ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.

Background: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a common complication of advanced cancers, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Although host–tumor interactions are known to drive MPE development, the associated immune dynamics during disease progression remain unclear. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma-induced MPE model in C57BL/6JNidfc mice, we systematically evaluated general parameters and immune cell changes at two-day intervals throughout disease progression. Results: The day of Lewis lung carcinoma cell injection into the pleural space was designated as day 0. By day 10 post-injection (p.i.), MPE-bearing mice exhibited ~ 10% body weight loss, marking the experimental endpoint. Pleural tumor mass and pleural effusion volume were minimal up to day 4 p.i. but increased sharply from day 6 onward.CD45⁺ immune cell counts rose over time, and days 6, 8, and 10 p.i. marked key stages of MPE progression. On day 6, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, but not macrophages and neutrophils, increased significantly compared to earlier timepoints. By day 8, all immune cell subsets except T cells exceeded day 6 levels, and at day 10, natural killer cell numbers declined while others continued to increase. Besides, the numbers of CD8⁺ T cells, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages progressively increased from day 6 to 10. Based on these data, days 6 and 10 were defined as early and advanced MPE stages, respectively, with distinct immune phenotypes. In advanced MPE, CD8⁺ T cells displayed reduced IFN-γ, TNF-α, Granzyme B, Perforin, FasL, and Ki-67, but upregulated PD-1 and CTLA-4 relative to early stage. Similarly, Th1 cells showed decreased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production along with reduced Ki-67 expression. Advanced-stage M2 macrophages exhibited lower MHC-II levels and impaired phagocytosis, but higher PD-L1 and IL-10 production, while neutrophils showed reduced TNF-α release and phagocytic activity. Conclusions Our findings characterize the temporal immune dynamics associated with MPE progression in a mouse model, revealing a transition from an early immunostimulatory state to a late immunosuppressive state. This study enhances our understanding of MPE immunopathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing precise, stagespecific therapeutic strategies.

The pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) is fundamentally linked to complex and profound alterations in metabolic networks within the brain, which exhibit marked spatial heterogeneity. While conventional bulk metabolomics is powerful for detecting global metabolic shifts, it inherently lacks spatial resolution. This methodological limitation hampers the ability to interrogate critical metabolic dysregulation within discrete anatomical brain regions and specific cellular microenvironments, thereby constraining a deeper understanding of the core pathological mechanisms that initiate and drive NDDs. To address this critical gap, spatial metabolomics, with mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) at its core, has emerged as a transformative approach. It uniquely overcomes the limitations of bulk methods by enabling high-resolution, simultaneous detection and precise localization of hundreds to thousands of endogenous molecules—including primary metabolites, complex lipids, neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and essential metal ions—directly in situ from tissue sections. This powerful capability offers an unprecedented spatial perspective for investigating the intricate and heterogeneous chemical landscape of NDD pathology, opening new avenues for discovery. Accordingly, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the field, beginning with a discussion of the technical features, optimal application scenarios, and current limitations of major MSI platforms. These include the widely adopted matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MSI, the ultra-high-resolution technique of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)-MSI, and the ambient ionization method of desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)-MSI, along with other emerging technologies. We then highlight the pivotal applications of spatial metabolomics in NDD research, particularly its role in elucidating the profound chemical heterogeneity within distinct pathological microenvironments. These applications include mapping unique molecular signatures around amyloid β‑protein (Aβ) plaques, uncovering the metabolic consequences of neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and characterizing the lipid and metabolite composition of Lewy bodies. Moreover, we examine how spatial metabolomics contributes to constructing detailed metabolic vulnerability maps across the brain, shedding light on the biochemical factors that render certain neuronal populations and anatomical regions selectively susceptible to degeneration while others remain resilient. Looking beyond current applications, we explore the immense potential of integrating spatial metabolomics with other advanced research methodologies. This includes its combination with three-dimensional brain organoid models to recapitulate disease-relevant metabolic processes, its linkage with multi-organ axis studies to investigate how systemic metabolic health influences neurodegeneration, and its convergence with single-cell and subcellular analyses to achieve unprecedented molecular resolution. In conclusion, this review not only summarizes the current state and critical role of spatial metabolomics in NDD research but also offers a forward-looking perspective on its transformative potential. We envision its continued impact in advancing our fundamental understanding of NDDs and accelerating translation into clinical practice—from the discovery of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis to the development of high-throughput drug screening platforms and the realization of precision medicine for individuals affected by these devastating disorders.

Objective: To investigate the influencing factors for kinesiophobia among elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), so as to provide the reference for alleviating kinesiophobia among COPD patients. Methods: From December 2023 to July 2024, COPD patients aged 60 years and above who sought medical treatment at a tertiary grade-a hospital in Guiyang City were selected. Demographic information was collected through questionnaire surveys. Kinesiophobia, exercise self-efficacy, social support, type D personality and coping styles were assessed using the Chinese version of Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Chinese version of the Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Type D Personality Scale and Chinese version of the Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, respectively. Factors affecting kinesiophobia among elderly patients with COPD were analyzed using a multiple linear regression model. Results: A total of 300 COPD patients were surveyed, including 238 males (79.33%) and 62 females (20.67%). The majority of patients had a disease duration of less than 5 years, with 130 cases (43.33%). The average kinesiophobia score was (48.01±7.74) points. The average exercise self-efficacy score was (3.39±1.01) points. The average social support score was (34.42±6.76) points. There were 280 patients (93.33%) with type D personality. The average scores of the confrontation, avoidance, and resignation dimensions of coping styles were (17.42±5.00), (13.76±1.91), and (11.81±2.95) points, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age (70-<80 years, β'=0.124; ≥80 years, β'=0.205), educational level (primary school and below, β'=0.228; junior high school, β'=0.182), household monthly income per capita (<3 000 yuan, β'=0.234; 3 000~<5 000 yuan, β'=0.165), social support (β'=0.294), type D personality (β'= 0.170), and coping styles (confrontation dimension, β'=-0.140; avoidance dimension, β'=0.154; resignation dimension, β'=0.175) statistically associated with kinesiophobia among elderly patients with COPD. Conclusion Kinesiophobia among elderly patients with COPD is associated with age, educational level, household monthly income per capita, social support, type D personality and coping styles.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of varicella in Lu'an City from 2005 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing varicella prevention and control strategies. Methods Data on varicella cases were collected through the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. Descriptive epidemiology, temporal trend analysis, seasonal analysis, spatiotemporal clustering analysis, and spatial autocorrelation analysis were conducted using QGIS, JoinPoint, SaTScan and GeoDa software. Results The average annual reported incidence rate of varicella in Lu'an City from 2005 to 2023 was 34.55/100,000, showing a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease. The peak incidence occurred from October to January of the following year (RR=1.97, LLR=1743.95, P=0.001). Students aged 0 to 19 was the primary affected group. Spatiotemporal scan analysis revealed four types of spatiotemporal clusters, with the cluster in Jin'an District from October 2017 to December 2023 being particularly prominent (RR=2.87，LLR=1734.15，P<0.001). Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated significant clustering of varicella cases in the main urban area (Moran's I=0.216，Z=4.786，P=0.003). Conclusion The incidence of varicella in Lu'an City exhibits distinct seasonal and spatial clustering, and schools and kindergartens in the main urban area are the key to varicella prevention and control. It is necessary to enhance the monitoring of disease outbreaks during peak periods and in key areas, and to increase the two-dose vaccination rate for varicella in areas with case aggregation and among key populations.

Dipsaci Radix is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine in China, with triterpenoid saponins as the main active components. β-Amyrin synthase, a member of the oxidosqualene cyclase superfamily, plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins. Asperosaponin Ⅵ is an oleanane-type triterpenoid saponin. To explore the β-amyrin synthase genes involved in the biosynthesis of asperosaponin Ⅵ in Dipsacus asper, this study screened the candidate genes from the transcriptome data of D. asper. Two β-amyrin synthase genes, Da OSC1 and Da OSC2, were identified by phylogenetic analysis and correlation analysis. The coding sequences of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 were 2 286 bp and 2 295 bp in length, encoding 761 and 764 amino acids,respectively. Multiple sequence alignments showed that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 had three conserved motifs( DCTAE, QW, and MWCYCR) unique to the oxidosqualene cyclase family. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 had the highest expression levels in the roots. Compared with normal growth conditions, the low-temperature treatment significantly upregulated the expression of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2. Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression of Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in the production of β-amyrin, which suggested that Da OSC1 and Da OSC2 were able to catalyze the synthesis of β-amyrin. This study clarified the catalytic functions of two β-amyrin synthases in D. asper, analyzed their expression patterns in different tissue and at low temperatures. The findings provide a foundation for further studying the biosynthetic pathway and regulatory mechanism of asperosaponin Ⅵ in D. asper.
Intramolecular Transferases/chemistry* ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Dipsacaceae/classification* ; Saponins/metabolism* ; Oleanolic Acid/metabolism*

ObjectiveTo investigate the anatomical features of three-dimensional （3D） reconstruction of the hepatic pedicle based on the Laennec’s capsule， as well as its application value in the development of extra-sheath dissection/occlusion clamp and precise hepatectomy. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the abdominal contrast-enhanced CT data of 100 patients without anatomical abnormalities of the hepatic pedicle in The General Hospital of Western Theater Command from January 2021 to June 2024. The Hisense CAS system combined with the 3D U-net deep learning algorithm was used for 3D reconstruction of the hepatic pedicle at the level of Laennec’s capsule， and the hepatic pedicle was measured in terms of the length， outer diameter， and angle of the main trunk and branches. An extra-sheath hepatic pedicle dissection/occlusion clamp was developed based on the above measurements， and a total of 30 patients scheduled for right hemihepatectomy were enrolled and randomly divided into device group and control group， with 15 patients in each group. The two groups were compared in terms of hepatic pedicle handling time， time of operation， intraoperative blood loss， and the incidence rate of bile duct injury. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups， and the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsThe results of 3D reconstruction revealed four variants in the main trunk branches of the hepatic pedicle， with type Ⅰ （left-right branching） accounting for 88% （88/100）， type Ⅱ （trifurcation type） accounting for 5% （5/100）， type Ⅲ （right anterior branching） accounting for 5% （5/100）， and type Ⅳ （special type） accounting for 2% （2/100）. The outer diameter of the main hepatic pedicle was 24.10±6.16 mm， the length of the left main branch was 20.59±6.38 mm， and the length of the right main branch was 21.99±7.98 mm. Compared with the control group， the device group had significantly shorter hepatic pedicle handling time （14.10±1.30 minutes vs 17.50±2.00 minutes， t=-5.620， P=0.001） and time of operation （217.00±28.28 minutes vs 241.87±19.49 minutes， t=-2.804， P=0.009）. The device group had a significantly lower incidence rate of bile duct injury than the control group （0 vs 20%， P=0.031）. Conclusion3D reconstruction based on the Laennec’s capsule can accurately display the anatomical variations of the hepatic pedicle. The extra-sheath hepatic pedicle dissection/occlusion clamp developed based on such data can optimize the process of hepatic pedicle management and improve surgical safety， and therefore， it holds promise for clinical application.

Polymer magnetic microspheres are a new type of composite functional materials,which have the advantages of stable structure,diverse modification methods,and magnetic response.These characteristics make polymer magnetic microspheres have the advantages of high sensitivity,high-specificity and fast response when detecting logo carriers or modified materials,and shows great application prospects in the fields of biomedicine and medical diagnosis.In this review,the basic properties of polymer magnetic microspheres were summarized,the research progresses of magnetic microspheres in the fields of biomedicine and medical diagnosis were emphatically introduced,and the improvement of preparation methods and development trends in the future were prospected.

Glutathione(GSH)is a tripeptide containing sulfhydryl groups,which has the function of antioxidant,detoxifying,and immune enhancing effects,and its expression is closely associated with many diseases such as cancer,etc.Therefore,it is of great significance for clinical diagnosis by developing a highly sensitive,simple,and rapid method for detecting GSH.Herein,two-dimensional(2D)Zn-TCPP(Fe)nanosheets employing Zn2+and Fe-bound tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin ligands were obtained by a surfactant-assisted synthetic method.The 2D Zn-TCPP(Fe)nanosheets exhibited excellent peroxidase-like activity,which allowed the catalysis of the H2O2-initiated oxidation of colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine(TMB)to blue oxidized TMB(ox-TMB).In the presence of GSH,GSH underwent a reduction reaction with oxTMB,resulting in the blue color of the solution fading.The proposed colorimetric sensor exhibited favorable sensitivity for GSH in the linear range of 0.1-200 μmol/L with a limit of detection(S/N=3)of 0.042 μmol/L,indicating excellent selectivity.The developed sensor was successfully applied to detect GSH level in the human serum samples with recoveries of 93.0％-107.7％,showing satisfactory results.The developed colorimetric sensor provided a new approach for detecting GSH.

Objective To explore the anatomical landmarks and segmentation method for the intraoperative identification of the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery by studying cadaveric dissections with an endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach and to investigate its clinical significance.Methods The head specimens of five fresh frozen cadavers were dissected in the anatomical laboratory of the Surgical Treatment Technology Innovation Unit of Nasal Skull Base Tumor in Eye&ENT Hospital of Fudan University.The parapharyngeal space was dissected layer by layer through the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach,and the location marks of parapharyngeal internal carotid artery(ppICA)and adjacent structures of ppICA were anatomically studied.The anatomical landmarks associated with ppICA were observed and characterized,and the ppICA was segmented anatomically according to its adjacent structures.Then,the length of each ppICA segment was measured.Results Muscle structures were essential anatomical landmarks for an endoscopic transoral pterygoid medial approach that identifies mandibular folds.The first layer of muscles included the superior pharyngeal constrictor,tensor veli palatini,and medial pterygoid muscles.The second layer includes the stylopharyngeus,styloglossus,longus capitis,and levator veli palatini muscles.The stylopharyngeal and levator veli palatini muscles were close to the ppICA and were reliable landmarks for locating the ppICA.Furthermore,the ppICA was divided into three segments according to their positional relationship with the ppICA.The first segment of ppICA(P1 ICA)was located between the greater horn plane of the hyoid bone and the intersection plane between the upper margin of stylopharyngeal muscle and ppICA.The second segment of ppICA(P2 ICA)was between the plane where the upper edge of the stylopharyngeal muscle intersected with the ppICA and the plane where the projection of inferior edge of the levator veli palatini muscle intersected with the ppICA.The third segment of ppICA(P3 ICA)was between the intersection of the lower margin projection of the levator veli palatini muscle and ppICA and the external orifice of the carotid canal.The P2 ICA was within an anatomical region bounded by the levator veli palatini muscle,longus capitis muscle,and stylopharyngeus muscle.This region was termed"ICA window"in this paper measured under the cadaver head specimen,the lengths of P1 ICA,P2 ICA,and P3 ICA were(36.5±7.3)mm,(15.5±1.6)mm,(7.4±1.7)mm respectively.Conclusion The muscular structure refers to the relatively constant anatomical reference landmarks within the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold.The stylopharyngeus and levator veli palatini muscles are reliable landmarks for precisely locating and segmenting the ppICA,thus having essential clinical implications.