This study explores the basic characteristics and potential functions of the terpene synthase(TPS) gene family members in Lonicera japonica. The L. japonica TPS(LjTPS) gene family was identified and functionally analyzed using bioinformatics methods. The results showed that a total of 70 members of the LjTPS gene family were identified in L. japonica, with protein lengths ranging from 130 to 1 437 amino acids. Most of these proteins were hydrophilic, and they were unevenly distributed across nine chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the LjTPS gene family members were divided into six subfamilies, mainly consisting of members from the TPS-a, TPS-b, and TPS-e subfamilies. Promoter cis-acting element analysis showed that LjTPS members contained a large number of stress-responsive cis-acting elements. Aphid inoculation experiments showed that key enzyme genes in the MVA pathway for terpenoid backbone synthesis in L. japonica, such as HMGS, HMGR, MK, MPD, and the key enzyme gene in the DXP pathway, DXS, exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease under aphid stress. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of the α-farnesene synthase genes LjTPS34 and LjTPS39 were down-regulated, while the expression levels of(E)-β-caryophyllene synthase genes LjTPS15 and LjTPS17 were up-regulated 12 h before aphid feeding, then began to decline. Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase(FPS), which interacted with these genes, also displayed a pattern of increasing followed by decreasing expression. The expression of linalool synthase genes LjTPS12 and LjTPS33 was significantly up-regulated after 72 h of aphid feeding(P<0.000 1), reaching 24.39 and 22.64 times the initial expression, respectively. This pattern was in close alignment with the trend of linalool content in L. japonica. This study provides a theoretical foundation for future research on the interaction between L. japonica and pests, as well as on the functional roles of the LjTPS gene family.
Animals ; Aphids/physiology* ; Alkyl and Aryl Transferases/chemistry* ; Lonicera/parasitology* ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Multigene Family ; Terpenes/metabolism*

Objective: To investigate the association between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and periodontitis and to provide new epidemiologic evidence on the factors affecting periodontitis. Methods: Data on MHR, periodontitis, and other covariates were selected from the NHANES(National Health and Nutrition Examination) database for 3 cycles of subjects in 2009-2010, 2011-2012, and 2013-2014, and a total of 8 456 study subjects were included. The study participants were grouped according to the prevalence of periodontitis (presence or absence), and three regression models (unadjusted covariates, partially adjusted covariates, and fully adjusted covariates) were constructed to analyze the relationship between MHR and periodontitis by using a weighted logistic regression method with stepwise adjustment for confounders. MHR was divided into four groups from Q1 to Q4 according to quartiles from small to large for weighted trend analysis, and the nonlinear relationship between MHR (continuous) and periodontitis was analyzed using a restricted cubic spline with subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. Results: All three logistic regression models showed a positive association between MHR and periodontitis (OR = 2.92, 95%CI: 2.14-3.99, P<0.001 (not adjusted); OR = 1.97, 95%CI: 1.39-2.78, P<0.001 (partially adjusted); OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.10-2.39, P = 0.017 (fully adjusted)). Trend analysis showed a significantly higher risk of developing periodontitis in the Q4 group compared with the Q1 group in both single (OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.58-2.33, P<0.001) and multifactorial analyses (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.03-1.64, P = 0.029). Restricted cubic spline results did not support a nonlinear relationship between MHR and periodontitis (P for nonlinear>0.05), subgroup analysis showed no significant interaction between the covariates and MHR (P>0.05), and sensitivity analysis also showed a positive correlation between MHR and periodontitis (OR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.31-2.14, P<0.001). Conclusion MHR is positively associated with the risk of developing periodontitis.

Cold has been a long-term survival challenge in the evolutionary process of mammals. In response to cold stress, in addition to brown adipose tissue (BAT) dissipating energy as heat through glucose and lipid oxidation to maintain body temperature, cold stimulation can strongly activate thermogenesis and energy expenditure in beige fat cells, which are widely distributed in the subcutaneous layer. However, the effects of cold stimulation on other tissues and systemic lipid metabolism remain unclear. Our previous research indicated that, under cold stress, BAT not only produces heat but also secretes numerous exosomes to mediate BAT-liver crosstalk. Whether subcutaneous fat has a similar mechanism is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the alterations in lipid metabolism across various tissues under cold exposure and to explore whether subcutaneous fat regulates systemic glucose and lipid metabolism via exosomes, thereby elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of lipid metabolism homeostasis under physiological stress. RT-qPCR, Western blot, and H&E staining methods were used to investigate the physiological changes in lipid metabolism in the serum, liver, epididymal white adipose tissue, and subcutaneous fat of mice under cold stimulation. The results revealed that cold exposure significantly enhanced the thermogenic activity of subcutaneous adipose tissue and markedly increased exosome secretion. These exosomes were efficiently taken up by hepatocytes, where they profoundly influenced hepatic lipid metabolism, as evidenced by alterations in the expression levels of key genes involved in lipid synthesis and catabolism pathways. This study has unveiled a novel mechanism by which subcutaneous fat regulates lipid metabolism through exosome secretion under cold stimulation, providing new insights into the systemic regulatory role of beige adipocytes under cold stress and offering a theoretical basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies for obesity and metabolic diseases.
Animals ; Lipid Metabolism/physiology* ; Mice ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Cold Temperature ; Subcutaneous Fat/physiology* ; Thermogenesis/physiology* ; Adipose Tissue, Brown/metabolism* ; Male

Skeletal class Ⅱ malocclusion is characterized by maxillary protrusion,mandibular retrognathia,or a combination of both,and often accompanied by vertical dimensional discrepancies;treatment is complex,and combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgery is needed for the adult patients.Clear aligner therapy has gradually been applied in complex orthodontic cases.However,limited cases have been reported domestically and internationally regarding the application of clear aligner therapy combined with orthognathic surgery.This article presented a case of a patient with skeletal class Ⅱ high-angle malocclusion treated with the combined therapy and analyzed the clinical efficacy of the treatment appraoch to provide reference for the clinical practice.Extraction of impacted wisdom teeth 18,28,38,and 48,as well as orthodontic teeth 15,25,34,and 44,was performed in stages before orthodontic treatment.Clear aligner therapy was used for preoperative orthodontics.In sagittal plane,a super-complete class Ⅱ canine and molar relationship and a 13-14 mm overjet of the anterior teeth were established.The maxillary and mandibular arch morphology was matched horizontally.The orthognathic surgery included maxillary LeFort Ⅰ osteotomy,bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy(BSSRO)and chinplasty.Fine occlusal adjustment was conducted after operation.After treatment,the skeletal relationship between upper and lower jaw was corrected to normal;subspinale-nasion-supramental angle(ANB)was improved from 12.3° to 4.7°;the patient established the class Ⅰ canine and molar relationship,with normal overjet and overbite;root parallelism was good and there was no obvious root resorption;the facial soft tissue profile was significantly improved,and nasion-subnasale-pogonion angle(N-Sn-Pg)was improved from 143.9° to 162.8°.The curative effect was stable 1 year after operation.Clear aligner therapy can efficiently complete combined orthodontic and orthodontic surgery in the complex cases.Compared with the fixed appliance,it is more beneficial to the patients'need for beauty and the maintenance of periodontal health.

The patients with skeletal Class Ⅱ high-angle malocclusion are frequently complicated by idiopathic condylar resorption(ICR),which may lead to temporomandibular joint(TMJ)dysfunction and dentofacial deformities.This article reports the diagnosis and treatment process of a 24-year-old female patient with skeletal Class Ⅱ high-angle malocclusion accompanied by ICR.The patient's chief complaints were anterior open bite and TMJ pain,and was diagnosed with ICR through clinical examination and imaging.After stabilizing condylar resorption with occlusal splint therapy,combined orthodontic-orthognathic treatment was performed.The 42-month follow-up revealed:well-aligned dentition with complete closure of diastemas,significant improvement of protrusive facial profile(ANB angle reduced by 4.2°),complete resolution of TMJ pain and clicking,and establishment of stable Class Ⅰ occlusion.Three-dimensional CT demonstrated satisfactory condylar bone remodeling and normalized joint space.Through multidisciplinary treatment,both occlusal function and facial aesthetics were significantly improved.This case demonstrates that orthodontic-orthognathic treatment should be performed after condylar stabilization in ICR patients,and occlusal splint therapy serves as an effective preoperative intervention.

Objectives:This study aims to investigate the impact of different Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)levels on progression of intermediate coronary stenosis,and the associated risk factors leading to the progression of such lesions. Methods:Data were collected on 219 consecutive patients admitted at the Fuwai Central China Vascular Hospital from January 2020 to February 2021,underwent angiographic examinations and diagnosed with intermediate coronary stenosis,with at least one follow-up angiography after 11 months.Offline quantitative flow ratio(QFR)analysis was performed on these cases.Patients were divided into two groups:LDL-C controlled group(LDL-C<1.8 mmol/L,148 patients with 191 vessels)and LDL-C uncontrolled group(LDL-C≥1.8 mmol/L,71 patients with 98 vessels).Coronary artery QFR and anatomical indicators such as minimal lumen diameter,minimal lumen area,percentage diameter stenosis,percentage area stenosis were compared within and between the groups.Further analysis was performed to identify influencing factors leading to changes in coronary physiological parameters derived from QFR. Results:Within the LDL-C controlled group,there was no significant difference in the QFR values of the vessels compared to baseline(P>0.05),whereas in the LDL-C uncontrolled group(P<0.05),a notable decline in QFR was observed.Patients in the LDL-C controlled group had lower rates of maximum diameter and area stenosis and higher minimum lumen diameter and area(all P<0.05).Through multifactorial Logistic regression analysis,it was found that a body mass index＞28 kg/m2,LDL-C≥1.8 mmol/L,and a history of myocardial infarction were independent risk factors leading to the decline in QFR(all P<0.05). Conclusions:It was found that patients in the LDL-C controlled group had higher coronary artery QFR,minimum lumen diameter and area,lower rates of maximum diameter and area stenosis.

Background::Homoharringtonine (HHT) is an effective anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-tumor protein synthesis inhibitor that has been applied clinically. Here, we explored the therapeutic effects of HHT in a mouse heart transplant model.Methods::Healthy C57BL/6 mice were used to observe the toxicity of HHT in the liver, kidney, and hematology. A mouse heart transplantation model was constructed, and the potential mechanism of HHT prolonging allograft survival was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis, immunostaining, and bulk RNA sequencing analysis. The HHT-T cell crosstalk was modeled ex vivo to further verify the molecular mechanism of HHT-induced regulatory T cells (Tregs) differentiation. Results::HHT inhibited the activation and proliferation of T cells and promoted their apoptosis ex vivo. Treatment of 0.5 mg/kg HHT for 10 days significantly prolonged the mean graft survival time of the allografts from 7 days to 48 days ( P <0.001) without non-immune toxicity. The allografts had long-term survival after continuous HHT treatment for 28 days. HHT significantly reduced lymphocyte infiltration in the graft, and interferon-γ-secreting CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in the spleen ( P <0.01). HHT significantly increased the number of peripheral Tregs (about 20%, P <0.001) and serum interleukin (IL)-10 levels. HHT downregulated the expression of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway-related genes ( CD4, H2-Eb1, TRAT1, and CD74) and upregulated the expression of IL-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF) -β pathway-related genes and Treg signature genes ( CTLA4, Foxp3, CD74, and ICOS). HHT increased CD4 + Foxp3 + cells and Foxp3 expression ex vivo, and it enhanced the inhibitory function of inducible Tregs. Conclusions::HHT promotes Treg cell differentiation and enhances Treg suppressive function by attenuating the TCR signaling pathway and upregulating the expression of Treg signature genes and IL-10 levels, thereby promoting mouse heart allograft acceptance. These findings may have therapeutic implications for organ transplant recipients, particularly those with viral infections and malignancies, which require a more suitable anti-rejection medication.

Objective To explore the cut-off value of three dimensional(3D)vena contracta area(VCA)in diagnosing severe tricuspid regrugitation(TR)under different etiologies and its accuracy and practicality in clinical application.Methods From Mar 2019 to May 2021,ninety-two patients with confirmed TR underwent two dimensional(2D)and 3D transthoracic echocardiography.The correlation and consistency between 3D VCA 3D calculated based on the proximal isokinetic surface area(PISA)effective regurgitant orifice area(EROA)was calculated.Comprehensive 2D multi-parameter method was used as a reference method to calculate the cut-off value of the diagnosis of severe TR.Results A total of 85 patients were ultimately included.3D VCA and 3D PISA EROA had similar and acceptable correlations in both primary TR and secondary TR(primary TR:r=0.831,P<0.01;secondary TR:r=0.806,P<0.01).Bland-Altman analysis showed that 3D VCA overestimated TR compared with 3D PISA EROA(62%overestimated in the total patient population,51%overestimated in primary TR,and 74%overestimated in secondary TR).In secondary TR,the cut-off value of 3D VCA for diagnosing severe TR was 0.45 cm2(sensitivity 89%,specificity 82%);combining clinical symptoms,positive 2D PISA EROA results and 3D VCA results for severe TR,the chi-square value was higher than those only included clinical symptoms or incorporated clinical symptoms and positive 2D PISA EROA results(42.168 vs.26.059 and 16.759,P<0.01).Conclusion 3D VCA would overestimate TR,and had high and incremental diagnostic value for evaluating severe TR in secondary TR.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks,and to provide a basis for early identification of BPD in twin preterm infants in clinical practice.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks who were admitted to 22 hospitals nationwide from January 2018 to December 2020.According to their conditions,they were divided into group A(both twins had BPD),group B(only one twin had BPD),and group C(neither twin had BPD).The risk factors for BPD in twin preterm infants were analyzed.Further analysis was conducted on group B to investigate the postnatal risk factors for BPD within twins.Results A total of 904 pairs of twins with a gestational age of<34 weeks were included in this study.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with group C,birth weight discordance of>25%between the twins was an independent risk factor for BPD in one of the twins(OR=3.370,95%CI:1.500-7.568,P<0.05),and high gestational age at birth was a protective factor against BPD(P<0.05).The conditional logistic regression analysis of group B showed that small-for-gestational-age(SGA)birth was an independent risk factor for BPD in individual twins(OR=5.017,95%CI:1.040-24.190,P<0.05).Conclusions The development of BPD in twin preterm infants is associated with gestational age,birth weight discordance between the twins,and SGA birth.

In recent years,the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)infection has become a global public health issue.Ceftazidime/avibactam(CAZ/AVI)has been approved as a novel antimicrobial agent for the treatment of healthcare-associated pneumonia/ventilator-associated pneumonia,bloodstream infection,infection after kidney transplantation,and severe infection combined with liver cirrhosis.However,the use of CAZ/AVI has also led to the emergence of drug-resistant strains.The major mechanisms of drug-resistance include over-expression of blaKPC gene,mutation of β-lactamase and amino acids at key sites,changes in cell permeability caused by loss of membrane porin,and over-expression of efflux pump.This article reviews the research progress of CAZ/AVI in the treatment of CRKP infection,providing reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.