Objective To investigate the fluctuations in the population density of Aedes albopictus and changes in the population density of Ae. albopictus in different geographical areas and different breeding habitats in Guangdong Province from 2018 to 2023, so as to provide insights into prevention and control of mosquito-borne infectious diseases in the province. Methods Ae. albopictus surveillance sites were assigned in 1 609 townships (streets) from 121 districts (counties) of 21 cities in Guangdong Province during the period between March and November from 2018 to 2023. The surveillance of the population density of Ae. albopictus was performed once a month in each surveillance site, and once a month in specific settings in cities where dengue were highly prevalent in Guangdong Province from December to February of the next year during the period from 2018 through 2023. Four streets (villages) were selected in each surveillance site according to the geographic orientation, and mosquito ovitraps were assigned in gardens, rooftops or public green belts at residential areas, parks, hospitals and construction sites. All mosquito ovitraps were collected, and the mosquito ovitrap index (MOI) was calculated. The population density of Ae. albopictus was classified into four grades in each surveillance site according to MOI, including no risk, low risk, medium risk and high risk. The risk classification of the Ae. albopictus density was analyzed in each surveillance site each year from 2018 to 2023, and the population density of Ae. albopictus was analyzed at different months and in different geographical areas and breeding habitats. Results A total of 118 241 Ae. albopictus surveillance sites were assigned in 21 cities of Guangdong Province from 2018 to 2023, and there were 68.26% of the surveillance sites with the population density of Ae. albopictus that met the requirements for dengue prevention and control, among which low, medium and high risk surveillance sites accounted for 23.61%, 6.67% and 1.47%. The risk classification of the Ae. albopictus density increased rapidly in Guangdong Province since April to May each year from 2018 to 2023, and then gradually reduced since September to October, with the peak during the period between May and July. The mean MOI was 4.21 at each surveillance site in Guangdong Province during the period from 2018 to 2023, with 4.69, 4.80, 4.38, 3.82, 3.38, and 4.33 from 2018 to 2023, respectively. The MOI was 4.35, 4.43, 3.53 and 3.58 in the Pearl River Delta region, and eastern, western, and northern Guangdong Province, respectively, and was 4.18, 5.44, 4.75, 3.24, 4.27 and 3.70 in residential areas, parks, construction sites, hospitals, waste collection stations, and other breeding habitats, respectively. Conclusions The population density of adult Ae. albopictus peaked in Guangdong Province during the period between May and July from 2018 to 2023, with a high density of Ae. albopictus in the Pearl River Delta region and eastern Guangdong Province. Targeted Ae. albopictus control measures are recommended to be implemented prior to the peak of the Ae. albopictus population density to reduce the development of mosquito-borne infectious diseases.

Objective To screen the main environmental factors affecting the growth of Prunella vulgaris L.based on MaxEnt model and ArcGIS;To predict its potential suitable habitats in China;To provide reference for the artificial cultivation of Prunella vulgaris L.Methods Totally 346 pieces of sample point data of Prunella vulgaris L.were collected.Combined with data of 38 ecological factors,the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of Prunella vulgaris L.were screened using MaxEnt model.ArcGIS software was used to evaluate the habitat suitability of Prunella vulgaris L.and analyze the distribution of suitable areas for Prunella vulgaris L.worldwide and in China.Results The main ecological factors affecting the distribution of Prunella vulgaris L.were upper(0-30 cm)soil gravel volume percentage,soil effective water content,upper(0-30 cm)soil exchangeable sodium salt,specific soil types related to agricultural use in soil units and upper(0-30 cm)soil sand content.The highly suitable areas of Prunella vulgaris L.were mainly in Yunnan,Heilongjiang,eastern Inner Mongolia and central Sichuan.Conclusion The predicted results can provide a reference for the introduction of cultivation and sustainable resource utilization of Prunella vulgaris L.

The clinical data of 120 patients admitted to our hospital with renal stones treated by flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) and the imaging-related data measured by virtual reality technology were retrospectively analysed. The results of the univariate analysis showed that stone surface area (S), renal pelvis volume (P), length of calyces funnel (L), pelvic calyceal height (H) and essence of stone (E) were closely related to stone-free rate. The H. L.P.E.S. score was constructed to predict stone-free rate after FURS based on the above factors, and the area under the receiver aperating characteristic curve for the H. L.P.E.S. and S. O.L.V.E. scoring systems was 0.921 and 0.754 respectively.The H. L.P.E.S. scoring system has higher predictive value.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of echocardiography-guided trans-right-ventricular percutaneous intramyocardial septal radiofrequency ablation (PIMSRA) in a healthy sheep model, and to observe the pathological changes of myocardium in ablation area one year later.Methods:Twelve sheep were divided into PIMSRA group ( n=6) and sham group ( n=6). In PIMSRA group, a radiofrequency (RF) electrode was inserted to the interventricular septum (IVS) with maximum power of 80 Watts for 5 minutes. In the sham group, RF electrode tip was positioned in IVS segment but without the RF power delivery. Electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, myocardial contrast echocardiography(MCE) were performed to assess the efficacy of PIMSRA at postoperative immediately, 2-week, 1-month, 2-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month during the follow-up. The following parameters were recorded, including the thickness of ablation area, the systolic wall thickening rate and amplitude of movement of the ablated region, left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient (LVOT PG), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), mitral valve early diastolic peak velocity(E), late diastolic peak velocity(A) and the E/A ratio, peak velocity of early diastolic mitral annular motion(E′), peak velocity of late diastolic mitral annular motion(A′), and the E′/A′ ratio.For both groups, the myocardial biomarkers of troponin I, myoglobin and isoenzymes of creatine kinase were tested before the ablation and 3 h after the ablation, and again after 2 weeks. Tissue pathology examinations were performed at the end of study. Results:None of the animals in both groups was observed to have pericardial tamponade during perioperative period.Immediately after the procedure, septal hypokinesis was seen in all PIMSRA group animals, the systolic wall thickening rate and amplitude of movement of the ablated region were significantly decreased ( P<0.001), which was sustained until 12 months.In Sham group, there were no significant differences in the wall thickening rate and amplitude of movement of the operated region(all P>0.05).The thickness of the ablation area in the PIMSRA group was significantly increased immediately after the procedure( P<0.001), decreased to baseline level at 1-week ( P=0.931), and significantly increased at 3-month ( P<0.001).In the Sham group, the IVS thickness was significantly increased immediately after the procedure( P=0.005), decreased to baseline level at 1-week ( P=0.027), then has no further significant changes.There were no significant differences in LVEF, E/A, E′/A′ between PIMSRA and Sham group(all P>0.05).MCE showed the thickness of the ablation area was significantly decreased in the PIMSRA group 12 months after the operation.In both groups, troponin I increased significantly 3 h after the operation(all P<0.005), which decreased to baseline level 2 weeks later(all P>0.05). ECG showed that all the sheep had normal sinus rhythm. Pathological examinations revealed the tissue in the ablation area was fibrotic, having clear boundary with the surrounding normal tissue and no carbonization was observed 1 year later. Conclusions:Echocardiography-guided trans-right-ventricular PIMSRA produced precisely ablated myocardial tissues, reduced the IVS thickness significantly, preserved the global left ventricular function. All the sheep had normal sinus rhythm and without pericardial tamponade in 1 year follow-ups. Echocardiography-guided trans-right-ventricular PIMSRA is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for septal reduction therapy.

Endogenously eliminating the hematoma is a favorable strategy in addressing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This study sought to determine the role of retinoid X receptor-α (RXR-α) in the context of hematoma absorption after ICH. Our results showed that pharmacologically activating RXR-α with bexarotene significantly accelerated hematoma clearance and alleviated neurological dysfunction after ICH. RXR-α was expressed in microglia/macrophages, neurons, and astrocytes. Mechanistically, bexarotene promoted the nuclear translocation of RXR-α and PPAR-γ, as well as reducing neuroinflammation by modulating microglia/macrophage reprograming from the M1 into the M2 phenotype. Furthermore, all the beneficial effects of RXR-α in ICH were reversed by the PPAR-γ inhibitor GW9662. In conclusion, the pharmacological activation of RXR-α confers robust neuroprotection against ICH by accelerating hematoma clearance and repolarizing microglia/macrophages towards the M2 phenotype through PPAR-γ-related mechanisms. Our data support the notion that RXR-α might be a promising therapeutic target for ICH.
Anilides/pharmacology* ; Cerebral Hemorrhage/drug therapy* ; Hematoma/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Macrophages ; Microglia ; Neuroprotection ; PPAR gamma ; Retinoid X Receptor alpha

Endogenously eliminating the hematoma is a favorable strategy in addressing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This study sought to determine the role of retinoid X receptor-α (RXR-α) in the context of hematoma absorption after ICH. Our results showed that pharmacologically activating RXR-α with bexarotene significantly accelerated hematoma clearance and alleviated neurological dysfunction after ICH. RXR-α was expressed in microglia/macrophages, neurons, and astrocytes. Mechanistically, bexarotene promoted the nuclear translocation of RXR-α and PPAR-γ, as well as reducing neuroinflammation by modulating microglia/macrophage reprograming from the M1 into the M2 phenotype. Furthermore, all the beneficial effects of RXR-α in ICH were reversed by the PPAR-γ inhibitor GW9662. In conclusion, the pharmacological activation of RXR-α confers robust neuroprotection against ICH by accelerating hematoma clearance and repolarizing microglia/macrophages towards the M2 phenotype through PPAR-γ-related mechanisms. Our data support the notion that RXR-α might be a promising therapeutic target for ICH.

Objective:To study the effect of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) expression level on migration and invasion of zonula occludens protein-1 (ZO-1) in HepG2 liver cancer cells.Methods:Liver cancer cells were transfected with HBV full gene plasmid (pcDNA3.1-HBV1. 1 or pcDNA3.1-HBV1.3), empty plasmid (pcDNA3.1) and HBV-encoded protein plasmids (pHBc, pHBs, pHBp and pHBx), respectively. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect ZO1 protein and mRNA levels. Immunoprecipitation was used to detect transfected pHBx. Western blot was used to detect ZO1 ubiquitination levels. Transwell chambers were used to assess cell migration and invasion. Cell proliferation and lactate dehydrogenase assay was used to detect siRNA transfecting targeting ZO1. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and cycle. The data was compared between two and multiple groups by using an independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance.Results:Compared with the empty plasmid, ZO1 protein level in HepG2 cells after transiently transfected with pHBV1.1 and pHBV1.3 was decreased by 42.99% ± 6.8% and 55.0% 5 ± 4.56%, respectively, and their mRNA levels did not change significantly. ZO1 protein level in Huh7 cells was decreased by 17.46% ± 4.94% and 47.53% ± 3.38%, respectively. ZO1 protein level after transfection with pHBx was decreased by 47.02% ± 3.4%, while the ZO1 protein level after transfection with pHBc, pHBs and pHBp did not change significantly. ZO1 mRNA level was unaffected with pHBx transfection. ZO1 ubiquitin level and cell migration and invasion ability in HepG2 cells was significantly increased with transfected pHBx. HepG2 cells proliferation, apoptosis and cycle after transfection with ZO1-targeted siRNA did not change significantly, but the migration and invasion ability were significantly increased.Conclusion:HBx can increase the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells by promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of ZO1 protein level.

Objective: To explore the clinical and radiological features of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody associated disease. Methods: The clinical data of 22 MOG antibody associated disease cases treated in the Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2017 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical data of MOG antibody associated disease were summarized, including clinical and imaging features. Results: Of the 22 included patients with MOG antibody associated disease, the average age was 38.5 years, 13 were male and nine were female. Among them, 11 cases manifested as aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-negative neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), four cases optic neuritis, two cases transverse myelitis, one case acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), two cases cortical encephalitis and two cases vestibular neuronitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results showed that multiple anatomical areas were involved. Among the nine patients with optic nerve involvement, five patients had longitudinally extensive optic nerve lesions, which were longitudinally enhanced. In eight patients, MRI lesions in the spinal cord showed mostly long or short segments involvement, involving 2-5 spinal cord segments. Five cases involved the cervical spinal cord, six cases involved the thoracic spinal cord, and one case involved the lumbar spinal cord. Brain MRI abnormalities were found in 13 cases and the lesions were mostly patchy and point-shaped. MRI lesions demonstrated T₂ hyperintensity and some of them could be strengthened, which may involve the basal ganglia, thalamus, radiographic crown, frontal temporal lobe, brain stem and other parts. Among them, 16 patients were sensitive to high-dose intravenous/oral methylprednisolone in the acute phase. Seven patients had recurrence after two months to two years of follow-up. Conclusions MOG antibody associated disease include multiple manifestations. Among them, AQP4-negative NMOSD is the most common form. The clinical manifestations of patients showed diversity. Imaging is characterized by multiple parts involvement such as optic nerve, spinal cord, and brain. Most patients are sensitive to high-dose intravenous/oral methylprednisolone, and have a good prognosis in the acute phase, but some patients may relapse.

From January 2010 to December 2017, 4 patients of thumb with necrosis caused by electric burns (all male, aged from 31 to 58 years) were admitted to our hospital, with 1 patient of second degree injury of right thumb, 2 patients of third degree injury of right thumb, and 1 patient of third degree injury of left thumb. Routine debridement under general anesthesia was performed within 7 days after injury. The compound tissue flap of contralateral second toe was transplanted to reconstruct the thumb with third degree defect, and compound tissue flap of ipsilateral distal hallex was transplanted to reconstruct the thumb with second degree defect. Dorsalis pedics artery was anastomosed with radial artery, saphenous vein or dorsalis pedics vein was anastomosed with cephalic vein. The donor site was transplanted with split-thickness skin graft from autologous thigh. All the tissue flaps and skin grafts survived in 2 weeks after surgery. Within 1 year of follow-up, the reconstructed thumbs can achieve radial abduction and palmar abduction with good function. Reconstruction of thumb with free transplantation of compound tissue flap of toe is a good method to repair thumb with necrosis caused by electric burn.

Objective To establish S.O.L.V.E.nephrolithometry scoring system,and to evaluate value of S.O.L.V.E.scoring system for predicting the stone-free rate (SFR) of flexible ureteroscopy (FURS).Methods Five reproducible variables were included in S.O.L.V.E.scoring system,such as stone surface area (S),obstruction (O),length of calyces funnel (L),visible number of calyces (V) and essence of stone (E).Variables were measured based on preoperative non-contrast computed tomography of urography.Clinical data of 392 patients who underwent FURS for upper urinary tract stones in our department from January,2017 to Jnne,2018 were retrospectively analyzed.The total study population consisted of 258 male and 134 female patients.The mean age was (49.5 ± 12.6) years old,ranged from 15 to 85 years.There were 292 patients in stone-fiee group,including 197 male and 95 female patients.The average age was (49.2 ± 12.8) years old.37 patients had previous history of renal stone surgery.Median body mass index was 24.7 kg/m2 (18.1-29.0 kg/m2) and median value of preoperative serum creatinine was 72.5 μmol/L (48.9-84.8 μmol/L).The number of patients,whose stone located in the left side and right side were 155 and 137,respectively.The number of patients,whose stones located in ureter,renal pelvis,lower calyceal and non-lower calyceal were 19,16,87,170,respectively.There were 100 patients in non-stone free group,61 men and 39 women.The average age was (50.4 ± 12.0) years old.15 patients had previous history of renal stone surgery.Median body mass index was 25.0 kg/m2 (18.5-28.8 kg/m2) and median value of preoperative serum creatinine was 73.8 μmol/L (46.5-92.5 μnol/L).The number of patients,whose stone located in the left side and right side were 51 and 49,respectively.The number of patients,whose stones located in ureter,renal pelvis,lower calyceal and non-lower calyceal were 7,4,27,62,respectively.The correlation of S.O.L.V.E.scoring system and stone-free rate,postoperative hospital stay,surgical complications,operation time were analyzed.Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn to detect predictive value of S.O.L.V.E.scoring system for SFR of FURS.Results All cases FURS were performed successfully and the SFR was 74.5％ (292/392).Among the variables of the S.O.L.V.E.scoring system in the stone-free group and the non-stone free group,item S were (82.6 ± 69.8) mm2 and (172.6±133.7)mm2,respectively.The item L were (12.7 ± 15.8) mm and (23.9 ± 15.3)mm,respectively.The item V were (0.6 ± 0.7) and (1.3 ± 0.8),respectively.The item E were (817.1 ± 285.5) HU and (902.4 ± 256.1) HU,respectively.The difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01).The item O was (17.7 ± 10.9) mm and (19.3 ± 13.1) mm,respectively,no statistical significance was found (P =0.242).The mean score was 6.3 (ranging 4-11) in this c ohort.The patients were divided into low score (4-5) group,moderate score (6-8) group and high score (9-11) group due to S.O.L.V.E.scoring system,and the stone-free rates were 93.5％ (130/139),70.5％ (153/217) and 37.5％ (9/36),respectively (P ＜0.01).The operation time of low,moderate,andi high score group were (31.6 ± 10.9),(42.3 ± 18.3),and (58.0 ± 19.2) min,respectively.Additionally,the score was correlated with the operation time(P ＜0.01),but not with postoperative hospital stay (P =0.133),intraoperative bleeding (P =0.185) and postoperative infectious fever (P =0.839).In logistic regression model analysis,the stone surface area,length of calyces funnel,number of involved calyces were significantly correlated with SFR (P ＜ 0.01).The obstruction degree and essence of stone were not associated with SFR (P ＞ 0.05).The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of S.O.L.V.E.score was 0.782,higher than that of each variable in S.O.L.V.E.scoring system(S,O,L,V,E were 0.738,0.535,0.698,0.735,0.593,respectively).Conclusions The stone surface area,length of calyces funnel,number of involved calyces were significantly correlated with SFR.The S.O.L.V.E.nephrolithometry scoring system can predict SFR after FURS accurately,and provide assistance for making clinical decisions.