This study identified 8 members including NjBIN2 of the GSK3 family in Nardostachys jatamansi by bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, the phylogenetic tree revealed that the GKS3 family members of N. jatamansi had a close relationship with those of Arabidopsis. RT-qPCR results showed that NjBIN2 presented a tissue-specific expression pattern with the highest expression in roots, suggesting that NjBIN2 played a role in root growth and development. In addition, the application of epibrassinolide or the brassinosteroid(BR) synthesis inhibitor(brassinazole) altered the expression pattern of NjBIN2 and influenced the photomorphogenesis(cotyledon opening) and root development of N. jatamansi, which provided direct evidence about the functions of NjBIN2. In conclusion, this study highlights the roles of BIN2 in regulating the growth and development of N. jatamansi by analyzing the expression pattern and biological function of NjBIN2. It not only enriches the understanding about the regulatory mechanism of the growth and development of N. jatamansi but also provides a theoretical basis and potential gene targets for molecular breeding of N. jatamansi with improved quality in the future.
Brassinosteroids/metabolism* ; Steroids, Heterocyclic/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Phylogeny ; Nardostachys/metabolism* ; Plant Growth Regulators/pharmacology* ; Plant Roots/drug effects*

Objective To explore the expression of coagulation indexes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and dry syndrome (pSS) and their relationships with inflammation and immune function. Methods A total of 61 patients with RA who were hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology of Anhui Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 12 to September 9, 2024 were selected as the RA group. And 61 patients with pSS who were hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology of the same hospital September 4, 2023, to August 17, 2024, were selected as the pSS group. 61 healthy individuals who underwent routine medical checkups at the Physical Examination Center of Anhui Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine during the same period were included as the control group. Baseline clinical indexes before treatment were collected from patients in each group, including prothrombin time(PT), international normalized ratio(INR), thrombia time(TT), fibrinogen(FBG), activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), fibrin (ogen) degradation products(FDP) and D-Dimer(D-D). Results The expression levels of PT, FBG, TT, FDP, and D-D in the RA group, the pSS group, and the normal group were significantly different. The expression levels of PT, FBG, FDP, and D-D in the RA group were all higher than those in the pSS group and the control group, respectively. And the expression level of TT in the pSS group was lower than that in control group. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of PT was 0.638, the AUC of FBG was 0.899, the AUC of FDP was 0.866, and the AUC of D-D was 0.919 in the RA group compared with the normal group. And the AUC of coagulation indexes for joint diagnosis of RA was higher than that of the indexes detected individually. pSS group had an AUC of PT of 0.618 compared with that of the normal group. The AUC of TT was 0.645, and the AUC of coagulation indexes for the joint diagnosis of pSS was higher than the AUC of each index detected separately. Association rule analysis showed that elevated D-D in RA patients had a significant correlation with elevated hs-CRP, CCP and RF, and elevated FBG had a significant correlation with elevated hs-CRP, ESR, RF and CCP. Elevated D-D in pSS patients had a correlation with elevated hs-CRP and anti-SSA, and elevated INR has correlation with elevated hs-CRP, anti-SSA and anti-SSB. Correlation analysis showed that PT, INR, FBG, FDP, and D-D were positively correlated with CRP and ESR, and TT was negatively correlated with CRP and ESR in the RA group. FBG, FDP, and D-D were positively correlated with CRP and ESR in the pSS group. Moreover, coagulation indexes were positively correlated with immune indexes in RA group and pSS group which were all significant. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that FBG was a positive correlate of hs-CRP and ESR in RA patients. For PSS patients, FBG and FDP were positive correlates of hs-CRP. APTT and FBG were positive correlates of ESR. Conclusion Compared with pSS, coagulation indexes (especially PT, FBG, FDP and D-D) are more informative for the early diagnosis of RA and the judgment of the degree of the disease, and can be used as an important predictor for the confirmation of the diagnosis of RA.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/diagnosis* ; Middle Aged ; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products/analysis* ; Blood Coagulation ; Adult ; Fibrinogen/metabolism* ; Partial Thromboplastin Time ; Prothrombin Time ; Aged ; Inflammation/immunology* ; ROC Curve

Objective To explore the functional mechanism of spinal cord fragile X mental retardation protein(FMRP)involved in neuropathic pain(NP)by using the sciatic nerve model of chronic compression injury(CCI).Methods First,to investigate the changes of spinal cord FMRP and β-catenin following the development of NP,this study compared the 50%mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT)and thermal withdrawal latency(TWL)in CCI rats,as well as changes of FMRP and β-catenin in the spinal dorsal horn post-surgery,through random grouping.Immunofluorescence staining was performed on spinal cord tissue sections from CCI rats.Second,to further validate the alterations in pain behavior when the FMRP function was lost,we measured the 50%MWT,TWL,and FMRP and β-catenin in the spinal dorsal horn after FMRP knockdown in CCI rats.Finally,we measured the 50%MWT,TWL,and FMRP and β-catenin in the case of FMRP hyperfunction for validation.Results Compared with the baseline CCI group and the naive and sham groups after modeling,the CCI group after modeling showed decreases in 50%MWT and TWL(all P<0.001).After modeling,compared with the naive group and the sham group,the CCI group presented up-regulated expression of FMRP(P=0.027,P=0.022)and β-catenin(P<0.001,P=0.001)in the spinal dorsal horn.No co-localization of FMRP with astrocytes and microglia was observed in the spinal cord,while the co-localization with neurons was observed.Compared with the baseline,the CCI+FMRP knockdown group showed decreases in 50%MWT(P=0.015)and TWL(P=0.001)after modeling.After intrathecal injection of small interfering RNA(siRNA),the 50%MWT(P=0.020)and TWL(P=0.009)of the CCI+FMRP knockdown group were increased.Moreover,compared with the CCI group and the CCI+solvent group,the CCI+FMRP knockdown group showed increases in 50%MWT(both P<0.001)and TWL(P=0.005,P=0.006).After intrathecal injection of siRNA,the expression levels of FMRP(P=0.012,P=0.007)and β-catenin(both P<0.001)in the spinal dorsal horn of the CCI+FMRP knockdown group were lower than those of the CCI group and the CCI+solvent group.Compared with the baseline FMRP overexpression group and the naive and negative control groups after adeno-associated virus(AAV)injection,the FMRP overexpression group after AAV injection showed decreases in 50%MWT and TWL(all P<0.001).After AAV injection,compared with the naive group and the negative control group,the FMRP overexpression group demonstrated up-regulated expression of FMRP(both P<0.001)and β-catenin(P=0.006,P=0.008)in the spinal cord.Conclusions This study confirms that spinal cord FMRP and β-catenin are involved in NP induced by CCI.Spinal cord FMRP may be one of the potential therapeutic targets for NP.
Animals ; beta Catenin/metabolism* ; Neuralgia/metabolism* ; Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein/physiology* ; Spinal Cord/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by muscle rigidity, resting tremor, and postural instability, which severely impair the quality of life in middle-aged and elderly individuals. PD’s pathogenesis is complex, involving oxidative stress, immune inflammation, and genetic factors. Despite extensive research, precise therapeutic targets for PD remain elusive, necessitating further investigation into its underlying mechanisms. Recent studies highlight the pivotal role of regional brain iron overload, oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation in PD’s pathogenesis. Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death driven by iron dependency and lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a critical factor in PD pathology. This review examines the relationship between ferroptosis and PD and explores the potential of exercise as a therapeutic intervention to modulate ferroptosis and alleviate PD symptoms. Ferroptosis, distinct from other forms of cell death such as necrosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and apoptosis, is characterized by mitochondrial shrinkage, reduced cristae, and membrane collapse, without nuclear fragmentation, DNA cleavage, or caspase activation. It is induced by the accumulation of intracellular Fe²⁺, which enhances lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, ultimately leading to cell death. Studies show disrupted iron metabolism in PD patients, with elevated iron levels in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra correlating with disease severity. Iron chelation therapy has shown promise in alleviating PD symptoms by reducing brain iron levels, highlighting the significance of iron metabolism in PD pathogenesis. Lipid peroxidation, a hallmark of ferroptosis, involves the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in cell membranes, compromising membrane integrity and increasing permeability. Elevated lipid peroxidation in the substantia nigra contributes to neuronal damage in PD. Enzymes such as ACSL4 and LPCAT3, crucial in PUFA metabolism, play significant roles in ferroptosis. Exercise has been shown to modulate these enzymes, potentially reducing lipid peroxidation and preventing ferroptosis in PD. Glutathione (GSH) metabolism is another crucial factor in ferroptosis regulation. GSH depletion impairs ROS detoxification, exacerbating oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. PD patients exhibit reduced GSH levels in the substantia nigra, making dopaminergic neurons more vulnerable to oxidative damage. Exercise enhances GSH synthesis and activity, mitigating oxidative stress and ferroptosis in PD. α-Synuclein aggregation, a hallmark of PD, is closely linked to iron metabolism and oxidative stress. Excessive α‑synuclein binds to iron, promoting its aggregation and inducing ferroptosis. Exercise has been found to reduceα-synuclein accumulation and its pathological phosphorylation, potentially through the upregulation of neuroprotective proteins like DJ-1 and Irisin. These proteins enhance antioxidant defenses and facilitate α‑synuclein degradation, providing a protective effect against PD progression. Additionally, glutamate excitotoxicity, driven by dysregulated glutamate metabolism and receptor activity, contributes to ferroptosis in PD. Exercise modulates glutamate levels and receptor expression, reducing excitotoxicity and iron-induced neuronal damage. In conclusion, emerging research suggests that exercise may inhibit ferroptosis through multiple mechanisms, including regulation of iron metabolism, enhancement of antioxidant defenses, reduction of α-synuclein aggregation, and modulation of glutamate metabolism. These findings highlight the potential of exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention in the prevention and treatment of PD. Further research is needed to elucidate precise mechanisms and optimize exercise protocols for maximum therapeutic benefit.

Objective:To explore the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of peripheral neuropathy in prediabetic patients.Methods:Subjects aged 20-65 years with high-risk factors of impaired glycemia enrolled in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from 2019 to 2022 were recruited to conduct oral glucose tolerance test, after excluding other causes of neuropathy or radiculopathy. Patients with impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance were defined by American Diabetes Association criteria. These patients were divided into clinical polyneuropathy (PN) and clinical non-PN groups, according to the 2010 Toronto consensus criteria and the presence of PN symptoms and signs or not. Nerve conduction studies (NCS), F wave, sympathetic skin response (SSR), R-R interval variation (RRIV) and current perception thresholds (CPT) were performed and the abnormal rate was compared between different electrodiagnostic methods and between clinical subgroups.Results:Among the 73 prediabetic patients ultimately enrolled, only 20 (27.4%) can be diagnosed as clinical PN according to the Toronto consensus criteria. The abnormal rate of CPT (68.5%, 50/73) was significantly higher than those of F wave (2.7%, 2/73), lower limb NCS (0, 0/73), upper limb NCS changes of carpal tunnel syndrome (26.0%, 19/73), SSR (6.8%, 5/73) and RRIV (5.5%, 4/73; McNemar test, all P<0.001). With sinusoid-waveform current stimuli at frequencies of 2 000 Hz, 250 Hz and 5 Hz, the CPT device was used to measure cutaneous sensory thresholds of large myelinated, small myelinated and small unmyelinated sensory fibers respectively. CPT revealed a 21.9% (16/73) abnormal rate of unmyelinated C fiber in the hands of prediabetic patients, significantly higher than that of large myelinated Aβ fibers [8.2% (6/73), χ2=5.352, P=0.021]. Both abnormal rates of small myelinated Aδ [42.5% (31/73)] and unmyelinated C fibers [39.7% (29/73)] in the feet of prediabetic patients were significantly higher than that of large myelinated Aβ fibers [11.0% (8/73), χ2=18.508, 15.965, both P<0.001]. Compared with the clinical non-PN group, the abnormal rates of CPT [90.0% (18/20) vs 60.4% (32/53), χ2=5.904, P=0.015] and SSR [20.0% (4/20) vs 1.9% (1/53), P=0.016) were significantly higher in the clinical PN group. Conclusions:Peripheral neuropathies in prediabetic patients are usually asymptomatic or subclinical, and predispose to affect unmyelinated and small myelinated sensory fibers. Selective electrodiagnostic measurements of small fibers help to detect prediabetic neuropathies in the earliest stages of the disease.

Objective To establish a high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)aging characteristic chromatogram of Guangdong Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium.Methods HPLC-diode array detector(DAD)was used to analyze the composition differences between different years of Guangdong Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium,and the relative peak area of each differential chromatographic peak was determined.The aging grade was classified by cluster analysis,and evaluated by the similarity evaluation system for chromatographic fingerprint of TCM(2012A edition).Results The different years of Guangdong Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium was clustered into two different aging grades of classⅠ and class Ⅱ.The similarity of class Ⅰ(low aging grade)Guangdong Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium was 0.708-0.957,and the similarity of class Ⅱ(high aging grade)Guangdong Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium was 0.734-0.976,and the similarity between the two was lower than 0.6.There were 9 different chromatographic peaks in the established characteristic chromatogram.The control characteristic spectrum T2 of typeⅡ Guangdong Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium can be regarded as its aging characteristic spectrum,among which peaks 1-4 and 9 are aging characteristic peaks.Conclusion The established aging characteristic chromatogram of Guangdong Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium is simple in operation,with good repeatability and reliability,and can be used for quality evaluation of different years of Guangdong Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium.

Objective To develop a portable collection device of human exhaled breath condensate(EBC)based on natural breathing to meet the needs for rapid screening of human respiratory tract(especially lower respiratory tract)infections.Methods The device consisted of a refrigeration unit,a heat dissipation unit and a condensation unit.The refrigeration unit adopted a TES1-7102 thermoelectric Peltier cooler semiconductor as the refrigeration element;the heat dissipation unit was composed of a high thermal conductivity aluminum heat sink and a high-speed brushless cooling fan;the condensation unit was made up of a cold guide plate and a condenser,in which the cold guide plate was made of thin sheet of aluminum alloy,and the condenser was prepared by 3D printing technology and made of hydrophobic polylactic acid,with primary and secondary 2-stage guide grooves and an ultra-thin condensing surface.The performance of the device was verified in terms of cooling,thermal conductivity,condensation and human EBC collection and content analysis.Results Performance analysis showed that after refrigeration began the temperature difference between the condenser surface and the exhaled gas met the requirements of the condenser,and no obvious thermal resistance was found on the condensing surface so that large droplets could be formed rapidly and then be collected after the gas-liquid phase change of the exhaled gas on the condensing surface.Human EBC collection and content analysis indicated the device realized home self-collection of EBCs from people of all ages,and the concentrations of interleukins,C-reactive protein and other inflammation-related indexes and the pH value of the collected EBC samples were all correlated with respiratory infections in the subjects.Conclusion The device developed with easy operation avoids the discomfort of blowing collection and the risk of saliva contamination,and is worthy promoting for rapid diagnosis and dynamic monitoring of respiratory tract infection and other related diseases.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(8):32-37]

Objective:To investigate a new method for the reconstruction of hemifacial microsomia by sagittal osteotomy of the affected mandibular outer cortex combined with bone graft of mandibular outer cortex from healthy side.Methods:From March 2006 to March 2023, the clinical data of patients with hemifacial microsomia admitted to the Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative diagnosis and surgical design were performed based on clinical manifestations and imaging findings. All cases were operated under general anesthesia. The affected mandibular outer cortex was previously split by an intraoral approach, and then the mandibular outer cortex of appropriate shape and size on the healthy side was harvested and grafted into the split bone space according to the preoperative design, following by internal rigid fixation. Complications, facial appearance improvement, and patient satisfaction were followed up. Photographs were taken preoperative, immediately postoperative and at the long-term(last) postoperative follow-up, and the severity of the deformity was analyzed. CT data from preoperative, immediate postoperative, and long-term follow-up visits were imported into Surgicase Proplan medical three-dimensional image workstation in Dicom format. The mandible was reconstructed using Segmentation, and the thickness of the mandible was measured during pre-operative, immediate post-operative and long-term follow-up visits. Anova with repeated measurement design was used to compare measurements and LSD test was used for multiple comparisons. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test were used to statistically analyze malformation severity. P< 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 39 patients were included in this study, including 13 females and 26 males, with an average age of (22.21±4.57) years (15-27 years). All patients were followed up for an average of (45.56±39.41) months (6-153 months) after surgery. The grafted mandibular outer cortex grows well with the adjacent bone tissue, and the mandibular angle and mandibular body are significantly wider. Of the 39 cases, 1 developed an infection 1 year after surgery, the titanium plate was exposed, and the patient healed after debridement and removal of the immobilizing splint. The facial appearance of the other patients improved significantly. Preoperative, immediate postoperative and long term follow up of mandibular thickness measurements were compared in pairs, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The patient’s appearance satisfaction score: the preoperative score was [2.0(1.5, 2.0)] points, the immediate postoperative score was [4.0(4.0, 4.0)] points, the score of the last postoperative follow up was [4.0(4.0, 4.0)] points. There was statistical difference in satisfaction among the three groups ( P<0.01). The preoperative scores were compared with the scores of the immediate postoperative and the last postoperative follow-up respectively, and the differences were statistically significant( P<0.01). There was no statistical significance in satisfaction between the immediate postoperative score and the score of the last postoperative follow up ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The sagittal splitting osteotomy of the mandibular outer cortex is consistent with the features of mandibular anatomy, and provides a good condition for the grafting and healing of autogenous bone. Removing the outer cortex of the mandible on the healthy side not only increases the thickness of the affected side, but also decreases the width of the angle of the mandible on the healthy side, so as to effectively correct the asymmetric deformity of the mandible. The method is simple, with few complications and good results, and is one of the ideal treatments to correct hemofacial microsomia.

Objective:To investigate a new method for the reconstruction of hemifacial microsomia by sagittal osteotomy of the affected mandibular outer cortex combined with bone graft of mandibular outer cortex from healthy side.Methods:From March 2006 to March 2023, the clinical data of patients with hemifacial microsomia admitted to the Department of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative diagnosis and surgical design were performed based on clinical manifestations and imaging findings. All cases were operated under general anesthesia. The affected mandibular outer cortex was previously split by an intraoral approach, and then the mandibular outer cortex of appropriate shape and size on the healthy side was harvested and grafted into the split bone space according to the preoperative design, following by internal rigid fixation. Complications, facial appearance improvement, and patient satisfaction were followed up. Photographs were taken preoperative, immediately postoperative and at the long-term(last) postoperative follow-up, and the severity of the deformity was analyzed. CT data from preoperative, immediate postoperative, and long-term follow-up visits were imported into Surgicase Proplan medical three-dimensional image workstation in Dicom format. The mandible was reconstructed using Segmentation, and the thickness of the mandible was measured during pre-operative, immediate post-operative and long-term follow-up visits. Anova with repeated measurement design was used to compare measurements and LSD test was used for multiple comparisons. The Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test were used to statistically analyze malformation severity. P< 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 39 patients were included in this study, including 13 females and 26 males, with an average age of (22.21±4.57) years (15-27 years). All patients were followed up for an average of (45.56±39.41) months (6-153 months) after surgery. The grafted mandibular outer cortex grows well with the adjacent bone tissue, and the mandibular angle and mandibular body are significantly wider. Of the 39 cases, 1 developed an infection 1 year after surgery, the titanium plate was exposed, and the patient healed after debridement and removal of the immobilizing splint. The facial appearance of the other patients improved significantly. Preoperative, immediate postoperative and long term follow up of mandibular thickness measurements were compared in pairs, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The patient’s appearance satisfaction score: the preoperative score was [2.0(1.5, 2.0)] points, the immediate postoperative score was [4.0(4.0, 4.0)] points, the score of the last postoperative follow up was [4.0(4.0, 4.0)] points. There was statistical difference in satisfaction among the three groups ( P<0.01). The preoperative scores were compared with the scores of the immediate postoperative and the last postoperative follow-up respectively, and the differences were statistically significant( P<0.01). There was no statistical significance in satisfaction between the immediate postoperative score and the score of the last postoperative follow up ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The sagittal splitting osteotomy of the mandibular outer cortex is consistent with the features of mandibular anatomy, and provides a good condition for the grafting and healing of autogenous bone. Removing the outer cortex of the mandible on the healthy side not only increases the thickness of the affected side, but also decreases the width of the angle of the mandible on the healthy side, so as to effectively correct the asymmetric deformity of the mandible. The method is simple, with few complications and good results, and is one of the ideal treatments to correct hemofacial microsomia.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of low-dose recombinant interleukin-2(rIL-2)therapy on immunocyte subsets and its side effects in children with solid tumor.Methods:A total of 22 children(11 males and 11 females)with solid tumor in our department from December 2012 to November 2017 were selected,with a median age of 9(3-16)years old when starting IL-2 therapy.ALL surgeries and chemotherapy of children had been completed before low-dose rIL-2 therapy,and 17 cases achieved complete remission(CR)and 5 cases achieved partial remission(PR).A low-dose rIL-2 therapy was given 1 month after chemotherapy for 1 year:4 × 105 IU/(m2·d),s.c.for every other day,3 times per week.The immunocyte subsets were detected every 3 months until the end of treatment,meanwhile,disease condition and therapy-related side effects were followed up.Results:After low-dose rIL-2 therapy in 22 children,the absolute values of CD3+T cells,CD3-CD56+natural killer cells,CD3+CD4+helper T cells(Th)and CD3+CD8+cytotoxic T cells were up-regulated remarkably,as well as Th/suppressor T cells(all P＜0.05).While,there were no significant differences in absolute value and proportion of CD4+CD25+CD127-Treg cells during therapy.Among the 17 children who achieved CR before rIL-2 therapy,14 cases continued to maintain CR after therapy,while 3 cases relapsed,and with 2 died after treatment abandonment.The 5 children who achieved PR before low-dose rIL-2 therapy were evaluated CR by PET/CT scan after treatment.In the early stage of low-dose rIL-2 therapy,1 child developed skin rashes at the injection sites,and 2 children ran a slight to mild transient fever.Their symptoms disappeared without any organ damage after symptomatic treatment.Conclusion:Low-dose rIL-2 therapy has good drug tolerance,and changes the distribution of anti-tumor immune-cell subgroup in peripheral blood of children with solid tumor remarkably without up-regulation of absolute value and ratio of Treg cells.