1.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
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.
2.Identification and Analysis of bHLH Genes Related to Color Formation of Gastrodia elata Stem
Xue JIANG ; Dandan RAN ; Xiuwen WANG ; Xiaobo ZHANG ; Xiaohong OU ; Jie PAN ; Tao ZHOU ; Zhen OUYANG ; Jiao XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):202-209
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.
3.Clinical study on meridian acupuncture combined with electromyographic biofeedback in spastic cerebral palsy
Ling YANG ; Jiang PAN ; Zhengliang CAO ; Zhen WANG ; Qian TIAN ; Bo LIU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(11):1527-1531
Objective:TTo evaluate the therapeutic effect of meridian acupuncture combined with electromyographic biofeedback therapy on spastic cerebral palsy.Methods:A randomized controlled trial study was conducted. Totally 128 children with spastic cerebral palsy in our hospital from September 2022 to September 2024 were divided into two groups using a random number table method, with 64 cases in each group. The control group received routine rehabilitation training and electromyographic biofeedback therapy, while the observation group received combined meridian acupoint therapy on the basis of the control group. Both groups received 3 weeks of treatment, making a total of 3 treatment courses. The Gross Motor Function Test (GMFM) was used to evaluate the motor function of children; the Developmental Behavior Assessment (DBA) was used to assess the psychological and behavioral development status of children aged 0-6, the Fine Motor Function Assessment (FMFM) was used to assess the fine motor skills of children; the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess the cognitive level of children; the Modified Ashworth Rating Scale (MAS) was used to assess the muscle strength level of children; the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was 92.19% (59/64), while that of the control group was 76.56% (49/64), with statistical significance ( χ2=5.93, P=0.015). The observation group had higher scores for lying down and turning over, sitting, crawling and kneeling, standing, walking, running, and jumping after treatment compared to the control group ( t-values of 2.82, 5.83, 4.97, 4.23, 4.41, respectively, P<0.01); the scores for gross motor skills, fine motor skills, adaptability, language, and social behavior were higher than thoes in the control group ( t values of 3.34, 3.73, 5.33, 3.75, 5.47, respectively, P<0.01); the FMFM and MoCA scores were higher than those in the control group ( t values of 5.23 and 4.41, respectively, P<0.01); the MAS grading level was lower than that of the control group ( t=8.46, P<0.01). Conclusion:The combination of meridian acupuncture and electromyographic biofeedback can improve the motor function, psychological and behavioral development, fine motor skills, cognitive development, and clinical efficacy of children with spastic cerebral palsy.
4.Effects of Electroacupuncture at Baihui Point and Dazhui Point on Cognitive Impairment and ROCK2/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in 5xFAD Model Mice
Hao ZHEN ; Tong YIN ; Shuqi CHEN ; Rui MA ; Youcan PAN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(11):2798-2806
Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at Baihui(GV20)point and Dazhui(GV14)point on cognitive function and potential mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease(AD)mice.Methods Forty-eight male five-transgenic familial Alzheimer's disease(5xFAD)mice were divided into four groups:empty vector group,knockdown group,empty vector+electroacupuncture group,and knockdown+electroacupuncture group.The knockdown group received Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2(ROCK2)knockdown via adeno-associated virus(AAV)microinjection technology.Knockdown efficiency was verified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR),and gene expression levels were confirmed by Western Blot.After 4 weeks of viral expression and transfection,electroacupuncture intervention at Baihui and Dazhui acupoints was administered for 4 weeks.Cognitive function was assessed using behavioral tests.Pathological products,inflammatory markers[interleukin 6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)],and changes in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were detected using immunofluorescence staining,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and Western Blot techniques.Results Compared with the empty vector group,the ROCK2 knockdown group showed significantly improved spatial and contextual memory(P<0.05 or P<0.01),reduced amyloid deposition and inflammatory indicators(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and increased expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B(P-AKT)and phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(P-PI3K)(P<0.01),while the knockdown+electroacupuncture group exhibited more pronounced effects than knockdown group(P<0.05 orP<0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Baihui point and Dazhui point can regulate ROCK2 to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,improve cognitive impairment in AD mice,reduce Aβ deposition,and alleviate inflammatory responses.
5.ACTH-independent Cushing′s syndrome caused by a GNAS hotspot mutation: Case reports of two rare patients with McCune-Albright syndrome complicated by Cushing′s syndrome and literature review
Ziwei CHEN ; Congcong XIA ; Ning PAN ; Zhuozhou CUI ; Li JIANG ; Ni ZHEN ; Yuan XIAO ; Zhiya DONG ; Xiaoyu MA ; Wenli LU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(6):497-504
McCune-Albright syndrome(MAS) is a postzygotic somatic mutation disorder caused by activating mutations in the GNAS gene, which encodes the α subunit of the stimulatory G protein. Its clinical features typically include polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, cafe-au-lait skin pigmentation, and endocrine hyperactivity, such as Cushing′s syndrome, hyperthyroidism, and growth hormone excess. Here, we report two rare cases of MAS complicated with adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-independent Cushing syndrome, and provide a review and analysis of previously reported MAS cases associated with Cushing′s syndrome.
6.Preliminary study on botulinum toxin type A bladder injection for the treatment of autonomic dysreflexia related to bladder dysfunction
Maping HUANG ; Hui CHEN ; Conghui HAN ; Tianhai HUANG ; Heyi ZHEN ; Xiaoyi YANG ; Qiuling LIU ; Mengxia GUO ; Hongge PAN ; Jing LIU ; Shuqing WU ; Keji XIE
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):759-763
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of botulinum toxin type A(BTX-A)bladder injection in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity(NDO)with autonomic dysreflexia(AD).Methods:The patients with spinal cord injury at or above T6,who were treated at Guangdong Provincial Work Injury Rehabilitation Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022,were included in this study prospectively. Inclusion criteria:①chronic spinal cord injury patients over 18 years old(with no progression of neurological symptoms within 3 months);② presence of NDO and AD;③ inadequate response or intolerance to oral antimuscarinic agent(M-receptor antagonists or β 3-receptor agonists)④ perform clean intermittent catheterization to empty the bladder. Exclusion criteria:① primary disease in the acute or progressive phase;② previous surgeries that would affect lower urinary tract function,such as transurethral sphincterotomy,bladder neck resection,prostatectomy,or bladder surgery;③ allergy to BTX-A or its adjuvants,or those with allergic predisposition ④ patients who were pregnant,breastfeeding,or planning for pregnancy in the near future;⑤ patients did not accept or were unable to perform intermittent catheterization. Before treatment,all patients were required to maintain 3-5 day urine diary,along with urodynamic studies(UDS),incontinence specific quality of life instrument(I-QOL)and AD symptom severity assessment,and blood pressure monitored. Key UDS parameters recorded included maximum bladder capacity,maximum detrusor pressure during filling phase,changes in maximum systolic blood pressure(SBP)relative to baseline(ΔSBP)during UDS examination,and the frequency of 24-hour blood pressure exceeding baseline by 20 mmHg. After general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia,BTX-A(200 U)was injected into the bladder at 30 points(including the triangle)under the cystoscope using a special injection needle,6.7 U per injection,and then the catheter was kept for 3-5 days after treatment. Three months later,relevant indicators were collected and compared with pre-treatment data. Results:A total of 43 patients were included in this study,including 34 males and 9 females. The age was(39.23±13.17)years old and the disease course was(2.69±3.27)years old. There were 33 cervical and 10 thoracic cases. The American Spinal Injury Association Injury Scale score distribution was as follows:26(60%)A,4(9%)B,9(21%)C,and 4(9%)D. The presence of AD was confirmed in all patients during urodynamic examination(UDS),that was the systolic blood pressure(SBP)suddenly increased and exceeded 20 mmHg(1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa). Before treatment,The AD symptoms severity score(consist of headache,sweating,goose bumps,anxiety and palpitation)were(14.53±2.51),Bladder-related AD frequency was 10.67 episodes/day. Baseline SBP was(103.51±9.64)mmHg,the maximum SBP was(150.40±22.75)mmHg,and the change in SBP(ΔSBP)from maximum to baseline SBP during UDS examination was(43.83±21.01)mmHg. The UDS indicated that the maximum detrusor pressure during storage phase was(54.95±24.68)cmH 2O,and the bladder capacity was(131.70±75.29)ml. Bladder diary showed the volume of catheterization each time from was(181.16±49.86)ml,and The I-QOL score was(44.07±8.60). Three months after treatment,the AD symptoms severity score(consist of headache,sweating,goose bumps,anxiety and palpitation)were(11.37±2.39). The frequency of bladder-related AD episodes was(7.51±2.37)episodes/day,showing statistically significant differences compared to pre-treatment( P<0.05).The SBP before UDS examination was(102.12±10.28)mmHg,with no statistically significant difference from baseline( P = 0.518). The maximum SBP in perfusion phase and the ΔSBP were(132.84±16.30)mmHg and(28.72 ± 14.02)mmHg,respectively,both demonstrating statistically significant differences( P < 0.05). The UDS examination revealed that the maximum detrusor pressure during the storage phase was(29.77±13.72)cmH 2O,showed a significant decrease,and the bladder capacity was(272.63±79.75)ml,which were both statistically different before and after surgery. Bladder diary showed the volume of catheterization each time was(326.74±63.71)ml;I-QOL score was(71.86±11.45),both were significant different after treatment( P < 0.01). Conclusion:BTX-A intravesical injection in the treatment of NDO can also alleviate the severity and frequency of bladder related AD.
7.Etiologic and epidemiological characteristics of respiratory tract infections after COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai
Pan-pan LYU ; Ming-liang CHEN ; Zhen ZHAO
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(2):242-248
Objective To investigate the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae(Mp),respiratory syncytial virus(RSV),influenza A(FluA),and influenza B(FluB)in a single center in Minhang District,Shanghai after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A retrospective analysis of data from Apr 2023 to Jul 2024 of patients who underwent testing for Mp,RSV,FluA,and FluB due to respiratory tract infections in Minhang Hospital,Fudan University was conducted.Differences in pathogen infections were analyzed among different seasons and age groups.Results A total of 39 103 individuals of respiratory tract infections with simultaneous testing for all four pathogens were included in this analysis,with a total detection rate of 44.7%(17 490/39 103).The detection rates were as follows:Mp 25.2%,FluA 13.1%,FluB 10.9%,and RSV 1.5%.Co-infections accounted for 5.9%,predominantly with Mp and FluA.The detection rate of Mp was>38%in children under 14 years old,gradually decreasing with age.In the child group(≤14 years),both FluA and FluB had the highest detection rates in the 7-14 years age group(FluA,16.5%;FluB,10.4%).In the adult group(≥15 years),the highest detection rates for FluA and FluB were found in the 15-24 years age group(12.5%)and the 35-44 years age group(15.9%),respectively.The detection rates of pathogens varied significantly across different months(P<0.001),with an increasing trend in the total number and overall detection rate of the four pathogens after Sept 2023(P<0.001).Conclusion After the end of the COVID-19 pandemic,there was an abnormal increase in Mp in a single center in Minhang District,Shanghai.Mp,along with influenza viruses,became the main pathogens causing respiratory tract infections.Targeted prevention and control measures based on the epidemiological characteristics of infections should be implemented to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment.
8.Analysis of ICD-10 coding for leukemia under DRG payment
Yanfang PAN ; Zhen LI ; Hua ZHAO
Modern Hospital 2025;25(4):553-555,559
Leukemia is a common malignant tumor of the blood system,and the accuracy of ICD coding plays a key role in medical record management and DRG grouping.Currently,in clinical practice,both French-American-British(FAB)classifi-cation and World Health Organization(WHO)classification are used for leukemia classification.With the introduction of MICM(morphology,immunology,genetics and molecular biology)technology,the leukemia classification system has become more re-fined,which also increases the complexity of medical record coding.Therefore,medical record coders need to keep up with the forefront of medical development,thoroughly understand the latest classification standards of leukemia,systematically summarize the coding points and ideas for myeloid leukemia,lymphoid leukemia and unclassified leukemia,and clarify the situation where leukemia is coded as the main diagnosis.In the context of DRG payment reform,clinical doctors should accurately fill in the dis-ease diagnosis and surgical operation information on the medical record cover,and when coding the medical record cover,the co-der needs to comprehensively consider the three principles of selecting the main diagnosis and the local DRG grouping rules to en-sure the accurate selection of the main diagnosis,thus improving the accuracy of DRG admission and providing a reliable basis for the rational allocation of medical resources.
9.Application value of hinge position design of Ilizarov circular external fixator for correcting clubfoot deformity in preventing ankle dislocation.
Dongfeng ZHANG ; Siyu YANG ; Bingke SHI ; Shuliang LI ; Lei ZHEN ; Yushun WANG ; Yingqi ZHANG ; Sihe QIN ; Qi PAN
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(8):989-993
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize the methods of ankle hinge position design in the correction of clubfoot deformity by Ilizarov method, and to explore its application value in the prevention of ankle dislocation.
METHODS:
A retrospective study was conducted including 28 patients with rigid clubfoot deformity (34 feet) who met the selection criteria and admitted between September 2021 and December 2024. There were 19 males and 9 females with an average age of 31.8 years (range, 19-47 years). According to Dimeglio classification, there were 21 feet of degree Ⅲ and 13 feet of degree Ⅳ. The causes were traumatic sequelae in 9 cases, congenital foot deformity in 15 cases, spina bifida sequelae in 1 case, peripheral neuropathy in 1 case, and cerebral palsy sequelae in 2 cases. The malformation lasted from 6 to 46 years, with an average of 29.3 years. All patients were treated with Ilizarov circular external fixator, and the hinge position of ankle joint was planned according to the standard lateral X-ray film of foot and ankle and the principle of Ilizarov limb deformity correction center of rotation angulation (CORA) before operation. The 2008 International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) scoring system was used to evaluate the efficacy.
RESULTS:
The deformity of rigid clubfoot was completely corrected in all patients, and the patients could walk with plantar weight-bearing, and the ankle weight-bearing walking significantly improved when compared with that before operation. There was no complication such as ankle dislocation, talus impact or extrusion, local skin necrosis, needle tract infection, or numbness of extremities during the correction process. All patients were followed up 5-39 months, with an average of 18.1 months. At last follow-up, according to the ICFSG scoring system, 23 feet were excellent, 10 feet were good, and 1 foot was fair, and the excellent and good rate was 97%.
CONCLUSION
Designing the position of the ankle hinge according to the principle of CORA can effectively avoid ankle dislocation, talus impingement, tibiotalar joint extrusion, and other ankle adverse events in the process of correcting clubfoot deformity, which has good application value in clinical practice.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Clubfoot/diagnostic imaging*
;
Ilizarov Technique/instrumentation*
;
Adult
;
Retrospective Studies
;
External Fixators
;
Ankle Joint/diagnostic imaging*
;
Middle Aged
;
Joint Dislocations/prevention & control*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Young Adult
10.In vitro cultured calculus bovis alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through regulating microglial polarization and inhibiting NLRP3.
Tanlu CHU ; Wei ZHANG ; Jingwen CHEN ; Zeyue PAN ; Lingfeng WANG ; Xiaoming ZHONG ; Fengmei QIU ; Zhen HUANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(3):360-371
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of in vitro cultured calculus bovis (ICCB) on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) and its mechanism.
METHODS:
A CIRI rat model and a cell model were induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in Sprague Dawley rats and oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) in BV2 cells, respectively. The CIRI rat model was evaluated using the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), brain water content, and cerebral infarction volume after 1.5 h of ischemia followed by 72 h of reperfusion. Histopathological changes in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region were observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Microglial polarization and NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein (NLRP) 3 inflammasome expression in the cortex were examined by immunofluorescence. BV2 cell viability was measured via MTT assay after treatment with ICCB and Nigericin. The expressions of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 proteins and inflammatory cytokines were detected with Western blotting in OGD/R treated BV2 cells (0.5 h OGD+24 h reperfusion) and in cells pretreated with Nigericin for 24 h.
RESULTS:
ICCB treatment significantly improved neurological function, reduced cerebral infarct volume and brain water content, and mitigated pathological damage in the cortical and hippocampal CA1 regions of rats subjected to CIRI (all P<0.05). ICCB promoted the transition of cortical microglia from M1 to M2 phenotypes and suppressed NLRP3 activation in microglial cells (all P<0.01). ICCB significantly down-regulated the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 proteins, and reduced the secretion of IL-18 and IL-1β in BV2 cells of OGD/R model (all P<0.01). In addition, Nigericin significantly reversed the salvage effect of ICCB on model cells (both P<0.01) and the modulation of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
ICCB exerts a protective effect against CIRI by mitigating neuroinflammation, through the reduction of M1 microglial polarization, promotion of M2 conversion, and suppression of the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 signaling pathway.
Animals
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control*
;
Microglia/metabolism*
;
Rats
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
;
Brain Ischemia/metabolism*
;
Male

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