Objective To investigate the population density and seasonal fluctuations of Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, from 2021 to 2023, so as to provide insights into A. albopictus control and management of dengue fever. Methods The surveillance of A. albopictus density was performed in all surveillance sites assigned across all streets (townships) in Guangzhou City during the period from January to December from 2021 to 2023. The surveillance frequency was twice every half month from May to September, and once every month for the rest of a year. In each surveillance period, A. albopictus mosquito larvae were captured from indoor and outdoor small water containers in residential areas, parks, medical facilities, schools, other government sectors and social organizations, construction sites, special industries and others for mosquito species identification. Adult mosquitoes were captured using electric mosquito suction apparatus for species identification and gender classification. Adult mosquitoes and mosquito eggs were collected with mosquito and egg traps at the breeding and dwelling places of Aedes mosquitoes for identification. The mosquito oviposition index (MOI), Breteau index (BI), adult mosquito density index (ADI) and standard space index (SSI) were calculated. The A. albopictus density was classified into grades 0, 1, 2 and 3 in each surveillance site, with Grade 0 density defined eligible, and the eligible rate of A. albopictus density was calculated at all surveillance sites each year from 2021 to 2023. In addition, the changing trends in MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus were analyzed in Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023. Results The eligible rates of A. albopictus density were 61.69%, 68.75% and 55.15% in surveillance sites of Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023 (χ² = 297.712, P < 0.001), and appeared a tendency towards a reduction followed by a rise each year, which gradually reduced since January, maintained at a low level during the period between May and October, and gradually increased from November to December. The MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus all appeared a tendency towards a rise followed by a reduction in Guangzhou City during the period between January and December from 2021 to 2023. The BI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (4.03), the first half of July in 2022 (3.89) and the last half of August in 2023 (5.02), and the SSI of A. albopictus peaked in the last half of June in 2021 (0.93), the last half of May in 2022 (0.59), and the last half of June (0.94) and the first half of September in 2023 (1.12). In addition, the MOI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of May in 2021 (8.64), the first half of June in 2022 (8.96), and the last half of May (10.21) and the last half of June in 2023 (10.89), and the ADI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (3.41), the last half of June in 2022 (4.06), and the first half of July in 2023 (3.61). Conclusions The density of A. albopictus is high in Guangzhou City during the period from May to October, and the risk of local outbreak caused by imported dengue fever is high. Persistent intensified surveillance of the density and seasonal fluctuation of A. albopictus is recommended and timely mosquito prevention and control is required according to the fluctuation in the A. albopictus density.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with central nervous system (CNS) damage caused by brucellosis and to explore its value in the clinical diagnosis of brucellosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of patients with CNS damage due to brucellosis who were admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases, Beidahuang Group General Hospital from December 2007 to December 2022. Epidemiological, clinical features, and CSF test results were analyzed.Results:There were a total of 50 patients with CNS damage caused by brucellosis, including 32 males and 18 females, with an age range of 18 to 72 years and a median of 45 years. All patients had a history of sheep contact. Among the 50 patients, 15 case (30.0%) had combined meningitis, 5 case (10.0%) had meningoencephalitis, 28 case (56.0%) had myelitis, 2 case (4.0%) had brain abscesses, 29 cases (58.0%) had limb motor and sensory dysfunction, 22 case (44.0%) had nausea, vomiting, and cervical stiffness, and 4 case (8.0%) experienced seizures and persistent coma. Abnormal CSF changes were observed in 48 patients, including increased intracranial pressure (> 200 mmH 2O, 1 mmH 2O = 0.009 8 kPa) in 30 cases, elevated white blood cell count in 40 cases, increased globulin levels in 47 cases, and decreased glucose and chloride levels in 38 and 40 cases, respectively. Conclusions:Patients with CNS damage caused by brucellosis exhibit diverse clinical manifestations, and abnormalities in CSF biochemical analysis are relatively commom. Epidemiological contact history and CSF analysis are of significant diagnostic value.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with central nervous system (CNS) damage caused by brucellosis and to explore its value in the clinical diagnosis of brucellosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of patients with CNS damage due to brucellosis who were admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases, Beidahuang Group General Hospital from December 2007 to December 2022. Epidemiological, clinical features, and CSF test results were analyzed.Results:There were a total of 50 patients with CNS damage caused by brucellosis, including 32 males and 18 females, with an age range of 18 to 72 years and a median of 45 years. All patients had a history of sheep contact. Among the 50 patients, 15 case (30.0%) had combined meningitis, 5 case (10.0%) had meningoencephalitis, 28 case (56.0%) had myelitis, 2 case (4.0%) had brain abscesses, 29 cases (58.0%) had limb motor and sensory dysfunction, 22 case (44.0%) had nausea, vomiting, and cervical stiffness, and 4 case (8.0%) experienced seizures and persistent coma. Abnormal CSF changes were observed in 48 patients, including increased intracranial pressure (> 200 mmH 2O, 1 mmH 2O = 0.009 8 kPa) in 30 cases, elevated white blood cell count in 40 cases, increased globulin levels in 47 cases, and decreased glucose and chloride levels in 38 and 40 cases, respectively. Conclusions:Patients with CNS damage caused by brucellosis exhibit diverse clinical manifestations, and abnormalities in CSF biochemical analysis are relatively commom. Epidemiological contact history and CSF analysis are of significant diagnostic value.

Background Schizophrenic patients have metabolic disorders,impaired language and information processing function.Inflammatory factors may play an important role in the occurrence and development of schizophrenia.Objective To explore the relationship of the inflammatory factor levels with metabolic levels,language fluency and information processing function in patients with schizophrenia,so as to provide references for clinical understanding of the neuropathological mechanisms of schizophrenia.Methods A total of 96 patients with schizophrenia were included in the study group,who were hospitalized in the Fourth People's Hospital of Hefei from January 2021 to December 2022 as well as met the diagnostic criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,fifth edition(DSM-5)and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview(MINI)6.0.Meanwhile,population who underwent physical examination at the same hospital were included in the control group(n=42).A high-sensitivity multi factor electrochemiluminescence analyzer was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors IL-4,IL-5,IL-7,IL-8,IL-10 and IL-13.A fully automated biochemical analyzer was used to detect the levels of metabolic indicators such as fasting blood glucose,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein,apolipoprotein A,creatinine and urea nitrogen.Verbal fluency and information processing function of all participants were assessed by using Verbal Fluency Test(VFT)and Stroop Color Word Test(SCWT).Results There were statistically significant differences in the levels of IL-4,IL-5,IL-7,IL-8,IL-10,IL-13 and IL-15 between the study group and the control group(P<0.05).There were statistically significant differences in BMI,waist circumference,fasting blood glucose,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein,urea nitrogen,apolipoprotein A and creatinine levels between the two groups(P<0.05).The differences in the correct number of household appliances,animals,fruits,vegetables,names starting with"water"and"self"in VFT between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).The differences in point reaction time,character reaction time and character color reaction time in SCWT between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that except for creatinine levels,the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in patients with schizophrenia were correlated with other indicators(P<0.05).IL-7 levels were correlated with creatinine levels,household appliances,animals,fruits,correct number of names starting with"water"in VFT,point reaction time and word reaction time in SCWT(P<0.05).IL-8 levels were correlated with triglyceride levels,household appliances,animals,fruits,vegetables,correct number of names starting with"water"and"self"in VFT and word reaction time in SCWT(P<0.05).Except for creatinine levels and the correct number of names starting with"self",IL-10 levels were correlated with all other indicators(P<0.05).Except for creatinine and urea nitrogen levels,IL-13 levels were correlated with other indicators(P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of inflammatory factors in patients with schizophrenia may be related to their metabolic levels,language fluency and information processing function.

Objective To observe18F-FDG PET/MRI manifestations of gray matter heterotopia(GMH)related epilepsy.Methods Data of 27 patients with GMH and epilepsy diagnosed with MRI were retrospectively analyzed.Brain 18 F-FDG PET/MRI manifestations and complicated brain malformations were observed,and the classification of GMH were performed.Results Among 27 cases,periventricular GMH,focal subcortical GMH,subcortical lamellar(band)GMH and mixed GMH were detected each in 15,2,2 and 8 cases,respectively.Compared with cerebral white matter around the lesion or in the contralateral mirror area of the lesion,glucose hypermetabolism and glucose hypometabolism were found in 22 and 3 cases,respectively,while glucose metabolism was normal in 2 cases.Compared with gray matter in precentral gyrus,glucose hypermetabolism and glucose hypometabolism were observed in 8 and 16 cases,respectively,while glucose metabolism was normal in 3 cases.Six cases complicated with cerebral fissure deformity,6 cases with bilateral cerebellar hemispheric volume reduction,1 case with absence of pellucid septum and lower fornix,1 case with dysplasia of corpus callosum and 1 case with polymicrogyria.Conclusion 18 F-FDG PET/MRI manifestations of GMH related epilepsy had certain characteristics,which were helpful for clinical diagnosis.

Objective:To analyze the clinical phenotypes and genotypes of fetal Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSD).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of three fetuses diagnosed with ZSD and their parents, who underwent family genetic testing at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Henan Province) from June 2020 to December 2021. The prenatal phenotypic and genotypic characteristics were summarized in combination with previous literature. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for the data.Results:The mothers of the three fetuses were all primiparous, aged 32, 29, and 33 years, respectively. The gestational weeks at the first detection of fetal abnormalities were 23 weeks and 2 days, 24 weeks, and 33 weeks and 3 days, respectively. Case 1 only showed increased nuchal translucency, while Case 2 and 3 showed brain structural abnormalities. Chromosomal microarray analysis of the three cases did not detect any pathogenic or potentially pathogenic copy number variations. However, heterozygous deletions of unknown significance at 6q13q15 and 7q21.13q22.1 were detected in Case 1. All three fetuses were found to have pathogenic PEX1 variants, which were inherited from their parents. A novel heterozygous variant c.1 246_1247del detected in Case 3 was not previously reported in China. All three families chose to terminate the pregnancies. The mother in family 2 conceived naturally six months later, and an early pregnancy test revealed a pathogenic heterozygous variant c.892_895dup (p.N299Ifs*2) in the PEX1 gene, leading to a diagnosis of being a carrier of the pathogenic PEX1 variant. She continued the pregnancy to full term, and the newborn was followed up with good health. The remaining two families did not have any further pregnancies. Conclusions:PEX1 gene variants may predominantly characterize the mutation spectrum of ZSD. When prenatal examinations reveal fetal craniofacial malformations, brain structural abnormalities, increased nuchal translucency, or high echogenicity of the liver and kidneys, heightened vigilance and comprehensive genetic testing are warranted to reduce birth defects.

Objective:To identify and characterize one Yokenella regensburgei strain(designated as CXLZQ123) isolated from a case of perionychial abscess. Methods:Strain CXLZQ123 was isolated from a patient with periungual abscess at the Dermatology Department of San County Central Hospital in June 2, 2023. The strain was initially identified through morphological and biochemical tests, followed by mass spectrometry identification, 16S rRNA sequencing and whole-genome sequencing. MEGA 11.0 was used to compare and analyze the strain′s genetic relationship with relevant species in GenBank, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on genetic distance to analyze its genetic evolution. Meanwhile, the average nucleotide identity between its genome and similar strains were compared.Results:The strain was identified as a Gram-negative rod. MicroScan WalkAway biochemical tests indicated that the strain was either Yokenella regensburgei (91.47%) or Hafnia alvei (8.53%). MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry confirmed it as Yokenella regensburgei. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain showed the highest similarity(99.37%) to CIP 105435 (sequence number NR_104934.1). The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolated strain Yokenella regensburgei was submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) with the GenBank sequence number of OR230248.1. The whole-genome of CXLZQ123 were sequenced and uploaded (NCBI, SRA sequence number: SRR26510420). The average nucleotide identity between CXLZQ123 and Yokenella regensburgei strains W13 and UU2206353 were 98.82% and 99.04%, respectively. Conclusions:Through morphological observation, biochemical identification, mass spectrometry identification, 16S rRNA and whole-genome sequencing, this pathogenic strain is identified as Yokenella regensburgei. This rare bacterium is sensitive to most detected antibiotics. This study provides diagnostic and treatment experience for Yokenella regensburgei-related infections.

Objective:To analyze the clinical phenotypes and genotypes of fetal Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSD).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of three fetuses diagnosed with ZSD and their parents, who underwent family genetic testing at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Henan Province) from June 2020 to December 2021. The prenatal phenotypic and genotypic characteristics were summarized in combination with previous literature. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for the data.Results:The mothers of the three fetuses were all primiparous, aged 32, 29, and 33 years, respectively. The gestational weeks at the first detection of fetal abnormalities were 23 weeks and 2 days, 24 weeks, and 33 weeks and 3 days, respectively. Case 1 only showed increased nuchal translucency, while Case 2 and 3 showed brain structural abnormalities. Chromosomal microarray analysis of the three cases did not detect any pathogenic or potentially pathogenic copy number variations. However, heterozygous deletions of unknown significance at 6q13q15 and 7q21.13q22.1 were detected in Case 1. All three fetuses were found to have pathogenic PEX1 variants, which were inherited from their parents. A novel heterozygous variant c.1 246_1247del detected in Case 3 was not previously reported in China. All three families chose to terminate the pregnancies. The mother in family 2 conceived naturally six months later, and an early pregnancy test revealed a pathogenic heterozygous variant c.892_895dup (p.N299Ifs*2) in the PEX1 gene, leading to a diagnosis of being a carrier of the pathogenic PEX1 variant. She continued the pregnancy to full term, and the newborn was followed up with good health. The remaining two families did not have any further pregnancies. Conclusions:PEX1 gene variants may predominantly characterize the mutation spectrum of ZSD. When prenatal examinations reveal fetal craniofacial malformations, brain structural abnormalities, increased nuchal translucency, or high echogenicity of the liver and kidneys, heightened vigilance and comprehensive genetic testing are warranted to reduce birth defects.

ObjectiveTo determine the mechanism of Yitangkang in correcting excessive apoptosis of skeletal muscle cells to improve insulin resistance （IR） by inhibiting the advanced glycation end product （AGE）/receptor for the advanced glycation end product （RAGE） signaling pathway. Method① In vitro experiments. Yitangkang-medicated serum was prepared. C2C12 cells were divided into a blank group， a model group， high-， medium-， and low-dose Yitangkang-medicated serum groups （40， 20， and 10 g·kg^-1）， and a RAGE inhibitor group. The IR model was induced by palmitic acid in C2C12 cells except for those in the blank group. After the corresponding intervention methods were conducted，the cell viability and glucose consumption level of each group were determined. In addition，the apoptosis rate was determined using flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the important apoptotic proteins ［B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）， p53， cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 （Caspase-3）， and cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-9 （Caspase-9）］ were determined using Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot. ② In vivo experiments. Ninety-six eligible Wistar rats were divided into a blank group， a model group， high-，medium-，and low-dose Yitangkang groups （40， 20， and 10 g·kg^-1）， and a western medicine group （pioglitazone hydrochloride，1.35 mg·kg^-1）. The IR model was induced using high-glucose and high-fat feed for diabetes combined with intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin （STZ） in animals and verified by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp （HEC） test. After the model was determined successfully， the rats in each group were given intragastric administration of drugs as required. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） assay was performed to determine the number of positive apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle tissues of rats in each group，while Real-time polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） and Western blot were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of the important apoptotic proteins Bcl-2， Bax， p53， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9. Result① In vitro experiments. compared with the blank group， the model groups showed increased apoptosis rate of C2C12 cells and decreased cell viability and glucose consumption （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Yitangkang-medicated serum groups and the RAGE inhibitor group showed decreased apoptosis rate of C2C12 cells and increased cell viability and glucose consumption （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed decreased expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in C2C12 cells and increased mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax， p53， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Yitangkang-medicated serum groups and the RAGE inhibitor group showed increased expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in C2C12 cells （P<0.01） and decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax， p53， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ② In vivo experiments. The number of positive apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle tissues of rats in the model group significantly increased as compared with that in the blank group （P<0.01）. The number of positive apoptotic cells in the skeletal muscle tissues of rats in the Yitangkang groups and the western medicine group decreased as compared with that in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the model group showed decreased expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in skeletal muscle tissues of rats and increased mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax， p53， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Yitangkang groups and the western medicine group showed increased expression levels of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in skeletal muscle tissues of rats （P<0.01） and decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax， p53， Caspase-3， and Caspase-9 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The medium-dose Yitangkang showed a similar effect as RAGE inhibitor， and the effect was equivalent to that of pioglitazone hydrochloride. ConclusionYitangkang can inhibit skeletal muscle cell apoptosis by inhibiting the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Fat accumulation "sensitizes" the liver to insult and leads to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). G protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) is involved in metabolic stresses, but its role in NAFLD is unknown. We report that hepatocyte GPR35 mitigates NASH by regulating hepatic cholesterol homeostasis. Specifically, we found that GPR35 overexpression in hepatocytes protected against high-fat/cholesterol/fructose (HFCF) diet-induced steatohepatitis, whereas loss of GPR35 had the opposite effect. Administration of the GPR35 agonist kynurenic acid (Kyna) suppressed HFCF diet-induced steatohepatitis in mice. Kyna/GPR35 induced expression of StAR-related lipid transfer protein 4 (STARD4) through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, ultimately resulting in hepatic cholesterol esterification and bile acid synthesis (BAS). The overexpression of STARD4 increased the expression of the BAS rate-limiting enzymes cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) and CYP8B1, promoting the conversion of cholesterol to bile acid. The protective effect induced by GPR35 overexpression in hepatocytes disappeared in hepatocyte STARD4-knockdown mice. STARD4 overexpression in hepatocytes reversed the aggravation of HFCF diet-induced steatohepatitis caused by the loss of GPR35 expression in hepatocytes in mice. Our findings indicate that the GPR35-STARD4 axis is a promising therapeutic target for NAFLD.