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.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive decline, functional impairment, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. It represents the most prevalent form of dementia among the elderly population. Accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD. Notably, elevated levels of oxidative stress have been observed in the brains of AD patients, where excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause extensive damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, ultimately compromising neuronal structure and function. Amyloid β‑protein (Aβ) has been shown to induce mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium overload, thereby promoting the generation of ROS. This, in turn, exacerbates Aβ aggregation and enhances tau phosphorylation, leading to the formation of two pathological features of AD: extracellular Aβ plaque deposition and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). These events ultimately culminate in neuronal death, forming a vicious cycle. The interplay between oxidative stress and these pathological processes constitutes a core link in the pathogenesis of AD. The signaling pathways mediating oxidative stress in AD include Nrf2, RCAN1, PP2A, CREB, Notch1, NF‑κB, ApoE, and ferroptosis. Nrf2 signaling pathway serves as a key regulator of cellular redox homeostasis, exerts important antioxidant capacity and protective effects in AD. RCAN1 signaling pathway, as a calcineurin inhibitor, and modulates AD progression through multiple mechanisms. PP2A signaling pathway is involved in regulating tau phosphorylation and neuroinflammation processes. CREB signaling pathway contributes to neuroplasticity and memory formation; activation of CREB improves cognitive function and reduce oxidative stress. Notch1 signaling pathway regulates neuronal development and memory, participates in modulation of Aβ production, and interacts with Nrf2 toco-regulate antioxidant activity. NF‑κB signaling pathway governs immune and inflammatory responses; sustained activation of this pathway forms “inflammatory memory”, thereby exacerbating AD pathology. ApoE signaling pathway is associated with lipid metabolism; among its isoforms, ApoE-ε4 significantly increases the risk of AD, leading to elevated oxidative stress, abnormal lipid metabolism, and neuroinflammation. The ferroptosis signaling pathway is driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and the subsequent release of lipid peroxidation products and ROS exacerbate oxidative stress and neuronal damage. These interconnected pathways form a complex regulatory network that regulates the progression of AD through oxidative stress and related pathological cascades. In terms of therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress, among the drugs currently used in clinical practice for AD treatment, memantine and donepezil demonstrate significant therapeutic efficacy and can improve the level of oxidative stress in AD patients. Some compounds with antioxidant effects (such asα-lipoic acid and melatonin) have shown certain potential in AD treatment research and can be used as dietary supplements to ameliorate AD symptoms. In addition, non-drug interventions such as calorie restriction and exercise have been proven to exerted neuroprotective effects and have a positive effect on the treatment of AD. By comprehensively utilizing the therapeutic characteristics of different signaling pathways, it is expected that more comprehensive multi-target combination therapy regimens and combined nanomolecular delivery systems will be developed in the future to bypass the blood-brain barrier, providing more effective therapeutic strategies for AD.

Objective To establish a stable,reliable,and clinically relevant porcine model of endotoxin-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods Ten 8-month-old male Bama minipigs were deeply sedated,followed by invasive mechanical ventilation and electrocardiographic monitoring.Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)was intravenously pumped at 600 μg/(kg·h)for 3 hours,then maintained at 15 μg/(kg·h)thereafter.Dynamic monitoring was performed at five time points after LPS injection(LPS 0,1,3,5,and 8 h),including arterial blood gas analysis and chest computed tomography(CT)scans.Pathological examination of lung tissues obtained via bronchoscopic biopsy(HE staining and transmission electron microscopy)was conducted.These indicators were comprehensively used to evaluate the success of the animal model.Results At 5 hours after LPS administration,8 minipigs developed symptoms such as skin cyanosis,elevated body temperature,and respiratory distress.The oxygenation index decreased to<300 mmHg.Chest CT scans showed diffuse pulmonary infiltrates.Histopathology revealed alveolar edema and hyaline membrane formation.Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated disruption of pulmonary blood-air barrier,depletion of lamellar bodies in type Ⅱ pneumocytes,inflammatory cell infiltration,and exudation of plasma proteins and fibrin.Compared with LPS 0 h,at LPS 8 h,the oxygenation index and arterial blood pH were significantly decreased(P<0.001),while blood lactic acid and serum potassium were significantly increased(P<0.05);serum calcium and base excess were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the lung injury score based on HE-stained lung sections was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion The porcine ARDS model established by continuous LPS injection can dynamically simulate the pathophysiological characteristics and typical pathological manifestations of clinical septic ARDS,making it an effective tool to study the pathogenesis,prevention,and treatment strategies of septic ARDS.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a multifunctional protein involved in diverse cellular functions, notably DNA damage repair. Pharmacological inhibition of PARP1 has therapeutic benefits for various pathologies. Despite the increased use of PARP inhibitors, challenges persist in achieving PARP1 selectivity and effective blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. The development of a PARP1-specific positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand is crucial for understanding disease biology and performing target occupancy studies, which may aid in the development of PARP1-specific inhibitors. In this study, we leverage the recently identified PARP1 inhibitor, AZD9574, to introduce the design and development of its ¹⁸F-isotopologue ([¹⁸F]AZD9574). Our comprehensive approach, encompassing pharmacological, cellular, autoradiographic, and in vivo PET imaging evaluations in non-human primates, demonstrates the capacity of [¹⁸F]AZD9574 to specifically bind to PARP1 and to successfully penetrate the BBB. These findings position [¹⁸F]AZD9574 as a viable molecular imaging tool, poised to facilitate the exploration of pathophysiological changes in PARP1 tissue abundance across various diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the active components and possible mechanisms of n-butanol fraction of Periploca forrestii Schltr. ethanol extract for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: The active components of n-butanol fraction of Periploca forrestii Schltr. ethanol extract were analyzed using UPLC-QE-MS technique. In a SD rat model of AD induced by treatment with AlCl₃ and D-gal, the therapeutic effects of low, moderate and high doses of the n-butanol fraction, saline, and donepezil hydrochloride were evaluated using ELISA, HE and Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The therapeutic mechanisms of the n-butanol fraction were explored using network pharmacology and molecular docking. RESULTS: Seventeen active components were identified from the n-butanol fraction of Periploca forrestii Schltr. ethanol extract, including phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, triterpenoids, steroids, and volatile oils. In the rat models of AD, treatment with the n-butanol fraction significantly lowed AChE content in the hippocampus, increased the contents of ACh, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, enhanced the expressions of neuronal apoptotic factors Bcl-2, PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K, and p-Akt, and reduced the expressions of Bax and caspase-3 proteins. The treatment also dose-dependently up-regulated hippocampal expressions of Nrf-2, HO-1 and BDNF and down-regulated Keap-1, Aβ and Tau expressions. Bioinformatics analysis identified 14 key intersected targets (including TNF, AKT1 and ESR1) between the n-butanol fraction and AD. CONCLUSIONS The therapeutic effect of n-butanol fraction of Periploca forrestii Schltr. ethanol extract in AD mice is mediated by its multiple active components that regulate multiple targets and pathways.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; 1-Butanol/chemistry* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology* ; Periploca/chemistry* ; Ethanol/chemistry* ; Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy* ; Male ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Apoptosis/drug effects*

OBJECTIVE: Varied acupoint selections represent a potential cause of the uncertainty surrounding the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Skin temperature, a guiding factor for acupoint selection, may help to address this issue. This study explored thermal sensitization of acupoints used for the treatment of knee OA. METHODS: This cross-sectional case-control study enrolled cases aged 45-75 years with symptomatic knee OA and age- and gender-matched non-knee OA controls in a 1:1 ratio. All participants underwent infrared thermographic imaging. The primary outcome was the relative skin temperature of acupoint (STA), and the secondary outcome was the absolute STA of 11 acupoints. The Z test was used to compare the relative and absolute STAs between the groups. Principal component analysis was used to extract the common factors (CFs, acupoint cluster) in the STAs. A general linear model was used to identify factors affecting the STA in the knee OA cases. For the group comparisons of relative STA, P < 0.0045 (adjusted for 11 acupoints through Bonferroni correction) was considered to indicate statistical significance. For other analyses, P < 0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: The analysis included 308 participants, consisting of 151 cases (mean age: [64.58 ± 6.67] years; male: 25.83%; mean body mass index: [25.70 ± 3.16] kg/m²) and 157 controls (mean age: [63.37 ± 5.96] years; male: 26.11%; mean body mass index: [24.47 ± 2.84] kg/m²). The relative STAs of ST34 (P = 0.0001), EX-LE2 (P < 0.0001), EX-LE5 (P = 0.0006), SP10 (P < 0.0001), BL40 (P = 0.0012) and GB39 (P = 0.0037) were higher in the knee OA group. No difference was found in the STAs of ST35, ST36, SP9, GB33 and GB34. Four CFs were identified for relative STA in both groups. The acupoints within each CF were consistent between the groups. The mean values of the relative STAs across each CF were higher in the knee OA group. In the knee OA cases, no factors were observed to affect the relative STA, while age and gender were found to affect the absolute STA. CONCLUSION Among patients with knee OA, thermal sensitization occurs in the acupoints of the lower extremity, exhibiting localized and regional thermal consistencies. The thermally sensitized acupoints that we identified in this study, ST34, SP10, EX-LE2, EX-LE5, GB39 and BL40, may be good choices for the acupuncture treatment of knee OA. Please cite this article as: Tu JF, Wang XZ, Yan SY, Wang YR, Yang JW, Shi GX, Zhang WZ, Jing LN, Yang LS, Liu DH, Wang LQ, Mi BH. Thermal sensitization of acupoints in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 289-296.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Male ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Acupuncture Points ; Case-Control Studies ; Aged ; Skin Temperature ; Acupuncture Therapy

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

A high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS) method was established for simultaneous determination of seven characteristic components from the active fraction of Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma in rat plasma, including galangin, kaempferol, kaempferide, pinocembrin, 1,7-diphenyl-4-en-3-heptanone, 5-hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone(DHPA), and 7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-4-en-3-heptanone(DPHB). The new developed HPLC-MS/MS method was applied to study the pharmacokinetics of the 7 characteristic components in rats with Helicobacter pylori gastritis. A Waters Sunfire C_(18) column(2.1 mm×150 mm, 3.5 μm) was used. The acetonitrile-aqueous solution(containing 0.1% formic acid) was adopted as the mobile phase for gradient elution. Seven components and internal standard(chlorogenic acid) were separated within 12 min. Mass spectrometric detection was performed in multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) mode using electrospray ionization(ESI) source with fast switching between positive and negative ions. The method was verified by specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, and stability and met the requirements of pharmacokinetic study on the 7 components in rat plasma. Pharmacokinetic results showed that the average peak time(T_(max)) of the 7 components was 0.31-2.19 h, their elimination half-life(t_(1/2)) was 5.26-16.65 h, and the average residence time(MRT) was 6.29-31.03 h after the oral administration of the active fraction of Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma to rats with H. pylori gastritis. The plasma exposure levels of galangin and DHPA were higher than those of the other components. The concentration-time curves of four detected flavonoids showed obvious double peaks. This study elucidated the pharmacokinetic characteristics of 7 characteristic components from the active fraction of Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma in rats with H. pylori gastritis, providing a scientific basis for the identification of the pharmacodynamic substances of Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma for treatment of H. pylori gastritis and the clinical application of Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma in the prevention and treatment of H. pylori gastritis.
Animals ; Rats ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Helicobacter pylori/drug effects* ; Alpinia/chemistry* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Gastritis/metabolism* ; Helicobacter Infections/metabolism* ; Flavonoids/blood* ; Rhizome/chemistry* ; Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Objective:To investigate the impact of ginseng alcohol extract(GEE)on improving sleep quality in the aged Drosophila model by regulating the redox balance,and to elucidate its associated mechanism.Methods:Thirty-two male drosophila melanogaster(7-days-old)were randomly selected as young group,while 64 male Drosophila melanogaster flies(35-days-old)were randomly assigned to aged model group(n=32)and GEE group(n=32).The sleep parameters,including total sleep duration,daytime sleep duration,night sleep duration,0-4 h of sleep duration after lights off(ZT0-4 sleep duration),deep sleep duration,sleep episodetimes,sleep fragmentation,and the activity parameters such as the total number of locomotor activity daytime locomotor activity amount and nighttime locomotor activity amount were analyzed using the DAM2 Drosophila behavioral analysis system 7 d after administration.The grouping of the drosophila was as above,and there were 100 drosophila ineach group.The differentially expressed proteins in drosophila brain tissue were screened,identified,and functionally analyzed using two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis(2D-DIGE)and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS)proteomic methods.The grouping of the drosophila was as above,and there were 100 drosophila in each group.The activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and the levels of lipid peroxidation product(MDA)in brain tissue of the drosophila were determined using assay kits.Results:Compared with young group,the total sleep duration daytime sleep duration and night sleep cluration of the drosophila in agaed group were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01);and the sleep rhythm amplitude was shortened.Compared with aged group,the total sleep duration and daytime and nighttime sleep durations of the drosphila in GEE group were lengthened(P<0.01).Compared with young group,the ZT0-4 sleep duration deep sleep duration and sleep fragment of the drosophila in aged group were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the sleep rhythm amplitude was shortened.Compared with young group,the ZT0-4 sleep duration,deep sleep duration,and single sleep fragment of the drosphila in GEE group were significantly prolonged(P<0.01),and the sleep amplitude was increased.Compared with young group,there was no significant difference in diurnal spontaneous activity or total spontaneous activity of the drosophila in aged group(P>0.05),while the nocturnal spontaneous activity was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with aged group,the diurnal spontaneous activity,nocturnal spontaneous activity,and total spontaneous activity of the drosophila in GEE group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).A total of 47 differentially expressed proteins were selected in the 2D-DIGE electrophoretic mapping.Compared with young group,the expressions of 47 differentially expressed protein sites in aged group were down-regulated mainly including glutathione S-transferase,peroxiredoxin 1 and dihydrolipoic dehydrogenase,which were related to redox balance.Compared with young group,the activities of SOD,CAT and GSH-Px in brain tissue of the drosophila in aged group were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the level of MDA was increased(P<0.01);compared with aged group,the activities of SOD,CAT and GSH-Px in brain tissue of the drosphila in GEE group were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the MDA level was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:GEE has improvement effect on the sleep quality of aged drosophila,and its possible mechanism may be related to upregulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes,inhibiting the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products,and maintaining redox balance.

Objective To investigate the factors influencing the efficacy of intravesical Bacille Calmette-Guérin(BCG)instillation after transurethral resection of bladder tumor(TURBT)in patients with intermediate-and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer(NMIBC),and to construct a prediction model for recurrence after BCG treatment.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on the subjected patients diagnosed with intermediate-and high-risk NMIBC undergoing TURBT followed by standard BCG instillation.The 110 patients treated in Department of Urology of Army Medical Center of PLA from January 2018 to December 2023 were assigned into a training set,while the 52 patients treated at Department of Urology of General Hospital of Central Theater Command from January 2015 to December 2020 were into an external validation set.A total of 17 variables were included and analyzed.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with recurrence after BCG instillation,and nomograms were plotted to predict 1-year,3-year,and 5-year recurrence-free survival(RFS).Calibration curve,decision curve analysis(DCA),and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis were conducted for internal and external validation to evaluate the predictive performance and clinical utility of the model.Results In the training set,26 patients(23.64%)experienced recurrence during the follow-up period,with a median RFS of 32.00(18.00～50.50)months.Univariate Cox regression analysis suggested that platelet count,eosinophil to lymphocyte ratio(ELR),neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet to lymphocyte ratio(PLR),systemic immune inflammation(SII)index,and neutrophil-monocyte to lymphocyte ratio(NMLR),pathological T1 stage(pT1)tumor and hemoglobin,albumin,lymphocyte,and platelet(HALP)score were potential factors influencing recurrence after BCG instillation.Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified high HALP score(HR=0.185,95%CI:0.046～0.736,P=0.017)as an independent protective factor,while high ELR(HR=3.599,95%CI:1.505～8.608,P=0.004)and pT1 stage(HR=3.240,95%CI:1.191～8.818,P=0.021)were independent risk factors for recurrence.Based on this,a nomogram prediction model was constructed.The calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted and actual 1-,3-,and 5-year recurrence risks.Decision curve analysis indicated clinical utility across a wide threshold probability range.In the training set,the model showed strong predictive performance for 1-(AUC=0.842),3-(AUC=0.847),and 5-year(AUC=0.887)recurrence risks,which was further validated in the external cohort.Conclusion Higher HALP score prior to BCG instillation therapy is a protective factor against tumor recurrence,while higher ELR and pT1 stage are risk factors.Our nomogram prediction model based on HALP score,ELR and pathological T stage,can identify individuals at high risk of recurrence after BCG instillation therapy.