in both in vivo and in vitro models, and phagocytic activity was further evaluated. Finally, eukaryotic transcriptome sequencing was conducted to screen differentially expressed mRNAs, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses to identify potential downstream effectors of EGR2. RESULTS: The CCI model successfully induced NP. Following CCI, EGR2 expression in the spinal cord was upregulated in parallel with NP development. Overexpression of EGR2 via spinal AAV injection enhanced microglial phagocytic activity and increased pain hypersensitivity in rats. Both animal and cellular models showed that CCI or LPS stimulation enhanced microglial phagocytosis, which was further amplified by EGR2 overexpression. Transcriptomic analysis of spinal cord tissues from CCI rats overexpressing EGR2 revealed upregulation of numerous genes associated with microglial phagocytosis and pain regulation. Among them, Lag3 emerged as a potential downstream target of EGR2. CONCLUSIONS EGR2 contributes to the maintenance of NP by enhancing microglial phagocytosis in the spinal dorsal horn.
Animals ; Microglia/metabolism* ; Phagocytosis/physiology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Neuralgia/physiopathology* ; Early Growth Response Protein 2/metabolism* ; Male ; Rats ; Spinal Cord/metabolism* ; Sciatic Nerve/injuries*

The accurate and timely detection of biochemical coagulation indicators is pivotal in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Despite their reliability, traditional laboratories often lag in terms of rapid diagnosis. Point-of-care testing (POCT) has emerged as a promising alternative, which is awaiting rigorous validation. We assessed 226 samples from patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University using a Beckman Coulter AU5821 and a PUSHKANG POCT Biochemistry Analyzer MS100. Furthermore, 350 samples were evaluated with a Stago coagulation analyzer STAR MAX and a PUSHKANG POCT Coagulation Analyzer MC100. Metrics included thirteen biochemical indexes, such as albumin, and five coagulation indices, such as prothrombin time. Comparisons were drawn against the PUSHKANG POCT analyzer. Bland-Altman plots (MS100: 0.8206‒0.9995; MC100: 0.8318‒0.9911) evinced significant consistency between methodologies. Spearman correlation pinpointed a potent linear association between conventional devices and the PUSHKANG POCT analyzer, further underscored by a robust correlation coefficient (MS100: 0.713‒0.949; MC100: 0.593‒0.950). The PUSHKANG POCT was validated as a dependable tool for serum and whole blood biochemical and coagulation diagnostics. This emphasizes its prospective clinical efficacy, offering clinicians a swift diagnostic tool and heralding a new era of enhanced patient care outcomes.
Humans ; Point-of-Care Testing ; Critical Care ; Blood Coagulation Tests/methods* ; Male ; Blood Coagulation ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Reproducibility of Results ; Prothrombin Time ; Aged ; Adult ; Point-of-Care Systems

Objective To analyze the problems and differences in workplace on-site sampling and testing skills in external quality assessment in laboratory among occupational health technical service institutions. Methods A total of 108 occupational health technical service institutions nationwide, participated in the external quality assessment in laboratory of the on-site individual sampling operation skills for silica dust (hereinafter refer to as "silica dust sampling assessment") and on-site detection operation skills for carbon monoxide (hereinafter refer to as " carbon monoxide sampling assessment") in 2023, were selected as the research subjects. The result of the assessment was analyzed. Results The qualification rate of the institutions for the silica dust sampling assessment was 98.1%. The unqualified rate of institutions in the Pearl River Delta region was lower than that in non-Pearl River Delta regions (0.0% vs 11.1%, P<0.017). The excellence rate was higher in public institutions than that in private enterprises (73.5% vs 40.0%, P<0.017). The unqualified rate of institutions with permit was lower than that of institutions without permit (0.0% vs 13.3%, P<0.05). The qualification rate of the institutions for the carbon monoxide sampling assessment was 79.4%. The proportion of the institutes, whose results of carbon monoxide standard gas (gas bag) deviation was >±20.0% was higher in private enterprises than that in public institutions (32.8% vs 7.1%, P<0.017). In terms of the normativity of on-site individual sampling for silica dust, the rates of conducting air tightness checks before sampling, correct disassembly and installation and correct placement direction of dust sampling heads, and correct flow for calibration based on the provided dust sampling heads were low, at 53.7%, 33.3%, and 14.8%, respectively. In terms of the normativity of on-site detection of carbon monoxide, the accuracy rate of converting results by on-site detection individuals was low, at only 57.8%. ConclusionIt is necessary to further strengthen the training of theoretical knowledge and practical skills of individuals in occupational health technical service institutions in Guangdong Province, especially to enhance the capacity of occupational health technical services in non-Pearl River Delta regions of the province.

Objective To analyze the detection situation and variation tendency of volatile components of organic solvents in enterprises in Longgang District, Shenzhen City. Methods A total of 368 enterprises using organic solvents in Longgang District, Shenzhen City from 2019 to 2022 were selected as the research subjects using judgment sampling method. And its 2 086 reports of occupational hazards monitoring on volatile components of organic solvents in workplaces from 2019 to 2022 were collected for analysis. Results Among the 2 086 organic solvent samples, the top 10 chemical substances in terms of detection rates were toluene, methanol, xylene, n-hexane, ethylbenzene, dimethoxymethane, dichloromethane, acetone, ethyl acetate and cyclohexane, with detection rates ranging from 16.73% to 29.72%. The detection rate of benzene in organic solvent samples from 368 enterprises decreased from 13.84% to 5.13% from 2019 to 2022 (P<0.01). The detection rate of trichlorethylene decreased from 3.58% to 0.45% (P<0.01), and the detection rate of dichloroethane decreased from 4.53% to 1.81% (P<0.01). However, the reduction in the detection rate of n-hexane was not significant (from 28.88% to 23.08%, P>0.05). Benzene had relatively high detection rates in yellow glue, super glue, and thinner (10.94%, 10.00%, and 8.45%, respectively). The detection rate of n-hexane was relatively high in super glue, cleaning agent and car wash liquids (90.00%, 61.84%, and 46.81%, respectively). The detection rate of trichlorethylene was relatively high in cleaning agent (3.95%), and the detection rate of dichloroethane was relatively high in super glue (40.00%). Conclusion From 2019 to 2022, the detection rates of traditional occupational hazards such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and dichloroethane in the volatile organic components used in Longgang District enterprises showed a downward trend.

Furry animal allergens, particularly cat and dog hair and dander, are common allergens in indoor environments, affecting the health of people world widely. Key sensitizing components such as Fel d 1 from cats and Can f 1 from dogs have been extensively studied and identified by the scientific community. Component resolved diagnosis (CRD) technology in modern diagnostic methods provides an accurate way to identify and distinguish these components, which is extremely important for the prevention of furry animal allergies and the formulation of personalized treatment strategies. To enhance the understanding of furry animal component diagnosis and promote the alignment of the Chinese discipline of allergology with international standards, this article interprets and explains the content of the "Molecular Allergology User′s Guide 2.0" recently released by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. It focuses on the epidemiological characteristics of furry animal components, the diversity of allergen protein families, and their clinical diagnosis and management.

Furry animal allergens, particularly cat and dog hair and dander, are common allergens in indoor environments, affecting the health of people world widely. Key sensitizing components such as Fel d 1 from cats and Can f 1 from dogs have been extensively studied and identified by the scientific community. Component resolved diagnosis (CRD) technology in modern diagnostic methods provides an accurate way to identify and distinguish these components, which is extremely important for the prevention of furry animal allergies and the formulation of personalized treatment strategies. To enhance the understanding of furry animal component diagnosis and promote the alignment of the Chinese discipline of allergology with international standards, this article interprets and explains the content of the "Molecular Allergology User′s Guide 2.0" recently released by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. It focuses on the epidemiological characteristics of furry animal components, the diversity of allergen protein families, and their clinical diagnosis and management.

Objective To investigate the changes in blood microbiota in patients with high altitude polycythemia(HAPC)and the correlation with the risk of HAPC.Methods A cross-sectional trial was carried out among 41 HAPC patients(HAPC group)and 41 healthy plateau individuals(control group)who took physical examination in the Health Management Department of No.953 Hospital of PLA Army in 2021.High-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect the V3-V4 variable region of the 16S ribosomal RNA(16S rRNA)gene in the blood smaples,and the composition and difference of the blood microbiota were compared and analyzed between the 2 groups.Results All the participants were male and Han people,and there were no significant differences in baseline data such as age,body mass index and plateau migration time between the 2 groups(P＞0.05).The α-diversity of blood microbiota in the HAPC group,including the Simpson index(0.931±0.005 vs 0.907±0.008,P＜0.05),Goods Coverage index(0.998±0.001 vs 0.997±0.001,P＜0.001)and Pielou index(0.597±0.011 vs 0.567±0.009,P＜0.05)were significantly higher than those in the control group.Meanwhile,obvious difference was observed in the β diversity between the 2 groups(P＜0.01).The relative abundance analysis of bacteria showed that Pelomonas(0.046±0.004 vs 0.033±0.003,P＜0.05),Azospirillum(0.046±0.006 vs 0.021±0.003,P＜0.01),Acidovorax(0.032± 0.003 vs 0.019±0.002,Azospirillum(0.046±0.006 vs 0.021±0.003,P＜0.01)and Acidovorax(0.032± 0.003 vs 0.019±0.002,P＜0.05)were statistically higher in the HAPC group than the control group.LEfSe analysis showed that the characteristic blood microbiota of the HAPC group were α-Proteobacteria,and those of control group were Trichospiridae.Conclusion Significant changes are found in diversity,relative abundance and characteristic bacteria of the blood microbiota between the HAPC patients and healthy people at the high altitude,which might be closely associated with the occurrence and development of HAPC.

Objective　To perform the pathogenic and genomics analyses on isolates of Streptococcus suis (Ss) from three human infections in Shenzhen, aiming to provide a basis for the prevention and control of Ss outbreaks. Methods　The suspected bacterial strains from three blood plate cultures of three critically ill patients in three hospitals were subjected to biochemical identification, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), and real-time fluorescent PCR identification, resulting in the identification of three strains positive for Streptococcus suis serotype 2(SS2). Pure positive cultures were taken for an antimicrobial susceptibility test and extracted nucleic acids for whole-genome sequencing and analysis. The whole-genome sequencing and analysis included species identification, antibiotic resistance genes alignment, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), virulence genes alignment, and coregene-based phylogenetic tree analysis. Results　The blood agar isolates from three patients were all identified as Ss, the VITEK 2 identified them as SS2, and MALDI-TOF-MS identified them as Ss. Real-time PCR results for the universal gene gdh and serotype 2 cps2 gene of Ss were both positive. The antimicrobial susceptibility test results showed that all three strains were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin, with variable sensitivity to tetracycline. Whole-genome sequencing results showed that all three strains were identified as Ss, including one ST7 strain and two ST1 strains. The virulence gene prediction results based on the VFDB database showed that all three strains were positive for mrp, sly, and cps, indicating high virulence gene characteristics. The analysis of the phylogenetic tree based on coregene showed that the three strains were in different evolutionary branches, with two ST1 strains having a closer evolutionary distance. Conclusions　The pathogens responsible for these three critically ill patients were SS2, and all three strains were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin. Genetically, they all carried virulence genes that are found in highly virulent strains, while showed differences in MLST typing and phylogenetic tree analysis, indicating the presence of different genotypes of high pathogenicity SS2 in Shenzhen area and had caused sporadic cases, which requires high attention.

Objective:To explore the application value of preoperative high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)enhanced examination in the preoperative diagnosis of tumor node metastases(TNM)staging of rectal tumor.Methods:A total of 80 patients with rectal tumor admitted to Guang'an People's Hospital from June 2021 to September 2022 were selected.All patients underwent high-resolution MRI enhanced examinations before surgery and they were confirmed by postoperative pathological examination.The consistency of MRI T staging,N staging and postoperatively pathological staging results was analyzed.Results:The postoperative pathological staging results showed that 14 cases were at T1 stage,and 29 cases were at T2 stage,and 25 cases were at T3 stage,and 12 cases were at T4 stage,and 28 cases were at N0 stage,and 33 cases were at N1 stage and 19 were at N2 stage in the 80 patients.The diagnostic accuracies of T staging and N staging of high-resolution MRI routine and enhanced examinations were respectively 86.25%(69/80)and 90.00%(72/80)(Kappa=0.806,0.847,P<0.05).The consistency rate between preoperative high-resolution MRI detection and postoperative pathology for metastatic lymph nodes of 80 patients was 88.75%(71/80).The analysis found that metastatic lymph nodes mostly concentrated in the diameter range of 0.8-1.0 cm,accounting for 66.41%.With the increasing of N staging and T staging,the volume transfer constant(Ktrans)of the region of interest(ROI)of tumor increased successively.The Ktrans value of metastatic lymph nodes was significantly higher than that of non-metastatic lymph nodes,and the difference was statistically significant(t=14.890,P<0.05).Conclusion:Preoperative high-resolution MRI routine and enhanced examination has highly consistency with postoperative pathological TN staging of rectal tumor.The improvement of high-resolution MRI enhanced examination is helpful to assess the progression of patients'tumors and to determine treatment plans for them.