Objective To understand mosquito density, species composition, and seasonal variations around the Beijing Capital International Airport(BCIA)and provide scientific evidence for mosquito-borne disease prevention and control. Methods Meteorological data were collected from 2016 to 2022, and mosquito density was monitored at seven surveillance sites around the BCIA from May to October each year using CO2-baited mosquito traps to analyze the relationship between mosquito density and meteorological factors. Results In total,68 518 female mosquitoes were captured, with a mosquito density of 10.20 per light · hour. The dominant species was Culex pipiens pallens(73.90%), followed by Aedes albopictus(9.71%)and Ae. vexans(9.29%);the mosquito density was highest in 2016(14.8 per light·hour)and lowest in 2022(4.46 per light·hour). Significant statistical differences were observed in mosquito density among different species(F=18.118, P<0.05). The density of Cx. pipiens pallens and other mosquito species showed a mutually exclusive trend; the peak of mosquito density varied based on years and habitats, with significant statistical differences in mosquito density among different habitats(F=8.504, P<0.05). The highest mosquito density was observed near the Wenyu River(21.50 per light·hour), whereas the lowest was recorded at the BCIA construction site(2.44 per light· hour). The monthly average temperature(r=0.595), monthly average highest temperature(r=0.575), and monthly average lowest temperature(r=0.624)showed moderate positive correlations, whereas the monthly average air pressure(r=-0.484)showed a moderate negative correlation. The monthly average minimum temperature was included in the regression model(F=25.575, P<0.000), and the equation Y=1.029X4-8.181 was used. The monthly average air pressure 2 months prior(b=-2.418, β=-1.619, P<0.05)and the monthly average relative humidity(b=-0.739, β=-1.201, P<0.05)significantly negatively predicted the mosquito density. Notably, the regression equation used was y=2526.170+(-2.418)X9+(-0.739)X13. The exposure-response analysis revealed that the density of mosquitoes was not linearly related to the average monthly air pressure, rainfall, and duration of sunshine. Conclusions The dominant mosquito species around the BCIA was Cx. pipiens pallens, Ae. albopictus, and Ae. vexans. During the control of Cx. pipiens pallens, the impact on other mosquito species must also be considered. Environmental management, breeding sites, and scientific use of pesticides should be prioritized based on the activity periods of mosquitoes. Further studies on mosquitoes and meteorological factors should be conducted to provide references and novel avenues for mosquito control.

Objective To analyze the caregiver presence needs and their influencing factors among hospitalized elderly non-surgical patients and provide a basis for formulating relevant policies.Methods A descriptive qualitative study method was adopted.Through purposive sampling,semi-structured interviews were conducted on elderly non-surgical patients and their families and medical staff in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September to October 2023.MAXQDA 2020 and the 7-step phenomenological analysis method of Colaizzi were used to classify and code the interview contents and identify themes.Results The categories of caregiver presence needs of elderly non-surgical patients included basic living assistance needs,disease monitoring needs,psychological support needs,as well as the needs for family members to provide economic support and participate in treatment decision-making.The influencing factors included advanced age,frailty,the lack of self-care ability in patients with comorbidities,the susceptibility of patients to sudden situations during the disease exacerbation period,the increased risk of unexpected events in patients with psychological distress,and patients' concerns about social support and medical decision-making.Conclusion The caregiver presence needs of elderly non-surgical patients during hospitalization are high and influenced by multiple factors.
Humans ; Caregivers/psychology* ; Aged ; Hospitalization ; Social Support ; Male ; Qualitative Research ; Female

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism by which circ_EPHB4 regulates temozolomide (TMZ) sensitivity of glioma cells through the miR-424-5p/Wnt3 signal axis. METHODS: We detected the expression levels of circ_EPHB4, miR-424-5p and Wnt3 mRNA in glioma specimens from 25 patients with primary glioma and 25 patients experiencing relapse following temozolomide-based chemotherapy and in TMZ-sensitive and -resistant glioma A172 and SHG44 cells with circ_EPHB4 knockdown using qRT-PCR, and Wnt3 protein expression level was detected with Western blotting. Cell viability, colony-forming ability, and apoptosis of the cells with circ_EPHB4 knockdown were assessed, and the targeted regulation relationship between circ_EPHB4, miR-424-5p, and Wnt3 was verified by dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) experiments. The effect of circ_EPHB4 knockdown on tumorigenesis of glioma cells was evaluated in subcutaneous tumor-bearing nude mouse models. RESULTS: The expression of circ_EPHB4 was significantly increased in glioma tissues and cells as compared with normal neural tissues and astrocytes (P=0.014). In TMZ-resistant glioma cells, circ_EPHB4 knockdown resulted in an obvious reduction of IC50 value of TMZ, inhibited cell colony formation, and promoted cell apoptosis, and these effects were reversed by miR-424-5p knockdown. The expressions of miR-424-5p and circ_EPHB4 were negatively correlated in glioma tissues (P=0.011). MiR-424-5p knockdown also attenuated the effect of circ_EPHB4 knockdown on expressions of PCNA, P-gp, MRP1 and bax. CONCLUSIONS Circ_EPHB4 regulates Wnt3 expression through "sponge adsorption" of miR-424-5p, thereby modulating TMZ-resistant glioblastoma cell clonogenesis, apoptosis, and TMZ sensitivity, suggesting the potential of circ_EPHB4 as a therapeutic target for reversing drug resistance of gliomas.
MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Humans ; Temozolomide ; Glioma/genetics* ; Animals ; Mice, Nude ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Wnt3 Protein/metabolism* ; Mice ; Apoptosis ; RNA, Circular ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Brain Neoplasms/pathology* ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the oncogenic role of circular RNA circ_EPHB4 in glioma and its molecular mechanism. METHODS: Microarray analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed circRNAs in glioma tissues. The effects of circ_EPHB4 on glioma cell migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and tumorigenicity in vivo were assessed using scratch wound healing assay, Transwell invasion assay and nude mouse models bearing subcutaneous tumors. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA stability assays, and gene overexpression and silencing techniques were employed to validate the synergistic regulatory effect of circ_EPHB4 and the N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) reader protein YTHDF3 on Wnt3 expression. RESULTS: Circ_EPHB4 was significantly overexpressed by 2.3 folds (|log2FC|=1.2, P<0.01) in glioma tissues compared to the adjacent tissues, and by 2.5 folds in glioma cell line U373 compared to normal cells (P<0.001). Overexpression of circ_EPHB4 significantly enhanced migration and invasion of glioma cells, and promoted the expressions of EMT markers N-cadherin and vimentin. In the tumor-bearing mouse models, the tumor volume in circ_EPHB4 overexpression group was significantly greater than that in the control group, and the lung metastatic foci increased by 4.2 folds. Overexpression of circ_EPHB4 promoted oncogenesis by upregulating Wnt3 expression, while YTHDF3 extended the half-life of Wnt3 mRNA in an m⁶A-dependent manner. Simultaneous knockdown of circ_EPHB4 and YTHDF3 resulted in an obvious reduction of Wnt3 mRNA expression by up to 47% compared to its level following knocking down either circ_EPHB4 or YTHDF3 alone. CONCLUSIONS Circ_EPHB4 and YTHDF3 promote glioma progression by jointly targeting the Wnt3 signaling pathway, which may provide a new therapeutic strategy for gliomas.
Glioma/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; RNA, Circular ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Mice, Nude ; Cell Movement ; Wnt3 Protein/genetics* ; Mice ; Disease Progression ; Adenosine/metabolism* ; Brain Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic

Flavonoids, the key active compounds in Epimedii Folium, have both protective and toxic effects on the liver. Their hepatoprotective effects are associated with reducing lipid accumulation and oxidative stress, which contribute to the management of various liver conditions. In contrast, the mechanisms driving Epimedii Folium-induced hepatotoxicity are less understood but likely involve oxidative stress and pyroptosis. Pharmacokinetic studies, especially on icaritin, indicate that it undergoes isopentenyl dehydrogenation, glycosylation, and glucuronidation in vivo, contributing to its pharmacological effects. However, intermediate metabolites of icaritin may interact with biomolecules, potentially leading to liver toxicity. This review offers a detailed examination of the dual effects of Epimedii Folium flavonoids on liver function, emphasizing recent discoveries in their hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic pathways. We also summarize and discuss the pharmacokinetics of these flavonoids, highlighting how their metabolism affects therapeutic efficacy and toxicity. Lastly, we propose strategies to mitigate liver injury, providing new perspectives on the safe use of Epimedii Folium.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

Objective:To explore the effect of neck muscle group exercise on setup errors in postoperative radiotherapy for head and neck cancers.Methods:A total of 126 head and neck cancer patients scheduled for radiotherapy at the First Affiliated Hospital, Air Force Medical University from February 2021 to October 2022 were prospectively enrolled. Among these patients, four patients discontinued treatment due to personal reasons, and the remaining 126 patients were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 61 patients in each group. The experimental group received neck muscle group exercise, while the control group received routine treatment without intervention. Cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans were performed weekly to measure setup errors at the levels of the clivus and the 4 th and 7 th cervical vertebrae (C4 and C7, respectively). Three-dimensional displacement, systematic errors, and random errors were calculated for each level. The appropriate margins of planning target volumes (PTVs) were determined using the Van Herk formula. Results:Baseline characteristics were well-balanced between the two groups, with no statistically significant differences ( P > 0.05). Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significantly smaller setup errors in the left-right ( x) and anterior-posterior ( z) directions at the clivus level, as well as in the z direction at the C4 and C7 vertebral levels ( t = 2.30, 5.29, 4.07, 2.40, P < 0.05). The required PTV margin in the z direction increased to 4.0 mm at C7 from 2.4 mm and 2.8 mm at the clivus in the experimental and control groups, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative correlation between the x-direction at the clivus and C4 vertebral levels and the couch angle (RTN) among all patients ( r = -0.548, -0.452, P < 0.001). A moderate negative correlation was observed between the inferior-superior ( y) direction and the z-direction at the C4 and C7 vertebral levels ( r = -0.160, -0.222, P < 0.001). Conclusions:Neck muscle group exercise can reduce setup errors and PTV margins in the anterior-posterior direction in postoperative radiotherapy for head and neck cancer patients.

Objective To establish an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry(ICP-MS)method for the analysis of 29 mineral elements in Artemisiae Argyi Folium(AAF),and to develop a model for judging the origin of AAF based on the elemental fingerprint combined with chemometrics.Methods The variance method was used to compare the contents of 29 mineral elements in AAF samples from Qichun of Hubei province,Hebei province and Henan province,respectively.The discriminant models of AAF from different habitats were established by discriminant analysis,PLS-DA and PCA-Logistic regression algorithms.Results The differences of the 22 elements(V,Cr,Ni,As,Se,Rb,Mo,Cd,Sb,Ba,Hg,Pb,K,Li,B,Mg,Al,P,Ca,Fe,Zn,and Ga)in samples from Qichun of Hubei province,Hebei province and Henan province are extremely significant(P＜0.01).The discriminant analysis model showed that eight kinds of element variables(P,Cr,K,Li,Hg,Ba,Mg,and Mo),which have a significant effect on the origin discrimination are gradually introduced into the discriminant model,and the correct rate of back test is 100％.The correct rate of"leave one method"cross-validation is 96.7％.The PLS-DA model showed good prediction ability,and the variable importance projection values of K,P and Mg elements were greater than one,which could be used as the difference marker of AAF from different habitats.The accuracy of the origin discrimination model constructed by PC A-Logistic regression analysis was 100％.The elements with high first principal component loadings were Li,B,Mg,Al,P,K,Ca,V,Cr,Fe,Ni,Zn,As,Rb,Cd,Sb,and Ba.Conclusion This study shows that elemental fingerprint technology combined with chemometric analysis can identify AAF from Qichun of Hubei province,Hebei province,or Henan,providing technical support for the traceability of the origin of Artemisia argyi.