To analyze the relationship between residual cholesterol (RC) and metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in the elderly population of Zhongshan, and to explore the potential application value of RC in the diagnosis of MAFLD in older adults.

A cluster sampling method was employed to select elderly individuals aged 60 and above who underwent health check-ups at two community hospitals in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province. Baseline data were collected through questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between RC and MAFLD, and a restricted cubic spline model was utilized to further analyze the dose-response relationship between RC and MAFLD.

A total of 6 756 elderly individuals were recruited, with an overall prevalence of MAFLD at 31.0%, higher in females (35.0%) than in males (24.7%). After adjusting for confounding factors, logistic regression analysis indicated that RC, treated as a continuous variable (OR: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.47-1.97), was positively associated with the risk of MAFLD. As a categorical variable, the highest RC group (OR: 2.13, 95%CI: 1.72-2.63) also showed a positive correlation with MAFLD risk. A non-linear relationship was observed between RC levels and MAFLD (P _overalltrend <0.001, P _{non-linearity} < 0.05), with a more pronounced risk increase in males (male OR: 1.83, 95%CI: 1.42-2.38 vs. female OR: 1.64,95%CI: 1.36-1.96).

RC is an independent risk factor for MAFLD in the elderly, and there exists a non-linear dose-response relationship between the two. The impact of RC levels on MAFLD risk is particularly significant in elderly males. Monitoring and managing RC is of great clinical significance in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD in older adults.

To conduct genetic typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in Guizhou Province using the MLVA technique based on 24 VNTR loci, to identify VNTR typing loci suitable for Guizhou MTB strains, and to establish a high-resolution, user-friendly MLVA typing model for MTB. This model will provide technical means for tracing the sources, transmission, and prevention and control of tuberculosis in Guizhou Province.

A total of 124 MTB strains were collected from Guizhou Province. PCR amplification was performed using 24 internationally recognized VNTR loci for MTB, followed by analysis of the amplification products using capillary electrophoresis. The number of repeats at each locus was counted, and allele polymorphism and the discriminatory index for each locus were calculated. Clustering analysis of the tested strains was conducted using BIONUMERICS 8.0 to explore the typing characteristics of MTB in Guizhou Province based on 24-VNTR, 15-VNTR, 12-VNTR, and 8-VNTR.

The allele polymorphism and discriminatory index of the 24 VNTR loci indicated that seven loci, including QUB-11b, had high discriminatory power, eleven loci, including MIRU-10, had moderate power, and six loci, including MIRU-20, had low power. Furthermore, clustering analysis revealed that the 24-VNTR typing exhibited the highest discriminatory ability at 95.16% (118/124), approaching the level of single strain identification, followed by 15-VNTR at 91.13% (113/124), 12-VNTR at 90.32% (112/124), and 8-VNTR at 83.06% (103/124). All four VNTR typing models successfully categorized the 124 MTB strains into four clusters.

This study identified six high-resolution loci, including QUB-11b, as the preferred VNTR loci for MLVA typing of MTB strains in Guizhou Province, with other loci ranked according to their discriminatory power as supplementary typing methods. The 24-VNTR, 15-VNTR, and 12-VNTR methods demonstrated high typing capabilities, providing technical support for molecular tracing of tuberculosis in Guizhou Province.

To explore whether N⁶-methyl adenosine (m⁶A) is involved in arsenic-induced tau protein phosphorylation.

Neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells were treated with 0, 1, 5, 10 μmol/L sodium arsenate for 24 hours. Then, the intracellular m⁶A level was detected, the mRNA expression levels of m⁶A-related enzymes in the cells were detected by qPCR,and the total tau protein expression level, phosphorylated tau protein level and m⁶A-related enzyme expression levels in the cells were detected by Western Blot. After inhibiting the intracellular m⁶A level with 3-deoxyadenosines, the changes in the intracellular m⁶A level and tau protein phosphorylation level were verified. SPSS was used for analysis of variance of the experimental results, with α=0.05.

After SH-SY5Y cells were treated with various concentrations of arsenic for 24 hours, there was no significant difference in the total tau protein level in the cells (F=3.047, P > 0.05). After the cells were treated with 5 μmol/L arsenic for 24 hours, the intracellular m⁶A level increased by 31.4% (F=4.511, P < 0.05), and the phosphorylated tau protein (at site T231) level increased by 42.6% (95%CI: 0.165-0.689, P < 0.01). The level of phosphorylated tau protein (at sites S202 + T205) increased with the increase in arsenic concentration, and the highest increase was 55.2%(95%CI: 0.050-0.409, P < 0.05) after treatment with 10 μmol/L arsenic for 24 hours. As the arsenic treatment concentration increased, the METTL3 mRNA expression in the cells increased, with the highest increase of 73.2% (95%CI: 0.201-1.423, P < 0.05) at a concentration of 10 μmol/L. The mRNA expression levels of METTL14, WTAP and FTO decreased, and they decreased to 65.4% (95%CI:-1.055 to-0.337, P < 0.01), 64.8% (95%CI:-0.389 to -0.111, P < 0.05) and 85.4% (95%CI: -0.030 to -0.010, P < 0.01) of the control group respectively after treatment with 10 μmol/L arsenic. The ALKBH5 mRNA expression first increased and then decreased, with an increase of 27.5% (95%CI: 0.033-0.147, P < 0.05) after treatment with 1 μmol/L arsenic for 24 hours; while it decreased by 30.7% (95%CI:-1.62 to -0.038, P < 0.01) after treatment with 10 μmol/L arsenic. Arsenic treatment led to an increase in METTL3 protein expression, with the highest increase of 107.1% (95%CI: 0.331-1.009, P < 0.01) after treatment with 5 μmol/L arsenic for 24 hours, while the protein expression levels of METTL14, WTAP and ALKBH5 decreased to 20.4% (95%CI: -0.788 to -0.509, P < 0.001), 23.5% (95%CI:-1.371 to -0.685, P <0.001) and 49.2% (95%CI:-0.423 to -0.183, P < 0.001) of the control group respectively after treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with 10 μmol/L arsenic for 24 hours. The FTO protein expression level showed a decreasing trend with the increase in arsenic concentration, with the lowest decrease of 45.3% (95%CI:-0.709 to -0.413, P < 0.001) after treatment with 10 μmol/L arsenic for 24 hours. After DAA inhibited the intracellular m⁶A level, the phosphorylated tau protein levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05).

Arsenic can increase the m⁶A level in SH-SY5Y cells by increasing the expression level of the m⁶A methylase METTL3 and decreasing the expression levels of the m⁶A demethylases FTO and ALKBH5, thereby inducing the phosphorylation of tau protein in the cells.

To understand the epidemiological characteristics of public health emergencies in Qinghai Province from 2009 to 2023, providing a basis for decision-making in the prevention and control of such events.

Data on incidents from 2009 to 2023 in Qinghai Province were collected and organized from the “Public Health Emergency Report Management Information System”. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the characteristics of these incidents.

A total of 311 public health emergencies were reported in Qinghai Province from 2009 to 2023, with 9 099 cases of illness affecting a total of 480 213 individuals, resulting in 46 deaths. Join point analysis revealed a turning point in infectious disease incidents, with a statistically significant upward trend from 2012 to 2023 (P=0.001). In contrast, non-infectious disease incidents exhibited a notable downward trend, with an annual percentage change (APC) of -8.30% (95%CI: -14.91% to -2.86%, P=0.003). Global spatial autocorrelation results indicated that, except for 2015 when public health emergencies in Qinghai showed a spatial negative correlation (Moran’s I=-0.321, Z=-1.557, P=0.035), no statistical differences were observed in other years (P>0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the reporting time of incidents and the duration of infectious disease outbreaks (r=0.43, P<0.05), indicating that longer reporting intervals were associated with longer outbreak durations.

There is a correlation between incident reporting and outbreak duration in Qinghai Province. It is recommended to enhance the awareness of timely reporting among medical institutions at all levels and to strengthen epidemic monitoring in key gathering places, such as primary schools, to reduce the occurrence of public health emergencies.

To analyze the transmission characteristics of the CRF105_0108 subtype in Luzhou, aiming to provide a scientific basis for effective control of its spread in the region.

Genetic sequences obtained from drug-resistant testing of antiretroviral therapy failures among AIDS/HIV patients in Luzhou from 2017 to 2023 were collected for subtype and genotype resistance analysis. The molecular transmission network of CRF105_0108 was constructed using genetic distance methods, and factors influencing network inclusion were analyzed.

A total of 61 CRF105_0108 gene sequences were obtained. A molecular transmission network was constructed at a 1.5% genetic distance, achieving an inclusion rate of 80.33%(49/61), forming 3 molecular clusters and 247 edges. A high-resolution molecular transmission network was constructed at a 0.6% genetic distance, with an inclusion rate of 40.98% (25/61), forming 9 molecular clusters and 22 edges. Univariate analysis indicated a statistically significant difference in network inclusion based on different residential locations (χ²=12.739, P=0.025), while differences in gender and other factors were not statistically significant. The genotype resistance rate for the CRF105_0108 subtype was 54.10% (33/61), with 8 samples exhibiting dual resistance to NRTI and NNRTI.

The transmission of the CRF105_0108 subtype in Luzhou may have formed a large transmission cluster. It is recommended to conduct genetic subtype monitoring and pre-treatment resistance testing for newly reported AIDS/HIV patients, to dynamically monitor the constructed transmission network, and to implement timely intervention measures for high-risk transmitters, thereby enhancing the specificity of antiretroviral therapy and improving the precision of prevention and control efforts.

To understand the influencing factors of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) among adult residents of different ethnic groups in Gansu Province, providing foundational data for targeted prevention and control measures.

From May to July 2022,a stratified cluster sampling method was employed based on the altitude of residence (≤1 500 meters, 1 500 to 3 500 meters, >3 500 meters) in Gansu Province. All participants underwent questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, and assessments of blood glucose and lipid levels. A non-conditional binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of LDH prevalence among different ethnic groups.

A total of 4 545 participants were included, with an overall LDH prevalence of 22.8%. The prevalence was highest among the Tibetan population at 30.6%, with significant differences observed among ethnic groups (P<0.05). For the Han ethnic group, a residence duration of less than 36 months, non-drinking, or residing at altitudes of 1 500-3 500 meters were associated with an increased risk of LDH. Conversely, being younger than 30 years, holding a position as a cadre, or residing at altitudes below 1 500 meters were associated with a reduced risk. Among the Tibetan population, low physical activity intensity, an education level of primary school or below, and a residence duration of 24-36 months were linked to an increased risk of LDH, while being male, engaging in low-intensity activities, and being unmarried were associated with a decreased risk. For the Hui ethnic group, a residence duration of 6-23 months or an age range of 30-59 years were related to an increased risk of LDH.

The prevalence of LDH varies among different ethnic groups in Gansu Province, and the influencing factors also differ.

To investigate the impact of serum free fatty acids (FFA) on serum uric acid (SUA) levels in young and middleaged hyperuricemia (HUA) patients with different body mass indexes (BMI).

A total of 144 young and middle-aged male patients first diagnosed with HUA at Zhu Xianyi Memorial Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from March 2018 to May 2020 were selected. They were divided into three groups based on BMI: normal group (18.5 kg/m² ≤ BMI < 24.0 kg/m², n=42), overweight group (24.0 kg/m² ≤ BMI < 28.0 kg/m², n=58), and obese group (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m², n=44). Additionally, they were categorized into tertiles based on FFA levels: low tertile group (FFA ≤ 0.37 mmol/L, n=48), middle tertile group (0.37 mmol/L < FFA < 0.7 mmol/L, n=48),and high tertile group (FFA ≥ 0.7 mmol/L, n=48). General information and laboratory data, including FFA and SUA levels, were collected and statistically analyzed.

As BMI increased, FFA levels in the normal, overweight, and obese groups showed a significant upward trend (P < 0.05). SUA levels also increased, with statistically significant differences between the normal and obese groups and between the overweight and obese groups (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the normal and overweight groups (P > 0.05). With increasing FFA levels, BMI and SUA levels in the low, middle, and high FFA tertile groups also increased. Significant differences were observed between the low and high tertile groups and between the middle and high tertile groups (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between the low and middle tertile groups (P > 0.05). Two-way ANOVA revealed an interaction between FFA and obesity on the SUA levels (F=2.701, P=0.033), indicating that their combined effect further elevated SUA levels. Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between FFA and SUA levels in the obese group (r=0.428, P=0.004). However, no such correlation was observed in the normal and overweight groups (P > 0.05).

In young and middle-aged HUA patients, those with obesity and high FFA levels exhibit higher SUA levels. The effects of FFA and obesity on SUA levels are both additive and interactive.

To explore the association between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and adult obesity, and to provide insights for the prevention and early diagnosis of obesity.

This study was based on the survey data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between the systemic immune-inflammation index and obesity (general obesity, central obesity) by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). In addition, stratified analysis was performed by age (< 60 years old and ≥ 60 years old) and gender.

After adjusting all covariates, when general obesity was taken as the outcome variable, compared with the subjects in the lowest quartile (Q1) of SII, the risk of general obesity in the subjects in the third quartile (Q3) increased by 0.374 times (OR=1.374, 95%CI: 1.111-1.699); the risk of general obesity in the subjects in the fourth quartile (Q4) increased by 0.843 times (OR=1.843, 95%CI: 1.490-2.281). When central obesity was taken as the outcome variable, compared with the subjects in Q1, the risk of central obesity in the subjects in Q3 increased by 0.542 times (OR=1.542, 95%CI: 1.189-2.000); the risk of central obesity in the subjects in Q4 increased by 1.036 times (OR=2.036, 95%CI: 1.553-2.670). In addition, the results of stratified analysis showed that the relationship between SII and obesity was different among different ages and was only significant in the population aged <60 years old.

SII is positively correlated with the risk of adult obesity, and the higher the SII, the higher the risk of obesity. In addition, the relationship between SII and obesity may be age-specific.

To evaluate the effectiveness of an all-English small class inquiry-based teaching model for basic theories and practices in epidemiology, providing a reference for further improving the quality of all-English instruction in preventive medicine courses.

Based on the undergraduate course “Basic Theory and Case Study of Epidemiology” at Sichuan University, surveys were conducted before and after the course for students in both small and large all-English classes.A comparative analysis was performed between the two class sizes and within the same class before and after the intervention to explore whether the small class inquiry-based teaching model is more advantageous than traditional large class teaching in enhancing students’ all-English professional competence.

Prior to the all-English instruction, there were significant differences in English reading and writing abilities, as well as listening and speaking skills, between students in large and small classes, with small class students demonstrating superior skills (reading and writing: small class 57.1% vs. large class 26.8%;listening and speaking: small class 50.0% vs. large class 20.5%) (P<0.05). Most students in both class sizes lacked experience in delivering presentations and writing research papers in English before the instruction; however, small class students were more willing to attempt all-English oral presentations in class compared to their large class counterparts (small class 92.9% vs.large class 60.7%) (P<0.05). Following the all-English instruction, a significant improvement was observed in English reading and writing abilities, professional knowledge, mastery of English terminology, and participation in group discussions or projects for students in both classes. Overall, small class students exhibited better listening and speaking skills than those in large classes post-instruction, with 50.0% of small class students demonstrating good English listening and speaking skills compared to 14.1% in large classes, reflecting an overall improvement from pre-instruction levels. Small class students reported increased confidence in writing English research papers and more experiences with all-English presentations compared to large class students. Moreover, over 60% of students from both classes expressed a willingness to participate in international conferences and deliver all-English presentations, showing an increase from pre-instruction levels.

The all-English small class inquiry-based teaching model demonstrates greater advantages over large class teaching in enhancing students’ all-English professional competence, contributing to improved international competitiveness for employment and further studies.Implementing this model for undergraduate students in preventive medicine is both feasible and effective.

To analyze the interaction between Body Mass Index (BMI) and sex on sleep quality of rural older adults in Chengdu, and to explore the differences in their sleep quality under different BMI and sex stratifications.

Based on the data of a cluster randomized controlled trial for rural older adults in Chengdu, 508 people aged 60 and above were involved. Questionnaires were administered using instruments such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to collect information on sleep quality and demographics. Information of height and weight was obtained by physical measurements. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the interaction between BMI and sex on sleep quality, and stratified analyses were performed.

There was a significant interaction between BMI and sex on sleep quality (P<0.001). When stratified by sex, PSQI scores in the overweight and obese populations were significantly higher than the normal/underweight populationonly among the males. (difference=0.46, P=0.031; difference=1.53, P<0.001). When stratified by BMI, females had significantly higher PSQI scores than males in normal/underweight and overweight stratifications (difference=1.85, P<0.001; difference=2.17, P<0.001).

There is a significant interaction effect of BMI and sex on sleep quality among rural older adults. Comparing to males, females have poorer sleep quality in normal/underweight and overweight stratifications. Males have poorer sleep quality with higher BMI levels. Our study suggests that future sleep interventions and policy programs should be tailored according to different sex and BMI.