OBJECTIVETo assess the association of VKORC1 gene -1639G/A polymorphism with atrial fibrillation (AF) in ethnic Uygurs and Hans from Xinjiang.

METHODSThe above polymorphism was detected among 100 Uygur and 102 Han AF patients and 103 Uygur and 111 Han subjects that have no AF with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

RESULTSA statistically significant difference was detected between the patient and control groups of Uygur origin in terms of genotypic and allelic frequencies (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis also indicated the -1639G/A polymorphism as an independent risk factor for AF in Uygur population (OR=2.085, 95% CI: 1.067-4.072, P=0.031). No similar statistical difference was found between the patient and control groups of Han origin (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe -1639G/A polymorphism of VKORC1 gene is associated with AF in the Uygur population but not in Hans.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; ethnology ; genetics ; Atrial Fibrillation ; ethnology ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; China ; ethnology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Vitamin K Epoxide Reductases ; genetics

Objective To determine the seasonal fluctuation and population distribution of Aedes albopictus in Jiading District， and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of dengue fever and other Aedes-borne diseases. Methods In 2020， the mosq-ovitrap method and mosq-ovitrap index （MOI） were used to monitor and evaluate the density of Aedes albopictus in Jiading District. Spatial and temporal distribution of Aedes albopictus was determined. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results In 2020， the annual average MOI was determined to be 4.10， which was under safety threshold. The seasonal fluctuations showed a unimodal distribution， which peaked in July. The fluctuation trend in urban area was similar to the overall trend， while that in the non-urban area showed a bimodal distribution with peaks in June and August. The density of Aedes albopictus at different monitoring sites varied widely，with the highest MOI （6.64） at Anting town and the lowest MOI （2.09） at Huating town. The distribution of Aedes albopictus in different habitats also varied widely； the highest density was observed in environments as waste collection stations and construction sites， with the highest MOI 33.33 in waste collection stations in peak season. The MOI value of Aedes albopictus in residential areas was significantly higher than that in non-residential areas （χ² = 6.082， P = 0.014）. Conclusion Aedes albopictus is quite common in Jiading District. In certain areas， Aedes density may exceed the safety threshold from May to September. More targeted mosquito control measures should be implemented in waste collection stations， construction sites and residential areas.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an invasive treatment that involves implanting electrodes into the brain to electrically stimulate specific brain regions, bringing new hope for the treatment of motor and psychiatric neurological diseases. This technology is closely related to human consciousness and has sparked heated debates on topics such as consciousness autonomy and personality integrity. Starting from the core principles of protecting patients, this paper explored the controversial issues of consciousness autonomy and medical autonomy principles in DBS practice, and discussed the ethical considerations in informed consent, patient inclusion, information collection, and cutting-edge scientific fields from the perspectives of patients, clinicians, and researchers.