Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.

Following the core outcome set standards for development(COS-STAD), this study aims to construct core outcome set(COS) for clinical research on traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) treatment of simple obesity. Firstly, a comprehensive review was conducted on the randomized controlled trial(RCT) and systematic review(SR) about TCM treatment of simple obesity that were published in Chinese and English databases to collect reported outcomes. Additional outcomes were obtained through semi-structured interviews with patients and open-ended questionnaire surveys for clinicians. All the collected outcomes were then merged and organized as an initial outcome pool, and then a preliminary list of outcomes was formed after discussion by the working group. Subsequently, two rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted with clinicians, methodology experts, and patients to score the importance of outcomes in the list. Finally, a consensus meeting was held to establish the COS for clinical research on TCM treatment of simple obesity. A total of 221 RCTs and 12 SRs were included, and after integration of supplementary outcomes, an initial outcome pool of 141 outcomes were formed. Following discussions in the steering advisory group meeting, a preliminary list of 33 outcomes was finalized, encompassing 9 domains. Through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a consensus meeting, the final COS for clinical research on TCM treatment of simple obesity was determined to include 8 outcomes: TCM symptom scores, body mass index(BMI), waist-hip ratio, waist circumference, visceral fat index, body fat rate, quality of life, and safety, which were classified into 4 domains: TCM-related outcomes, anthropometric measurements, quality of life, and safety. This study has preliminarily established a COS for clinical research on TCM treatment of simple obesity. It helps reduce the heterogeneity in the selection and reporting of outcomes in similar clinical studies, thereby improving the comparability of research results and the feasibility of meta-analysis and providing higher-level evidence support for clinical practice.
Humans ; Obesity/therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Treatment Outcome ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.

Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.

Objective:To investigate the molecular mechanism by which exosomes secreted from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) regulate pancreatic cancer (PC) cells.Methods:The exosomes secreted by BMSCs were extracted and identified. Human PC cell lines (PANC-1 and AsPC-1) were then divided into 3 groups: simple cell group, exosome group and inhibitor group. For inhibitor group, PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway inhibitor LY294002 was added, followed by exosomes. Subsequently, the protein expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) protein kinase B(AKT) and their phosphorylated types was detected by Western-blot, and the contents of PC cell markers B7-H4 and CA199 were detected by ELISA kit. The CCK-8 experiment was mainly conducted to detect the proliferation ability of cells, the flow cytometry to detect apoptosis, and the Transwell experiment to detect the migration and invasion ability of cells.Results:The exosomes secreted by BMSCs were extracted successfully. The expression of PC cell markers B7-H4 and CA199, the proliferation rate, and the invasion and migration ability of cancer cells were all decreased for both PANC-1 and AsPC-1, while the apoptosis rate increased, all of which had statistical significance ( P<0.001). There were no significant differences for the above parameter in inhibitor group compared with the simple cell group ( P>0.05). The p-PI3K and p-Akt of PANC-1 cells in simple cell group were (5.81±1.87), (5.30±1.21), while up-regulated to (12.74±3.28), (11.22±2.35) with statistically significant differences ( P<0.001) after exosomes were added. Meanwhile, the above 2 kinds of protein expression of AsPC-1 cells in simple cell group were (4.75±0.87), (4.15±1.32), while increased to (10.83±3.19), (9.28±2.33) in exosome group with statistically significant differences ( P<0.001). On the other hand, there was no significant differences for the protein expression of P-PI3K and P-AKT in inhibitor group ( P>0.05) compared with the simple cell group. Conclusion:Exosomes secreted by BMSCS can inhibit the proliferation of PC cells and its migration and invasion ability by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thus playing a role in antitumor effect.

Objective: To evaluate the secondary attack rates of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and the associated factors. Methods: A total of 328 primary cases and 40 146 close contacts of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant routinely detected in local areas of Jiangsu Province from February to April 2022 were selected in this study, and those with positive nucleic acid test results during 7 days of centralized isolation medical observation were defined as secondary cases. The demographic information and clinical characteristics were collected, and the secondary attack rate (SAR) and the associated factors were analyzed by using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 1 285 secondary cases of close contacts were reported from 328 primary cases, with a SAR of 3.2% (95%CI: 3.0%-3.4%). Among the 328 primary cases, males accounted for 61.9% (203 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 38.5 (27, 51) years old. Among the 1 285 secondary cases, males accounted for 59.1% (759 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 34 (17, 52) years old. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the higher SAR was observed in the primary male cases (OR=1.632, 95%CI: 1.418-1.877), younger than 20 years old (OR=1.766, 95%CI: 1.506-2.072),≥60 years old (OR=1.869, 95%CI: 1.476-2.365), infected with the BA.2 strain branch (OR=2.906, 95%CI: 2.388-3.537), the confirmed common cases (OR=2.572, 95%CI: 2.036-3.249), and confirmed mild cases (OR=1.717, 95%CI: 1.486-1.985). Meanwhile, the higher SAR was observed in the close contacts younger than 20 years old (OR=2.604, 95%CI: 2.250-3.015),≥60 years old (OR=1.287, 95%CI: 1.052-1.573) and exposure for co-residence (OR=27.854, 95%CI: 23.470-33.057). Conclusion: The sex and age of the primary case of the Omicron variant, the branch of the infected strain, case severity of the primary case, as well as the age and contact mode of close contacts are the associated factors of SAR.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Adult ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Logistic Models

Aim To investigate the effeot of Shenqi Fuzheng injection on the prevention of immune myocarditis induced by anti-PD-1 antibody by reducing the production of inflammatory factors and the expression of myocardial injury markers. Methods Thirty-two maie PD-1 humanized mice with C57BL/6 genetic background were randomly divided into control group, myocarditis model group, anti-PD-1 antibody group and Shenqi Fuzheng injection group (n = 8). Except the control group, mice in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with myocardial myosin heavy chain peptide (5 mg • kg

OBJECTIVE: To compare the short-term clinical efficacy of SuperCap approach and direct anterior approach in total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Clinical data of 70 patients who underwent minimally invasive SuperCap approach and DAA THA in January 2016 to June 2017 were retrospective analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups:SuperCap approach group(SuperCap group) and direct anterior approach group(DAA group). There were 15 males and 15 females in SuperCap group, aged from 45 to 71 years old, and the follow-up time ranged from 24 to 30 months. There were 24 males and 16 females in Group B, aged from 51 to 76 years and the follow-up time ranged from 24 to 36 months. Hemoglobin level of the 3rd day after operation, transfusion rate, acetabular abduction angle, anteversion angle and creatine kinase level of the 3rd day after operation, Harris score of 3 months and the last time, VAS score of 1 week and the last time were recorded and compared. Complications were recorded at the final follow-up. RESULTS: All patients were followed up, the follow-up time of SuperCap group ranged from 24 to 30 months, that of DAA group ranged from 24 to 36 months. No significant differences were found in hemoglobin level on the 3rd day after operation, transfusion rate, Harris score or VAS score between two group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Harris score between 3 months after operation and the final follow-up in both groups (P>0.05). There were no significant difference in VAS scores of 6 weeks after operation and on the final follow-up neither(P>0.05). The level of creatine kinase in SuperCap group was significant lower than that in DAA group(P<0.05). Until the final follow-up, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSION The clinical effect of minimally invasive SuperCap approach after total hip arthroplasty is comparable to that of DAA approach with less soft tissue injury. Patients can recover rapidly after operation and it is a safe and effective surgical approach for surgeons with short learning curve.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; Retrospective Studies ; Antiviral Agents ; Treatment Outcome ; Creatine Kinase ; Hemoglobins

Objective: To evaluate the secondary attack rates of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and the associated factors. Methods: A total of 328 primary cases and 40 146 close contacts of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant routinely detected in local areas of Jiangsu Province from February to April 2022 were selected in this study, and those with positive nucleic acid test results during 7 days of centralized isolation medical observation were defined as secondary cases. The demographic information and clinical characteristics were collected, and the secondary attack rate (SAR) and the associated factors were analyzed by using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 1 285 secondary cases of close contacts were reported from 328 primary cases, with a SAR of 3.2% (95%CI: 3.0%-3.4%). Among the 328 primary cases, males accounted for 61.9% (203 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 38.5 (27, 51) years old. Among the 1 285 secondary cases, males accounted for 59.1% (759 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 34 (17, 52) years old. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the higher SAR was observed in the primary male cases (OR=1.632, 95%CI: 1.418-1.877), younger than 20 years old (OR=1.766, 95%CI: 1.506-2.072),≥60 years old (OR=1.869, 95%CI: 1.476-2.365), infected with the BA.2 strain branch (OR=2.906, 95%CI: 2.388-3.537), the confirmed common cases (OR=2.572, 95%CI: 2.036-3.249), and confirmed mild cases (OR=1.717, 95%CI: 1.486-1.985). Meanwhile, the higher SAR was observed in the close contacts younger than 20 years old (OR=2.604, 95%CI: 2.250-3.015),≥60 years old (OR=1.287, 95%CI: 1.052-1.573) and exposure for co-residence (OR=27.854, 95%CI: 23.470-33.057). Conclusion: The sex and age of the primary case of the Omicron variant, the branch of the infected strain, case severity of the primary case, as well as the age and contact mode of close contacts are the associated factors of SAR.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Adult ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Logistic Models