Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder increasingly recognized to involve chronic inflammation, autophagy dysfunction, and immune imbalance. The molecular mechanisms connecting autophagy-related genes (ATGs), immune infiltration, and ovarian dysfunction remain unclear. Transcriptomic data from ovarian granulosa cells (GSE34526 and GSE137684) were analyzed to identify differentially expressed ATGs, followed by functional enrichment, immune cell profiling, and network analysis. Ten hub genes were validated in clinical samples (PCOS and controls, n = 6 per group) and a dehydroepiandrosterone-induced mouse model. HMOX1 function was examined under conditions with and without metformin treatment. A total of 57 DEATGs were enriched in pathways related to autophagy, immune regulation, and inflammation, including the NOD-like receptor and FoxO signaling pathways. Among the ten identified hub genes, heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) was significantly upregulated in PCOS samples and positively associated with M2 macrophage infiltration. In vitro, HMOX1 overexpression led to increased levels of p62 and CD163, indicating impaired autophagic flux and enhanced M2-like polarization. Estradiol secretion was reduced under HMOX1 overexpression, and partially restored by metformin. In the PCOS mouse model, HMOX1 expression was elevated and suppressed following metformin treatment, although ovarian morphology remained abnormal. HMOX1 appears to act as a molecular nexus connecting impaired autophagy with immune microenvironment alterations in PCOS, highlighting its potential as both a diagnostic marker and a target for immunomodulatory therapy.

BackgroundChronic insomnia disorder (CID) is associated with changes in gray matter volume (GMV) and structural connectivity in several brain regions. However, alterations in the topological properties of the structural covariant network (SCN) remain poorly understood in CID.MethodsVoxel-based morphometry and graph theory were applied to examine the topological characteristics of the GMV-based SCN in 82 patients with CID and 73 healthy controls. Group comparison of GMV and multiple regression with pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were conducted, with hamilton depression acale, hamilton depression scale, total intracranial volume, age, sex, and years of education as covariates. The brain SCN was constructed by thresholding Pearson correlations between the corrected GMVs of 90 brain regions, defined via the automated anatomical labeling atlas. Both the global and nodal topological properties of the brain SCN were analyzed, controlling for the same set of covariates.ResultsThe bilateral precentral gyrus (PreCG) showed both increased GMV and a negative correlation with PSQI scores (p < 0.001, uncorrected). No significant differences were found in the global network topological properties between groups. CID patients exhibited increased nodal betweenness centrality in the right paracentral lobule (PCL), and decreased nodal degree and efficiency in the left postcentral gyrus (PoCG) (p < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected). Furthermore, we observed alterations in both the number and distribution of network hubs. Notably, the constellation of regions exhibiting altered nodal parameters (the right PCL and left PoCG) also functioned as reconfigured network hubs.ConclusionsThis study establishes an association between sleep disturbances in CID and aberrations in both the GMV of specific sensory-motor network nodes (PreCG, PCL, PoCG) and their SCN topological properties, thereby providing new directions for elucidating the disorder’s pathophysiology.

BackgroundAcupuncture therapy shows promise for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates whether acupuncture alleviates PCOS by regulating granulosa cell (GC) ferroptosis via extracellular vesicles (EVs).MethodsBioinformatic analysis of KGN cell transcriptome data identified heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) as a key candidate. Its role was validated in a PCOS rat model and GCs using RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Ferroptosis was assessed via malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and ferroptosis-related proteins (GPX4, FTH1, SLC7A11, NCOA4). HMOX1 gain/loss-of-function, rescue experiments (ferrostatin-1), and transmission electron microscopy defined its function. PCOS rats received acupuncture for 4 weeks; ovarian function and ferroptosis markers were analyzed. EVs from follicular fluid were characterized, and miRNA candidates targeting HMOX1 were screened. The EV-miRNA mechanism was tested via co-culture and inhibition assays.ResultsHMOX1 was upregulated in PCOS. Its overexpression induced ferroptosis and impaired GC proliferation, reversible by ferrostatin-1. Acupuncture improved ovarian histology and oocyte maturation, concurrently normalizing HMOX1 and ferroptosis markers. It specifically enriched miR-873-5p in EVs. These EVs delivered miR-873-5p to GCs, downregulating HMOX1 and alleviating ferroptosis, an effect blocked by miR-873-5p inhibition.ConclusionsAcupuncture mitigates PCOS by promoting EV-mediated transfer of miR-873-5p, which targets HMOX1 to inhibit GC ferroptosis and restore ovarian function. This identifies a novel acupuncture-EV-miRNA-HMOX1-ferroptosis axis as a therapeutic mechanism for PCOS.

The gut microbiome has been implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases, including gout. However, the role of the gut virome in gout pathogenesis remains underexplored. We employed a reference-dependent virome approach to analyze fecal metagenomic data from 102 gout patients (77 in the discovery cohort and 25 in the validation cohort) and 86 healthy controls (HCs) (63 and 23 in each cohort). A subset of gout patients in the discovery cohort provided longitudinal samples at Weeks 2, 4, and 24. Our analysis revealed significant alterations in the gut virome of gout patients, including reduced viral richness and shifts in viral family composition. Notably, Siphoviridae, Myoviridae, and Podoviridae were depleted, while Quimbyviridae, Retroviridae, and Schitoviridae were enriched in gout patients. We identified 359 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs) associated with gout. Enriched vOTUs in gout patients predominantly consisted of Fusobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Selenomonadaceae phages, while control-enriched vOTUs included Ruminococcaceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Enterobacteriaceae phages. Longitudinal analysis revealed that a substantial proportion of these virome signatures remained stable over 6 months. Functional profiling highlighted the enrichment of viral auxiliary metabolic genes, suggesting potential metabolic interactions between viruses and host bacteria. Notably, gut virome signatures effectively discriminated gout patients from HCs, with high classification performance in the validation cohort. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the gut virome in gout, revealing its potential role in disease pathogenesis and highlighting virome-based signatures as promising biomarkers for gout diagnosis and future therapeutic strategies.

The impact of fatty liver disease on lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) represents an intriguing area of study, particularly in light of established research linking obesity to bone metabolism. However, there remains limited investigation into the correlation between quantifying liver fat content (LFC) and lumbar BMD among overweight and obese populations, particularly within the Chinese demographic. This study aims to accurately quantify LFC and investigate its association with lumbar BMD in overweight or obese individuals. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Health Management Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital from January 2019 to February 2023, involving 6996 participants with a body mass index (BMI) of 24 kg/m² or higher. LFC and lumbar BMD were assessed using computed tomography. The study utilized one-way ANOVA, subgroup analysis, multifactor regression analysis, smooth curve fitting, and threshold and saturation effect analysis to explore the relationship between LFC and lumbar BMD. Furthermore, inflammatory cell analysis was included to investigate the potential mediating role of inflammatory cells in the association between LFC and lumbar BMD. After adjusting for confounding variables, multivariate regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between LFC and lumbar BMD (β = −0.323, 95

Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) is a major risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) is a significant factor in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and is usually elevated in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). However, the association between LDL-C levels and incident CAC in asymptomatic T2DM patients remains unclear. This study is a single-center retrospective cohort study conducted from January 2018 to December 2023, including 2,631 asymptomatic T2DM patients who underwent regular health screenings. All participants were confirmed to be free of CAC at baseline by computed tomography (CT). Based on baseline LDL-C levels, participants were divided into three groups (T1: 0.66–2.43 mmol/L; T2: 2.44–3.18 mmol/L; T3: 3.19–7.21 mmol/L). The follow-up endpoint was the occurrence of incident CAC, with a total follow-up period of 72 months. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used for analysis, followed by log-rank tests. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to investigate the relationship between LDL-C and incident CAC, and subgroup analysis was performed to test the robustness of the LDL-C and CAC relationship. During a median follow-up period of 29.9 months, 885 (33.64

Insomnia remains a major public health challenge with limited safe treatment options. We demonstrate that mixed probiotics Lactobacillales (Lactobacillus helveticus L551, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L578, and Streptococcus thermophilus S709, group P) alleviates insomnia in PCPA-induced mice. P significantly reduced sleep latency and increased sleep duration, while ameliorating anxiety behaviors. The intervention attenuated insomnia-induced colonic structural damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, while restoring hippocampal CA1sp and hypothalamic Nissl body density, as well as normalizing brain glucose metabolism. Crucially, P intervention rebalanced neurotransmitter networks by enhancing serotonin (5-HT) synthesis while suppressing its catabolism, and reducing dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) levels. The P intervention significantly increased the abundance of Akkermansia and Acinetobacter compared to the insomnia model group (M). Notably, Acinetobacter exhibited significant positive correlations with N-acetylserotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, while showing a significant negative correlation with 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). These findings suggest its potential capacity to modulate tryptophan metabolism. In the M group, Staphylococcus was identified as the signature taxon, showing significant positive correlations with sleep latency and DA levels, and significant negative correlations with sleep duration and serotonin 5-HT levels. P intervention significantly reduced Staphylococcus abundance, concomitant with DA level normalization. In summary, Lactobacillales improve sleep quality and relieve anxiety in insomnia mice via modulating gut microbiota composition, thus regulating tryptophan metabolic pathways and sleep - related neurotransmitters.

Background:Limited research has explored the effect of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) on lung cancer's seven autoantibodies (7-AABs). This study investigated the association between serum HDL-C and 7-AABs among 5,574 Chinese adults aged ≥ 18 years from January 2018 to December 2023. Methods:This cross-sectional study utilized physical examination data from the Department of Health Management at Henan Provincial People's Hospital. The associations between HDL-C and autoantibodies, such as tumor protein 53(P53), SRY-box containing gene 2 (SOX2), and ATP-dependent RNA helicase 4-5 (GBU4-5), were modeled using a restricted cubic spline logistic regression model. Results:After the adjustment for factors, such as age and body mass index, the binary logistic regression model showed distinct correlations between serum HDL-C levels and autoantibodies, including P53, SOX2, and 7-AABs. Restricted cubic spline logistic regression analysis indicated that the increased level of serum HDL-C was associated with a decreased risk of positive P53 (all participants: HDL-C: 1.227-1.366 mmol/L, P HDL-C=0.028), SOX2 (all participants: HDL-C ≥ 1.227 mmol/L, P HDL-C =0.021; all women: HDL-C ≥ 1.224 mmol/L, P HDL-C=0.037), GBU4-5 (all women: HDL-C ≥ 1.269 mmol/L, P HDL-C=0.039), and 7-AABs (all women: HDL-C ≥ 1.224 mmol/L, P HDL-C=0.015). In women, HDL-C levels between 1.163 and 1.224 mmol/L correlated with an increased risk of positive 7-AABs test results. Conclusions:Elevated HDL-C levels exhibited an independent association with a reduced risk of positivity for 7-AABs of lung cancer, especially in the female physical examination population. These findings suggest that high HDL-C levels may play a role in hindering lung cancer development with gender differences. However, further confirmation is still needed in the future.

BACKGROUND:Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) addiction is prevalent among adolescents, but its underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the neural activity and functional connectivity characteristics associated with NSSI addiction using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). METHODS:A prospective collection of 62 adolescents was completed for this study, including 33 adolescents with self-injury behaviors and 29 age-, gender-, and education-matched healthy controls. The addiction component of the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory (OSI) was used to assess the degree of NSSI addiction. Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analysis was employed to detect changes in local neural activity. Differential brain regions were considered regions of interests (ROIs). Whole-brain functional connectivity (FC) analysis based on ALFF was used to further explore potential changes in functional connections between ROIs and other brain areas in the NSSI group, and to analyze the relationship between these neural changes and addiction characteristics. RESULTS:ALFF analysis revealed decreased ALFF values in the bilateral hippocampus and increased ALFF values in the right supplementary motor area of NSSI adolescents compared to healthy controls. Significantly reduced FC values was observed between the left hippocampus and the left precuneus, right middle temporal gyrus, and right inferior temporal gyrus, and between the right hippocampus and the right middle temporal gyrus. Additionally, increased FC values was observed between the left hippocampus and the left thalamus. Furthermore, ALFF values in the bilateral hippocampus were negatively correlated with the total score of addiction characteristics in NSSI adolescents. CONCLUSIONS:This study highlights reduced local neural activity and functional connectivity in the bilateral hippocampus of NSSI adolescents, and demonstrates that these alterations are associated with heightened addictive features in self-injuring individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION:A study of positive psychological group interventions in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury (registration date: 03/01/2024; registration number: ChiCTR2400079412).

Background The Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) is a novel biomarker for assessing the severity of atherosclerosis and has been shown to be closely associated with the risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). However, no prospective cohort study has comprehensively evaluated both the immediate risk stratification through baseline AIP and the long-term risk assessment through multi-time point AIP trajectories in health screened adults in relation to T2DM risk. Methods This longitudinal study included data from 42,850 participants who underwent health check-ups at Henan Provincial People's Hospital between January 2018 and August 2024. AIP was calculated as the logarithm of the ratio of triglycerides (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to analyze the incidence of T2DM across different AIP groups. A Cox model with restricted cubic splines assessed the dose-response relationship between AIP and T2DM risk, while latent class trajectory models (LCTM) evaluated the trends of AIP over multiple time points. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the relationship between baseline AIP quartiles, AIP trajectories, and T2DM risk. Results During an average follow-up of 47.95 months, 3,228 participants developed T2DM. Stratifying by baseline AIP quartiles revealed that higher AIP levels were associated with an increased risk of T2DM. Compared to the lowest quartile, the highest quartile had a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.10 (95% CI: 1.74, 2.53). The LCTM identified three trajectory patterns for AIP: with the low-stable group as the reference, the medium-stable and high-stable groups had HRs of 1.72 (95% CI: 1.50, 1.96) and 2.50 (95% CI: 2.06, 3.03), respectively, indicating a significantly elevated risk of T2DM (P < 0.05). Conclusion Elevated baseline AIP levels, medium stable trajectories and high stable trajectories are associated with an increased risk of T2DM in health screened adults.

Abstract Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasingly diagnosed in individuals with normal body weight, and visceral fat emerges as a significant risk factor. However, the relationship between visceral fat area (VFA) and MetS within this population remains inadequately explored, and the diagnostic threshold for MetS in normal-weight individuals is yet to be established. Methods This study used a cross-sectional design combined with longitudinal cohort analysis. Data were collected from 5,944 normal-weight participants who underwent health screenings at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital of China between October 2018 and October 2024. VFA was measured via multislice computed tomography scanning, and VFA-based tertile categorization was applied among the participants. The relationship between VFA and MetS was examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Nonlinear relationship was investigated by restricted cubic spline (RCS) modeling, and diagnostic accuracy was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Furthermore, data from individuals who completed three or more screenings were used to construct Kaplan–Meier survival curves for MetS events, with significance tested using the log-rank method. Results Among the individuals with a normal BMI, elevated VFA was associated with a high incidence of MetS. After the adjustment for confounders, VFA was significantly associated with MetS risk [odds ratio (OR) = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12–1.25]. The subjects in the highest VFA tertile showed significantly elevated MetS risk (OR = 30.33; 95% CI: 19.00–48.43, P < 0.001) versus those in the lowest tertile. The RCS model demonstrated a nonlinear, positive association between VFA and MetS risk (P for nonlinearity < 0.001), with risk escalation slowing down when the VFA exceeded 100 cm². ROC analysis showed that VFA had the highest diagnostic accuracy for MetS compared with other abdominal fat measures (AUC = 0.844, sensitivity = 0.839, specificity = 0.793, and accuracy = 0.785). In a longitudinal subset of 398 normal-weight participants followed for 6 years, 106 MetS cases occurred, with cumulative incidence rising as VFA increased (log-rank test, P < 0.001). Conclusion VFA shows an independent, nonlinear, positive association with MetS risk among normal-weight individuals, with a threshold effect at 100 cm². VFA = 162.85 cm² may serve as an accurate and effective predictor for MetS in this population.

BackgroundGlycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reliably reflects long-term glucose control and has been linked to hypertension development. This study investigates the relationship between baseline HbA1c levels, HbA1c trajectories, and hypertension risk.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 10,138 adults from health screenings at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital (January 2018–January 2025). Mean age was 54.03 ± 12.97 years, with 31.44% women and mean follow-up of 43.92 months. We analyzed hypertension incidence across HbA1c groups using Kaplan–Meier curves and identified HbA1c trajectory patterns using latent class trajectory modeling (LCTM). Cox proportional hazards models evaluated associations between baseline HbA1c tertiles, HbA1c trajectories, and hypertension risk. Restricted cubic splines explored dose–response relationships.ResultsDuring follow-up, 3,452 participants (34.05%) developed hypertension. After adjustment, participants in the highest baseline HbA1c tertile had significantly increased hypertension risk versus the lowest tertile (HR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.31–1.70). LCTM identified three distinct trajectories: low-stable (5.57 ± 0.36%), medium-stable (6.45 ± 0.59%), and high-stable (8.42 ± 1.39%). Compared to low-stable trajectory, medium-stable and high-stable groups showed significantly increased risks (HR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.24–1.53; HR = 2.71, 95%CI: 2.21–3.32, respectively). Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a J-shaped relationship with an inflection point at HbA1c = 5.70% (P for nonlinearity < 0.001).ConclusionElevated baseline HbA1c levels, particularly above 5.70%, and medium-to-high stable HbA1c trajectories significantly increase hypertension risk among adults undergoing health screening. HbA1c could serve as a valuable biomarker for hypertension risk assessment.

ABSTRACT Abdominal fat distribution, particularly the visceral‐to‐subcutaneous fat area ratio (V/S ratio), offers a promising avenue for exploring the development of hypertension. However, there is a paucity of quantitative studies examining the relationship between the V/S ratio and the risk of hypertension in individuals with prediabetes, especially within the Chinese population. This cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Health Management Center of Henan Provincial People's Hospital, involving 4071 participants with prediabetes. Visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were measured using computed tomography (CT) scans, and the V/S ratio was calculated. Statistical analyses, including multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression models, and subgroup analyses, were employed to investigate the relationship between the V/S ratio and hypertension in individuals with prediabetes. The prevalence of hypertension among the 4071 prediabetic participants was 35.54%. Prediabetic individuals with elevated V/S ratios had a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension (Q4 vs. Q1: odds ratio [OR] = 2.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.03–3.82, p < 0.001; p for trend < 0.001), a relationship that remained statistically significant after adjusting for other variables. Importantly, a non‐linear association between the V/S ratio and hypertension risk was observed, indicating a notable increase in hypertension risk when the V/S ratio exceeded 1.80 (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06–1.39, p < 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of abdominal fat distribution in improving metabolic health outcomes in individuals with prediabetes. Monitoring abdominal fat distribution is essential for prediabetic patients to mitigate the risk of hypertension.

Mangrove ecosystems exhibit high efficiency in carbon (C) sequestering within the global ecosystem. However, the rapid expansion of the shrimp farming industry poses a significant threat to these delicate ecosystems. The microbial mechanisms driving C metabolism in shrimp-affected sediments remain poorly understood. This study investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of C metabolism-related microbial communities in shrimp pond and natural mangrove sediments in a subtropical region. Shrimp pond discharge altered soil properties, microbial diversity, and microbial stability, driven by factors such as salinity, sulfide, and total organic C (TOC). Metagenomic analyses reveals shifts in C degradation and oxidation, with a reduction in genes for cellulose and hemicellulose degradation. Microbial markers like Prolixibacteraceae and Nitrosopumilaceae reflect these changes. Co-occurrence network analysis indicates higher connectivity within shrimp pond groups, suggesting nutrient-driven changes in symbiotic relationships. PLS-PM analysis further confirms the interplay between microbial composition, nutrient levels, and C metabolism, with higher 16S rRNA operon copy numbers linked to increased C fixation. These findings demonstrate how shrimp pond discharge alters microbial networks and C metabolism, with implications for ecosystem resilience.

Abstract Background The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is closely associated with the onset of diabetes, with obesity being a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the association between the AIP and T2DM in overweight and obese populations has been infrequently studied. Therefore, this study aimed to explore this association in overweight and obese individuals with T2DM. Methods This cross-sectional analysis utilized data from 40,633 participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2 who were screened from January 2018 to December 2023 at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital. Participants were categorized into groups of overweight and obese individuals with and without diabetes according to the T2DM criteria. The AIP, our dependent variable, was calculated using the formula log10 [(TG mol/L)/HDL-C (mol/L)]. We investigated the association between the AIP and T2DM in overweight and obese individuals using multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, generalized additive models, smoothed curve fitting, and threshold effect analysis. Additionally, mediation analysis evaluated the role of inflammatory cells in AIP-related T2DM. Results Overweight and obese patients with T2DM exhibited higher AIP levels than those without diabetes. After adjusting for confounders, our results indicated a significant association between the AIP and the risk of T2DM in overweight and obese individuals (odds ratio (OR) = 5.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.69–5.69). Notably, participants with a high baseline AIP (Q4 group) had a significantly greater risk of T2DM than those in the Q1 group, with an OR of 3.18 (95% CI 2.94–3.45). Subgroup analysis revealed that the association between the AIP and T2DM decreased with increasing age (interaction P < 0.001). In overweight and obese populations, the association between AIP and T2DM risk displayed a J-shaped nonlinear pattern, with AIP > – 0.07 indicating a significant increase in T2DM risk. Various inflammatory cells, including neutrophils, leukocytes, and monocytes, mediated 4.66%, 4.16%, and 1.93% of the associations, respectively. Conclusion In overweight and obese individuals, the AIP was independently associated with T2DM, exhibiting a nonlinear association. Additionally, the association between the AIP and T2DM decreased with advancing age. Multiple types of inflammatory cells mediate this association.

BACKGROUND:Hypertension development is predominantly influenced by inflammation, excessive fat deposition, and metabolic irregularities. Among these factors, liver fat accumulation is a critical metabolic disorder. However, the quantification of liver fat levels and its associated risk for hypertension incidence remain ambiguous. This project is designed to explore the association between liver fat levels and the risk of hypertension in a healthy population. METHODS:This cross-sectional study involved 4955 participants from the Health Management Center at Henan Provincial People's Hospital who were surveyed between February 2020 and February 2023. Participants were categorized into four groups based on liver fat quartiles. Subgroup analyses, restricted cubic spline regression models, and logistic regression were utilized to assess the association between liver fat levels and hypertension risk. The relationships between liver fat levels and inflammatory markers were examined using multiple linear regression models. Additionally, a mediation analysis was conducted to explore the role of inflammatory factors in the relationship between liver fat and hypertension risk. RESULTS:Participants with hypertension exhibited greater liver fat levels than did those without hypertension. An increased risk of hypertension was associated with elevated liver fat levels, even after adjusting for other covariates [Q4 vs. Q1 in model II: odds ratio (OR = 1.28), 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.59, P  = 0.022; P for trend = 0.039]. A nonlinear relationship was observed between liver fat level and hypertension risk, with a notable increase in hypertension risk occurring at liver fat levels greater than 8.65%. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between inflammatory markers and liver fat levels. A mediation effect of 4.76% was noted, linking hypertension risk and liver fat levels through neutrophils. CONCLUSION:Liver fat levels exceeding 8.65% significantly elevated the risk of hypertension. Inflammatory factors serve as crucial mediators of the relationship between liver fat and hypertension.

The human vagina harbours diverse microorganisms-bacteria, viruses and fungi-with profound implications for women's health. Genome-level analysis of the vaginal microbiome across multiple kingdoms remains limited. Here we utilize metagenomic sequencing data and fungal cultivation to establish the Vaginal Microbial Genome Collection (VMGC), comprising 33,804 microbial genomes spanning 786 prokaryotic species, 11 fungal species and 4,263 viral operational taxonomic units. Notably, over 25% of prokaryotic species and 85% of viral operational taxonomic units remain uncultured. This collection significantly enriches genomic diversity, especially for prevalent vaginal pathogens such as BVAB1 (an uncultured bacterial vaginosis-associated bacterium) and Amygdalobacter spp. (BVAB2 and related species). Leveraging VMGC, we characterize functional traits of prokaryotes, notably Saccharofermentanales (an underexplored yet prevalent order), along with prokaryotic and eukaryotic viruses, offering insights into their niche adaptation and potential roles in the vagina. VMGC serves as a valuable resource for studying vaginal microbiota and its impact on vaginal health. A combination of metagenomic sequencing and fungal cultivation were used to establish a multi-kingdom collection of 33,804 microbial genomes from the human vaginal microbiome.

Despite numerous studies investigating the correlation between the serum uric acid and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR) and fatty liver disease, the evidence for the dose-response relationship between UHR and liver fat content (LFC) remains uncertain. This study employs quantitative computed tomography (CT) to quantify LFC and aims to investigate the correlation and dose-response relationship between UHR levels and LFC in Chinese adults. Based on the health check-up data from 2021 at Henan Provincial People's Hospital, China, the objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between UHR levels and LFC among individuals of different genders. The analytical approach encompassed one-way ANOVA, multiple regression analysis, subgroup analysis, smooth curve fitting, and the evaluation of threshold and saturation effects. Upon adjusting for potential influencing factors, the multiple regression analysis indicated a positive correlation between UHR and LFC in both male and female subjects. This positive correlation was more significant in the highest UHR quartile (Male Q4 in model II: beta = 2.119, 95% CI: 1.353-2.886, P < 0.05; Female Q4 in model II: beta = 1.312, 95% CI: 0.499-2.124, P < 0.05). Subgroup and threshold saturation effect analyses demonstrated a positive correlation between UHR and LFC in the male population, independent of age, although the linear correlation trend was influenced by different body mass index (BMI) groups. In the female population, age also affected the association between UHR and LFC, with a negative association observed when age >= 45 years and UHR > 30.63. A positive association exists between UHR levels and LFC in both genders among Chinese adults, albeit exhibiting variations across different age and BMI groups. Consequently, early monitoring of UHR levels may be crucial for the early detection and intervention in high-risk groups exhibiting increased LFC.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) across synovial fluid, prosthetic sonicate fluid, and periprosthetic tissues among patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), intending to optimize specimen selection for mNGS in these patients.MethodsThis prospective study involved 61 patients undergoing revision arthroplasty between September 2021 and September 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Among them, 43 cases were diagnosed as PJI, and 18 as aseptic loosening (AL) based on the American Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria. Preoperative or intraoperative synovial fluid, periprosthetic tissues, and prosthetic sonicate fluid were collected, each divided into two portions for mNGS and culture. Comparative analyses were conducted between the microbiological results and diagnostic efficacy derived from mNGS and culture tests. Furthermore, the variability in mNGS diagnostic efficacy for PJI across different specimen types was assessed.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of mNGS diagnosis was 93% and 94.4% for all types of PJI specimens; the sensitivity and specificity of culture diagnosis was 72.1% and 100%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity of mNGS was significantly higher than that of culture (X2 = 6.541, P=0.011), with no statistically significant difference in specificity (X2 = 1.029, P=0.310). The sensitivity of the synovial fluid was 83.7% and the specificity was 94.4%; the sensitivity of the prosthetic sonicate fluid was 90.7% and the specificity was 94.4%; and the sensitivity of the periprosthetic tissue was 81.4% and the specificity was 100%. Notably, the mNGS of prosthetic sonicate fluid displayed a superior pathogen detection rate compared to other specimen types.ConclusionmNGS can function as a precise diagnostic tool for identifying pathogens in PJI patients using three types of specimens. Due to its superior ability in pathogen identification, prosthetic sonicate fluid can replace synovial fluid and periprosthetic tissue as the optimal sample choice for mNGS.