Jun Yuan

Smoking-related metal exposure involves complex mixtures, yet its combined effects on gut microbiota and colorectal polyp progression remain unclear. We constructed a multi-metal disruption index integrating urinary arsenic, cadmium, and zinc concentrations that differed significantly between smokers and non-smokers in 196 colorectal polyp patients in 2023-2024 and examined its associations with gut microbiota and colorectal polyp progression. The index showed dose-dependent increases in detection rates of Limosilactobacillus, Methylovirgula and Peptoclostridium, with the most robust association observed for Limosilactobacillus after adjusting for covariates (OR = 3.39, 95%CI: 1.49–7.76, p = 0.004). Its detection rate was broadly negatively associated with the predicted abundance of pathways such as metabolism and organismal systems. In stratified analyses, the number of pathways with decreased predicted abundance among Limosilactobacillus-positive samples increased significantly as index levels rose (low: 0/27; medium: 15/27; high: 19/27), with 10 pathways significant at both medium and high levels. This dose-dependent genus-level response was observed alongside population-level relative stability, as no significant associations were found between the index and colorectal polyp progression. This multi-Metal Index approach provides a practical framework for assessing the health effects of smoking-related multi-metal mixtures. The dose-dependent increase in Limosilactobacillus colonization, occurring together with the decreased predicted abundance of specific metabolic pathways, suggests a possible association with metal-related stress.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major public health burden. In 2015, a large-scale population-based CRC screening program was launched in Guangzhou for residents aged 45–74 years. This study assessed the program’s performance during 2015–2023 to inform future strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted by using data from 575,843 first-time participants. High-risk individuals were identified through a risk assessment questionnaire combined with fecal immunochemical test (FIT), with positives referred for colonoscopy. Statistical analyses were weighted according to the 2020 Guangzhou census population. Passive follow-up was performed via the Guangzhou Cancer Registration System, enabling estimation of true positives and false negatives. Group differences were examined by using the χ2 test, and factors associated with participation and lesion detection were analyzed by using multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Of 575,843 participants, 83,590 (14.52%; weighted, 14.55%) were assessed as high-risk. Among them, 22,157 (26.51%; weighted, 28.17%) completed colonoscopy. Overall, 915 CRC cases were detected. Higher colonoscopy adherence was associated with higher education, family history of CRC, anorectal symptoms, and financial allowance. Lesions were found to be more common in older individuals, men, and those with positive FIT. More low-risk lesions and fewer early- and mid/late-stage CRCs were found during the second round of screening (2021–2023) than during the first round of screening (2015–2017). Passive follow-up identified 233 CRCs within 1 year among initially screening-negative participants. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the feasibility of a two-step CRC screening strategy in Guangzhou and its effectiveness in detecting early lesions. However, poor adherence to follow-up colonoscopy remains a key limitation. Targeted interventions—including health education, system-level support, and appropriate financial incentives—are essential to improve compliance and overall program effectiveness.

Background: Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels in young people have become a significant public health concern. Dietary habits are a key factor influencing SUA levels. This study aimed to investigate dietary patterns (DPs) of children and adolescents and their associations with SUA. Methods: This cross-sectional study included children and adolescents in Guangzhou, China. We used structured questionnaires to collect data on demographics, lifestyle, and dietary intake, and we collected blood samples for biochemical analysis. DPs were identified by factor analysis. We used robust linear regression to examine the association between these patterns and SUA levels. Parallel mediation analysis was utilized to assess the mediating role of body mass index (BMI) Z-score and waist circumference (WC). Results: The study encompassed 4100 children and adolescents between ages 9–17. The median SUA level was 374 (IQR: 319, 438) μmol/L and the prevalence of hyperuricemia was 41.7%. We identified four DPs, including plant-based, snack–beverage, highprotein, and meat–carbohydrate patterns. There was a positive correlation between the meat–carbohydrate pattern and SUA (β = 3.67 μmol/L, 95% CI: 1.22–6.12). The Q4 group of the highprotein pattern was associated with higher SUA levels (9.17 μmol/L, 95% CI: 2.41–15.93) compared to the Q1 group. BMI Z-score and WC mediated the association between the meat–carbohydrate pattern and SUA. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that BMI Z-score and WC mediated the association between the meat–carbohydrate pattern and SUA. This study emphasizes the significance of targeted dietary interventions for weight control in addressing the increasing SUA levels in children and adolescents. Future research could focus on exploring the molecular mechanisms, developing personalized dietary intervention programs, and conducting multicenter prospective cohort studies.

Introduction: Recent surveillance has identified the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron ariant, which exhibits the ability to evade multiple neutralizing antibodies generated by prior infection or vaccination. However, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding the CD8 T-cell immune reactivity to the Omicron variant. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of HLA-A2-restricted CD8 T-cell epitopes from the Omicron variant and analyze epitope-specific CD8 T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccines.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of CD8 T-cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccines, focusing on HLA-A2-restricted epitopes derived from the Omicron variant. Mutant epitopes were evaluated for their impact on antigen presentation and CD8 T-cell immune reactivity. Additionally, we screened for epitopes that exhibited reduced CD8 T-cell responses following the emergence of the Omicron variant.Results: Our findings revealed that mutant epitopes in the Omicron variant led to escape from antigen presentation and diminished CD8 T-cell immune responses. We identified two epitopes associated with decreased CD8 T-cell reactivity post-Omicron variant emergence. Notably, we discovered an S protein epitope, 67A>V, which demonstrated similar proportions of CD8 T-cell specificity between the ancestral and mutant strains, suggesting its conservation and potential immunogenicity for vaccine development. Furthermore, the third dose of the inactivated vaccine significantly increased the number of epitope-specific CD8 T cells, underscoring the importance of booster doses in enhancing cellular immune responses against the Omicron variant.Discussion: This study highlights the ability of the Omicron variant to evade CD8 T-cell immune responses through epitope mutations, while also identifying conserved epitopes with potential utility in vaccine design. The observed increase in epitope-specific CD8 T cells following a booster dose emphasizes the critical role of additional vaccinations in strengthening cellular immunity against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of next-generation vaccines targeting conserved epitopes and optimizing booster strategies.

What is already known about this topic? S.1,4,[5],12:i:- and S. Rissen are emerging serotypes of Salmonella that require close monitoring for antimicrobial resistance and containment of their spread. What is added by this report? The study aimed to identify antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in S.1,4,[5],12:i:- and S. Rissen strains isolated from environmental sewage in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using single nucleotide polymorphism data to assess genetic relatedness among strains, offering insights for Salmonella infection outbreak investigations in the future. What are the implications for public health practice? It is crucial to implement strategies, such as integrating different networks, to control the spread of drug-resistant Salmonella. Novel technologies must be utilized to disinfect sewage and eliminate ARGs. Ensuring food safety and proper sewage disinfection are essential to curb the dissemination of Salmonella.

Background: As measles vaccination coverage has increased, measles infection has shifted to the population of infants. We conducted a follow-up seroepidemiological study among mothers and their infants to evaluate measles seroprevalence and the persistence of maternal measles antibody in Shufu, Kashgar from 2018 to 2020. Methods: Maternal venous blood and cord blood was obtained among mothers and their infants at 0, 3, 5, 8, 9, and 12 months of age. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for quantitative measurement of measles antibodies. We analyzed the correlation between maternal and neonatal measles antibodies, and antibodies persistence after infants were born. Results: The overall neonatal maternal ratio was 2.38 (95%CI: 2.05–2.71). The measles antibodies for mothers and newborns were 438.93 IU/mL (95%CI: 409.47–470.51 IU/mL) and 440.10 IU/mL (95%CI: 410.82–471.48 IU/mL), respectively. Neonatal measles antibodies were dropping after birth and then beginning to increase starting at 8 months of age. Conclusions: Infant measles antibody levels progressively declined after birth regardless of maternal measles antibody levels. Efforts should be carried out to eliminate measles.