Objective:To explore the symptoms of Ménière′s disease patients and their impact on quality of life.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted, consecutively enrolling patients of Ménière′s disease who visited the Otolaryngology Clinic at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University from October 2014 to December 2022. The Chinese version of the Ménière′s Disease Outcomes Questionnaire (MDOQ) and a Ménière′s disease-specific symptom checklist were utilized for assessment. SPSS 25.0 software was employed to perform multiple linear regression analysis to determine the impact of Ménière′s disease symptoms on patients′ quality of life.Results:A total of 790 patients with a definitive diagnosis of Ménière′s disease who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed. The cohort comprised 418 males and 372 females, with a mean age of (54.8±13.1) years and a diagnosis duration ranging from 0 to 72 months, with a median of 3 months. The total score of the Chinese MDOQ was 61.0±12.0. The symptomatic presentations of the enrolled patients included hearing changes, tinnitus, aural fullness, drop attacks, vertigo episodes, visual instability, dizziness, and headache. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, tinnitus, aural fullness, frequency of drop attacks, visual instability, dizziness, and headache were significant factors affecting the quality of life in Ménière′s disease patients ( F=145.50, P<0.05). Conclusions:The quality of life in Ménière′s disease patients requires improvement. Attention to the specific symptoms of Ménière′s disease and their impact on patients′ quality of life, along with targeted symptom interventions based on these findings, will be a focal point in future disease management.

Objective:To understand the species of mosquitoes and the status of important mosquito-borne viruses in the Ningxia surveyed regions, to identify the dominant mosquito species and virus types, and to analyze their genetic characteristics, providing a scientific basis for predicting and controlling mosquito-borne infectious diseases.Methods:Mosquitoes were collected using light traps in Yinchuan and Wuzhong cities of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and the collected mosquitoes were classified and identified. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Sindbis virus (SINV) carried by mosquitoes. The positive sample was subjected to sequencing the whole genome, and the phylogenetic tree of virus strains was constructed using bioinformatics methods.Results:From June to August 2023, a total of 8 561 mosquitoes of 3 genera and 6 species were collected in Yinchuan and Wuzhong cities, Ningxia, among which Culex pipiens pallens was the dominant species with 3 050 individuals, accounting for 35.63%; Anopheles sinensis with 2 379 individuals, accounting for 27.79%; Culex tritaeniorhynchus with 1 489 individuals, accounting for 17.39%; Caspian Aedes with 1 468 individuals, accounting for 27.79%; Aedes vexans with 152 individuals, accounting for 1.78%; and Culex modestus with 23 individuals, accounting for 0.27%. JEV GIb type was detected in the specimens of Culex tritaeniorhynchus collected in Qingtongxia city. Conclusions:The dominant mosquito species in the surveyed areas of Ningxia are primarily Culex pipiens pallens, and JEV GIb virus was detected in Culex tritaeniorhynchus in Qingtongxia city. This study provides basic data for understanding the current status of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses in the Ningxia region and offers scientific guidance for further public health prevention and control measures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of first polar body transfer (PB1T) combined with preimplantation mitochondrial genetic testing for blocking the transmission of a pathogenic mitochondrial DNA 8993T>G mutation. METHODS: A Chinese family affected with Leigh syndrome which had attended the Reproductive Medicine Centre of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in September 2021 was selected as the study subject. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was carried out for the proband after completing the detection of the mitochondrial DNA 8993T>G mutation load among the pedigree members. Mature MII oocytes were inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), cultured in vitro for 5 to 6 days to the blastocyst stage, and trophoblastocytes were obtained by microbiopsy. Mitochondrial DNA testing (PGT-MT) and chromosomal aneuploidy (PGT-A) analyses were carried out after whole-genome amplification, and the embryos with zero mutation load were selected for transfer. Amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood samples were collected during middle pregnancy and after birth respectively for mitochondrial DNA testing to verify the reliability of embryo screening. As an attempt, PB1 with good morphology of MII oocytes was selected for transfer into the enucleated oocytoplasm from healthy donors, followed by ICSI fertilization, blastocyst culture and PGT of embryos using the same procedure. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (No. 2021zhyx-B12). RESULTS: An antagonist protocol was used for ovarian stimulation, and a total of 19 oocytes were obtained, of which 14 MII were fertilized by ICSI, and 2 had developed into blastocysts. PGT-MT was carried out on biopsied trophoblastocytes, in which the mitochondrial DNA 8993T>G mutation load was not detected in one embryo, the other was 100% mutated, and the mutation loads of the remaining unfertilized eggs and developmentally arrested embryos ranged from 0% ~ 100%, presenting a clear biased distribution. With fully informed consent, one PGT-MT zero mutation load blastocyst was transferred and clinical pregnancy was achieved. Mitochondrial DNA and chromosomal testing of amniotic fluid cells during middle pregnancy had revealed no abnormalities. The proband had delivered a healthy boy through Caesarean section at 39⁺⁵ weeks of gestation, and no mutation was detected in the cord blood sample. Five well-formed PBs from 14 eggs were selected for PB1 transfer, followed by ICSI and culture, and two of the reconstituted embryos had formed blastocysts, with none of the above mutations detected in the biopsied samples. CONCLUSION The PGT-MT technology can help families affected with mitochondrial diseases to have healthy offspring. PB1 transfer in combination with ICSI and PGT-MT holds the promise of turning waste into treasure and providing an alternative means of fertility for such families.
Humans ; Preimplantation Diagnosis/methods* ; Female ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics* ; Genetic Testing/methods* ; Pregnancy ; Mitochondrial Diseases/genetics* ; Polar Bodies ; Adult ; Feasibility Studies ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic/methods* ; Embryo Transfer/methods* ; Mutation ; Male ; Blastocyst/metabolism* ; Pedigree

Objective:To assess the feasibility of first polar body transfer (PB1T) combined with preimplantation mitochondrial genetic testing for blocking the transmission of a pathogenic mitochondrial DNA 8993T>G mutation.Methods:A Chinese family affected with Leigh syndrome which had attended the Reproductive Medicine Centre of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in September 2021 was selected as the study subject. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was carried out for the proband after completing the detection of the mitochondrial DNA 8993T>G mutation load among the pedigree members. Mature MII oocytes were inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), cultured in vitro for 5 to 6 days to the blastocyst stage, and trophoblastocytes were obtained by microbiopsy. Mitochondrial DNA testing (PGT-MT) and chromosomal aneuploidy (PGT-A) analyses were carried out after whole-genome amplification, and the embryos with zero mutation load were selected for transfer. Amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood samples were collected during middle pregnancy and after birth respectively for mitochondrial DNA testing to verify the reliability of embryo screening. As an attempt, PB1 with good morphology of MⅡ oocytes was selected for transfer into the enucleated oocytoplasm from healthy donors, followed by ICSI fertilization, blastocyst culture and PGT of embryos using the same procedure. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (No. 2021zhyx-B12). Results:An antagonist protocol was used for ovarian stimulation, and a total of 19 oocytes were obtained, of which 14 MⅡ were fertilized by ICSI, and 2 had developed into blastocysts. PGT-MT was carried out on biopsied trophoblastocytes, in which the mitochondrial DNA 8993T>G mutation load was not detected in one embryo, the other was 100% mutated, and the mutation loads of the remaining unfertilized eggs and developmentally arrested embryos ranged from 0% ~ 100%, presenting a clear biased distribution. With fully informed consent, one PGT-MT zero mutation load blastocyst was transferred and clinical pregnancy was achieved. Mitochondrial DNA and chromosomal testing of amniotic fluid cells during middle pregnancy had revealed no abnormalities. The proband had delivered a healthy boy through Caesarean section at 39+ 5 weeks of gestation, and no mutation was detected in the cord blood sample. Five well-formed PBs from 14 eggs were selected for PB1 transfer, followed by ICSI and culture, and two of the reconstituted embryos had formed blastocysts, with none of the above mutations detected in the biopsied samples.Conclusion:The PGT-MT technology can help families affected with mitochondrial diseases to have healthy offspring. PB1 transfer in combination with ICSI and PGT-MT holds the promise of turning waste into treasure and providing an alternative means of fertility for such families.

Objective:To understand the species of mosquitoes and the status of important mosquito-borne viruses in the Ningxia surveyed regions, to identify the dominant mosquito species and virus types, and to analyze their genetic characteristics, providing a scientific basis for predicting and controlling mosquito-borne infectious diseases.Methods:Mosquitoes were collected using light traps in Yinchuan and Wuzhong cities of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and the collected mosquitoes were classified and identified. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Sindbis virus (SINV) carried by mosquitoes. The positive sample was subjected to sequencing the whole genome, and the phylogenetic tree of virus strains was constructed using bioinformatics methods.Results:From June to August 2023, a total of 8 561 mosquitoes of 3 genera and 6 species were collected in Yinchuan and Wuzhong cities, Ningxia, among which Culex pipiens pallens was the dominant species with 3 050 individuals, accounting for 35.63%; Anopheles sinensis with 2 379 individuals, accounting for 27.79%; Culex tritaeniorhynchus with 1 489 individuals, accounting for 17.39%; Caspian Aedes with 1 468 individuals, accounting for 27.79%; Aedes vexans with 152 individuals, accounting for 1.78%; and Culex modestus with 23 individuals, accounting for 0.27%. JEV GIb type was detected in the specimens of Culex tritaeniorhynchus collected in Qingtongxia city. Conclusions:The dominant mosquito species in the surveyed areas of Ningxia are primarily Culex pipiens pallens, and JEV GIb virus was detected in Culex tritaeniorhynchus in Qingtongxia city. This study provides basic data for understanding the current status of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses in the Ningxia region and offers scientific guidance for further public health prevention and control measures.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of the degree of neuromuscular blockade on the intraoperative surgical conditions and postoperative recovery quality in patients undergoing lumbar interbody fusion.Methods:In this randomized controlled trial, 100 patients of either sex, aged 18-79 yr, with a body mass index of 18.5-35.0 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification < Ⅳ, scheduled for elective lumbar interbody fusion at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from August to October 2024, were allocated into 2 groups ( n=50 each) using stratified randomization based on the number of lumbar segments: deep neuromuscular blockade group (group D) and moderate neuromuscular blockade group (group M). The intraoperative post-tetanic count was maintained at 1 or 2 in group D, and the intraoperative train-of-four was maintained at 1 or 2 in group M. The scores for surgical conditions, duration of operation, blood loss, length of incision, occurrence of severe hypoxemia after extubation, requirement for rescue analgesia in post-anesthesia care unit, 15-item Quality of Recovery scale score and length of stay were recorded. Results:Compared with group M, the scores for surgical conditions were significantly increased, the rate of rescue analgesia in post-anesthesia care unit was decreased, 15-item Quality of Recovery scale scores were increased at 3 days after surgery ( P<0.05), and no significant changes were found in the duration of operation, blood loss, length of incision, incidence of severe hypoxemia after extubation and length of hospital stay in group D ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Compared with moderate neuromuscular blockade, deep neuromuscular blockade can provide better surgical conditions and improve the quality of early postoperative recovery for patients undergoing lumbar interbody fusion.

Objective:To determine the contents of four flavonoids by establishing HPLC specific chromatogram for Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen; To evaluate the differences of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen from different producing areas.Methods:The specific chromatogram was developed on a column of Thermo Acclaim C18 with acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid solution as the mobile phase by gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The detective wavelength was 260 nm, and the column temperature was 30 ℃. Similarity evaluation, PCA analysis, and OPLS-DA analysis were conducted. The contents of Alpinetin, Pinocembrin, Cardamonin, Alnustone in 16 batches of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen.Results:There were 9 characteristic peaks in the specific chromatogram of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen. Except the sample of S2 (Hainan producing area), the similarity of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen in different producing areas was greater than 0.90; PCA analysis divided 16 batches of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen into 2 categories, and OPLS-DA analysis identified 4 differential biomarkers, with the order of impact being peak 3>peak 5>Alpinetin>Cardamonin. Among them, the quality of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen from Guangdong producing area was generally stable. Moreover, there were significant differences in the contents of Alpinetin and Cardamonin among the indicator components of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen from different producing areas.Conclusion:This method can effectively analyze the differences in the quality of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen from different producing areas, providing reference for the quality evaluation of Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen.

Objective To explore the impact of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)on cognitive impairment in post-stroke patients,to explore its underlying mechanism and to evaluate potential diagnostic value by dynamically moni-toring the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)and Tau protein in serum.Methods Totally 96 stroke patients admitted to Mianyang third People's Hospital from February 2022 to June 2024 were selected.They were divided into the groups complicated with OSA and control one without OSA following up of neuropsychological scales for 1 week,1 month,3 months,and 6 months after stroke for evaluating cognitive function.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to detect the level of BDNF and Tau protein in serum.The correlation of test results and the degree of cognitive impairment as well as their diagnostic value were analyzed.Results The AHI in the OSA group was significantly higher than that of control group,while LSaO2 and MSaO2 were significantly lower in the OSA group(P＜0.05).One week and 1,3,6 month months after the onset of the disease,the MMSE and MoCA scores in the OSA group were significantly lower than those in the control group,BDNF level was signifi-cantly lower while Tau protein level was significantly higher as compare to those in control group(P＜0.05).Pear-son correlation analysis showed that the serum BDNF level was positively correlated with both MMSE score(r=0.654,P＜0.001)and MoCA score(r=0.689,P＜0.001).However,the serum Tau protein level was nega-tively correlated with both MMSE score(r=-0.623,P＜0.001)and MoCA score(r=-0.667,P＜0.001).The ar-ea under the curve(AUC)of the combined detection of BDNF and Tau protein was greater than that of the individ-ual detection.The diagnostic value of the combined detection of BDNF and Tau protein for cognitive impairment in post-stroke patients was greater than that of the individual detection(P＜0.05).Conclusions OSA significantly exacerbates patients'cognitive impairment after stroke.Elevated serum BDNF level and decreased Tau protein level may be the underlying mechanisms of cognitive impairment.Serum BDNF and Tau protein may function as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of cognitive impairment after stroke.

Intestinal stem cells(ISCs),locating at the base of intestinal crypts and pivotal in orchestrating the homeostasis and damage repair of the intestinal epithelium,are characterized by their self-renewal and multipotential differentiation capabilities.With the continuous discoveries of new ISCs and related markers,the ISC migration and regeneration model has been further improved,greatly promoting the research in related fields.Diet can regulate ISC glycolipid and energy metabolism through influencing the stem cell niche,subsequently modulating overall metabolism.This paper summarizes the biological features of both classical and newly discovered ISCs,and analyzes the effects of common nutrients and different dietary patterns on ISCs,hoping to provide insights for the precise nutrition prevention and treatment of chronic intestinal diseases.

Objective:To explore the symptoms of Ménière′s disease patients and their impact on quality of life.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted, consecutively enrolling patients of Ménière′s disease who visited the Otolaryngology Clinic at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University from October 2014 to December 2022. The Chinese version of the Ménière′s Disease Outcomes Questionnaire (MDOQ) and a Ménière′s disease-specific symptom checklist were utilized for assessment. SPSS 25.0 software was employed to perform multiple linear regression analysis to determine the impact of Ménière′s disease symptoms on patients′ quality of life.Results:A total of 790 patients with a definitive diagnosis of Ménière′s disease who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed. The cohort comprised 418 males and 372 females, with a mean age of (54.8±13.1) years and a diagnosis duration ranging from 0 to 72 months, with a median of 3 months. The total score of the Chinese MDOQ was 61.0±12.0. The symptomatic presentations of the enrolled patients included hearing changes, tinnitus, aural fullness, drop attacks, vertigo episodes, visual instability, dizziness, and headache. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, tinnitus, aural fullness, frequency of drop attacks, visual instability, dizziness, and headache were significant factors affecting the quality of life in Ménière′s disease patients ( F=145.50, P<0.05). Conclusions:The quality of life in Ménière′s disease patients requires improvement. Attention to the specific symptoms of Ménière′s disease and their impact on patients′ quality of life, along with targeted symptom interventions based on these findings, will be a focal point in future disease management.