Objective To investigate the population density and seasonal fluctuations of Aedes albopictus in Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, from 2021 to 2023, so as to provide insights into A. albopictus control and management of dengue fever. Methods The surveillance of A. albopictus density was performed in all surveillance sites assigned across all streets (townships) in Guangzhou City during the period from January to December from 2021 to 2023. The surveillance frequency was twice every half month from May to September, and once every month for the rest of a year. In each surveillance period, A. albopictus mosquito larvae were captured from indoor and outdoor small water containers in residential areas, parks, medical facilities, schools, other government sectors and social organizations, construction sites, special industries and others for mosquito species identification. Adult mosquitoes were captured using electric mosquito suction apparatus for species identification and gender classification. Adult mosquitoes and mosquito eggs were collected with mosquito and egg traps at the breeding and dwelling places of Aedes mosquitoes for identification. The mosquito oviposition index (MOI), Breteau index (BI), adult mosquito density index (ADI) and standard space index (SSI) were calculated. The A. albopictus density was classified into grades 0, 1, 2 and 3 in each surveillance site, with Grade 0 density defined eligible, and the eligible rate of A. albopictus density was calculated at all surveillance sites each year from 2021 to 2023. In addition, the changing trends in MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus were analyzed in Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023. Results The eligible rates of A. albopictus density were 61.69%, 68.75% and 55.15% in surveillance sites of Guangzhou City from 2021 to 2023 (χ² = 297.712, P < 0.001), and appeared a tendency towards a reduction followed by a rise each year, which gradually reduced since January, maintained at a low level during the period between May and October, and gradually increased from November to December. The MOI, SSI, BI and ADI of A. albopictus all appeared a tendency towards a rise followed by a reduction in Guangzhou City during the period between January and December from 2021 to 2023. The BI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (4.03), the first half of July in 2022 (3.89) and the last half of August in 2023 (5.02), and the SSI of A. albopictus peaked in the last half of June in 2021 (0.93), the last half of May in 2022 (0.59), and the last half of June (0.94) and the first half of September in 2023 (1.12). In addition, the MOI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of May in 2021 (8.64), the first half of June in 2022 (8.96), and the last half of May (10.21) and the last half of June in 2023 (10.89), and the ADI of A. albopictus peaked in the first half of June in 2021 (3.41), the last half of June in 2022 (4.06), and the first half of July in 2023 (3.61). Conclusions The density of A. albopictus is high in Guangzhou City during the period from May to October, and the risk of local outbreak caused by imported dengue fever is high. Persistent intensified surveillance of the density and seasonal fluctuation of A. albopictus is recommended and timely mosquito prevention and control is required according to the fluctuation in the A. albopictus density.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with central nervous system (CNS) damage caused by brucellosis and to explore its value in the clinical diagnosis of brucellosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of patients with CNS damage due to brucellosis who were admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases, Beidahuang Group General Hospital from December 2007 to December 2022. Epidemiological, clinical features, and CSF test results were analyzed.Results:There were a total of 50 patients with CNS damage caused by brucellosis, including 32 males and 18 females, with an age range of 18 to 72 years and a median of 45 years. All patients had a history of sheep contact. Among the 50 patients, 15 case (30.0%) had combined meningitis, 5 case (10.0%) had meningoencephalitis, 28 case (56.0%) had myelitis, 2 case (4.0%) had brain abscesses, 29 cases (58.0%) had limb motor and sensory dysfunction, 22 case (44.0%) had nausea, vomiting, and cervical stiffness, and 4 case (8.0%) experienced seizures and persistent coma. Abnormal CSF changes were observed in 48 patients, including increased intracranial pressure (> 200 mmH 2O, 1 mmH 2O = 0.009 8 kPa) in 30 cases, elevated white blood cell count in 40 cases, increased globulin levels in 47 cases, and decreased glucose and chloride levels in 38 and 40 cases, respectively. Conclusions:Patients with CNS damage caused by brucellosis exhibit diverse clinical manifestations, and abnormalities in CSF biochemical analysis are relatively commom. Epidemiological contact history and CSF analysis are of significant diagnostic value.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with central nervous system (CNS) damage caused by brucellosis and to explore its value in the clinical diagnosis of brucellosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of patients with CNS damage due to brucellosis who were admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases, Beidahuang Group General Hospital from December 2007 to December 2022. Epidemiological, clinical features, and CSF test results were analyzed.Results:There were a total of 50 patients with CNS damage caused by brucellosis, including 32 males and 18 females, with an age range of 18 to 72 years and a median of 45 years. All patients had a history of sheep contact. Among the 50 patients, 15 case (30.0%) had combined meningitis, 5 case (10.0%) had meningoencephalitis, 28 case (56.0%) had myelitis, 2 case (4.0%) had brain abscesses, 29 cases (58.0%) had limb motor and sensory dysfunction, 22 case (44.0%) had nausea, vomiting, and cervical stiffness, and 4 case (8.0%) experienced seizures and persistent coma. Abnormal CSF changes were observed in 48 patients, including increased intracranial pressure (> 200 mmH 2O, 1 mmH 2O = 0.009 8 kPa) in 30 cases, elevated white blood cell count in 40 cases, increased globulin levels in 47 cases, and decreased glucose and chloride levels in 38 and 40 cases, respectively. Conclusions:Patients with CNS damage caused by brucellosis exhibit diverse clinical manifestations, and abnormalities in CSF biochemical analysis are relatively commom. Epidemiological contact history and CSF analysis are of significant diagnostic value.

Objective:To identify and characterize one Yokenella regensburgei strain(designated as CXLZQ123) isolated from a case of perionychial abscess. Methods:Strain CXLZQ123 was isolated from a patient with periungual abscess at the Dermatology Department of San County Central Hospital in June 2, 2023. The strain was initially identified through morphological and biochemical tests, followed by mass spectrometry identification, 16S rRNA sequencing and whole-genome sequencing. MEGA 11.0 was used to compare and analyze the strain′s genetic relationship with relevant species in GenBank, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed based on genetic distance to analyze its genetic evolution. Meanwhile, the average nucleotide identity between its genome and similar strains were compared.Results:The strain was identified as a Gram-negative rod. MicroScan WalkAway biochemical tests indicated that the strain was either Yokenella regensburgei (91.47%) or Hafnia alvei (8.53%). MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry confirmed it as Yokenella regensburgei. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain showed the highest similarity(99.37%) to CIP 105435 (sequence number NR_104934.1). The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolated strain Yokenella regensburgei was submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) with the GenBank sequence number of OR230248.1. The whole-genome of CXLZQ123 were sequenced and uploaded (NCBI, SRA sequence number: SRR26510420). The average nucleotide identity between CXLZQ123 and Yokenella regensburgei strains W13 and UU2206353 were 98.82% and 99.04%, respectively. Conclusions:Through morphological observation, biochemical identification, mass spectrometry identification, 16S rRNA and whole-genome sequencing, this pathogenic strain is identified as Yokenella regensburgei. This rare bacterium is sensitive to most detected antibiotics. This study provides diagnostic and treatment experience for Yokenella regensburgei-related infections.

Objective:To analyze the clinical phenotypes and genotypes of fetal Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSD).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of three fetuses diagnosed with ZSD and their parents, who underwent family genetic testing at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Henan Province) from June 2020 to December 2021. The prenatal phenotypic and genotypic characteristics were summarized in combination with previous literature. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for the data.Results:The mothers of the three fetuses were all primiparous, aged 32, 29, and 33 years, respectively. The gestational weeks at the first detection of fetal abnormalities were 23 weeks and 2 days, 24 weeks, and 33 weeks and 3 days, respectively. Case 1 only showed increased nuchal translucency, while Case 2 and 3 showed brain structural abnormalities. Chromosomal microarray analysis of the three cases did not detect any pathogenic or potentially pathogenic copy number variations. However, heterozygous deletions of unknown significance at 6q13q15 and 7q21.13q22.1 were detected in Case 1. All three fetuses were found to have pathogenic PEX1 variants, which were inherited from their parents. A novel heterozygous variant c.1 246_1247del detected in Case 3 was not previously reported in China. All three families chose to terminate the pregnancies. The mother in family 2 conceived naturally six months later, and an early pregnancy test revealed a pathogenic heterozygous variant c.892_895dup (p.N299Ifs*2) in the PEX1 gene, leading to a diagnosis of being a carrier of the pathogenic PEX1 variant. She continued the pregnancy to full term, and the newborn was followed up with good health. The remaining two families did not have any further pregnancies. Conclusions:PEX1 gene variants may predominantly characterize the mutation spectrum of ZSD. When prenatal examinations reveal fetal craniofacial malformations, brain structural abnormalities, increased nuchal translucency, or high echogenicity of the liver and kidneys, heightened vigilance and comprehensive genetic testing are warranted to reduce birth defects.

Background Schizophrenic patients have metabolic disorders,impaired language and information processing function.Inflammatory factors may play an important role in the occurrence and development of schizophrenia.Objective To explore the relationship of the inflammatory factor levels with metabolic levels,language fluency and information processing function in patients with schizophrenia,so as to provide references for clinical understanding of the neuropathological mechanisms of schizophrenia.Methods A total of 96 patients with schizophrenia were included in the study group,who were hospitalized in the Fourth People's Hospital of Hefei from January 2021 to December 2022 as well as met the diagnostic criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,fifth edition(DSM-5)and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview(MINI)6.0.Meanwhile,population who underwent physical examination at the same hospital were included in the control group(n=42).A high-sensitivity multi factor electrochemiluminescence analyzer was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors IL-4,IL-5,IL-7,IL-8,IL-10 and IL-13.A fully automated biochemical analyzer was used to detect the levels of metabolic indicators such as fasting blood glucose,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein,apolipoprotein A,creatinine and urea nitrogen.Verbal fluency and information processing function of all participants were assessed by using Verbal Fluency Test(VFT)and Stroop Color Word Test(SCWT).Results There were statistically significant differences in the levels of IL-4,IL-5,IL-7,IL-8,IL-10,IL-13 and IL-15 between the study group and the control group(P<0.05).There were statistically significant differences in BMI,waist circumference,fasting blood glucose,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein,urea nitrogen,apolipoprotein A and creatinine levels between the two groups(P<0.05).The differences in the correct number of household appliances,animals,fruits,vegetables,names starting with"water"and"self"in VFT between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).The differences in point reaction time,character reaction time and character color reaction time in SCWT between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that except for creatinine levels,the levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in patients with schizophrenia were correlated with other indicators(P<0.05).IL-7 levels were correlated with creatinine levels,household appliances,animals,fruits,correct number of names starting with"water"in VFT,point reaction time and word reaction time in SCWT(P<0.05).IL-8 levels were correlated with triglyceride levels,household appliances,animals,fruits,vegetables,correct number of names starting with"water"and"self"in VFT and word reaction time in SCWT(P<0.05).Except for creatinine levels and the correct number of names starting with"self",IL-10 levels were correlated with all other indicators(P<0.05).Except for creatinine and urea nitrogen levels,IL-13 levels were correlated with other indicators(P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of inflammatory factors in patients with schizophrenia may be related to their metabolic levels,language fluency and information processing function.

Objective To observe18F-FDG PET/MRI manifestations of gray matter heterotopia(GMH)related epilepsy.Methods Data of 27 patients with GMH and epilepsy diagnosed with MRI were retrospectively analyzed.Brain 18 F-FDG PET/MRI manifestations and complicated brain malformations were observed,and the classification of GMH were performed.Results Among 27 cases,periventricular GMH,focal subcortical GMH,subcortical lamellar(band)GMH and mixed GMH were detected each in 15,2,2 and 8 cases,respectively.Compared with cerebral white matter around the lesion or in the contralateral mirror area of the lesion,glucose hypermetabolism and glucose hypometabolism were found in 22 and 3 cases,respectively,while glucose metabolism was normal in 2 cases.Compared with gray matter in precentral gyrus,glucose hypermetabolism and glucose hypometabolism were observed in 8 and 16 cases,respectively,while glucose metabolism was normal in 3 cases.Six cases complicated with cerebral fissure deformity,6 cases with bilateral cerebellar hemispheric volume reduction,1 case with absence of pellucid septum and lower fornix,1 case with dysplasia of corpus callosum and 1 case with polymicrogyria.Conclusion 18 F-FDG PET/MRI manifestations of GMH related epilepsy had certain characteristics,which were helpful for clinical diagnosis.

Objective:To analyze the clinical phenotypes and genotypes of fetal Zellweger spectrum disorders (ZSD).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of three fetuses diagnosed with ZSD and their parents, who underwent family genetic testing at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Henan Province) from June 2020 to December 2021. The prenatal phenotypic and genotypic characteristics were summarized in combination with previous literature. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for the data.Results:The mothers of the three fetuses were all primiparous, aged 32, 29, and 33 years, respectively. The gestational weeks at the first detection of fetal abnormalities were 23 weeks and 2 days, 24 weeks, and 33 weeks and 3 days, respectively. Case 1 only showed increased nuchal translucency, while Case 2 and 3 showed brain structural abnormalities. Chromosomal microarray analysis of the three cases did not detect any pathogenic or potentially pathogenic copy number variations. However, heterozygous deletions of unknown significance at 6q13q15 and 7q21.13q22.1 were detected in Case 1. All three fetuses were found to have pathogenic PEX1 variants, which were inherited from their parents. A novel heterozygous variant c.1 246_1247del detected in Case 3 was not previously reported in China. All three families chose to terminate the pregnancies. The mother in family 2 conceived naturally six months later, and an early pregnancy test revealed a pathogenic heterozygous variant c.892_895dup (p.N299Ifs*2) in the PEX1 gene, leading to a diagnosis of being a carrier of the pathogenic PEX1 variant. She continued the pregnancy to full term, and the newborn was followed up with good health. The remaining two families did not have any further pregnancies. Conclusions:PEX1 gene variants may predominantly characterize the mutation spectrum of ZSD. When prenatal examinations reveal fetal craniofacial malformations, brain structural abnormalities, increased nuchal translucency, or high echogenicity of the liver and kidneys, heightened vigilance and comprehensive genetic testing are warranted to reduce birth defects.

OBJECTIVES: The intestinal microbial characteristics of patients with simple cerebral infarction (CI) and CI complicated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (CI-T2DM) are still not clear. This study aims to analyze the differences in the variable characteristics of intestinal flora between patients simply with CI and CI-T2DM. METHODS: This study retrospectively collected the patients who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University from September 2021 to September 2022. The patients were divided into a CI group (n=12) and a CI-T2DM group (n=12). Simultaneously, 12 healthy people were selected as a control group. Total DNA was extracted from feces specimens. Illumina Novaseq sequencing platform was used for metagenomic sequencing. The Knead Data software, Kraken2 software, and Bracken software were applied for sequencing analysis. RESULTS: At phylum level, the average ratio of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria in the CI-T2DM group were 33.07%, 54.80%, and 7.00%, respectively. In the CI group, the ratios of each were 14.03%, 69.62%, and 11.13%, respectively, while in the control group, the ratios were 50.99%, 37.67%, and 5.24%, respectively. There was significant differences in the distribution of Firmicutes (F=6.130, P=0.011) among the 3 groups. At the family level, compared with the CI group, the relative abundance of Eubacteriaceae (t=8.062, P<0.001) in the CI-T2DM group was significantly increased, while Corynebacteriaceae (t=4.471, P<0.001), Methanobacteriaceae (t=3.406, P=0.003), and Pseudomonadaceae (t=2.352, P=0.028) were decreased significantly. At the genus level, compared with the CI group, there was a relative abundance of Cutibacterium (t=6.242, P<0.001), Eubacterium (t=8.448, P<0.001), and Blautia (t=3.442, P=0.002) in the CI-T2DM group which was significantly increased. In terms of Methanobrevibacter (t=3.466, P=0.002), Pyramidobacter (t=2.846, P=0.009) and Pseudomonas (t=2.352, P=0.028), their distributions were decreased significantly in the CI-T2DM group. At the species level, compared with the CI group, the relative abundance of Cutibacterium acnes (t=6.242, P<0.001) in the CI-T2DM group was significantly increased, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa (t=2.352, P=0.028) was decreased significantly. Still at the genus level, linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed that the distributions of Pseudomonas and Blautia were determined to be the most significantly different between the CI-T2DM and the CI group. At the species level, the total number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the 3 groups was 1 491. There were 169, 221, and 192 kinds of OTUs unique to the CI-T2DM, CI, and control group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS From phylum level to species level, the composition of intestinal flora in the patients with CI-T2DM is different from those in the patients simply with CI. The change in the proportion of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteus compared with the healthy population is an important feature of intestinal flora imbalance in the patients with CI and with CI-T2DM. Attention should be paid to the differential distribution of Bacteroides monocytogenes and butyrate producing bacteria.
Humans ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications* ; Retrospective Studies ; Bacteria/genetics* ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

Objective:To investigate the role and diagnostic value of miRNA-205 in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with vascular calcification.Methods:It was divided into in vitro cell experiment and retrospective cohort study. In vitro experiments were conducted by using rat thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells. Alizarin red staining and calcium content detection were used to detect the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test kit was used to measure ALP activity. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of osteogenic transcription factors runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and smooth muscle-22α (SM-22α) in VSMCs. qRT-PCR was used to detect miRNA-205 and Runx2 expression levels. The double luciferase reporter gene assay was used to verify the targeted relationship between miRNA-205 and Runx2. The non-dialysis patients with CKD 3-5 stage from June 2020 to January 2021 in the Department of Nephrology of Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University were selected. According to coronary artery calcium score (CACs), the patients were divided into non-calcification group (CACs=0), mild-moderate calcification group (0 400). Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between miRNA-205 and Runx2 and vascular calcification. Logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to analyze the ability of miRNA-205 to predict the vascular calcification in patients with CKD. Results:(1)Compared with the control group, calcium nodules were more, and the calcium content, ALP activity and Runx2 protein level were higher, and the expression levels of miRNA-205, α-SMA and SM-22α were significantly lower in high phosphorus group (all P<0.05). Overexpression of miRNA-205 significantly reduced the calcification of VSMCs and Runx2 protein level, and increased the protein levels of α-SMA and SM-22α (all P<0.05). miRNA-205-5p reduced the activity of luciferase in the wild-type Runx2-3'-end non-coding region plasmid. (2) Eighty CKD patients were enrolled, with age of (57.50±14.93) years old and 49 males (61.3%). The results of comparison of miRNA-205 and Runx2 expression levels in non-calcification group ( n=26), mild- moderate calcification group ( n=30) and severe calcification group ( n=24) showed that, the higher degree of calcification, the lower miRNA-205 expression level and the higher Runx2 mRNA expression level (all P<0.05). miRNA-205 was negatively correlated with CACs ( r=-0.50, P<0.01) and Runx2 was positively correlated with CACs ( r=0.55, P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results suggested that miRNA-205 ( OR=0.451, 95% CI 0.122-0.873) was an independent influencing factor of vascular calcification in CKD patients. The area under the ROC curve of miRNA-205 and miRNA-205 combined with Runx2 for predicting vascular calcification were 0.796 (95% CI 0.697-0.859) and 0.924 (95% CI 0.866-0.982), respectively. Conclusions:miRNA-205 inhibits vascular calcification by targeting Runx2 to negatively regulate osteogenetic phenotype transformation of VSMCs and is expected to be an early diagnostic marker of vascular calcification in CKD patients.