Objective To investigate the factors affecting the distribution of Pomacea and project the trends in the spread of suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in 2050 and 2070 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, so as to provide insights into Pomacea control in the prefecture. Methods The longitudes and latitudes of Pomacea sampling sites were captured based on Pomacea field survey data in 12 cities (counties) of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture from 2023 to 2024. A total of 19 climatic factors (annual mean temperature, mean diurnal range, isothermality, temperature seasonality, maximum temperature of the warmest month, minimum temperature of the coldest month, temperature annual range, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest month, mean temperature of the coldest month, annual precipitation, precipitation of the wettest month, precipitation of the driest month, precipitation seasonality, precipitation of the wettest quarter, precipitation of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the warmest quarter, and mean temperature of the coldest quarter) and representative concentration pathways (RCPs) were retrieved from the world climate database (www.worldclim.org). All climatic variables were employed to create a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. The predictive accuracy of the model was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), and the contributions of these 19 climatic factors to the distribution of Pomacea were analyzed in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture using Jackknife test. In addition, the suitable distribution areas of Pomacea were predicted with the MaxEnt model in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in 2024 and in 2050 and 2070 under RCP4.5. Results Data pertaining to 91 Pomacea sampling sites were captured. ROC analysis revealed the MaxEnt model had an AUC value of 0.885 ± 0.088 for predicting the suitable distribution areas of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Of the 19 climatic factors, the maximum temperature of the warmest month had the highest contribution to the distribution of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, followed by mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean temperature of the wettest quarter and minimum temperature of the coldest month. The suitable distribution area of Pomacea was predicted to be 14 555.69 km² in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture in 2024, and would expand gradually to the southeastern part of the prefecture in the future due to climatic factors. The suitable distribution areas of Pomacea were projected to expand to 21 475.61 km² in 2050 and 25 782.52 km² in 2070 in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, respectively. Conclusions Temperature is an important contributor to the distribution of Pomacea in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and the suitable distribution area of Pomacea will gradually expand to the southeastern part of the prefecture in 2050 and 2070.

Objective To investigate the genetic diversity of sandfly populations in endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis in China, so as to provide references insights into management of visceral leishmaniasis and the vector sandflies. MethodsSixteen sampling sites were selected from main endemic foci of visceral leishmaniasis in China from June to September 2024, including Shanxi Province, Shaanxi Province, Henan Province, Gansu Province, Sichuan Province, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Sandflies were captured using light traps and manual aspirators from sheep pens, chicken coops, cave dwellings, bovinesheds, and pig pens at each sampling site. A single sandfly sample was washed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and genomic DNA was extracted from sandfly samples. Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene was amplified using PCR assay with universal primers, and analyzed and retrieved with the nucleotide sequence analysis tool (BLAST) software, and the sequence of COI gene was aligned with the ClustalX 1.83 and MEGA 7.0 software. The base composition and variation site of the COI gene sequence were analyzed using the software MEGA 7.0, and the number of haplotypes, total number of segregating sites, haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, and average nucleotide differences were calculated in the COI gene sequence using the software DnaSP 5.10, followed by Tajima’s D test for neutrality. Haplotypes were screened using the software DnaSP 5.10, and the haplotype network map of sandfly samples was plotted using the software Network 5.0. MEGA 7.0 software was employed for gene sequence editing and alignment, and calculation of genetic distances among sandfly species sampled from different regions, and a phylogenetic tree was built with a neighbor-joining method. Results A total of 466 sandflies were captured from 16 sampling sites in China from June to September 2024, and 430 gene sequences were yielded following PCR amplification and sequencing of the COI gene, with 652 to 688 bp in the length of amplification fragments. The captured sandfly samples were characterized as Phlebotomus chinensis, Sergentomyia squamirostris, Se. koloshanensis, Ph. sichuanensis, and Ph. longiductus following the COI gene sequence alignment in BLAST. A total of 251 haplotypes were identified in the 430 gene sequences from sandfly samples (50.5%), and the average haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity and average number of nucleotide difference were 0.885, 0.257 and 160.761, respectively. The Tajima’s D values were -0.92 for sandfly populations from Yangquan City, Shanxi Province and -1.73 for sandfly populations from Sanmenxia City, Henan Province, and were all more than 0 for sandfly populations from other sampling sites. Haplotype analysis identified 50 haplotypes, which were classified into two haplogroups. Heplogroup 1 included 29 haplotypes, which had a high homology, and heplogroup 2 included 21 haplotypes. The average genetic distance was 0.000 to 0.604 among sandfly samples from different sampling sites, and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the five sandfly species were clustered into distinct clades, all with 100% clade confidence. Conclusions There is a high genetic polymorphism in the COI gene from five sandfly populations in main endemic foci of visceral leishmaniasis in China, and COI gene may serve as a marker gene for analysis of the genetic structure of sandfly populations.

Pyroptosis, an inflammatory caspase-dependent programmed cell death, plays a vital role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and activating inflammatory responses. Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is an aseptic force-induced inflammatory bone remodeling process mediated by the activation of periodontal ligament (PDL) progenitor cells. However, whether and how force induces PDL progenitor cell pyroptosis, thereby influencing OTM and alveolar bone remodeling remains unknown. In this study, we found that mechanical force induced the expression of pyroptosis-related markers in rat OTM and alveolar bone remodeling process. Blocking or enhancing pyroptosis level could suppress or promote OTM and alveolar bone remodeling respectively. Using Caspase-1^-/- mice, we further demonstrated that the functional role of the force-induced pyroptosis in PDL progenitor cells depended on Caspase-1. Moreover, mechanical force could also induce pyroptosis in human ex-vivo force-treated PDL progenitor cells and in compressive force-loaded PDL progenitor cells in vitro, which influenced osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, transient receptor potential subfamily V member 4 signaling was involved in force-induced Caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis in PDL progenitor cells. Overall, this study suggested a novel mechanism contributing to the modulation of osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone remodeling under mechanical stimuli, indicating a promising approach to accelerate OTM by targeting Caspase-1.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Rats ; Bone Remodeling/physiology* ; Caspase 1 ; Periodontal Ligament ; Pyroptosis ; Tooth Movement Techniques

ObjectiveTo explore whether the mechanism of Shuangshen Ningxin capsules （SSNX） in alleviating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury （MIRI） in rats is related to the regulation of mitochondrial fission and fusion. MethodThis study focused on Sprague Dawley （SD） rats and ligated the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery to construct a rat model of MIRI. The rats were divided into the sham operation group， model group， SSNX group （90 mg·kg^-1） and trimetazidine group （5.4 mg·kg^-1）. The activity of superoxide dismutase （SOD） and the content of malondialdehyde （MDA） were detected by micro method. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential （△Ψm） and the degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pore （mPTP） opening were detected by the chemical fluorescence method. The intracellular adenosine triphosphate （ATP） level was detected by the luciferase assay. The messenger ribonucleic acid （mRNA） and protein expression levels of mitochondrial fission and fusion related factors dynamin-related protein 1 （DRP1）， mitochondrial fission 1 protein （FIS1）， optic atrophy protein 1 （OPA1）， mitochondrial outer membrane fusion protein 1 （MFN1）， and MFN2 were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction （real-time PCR） and Western blot. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the model group showed a decrease in serum SOD activity and an increase in MDA content. The opening level of mPTP， the level of △Ψm and ATP content decreased， the protein expressions of mitochondrial fission factors DRP1 and FIS1 increased， and the protein expressions and mRNA transcription levels of fusion related factors OPA1 and MFN1 decreased. Compared with the model group，SSNX significantly increased serum SOD activity， reduced MDA content， increased intracellular ATP level and △Ψm， reduced the opening level of mPTP， downregulated the protein expressions of mitochondrial fission factors DRP1 and FIS1， and increased the mRNA transcription levels and protein expressions of fusion related factors OPA1 and MFN1. ConclusionSSNX inhibits the expressions of mitochondrial fission factors DRP1 and FIS1， and increases the expressions of fusion related factors OPA1 and MFN1， inhibiting mitochondrial fission and increasing mitochondrial fusion， thereby alleviating MIRI.

BACKGROUND:Due to the sudden release and the rapid removal by proteases,platelet-rich plasma hydrogel leads to shorter residence times of growth factors at the wound site.In recent years,researchers have focused on the use of hydrogels to encapsulate platelet-rich plasma in order to improve the deficiency of platelet-rich plasma hydrogels. OBJECTIVE:To prepare self-assembled polypeptide-platelet-rich plasma hydrogel and to explore its effects on the release of bioactive factors of platelet-rich plasma. METHODS:The self-assembled polypeptide was synthesized by the solid-phase synthesis method,and the solution was prepared by D-PBS.Hydrogels were prepared by mixing different volumes of polypeptide solutions with platelet-rich plasma and calcium chloride/thrombin solutions,so that the final mass fraction of polypeptides in the system was 0.1%,0.3%,and 0.5%,respectively.The hydrogel state was observed,and the release of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma was detected in vitro.The polypeptide self-assembly was stimulated by mixing 1%polypeptide solution with 1%human serum albumin solution,so that the final mass fraction of the polypeptide was 0.1%,0.3%,and 0.5%,respectively.The flow state of the liquid was observed,and the rheological mechanical properties of the self-assembled polypeptide were tested.The microstructure of polypeptide(mass fraction of 0.1%and 0.001%)-human serum albumin solution was observed by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Hydrogels could be formed between different volumes of polypeptide solution and platelet-rich plasma.Compared with platelet-rich plasma hydrogels,0.1%and 0.3%polypeptide-platelet-rich plasma hydrogels could alleviate the sudden release of epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor,and extend the release time to 48 hours.(2)After the addition of human serum albumin,the 0.1%polypeptide group still exhibited a flowing liquid,the 0.3%polypeptide group was semi-liquid,and the 0.5%polypeptide group stimulated self-assembly to form hydrogel.It was determined that human serum albumin in platelet-rich plasma could stimulate the self-assembly of polypeptides.With the increase of the mass fraction of the polypeptide,the higher the storage modulus of the self-assembled polypeptide,the easier it was to form glue.(3)Transmission electron microscopy exhibited that the polypeptide nanofibers were short and disordered before the addition of human serum albumin.After the addition of human serum albumin,the polypeptide nanofibers became significantly longer and cross-linked into bundles,forming a dense fiber network structure.Under a scanning electron microscope,the polypeptides displayed a disordered lamellar structure before adding human serum albumin.After the addition of human serum albumin,the polypeptides self-assembled into cross-linked and densely arranged porous structures.(4)In conclusion,the novel polypeptide can self-assemble triggered by platelet-rich plasma and the self-assembly effect can be accurately adjusted according to the ratio of human serum albumin to polypeptide.This polypeptide has a sustained release effect on the growth factors of platelet-rich plasma,which can be used as a new biomaterial for tissue repair.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of neonatal chylothorax.Methods:The clinical data of newborns diagnosed with chylothorax from June 2016 to June 2023 in Neonatal Center of Beijing Children's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and divided into congenital group and acquired group according to the pathogenesis of chylothorax. The clinical characteristics, treatment methods and prognosis of the two groups were compared.Results:A total of 23 cases were included, including 17 cases (73.9%) in the congenital group and 6 cases (26.1%) in the acquired group. There was no significant difference in gender, gestational age and birth weight between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with the acquired group, the proportion of lymphocytes (97.0% vs. 85.0%), the use of erythromycin (7/17 vs. 1/6) and octreotide (9/17 vs. 1/6) and special formula milk feeding (13/17 vs. 2/6) were higher in the congenital group; the proportion of right hydrothorax (1/17 vs. 3/6), invasive mechanical ventilation (6/17 vs. 6/6) and breastfeeding (0/17 vs. 3/6) were lower in the congenital group ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in terms of the white blood cell count in pleural fluid and plasma protein content, incidence of bilateral and left pleural fluid, proportion of closed thoracic drainage, maximum daily drainage volume, drainage duration, total drainage volume, albumin utilization rate, length of stay and survival rate between the two groups ( P>0.05). 18 cases of pleural effusion absorption without recurrence after conservative treatment; 5 cases died, of which 4 cases died after their parents abandoned treatment, and 1 case died of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis after thoracic duct ligation surgery. Conclusions:Congenital chylothorax and acquired chylothorax were similar in severity, course of disease and overall prognosis. The utilization rate of erythromycin and octreotide in congenital chylothorax was higher than that in acquired chylothorax. The neonatal chylothorax is usually with an overall good prognosis.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)in children with atopic constitution and exploring the predictors of disease conditions.Methods A total of 250 children diagnosed with MPP in the Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine,Xinhua Hospital,Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from September 2019 to September 2022 were selected and divided into atopic group(n=149)and non-atopic group(n=101)according to whether they were atopic,to explore the clinical characteristics of MPP in children with atopic constitution and the risk factors of severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneu-monia(SMPP).The efficacy of the combined test of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),immunoglobulin E(IgE)and serum amyloid A(SAA)in predicting the development of SMPP in MPP children with atopic constitution was evaluated by the receiver operating character-istic(ROC)curve.Results Children in the atopic group had more pronounced symptoms of cough,wheezing,nasal congestion,croup,combined pleural effusion with severe pneumonia and the proportion requiring hormone therapy than those in the non-atopic group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that serum IgE,SAA and LDH levels were in-dependent risk factors for the development of SMPP in MPP children with atopic constitution(P＜0.05);ROC curve analysis showed that the combined test of IgE,LDH and SAA could be used to predict the development of SMPP in MPP children with atopic constitution,with an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.881,sensitivity of 81.0％,and specificity of 85.0％.Conclusion MPP children with atopic con-stitution are more likely to develop SMPP and require hormone therapy.The combined detection of serum IgE,SAA and LDH can effec-tively predict the occurrence of SMPP in MPP children with atopic constitution.

Objective:Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive primary malignant bone tumor commonly seen in children and adolescents,with a poor prognosis.Anchorage-dependent cell death(anoikis)has been proven to be indispensable in tumor metastasis,regulating the migration and adhesion of tumor cells at the primary site.However,as a type of programmed cell death,anoikis is rarely studied in osteosarcoma,especially in the tumor immune microenvironment.This study aims to clarify prognostic value of anoikis and tumor immune microenvironment-related gene in the treatment of osteosarcoma. Methods:Anoikis-related genes(ANRGs)were obtained from GeneCards.Clinical information and ANRGs expression profiles of osteosarcoma patients were sourced from the therapeutically applicable research to generate effective therapies and Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)databases.ANRGs highly associated with tumor immune microenvironment were identified by the estimate package and the weighted gene coexpression network analysis(WGCNA)algorithm.Machine learning algorithms were performed to construct long-term survival predictive strategy,each sample was divided into high-risk and low-risk subgroups,which was further verified in the GEO cohort.Finally,based on single-cell RNA-seq from the GEO database,analysis was done on the function of signature genes in the osteosarcoma tumor microenvironment. Results:A total of 51 hub ANRGs closely associated with the tumor microenvironment were identified,from which 3 genes(MERTK,BNIP3,S100A8)were selected to construct the prognostic model.Significant differences in immune cell activation and immune-related signaling pathways were observed between the high-risk and low-risk groups based on tumor microenvironment analysis(all P<0.05).Additionally,characteristic genes within the osteosarcoma microenvironment were identified in regulation of intercellular crosstalk through the GAS6-MERTK signaling pathway. Conclusion:The prognostic model based on ANRGs and tumor microenvironment demonstrate good predictive power and provide more personalized treatment options for patients with osteosarcoma.

Pyroptosis,an inflammatory caspase-dependent programmed cell death,plays a vital role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and activating inflammatory responses.Orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)is an aseptic force-induced inflammatory bone remodeling process mediated by the activation of periodontal ligament(PDL)progenitor cells.However,whether and how force induces PDL progenitor cell pyroptosis,thereby influencing OTM and alveolar bone remodeling remains unknown.In this study,we found that mechanical force induced the expression of pyroptosis-related markers in rat OTM and alveolar bone remodeling process.Blocking or enhancing pyroptosis level could suppress or promote OTM and alveolar bone remodeling respectively.Using Caspase-1-/-mice,we further demonstrated that the functional role of the force-induced pyroptosis in PDL progenitor cells depended on Caspase-1.Moreover,mechanical force could also induce pyroptosis in human ex-vivo force-treated PDL progenitor cells and in compressive force-loaded PDL progenitor cells in vitro,which influenced osteoclastogenesis.Mechanistically,transient receptor potential subfamily V member 4 signaling was involved in force-induced Caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis in PDL progenitor cells.Overall,this study suggested a novel mechanism contributing to the modulation of osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone remodeling under mechanical stimuli,indicating a promising approach to accelerate OTM by targeting Caspase-1.

Pyroptosis,an inflammatory caspase-dependent programmed cell death,plays a vital role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and activating inflammatory responses.Orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)is an aseptic force-induced inflammatory bone remodeling process mediated by the activation of periodontal ligament(PDL)progenitor cells.However,whether and how force induces PDL progenitor cell pyroptosis,thereby influencing OTM and alveolar bone remodeling remains unknown.In this study,we found that mechanical force induced the expression of pyroptosis-related markers in rat OTM and alveolar bone remodeling process.Blocking or enhancing pyroptosis level could suppress or promote OTM and alveolar bone remodeling respectively.Using Caspase-1-/-mice,we further demonstrated that the functional role of the force-induced pyroptosis in PDL progenitor cells depended on Caspase-1.Moreover,mechanical force could also induce pyroptosis in human ex-vivo force-treated PDL progenitor cells and in compressive force-loaded PDL progenitor cells in vitro,which influenced osteoclastogenesis.Mechanistically,transient receptor potential subfamily V member 4 signaling was involved in force-induced Caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis in PDL progenitor cells.Overall,this study suggested a novel mechanism contributing to the modulation of osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone remodeling under mechanical stimuli,indicating a promising approach to accelerate OTM by targeting Caspase-1.