Objective To investigate the species of sandflies and the prevalence of Leishmania infections in sandflies from selected areas of northern and northwestern China, so as to provide insights into identification of leishmaniasis vectors and assessment of epidemiological trends of leishmaniasis in China. Methods Sandfly samples were collected from Mentougou District of Beijing Municipality, Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province, Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County of Karamay District of Karamay City, Gaochang District of Turpan City in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from July 2023 to July 2024. Approximately 100 intact female sandfly samples were randomly selected from each site and the species of sandflies was identified according to morphological characteristics and molecular assays. Female sandflies originating from the same habitat were grouped into pools of 10 individuals. Leishmania infection was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) gene, and the prevalence of Leishmania infection was calculated in sandflies from different sampling sites using the minimum infection rate (MIR) method. In addition, positive amplicons were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results A total of 6 155 sandflies were collected from different environments at sampling sites across the six aforementioned regions from July 2023 to July 2024. Phlebotomus chinensis (96.00%) was the dominant sandfly species in Mentougou District, Beijing Municipality, with a small proportion of Ph. sergenti (4.00%), and only Ph. chinensis was found in Xiangning County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province. Ph. wui was the only sandfly species detected in Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County, Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Ph. caucasicus (97.70%) was the dominant sandfly species in Karamay District, Karamay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with a small proportion of Ph. wui (2.30%), while Ph. alexandri was the only species in Gaochang District, Turpan City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A total of 40, 60, 34, 18, 18, and 22 pools of sandfly samples were tested from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality, Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province, Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Payzawat County in Kashgar City, Karamay District in Karamay City, and Gaochang District in Turpan City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, respectively. L. infantum was detected in Ph. chinensis samples from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality, and Xiangning County of Linfen City in Shanxi Province, with MIR of 0.25% to 1.00%, and L. donovani was detected in Ph. wui from Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County in Kashgar City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with MIR of 0.56% to 0.88%; however, no Leishmania infection was detected in Ph. caucasicus from Karamay District in Karamay City or Ph. alexandri from Gaochang District in Turpan City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Leishmania ITS-1 gene sequences obtained from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality and Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province were clustered into the same clade with the reference sequences of L. infantum ITS-1 gene, while the Leishmania ITS-1 gene sequences obtained from Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Payzawat County in Kashgar City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were clustered into the same clade with the reference sequences of L. donovani ITS-1 gene. Conclusions There are variations in sandfly species in selected areas of northern and northwestern China, and variations in the species of Leishmania infecting sandflies. Improved surveillance of sandfly vectors and targeted control strategies with adaptations to geographical features and leishmaniasis vectors are recommended.

Given that ovarian stimulation is vital for assisted reproductive technology (ART) and results in elevated serum estrogen levels, exploring the impact of elevated estrogen exposure on oocytes and embryos is necessary. We investigated the effects of various ovarian stimulation treatments on oocyte and embryo morphology and gene expression using a mouse model and estrogen-treated mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to two types of conventional ovarian stimulation and ovarian hyperstimulation; mice treated with only normal saline served as controls. Hyperstimulation resulted in high serum estrogen levels, enlarged ovaries, an increased number of aberrant oocytes, and decreased embryo formation. The messenger RNA (mRNA)‍-sequencing of oocytes revealed the dysregulated expression of lysine-specific demethylase 6b (Kdm6b), which may be a key factor indicating hyperstimulation-induced aberrant oocytes and embryos. In vitro, Kdm6b expression was downregulated in mESCs treated with high-dose estrogen; treatment with an estrogen receptor antagonist could reverse this downregulated expression level. Furthermore, treatment with high-dose estrogen resulted in the upregulated expression of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (γ-H2AX). Notably, knockdown of Kdm6b and high estrogen levels hindered the formation of embryoid bodies, with a concomitant increase in the expression of H3K27me3 and γ-H2AX. Collectively, our findings revealed that hyperstimulation-induced high-dose estrogen could impair the demethylation of H3K27me3 by reducing Kdm6b expression. Accordingly, Kdm6b could be a promising marker for clinically predicting ART outcomes in patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Female ; Mice ; Demethylation/drug effects* ; Embryonic Stem Cells ; Estrogens/administration & dosage* ; Gene Expression/drug effects* ; Histones/metabolism* ; Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oocytes ; Ovary/drug effects* ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Animals

The dysfunction of the lysosome and autophagy-lysosome system serves as a driving force for neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and other related diseases, closely influencing their onset and progression. Therefore, restoring the function of the lysosome or autophagy-lysosome system has become an increasingly crucial therapeutic strategy in disease management. In this review, we will introduce the lysosomal biogenesis, structure, and function, as well as the biological process of the autophagy-lysosome system. Various diseases closely associated with lysosomal/autophagic dysfunction are also reviewed, emphasizing the significance of targeting the function of the lysosome or autophagy-lysosome system in disease treatment. Finally, we focus on engineered nanomaterials that have the capabilities to restore the function of the lysosome or autophagy-lysosome system, and summarize different strategies and methods for achieving this goal. This review aims to elucidate the latest progress in the field of nanomedicine for lysosomal/autophagic defect-related diseases and inspire the development of innovative and clinically valuable nanomedicines.
Humans ; Lysosomes/physiology* ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Nanomedicine/methods* ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/therapy* ; Animals ; Nanostructures ; Lysosomal Storage Diseases/therapy*

Food-derived bioactive peptides (FBPs), particularly those with ten or fewer amino acid residues and a molecular weight below 1300 Da, have gained increasing attention for their safe, diverse structures and specific biological activities. The development of FBP-based functional foods and potential medications depends on understanding their structure‒activity relationships (SARs), stability, and bioavailability properties. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the roles of FBPs in treating various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases, based on the literature from July 2017 to Mar. 2023. Subsequently, attention is directed toward elucidating the associations between the bioactivities and structural characteristics (e.g., molecular weight and the presence of specific amino acids within sequences and compositions) of FBPs. We also discuss in silico approaches for FBP screening and their limitations. Finally, we summarize recent advancements in formulation techniques to improve the bioavailability of FBPs in the food industry, thereby contributing to healthcare applications.
Humans ; Peptides/therapeutic use* ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Functional Food ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy* ; Biological Availability ; Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy* ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/drug therapy* ; Hypertension/drug therapy* ; Liver Diseases/drug therapy* ; Bioactive Peptides, Dietary

Patients with periodontal disease often require combined periodontal-orthodontic interventions to restore periodontal health, function, and aesthetics, ensuring both patient satisfaction and long-term stability. Managing these patients involving orthodontic tooth movement can be particularly challenging due to compromised periodontal soft and hard tissues, especially in severe cases. Therefore, close collaboration between orthodontists and periodontists for comprehensive diagnosis and sequential treatment, along with diligent patient compliance throughout the entire process, is crucial for achieving favorable treatment outcomes. Moreover, long-term orthodontic retention and periodontal follow-up are essential to sustain treatment success. This expert consensus, informed by the latest clinical research and practical experience, addresses clinical considerations for orthodontic treatment of periodontal patients, delineating indications, objectives, procedures, and principles with the aim of providing clear and practical guidance for clinical practitioners.
Humans ; Consensus ; Orthodontics, Corrective/standards* ; Periodontal Diseases/complications* ; Tooth Movement Techniques/methods* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic

Objective To investigate the status of management of iodinated contrast media(ICM)extravasation in Henan Province,as well as nurses' knowledge and influencing factors,in order to provide a basis for optimizing management strategies.Methods A self-designed questionnaire was applied,employing convenience sampling,to survey nursing administrators and nurses in the radiology departments of 55 tertiary hospitals across 16 regions of Henan Province,from December 2024 to January 2025.Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors influencing nurses' knowledge.Results A total of 55 nursing administrators and 64 nurses participated,with a valid questionnaire response rate of 100％.The survey results reveal that only 5.45％of radiology depart-ments utilized high-pressure central venous catheters,and 32.73％employed vascular visualization techniques.When setting the high-pressure injection speed for ICM,only 54.55％of radiology departments required an assessment of the type and model of intravenous access.Additionally,only 9.09％of radiology departments mandated an observa-tion for 2 to 4 hours following ICM extravasation.Furthermore,only 50.91％of radiology departments had estab-lished an information system for ICM use.The nurses' knowledge score regarding the prevention and management of ICM extravasation was(90.00±17.59),influenced by years of experience in radiology and professional titles(P＜0.05).Conclusion The prevention and management measures for ICM in radiology departments in Henan Province need further improvement.Nursing administrators should optimize management strategies,improve relevant training systems,and continuously enhance nurses' knowledge and practical abilities.

Objective To investigate the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and vas-cular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2)in serum and urine of the children patients with primary nephrotic syndrome(PNS),and to conduct the correlation analysis on the experimental indexes of 24 h urine protein quantitation,blood albumin(ALB),total cholesterol(TC),blood urea nitrogen(BUN)and creatinine(Scr).Methods Thirty children patients with PNS without hormone treatment admitted and treated in this hospital from January 2020 to December 2023 were selected as the study subjects and divided into the hormone sensitive nephrotic syndrome(SSNS)group(n=12)and steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome(SDNS)group(n=18)according to the cortical hormone treatment effect.Twenty healthy children with matched age and sex visiting in the pediatric department during the same period served as the control group.The differ-ences of VEGF and VEGFR2 levels in blood and urine were compared among 3 groups and their correlation with the experimental indexes was analyzed.Results Compared with the control group,the blood VEGF lev-el,urine VEGF and BUN levels in the SDNS group were increased,blood VEGFR2 and urine VEGFR2,24 h urine protein quantitation and TC level in the SSNS group and SDNS group were increased,the ALB level was decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The Pearson correlation analysis re-sults showed that blood VEGF level was positively correlated with the 24 h urine protein quantitation and TC level,and negatively correlated with the ALB level(P<0.05);the urine VEGF level was positively correlated with 24 urine protein quantitation and TC level,and negatively correlated with the Scr level(P<0.05);blood VEGF2 level was positively correlated with the 24 h urine protein quantitation and the TC level,and negative-ly correlated with the ALB level(P<0.05);the urine VEGF2 level was positively correlated with the 24 h u-rine protein quantitation and TC level,and negatively correlated with the ALB level(P<0.05).Conclusion The blood and urine VEGF and VEGFR2 may serve as the novel indicators for the early diagnosis,prediction and hormone sensitivity evaluation in the children patients with PNS.

Objective·To investigate the effects of liraglutide on liver fibrosis in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and the underlying mechanisms.Methods·Twenty 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal chow diet group(Chow group)and a methionine-choline-deficient(MCD)diet group(MCD group),with 10 mice per group.The MCD diet was used to induce NAFLD.Each group was further divided into two subgroups,resulting in four subgroups:Chow+saline,Chow+liraglutide,MCD+saline,and MCD+liraglutide group.After daily intraperitoneal injection of liraglutide(400 μg/kg)or an equivalent volume of saline for 4 weeks,an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test(IPGTT)was performed.Serum levels of aspartate transaminase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TAG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)were measured.Liver tissues were collected post-euthanasia to assess TAG content.Histopathological changes,lipid deposition,and fibrosis were evaluated via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,Oil Red O staining,and Masson staining.Real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)and Western blotting were used to analyze the expression of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),fibronectin(FN),collagen type Ⅰ α(COL1A),matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9),tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1(TIMP1),transforming growth factor β(TGF-β),SMAD3,and phosphorylated SMAD3(pSMAD3).Results·The IPGTT revealed that liraglutide intervention reduced blood glucose levels at 15,30,and 60 min,with a decreased area under the curve(AUC)(both P<0.05).Biochemical analysis showed that liraglutide lowered AST and ALT levels(both P<0.001),increased TC and HDL-C levels(both P<0.05),but had no significant effect on TAG or LDL-C in MCD mice.HE staining and Oil Red O staining revealed reduced lipid droplets,ballooning degeneration,and inflammatory infiltration in hepatocytes after liraglutide treatment.Masson staining indicated decreased collagen fiber deposition in the liver.qPCR and Western blotting analysis demonstrated upregulated expression of α-SMA,FN,COL1A,TIMP1,TGF-β,and pSMAD3/SMAD3,alongside downregulated MMP9 in MCD mice.Liraglutide reversed these changes,lowering α-SMA,FN,COL1A,TIMP1,TGF-β,and pSMAD3/SMAD3 expression while increasing MMP9 expression.Conclusion·Liraglutide ameliorates liver injury,lipid deposition,and fibrosis in NAFLD mice,through modulation of the TGF-β/SMAD3 pathway and regulating fibrosis-associated protein expression.

The wide application of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has brought the hope of fertility to infertile couples worldwide. However, with the gradual popularization of ART, the long-term health status of ART children has attracted extensive attention from society. Adolescence is a critical developmental period for individuals to transition from childhood to adulthood, with significant physical and psychological changes, so the health status of ART offspring during this period has a profound impact on their overall future health. This article reviews the existing studies, focusing on the effects of ART on multiple aspects of adolescent health, especially growth and development, cardiovascular health, endocrine function, fertility, cancer risk, atopic diseases, mental health, epigenetic changes and other aspects. The possible mechanisms leading to these health problems, including genetic factors, environmental exposures, and the long-term effects of early life interventions, were explored. Future research should continue to explore the long-term effects of ART on the health of offspring and further clarify the mechanisms of these effects, so as to provide a scientific basis for the development of effective prevention and intervention measures.

The high content of sucrose and raffinose reduces the prebiotic value of soybean oligosaccharides. Fructan sucrases can catalyze the conversion of sucrose and raffinose to high-value products such as fructooligosaccharides and melibiose. To obtain a fructan sucrase that can efficiently convert soybean oligosaccharides, we first mined the fructan sucrase gene from microorganisms in the coastal areas of Xisha Islands and Bohai Bay and then characterized the enzymatic and catalytic properties of the enzyme. Finally, recombinant extracellular expression of this gene was carried out in Bacillus subtilis. The results showed that a novel fructan sucrase, BhLS 39, was mined from Bacillus halotolerans. With sucrose and raffinose as substrates, BhLS 39 showed the optimal temperatures of 50 ℃ and 55 ℃, optimal pH 5.5 for both, and K_cat/K_m ratio of 3.4 and 6.6 L/(mmol·s), respectively. When 400 g/L raffinose was used as the substrate, the melibiose conversion rate was 84.6% after 30 min treatment with 5 U BhLS 39. Furthermore, BhLS 39 catalyzed the conversion of sucrose to produce levan-type-fructooligosaccharide and levan. Then, the recombinant extracellular expression of BhLS 39 in B. subtilis was achieved. The co-expression of the intracellular chaperone DnaK and the extracellular chaperone PrsA increased the extracellular activity of the recombinant BhLS 39 by 5.2 folds to 17 U/mL compared with that of the control strain. BhLS 39 obtained in this study is conducive to improving the quality and economic benefits of soybean oligosaccharides. At the same time, the strategy used here to enhance the extracellular expression of BhLS 39 will also promote the efficient recombinant expression of other proteins in B. subtilis.
Oligosaccharides/metabolism* ; Glycine max/metabolism* ; Bacillus subtilis/metabolism* ; Sucrase/biosynthesis* ; Raffinose/metabolism* ; Fructans/metabolism* ; Sucrose/metabolism* ; Bacillus/genetics* ; Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis* ; Bacterial Proteins/biosynthesis*