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.

AIM: To analyze the pathological features, immunophenotype, and imaging findings of conjunctival lymphangiectasia(CL), and to explore the etiological mechanisms and provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. METHODS:This single-center descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled postoperative specimens from patients with CL who underwent surgical treatment in the hospital between Feb. 2023 and Sept. 2025. Routine hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining and immunohistochemical staining(D2-40, CD31, CD34, CK)were performed. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT)was used to observe the lesion morphology. The pathological results were comprehensively analyzed combined with clinical data. RESULTS: A total of postoperative specimens from 32 eyes of 32 patients with CL were enrolled, including 23 females(72%)and 9 males(28%), with a mean age of 53.03±12.47 y. All patients presented with single or multiple transparent cystic elevations beneath the bulbar conjunctiva. The postoperative pathological manifestations were characterized by dilation of conjunctival lymphatic vessels lined with a single layer of flattened endothelial cells, accompanied by edema and inflammatory infiltration in the surrounding stroma. All cases were positive for D2-40, confirming a lymphatic origin; some cases also expressed CD31 and CD34. AS-OCT revealed the lesions as unilocular or multilocular cystic spaces with low reflectivity. After complete surgical resection, the mean follow-up period was 16.2 mo with no recurrence.CONCLUSION:CL is a benign ocular surface lesion characterized by lymphatic vessel dilation. The endothelium co-expresses lymphatic and some vascular markers, suggesting that CL may belong to the spectrum of vascular malformations. AS-OCT has adjunctive diagnostic value, and surgical resection has definitive therapeutic efficacy.

Conjunctival lymphangiectasia is a low-incidence ocular surface disease that is currently rarely reported in the relevant literature. It may be related to cosmetic eyelid surgery, tumor, radiation or chemotherapy and other factors and often causes a foreign body sensation, lacrimation, eye pain, visual fatigue and other discomfort. These symptoms of constant eye irritation affect the patient's quality of life. At present, anterior segment optical coherence tomography can be used for clinical diagnosis, and the novel monoclonal antibody D2-40, as a marker of lymphatic endothelial cell dilatation, has high specificity in pathological diagnosis. Previous studies have not fully defined the pathogenesis of the disease, and treatment methods vary. Conventional treatment has resulted in varying degrees of damage to the conjunctiva in patients. In recent years, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs have been reported to be effective in treating the disease with few complications. This article reviews the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease in order to gain a better understanding of conjunctival lymphangiectasia and provide more support for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the mechanistic of organochlorine-associated changes in lung function. METHODS: This study investigated 76 healthy older adults in Jinan, Shandong Province, over a five-month period. Personal exposure to organochlorines was quantified using wearable passive samplers, while inflammatory factors and thyroid hormones were analyzed from blood samples. Participants' lung function was evaluated. After stratifying participants according to their thyroid hormone levels, we analyzed the differential effects of organochlorine exposure on lung function and inflammatory factors across the low and high thyroid hormone groups. Mediation analysis was further conducted to elucidate the relationships among organochlorine exposures, inflammatory factors, and lung function. RESULTS: Bis (2-chloro-1-methylethyl) ether (BCIE), was negatively associated with forced vital capacity (FVC, -2.05%, 95% CI: -3.11% to -0.97%), and associated with changes in inflammatory factors such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-8, and IL-13 in the low thyroid hormone group. The mediation analysis indicated a mediating effect of IL-2 (15.63%, 95% CI: 0.91% to 44.64%) and IL-13 (13.94%, 95% CI: 0.52% to 41.07%) in the association between BCIE exposure and FVC. CONCLUSION Lung function and inflammatory factors exhibited an increased sensitivity to organochlorine exposure at lower thyroid hormone levels, with inflammatory factors potentially mediating the adverse effects of organochlorines on lung function.
Environmental Exposure ; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/metabolism* ; China ; Ethyl Ethers/metabolism* ; Environmental Monitoring ; Thyroid Hormones/blood* ; Lung/physiology* ; Inhalation Exposure/statistics & numerical data* ; Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data* ; Air Pollutants/metabolism* ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the impact of foam macrophages (FMs) on the intracellular survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and identify the molecular mechanisms influencing MTB survival. METHODS: An in vitro FM model was established using oleic acid induction. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to identify the key molecular pathways involved in FM-mediated MTB survival. RESULTS: Induced FMs effectively restricted MTB survival. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling revealed distinct changes in gene and metabolite expression in FMs during MTB infection compared with normal macrophages. Integrated analyses identified significant alterations in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, indicating that its activation contributes to the FM-mediated restriction of MTB survival. CONCLUSIONS FMs inhibit MTB survival. The cAMP signaling pathway is a key contributor. These findings enhance the understanding of the role of FMs in tuberculosis progression, suggest potential targets for host-directed therapies, and offer new directions for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/physiology* ; Transcriptome ; Metabolomics ; Foam Cells/microbiology* ; Humans ; Metabolome ; Tuberculosis/microbiology* ; Gene Expression Profiling

Objective:To investigate the differences in electroencephalographic (EEG) microstate characteristics between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) children, and to explore the correlation between irritability and EEG microstate features in ASD children.Methods:A total of 104 children with ASD [ASD group, 83 boys, 21 girls; aged 4-13 years, mean age (9.47±1.74)years] from the Autism Cohort of Nanjing Medical University and 60 TD children [TD group; 50 boys, 10 girls; aged 5-13 years, mean age(9.86±1.78) years ]from the IEEE Dataport database were enrolled. Irritability severity was assessed using the Affective Reactivity Index-Parent (ARI-P). Resting-state EEG data with eyes closed were recorded using a 24-channel dry-electrode EEG cap. Group-level EEG microstate topographic maps and microstate parameters, including mean duration, frequency, and time coverage, were extracted and compared between groups using nonparametric tests. In the ASD group, Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the associations between microstate features and ARI-P in ASD children. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of irritability.Results:Four group-level microstates (A, B, C, D) were identified in both groups. Compared to TD children, ASD children exhibited significantly longer mean duration for all microstates, in microstates A[ M(Q1, Q3)]: 0.060 (0.054,0.070) vs 0.091 (0.0530, 0.155) s, microstate B: 0.059 (0.050, 0.066) vs 0.087 (0.057,0.149) s, microstate C: 0.059 (0.050, 0.066) vs 0.095 (0.056, 0.183) s and microstate D: 0.055 (0.049,0.075) vs 0.095 (0.053,0.162) s ( Z=-3.51, -4.89, -4.71, -4.21; all P<0.001); However, microstate occurrence frequencies were significantly lower in the ASD group: A: 5.423 (3.640,21.024) vs 1.834 (1.327,3.395) Hz, microstate B: 4.949 (3.439,20.038) vs 2.146 (1.314,3.834) Hz, microstate C: 5.888 (3.998,22.078) vs 2.234 (1.441,3.768) Hz and microstate D: 5.371 (3.170,15.208) vs 2.074 (1.147,3.582) Hz ( Z=-7.72, -6.41, -7.85, -6.60; all P<0.001). In the ASD group, ARI-P scores were positively correlated with the mean duration of microstates B, C, and D ( r=0.28, 0.26, 0.33; all P<0.05) and negatively correlated with the occurrence frequency of microstates A, C, and D ( r=-0.26, -0.27, -0.21; all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the mean duration of microstate B was a significant predictor of irritability severity ( β=0.436, 95% CI: 1.260-4.202, P<0.001). Conclusion:Resting-state EEG microstate characteristics in Children with ASD differ from those in TD children and are associated with the severity of irritability. Prolonged duration of microstate B may serve as a risk factor for increased irritability in children with ASD.

Post-stroke spasticity is a series of symptoms after stroke,such as hand and foot urgency,unflexion and extension of muscles,etc.In order to deeply understand the cognition of post-stroke spasticity of ancient Chinese physicians and comb out their therapeutic thoughts,this study took the General Catalogue of Chinese Ancient Books of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a bibliographic reference,all the ancient Chinese literature on spasms after stroke was retrieved manually and by computer,and then sorted and analyzed,and classified them by longitudinal time,and extracted the description about post-stroke spasticity,including medical classics,prescriptions,clinical evidence,medical records and so on.And this paper verified and summarized the etiology,pathogenesis,functional and indications and prescription characteristics of spasticity after stroke,in order to deeply understand systematic theories and treatment ideas of the ancient medical practitioners in the bud,development and mature stages of their understanding of spasticity after stroke,and provide the theoretical basis for the later doctors to understand this disease and the modern clinical treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective:To investigate the association of the interaction and combined effect of renal function and body mass index (BMI) with the risk for all-cause death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in communities of Jiangsu Province.Methods:The study subjects were from the Comprehensive Research Project of Diabetes Prevention and Control conducted in Jiangsu from December 2013 to January 2014, and follow up was conducted for them until September 30, 2023. A total of 20 025 subjects were included in the study. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association of renal function with risk for death in T2DM patients, and the association of interaction between renal function and BMI and their combined effect with all-cause death risk in T2DM patients.Results:In the follow up for 198 370 person-years, a total of 4 459 deaths were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that renal dysfunction was associated with 71% risk of all-cause mortality in all T2DM patients [hazard ratio ( HR) =1.71, 95% CI: 1.59-1.84], as well as in all BMI subgroups. Likelihood ratio test indicated an interaction between renal function and BMI (interaction for P=0.030). Compared with patients with normal renal function and normal BMI, those with normal renal function and over weight or obesity had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, and those with renal dysfunction and low weight had the highest risk for death ( HR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.87-4.14). Conclusions:There is association of interaction between renal function and BMI with all-cause mortality in T2DM patients. T2DM patients with renal dysfunction and low body weight had significant higher risk for death.

Objective To preliminarily investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous microwave ab-lation(MWA)in patients with advanced breast cancer involving the skin or nipple-areola complex(NAC).Methods This study included breast cancer patients with skin or NAC involvement treated at the Fifth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2011 to August 2024.Patients underwent percutaneous MWA with water isolation technique to protect surrounding tissues.Clinical data were retrospectively collected,and the technical success rate,complications,prognosis,patient satisfaction with breast aesthetics,and quality of life improvement were analyzed.Results A total of 19 patients(24 lesions)meeting the inclusion and ex-clusion criteria were analyzed.The cases included 4 with T4N0M0,2 with T4N1M0,3 with T4N2M0,1 with T4N3M0,1 with T4N2M1,and 8 with T4N3M1.The average diameter of the 24 lesions was(4.9±3.4)cm,with an average of(1.6±0.6)ablation sessions per lesion.The median ablation time was 36.9(26.1,61.7)minutes,and the median ablation energy was 84.2(45.6,149.2)kJ.The technical success rate was 100%.Postoperatively,7 patients(7/19,36.8%)experienced skin burns around the lesion or nipple shedding,all of which healed naturally.The median overall survival was 35.0(17.0,45.5)months,and the median recur-rence-free survival was 17.0(11.0,38.5)months.Patient satisfaction with post-treatment breast aesthetics was 89.5%,and all patients reported significant improvement in their quality of life.Conclusions Percutane-ous microwave ablation for breast cancer involving the skin or NAC was preliminary demonstrates to be safe and effective,suggesting its potential as a viable treatment option for patients with inoperable breast cancer.