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Abstract Background Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer mortality, poses significant treatment challenges. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized therapy, but it is associated with immune-related pneumonitis (IRP). This study systematically reviews and analyzes the impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) on the risk of IRP in lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. Methods Adhering to PRISMA guidelines and using the PICO framework, a comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed studies involving lung cancer patients treated with ICIs, comparing those with and without COPD. The primary outcome was the incidence and risk of IRP. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale evaluated study quality. The effect size was calculated using random or fixed-effects models based on the observed heterogeneity. We assessed the heterogeneity between studies and conducted a sensitivity analysis. Results The search identified 1026 articles, with six meeting the criteria for inclusion. Studies varied in design and geography, predominantly retrospective cohort studies. Patients with COPD had an increased risk of IRP (OR = 1.54, 95% CI [1.24, 1.92, P

Abstract Background The post-insertion maintenance of central venous catheters(CVCs)is a common, vital procedure undertaken by nurses. Existing literature lacks a comprehensive review of evidence adoption for CVCs post-insertion maintenance specifically within the oncology context. This investigation assessed evidence-based practice by oncology nurses in the care of CVCs, elucidating facilitators and obstacles to this adoption process. Methods This was a sequential explanatory mixed methods study, executed from May 2022 to April 2023, adhering to the GRAMMS checklist. The study commenced with a cross-sectional study through clinical observation that scrutinized the adoption of scientific evidence for CVC maintenance, analyzing 1314 records from five hospitals in China. Subsequently, a semi-structured, in-depth interview with nurses based on the i-PARIHS framework was conducted to ascertain facilitators and barriers to evidence adoption for CVCs post-insertion maintenance. Fifteen nurses were recruited through purposive sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative data, while content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results An overall compliance rate of 90.0% was observed; however, two domains exhibited a lower adoption rate of less than 80%, namely disinfection of infusion connector and disinfection of skin and catheter. Three barriers and two facilitators were discerned from the interviews. Barriers encompassed (1) difficulty in accessing the evidence, (2) lack of involvement from nurse specialists, and (3) challenges from internal and external environments. Facilitators comprised (1) the positive attitudes of specialist nurses toward evidence application, and (2) the formation of a team specializing in intravenous therapy within hospitals. Conclusion There exists a significant opportunity to improve the adoption of evidence-based practices for CVC maintenance. Considering the identified barriers and facilitators, targeted interventions should be conceived and implemented at the organizational level to augment oncology evidence-based practice, especially the clinical evidence pertinent to infection control protocols. Trial registration This investigation was sanctioned by the Medical Ethics Committee of Henan Cancer Hospital (Number 2023-KY-0014).

Abstract Background Gouty arthritis (GA) is characterized by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal accumulation that instigates NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. The present research endeavors to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms underpinning this MSU-induced pyroptotic cascade in GA. Methods J774 cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide and MSU crystals to establish in vitro GA models, whereas C57BL/6 J male mice received MSU crystal injections to mimic in vivo GA conditions. Gene and protein expression levels were evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical assays. Inflammatory markers were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Pyroptosis was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining for caspase-1 and flow cytometry with caspase-1/propidium iodide staining. The interaction between MDM2 and PPARγ was analyzed through co-immunoprecipitation assays, whereas the interaction between BRD4 and the MDM2 promoter was examined using chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Mouse joint tissues were histopathologically evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results In GA, PPARγ was downregulated, whereas its overexpression mitigated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. MDM2, which was upregulated in GA, destabilized PPARγ through the ubiquitin–proteasome degradation pathway, whereas its silencing attenuated NLRP3 activation by elevating PPARγ levels. Concurrently, BRD4 was elevated in GA and exacerbated NLRP3 activation and pyroptosis by transcriptionally upregulating MDM2, thereby promoting PPARγ degradation. In vivo experiments showed that BRD4 silencing ameliorated GA through this MDM2–PPARγ–pyroptosis axis. Conclusion BRD4 promotes inflammation and pyroptosis in GA through MDM2-mediated PPARγ degradation, underscoring the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway in GA management.

Abstract Over the past century, the field of antibody discovery has undergone significant evolution, excluding the current exploration stage of artificial intelligence‐based antibody generation and the often overlooked non‐animal sourced antibody discovery, which typically requires mature in vitro affinity and the selection of high‐quality antigen formulations. This journey has traversed various stages, from methods involving serum‐based antibody acquisition, the isolation of B cells capable of perpetual antibody production through hybridoma technology, to the in‐depth exploration of genetic material using the phage display system, and the current stage involving diverse single B cell screening techniques. Additionally, the emergence of machine learning has brought impressive scientific and technological breakthroughs across research domains, proving to be a powerful application in the field of antibody discovery. However, each technique comes with its limitations, such as variability and control challenges in serum‐based acquisition, lengthy and difficult hybridoma‐derived antibody development, potential limitations in sequence and epitope diversity due to immunization biases in phage display techniques, and costly single B cell screening. Protein mass spectrometry sequencing, with shorter acquisition time and lower costs, is seen as a shortcut by diagnostic companies, impacting traditional antibody development. In diagnostic antibody development, methodological differences in downstream assays and the impact of constant regions outside the Fv core are often neglected. This paper deeply analyzes challenges, proposing innovative strategies for the next generation of diagnostic antibody development. Aimed at moving closer to the gold standard of antibody discovery, these strategies enhance the competitiveness of diagnostic reagent products.

Rice planthoppers, including Nilaparvata lugens, Sogatella furcifera, and Laodelphax striatellus, are major agricultural pests. Serpins, which function as serine protease inhibitors, play a pivotal role in the immune systems of these insects, especially within the Toll signaling pathway and the prophenoloxidase (PPO) cascade. This study presents a comparative analysis of serpin genes among these species, highlighting their roles in immunity and development. Utilizing genomic and bioinformatics approaches, we identified 11, 11, and 14 serpin genes in N. lugens, S. furcifera, and L. striatellus, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close evolutionary relationship between these serpin genes and Bombyx mori BmSerpins, emphasizing the functional diversity of the serpin family. Structural analysis confirmed the presence of the reactive center loop (RCL) in all serpin proteins, with the Serpin7 subfamily showing a unique dual RCL configuration. Expression profiling showed species-specific serpin expression patterns across different life stages and adult tissues. Moreover, transcriptional analysis of serpin genes in the three planthoppers following Metarhizium infection uncovered distinct immune regulatory patterns two days post-infection. Notably, the expression of NlSerpin2-2/6, SfSerpin4/6/7-1, and LsSerpin4/5-2/6 was upregulated post-infection, potentially enhancing antifungal capabilities. In contrast, the expressions of NlSerpin1/7-1/9 and LsSerpin1/2/3/8/13 were downregulated, possibly suppressing immune responses. Moreover, Serpin6s, which share a conserved phylogenetic lineage, exhibited enhanced immune activity in response to fungal invasion. These insights into serpin-mediated immune regulation could contribute to the development of novel pest-control strategies.

Nicotine, a naturally occurring alkaloid found in tobacco, is a potent neurotoxin extensively used to control Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), a destructive insect pest of rice crops. The insect gut harbors a wide array of resident microorganisms that profoundly influence several biological processes, including host immunity. Maintaining an optimal gut microbiota and immune homeostasis requires a complex network of reciprocal regulatory interactions. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms driving these symbiotic exchanges, particularly between specific gut microbe and immunity, remain largely unknown in insects. Our previous investigations identified and isolated a nicotine-degrading Burkholderia cepacia strain (BsNLG8) with antifungal properties. Building on those findings, we found that nicotine intake significantly increased the abundance of a symbiotic bacteria BsNLG8, induced a stronger bacteriostatic effect in hemolymph, and enhanced the nicotine tolerance of N. lugens. Additionally, nicotine-induced antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibited significant antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus. We adopted RNA-seq to explore the underlying immunological mechanisms in nicotine-stressed N. lugens. Bioinformatic analyses identified numerous differentially expressed immune genes, including recognition/immune activation (GRPs and Toll) and AMPs (i.e., Defensin, Lugensin, lysozyme). Temporal expression profiling (12, 24, and 48 hours) of immune genes revealed pattern recognition proteins and immune effectors as primary responders to nicotine-induced stress. Defensin A, a broad-spectrum immunomodulatory cationic peptide, exhibited significantly high expression. RNA interference-mediated silencing of Defensin A reduced the survival, enhanced nicotine sensitivity of N. lugens to nicotine, and decreased the abundance of BsNLG8. The reintroduction of BsNLG8 improved the expression of immune genes, aiding nicotine resistance of N. lugens. Our findings indicate a potential reciprocal immunomodulatory interaction between Defensin A and BsNLG8 under nicotine stress. Moreover, this study offers novel and valuable insights for future research into enhancing nicotine-based pest management programs and developing alternative biocontrol methods involving the implication of insect symbionts.

Abstract Objective This study explored the application effect of smart classrooms combined with virtual simulation training in basic nursing courses for nursing undergraduates. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, a total of 135 undergraduate nursing students in the 2021 matriculating cohort were selected as the research subjects. The experimental group of Class 1 had 71 students, and a blended teaching design utilizing a smart classroom and virtual simulation training was adopted. The control group of Class 2 had 64 students, and traditional lecture-based teaching design was adopted. After the course, the independent learning ability scale, test scores and teaching effectiveness questionnaire were used to evaluate the teaching effect. All tests had a maximum score of 100. Results Nursing undergraduates in the experimental group had scores of 86.32 ± 8.25 for virtual simulation training and 84.82 ± 9.04 for peer-assisted learning. The scores of the theoretical examination, experimental examination, and subjective questions in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P

Summary: Macroautophagy/autophagy is a conserved process in eukaryotic cells to degrade and recycle damaged intracellular components. Higher level of autophagy in the brain has been observed, and autophagy dysfunction has an impact on neuronal health, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. In this study, we showed that overexpression of Toll-1 and Toll-7 receptors, as well as active Spätzle proteins in Drosophila S2 cells enhanced autophagy, and Toll-1/Toll-7 activated autophagy was dependent on Tube-Pelle-PP2A. Interestingly, Toll-1 but not Toll-7 mediated autophagy was dMyd88 dependent. Importantly, we observed that loss of functions in Toll-1 and Toll-7 receptors and PP2A activity in flies decreased autophagy level, resulting in the loss of dopamine (DA) neurons and reduced fly motion. Our results indicated that proper activation of Toll-1 and Toll-7 pathways and PP2A activity in the brain are necessary to sustain autophagy level for DA neuron survival.

Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly dispersive, polyphagous insect pest that severely defoliates crops. Excessive reliance on synthetic insecticides leads to ecological pollution and resistance development, urging scientists to probe eco-friendly biopesticides. Here, we explore the virulence of an entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, against S. exigua, resulting in 88% larval mortality. Using an age–stage, two-sex life table, we evaluated the lethal and sublethal effects of B. bassiana on the demographic parameters of S. exigua, including survival, development, and reproduction. Sublethal (LC20) and lethal concentrations (LC50) of B. bassiana impacted the parental generation (F0), with these effects further influencing the demographic parameters of the first filial generation (F1). The infected F1 offsprings showed a reduced intrinsic rate of increase (r), mean generation time (T), and net reproduction rate (R0). Larval developmental duration varied significantly between the control (10.98 d) and treated groups (LC20: 10.42; LC50: 9.37 d). Adults in the treated groups had significantly reduced lifespans (M: 8.22; F: 7.32 d) than the control (M: 10.00; F: 8.22 d). Reduced fecundity was observed in the B. bassiana-infected groups (LC20: 313.45; LC50: 223.92 eggs/female) compared to the control (359.55 eggs/female). A biochemical assay revealed elevated levels of detoxification enzymes (esterases, glutathione S-transferases, and acetylcholinesterase) in the F0 generation after B. bassiana infection. However, the enzymatic activity remained non-significant in the F1 generation likely due to the lack of direct fungal exposure. Our findings highlight the enduring effects of B. bassiana on the biological parameters and population dynamics of S. exigua, stressing its use in eco-friendly management programs.

Objective: To evaluate the preference of primary HCWs and residents on vaccination consultation in community health services to provide evidence for vaccine hesitancy intervention strategies. Methods: A discrete choice model (DCM) was constructed to evaluate the preference difference between primary HCWs and residents on vaccination consultation in community health services in China during May–July 2022. Results: A total of 282 residents and 204 HCWs were enrolled in this study. The residents preferred consulting with an HCW-led approach (β = 2.168), with specialized content (β = 0.954), and accompanied by telephone follow-up (β = 1.552). In contrast, the HCWs preferred face-to-face consultation (β = 0.540) with an HCW-led approach (β = 0.458) and specialized content (β = 0.409), accompanied by telephone follow-up (β = 0.831). College residents and residents with underlying self-reported disease may be near-critically inclined to choose traditional consultation (an offline, face-to-face consultation with standardized content and more prolonged duration) rather than a new-media consulting group (an online consultation with specialized content within 5 min). Urban HCWs preferred long-term consultation groups (the resident-led offline consultation with follow-up lasting more than 5 min). In contrast, rural HCWs preferred efficient consultation (the HCW-led, short-duration, standardized offline consultation mode). Conclusion: The selection preference for vaccine consultation reveals a gap between providers and demanders, with different groups exhibiting distinct preferences. Identifying these targeted gaps can help design more acceptable and efficient interventions, increasing their likelihood of success and leading to better resource allocation for policymakers to develop targeted vaccination policies.

Ardisia kteniophylla A. DC, widely known as folk medicinal herb and ornamental plant, has been extensively investigated due to its unique leaf color, anti-cancer and other pharmacological activities. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was an excellent tool for the analysis of gene expression with its high sensitivity and quantitative properties. Normalizing gene expression with stable reference genes was essential for qRT-PCR accuracy. In addition, no studies have yet been performed on the selection, verification and stability of internal reference genes suitable for A. kteniophylla, which has greatly hindered the biomolecular researches of this species. In this study, 29 candidate genes were successfully screened according to stable expression patterns of large-scale RNA seq data that from a variety of tissues and the roots of different growth stages in A. kteniophylla. The candidates were then further determined via qRT-PCR in various experimental samples, including MeJA, ABA, SA, NaCl, CuSO4, AgNO3, MnSO4, CoCl2, drought, low temperature, heat, waterlogging, wounding and oxidative stress. To assess the stability of the candidates, five commonly used strategies were employed: delta-CT, geNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and the comprehensive tool RefFinder. In summary, UBC2 and UBA1 were found to be effective in accurately normalizing target gene expression in A. kteniophella regardless of experimental conditions, while PP2A-2 had the lowest stability. Additionally, to verify the reliability of the recommended reference genes under different colored leaf samples, we examined the expression patterns of six genes associated with anthocyanin synthesis and regulation. Our findings suggested that PAP1 and ANS3 may be involved in leaf color change in A. kteniphella. This study successfully identified the ideal reference gene for qRT-PCR analysis in A. kteniphella, providing a foundation for future research on gene function, particularly in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins.

Bacterial symbionts exhibiting co-evolutionary patterns with insect hosts play a vital role in the nutrient synthesis, metabolism, development, reproduction, and immunity of insects. The brown planthopper (BPH) has a strong ability to adapt to various environmental stresses and can develop resistance to broad-spectrum insecticides. We aimed to investigate whether gut symbionts of BPH play a major role in the detoxification of insecticides and host fitness in unfavorable environments. Nicotine-treated rice plants were exposed to BPH (early stage) and the gut microbiome of the emerging female adults were analyzed using high throughput sequencing (HTS). Nicotine administration altered the diversity and community structure of BPH symbionts with significant increases in bacterial members such as Microbacteriaceae, Comamondaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and these changes may be associated with host survival strategies in adverse environments. Furthermore, the in-vitro study showed that four intestinal bacterial strains of BPH (Enterobacter NLB1, Bacillus cereus NL1, Ralstonia NLG26, and Delftia NLG11) could degrade nicotine when grown in a nicotine-containing medium, with the highest degradation (71%) observed in Delftia NLG11. RT-qPCR and ELISA analysis revealed an increased expression level of CYP6AY1 and P450 enzyme activities in Delftia NLG11, respectively. CYP6AY1 increased by 20% under the action of Delftia and nicotine, while P450 enzyme activity increased by 18.1%. After CYP6AY1 interference, nicotine tolerance decreased, and the mortality rate reached 76.65% on the first day and 100% on the third day. Moreover, Delftia NLG11 helped axenic BPHs to increase their survival rate when fed nicotine in the liquid-diet sac (LDS) feeding system. Compared with axenic BPHs, the survival rate improved by 25.11% on day 2% and 6.67% on day 3. These results revealed an altered gut microbiota and a cooperative relationship between Delftia NLG11 and CYP6AY1 in nicotine-treated BPH, suggesting that insects can adapt to a hostile environment by interacting with their symbionts and providing a new idea for integrated pest management strategies.

BackgroundMultimodal treatment–induced dysphagia has serious negative effects on survivors of head and neck cancer. Owing to advances in communication technologies, several studies have applied telecommunication-based interventions that incorporate swallowing exercises, education, monitoring, feedback, self-management, and communication. It is especially urgent to implement home-based remote rehabilitation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the optimal strategy and effectiveness of remote interventions are unclear. ObjectiveThis systematic review aimed to examine the evidence regarding the efficacy of telerehabilitation for reducing physiological and functional impairments related to swallowing and for improving adherence and related influencing factors among head and neck cancer survivors. MethodsThe PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched up to July 2023 to identify relevant articles. In total, 2 investigators independently extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using the quality assessment tool of the Joanna Briggs Institute. ResultsA total of 1465 articles were initially identified; ultimately, 13 (0.89%) were included in the systematic review. The quality assessment indicated that the included studies were of moderate to good quality. The results showed that home-based telerehabilitation improved the safety of swallowing and oral feeding, nutritional status, and swallowing-related quality of life; reduced negative emotions; improved swallowing rehabilitation adherence; was rated by participants as highly satisfactory and supportive; and was cost-effective. In addition, this review investigated factors that influenced the efficacy of telerehabilitation, which included striking a balance among swallowing training strategy, intensity, frequency, duration, and individual motor ability; treating side effects of radiotherapy; providing access to medical, motivational, and educational information; providing feedback on training; providing communication and support from speech pathologists, families, and other survivors; and addressing technical problems. ConclusionsHome-based telerehabilitation has shown great potential in reducing the safety risks of swallowing and oral feeding, improving quality of life and adherence, and meeting information needs for dysphagia among survivors of head and neck cancer. However, this review highlights limitations in the current literature, and the current research is in its infancy. In addition, owing to the diversity of patient sociodemographic, medical, physiological and functional swallowing, and behavioral factors, we recommend the development of tailored telemedicine interventions to achieve the best rehabilitation effects with the fewest and most precise interventions.

PurposeThis study explored the effect of group drawing art therapy (GDAT) on anxiety and self-acceptance in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma.MethodsUsing a randomized experimental study design, 40 children and adolescents with osteosarcoma who were treated in our hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were selected as the research objects, including 20 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. The control group received routine care for osteosarcoma, while the intervention group participated in eight sessions of GDAT, twice a week, 90–100 min each, in addition to routine care for osteosarcoma. A screening for children’s anxiety disorders (SCARED) and a self-acceptance questionnaire (SAQ) were used to evaluate the patients before and after the intervention.ResultsAfter 8 weeks of GDAT, the SCARED total score in the intervention group was 11.30 ± 8.603, and that in the control group was 22.10 ± 11.534. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t = -3.357, P < 0.05). In the intervention group, the SAQ total score was 48.25 ± 4.204, with self-acceptance and self-evaluation factor scores of 24.40 ± 2.521 and 23.85 ± 2.434, respectively. In the control group, the SAQ total score was 42.20 ± 4.047; the self-acceptance factor score was 21.20 ± 3.350 and that of the self-evaluation factor was 21.00 ± 2.224. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (t = 4.637, P < 0.001; t = 3.413, P < 0.05; t = 3.866, P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionGroup drawing art therapy can reduce anxiety and improve the levels of self-acceptance and self-evaluation in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma.

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren, 1972) is a globally significant invasive species, causing extensive agricultural, human health, and biodiversity damage amounting to billions of dollars worldwide. The pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (1883), widely distributed in natural environments, has been used to control S. invicta populations. However, the interaction between M. anisopliae and the immune system of the social insect S. invicta remains poorly understood. In this study, we employed RNA-seq to investigate the effects of M. anisopliae on the immune systems of S. invicta at different time points (0, 6, 24, and 48 h). A total of 1313 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and classified into 12 expression profiles using short time-series expression miner (STEM) for analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to partition all genes into 21 gene modules. Upon analyzing the statistically significant WGCNA model and conducting Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis on the modules, we identified key immune pathways, including the Toll and Imd signaling pathways, lysosomes, autophagy, and phagosomes, which may collectively contribute to S. invicta defense against M. anisopliae infection. Subsequently, we conducted a comprehensive scan of all differentially expressed genes and identified 33 immune-related genes, encompassing various aspects such as recognition, signal transduction, and effector gene expression. Furthermore, by integrating the significant gene modules derived from the WGCNA analysis, we constructed illustrative pathway diagrams depicting the Toll and Imd signaling pathways. Overall, our research findings demonstrated that M. anisopliae suppressed the immune response of S. invicta during the early stages while stimulating its immune response at later stages, making it a potential biopesticide for controlling S. invicta populations. These discoveries lay the foundation for further understanding the immune mechanisms of S. invicta and the molecular mechanisms underlying its response to M. anisopliae.

PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the value of 18FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters in predicting hematological toxicity (HT) during chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC).Methods and materialsForty-one patients with LACC undergoing concurrent CRT were retrospectively analyzed. The correlations among age, body mass index, FIGO stage, differentiation, maximum diameter of primary lesion, parametrial invasion, lymph node metastasis, pelvic active bone marrow volume (BMACT), BMACT volume percentage (BMACT%), maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and HT were analyzed using hypothesis testing and logistic regression. A p-value< 0.05 was considered significant unless otherwise specified.ResultsAmong the 41 patients, 19 had grade 3–4 HT and 22 had grade 0–2 HT. Only SUVmax (Z = −1.961, p = 0.050) and BMACT% (χ2 = 7.769, p = 0.020) showed statistically significant difference in univariate analysis. In logistic regression, grade 3–4 HT was not associated with SUVmax. The probability of HT occurrence in40% BMACT% was 0.148 times less than in 30%–40% BMACT% (p = 0.037, OR = 0.148, 95% CI = 0.025–0.892).ConclusionBaseline 18FDG PET/CT BMACT% could help predict the severity of HT during CRT for LACC.

(1) Background: To explore the influencing factors of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among mothers and daughters so as to provide evidence and strategies for improving the HPV vaccination rate of 9–18-years-old girls. (2) A questionnaire survey was conducted among the mothers of 9–18-year-old girls from June to August 2022. The participants were divided into the mother and daughter vaccinated group (M1D1), the mother-only vaccinated group (M1D0), and the unvaccinated group (M0D0). Univariate tests, the logistic regression model, and the Health Belief Model (HBM) were employed to explore the influencing factors. (3) Results: A total of 3004 valid questionnaires were collected. According to the regions, Totally 102, 204, and 408 mothers and daughters were selected from the M1D1, M1D0, and M0D0 groups, respectively. The mother having given her daughter sex education (OR = 3.64; 95%CI 1.70, 7.80), the mother’s high perception of disease severity (OR = 1.79; 95%CI 1.02, 3.17), and the mother’s high level of trust in formal information (OR = 2.18; 95%CI 1.26, 3.78) were all protective factors for both the mother and her daughter’s vaccination. The mother’s rural residence (OR = 0.51; 95%CI 0.28, 0.92) was a risk factor for vaccination of both mother and daughter. The mother’s education of high school or above (OR = 2.12; 95%CI 1.06, 4.22), the mother’s high level of HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge (OR = 1.72; 95%CI 1.14, 2.58), and the mother’s high level of trust in formal information (OR = 1.72; 95%CI 1.15, 2.57) were protective factors of mother-only vaccination. The older the mother (OR = 0.95; 95%CI 0.91, 0.99) was classed as a risk factor for mother-only vaccination. “Waiting until the daughters are older to receive the 9-valent vaccine” is the main reason why the daughters of M1D0 and M0D0 are not vaccinated”. (4) Chinese mothers had a high willingness to vaccinate their daughters with the HPV vaccine. The higher education level of the mother, giving sex education to the daughter, the older ages of mothers and daughters, the mother’s high level of HPV and HPV vaccine knowledge, a high level of perception of the disease severity, and a high level of trust in formal information were promoting factors of HPV vaccination for mother and daughter, and rural residence was a risk factor to vaccination. To promote HPV vaccination in girls from 9–18 years old, communities could provide health education to rural mothers with low education levels; the government could advocate for HPV vaccination through issuing policy documents; and doctors and the CDC could popularize the optimal age for HPV vaccination to encourage mothers to vaccinate their daughters at the age of 9–14 years old.

Bacterial symbionts are widespread in insects and other animals. These microbes play crucial roles in many aspects of insect physiology and biology, including immunity, nutrition and confronting plant defenses. In the present study, we isolated and identified the bacterium Burkholderia cepacia BsNLG8 from the brown planthopper (BPHs), Nilaparvata lugens, a devastating pest of rice crops worldwide. Plate confrontation assay indicated that BsNLG8 significantly inhibited the growth of phytopathogenic fungi. In addition, the BsNLG8 strain demonstrated the ability to produce siderophores, which explains its antagonistic mechanism. Lastly, we explored the nicotine degradation ability of BsNLG8 using in vitro and in vivo methods. In vitro, HPLC analysis results showed that BsNLG8 could significantly reduce the concentration of nicotine in the medium at 36 h. Moreover, microinjection of BsNLG8 in axenic BPHs increased the survival rate of the host on nicotine-containing rice seedlings. These findings could serve as the basis of future research in deciphering the interaction between host and symbionts.

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, J.E. Smith) is one of the most important agricultural pests in the world and causes serious damage to many significant crops. Insect gut microbiota plays a vital role in host immunity, digestion, and development, helping the higher organism colonize in a new environment. However, the effects of different diets on midgut microbial composition and host immunity in S. frugiperda remain unclear. So far, no reports have compared the gut microbiota of fall armyworm reared using an artificial diet compared to corn leaf in Guangzhou, China. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing technology was applied to gain insight into the composition of the gut microbiota of S. frugiperda feeding on corn leaf (field diet) and on a starch-rich artificial diet (lab diet). The fall armyworm gut microbiota was dominated by the bacterial phyla Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Despite the difference in diet, the core bacterial community was represented by the genus Enterococcus. However, the bacterial community is dominated by a few phylotypes, namely operational taxonomical units 1 (OTU1) (Enterococcus casseliflavus), OTU3 (Enterobacteriaceae), OTU2 (Weissella), and OTU4 (Clostridium), accounting for 97.43% of the total OTUs in the complete dataset. A significant difference was identified in the bacterial communities between the “lab diet” and the “field diet” groups. OTU1 and OTU2 were significantly higher in the “field diet” group, whereas OTU3 and OTU4 were higher in the “lab diet” group. A phylogenetic investigation of the communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) predicted functional analysis indicates the presence of several genes associated with plant biomass degradation. Importantly, antibiotic-mediated perturbation of the midgut microbial community significantly impacts the expression profile of the important immune genes of the host. Furthermore, the oral reintroduction of gut bacterial isolates (E. mundtii and E. gallinarum) significantly enhances host resistance to AcMNPV infection. Taken together, our results indicate that diet composition is an important driver in shaping insect gut microbiome and immune gene expression, ultimately playing an important role in the pest defense system.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a diverse class of RNAs that are structurally similar to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) but do not encode proteins. Growing evidence suggests that in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, the lncRNAs play crucial regulatory roles in plants and animals. However, the potential role of lncRNAs during fungal infection has yet to be characterized in Plutella xylostella, a devastating pest of cruciferous crops. In the current study, we performed a strand-specific RNA sequencing of Metarhizium anisopliae-infected (Px36hT, Px72hT) and uninfected (Px36hCK, Px72hCK) P. xylostella fat body tissues. Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis revealed a total of 5665 and 4941 lncRNAs at 36 and 72-h post-infection (hpi), including 563 (Px36hT), 532 (Px72hT) known and 5102 (Px36hT), 4409 (Px72hT) novel lncRNA transcripts. These lncRNAs shared structural similarities with their counterparts in other species, including shorter exon and intron length, fewer exon numbers, and a lower expression profile than mRNAs. LncRNAs regulate the expression of neighboring protein-coding genes by acting in a cis and trans manner. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of cis-acting lncRNAs revealed their role in several immune-related genes, including Toll, serpin, transferrin, βGRP etc. Furthermore, we identified multiple lncRNAs acting as microRNA (miRNA) precursors. These miRNAs can potentially regulate the expression of mRNAs involved in immunity and development, suggesting a crucial lncRNA–miRNA-mRNA complex. Our findings will provide a genetic resource for future functional studies of lncRNAs involved in P. xylostella immune responses to M. anisopliae infection and shed light on understanding insect host–pathogen interactions.

Many types of viruses infect insects and other arthropods. In contrast, little is known about how arthropods sense viruses, although several innate immune pathways including Toll have antiviral functions. Large DNA viruses in the family Baculoviridae are used to control a number of pest insects. Here, we studied Spodoptera litura and Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) to test the hypothesis that one or more myeloid differentiation-like (ML) proteins and Toll family members sense baculoviruses. We identified 11 ML and 12 Toll genes in the S. litura genome. A series of experiments indicated that S. litura ML protein 11 (SlML-11) binds the budded form of AcMNPV and partners with S. litura Toll5 (SlToll5). SlML-11 also bound sphingomyelin (SPM), which is a component of the virion envelope. Disabling SlML-11 and SlToll5 increased susceptibility to infection, while priming larvae with SPM reduced susceptibility as measured by increased survival to the adult stage and clearance of AcMNPV from individuals that emerged as adults. We conclude that SPM is a pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecule while SlML-11 and SlToll5 interact to function as a pattern recognition receptor that senses AcMNPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]