Background: and Purpose Ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIA) are associated with a mortality rate of up to 40% in the Chinese population, highlighting the critical need for targeted treatment interventions for at-risk individuals. Although the impact of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene mutations on susceptibility to intracranial aneurysms (IA) is well documented, the potential connection between ALDH2 rs671 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and RIA remains unexplored. Given the increased prevalence of ALDH2 gene mutations among Chinese Han individuals, it is clinically relevant to investigate the link between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and IA rupture. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 546 patients diagnosed with IA to investigate the association between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and the risk of IA rupture. Results: The ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*2) was significantly more prevalent in patients with unruptured IA (UIA) than in those with RIA (32.56% vs. 18.58%, P=0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that people with the ALDH2 mutation (ALDH2*1/*2 and ALDH2*2/*2 gene type) had a significantly reduced odds ratio (OR=0.49; 95% confidence level [CI] 0.27–0.88; P=0.018) for RIAs. Age-specific subgroup analysis indicated that the ALDH2 mutation provided a stronger protective effect in individuals aged 60 years and above with IA compared to those under 60 years old (OR=0.38 vs. OR=0.52, both P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence of RIA was significantly higher in individuals with a normal ALDH2 gene (ALDH2*1/*1) than in those with an ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*1/*2 or ALDH2*2/*2). ALDH2 rs671 SNP may serve as a protective factor against RIA in the Chinese Han population.

Background: and Purpose Ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIA) are associated with a mortality rate of up to 40% in the Chinese population, highlighting the critical need for targeted treatment interventions for at-risk individuals. Although the impact of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene mutations on susceptibility to intracranial aneurysms (IA) is well documented, the potential connection between ALDH2 rs671 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and RIA remains unexplored. Given the increased prevalence of ALDH2 gene mutations among Chinese Han individuals, it is clinically relevant to investigate the link between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and IA rupture. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 546 patients diagnosed with IA to investigate the association between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and the risk of IA rupture. Results: The ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*2) was significantly more prevalent in patients with unruptured IA (UIA) than in those with RIA (32.56% vs. 18.58%, P=0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that people with the ALDH2 mutation (ALDH2*1/*2 and ALDH2*2/*2 gene type) had a significantly reduced odds ratio (OR=0.49; 95% confidence level [CI] 0.27–0.88; P=0.018) for RIAs. Age-specific subgroup analysis indicated that the ALDH2 mutation provided a stronger protective effect in individuals aged 60 years and above with IA compared to those under 60 years old (OR=0.38 vs. OR=0.52, both P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence of RIA was significantly higher in individuals with a normal ALDH2 gene (ALDH2*1/*1) than in those with an ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*1/*2 or ALDH2*2/*2). ALDH2 rs671 SNP may serve as a protective factor against RIA in the Chinese Han population.

Background: and Purpose Ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIA) are associated with a mortality rate of up to 40% in the Chinese population, highlighting the critical need for targeted treatment interventions for at-risk individuals. Although the impact of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene mutations on susceptibility to intracranial aneurysms (IA) is well documented, the potential connection between ALDH2 rs671 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and RIA remains unexplored. Given the increased prevalence of ALDH2 gene mutations among Chinese Han individuals, it is clinically relevant to investigate the link between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and IA rupture. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 546 patients diagnosed with IA to investigate the association between ALDH2 rs671 SNP and the risk of IA rupture. Results: The ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*2) was significantly more prevalent in patients with unruptured IA (UIA) than in those with RIA (32.56% vs. 18.58%, P=0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that people with the ALDH2 mutation (ALDH2*1/*2 and ALDH2*2/*2 gene type) had a significantly reduced odds ratio (OR=0.49; 95% confidence level [CI] 0.27–0.88; P=0.018) for RIAs. Age-specific subgroup analysis indicated that the ALDH2 mutation provided a stronger protective effect in individuals aged 60 years and above with IA compared to those under 60 years old (OR=0.38 vs. OR=0.52, both P<0.05). Conclusion The incidence of RIA was significantly higher in individuals with a normal ALDH2 gene (ALDH2*1/*1) than in those with an ALDH2 rs671 SNP (ALDH2*1/*2 or ALDH2*2/*2). ALDH2 rs671 SNP may serve as a protective factor against RIA in the Chinese Han population.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Rehmanniae Radix iridoid glycosides （RIG） on the kidney tissue of streptozotocin （STZ）-induced diabetic mice and explore the underlying mechanism. MethodsTwelve of 72 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly selected as the normal group， and the remaining 60 mice were fed with a high-fat diet for six weeks combined with injection of 60 mg·kg^-1 STZ for 4 days to model type 2 diabetes mellitus. The successfully modeled mice were randomized into model， metformin （250 mg·kg^-1）， catalpol （100 mg·kg^-1）， low-dose RIG （RIG-L， 200 mg·kg^-1） and high-dose RIG （RIG-H， 400 mg·kg^-1） groups （n=11）. Mice in each group were administrated with corresponding drugs， while those in the normal group and model group were administrated with the same dose of distilled water by gavage once a day. After 8 weeks of intervention， an oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） was performed， and the area under the curve （AUC） was calculated. After mice were sacrificed， both kidneys were collected. The body weight， kidney weight， and fasting blood glucose （FBG） were measured. Biochemical assays were performed to measure the serum levels of triglycerides （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， serum creatinine （SCr）， and blood urea nitrogen （BUN）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was employed to determine the serum level of fasting insulin （FINS）， and the insulin sensitivity index （ISI） and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance （HOMA-IR） were calculated. The pathological changes in kidneys of mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining. The immunohistochemical method （IHC） was employed to assess the expression of interleukin-1 （IL-1）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）， transforming growth factor-β₁ （TGF-β₁）， and collagen-3 （ColⅢ） in the kidney tissue. The protein levels of TGF-β₁， cell signal transduction molecule 3 （Smad3）， matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）， and ColⅢ in kidneys of mice were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group showcased decreased body weight and ISI （P<0.01）， increased kidney weight， FBG， AUC， FINS， HOMA-IR， TC， TG， SCr， and BUN （P<0.01）， glomerular hypertrophy， capsular space narrowing， and collagen deposition in the kidney， up-regulated protein levels of IL-1， IL-6， TNF-α， TGF-β₁， ColⅢ， and Smad3 （P<0.01）， and down-regulated protein level of MMP-9 （P<0.01） in the kidney tissue. Compared with the model group， the treatment groups had no significant difference in the body weight and decreased kidney weight （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The FBG level declined in the RIG-H group after treatment for 4-8 weeks and in the metformin， catalpol， and RIG-L groups after treatment for 6-8 weeks （P<0.01）. The AUC in the RIG-L， RIG-H， and metformin groups decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The levels of TC， SCr， and BUN in the serum of mice in each treatment group became lowered （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The level of TG declined in the RIG-L， RIG-H， and metformin groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The serum level of FINS declined in the catalpol， RIG-L， and metformin groups （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the treatment groups showed decreased HOMA-IR （P<0.01）， increased ISI （P<0.01）， alleviated pathological changes in the kidney tissue， and down-regulated expression of IL-1 and TGF-β₁. In addition， the protein levels of IL-6， TNF-α， and ColⅢ in the RIG-H and metformin groups and IL-6 and TNF-α in the RIG-L group were down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the protein levels of IL-6， TNF-α， and ColⅢ in the catalpol group and ColⅢ in the RIG-L group showed a decreasing trend without statistical difference. The protein levels of TGF-β₁， Smad3， and ColⅢ in the RIG-H and metformin groups were down-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with that in the model group， the protein level of MMP-9 was up-regulated in each treatment group （P<0.01）. ConclusionRIG can improve the renal structure and function of diabetic mice by regulating the TGF-β₁/Smads signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a critical process by which cells internalize macromolecular substances and initiate vesicle trafficking, serving as the foundation for many cellular activities. Central to this process are clathrin-coated structures (CCSs), which consist of clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) and clathrin plaques. While clathrin-coated pits are well-established in the study of endocytosis, clathrin plaques represent a more recently discovered but equally important component of this system. These plaques are large, flat, and extended clathrin-coated assemblies found on the cytoplasmic membrane. They are distinct from the more typical clathrin-coated pits in terms of their morphology, larger surface area, and longer lifespan. Recent research has revealed that clathrin plaques play roles that go far beyond endocytosis, contributing to diverse cellular processes such as cellular adhesion, mechanosensing, migration, and pathogen invasion. Unlike traditional clathrin-coated pits, which are transient and dynamic structures involved primarily in the internalization of molecules, clathrin plaques are more stable and extensive, often persisting for extended periods. Their extended lifespan suggests that they serve functions beyond the typical endocytic role, making them integral to various cellular processes. For instance, clathrin plaques are involved in the regulation of intercellular adhesion, allowing cells to better adhere to one another or to the extracellular matrix, which is crucial for tissue formation and maintenance. Furthermore, clathrin plaques act as mechanosensitive hubs, enabling the cell to sense and respond to mechanical stress, a feature that is essential for processes like migration, tissue remodeling, and even cancer progression. Recent discoveries have also highlighted the role of clathrin plaques in cellular signaling. These plaques can serve as scaffolds for signaling molecules, orchestrating the activation of various pathways that govern cellular behavior. For example, the recruitment of actin-binding proteins such as F-actin and vinculin to clathrin plaques can influence cytoskeletal dynamics, helping cells adapt to mechanical changes in their environment. This recruitment also plays a pivotal role in regulating cellular migration, which is crucial for developmental processes. Additionally, clathrin plaques influence receptor-mediated signal transduction by acting as platforms for the assembly of signaling complexes, thereby affecting processes such as growth factor signaling and cellular responses to extracellular stimuli. Despite the growing body of evidence that supports the involvement of clathrin plaques in a wide array of cellular functions, much remains unknown about the precise molecular mechanisms that govern their formation, maintenance, and turnover. For example, the factors that regulate the recruitment of clathrin and other coat proteins to form plaques, as well as the signaling molecules that coordinate plaque dynamics, remain areas of active research. Furthermore, the complex interplay between clathrin plaques and other cellular systems, such as the actin cytoskeleton and integrin-based adhesion complexes, needs further exploration. Studies have shown that clathrin plaques can respond to mechanical forces, with recent findings indicating that they act as mechanosensitive structures that help the cell adapt to changing mechanical environments. This ability underscores the multifunctional nature of clathrin plaques, which, in addition to their role in endocytosis, are involved in cellular processes such as mechanotransduction and adhesion signaling. In summary, clathrin plaques represent a dynamic and versatile component of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. They play an integral role not only in the internalization of macromolecular cargo but also in regulating cellular adhesion, migration, and signal transduction. While much has been learned about their structural and functional properties, significant questions remain regarding the molecular mechanisms that regulate their formation and their broader role in cellular physiology. This review highlights the evolving understanding of clathrin plaques, emphasizing their importance in both endocytosis and a wide range of other cellular functions. Future research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which clathrin plaques contribute to cellular processes and to better understand their implications for diseases, including cancer and tissue remodeling. Ultimately, clathrin plaques are emerging as crucial hubs that integrate mechanical, biochemical, and signaling inputs, providing new insights into cellular function and the regulation of complex cellular behaviors.

Objective To initially explore the possibility of applying the fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography(fMOST)high-resolution 3D reconstruction system to the morphological study of the intestinal nervous system and to preliminarily establish a method for studying the morphology of the intestinal nervous system using this system.Methods fMOST high-resolution 3D reconstruction system was used to study the intestinal nervous system of C57BL/6 mice in detail.Based on this method,a new morphological method of the visceral nervous system of small animal models was explored at the single-cell level.Results Compared with the large intestine,the small intestine lacked the typical myenteric plexus(Auerbach),deep mucosal plexus(Henley),and submucosal superficial plexus(Meissner).Conclusion The result of this paper provide a clearer and systematic display of the anatomical structure of the enteric nervous system in C57BL/6 mice,and further clarify the similarities and differences between the enteric nervous system of mice and human,and provide a theoretical basis for its rational application in the study of digestive system diseases.The morphological study of fMOST high-resolution 3D reconstruction system is not limited to the central nervous system,but can be extended to the morphological study of multiple visceral nervous systems.

Objective In this preliminary survey,we sought to determine the composition of mosquito species inhabiting the Emeifeng Nature Reserve,Fujian Province,China.Methods Mosquito larvae were collected by straw and spoon trapping,and adult mosquitoes were collected by lamp trapping at selected breeding sites in the reserve.The specimens were initially identified based on morphology,with subsequent verification using molecular biology methods.Results A total of 34 mosquito species in 13 genera were collected,among which,there were 4 species of Anopheles(Genus Anopheles Meigen,1818),2 species of Lutzia(Genus Lutzia Theobald,1903),15 species of Culex(Genus Culex Linnaeus,1758),4 species of Stegomyia(Genus Stegomyia Theobald,1901),and single species of Hulecoeteomyia(Genus Hulecoeteomyia Theobald,1904),Luius(Genus Luius Reinert,Harbach et Kitching,2008),Aedes(Genus Aedes Meigen,1818),Downsiomyia(Genus Downsiomyia Vargas,1950),Collessius(Genus Collessius Reinert,Harbach et kitching,2006),Uranotaenia(Genus Uranotaenia Lynch 1891),Armigeres(Genus Armigeres Theobald,1901),Toxorhynchites(Genus Toxorhynchites Theobald,1901),and pestle mosquito(Genus Tripteroides Giles,1904).Conclusions The species composition of mosquitoes sampled in the Emeifeng Nature Reserve will provide a basis for further research on mosquito vectors and contribute to measures for local mosquito control.

OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of laminar flow cleaning system on disinfection of bacterial colo-nies in the air of bronchoscopy room and on protection of the health care workers.METHODS The specimens were collected for laboratory test from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between Jul.2024 and Sep.2024 and were divided into four groups according to the status of personnel activity and the disinfection system:the static control group,the static study group,the dynamic control group and the dynamic study group.The bacterial colonies were collected from the air of bronchoscopy room under the static and dynamic state by planktonic bacteria method,and the bacterial colonies were collected from the body surfaces of health care workers with the use of cotton swab.RESULTS The bacterial colony counts were(19.75±9.89)CFU/0.3 m3 in the static study group at 0 h,(7.95±4.08)CFU/0.3 m3 at 1 h(P=0.012);the bacterial colony counts were(87.50±30.07)CFU/0.3 m3 in the dynamic study group at 0h,(51.05±18.94)CFU/0.3 m3 at 4h(P＜0.001);the bacterial colony counts declined in the study groups under both static and dynamic state.The bacteria colony counts of the two groups were(F=0.312,P=0.582)at 0 h under the dynamic state,(F=15.229,P=0.001)at 4 h;the bacterial colony counts were lower in the study group than in the control group at the rest of time points except for 0 h.There was no significant difference in the average bacterial colony counts on body surfaces of health care workers between the two groups at 0h;the bacterial colony counts of the control group were(1.23±1.19)CFU/cm2at 4 h,the study group(0.19±0.24)CFU/cm2(P=0.007);the difference value was(-0.77±0.99)CFU/cm2 in the control group,(-0.09±0.16)CFU/cm2(P=0.032)in the study group;the bacterial colony counts on body surfaces of the health care workers were increased less remarkably in the study group than in the control group.CONCLUSION The laminar flow cleaning system can remarkably reduce the bacterial colony counts in the air of bronchoscopy room,effectively control the increase of bacterial colonies on the body surfaces of health care workers,and offer better occupational protection of health care workers.

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of birth defect-related mortality. However, more recent CHD mortality data for China are lacking. Additionally, limited studies have evaluated sex, rural-urban, and region-specific disparities of CHD mortality in China. METHODS: We designed a population-based study using data from the Dataset of National Mortality Surveillance in China between 2008 and 2021. We calculated age-adjusted CHD mortality using the sixth census data of China in 2010 as the standard population. We assessed the temporal trends in CHD mortality by age, sex, area, and region from 2008 to 2021 using the joinpoint regression model. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2021, 33,534 deaths were attributed to CHD. The period witnessed a two-fold decrease in the age-adjusted CHD mortality from 1.61 to 0.76 per 100,000 persons (average annual percent change [AAPC] = -5.90%). Females tended to have lower age-adjusted CHD mortality than males, but with a similar decline rate from 2008 to 2021 (females: AAPC = -6.15%; males: AAPC = -5.84%). Similar AAPC values were observed among people living in urban (AAPC = -6.64%) and rural (AAPC = -6.12%) areas. Eastern regions experienced a more pronounced decrease in the age-adjusted CHD mortality (AAPC = -7.86%) than central (AAPC = -5.83%) and western regions (AAPC = -3.71%) between 2008 and 2021. Approximately half of the deaths (46.19%) due to CHD occurred during infancy. The CHD mortality rates in 2021 were lower than those in 2008 for people aged 0-39 years, with the largest decrease observed among children aged 1-4 years (AAPC = -8.26%), followed by infants (AAPC = -7.01%). CONCLUSIONS CHD mortality in China has dramatically decreased from 2008 to 2021. The slower decrease in CHD mortality in the central and western regions than in the eastern regions suggested that public health policymakers should pay more attention to health resources and health education for central and western regions.
Humans ; Heart Defects, Congenital/mortality* ; Male ; Female ; China/epidemiology* ; Infant ; Child, Preschool ; Adult ; Child ; Adolescent ; Infant, Newborn ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Rural Population