Objective To investigate the species of sandflies and the prevalence of Leishmania infections in sandflies from selected areas of northern and northwestern China, so as to provide insights into identification of leishmaniasis vectors and assessment of epidemiological trends of leishmaniasis in China. Methods Sandfly samples were collected from Mentougou District of Beijing Municipality, Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province, Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County of Karamay District of Karamay City, Gaochang District of Turpan City in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from July 2023 to July 2024. Approximately 100 intact female sandfly samples were randomly selected from each site and the species of sandflies was identified according to morphological characteristics and molecular assays. Female sandflies originating from the same habitat were grouped into pools of 10 individuals. Leishmania infection was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) gene, and the prevalence of Leishmania infection was calculated in sandflies from different sampling sites using the minimum infection rate (MIR) method. In addition, positive amplicons were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results A total of 6 155 sandflies were collected from different environments at sampling sites across the six aforementioned regions from July 2023 to July 2024. Phlebotomus chinensis (96.00%) was the dominant sandfly species in Mentougou District, Beijing Municipality, with a small proportion of Ph. sergenti (4.00%), and only Ph. chinensis was found in Xiangning County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province. Ph. wui was the only sandfly species detected in Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County, Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Ph. caucasicus (97.70%) was the dominant sandfly species in Karamay District, Karamay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with a small proportion of Ph. wui (2.30%), while Ph. alexandri was the only species in Gaochang District, Turpan City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A total of 40, 60, 34, 18, 18, and 22 pools of sandfly samples were tested from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality, Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province, Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Payzawat County in Kashgar City, Karamay District in Karamay City, and Gaochang District in Turpan City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, respectively. L. infantum was detected in Ph. chinensis samples from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality, and Xiangning County of Linfen City in Shanxi Province, with MIR of 0.25% to 1.00%, and L. donovani was detected in Ph. wui from Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County in Kashgar City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with MIR of 0.56% to 0.88%; however, no Leishmania infection was detected in Ph. caucasicus from Karamay District in Karamay City or Ph. alexandri from Gaochang District in Turpan City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Leishmania ITS-1 gene sequences obtained from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality and Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province were clustered into the same clade with the reference sequences of L. infantum ITS-1 gene, while the Leishmania ITS-1 gene sequences obtained from Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Payzawat County in Kashgar City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were clustered into the same clade with the reference sequences of L. donovani ITS-1 gene. Conclusions There are variations in sandfly species in selected areas of northern and northwestern China, and variations in the species of Leishmania infecting sandflies. Improved surveillance of sandfly vectors and targeted control strategies with adaptations to geographical features and leishmaniasis vectors are recommended.

Given that ovarian stimulation is vital for assisted reproductive technology (ART) and results in elevated serum estrogen levels, exploring the impact of elevated estrogen exposure on oocytes and embryos is necessary. We investigated the effects of various ovarian stimulation treatments on oocyte and embryo morphology and gene expression using a mouse model and estrogen-treated mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to two types of conventional ovarian stimulation and ovarian hyperstimulation; mice treated with only normal saline served as controls. Hyperstimulation resulted in high serum estrogen levels, enlarged ovaries, an increased number of aberrant oocytes, and decreased embryo formation. The messenger RNA (mRNA)‍-sequencing of oocytes revealed the dysregulated expression of lysine-specific demethylase 6b (Kdm6b), which may be a key factor indicating hyperstimulation-induced aberrant oocytes and embryos. In vitro, Kdm6b expression was downregulated in mESCs treated with high-dose estrogen; treatment with an estrogen receptor antagonist could reverse this downregulated expression level. Furthermore, treatment with high-dose estrogen resulted in the upregulated expression of histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (γ-H2AX). Notably, knockdown of Kdm6b and high estrogen levels hindered the formation of embryoid bodies, with a concomitant increase in the expression of H3K27me3 and γ-H2AX. Collectively, our findings revealed that hyperstimulation-induced high-dose estrogen could impair the demethylation of H3K27me3 by reducing Kdm6b expression. Accordingly, Kdm6b could be a promising marker for clinically predicting ART outcomes in patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Female ; Mice ; Demethylation/drug effects* ; Embryonic Stem Cells ; Estrogens/administration & dosage* ; Gene Expression/drug effects* ; Histones/metabolism* ; Jumonji Domain-Containing Histone Demethylases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oocytes ; Ovary/drug effects* ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Animals

The dysfunction of the lysosome and autophagy-lysosome system serves as a driving force for neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and other related diseases, closely influencing their onset and progression. Therefore, restoring the function of the lysosome or autophagy-lysosome system has become an increasingly crucial therapeutic strategy in disease management. In this review, we will introduce the lysosomal biogenesis, structure, and function, as well as the biological process of the autophagy-lysosome system. Various diseases closely associated with lysosomal/autophagic dysfunction are also reviewed, emphasizing the significance of targeting the function of the lysosome or autophagy-lysosome system in disease treatment. Finally, we focus on engineered nanomaterials that have the capabilities to restore the function of the lysosome or autophagy-lysosome system, and summarize different strategies and methods for achieving this goal. This review aims to elucidate the latest progress in the field of nanomedicine for lysosomal/autophagic defect-related diseases and inspire the development of innovative and clinically valuable nanomedicines.
Humans ; Lysosomes/physiology* ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Nanomedicine/methods* ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/therapy* ; Animals ; Nanostructures ; Lysosomal Storage Diseases/therapy*

Food-derived bioactive peptides (FBPs), particularly those with ten or fewer amino acid residues and a molecular weight below 1300 Da, have gained increasing attention for their safe, diverse structures and specific biological activities. The development of FBP-based functional foods and potential medications depends on understanding their structure‒activity relationships (SARs), stability, and bioavailability properties. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of the roles of FBPs in treating various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, liver diseases, and inflammatory bowel diseases, based on the literature from July 2017 to Mar. 2023. Subsequently, attention is directed toward elucidating the associations between the bioactivities and structural characteristics (e.g., molecular weight and the presence of specific amino acids within sequences and compositions) of FBPs. We also discuss in silico approaches for FBP screening and their limitations. Finally, we summarize recent advancements in formulation techniques to improve the bioavailability of FBPs in the food industry, thereby contributing to healthcare applications.
Humans ; Peptides/therapeutic use* ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Functional Food ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy* ; Biological Availability ; Alzheimer Disease/drug therapy* ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/drug therapy* ; Hypertension/drug therapy* ; Liver Diseases/drug therapy* ; Bioactive Peptides, Dietary

Patients with periodontal disease often require combined periodontal-orthodontic interventions to restore periodontal health, function, and aesthetics, ensuring both patient satisfaction and long-term stability. Managing these patients involving orthodontic tooth movement can be particularly challenging due to compromised periodontal soft and hard tissues, especially in severe cases. Therefore, close collaboration between orthodontists and periodontists for comprehensive diagnosis and sequential treatment, along with diligent patient compliance throughout the entire process, is crucial for achieving favorable treatment outcomes. Moreover, long-term orthodontic retention and periodontal follow-up are essential to sustain treatment success. This expert consensus, informed by the latest clinical research and practical experience, addresses clinical considerations for orthodontic treatment of periodontal patients, delineating indications, objectives, procedures, and principles with the aim of providing clear and practical guidance for clinical practitioners.
Humans ; Consensus ; Orthodontics, Corrective/standards* ; Periodontal Diseases/complications* ; Tooth Movement Techniques/methods* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic

Objective To investigate the status of management of iodinated contrast media(ICM)extravasation in Henan Province,as well as nurses' knowledge and influencing factors,in order to provide a basis for optimizing management strategies.Methods A self-designed questionnaire was applied,employing convenience sampling,to survey nursing administrators and nurses in the radiology departments of 55 tertiary hospitals across 16 regions of Henan Province,from December 2024 to January 2025.Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors influencing nurses' knowledge.Results A total of 55 nursing administrators and 64 nurses participated,with a valid questionnaire response rate of 100％.The survey results reveal that only 5.45％of radiology depart-ments utilized high-pressure central venous catheters,and 32.73％employed vascular visualization techniques.When setting the high-pressure injection speed for ICM,only 54.55％of radiology departments required an assessment of the type and model of intravenous access.Additionally,only 9.09％of radiology departments mandated an observa-tion for 2 to 4 hours following ICM extravasation.Furthermore,only 50.91％of radiology departments had estab-lished an information system for ICM use.The nurses' knowledge score regarding the prevention and management of ICM extravasation was(90.00±17.59),influenced by years of experience in radiology and professional titles(P＜0.05).Conclusion The prevention and management measures for ICM in radiology departments in Henan Province need further improvement.Nursing administrators should optimize management strategies,improve relevant training systems,and continuously enhance nurses' knowledge and practical abilities.

Objective To investigate clinical diagnostic efficacy of carotid artery non-enhanced high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)for carotid artery stenosis.Methods We analyzed 122 cases of symptomatic carotid stenosis who underwent carotid endarterectomy(CEA)for the first time in our hospital from January to September 2024.Preoperative computed tomography angiography(CTA)and non-enhanced high-resolution MRI of the carotid artery were performed.According to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial(NASCET)criteria,two radiologists independently measured degree of stenosis in 244 carotid arteries on CTA and MRI images.The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,missed diagnosis rate,and misdiagnosis rate of MRI for the diagnosis of carotid stenosis were calculated with CTA as the control and carotid stenosis rates of≥50%,≥70%,and 100%as the thresholds.Results Taking the carotid stenosis rate of≥50%as the threshold,the sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,missed diagnosis rate,and misdiagnosis rate of MRI were 99.4%(161/162),100.0%(82/82),99.6%(243/244),0.6%(1/162),and 0.0%(0/82),respectively.Taking the carotid stenosis rate of≥70%as the threshold,the sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,missed diagnosis rate,and misdiagnosis rate of MRI were 100.0%(129/129),100.0%(115/115),100.0%(244/244),0.0%(0/129),and 0.0%(0/115),respectively.Taking the carotid stenosis rate of 100%as the threshold,the sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,missed diagnosis rate,and misdiagnosis rate of MRI were 100.0%(30/30),99.5%(213/214),99.6%(243/244),0.0%(0/30),and 0.5%(1/214),respectively.The Kappa values(κ)were in good agreement among different radiologist groups(CTA:κ=0.967,P=0.000;MRI:κ=0.956,P=0.000).Conclusion Carotid artery non-enhanced high-resolution MRI can accurately evaluate carotid stenosis.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of 11C-methyl- L-methionine (MET) PET/MR in the differential diagnosis between neoplastic and non-neoplastic brain lesions. Methods:From July 2017 to May 2022, a total of 34 patients (19 males, 15 females, age 8-81 years) who received 11C-MET PET/MR imaging for suspected brain tumors in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology were retrospectively enrolled. Postoperative pathological or clinical follow-up results were used as the gold standard. Diagnostic performance of 11C-MET PET/MR and contrast-enhanced MRI was evaluated by ROC curve analysis and Delong test, as well as the diagnostic performance of PET metabolic parameters (SUV and target to background ratio (TBR)), MRI multi-sequence parameters (cerebral blood flow (CBF), relative CBF (rCBF), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), relative ADC (rADC), choline/creatine (Cho/Cr) and choline/ N-acetylaspartate (Cho/NAA)) and their combination. Results:A total of 35 lesions of 34 patients were enrolled, including 12 (34.3%) non-neoplastic lesions and 23(65.7%) neoplastic lesions. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for 11C-MET PET/MR were 91.3%(21/23), 12/12, and 94.3%(33/35), in contrast to 16/18, 2/10, and 64.3%(18/28) for contrast-enhanced MRI. Maximum TBR (TBR max) showed the highest discriminative value (AUC=0.877, 95% CI: 0.692-1.000). The combination of TBR max, minimum ADC (ADC min), rCBF, and Cho/NAA could achieve a higher diagnostic performance (AUC=0.918, 95% CI: 0.816-1.000), although the difference was not statistically significant ( Z=-0.42, P=0.676). Conclusion:Multiple quantitative parameters of 11C-MET PET/MR are beneficial to distinguish neoplastic from non-neoplastic brain lesions, and their combination may improve the diagnostic confidence.

Objective Based on the intervention map to develop a comprehensive nutrition education program for pancreaticoduodenectomy patients and to explore the effect of its clinical application,aiming at providing references for clinical nursing practice.Methods A convenience sampling method was used to select 76 patients who were to undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy in the department of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery of a tertiary hospital in Anhui Province as the study subjects.The 38 patients admitted from October 2021 to September 2022 were in a control group,and the 38 patients admitted from October 2022 to July 2023 were in an experimental group.The experimental group received the comprehensive nutritional education programme constructed in this study,and the control group used conventional nutrition health education measures,and the length of intervention for both groups was from pre-hospitalization to discharge for 6 months.Nutrition-related indicators,postoperative complications,hospitalisation time,hospitalisation costs and satisfaction were compared between the 2 groups.Results A total of 64 patients completed this study,with 33 in the experimental group and 31 in the control group.Repeated measurement analysis of variance showed that the interaction effects of BMI,total serum protein and serum preprotein were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The incidence of complications,hospitalization days and hospitalization costs of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group(P＜0.05).The scores of nutrition education-related satisfaction in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group(P＜0.001).Conclusion A comprehensive nutritional education program based on intervention map can improve the nutritional status of pancreaticoduodenectomy patients to a certain extent,reduce the occurrence of complications,and promote patients'recovery.

Objective:To investigate the association between serum ferritin levels, erythrocyte parameters, and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:A total of 11 408 subjects aged 40 to 70 years who underwent physical examinations at a hospital in Qingdao from 2014 to 2015 were enrolled in the study. Data were collected through questionnaires, physical examinations, and assessments of blood biochemical indices, serum ferritin, and related erythrocyte parameters. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship of serum ferritin and red cell parameters with type 2 diabetes mellitus, while a linear regression model was utilized to examine the association between serum ferritin, red cell parameters and fasting blood glucose levels.Results:The median ( Q1, Q3) age of the subjects was 51 (45, 58) years, with 55.3% (6 305) being male. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in women was 5.9% (300/5 103), which was lower than that in men [13.0% (817/6 305)] ( P<0.001).After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol consumption, and family history of diabetes, serum ferritin levels were found to be positively associated with both type 2 diabetes and fasting blood glucose levels, with OR (95% CI) and β(95% CI) values of 1.70 (1.37, 2.11) and 0.002 (0.002, 0.003), respectively. Additionally, hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and hematocrit were positively correlated with type 2 diabetes and fasting blood glucose, with OR (95% CI) values of 1.72 (1.32, 2.24), 1.91 (1.51, 2.41), and 1.52 (1.17, 1.97), and β (95% CI) values of 0.008 (0.006, 0.011), 0.365 (0.286, 0.445), and 2.543 (1.564, 3.521), respectively. Conversely, mean erythrocyte volume was negatively associated with type 2 diabetes and fasting blood glucose, with OR (95% CI) and β (95% CI) values of 0.54 (0.45, 0.66) and -0.017 (-0.023, -0.011), respectively (all P values<0.001). Conclusion:The findings indicate that serum ferritin and related erythrocyte parameters are significantly correlated with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and fasting blood glucose levels.