INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with heightened cardiovascular disease and increased susceptibility to osteoporosis, with shared underlying mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the association between vascular function and bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 49 patients with RA at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. Endothelial function was measured as reactive hyperaemia index (RHI)-endothelial peripheral arterial tonometry and aortic stiffness as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) using SphygmoCor. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between BMD and vascular function. We used natural logarithm RHI (lnRHI) and cf-PWV as response variables, and each BMD as covariate, adjusting for body mass index, positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, cumulative prednisolone dose, hydroxychloroquine use and Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation 2. RESULTS: We recruited 49 patients (mean age 61.08 ± 8.20 years), of whom 44 (89.80%) were women and 39 (81.25%) were Chinese. Significant associations were found between lnRHI and BMD at the lumbar spine (β = 0.4289, P = 0.037) and total hip (β = 0.7544, P = 0.014) in univariable analyses. Multivariable analyses confirmed these associations, showing that lower BMD at the lumbar spine (β = 0.7303, P = 0.001), femoral neck (β = 0.8694, P = 0.030) and total hip (β = 0.8909, P = 0.010) were significantly associated with worse lnRHI. No significant associations were found between BMD and cf-PWV. CONCLUSION Lower BMD is associated with endothelial dysfunction, but not aortic stiffness in patients with RA. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations and understand the underlying mechanisms.
Humans ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Bone Density ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Vascular Stiffness ; Aged ; Singapore ; Pulse Wave Analysis ; Osteoporosis/complications* ; Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology* ; Cardiovascular Diseases/complications* ; Carotid-Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity ; Hyperemia

Kupffer cells (KCs), as residents and sentinels of the liver, are involved in the formation of hepatic fibrosis (HF). However, the biological functions of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in KCs to HF have not been determined. In this study, the expression levels of circRNAs, microRNAs, and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in KCs from a mouse model of HF mice were investigated using microarray and circRNA-Seq analyses. circDcbld2 was identified as a candidate circRNA in HF, as evidenced by its up-regulation in KCs. Silver staining and mass spectrometry showed that Wtap and Igf2bp2 bind to cirDcbld2. The suppression of circDcbld2 expression decreased the KC inflammatory response and oxidative stress and inhibited hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation, attenuating mouse liver fibrogenesis. Mechanistically, Wtap mediated the N ⁶-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation of circDcbld2, and Igf2bp2 recognized m6A-modified circDcbld2 and increased its stability. circDcbld2 contributes to the occurrence of HF by binding miR-144-3p/Et-1 to regulate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. These findings indicate that circDcbld2 functions via the m6A/circDcbld2/miR-144-3p/Et-1 axis and may act as a potential biomarker for HF treatment.

Systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE） may lead to secondary gynecological and obstetric disorders such as decreased ovarian reserve function， menstrual abnormalities， and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Based on "bi （痹） of both body and viscera" theory， this paper proposed that the core mechanism of SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases lies in the mutual transformation between "body bi" and "viscera bi"， which together affect the uterus. Physiologically， uterus forms an internal-external network with the body and viscera through the meridians and blood vessels. Pathologically， when the healthy qi is deficient， nourishment of the body and viscera is impaired； when toxins and stasis accumulate， pathogenic factors disturb the uterus through the chong （冲） and ren （任） meri-dians. The resulting obstruction in the uterus can， in turn， manifest externally and aggravate damage to the body and viscera. Therefore， the pathogenesis of SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases follows a dynamic trajectory of "body bi first， body bi affecting viscera， and then bi of both body and viscera". In treatment， the principle of harmonizing and balancing the healthy qi is emphasized. The main approach is to regulate the viscera， stabilize the body， and nourish the uterus， with the coordination of nourishing the viscera through the body， thereby achieving simultaneous treatment of both body and viscera. This highlights the guiding significance of the "bi of both body and viscera" theory in preventing and treating SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases.

Objective:To investigate the risk of new-onset stroke caused by cerebral microbleed (CMB) and asymptomatic lacunar infarction (ALI) and their risk factors.Methods:A prospective observational study over a 18 month period was conducted on 397 non stroke patients who visited the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from March 2020 to June 2022. By the presence of CMB and ALI about magnetic resonance imaging, they were divided into th control group (without CMB and ALI, 117 cases, 29.5%), ALI group (101 cases, 25.4%), CMB group (89 cases, 22.4%) and CMB-ALI group (90 cases, 22.7%).They were followed up for 18 months, the risk factors for CMB, ALI, and the risk of new stroke were analyzed.Results:The systolic blood pressure and uric acid in the CMB group were higher than those in the control group: (155.2 ± 24.2) mmHg(1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) vs. (138.2 ± 19.0) mmHg, (387.0 ± 28.3) μmol/L vs. (354.0 ± 21.5) μmol/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). After followed up for 18 months, the incidence rate of cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage and TIA in the CMB group and CMB-ALI group were higher than those in the control group: 13.5%(12/89), 13.3%(12/90) vs.5.1%(6/117); 9.0%(8/89), 10.0%(9/90) vs. 2.6%(3/117); 5.6%(5/89), 6.7%(6/90) vs. 0.8%(1/117), there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Conclusions:CMB is prone to abnormal systolic blood pressure and uric acid. CMB, CMB-ALI are prone to new onset ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhage and TIA.

Hepatocellular carcinoma is a kind of cancer with a strong invasion, a high incidence rate and mortality, and a poor prognosis. At the time of diagnosis, most patients are already in the advanced stages of a tumor and have lost the chance for radical surgical treatment. Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treatment has a gradual transition from systemic chemotherapy to targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and combination therapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitor-based immunotherapy combination therapy, such as combination with bevacizumab monoclonal antibodies and other drugs, or combination with TACE, HAIC, radiotherapy, ablation, and other treatment methods. Combination therapy has significant synergistic effects and thus has already become a future treatment trend for hepatocellular carcinoma. An immunotherapy-based combination therapy plan will run through the whole process of systemic therapy, which is expected to bring better survival benefits to patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This article reviews the latest research progress in aspects of the first-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective To understand the genetic basis of the adaptation of Culex tritaeniorhynchus to different environmental ecology in Jining City, Shandong Province, so as to provide insights into understanding of the population structure or isolation pattern of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the city. Methods Seven sampling sites were selected from urban, suburban and rural areas of Jining City, Shandong Province from June to August 2023, and mosquitoes were collected using mosquito-trapping lamps. All collected adult mosquitoes were identified morphologically. Genomic DNA was extracted from a single female Cx. tritaeniorhynchus mosquito, and the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) gene was amplified using a PCR assay, sequenced and subjected to molecular identification. The number of haplotypes, haplotype diversity (Hd), nucleotide diversity (Pi), and average number of nucleotide differences (K) of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus DNA sequences were estimated among different sampling sites using the software DnaSP 6, and a neutrality test was performed. The fixation index (F_ST), and gene flow (number of migrants, Nm) of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations were calculated using the software Arlequin 3.5.2, and subjected to analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). In addition, a haplotype network diagrams and a phylogenetic tree of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations were created using the software PopART and MEGA 11, respectively. Results A total of 420 sequences were successfully amplified from the COI gene of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus samples collected from 7 sampling sites in Jining City, and a gene fragment sequence with a length of 603 bp was obtained, with 55 variable sites and 46 haplotypes and without insertion or deletion mutations. Of the 46 haplotypes, H01 was the dominant shared haplotype, and the haplotype frequency increased gradually from urban areas (34.00%) to rural areas (47.00%). The mean Hd, Pi and K values of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus COI genes were 0.814, 0.024 and 14.129, 0.489, 0.016 and 7.941 and 0.641, 0.016 and 10.393 in suburban, urban, and rural areas, respectively, with the highest population diversity of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in suburban areas and the lowest in urban areas. Paired F_ST analysis among different types of sampling sites showed that the mean F_ST value was 0.029 between urban and suburban areas, indicating more frequent inter-population communication. AMOVA revealed that the percentage of intra-population variation (95.74%) was higher than that of inter-population variation (4.26%). Neutrality tests showed deviation from neutrality in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations collected from Nanyang Township (Tajima’s D = 2.793, Fu’s Fs = 6.429, both P values < 0.05). In addition, the mismatch distribution curves of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus COI gene appeared bimodal or multimodal patterns in Jining City, indicating a relatively stable overall population size. Conclusions The mitochondrial COI gene may be used as a molecular marker to investigate the population genetic diversity of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus. The population genetic diversity of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus is higher in the suburban areas of Jining City than in rural and urban areas, and there are frequent genetic exchanges between Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations from urban and suburban areas.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of single posterior osteotomy in the correction of rigid cervical spine deformities (CSD) and to explore the indications and key surgical techniques involved.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 9 patients with rigid CSD who underwent single posterior osteotomy correction between June 2012 and June 2023 in the Department of Spine Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The cohort comprised 4 males and 5 females, with a mean age of 19.8±27.2 years (range, 7-48 years). Among these, 5 cases were congenital CSD, 3 were post-tuberculosis deformities, and 1 was iatrogenic. Various coronal and sagittal alignment parameters were measured, including C 1, 2 angle, cervical lordosis (CL), structural scoliosis angle (SSA), structural kyphosis angle (SKA), head tilt (HT), C 2-C 7 sagittal vertical axis (CSVA), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), coronal balance distance (CBD), T 1 slope (T 1S), and the difference between T 1 tilt and cervical lordosis (T 1S-CL). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the neck disability index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire (SRS-22). Results:The average operation time was 273.9±76.1 min, with an average blood loss of 472.2±128.8 ml. All 9 patients were followed up for an average of 45.2±41.8 months (range, 12-116 months). A total of 7 patients underwent single-segment osteotomies (C 3, C 6 and C 7: 1 case each; C 5: 4 cases), and 2 patients underwent double-segment osteotomies (C 2 and C 7, C 3 and C 4). Four cases involved pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), while 7 cases required vertebral column resection. The upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) was located at the occiput in 1 case and in the cervical spine in 8 cases. The lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) was located in the upper thoracic spine in 6 cases and in the cervical spine in 3 cases, with 2 of the latter cases having both UIV and LIV in the cervical spine. The average number of fused segments was 7.6±4.4 segments (range, 2-12 segments). All patients achieved successful bone fusion within an average of 8.8±3.2 months (range, 6-12 months). Preoperatively, the mean values for CL, SSA, SKA, HT, and CBD were 19.8° (17.2°, 30.5°), 27.4°(23.3°, 30.4°), 28.4°(25.6°, 30.1°), 9.0°(6.2°, 12.3°), and 18.5(12.3, 23.6) mm, respectively. Postoperative improvements were noted with values of -11.1°(-8.8°, -14.4°), 1.3°(0.8°, 1.6°), -11.1°(-8.6°, -14.5°), 1.6°(0.5°, 2.2°), and 9.4 (4.8-13.5) mm, respectively. At the final follow-up, these parameters were maintained, with values of -11.0°(-8.8°, -14.3°), 1.2°(0.8°, 1.5°), -11.0° (-8.6°, -14.3°), 1.5°(0.5°, 2.2°), and 9.4(4.8, 13.4) mm, respectively. Statistically significant improvements were observed between preoperative and postoperative measurements ( P<0.05), except for C 1, 2 angle, CSVA, SVA, T 1S, and T 1S-CL ( P>0.05). NDI and SRS-22 scores showed significant improvements postoperatively ( P<0.05), while VAS scores did not show a significant change ( P>0.05). Postoperative complications included transient nerve injury in two patients, one case of right central retinal artery occlusion, and one case of vertebral artery injury. Conclusion:This study confirms the safety and efficacy of single posterior osteotomy for treating rigid CSD of various etiologies. Standard PSO or modified techniques are effective for correcting cervical kyphosis, while hemivertebra resection and concave-side distraction are recommended for congenital scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis.

Abstract： Objective　Aedes albopictus is the main indigenous vector of dengue fever in China. Understanding the spatial genetic structure of Aedes albopictus populations, migration, and gene flow is crucial for the effective prevention and control of vector-borne diseases. Methods　From June to September 2023, mosquitoes were collected and morphologically identified from eight different geographic locations across tropical, subtropical, and temperate zones of China. Genomic DNA was extracted from individual female mosquitoes, and the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase I gene was amplified and sequenced. Population genetic diversity and associated population characteristics were assessed using software such as BioEdit, DnaSP version 6, Arlequin 3.5, and Mega 11. Results　A total of 233 samples from eight Aedes albopictus populations across the three climatic zones were successfully sequenced, yielding a gene fragment sequence of 632 bp with 19 variable sites and no insertion or deletion mutations. A total of 21 haplotypes were detected, with H4 being the dominant shared haplotype among the three climate types. Haplotype diversity (Hd) ranged from 0.191 (Beijing population) to 0.887 (Xishuangbanna population), and nucleotide diversity (Pi) ranged from 0.000 51 (Beijing population) to 0.002 98 (Xishuangbanna population), suggesting high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity in Aedes albopictus. The genetic differentiation indices ranged from 0.026 to 0.641, with higher genetic differentiation between temperate and tropical/subtropical regions. The analysis of molecular variation supported that genetic differentiation mainly came from within populations (60.45%). Conclusions　The ecological and climatic environment in the tropics results in higher genetic diversity of Aedes albopictus. Human activities have exacerbated the risk of dengue transmission across different climatic zones.

Abstract: Objective　To explore the genetic diversity of Aedes albopictus populations in plain, hilly, and mountainous areas of Hainan Province, and to analyze the genetic structure of Aedes albopictus populations in different terrain regions of Hainan Province. Methods Aedes albopictus were collected from the plain areas of Sanya and Haikou City, the hills of Danzhou and Tunchang City, and the mountainous areas of Baisha City in Hainan Province. DNA was extracted from a single mosquito and stored in a -80 ℃ refrigerator for use. Mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit Ⅰ (mtDNA-COⅠ) was amplified by PCR and sequenced. The results were compared on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website, sequence peaks were observed using BioEdit 7.0, genetic diversity parameters were calculated using DnaSP v6, haplotype networks were constructed using PopART 1.7, and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) values were calculated using Arlequin to analyze differences between populations. Results A total of 414 mtDNA-COⅠ sequences were obtained from Aedes albopictus populations in 5 regions, with lengths of 663 bp. All sequences had five mutation sites, with a G+C content of 32.86% and an A+T content of 67.14%, consistent with mitochondrial DNA characteristics. Compared with other populations, the nucleotide diversity of the Danzhou and Tunchang populations in the plain and hilly areas was higher. The average nucleotide differences were higher in the Sanya, Tunchang, and Danzhou populations. Haploid analysis revealed 6 haplotypes, with H02 being the dominant haplotype. The Sanya and Tunchang populations had the highest number of haplotypes, while the Haikou and Sanya populations had exclusive haplotypes. Only the plains populations had unique haplotypes, while the hill and mountainous populations had relatively fewer haplotypes. The neutral results and mismatch distribution map indicated that the population of Aedes albopictus has recently expanded in all regions. The AMOVA value showed that the intra-population differences were greater than the inter-population differences. Conclusions　The mtDNA-COⅠ gene can serve as a molecular marker for studying the genetic diversity of Aedes albopictus populations. The Sanya population in the plain region shows higher genetic diversity, and the two populations in the hilly region also have higher genetic diversity. However, the number of haplotypes is only higher in the Sanya population in the plains and the Danzhou population in the hills.

Objective:To promote the development of basic research, clarify the development trend of frontier biotechnology, and strengthen scientific research management in project management, resource integration, risk supervision and other aspects.Methods:Through literature study and expert discussion, this paper analyzed the hot spots of frontier biotechnology research, and put forward suggestions for optimizing strategic tasks and innovation management from the perspective of innovation management.Results:The research of frontier biotechnology in our country showed a rapid development trend, but also faced with challenges such as insufficient technological innovation ability and relatively lagging management level. It is imperative to explore and establish a new scientific research management model and optimize the operation mechanism.Conclusions:The major research achievements of frontier biotechnology are emerging constantly, showing a trend of multi-disciplinary and multi-field integration. China should actively explore innovative management models, optimize and improve strategic tasks, improve the efficiency of scientific research management, and do a good job in supporting the realization of high-level scientific and technological self-reliance.