Objective To investigate the population density and seasonal fluctuations of Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, from 2021 to 2023, so as to provide insights into A. albopictus control and management of dengue fever. Methods The surveillance of A. albopictus density was performed in all surveillance sites assigned across all streets (townships) in Guangzhou City during the period from January to December from 2021 to 2023. The surveillance frequency was twice every half month from May to September, and once every month for the rest of a year. In each surveillance period, A. albopictus mosquito larvae were captured from indoor and outdoor small water containers in residential areas, parks, medical facilities, schools, other government sectors and social organizations, construction sites, special industries and others for mosquito species identification. Adult mosquitoes were captured using electric mosquito suction apparatus for species identification and gender classification. Adult mosquitoes and mosquito eggs were collected with mosquito and egg traps at the breeding and dwelling places of Aedes mosquitoes for identification. The mosquito oviposition index (MOI), Breteau index (BI), adult mosquito density index (ADI) and standard space index (SSI) were calculated. The A. albopictus density was classified into grades 0, 1, 2 and 3 in each surveillance site, with Grade 0 density defined eligible, and the eligible rate of A. albopictus density was calculated at all surveillance sites each year from 2021 to 2023. In addition, the changing trends in MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus were analyzed in Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023. Results The eligible rates of A. albopictus density were 61.69%, 68.75% and 55.15% in surveillance sites of Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023 (χ² = 297.712, P < 0.001), and appeared a tendency towards a reduction followed by a rise each year, which gradually reduced since January, maintained at a low level during the period between May and October, and gradually increased from November to December. The MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus all appeared a tendency towards a rise followed by a reduction in Guangzhou City during the period between January and December from 2021 to 2023. The BI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (4.03), the first half of July in 2022 (3.89) and the last half of August in 2023 (5.02), and the SSI of A. albopictus peaked in the last half of June in 2021 (0.93), the last half of May in 2022 (0.59), and the last half of June (0.94) and the first half of September in 2023 (1.12). In addition, the MOI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of May in 2021 (8.64), the first half of June in 2022 (8.96), and the last half of May (10.21) and the last half of June in 2023 (10.89), and the ADI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (3.41), the last half of June in 2022 (4.06), and the first half of July in 2023 (3.61). Conclusions The density of A. albopictus is high in Guangzhou City during the period from May to October, and the risk of local outbreak caused by imported dengue fever is high. Persistent intensified surveillance of the density and seasonal fluctuation of A. albopictus is recommended and timely mosquito prevention and control is required according to the fluctuation in the A. albopictus density.

Objective To identify long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) associated with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) and investigate their mechanisms. Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from RA-ILD patients (n＝3), RA patients without lung involvement (n＝3), and healthy controls (n＝3). Next-generation sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed lncRNA. A human fibrotic lung cell model was established by inducing the MRC-5 cell line with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Following siRNA-mediated knockdown of target genes, changes in inflammatory and oxidative stress-related genes were analyzed via real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter (DLR) assays were used to validate protein expression, ubiquitination levels, and nuclear translocation of oxidative stress regulators, and antioxidant response element (ARE) transcriptional activity. Rescue experiments were conducted to confirm the role of target lncRNA in oxidative stress and inflammation in fibrotic lung cells. Results High-throughput sequencing revealed significant downregulation of LINC00638 in RA-ILD patients. Knockdown of LINC00638 markedly reduced transcriptional levels of interleukin (IL)-4, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), while increasing IL-6, IL-1β, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Furthermore, LINC00638 knockdown decreased Nrf2 protein expression, increased its ubiquitination, reduced nuclear translocation, and suppressed ARE transcriptional activity. In MRC-5 cells, LINC00638 knockdown combined with N-acetylcysteine treatment restored Nrf2 and HO-1 levels while reducing IL-6 expression. Conclusions LINC00638 suppresses inflammatory responses in RA-ILD by activating the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling pathway, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To identify factors associated with gastrointestinal heat retention in preschool children,and to provide a foundational understanding for future clinical investigations. Methods A case-control study was performed,which involved children from kindergartens in the Longgang District of Shenzhen City,Guangdong Province,from May to July 2021. Using the Children's Gastrointestinal Heat Retention Diagnostic Self-assessment Scale,subjects were allocated into a case group (children diagnosed with gastrointestinal heat retention) and a control group (children without this condition). An online survey was used to collect data on dietary behaviors,caregivers' feeding behaviors,early antibiotic use,daily routines,and birth conditions. SPSS 27.0 software was used to facilitate precise sociodemographic matching and paired logistic regression analysis to explore the association between gastrointestinal heat retention and the above factors. Results From the analysis of 51,252 matched cases,the study found that several factors contributed to an increased risk of gastrointestinal heat retention. These factors included reduced food intake compared to peers,reports of picky eating by caregivers,distractions during meals,pronounced dietary preferences,disinterest in food,meal durations ≥ 25 min,reluctance to sample new foods,consistent refusal of specific food types for over one month,irregular meal locations,coercive feeding practices,use of micronutrient supplements,allowing children too much freedom in food choice,persuading children to eat,infrequent encouragement to experiment with new foods,early antibiotic introduction,inadequate sleep,and premature birth (P<0.05). In contrast,exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months,engagement in moderate to massive physical activity,and regular napping patterns were associated with a reduced risk of gastrointestinal heat retention (P<0.05). Conclusion The suboptimal dietary habits,improper feeding practices,insufficient physical activity,inadequate sleep,and premature antibiotic exposure may be significant risk factors for gastrointestinal heat retention. Future research dedicated to unraveling the cause of gastrointestinal heat retention should prioritize these elements.

Objective:To assess the association between short-term ambient air pollution exposure and arterial stiffness and whether obesity modifies these associations.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted based on Fangshan family cohort in Beijing. The 24 hours average air pollutant levels on the day cohort participants took baseline survey were calculated as short-term air pollution. A generalized additive model (GAM) with Gaussian links was used to estimate changes in typical carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BAPWV), pulse pressure (PP) and ankle-branchial index (ABI) after short-term exposure to each air pollution (PM 2.5, PM 10, SO 2, NO 2, CO). The cross-product terms of each air pollution, body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio were included in the GAM model to test the interaction. Further, they conducted a stratified analysis to test their effects on the relationship between short-term exposure to each air pollution and the arterial stiffness indicators. Results:A total of 4 211 individuals were included in the analysis. Individuals' age was (58.9±8.7) years, of which 2 268 (53.9%) were female. Several covariates, including sociodemographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and history of drugs, were included in the analysis. The results of the GAM analysis showed that an increase in PM 2.5 ( β=2.912×10 -4, 95% CI: 1.424×10 -4-4.400×10 -4, P<0.001), CO ( β=0.027, 95% CI: 0.011-0.043, P<0.001), SO 2 ( β=2.070×10 -3, 95% CI: 7.060×10 -4-3.430×10 -3, P=0.003), and NO 2 ( β=3.650×10 -4, 95% CI: 2.340×10 -5-7.060×10 -4, P=0.036) were associated with an increase in CIMT, while an increase in PM 10 ( β=0.018, 95% CI: 0.002-0.033, P=0.028) was associated with an increase in PP in the study population. Besides, the waist-to-hip ratio had an effect-modification on the correlation of short-term exposure of PM 2.5 (interaction P=0.015), NO 2 (interaction P=0.008), and CO (interaction P=0.044) with CIMT, and the correlation between short-term exposure of PM 2.5 (interaction P=0.002), NO 2 (interaction P=0.010), CO (interaction P=0.029), PM 10 (interaction P<0.001) with PP. The significant association between CIMT, PP, and air pollution concentrations was more visible in people with lower waist-to-hip ratios. Conclusions:Short-term ambient air pollution exposure was associated with arterial stiffness indicators, and there was an effect modification of waist-to-hip ratio on these associations, and lower waist-to-hip ratios may enhance the association between air pollution exposure and indicators.

Objective:To explore the effects of short-term particulate matter(PM)exposure and the melatonin receptor 1B(MTNR1B)gene on triglyceride-glucose(TyG)index utilizing data from Fang-shan Family-based Ischemic Stroke Study in China(FISSIC).Methods:Probands and their relatives from 9 rural areas in Fangshan District,Beijing,were included in the study.PM data were obtained from fixed monitoring stations of the National Air Pollution Monitoring System.TyG index was calculated by fasting triglyceride and glucose concentrations.The associations of short-term PM exposure and rs10830963 polymorphism of the MTNR1B gene with the TyG index were assessed using mixed linear models,in which covariates such as age,sex,and lifestyles were adjusted for.Gene-environment inter-action analysis was furtherly performed using the maximum likelihood methods to explore the potential effect modifier role of rs10830963 polymorphism in the association of PM with TyG index.Results:A total of 4 395 participants from 2 084 families were included in the study,and the mean age of the study participants was(58.98±8.68)years,with 53.90％females.The results of association analyses showed that for every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration,TyG index increased by 0.017(95％CI:0.007-0.027),while for per 10 μg/m3 increment in PM1o,TyG index increased by 0.010(95％CI:0.003-0.017).And the associations all had lagged effects.In addition,there was a positive association between the rs10830963 polymorphism and the TyG index.For per increase in risk allele G,TyG index was elevated by 0.040(95％CI:0.004-0.076).The TyG index was 0.079(95％CI:0.005-0.152)higher in carriers of the GG genotype compared with carriers of the CC genotype.The inter-action of rs10830963 polymorphism with PM exposure had not been found to be statistically significant in the present study.Conclusion:Short-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with higher TyG index.The G allele of rs10830963 polymorphism in the MTNR1B gene was associated with the elevated TyG index.

Objective:To explore the association between polymorphisms of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)signaling pathway and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate(NSCL/P)among Asian populations,while considering gene-gene interaction and gene-environment interaction.Methods:A total of 1 038 Asian NSCL/P case-parent trios were ascertained from an international consortium,which conducted a genome-wide association study using a case-parent trio design to investigate the genes affec-ting risk to NSCL/P.After stringent quality control measures,343 single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)spanning across 10 pivotal genes in the TGF-β signaling pathway were selected from the original genome-wide association study(GWAS)dataset for further analysis.The transmission disequilibrium test(TDT)was used to test for SNP effects.The conditional Logistic regression models were used to test for gene-gene interaction and gene-environment interaction.Environmental factors collected for the study in-cluded smoking during pregnancy,passive smoking during pregnancy,alcohol intake during pregnancy,and vitamin use during pregnancy.Due to the low rates of exposure to smoking during pregnancy and al-cohol consumption during pregnancy(＜3％),only the interaction between maternal smoking during pregnancy and multivitamin supplementation during pregnancy was analyzed.The threshold for statistical significance was rigorously set at P=1.46 × 10-4,applying Bonferroni correction to account for multiple testing.Results:A total of 23 SNPs in 4 genes yielded nominal association with NSCL/P(P＜0.05),but none of these associations was statistically significant after Bonferroni's multiple test correction.How-ever,there were 6 pairs of SNPs rs4939874(SMAD2)and rs1864615(TGFBR2),rs2796813(TGFB2)and rs2132298(TGFBR2),rs4147358(SMAD3)and rs1346907(TGFBR2),rs4939874(SMAD2)and rs1019855(TGFBR2),rs4939874(SMAD2)and rs12490466(TGFBR2),rs2009112(TGFB2)and rs4075748(TGFBR2)showed statistically significant SNP-SNP interaction(P＜1.46 × 10-4).In contrast,the analysis of gene-environment interactions did not yield any significant results after being cor-rected by multiple testing.Conclusion:The comprehensive evaluation of SNP associations and interac-tions within the TGF-β signaling pathway did not yield any direct associations with NSCL/P risk in Asian populations.However,the significant gene-gene interactions identified suggest that the genetic architec-ture influencing NSCL/P risk may involve interactions between genes within the TGF-β signaling path-way.These findings underscore the necessity for further investigations to unravel these results and further explore the underlying biological mechanisms.

Objective:To delve into the intricate relationship between common genetic variations across the entire genome and the risk of non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate(NSCL/P).Methods:Utilizing summary statistics data from genome-wide association studies(GW AS),a thorough investigation to evaluate the impact of common variations on the genome were undertook.This involved assessing single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)heritability across the entire genome,as well as within specific genomic regions.To ensure the robustness of our analysis,stringent quality control measures were applied to the GWAS summary statistics data.Criteria for inclusion encompassed the absence of missing values,a minor allele frequency≥1％,P-values falling within the range of 0 to 1,and clear SNP strand orientation.SNP meeting these stringent criteria were then meticulously included in our analy-sis.The SNP heritability of NSCL/P was calculated using linkage disequilibrium score regression.Addi-tionally,hierarchical linkage disequilibrium score regression to partition SNP heritability within coding re-gions,promoters,introns,enhancers,and super enhancers were employed,and the enrichment levels within different genomic regions using LDSC(v1.0.1)software were further elucidated.Results:Our study drew upon GWAS summary statistics data obtained from 806 NSCL/P trios,comprising a total of 2 418 individuals from the Chinese population.Following rigorous quality control procedures,490 593 out of 492 993 SNP were deemed suitable for inclusion in SNP heritability calculations.The observed SNP heritability of NSCL/P was 0.55(95％CI:0.28-0.82).Adjusting for the elevated disease pre-valence within our sample,the SNP heritability scaled down to 0.37(95％CI:0.19-0.55)based on the prevalence observed in the general Chinese population.Notably,our enrichment analysis unveiled significant enrichment of SNP heritability within enhancer regions(15.70,P=0.04)and super enhan-cer regions(3.18,P=0.03).Conclusion:Our study sheds light on the intricate interplay between common genetic variations and the risk of NSCL/P in the Chinese population.By elucidating the SNP heritability landscape across different genomic regions,we contribute valuable insights into the genetic basis of NSCL/P.The significant enrichment of SNP heritability within enhancer and super enhancer re-gions underscores the potential role of these regulatory elements in shaping the genetic susceptibility to NSCL/P.This paves the way for further research aimed at uncovering novel genetic pathogenic factors un-derlying NSCL/P pathogenesis.

Objective:To construct indicators of the ideological and political resource database construction for the curriculum of "Epidemiology".Methods:Two rounds of expert consultation were conducted in 15 experts from 4 universities and 1 textbook publishing house using the Delphi method, and the importance and feasibility scores of the indicators were calculated with the degree of concentration and coordination of experts' opinions.Results:In the two rounds of consultation, the experts' positive coefficient of the two questionnaires were both 100.00% (15/15), the authoritative coefficients of experts were both 0.83, and the Kendall's W was 0.27 ( P<0.05) and 0.33 ( P<0.05), respectively. Consensus was reached on 4 primary indicators and 31 secondary indicators. Conclusion:The process of this study is scientific, and the indicators for the construction of ideological and political resource database for the curriculum of "Epidemiology" are authoritative, which can promote the establishment of ideological and political resource database for the curriculum of "Epidemiology".

OBJECTIVE To establish an analytical method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time- of-flight mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-TOF/MS） combined with UNIFI platform for rapid identification of the chemical constituents in Abrus cantoniensis Hance. METHODS The chromatographic separation was performed on ACQUITY PRM HSS T3 FIT column for gradient elution with the mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution-acetonitrile. The flow rate was 0.3 mL/min， and injection volume was 2 μL. Electrospray ionization was used to collect the mass spectrometry data of the chemical constituents of A. cantoniensis Hance with full information tandem mass spectrometry technology in positive and negative ion modes. The chemical constituent database of A. cantoniensis Hance was established. Targeted and non-targeted analyses were conducted based on UNIFI platform， and chemical constituents were further identified in combination with accurate molecular mass， secondary fragment ion information and equivalence with reference substances and literature data， etc. RESULTS Totally 46 compounds of A. cantoniensis Hance were successfully identified， including 19 flavonoids， 8 triterpenoids， 3 alkaloids， 5 organic acids and 11 other components. Among them， 11 compounds were firstly found in A. cantoniensis Hance， and 9 compounds were confirmed by reference substance. CONCLUSIONS The analytical method based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS combined with UNIFI platform can quickly identify the chemical constituents of A. cantoniensis Hance. Flavonoids and triterpenes are the main components in A. cantoniensis Hance.

Objective:To evaluate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of bladder urothelial carcinoma(BUC).Methods:A comparative analysis of 138 patients with bladder lesions (123 cases of BUC and 15 cases of other benign lesions) who were hospitalized in Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University from January 2019 to May 2021 were confirmed by pathology. All patients underwent two-dimensional ultrasound, color Doppler ultrasound, CEUS examination, the time intensity curve (TIC) of the region of interest(ROI) before operation was drawn, the ultrasound examination results with the pathological diagnosis results were compared and its diagnostic efficiency was analyzed.Results:Among the 138 cases of bladder lesions, 98 cases were single lesions and 40 cases were multiple lesions. In all single lesions, 95 cases were found by two-dimensional ultrasound and 3 cases were missed, while in all multiple lesions, 24 cases were found by two-dimensional ultrasound and 16 cases were missed, but all cases could be shown by CEUS. The sensitivity of CEUS to multiple bladder lesions was higher than that of two-dimensional ultrasound ( P<0.05). Besides, the differences between BUC and benign lesions in color blood flow distribution intensity and CEUS performance were significant (both P<0.05). Malignant lesions were mostly "less- to -rich" blood flow signals, and benign lesions were mainly "less- to- no" blood flow signals.In addition, in the CEUS examination, 83.7% (103/123) of BUC were high enhancement, and only 33.3% (5/15) of benign lesions were high enhancement. The diagnostic accuracy, specificity and negative predictive value of CEUS(89.9%, 46.7%, 53.8%) were higher than that of two-dimensional ultrasound(67.4%, 13.3%, 13.3%). The area under the curve, the rising slope and the peak intensity of BUC were all higher than those of benign lesions, and the differences were significant(all P<0.05), but none of them was independent risk factor for BUC ( P>0.05). Conclusions:CEUS can significantly improve the diagnostic sensitivity of bladder multiple lesions and help to improve the diagnostic accuracy of BUC, while the area under the curve, the rising slope and the peak intensity of TIC were not the independent risk factors for BUC.