1.Complete chloroplast genomes and phylogenetic analysis of 7 Murraya species in China
Ziyuan CHEN ; Yan JIN ; Yuyang ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Yuan YUAN
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):62-72
Background: Murraya, a genus of shrubs and trees in the Rutaceae family, consists of approximately 9 species in China with significant medicinal and horticultural value. However, the phylogeny and taxonomy of Murraya species remain controversial, particularly with respect to Murraya exotica and M. paniculata. Objective: This study aimed to provide insights into the taxonomy, phylogeny, and identification of Murraya. Methods: In this study, the chloroplast (CP) genomes of 7 Murraya species were sequenced, assembled, and subjected to comparative and phylogenetic analyses. Results: The CP genomes of Murraya ranged from 158,573 to 160,817 bp in length and encoded 112 unique genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Similar to other angiosperms, the inverted repeat regions of the CP genomes exhibited lower sequence divergence than the single-copy regions, and coding regions were more conserved than noncoding regions. Comparative analysis identified several highly variable regions (eg, matK, ycf1, ndhI-ndhA, trnH-GUG-psbA, rpl32-trnL) that could serve as molecular markers for species identification in Murraya. Among these, the ycf1 gene was validated as a useful marker for distinguishing M. exotica from M. paniculata. Positive selection was detected in 10 genes, including rbcL, psaJ, ndhD, ndhF, rpl2, rpl20, ycf1, accD, ccsA, and rpl32. Phylogenetic analysis based on CP genomes supported the recognition of M. exotica and M. paniculata as independent species. Moreover, the phylogenetic trees indicated that Murraya is not monophyletic, with sect. Bergera showing a closer relationship to Clausena. Molecular dating results suggested that the diversification of M. paniculata, M. alata, and M. exotica occurred approximately 9.11 Mya (95% highest posterior density: 4.90-13.87 Mya). Conclusion: These findings provide valuable CP genome data for clarifying the phylogenetic relationships between M. exotica and M. paniculata, and for advancing the study of DNA markers and the evolutionary history of Murraya.
2.A case-control study on the association of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and anti-thyroid antibodies with oral lichen planus
LIU Yuan ; CHEN Yan ; CONG Zhaoxia ; LI Yiming ; XUE Rui ; ZHAO Jin
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(9):757-764
Objective:
This study aims to explore the association between oral lichen planus (OLP) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and its anti-thyroid antibodies to provide clinical evidence for thyroid disease screening in patients with OLP.
Methods:
This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. A total of 125 clinically and histopathologically confirmed patients with OLP were enrolled as the case group, and they were matched with 125 non-OLP controls based on sex and age. Demographic data (gender, age, lesion type, and disease duration) were collected from both groups. Serum levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) were measured to analyze their associations with sex, age, lesion type, and disease duration in patients with OLP.
Result:
The prevalence of HT in patients with OLP was 31.20%, significantly higher than that in the control group (9.60%) (χ2=18.504, P<0.001). The prevalence of HT in female patients with OLP (39.13%) was significantly higher than that in male patients (9.09%)(χ2=10.93,P<0.001). The positivity rate of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) in patients with OLP (17.6%) was significantly higher than in the control group (4.0%) (χ2=10.989, P<0.001). The TPOAb positivity rate was significantly higher in female patients (22.83%) than in male patients (3.03%) (χ2=5.210, P=0.014). There was no statistically significant difference in the positivity rate of TgAb between patients with OLP (7.2%) and the control group (3.2%) (P>0.05). Patients with erosive lesions had a significantly higher TPOAb positivity rate (25.0%, 17/68) compared to those with non-erosive lesions (8.77%, 5/57), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=4.831, P=0.028). Logistic regression analysis revealed that female patients with OLP had an 8.935-fold higher risk of being TPOAb positive compared to males (OR=8.935, 95%CI: 1.134-70.388, P=0.038). Patients with erosive OLP lesions had a 3.199-fold higher risk of TPOAb positivity compared to those with non-erosive lesions (OR=3.199, 95%CI: 1.064-9.618, P=0.038).
Conclusion
The prevalence of HT is higher in patients with OLP, with higher positivity rates of anti-thyroid antibodies observed in female patients and those with erosive OLP lesions. This suggests that thyroid disease screening should be incorporated into the clinical management of patients with OLP, especially for women and patients who present with erosive lesions.
3.Research progress of cooling therapy for heat stroke
Jin-Bao ZHAO ; Qian WANG ; Tian-Yu XIN ; Han-Ding MAO ; Ye TAO ; Bo NING ; Zhen-Zhen QIN ; Shu-Yuan LIU ; Qing SONG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(5):612-618
Heat stroke is a heat-related illness caused by an imbalance between the body's heat production and heat dissipation,which could lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome with a high mortality rate.Rapid and effective reduction of core body temperature is key to successful treatment.This article reviews recent progress in the treatment of heat stroke,including new understandings of organ injury mechanisms,the timing,velocity and goals of cooling treatment,evaluation and selection of traditional cooling techniques(such as cold water immersion),and scientific evaluation of new cooling technologies(such as blood purification technology and intravascular heat exchange cooling technology),aiming to promote understanding and treatment of heat stroke.
4.Genetic Association Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Sarcopenia: A Bidirectional Two-Sample, Two-Step Mendelian Randomized Study
Xiaoyan ZHAO ; Yueqin JIN ; Leping MA ; Xiaole ZHAO ; Xiaoqing FANG ; Fenfang YUAN
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):304-310
Objective:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents, often accompanied by motor function disorders. Sarcopenia not only has skeletal muscle dysfunction but also has neurocognitive dysfunction. At present, there is no research to explore the relationship between ADHD and skeletal muscle function. The purpose of this study is to explore whether there is a causal effect between ADHD and sarcopenia.
Methods:
In this study, genome-wide association study data of ADHD, appendicular lean mass (ALM), hand grip strength, and walking pace (WP) were extracted from public databases. The bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method was employed to investigate the correlation between ADHD and sarcopenia-related indicators, and the inverse-variance weighted analysis as the primary analysis method.
Results:
Based on the forward MR analysis, a potential causal relationship exists between ADHD and ALM (odds ratio [OR]=1.020, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012–1.029, p<0.001). The reverse MR analysis indicates a link between WP and the risk of ADHD (OR=2.712, 95% CI: 1.609–4.571, p<0.001), with an accelerated WP increasing the likelihood of ADHD. Nevertheless, other MR analysis results did not show significant differences.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate an intricate causal relationship between ADHD and sarcopenia, suggesting the absence of a clear link. WP may be used as one of the indicators to evaluate the risk of ADHD. At the same time, we should pay more attention to the ALM of ADHD patients.
5.Preliminary study on coronary artery image quality and calcified plaque evaluation using ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT
Yaru YANG ; Yan'e ZHAO ; Huixin ZHANG ; Yong YUAN ; Qiuju HU ; Jiliang CHEN ; Yujie GAO ; Dongsheng JIN ; Song LUO ; Guangming LU
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(12):1361-1368
Objective:To investigate the differential impact of ultra-high-resolution photon-counting detector CT (UHR PCD-CT) and energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT) on image quality and calcified plaque-induced luminal stenosis in coronary CT angiography (CCTA).Methods:This retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent both EID-CT and UHR PCD-CT CCTA at the Geriatric Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2021 and November 2024. A total of 141 patients were included in the study, within 46 patients having scans within a 12-month interval. Image quality of all coronary artery segments was subjectively evaluated. Patients with paired scans (interval≤12 months) were included for calcified plaque analysis. Subjective visualization of calcified plaques evaluated. The blooming artifact was calculated as an objective evaluation index for assessing the calcified plaques. Additionally, the degree of coronary artery lumen stenosis resulting from calcified plaques was assessed, along with the measurement of plaque volume and the Agatston score. Changes in lumen stenosis between the two scans were also evaluated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the subjective scores of coronary artery image quality and calcified plaques between the two groups, and paired-sample t-tests were used to compare the blooming artifact and lumen stenosis degree. Results:The PCD-CT image quality score was significantly higher than that of EID-CT [PCD-CT : 5 (4,5), EID-CT: 4 (4,5); Z=-21.38, P<0.001]. Compared to EID-CT, PCD-CT reduced the blooming artifact (PCD-CT: 38.88%±9.09%, EID-CT: 50.11%±11.52%; t=-12.97, P<0.001), significantly improving the subjective score for visualization of calcified plaques [PCD-CT: 5 (4,5), EID-CT: 3 (2,3); Z=-9.68, P<0.001], and the measured lumen stenosis was notably lower in PCD-CT(PCD-CT:34.88%±18.20%, EID-CT:45.31%±23.42%; t=-9.93, P<0.001). Among 129 analyzed calcified plaques, luminal stenosis was reduced on PCD-CT in 110 plaques (85.3%) and increased in 19 (14.7%), including 4 plaques that had unclear boundaries with the adjacent lumen in EID-CT CCTA images, making the stenosis difficult to assess. Conclusion:Compared to EID-CT, UHR PCD-CT for CCTA significantly improves coronary artery image quality, provides clearer visualization of calcified plaques and adjacent lumen details, and it can reduce the overestimation of coronary artery caleified plaque stenosis.
6.Study on leaf epidermal microstructure of medicinal blue herbs
Yunjun BAI ; Yuyang ZHAO ; Yan JIN ; Lu FU ; Yuan YUAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(4):174-179
Objective The complex evolutionary history of the origin of medicinal blue herbs might result in the presence of adulterants, affecting the accuracy and safety of clinical medication. To provide a reference basis for the identification of medicinal blue herbs with leaves as the medicinal part, based on the leaf epidermis microstructure. Methods The species belonging to medicinal blue herbs and their close relatives (10 species from 4 genera) were systematically investigated. The leaf epidermis microstructure of these species was observed and analyzed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A species retrieval table was established based on the microstructure characteristics. Results By combining the distribution of stomata, types of subsidiary cells, stomatal index, stomatal density, characteristics of the periclinal walls of epidermal cells, and epidermal appendages, the species Clerodendrum cyrtophyllum, Polygonum tinctorium, Isatis indigotica, I. violascens, I. costata, I. minima, Strobilanthes wallichii, S. dalzielii, S. pentstemonoides, and S. cusia can be accurately distinguished. Conclusion Microscopic characteristics of leaf epidermis can provide reference data for accurately differentiating the botanical origins of medicinal blue herbs.
7.Establishment and stress analysis of a finite element model for adolescent cervical disc herniation
Yuxin ZHAO ; Liang LIANG ; Feng JIN ; Yangyang XU ; Zhijie KANG ; Yuan FANG ; Yujie HE ; Xing WANG ; Haiyan WANG ; Xiaohe LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):448-454
BACKGROUND:Cervical disc herniation can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area,as well as radiating pain in the upper limbs.The incidence rate is increasing year by year and tends to affect younger individuals.Fully understanding the biomechanical characteristics of the cervical spine in adolescents is of great significance for preventing and delaying the onset of cervical disc herniation in this age group. OBJECTIVE:To reconstruct cervical spine models for both healthy adolescents and adolescent patients with cervical disc herniation utilizing finite element analysis techniques,to analyze the motion range of the C1-T1 cervical vertebrae as well as the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and the cartilage of the small joints. METHODS:A normal adolescent's cervical spine and an adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation were selected in this study.The continuous scan cervical spine CT raw image data were imported into Mimics 21.0 in DICOM format.The C1-T1 vertebrae were reconstructed separately.Subsequently,the established models were imported into the 3-Matic software for disc reconstruction.The perfected models were then imported into Hypermesh software for meshing of the vertebrae,nucleus pulposus,annulus fibrosus,and ligaments,creating valid geometric models.After assigning material properties,the final models were imported into ABAQUS software to observe the joint motion range of the C1-C7 cervical vertebrae segments under different conditions,and to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,endplates,and small joint cartilage of each cervical spine segment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In six different conditions,the joint motion range of the C1 vertebra in the cervical spine models of both normal adolescent and adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation was higher than that of the other vertebrae.Additionally,the joint motion range of each cervical spine segment in normal adolescent was greater than that in adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation.(2)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress values in the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus were found on the left side during C2-3 flexion conditions(0.43 MPa and 0.17 MPa,respectively).In the cervical spine model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress values were found on the left side during C7-T1 flexion conditions(0.54 MPa and 0.18 MPa,respectively).(3)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the upper endplate of C3 during flexion conditions(1.46 MPa).In the model of adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the maximum stress value on the endplate was found on the left side of the lower endplate of C7 during flexion conditions(1.32 MPa).(4)In the cervical spine model of normal adolescent,the maximum stress value in the small joint cartilage was found in the C2-3 left rotation conditions(0.98 MPa).In adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation,the stress in the small joint cartilage significantly increased under different conditions,especially in C1-2,with the maximum stress found during left flexion(3.50 MPa).(5)It is concluded that compared to normal adolescent,adolescent patient with cervical disc herniation exhibits altered cervical curvature and a decrease in overall joint motion range in the cervical spine.In adolescent with cervical disc herniation,there is a significant increase in stress on the annulus fibrosus,nucleus pulposus,and endplates in the C7-T1 segment.The stress on the left articular cartilage of the C1-2 is notable.Abnormal cervical curvature may be the primary factor causing these stress changes.
8.Genetic Association Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Sarcopenia: A Bidirectional Two-Sample, Two-Step Mendelian Randomized Study
Xiaoyan ZHAO ; Yueqin JIN ; Leping MA ; Xiaole ZHAO ; Xiaoqing FANG ; Fenfang YUAN
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):304-310
Objective:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents, often accompanied by motor function disorders. Sarcopenia not only has skeletal muscle dysfunction but also has neurocognitive dysfunction. At present, there is no research to explore the relationship between ADHD and skeletal muscle function. The purpose of this study is to explore whether there is a causal effect between ADHD and sarcopenia.
Methods:
In this study, genome-wide association study data of ADHD, appendicular lean mass (ALM), hand grip strength, and walking pace (WP) were extracted from public databases. The bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method was employed to investigate the correlation between ADHD and sarcopenia-related indicators, and the inverse-variance weighted analysis as the primary analysis method.
Results:
Based on the forward MR analysis, a potential causal relationship exists between ADHD and ALM (odds ratio [OR]=1.020, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012–1.029, p<0.001). The reverse MR analysis indicates a link between WP and the risk of ADHD (OR=2.712, 95% CI: 1.609–4.571, p<0.001), with an accelerated WP increasing the likelihood of ADHD. Nevertheless, other MR analysis results did not show significant differences.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate an intricate causal relationship between ADHD and sarcopenia, suggesting the absence of a clear link. WP may be used as one of the indicators to evaluate the risk of ADHD. At the same time, we should pay more attention to the ALM of ADHD patients.
9.Genetic Association Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Sarcopenia: A Bidirectional Two-Sample, Two-Step Mendelian Randomized Study
Xiaoyan ZHAO ; Yueqin JIN ; Leping MA ; Xiaole ZHAO ; Xiaoqing FANG ; Fenfang YUAN
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):304-310
Objective:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents, often accompanied by motor function disorders. Sarcopenia not only has skeletal muscle dysfunction but also has neurocognitive dysfunction. At present, there is no research to explore the relationship between ADHD and skeletal muscle function. The purpose of this study is to explore whether there is a causal effect between ADHD and sarcopenia.
Methods:
In this study, genome-wide association study data of ADHD, appendicular lean mass (ALM), hand grip strength, and walking pace (WP) were extracted from public databases. The bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method was employed to investigate the correlation between ADHD and sarcopenia-related indicators, and the inverse-variance weighted analysis as the primary analysis method.
Results:
Based on the forward MR analysis, a potential causal relationship exists between ADHD and ALM (odds ratio [OR]=1.020, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012–1.029, p<0.001). The reverse MR analysis indicates a link between WP and the risk of ADHD (OR=2.712, 95% CI: 1.609–4.571, p<0.001), with an accelerated WP increasing the likelihood of ADHD. Nevertheless, other MR analysis results did not show significant differences.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate an intricate causal relationship between ADHD and sarcopenia, suggesting the absence of a clear link. WP may be used as one of the indicators to evaluate the risk of ADHD. At the same time, we should pay more attention to the ALM of ADHD patients.
10.Genetic Association Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Sarcopenia: A Bidirectional Two-Sample, Two-Step Mendelian Randomized Study
Xiaoyan ZHAO ; Yueqin JIN ; Leping MA ; Xiaole ZHAO ; Xiaoqing FANG ; Fenfang YUAN
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(3):304-310
Objective:
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adolescents, often accompanied by motor function disorders. Sarcopenia not only has skeletal muscle dysfunction but also has neurocognitive dysfunction. At present, there is no research to explore the relationship between ADHD and skeletal muscle function. The purpose of this study is to explore whether there is a causal effect between ADHD and sarcopenia.
Methods:
In this study, genome-wide association study data of ADHD, appendicular lean mass (ALM), hand grip strength, and walking pace (WP) were extracted from public databases. The bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method was employed to investigate the correlation between ADHD and sarcopenia-related indicators, and the inverse-variance weighted analysis as the primary analysis method.
Results:
Based on the forward MR analysis, a potential causal relationship exists between ADHD and ALM (odds ratio [OR]=1.020, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012–1.029, p<0.001). The reverse MR analysis indicates a link between WP and the risk of ADHD (OR=2.712, 95% CI: 1.609–4.571, p<0.001), with an accelerated WP increasing the likelihood of ADHD. Nevertheless, other MR analysis results did not show significant differences.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate an intricate causal relationship between ADHD and sarcopenia, suggesting the absence of a clear link. WP may be used as one of the indicators to evaluate the risk of ADHD. At the same time, we should pay more attention to the ALM of ADHD patients.


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