Objective To compare the epidemiological differences of dengue fever in Guangzhou before and after the COVID-19 epidemic, analyze challenges in its prevention and control, and propose future prevention and control strategies. Methods Data on dengue cases reported in Guangzhou from 2017 to 2023 were collected and divided into three groups based on time periods: the pre-COVID-19 group (2017-2019), the during-COVID-19 group (2020-2022), and the post-COVID-19 group (2023). The epidemiological characteristics of the three groups were described, and the time interval from case onset to reporting and changes in mosquito vector density at epidemic sites before and after the COVID-19 epidemic were calculated and compared. Results In the year following the COVID-19 epidemic, 1 801 dengue cases were reported in Guangzhou, which was higher than during the COVID-19 epidemic (21 cases reported annually) and before the COVID-19 epidemic (1 297 cases reported annually). The median onset-to-reporting time (M, IQR) for dengue fever cases in Guangzhou decreased significantly from 4 (4) days in 2017-2019 to 3 (3) days in 2023 (P<0.01). The average standard space index (SSI) for the first evaluation of mosquito vector density in the core area of dengue fever outbreak was 2.58 in 2017-2019, which decreased to 0.28 on the 7th day of intervention; In 2023, The SSI for the first evaluation of mosquito vector density in the core area of dengue fever was 3.54, dropping to 2.43 on the 7th day of intervention. Conclusions Following adjustments to COVID-19 prevention policies, the epidemic situation of dengue fever in Guangzhou returned to pre-COVID-19 levels after a three-year low-incidence period. Post-COVID-19, the surveillance sensitivity for dengue cases in Guangzhou was improved; but grassroots response capacity to dengue fever declined.

Objective To evaluate the pollution characteristics and the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with Pb, Cd and Cr in farmland soil across different areas of Chengdu. Methods From 2018 to 2021, a total of 200 soil samples were collected from Chengdu farmland. The single factor index, Nemerow index and human health risk assessment model were used to assess the contamination and risk of heavy metals in farmland soils. Results The exceedance rate of Cd content in the 200 soil samples was 24.00%, while Pb and Cr contents were within national standard limits. Among the three regions of Chengdu, the Cd exceedance rate followed the order：north>southwest>east. The average Nemerow comprehensive pollution index for the soil samples was 0.671, indicating an overall "no pollution" status. However, the soil in the north and southwest regions reached a "warning level" while the east region remained "no pollution" The non-carcinogenic health risk indices for Pb, Cd and Cr were all bellow 1. In contrast, the average value of the carcinogenic health risk index for children's oral intake of Cd and the maximum value of the carcinogenic health risk index for adults' oral intake of Cd both exceeded 1.0×10^-6. The total carcinogenic risk indices for Pb, Cd, and Cr across the three regions followed the order：north>southwest>east. Conclusions The overall pollution level of farmland soil in Chengdu was classified as "no pollution" and the non-carcinogenic health risks of the three heavy metals were within acceptable limits. However, the carcinogenic health risks associated with Cd pollution in certain regions require close monitoring.

Objective To analyze the drug resistance and gene mutations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Meishan City from 2018 to 2022, and to provide references for the prevention and control of tuberculosis in Meishan City. Methods Gene chip technology was used for rapid screening of rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistance. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains identified through screening were subjected to solid drug susceptibility testing (DST) for four drugs: streptomycin (SM), ethambutol (EMB), kanamycin (KM), and ofloxacin (OFLX). The results were analyzed descriptively. Results The overall drug resistance rate among 1 370 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains was 11.75%. The monoresistance rates were 2.48% for RIF and 5.12% for INH, while the MDR rate was 4.16%. Significant differences were observed in the overall drug resistance rate, RIF monoresistance rate, and MDR rate between newly treated and retreated patients (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Among MDR patients, the resistance rates in descending order were SM>EMB>OFLX>KM, with the most common resistance type being SM + EMB (32.08%). The main mutation sites for RIF resistance-related gene rpoB were 531C-T (49.45%) and 511T-C (15.38%), while for INH resistance-related genes katG and inhA, the primary mutation sites were 315G-C (66.14%) and 15C-T (25.20%), respectively. The most common mutation combination in MDR strains was 531C-T + 315G-C (47.37%). Conclusions The drug resistance rate of tuberculosis in Meishan City is at an intermediate level within the province, with a declining trend in MDR rates. However, drug resistance among retreated patients remains severe, and the drug susceptibility profile of MDR strains is complex. The main mutation sites associated with RIF and INH resistance are high-level resistance sites.

Objective To explore the current status of depression in elderly hypertensive patients and to analyze the influencing factors of different latent profiles. Methods A total of 1 000 hypertensive patients admitted to the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University during the time period of January to December 2023 were selected as the subjects of this study, and a general information questionnaire and a geriatric depression scale were used to conduct the questionnaire survey. Latent profile analysis was conducted to characterize the depression status of elderly hypertensive patients, and the influencing factors of the latent profiles of depression status were explored by univariate analysis. Results A total of 908 valid questionnaires were collected, yielding an effective response rate of 90.80%. The mean depression score of elderly hypertensive patients was （6.25±2.25） points. The depression status of elderly hypertensive patients was categorized into three latent profiles：high depression group, high loneliness with moderate depression group, and low depression group. The average probabilities of elderly hypertensive patients belonging to each latent profile was 0.966, 0.956, and 0.967, respectively. The analysis of influencing factors revealed that there were statistically significant differences in the depression status groups of elderly hypertensive patients in terms of age, marital status, living arrangement, monthly income, visual function, auditory function, and self-care ability （χ²=6.938-38.434, P<0.05 or P<0.01）. Conclusions The depression status subgroups of elderly hypertensive patients are heterogeneous. Clinical staff should identify the characteristics of different categories of patients, and actively adopt countermeasures for highly depressed elderly hypertensive patients, which is conducive to reducing the occurrence of depression and has a positive effect on the maintenance of their mental health.

Objective To assess genome-wide DNA methylation level of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease concurrent with chronic hepatitis B (NAFLD + CHB) and investigate the effect of betaine intervention on genome-wide DNA methylation in the cellular model of NAFLD+CHB. Methods In this study, a total of five groups were included. First, a free fatty acid mixture with a concentration of 0.75 mmol/L was used to intervene in human liver cancer cells (HepG2) and HepG2 cells transfected with hepatitis B virus (HepG2.2.15) to establish the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) group and the NAFLD+CHB group cell models. Subsequently, 2, 4, and 8 mmol/L of betaine were used to intervene in the NAFLD+CHB cells to establish three betaine intervention groups. The cell viability of liver cells, the levels of genome-wide DNA methylation, and the mRNA expression levels of DNA methylation-related enzymes (DNMTs, MBDs, TETs) were measured. Results Compared with the NAFLD group, the genome-wide DNA methylation level of the NAFLD+CHB group exhibited a significant decrease (1.070%±0.166% vs. 1.848%±0.238%, t=4.64, P<0.05). Additionally, there was a down-regulation in mRNA expressions of DNMT3B and MBD1, while an up-regulation was observed in mRNA expressions of DNMT3A, MBD4-6, and TET2. Treatment with betaine at concentrations of 2 mmol/L, 4 mmol/L, and 8 mmol/L in the NAFLD+CHB cell resulted in an increase of genome-wide DNA methylation level (1.895%±0.234%, 1.581%±0.089%, and 1.892%±0.066% vs. 1.070%±0.166%, F=19.14, P<0.01), along with a down-regulation in mRNA expressions of MBD1-3, MBD5-6, and TET1-3. Conclusions The genome-wide DNA methylation levels are found to be lower in NAFLD+CHB cells compared with NAFLD cells. Furthermore, betaine intervention demonstrates potential for increasing the genome-wide DNA methylation level in NAFLD+CHB cells.

Objective To assess the status of blood pressure control and the utilization of antihypertensive agents among community-dwelling hypertensive individuals, thereby providing a scientific rationale for refining hypertension management strategies. Methods Hypertensive patients who underwent registration and comprehensive physical examinations at a community health service center in Foshan City between January 1 and December 31, 2023, were enrolled as study participants. The analysis focused on blood pressure control outcomes and antihypertensive medication usage across diverse demographic and clinical subgroups, with an exploration of pertinent influencing factors. Results A total of 6 753 patients with a mean age of (68.58±10.30) years were included, and the compliance rate of blood pressure control was 77.54% (5 236/6 753). Multifactorial analysis showed that 60-75 years (OR=2.384),>75 years (OR=2.427), comorbid diabetes mellitus (OR=13.227), and alcohol consumption (OR=1.233) were risk factors for blood pressure control（P<0.05 or P<0.01）. Regarding pharmacological treatment, 31.81% (2 148 cases) of patients received monotherapy and 68.19% (4 605 cases) received combination therapy. The most used drugs in monotherapy were angiotensin receptor blockers (63.18%, 1 357 cases), while angiotensin receptor blockers combined with calcium channel blocker regimens were predominant in combination therapy (34.38%, 1 583 cases). In addition, a lower proportion of women (OR=0.836) received combination therapy, while a higher proportion of overweight (OR=1.215), obese (OR=1.639), and current smokers (OR=1.507) received combination therapy（P<0.05 or P<0.01）. Conclusions The hypertension control rate within this community is notably high. It is advocated to implement targeted intervention measures addressing pivotal influential factors to further elevate the efficacy of blood pressure management. Simultaneously, considering most patients are on combination therapy, it is recommended to refine medication selection based on individual patient clinical characteristics to ensure therapeutic safety and efficacy.

Objective To explore risk factors affecting emotional state of patients with occupational pneumoconiosis. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to January 2024. Patients with occupational pneumoconiosis were enrolled by the convenience sampling method. Date on employer information, patient demographics, disease characteristics, and medical treatment were collected. the univariate and multivariate methods were used to analyze risk factors affecting the emotional state. Results The average age of the 636 occupational pneumoconiosis patients participated in this study was (68.29±13.69) years, with 403 cases (63.36%) in the negative group and 233 cases (36.64%) in the positive group. Multivariate analysis revealed ed that factors including educational level (OR for middle school=3.739), occupation (OR for manufacturing=2.362), sleep quality (OR for very good=0.060, OR for good=0.113), and avoidance of treatment (OR≥5 times/month=2.644) were all significantly correlated with the emotional state of patients with occupational pneumoconiosis (P<0.05). Conclusion The emotional state of patients with occupational pneumoconiosis is related to educational level, occupation, sleep quality, and avoidance of treatment.

Objective To analyze the biological characteristics of recombinant and non-recombinant strains of Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) in a suckling mice model in Guangdong Province, providing the scientific evidence for the study of the pathogenic mechanism of CVA6. Methods The CVA6 recombinant strain and non-recombinant strain were used to infect the suckling mice model respectively. Then the pathogenicity, tissue viral load, histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical analysis, and cytokine levels of infected suckling mice were compared. Results The median survival time of the CVA6 recombinant strain group (3 days post-infection, dpi) was shorter than that in the CVA6 non-recombinant strain group (6 dpi) (P<0.01). The virus could be detected in multiple tissues of both groups of infected mice, and the viral load in lung tissue of the CVA6 recombinant strain group being 1.78 times that of the CVA6 non-recombinant strain group. Both groups of infected suckling mice showed multi-organ damage, with viral antigens diffusely distributed in skeletal muscle fibers. The IHC staining of the CVA6 recombinant strain group was more obvious than that of the non-recombinant strain group. Muscle damage was present in both groups, with skeletal muscle atrophy in CVA6 recombinant strain group and myolysis in CVA6 non-recombinant strain group. IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were detected in the plasma of both infected mice groups. The decreased level of IL-6 in the CVA6 recombinant strain group lower than that in the CVA6 non-recombinant strain group, and on the 4th day, the level of IL-6 in the CVA6 recombinant strain group (22.17 pg/ml) was significantly higher than that in the CVA6 non-recombinant strain group (3.09 pg/ml) (P<0.01). The content of IFN-γ in the CVA6 non-recombinant strain group was significantly higher than that in the CVA6 recombinant strain group on days 1-2. The levels of IL-10 and TNF-α showed no significant differences (both P>0.05). Conclusions The survival rate of mice infected with the CVA6 recombinant strain in Guangdong Province is significantly lower than that of the non-recombinant strain. There are differences in the effects of both strains on the cytokines IL-6 and IFN-γ.

Objective To investigate the current state of visual fatigue among primary and secondary school students in Zigong City and further analyze its influencing factors, aiming to provide a reference for preventing and treating visual fatigue in this population. Methods A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select students from 12 schools in Zigong between August and October 2023. Basic information was collected, and examinations including uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp, and fundus examinations were conducted. Students were divided into groups based on the presence or absence of visual fatigue. Descriptive analysis was used to assess the prevalence of visual fatigue, while univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to identify influencing factors. Results A total of 7 510 primary and secondary school students were included in the study, with 1 226 cases of visual fatigue detected, yielding a detection rate of 16.32%. The visual fatigue group showed significantly lower tear secretion test results, tear film breakup time, and uncorrected visual acuity compared to the non-visual fatigue group (all P< 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that myopia (OR=5.546) and daily computer usage time (OR= 1.964) were risk factors for visual fatigue, while sleep duration (OR=0.456), frequency of daily eye exercises (OR=0.303), and daytime outdoor activity time (OR=0.142) were protective factors. Conclusions The detection rate of visual fatigue among primary and secondary school students in Zigong is relatively high. Factors such as myopia, daily sleep duration, computer usage time, frequency of eye exercises, and daytime outdoor activity time significantly influence the occurrence of visual fatigue. Strengthening vision monitoring and eye health education for students in Zigong, targeting these factors, is essential to alleviate visual fatigue.