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.

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.

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.

Background Drinking water contains a variety of chemicals that may pose certain health risks to the human body. Objective To evaluate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of chemical pollutants in drinking water in Nanjing from 2014 to 2022. Methods According to the Standard examination methods for drinking water (GB/T 5750-2006) and the Standards for drinking water quality (GB 5749-2006), the conventional water quality indexes of finished water, tap water, and secondary water supply in Nanjing from 2014 to 2022 were monitored. The health risk assessment model recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) was used to assess the health risks of 16 chemicals [arsenic, cadmium, chromium (hexavalent), lead, mercury, selenium, cyanide, fluoride, nitrate nitrogen, trichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, aluminum, iron, manganese, copper, and zinc] in drinking water through different routes (drinking water and skin contact) in different populations (adult males, adult females, and children). Region (urban and rural), water period (dry period and wet period), and water sample type (finished water, tap water, and secondary water supply) were stratified for analysis. Results From 2014 to 2022, a total of 4198 samples of drinking water were monitored in Nanjing, including 483 samples of finished water, 3313 samples of tap water, and 402 samples of secondary water supply. The pass rates of all indicators were above 99%. The health risk assessment results showed that the carcinogenic/non-carcinogenic risks of arsenic and lead presenting a trend of first increasing from 2015 and 2016 respectively, remaining relatively high for 3 and 4 consecutive years respectively, and then decreasing from 2018 and 2020 respectively before remaining stable; the carcinogenic risk of cadmium was much higher than that of other chemicals, and the risk was greater than 1.00×10⁻⁴ except for 2018 and 2019. The non-carcinogenic risks of drinking water in different populations (adult males, adult females, and children) under different exposure modes (intake of drinking water and skin contact) were less than 1. The values of carcinogenic risk via drinking water in total population and of cadmium intake via drinking water in all sub-groups (adult males, adult females, and children) were greater than 1.00×10⁻⁴. The carcinogenic/non-carcinogenic risk of drinking water was the highest in children, and the carcinogenic/non-carcinogenic risk via drinking water ingestion was higher than that via skin contact. The stratified analysis showed that the carcinogenic/non-carcinogenic risks of arsenic and cadmium in urban drinking water were higher than those in rural drinking water (P<0.05); the carcinogenic/non-carcinogenic risks of arsenic and trichloromethane in wet season were higher than those in dry season (P<0.05); the carcinogenic risks of cadmium in different types of water were all greater than 1.00×10⁻⁴; the health risks varied by chemicals and water sample types for the other chemicals, but all were within an acceptable level. Conclusion The non-carcinogenic risks and carcinogenic risks of selected chemical pollutants in drinking water in Nanjing City from 2014 to 2022 show decreasing or stable trends. Among the 16 chemicals, the carcinogenic risk of cadmium exceeds the acceptable range recommended by the US EPA, and the carcinogenic/non-carcinogenic risks of the remaining chemicals are within the acceptable ranges. Cadmium should be given priority attention in future risk management of drinking water.

ObjectiveExisting artificial vision devices can be divided into two types: implanted devices and extracorporeal devices, both of which have some disadvantages. The former requires surgical implantation, which may lead to irreversible trauma, while the latter has some defects such as relatively simple instructions, limited application scenarios and relying too much on the judgment of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide enough security. Here we propose a system that has voice interaction and can convert surrounding environment information into tactile commands on head and neck. Compared with existing extracorporeal devices, our device can provide a larger capacity of information and has advantages such as lower cost, lower risk, suitable for a variety of life and work scenarios. MethodsWith the latest remote wireless communication and chip technologies, microelectronic devices, cameras and sensors worn by the user, as well as the huge database and computing power in the cloud, the backend staff can get a full insight into the scenario, environmental parameters and status of the user remotely (for example, across the city) in real time. In the meanwhile, by comparing the cloud database and in-memory database and with the help of AI-assisted recognition and manual analysis, they can quickly develop the most reasonable action plan and send instructions to the user. In addition, the backend staff can provide humanistic care and emotional sustenance through voice dialogs. ResultsThis study originally proposes the concept of “remote virtual companion” and demonstrates the related hardware and software as well as test results. The system can not only achieve basic guide functions, for example, helping a person with visual impairment to shop in supermarkets, find seats at cafes, walk on the streets, construct complex puzzles, and play cards, but also can meet the demand for fast-paced daily tasks such as cycling. ConclusionExperimental results show that this “remote virtual companion” is applicable for various scenarios and demands. It can help blind people with their travels, shopping and entertainment, or accompany the elderlies with their trips, wilderness explorations, and travels.

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatments and fertility recovery of rudimentary horn pregnancy (RHP). Methods: The clinical data of 12 cases with RHP diagnosed and treated in Peking University Third Hospital from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical informations, diagnosis and treatments of RHP and the pregnancy status after surgery were analyzed. Results: The median age of 12 RHP patients was 29 years (range: 24-37 years). Eight cases of pregnancy in residual horn of uterus occurred in type Ⅰ residual horn of uterus, 4 cases occurred in type Ⅱ residual horn of uterus; among which 5 cases were misdiagnosed by ultrasound before surgery. All patients underwent excision of residual horn of uterus and affected salpingectomy. After surgery, 9 patients expected future pregnancy, and 3 cases of natural pregnancy, 2 cases of successful pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology. Four pregnancies resulted in live birth with cesarean section, and 1 case resulted in spontaneous abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy. No uterine rupture or ectopic pregnancy occurred in subsequent pregnancies. Conclusions: Ultrasonography could aid early diagnosis of RHP while misdiagnosis occurred in certain cases. Thus, a comprehensive judgment and decision ought to be made based on medical history, physical examination and assisted examination. Surgical exploration is necessary for diagnosis and treatment of RHP. For infertile patients, assisted reproductive technology should be applied when necessary. Caution to prevent the occurrence of pregnancy complications such as uterine rupture, and application of cesarean section to terminate pregnancy are recommended.
Pregnancy ; Humans ; Female ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Cesarean Section/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy, Ectopic/surgery* ; Pregnancy, Cornual/surgery* ; Uterus/surgery* ; Uterine Rupture/etiology* ; Abortion, Spontaneous

Objective: To investigate the quality and influencing factors of direct drinking water in schools in Nanjing City, so as to provide basis for management of school drinking water. Methods: From April to July 2023, direct drinking water equipment from 146 primary and secondary schools were selected from Nanjing City using a stratified random sampling method and tested for colony forming units (CFU) and permanganate index. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between groups, and multiple linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors. Results: The CFU and permanganate levels of school direct drinking water in Nanjing City were 1.00(0.00,15.50)CFU/mL and 0.47(0.26, 0.75)mg/L, respectively. The CFU level increased when the filter replacement time exceeded 3 months and when the water source was piped, while the permanganate index increased when the filter replacement time exceeded 3 months and using activated carbon technology ( Z =-2.21, -3.92, -2.31, -8.45 , P <0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the replacement time of filter element exceeding 3 months was positively correlated with the CFU level, and the process type involving activated carbon, a laid pipe network and a filter replacement time exceeding 3 months were positively correlated with the permanganate index( β =167.08, 0.32, 0.35, 0.11, P ＜0.05). Conclusions There are certain problems with the water quality of primary and secondary school direct drinking water in Nanjing City. Schools should promptly replace the filter and maintain the drinking water equipment to ensure the hygiene and safety of campus water quality.

Background The subway environment, characterized by dense crowds, relatively enclosed architectural structures, and insufficient ventilation, poses various health hazards. Population health risk attributable to subway hygiene have become an important public health issue. Objective To evaluate the current environmental hygiene of metro line X in Nanjing, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of harmful factors and the establishment of relevant standards. Methods Station halls, platforms, and carriages of Nanjing metro line X were monitored in March 2023. Six stations were selected by stratified sampling, and monitored once during the morning peak hours (9:00—11:00). Carriage monitoring was conducted after a full day of operation (21:00—22:00). The monitoring indicators included physical factors such as temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, illuminance, and noise (A-weighted); air quality factors such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), respirable particulate matter (PM₁₀), fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), ammonia (NH₃), formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), ozone (O₃), total bacterial count, and total fungi count; hygiene status of the inner surface of the central air conditioning ventilation system, such as dust accumulation, total bacterial count, and total fungi count; supply air, such as PM_10, PM_2.5, total bacterial count, and total fungi count; and surface microorganisms on objects, such as total bacterial count, total fungi count, coliform bacteria, and Staphylococcus aureus. Results were evaluated and discussed according to Hygienic indicators and limits for public places (GB 37488-2019) and Hygienic specification of central air conditioning ventilation systems in public buildings (WS 394-2012). Results The environmental temperature medians (P₂₅, P₂₅) in the platforms and carriages of Nanjing metro line X were 20.7 (19.95, 21.65) ℃ and 21.8 (19.80, 35.80) °C, respectively, which exceeded the standard limits. The relative humidity and noise level in the carriages were 38.80% (24.6%, 46.3%) and 79.50 (76.25, 82.00) dB, respectively, failing to meet the national health standards. The total fungi count in supply air in 22.2% of the monitoring points exceeded the standard value. Coliform bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus were detected on the surfaces of some high-touch objects, with the bathroom faucet being the most severely contaminated. The medians (P₂₅, P₂₅) of temperature [21.8 (19.8, 35.8) ℃], wind speed [0.48 (0.39, 1.02) m·s⁻¹], noise [79.5 (76.25, 82.00) dB, and CO₂ content [0.079% (0.070%, 0.091%)] in the carriages were higher than those in the station halls and platforms (P<0.05). There were significant differences in microclimate, air particulate matter, and air microbial levels between urban and suburban stations (P<0.05); the concentrations of PM₁₀ [0.076 (0.046, 0.079) mg·m⁻³)] and PM_2.5 [0.063 (0.044, 0.068) mg·m⁻³)] in suburban stations were 2 times higher than those of urban stations. The temperature [21.60 (20.45, 21.80) ℃], humidity [45.20% (40.95%, 50.10%)], CO₂ [0.100% (0.100%, 0.825%)], and PM₁₀ concentration [0.070 (0.041, 0.080) mg·m⁻³] in transfer stations were all significantly higher than those in non-transfer stations (P<0.05). The temperature at stations was significantly correlated with the CO₂ content (r_s=0.6107, P<0.001), the concentration of air particulate matter and the content of air microorganisms were positively correlated with the relative humidity (P<0.05), and the air PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations were positively correlated with the total bacterial count and the total fungi count (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the total bacterial count and the total fungi count on the inner surface of the air duct (r_s=0.5877, P<0.05). The concentrations of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 in supply air were positively correlated (r_s=0.9635, P<0.001), and both were also positively correlated with the total bacterial count in supply air (r_s=0.6848 and 0.6511, P=0.002 and 0.003). Conclusion All chemical factors of metro line X in Nanjing meet the national standards, while physical factors (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and noise) exceed the standards, and coliform bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus are detected on the surfaces of bathroom faucets and carriage poles. It is advisable to reinforce microclimate management and noise reduction measures in carriages, while ensuring regular cleaning and disinfection of public facilities and equipment.