1.Association between physical activity level and dyslipidemia among freshmen of a medical college
Yushuang LUO ; Yan WANG ; Yanli LIU ; Jin ZHANG ; Minghui HE ; Wanhong HE ; Juan WU ; Yihan GU ; Chenyang ZHENG ; WANG WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):170-174
Objective To investigate the association between physical activity levels and blood lipids among college freshmen, and to provide scientific evidence for the health management of college freshmen. Methods An electronic questionnaire survey on physical activity was conducted on freshmen of a university, and fasting blood biochemical indicators were detected. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form was used to evaluate the physical activity levels of the participants. Dyslipidemia was defined as an abnormality in any one of the following serum lipid parameters: total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), or non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Binary logistic regression and stratified analyses were employed to explore the relationship between physical activity and blood lipids. Results A total of 3 401 participants were included, with an average age of 18.45 ± 0.92 years, and 60.5% were female. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 17.7%, with a higher rate among males (22.1%) than females (14.8%). After adjusting for confounding factors related to blood lipids, high-intensity physical activity was negatively associated with the risk of elevated LDL-C among males (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–0.99, P = 0.049). Conclusion Among freshmen at a medical college in Hubei Province, high-intensity physical activity is negatively associated with the risk of elevated LDL-C in males, but this association needs to be further confirmed by larger prospective cohort studies.
2.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis combined with machine learning to screen and validate biomarkers for osteoarthritis
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1096-1105
BACKGROUND:Dyslipidemia affects chondrocyte metabolism and plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of osteoarthritis,yet its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.OBJECTIVE:To identify characteristic genes related to lipid metabolism in chondrocytes of osteoarthritis through the weighted gene co-expression network analysis combined with machine learning algorithms and to conduct the preliminary experimental validation.METHODS:Based on the weighted gene co-expression network analysis and linear models for microarray data,differentially co-expressed genes were identified.Machine learning methods were used for screening characteristic genes related to lipid metabolism.Protein-protein interaction analysis was conducted to explore the interaction network and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were employed to investigate the signaling pathways involved in the differentially co-expressed genes.Subsequently,immune correlation analysis was utilized to identify the associations between the characteristic genes and immune infiltration patterns.Furthermore,in vitro molecular experiments were performed to validate the mRNA and protein levels of the characteristic genes.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 123 high-expression and 110 low-expression differentially co-expressed genes were identified after data normalization and application of principal component analysis,weighted gene co-expression network analysis,and linear models for microarray data.(2)Thirty-seven characteristic genes were screened using logistic regression,random forest,and support vector machine,among which SMPD3 and CYP4F3 were identified as two characteristic genes related to lipid metabolism.(3)Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed that SMPD3 and CYP4F3 proteins showed relatively low levels of interaction.(4)Gene Ontology analysis indicated that these genes were primarily enriched in multiple biological processes,including neutrophils and their immune responses,immune system processes,and neutrophil activation.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis suggested that they were mainly involved in key pathways such as extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and cell adhesion.(5)Cell type Identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts immune infiltration analysis showed significant differences in eight types of immune cells in osteoarthritis.Further correlation analysis revealed that SMPD3 was significantly positively correlated with resting dendritic cells(r=0.44,P=3.6×10-3)and significantly negatively correlated with neutrophils(r=-0.48,P=1.7×10-3),whereas CYP4F3 was significantly positively correlated with monocytes and neutrophils(r=0.76,P=7.6×10-9;r=0.73,P=6.0×10-8),and significantly negatively correlated with T follicular helper cells and resting dendritic cells(r=-0.38,P=0.01;r=-0.38,P=0.01).(6)In vitro molecular experiments demonstrated that SMPD3 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in the osteoarthritis group,while CYP4F3 mRNA and protein levels were decreased.To conclude,the lipid metabolism-related SMPD3 and CYP4F3 of osteoarthritis can serve as potential biomarkers for the targeted therapy of osteoarthritis and for assessing cartilage repair or degeneration,which provides a new strategy for exploring the relationship between dyslipidemia and osteoarthritis and for clinical targeted treatment in Chinese population.
3.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis combined with machine learning to screen and validate biomarkers for osteoarthritis
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1096-1105
BACKGROUND:Dyslipidemia affects chondrocyte metabolism and plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of osteoarthritis,yet its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.OBJECTIVE:To identify characteristic genes related to lipid metabolism in chondrocytes of osteoarthritis through the weighted gene co-expression network analysis combined with machine learning algorithms and to conduct the preliminary experimental validation.METHODS:Based on the weighted gene co-expression network analysis and linear models for microarray data,differentially co-expressed genes were identified.Machine learning methods were used for screening characteristic genes related to lipid metabolism.Protein-protein interaction analysis was conducted to explore the interaction network and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were employed to investigate the signaling pathways involved in the differentially co-expressed genes.Subsequently,immune correlation analysis was utilized to identify the associations between the characteristic genes and immune infiltration patterns.Furthermore,in vitro molecular experiments were performed to validate the mRNA and protein levels of the characteristic genes.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 123 high-expression and 110 low-expression differentially co-expressed genes were identified after data normalization and application of principal component analysis,weighted gene co-expression network analysis,and linear models for microarray data.(2)Thirty-seven characteristic genes were screened using logistic regression,random forest,and support vector machine,among which SMPD3 and CYP4F3 were identified as two characteristic genes related to lipid metabolism.(3)Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed that SMPD3 and CYP4F3 proteins showed relatively low levels of interaction.(4)Gene Ontology analysis indicated that these genes were primarily enriched in multiple biological processes,including neutrophils and their immune responses,immune system processes,and neutrophil activation.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis suggested that they were mainly involved in key pathways such as extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and cell adhesion.(5)Cell type Identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts immune infiltration analysis showed significant differences in eight types of immune cells in osteoarthritis.Further correlation analysis revealed that SMPD3 was significantly positively correlated with resting dendritic cells(r=0.44,P=3.6×10-3)and significantly negatively correlated with neutrophils(r=-0.48,P=1.7×10-3),whereas CYP4F3 was significantly positively correlated with monocytes and neutrophils(r=0.76,P=7.6×10-9;r=0.73,P=6.0×10-8),and significantly negatively correlated with T follicular helper cells and resting dendritic cells(r=-0.38,P=0.01;r=-0.38,P=0.01).(6)In vitro molecular experiments demonstrated that SMPD3 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in the osteoarthritis group,while CYP4F3 mRNA and protein levels were decreased.To conclude,the lipid metabolism-related SMPD3 and CYP4F3 of osteoarthritis can serve as potential biomarkers for the targeted therapy of osteoarthritis and for assessing cartilage repair or degeneration,which provides a new strategy for exploring the relationship between dyslipidemia and osteoarthritis and for clinical targeted treatment in Chinese population.
4.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
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Male
;
Female
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Clubfoot/diagnostic imaging*
;
Ilizarov Technique/instrumentation*
;
Adult
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Retrospective Studies
;
External Fixators
;
Ankle Joint/diagnostic imaging*
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Middle Aged
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Joint Dislocations/prevention & control*
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Treatment Outcome
;
Young Adult
5.Restoration of osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in mice inhibited by cyclophosphamide with psoralen
Chenglong WANG ; Zhilie YANG ; Junli CHANG ; Yongjian ZHAO ; Dongfeng ZHAO ; Weiwei DAI ; Hongjin WU ; Jie ZHANG ; Libo WANG ; Ying XIE ; Dezhi TANG ; Yongjun WANG ; Yanping YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):16-23
BACKGROUND:Psoralen has a strong anti-osteoporotic activity and may have a restorative effect on chemotherapy-induced osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE:To explore the restorative effect of psoralen on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in mice inhibited by cyclophosphamide and its mechanism. METHODS:C57BL/6 mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured.Effect of psoralen on viability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was detected by MTT assay.Osteogenic induction combined with alkaline phosphatase staining was used to determine the optimal dose of psoralen to restore the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells inhibited by cyclophosphamide.The mRNA expression levels of Runx2,alkaline phosphatase,Osteocalcin,osteoprotegerin,and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related genes Wnt1,Wnt4,Wnt10b,β-catenin,and c-MYC were measured by RT-qPCR at different time points under the intervention with psoralen.The protein expression of osteogenic specific transcription factor Runx2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related genes Active β-catenin,DKK1,c-MYC,and Cyclin D1 was determined by western blot assay at different time points under the intervention with psoralen. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no significant effect of different concentrations of psoralen on the viability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.The best recovery of the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells caused by cyclophosphamide was under the intervention of psoralen at a concentration of 200 μmol/L.(2)Psoralen reversed the reduction in osteogenic differentiation marker genes Runx2,alkaline phosphatase,Osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin mRNA expression and Runx2 protein expression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells caused by cyclophosphamide conditioned medium.(3)Psoralen reversed the decrease in Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related genes Wnt4,β-catenin,c-MYC mRNA and Active β-catenin,c-MYC,and Cyclin D1 protein expression and the increase in DKK1 protein expression in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells caused by cyclophosphamide conditioned medium.(4)The results showed that cyclophosphamide inhibited osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in mice,and psoralen had a restorative effect on it.The best intervention effect was achieved at a concentration of 200 μmol/L psoralen,and this protective effect might be related to the activation of Wnt4/β-catenin signaling pathway by psoralen.
6.Construction and application of the "Huaxi Hongyi" large medical model
Rui SHI ; Bing ZHENG ; Xun YAO ; Hao YANG ; Xuchen YANG ; Siyuan ZHANG ; Zhenwu WANG ; Dongfeng LIU ; Jing DONG ; Jiaxi XIE ; Hu MA ; Zhiyang HE ; Cheng JIANG ; Feng QIAO ; Fengming LUO ; Jin HUANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):587-593
Objective To construct large medical model named by "Huaxi HongYi"and explore its application effectiveness in assisting medical record generation. Methods By the way of a full-chain medical large model construction paradigm of "data annotation - model training - scenario incubation", through strategies such as multimodal data fusion, domain adaptation training, and localization of hardware adaptation, "Huaxi HongYi" with 72 billion parameters was constructed. Combined with technologies such as speech recognition, knowledge graphs, and reinforcement learning, an application system for assisting in the generation of medical records was developed. Results Taking the assisted generation of discharge records as an example, in the pilot department, after using the application system, the average completion times of writing a medical records shortened (21 min vs. 5 min) with efficiency increased by 3.2 time, the accuracy rate of the model output reached 92.4%. Conclusion It is feasible for medical institutions to build independently controllable medical large models and incubate various applications based on these models, providing a reference pathway for artificial intelligence development in similar institutions.
7.Epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in Shenzhen City in 2024
Jia WAN ; Cong NIU ; Wei LIU ; Liangqiang LIN ; Fan YANG ; Ziquan LÜ ; Zhen ZHANG ; Tiejian FENG ; Jianhua LU ; Dongfeng KONG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(5):517-523
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of dengue fever in Shenzhen City in 2024, so as to provide insights into formulation of the preventive and control measures for dengue fever. Methods The epidemiological data of dengue cases reported in Shenzhen City in 2024 were extracted from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System and field epidemiological survey data of dengue fever in Shenzhen City, and the temporal, regional and population distributions of dengue fever cases, source of acquire dengue virus infections, disease diagnosis and treatment and outbreaks were analyzed. The dengue virus nucleic acid was tested and the serotypes of dengue virus were characterized using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay, and the dengue virus gene was sequenced using next-generation sequencing (NGS). In addition, the surveillance on the density of Aedes albopictus was performed using Breteau index (BI) and mosquito oviposition index (MOI). Results A total of 1 735 dengue fever cases were reported in Shenzhen City in 2024, including 952 local cases and 783 imported cases. Most imported dengue fever cases acquired infections from eight cities of Foshan, Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Dongguan, Zhaoqing, Huizhou, and Zhuhai in the Pearl River Delta region (664 cases, 84.8% of total imported cases) into Baoan, Longgang, and Nanshan districts. The epidemic exhibited an early onset and rapid progression, peaking during the period between September and November (1 632 cases, 94.1% of total cases), and dengue fever cases were distributed across 73 subdistricts in 10 districts, with most cases reported in densely populated central and western regions. The dengue fever cases had a male-to-female ratio of 1.9∶1.0, and a median age of 37 (21) years, with a higher median age among local cases than among imported cases [40 (20) years vs. 33(15) years; Z = -10.30, P < 0.05]. Housework, unemployment, workers, and business service were predominant occupations (1 405 cases, 81.0% of total cases), and there was a significant difference in the constituent ratio of occupations between local and imported cases (χ2 = 92.30, P < 0.05). Among the 1 735 dengue fever cases, the median duration from onset to definitive diagnosis was 3.3 (2.9) days, and 1 686 cases (97.2%) were identified in healthcare facilities, with a low rate of hospitalization and isolation seen in 1 701 inpatients with available epidemiological data (485 cases, 28.5% of total inpatients). A total of 29 outbreaks of dengue fever occurred in Shenzhen City across 2024, which primarily in construction sites (27 outbreaks, 93.1% of total). Dengue virus type I was the dominant serotype causing dengue fever in Shenzhen City in 2024. Sequencing showed that the genomes of dengue virus from multiple dengue fever cases in Shenzhen City shared a high sequence homology with those from cities neighboring Shenzhen City, and there might be intra-city transmission of dengue virus among multiple construction sites in Shenzhen City. The Aedes albopictus density was significantly higher in Shenzhen City in 2024 than in 2023, peaking from May to September. The annual MOI values ranged from 0.9 to 14.0, and the BI values ranged from 0.6 to 6.0. Conclusions The overall epidemic of dengue fever was severe in Shenzhen City in 2024, which was greatly affected by case importation from neighboring cities, construction sites-centered local transmission, and the effectives of routine mosquito vector control was not satisfactory. Integrated dengue fever control measures should be implemented, focusing on regional joint prevention and control mechanisms, capacity building for mosquito vector control, addressing challenges in epidemic containment at construction sites, and strengthening case detection and management systems.
8.Icariside II attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischemia by regulating NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis
Wenzhong FENG ; Dong fei FANG ; Fangying TANG ; Jianmei GAO ; Fuchao CHEN ; Zhihao LI ; Cancan DUAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Ming YU ; Pingping WANG ; Jianyong ZHANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):40-51
Background: Epimedii Folium, first recorded in the Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known for its effects of “benefiting Qi and strengthening the heart.” Icariside II (ICS II) is one of the main active components of Epimedii Folium, possessing cardiovascular protective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential mechanisms of ICS II on myocardial ischemia (MI) remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II in treating isoproterenolinduced MI in rats. Methods: A rat model of MI was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, myocardial enzymes analysis, heart weight index, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, histopathology, TUNEL staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were employed to evaluate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II on MI rats. Results: Pharmacodynamic studies suggested that ICS II inhibited ST-segment elevation in electrocardiograms, improved cardiac function, reduced heart weight index and myocardial enzyme levels, decreased myocardial infarct size, alleviated cardiac histological damage, and inhibited apoptosis, thereby exerting cardioprotective effects in MI rats. Further studies revealed that ICS II may partially inhibit the expression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis-related targets at both protein and mRNA levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ICS II exerts anti-MI effects, and its preliminary molecular mechanisms may be related to inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis to alleviate inflammatory responses.
9.Icariside II attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischemia by regulating NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis
Wenzhong FENG ; Dong fei FANG ; Fangying TANG ; Jianmei GAO ; Fuchao CHEN ; Zhihao LI ; Cancan DUAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Ming YU ; Pingping WANG ; Jianyong ZHANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):40-51
Background: Epimedii Folium, first recorded in the Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known for its effects of “benefiting Qi and strengthening the heart.” Icariside II (ICS II) is one of the main active components of Epimedii Folium, possessing cardiovascular protective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential mechanisms of ICS II on myocardial ischemia (MI) remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II in treating isoproterenolinduced MI in rats. Methods: A rat model of MI was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, myocardial enzymes analysis, heart weight index, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, histopathology, TUNEL staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were employed to evaluate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II on MI rats. Results: Pharmacodynamic studies suggested that ICS II inhibited ST-segment elevation in electrocardiograms, improved cardiac function, reduced heart weight index and myocardial enzyme levels, decreased myocardial infarct size, alleviated cardiac histological damage, and inhibited apoptosis, thereby exerting cardioprotective effects in MI rats. Further studies revealed that ICS II may partially inhibit the expression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis-related targets at both protein and mRNA levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ICS II exerts anti-MI effects, and its preliminary molecular mechanisms may be related to inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis to alleviate inflammatory responses.
10.Icariside II attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischemia by regulating NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis
Wenzhong FENG ; Dong fei FANG ; Fangying TANG ; Jianmei GAO ; Fuchao CHEN ; Zhihao LI ; Cancan DUAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Ming YU ; Pingping WANG ; Jianyong ZHANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(1):40-51
Background: Epimedii Folium, first recorded in the Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known for its effects of “benefiting Qi and strengthening the heart.” Icariside II (ICS II) is one of the main active components of Epimedii Folium, possessing cardiovascular protective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential mechanisms of ICS II on myocardial ischemia (MI) remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II in treating isoproterenolinduced MI in rats. Methods: A rat model of MI was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, myocardial enzymes analysis, heart weight index, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, histopathology, TUNEL staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were employed to evaluate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II on MI rats. Results: Pharmacodynamic studies suggested that ICS II inhibited ST-segment elevation in electrocardiograms, improved cardiac function, reduced heart weight index and myocardial enzyme levels, decreased myocardial infarct size, alleviated cardiac histological damage, and inhibited apoptosis, thereby exerting cardioprotective effects in MI rats. Further studies revealed that ICS II may partially inhibit the expression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis-related targets at both protein and mRNA levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ICS II exerts anti-MI effects, and its preliminary molecular mechanisms may be related to inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis to alleviate inflammatory responses.


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