Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.

Background: High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context. Objective: This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Methods: We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT. Conclusion These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.

Robotic-assisted pedicle screw placement and full-endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (FE-TLIF) are established minimally invasive spine techniques. Their integration has the potential to combine navigation accuracy with the muscle-preserving advantages of uniportal endoscopy. This technical note describes a hybrid approach using the Mazor X Stealth edition robotic system to enhance workflow, safety, and efficiency during FE-TLIF. A 74-year-old patient with metabolic syndrome presented with severe back and radicular leg pain that was refractory to conservative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated bilateral lateral recess stenosis, disc height loss, and facet arthropathy at L4–5, with dynamic instability observed on flexion-extension radiographs. Preoperative computed tomography imaging was uploaded to the robotic system for trajectory planning. Following registration, the robotic arm guided percutaneous pedicle screw placement via Wiltse incisions. Uniportal endoscopic access enabled hemilaminotomy, facetectomy, discectomy, endplate preparation, and insertion of an expandable L4–5 interbody cage under direct visualization. Robotic guidance facilitated precise screw trajectory placement without repeated fluoroscopic localization, reduced intraoperative radiation exposure, and avoided muscle disruption associated with open approaches. Endoscopic visualization enabled controlled facet resection and preservation of neural elements during cage placement. Postoperative radiographs confirmed appropriate implant positioning. The combined workflow improved surgical ergonomics and minimized tissue trauma while maintaining fusion stability. Robotic-assisted FE-TLIF represents a safe and feasible hybrid minimally invasive surgery technique that enhances pedicle screw accuracy and complements endoscopic fusion. Despite a steep learning curve, this approach may reduce perioperative morbidity, improve procedural efficiency, and enhance postoperative recovery. Further comparative studies are required to evaluate long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder of fatty acid oxidation, with highly heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Late-onset MADD predominantly presenting with myopathic features is easily confused with inflammatory myopathy; early identification and administration of high-dose vitamin B₂ can achieve favorable therapeutic effects. This article reports a MADD patient with main manifestations of exercise intolerance and progressive post-exertion muscle weakness. The case is analyzed by integrating blood and urine metabolic screening results and genetic testing findings, so as to provide a reference for the early diagnosis of this disease.

Aromatic Chinese medicinal essential oils are volatile oils extracted from aromatic Chinese herbs， which can prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases through multiple synergistic mechanisms including pathogen inhibition， immune regulation， and inflammatory response regulation. Essential oils are primarily used externally on the body to prevent infections and alleviate symptoms through methods like inhalation， smearing， topical application， bathing， gargling or as a suppository. They can also be utilized in the environment for disinfection and air purification， through methods like diffusion， vaporization， or spraying. The external application of essential oils extracted from Chinese aromatic herbs has the advantages of convenience， quick absorption， and simultaneous influence on both the body and mind. However， there are still challenges and deficiencies in aspects such as the positioning of functions， indications， safety， and the research on the mechanism of action. It has been proposed to combine the theory of aromatic Chinese medicinals with the characteristics of essential oils， and formulate prescriptions of Chinese medicinal essential oils under the principles of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation， and prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases efficiently， accurately， and safely， thereby expanding the clinical application of aromatic Chinese medicinals and the preventive theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective To explore the association between aspartate aminotransferase(AST)/alanine aminotransferase(ALT)ratio and metabolic syndrome(MS)in elderly hypertensive patients,and to provide reference for early detection and prevention of MS in elderly hypertensive patients.Methods A questionnaire survey and physical examination were conducted among 616 elderly hypertensive patients at community health service centers.Participants were divided into two groups based on MS status:MS group(n=334)and non-MS group(n=282).According to AST/ALT levels,participants were divided into four groups:q1 group(AST/ALT ≤0.88,n=156),q2 group(0.88＜AST/ALT ≤ 1.10,n=155),q3 group(1.10＜AST/ALT ≤ 1.37,n=154),and q4 group(AST/ALT＞1.37,n=151).Blood biochemical parameters including triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),AST,ALT,and blood glucose were measured.The impact of AST/ALT levels on MS was analyzed using a Logistic regression model,while the risk prediction for MS occurrence was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Results MS group showed higher body mass index(BMI),TG,ALT levels,abnormal glucose levels,female proportion,and abdominal obesity rate compared to non-MS group.HDL-C and AST/ALT values of MS group were lower than those in non-MS patients(P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for BMI,smoking,alcohol consumption,physical activity,education level,marital status,TG,HDL-C,and glucose levels,both q3 and q4 groups demonstrated reduced MS risk compared to group q1 group(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve for AST/ALT in MS was 0.638(P＜0.05).Conclusion The level of AST/ALT was negatively correlated with MS in elderly hypertensive patients,and AST/ALT has certain predictive value for the risk of MS in elderly hypertensive patients.

AIM To investigate the effect of Fuzheng Hefu Zhiyang Formula(FZHFZY)on psoriasis-like skin lesions and immune regulation in mice.METHODS In the in vivo experiment,30 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the blank group,the model group,the dexamethasone group(1.5 g/kg of compound dexamethasone acetate cream),and the low-dose(2.5 g/kg)and high-dose(5 g/kg)FZHFZY groups,with six mice in each group.The experiment groups were treated with respective FZHFZY and dexamethasone,and the other groups were given normal saline for 10 consecutive days,during which psoriatic skin lesions were induced with imiquimod cream for 7 consecutive days.The mice had their area and severity of psoriasis assessed by PASI score;their histological changes of skin lesions.observed with Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining;their F4/80 ratio of skin lesions observed with immunohistochemical(IHC)staining;their protein expressions of P38,p-P38,Erk,p-Erk,P65 and p-P65 detected by Western blot;and their mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-17,IL-23 and IL-1β detected by RT-qPCR.In the in vitro research,the cultured RAW264.7 cells were divided into the blank group,the LPS group,and the FZHFZY groups(1 200,600,300,150 μg/mL).The cells had their protein expressions of P38,p-P38,Erk,p-Erk,P65 and p-P65 detected with Western blot;and their mRNA expressions of IL-6,TNF-α,IL-23 and IL-8 detected by RT-qPCR.RESULTS The in vivo experiment showed that compared to the model group,the FZHFZY groups demonstrated decreased PASI score(P＜0.01);improved epidermal thickening and parakeratosis of skin lesions as revealed by HE staining result and increased expression of F4/80 in IHC staining sections;decreased protein expression ratios of p-P38/P38,p-ERK/Erk and p-P65/P65 in skin(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and reduced mRNA expressions of TNF-α,IL-17,IL-23 and IL-1β in the skin(P＜0.01).FZHFZY(0～2 400 μg/mL)showed no significant cytotoxicity towards RAW264.7 cells in vitro(P＞0.05).Compared to those of the LPS group,the cells exposed to FZHFZ at concentrations of 1 200 and 600 μg/mL demonstrated decreased protein expression ratios of p-P38/P38,p-ERK/Erk,and p-P65/P65(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and significantly decreased mRNA expressions of TNF-α,IL-17,IL-23 and IL-1β(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION FZHFZY alleviates imiquimod-induced psoriatic lesions in mice and suppresses inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting P38/Erk/NF-κB signaling pathway.

AIM To investigate the effects of Wenfei Jiangzhuo Formula on mitochondrial function of Aβ25-35-induced BV-2 cells.METHODS In the establishment of cell model of Alzheimer's disease(AD)using Aβ25-35 on the BV-2 cells,the optimal concentration and time point of Aβ25-35 intervention were determined;and the groups for the intervention of LFHP-1c group(inhibitor)or the serum containing Wenfei Jiangzhuo Formula were set up.The detection of the optimal intervention concentration and time point by CCK-8 assay;the observation of cell migration and apoptosis by Transwell assay and Hoechst 33342 staining;the detection of the positive expressions of PGAM5 and Drp1 by immunofluorescence;and the detection of cellular PGAM5,Drp1,OPA1,and Mfn1/2 mRNA and protein expressions by RT-qPCR and Western blot were conducted.RESULTS The best AD cell model was established by 48 h exposure to 5 μmol/L of Aβ25-35,and most active cell viability was achieved with the 48 h use of serum containing 20％Wenfei Jiangzhuo Formula.Compared with the control group,the model group displayed decreased number of cell migration,more bright blue positive apoptotic cells,increased number of PGAM5 and Drp1 positive cells and their mRNA and protein expressions(P＜0.05);and decreased mRNA and protein expressions of OPA1 and Mfn1/2(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with the medicines shared increased number of cell migration,less bright blue positive apoptotic cells,decreased number of PGAM5 and Drp1 positive cells and their mRNA and protein expressions(P＜0.05);and elevated OPA1 and Mfn1/2 mRNA and protein expressions(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION Wenfei Jiangzhuo Formula exerts cerebroprotective effects to improve cognition by reducing cell damage and improving the balance of mitochondrial homeostasis through PGAM5-Drp1 axis in AD model.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and independent risk factors of severe disease in patients with anti-nuclear matrix protein (NXP) 2 antibody-positive juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 219 anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM patients admitted to 23 children′s hospitals across China from July 2011 to July 2023. Patients were classified into severe and non-severe groups based on classification criteria for severe dermatomyositis. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, and laboratory parameters were compared between the 2 groups using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or χ2 test. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for severe disease. The receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to calculate optimal cut-off values. Results:Among the 219 patients, 108 were male and 111 were female, with an age at onset of 6.3 (3.5, 9.4) years. The severe group comprised 69 patients, and the non-severe group 150 patients. The severe group had significantly higher rates of fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, as well as elevated levels of ferritin-to-albumin ratio (FAR), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified anti-Ro52 antibody positivity ( OR=13.26, 95% CI 1.37-128.29) and elevated FAR ( OR=1.90, 95% CI 1.09-2.31) as independent risk factors for severe anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM (both P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a FAR cutoff value of 6.82 predicted severe disease with an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.94, P<0.001), sensitivity of 0.85, and specificity of 0.70. All patients received glucocorticoid therapy, and the severe group received higher proportions of steroid pulse therapy, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, intravenous immunoglobulin, biologics, and adjuvant treatments compared to the non-severe group (all P<0.05). In terms of outcomes, 2 patients (2.9%) in the severe group died (due to neurological involvement and intestinal perforation, respectively), while the remaining patients achieved complete clinical response or remission. All patients in the non-severe group achieved remission. Conclusions:The primary clinical features of anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM included fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, and elevated levels of CK, AST, LDH, and FAR. Furthermore, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity and a FAR>6.82 were identified as independent risk factors.