To establish a method for detecting Toxoplasma gondii based on recombinant polymerase amplification(RPA)technology and apply it to clinical sample validation of pet cats.Using the 529 repeat sequence of the Toxoplasma gondii gene as the target gene sequence,primers and probes were designed,and the Rep-529 recombinant plasmid was constructed as the standard.A fluorescent RPA reaction system was established.Dilute the plasmid standard 10 times to different concentrations as the detection template for sensitivity testing;Specific testing was conducted using genomic DNA from several parasitic spe-cies,including Toxoplasma gondii,Cryptosporidium,Neosporidium,Trichinella spiralis,Giardia flagellata,Babesia bo-vis and Theileria annulata as templates;Simultaneously,fluorescence RPA and RT-PCR were used to detect 52 positive and 40 negative cats clinical samples,and the coincidence rate of the detection results of the two methods were compared and ana-lyzed.The RPA reaction system was successfully established using PTRep recombinant plasmid as the standard,ToxD-F/ToxD-R as the primer,and RepD-P as the fluorescent probe.The reaction temperature was constant at 39 ℃,the reaction time was 30 minutes,and the detection sensitivity was 1 copy/μL.There is no significant cross reaction with parasites such as Cryptosporidium,Neosporidium,Trichinella spiralis,Giardia,Babesia bovis and Theileria annulata,and the specificity is good.A total of 92 clinical fecal samples from cats were tested,and the positive coincidence rate of fluorescence RPA detection method was higher than that of conventional RT-PCR method(98.08％vs.82.69％),and the difference of the positive rate was not statistically significant(X2=1.392,P＞0.05).The fluorescence RPA detection method for Toxoplasma gondii suc-cessfully established in this study has the characteristics of being fast,sensitive,specific,accurate,and reliable.It can be used as a rapid clinical detection kit for Toxoplasma gondii in cats and other animals,providing new technical support for the subsequent epidemiological monitoring and precise clinical diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in cats,other animals,and humans in the future.

Objective To explore the similarities and differences in clinical efficacy and mRNA transcriptomics characteristics between acupuncture and shallow needling at non-acupoints and to provide a basis for determining whether shallow needling at non-acupoints is suitable as a sham acupuncture control in acupuncture clinical trials.Methods Eighty patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria(CSU)who visited the Dermatology Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between July 8,2018 and to July 29,2019,were included.The patients were randomly divided into the acupuncture group(n=41)and the sham acupuncture group(n=39)using a computerized complete random design.Additionally,12 healthy individuals were included as the healthy control group.For patients in the acupuncture group,"Baihui(GV20),""Shenting(GV24),""Zhongwan(CV12),"and bilateral"Quchi(LI11),""Tianshu(ST25),""Xuehai(SP10),""Zusanli(ST36),"and"Sanyinjiao(SP6)"were selected for regular acupuncture.The sham acupuncture group received non-acupoint shallow needling at eight non-acupoints on the head,upper limbs,lower limbs,and abdomen.Both groups underwent daily treatment,with five consecutive days constituting one treatment course followed by a two-day interval.A total of two courses were administered.The urticaria activity score(UAS)was used to evaluate wheals and pruritus,whereas the visual analog scale(VAS)score was used to evaluate the degree of pruritus.Blinding effectiveness was also evaluated.Based on clinical evaluation and sample quality,serum samples from six patients in each treatment group before and after the intervention,along with those from six healthy individuals,were selected for RNA sequencing using the BGISEQ-500 sequencer.Differentially expressed mRNAs were identified using the"DEGseq"software package,and the similarities and differences in mRNA expression between the two groups were analyzed.Results UAS and VAS scores decreased in both groups at 1,2,3,and 4 weeks of treatment compared with before treatment(P＜0.01).The decrease in UAS and VAS scores in both groups was time-dependent(P＜0.01)but not related to the grouping or the interaction between grouping and time(P＞0.05).By the end of the second week of treatment,the number of patients in both groups who believed they had received true acupuncture was similar between the two groups,with no significant difference.mRNA transcriptomic sequencing revealed that,before and after treatment,the enrichment types and degrees of differentially expressed mRNA were similar between the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups at the biological process,cellular component,and molecular function levels.In terms of biological processes,both groups were commonly enriched in coagulation,hematoma,oxygen transport,and gas transport.In terms of cellular components,both groups exhibited enrichment in hemoglobin complexes,platelet alpha granules,extracellular exosomes,extracellular organelles,and extracellular vesicles.At the molecular function level,both groups were commonly enriched in actin filament-binding substances,haptoglobin,peroxidase activity,and oxygen blood binding.In the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis,both groups showed common enrichment in multiple entries such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction,ECM-receptor interaction,microRNAs in cancer,proteoglycans in cancer,bladder cancer,and malaria.Conclusion Acupuncture and sham acupuncture exhibited similar clinical treatment effects and mRNA transcriptomics profiles.In the design of acupuncture clinical trials,disease specificity should be carefully considered.Sham acupuncture control using non-acupoint shallow needling may not be suitable for skin diseases such as urticaria.

Aim To investigate the effects of the fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on the biological prop-erties of the BLM642-1290 DNA helicase,in order to lay a foundation for further research on its antitumor activity.Methods Fluorescence polarization assay,malachite green-phosphate and ammonium molybdate colorime-try,and fluorescein-labeled DNA gel electrophoresis experiments were conducted to study the effects of fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on the DNA binding activity,ATPase activity,and DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase.The effects of LYY-32 on the DNA unwinding activity of DNA helicase in cells were studied using fluorescent techniques and time-lapse microscopy.Ultraviolet spectral scanning was used to investigate the effects of LYY-32 on the confor-mation of the BLM642-1290 DNA helicase.Results At a concentration of 10 μmol·L-1,the inhibition rate of LYY-32 on BLM642-1290 DNA helicase binding to dsDNA was 53.17％.At a concentration of 5 μmol·L-1,the inhibition rate of LYY-32 on BLM642-1290 DNA helicase binding to ssDNA was 88.49％.The inhibition rate of LYY-32 on the ATPase activity of BLM642-1290 DNA he-licase was 89.3％at a concentration of 50 μmol·L-1.When the concentration of LYY-32 exceeded 5μmol·L-1,its inhibition rate on the DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase was 100％.LYY-32 also significantly inhibited the DNA unwinding ac-tivity of DNA helicase in cells.However,LYY-32 had no effect on the conformation of BLM642-1290 DNA heli-case.Conclusion The DNA binding activity,AT-Pase activity,and DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase could be significantly inhibi-ted by the fangchinoline derivative LYY-32.

Objective To explore the relationship between insulin resistance and idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP)in girls and the diagnostic value of insulin resistance.Methods Clinical data of 245 girls aged 4 to 7.5 years with low luteinizing hormone(LH)levels(0.2-0.83 IU/L),normal body weight(body mass index standard deviation score between-2 and+2),and early breast development who visited the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology,Henan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty(2022),patients were assigned to an ICPP group(n=123)or a control group(n=122).Correlations between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and selected indices were assessed.Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and ICPP,and the diagnostic performance of various indices for ICPP was evaluated.Results HOMA-IR was higher in the ICPP group than in the control group(P<0.001)and was positively correlated with LH peak(rs=0.467,P<0.05)and the LH peak/FSH peak ratio(rs=0.444,P<0.05).The multivariable logistic regression model including age,BMI,and basal LH showed that HOMA-IR was closely associated with ICPP(OR=2.756,95%CI:1.940-3.913).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve for basal LH,HOMA-IR,and their combination in diagnosing ICPP were 0.735,0.735,and 0.805,respectively(P<0.05),and the combined model had a greater area under the curve than either basal LH or HOMA-IR alone(both P<0.05).Conclusions HOMA-IR is closely associated with ICPP in girls with low LH and normal body weight,and combining HOMA-IR with basal LH improves early identification and diagnostic efficiency in this population.

Objective To explore the relationship between insulin resistance and idiopathic central precocious puberty(ICPP)in girls and the diagnostic value of insulin resistance.Methods Clinical data of 245 girls aged 4 to 7.5 years with low luteinizing hormone(LH)levels(0.2-0.83 IU/L),normal body weight(body mass index standard deviation score between-2 and+2),and early breast development who visited the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology,Henan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2022 to March 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Central Precocious Puberty(2022),patients were assigned to an ICPP group(n=123)or a control group(n=122).Correlations between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)and selected indices were assessed.Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between HOMA-IR and ICPP,and the diagnostic performance of various indices for ICPP was evaluated.Results HOMA-IR was higher in the ICPP group than in the control group(P<0.001)and was positively correlated with LH peak(rs=0.467,P<0.05)and the LH peak/FSH peak ratio(rs=0.444,P<0.05).The multivariable logistic regression model including age,BMI,and basal LH showed that HOMA-IR was closely associated with ICPP(OR=2.756,95%CI:1.940-3.913).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve for basal LH,HOMA-IR,and their combination in diagnosing ICPP were 0.735,0.735,and 0.805,respectively(P<0.05),and the combined model had a greater area under the curve than either basal LH or HOMA-IR alone(both P<0.05).Conclusions HOMA-IR is closely associated with ICPP in girls with low LH and normal body weight,and combining HOMA-IR with basal LH improves early identification and diagnostic efficiency in this population.

Aim To compare the observation results of atomic force microscopy(AFM)and scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and to summarize the main problems and solutions of AFM in observing biological macromolecules,using the observa-tion subjects of protein samples purified by our research group.Methods The protein samples were diluted to 15 nmol·L-1 with PBS,fixed on glass slides,silicon wafers,and mica sheets,dried,and made into solid-phase observation samples.SEM sam-ples were plated with platinum before observation.The surface structures of proteins were observed using AFM and SEM,sample heights were calculated,and differences in results were com-pared.Results Protein samples with positive charges tended to shift to the right during observation due to the repulsion of the AFM probe;mica sheets could effectively eliminate the positive charge of proteins to avoid sample movement;PBS provided a stable environment for protein samples,but the crystallization of PBS salts interfered with probe operation and imaging clarity;SEM samples needed to be plated with platinum before observa-tion and could not achieve the precision of AFM.Conclusions Both AFM and SEM can directly observe protein structures in vitro,with AFM providing higher precision results;when protein sample stability permits,ultrapure water is preferred as the sol-vent carrier,and volatile liquids such as ethanol can also serve as solvent carriers.The application of AFM offers a new approach for pharmacological studies on interactions between biological macromolecules.

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 evaluate the partial biomechanical properties of the posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, and obliquus capitis inferior) in patients with cervical vertigo. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with cervical vertigo admitted from April 2024 to September 2024 were included in the vertigo group, and 30 age-and gender-matched healthy subjects were recruited as the normal group. In the vertigo group, there were 21 females and 9 males, with an average age of (24.00±2.25) years;in the normal group, there were 22 females and 8 males, with an average age of (23.00±3.00) years. Shear wave elastography was used to measure the thickness and stiffness of the posterior occipital muscles in both groups. RESULTS: In the vertigo group, there were no statistically significant differences in the Young's modulus values (E) of stiffness of the posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis inferior) between the left and right sides(P>0.05). The Young's modulus values(E) of stiffness of the right posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis inferior) in the cervical vertigo group were (39.66±8.21) kPa, (45.61±5.85) kPa, and (43.73±5.22) kPa, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the normal group 33.97(17.76) kPa, 41.38(8.99) kPa, 38.27(12.58) kPa, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). In the vertigo group, the Young's modulus values(E) of stiffness of the left rectus capitis posterior major and left obliquus capitis inferior were (40.41±9.13) kPa and (42.11±6.20) kPa, respectively, which were significantly greater than those in the normal group (33.30±11.31) kPa, 38.94(14.62) kPa, with statistically significant differences(P<0.05);however, there was no statistically significant difference in the left rectus capitis posterior minor between the two groups(P>0.05). In the vertigo group, there were no statistically significant differences in the stiffness of the posterior occipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis inferior) between the left and right sides(P>0.05). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in the thickness of the bilateral posterior occipital muscles between the vertigo group and the normal group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION The posterior occipital muscles of patients with cervical vertigo are stiffer than those of healthy individuals, while there is no significant difference in muscle thickness between the two groups.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Elasticity Imaging Techniques/methods* ; Adult ; Vertigo/physiopathology* ; Neck Muscles/physiopathology* ; Young Adult

As global greenhouse gases continue rising, the urgency of more ambitious action is clearer than ever before. China is the world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and one of the countries affected most by climate change. The evidence about the impacts of climate change on the environment and human health may encourage China to take more decisive action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts. This article aimed to review the evidence of environmental damages and health risks posed by climate change and to provide a new science-based perspective for the delivery of sustainable development goals. Over recent decades, China has experienced a strong warming pattern with a growing frequency of extreme weather events, and the impacts of climate change on China's environment and human health have been consistently observed, with increasing O ₃ air pollution, decreases in water resources and availability, land degradation, and increased risks for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Therefore, China's climate policy should target the key factors driving climate change and scale up strategic measures to curb carbon emissions and adapt to inevitable increasing climate impacts. It provides new insights for not only China but also other countries, particularly developing and emerging economies, to ensure climate and environmental sustainability whilst pursuing economic growth.
Climate Change ; China ; Humans ; Greenhouse Gases ; Air Pollution ; Sustainable Development ; Environment

Aim To investigate the effects of the fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on the biological prop-erties of the BLM642-1290 DNA helicase,in order to lay a foundation for further research on its antitumor activity.Methods Fluorescence polarization assay,malachite green-phosphate and ammonium molybdate colorime-try,and fluorescein-labeled DNA gel electrophoresis experiments were conducted to study the effects of fangchinoline derivative LYY-32 on the DNA binding activity,ATPase activity,and DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase.The effects of LYY-32 on the DNA unwinding activity of DNA helicase in cells were studied using fluorescent techniques and time-lapse microscopy.Ultraviolet spectral scanning was used to investigate the effects of LYY-32 on the confor-mation of the BLM642-1290 DNA helicase.Results At a concentration of 10 μmol·L-1,the inhibition rate of LYY-32 on BLM642-1290 DNA helicase binding to dsDNA was 53.17％.At a concentration of 5 μmol·L-1,the inhibition rate of LYY-32 on BLM642-1290 DNA helicase binding to ssDNA was 88.49％.The inhibition rate of LYY-32 on the ATPase activity of BLM642-1290 DNA he-licase was 89.3％at a concentration of 50 μmol·L-1.When the concentration of LYY-32 exceeded 5μmol·L-1,its inhibition rate on the DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase was 100％.LYY-32 also significantly inhibited the DNA unwinding ac-tivity of DNA helicase in cells.However,LYY-32 had no effect on the conformation of BLM642-1290 DNA heli-case.Conclusion The DNA binding activity,AT-Pase activity,and DNA unwinding activity of BLM642-1290 DNA helicase could be significantly inhibi-ted by the fangchinoline derivative LYY-32.