Background Although current evidence suggests a link between outdoor air pollution and depressive symptoms, the effect of solid fuel use (a significant indoor air pollutant) on depressive symptoms in China's rural middle-aged and elderly population remains poorly understood. Objective To explore the association between solid fuel use for cooking and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas of China, and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of depressive symptoms among residents in rural areas. Methods Data were obtained from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), depressive symptoms were assessed using 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and cooking fuel type was self-reported. Subsequently, two-level binary unconditional logistic regression models were fitted to assess the impact of solid fuel use for cooking on depressive symptoms. Results A total of 7991 participants aged 45 years and older [mean age (58.52±9.18) years] were included in the study, with a mean CES-D score of 6.07±4.48 and a mean positive depressive symptoms rate of 34% (40.54% in the solid fuel group and 30.81% in the clean fuel group, χ²=74.40, P<0.001). After controlling for potential confounding covariates, rural middle-aged and elderly residents in the solid fuel group had a higher risk of reporting depressive symptoms than those in the clean fuel group (OR=1.36, 95%CI: 1.20-1.54), an association that was unaffected by participant characteristics and was positive across age and gender groups. Conclusion There is a positive association between solid fuel use for cooking and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and elderly people in rural areas of China. It is recommended that rural areas promote the upgrading of stoves through the installation of ventilation equipment or the switch from solid cooking fuel to clean fuel. This approach is directed toward reducing exposure to household air pollution, alleviating the prevalence of depression among middle-aged and elderly residents in vast rural areas, and enhancing their mental health.

Cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a non-atherosclerotic, non-amyloidogenic inherited cerebral small vessel disease caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene, typically manifesting in middle age. The diagnosis can be confirmed through the detection of granular osmiophilic material in skin biopsies and NOTCH3 gene mutations identified by genetic testing. However, the pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear, and treatment options are limited. A major contributing factor is that currently available preclinical animal models fail to adequately recapitulate the characteristic pathological features and clinical phenotypes of the disease. Therefore, a comprehensive review of recent advances in CADASIL animal models was conducted, and the advantages and limitations of existing models were systematically analyzed, aiming to offer guidance for selecting appropriate animal models in fundamental research and to propose future directions for developing experimental models.

Objective: To explore the changes of mechanosensitive channels Piezos (Piezo 1 and Piezo 2) in neurogenic bladder (NB) of young rats and their effects，so as to provide reference for clinical search of new therapeutic targets. Methods: A total of 30 female young SD rats were divided into 5 groups based on random number table method：sham operation group (sham)，2-week nerve transection group (NB-2W)，6-week nerve transection group (NB-6W)，2-week nerve transection + Piezos inhibitor group (NB-P-2W) and 6-week nerve transection + Piezos inhibitor group (NB-P-6W)，with 6 rats in each group.The NB models were constructed by transecting the L6 and S1 spinal nerves of young rats.The NB-2W and NB-6W groups were not intervened after modeling，while the NB-P-2W and NB-P-6W groups were intraperitoneally injected with Piezos inhibitor GsMTx4 (10 mg/kg) every 2 days after modeling.Bladder cystometry and ultrasound were performed after 2 and 6 weeks of transection.The expressions of Piezos and fibrosis-related indexes (Collagen Ⅰ and α-smooth muscle actin) were detected in bladder tissues. Results: The results of bladder cystometry showed that the basal bladder pressure in NB-2W group was significantly increased，while it was slightly decreased but was still higher in NB-6W group than in the sham group (P<0.05).Basal bladder pressure was lower in NB-P-2W group than in NB-2W group，but was higher than that in the sham group; basal bladder pressure was lower in NB-P-6W group than in NB-6W group，but higher than that in the sham group (P<0.05).Compared with the sham group，the NB-2W and NB-6W groups had firstly increased and then decreased maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) (P<0.05).Compared with NB-2W group，NB-P-2W group had lower bladder leakage point pressure (BLPP)，but higher MCC and bladder compliance (BC) (P<0.05).Compared with NB-6W group，NB-P-6W group had significantly lower BLPP but higher MCC and BC (P<0.05).HE and MASSON staining and ultrasound results showed that，with the extension of nerve transection time，bladder fibrosis gradually worsened，the bladder wall became rough and thickened，calculi were visible inside，and hydronephrosis gradually appeared; the degree of fibrosis in NB-P-2W and NB-P-6W groups was less than that in NB-2W and NB-6W groups，and no hydronephrosis was observed in the upper urinary tract.In addition，Western blotting and immunohistochemical results showed that NB-2W and NB-6W groups had significantly higher relative expression levels of Piezos，Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA than the sham group (P<0.01)，while NB-P-2W and NB-P-6W groups had lower relative expression levels of Piezos,Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA than NB-2W and NB-6W groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: The increased expressions of mechanosensitive channels Piezos in NB young rats may be involved in the progression of bladder fibrosis，but its mechanism needs further study.

Cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a non-atherosclerotic, non-amyloidogenic inherited cerebral small vessel disease caused by mutations in the NOTCH3 gene, typically manifesting in middle age. The diagnosis can be confirmed through the detection of granular osmiophilic material in skin biopsies and NOTCH3 gene mutations identified by genetic testing. However, the pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear, and treatment options are limited. A major contributing factor is that currently available preclinical animal models fail to adequately recapitulate the characteristic pathological features and clinical phenotypes of the disease. Therefore, a comprehensive review of recent advances in CADASIL animal models was conducted, and the advantages and limitations of existing models were systematically analyzed, aiming to offer guidance for selecting appropriate animal models in fundamental research and to propose future directions for developing experimental models.

Objective:To explore the predictive value of multimodal ultrasound (MMU) for upper urinary tract damage (UUTD) in children with neurogenic bladder (NB).Methods:This was a case-series study.From January 2022 to December 2023, 87 children with NB admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were examined by MMU.During the filling of bladder, vesical volume (VV), bladder wall thickness (BWT), shear wave velocity (SWV) of the anterior wall, resistance index (RI), and vascularization index (VI) were measured.After the emptying of bladder, VV and anterior wall SWV were measured, and ultrasound bladder compliance (△C) was calculated.The anterior posterior diameter (APD) of the renal pelvis and ureteral diameter (UD) were also measured.According to the upper/lower urinary tract dysfunction classification criteria, NB children were divided into a UUTD group and a non-UUTD (NUUTD) group.The differences in clinical data and related examinations between the 2 groups were analyzed to screen out independent risk factors, and an early warning model was established based on these factors.The prediction efficiency of the model and the urodynamic study (UDS) for UUTD was compared.Results:(1) There were 47 children in the UUTD group and 40 children in the NUUTD group.There was no significant difference in gender, age and body mass index between the 2 groups (all P>0.05).(2) In the UUTD group, the total glomerular filtration rate (tGFR) was (70.45±16.17) mL/min, the incidence of hydronephrosis was 38.30%, and the incidence of ureteral dilatation was 23.40%.No morphological changes were found in the imaging examination of the urinary system in the NUUTD group, and its tGFR was (100.55±16.27) mL/min.There was a significant difference in tGFR between the 2 groups ( P<0.05).(3) The filling VV, emptying VV, mean BWT, filling SWV, emptying SWV, VI, mean RI, △C, maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), maximum detrusor pressure during filling (Pdet.max), bladder compliance (BC), and detrusor leak point pressure (DLPP) in the NUUTD group were (218.43±87.53) mL, (14.62±6.14) mL, (3.08±0.65) mm, (2.64±0.54) m/s, (1.88±0.41) m/s, (6.20±1.04)%, 0.68±0.04, (147.58±49.18) mm 2·s, (309.50±66.54) mL, (59.83±19.79) cmH 2O(1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa), (25.80±10.34) mL/cmH 2O, and (34.00±6.16) cmH 2O, respectively.Compared with the NUUTD group, the UUTD group showed decreased filling VV [(167.21±85.63) mL], △C [(78.49±31.86) mm 2·s], VI [(5.01±0.81) %], MCC [(255.32±75.10) mL], and BC [(12.57±6.44) mL/cmH 2O], and increased emptying VV [(19.50±7.65) mL], mean BWT [(4.02±0.82) mm], filling SWV [(3.99±1.07) m/s], emptying SWV [(2.15±0.35) m/s], mean RI (0.70±0.08), Pdet.max [(75.94±26.23) cmH 2O], and DLPP [(48.13±12.61) cmH 2O] (all P<0.05).(4) The decreased BC ( OR=0.841, 95% CI: 0.562-1.256, P=0.045), △C ( OR=0.427, 95% CI: 0.202-0.904, P=0.026) and VI ( OR=0.461, 95% CI: 0.091-2.325, P=0.010) and the increased DLPP ( OR=1.139, 95% CI: 0.894-1.451, P=0.040), filling SWV ( OR=1.895, 95% CI: 1.082-3.321, P=0.007) and mean BWT ( OR=1.191, 95% CI: 0.850-1.669, P=0.025) were independent risk factors for UUTD.Among MMU parameters, filling SWV had the highest prediction efficiency for UUTD, with a threshold of 3.33 m/s, sensitivity of 72.34% and specificity of 92.50%. Conclusions:MMU can well predict the occurrence of UUTD in children with NB, and filling SWV has the highest prediction efficiency.

In the course of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infec-tion,to verify whether ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)can reduce angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)receptor in BALB/c mice and reduce the risk of infection.UDCA was administered by in-tragastric administration to BALB/c mice for 7 d.During the treatment,the turbinate bones and lungs of mice were taken every day,and the changes of ACE2 content in the turbinate bones and lungs of mice were detected by ELISA.In addition,after 1,4 and 7 d of intragastric prophylaxis,BALB/c mice were infected with SARS-CoV-2 C57MA14 mouse adapted strain and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron DY1.1,respectively,after nasal inoculation,and viral load was detected on the turnings and lungs of mice 3 d after challenge to evaluate the preventive effect.In addition,UDCA was used to treat BALB/c mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 C57MA14 mouse adapted strain after nasal drops by gavage for 3 d,and the viral load of the mouse turbinate and lung was detected to evaluate the therapeutic effect.UDCA can decrease ACE2 content in turbinate and lung of BALB/c mice.How-ever,after 1,4 and 7 d of UDCA intragastric administration,there was no statistical difference in viral load in turbinate and lung of BALB/c mice between the prevention group and the virus con-trol group.There was no significant difference in the viral load of the turbinate and lung between the UDCA treatment group and the viral control group.UDCA could reduce the ACE2 content in the turnings and lungs of aged BALB/c mice,but the daily dose and duration of UDCA treatment had no significant effect on the mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 C57MA14 mouse adapted strain and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron DY1.1.

【Objective】 To explore the effect of B lymphocytes on cardiac structure and function and myocardial immune cells during heart development. 【Methods】 Echocardiography, immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the composition of immune cells of the heart and the cardiac structure and function in wild-type (WT) mice and B-lymphocyte-deficient (μMT) mice, respectively. 【Results】 Compared with those of μMT mice, the ratio of heart weight to mouse weight (P<0.05), left ventricular mass (P<0.05) and the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells WT mice were significantly increased, while the ventricular ejection fraction was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The results of mRNA sequencing showed that WT mice and μMT mice differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the signal pathway of heart development and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The results of flow cytometry showed that WT mice had more Ly6g⁺ neutrophils, CD4⁺ positive T cells (P<0.001) and CD8⁺T cells (P<0.05) compared with μMT mice. 【Conclusion】 B-lymphocyte depletion alters the composition of cardiomyocyte immune cells, reduces left ventricular mass, and increases myocardial contractility.

Objective:To investigate the changes in the morphology, structure and function of the bladders and their effects on the upper urinary tract dilatation(UUTD) after lumbosacral nerve transecting in rats.Methods:A total of 45 female SD rats were included, randomly divided into 3 groups with 15 rats in each group. Two groups were performed bilateral lumbar 6(L6) and cauda equina nerve shearing to establish neurogenic bladder(NB) model, which were nerve transected for 4 weeks(NB-4W) group and nerve transected for 12 weeks(NB-12W) group. Another group was performed bilateral L6 nerves and cauda equine exposing but not transecting, which was sham-operation (Sham) group. Cystometry and renal ultrasound examination were performed and rats in each group were killed to collect the kidney and bladder tissues in NB-4W group at 4 weeks, in Sham group and NB-12W group at 12 weeks after operation. HE, Masson staining, immunohistochemical staining and western blot were used to detect histological changes, expression of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA).Results:All rats in NB-4W and NB-12W group showed acontractile detrusor. In the NB-4W and NB-12W group, the maximum cystometric capacity [(5.84±0.33) ml and (3.13±0.35) ml], the detrusor leak point pressure [(25.41±0.86) cm H 2O and (27.36±2.04) cm H 2O] (1 cm H 2O = 0.098 kPa), were significantly higher than those in the Sham group [(0.98±0.14) ml, (7.13±0.90) cm H 2O, both P<0.05]. Compliance in NB-4W group [(0.28±0.21) ml/cm H 2O] and NB-12W group [(0.17±0.12) ml/cm H 2O] were significantly lower than that of the Sham group [(0.34±0.26) ml/cm H 2O], and the compliance of NB-12W group was lower than that of NB-4W group significantly (all P<0.05). HE staining of the bladder showed that the inflammatory cell infiltration was obvious in the NB-4W and NB-12W group. Bladder collagen volume fractions in NB-4W group [(30.5±1.5) %] and NB-12W group [(45.2±3.8) %] were both higher than that of Sham group [(20.7±2.2) %, both P<0.05]. The expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA in the bladder tissue of NB-4W group were higher than those of sham group, and that of NB-12W group were higher than NB-4W group. In NB-4W group and NB-12W group, 3 (20.0 %) and 7 (46.7 %) rats were found hydronephrosis, respectively. Additionally, HE staining showed that the degree of renal tubule injury and the number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the NB-4W and NB-12W group were higher than those in the Sham group. Masson staining showed that the volume fraction of collagen in kidneys of NB-4W and NB-12W group were (13.1±1.4) % and (21.6±1.9) %, respectively, which were significantly higher than that in sham operation group [(4.6±0.7) %, both P<0.05]. Conclusions:Bilateral L6 + cauda equina nerve transecting can induce NB with hydronephrosis in parts of rats. The degree of bladder fibrosis gradually increased with the time of nerve transection, and the incidence and severity of UUTD also increased with the time of nerve transection.

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC, OMIN: 604004) caused by mutations in the MLC1 gene, is an rare autosomal recessive disorder. More patients are with infancy and young children onset, whereas adult cases are rare. Only 2 patients from 1 family have been reported in domestic adult cases. Now a 58-year-old female MLC patient is reported. The clinical manifestations of the patient included large head circumference, slow responses, walking difficulties, seizures and paroxysmal loss of consciousness. The result of whole exome sequencing revealed a homozygous insertion mutation c.920_943dup in the MLC1 gene. The mutation in this patient has not been reported in the Human Gene Mutation Database.

Objective:To explore the application of microvascular flow imaging (MVFI) combined with high-frequency ultrasonography in children with haemophilic arthropathy A (HAA).Methods:Retrospective study.A total of 82 children diagnosed with HAA in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2018 to October 2020 were recruited.The elbow, knee and ankle joints of each child were examined by high-frequency ultrasonography.The numbers of thickened synovial joints were recorded.Blood flow signals of the thickening of synovial joints was checked by the MVFI and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS), respectively.Color flow signals were graded by the semi-quantitative scoring systems.The chi- square test and independent multi-group ordinal multi-category rank-sum test were used to compare the differences of MVFI and PDUS in the display of thickened synovial blood flow. Results:A total of 254 joints were involved in 82 children with HAA, including synovial hypertrophy in 188 joints, hydrops articuli in 146 joints, fibrotic septa in 66 joints, cartilage damage in 63 joints, haemosider indeposition in 45 joints, bone erosion in 25 joints, osteophytes in 15 joints and bone remodeling in 8 joints.Grade Ⅱ synovial thickened joints were the most common.The proportion of blood flow signals detected by PDUS in thickened synovial membranes was significantly higher than that detected MVFI (52.66% vs.70.21%, χ2=12.225, P<0.05). Numbers of grade 0 and Ⅰ joints with thickened synovial membranes detected by MVFI were less than those of PDUS, while the opposite result was obtained in detecting grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ joints ( H=21.158, P<0.05). Compared with PDUS, MVFI more sensitively visualized the blood flow of the thickened synovial membrane. Conclusions:MVFI can more prominently detect the thickened synovial blood flow in children with HAA.A combined application of MVFI and high-frequency ultrasonography contributes to the evaluation of children with HAA.