BACKGROUND Sepsis is a prevalent and severe condition, with microcirculation disruptions playing a crucial role in its progression. Endothelial cell (EC) injury is the primary factor behind microcirculatory issues. This review is to outline the pathomechanism, organ heterogeneity, biomarkers, and therapeutic implications of endothelial dysfunction in sepsis, offering references and insights for the clinical management of sepsis. METHODS: A systematic search of Web of Science and PubMed from inception to June 10, 2025, limited to English publications, was conducted. Two reviewers independently identified studies on EC injury in patients with septic microcirculatory dysfunction. Duplicate articles based on multiple search criteria were excluded. RESULTS: Fifty-nine articles, including cell, animal, and clinical studies, were included. These studies reported the effects of EC injury on the microcirculation in sepsis, including changes in vascular permeability, coagulation dysfunction, vasomotor regulation, and inflammatory responses. These pathways interact and ultimately lead to septic microcirculation disorders. CONCLUSION: Sepsis-induced endothelial dysfunction involves various interconnected mechanisms, which collectively compromise ECs and impede microcirculatory perfusion. Future research should enhance current understanding of endothelial injury mechanisms, develop synergistic multi-target strategies to disrupt this cycle, and facilitate the clinical application of endothelial markers for early intervention and dynamic assessment.

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked （DDX3X） in immune-mediated liver injury （ILI）， and to clarify its mechanism by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS）-dependent apoptotic pathway and its association with the clinical progression of hepatitis B. MethodsMice were given injection of concanavalin A （ConA） via the caudal vein to establish a model of ILI， PBS （control group） and different concentrations of ConA were injected into the tail vein of hepatocyte-specific DDX3X-knockout mice （DDX3X^ΔHep and DDX3X-flox mice （DDX3X^fl/fl）， respectively.. The log-rank survival analysis， measurement of the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase （AST） and alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， and HE staining of liver tissue were performed to assess liver injury， and qRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 （GRP78）， CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein （CHOP）， and DDX3X in liver tissue. Intraperitoneal injection of 4-phenylbutyric acid （4-PBA， 100 mg/kg） was performed to inhibit ERS. Serum samples （n=30） and liver tissue samples （n=6） were collected from healthy controls， chronic hepatitis B （CHB） patients， and hepatitis B virus-associated liver failure （HBV-LF） patients； ELISA was used to measure the serum level of DDX3X， and qRT-PCR/Western Blot was used to analyze the expression of targets in liver tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group of mice， the expression of DDX3X in the liver of mice induced by ConA was significantly increased after liver injury （P<0.05）， and hepatocyte-specific DDX3X knockout increased the 72-hour survival rate of mice by 55% （compared with 20% in the DDX3X^fl/fl group）， with significant reductions in the serum levels of ALT and AST （P<0.000 1） and the expression levels of the ERS markers GRP78 and CHOP （P<0.05）. After ERS was inhibited by 4-PBA， there was alleviation of liver injury （with reductions in ALT and AST， P <0.001） and a reduction in DDX3X expression （P<0.01）. The analysis of clinical samples showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of liver DDX3X in CHB patients and HBV-LF patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls （all P<0.01）， and there was a significant increase in the serum level of DDX3X in HBV-LF patients （P<0.000 1）. ConclusionDDX3X exacerbates ILI by regulating the ERS-dependent apoptotic pathway （GRP78/CHOP）， and its expression is associated with the progression of hepatitis B. Therefore， it can be used as a potential therapeutic target.

Objective: To report the antibody identification, blood management during pregnancy and the monitoring process of fetal hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) in a pregnant woman with a history of blood transfusion and pregnancy who developed anti-Jr . Methods: Saline tube technique and anti-human globulin technique were used for maternal blood typing, unexpected antibody screening and identification, as well as for determining antibody titer and IgG subclasses. PCR-SSP was employed for genotyping of 18 blood group systems. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized for gene sequencing of 38 blood group systems. Sanger sequencing was applied to verify rare blood group mutations detected by NGS and to investigate the corresponding rare blood group genes in family members. Blood preparation was achieved through anemia management in prenatal clinics and autologous blood collection during pregnancy. The newborn underwent the three primary tests for HDFN and plasma IgG subclass testing. Results: The pregnant woman's blood type was B, RhD positive, with a positive unexpected antibody screen, and the antibody identification pattern was consistent with a high-frequency antigen antibody. Gene sequencing revealed a homozygous ABCG2 c.376C>T mutation in the woman, resulting in the Jr(a-) phenotype, and anti-Jr antibody was present in her plasma. No compatible Jr(a-) blood was found among family members. The maternal anti-Jr IgG titer remained stable at 256 during pregnancy, with no detectable IgG1 or IgG3 subclasses against the Jr antigen. A total of 800 mL of autologous blood was collected in two stages during pregnancy. The newborn was B, RhD positive, Jr(a+), with a positive unexpected antibody screen (anti-Jr ). IgG subclass typing detected no IgG1 or IgG3. The direct antiglobulin test was positive, while the acid elution test was negative. Conclusion: The combination of serology and blood group genetic analysis provides a diagnostic basis for identifying antibodies to high-frequency antigens. Managing perinatal anemia and implementing staged autologous blood storage can secure blood supply for the perioperative period. IgG antibody subclass typing offers a reference for clinical assessment and prevention of HDFN.

To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine，the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13，2024，the 36^th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing，focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction （ED）. The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine，western medicine，and interdisciplinary fields，facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED，researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine，and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs，it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling： （1） Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. （2） Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. （3） High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. （4） In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. （5） Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. （6） Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction，key focus areas，expected objectives，and clinical value were further refined，along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore，building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine，this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management，effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout， research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine，research topic planning，and clinical guideline formulation.

With the rising incidence of diabetes， diabetic kidney disease （DKD） has become a significant global health burden. Although current prevention and treatment strategies can partially delay the progression of DKD， the risk of patients advancing to end-stage renal disease remains high. Since the concept of the "gut-kidney axis" was first introduced at the International Congress on Dialysis in 2011， research on the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of DKD has received increasing attention. This review summarizes the current research on gut microbiota， explores the mechanisms through which it contributes to DKD development， and outlines clinical approaches for DKD prevention and treatment based on the "gut-kidney axis" theory. Evidence indicates that dietary interventions， intake of probiotics or prebiotics， use of metformin and novel antidiabetic drugs， and application of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） compound formulas can effectively improve gut microbiota composition， influence metabolite production， and restore the intestinal mucosal barrier. These interventions can further regulate intestinal innate immunity and inflammatory responses， thereby modulating the progression of DKD. Despite challenges posed by the traditional oral administration of water-decocted TCM compound formulas and the complexity of their ingredients， increasing evidence suggests that TCM may indirectly affect the occurrence and development of DKD by modulating gut microbiota. This finding provides a new perspective on the potential mechanisms of TCM in DKD treatment and may offer novel strategies for DKD prevention and therapy.

ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently， the gene family members were subject to analysis， including gene structure， chromosomal localization， cis-acting elements， gene synteny， and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR， the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally， correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca， unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies， with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes， 12 bHLH genes （such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74） were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem， while 9 bHLH genes （such as PIL13， UNE12， and bHLH130） were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca， the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata， and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes， 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems， flowers， and fruits. Specifically， bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata， thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally， GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.

ObjectiveGastrodia elata has evolved ecological types with shortened rhizome internodes and diversified flower and fruit coloration in response to different altitudes. Studying the genetic mechanisms of different ecotype germplasm is significant for guiding variety breeding in different cultivation areas. MethodsThe bHLH gene family was identified based on the whole-genome datasets of G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Subsequently， the gene family members were subject to analysis， including gene structure， chromosomal localization， cis-acting elements， gene synteny， and phylogeny. Combined with transcriptome data and quantitative Real-time PCR， the expression patterns of bHLH genes in the stems of the different G. elata ecotype germplasm were analyzed. Finally， correlation analysis was conducted between gene expression patterns and color to obtain the key bHLH genes regulating the color formation of stem. ResultsA total of 63 bHLH genes were identified in both G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca， unevenly distributed across 17 chromosomes and clustered into 16 subfamilies， with significant expansion in some family members. Obvious inversions of bHLH genes on the same chromosome and interchromosomal translocations were detected in the two ecotype germplasm. Among these genes， 12 bHLH genes （such as bHLH62-3 and bHLH74） were associated with the bright yellow color of G elata f. elata stem， while 9 bHLH genes （such as PIL13， UNE12， and bHLH130） were correlated with the red color of G. elata f. glauca stem. Compared to G. elata f. glauca， the bHLH48 expression level was significantly higher in flowers and scale leaves of G elata f. elata， and the bHLH62-3 expression level was significantly higher in all organs of G elata f. elata. ConclusionsFunctional pathway divergence of the bHLH family members has occurred across different chromosomes in G elata f. elata and G. elata f. glauca. Through synergism or antagonism with other genes， 21 bHLH genes participate in the coloration metabolic pathway regulation of stems， flowers， and fruits. Specifically， bHLH62-3 is involved in regulating stem color differentiation in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway of G. elata， thus relevant to the color formation of stem. Additionally， GebHLH48 positively regulates flowering-related pathways to promote the early-flowering phenotype of G. elata f. elata. These findings have laid the foundation for analyzing the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the color formation of the G. elata stem.

Patients with Takayasu arteritis combined with aortic valve disease often have a poor prognosis following surgical valve replacement, frequently encountering complications such as perivalvular leakage, valve detachment, and anastomotic aneurysm. This article presents a high-risk case wherein severe aortic valve insufficiency associated with Takayasu arteritis was successfully managed through transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the transapical approach. The patient had satisfactory valve function with no complications observed during the six-month postoperative follow-up. This case provides a minimally invasive and feasible alternative for the clinical management of such high-risk patients.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among left behind and non left behind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) areas of central and western China, so as to provide evidence for improving the nutritional status of children and adolescents. Methods: A survey was conducted among 123 782 students selected by random cluster sampling method in grades 3-9 from NIPRCES in central (Hebei, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, Hubei, and Hainan) and western (Gansu, Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Tibet, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Yunnan, Qinghai, and Chongqing) China in 2023. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires were used to assess nutritional and dietary status. The prevalence of undernutrition was compared between left behind and non left behind students by Chi square test, and associated factors were analyzed by three level Logistic mixed effects model. Results: The prevalence of undernutrition was 8.5% (4 326) in left behind students and 8.1% (5 905) in non left behind students. Three level Logistic mixed effect model analysis showed that whether left behind or non left behind, the undernutrition rates of primary and secondary students in western regions were higher than those of students in central regions [ OR (95% CI )=1.72(1.57-1.87),2.25(2.07- 2.43 )]; the undernutrition risk was lower for those whose fathers had a cultural level of high school or above [ OR (95% CI )=0.69(0.62-0.77),0.90(0.82-0.98)] or junior high school [ OR (95% CI )=0.72(0.66-0.79),0.92(0.85-0.99)] compared to those with primary school or below; picky eating or selective eating increased the risk of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=2.36(2.07-2.68),2.28(2.04-2.55)], and primary and secondary school students without nutritional content in health education classes had higher rates of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=1.12(1.03-1.23),1.09(1.01-1.17)](all P <0.05). Conclusion The prevalence of undernutrition is slightly higher in left behind primary and secondary students than in non left behind primary and secondary students in central and western NIPRCES areas, with variations across different characteristics.

Objective: To analyze the trends of the frequency of meat, egg, and milk consumption among rural primary and junior high school students in central and western China covered by the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) from 2015 to 2023, so as to provide basis for formulating more targeted nutrition intervention policies and health education strategies. Methods: Using data from six rounds of monitoring and evaluation (2015-2021 and 2023), the study included 323 870 students from grade 3 to 9 across 22 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in central and western China. The consumption frequencies of meat, egg, and milk over the past week were collected via questionnaires. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to analyze temporal trends, and multivariable Logistic regression models were employed to analyze factors associated with the frequency of meat, egg and milk consumption and to test for interaction effects between the year and gender, region, and grade level. Results: From 2015 to 2023, the proportion of students consuming meat, egg, and milk ≥1 time/day increased from 23.20 %, 10.71%, and 0.74% to 35.53%, 22.09%, and 26.63%, respectively. Trend tests indicated a significant upward trend for the daily intake of all three food categories for meat, egg and milk over the years ( Z =67.18, 64.90, 93.14, all P <0.01). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that the daily meat intake was lower in the central region than in the western region ( OR=0.77, 95%CI =0.76-0.78), whereas the daily intake of eggs ( OR=1.19, 95%CI =1.17-1.22) and milk ( OR= 1.27 , 95%CI =1.24-1.29) was higher in the central region (all P <0.05). Compared with grade 3-4 students, junior high school students had lower daily intake of meat, eggs, and milk≥1 time/day ( OR =0.95, 0.77, 0.77, all P <0.05), with a declining trend as grade increased. Girls also had lower daily intake of meat, eggs, and milk ≥1 time/day than boys ( OR =0.95，0.93，0.91, all P < 0.05). Significant interactions were observed between year and region, as well as between year and grade (all P <0.05). Conclusion From 2015 to 2023, the NIPRCES improved the intake level of among rural students, but the situation of relatively insufficient intake of egg and milk among females, junior high school students and those in the western region still exists.