Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.

Objective To investigate the species composition, distribution, density, and pathogen-carrying status of host-seeking ticks in urban environments of Jiangsu Province, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases in urban settings. Methods From April to September 2023, a survey on host-seeking ticks was conducted in three types of habitats (city parks, residential areas, and street greenbelts) across 54 counties (cities, districts) of 13 prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province by using the flagging method. RStudio 4.4.3 (Windows version) was employed to perform chi-square test analysis on the species composition of ticks across different months, and Friedman test (for multiple paired samples) was applied to analyze monthly changes in the average tick density index among different habitats. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect pathogens in the captured ticks. Results A total of 863 host-seeking ticks were captured from 54 habitats in 24 counties (cities, districts) of 11 prefecture-level cities (Nanjing, Wuxi, Changzhou, Suzhou, Nantong, Huai'an, Yancheng, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, Taizhou, and Suqian) in Jiangsu Province, whereas no ticks were captured in Xuzhou and Lianyungang. The collected ticks belonged to three species, with Haemaphysalis longicornis being the dominant species (accounting for 82.62%), followed by Haemaphysalis flava and Hae. phasiana. The average density index of ticks in positive habitats was 3.20 ticks/ (flag·100 m). In terms of tick density among prefecture-level cities, Wuxi had the highest density[13.55 ticks/(flag·100 m)], whereas Nanjing and Taizhou had the lowest[both,0.20 ticks/(flag·100 m)]. With respect to the types of positive habitats,46 positive city parks,7 positive residential areas, and 1 positive street greenbelt were found, with the average tick density index being 3.46, 1.86, and 3.60 ticks/flag · 100 m, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed in the monthly variations in the average tick density index among different habitats (P＞0.05). Pathogen detection showed no Bandavirus dabieense, Rickettsia, or Borrelia burgdorferi in the collected ticks. Conclusions Host-seeking ticks have established populations in urban environments across most prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province, with Hae. longicornis identified as the dominant species. City parks serve as the primary breeding habitats for these ticks. Strengthening tick surveillance and control measures in densely populated and frequently visited areas, such as city parks and residential neighborhoods, is crucial for the effective prevention and control of urban tick-borne diseases.

Objective To investigate the predictive value of serum interleukin-17(IL-17)combined with eotaxin-3 for poor prognosis in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD).Methods A total of 213 patients with AECOPD admitted to Beijing Municipal Armed Police Force Hospital from May 2018 to July 2023 were selected as the disease group.According to the prognosis of patients,they were divided into good prognosis group(133 cases)and poor prognosis group(80 cases).At the same time,205 physical examination healthy people in Beijing Municipal Armed Police Force Hospital were selected as the healthy group.The serum levels of IL-17 and eotaxin-3 were detected by enzyme-linked immu-nosorbent assay.The clinical data of poor prognosis group and good prognosis group were compared.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between serum IL-17 level and eotaxin-3 in AECOPD patients.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the related factors affecting the progno-sis of AECOPD patients.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the predic-tive value of serum IL-17 and eotaxin-3 levels for the prognosis of AECOPD patients.Results Compared with the healthy group,the serum levels of IL-17 and eotaxin-3 were increased in the disease group(P<0.05).Compared with the good prognosis group,the poor prognosis group had significant increases in serum IL-17 and eotaxin-3 levels(P<0.05).Serum IL-17 level was positively correlated with eotaxin-3 in AECOPD pa-tients(r=0.537,P<0.001).There were significant differences in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease(GOLD)grade,blood oxygen partial pressure(PaO2)and carbon dioxide partial pressure(PaCO2)between the poor prognosis group and the good prognosis group(P<0.05).GOLD grade,PaCO2,serum IL-17 and eotaxin-3 levels were risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with AECOPD(P<0.05),and PaO2 was a protective factor for poor prognosis in patients with AECOPD(P<0.05).The area under the curve of serum IL-17 and eotaxin-3 combined to predict the prognosis of AECOPD patients was 0.885,the sensitivity was 80.00%,and the specificity was 83.46%,which was better than that of IL-17 and eotaxin-3 a-lone(Zcombiation-IL-17=4.045,P<0.001,Zcombiation-eotaxin-3=3.254,P=0.001).Conclusion The serum levels of IL-17 and eotaxin-3 are increased in AECOPD patients.The combination of IL-17 and eotaxin-3 has predictive value for the prognosis of AECOPD patients.

Objective To explore the influencing factors of different types of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO).Methods A total of 539 patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Gastroenterology,the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from June 2021 to December 2021 and who underwent methane-hydrogen breath test were retrospectively selected.Based on breath test results,patients were divided into SIBO-negative group(n=300)and SIBO-positive group(n=239).The clinical data were compared between two groups.According to the specific values of breath test results,SIBO-positive patients were further divided into hydrogen-producing bacterial overgrowth(hydrogen-positive,n=103),intestinal methanogen overgrowth(methanogen-positive,n=80),and simultaneous methanogen and hydrogen-producing bacterial overgrowth(double positive,n=56)groups.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify influencing factors of different SIBO types.Additionally,SIBO-positive patients were categorized by age into<45 years(n=23),45-60 years(n=82),60-75 years(n=124),and≥75 years(n=10)to compare SIBO positivity rates across age groups.Results The patients in SIBO-positive and double positive groups were older and had a lower body mass index(BMI)than those in SIBO-negative group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Compared with the patients in SIBO-negative group,those in hydrogen-positive group showed a higher proportion of history of coronary heart disease,those in methanogen-positive group were older,and higher proportion of statin use,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that,among different SIBO types,a history of coronary heart disease served as an independent risk factor for hydrogen-producing bacterial overgrowth(OR=2.728,95%CI 1.271-5.857,P=0.010).For methanogen overgrowth,increasing age was identified as an independent risk factor(OR=1.040,95%CI 1.009-1.063,P=0.010),while the application of statin played the role of an independent protective factor(OR=0.420,95%CI 0.236-0.754,P=0.003).As for the simultaneous overgrowth of methane-producing and hydrogen-producing bacteria,increased BMI was found to be an independent protective factor(OR=0.870,95%CI 0.786-0.964,P=0.008).In SIBO-positive group,it was found that for patients aged<45 years,both the methane-positive rate and the double-positive rate were significantly lower than the hydrogen positivity rate(P<0.05).Moreover,among patients aged 45-60 years,the double-positive rate was significantly lower than the hydrogen positivity rate(P<0.01).When it comes to the hydrogen-positive rate,it was significantly lower for patients aged 45-60 and 60-75 years compared with that of patients aged<45 years(P<0.05).In contrast,the methane-positive rate and the double-positive rate were significantly higher for patients aged 45-60 and 60-75 years than those of patients aged<45 years(P<0.01).Conclusion A history of coronary heart disease and increasing age are independent risk factors for intestinal hydrogen-producing bacterial overgrowth and methanogen overgrowth,respectively.The application of statins and increased BMI are independent protective factors for intestinal methanogen simultaneous overgrowth of methanogen and hydrogen-producing bacteria,respectively.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the impact of foam macrophages (FMs) on the intracellular survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and identify the molecular mechanisms influencing MTB survival. METHODS: An in vitro FM model was established using oleic acid induction. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to identify the key molecular pathways involved in FM-mediated MTB survival. RESULTS: Induced FMs effectively restricted MTB survival. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling revealed distinct changes in gene and metabolite expression in FMs during MTB infection compared with normal macrophages. Integrated analyses identified significant alterations in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, indicating that its activation contributes to the FM-mediated restriction of MTB survival. CONCLUSIONS FMs inhibit MTB survival. The cAMP signaling pathway is a key contributor. These findings enhance the understanding of the role of FMs in tuberculosis progression, suggest potential targets for host-directed therapies, and offer new directions for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/physiology* ; Transcriptome ; Metabolomics ; Foam Cells/microbiology* ; Humans ; Metabolome ; Tuberculosis/microbiology* ; Gene Expression Profiling

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of Slc1a2 overexpression on cognitive dysfunction in sleep-deprived mice.Methods A total of 130 mice were divided into five groups:normal sleep(NS),NS+ov-Slc1a2,sleep deprivation(SD),SD+ov-NC,and SD+ov-Slc1a2,with 26 mice in each group.The SD mice model was established using an automatic system based on a rotating rod,and overexpress Slc1a2 adenovirus was injected into the prefrontal cortex(PFC).Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of Slc1a2 in the mouse PFC.Electrophysiological tests were used to evaluate non-rapid eye movement(NREM)sleep time,rapid eye movement(REM)sleep time,and wakefulness time in mice.Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of glutamate(Glu)and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)metabolic enzymes in the mouse PFC.Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to detect the frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents(mEPSC)in mouse PFC.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC.The C11-BODIPY fluorescent probe was used to detect lipid reac-tive oxygen species(ROS)levels in mouse PFC.Commercial kits were used to detect Fe2+and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the mouse PFC.Cognitive function in mice was evaluated using the open field,novel object recognition,and Y-maze tests.Results Compared with the NS group,the NREM sleep time,REM sleep time,central area stay time,recognition index,and novel wall selection index increased significantly,while wakefulness time decreased significantly in the NS+ov-Slc1a2 group(all P＜0.05).The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+cells,expression of Slc1a2 protein,expression of Glul,Slc6a1,and Abat mRNA,frequency and amplitude of mEPSC,and proportion of GABA-positive cells in the PFC increased significantly,whereas lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels decreased significantly(all P＜0.05).Compared with the NS group,the NREM sleep time,REM sleep time,central area stay time,recognition index,and novel wall selection index of the SD group and the SD+ov-NC group were significantly decreased,whereas wakefulness time was significantly increased(all P＜0.05).The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+cells,expression of Slc1a2 protein,expression of Glul,Slc6a1,and Abat mRNA,frequency and amplitude of mEPSC,and proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC decreased significantly,whereas lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels increased significantly(all P＜0.05).Compared with the SD and SD+ov-NC groups,the NREM sleep time,REM sleep time,central area stay time,recognition index,and novel wall selection index of the SD+ov-Slc1a2 group increased significantly,whereas the wakeful-ness time decreased significantly(all P＜0.05).The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+cells,the expression of Slc1a2 protein,the expression of Glul,Slc6a1,and Abat mRNA,the frequency and amplitude of mEPSC,and the proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC increased significantly,whereas lipid ROS,Fe2+,and MDA levels decreased significantly(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Ectopic overexpres-sion of Slc1a2 in the PFC can improve sleep disorders in SD mice,reduce the damage caused by SD to excitatory synaptic transmission and GABAergic neuron function in the PFC,and alleviate cognitive impairment and anxiety-like behavior in these mice.Its mechanism may be related to the improvement of Glu/GABA metabolic imbalance in the PFC and inhibition of ferroptosis.

Objective To explore the effect of evening primrose oil(EPO)on aortic endothelial damage in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS),using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.Methods The potential targets of EPO for improving aortic endothelial injury in PCOS rats were predicted by network pharmacology,and the selected core targets and renin-angiotensin signaling(RAS)pathway were verified by experiments.Fifty-eight female SD rats were divided randomly into a blank group(n=10)and a modeling group(n=48).Rats in the blank group were fed a normal diet and rats in the modeling group received a high-fat diet for 8 weeks.The PCOS model was prepared at week 6 by administration of letrozole(1 mg/(kg·d))for 21 days.Blood was taken from the tail vein after modeling and serum was collected to detect hormone levels.The model rats were then divided randomly into four groups and treated with the corresponding drugs for 6 weeks.Blood,blood vessels,and ovaries were then collected.Tissue morphology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and serum levels of luteinizing hormone(LH),testosterone(T),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),endothelin(ET-1),and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Serum levels of nitric oxide(NO)were determined by spectrophotometry.Protein expression levels of core targets and RAS pathway-related factors were assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results Twenty-five intersection targets of EPO and PCOS were identified by network pharmacological analysis.Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis showed that EPO improved vascular injury in PCOS rats via multiple pathways,including RAS.Serum levels of ET-1,FSH,LH,and T measured by ELISA were significantly decreased after EPO treatment,compared with the model group(P＜0.01).EPO significantly decreased the expression levels of Ang Ⅰ,VEGF-B,AT2R,ET-1,and TNF-α proteins in the aorta(P＜0.01)and significantly increased expression levels of Ang Ⅱ,CD31,and endothelial NO synthase proteins(P＜0.01).Conclusions EPO may ameliorate vascular endothelial injury in PCOS model rats by inhibiting the RAS signaling pathway and by overactivation of the ACE/Ang Ⅱ/AT1 axis.

Objective To study its effect and mechanism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)on the generation of Aβ42 in N2a/APP695swe cells.Methods The N2a/APP695swe cells were cultured in vitro and treated with different concentrations of EGCG(or in combination with LXRβ antagonist GSK2033).The DM-SO group and wild type N2a/wt group were set.The cellular survival rate was detected by the MTT assay;ELISA was used to detect the Aβ42 level;Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of LXRβ,RXRα,ABCA1,caveolin-1 and BACE1 proteins.Results The cellular survival rate and Aβ42 level in the 20,40 μmol/L EGCG cells groups were significantly improved compared with the other groups(P＜0.05),more-over which showed the concentration dependence(P＜0.05).After 20 μmol/L EGCG action,the expression levels of LXRβ,RXRα and ABCA1 protein were increased,the expression levels of caveolin-1 and BACE1 pro-tein were significantly decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05);after treating the cells by combining with GSK2033,the expression levels of LXRβ,RXRα and ABCA1 protein were significantly decreased and caveolin-1 and BACE1 protein expression levels were significantly increased(P＜0.05).Conclu-sion The generation of Aβ42 in N2a/APP695swe cells could be inhibited by EGCG,thus which inhibits the cellular proliferation,and its mechanism may be related to EGCG activating the LXRβ-RXRα-ABCA1 path-way,and then inhibiting the expression of caveolin-1 and BACE1.

The patient is a male neonate born at term. He was admitted 16 minutes after birth due to stridor and inspiratory respiratory distress. Physical examination revealed a cleft palate, and a grade II systolic ejection murmur was audible at the left sternal border. Whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous variant in the SON gene, c.5753-5756del (p.Val1918GlufsTer87), which was absent in either parent, indicating a de novo mutation. According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, this was classified as a "pathogenic variant" leading to a diagnosis of Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim (ZTTK) syndrome. Upon admission, symptomatic supportive treatment was provided. Follow-up at the age of 8 months revealed persistent stridor; the infant could only consume small amounts of milk and was unable to sit steadily. This patient represents the youngest reported case to date, and his symptoms expand the clinical spectrum of the disease, providing valuable insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Minor Histocompatibility Antigens/genetics* ; DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Rare Diseases/genetics* ; Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics*

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting multiple systems, characterized by the development of harmful autoantibodies and immune complexes that lead to damage in organs and tissues. Chinese medicine (CM) plays a role in mitigating complications, enhancing treatment effectiveness, and reducing toxicity of concurrent medications, and ensuring a safe pregnancy. However, CM mainly solves the disease comprehensively through multi-target and multi-channel regulation process, therefore, its treatment mechanism is often complicated, involving many molecular links. This review introduces the research progress of pathogenesis of SLE from the aspects of genetics, epigenetics, innate immunity and acquired immunity, and then discusses the molecular mechanism and target of single Chinese herbal medicine and prescription that are commonly used and effective in clinic to treat SLE.
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Animals