Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is primarily transmitted through the respiratory tract, and remains one of the diseases with the highest mortality rate of single-pathogen infections globally. The cell wall polysaccharides of M. tuberculosis are critical for maintaining bacterial structure, mediating pathogenesis, and enabling immune evasion. Lipoarabinomannan (LAM), a key polysaccharide component, has revolutionized non-invasive diagnostic technologies as a TB biomarker, while polysaccharide-based vaccines have emerged as innovative strategies for TB prevention. This review systematically examines the composition, subcellular distribution, and functional roles of M. tuberculosis cell wall polysaccharides in bacterial metabolism, drug resistance, and immune regulation. A particular emphasis is placed on recent advancements in LAM-based diagnostics and vaccine development. Future studies should utilize advanced technologies to precisely characterize the structural features of TB polysaccharides and explore their biological functions, providing a foundation for targeted diagnostic and therapeutic innovations. This article aims to provide reference for advancing both basic research and clinical applications related to M. tuberculosis.

Background Long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) may increase the risk of diabetes, and a healthy diet can effectively control fasting blood glucose levels. However, it is unclear whether dietary factors have a moderating effect on the risk of diabetes associated with atmospheric PM_2.5 exposure. Objective To investigate the association between long-term exposure to PM_2.5 and diabetes in rural areas of Ningxia, and potential interaction of long-term exposure to atmospheric PM_2.5 and diet on diabetes. Methods The study subjects were selected from the baseline survey data of the China Northwest Cohort-Ningxia (CNC-NX) , a natural population cohort. A total of 13917 subjects were included, excluding participants with missing covariate information. We utilized the annual average ambient PM_2.5 concentration from 2014 to 2018 as the long-term exposure level. Logistic regression and multiple linear regression were employed to analyze the associations of long-term atmospheric PM_2.5 exposure with diabetes and fasting blood glucose levels. Stratification by frequency of vegetable consumption, frequency of fruit consumption, and salty taste was used to examine moderating effects on the diabetes risk associated with atmospheric PM_2.5 exposure. Results The mean age of the 13917 subjects was (56.8±10.0) years, and the prevalence of diabetes was 9.8%. Between 2014 and 2018, the average annual concentration of PM_2.5 was (38.10±4.67) μg·m⁻³. The risk (OR) of diabetes was 1.018 (95%CI: 1.005, 1.032) and the fasting blood glucose was increased by 0.011 (95%CI: 0.004, 0.017) mmol·L⁻¹ for each 1 μg·m⁻³ increase in PM_2.5 concentration. Compared to those who consumed vegetables < 1 time per week, individuals who consume vegetables 1-3 times per week and ≥4 times per week had a reduced risk of developing diabetes by 27.1% (OR=0.729, 95%CI: 0.594, 0.893) and 16.8% (OR=0.832, 95%CI: 0.715, 0.971) respectively. Similarly, when compared to those who consumed fruits <1 time per week, individuals who consumed fruits 1-3 times per week and ≥4 times per week exhibited a reduced risk of diabetes by 16.4% (OR=0.836, 95%CI: 0.702, 0.998) and 18.2% (OR=0.818, 95%CI: 0.700, 0.959) respectively. Fasting blood glucose decreased by 0.202 (95%CI: -0.304, -0.101) mmol·L⁻¹ in participants who ate vegetables 1-3 times per week. The effect of salty taste on diabetes and fasting blood glucose was not significant. The results of stratified analysis by dietary factors and PM_2.5 concentration showed that the risks of diabetes were increased in the low PM_2.5 pollution-low vegetable intake frequency group and the high PM_2.5 pollution-low vegetable intake frequency group compared with the low PM_2.5 pollution-high vegetable intake frequency group, with OR values of 3.987 (95%CI: 2.943, 5.371) and 1.433 (95%CI: 1.143, 1.796) respectively. The risk of diabetes was 50.1% higher in participants with high PM_2.5 pollution and low fruit intake frequency than in participants with low PM_2.5 pollution and high fruit intake frequency (OR=1.501, 95%CI: 1.171, 1.926). No interaction was found between salty taste and PM_2.5 on diabetes. Conclusion Long-term exposure to ambient PM_2.5 is associated with an increased fasting blood glucose and an elevated risk of diabetes in rural Ningxia population. Increasing the frequency of weekly consumption of vegetables or fruits may have a certain protective effect against diabetes occurrence, as well as a moderating effect on diabetes and fasting blood glucose levels associated with long-term exposure to atmospheric PM_2.5.

Background The impact of atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone (O₃) on the mortality of circulatory system diseases cannot be ignored. However, whether the interaction between PM_2.5 and O₃ can affect population health is rarely reported and requires study. Objective To investigate the individual and interactive impacts of atmospheric PM_2.5 and O₃ on the mortality of circulatory system diseases in the population of Ningxia region. Methods The data of 119647 deaths due to circulatory system diseases, daily average concentrations of atmospheric pollutants, and meteorological data in Ningxia from 2013 to 2020 were retrieved. PM_2.5 was divided into low, medium, and high concentrations according to the primary and secondary national limits (35 and 75 μg·m⁻³) of the Ambient air quality standards. Similarly, O₃ was divided into low, medium, and high concentrations according to the national limits (100 and 160 μg·m⁻³). Using a generalized additive mixed model based on quasi Poisson distribution, the impacts of atmospheric PM_2.5 and O₃ as well as their interaction on the mortality of circulatory system diseases were analyzed using the population data of Ningxia region. Results During the target period, males and the ≥ 65 year group accounted for larger proportions of deaths due to circulatory system diseases (55.47% and 79.87% respectively). The daily average concentration of PM_2.5 (40.25 μg·m⁻³) exceeded the national primary limit. In the single pollution model, the highest cumulative lag effects for mortality from circulatory system diseases were PM_2.5 exposure over previous 1 d (lag01) and O₃ exposure for previous 2 d (lag02), and their excess risk (ER) values were 1.03% (95%CI: 0.67%, 1.40%) and 1.02% (95%CI: 0.57%, 1.50%), respectively. The results of concentration stratification analysis showed that the most significant risks of death from circulatory system diseases [ER (95%CI): 1.12% (0.32%, 1.92%) and 0.95% (0.13%, 1.79%) respectively] were found at medium PM_2.5 and O₃ concentrations. The interaction analysis revealed that under, a synergistic effect on the risk of death from circulatory system diseases was identified (relative excess risk due to interaction=3.08%, attributable proportion of interaction=2.90%, synergy index=1.89) when considering the coexistence of PM_2.5 and O₃ above the primary limit. As the concentrations of PM_2.5 and O₃ increased, the synergistic effect increased the risk of death from circulatory system diseases in the general population, men, women, and the ≥ 65 years group. Conclusion Both atmospheric PM_2.5 and O₃ can increase the risk of death from circulatory system diseases, and the two pollutants have a synergistic effect on the risk of death from circulatory system diseases.

The clinical data, diagnosis and treatment of a child with Robinow syndrome (RS) caused by the DVL1 gene mutation, who was treated in the Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in May 2023, were retrospectively analyzed.The male child, 2 years old, presented with 2 years of external genital abnormality.The main clinical features included intrauterine growth retardation, external genital abnormalities, craniofacial anomalies, skeletal malformations and congenital heart diseases.Whole exome sequencing revealed that the patient carried a heterozygous mutation c. 1529delG(p.G510Vfs*139) in exon 14 of the DVL1 gene.Cases of the DVL1 gene mutation have not been documented in Chinese.A review of literature identified 25 (including the case in this report) cases of RS in children attributed to DVL1 gene mutations, revealing common clinical features such as craniofacial anomalies, skeletal malformations, external genital abnormalities, heart diseases, short stature, and hearing impairments.Cognitive abilities are typically unaffected, and reproductive function remains normal.Notably, 19 identified DVL1 gene mutations are clustered within a specific genomic region (c.1496-c.1631), with no discernible genotype-phenotype correlation observed.

Leukocyte differentiation antigen CD109(CD109)is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI)-associated cell surface antigen,belonging to the α-2 macroglobulin/C3,C4 and C5 super family complex,and is a transfor-ming growth factor(TGF)-β/Smads co-receptor.CD109 regulates the occurrence and development of glioma and is closely related to drug resistance and recurrence of glioma.As a cell membrane protein,CD109 can be directly la-beled by specific antibodies or enzymes,and may also be recognized by targeted vectors for drug delivery,which is expected to become an effective diagnostic molecular marker and pharmacological therapeutic target.

The clinical data, diagnose and treatment of a child with familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) caused by the NNT gene mutation who was treated in the Department of Endocrinology, Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University in November 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.The female child with 1 year and 5 months old presented with 6 months of skin pigmentation.Laboratory examinations showed decreased cortisol and increased adrenocorticotropic hormone.During the follow-up period, she developed convulsions and precocious puberty.Whole exome sequencing revealed that the patient carried a homozygous mutation c. 1054G > A (p.G352R) in exon 8 of the NNT gene, which was a newly reported gene mutation.Domestic cases of FGD caused by the NNT gene mutation has never been reported yet.Through literature review of a total of 40 reported children with FGD caused by the NNT gene mutation, typical manifestations included skin pigmentation, hypoglycemia and seizures, alongside mineralocorticoid deficiency, precious puberty, abnormal male gonadal development, thyroid diseases and heart diseases.

Objective:To analyze the short and mid-term efficacy of aortic valvuloplasty with autopericardium on children with aortic valve diseases.Methods:A total of 26 children with aortic valve diseases (stenosis or regurgitation) who underwent aortic valvuloplasty with autopericardium in Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital from September 2017 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The short-term and mid-term follow-up data were collected.The maximum aortic valve pressure gradient, subaortic regurgitation area, left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were compared before and after operation.Paired t test was used to analyze the short-term and mid-term efficacy of aortic valvuloplasty with autopericardium on children with aortic valve diseases. Results:All 26 cases were successfully operated, and there were no deaths and serious complications during the follow-up period of (22.96±6.45) months.There was a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative maximum aortic valve pressure gradient at 1 month ( t=7.85, P<0.05), 6 months ( t=6.43, P<0.05), 1 year ( t=6.16, P<0.05) and 2 years postoperatively ( t=4.22, P<0.05) in children with aortic stenosis or that combined with mild-to-moderate closure.The follow-up data of 9 children with simple aortic stenosis showed that there was a significant difference between the preoperative (8.87±3.57) cm 2 and postoperative aortic regurgitation area at 1 month ( t=6.85, P<0.05), 6 months ( t=5.13, P<0.05), 1 year ( t=6.62, P<0.05) and 2 years postoperatively ( t=5.41, P<0.05). The LVEDV of 26 children was significantly lower at 6 months[(63.54±27.61) mL], 1 year [(53.61±20.20) mL] and 2 years postoperatively [(64.39±17.78) mL] compared with that of preoperative level[(89.42±45.89) mL]( t=3.89, 4.67, 3.58, all P<0.05). The left ventricular pressure and volume decreased, the enlarged heart was narrowed down, and the geometry of the heart was restored.The LVEF of 26 patients also from (61.65±9.67)% before surgery increased to (67.88±4.69)% 6 months after surgery( t=3.68, P<0.05), and increased to (68.62±4.46)% 1 year after surgery( t=4.01, P<0.05), and increased to (67.55±3.09)% 2 years after operation( t=3.01, P<0.05), and the heart function was improved. Conclusions:Aortic valvuloplasty with autopericardium presents an effective short and mid-term efficacy on children with aortic valve diseases, which prevents or delays the aortic valve replacement.

Occlusal plane (OP) is one of the essential factors affecting craniofacial morphology and function. The OP not only assists in diagnosing malocclusion but also serves as an important reference for making treatment plans. Patients with different types of malocclusions have different forms of OP. Compared with patients with standard skeletal facial type, the occlusal plane of patients with skeletal class Ⅱ and high angle is steeper, while that of patients with skeletal class Ⅲ and low angle is more even. In orthodontic treatment, adjusting and controlling the OP can promote the normal growth and development of the mandible in most patients with malocclusion during the early stage of growth, while causing favorable rotation of the mandible in some adults with mild-to-moderate malocclusion. For moderate-to-severe malocclusion, the OP rotation by orthodontic-orthognathic treatment can achieve better long-term stability. This article reviews the evolution of the definition of OP and its implications for diagnosing and the guiding treatment of malocclusion.
Adult ; Humans ; Dental Occlusion ; Maxilla ; Cephalometry ; Malocclusion/therapy* ; Mandible

Objective:To investigate the correlation between Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA) and diabetic nephropathy (DN).Methods:The differential expression profiles of piRNAs in renal tissues of patients with DN (experimental group) and renal tissues adjacent to tumors of patients with renal tumors (control group) were detected by high-throughput sequencing. The biological function of differentially expressed piRNAs was described by gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the serum expression level of target piRNAs in patients with DN. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between serum target piRNAs and clinical indexes of patients with DN.Results:The results of high throughput sequencing showed that there were 127 differentially expressed piRNAs between DN group and control group, with screening condition of |log 2(fold changes)|≥2 and P<0.05. Among them, there were 99 up-regulated piRNAs and 28 down-regulated piRNAs. The top 5 up-regulated piRNAs were piRNA-hsa-161686, piRNA-hsa-349255, piRNA-hsa-355720, piRNA-hsa-151229 and piRNA-hsa-154959, respectively. The top 5 down-regulated piRNAs were piRNA-hsa-1929960, piRNA-hsa-174194, piRNA-hsa- 148658, piRNA-hsa-172594 and piRNA-hsa-172421, respectively. The PCR verification results of 3 up-regulated genes and 3 down-regulated genes with low P values and high expression levels showed that serum expression level of piRNA-hsa-77976 was significantly down-regulated in patients with DN ( P=0.028), which was consistent with that of sequencing, while the expression levels of other genes were inconsistent with the sequencing results or had no statistical significance. Bioinformatics analysis results predicted that significantly differentially expressed piRNAs might participate in the regulation of DN through Rap1, Ras, PI3K-Akt and axon guiding pathways. The results of correlation analysis showed that the expression level of piRNA-hsa-77976 was negatively correlated with blood urea nitrogen ( r=-0.584, P=0.028), serum creatinine ( r=-0.637, P=0.014), cystatin C ( r=-0.738, P=0.003) and β2 microglobulin ( r=-0.822, P<0.001), and positively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate ( r=0.661, P=0.010). Conclusion:The differential expression of piRNA is closely related to DN, and may be used as a new biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of DN.

Background The contribution of long-term ambient PM_2.5 exposure to hypertension should not be ignored. However, the conclusions of whether dietary factors play a role in regulating PM_2.5-related hypertension are still inconsistent. Objective To explore the correlation between long-term exposure to ambient PM_2.5 and blood pressure indicators (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure) in adults in Ningxia and a potential moderating effect of dietary factors. Methods A set of cross-sectional survey data from March, 2013 to May, 2018 was retrieved from the China Northwest Cohort-Ningxia, and the average ambient PM_2.5 concentration in the previous three years was also collected to estimate the long-term exposure of the participants. Binary logistic regression model was used to validate the correlation between long-term exposure to ambient PM_2.5 and hypertension in Ningxia, and linear model was used to study the correlation between long-term exposure to ambient PM_2.5 and blood pressure indicators (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure), and to explore the influence of dietary factors on ambient PM_2.5-related hypertension. Results A total of 11470 participants were included in the study, 42.2% male and 57.8% female. The three-year average ambient PM_2.5 concentration before the baseline survey was 37.0 μg·m⁻³. Each 1 μg·m⁻³ increase in ambient PM_2.5 was associated with an increased risk of hypertension (OR=1.111, 95%CI: 1.097, 1.125), and increased systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure by 0.886 (95%CI: 0.783, 0.990), 0.570 (95%CI: 0.500, 0.641), 0.676 (95%CI: 0.600, 0.751), and 0.316 (95%CI: 0.243, 0.389) mmHg, respectively. The stratified analysis showed that the OR and 95%CI of hypertension were 1.171 (1.097, 1.254), 1.117 (1.064, 1.174), and 1.160 (1.116, 1.207) respectively for each 1 μg·m⁻³ increased in PM_2.5 with low frequency of vegetable and fruit consumption and salty taste respectively. The OR and 95%CI of hypertension were decreased when the moderate and high frequency of vegetable and fruit intake and moderate and light taste applied, the values were 1.091 (1.062, 1.121) and 1.114 (1.097, 1.131), 1.105 (1.082, 1.129) and 1.111 (1.092, 1.13), 1.115 (1.090, 1.140) and 1.102 (1.083, 1.121) respectively. Compared with low frequency of vegetable and fruit intake and salty taste, the increase degree of ambient PM_2.5 related systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure also decreased in middle and high frequency of vegetable and fruit intake and moderate and light taste. Conclusion Long-term exposure to ambient PM_2.5 is significantly associated with increased risks of hypertension and blood pressure in Ningxia area. Increasing the frequency of vegetable and fruit intake and decreasing salty taste may reduce the effect of ambient PM_2.5 on hypertension and blood pressure.