Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.

Kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome is a common geriatric disease that underlies chronic conditions such as diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, and osteoporosis. As age progresses, the kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome showcases increasingly pronounced manifestations, emerging as a key factor in the comorbidities experienced by elderly patients and affecting their quality of life and overall health status. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has been extensively utilized in the treatment of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome, with Epimedii Folium, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Lycii Fructus widely used in clinical settings. Despite the complexity of the molecular mechanisms involved in treating kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome, the potential therapeutic value of TCM remains compelling. Delving into the mechanisms of TCM treatment of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome by regulating the neuro-endocrine-immune system can provide a scientific basis for targeted treatments of this syndrome and lay a foundation for the modernization of TCM. The pathophysiology of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome involves multiple systems, including the interaction of the neuro-endocrine-immune system, the decline in renal function, the intensification of oxidative stress responses, and energy metabolism disorders. Understanding these mechanisms and their interrelationships can help untangle the etiology of kidney-Yang deficiency syndrome, aiding clinicians in making more precise diagnoses and treatments. Furthermore, the research on the specific applications of TCM in research on these pathological mechanisms can enhance the international recognition and status of TCM, enabling it to exert a greater global influence.
Humans ; Yang Deficiency/physiopathology* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Kidney Diseases/physiopathology* ; Neurosecretory Systems/physiopathology* ; Animals ; Kidney/physiopathology* ; Endocrine System/physiopathology* ; Immune System/physiopathology*

OBJECTIVE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health concern in northwest China; however, the impact of particulate matter (PM) exposure during sand-dust storms (SDS) remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PM exposure on SDS days and COPD hospitalization risk in arid regions. METHODS: Data on daily COPD hospitalizations were collected from 323 hospitals from 2018 to 2022, along with the corresponding air pollutant and meteorological data for each city in Gansu Province. Employing a space-time-stratified case-crossover design and conditional Poisson regression, we analyzed 265,379 COPD hospitalizations. RESULTS: PM exposure during SDS days significantly increased COPD hospitalization risk [relative risk ( RR) for PM _2.5, lag 3:1.028, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.021-1.034], particularly among men and the elderly, and during the cold season. The burden of PM exposure on COPD hospitalization was substantially high in Northwest China, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed a positive correlation between PM exposure during SDS episodes and elevated hospitalization rates for COPD in arid and semi-arid zones in China. This highlights the urgency of developing region-specific public health strategies to address adverse respiratory outcomes associated with SDS-related air quality deterioration.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/chemically induced* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Adult ; Sand ; Air Pollution

The water-sediment interface is an important zone for the migration and transformation of chemical substances,but traditional sampling methods make in situ sampling challenging,thus it is difficult to capture information on environmental processes at the micro-scale.In this study,diffusive gradients in thin films(DGT)probe technique was used as in situ tool to detect 18 kinds of typical per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)in the water-sediment system,elucidating their vertical distribution characteristics and patterns.The results showed that different PFAS exhibited distinct variation patterns with depth in water and sediment.Short-chain PFAS exhibited greater mobility,while the migration of long-chain PFAS was restricted in sediment and pore water due to their strong hydrophobicity and adsorption capacity,resulting in relatively small concentration changes in the sediment column.The PFAS concentrations measured by DGT ranged from 11.2 μg/L to 1305 μg/L.For long-chain PFAS,the concentrations measured by DGT were higher than those obtained from direct measurement of water and pore water,while the opposite results were obtained for short-chain PFAS.The DGT results indicated that although long-chain PFAS exhibited strong adsorption to sediment particles,the adsorbed PFAS were still bioavailable.DGT probe technique,with its advantages of in situ sampling and high spatial resolution,provides deep insights into the complex environmental processes occurring at the microscale in the water-sediment systems.DGT offers important technical support and scientific evidence for assessing the adsorption-desorption behavior,bioavailability,and ecological risks of these emerging pollutants in aquatic environment.

Aim To examine the pathogenesis of disul-fide death gene in vascular dementia(VD)by bioin-formatics analysis of disulfide death differentially ex-pressed genes(DEGs)combined with experimental verification.Methods The death DEGs of disulfide were screened and their correlation was analyzed.The VD patients data in the data set were analyzed by clus-tering and typing and gene set variation.The clustering risk of DEGs was tested with a nomogram model,and the optimal learning model was predicted.After the es-tablishment of VD rat model,water maze test,HE stai-ning and RT-qPCR detection were performed to verify the results of health information.Results Four DEGs including SLC7A11 were obtained,which had antago-nistic or synergistic interaction with each other.The genetic data could be divided into two subtypes with significant differences.After typing,VD disulfide DEGs were mainly concentrated in GnRH signaling pathways.The accuracy of the nomogram prediction model was high.Generalized linear was the best ma-chine learning model.Compared with the sham opera-tion group,the escape latency of rats in the model group was prolonged,the number of crossing platforms decreased,the relative mRNA expression levels of Slc3a2 and Slc7a11 decreased,and LRPPRC in-creased.Conclusions SLC7A11 and other disulfide death DEGs and its related GnRH signaling pathway may be an important part of the pathogenesis of VD di-sulfide death.SLC3A2,LRPPRC and SLC7A11 can be used as characteristic genes in the regulation of VD by disulfide death,which may affect VD progression through the regulation of disulfide death.

Objective:To determine the diagnosis of microtia-associated syndrome through genetic testing.Methods:Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from members of a two-generation family with a syndrome associated with ear malformations (3 patients and 1 normal control). Pathogenic mutations were identified using whole exome sequencing analysis, Sanger sequencing validation, and bioinformatics analysis. Based on the genetic diagnosis and a review of the literatures, the patients′ clinical phenotypes were thoroughly evaluated to confirm the clinical diagnosis.Results:All three patients carried a novel heterozygous insertion mutation (c.1171_1172insGGCC: p.Pro391fs) in the paired box 1 ( PAX1) gene. This mutation showed genotype-phenotype co-segregation within the family and was predicted to be pathogenic. Consequently, the family was diagnosed with autosomal dominant otofaciocervical syndrome 2. The clinical phenotypes of the patients included not only ear malformations and conductive hearing loss but also branchial cleft fistula, preauricular fistula, bilateral facial asymmetry, spinal deformities, and short stature, which were major symptoms of otofaciocervical syndrome 2. Imaging also revealed previously unreported phenotypes, including parotid gland malformation and facial nerve dysplasia. Conclusion:The heterozygous insertion in PAX1 (c.1171_1172insGGCC: p.Pro391fs) found in this family causes otomandibular-cervical syndrome type 2 in an autosomal dominant manner, leading to congenital anomalies affecting external and middle ear, craniofacial region, and spine.

Aim To examine the pathogenesis of disul-fide death gene in vascular dementia(VD)by bioin-formatics analysis of disulfide death differentially ex-pressed genes(DEGs)combined with experimental verification.Methods The death DEGs of disulfide were screened and their correlation was analyzed.The VD patients data in the data set were analyzed by clus-tering and typing and gene set variation.The clustering risk of DEGs was tested with a nomogram model,and the optimal learning model was predicted.After the es-tablishment of VD rat model,water maze test,HE stai-ning and RT-qPCR detection were performed to verify the results of health information.Results Four DEGs including SLC7A11 were obtained,which had antago-nistic or synergistic interaction with each other.The genetic data could be divided into two subtypes with significant differences.After typing,VD disulfide DEGs were mainly concentrated in GnRH signaling pathways.The accuracy of the nomogram prediction model was high.Generalized linear was the best ma-chine learning model.Compared with the sham opera-tion group,the escape latency of rats in the model group was prolonged,the number of crossing platforms decreased,the relative mRNA expression levels of Slc3a2 and Slc7a11 decreased,and LRPPRC in-creased.Conclusions SLC7A11 and other disulfide death DEGs and its related GnRH signaling pathway may be an important part of the pathogenesis of VD di-sulfide death.SLC3A2,LRPPRC and SLC7A11 can be used as characteristic genes in the regulation of VD by disulfide death,which may affect VD progression through the regulation of disulfide death.

Objective To explore the feasibility and corresponding implementation methods of constructing a sample resource bank based on individual-level data of completed clinical trials and using it to construct external controls for drug/device clinical trials.Methods Taking the pre-marketing clinical trial of transcatheter active valve replacement(TAVR)for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis as an example,the individual-level databases of multiple trials were standardized to form a sample bank.The original data of any trial in the sample bank were selected as the experimental group,and the remaining samples were selected as the control group.The potential confounding was handled by using the propensity score matching and stratification methods to clarify the process of constructing external controls based on the sample bank of individual-level data of clinical trials.Results This study included individual-level data of single-group trials of 4 TAVR devices,with a total of 569 subjects(59.2%male).The number of subjects in Trials 1 to 4 was 120,120,163,and 166,respectively.Propensity score matching enabled the matching of 113,117,125,and 147 subjects with comparable or similar characteristics from individual-level data from other trials,respectively,demonstrating a high matching success rate.The PS score distribution plot after stratification showed that the proportions of subjects in the experimental and control groups in strata 1 to 5 in scheme 1 were 4/103,11/103,22/92,32/87,and 51/64,respectively.For all constructed external controlled trials,a certain number of control samples with similar baseline characteristics to the experimental groups were distributed within each propensity score stratum.The results of the simulation test also reflected the potential differences between different devices in the 12-month all-cause mortality rate.Conclusions The sample bank constructed with individual-level data from clinical trials,as a high-quality data source,can serve as a source of external control for single-arm trials in the same field,and as a useful supplement to the external control scenario of real-world evidence to support drug and device development.At the same time,targeted research on research methods and bias control measures in related fields is also needed.

Objective To explore the feasibility and corresponding implementation methods of constructing a sample resource bank based on individual-level data of completed clinical trials and using it to construct external controls for drug/device clinical trials.Methods Taking the pre-marketing clinical trial of transcatheter active valve replacement(TAVR)for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis as an example,the individual-level databases of multiple trials were standardized to form a sample bank.The original data of any trial in the sample bank were selected as the experimental group,and the remaining samples were selected as the control group.The potential confounding was handled by using the propensity score matching and stratification methods to clarify the process of constructing external controls based on the sample bank of individual-level data of clinical trials.Results This study included individual-level data of single-group trials of 4 TAVR devices,with a total of 569 subjects(59.2%male).The number of subjects in Trials 1 to 4 was 120,120,163,and 166,respectively.Propensity score matching enabled the matching of 113,117,125,and 147 subjects with comparable or similar characteristics from individual-level data from other trials,respectively,demonstrating a high matching success rate.The PS score distribution plot after stratification showed that the proportions of subjects in the experimental and control groups in strata 1 to 5 in scheme 1 were 4/103,11/103,22/92,32/87,and 51/64,respectively.For all constructed external controlled trials,a certain number of control samples with similar baseline characteristics to the experimental groups were distributed within each propensity score stratum.The results of the simulation test also reflected the potential differences between different devices in the 12-month all-cause mortality rate.Conclusions The sample bank constructed with individual-level data from clinical trials,as a high-quality data source,can serve as a source of external control for single-arm trials in the same field,and as a useful supplement to the external control scenario of real-world evidence to support drug and device development.At the same time,targeted research on research methods and bias control measures in related fields is also needed.

Objective:To determine the diagnosis of microtia-associated syndrome through genetic testing.Methods:Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from members of a two-generation family with a syndrome associated with ear malformations (3 patients and 1 normal control). Pathogenic mutations were identified using whole exome sequencing analysis, Sanger sequencing validation, and bioinformatics analysis. Based on the genetic diagnosis and a review of the literatures, the patients′ clinical phenotypes were thoroughly evaluated to confirm the clinical diagnosis.Results:All three patients carried a novel heterozygous insertion mutation (c.1171_1172insGGCC: p.Pro391fs) in the paired box 1 ( PAX1) gene. This mutation showed genotype-phenotype co-segregation within the family and was predicted to be pathogenic. Consequently, the family was diagnosed with autosomal dominant otofaciocervical syndrome 2. The clinical phenotypes of the patients included not only ear malformations and conductive hearing loss but also branchial cleft fistula, preauricular fistula, bilateral facial asymmetry, spinal deformities, and short stature, which were major symptoms of otofaciocervical syndrome 2. Imaging also revealed previously unreported phenotypes, including parotid gland malformation and facial nerve dysplasia. Conclusion:The heterozygous insertion in PAX1 (c.1171_1172insGGCC: p.Pro391fs) found in this family causes otomandibular-cervical syndrome type 2 in an autosomal dominant manner, leading to congenital anomalies affecting external and middle ear, craniofacial region, and spine.