1.Research Progress on the Role of Programmed Cell Death in Flap Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Jiwei ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Xinshan WANG ; Xingzhang YAO ; Zhenxing JIANG ; Zhijun HE ; Tao LIU ; Jianliang LI ; Hui YAO ; Jie AN ; Qiuyue ZHAO ; Xiaotao WEI ; M Rayan GHAZI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):851-861
Flap transplantation is a critical surgical strategy for the reconstruction of tissue defects caused by trauma, tumor resection, and congenital malformations, and its survival rate directly determines surgical efficacy and patient prognosis. Following transplantation, flaps inevitably undergo ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, during which oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and metabolic disturbances are intricately intertwined, ultimately leading to cellular injury and tissue necrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that multiple forms of programmed cell death—including apoptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and PANoptosis—play central roles in flap I/R injury. The extensive crosstalk and molecular interactions among these pathways form a highly complex cell death network. Specifically, apoptosis is mediated by the imbalance of Bcl-2 family proteins and the activation of cysteine-dependent aspartate-specific protease (caspase) cascades; pyroptosis is driven by the NLRP3-caspase-1-GSDMD axis, resulting in membrane pore formation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines; ferroptosis is characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and dysfunction of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4); necroptosis is triggered by the receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)-RIPK3-MLKL signaling complex, leading to membrane rupture; and PANoptosis represents an integrated form of inflammatory cell death that coordinates multiple death pathways. Importantly, these forms of programmed cell death are not independent but are interconnected through extensive signaling crosstalk. Key regulatory molecules, including caspase-8, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), collectively modulate the dynamic balance among these pathways. Therefore, the multidimensional interplay and spatiotemporal dynamics of programmed cell death constitute a fundamental pathological basis of flap I/R injury. This review systematically summarizes the latest advances in the mechanisms and interactions of various programmed cell death pathways in flap I/R injury, aiming to elucidate the underlying regulatory network. These insights may provide novel theoretical foundations for optimizing flap protection strategies, improving flap survival, and promoting tissue repair.
2.Mechanisms and current applications of mechanical forces in cranial bone defect repair
Bingcheng DU ; Qi CHEN ; Yu WANG ; Zhijun ZHAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):961-968
Cranial bone defect repair remains a significant challenge in craniomaxillofacial surgery, particularly when defects exceed the critical size defect (CSD) threshold, rendering them incapable of spontaneous healing without external intervention. Mechanical forces—including compression, tension, and shear stress—play a pivotal role in cranial development and regeneration. These forces regulate osteoblast differentiation and bone regeneration by activating key mechanotransduction pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the piezoelectric mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1, and the transcriptional co-activators Yes-associated protein (Yes-Associated Protein,YAP) and Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif,TAZ). Distinct types of mechanical forces exert specific effects on cellular behavior and the microenvironment. Clinically, applications such as Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) have demonstrated efficacy in promoting angiogenesis-osteogenesis coupling, while tensile forces stimulate the dura mater to secrete osteogenic factors. Preliminary studies using artificial periosteum and other biomaterials have further validated that appropriate mechanical stimulation enhances bone repair. This review summarizes the effects of various mechanical forces and their associated signaling pathways on osteoblasts and their microenvironment, alongside an overview of current technological applications in this field.
3.Imaging Measurement of the Safe Distances of Acupuncture at Fengfu (GV 16) in Children Aged 4 to 8 Based on CT Three-Dimensional Reconstruction
Kun LI ; Tianyi WANG ; Xing WANG ; Zhijun LI ; Peng WU ; Yang YANG ; Yunteng HAO ; Hailong ZHAO ; Yuan MA ; Shaojie ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1523-1527
ObjectiveTo measure the distance from the surface of Fengfu (GV 16) to the deep important bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years based on CT three-dimensional reconstruction technology, thereby providing imaging reference data for clinical acupuncture safe operations in terms of different age groups and needle insertion angles. MethodsCervical CT image data were collected from healthy children aged 4 to 8 years with five age groups (4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-year-old groups), 20 cases in each group. The images were imported into Mimics 21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The straight-line distances from the skin model surface of the Fengfu (GV 16) to the first underlying bony barrier (such as the lower edge of the occipital bone, the posterior arch of the atlas vertebra) were measured at intervals of 5° on both the transverse section (0° ± 35°) and the sagittal section (40° upward to 40° downward on the diagonal). The correlation between the measured distance, age, and angle was analyzed. ResultsIn the transverse and sagittal sections, the measured distance from the skin surface to the underlying bone of Fengfu (GV 16) at each angle increased with age. In the transverse section, the increase was relatively small within the 0° to 20° angle range, whereas a more pronounced increase was observed when the angle exceeded 20°; at measurement angles of 30° to 35°, the distance of the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) in the 7- and 8-year-old groups was significantly greater than that in the 4-year-old group (P<0.05). In the sagittal section, the measured distance from the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) was shortest and changed greatly at oblique upward angles of 15° to 40° within each age group, and increased markedly at near-vertical angles of 0° to 10°; it was longest at oblique downward angles of -40° to -5° and showed relatively gradual changes. ConclusionThis study obtained the imaging distance data from Fengfu (GV 16) to the surrounding bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years through three-dimensional modeling, finding that this distance has clear age and angle dependence, which can provide quantitative evidence for developing individualized and precise safe acupuncture schemes at Fengfu (GV 16) in pediatric clinical practice.
4.Imaging Measurement of the Safe Distances of Acupuncture at Fengfu (GV 16) in Children Aged 4 to 8 Based on CT Three-Dimensional Reconstruction
Kun LI ; Tianyi WANG ; Xing WANG ; Zhijun LI ; Peng WU ; Yang YANG ; Yunteng HAO ; Hailong ZHAO ; Yuan MA ; Shaojie ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1523-1527
ObjectiveTo measure the distance from the surface of Fengfu (GV 16) to the deep important bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years based on CT three-dimensional reconstruction technology, thereby providing imaging reference data for clinical acupuncture safe operations in terms of different age groups and needle insertion angles. MethodsCervical CT image data were collected from healthy children aged 4 to 8 years with five age groups (4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-year-old groups), 20 cases in each group. The images were imported into Mimics 21.0 software for three-dimensional reconstruction. The straight-line distances from the skin model surface of the Fengfu (GV 16) to the first underlying bony barrier (such as the lower edge of the occipital bone, the posterior arch of the atlas vertebra) were measured at intervals of 5° on both the transverse section (0° ± 35°) and the sagittal section (40° upward to 40° downward on the diagonal). The correlation between the measured distance, age, and angle was analyzed. ResultsIn the transverse and sagittal sections, the measured distance from the skin surface to the underlying bone of Fengfu (GV 16) at each angle increased with age. In the transverse section, the increase was relatively small within the 0° to 20° angle range, whereas a more pronounced increase was observed when the angle exceeded 20°; at measurement angles of 30° to 35°, the distance of the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) in the 7- and 8-year-old groups was significantly greater than that in the 4-year-old group (P<0.05). In the sagittal section, the measured distance from the skin surface to the bone at Fengfu (GV 16) was shortest and changed greatly at oblique upward angles of 15° to 40° within each age group, and increased markedly at near-vertical angles of 0° to 10°; it was longest at oblique downward angles of -40° to -5° and showed relatively gradual changes. ConclusionThis study obtained the imaging distance data from Fengfu (GV 16) to the surrounding bony structures in children aged 4 to 8 years through three-dimensional modeling, finding that this distance has clear age and angle dependence, which can provide quantitative evidence for developing individualized and precise safe acupuncture schemes at Fengfu (GV 16) in pediatric clinical practice.
5.The influence of mechanical pressure on the migration of dural cells in different parts and their ability to promote bone formation
Haidong ZHANG ; Jie SHEN ; Yajie GAO ; Guo SHAO ; Chunyang ZHANG ; Zhijun ZHAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1576-1583
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of mechanical pressure regulation on the migration and bone-promoting ability of suture dural cells (S-DCs) and non-suture dural cells (NS-DCs). MethodsDural cells (S-DCs), non-cranial suture dural cells (NS-DCs) and cranial suture mesenchymal stem cells (CS-MSCs) of 5-day-old SD rats were isolated and cultured. Four experimental conditions, namely S-DCs-Normal, S-DCs-Stress, NS-DCs-Normal and NS-DCs-Stress, were set according to the source of the cells and whether mechanical pressure (1.07 kPa, 24 hours) was applied. The migration ability of dural cells was detected by cell scratch test. Four experimental condition culture media were collected and co-cultured with CS-MSCs for osteogenic induction. Calcium salt deposition was detected by alizarin red staining, and the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the Normal group, the migration abilities of both S-DCs and NS-DCs decreased after Stress treatment (P<0.05). Compared with S-DCs, NS-DCs has a weaker migration ability under the same processing conditions (P<0.05). The conditioned medium experiment showed that Stress treatment reduced the osteogenic ability of CS-MSCs (P<0.05), and the osteogenic effect of the conditioned medium derived from NS-DCs was weaker than that of S-DCs (P<0.05). The Western blot results were consistent with the trend of alizarin red staining. Both Stress treatment and NS-DCs sources could down-regulate the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins (P<0.05). ConclusionMechanical stress can significantly inhibit the migration of dural cells and the osteogenic differentiation process of CS-MSCs mediated by it. The mechanical tolerance and osteogenic regulation ability of S-DCs are significantly better than those of NS-DCs.
6.Chinese expert consensus on the application of jejunal interposition for esophageal reconstruction in complex esophageal cancer surgery (2026 edition)
Wenshu CHEN ; Lilan ZHAO ; Zhaoxian LIN ; Debin OU ; Zhigang LI ; Chengchu ZHU ; Longqi CHEN ; Shuoyan LIU ; Xiangnan LI ; Chao CHENG ; Ni ZHANG ; Songping XIE ; Xufeng GUO ; Xu LI ; Xinyu MEI ; Xuefeng LENG ; Jianqun MA ; Zhijun HUANG ; Guojun GENG ; Lin ZHANG ; Hongyan WANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Weijie WANG ; Jiangbo LIN ; Jinbiao XIE ; Jun GUAN ; Rongqi HE ; Xing LIN ; Xiuhua TU ; Yong LI ; Lijie TAN ; Xiaojie PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1527-1543
Objective Jejunal interposition is an important option for restoring gastrointestinal continuity in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable for reconstruction due to previous gastrectomy, tumor involvement, failed gastric conduit, or other constraints. Although the jejunum offers a caliber similar to the esophagus, a rich blood supply, and preserved peristaltic function, anatomical variations in mesenteric length and vascular arcades render long-segment and high-level reconstruction susceptible to excessive tension, mesenteric torsion, venous congestion, and inadequate distal perfusion. This consensus aims to provide standardized recommendations for the application of jejunal interposition in this specific patient population. Methods This consensus was developed in accordance with the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development and Chinese national guideline development standards, with reference to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Ⅱ(AGREE Ⅱ), Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT), and Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings (STAR) checklists. The project was registered on the international practice guidelines registry platform (PREPARE-2026CN1384). The working group systematically searched Chinese and English evidence addressing 12 clinical questions. Evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2009 system, with structured appraisal of risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. Recommendations were formulated through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a face-to-face consensus meeting, with an agreement threshold of ≥75%. Results The consensus generated 12 recommendations covering indications, selection between jejunum and colon, preoperative assessment, surgical approach and reconstruction route, pedicled jejunal interposition (PJI), supercharged pedicled jejunal interposition (SPJ), indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion assessment, perioperative nutrition, management of anastomotic leakage, long-term follow-up, and special treatment scenarios. Given that the available direct evidence is predominantly derived from single-center retrospective cohorts and case series, recommendations extrapolated from general esophagectomy or other gastrointestinal surgical evidence are deliberately phrased with caution. Conclusion Jejunal interposition is a safe and effective approach for digestive tract reconstruction in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable. This consensus emphasizes that clinical decision-making should be individualized based on the patient's prior treatment history, reconstruction height, vascular anatomy, technical availability, and institutional experience in the Chinese context.
7.Impact of Toxoplasma gondii type I rhoptry protein 16 on programmed cell death ligand 1 expression and its binding to programmed cell death 1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells
Guangqi LI ; Yuning ZHOU ; Shaohan MA ; Mei TIAN ; Tiantian DANG ; Zhijun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(1):44-54
Objective To investigate the impact of Toxoplasma gondii type I, II and III rhoptry protein 16 (ROP16) on programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in lung adenocarcinoma cells, and to examine the effects of T. gondii type I ROP16 protein on the relative PD-L1 expression, the relative PD-L1 distribution on the cell membrane surface, and the binding of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) to PD-L1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Methods Lentiviral vectors overexpressing T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 proteins were generated, and transfected into the human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line. A549 cells were used as a blank control group, and A549 cells transfected with an empty lentiviral expression vector were used as a negative control group, while A549 cells transfected with lentiviral vectors overexpressing T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 proteins served as experimental groups. Stably transfected cells were selected with puromycin and verified using Western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and immunofluorescence assays. The PD-L1 expression was quantified at translational and transcriptional levels using Western blotting and RT-qPCR assays in A549 cells in the five groups, and the relative PD-L1 distribution was detected on the A549 cell membrane surface using flow cytometry. In addition, the effect of T. gondii type I ROP16 protein on the PD-1/PD-L1 binding was measured in A549 cells using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results The relative ROP16 protein expression was 0, 0, 1.546 ± 0.091, 1.822 ± 0.047 and 2.334 ± 0.089 in the blank control group, negative control group, and the T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 protein overexpression groups (F = 1 339.00,P < 0.001), and the relative ROP16 mRNA expression was 2.153 ± 0.949, 2.436 ± 1.614, 14.343 ± 0.020, 12.577 ± 0.285 and 15.090 ± 0.420 in the blank control group, negative control group and the T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 protein overexpression groups, respectively (F = 483.50,P < 0.001). The ROP16 expression was higher in the T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 protein overexpression groups than in the blank control group at both translational and transcriptional levels (allP values < 0.001). Immunofluorescence assay revealed that T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 proteins were predominantly localized in A549 cell nuclei. Western blotting showed that the relative PD-L1 protein expression was 0.685 ± 0.109, 0.589 ± 0.114, 1.007 ± 0.117, 0.572 ± 0.151, and 0.426 ± 0.116 in the blank control group, negative control group, and the T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 protein overexpression groups (F = 9.46,P < 0.05), and RT-qPCR assay quantified that the relative PD-L1 mRNA expression was 1.012 ± 0.190, 1.281 ± 0.465, 1.950 ± 0.175, 0.889 ± 0.251, and 0.230 ± 0.192 in the blank control group, negative control group, and the T. gondii type I, II and III ROP16 protein overexpression groups (F = 14.18,P < 0.05). The PD-L1 expression was higher in the T. gondii type IROP16 protein overexpression group than in the blank control group at both translational and transcriptional levels (both P values < 0.05). Flow cytometry detected that the relative distributions of PD-L1 protein were (10.83 ± 0.60)%, (11.23 ± 0.20)%, and (14.61 ± 0.50)% on the A549 cell membrane surface (F = 28.31, P < 0.05), and the relative distribution of PD-L1 protein was higher in the T. gondii type IROP16 protein overexpression group than in the blank control group and negative control group (both P values < 0.001). ELISA measured significant differences in the absorbance (A) value among the T. gondii type IROP16 protein overexpression group, the blank control group and the negative control group if the concentrations of the recombinant PD-1 protein were 0.04 (F = 10.45, P < 0.05), 0.08 μg/mL (F = 11.68, P < 0.05) and 0.12 μg/mL (F = 52.68, P < 0.05), and the A value was higher in the T. gondii type IROP16 protein overexpression group than in the blank control group and the negative control group (both P values < 0.05), indicating that T. gondii type IROP16 protein promoted the PD-L1/PD-1 binding in A549 cells in a concentration-dose manner. Conclusions T. gondii type IROP16 protein overexpression may up-regulate PD-L1 expression in A549 cells at both transcriptional and translational levels and the relative PD-L1 distribution on the A549 cell membrane surface, and affect the PD-1/PD-L1 binding in a concentration-dependent manner.
8.Consensus on informed consent for orthodontic treatment
Yang CAO ; Bing FANG ; Zuolin JIN ; Hong HE ; Yuxing BAI ; Lin WANG ; Haiping LU ; Zhihe ZHAO ; Tianmin XU ; Weiran LI ; Min HU ; Jinlin SONG ; Jun WANG ; Fang JIN ; Ding BAI ; Xianglong HAN ; Yuehua LIU ; Bin YAN ; Jie GUO ; Jiejun SHI ; Yongming LI ; Zhihua LI ; Xiuping WU ; Jiangtian HU ; Linyu XU ; Lin LIU ; Yi LIU ; Yanqin LU ; Wensheng MA ; Shuixue MO ; Liling REN ; Shuxia CUI ; Yongjie FAN ; Jianguang XU ; Lulu XU ; Zhijun ZHENG ; Peijun WANG ; Rui ZOU ; Chufeng LIU ; Lunguo XIA ; Li HU ; Weicai WANG ; Liping WU ; Xiaoxing KOU ; Jiali TAN ; Yuanbo LIU ; Bowen MENG ; Yuantao HAO ; Lili CHEN
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(12):1327-1336
This consensus was developed by the Orthodontic Society of the Chinese Stomatological Association to provide a systematic, scientific, and practical guideline for informed consent in orthodontic care. Orthodontic treatment is typically lengthy, highly individualized, and involves multiple factors such as growth and development, occlusal function, and facial esthetics. Rapid technological advances and diverse risk profiles make the traditional reliance on orthodontist experience or institutional templates insufficient to ensure patients′ full understanding and autonomous decision-making. To address this, the expert panel conducted extensive reviews of domestic and international guidelines, analyzed representative dispute cases, and performed multicenter patient-clinician surveys. Using a multi-round Delphi method, the group established a standardized informed consent framework covering the initial consultation, treatment, and retention phases. The consensus emphasizes that informed consent is not only a fundamental legal and ethical requirement but also a key step in building trust, improving patient compliance, and enhancing treatment satisfaction. Orthodontists should clearly and comprehensively explain treatment plans, potential risks, uncertainties, and associated costs, while respecting the autonomy of patients or guardians, and maintain continuous communication and dynamic evaluation throughout the treatment process. The release of this consensus provides unified and authoritative guidance for clinical orthodontics, helping to standardize informed consent, enhance its transparency, safeguard patient rights, reduce medical risks, and promote high-quality, sustainable development of orthodontic practice.
9.Analysis of developmental function in 32 511 children with global developmental delay
Nina XIONG ; Zhijun CUI ; Ming ZHAO ; Juan DU ; Shijie LI ; Muhan LI ; Yuanyuan LU ; Aimin LIANG ; Yang MA
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(6):1051-1057
Objective:The clinical symptoms of children with global developmental delay (GDD) were analyzed to provide the scientific basis for the intervention of children with GDD.Methods:The results of the neuro-psychobehavioral scale were collected from 32 511 children with GDD from June 2020 to November 2023. Inclusion criteria: Children diagnosed with GDD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V, ages 0.0 to 4.9 years. Exclusion criteria: children with common hearing impairment and visual impairment. The Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis.Results:There were more boys than girls with GDD in outpatient clinics (68.2% vs. 31.8%). Among the children, the proportion of developmental delay in 5, 4, 3, and 2 domains was 31.1%, 23.4%, 22.9% and 22.6% respectively. The rate of delay in 2-3 domains was lower in boys (41.9%) than in girls (53.1%). The rate of delay in 4-5 domains was higher in boys (58.1%) than in girls (46.9%) ( χ2=352.11, P<0.001). Overall, outpatient GDD decreased with age. From 1.0-1.9 to 4.0-4.9 years of age, the proportion of children with developmental delay in 5 domains increased with age (18.2%, 36.4%, 43.9%, 52.4%). Among children aged 0.0-0.9 years, the proportion of 2 domains of developmental delay was higher (33.4%).Among children aged 1.0-1.9 years, the proportion of 2-3 domains of developmental delay was higher (30.7%). Among children aged 2.0-, 3.0-, 4.0-4.9 years, the proportion of developmental delay in 5 domains was higher (36.4%, 43.9%, 52.4%). In children with GDD, the fine motor delay occurred most frequently (85.1%), followed by social self-care (83.9%), language (79.0%), adaptation (62.3%), and gross motor (52.8%). The frequency of developmental delays in fine motor, adaptability, language, and social self-care in boys was higher than that in girls ( χ2=161.37, χ2=41.10, χ2=320.90, χ2=238.54, all P<0.001). The age groups with the highest delay incidence of gross motor, fine motor, adaptability, language, and social self-care were: 4.0-4.9 years (70.6%), 3.0-3.9 years (97.4%), 4.0-4.9 years (81.2%), 2.0-2.9 years (90.9%),2.0-2.9 years (95.4%). The proportions of fine motor delay in GDD children aged 0.0-0.9, 3.0-3.9 and 4.0-4.9 years were (74.5%, 97.4%, 96.8%) and the proportions of social self-care delay in GDD children aged 1.0- and 2.0-2.9 years were (92.1%, 95.4%). Peripheral and mild developmental delays were predominant in children with GDD. The proportion of severe language delay (6.4%) was higher than that in other fields. Conclusions:The proportion of GDD children with developmental delay in 4-5 domains was 54.5%. The most frequent domain of delay was fine motor. The frequencies of developmental delays in fine motor skills, adaptability, language, and social self-care in boys were higher than in girls. Most of the developmental delays in GDD children were marginal and mild. The rate of severe developmental delay in language was higher than in other domains.
10.Comparative genomic characteristics of Marmota himalayana-derived Brucella abortus in Qinghai Province
Hongmei XUE ; Li MA ; Xuxin YANG ; Jianling WANG ; Zhijun ZHAO ; Lingling REN ; Yanmei ZHAO ; Yuanbo ZHAO ; Jiquan LI
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(10):780-785
Objective:To study the comparative genomic characteristics of Marmota himalayana-derived (referred to as marmota-derived) Brucella abortus (B.ab). Methods:The species and types of one strain of marmota-derived Brucella and one strain of human-derived Brucella isolated from the brucellosis epidemic area in Qinghai Province in the same year were identified. Meanwhile, DNA was extracted for whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics analysis (including phylogenetic tree construction, gene family clustering analysis, common/specific gene analysis, and genomic structural variation analysis, etc.). Results:Two Brucella strains from different hosts were identified as B.ab. By constructing a phylogenetic tree, the marmota-derived B.ab strain was grouped with strains from Heilongjiang Province and showed genetic correlation with strains from Russia. Human-derived B.ab strain was classified as a strain in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hebei Province, Beijing City, and Gansu Province. The multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of the two strains belonged to the ST2 type. Multiple locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) belonged to two new MLVA-8 and MLVA-11 genotypes, which were clustered in two subclusters of the same cluster and clustered with the strains from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Hebei Province. The pan-genome numbers of the marmota-derived B.ab and human-derived B.ab were 283 and 8, respectively; the number of core genes (common genes) was 68 and 2, respectively; and the number of unique genes was 3 and 4, respectively. The unique gene encoded proteins were inconsistent. In marmota-derived B.ab, the main ones were the ABC transporter ATP-binding protein, N-terminal acetyltransferase, and glucose/galactose transporter. The number of homologous genes of the marmota-derived B.ab and human-derived B.ab was 16 and 20, respectively; the number of translocation and inversion genes was 13 and 8, respectively; the number of deletion mutation genes was 11 and 14, respectively. Pathogenicity analysis showed that both strains had the mprF resistance gene, and the marmota-derived B.ab strain also carried bacitracin and macrolide resistance genes. Conclusions:Brucella exhibits cross-species genetic diversity. The proteins encoded by the unique genes of the marmota-derived B.ab mainly play a role in metabolic and epigenetic regulation. The strains cluster with B.ab strains from northern China, providing a reference for molecular epidemiology and pathogen tracing of B.ab infection.

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