AIM: To investigate the genetic association and potential causal relationship between diabetic nephropathy(DN)and diabetic retinopathy(DR), and to elucidate their shared molecular mechanisms through differential gene expression analysis and Mendelian randomization(MR).METHODS: Transcriptomic data of DN and DR were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and analyzed for differentially expressed genes(DEGs). Genes meeting the significance threshold(log2FC>1, P<0.05)were identified, followed by Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis to explore shared biological pathways. Using genome-wide association study(GWAS)summary statistics for DN and DR, two-sample MR analysis was performed, with DN as the exposure and DR as the outcome. The causal effect was primarily estimated with the inverse-variance weighted(IVW)method, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess robustness.RESULTS: MR analysis revealed that DN significantly increased the risk of DR. IVW estimates indicated that the odds ratio(OR)for non-proliferative DR(NPDR)was 3.23(95% CI: 2.12-4.95, P<0.001), and the OR for proliferative DR(PDR)was 1.10(95% CI: 1.06-1.15, P<0.001). DEG analysis identified several key genes, including FN1, COL1A2, and THBS2. FN1 and COL1A2 are involved in extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis, contributing to vascular permeability alterations and microvascular damage in diabetic complications. THBS2 is closely associated with angiogenesis and vascular homeostasis, suggesting its potential role in DR. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in advanced glycation end products(AGEs)-RAGE signaling, extracellular matrix degradation, and oxidative stress pathways, all of which are highly relevant to the pathogenesis of DN and DR.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the genetic association between DN and DR using MR and DEGs analyses. The shared mechanisms, particularly involving extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis, may serve as novel therapeutic targets and provide a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis and targeted treatment of diabetic complications.

Primary liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system， and the “inflammation-to-cancer transformation” （ICT） of chronic hepatitis is the core pathological process of the progression of chronic hepatitis to liver cancer. Persistent and uncontrolled liver inflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis often leads to repeated liver tissue damage and repair， which gradually develops into liver fibrosis and cirrhosis， eventually leading to malignant transformation through the mechanisms such as gene mutation and microenvironment imbalance. ICT in chronic hepatitis is the key link between chronic hepatitis and liver cancer， and its dynamic evolution involves various pathogenic factors such as dampness， heat， deficiency， toxin， and stasis； among which damp-heat and vital energy deficiency are the initiating factors for ICT of chronic hepatitis， while intermingled stasis and toxin are the key pathological products that promote malignant transformation. Based on the concept of preventive treatment， traditional Chinese medicine can effectively delay and even block the ICT of chronic hepatitis by regulating inflammation， metabolism， and abnormal cell proliferation through multiple targets， which provides important strategies and research directions for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors for cognitive function among aluminum workers, so as to provide the basis for intervention and prevention of cognitive function among aluminum-exposed populations. Methods: From July to August 2019, male aluminum workers in the electrolytic aluminum workshop of an aluminum factory in Shanxi Province were selected using the cluster sampling method. Demographic information, prevalence of chronic diseases, lifestyle behaviors, night shifts, and sleep quality were collected through questionnaire surveys. Blood aluminum levels were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Cognitive function was investigated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Factors affecting cognitive function among aluminum workers were analyzed by a quantile regression model. Results: A total of 142 aluminum workers were surveyed, including 57 workers aged 20 to <40 years (40.14%) and 85 workers aged 40 to 60 years (59.86%). The median blood aluminum level was 38.23 (interquartile range, 21.82) μg/L. The median cognitive function score was 24.00 (interquartile range, 3.00) points. Quantile regression analysis revealed that older age (βQ5=-0.186, 95%CI: -0.269 to -0.102), lower educational level (βQ5=1.933, 95%CI: 1.029 to 2.838; βQ10=1.743, 95%CI: 0.480 to 3.006; βQ50=1.038, 95%CI: 0.141 to 1.935; βQ75=1.006, 95%CI: 0.437 to 1.575; βQ90=1.111, 95%CI: 0.291 to 1.930), smoking (βQ5=-2.056, 95%CI: -3.264 to -0.849), alcohol consumption (βQ5=-1.821, 95%CI: -3.247 to -0.396) and higher blood aluminum level (βQ5=-0.075, 95%CI: -0.110 to -0.040; βQ10=-0.078, 95%CI: -0.127 to -0.029; βQ50=-0.075, 95%CI: -0.110 to -0.040; βQ75=-0.057, 95%CI: -0.079 to -0.035; βQ90=-0.067, 95%CI: -0.099 to -0.035) were associated with cognitive function decline among aluminum workers. Conclusions Educational level and blood aluminum level are the main factors affecting the cognitive function among aluminum workers. Among those with lower cognitive function scores, age, smoking and alcohol consumption are also associated with cognitive function.

Background Some studies have suggested that exposure to multiple metals is closely linked to the development of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the populations, but the effect of aluminum exposure on MS remains unclear. Objective To analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of MS among employees with aluminum exposure in Shanxi Province. Methods Cluster sampling was employed to survey male frontline workers in an aluminum factory in Shanxi Province. Data on general demographic information, lifestyle, occupational history, medical history, and family history of chronic diseases were collected through questionnaires. The concentration of fasting blood glucose was determined using the glucose oxidase technique, and blood lipid levels were determined using the peroxidase method. Serum aluminum levels were detected using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and blood biochemical indicators were measured using the peroxidase method. Based on the China's 2020 diagnostic criteria for MS, the participants were and divided into an MS group anda non-MS group. Variables with statistical significance in univariate analysis were included to construct a logistic regression model. Results A cohort of 312 workers participated in this research, with 84 individuals diagnosed with MS, yielding a prevalence rate of 26.92%. The logistic regression model revealed that body mass index (BMI)≥24.0 kg·m⁻² (OR=1.967, 95%CI: 1.057, 3.659), alcohol consumption (OR=1.883, 95%CI: 1.063, 3.336), experiencing major life event (OR=3.886, 95%CI: 1.509, 10.008), family history of hypertension (OR=2.112, 95%CI: 1.162, 3.837), serum aluminum concentration (OR=1.024, 95%CI: 1.012, 1.035), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (OR=1.032, 95%CI: 1.011, 1.054), and white blood cell (WBC) count (OR=1.210, 95%CI: 1.001, 1.465) were significant influencing factors for MS. Conclusion BMI≥24.0 kg·m⁻², alcohol consumption, experiencing major life event, family history of hypertension, elevated serum aluminum concentration, increased ALT level, and elevated WBC count are risk factors for MS among occupationally aluminum-exposed workers.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the laboratory detection results of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn(HDFN). METHODS: Related test results of 283 newborns and their mothers' blood samples from Kunming Maternal and Child Health Hospital from August 2023 to May 2024 were collected, including mother and child ABO blood group, RhD blood group, as well as 3 tests of HDFN, total bilirubin (TBil) and indirect bilirubin (IBil). RESULTS: 283 were ABO incompatibility, among which 187 were HDFN positive, with a positive rate of 66.08%; the positive rate of HDFN in neonates with antigen-A incompatibility was 74.12%(126/170), the positive rate of HDFN in neonates with antigen-B incompatibility was 53.57%(60/112), which was the highest in neonates with O/A incompatibility ［75.45%(126/167)］, followed by O/B incompatibility［54.55%(60/110)］. Group by age, the positive rates of HDFN in the ≤1 d group, 2 d group, 3 d group, 4 d group, 5 d group and ≥6 d group were 76.03%(111/146), 67.86%(38/56), 57.14%(24/42), 38.46%(5/13), 46.15%(6/13) and 23.08%(3/13), respectively. With the increase of age, the positive rates of HDFN gradually decreased, there was a statistically significant difference between the ≤3 day age group and >3 day age group ( P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in TBil and IBil levels between the "direct antibody+indirect antibody+release+" group and the HDFN negative group in newborns. HDFN infants exhibited a rapid increase in bilirubin levels within the first day after birth, with significantly higher TBil and IBil values compared to Non ABO-HDFN infants in the ≤1 day group ( P <0.01). However, the difference of bilirubin levels between the two groups gradually narrowed from 2-6 days after birth, and the difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05). The peak value of TBil and IBil occurred on the 4th day after birth in HDFN infants. CONCLUSION ABO-HDFN is most commonly seen in newborns whose mothers are type-O, and the positive rate was the highest in newborns with O/A incompatibility. The detection rate of HDFN is affected by the age of the newborns, and the two were correlated inversely. ABO-HDFN group developed more rapidly with a higher peak. Therefore, HDFN tests should be carried out as soon as possible for mothers and newborns with incompatible blood types, and appropriate treatment should be provided to prevent complications.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; ABO Blood-Group System ; Erythroblastosis, Fetal/epidemiology* ; Female ; China/epidemiology* ; Blood Group Incompatibility ; Male ; Bilirubin/blood*

BACKGROUND: Blood glucose and serum albumin have been associated with cardiovascular disease prognosis, but the impact of admission-blood-glucose-to-albumin ratio (AAR) on adverse outcomes in critical ill coronary artery disease (CAD) patients was not investigated. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with CAD were non-consecutively selected from the MIMIC-IV database and categorized into quartiles based on their AAR. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality, and secondary endpoints were in-hospital mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), and renal replacement therapy (RRT). A restricted cubic splines model and Cox proportional hazard models assessed the association between AAR and adverse outcomes in CAD patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis determined differences in endpoints across subgroups. RESULTS: A total of 8360 patients were included. There were 726 patients (8.7%) died in the hospital and 1944 patients (23%) died at 1 year. The incidence of AKI and RRT was 63% and 4.3%, respectively. High AAR was markedly associated with in-hospital mortality (HR = 1.587, P = 0.003), 1-year mortality (HR = 1.502, P < 0.001), AKI incidence (HR = 1.579, P < 0.001), and RRT (HR = 1.640, P < 0.016) in CAD patients in the completely adjusted Cox proportional hazard model. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis noted substantial differences in all endpoints based on AAR quartiles. Stratified analysis and interaction test demonstrated stable correlations between AAR and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight that AAR may be a potential indicator for assessing in-hospital mortality, 1-year mortality, and adverse renal prognosis in critical CAD patients.

Mutations in ion channel genes have long been implicated in a spectrum of epilepsy syndromes. However, therapeutic decision-making is relatively complex for epilepsies associated with channelopathy. Therefore, in the present study, we used a patient-derived organoid model with a novel SCN2A mutation (p.E512K) to investigate the potential of utilizing such a model as a platform for preclinical testing of anti-seizure compounds. The electrophysiological properties of the variant Nav1.2 exhibited gain-of-function effects with increased current amplitude and premature activation. Immunofluorescence staining of patient-derived cortical organoids (COs) displayed normal neurodevelopment. Multielectrode array (MEA) recordings of patient-derived COs showed hyperexcitability with increased spiking and remarkable network bursts. Moreover, the application of patient-derived COs for preclinical drug testing using the MEA showed that they exhibit differential responses to various anti-seizure drugs and respond well to carbamazepine. Our results demonstrate that the individualized organoids have the potential to serve as a platform for preclinical pharmacological assessment.
Organoids/physiology* ; NAV1.2 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel/genetics* ; Humans ; Anticonvulsants/pharmacology* ; Epilepsy/drug therapy* ; Mutation ; Cerebral Cortex/drug effects* ; Action Potentials/drug effects* ; Carbamazepine/pharmacology*

Epilepsy, which leads to an enduring high tendency to generate epileptic seizures, is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of paroxysmal brain dysfunction due to abnormal synchronous neuronal discharges. Patients with epilepsy are usually comorbid with various sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome/periodic limb movement disorder (RLS/PLMD), chronic insomnia and narcolepsy. Frequent seizures may increase the risk of suffering from sleep disorders; conversely, poor control of sleep disorders exacerbates epilepsy. This review discusses common types of sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy, reveals potential mechanisms, and introduces new advances in the treatment of comorbidity between epilepsy and sleep disorders. The aim is to provide an overview of the close interactions between epilepsy and sleep disorders, providing new ideas and experiences for more effective treatment of sleep disorders and improving the prognosis of patients with epilepsy.

ObjectiveThe controllability changes of structural brain network were explored based on the control and brain network theory in young smokers, this may reveal that the controllability indicators can serve as a powerful factor to predict the sleep status in young smokers. MethodsFifty young smokers and 51 healthy controls from Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology were enrolled. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to construct structural brain network based on fractional anisotropy (FA) weight matrix. According to the control and brain network theory, the average controllability and the modal controllability were calculated. Two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences between the groups and Pearson correlation analysis to examine the correlation between significant average controllability and modal controllability with Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) in young smokers. The nodes with the controllability score in the top 10% were selected as the super-controllers. Finally, we used BP neural network to predict the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in young smokers. ResultsThe average controllability of dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, lenticular nucleus putamen, and lenticular nucleus pallidum, and the modal controllability of orbital inferior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, gyrus rectus, and posterior cingulate gyrus in the young smokers’ group, were all significantly different from those of the healthy controls group (P<0.05). The average controllability of the right supplementary motor area (SMA.R) in the young smokers group was positively correlated with FTND (r=0.393 0, P=0.004 8), while modal controllability was negatively correlated with FTND (r=-0.330 1, P=0.019 2). ConclusionThe controllability of structural brain network in young smokers is abnormal. which may serve as an indicator to predict sleep condition. It may provide the imaging evidence for evaluating the cognitive function impairment in young smokers.

Objective: To analyze CD36 gene by PacBio Sequel Ⅱ the third-generation sequencing technology (TGS), including non-coding sequence, and to investigate the molecular mechanism of CD36 deficiency. Methods: Flow cytometry was performed in the southern Chinese population to detect the CD36 phenotype. Among them, 15 cases of CD36 type I deficiency, 15 cases of CD36 type Ⅱ deficiency, and 10 positive samples were selected. The TGS of the CD36 gene was performed and statistical analysis was conducted. Results: 40 samples (including 15 cases of type I deficiency, 15 cases of type Ⅱ deficiency, and 10 positive samples) were subjected by TGS of CD36 full-length sequences (except part of intron1). A total of 180 polymorphic loci were identified. Among them, 13 kinds were in the coding region, the rest were in non-coding region, with most mutations located in regulatory regions such as the 5′-UTR and 3′-UTR. Conclusion: The high polymorphism of CD36 non-coding regions, particularly in regulatory sequences, provides mechanistic insights into type Ⅱ CD36 deficiency.