ObjectiveTo explore the central neuroregulation mechanism of heat-sensitive moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis on pain relief. MethodsThirty patients who did not have experience of Deqi （得气） during heat-sensitive moxibustion treatment were assigned to the "non-Deqi group"， while another 30 patients who had experience of Deqi were assigned to the "Deqi group". Both groups received moxibustion at the left Heding （EX-LE2） acupoint. In the Deqi group， after the patients experienced sensation of Deqi at the acupoint， moxibustion was applied at approximately 3 cm from the skin for 10 minutes； in the non-Deqi group， moxibustion was also applied at approximately 3 cm from the skin for 10 minutes. Both groups received treatment once daily for 10 consecutive days. Knee joint pain was assessed before and after treatment using the visual analog scale （VAS）. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging （rs-fMRI） scans were performed on all participants before the first treatment session and after the final session on the 10th day. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations （fALFF） maps before and after treatment were processed using the SPM12 module by MATLAB. ResultsAfter treatment， VAS scores in both groups were significantly lower than before treatment （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， with the Deqi group showing significantly lower VAS scores than the non-Deqi group （P＜0.01）. Compared to before treatment， the Deqi group exhibited significant activation in the prefrontal cortex （t = 6.28）， white matter （t = 6.36）， and left temporal lobe （t = 9.33）， while significant inhibition was observed in the occipital lobe （t = -9.86） and right cerebrum （t = -4.54， P＜0.01）； in the non-Deqi group， significant changes after treatment were observed in the left occipital lobe （t = -6.42）， left medial frontal gyrus （t = -4.35）， left middle frontal gyrus （t = -4.74）， right superior frontal gyrus （t = -4.82）， right superior temporal gyrus （t = -6.61）， and right cerebellar posterior lobe （t = -8.64）， all of which were in inhibited states （P＜0.01）. Compared to the non-Deqi group， the Deqi group exhibited significant activation after treatment in the external nucleus （t = 5.77）， white matter （t = 3.58）， right cerebrum （t = 5.84）， left cerebellum （t = 5.35）， and left cerebrum （t = 4.32）， while significant inhibition was observed in the prefrontal cortex （t = -4.16）， occipital lobe （t = -4.87）， and precentral gyrus （t = -4.46， P＜0.01）. ConclusionsHeat-sensitive moxibustion provides better analgesic effects for knee osteoarthritis under state of Deqi. Its central neuroregulation mechanism may be related to the involvement of the frontal lobe， temporal lobe， occipital lobe， external nucleus， white matter， right cerebrum， left cerebellum， left cerebrum， and precentral gyrus in modulating pain signals.

Objective To investigate and analyze the occupational stress levels and influencing factors among radiation workers in China, and provide a reference for alleviating occupational stress and promoting mental health. Methods Using the general situation questionnaire, Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire, and radiation protection knowledge questionnaire, a convenience sampling method was adopted to investigate the occupational stress of 243 radiation workers in Liaoning, Fujian, Guangdong, and Xinjiang provinces. The independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors. Results The average score of Effort-Reward Imbalance was 0.97 ± 0.22, and 100 (41.15%) radiation workers had occupational stress. There were significant differences in the detection rate of occupational stress among radiation workers of different ages, working years in radiation positions, monthly incomes, daily sleep durations, and daily working hours (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified daily working hours as a factor contributing to occupational stress. Conclusion The occupational stress among radiation workers in China is relatively severe. It is recommended to pay attention to the associated risks and implement targeted intervention measures to reduce the impact of occupational stress.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is crucial for regulating blood pressure and maintaining fluid balance, while clock genes are essential for sustaining biological rhythms and regulating metabolism. There exists a complex interplay between RAAS and clock genes that may significantly contribute to the development of various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Although current literature has identified correlations between these two systems, the specific mechanisms of their interaction remain unclear. Moreover, the interaction patterns under different physiological and pathological conditions need further investigation. This review summarizes the synergistic roles of the RAAS and clock genes in cardiovascular diseases, explores their molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological connections, discusses the application of chronotherapy, and highlights potential future research directions, aiming to provide novel insights for the prevention and treatment of related diseases.
Humans ; Renin-Angiotensin System/genetics* ; Cardiovascular Diseases/genetics* ; CLOCK Proteins/physiology* ; Animals

Objective To investigate the current situation of occupational stress among radiation workers in nuclear power plants in China, to explore the factors influencing occupational stress, and to provide a reference for improving occupational stress. Methods A convenient sampling method was adopted to investigate the occupational stress of 100 radiation workers in two nuclear power plants in Fujian and Liaoning, using the general situation questionnaire, effort-reward imbalance questionnaire, and the radiation protection knowledge questionnaire. Independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression analysis were used to examine the current situation of occupational stress and the influencing factors. Results The average value of effort-reward imbalance was 0.99 ± 0.15 and 47 (47%) radiation workers had occupational stress. There were significant differences in the detection rate of occupational stress among radiation workers with different ages, years of radiation work, monthly incomes, sleep durations (day), and exercise habits (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that monthly income, sleep duration (day), and exercise habits were the influencing factors for occupational stress. Conclusion The occupational stress of radiation workers in nuclear power plants is a serious issue influenced by many factors. Attention should be given to this issue, and targeted interventions should be implemented to improve the social and working environment of this occupational group and reduce the level of occupational stress.

Objective To investigate whether microRNA(miR)-199a-5p regulates blood-brain barrier(BBB)integrity through PI3K/Akt pathway after cerebral ischemia.Methods A permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)model was established in SPF adult male SD rats.Totally 48 rats were randomly divided into sham group(n=12),model group(n=12),MCAO+miR-199a-5p group(n=12),and MCAO+miR-199a-5p negative control group(n=12).The Ludmila Bellayev 12 point score was used to evaluate the neurobehavioral performance of rats;The integrity of the BBB after ischemia stroke was detected through Evans blue staining;Immunofluorescent staining was used to determine apoptosis after cerebral ischemia;Western blotting technology was used to detect the protein expression of claudin-5,phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase regulatory subunit 2(PIK3R2),p-Akt,Akt,and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-A;Real-time PCR was used to investigate the expression levels of miR-199a-5p,claudin-5,and VEGF-A in the ischemic penumbra and infarcted area of the brain.Results The result showed that miR-199a-5p mimic intervention improved proprioception and motor ability in MCAO rats.MiR-199a-5p mimic reduced the expression of PIK3R2 following ischemia stroke,activated the Akt signaling pathway,and increased the expression of claudin-5 and VEGF-A in the ischemic penumbra.In addition,miR-199a-5p alleviated inflammation after cerebral ischemia.MiR-199a-5p mimic reduced BBB permeability and reduced neuronal apoptosis after cerebral ischemia.Conclusion MiR-199a-5p can reduce the expression of PIK3R2 following ischemic stroke,activate the Akt signaling pathway,reduce the expression of inflammatory cytokines,and alleviate the damage to the blood-brain barrier.

Objective:To investigate the drug resistance status and genomic characterization of Proteus mirabilis (PM) isolated from outpatient cases with diarrhea in Tai′an City and Laizhou City, Shandong Province. Methods:A total of 510 fecal samples were collected from 510 patients with acute diarrhea admitted to 43 sentinel hospitals in Tai′an City and Laizhou City, Shandong Province, between January 2021 and December 2022. The samples were cultured and isolated to identify Proteus spp. by direct inoculation, the drug susceptibility testing was performed by microbroth dilution method, and resistance genes and virulence genes were obtained by whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, thereby revealing the genetic environment surrounding the blaOXA-1 and blaCTX-M-65 genes. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) were conducted on the current strains and 100 PM isolates downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database via customizable methods utilizing RidomSeqSphere+ software, with the objective of exploring the phylogenetic relationships among the strains. Results:A total of 35 strains of Proteus were isolated from 510 fecal samples, including 31 strains of PM with a detection rate of 6.08% (31/510) and four strains of Proteus vulgaris.The multidrug resistance rate of PM was 100.00% (31/31).The 35 isolates carried a total of 43 resistance genotypes.Thirteen strains of PM carried blaOXA-1, six strains carried both blaOXA-1 and blaCTX-M-65, and 15 PM strains carried at least 15 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The virulence genes included ureA, mrpA, ZapA, hpmA and so on. blaOXA-1 and blaCTX-M-65 genes were surrounded by mobile elements such as Tn3, ISL3 and IS6. cgMLST showed consistency with the SNP clustering results. Isolate 2022LZ41 from Laizhou City clustered with isolates 2022TA018, 2022TA017 and 2022TA019 from Tai′an City, with the number of allelic differences ranging from zero to two, and the Laizhou City isolate 2022LZ40 was highly genetically related to strain CRK0056 (human, USA, 2015). Conclusions:PM isolated from patients with diarrhea is multidrug-resistant, carrying many resistance and virulence genes.The presence of mobile genetic elements can lead to horizontal transfer of resistance genes.

Objective:To investigate the drug-resistant gene characteristics and core genome characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae (CR-ECL) in rural residents of Weifang City, Shandong Province. Methods:Fecal samples were collected from rural community residents in Weifang City, Shandong Province in 2017. Drug-resistant strains were screened using a carbapenem-resistant enterobacter chromogenic medium. CR-ECL positive strains were acquired via Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry(MALDI-TOFMS) analysis. The antibiotic resistance phenotype of CR-ECL was determined using a microbroth dilution assay. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and analysis were conducted, along with an examination of the immediate vicinity of the blaNDM gene and phylogenetic analysis of the strains. Results:A total of 628 fecal samples were collected and tested, of which 6 were CR-ECL positive (detection rate 0.96%), all exhibiting multiple drug resistance (MDR) phenotypes. Six CR-ECL strains had four MLST genotypes (ST), all of which carried multiple drug resistance genes ( blaNDM-1, blaNDM-5, etc.) and virulence genes ( acrA, acrB, entB, fepC, etc.). There were mobile genetic elements ISAba125, TN3-IS3000, TN3 and IS5 in the genetic environment surrounding the blaNDM gene. The phylogenetic tree showed that the multi-locus sequence typing of the core genome (cgMLST) was consistent with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) results. The cgMLST results showed that the allele differences between strains 2BC0101B and 2BC0251B, 2BG0561B and 2BI0221B were 2 and 1, respectively. The SNPs results showed that the above two pairs of bacteria also clustered together. It was found that the strains of chicken fecal samples in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database were located in the center of the evolutionary tree, and the local sequences could be traced back to American human sequences. Conclusion:Multidrug-resistant CR-ECL is detected in rural community residents in Weifang City, Shandong Province.

Objective To investigate the geographical distribution and seasonal fluctuations of visceral leishmaniasis vectors sandflies in Henan Province in 2023, so as to provide insights into the prevention and control of visceral leishmaniasis vectors. Methods A total of 23 counties (districts) were sampled from 18 cities of Henan Province from May to September, 2023 as sandfly surveillance sites, and sandflies were captured using human capture and light trapping methods. Following morphological identification, the changes in the sandfly density were calculated at different months and in different breeding habitats. Results A total of 406 light traps were set at sandfly surveillance sites in Henan Province from May to September, 2023, and a total of 3 137 female sandlies were captured, with an average density of 7.73 sandlies/(light·night). A total of 1 494 Phlebotomus chinensis sandflies were captured, including 1 222 female sandflies, with an average density of 3.01 sandflies/(light·night), and the highest density of P. chinensis was found in Gongyi City [17.00 sandflies/(light·night)]. A total of 5 544 sandflies were captured using the human capture method, including 230 P. chinensis, and the density of P. chinensis appeared a unimodal distribution, with a peak in early July [5.81 sandflies/(light·night)]. Among different breeding habitats, the highest P. chinensis density was detected in pigpens [4.50 sandflies/(light·night)]. Conclusions P. chinensis was predominantly distributed in hilly areas of northern and central-western Henan Province in 2023, and the sandfly density appeared a unimodal distribution. Intensified monitoring of visceral leishmaniasis vectors is recommended.

Objective To characterize the species of common sandflies in Henan Province using DNA barcoding with cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene as the molecular marker, and to analyze the genetic polymorphisms of sandflies, so as to provide insights into visceral leishmaniasis prevention and control in Henan Province. Methods Sandfly specimens were sampled from 13 sandflies surveillance sites from 2021 to 2023 in Anyang City, Zhengzhou, Luoyang and Xuchang cities (Zhengzhou-Luoyang-Xuchang areas) where visceral leishmaniasis cases were reported and in Jiaozuo and Xinxiang cities (Jiaozuo-Xinxiang areas) without visceral leishmaniasis cases reported. Genomic DNA was extracted from a single sandfly, and COI gene was amplified. The amplification product was subjected to bidirectional sequencing. Following sequence assembly, the species of sandflies was characterized through sequence alignment using the BLAST tool. The intra-specific and inter-specific genetic distances of sandflies were estimated among different areas using the software Mega 11, and phylogenetic trees were created. The polymorphisms of nucleotide sequences in the sandflies COI gene were estimated using the software DnaSP. The fixation index (F_ST) of different geographical isolates of sandflies was calculated using the Arlequin software, and the gene flow value (Nm) was used to measure the gene flow in the sandflies populations. In addition, the population genetic structure of different geographical populations of Phlebotomus chinensis was analyzed using the STRUCTURE software. Results A total of 978 sandflies were collected from 13 sandflies surveillance sites in Zhengzhou-Luoyang-Xuchang areas, Jiaozuo-Xinxiang areas and Anyang City of Henan Province from 2021 to 2023, and 475 sandflies were randomly sampled for subsequent detections. A total of 304 Ph. chinensis, 162 Se. squamirostris and 9 Se. bailyi were identified based on molecular biological detection of the COI gene, and Se. bailyi was reported for the first time in Henan Province. The intraspecific genetic distances of sandflies were 0.000 to 0.040, and the inter-specific genetic distances ranged from 0.133 to 0.161. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that each of the three sandfly species was clustered into a clade. The genetic polymorphisms of Ph. chinensis populations varied among different areas, with the highest haplotype diversity (0.966 ± 0.007) and the greatest nucleotide diversity (0.011) in Zhengzhou-Luoyang-Xuchang areas, and the lowest haplotype diversity (0.720 ± 0.091) and nucleotide diversity (0.004) in Anyang City. The dominant haplotype of Ph. chinensis populations was Pch_Hap_2 in Anyang City and Jiaozuo-Xinxiang areas, with moderate genetic differentiation (0.05 < F_ST < 0.15) and frequent gene exchange (Nm value > 1) between Ph. chinensis populations sampled from Anyang City, and Jiaozuo-Xinxiang areas. Population genetic structure analysis showed that the dominant component of Ph. chinensis populations was K5 in Anyang City and Jiaozuo-Xinxiang areas. No obvious dominant haplotype was observed in Ph. chinensis populations sampled from Zhengzhou-Luoyang-Xuchang areas, which had very high genetic differentiation (F_ST > 0.25) and little gene exchange (Nm value < 1) with Ph. chinensis populations from Anyang City, and Jiaozuo-Xinxiang areas, with K3 as the dominant component. In addition, there was no significant difference in the genetic polymorphism level among Se. squamirostris populations from the three areas. Conclusions There are Ph. chinensis, Se. squamirostris and Se. bailyi in Henan Province, and S. bailyi is recorded for the first time in Henan Province by molecular biological assays. There are different levels of genetic differentiation and gene exchange among P. chinensis populations in different areas of Henan Province.